Long-lasting prothrombotic state implied by changes of plasma von Willebrand factor parameters after radical prostatectomy for prostate malignancy

OBJECTIVES

Thromboembolic complications are present in 0.8%-16.8% of the cases after radical prostatectomy (RP). Association between elevated plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels-as an endothelial activation marker-and increased risk of thrombotic events has been evidenced. We aimed to elicit new data on the VWF after RP in prostate cancer patients and explore the role of it as a thrombotic risk factor. Upon perioperative plasma VWF levels (VWF:Ag) its collagen-binding (CB) activity (VWF:CB), multimerization, and cleaving enzyme (ADAMTS13 [a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type repeats, motif 1, type 13]) of the VWF multimers were quantitated along with Factor VIII and routine laboratory parameters in this observational pilot study.

METHODS

Plasma samples of 24 prostate cancer patients were collected before (-1 day; D-1) and after RP (1 hour, 6 days, 1 month, and 10 months; H1, D6, M1, and M10). VWF:Ag, VWF:CB, ADAMTS13:Ag were measured by ELISA, and the multimer distribution by electrophoresis and quantitative densitometry. Factor VIII, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and other routine laboratory parameters were determined as well. Preoperative values served as baselines which were compared to controls (24 healthy individuals).

RESULTS

VWF:Ag and CB elevated by 122% and 143% respectively at H1 after RP then plateaued at D6 compared to baseline values. ADAMTS13/VWF:Ag ratio reduced by 41% at H1, and by 46% at D6, meanwhile the ratio of high molecular weight multimers increased as well. Values returned to baseline at M1 and further reduced to the levels of the controls at M10. All of the 24 patients at H1 and D6 and 14 at M10 were in potential prothombotic state according ROC analysis of the VWF parameters as indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate malignancy and then surgical stress, and inflammatory reactions induced release of VWF from the endothelial cells, along with an increasing amount of large multimers and relative reduction of ADAMTS13 level. Because these changes mark a prothrombotic state even at M1 after RP, more than 1 month follow-up and prophylactic targeting through the thrombotic and inflammatory activity of the VWF is proposed. Evaluation of VWF parameters provides new information about the long-term disturbances of primary hemostasis after radical pelvic oncologic surgery like RP and might improve the understanding the physiological and pathological recovery.

Procedure-specific Risks of Thrombosis and Bleeding in Urological Cancer Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis involves balancing a lower risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) against a higher risk of bleeding, a trade-off that critically depends on the risks of VTE and bleeding in the absence of prophylaxis (baseline risk).

OBJECTIVE

To provide estimates of the baseline risk of symptomatic VTE and bleeding requiring reoperation in urological cancer surgery.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We identified contemporary observational studies reporting symptomatic VTE or bleeding after urological procedures. We used studies with the lowest risk of bias and accounted for use of thromboprophylaxis and length of follow-up to derive best estimates of the baseline risks within 4 wk of surgery. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of the evidence.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We included 71 studies reporting on 14 urological cancer procedures. The quality of the evidence was generally moderate for prostatectomy and cystectomy, and low or very low for other procedures. The duration of thromboprophylaxis was highly variable. The risk of VTE in cystectomies was high (2.6-11.6% across risk groups) whereas the risk of bleeding was low (0.3%). The risk of VTE in prostatectomies varied by procedure, from 0.2-0.9% in robotic prostatectomy without pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) to 3.9-15.7% in open prostatectomy with extended PLND. The risk of bleeding was 0.1-1.0%. The risk of VTE following renal procedures was 0.7-2.9% for low-risk patients and 2.6-11.6% for high-risk patients; the risk of bleeding was 0.1-2.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

Extended thromboprophylaxis is warranted in some procedures (eg, open and robotic cystectomy) but not others (eg, robotic prostatectomy without PLND in low-risk patients). For "close call" procedures, decisions will depend on values and preferences with regard to VTE and bleeding.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Clinicians often give blood thinners to patients to prevent blood clots after surgery for urological cancer. Unfortunately, blood thinners also increase bleeding. This study provides information on the risk of clots and bleeding that is crucial in deciding for or against giving blood thinners.