Importance of potential prothrombotic state markers in Behçet's disease and correlation with vascular ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to evaluate the relationship between prothrombotic soluble serum levels of P-selectin, citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and the thickness measurements of the carotid artery, femoral, portal, and jugular veins in patients with Behçet's disease (BD).

METHODS

Fifty-six BD patients who met the International Study Group criteria and 19 healthy control subjects were enrolled. We compared the groups' differences in B-mode ultrasound findings and biochemical prothrombotic markers. Logistic regression was used to analyze independent factors influencing thrombosis, and a receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted.

RESULTS

A total of 34 non-vascular and 22 vascular BD patients (mean age 41.5 ± 11.8 years, 38 (67.9%) male) were included in the study. No significant differences were observed between patients and healthy controls (HCs) in terms of sex, age, and body mass index. BD patients had elevated serum levels of P-selectin, CitH3, and GDF-15 compared to HCs (p < 0.05). CitH3 and GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in BD patients with vascular involvement than those without vascular disease (p < 0.05). The GDF-15 level in vascular BD patients showed a significant correlation with femoral vein thickness.

CONCLUSION

GDF-15 and CitH3 are potential biomarkers that show vascular involvement and thrombosis in BD.