P-selectin expression and GPIIb/IIIa polymorphism in congenital cyanotic heart disease: Relevance to palliative systemic-pulmonary shunt and haemostatic parameters

Abnormal platelet function has been hypothesized to play a role in the haemostatic abnormalities in CCHD patients. This work was carried out to study the P-selectin-expression and the GPIIIa polymorphism in patients with CCHD. This study included 47 patients with CCHD in addition to 12 age-matched controls. Our study showed a statistically significant higher P-selectin levels in CCHD patients than healthy controls, being significantly higher in patients below 3 years of age. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between oxygen saturation and P-selectin levels in patients. Statistically significant higher levels of P-selectin were found in positive phenotypes. In conclusion platelet activation may be an important contributor in the high thrombotic liability in CCHD. Keywords: Cyanotic congenital heart disease, P-selectin, GPIIIa.