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Meloni A, Parravano M, Pistoia L, Cossu A, Grassedonio E, Renne S, Fina P, Spasiano A, Salvo A, Bagnato S, Gerardi C, Borsellino Z, Cademartiri F, Positano V. Phenotypic Clustering of Beta-Thalassemia Intermedia Patients Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6706. [PMID: 37959172 PMCID: PMC10647397 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We employed an unsupervised clustering method that integrated demographic, clinical, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) data to identify distinct phenogroups (PGs) of patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI). We considered 138 β-TI patients consecutively enrolled in the Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia (MIOT) Network who underwent MR for the quantification of hepatic and cardiac iron overload (T2* technique), the assessment of biventricular size and function and atrial dimensions (cine images), and the detection of replacement myocardial fibrosis (late gadolinium enhancement technique). Three mutually exclusive phenogroups were identified based on unsupervised hierarchical clustering of principal components: PG1, women; PG2, patients with replacement myocardial fibrosis, increased biventricular volumes and masses, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction; and PG3, men without replacement myocardial fibrosis, but with increased biventricular volumes and masses and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. The hematochemical parameters and the hepatic and cardiac iron levels did not contribute to the PG definition. PG2 exhibited a significantly higher risk of future cardiovascular events (heart failure, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension) than PG1 (hazard ratio-HR = 10.5; p = 0.027) and PG3 (HR = 9.0; p = 0.038). Clustering emerged as a useful tool for risk stratification in TI, enabling the identification of three phenogroups with distinct clinical and prognostic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy; (L.P.); (F.C.); (V.P.)
- Unità Operativa Complessa Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy;
| | - Michela Parravano
- Unità Operativa Complessa Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università degli Studi di Pisa, 56122 Pisa, PI, Italy
| | - Laura Pistoia
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy; (L.P.); (F.C.); (V.P.)
- Unità Operativa Complessa Ricerca Clinica, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy
| | - Alberto Cossu
- Unità Operativa Radiologia Universitaria, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “S. Anna”, 44124 Cona, FE, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Grassedonio
- Sezione di Scienze Radiologiche, Dipartimento di Biopatologia e Biotecnologie Mediche, Policlinico “Paolo Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, PA, Italy;
| | - Stefania Renne
- Struttura Complessa di Cardioradiologia-UTIC, Presidio Ospedaliero “Giovanni Paolo II”, 88046 Lamezia Terme, CZ, Italy;
| | - Priscilla Fina
- Unità Operativa Complessa Diagnostica per Immagini, Ospedale “Sandro Pertini”, 00157 Roma, RM, Italy;
| | - Anna Spasiano
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale “A. Cardarelli”, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Salvo
- Unità Operativa Semplice Talassemia, Presidio Ospedaliero “Umberto I”, 96100 Siracusa, SR, Italy;
| | - Sergio Bagnato
- Ematologia Microcitemia, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio—ASP Crotone, 88900 Crotone, KR, Italy;
| | - Calogera Gerardi
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale di Talassemia, Presidio Ospedaliero “Giovanni Paolo II”—Distretto AG2 di Sciacca, 92019 Sciacca, AG, Italy;
| | - Zelia Borsellino
- Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia con Talassemia, ARNAS Civico “Benfratelli-Di Cristina”, 90134 Palermo, PA, Italy;
| | - Filippo Cademartiri
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy; (L.P.); (F.C.); (V.P.)
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy; (L.P.); (F.C.); (V.P.)
- Unità Operativa Complessa Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università degli Studi di Pisa, 56122 Pisa, PI, Italy
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Saeidnia M, Fazeli P, Farzi A, Atefy Nezhad M, Shabani-Borujeni M, Erfani M, Tamaddon G, Karimi M. An Expert Overview on Therapies in Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: Classical to Cutting Edge in Treatment. Hemoglobin 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37325871 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2022.2158099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The thalassemia issue is a growing worldwide health concern that anticipates the number of patients suffering from the disease will soon increase significantly. Patients with β-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI) manifest mild to intermediate levels of anemia, which is a reason for it to be clinically located between thalassemia minor and β-thalassemia major (β-TM). Notably, the determination of the actual rate of β-TI is more complicated than β-TM. The leading cause of this illness could be partial repression of β-globin protein production; accordingly, the rate of β-globin gene repression is different in patients, and the gene repression intensity creates a different clinical status. This review article provides an overview of functional mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of the classic to latest new treatments for this group of patients, depending on the disease severity divided into the typical management strategies for patients with β-TI such as fetal hemoglobin (Hb) induction, splenectomy, bone marrow transplantation (BMT), transfusion therapy, and herbal and chemical iron chelators. Recently, novel erythropoiesis-stimulating agents have been added. Novel strategies are subclassified into molecular and cellular interventions. Genome editing is one of the efficient molecular therapies for improving hemoglobinopathies, especially β-TI. It encompasses high-fidelity DNA repair (HDR), base and prime editing, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 procedure, nuclease-free strategies, and epigenetic modulation. In cellular interventions, we mentioned the approach pattern to improve erythropoiesis impairments in translational models and patients with β-TI that involve activin II receptor traps, Janus-associated kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitors, and iron metabolism regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Saeidnia
- Department of Hematology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Emam Khomeini Hospital, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Pooria Fazeli
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Trauma Research Center, Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arghavan Farzi
- School of Medicine, International Department Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Maryam Atefy Nezhad
- Department of Biology, Sciences Faculty, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, of Zarqān, Zarqān, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Shabani-Borujeni
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehran Erfani
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Para-Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Tamaddon
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehran Karimi
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Noulsri E, Lerdwana S. Blood Donors with Thalassemic Trait, Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Trait, and Sickle Cell Trait and Their Blood Products: Current Status and Future Perspective. Lab Med 2023; 54:6-12. [PMID: 35943550 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmac061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of blood products for different medical purposes has increased in recent years. To meet increasing demand, some blood centers allow volunteer donors with thalassemic trait, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) trait, and sickle cell trait (SCT) to donate blood if their hemoglobin values fall within acceptable ranges and show no signs of hemolysis. Currently, there are no standard guidelines or policies regarding the use or management of blood products obtained from these donors. However, in recent years, there has been advanced research on eligible donors who have these underlying conditions. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge from in vitro and in vivo studies regarding donor characteristics, changes in physical and biochemical parameters in blood products during processing and storage, and posttransfusion efficacy of blood products. In addition, we discuss some unresolved issues concerning blood products from thalassemic trait, G6PD-deficiency trait, and SCT donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egarit Noulsri
- Research Division, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Surada Lerdwana
- Biomedical Research Incubator Unit, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Digital thermography and vascular involvement in β-thalassemia intermedia. Ann Hematol 2021; 100:2471-2477. [PMID: 34235558 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04588-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Beta-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI) is associated with vascular dysfunction. We used digital thermal monitoring (DTM), a non-invasive tool that evaluates vascular function based on changes in fingertip temperature during and after cuff occlusion on β-TI patients. Thirty-three patients (18 years and older) were recruited in this study and divided into 3 groups: thalassemia, anemic controls, and healthy controls. Exclusion criteria included factors that are known to be associated with vascular damage. Patients underwent DTM and results were extracted as vascular reactivity index (VRI), a measure of how well the circulatory system responds to stimuli that require adjustments of blood flow. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the mean difference in VRI between the 3 groups. A multiple linear regression was also carried out with VRI as the outcome of interest and a function of covariates that were thought to be of clinical relevance to VRI. The frequency, mean VRI ± standard error (SE) for the thalassemic group were (N = 16), mean = 2.243 ± 0.111; for anemic controls (N = 9), mean = 2.374 ± 0.162; and for the controls (N = 8), mean = 2.338 ± 0.092. ANOVA test indicated a non-significant difference in mean VRI between the three groups (P value = 0.731). Multiple linear regression couldn't detect any significant association between VRI and any of the predictors including the groups. Our study did not show a significant difference in VRI between the 3 study groups. Prospective studies of larger sample size are warranted to establish DTM as a possible non-invasive tool used to evaluate vascular function in β-TI patients.
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Changing patterns of thalassaemia in Italy: a WebThal perspective. BLOOD TRANSFUSION = TRASFUSIONE DEL SANGUE 2020; 19:261-268. [PMID: 33196416 DOI: 10.2450/2020.0143-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migration has impacted the spread of thalassaemia which is gradually becoming a global health problem. Italy, with an approximate estimation of 7,000 patients, does not have an accurate national record for haemoglobinopathies. This cross-sectional evaluation includes data for approximately 50% of beta-thalassaemia patients in Italy to provide an overview of the burden of thalassaemia syndromes. MATERIALS AND METHODS The analysis included data on epidemiology, transfusions and clinical parameters from 3,986 thalassaemia patients treated at 36 centres in Italy who were alive on 31st December 2017. The study used WebThal, a computerised clinical record that is completely free-of-charge and that does not have any mandatory fields to be filled. RESULTS For patients with thalassaemia major, 68% were aged ≥35 years and 11% were aged ≤18 years. Patients with thalassaemia intermedia were slightly older. Transfusion data, reported in a subgroup of 1,162 patients, showed 9% had pre-transfusion haemoglobin <9 g/dL, 63% had levels between ≥9 and <10 g/dL, and 28% had levels ≥10 g/dL. These 1,162 patients underwent 22,272 transfusion days during 2017, with a mean of 19 transfusion days/year/patient (range 1-54 days). Severity of iron overload was reported in 756 patients; many had moderate or mild liver iron load (74% had liver iron <7.5 mg/g dry weight). In the same cohort, 85% of patients had no signs of cardiac iron load (MRT2* >20 ms), and only 3% showed signs of high-risk heart condition (T2* <10 ms). Most patients had normal alanine amino transferase levels due to treatment with the new anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) drugs. DISCUSSION This study provides an overview of the current health status of patients with thalassaemia in Italy. Moreover, these data support the need for a national comprehensive thalassaemia registry.
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Al-Momen H, Hussein HK, Al-Attar Z, Hussein MJ. Green tea influence on iron overload in thalassemia intermedia patients: a randomized controlled trial. F1000Res 2020; 9:1136. [PMID: 33024552 PMCID: PMC7520712 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.25553.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although iron chelation therapies have been available for many years for thalassemia intermedia patients, iron accumulation remains the major cause of death. Therefore, the need for additional chelation options is in demand. This randomized controlled study aimed to understand the effects of green tea on iron balance in thalassemia intermedia patients. Methods: Using a random selection method, 141 thalassemia intermedia patients were initially screened for inclusion in this trial; only 68 patients included after applying exclusion criteria. Two equal groups were generated (n=34/group): green tea (three cups/day after meals) + usual treatment (deferasirox iron chelator and on demand blood transfusion); and control (only usual treatment). The study lasted for a period of 12 months. Patients failing to comply to the trial methodology were excluded, leaving a final total of 29 patients in the green tea group and 28 patients in the control group. Liver iron concentration, and serum ferritin were assessed at baseline and 12 months, while hemoglobin levels were assessed monthly. Results: At baseline, both groups were matched regarding general demographics. At 12 months, the net drop of liver iron concentration in the green tea group (7.3 mg Fe/g dry weight) was significantly higher than the control group (4.6 mg Fe/g dry weight) (p<0.05). This was also seen with serum ferritin; net reduction in green tea and control groups were 1289 ng/ml and 871 ng/ml, respectively (p<0.05). Hemoglobin levels were slightly higher in the green tea group compared with the control group, but this was not significant. Conclusions: Regular green tea consumption had a significant capability to improve iron deposition in thalassemia intermedia patients who already undergo deferesirox iron chelation therapy. Trial registration: UMIN-CTR Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000040841 (retrospectively registered June 21, 2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder Al-Momen
- Department of Pediatrics, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, 00964, Iraq
| | - Hussein Khudhair Hussein
- Department of Pediatrics, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, 00964, Iraq
| | - Zaid Al-Attar
- Department of Pharmacology, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, 00964, Iraq
| | - Mohammed Jalal Hussein
- Department of Pediatrics, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, 00964, Iraq
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Albarawi DJ, Balatay AA, Al-Allawi N. HBG2 -158 (C>T) polymorphism and its contribution to fetal hemoglobin variability in Iraqi Kurds with beta-thalassemia minor. J Lab Physicians 2020; 10:370-373. [PMID: 30498305 PMCID: PMC6210847 DOI: 10.4103/jlp.jlp_22_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hemoglobin (Hb) F% is increased in up to half of beta-thalassemia (β-thal) carriers. Several polymorphisms have been linked to such variability in different populations, including HBG2 - 158(C>T) (Xmn I polymorphism) on chromosome 11. To determine the role of this polymorphism in such variability among Iraqi Kurds, the current study was initiated. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 102 consecutive patients diagnosed as β-thal minor were enrolled. The enrollees had their diagnosis based on peripheral blood counts and high-performance liquid chromatography to determine HbA2 and HbF. All enrollees had their DNA extracted by phenol-chloroform method and Xmn I polymorphism detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of the 102 enrollees was 25.4 (14.0) years, and the enrollees included 48 males and 54 females. Xmn I polymorphism was identified in heterozygous state in 46 (45.1%) patients and in homozygous state in one patient (0.98%). Thus, the minor allele frequency of this polymorphism was 0.235 in the studied group. There were no significant differences in red cell indices and HbA2% in carriers of the minor allele compared to noncarriers, while HbF% and absolute HbF concentrations were significantly higher in the former subgroup (P = 0.032 and 0.014, respectively). This polymorphism's contribution to HbF variability was found to be 5.8% in the studied sample. Furthermore, those with HbF ≥2% were 3.2 folds more likely to carry the minor allele. CONCLUSIONS Xmn I polymorphism is frequently encountered in Iraqi Kurds with β-thal minor, and it is significantly associated with higher fetal hemoglobin in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilan J Albarawi
- Scientific Research Center, College of Science, University of Duhok, Duhok, Iraq
| | - Amer A Balatay
- Department of Pathology, College of Pharmacy, University of Duhok, Duhok, Iraq
| | - Nasir Al-Allawi
- Department of Pathology and Scientific Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Duhok, Duhok, Iraq
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Torre LDCRDL, Díaz FJP, Cortés BI, López VMR, López JYS, Anzaldo FJS, Torres MTM, Gonnet K, Badens C, Bonello-Palot N. Three Mexican Families with β thalassemia intermedia with different molecular basis. Genet Mol Biol 2019; 42:e20190032. [PMID: 32142096 PMCID: PMC7198011 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2019-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Al-Momen H, Jasim SK, Hassan QA, Ali HH. Relationship between liver iron concentration determined by R2-MRI, serum ferritin, and liver enzymes in patients with thalassemia intermedia. Blood Res 2018; 53:314-319. [PMID: 30588469 PMCID: PMC6300676 DOI: 10.5045/br.2018.53.4.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Iron overload is a risk factor affecting all patients with thalassemia intermedia (TI). We aimed to determine whether there is a relationship of serum ferritin (SF) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with liver iron concentration (LIC) determined by R2 magnetic resonance imaging (R2-MRI), to estimate the most relevant degree of iron overload and best time to chelate in patients with TI. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 119 patients with TI (mean age years) were randomly selected and compared with 120 patients who had a diagnosis of thalassemia major (TM). Correlations of LIC, as determined by R2-MRI, with SF and ALT levels, were assessed in all participants. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results SF and LIC levels were lower in patients with TI than in those with TM; only ferritin values were significant. We found a statistically significant relationship between SF and LIC, with cut-off estimates of SF in patients with TI who had splenectomy and those who entered puberty spontaneously (916 and 940 ng/mL, respectively) with LIC >5 mg Fe/g dry weight (P<0.0001). A significant relationship was also found for patients with TI who had elevated ALT level (63.5 U/L), of 3.15 times the upper normal laboratory limit, using a cut-off for LIC ≥5 mg Fe/g dry weight. Conclusion We determined the cut-off values for ALT and SF indicating the best time to start iron chelation therapy in patients with TI, and found significant correlations among iron overload, SF, and ALT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder Al-Momen
- Department of Pediatrics, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Shaymaa Kadhim Jasim
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Qays Ahmed Hassan
- Division of Radiology, Department of Surgery, Al-Kindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Hayder Hussein Ali
- Department of Endocrinology, Al-Elwiya Pediatric Teaching Hospital, Al-Rusafa Health Directorate, Baghdad, Iraq
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Mikael NA, Al-Allawi NA. Factors affecting quality of life in children and adolescents with thalassemia in Iraqi Kurdistan. Saudi Med J 2018; 39:799-807. [PMID: 30106418 PMCID: PMC6194984 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2018.8.23315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To assess the health related quality of life (HRQoL) in Iraqi Kurd children and adolescents with thalassemia, and identify the factors that affect it. Methods: In the period between May and June 2018, 100 thalassemic patients and 100 healthy subjects between the ages of 6-18 years were enrolled. The patients included 73 with thalassemia major (TM) and 27 with intermedia (TI). Patients were clinically re-evaluated, and the pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 was administered by both child and parent reports. Results: The mean HRQoL score of thalassemic patients was significantly lower than that of healthy subjects, with lowest scores in physical functioning. Furthermore, the mean HRQoL of TM was significantly lower than that of TI subgroup. Significantly lower mean HRQoL scores were seen in those taking ≥6 transfusions/year, with hepatitis C infection, with illiterate parents, and those on oral iron chelation. Pearson correlation revealed that HRQoL was negatively associated with age, frequency of transfusions, and serum ferritin, but positively correlated with age at starting transfusion and age at diagnosis. Only age and serum ferritin remained significant by multivariate analysis. Conclusion: This study shows that among Iraqi Kurds with thalassemia, the disease has a significant negative impact on quality of life, with age and serum ferritin being identified as independent predictors. Psychosocial, educational, and patient-centered management programs may be needed to improve HRQoL in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najbeer A Mikael
- Department of Pathology, Azadi Teaching Hospital,Duhok, Iraq. E-mail.
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Sii-Felice K, Giorgi M, Leboulch P, Payen E. Hemoglobin disorders: lentiviral gene therapy in the starting blocks to enter clinical practice. Exp Hematol 2018; 64:12-32. [PMID: 29807062 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The β-hemoglobinopathies, transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease, are the most prevalent inherited disorders worldwide and affect millions of people. Many of these patients have a shortened life expectancy and suffer from severe morbidity despite supportive therapies, which impose an enormous financial burden to societies. The only available curative therapy is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, although most patients do not have an HLA-matched sibling donor, and those who do still risk life-threatening complications. Therefore, gene therapy by one-time ex vivo modification of hematopoietic stem cells followed by autologous engraftment is an attractive new therapeutic modality. The first proof-of-principle of conversion to transfusion independence by means of a lentiviral vector expressing a marked and anti-sickling βT87Q-globin gene variant was reported a decade ago in a patient with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. In follow-up multicenter Phase II trials with an essentially identical vector (termed LentiGlobin BB305) and protocol, 12 of the 13 patients with a non-β0/β0 genotype, representing more than half of all transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia cases worldwide, stopped red blood cell transfusions with total hemoglobin levels in blood approaching normal values. Correction of biological markers of dyserythropoiesis was achieved in evaluated patients. In nine patients with β0/β0 transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia or equivalent severity (βIVS1-110), median annualized transfusion volume decreased by 73% and red blood cell transfusions were stopped in three patients. Proof-of-principle of therapeutic efficacy in the first patient with sickle cell disease was also reported with LentiGlobin BB305. Encouraging results were presented in children with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia in another trial with the GLOBE lentiviral vector and several other gene therapy trials are currently open for both transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Phase III trials are now under way and should help to determine benefit/risk/cost ratios to move gene therapy toward clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Sii-Felice
- UMR E007, Service of Innovative Therapies, Institute of Biology François Jacob and University Paris Saclay, CEA Paris Saclay, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Marie Giorgi
- UMR E007, Service of Innovative Therapies, Institute of Biology François Jacob and University Paris Saclay, CEA Paris Saclay, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Philippe Leboulch
- UMR E007, Service of Innovative Therapies, Institute of Biology François Jacob and University Paris Saclay, CEA Paris Saclay, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Emmanuel Payen
- UMR E007, Service of Innovative Therapies, Institute of Biology François Jacob and University Paris Saclay, CEA Paris Saclay, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; INSERM, Paris, France.
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Bou-Fakhredin R, Elias J, Taher AT. Iron Overload and Chelation Therapy in Hemoglobinopathies. THALASSEMIA REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.4081/thal.2018.7478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron overload (IOL) is highly prevalent among patients with hemoglobinopathies; both transfusion dependent thalassemia (TDT) and non-transfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT). Whether IOL is secondary to regular transfusions like in TDT, or develops from increased intestinal absorption like in NTDT, it can cause significant morbidity and mortality. In TDT patients, iron accumulation in organ tissues is highly evident, and leads to organ toxicity and dysfunction. IOL in NTDT patients is cumulative with advancing age, and concern with secondary morbidity starts beyond the age of 10 years, as shown by the OPTIMAL CARE study. Several modalities are available for the diagnosis and monitoring of IOL. Serum ferritin (SF) assessment is widely available and heavily relied on in resource-poor countries. Non-invasive iron monitoring using MRI has become the gold standard to diagnose IOL. Three iron chelators are currently available for the treatment of IOL: deferoxamine (DFO) in subcutaneous or intravenous injection, oral deferiprone (DFP) in tablet or solution form, and oral deferasirox (DFX) in dispersible tablet (DT) and film-coated tablet (FCT). Today, the goal of ICT is to maintain safe levels of body iron at all times. Appropriate tailoring ICT with chelator choices and dose adjustment must be implemented in a timely manner. Clinical decision to initiate, adjust and stop ICT is based on SF, MRI-LIC and cardiac T2*. In this article, we review the mechanism of IOL in both TDT and NTDT, the pathophysiology behind it, its complications, and the different ways to assess and quantify it. We will also discuss the different ICT modalities available, and the emergence of novel therapies.
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Sleiman J, Tarhini A, Bou-Fakhredin R, Saliba AN, Cappellini MD, Taher AT. Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: An Update on Complications and Management. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E182. [PMID: 29316681 PMCID: PMC5796131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) experience many clinical complications despite their independence from frequent transfusions. Morbidities in NTDT stem from the interaction of multiple pathophysiological factors: ineffective erythropoiesis, iron overload (IOL), and hypercoagulability. Ineffective erythropoiesis and hemolysis are associated with chronic hypoxia and a hypercoagulable state. The latter are linked to a high prevalence of thromboembolic and cerebrovascular events, as well as leg ulcers and pulmonary hypertension. IOL in NTDT patients is a cumulative process that can lead to several iron-related morbidities in the liver (liver fibrosis), kidneys, endocrine glands (endocrinopathies), and vascular system (vascular disease). This review sheds light on the pathophysiology underlying morbidities associated with NTDT and summarizes the mainstays of treatment and some of the possible future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Sleiman
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon.
| | - Ali Tarhini
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon.
| | - Rayan Bou-Fakhredin
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon.
| | - Antoine N Saliba
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Medicine, Ca'Granda Foundation IRCCS, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Science and Community, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon.
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