Search

Cancer patients are characterized by hypercoagulable state and an increased rate of thrombotic events, the most common being venous thromboembolism. Several hemostatic pathways that are significantly implicated in mechanisms of thromboembolic disease are also involved in growth, invasion, and metastatic spread of malignant cells as well in tumor-induced neo-angiogenesis. This close connection between cancer and the hemostatic system has prompted numerous studies on the role of alterations in the level plasma biomarkers of the different compartments of hemostasis in predicting cancer prognosis. In this review, we collect the results of several exemplificative studies that have evaluated clotting activation biomarkers in relation to different cancer outcomes with a final emphasis on current research and forthcoming directions in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand better the adaptation response of the cardiovascular system (CVS) to self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving, Galectin-3 (Gal-3) and specific CVS biomarkers were measured in plasma of 16 male recreational divers before and after (30 min, 3 and 6 h) diving (total time of 30 min at 30 m depth) undertaken a after long non-dive period. The one-time SCUBA dive caused a significant increase in Gal-3, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity troponin-I (hs-TnI), and myoglobin immediately after diving. Whereas Gal-3 and myoglobin dropped down to the basal levels during the recovery period, NT-proBNP and hs-TnI concentration continued to increase. An immediate increase of vascular endothelial growth factor, detected immediately after diving, was followed by a significant decrease and return to the basal level, 3 and 6 h after diving, respectively. After a significant initial decrease, endothelin-1 increased during the recovery period, but did not return to the basal level. The observed changes in these biomarkers reflect comprehensive, but transient adaptation of CVS and muscular system to the specific environmental conditions during the SCUBA dive. Whether the recurrent activation of these adaption mechanisms due to repetitive dives has positive or negative effects on CVS remains to be elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and short-term mortality remains above 30% despite relevant supportive and antibiotic treatments. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize and discuss the current evidence of the association of an increased number of circulating immature platelets with disease severity and mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and was registered at the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42018104326). A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase on June 20, 2018, without time restrictions. The included studies were quality-assessed by the National Institutes of Health's Quality Assessment Tools. In total, 14 studies were included. The parameters used for the determination of platelet maturity were mean platelet volume, immature platelets fraction, reticulated platelet percentage, and absolute immature platelets count. Nine studies reported significantly increased immature platelet markers in nonsurvivors of septic shock compared with survivors, as well as in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock compared with patients without severe sepsis and septic shock. Six of these nine studies demonstrated that increased immature platelet markers were predictors of mortality and/or disease severity (area under the receiver operating curve: 0.599–0.886). This review suggests that an increased number of circulating immature platelets is associated with increased disease severity and mortality in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Larger studies are needed to confirm whether immature platelets should be routinely monitored to support the prediction of disease severity and mortality in septic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  The aim of this study was to assess the utility of early postnatal platelet indices in the prediction of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) and its response to pharmacological treatment in preterm infants. Study Design  The medical records of 971 infants with gestational age < 30 weeks and birth weight < 1,500 g were analyzed retrospectively. Infants with hsPDA comprised the study group and those without hsPDA comprised the control group. Complete blood count results were recorded, and red cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RPR) and platelet mass were calculated. Results  A total of 481 infants, 169 in the hsPDA group and 312 in the control group, were included. In terms of platelet indices, the hsPDA group showed significantly lower mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet mass, whereas RPR was significantly higher (p  < 0.05, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that RDS (relative ratio [RR]: 2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45–3.93; p  < 0.001), MPV < 7.85 (RR: 3.71; 95% CI: 2.29–6.01; p  < 0.001), and RPR > 0.070 (RR: 5.33; 95% CI: 3.28–8.65; p  < 0.001) were independent risk factors for hsPDA. Conclusion  Low MPV and platelet mass and high RPR in the first hours of life are risk factors for hsPDA and hsPDA refractive to pharmacological treatment with ibuprofen in preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]