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Biomedical subjects

B M Alving

Publications and source records attributed to B M Alving.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PAI-1-resistant t-PA: low doses prevent fibrin deposition in rabbits with increased PAI-1 activity.

The present study compared the activities of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and a plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)-resistant variant t-PA (Kt-PA, KHRR 296-299 AAAA) in preventing renal fibrin deposition in rabbits with elevated PAI-1 activity. In this model, all rabbits were infused with endotoxin (10 micrograms/kg), followed by initiation of thrombin (130 U/kg) 4 hours later, when plasma PAI-1 activity was greater than 200 arbitrary units (AU)/mL (baseline, < 3 AU/mL). Thirty minutes after completion of the 1-hour thrombin infusion, rabbits were killed and the kidneys fixed and stained for identification of fibrin deposition. Rabbits received one of the following treatments initiated 30 minutes before thrombin and continued during the 1-hour thrombin infusion: (1) saline (n = 7); (2) low-dose t-PA (17 micrograms/kg, n = 4); (3) higher-dose t-PA (170 micrograms/kg, n = 4); or (4) low-dose Kt-PA (17 micrograms/kg, n = 6). Fibrin deposition occurred in 86% and 100% of the rabbits receiving saline or low-dose t-PA, respectively. Fibrin deposition did not occur in any of the rabbits receiving low-dose Kt-PA or higher-dose t-PA. Low-dose Kt-PA and higher dose t-PA also caused a reduction in fibrin deposition when infused after thrombin administration had been completed. The data provide in vivo evidence that Kt-PA is more effective than t-PA in preventing fibrin deposition in an animal model that combines thrombogenic stimulation with increased PAI-1 activity.

Animals↗

Antithrombotic effects of hirulog in a rat carotid endarterectomy model.

Although hirulog, a specific, direct inhibitor of thrombin, can prevent thrombosis in unstable angina and angioplasty without inducing excessive bleeding, it has not been used in a surgical setting. In the present study, the antithrombotic activity of hirulog was assessed in rats undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Three groups of anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats received either intravenous heparin (10 U/kg bolus followed by 90 U/kg/hr, n = 4), high-dose hirulog (0.8 mg/kg bolus followed by 2.2 mg/kg/hr, n = 7), or saline (n = 6) before endarterectomy and until termination of the protocol 30 min later. Platelet deposition, as measured by scanning electron microscopy, in rats receiving this high dose of hirulog was reduced by 63% (+/- 14%, SE) compared to controls (P = 0.004) and by 36% (+/- 16%) in heparinized rats (P - 0.07). Both groups had prolonged postsurgical bleeding. Infusion of hirulog at a lower dose (0.4 mg/kg bolus followed by 1.0 mg/kg/hr, n = 8) was not associated with prolonged bleeding; however, platelet deposition was reduced by only 16% (+/- 27%, P = 0.30), although 125I-fibrin deposition was reduced by 64% (+/- 11%, P = 0.004). In the high-dose hirulog group, plasma hirulog levels, as determined with a quantitative thrombin time, were three times higher (95% CI: 1.5-4.5 times) than in the group receiving the lower hirulog dose [11.6 +/- 2.3 (SE) micrograms/ml vs 3.9 +/- 0.6 micrograms/ml; P = 0.0022]. However, the mean activated partial thromboplastin time with the higher dose was similar to that of the lower dose (110 +/- 4 vs 90 +/- 13 sec, P - 0.09). The antithrombotic activity of hirulog can be maximized by titrating the dose, monitoring plasma drug levels, and possibly administering the drug after surgery to avoid prolonged bleeding.

Animals↗

Resistance to activated protein C: a common inherited cause of venous thrombosis.

Resistance to activated protein C (RAPC) is a newly recognized hypercoagulable state that was first described in 1993. It has become apparent that RAPC is even more common than deficiencies in protein C, protein S, or antithrombin III (AT-III) and affects an estimated 5% of the general population. The majority of patients with RAPC have an abnormality in factor V (Arg506Gln), which renders factor Va resistant to degradation by activated protein C. Studies in 75 patients referred to the Hematology Laboratory at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) over a 14-month period for evaluation of venous thromboembolism were reviewed to determine the percentage of those with RAPC. Of the 75 patients in the study, one was deficient in protein S, one was deficient in protein C, and none was deficient in AT-III. In contrast, 27 (36%) patients tested positive for RAPC. Blood was available for DNA analysis in 15 patients with RAPC. Of these 15 patients, nine (60%) tested positive for the Arg506Gln mutation in factor V. Six other patients with RAPC did not have the factor V mutation. Additional risk factors for thrombosis were immobility, obesity, use of oral contraceptives, and pregnancy. The majority of patients had deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities; 71% had a recurrence if not placed on chronic anticoagulation therapy. Thus RAPC is a significant risk factor for venous thrombosis. Evaluation for inherited hypercoagulable states should include testing for this newly described condition.

Adolescent↗

Fibrin sealant: current and potential clinical applications.

There are few well-controlled studies of the clinical efficacy of fibrin sealant, defined by lives saved or reduced need for blood transfusions. Evaluation of fibrin sealant in trauma situations, e.g. liver laceration, has been difficult to perform. Only recently has fibrin sealant been actively promoted by US manufacturers as a commercially valuable alternative to the relatively inexpensive crude bovine thrombin and cryoprecipitate that are in current use. Regulatory agencies and manufacturers are aware that patients in the USA are receiving a suboptimal form of fibrin glue since cryoprecipitate is not virally inactivated and has a variable fibrinogen concentration. In addition, bovine thrombin is not regulated with respect to factor V content or any other impurities. During the past year regulatory agencies, together with manufacturers and clinicians, have begun to define clinically valid endpoints for efficacy of a commercially prepared fibrin sealant. These may include improvement in hemostasis compared with a placebo or agents considered to be 'standard of care'. Thus, the regulatory agencies may be willing to consider studies in animals that demonstrate efficacy as well as surrogate endpoints, such as reduced factor concentrate requirements in patients with severe hemophilia requiring dental extraction. As fibrin sealant becomes available in a liquid and potentially in a bandage form, it may also become an essential matrix for recombinant factors that can affect endothelial function.

Animals↗

Acquired von Willebrand's disease: a rare manifestation of postpartum thyroiditis.

This report describes the diagnosis of acquired type I von Willebrand disease in a 30-year-old woman (G5P5) who presented with complaints of excessive bleeding in the postpartum period. The patient's additional complaints of fatigue, depression, and inability to lose weight resulted in laboratory testing that indicated hypothyroidism due to thyroiditis. Clinical symptoms and laboratory tests for von Willebrand disease and hypothyroidism normalized with L-thyroxine replacement. Thyroiditis resulting in symptomatic hypothyroidism occurs in 2-4 per cent of postpartum women. The possibility of underlying hypothyroidism should be considered for those patients, especially if they are parous women, who appear to have an acquired bleeding disorder suggestive of von Willebrand disease.

Adolescent↗

Use of antithrombin III concentrates to correct antithrombin III deficiency during vascular surgery.

Congenital deficiency of antithrombin III (AT III) is the only inherited hypercoagulable disorder for which a concentrate of purified protein is available for replacement therapy during periods of increased thrombotic risk. This report describes how such concentrates have been used in a patient with congenital AT-III deficiency undergoing venous surgery. A 40-year-old woman with AT III deficiency was evaluated for bilateral grade 3 chronic venous insufficiency. Noninvasive venous assessment and ascending venography revealed incompetence of the lower leg perforators, a patent deep venous system, and competent greater and lesser saphenous veins. Staged subfascial ligations were performed. Pasteurized AT III was administered 1 hour before surgery and at 30 hours at a dose calculated to increase AT-III activity to at least 120%. Perioperative AT III activity levels were measured. Subcutaneous heparin and oral warfarin were initiated the evening of surgery. An infusion of AT III increased plasma AT III from the baseline activity of 51% to 180%; it was 87% 13 hours later. Two measurements of the initial half-life of AT III were 7 and 14 hours. No perioperative thrombotic complications occurred. The ulcers healed, and the patient remains symptom free. Pasteurized AT III concentrates are now commercially available, easily administered, and provide a useful adjunct to the anticoagulation regimen of patients with AT III deficiency undergoing vascular surgery.

Adult↗

Inhibition of platelet deposition by combined hirulog and aspirin in a rat carotid endarterectomy model.

PURPOSE: Hirulog, a thrombin-specific inhibitor, has shown efficacy in reducing arterial thrombosis in patients treated with aspirin who require angioplasty or have unstable angina. In this study, the effect of hirulog on reducing deposition of indium 111-labeled platelets was assessed in a surgical model of aspirin-treated rats undergoing carotid endarterectomy. METHODS: Animals were randomly assigned to one of five groups: control (no aspirin or hirulog); aspirin alone (10 mg/kg); aspirin plus low-dose hirulog (0.2 mg/kg bolus followed by 0.5 mg/kg/hr); aspirin plus medium-dose hirulog (0.4 mg/kg bolus followed by 1.0 mg/kg/hr); or aspirin plus high-dose hirulog (0.6 mg/kg bolus followed by 1.5 mg/kg/hr). Hirulog was infused before surgery and continued until termination of the experiment 30 minutes after endarterectomy. RESULTS: Platelet deposition in rats receiving aspirin alone was reduced by 19% +/- 23% SE (p = 0.26) compared with controls. Deposition in aspirin-treated groups receiving low-, medium-, and high-dose hirulog decreased in a dose-dependent manner by 37% +/- 20% (p = 0.048), 44% +/- 19% (p = 0.061), and 56% +/- 13% (p = 0.022), respectively. As the dose of hirulog was increased, the plasma hirulog levels and activated partial thromboplastin time ratios (final:initial) also increased in a dose-dependent manner. The mean plasma hirulog levels ranged from 0.74 +/- 0.08 micrograms/ml in the low-dose hirulog group to 2.55 +/- 0.08 micrograms/ml in the high-dose hirulog group, and the corresponding activated partial thromboplastin time ratios were 1.5 +/- 0.12 (p = 0.001) and 3.3 +/- 0.63 (p = 0.001). Bleeding was easily controlled by local hemostatic measures for all experimental groups. CONCLUSION: Hirulog causes significant decrease in 111In-labeled platelet deposition in aspirin-treated rats subjected to microsurgical endarterectomy at doses that allow surgical hemostasis to be easily established.

Animals↗

Fibrin sealant: summary of a conference on characteristics and clinical uses.

The 2-day conference clearly outlined the formulations of products that are being developed or are commercially available in Europe. The major difference between products in the United States and those in Europe is that US manufacturers are preparing fibrin sealant that does not contain aprotinin, epsilon amino caproic acid, or any other type of antifibrinolytic agent, whereas antifibrinolytic agents are included in all such preparations used in Europe. The conference provided no clear consensus that such agents are essential to the efficacy of the product. Although many investigators believe in the clinical benefit of fibrin sealant, most of the studies to demonstrate efficacy have not been performed in a well-controlled fashion. However, fibrin sealant, if found in a controlled trial to have clinical efficacy, could be approved by the FDA for a narrow indication. Opportunities remain for greater exploration of different forms of the product, not only as a hemostatic agent, but as an adjunct to wound healing and as a matrix for delivery of drugs and proteins with other biologic activities.

Animals↗

Effect of fibrin structure on plasmin-mediated dissolution of plasma clots.

Previous studies in purified systems have demonstrated that fibrin structure influences the rate of conversion of plasminogen to plasmin by t-PA as well as the rate of plasmin-mediated clot digestion. The present study extended these observations to a plasma system in which fibrin structure was altered by varying the thrombin concentration, varying the plasma ionic strength, or by adding dextran 40. The effect of fibrin structure on the rate of fibrinolysis was assessed by adding plasminogen activators (t-PA or urokinase (UK)) either before or after clot formation. Gel formation and dissolution were monitored optically (turbidity) and isotopically (125I-fibrinogen). Clots formed under conditions of high ionic strength and/or high thrombin concentration were composed of thin fibrin fibres that dissolved slowly. Clots formed at lower ionic strengths, at lower thrombin concentrations or in the presence of dextran were composed of thicker fibres and dissolved more rapidly. The difference in fibrinolytic rate between thin and thick fibres was noted when t-PA or UK was added before or after clot formation. These data indicate that even in a plasma milieu fibre diameter is a factor in determining fibrinolytic rate induced by either UK or t-PA. The method by which fibre diameter is altered does not influence the conclusion that fibrinolytic rate is increased with increasing diameter.

Dextrans↗

Increased anticardiolipin antibodies associated with the development of anetoderma in HIV-1 disease. Military Medical Consortium for the Advancement of Retroviral research (MMCARR).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Anetoderma has been reported in patients with HIV-1 disease. In patients with autoimmune disease, anetoderma has been associated with increased levels of antiphospholipid antibodies (APL) that include anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) and lupus anticoagulant (LA). This has led to speculation that the autoimmune phenomena seen in HIV-1 disease and the immune dysregulation induced by HIV-1 disease may play a role in the development of these lesions. We have seen both primary and secondary lesions of anetoderma in patients followed for HIV-1 disease. In this study, we wanted to determine whether there was an association in the development of anetoderma and elevated anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) in HIV-1 patients. METHODS: Quantitative ACA levels were measured in eight HIV-1-infected patients with anetoderma and four HIV-1-infected patients without anetoderma. RESULTS: Anticardiolipin antibodies were moderately elevated in seven of eight patients with lesions and were borderline in the four HIV-1-positive patients without lesions of anetoderma. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a correlation between increased ACA and the development of cutaneous lesions of anetoderma in HIV-1 disease. Patterns of immune dysregulation, including APL, may predispose to the development of lesions of anetoderma in HIV-1-positive patients. Although some of the lesions appear to represent primary anetoderma, the majority of our patients develop lesions in areas secondary to well characterized eruptions.

Adult↗

Inhibitory effects of lysine analogues on t-PA induced whole blood clot lysis.

The lysine analogues epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) and trans-4-amino-methyl cyclohexane carboxylic acid (AMCA) are used to prevent excessive bleeding in patients with coagulopathies, such as hemophilia and thrombocytopenia, or in those who have received tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). However, their relative efficacy in inhibiting lysis of clots that have been formed in the presence of exogenous t-PA or that have been formed and then exposed to exogenous t-PA has not been well characterized. The present study utilized blood from normal volunteers and 125I-fibrinogen in a dilute whole blood clot assay to determine the relative concentrations of lysine analogues required for inhibition of clot lysis induced by exogenous t-PA. AMCA (0.06 mM) and EACA (0.6 mM) were effective in prolonging clot lysis if (1) whole blood clots were formed and then exposed to a lysine analogue and exogenous t-PA or if (2) whole blood clots were formed in the presence of exogenous t-PA and a lysine analogue. However, their inhibitory effect was markedly reduced if clots were formed in the presence of t-PA and then exposed to either of the lysine analogues. The analogues did not inhibit the initial binding of t-PA to fibrin. They did inhibit binding of plasminogen to fibrin as well as the activation of plasminogen by t-PA in the absence of fibrin. The data suggest that lysine analogues, even at low concentrations, reduce the rate of t-PA induced whole blood clot lysis by several mechanisms.

Aminocaproic Acid↗

Hemostatic assessment of patients before tonsillectomy: a prospective study.

The purpose of this prospective study in patients undergoing tonsillectomy was to determine whether perioperative bleeding could be predicted by use of a standardized questionnaire concerning bleeding risk combined with measurement of the activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. Of the 96 patients enrolled in the study, none had a history of a severe bleeding disorder, but 6 (6%) had histories suggestive of a mild bleeding disorder. Further evaluation showed possible von Willebrand's disease in one of these patients. Of the 90 patients with negative questionnaires, 16% had prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time. One of these patients had possible von Willebrand's disease. However, none of the patients with positive questionnaires or a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time bled after surgery. Bleeding that resulted in additional hospital use occurred in 2% of patients, and blood-tinged sputum was described by 4% after discharge; all of these patients had negative questionnaires and normal screening studies. The data provide further evidence that routine measurement of the activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time in asymptomatic patients is not useful for predicting postoperative bleeding. In addition, histories suggestive of a mild bleeding disorder are also not accurate predictors of postoperative bleeding. Excessive bleeding associated with tonsillectomy is usually not a result of an identifiable coagulation disorder.

Adenoidectomy↗

Role of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in promoting fibrin deposition in rabbits infused with ancrod or thrombin.

The role of defective fibrinolysis caused by elevated activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in promoting fibrin deposition in vivo has not been well established. The present study compared the efficacy of thrombin or ancrod, a venom-derived enzyme that clots fibrinogen, to induce fibrin formation in rabbits with elevated PAI-1 levels. One set of male New Zealand rabbits received intravenous endotoxin to increase endogenous PAI-1 activity followed by a 1-hour infusion of ancrod or thrombin; another set of normal rabbits received intravenous human recombinant PAI-1 (rPAI-1) during an infusion of ancrod or thrombin. Thirty minutes after the end of the infusion, renal fibrin deposition was assessed by histopathology. Animals receiving endotoxin, rPAI-1, ancrod, or thrombin alone did not develop renal thrombi. All endotoxin-treated rabbits developed fibrin deposition when infused with ancrod (n = 4) or thrombin (n = 6). Fibrin deposition occurred in 7 of 7 rabbits receiving both rPAI-1 and ancrod and in only 1 of 6 receiving rPAI-1 and thrombin (P < .01). In vitro, thrombin but not ancrod was inactivated by normal rabbit plasma and by purified antithrombin III or thrombomodulin. The data indicate that elevated levels of PAI-1 promote fibrin deposition in rabbits infused with ancrod but not with thrombin. In endotoxin-treated rabbits, fibrin deposition that occurs with thrombin infusion may be caused by decreased inhibition of procoagulant activity and not increased PAI-1 activity.

Ancrod↗

A quantitative thrombin time for determining levels of hirudin and Hirulog.

The anticoagulant effect of recombinant hirudin (rHir) and Hirulog has been monitored in patients with the activated partial thromboplastin time. Accurate monitoring with this test cannot be achieved if plasmas contain heparin, lupus anticoagulants, low concentrations of fibrinogen or other factors, or elevated fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products (FDP). We have therefore developed a simple, rapid, sensitive clot-based method, the quantitative thrombin time (QTT), to measure levels of rHir and Hirulog in patient plasma (or whole blood). The QTT is performed by mixing a 1:10 dilution of patient plasma (50 microliters) with human fibrinogen (50 microliters, 128 mg/dl) at 37 degrees C; the clotting time is initiated by adding human thrombin (50 microliters, 5-7.5 U/ml). The concentration of Hirulog or rHir in plasma can be determined by comparing the QTT in patient plasma with a standard curve that is generated by adding different concentrations of anticoagulant to pooled normal plasma. Studies with whole blood using the same procedure yield similar results. In the absence of Hirulog or rHir, the baseline QTT is the same in normal and abnormal plasmas (fibrinogen < 150 mg/dl and FDP as high as 1024 micrograms/ml, elevated FDP alone, lupus anticoagulant, or heparin < 0.9 U/ml). When known concentrations of either rHir or Hirulog are added to abnormal plasmas, the mean observed concentrations as determined by the QTT deviate from the expected values by less than 10% (range 0-19%). The data indicate that the QTT is a simple, rapid, and accurate test for the determination of levels of rHir and Hirulog in plasma or whole blood.

Heparin↗

Association of protein S deficiency with thrombosis in a kindred with increased levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.

OBJECTIVE: A single kindred in North America with venous thrombosis was described as having defective fibrinolysis because of increased levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Our study describes the discovery of protein S deficiency in this kindred and its association with venous thromboembolism. DESIGN: A family study. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-eight adults (ages 21 to 71 years) from three generations of the kindred; seven had a history of venous thromboembolism. MEASUREMENTS: Plasma levels of total and free protein S antigen, as well as the activities of protein S, protein C, PAI-1, and antithrombin III. RESULTS: Six of 7 persons (86%) with a history of venous thromboembolism were deficient in total and free protein S; of 21 asymptomatic members, 9 were deficient in protein S (P = 0.08). When compared with these 9 asymptomatic family members, the 6 persons with protein S deficiency and a history of thrombosis tended to smoke (P = 0.01) and to have higher triglyceride levels (P = 0.001). Overall, the mean PAI-1 activity in the 7 persons who had thrombosis was 7.9 kAU/L (AU/mL) and was 9.3 kAU/L (AU/mL) in the 21 persons who did not have thrombosis (95% CI, -9.9 to 7.0). CONCLUSIONS: In this kindred, a deficiency of total and free or functional protein S is the cause of thrombosis. Measurement of PAI-1 activity was not useful in the evaluation of familial thrombosis. The utility of the routine measurement of PAI-1 activity in the evaluation of familial thrombosis has not been established.

Adolescent↗

The hypercoagulable states.

In most cases, acute venous thrombosis has a straightforward etiology--for example, the patient who has had prolonged bed rest with a broken leg and received no heparin. A significant minority of patients, however, have an inherited biochemical deficiency or an acquired disorder that increases the risk of thrombosis. Some general guidelines suggest when to suspect such defects and what tests to apply.

Adolescent↗