CONGRESS NEWS

Polyphosphate, a modulator of hemostasis and thrombosis: a novel target for antithrombotic agents?

summary

The coagulation process that leads to haemostasis involves a complex set of reactions involving approximately 30 different proteins. These reactions convert fibrinogen to fibrin, which, together with platelets, forms a stable thrombus. It has long been known that the clotting cascade consists of two separate initial pathways (intrinsic and extrinsic) that ultimately converge into the ‘common pathway’. The intrinsic and extrinsic pathways essentially serve to activate the precursor protein prothrombin to the active enzyme thrombin, which in turns converts fibrinogen into fibrin. The intrinsic pathway includes the “contact” activation system. The way in which this pathway is activated is a matter of continued activation. It has long been known that artificial agents such as glass, clay, or ellagic acid are able to act as activators for this pathway, but only recently have real pathophysiologic activators been identified, including RNA, NETs and polyphosphate (PolyP). The biological function of the latter has long been unknown, but recent studies have begun to elucidate the roles of PolyP in regulatory and metabolic functions in humans.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2015;6(3):127–8)

New genetic variants in GFI1B discovered in patients with bleeding and platelet disorders

(BELG J HEMATOL 2015;6(3):129)

Longer acting agents for the treatment of bleeding disorders

summary

Concentrates of coagulation factors VIII and IX have good haemostatic effects on acute bleeding and during surgical intervention in patients with hemophilia A and B. However, the current agents used in this setting are mostly short-acting, making therapy troublesome for patients. Currently, new clotting factor concentrates are becoming available, or are in advanced clinical studies which will significantly improve the treatment for patients with hemophilia A and B. Various bioengineering concepts have been applied to modified recombinant FVIII, FIX and FVII proteins.¹ These different technologies were summarised in an educational presentation during the 2015 annual EHA meeting by Dr. Johannes Oldenburg (University Clinic Bonn, Germany).

(BELG J HEMATOL 2015;6(3):130–1)

Best of ASH 2014: Plenary session

Once more, the plenary session of the American Society of Hematology held in the San Francisco Moscone Centre on December 7^th, was of the highest level of quality.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2015;6(1):40–2)

The 40 Annual Meeting of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Summary

From 30 March – 2 April 2014, the annual meeting of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation was held in Milan, Italy. At this 40^th anniversary meeting, the society celebrated 40 years of physicians meetings, 30 years of nurses meetings and introduced its first donor day. Some of the highlights of this meeting are summarised.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2014;5(3):113–14)

Belgian Society of Paediatric Haematology Oncology symposium

A summary of the BSPHO program hosted by the general annual meeting of the BHS in Ghent on Friday, January 31^st, 2014.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2014;5(2):68–71)

Belgian Society for Analytical Cytology symposium

A summary of the BVAC/ABCA program hosted by the general annual meeting of the BHS in Ghent on Friday, January 31^st, 2014.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2014;5(2):72–6)