Study the relation of protein S and portal vein thrombosis in patients with liver cirrhosis

Abstract

Objective The aim was to investigate serum protein S (PS) levels in cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Background PS is an important guardian in controlling thrombin generation and fibrinolysis, although the contribution of these properties to the anticoagulant functions of PS is still unclear. Patients and methods The present study was conducted on 90 subjects who were classified as follows: 36 cirrhotic patients without PVT, 34 cirrhotic patients with PVT, and 20 healthy persons as a control. The study was conducted in the period between December 2010 and March 2012. Complete blood picture, liver function tests, and renal function test were done. PS was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Abdominal ultrasonography was done to confirm diagnosis of liver cirrhosis (LC) by giving idea about liver echogenicity, irregularity of liver outline, liver size, presence of liver nodules, and also portal vein diameter and presence of PVT. Results The mean PS level in the LC group was significantly lower than the mean level in the control group (P1 = 0.0123) and the mean PS level in LC with PVT group was highly significant lower than the control group (P2 Conclusion PS concentration is a potential biochemical marker in the diagnostic strategy of PVT in patients with cirrhosis. PS less than 3.15 is highly indicative of PVT in cirrhotic patients with high sensitivity but low specificity.