Neutrophil extracellular traps formation is associated with impaired clot retraction and fibrinolysis in asthma

Background: Asthma is associated with an elevated risk of venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism; its etiology is not completely understood. Objective: This study was designed to investigate whether the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) is associated with impaired clot retraction and fibrinolysis in the blood of patients with asthma. Methods: parameter), exhaled NO (FENO), fibrinogen, d-dimers, IgE, and eosinophil, neutrophil, and platelet counts were assessed by standard clinical procedures. Results: We found the elevated NET predictors in the blood of patients with asthma, which notably correlate with significant inhibition of clot retraction and fibrinolysis compared to the control group. FENO was found to be the most closely correlated with impaired fibrinolysis and clot retraction among all clinical tests. Conclusion: It was concluded that the formation of NET in the blood of patients with asthma is associated with impairment of clot retraction and fibrinolysis, which may contribute to the formation of unstable thrombi. This may partially explain the elevated risk of venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism in asthma.