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Background: Reliable assays to measure direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) levels and their activity in critical situations are needed. Drug levels alone are not representative of the effect of DOACs on an individual's coagulation. We developed a technique that provides direct assessment of the global effect of rivaroxaban on the individual's coagulation in addition to plasma concentrations.Methods: DOAC concentrations were determined in fifty patients using rivaroxaban, with the new assay, Xross-CAT. The effect of rivaroxaban on coagulation (activity) was measured with thrombin generation (TG) in platelet poor plasma using 5 pM tissue factor on the same device. The levels were validated with the Biophen DiXal assay. The prothrombin time (PT) and dilute Russell viper venom time (dRVVT) were performed to estimate the effect on coagulation.Results: The variability of Xross-CAT was below 12%. Xross-CAT correlates well with Biophen DiXaI (r(s) = 0.885). The bias, determined by Bland-Altman analysis, was 4.9% and the Passing-Bablok equation was y = 1.1x - 2.1. The correlation of plasma levels with TG was moderate (ETP r(s) = -0.548; Peak r(s) = -0.559), as for the PT (r(s) = 0.739) and the dRVVT (r(s) = 0.692).Conclusions: Xross-CAT shows a good correlation with Biophen DiXaI that was previously confirmed to accurately assess rivaroxaban levels. Bleeding and thrombotic complications are not necessarily associated with drug levels and could be influenced by concomitant risk factors. The main benefit of Xross-CAT is that it can be performed simultaneously with thrombin generation, providing an overview of the global anticoagulation status of a patient in relation to circulating DOAC levels.

Introduction: Calibrated automated thrombinography (CAT) is a sensitive method to assess coagulation. Dabigatran inhibits both free thrombin and the alpha(2)macroglobulin (alpha M-2)-thrombin complex, which results in an erroneously increased peak and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) without affecting lag time and time-to-peak. The aim of this study was to elucidate the artefacts in CAT when dabigatran is present.Materials and methods: Thrombin generation (TG) was measured in vitro by using CAT in the presence or absence of 6 mu M idarucizumab in plasma spiked with dabigatran. Additionally, ex vivo measurements were performed in plasmas of 63 patients using dabigatran in the presence and absence of idarucizumab.Results: The in vitro experiments confirmed that the ETP, peak and velocity index were artificially increased. This was mainly due to the inhibition of the calibrator by dabigatran and partly due to CAT algorithms. The calibration artefact could be resolved by adding idarucizumab to the calibrator well. However, the second, mathematical artefact remains when dabigatran is present in the TG well. These findings were corroborated by ex vivo experiments i.e. the lag time and time-to-peak were significantly reduced in patients upon addition of idarucizumab, but the ETP and peak were not significantly affected. The velocity index did change significantly, since this is a combination of time-dependent factors and the peak.Conclusions: The peak, ETP and velocity index do not represent the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran on TG measured with CAT. The lag time and time-to-peak, however, do reflect the effect of dabigatran.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a condition in which the presence of antibodies against phospholipid-binding proteins is associated with thrombophilia and/or pregnancy morbidity. Although antiphospholipid antibodies have anticoagulant characteristics in vitro, they are associated with thromboembolic complications. Thrombin generation (TG) is a sensitive global test of coagulation, and elevated TG is associated with thrombosis. Increased TG can be caused by increased prothrombin conversion, decreased thrombin inactivation, or a combination of both. In this study, we measured TG in APS patients and healthy controls with and without vitamin K antagonist (VKA) treatment at 1 and 5 pM tissue factor and with thrombomodulin. Prothrombin conversion and thrombin inactivation were determined by thrombin dynamics analysis. The TG peak was increased in nontreated APS patients at 1 pM TF compared with nontreated controls. Prothrombin conversion was significantly increased in nontreated APS patients. In contrast, prothrombin conversion did not differ in controls and patients that were on VKA therapy. Thrombin inactivation was comparable between controls and APS patients in the presence and absence of VKAs. Both TG (peak and ETP) and prothrombin conversion were significantly higher in APS patients with prior thrombosis compared with patients without a history of thrombosis. In this study, we demonstrate that in APS, the hemostatic balance shifts toward a more prothrombotic phenotype due to elevated prothrombin conversion but unchanged thrombin inactivation rates. Within the group of APS patients, increased TG and prothrombin conversion are associated with a history of thrombosis.

Accurate thrombin generation determination by calibrated automated thrombinography can be sustained when reducing the plasma and reagent volumes up to half, but not for higher reductions or plasma dilutions.

Introduction Epidemiological studies suggest that hypobaric hypoxia at high altitude poses a risk for developing venous thromboembolism. The cause of this observed hypercoagulability remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of hypobaric hypoxia at 3,883 m above sea level on thrombin generation and platelet activation. Methods After complying with medical ethical procedures, 18 participants were recruited, of whom 1 had to leave the study prematurely due to mild acute mountain sickness. Blood was drawn first at 50 m above sea level and second at 3,883 m altitude after gradual acclimatization for 6 days. Thrombin generation was measured in whole blood, platelet-rich plasma and platelet-poor plasma. Platelet activation was assessed using a whole blood flow-cytometric assay. Coagulation factor levels, D-dimer levels and markers of dehydration and inflammation were measured. Results Hypobaric hypoxia at 3,883 m altitude caused increased thrombin generation, measured as peak height and endogenous thrombin potential, in whole blood, platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma without or at low tissue factor concentration. The elevated thrombin generation was mediated by increased factor VIII levels and not caused by dehydration or inflammation. In contrast, spontaneous and agonist-induced platelet activation was decreased at high altitude. Conclusion Hypobaric hypoxia causes increased factor VIII-mediated thrombin generation. The hypercoagulability was balanced by decreased platelet activation. These findings may explain why venous, and not arterial thrombotic events occur more frequently at high altitude.

Until recently, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) were the mainstay of oral anticoagulant treatment with bleeding as the most prevalent adverse effect. One to four percent of patients experience major bleeding episodes, while clinically relevant bleeding occurs in up to 20%. At this moment no laboratory assays are available to identify patients at risk for bleeding. With this study we aimed to investigate whether thrombin generation tests might identify a bleeding risk in patients taking VKAs. This prospective cohort study included 129 patients taking VKAs for more than three months. Calibrated automated thrombinography (CAT) was performed in whole blood, platelet rich and platelet poor plasma. Hematocrit, hemoglobin concentrations and the International Normalized Ratio (INR) were defined and coagulation factor levels were measured. Forty clinically relevant bleeding episodes were registered in 26 patients during follow-up. No differences were found in plasma CAT parameters or INR values. Bleeding was not associated with age, sex, hematocrit, hemoglobin levels or coagulation factor levels. In whole blood a significantly lower endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak were found in patients with bleeding (median ETP: 182.5 versus 256.2 nM. min, p = 0.002; peak: 23.9 versus 39.1 nM, p = 0.029). Additionally, the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC ROC) was significantly associated with bleeding (ETP: 0.700, p = 0.002; peak: 0.642, p = 0.029). HAS-BLED scores were also significantly higher in bleeding patients (3 versus 2, p = 0.003), with an AUC ROC 0.682 (p = 0.004). In conclusion, bleeding in patients taking VKAs is associated with a decreased whole blood ETP and peak as well as with an increased HAS-BLED score.

Background: Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is associated with clinical thrombosis manifestations. However, it is characterized as prolongation of lag time in phospholipid (PL) dependent laboratory coagulation assays, a reflection of the paradoxical lupus anticoagulant (LAC) effect. In contrast to clinical laboratory testing which almost exclusively utilize synthetic PL (sPL), activated platelets are a major source for PL for in vivo hemostasis. It was recently reported that platelet-derived microvesicles (P-MVs) release is mediated by a positive thrombin generation feedback loop in the process of platelet activation and membrane ballooning, which supports a physiological role for P-MVs in hemostasis (Agbani, et. al., 2017). Objective: To evaluate and compare thrombin generation (TG) supported by P-MVs, Erythroid MVs (E-MVs) and sPL in normal subjects and APS patients. Methods: MVs were prepared by gentle sonication or hypotonic-mechanical disruption of washed whole blood platelet pellets, platelet apheresis units or red blood units; sPL composition used was PS/PE/PC=20/20/60 (Bloemen, et. al., 2017). Particle size distribution and anionic phosphatidylserine (PS) expression on P-MV, E-MVs and sPL by Annexin 5-Oregan green (A5-OG) staining were analyzed by flow cytometry using Apogee A60-Micro Plus. TG measured by calibrated automated thrombinography (CAT) was used to evaluate a procoagulable capacity of sPL, P-MVs, and E-MVs after initiating with tissue factor (TF). Results: P-MVs and sPL were equivalent as a source of PL in supporting TG in normal platelet poor plasmas. TG in pooled normal plasma (PNP) in the presence of 1 pM TF showed that P-MVs in dose-dependent fashion support thrombin generation to a similar degree as standard sPLs dilutions including a dose of 4 µM, validated earlier as a saturated concentration in CAT assay (Gerotziafas GT, et. al., 2005). Increasing concentration of either P-MVs or sPLs had little effect on lag time in PNP. In APS patient plasma, lag time was dose-dependently shortened with P-MVs, from 20 minutes to less than 10 minutes, and peak height was dose-dependently increased to a nearly normal level with the highest P-MVs tested. When sPLs was used, TG more severely affected. Strong thrombin generation occurred only with high concentration sPLs (32 µM) after more than 20 min lag time (Figure 1B). E-MVs showed a similar pattern in generating thrombin as sPL in normal plasma and in APS patient with prolonged lag time. The reversal of LAC phenomenon with correction of lag time in APS patients with P-MVs in TG CAT assay was confirmed by testing another 6 (out of 10) APS patients. Microvesicles size, analyzed on A60-Micro Plus, using large angle light scatter (LALS) demonstrated that all three types of MV were consistently less than 1micrometer in diameter. E-MVs and sPL had a similar size distribution, and the majority were of a diameter comparable to 110nm polystyrene calibration beads. P-MVs had wider distribution ranging up to 500nm. All three types of vesicles showed a PS expression by A5-OG labeling with 88.8%, 69.3% and 43.9% MV positivity for sPL, P-MVs and E-MVs, respectively and equivalent mean fluorescent intensity. Summary: Platelet-derived microvesicles significantly promoted thrombin generation in APS patients. This is a revisiting of the "platelet neutralization effect" that was observed nearly 4 decades ago (Thiagarajan P, et. al., 1980). Our data demonstrate that P-MVs consistently increased TG in APS patient plasma compared to equivalent doses of sPL despite similar level of PS expression. In conclusion, cell-derived membranes from different source expressing PS might have different mechanisms to facilitate assembly of coagulation enzyme-substrate-cofactor complexes with resulting enzymatic activity than sPL and help explain LAC phenomenon. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Enabling Technology, Genomics, Proteomics Preclinical Research New, direct thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors have been developed to reduce the well-established drawbacks of currently available anticoagulants such as a protracted duration of action and high inter- and intra-individual variation of dose-effect. New anticoagulants are noninferior and no less effective for thromboprophylaxis than low-molecular-weight heparins or vitamin K antagonists. They are currently administered at fixed doses without control of their effect on the clotting system. Whether they need monitoring cannot be answered because relevant data are lacking and present means of monitoring are inadequate. The individual response to a standard dose of (any) anticoagulant—the modern direct inhibitors included—is highly variable (∼30%), and the clinical effect of all anticoagulants is not dose independent. Therefore a fixed dose that is optimal for the average patient is suboptimal for a fair percentage of patients that are low responders (risk of re-thrombosis) and dangerous for an equally high percentage of high responders (risk of bleeding). A better understanding of individual differences in the response, either low or high, to anticoagulants, irrespective of their mode of action, should be a primary objective for pharmacotherapy over the next decade.

Anticoagulation by a standard dosage of an inhibitor of thrombin generation presupposes predictable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the anticoagulant. We determined the inter-individual variation of the effect on thrombin generation of a fixed concentration of direct and antithrombin-mediated inhibitors of thrombin and factor Xa. Thrombin generation was determined by calibrated automated thrombinography in platelet-poor plasma from 44 apparently healthy subjects which was spiked with fixed concentrations of otamixaban, melagatran, unfractionated heparin, dermatan sulfate and pentasaccharide. The variability of the inhibitory effect of the different anticoagulants within the population was determined using the coefficient of variation, i.e. the standard deviation expressed as a percentage of the mean. The inter-individual coefficients of variation of the endogenous thrombin potential and peak height before inhibition were 18% and 16%, respectively and became 20%-24% and 24%-43% after inhibition. The average inhibition of endogenous thrombin potential and peak height (ETP, peak) brought about by the anticoagulants was respectively: otamixaban (27%, 83%), melagatran (56%, 63%), unfractionated heparin (43%, 58%), dermatan sulfate (68%, 57%) and pentasaccharide (25%, 67%). This study demonstrates that the addition of a fixed concentration of any type of anticoagulant tested causes an inhibition that is highly variable from one individual to another. In this respect there is no difference between direct inhibitors of thrombin and factor Xa and heparin(-like) inhibitors acting on the same factors.

Introduction: The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired autoimmunc disorder predisposing patients to thrombosis or pregnancy complications. Since inverted erythrocyte membranes (iEMs) might provide a physiologically relevant source of anionic phospholipids, we studied the interactions of phospholipid-binding proteins and APS antibodies using iEMs. Materials & methods: iEMs were prepared from packed erythrocytes by hypotonic lysis. Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure was confirmed by annexin A5 (A5) binding using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Binding of beta(2)-glycoprotein I (beta(2)GPI)-IgG immune complexes to iEMs was investigated with gel electrophoresis, western blot and flow cytometry. Functional involvement in coagulation was documental in the thrombin generation assay. Results: iEMs readily precipitated purified beta(2)GPI as well as beta(2)GPI from normal plasma and APS plasma. The plasma of APS patients provided higher levels of IgG binding to iEMs relative to healthy controls. Thrombin generation increased with increasing concentrations of iEMs, documenting that coagulation proteins bound to the exposed phospholipids. The LA effect was also distinguished in thrombin generation when comparing APS patients, as indicated by an increased lag time. Agglutination was observed after incubation with APS patient plasma and this was augmented by anti-human globulin. Conclusions: In conclusion, iEMs can provide a more physiological approach than phospholipid vesicle-based tests for investigating, APS and are more amenable to standardization than platelet membranes.

SummaryPhysical exercise is recommended for a healthy lifestyle. Strenuous exercise, however, may trigger the haemostatic system, increasing the risk of vascular thrombotic events and the incidence of primary cardiac arrest. Our goal was to study the effects of strenuous exercise on risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Blood was collected from 92 healthy volunteers who participated in the amateur version of the protour Amstel Gold cycling race, before and directly after the race. Thrombin generation showed a shortening of the lag time and time to peak and an increase of the velocity index. Interestingly, the endogenous thrombin potential measured in plasma decreased due to reduced prothrombin conversion. Platelet reactivity increased and this effect was stronger in men than in women. Lower fibrinogen and higher D-dimer levels after exercise indicated higher fibrin formation. On the other hand, fibrinolysis was also elevated as indicated by a shortening of the clot lysis time. Exercise activated the endothelium (von Willebrand factor (VWF) and active VWF levels were elevated) and the immune system (concentrations IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, RANTES and PDGF increased). Additionally, an increased cardiac troponin T level was measured post-exercise. Strenuous exercise induces a temporary hyperreactive state in the body with enhanced proand anticoagulant responses. As strenuous exercise has a more pronounced effect on platelet function in male subjects, this gives a possible explanation for the higher incidence of sudden cardiac death during exercise compared to women. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02048462.

SummaryCardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with blood loss and post-surgery thrombotic complications. The process of thrombin generation is disturbed during surgery with CPB because of haemodilution, coagulation factor consumption and heparin administration. We aimed to investigate the changes in thrombin generation during cardiac surgery and its underlying pro- and anticoagulant processes, and to explore the clinical consequences of these changes using in silico experimentation. Plasma was obtained from 29 patients undergoing surgery with CPB before heparinisation, after heparinisation, after haemodilution, and after protamine administration. Thrombin generation was measured and prothrombin conversion and thrombin inactivation were quantified. In silico experimentation was used to investigate the reaction of patients to the administration of procoagulant factors and/or anticoagulant factors. Surgery with CPB causes significant coagulation factor consumption and a reduction of thrombin generation. The total amount of prothrombin converted and the rate of prothrombin conversion decreased during surgery. As the surgery progressed, the relative contribution of α2-macroglobulin-dependent thrombin inhibition increased, at the expense of antithrombin-dependent inhibition. In silico restoration of post-surgical prothrombin conversion to pre-surgical levels increased thrombin generation excessively, whereas co-administration of antithrombin resulted in the normalisation of post-surgical thrombin generation. Thrombin generation is reduced during surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass because of a balance shift between prothrombin conversion and thrombin inactivation. According to in silico predictions of thrombin generation, this new balance increases the risk of thrombotic complications with prothrombin complex concentrate administration, but not if antithrombin is co-administered.

Hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) is known to be associated with deep vein thrombosis and venous thromboembolism. We attempted to get a better comprehension of its mechanism by going to high altitude, thereby including the potential contributing role of physical activity. Two groups of 15 healthy individuals were exposed to hypoxia by going to an altitude of 3900 meters, either by climbing actively (active group) or transported passively by cable car (passive group). Both groups were tested for plasma fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor and factor VIII levels, fibrinolysis, thrombin generating capacity, heart rate, oxygen saturation levels and blood pressure. As a control for the passive group, 7 healthy volunteers stayed immobile in bed for 7 days at normoxic conditions. The heart rate increased and oxygen saturation levels decreased with increasing altitude. Fibrinolysis and fibrinogen levels were not affected. Factor VIII and von Willebrand factor levels levels increased significantly in the active group, but not in the passive group. Plasma thrombin generation remained unchanged in both the active and passive group with increasing altitude and during 7 days of immobility in healthy subjects. However, by applying whole blood thrombin generation, we found an increased peak height and endogenous thrombin potential, and a decreased lagtime and time-to-peak with increasing levels of hypoxia in both groups. In conclusion, by applying whole blood thrombin generation we demonstrated that hypoxia causes a prothrombotic state. As thrombin generation in plasma did not increase, our results suggest that the cellular part of the blood is involved in the prothrombotic phenotype induced by hypoxia.

Introduction Infants and children have a lower incidence of thrombosis compared with adults. Yet, the mechanism of blood clot formation and structure in infants and children, as the end product of coagulation, has not been studied. This study aimed to establish differences in the mechanism of thrombin generation, fibrin clot formation and response to thrombolysis in infants and children compared with adults. Materials and methods We studied thrombin generation, fibrin clot formation, structure and fibrinolysis in healthy infants, children and adults. Results Younger populations had a decreased potential to generate thrombin, at a slower velocity compared with adults, correlating positively with age. Clot formation at venous shear rate was decreased in infants and children compared with adults, with increased time for fibrin formation, decreased fibrin formation velocity, resulting in decreased tendency for fibrin formation in younger populations. These differences were less pronounced at arterial shear rate. Studies of the fibrin clot structure in paediatric age groups showed a significantly larger pore size compared with adults, suggestive of a clot that is less resistant to fibrinolysis. The presence of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) resulted in a significant decrease in the pore size of infants and children, but not in adults. Conclusions This is the first study to suggest that the mechanism of blood clot formation and nanostructure, as well as response to thrombolytic therapy is different in infants and children compared with adults.

Current practice in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is either controlled dosage of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) or standard dosage of a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or an orally administrated direct inhibitor of thrombin or factor Xa (DOACs). This is justified by clinical trials showing the non-inferiority of standard dosage to VKA treatment - disregarding that the latter could be improved upon. Whether standard dosage is optimal for the individual patient depends upon how well (s)he is represented by the "average" patient that meets the inclusion criteria of the trial. Here we show that in a set of normal plasmas the individual thrombin generating power (the endogenous thrombin potential: ETP), after spiking with a fixed concentration (~ IC50) of different anticoagulants show such a wide variation that, even when plasma levels would be identical, a considerable percentage of patients could be over- or under-anticoagulated. Consequently adapted doses must be considered if better results than those with VKA are our aim. We recall that the ETP is close to constant in the individual person but varies in the population with a broad log-normal distribution (CV 16%). The ETP is highly correlated to the risk of thrombosis: The relative risk of VTE in the upper quartile being 5 - 7 times higher than that in the lower one (Winckers K., et al., poster PO617, ISTH 2015, Toronto). Reducing the ETP is the common feature of all antithrombotic therapy. The desired range of reduction is not exactly known. In congenital bleeding disorders bleeding risks increase sharply at ETP below 33%. In monitoring VKA treatment an INR below 2, which corresponds to an ETP > 66% of normal, is generally considered inadequate. We therefore arbitrarily choose the range 33 - 66% of normal, as a target range (TR). Experimental: Individual plasmas from 60 normal healthy volunteers were spiked with a fixed amount of either unfractionated heparin (UFH), low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), antithrombin binding pentasaccharide (penta), DOAC acting on thrombin or DOAC acting on factor Xa. We found the residual ETP to be highly variable (table column 3), obviously because the variation in susceptibility to the inhibitor superimposes upon the natural variation. Using these CVs we calculated what % falls either above or below the target range. The total variance of the ETP under treatment is the combined effect of natural variance, the pharmacokinetic- and the pharmacodynamic -variance. Here we determined pharmacodynamic effects only and calculated the % of ETP values that would fall outside the target range A: if there would be no pharmacokinetic variance (table column 4 & 5) and B: If the pharmacokinetic variance would equal the pharmacodynamic variance (table column 6 & 7). It is seen that in any case over 15% of the population will be outside the target range and that in the more likely case that pharmacokinetic variation counts as much as pharmacodynamic variation does around half of all patients will be outside the safe range. This could be avoided by measuring the effect of a standard dose of anticoagulant on the ETP once and increasing the dose in those with an ETP > 66% and decreasing it in those with ETP < 33%. The present work is meant to provide the rationale for starting clinical studies on the actual variation of the ETP attained under standard dosage of different anticoagulants and the effects thereon of personalised dose adjustment. Table Table. Disclosures Hemker: Diagnostica Stago: Consultancy.

Background: The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies directed mainly against prothrombin and β2-glycoprotein I. The syndrome is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. The global hemostatic state in a patient can be tested by measuring thrombin generation (TG). Recently, we developed a method to study the main pro- and anticoagulant processes at the basis of TG, called the thrombin dynamics method. Aim: In this study we investigated the dynamics of thrombin generation in healthy subjects and APS patients. Materials and methods: Healthy subjects (n=129) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients (n=31) were included in the study. Sixty-eight percent of the APS patients were lupus anticoagulant positive, anti-cardiolipin antibodies were detected in 84% of the patients, and 52% presented with anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies. Patients on anticoagulant therapy were excluded from the study. Thrombin generation was measured at 1 pM tissue factor (TF) and activated protein C (APC) system sensitivity was tested by measuring TG in the presence and absence of 20 nM thrombomodulin (TM). Results: Thrombin generation was measured in platelet poor plasma at 1 pM tissue factor. The lag time and time-to-peak were significantly prolonged in APS patients compared to healthy subjects (lag time: 3.30 ± 0.59 vs. 6.69 ± 4.26 min, p The pro- and anticoagulant processes underlying thrombin generation were studied separately. The total amount of prothrombin converted during thrombin generation (PCtot) did not differ between healthy subjects and patients (1234 vs. 1165 nM). However, the maximum rate of prothrombin conversion (PCmax) was significantly elevated in APS patients (291 vs 425 nM/min; p Thrombomodulin reduced the ETP by 45% in healthy subjects, but had significantly less effect in APS patients (10%). The addition of TM decreased total prothrombin conversion by 40% and the maximum prothrombin conversion rate by 50% in healthy subjects. In patients, TM only slightly reduced total prothrombin conversion (8%) and the maximum prothrombin conversion rate (7%). Discussion: The thrombin generation results indicate a predisposition to thrombosis in APS patients, as the TG parameters peak height and the velocity index are increased. Examination of the underlying pro- and anticoagulant processes of prothrombin conversion and thrombin inactivation revealed that although the same amount of prothrombin is converted in patients, the maximum activity of the prothrombinase complex is higher, indicating that patients can generate thrombin faster. In addition, APS patients have a dysfunctional APC system, as prothrombin conversion and thrombin generation could be only slightly inhibited by the addition of thrombomodulin. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Introduction: Thrombin generation (TG) assesses the hemostatic capacity of an individual and is indicative of a person's bleeding and thrombosis risk. TG dependson the balance between the pro- and anticoagulant processes in clotting plasma. Recently, we developed a method to study the main pro- and anticoagulant processes at the basis of TG, called the thrombin dynamics method. Vitamin K antagonist (VKA) treatment is known to reduce TG and that the reduction of TG correlates with the international normalized ratio (INR). In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of VKA therapy on the dynamics of TG by examining prothrombin conversion and thrombin inactivation. Materials and methods: TG was measured in platelet poor plasma at 1 pM tissue factor in 129 healthy subjects and 129 patients treated with VKA. The patients were classified according to the INR value: INR4 (n=19). Thrombin dynamics was calculated from TG curves and plasma antithrombin (AT), α2-macroglobulin (α2M) and fibrinogen levels. Three thrombin dynamics parameters were determined: the total amount of prothrombin conversion (PCtot), the maximum rate of prothrombin conversion (PCmax) and the thrombin decay capacity (TDC) of each plasma sample. Results: Vitamin K antagonist treatment reduced the ETP and peak height significantly at all INR values (p As previously reported, the thrombin decay capacity is mainly dependent on the plasma antithrombin and fibrinogen level. Plasma antithrombin levels were comparable between healthy subjects and patients on VKA (figure 2A) and showed a clear positive correlation with the thrombin decay constant in the patient group (R2=0.72, p Conclusion: Thrombin dynamics analysis shows that prothrombin conversion is reduced in patients treated with VKA and that thrombin inactivation is significantly attenuated. We demonstrate that the latter effect can be attributed to the elevated fibrinogen levels that accompany VKA treatment. Figure 1 Thrombin dynamics in healthy subjects and VKA patients. (A) Prothrombin conversion curves. (B) PCtot: total amount of prothrombin converted; (C) PCmax: maximum rate of prothrombin conversion; (D) TDC: thrombin decay capacity. *p Disclosures Hemker: Diagnostica Stago: Consultancy.

Introduction: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are susceptible to haemostatic disturbances. Monitoring the haemostatic capacity by conventional clotting tests is challenging.Materials and Methods: Thrombin generation (TG) by Calibrated Automated Thrombography, clotting tests and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) measurements were performed to describe the relationship between haemostatic changes and alterations in these tests. Blood samples were collected before, during and after CPB. Furthermore, it was investigated whether TG measured intraoperatively, is associated with increased risk of bleeding postoperatively.Results: TG diminished significantly (p Conclusions: TG can be determined during CPB despite the high heparinization level, it reflects the haemostatic capacity better than clotting-based assays and might better predict bleeding when performed intraoperatively. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Background: In this study the value of thrombin generation parameters measured by the Calibrated Automated Thrombography for prediction of blood loss after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass was investigated. Methods: Thirty male patients undergoing first-time coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled. Blood samples were taken pre-bypass before heparinisation (T1) and 5 min after protamine administration (T2). Thrombin generation was measured both in platelet-rich plasma and in platelet-poor plasma. Besides thrombin generation measurements, activated clotting time, haematocrit, haemoglobin, platelet number, fibrinogen, antithrombin, D-dimers, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were determined. Blood loss was measured and the amount of transfusion products was recorded postoperatively until 20 hours after surgery. Patients were divided into two groups based on the median volume of postoperative blood loss (group 1: patients with median blood loss

Summary Background We observed that minute amounts of thrombin or the enzyme Russell's viper venom activating factor V (RVV-V) added to plasma strongly diminish the potential of that plasma to generate thrombin after being triggered by tissue factor. Objective To find the mechanism behind this phenomenon. Methods and Results Thrombin generation (TG) initiated by tissue factor (TF) is strongly and dose-dependently inhibited by addition of activated factor V (FVa) or by addition of a factor V activator (thrombin or RVV-V). No inhibition is seen when TG is triggered via the intrinsic pathway or by direct activation of factor X. The effect is independent of proteins C and S and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). In factor VII-deficient plasma the effect is seen when it is spiked with recombinant factor VII (FVII) and to a much lesser extent when spiked with recombinant FVIIa. In a purified system, FVa also dose-dependently inhibits the activation of FX by TF/FVII(a). The inhibitory effect is neutralized by antibodies against the light chain of FVa but not by antibodies against the heavy chain. Conclusions Our observations can be explained by assuming that FVa, via its light chain, binds to the complex TF/FVII(a) and prevents it from activating FX. We assume that this mechanism reduces the possibility that thrombin and factor Xa escaping from a wound area into the circulation, together with blood-borne tissue factor, would trigger intravascular coagulation.

Introduction Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) causes hemodilution and coagulation factor consumption. The administration of unfractionated heparin accelerates thrombin inactivation and leads to elevated consumption of antithrombin (AT). The heparin-mediated release of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) from the vessel wall reduces prothrombin activation. CPB surgery thus affects both pro- and anticoagulant processes, which are reflected in changes in a patient's thrombin generation potential. In this study we investigated how cardiac surgery changes thrombin generation (TG), prothrombin conversion and thrombin inactivation. In addition, we studied the consequences of these changes in pro- and anticoagulant processes for transfusion management using in silico experimentation. Methods Thirty patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB were included and samples were collected before and after surgery and protamine administration. AT and prothrombin levels were determined and TG was measured at 5 pM tissue factor by calibrated automated thrombinography. Prothrombin conversion and thrombin inactivation were quantified from each TG curve. The effect of transfusion of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) was simulated by an in silico increase of prothrombin conversion. The effect of PCC administration in combination with AT was modeled as an increase of prothrombin conversion and antithrombin levels. The effect of in silico transfusion of PCC on coagulation was quantified by TG parameters. Results CPB surgery causes a reduction of plasma coagulation factor levels: AT (47%, p We modeled the effect of the transfusion of prothrombin complex concentrate with or without added antithrombin on TG. If the prothrombin conversion capacity was increased to pre-surgery levels in the absence of antithrombin, TG peak height increases to 454 ± 72 nM (figure A). A slight increase of prothrombin conversion (up to 83% of the pre-surgery level) brings TG peak height into the normal range (386±61 nM), but the ETP remains elevated (3278 ± 1141 nM). The optimal way to restore thrombin generation is the simultaneous infusion of PCC and antithrombin. Our in silico experiments indicate that this restores both the peak height (362 ± 69 nM) and the ETP (1601 ± 369 nM∙min) to the pre-surgery level (figure B). Conclusions Cardiac surgery with CPB causes the hemostatic balance to shift toward bleeding due to a reduction of prothrombin conversion. This is only partially compensated by a reduction of thrombin inactivation, resulting in reduced TG after surgery. Post-surgery bleeding can be (and often is) remedied by the transfusion of PCC. However, full restoration of the prothrombin conversion capacity results in a TG profile that predicts a prothrombotic state, as an ETP value in the highest quartile is associated with a 5 times elevated thrombosis risk according to Winckers et al. Equilibrated restoration of the hemostatic capacity asks for the simultaneous supplementation of both pro- and anticoagulant factors, i.e. PCC containing AT or fresh frozen plasma. Figure 1. The effect of prothrombin complex concentrate (± antithrombin) transfusion on in silico thrombin generation. ■ Pre-surgery TG, ● Post-surgery TG, □ in silico PCC transfusion (left panel), and ○ in silico PCC and AT transfusion (right panel). Figure 1. The effect of prothrombin complex concentrate (± antithrombin) transfusion on in silico thrombin generation. ■ Pre-surgery TG, ● Post-surgery TG, □ in silico PCC transfusion (left panel), and ○ in silico PCC and AT transfusion (right panel). Disclosures Kremers: Synapse bv: Employment. Bloemen:Synapse bv: Employment. De Laat:Synapse bv: Employment. Wagenvoord:Synapse bv: Employment. Al Dieri:Synapse bv: Employment. Hemker:Synapse bv: Employment.

Background: The antiphospholipid (aPL) syndrome (APS) is an acquired thrombophilic disorder in which autoantibodies target proteins bound to anionic phospholipids; the mechanisms involved have not yet been clearly established. Anionic phospholipids are normally present in the internal leaflets of cytoplasmic membranes and become expressed after cell injury or death. Current diagnosis of APS is based on a panel of non-mechanistic "criteria" tests, which consist of the paradoxical lupus anticoagulant (LA) and immunoassays for autoantibodies binding to anionic phospholipids (cardiolipin) or β2glycoprotein I. Also, there has been difficulty in identifying biologically relevant and robust phospholipid platforms for analyzing aPL-membrane interactions. We therefore decided upon a novel path by: 1) developing a cell-based model consisting of inverted erythrocyte membranes (iEMs) and 2) developing novel ways of detecting aPL-iEM interactions. Materials & Methods: iEMs were prepared from erythrocytes using an established protocol, suspended in 20 mOsm Tris buffer and used fresh or stored at -80°C. iEMs were incubated with normal or patient plasmas for a minimum of 30 minutes and washed by centrifugation at 15,000g. Binding of IgG to iEMs was investigated by goat anti-human IgG-Alexa 633 (GαH IgG-Alexa 633) in flow cytometry. PS exposure on membranes was confirmed by microscopy with annexin A5 (A5)-Oregon green and A5-Alexa 647 binding in flow cytometry. Bright field images of aggregated membranes were obtained to visually assess aggregation. The potential of iEMs to serve as phospholipids necessary for coagulation was assessed through calibrated automated thrombinography. Results: Incubation of iEMs with normal and aPL plasmas resulted in increased IgG binding to the iEMs, as determined by flow cytometry (figure 1A). The IgG staining was more pronounced with aPL compared to normal plasmas (mean fluorescence ± standard deviation; aPL (n = 3): 10004 ± 5416 versus healthy (n = 3): 4055 ± 1680). When studying these samples with bright field microscopy aggregate formation of iEMs was observed. The aggregates induced by aPL plasma were more numerous and larger than those forming in plasma of healthy donors (figure 2A-B). Amplified agglutination was observed in the presence of broad spectrum anti-hIgG/anti-hC3d reagent (figure 2C-D). Fluorescence microscopy of iEMs incubated with A5-OG confirmed that a population of iEMs was exposing PS. Thrombin generation (TG) studies established that iEMs contribute to coagulation reactions by providing a source of anionic phospholipids. TG increased dose-dependently with higher levels of iEMs until a plateau concentration was reached. Additionally, A5 resistance was investigated by means of flow cytometry. The aPL plasmas induced a decrease in A5 binding to iEMs compared to normal plasma and the control conditions (figure 1B), consistent with the functional A5 resistance assay. Discussion: We have developed a novel model for a more physiological approach to phospholipid based assays in APS using iEMs as a source of anionic phospholipids. They are easily prepared by hypotonic lysis of erythrocytes and can be frozen for storage until use. We have thus far demonstrated that a higher level of iEM aggregation is induced by aPL samples compared to healthy plasmas. Moreover, iEMs expose PS and dose-dependently accelerate TG by functioning as a platform for coagulation. Previous findings on A5 resistance induced by aPL plasma are confirmed with this iEM model. Conclusion: IEMs offer a novel and robust biologically-derived platform; they express PS, promote coagulation, bind aPL antibodies and open different approaches to investigate APS. Figure 1. Flow cytometry analysis of iEMs incubated with patient (red) and plasmas from healthy donors (blue). (A) GαH IgG-Alexa 633 binding for iEMs incubated with APL versus healthy plasma; (B) A5 resistance with less A5-Alexa 647 binding iEMs incubated with APS plasma compared to healthy plasma. Figure 1. Flow cytometry analysis of iEMs incubated with patient (red) and plasmas from healthy donors (blue). (A) GαH IgG-Alexa 633 binding for iEMs incubated with APL versus healthy plasma; (B) A5 resistance with less A5-Alexa 647 binding iEMs incubated with APS plasma compared to healthy plasma. Figure 2. iEMs incubated with aPL plasma (B, D) and plasma from a healthy donor (A, C) visualized with bright field microscopy. Aggregate formation seen after incubation with aPL plasma (B) is hardly seen with normal plasma (A); Agglutinate formation after addition of anti-hIgG/anti-hC3d (C, D) is amplified in aPL plasma (D) compared to normal plasma (C). Examples of aggregates are indicated with white arrows. Figure 2. iEMs incubated with aPL plasma (B, D) and plasma from a healthy donor (A, C) visualized with bright field microscopy. Aggregate formation seen after incubation with aPL plasma (B) is hardly seen with normal plasma (A); Agglutinate formation after addition of anti-hIgG/anti-hC3d (C, D) is amplified in aPL plasma (D) compared to normal plasma (C). Examples of aggregates are indicated with white arrows. Disclosures De Laat: Synapse bv: Employment.

Introduction: During the last 50 years vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) have been widely used for the primary prevention of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation, or for the secondary prevention in patients with a history of venous thromboembolism. The most prevalent adverse effect of anticoagulant therapy is an increased risk of bleeding. Annually approximately 1-4% of patients treated with VKAs suffer from major bleeding episodes. In the past several attempts have been made to predict the bleeding risk for these patients. Among the methods used at this moment are clinical decision scores, of which the HAS-BLED score is the most common one. Up to this point there are no laboratory methods available to predict patients at risk for bleeding. Thrombin generation (TG) tests have been shown to provide an intermediate phenotype for thrombosis. Additionally, TG has the capacity to detect the anticoagulant effect of many, if not all, anticoagulants, including VKAs. This method was only applicable in plasma, but recently this TG test has been introduced in whole blood (WB). With this study we aimed to investigate whether TG, in plasma or WB, could detect bleeding in patients taking VKAs. Materials & methods: Blood samples were collected in citrate tubes from 129 patients taking VKAs for over 3 months, who were older than 18 years of age and followed over time for bleeding episodes. The patients signed informed consent forms and the study was approved by the local medical ethical committee. TG was determined in WB, platelet rich plasma (PRP) and platelet poor plasma (PPP) by means of calibrated automated thrombinography (CAT). Tissue factor was used as a trigger at a final concentration of 1 pM in WB and PRP and at both 1 pM and 5 pM with 4µM phospholipids in PPP. Hematocrit and the hemoglobin concentration were determined in WB. The PPP of the patients was used to define the International normalized ratio (INR). Results: In our study the average INR value of all patients was 2.95 (± 0.92 (SD)). Twenty six patients (20.2 %) suffered from 44 clinically relevant bleeding episodes during a mean follow-up of 15.5 months. Applying TG in PPP and PRP we found no differences in either endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), an indication for the total amount of thrombin that can be converted, nor peak height (the highest amount of active thrombin present during coagulation). Interestingly, when we applied TG in whole blood, so including the blood cells, we found a significantly lower ETP (p < 0.01) and peak (p < 0.05) in the patients that suffered from bleeding (median: 182.5 nM.min and 23.9 nM, respectively) compared to patients that did not bleed (median: 256.2 nM.min and 39.1 nM). When examining the INR, hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, no significant differences were detected. A receiver operating curve (ROC) was constructed for the ETP and peak (figure 1). By determining the area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC we found that the ETP and peak are significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the tendency to bleed (ETP, AUC: 0.700; peak, AUC: 0.642). This compares favorably with the AUC reported for the HAS-BLED score related to clinically relevant bleeding in patients on VKAs (0.60). Conclusions: The TG test in whole blood was only recently developed and this is the first study implementing it to test patients using VKAs. In our study TG measured in WB proved to be the first laboratory test that is able to detect patients at risk of bleeding when treated with VKAs. The INR and plasma TG (CAT-based method), on the other hand, did not discriminate between bleeding and non-bleeding patients. For WB TG, based on the AUC of the ROC, the ETP and peak in WB have a predictive value for bleeding in patients taking VKAs superior over the currently used HAS-BLED score. Figure 1: Analysis of patients with and without bleeding symptoms. Receiver operating curves (ROC) of the ETP and peak in WB TG. Figure 1:. Analysis of patients with and without bleeding symptoms. Receiver operating curves (ROC) of the ETP and peak in WB TG. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Introduction We tested whether the recently introduced measurement of thrombin generation (TG) in whole blood can be used to evaluate the clotting status of patients on vitamin K antagonist (VKA) prophylaxis. The prothrombin time, and hence the International Normalized Ratio (INR), only evaluates the vitamin K dependent factors II, VII and X but not the anticoagulant factors, protein C and S as well as factor IX. In TG all factors play their role and when thrombomodulin (TM) is added the function of proteins C and S is stressed. The thrombotic tendency in congenital protein C resistance proves the importance of this protein C pathway. Aim To compare the INR in samples from patients under VKA prophylaxis to TG in whole blood and in platelet rich and platelet poor plasma (PRP, PPP) both in the presence and in the absence of TM. Materials & Methods Blood samples were collected from 123 consenting patients on VKA. In two thirds (67%) the indication for prophylaxis was atrial fibrillation. Other indications included prosthetic valves, lung embolisms or thrombosis. The INR was determined in the PPP of the samples and the patients were stratified into 5 groups: INR of 1.0 to 1.5, 1.5 to 2.5, 2.5 to 3.5, 3.5 to 4.5 and higher than 4.5. Thrombin generation (TG) was measured via Calibrated Automated Thrombinography (CAT) in whole blood and in PRP and PPP, with and without 20 nM added TM. From the TG curve lag time and time to peak were obtained as well as the maximal thrombin concentration (peak) and the area under the curve (endogenous thrombin potential: ETP). Also red and white blood cells and platelets were counted. Results With increasing INR values, the ETP and peak height decrease and lag time and time to peak prolong. All TG parameters measured in whole blood were significantly correlated (p-values< 0.01) with the values determined in both PRP and PPP. INR was linearly correlated with lag time and time to peak (p-value< 0.01), whereas for the concentration dependent parameters (ETP and peak height) the correlation with the INR was hyperbolical (p-value< 0.01). In plasma, 20 nM TM causes a diminution of ETP and peak of 50-60 % in normals and in patients in the INR 1 – 1.5 group. At higher INR values inhibition is between 25 and 40%, independent of the INR value. In whole blood, on the contrary, the same concentration of TM causes around 30 % of inhibition in normals and in all patients alike. Conclusions Whole blood TG data correlate well with INR and reflect more of the coagulation mechanism than the INR does. Like the INR it does not reflect the function of the VKAs on the natural anticoagulant factors, however. In PPP and PRP addition of TM shows that VKA treatment induces TM resistance in patients with an INR value higher than 1.5. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Introduction Age specific differences in the function and concentration of haemostatic proteins are well established and are thought to contribute to the lower incidence of thromboembolism in infants and children compared to adults. We hypothesized that there are age-specific differences in the fibrin clot nanostructure and that these differences impact on fibrinolytic and anticoagulant treatment. Aim To determine the differences in fibrin clot nanostructure and response to tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) and Unfractionated Heparin (UFH) in infants compared to adults. Materials and Methods Four plasma samples from infants (0.86±0.16 years) and four samples from adults (32.04±15.80 years) were investigated. Thrombin generation (TG) was performed on paper discs in a microplate with 300mmol/L rhodamine substrate (P2Rho), 4mmol/L phospholipids, 5x10-9 mmol/L tissue factor and 16.7 mmol/L CaCl2; with and without additional 50ng/ml tPA, and 0.01IU/ml UFH. Fluorescence signal was recorded with a Fluoroskan Ascent fluorometer, with samples tested in triplicate. The resulting fibrin clots were fixed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde; washed with PBS and fixed with osmium tetroxide OsO4. The clots were dehydrated in ethanol and hexamethyldisilazane and were placed on carbon adhesive tabs. Each clot was coated with gold and studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) on a Phenom Pro desktop SEM. The age-specific differences in fibrin fibre thickness and pore size were quantified using the Fibermetric software, with 36 representative images for infants and the same number for adults at each baseline, tPA and UFH, at magnification 10.000, counting 500 fibres per image. Results We observed significant differences in fibrin clot nanostructure between infants and adults (Fig 1). Results are expressed as median and range. Fibrin fibers were thicker in infants compared to adults (343.3nm, 61.2nm to 997.1nm vs 352.3nm, 26.1nm to 997.5nm, p In the presence of tPA in the adult sample, the fibrin fibers were thicker (352.3nm, 26.1nm to 997.5nm vs 355.8nm, 70.0nm to 999.6nm, p0.05) and pore size (0.057pm2, 0.0041pm2 to 19.97pm2 vs 0.050pm2, 0.0041pm2 to 19.34pm2, p>0.05). In the presence of UFH in adults fibrin fibers were thicker (352.3nm, 26.1nm to 997.5nm vs 339.0, 66.9nm to 996.4nm, p Discussion and Conclusion Our study suggests that the fibrin clots in infants are weaker compared to those of adults and is consistent with the lower TG in infants. This is further supported by published evidence that clots produced with low thrombin concentrations are composed of thick fibrin fibres, whereas those generated with high thrombin concentrations are composed of a tight network of thin fibres. The effect of both tPA and UFH on fibrin clots nanostructure in adults is consistent with published literature and is investigated in children for the first time. The fact that tPA did not have an effect on the fibrin clots of infants is not surprising considering that the concentration of plasminogen is 39%, tPA is 40% and TAFI function is 60% of the adult value; while PAI function is 50% higher compared to adults. UFH had an effect of the fibrin clot nanostructure in both infants and adults, with the effect on pore size being more pronounced in adults. While developmental haemostasis has been understood for many years, this is the first study to provide definitive proof that the end product of coagulation is a different clot structure in children. This further enhances our understanding of why thrombosis are less common in children, and has significant implications for treatment. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Introduction Thrombin generation testing is becoming an increasingly important tool to measure the variables of the clotting system. Under normal conditions the curve is bell-shaped, yet after addition of direct, reversible factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors, the shape of the curve changes. Direct FXa inhibitors cause a strong inhibition (in vitro and ex vivo) on the peak, whereas the ETP is affected to a smaller extent, due to a protraction of the thrombin generation process. This leads to a long plateau or a ‘double peak’. Aim To investigate the mechanism behind the protraction of the thrombin generation curve. Materials & Methods Thrombin generation (TG) was determined by using Calibrated Automated Thrombinography (CAT) in platelet poor plasma (PPP), platelet rich plasma and whole blood. The effect of direct FXa inhibitors was investigated with both a parenteral (otamixaban) and an oral agent (rivaroxaban). The two inhibitors were tested at different concentrations, including the plasma concentrations that would be found after therapeutic dosing (otamixaban: 100, 250 and 400 nM and rivaroxaban: 200, 400 and 800 nM). Thrombin generation was performed in control plasma, factor VII (FVII), FVIII, FIX, FXI and TFPI (tissue factor pathway inhibitor) deficient plasmas, activated with tissue factor (TF), FIXa or kaolin. Results Thrombin generation curves in PPP in the presence of direct FXa inhibitors display a protracted shape with a strong inhibition of the peak. When the intrinsic pathway is bypassed (e.g. in FVIII or FIX deficient plasma), the first part of the peak is no longer present. When the extrinsic pathway is evaded (e.g. by activating with FIXa), the second part of the peak disappears. This leads us to believe that when a direct FXa inhibitor is present, the first part of thrombin generation is due to the intrinsic tenase complex and the second part can be attributed to the extrinsic tenase (prothrombinase). When TFPI deficient plasma is activated with TF, the curve returns to its normal bell-shape. So, TFPI is an important contributor to the second peak. When TG was activated with kaolin, we could not distinguish an effect. In platelet rich plasma and whole blood, a stronger effect on peak height than on ETP is found, however the distinct shape that can be discerned in platelet poor plasma is not seen. Conclusions Addition of direct FXa inhibitors to PPP results in a protracted TG curve, which could also be described as a double peak. The first peak can be attributed to the actions of the intrinsic pathway (FVIII and FIX), the second part of the peak is due to mechanisms in the extrinsic pathway. The protraction of the peak can also be restored by activating TFPI deficient plasma with TF, so this also contributes to the effect of the extrinsic pathway. The inhibition of the negative feedback on the TF-FVIIa complex by the TFPI-FXa complex will prevent the shutting off of the extrinsic pathway. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Introduction Developmental Haemostasis, the concept describing maturation of the haemostatic system is based on established age specific differences in the quantity and function of haemostatic proteins. Interestingly, infants and children have a lower incidence of thromboembolic events than adults. Understanding the precise mechanism of thromboprotection in infants and children may therefore provide novel prevention and treatment strategies for adults. We hypothesized that a significant component of the thromboprotective mechanism is contributed to by the age-specific differences in thrombin generation. Aim This study was designed to investigate differences in thrombin generation in different age groups from infants to adults, to obtain more insight into age related differences in thromboembolic rates. Materials and Methods Plasma samples from 86 infants, children and adults were tested individually and the results were grouped according to age: 1 month to 1 year (N=13), 1-5 years (N=20), 6-10 years (N=19), 11-16 years (N=16) and adults (N=18). Thrombin generation (TG) was measured using Calibrated Automated Thrombinography (CAT) triggered with tissue factor (TF) at 5pM and 1pM final concentration. Parameters measured from the TG curve included: lag time, maximal thrombin concentration (peak), time to peak, as well as the area under the curve (endogenous thrombin potential, ETP). The raw data from TG was also used to calculate the overall, as well as alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) dependent decay constants. A2M function was measured with a thrombin inhibition assay developed in house. Results Both ETP and peak thrombin in infants and children was consistently significantly lower than in adults at both 1pM and 5pM tissue factor concentrations. The difference in ETP ranged from 27% to 35% (p Discussion and Conclusions This study confirms that TG in children (including adolescents) is lower than in adults and shows for the first time that this is predominantly caused by higher thrombin inhibition, largely due to an increase of A2M activity. Considering that the levels of A2M are increased by 50%, Antithrombin is decreased by approximately 37%, whilst the levels of Prothrombin, Fibrinogen and Heparin Cofactor II remain the same in infants and children compared to adults; therefore A2M is an important inhibitor of thrombin in early life and during childhood. Age-specific differences in thrombin generation as demonstrated by our study possibly play an important role in the thromboprotective mechanism functioning in infants and children. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.