Influence of systemic inflammation on efficiency of antiplatelet therapy in PAOD patients.

Recently it was shown that inflammation adversely influences results obtained from the platelet function analyzer system, PFA-100, hypothesizing that inflammation could confound interpretation of platelet function results. We investigated the clinical relevance of these results in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD), with and without signs of systemic inflammation. In 98 PAOD patients, all treated with acetyl-salicylic acid (ASA), we obtained PFA-100 values upon stimulation with epinephrine. C-reactive protein (CRP) values were investigated as indicator for systemic inflammation. Mean CRP levels were elevated in 23 patients (23%). There was no difference of mean PFA-100 results between patients with elevated CRP levels and those without. Our results indicate that the effect of ASA on platelet aggregation, as measured by the PFA-100, is not relevantly influenced in PAOD patients with elevated CRP.

Monitoring of antiplatelet therapy with the PFA-100 in peripheral angioplasty patients.

BACKGROUND: In patients suffering from peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) the risk of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) might be influenced by platelet mediated factors. OBJECTIVE: To look for a correlation between the effect of antiplatelet therapy and recurrence of disease after PTA by monitoring platelet function in 3-month intervals by the platelet function analyzer system, PFA-100, over a period of 1 year. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 98 patients (43 females, 55 males) with PAOD, treated with aspirin (n = 52), thienopyridine (n = 34) or combination therapy of both (n = 12) were followed over a period of 12 months after elective PTA of the lower extremities with regard to occurrence of restenosis or reocclusion at the site of angioplasty, to demonstrate inhibitory effects on platelets, induced by antiplatelet therapy. RESULTS: PFA-100 proved suitable to identify 'non-responders' to antiplatelet therapy, in a 12-month follow-up period. In 'non-responders' to clopidogrel therapy, a higher incidence of restenosis or reocclusion after PTA of the lower limbs was detected compared with 'responders'. CONCLUSION: PFA-100, upon stimulation with ADP, might predict patients under clopidogrel therapy with elevated risk for the development of complications following PTA of the lower limbs. This could offer the chance to switch to an alternative therapy or adapt the dose.

Simplified citrate anticoagulation for high-flux hemodialysis.

In a randomized crossover trial, we compared a simple citrate anticoagulation protocol for high-flux hemodialysis with standard anticoagulation by low-molecular-weight heparin (dalteparin). Primary end points were urea reduction rate (URR), Kt/V, and control of electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis. Secondary end points were bleeding time at vascular puncture sites and markers of activation of platelets, coagulation, and fibrinolysis. Solute removal during citrate dialysis was excellent (URR, 0.71 +/- 0.06; Kt/V, 1.55 +/- 0.3) and similar to results of conventional bicarbonate hemodialysis anticoagulation with dalteparin (URR, 0.72 +/- 0.04; Kt/V, 1.56 +/- 0.2). Electrolyte control was effective with both anticoagulation regimens, and total and ionized calcium, sodium, potassium, and phosphate concentrations at the end of dialysis did not differ. Alkalemia was less frequent after citrate than conventional dialysis (pH 7.5 in 25% versus 62% of patients; mean pH at end of dialysis, 7.46 +/- 0.06 versus 7.51 +/- 0.07; P < 0.01). Bleeding time at puncture sites was shorter by 30% after citrate compared with dalteparin anticoagulation (5.43 +/- 2.80 versus 7.86 +/- 2.93 minutes; P < 0.001). Activation of platelets, coagulation, and fibrinolysis was modest for both treatments and occurred mainly within the dialyzer during dalteparin treatment and in the vascular-access region during citrate anticoagulation. Citrate-related adverse events were not observed. We conclude that citrate anticoagulation for high-flux hemodialysis is feasible and safe using a simple infusion protocol.

Semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase catalyzes endothelial cell-mediated low density lipoprotein oxidation.

OBJECTIVE: Deamination products of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidases (SSAO), i.e. aldehydes, superoxide and ammonia have been shown to initiate vascular damage. SSAOs are copper-enzymes, present in endothelial (EC), smooth muscle cells (SMC) and in blood. Transition metals ions (Cu, Fe) mediate the oxidative (atherogenic) modification of LDL by SMC and EC. The physiological source of the active metal ions is still under debate. We hypothesize that SSAOs may catalyze LDL oxidation by endothelial cells via enzyme-complexed Cu++. METHODS: EC isolated from human umbilical veins and cultured in 35 mm wells in RPMI-1640 medium were used as LDL oxidation system. RESULTS: Diamine oxidase (DAO), a SSAO which activity is elevated in tissues and sera of diabetic patients, catalyzes the oxidation of LDL by EC. In the presence of purified DAO (0.07 to 70 U/l) LDL oxidation was increased up to 10-fold as measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) formation as well as apoprotein modification of LDL. Chemical blockage of the SSAO substrate binding site did not inhibit the catalytic effect of DAO on LDL oxidation. Denaturation of the enzyme did not destroy the ability of the preparation to facilitate LDL oxidation by EC. The potential of the enzyme to catalyze LDL oxidation was not suppressed in the presence of serum. However, selective removing of enzyme-copper completely abolished the ability of the enzyme to trigger cell-mediated LDL oxidation. CONCLUSION: DAO, beside generating angiopathic deamination products, has the potential to act as a pathophysiological catalyst of LDL atherogenic modification by vascular cells.

Effect of intradermal tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced inflammation on coagulation factors in dermal vessel endothelium. An in vivo study of human skin biopsies.

Inflammatory mediators were shown to exert procoagulant effects on cultured human endothelial cells (EC). In the present study the effect of intradermal application of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on the expression of factors involved in regulation of coagulation at the EC surface, i.e. tissue factor (TF), thrombomodulin (TM) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) was studied in humans in vivo. The endothelial expression of these factors was evaluated immunohistochemically in biopsies taken after intradermal application of 5000 U TNF-alpha in 8 healthy volunteers. After 6 and 22 h biopsies were taken from the injection sites. At TNF-alpha injected sites typical inflammatory changes. e.g. EC upregulation of adhesion molecules and accumulation of leukocytes were detected. In parallel we could document EC expression of TF, downregulation of TM and depletion of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) in inflamed areas. Early depletion of endothelial IkappaB alpha at the site of inflammation after application of TNF-alpha points to an activation of the NF-kappaB pathway. Our data suggest that, as shown in in vitro experiments, TNF-alpha activates the NF-kappaB pathway and induces specific procoagulant changes of EC due to expression of TF, down-regulation of TM and depletion of TFPI in vivo in humans. This procoagulant shift in the haemostatic balance on the cell surface, caused by TNF-alpha-induced inflammation, is likely to contribute to thrombosis associated with tissue inflammation in humans.

Effects of heparin and aspirin on circulating P-selectin, E-selectin and von Willebrand Factor levels in healthy men.

As thrombin stimulates P-selectin expression on platelets and its release into plasma, we hypothesized that enhancing antithrombin activity by unfractionated heparin (UFH) could decrease plasma levels of circulating (c)P-selectin, (c)E-selectin, and von Willebrand Factor (vWF). Hence the effect of UFH and aspirin were examined on these activation markers in healthy volunteers. UFH decreased cP-selectin levels by -10% (CI: -16 - (-4%); P = 0.005) at 24 h, but did not change levels of vWF-Ag. In contrast, aspirin did not affect cP-selectin levels but decreased vWF-Ag levels by -12% (CI: -18 - (-7%); P = 0.005) at 24 h. Neither drug affected cE-selectin levels. Thus, UFH decreases cP-selectin levels, which may reflect decreased platelet activation in vivo. An increase in cP-selectin under UFH therapy should alert the clinician to look for platelet destruction.

Genistein prevents the glucose autoxidation mediated atherogenic modification of low density lipoprotein.

Hyperglycemia has been assumed to be responsible for oxidative stress in diabetes. In this respect, glucose autoxidation and advanced glycation end products (AGE) may play a causal role in the etiology of diabetic complications as e.g. atherosclerosis. There is now growing evidence that the oxidative modification of LDL plays a potential role in atherogenesis. Glucose derived oxidants have been shown to peroxidise LDL. In the present study, genistein, a compound derived from soy with a flavonoid chemical structure (4', 5, 7-trihydroxyisoflavone) has been evaluated for its ability to act as an antioxidant against the atherogenic modification of LDL by glucose autoxidation radical products. Daidzein, (4',7-dihydroxyisoflavone) an other phytoestrogen of soy, was tested in parallel. Genistein--in contrast to daidzein--effectively prevented the glucose mediated LDL oxidation as measured by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance formation (TBARS), alteration in electrophoretic mobility, lipid hydroperoxides and fluorescence quenching of tryptophan residues of the lipoprotein. In addition the potential of glucose-oxidized LDL to increase tissue factor (TF) synthesis human endothelial cells (HUVEC) was completely inhibited when genistein was present during LDL oxidative modification by glucose. Both phytoestrogens did not influence the nonenzymatic protein glycation reaction as measured by the in vitro formation of glycated LDL. As the protective effect of genistein on LDL atherogenic modification was found at glucose/genistein molar ratios which may occur in vivo, our findings support the suggested beneficial action of a soy diet in preventing chronic vascular diseases and early atherogenic events.

p-Hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde, the major product of tyrosine oxidation by the activated myeloperoxidase system can act as an antioxidant in LDL.

The oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) may play a significant role in atherogenesis. HOCl generated by the myeloperoxidase/H2O2/Cl- system of activated neutrophils may be operative in vivo making LDL atherogenic. Tyrosine has been found to be oxidized by HOCl to p-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (p-HA) capable of modifying phospholipid amino groups in LDL. As an amphiphatic phenolic compound, p-HA may have the potential to act as an antioxidant in the lipid phase of LDL. The present results show that (a) tyrosine exerts a protective effect on LDL modification by HOCl, (b) p-HA could act as antioxidant associated with the lipoprotein preventing cell- and transition metal ion-mediated LDL oxidation and (c) p-HA was able to scavenge free radicals.

Endothelin 1 transcription is controlled by nuclear factor-kappaB in AGE-stimulated cultured endothelial cells.

Incubation of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) with erythrocytes from patients with type 2 diabetes induced an increase in endothelin 1 (ET-1) production. The effect of erythrocytes on ET-1 synthesis was dependent on glycemic control. ET-1 levels after incubation with erythrocytes derived from patients with HbA(1c) levels <6% were just half the levels observed after incubation with erythrocytes from patients with HbA(1c) levels >8%. Nepsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML)-containing protein isolated from patients' erythrocytes induced ET-1, and CML-containing protein-dependent ET-1 induction was blocked by the recombinant decoy peptide soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which comprises the NH2-terminal Ig domain of the receptor for AGEs. In vitro-generated AGEs induced ET-1 mRNA transcription (nuclear run-on assay and Northern blot) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Transient transfection of BAECs with a chimeric construct containing the 5' promoter region of the ET-1 gene linked to a reporter gene confirmed that AGE induced ET-1 promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay confirmed AGE-inducible binding of members of the nuclear factor-kappab (NF-kappaB) family to a potential binding site at -2,090 bp. Binding was functionally significant because overexpression of the cytoplasmic inhibitor of NF-kappaB or deletion of the NF-kappaB binding site reduced ET-1 induction, whereas overexpression of NF-kappaB p65 induced ET-1 even in the absence of AGEs. Thus, ET-1 transcription is controlled by the AGE-inducible redox-sensitive transcription factor NF-kappaB.

High plasma levels of factor VIII and the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism.

BACKGROUND: A high plasma level of factor VIII is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism. We evaluated the risk of a recurrence of thrombosis after an initial episode of spontaneous venous thromboembolism among patients with high plasma levels of factor VIII. METHODS: We studied 360 patients for an average follow-up period of 30 months after a first episode of venous thromboembolism and discontinuation of oral anticoagulants. Patients who had recurrent or secondary venous thromboembolism, a congenital deficiency of an anticoagulant, the lupus anticoagulant, hyperhomocysteinemia, cancer, or a requirement for long-term treatment with antithrombotic drugs or who were pregnant were excluded. The end point was objectively documented, symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism. RESULTS: Recurrent venous thromboembolism developed in 38 of the 360 patients (10.6 percent). Patients with recurrence had higher mean (+/-SD) plasma levels of factor VIII than those without recurrence (182+/-66 vs. 157+/-54 IU per deciliter, P=0.009). The relative risk of recurrent venous thrombosis was 1.08 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.12; P<0.001) for each increase of 10 IU per deciliter in the plasma level of factor VIII. Among patients with a factor VIII level above the 90th percentile of the values in the study population, the likelihood of recurrence at two years was 37 percent, as compared with a 5 percent likelihood among patients with lower levels (P<0.001). Among patients with plasma factor VIII levels above the 90th percentile, as compared with those with lower levels, the overall relative risk of recurrence was 6.7 (95 percent confidence interval, 3.0 to 14.8) after adjustment for age, sex, the presence or absence of factor V Leiden or the G20210A prothrombin mutation, and the duration of oral anticoagulation. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a high plasma level of factor VIII have an increased risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism.

The salicylate metabolite gentisic acid, but not the parent drug, inhibits glucose autoxidation-mediated atherogenic modification of low density lipoprotein.

Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) by glucose-derived radicals may play a role in the aetiology of atherosclerosis in diabetes. Salicylate was shown to scavenge certain radicals. In the present study, aspirin, salicylate and its metabolites 2,5- and 2, 3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) were tested for their ability to impair LDL oxidation by glucose. Only the DHBA derivatives, when present during LDL modification, inhibited LDL oxidation and the increase in endothelial tissue factor synthesis induced by glucose oxidised LDL. The LDL glycation reaction was not affected by DHBA. The antioxidative action of DHBA may be attributed to free radical scavenging and/or chelation of transition metal ions catalysing glucose autoxidation.

Monitoring of aspirin (ASA) pharmacodynamics with the platelet function analyzer PFA-100.

BACKGROUND: Anti-platelet drug therapy is currently performed without monitoring, because the established method of platelet aggregometry is cumbersome. The recently developed platelet function analyzer PFA-100 measures shear stress dependent, collagen epinephrine (CEPI) and collagen adenosine diphosphate (CADP) induced platelet plug formation. As the PFA-100 provides a valuable tool to detect patients with platelet dysfunction more efficiently and cost-effectively than aggregometry, we investigated its potential to monitor the efficacy of aspirin treatment. METHODS: All healthy volunteers (n = 10) received a fractionated infusion of L-aspirin to establish individual dose-response curves. Further, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled two-way cross over study the same volunteers received either 50 or 100 mg aspirin/day p.o. for a period of 11 days to determine the day-to-day variability CEPI induced closure time (CT) under constant intake of low dose aspirin, and to compare the efficacy of those two doses. RESULTS: Intra- and intersubject variability of CEPI-CT averaged 9% and 22%, respectively. Seven volunteers exceeded the maximum of CEPI-CT (>300 s) already after infusion of 100 mg L-aspirin. Intake of 100 mg of aspirin elicited a more rapid onset of effect than 50 mg, which was only significant on days 3 and 4 of aspirin intake. The aspirin induced CEPI-CT prolongation correlated positively with basal CEPI-CT values (r = 0.86; p = 0.001) and were strongly dependent on von Willebrand Factor levels (r = -0.9; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Thus, the PFA-100 system appears suitable to demonstrate an aspirin-induced platelet effect in a longitudinal study, and may be adequate to monitor a patient's compliance. However, prospective trials have to be conducted to demonstrate whether the EPI-CT achieved under ASA-intake has predictive value for cardiovascular outcome.

Lepirudin blunts endotoxin-induced coagulation activation.

During sepsis, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) via the tissue factor-dependent pathway of coagulation resulting in massive thrombin generation and fibrin polymerization. Recently, animal studies demonstrated that hirudin reduced fibrin deposition in liver and kidney and decreased mortality in LPS-induced DIC. Accordingly, the effects of recombinant hirudin (lepirudin) was compared with those caused by placebo on LPS-induced coagulation in humans. Twenty-four healthy male subjects participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study. Volunteers received 2 ng/kg LPS intravenously, followed by a bolus-primed continuous infusion of placebo or lepirudin (Refludan, bolus: 0.1 mg/kg, infusion: 0.1 mg/kg/h for 5 hours) to achieve a 2-fold prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). LPS infusion enhanced thrombin activity as evidenced by a 20-fold increase of thrombin-antithrombin complexes (TAT), a 6-fold increase of polymerized soluble fibrin, termed thrombus precursor protein (TpP), and a 4-fold increase in D-dimer. In the lepirudin group, TAT increased only 5-fold, TpP increased by only 50%, and D-dimer only slightly exceeded baseline values (P <.01 versus placebo). Concomitantly, lepirudin also blunted thrombin generation evidenced by an attenuated rise in prothrombin fragment levels (F(1 + 2), P <. 01 versus placebo) and blunted the expression of tissue factor on circulating monocytes. This experimental model proved the anticoagulatory potency of lepirudin in LPS-induced coagulation activation. Results from this trial provide a rationale for a randomized clinical trial on the efficacy of lepirudin in DIC. (Blood. 2000;95:1729-1734)

Evaluation of a highly specific functional test for the detection of factor V Leiden.

In the present study, a new functional test for the detection of increased resistance of coagulation factor V to degradation by activated protein C (factor V Leiden mutation) was evaluated. The STA-STACLOT APC-R Test (Diagnostica Stago, Asnieres, France) is based on the specific activation of factor X by Crotalus viridis helleri snake venom. The results are given as clotting time in seconds of the patient's plasma in the presence of venom and activated protein C. The intra-assay coefficient of variation was 2.17% (n=20) for samples within the normal range, and 1.70% and 1.42% (n=20) for the plasma of a heterozygous or a homozygous carrier of the factor V Leiden mutation, respectively. The inter-assay coefficient of variation (n=10) was 7.75% for the plasma of a healthy donor, 5.05% for the plasma of a heterozygous carrier and 3.38% for the plasma of a homozygous individual. The normal range (5th-95th percentile) of 136.4 s-174.7 s was derived from the clotting time of the plasma of 38 healthy controls. Values below 136 s were found in every sample from patients carrying the factor V Leiden mutation (n=52), whereas no patient with protein C (n=11) or protein S deficiency (n=10) had reduced clotting times. Homozygous carriers of the factor V Leiden mutation had clotting times shorter than 66.0 s and heterozygous carriers had clotting times longer than 80.0 s. Thus, based upon the individual clotting time, patients homozygous for factor V Leiden mutation could easily be distinguished from normals or heterozygous individuals. The influence of coagulation factor X, V, or II deficiency on the STACLOT APC-R Test was evaluated and revealed prolonged clotting times at factor V activities below 50%. In the presence of lupus anticoagulant the specificity of the STA-STACLOT APC-R Test was clearly decreased. In the present study, we clearly show that the STA-STACLOT APC-R Test is able to discriminate carriers of the factor V Leiden mutation from healthy controls or patients with protein C or protein S deficiency.

Thrombus formation on the balloon of heparin-bonded pulmonary artery catheters: an ultrastructural scanning electron microscope study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate heparin-bonded pulmonary artery catheters with respect to thrombus formation and platelet aggregation at the balloon and the shaft using a scanning electron microscope in critically ill patients. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTINGS: Critical care unit and research laboratories. PATIENTS: Pulmonary artery catheters were inserted in critically ill patients (n = 10). INTERVENTIONS: Pulmonary artery catheters were removed after 24, 48, 72, or 120 hrs, and the ultrastructure was investigated in specialized research laboratories. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Balloon and shaft were investigated using a scanning electron microscopic technique. Area of thrombus formation was quantified using image analysis. Heparin release of the catheters was measured. The frequency of balloon inflations was investigated in in vitro experiments by inflating catheters different times (0, 10, 20, and 30 times). Twenty-four hours after catheter insertion, scanning electron microscopic images showed thrombus formation and platelet aggregation at the site of the balloon. Seventy-two hours after catheter insertion, a thrombus started to detach. The areas of thrombus formation did not differ, but thrombus organization changed dramatically 72 and 120 hrs after catheter insertion. The shaft was colonized by single cells only. Cracks of the balloon could be observed after 72 hrs, whereas no cracks could be found in in vitro controls. In vitro, heparin release of the pulmonary artery catheters decreased significantly after 24 hrs. CONCLUSIONS: Scanning electron microscopic images of heparin-bonded pulmonary artery catheters demonstrate thrombus formation on the balloon 24 hrs after pulmonary artery catheter insertion, increasing dramatically at 72 and 120 hrs. The shaft was colonized by single cells only. The thrombus size is not significantly different during the observation time, but the grade and quality of thrombus formation differ.

Heparin blunts endotoxin-induced coagulation activation.

BACKGROUND: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major trigger of sepsis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) via the tissue factor (TF)/factor VIIa-dependent pathway of coagulation. Experimental endotoxemia has been used repeatedly to explore this complex pathophysiology, but little is known about the effects of clinically used anticoagulants in this setting. Therefore, we compared with placebo the effects of unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on LPS-induced coagulation. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 30 healthy male volunteers received LPS 2 ng/kg IV followed by a bolus-primed continuous infusion of UFH, LMWH, or placebo. In the placebo group, activation of coagulation caused marked increases in plasma levels of prothrombin fragment F(1+2) (P<0.01) and polymerized soluble fibrin, termed thrombus precursor protein (TpP; P<0.01); TF-positive monocytes doubled in response to LPS, whereas levels of activated factor VII slightly decreased and levels of TF pathway inhibitor remained unchanged. UFH and LMWH markedly decreased activation of coagulation caused by LPS, as F(1+2) and TpP levels only slightly increased; TF expression on monocytes was also markedly reduced by UFH. TF pathway inhibitor values increased after either heparin infusion (P<0.01). Concomitantly, factor VIIa levels dropped by >50% at 50 minutes after initiation of either heparin infusion (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This experimental model proved the anticoagulatory potency of UFH and LMWH in the initial phase of experimental LPS-induced coagulation. Successful inhibition of thrombin generation also translates into blunted activation of coagulation factors upstream and downstream of thrombin.

Evaluation of the automated coagulation analyzer SYSMEX CA 6000.

In the present study the coagulation analyzer SYSMEX CA 6000 (TOA Medical Electronics Co., Kobe, Japan), an analyzer equipped with a photooptical clot detection unit and a cap-piercing system, was evaluated with respect to its technical characteristics in the determination of standard coagulation tests (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen, and antithrombin) and in the determination of coagulation single factor activities. In the normal and in the pathological range the intraassay coefficients of variation (CV) and interassay CV for most parameters were below 5% (exceptions: intraassay CV 5.4% for prolonged thrombin time; intraassay CV 9.26% and interassay CV 10.7% for decreased antithrombin; interassay CV 5.62% for fibrinogen in the normal range, intraassay CV 10.1% for fibrinogen greater than 7.0 g/L; intraassay CV 6.36% and interassay CV 11.7% for decreased fibrinogen; interassay CV 11.6% for prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time; interassay CV 6.12% for decreased factor VII). Interference studies with lipemic, icteric, and hemolytic samples showed just minor influences of these abnormal sample characteristics on prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, and antithrombin measurements when compared to the results obtained by using mechanical clot detection (STA, Stago Diagnostica, Asnieres-Sur-Seine, France). No carryover was detected in alternating measurements of heparinized (3 U/mL unfractionated heparin) and normal plasma samples. Measurement of the activities of clotting factors V, VII, VIII, and IX showed a good correlation (r=0.993 to r=0.977) between SYSMEX CA 6000 and STA. Our results demonstrate that using SYSMEX CA 6000 analyzer basal routine coagulation testing as well as specialized tests for single factor activities can be performed with satisfactory precision; in particular, the cap-piercing system has no negative effect on the performance of the analyzer.

Heparin lowers plasma levels of activated factor VII.

Based on heparin's antithrombin and anti-FXa activity and its in vitro inhibition of activated factor VII (FVIIa) activity, we hypothesized that unfractionated heparin (UFH) may decrease plasma levels of FVIIa in humans. Therefore, 10 healthy young male volunteers received an intravenous UFH infusion over 24 h. Heparin decreased FVIIa levels by 30% (95% CI 14-47%) at 12 h, which was sustained until 24 h. In contrast, neither the substrate pool (i.e. total factor VII) as measured by FVII antigen nor FVII activity were affected by UFH. These results may improve our understanding of the regulation of FVIIa levels and heparin's mode of action.