Safety and pharmacokinetics of anti-TFPI antibody (concizumab) in healthy volunteers and patients with hemophilia: a randomized first human dose trial

BACKGROUND

Prophylaxis with either intravenous (i.v.) factor VIII (FVIII) or FIX is the gold standard of care for patients with severe hemophilia. A monoclonal antibody (concizumab) targeting tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) that can be administered subcutaneously (s.c.) has the potential to alter current concepts of prophylaxis in hemophilia.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and describe the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of single-dose concizumab in healthy volunteers and patients with hemophilia A or B.

METHODS

In this first human dose, phase 1, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial escalating single i.v. (0.5-9000 μg kg(-1) ) or s.c. (50-3000 μg kg(-1) ) doses of concizumab were administered to healthy volunteers (n = 28) and hemophilia patients (n = 24).

RESULTS

Concizumab had a favorable safety profile after single i.v. or s.c. administration. There were no serious adverse events and no anti-concizumab antibodies. No clinically relevant changes in platelets, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, or antithrombin were found. A dose-dependent procoagulant effect of concizumab was seen as increased levels of D-dimers and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2. Nonlinear pharmacokinetics of concizumab was observed due to target-mediated clearance. A maximum mean AUC0-∞ of 33 960 h μg mL(-1) and a maximum mean concentration of 247 μg mL(-1) was measured at the highest dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Concizumab showed a favorable safety profile after i.v. or s.c. administration and nonlinear pharmacokinetics was observed due to target-mediated clearance. A concentration-dependent procoagulant effect of concizumab was observed, supporting further study into the potential use of s.c. concizumab for hemophilia treatment.

The pharmacokinetics of a B-domain truncated recombinant factor VIII, turoctocog alfa (NovoEight®), in patients with hemophilia A

BACKGROUND

Turoctocog alfa (NovoEight(®)) is a human recombinant coagulation factor VIII (rFVIII) for the treatment of patients with hemophilia A.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of turoctocog alfa in all age groups across clinical trials.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Data from previously treated patients with severe hemophilia A (FVIII activity level of ≤ 1%) with no history of FVIII inhibitors, in a non-bleeding state, were included. The pharmacokinetics were assessed following a wash-out period and a subsequent single intravenous 50 IU kg(-1) dose of turoctocog alfa. Blood was sampled during a 48-h period postdose. Standard pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were estimated on the basis of plasma FVIII activity vs. time (PK profiles) with non-compartmental methods. Furthermore, a population PK analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Data from 76 patients (aged 1-60 years) enrolled globally across six clinical trials were included, totaling 105 turoctocog alfa PK profiles. Single-dose PK results 3-6 months after the first dose of turoctocog alfa were comparable with the results obtained after the first dose. Similar PK characteristics were shown for different lots and strengths of the drug product. Overall, area under the plasma concentration (activity) curve from administration to infinity (AUC) and t1(/2) tended to increase with increasing age, with lower AUC and shorter t(1/2) being seen in children than in adolescents and adults. The PK profiles of turoctocog alfa and other commercially available plasma-derived FVIII and rFVIII products were similar in all age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The PK characteristics of turoctocog alfa have been thoroughly studied, and shown to be consistent over time, reproducible between different lots and strengths of drug product, and similar to those observed for other FVIII products.

Novel investigations on the protective role of the FVIII/VWF complex in inhibitor development

Development of inhibitory antibodies to infused factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates is the most serious unresolved complication of haemophilia A treatment. Systematic reviews suggest a twofold higher incidence of inhibitors with recombinant (rFVIII) vs. plasma-derived (pdFVIII) FVIII products, but study methodologies vary widely. The lower immunogenicity of pdFVIII concentrates is believed to derive from the presence of von Willebrand factor (VWF) which acts as protector and chaperone for FVIII. Several novel investigations reinforce the protective role of the VWF/FVIII complex in inhibitor development. At the basic science level, numerous in vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that VWF-containing pdFVIII concentrates (pdFVIII/VWF) provide better protection against inhibitor neutralization than rFVIII products. Conformational aspects of the binding between VWF and FVIII are thought to prevent the 'attack' on FVIII by inhibitory antibodies. VWF/FVIII binding is 100% in pdFVIII products but only 80% in recombinant products and this 'free' FVIII may be a target for inhibitory antibodies. At the clinical level, newer strategies to prevent inhibitor development in previously untreated patients with severe haemophilia are under investigation. The concept of early prophylaxis (before the onset of a bleed) is convincing from a theoretical point of view but requires further evaluation. The Study on Inhibitors in Plasma-Product Exposed Toddlers is specifically addressing the issue of relative immunogenicity between classes of FVIII product (recombinant vs. plasma-derived). Currently nearing its target enrolment of 300 patients, this international randomized controlled trial is expected to provide some definitive answers about this ever-present clinical dilemma.

Pathogen inactivation and removal methods for plasma-derived clotting factor concentrates

Pathogen safety is crucial for plasma-derived clotting factor concentrates used in the treatment of bleeding disorders. Plasma, the starting material for these products, is collected by plasmapheresis (source plasma) or derived from whole blood donations (recovered plasma). The primary measures regarding pathogen safety are selection of healthy donors donating in centers with appropriate epidemiologic data for the main blood-transmissible viruses, screening donations for the absence of relevant infectious blood-borne viruses, and release of plasma pools for further processing only if they are nonreactive for serologic markers and nucleic acids for these viruses. Despite this testing, pathogen inactivation and/or removal during the manufacturing process of plasma-derived clotting factor concentrates is required to ensure prevention of transmission of infectious agents. Historically, hepatitis viruses and human immunodeficiency virus have posed the greatest threat to patients receiving plasma-derived therapy for treatment of hemophilia or von Willebrand disease. Over the past 30 years, dedicated virus inactivation and removal steps have been integrated into factor concentrate production processes, essentially eliminating transmission of these viruses. Manufacturing steps used in the purification of factor concentrates have also proved to be successful in reducing potential prion infectivity. In this review, current techniques for inactivation and removal of pathogens from factor concentrates are discussed. Ideally, production processes should involve a combination of complementary steps for pathogen inactivation and/or removal to ensure product safety. Finally, potential batch-to-batch contamination is avoided by stringent cleaning and sanitization methods as part of the manufacturing process.

Frequent off-label use of fondaparinux in patients with suspected acute heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)--findings from the GerHIT multi-centre registry study

INTRODUCTION

In life-threatening immune heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), treatment with an approved non-heparin anticoagulant is essential. However, off-label use with fondaparinux has been reported in the literature. The study aim was to collect data on "real-life" management of patients with suspected acute HIT regarding diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a national multi-centre registry study, patients with a 4T's HIT-probability score of ≥ 4 points and treatment with at least one dose of (A)rgatroban, (L)epirudin, (D)anaparoid, or (F)ondaparinux were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 195 patients, the 4T's scores were 4/5/6/7/8 points in 46 (23.6%)/50 (25.6%)/74 (38.0%)/13 (6.7%)/7 (3.6%) patients, respectively. During heparin therapy, 47 (24.1%) thromboembolic events, 5 (2.6%) skin lesions, 1 (0.5%) amputation, 24 (12.3%) Hb-relevant bleedings, and 2 (1.0%) fatalities occurred. A functional heparin-induced platelet activation assay was performed in 96.9%, a platelet factor 4/heparin-dependent enzyme immunoassay in 89.2%, a particle gel immunoassay in 12.3%, and a serotonin-release assay in none of the patients. Argatroban was used in 16.4%, lepirudin in 2.1%, danaparoid in 23.6%, fondaparinux in 40.0% of the patients; the sequential therapy strata were: AF (5.6%), DA (5.6%), DF (2.6%), DL (2.1%), ADF (1.5%), and DFL (0.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The current diagnostic laboratory strategy for suspected HIT is mostly (>96%) based on the recommended 2-step strategy (immunoassay plus functional assay). However, there is a wide fondaparinux off-label use (up to 50.3%) for suspected HIT, even in those patients with a high clinical pretest probability. Efficacy and safety of fondaparinux for HIT-treatment require further evaluation.

Beriate® P in the treatment of patients with haemophilia A: results of a long-term pharmacovigilance study

BACKGROUND

The German Beriate(®) P pharmacovigilance study started in 2003 and is planned to run until December 2013.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This analysis included data from 84 haemophilia A patients treated with the high-purity, plasma-derived coagulation factor VIII concentrate Beriate(®) P. Prior to study start, 69 of the 80 patients for whom data were available had received previous treatment with Beriate(®) P (mean treatment period 7.1 ± 5.4 years). The mean study duration from the start of pharmacovigilance was 43.3 ± 30.3 months (median 43.5 months; range 0-101.9months). The most common treatment at the last visit was prophylaxis (65.7% of patients), which was most commonly administered at a frequency of three infusions/week in 47.3% of patients.

RESULTS

Most patients experienced up to six minor bleeds/year. For 1,311 bleeding episodes, a median of one infusion/bleed was administered (mean 2.8 ± 4.7; range 0-83). The clinical response to Beriate(®) P was rated "excellent"/"good" in 94% of 32 visits of patients with major bleeding. The clinical response for patients with minor bleeding was rated "excellent"/"good" in 98.5% of 377 visits. One clinically relevant inhibitor in a previously untreated patient was documented during the study course. There were no reports of virus transmissions suspected to be caused by Beriate(®) P prior to the study start or during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings confirm the excellent efficacy, safety, and tolerability of Beriate(®) P in the treatment of a wide spectrum of previously untreated patients up to adult patients with haemophilia A.

Long-term efficacy and safety of a pasteurized, plasma-derived factor VIII concentrate (Beriate® P) in patients with haemophilia A

Introduction

Beriate^® P was first introduced in Germany in 1990 as factor VIII (FVIII):C^® HS Behring and subsequent product improvements yielded an albumin-free formulation with a specific activity of approximately 170 IU/mg protein. In 1992, the concentration was raised to 100 IU FVIII/mL in the reconstituted product, with a mean specific activity of 270 IU/mg protein. Pathogen safety is achieved by careful donor selection and a combination of pasteurization and chromatographic purification steps.

Materials and methods

We analysed the efficacy and safety of Beriate^® P in the clinical setting from 1996 to 2005 with a focus on surgical patients. Of the 36 patients (mean age: 38 years; range 1–72 years), 29 had severe haemophilia A, two had moderate haemophilia, two had mild haemophilia, and three had sub-clinical haemophilia. Most patients (n = 28) had more than 100 exposure days, representing a total of 202 patient-years with a consumption of 27,811,500 IU of Beriate^® P.

Results

There was no evidence of seroconversion towards relevant viruses, no inhibitor development (35 previously treated patients, one previously untreated patient), no abnormal immunological findings or allergic reactions. In all 36 patients treated for acute bleeding and prophylaxis, and 24 surgeries (15 total joint replacements, eight orthopaedic procedures, one cholecystectomy) in 16 patients with severe haemophilia A, efficacy of Beriate^® P was always rated as “excellent” or “good”, and no thrombosis was reported.

Conclusion

Beriate^® P has an excellent efficacy and safety profile. Many patients who were initiated on Beriate^® P at our centre remain on the treatment today.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of a novel recombinant human von Willebrand factor manufactured with a plasma-free method: a prospective clinical trial

Safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of recombinant von Willebrand factor (rVWF) combined at a fixed ratio with recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) were investigated in 32 subjects with type 3 or severe type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD) in a prospective phase 1, multicenter, randomized clinical trial. rVWF was well tolerated and no thrombotic events, inhibitors, or serious adverse events were observed. The PK of rVWF ristocetin cofactor activity, VWF antigen, and collagen-binding activity were similar to those of the comparator plasma-derived (pd) VWF-pdFVIII. In vivo cleavage of ultra-large molecular-weight rVWF multimers by ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13; the endogenous VWF protease) and generation of characteristic satellite bands were demonstrated. In 2 subjects with specific nonneutralizing anti-VWF-binding antibodies already detectable before rVWF infusion, a reduction in VWF multimers and VWF activity was observed. Stabilization of endogenous FVIII was enhanced following post-rVWF-rFVIII infusion as shown by the difference in area under the plasma concentration curve compared with pdVWF-pdFVIII (AUC0-∞) (P < .01). These data support the concept of administering rVWF alone once a therapeutic level of endogenous FVIII is achieved.

Insights into pathological mechanisms of missense mutations in C-terminal domains of von Willebrand factor causing qualitative or quantitative von Willebrand disease

The carboxyl-terminal domains of von Willebrand factor, D4-CK, are cysteine-rich implying that they are structurally important. In this study we characterized the impact of five cysteine missense mutations residing in D4-CK domains on the conformation and biosynthesis of von Willebrand factor. These variants were identified as heterozygous in type 1 (p.Cys2619Tyr and p.Cys2676Phe), type 2A (p.Cys2085Tyr and p.Cys2327Trp) and as compound heterozygous in type 3 (p.Cys2283Arg) von Willebrand disease. Transient expression of human cell lines with wild-type or mutant von Willebrand factor constructs was performed. The mutated and wild-type recombinant von Willebrand factors were quantitatively and qualitatively assessed and compared. Storage of von Willebrand factor in pseudo-Weibel-Palade bodies was studied with confocal microscopy. The structural impact of the mutations was analyzed by homology modeling. Homozygous expressions showed that these mutations caused defects in multimerization, elongation of pseudo-Weibel-Palade bodies and secretion of von Willebrand factor. Co-expressions of wild-type von Willebrand factor and p.Cys2085Tyr, p.Cys2327Trp and p.Cys2283Arg demonstrated defective multimer assembly, suggesting a new pathological mechanism for dominant type 2A von Willebrand disease due to mutations in D4 and B domains. Structural analysis revealed that mutations p.Cys2283Arg, p.Cys2619Tyr and p.Cys2676Phe disrupted intra-domain disulfide bonds, whereas p.Cys2327Trp might affect an inter-domain disulfide bond. The p.Cys2327Trp variant is distinguished from the other mutants by an electrophoretic mobility shift of the multimer bands. The results highlight the importance of cysteine residues within the carboxyl-terminal of von Willebrand factor on structural conformation of the protein and consequently multimerization, storage, and secretion of von Willebrand factor.

The influence of thrombophilic risk factors on vascular access survival in chronic dialysis patients in a retrospective evaluation

BACKGROUND

Vascular access by dialysis graft or fistula is of major importance for hemodialysis treatment. Vascular access occlusion is one main reason for hospitalization of patients on hemodialysis. Thrombophilic risk factors are discussed as one cause for occlusion. The aim of this study was to determine if the presence of thrombophilic factors is associated with a reduced survival rate of vascular dialysis access.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The following thrombophilic parameters were measured in every hemodialysis patient from five outpatient dialysis centers in Berlin: antithrombin, protein C, protein S, prothrombin mutation (G20210A), factor V mutation (G1691A), lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, factor VIII, plasminogen activator inhibitor, homocysteine and lipoprotein(a). Vascular access characteristics such as vascular access material (PTFE graft or native fistula) and location were also recorded. Each patient's medical history was documented.

RESULTS

199 patients with a total of 499 vascular accesses in the past (311 native fistulas (62.3 %) and 188 PTFE grafts (33.7 %)) were included in this study. The type of vascular access played an important role, with mean survival times of 34.2 months for native fistulas versus 9.5 months for grafts. There was at least one thrombophilic risk factor present in 69.8 % of the patients. In the univariate analysis thrombophilia had a significant influence on vascular access survival. The effect persisted throughout the multivariate analysis. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that the presence of thrombophilic factors was associated with a 43 % (mild) to 105 % (severe thrombophilia) increased risk of occlusion of the vascular access, corresponding to a 45 % to 68 % reduction of native access survival time. The influence of thrombophilia was evident in fistulas as well as in PTFE grafts.

CONCLUSIONS

Thrombophilia plays a role in vascular accesses survival in patients on hemodialysis. In hemodialysis patients with recurrent occlusions of vascular access thrombophilia testing should be performed.

Recruitment update of AHEAD

The multicenter prospective non-interventional AHEAD study was initiated to obtain long-term outcome data on joint health, HR-QoL, haemophilia-related co-morbidities, and the effectiveness and safety of ADVATE (recombinant anti-hemophilic factor VIII, plasma-free method [octocog alfa]) in routine clinical practice. The German AHEAD study arm aims to enroll up to 500 patients in up to 35 haemophilia treatment centers (HTCs); patient recruitment started in June 2010. The study arm conducted in other European countries is expected to enroll 350 patients from more than 50 HTCs; recruitment started in June 2011. In both study arms, recruitment will continue through the end of 2015, and each enrolled patient will be followed for a total of four years.

Deficiencies of antithrombin, protein C and protein S - practical experience in genetic analysis of a large patient cohort

Deficiencies of natural anticoagulant proteins including antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC) and protein S (PS) are important causes of inherited thrombophilia. This study aimed to report on the practical experience gained in performing genetic analyses of a large cohort of patients with AT, PC and PS deficiencies and to relate this knowledge to clinical application. We genotyped a large cohort of 709 unrelated patients with AT (231), PC (234) and PS (244) deficiencies referred to us by physicians throughout Germany. Mutations were detected by direct sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). The highest mutation detection rate (MDR) was found for the SERPINC1 gene (83.5%), followed by the PROC (69%) and PROS1 (43%) genes. Even at AT activities close to the normal range (75%), the MDR was 70%. Contrastingly, for PC and PS deficiencies, the MDR dropped significantly and mildly lowered to subnormal values. At PS activities >55% for PS no mutations were detected. Mutation profiles of all three genes were similar with the highest prevalence for missense mutations (63-78%), followed by nonsense (7-11%), splice-site mutations (7-13%), small deletions (1-8%), small insertions/duplications (1-4%) and large deletions (3-6%). In conclusion, genetic testing is a useful diagnostic tool for diagnosing thrombophilia. Based on our data, genetic analysis for patients with AT deficiency is indicated for all subnormal activities. In contrast, genotyping is not advisable for PC activities >70% and for PS activities >55%.

Safety and pharmacokinetics of subcutaneously administered recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa)

BACKGROUND

 Recombinant activated factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is used to treat bleeds in hemophilia patients with inhibitors. A subcutaneous formulation could potentially improve its half-life and make it suitable for prophylactic treatment.

OBJECTIVES

 A study was conducted to determine the safety of subcutaneously administered rFVIIa in patients with hemophilia and the pharmacokinetic profile (including bioavailability).

PATIENTS/METHODS

 This was a multicenter, open-label, cross-over comparison of single doses of intravenous rFVIIa 90μgkg(-1) and a new formulation of rFVIIa for subcutaneous injection at dose levels of 45, 90, 180, 270 and 360μgkg(-1) . Sixty subjects (12 per dose cohort) with hemophilia A or B were enrolled.

RESULTS

 Subcutaneously administered rFVIIa showed lower mean peak plasma concentrations and prolonged FVII activity (C(max) , 0.44-5.16IU mL(-1) [across doses]; t(1/2) , 12.4h; t(max) , 5.6h) compared with intravenously administered rFVIIa (C(max) , 51.7IUmL(-1) ; t(1/2) , 2.7h; t(max) , <10min). The absolute bioavailability of subcutaneous rFVIIa ranged from 21.1 to 30.1% across dose levels. Dose proportionality was observed within a 2-fold dose increase but not across the full dose range. No thromboembolic events, drug-related serious adverse events, severe injection-site reactions or neutralizing antibodies were reported (primary endpoint). Mild and moderate injection-site reactions were more frequent with subcutaneous than with intravenous injections.

CONCLUSION

 This phase I clinical trial did not identify safety concerns of prolonged exposure to rFVIIa administered subcutaneously in single doses to hemophilia patients.

AHEAD. Advate in HaEmophilia A outcome Database

The clinical picture of haemophilia A patients is often characterised by recurrent bleedings, in particular joint bleeds. Thus far, long-term data on the outcome of haemophilia A patients are scarce as regards the development of target joints, joint replacement, lost days from school or work due to bleedings, and the quality of life, as most previous studies were limited to the aspects of safety and efficacy. The Baxter-initiated AHEAD (Advate in HaEmophilia A outcome Database) study is a multi-centre, prospective, non-interventional observational study of haemophilia A patients. All patients with a residual FVIII activity of £5% who are being treated with ADVATE are eligible. There are no limitations in terms of patient age or treatment regimen. AHEAD is scientifically supported by a renowned interdisciplinary steering board and is intended to yield data on 500 patients in up to 30 haemophilia centres, collected during a period of four years. The large patient population has been chosen in order to ensure a valid database. The objective of the study is to record haemophilia-related arthropathies, which will be defined based on imaging techniques (e. g. MRI, X-ray, ultrasound) and the judgment of the attending physician. In addition, extensive data will be collected on joint replacement surgeries, pseudotumour development, bleeding-related pain, quality of life (age-related questionnaires: Haem-A-QoL, Haemo-QoL, SF10, SF12v2), risk factors (diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, nicotine abuse), blood group, gene mutation, physical activity, and on the efficacy and safety of Advate. The patient data will be entered into an electronic CRF system at the centres. Plausibility checks during data entry, regular monitoring visits, and the option of auditing all serve to ensure a high data quality for AHEAD. The first patient was enrolled in the study in early June 2010; recruitment is planned to continue until the end of 2011. The Ethics Committee of the University of Bonn has given its favorable opinion.

[Haemophilia A and haemophilia B. Are there relevant clinical differences?]

Haemophilia B (HB) was described in 1952 as a single disease for the first time. In comparison to haemophilia A (HA) the bleeding tendency seemed to be less severe. The aim of this study was to investigate this hypothesis in all patients with HA and HB treated in the haemophilia care center of the Vivantes Klinikum.

PATIENTS, METHODS

All patients with severe HA and HB treated at the haemophilia care center were included. We evaluated the regimen of replacement therapy and factor concentrate consumption within the last 5 years (1/2004 to 12/2008). Intracerebral bleeds were analysed over the whole life span of the included patients.

RESULTS

111/181 patients with HA had the severe form and 12/34 patients severe HB. 4/12 patients with severe HB had a history of intracerebral bleeding in comparison to 5/111 patients with severe HA. 2/8 adult patients with severe HB used a prophylactic treatment with factor concentrates (mean consumption 1289 IU factor IX/kg BW/year) in contrast to 60/95 adult patients with HA (mean consumption 2109 IU factor VIII /kg BW/year).

CONCLUSION

The data suggest a milder bleeding type of patients with severe HB in comparison to patients with severe HA but may be patients with severe HB are at higher risk for intracerebral bleeds.

[Inhibitor development against FVIII in previously treated patients with haemophilia A. A retrospective data collection]

In a retrospective study 118 haemophilia A patients from two treatment centres (Berlin and Muenster) were evaluated with respect to safety, i. e. inhibitor development, and efficacy of bleeding control of recombinant FVIII products. During approx. 57 thousand injections with more than 87 million I.U. rFVIII no de novo inhibitor was observed in patients previously treated with pFVIII after switch to a recombinant product. A total of 75 thousand injections with more than 111 million I.U. FVIII had been applied during the investigation period of 14 years. Before as well as after switch of the product type bleeding episodes could be controlled with one to two injections per bleed.

CONCLUSION

According to our results equal safety and efficacy of plasma derived and recombinant FVIII products can be assumed.

Hämophilie A und Hämophilie B

Haemophilia B (HB) was described in 1952 as a single disease for the first time. In comparison to haemophilia A (HA) the bleeding tendency seemed to be less severe. The aim of this study was to investigate this hypothesis in all patients with HA and HB treated in the haemophilia care center of the Vivantes Klinikum. Patients, methods: All patients with severe HA and HB treated at the haemophilia care center were included. We evaluated the regimen of replacement therapy and factor concentrate consumption within the last 5 years (1/2004 to 12/2008). Intracerebral bleeds were analysed over the whole life span of the included patients. Results: 111/181 patients with HA had the severe form and 12/34 patients severe HB. 4/12 patients with severe HB had a history of intracerebral bleeding in comparison to 5/111 patients with severe HA. 2/8 adult patients with severe HB used a prophylactic treatment with factor concentrates (mean consumption 1289 IU factor IX/kg BW/ year) in contrast to 60/95 adult patients with HA (mean consumption 2109 IU factor VIII /kg BW/year). Conclusion: The data suggest a milder bleeding type of patients with severe HB in comparison to patients with severe HA but may be patients with severe HB are at higher risk for intracerebral bleeds.

AHEAD

The clinical picture of haemophilia A patients is often characterised by recurrent bleedings, in particular joint bleeds. Thus far, long-term data on the outcome of haemophilia A patients are scarce as regards the development of target joints, joint replacement, lost days from school or work due to bleedings, and the quality of life, as most previous studies were limited to the aspects of safety and efficacy. The Baxter-initiated AHEAD (Advate in HaEmophilia A outcome Database) study is a multi-centre, prospective, non-interventional observational study of haemophilia A patients. All patients with a residual FVIII activity of ≤ 5% who are being treated with ADVATE are eligible. There are no limitations in terms of patient age or treatment regimen.

AHEAD is scientifically supported by a renowned interdisciplinary steering board and is intended to yield data on 500 patients in up to 30 haemophilia centres, collected during a period of four years. The large patient population has been chosen in order to ensure a valid database. The objective of the study is to record haemophilia-related arthropathies, which will be defined based on imaging techniques (e. g. MRI, X-ray, ultrasound) and the judgment of the attending physician. In addition, extensive data will be collected on joint replacement surgeries, pseudotumour development, bleeding-related pain, quality of life (age-related questionnaires: Haem-A-QoL, Haemo-QoL, SF10, SF12v2), risk factors (diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, nicotine abuse), blood group, gene mutation, physical activity, and on the efficacy and safety of Advate.

The patient data will be entered into an electronic CRF system at the centres. Plausibility checks during data entry, regular monitoring visits, and the option of auditing all serve to ensure a high data quality for AHEAD. The first patient was enrolled in the study in early June 2010; recruitment is planned to continue until the end of 2011. The Ethics Committee of the University of Bonn has given its favorable opinion.

Challenges and controversies in haemophilia care in adulthood

Overall life expectancy and quality of life among persons with haemophilia have increased in recent years, primarily because of the advances in factor replacement therapy and better treatment of infectious diseases. Older haemophilic patients now face aging co-morbidities that are common in the general male population, such as cardiovascular or metabolic diseases, prostate hypertrophy and hepatic, prostate and other cancers. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease and incidence of vascular events among older haemophilic patients can be expected to increase and haemophilic patients may become prone to some cardiovascular risk factors, warranting preventative measures. The treatment of long-term complications of hepatitis C virus infection such as liver cirrhosis and hepatic cancer can be expected to be required in a large portion of the older haemophilia population for some years to come. Appropriate antiviral treatment and close monitoring for possible disease advancement will constitute an important part of routine medical care, and special considerations may be appropriate in conjunction with invasive procedures, chemo- or radiotherapy. At the moment, hard data on which to base the management of these conditions are largely lacking, but can be expected to increase dramatically in the coming decades. In the meantime, the ageing population of haemophilia patients should be offered the same comprehensive health care offered to the general population, which may require a restructuring of health care delivery.

[Relevance of a single dose of 270 microg/kg recombinant factor VIIa for the treatment of patients with haemophilia and inhibitors - Recommendations from the GTH experts]

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa; NovoSeven) is, besides other indications, authorised for the treatment of bleeding episodes in patients with hereditary haemophilia A or B and inhibitors. Based on the results of three clinical studies, marketing authorisation was granted for the single dose of 270 microg/kg body weight rFVIIa for the treatment of mild to moderate bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors in March 2007. Thereupon, an expert group analysed the relevance of this additional treatment option for clinical routine. Compared with the repeated application of 90 microg/kg body weight rFVIIa, quality of life may be improved if the single dose of 270 microg/kg body weight rFVIIa reduces the number of injections. The single dose has a benefit for those patients who require several rFVIIa applications or who do not respond adequately to low doses. Moreover, patients with poor venous access or patients who fear injections or reject them (especially children) may benefit from the single dose. The prescription of 270 microg/kg body weight rFVIIa as a single dose instead of multiple dosing of 90 microg/kg body weight is basically an individual and indication-related decision.

[Haemophilia A, B or von Willebrand disease type 3. Census of patients in the eastern part of Germany]

Diagnostics and treatment of severe forms of haemorrhagic diatheses (HD), such as haemophilia A, B or type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD) need high standards in haemophilia treatment centers (HTCs). Due to their generally low incidence, a close cooperation of haemophilia treaters is needed to optimize treatment strategies. For this purpose, the Kompetenznetz Hämorrhagische Diathesen Ost was founded. The first project was the conduction of a survey of epidemiological data of patients with HA, HB and type 3 VWD in all HTCs in the eastern part of Germany.

METHOD

The study assessed the data regarding numbers of patients treated with HA, HB or type 3 VWD, disease severity, regime of coagulation factor replacement (CFR) and the frequency of factor VIII and IX inhibitors.

RESULTS

Up to now, data of 838 patients from 27 HTCs were evaluated (5-151 per HTCs). Among the included patients, 201 were children or adolescents (<18 years). 81 children suffered from severe HA, 20 from severe HB and 10 from type 3 VWD. In 637 adults we found 246 with severe HA, 51 severe HB and 28 VWD of type 3. The most commonly used treatment of CFR in patients with severe disease was prophylactic modality. 90% of the children received prophylaxis, but also in 64% of the adults an intermittent or long-term secondary prophylaxis was the preferred treatment. At the time of survey conduction, a factor VIII or IX inhibitor was present in 1.9% of the children and in 1.6% of the adults with haemophilia.

CONCLUSION

Our data allow an overview of the number of patients and treatment strategies in the eastern part of Germany.