Measurement of activated factor IX in factor IX concentrates: correlation with in vivo thrombogenicity

E Gray1, J Tubbs, S Thomas

  • 1Division of Haematology, NIBSC, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, UK.

Insights

A new assay for activated FIX (FIXa) can predict thrombotic risk in high purity FIX (HP FIX) products. Measuring FIXa levels offers a better prediction of thrombogenicity than current in vitro tests.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Biochemistry
  • Thrombosis Research

Background:

  • Current in vitro tests inadequately assess thrombogenicity of high purity Factor IX (HP FIX) concentrates.
  • Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) are used in treating Factor IX deficiencies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Develop a chromogenic assay for activated Factor IX (FIXa).
  • Evaluate FIXa assay's ability to predict in vivo thrombogenic potential of HP FIX products.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a chromogenic assay for FIXa.
  • Utilized a modified Wessler stasis model to assess in vivo thrombogenicity.
  • Correlated FIXa levels with thrombus scores in the animal model.

Main Results:

  • One of seven HP FIX products showed no detectable FIXa and no in vivo thrombogenicity.
  • Six HP FIX products with detectable FIXa (0.15-1.2 U/1000 FIX) exhibited varying degrees of in vivo thrombogenicity.
  • A significant positive correlation (r = 0.55, p < 0.02) was found between FIXa levels and in vivo thrombogenicity.
  • Neither the Neutralizing Anti-Platelet Thrombin Time (NAPTT) nor the Thrombin and Factor Xa Generation Assay (TFCT) correlated significantly with in vivo results.

Conclusions:

  • High purity FIX products may retain a residual thrombotic risk.
  • Measuring FIXa content is a more reliable predictor of HP FIX thrombogenicity than current in vitro assays.