Are Elevated Pro-Thrombotic Markers in Osteoarthritic Patients Associated with Hypertension?

Introduction: A previous study at Aberdeen University identified an unexpected rise of pro-thrombotic markers in Osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Evidence
suggests a link between OA and hypertension, as well as a link between hypertension and pro-thrombotic markers.
Aim: To investigate whether elevated pro-thrombotic marker concentrations
in OA patients are associated with hypertension.
Method: 42 patient plasma samples were collected and split into group A
(OA and no hypertension) and group B (OA with hypertension). Fibrinogen,
D-dimer and TAT plasma concentrations were calculated. Group A medians
were compared with those of group B using an independent Mann-Whitney
U test to investigate any significant difference. Concentration medians were
compared against normal population value ranges.
Results: Fibrinogen and TAT concentrations were higher than the normal
population value ranges. D-dimer concentrations were within normal population ranges. Fibrinogen and D-dimer medians were higher for group A vs group
B. The difference was not statistically significant for either marker (fibrinogen;
p=0.784) (D-dimer; p=0.188). For TAT, the group B median was higher than
group A, but once again the difference was not significant (p=0.804).
Conclusions: Fibrinogen and TAT concentrations may be elevated in OA.
There is no suggestion that elevated pro-thrombotic markers in OA patients are
associated with hypertension