Fibrinogen and markers of fibrinolysis and endothelial damage following resolution of critical limb ischaemia.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of resolution of critical limb ischaemia on the elevated plasma fibrinogen, cross-linked fibrin degradation products (FDP), and von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF) levels, reported in peripheral arterial occlusive disease.


METHODS
A prospective study of patients undergoing surgery for chronic critical limb ischaemia.


METHODS
Two vascular surgery units providing tertiary referral services for the West of Scotland.


METHODS
Venous blood samples were assayed for plasma fibrinogen, FDP D-dimer, and vWF levels, prior to surgery, together with fibrinolytic and rheological parameters, in 82 patients. Sampling was repeated 4 months after resolution of critical limb ischaemia.


METHODS
Levels of these parameters following successful resolution of critical limb ischaemia were compared with pre-operative levels, and with an age-matched random population sample.


RESULTS
Plasma fibrinogen and vWF levels were significantly lower (both p < 0.005, Wilcoxon matched pairs) following successful resolution of critical limb ischaemia in the 56 patients available for review, although levels remained higher than in population controls (p < 0.01, Mann-Whitney U-test). FDP levels were unchanged following surgery, remaining higher than in age-matched population controls (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Resolution of critical limb ischaemia fails to reduce plasma fibrinogen, fibrin turnover, and vWF levels to those seen in population controls. This implies that increased fibrinogen and fibrin turnover in peripheral arterial disease is not solely a consequence of tissue ischaemia, while the persisting prothrombotic state following resolution of critical limb ischaemia has potentially important implications for graft and patient survival.
Woodburn
K R
KR
Vascular Surgery Unit, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
Rumley
A
A
Lowe
G D
GD
Pollock
J G
JG
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001809:Blood Viscosity; D016638:Critical Illness; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000032:analysis*; D005342:Fibrinolysis; D006487:Hemostasis; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000097:blood* / Q000601:surgery; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000032:analysis
D015415:Biomarkers; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; D014841:von Willebrand Factor; D005340:Fibrinogen