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) and a new prothrombotic disease entity his group has identified, monoclonal gammopathy of thrombotic significance (MGTS). His group also has recently demonstrated a potential role for anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies in recurrent pregnancy loss.
Timely and accurate diagnosis of HIT is a challenge. Current testing algorithms frequently lead to both overdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. Dr. Padmanabhan's research seeks to change the testing paradigm so that early and accurate diagnosis of HIT can facilitate timely, appropriate therapy. His work also extends to emerging conditions such as VITT, which shares immunologic features with HIT and underscores the importance of accurate anti-PF4 antibody detection. Researchers are beginning to explore MGTS — a persistent thrombophilia — and the role of anti-PF4 antibodies in pregnancy loss. Dr. Padmanabhan's work is significantly contributing to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in this area.
Focus areas
- Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
- Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia.
- Monoclonal gammopathy of thrombotic significance, including presentations that resemble heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia as well as presentations that do not.
- Anti-PF4 antibodies in recurrent pregnancy loss.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Padmanabhan's work helps to diagnose and treat serious blood diseases faster and more accurately. These diseases affect blood clotting and can be life-threatening if not caught early.
To improve diagnosis, Dr. Padmanabhan and his team developed a new blood test that helps detect harmful antibodies that can cause these diseases. He also has worked with other experts to create new tools to identify MGTS, a condition that can cause dangerous blood clots and low platelet counts.
Dr. Padmanabhan's research also supports better treatments for these blood-clotting conditions. He also led a committee to write guidelines for the American Society for Apheresis on the use of apheresis. This treatment can help patients with many different diseases by filtering their blood.
Professional highlights
- American Society for Apheresis:
- Associate editor, Journal of Clinical Apheresis, 2017-present.
- Choosing Wisely Champion, 2022.
- Member, board of directors, 2019-2022.
- Lecturer Award, 2018.
- Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies:
- AABB Foundation Award for Innovative Research, 2016.
- Hall of Fame, 2023.