Effect of Von Willebrand Antigen on Mortality and Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients with Anterior ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of the main causes of mortality in the world. The role of Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is very important in platelet adhesion, microcirculation, and acute stenosis and it contributes to the development of atherothrombotic processes.

We decided to evaluate the level of VWF in diabetic and non-diabetic patients as an effective factor in CAD.

This study was performed on 65 patients (32 diabetic patients and 33 non-diabetic patients), who referred to an Echocardiography and Angiography Department. They were evaluated for the VWF level, blood group, and fasting blood glucose. Patients underwent echocardiography, angiography, and, if necessary, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the hospitalization. They also underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) if they needed the surgery. After 40 days, we evaluated the anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), mortality, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), heart failure, and limb ischemia.

The VWF level was significantly higher in diabetic patients (P < 0.0001). Also, the increased VWF levels were significantly more frequent in diabetic patients under CABG than in non-diabetic patients under CABG (P = 0.013). There was a significant relationship between positive MACE and increased VWF levels.

The level of VWF in diabetic patients increases cardiovascular problems. Therefore, it seems that these patients can benefit from VWF-reducing drugs. Clinical research can be promising in this field.