Von Willebrand factor and mitral valve prolapse

P. Froom, T. Margulis, E. Grenadier, A. Palant, M. David, E. Aghai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

The levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF:Ag) were measured in 27 patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and compared to 27 age matched controls. Decreased levels of vWF:Ag (<80%) were found in 59% (16/27) of those with MVP compared to only 7% (2/27) of the controls (p < 0.001). Mean vWF:Ag levels were also significantly lower in those with MVP (68 ± 30% versus 100 ± 23%, p < 0.001). In those with MVP and congestive heart failure secondary to ruptured chordae tendineae, however, the mean level of vWF:Ag was not significantly different from control values (95 ± 32). There was an increased incidence of recurrent nose bleeds in those with MVP and low levels of vWF:Ag. We conclude that there is a relationship between MVP and low levels of vWF:Ag which may explain the increased incidence of epistaxis in such patients. Increased release of vWF:Ag in those with MVP and concomitant congestive heart failure may account for the normal levels found in this subgroup.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)230-231
Number of pages2
JournalThrombosis and Haemostasis
Volume60
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1988
Externally publishedYes

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