Christel Van Geet

Factor VIII Products and Inhibitor Development in Severe Hemophilia A

BACKGROUND For previously untreated children with severe hemophilia A, it is unclear whether the type of factor VIII product administered and switching among products are associated with the development of clinically relevant inhibitory antibodies (inhibitor development). METHODS We evaluated 574 consecutive patients with severe hemophilia A (factor VIII activity, <0.01 IU per milliliter) who were born between 2000 and 2010 and collected data on all clotting-factor administration for up to 75 exposure days. The primary outcome was inhibitor development, which was defined as at least two positive inhibitor tests with decreased in vivo recovery of factor VIII levels. RESULTS Inhibitory antibodies developed in 177 of the 574 children (cumulative incidence, 32.4%); 116 patients had a high-titer inhibitory antibody, defined as a peak titer of at least 5 Bethesda units per milliliter (cumulative incidence, 22.4%). Plasma-derived products conferred a risk of inhibitor development that was similar to the risk with recombinant products (adjusted hazard ratio as compared with recombinant products, 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62 to 1.49). As compared with third-generation full-length recombinant products (derived from the full-length complementary DNA sequence of human factor VIII), second-generation full-length products were associated with an increased risk of inhibitor development (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.08 to 2.37). The content of von Willebrand factor in the products and switching among products were not associated with the risk of inhibitor development. CONCLUSIONS Recombinant and plasma-derived factor VIII products conferred similar risks of inhibitor development, and the content of von Willebrand factor in the products and switching among products were not associated with the risk of inhibitor development. Second-generation full-length recombinant products were associated with an increased risk, as compared with third-generation products. (Funded by Bayer Healthcare and Baxter BioScience.).

Compound inheritance of a low-frequency regulatory SNP and a rare null mutation in exon-junction complex subunit RBM8A causes TAR syndrome

The exon-junction complex (EJC) performs essential RNA processing tasks. Here, we describe the first human disorder, thrombocytopenia with absent radii (TAR), caused by deficiency in one of the four EJC subunits. Compound inheritance of a rare null allele and one of two low-frequency SNPs in the regulatory regions of RBM8A, encoding the Y14 subunit of EJC, causes TAR. We found that this inheritance mechanism explained 53 of 55 cases (P < 5 × 10−228) of the rare congenital malformation syndrome. Of the 53 cases with this inheritance pattern, 51 carried a submicroscopic deletion of 1q21.1 that has previously been associated with TAR, and two carried a truncation or frameshift null mutation in RBM8A. We show that the two regulatory SNPs result in diminished RBM8A transcription in vitro and that Y14 expression is reduced in platelets from individuals with TAR. Our data implicate Y14 insufficiency and, presumably, an EJC defect as the cause of TAR syndrome.

Use of recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven®) in patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa; NovoSeven, Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) appears effective and relatively safe for the treatment of bleeding and for surgical prophylaxis in patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia as reported to the International Registry on rFVIIa and Congenital Platelet Disorders. One of the shortcomings of the Registry data is the heterogeneity of treatment protocol, including dosage, number of doses used, duration of treatment before declaration of failure, and mode of rFVIIa administration (bolus v continuous infusion). The data are not yet sufficient to define optimal regimens for various indications such as the type of bleeding or the type of procedures. The place of this drug compared to platelet transfusion in the overall management of patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia will need to be determined in relationship to a number of challenges and unresolved issues in the clinical care of these patients. These issues include: how to improve local measures for patients with mucosal bleeds, optimal management of young women during menarche, optimal platelet transfusion regimens for various indications, the relationship between antiplatelet antibodies detected by monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA) and effectiveness of platelet transfusion, whether there are other biological tests that may correlate with effectiveness of platelet transfusion, and management of pregnancy and delivery regarding antiplatelet immunization.

A compound heterozygous mutation in glycoprotein VI in a patient with a bleeding disorder

Summary.  Background: The physiological relevance of the collagen glycoprotein VI (GPVI) receptor was known prior to its recognition as a platelet membrane receptor as several patients lacking GPVI as a consequence of autoantibody inhibition presented with a mild bleeding diathesis. Remarkably, patients with a proven GPVI gene mutation have not yet been identified. Results: In the present study, we describe a patient with a lifelong history of bleeding problems, structurally normal platelets but a functional platelet defect. Platelet aggregations are normal except for an absent response to Horm collagen, convulxin and the collagen‐related peptide (CRP). ATP dense granule secretion is normal with ADP but absent with Horm collagen. Thrombus formation on a collagen surface in flowing blood is reduced but more single platelets are attached. Remarkably, the platelet function analyzer‐100 shows a shortened collagen/ADP closure time. Flow cytometry demonstrates an absent expression of GPVI whereas immunoblot analysis shows strongly reduced levels of GPVI. The patient is compound heterozygous for an out‐of‐frame 16‐bp deletion and a missense mutation S175N in a highly conserved residue of the 2nd Ig‐like GPVI domain. The parents without clinical bleeding problems are heterozygous carriers. The mother carries the S175N mutation and presents with a mild functional platelet defect. In vitro studies show a reduced membrane expression and convulxin binding with the mutated S175N compared with the wild‐type (WT) GPVI receptor. Conclusions: This study presents the first patient with a proven genetic GPVI defect.

A Unique Pattern of Coagulation Abnormalities in Carbohydrate-Deficient Glycoprotein Syndrome

ABSTRACT: The carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndromes are a recently individualized group of genetic multisystemic disorders. A predominant feature is a severe involvement of the central and peripheral nervous system resulting in psychomotor retardation, seizures, ataxia, and, mostly after infancy, stroke-like episodes. The hallmark biochemical feature is a carbohydrate deficiency in a large number of serum glycoproteins. Because coagulation factors and inhibitors are also glycoproteins, we performed a systematic study of these factors and inhibitors in nine patients with carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndrome. All showed a decreased activity of factor XI and of the coagulation inhibitors antithrombin III and protein C. In five of seven patients more than 1 y old, there was also a (less pronounced) decrease of protein S and of heparin cofactor II. This combined coagulation inhibitor deficiency could explain the stroke-like episodes occurring in these children.

A high-throughput sequencing test for diagnosing inherited bleeding, thrombotic, and platelet disorders

Inherited bleeding, thrombotic, and platelet disorders (BPDs) are diseases that affect ∼300 individuals per million births. With the exception of hemophilia and von Willebrand disease patients, a molecular analysis for patients with a BPD is often unavailable. Many specialized tests are usually required to reach a putative diagnosis and they are typically performed in a step-wise manner to control costs. This approach causes delays and a conclusive molecular diagnosis is often never reached, which can compromise treatment and impede rapid identification of affected relatives. To address this unmet diagnostic need, we designed a high-throughput sequencing platform targeting 63 genes relevant for BPDs. The platform can call single nucleotide variants, short insertions/deletions, and large copy number variants (though not inversions) which are subjected to automated filtering for diagnostic prioritization, resulting in an average of 5.34 candidate variants per individual. We sequenced 159 and 137 samples, respectively, from cases with and without previously known causal variants. Among the latter group, 61 cases had clinical and laboratory phenotypes indicative of a particular molecular etiology, whereas the remainder had an a priori highly uncertain etiology. All previously detected variants were recapitulated and, when the etiology was suspected but unknown or uncertain, a molecular diagnosis was reached in 56 of 61 and only 8 of 76 cases, respectively. The latter category highlights the need for further research into novel causes of BPDs. The ThromboGenomics platform thus provides an affordable DNA-based test to diagnose patients suspected of having a known inherited BPD.

Reye syndrome revisited: a descriptive term covering a group of heterogeneous disorders

Abstract Reye syndrome, characterised by the combination of liver disease and non-inflammatory encephalopathy, is a non-specific clinicopathological entity and a descriptive term covering a group of heterogeneous disorders. Nowadays, some of these patients are diagnosed more correctly as having infectious, metabolic, toxic or other disease. The non-specific case definition implies that the epidemiological studies suggesting a link with acetylsalicylic acid have been performed on a heterogeneous group of children, whereby the value of these studies and their ensuing hypothesis is weakened. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the epidemiological surveys of the Centers for Disease Control, the Yale study and of the British risk factor study provides evidence that not only the use of acetylsalicylic acid but also that of phenothiazines and other anti-emetics is significantly greater in Reye syndrome cases than in controls. As to the decline of Reye syndrome, recent literature data reveal that this is related to more accurate modern diagnosis of infectious, metabolic or toxic disease, reducing the percentage of idiopathic or true cases of Reye syndrome. Conclusion Reye syndrome is a non-specific descriptive term covering a group of heterogeneous disorders. Moreover, not only the use of acetylsalicylic acid but also of antiemetics is statistically significant in Reye syndrome cases. Both facts weaken the validity of the epidemiological surveys suggesting a link with acetylsalicylic acid.

Velocardiofacial syndrome patients with a heterozygous chromosome 22q11 deletion have giant platelets

Patients with a microdeletion on chromosome 22q11 demonstrate the clinical picture of the velocardiofacial syndrome. We report on three members of the same family with this microdeletion and velocardiofacial syndrome, all having an increase in platelet size and a mild decrease in platelet number. Their platelet function, however, tested by aggregation and by adherence to collagen in a whole blood perfusion system, was normal. We retrospectively studied the files of 35 other patients with 22q11 deletion and also found that their platelets had an increased size compared with cardiac controls. Moreover, their platelet size correlated negatively with platelet number. Knowing that patients with 22q11 deletion are obligate carriers for a heterozygous glycoprotein Ibβ deletion, these patients can be considered to be heterozygous Bernard-Soulier patients. In addition, a significant increase in platelet size may be a positive predictor for the clinical diagnosis of the velocardiofacial syndrome.

Antibiotic Prescribing in DR Congo: A Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Survey among Medical Doctors and Students

Objectives Antibiotic resistance (ABR) particularly hits resource poor countries, and is fuelled by irrational antibiotic (AB) prescribing. We surveyed knowledge, attitudes and practices of AB prescribing among medical students and doctors in Kisangani, DR Congo. Methods Self-administered questionnaires. Results A total of 184 questionnaires were completed (response rate 94.4%). Knowledge about AB was low (mean score 4.9/8 points), as was the estimation of local resistance rates of S. Typhi and Klebsiella spp.(correct by 42.5% and 6.9% of respondents respectively). ABR was recognized as a problem though less in their own practice (67.4%) than nation- or worldwide (92.9% and 85.5%, p<.0001). Confidence in AB prescribing was high (88.6%) and students consulted more frequently colleagues than medical doctors when prescribing (25.4% versus 11.6%, p  = 0.19). Sources of AB prescribing included pharmaceutical companies (73.9%), antibiotic guidelines (66.3%), university courses (63.6%), internet-sites (45.7%) and WHO guidelines (26.6%). Only 30.4% and 16.3% respondents perceived AB procured through the central procurement and local pharmacies as of good quality. Local AB guidelines and courses about AB prescribing are welcomed (73.4% and 98.8% respectively). Conclusions This data shows the need for interventions that support rational AB prescribing.

Olmsted syndrome: exploration of the immunological phenotype

BackgroundOlmsted syndrome is a rare congenital skin disorder presenting with periorifical hyperkeratotic lesions and mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma, which is often associated with infections of the keratotic area. A recent study identified de novo mutations causing constitutive activation of TRPV3 as a cause of the keratotic manifestations of Olmsted syndrome.MethodsGenetic, clinical and immunological profiling was performed on a case study patient with the clinical diagnosis of Olmsted syndrome.ResultsThe patient was found to harbour a previously undescribed 1718G-C transversion in TRPV3, causing a G573A point mutation. In depth clinical and immunological analysis found multiple indicators of immune dysregulation, including frequent dermal infections, inflammatory infiltrate in the affected skin, hyper IgE production and elevated follicular T cells and eosinophils in the peripheral blood.ConclusionsThese results provide the first comprehensive assessment of the immunological features of Olmsted syndrome. The systemic phenotype of hyper IgE and persistent eosinophilia suggest a primary or secondary role of immunological processes in the pathogenesis of Olmsted syndrome, and have important clinical consequences with regard to the treatment of Olmsted syndrome patients.