Citations 66

Determination of Relapse Risk By Complement Gene Variants after Eculizumab Discontinuation in Complement-Mediated Thrombotic Microangiopathy: A Retrospective Review

Blood | February 6, 2021 | Volume: 136 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 25-26

10.1182/blood-2020-136617

Background Eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting C5, is an effective treatment for complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy (CM-TMA), also known as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Although lifelong therapy has been suggested, the optimal treatment schedule is unknown, while eculizumab discontinuation does not universally lead to relapse. Data evaluating risk factors associated with an increased risk of CM-TMA recurrence following eculizumab withdrawal are scarce. Prior to the eculizumab era, complement genetic studies have been used to assess morbidity and mortality in patients with CM-TMA. Our aim was to assess the impact of complement gene variants on CM-TMA relapse rate (RR) after eculizumab discontinuation. Methods Search protocols were developed for the Ovid and PubMed databases to identify existing reports on CM-TMA and eculizumab withdrawal published before February 1st 2020. Cases were cross-referenced to eliminate duplicates. Inclusion criteria included patients diagnosed with CM-TMA who had undergone eculizumab discontinuation. Reasons for exclusion were patients with no follow-up after eculizumab withdrawal and patients lacking complement gene testing. Patients undergoing eculizumab dose extension, but not discontinuation, were not included. Results Fifteen studies including 557 individuals were retrieved. Of these, 363 (65.2%) were excluded as outlined in Figure 1 and 194 cases were included in the final analysis with a global RR of 28.9% (n=56). Distribution based on gene impacted and variant type are presented in Table 1. RR was highest among patients with CFH variants (52.5% to 60%) -particularly if involving exon 22 or nonsense mutations-, MCP/CD46 variants (38.9% to 45%) -particularly if affecting splice regions-, and cases with multiple concomitant variants (57.1%) -particularly those including CFH or a CFH-CFHR1 Hybrid (Table 2). Patients with relapse were more likely to have the presence of a complement variant (p<0.001), history of previously resolved CM-TMA events (p=0.022), younger age (mean age 22.4 years for patients with relapse vs. 32.33 years for patients without relapse; p=0.002) and, within those with detected variants, multiple vs. single variants (p=0.002) and CFH-inclusive variants (p=0.003). On univariate analysis, complement gene variants (OR 4.217 95%CI 1.97-9.026; p<0.001), age <30 years (OR 2.346 95%CI 1.159-4.749; p=0.018), and presence of multiple variants (OR 2.06 95%CI 1.172-3.621; p=0.012) or CFH-inclusive variants (OR 3.111 95%CI 1.443-6.71; p=0.004) were associated with increased odds of CM-TMA relapse, while no prior history of additional CM-TMA events was the only factor associated with lower RR (OR 0.327 95%CI 0.123-0.87; p=0.025). Presence of complement variants (OR 4.48 95%CI 1.132-17.724; p=0.033) and CFH-inclusive variants (OR 3.045 95%CI 1.136-8.159; p=0.027) were independently associated with increased RR on multivariate analysis (Table 3). Conclusion Relapse after eculizumab discontinuation is rare in cases with no genetic variants identified but can increase to more than 80% in high-risk subgroups. Complement genetic testing is not required for CM-TMA diagnosis or for initiation of complement inhibiting therapy; however, our results demonstrate the value of complement genetic testing when stratifying risk of patients for consideration of eculizumab discontinuation. Disclosures Sridharan: Alexion: Honoraria.
Revisiting the effects of spectral interfering substances in optical end‐point coagulation assays

International Journal of Laboratory Hematology | January 17, 2021 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 1181-1190

10.1111/ijlh.13465 | PMID 33455065

AbstractIntroductionHemolysis, icterus, and lipemia (HIL) are common pre‐analytical variables in the clinical laboratory. Understanding their effects on coagulation laboratory results is essential.MethodsHIL effects on the prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), dilute Russell's viper venom time (DRVVT), thrombin time (TT), and protein C chromogenic activity (CFx) were evaluated on the ACL TOP 750 optical analyzer and STA‐R Evolution mechanical analyzer (PT and APTT only) by spiking normal donor, patient, and commercial control samples with varying concentrations of hemolysate, bilirubin, or a lipid emulsion. The relative difference or bias compared to the original results was determined.ResultsHemolysis (H) indices up to 900 mg/dL did not affect the APTT, PT, DRVVT Confirm, TT, and CFx; however, H indices above approximately 200 mg/dL resulted in a false‐negative DRVVT screen and screen/confirm ratio in samples with a lupus anticoagulant. There was an artifactual prolongation of the PT and APTT when conjugated bilirubin was dissolved in aqueous solvents and not when it was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide. Icterus (I) indices up to 45 mg/dL did not result in significant (>15%) bias for all assays evaluated. The PT and APTT assays failed to produce a robust clot curve when the lipemia (L) index exceeded 6000 milliabsorbance units (mAbs), and the TT and DRVVT assays failed when the L index exceeded 3000 mAbs; the CFx assay was unaffected by lipemia.ConclusionsVerification of the manufacturer's recommended interference thresholds is important since it may avoid inappropriate instrument flagging and/ or sample rejection.
A Review of Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, and Management Options of COVID-19 Associated Coagulopathy

Shock | December 30, 2020 | Volume: 55 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 700-716

10.1097/shk.0000000000001680 | PMID 33378321

Abstract There is increasing evidence that novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) leads to a significant coagulopathy, a phenomenon termed “COVID-19 associated coagulopathy.” COVID-19 has been associated with increased rates of both venous and arterial thromboembolic events, a source of significant morbidity and mortality in this disease. Further evidence suggests a link between the inflammatory response and coagulopathy associated with COVID-19. This presents a unique set of challenges for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of thrombotic complications. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current literature on laboratory coagulation disruptions associated with COVID-19 and the clinical effects of thromboembolic events including pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, peripheral arterial thrombosis, and acute ischemic stroke in COVID-19. Endothelial injury and augmented innate immune response are implicated in the development of diffuse macro- and microvascular thrombosis in COVID-19. The pathophysiology of COVID-19 associated coagulopathy is an important determinant of appropriate treatment and monitoring of these complications. We highlight the importance of diagnosis and management of dysregulated coagulation in COVID-19 to improve outcomes in COVID-19 patients with thromboembolic complications.
Evaluation of Soluble Fibrin Monomer Complex in Patients with Sars-Cov-2 COVID-19 Infection

Blood | November 4, 2020 | Volume: 136 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 27-28

10.1182/blood-2020-136717

Introduction: In patients with SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 infection elevated D-dimers are associated with a poor prognosis. Although suggestive of DIC, the majority of patients do not fulfil ISTH criteria for DIC. Studies have demonstrated that when compared to D-dimer, fibrin monomers are more sensitive and specific when differentiating overt DIC from non-overt DIC. Our special coagulation laboratory (SCL) routinely measures soluble fibrin monomer complex (SFMC) as part of our DIC profile in samples with elevated D-dimers. Here we aimed to investigate the percentage of patients with COVID-19 infection with elevated SFMC as performed as part of the DIC profile. Methods: Between April 1st 2020 and July 26, 2020 inpatients at the Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN campus with COVID-19 infection who underwent DIC testing in SCL were identified through SCL database. Patients were excluded if SARS-CoV2 PCR results were not available in the Mayo Clinic electronic medical record (EMR). DIC profile components include prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen and D-dimer. Reflex SFMC is performed if D-dimer is elevated. Data abstracted from EMR included results of laboratory tests, date of COVID-19 symptom onset, date of SARS-CoV2 PCR positivity, and death within 30 days of hospital admission. The ISTH DIC score was calculated and patients were labeled as overt DIC or non-overt DIC based off of ISTH DIC score ≥5. Results: 35 patients (19 female), median age 59 years (28-91) met our study criteria DIC profiles were obtained 6.5 (1-37) days after COVID-19 symptom onset (n=33) with 28 obtained within 14 days of symptom onset. Time to DIC profile from SARS-CoV2 PCR testing was 4 (0-37) days (n=35) with 31 having testing completed within 14 days of PCR positivity. 8 patients were intubated during hospitalization and of the remaining 27, 67% required supplemental oxygen. 21/35 (60%) patients had an elevated fibrinogen (526.5 mg/dL (201-800)) while 19/35 (54%) had a prolonged PT (12.8 seconds (10.1-99.6) and 5/35 (14%) had a prolonged APTT (31 seconds (24-68)). 17 patients with prolonged PT and 3 patients with prolonged APTT had factor activity assays performed (Figure 1A). 9/35 (25%) had thrombocytopenia (230 x 109/L (12-709) and 27/35 (77%) patients had an elevated D-dimer (895 ng/ml FEU (220- >100,000). D-dimer was higher in males than in females (p: 0.049). Of those with elevated D-dimer only 5/27 (18.5%) had an elevated SFMC (5 mcg/ml (5- >1100) (Figure 1B). 4/35 (11%) patients had ISTH DIC scores ≥ 5 and all had score of 5. All of these patients had D-dimer > 2000 ng/ml while only 2 had elevated SFMC however SFMC in both of these patients was < 15 mcg/ml. Of these, one patient with SFMC of 12 mcg/ml had known cirrhosis and the other with an SFMC of 11 mcg/ml had acute decompensation and associated shock liver. This patient also had venous thrombosis 3 days prior to DIC profile and died from complications related to COVID-19 infection. Of the two other patients with high ISTH score and normal SFMC, one had previous chronic thrombocytopenia of < 50 x109/L while the other had concomitant admission for acute and recurrent pancreatitis in the setting of alcoholism with acute intoxication. Six patients died within 30 days of admission and in 2/5 performed SFMC was elevated (Figure1C). Conclusion: Compared to 77% of patients with elevated D-dimers, of those tested only 18.5 % of patients had elevated SFMC. It has been hypothesized that the elevated D-dimer noted in COVID-19 pulmonary infection is a direct consequence of acute lung injury and not overt DIC. Although preliminary, the small percentage of patients with overt DIC by ISTH criteria and normal SFMC in the majority of the current cohort support this hypothesis; however studies in a larger more controlled cohort are needed to confirm these findings. Disclosures Sridharan: Alexion: Honoraria. Pruthi:Merck: Honoraria; Instrumentation Laboratory: Honoraria; HEMA Biologics: Honoraria; Bayer Healthcare: Honoraria; Genentech Inc.: Honoraria; CSL Behring: Honoraria.
Characteristics of late transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy in patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

American Journal of Hematology | July 3, 2020 | Volume: 95 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 1170-1179

10.1002/ajh.25922 | PMID 32618000

AbstractTransplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA) has a wide range of presentations after hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (HSCT). We retrospectively studied the risk factors and outcomes of patients with early (≤day 100) and late (>day 100) TA‐TMA. Among the 1451 HSCT recipients, early TA‐TMA occurred in 45 (3.1%) patients at a median of 27 (3‐91) days, and late TA‐TMA in 39 (2.7%) patients at a median of 303 (122‐2595) days. Patients with early TA‐TMA were more likely to have high blood calcineurin‐inhibitor levels (P < .001) and acute graph‐vs‐host disease (GVHD, P < .001), while late TMA patients were more likely to have chronic GVHD (P < .001). The estimated median overall survival after onset of TMA for the entire cohort was 6 months. The estimated median overall survival was not reached in patients with an improvement of TMA vs 2 months in patients with no improvement (P < .001). In the early TMA group, older age (for every 10 years, HR 1.40; 95% CI 1.00‐1.94; P = .049) and bacterial infection (HR 2.42; 95% CI 0.98‐6.00; P = .056) were positively associated with mortality. Switching to MMF treatment (HR 0.40; 95% CI 0.16‐0.99; P = .047) and improvement of TMA (HR 0.08; 95% CI 0.03‐0.25; P < .001) were negatively associated with mortality in the multivariate analysis. In the late TMA group, the improvement of TMA was the only independent predictor associated with a lower risk of death (HR 0.05; 95% CI 0.02‐0.19; P < .001). Mortality rates in both early and late TMA remain unacceptably high. Future studies are needed for early diagnosis, trigger identifications, and use of targeted treatments.
A study of dedicated haemophilia carrier clinics in the United States: Prevalence, services offered and barriers to development

Haemophilia | June 15, 2020 | Volume: 26 | Issue: 5 | Pages: No page available

10.1111/hae.14071 | PMID 32537802

Differential Effect of Rituximab on Relapse-Free Survival in De Novo and Relapsed Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in African-American and Caucasian Populations

Blood | February 14, 2020 | Volume: 134 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: 90-90

10.1182/blood-2019-129383

Introduction The United States Thrombotic Microangiopathy (USTMA) Consortium consists of high-volume US referral centers that are committed to collaborative research in TMAs. The USTMA Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (iTTP) registry has compiled retrospective data on demographics, treatments and outcomes in patients with iTTP to create the world's largest database of patients with this rare disease. While there is consensus on the use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for treatment of iTTP, there are no large randomized trials on which to base use of rituximab. The drug is frequently used for refractory or relapsed iTTP, but is currently being used more frequently for de novo (first episode) iTTP. We queried the USTMA iTTP registry to determine whether relapse free survival (RFS) is superior when rituximab is added to TPE and corticosteroids for treatment of iTTP. We hypothesized that the addition of rituximab would improve RFS at 5 years in both de novo and relapsing iTTP. Methods Following IRB approval at each institution, investigators independently reviewed individual patient records to confirm diagnostic criteria and entered demographic, treatment and outcomes data into the REDCap database housed at the University of North Carolina. The diagnosis of iTTP was defined as ADAMTS13 &lt; 10% or ADAMTS13 &lt; 20% with an inhibitor or antibody detected at any point or a clinical diagnosis of iTTP based on presenting characteristics, response to treatment and/or relapsing phenotype before ADAMTS13 testing became available (N=173). Relapse was defined as a recurrence of iTTP after at least 30 days of remission (recurrence within 30 days was considered an exacerbation, or continuation of the prior episode). To explore the effect of rituximab added to TPE and corticosteroids, we first assessed the treatment effect in de novo iTTP patients and then separately in relapse. We constructed Kaplan-Meier curves to compare RFS for patients treated with rituximab plus corticosteroids versus corticosteroids alone in both groups, and compared RFS at specific time points using the Klein method. To better understand whether other patient variables had an effect on RFS in both de novo episodes and relapses, ordinary (time-to-event) and mixed-effects (recurrent time-to-event) Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relationships of treatment, race/ethnicity, sex, age, treatment year, and presenting signs/symptoms with the outcome. Analyses were conducted using R version 3.5.2 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Results As of July, 2019, the USTMA database contains 775 unique study patients with a confirmed diagnosis of iTTP with 1397 unique iTTP episodes. The treatment of patients' de novo iTTP episode was available for analysis in 375 patients, 188 of whom were treated with corticosteroids alone, 131 with corticosteroids plus rituximab, and 56 with other therapies. RFS was significantly higher in patients treated with corticosteroids and rituximab compared to those treated with corticosteroids alone at 1 year (0.93 vs. 0.78, p=0.0002) and 3 years (0.82 vs. 0.66, p=0.004) but not 5 years (0.60 vs. 0.56, p=0.39). In addition, the risk of relapse decreased with later treatment year for de novo iTTP (hazard ratio (HR) 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.99, p=0.03), consistent with rituximab use increasing over time, and was increased in African Americans compared with Caucasians (HR 1.83, 1.10-3.06, p=0.02). We then explored the treatment effect in all iTTP relapses (743 relapses in 426 patients). Here, a significant (p=0.0007) interaction between treatment and race was found. Among African Americans, we found no difference in RFS when rituximab was added (HR 1.15, 0.81-1.62, p=0.43). However, among Caucasians, RFS was significantly improved when rituximab was added (HR 0.15, 0.06-0.35, p&lt;0.0001). Conclusions For de novo iTTP, adding rituximab to corticosteroids for immunosuppression likely delays but does not prevent relapse. Unlike in de novo disease, in patients with relapsed iTTP, we found a novel and significant interaction between race and treatment: while Caucasians had significantly improved RFS with the addition of rituximab, there was no effect on RFS in African Americans. Further investigation is warranted to determine the mechanisms of this difference in the response to rituximab in relapsed iTTP to improve outcomes in African Americans. Figure Disclosures Marshall: Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Farland:Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Metjian:Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Raval:Bayer, Inc: Research Funding; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Liles:Imara: Other: PI on Clinical trial- Sickle cell ; Shire: Other: PI on clinical trial Sickle cell ; Novartis: Other: PI on clinical trial Sickle cell . Baumann Kreuziger:CSL Behring: Consultancy; Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: Consultancy. McCrae:Rigel Pharmaceutical: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Dova Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer Pharmaceutical: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Chaturvedi:Shire/Takeda: Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy; Alexion: Consultancy. Zheng:Clotsolution: Other: Co-Founder; Shire/Takeda: Research Funding; Ablynx/Sanofi: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Alexion: Speakers Bureau. Cataland:Ablynx/Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Alexion: Consultancy, Research Funding. Off Label Disclosure: rituximab for immunosuppression in TTP.
African American Race Is Associated with Decreased Relapse-Free Survival in Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Blood | November 14, 2019 | Volume: 134 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: 1066-1066

10.1182/blood-2019-131064

Background: Immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a potentially fatal hematologic disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and ischemic organ impairment. The incidence of iTTP is higher among African-Americans (AA), however, differences in presentation and outcomes have not been fully investigated. In a multi-center cohort of patients with iTTP from the United States Thrombotic Microangiopathy (USTMA) Consortium, we tested the hypothesis that AA race is an independent predictor of poor outcomes including iTTP related mortality and relapse. Methods: We queried data from the USTMA iTTP registry, which currently includes data from 785 individual patients from 15 institutions across the United States. Data from at least one iTTP episode are available for 734 patients. The cohort is 35.1% (N = 272) White, 58.7% (N = 455) African American, 0.4% (N=3) Asian, 1.8% (N=14) Hispanic, and 4.0 % (N=31) other/unknown race. We restricted our analyses to AA and White participants because of small numbers in the other groups. We compared presenting features and treatments using the chi-squared test and t-test for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. A relapse was defined as a recurrent iTTP episode occurring at least 30 days after last therapeutic plasma exchange. To evaluate relapse-free survival, we included only patients enrolled in the registry at their first TTP episode (144 White and 246 AA) since patients presenting with a relapse as their index episode are already confirmed to have relapsing iTTP. Kaplan Meier analysis was used to compare relapse-free survival in White and AA patients, and a Cox regression model was developed to evaluate the independent effect of race on relapse, adjusting for potential confounders including age, sex, and the use of rituximab. Results: Demographics and presenting features of 390 individuals (144 White and 246 AA) presenting with a first episode of iTTP are shown in Table 1. Presenting symptoms including fever, confusion, seizure, memory deficits, stupor, headache, stroke, chest pain, abdominal pain, fatigue, and dark urine were similar between Whites and AA except for petechiae, which were more frequently documented in Whites (28.8% vs 17.7%, p=0.011). Presenting laboratory studies were also comparable though AA had a higher rate of elevated serum troponin (50.6% vs 32.5%, p=0.003), lower hemoglobin level (8.27 ± 0.13 vs 8.81 ± 0.19, p=0.0176) and platelet count (20.3 ± 1.2 vs 26.2 ± 3.2, p=0.0432). In addition to therapeutic plasma exchange and corticosteroids, rituximab was administered to 23.7% of White patients and 22.7% of AA during their first iTTP episode (P=0.815). Median time to platelet count recovery (days of daily plasma exchange until normal platelet count for two consecutive days) was shorter in AA compared with White patients [5 (IQR 4, 10) vs. 8 (IQR 5, 14), log rank P = 0.004]. AA race remained a significant predictor of the shorter time to platelet count recovery [HR 1.44 (95% CI 1.12, 1.85), P=0.004] after adjusting for rituximab therapy [HR 0.60 (95% CI 0.0.46, 0.80), P<0.001], female sex [HR 0.95 (95% CI 0.73, 1.22), P=0.669], age [HR 0.99 (95% CI 0.99, 1.01), P=0.682], platelet count [HR 1.00 (95% CI 0.99, 1.04), P=0.820] and LDH at presentation [HR 1.00 (95% CI 1.00, 1.00), P=0.525]. Death during the first episode occurred in 8.9% of White patients and 5.5% of AA patients (P=0.206). Relapse-free survival after the first episode of iTTP was lower in AA than White patients (Figure 1). AA race was associated with the reduced relapse free survival [HR 1.79 (95% CI 1.08, 2.98), P=0.024] in a Cox regression model adjusted for age [HR 1.00 (95% CI 0.98, 1.01), P=0.683], sex [HR 0.96 (95% CI 0.60, 1.54), P=0.867], and rituximab therapy [HR 0.93 (95% CI 0.55, 1.59), P=0.806]. Conclusion: African Americans with iTTP have a higher relapse rate and shorter relapse free survival after the first episode of the disease compared with Caucasian patients, which is independent of age, sex and rituximab therapy. Contrary to our hypothesis, acute outcomes of iTTP (time to platelet count recovery and mortality) were not worse in AA patients. The factors contributing to the higher relapse rate in AA with iTTP need to be further investigated. Our findings suggest that AA patients may also benefit from closer follow up. Disclosures Farland: Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Metjian:Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Raval:Bayer, Inc: Research Funding; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Liles:Shire: Other: PI on clinical trial Sickle cell ; Imara: Other: PI on Clinical trial- Sickle cell ; Novartis: Other: PI on clinical trial Sickle cell . Baumann Kreuziger:CSL Behring: Consultancy; Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: Consultancy. McCrae:Dova Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer Pharmaceutical: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Rigel Pharmaceutical: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Zheng:Alexion: Speakers Bureau; Ablynx/Sanofi: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Clotsolution: Other: Co-Founder; Shire/Takeda: Research Funding. Cataland:Alexion: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ablynx/Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding. Chaturvedi:Shire/Takeda: Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy; Alexion: Consultancy.
Practice Patterns for Diagnosis of Type 1 Von Willebrand Disease and Effect of Age on Von Willebrand Factor Levels: A Single Institutional Retrospective Study

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 1183-1183

10.1182/blood-2018-99-119137

Abstract Introduction Type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD 1) accounts for ~75% of VWD. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood (NHLBI) VWD guidelines recommend VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo cut-off levels of <30 (IU/dL or %) for definite laboratory diagnosis of VWD 1. However, guidelines indicate that patients with "low VWF" (VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo in the 30-50 IU/dl range) could be candidates for agents to increase VWF levels if they are at risk for bleeding. Here we examine the diagnostic practices for VWD at Mayo Clinic Rochester by determining the proportion of patient currently classified as VWD 1 that meet NHLBI criteria for "low VWF". In addition, we assess changes in the laboratory phenotype of the aging population of patients with "low VWF" and VWD 1. Methods Patients with a diagnosis of VWD 1 at our institution were identified through our institutional hemophilia treatment center database (1986 to 2017). All available VWF:Ag and VWF activity (ristocetin cofactor assay [VWF:RCo] and latex immuno-activity assay [VWF:Ab]) levels performed at our institution and available in our electronic medical record (EMR) were recorded. Exclusion criteria included confounding variables known to effect VWF levels (eg,. hormonal therapy, pregnancy, desmopressin, or VWF/VIII concentrate administration) at the time of first laboratory assessment (VWF:Ag and VWF activity (by either VWF:Ab or VWF: RCo) at our institution. Bleeding score, retrospectively assessed using the MCMDM-1 VWD bleeding assessment tool (BAT), at the time of first clinical evaluation was recorded if enough information was available in the EMR. All VWF testing was recorded for comparative analysis between the first and the most recent measurements within the study period. Patients were not included in age-related analysis if the most recent laboratory values were obtained in the presence of the confounding variables noted above. Statistical analysis was performed using JMPfor paired t-tests and STATA for multilevel mixed-effects regression analysis. Results 78 patients (50 F) met study criteria. Median age at initial presentation at our institution was 27.5 (0-75) years. Medians (ranges) for VWF:Ag (n=78), VWF:Ab (n=41), and VWF:RCo (n=75) were 39 (5-60)%, 37 (19-53)%, and 36 (11-62)%, respectively (reference ranges 55-200% for VWF and factor VIII values). Coagulation factor VIII activity (FVIII:C) was 63 (10-122)% (n=78). Of 37 patient with available blood type results, 23 (62%) were blood group O. 56% of patients (n=44) met NHLBI criteria for classification as "low VWF" (Figure 1, Panel A). There was no difference in bleeding score between patients with VWD 1 (median bleeding score: 4 (0-14), n=22) compared to those with "low VWF" (median bleeding score: 4 (0-14), n=37). 54 patients had repeat laboratory testing at 4.5 (0-29) years after initial testing. VWF antigen and activity levels were compared in those who had repeat testing done >1 year (n=36) after initial lab testing at our institution. Median age of patients at time of most recent measurement was 42.5 (5-87) years compared to 35.5 (0-75) years at first measurement. VWF:Ag was significantly higher in the most recent measurement compared to the first measurement (p< 0.05, Figure 1, Panel B ). There was no statistically significant difference between VWF activity levels in the first versus the most recent measurement. There was a non-significant trend towards increasing VWF:Ag with increasing age; however when stratified into "low VWF" and VWD 1 disease groups, there was a significant relationship between VWF Ag and age in the "low VWF" group with mixed effects regression model (coefficient: 0.207, p:0.043). Conclusion Approximately 55% of patients with a clinical diagnosis for VWD 1 meet criteria for "low VWF." In our cohort, there was no difference in bleeding (BAT) scores between the two groups; however our analysis is limited by its retrospective nature. We also demonstrate a statistically significant increase in VWF:Ag with aging; however, with regression analysis, this change was only noted in those in the "low VWF" group. Larger prospective studies controlling for confounding factors are needed to further demonstrate the effect of age on VWF antigen and activity levels. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Efficacy and Safety of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC) for Direct Oral Anticoagulant Reversal: A Single Institutional Experience

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2533-2533

10.1182/blood-2018-99-112227

Abstract Background An increasing number of patients (pts) requiring anticoagulation are treated with oral factor Xa inhibitors (DOAC) as an alternative to vitamin K antagonists. Prior to the recent approval of coagulation factor Xa (recombinant), inactivated-zhzo in May 2018, four factor prothrombin complex concentrates (4PCC) have been used to reverse the effects of DOACs. We retrospectively analyzed our institutional experience with 4 PCC for reversal of apixaban and rivaroxaban to determine the indications for 4PCC use and outcomes. Methods After IRB approval, pts receiving 4PCC, from Feb 2016 to January 2018 were identified from our pharmacy database and pts receiving PCC for reversal of apixiban and rivaroxaban were selected. Consenting pts medical records (MR) were reviewed for demographics and indications for DOAC and 4PCC as well as outcomes of 4PCC use. Pts were excluded if they had discontinued DOAC greater than 7 days before receiving 4PCC or if they were started on alternative forms of anticoagulation at a therapeutic dose prior to receiving PCC. Primary endpoint was clinical efficacy (clinical improvement or stability) or ability to undergo required procedure) and secondary endpoint was safety (thromboembolism and death) up to 35 days post-infusion of 4PCC. Stability for intracranial hemorrhages (ICH) was determined by clinical improvement and if head imaging performed, no change in head CT or MRI scan, whereas stability for other bleeds was determined by hemoglobin stability and opinions of providers in the MR. Primary efficacy outcome for pts undergoing surgery was based on MR comments by the performing surgeon and use of other hemostatic agents and red blood cell transfusions. Results 49 (32 male) pts, median age of 74 (31-95) years, met our study criteria and received 4PCC for reversal of apixaban (n=29) and rivaroxaban (n=20). Indications for anticoagulation were atrial fibrillation (n=35) and thrombosis (n=14). Of the 14 pts with thrombosis, 11 had deep vein thrombosis while 3 had thrombosis at other sites (arterial graft thrombus, aortic thrombus, and portal vein thrombosis). 4PCC was administered in the emergency department (n=36), intensive care unit (n=10), or the general medical wards (n=3). Indications for 4PCC included bleeding (n=40), procedure/surgery (n=6), and hemodynamic instability with clinical suspicion for bleeding (n=3). Bleeding location is reported in table 1. All procedure/surgery performed for clinical symptoms not related to hemorrhage were non-elective procedures and included exploratory laparotomy (n=4), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n=1), and incision and drainage of abdominal wall abscess (n=1). Median PCC dose was 42 (10.3-63.3) IU/kg. Outcomes 32/40 (80%) pts had stability or an improvement in bleeding, while 5 pts had bleeding that did not improve. 3 pts, all with ICH, had a bleed that worsened 8 (6-8) hours after PCC but then spontaneously stabilized 24 (8-24) hours later. Of those presenting with clinical bleeding, 3 pts received FFP within 3 hours prior to treatment with 4PCC, 2 pts received FFP within 12 hours after 4PCC, and 2 pts received FFP within 3 hours before and 12 hours after 4PCC. Of 40 pts receiving PCC for bleeding, 14 also had a procedure to help achieve hemostasis (Table 2). All 6 pts were able to undergo procedure/surgery. 5/6 patients achieved adequate hemostasis. One pt had no mention of unanticipated bleeding in the MR but received 8 units of FFP intraoperatively after 4PCC. 6/49 (12%) pts had a thrombotic complication within 35 days of receiving PCC (median 4 days; (range 1-31) including arterial graft thrombus (n=1), superficial venous thrombus (n=1), bilateral soleal vein thrombosis (n=1), internal jugular vein and innominate vein thrombosis (n=1) stroke (n=1), and progression of preexisting portal vein thrombosis (n=1). All-cause mortality was 20%. 3/10 deaths were in pts who never achieved neurologic recovery after ICH and one pt had stroke-like symptoms leading to death 30 days after 4PCC (administered for ICH). Conclusion In this cohort, 80% of pts demonstrated clinical stability/improvement of hemorrhage. All pts were able to undergo surgical procedures; however 17% required additional FFP to achieve hemostasis. Thromboembolism occurred in 12% of patients. No deaths could definitely be attributed to 4PCC; however, 30% of deaths could be attributable to the underlying hemorrhagic episode. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.