International angiology : a journal of the International Union of Angiology
-
In the absence of thromboprophylaxis, venographically detected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs in approximately 50% of patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty. Despite the existence of national and international guidelines, thromboprophylaxis may be underused. ⋯ The use of prophylactic protocols was associated with relatively low VTE rates up to three months with minimal bleeding complications. A more intense in-hospital and extended prophylaxis beyond hospitalization is recommended in this high risk group of patients.
-
Evidence is accumulating for endothelial cell dysfunction as one of the main factors initiating vessel wall damage in SLE. Enhanced expression of endothelial adhesion molecules is suggested to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of vasculitis, while the number of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) is believed to be a reliable marker of endothelial damage. It therefore seems relevant to investigate CECs counts and soluble markers of endothelial dysfunction in SLE patients with inflammatory microangiopathy. The aim of this study was to assess the number of CECs, including apoptotic CECs, as well as to determine serum levels of sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 and sE-selectin in patients with SLE-related vasculitis. ⋯ The study showed that the number of CECs increases in SLE and strongly correlates with disease activity, reaching maximum values at the stage of inflammatory microangiopathy-related complications. Severe SLE flares are characterized by enhanced endothelial cell apoptosis. Progressive increase in serum sVCAM-1 levels is connected with disease activity aggravation and development of lupus microangiopathy.