The uncalibrated prothrombinase-induced clotting time test

2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (04) ◽  
pp. 212-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Jovic ◽  
M. Hollenstein ◽  
P. Degiacomi ◽  
M. Gautschi ◽  
A. Ferrández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Xa ◽  
Heparin Therapy ◽  
Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Coagulation Cascade ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Direct Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Functional Assay ◽  
Clotting Time ◽  
Coagulation Time ◽  
Time Test

SummaryThe activated partial thromboplastin time test (aPTT) represents one of the most commonly used diagnostic tools in order to monitor patients undergoing heparin therapy. Expression of aPTT coagulation time in seconds represents common practice in order to evaluate the integrity of the coagulation cascade. The prolongation of the aPTT thus can indicate whether or not the heparin level is likely to be within therapeutic range. Unfortunately aPTT results are highly variable depending on patient properties, manufacturer, different reagents and instruments among others but most importantly aPTT’s dose response curve to heparin often lacks linearity. Furthermore, aPTT assays are insensitive to drugs such as, for example, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and direct factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors among others. On the other hand, the protrombinase-induced clotting time assay (PiCT®) has been show to be a reliable functional assay sensitive to all heparinoids as well as direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs). So far, the commercially available PiCT assay (Pefakit®-PiCT®, DSM Nutritional Products Ltd. Branch Pentapharm, Basel, Switzerland) is designed to express results in terms of units with the help of specific calibrators, while aPTT results are most commonly expressed as coagulation time in seconds. In this report, we describe the results of a pilot study indicating that the Pefakit PiCT UC assay is superior to the aPTT for the efficient monitoring of patients undergoing UFH therapy; it is also suitable to determine and quantitate the effect of LMWH therapy. This indicates a distinct benefit when using this new approach over the use of aPPT for heparin monitoring.

Differences in the clinically effective molar concentrations of four direct thrombin inhibitors explain their variable prothrombin time prolongation

2005 ◽  
Vol 94 (11) ◽  
pp. 958-964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Greinacher ◽  
Sharon Craven ◽  
Lori Dewar ◽  
Jo-Ann Sheppard ◽  
Frederick Ofosu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
Clinical Effect ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Factor Xa ◽  
High Plasma ◽  
Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Direct Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Clotting Time ◽  
Bovine Plasma

SummaryFour direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs), lepirudin, bivalirudin, argatroban, and melagatran, differ in their ability to prolong the prothrombin time (PT). Paradoxically, the DTI in clinical use with the lowest affinity for thrombin (argatroban) causes the greatest PT prolongation. We compared the effects of these DTIs on various clotting assays and on inhibition of human and bovine factor Xa (FXa). On a mole-for-mole basis, lepirudin was most able to prolong the PT, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin clotting time (TCT), whereas argatroban had the least effect. At concentrations that doubled the APTT (argatroban, 1 μmol/l; melagatran, 0.5 μmol/l; bivalirudin, 0.25 μmol/l; lepirudin, 0.06 μmol/l), the rank order for PT prolongation was: argatroban > melagatran > bivalirudin > lepirudin. Although the Ki’s associated with inhibition of human FXa by melagatran (1.4 μmol/l) and argatroban (3.2 μmol/l) approach their therapeutic concentrations, inhibition of FXa did not appear to be a major contributor to PT prolongation, since argatroban also prolonged the PT of bovine plasma (despite a Ki for bovine FXa of 2,600 μmol/l). Only melagatran inhibited prothrombinase-bound FXa. We conclude that the differing effects of the DTIs on PT prolongation are primarily driven by their respective molar plasma concentrations required for clinical effect. DTIs with a relatively low affinity for thrombin require high plasma concentrations to double the APTT; these higher plasma concentrations, in turn, quench more of the thrombin generated in the PT, thereby more greatly prolonging the PT.

Comparison of the Anticoagulant and Antithrombotic Effects of Synthetic Thrombin and Factor Xa Inhibitors

1990 ◽  
Vol 63 (02) ◽  
pp. 220-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Hauptmann ◽  
B Kaiser ◽  
G Nowak ◽  
J Stürzebecher ◽  
F Markwardt
Keyword(s):  
Factor Xa ◽  
Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Factor Xa Inhibitors ◽  
Venous Stasis ◽  
Clotting Time ◽  
Thrombosis Model ◽  
Activity Factor ◽  
Antithrombotic Effects

SummaryThe anticoagulant effect of selected synthetic inhibitors of thrombin and factor Xa was studied in vitro in commonly used clotting assays. The concentrations of the compounds doubling the clotting time in the various assays were mainly dependent on their thrombin inhibitory activity. Factor Xa inhibitors were somewhat more effective in prolonging the prothrombin time compared to the activated partial thromboplastin time, whereas the opposite was true of thrombin inhibitors.In vivo, in a venous stasis thrombosis model and a thromboplastin-induced microthrombosis model in rats the thrombin inhibitors were effective antithrombotically whereas factor Xa inhibitors of numerically similar IQ value for the respective enzyme were not effective at equimolar dosageThe results are discussed in the light of the different prelequisiles and conditions for inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa in the course of blood clotting.

scholarly journals Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: in vitro studies on the interaction of dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and low-sulfated heparin, with platelet factor 4 and anti-PF4/heparin antibodies

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 119 (5) ◽  
pp. 1248-1255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krystin Krauel ◽  
Christine Hackbarth ◽  
Birgitt Fürll ◽  
Andreas Greinacher
Keyword(s):  
Factor Xa ◽  
Platelet Factor 4 ◽  
Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Direct Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Platelet Factor ◽  
Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Alternative Anticoagulation ◽  
Heparin Complexes ◽  
History Of

Abstract Heparin is a widely used anticoagulant. Because of its negative charge, it forms complexes with positively charged platelet factor 4 (PF4). This can induce anti-PF4/heparin IgG Abs. Resulting immune complexes activate platelets, leading to the prothrombotic adverse drug reaction heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT requires treatment with alternative anticoagulants. Approved for HIT are 2 direct thrombin inhibitors (DTI; lepirudin, argatroban) and danaparoid. They are niche products with limitations. We assessed the effects of the DTI dabigatran, the direct factor Xa-inhibitor rivaroxaban, and of 2-O, 3-O desulfated heparin (ODSH; a partially desulfated heparin with minimal anticoagulant effects) on PF4/heparin complexes and the interaction of anti-PF4/heparin Abs with platelets. Neither dabigatran nor rivaroxaban had any effect on the interaction of PF4 or anti-PF4/heparin Abs with platelets. In contrast, ODSH inhibited PF4 binding to gel-filtered platelets, displaced PF4 from a PF4-transfected cell line, displaced PF4/heparin complexes from platelet surfaces, and inhibited anti-PF4/heparin Ab binding to PF4/heparin complexes and subsequent platelet activation. Dabigatran and rivaroxaban seem to be options for alternative anticoagulation in patients with a history of HIT. ODSH prevents formation of immunogenic PF4/heparin complexes, and, when given together with heparin, may have the potential to reduce the risk for HIT during treatment with heparin.

Old and new anticoagulants

2011 ◽  
Vol 31 (01) ◽  
pp. 21-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Harbrecht
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin K Antagonists ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Factor Xa ◽  
New Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Clotting Factor ◽  
Direct Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
New Anticoagulants ◽  
Gastrointestinal Side Effects

SummaryVitamin-K-antagonists (VKA) and heparins have been complementary anticoagulants for prevention and treatment of thrombosis for almost 70 years. In contrast to heparins, VKA have not been modified pharmacologically, however treatment surveillance has improved by introducing INR and self-monitoring/management. Disclosure of the molecular basis of interaction with VKORC1, the target enzyme of VKA, has helped to better understand coumarin sensitivity and resistance. New oral anticoagulants have now been approved and stimulated expectations in patients and physicians to get rid of the burdening frequent controls of VKA without loss of efficacy and safety.This review will summarize the development and profile of the new substances. Main difference compared to VKA is their direct mode of action against one clotting factor which is factor IIa in dabigatran and factor Xa in rivaroxaban and other “xabanes” currently under intensive investigation. Half lifes of the new anticoagulants are much shorter than that of the mainly used coumarins (phenprocoumon, warfarin), making “anticoagulation bridging” unnecessary before surgery. Therapeutic width of direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors is broader and they are given at fixed doses. Clinical studies in thromboprophylaxis, thromboembolism and atrial fibrillation indicate at least non-inferiority or even superior efficacy compared with enoxaparin and VKA at comparable safety outcomes. Limitations of the new substances may arise from gastrointestinal side effects, mode of metabolism and route of elimination. Specific antidots are not available for none of them.Undoubtedly, the new oral anticoagulants are very promising. But, although thousands of study patients already have been treated, there are questions to be answered such as treatment adherence in absence of monitoring, safety and efficacy in risk patients, dosage adjustment and interactions with other drugs, before conclusions can be drawn towards their potential to replace VKA.

New anticoagulants – towards the development of an "ideal" anticoagulant

VASA ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haas
Keyword(s):  
Unfractionated Heparin ◽  
Vitamin K Antagonists ◽  
Dabigatran Etexilate ◽  
Factor Xa ◽  
Rapid Onset ◽  
Factor Ix ◽  
Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Therapeutic Monitoring ◽  
Direct Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Onset Of Action

Currently available anticoagulants, such as unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparins and vitamin K antagonists, have proved effective in the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. However, these drugs have some drawbacks, such as unpredictability (in the case of unfractionated heparin), non-specificity and parenteral mode of administration, which limit their use in the clinical setting. There is a need for new agents with efficacy similar to that of these classes of anticoagulants and none of their associated drawbacks. Advances are being made in the development of more convenient and more specific drugs, with the aim to improve substantially the prevention and management of thromboembolic disorders. This review will emphasize how the development of an ideal anticoagulant, with potential benefits including high efficacy, safety, low levels of bleeding, fixed dosing, rapid onset of action, ability to bind clot-bound coagulation factors and no requirement for therapeutic monitoring, is a considerable challenge. This review will present the most relevant preclinical data, as well as the clinical studies performed to date, for several drug classes. Direct thrombin inhibitors, such as dabigatran etexilate, will be reviewed, as well as indirect (fondaparinux and idraparinux) and direct (rivaroxaban, apixaban, among others) Factor Xa inhibitors, Factor IXa inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies against Factor IX/IXa.

Spotlight on real-world evidence for the treatment of DVT: XALIA

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (S 02) ◽  
pp. S41-S49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Turpie ◽  
Walter Ageno
Keyword(s):  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Real World ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Factor Xa ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Direct Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Real World Evidence ◽  
Recurrent Vte

SummaryVenous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising both deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a serious and common cardiovascular disease associated with the risk of chronic complications, recurrent VTE events and even death. The treatment landscape has, in recent years, seen a paradigm shift from the use of traditional anticoagulants (low-molecular-weight heparin [LMWH] overlapping with and followed by a vitamin K antagonist [VKA]) to non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs). This class of agents, encompassing direct factor Xa inhibitors and direct thrombin inhibitors have shown non-inferior efficacy and better safety to standard of care in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The direct, oral factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban was the first to be approved for treatment of acute DVT and PE and secondary prevention of recurrent VTE events based on data from EINSTEIN DVT and EINSTEIN PE, respectively. Real-world evidence now helps to further support data from RCTs, and also bridges the gap for physicians regarding any areas of clinical uncertainty that may not be addressed by RCTs. XA inhibition with rivaroxaban for Long-term and Initial Anticoagulation in venous thromboembolism (XALIA) was the first large, prospective, observational, real-world study that has investigated the safety and effectiveness profile of rivaroxaban in patients with DVT and PE associated with DVT in routine clinical practice. This article will present the key clinical outcomes from this important global non-interventional study, and will discuss remaining questions to be addressed in Phase IV studies.

scholarly journals New anticoagulants for the treatment of venous thromboembolism

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caio Julio Cesar dos Santos Fernandes ◽  
José Leonidas Alves Júnior ◽  
Francisca Gavilanes ◽  
Luis Felipe Prada ◽  
Luciana Kato Morinaga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Vitamin K Antagonists ◽  
Factor Xa ◽  
Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Direct Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
New Anticoagulants ◽  
Acute Pulmonary Thromboembolism ◽  
Deep Vein

Worldwide, venous thromboembolism (VTE) is among the leading causes of death from cardiovascular disease, surpassed only by acute myocardial infarction and stroke. The spectrum of VTE presentations ranges, by degree of severity, from deep vein thrombosis to acute pulmonary thromboembolism. Treatment is based on full anticoagulation of the patients. For many decades, it has been known that anticoagulation directly affects the mortality associated with VTE. Until the beginning of this century, anticoagulant therapy was based on the use of unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin and vitamin K antagonists, warfarin in particular. Over the past decades, new classes of anticoagulants have been developed, such as factor Xa inhibitors and direct thrombin inhibitors, which significantly changed the therapeutic arsenal against VTE, due to their efficacy and safety when compared with the conventional treatment. The focus of this review was on evaluating the role of these new anticoagulants in this clinical context.

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