[Prediction of Coagulation Factor â § Level in Chinese Hemophilia A Patients by the Pharmacokinetic Management Tool myPKFiT].

Objective To evaluate the performance of myPKFiT,a tool guiding the dosing of antihemophilic factor (recombinant) plasma/albumin-free method (rAHF-PFM),in maintaining the coagulation factor Ⅷ (FⅧ) level above a target threshold at the steady state and estimating the pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters in hemophilia A patients in China. Methods The data of 9 patients with severe hemophilia A in a trial (CTR20140434) assessing the safety and efficacy of rAHF-PFM in the Chinese patients with hemophilia A were analyzed.The myPKFiT was used to predict the adequate dose to maintain a patient's FⅧ level above target threshold at the steady state.Furthermore,the performance of myPKFiT in estimating the pharmacokinetics parameters of individuals was evaluated. Results Twelve combinations of two dosing intervals and six sparse sampling schedules were investigated,and 57%-88% of the patients remained the FⅧ level above the target threshold of 1 U/dl (1%) for at least 80% of the dosing interval.The clearance and time to FⅧ level of 1% obtained from sparse sampling by myPKFiT were similar to those obtained from extensive sampling. Conclusions The myPKFiT can provide adequate dose estimates to maintain the FⅧ level above the target threshold at the steady state in Chinese patients with severe hemophilia A.Moreover,it demonstrates good performance for estimating key pharmacokinetics parameters,including clearance and time to FⅧ level of 1%.

A novel scoring system for the quantitative prediction of prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia.

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematopoietic malignancy. Patient prognosis cannot be accurately assessed in National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) risk stratification subgroups based on the current criteria. This study aimed to develop a novel prognostic score model for the quantitative prediction of prognosis in AML. Results: We developed a prognostic risk scoring model of AML using differentially expressed genes to predict prognosis in patients with AML. Furthermore, we evaluated the effectiveness and clinical significance of this prognostic model in 4 AML cohorts and 905 patients with AML. A prognostic risk scoring model of AML containing eight prognosis-related genes was constructed using a multivariate Cox regression model. The model had a higher predictive value for the prognosis of AML in the training and validation sets. In addition, patients with lower scores had significantly better overall survival (OS) and even-free survival (EFS) than those with higher scores among patients with intermediate-risk AML according to the NCCN guidelines, indicating that the model could be used to further predict the prognosis of the intermediate-risk AML populations. Similarly, patients with high scores had remarkably poor OS and EFS in the normal-karyotype populations, indicating that the scoring model had an excellent predictive performance for patients with AML having normal karyotype. Conclusions: Our study provided an individualized prognostic risk score model that could predict the prognosis of patients with AML.

[Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Lenalidomide on Hemophilic Arthropathy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of lenalidomide on human fibroblast-like synovial cells (HFLS) and the therapeutic efficacy on hemophilic arthropathy in hemophilia A mice model. METHODS: In vitro, to remodel the inflammatory environment of synovial tissue after hemorrhage, ferric citrate and recombinant TNF-α were added into the cell culture medium of HFLS. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Quantitative Real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and flow cytometry were employed for detection of the effects of lenalidomide on the proliferation ability, pro-inflammatory cytokines release and apoptosis of HFLS cells. In vivo, hemophilia arthropathy was remodeled in hemophilia A mice by induction of hemarthrosis. A series of doses of lenalidomide (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 g/kg) was administrated intra-articularly. Tissues of knee joints were collected on the 14th day after administration, and the protective effect of lenalidomide on arthritis in hemophilia A mice were evaluated by RT-qPCR and histological grading. RESULTS: In vitro, compared with the untreated control group, lenalidomide could significantly inhibit the proliferation of HFLS cells (P<0.05), and the effect was the most significant when the concentration was 0.01 µmol/L (P<0.001). Compared with the control group, lenalidomide could significantly inhibit the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IFN-γ in HFLS cells (P<0.05). The flow cytometry results showed that lenalidomide could enhance the apoptotis of HFLS cells (P<0.05). The results of RT-qPCR showed that lenalidomide could significantly reduce the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6,MCP-1 and VEGF in the joint tissues (P<0.05). Histological results showed that compared with the injured group, lenalidomide could significantly reduce the pathological sequela after hemarthrosis induction, e.g. synovial thickening and neo-angiogenesis in the synovium. The protection displayed a dose-response pattern roughly. CONCLUSION: In vitro, lenalidomide can inhibit the proliferation of HFLS cells, promote their apoptosis, and inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In vivo, lenalidomide can significantly decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the joints of mice, and prevent the development of inflammation and neo-angiogenesis. The results provide a theoretical and experimental basis for the clinical application of lenalidomide in the treatment of hemophilic arthropathy.

Protein S gene mutation c.946C > T (p.R316C) contributed to ischemic stroke in a man with von Willebrand disease type 3 caused by two novel VWF gene mutations, c.2328delT (p.A778Lfs* 23) and c.6521G > T (p.C2174F).

The risk factors for a family with VWD presenting with an ischemic stroke (IS) were explored. FVIII activity (FVIII:C), VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), and protein S activity were measured. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was performed targeting F8, F9, VWF, PROC, and PROS1. Sanger sequencing validation was performed on family members. The proband and his sister both had low FVIII:C (1 IU/dL) and VWF:Ag (3 IU/dL) levels, confirming the diagnosis of type 3 VWD. His father had nearly normal levels of FVIII:C (58 IU/dL) and VWF:Ag (57 IU/dL). His daughter had type 1 VWD with decreased FVIII:C (46 IU/dL) and VWF:Ag (19 IU/dL). NGS identified a heterozygous VWF c.2328delT (p.A778Lfs*23) frame shift mutation only in the proband and his sister. Another VWF missense mutation, c.6521G > T (p.C2174F), was found heterozygous in all members studied. A PROS1 mutation, c.946C > T (p.R316C), previously reported to relate to ischemic stroke, was found heterozygous in the patient, his father, and his daughter. Only the proband and daughter have a slightly decreased plasma protein S level. This may be the first case with type 3 VWD with severe VWF/FVIII deficiency presented with ischemic stroke contributed to by a protein S defect.

Exploring the Potential Feasibility of Intra-Articular Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gene Therapy for Hemophilia Arthropathy.

Hemophilia arthropathy (HA) represents the majority of morbidity in severe hemophilia patients, especially in resource-limited countries. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy is showing promise for managing hemophilia. However, patients with neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against AAV, and inhibitors to clotting factors, are excluded from such therapy. This study explored the feasibility of AAV-mediated local gene therapy for HA. Factor VIII knockout (FVIII-/-) mice, with or without a FVIII inhibitor, were subjected to hemarthrosis induction and treated with either intravenous (IV) or intraarticular (IA) recombinant human factor VIII (rhFVIII). To investigate whether rhFVIII carried the risk to develop a FVIII inhibitor, FVIII-/- mice were treated with three doses of IV or IA rhFVIII and inhibitor development was measured. In patients with established HA requiring synovial fluid aspiration, plasma, and synovial fluid were collected and measured for anti-AAV capsid IgG (serotypes 1-9 and 843) and NAbs for AAV843. IA rhFVIII provided better protection from synovitis compared with IV rhFVIII, with or without the FVIII inhibitor. While IV rhFVIII led to all FVIII-/- mice developing an FVIII inhibitor (n = 31, median 4.9 Bethesda units [BU]/mL), only 50% of the mice developed a FVIII inhibitor by IA administration, and at a lower titer (median 0.55 BU/mL). In hemophilia patients, total anti-AAV IgG was lowest for AAV4 and AAV5, both in plasma and synovial fluid. Anti-AAV IgGs in synovial fluid for most samples were lower or similar to the plasma levels. These results show that direct IA rhFVIII administration yields better protection against bleeding-induced joint damage, even in the presence of an inhibitor antibody. IA rhFVIII delivery carried a lower risk of FVIII inhibitor formation compared with IV FVIII. The anti-AAV antibody level in synovial fluid was similar or lower than the plasma level, supporting the feasibility of local gene therapy for managing HA.

Novel Piperazino-Enaminones Decrease Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Following Hemarthrosis in a Hemophilia Mouse Model.

Hemarthrosis is the primary cause of hemophiliac arthropathy (HA). Pro-inflammatory cytokines are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of HA, and thus, anti-cytokine approaches may be used as an adjuvant therapy. A novel series of enaminone compounds (JODI), that contain the N-aryl piperazino motif, have been shown in vitro to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and thus may be efficacious in vivo. In this report, we will assess whether JODI can suppress multiple cytokines which might be potentially responsible for joint inflammation in a mouse model of hemarthrosis. The results showed that JODI significantly improved the survival after LPS treatment, and most pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines were decreased significantly after JODI administration. In the hemophilia mouse model, hemarthrosis resulted in local cytokine/chemokine changes, represented by elevated pro-inflammatory (IL-6, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1ß) and pro-angiogenic (VEGF and IL-33) cytokines, and decreased anti-pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. The changes were reversed by administration of JODI, which can be used as a novel approach to manage hemophilia arthropathy.

Timely and large dose of clotting factor IX provides better joint wound healing after hemarthrosis in hemophilia B mice.

Bleeding into the joints represents the major morbidity of severe hemophilia and predisposes it to hemophilic arthropathy (HA). In a reproducible hemarthrosis mouse model, we found distinct changes in thrombin activity in joint tissue homogenate following exposure of the joint to blood in wide type (WT) and hemophilic B mice. Specifically, at early time points (4 h and 24 h) after hemarthrosis, thrombin activity in WT mice quickly peaked at 4 h, and returned to baseline after 1 week. In hemophilia B mice, there was no/minimal thrombin activity in joint tissues at 4 h and 24 h, whereas at 72 h and thereafter, thrombin activity kept rising, and persisted at a higher level. Nevertheless, prothrombin had not decreased in both WT and hemophilia. The pattern was also confirmed by Western blotting and immunostaining. To optimize the protection against development of HA, we tested different treatment regimens by administration of clotting factor IX into hemophilia B mouse after hemarthrosis induction, including a total of 600 IU/kg FIX within the first 24 h or the whole 2-week period. We concluded that timely (in the first 24 h) and sufficient hemostasis correction is critical for a better protection against the development of hemophilic arthropathy.

A Translational Study of TNF-Alpha Antagonists as an Adjunctive Therapy for Preventing Hemophilic Arthropathy.

Repeated intra-articular hemorrhages lead to hemophilic arthropathy in severe hemophilia. Inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)) might be involved in this pathogenesis. We hypothesized that anti-TNFα may provide adjuvant protection for hemophilic arthropathy management. We measured TNFα in synovial lavage from hemophilia mice subjected to hemarthrosis induction and synovial fluid from patients with hemophilic arthropathy (n = 5). In hemophilia mice, recurrent hemarthroses were induced, anti-TNFα was initiated either from day (D)7 after one hemarthrosis episode or D21 after three hemarthroses episodes (n ≥ 7/treatment group). In patients with hemophilic arthropathy (16 patients with 17 affected joints), a single dose of anti-TNFα was administered intra-articularly. Efficacy, characterized by synovial membrane thickness and vascularity, was determined. Elevated TNFα in synovial lavage was found in the hemophilia mice and patients with hemophilic arthropathy. Hemophilia mice subjected to three hemarthroses developed severe synovitis (Synovitis score of 6.0 ± 1.6). Factor IX (FIX) replacement alone partially improved the pathological changes (Synovitis score of 4.2 ± 0.8). However, anti-TNFα treatment initiated at D7, not D21, significantly provided protection (Synovitis score of 1.8 ± 0.9 vs. 3.9 ± 0.3). In patients with hemophilic arthropathy, intra-articular anti-TNFα significantly decreased synovial thickness and vascularity during the observed period from D7 to D30. Collectively, this preliminary study seems to indicate that TNFα may be associated with the pathogenicity of hemophilic arthropathy and anti-TNFα could provide adjuvant protection against hemophilic arthropathy. Further studies are required to confirm the preliminary results shown in this study.

Chinese guidelines for treatment of adult primary immune thrombocytopenia.

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a bleeding disorder commonly encountered in clinical practice. The International Working Group (IWG) on ITP has published several landmark papers on terminology, definitions, outcome criteria, bleeding assessment, diagnosis, and management of ITP. The Chinese consensus reports for diagnosis and management of adult ITP have been updated to the 4th edition. Based on current consensus positions and new emerging clinical evidence, the thrombosis and hemostasis group of the Chinese Society of Hematology issued Chinese guidelines for management of adult ITP, which aim to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical decision making.

The endothelial specific isoform of type XVIII collagen correlates to annual bleeding rate in haemophilia patients.

INTRODUCTION: The medical need in the haemophilic (HF) field to reduce bleeding incidents requires measurement of the annual bleeding rate (ABR) in haemophiliacs. Vascular rupture is associated with damage to the vascular endothelium causing exposure of the basement membrane. Endothelial cells and matrix impairment may be associated with joint bleeds and later development of HF arthropathy. Imbalanced extracellular matrix turnover is a central pathological feature in many diseases consequent to epithelial or endothelial cell damage. Type XVIII collagen is an essential basement membrane component, with an endothelial specific isoform. AIM: To quantify the basement membrane specifically for the endothelial cells, as that may have particular relevance to endothelial cell stability and rupture in haemophiliacs. A newly developed ELISA assay detecting endothelial type XVIII collagen (COL-18N) was used to assess the clinical relevance of endothelial basement membrane turnover in patients diagnosed with HF arthropathy and correlation to ABR. METHODS: We developed an ELISA assay for quantification of COL-18N. Serum from 35 male HF patients was investigated using the COL-18N ELISA. RESULTS: COL-18N correlated to the ABR of haemophiliacs, r = 0.45, P<0.006. CONCLUSION: Vascular rupture and consequent bleeding are associated with joint damage and deterioration of life quality in haemophiliacs. Quantification of ABR is an important part in efficacy assessment of different interventions, and the benchmark of these. Objective biomarkers reflecting endothelial dysfunction, vascular leaks and rupture, like the COL-18N biomarker that associate with ABR, may assist in identifying the most optimal treatment and monitoring of HF patients.

A Retrospective Study of the Cytokine Profile Changes in Mice with FVIII Inhibitor Development After Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gene Therapy in a Hemophilia A Mouse Model.

The development of inhibitory autoantibodies to the infused clotting factor VIII (FVIII) is a major complication for severe hemophilia A management. Novel therapy options for hemophilia have significantly progressed in the last decade, and a gene therapy cure for hemophilia is becoming a reality. However, mechanistic studies of FVIII autoantibodies (FVIII inhibitors) have lagged behind and remain a challenge for both protein replacement and gene therapy. FVIII inhibitor formation is assumed to be a classical T cell-dependent immune response in which cytokines/chemokines play an important role. The study of cytokine profile changes during FVIII inhibitor development may be helpful to understand the mechanism of inhibitor development and to explore potential novel approaches that will minimize the risk. After FVIII-/- mice were treated with intravenous administration of an adeno-associated virus 8 vector encoding human FVIII, FVIII expression peaked at week 2 (W2), and FVIII inhibitor was thoroughly developed at week 8 (W8). W8 plasma that showed positive FVIII inhibitor, and W2 samples with negative FVIII inhibitor (anti-FVIII[+]), were subjected to multiplex cytokines measurement. W8 and W2 samples were both negative for FVIII inhibitor (anti-FVIII[-]) as the control. In comparison to mice in the anti-FVIII(-) group, mice in the anti-FVIII(+) group exhibited significantly elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-12p40, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1, MIP-2, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), especially at higher titers. The anti-inflammatory cytokine of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) was decreased at W2 in both groups. Multivariate analysis of the risk factors for FVIII inhibitor development showed peak FVIII activity at W2. IL-6 and TNF-α at W8 were positively correlated with inhibitor formation, and negatively correlated with the age starting gene therapy. Collectively, the elevated monocyte derived pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, together with the decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine of TGF-ß at an early time point, may contribute to the persistent inflammatory environment in favor of an immune response toward FVIII inhibitor development.

Gene Delivery of Activated Factor VII Using Alternative Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype Improves Hemostasis in Hemophiliac Mice with FVIII Inhibitors and Adeno-Associated Virus Neutralizing Antibodies.

While therapeutic expression of coagulation factors from adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors has been successfully achieved in patients with hemophilia, neutralizing antibodies to the vector and inhibitory antibodies to the transgene severely limit efficacy. Indeed, approximately 40% of mice transduced with human factor VIII using the AAV8 serotype developed inhibitory antibodies to factor VIII (FVIII inhibitor), as well as extremely high titers (≥1:500) of neutralizing antibodies to AAV8. To correct hemophilia in these mice, AAV9, a serotype with low in vitro cross-reactivity (≤1:5) to anti-AAV8, was used to deliver mouse-activated factor VII (mFVIIa). It was found that within 6 weeks of systemic administration of 2 × 1013 particles/kg of AAV9/mFVIIa, hemophiliac mice with FVIII inhibitors and neutralizing antibodies (NAb) to AAV8 achieved hemostasis comparable to that in wild-type mice, as measured by rotational thromboelastometry. A level of 737 ng/mL mFVIIa was achieved after AAV9/mFVIIa adminstration compared to around 150 ng/mL without vector treatment, and concomitantly prothrombin time was shortened. Tissues collected after intra-articular hemorrhage from FVIII-deficient mice and mice with FVIII inhibitors were scored 4.7 and 5.5, respectively, on a scale of 0-10, indicating significant pathological damage. However, transduction with AAV9/mFVIIa decreased pathology scores to 3.6 and eliminated hemosiderin iron deposition in the synovium in most mice. Collectively, these results suggest that application of alternative serotypes of AAV vector to deliver bypassing reagents has the potential to correct hemophilia and prevent hemoarthrosis, even in the presence of FVIII inhibitor and neutralizing antibodies to AAV.

Confirmation of longer FIX activity half-life with prolonged sample collection after single doses of nonacog alfa in patients with haemophilia B.

A multicentre, single-dose study enrolled 12 previously treated patients with moderately severe to severe (factor IX [FIX] levels ≤2 IU/dl) haemophilia B to assess FIX pharmacokinetics after nonacog alfa administration and to evaluate the impact of length of sampling time on half-life (t½). After refraining from FIX replacement for four days, patients received 50 IU/kg as an intravenous (IV) infusion over 10 minutes. Blood samples were collected predose and 0.25, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 9, 24, 50, 72, and 96 h post dose. Tolerability and safety were assessed by monitoring adverse events and were subsequently summary tabulated. FIX activity was measured by a one-stage clotting assay with a lower limit of quantification of 0.010 IU/ml, and inhibitors to FIX were measured using the Bethesda assay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by noncompartmental analysis and were descriptively summarised. Half-life estimates were calculated first using all available data, then excluding 96-h observations (truncated at 72 h) and, finally, excluding both 72- and 96-h observations (truncated at 50 h). No patient was positive for FIX inhibitors. No treatment-emergent adverse events were reported. Prolonging the duration of the sample collection to 96 h resulted in a terminal t½ estimate of 39.6 ±7.4 h in the eight patients aged 18 years and older, which was longer than the estimates obtained using shorter periods of observation: 29.6 ± 5.5 h (truncated at 72 h) and 27.2 ± 7.0 h (truncated at 50 h). To accurately assess an adult patient's t½, sampling should be continued for at least 96 h.

Abnormal joint and bone wound healing in hemophilia mice is improved by extending factor IX activity after hemarthrosis.

Wound healing requires interactions between coagulation, inflammation, angiogenesis, cellular migration, and proliferation. Healing in dermal wounds of hemophilia B mice is delayed when compared with hemostatically normal wild-type (WT) mice, with abnormal persistence of iron deposition, inflammation, and neovascularity. We observed healing following induced joint hemorrhage in WT and factor IX (FIX) knockout (FIX-/-) mice, examining also parameters previously studied in an excisional skin wound model. Hemostatically normal mice tolerated this joint bleeding challenge, cleared blood from the joint, and healed with minimal pathology, even if additional autologous blood was injected intra-articularly at the time of wounding. Following hemarthrosis, joint wound healing in hemophilia B mice was impaired and demonstrated similar abnormal histologic features as previously described in hemophilic dermal wounds. Therefore, studies of pathophysiology and therapy of hemophilic joint bleeding performed in hemostatically normal animals are not likely to accurately reflect the healing defect of hemophilia. We additionally explored the hypothesis that the use of a FIX replacement protein with extended circulating FIX activity could improve synovial and osteochondral wound healing in hemophilic mice, when compared with treatment with unmodified recombinant FIX (rFIX) in the established joint bleeding model. Significantly improved synovial wound healing and preservation of normal osteochondral architecture are achieved by extending FIX activity after hemarthrosis using glycoPEGylated FIX when compared with an equivalent dose of rFIX. These results suggest that treating joint bleeding only until hemostasis is achieved may not result in optimal joint healing, which is improved by extending factor activity.

Reversible MRI findings in a case of acute intermittent porphyria with a novel mutation in the porphobilinogen deaminase gene.

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a partial deficiency of porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD), the third enzyme in the of heme biosynthetic pathway. It can affect the autonomic, peripheral, and central nervous system. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinicoradiological entity characterized by headache, seizures, altered consciousness, and visual disorder associated with potentially reversible neuroradiological abnormalities predominantly in the parieto-occipital lobes. Establishing accurate diagnoses of the patient and asymptomatic family members with AIP involves identifying the PBGD enzyme mutations directly. In this study, we report a 28-year-old woman with acute intermittent porphyria who presented with radiological manifestations suggestive of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, she had a novel PBGD frame shift mutation, base 875 and 876 have been deleted resulting in glutamine to a stop codon (Gln292fs), in a Chinese family.

Coexistence of acquired hemophilia A and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: Two case reports and published work review.

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a rare chronic subepidermal bullous autoimmune disease. The occurrence of acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is low and so the coexistence of EBA and AHA is extremely rare. We herein described a case of EBA coexisting with AHA and a case of EBA coexisting with AHA and hepatitis B. These EBA may be related to the pathogenesis of AHA. In this study, we analyzed the clinical features in the two Chinese cases of EBA coexisting with AHA, and found esophageal hemorrhage and hematemesis were the main symptoms of both patients. Cyclosporin, prednisone and lamivudine effectively control EBA with AHA and hepatitis B. The dose of cyclosporin should be more than 4 mg/kg per day and the period of treatment should be longer than 5 months to reduce the risk of EBA co-occurring with AHA.

Clinical and Laboratory Features of Acute Porphyria: A Study of 36 Subjects in a Chinese Tertiary Referral Center.

Porphyria is a group of eight metabolic disorders characterized by defects in heme biosynthesis. The presentation of porphyria is highly variable, and the symptoms are nonspecific, which accounts in part for delays in establishing a diagnosis. In this study, we report the characteristics of 36 Chinese acute porphyria patients. Most of them were female (33/36), and the median age was 25.3 years (range 18-45 years). The most frequent presenting symptom was abdominal pain (32/36). Hyponatremia was the most common electrolyte abnormality (29/36), and the serum sodium concentration was significantly negatively correlated with convulsion (p = 0.00). Genetic testing provided a precise diagnosis of the patients. Genetic analysis of the porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) gene was performed for 10 subjects. Of them, 9 were found to harbor a mutation in the PBGD gene, proving a diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria, and, in 1 case, a novel Cys209Term mutation was found.

Low-dose tertiary prophylactic therapy reduces total number of bleeds and improves the ability to perform activities of daily living in adults with severe haemophilia A: a single-centre experience from Beijing.

Full-dose prophylaxis treatment for persons with haemophilia is not affordable in China due to its economic constraints, particularly in adults requiring higher clotting factor (CFC) doses. Low-dose tertiary prophylaxis for adults with severe haemophilia A (SHA) in Beijing became feasible and implemented when government insurance covering 85% CFC cost in Beijing began in December 2009. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of low-dose tertiary prophylaxis in SHA adults. Analysis of data on 33 patients on low-dose tertiary prophylaxis (5-10 IU/kg, two to three times per week) at the Haemophilia Treatment Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital between December 2009 and December 2013. The 33 patients (age 18-60 years, mean 33.4) were on prophylaxis for 20.8 ±â€Š9.9 months (compared with prior on-demand therapy for 20.0 ±â€Š11.7 months). Prophylaxis resulted in significant decrease in annual bleeding rate (ABR, 11.8 ±â€Š7.6 vs. 41.5 ±â€Š20.7, 71.1% reduction, P < 0.0001), and significant improvement in Functional Independence Score in Haemophilia (FISH) measurement reflecting improvement in self-care and mobility. Radiologic (Pettersson) joint score was neither improved nor deteriorated. Ten of the 33 patients originally wheel chair and bed-bound began to walk and function independently in their daily lives. Low-dose tertiary prophylaxis for adults with SHA in China is feasible and beneficial. Although the average ABR remained high, a significant improvement in self-care and mobility measured by FISH was observed. These promising clinical experiences form the basis for further formal studies with more defined therapeutic protocol and outcome measures for affordable prophylaxis regimens in haemophilia adults in China.

[Low-dose Tertiary Prophylactic Therapy for Severe Haemophilia A Adults in A Single Medical Center in Beijing Area].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the benefit of low-dose tertiary prophylaxis in adults with severe haemophilia A(SHA). METHODS: Twenty-two SHA patients aged 18 to 60 years from the Haemophilia Centre of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China, were retrospectively observed from their one year on-demand treatment to one year tertiary prophylaxis using plasma derived factor 8 concentrates at 5-10 IU/kg 2-3x per week. All the patients had already developed arthropathy. Gilbert and the functional independence scores in hemophilia were used to assess the joint status and the ability in the activities of daily living of the patients. RESULTS: Comparing with on-demand therapy,the annual bleeding frequency during low-dose tertiary prophylaxis decreased significantly by 72.7%,from 39.9 ± 21.5 to 11.1 ± 7.2 (P<0.0001),the total Gilbert score decreased from 50.5±32.1 to 45.2±29.6(P<0.05),and the total functional independence score in hemophilia score increased from 18.6 ± 5.2 to 21.7 ± 4.1 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Low-dose tertiary prophylaxis in adults with SHA is beneficial by reducing bleeding frequency, improving the health status of joints, and improving the activities of daily living, thus raising the quality of life.

Normal range and genetic analysis of coagulation factor XII in the general Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that the average activity of coagulation factor XII depends on the ethnicity of the population under study but little information is available on Chinese. We here provide an analysis of the range of activities and antigenic levels of factor XII in healthy Han Chinese and correlate the measurements with polymorphisms and mutations in the corresponding gene. METHODS: Plasma samples were obtained from 549 healthy Chinese adults (264 men, 285 women; age 16-79years) undergoing routine check-ups. The samples were subjected to an activated partial thromboplastin time-based factor XII activity assay as well as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Partial gene sequence analyses were performed in subjects with low factor XII activity and in normal controls. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent of the subjects had factor XII activities between 47% and 160.25%, with no evidence for an influence of sex or age. Among 15 subjects with activity levels ≤47%, we found one novel nonsense and two missense mutations that may lead to dysfunctional proteins. No mutations were found in a selection of subjects with activities above 47%. Interestingly, however, the particular sequence at a known C/T polymorphism at position 46 just upstream of the translational start codon was correlated with factor XII activity. Subjects homozygous for the T allele, which has an allelic frequency of 0.69, showed significantly lower factor XII activities compared to subjects homozygous for the C allele or those heterozygous for C/T. CONCLUSIONS: The survey determined the normal range of factor XII activities in healthy Chinese and identified mutations as well as a biased representation of a polymorphic nucleotide in subjects with abnormally low activities. The results provide an essential basis for the diagnosis of FXII deficiencies in Chinese.