Activity of selected coagulation factors in overt and subclinical hypercortisolism

Abstract

It is universally acknowledged that glucocorticoids are hormones that exert a significant effect on hemostasis. The aim of this study was to analyze the activities of coagulation factors VIII, von Willebrand (vW), IX, X, and XI, in patients with overt and subclinical hypercortisolism, as well as to examine possible associations between activities of these factors and the degree of hypercortisolism. Thirty endogenous hypercortisolemic patients were included in the study. Twelve of them were diagnosed with overt Cushing’s syndrome (OCS), and eighteen with subclinical Cushing’s syndrome (SCS). Healthy, age- and sex-matched volunteers comprised the control group. Activities of coagulation factors VIII, IX, X, and XI were examined using a coagulometric method, and von Willebrand factor (vWF) using an immunoturbidimetric method. Mean activities of examined coagulation factors were significantly higher in OCS patients in comparison to healthy controls. SCS patients had significantly higher mean vWF activities versus controls; and a clear trend toward higher mean activities of other factors in SCS patients versus controls was recorded (but no significant differences). Furthermore, statistically significant positive correlations were found between activities of factor IX and: morning serum cortisol concentrations, 24-hour urinary cortisol excretion values, cortisol concentrations in the overnight suppression test with 1 mg of dexamethasone. Activities of factors X and XI positively correlated with cortisol levels in the overnight suppression test. In endogenous hypercortisolemic patients the coagulation pathway is hyperactivated as indicated by increased activities of coagulation factors. These disorders are evident among patients with overt hypercortisolism.