This deals with dogs, but is a very important study. LLMD's have known this is an issue in human babesia patients, but regular AMA docs are NOT aware of the importance of babesia and hypercoagulation.
J Vet Intern Med. 2013 Jul 22. doi: 10.1111/jvim.12146. [Epub ahead of print]
Markers of Coagulation Activation, Endothelial Stimulation, and Inflammation in Dogs with Babesiosis.
Barić Rafaj R, Kule� J, Selanec J, Vrkić N, Zovko V, Zupančič M, Trampu� Bakija A, Matijatko V, Crnogaj M, Mrljak V.
Source
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Babesia infections in dogs can result in a wide range of clinical and laboratory presentations, including coagulopathy. Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in dogs with babesiosis is unknown.
OBJECTIVES:
Whether inflammation in babesiosis triggers activation of ICAM-1 and the coagulation system.
ANIMALS:
Twelve and 10 dogs with naturally occurring babesiosis before and after antiparasitic treatment, respectively, were compared with 10 healthy dogs.
METHODS:
In this prospective study, diagnosis was made by blood smear examination and confirmed by PCR. C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels were measured by a canine ELISA kit, fibrinogen (FIB) and factor VIII activity levels were measured by coagulometric methods, and blood cell counts (WBC, RBC, PLT) were determined with an automatic analyzer.
RESULTS:
Compared to healthy dogs, the CRP, sICAM-1, and FIB concentrations were significantly increased before therapy and remained high for 3 days after therapy in dogs with babesiosis. vWF activity was significantly decreased in dogs with babesiosis before treatment. FVIII activity did not differ between dogs with babesiosis and healthy dogs. WBC; RBC and PLT were significantly lower before treatment and normalized by 3 days after treatment.
CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:
A proinflammatory condition in babesiosis appears to influence endothelial dysfunction and hemostatic activity. Although clearly beneficial for the parasite, sequestered blood cells can obstruct blood flow in small vessels, promote an inflammatory state, and could increase the severity of babesiosis.
Copyright � 2013 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
KEYWORDS:
von Willebrand factor , Hemostasis, Inflammatory markers, Intercellular adhesion molecule
PMID: 23875771 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]