A new study identifies von Willebrand factor and factor VIII as potential biomarkers for chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease, a serious complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Researchers measured these endothelial markers in 83 patients with chronic GvHD and 39 transplant recipients without the condition. All three biomarkers-von Willebrand factor antigen, von Willebrand factor activity, and factor VIII activity-were significantly elevated in patients with chronic GvHD, particularly those with active disease. The highest levels were linked to liver and oral involvement.
Multivariate analysis showed lower albumin was the strongest predictor of elevated von Willebrand factor levels, along with older age, higher lactate dehydrogenase, and more affected organs. For factor VIII, systemic immunosuppressive therapy was the primary predictor.
Longitudinal data revealed that biomarker levels declined in patients who achieved remission, while they remained high in those with ongoing active disease. ROC analysis showed potential diagnostic utility, with von Willebrand factor antigen above 246.3% achieving an AUC of 0.733.
The authors say these biomarkers could aid in both diagnosis and disease monitoring, but stress that independent validation is needed before clinical use.