Cross-sectional assessment of haemostatic profile and hepatic dysfunction in Fontan patients. Issue 1 (10th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Daems, Joelle Julius Nicolaas; Attard, Chantal; Van Den Helm, Suelyn; Breur, Johannes; D'Udekem, Yves; du Plessis, Karin; Wilson, Thomas G; Winlaw, David; Gentles, Thomas L; Monagle, Paul; Ignjatovic, Vera
• Is Part Of: Open heart. Volume 8:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05-10
• Subjects: Fontan procedure -- Hemorrhage -- Hemostasis -- Liver cirrhosis -- Thrombosis; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Heart -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Heart -- Diseases -- Patients -- Periodicals; 616.12005
• DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2020-001460
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2398-595X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Fontan-associated liver disease is accompanied by a hypercoagulable state. While hepatic dysfunction in Fontan patients is common, its relationship with haemostatic changes and clinical outcomes in this patient population remains unclear. Objective: To correlate liver dysfunction and haemostatic profiles with clinical outcomes in the Fontan population. Patients/methods: Patients were enrolled in a multicentre, cross-sectional study in Australia and New Zealand. Hepatic structure and function were assessed using serum-based calculations (Fibrotest and model for end-stage liver disease excluding international normalised ratio scores). Haemostatic profiles were assessed by Thrombin Generation. Platelet function was assessed via Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) and P-selectin (P-SEL). Clinical outcomes were obtained from the Australian and New Zealand Fontan Registry. Results: Seventy-three patients participated in the study (mean age 18.9±8.5 years with a mean of 13.5±6.9 years post-Fontan). The Endogenous Thrombin Potential (ETP) for patients who suffered thrombotic events (TE) (1366.4±66.2 nM/min) was higher compared with patients with major bleeding events (1011.1±138.4 nM/min) (p=0.03). Except for a negative correlation between Fibrotest-score and PF4 (p=0.045), PF4 and P-SEL concentrations did not correlate with markers of hepatic dysfunction or structural abnormality. Conclusions: Increased ETP is associated with TE during clinical follow-up after Fontan. This study reinforces that hepatic dysfunction may contribute to the derangement of coagulation factors, impacting the individual risk of haemostatic complications for the Fontan population.