| abstract |
A method for predicting or diagnosing thrombosis in a mammal, the method comprising detecting the presence and/or level of anti-vimentin antibodies in a suitable sample obtained from the mammal. Preferably the mammal is a human patient who has, or is at risk of having, thrombosis. A method of treating or preventing thrombosis in a patient, the method comprising administering to the patient a reagent that is selectively bound by anti-vimentin antibodies. Preferably, the reagent is vimentin. A method of treating or preventing thrombosis in a patient, the method comprising selectively removing anti-vimentin antibodies a patient's blood or plasma ex vivo, and returning the blood or plasma to the patient. A device for selectively removing anti-vimentin antibodies from the blood or plasma of a patient, the device comprising means for selectively removing anti- vimentin antibodies from blood or plasma; and inlet and outlet means for connection to a pump and tubing suitable for circulating the blood or plasma of the patient through the device. |