Thrombomodulin and GFC levels in Legg–Calve–Perthes disease

Abstract

Legg–Calve–Perthes disease (LCPD) is a self-limited microvascular disorder leading to the occlusion of the femoral blood supply, which results in bone necrosis. Endothelial injury and hemostatic alterations may play a role in the microvascular compromise and decreased blood flow, which occur during the course of LCPD. Global fibrinolytic capacity (GFC) is a novel assay reflecting the overall fibrinolysis response resulting from the dynamic interactions of numerous stimulatory and inhibitory fibrinolytic molecules. Circulating soluble thrombomodulin (TM) reflects endothelial activation and/or injury. It is a cofactor in the clinically important protein C natural anticoagulant system. Beyond the coagulation pathway it is shown to have effects on biological events, especially inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine GFC and TM levels in LCPD patients. The study included 77 children in two groups. Group I consisted of 42 patients with LCPD and Group II (control) comprised 35 healthy children. Median (interquartile ratios) GFC and TM levels were significantly higher in the LCPD patients (Group I) (p<0·0001 and p=0·049, respectively). Circulating high levels of soluble TM may be associated with ongoing endothelial injury or ongoing inflammation during the disease course. Along with increased overall fibrinolytic response, increased TM may be a compensatory reaction to thrombosis. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the endothelial, anticoagulant, and fibrinolytic kinetics associated with the microvascular compromise and self-limiting nature of LCPD.