Semin Thromb Hemost 2009; 35(7): 605-612
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1242714
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Hemostatic and Fibrinolytic Abnormalities in Endocrine Diseases: A Narrative Review

Giovanni Targher1 , Isabella Pichiri1 , Giacomo Zoppini1 , Enzo Bonora1 , Michel Chonchol2
  • 1Section of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
  • 2Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado
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Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
09. Dezember 2009 (online)

ABSTRACT

This review summarizes current knowledge of the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome, Cushing's syndrome, thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, primary hyperparathyroidism, acromegaly, hypopituitarism, and growth hormone deficiency on coagulation and fibrinolysis. Several abnormalities of the coagulation-fibrinolytic system have been described among patients affected by these endocrine disorders. Although further larger studies are needed to provide more definitive information, clinically overt hypothyroidism appears to be associated with a bleeding tendency, whereas all other endocrine diseases appear to be associated with a thrombotic tendency. The disorders of coagulation and fibrinolysis observed in these endocrine pathologies usually range from mild to moderate and, rarely, to potentially severe laboratory abnormalities (e.g., bleeding diathesis in overt hypothyroidism mainly due to an acquired von Willebrand's syndrome type 1), are reversible after pharmacologic treatment of the hormonal dysfunction, and are usually of limited consequence in clinical practice. Nevertheless, the prompt recognition of potentially severe disorders of blood coagulation is mandatory for the correct management of these patients.

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Giovanni TargherM.D. 

Section of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, University of Verona

Ospedale Civile Maggiore, Piazzale Stefani, 1, 37126 Verona, Italy

eMail: giovanni.targher@univr.it