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Biomedical subjects

V Kiefel

Publications and source records attributed to V Kiefel.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin G (ivIgG) during pregnancy for fetal alloimmune (HPA-1a(Zwa)) thrombocytopenic purpura.

We have evaluated the effect of maternal intravenous immunoglobulin G (ivIgG) treatment on platelet counts in fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. Seven patients were studied. All of them were multiparous women who had been immunized against the HPA-1a antigen during previous pregnancies and had given birth to at least one severely thrombocytopenic infant. In this study, umbilical blood collection was performed first at the 20th week of gestation and repeated 2-13 times (mean 6 times), depending on the degree of fetal thrombocytopenia. Fetal platelet counting was combined with intrauterine transfusion of 20-30 ml of HPA-1a-negative platelet concentrates to prevent bleeding following umbilical cord puncture. Initial fetal platelet counts ranged from 10,000 to 91,000 per microliters. Maternal treatment with ivIgG (1 g per kg body weight; mean dose 70 g) was given once a week over 7 weeks. In five of seven cases, the basal platelet count did not rise and in two of these cases, it decreased during maternal ivIgG treatment. In one fetus, the baseline platelet count increased from 10,000 to 35,000 per microliters during ivIgG, and in another fetus from 23,000 to 64,000 per microliters. Our observations suggest that ivIgG has no definite benefit for fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. Since platelet counts can be very low, careful fetal monitoring by umbilical blood sampling is required. Frequent platelet transfusions in short intervals may be necessary to increase platelet counts in extremely thrombocytopenic fetuses.

Antigens, Human Platelet↗

Platelet autoantibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA) against glycoproteins IIb/IIIa and Ib/IX in patients with thrombocytopenia.

Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) is most frequently induced by platelet-specific autoantibodies against epitopes on platelet GP Ib/IX or GP IIb/IIIa. These antibodies are reliably detected on the patients' autologous platelets. So far, studies on the characterization of platelet autoantibodies have been restricted to IgG antibodies. We used the monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigens assay (MAIPA) in a modified version to detect GP-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies. Platelets of 46.2% of patients carried elevated amounts of IgG antibodies. IgM and IgA antibodies were observed less frequently and showed only weak OD signals in the MAIPA assay. Circulating IgG antibodies in serum were found in 11.5% of patients. Circulating IgM autoantibodies were observed in 8.9% and IgA antibodies in no patient with AITP. Results of direct MAIPA assay were compared with the reactivity of eluates in the platelet adhesion immunofluorescence assay and were found to be highly concordant. Patients with AITP in remission carried high percentages of anti-GP IIb/IIIa. Findings made in this study suggest that autoantibodies of the IgM and IgA classes play only a minor role in the pathogenesis of AITP.

Autoantibodies↗

[Prenatal management of fetuses with alloimmune thrombocytopenia].

Fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is caused by maternal immunization against a fetal platelet alloantigen and transplacental transfer of the antibody into the fetal circulation. Since 10-20% of the fetuses or newborns are threatened by intracranial hemorrhages (ICH) early management is required. Intensive prenatal monitoring should be performed if a maternal HPA-1a antibody is known and a previous infant suffered from thrombocytopenia and/or ICH. Fetal blood sampling (FBS) should be started at 20th to 22nd weeks of gestation to assess fetal phenotype and platelet count. Different concepts to elevate the fetal platelet count have been discussed: corticosteroids, maternal intravenous immunoglobulins (ivIgG), fetal ivIgG and repeated fetal platelet transfusions. In a European survey with data from five centres maternal corticoid treatment and ivIgG infusion were accompanied by increasing fetal platelet counts in only 20 and 24% of the cases, respectively. In fetuses with very low platelet counts only transfusions of compatible platelets in short intervals are able to sustain a safe platelet count. Fetuses with mild thrombocytopenia should be monitored by subsequent FBS since it could be shown that platelet counts tend to decline during gestation. To avoid bleeding complications during and after FBS which was observed in about 5% of the cases every cord vessel puncture should be covered by a platelet transfusion. As no safe and non-invasive therapy exists for fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia the value of prenatal screening programs in unaffected pregnancies is questionable.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

[Fetal weight-adjusted intrauterine IgG therapy in neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia].

Fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is caused by materno-fetal transfer of platelet antibodies. Since the thrombocytopenic fetus is threatened by intracranial hemorrhage, prenatal observation and, if necessary, treatment is required. However, the benefit of therapeutic options, including intravenous IgG (ivIgG), platelet transfusions or fetal IgG transfusions is still controversial. In this study we have evaluated the effect of intrauterine IgG and intraumbilical platelet transfusions on fetal platelet counts. All patients were multiparous women who were immunized against the Zwa antigen during previous pregnancies and had given birth to at least one severely thrombocytopenic infant. First umbilical blood was sampled at the 20th week of gestation. Fetal treatment of IgG was given, on av erage, over 9 weeks. In all cases, fetal IgG levels rose significantly whereas platelet counts did not increase following fetal IgG treatment. We conclude that fetal IgG infusions have no detectable effect on fetal allo-immune thrombocytopenia. Since platelet counts can be very low as early as 20 weeks of gestation, careful fetal monitoring by umbilical blood sampling is essential. Platelet transfusions in short intervals appear to be the only effective regimen to increase platelet counts in thrombocytopenic fetuses at risk.

Adult↗

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer as a new method for the epitope-specific characterization of anti-platelet antibodies.

The detection and characterization of anti-platelet antibodies which are directed to HLA class I molecules or platelet-specific glycoproteins is of great importance in the diagnosis and treatment of thrombocytopenia. In this paper a simple and rapid flow cytometric assay for the epitope-specific characterization of anti-platelet antibodies is described using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Patient platelets or test platelets preincubated with patient serum were analyzed for surface-bound immunoglobulins using R-phycoerythrin-conjugated polyclonal anti-human IgG antibodies (excitation 488 nm, emission 585 nm). In a second step, HLA class I structures, platelet-specific glycoproteins (gpIIb/IIIa, gpIb), and the Fc gamma receptor II were stained with murine monoclonal antibodies and Cyan 5-labelled polyclonal anti-mouse IgG antibodies (excitation 585 nm, emission 670 nm). Upon monochromatic fluorescence excitation with a 488 nm argon laser the efficiency of light transfer from R-phycoerythrin to Cyan 5 is a direct measure of the distance between the human platelet-bound antibody and the epitope detected by the murine monoclonal antibody (mab). The assay permits discrimination between human antibodies directed to different platelet-specific glycoproteins or HLA class I structures without interference from non-specific Fc gamma receptor-bound immune complexes and also between antibodies directed to different epitopes on glycoprotein heterodimers (e.g., gpIIb/IIIa).

Antibodies↗

[Recurrent immune thrombocytopenia: a rare complication after contrast medium injection].

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: In a 66-year-old woman with unstable angina, treated with 20,000 IU heparin daily for 6 days, platelet count fell dramatically from 310,000 to 1000/microliters 8 hours after injection of 90 ml of contrast medium (Iopromide) during coronary angiography. In addition to a marked tendency towards spontaneous bleeding she developed a large haematoma at the site of the arterial puncture, with a fall in haemoglobin to 9 g/dl, and acute renal failure. TREATMENT AND COURSE: Red blood cell and platelet infusions were given, together with cortisone, 1000 mg, and immunoglobulins. Platelet count returned to within normal limits after 8 days. Two haemodialyses initiated polyuria, followed by rapid normalization of kidney function. No antibodies against iopromide, iopamidol, heparin or heparinoids were found. At an emergency coronary balloon angioplasty 3 weeks later iopamidol was injected (45 ml). Again there was a profound fall in platelets to 1000/microliters, associated with acute renal failure. Treatment identical to that after the first episode brought about complete normalization. CONCLUSION: The reported reactions were most likely due to immune thrombocytopenia after administration of contrast medium.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Influence of HPA-1a and HLA antibodies on primary hemostasis.

The influence of platelet specific and HLA antibodies was investigated on primary hemostasis by the in vitro bleeding test (IVBT) (Thrombostat 4000). Seven of 12 plasmas with HPA-1a (P1A1) antibodies and two with antibodies against glycoprotein Ib/IX significantly inhibited the IVBT of normal, cross-match-positive donor blood. This correlated with a significant increase of GMP-140 (CD 62) on the platelets, determined by flow cytometry. These results agree with the literature showing both activation and inhibition of platelet function by platelet specific antibodies. On the other hand, HLA antibodies showed a similar platelet activation (shortening of occlusion time and decrease in blood volume in the IVBT, increase of CD 62 expression) as plasma samples of polytransfused thrombocytopenic patients without HLA antibodies. It can be concluded that neither an activating nor an inhibitory effect of HLA antibodies on platelet function is significant in vivo. The IVBT seems not to be suited for compatibility testing.

Antibodies↗

Genomic RFLP typing of human platelet alloantigens Zw(PlA), Ko, Bak and Br (HPA-1, 2, 3, 5).

The diallelic human platelet alloantigen systems 1-5 have been found to result from single base pair substitutions in the encoding genes of platelet membrane glycoproteins IIIa, Ib, IIb and Ia. This is the basis of DNA methods for determination of platelet alloantigens. In this study, 98 blood donors were typed in the HPA-1, 2, 3 systems and, for the first time, in the HPA-5 system. Serologically obtained data (MAIPA and platelet agglutination) were compared with results from analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP). Discordances were found in the HPA-2 and 3 systems and can be ascribed to false typing results in both the serological and genomic methods. In the HPA-1, 2 and 5 systems, all samples were typed correctly with RFLP analysis. Serologically, two donors were falsely typed positive with anti-HPA-2b in platelet agglutination and one donor with anti-HPA-3a in MAIPA assay. In the HPA-3 system, another four donors were misinterpreted to be HPA-3a negative in RFLP analysis. Possible technical problems in PCR-RFLP-typing are discussed and another strategy of HPA-1 typing using the restriction enzyme Scr FI is evaluated.

Antigens, Human Platelet↗

Alloimmunization against Iy, a low-frequency antigen on platelet glycoprotein Ib/IX as a cause of severe neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is usually induced by platelet-specific antibodies against HPA-1a (Zwa) or HPA-5b (Bra). Recently, low-frequency alloantigens on the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa complex have been discovered as a cause for NAIT. In this report, a new low-frequency platelet-specific alloantigen, Iy, is described which induced severe NAIT. The corresponding antigen was detected in 1/249 unrelated German blood donors. Antibody binding assays with trypsin-digested platelets (ELISA, immunoprecipitation with biotin-labelled platelets) indicate that the antigen is not localized on the glycocalicin moiety of GP Ib alpha, but may be situated on the remnant moiety of GP Ib alpha, GP IX or GPIb beta. Apparently, Iy is not related to the HPA-2 (Ko) antigen system.

Adult↗

A point mutation leads to an unpaired cysteine residue and a molecular weight polymorphism of a functional platelet beta 3 integrin subunit. The Sra alloantigen system of GPIIIa.

Recently, we described a low frequency platelet alloantigen on human platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) IIIa, termed Sra, that was involved in neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. To identify the molecular nature of the Sra alloantigen, we analyzed the nucleotide sequence of polymerase chain reaction-amplified GPIIIa mRNA, and found a C2004-->T substitution in seven Sra positive individuals which results in an Arg636-->Cys polymorphism within the cysteine-rich region of GPIIIa. Analysis of allele-specific recombinant forms of GPIIIa that differed only at amino acid residue 636 showed that anti-Sra alloantibodies reacted with the Cys636, but not the Arg636, recombinant form of GPIIIa. Interestingly, under reducing conditions, the Cys636 form of GPIIIa migrated with a slightly increased apparent molecular weight compared with the Arg636 form. Following treatment with Endoglycosidase H, both allelic forms of GPIIIa exhibited the same mobility, however the Sra epitope was lost. Sra positive platelets express the same number of GPIIb-IIIa complexes on their surface as wild-type Sra negative platelets, and also aggregate normally in response to a variety of platelet agonists. Based upon these results, we conclude that 1) GPIIIa residue 636 specifically controls the formation and expression of the Sra alloantigenic determinant, and 2) an unpaired cysteine residue alters the N-linked glycosylation pattern of the extracellular domain of GPIIIa, but affects neither the degree of surface expression nor the adhesive function of the GPIIb-IIIa complex.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Laboratory diagnosis of heparin-associated thrombocytopenia and comparison of platelet aggregation test, heparin-induced platelet activation test, and platelet factor 4/heparin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

BACKGROUND: As clinical diagnosis of heparin-associated thrombocytopenia (HAT) is often difficult, confirmation by sensitive laboratory assays is desirable. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The sensitivity of the heparin-induced platelet activation (HIPA) test and the platelet aggregation test (PAT) was prospectively compared by using the sera of 209 patients with the putative diagnosis of HAT. Both assays were performed concomitantly with platelets of the same four donors using a different combination of donors from day to day. Further, all sera were assessed with a platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Positive results were obtained with 33 percent of sera in the PF4/heparin ELISA, with 33.5 percent of sera in the HIPA test, and with 11.5 percent of sera in the PAT. The PF4/heparin ELISA and the HIPA test showed no difference in sensitivity (p = 0.27 by McNemar's test) and were more sensitive than PAT (p < 10(-8) by McNemar's test). However, they recognized different patient cohorts. Nine HIPA-indeterminate and 12 HIPA-negative sera were positive in the PF4/heparin ELISA. Eight of the nine indeterminate sera caused platelet activation with high heparin concentrations in the HIPA test. Eleven of the 12 negative sera contained no IgG, but 9 contained IgM and 2 contained IgA HAT antibodies. Four sera that were indeterminate in the PF4/heparin ELISA and 18 sera that were negative were positive in the HIPA test. None of the sera that were positive in the PAT was missed in the HIPA test, but two of those were negative in the PF4/heparin ELISA. All sera were assessed with four low-molecular-weight heparins and a low-molecular-weight heparinoid in the HIPA test with platelets from the same four donors. Low-molecular-weight heparin caused platelet activation with positive sera in 98 percent of tests, and the heparinoid did so in 10 percent; in a further 12.8 percent, crossreactivity to the low-molecular-weight heparinoid could not be excluded. CONCLUSION: The majority of HAT antibodies react with a PF4/heparin complex, but there is strong evidence that other antigens are involved in some patients. The HIPA test and the PF4/heparin ELISA are sensitive for diagnosing HAT, and they complement one another.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗

New polymorphism on platelet glycoprotein IIIa gene recognized by endonuclease Msp I: implications for PlA typing by allele-specific restriction analysis.

BACKGROUND: Five human platelet alloantigen systems have been shown to result from single base pair substitutions in encoding regions of platelet glycoprotein genes IIIa, Ib, IIb, and Ia. For each of the diallelic systems, at least one restriction enzyme is known to cut only one of the two haplotypes. In the PlA system, restriction endonucleases Nci I and Msp I both recognize the PlA2 allele. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A causal observation of an unexpected Msp I restriction pattern of a PlA2/PlA2 individual was made. Samples from 261 blood donors were then typed for antigens of the PlA system by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using the Nci I and Msp I restriction enzymes. RESULTS: Applying both enzymes, concordant restriction patterns were found in 258 of 261 blood donors. Three donors had a base pair mutation on the PlA2 allele, which creates an additional restriction site for Msp I 20 base pairs downstream from the PlA polymorphic site. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed a CT217-->CG217G base exchange resulting in a Leu40-->Arg40 polymorphism of glycoprotein IIIa. CONCLUSION: Presuming that the mutation is not a singular phenomenon and also occurs with the PlA1 haplotype, it could lead to false interpretations of restriction analysis with Msp I. To exclude that possibility, Nci I is preferred for restriction fragment length polymorphism typing in the PlA system.

Antigens, Human Platelet↗

Maternal intravenous immunoglobulin treatment does not prevent intracranial haemorrhage in fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.

In fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FAIT) the fetus is threatened by intracranial haemorrhage (ICH); therefore early diagnostic and therapeutic intervention is required. We followed the clinical course of a 30-year-old woman during her fifth pregnancy after she had given birth to a child with alloimmune thrombocytopenia due to anti-Zwa. The fetus was monitored by 13 fetal blood samplings (FBS) always followed by transfusion of either maternal or compatible donor platelets. Intravenous immunoglobulin (ivIg) treatment of the mother was begun at 20 weeks of gestation when the fetal platelet count was 36 x 10(9)/l. The fetal platelets were typed Zwa positive by DNA analysis. Despite 11 weeks of maternal ivIg treatment fetal platelet counts progressively declined to 6 x 10(9)/l and ICH occurred. Subsequently, the fetus was successfully managed by intrauterine platelet transfusions at shorter intervals (3-5 days) and elective Cesarean section was carried out at 35 weeks of gestation. We conclude that maternal ivIg treatment does not prevent ICH in FAIT. The treatment of choice for severely affected cases is serial FBS combined with transfusion of compatible platelets.

Antigens, Human Platelet↗

Localization of the Br polymorphism on a 144 bp exon of the GPIa gene and its application in platelet DNA typing.

Alloimmunization against the human platelet alloantigen system Br (HPA-5) is the second most common cause of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) in Caucasian populations. We have recently shown that a single base polymorphism at position 1648 on platelet mRNA coding for GPIa results in an aminoacid substitution at position 505 on the mature GPIa which is associated with the two serological defined Br phenotypes. Since DNA-typing of platelet alloantigens offers possibilities for useful clinical applications, we designed genomic DNA-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing for Br alloantigens. To establish this technique we analyzed the genomic organization of GPIa adjacent to the polymorphic base. Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of blood cell DNA we have identified two introns (approximately 1.7 and 1.9 kb) flanking a 144 bp coding sequence of the GPIa gene encompassing the polymorphic base 1648. Based on the intron sequence, a PCR primer was constructed to amplify a 274 bp fragment which was used for allele-specific RFLP to determine the Br genotypes. The results of RFLP analysis using MnlI endonuclease obtained from 15 donors (2 Bra/a, 2 Bra/b and 11 Brb/b) correlate perfectly with serological typing by monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA) assay.

Base Sequence↗

Heparin-associated thrombocytopenia: the effects of various intravenous IgG preparations on antibody mediated platelet activation--a possible new indication for high dose i.v. IgG.

The immunologic type of heparin-associated thrombocytopenia (HAT) is caused by antibodies which activate platelets via the Fc-receptor in the presence of polysulfated oligosaccharides. The antigen is formed by a releasable platelet protein (in many cases PF4) complexed to heparin. Since the role of GP IIb/IIIa in platelet activation by HAT antibodies is controversial, we investigated platelet activation by antibodies related to HAT. We used normal platelets and platelets from a patient with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) lacking GP IIb/IIIa. Heparin and sera from patients with HAT stimulated GT platelets in the same manner as determined by 14C-serotonin release and the changes in phosphorylation of p20 and p47. Platelet activation could be inhibited by an anti FcRII monoclonal antibody (IV. 3, Fab-fragments), and by Fc-fragments, but not by F(ab')2-fragments of human IgG. The effect of four different, commercially available preparations of intact i.v. IgG on the platelet activation by six HAT sera was investigated by 14C-serotonin release. The inhibitory effect was strongly dependent upon the manufacturing process. At a concentration of 20 mg/ml only IgG that had been subjected to low pH and traces of pepsin sufficiently inhibited platelet activation. IgG treated with polyethylenglycol or sulfitolysis was less effective, whereas beta-propiolactone-treated IgG almost completely lost the ability to inhibit platelet activation by antibodies related to HAT. We conclude that inhibition of GP IIb/IIIa-fibrinogen interaction is insufficient for preventing platelet activation in HAT.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗