Annexin V- and tissue factor plus microparticles as biomarkers for predicting deep vein thrombosis in patients after joint arthroplasty

Objective: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and severe complication of joint arthroplasty. Microparticles (MPs) containing phosphatidylserine (PS) and tissue factor (TF) can trigger coagulation in VTE. This study aims to measure and compare MP levels in joint arthroplasty patients with and without VTE. Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled 181 patients who underwent joint arthroplasty. Ultrasound examination was used to diagnose VTE on preoperative day 0 and postoperative day 6. MPs were analysed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and flow cytometry. The levels of platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs), endothelial cell-derived microparticles (EMPs), granulocyte-derived microparticles (GMPs), red cell-derived microparticles (RMPs), monocyte-derived microparticles (MMPs), Annexin V+ MPs (AV+ MPs), and tissue factor+ MPs (TF+ MPs) derived from five kinds of MPs were measured on day 0 (before surgery), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 after surgery. Results: The levels of AV-TF+ EMPs and AV-TF+ MMPs were significantly increased in patients with VTE on postoperative day 5 compared to those without VTE (P = 0.031 and P = 0.031, respectively). Conclusion: AV-TF+ MPs may indicate the development of VTE and serve as predictive markers in joint arthroplasty patients.

Automated summary

This study found that the levels of AV-TF+ MPs significantly increased on postoperative day 5 in patients with VTE, indicating the development of VTE and serving as predictive markers in joint arthroplasty patients.