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- Astermark, Jan, et al.
(author)
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Non-genetic risk factors and the development of inhibitors in haemophilia: a comprehensive review and consensus report.
- 2010
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In: Haemophilia. - : Wiley. - 1351-8216. ; May 4, s. 747-766
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Summary. The development of inhibitors to the infused factor in patients with haemophilia is a serious clinical problem. Recent evidence suggests that alongside the strong genetic contribution to inhibitor formation, there are a number of non-genetic factors - perceived by the immune system as danger signals - which promote formation of inhibitors. This study provides a comprehensive review of clinical studies relating to these factors and also presents a survey of opinion concerning their importance and clinical influence, conducted among the members of the European Haemophilia Treatment Standardisation Board (EHTSB). Taken together, this information highlights the lack of robust data concerning the influence of several non-genetic risk factors on inhibitor development, and an urgent need for prospective, well-conducted studies that adhere to recommendations made by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for studying inhibitors. Based on current literature, the EHTSB formulated consensus recommendations. It is desirable to minimize intensive treatment wherever possible, given the clinical situation. Prophylaxis should be offered to all children, although we still need to determine optimal dosing with respect to inhibitor development, and age for starting treatment. Vaccinations should be given subcutaneously and concomitant factor concentrate infusions avoided. According to the board, there is no evidence in the literature supporting suggestions that the type of concentrate influences inhibitor risk; but all patients should be monitored during their first exposures. Furthermore, there is no evidence to support an association between pregnancy-related issues, breast feeding and treatment-related factors (e.g. route of administration, or use of blood components) and inhibitor development.
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| 3. |
- Berntorp, E., et al.
(author)
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Fifth Åland Island conference on von Willebrand disease
- 2018
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In: Haemophilia. - : Wiley. - 1351-8216. ; 2424 Suppl 4, s. 5-19
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The fifth Åland Island meeting on von Willebrand disease (VWD) was held on the Åland Islands, Finland, from 22 to 24 September 2016—90 years after the first case of VWD was diagnosed in a patient from the Åland Islands in 1926. This meeting brought together experts in the field of VWD to share knowledge and expertise on current trends and challenges in VWD. Topics included the storage and release of von Willebrand factor (VWF), epidemiology and diagnostics in VWD, treatment of VWD, angiogenesis and VWF inhibitors.
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| 4. |
- Astermark, Jan, et al.
(author)
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Current European practice in immune tolerance induction therapy in patients with haemophilia and inhibitors.
- 2006
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In: Haemophilia. - : Wiley. - 1351-8216 .- 1365-2516. ; 12:4, s. 363-371
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The management of patients with inhibitors is an important challenge in haemophilia care. The lack of randomized controlled trials means that clinical decisions are generally based on subjective opinions, and purchasers' attention is likely to focus on the costs of treatment. In order to assess the current management of inhibitor patients and use of immune tolerance induction therapy (ITI) in Europe, we performed a survey within a European network of 21 comprehensive care centres from 14 countries (the European Haemophilia Therapy Standardisation Board). The survey identified a total of 381 patients with inhibitors attending the centres, 211 (55.4%) of whom had never been exposed to ITI. Between 1998 and 2003, the centres performed 233 procedures and 114 (48.9%) were successful. The survey demonstrated that dosing, which is the time to start and stop the ITI, the type of concentrate to use and the definition of success varied among the centres. Well-designed trials are warranted to guide decision-making, but in the absence of these studies we have developed consensus guidance for the management of inhibitor patients based on current clinical practice, as identified by the survey, and review of the literature.
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| 5. |
- Astermark, Jan, et al.
(author)
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Current use of by-passing agents in Europe in the management of acute bleeds in patients with haemophilia and inhibitors.
- 2007
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In: Haemophilia. - : Wiley. - 1351-8216 .- 1365-2516. ; 13:1, s. 38-45
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ultimate goal of treatment for patients with inhibitory antibodies should be to permanently eradicate the inhibitor by immune tolerance induction therapy (ITI). However, ITI procedures fail in a substantial number of patients and in many countries ITI is not even offered owing to its high cost. How patients with inhibitors are managed in different European countries is evaluated with a special focus on the use of by-passing agents, i.e. recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa) and activated prothrombin complex concentrates (aPCC), as well as the type of monitoring performed. Investigators from 22 large haemophilia centres participating within the network of the European Haemophilia Therapy Standardisation Board (EHTSB) were asked to complete a questionnaire. rFVIIa was routinely used in all centres for both children and adults at dosages ranging from 90 to 250 mu g kg(-1) at an interval of 2-4 h. aPCC was used in 85% of the centres in adults and in 25% of the centres in children with haemophilia A at dosages of 50-100 IU kg(-1) every 6-12 h. The corresponding figures for children and adults with haemophilia B were 40% and 15% of the centres, respectively. Higher dosages of both agents were considered in the case of life-threatening bleeds. General recommendations were developed, based on the information provided by the survey. The results clearly indicate the need for well-designed comparative studies to optimize the use of by-passing agents.
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| 6. |
- Berntorp, Erik, et al.
(author)
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von Willebrand's disease: a report from a meeting in the Åland islands.
- 2012
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In: Haemophilia. - : Wiley. - 1351-8216. ; 18 Suppl 6, s. 1-13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- von Willebrand's disease (VWD) is probably the most common bleeding disorder, with some studies indicating that up to 1% of the population may have the condition. Over recent years interest in VWD has fallen compared to that of haemophilia, partly the result of focus on blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Now the time has come to revisit VWD, and in view of this some 60 international physicians with clinical and scientific interest in VWD met over 4 days in 2010 in the Åland islands to discuss state-of-the-art issues in the disease. The Åland islands are where Erik von Willebrand had first observed a bleeding disorder in a number of members of a family from Föglö, and 2010 was also the 140th anniversary of his birth. This report summarizes the main papers presented at the symposium; topics ranged from genetics and biochemistry through to classification of VWD, pharmacokinetics and laboratory assays used in the diagnosis of the disease, inhibitors, treatment guidelines in different age groups including the elderly who often have comorbid conditions that present challenges, and prophylaxis. Other topics included managing surgeries in patients with VWD and the role of FVIII in VWF replacement, a controversial subject.
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