Fibrinogen

July 12, 2003
14:00 to 18:00
Hall 10
The International Convention Center, Birmingham

Acting Chairman: S. Lord, USA
Co-chairs:   J. Koopman, The Netherlands; R. McIntosh, UK; N. Weinstock , Germany

Approximately 50 persons attended this session, chaired by S. Lord.  Co-chairs Koopman, McIntosh and Weinstock were not present.

S. Lord (USA) led a discussion of the proposal that the FXIII subcommittee merge with the fibrinogen subcommittee.  Advantages and disadvantages were discussed.  There is significant overlap, but concern was expressed that issues of interest to each group—for example, dysfibrinogen characterization in the fibrinogen SSC—would be diminished in a merged group.  It was suggested that a joint session for the two subcommittees be organized in 2004, and the issue of merger reconsidered in light of the joint session.

M. de Maat (Netherlands) reported on the impact of fibrinogen heterogeneity on clinical assays and cell growth.  For the clinical assays she focused on the forms of fibrinogen known as HMW, LMW and LMW’ and the contribution of these forms to immunoassays for fibrinogen.  The influence of the splice variants g’ and aE were also reported.  Examination of two fractions of fibrinogen showed endothelial cell growth and differentiation differed, indicating that specific forms of fibrinogen influence cellular properties.  

H. Tanaka (Japan) reported on a new immunoassay to measure elastase-drived fibrinogen fragments in plasma.  Characterization of a monoclonal antibody, IF123, showed both specificity and sensitivity.  This assay enables the measurement of elastase degradation of fibrinogen as a marker for disease states such as sepsis.

S. Lord presented a proposal from J. Koopman (Netherlands) to standardize procedures to correlate structure and function of human fibrinogen variants.  The proposal suggested a working plan to establish such procedures.  Discussion of this plan led to the suggestion that a set of minimal standard parameters be listed on the WEB site of dysfibrinogens that is maintained by F. Hanss (France).

S. Lord discussed the project to set standards for fibrinogen-related measures in mice.   She reported that the subcommittee on animal models planned to address similar issues for multiple coagulation factors.  She reported that she will participate in this activity with the animal models subcommittee.  She requested that interested individuals contact her to assist in which measurements and what methods would be recommended.

C. Longstaff (UK) reported on the newly established WHO/FDA standard for thrombin, which is now available in vials of 110 units.  

T. Barrowcliffe (UK) and S. Raut (UK)were prepared to report on standards for high fibrinogen in plasma and FXIII, respectively.  Unfortunately, these individuals were detained at conflicting sessions and therefore unable to present at the fibrinogen session.