Hemophilia: a biography on therapeutical approaches

The history of hemophilia is ancient, with descriptions dated to the 2nd century AD. The first modern narratives appeared in 1800s, when total blood transfusion was the only available treatment and life expectancy was remarkably low. Advances occurred with the use of plasma and cryoprecipitate, but only the discovered of factor concentrates revolutionized the treatment. The implantation of prophylaxis allowed hemophilic patients to prevent bleeding and the development of chronic arthropathy, although with a significant burdensome with the regular infusions. In the past 20 years, this field has witnessed major improvements, including the development of gene therapy and other pharmacological approaches.

Autonomía y dignidad en personas que viven con hemofilia / Autonomy and dignity in people living with hemophilia

INTRODUCCIÓN. La hemofilia es una condición rara hereditaria, crónica, potencialmente discapacitante e incapacitante, caracterizada por frecuentes sangrados debidos al déficit del factor VIII coagulante, Hemofilia A o del factor IX Hemofilia B. Las evaluaciones de calidad de vida en personas con hemofilia, basadas principalmente en el aspecto biológico, llevaron a considerar un importante enfoque bioético que evalúe la afectación de la autonomía y dignidad debida a la enfermedad. OBJETIVO. Registrar la percepción de la autonomía y dignidad de personas que viven con hemofilia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio descriptivo transversal. Población de 92 y muestra de 28 varones mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de hemofilia, atendidos en la Clínica de Coagulopatías Congénitas del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín en el periodo marzo 2021 a agosto del 2021. Se excluyó a varones menores de 18 años atendidos en otras instituciones del Sistema Nacional de Salud. Estudio basado en el desarrollo de las capacidades centrales descritas por Martha Nussbaum. Se aplicó el test The Hemophilia Well Being Index que evaluó calidad de vida con relación al bienestar personal asociado a salud, y la herramienta Body Mapping que analizó en base al interpretativismo fenomenológico. RESULTADOS. El 100% de personas presentaron afectación en algún área de la vida investigada por el Hemophilia Well Being Index, que se confirma con las expresiones escritas y gráficas recopiladas por el Body Mapping. CONCLUSIÓN. La autonomía y dignidad se encuentran afectadas en las personas que viven con hemofilia, al igual que las capacidades centrales; es importante valorar cómo estos parámetros afectan la consecución de logros, lo que se debe considerar en estudios futuros.

INTRODUCTION. Hemophilia is a rare hereditary, chronic, potentially disabling and incapacitating condition, characterized by frequent bleeds due to deficiency of clotting factor VIII, Hemophilia A or factor IX Hemophilia B. Quality of life assessments in people with hemophilia, mainly based on the biological aspect, led to consider an important bioethical approach that evaluates the impairment of autonomy and dignity due to the disease. OBJECTIVE. To record the perception of autonomy and dignity of people living with hemophilia. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Population of 92 and sample of 28 males over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of hemophilia, attended at the Congenital Coagulopathy Clinic of the Carlos Andrade Marin Specialty Hospital in the period March 2021 to August 2021. Males under 18 years of age attended in other institutions of the National Health System were excluded. The study was based on the development of the central capabilities described by Martha Nussbaum. The test The Hemophilia Well Being Index was applied, which evaluated quality of life in relation to personal wellbeing associated with health, and the tool Body Mapping which analyzed based on phenomenological interpretivism. RESULTS. 100% of people presented affectation in some area of life investigated by the Hemophilia Well Being Index, which is confirmed by the written and graphic expressions collected by the Body Mapping. CONCLUSION. Autonomy and dignity are affected in people living with hemophilia, as are core capacities; it is important to assess how these parameters affect achievement, which should be considered in future studies.

Altered Splicing in Stable Cell Strains Expressing Mini-hF9 Gene with Nonsense Mutation / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the molecular mechanism in stable cell strains expressing Mini-hF9 gene with nonsense mutation.@*METHODS@#Mini-hF9 gene and its nonsense mutants were transfected into HeLa cells independently, and stable cell strains were obtained after G418 resistance screening and monoclonal transformation. The altered splicing and protein expression of mRNA in Mini-hF9 gene in stable cell strains were detected by using RT-PCR and Western blot.@*RESULTS@#The wild type and nonsense mutated human coagulation factor IX stable cell strains were constructed successfully, which were named HeLa-F9-WT, HeLa-F9-M1 and HeLa-F9-M2. Only normal splicing Norm was detected in the wild-type cell strain HeLa-F9-WT; Norm and Alt-S1 splicing were detected in HeLa-F9-M1; while Norm, Alt-S1 and Alt-S2 splicing were detected in HeLa-F9-M2.@*CONCLUSION@#The nonsense associated altered splicing (NAS) pathway, which generated alternately spliced transcripts, might be triggered in coagulation factor IX gene with nonsense mutation.

Hemofilia B o enfermedad de Christmas / Hemophilia B or Christmas disease

La hemofilia B o enfermedad de Christmas se diferenció por primera vez de la hemofilia A en 1947. Su forma clásica consiste en un trastorno hereditario de la coagulación causado por mutaciones en el gen F9, que codifica para el factor IX de la coagulación. Su herencia está ligada al cromosoma X; las mujeres son portadoras, pero se manifiesta clínicamente en hombres, aunque se han descrito casos de mujeres portadoras sintomáticas. El factor IX activado es una proteína dependiente de vitamina K, sintetizada en el hígado, que forma parte del complejo tenasa, cuya función es formar la mayor cantidad de trombina en el nuevo modelo de la coagulación basado en células. De acuerdo a la actividad del factor IX, su deficiencia se puede clasificar en leve (5% a 40%), moderada (1% a 5%), o severa (<1%). Su diagnóstico se realiza con la presencia de un TPT alargado que corrige con plasma normal y con la determinación del nivel funcional del factor IX, y se confirma con el estudio molecular que demuestra la mutación en el gen F9. Su diagnóstico diferencial incluye otras patologías como la hemofilia A. El tratamiento con factor IX recombinante es el más utilizado en la actualidad, pero se vienen desarrollando nuevas terapias con virus adeno-asociados recombinantes que prometen mejorar la calidad de vida para algunos pacientes afectados. La profilaxis juega un papel fundamental, en particular en los casos de enfermedad moderada y severa.

Hemophilia B or Christmas disease was first differentiated from hemophilia A in 1947. Its classic form consists of an inherited bleeding disorder caused by mutations in the F9 gene, which codes for coagulation factor IX. Its inheritance is linked to the X chromosome; women are carriers, but it manifests clinically in men, although cases of symptomatic women carriers have been described. Factor IX activates a vitamin K-dependent protein, synthesized in the liver, which is part of the tenase complex whose function is to form the largest amount of thrombin (factor IIa) in the new model of cell-based coagulation. According to factor IX activity, its deficiency can be classified as mild (5% to 40%), moderate (1% to 5%), and severe (<1%). The diagnosis is made when there is a prolonged TPT that corrects with normal plasma, and by assessing the functional level of factor IX. The diagnosis is confirmed by molecular analysis that demonstrates the F9 gene mutation. Its differential diagnosis includes disorders such as hemophilia A. Treatment with recombinant factor IX is widely used, but also new therapies are being developed with recombinant adeno-associated viruses that promise to improve the quality of life for some of these patients. Prophylaxis plays an important role in cases of moderate and severe disease

El trasplante de hígado es un procedimiento plausible, efectivo y seguro en pacientes con hemofilia: caso clínico / Liver transplantation in hemophilia A: report of one case

Due to blood derivative requirements, many patients with hemophilia were exposed to Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) before the availability of HCV testing. We report a 46-year-old male with Hemophilia A with a hepatitis virus C infection since 2004 causing a cirrhosis. Due to a hepatopulmonary syndrome, he received a liver allograph using a factor VIII replacement protocol, after eradicating the virus C. He had a good postoperative evolution, and no more factor VIII was required after transplantation until his last assessment.

The prevalence and risk factors of inhibitor development of FVIII in previously treated patients with hemophilia A

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for the development of inhibitors in previously untreated patients (PUPs) have been reported; this is not the case in previously treated patients (PTPs) owing to fewer studies. Risk factors may differ for the development of PTP versus PUP inhibitors. We aimed to identify risk factors for PTP inhibitor development. METHODS: Participants were patients at a hemophilia treatment center in Korea with current or past history of factor VIII or factor IX alloantibodies. Observed inhibitors were classified as PUP or PTP inhibitors based on the cumulative number of exposure days. We compared the type and severity of hemophilia, mutation type, and family history of inhibitor between PUPs and PTPs. Events within 3 months before the first inhibitor detection, such as change of the factor concentrate used, short-term high exposure or continuous infusion of factor concentrate, history of surgery, infection, diagnosis of cancer, use of immunosuppressive or immunomodulator agents, and vaccination were compared between PUPs and PTPs. RESULTS: We observed 5 PUP inhibitors and 5 PTP inhibitors in 115 patients with hemophilia A. Events that might be related to the development of inhibitors within 3 months prior to the first inhibitor detection were observed in all 5 PTPs. On the contrary, no such events were observed in any PUPs. The observed events included a change in the factor concentrate used, subsequent chemotherapy, and short-term high exposure to factor concentrates for controlling hemorrhage and surgeries. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a greater role of nongenetic factors in PTP inhibitor development.

A phase Ⅲ multi-center clinical trial on safety and efficacy of a domestic plasma derived factor Ⅸ for the treatment of patients with hemophilia B / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a domestic human plasma derived coagulation Factor Ⅸ concentrate (pd-FⅨ) in patients with hemophilia B. Methods: The study was a multicenter, open-label and single-arm study. The efficacy of pd-F Ⅸ was evaluated by objective performance criteria. The doses of pd-FⅨ were calculated according to the bleeding symptom and disease severity. The infusion efficiency of pd-FⅨ and improvement of bleeding symptoms were measured at 30 minutes and (24±4) h after the first infusion, respectively. Adverse events were recorded. Viral infection and FⅨ inhibitor were detected 90 d after the first infusion. Results: All 36 subjects with hemophilia B were enrolled in the study. The median age of these patients was 31 years old and the median injection doses were 4 (1-17) times. The hemostatic effect of 27/36 (75.00%) and 9/36 (25.00%) acute bleeding events were rated as "excellent" and "better" , respectively. The recovery rate was 111.92% (65.55%-194.28%) at 30 minutes after infusion of FⅨ. There was no adverse event related to FⅨ. No reactivation of HBV, HCV or HIV and FⅨ inhibitor was detected at 90-104 d after the first FⅨ infusion. Conclusion: This domestically made human plasma derived FⅨ concentrate is safe and effective in the treatment of acute bleeding in patients with hemophilia B. Clinical trial registration: China food and Durg Administration, 2016L08027.

Global hemostatic assay of different target procoagulant activities of factor VIII and factor IX

BACKGROUND: Korean National Health Insurance reimburses factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX (FIX) clotting factor concentrate (CFC) infusions to discrepant activity levels, allowing elevation of FVIII activity to 60 IU/dL and FIX to 40 IU/dL. We aimed to assess hemostatic response to these target levels using global hemostatic assays. METHODS: We enrolled 34 normal healthy men, 34 patients with hemophilia A, and 36 with hemophilia B, with residual factor activity of 3 IU/dL or less and without inhibitors. Patients with hemophilia A and B received injected CFCs according to reimbursement guidelines. Fifteen minutes after injection, we assessed hemostatic response with global hemostatic assays: thrombin generation assay (TGA), thromboelastography (TEG), and clot waveform analysis (CWA). RESULTS: Normal healthy men and patients with hemophilia A and B were 36.7, 37.2, and 35.1 years old, respectively. FVIII and recombinant FIX concentrate doses were 28.8 IU/kg and 43.6 IU/kg. Post-infusion FVIII activity rose from 0.5 IU/dL to 69.4 IU/dL, while FIX activity rose from 1.4 IU/dL to 46.8 IU/dL. Post-infusion peak thrombin concentrations in hemophilia A and B were 116.6 nM/L and 76.4 nM/L (P < 0.001). Post-infusion endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) in hemophilia A and B was 1349.8 nM/min and 915.6 nM (P < 0.001). TEG index of hemophilia A and B was 0.11 and −0.51 (P=0.006). CONCLUSION: Current reimbursed doses for FIX concentrates are insufficient to achieve hemostatic responses comparable to those after reimbursed doses for FVIII concentrates in terms of peak thrombin concentration, ETP, and TEG index.

A Case of Hemophilia B Diagnosed after Rhinosinus Surgery in 37 Year-Old Patient / 대한이비인후과학회지

Hemophilia is an X-linked recessive disorder, which is classified into hemophilia A, defined by factor VIII deficiency and hemophilia B, defined by factor IX deficiency. The usual clinical presentation is spontaneous bleeding and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time in a person without history of a coagulation disorder. The severity of hemophilia describes how serious a problem is and has been defined by a traditional classification into three forms: severe, moderate, mild. Hemophilia has never been reported after a rhinosinus surgery in otorhinolaryngology in Korea, but we encountered a 37-year-old man with hemophilia B who had undergone a rhinosinus surgery. He had no bleeding tendency in the past nor a family history for bleeding. But the patient presented with continuous nasal bleeding for a few days after surgery. We report this case of hemophilia B diagnosed after rhinosinus surgery that was cured with Factor IX replacement therapy with a review of the relevant literature.

Alfanonacogue - Benefix® para hemofilia B em pacientes menores de 19 anos de idade / Alfanonacogue - Benefix® for hemophilia B in patients younger than 19 years of age

CONTEXTO: As coagulopatias hereditárias são doenças hemorrágicas resultantes da deficiência quantitativa e/ou qualitativa de um ou mais fatores da coagulação e se caracterizam pela ocorrência de hemorragias de gravidade variável, de forma espontânea e/ou pós-traumática. Segundo dados de 2014 do Sistema Hemovida Web ­ Coagulopatias do Ministério da Saúde, o número de pacientes com Hemofilia B era de 1.881 no Brasil. Como não há cura para as hemofilias, os objetivos de tratamento são prevenir e tratar hemorragias de modo a evitar artropatias incapacitantes e dano tecidual, e melhorar a qualidade de vida e a sobrevida. As modalidades de tratamento da hemofilia B são definidas pela periodicidade com que é realizada a reposição dos fatores de coagulação IX, podendo ser sob demanda (episódico) ou profilático. O fator IX de origem plasmática faz parte do rol de tecnologias ofertada pelo SUS para o tratamento de Hemofilia B. TECNOLOGIA: Alfanonacogue (Benefix®). INDICAÇÃO: Controle e prevenção de episódios hemorrágicos e para profilaxia de atividades rotineiras e cirúrgicas de pacientes com hemofilia B, menores de 19 anos de idade. PERGUNTA: O uso do Fator IX recombinante (BeneFIX®), além de tão eficaz quanto comparado às opções disponíveis atualmente no SUS, proporciona vantagens de segurança aos pacientes com Hemofilia B? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: Os estudos apresentados pelo demandante demonstram a eficácia do medicamento Benefix em aumentar a atividade de FIX e controlar sangramentos. Entretanto, não foi apresentado estudo de eficácia que comparasse os fatores IX plasmático e recombinante, o que impossibilita posicionar o fator IX recombinante como igual, melhor ou pior do que o fator IX plasmático ofertado pelo SUS. Apenas um estudo retrospectivo comparou o fator IX plasmático (medicamento atualmente ofertado pelo SUS) com o fator IX recombinante, e concluiu que a frequência de reações alérgicas e do desenvolvimento de inibidores entre os pacientes que receberam ambos os fatores IX foi bem similar (Recht et al., 2011). Na revisão sistemática incluída pelo DGITS sobre tipos e frequência das reações adversas - não trombóticas e não associadas a inibidor - relacionadas aos fatores de coagulação utilizados em pacientes com hemofilia A, hemofilia B e doença de von Willebrand, os autores concluíram que os dados por eles apresentados confirmam o elevado grau de segurança dos produtos atualmente utilizados para terapia de hemofilia A e B e doença da von Willebrand (Franchini et al., 2012). Assim, até o momento, não há comprovação de que os fatores IX de origem plasmática utilizados atualmente pelo SUS confiram algum risco conhecido e quantificável aos pacientes quando comparados ao Fator IX recombinante. AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA: Na análise de custo-minimização, foram encontrados os seguintes custos incrementais: profilaxia primária - R$ 474.978,00; cirurgia de médio porte - R$ 27.802,00; tratamento de sangramentos espontâneos - R$ 5.014,00. ANÁLISE DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: O impacto orçamentário de R$ 728 milhões a aproximadamente R$ 1,01 bilhão de reais considerando o horizonte de tempo de 5 anos possivelmente está subestimado e não se justifica frente falta de evidência de superioridade em termos de eficácia e segurança do Fator IX recombinante em relação ao Fator IX plasmático. RECOMENDAÇÃO INICIAL: Os membros presentes na reunião do plenário da Conitec realizada no dia 10 de novembro deliberaram que o tema fosse submetido à consulta pública com recomendação preliminar desfavorável a incorporação do alfanonacogue (fator IX recombinante) para o tratamento da Hemofilia B. Tal recomendação foi embasada na falta de evidências que demonstrem superioridade do medicamento Benefix frente à tecnologia já disponível no tratamento da hemofilia B, e assim, sendo, não se justificaria o impacto orçamentário apresentado. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: Foi recebido um total de 155 contribuições, sendo 146 contribuições provenientes do formulário de experiência/opinião e 9 do formulário técnico-científico. Nenhuma das contribuições apresentou evidências de superioridade do fator IX recombinante em relação ao plasmático. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL: Os membros presentes na reunião do plenário da Conitec realizada no dia 08 de março de 2017 mantiveram a recomendação desfavorável a incorporação do alfanonacogue (fator IX recombinante) para o tratamento da Hemofilia B. DECISÃO: Não incorporar o alfanonacogue para hemofilia B em pacientes menores de 19 anos de idade, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS, dada pela Portaria nº 17, publicada no DOU nº 77, do dia 24 de abril de 2017, seção 2, pág. 57.(AU)

Risk factors for recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors associated with disease recurrence among Filipinos with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).METHODS:Design: Retrospective Cohort StudySetting: Tertiary National University HospitalParticipants: 76 patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma, classified as low and low-to-intermediate risk (2015 ATA classification) that underwent total thyroidectomy with or without neck dissection from 2010-2014 and were followed up from 10 months to 5 years. Log rank and Cox regression analyses were used to determine significant risk factors for recurrence.RESULTS: 29 (38.15%) had recurrence. On univariate analysis, age, tumor size, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, presence of lateral neck nodes and RAI therapy were statistically associated with recurrence. However, on multivariate analysis, no clinicopathologic factor was statistically associated with recurrence.CONCLUSION: Age of >45 years, female sex, tumor size of >2 cm, multifocality, presence of microscopic extrathyroidal extension and lymph node metastasis might contribute to the recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer while post-operative radioactive ablation may have some protective effect. However, this study suggests that other factors must be included in the model to better understand the relationship between these factors and recurrence.

Risk factors for recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To identify risk factors associated with disease recurrence among Filipinos with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).<br /><strong>METHODS:</strong><br /><strong>Design:</strong> Retrospective Cohort Study<br /><strong>Setting:</strong> Tertiary National University Hospital<br /><strong>Participants:</strong> 76 patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma, classified as low and low-to-intermediate risk (2015 ATA classification) that underwent total thyroidectomy with or without neck dissection from 2010-2014 and were followed up from 10 months to 5 years. Log rank and Cox regression analyses were used to determine significant risk factors for recurrence.<br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> 29 (38.15%) had recurrence. On univariate analysis, age, tumor size, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, presence of lateral neck nodes and RAI therapy were statistically associated with recurrence. However, on multivariate analysis, no clinicopathologic factor was statistically associated with recurrence.<br /><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Age of >45 years, female sex, tumor size of >2 cm, multifocality, presence of microscopic extrathyroidal extension and lymph node metastasis might contribute to the recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer while post-operative radioactive ablation may have some protective effect. However, this study suggests that other factors must be included in the model to better understand the relationship between these factors and recurrence.</p>

The activity of factor VIII and IX of cord blood at mid-trimester in fetuses without hemophilia

PURPOSE: Molecular genetic analysis is the main approach used for prenatal diagnosis of hemophilia A and B. However, in certain cases, such analysis is uninformative. In such situations, direct measurement of fetal coagulation factor levels is still the best option, and it may be the only option in some cases. This study was conducted to determine the normal ranges of midtrimester cord blood factor VIII (FVIII) and IX (FIX) in a Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six FVIII samples and 29 FIX samples were assayed in fetal cord blood acquired by ultrasound-guided cordocentesis. Sampling was conducted during gestational ages of 19-24 weeks. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviations for FVIII and FIX activity were 45.5±30.5% and 19.9±12.2%, respectively. Ranges for FVIII and FIX were 1.5-125.0% and 6.0-52.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed the normal ranges and lowest level of factor VIII and factor IX in non-affected normal fetus by fetal cord blood sampling during the mid-trimester in a Korea population. The factor assay of the fetal cord blood is invasive but feasible and provides important basic data related to hemophilia.

Moderate Hemophilia B Diagnosed by Massive Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage on the First Day of Life: A Case Report and Literature Review

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage in neonates is commonly associated with necrotizing enterocolitis, cow's milk protein allergy, and gastrointestinal malformation. Gastrointestinal bleeding on the first day of life, presenting as the first manifestation of a disorder, has rarely been reported associations with gastric ulceration, Salmonella infection, and allergic colitis. Hemophilia B is also a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding during the neonatal period. In the present case, a male infant developed repetitive hematemesis on the first day of life. His initial level of coagulation factor IX was 1.9%, and he was diagnosed with moderate hemophilia B. No further hematemesis or melena was observed during recombinant factor IX therapy. The infant did not have a family history of hemophilia. In conclusion, although gastrointestinal hemorrhage on the first day of life as the first manifestation of a disease is rare, infants who present with spontaneous gastrointestinal hemorrhage after birth and with unexplained prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time should be evaluated for coagulation factor deficiency regardless of whether they have any family history of hemophilia.

Hemophilia B replacement therapy drugs / 生物工程学报

Hemophilia B is an X chromosome linked hereditary hemorrhagic disease, which is caused by the lose function mutation of factor IX (FIX), and significantly affects the patients' lifespan and life quality. The severity of hemophilia B depends on the FIX level in the plasma. By referring to the relevant literatures, we reviewed and summarized hemophilia B replacement therapies. Specifically, we focus on recombinant factor IX products on the market and those in the pipeline, especially on the long-acting factor IX drugs, to provide the basis for researches of new hemophilia B drugs.

Readability of medicinal package leaflets: a systematic review / Legibilidade das bulas dos medicamentos: revisão sistemática

OBJECTIVE To review studies on the readability of package leaflets of medicinal products for human use. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review between 2008 and 2013 using the keywords “Readability and Package Leaflet” and “Readability and Package Insert” in the academic search engine Biblioteca do Conhecimento Online, comprising different bibliographic resources/databases. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses criteria were applied to prepare the draft of the report. Quantitative and qualitative original studies were included. Opinion or review studies not written in English, Portuguese, Italian, French, or Spanish were excluded. RESULTS We identified 202 studies, of which 180 were excluded and 22 were enrolled [two enrolling healthcare professionals, 10 enrolling other type of participants (including patients), three focused on adverse reactions, and 7 descriptive studies]. The package leaflets presented various readability problems, such as complex and difficult to understand texts, small font size, or few illustrations. The main methods to assess the readability of the package leaflet were usability tests or legibility formulae. Limitations with these methods included reduced number of participants; lack of readability formulas specifically validated for specific languages (e.g., Portuguese); and absence of an assessment on patients literacy, health knowledge, cognitive skills, levels of satisfaction, and opinions. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the package leaflets presented various readability problems. In this review, some methodological limitations were identified, including the participation of a limited number of patients and healthcare professionals, the absence of prior assessments of participant literacy, humor or sense of satisfaction, or the predominance of studies not based on role-plays about the use of medicines. These limitations should be avoided in future ...

OBJECTIVO Analisar a literatura sobre legibilidade das bulas dos medicamentos para uso humano. MÉTODOS Estudo de revisão sistemática, utilizando as palavras-chave “Readability and Package Leaflet” e “Readability and Package Insert”e a ferramenta de busca académica b-on, que contém diferentes bases bibliográficas. O período analisado foi entre 2008 e 2013. Foram aplicados os critérios PRISMA para redigir o relatório da revisão. Foram incluídos artigos originais de pesquisa quantitativa ou qualitativa. Os critérios de exclusão foram: artigos de opinião ou de revisão, ou escritos numa língua diferente do inglês, português, italiano, francês ou espanhol. RESULTADOS Foram identificados 202 trabalhos, dos quais 180 foram excluídos e 22 selecionados para análise: dois com profissionais de saúde, 10 com pacientes, três sobre reações adversas e sete descritivos. As bulas apresentaram diversos problemas de legibilidade, entre os quais: textos insuficientemente claros e simples, utilização de tamanhos de letra pequenos e número reduzido de ilustrações. Os principais métodos utilizados para avaliar a legibilidade das bulas foram as fórmulas e os testes de legibilidade/usabilidade. Entre as limitações metodológicas, foram identificados aspetos como o recurso a amostras pequenas, a inexistência de fórmulas de legibilidade específicas para a língua em causa, e.g., português, e a realização de testes de compreensão em grupos de pacientes sem avaliação prévia da literacia, dos conhecimentos específicos na área da saúde, das capacidades cognitivas, ou do grau de satisfação dos participantes. CONCLUSÕES Em geral, as bulas apresentaram diversos problemas de legibilidade. Adicionalmente, nesta revisão foram identificadas algumas limitações metodológicas nos estudos revistos (e.g. a participação de um número reduzido de pacientes e profissionais de saúde, a ausência da avaliação prévia da literacia, do humor ou satisfação dos participantes ...

Oral Rivaroxaban Treatment for L-asparaginase-induced Deep Thrombophlebitis in Lower Extremity / 임상소아혈액종양

We are reporting our experience of oral rivaroxaban (Xarelto(R)) treatment for L-asparaginase (L-ASP)-induced deep vein thrombophlebitis in the lower extremity developed during childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) chemotherapy, with a brief review of the literature. A 16-year-old boy was admitted to our institution with right lower leg pain and gait difficulties. He was diagnosed with ALL and started chemotherapy protocol. He had been under a chemotherapy course of delayed intensification (DI)-1. We began antibiotics treatment for possible inflammation including cellulitis of the leg and planned an MRI scan. The MRI scan indicated thrombophlebitis of the right posterior calf deep veins. Subsequent DVT CT and coagulation profiles showed other abnormal findings. Coagulation factor assay were noted with decreased levels of multi factors; Factor II 45%, Factor IX 35.3 %, Factor X 30%, Factor XI 19%, Factor XII 22%, and anti-coagulants levels were decreased also with variant degrees; Protein C Activity 51%, Protein C Ag 54.5%, Protein S Activity 35%, Protein S Antigen, total 27.1%, Protein S Antigen, free 41.7%. Low molecular heparin (LMWH) treatment was initiated and the patient was switched to oral rivaroxaban (Xarelto(R)). After 6 weeks treatment, abnormal coagulation profiles and MRI scan showed improvement. Furthermore, the patient had no other symptoms or recurrence of thrombotic events. There was no significant adverse reaction to rivaroxaban in this patient.

Human coagulation factor VIII domain-specific recombinant polypeptide expression

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia A is caused by heterogeneous mutations in F8. Coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), the product of F8, is composed of multiple domains designated A1-A2-B-A3-C1-C2. FVIII is known to interact with diverse proteins, and this characteristic may be important for hemostasis. However, little is known about domain-specific functions or their specific binding partners. METHODS: To determine F8 domain-specific functions during blood coagulation, the FVIII domains A1, A2, A3, and C were cloned from Hep3B hepatocytes. Domain-specific recombinant polypeptides were glutathione S-transferase (GST)- or polyhistidine (His)-tagged, over-expressed in bacteria, and purified by specific affinity chromatography. RESULTS: Recombinant polypeptides of predicted sizes were obtained. The GST-tagged A2 polypeptide interacted with coagulation factor IX, which is known to bind the A2 domain of activated FVIII. CONCLUSION: Recombinant, domain-specific polypeptides are useful tools to study the domain-specific functions of FVIII during the coagulation process, and they may be used for production of domain-specific antibodies.

Oral Rivaroxaban Treatment for L-asparaginase-induced Deep Thrombophlebitis in Lower Extremity / 임상소아혈액종양

We are reporting our experience of oral rivaroxaban (Xarelto(R)) treatment for L-asparaginase (L-ASP)-induced deep vein thrombophlebitis in the lower extremity developed during childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) chemotherapy, with a brief review of the literature. A 16-year-old boy was admitted to our institution with right lower leg pain and gait difficulties. He was diagnosed with ALL and started chemotherapy protocol. He had been under a chemotherapy course of delayed intensification (DI)-1. We began antibiotics treatment for possible inflammation including cellulitis of the leg and planned an MRI scan. The MRI scan indicated thrombophlebitis of the right posterior calf deep veins. Subsequent DVT CT and coagulation profiles showed other abnormal findings. Coagulation factor assay were noted with decreased levels of multi factors; Factor II 45%, Factor IX 35.3 %, Factor X 30%, Factor XI 19%, Factor XII 22%, and anti-coagulants levels were decreased also with variant degrees; Protein C Activity 51%, Protein C Ag 54.5%, Protein S Activity 35%, Protein S Antigen, total 27.1%, Protein S Antigen, free 41.7%. Low molecular heparin (LMWH) treatment was initiated and the patient was switched to oral rivaroxaban (Xarelto(R)). After 6 weeks treatment, abnormal coagulation profiles and MRI scan showed improvement. Furthermore, the patient had no other symptoms or recurrence of thrombotic events. There was no significant adverse reaction to rivaroxaban in this patient.