Increased fibrin turnover in peripheral arterial disease: Comparison with a population study

Issue title: Alfred L. Copley Memorial Issue

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Al-Zahrani, H.^; | Lowe, G.D.O.^{; ;} | Douglas, J.T.^; | Cuschieri, R.^; | Pollock, J.G.^; | Smith, W.C.S.^;

Affiliations: University Department of Medicine and Peripheral Vascular Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Scotland, U.K. | Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, University of Dundee, Scotland, U.K.

Note: [] Correspondence to: Dr Lowe

Abstract: Copley hypothesised the existence of an endoendotnelial fibrin lining of blood vessels; while the Rokitansky-Duguid hypothesis suggests that ongoing fibrin formation on the arterial wall contributes to atherosclerosis. We assessed in vivo fibrin turnover by measurement of plasma levels of cross-linked fibrin degradation products (D-dimer antigen) using a sensitiveimmunoassay, in 68 patients with extensive atherosclerosis (chronic peripheral arterial disease) compared to 239 controls (a random population sample in the same area). Plasma D-dimer levels were significantly higher in patients than controls (p<0.01) and correlated with clinical severity. We suggest that the plasma D-dimer level may be a useful index of intravascular fibrin turnover and of the ongoing contribution of thrombosis to arterial disease.

DOI: 10.3233/CH-1992-12609

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 12, no. 6, pp. 867-872, 1992