The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC) is effective in reversing the anticoagulant effect of Dabigatran, as assessed by two modified skin-bleeding tests.
There is currently no treatment widely available for immediate reversal of Dabigatran anticoagulant effects, e.g. in case of major bleeding or when emergency surgery or invasive procedures are indicated. Treatment with prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) seems effective in reducing blood loss in animal models, but previous studies in humans have failed to show an effect on blood coagulation parameters. Recently, two novel methods of skin blood loss, one called "shed blood" and another "washed blood" were able to measure effects of anticoagulation, either as the inhibition of fibrin formation at the wound site by measuring Fibrinopeptide A (FPA) or as elevated blood loss, respectively, after oral administration of Dabigatran in healthy volunteers. The investigators hypothesise that the shed/washed blood methods are able to measure Dabigatran reversal following administration of PCC (Beriplex). The study will be performed as a randomised double blind cross-over study and 12 healthy human male subjects will be enrolled. Subjects will take Dabigatran 300 mg b.i.d. on day -2, -1 and 0. After the fifth dose (on day 0), subjects will be randomised to receive Beriplex (50 IU/kg) or a similar volume of saline as a single bolus dose i.v. over 20 minutes. After a 10 day minimum wash-out period this procedure will be repeated, and the alternative treatment (Saline or Beriplex) is administered. The Shed / Washed Blood measurements will be performed at different time points before and after starting oral anticoagulants and before and after administration of Beriplex/Saline. In addition to the Shed / Washed blood tests, several ex vivo standard coagulation tests will be performed. These include: activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), diluted thrombin time (DTT/Hemoclot), Dabigatran plasma levels (using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)), endogenous thrombin generation (ETG) and pre and post factor II, VII, IX and X.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
12
Beriplex 50 IU/Kg i.v. , single dose.
University Medical Centre
Groningen, Provincie Groningen, Netherlands
RECRUITINGInhibition of the anticoagulant effect of Dabigatran, assessed by the "shed and washed blood" methods
The Shed blood test allows assessment of thrombin activity and subsequent fibrinogen conversion to fibrin in vivo by measuring fibrinopeptide A (FPA) generation. A standardized wound, using a disposable device (Surgicutt® Adult) is made on the volar surface of the forearm, from which blood is collected during 4 minutes. The total amount of shed blood is measured in addition to Fibrinopeptide A levels. FPA levels are compared to FPA levels in systemic venous samples collected at corresponding timepoints. The washed blood test measures both the time until bleeding stops and sensitively measures small volumes of blood loss as area under the curve (AUC).
Time frame: Before Dabigatran (Baseline, T= day-2), After Dabigatran / Before PCC (T= day 0), After Dabigatran / After PCC (T=40 min.), After Dabigatran / After PCC (T=360 min.)
Change in Standard Coagulation Assays before / after Dabigatran and before / after PCC.
aPTT, PT, Diluted Thrombin Time (Hemoclot), Dabigatran Plasma Levels, Endogenous thrombin generation, pre- and Post coagulation factor II / VII / IX / X
Time frame: Before Dabigatran (Baseline, T= day-2), After Dabigatran / Before PCC (T= day 0), After Dabigatran / After PCC (T=20 min., T=40 min., T=60 min., T=120 min., T=240 min., T=360 min.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.