Inflammation Is Associated With Platelet Coagulation Function Rather Than Enzymatic Coagulation Function in Patients With Takayasu Arteritis

Abstract

The integral changes of coagulation and fibrinolysis, and their relationships with inflammation in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA) remain undetermined. The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes of coagulation and fibrinolysis process in patients with TA by thrombelastography (TEG).

A total of 127 patients with TA and 55 healthy controls were enrolled. Patients with TA were grouped according to disease activity. The routine hematological parameters, traditional coagulation assays, and TEG parameters were summarized retrospectively.

A shorter K time, larger alpha angle, and higher levels of MA, MA(A), G, and TPI were found in patients with TA, especially in those at the active stage. The R time, EPL, LY30, and CL30 were similar between patients with TA and healthy controls, as well as TA patients with different disease activity. Spearman’s correlation showed that ESR was correlated with PLT (r = 0.206, P = 0.020), K (r = -0.353, P < 0.001), alpha angle (r = 0.328, P < 0.001), MA (r = 0.474, P < 0.001), MA (A) (r = 0.623, P < 0.001), G (r = 0.475, P < 0.001), and TPI (r = 0.458, P < 0.001).

In conclusion, inflammation was associated with platelet coagulation function rather than enzymatic coagulation function in patients with TA. Physicians should focus on antiplatelet treatment for improving the prognosis of patients with TA.