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Blood tests are neede to differentiate FVII deficiency from other bleeding disorders. Typical is a discordance between the prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and normal levels for the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). FVII levels are <10IU/dl in homozygous individuals, and between 20-60 in heterozygous carriers. The FCVII: C assay supports the diagnosis.
The FVII gene (F7) is found on chromosome 13q34. Heterogeneous mutations have been described in FVII deficient patients.
The condition is diagnosed by blood tests in the laboratory when it is noted that special blood clotting test are abnormal. Specifically prothrombin time (PT) or activated partial thromboplastin time(aPTT) are prolonged. The diagnosis is confirmed by an assay detecting very low or absent FXII levels.
The FXII (F12) gene is found on chromosome 5q33-qter.
In hereditary angioedema type III an increased activity of factor XII has been described.
Among the diagnostic tests that can be done in determining if an individual has complement deficiencies is:
- CH50 measurement
- Immunochemical methods/test
- C3 deficiency screening
- Mannose-binding lectin (lab study)
- Plasma levels/regulatory proteins (lab study)
When vWD is suspected, blood plasma of a patient must be investigated for quantitative and qualitative deficiencies of vWF. This is achieved by measuring the amount of vWF in a vWF antigen assay and the functionality of vWF with a glycoprotein (GP)Ib binding assay, a collagen binding assay, or a ristocetin cofactor activity (RiCof) or ristocetin induced platelet agglutination (RIPA) assays. Factor VIII levels are also performed because factor VIII is bound to vWF which protects the factor VIII from rapid breakdown within the blood. Deficiency of vWF can then lead to a reduction in factor VIII levels, which explains the elevation in PTT. Normal levels do not exclude all forms of vWD, particularly type 2, which may only be revealed by investigating platelet interaction with subendothelium under flow, a highly specialized coagulation study not routinely performed in most medical laboratories. A platelet aggregation assay will show an abnormal response to ristocetin with normal responses to the other agonists used. A platelet function assay may give an abnormal collagen/epinephrine closure time, and in most cases, a normal collagen/ADP time. Type 2N may be considered if factor VIII levels are disproportionately low, but confirmation requires a "factor VIII binding" assay. Additional laboratory tests that help classify sub-types of vWD include von-willebrand multimer analysis, modified ristocetin induced platelet aggregation assay and vWF propeptide to vWF antigen ratio propeptide. In cases of suspected acquired von-Willebrand syndrome, a mixing study study (analysis of patient plasma along with pooled normal plasma/PNP and a mixture of the two tested immediately, at one hour, and at two hours) should be performed. Detection of vWD is complicated by vWF being an acute phase reactant with levels rising in infection, pregnancy, and stress.
Other tests performed in any patient with bleeding problems are a complete blood count-CBC (especially platelet counts), activated partial thromboplastin time-APTT, prothrombin time with International Normalized Ratio-PTINR, thrombin time-TT, and fibrinogen level. Testing for factor IX may also be performed if hemophilia B is suspected. Other coagulation factor assays may be performed depending on the results of a coagulation screen. Patients with von Willebrand disease typically display a normal prothrombin time and a variable prolongation of partial thromboplastin time.
The testing for vWD can be influenced by laboratory procedures. Numerous variables exist in the testing procedure that may affect the validity of the test results and may result in a missed or erroneous diagnosis. The chance of procedural errors are typically greatest during the preanalytical phase (during collecting storage and transportation of the specimen) especially when the testing is contracted to an outside facility and the specimen is frozen and transported long distances. Diagnostic errors are not uncommon, and the rate of testing proficiency varies amongst laboratories, with error rates ranging from 7 to 22% in some studies to as high as 60% in cases of misclassification of vWD subtype. To increase the probability of a proper diagnosis, testing should be done at a facility with immediate on-site processing in a specialized coagulation laboratory.
In congenital FXII deficiency treatment is not necessary. In acquired FXII deficiency the underlying problem needs to be addressed.
The diagnosis for deficiency of protein S can be done via reviewing family history of condition and genetic testing, as well as the following:
- Protein S antigen test
- Coagulation test (prothrombin time test)
- Thrombotic disease investigation
- Factor V Leiden test
There are several treatments available for bleeding due to factor X deficiency, however a specifi FX concentrate is not available (2009).
1. Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) supplies FX with a risk of thrombosis.
2. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP): This is relatively inexpensive and readily available. While effective this treatment carries a risk of blood-borne viruses and fluid overload.
3. If vitamin K levels are low, vitamin K can be supplied orally or parenterally.
Treatment of FX deficiency in amyloidosis may be more complex and involve surgery (splenectomy) and chemotherapy.
Blood tests are needed to differentiate FX deficiency from other bleeding disorders. Typical are normal thrombin time, prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and prolonged partial thromboplastin time(PTT). FX antigen and its coagulant activity can be used to classify the severity of the condition:
1. Type I has low levels of FX antigen and activity.
2. Type II has low coagulant activity but normal or borderline FX antigen levels.
The FX (F10) gene is found on chromosome 13q34. Heterogeneous mutations have been described in FX deficient patients.
In terms of treatment for protein S deficiency the following are consistent with the "management" (and administration of) individuals with this condition ( it should be noted that the prognosis for "inherited" homozygotes is usually in line with a higher incidence of thrombosis for the affected individual):
There are several treatments available for factor VII deficiency; they all replace deficient FVII.
1. Recombinant FVIIa concentrate (rFVIIa) is a recombinant treatment that is highly effective and has no risk of fluid overload or viral disease. It may be the optimal therapy.
2. Plasma derived Factor VII concentrate (pdFVII) : This treatment is suitable for surgery but can lead to thrombosis. It is virus attenuated.
3. Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) containing factor VII: this treatment is suitable for surgery, but has a risk of thrombosis. It is virus attenuated.
4. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP): This is relatively inexpensive and readily available. While effective this treatment carries a risk of blood-borne viruses and fluid overload.
Diagnosis of inherited hypoprothrombinemia, relies heavily on a patient's medical history, family history of bleeding issues, and lab exams performed by a hematologist. A physical examination by a general physician should also be performed in order to determine whether the condition is congenital or acquired, as well as ruling out other possible conditions with similar symptoms. For acquired forms, information must be taken regarding current diseases and medications taken by the patient, if applicable.
Lab tests that are performed to determine diagnosis:
1. Factor Assays: To observe the performance of specific factors (II) to identify missing/poorly performing factors. These lab tests are typically performed first in order to determine the status of the factor.
2. Prothrombin Blood Test: Determines if patient has deficient or low levels of Factor II.
3. Vitamin K1 Test: Performed to evaluate bleeding of unknown causes, nosebleeds, and identified bruising. To accomplish this, a band is wrapped around the patient's arm, 4 inches above the superficial vein site in the elbow pit. The vein is penetrated with the needle and amount of blood required for testing is obtained. Decreased vitamin K levels are suggestive of hypoprothrombinemia. However, this exam is rarely used as a Prothrombin Blood Test is performed beforehand.
In terms of the diagnosis of adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency one should look for (or exam/method):
- MRI
- Demonstration of Succinylpurines in extracellular fluids like plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or urine using HPLC or HPLC-MS
- Genetic testing - genomic cDNA sequencing of the ADSL gene and characterization of mutant proteins.
The diagnosis of the disease is mainly clinical (see diagnostic criteria). A laboratory workup is needed primarily to investigate for the presence of associated disorders (metabolic, autoimmune, and renal diseases).
- Every patient should have a fasting blood glucose and lipid profile, creatinine evaluation, and urinalysis for protein content at the first visit, after which he/she should have these tests on a regular basis.
- Although uncommon, lipid abnormalities can occur in the form of raised triglyceride levels and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
- Patients usually have decreased serum C3 levels, normal levels of C1 and C4, and high levels of C3NeF (autoantibody), which may indicate the presence of renal involvement.
- Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and antidouble-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) antibodies have reportedly been observed in some patients with acquired partial lipodystrophy.
- A genetic workup should be performed if the familial form of lipodystrophy is suggested.
Laboratory work for associated diseases includes:
- Metabolic disease - fasting glucose, glucose tolerance test, lipid profile, and fasting insulin to characterize the insulin resistance state; free testosterone (in women) to look for polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Autoimmune disease - ANA, antidouble-stranded DNA, rheumatoid factor, thyroid antibodies, C3, and C3NeF.
As a confirmatory test, whole-body MRI usually clearly demonstrates the extent of lipodystrophy. MRI is not recommended on a routine basis.
The diagnosis of this condition can be done via the following:
- Flow cytometry
- Bleeding time analysis
A diagnosis of TTP is based on the clinical symptoms with the concomitant presence of thrombocytopenia (platelet count below 100×10/L) and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with schistocytes on the blood smear, a negative direct antiglobulin test (coombs test), elevated levels of hemolysis markers (such as total bilirubin, LDH, free hemoglobin and an unmeasurable haptoglobin), after exclusion of any other apparent cause.
USS can present similar to the following diseases which have to be excluded: fulminant infections, disseminated intravascular coagulation, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, Evans syndrome, the typical and atypical form of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome, pre-eclampsia, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), cancer that is often accompanied with metastasis, kidney injury, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and side effects from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Of note is that pregnancy associated affections like pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP syndrome can overlap in their presentation as pregnancy can trigger TTP episodes.
Patients with fulminant infections, disseminated intravascular coagulation, HELLP syndrome, pancreatitis, liver disease and other active inflammatory conditions may have reduced ADAMTS13 activity but almost never a relevant severe ADAMTS13 deficiency <10% of the normal.
A severe ADAMTS13 deficiency below 5% or <10% of the normal (depending on the definitions) is highly specific for the diagnosis of TTP. ADAMTS13 activity assays are based on the direct or indirect measurement of VWF-cleavage products. Its activity should be measured in blood samples taken before therapy has started, to prevent false high ADAMTS13 activity. If a severe ADAMTS13 deficiency is present an ADAMTS13 inhibitor assay is needed to distinguish between the acquired, autoantibody-mediated and the congenital form of TTP (USS). The presence of antibodies can be tested by ELISA or functional inhibitor assays. The level of ADAMTS13 inhibitor may be fluctuating over the course of disease and depends on free circulatory antibodies, therefore an onetime negative test result does not always exclude the presence of ADAMTS13 inhibitors and thereby an autoimmune origin of TTP. A severe ADAMTS13 deficiency in the absence of an inhibitor, confirmed on a second time point in a healthy episode of a possible USS patient, usually sets the trigger to perform a molecular analysis of the "ADAMTS13" gene to confirm a mutation. In unclear cases a plasma infusion trial can be done, showing an USS in the absence of anti-ADAMTS13-antibodies a full recovery of infused plasma-ADAMTS13 activity as well as a plasma half-life of infused ADAMTS13 activity of 2–4 days. A deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity in first-degree relatives is also a very strong indicator for an Upshaw-Schulman Syndrome.
Critics of the diagnosis complain that case evidence is spotty and lacking controlled clinical studies.
A 28 month old girl, showed symptoms from 8 months of age and consisted of complaints of painful bruises over lower limbs, and disturbed, painful sleep at night. Family history revealed older brother also suffered similar problems and died at age of two years possibly due to bleeding - no diagnosis was confirmed. Complete blood count and blood smear was determined as normal. No abnormality in fibrinogen, liver function test, and bleeding time. However, prothrombin levels were less than 1% so patient was transfused with fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Post transfusion methods, patient is now 28 months old and living healthy life. The only treatment that is needed to date is for the painful bruises, which the patient is given FFP every 5-6 weeks.
Twelve day old boy admitted for symptoms consisting of blood stained vomiting and dark colored stool. Upon admission into hospital, patient received vitamin K and FFP transfusion. No family history of similarity in symptoms that were presented. At 40 days old, patient showed symptoms of tonic posturing and constant vomiting. CT scan revealed subdural hemorrhage, and other testing showed low hb levels of 7%, platelets at 3.5 lakhs/cu mm. PT examination was 51 seconds and aPTT at 87 seconds. Prothrombin activity levels were less than 1%. All other exams revealed no abnormalities. Treatment methods included vitamin K and FFP, as well as ventilator support and packed red blood cell transfusion (PRBC). At half a year of age, condition consisted of possible poor neurological outcome secondary to CNS bleeding. Treatment of very frequent transfusion was needed for patient.
Recent study illustrated a patient with 2 weeks of continuous bleeding, with presence of epistaxis, melena, hematuria, and pruritic rash with no previous bleeding history. Vitals were all within normal range, however, presence of ecchymoses was visible in chest, back and upper areas. Lab exams revealed prolonged prothrombin time (PT) of 34.4 and acquired partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 81.7, as well as elevated liver function tests. Discontinuation of atorvastatin, caused liver enzymes to go back to normal. Treatment of vitamin K, antibiotics, and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) did not have an impact on coagulopathy. Mixing of PT and aPTT was performed in order to further evaluate coagulopathy and revealed no correction. Factor activity assays were performed to determine the presence of a specific one. Testing revealed that factor II activity could not be quantified. Further studies showed that acquired factor II inhibitor was present without the lupus anticoagulant, with no clear cause associated with the condition. Aimed to control bleeding and getting rid of the inhibitor through directly treating the underlying disease or through immunosuppressive therapy. Corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin improved the PT and aPTT. Did not improve bleeding conditions until treatment of transfusion with activated PCC. Treatment of inhibitor required Rituximab, which was shown to increase factor II levels to 264%. Study shows that when a patient with no history of coagulopathy presents themselves with hemorrhagic diathesis, direct testing of a factor II inhibitor should be performed initially.
Diagnosis of acquired dysfibrinogenemia uses the same laboratory tests that are used for congenital dysfibrinogenemia plus evidence for an underlying causative disease.
Treatment of asymptomatic congenital dysfibrinogenemia depends in part on the expectations of developing bleeding and/or thrombotic complications as estimated based on the history of family members with the disorder and, where available, determination of the exact mutation causing the disorder plus the propensity of the particular mutation type to develop these complications. In general, individuals with this disorder require regular follow-up and multidiscipline management prior to surgery, pregnancy, and giving childbirth. Women with the disorder appear to have an increased rate of miscarriages and all individuals with fibrinogen activity in clotting tests below 0.5 grams/liter are prone to bleeding and spontaneous abortions. Women with multiple miscarriages and individuals with excessively low fibrinogen activity levels should be considered for prophylaxis therapy with fibrinogen replacement during pregnancy, delivery, and/or surgery.
In terms of management for complement deficiency, immunosuppressive therapy should be used depending on the disease presented. A C1-INH concentrate can be used for angio-oedema (C1-INH deficiency).
Pneumococcus and haemophilus infections prevention can be taken via immunization for those with complement deficiency. Epsilon-aminocaproic acid could be used to treat hereditary C1-INH deficiency, though the possible side effect of intravascular thrombosis should be weighed.
PD diagnosis is based primarily on the presence and position of ulcers on the skin, as well as identifying particular protein markers in urine. To confirm the diagnosis, a blood test is required to measure prolidase activity.
A review published in 2004, which was based on 35 patients seen by the respective authors over 8 years and also a literature review of 220 cases of acquired partial lipodystrophy (APL), proposed an essential diagnostic criterion. Based on the review and the authors experience, they proposed that APL presents as a gradual onset of bilaterally symmetrical loss of subcutaneous fat from the face, neck, upper extremities, thorax, and abdomen, in the "cephalocaudal" sequence, sparing the lower extremities. The median age of the onset of lipodystrophy was seven years. Several autoimmune diseases, in particular systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis, were associated with APL. The prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance were 6.7% and 8.9%, respectively. Around 83% of APL patients had low complement 3 (C3) levels and the presence of polyclonal immunoglobulin C3 nephritic factor. About 22% of patients developed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) after a median of about 8 years following the onset of lipodystrophy. Compared with patients without renal disease, those with MPGN had earlier age of onset of lipodystrophy (12.6 ± 10.3 yr vs 7.7 ± 4.4 yr, respectively; p < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of C3 hypocomplementemia (78% vs 95%, respectively; p = 0.02).
The adipose stores of the gluteal regions and lower extremities (including soles) tend to be either preserved or increased, particularly among women. Variable fat loss of the palms, but no loss of intramarrow or retro-orbital fat, has been demonstrated.
Those diagnosed are usually treated with taking a low dose (80–100 mg) Aspirin a day. Anticoagulants (e.g. Warfarin, Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix) are often additionally prescribed following formation of a medically significant clot. Thrombelastography is more commonly being used to diagnose hypercoagulability and monitor anti-platelet therapy.
The prognosis of this condition in childhood usually has a stable outcome, whereas in neonatal is almost always fatal, according to Jurecka, et al.
The four hereditary types of vWD described are type 1, type 2, type 3, and pseudo- or platelet-type. Most cases are hereditary, but acquired forms of vWD have been described. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis's classification depends on the definition of qualitative and quantitative defects.