Every minute counts: A comparison of thawing times and haemostatic quality of plasma thawed at 37°C and 45°C using four different methods.

BACKGROUND: Having faster plasma thawing devices could be beneficial for transfusion services, as it may improve the rapid availability of thawed plasma for bleeding patients, and it might remove the need to have extended pre-thawed plasma: thus, reducing unnecessary plasma wastage. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The aims of this study were to assess (a) the thawing times and (b) in vitro haemostatic quality of thawed plasma using Barkey Plasmatherm V (PTV) at 37 and 45°C versus Barkey Plasmatherm Classic (PTC) at 37 and 45°C, Sarstedt Sahara-III Maxitherm (SS-III) at 37°C and Helmer Scientific Thermogenesis Thermoline (TT) at 37°C. Haemostatic quality was assessed using LG-Octaplas at three different time points: baseline (5 min), 24 and 120 h after thawing. RESULTS: The thawing time (SD) of 2 and 4 units was significantly different between different thawers. PTV at 45°C was the fastest method for both 2 and 4 units (7.06 min [0.68], 9.6 min [0.87], respectively). SS-III at 37°C being the slowest method (24.69 min [2.09] and 27.18 min [4.4], respectively) (p = < 0.05). Baseline measurements for all assays showed no significant difference in the prothrombin time, fibrinogen, FII, FV, protein C activity or free protein S antigen between all methods tested. However, at baseline PTV (both 37°C and 45°C) had significantly higher levels of FVII, FVIII and FXI and shortened activated partial thromboplastin time. DISCUSSION: PTV was the quickest method at thawing plasma at both 37 and at 45°C. The haemostatic quality of plasma thawed at 45 versus 37°C was not impaired. Thawing frozen plasma at 45°C should be considered.

Prothrombin complex concentrate vs. fresh frozen plasma in adult patients undergoing heart surgery - a pilot randomised controlled trial (PROPHESY trial).

There is equipoise regarding the use of prothrombin complex concentrate vs. fresh frozen plasma in bleeding patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We performed a pilot randomised controlled trial to determine the recruitment rate for a large trial, comparing the impact of prothrombin complex concentrate vs. fresh frozen plasma on haemostasis (1 h and 24 h post-intervention), and assessing safety. Adult patients who developed bleeding within 24 h of cardiac surgery that required coagulation factor replacement were randomly allocated to receive prothrombin complex concentrate (15 IU.kg-1 based on factor IX) or fresh frozen plasma (15 ml.kg-1 ). If bleeding continued after the first administration of prothrombin complex concentrate or fresh frozen plasma administration, standard care was administered. From February 2019 to October 2019, 180 patients were screened, of which 134 (74.4% (95%CI 67-81%)) consented, 59 bled excessively and 50 were randomly allocated; 25 in each arm, recruitment rate 35% (95%CI 27-44%). There were 23 trial protocol deviations, 137 adverse events (75 prothrombin complex concentrate vs. 62 fresh frozen plasma) and 18 serious adverse events (5 prothrombin complex concentrate vs. 13 fresh frozen plasma). There was no increase in thromboembolic events with prothrombin complex concentrate. No patient withdrew from the study, four were lost to follow-up and two died. At 1 h after administration of the intervention there was a significant increase in fibrinogen, Factor V, Factor XII, Factor XIII, α2 -antiplasmin and antithrombin levels in the fresh frozen plasma arm, while Factor II and Factor X were significantly higher in the prothrombin complex concentrate group. At 24 h, there were no significant differences in clotting factor levels. We conclude that recruitment to a larger study is feasible. Haemostatic tests have provided useful insight into the haemostatic changes following prothrombin complex concentrate or fresh frozen plasma administration. A definitive trial is needed to ascertain the benefits and safety for each.

Optimization of pre-analytical heat treatment for inhibitor detection in haemophilia A.

INTRODUCTION: Factor VIII (FVIII) antibody formation is the greatest clinical and laboratory challenge within the haemophilia centre. The Nijmegen-Bethesda assay (NBA) is the gold standard for inhibitor quantification, but affected by pre-analytical variables including a patient's FVIII activity (FVIII:C). Pre-analytical heat treatment (PHT) provides a methodology for inhibitor testing when measurable FVIII:C is present. METHODS: We evaluated the effect of different PHT conditions (time/temperature) on FVIII:C as well as on potency of inhibitory activity in samples containing FVIII:C (endogenous pooled plasma and exogenous recombinant FVIII (rFL-FVIII) concentrate) or FVIII inhibitor. RESULTS: PHT of endogenous FVIII at 37°C, 47°C and 52°C resulted in declining measurable FVIII:C at 120 minutes (69%, 57% and 13% of the original FVIII:C, respectively). Incubation at 56°C resulted in FVIII:C ≤ 1IU/dL after 60 minutes for endogenous FVIII and 120 minutes for rFL-FVIII. Incubation at 58°C resulted in FVIII:C < 1IU/dL at 15-30 minutes for endogenous FVIII and at 30-60 minutes for rFL-FVIII. No difference was seen for inhibitor detection following PHT (56°C or 58°C) by NBA or anti-FVIII IgG ELISA. CONCLUSION: PHT at 58°C for 30 minutes demonstrated consistent reduction in FVIII:C < 1IU/dL without appearing to affect inhibitor detection. Laboratory awareness of differences in thermostability of different sources of FVIII is important when choosing PHT conditions.

A computer-based model to assess costs associated with the use of factor VIII and factor IX one-stage and chromogenic activity assays.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of coagulation factor factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX (FIX) activity can be associated with a high level of variability using one-stage assays based on activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Chromogenic assays show less variability, but are less commonly used in clinical laboratories. In addition, one-stage assay accuracy using certain reagent and instrument combinations is compromised by some modified recombinant factor concentrates. Reluctance among some in the hematology laboratory community to adopt the use of chromogenic assays may be partly attributable to lack of familiarity and perceived higher associated costs. OBJECTIVES: To identify and characterize key cost parameters associated with one-stage APTT and chromogenic assays for FVIII and FIX activity using a computer-based cost analysis model. METHODS: A cost model for FVIII and FIX chromogenic assays relative to APTT assays was generated using assumptions derived from interviews with hematologists and laboratory scientists, common clinical laboratory practise, manufacturer list prices and assay kit configurations. RESULTS: Key factors that contribute to costs are factor-deficient plasma and kit reagents for one-stage and chromogenic assays, respectively. The stability of chromogenic assay kit reagents also limits the cost efficiency compared with APTT testing. Costs for chromogenic assays might be reduced by 50-75% using batch testing, aliquoting and freezing of kit reagents. CONCLUSIONS: Both batch testing and aliquoting of chromogenic kit reagents might improve cost efficiency for FVIII and FIX chromogenic assays, but would require validation. Laboratory validation and regulatory approval as well as education and training in the use of chromogenic assays might facilitate wider adoption by clinical laboratories.

Wilate use in 47 children with von Willebrand disease: the North London paediatric haemophilia network experience.

Children with von Willebrand disease (VWD) in whom DDAVP is ineffective or contraindicated require treatment with a coagulation factor concentrate containing von Willebrand factor (VWF) and factor VIII (FVIII). The aim of this study was to monitor the safety, efficacy and tolerability of Wilate(®) (a VWF:FVIII concentrate with a 1:1 ratio) used across the North London Paediatric Haemophilia Network since May 2010. In total, 47 children (aged 0.0-17.0 years) with type 1 (n = 28), type 2 (n = 7), type 3 (n = 10) and acquired VWS (n = 2) have been treated for bleeds, surgery and/or prophylaxis using 260 000 IU Wilate(®). Analysis of dose and frequency of treatment show expected responses to treatment with mean doses of 55, 50 and 50 IU kg(-1) for bleeds, surgery and prophylaxis respectively. Most bleeds responded to a single treatment. Surgical procedures were covered with clinician approved dosing schedules with 95% (39/41) reported as having excellent or good efficacy. There was no accumulation of FVIII or VWF and no thromboembolic events. This case series confirms the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Wilate(®) in neonates, children and adolescents when used on-demand, prophylactically and in the surgical setting.

Safety and efficacy of a von Willebrand factor/factor VIII concentrate (Wilate®): a single centre experience.

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the commonest inherited bleeding disorder. Management of major surgery or bleeding often requires treatment with a plasma-derived (pd) VWF/FVIII containing concentrate. Wilate® is a dual-virally inactivated pd-concentrate, produced specifically for the treatment of VWD, containing physiological (1:1) ratios of VWF: FVIII. We reviewed efficacy and safety of Wilate® usage (2007-2012) at our centre including 2 years following product switching the majority of patients. Clinical and laboratory data of all adult patients treated with Wilate® during the study period were evaluated. Fifty four patients used 3 972 150 IU of Wilate® (1378 infusions) between 1/3/07 and 1/5/12. Efficacy was rated as being excellent or good in 94% of surgical episodes (n = 70; 34 patients) and 98% of bleeding/traumatic episodes (n = 46; 25 patients). Eight patients (2 636 100 IU) were managed on home treatment regimens. Two patients switched to Wilate® prophylaxis in the evaluation period, demonstrating similar efficacy to a previous product. Incremental recoveries (n = 37) were 2.24 IU dL(-1) per IU kg(-1) for FVIII:C, 2.39 IU dL(-1) per IU kg(-1) for VWF:Ag and 1.88 IU dL(-1) per IU kg(-1) for VWF:RCo. Six adverse events occurred in six patients (11.1% patients) over 1378 infusions (0.44%). Half of these were retrospectively felt to be infusion speed related. No notable accumulation of FVIII was seen in patients treated for ≥3 days. There was no treatment failure, thrombosis, transfusion transmitted infection or inhibitory VWF antibodies seen. Our findings confirm safety and efficacy of Wilate® in an adult VWD population with lack of notable FVIII accumulation.

The incidence and magnitude of fibrinolytic activation in trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is a global disease, with over 2.5 million deaths annually from hemorrhage and coagulopathy. Overt hyperfibrinolysis is rare in trauma, and is associated with massive fatal injuries. Paradoxically, clinical trials suggest a much broader indication for antifibrinolytics. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and magnitude of fibrinolytic activation in trauma patients and its relationship to clot lysis as measured by thromboelastometry. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 303 consecutive trauma patients admitted between January 2007 and June 2009 was performed. Blood was drawn on arrival for thromboelastometry (TEM) and coagulation assays. Follow-up was until hospital discharge or death. TEM hyperfibrinolysis was defined as maximum clot lysis of > 15%. Fibrinolytic activation (FA) was determined according to plasmin-antiplasmin (PAP) complex and D-dimer levels. Data were collected on demographics, mechanism, severity of injury, and baseline vital signs. The primary outcome measure was 28-day mortality. The secondary outcome measures were 28-day ventilator-free days and 24-h transfusion requirement. RESULTS: Only 5% of patients had severe fibrinolysis on TEM, but 57% of patients had evidence of 'moderate' fibrinolysis, with PAP complex levels elevated to over twice normal (> 1500 µg L(-1)) without lysis on TEM. TEM detected clot lysis only when PAP complex levels were increased to 30 times normal (P < 0.001) and antiplasmin levels were < 75% of normal. Patients with FA had increased 28-day mortality as compared with those with no FA (12% vs. 1%, P < 0.001), fewer ventilator-free days, and longer hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: FA occurs in the majority of trauma patients, and the magnitude of FA correlates with poor clinical outcome. This was not detected by conventional TEM, which is an insensitive measure of endogenous fibrinolytic activity.