First Korean case of factor V Leiden mutation in pregnant woman with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss

Thrombophilia refers to inherited or acquired hemostatic disorders that result in a predisposition to blood clot formation. When combined with the hypercoagulable state that is characteristic of pregnancy, there is an increased risk of severe and recurrent pregnancy complications. Activated protein C resistance caused by factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation is known to be the most common cause of inherited thrombophilia in Caucasian population. FVL mutation has been related to pregnancy complications associated with hypercoagulation, e.g. miscarriage, intrauterine fetal demise, placental abruption, and intrauterine growth retardation. Although the FVL mutation is easily detected using molecular DNA techniques, patients who are heterozygous for this disorder often remain asymptomatic until they develop a concurrent prothrombotic condition. Because there are potentially serious effects of FVL mutation for pregnancy, and because effective treatment strategies exist, early detection and treatment of this condition might be considered.

Clinical profile, common thrombophilia markers and risk factors in 85 young Indian patients with arterial thrombosis / Perfil clinico, marcadores comuns de trombofilia e fatores de risco em 85 pacientes indianos jovens com trombose arterial

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Arterial thrombosis may occur consequent to hereditary thrombophilia and increased lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and fibrinogen. Our aim was to study the prevalence of common thrombophilia markers in 85 consecutive cases of arterial thrombosis. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective study was conducted from 85 consecutive young patients treated as outpatients or admitted due to stroke or myocardial infarction at a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Eighty-five Indian patients (age < 45 years) presenting ischemic stroke (n = 48) or myocardial infarction (n = 37) and 50 controls were studied for seven thrombophilia markers including antithrombin (AT), factor V, protein C, protein S, activated protein C resistance (APC-R), fibrinogen and Lp(a). Functional assays for protein C, protein S, factor V and APC-R were performed using clotting-based methods. Semi-quantitative estimation of fibrinogen was done using Clauss's method and Lp(a) using immunoturbidimetry. Statistical analysis was done using the Epi Info 6 software. RESULTS: Thirty-three samples (38.8%) tested positive for one or more thrombophilia markers. The three commonest abnormalities were elevated Lp(a) (20%), fibrinogen (17.6%) and low APC-R (14.2%). Low levels of protein C, protein S and AT were present in 4.7, 9.4 and 7% of the patients, respectively. Overall, the risk factor profile was: smoking (33%), positive family history (15.3%), hyperlipidemia (7%), hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity (2.3% each). CONCLUSIONS: An association was found between low levels of protein C, protein S and AT and arterial thrombosis, but only elevated fibrinogen levels, smoking, positive family history and hyperlipidemia showed statistical significance. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Trombose arterial pode ocorrer em consequência de trombofilias hereditárias e de lipoproteína (a) [Lp (a)] e fibrinogênio aumentados. Nosso objetivo foi estudar a predominância de marcadores comuns da trombofilia em 85 casos consecutivos de trombose arterial. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Um estudo retrospectivo foi realizado sobre 85 pacientes jovens tratados consecutivamente no ambulatório ou admitidos por infarto do miocárdio ou acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) num hospital de cuidado terciário. MÉTODOS: Oitenta e cinco pacientes indianos (idade < 45 anos) que se apresentaram com AVC isquêmico (n = 48) ou infarto do miocárdio (n = 37) e 50 controles foram estudados para sete marcadores de trombofilia que incluíram antitrombina (AT), fator V, proteína C, proteína S, resistência ativada da proteína C (APC-R), fibrinogênio e Lp (a). Os ensaios funcionais da proteína C, proteína S, fator V e APC-R foram executados por métodos baseados em coagulação. A avaliação semiquantitativa do fibrinogênio foi feita pelo método de Clauss e a Lp(a) por imunoturbimetria. A análise estatística foi feita pelo software Epi Info 6. RESULTADOS: Trinta e três amostras (38.8%) foram positivas para um ou vários marcadores do trombofilia. As anomalias mais comuns foram Lp (a) (20%), fibrinogênio (17.6%) e APC-R (14.2%) elevados. Baixos níveis da proteína C, proteína S e AT foram detectados em 4.7%, 9.4% e 7% dos pacientes, respectivamente. Globalmente, os perfis dos fatores de risco foram: fumo (33%), antecedentes familiares positivos (15.3%), hiperlipidemia (7%), hipertensão, diabetes mellitus e obesidade (2.3% cada). CONCLUSÕES: Uma associação foi encontrada entre baixos níveis de proteína C, proteína S, AT e trombose arterial, ...

Coagulation inhibitors and activated protein C resistance in recurrent pregnancy losses in Indian women.

Background: Thrombophilias, both acquired and inherited, have been investigated in the etiopathogenesis of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Aim: To study coagulation inhibitors and activated protein C resistance (APCR) in recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL) occurring in second and third trimesters. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 pregnant women (group A) with two or more recurrent unexplained fetal loses were evaluated for APCR, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, antithrombin deficiency, and antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA). Thirty age-matched controls were taken (group B) comprising of pregnant women with at least one live issue. Statistical Analysis: Comparisons between two group frequencies and group means were made using Chi square test and Student's t test, respectively. Results: Protein C and protein S levels were reduced in group A compared with group B and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.005 and P=0.032, respectively). The mean value of antithrombin was slightly reduced in group A compared with group B. APCR was observed in 16.6% cases and 3.3% controls. However, the difference was not statistically significant. APLA was observed in 20% cases and none of the controls. Of these, lupus anticoagulant was positive in 16.6% cases and anticardiolipin antibodies in 10% cases. Combined defects were seen in seven patients. Conclusion: There is a significant risk of RPL in pregnant women with thrombophilias. Therefore, screening for thrombophilias may be justified in pregnant women with unexplained recurrent fetal wastage, especially in second and third trimester.

Study on activated protein C resistance and disordered coagulation in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the correlation of activated protein C (APC) resistance, coagulation factors and inhibitors abnormality and JAK2V617F mutation burden in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The APC resistance was defined as the ratio of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in the presence and absence of APC, i.e. APC sensitivity ratio (APCsr). Plasma protein C (PC), protein S (PS), prothrombin (FII), factor V (FV), factor VIII levels and CD11b expression on neutrophils were measured. The percentage of mutated JAK2V617F allele (V617F%) was evaluated by real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Expression of CD11b on neutrophils was significantly elevated in MPN patients compared with that of the control group. APCsr, PS and FV levels were reduced in patients with MPN. The APCsr level was decreased mainly in patients with thrombosis and JAK2V617F mutant burden higher than 75%. APCsr was not only positively correlated with PS levels but also inversely correlated with JAK2V617F allele burden in JAK2V617F mutant gene carriers.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The neutrophil was activated and PS, FV level were reduced in MPN patients. The APCsr level was decreased and the occurrence of relatively acquired APC resistance was found in MPN patients with thrombosis. The APCsr is correlated with the PS level and JAK2V617F mutational furden.</p>

Asociación de la RPCA con mutaciones Leiden y Cambridge del factor V de la coagulación en pacientes mexicanos con trombofilia primaria / Association of resistance to activated protein with the presence of Leiden and Cambridge Factor V mutations in Mexican patients with primary thrombophilia

Introducción: Las mutaciones Leiden y Cambridge del factor V de la coagulación y la resistencia a la proteína C activada (RPCA) son alteraciones que se relacionan con trombosis venosa y arterial. En este trabajo se analizó si la RPCA está asociada con las mutaciones Leiden y Cambridge, y la frecuencia de éstas en población mestiza mexicana. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron 150 pacientes mexicanos con trombofilia primaria y 100 sujetos sanos. Se determinó la RPCA empleando método comercial y los genotipos factor V Leiden y factor V Cambridge mediante PCR-RFLPs. Resultados: La RPCA fue positiva en cuatro pacientes y en un individuo control; sin embargo, no se encontró la mutación Leiden o Cambridge en la población estudiada, por lo que la RPCA no se correlacionó con ninguna de las mutaciones investigadas. Conclusiones: Los resultados indican que existen otras causas primarias o secundarias diferentes a las analizadas, que condicionan la RPCA. Además, la frecuencia obtenida para la RPCA en nuestra población trombofílica mestiza mexicana fue menor comparada con la obtenida en población caucásica, quizá por tratarse de poblaciones genéticamente diferentes.

BACKGROUND: Leiden and Cambridge factor V coagulation mutations and activated protein C resistance (RaPC) are alterations related with vein and artery thrombosis. In this study we aimed to determine whether RaPC is associated with the presence of Leiden and Cambridge mutation and the frequency of these mutations in the racially mestizo Mexican population. METHODS: We included 150 Mexican patients with primary thrombophilia and 100 healthy subjects in this study. RaPC was determined using commercial methods and genotypes FV Leiden and FV Cambridge with PCR-RFLPs. RESULTS: RaPC was positive in four patients and in one control individual; however, there was no presence of Leiden or Cambridge mutation in the studied group; thus, RaPC was not correlated with the presence of any of the studied mutations. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that there are other primary or secondary causes different from those studied, which condition the presence of RaPC. Furthermore, the frequency obtained for RaPC in our thrombophilic population of racially mixed Mexicans is lower compared to that obtained in the Caucasian population, most probably because they are genetically different populations.

Resistência à proteína C ativada e doença arterial isquêmica em jovem / Resistance to activated protein C and ischemic arterial disease in a young man

A avaliação da resistência à ação da proteína C ativada (rPCA), causada por mutação no fator V (fator V de Leiden), é fator de risco importante para tromboembolia venosa, cujo papel como geradora de obstruções arteriais in situ é um tema ainda controverso. O caso clínico de um jovem com história de coronariopatia, múltiplas lesões cerebrovasculares e doença arterial periférica é relatado. A investigação diagnóstica apontou a rPCA como possível etiologia.

The assessment of activated protein C resistance (APCR) caused by mutations in factor V (factor V Leiden) is an important risk factor for venous thromboembolism, of which role as the originator of arterial obstructions in situ is still a controversial subject. The clinical case of a young patient with history of coronariopathy, multiple cerebrovascular lesions and peripheral artery disease is reported. The diagnostic investigation showed APCR as the possible etiology.

Prevalência de resistência a proteína C ativada (RPCA) em pacientes atendidos no Laboratório Médico Santa Luzia / Prevalence of activated protein C resistance (APCR) in patients attended in the medical laboratory Santa Luzia

O avanço no conhecimento dos mecanismos que regulam a hemostasia possibitou a identificação de alterações na coagulação sanguínea que estão na origem dos fenômenos trombóticos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a prevalência de RPCA em pacientes atendidos no Laboratório Médico Santa Luzia - Florianópolis, SC. Foram avaliados retrospectivamente 365 pacientes com idade variando de 5 a 81 anos, homens e mulheres com distúrbio trombótico. Os resultados mostraram que 12,9% dos pacientes tinham RPCA positivo, com uma maior prevalência em indivíduos de sexo feminino (68,1%) quando comparados com os do sexo masculino (31,9%).

Prevalence of common thrombophilia markers and risk factors in Indian patients with primary venous thrombosis / Prevalência de marcadores comuns de trombofilia e fatores de risco em pacientes indianos com trombose venosa primária

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Venous thrombosis occurs as a result of interaction of genetic and acquired factors including activated protein C resistance (APC-R), fibrinogen levels, antithrombin, protein C, protein S, lupus anticoagulants and anticardiolipin antibodies. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of these common thrombophilia markers in Asian Indians with primary venous thrombosis. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Mumbai. METHODS: Samples from 78 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of venous thrombosis and 50 controls were tested. Semi-quantitative estimation (functional assays) of protein C, protein S and antithrombin was performed. Quantitative estimation of fibrinogen was done using the Clauss method. Lupus anticoagulants were screened using lupus-sensitive activated partial thromboplastin time and β2-glycoprotein-I dependent anticardiolipin antibodies were estimated by ELISA. APC-R was measured using a clotting-based method with factor V deficient plasma and Crotalus viridis venom. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi-info (version 6). RESULTS: The popliteal vein was the most commonly involved site. Forty-four samples (56 percent) gave abnormal results. The commonest were elevated fibrinogen and APC-R (17.9 percent each), followed by low protein S (16.6 percent). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the literature findings that fibrinogen level estimation and screening for APC-R are important for the work-up on venous thrombosis patients since these, singly or in combination, may lead to a primary thrombotic episode. The frequency of the other thrombophilia markers was higher among the patients than among the controls, but without statistically significant difference.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A trombose venosa ocorre como resultado da interação de fatores genéticos e adquiridos, incluindo resistência à proteína C ativada (APC-R), os níveis de fibrinogênio, antitrombina, proteína C, proteína S, anticoagulante lúpico e anticorpos anticardiolipina. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a prevalência de fatores trombofílicos frequentes em indianos com trombose venosa primária. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal analítico realizado em Mumbai. MÉTODOS: Foram testadas amostras de 78 pacientes com diagnóstico confirmado de trombose venosa e 50 controles. Foi realizada a dosagem sérica semiquantitativa (funcional) de proteína C, proteína S e antitrombina e a dosagem quantitativa de fibrinogênio (método de Clauss). Anticoagulantes lúpicos foram identificados por meio do tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada sensível ao lúpus, e anticorpos anticardiolipina dependentes de β2-glycoproteína-I por ELISA. APC-R foi medida por método baseado em coagulação com plasma deficiente em fator V e veneno de Crotalus viridis. A análise estatística utilizou Epi-info (versão 6). RESULTADOS: A veia poplítea foi o local mais frequentemente afetado; 44 amostras (56 por cento) tiveram resultados anormais. Os achados mais frequentes foram elevação do fibrinogênio e APC-R (17,9 por cento cada), e baixa proteína S (16,6 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: Corroborando com a literatura, este estudo mostrou que a elevação do nível de fibrinogênio e a triagem para APC-R são importantes na avaliação de pacientes com trombose venosa, pois, individualmente ou em combinação, podem ter levado ao episódio trombótico primário. A frequência dos outros marcadores de trombofilia foi mais alta entre os doentes quando comparados aos controles, porém sem diferença estatisticamente significante.

Trombose venosa em criança / Venous thrombosis in children

A incidência de trombose venosa profunda (TVP) em crianças (0 a 18 anos) é baixa. O objetivo desse trabalho é estudar uma criança de 12 anos que, após um trauma, apresentou TVP. Atividades de proteína C, proteína S, antitrombina e resistência à proteína C ativada (RPCA) foram analisadas em coagulômetro. O fator V de Leiden (FVL) foi pesquisado. O paciente e seu pai (assintomático até o momento) foram heterozigotos para FVL e sua mãe foi homozigota normal. Concluímos que o FVL associado a outras condições clínicas tende a ser multiplicativo para a ocorrência de trombose, que é multifatorial.

The incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in children (0-18 years old) is low. The aim of this study was to investigate the case of a 12 year-old child that had DVT after a trauma. Protein C and protein S activities, antithrombin and resistance to activated protein C were analyzed in coagulometer. Factor V Leiden (FVL) was studied. The patient and his father were heterozygotes for FVL. His mother was normal homozygote. We concluded that the presence of FVL associated with other medical conditions tends to multiply the occurrence of thrombosis, which is a multifactorial disease.

Determinants and associations of homocysteine and prothrombotic risk factors in Kuwaiti patients with cerebrovascular accident

The objective ofthis study was to evaluate the determinants and associations of some prothrombotic risk factors in patients with cerebrovascular accidents [CVAs]. In this case-control study, plasma total homocysteine [tHcy], lupus anticoagulant, protein C, protein S, activated protein C resistance [APC-R] and antithrombin were measured in 102 patients [60 males and 42 females] and 167 controls [87 males, 80 females]. Serum vitamin B[12], folate, red cell folate, creatinine, lipid profile and glucose were also determined. Glomerular filtration rate [GFR] was calculated.13 [22%] of the 60 male patients, and 16 [39%] of the 42 female patients had hyperhomocysteinemia. Median [interquartile range] tHcy was higher in male patients [11.22 Mu mol/l [9.60-15.40]] than female patients [10.05 Mu mol/l [8.72-17.54]]. On binary logistic regression analysis, the significant [p < 0.05] determinants of tHcy were urea, creatinine and GFR. Comparing patients with control subjects showed that tHcy, age, fasting glucose, urea, serum creatinine, white blood cell count, protein S, APC-R and factor VIII were significantly higher, while protein C, factor II, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly lower in patients. Lupus anticoagulant was not associated with tHcy and not detected in patients and controls. Low concentrations of vitamins B[12] and folate were not associated with tHcy. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of tHcy with CVA [OR = 9.55; p = 0.047] in males in the presence of other traditional CVA risk factors but tHcy is not independently associated with CVA in females. Hyperhomocysteinemia is common in Kuwaiti patients with CVA and tHcy probably interacts with prothrombotic factors [protein C, APC-R and factor VIII] to increase CVA risk. The main determinants, age and GFR markers, should be kept in mind when determining the risk associated with tHcy

Trombofilia primaria en México: parte VI: falta de asociación estadística entre las condiciones trombofílicas heredadas / Primary thrombophilia in México: VI: lack of statistical association among the inherited thrombophilic conditions

Objetivo: En un periodo de 70 meses estudiamos de manera prospectiva a 100 pacientes mestizos mexicanos con algún marcador clínico de trombofilia: a) Trombosis antes de los 40 años, b) Historia familiar de trombosis, c) Trombosis recurrente sin la presencia de un factor precipitante aparente, d) Trombosis en sitios anatómicos inusuales, o e) Resistencia a la terapia antitrombótica convencional. Métodos: En estos pacientes, investigamos el síndrome de las plaquetas pegajosas, la mutación 677 C —>T del gen de la 5,10-metilentetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR), el fenotipo de resistencia a la proteína C activada (RPCa), la presencia de anticuerpos antifosfolípidos, las mutaciones Leiden, Cambridge, Liverpool y Hong Kong del gen del factor V, el haplotipo HR2 del mismo gen del factor V, el polimorfismo G20210A de la región 3´-no traducida del gen de la protrombina y las deficiencias de proteínas C y S y de antitrombina III. Resultados: En el 94 % de los casos encontramos por lo menos alguna alteración; de estos casos con alteración, la mayoría (81 %) tuvo dos o más condiciones trombofílicas asociadas. El análisis multivariado de todas estas variables sólo mostró asociación estadística entre la mutación tipo Leiden del gen del factor V y el fenotipo de RPCa (r = .495; p < 0.001). Conclusiones: Se concluye que, realizando este grupo de estudios, es posible identificar alguna alteración trombofílica en la mayoría de los pacientes mestizos mexicanos con algún marcador clínico de trombofilia y que las alteraciones no se asocian entre sí.

OBJECTIVE: Over a 70-month period, 100 consecutive Mexican mestizo individuals with a clinical marker associated with a primary hypercoagulable state were studied. METHODS: We prospectively assessed: the sticky platelet syndrome (SPS), the activated protein C resistance (aPCR) phenotype, coagulation protein C activity and antigen, coagulation protein S, antithrombin III, plasminogen, IgG and IgM isotypes of antiphospholipid antibodies, homocysteine levels, the factor V gene Leiden, Cambridge, Hong Kong, and Liverpool mutations, the 677 C-->T mutation in the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolatereductase (MTHFR), and the G20210A polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region of the prothrombin gene. RESULTS: Of the 100 consecutive patients prospectively accrued in the study, only 29% were males. In only 6 individuals could we not record any abnormality, whereas in most individuals (81%), two to five co-existing abnormalities were identified. In a multivariate analysis of the association of all these assesments, the only significant association was found between the factor V Leiden mutation and the aPCR phenotype (r = .495; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm previous observations on thrombophilia in Mexico underlining that it is a multifactorial disease. They also suggest that the abnormalities detected are not associated to each other.

Analysis of activated protein C resistance, factor V coagulation activity and gene polymorphisms in patients with venous thromboembolism / 中国实验血液学杂志

The study was aimed to investigate the factor V coagulation activity (FV:C), and to evaluate FVgene polymorphisms and activated protein C resistance (APCR) in the patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). 95 patients with VTE and 95 normal controls were investigated for FV gene polymorphisms. FV Leiden, FVCambridge, and FVHong Kong were detected by PCR, MnlI and BstNI digestion respectively. FVAsp79His and FVI359T were detected by MassARRAY. FV:C and APCR in 65 patients with VTE and 60 normal controls were determined by a one-stage clotting method and the APTT-based assays respectively. The results showed that the mean levels of plasma FV:C were significantly higher in VTE group than that in controls (108.03% +/- 28.29% vs 95.17% +/- 29.75%) (P = 0.008), the incidence of APCR were 20.0% (13 of 65 cases) in patients with VTE and 5.0% (3 of 60 cases) in normal controls (P = 0.012). FV Leiden, FVCambridge, FVHong Kong, FVAsp79His and FVI359T mutations were not found in two groups. It is concluded that the increased plasma level of FV:C is a risk factor for VTE. There is APCR in both groups, APCR is also a risk factor to VTE. APCR may not be associated with mutations of FV Leiden, FVCambridge, FVHong Kong, FVAsp79His and FV I359T polymorphisms, other factors need to study further in APCR.

Factor V Leiden is not commonly associated with idiopathic portal vein thrombosis in southern India.

BACKGROUND: Factor V Leiden has been reported in 2%-30% of patients with portal vein thrombosis. This wide variation makes it difficult to assess the importance of factor V Leiden as a predisposing factor. METHODS: Factor V Leiden was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism in 112 patients with portal vein thrombosis, 104 with deep vein thrombosis and 98 control subjects. RESULTS: Only 3/112 (3%) patients with portal vein thrombosis had factor V Leiden, compared to 1/98 (1%) controls and 16/104 (15%) with deep vein thrombosis; of these, 3, 1 and 15, respectively, were heterozygous for this mutation. CONCLUSION: Factor V Leiden contributes little, if at all, to the development of portal vein thrombosis in southern India.

Activated protein C resistance and lupus anticoagulant activity induced by plasma and purified monospecific human IgG anti-β2-glycoprotein-I antibodies / Resistencia a la proteína C activada y actividad de anticoagulante lúpico inducidas por plasma y por anticuerpos purificados humanos del IgG anti β2-glicoproteína I

ABSTRACT Introduction. We investigated the activated protein C resistance (APCR) phenotype and the lupus anticoagulant (LA), activity induced by anti-β2-glycoprotein-I (anti-β2GP-I) antibodies. Patients and methods. We studied plasma and sera samples from 29 patients with persistently positive anti-β2GP-I: 22 with thrombosis (12 with primary APS, 10 with APS secondary to SLE) and seven without thrombosis (all with SLE); 25 healthy subjects were studied as controls. We detected anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA); IgG (and its subclasses) and IgM anti-β2GP-I, on irradiated and non-irradiated plates by ELISA. APCR was assessed by the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)-based assay and by the modified test. The FV Leiden mutation was studied by PCR. LA determination included screening and confirmatory dRVVT. Serum anti-β2GP-I were affinity purified on sepharose columns and their isotype, subclass, and reactivity against various antigens were studied by ELISA. Results. We found that titers of IgG anti-β2GP-I on irradiated plates were higher than on non-irradiated plates (p = 0.002), IgG2 was the predominant subclass. Fifteen patients (13 with thrombosis) had LA and 15 (also 13 with thrombosis) induced the APCR phenotype. Eleven (all with thrombosis) had both. Two patients were heterozygous for the Leiden mutation. Two purified antibodies, monospecific for β2GP-I, induced an in vitro APCR phenotype and LA activity. Conclusions. Our results seem to indicate that the inhibition of the APC anticoagulant function by IgG2 anti-β2GP-I with LA activity may be one of the responsible mechanisms of thrombophilia in patients with APS.

Introducción. Investigamos la resistencia a la proteína C activada (RPCA) y la actividad de anticoagulante lápico (AL), inducidas por anticuerpos anti-β2-glicoproteína-I (anti-β2GP-I). Pacientes y métodos. Estudiamos los plasmas y sueros persistentemente positivos para anti-β2GP-I de 29 pacientes: 22 tuvieron trombosis (12 con síndrome de antifosfolípidos (SAF) primario y 10 con SAF secundario a lupus erítematoso generalizado (LEG)) y siete sin trombosis (todos con LEG). Como controles estudiamos 25 sueros de personas clínicamente sanas. Detectamos anticuerpos anticardiolipina, anti-β2GP-I IgG (y sus subclases) e IgM por ELISA en placas irradiadas y no irradiadas. Evaluamos la RPCA por medio del tiempo parcial de tromboplastina activada y por la prueba modificada. Estudiamos la mutación FV de Leiden por PCR y el anticoagulante lápico con el método de dRVVT screening y confirmatorio. Después de purificar los anti-β2GP-I séricos con una columna de antígeno unido a sefarosa, analizamos por ELISA sus isotipos, subclases y reactividad contra β2GP-I y algunos fosfolípidos. Resultados. Los títulos de anti-β2GP-I IgG fueron más altos en placas irradiadas que en no irradiadas (p = 0.002), predominó la subclase IgG2. Quince plasmas (13 de pacientes con trombosis) tuvieron AL y 15 (13 también de pacientes con trombosis) indujeron el fenotipo de RPCA. Once plasmas (todos de pacientes con trombosis) indujeron ambas actividades. Dos pacientes fueron heterocigotos para la mutación de Leiden. Dos anticuerpos purificados monoespecíficos para β2GP-I indujeron el fenotipo de la RPCA y la actividad de AL in vitro. Conclusiones. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la RPCA, inducida por los anti-β2GP-I que concomitantemente tienen actividad de AL, puede tener implicaciones patogénicas en la trombofílía del SAF.

Púrpura fulminans asociada a deficiencia de proteína C, proteína S y resistencia a proteína C activada / Association of purpura fulminans with protein C and protein C deficiency and resistance to activated protein C

Purpura fulminans describe el desarrollo agudo de necrosis de la piel acompañada de trombosis cutánea. Se describen dos casos de púrpura fulminans, el primero debido a una severa deficiencia de proteína C y S, y el segundo con resistencia a proteína C activada. El temprano reconocimiento de estas entidades es importante ya que son fatales sin tratamiento.

[Abnormalities of haemostasis in myocardial infarction with normal coronary artery]

Myocardial infarction with normal coronary artery is usually inaugural, with electric and clinical characteristics similar to those with atheroma. The role of constitutional or acquired abnormalities of haemostasis has been more incriminated in the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction with normal coronary. The aim of our study was to research abnormalities of haemostasis in patients with myocardial infarction and angiographically absolutely normal coronary arteries. Thirty nine, patients with myocarcdial infarction and normal coronary arteries were included in our study. They were 33 males and 6 females aged between 22 and 75 years [44 +13 years], in whom the deficiency in protein C and S. antithrombin, activated protein C resistance and antiphospholipid antibodies were assessed Concurrent abnormalities of haemostasis were found in 10 patients: Antiphospholipid antibodies, found in 5 patients constitute the most frequent abnormality. The other abnormalities were deficiency in protein C in two cases, deficiency in protein S 2 cases, deficiency in antithrombin in 2 cases and activated protein C resistance in 3 cases In our study, in face of the high prevalence of these abnormalities, it seems reasonable to research them, especially in young patients with myocardial infarction with normal coronary artery. This should have an impact on the management of these patients

Thrombophilic risk factors in breast cancer patients

Activation of the coagulation system in cancer patients is a long known but still poorly understood phenomenon. To clarify the role of some thrombophilic risk factors in cancer patients, activated protein C sensitivity ratio [APC-SR], protein C activity and antithrombin III [AT III] activity, protein S activity as well as antiphospholipid activity [IgG, IgM] were assessed in 24 women with lymph node positive breast carcinoma, 12 of them had proven distant metastases and another 12 of them had no evidence of distant metastases, in addition to 20 matched healthy control subjects. From this study, there is significant decrease in APC-SR, protein C activity, protein S activity in breast cancer patients compared to control group. Also, there is a significant decrease in the same parameters in patients with metastases compared to those without metastases. The odds ratio for risk of thrombosis associated with breast cancer patients in presence of APC resistance phenotype is 3 and 95% confidence interval [C.l.] is 0.633- 16.89. From this study, we can conclude that APC-resistant phenotype is the most frequent thrombophilic risk factor in cancer breast patients. So, screening assay of APC-SR should be encouraged in cancer breast patients especially those having distant metastases, aiming to reduce the risk of thrombosis

Prevalence and clinical correlations of acquired activated protein C resistance and antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [SLE] is an autoimmune disorder affecting multiple organ systems. Antiphospholipid [aPL] antibodies are frequently found in plasma of SLE patients and venous thromboembolism VTE is common manifestation. This work was designed to assess the level of antiphospholipid antibodies [B2 glycoprotein I antibodies, anti prothrombin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant], protein C resistance and factor V Leiden in SLE patients and evaluate the correlation to thrombotic tendency in those patients. 50 SLE patients and 30 normal controls were included and subjected to measurement of antibodies to B2 glycoprotein I and antiprothrombin antibodies using ELISA technique, Lupus anticoagulant was estimated using diluted Russell Viper Venom Test [dRVVT], activated protein C resistance APC-R was measured by modified coagulometric technique and Factor V Leiden by PCR technique. Acquired APC-R was present in 17 out of 50 patients [34%] and all of them are not found to have Factor V Leiden mutations. The presence of acquired APC-R was a strong risk Factor for venous thromboembolism VTE. [OR 5.63 CI 1.8 - 11.2 P < 0.001] Raised level of all aPL antibodies found in patient group Anti B2GPI in 30%, anti PT in 50% and LA activity in 46% of SLE patients. A significant association was observed between APC-R and co-existence of anti- B2GPIAb and LA activity or of antiprothombin antibodies and LA activity. There was no association between APC-R and presence of anti-B2GPIAb, antiprothrombin Abs or LA activity alone. However, multivariate logistical regression analysis was performed it was clear that only the coexistence of antiprothrombin antibodies and LA activity was a significant risk factor for APC-R. [OR 3 - 53 95% CI 1.45 - 8.58.] There was no significant differences between SLE patient and control group as regard Protein C, Protein S or AT III levels. Coexistence of only antiprothrombin Abs and LA activity was a significant risk factor for APC-R and it may be important for pathogenesis of VTE in patients with SLE

Changes of Coagulability after Off-pump CABG: Comparison with On-pump CABG / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Hemostatic function is regarded to be preserved after an off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), compared to conventional CABG, and the preserved hemostatic function may increase thrombotic occlusion of the graft. We studied the changes of hemostatic variables in patients undergoing off-pump CABG, and compared to those of on-pump CABG. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We studied the changes of coagulation function in 11 patients who underwent off-pump CABG (group I), and compared them with those of 11 patients who underwent on-pump CABG and Dor procedure (group II). Coagulation status was evaluated by thromboelastography and blood coagulation test preoperatively, postoperative 1st day, 2nd day, 3rd day, and 5th day, respectively. RESULT: Among the variables measured by thromboelastography (such as r time, k time, alpha angle, and MA value) and blood coagulation test (such as factor VII, protein S, protein C, antithrombin III, activated protein C resistance test, plasminogen, D-dimer, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, hemoglobin, and fibrinogen), there were significant differences in the MA value, alpha angle, and platelet counts between the two groups. MA values were 140+/-72% and 153+/-98% in group I, and 87+/-27% and 78+/-28% in group II, at postoperative 3rd and 5th days, respectively (p<0.05). alpha angle was 122+/-92% in group I and 69+/-23% in group II at postoperative 3rd day (p=0.09). Platelet count was 63+/-55% in group I and 33+/-13% in group II at postoperative 3rd day (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent off-pump CABG showed increased coagulability during postoperative periods, compared to those who underwent on-pump CABG. Our data suggest that aggressive perioperative anticoagulation therapy is warranted in patients undergoing off-pump CABG.

Effects of anticoagulation protein defect in maternal plasma on spontaneous abortion / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the mechanism of anticoagulation protein defect in the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent miscarriage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-seven patients with a history of unexplained abortion were enrolled as the investigation group for tests of protein C, protein S, antithrombin III (AT-III), as well as activated protein C resistance (APC-R). The control group consisted of fifty healthy women with a history of normal pregnancy and delivery. Blood samples were obtained for, measuring serum activity of protein C, protein S, AT-III, and APC-R. Patients with positive APC-R were tested for factor V (FV) Leiden gene mutation by PCR-RFLP method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 57 patients, 12 (21.1%), 1 (1.8%), and 5 (8.8%) cases were found with protein S, protein C, and AT-III deficiency respectively, and 13 (22.8%) cases with positive results of APC-R. Of the control group, no protein C or AT-III deficiency was ever found, whereas 2 (4.0%) volunteers were presented with protein S deficiency and 3 (6.0%) with positive results of APC-R. No FV Leiden gene mutation was identified in all the patients with positive APC-R results. Late spontaneous abortion cases had higher incidence of anticoagulation protein defect than the early cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Anticoagulation protein defect may play a role in the pathogenesis of fetal loss, especially for those occurring in late stage of pregnancy.</p>