VWF Antigen (vwf + antigen)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Management of acquired von Willebrand's sryndrome in a patient requiring major surgery

HAEMOPHILIA, Issue 6 2005
J. M. Maddox
Summary., We present the case of a patient with acquired von Willebrand's syndrome and a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance who required cystectomy for relapsed transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. We demonstrated that infused von Willebrand factor (VWF) containing factor VIII concentrates had an unacceptably short half-life, but that this was significantly prolonged following combined therapy with plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIgG). This approach was successfully utilized peri-operatively, with the total surgical blood loss less than would be expected even for a haemostatically normal patient. Trough VWF antigen and Ristocetin co-factor activity levels fell on the second postoperative day and we therefore administered further IVIgG. Levels again fell on the fifth postoperative day with the development of a Staphylococcus aureus septicaemia. At this point bleeding occurred from a surgical drain site requiring ,factor VIII inhibitor bypass activity' to secure haemostasis while further plasma exchange and IVIgG were administered. Now 5 years later, there is no evidence of recurrence of the TCC or progression of the monoclonal gammopathy. [source]


Evaluation of an automated screening assay for von Willebrand Disease Type 2N

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2002
S. L. Taylor
Summary Evaluating the factor VIII (FVIII) binding activity of von Willebrand factor (VWF) is an important step in the diagnostic work-up of families affected by apparent mild haemophilia A. In von Willebrand's disease (VWD) type 2N (Normandy), mutations at the N-terminal end of the mature VWF subunit gene prevent the binding of FVIII. Individuals heterozygous for type 2N VWD are generally asymptomatic. Homozygotes and compound heterozygotes present with a clinical picture which mimics haemophilia A, with a markedly reduced FVIII : C activity and VWF within the normal range, but instead of exhibiting X-linked inheritance they show an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The distinction between haemophilia A and VWD type 2N has important implications for therapy and genetic counselling. We present a highly specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay screening method for the Normandy variant, which measures VWF : FVIII binding activity in parallel with VWF antigen, using monoclonal capture and detection antibodies. The assay is fully automated using a robotic microtitre plate processor, requiring minimal user intervention and providing the capacity to screen large numbers of patients. [source]


Potential Role of Enhanced Cytokinemia and Plasma Inhibitor on the Decreased Activity of Plasma ADAMTS13 in Patients With Alcoholic Hepatitis: Relationship to Endotoxemia

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 2010
Masatoshi Ishikawa
Background:, Deficiency of ADAMTS13 (adisintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type-1 motifs 13) results in an increase in unusually large von Willebrand factor multimer (UL-VWFM) of the plasma and finally causes microcirculatory disturbance. Our previous study demonstrated that the imbalance of increased UL-VWFM over decreased ADAMTS13 activity may contribute to the development of multiorgan failure in patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AH). The aim of this study was to explore the potential mechanism to reduce the activity of plasma ADAMTS13. Methods:, Plasma cytokine levels including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF-,), plasma endotoxin concentration, and the plasma inhibitor against ADAMTS13 were determined together with ADAMTS13 activity, VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), and UL-VWFM in 24 patients with AH and 5 patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH). Results:, The concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-, on admission were significantly higher in patients with SAH than in those with AH and controls. The ADAMTS13 activity concomitantly decreased, and the VWF:Ag progressively elevated with increasing concentrations of these cytokines from normal range to over 100 pg/ml. Plasma endotoxin concentration was markedly higher in patients with SAH (mean 52.3 pg/ml) and AH (21.7 pg/ml) than in controls (7.9 pg/ml). The endotoxin concentration inversely correlated with ADAMTS13 activity and was higher in patients with UL-VWFM than those without. The inhibitor was detected in 4 patients with SAH (0.9 to 2.1 BU/ml) and 6 patients with AH (0.5 to 1.6 BU/ml). Patients with the inhibitor showed lower functional liver capacity, higher endotoxin concentration, and marked inflammatory signs than those without. At the recovery stage, the ADAMTS13 activity increased to normal range, the VWF:Ag decreased, and the UL-VWFM disappeared with the decrease in the concentrations of cytokines and endotoxin, and the disappearance of the inhibitor. Conclusion:, Decreased ADAMTS13 activity and increased VWF:Ag could be induced not only by pro-inflammatory cytokinemia, but also by its inhibitor, both of which may be closely related to enhanced endotoxemia in patients with AH and SAH. [source]


Polymicrobial sepsis and endotoxemia promote microvascular thrombosis via distinct mechanisms

JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 6 2010
K. N. PATEL
Summary.,Background:,We reported recently that endotoxemia promotes microvascular thrombosis in cremaster venules of wild-type mice, but not in mice deficient in toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) or von Willebrand factor (VWF). Objective:,To determine whether the clinically relevant model of polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation/perforation (CLP) induces similar responses via the same mechanisms as endotoxemia. Methods:,We used a light/dye-injury model of thrombosis in the cremaster microcirculation of wild-type mice and mice deficient in toll-like receptor-4 (C57BL/10ScNJ), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), or VWF. Mice underwent CLP or sham surgery, or an intraperitoneal injection of endotoxin (LPS) or saline. In the CLP model, we assessed the influence of fluid replacement on thrombotic responses. Results:,Both CLP and LPS enhanced thrombotic occlusion in wild-type mice. In contrast to LPS, CLP enhanced thrombosis in TLR4- and VWF-deficient strains. While TLR2-deficient mice did not demonstrate enhanced thrombosis following CLP, LPS enhanced thrombosis in these mice. LPS, but not CLP, increased plasma VWF antigen relative to controls. Septic mice, particularly those undergoing CLP, developed significant hemoconcentration. Intravenous fluid replacement with isotonic saline prevented the hemoconcentration and prothrombotic responses to CLP, though fluids did not prevent the prothrombotic response to LPS. Conclusions:,Polymicrobial sepsis induced by CLP and endotoxemia promote microvascular thrombosis via distinct mechanisms; enhanced thrombosis induced by CLP requires TLR2 but not TLR4 or VWF. The salutary effects of intravenous fluid replacement on microvascular thrombosis in polymicrobial sepsis remain to be characterized. [source]


ADAMTS-13, von Willebrand factor and related parameters in severe sepsis and septic shock

JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 11 2007
J. A. KREMER HOVINGA
Summary. Background:,Insufficient control of von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimer size as a result of severely deficient ADAMTS-13 activity results in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with microvascluar thrombosis and platelet consumption, features not seldom seen in severe sepsis and septic shock. Methods:,ADAMTS-13 activity and VWF parameters of 40 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock were compared with those of 40 healthy controls of the same age and gender and correlated with clinical findings and sepsis outcome. Results:,ADAMTS-13 activity was significantly lower in patients than in healthy controls [median 60% (range 27,160%) vs. 110% (range 63,200%); P < 0.001]. VWF parameters behaved reciprocally and both VWF ristocetin cofactor activity (RCo) and VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in patients compared with controls. Neither ADAMTS-13 activity nor VWF parameters correlated with disease severity, organ dysfunction or outcome. However, a contribution of acute endothelial dysfunction to renal impairment in sepsis is suggested by the significantly higher VWF propeptide and soluble thrombomodulin levels in patients with increased creatinine values as well as by their strong positive correlations (creatinine and VWF propeptide rs = 0.484, P < 0.001; creatinine and soluble thrombomodulin rs = 0.596, P < 0.001). Conclusions:,VWF parameters are reciprocally correlated with ADAMTS-13 activity in severe sepsis and septic shock but have no prognostic value regarding outcome. [source]


Efficacy and safety of a factor VIII,von Willebrand factor concentrate 8Y: stability, bacteriological safety, pharmacokinetic analysis and clinical experience

HAEMOPHILIA, Issue 5 2002
A. Lubetsky
Summary., The present study was undertaken to evaluate stability, pharmacokinetic profile and efficacy of continuous infusion of 8Y in patients with different types of von Willebrand disease (vWD). Following reconstitution, 8Y levels of von Willebrand factor ristocetin cofactor (vWF:Rco), vWF antigen and factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) decreased to about 80% of the baseline levels; addition of low molecular weight heparin decreased the level of FVIII:C even further. Reconstituted 8Y was found to be sterile for up to 6 days postreconstitution. Ten vWD patients (four with type 2A, three with type 3, two with type 1 and one with 2N) underwent pharmacokinetic analysis. The recovery of vWF: RCo was significantly lower in patients with type 3 vWD (1.4 ± 0.05% U,1 kg,1) compared withthat of the patients with types 1 (2.3 ± 0.52% U,1 kg,1) or 2A (2.0 ± 0.06% U,1 kg,1) vWD (P = 0.015). Type 3 vWD patients exhibited significantly higher vWF:RCo clearance (5.1 ± 1.1 mL kg,1 h,1) compared with that of patients with type 2A (2.8 ± 0.7 mL kg,1 h,1) and type 1 (2.6 ± 1.0 mL kg,1 h,1) vWD (P = 0.028). Accordingly, terminal half-life was lower in patients with type 3 vWD (8.0 ± 0.6 h,1) compared with type 2A (12.7 ± 5.9 h,1) or type 1 (14 ± 1.2 h,1) vWD patients. Multimeric pattern of vWF from patients' plasma was similar to that of 8Y. In two patients treated with 8Y by continuous infusion for prevention or treatment of bleeding haemostasis was achieved. Thus, 8Y is suitable and haemostatically effective for continuous infusion treatment in patients with vWD. [source]


Von Willebrand Factor Antigen Concentration in Dogs with Sepsis

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2010
C.L. Rogers
Background: Von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen concentration, a marker of endothelial activation, is increased in human patients with multiorgan failure, sepsis, or both, and is an independent predictor of survival. Hypothesis/Objectives: vWF antigen concentrations are significantly higher in dogs with sepsis. Animals: Fourteen dogs hospitalized with sepsis. Sepsis was defined as microbiologic or cytologic evidence of infection combined with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Control dogs were healthy dogs, without evidence of disease. Methods: Prospective, observational study. Dogs admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of sepsis were considered eligible for enrollment into the study. Exclusion criteria included a previous diagnosis of von Willebrand disease or a recent history of a plasma transfusion. Citrated plasma samples were collected for analysis of vWF antigen by ELISA. All samples were drawn from dogs during hospitalization. Data between populations were analyzed using nonparametric statistical analysis with a P value < .05 considered significant. Results: Twenty-five dogs were enrolled; 14 dogs with sepsis and 11 control dogs. The median vWF antigen concentration in dogs with sepsis was 156% (range, 117,200%), which was significantly higher than healthy dogs (105%; range, 44,155%, P < .005). There was no difference between survivors and nonsurvivors with a median vWF antigen concentration of 144% (range, 136,201%) in survivors (n = 7) and 159% (range, 122,174%) in nonsurvivors (n = 7) (P= .5). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: vWF is increased in dogs with sepsis, possibly reflecting endothelial activation. Further exploration of endothelial function is warranted in critically ill dogs. [source]