Value of Von Willebrand Factor in Portal Hypertension

Medical University of Vienna300 enrolled

Overview

In patients with liver cirrhosis elevated levels of von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF-Ag) are found frequently but the clinical significance is unclear. vWF-Ag plays an important role in primary haemostasis and development of thrombotic vascular obliteration is discussed as a possible mechanism leading to portal hypertension. Invasive measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the current gold standard for the diagnosis of portal hypertension. The investigators hypothesize that vWF-Ag levels in plasma may correlate with portal pressure and predict clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH, HVPG \>=10mmHg) and its complications.

Patients with alcoholic, viral (chronic hepatitis C), and cryptogenic liver cirrhosis are included. Portal hemodynamics are assessed by HVPG measurement, vWF-Ag levels were measured by ELISA. Results will be compared. 3 and 6 months mortality will be recorded.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

300

Conditions

Liver Cirrhosis Portal Hypertension

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 98 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Liver cirrhosis Exclusion Criteria: * no HVPG measurement

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

von Willebrand Factor Ag Level

von Willebrand Factor Antigen Levels are measured via ELISA and compared /corrlated to Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient (HVPG). von Willebrand Factor Antigen levels are drawn and analyzed at the day of HVPG measurement. No follow up measurements will be performed, survival will be measured as secondary outcome parameter

Time frame: at first visit (HVPG Measurement) (day 1)

Secondary Outcomes

Overall Mortality

Survival of Patients after index measurement of von Willebrand Factor and HVPG

Time frame: 3 Months