Kinetics Of Thrombin Generation Research Articles

Use of clinical biological tests of haemostasis to evaluate topical haemostatics.

In addition to traditional means, topical haemostatics are currently used to avoid haemorrhage during surgery. Although they have been reported to be effective, there is a low level of proof of their clinical efficacy, which is at odds with their levels of use. This study used two methods to better understand their in vitro mechanism of action. Two clinical biology assays were used to measure the action of topical haemostatics on primary and secondary haemostasis. Calibrated samples of collagen sponges and polypropylene non-woven gauze were tested. Platelet aggregation was assessed using a multichannel aggregometer. A thrombin generation assay (TGA) was used with a fluorogenic readout. Tissue factor solutions were used to activate coagulation. In terms of primary haemostasis, collagen sponges stimulated platelet aggregation, in particular between 2 and 5 min after incubation with platelet-rich plasma and with no dose effect. In regard to coagulation, the kinetics of thrombin generation was enhanced. Polypropylene non-woven gauze did not exhibit any effect on platelet aggregation, although it did have a weak effect on the kinetics of thrombin generation. Collagen is well known to exert a haemostatic effect due to its action on platelet aggregation. By contrast, polypropylene non-woven gauze has not been shown to have any effect on platelet aggregation other than a minor impact on thrombin generation. The results obtained with the devices tested are in agreement with the literature. Platelet aggregation biological assays and TGA measurements appear to be suitable for evaluation of these medical products.

Differences in venous clot structures between hemophilic mice treated with emicizumab versus factor VIII or factor VIIIFc.

Recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII), rFVIIIFc and emicizumab are established treatment options in the management of hemophilia A. Each has its unique mode of action, which can influence thrombin generation kinetics and therefore also the kinetics of thrombin substrates. Such differences may potentially result in clots with different structural and physical properties. A starting observation of incomplete wound closure in a patient on emicizumab-prophylaxis led us employ a relevant mouse model in which we noticed that emicizumab-induced clots appeared less stable compared to FVIII-induced clots. We thus analyzed fibrin formation in vitro and in vivo. In vitro fibrin formation was faster and more abundant in the presence of emicizumab compared to rFVIII/rFVIIIFc. Furthermore, the time-interval between the initiation of fibrin formation and factor XIII activation was twice as long for emicizumab compared to rFVIII/rFVIIIFc. Scanning-electron microscopy and immunofluorescent spinning-disk confocal-microscopy of in vivo generated clots confirmed increased fibrin formation in the presence of emicizumab. Unexpectedly, we also detected a different morphology between rFVIII/rFVIIIFc- and emicizumab-induced clots. Contrary to the regular fibrin-mesh obtained with rFVIII/rFVIIIFc, fibrin-fibers appeared to be fused into large patches upon emicizumabtreatment. Moreover, fewer red blood cells were detected in regions where these fibrin patches were present. The presence of highly-dense fibrin-structures associated with a diffuse fiber-structure in emicizumab-induced clots was also observed when using superresolution imaging. We hypothesize that the modified kinetics of thrombin, fibrin and factor XIIIa generation contribute to differences in structural and physical properties between clots formed in the presence of FVIII or emicizumab.

Measuring Thrombin Generation in Platelet Rich Plasma with the ST Genesia

Background: Thrombin generation (TG) is nowadays used more and more for diagnosing and monitoring of patients. The ST Genesia is a fully automated device for measuring TG in platelet poor plasma (PPP). As the samples are not being inverted prior to the measurement once loaded in the device, it was not known whether it was possible to measure TG in platelet rich plasma (PRP). Platelets can sediment in time possibly affecting TG results. The goal of this study was to evaluate the use of the ST Genesia for measuring TG in PRP in time and to investigate whether the assay is sensitive to platelet antagonists. Methods: Blood was taken from 6 healthy donors and PRP was immediately prepared by centrifuging the blood once for 15 minutes at 220g. The PRP was divided into 14 tubes: 11 tubes for measuring TG in time; i.e. after 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 180, 240 minutes after the samples were loaded on board; 1 tube for platelet count measurement, 1 tube for TG with the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram (CAT) assay and 1 tube for freezing the PRP. The PRP reagent of the CAT assay was used for triggering TG that contains a low tissue factor concentration. Tukey's multiple comparisons test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The platelet count remained stable in time even without inverting the vial prior to the measurement up to 3 hours. After 4 hours, platelet count was significantly lower (p<0.01). TG in PRP remained stable in time up to 3 hours, after that lagtime and time-to-peak were extended by an average of 48% and 16%, respectively (p-values <0.0001 and 0.0121, respectively), while ETP and peak height remained stable (with low CV's of <6.0% and <7.3%, respectively). The ST Genesia proved to be sensitive to platelet antagonists aspirin (100µM) and Cangrelor (500nM) as peak height decreased with 22% and 24%, respectively. TG measured with the CAT and the ST Genesia was comparable. Measuring TG in PRP after being frozen at -80°C resulted TG kinetics similar to TG in PPP, with a shorter lagtime (-67%) and time-to-peak (-64%), with an increased peak height (+82%), and velocity index (+383%), and an unaffected ETP. Conclusion: The ST Genesia can be used for the reproducible measurement of TG in PRP up to two hours after loading the samples in the device.

A murine multiple-injury model for the study of thromboinflammation.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) contribute to trauma-induced coagulopathy. We aimed to develop a murine multiple-injury model that induces thrombo-inflammatory response, that is, NETosis and accelerated thrombin generation. Wild-type male mice (n = 10, aged 8-12 weeks) underwent multiple injuries (gastrocnemius crush, femur fracture, and laparotomy) and were compared with an uninjured control group (n = 10). Mice were euthanized by cardiac puncture performed 3 hours after injury. Whole blood samples were immediately processed to platelet poor plasma for thrombin generation kinetics (calibrated automated thrombogram), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and von Willebrand factor quantification. Immunohistochemistry of lung tissue was performed to assess for citrullinated histone 3 (CitH3) and MPO. A NETosis cluster was defined as 3+ neutrophils staining for CitH3 at 400× magnification (CitH3 cluster). Data were presented either as mean (SD) or median (interquartile range) with p < 0.05 significant. Sham and trauma treated animals were compared by the two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Animals subjected to multiple injuries had accelerated thrombin generation compared with controls with greater peak height (61.3 [41.2-73.2] vs. 28.4 [19.5-37.5] nM, p = 0.035) and shorter time to peak (3.37 [2.81-3.81] vs. 4.5 [4.08-4.75] minutes, p = 0.046). Markers of neutrophil activation were greater following multiple injuries than in controls (MPO, 961.1 [858.1-1116.8] vs. 481.3 [438.0-648.9] ng/mL; p = 0.004). NETosis, as evidenced by the aforementioned defined number of CitH3 clusters in the lung, was greater in multiple-injury animals than in controls (mean [SD], 3 [2.9] vs. 0.2 [0.7]; p = 0.009). This is the first study to demonstrate that NETosis and accelerated thrombin generation can be induced using a murine multiple-injury model, as early as 3 hours following injury.

Whole blood thrombin generation shows a significant hypocoagulable state in patients with decompensated cirrhosis

BackgroundPatients with cirrhosis have a normal to increased thrombin generation (TG) capacity in platelet-poor plasma (PPP). By reflecting the contribution of all circulating blood cells, whole blood (WB) TG may allow a more physiological assessment of coagulation. ObjectivesWe compared WB-TG vs PPP-TG in patients with cirrhosis. MethodsAssessment of coagulation included routine tests, factor VIII, natural anticoagulants, PPP-TG, and WB-TG. TG assays were performed with and without thrombomodulin. Twenty-five healthy subjects were included as controls. ResultsWe included 108 patients (Child-Pugh A/B/C, 44/24/40). Compared with controls, patients had significantly lower platelet count, longer international normalized ratio, higher FVIII, and lower levels of protein C/S and antithrombin. Regarding thrombomodulin-modified TG assays, in compensated cirrhosis, both PPP-TG and WB-TG indicated an increased TG capacity, as reflected by an endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) significantly higher than controls. In contrast, in decompensated cirrhosis, PPP-TG indicated a hypercoagulable state with increased ETP, higher peak height, and shorter time-to-peak than controls, whereas WB-TG revealed a progressive impairment of TG kinetics and total capacity, ultimately resulting in a profound hypocoagulable state in patients with Child-Pugh C cirrhosis (ie, significant prolongation of lag time and time-to-peak with reduction of both ETP and peak height). In decompensated patients, bacterial infections and severity of anemia were associated with a further reduction of both ETP and peak height. ConclusionCompensated cirrhosis is associated with an increased TG capacity. In decompensated cirrhosis, contrary to PPP-TG, which indicates hypercoagulability, WB-TG shows a significant hypocoagulable state. The clinical value of these findings deserves further investigation.

Effect of PCC on Thrombin Generation among Patients on Factor Xa Inhibitors with Major Bleeding or Needing Urgent Surgery (GAUGE): Design and Rationale.

Background Direct factor Xa inhibitors (FXaIs) account for most oral anticoagulant use and FXaI-associated bleeding events are common. Clinicians have variable national and regional access to specific FXaI reversal agents such as andexanet alfa. Many centers have adopted the use of prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) as hemostatic therapy for FXaI-associated major bleeding events. PCC does not impact circulating FXaI levels and its mechanism of action to achieve hemostasis in FXaI-associated bleeding is uncertain. While PCC increases quantitative thrombin generation assay (TGA) parameters, it does not correct FXaI-altered thrombin generation kinetics, nor does it normalize thrombin generation. Clinical data supporting the use of PCC are based on cohort studies reporting clinical hemostatic efficacy, which is difficult to measure. The benefits of PCC for FXaI-associated bleeding beyond supportive care are uncertain. Objective GAUGE is a prospective observational study designed to measure the effects of four-factor PCC administration (Octaplex) on TGA parameters among patients with FXaI-associated bleeding or needing urgent surgery. Methods Laboratory outcomes will include the mean paired change in TGA parameters from pre- to post-PCC administration and the proportion of participants whose post-PCC TGA values fall within a defined reference range. Clinical outcomes will include hemostatic efficacy, thromboembolic complications, and all-cause death at 30 days post-PCC. Conclusion Development of a viable and universally accessible FXaI bleed management strategy is crucial. GAUGE will provide in vivo data on the effects of PCC among patients with FXaI-associated bleeding.

Transient particle tracking microrheology of plasma coagulation via the intrinsic pathway

Abstract The maintenance of hemostasis to ensure vascular integrity is dependent upon the rapid conversion of zymogen species of the coagulation cascade to their enzymatically active forms. This process culminates in the generation of the serine protease thrombin and polymerization of fibrin to prevent vascular leak at sites of endothelial cell injury or loss of cellular junctions. Thrombin generation can be initiated by the extrinsic pathway of coagulation through exposure of blood to tissue factor at sites of vascular damage, or alternatively by the coagulation factor (F) XII activated by foreign surfaces with negative charges, such as glass, through the contact activation pathway. Here, we used transient particle tracking microrheology to investigate the mechanical properties of fibrin in response to thrombin generation downstream of both coagulation pathways. We found that the structural heterogeneity of fibrin formation was dependent on the reaction kinetics of thrombin generation. Pharmacological inhibition of FXII activity prolonged the time to form fibrin and increased the degree of heterogeneity of fibrin, resulting in fibrin clots with reduced mechanical properties. Taken together, this study demonstrates a dependency of the physical biology of fibrin formation on activation of the contact pathway of coagulation.

Plasma Thrombin Generation Kinetics Vary by Injury Pattern and Resuscitation Characteristics in Pediatric and Young Adult Trauma Patients.

Thrombin generation kinetics are not well studied in children. This study aimed to assess how thrombin generation kinetics vary in pediatric and young adult (YA) trauma patients by clinical characteristics and injury pattern. Prospective cohort study where plasma samples were obtained from pediatric (ages 0-17) and YA (ages 18-21) trauma patients upon Emergency Department arrival. Thrombin generation (Calibrated Automated Thrombogram, CAT) was quantified as lag time (LT, minutes), peak height (PH, nM), time to peak (ttPeak, minutes), and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP, nm*minute). Results are expressed as median and quartiles [Q1, Q3] and compared using Wilcoxon rank sum testing with p < 0.05 considered significant. We enrolled 47 pediatric (median age 15 [14, 17] years, 78% male, 87% blunt, median ISS 12) and 49 YA (median age 20 [18, 21] years, 67% male, 84% blunt, median ISS 12) patients. Pediatric and YA patients had similar rates of operative intervention (51% vs. 57%), transfusion (25% vs. 20%), and TBI (53% vs. 49%). Pediatric patients who required an operation had accelerated initiation of thrombin generation, with shorter LT than those who did not (2.58 [2.33, 2.67]; 2.92 [2.54, 3.00], p = 0.034). Shorter LT (2.41 [2.22, 2.67]; 2.67 [2.53, 3.00]) and ttPeak (4.50 [4.23, 4.73]; 5.22 [4.69, 5.75], both p < 0.01) were noted in pediatric patients who required transfusion as compared to those who did not. YA patients requiring transfusion had shorter LT (2.33 [2.19, 2.74]; 2.83 [2.67, 3.27]) and ttPeak (4.48 [4.33, 5.65]; 5.33 [4.85, 6.28] both p < 0.04) than those who were not transfused. YAs with traumatic brain injury had greater ETP than those without (1509 [1356, 1671]; 1284 [1154, 1471], p = 0.032). Thrombin generation kinetics in pediatric trauma patients prior to intervention vary with need for operation and transfusion, while thrombin generation kinetics in young adult patients are influenced by TBI and need for operation or transfusion. This is a promising tool for assessing coagulopathy in young trauma patients. Level IV, Prognostic/epidemiological.

TELOMERE LENGTH OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD MONONUCLEAR CELLS IS ASSOCIATED WITH DISCHARGE DISPOSITION IN OLDER TRAUMA PATIENTS.

Introduction: Little is known regarding peripheral blood mononuclear cell telomere length (PBMC-TL) and response to traumatic injury. The objective of this study was to characterize the role of PBMC-TL in coagulation and clinical outcomes after injury. Methods: Plasma and buffy coats were prospectively collected from trauma patients and healthy volunteers. DNA was purified and PBMC-TL quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Thrombin generation kinetics were expressed as lag time (in minutes), peak height (in nanometers), time to peak (in minutes), and endogenous thrombin potential (in nM × min). Results are in median and quartiles [Q1, Q3]. P < 0.05 was considered significant (Wilcoxon rank sum testing). Results: Forty-two younger patients (21 [20, 22] years, 69% were male) and 39 older patients (62 [61, 64] years, 79% were male) were included. There was no significant difference in Clinical Frailty Scores between groups. Younger patients had longer total PBMC-TL (0.40 Mb [0.30, 0.49] vs. 0.29 Mb [0.23, 0.33], P < 0.001) and longer average PBMC-TL per chromosome (4.3 kb [3.3, 5.3] vs. 3.2 kb [2.5, 3.7], P < 0.001). When older patients were stratified by 50th percentile of PBMC-TL, there were no differences in thrombin generation; however, those with shorter telomeres were less likely to be discharged home (29% vs. 77%, P = 0.004). Older patients in the bottom quartile of PBMC-TL had shorter lag time (2.78 min [2.33, 3.00] vs. 3.33 min [3.24, 3.89], P = 0.030) and were less likely to be discharged home (22% vs. 90%, P = 0.006) than those in the top quartile of PBMC-TL. Multivariable logistic regression models revealed both increased age and shorter PBMC-TL to be independent predictors of discharge disposition other than home. Conclusion: In older trauma patients, shorter PBMC-TL is associated with accelerated initiation of thrombin generation and lower likelihood of being discharged to home.

An Antibody Targeting Human FV Promotes Thrombin Generation and Reduces Bleeding in a Hemophilic Mouse Model

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that results from a deficiency of factor VIII (Hemophilia A; HA) or factor IX (Hemophilia B; HB). Protein replacement therapy ameliorates bleeding but can result in the development of neutralizing antibodies. Innovative nonfactor therapies are in development for hemophilia which target anticoagulant proteins such as tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), antithrombin, and activated protein C (APC). While these approaches show promise, they influence multiple coagulation factors and pathways which could raise safety concerns. Considering its essential role in coagulation in enhancing thrombin generation (TG), we hypothesized that altering the functional properties of FV/FVa could be an attractive approach for HA and HB treatment. Activated FV (FVa) assembles with FXa on activated cellular surfaces and enhances the kinetics of TG by several orders of magnitude. Here we assess whether monoclonal antibodies targeting all forms of FV are effective in promoting TG in hemophilia using both in vitro and in vivo models in hemophilic mice. Using an initial TG assay screen, we identified a procoagulant antibody (GB5) that binds with high affinity (Kd <0.5 nM) to human (h)FV, FVa, and FV-short and investigated its mechanism of action. Using proteolytic fragments of FV and western blotting experiments, we found that GB5 likely binds in the middle of the light chain region. To evaluate the functional effects of GB5 in vitro, we first employed a plasma-based TG assay using HA or HB plasma triggered with low (0.2 pM) tissue factor. The presence of saturating GB5 increased TG about 3-fold in HA plasma. Similar results were observed with HB plasma. Interestingly, when TG was essentially eliminated in HA and HB plasma with addition of exogenous APC, GB5 restored TG. These results suggest that the procoagulant effect of GB5 neutralizes the anticoagulant effect of APC and enhanced TG in hemophilic plasma To begin to assess the mechanism, the effect of GB5 on FV activation in the TG assay was evaluated. TG assay samples were removed over time, quenched, and analyzed by immunoblotting using labeled FV specific antibodies. In the presence of GB5, ~95% of the starting full-length FV was converted to FVa within 3 min compared to 5 min in the absence of GB5. These results show that FV is activated faster in the presence of GB5 in the TG assay. To extend these data, we next assessed the influence of GB5 in the TG assays using FV-deficient plasma supplemented with either FV or FVa and TFPI⍺. The data show that GB5 had essentially no effect on the TG assay when FV deficient plasma was reconstituted with FVa, but enhanced TG at least 3-fold when supplemented with FV. Consistent with this, the kinetics of prothrombin activation with FXa-FVa-membranes in the presence or absence of GB5 were the same. These data suggest that GB5 impacts reactions that influence FV, with no direct effect on FVa procoagulant function. To evaluate whether GB5 has a procoagulant effect in vivo, a tail vein transection (TVT) model was employed in HA mice. In this model, one lateral tail vein is transected, and blood is collected over 40 min with clots at the vessel wall disrupted every 10 min as needed. Since GB5 interacts with human and not mouse FV, plasma derived human FV was infused into HA mice. We found that blood loss in the TVT model using HA mice infused with human FV alone (5 μg/mouse) or GB5 alone (20 μg/mouse) was no different than mice infused with PBS (n = 3-5 mice/group except GB5 alone where n = 1: ~600 μl blood loss). In contrast to these data, when human FV and GB5 were co-administered, blood loss was reduced ~3-fold (~200 μl) which was statistically significant relative to the controls but did not reach the level of wild-type mice (blood loss ~50 μl). Overall, the results show that GB5 is a procoagulant monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity to human FV and influences reactions that lead to its activation and inactivation. We hypothesize that the net effect of GB5 is the enhanced production of FVa which has a major impact on TG. In plasma-based systems with and without the protein C system and an in vivo hemophilic model, GB5 is procoagulant and can reduce bleeding. Our work shows that targeting the common coagulation pathway at the level of FV has benefit in the context of hemophilia and may be a viable and safe therapeutic approach.

Perturbations in kinetics of the thrombin generation assay identify women at risk of preeclampsia in the first trimester and provide the rationale for a preventive approach

Activation of the coagulation system and increased thrombin generation have been implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, and this rationale supports the administration of low-molecular-weight heparin to prevent this syndrome in patients at risk. Yet, randomized trials of this prophylactic measure have yielded contradictory results. A possible explanation is that only a subset of patients with preeclampsia have excessive thrombin generation and would benefit from the administration of low-molecular-weight heparin. Therefore, the key questions are whether and when patients who subsequently develop preeclampsia present evidence of abnormal thrombin generation. This study aimed to determine (1) the kinetics of thrombin generation throughout gestation in women with a normal pregnancy and in those with early and late preeclampsia, and (2) the diagnostic performance of invivo thrombin generation parameters to predict the development of preeclampsia. This retrospective, nested case-control study was based on a prospective longitudinal cohort of singleton gestations. Cases comprised women who developed preeclampsia (n=49), and controls consisted of patients with a normal pregnancy (n=45). Preeclampsia was classified into early-onset (n=24) and late-onset (n=25). Longitudinal changes in the parameters of the thrombin generation assay (lag time, time to peak thrombin concentration, peak thrombin concentration, endogenous thrombin generation, and velocity index) throughout gestation were compared between the study groups, and normal pregnancy percentiles were derived from the control group. We tested whether a single parameter or a combination of parameters, derived from the kinetics of thrombin generation, could identify patients who subsequently developed preeclampsia. Time-related parameters <10th percentile were considered short, and concentration-related parameters >90th percentile were considered high. (1) Patients who developed preeclampsia (early- and late-onset) had abnormal thrombin generation kinetics as early as 8 to 16 weeks of pregnancy; (2) patients with a combination of a short lag time and high peak thrombin concentration at 8 to 16 weeks of pregnancy had an odds ratio of 43.87 for the subsequent development of preeclampsia (area under the curve, 0.79; sensitivity, 56.8%; specificity, 92.7%; positive likelihood ratio, 7.76); (3) at 16 to 22 weeks of gestation, patients with a combination of a short lag time and a high velocity index had an odds ratio of 16 for the subsequent development of preeclampsia (area under the curve, 0.78; sensitivity, 62.2%; specificity, 92.5%; positive likelihood ratio, 8.29). During early pregnancy, the thrombin generation assay can identify the subset of patients at a greater risk for the development of preeclampsia owing to accelerated and enhanced production of thrombin. This observation provides a rationale for testing the efficacy of low-molecular-weight heparin in this subset of patients. We propose that future research on the efficacy of low-molecular-weight heparin and other interventions targeting the coagulation system to prevent preeclampsia should be focused on patients with abnormal kinetics of thrombin generation.

Plasma thrombin generation kinetics in trauma patients across the age spectrum

• Trauma induces early changes in thrombin generation kinetics. • Initiation and time to peak thrombin generation positively correlate to age. • TBI and transfusion impact age related trends in both plasma coagulation markers. • Age-specific models of thrombin generation and TIC are needed. Injured patients have early changes to normal coagulation that can impact long term risk for thrombotic complications. There is little known about how age impacts biomarkers of coagulation after traumatic injury. In this pilot study, we aimed to characterize thrombin generation kinetics, a known predictor of venous thromboembolism, in trauma patients across the age spectrum. Citrated plasma samples were collected from 174 trauma patients (3–94 years old). Thrombin generation kinetics were measured using calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) and expressed as lag time (LT – minutes) and time to peak (ttPeak – minutes). Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman correlation, and multivariable regression analysis were carried out. Data in median and quartiles [Q1, Q3]. P < 0.05 significant. Pediatric patients ( n = 14) had shortest LT and ttPeak compared to adult and geriatric ( n = 43), who had longest (LT: 2.67 [2.48, 3.00] vs. 2.93 [2.56, 3.48] vs. 3.15 [2.74, 3.67], p = 0.029; ttPeak: 4.98 [4.67, 5.67] vs. 5.53 [5.00, 6.56] vs. 5.94 [5.52, 6.91], p = 0.011). LT and ttPeak correlated with age (Spearman 0.285 and 0.305, both p < 0.001). Clinical factors, specifically, age, injury severity score, and transfusion status were associated with LT and ttPeak in multivariable models. Trauma patients exhibit prolonged initiation and time to peak thrombin generation with age. Further studies are needed to determine the age-specific role of thrombin generation kinetics in thrombotic complications after trauma.

DNASE-MEDIATED DISSOLUTION OF NEUTROPHIL EXTRACELLULAR TRAPS ACCELERATES IN VITRO THROMBIN GENERATION KINETICS IN TRAUMA PATIENTS.

Introduction: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) trigger thrombin generation. We aimed to characterize the effects of deoxyribonuclease (DNAse) on NET components (cell-free DNA [cfDNA] and histones) and thrombin generation after trauma. Methods: Citrated plasma samples were collected from trauma patients and healthy volunteers. Thrombin generation (calibrated automated thrombogram) was measured as lag time (LT, in minutes), peak height (in nM), and time to peak thrombin generation (in minutes). Citrullinated histone 3 (CitH3) and 4 (CitH4) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; cfDNA by PicoGreen (all in nanograms per milliliter). Samples analyzed +/- DNAse (1,000 U/mL). Results expressed as median and quartiles [Q1, Q3], Wilcoxon testing, P < 0.05 significant. Results: We enrolled 46 patients (age, 48 [31, 67] years; 67% male) and 21 volunteers (age, 45 [28, 53] years; 43% male). Deoxyribonuclease treatment of trauma plasma led to shorter LT (3.11 [2.67, 3.52] min; 2.93 [2.67, 3.19] min), shorter time to peak thrombin generation (6.00 [5.30, 6.67] min; 5.48 [5.00, 6.00] min), greater peak height (273.7 [230.7, 300.5] nM; 288.7 [257.6, 319.2] nM), decreased cfDNA (576.9 [503.3, 803.1] ng/mL; 456.0 [393.5, 626.7] ng/mL), decreased CitH3 (4.54 [2.23, 10.01] ng/mL; 3.59 [1.93, 7.98] ng/mL), and increased H4 (1.30 [0.64, 6.36] ng/mL; 1.75 [0.83, 9.67] ng/mL), all P < 0.001. The effect of DNAse was greater on trauma patients as compared with volunteers for LT (ΔLT, -0.21 vs. -0.02 min, P = 0.007), cfDNA (ΔcfDNA -133.4 vs. -84.9 ng/mL, P < 0.001), and CitH3 (ΔCitH3, -0.65 vs. -0.11 ng/mL, P = 0.004). Conclusion: Deoxyribonuclease treatment accelerates thrombin generation kinetics in trauma patient samples as compared with healthy volunteers. These findings suggest that NETs may contribute to the hypercoagulable state observed in trauma patients.

Revised model of the tissue factor pathway of thrombin generation: Role of the feedback activation of FXI

BackgroundBiochemical reaction networks are self‐regulated in part due to feedback activation mechanisms. The tissue factor (TF) pathway of blood coagulation is a complex reaction network controlled by multiple feedback loops that coalesce around the serine protease thrombin. ObjectivesOur goal was to evaluate the relative contribution of the feedback activation of coagulation factor XI (FXI) in TF‐mediated thrombin generation using a comprehensive systems‐based analysis. Materials and MethodsWe developed a systems biology model that improves the existing Hockin‐Mann (HM) model through an integrative approach of mathematical modeling and in vitro experiments. Thrombin generation measured using in vitro assays revealed that the feedback activation of FXI contributes to the propagation of thrombin generation based on the initial concentrations of TF or activated coagulation factor X (FXa). We utilized experimental data to improve the robustness of the HM model to capture thrombin generation kinetics without a role for FXI before including the feedback activation of FXI by thrombin to construct the extended (ext.) HM model. Results and ConclusionsUsing the ext.HM model, we predicted that the contribution of positive feedback of FXI activation by thrombin can be abolished by selectively eliminating the inhibitory function of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), a serine protease inhibitor of FXa and TF‐activated factor VII (FVIIa) complex. This prediction from the ext.HM model was experimentally validated using thrombin generation assays with function blocking antibodies against TFPI and plasmas depleted of FXI. Together, our results demonstrate the applications of combining experimental and modeling techniques in predicting complex biochemical reaction systems.

Ex Vivo Evaluation of the Effect of Plasma-Derived Factor VIII/Von Willebrand Factor in Patients with Severe Hemophilia_A on Prophylaxis with Emicizumab By Thrombin Generation Assay

Introduction: Hemophilia A (HA) patients under emicizumab prophylaxis treatment may require the concomitant use of procoagulant factors for breakthrough bleedings or immune tolerance induction. Thromboembolic events have been described with the concomitant use of emicizumab and activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC), but not with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa). Previous studies showed that the in vitro combination of emicizumab and plasma-derived Factor VIII/Von Willebrand Factor (pdFVIII/VWF) had a non-additive effect on thrombin generation (TG)(Bravo M-I, et al J Thromb Haemost. 2020;18:1934-39). The aim of this study was to evaluate the TG resulting from ex vivo combination of plasma samples from HA patients treated with emicizumab, with a pdFVIII/VWF concentrate (Fanhdi ®, Grifols).Methods: Twelve adult patients with severe HA without inhibitors on prophylaxis with emicizumab and nine healthy controls were included in the study. Blood samples were drawn in citrate plus corn trypsin inhibitor tubes. Then, platelet poor plasma (PPP) was collected for the TG assay, which measures the whole kinetics of TG. Thrombin peak (TP) and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) were calculated using calibrated automated thrombogram (Thrombinoscope ™ software, Stago) after in vitro activation of coagulation by trigger solution, PPP Reagent LOW TM (4 μM phospholipids/1 pM tissue factor), fluorogenic substrate and CaCl 2 (FLUKAkit TM) reagents (Diagnostica Stago). Fluorescence was read in a Fluoroskan Ascent reader (Thermo) equipped with a 390/460 filter set. Samples were spiked with increasing concentrations of pdFVIII/VWF (10 to 400 IU/dL), rFVIIa (0.9 µg/mL) or aPCC (0.5 U/mL).Results: TG from healthy control samples was measured to establish TP and ETP normal ranges. TP and ETP results obtained from HA plasma with emicizumab were lower than in healthy controls. The addition of pdFVIII/VWF as of 25 IU/kg (prophylaxis dose in HA w/o inhibitors) to samples from HA patients concomitantly treated with emicizumab restored TP and ETP levels within healthy controls normal range (Table 1). Increasing ex vivo concentrations of pdFVIII/VWF maintained TP and ETP similar to healthy controls. The highest concentration of concomitant treatment with pdFVIII/VWF (200 IU/kg) and emicizumab did not result in excessive TP and, importantly, ETP levels were always within the normal range. The combination with the bypassing agent rFVIIa moderately increased TP and ETP values up to normal range. However, when HA plasma was spiked with aPCC in the presence of emicizumab, TP and ETP dramatically increased above normal range resulting in a synergistic procoagulant profile.Conclusions: The concomitant use of pdFVIII/VWF in patients with prophylaxis with emicizumab did not trigger a multiplying effect on TG. These results were aligned with previous in vitro data and suggested the low risk of overdose and thrombotic events of concomitant treatment emicizumab with the pdFVIII/VWF concentrate in HA patients. [Display omitted] DisclosuresBravo: Grifols: Current Employment, Other: Grifols is a manufacturer of the pdFVIII/VWF concentrate, Fanhdi®. Raventós: Grifols: Current Employment, Other: Grifols is a manufacturer of the pdFVIII/VWF concentrate, Fanhdi®. Pérez: Grifols: Current Employment, Other: Grifols is a manufacturer of the pdFVIII/VWF concentrate, Fanhdi®. Alvarez Román: Grifols: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novo-Nordisk: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sobi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Octapharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Bayer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; CSL-Behring: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Biomarin: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Butta: CSL-Behring: Research Funding; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novo-Nordisk: Speakers Bureau. Jiménez-Yuste: Bayer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; CSL Behring: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; BioMarin: Consultancy; Sobi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Octapharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; NovoNordisk: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Grifols: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Costa: Grifols: Current Employment, Other: Grifols is a manufacturer of the pdFVIII/VWF concentrate, Fanhdi®. Willis: Grifols: Current Employment, Other: Grifols is a manufacturer of the pdFVIII/VWF concentrate, Fanhdi®.

Use of population PK/PD approach to model the thrombin generation assay: assessment in haemophilia A plasma samples spiked by a TFPI antibody.

The thrombin generation (TG) assay is a well-established tool to capture the clotting potential of any healthy or haemophiliac subject. It measures ex vivo the kinetics of thrombin activation throughout the coagulation. Clinical studies allowed to create two databases gathering the coagulation factor levels and the thrombin generation profile of 40 healthy and 40 haemophiliac A (HA) subjects. Besides, portions of all HA samples were spiked with increasing levels of a TFPI antibody (considered as a possible therapeutic target) and corresponding TG profiles were determined. The non-linear mixed-effect (NLME) modelling aims at describing and explaining the experimentally observed important variability of the TG curves between subjects and the individual effects of spiking with a TFPI antibody. The models consist of an empirical description of the TG kinetics, accounting for an additive residual error and between-subject variability on its parameters. Factor VIII and TFPI were found to significantly explain and reduce the variability of the TG of haemophilia A samples. Besides, the model is shown to correctly reproduce the variability in the response to the ex vivo spiking with the TFPI antibody, by combining the empirical description of TG to a simple Hill equation that accounts for the binding between TFPI and different doses of its antibody. Such models can be useful for clinical practice, with the analysis and comparison of the distributions of TG profiles in healthy and haemophilia populations; and also for research, with the analysis of the effect of TFPI and its neutralization on individual TG profiles.

Quantification of von Willebrand factor and ADAMTS-13 after traumatic injury: a pilot study

BackgroundVon Willebrand factor (VWF) is an acute phase reactant synthesized in the megakaryocytes and endothelial cells. VWF forms ultra-large multimers (ULVWF) which are cleaved by the metalloprotease ADAMTS-13, preventing spontaneous...

Exploring the utility of a novel point‐of‐care whole blood thrombin generation assay following trauma: A pilot study

IntroductionPlasma thrombin generation kinetics as measured by the calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) assay is a predictor of symptomatic venous thromboembolism after trauma. We hypothesized that data from a new prototype assay for measurement of thrombin generation kinetics in fresh whole blood (near patient testing of thrombin generation), will correlate with the standard CAT assay in the same patients, making it a potential tool in the future care of trauma patients. MethodsPatients were enrolled from June 2018 to February 2020. Within 12 hours of injury, blood samples were collected simultaneously for both assays. Variables compared and correlated between assays were lag time, peak height, time to peak, and endogenous thrombin potential. Data are presented as median with interquartile range (IQR). Spearman and Pearson correlations were estimated and tested between both assays; a P value of <0.05 was considered to be significant. ResultsA total of 64 trauma patients had samples analyzed: injury severity score = 17 (IQR), 10‐26], hospital length of stay = 7.5 (IQR), 2‐18) days, age = 52 (IQR, 35‐63) years, 71.9% male, and 42.2% of patients received a transfusion within 24 hours of injury. Thrombin generation parameters between plasma and whole blood were compared and found that all parameters of the two assays correlate in trauma patients. ConclusionIn this pilot study, we have found that a novel point‐of‐care whole blood thrombin generation assay yields results with modest but statistically significant correlations to those of a standard plasma thrombin generation assay. This finding supports studying this device in a larger, adequately powered study.

Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation and Syndecan-1 Shedding Are Increased After Trauma.

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) stimulate endothelial syndecan-1 shedding and neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) formation. The role of NETs in trauma and trauma-induced hypercoagulability is unknown. We hypothesized that trauma patients with accelerated thrombin generation would have increased NETosis and syndecan-1 levels. In this pilot study, we analyzed 50 citrated plasma samples from 30 trauma patients at 0 h (n = 22) and 6 h (n = 28) from time of injury (TOI) and 21 samples from healthy volunteers, for a total of 71 samples included in analysis. Thrombin generation was quantified using calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) and reported as lag time (LT), peak height (PH), and time to peak (ttPeak). Nucleosome calibrated (H3NUC) and free histone standardized (H3Free) ELISAs were used to quantify NETs. Syndecan-1 levels were quantified by ELISA. Results are presented as median [interquartile range] and Spearman rank correlations. Plasma levels of H3NUC were increased in trauma patients as compared with healthy volunteers both at 0 h (89.8 ng/mL [35.4, 180.3]; 18.1 ng/mL [7.8, 37.4], P = 0.002) and at 6 h (86.5 ng/mL [19.2, 612.6]; 18.1 ng/mL [7.8, 37.4], P = 0.003) from TOI. H3Free levels were increased in trauma patients at 0 h (5.74 ng/mL [3.19, 8.76]; 1.61 ng/mL [0.66, 3.50], P = 0.002) and 6 h (5.52 ng/mL [1.46, 11.37]; 1.61 ng/mL [0.66, 3.50], P = 0.006). Syndecan-1 levels were greater in trauma patients (4.53 ng/mL [3.28, 6.28]; 2.40 ng/mL [1.66, 3.20], P < 0.001) only at 6 h from TOI. H3Free and syndecan-1 levels positively correlated both at 0 h (0.376, P = 0.013) and 6 h (0.583, P < 0.001) from TOI. H3NUC levels and syndecan-1 levels were positively correlated at 6 h from TOI (0.293, P = 0.041). TtPeak correlated inversely to H3 NUC (-0.358, P = 0.012) and syndecan-1 levels (-0.298, P = 0.038) at 6 h from TOI. Our pilot study demonstrates that trauma patients have increased NETosis, measured by H3NUC and H3Free levels, increased syndecan-1 shedding, and accelerated thrombin generation kinetics early after injury.

Thrombin Generation Kinetics are Predictive of Rapid Transfusion in Trauma Patients Meeting Critical Administration Threshold.

We hypothesize that a patient (pt) with accelerated thrombin generation, time to peak height (ttPeak), will have a greater odds of meeting critical administration threshold (CAT) criteria (> 3 packed red blood cell [pRBC] transfusions [Tx] per 60 min interval), within the first 24 h after injury, independent of international normalized ratio (INR). In a prospective cohort study, trauma patients were enrolled over a 4.5-year period and serial blood samples collected at various time points. We retrospectively stratified pts into three categories: CAT+, CAT- but receiving some pRBC Tx, receiving no Tx within the first 24 h. Blood collected prior to Tx was analyzed for thrombin generation parameters and prothrombin time (PT)/INR. A total of 484 trauma pts were analyzed: injury severity score = 13 [7,22], age = 48 [28, 64] years, and 73% male. Fifty pts met criteria for CAT+, 64 pts CAT-, and 370 received no Tx. Risk factors for meeting CAT+: decreased arrival systolic blood pressure (OR 2.82 [2.17, 3.67]), increased INR (OR 2.09, [1.66, 2.62]) and decreased time to peak OR 2.27 [1.74, 2.95]). These variables remained independently associated with increased risk of requiring Tx in a multivariable logistic model, after adjusting for sex and trauma type. Pts in hemorrhagic shock, who meet CAT+ criteria, are characterized by accelerated thrombin generation. In our multivariable analysis, both ttPeak and PT/INR have a complementary role in predicting those injured patients who will require a high rate of Tx.