Thrombosis research
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Thrombosis research · May 2011
Arsenic trioxide induces procoagulant activity through phosphatidylserine exposure and microparticle generation in endothelial cells.
Coagulopathy is a major cause of early death when arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) therapy fails. In addition to the procoagulant properties of blast cells, the cytotoxic therapy may contribute to the coagulation disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible impact of As(2)O(3) on membrane alterations, including phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and microparticle generation, and the consequent procoagulant properties of endothelial cells. ⋯ As(2)O(3) increases PCA of HUVECs through PS exposure and PS-bearing microparticle generation, which might cause thrombosis and act as a contributing factor in As(2)O(3) therapy-related coagulopathy.
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Thrombosis research · May 2011
Clinical prediction of pulmonary embolism in respiratory emergencies.
The initial management of suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) is commonly done in respiratory departments, but is based on clinical prediction rules developed in other settings. ⋯ Wells' rule and the revised Geneva score are more useful in diagnosing PE in respiratory emergencies. A newly devised prediction tool can be of even greater accuracy in this patient population.
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Thrombosis research · May 2011
Endothelial, platelet, and tissue factor-bearing microparticles in cancer patients with and without venous thromboembolism.
Cancer is a prothrombotic state, with an increased prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Microparticles (MPs) are sub-micron-sized vesicles derived from activated or apoptotic cells that may play a role in VTE, although evidence of this association is still limited. ⋯ Our results suggest that MPs might be an important intermediate in the cascade of cellular injury and vascular dysfunctions underlying the process of thrombosis, particularly in cancer. Further clinical investigations are needed to confirm the precise role of MPs in predicting hypercoagulable state in patients with cancer.