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Moser MM, Schoergenhofer C, Jilma B. Progress in von Willebrand Disease Treatment: Evolution towards Newer Therapies. Semin Thromb Hemost 2024; 50:720-732. [PMID: 38331000 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a very heterogenous disease, resulting in different phenotypes and different degrees of bleeding severity. Established therapies (i.e., desmopressin, antifibrinolytic agents, hormone therapy for heavy menstrual bleeding, and von Willebrand factor [VWF] concentrates) may work in some subtypes, but not in all patients. In recent years, progress has been made in improving the diagnosis of VWD subtypes, allowing for more specific therapy. The impact of VWD on women's daily lives has also come to the fore in recent years, with hormone therapy, tranexamic acid, or recombinant VWF as treatment options. New treatment approaches, including the replacement of lacking factor VIII (FVIII) function, may work in those subgroups affected by severe FVIII deficiency. Reducing the clearance of VWF is an alternative treatment pathway; for example, rondaptivon pegol is a VWFA1 domain-binding aptamer which not only improves plasma VWF/FVIII levels, but also corrects platelet counts in thrombocytopenic type 2B VWD patients. These approaches are currently in clinical development, which will be the focus of this review. In addition, half-life extension methods are also important for the improvement of patients' quality of life. Targeting specific mutations may further lead to personalized treatments in the future. Finally, a few randomized controlled trials, although relatively small, have been published in recent years, aiming to achieve a higher level of evidence in future guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam M Moser
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Bernd Jilma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Giuffrida AC, Siboni SM, Baronciani L, Poli G, Gandini G, Peyvandi F. Emicizumab in Type 3 von Willebrand Disease: Report of a Case with an Alloantibody and Literature Review. Semin Thromb Hemost 2024. [PMID: 38936417 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most severe form of VWD, is an inherited recessive bleeding disorder caused by the complete deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF). The reported prevalence is 1 per million but varies worldwide according to the frequency of consanguineous marriages. The clinical phenotype is characterized not only by mucocutaneous bleedings, but also by hemarthroses and muscle hematoma, as in patients with moderate hemophilia. Long-term prophylaxis with factor (F)VIII/VWF concentrates is recommended in patients with a history of severe and frequent bleeds. A rare complication of replacement therapy is the development of alloantibodies against VWF, with the consequences of an ineffective therapy and risk of anaphylactic reactions upon treatment. Emicizumab is the first bispecific monoclonal antibody that mimics FVIII coagulant activity and is approved for prophylaxis of bleeding in patients with inherited hemophilia A with or without inhibitors and recently also for acquired hemophilia. In this manuscript we report and discuss available data in the literature on the use of emicizumab in type 3 VWD and describe the case of a female patient with type 3 VWD with a history of alloantibodies against VWF and posttransfusion anaphylaxis, recently and successfully put on off-label prophylaxis with emicizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Giuffrida
- Transfusion Medicine Department, Hemophilia Center, Integrated University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Simona M Siboni
- IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Luciano Baronciani
- IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Poli
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gandini
- Transfusion Medicine Department, Hemophilia Center, Integrated University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Flora Peyvandi
- IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
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James P, Leebeek F, Casari C, Lillicrap D. Diagnosis and treatment of von Willebrand disease in 2024 and beyond. Haemophilia 2024; 30 Suppl 3:103-111. [PMID: 38481079 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
MANUSCRIPT BACKGROUND AND AIM The diagnosis and clinical care of patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) has continued to evolve since the characterization of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) gene in 1985. This condition is almost certainly the most common inherited bleeding disorder, and the major symptomatic burden of the disease is experienced by females during their reproductive years. Diagnosis relies on the identification of a personal and family history of excessive mucocutaneous bleeding, and laboratory features consistent with quantitative and/or qualitative abnormalities of VWF. This review focuses on three aspects of VWD management, with current updates and a look into the future. MANUSCRIPT THEMES First, we will address the role of genetics in the diagnosis and possible therapies for VWD. With current technologies, VWD genetic diagnosis is usually confined to the confirmation of type 2 subtypes of the disease and type 3 VWD analysis for family planning. While type 3 VWD is a potential candidate for the application of gene therapy, no treatments are currently close to entering the clinic. Second, the peri-procedural management of patients with VWD remains an important element of care. The choice of product, its dose and schedule all require careful consideration depending upon the type and disruptive nature of the planned procedure. Lastly, in addition to gene therapy, several other novel therapeutic interventions are also being developed for bleeding and prophylaxis in VWD. These include a VWF aptamer interfering with VWF clearance and bioengineered forms of VWF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula James
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Frank Leebeek
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Caterina Casari
- University Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Hemostasis Inflammation Thrombosis HITH U1176, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - David Lillicrap
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
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van der Zwet K, van Galen KP, Evers AC, Fischer K, Schutgens RE, van Vulpen LF. Navigating the challenges: a case report on managing a complicated postpartum course in type 3 von Willebrand disease with alloantibodies. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2024; 8:102399. [PMID: 38689620 PMCID: PMC11058073 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpth.2024.102399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Von Willebrand disease (VWD) type 3 is characterized by a complete deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF), resulting in a severe bleeding phenotype. Treatment often requires administration of VWF concentrates/factor (F)VIII. However, the development of alloantibodies is a rare complication, resulting in ineffective recovery and allergic reactions. Emicizumab, a bispecific antibody mimicking FVIII function, has emerged as a potential alternative, with promising results reported in several case reports. Key Clinical Question Description of multiple approaches to control highly severe postpartum hemorrhage in type 3 VWD with alloantibodies, including off-label use of emicizumab. Clinical Approach Here we present a 28-year-old patient with type 3 VWD and alloantibodies, known to have arthropathy of the right elbow. Previous immune tolerance induction was unsuccessful. Despite receiving negative pregnancy advice during preconception counseling, the patient became pregnant. Delivery was induced at 38 4/7 weeks with prostaglandin, and recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa) was administered every 2 hours. Despite administration of rFVIIa, bleeding persisted, requiring manual placental removal and insertion of a Bakri balloon. Since bleeding persisted, plasma-derived VWF was administered with an initial excellent recovery and successful embolization of the uterine artery. Twelve days postpartum, she developed endometritis and recurrent vaginal bleeding treated with antibiotics, rFVIIa every 2 hours, and multiple erythrocyte transfusions. Plasma-derived VWF was administered but was complicated by anaphylaxis and no recovery. Due to persistent vaginal bleeding, reembolization of uterine arteries was performed and off-label emicizumab was initiated. Twenty-nine days postpartum, she developed septic shock requiring an abdominal hysterectomy, again complicated by severe bleeding necessitating direct intraabdominal packing after rFVIIa. A computed tomography scan 9 days postsurgery revealed thrombosis in the left iliac vein and asymptomatic pulmonary embolisms. rFVIIa was stopped and prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin was started. The patient was discharged 2 months after delivery on low-dose low-molecular-weight heparin, emicizumab, and antibiotics for an intra-abdominal abscess. During 2.5 years of emicizumab prophylaxis, she has had no rebleeding in her arthropathic right elbow. Conclusion The current case emphasizes the postpartum clinical challenges of patients with type 3 VWD and alloantibodies. It underscores the potential role of emicizumab in maintaining hemostatic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad van der Zwet
- Center for Benign Haematology, Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karin P.M. van Galen
- Center for Benign Haematology, Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annemiek C.C. Evers
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kathelijn Fischer
- Center for Benign Haematology, Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roger E.G. Schutgens
- Center for Benign Haematology, Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lize F.D. van Vulpen
- Center for Benign Haematology, Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Casari C, Leung J, James PD. New and emerging therapies for women, girls, and people with the potential to menstruate with VWD. Blood Adv 2023; 7:7501-7505. [PMID: 37967378 PMCID: PMC10758707 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Innovation in therapies for patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) has lagged far behind that for hemophilia, creating inequity in the bleeding disorder community. Although currently existing treatments of antifibrinolytics, desmopressin, and plasma-derived von Willebrand factor replacement are considered effective, multiple studies report poor quality of life in patients with VWD, especially those with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). This disconnect underscores the need for novel therapies that are safe and effective and that consider a patient's specific contraceptive and reproductive needs. Recombinant von Willebrand factor is the most recent new therapy for VWD; the data specific to women are reviewed. We also present emerging data on emicizumab for the treatment of VWD, BT200 (rondoraptivon pegol), generalized hemostatic therapies (VGA039 and HMB-011), as well as treatments based on nanotechnology (platelet-inspired nanoparticles and KB-V13A12). We are optimistic as we move toward pivotal clinical trials for these elegant and innovative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Casari
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Hémostase Inflammation Thrombose HITH U1176, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jennifer Leung
- Department of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Paula D. James
- Department of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Franchini M, Focosi D. Targeting von Willebrand disease: the current status and future directions of management therapies. Expert Rev Hematol 2023; 16:871-878. [PMID: 37800892 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2268282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the commonest inherited bleeding disorder, and is typically caused by deficits in the quantity or quality of von Willebrand factor (VWF). AREAS COVERED This review describes the main clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of VWD, with particular attention to its management. In addition, standard and avant-garde replacement therapies based on the use of VWF are discussed. EXPERT OPINION The goal of treatment for VWD is to reverse the double hemostatic defect resulting from the abnormal or reduced expression of VWF and the concomitant factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency. Treatment consists of managing any bleeds and both short-term prophylaxis (i.e. for surgery or invasive procedures) and long-term prophylaxis. While desmopressin is suitable for most patients with type 1 VWD, VWF/FVIII concentrates are the treatment of choice for the other types of VWD. Beside plasma-derived VWF/FVIII concentrates, whose safety and efficacy have been demonstrated by several clinical trials, products containing only VWF, obtained by plasma fractionation and recombinant DNA technology, have become available and marketed more recently. The clinical use of these VWF-only products is particularly attractive in the setting of surgery and long-term prophylaxis, such as the prevention of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding in cases of angiodysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Franchini
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy
| | - Daniele Focosi
- North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
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Kalvehalli Kashinath S, Kouides PA. The diagnosis, natural history, and management of von Willebrand disease in women in the age of guidelines. Expert Rev Hematol 2023:1-16. [PMID: 36609196 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2166925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Women and girls with bleeding disorders face multiple bleeding challenges throughout their life. The most significant morbidity and mortality are due to heavy menstrual bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage in their reproductive years. The ASH/ISTH/NHF/WFH 2021 guidelines on diagnosing and managing von Willebrand disease (VWD) provide several new updates. AREAS COVERED Women with VWD have a higher prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding. The subpopulation of adolescents is particularly vulnerable, as the diagnosis is often delayed with increased comorbidity of iron deficiency anemia and associated symptoms. A detailed review is done on the prevalence of bleeding-related complications, especially heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and post-partum hemorrhage (PPH). The management strategies are also reviewed in detail, with a specific focus on the target factor levels and the use of antifibrinolytics. EXPERT OPINION The 2021 ASH/ISTH/NHF/WFH diagnostic and management recommendations are reviewed with a specific focus on hormonal methods of HMB management and antifibrinolytics in this situation. The reviewed topics include neuraxial anesthesia, factor cutoff, and tranexamic acid use in the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Kalvehalli Kashinath
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Mary M. Gooley Hemophilia Center, Inc., The Rochester General Hospital, 14621, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Peter A Kouides
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Mary M. Gooley Hemophilia Center, Inc., The Rochester General Hospital, 14621, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Hematology Oncology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
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