Low levels of activated factor VII in systemic sclerosis

Introduction. Recent investigations show that activated factor VII, the primary enzyme in the extrinsic pathway of blood coagulation, exerts additional extra-coagulant functions, such as apoptosis and angiogenesis. On the basis of these recent acquisitions, the present study was aimed to evaluate activated factor VII in patients with systemic sclerosis and to establish a potential association with pathogenesis and complications of this severe autoimmune disorder. Materials and methods. Activated factor VII level was measured in twenty-eight consecutive scleroderma patients (2 men and 26 women, mean age 49.7 ± 14.8 years). The main clinical correlates of disease, such as disease activity, renal function, skin, vascular and lung involvement, were evaluated by clinical and instrumental investigations. Activated factor VII level was also evaluated in 28 sex and age matched controls. Results. Systemic sclerosis patients exhibited plasma activated factor VII activities significantly lower th...