Prothrombotic alterations in plasma fibrin clot properties in thyroid disorders and their post-treatment modifications

Introduction

Available data on fibrin clot properties and fibrinolysis in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are inconsistent. Our objective was to assess the impact of effective treatment of hyper- and hypothyroidism on fibrin clot characteristics.

Material and Methods

In a case-control study, ex vivo plasma fibrin clot permeability (K_s) and efficiency of fibrinolysis were assessed in 35 consecutive hyperthyroid and 35 hypothyroid subjects versus 30 controls. All measurements were performed before and after 3 months of thyroid function normalizing therapy.

Results

At baseline, hyperthyroid, but not hypothyroid, patients had lower K_s than controls (p < 0.0001). Hyperthyroid and hypothyroid groups compared with controls had prolonged clot lysis time (CLT), and lower rate of D-dimer release from clots (D-D_rate) (all p < 0.05). The regression analysis adjusted for fibrinogen showed that in hyperthyroid patients, pre-treatment thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) independently predicted K_s, while thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) antigen predicted CLT. In hypothyroid individuals a similar regression model showed that TSH independently predicts CLT. After 3 months of thyroid function normalizing therapy, 32 (91.4%) hyperthyroid and 30 (85.7%) hypothyroid subjects achieved euthyroidism and had improved fibrin clot properties (all p < 0.05), with normalization of K_s in hyperthyroid and lysability in hypothyroid patients.

Conclusions

Both hyper- and mild-to-moderate hypothyroidism are associated with prothrombotic plasma fibrin clot phenotype and restoration of euthyroidism improves clot phenotype. Abnormal fibrin clot phenotype might contribute to thromboembolic risk in thyroid disease.