Role of Platelet-Bound C4d (PC4d) in Predicting Risk of Future Thrombotic Events in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Objective: Platelet-bound complement activation product C4d (PC4d) levels correlate with history of thrombosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The present study evaluated whether PC4d levels could assess risk of future thrombosis events.

Methods: PC4d level was measured by flow cytometry.

Antiphospholipid antibodies are persistently positive at high titers. Additive value of platelet-bound C4d.

Background: Classification criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) require that antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) positivity is confirmed after at least 12 weeks. We tested the hypothesis that aPL at high titers remain positive while low titers fluctuate over time. As both platelet-bound C4d (PC4d) and aPL are associated with thrombosis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we also evaluated whether PC4d can aid in APS diagnosis.

Capillary Blood Levels of Hydroxychloroquine and Methotrexate Are Stable for up to 5 Years When Collected on Volumetric Absorptive Microsamplers.

Background: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and methotrexate (MTX) are common antirheumatic drugs used chronically by patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (1, 2). Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of HCQ and MTX provides critical compliance information, but typically requires venipuncture and shipment of refrigerated blood samples to the clinical laboratory. Capillary blood collection by finger prick offers a convenient alternative to venipuncture.

Pharmacogenetic profile and major depressive and/or bipolar disorder treatment: a retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Aim: To compare pharmacogenetic test predictions with self-reported treatment experience and side effect tolerability among patients with depression taking psychotherapeutic medications.

Methods: Subjects completed a survey recalling medication effectiveness and side effects and then underwent pharmacogenetic testing.

Results: Our 15 gene pharmacogenetic panel predicted efficacy (p < 0.

Mutation detection using plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in a cohort of asymptomatic adults at increased risk for cancer.

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with a nine gene, 96 mutation panel among subjects at increased risk for cancer with no previous cancer diagnosis.

Subjects And Methods: DNA from 1059 asymptomatic subjects was analyzed for detection of low levels ctDNA using a blood plasma liquid biopsy assay. Subjects with detectable copies of ctDNA were asked to provide additional blood samples and relevant medical records throughout their one-year of participation.