Summary
While recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) shows promise as a broad-spectrum hemostatic
agent, questions remain regarding the most appropriate dose and the best way to monitor
its effects. In this study we tested the sensitivity of a thrombin dependent platelet
assay, platelet contractile force, to the effects of rFVIIa in normal, factor-deficient,
and inhibitor-containing blood samples. Dose dependent effects of rFVIIa on platelet
contractile force (PCF) and clot elastic modulus (CEM) were measured in all blood
samples.
rFVIIa minimally affected PCF and CEM in normal blood clotted with thrombin or batroxobin.
While rFVIIa minimally altered PCF and CEM in factor VIII (FVIII) deficient blood
clotted with thrombin, rFVIIa increased PCF and CEM and shortened the lag phase in
a dose dependent manner in batroxobin-induced clots. The effects of rFVIIa in factor
IX (FIX) deficient blood mirrored the effects seen in FVIII deficient samples. Whether
clotted with thrombin or batroxobin, baseline PCF and CEM were abnormally low in FVIII
deficient samples containing FVIII inhibitors. In such samples, rFVIIa caused dose
dependent improvement of PCF, CEM, and lag phases. In one patient with a spontaneous
inhibitor, rFVIIa caused dose dependent increases in PCF and CEM in blood clotted
with either enzyme.
rFVIIa corrects the deficient thrombin generation seen in FVIII and FIX deficiency,
and in blood containing FVIII inhibitors. As a consequence, platelet function is improved
and clot structure is enhanced. Platelet contractile force and clot elastic modulus
measurements are sensitive to the dose dependent effects of rFVIIa.
Keywords
Recombinant FVIIa - hemophilia - platelet contractile force - clot elastic modulus
- thrombin generation