Joint status of patients with nonsevere hemophilia A

BACKGROUND

Joint bleeding in hemophilia may eventually lead to joint damage. In nonsevere hemophilia, joint bleeds occur infrequently. Currently, knowledge on the joint status of patients with nonsevere hemophilia using objective imaging is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the joint status in patients with nonsevere hemophilia A.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included patients with nonsevere hemophilia A aged 24-55 years. Joint status was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the elbows, knees, and ankles and International Prophylaxis Study Group (IPSG) scores were calculated. Lifetime joint bleeding history was collected from medical files. The contribution of factors to joint outcome was explored using multivariable linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 51 patients were included, of whom 19 (37%) had moderate and 32 (63%) had mild hemophilia. Patients had a median age of 43 years (interquartile range [IQR] 32-50), a median factor VIII activity of 10 IU/dl (IQR 4-16) and a median annual joint bleeding rate (AJBR) of 0.0 (IQR 0.0-0.2). Soft-tissue changes (IPSG subscore > 0) in the elbows, knees, and ankles were present in 19%, 71%, and 71% of patients, respectively. Osteochondral changes (IPSG subscore > 0) in the elbows, knees, and ankles were present in 0%, 20%, and 35% of patients, respectively. In 14% of bleed-free joints, hemosiderin depositions were observed. Age and AJBRs were most strongly associated with the IPSG score.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that a substantial proportion of adults with nonsevere hemophilia has joint changes on MRI despite low joint bleeding rates.

The lived experience of women with a bleeding disorder: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Research studies have described the morbidity associated with inherited bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease in women, but their effect on daily living has long been underrecognized. This systematic review sought to document the lived experience of women with a bleeding disorder by assessing research findings on quality of health care, socioeconomic factors, and mental health.

METHODS

A systematic search was carried out in Web of Science, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PubMed on July 31, 2020. References were hand searched. Abstracts of the 2019 and 2020 congresses on bleeding disorders were hand searched. Key journals were screened for relevant studies published after the search date until the analysis was completed on December 7, 2020.

RESULTS

Of 635 potentially eligible publications, 27 published since 1998 were selected for review. Most studies were of moderate to high quality but meta-analysis of quantitative studies was not possible due to difference in outcomes and assessment.Women with a bleeding disorder experience obstacles to accessing care, difficulties living with their disorder, interference with schooling and work, and poor mental health. Diagnostic delay and lack of recognition of symptoms mean treatment and support may not be available. Where comparisons with controls were made, women's negative experiences were greater than those of men.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with bleeding disorders experience major negative impacts of their disorders on daily life and mental well-being. Many of the challenges identified in earlier research are evident in more recent studies.

Long-term safety and efficacy of garadacimab for preventing hereditary angioedema attacks: Phase 3 open-label extension study

BACKGROUND

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a chronic, unpredictable disease. Long-term prophylactic treatments that offer durable efficacy, safety, and convenience are required to assist patients in achieving complete disease control, per international guidelines. We report an interim analysis of an ongoing phase 3 (VANGUARD) open-label extension (OLE) study evaluating the long-term safety and efficacy of garadacimab for HAE prophylaxis.

METHODS

Adults and adolescents aged ≥12 years with HAE previously participating in phase 2 and pivotal phase 3 (VANGUARD) studies were rolled over to an OLE, alongside newly enrolled patients. Patients received garadacimab 200 mg subcutaneously, once monthly for ≥12 months. The primary endpoint was treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in patients with C1 inhibitor deficiency/dysfunction.

RESULTS

At data cut-off (February 13, 2023; N = 161), median (interquartile range) exposure was 13.8 months (11.9-16.3). For the primary endpoint, 133/159 patients experienced ≥1 TEAE (524 events), equivalent to 0.23 events/administration and 2.84 events/patient-year. Garadacimab-related TEAEs (13% of patients, 52 events) were most commonly injection-site reactions (ISRs). No deaths occurred. One patient discontinued treatment due to garadacimab-related moderate ISR. Most TEAEs were mild/moderate; three events were serious (COVID-19, two events; abdominal HAE attack, one event) and not garadacimab related. No abnormal bleeding, thromboembolic, severe hypersensitivity, or anaphylactic events were observed. Mean HAE attack rate decreased by 95% from the run-in period; 60% of patients were attack-free. Almost all patients (93%) rated their response to garadacimab as "good" or "excellent."

CONCLUSION

Garadacimab has a favorable safety profile suitable for long-term use and provides durable protection against HAE attacks.

Treatment-related risk factors for inhibitor development in non-severe hemophilia A after 50 cumulative exposure days: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Non-severe hemophilia A patients have a life-long inhibitor risk. Yet, no studies have analyzed risk factors for inhibitor development after 50 factor VIII (FVIII) exposure days (EDs).

OBJECTIVES

This case-control study investigated treatment-related risk factors for inhibitor development in non-severe hemophilia A and assessed whether these risk factors were different for early versus late inhibitor development.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Non-severe hemophilia A patients (FVIII:C 2%-40%) were selected from the INSIGHT study. Inhibitor-positive patients were defined as early (<50 EDs) or late (>50EDs) cases and matched to 1-4 inhibitor-negative controls by year of birth, cumulative number of EDs, and center/country. We investigated treatment intensity during the last 10 EDs prior to inhibitor development. Intensive treatment was defined as: surgery, peak treatment (10 consecutive EDs), and high mean FVIII dose (>45 IU/kg/ED). Odds ratios (OR) were calculated by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 2709 patients, we analyzed 63 early and 26 late cases and 195 and 71 respectively matched controls. Peak treatment was associated with early and late inhibitor risk (crude OR 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-3.4; 4.0, 95%CI 1.1-14.3). This association was slightly less pronounced after adjustment for mean FVIII dose. High mean FVIII dose was also associated with early and late inhibitor risk (crude OR 2.8, 95%CI 1.5-5.1; 4.5, 95%CI 1.2-16.6). Surgery increased inhibitor risk for early cases. This was less pronounced for late cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that intensive FVIII treatment remains a risk factor for inhibitor development in non-severe hemophilia A after more than 50 EDs. Therefore, persistent caution is required throughout the life-time treatment course.

Hemostatic phenotypes and genetic disorders

This review is focused on genetic regulators of bleeding and thrombosis with a focus on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies for diagnosis and research of patients with inherited disorders. The molecular diagnosis of hemostatic phenotypes relies on the detection of genetic variants in the 99 curated disease-causing genes implicated for bleeding, platelet, and thrombotic disorders through the use of multigene panel tests. In this review, we will provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of using such multigene panel tests for diagnostics. During the past decade, NGS technologies have also been used for the gene discovery of 32 novel genes involved in inherited hemostatic phenotypes. We will provide a brief overview of these genes and discuss what information (eg, linkage, consanguinity, multiple index cases with similar phenotypes, mouse models, and more) was used to support the gene discovery process. Next, we provide examples on how RNA sequencing is useful to explore disease mechanisms of novel and often unexpected genes. This review will summarize the important findings concerning NGS technologies for diagnostics and gene discovery that were presented at the ISTH 2021 conference. Finally, future perspectives in our field mainly deal with finding the needle in the haystack for some still unexplained patients and the need for exploring the noncoding gene space and rapid disease validation models.

Quantitative 3D microscopy highlights altered von Willebrand factor α-granule storage in patients with von Willebrand disease with distinct pathogenic mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Platelets play a key role in hemostasis through plug formation and secretion of their granule contents at sites of endothelial injury. Defects in von Willebrand factor (VWF), a platelet α-granule protein, are implicated in von Willebrand disease (VWD), and may lead to defective platelet adhesion and/or aggregation. Studying VWF quantity and subcellular localization may help us better understand the pathophysiology of VWD.

OBJECTIVE

Quantitative analysis of the platelet α-granule compartment and VWF storage in healthy individuals and VWD patients.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) was used to study VWF content and organization in platelets of healthy individuals and patients with VWD in combination with established techniques.

RESULTS

SIM capably quantified clear morphological and granular changes in platelets stimulated with proteinase-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) activating peptide and revealed a large intra- and interdonor variability in VWF-positive object numbers within healthy resting platelets, similar to variation in secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC). We subsequently characterized VWD platelets to identify changes in the α-granule compartment of patients with different VWF defects, and were able to stratify two patients with type 3 VWD rising from different pathological mechanisms. We further analyzed VWF storage in α-granules of a patient with homozygous p.C1190R using electron microscopy and found discrepant VWF levels and different degrees of multimerization in platelets of patients with heterozygous p.C1190 in comparison to VWF in plasma.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the utility of quantitative imaging approaches in assessing platelet granule content, which may help to better understand VWF storage in α-granules and to gain new insights in the etiology of VWD.

Could it be hereditary angioedema?-Perspectives from different medical specialties

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disease, with patients often suffering with associated symptoms for many years before receiving a correct diagnosis. The symptoms greatly impact a patient's quality of life (QoL) and include excruciating abdominal pain and angioedema of the skin and submucosa. Angioedema of the larynx represents a significant mortality risk in undiagnosed patients, and a large proportion of patients with HAE receive incorrect diagnoses and undergo unnecessary surgery. HAE-specific treatments can control and prevent acute life-threatening episodes, in addition to improving QoL, emphasizing the value of early diagnosis for patients. Diagnostic delay may be due to a lack of HAE awareness by healthcare professionals and the similarity of HAE symptoms with those of more common conditions, complicating differential diagnosis. The multifaceted nature of the condition may result in visits to one of many different medical settings, for example: the Emergency Room, pediatrics, general practice, otolaryngology, gastroenterology, and dermatology. Therefore, it is crucial that physicians in multiple healthcare specialties are aware of the disease to ensure that patients with HAE receive a timely diagnosis. Using patient cases from various medical specialties, this review highlights the necessity for cross-specialty awareness of HAE and outlines the essential information for the various healthcare professionals that may encounter a patient with HAE symptoms, in order to effectively treat and/or diagnose HAE.

Current clinical spectrum of common variable immunodeficiency in Spain: The multicentric nationwide GTEM-SEMI-CVID registry

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) constitutes a heterogenic group of primary immunodeficiency disorders with a wide-ranging clinical spectrum. CVID-associated non-infectious morbidity constitutes a major challenge requiring a full understanding of its pathophysiology and its clinical importance and global variability, especially considering the broad clinical, genetic, and regional heterogeneity of CVID disorders. This work aimed to develop a nationwide, multicenter, retrospective study over a 3-year period describing epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, therapeutic, and prognostic features of 250 CVID patients in Spain. The mean diagnostic delay was around 10 years and most patients initially presented with infectious complications followed by non-infectious immune disorders. However, infectious diseases were not the main cause of morbimortality. Non-infectious lung disease was extraordinarily frequent in our registry affecting approximately 60% of the patients. More than one-third of the patients in our cohort showed lymphadenopathies and splenomegaly in their follow-up, and more than 33% presented immune cytopenias, especially Evans' syndrome. Gastrointestinal disease was observed in more than 40% of the patients. Among biopsied organs in our cohort, benign lymphoproliferation was the principal histopathological alteration. Reaching 15.26%, the global prevalence of cancer in our registry was one of the highest reported to date, with non-Hodgkin B lymphoma being the most frequent. These data emphasize the importance of basic and translational research delving into the pathophysiological pathways involved in immune dysregulation and diffuse lymphocytic infiltration. This would reveal new tailored strategies to reduce immune complications, and the associated healthcare burden, and ensure a better quality of life for CVID patients.

Recombinant single-chain factor VIII in severe hemophilia: Long-term safety and efficacy in previously treated patients in the AFFINITY extension study

BACKGROUND

rVIII-SingleChain is a recombinant single-chain factor VIII used to treat people with hemophilia A.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this extension study was to investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of rVIII-SingleChain prophylaxis in ≥200 previously treated patients (PTPs) with hemophilia A with ≥100 exposure days (EDs).

METHODS

In total, 222 patients were enrolled, of which 204 rolled over from prior rVIII-SingleChain studies. The median age was 21 years (range, 2-65 years), including 155 patients ≥12 years and 67 patients <12 years. Patients continued with their previously assigned dose and regimen, or switched at the investigator's discretion. Patients were treated for a mean duration of 31 months (range, 1-47 months), the mean ED was 342 (standard deviation, 135.5), and 212 (95.5%) patients achieved >100 EDs. When the study ended, most patients were on either a prophylaxis regimen of 34.9 (17-62) IU/kg, 3×/week (N = 88; 39.6%), or 37.2 (13-65) IU/kg, 2×/week regimen (N = 72; 32.4%).

RESULTS

Hemostatic efficacy was rated excellent or good in 87.1% of assessed bleeds. The median (range) annualized bleeding rate was 1.21 (0.0-42.6), and the annualized spontaneous bleeding rate (AsBR) was 0.32 (0.0-33.0) for prophylaxis regimens. Median AsBR was similar for patients treated 3×/week and 2×/week (0.31 and 0.30, respectively). Surgical hemostatic efficacy was rated excellent or good in 100% of surgeries. No inhibitors, anaphylactic reactions, or thromboembolic events were reported in PTPs.

CONCLUSION

These results confirm the safety and efficacy of rVIII-SingleChain as a long-term prophylaxis treatment modality for PTPs with severe hemophilia A.

Platelet degranulation and bleeding phenotype in a large cohort of Von Willebrand disease patients

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a bleeding disorder caused by quantitative (type 1 or 3) or qualitative (type 2A/2B/2M/2N) defects of circulating von Willebrand factor (VWF). Circulating VWF levels not always fully explain bleeding phenotypes, suggesting a role for alternative factors, like platelets. Here, we investigated platelet factor 4 (PF4) in a large cohort of patients with VWD. PF4 levels were lower in type 2B and current bleeding phenotype was significantly associated with higher PF4 levels, particularly in type 1 VWD. Based on our findings we speculate that platelet degranulation and cargo release may play a role across VWD subtypes.

Von Willebrand factor propeptide and pathophysiological mechanisms in European and Iranian patients with type 3 von Willebrand disease enrolled in the 3WINTERS-IPS study

BACKGROUND

Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a severe bleeding disorder caused by the virtually complete absence of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Pathophysiological mechanisms of VWD like defective synthesis, secretion, and clearance of VWF have previously been evaluated using ratios of VWF propeptide (VWFpp) over VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) and factor (F)VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) over VWF:Ag.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the VWFpp/VWF:Ag and FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratios may also be applied to understand the pathophysiological mechanism underlying type 3 VWD and whether VWFpp is associated with bleeding severity.

METHODS

European and Iranian type 3 patients were enrolled in the 3WINTERS-IPS study. Plasma samples and buffy coats were collected and a bleeding assessment tool was administered at enrolment. VWF:Ag, VWFpp, FVIII:C, and genetic analyses were performed centrally, to confirm patients' diagnoses. VWFpp/VWF:Ag and FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratios were compared among different variant classes using the Mann-Whitney test. Median differences with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using the Hodges-Lehmann method. VWFpp association with bleeding symptoms was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation.

RESULTS

Homozygosity/compound heterozygosity for missense variants showed higher VWFpp level and VWFpp/VWF:Ag ratio than homozygosity/compound heterozygosity for null variants ([VWFpp median difference, 1.4 IU/dl; 95% CI, 0.2-2.7; P = .016]; [VWFpp/VWF:Ag median difference, 1.4; 95% CI, 0-4.2; P = .054]).

FVIII

C/VWF:Ag ratio was similarly increased in both. VWFpp level did not correlate with the bleeding symptoms (r = .024; P = .778).

CONCLUSIONS

An increased VWFpp/VWF:Ag ratio is indicative of missense variants, whereas FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratio does not discriminate missense from null alleles. The VWFpp level was not associated with the severity of bleeding phenotype.

Administration of an LXR agonist promotes atherosclerotic lesion remodelling in murine inflammatory arthritis

Objectives

The leading cause of mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). We have shown that murine arthritis impairs atherosclerotic lesion regression, because of cellular cholesterol efflux defects in haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), causing monocytosis and impaired atherosclerotic regression. Therefore, we hypothesised that improving cholesterol efflux using a Liver X Receptor (LXR) agonist would improve cholesterol efflux and improve atherosclerotic lesion regression in arthritis.

Methods

Ldlr -/- mice were fed a western-type diet for 14 weeks to initiate atherogenesis, then switched to a chow diet to induce lesion regression and divided into three groups; (1) control, (2) K/BxN serum transfer inflammatory arthritis (K/BxN) or (3) K/BxN arthritis and LXR agonist T0901317 daily for 2 weeks.

Results

LXR activation during murine inflammatory arthritis completely restored atherosclerotic lesion regression in arthritic mice, evidenced by reduced lesion size, macrophage abundance and lipid content. Mechanistically, serum from arthritic mice promoted foam cell formation, demonstrated by increased cellular lipid accumulation in macrophages and paralleled by a reduction in mRNA of the cholesterol efflux transporters Abca1, Abcg1 and Apoe. T0901317 reduced lipid loading and increased Abca1 and Abcg1 expression in macrophages exposed to arthritic serum and increased ABCA1 levels in atherosclerotic lesions of arthritic mice. Moreover, arthritic clinical score was also attenuated with T0901317.

Conclusion

Taken together, we show that the LXR agonist T0901317 rescues impaired atherosclerotic lesion regression in murine arthritis because of enhanced cholesterol efflux transporter expression and reduced foam cell development in atherosclerotic lesions.

Impact of 2021 European Academy of Neurology/Peripheral Nerve Society diagnostic criteria on diagnosis and therapy of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy variants

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There are different criteria for the diagnosis of different variants of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). The 2021 European Academy of Neurology/Peripheral Nerve Society (EAN/PNS) guidelines provide specific clinical criteria for each CIDP variant even if their therapeutical impact has not been investigated.

METHODS

We applied the clinical criteria for CIDP variants of the 2021 EAN/PNS guidelines to 369 patients included in the Italian CIDP database who fulfilled the 2021 EAN/PNS electrodiagnostic criteria for CIDP.

RESULTS

According to the 2021 EAN/PNS clinical criteria, 245 patients achieved a clinical diagnosis of typical CIDP or CIDP variant (66%). We identified 106 patients with typical CIDP (29%), 62 distal CIDP (17%), 28 multifocal or focal CIDP (7%), four sensory CIDP (1%), 27 sensory-predominant CIDP (7%), 10 motor CIDP (3%), and eight motor-predominant CIDP (2%). Patients with multifocal, distal, and sensory CIDP had milder impairment and symptoms. Patients with multifocal CIDP had less frequently reduced conduction velocity and prolonged F-wave latency and had lower levels of cerebrospinal fluid protein. Patients with distal CIDP more frequently had reduced distal compound muscle action potentials. Patients with motor CIDP did not improve after steroid therapy, whereas those with motor-predominant CIDP did. None of the patients with sensory CIDP responded to steroids, whereas most of those with sensory-predominant CIDP did.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2021 EAN/PNS criteria for CIDP allow a better characterization of CIDP variants, permitting their distinction from typical CIDP and more appropriate treatment for patients.

Patient-physician interactions in hereditary angioedema-Key learnings from the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease pandemic and its containing measures have caused concerns for patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) and their treating physicians. Both faced challenges surrounding interaction, and communication had to adapt to facilitate appropriate management. Specifically, the pandemic resulted in reduced in-person contact in clinics. Where possible, telemedicine appointments were offered and treatment outside the hospital setting was encouraged. BODY: The pandemic markedly affected patient-physician communication, which is essential to maintain partnerships and optimize care. Although patients with HAE are often experts in their condition, guidance by their physicians is essential, especially with the recent shift toward patient-centered management for rare diseases and shared decision-making (SDM). SDM enables patients to take control of their disease and allows the risks and benefits of treatment to be discussed with their physicians. This review explores perspectives from patients and physicians in the HAE clinical setting, particularly regarding their experiences with communication throughout the pandemic. We discuss the importance of SDM in rare diseases such as HAE, factors that impact effective communication, and potential solutions.

CONCLUSION

Since patient-centered care and SDM have particular relevance in rare diseases in general, we believe our findings could be transferrable and applicable in the management of other rare diseases.

Reviewing clinical considerations and guideline recommendations of C1 inhibitor prophylaxis for hereditary angioedema

BACKGROUND

Hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare disease that is characterized by painful and recurring non-allergic swelling episodes, is caused by the deficiency or dysfunction of C1 inhibitor (C1INH) protein. A comprehensive HAE management plan may require long-term prophylaxis (LTP) in addition to on-demand treatment to help "normalize" patients' lives so that they may fully engage in work, school, family, and leisure activities.

AIM

The main objective of this narrative review is to provide an overview of updated guideline recommendations specific to LTP of HAE and discuss clinical considerations and pharmacologic management options, with a focus on C1INH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors reviewed relevant HAE literature for current recommendations regarding LTP and the role of C1NH.

RESULTS

Acute HAE attacks are treated with on-demand medication; however, there is a consensus that LTP should routinely be considered for risk reduction and prevention of future episodes. The 2017 World Allergy Organization/European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology guidelines recommend that all patients with HAE be evaluated for LTP routinely and the 2020 HAE Association (HAEA) guidelines emphasize that the decision to use LTP should not be based on rigid criteria, but rather should be based on individual patient needs. Both guidelines recommend C1INH as first-line/preferred therapy for LTP in a range of patient types including adults, children/adolescents, and pregnant/lactating patients. The HAEA also recommends the kallikrein inhibitor, lanadelumab, as a first-line option for LTP. HAE pathway-specific agents for LTP have not been associated with notable safety concerns.

DISCUSSION

Plasma-derived C1INH has been available for 40+ years in Europe and impacts multiple targets within the HAE pathway. C1INH has been used for on-demand treatment and LTP. A subcutaneous formulation of plasma-derived C1INH is approved for LTP and produces functional C1INH activity levels consistently above the threshold needed for protection from HAE attacks. Other pathway-specific options for LTP include the plasma kallikrein inhibitors, lanadelumab-flyo and berotralstat, approved for adults and pediatric patients aged ≥12 years. C1INH is approved for adults and pediatric patients aged ≥6 years.

CONCLUSION

Assessing the need for LTP is vital in the ongoing dialogue between clinicians and patients, as both disease-related factors and patient preferences may change over time. Among available options for LTP, plasma-derived C1INH is the broadly recommended first-line option for LTP in patients with HAE, including pregnant/lactating women and pediatric patients (≥6 years).

Review Article: Albumin and Its Role in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Old, the New, and the Future

BACKGROUND

Circulating albumin concentrations are frequently measured in clinical practice. This review explores biochemical properties and physiological roles of albumin, its place in nutritional assessment, current understanding of perturbed circulating concentrations, and role in clinical management, with special focus on patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

A detailed literature search was performed.

RESULTS

Albumin is synthesized by hepatocytes and comprises 3% of total body protein. It has a prolonged intravascular half-life (17-19 h) due to neonatal Fc-receptor-mediated salvage and has a multitude of physiological functions. Albumin homeostasis is affected in disease states often resulting in reduced level, which is not a direct marker of malnutrition. In patients with IBD, morbid albumin concentrations provide prognostic information, identification of nonintestinal conditions, guidance to the required aggressiveness of therapy and biologic dosage, monitoring of disease activity, and potential need for therapeutic escalation. Barriers to utilization of morbid albumin levels include the lack of consensus regarding cutoff values and the deficiency of high-quality data in this domain due to the retrospective design of the majority of studies. Serum levels hold greatest clinical potential in prognostication in acute severe ulcerative colitis. The premorbid level in the individual may provide insight into dosing of biologics and potentially enhance interpretation of morbid levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of albumin is fundamental to interpreting its circulating levels. The clinical value of its measurement in patients with IBD may be undervalued, as it assists in evaluation of disease severity, prognosis, and therapeutic decision-making.

Excellent hemostatic control during cardiac surgery in a patient with hemophilia B treated with albutrepenonacog alfa (rIX-FP): A case report

Key Clinical Message

In hemophilia patients undergoing cardiac surgery, ROTEM® and Quantra® viscoelastic tests are useful to monitor perioperative hemostatic status and a single dose of rIX-FP is safe and avoids any hemorrhagic or thrombotic complication.

Abstract

Cardiac surgery poses a high hemostatic risk in patients with hemophilia. We present the first case of an adult patient with hemophilia B on treatment with albutrepenonacog alfa (rIX-FP) who underwent surgery for acute coronary syndrome. Treatment with rIX-FP made it possible to perform the surgery safely.

Real-world evidence of the effectiveness and utilization of subcutaneous C1INH long-term prophylaxis in patients with HAE in Spain and Germany

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) types 1/2 are rare genetic disorders leading to C1 inhibitor (C1INH) deficiency/dysfunction. Guidelines recommend long-term prophylaxis (LTP) to prevent HAE attacks. Subcutaneous (SC) C1INH replacement therapy is approved for LTP in patients with HAE (age indication varies between countries). There is little real-world data on the outcomes of patients who switch to C1INH SC in Europe, particularly those who switch from C1INH IV. This retrospective patient chart analysis captured real-world evidence of the effectiveness of C1INH SC LTP in patients with HAE in Germany (n=69) and Spain (n=37). The primary endpoint was change in annualized attack rate (AAR) in patients who used C1INH IV LTP during a 6-month baseline period and switched to C1INH SC LTP for ≥6 months. Switching to C1INH SC LTP from C1INH IV LTP was associated with a 73.2% reduction in AAR (n=48; P<0.001) compared to baseline. Emergency Room (ER) visits and rescue medication use were also significantly reduced after switching to C1INH SC LTP from C1INH IV LTP. A similar reduction in AAR (68.9%), ER visits (49.8%), and rescue medication use (61.9%) was observed in the overall population (n=105), regardless of treatment at baseline. Similar changes from baseline were seen in patients from Germany and Spain.

Shortage of plasma-derived medicinal products: what is next? narrative literature review on its causes and counteracting policies in Italy

Introduction: This paper describes the peculiarities of the plasma-derived medicinal product (PDMP) market and illustrates the results of a review of the literature on policies aimed at counteracting the shortage of PDMPs. Characteristics of PDMPs: Plasma is primarily used for the industrial production of blood products (80%). The demand for PDMPs, particularly immunoglobulins (IGs), is increasing. However, the production of PDMPs is complex, long (7-12 months), and expensive, accounting, according to US estimates, for 57% of the total costs of PDMPs compared to 14% for small molecules. PDMP market: Unexpected increases in clinical need cannot be addressed in the short term. Once the demand for some diseases is satisfied, the collection and fractionation of plasma will only be used to supply some specific patients. Hence, the full weight of the marginal costs, which remain constant, are borne by a few products. According to last liter economics, the industry stops producing when the marginal revenue equals the marginal cost, thereby reducing the convenience of producing the most commonly used PDMPs (albumin and IG). The imbalance between the demand and supply of PDMPs was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which further increased the cost of plasma collection. Shortage issue and possible solutions: Policies to counteract this imbalance have also been discussed. If the demand is inappropriate, it should be reduced. If the demand is appropriate and supply cannot be increased, the demand should be prioritized for patients for whom PDMPs are the only available treatment. If the shortage depends on insufficient supply and technical and allocative efficiency, both production and supply should be improved, together with incentives for all stakeholders involved in the PDMP market to increase the sustainability of production/supply. The paper is focused on this second issue, that is supply-driven unbalance.

ORPHEE: A Real-World Study on rIX-FP Prophylaxis Use in Adolescent/Adult Patients With Hemophilia B

OBJECTIVES

To assess the real-world efficacy and safety of recombinant factor IX albumin fusion protein (rIX-FP) in patients with hemophilia B (HB) in France.

METHODS

Data on dosing frequency, weekly consumption, and bleeds before-and-after switching to rIX-FP, were collected from December 2021 to February 2024. Annualized (spontaneous) bleeding rates [A(s)BRs] were calculated only in patients on prophylaxis with a follow-up ≥ 6 months.

RESULTS

This interim analysis focused on 77 patients ≥ 12 years; 62 (81%) had severe HB. After switching to rIX-FP, the infusion interval was 14 (7-14) days. Weekly consumption was 43 (35.5-53) IU/kg. ABRs and AsBRs were 0.5 (0-1.9) and 0 (0-0.7) (n = 63) at 18.2 (12.3-21.9) months of follow-up. Prophylactic efficacy of rIX-FP was considered 'Excellent'/'Good' in 65/68 (95%) patients. Among the 43 patients previously treated with rFIXFc, 21 increased the infusion interval from 7 (7-11) days with rFIXFc to 14 (7-14) days with rIX-FP; 33/43 (77%) reduced weekly factor IX (FIX) consumption from 59.95 (46.35-77.93) to 42.5 (35.88-50.25) IU/kg. Patients maintained good protection against bleeds.

CONCLUSION

This analysis confirmed that switching to rIX-FP allows for reducing injection frequency and FIX consumption while maintaining good bleed protection.

Plasma-Derived von Willebrand Factor/Factor VIII Concentrate (Haemate P) in von Willebrand Disease: A Systematic Review and Pharmacovigilance Update

BACKGROUND

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by deficient or dysfunctional von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWF replacement therapy is indicated in VWD management.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted to evaluate all available evidence of the efficacy, safety, dosing and consumption of pasteurized plasma-derived human coagulation FVIII/human VWF (pdVWF/FVIII; Haemate P/Humate-P) concentrate for on-demand (OD) treatment, surgical prophylaxis and long-term prophylaxis of patients with VWD. A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies (7 June 1982-31 May 2023) reporting the use of pdVWF/FVIII in VWD according to predefined selection criteria. Pharmacovigilance data were also retrieved for the same period.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were identified, 12 being observational and three interventional. Efficacy and safety assessments and treatment protocols varied across the studies which hindered direct comparisons. Haemostatic efficacy of pdVWF/FVIII was rated excellent/good for OD treatment in 95%-98% of bleeds and in 94%-100% of surgeries. In two separate studies, prophylactic efficacy was rated excellent/good in 100% of treatment cycles. Where reported, median annualized bleeding rates decreased from 3-24 prior prophylaxis to 0.5-6 during prophylaxis. Analysis of pharmacovigilance safety reports showed that pdVWF/FVIII was associated with a low rate of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic literature review and analysis of pharmacovigilance data summarize evidence of over 40 years of clinical use of pdVWF/FVIII, supporting its safety and efficacy in VWD.

Calculated globulin can be used as a screening test for antibody deficiency in children and adolescents

Purpose

Calculated globulin (CG, total protein minus albumin levels) correlate well with IgG levels and has been proposed as a suitable screening method for individuals with primary antibody deficiencies (PADs). We aimed to show the correlation of CG with IgG levels in children and adolescents, utilizing a common method for albumin measurement, bromocresol green.

Methods

Individuals from two Allergy and Immunology clinics were invited to participate. Inclusion criteria were age < 18, stable conditions, and signed informed consent. We included 1084 individuals. Immunoglobulin G values were determined by immunoturbidimetry; the colorimetric bromocresol green method and the Architect Biuret method were utilized for the albumin and total protein (TP) measurements, respectively.

Results

A total of 1084 individuals were included in the analysis and divided into 4 age groups (0 to <1 year, 1 to <4 years, 4 to <10 years, and 10 to <18 years). For all patients, the mean age was 6.1 (± 5) years old, the mean IgG was 9.4 (± 4.7) g/L, and CG was 23.7 (± 5.9) g/L. The most frequent diagnosis were respiratory allergies, followed by inborn errors of immunity. IgG and CG varied according to age group. Cutoff values for hypogammaglobulinemia varied from 13.8 g/L in children < 1 year to 23.1 g/L in children and adolescents aged 10 to <18 years. CG sensitivity varied from 70.9% in children aged 1 to <4 years old to 95.8% in children 4 to <10. Specificity ranged from 87.5% in children 4 to <10 years old to 100% in children and adolescents aged 10 to <18 years.

Conclusion

CG is a suitable screening test for hypogammaglobulinemia in children less than 18 years of age.

A pathophysiological and mechanistic review of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy therapy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is an immune-mediated disease of the peripheral nerves characterized by proximal and distal muscle weakness and sensory abnormalities. CIDP has been associated with various pathophysiological mechanisms that are not fully understood and that likely differ across groups of patients. It has been proposed that an interplay of different immunopathological mechanisms including the cellular, humoral and complement pathways play a key role in peripheral nerve damage in CIDP. Currently approved treatments and therapies in research often target different potential pathophysiological mechanisms. The efficacy of these different treatments can shed light on the prominence of particular pathophysiological pathways in subsets of patients with CIDP. For example, the complement pathway plays a key role in promoting macrophage-mediated demyelination, and complement inhibitors are under development as new targets in CIDP treatment, with mixed results. The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) has also been targeted as a promising treatment avenue due to its role in immunoglobulin G degradation. Efgartigimod is the first FcRn blocker approved for the treatment of CIDP. This review provides an overview of key proposed mechanisms of action in CIDP pathophysiology in the context of both basic scientific findings and treatment targets in recent clinical studies.

Nationwide trends in prehospital blood product use after injury 2020-2023

INTRODUCTION

Prehospital blood transfusion improves survival after injury. Understanding potential demand for and usage of prehospital blood transfusion is important to help improve supply and utilization of this prehospital intervention. The primary objective of this study is to describe potential current demand for prehospital blood product in adults after blunt and penetrating injury from 2020 to 2023. We also estimate the extent to which this potential demand is being met.

METHODS

Patients ≥16 years with blunt/penetrating injuries included in the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) from 2020 to 2023 were identified. Patients were classified into Cohort 1 (systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 and heart rate (HR) >108 or SBP <70) and Cohort 2 (shock index ≥1), and total numbers in each cohort were reported. Additionally, the number and percentage of patients who were potentially eligible for and who received prehospital blood transfusion were calculated and trended over time.

RESULTS

After exclusions, 20.4 million trauma patients were included. A total of 262,761 Cohort 1 patients and 1,227,556 Cohort 2 patients were potentially eligible for transfusion. Estimated demand for blood transfusion increased from 2020 to 2023 (p < 0.001) in both cohorts. Cohort 1 had the highest estimated proportion of patients (0.9%, n = 2,289) who received transfusion, demonstrating that few potentially eligible adult trauma patients received blood product.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, 1.2 million hemodynamically unstable trauma patients were potentially eligible for prehospital blood transfusion after injury during 2020-2023, yet less than 1% received this intervention. These data underscore the need to evaluate and resolve barriers to wider use of prehospital blood transfusions.