Journal article

Publication year: 2002

Pages: 114-120

Journal: Liver : an international journal

Volume number: 22

Issue number: 2

ISSN: 0106-9543

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0676.2002.01547.x

Publisher: 604495-5

Abstract: 
Background/aims: Thrombocytopenia in patients with advanced liver disease may stem from a deficient hepatic thrombopoietin production. Methods: We determined the relationship between thrombopoietin.. thrombocytopenia. aetiology and extent of liver damage by incorporating serum thrombopoietin measurements in the pretransplant evaluation of 111 patients with liver disease. Results: The extent of thrombocytopenia was related to the underlying cause of disease. The platelet count directly correlated with factor V, II, fibrinogen, and PTT, and a negative correlation was found for splenic size and Child's stage. The thrombopoietin concentrations were age-dependent, and no significant difference resulted between the median thrombopoietin level of liver disease patients with age-matched healthy controls. Thrombopoietin concentrations and platelet counts were not correlated. Although noncirrhotic patients had higher platelet counts than those with Child's A-C cirrhosis (p < 0.001, U-test), no such difference was found in thrombopoietin levels. Patients with hepatitis B and/or C had lower platelet counts compared to patients with nonviral diseases (p < 0.001), and their median thrombopoietin concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that thrombocytopenia in patients with liver disease is unlikely to be explained only based on a deficient hepatic production of thrombopoietin. Patients with chronic viral hepatitis have significantly elevated thrombopoietin levels; the involved pathomechanisms require further study.

Harvard Citation style: Schöffski, P., Tacke, F., Trautwein, C., Martin, M., Caselitz, M., Hecker, H., et al. (2002) Thrombopoietin serum levels are elevated in patients with hepatitis B/C infection compared to other causes of chronic liver disease, Liver : an international journal, 22(2), pp. 114-120. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0676.2002.01547.x

APA Citation style: Schöffski, P., Tacke, F., Trautwein, C., Martin, M., Caselitz, M., Hecker, H., Manns, M., & Ganser, A. (2002). Thrombopoietin serum levels are elevated in patients with hepatitis B/C infection compared to other causes of chronic liver disease. Liver : an international journal. 22(2), 114-120. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0676.2002.01547.x