Introduction Fibrin monomer (FM) concentrations reflect pro-thrombin activity and have the potential to predict thrombotic events relatively earlier than other haemostatic markers. Most often, FM are compared with D-dimer (DD) as increased DD have been documented in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Although DD have a high sensitivity and negative predictive value, their specificity is much lower depending on the assay chosen, clinical pre-test probability and patient condition. There are limited reports investigating the utility of FM in hyper-coagulable patients. Methods We performed a literature search of FM concentrations in hyper-coagulable patients including those with DIC, acute ischaemic stroke, atrial fibrillation, acute myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolism (VTE) and cancer, as well as those who are pregnant or undergoing surgery. Results FM were increased in patients with DIC and those with malignancy. In contrast, detection of VTE or post-operative DVT development is likely enhanced using both FM and DD concentrations. Similarly, measuring FM concentrations with other biomarker levels may be more beneficial in patients suffering an acute myocardial infarction or acute ischaemic stroke. Lastly, FM concentrations vary substantially throughout pregnancy with no definitive role of FM as of yet. Conclusion Utilizing FM concentrations to assess hyper-coagulable patients seems promising; however, there are limitations including variations in FM cut-off values, the effect of patient medications and the timing of FM measurement relative to an acute event. Thus, further investigation is required before a true advantage for FM as a haemostatic marker can be established.
BACKGROUND: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an adverse complication of unfractionated and low molecular weight heparin caused by antibodies recognizing platelet factor 4-heparin (PF4/hep) complexes leading to platelet activation. The diagnosis of HIT is based on the combination of the clinical picture, using the 4T score along with screening and confirmatory methods to detect platelet activating anti‐PF4/H antibodies. OBJECTIVES: Performance was evaluated for two enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), 1) Asserachrom HPIA , Diagnostica Stago Inc., Parsippany, NJ, USA and 2) LIFECODES PF4 Enhanced, Immucor, Inc., Norcross, GA, USA for screening-based detection of PF4/hep antibodies. METHODS: ELISA assays were run per manufacturer recommendations and adapted for automation on a Dynex DS2 automated ELISA platform. Performance characteristics of the two immunoassays were assessed, including sensitivity, specificity, concordance with serotonin release assay (SRA), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). 21 samples were used in the study. Results: Both assays, Asserachrom HPIA and LIFECODES PF4 Enhanced demonstrated 100% sensitivity and NPV, confirming both assays' reliability to detect and rule out HIT (see table). The diagnostic specificity was significantly higher for Asserachrom HPIA vs. LIFECODES PF4 Enhanced (77.8% vs 31.6%). Asserachrom HPIA showed fewer false positive results, with PPV of 42.9% for Asserachrom HPIA vs. 13.3% for LIFECODES PF4 Enhanced. No false negative results were found for either assay. Asserachrom HPIA demonstrated 81.0% concordance with SRA, vs. 38.1% for LIFECODES PF4 Enhanced. CONCLUSIONS: HIT is a life-threatening disorder, with diagnosis depending on clinical findings using the 4T score along with laboratory evaluation. Combining the 4T score with PF4/hep antibody screening increases the accuracy of excluding HIT. Our observations indicate Asserachrom HPIA provides results with high sensitivity and specificity, minimizing false positivess, allowing use of alternative anticoagulants more selectively in at risk patients, to potentially improve patient management while minimizing costs. Disclosures Mardovina: Diagnostica Stago, Inc.: Employment. Chromczak:Diagnostica Stago, Inc.: Employment. Riley:Diagnostica Stago, Inc.: Employment.
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