Von Willebrand factor in patients on mechanical circulatory support – a double-edged sword between bleeding and thrombosis

Introduction

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is an umbrella term describing various technologies used in both short- and long-term management of patients with either end-stage chronic heart failure (HF) or acute HF. Most often, MCS has emerged as a bridge to transplantation, but more recently it is also used as a destination therapy. Mechanical circulatory support includes left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or bi-ventricular assist device (Bi-VAD) [1].
Currently, two- to three-year survival in carefully selected patientsis much better than with medical therapy. However, MCS therapy is hampered by sometimes life-threatening complications including bleeding and device thrombosis [1].

Left ventricular assist deviceand bleeding

Bleeding, especially from the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, has recently been identified as one of the most common adverse events of LVAD treatment and is a major cause of morbidity [2]. However, there has been no evidence that such bleeding events increase mortality. The most commonly reported sources of bleeding are epistaxis, GI bleeding, bleeding of the mediastinum and thorax, and intracranial haemorrhage. The incidence of bleeding, depending on its definition, varies widely between 10% and 50% with no difference in the overall bleeding rates between axial- and pulsatile-flow devices [2]. Notwithstanding, an increased risk of GI bleeding has been linked to axial-flow devices. Following concerns that LVAD may predispose patients to thromboembolic episodes, recommendations have beenmade that all patients on LVAD be treated with antithrombotic therapy (anticoagulant and antiplatelet agent). Consequently, much of the bleeding risk is attributed to the antithrombotic regimen. However, there are reports that the observed increased risk of bleeding is higher than would be anticipated from antithrombotic therapy alone [3]. The reported rates of GI and intracranial haemorrhages are high (30% and 11%, respectively) [4]. So, in fact, the risk of bleeding complications is substantially higher than that of thromboembolic complications. The mechanisms associated with this phenomenon are not yet fully understood. Nonetheless, colonic angiodysplasia, impaired platelet aggregation, and acquired von Willebrand syndrome are implicated in that process [2].

Left ventricular assist device and thrombosis

Left ventricular assist device thrombosis occurs in 2-13% of adult patients with a continuous-flow LVAD (axial-flow 4-13%, centrifugal-flow 2%) [5]. Thrombus may be formed in various sites, i.e. left ventricle, inflow cannula, pump housing, outflow cannula, outflow graft, or the aortic root, thus leading to serious cardiovascular events including among others: thromboembolic stroke, peripheral thromboembolism, LVAD malfunction with reduced systemic flows or life-threatening haemodynamic impairment, cardiogenic shock, and even death [5]. Many therapeutic approaches have been employed in LVAD thrombosis management. These strategies include surgical procedures (device exchange, catheter-based thrombectomy) [6, 7] and medical therapy. The latter may consist of: thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (intravenous or intraventricular), intensified anticoagulation treatment with unfractionated heparin, andbivalirudin, intensified antiplatelet treatment with intravenous GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors (eptifibatide, tirofiban) or with thienopyridine-derivative P2Y12 ADP receptor inhibitor (clopidogrel). However, management guidelines have not been established and are awaited impatiently.

Von Willebrand factor

Von Willebrand factor (vWF)is an adhesive glycoprotein, circulating in plasma in a concentration of 5-10 µg/ml. It is synthesised in the endothelial cells and megakaryocytes. The gene encoding vWF is located at the short arm of human chromosome 12(12p13.2). The mature molecule contains 2050 aminoacids. Von Willebrand factor is secreted from the cell along a constitutive and a regulated pathway. It circulates in plasma in the form of multimers comprising various numbers of monomers. The largest vWF multimers display enhanced thrombogenic functions, possibly because multiple interactive sites for vessel wall components and platelets support more efficient adhesion [8]. Physiological reduction in size of the multimers occurs through a controlled proteolytic cleavage by metalloproteinase ADAMTS13. This cleavage affects the size of circulating multimers and consequently modulates proadhesive functions [8].
Von Willebrand factor has two major functions in haemostasis. First, it plays a crucial role in platelet-subendothelium adhesion and platelet-platelet interactions (aggregation). Second, it is the carrier of factor VIII (FVIII) in plasma. Von Willebrand factor prolongs FVIII half-time by protecting it from proteolytic degradation. It delivers FVIII to the site of vascular injury thus enhancing haemostatic process [9]. One vWF monomer can bind one FVIII molecule; however, in vivo only 1-2% of vWF monomers are occupied by FVIII [9].
On one hand, high plasma levels of vWF have been associated with an increased risk of thrombosis [10]. On the other, defects or deficiencies of vWF underlie the inherited von Willebrand disease (vWD) or acquired von Willebrand syndrome (vWS) [9]. Von Willebrand disease comprises two major categories of conditions:
1. Quantitative vWF deficiency:
• type 1 – partial quantitative deficiency of vWF (60-70% of patients),
• type 3 – virtually complete deficiency of vWF (5-10% of patients).
2. Qualitative vWF deficiency:
• type 2 – qualitative deficiency of vWF (10-30% of patients):
– type 2A – decreased platelet-dependent function associated with the absence of high-molecular-weight vWF multimers,
– type 2B – increased affinity for platelet GPIb,
– type 2M – decreased platelet-dependent function not caused by the absence of high-molecular-weight VWF multimers,
– type 2N – markedly decreased affinity for factor VIII.
About 60% of the variation in vWF plasma is due to genetic factors, with the ABO group accounting for only about 30% [9, 11]. Additionally, many acquired conditions, either physiologic (stress, pregnancy) or pathologic (inflammation – vWF acts as an acute phase reactant), can induce fluctuations in vWF concentrations [9, 12]. Early onset of bleeding, previous bleeding events, positive family history, the absence of precipitating factor, and good response to vWF concentrate are usually suggestive of inherited von Willebrand disease. Whereas, late onset of bleeding, no prior bleeding events, negative family history, the presence of precipitating condition, and usually transient or no response to standard therapy indicate acquired von Willebrand syndrome.

Von Willebrand factor – diagnostic aspects

Given the complexity of vWF pathophysiology, there is no single ‘robust’ assay that can be used in the diagnosis of bleeding or thrombotic entities. Generally, the diagnosis warrants performing several tests. These can be divided in two large groups: screening tests and discriminating assays [12]. A complete set of laboratory investigations, including bleeding time, PFA-100 closure times, FVIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C), vWF ristocetin cofactor (vWF:RCo), vWF collagen binding (vWF:CB), vWF antigen (vWF:Ag) and vWF propeptide (vWFpp), ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA), multimeric analysis of VWF (gel electrophoresis), and the response of FVIII:C and vWF parameters to desmopressin (DDAVP), is necessary to fully diagnose all variants of vWD and to discriminate between the types [13]. Diagnostic algorithms in congenital and acquired forms of the disease are similar. The diagnostic process starts with basic evaluation (screening tests), which is then followed by specialist tests [12].
Screening tests are usually performed in patients with a tendency to bleed. Bleeding time (BT) is usually prolonged, but it may be within normal range in mild cases of vWD. Closure time (CT) using PFA-100 (Platelet Function Analyzer) is typically prolonged and has been reported to be superior to BT. Prothrombin time (PT) is normal. Whereas prolongation of partial thromboplastin time (PTT) depends on varying plasma FVIII levels. Clinical suspicion of vWD/vWS together with abnormal screening tests requires application of specific tests: FVIII:C, vWF:RCo, vWF:CB, vWF:Ag, vWFpp, RIPA, and gel electrophoresis (Table I) [12].

Von Willebrand factor, left ventricular assist device, and bleeding

Angiodysplasia denotes submucosal vascular abnormality commonly found throughout the GI tract. This finding is especially common among the elderly. There are several pathomechanisms suggested for the formation of angiodysplasia. These include:
• increased intraluminal pressures and vascular smooth muscle contraction lead to increased sympathetic tone and smooth muscle relaxation. This, in turn, results in atrioventricular dilation and ensuing angiodysplasia formation;
• LVAD-associated chronic low pulse pressure leads to local hypoperfusion with subsequent hypoxia, vascular dilation, and finally angiodysplasia.
High molecular weight multimers (HMWM) of vWF are essential for maintaining haemostasis. High molecular weight multimers homeostasis is regulated mainly by metalloproteinase ADAMTS13. High shear stress induced by LVAD results in a conformational change of the vWF HMWM predisposing the multimers to proteolytic cleavage by ADAMTS13. All of these processes lead to the development of acquired von Willebrand syndrome 2A (vWS2A). Both, retrospective and prospective studies, report that LVAD implantation leads to substantial reductions in HMWM of vWF [14, 15]. The triad: angiodysplasia, aVS2A, and GI bleeding (Fig. 1) share a striking resemblance with Heyde’s syndrome. This condition comprises aortic stenosis, angiodysplasia, vWS2A, and bleeding. The sensitivity of various laboratory tests for vWS2A in patients with bleeding GI dysplasia is as follows: gel electrophoresis (quantification of HMWM) > PFA-100 closure time > vWF:RCo > bleeding time > vWF:Ag [16]. Since LVAD explantation is rarely an option, treatment modalities of bleeding GI dysplasia include: endoscopic laser photocoagulation, oestrogen/progestin therapy (structural changes in blood vessels), and somatostatin or octreotide therapy. Unfortunately, there is little experience in using desmopressin or FVIII:vWF concentrates in vWS2A associated with cardiovascular disease [16]. Due to end-stage heart failure requiring MCS, surgical bowel resection does not present as a feasible option. Some authors suggest the use of recombinant factor VIIa, a panhaemostatic agent) in acute haemorrhages [17]. However, its use is associated with an enhanced risk of thrombotic events.

Von Willebrand factor, left ventricular assist device, and thrombosis

Essential prothrombotic vWF properties include binding and transportation of procoagulant FVIII, mediating platelet adhesion and aggregation, and propagating thrombus growth [8].
Epidemiological studies provide some evidence that high vWF levels are associated with a moderately increased risk of arterial thrombosis [18]. However, there are reports that patients with severe VWD are not protected against atherosclerosis [19]. Thus, it is implied that vWF does not play a role in the atherosclerotic process, but only in occlusive arterial thrombosis [18].
In the Stroke Prevention and Atrial Fibrillation III trial, the risk of thromboembolic stroke, myocardialinfarction, and death increased 1.2-fold for each 20 U/dl increment in vWF [20].
The odds ratio for venous thrombosis in patients with vWF levels above 150 U/dl compared to those with levels lower than 100 U/dl was 3.0 (95% CI: 1.8-4.9) in the univariate analysis. However the results were rendered insignificant after adjusting for blood group and FVIII in the multivariate analysis – odds ratio 1.2 (95% CI: 0.6-2.1), suggesting that the effect of vWF on the risk of venous thrombosis was fully explained by FVIII levels [18, 21]. A large, prospective population-based study suggested that vWF made a significant contribution to the risk of venous thrombosis, independently of FVIII [22]. The hazard ratios of venous thromboembolism were 4.6 for the highest quartile and 7.6 for the highest quintile of vWF. Finally, given vWF is a carrier for FVIII, it could propagate its prothrombotic actions through FVIII.
Pathological arterial blood flow generates fluid shear stresses. At shear rates greater than 10,000 s–1, often present in LVAD devices, activation-independent platelet aggregation mediated by soluble VWF facilitates adhesion and precedes stable aggregation [8]. Therefore, vWF is absolutely essential in thrombus formation, haemostasis, and LVAD thrombosis.

Our experience

Twelve patients with end-stage heart failure on LVAD were followed for four weeks (four blood samples for each patient). Every week extended haemostasis panel was assessed, including vWF activity, factor VIII activity, fibrinogen level, D-dimer level, platelet response to arachidonic acid (ASPI test) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP test), thrombin receptor activating peptide-6 (TRAP test), and collagen (COL test). Time-dependant changes of haemostatic parameters are listed in Table II. There were significant variations in vWF and factor VIII activity. Despite constant antiplatelet therapy, there were significant changes in platelet function tests (ASPI < ADP < COL test, TRAP test) over time. D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were constant during the study period. There were strong, positive correlations between vWF and factor VIII, and vWF and D-dimer. There were no thrombotic or haemorrhagic events during the study. Mechanical circulatory support in patients with end-stage heart failure is linked to substantial variations of haemostatic parameters thatcould create a prothrombotic milieu and, thus, lead to LVAD thrombosis.

Funding

The creation of the paper was supported by a grant from the Medical University of Silesia (No. KNW-1-161/N/3/0).

Disclosure

Authors report no conflict of interest.

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