Summary
In the present study we assessed the effect of platelet counts and rFVIIa on thrombin
generation, platelet activation and clot formation after tissue factor pathway activation
in human plasma aiming to investigate the mechanism by which rFVIIa induces haemostasis
in patients with severe thrombocytopenia. Plasma samples with platelet counts from
5 ×109/l to 150 ×109/l were spiked with rFVIIa (1 µg/ml) or buffer. Clotting was initiated in the presence
of diluted thromboplastin. Thrombin generation was assessed using the Thrombogram-Thrombinoscope™ assay. The kinetics of platelet activation was assessed using flow cytometry to measure
the expression the Pselectin on platelet membrane of washed platelets suspended in
defibrinated homologous PPP. Thromboelastography was used to evaluate the effect of
platelets and rFVIIa on the kinetics of clot formation and clot’s firmness. In the
presence of low platelet counts the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and the maximum
concentration of generated thrombin (Cmax) were reduced by 60%-70%.The lag-time of
thrombin generation and the time required to reach the Cmax (Tmax) were prolonged,
the velocity of platelet activation was decreased and thrombus formation was delayed.
Recombinant FVIIa accelerated thrombin generation and platelet activation but it did
not significantly modify ETP or Cmax. Recombinant FVIIa enhanced platelet activation
in a TF and thrombin dependent manner since its effect on the studied parameters was
abolished when TF was omitted or when hirudin was added into the experimental system
respectively. Recombinant FVIIa normalized the velocity of clot formation but it did
not modify clot firmness, which depended mainly on platelets’ count. In conclusion,
in experimental conditions simulating severe thrombocytopenia rFVIIa in the presence
of low amounts of TF, accelerates thrombin generation, without increasing the maximum
amount of generated thrombin, thus leading in enhanced platelet activation and rapid
clot formation.
Keywords
Thrombin generation - thrombocytopenia - recombinant factor VIIa - novoseven - thromboelastography
- platelet activation - tissue factor