PFA-100 Assay Research Articles

Utility of the Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA-100) in Patients with Bleeding Disorder of Unknown Cause

Introduction: Bleeding disorder of unknown cause (BDUC) is a diagnosis of exclusion and patients share a similar phenotype with established mild bleeding disorders (MBDs) such as platelet function defects (PFD), mild von Willebrand disease (VWD), or mild coagulation factor deficiencies (CFD). The integration of global assays, such as the Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA)-100, as screening tools for MBDs lacks universal endorsement and is currently not recommended in clinical routine. While the PFA-100 has demonstrated noteworthy sensitivity in the detection of VWD, data regarding its clinical utility in PFD are conflicting and data on PFA-100 in BDUC patients are scarce. Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of PFA-100 in BDUC compared to other MBDs, and to investigate the influence of various parameters on PFA-100 results. Methods: This study included 821 patients enrolled in the Vienna Bleeding Biobank (VIBB), a single-center cohort study on individuals with non-trivial bleeding tendencies who were referred to our tertiary center until December 2022 (EC 604/2009). Patients under anticoagulation or antiplatelet treatment were excluded. PFA-100® assessments (Dade Behring Inc., Newark, Delaware, USA) were conducted on citric acid anticoagulated whole blood samples obtained at study inclusion using two different cartridges: Dade® PFA-100 Collagen/Epinephrine (EPI) and Dade® PFA-100 Collagen/adenosindiphosphat (ADP; Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products GmbH, Marburg, Germany). Results: PFA-100 data of 535 BDUC patients (65%) were compared to those of 79 patients (10%) with VWD, 180 (22%) with PFD, and 27 (3%) with CFD. Clinical characteristics are shown in Table 1. In patients with BDUC, the median (interquartile range) closure time (CT) measured by the PFA-100-EPI assay was 102 seconds (88-117), and 135 seconds (112-163; Table 1) with the PFA-100-ADP assay. The CTs were shorter in BDUC compared to VWD (PFA-100-EPI: p<.001, PFA-100-ADP: <p.001) and PFD (PFA-100-EPI: p<.001, PFA-100-ADP: <p.001), while no significant difference was observed compared to CFD (PFA-100-EPI: p=0.2; PFA-100-ADP: p=0.7). Based on in-house reference ranges, CT was normal in both PFA-100 assays in 180 (34%) of all BDUC patients, while 341 patients (64%) had at least one abnormal CT and 11 patients (2%) had abnormal CTs in both PFA-100 assays. A similar distribution was observed in patients with CFD (no abnormal CT: 33%, 1 abnormal CT: 63%, 2 abnormal CTs: 4%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the number of pathological CTs between BDUC and VWD (no abnormal CT: 9%, 1 abnormal CT: 58%, 2 abnormal CTs: 33%; p<.001), as well as between BDUC and PFD (no abnormal CT: 24%, 1 abnormal CT: 69%, 2 abnormal CTs: 7%; p=0.003). In respect to bleeding severity, in BDUC patients no correlation was found between CTs in the PFA-100-EPI and PFA-100-ADP assays with the Vicenza bleeding score (PFA-100-EPI Spearman rho (r)=0.06, p=0.06; PFA-100-ADP r=0.02, p=0.6), ISTH-BAT (PFA-100-EPI r= 0.06, p=0.3; PFA-100-ADP r= 0.10, p=0.06), or the number of bleeding manifestations (PFA-100-EPI r=0.01, p=0.81; PFA-100-ADP r=-01, p=0.8). The number of pathological PFA-100 was not associated with specific bleeding symptoms assessed by the Vicenza score in BDUC (data not shown). Using a Tobit regression model, we analyzed the association of clinical and laboratory parameters with prolonged CTs in both PFA-100 assays in BDUC, as shown in Table 2. In multivariable linear regression, reduced hematocrit, lower VWF:Ag/VWF:RCo levels, reduced platelet count and higher fibrinogen levels were associated with longer CTs. Increasing age was additionally associated with a longer CT in PFA-100-ADP. Conclusion: In a minority of BDUC patients CT was prolonged in both PFA-100 (EPI and ADP) assays. PFA-100 was not associated with the bleeding severity or specific symptoms in BDUC. In BDUC patients, lower hematocrit, lower platelet count, lower VWF levels and interestingly higher fibrinogen levels were associated with a prolonged CT. Our descriptive results do not suggest the integration of PFA-100 as screening tool for BDUC patients.

Influence of Vincristine, Clinically Used in Cancer Therapy and Immune Thrombocytopenia, on the Function of Human Platelets.

Vincristine is a clinically used antimicrotubule drug for treating patients with lymphoma. Due to its property of increasing platelet counts, vincristine is also used to treat patients with immune thrombocytopenia. Moreover, antiplatelet agents were reported to be beneficial in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Therefore, we investigated the detailed mechanisms underlying the antiplatelet effect of vincristine. Our results revealed that vincristine inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen, but not by thrombin, arachidonic acid, and the thromboxane A2 analog U46619, suggesting that vincristine exerts higher inhibitory effects on collagen-mediated platelet aggregation. Vincristine also reduced collagen-mediated platelet granule release and calcium mobilization. In addition, vincristine inhibited glycoprotein VI (GPVI) signaling, including Syk, phospholipase Cγ2, protein kinase C, Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinases. In addition, the in vitro PFA-100 assay revealed that vincristine did not prolong the closure time, and the in vivo study tail bleeding assay showed that vincristine did not prolong the tail bleeding time; both findings suggested that vincristine may not affect normal hemostasis. In conclusion, we demonstrated that vincristine exerts antiplatelet effects at least in part through the suppression of GPVI signaling. Moreover, this property of antiplatelet activity of vincristine may provide additional benefits in the treatment of TTP.

New single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with differences in platelet reactivity and their influence on survival in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with acetylsalicylic acid: an observational study

AimsGenetic polymorphisms may contribute to platelet reactivity in diabetic patients; however, the information on their influence on long-term antiplatelet therapy is lacking. Our aim was to evaluate the role of previously described genetic variants and platelet reactivity on risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events.MethodsBlood samples were obtained from 303 Caucasian patients. Genome-wide genotyping was performed using Illumina Human Omni 2.5-Quad microarrays, and individual genotyping of selected SNPs was performed using a custom Sequenom iPLEX assay in conjunction with the Mass ARRAY platform. Platelet reactivity was measured with VerifyNow Aspirin Assay and PFA-100 Assay. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the impact of genetic variants and platelets reactivity on risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events.ResultsAmong the 237 patients included in the follow-up, death from any cause occurred in 34 (14.3%) patients and cardiovascular events occurred in 51 (21.5%) patients within a median observation time of 71 months (5.9 years). In univariate analyses, significant association in the presence of minor alleles in TXBA2R (rs1131882) with primary (HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.15–5.60, p = 0.021) and secondary endpoint (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.06–4.04, p = 0.034) was observed. In addition, multivariate analyses revealed the impact of this polymorphism on primary (HR 2.34, 95% CI 1.09–5.00, p = 0.029) and secondary endpoint (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.00–3.57, p = 0.048).ConclusionsResults of the study demonstrate for the first time an association between genetic polymorphism within TXBA2R gene encoding platelet’s surface receptor and long-term survival of diabetic patients treated with ASA.

Aspirin-Platelet Sensitivity in Patients with Polycythemia Vera and Human Platelet Antigen Genotype: Which Are Assays Valid?

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloid neoplasm characterized by thrombotic risk related to high hematocrit (HCT) and to platelet hyperactivation. According to PVSG, the antithrombotic therapy include low dose aspirin (ASA). However, there are insensitive ASA PV patients. It is debated if enherited thrombophilia is responsible to affect platelet activation and, hence, to cause ASA insensitivity. Therefore, we evaluated gene polymorphism human platelet antigen-1 (HPA-1) as thrombophilic indicator associated with abnormal platelet activity, HCT, platelet count, b-TG and PF4, as markers of platelet activation, the platelet functional activity (PFA) and the maximum clot firmness (MCF), as direct and indirect indicators of ASA sensitivity. We studied 40 patients (28 men, 12 women; mean age 64 years, range 35-85 years) with PV according to WHO criteria. Fifty subjects served as controls. The mean duration of disease was 9 years. All patients were on phlebotomy and ASA (100 mg once daily). Platelets and HCT were measured by automated analyzer. b-TG and PF4 were determined by ELISA. PFA and MCF were measured by Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA-100) and by ROTEM delta. Of 40 patients, 24 were homozygous HPA-1a/a and 16 heterozigous HPA-1a/b. The mean HCT value was 47±3% and platelets were 428±180x109/L. All patients had high b-TG and PF4 (113±47 IU/ml vs 20±11 IU/ml and 45±21 IU/ml vs 6±2 IU/ml, respectively), prolonged C/EPI closure time (CT, unit: s, n.v. 84-160 s) (233±65 s) and normal MCF (MCF, unit: mm, n.v. 50-72 mm) (65±5 mm). These findings suggest that PFA-100 and Thromboelastometric assays may be an useful tool to detect ASA platelet sensitivity in PV patients. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Investigation of the anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects of chlorogenic acid.

Thrombosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Thrombolytic agents are important for both the prevention and treatment of thrombosis. Fibrin clot and turbidity assays revealed that it was able to inhibit the formation of fibrin clot. Chlorogenic acid degraded blood clot and inhibited the enzymatic activity of procoagulant proteases, thrombin, activated factor X (FXa), and activated factor XIII (FXIIIa). Chlorogenic acid was found to delay activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and thrombin time. PFA-100 assays showed that it prolonged the closure time of citrated whole human blood. It demonstrated the antithrombotic effect in collagen and epinephrine-induced acute thromboembolism mice model. These antithrombotic profiles together with its anticoagulant and platelet disaggregation properties, and lack of toxicity to NIH-3T3 and 3T3-L1 cells, make it a potential agent for thrombotic treatment and prevention.

Measurement of platelet aggregation functions using whole blood migration ratio in a microfluidic chip.

Platelets play a major role in maintaining endothelial integrity and hemostasis. Of the various soluble agonists, ADP is an important in vivo stimulus for inducing platelet aggregation. In this study, a simple, rapid, and affordable method was designed for testing bleeding time (BT) and platelet aggregation with a two-channel microfluidic chip. Whole blood migration ratio (MR) from a microchip system was evaluated in comparison to the closure time (CT) from PFA-100 assays (Siemens, Germany) and CD62P expression on platelets. To induce platelet aggregation, a combination of collagen (1.84 mg/ml) and ADP (37.5 mg/ml) were used as agonists. After adding the agonists to samples, whole blood MR from the microchip system was measured. The outcome of the assessment depended on reaction time and agonist concentration. MR of whole blood from the microchip system was significantly correlated with CT from PFA-100 (r = 0.61, p < 0.05, n = 60). In addition, MR was negatively correlated with CD62P expression (r =-0.95, p < 0.05, n = 60). These results suggest that the measurement of MR using agonists is an easy, simple and efficient method for monitoring platelet aggregation in normal and ADP-receptors defective samples, along with the BT test. Thus, usage of the current microfluidic method could expand to diverse applications, including efficacy assessments in platelet therapy.

Next-generation re-sequencing of genes involved in increased platelet reactivity in diabetic patients on acetylsalicylic acid

The objective of this study was to investigate whether rare missense genetic variants in several genes related to platelet functions and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) response are associated with the platelet reactivity in patients with diabetes type 2 (T2D) on ASA therapy. Fifty eight exons and corresponding introns of eight selected genes, including PTGS1, PTGS2, TXBAS1, PTGIS, ADRA2A, ADRA2B, TXBA2R, and P2RY1 were re-sequenced in 230 DNA samples from T2D patients by using a pooled PCR amplification and next-generation sequencing by Illumina HiSeq2000. The observed non-synonymous variants were confirmed by individual genotyping of 384 DNA samples comprising of the individuals from the original discovery pools and additional verification cohort of 154 ASA-treated T2DM patients. The association between investigated phenotypes (ASA induced changes in platelets reactivity by PFA-100, VerifyNow and serum thromboxane B2 level [sTxB2]), and accumulation of rare missense variants (genetic burden) in investigated genes was tested using statistical collapsing tests. We identified a total of 35 exonic variants, including 3 common missense variants, 15 rare missense variants, and 17 synonymous variants in 8 investigated genes. The rare missense variants exhibited statistically significant difference in the accumulation pattern between a group of patients with increased and normal platelet reactivity based on PFA-100 assay. Our study suggests that genetic burden of the rare functional variants in eight genes may contribute to differences in the platelet reactivity measured with the PFA-100 assay in the T2DM patients treated with ASA.

A bifunctional protease from green alga Ulva pertusa with anticoagulant properties: partial purification and characterization

A bifunctional thrombolytic serine protease (ulvease) having both direct-acting fibrinolytic and plasminogen-activating properties was purified from the green alga, Ulva pertusa. Ulvease had maximum fibrinolytic activity at 40 °C and pH 7.0, and the activity was inhibited by Cu2+ and Zn2+. Fibrinolytic activity of ulvease was higher than that of plasmin and u-PA by fibrin plate assay and displayed both plasmin and plasminogen activator-like activities. Ulvease preferentially hydrolyzed the Aα- and Bβ-chains of fibrinogen, but the γ-chain was appeared unaffected. Ulvease prolonged APTT and PT. PFA-100 assay showed that it delayed the closure times of citrated whole human blood. Ulvease showed a strong thrombolytic ability and safety in vivo, which is better than that of u-PA. It protected mice from collagen- and epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism. These results suggest that ulvease may have a potential clinical application for the treatment and prevention of thrombosis.

Laboratory Assessment of Anti-Coagulant Properties of a Von Willebrand Factor Targeted Aptamer

Introduction: Many cardiovascular procedures including percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary bypass surgery, and peripheral vascular surgery require antithrombotic therapy during the procedure. Heparin is frequently used, due to low cost, ease of monitoring and reversibility with protamine. Antiplatelet agents such as aspirin and clopidogrel are also frequently used but these agents are not reversible. Alternative reversible antithrombotic strategies that interfere with platelet-mediated thrombosis are needed. We are investigating the use of a reversible agent that is specific for von Willebrand factor (VWF) for use during cardiovascular procedures.We previously developed an antidote-controlled 80 oligonucleotide RNA aptamer Ch-9.14-T10 (T10). (Nimjee, S.M., Lohrmann, Wang, H, et al. Molecular Therapy 2012; 2:391-397). T10 bound to VWF with high affinity and inhibited thrombosis in a murine carotid artery damage model. The aptamer also greatly increased bleeding in mice that were surgically challenged by tail transection and blood loss decreased when complementary antidote oligonucleotides were administered. In addition, T10 inhibited primary hemostasis in the PFA-100 assay and this inhibition was completely reversed by the antidote. This study further characterizes the T10 aptamer, as well as a truncated version of the T10 aptamer, using clinical laboratory assays that would be used to monitor antithrombotic therapies during cardiovascular procedures.Methods: We initiated our study with T10 and then developed a truncated version, T25, a 60 oligonucleotide with which we performed additional investigations. We recruited normal donors for analysis of aptamer and antidotes. All participants had normal platelet counts, VWF activity and antigen levels, and were not taking antiplatelet agents. Laboratory tests included: ristocetin induced platelet agglutination (RIPA), VWF activity, ristocetin cofactor activity, cone and plate(let) analyzer, thromboelastography (TEG) and thromboelastometry (ROTEM).Results: We first determined the effects of the VWF aptamers on RIPA, VWF activity, and ristocetin cofactor activity to confirm functional inhibition of VWF. We found that T10 (500-750 nM) and T25 (250-750nM) completely inhibited RIPA depending on the donor. T25 also inhibited VWF activity with a Ki of 160-320 nM and ristocetin cofactor activity with an IC50 of 3000 nM. Employing a cone and plate(let) analyzer we found that T25 (750 nm) reduced platelet adhesion by 33-49% on a polystyrene surface under arterial flow conditions (1800 s-1, for 2 minutes). The aggregate size was also reduced by 30%.As ACT and TEG are frequently used during cardiovascular procedures, we performed several measures with our VWF aptamer. T10 had no effect on the ACT (730-2000nM), TEG (1600 nM), or ROTEM (750 nM). Standard methods were used for the TEG (Kaolin activation followed by CaCl2) and ROTEM (EXTEM assay) Topf et al. reported a modified ROTEM protocol where they found that incubating citrated whole blood with ristocetin decreased the clot strength as measured by the maximum amplitude (Thromb.Haemost 2011; 105:1091). We reasoned that an aptamer that bound to VWF would inhibit the effect of ristocetin on the maximum amplitude. We found that T25 did inhibit the effect of ristocetin and titration studies showed that 200-400 nM T25 was needed to restore the maximum amplitude to at least 80% of its original value. An example of the ROTEM tracings is shown in figure 1.Conclusion: The VWF-specific aptamer T25 can be detected by several clinical assays, including the RIPA, VWF activity assays, and the cone and plate(let) analyzer. It is not detectable by an ACT or standard TEG or ROTEM, however. We are able to detect the aptamer using a modified ROTEM and are further defining the adaptability of this assay to facilitate monitoring during cardiovascular procedures.Citrated whole blood from was incubated with buffer or ristocetin (0.7 mg/ml) or ristocetin and T25 (300 nM) as indicated. Clotting was initiated with EXTEM (tissue factor pathway activation) and CaCl2. [Display omitted] DisclosuresBecker:Regado Biosciences: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees.

P-006 Initial Response to Aspirin Therapy Measured with the PFA-100 Assay in Patients Undergoing Endovascular Treatment of Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms

Background and purposeRecent studies have examined the variability in response to clopidogrel therapy in patients undergoing endovascular treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms; however, no study has systematically assessed patient response...

The PlA1/A2 polymorphism of glycoprotein IIIa in relation to efficacy of antiplatelet drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The PlA1/A2 polymorphism of glycoprotein IIIa (GPIIIa) has been associated with both antiplatelet drug resistance and increased cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to conduct the first meta-analysis investigating the association between carriage of the PlA2 allele and resistance to currently licensed antiplatelet drugs. Electronic databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) were searched for all articles evaluating genetic polymorphisms of GPIIIa. For studies where antiplatelet resistance was measured using validated techniques, pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using fixed effects and random effects models. Sixteen studies were eligible for statistical analysis and included 1650 PlA1 homozygous subjects and 668 carriers of the PlA2 allele. For carriers of the PlA2 allele, OR 0.924 (n = 2318; 95% CI 0.743, 1.151; P = 0.481) was observed for resistance to any antiplatelet drug, OR 0.862 (n = 2085; 95% CI 0.685, 1.086; P = 0.208) for resistance to aspirin and OR 1.429 (n = 233; 95% CI 0.791, 2.582; P = 0.237) for resistance to clopidogrel. In the aspirin cohort, sub-group analysis revealed no statistical association in either healthy subjects or those with cardiovascular disease. PlA2 carriage was marginally associated with aspirin sensitivity using the fixed effects model when identified by the PFA-100 assay (n = 1151; OR 0.743, 95% CI 0.558, 0.989; P = 0.041) but with significant heterogeneity (I(2) = 55%; P = 0.002). Significance was lost with analysis using a random effects model. The totality of published data does not support an association between carriage of the PlA2 allele and antiplatelet drug resistance. Significant heterogeneity indicates the need for larger studies using validated and standardized assays.

The administration of a loading dose of aspirin to patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction while receiving chronic aspirin treatment reduces thromboxane A2-dependent platelet reactivity

The optimal dose of aspirin for patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) while receiving chronic aspirin therapy has not been clearly established. We evaluated whether continued treatment with 100 mg of aspirin or a loading dose (200–500 mg) influences thromboxane A2 (TX) suppression or platelet reactivity. Sixty-four consecutive patients with AMI and 98 healthy subjects (82 aspirin-free and 16 receiving 100 mg daily for a week) were evaluated. Treatment was at the discretion of the attending physician. Collagen (1 µg/ml)-induced TX synthesis, 14C-serotonin-release, platelet aggregation, and the PFA-100 assay were evaluated. The platelet TX synthesis of patients receiving a loading dose of aspirin was sixfold lower than that of patients receiving 100 mg of aspirin (p < 0.005). This was associated with marked reductions in 14C-serotonin-release and arachidonic-acid-induced aggregation and an increase in the PFA-100 closure time (p < 0.01). Categorization of patients according to their TX synthesis (<95% or ≥95% inhibition vs. healthy aspirin-free subjects) revealed that 8% of the patients treated with loading doses had a poor response (<95% inhibition) vs. 53% of those treated with 100 mg (p < 0.001). Patients with lower TX inhibition had higher serum NT-Pro-BNP (p < 0.005), a marker of poor left ventricular systolic function. Administration of a loading dose of aspirin to patients with AMI during existing chronic aspirin treatment induced greater reductions in platelet TX synthesis and TX-dependent platelet reactivity than the continued treatment alone.

Effect of common single-nucleotide polymorphisms in acetylsalicylic acid metabolic pathway genes on platelet reactivity in patients with diabetes

BackgroundPlatelet reactivity in patients on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) therapy can be influenced by physiological or pathological conditions affecting ASA pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. The mechanism of such variability in the therapeutic response to ASA, particularly in diabetic patients, is poorly understood. The rate of elimination of ASA and its metabolite, salicylic acid (SA), is likely a major factor determining drug efficacy. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of genetic polymorphisms in the selected candidate genes within the ASA metabolic pathway on the platelet reactivity and concentration of ASA and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) metabolites in a population of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Material/MethodsThe study cohort consisted of 287 Caucasians with T2DM who had been taking ASA tablets at the dose of 75 mg per day for at least 3 months. Platelet reactivity analyses were performed using VerifyNow Aspirin and PFA-100 assays. The measured ASA metabolite included salicylic acid (ASA), and TxA2 metabolites included serum TxB2 and urinary 11-dh-TxB2. Genotyping for the selected 18 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 5 genes of the ASA metabolic pathway was performed using a Sequenom iPLEX platform.ResultsNo statistically significant association was observed between the investigated SNPs genotypes, platelet reactivity, and measured metabolites in the investigated cohort of patients.ConclusionsThe results of our study failed to confirm that the selected variants in the genes within the ASA metabolic pathway might contribute to platelet reactivity in a diabetic population treated with ASA.

Characterization of a Microchip Flow-Chamber System for the Analysis of Platelet Thrombus Formation Using Whole Blood Samples - Studies On Healthy Subjects

Abstract 1144 Introduction:A flow-chamber system was developed to evaluate the growth of platelet thrombus formation (PTF) quantitatively using whole blood under various shear stress conditions. This device, T-TAS (Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System, Fujimori Kogyo Co., Yokohama, Kanagawa), analyzes the process of PTF by monitoring the continuous pressure increase in the capillary of microchip where whole blood flows, using two kinds of thrombogenic surfaces (PL chip: coated with collagen, AR chip: coated with collagen plus tissue factor). In the current study, we characterized this system using whole blood samples from healthy subjects by comparing the measurements with those of other standard platelet function tests. Materials and Methods:Whole blood samples were collected from 32 healthy volunteers with hirudin (PL chip) or 3.2% sodium citrate (AR chip) as anticoagulants. For AR chip, CaCl2 with corn trypsin inhibitor was mixed immediately before the testing. The samples were individually applied on the system to measure the PTF starting time (T10: time to reach 10 kPa), occlusion time (OT: T60, time to reach 60 kPa for PL chip; T80, 80 kPa for AR chip), and AUC (area under the flow pressure curve: AUC10, until 10 min for PL chip; AUC30, until 30 min for AR chip) under various shear rates (1000, 1500, 2000 s−1 for PL chip; 300 s−1 for AR chip). Platelet function of the blood sample was also tested using platelet aggregometry (collagen, ADP, ristocetin, and epinephrine as agonists), PFA-100 (C/EPI-, C/ADP-CT: closure time) and VerifyNow P2Y12 assay (PRU). Results:In PL chip, T10 was correlated with C/EPI- and C/ADP-CT, and AUC10 was correlated with C/EPI-CT under all of the shear conditions. The correlation was enhanced in accordance with the increase of the shear rates. In addition, T60 and AUC10 were correlated with AUC of collagen-induced aggregation curve of platelet aggregometry. In AR chip, T10–80, reflecting the rate of thrombus growth, was likely correlated with C/ADP-CT. Measured values from VerifyNow P2Y12 assay was not significantly associated with those from this system. Interestingly, platelet numbers were significantly correlated with all of the measurements with AR chip, and partially with those with PL chip. Conclusion:In healthy subjects, PTF starting time and AUC with PL chip, and the growth rate of PTF with AR chip, seemed associated with PFA-100 measurements, indicating its characteristics related to shear induced PTF. However, the values from this system showed a rare correlation with those from platelet aggregometry and VerifyNow P2Y12 assay. This system may allow us to identify the parameters of individuals' thrombogenicity independent of those related to other platelet function tests, under whole blood flow conditions. [Display omitted] Disclosures:Matsubara:Medico's Hirata: Honoraria; Advisory Committees on VerifyNow: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Ohnishi:Fujimori Kogyo Co.: Employment. Hosokawa:Fujimori Kogyo Co.: Employment. Murata:Medico's Hirata: Honoraria; Advisory Committees on VerifyNow: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

An Evaluation of the DDAVP Infusion Test With PFA-100 and vWF Activity Assays to Distinguish vWD Types in Children

von Willebrand disease (vWD) is classified into partial (type 1), qualitative (type 2), and total deficiency (type 3).The aims of the study were to evaluate prospectively the potency of the DDAVP infusion test together with von Willebrand factor (vWF) ristocetin cofactor (vWF:RCo), vWF antigen (vWF:Ag), factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C), and platelet function analyzer (PFA)-100 to distinguish vWD types. Genetic analysis and multimeric analysis of vWF was not applied. We classified the 112 patients and 47 healthy children phenotypically according to the laboratory test results and bleeding severity score. PFA-100 closure times (CT), FVIII:C, vWF:RCo, vWF:Ag, ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA), and the response of FVIII:C and vWF parameters to desmopressin (DDAVP) were used to define types 1, 2, and 3 vWD. Type 1 vWD is mild in 34 cases (vWF:RCo % 40-55), moderate in 29 (vWF:RCo %27-40), severe type 1 vWD or nonclassical type 2 vWD in 12 cases (vWF:RCo % 4-16), and type 2 vWD in 23 cases (vWF:RCo %4-38).The response to DDAVP of vWF parameters is normal in all patients with mild/moderate type 1 vWD, 6 patients with severe type 1 vWD or nonclassical type 2 vWD and 11 patients with type 2 vWD. In conclusion, this study showed that measurement of vWF:RCo, vWF:Ag, FVIII:C, and PFA-100 parameters can differentiate vWD types but not severe type 1 vWD or nonclassical type 2 vWD. In the differentiation of severe type 1 vWD and nonclassical type 2 vWD, DDAVP response may be used.

Clinical and laboratory phenotype associated with the aspirin-like defect

Clinical and laboratory phenotype associated with the aspirin-like defect

Invited Commentary

Invited Commentary

Aspirin Responsiveness in Healthy Volunteers Measured with Multiple Assay Platforms

We evaluated the sensitivity, precision, and concordance of 4 assays designed to detect aspirin responsiveness or resistance. Twenty-nine healthy laboratory volunteers took 80 mg aspirin for 7 days, and a subset of volunteers took 325 mg aspirin for an additional 7 days. We measured platelet function by light transmission aggregometry with arachidonic acid, PFA-100, and VerifyNow. PFA-100 and VerifyNow assays were performed in duplicate to assess method imprecision. Some volunteers had samples taken within 2-4 h of the final dose of aspirin and again within 20-24 h of the final dose. We measured urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B(2) at baseline and after 80 or 325 mg aspirin. No volunteers were nonresponsive to aspirin therapy as measured by the PFA-100. One of 29 participants demonstrated lack of response to aspirin as measured by VerifyNow and urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B(2); 2 of 29 demonstrated lack of response as measured by light transmission aggregometry. Imprecision was <10% for the PFA-100 and VerifyNow. Concordance was high (>90%) between all assays. Neither aspirin dose (80 vs 325 mg) nor timing between final dose of aspirin and blood draw (2-4 vs 20-24 h) affected any of the assays. Light transmission aggregometry, PFA-100, VerifyNow, and urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B(2) are all sensitive to the effects of aspirin in healthy individuals. Variables such as aspirin dose, timing between final dose of aspirin and blood collection, and imprecision do not affect the ability of the assays to detect aspirin effect on platelet function.

The Effect of Herbal Medicines on Platelet Function: An In Vivo Experiment and Review of the Literature

Herbal medicines are used by a considerable number of surgical patients. An increased risk of bleeding, substantiated by anecdotal reports, has been attributed to the use of certain herbs, and numerous in vitro experiments have identified some herbal extracts as platelet inhibitors. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether standard commercial preparations of commonly used herbal medicines have an effect on platelet function in vivo and, by extension, to provide clinical scientific evidence of the safety of their use in the perioperative period. Five commercially available herbal agents were investigated, including Ginkgo biloba, garlic, Asian ginseng, St. John's wort, and saw palmetto. In a blinded fashion, one of the agents was administered to 10 adult volunteers at the manufacturer's recommended dose for 2 weeks. At the end of the 2-week period, in vivo platelet function was quantified using the PFA-100 assay. After a 2-week "washout" period, the protocol was repeated using a different agent. This 4-week cycle was repeated for each of the five herbal agents, as well as the control agent aspirin. In vivo platelet function was not affected by the administration of any herbal agent and was markedly inhibited with the administration of aspirin. The herbal medicines investigated in this study do not affect platelet function in vivo. Neither this experiment nor a review of the literature supports the concern of perioperative bleeding in users of these herbal medicines.

Diagnosis and treatment of von Willebrand disease: new perspectives and nuances

In 1926, Erik von Willebrand, a Finnish internist andacademic, evaluated and described a 5-year-old girlwith extreme bleeding and bruising due to what hadbeen designated the A˚landic haemorrhagic diseaseby inhabitants of this archipelago island in the Gulfof Bothnia. Hjordis, the propositus, was the ninth of12 children born to a pedigree in which four femalesiblings had already died before the age of 4 withuncontrolled haemorrhage and in which 23 of 66family members, predominantly females, had expe-rienced significant bleeding and bruising complica-tions [1]. In fact, Hjordis herself eventually died atthe age of 13 during her fourth menstrual cycle.Professor von Willebrand mistakenly concluded thatthis bleeding diathesis was an unusual form ofhaemophilia and decided to label the new diseaseas pseudo-haemophilia to differentiate it from thesex-linked recessive haemophilia A. Little did vonWillebrand realize that this disease, eventually tobecomeeponymous[vonWillebranddisease(VWD)],would become the most commonly diagnosed con-genital bleeding disorder, with a prevalence rangingbetween 1 per 10 000 individuals to 1.3% [2]. Type1 VWD is the most common subtype, representingup to 75–80% of all cases while the subtype 3 VWDoccurs in approximately 1 per million population inthe United States and Europe [2]. Determination ofthe exact prevalence of VWD is hindered somewhatby the heterogeneity of clinical and diagnosticlaboratory features. Even Professor von Willebrandappreciated the challenges of diagnosing VWD as hecollaborated with Professor Rudolf Ju¨gens at theBerlin University to examine patients blood sampleswith a newly invented kapilla¨rtrombometer appa-ratus [3]. Although they were technically mistakenwhen they attributed the bleeding manifestations ofVWD to a platelet defect, their observations wereremarkably prescient since it was not until early1970s that the existence of a specific von Willebrandfactor (VWF) glycoprotein separate from factor VIIIwas finally appreciated and demonstrated to supportplatelet adhesion to the subendothelial matrix ofdamaged blood vessels.Over the last 81 years since von Willebranddescribed the bleeding disorder, there have beennumerous attempts and approaches to refine thediagnosis of the disease so that appropriate andefficacious treatment can be delivered. The clinicalphenotype of VWD includes, in part, information onwhether bleeding is spontaneous or related to surgi-cal or physical trauma; family history and inheri-tance pattern; menstrual history in women; age ofonset of bleeding (to distinguish between acquired vs.inherited coagulation disorders); and sites of bleed-ing(mucocutaneousvs.visceral,intra-articular,intra-muscular, or soft tissue locations). Subsequentlaboratory testing is necessary to exclude or confirmthe diagnosis and to further classify the subtype ofVWD. This article will focus on selected vagariesassociated with the ability to utilize clinical pheno-typic information gathered through the history andphysical examination to predict the presence ofVWD. The clinical diagnosis of VWD must be based,however, on more than physician suspicion andintuition. Thus, the need for confirmatory testing inthe laboratory. The frailties of conventional labora-tory testing for diagnosing VWD and the use of anin vitro surrogate of the bleeding time will also be