Beta-thalassemia intermedia due to a complex alpha-globin rearrangement and a heterozygous beta thalassemia mutation.

The alpha-thalassaemia alleles are very frequent in the world's population. The main molecular mechanism is a large deletion with the loss of one or two alpha genes. Another type of rarer abnormality exists: the gain of alpha genes. The consequence of a gain is an overproduction of alpha-globin chains, which aggravates a beta-thalassaemia trait into an intermedia phenotype (non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia, NTDT). Here, we report the case of a young girl referred for a beta-NTDT with a combination never described in the literature: a heterozygous beta-thalassaemia mutation associated with a copy number gain of the alpha-globin locus and -alpha 3.7 deletion on the same allele.

Trends in epidemiology and risk factors of opportunistic infections in kidney transplant recipients between 2004 and 2017.

BACKGROUND: While opportunistic infections are a frequent and challenging problem in kidney transplant recipients, their long-term epidemiology remains hardly known. METHODS: Opportunistic infections were recorded in 1144 recipients transplanted in our center between 2004 and 2015. Incidence rates and baseline risk factors were determined using joint frailty models. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 5.6 years, 544 opportunistic infections occurred in 373/1144 (33%) patients, dominated by viral infections (396/544, 72%), especially cytomegalovirus (CMV) syndromes and diseases (213/544, 39%). One-third of the infected patients experienced at least two opportunistic infections. The incidence of opportunistic infections was 10 times higher during the first year post-transplantation than after that (34.7 infections for 100 patient-years vs 3.64). Opportunistic infections associated with the age of the donor (P = .032), the age of the recipient (P = .049), the CMV serostatus (P < 10-6), a higher class II HLA mismatch (P = .032) and an induction treatment including rabbit anti-thymocyte globulins (P = .026). Repeated opportunistic infections associated with each other (P < 10-6) and with renal death (P < 10-6). CONCLUSION: Opportunistic infections occur with a two-period incidence pattern and many susceptible patients suffer from repeated episodes. This knowledge may help tailor new prevention and follow-up strategies to reduce the burden of opportunistic infections and their impact on transplantation outcome.

Fibrinolysis in trauma patients: wide variability demonstrated by the Lysis Timer.

Hyperfibrinolysis contributes to the pathophysiology of trauma-induced coagulopathy. At present, systematic administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) is recommended in all patients in the early phase of trauma. However, there is some debate regarding whether TXA is beneficial in all trauma patients. A rapid and accurate tool to diagnose hyperfibrinolysis may be useful for tailoring TXA treatment. We conducted a proof-of-concept study of consecutive adult trauma patients. A first blood sample was obtained at the time of pre-hospital care (T1). Patients received 1 g of TXA after T1. A second sample was obtained on arrival at the emergency unit (T2). We examined coagulation, fibrin and fibrinogen formation and degradation. Fibrinolysis was assessed by determining tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) activity and global fibrinolysis capacity assay using a device developed by Hyphen BioMed: the Lysis Timer (GFC/LT). The study population consisted of 20 patients (42 ± 21 years, index of severity score 32 ± 21). Both coagulation and fibrinolysis were altered at T1. GFC/LT values exhibited hyperfibrinolysis only in five patients. Principal component analysis carried out at T1 showed two main axes of alteration. The major axis was related to coagulation, altered in all patients, while the second axis was related to fibrinolysis. GFC/LT was mainly influenced by PAI-1 activity while fibrin monomers were related to the severity of trauma. At T2, GFC/LT exhibited the marked effect of TXA on clot lysis time. In conclusion, GFC/LT demonstrated huge variation in the fibrinolytic response to trauma.

Paraspecificity of Mexican antivipmyn TRI antivenom in envenomation by Chinese Protobothrops mangshanensis (Mangshan pit viper) in France: A case report and experimental neutralization of venom procoagulant effect.

This case report presents an exotic envenomation by a Chinese snake, Protobothrops mangshanensis. Its venom exhibited potent activity against plasma and fibrinogen, among other enzymatic activities. The patient initially presented with edema of the right upper limb, without tissue necrosis. There were no signs of bleeding; however, severe hypofibrinogenemia was observed (nadir value at 0.4 g/L), with a marked increase in fibrinogen degradation products and D-dimers, without any other coagulation disturbances. In the absence of a specific antivenom available against Asian Crotalinae venoms, the patient was treated at the 29th hour after bite with six vials of Antivipmyn™ TRI (Instituto Bioclon, Mexico, Mexico), a Mexican antivenom initially intended for American Crotalinae venoms, i.e., Bothrops asper, Lachesis muta and Crotalus durissus. Fibrinogen began to rise 6 hours after the antivenom infusion and was within the normal range 38 hours later. The report also underscores the utility of ClotPro® (Haemonetics ®USA), a viscoelastic test, for real-time monitoring of the snakebite-related coagulopathy. The clotting time was extended to 188 seconds on the EX-test while the MCF was decreased to 31 mm on the EX-test and the AP-test and was not measurable on the FIB-test, confirming severe hypofibrinogenemia. In order to confirm the paraspecificity of antivenom on the venom of P. mangshanensis, we studied the experimental neutralization of the venom procoagulant effect by Antivipmyn TRI and Green Pit Viper antivenom, which has been used in previous published clinical cases of P. mangshanensis envenomation. Both Antivipmyn™ TRI and Green Pit Viper antivenom corrected the procoagulant effect induced by P. mangshanensis venom. These findings suggest that Antivipmyn™ TRI cross-reacts with Protobothrops mangshanensis venom. In the absence of antivenom covering Asian Crotalinae, Antivipmyn TRI should be considered to treat an envenomation by Protobothrops spp.

[Use of heparin calibrated anti-Xa assay for apixaban and rivaroxaban measurement in the context of regional telestroke activity]. / Estimation de la concentration en apixaban et en rivaroxaban par l'activité anti-Xa héparine en contexte d'activité régionale de télé-AVC.

INTRODUCTION: In Bordeaux University Hospital, neurologists are required to prescribe thrombolysis using telemedicine (telethrombolysis) for anticoagulated stroke patients admitted in peripheral centers in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. However, due to the bleeding risk, the maximum concentration of DOAC authorizing thrombolysis is 30, 50 or 100 ng/mL (depending on the sources and the patient-specific benefit-risk ratio). Most of the time, specific assays of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) are not available in these peripheral centers. We therefore studied an alternative test: the Unfractionated Heparin (UFH) anti-Xa activity which is available in most laboratories and could be used to estimate the DOAC concentration. METHODS: Five centers were included in our study: three centers using the Liquid Anti-Xa HemosIL® Werfen reagent and two centers using the STA-Liquid Anti-Xa® Stago reagent. For each reagent, we established correlation curves between DOAC and UFH anti-Xa activities and determinated UFH cut-offs for the thresholds of 30, 50 and 100 ng/mL respectively. RESULTS: A total of 1455 plasmas were tested. There is an excellent correlation between DOAC and UFH anti-Xa activities using a third-degree modeling curve, independently the reagent used. However, a significant inter-reagent variability is observed concerning the obtained cut-offs. CONCLUSION: Our study makes unsuitable the use of a universal cut-off. In opposition to recommendations made by other publications, the UFH cut-offs must be adapted to the reagent used locally by the laboratory, and to the considered DOAC.

A retrospective study of indications and consequences of monitoring direct oral anticoagulant plasma concentrations on patient care in a university hospital: The Retro-AOD study.

INTRODUCTION: The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) is increasing. Specific concentrations are available and have been proven to be reliable and reproducible in optimising patient care. This retrospective, monocentric study aimed to describe the indications and consequences of monitoring DOAC plasma levels on patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected data of patients hospitalised at the Bordeaux University Hospital between January 2017 and December 2018. These included demographics, indications, type, dose of DOAC, standard coagulation tests, creatinine clearance and DOAC plasma concentration using specifically calibrated rivaroxaban and apixaban anti-Xa and dabigatran anti-IIa assays. The date of last DOAC intake, the time between intake and plasma level measurement were also collected and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 2197 DOAC assays in 1488 patients were obtained in various clinical situations: urgent or elective procedures, context of acute renal failure, suspicion or occurrence of ischemic strokes, intra-cranial and other bleeding sites. Interpretation of these assays led physicians to maintain, postpone or cancel invasive and high haemorrhagic risk procedures in 757, 261 and 56 cases respectively. The remaining 1123 assays were associated with no significant modification of patient care. DOAC plasma concentration was ≤30 ng ml-1 (sensitivity 85.4%, specificity 73.6%, positive predictive value 71.1%, negative predictive value 86.7%, AUC 0.81) after a last intake of at least 2 days. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is, to date, the largest report of real-life measurement of specific DOAC plasma level at a single institution. Patient care was not modified in more than half of the assays.

[How to accredit bedside total hemoglobin measurement with the HemoCue® point-of-care device?] / Accréditer la mesure de l'hémoglobine totale au lit du malade sur équipement de biologie délocalisée de type HemoCue®.

HemoCue® point-of care devices are widely used in Bordeaux university hospital center to assess hemoglobin in critical situations, with 45 devices in 13 health units. Based on our experience, we here propose essential steps in order to prepare the accreditation file. We develop risks analysis, mandatory validation method check points, and caregiver professional training. Among the tasks, precise reference quality instructions i.e. instruction for use, maintenance and troubleshooting should be available. We also share reflections to offer solutions to encountered difficulties. The implemented quality management must rely on a solid and involved laboratory organization. A strong caregiver membership also appears to be the key to move forward.