Assessment of acquired activated protein C resistance with the FibWave and comparison with the ETP-based APC resistance.

INTRODUCTION

Activated protein C (APC) resistance is a major risk factor of venous thrombosis which may be acquired by hormonal therapy or other causes. The FibWave, a sensitive global clot-based assay design to analyze the coagulation kinetics in plasma, may be a good candidate to assess this prothrombotic state. This study aims to assess the suitability of the FibWave to differentiate the coagulation kinetics of women on oral contraceptives.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-four healthy volunteers were divided into 5 groups: men [n = 13], women not using hormonal contraception [n = 12], women using second [n = 12] or third generation [n = 12] combined oral contraceptives, and women using progestin only contraceptive [n = 5]. Patients with coagulation abnormalities were also assessed [n = 8]. The APC resistance was assessed on the FibWave using exogenous APC or Protac, and on the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram using the ETP-based APC resistance assay.

RESULTS

Either in presence or in absence of APC or Protac, the FibWave was able to detect a hypercoagulable state in plasma samples. All combined oral contraceptives showed a lower FW-Max , FW-Max and FW-Min percentage of inhibition and a lower FW-Ttpeak ratio than the other groups. The sensitivity of the FibWave was similar to the one of the ETP-based APC resistance assay.

CONCLUSION

The FibWave is able to differentiate APC resistance levels observed in women on combined oral contraceptive. The FW-Max , FW-Max and to a lesser degree FW-Min were identified as the most sensitive parameters with a similar performance to the ETP-based APC resistance assay.