Preservation of thrombin generation in cirrhosis despite abnormal results of international normalized ratio: implications for invasive procedures.

Thrombin generation is normal or elevated in patients with cirrhosis when tested in the presence of thrombomodulin, the activator of the main natural anticoagulant protein C. However, the relationship between thrombin generation with bleeding has been little explored in literature. 97 Consecutive patients with cirrhosis were prospectively included (58 men; 54 ±â€Š10 years) and divided into two groups international normalized ratio (INR) less than 1.5 (n = 72) or INR at least 1.5 (n = 25). 46 Healthy individuals were tested as controls. Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) was measured without and with the addition of thrombomodulin. ETP measured without thrombomodulin was reduced in patients with cirrhosis when compared with controls, but no significant difference was found between the INR less than 1.5 and INR at least 1.5 groups (1250 ±â€Š315.7 versus 1186 ±â€Š238 nmol/l × min; P = 0.3572). After the addition of thrombomodulin, both groups generated thrombin comparable with controls (INR ≥ 1.5: 965.9 ±â€Š232.3; INR < 1.5: 893.0 ±â€Š368.6; controls: 915.0 ±â€Š458 nmol/l × min). 80% of patients had high ETP without/with thrombomodulin ratio, demonstrating the resistance to the anticoagulant action of thrombomodulin for both groups. This was more marked in the INR at least 1.5 group (0.81 ±â€Š0.1 versus 0.69 ±â€Š0.2; P = 0.0042). Postligation of esophageal varices bleeding occurred in 5.2% of patients (INR < 1.5, n = 3; INR ≥ 1.5, n = 2), all of them with ETP without/with thrombomodulin ratio ranging from 0.72 to 0.90 (controls 0.57 ±â€Š0.21). This study confirms that thrombin generation in the presence of thrombomodulin was normal in most patients with cirrhosis, including those with high INR value, but did not correlate with postligation of esophageal varices bleeding.

Highlights from the I international symposium of thrombosis and anticoagulation in internal medicine, October 23-25, 2008, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The importance of thrombosis and anticoagulation in clinical practice is rooted firmly in several fundamental constructs that can be applied both broadly and globally. Awareness and the appropriate use of anticoagulant therapy remain the keys to prevention and treatment. However, to assure maximal efficacy and safety, the clinician must, according to the available evidence, choose the right drug, at the right dose, for the right patient, under the right indication, and for the right duration of time. The first International Symposium of Thrombosis and Anticoagulation in Internal Medicine was a scientific program developed by clinicians for clinicians. The primary objective of the meeting was to educate, motivate and inspire internists, cardiologists and hematologists by convening national and international visionaries, thought-leaders and dedicated clinician-scientists in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This article is a focused summary of the symposium proceedings.

Dietary salt restriction increases plasma lipoprotein and inflammatory marker concentrations in hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Dietary salt restriction has been reported to adversely modify the plasma lipoprotein profile in hypertensive and in normotensive subjects. We investigated the effects of the low sodium intake (LSI) on the plasma lipoprotein profile and on inflammation and thrombosis biomarkers during the fasting and postprandial periods. METHODS: Non-obese, non-treated hypertensive adults (n=41) were fed strictly controlled diets. An initial week on a control diet (CD, Na=160 mmol/day) was followed by 3 weeks on LSI (Na=60 mmol/day). At admission and on the last day of each period, the 24-h ambulatory blood pressure was monitored and blood was drawn after an overnight fasting period and after a fat-rich test meal. RESULTS: The dietary adherence was confirmed by 24-h urinary sodium excretion. Fasting triglyceride (TG), chylomicron-cholesterol, hsC-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations, renin activity, aldosterone, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values were higher, but non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were lower on LSI than on CD. For LSI, areas under the curve (AUC) of TG, chylomicron-cholesterol, apoB and the cholesterol/apoB ratio were increased, whereas AUC-NEFA was lowered. LSI did not modify body weight, hematocrit, fasting plasma cholesterol, glucose, adiponectin, leptin, fibrinogen and factor VII (FVII), and AUC of lipoprotein lipase and of lipoprotein remnants. CONCLUSION: LSI induced alterations in the plasma lipoproteins and in inflammatory markers that are common features of the metabolic syndrome.

Mieloma Múltiplo e distúrbios da hemostasia / Hemostatic abnormalities in Multiple Myeloma

O mieloma múltiplo (MM) é o tumor de células plasmocitárias que corresponde a aproximadamente 10 por cento das neoplasias hematológicas. Durante o seu curso clínico, relata-se que 15-30 por cento dos pacientes podem apresentar manifestações hemorrágicas, decorrentes de vários mecanismos fisiopatológicos. Até 1999, era descrito que os pacientes com MM ativo apresentavam incidência de até 10 por cento de tromboembolismo. Porém, com a introdução da talidomida no arsenal terapêutico do MM, foi demonstrado aumento importante da freqüência dos eventos trombóticos venosos e arteriais, especialmente quando associada com outros medicamentos, alcançando a taxa de 35 por cento. Várias medidas tromboprofiláticas farmacológicas foram empregadas visando reduzir essas intercorrências, com resultados variáveis. Até o presente momento ainda não se demonstrou qual o regime antitrombótico mais adequado. Recentemente, uma pesquisa entre membros do Grupo Internacional de Trabalho sobre Mieloma (IMWG) resultou em algumas recomendações terapêuticas. Esta revisão sobre as alterações hemostáticas observadas no mieloma múltiplo procurou abordar os diferentes mecanismos responsáveis pelas hemorragias e tromboses observados no MM, as medidas tromboprofiláticas farmacológicas descritas e seus resultados, e as recentes recomendações do IMWG.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the tumor of plasma cells that accounts for approximately 10 percent of hematological malignancies. During the clinical course of MM, hemorrhagic symptoms are described in 15- 30 percent of patients, due to several causes. Until 1999, it was reported that up 10 percent of patients with active MM had venous thromboembolic events. Nevertheless, since the introduction of thalidomide in the therapeutic arsenal of MM, an important increase of the incidence of arterial and venous thrombotic events were described (up 35 percent), especially when used in association with other drugs. Several pharmacological thromboprophylactic measures have been introduced in order to decrease these events, but with variable results. The most adequate antithrombotic regimen has not yet been demonstrated. Recently the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) developed a survey among its members, resulting in some therapeutic recommendations. This review about hemostatic abnormalities in multiple myeloma had the intention of discussing the different mechanisms responsible for hemorrhagic and thrombotic events in MM, the pharmacological thrombophophylactic measures reported, their results and the recent recommendations of the IMWG.

Platelet activation in different clinical forms of the coronary artery disease (role of P-selectin and others platelet markers in stable and unstable angina).

OBJECTIVE: Markers of platelet activation are elevated in coronary artery disease. We sought to identify the presence and the potential associations of different markers of platelet activation. METHODS: We studied patients with unstable angina (n=28), patients with stable angina (n=36) and patients without coronary artery disease (n=30); sex and age matched. Blood levels of the adhesion molecule P-selectin, Thromboxane B2 and Serotonin were measured by enzyme immunoassays. RESULTS: When we compared the groups the results were: sP-selectin, thromboxane B2 and serotonin levels were significantly higher in patients with unstable angina than in patients with stable angina. CONCLUSION: These markers of platelet activation were able to identify unstable forms of coronary artery disease.

Ativação plaquetária em formas clínicas distintas da doença arterial coronariana (papel da P-selectina e de outros marcadores nas anginas estável e instável) / Platelet activation in different clinical forms of the coronary artery disease (roll of P-selectin and others platelet markers in the stable and unstable angina) / Platelet activation in different clinical forms of the coronary artery disease (roll of P-selectin and others platelet markers in the stable and unstable angina)

OBJETIVO: Os marcadores da ativação plaquetária em geral se apresentam elevados na doença arterial coronariana. Desse modo, procuramos identificar a presença e as potenciais associações de diferentes marcadores da ativação plaquetária. MÉTODOS: Estudamos pacientes com angina instável (n=28), pacientes com angina estável (n=36) e pacientes sem doença arterial coronariana (n=30); sexo e idade foram estratificados. Os níveis sangüíneos da molécula de adesão P-selectina, do thromboxane B2 e de serotonina foram medidos por imunoensaios enzimáticos. RESULTADOS: Quando comparamos os grupos, os resultados foram: a P-selectina, o thromboxane B2 e os níveis do serotonina apresentaram-se significativamente mais elevados nos pacientes com angina instável do que nos pacientes com angina estável. CONCLUSÃO: Estes marcadores da ativação plaquetária podem, portanto, identificar formas instáveis de doença arterial coronariana.

OBJECTIVE: Markers of platelet activation are elevated in coronary artery disease. We sought to identify the presence and the potential associations of different markers of platelet activation. METHODS: We studied patients with unstable angina (n=28), patients with stable angina (n=36) and patients without coronary artery disease (n=30); sex and age matched. Blood levels of the adhesion molecule P-selectin, Thromboxane B2 and Serotonin were measured by enzyme immunoassays. RESULTS: When we compared the groups the results were: sP-selectin, thromboxane B2 and serotonin levels were significantly higher in patients with unstable angina than in patients with stable angina. CONCLUSION: These markers of platelet activation were able to identify unstable forms of coronary artery disease.

Evaluation of platelet aggregation in platelet concentrates (PCs): storage implications: erratum / Avaliação da agregação plaquetária em concentrados de plaquetas (PCs): implicações de estocagem: errata

A utilização de hemoderivados constituí-se em uma modalidade terapêutica de fundamental importância no exercício da medicina. Dentre os diversos hemocomponentes que podem ser utilizados, o concentrado de plaquetas (CP) é indicado em situações de distúrbios hemorrágicos. Em estudos anteriores demonstramos que a função plaquetária em doadores de sangue apresenta-se reduzida após fracionamento. No presente trabalho, avaliamos as mudanças bioquímicas e funcionais em CP estocados durante três dias à temperatura de 20 ± 2 ºC. Foram estudados 40 CPs estocados em bolsas de polivinil PL-146 tendo como anticoagulante CPD. O estudo de agregação plaquetária foi avaliado utilizando-se como agonistas colágeno e trombina. Os parâmetros bioquímicos avaliados foram pH, PCO2, pO2 e concentração de lactato. Foi observado um aumento significativo de pH de 7.07 ± 0.04 para 7.36 ± 0.07 (p < 0.01). A concentração de pC02 diminuiu progressivamente de 69.2 ± 7.7 mmHg para 28.8 ± 6.2 mmHg (p<0.001) durante o período de estocagem. Por outro lado, a concentração de pO2 aumentou de 103.4 ± 30.6 mmHg para 152.3 ± 24.6 mmHg (p<0.001) após 48 horas de estocagem. A concentração de lactato aumentou de 17.97 ± 5.2 para 57.21 ± 5.7 mg/dL (p< 0.001). A agregação plaquetária utilizando-se como agonista trombina -0.25U/mL e colágeno-2.0 mg/mL mostrou hipofunção significativa de 61.8 ± 2.7% para 24.8 ± 9.8% e 62.7 ± 5.0% para 33.4 ± 6.2% (p<0.001), respectivamente. Concluímos que a função plaquetária e os parâmetros bioquímicos avaliados alteram-se significativamente quando as plaquetas são mantidas sob condições de armazenamento.

Evaluation of platelet aggregation in platelet concentrates: storage implications / Efeito das catequinas (catequina e epicatequina) na agregação plaquetária

Os flavonóides representam um dos grupos fenólicos mais importantes e diversificados entre os produtos de origem natural. Dentre os compostos fenólicos temos os derivados flavânicos (flavan-3-óis e flavan-3,4-dióis) que podem se polimerizar originando taninos. O representante mais importante do grupo dos flavan-3-óis é a catequina. Estes compostos exibem inúmeros efeitos biológicos incluindo ação antiviral, antioxidante e antitrombótica. No presente trabalho foi avaliado o efeito das catequinas (catequina e epicatequina) sobre a função plaquetária. Foram estudados vinte indivíduos adultos, clinicamente saudáveis. A agregação plaquetária foi avaliada em plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) e plaquetas lavadas utilizando-se agonistas colágeno (2,0 µg/ml) e trombina (0,25U/ml), respectivamente. Como controle utilizou-se o veículo da droga (DMSO 0.2 por cento). O pré-tratamento das plaquetas com epicatequina (200 µg/ml) causou inibição significativa da agregação para o colágeno (9.0 ± 7.8 por cento) e para a trombina (10.0 ± 2.2) em relação aos respectivos controles (70.0 ± 7.8) e (68.0 ± 5.0), (p<0.001; Student t-test). Por outro lado, a catequina não promoveu inibição da resposta de agregação. Conclui-se que a epicatequina apresenta potencial antiagregante.

Os flavonóides representam um dos grupos fenólicosmais importantes e diversificados entre os produtosde origem natural. Dentre os compostos fenólicos temosos derivados flavânicos (flavan-3-óis e flavan-3,4-dióis) que podem se polimerizar originando taninos.O representante mais importante do grupodos flavan-3-óis é a catequina. Estes compostos exibeminúmeros efeitos biológicos incluindo açãoantiviral, antioxidante e antitrombótica. No presentetrabalho foi avalia(catequina e epicatequina) sobre a função plaquetária.Foram estudados vinte indivíduos adultos,clinicamente saudáveis. A agregação plaquetária foiavaliada em plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) e plaquetaslavadas utilizando-se agonistas colágeno (2,0μg/ml) e trombina (0,25U/ml), respectivamente.Como controle utilizou-se o veículo da droga (DMSO0.2%). O pré-tratamento das plaquetas com epicatequina(200 μg/ml) causou inibição significativa daagregação para o colágeno (9.0 ± 7.8%) e para atrombina (10.0 ± 2.2) em relação aos respectivoscontroles (70.0 ± 7.8) e (68.0 ± 5.0), ( p<0.001;Student t-test). Por outro lado, a catequina não promoveuinibição da resposta de agregação. Concluise que a epicatequina apresenta potencial antiagregantedo o efeito das catequinas.

Antiphospholipid antibodies in 57 children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequencies and behavior of antiphospholipid antibodies in 57 children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus. METHODS: Anticardiolipin antibodies were investigated by ELISA and lupus anticoagulant antibodies by the international tests recommended. The antiphospholipid antibodies analyses were performed in frozen samples (mean of 5.3 samples per patient obtained during a mean follow-up period of 3 years and 7 months) and on blood samples collected between January 1997 and November 1998 (mean of 2.5 samples per patient during a 2-year follow-up period). RESULTS: The frequencies of antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant) were similar in the samples collected prospectively and in the frozen samples (retrospective study): 63.2% and 75.4% respectively. Positivity for these antibodies fluctuated during the follow-up period and was not associated with any clinical or laboratory parameters of lupus erythematosus, including autoantibodies and also including disease activity and/or severity scores. CONCLUSIONS: The frequencies of antiphospholipid antibodies in children and adolescents with lupus erythematosus were similar to those observed in adults. The positivity fluctuated during the follow-up and was not correlated with clinical and/or laboratory disease parameters.

Antiphospholipid antibodies in 57 children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequencies and behavior of antiphospholipid antibodies in 57 children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus. METHODS: Anticardiolipin antibodies were investigated by ELISA and lupus anticoagulant antibodies by the international tests recommended. The antiphospholipid antibodies analyses were performed in frozen samples (mean of 5.3 samples per patient obtained during a mean follow-up period of 3 years and 7 months) and on blood samples collected between January 1997 and November 1998 (mean of 2.5 samples per patient during a 2-year follow-up period). RESULTS: The frequencies of antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant) were similar in the samples collected prospectively and in the frozen samples (retrospective study): 63.2 percent and 75.4 percent respectively. Positivity for these antibodies fluctuated during the follow-up period and was not associated with any clinical or laboratory parameters of lupus erythematosus, including autoantibodies and also including disease activity and/or severity scores. CONCLUSIONS: The frequencies of antiphospholipid antibodies in children and adolescents with lupus erythematosus were similar to those observed in adults. The positivity fluctuated during the follow-up and was not correlated with clinical and/or laboratory disease parameters

Hypopituitarism, deficiency of factors V and VIII and von Willebrand factor: an uncommon association.

A 9 year-old boy with hypopituitarism and blood coagulation abnormalities is presented and discussed. The association between acquired von Willebrand disease and hypothyroidism has been reported but the combination of hypopituitarism and coagulopathy is unusual. Combined multiple clotting deficiencies are rare and, when present, factors V and VIII is the commonest association. Although it is known that hypothyroid patients may have a decrease in von Willebrand's factor (vWf) and factor VIII, there are no reports of hypopituitarism associated with combined deficiency of factors V, VIII, and vWf.