Pharmacokinetic properties of a pasteurised fibrinogen concentrate.

The main pharmacokinetic characteristics of a plasma-derived, pasteurised fibrinogen concentrate were assessed in an open, multicentre, non-controlled study in five patients with congenital afibrinogenaemia or severe congenital hypofibrinogenaemia. Plasma samples were assayed for fibrinogen content in laboratories of the participating clinical centres (CCs) and additionally in a central laboratory at Aventis Behring (ABL). The values of the pharmacokinetic variables, using the fibrinogen determination at ABL, yielded a somewhat shorter terminal half-life compared with that determined at the CCs, with median (range) values of 2.

Efficacy and tolerability of a pasteurised human fibrinogen concentrate in patients with congenital fibrinogen deficiency.

The efficacy and tolerability of a pasteurised human fibrinogen concentrate were assessed in an open, multi-centre, non-controlled retrospective study in patients with congenital fibrinogen deficiency. Haemostatic efficacy was assessed by laboratory investigation and clinical observation. The study included 12 patients (afibrinogenaemia, n = 8; hypofibrinogenaemia, n = 3; dysfibrinogenaemia combined with hypofibrinogenaemia, n = 1).

Possible role of factor XIII subunit A in Fcgamma and complement receptor-mediated phagocytosis.

Besides its traditional role in hemostasis, factor XIII subunit A (FXIII-A) is supposed to function as a cellular transglutaminase and to be involved in certain intracellular processes, including cytoskeletal remodeling. To investigate its intracellular role, the aim of the present study was to follow changes in FXIII-A production in combination with the receptor-mediated phagocytic activities of monocytes/macrophages and to examine the phagocytic functions of monocytes in patients with FXIII-A deficiency. Human blood monocytes were isolated from the buffy coats of healthy volunteers and cultured for 4 days.

Evaluation of a sensitive colorimetric FXIII incorporation assay. Effects of FXIII Val34Leu, plasma fibrinogen concentration and congenital FXIII deficiency.

There is an increasing interest in the role of coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) in cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. It has recently been reported that a common G-->T point mutation in the A-subunit gene of FXIII, which codes for a valine (val) to leucine (leu) change (FXIIIVal34Leu), is protective against thrombotic diseases but seems to increase the risk of intracerebral bleeding. We developed a colorimetric incorporation assay for detection of FXIII activity based on incorporation of 5-(biotinamido) pentylamine (BAPA) into fibrin or fibrinogen.

Prevention of venous thromboembolism after knee arthroscopy with low-molecular weight heparin (reviparin): Results of a randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common, important complication of major orthopaedic surgery, particularly knee arthroplasty. Knee arthroscopy is increasingly performed on an outpatient basis. Few reports have elucidated the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery receiving no prophylaxis.