Low-soluble TREM-like transcript-1 levels early after severe burn reflect increased coagulation disorders and predict 30-day mortality

Abstract

BackgroundPatients with severe burns often show systemic coagulation changes in the early stage and even develop extensive coagulopathy. Previous studies have confirmed that soluble TREM-like transcript-1 (sTLT-1) mediates a novel mechanism of haemostasis and thrombosis in inflammatory vascular injury. At present, the role of sTLT-1 in patients with severe burns is not well known. ObjectiveTo investigate the early association between sTLT-1 levels and markers of burn severity, coagulation disorders, endothelial permeability, shock and prognosis in patients with severe burns. MethodsA prospective, observational study was conducted with 60 severe burn patients (divided into a death group and a survival group according to 30-day prognosis) admitted to our hospital. Twenty-eight healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group. Blood components at 48 h after burn were analysed for sTLT-1 and biomarkers reflecting platelet activation, shock, endothelial glycocalyx damage, capillary leakage, haemostasis, fibrinolytic activity, natural anticoagulation and blood cells. We compared the three groups, analysed the correlation between sTLT-1 and biomarkers, and investigated the predictive value of sTLT-1 for 30-day prognosis. ResultCompared with the surviving patients, the patients who died had a lower degree of platelet activation [lower sTLT-1, platelet factor 4 (PF-4) and platelet counts] and a higher degree of burn [higher abbreviated burn severity index score (ABSI score)], shock (higher lactate), endothelial glycocalyx damage [higher syndecan-1 and soluble thrombomodulin (sTM)] and capillary leakage [higher resuscitation fluid (0−48 h), lower albumin] as well as decreased haemostasis [higher activated partial prothrombin time (APTT), lower fibrinogen and thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT)], increased fibrinolytic activity [higher D-dimer and tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA)] and decreased natural anticoagulation [lower protein C (PC) and protein S (PS)]. Higher D-dimer (P = 0.013) and lower PF-4 (P = 0.001) were significantly independently associated with lower sTLT-1. Low circulating sTLT-1 (a unit is 50 pg/mL) (odds ratio [OR] 2.08 [95% CI 1.11–3.92], P = 0.022) was an independent predictor of increased 30-day mortality. ConclusionLow sTLT-1 levels at 48 h after burn in patients with severe burns is associated with increased coagulation disorders. Low circulating sTLT-1 levels were an independent predictor of increased 30-day mortality.