Coagulation factor VIII activity in diabetic patients.

AIM

To examine coagulation factor VIII activity in plasma, as a risk factor for thrombosis, in the patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Also, to assess its relationship with fibrinogen and fasting blood glucose concentrations and with body mass index.

METHODS

The plasma coagulation factor VIII activity, plasma levels of fibrinogen and blood glucose concentrations were measured in 30 patients with DM type 1, 30 patients with DM type 2 and in 30 healthy subjects. Body weight and body height were also measured and BMI was calculated.

RESULTS

The plasma factor VIII activity in patients with DM type 1 and patients with DM type 2 was significantly higher than the values measured in healthy subjects. There was no significant difference in the factor VIII activity between patients with DM type 1 and type 2. The concentrations of fibrinogen and blood glucose in both groups of patients were significantly higher than in the group of healthy subjects. Patients with DM type 2 had a significantly higher BMI compared to healthy subjects, as well as compared to patients with DM type 1. There was a significant positive correlation between plasma factor VIII activity and plasma level of fibrinogen and a significant negative correlation between factor VIII activity and BMI in patients with DM type 2.

CONCLUSION

Diabetic patients have the elevated plasma coagulation factor VIII activity and increased fibrinogen concentration thus an increased risk of thrombosis and vascular diseases.