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Biomedical subjects

C Negrier

Publications and source records attributed to C Negrier.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Prophylactic versus on-demand treatment strategies for severe haemophilia: a comparison of costs and long-term outcome.

A multicentre study was performed to compare clotting factor use and outcome between on-demand and prophylactic treatment strategies for patients with severe haemophilia. Data on treatment and outcome of 49 Dutch patients with severe haemophilia, born 1970-80, primarily treated with prophylaxis, were compared with those of 106 French patients, who were primarily treated on demand. Dutch patients received intermediate dose prophylaxis, for a median duration of 12.7 years. Patients primarily treated with prophylaxis had fewer joint bleeds per year (median 2.8 vs. 11.5), a higher proportion of patients without joint bleeds (29% vs. 9%), lower clinical scores (median 2.0 vs. 8.0), and less arthropathy as measured by the Pettersson score (median 7 points vs. 16 points). Mean annual clotting factor use was equal at 1,488 +/- 783 IU kg-1 year-1 (mean +/- standard deviation) for patients primarily treated with prophylaxis and 1,612 +/- 1,442 IU kg-1 year-1 for patients primarily treated on demand. These findings suggest that, compared with a primarily on-demand treatment strategy, a primarily prophylactic treatment strategy leads to better outcome at equal treatment costs in young adults with severe haemophilia.

Adult↗

The treatment of bleeding in hemophilic patients with inhibitors with recombinant factor VIIa.

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has proven efficacy in the treatment of patients with alloantibodies and autoantibodies to factors VIII and IX. More than 80% of over 2,000 reported bleeding episodes treated with rFVIIa have been controlled in a variety of clinical circumstances. Its theoretical lack of activation of the coagulation system prompted many clinicians to undertake elective surgical procedures using rFVIIa in addition to on-demand treatment of minor bleeding episodes. Hemostatic efficacy has been good for most of these surgical procedures, without serious adverse events. rFVIIa is considered a useful, safe, and effective treatment for bleeding in patients with anti-factor VIII (FVIII) and anti-factor IX (FIX) inhibitors. However, the optimal dose for various clinical situations has yet to be established and requires further investigation. Laboratory monitoring of treatment using plasma FVIIa measurements should be better standardized. Despite the relatively high cost of this new drug, rFVIIa represents a major therapeutic advance in the treatment of hemophilic patients with inhibitors.

Autoantibodies↗

Sequential regulation of the small GTPase Rap1 in human platelets.

Rap1, a small GTPase of the Ras family, is ubiquitously expressed and particularly abundant in platelets. Previously we have shown that Rap1 is rapidly activated after stimulation of human platelets with alpha-thrombin. For this activation, a phospholipase C-mediated increase in intracellular calcium is necessary and sufficient. Here we show that thrombin induces a second phase of Rap1 activation, which is mediated by protein kinase C (PKC). Indeed, the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced Rap1 activation, whereas the PKC-inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide inhibited the second, but not the first, phase of Rap1 activation. Activation of the integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3), a downstream target of PKC, with monoclonal antibody LIBS-6 also induced Rap1 activation. However, studies with alpha(IIb)beta(3)-deficient platelets from patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia type 1 show that alpha(IIb)beta(3) is not essential for Rap1 activation. Interestingly, induction of platelet aggregation by thrombin resulted in the inhibition of Rap1 activation. This downregulation correlated with the translocation of Rap1 to the Triton X-100-insoluble, cytoskeletal fraction. We conclude that in platelets, alpha-thrombin induces Rap1 activation first by a calcium-mediated pathway independently of PKC and then by a second activation phase mediated by PKC and, in part, integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3). Inactivation of Rap1 is mediated by an aggregation-dependent process that correlates with the translocation of Rap1 to the cytoskeletal fraction.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

ERGIC-53 gene structure and mutation analysis in 19 combined factors V and VIII deficiency families.

Combined factors V and VIII deficiency is an autosomal recessive bleeding disorder associated with plasma levels of coagulation factors V and VIII approximately 5% to 30% of normal. The disease gene was recently identified as the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment protein ERGIC-53 by positional cloning, with the detection of two founder mutations in 10 Jewish families. To identify mutations in additional families, the structure of the ERGIC-53 gene was determined by genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis of bacterial artificial chromosome clones containing the ERGIC-53 gene. Nineteen additional families were analyzed by direct sequence analysis of the entire coding region and the intron/exon junctions. Seven novel mutations were identified in 10 families, with one additional family found to harbor one of the two previously described mutations. All of the identified mutations would be predicted to result in complete absence of functional ERGIC-53 protein. In 8 of 19 families, no mutation was identified. Genotyping data indicate that at least two of these families are not linked to the ERGIC-53 locus. Taken together, these results suggest that a significant subset of combined factors V and VIII deficiency is due to mutation in one or more additional genes.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Illegitimate transcription: its use for studying genetic abnormalities in lymphoblastoid cells from patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia.

Glanzmann thrombasthenia is the most common inherited disorder of platelets that may induce severe bleeding complications. Molecular biology techniques have offered the possibility to assess the basis of this chronic haemorrhagic disease at the molecular level. However, the accessibility of mRNA in platelets is limited by the availability of the patient's blood samples and the relatively weak amount of this material in these cells. Taking advantage of the genetic phenomenon of illegitimate transcription, we have demonstrated that glycoprotein IIb and glycoprotein IIIa mRNA could be detected in lymphoblastoid cell lines issued from normal EBV-transformed lymphoblasts. We further analysed the sequences of the two glycoprotein transcripts in lymphoblastoid cell lines from two previously characterized patients presenting with Glanzmann thrombasthenia. The results showed that illegitimate transcripts presented similar molecular abnormalities to those found in platelets. These data demonstrated that the nucleotide sequences of illegitimate transcripts were identical to tissue-specific mRNA found in platelets. We applied this methodology to screen for the genetic defect in a new thrombasthenic patient, and found a homozygous nonsense mutation GCA-->TGA converting Arg8 to stop in the glycoprotein IIIa gene. This immortalized source of genetic material is therefore particularly useful for molecular genetic studies in inherited platelet disorders, avoiding repetitive and large blood samplings in frequently anaemic patients.

Antigens, CD↗

Clinical management of patients with von Willebrand's disease with a VHP vWF concentrate: the French experience.

Part of the French clinical experience using the solvent/detergent (S/D) treated VHP von Willebrand factor (vWF) concentrate (LFB, Les Ulis, France) characterized by a high vWF:RCoF specific activity and a low factor VIII (FVIII) content is reported. Since 1989 this concentrate has been routinely used in clinical practice taking into account the vWF:RCoF given by the manufacturer. Seventy-five patients with von Willebrand disease (type 1: 42, 2A: 11, 2B: 5, 2N: 6, 3: 4, acquired: 7) were treated on 99 occasions either to control spontaneous bleedings (15) or to prevent haemorrhagic risks associated with minor (< 5 days of treatment) (48) or major (5 days of treatment) (36) surgery including seven knee or hip-replacements. Forty lots of concentrate were used containing 58 +/- 13 U mL-1 vWF:RCoF with less than 10 units of FVIII per 100 units vWF:RCoF. Patients with type 2N were analysed separately. With the exception of gastro-intestinal bleedings, spontaneous bleedings were generally stopped after few infusions of 40-47 U kg-1 vWF:RCoF. Patients having more than 20 U dL-1 FVIII were treated on 54 surgical occasions with one preoperative infusion (51-55 U kg-1 vWF:RCoF) which allowed an increase in FVIII concentration to a mean level of 67-88 U dL-1. Patients with less than 20 U dL-1 were either treated with two preoperative infusions of vWF, 12 or 24 h apart (11 cases) or received a FVIII injection immediately after the preoperative infusion of vWF (10 cases). During the postoperative period vWF alone (30-35 U kg-1 vWF:RCoF) allowed FVIII to be kept at a mean level of 118-138 U dL-1 not exceeding 180 U dL-1. Patients with type 2N were treated taking in account only their baseline FVIII concentration. No haemorrhagic complications occurred in any of the patients. Thus it was found to be feasible and practical to manage replacement therapy in patients with von Willebrand disease (whatever the type or the circumstances) on the basis of the vWF:RCoF activity of the concentrate.

France↗

Identification of new and known polymorphisms in glycoprotein IIb and IIIa genes by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis.

Glycoprotein IIb and IIIa contain antigenic determinants involved in the potential production of allo- or autoantibodies directed against platelets, that may result in severe thrombocytopenia. Most of these epitopes appear to be supported by single nucleotide substitutions. We have used denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to identify sequence variations within the promoter and the coding regions of the glycoprotein IIb and glycoprotein IIIa genes. Using genomic DNA from 60 unrelated normal individuals, we have amplified short domains that encompass the coding sequences and the exon-intron boundaries of both genes that were further separated according to their melting behaviour during the denaturant electrophoretic migration. Only the fragments with an abnormal migration pattern were sequenced. We confirmed the sensitivity of this method by recognizing both previously described Human Platelet Antigen polymorphisms and mutations affecting either the glycoprotein IIb or the glycoprotein IIIa genes in thrombasthenic patients. We also identified four other polymorphisms. Two were located in the glycoprotein IIb gene, involving intron 21 (C<-->G at nucleotide 10480) and first codon of exon 30 (codon GTC<-->GTT coding for residue Val 990), and two in the glycoprotein IIIa gene (exon 6 CCC<-->CCT coding for residue Pro 268; intron 14 C<--> T at position 37126). The screening of the GPIIIa promoter also revealed three different polymorphisms located at position-468 (A/T polymorphism), -425 (A/C polymorphism) and-400 (A/C polymorphism), which could influence the expression of the complex at the cell surface. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis appears to be a sensitive and specific technique for identifying polymorphisms and mutations in the GPIIb and GPIIIa genes.

Journal Article↗

Phase I study of interleukin-6 in children with solid tumours in relapse.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, toxicity and efficacy of escalating doses of subcutaneous recombinant interleukin-6 (IL-6) in children with solid tumours in relapse. Recombinant IL-6 was administered subcutaneously once daily for 14 consecutive days, with a 14 day follow-up period. The starting dose for IL-6 was 1 microgram/kg/day and was escalated in subsequent patients groups until 10 micrograms/kg. Doses were escalated every 3 patients, provided that grade III or IV organ toxicity did not occur at the preceding dose level. Twelve patients were treated, three at each dose level. No grade 3-4 major organ toxicity was observed. Flu-like symptoms and fatigue were the most common side effects. All these symptoms resolved after the end of IL-6 administration. Significant increases in acute-phase proteins (CRP [C reactive protein], fibrinogen) and ESR (Erthrocyte sedimentation rate) were observed in all patients. Stimulatory effects on thrombocytopoiesis were observed at every dose level, and were maximal at 5 micrograms/kg and 10 microgram/kg. There was no tumour response observed during IL-6 administration. Pharmacokinetic profiles performed in 3 patients are consistent with previous reports in adults. IL-6 is a promising new cytokine for paediatric oncology, in particular to increase thrombocyte counts. We recommend that further studies in children proceed at a dose of 5-10 micrograms/kg/day in a once or, better, twice daily administration.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

Multicenter retrospective study on the utilization of FEIBA in France in patients with factor VIII and factor IX inhibitors. French FEIBA Study Group. Factor Eight Bypassing Activity.

Factor VIII or factor IX replacement is frequently impossible in inhibitor-developing hemophiliacs, because of the level of the inhibitor titer. Activated prothrombin complex concentrates are one of the available options to treat the bleeding episodes in such patients. However, the efficacy of these products and the associated thrombogenic risk, particularly in prolonged administration such as employed during surgeries, are important concerns for hemophilia care providers. We performed a multicenter retrospective study to evaluate the use of FEIBA (Factor Eight Bypassing Activity) in France, and data is presented on 433 bleeding episodes, including surgical procedures, concerning 60 patients from 15 hemophilia centers. The efficacy was judged as good or excellent in 352 episodes (81.3%), poor in 73 episodes (16.9%) and non-existent in 8 episodes (1.8%). Minor and major surgical procedures were successfully performed using FEIBA as a second-line therapy after human or porcine factor VIII, and in some occasions FEIBA was utilized as the only substitution product. The tolerance was assessed as good in 428 episodes (98.8%), but in 5 cases adverse effects were reported. Only 3 patients out of 52 regularly evaluated (5.8%) were HIV-seropositive, and for two of them the seroconversion occurred prior to the first use of FEIBA. In contrast, 80.4% of the patients were HCV-seropositive. An anamnestic response after the administration of FEIBA was noted in 31.5% of cases. This study points out the main features of the use of FEIBA in France, and particularly the low HIV seroprevalence in the patients treated. The good efficacy and the excellent tolerance still confer to this product a place to consider in the therapeutic options for the treatment of inhibitor-developing hemophiliacs or in acquired hemophilia.

Adolescent↗

The treatment of bleeding in acquired haemophilia with recombinant factor VIIa: a multicentre study.

Recombinant factor VIIa was used to treat 38 patients with acquired haemophilia participating in the Novoseven compassionate-use program. 19 were male, median age 59, range 2-89 years. The median pre-treatment anti-human (H) and anti-porcine (P) inhibitor titre was H 43 BU/ml (range 1-4500) and P 4.5 BU/ml (range 0-1600). Recombinant factor VIIIa was used as first-line therapy for 14 bleeding episodes and as salvage-therapy for 60 episodes which failed to respond to blood-product therapy given for a median of four days (range 1-21 days) prior to treatment with rVIIa. Pre-rVIIa treatment was not reported for four episodes. The indications for treatment were 7 haemarthroses, 40 muscle haematomas, 20 urinary or GI haemorrhages and 3 surgical interventions. The median starting dose of rVIIa was 90.4 microg/kg (range 45-181). A median of 28 doses (range 1-541) were given per episode, over a median 3.9 days (range 0-43). Efficacy was assessed clinically 8 and 24 h after the start of rVIIa and at the end of treatment. A good response was obtained in all 14 bleeds for which rVIIIa was used as first-line therapy. The response after 24 h of rVIIa salvage-therapy for 60 bleeds was good in 75%, partial in 17% and poor in 8%. Efficacy was unreported in 4 cases. The median prothrombin time (PTT) shortened from 12 s (range 9.3-20) pre-treatment to 8.8 s (range 6-14) during treatment. The clinical response did not correlate with the dose of rVIIa used, the type of bleed or the degree of shortening of the PTT following rVIIa infusion. Three patients died from haemorrhagic complications of acquired haemophilia. This mortality of 7.9% is lower than previously reported for this condition. Although one patient developed DIC during treatment with rVIIa, this was probably attributable to hypovolaemic shock, massive transfusion and the use of PCCs. This study demonstrates that rVIIa is a safe, useful and effective treatment for bleeding in patients with acquired haemophilia.

Adolescent↗

A nonsense mutation in the GPIIb heavy chain (Ser 870-->stop) impairs platelet GPIIb-IIIa expression.

Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder, caused by a quantitative or qualitative defect of the GPIIb-IIIa integrin (alpha IIb beta 3), which functions as the platelet fibrinogen receptor. We report a case of type I GT due to a homozygous mutation resulting in Ser 870 to stop codon substitution. This residue is located near the proteolytic cleavage site of proGPIIb. The mutation results in a GPIIb truncated of 138 amino acids, including transmembrane and intracytoplasmic domains. Cotransfection of an expression vector containing the mutant GPIIb and wild-type GPIIIa showed that the mutant Ser 870-->stop GPIIb was able to associate to GPIIIa. However, this heterodimer failed to mature as shown by endoglycosidase-H digestion and was therefore not expressed at the COS-7 cell surface. This report is the first description of a homozygous nonsense mutation in the GPIIb gene and highlights the role of the GPIIb light chain.

Adolescent↗

Combined factor IX and protein C deficiency in a child: thrombogenic effects of two factor IX concentrates.

We have recently described an unusual situation which involved a combination of a factor IX and a protein C deficiency in a young child who presented, according to the bleeding tendency, as a hemophilia B patient. In this particular hemophiliac, baseline prothrombin fragment F1 + 2 levels were unexpectedly elevated and increased after an injection of a very high purity factor IX concentrate. This observation raised a question regarding the substitution schedule in the case of repeated injections of factor IX, since the thrombotic tendency has been a major concern with some factor IX concentrates. We monitored factor IX, prothrombin fragment F1 + 2, and D-dimer plasma levels before and during the 6 hr following the injection of an immunopurified factor IX concentrate. The results showed an increase in the F1 + 2 levels after the factor IX injection, but an increase lower than previously observed with an ion-exchange chromatography-purified concentrate. Furthermore, the F1 + 2 level returned to baseline value 6 hr after administration. This factor IX concentrate seems to be best for use in the patient where repeated injections are involved (as employed during surgery). Moreover, the data point out the advantage of a monoclonal antibody-purified factor IX concentrate over less purified concentrates in a specific situation, with regard to the thrombogenic risk.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Molecular study of Glanzmann thrombasthenia in 3 patients issued from 2 different families.

In an effort to further understand Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) 3 patients from 2 different families were studied. After biochemical and immunological analysis these patients were classified as type I. We observed in the first family a new restriction site for Stu I in exon II of the glycoprotein (GP) IIIa gene caused by a homozygous nonsense mutation: 62 Arg to stop codon. The parents were heterozygotes for this mutation. We found in the second family a previously described nonsense mutation: 584 Arg to stop codon in exon 17 of the GPIIb gene. The father and his two affected sons were heterozygous for this genetic defect. This mutation 62 Arg to stop codon is a new description of a genetic defect associated with GT. Furthermore, the discovery of the same mutation in 3 affected families from different ethnic groups raises the possibility of either a hot spot mutation in the CG dinucleotide region of GPIIb gene, or an ancient mutant allele present in diffuse populations at a relatively high frequency.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Increased thrombosis incidence in a family with an inherited protein S deficiency and a high oxygen affinity hemoglobin variant.

Inherited protein S deficiency and the presence of a rare high oxygen affinity hemoglobin variant: Hb Rainier [beta 145 (HC2) Tyr-->Cys] were found in a family. Among 16 studied members, nine were found as carriers of protein S deficiency (type I with decrease of total, free, and activity levels). Six subjects carried the high-affinity hemoglobin variant, which displayed an increase of blood viscosity. Four members combined both abnormalities. Three had thrombotic accidents before the age of 30. We suggest the combination of protein S deficiency and the presence of this hemoglobin variant can lead to a severe primary hypercoagulable state with pathological consequences compared to each genetic defect alone.

Adult↗