Plasma levels of soluble endothelial protein C-receptor in patients with β-thalassemia

AbstractBackgroundA hypercoagulable stable has been documented in patients with β-thalassemia. However, the underlying mechanisms are multifactorial. The role of soluble protein C endothelial receptor in hemostatic derangement in these patients has not been investigated.Design and methodsPlasma soluble EPCR and markers of coagulation have been analyzed in 15 splenectomized patients (group I) and 15 non-splenectomized patients (group II).ResultsWe showed significantly higher levels of sEPCR in patients versus the control and in group I more than group II. Levels of sEPCR positively correlated with total leukocytic and platelet counts. No correlation could be established between sEPCR and either age or sex.ConclusionThe data indicate that high sEPCR levels could be implicated in the hemostatic derangement and endothelial cell dysfunction in patients with β-thalassemia