[Von Willebrand factor and thrombomodulin as markers of endothelial cell functions in children with chronic viral hepatitis].
BACKGROUND
Vascular endothelial cells play an important role in haemostasis. Similar to hepatocytes they synthesise many substances taking part in blood clotting and fibrinolysis.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was the evaluation of markers of endothelial cells: von Willebrand factor (vWf) and thrombomodulin (TM) in children with chronic viral hepatitis.


METHODS
VWf and TM levels were measured using ELISA method. The examined group consists of 105 children with chronic viral hepatitis aged 2 to 18 years.


RESULTS
The concentrations of vWf and TM were significantly higher in chronic viral hepatitis compared to controls. The values of TM were higher in chronic viral hepatitis B in comparison to hepatitis C and higher in boys than in girls. The markers of endothelial cells do not depend on the degree of inflammation and fibrosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased levels of vWf and TM suggest stimulation of endothelial cells in children with chronic viral hepatitis B and C.
Kulwas
Arleta
A
Katedra i Klinika Pediatrii, Alergologii i Gastroenterologii, Akademia Medyczna im. L. Rydygiera, Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland. klped@amb.bydgoszcz.pl
Szaflarska-Szczepanik
Anna
A
Czerwionka-Szaflarska
Mieczyslawa
M
Kotschy
Maria
M
D000293:Adolescent; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000378:metabolism*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012737:Sex Factors; D018180:Thrombomodulin / Q000097:blood*; D013997:Time Factors; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000378:metabolism*
D015415:Biomarkers; D018180:Thrombomodulin; D014841:von Willebrand Factor