PT-VWD posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges - small case series.

Despite the increased worldwide awareness, over the last decade, of the platelet-type von Willebrand Disease (PT-VWD), many uncertainties remain around this rare platelet bleeding disorder. This report aims to correctly identify and study the phenotype of new patients and highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges this disease remains to pose. We describe four PT-VWD cases confirmed by genetic analysis in which either the diagnosis and/or the treatment posed challenge. We provide the details of the clinical presentation, laboratory analysis, and the treatment and the responses in each case. We show that in addition to type 2B VWD, PT-VWD can be misdiagnosed as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, and unexplained gestational thrombocytopenia. The disease can be diagnosed as early as 1 year of age and with phenotypically normal parents. Bleeding in some patients can be managed successfully using Humate P and DDAVP combined with tranexamic acid with no significant thrombocytopenia. We provide for the first time an evidence of an efficient response to rFVIIa in PT-VWD. Anaphylactic reaction to VWF preparations may be related to PT-VWD and the development of HLA antibodies is not uncommon. Progressive thrombocytopenia with normal VWF levels can be seen with PT-VWD and the platelet count was normalized at 2.5 weeks postpartum in one case. We conclude that these studies represent a record of clinical observations/interventions that help improve diagnoses/management of PT-VWD, highlight the variations in age and clinical presentations, laboratory diagnostic approaches, the importance of genetic testing for accurate diagnosis and consideration of therapeutic alternatives.

Reduced continuous-flow left ventricular assist device speed does not decrease von Willebrand factor degradation.

BACKGROUND: Nonsurgical bleeding is a frequent complication of continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. Abnormal von Willebrand factor (vWF) metabolism plays a major role. However, the relationship between LVAD speed and vWF degradation is unknown. Recent evidence has demonstrated that supraphysiologic shear stress from continuous-flow LVADs accelerates vWF degradation and causes an acquired vWF deficiency and bleeding. To manage LVAD-associated bleeding, it has been proposed that reduced LVAD speed may decrease shear stress and thereby reduce pathologic vWF metabolism. However, there are little published data to support this clinical practice. We tested the hypothesis that reduced continuous-flow LVAD speed decreases vWF degradation. METHODS: Whole blood was collected from patients before and after the implantation of a HeartMate II continuous-flow LVAD (n = 10) to quantify in vivo vWF degradation. In parallel, to evaluate the relationship between LVAD rpm and vWF degradation, whole blood was collected from human donors (n = 30). Single-donor units of blood circulated in an ex vivo HeartMate II mock circulatory loop for 12 hours at 11,400, 10,000, or 8600 rpm (n = 10/each rpm group). vWF multimers and degradation fragments were characterized with electrophoresis and immunoblot analysis. Paired Student t tests were performed within each group. ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test was performed across groups. RESULTS: In patients, LVAD support reduced large vWF multimers and significantly (P < .05) increased vWF degradation fragments. The profile of vWF degradation was nearly identical between LVAD patients and blood circulated in the LVAD mock circulatory loop. At 11,400, 10,000, and 8600 rpm, decreased large vWF multimers and significantly increased vWF degradation fragments were noted. vWF degradation fragments were not statistically different across the 3 rpm groups or versus LVAD patients, which suggested that LVAD rpm did not influence vWF degradation. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced LVAD speed (within the clinical operational range) did not significantly decrease vWF degradation in a mock circulatory loop with human blood. During bleeding events, reduced LVAD speed, itself, may not diminish vWF degradation.

Identificación por nuestro grupo de una nueva mutación en el gen GP1BA (P.W246L) asociada al fenotipo PT-VWD. Sexta mutación reportada internacionalmente / Identification by our group of a novel mutation in the GP1BA gene (P.W246L) responsible for PT-VWD. The 6th mutation internationally reported

La enfermedad de von Willebrand tipo plaquetario (PT-VWD) y tipo 2B (2B-VWD) son trastornos hemorrágicos raros, caracterizados por agregación plaquetaria a bajas concentraciones de ristocetina (RIPA). El diagnóstico diferencial no es fácil y representa un desafío. Hasta el presente, sólo se habían reportado cinco mutaciones en el gen GP1BA relacionadas con este desorden. Describimos aquí la sexta mutación relacionada con PT-VWD, en un paciente con sintomatología hemorrágica severa, macro-trombocitopenia, leve agregación plaquetaria espontánea, RIPA positivo a 0,3 y 0,4 mg/mL, VWF:RCo/VWF: Ag<0,2 y estudios discriminatorios positivos para PT-VWD. VWFpp/VWF: Ag resultó normal a diferencia del 2B-VWD que en algunas oportunidades resulta afectado. El exón 28 del gen VWF del paciente y su madre no reveló mutaciones. Identificamos una sustitución G>T en el nucleótido 3805 en el gen GP1BA del paciente, resultando en un cambio de Trp a Leu en el residuo 246 (p.W246L), en la región de la GPIBa que une al VWF. Esta mutación no se identificó en su madre ni en 100 controles sanos. Es considerada como dañina por análisis in sílico. Consideramos que esta sustitución es responsable del fenotipo PT-VWD del paciente. Dada la ausencia de la misma en los 100 normales estudiados, no se considera un polimorfismo

Platelet-type von Willebrand disease (PT-VWD) and type 2B von Willebrand disease (2B-VWD) are rare bleeding disorders characterized by increased ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA) at low concentrations. Diagnosis of either condition is not easy and the differential diagnosis is especially challenging. Five mutations in the GP1BA gene related to PT-VWD and near 50 patients are currently reported worldwide. We herein describe a patient with severe bleeding symptoms, macro thrombocytopenia, mild spontaneous platelet aggregation, positive RIPA at 0.3 and 0.4 mg/mL, VWF: RCo/VWF: Ag <0.2, normal VWFpp/VWF: Ag ratio, and RIPA mixing tests and cryoprecipitate challenge positive for PT-VWD. GP1BA gene was studied in the patient, his mother, and 100 healthy control subjects. We identified a substitution G>T at nucleotide 3805 in the patient's GP1BA gene, resulting in a Trp to Leu amino acid change at residue 246 (p.W246L), within the VWF binding region. This mutation was absent in his unaffected mother and also in the 100 controls, and was predicted as damaging by in silico analysis. The residue is located in a strongly conserved position in the phylogenetic tree. These findings argue in favor of considering this substitution does not represent a polymorphism, and is therefore responsible for the PT-VWD phenotype of the patient

[Determination of von Willebrand factor multimers in Mexican population]. / Determinación de los multímeros del factor von Willebrand en población mexicana.

BACKGROUND: Von Willebrand disease is an inherited disease in which the structure, function, and concentration of von Willebrand factor are altered, as well as the platelet von Willebrand factor endothelium interaction. In Mexico there are no epidemiological records of the disease. Only a few isolated studies have been reported from the clinical and hematological standpoint. METHODS: We studied 155 Mexican Mestizos: 75 with presumptive diagnosis of von Willebrand disease, 15 with suspected diagnosis ofhemophilia A and 65 healthy donors (controls). Basic coagulation tests, special tests and classification test (analysis of multimeric composition) were carried out. RESULTS: There were 15 patients with clinical diagnosis of hemophilia A, 75 patients with suspected von Willebrand disease of which 50 were diagnosed as the following types and subtypes: Type 1 (62%), Type 2 (22%) [subtypes: 2A (14%), 2B (2%), and 2N (6%)] and Type 3 (16%). CONCLUSION: It has been reported that analysis of von Willebrand factor is a method that meets the characteristics for the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease. It is necessary to implement this methodology to study and improve the specific diagnoses.

Antecedentes: la enfermedad de von Willebrand es un padecimiento hereditario en el que la estructura, función y concentración del factor de von Willebrand están alteradas y, en consecuencia, también la interacción plaqueta-factor de von Willebrand-endotelio. En México no hay registros epidemiológicos de la enfermedad, sólo se han efectuado algunos estudios aislados desde el punto de vista clínico y hematológico. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo efectuado en 155 mexicanos mestizos, 75 de ellos con diagnóstico presuntivo de enfermedad de von Willebrand, 15 con sospecha de hemofilia A y 65 donadores sanos (testigos). Se realizaron pruebas: básicas de coagulación, especiales y de clasificación: análisis de la composición multimérica. Resultados: 15 pacientes se diagnosticaron con hemofilia A; de los 75 sujetos con sospecha de enfermedad de von Willebrand se diagnosticaron 50 de la manera siguiente: tipo 1 (62%), tipo 2 (22%) [subtipos: 2A (14%), 2B (2%) y 2N (6%)] y tipo 3 (16%). Conclusión: el análisis de los multímeros del factor de von Willebrand es un método que cumple con las características adecuadas para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad de von Willebrand, por lo que es necesario implementar esta metodología para su estudio y mejorar su diagnóstico específico.

Identification of p.W246L as a novel mutation in the GP1BA gene responsible for platelet-type von Willebrand disease.

Platelet-type von Willebrand disease (PT-VWD) and type 2B von Willebrand disease (2B-VWD) are rare bleeding disorders characterized by increased ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA) at low concentrations of ristocetin. Diagnosis of either condition is not easy and the differential diagnosis between the two entities is especially challenging as evidenced by high levels of misdiagnosis of both conditions, but particularly PT-VWD. Five mutations in the GP1BA gene related to PT-VWD and less than 50 patients are currently reported worldwide. We herein describe a patient with severe bleeding symptoms, macrothrombocytopenia, mild spontaneous platelet aggregation, positive RIPA at 0.3 and 0.4 mg/mL, von Willebrand factor ristocetin cofactor (VWF:RCo) to antigen (VWF:Ag) < 0.2, normal VWF propeptide/VWF:Ag ratio, and RIPA mixing tests and cryoprecipitate challenge positive for PT-VWD. GP1BA gene was studied in the patient, in his mother, and in 100 healthy control subjects. We identified a heterozygous substitution G > T located at nucleotide 3805 in the g.DNA of the patient's GP1BA gene, resulting in a Trp to Leu amino acid change at residue 246 (p.W246L). This mutation was absent in his unaffected mother and also in the 100 controls, and was predicted as damaging by in silico analysis. The residue W246 is located within the VWF-binding region and exists in a strongly conserved position in the phylogenetic tree, which is expected to be unable to tolerate substitutions without changing its functional characteristics. These findings argue strongly in favor of the view that this substitution does not represent a polymorphism and is therefore responsible for the PT-VWD phenotype of the patient.

Evaluation of von Willebrand factor during pregnancy, lactation and oestrous cycle in bitches affected and unaffected by von Willebrand disease.

Plasmatic concentrations of von Willebrand Factor (vWF) increase during pregnancy in humans and dogs; however the mechanism of such increase is still not well defined. The aims of this study were: (i) to evaluate changes in vWF concentration during pregnancy and during the subsequent oestrous cycle in bitches affected and unaffected by von Willebrand Disease (vWD); (ii) to correlate the vWF levels and cortisol levels in both groups. Seven vWD affected (GI) and nine unaffected (GII) bitches were used. The animals were assessed during pregnancy, parturition, lactation and non-gestational oestrous cycle in 11 moments (Pregnancy 1, Pregnancy 2, Parturition, Lactation 1, Lactation 2, Lactation 3, Anestrus, Proestrus, Oestrus, Diestrus 1, and Diestrus 2). The following tests were performed; measurement of von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag), albumin and cortisol. In both groups, vWF concentration remained stable during the non-gestational oestrous cycle, but increased during pregnancy, with the highest value observed at parturition. Increases of 70% and 124% in vWF were seen in GI and GII, respectively, compared to anestrus. No correlation was found between vWF and cortisol. Values of vWF:Ag changed during pregnancy, with a peak at parturition, both in vWD affected and unaffected animals. Values of vWF were not altered in the different phases of the oestrous cycle following pregnancy in both groups. Evaluation of vWF during pregnancy can cause false negative results for vWD, but assessment can be performed at any point in the oestrous cycle of non-pregnant bitches.

Biological and clinical response to desmopressin (DDAVP) in a retrospective cohort study of children with low von Willebrand factor levels and bleeding history.

The diagnosis and management of von Willebrand disease (VWD) in paediatrics is challenging. Our aim was to review patient's characteristics related to biological and clinical response to DDAVP in children with low von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels and bleeding history from a single institution. We included a retrospective cohort of 221 children (median age 11 years; 137 females): 27 type 1 (VWF levels within 15-30 IU dL-1) and 194 possible type 1 (VWF levels within 31-49 IU dL-1). The DDAVP infusion-test was performed in 214/221 children, 93.4% of whom showed good response. Patients with type 1 were at higher risk of DDAVP-test failure: 9/26 (34.6%) vs. 18/188 (9.6%) with possible type 1 (RR 3.44, 1.75-6.79; p= 0.002, Fisher's exact test). In 68 children, the clinical response to DDAVP was evaluated 87 times: i) to stop bleeding: menorrhagia (13), mucocutaneous (12), haemarthrosis (1); and ii) to prevent surgical bleeding: adenotonsillectomy (17), major (15) and minor surgery (10); and dental procedures (19). No major adverse events or bleeding were observed. The treatment was effective with one single dose of DDAVP in almost all patients, without antifibrinolytic or local therapy, except in a girl with severe haemorrhage during menarche who required replacement therapy. In conclusion, patients with VWD type 1 were at higher risk of no response to DDAVP infusion-test. In this series, one dose of DDAVP proved effective and safe for children with VWD. Since this is a safe, effective and affordable therapy, we consider that a wider use should be promoted, especially in developing countries.

Prospective study of low-dose ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation to identify type 2B von Willebrand disease (VWD) and platelet-type VWD in children.

Type 2B von Willebrand disease (VWD2B) and platelet-type von Willebrand disease (PT-VWD) are rare bleeding disorders characterised by an increased ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA) at low dose of ristocetin. It was the objective of this study to detect children with VWD2B and PT-VWD using RIPA at low dose of ristocetin (0.5 mg/ml) in the screening evaluation of bleeding disorders, and to analyse the phenotypic data along with the molecular findings. Over a 14-year period, 641 children with personal and family bleeding symptoms or bleeding from birth with previously uncharacterised haemostatic disorders were prospectively studied. Six unrelated patients (0.93%) showed RIPA at low dose of ristocetin. RIPA-based mixing studies identified that the plasma of the six probands and at least one parent from five unrelated families induced aggregation of normal platelets with the addition of low-dose ristocetin. None of the probands' platelets showed aggregation with cryoprecipitate. Low ristocetin cofactor activity/VWF antigen ratio with absent collagen binding activity or thrombocytopenia were detected respectively in only two patients. Molecular analysis of exon 28 of the VWF gene identified mutations in only three patients. No mutation in the GP1BA gene was found. In this large prospective paediatric study, the screening approach including RIPA at low dose of ristocetin permitted the detection of patients with VWD2B that would otherwise have been missed. No patient with phenotype or genotype of PT-VWD was identified. Heterogeneity of bleeding symptoms and phenotypic parameters were found among members of the same family.

Enzymes that hydrolyze adenine nucleotides in platelets and polymorphisms in the alpha2 gene of integrin alpha2beta1 in patients with von Willebrand disease.

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is one of the most common inherited bleeding diseases caused by a qualitative or quantitative deficiency of the von Willebrand factor (FvW). FvW is a multimeric glycoprotein synthesized by megakaryocytes and endothelial cells and it is present in the subendothelial matrix, blood plasma, platelets, and endothelium. This glycoprotein plays an important role in thrombus formation by initiating platelet adhesion to sites of injury as well as platelet aggregation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activities of enzymes that hydrolyze adenine nucleotides in platelets, ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA), and polymorphisms of the alpha2 gene of alpha2beta1 integrin from VWD patients. Platelet nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase), 5'-nucleotidase, and ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (E-NPP) activities were verified in 14 VWD patients. For RIPA determination, a final concentration of 1.25 mg/ml of ristocetin was used. Polymorphisms of the alpha2 gene were analyzed through PCR. Platelet NTPDase and E-NPP were decreased in VWD patients. 5'-Nucleotidase activity was not statistically significant between controls and VWD patients. RIPA was significantly reduced, with an allelic frequency of 78.57% for 807C in VWD patients. Our results indicated reduced platelet NTPDase and E-NPP activities which might be related to the low platelet adhesiveness. The prevalence of the 807C allele might account for the variability in bleeding in VWD.

Major haemorrhage related to surgery in patients with type 1 and possible type 1 von Willebrand disease.

Patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) frequently bleed under a challenge. The aim of our study was to identify predictive markers of perioperative major haemorrhage in type 1 (VWF:RCo = 15-30 IU dl(-1)) and possible type 1 (VWF:RCo = 31-49 IU dl(-1)) VWD patients. We recorded perioperative bleeding complications previous to diagnosis and laboratory parameters in 311 patients with 498 surgical procedures. The patients were grouped according to the absence (A) or presence (B) of perioperative major haemorrhages. Eighty-one patients (26%) and 87 surgical procedures (17.5%) presented major haemorrhages associated with surgeries. There was no difference between the percentage of type 1 and possible type 1 VWD patients who had major haemorrhages (32.6% and 24.8% respectively; p = ns). No difference in the prevalence of O blood group, age, gender, positive family history and laboratory test results (FVIII and VWF) was observed, independent of the haemorrhagic tendency. Bleeding after tooth extraction was the most frequent clinical feature observed in patients with perioperative major haemorrhages. The bleeding score and the number of bleeding sites (> or = 3) were not predictors of major haemorrhage associated with surgery. Caesarean section and adenotonsillectomy showed the highest frequency of major haemorrhages (24.6% and 22.3%, respectively). In conclusion, type 1 and possible type 1 VWD patients showed similar incidence of perioperative major haemorrhages. Laboratory tests and positive family history did not prove to be effective at predicting major haemorrhages in patients that had either type 1 or possible type 1 VWD. The history of bleeding after tooth extraction could define risk factors of major haemorrhage.

[Delivery complications and perinatal results in pregnant women with von Willebrand disease]. / Complicações do parto e resultados perinatais em gestantes portadoras da doença de von Willebrand.

OBJECTIVE: To study maternal complication associated to delivery and the puerperium period in pregnancies affected by von Willebrand's disease. METHODS: Chart data of all the pregnant women with diagnosis of von Willebrand disease were retrospectively reviewed. All cases with von Willebrand's disease that had given birth at this institution, between March 2001 and August 2007, were analyzed. The following variables were investigated: mode of delivery, hemorrhage complications during delivery and postpartum, maternal blood exams and perinatal results. Variables were studied descriptively, using absolute and relative frequencies, means, medians and standard deviations. RESULTS: 13 pregnancies of eight women with the disease were reviewed. During this sane period, there were 13,037 deliveries in the institution, resulting in an incidence of 0.1%. Six women (75%) were type 1 disease and, two (25%) were type 2. The last Factor VIIIc activity presented a mean value of 98.5%. A Cesarean section was performed in nine pregnancies, with epidural anesthesia in seven. Delivery complication occurred in two cases: one presented placental abruption and a Cesarean was performed. The other, presented postpartum hemorrhage in the first day and required reposition with factor VIII. Two cases received factor VIII before Cesarean section. Fetal growth restriction was detected in five pregnancies (38.5%). Mean birth weight was of 2676 grams and one case presented 1st minute Apgar score below seven. CONCLUSION: Delivery in patients with von Willebrand disease has a favorable evolution when specific assistance is provided. In these pregnancies,fetal growth should be monitored.

Complicações do parto e resultados perinatais em gestantes portadoras da doença de von Willebrand / Delivery complications and perinatal results in pregnant women with von Willebrand disease

OBJETIVO: Analisar as complicações maternas associadas ao parto e puerpério, bem como os resultados perinatais, em gestantes portadoras da doença de von Willebrand. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os prontuários de todas as gestantes com diagnóstico de doença de von Willebrand, cujo parto foi realizado nesta instituição no período compreendido entre março de 2001 e agosto de 2007. Foram investigadas características relativas à via de parto, incidência de complicações hemorrágicas no parto e no puerpério imediato, perfil dos exames laboratoriais maternos e resultados perinatais. As variáveis foram estudadas descritivamente, calculando-se freqüências absolutas e relativas, médias, medianas e desvios padrão. RESULTADOS: Foram revisadas 13 gestações em oito pacientes portadoras da doença. No período ocorreram 13.037 partos na instituição, perfazendo incidência de 0,1 por cento. Seis pacientes (75 por cento) apresentavam o tipo 1 da doença, e duas (25 por cento) o tipo 2. No terceiro trimestre, a média da atividade do fator VIIIc foi de 98,5 por cento. A cesárea foi realizada em nove casos (69 por cento), cuja anestesia foi do tipo raquidiana em sete casos. Como complicação do parto, um caso evoluiu com descolamento prematuro da placenta e foi realizada a cesárea. Um caso apresentou sangramento no primeiro pós-parto, necessitando reposição do fator VIII. Em dois casos foi realizada a reposição profilática do fator VIII antes da cesárea. A restrição do crescimento fetal ocorreu em cinco casos (38,5 por cento). O peso dos RNs apresentou média de 2676 gramas e um caso (7,8 por cento) apresentou Apgar de 1º minuto inferior a sete. CONCLUSÃO: O parto em gestantes com diagnóstico de doença de von Willebrand tem evolução favorável quando cuidados são tomados procurando oferecer assistência específica. O crescimento fetal deve ser monitorizado nessas gestantes.

OBJECTIVE: To study maternal complication associated to delivery and the puerperium period in pregnancies affected by von Willebrand's disease. METHODS: Chart data of all the pregnant women with diagnosis of von Willebrand disease were retrospectively reviewed. All cases with von Willebrand's disease that had given birth at this institution, between March 2001 and August 2007, were analyzed. The following variables were investigated: mode of delivery, hemorrhage complications during delivery and postpartum, maternal blood exams and perinatal results. Variables were studied descriptively, using absolute and relative frequencies, means, medians and standard deviations. RESULTS: 13 pregnancies of eight women with the disease were reviewed. During this sane period, there were 13,037 deliveries in the institution, resulting in an incidence of 0.1 percent. Six women (75 percent) were type 1 disease and, two (25 percent) were type 2. The last Factor VIIIc activity presented a mean value of 98.5 percent. A Cesarean section was performed in nine pregnancies, with epidural anesthesia in seven. Delivery complication occurred in two cases: one presented placental abruption and a Cesarean was performed. The other, presented postpartum hemorrhage in the first day and required reposition with factor VIII. Two cases received factor VIII before Cesarean section. Fetal growth restriction was detected in five pregnancies (38.5 percent). Mean birth weight was of 2676 grams and one case presented 1st minute Apgar score below seven. CONCLUSION: Delivery in patients with von Willebrand disease has a favorable evolution when specific assistance is provided. In these pregnancies,fetal growth should be monitored.

[Type 2N von Willebrand disease (Normandy)]. / Enfermedad de von Willebrand tipo 2N "Normandy"

INTRODUCTION: the results of the laboratory test for 2N von Willebrand disease (2N vWD) are indistinguishable from those of light or moderate haemophilia A, until the technique that evaluates the operation of the vWF: FVIII binding is performed. OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence of type 2N vWD in patients diagnosed with light or moderate haemophilia A and type 1 vWD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: twelve healthy donors and twenty-five patients diagnosed with haemophilia A (a carrier) and five suspected of type 1 vWD were included in the study. The common tests of haemostasis for this condition plus the technique of the relationship of the vWF: FVIII recombinant (F VIIIr) binding was performed. RESULTS: the laboratory results of the 30 patients were concordant with the previous diagnosis. However, three with a previous diagnosis of haemophilia A demonstrated a rate of relationship of the vWF: F VIIIr binding lower than the reference interval obtained from the healthy donors, which means it corresponds to 2N vWD. CONCLUSIONS: the screening method of 2N vWD employed in this study allowed to identify for first time in Mexico, the first cases of this variant with a prevalence of 10%. In our country, this method will allow to establishing accurate diagnosis of 2N vWD and to providing specific treatments.

Enfermedad de Võn Willebrand y embarazo gemelar: a propósito de un caso / Von Willebrand disease and pregnancy twins: a purpose of a case

Durante el embarazo ocurren alteraciones importantes en varios órganos y sistemas particularmente el mecanismo hemostático expresado por episodios hemorrágicos trombóticos o ambos, con una marcada influencia en la morbimortalidad materna. Las mujeres con coagulopatías presentan durante el embarazo, parto y puerperio, un riesgo mayor de hemorragia, por lo que es necesario una adecuada evaluación y un manejo multidisciplinario del embarazo. La enfermedad Võn Willebrand es una coagulopatía poco común. Con el objetivo de revisar el manejo intraparto de pacientes con coagulapatías hereditarias. Se presenta el caso clínico de una mujer con embarazo gemelar portadora de Enfermedad de Võn Willebrand tipo 1, recomendando al final, un protocolo de estudio de las pacientes y sus hijos.

High prevalence of bleeders of unknown cause among patients with inherited mucocutaneous bleeding. A prospective study of 280 patients and 299 controls.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mucocutaneous bleeding (MCB) is the main expression of inherited disorders of primary hemostasis. However, the relative prevalence of these disorders, their clinical differential diagnosis, and the proportion of patients with MCB of unknown cause (BUC) after an initial comprehensive laboratory testing are unknown. DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied prospectively 280 consecutive patients with MCB and 299 matched controls, using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. A single physician recorded the clinical data in a bleeding score and estimated the severity of bleeding in clinical categories. Laboratory criteria for the diagnosis of von Willebrand's disease (VWD) and platelet function defects were established from reference values derived from controls. RESULTS: Fifty patients (17.9%) had VWD (type 1VWD=45, type 2=5). Platelet function defects and mild clotting factor deficiencies were found in 65 (23.2%) and 11 (3.9%) patients, respectively. Thirteen (11.5%) patients had combined defects. The remaining 167(59.6%) patients had BUC, with prolonged bleeding time in 18.6% as their only abnormality. All these disorders, including BUC, were clinically undistinguishable. Moreover, no relationship was found between the severity of bleeding and VWF/platelet function variables. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic efficacy of a first laboratory testing in patients with hereditary MCB is 40.4%. Most patients have a disease(s) of high prevalence but unknown pathogenesis. Concurrent bleeding disorders in the same patient are frequent. Our results support the proposal that low plasma VWF levels, but also platelet function defects, should be considered risk factors rather than unequivocal causes of hemorrhages.

The relationship between ABO groups and subgroups, factor VIII and von Willebrand factor.

The aim of this study was to correlate ABO groups with plasma levels of factor VIII (FVIII), von Willebrand factor (VWF:Ag), and ristocetin cofactor (VWF:RCo). Serological and molecular tests defined blood groups from 114 donors (10 AA, 10 BB, 10 AB, 10 AO1, 10 BO1,16 O1O1, 20 A2O1, 20 A2B, 4 A3O1, 3 AxO1, and 1 BelO1). The levels of VWF:Ag, FVIII and VWF:RCo observed in rare subgroups (A3O1, AxO1, BelO1) were similar to the values found in the O1O1 group. However, levels of these factors were significantly higher in A2O1 donors than in O1O1 donors (VWF:Ag p=0.01; FVIII p=0.04; VWF:RCo p<0.001). Strong correlations were demonstrated between plasma levels of VWF:Ag and FVIII (R=0.77; p=0.001) and between VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo (R=0.75; p=0.001).

Thrombin generation in platelet-poor plasma is normal in patients with hereditary mucocutaneous haemorrhages.

Mild hereditary bleeding disorders presenting with mucocutaneous haemorrhages are usually difficult to diagnose. We measured thrombin generation in platelet-poor plasma (TG-PPP) in 206 patients with a clinically unequivocal bleeding tendency: 45 with von Willebrand disease (vWD), 49 with platelet aggregation/secretion defects (PASD), 10 with a combination of both and 102 who did not fit the diagnostic criteria for any known haemostatic disorder. TG-PPP was not significantly different from controls in all patient groups, indicating that an abnormality in the plasmatic clotting system is unlikely to contribute to the bleeding in patients with type 1 vWD and PASD. In patients with undiagnosed mild hereditary bleeding disorders, there must be other mechanisms which explain the abnormal haemorrhagic tendency, most likely as yet unrecognized defects in platelet-vessel wall interaction. As a next step we plan to investigate thrombin generation in PRP.