B&L Week 2 Flashcards
what are the three steps in platelet plug formation?
- adhesion
- aggregation
- activation
describe the adhesion phase in platelet plug formation
involves adhesion of platelets ot vessel wall
- exposed COLLAGEN of the subendothelium (i.e due to damage) binds to platelet surface GpIa/IIa
- subendothelium von Willebrand factor binds platelet GpIbIX
describe the activation phase of platelet plug formation
involves activation and secretion of granule contents
- collagen exposure activates prostaglandin synthesis within platelets–> TXA2 formation occurs
- this results in the release of ADP, serotonin, fibrinogen and enzymes from intracellular granules
describe the aggregation phase of platelet plug formation
- the released ADP and thromboxane A2 cause additional platelets to aggregate
- after GpIbIX binds to von Willebrand Factor (vWF), GpIIbIIIa is exposed and binds to fibrinogen, which binds to other platelets
describe the process of fibrin clot formation
- vessel injury also exposes tissue factor (TF–a membrane protein on subendothelial vessel wall) which initiates the coagulation system
- the coagulation cascade occurs on the platelet plug surface (i.e IIa and Xa occurs on phospholipids)
- intrinsic pathway and extrinsic pathway meet at factor Xa which converts prothrombin to thrombin–> fibrinogen to fibrin–> crosslinked fibrin aided by Factor XIIIa
what is the intrinsic clotting pathway
Factor XI–> Factor XIa catalyzes…
Factor IX–> Factor IXa (some also feeds in from extrinsic pathway) catalyses…
Factor X–> Factor Xa (aided by Factor VIIIa from Factor VIII catalyzed by thrombin in feedback loop) catalyzes…
—common pathway starts—
prothrombin–> thrombin (aided by V–>Va which is also catalyzed by thrombin in feedback loop) catalyzes…
- fibrinogen–> fibrin
- Factor XIII–> Factor XIIIa
Factor XIIIa helps catalyze fibrin–> crosslinked fibrin
what is the extrinsic clotting pathway
vascular injury–> tissue factor exposed–> TF forms complex with Factor VII which becomes an activated complex that catalyzes…
- Factor IX–> Factor IXa (which feeds into intrinsic pathway)
- Factor X–> Factor Xa (which then joins with the intrinsic pathway and the common pathway starts)
where does Factor V/Va play a role?
formation of Va is catalyzed by thrombin in a feedback loop
along with factor Xa, factor Va also helps convert prothrombin to thrombin
where does factor VIII/VIIIa work?
formation of VIIIa is catalyzed by thrombin in feedback loop
along with factor IXa, helps convert factor X–> factor Xa to feed into common pathway
in addition to feeding back into the conversion of factor V–>Va and factor VIII–> VIIIa, what other conversion does thrombin catalyze in a feedback loop?
factor XI–>XIa to further/start the intrinsic pathway
by what process is clotting terminated?
- endothelial cells produce THROMBOMODULIN, ANITHROMBIN and TFPI–> they also activate fibrinolytic mechanisms through production of tissue plasminogen activator 1, urokinase, plasminogen activator inhibitor and annexin 2
what does thrombomodulin do?
binds to thrombin, activates protein C and S, and ultimately inactivates Va and VIIIa
what does antithrombin do?
inhibits VIIa, XIa, IXa and IIa (thrombin)
what does TFPI do?
inhibits proteases, mainly VIIa/TF
what does plasmin do?
comes from plasminogen, which is activated by tissue plasminogen activator to form plasmin
plasmin cleaves fibrin
where are platelets produced
bone marrow by megakaryocytes
how many platelets can be produced by one megakaryocyte
4000
what is the main regulator of platelet production
thrombopoietin (increases the number and maturation rate of megakaryocytes)
what is a normal platelet count
150-400 X 10^9/L
how does size differ between old and new platelets
new platelets are larger than old platelets
what percentage of circulating platelets are trapped at any one time within the spleen
up to 1/3
can be up to 90% if patient has massive splenomegaly
what is the normal life span of platelets
7-10 days
how are platelets removed from circulation
50% removed by the spleen
33% removed by the liver
17% removed by bone marrow/lymph nodes/other tissues
describe the size and shape of platelets
discoid shape
3-5um diameter
describe the structure of platelets
- external glycoprotein coat–> many platelet receptors, important for platelet adhesion and aggregation
- plasma membrane–> invaginations increase surface area for coagulation factor absorption; membrane phospholipids provide critical template for coagulation cascade reactions
- platelet cytosol contains A. alpha granules (proteins associated with adhesion and clotting) and B. dense granules (calcium, nucleotides, serotonin)
- NO NUCLEUS
what is the primary function of platelets
formation of initial hemostatic plug at site of vascular injury
- adhesion to vessel wall
- secretion of granule contents
- aggregation
*progression activation of platelet leads to significant shape change
how does a platelet achieve adhesion to vessel wall
- normal platelet flow is halted by engagement of GpIaIIa with exposed COLLAGEN in subendothelium
- subendothelial microfibrils bind von Willebrand factor which then binds to GpIbIX (on platelets)
….platelets become more spherical, extrude pseudopods and form a monolayer
how do platelets achieve secretion of granule contents
- collagen exposure–> activates prostaglandin synthesis–> arachadonic acid cascade–> thromboxane A2 formation
- activation of phospholipase C–> increased Ca2+ concentration within platelets–> granule release
- release ADP, serotonin, fibrinogen, enzymes
- triggers further conformational change and activation
how do platelets achieve aggregation
- GpIbIX binding leads to activation of GpIIbIIIa, which exposes binding sites for fibrinogen
- fibrinogen binds platelets to each other
- this is NOT the coagulation cascade
- ADP and thromboxane A2 recruit other platelets
how are the steps of 1. secretion of granule contents and 2. aggregation in the formation of a platelet plug related?
release of ADP and TXA2 recruit other platelets and these then become activated releasing more ADP and TXA2 and so on and so forth
what role do platelets play in coagulation?
- phospholipid is required for 2 steps of the coagulation cascade, Xa and IIa
- membranes of activated platelets provide exposed phospholipid surface
- bound fibrinogen also helps localize the clot
what two factors in particular are required to bind platelets to each other?
GpIIbIIIa on the platelet surfaces and fibrinogen linking them
what two factors in particular are required to anchor platelets to sites of endothelial damage?
von willebrand factor (on endothelium) and GpIbIX on the platelets
what are the three groups of abnormalities in primary hemostasis (and each of their two sub groups?)
- vessel wall–> either congenital or acquired
- platelet–> qualitative (defect in platelet function) and quantitative (low platelet count)
- von willebrand disease–> either congenital or acquired
what are the three main groups of QUALITATIVE congenital platelet function abnormalities?
- receptor defect–> problem with the membrane
- storage pool defect–> problem with hemoglobin
- secretory defect–> problem with enzymes
what are two qualitative platelet platelet receptor deficiency disorders?
- Bernard Soulier Syndrome (GpIb)–> adhesion defect; variable bleeding and large platelets
- Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GpIIbIIIa)–> defective aggregation, significant bleeding
what is a qualitative congenital platelet release/secretory defect disorder?
defective signal transduction with impaired granule content release–> inhibits activation
causes aspirin-like defect
list 3 qualitative congenital platelet granule content/storage pool platelet disorders
- Grey platelet syndrome
- Hermansky Pudlak syndrome
- Quebec platelet disorder
what is grey platelet syndrome?
qualitative congenital platelet granule content disorder
absent alpha granules
what is Hermansky Pudlak syndrome
qualitative congenital platelet granule content disorder
dense granule deficiency, associated with oculocutaneous albinism
what is Quebec platelet disorder
qualitative congenital platelet granule content disorder
rare autosomal dominant disorder–> 40 members in 1 canadian family
excessive platelet urokinase production–> leads to impaired clot stability and delayed bleeding
patients response to fibrinolysis inhibitors
what are the qualitative acquired platelet function defect categories?
- drugs
- systemic conditions
- hematologic disease
what drugs cause qualitative acquired platelet disorders?
- aspirin/NSAIDs–> inhibit cyclooxygenase; reduced TXA2 synthesis–> impaired activation and aggregation (in the case of aspirin, this effect is irreversible for the life of the platelet)
- Clopidogrel–> inhibits ADP binding to receptor–> impaired ADP mediated aggregation (irreversible for life of platelet)
- Heparin–> binds platelets–> can inhibit aggregation
- IIbIIIa inhibitors–> potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation–> mimics Glanzmann thrombasthenia
what are the qualitative acquired platelet disorders stemming from systemic conditions?
- renal failure (uremia)
2. cardiopulmonary bypass
what are the qualitative acquired platelet disorders stemming from hematologic disease
- myelodysplatic syndromes
- myeloproliferative syndromes (platelet dysfunction may occur especially with very high platelet counts)
- paraproteinemias (protein causes on specific impairment of adhesion and aggregation)
what is PFA-100
screening tool to assess platelet aggregation
will be abnormal in von willebrands disease and some congenital platelet function defects
affected by ASA/NSAIDs
how do you distinguish between qualitative and quantitative platelet disorders using…
- history
- laboratory testing
- history
- chronicity of problem
- family history of bleeding disordesr
- comorbid conditions (i.e renal failure, known MPN)
- medications - laboratory testing
- CBC
- peripheral blood morphology
- chemistry (renal function, SPEP if appropriate)
- specialized testing
what are the mechanisms of quantitative platelet disorders/thrombocytopenias?
- reduced production
- sequestration
- increased destruction/consumption
what are congenital causes of reduced production of platelets (thrombocytopenia)
may have associated platelet function defect (usually bernard Soulier syndrome)
usually have large/giant platelets; some have other hallmark morphologic features (i.e white cell inclusions in May-Hegglin anomaly)
some are associated with congenital anomalies
platelet transfusions are effective but should be reserved for serious bleeding or surgery
what are acquired causes of reduced production platelets (thrombocytopenia)
- nutritional–> B12 or folate deficiency
- infiltrative–> hematologic or non hematologic
- marrow failure syndromes –> myelodysplastic syndrome, aplastic anemia
- medication–> i.e chemotherapy
platelet transfusions are effective–> rarely required unless platelet count is less than 10 or significant bleeding
what causes increased sequestration/hypersplenism?
spleen normally sequesters up to 1/3 of circulating platelet pool–> increases in any cause of splenomegaly
- congestive splenomegaly–> Budd Chiari; cirrhosis/portal HTN
- reactive splenomegaly–> infections (i.e EBV, malaria), hemolytic anemias, some autoimmune diseases
- infiltrative–> benign (sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, storage disease) or malignant (nearly all are hematologic)
platelet transfusions are of limited effect because spleen just continues sequestering
what are causes of increased consumption of platelets (causing thrombocytopenia)
- ITP (immune thrombocytopenia/idiopathic thrombocytopenia)
- drug induced i.e heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
- sepsis
- DIC
- microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (HUS, TTP)
- significant blood loss
what is ITP?
immune/idiopathic thrombocytopenia
platelet equivalent of AIHA–> RES, spleen mediated clearance of antibody coated platelets
antibody is not readily identifiable; spleen is NOT enlarged
children–> most commonly post-viral and self-limiting
adults–> usually chronic, may be relapsing, remitting
- more common in women
- can be associated with connective tissue disease (i.e SLE, lymphoproliferative disease i.e CLL)
- can be triggered by medication (i.e sulfa drugs)
increased platelet turnover
platelet count variable, clinical manifestations are rare unless platelets are less than 30
what is the clinical presentation of ITP
clinical manifestations are rare unless platelets are less than 30
easy bruising, mucosal bleeding, petechiae
how do you treat ITP
in adults, only treat if platelets are less than 30 or patient requires an invasive procedure
can treat with
- steroids
- IVIG
- splenectomy
- immunosuppressive drugs
platelet transfusions are ineffective
what is HIT
heparin induced thrombocytopenia
what is the mechanism of heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
heparin-dependent antibody mediated platelet activation
PF4 in alpha granules secreted upon platelet activation–> avidly binds circulating heparin–> complex is immunogenic
IgG-heparin-PF4 complex binds platelet surfaces via platelet Fc receptors and via heparin receptors
binding causes platelet activation, degranulation and platelet aggregation
severe thromboembolic predisposition and consumptive thombocytopenia
when is the usual onset of HIT?
4-14 days after initiation of heparin therapy
what is the incidence of HIT
1-5% of patients exposed to heparin, depending on patient population
what is the incidence of venous and/or arterial thromboembolism at 30 days
50%
what is the Tx for HIT
stop heparin
usually give alternative anticoagulant
what is DIC
disseminated intravascular coagulation
what is the mechanism of DIC
diffuse activation of the coagulation cascade, consuming clotting factors–> coagulopathy
thrombocytopenia often occurs in DIC due to increased consumption of platelets
DIC is most commonly caused by
- sepsis
- malignancy
- obstetrical emergency
most cases are dominated by bleeding–> rarely can lead to MAHA/thrombosis (malignancy)
what is the treatment for DIC
must treat underlying cause
supportive platelet and plasma transfusion depending on clinical scenario and platelet count
name two thrombotic microangiopathies
hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
what are microvascular occlusive disorders
a group of disorders (i.e HUS, TTP) characterized by systemic or intrarenal aggregation of platelets, thrombocytopenia, and mechanical injury to erythrocytes
what triggers the microvascular occlusive disorders
- toxin-mediated endothelial damage (HUS)
- congenital absence of metalloprotease named ADAMRS13 (familial TTP)
- autoantibody causing deficiency of ADAMTS13 (primary TTP)
what does ADAMTS13 do?
malfunctions in this metalloprotease have been implicated in TTP
normally, this metalloprotease would cleave unusually long von willebrand factor multimers, but when there is a problem with this compound, unusually long VWF multimers persist and cause adhesion and aggregation of platelets improperly
what is the classic PENTAD for TTP
- thrombocytopenia
- microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
- fever
- neurologic symptoms and signs
- renal impairment
accumulation of large VWF multimers–> platelet aggregation–> microthombi
if left untreated, has a mortality of 90%!!!
what is the Tx for TTP
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
- plasma exchange–> removes autoantibody and large VWF multimers; replacement plasma provides fresh source of metalloprotease enzyme; requires placement of large bore central line; daily treatments until platelet count normalizes
- aspirin often added to reduce micro thrombi
- corticosteroid for refractory or relapsed cases
PLATELET TRANSFUSIONS ARE CONTRAINDICATED
what are two major categorizations for the mechanisms of common bleeding disorders?
- platelet and platelet-related abnormalities
2. coagulation factor abnormalities
what are 4 platelet or platelet related causes of bleeding disorders?
- ITP
- secondary thrombocytopenia
- aspirin use
4 .von willebrand disease
what is the mechanism of lack of platelets in ITP
increased platelet desctruction–> idiopathic, may be seen in association with other diseases
abnormal IgG prematurely removes platelets from circulation via macrophages of reticuloendothelial system (especially in the spleen)
IgG is commonly directed via GpIIbIIIa
shortens platelet lifespan to just a few hours (hence causes thrombocytopenia)
total megakaryocytes and platelet turnover increase in parallel
what is the onset of ITP
insidious, with petechial hemorrhage, easy bruising, menorrhagia in women
Tx of ITP
corticosteroids (prednisone)
high dose IVIG (for life threatening hemorrhage)
immunosuppressive drugs
monoclonal Abs (Rituximab)
splenectomy (for refractory patients)
platelet transfusions (only lasts for a few hours)
what is secondary thrombocytopenia
increased platelet destruction
due to HIV infection, H. pylori infection, CLL and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (marrow infiltration via lymphoproliferative disorders), autoimmune hemolytic anemia, collagen vascular diseases (SLE), drug induced (heparin, quinine, quinidine, chemotherapy) and post-transfusion reaction
how does aspirin use cause a platelet related bleeding disorder
inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX 1 and 2) leading to impaired thrombozane A2 synthesis–> consequent impairment of platelet aggregation via AA, collagen and ADP
where is VWF normally produced
in megakaryocytes and endothelial cells
what is the role of VWF
2 roles:
- promotes platelet adhesion to subendothelium at high shear rates
- carrier molecules for Factor VIII (protection from premature destruction)
what are the typical symptoms of VW disease?
typically mucocutaneous bleeding (platelet disorder) ie epistaxis, menorrhagia, operative hemorrhage
rarely hemarthroses and muscle hematomas (deep tissue bleeding due to factor problem)
list 7 bleeding disorders that can be classified as coagulation factor abnormalities
- hemophilia
- vitamin k deficiency
- factor disease due to liver disease
- DIC
- warfarin use
- heparin use
- lupus anticoagulant
what is hemophilia
-hereditary coagulation disorders
-hemophilia A–> factor VIII deficiency
factor VIII is synthesized in liver and endothelial cells; missense/framseshift/deletion/flip-tip inversion at factor VIII gene
-hemophilia B–> factor IX deficiency
factor IX is vitamin K dependent
Tx for hemophilia A
factor VIII replacement
DD-arginine vasopressin with fluid restriction (for milder hemophiliacs)
Tx for hemophilia B
recombinant factor IX
how does vitamin K cause a coagulation factor bleeding disorder
- fat soluble vitamin K obtained from green vegetables and gut bacteria synthesis
- inadequate diet, malabsorption, inhibition of vitamin K by drugs (i.e warfarin) can cause deficiency
- vitamin K functions in gamma-carboxylation of glutamic acid in coagulation factors–> this enables factors to bind Ca2+ and attached to the platelet phospholipid
how are the liver and vitamin K coagulopathies related?
the synthesis of vitamin K dependent clotting factors happens in the liver (factor II, VII, IX, X and protein C)
How can liver deficiency cause coagulopathies?
by messing with:
- vitamin K-dependent factor synthesis
- causing factor V, fibrinogen deficiency (severe)
- thrombocytopenia from hypersplenism or immune complex-mediated platelet destruction
how can liver dysfunction cause coagulopathies?
through dysfibrinogenemia (abnormal fibrin polymerization, and thus dysfunctional fibrin clot formation)
what is DIC?
coagulation factor related bleeding disorder
widespread inappropriate intravascular deposition of fibrin with CONSUMPTION of coagulation factors and platelets
what can cause DIC?
consequence of abnormal release of procoagulants, endothelial damage, or platelet aggregation
i.e infections (HIV, CMV)
malignancy
hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis, incompatible blood transfusion)
widespread tissue damage (surgery, trauma, severe burns)
what is the pathophysiology of DIC
- consequence of abnormal release of procoagulants, endothelial damage, or platelet aggregation
- increased activity of thrombin overwhelming normal removal by natural anticoagulants (i.e tissue factor release)
- excessive fibrin monomers formed by thrombin, which form complexes with fibrinogen and interfere with fibrin polymerization–> coagulation defect
- intense fibrinolysis stimulated by thrombi interferes with fibrin polymerization –> coagulation defect
- thus, combined action of thrombin and plasmin cause DEPLETION of fibrinogen and all coagulation factors
- bleeding problems compounded by thrombocytopenia caused by consumption of platelets
how does warfarin cause bleeding disorders
it is a vitamin K antagonist
how might heparin use cause a bleeding disorder
normally used to prevent clotting
potentiates activity of antithrombin and inhibits thrombin (IIa) and factors IXa, Xa and IXa
LMWH has greater ability to inhibit factor Xa than to inhibit thrombin
describe the coagulopathy related to lupus anticoagulant
- actually an antiphospholipid antibody associated with venous and arterial thromboses (in vivo)
- interferes with lipoprotein-dependent stages of coagulation IN VITRO (detected by prolonged aPTT)
- activates and stimulates coagulation cascade IN VIVO (known mechanism)–> clotting tendency….. pathologic thromboses of arteries and veins, including PLACENTAL vasculature… possible placental infarct and pregnancy loss
- associated with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome–> occurrence of venous and arterial thrombosis and/or recurrent miscarriage in association with persistent antiphospholipid antibody
- anticoagulant in vitro, procoagulant in vivo
what key findings must you seek on history in someone with a potential bleeding disorder
- bleeding
- family Hx of hematologic conditions
- medications: ASA, warfarin, heparin, anti-inflammatories
- age at first bleeding, consistency of symptoms throughout life–> to determine inherited vs. acquired
- Hx of severe bleeding–> spontaneous vs. provoked; requirement for medical attention; Tx given
what would the following physical/hx findings indicate with regard to the potential etiology of a bleeding disorder
- mucocutaneous
- soft-tissue/joint
- one site/localized bleed
- multiple sites
- mucocutaneous–> disorder of primary hemostasis
- soft tissue/joint–> disorders of secondary hemostasis
- one site/local bleed–> could be structural or single organ related
- multiple sites–> more likely hemostatic problem
describe the course of investigations for a bleeding disorder
- initial evaluation, Hx and physical–> 2. initial hemostasis tests: CBC, platelets, PTT, PT/INR, fibrinogen/TT –> 3a. either other cause identified-thrombocytopenia, abnormal PT, low fibrinogen, abnormal TT OR 3b. prolonged PTT that corrects on 1:1 mixing study or no abnormalities
if 3b–> VWD assays and factor VIII tests
what does an elevated PTT indicate?
indicates a problem in the INTRINSIC pathway
several options:
A. factor DEFICIENCY: 8, 9, 11, 12 or VWD disorder
- factor 12 deficiency does not cause bleeding
- factor 11 in uncommon
- factor 8 and 9 are X linked so uncommon in women
- factor 8 is carried on VWD and therefore can be low in VWD disorder
B. coagulation factor INHIBITOR–>
- lupus anticoagulant
- heparin
- acquired factor 8 inhibitor
- *follow up with mixing study if elevated PTT
- mixing study differentiates between factor deficiency and inhibitor
why would you do a mixing study if elevated PTT
follow up with mixing study if elevated PTT
- mixing study differentiates between factor deficiency and inhibitor
- if PTT improves on 50:50 mix then its a factor deficiency
- if PTT remains elevated then an inhibitor is present
what does elevated PTT indicate?
problem in the EXTRINSIC pathway
i.e factor 7 deficiency
what can elevated PTT and PT indicate?
problem in the COMMON pathway or in fibrinogen
- factor deficiency common pathway–> 1, 2, 5, 10
- factor deficiency of multiple factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic (12, 11, 9, 8, and 7)
- hemophilia A/factor 8
- hemophilia B/factor 9
- vitamin K (2, 7 9, 10)
6 liver disease (TT not prolonged because fibrinogen is synthesized in extra-hepatic sites and not just the liver) - DIC (increased consumption)–> all coagulation times are prolonged
*to differentiate between vitamin K deficiency or liver disease just give vitamin K and you’ll see improvement within a few hours
what can elevated TT indicate?
problem with prothrombin (factor 2)
what elements of a history would suggest the cause of abnormal bleeding as hematologic?
- hematologic bleeding can be due to platelet problems, VWF defects or deficiency, or coagulation factor problems
- hx should be focused on history of bleeding, medications, family fx of bleeding, detailed hx of any trauma that elicited bleeding, diet, social etc…
- key questions:
1. is the bleeding at one or multiple sites?
2. age at first bleeding symptom
3. consistency of bleeding symptoms
4. is it spontaneous or provoked by trauma, childbirth or procedures
5. any previous reasons for medical attention including previous transfusions
6. any previous treatment given
7. how severe is the bleeding
what elements of a history would suggest the cause of abnormal bleeding is non-hematologic?
- non hematologic bleeding is mainly due to any trauma or other abrasion on intact blood vessels
- a details Hx on any trauma or PAIN due to damage of endothelium of blood vessels should be elicited
*same key questions as for hematologic causes–> use these questions to distinguish between the two