SUMMARY
Anand Padmanabhan, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., has translational research interests in platelet immunology, with a focus on heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), thrombosis, and thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) and a new prothrombotic disease entity his group has described, monoclonal gammopathy of thrombotic/thrombocytopenic significance (MGTS). He also has clinical and research interests in transfusion medicine, including evidence-based use of apheresis, hematologic cell collections and optimization of vascular access to facilitate apheresis.
More than five deaths per day can be attributed to HIT in the U.S. Timely and accurate diagnosis can be a challenge, as current testing algorithms frequently lead to both overdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. Dr. Padmanabhan's research seeks to significantly change the testing paradigm so that early and accurate diagnosis of HIT can facilitate timely, appropriate therapy. In addition, he studies novel ways to diagnose and treat anti-PF4 antibody-mediated syndromes such as VITT and MGTS.
Focus areas
- Epidemiology. Clarifying HIT and MGTS incidence in various patient populations.
- Pathophysiology. Investigating the biochemical basis of the difference between pathogenic and benign HIT antibodies, and evaluating the pathophysiology of antibody-mediated platelet activation.
- Diagnosis. Developing novel technologies and processes to facilitate early and accurate diagnosis of HIT, VITT and MGTS.
- Treatment. Investigating new treatments for patients with HIT and other anti-PF4 antibody-mediated syndromes, especially for patients with severe presentations.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Padmanabhan's research has led to better diagnosis of HIT, VITT and MGTS, disorders in which early diagnosis is critical for appropriate management. He led a research group that first documented the utility of PF4-treated platelets for the detection of pathogenic anti-PF4 antibodies, resulting in the development of a novel assay (PF4-dependent P-selectin Expression Assay).
Dr. Padmanabhan's research has also guided new ways to manage severe HIT that is resistant to standard therapies. A better understanding of HIT, VITT and MGTS pathophysiology is important in making further improvements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Padmanabhan led the evidence-based writing group of the American Society for Apheresis that discusses the use of apheresis in numerous disease states. This is of relevance to patients with many organ system diseases and disorders amenable to apheresis therapies.
Professional highlights
- Editor, Journal of Clinical Apheresis, 2017-present.
- Innovation Accelerator Award, Office of Translation to Practice, Mayo Clinic, 2024.
- Member, scientific committee on thrombosis and vascular biology, American Society of Hematology, 2020-2023.
- Choosing Wisely Champion, American Society for Apheresis, 2022.
- Board of directors, American Society for Apheresis, 2019-2022.
- Chair, special edition committee, American Society for Apheresis, 2017-2019.
- Lecturer award, American Society for Apheresis, 2018.
- Member, annual meeting organizing committee, American Society for Apheresis, 2017.
- Innovative Research Award, National Blood Foundation, 2016.