Severe Malaria Linked to von Willebrand Factor and ADAMTS13 Inhibition
Author Information
Author(s): Larkin Deirdre, de Laat Bas, Jenkins P. Vince, Bunn James, Craig Alister G., Terraube Virginie, Preston Roger J. S., Donkor Cynthia, Grau George E., van Mourik Jan A., O'Donnell James S.
Primary Institution: Haemostasis Research Group, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Hypothesis
Is severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria associated with increased von Willebrand factor and reduced ADAMTS13 activity?
Conclusion
The study found that severe malaria is associated with increased levels of ultra-large von Willebrand factor multimers and reduced ADAMTS13 activity.
Supporting Evidence
- Increased plasma von Willebrand factor antigen levels were observed in children with severe malaria.
- Patients with cerebral malaria showed significantly higher von Willebrand factor collagen binding activity.
- ADAMTS13 activity was reduced to approximately 55% of normal levels in severe malaria patients.
- Mixing studies indicated persistent inhibition of ADAMTS13 function in malarial plasma.
- Ultra-large von Willebrand factor multimers were present in the plasma of children with severe malaria.
Takeaway
Kids with severe malaria have a lot of a sticky protein in their blood that helps with clotting, but they also have less of a protein that usually helps break it down.
Methodology
The study involved a prospective analysis of plasma samples from children with severe malaria, measuring levels of von Willebrand factor and ADAMTS13.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of participants and the specific setting of the study.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific cohort of children in Ghana, which may not be representative of all populations affected by malaria.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 6 months to 6 years from Ghana.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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