Surgery in rare bleeding disorders: the prospective MARACHI study

Background

Despite the wide use of bleeding scores and the reliability of clotting factor level measurement, bleeding risk stratification before surgery remains challenging in patients with rare inherited bleeding disorders.

Objectives

This multicenter observational prospective study assessed in patients with rare coagulation factor deficiency, the perioperative hemostatic management choices by hemostasis experts and the bleeding outcomes after surgery.

Methods

One hundred seventy-eight patients with low coagulation activity level (factor [F] II, FV, combined FV-FVIII, FVII, FX, or FXI <50%) underwent 207 surgical procedures. The bleeding outcome, Tosetto's bleeding score, and perioperative hemostatic protocols were collected.

Results

Among the 81 procedures performed in patients with severe factor deficiency (level ≤10%), 27 were done without factor replacement (including 6 in patients at high bleeding risk), without any bleeding event. Factor replacement therapy was used mainly for orthopedic procedures. In patients with mild deficiency, 100/126 surgical procedures were carried out without perioperative hemostatic treatment. In patients with FVII or FXI deficiency, factor replacement therapy was in function of the procedure, bleeding risk, and to a lesser extent previous bleeding history. Tranexamic acid was used in almost half of the procedures, particularly in case of surgery in tissues with high fibrinolytic activity (76.8%).

Conclusions

The current perioperative hemostatic management of patients with rare bleeding disorders appears to be adapted. Among the 207 procedures, only 6 were associated with excessive bleeding. Our findings suggest that rather than the bleeding score, factor level and surgery type are the most relevant criteria for perioperative factor replacement therapy.

Determinants of adherence and consequences of the transition from adolescence to adulthood among young people with severe haemophilia (TRANSHEMO): A multicentric French national observational cross-sectional study based on the FranceCoag registry

INTRODUCTION

It is necessary to gain insights into adherence to healthcare in people with severe haemophilia (PwSH), especially during the transition from paediatric to adult care, which is an important phase in lives of young people with childhood chronic disease. This adherence can be considered as a marker of successful transition.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the quantitative phase of the TRANSHEMO project was to compare the adherence to healthcare between adolescents and young adults (YAs) with severe haemophilia. The secondary objective was to identify the determinants (facilitators and barriers) of this adherence and associations between these determinants.

METHODS

A multicentre, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017-2019 on PwSH aged between 14 and 17 years (adolescents) or between 20 and 29 years (YAs), included in the FranceCoag registry and having completed the questionnaires. The adherence to healthcare (treatment regimens and clinical follow-up) was compared between adolescents and YAs using the chi-squared test. The determinants of this adherence were analysed by structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

There were 277 participants, 107 adolescents, and 170 YAs. The rate of adolescents adhering to healthcare was 82.2%, while the rate of YAs was 61.2% (p < .001). The barriers to the adherence to healthcare were being YA, having repeated at least one school grade and presenting mental health concerns.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents had better adherence to healthcare than YAs. According to the determinants enlightened in this project, targeted supportive strategies and adapted therapeutic education programs can be developed for young PwSH to facilitate their adherence to healthcare.

Obstetrical complications in hereditary fibrinogen disorders: the Fibrinogest Study

BACKGROUND

Women with hereditary fibrinogen disorders (HFDs) seem to be at increased risk of adverse obstetrical outcomes, but epidemiologic data are limited Patients/methods: We conducted a retrospective and prospective international study to determine the prevalence of pregnancy complications, the modalities and management of delivery, and the postpartum events.

RESULTS

A total of 425 pregnancies were investigated from 159 women (49 hypofibrinogenemia, 95 dysfibrinogenemia, 15 hypodysfibrinogenemia). Overall, only 55 (12.9%) pregnancies resulted in an early miscarriage, 3 (0.7%) in a late miscarriage and 4 (0.9%) in an intrauterine fetal death. Prevalence of live birth was similar among the types of HFD (p=0.31). Obstetrical complications were observed in 54 (17.3%) of live birth pregnancies, including vaginal bleeding (14, 4.4%), retroplacental hematoma (13, 4.1%), and thrombosis (4, 1.3%). Most 56deliveries were spontaneous (218, 74.1%) with a vaginal non-instrumental delivery (195, 63.3%). A neuraxial anesthesia was performed in 116 (40.4%) pregnancies, while 71 (16.6%) and 129 (44.9%) were under general or no anesthesia, respectively. A fibrinogen infusion was administered in 28 (8.9%) deliveries. Postpartum hemorrhages were observed in 62 (19.9%) of pregnancies. Postpartum venous thrombotic events occurred in 5 (1.6%) pregnancies. Women with hypofibrinogenemia were more at risk of bleeding during the pregnancy (p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to European epidemiologic data, we did not observe a greater frequency of miscarriage while retroplacental hematoma, postpartum hemorrhage and thrombosis were more frequent. Delivery was often performed without locoregional anesthesia. Our findings highlight the urgent need for guidance on management of pregnancy in HFDs.

A French Real-World Evidence Study Evaluating the Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetic Parameters of rVIII-SingleChain in Patients with Hemophilia A Receiving Prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

 rVIII-SingleChain is a recombinant factor VIII (FVIII) with increased binding affinity to von Willebrand factor compared with other FVIII products. rVIII-SingleChain is indicated for the treatment and prevention of bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia A.

OBJECTIVES

 To collect real-world evidence data from patients treated with rVIII-SingleChain to confirm the efficacy and safety established in the clinical trial program and carry out a population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis.

PATIENTS/METHODS

 This interim analysis includes data, collected between January 2018 - September 2021, from patients treated with rVIII-SingleChain prophylaxis at French Hemophilia Treatment centers. Data on annualized bleeding rates, dosing frequency, and consumption before and after switching to rVIII-SingleChain were recorded. A population PK analysis was also conducted to estimate PK parameters.

RESULTS

 Overall, 43 patients switched to prophylaxis with rVIII-SingleChain either from a previous prophylaxis regimen or from on-demand treatment. Following the switch to rVIII-SingleChain, patients maintained excellent bleed control. After switching to rVIII-SingleChain, most patients maintained or reduced their regimen. Interestingly, a majority of patients treated >2 ×/weekly with a standard half-life FVIII reduced both injection frequency and FVIII consumption with rVIII-SingleChain. A PK analysis revealed a lower clearance of rVIII-SingleChain (1.9 vs. 2.1 dL/h) and a longer half-life both in adolescents/adults (n = 28) and pediatric (n = 6) patients (15.5 and 11.9 hours, respectively vs. 14.5 and 10.3 hours) than previously reported.

CONCLUSIONS

 Patients who switched to rVIII-SingleChain prophylaxis demonstrated excellent bleed control and a reduction in infusion frequency. A population PK analysis revealed improved PK parameters compared with those reported in the clinical trial.

Management of patients with inherited bleeding disorders in oral surgery: A 13-year experience

INTRODUCTION

The management of patients with inherited bleeding disorders in oral surgery requires the systematic evaluation of bleeding risk and the setting up of an adequate treatment protocol by the referring haematologist, defining a replacement therapy and a recommended length of hospital stay. The purpose of this study was to determine the bleeding risk associated with oral surgery for each type of inherited bleeding disorder and to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment protocols set up in our tertiary care center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included all patients with an inherited bleeding disorder, managed in our oral and maxillofacial surgery department with a treatment protocol set up by our local Haemophilia Treatment Centre for an oral surgical procedure.

RESULTS

Between January 2006 and December 2018, 295 treatment protocols were set up for the management of patients with haemorrhagic risk in oral surgical procedures. Of these, 203 were scheduled to take place in our department. A total of 180 oral surgical procedures for 147 patients were included. The incidence of bleeding complications in our study was 4.44% (8 out of 180) with a significantly higher risk in patients with haemophilia, the mean time to onset of bleeding was 11 days.

DISCUSSION

The use of a treatment protocol for the management of patients with inherited bleeding disorders in oral surgery seems effective. Our rate of bleeding complications was comparable to data in the literature, and often lower.

Effectiveness of long-term prophylaxis using pdFVIII/VWF concentrate in patients with inherited von Willebrand disease

Background

Patients with symptomatic von Willebrand disease (VWD) should be offered long‐term prophylaxis (LTP) to prevent recurrent bleedings. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Voncento®, a plasma‐derived FVIII/VWF concentrate (ratio 1:2.4), administrated in LTP.

Methods

We included patients from the OPALE study (May 2016 to April 2021), a French multicenter observational study following patients with inherited VWD, who received a Voncento® LTP during the study period.

Results

Among the 130 OPALE‐study patients, 23 patients (12 women) received a LTP and were therefore included. The median (range) age was 16 (1–85) years; 16 patients were type 3, 1 was type 2A, 6 were type 2B. Before inclusion, 19 (83%) were under LTP and 4 (17%) received on‐demand (OD) treatment. The indications for initiating prophylaxis in the overall population were joint bleeding (43%), ear, nose, and throat (ENT) bleeding including epistaxis or oral bleeding (39%), and recurrent muscle hematoma (22%). The medians (ranges) dose of Voncento® per infusion, frequency, and weekly dose were 45 (33–109) IU/kg, 2 infusions per week, and 96 (44–222) IU/kg/week, respectively. The median (range) annualized bleeding rate (ABR) was 0.8, 0.7 (0–3.5), and 0 (0–2.3) for type 2A, 2B, 3 patients, respectively. There was no difference regarding to the dose, frequency of infusion, or in terms of ABR in 9/19 patients who replaced previous concentrates with Voncento®. During the study period, no adverse event was reported.

Conclusion

These results suggest that Voncento® is effective to prevent recurrent bleedings in patients symptomatic VWD.

Revised terminal half-life of nonacog alfa as derived from extended sampling data: A real-world study involving 64 haemophilia B patients on nonacog alfa regular prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

Nonacog alfa, a standard half-life recombinant factor IX (FIX), is used as a prophylactic treatment in severe haemophilia B (SHB) patients. Its half-life determined in clinical studies involving a limited sampling (72 h) was shown to be rather short. In our clinical practice, we suspected that its half-life could have been underestimated.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate nonacog alfa pharmacokinetics in real world clinical practice based on FIX levels in patients receiving prophylaxis.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data on patients with SHB receiving prophylaxis from eight centres across France. The terminal half-life (THL), time to reach 5-2 IU/dl and FIX activity at 48, 72 and 96 h were derived by Bayesian estimations using NONMEM analysis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Infusion data (n = 455) were collected from 64 patients with SHB. The median THL measured in 92 pharmacokinetic (PK) studies was 43.4 h. In 26 patients ≤12 years of age, 51 PK studies showed a median time to reach 5 IU/dl of FIX of 70.5 h and a median time to reach 2 IU/dl of 121.5 h. In 38 patients 13-75 years of age, 41 PK studies showed a median time to reach 5 IU/dl of FIX of 92.0 h and a median time to reach 2 IU/dl of 167.5 h. Extending the sampling beyond 72 h makes it possible to observe a plateau, with FIX remaining between 2 and 5 IU/dl for several days and shows that the THL of nonacog alfa might be longer than previously described.

ESSENTIALS

Nonacog alfa terminal half-life (THL) in patients receiving regular prophylaxis was evaluated in clinical practice. The median THL was estimated to be 36.9 h for patients aged .8-12 years. The median THL was estimated to be 49.9 h for patients aged 13-75 years. For patients aged ≤12 and >12 years, the median times to reach 5 IU/dl were 70.5 and 92 h, respectively; to reach 3 IU/dl, 95.5 and 131.5 h, respectively; to reach 2 IU/dl, 121.5 and 167.5 h, respectively. We suggest that the half-life of nonacog alfa might be longer than previously described in both younger and older patients.

Prostate biopsy and prostate cancer management in patients with haemophilia: The experience of French Haemophilia Treatment Centres

BACKGROUND

Data are limited on prostate cancer (PC) management in patients with haemophilia (PWH).

AIM

To describe PC screening and diagnosis, treatment modalities and bleeding complications in a group of unselected PWH followed at French Haemophilia Treatment Centres (HTCs) PATIENTS AND METHODS: PC screening, management and bleeding complications were retrospectively investigated at 14 French HTCs between 2003 and 2018.

RESULTS

Among> 1549 > 50-year-old PWHs, 73 (4.7%) underwent PC screening (median age 71.1 years; 67/6 HA/HB, 17/56 severe-moderate/mild). At diagnosis, haematuria was infrequent. Prophylaxis was administered during 76/86 (88%) prostate biopsies (PB) (n = 67 clotting factor concentrates, CFC; n = 9 desmopressin; n = 17 associated with tranexamic acid, TA). Bleeding (11/86, 12.8%) occurred mainly post-prophylaxis (median delay: 7 days): haematuria (9/11, 81.8%), and rectal bleeding (2/11, 18.2%) including one major (1.2%). PC was confirmed in 50/86 PB and in two prostatectomy specimens (total n = 50 patients, n = 6 with only active surveillance). Surgery (n = 28/44 patients) was managed with CFC. Fifteen patients had radiotherapy/brachytherapy, 10 had hormone therapy; CFC-based prophylaxis was only prescribed for brachytherapy (n = 2). Major bleedings occurred in 3/28 (10.7%) and 2/15 (13.3%) patients who underwent surgery and radio/brachytherapy, respectively. No bleeding risk factor was found.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that PB requires prophylaxis for atleast 7 days, using CFC, desmopressin or TA in function of haemophilia severity. PC surgery should be considered at high bleeding risk. Long-term post-procedural CFC or oral TA could be discussed. Radiotherapy/brachytherapy also should be managed with prophylaxis (CFC or TA).

Factor XII deficiency evaluated by thrombin generation assay

INTRODUCTION

Coagulation factor XII (FXII) plays a role in thrombin generation, fibrinolysis, inflammation, angiogenesis, chemotaxis and diapedesis. FXII deficiency is not associated with bleeding risk unlike other coagulation factors.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We investigated thrombin generation assay (TGA) profile modification in FXII deficiency and the correlation with TGA and deficiency severity. TGA was performed in platelet poor plasma (PPP) with tissue factor (1 pmol/L) and phospholipid (4 µmol/L) standardized concentration. Thrombin generation profiles were compared in 54 patients with FXII deficiency, 25 healthy controls and 23 patients with hemophilia A (factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency. Patients with FXII deficiency were classified in three groups based on FXII activity (30-50%, 10-29%, <10%). FVIII deficiency was included as a bleeding control group.

RESULTS

As expected, we found a correlation between FXII deficiency and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). A decrease of thrombin generation was observed in healthy controls and all FXII deficiency groups. A decrease of endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), peak and velocity was observed in patients with FVIII deficiency compared to FXII deficiency. A decrease of thrombin generation was noted in patients with FXII deficiency and bleeding history compared to patients with FXII deficiency and thrombosis history.

CONCLUSION

In this study, thrombin generation profiles were not sensitive to FXII deficiency. TGA could distinguish bleeding and thrombotic tendency in FXII deficiency. Our results should therefore be considered as exploratory and deserve confirmation.

Evaluation of thrombin generation assay in factor XI deficiency

INTRODUCTION

Factor XI (FXI) deficiency is characterized by a lack of correlation between FXI plasma levels and the occurrence of hemorrhagic events. The main objective of our study was to determine whether thrombin generation assay (TGA) could be used to assess the hemorrhagic phenotype of patients with FXI deficiency.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients had confirmed laboratory measurement of FXI < 50% in two plasma samples. Relevant bleeding history was evaluated by a senior physician. TGA was performed with Calibrated Automated Thrombography, in platelet poor plasma, from patients and healthy controls. The assay was performed with PPP low reagent (1 pM of human tissue factor).

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients with FXI deficiency were included between 2011 and 2020. Among them, eight patients had severe deficiency (FXI < 15%). Mean age was 34 years [range: 9-77]. Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) was significantly lower in patients with FXI deficiency and bleeding (573 nM·min [225-1214]) or no bleeding (732 nM·min [222-1435]), compared to healthy controls (1184 nM·min [933-1518]). No difference was observed for ETP and peak between patients with FXI deficiency and bleeding and patients with FXI deficiency and no bleeding. No difference was observed for ETP (923 nM·min [377-1497] vs 1063 nM·min [252-2529]), peak (82 nM [28-154] vs 131 nM [20-330]) or velocity (13.7 nM/min [3.6-29.6] vs 26.5 nM/min [2.5-90]) in women with (n = 4) and without history (n = 17) of post-partum bleeding. No difference of thrombin generation was observed in pregnant women with FXI deficiency (ETP: 1395 nM·min [351-2529]; peak: 154 nM [26-330]; velocity: 29.6 nM/min [4.1-90.0]), compared to healthy controls and a control group of healthy pregnant women.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, under our experimental condition, a non-significant decrease of thrombin generation was observed in plasma samples of patients with FXI deficiency and bleeding. Our results suggest an increase of coagulation parameters during pregnancy in women with FXI deficiency. A larger sample size or other experimental conditions are required to evaluate the use of TGA in FXI deficiency.

First observation of inhibitor development against efmoroctocog alfa in France

In patients with severe haemophilia receiving clotting factor concentrates, the risk of immunisation against their usual treatment is still patent and feared. New haemophilia drug treatments with an extended half-life have become available over the past few years. The risk of inhibitor development to these new treatments is unclear. We report the case of a 51-year-old man with severe haemophilia A, who was previously treated with no history of inhibitor development. Soon after a switch in his treatment to efmoroctocog alfa he developed an inhibitor against this recombinant Fc fusion extended half-life FVIII (rFc-FVIII) product. The patient was on an on-demand treatment regimen and was treated for mucosal bleeding. The inhibitor was characterised as type I, with classical epitope mapping. The spontaneous evolution of this inhibitor was favourable, but an anamnestic response led to a switch in his treatment to emicizumab.

The Hemarthrosis-Simulating Knee Model: A Useful Tool for Individualized Education in Patients with Hemophilia (GEFACET Study)

Background

Hemophilic arthropathy is a major complication in patients with severe hemophilia. A plastic knee model has been developed for the therapeutic education of patients to promote improved care management and self-treatment skills. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of this hemarthrosis-simulating artificial knee (HSAK) on patients’ knowledge of their disease and its treatment.

Methods

In this observational study, the impact of HSAK was assessed during individualized education in patients with severe/moderately severe hemophilia A or B at seven hemophilia treatment centers in France. Participants provided written informed consent and completed questionnaires to assess knowledge of their disease (score range: 0–7) and knowledge of their treatment (score range: 0–4). Questionnaires were completed before, immediately after and 6 months after HSAK use. The scores obtained before and after the use of the HSAK were compared.

Results

The participants comprised 32 children, 29 teenagers, and 31 adults. The mean (SD) disease knowledge score increased significantly in all age groups of patients from 4.5 (2.0) to 5.9 (1.5; p<0.001) immediately after the training and remained unchanged at 6 months. Mean (SD) treatment knowledge scores were unchanged, but Wilcoxon signed rank testing showed a significant increase after the training course that was maintained at 6 months in children and teenagers.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that an individualized training course can enhance the understanding of hemophilia in patients of all ages, especially in children and teenagers, and that the HSAK may assist in improving patients’ management of their disease.

Gastrointestinal bleeding from angiodysplasia in von Willebrand disease: Improved diagnosis and outcome prediction using videocapsule on top of conventional endoscopy

BACKGROUND

Despite a high prevalence of angiodysplasia, no specific guidelines are available for the modalities of endoscopic exploration of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in von Willebrand disease (VWD). Whether VWD patients could benefit from video capsule endoscopy (VCE) looking for angiodysplasia eligible to endoscopic treatment or at high risk of bleeding is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the diagnostic efficacy for angiodysplasia and the prognostic value of VCE on top of conventional endoscopy in VWD patients with GI bleeding.

PATIENTS/METHODS

A survey was sent to the 30 centers of the French-network on inherited bleeding disorders to identify VWD patients referred for endoscopic exploration of GI bleeding from January 2015 to December 2017. Data obtained included patient characteristics, VWD phenotype/genotype, GI bleeding pattern, results of endoscopic investigations, and medical management applied including endoscopic therapy. We assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis the recurrence-free survival after the first GI bleeding event according to endoscopic categorization and, in patients with angiodysplasia, to the presence of small-bowel localizations on VCE exploration.

RESULTS

GI bleeding source localization was significantly improved when including VCE exploration (P < .01), even in patients without history of angiodysplasia (P < .05). Patients with angiodysplasia had more GI bleeding recurrences (P < .01). A lower recurrence-free survival was observed in patients with angiodysplasia (log-rank test, P = .02), and especially when lesions were located in the small bowel (log-rank test, P < .01), even after endoscopic treatment with argon plasma coagulation (log-rank test, P < .01).

CONCLUSION

VCE should be more systematically used in VWD patients with unexplained or recurrent GI bleeding looking for angiodysplasia eligible to endoscopic treatment or at high risk of relapse.

Management of von Willebrand disease with a factor VIII-poor von Willebrand factor concentrate: Results from a prospective observational post-marketing study

BACKGROUND

A triple-secured plasma-derived von Willebrand factor (pdVWF) almost devoid of factor VIII (FVIII):WILFACTIN® , was approved in France in 2003, and then in other countries for the treatment of patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate long-term safety and efficacy of the product in real-life over the first 5 post-approval years.

PATIENTS/METHODS

This prospective, observational, national post-marketing study (PMS) enrolled patients of all ages and VWD types. Patients were observed for up to 3 years and treated for one or more occasions. Efficacy was assessed for each major event. Breakthrough bleeding rate 3 days post-infusion and annualized bleeding rate (ABR) were also evaluated for long-term prophylaxis.

RESULTS

Overall, 155 of 174 patients enrolled from 31 centers were eligible for efficacy assessment. Most patients (76.8%) were severely affected (VWF:RCo ≤ 15 IU/dL). They were treated for 743 bleeds and 140 surgeries including childbirth. Efficacy outcomes were excellent/good for 98.2% of 56 major surgeries and 94.0% of 67 major bleeds. Approximately 75% of 49 major mucosal bleeds were effectively managed without FVIII co-administration. In 32 patients receiving prophylaxis, breakthrough bleeding occurred in 1.5% of infusions and median ABR was 1.0 for 20 patients treated ≥ 12 months. Excellent tolerability was confirmed with no safety concerns. No thrombotic events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this PMS increase the clinical experience of a FVIII-poor pdVWF in patients of all ages and VWD types including those with thrombotic risk factors and emphasize that giving FVIII is not always mandatory to effectively treat patients with severe VWD.

Congenital factor XIII deficiency: comprehensive overview of the FranceCoag cohort

This FranceCoag network study assessed 33 patients with congenital factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency presenting FXIII levels <10 iu/dl. Diagnosis was based on abnormal bleeding in 29 patients, a positive family history in 2, recurrent miscarriages in 1 and was fortuitous in 1. Eighteen patients (62·1%) presented life-threatening umbilical or intracranial haemorrhages (ICH). Seven of the 15 patients who experienced ICH were diagnosed but untreated, including 3 with secondary neurological sequelae. All pregnancies without prophylaxis (26/26) led to miscarriages versus 3/16 with prophylaxis. In patients exhibiting FXIII levels <10 iu/dl, prophylaxis could be discussed at diagnosis and at pregnancy. Further controlled prospective studies are needed.

Determinants of adherence and consequences of the transition from adolescence to adulthood among young people with severe haemophilia (TRANSHEMO): study protocol for a multicentric French national observational cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Severe haemophilia is a rare disease characterised by spontaneous bleeding from early childhood, which may lead to various complications, especially in joints. It is nowadays possible to avoid these complications thanks to substitutive therapies for which the issue of adherence is major. The transition from adolescence to adulthood in young people with severe haemophilia is a critical period as it is associated with a high risk of lack of adherence to healthcare, which might have serious consequences on daily activities and on quality of life.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We present the protocol for a cross-sectional, observational, multicentric study to assess the differences between adolescents and young adults with severe haemophilia in France through the transition process, especially on adherence to healthcare. This study is based on a mixed methods design, with two complementary and consecutive phases, comparing data from a group of adolescents (aged 14-17 years) with those from a group of young adults (aged 20-29 years). The quantitative phase focuses on the determinants (medical, organisational, sociodemographic and social and psychosocial and behavioural factors) of adherence to healthcare (considered as a marker of the success of transition). The qualitative phase explores participants' views in more depth to explain and refine the results from the quantitative phase. Eligible patients are contacted by the various Haemophilia Treatment Centres participating in the French national registry FranceCoag.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the French Ethics Committee and by the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (number: 2016-A01034-47). Study findings will be disseminated to the scientific and medical community in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific meetings. Results will be popularised to be communicated via the French association for people with haemophilia to participants and to the general public.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02866526; Pre-results.

Factor XI replacement for inherited factor XI deficiency in routine clinical practice: results of the HEMOLEVEN prospective 3-year postmarketing study

Factor XI (FXI)-deficient patients may develop excessive bleeding after trauma or surgery. Replacement therapy should be considered in high-risk situations, especially when FXI levels are below 20 IU dL(-1) . HEMOLEVEN is a human plasma-derived factor XI concentrate available in France since 1992, but there are few data regarding its use by physicians. This prospective study assessed the use, efficacy and safety of HEMOLEVEN in common clinical practice. HEMOLEVEN was evaluated in FXI-deficient patients in 13 French centres in a 3-year postmarketing study. Forty-four patients (30 females, 14 males) received 67 treatments. The median age was 37 years (8 months-91 years). Basal FXI levels were <1 to 51 IU dL(-1) (median: 5.5); 29 patients were severely FXI-deficient (<20 IU dL(-1) ). FXI was administered prophylactically before 43 surgical procedures, 10 invasive procedures, 8 vaginal deliveries, or as curative treatment for six bleeds. The efficacy was assessed as excellent/good in 63, moderate in two and undetermined in two treatments. Seven patients experienced seven adverse effects, including two rated as serious: one sudden massive pulmonary embolism with fatal outcome and one case of inhibitor to FXI. HEMOLEVEN is effective for bleeding prevention in FXI deficiency. However, considering the benefit/risk ratio observed in relation to dosage in this study; firstly, it should be used sparingly due to its potential prothrombotic effect; secondly, new prescription procedures should be defined to adapt the dosage, especially in patients with intrinsic and/or acquired risk factors for thrombosis.

[MYH9 syndrome and auto-immune haemolytic anaemia: an unrelated association?]

INTRODUCTION

The MYH9 syndrome is a group of rare autosomal dominant platelet disorders associating in most of the cases a macrothrombocytopenia and characteristic leukocyte inclusions. Clinical features may include renal, visual, or hearing impairment. The bleeding tendency is usually moderate.

CASE REPORT

We report a 28-year-old-man, with an auto-immune haemolytic anaemia associated with a MYH9 syndrome.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first report of such an association.

Transfusions de concentrés plaquettaires Rhésus incompatible au CHU de Rouen : pratiques et conséquences

INTRODUCTION

Guidelines for distribution and use of blood products have been established for both blood transfusion institution and hospitals, in particular for the use of Rh (D)-incompatible platelet concentrates. The aim of this study was to evaluate: 1) the rate of attribution for the Rh (D)-incompatible platelets concentrates, 2) the immunisation prophylaxis practices, 3) the immunological consequences using short and medium term follow-up of transfused patients.

METHODS

Patients with Rh (D)-incompatible platelets concentrate administered during the year 2003 at Rouen University Hospital were retrospectively selected. Patients on transfusion were described. The relationship of various factors with the injection as well as the appearance of allo-immunization was statistically tested.

RESULTS

During a year, 280 Rh (D)-incompatible platelets concentrates were administered to 67 patients. Immunisation prophylaxis by injection of Ig anti-D was not systematically performed. Four immunizations in the Rhesus group system were identified: 2 against D antigen (Ag), 1 against E Ag and 1 against C Ag. Immunisations against D Ag occurred for two younger women considered as immunodeficient. Immunization prophylaxis was more frequent in poly-transfused patients. However no difference was observed for the other factors.

CONCLUSION

Compatibility concerning Rhesus (D) is not always possible. The immunization against red cells persists, in particular against the antigens of the Rhesus group system and moreover for the immunodeficient patients. Recommendations for immunization prophylaxis by injection of specific anti-D immune-globulin (Ig) could be reconsidered.

[Efficiency of hepatitis C virus screening before and after blood transfusion]

Efficiency of a viral hepatitis C screening strategy before and after blood transfusion has to be evaluated.

METHODS

Four screening strategies were virtually applied to the population of transfused patients at Rouen University Hospital during 1996 and then compared : the first without any systematic HCV screening test; the second with systematic testing both before and 3 months after transfusion; the third with systematic testing both before and 6 months after transfusion ; the last defined as systematic testing before transfusion only. The efficacy (i.e. number of positive tests), the efficiency (i.e. average cost per positive test) and the marginal costs of moving from a strategy to another one were assessed using decision analysis.

RESULTS

The efficacy of systematic screening test before transfusion only (361 per positive test), systematic testing both before and three months after (523 per positive test) or six months after (488 per positive test) transfusion was similar, but the efficacy of the strategy without any systematic screening test (385 per positive test) was lower. The systematization of screening test both before, and three months, or 6 months after transfusion lead to a marginal cost of 619 , and 559 per positive test respectively. The systematization of testing before transfusion only lead to a marginal cost of 343 per positive test. Adding systematic testing after transfusion lead to a marginal cost of 5824 per positive test.

CONCLUSION

Systematic screening tests before transfusion only can be considered as the most efficient strategy.

[Survival after blood transfusion: a study at Rouen university hospital]

The aim of this study was to estimate short term survival rate after blood transfusion according to various criteria.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients admitted and transfused from January, 1 until June, 30 1996 at Rouen university hospital were retrospectively included, and their status (alive or dead) was determined. The characteristics of patients admitted and transfused were compared to the overall population of inpatients. Independent factors associated with mortality six months after blood transfusion were evaluated using Cox model.

RESULTS

During the study period, 1887 patients were transfused. These patients were older, more often admitted in surgical or in intensive care units, and had a longer duration of stay, than the overall inpatients population. The survival rate at six months in transfused patients was 76.1%. Mortality rate at six months was independently higher in patients aged 75 and older, in men, in patients admitted in intensive care units, or transfused with homologous fresh-frozen plasma or packed platelet blood cells. Mortality rate was lower in patients who underwent a surgical procedure, in children under 16, and in patients whose stay was classified in "Circulatory system disorders", "Musculoskeletal system and connective tissues disorders or trauma", or "Injuries, allergy or poisoning".

CONCLUSION

In this study implemented in a teaching hospital inpatients receiving blood transfusion, the survival was mainly associated with the severity and characteristics of the diseases requiring transfusion.

Transient anti rhesus alloantibody produced by graft after non-myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplant

BACKGROUND

We report the case of a patient who received an allogeneic transplant with peripheral blood compatible ABO, Rhesus mismatched progenitor cells and who developed an asymptomatic transient anti Rhesus alloimmunisation.

CASE REPORT

A 56-year-old man with renal cell carcinoma received a non-myeloablative allogeneic PBPC ABO compatible graft from his HLA-identical brother. Graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis consisted of cyclosporine alone. On day + 59, prior to any transfusion, a positive direct antiglobulin test (IgG++, C3d-) was detected. The indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) was considered doubtful, and IAT identification revealed the presence of an active anti Rhesus antibody (anti D specificity) in the patient's serum. This immunisation had no clinical consequence, with no acute hemolytic episode. Further monitoring showed negative antibody screening tests on day + 78.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge this is the first reported case of transient anti Rh (D) allo-immunisation after non-myeloablative allogeneic peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplant. The period of occurrence and the specificity of this antibody strongly suggest a donor cell origin.

Difficulties in the management of an incomplete form of refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, the usefulness of vincristine

BACKGROUND

Although several etiologies can be identified in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), idiopathic cases are still frequent. Incomplete forms are more rare. Currently, the diagnosis may be made in cases of thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. According to the literature, mortality and morbidity are significantly improved with plasma exchange. However, treatment in refractory forms remains problematic.

CASE REPORT

A 33-year old woman presented with an incomplete form of TTP, refractory to a combination of therapeutics. The patient underwent plasma infusion, plasma exchange, and then was started on corticosteroids. She also received intravenous immunoglobulins and antiplatelet agents in close proximity to vincristine (Oncovin) infusion. The main biological indicators used were the platelet count, hematocrit, LDH, and the presence of schistocytes. Following vincristine treatment, the patient's condition rapidly improved.

CONCLUSION

Vincristine administered after the failure of standard therapeutics was effective in this refractory form of TTP.

[Evaluation of spontaneous peri-transfusional screening for HVC and HIV at the Rouen University Hospital Center]

INTRODUCTION

Since October 1996, French hospitals have been instructed to introduce screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in all patients before and 3 months after each blood transfusion. The aim of this study was to assess the degree to which this recommendation had been taken into account in a university hospital via a pre- and post transfusion screening comparison.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study on the use or non-use of screening tests for HCV and HIV was carried out in 2 groups of 150 randomly selected patients who had received blood transfusions in 1996 and in 1998.

RESULTS

The coverage by pre-transfusion screening tests for HCV and HIV varied from 23% in 1996 to 20% in 1998 (not significant). The post-transfusion screening tests were performed by the hospital in 6% of the cases in 1996 and in 3% of the cases in 1998 involving blood transfusion.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that in the majority of patients, screening (particularly post-transfusion screening) for HCV and HIV was not carried out, and that over the 2-year period considered no noticeable improvement was observed. However, these results only concerned one hospital in which no specific screening program had been introduced. It is therefore possible that these findings are not representative of the situation in other hospitals; further studies would be useful in this regard.

Assessment of prolonged hospital stay attributable to surgical site infections using appropriateness evaluation protocol

BACKGROUND

The accepted standard in estimating the stay prolongation attributable to surgical site infections is the matched-cohort study method (MCS), which is associated with selection bias. The Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (AEP) has been used to estimate stay prolongation attributable to nosocomial infections but has not been validated specifically for surgical site infections.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To compare estimates of stay prolongation attributable to surgical site infections after digestive surgery, obtained by AEP and by MCS.

METHODS

Sixty-five surgical site infections after digestive tract surgery were analyzed by AEP and MCS. AEP stay prolongation was the number of days judged specifically appropriate for the care of surgical site infections. MCS stay prolongation was the difference of stay duration in surgical site infection cases and two controls matched by age, sex, and diagnosis-related groups. Sensitivity and specificity of AEP, and agreement between both methods, were calculated.

RESULTS

The mean AEP stay prolongation was 3.5 days vs 7.2 days for MCS. The sensitivity of AEP was 58% and the specificity was 75%. The agreement between the two methods was poor.

CONCLUSION

Surgical site infections after digestive tract surgery increased the hospital stay. Accurate estimations of a prolongation of stay will vary according to the method selected.