[Ph-negative myeloproliferative diseases with thrombocythemia in the context of Thromboreductin® treatment, data from registry 2013]

Czech Working Group for Ph-negative Myeloproliferative diseases (CZEMP) recommends anagrelid (Thromboreductin®) for the treatment of Ph-negative chronic myeloproliferative disease (MPO) with thrombocythemia accompanying. To evaluate the efficacy of this treatment, the patient registry with essential thrombocythemia and/or thrombocytosis accompanying other Ph-negative myeloproliferative diseases was established. The beginnings of data collection go back to 2001, registry itself is maintained from 2005 and the aim is to archive the medical records with detailed physical and laboratory examination, safety patient profile included. The longest follow-up monitors 150 months period. Registry database contained 1,325 patients in the end of 2013, with an annual increase of anagrelid therapy as a drug of first choice in accordance with CZEMP guidelines approved by the Czech Society of Hematology of Czech Medical Association of J. E. Purkyne. Indication criteria contribute to this trend as anagrelid is the first choice agent in 65 years old patients, instead previous 60 years of age. Often, we can observe the combined treatment, especially, in older patients and in patients with primary myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera. There have been founded 543 thrombotic events in 413 patients and 63 bleeding events in 58 patients of study group by the end of 2013. During treatment, thrombosis was diagnosed 225 times in 171 patients and bleeding was observed 139 times in 104 patients. The therapeutic response is achieved after 3 months in 77% and after 6 months in 83% of subjects, but after 12 months, the treatment still fails in 12,5% of patients. It might be caused by slow titration of Thromboreductin®. One of the most important indicators of treatment success is the effect on clinical symptoms presentation, especially the occurrence of thrombotic events. The proof of a good treatment efficacy is demonstrated by 1.8 fold decrease in arterial thrombosis, more than 1.5 fold decrease in microvascular thrombosis and even 6.2 fold decrease in venous thromboembolism events. Bleeding is observed in about double more patients in comparison to the period before inclusion in the systematic monitoring, but the bleedings are clinically insignificant.Key words: anagrelid (Thromboreductin®) - Ph-myeloproliferative diseases - registry - thrombosis.

[The effectiveness of anagrelide treatment in patients with Ph negative myeloproliferative diseases: influence on the incidence of thrombosis in the data from the Registry of patients with essential thrombocythemia and thrombocythemia associated with other myeloproliferative diseases treated with Thromboreductin® to the end of 2012]

In the Czech Republic, anagrelide (Thromboreductin®) [29] is used according to the recommendations of the Czech Working Group on Myeloproliferative Disorders (CZEMP) for treatment of thrombocythemia associated with Ph negative myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs). The patient data are collected in the Registry of patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) and thrombocythemia associated with other MPDs treated with Thromboreductin®. At the end of 2012, the Registry contained data on 1,161 patients. Out of these, 1,159 patients with the dia-gnosis of a Ph negative MPD were evaluated. In 844 patients, precise WHO based dia-gnosis was known at start of therapy: 442 (52.4%) had ET, 108 (12.8%) had polycythaemia vera (PV) and 243 had primary myelofibrosis (PMF). The median age was 51 years at the time of diagnosis. At the time of the evaluation of the population, the median was 59 years. Every year, the proportion of patients newly treated with anagrelide as a firstline treatment in accordance with the CZEMP guidelines has been increasing. A growing proportion of patients has been treated with an additional cytoreducing drug, such as hydroxyurea and interferon. The majority of the patients received also an antiaggregant (or anticoagulant). More than a half of patients harbors the JAK2 mutation. A prompt decrease of platelet counts (as the response to Thromboreductin® treatment) was documented in most of the patients. After one year, 86.9% of patients had a full or partial response. In poorer responders, combination cytoreductive treatment was administered rather then the escalation of the Thromboreductin® dosage. There were 461 thrombotic manifestations in 363 patients and 61 haemorrhagic events in 57 patients recorded in the patients history. In the course of treatment (followup; F U), thrombosis was diagnosed only 179-times in 136 patients. There were more haemorrhagic events during F U: 109 events in 83 patients. Upon comparison of the number of events during F U to their numbers in history, we found a twofold decrease in arterial thrombosis, an almost twofold decrease in microvascular thrombosis and even a 6.6- fold decrease in venous thromboembolism events. Bleeding episodes increased 1.8-fold during F U. However, the vast majority of these hemorrhagic events were clinically insignificant. In conclusion, the treatment strategy according to the CZEMP guidelines incorporating anagrelide is highly effective in reducing the platelet counts, strongly prevents venous events, reduces arterial events, and leads to an increase of minor hemorrhages.

Gain(1)(q21) is an unfavorable genetic prognostic factor for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma treated with thalidomide but not for those treated with bortezomib

Chromosomal aberrations are important prognostic factors in multiple myeloma diagnosis. We evaluated the effect common high-risk chromosomal aberrations in a cohort of 102 patients with relapsed disease treated with bortezomib or thalidomide. Our results showed that patients treated with thalidomide with a gain(1)(q21) had inferior survival compared with the bortezomib group. Therefore, bortezomib-based regiments are more effective for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma with an incidence of gain in the gain(1)(q21).

BACKGROUND

Prognostic impact of specific chromosomal aberrations in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) treated with the novel agents is briefly described.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed the prognostic value of an extended panel of chromosomal aberrations [del(13)(q14), del(17)(p13), t(4;14)(p16;q32), gain(1)(q21), and hyperdiploidy] by using the technique of interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization in a cohort of 102 patients with relapsed MM treated with thalidomide- or bortezomib-based protocols.

RESULTS

The gain(1)(q21) had a negative impact on overall survival for patients with MM treated with thalidomide (15.7 vs. 41.3 months; P = .004). Moreover, we confirmed the negative impact of the cumulative effect of 2 or more cytogenetic changes that occur simultaneously on the overall survival in the thalidomide group (20.3 months vs. not yet reached; P = .039). We did not find any significant impact of the aberrations studied on overall survival in the bortezomib cohort of patients.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that bortezomib-based protocols are able to partially overcome the negative prognostic impact of the tested chromosomal abnormalities in patients with relapsed MM.

Increased T regulatory cells are associated with adverse clinical features and predict progression in multiple myeloma

Background

Regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in the maintenance of immune system homeostasis. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell disorder frequently associated with impaired immune cell numbers and functions.

Methods

We analyzed Treg cells in peripheral blood (n = 207) and bone marrow (n = 202) of pre-malignant and malignant MM patients using flow cytometry. Treg cells and their subsets from MM patients and healthy volunteers were functionally evaluated for their suppressive property. A cohort of 25 patients was analyzed for lymphocytes, CD4 T cells and Treg cells before and after treatment with cyclophosphamide, thalidomide plus dexamethasone (CTD).

Results

We found elevated frequencies of Treg cells in newly diagnosed (P<0.01) and relapsed MM patients (P<0.0001) compared to healthy volunteers. Also, Treg subsets including naïve (P = 0.015) and activated (P = 0.036) Treg cells were significantly increased in MM patients compared to healthy volunteers. Functional studies showed that Treg cells and their subsets from both MM and healthy volunteers were similar in their inhibitory function. Significantly increased frequencies of Treg cells were found in MM patients with adverse clinical features such as hypercalcemia (>10 mg/dL), decreased normal plasma cell (≤5%) count and IgA myeloma subtype. We also showed that MM patients with ≥5% of Treg cells had inferior time to progression (TTP) (13 months vs. median not reached; P = 0.013). Furthermore, we demonstrated the prognostic value of Treg cells in prediction of TTP by Cox regression analysis (P = 0.045). CTD treatment significantly reduced frequencies of CD4 T cells (P = 0.001) and Treg cells (P = 0.018) but not Treg cells/CD4 T cells ratio compared to pre-treatment.

Conclusions

Our study showed immune deregulation in MM patients which is evidenced by elevated level of functionally active Treg cells and patients with increased Treg cells have higher risk of progression.

[Peripartal life-threatening hemorrhage - interdisciplinary consensus opinion]

22 experts from the fields of gynecology and obstetrics, anesthesiology and resuscitation, intensive care, hematology and transfusion medicine has developed recommendations for diagnosis and procedure for life-threatening peripartum haemorrhage, which is still one of the most common causes of maternal mortality in childbirth. This guidelines, which is valid for the Czech Republic, supported by a total of 10 professional medical societies. There are based on new knowledge applicable at this time and is focused mainly on eliminating the most common causes of bleeding during delivery and prevention of haemorrhagic shock.

[Disturbances of hemostasis in sepsis]

Immune system and hemostasis are closely bound together. When one of these systems is activated, another is set in motion too. This is especially noticeable in polytraumas, inflammation, shocks etc. The most important activator of immune system and hemostasis is sepsis. In sepsis there is a vigorous stimulation of immune response because of a liberation of a lot of cytokines and proinflammatory molecules. This may lead to an extrem picture of systemic inflammatory response syndrome. In systemic inflammatory response syndrome a downregulation of thrombomodulin and endothelial protein C receptor on the surface of intact endothel may be detected and there is an upregulation of release of the tissue-type plasminogen activator with a switch to plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 release. There is lowering of activated protein C and fibrinolytic activation followed by fibrinolytic inhibition in septic patients. Consequently we can see consumption of coagulation factors, inhibitors (antithrombin, protein C, and tissue factor pathway inhibitor), microangiopatic hemolysis and thrombocytopenia with a picture of disseminated intravascular coagulation in these patients. The diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation is not uniforme in the literature. Expression of tissue factor on monocytes and endothelium may aggravate this "circulus vitiosus" with serious microcirculatory failure in sense of MOF/MODS (mutliorgan failure/multiorgan dysfunction syndrome). The first steps in the therapy of sepsis represent the treatment of cause of sepsis, vigorous hydratation and maintenance of circulation and pulmonary function, glycemic control etc, the prevention and blocking of the undesirable activation of hemostasis and inflammation being equally important. The treatment with minidoses of heparin was implemented in the past and the question, if this therapy is indicated is not answered yet. The clinical studies of the suitability of the treatment with natural inhibitors of hemostasis (antithrombin, recombinant human activated PC or drotrecogin α activated, rhTFPI) were evaluated in the past and are still under way recently. The unequivocal contribution of these therapies was not proven and recombinant human activated PC was even pulled from the worldvide market.

Clinical relevance of uPA, uPAR, PAI 1 and PAI 2 tissue expression and plasma PAI 1 level in colorectal carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Urokinase (uPA) is a serine protease, which together with uPAR, tPA, PAI 1 and PAI 2 forms the plasminogen activator system, a component of metastatic cascade contributing to the invasive growth and angiogenesis of malignant tumours.

METHODOLOGY

Both preceding therapy and after 6-8 weeks of the treatment, plasma PAI 1 levels (photometric microplate method on the ELISA) and uPA, uPAR, PAI 1 and PAI 2 tissue expression (immunohistochemical reaction) were analysed from 80 colorectal carcinoma patients.

RESULTS

Analysis showed higher pre-treatment plasma levels of PAI 1 in patients with advanced tumours, which decreased after surgery or the start of therapy (p=0.004); Patients with higher plasma level PAI 1 before (0.013) and after therapy (0.004) had significantly shorter survival. There was a higher expression of uPA (p<0.001), uPAR (p<0.001), PAI 1 (p=0.042) and PAI 2 (p<0.001) in advanced colorectal carcinoma. A relationship between PAI 2 (p=0.010) and uPAR (p=0.019) expression and survival was demonstrated. There is a correlation between pre-treatment plasma PAI 1 levels and PAI 2 (p=0.028) and uPAR (p=0.043) expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunohistochemical analysis of PAS in tumour tissue and plasma PAI 1 levels was found to be a useful prognostic factor in colorectal carcinoma patients. Plasma PAI 1 could be advantageous in evaluating the effectiveness of a mode of treatment.

[Significance of urokinase and its inhibitors in the invasiveness and metastasing of malignant tumors]

Fibrinolysis is process, which leads to the degradation of fibrin to fibrin monomers. Fibrinolysis helps to regulate hemostasis and prevents the creation of inappropriately large thrombus, which could reduce blood flow to the bloodstream. The main enzyme involved in fibrinolysis is plasmin. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase (uPA) are agents converting plasminogen into active plasmin, together with urokinase receptor (uPAR) and urokinase inhibitors (PAI 1, PAI 2, PAI 3 and protease nexin) form plasminogen activator system (PAS) which is among others also part of the metastatic cascade and significantly contributes to invasive growth and angiogenesis of malignant tumours. In contrast to tPA that is fundamental in fibrinolysis, uPA plays an essential role in tissue degradation as part of physiological and pathological processes. uPAR is a GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol)-anchored protein. The binding of uPA to uPAR results in activation of protein tyrosine kinase, protein kinase C and MAP kinase. At the same time, direct signalling pathway via Jak/STAT cascade utilising signalling transduction of Scr-like protein tyrosine kinase have also been described. uPAR expression is regulated by many growth factors, e.g. EGF, FGF-2 and HGF. It seems that individual PAS factors are involved in the process of rendering malignant tumors invasive. To what degree this influence is essential to specific malignancies, should be answered by further research. In the article the authors present a summary of findings about the interaction of fibrinolysis and tumor process, especially on the effects of urokinase and other activators and their inhibitors in metastasis of malignant tumors. The text contains information on the factors theirs introduction into practice is still the subject of numerous discussions, but in the future, individual PAS factors could play an important role in planning treatment strategies and also could become targets of targeted therapy.

[Prognostic significance of morphology in multiple myeloma]

BACKGROUNDS

Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematological disease caused by clonal proliferation of B cells. Evaluation of number of plasmocytes in the bone marrow is still one of the basic diagnostic criteria. The aim of this study was to verify if this evaluation has prognostic value even in the era of new drugs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two groups of MM patients were enrolled in this study. The group T - 45 newly diagnosed MM patients who underwent treatment with thalidomide. Group B - 86 patients in first relapse of MM without autologous transplantation of bone marrow that were treated with thalidomide and bortezomib in various combinations. Percentage of subtypes of plasmocytes in the bone marrow was evaluated based on progressive analysis of nucleus, chromatin and nucleo-cellular ratio (N/C).

RESULTS

Mature plasma cells were found in 53.3% (group T) and 53.5% (group B) of patients; proplasmocytes I were found in 22.2% (group T) and 24.4% (group B) of patients; proplasmocytes II were found in 22.2% (group T) and 22.1% (group B) of patients and plasmablasts in 1% (group T) and 0% (group B). Patients who reached treatment response after first treatment had statistically significant number of proplasmocytes II when compared to group without treatment response (median 37% vs. 11%, p = 0.033). Group B patients with mature plasmocytes below 10% had significantly shorter overall survival than other patients when comparison of quartiles was performed. Group B patients with higher infiltration of proplasmocytes I than median of 15% had lower overall survival (median 50.3 months vs. 74.9 months, p = 0,024); the same was true for evaluation of proplasmocytes II (median OS 41.3 months vs. 74.9 months, p = 0,011).

CONCLUSION

Numerical evaluations of plasma cells in the bone marrow remain basic diagnostic criteria of MM even in the era of new genomics analyses. More precise morphological evaluation of 8 subtypes of plasma cells brings important prognostic information that is necessary for new protocols for immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors.

Clinical significance of the plasminogen activator system in relation to grade of tumor and treatment response in colorectal carcinoma patients

Urokinase (uPA) plays an essential role in the activation of plasminogen to plasmin, and together with its receptor (uPAR), tissue activator (tPA) and urokinase inhibitors (PAI 1, PAI 2, PAI 3 and protease nexin) forms the plasminogen activator system (PAS), a component of metastatic cascade importantly contributing to the invasive growth and angiogenesis of malignant tumours. In our project we examined the expression of uPA, uPAR, PAI 1 and PAI 2 in tumor tissue and we also studied the plasma levels of PAI 1 before and after the initiation of therapy in patients with colorectal carcinoma in relationship to grade of tumor and the treatment response. In our prospective evaluation we included 80 patients treated for adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum. Analysis of collected data revealed statistically significant evidence of a relationship between the level of PAI 1 in plasma before treatment and grade of the tumor, which increases with tumor grade (p=0.025). We demonstrated that there exists a statistically significant relationship between the expression of PAI 2 (p<0.001) and uPAR (p=0.031) and grade of tumor. We also confirmed a statistically significant relationship between soluble levels of PAI 1 before treatment and therapeutic response (p=0.021). In our group of patients the expression of uPA, uPAR, PAI 1 and 2 in tumor tissue in relation to response to treatment was also assessed. Our results suggest that the greater expression of these parameters in tumor tissue is linked to a worse response to therapy. In conclusion, PAS factors help as a prognostic indicators and could also act as a predictive factor in colorectal carcinoma.

[Thrombohaemorrhagic syndrome in patients with a myeloproliferative disease with thrombocythemia]

Thrombohaemorrhagic syndrome is a clinical syndrome manifesting with concurrent bleeding and thrombosis. It is associated with a range of pathological states, typically with myeloproliferative diseases, paraproteinaemia, liver disease as well as disseminated intravascular coagulation and similar syndromes (so called DIC-like syndrome). Thrombohaemorrhagic syndrome might be a symptom of chronic myeloproliferations, particularly if these are associated with thrombocythemia. It is most frequently linked to essential thrombocythemia. However, in this disease, it seems that the clinical symptoms of bleeding and thrombosis might not be directly determined by the number of platelets, as it would suggest itself, but that this can be consequent to other changes. These may include predisposition to thrombophilia, cardiovascular risk, leukocytosis etc. as well as, for example, platelet dysfunction. The present study focuses on platelet dysfunction in conjunction with clinical symptoms of bleeding and thrombosis.

[Diagnosis and treatment of BCR/ABL-negative myeloproliferative diseases--principles and rationale of CZEMP recommendations]

In 2009, the recommendations of the Czech Collaborative Group for Ph- Myeloproliferative Diseases (CZEMP) for diagnosis and treatment of BCR/ABL-negative myeloproliferative diseases (MPD), i.e., essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythaemia vera (PV) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) were updated and extended. The present article gives the rationale of the recommendations in full detail. The CZEMP diagnostic criteria for ET and PMF are based on histopathological (HP) findings, which must unconditionally be in line with the given clinical and laboratory characteristics of ET or of a certain stage of PMF, respectively. The platelet count is not decisive for diagnosis. In cases lacking an adequately taken and read HP finding, the Polycythemia Vera Study Group (PVSG) criteria are recommended. The diagnosis of typical PV is based on demonstration of the V617F mutation of the JAK2 gene along with a significant increase of red cell parameters. If these are close to borderline, the demonstration of increased total red cell mass (RCM) is required. In atypical cases lacking polyglobulia or elevated RCM, the HP picture of PV (in accordance with WHO description) plus JAK2 V617F mutation is satisfactory for diagnosis, or, in cases lacking JAK2 V617F mutation, the HP picture of PV along with polyglobulia (or increased RCM) is sufficient. The treatment principles of ET and other MPDs with thrombocythemia (MPD-T; i.e., the early stages of PMF and PV) are identical. The patients are stratified by their thrombotic risk (preceding thrombosis, another thrombophilic state, jAK2 mutation), presence of disease symptoms (mainly microcirculatory), platelet count and age. Only patients up to 65 years lacking the above mentioned risks with a platelet count < 1000 x 10(9)/l are considered as low-risk and do not demand cytoreducing therapy. The others are high-risk ones and have an indication for thromboreduction. In patients older than 65 years, the potentially leukemogenic drug hydroxyurea (HU) may be used. In the younger ones, the choice is between anagrelide (ANG) or interferon-alpha (IFN). In high-risk patients, the treatment goal is to maintain platelet counts below 400, and in low-risk ones, below 600 x 10(9)/l. In PV, polycythemia itself is another thrombotic risk factor. The condition is treated by bloodletting or erythrocytaphereses. If hematocrit levels < or =45 are not achieved, cytoreductive therapy using HU in patients over 65 years, or IFN in younger individuals is required. All patients with thrombocythemia in PV are high-risk and have an indication for cytoreduction. Acetylsalicylic acid is given to all patients with MPD-T with platelets < 1000 x 10(9)/l (at higher counts, hemorrhage is imminent), and to all individuals with PV, unless contraindication is present. In case of platelet count normalization, it may be withdrawn in cases of low-risk ET or PMF, not in JAK2+ PV. The treatment of advanced stages of PMF is symptomatic, with substitution of blood derivatives being the basis. The only curative treatment is allogeneic stem cell transplantation, which should not be indicated too early seeing to its risks, but also not too late--we must not allow transition into acute leukemia, which is heralded by blasts in the blood picture. The indication is the presence of any of the following criteria: values of hemoglobin < 10 g/dl, WBC < 4 x 10(9)/l and platelets < 100 x 10(9)/l, any percentage of blasts or > or = 10% immature granulocytes in the differential picture, >1 erythroblast per 100 cells--all at repeated examinations within at least a 2-month interval, and in addition, rapid progression of hepato-/splenomegaly, presence of general symptoms of the disease, portal hypertension and extensive swellings.

Sample processing and methodological pitfalls in multiple myeloma research

In this paper, initial processing of biological material, cell separation algorithms and other procedures are discussed. For samples with initial infiltration of plasma cells > 5%, CD138 MicroBeads and Auto-Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting program are used. Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting is used exclusively for cell populations with low-abundance; these samples are detected using fluorescently labeled antibodies only. Isolated plasma cells are further processed for molecular biological studies, for cytogenetics and protein analyses. Furthermore, this work examines the pitfalls of research related to multiple myeloma; some of them we have overcome, while the others are still problematic.

Low molecular weight heparins for thromboprophylaxis during induction chemotherapy in patients with multiple myeloma

BACKGROUNDS

Patients with multiple myeloma have a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), especially during the induction chemotherapy. The aim of our observational study was to determine the impact of prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on the incidence of thromboembolic complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed the incidence of thromboembolic events in 258 patients treated with induction chemotherapy containing vincristin, doxorubicin or idarubicin, and dexamethasone, followed by stimulation chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and G-CSF, and high-dose chemotherapy with melphalan. Two groups of these patients were compared based on the practice of thromboprophylaxis. Patients in the first group (Control, n = 140) were either not treated or treated with a short duration of anticoagulation therapy while the patients in the second group (Prophylactic, n = 118) underwent standard prophylaxis with LMWH throughout the entire period of induction chemotherapy. A total of 102 patients were selected for a close monitoring of the prophylactic effect of different LMWH doses and to be compared to patients without treatment.

RESULTS

Standard prophylaxis with LMWH significantly (p < 0.007) lowered a risk of VTE when compared to patients without such prophylaxis (3.4% versus 12.9%, respectively). Furthermore, analysis of the subgroup of 102 patients revealed that higher LMWH doses (> 70 IU/kg per day) achieved full prophylaxis in 28 patients while lower doses were less effective leading to DVT in 3 (7.7%) out of 39 patients. In contrast, VTE was diagnosed in 5 (14.3%) out of 35 patients without any LMWH prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

Prophylaxis with LMWH leads to a significant reduction of the risk of thromboembolic complications during the induction chemotherapy in patients suffering from MM. The prophylactic effect of LMWH is dose-dependent.

[Plasminogen activator system and its clinical significance in patients with a malignant disease]

Urokinase (uPA) plays an essential role in the activation of plasminogen to plasmin, a serine protease participating in the activation of matrixmetaloproteinases, latent elastases, growth factors and cytokines involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix elements. Together with its receptor (uPAR), tissue activator (tPA) and urokinase inhibitors (PAI-1, PAI-2, PAI-3 and protease nexin), it forms the plasminogen activator system (PAS), a component of metastatic cascade importantly contributing to the invasive growth and angiogenesis of malignant tumours. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 inhibits uPA-dependent invasiveness of some cancer cell lines. The vitronectin-PAI-1 complex inhibits migration of smooth muscle cells by binding alpha(v)beta3 integrin to vitronectin. PAI-1 or its deficiency interferes with signalling pathways such as PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT and it is included in the processes of maintaining the integrity of the endothelial cells and thereby regulation of cell death. PAI-1 affects apoptosis by reducing cell adhesion and functioning of intracellular signalling pathways. The individual components of PAS undoubtedly play an important role in angiogenesis and metastasising of malignant tumours. In the near future, results of published studies with various types of cancer could be reflected in diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms and, at the same time, could serve as the goal for targeted therapies.

Flow cytometry in monoclonal gammopathies

The technological development of flow cytometry (FC) together with new findings reveal the need for immunophenotyping in research of monoclonal gammopathy (MG) because of its diagnostic, prognostic and predictive significance. The aim of the European Myeloma Network (EMN) is to standardize this analytical method and implement it into routine clinical examination. Since the overall significance and application of FC are still analysed, standardisation could help obtain more clinical relevant information in terms of MG pathophysiology.

Generation of myeloma-specific T cells using dendritic cells loaded with MUC1- and hTERT- drived nonapeptides or myeloma cell apoptotic bodies

Dendritic cells are able to induce anti-tumor immune responses by presenting tumor-specific antigens to T-lymphocytes. Various tumor-associated antigens have been studied in multiple myeloma in an effort to find a strong antigen capable of generating clinically meaningful responses in vaccinated patients. The aim of our study was to generate myeloma-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vitro using dendritic cells loaded with peptide antigens or apoptotic bodies. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HLA-A2+ healthy donors were used for isolation and culture of dendritic cells (DCs) and T lymphocytes. DCs were loaded with hTERT- and MUC1-derived nonapeptides or apoptotic bodies from myeloma cells. Repeated stimulation of T lymphocytes led to their activation characterized by interferon-gamma production. Activated T lymphocytes were separated immunomagnetically and expanded in vitro. Specific cytotoxicity of the expanded T lymphocytes was tested against a myeloma cell line. There was evidence of cytotoxicity for all three types of antigens used for T lymphocyte priming and expansion. No statistically significant differences were observed in T lymphocyte cytotoxicity for any of the antigens. We present a method for the priming and expansion of myeloma-specific T lymphocytes using dendritic cells loaded with different types of tumor antigens. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes and/or activated dendritic cells generated by the described methods can be applied for cellular immunotherapy against multiple myeloma and other malignancies.

[Rivaroxaban and factor Xa inhibitors in clinical practice]

Prevention and treatment of thrombosis represent some of the most common medical interventions in the clinical area that remains among the most common causes of mortality and morbidity. At present, heparins, pentasaccharides and warfarin are used to prevent thromboembolic events. Nevertheless, these drugs have a range of adverse effects and other disadvantages that force scientists to seek new treatment options that would fulfil the concept of an 'ideal antithrombotic drug'. Characteristics of such an agent include selectivity of its effect, absence of adverse effects, possibility to administer the drug without the need for laboratory control and low cost. Attention is, therefore, focused on thrombin modulation either with direct inhibitors or with inhibitors of the thrombin production system, i.e. activated factor Xa of the plasma coagulation cascade (F Xa). Management so far involved injectable formulations, the efforts described above aim for oral administration of treatment.

[Recombinant activated factor VII in the treatment of life threatening post-partum haemorrhage; registry UniSeven in the Czech Republic]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the data related to the treatment of 80 Czech patients with life threatening postpartum haemorrhage recorded in the clinical registry UniSeven during years 2004-2009.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational, multicentre study.

SETTINGS

ICU and Obstetrics departments of University and Regional hospitals in Czech Republic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

UniSeven is an international academic project of Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic, focused on recording of clinical data related to "off-label" use of rFVIIa (Novo Seven) in life threatening bleeding. Data of 80 case reports of post partum haemorrhage from the registry was analysed from the clinical (efficacy and safety) as well as laboratory aspects.

RESULTS

In 97.5% of our patients the treatment with rFVIIa was able to control the bleeding. In 53 women (66.3%) only one dose of rFVIIa was sufficient to control the bleeding. The rest of the patient received two or more rFVIIa doses. First dose of rFVIIa given to patients who needed more than one dose was significantly lower (96.6 microg/kg) compared to patient succesfully treated with one dose only (110.6 microg/kg; p = 0.048). The mortality rate in our cohort of patients was 2.5%. We have not recorded any thrombembolic event as and adverse event related to the rFVIIa treatment. In 74.3% of patients where rFVIIa was administered before considering the hysterectomy, it was able to avoid hysterectomy what we consider to be a significant improvement of the patients' quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data were also considered during the work up of national guidelines for the treatment of life threatening post-partum haemorrhage in the Czech Republic.

Pretreatment hepatocyte growth factor and thrombospondin-1 levels predict response to high-dose chemotherapy for multiple myeloma

Our aim was to establish whether the pretreatment levels of angiogenesis activators and inhibitors can be used to predict clinical responses to treatment that included high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral stem cell support.<br />We analyzed samples and treatment outcomes of 96 patients with MM enrolled in the CMG 2002 randomized clinical trial and treated with induction chemotherapy and high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell support. Concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocytar growth factor (HGF), basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF), thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), endostatin, and angiostatin were measured in the peripheral blood plasma and in the bone marrow plasma at diagnosis. <br />Pretreatment HGF concentrations in the peripheral blood plasma as well as in the bone marrow plasma of patients who achieved complete or very good partial response were significantly lower than those in patients who had partial or worse response. Patients with complete or very good partial response had higher TSP-1 levels in the bone marrow plasma than the partial or insufficient response subgroups. There were no correlations between the pretreatment levels of VEGF, bFGF, endostatin, or angiostatin and the treatment response. <br />Pretreatment concentrations of HGF and TSP-1 were predictive factors for treatment response. Patients with low angiogenesis rate as determined by the relative HGF and TSP-1 concentrations were more likely to achieve complete or very good partial response after high-dose chemotherapy.

KEYWORDS

Angiogenesis, cytokines, high-dose chemotherapy, multiple myeloma, therapeutic response.

[Essential thrombocythaemia and other myeloproliferative disorders with thrombocythaemia treated with Thromboreductin. A report from the database of register for the 1st quarter of 2010]

In the Czech Republic, anagrelid is used according to the recommendations of the Czech Working Group on Myeloproliferative Disorders for treatment ofthrombocythaemias associated with chronic myeloproliferative disorders--mainly essential thrombocythaemia and, regularly, reports are being presented from the Register of Patients Treated with Thromboreductin, most recently last year (Vnitr Lék 2009; 55: I-XII). The Register commenced in 2005 and from then it aims to determine detailed clinical and laboratory profiles of the patients. The structure of the Register has changed significantly in the course of its existence, reflecting the reports from each of the analyses conducted so far. Also, the data entry in the database improves every year and it reaches 97% on some of the items. The longest evaluation period in some of the patients is 108 months. By April 2010, the Register database contained data on 717 patients. Of these, 672 patients with the diagnosis of a Ph-negative chronic myeloproliferative disorder were evaluated. This year's analysis included the patients with essential thrombocythaemia, polycythaemia vera and primary myelofibrosis only. The analysis included 418 women and 254 men with median age of50 years. Unlike the first years, 2/3 of the current sample are non pretreated patients, meaning that the patients reach the specialized centres early in their treatment. Also, patients, and the older patients in particular, are more frequently treated with combined regimens including Thromboreductin. We increasingly observe hypertension as one of the monitored risk factors preceding the disease and laboratory parameters showJAK2 mutation in more than a half of patients while some form ofthrombotic diathesis is found in the anamnesis of 7-10% of patients. Some bleeding is observed in 1-5% of the registered patients. In comparison to the previous years, this is a decrease in the prevalence of clinical symptoms prior to the disease onset; this is very likely associated with an earlier patient diagnosis within the asymptomatic phase of the disease. Therapeutically, we achieve a fast treatment response but there still are 16.3% of sufficient afterone year of treatment. Thromboreductin dose is increasing but even in this group it does not exceeds the mean of 2.38 mg per 24 hours. Complications are observed in 6.2% of patients in the first year of therapy, and ofthese, thrombotic events in about 2.5% and (small) bleeding complications in 4% of patients. The data suggest that we still do not reach treatment response in a certain proportion of patients after a year of their therapy. Even though the care results from the analysed data improve every year, the Register helps to uncover some issues that still remain, such as treatment intensification and other treatment modifications.

FEIBA in treatment of acute bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia A and factor VIII inhibitors: a retrospective survey in regional haemophilia centre

FEIBA (factor eight inhibitor by-passing activity) is used to achieve haemostasis in haemophiliacs with inhibitor. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and consumption of the product in treatment of haemorrhages in haemophiliacs with factor VIII inhibitor, and determine factors that can influence the results of treatment. We used data from our haemophilia centre from years 2000-2008. Six haemophiliacs with factor VIII inhibitor were treated on demand with FEIBA for 61 bleeding episodes (45 haemarthroses, six muscle bleeds, six other sites bleeds and four multiple sites bleeds). The median cumulative dose of FEIBA per bleeding episode was 205 U kg(-1). Bleeding was stopped in 96.7% (59 of 61) of events but re-bleeding occurred in 3 events (4.9%) within 48 h after cessation of bleeding. In home treatment (20 of 61) bleeding stopped in 90% (18 of 20) without recurrence and the median consumption per event was reduced to 153 U kg(-1). Without the use of home treatment the median consumption was 250 U kg(-1) per event and bleeding ceased definitely in 92.7% (38 of 41) of cases. The cumulative dose of FEIBA was lower for three episodes with re-bleeding: median 96 U kg(-1) but not in the two cases of ineffective treatment: 361 U kg(-1). FEIBA in management of bleeding episodes completely resolved the haemorrhage in 91.8% of events and in a further 4.9% if treatment was restarted. Using home treatment saved expenditure due to the lower cumulative dose needed for treatment of haemorrhage.

[A patient with AL amyloidosis and severe factor X deficiency has been in complete haematological remission with normal factor X activity for 7 years following high-dose chemotherapy. A case study and literature review]

Disturbance of haemostasis and bleeding are rather frequent complications of AL amyloidosis. These are frequently caused by increased fragility of capillaries, thrombocyte function disorders and coagulation cascade defects. The most frequent coagulation disorder is decreased factor X activity. We describe a 34-year old female after hysterectomy for myomatous uterus and metrorhagia. Before the surgery, the attending physicians did not identify any pathological changes suggesting a need for further investigations or presence of AL amyloidosis. Post-surgery development was complicated by life-threatening diffuse haemorrhage. Extended investigations of coagulation cascade revealed reduction of factor X activity to 16%. Targeted histological examination of the resected uterus confirmed AL amyloid deposits consisting of kappa chains. The patient's bone marrow contained certain small level of multiplied kappa chains-expressing plasma cells (< 10%); monoclonal immunoglobulins IgG K and free kappa chains were identified in serum. At that time, the patient did not satisfy the then valid Durie-Salmon criteria for multiple myeloma and thus the patient was diagnosed with primary systemic AL amyloidosis. The patient's condition gradually improved following substitution therapy (Prothromplex, fresh frozen plasma and erythrocyte transfusion) and bleeding slowly ceased so that chemotherapy with VAD (vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone) was initiated 6 weeks after the surgery. A total of 8 chemotherapy cycles were administered and complete haematological remission was achieved after the 5th cycle. Administration of the 8 VAD chemotherapy cycles resulted in increased factor X activity; bleeding complications subsided completely, thereby decreasing the risk of life-threatening mucositis-associated haemorrhage. Consequently, tandem high-dose chemotherapy (melphalan 100 mg/m2) with autologous haematopoietic stem cells transplantation was added to the treatment plan. Treatment was completed at the beginning of 2003 and, from that time, the patient is on continuous maintenance therapy with interferon alpha. Seven years from the diagnosis and 6 years from the completion of treatment the patient is in complete haematological remission, with no signs of organic damage caused by AL amyloid and with normal factor X activity. Factor X activity increased at the time when complete haematological remission was achieved after 8 cycles of VAD chemotherapy to 42%, it reached 68% the second year following high-dose chemotherapy, 77% after 5 years and 85% after 7 years. We had considered administration of high-dose chemotherapy in the standard regimen, i.e. following 4 cycles of VAD chemotherapy, as too high risk in the described young female patient. Therefore, we administered 8 cycles of conventional chemotherapy and only after complete haematological remission and partial organ response (factor X activity increased to 42%) were achieved, we added tandem high-dose chemotherapy to the treatment. We thus achieved long-term (7-years so far) complete haematological and organ remission. Increase in factor X activity is explicit over the entire 7-year observational period. We recommend starting treatment of high-risk transplant patients with AL amyloidosis with traditional chemotherapy regimen and, in case of positive haematological and organ treatment response, we recommend re-examination of potential benefits and risks of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous transplantation.

Phenotype of plasma cells in multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

Flow cytometry is a useful tool for the analysis of plasma cells in monoclonal gammopathies. The aim of this study was to find possibilities and limits of multicolour flow cytometry in diagnostics of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM) and to identify parameters that could be used to differentiate between these two disorders. Surface markers CD38 and CD138 were used for identification of plasma cells, CD19 and CD56 further distinguished normal and abnormal plasma cells, respectively. The percentage of circulating plasma cells in peripheral blood was lower in MGUS patients then in MM (p<0,001) In bone marrow, the percentage of residual polyclonal CD19 plasma cell was higher (p<0,001) and the percentage of malignant monoclonal CD56 plasma cell was lower (p<0,001) in MGUS than in MM. In conclusion, flow cytometry is relatively quick and effective method for analysis of plasma cells thus immunophenotyping can significantly contribute to the differential diagnosis of plasma cell proliferations.

[The results of patients with essentials thrombocythemia and other myeloproliferation-related thrombocythemia--a report of patients treated with Thromboreductin]

The registry of patients treated with Thromboreductin (anagrelide) in the Czech Republic contains data concerning patients that have been treated using this drug since 2004. As of June 2009, the total number of patients was 549. The current analysis focused mainly on evaluation of anagrelide dosage needed to achieve a complete response in high-risk patients: reduction in platelet count to below 400 x 10(9)/l, which was also considered as reaching the therapeutic goal. The outcomes of the registry confirm that although anagrelide (Thromboreductin) is a very effective platelet-reducing agent, the administration of which is related to a low incidence of adverse effects and complications, the therapeutic goal is not achieved in all cases and or despite a quick treatment response, the therapeutic goal is achieved more slowly.

[Bleeding complications of anticoagulant therapy]

Anticoagulant therapy is one of the most common forms of medical intervention. It is the mainstay of prevention and treatment of thrombotic events. Omission of adequate anticoagulant prophylaxis at least for moderate-risk and high-risk patients is a widely recognized medical error. Bleeding is one of the most feared complications of anticoagulant therapy, and is a risk of all anticoagulants. Whereas unfractionated heparin and warfarin, the oldest and most widely used anticoagulants, have specific antidotes for their anticoagulant effect, many of the newer agents (direct and indirect inhibitors of coagulation factors Xa and/or IIa) do not have specific antidotes to reverse their actions. The use of novel anticoagulants is further complicated by a lack of easily available laboratory tests to measure their levels and thereby optimize their benefit and safety in clinical practice. In this review, we evaluate the risk of bleeding associated with current anticoagulants, review the data available on current and experimental agents used for the reversal of anticoagulation, and provide recommendations for the management of major bleeding associated with anticoagulant therapy and for the management of asymptomatic overdosing of the anticoagulants.

[Preparation of patients on anticoagulant treatment for invasive surgery]

The management of warfarin therapy in patients undergoing surgery or other invasive procedures involves a balance between the risk of hemorrhage, and the risk of thrombosis. Risk of hemorrhage and the trombosis depends on the type of procedure and on pre-existing conditions. Procedures with low risk of hemorrhage (dental, dermatologic or ophtalmologic procedures, endoscopy) can be provided with continuing anticoagulant therapy. Surgery with high hemorrhagic risk need stop warfarin and start bridging anticoagulant therapy, such as unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin, prior and after surgery. In patients requiring emergency surgery, vitamin K, prothrombin complex concentrate or fresh frozen plasma can be used to improve coagulation.

[Antiphospholipid syndrome in the year 2009]

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a prothrombotic disorder characterized by vascular occlusions and/or pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. These autoantibodies represent a large and heterogenous family of circulating immunoglobulins usually identified as anticardiolipin antibodies and antibodies directed against beta2-glykoprotein I or as lupus anticoagulant. A number of criteria for diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome have been proposed. In this review, we focused on long-term process of diagnostic procedures development and future directions in scientific research in this field.

[Antithrombotic prophylaxis during pregnancy]

Coagulation disturbances with their symptoms of thromboembolic--especially venous--disease play the most important role in the incidence of maternal mortality. The attention is focused on precise diagnostic procedures and on the treatment of all the disorders generally accompanied by coagulopathies. First-degree step is prevention of above mentioned complications, and the aim of its treatment is prevention of longterm complication or consequences. Actually is VTE resolved under the condition of the recommendation of 8th ACCP Conference.

[The preparation of anticancer vaccine for patients with multiple myeloma on the base of monoclonal immunoglobulin loaded dendritic cells]

BACKGROUND

On June 2006, phase II clinical trial focused on anticancer vaccination of multiple myeloma patients, was started. On September 2007, the immune and clinical response evaluation of first four patients was finished.The anticancer vaccine contained dendritic cells loaded with monoclonal immunoglobulin produced by myeloma cells.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

Within the frame of phase II clinical trial were vaccinated four myeloma patients with stable disease. It was administered six vaccines for each patient, monthly. The dendritic cells were cultured from the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells and loaded with autologous monoclonal immunoglobulin under the good manufacturing practice conditions. After the safety and quality control, the satisfactory vaccine was administered to the patient. The functional characteristic of dendritic cells was evaluated using flow cytometry, the immune response was evaluated using ELISpot. The clinical response was monitored using monoclonal immunoglobulin concentration in patient's sera.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The immune response detected using ELISpot was observed in 3/4 patients. The monoclonal immunoglobulin concentration was changeable for all twelve months, but never exceeded the range of 25% for minimal clinical response achievement. During the vaccination, no significant toxicities or negative side-effects were observed. The clinical trial is going on with vaccination other patients with multiple myeloma.

[Hemophilia]

Hemophilia is the most spread hereditary bleeding disorder with severe bleeding symptoms. Although the number of hemophiliacs is below 0.1 per thousand in population, the care of these patients consumes a lot of financial expenditures, especially for treatment in appearance of inhibitor. Management of hemophilia is best provided by specialist in a hemophilia treatment centre. However, all physicians can meet the patients with hemophilia in urgent situation or with their chronic problems. The aim of this article is to give an overview of this disease from pathophysiology, clinical manifestation and diagnosis (including prenatal) to treatment. We describe most frequent complications of hemophilia treatment, particularly management of inhibitor.

[What is the current treatment of patients with essential thrombocytopenia and other myeloproliferations accompanied with thrombocythemia [corrected] and what can be the predictive sign of the risk of thrombosis in such patients--a report from the registry of patients treated by Thromboreductine]

The registry of patients treated with Thromboreductine (anagrelid) in the contributing centres in the Czech Republic has been updated with data on the patients receiving this medication since 2004. The original purpose of the registry was to record responses to Thromboreductine therapy and adverse drug reactions in patients with essential thrombocytopenia. However, data on additional Ph negative myeloproliferations, as well as data on cytoreductive therapies other than exclusively that using Thromboreductine has also been recorded in the course of its compilation, including data on combined regimes. At present, the database contains data on 421 patients, and valid conclusions can be drawn if the level of data filling is enhanced. Evaluation has been currently focused on the analysis of the risk of development of clinical symptoms of thrombosis and on the standards of treatment from the viewpoint of the achieved treatment response. Analyses of data from the registry corroborate the special importance of the proof of JAK2 mutation, and of the test for factor V Leiden mutation, and of protein of S for the assessment of the risk of thromboembolic complications. The output of the analysis confirms that anagrelid is a very efficient thromboreductive agent the administration of which is associated with a low incidence of non-serious adverse effects (10.9%). However, in spite of a fast response to therapy, the therapeutic goal consisting in the reduction of the platelet count below 400 (or below 600) x 10(9)/l, i.e. the complete (or partial) treatment response, is relatively slow to achieve. This is likely to be due to lack of radical corrections in the dosage of the drug for different reasons.

[Treatment of haemorrhage with transfusion preparations and blood derivatives]

Appropriate use of blood components and blood products improved both patients care and use of health care resources. In bleeding and/or risk bleeding situations use of these products is often indicated. The authors summarise different guidelines, experiences, indications and problems in hemotherapy concerning bleeding complications.

[Preparation of patients with haemostatic disorder for invasive medical interventions]

The current trend in medicine is to sustain the possibility for necessary procedures to be performed in patients who suffer from haemostatic disorders which complicate eventual surgery. Among such disorders are congenital blood coagulation disorders, haemostatic disorders concomitant with other diseases and also therapies which affect haemostasis either on purpose or as part of adverse effects. Among coagulation disorders are congenital haemorrhagic or thrombotic conditions, acquired blood coagulation disorders--combined in the vast majority of cases-- and associated with pregnancy, severe internal diseases and surgery related diseases, severe injuries, wounds, burns, malignancies, systemic connective tissue diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and a number of other diseases. A separate issue is that ofanticoagulation therapy--both antiplatelet, used in the treatment or prevention of venous thrombosis, and anticoagulation, predominantly used to manage venous thromboembolism. Also considered should be any therapy which may have a negative impact on coagulation due to its adverse effects.

[Preparation of patients with haemostasis disorder for dental surgery]

The most of patients need dental care during their time of life. It can be situation to detect bleeding disorder in patients who have been suggested apparently healthy to this time. In patients with known bleeding tendency it can be situation in which good interdisciplinary coordination is necessary. In the most cases patients with anticoagulation treatment are involved between those with haemostasis problems. Nevertheless, they do not need therapy interruption in the most of cases, only the knowing actual therapeutic level of INR and appropriate stomatologist's erudition. Another situation is in patients with severe haemostatic bleeding disorder. They don't need only special procedure in dental extractions but also lifelong dental care. One can establish patients, in whom it is not possible only outpatient treatment but in whom a few days hospitalization is necessary. Above all they are patients with haemophilia and inhibitor, those with multiple or surgery extractions and persons with multiple haemostasis impairment.

[Von Willebrand disease]

Von Willebrand disease is the most spread hereditary bleeding disorder with prevalence up to the 1% in the population. Haemorrhagic symptoms are various intensity, mostly not severe. A large part of affected patients do not come to see a doctor. However these patients are potentially endangered by a serious haemorrhage after a trauma, surgery or during another illness. The estimated number of patients with von Willebrand disease is 1,500-3,500 per 1,000,000 of population; the number of persons with symptomatic von Willebrand disease was estimated to be at least 100 per million. This disease deserves attention not only by haematologists but other physicians too. In our communication we present short overview about von Willebrand disease: there are briefly described pathophysiology, classification, diagnosis and treatment of this illness.

Hemocoagulation disorders in extensively burned patients: pilot study for scoring of the DIC

GOAL OF THE STUDY

To apply results of the hemocoagulation parameters to the DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) score system. Compare parameters of the DIC score in patients with extensive burn trauma (hospitalized at the Intensive Care Unit, ICU) and patients with lesser extent of burn injury (hospitalized at the standard unit). To use these data within the evidence based medicine for the prediction of organ damage and multi-organ failure.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prospective study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We have included total of 36 patients in the group within four months. Twelve patients were hospitalized at the ICU, 24 patients were hospitalized at the intermedial care and standard unit. Repeatedly, we have taken blood from patients to evaluate the hemocoagulation parameters. In patients hospitalized at the ICU, the blood was taken from the central vein (prior to the drawn, the access was flushed with 100 ml of F1/1, the blood was taken from different access than from the one administering heparin), in patients hospitalized at the standard unit the blood was taken from a peripheral vein. The results were then put into the tables established according to the ISTH (International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis). Next, the DIC score was calculated to predict severity of hemocoagulation balance disorders in burn trauma, or occurrence of complications during the treatment.

RESULTS

Part 1: We have evaluated 12 patients (4 females) hospitalized at the ICU. At the day of injury the overt DIC score reached 1.25 (0-3), fifth day after the injury the average value of overt DIC score was 1.83 (0-3), one day after the autotransplantation it was 2.08 (0-3) and at the day of discharge from the hospital 0. In the deceased patient the DIC score reached value of 2. Part 2: We evaluated 24 patients (10 females) hospitalized at the standard unit. The extent of their burn injury was 5.9% TBSA (0.5-12% TBSA), age 49.13 years (17-94 years). At the day of injury the overt DIC score reached 0.25 (0-2). Fifth day after the injury the average value of overt DIC score was 1.66 (0-2). Day after the autotransplantation it was 1.83 (0-3) and at the day of discharge 0.02 (0-2).

CONCLUSION

During the treatment of the patients with various extent of burn injury, none of the patients' scores reached values that would mean occurrence of obvious "overt" DIC.

[Comparison of dendritic cells antigens in healthy volunteers and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and/or multiple myeloma patients]

BACKGROUND

Dendritic cells (DCs) are highly specialized antigen-presenting cells, which can be used for immunotherapy trials. Functionally normal DCs play a critical role in the activation and potentiation of antitumor antigen-specific responses.

DESIGN AND SUBJECTS

Maturation of DCs from 10 healthy donors, 14 monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance patients and 14 multiple myeloma patients was tested in an in vitro study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

DCs were generated from adherent mononuclear precursors of peripheral blood and cultured in presence of IL-4 and GM-CSF with human CD40Ligand stimulation. Serum-free or autologous serum conditions were used and expression of significant surface antigens, chemokines receptors and production of IL-12p70, were compared. We found no difference between groups under serum-free conditions with or without CD40L stimulation. Under autologous conditions we found negative effect on patients DCs manifested by reduction of some markers. The production of IL-12p70 was low and no difference in serum IL-6 levels between individual groups was found.

CONCLUSION

Under serum free conditions there was no difference between healthy volunteers, MGUS and patients, but CD40L stimulation did not lead to the full maturation ofDCs. Autologous patient serum had negative influence on DCs, with no definite dependance on the IL-6 level.

Changes in haemocoagulation in healthy volunteers after a 1-hour thrombotripsy using a diagnostic 2–4 MHz transcranial probe

INTRODUCTION

The aim was to monitor the changes in haemocoagulation parameters in healthy volunteers after a thrombotripsy with 1-hour transcranial Doppler monitoring using a 2-4 MHz probe.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

About 10 healthy volunteers underwent a 1-hour thrombotripsy of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), thrombotripsy of the radial artery and a standard 20-min neurosonologic examination (NSE) in 2-week intervals. Platelet count, aPTT, prothrombin time, fibrinogen, D-dimers, tPA, FDP, alpha-2-antiplasmin (AP), plasminogen, PAI-1 antigen, time of euglobulin clot lysis (ECL), homocysteine, and lipoprotein (a) were examined before, at the end and 24 h after a thrombotripsy. All adverse events were monitored.

RESULTS

After a thrombotripsy of the MCA, PAI-1 antigen, tPA antigen, fibrinogen and AP activity were significantly decreased by a mean of 32, 23, 7, and 4% respectively (P < 0.05 in all cases). After a thrombotripsy of the RA, there was a significant decrease in tPA antigen alone by an average of 14% (P < 0.05). Standard NSE did not affect any of the measured factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Thrombotripsy with 1-hour TCD monitoring using a 2-4 MHz diagnostic probe may affect the fibrinolytic system in humans.

[Essential thrombocytemia and other myeloproliferations with thrombocytemia in the data of the register of patients treated with Thromboreductin till the end of 2006]

Since 2005, registers of patients treated with Thromboreductin (anagrelid) kept by some centres in the Czech Republic have been supplied with data concerning patients whose treatment with this preparation started in 2004. The purpose of the register is to record responses to therapy by Thromboreductin and adverse events in patients with essential thrombocytemia and other myeloproliferations, and to subsequently analyse the data. Another objective is to detect predisposition to clinical symptomatology and disease complications. Apart from thrombocyte count, additional risk factors are monitored. The database currently contains data for 336 patients. Initial analyses of data from the register point to the fact that anagrelid is a highly effective thromboreductive agent the administration of which is associated with relatively low incidence of adverse events (11.8 %) of mild and usually transitory nature. The therapeutic objective is attained at a relatively slow rate (according to overall stratification under 400 or under 600 x 10(9)/l thrombocytes), which is probably due to insufficient dose adjustment.

Dendritic cell counts and their subsets during treatment of multiple myeloma

Human dendritic cells have distinct roles in the regulation of immunity. In this study we analysed the kinetics and the proportion of myeloid and plasmacytoid subsets of dendritic cells (DC) in peripheral blood of 15 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) before and during treatment that included autologous transplantation. Control group of 15 healthy volunteers was evaluated by using the same approaches. Flowcytometric determination of relative and absolute cell counts in unmanipulated peripheral blood was based on the expression of surface antigens CD83 and HLA-DR. Depending on the expression of CD11c or CD123, we divided these cells into CD11c+ dendritic cells type 1 (DC1) and CD123+ DC type 2 (DC2). Significant differences were found in initial relative counts of CD83+ cells and of the DC2 subtype between the group of controls and the group of patients before treatment. In absolute counts, there was a difference only in the DC2 subtype. After induction treatment (vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone), the mean percentage of CD83+ DC and the DC1 percentage were significantly higher than initially, but there was no significant difference in absolute counts. Administration of G-CSF again increased the total DC numbers. Intermediate DC counts were found in the apheresis products. After engraftment, we found the highest relative DC numbers, but absolute counts were not very high because of leukopenia. Within six months after transplantation, normal relative and absolute DC counts were found in patients. Untreated patients with MM have significantly lower relative numbers of peripheral blood DC in comparison with healthy volunteers. The highest number of total DC was found after engraftment. The DC1/DC2 ratio showed relative predominance of DC1 subtype and the lowest DC1/DC2 ratio was found in the apheresis products. DC counts comparable with those of healthy volunteers were found in patients six months after transplantation.