Validation of 4% albumin as a diluent in the Bethesda Assay for FVIII inhibitors

International Council for Standardization in Haematology recommendations for laboratory measurement of factor VIII and FIX type I inhibitors

This guidance document has been prepared on behalf of the International Council for Standardisation in Hematology. The aim of the document is to provide guidance and recommendations on the measurement of factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX (FIX) inhibitors. After an introduction on the clinical background and relevance of factor VIII and factor IX inhibitor testing, the following aspects of laboratory testing are included: screening for inhibitors, assay principle, sample requirements, testing requirements and interpretation, quality assurance, interferences and recent developments. This guidance document focusses on recommendations for a standardised procedure for the laboratory measurement of FVIII and FIX type I inhibitors. The recommendations are based on published data in peer-reviewed literature and expert opinion.

Impact of different factor VIII inhibitor kinetic profiles on the inhibitor titer quantification using the modified Nijmegen–Bethesda assay

Background

Coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitor titer quantification is vital for optimizing care in people with hemophilia A.

Objectives

This study analyzed the impact of the different kinetic profiles of four FVIII monoclonal antibodies on inhibitor titer quantification using the modified Nijmegen–Bethesda assay.

Methods

Concentration‐related and time‐related profiles of FVIII antibodies (4A4, BO2C11, 2‐54, ESH‐8) were evaluated in vitro. FVIII residual activity was measured using a one‐stage clotting assay and chromogenic substrate assay. Profiles of the FVIII antibodies were compared with the theoretical kinetic model: the ideal log (residual activity)‐linear (inhibitor concentration) relationship. Different theoretical kinetic model–dependent and –independent criteria to calculate FVIII inhibitor titer were compared.

Results

Factor VIII monoclonal antibodies had different concentration‐related and time‐related profiles, ideal for comparative analysis using the modified Nijmegen–Bethesda assay. The kinetic profile of 4A4 was similar to the theoretical kinetic model, while BO2C11 showed a steeper curve, and 2‐54 and ESH‐8 a flatter curve, than the model. In the modified Nijmegen–Bethesda assay, conversion of measured FVIII residual activities for different inhibitor dilutions into FVIII inhibitor titer is based on the theoretical kinetic model. Therefore, titer calculations for FVIII inhibitors that deviate from the model are prone to underestimation or overestimation. Calculating a theoretical dilution at 50% FVIII residual activity by sigmoidal regression reflecting different kinetic inhibition profiles can provide a more accurate titer result.

Conclusion

Kinetic profiles of FVIII antibodies can deviate from the theoretical kinetic model in the modified Nijmegen–Bethesda assay, leading to differences in FVIII inhibitor titer quantification.

The Art of Detecting Antibodies against Factor VIII

Antibodies against factor VIII (FVIII) can be detected based on their ability to neutralize the procoagulant activity of FVIII (neutralizing antibodies, inhibitors), or based on their specific binding capacity to FVIII protein. This article reviews the available assays and their clinical interpretation in patients with congenital and acquired hemophilia.

Laboratory testing for factor VIII and IX inhibitors in haemophilia: A review

Inhibitors are antibodies directed against haemophilia treatment products which interfere with their function. Factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors in haemophilia A and factor IX (FIX) inhibitors in haemophilia B are significant clinically when they require a change in a patient's treatment regimen. Their persistence may increase morbidity and mortality. Multiple laboratory tests are now available for detecting and understanding inhibitors in haemophilia. Inhibitors are traditionally measured by their interference in clotting or chromogenic factor assays. They may also be detected using immunologic assays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or fluorescence immunoassay. Anti-FVIII or anti-FIX antibodies of IgG4 subclass best correlate with the presence of functional inhibitors. Improvements in inhibitor measurement have been recently introduced. Preanalytical heat treatment of patient specimens allows testing of patients without delaying treatment. Use of chromogenic and immunologic assays may aid in identification of false-positive results, which are frequent among low-titre inhibitors. Validated reagent substitutions can be used to reduce assay cost. New methods for defining assay positivity and reporting low-titre inhibitors have been suggested. Challenges remain in the areas of quality control, assay standardization, monitoring of patients undergoing immune tolerance induction therapy and testing in the presence of modified and novel treatment products.

Diagnostic accuracy study of a factor VIII ELISA for detection of factor VIII antibodies in congenital and acquired haemophilia A

Antibody formation to factor VIII (FVIII) remains the greatest clinical and diagnostic challenge to the haemophilia-treating physician. Current guidance for testing for inhibitory FVIII antibodies (inhibitors) recommends the functional Nijmegen-Bethesda assay (NBA). A FVIII ELISA offers a complementary, immunological approach for FVIII antibody testing. It was the aim of this study to retrospectively evaluate the performance of a FVIII ELISA (index) for detection of FVIII antibodies, compared with the NBA (reference). All samples sent for routine FVIII antibody testing at two haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centres, were tested in parallel using the NBA and a solid-phase, indirect FVIII ELISA kit (Immucor). A total of 497 samples from 239 patients (severe haemophilia A=140, non-severe haemophilia A=85, acquired haemophilia A=14) were available for analysis. Sixty-THree samples tested positive by the NBA (prevalence 12.7 %, 95 % confidence interval [CI], 9.9–15.9 %), with a median inhibitor titre of 1.2 BU/ml (range 0.7–978.0). The FVIII ELISA demonstrated a specificity of 94.0 % (95 %CI, 91.3–96.0), sensitivity of 77.8 % (95 %CI, 65.5–87.3), negative predictive value of 96.7 % (95 %CI, 94.5–98.2), positive predictive value 65.3 % (95 %CI, 53.5–76.0), negative likelihood ratio 0.2 (95 %CI, 0.1–0.4), positive likelihood ratio 13.0 (95 %CI, 8.7–19.3) and a diagnostic odds ratio of 54.9 (95 %CI, 27.0–112.0). Strong positive correlation (r=0.77, p< 0.001) was seen between the results of the NBA (log adjusted) and FVIII ELISA optical density. In conclusion, FVIII ELISA offers a simple, specific, surveillance method enabling batch testing of non-urgent samples for the presence of FVIII antibodies.

Detection and Measurement of Factor Inhibitors

Specific coagulation factor inhibitors, most notably to coagulation factor VIII, can develop in patients with hemophilia after exposure to replacement factor or as an acquired (autoimmune) event. Such inhibitors can be detected by a combination of prolonged coagulation screening tests, such as the activated partial thromboplastin time, plus a non-correcting mixing test. Non-correction may only be evident, or else may be extenuated, with incubation at 37 °C. The Bethesda assay for quantitation of inhibitor strength is based on a combination of mixing tests followed by specific factor assays.