Elevated plasma levels of soluble platelet glycoprotein VI (GPVI) in patients with thrombotic microangiopathy

BackgroundThrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is caused by various conditions, such as decreased a ADAMTS13 level, activated or injured vascular endothelial cells or activated platelets. This study examined the soluble platelet glycoprotein VI (sGPVI) levels in patients with TMA to evaluate the activation of platelets in thrombotic states.Materials and MethodsThe plasma levels of sGPVI, ADAMTS13 activity, von Willebrand factor (VWF) and VWF propeptide (VWFpp) were measured in patients with TMA.ResultsThe plasma levels of sGPVI were significantly higher in postoperative patients, patients with TMA and those with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) than in those without thrombosis. The plasma levels of sGPVI were the highest in patients with TMA without markedly reduced ADAMTS13 and those were significantly reduced after plasma exchange.ConclusionThe measurement of sGPVI level is therefore considered to be important for the diagnosis and evaluation of TMA.