Word Count:
Abstract: 230
Main text: 2148
Tables: 4
Figures: 1
Short title: Coagulopathy and endothelial dysfunction in paediatric venous malformationKeywords: Coagulopathy, venous malformation, intralesional, ROTEM®, syndecan-1, glycocalyx.Abbreviations: Venous malformations (VM), syndecan-1 (SDC-1), localised intralesional coagulopathy (LIC), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), maximum clot firmness (MCF), clot amplitude at 5 and 10 minutes after CT (A5 and A10), recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
Objective (69)
The occurrence of unpredictable pain crises are the principal determinant of the quality of life for patients with venous malformations (VM). A definite coagulation phenomenon, characterized by an increase in D-dimer levels and the presence of phleboliths within the malformation, has been previously reported. By applying Virchow’s triad and evaluating intralesional samples, our objective is to delineate the coagulation profile and the extent of endothelial dysfunction within the malformation.
Methods (42)
With the authorization of the Ethics Committee, a research project was undertaken on intralesional and extralesional blood samples from 30 pediatric patients afflicted with spongiform VM. Thromboelastometry analyses were performed using ROTEM® Sigma, and the concentration of syndecan-1 was determined by ELISA.
Results (80)
In the ROTEM® analyses, the A5, A10, and MCF values were below the established reference ranges in the intralesional samples in both the EXTEM and INTEM assays indicating that intralesional clots had significant instability. Furthermore, during the investigation of the delayed fibrinolysis phase using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in EXTEM analysis, widespread hyperfibrinolysis was observed intralesional. Additionally, analysis of syndecan-1 showed significant differences between extralesional and intralesional levels (p<0.026) and controls (p<0.03), suggesting differences in the state of endothelium.
Conclusions (39)
For the first time, we developed a comprehensive understanding of the coagulopathic profile of VM and the role of endothelial dysfunction in its pathogenesis. These findings will enable the implementation of targeted therapies based on the individual coagulation profiles.
Introduction (352)
Venous malformations (VM) are vascular anomalies, affecting 1% of the general population, characterized by venous dilatations of dysplastic veins, leading to an increased risk of thrombosis. This condition can result in elevated D-dimer levels in extralesional blood, known as localised intralesional coagulopathy (LIC) .In some cases, a decrease in fibrinogen levels may precede the development of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) , although very few cases have been described in the literature. Asymptomatic lesions are common, but they may cause unpredictable pain crises, mostly due to exacerbation of LIC. The emotional distress caused by these episodes can lead to a lower quality of life for patients affected by VM compared with the general population .
To date the most significant discoveries for advancing treatment of patients affected by VM was the identification of a collection of mutated genes and their clinical impact in cellular models .These advances have enabled the application of targeted therapies that inhibit hyperfunctioning signalling pathways, such as sirolimus and mTOR proteins , alpelisib and PIK3CA proteins , and rebastinib and TIE receptors . Despite the identification of the initial genetic error, thrombosis phenomena are still based on Virchow’s classical triad. In this regard, different research groups have analysed conventional coagulation parameters using extralesional blood samples although the use of new tools for a more complete analysis of the clot-formation process has recently been reported .Viscoelastic tests allow us to quickly identify the function of different elements involved in coagulation and fibrinolysis processes, which has popularised their use in situations that require rapid response .
Recently, glycocalyx impairment has been linked to several diseases with significant social impacts involving endothelial dysfunction .This structure, which contains glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins, mediates various physiological processes, such as angiogenesis , vascular permeability , and coagulation .
To investigate coagulopathic phenomena and endothelial dysfunction in paediatric patients with venous malformations, we conducted thromboelastometry studies using ROTEM® technology (Tem GmBH; Munich, Bavaria, Germany). Additionally, we analysed the intralesional coagulation system and investigated the degree of endothelial dysfunction as a function of syndecan-1 glycoprotein levels.
Methods (547)