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George A, Conneely SE, Mangum R, Fasipe T, Lupo PJ, Scheurer ME. Splenic complications in pediatric sickle cell disease: A retrospective cohort review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31219. [PMID: 39054677 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To delineate the natural history of splenic complications other than loss of splenic function in children with sickle cell disease (SCD), we performed a retrospective chart review of patients with SCD treated at the Texas Children's Hospital. METHODS We determined the dates of diagnoses of splenic complications, the number of acute splenic sequestration crises (ASSC), and hydroxyurea treatment in pediatric patients with SCD. We also examined the association of hydroxyurea therapy with the onset and severity of ASSC. RESULTS The cumulative prevalence of splenic complications was 24.7% for splenomegaly, 24.2% for ASSC, 9.6% for hypersplenism, and 5.6% for splenectomy. The cumulative prevalence of splenic complications was highest in patients with hemoglobin Sβ0 (69.2%), intermediate in hemoglobin SS (33.3%), low in hemoglobin SC (9.0%), and non-existent in hemoglobin Sβ+. The overall event rate of ASSC was 8.3 per 100 patient-years. The event-rate was 28.4 for hemoglobin Sβ0, 10.9 for hemoglobin SS, and 3.5 for hemoglobin SC. Patients with hemoglobin SS and hemoglobin Sβ0 on hydroxyurea therapy had a significantly higher occurrence of ASSC than those who were not, with event rates of 14.2 and 3.1, respectively. The event rate was also higher for children who started hydroxyurea before age 2 years than for those who started after this age (19.8 and 9.2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence and severity of splenic problems vary widely between different sickle cell genotypes, with hemoglobin Sβ0 having the most severe complications. Hydroxyurea therapy is associated with increased incidence of ASSC, particularly when initiated before 2 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex George
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Brenner Children's Hospital, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shannon E Conneely
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ross Mangum
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Titilope Fasipe
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael E Scheurer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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Allali S, Galactéros F, Oevermann L, Cannas G, Joseph L, Loko G, Elenga N, Benkerrou M, Etienne-Julan M, Castex MP, Brousse V, de Montalembert M. Hydroxyurea is associated with later onset of acute splenic sequestration crisis in sickle cell disease: Lessons from the European Sickle Cell Disease Cohort-Hydroxyurea (ESCORT-HU) study. Am J Hematol 2024; 99:555-561. [PMID: 38247384 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Acute splenic sequestration crisis (ASSC) is a potentially life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease (SCD), typically occurring in young patients under 5 years of age, with a median age at first episode of less than 2 years. Because a beneficial effect of hydroxyurea (HU) on spleen perfusion and splenic function has been suspected, we hypothesized that HU treatment might be associated with later onset of ASSC in patients with SCD. To investigate this hypothesis, we analyzed data from the ESCORT-HU study on a large cohort of patients with SCD receiving HU, enrolled between January 2009 and June 2017 with a follow-up of 7309 patient-years of observation. The median age at ASSC of the 14 patients who experienced a first episode of ASSC during the study period was 8.0 [IQR: 5.0-24.1] years. The median age at HU initiation was significantly lower in these 14 patients (4.8 [IQR: 3.3-18.7] years) compared to the 1664 patients without ASSC (19.9 [8.8-33.4] years, p = .0008). These findings suggest that ASSC may occur at an unusually late age in patients receiving HU, possibly reflecting longer preservation of spleen perfusion and function secondary to early initiation of HU. Further studies are needed to better characterize the effects of HU on spleen perfusion/function and on the occurrence of ASSC in patients with SCD (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02516579; European registry ENCEPP/SDPP/10565).
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Affiliation(s)
- Slimane Allali
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Galactéros
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sickle Cell Referral Center, Henri-Mondor University Hospital-UPEC, AP-HP, Créteil, France
| | - Lena Oevermann
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Giovanna Cannas
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Constitutif: Syndromes Drépanocytaires Majeurs, Thalassémies et Autres Pathologies Rares du Globule Rouge et de l'Erythropoïèse, Lyon, France
| | - Laure Joseph
- Biotherapy Department, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Gylna Loko
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique, Centre de Référence Constitutif: Syndromes Drépanocytaires Majeurs, Thalassémies et Autres Pathologies Rares du Globule Rouge et de l'Érythropoïèse des Antilles et de la Guyane, Le Lamentin, Martinique, France
| | - Narcisse Elenga
- Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Centre de Référence Constitutif: Syndromes Drépanocytaires Majeurs, Thalassémies et Autres Pathologies Rares du Globule Rouge et de l'Erythropoïèse, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Malika Benkerrou
- Centre de Référence MCGRE, Service d'Hématologie-Immunologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Robert Debré, Inserm, UMR-1123 ECEVE, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Maryse Etienne-Julan
- Unité Transversale de la Drépanocytose, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares pour la Drépanocytose aux Antilles-Guyane, CHU de Pointe-à-Pitre, Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Castex
- Pediatric Oncology Immunology Hematology Unit, Children's University Hospital - Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Valentine Brousse
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Centre de Référence MCGRE, Service d'Hématologie-Immunologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Robert Debré, Inserm, UMR-1123 ECEVE, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Mariane de Montalembert
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Khargekar N, Banerjee A, Athalye S, Mahajan N, Kargutkar N, Tapase P, Madkaikar M. Role of hydroxyurea therapy in the prevention of organ damage in sickle cell disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Syst Rev 2024; 13:60. [PMID: 38331925 PMCID: PMC10851507 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-024-02461-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydroxyurea is an affordable drug that reduces vaso-occlusive crises and transfusion requirements in sickle cell disease. However, its effectiveness in preventing chronic organ damage is still unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the role of hydroxyurea in preventing organ morbidity. METHOD We included original articles published in English from 1st January 1990 to 31st January 2023, reporting hydroxyurea therapy and organ damage from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and CrossRef databases. A total of 45 studies with 4681 sickle cell disease patients were evaluated for organ damage. RESULTS Our analysis showed that hydroxyurea intervention significantly lowered transcranial Doppler and tricuspid regurgitant velocity, with a standardized mean difference of - 1.03 (- 1.49; - 0.58); I 2 = 96% and - 1.37 (CI - 2.31, - 0.42); I 2 = 94%, respectively. Moreover, the pooled estimate for albuminuria showed a beneficial effect post-hydroxyurea therapy by reducing the risk of albuminuria by 58% (risk ratio of 0.42 (0.28; 0.63); I 2 = 28%). CONCLUSION Our study found that a hydroxyurea dose above 20 mg/kg/day with a mean rise in HbF by 18.46% post-hydroxyurea therapy had a beneficial role in reducing transcranial doppler velocity, tricuspid regurgitant velocity, albuminuria, and splenic abnormality. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42023401187.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Khargekar
- Department of Haematogenetics, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New MS Building, KEM Hospital Campus, Mumbai, Parel, 400 012, India.
| | - Anindita Banerjee
- Department of Transfusion Transmitted Disease, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New MS Building, KEM Hospital Campus, Mumbai, Parel, 400 012, India
| | - Shreyasi Athalye
- Department of Transfusion Transmitted Disease, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New MS Building, KEM Hospital Campus, Mumbai, Parel, 400 012, India
| | - Namrata Mahajan
- Department of Haematogenetics, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New MS Building, KEM Hospital Campus, Mumbai, Parel, 400 012, India
| | - Neha Kargutkar
- Department of Haematogenetics, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New MS Building, KEM Hospital Campus, Mumbai, Parel, 400 012, India
| | - Prashant Tapase
- Department of Paediatric Immunology & Leukocyte Biology, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New MS Building, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Manisha Madkaikar
- Department of Paediatric Immunology & Leukocyte Biology, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, 13th Floor, New MS Building, KEM Hospital Campus, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
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Ladu AI, Satumari NA, Abba AM, Abulfathi FA, Jeffery C, Adekile A, Bates I. Clinical and laboratory factors associated with splenic dysfunction among patients with sickle cell disease in a malaria endemic region. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2023; 117:859-866. [PMID: 37615662 PMCID: PMC10695422 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although loss of splenic function is the expected natural course for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), factors such as high HbF and coexistence of alpha thalassemia may ameliorate this process. We evaluated factors associated with two surrogate markers of spleen dysfunction, namely Howell-Jolly bodies (HJBs) and argyrophilic inclusion (AI) red cell counts, among patients with SCD. METHODS Cross-sectional data of 182 patients with SCD (median age 11 y; 1-45 y) and 102 normal controls (median age 12 y; 1-32 y) were evaluated. Blood tests including full blood count, serum chemistry and high-performance liquid chromatography were performed. The HJB and AI red cell counts were performed on peripheral blood smears. RESULTS The percentages of HJB and AI red cells rose significantly with increasing age in the SCD group. On regression analysis, the frequency of HJB red cells associated positively with mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (β=0.289; p=0.001) and negatively with HbF (β=-0.259; p=0.002). The AI red cell counts also associated positively with MCH (β=0.321; P=0.001) and negatively with HbF (β=-0.242; p=0.020). CONCLUSIONS Data from this study indicate that the negative association of HbF with both markers of splenic dysfunction among our patients with SCD residing in a malaria endemic region is similar to findings elsewhere of its ameliorating effect on splenic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adama I Ladu
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Department of Haematology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State 60001, Nigeria
| | - Ngamarju A Satumari
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State 60001, Nigeria
| | - Aisha M Abba
- Department of Haematology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno, 60001, Nigeria
| | - Fatima A Abulfathi
- Department of Haematology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno, 60001, Nigeria
| | - Caroline Jeffery
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Adekunle Adekile
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Saffat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Imelda Bates
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
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Soulié A, Kamdem A, Neumann F, Hau I, Madhi F, Delestrain C, Shum M, Carlier-Gonod A, Malterre A, Lezeau H, Khazem B, Belozertseva E, Guémas E, Epaud R, Pissard S, Arnaud C, Pondarré C. Clinical events in a long-term prospective neonatal cohort of children with sickle cell disease: Evidence for a high disease burden without systematic preventive intensification with hydroxyurea. Am J Hematol 2023; 98:E395-E398. [PMID: 37883505 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alizée Soulié
- Pediatric Department, Sickle Cell Disease Referral Center, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Annie Kamdem
- Pediatric Department, Sickle Cell Disease Referral Center, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Florent Neumann
- Pediatric Department, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - Isabelle Hau
- Pediatric Department, Sickle Cell Disease Referral Center, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
- Paris XII University, IMRB-GRC GEMINI, Créteil, France
| | - Fouad Madhi
- Pediatric Department, Sickle Cell Disease Referral Center, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
- Paris XII University, IMRB-GRC GEMINI, Créteil, France
| | - Céline Delestrain
- Pediatric Department, Sickle Cell Disease Referral Center, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
- Paris XII University, INSERM, IMRB, Créteil, France
| | - Mickaël Shum
- Pediatric Department, Sickle Cell Disease Referral Center, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
- Paris XII University, INSERM, IMRB, Créteil, France
| | - Adèle Carlier-Gonod
- Pediatric Department, Sickle Cell Disease Referral Center, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Aline Malterre
- Pediatric Department, Sickle Cell Disease Referral Center, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Harry Lezeau
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Bassem Khazem
- Laboratory of Hematology, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Ekaterina Belozertseva
- Pediatric Department, Sickle Cell Disease Referral Center, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Eric Guémas
- BIOSSEC Clinical Biostatistics, Paris, France
| | - Ralph Epaud
- Pediatric Department, Sickle Cell Disease Referral Center, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
- Paris XII University, INSERM, IMRB, Créteil, France
| | - Serge Pissard
- Genetics Department, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Henri Mondor, INSERM U955, IMRB, Team 2, Paris XII University, Créteil, France
| | - Cécile Arnaud
- Pediatric Department, Sickle Cell Disease Referral Center, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Corinne Pondarré
- Pediatric Department, Sickle Cell Disease Referral Center, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
- INSERM U955, IMRB, Paris XII University, Créteil, France
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Menchaca AD, Style CC, Villella AD, Burdjalov M, Beyene TJ, Minneci PC, Olutoye OO. Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease Patients on Hydroxyurea Have Higher Rates of Surgical Splenectomy. J Surg Res 2023; 283:798-805. [PMID: 36470206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.11.026] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We sought to investigate whether hydroxyurea therapy is associated with the need for surgical splenectomy among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). We hypothesized that as hydroxyurea gained widespread use, surgical splenectomy among pediatric patients with SCD occurred at a higher rate and older age among those taking hydroxyurea. METHODS In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the Pediatric Health Information System was queried for all SCD International Classification of Diseases 9/10 diagnosis codes and splenectomy procedure codes from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2020. Hydroxyurea use was defined as at least one hospital admission with hydroxyurea listed as a medication. The rates of surgical splenectomy, age at splenectomy, hospital length of stay, and incidence of blood transfusion during the splenectomy admission were compared among patients receiving hydroxyurea versus those not receiving hydroxyurea. Additional subanalysis was performed in the Hemoglobin-SS, Hemoglobin-SC, and Other cohorts separately. RESULTS During the study period, 28,520 patients were identified. All patients with SCD receiving hydroxyurea had a significantly higher rate of surgical splenectomy compared with the nontreatment group (7.2% versus 3.2%, P = 0.01). The age at surgical splenectomy was significantly younger among Hemoglobin-SS patients receiving hydroxyurea (5.7 [5.1, 6.4] y versus 6.6 [5.8, 7.4] y; P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in length of stay or incidence of blood transfusion during the surgical splenectomy admission between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS Hydroxyurea use in children is associated with higher rates of surgical splenectomy and occurs at a younger age in the Hemoglobin-SS population. Although these findings warrant further investigation for causality, it provides useful information to clinicians and patients alike, allowing for more informed decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia D Menchaca
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; Department of General Surgery, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Candace C Style
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Anthony D Villella
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Maria Burdjalov
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; The Ohio State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Tariku J Beyene
- Center for Surgical Outcomes Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Peter C Minneci
- Center for Surgical Outcomes Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Oluyinka O Olutoye
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio.
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Elsayh KI, Saad K, Hetta HF, Youssef MAM, Embaby MM, Mohamed IL, Abdel-Aziz SM, Zahran ZAM, Elhoufey A, Ghandour AMA, Zahran AM. Impact of hydroxyurea on lymphocyte subsets in children with sickle cell anemia. Pediatr Res 2023; 93:918-923. [PMID: 34897281 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01892-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydroxyurea (HU) has beneficial effects in the management of sickle cell anemia (SCA), but there is a paucity of data on the effect of HU on immune cells in SCA. Herein we aimed to evaluate the effect of HU on immune profiles of Egyptian children with SCA. METHODS This was a controlled prospective cohort study conducted in 30 children with SCA and 30 healthy age-matched controls. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate lymphocyte profiles, including CD8+ T, CD19+ B, CD3+, CD4+, natural killer (NK), NK T, T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, T cytotoxic (Tc1), and Tc2 cells, prior to and after 1 year of treatment with HU. RESULTS HU treatment led to significant increases in hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell, and hematocrit counts and a significant decrease in the percentage of sickle Hb, with subsequent improvement in SCA complications. Compared with baseline values, CD3+, CD4+, Th1, and CD8+ T cells were significantly increased, while NK, Th2, and Tc2 cells were significantly decreased, with a resulting increase in the Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2 ratios. CONCLUSIONS HU has the beneficial effect of restoring the abnormally elevated immune parameters in children with SCA. IMPACT Hydroxyurea treatment restores the abnormal immune parameters in children with sickle cell anemia. HU treatment led to significantly increased CD3+, CD4+, Th1, and CD8+ T cells, while NK, Th2, and Tc2 cells were significantly decreased, with a resulting increase in the Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2 ratios. Our study showed the impact of HU therapy on immune parameters in children with SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid I Elsayh
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Khaled Saad
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Helal F Hetta
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mervat A M Youssef
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mostafa M Embaby
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ismail L Mohamed
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Safwat M Abdel-Aziz
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | - Amira Elhoufey
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Alddrab University College, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aliaa M A Ghandour
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M Zahran
- Department of Clinical Pathology, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Ladu AI, Satumari NA, Abba AM, Abulfathi FA, Jeffery C, Adekile A, Bates I. Evaluation of two red cell inclusion staining methods for assessing spleen function among sickle cell disease patients in North-East Nigeria. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001552. [PMID: 37200242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The loss of splenic function is associated with an increased risk of infection in sickle cell disease (SCD); however, spleen function is rarely documented among SCD patients in Africa, due partly to the non-availability of sophisticated techniques such as scintigraphy. Methods of assessing splenic function which may be achievable in resource-poor settings include counting red blood cells (RBC) containing Howell Jolly Bodies (HJB) and RBC containing silver-staining (argyrophilic) inclusions (AI) using a light microscope. We evaluated the presence of HJB-and AI-containing RBC as markers of splenic dysfunction among SCD patients in Nigeria. We prospectively enrolled children and adults with SCD in steady state attending outpatient clinics at a tertiary hospital in North-East Nigeria. The percentages of HJB-and AI-containing red cells were estimated from peripheral blood smears and compared to normal controls. There were 182 SCD patients and 102 healthy controls. Both AI- and HJB-containing red cells could be easily identified in the participants blood smears. SCD patients had a significantly higher proportion of red cells containing HJB (1.5%; IQR 0.7%-3.1%) compared to controls (0.3%; IQR 0.1%-0.5%) (P <0.0001). The AI red cell counts were also higher among the SCD patients (47.4%; IQR 34.5%-66.0%) than the control group (7.1%; IQR 5.1%-8.7%) (P < 0.0001). The intra-observer reliability for assessment of HJB- (r = 0.92; r2 = 0.86) and AI- containing red cells (r = 0.90; r2 = 0.82) was high. The estimated intra-observer agreement was better with the HJB count method (95% limits of agreement, -4.5% to 4.3%; P = 0.579).We have demonstrated the utility of light microscopy in the assessment of red cells containing-HJB and AI inclusions as indices of splenic dysfunction in Nigerian SCD patients. These methods can be easily applied in the routine evaluation and care of patients with SCD to identify those at high risk of infection and initiate appropriate preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adama I Ladu
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Ngamarju A Satumari
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria
| | - Aisha M Abba
- Department of Haematology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Fatima A Abulfathi
- Department of Haematology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Caroline Jeffery
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Health Data Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Adekunle Adekile
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Imelda Bates
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Nardo‐Marino A, Glenthøj A, Brewin JN, Petersen J, Braunstein TH, Kurtzhals JAL, Williams TN, Rees DC. The significance of spleen size in children with sickle cell anemia. Am J Hematol 2022; 97:1520-1528. [PMID: 36054667 PMCID: PMC9827862 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that splenic dysfunction occurs in early childhood in sickle cell anemia (SCA), although the determinants and consequences of splenic injury are not fully understood. In this study, we examined spleen size and splenic function in 100 children with SCA aged 0-16 years at King's College Hospital in London. Spleen size was assessed by abdominal ultrasound (US) and splenic function by pitted red blood cells (PIT counts). In our cohort, 5.6% of children aged 6-10 years and 19.4% of children aged 11-16 years had no visible spleen on US (autosplenectomy). Splenomegaly was common in all age groups, with 28% of children overall having larger spleens than the average for their age. Only one child had a PIT count suggesting preserved splenic function. We found no correlation between hemoglobin F levels and spleen size, nor was there any difference in spleen size between children treated with or without hydroxyurea. Although there was a trend toward increased spleen length in children with co-inherited α-thalassemia, this did not reach statistical significance. Finally, we found a strong association between erythrocyte deformability measured with oxygen gradient ektacytometry, spleen size, and PIT counts. In conclusion, our results do not agree with the general perception that most children with SCA undergo autosplenectomy within the first decade of life and indicate that loss of erythrocyte deformability contributes to loss of splenic filtration capacity in SCA, as well as phenotypical variations in spleen size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Nardo‐Marino
- Danish Centre for Haemoglobinopathies, Department of HaematologyCopenhagen University Hospital, RigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Medical ParasitologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark,Department of Haematological MedicineKing's College HospitalLondonUnited Kingdom,Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Andreas Glenthøj
- Danish Centre for Haemoglobinopathies, Department of HaematologyCopenhagen University Hospital, RigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - John N. Brewin
- Department of Haematological MedicineKing's College HospitalLondonUnited Kingdom,Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Jesper Petersen
- Danish Centre for Haemoglobinopathies, Department of HaematologyCopenhagen University Hospital, RigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Thomas H. Braunstein
- Core Facility for Integrated Microscopy, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jørgen A. L. Kurtzhals
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Medical ParasitologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark,Department of Clinical MicrobiologyCopenhagen University Hospital, RigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Thomas N. Williams
- KEMRI‐Wellcome Trust Research ProgrammeKilifiKenya,Department of Surgery and CancerInstitute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - David C. Rees
- Department of Haematological MedicineKing's College HospitalLondonUnited Kingdom,Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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10
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Jarduli-Maciel LR, de Azevedo JTC, Clave E, Costa TCDM, Arruda LCM, Fournier I, Palma PVB, Lima KC, Elias JB, Stracieri ABP, Pieroni F, Cunha R, Darrigo-Júnior LG, Grecco CES, Covas DT, Silva-Pinto AC, De Santis GC, Simões BP, Oliveira MC, Toubert A, Malmegrim KCR. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation resets T- and B-cell compartments in sickle cell disease patients. Clin Transl Immunology 2022; 11:e1389. [PMID: 35474905 PMCID: PMC9035210 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the only currently available curative treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD). Here, we comprehensively evaluated the reconstitution of T- and B-cell compartments in 29 SCD patients treated with allo-HSCT and how it correlated with the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD). Methods T-cell neogenesis was assessed by quantification of signal-joint and β-chain TCR excision circles. B-cell neogenesis was evaluated by quantification of signal-joint and coding-joint K-chain recombination excision circles. T- and B-cell peripheral subset numbers were assessed by flow cytometry. Results Before allo-HSCT (baseline), T-cell neogenesis was normal in SCD patients compared with age-, gender- and ethnicity-matched healthy controls. Following allo-HSCT, T-cell neogenesis declined but was fully restored to healthy control levels at one year post-transplantation. Peripheral T-cell subset counts were fully restored only at 24 months post-transplantation. Occurrence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) transiently affected T- and B-cell neogenesis and overall reconstitution of T- and B-cell peripheral subsets. B-cell neogenesis was significantly higher in SCD patients at baseline than in healthy controls, remaining high throughout the follow-up after allo-HSCT. Notably, after transplantation SCD patients showed increased frequencies of IL-10-producing B-regulatory cells and IgM+ memory B-cell subsets compared with baseline levels and with healthy controls. Conclusion Our findings revealed that the T- and B-cell compartments were normally reconstituted in SCD patients after allo-HSCT. In addition, the increase of IL-10-producing B-regulatory cells may contribute to improve immune regulation and homeostasis after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Ribeiro Jarduli-Maciel
- Graduate Program in Biosciences Applied to Pharmacy School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil.,Center for Cell-Based Therapy Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Júlia Teixeira Cottas de Azevedo
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil.,Graduate Program in Basic and Applied Immunology Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | | | - Thalita Cristina de Mello Costa
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil.,University Hospital of Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | | | - Isabelle Fournier
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie et d'Histocompatibilité Hôpital Saint-Louis AP-HP Paris France
| | - Patrícia Vianna Bonini Palma
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Keli Cristina Lima
- Graduate Program in Biosciences Applied to Pharmacy School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil.,Center for Cell-Based Therapy Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | | | | | - Fabiano Pieroni
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - Renato Cunha
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil.,Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo São Paulo SP Brazil
| | | | | | - Dimas Tadeu Covas
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil.,Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Silva-Pinto
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil.,University Hospital of Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Gil Cunha De Santis
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil.,University Hospital of Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Belinda Pinto Simões
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil.,Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - Maria Carolina Oliveira
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil.,Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - Antoine Toubert
- Université de Paris INSERM UMR 1160 IRSL Paris France.,Laboratoire d'Immunologie et d'Histocompatibilité Hôpital Saint-Louis AP-HP Paris France
| | - Kelen Cristina Ribeiro Malmegrim
- Center for Cell-Based Therapy Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil.,Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
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11
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Zerra PE, Patel SR, Jajosky RP, Arthur CM, McCoy JW, Allen JWL, Chonat S, Fasano RM, Roback JD, Josephson CD, Hendrickson JE, Stowell SR. Marginal zone B cells mediate a CD4 T-cell-dependent extrafollicular antibody response following RBC transfusion in mice. Blood 2021; 138:706-721. [PMID: 33876205 PMCID: PMC8394907 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020009376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions can result in alloimmunization toward RBC alloantigens that can increase the probability of complications following subsequent transfusion. An improved understanding of the immune mechanisms that underlie RBC alloimmunization is critical if future strategies capable of preventing or even reducing this process are to be realized. Using the HOD (hen egg lysozyme [HEL] and ovalbumin [OVA] fused with the human RBC antigen Duffy) model system, we aimed to identify initiating immune factors that may govern early anti-HOD alloantibody formation. Our findings demonstrate that HOD RBCs continuously localize to the marginal sinus following transfusion, where they colocalize with marginal zone (MZ) B cells. Depletion of MZ B cells inhibited immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG anti-HOD antibody formation, whereas CD4 T-cell depletion only prevented IgG anti-HOD antibody development. HOD-specific CD4 T cells displayed similar proliferation and activation following transfusion of HOD RBCs into wild-type or MZ B-cell-deficient recipients, suggesting that IgG formation is not dependent on MZ B-cell-mediated CD4 T-cell activation. Moreover, depletion of follicular B cells failed to substantially impact the anti-HOD antibody response, and no increase in antigen-specific germinal center B cells was detected following HOD RBC transfusion, suggesting that antibody formation is not dependent on the splenic follicle. Despite this, anti-HOD antibodies persisted for several months following HOD RBC transfusion. Overall, these data suggest that MZ B cells can initiate and then contribute to RBC alloantibody formation, highlighting a unique immune pathway that can be engaged following RBC transfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia E Zerra
- Center for Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Therapies, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA and
| | - Seema R Patel
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA and
| | - Ryan Philip Jajosky
- Center for Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Therapies, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and
| | - Connie M Arthur
- Center for Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Therapies, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and
| | - James W McCoy
- Center for Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Therapies, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and
| | - Jerry William Lynn Allen
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and
| | - Satheesh Chonat
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA and
| | - Ross M Fasano
- Center for Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Therapies, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA and
| | - John D Roback
- Center for Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Therapies, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and
| | - Cassandra D Josephson
- Center for Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Therapies, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA and
| | | | - Sean R Stowell
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and
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12
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Suspected Severe Malaria in a Sudanese Patient Affected by Sickle Cell Disease Who Was Treated with Hydroxyurea. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080985. [PMID: 34451449 PMCID: PMC8398986 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common genetic disease in sub-Saharan Africa. The signs and symptoms of SCD usually begin in early childhood. Characteristic features of this disorder include anaemia, repeated infections, and periodic episodes of pain. Malaria is one of the infections that can occur in patients with SCD in endemic countries. Many guidelines recommend antimalarial chemoprophylaxis in these patients, although the debate on which drug should be used is still ongoing. Hydroxyurea (HU), which is considered a safe and effective treatment for both children and adults with SCD, seems to affect the incidence and severity of malaria, although these impacts have yet to be fully demonstrated. We report a case of an eight-and-a-half-year-old Sudanese boy with SCD treated with HU admitted for suspected severe malaria who showed a recrudescence after first-line treatment. Although he had undergone splenectomy and thus belonged to a category of patients at high risk for infectious complications, he was not receiving any malaria chemoprophylaxis. This case emphasises the importance of the routine administration of malaria prophylaxis to children with SCD living in endemic areas, even when they are treated with HU, and especially if they are at high risk for infectious complications because they have undergone splenectomy. There is an urgent need for further research to evaluate the most appropriate regimen and its optimal duration.
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13
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Ladu AI, Aiyenigba AO, Adekile A, Bates I. The spectrum of splenic complications in patients with sickle cell disease in Africa: a systematic review. Br J Haematol 2020; 193:26-42. [PMID: 33161568 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The majority of the global population of sickle cell disease (SCD) patients resides in Africa. Individuals with this condition are at great risk of serious infections and early mortality secondary to splenic dysfunction without preventative measures. This review investigated the spectrum of splenic complications encountered in SCD among populations in Africa. We systematically searched several databases for all articles published through March 3, 2020. We included 55 studies from 14 African countries. This review reveals the difference in frequency of splenic complications in SCD in Africa when compared with their counterparts in the United State and Europe. While several studies (n = 45) described splenomegaly with a prevalence of 12% to 73% among children, and 4% to 50% among adults with HbSS, the reported prevalence for acute splenic sequestration crisis (n = 6 studies) and hypersplenism (n = 4 studies) was <10% and <5% respectively. A total of 30 surgical splenectomy was reported across eight studies. Only two (3.7%) studies provided data on spleen function. A conflicting pattern was observed amongst studies that evaluated the relationship between splenomegaly and the presence of bacterial and malaria infections. This review reveals the paucity of studies describing the role of SCD-induced splenic dysfunction in morbidity and infection related mortality in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adama I Ladu
- Department of International Public Health, Capacity Research Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Haematology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Abiola O Aiyenigba
- Department of International Public Health, Capacity Research Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Adekunle Adekile
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Imelda Bates
- Department of International Public Health, Capacity Research Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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14
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Partanen M, Kang G, Wang WC, Krull K, King AA, Schreiber JE, Porter JS, Hodges J, Hankins JS, Jacola LM. Association between hydroxycarbamide exposure and neurocognitive function in adolescents with sickle cell disease. Br J Haematol 2020; 189:1192-1203. [PMID: 32103506 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk for neurocognitive impairments. While disease-modifying treatment, such as hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea), may decrease this risk, it has not been systematically investigated in children with SCD. We screened neurocognitive functioning in 103 adolescents with SCD (16-17 years, 50% female) and compared outcomes between patients with a history of exposure to hydroxycarbamide (n = 12 HbSC/HbSβ+ thalassaemia; n = 52 HbSS/HbSβ0 thalassaemia) and those never treated with hydroxycarbamide (n = 31 HbSC/HbSβ+ thalassaemia; n = 8 HbSS/HbSβ0 thalassaemia). Demographic distributions were similar between the groups. After adjusting for socioeconomic status, the hydroxycarbamide group had significantly higher scores on nonverbal IQ (HbSC/HbSβ thalassaemia: P = 0·036, effect size [d] = 0·65), reaction speed (HbSS/HbSβ0 thalassaemia: P = 0·002, d = 1·70), sustained attention (HbSS/HbSβ0 thalassaemia: P = 0·014, d = 1·30), working memory (HbSC/HbSβ+ thalassaemia: P = 0·034, d = 0·71) and verbal memory (HbSC/HbSβ+ thalassaemia: P = 0·038, d = 0·84) when compared to those who did not receive hydroxycarbamide. In patients with HbSS/HbSβ0 thalassaemia, longer treatment duration with hydroxycarbamide was associated with better verbal memory (P = 0·009) and reading (P = 0·002). Markers of hydroxycarbamide effect, including higher fetal haemoglobin (HbF), higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and lower white blood cell count (WBC), were associated with better verbal fluency (HbF: P = 0·014, MCV: P = 0·006, WBC: P = 0·047) and reading (MCV: P = 0·021, WBC: P = 0·037). Cognitive impairment may be mitigated by exposure to hydroxycarbamide in adolescents with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Partanen
- Departments of, Department of, Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Guolian Kang
- Department of, Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Winfred C Wang
- Department of, Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kevin Krull
- Department of, Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Allison A King
- Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jane E Schreiber
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jerlym S Porter
- Departments of, Department of, Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jason Hodges
- Department of, Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jane S Hankins
- Department of, Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lisa M Jacola
- Departments of, Department of, Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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15
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Bernaudin F. Why, Who, When, and How? Rationale for Considering Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children with Sickle Cell Disease. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8101523. [PMID: 31546720 PMCID: PMC6833062 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8101523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the progress made in the management of sickle cell disease during the past 30 years, along with the excellent results obtained with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT), it is important to reexamine why, who, when and how to recommend allogeneic SCT in children with sickle cell disease. While sickle cell disease has a low risk of death in children and a high risk for morbidity during aging, SCT carries an early risk of death, graft-vs-host disease and infertility. Nevertheless, SCT offers at least 95% chance of cure with low risk of chronic graft-vs-host disease when a matched-sibling donor is available and the risks of infertility can be reduced by ovarian, sperm or testis cryopreservation. Thus, all available therapies such as hydroxyurea, transfusions and SCT should be presented to the parents, providers, and affected children and discussed with them from infancy. Furthermore, the use of these therapies should be adjusted to the severity of the disease and to local availabilities in order to choose the treatment offering the best benefit/risk ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Bernaudin
- French Referral Center for Sickle Cell Disease; SFGM-TC (Société Française de Greffe de Moelle et de Thérapie Cellulaire); DrepaGreffe Association 20 rue de Coulmiers, 94130 Nogent sur Marne, France.
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16
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Abstract
Introduction: In human physiology, the spleen is generally neglected, and its role is considered anecdotal. In sickle cell disease, splenic dysfunction is the main cause of life-threatening complications, particularly in early childhood with the risk of pneumococcal overwhelming sepsis and acute splenic sequestration crisis, notably. During the course of the disease, the spleen functionally declines and anatomically disappears, albeit with great individual variability depending on modulating genetic and environmental factors. Areas covered: The present review aims to provide an overview of spleen structure and function in order to highlight its role in sickling disorders. The clinical features of spleen damage in sickle cell disease, as well as complications and short- and long-term consequences, are reviewed, along with the main therapeutic options. Expert opinion: Management of acute splenic sequestration recurrence and timing of splenectomy in children with sickling disorders are two main areas in which clinical studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara El Hoss
- a Université de Paris, Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, UMR_S1134, BIGR, INSERM, F-75015 , Paris , France.,b Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine , Paris , France.,c Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex , Paris , France
| | - Valentine Brousse
- a Université de Paris, Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, UMR_S1134, BIGR, INSERM, F-75015 , Paris , France.,b Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine , Paris , France.,c Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex , Paris , France.,d Service de Pédiatrie Générale et Maladies Infectieuses, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Centre de Référence de la Drépanocytose, AP-HP , Paris , France
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17
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Massive Splenic Infarction in a Child With Sickle Cell Disease on Chronic Transfusion Therapy. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2019; 41:e79-e82. [PMID: 30499910 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000001356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Massive splenic infarction (MSI) is a rare complication of sickle cell disease, as the spleen generally atrophies within the first few years of life. We report a case of MSI in a 12-year-old boy with homozygous sickle cell anemia (Hb SS) whose chronic transfusion therapy resulted in hypersplenism. The occurrence of a complicated MSI in our patient should perhaps further encourage elective splenectomy in such patients, despite known potential perioperative complications and postsplenectomy risks of infection and thrombosis.
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18
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Qureshi A, Kaya B, Pancham S, Keenan R, Anderson J, Akanni M, Howard J. Guidelines for the use of hydroxycarbamide in children and adults with sickle cell disease: A British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol 2018; 181:460-475. [PMID: 29732531 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.15235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amrana Qureshi
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Oxford Children's Hospital, Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Banu Kaya
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Royal London Hospitals, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Shivan Pancham
- Department of Haematology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, West Bromwich, UK
| | - Russell Keenan
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Alderhey Children's Hospital NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jeremy Anderson
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Magbor Akanni
- Department of Haematology, Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Trust, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Jo Howard
- Department of Haematology, Guys and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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19
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Linden JV, Prusinski MA, Crowder LA, Tonnetti L, Stramer SL, Kessler DA, White J, Shaz B, Olkowska D. Transfusion-transmitted and community-acquired babesiosis in New York, 2004 to 2015. Transfusion 2018; 58:660-668. [PMID: 29383735 DOI: 10.1111/trf.14476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesiosis is a potentially life-threatening zoonotic infection most frequently caused by the intraerythrocytic parasite Babesia microti. The pathogen is usually tickborne, but may also be transfusion or vertically transmitted. Healthy persons, including blood donors, may be asymptomatic and unaware they are infected. Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk for symptomatic disease. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS All reported community-acquired babesiosis cases in New York from 2004 to 2015 were evaluated, enumerated, and characterized. All potential transfusion-transmitted babesiosis (TTB) cases reported through one or more of three public health surveillance systems were investigated to determine the likelihood of transfusion transmission. In addition, host-seeking ticks were actively collected in public parks and other likely sites of human exposure to B. microti. RESULTS From 2004 to 2015, a total of 3799 cases of babesiosis were found; 55 (1.4%) of these were linked to transfusion. The incidence of both community-acquired babesiosis and TTB increased significantly during the 12-year study period. The geographic range of both ticks and tickborne infections also expanded. Among TTB cases, 95% of recipients had at least one risk factor for symptomatic disease. Implicated donors resided in five states, including in 10 New York counties. More than half of implicated donors resided in counties known to be B. microti endemic. CONCLUSION The increasing incidence of TTB correlated with increases in community-acquired babesiosis and infection of ticks with B. microti. Surveillance of ticks and community-acquired cases may aid identification of emerging areas at risk for Babesia transfusion transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne V Linden
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York
| | - Melissa A Prusinski
- Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York
| | - Lauren A Crowder
- Biomedical Services, Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Rockville and Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Laura Tonnetti
- Biomedical Services, Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Rockville and Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Susan L Stramer
- Biomedical Services, Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Rockville and Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | | | - Jennifer White
- Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York
| | - Beth Shaz
- New York Blood Center, New York, New York
| | - Danuta Olkowska
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York
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20
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Estepp JH, Smeltzer MP, Kang G, Li C, Wang WC, Abrams C, Aygun B, Ware RE, Nottage K, Hankins JS. A clinically meaningful fetal hemoglobin threshold for children with sickle cell anemia during hydroxyurea therapy. Am J Hematol 2017; 92:1333-1339. [PMID: 28913922 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.24906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Hydroxyurea has proven clinical benefits and is recommended to be offered to all children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), but the optimal dosing regimen remains controversial. Induction of red blood cell fetal hemoglobin (HbF) by hydroxyurea appears to be dose-dependent. However, it is unknown whether maximizing HbF% improves clinical outcomes. HUSTLE (NCT00305175) is a prospective observational study with a primary goal of describing the long-term clinical effects of hydroxyurea escalated to maximal tolerated dose (MTD) in children with SCA. In 230 children, providing 610 patient-years of follow up, the mean attained HbF% at MTD was >20% for up to 4 years of follow-up. When HbF% values were ≤20%, children had twice the odds of hospitalization for any reason (P < .0001), including vaso-occlusive pain (P < .01) and acute chest syndrome (ACS) (P < .01), and more than four times the odds of admission for fever (P < .001). Thirty day readmission rates were not affected by HbF%. Neutropenia (ANC <1000 × 106 /L) was rare (2.3% of all laboratory monitoring), transient, and benign. Therefore, attaining HbF >20% was associated with fewer hospitalizations without significant toxicity. These data support the use of hydroxyurea in children, and suggest that the preferred dosing strategy is one that targets a HbF endpoint >20%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremie H. Estepp
- Department of Hematology; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis Tennessee
- Department of Pathology; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis Tennessee
| | - Matthew P. Smeltzer
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health; The University of Memphis School of Public Health; Memphis Tennessee
| | - Guolian Kang
- Department of Biostatistics; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis Tennessee
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Biostatistics; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis Tennessee
| | - Winfred C. Wang
- Department of Hematology; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis Tennessee
| | - Christina Abrams
- Department of Pediatrics; University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center; Memphis Tennessee
| | - Banu Aygun
- Division of Hematology/; Oncology Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center; New Hyde Park New York
| | - Russell E. Ware
- Division of Hematology; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati Ohio
| | | | - Jane S. Hankins
- Department of Hematology; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis Tennessee
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21
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Nottage KA, Ware RE, Aygun B, Smeltzer M, Kang G, Moen J, Wang WC, Hankins JS, Helton KJ. Hydroxycarbamide treatment and brain MRI/MRA findings in children with sickle cell anaemia. Br J Haematol 2016; 175:331-338. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.14235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kerri A. Nottage
- Department of Hematology; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis TN USA
| | - Russell E. Ware
- Division of Hematology; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati OH USA
| | - Banu Aygun
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation; Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York; New Hyde Park NY USA
| | - Matthew Smeltzer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; University of Memphis; Memphis TN USA
| | - Guolian Kang
- Department of Biostatistics; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis TN USA
| | - Joseph Moen
- Department of Biostatistics; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis TN USA
| | - Winfred C. Wang
- Department of Hematology; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis TN USA
| | - Jane S. Hankins
- Department of Hematology; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis TN USA
| | - Kathleen J. Helton
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Memphis TN USA
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22
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Nickel RS, Seashore E, Lane PA, Alazraki AL, Horan JT, Bhatia M, Haight AE. Improved Splenic Function After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant for Sickle Cell Disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2016; 63:908-13. [PMID: 26757445 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Splenic dysfunction is a significant complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is a proven cure for SCD; however, its long-term effect on splenic function is not well characterized. PROCEDURE We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients who had HSCT for SCD at two transplant centers. (99m) Tc liver-spleen (LS) scans were blindly reviewed and classified as demonstrating absent, decreased, or normal splenic uptake. RESULTS Considering all engrafted nonsplenectomized Hb SS and Sβ(0) -thalassemia patients with LS scans available, at a median of 2.0 years post-HSCT (range 1.0-9.3 years) eight of 53 (15%) had normal, 40 of 53 (75%) decreased, and five of 53 (9%) absent splenic uptake. More patients had splenic uptake after HSCT: pre-HSCT 14/38 (37%) versus post-HSCT 34/38 (89%), P < 0.0001. Older age at HSCT was associated with worse splenic function post-HSCT (median age at HSCT for absent uptake 16.6 years vs. present uptake 8.0 years, P = 0.030). Extensive chronic GVHD was also more common in patients with absent splenic uptake compared to patients with present uptake (absent 40% vs. present 6%, P = 0.064). CONCLUSIONS HSCT significantly improves splenic function for most pediatric patients with SCD, but older patient age at time of HSCT and extensive chronic GVHD appear to be risk factors for poor post-HSCT splenic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sheppard Nickel
- Division of Hematology, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Elizabeth Seashore
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York Presbyterian, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Peter A Lane
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Adina L Alazraki
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - John T Horan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Monica Bhatia
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York Presbyterian, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Ann E Haight
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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23
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Amelioration of murine sickle cell disease by nonablative conditioning and γ-globin gene-corrected bone marrow cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2015; 2:15045. [PMID: 26665131 PMCID: PMC4667717 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2015.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Patients with severe sickle cell disease (SCD) are candidates for gene therapy using autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), but concomitant multi-organ disease may contraindicate pretransplant conditioning with full myeloablation. We tested whether nonmyeloablative conditioning, a regimen used successfully for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation of adult SCD patients, allows engraftment of γ-globin gene-corrected cells to a therapeutic level in the Berkeley mouse model of SCD. Animals transplanted according to this regimen averaged 35% engraftment of transduced hematopoietic stem cells with an average vector copy < 2.0. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels ranged from 20 to 44% of total hemoglobin and approximately two-thirds of circulating red blood cells expressed HbF detected by immunofluorescence (F-cells). Gene therapy treatment of SCD mice ameliorated anemia, reduced hyperleukocytosis, improved renal function, and reduced iron accumulation in liver, spleen, and kidneys. Thus, modest levels of chimerism with donor cells expressing high levels of HbF from an insulated γ-globin lentiviral vector can improve the pathology of SCD in mice, thereby illustrating a potentially safe and effective strategy for gene therapy in humans.
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24
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Sobota A, Sabharwal V, Fonebi G, Steinberg M. How we prevent and manage infection in sickle cell disease. Br J Haematol 2015; 170:757-67. [PMID: 26018640 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.13526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects approximately 100,000 people in the US, 12,500 in the UK, and millions worldwide. SCD is typified by painful vaso-occlusive episodes, haemolytic anaemia and organ damage. A secondary complication is infection, which can be bacterial, fungal or viral. Universal newborn screening, routine use of penicillin prophylaxis, availability of conjugated vaccines against S. pneumoniae and comprehensive care programmes instituted during the past few decades in industrialized countries have dramatically reduced childhood mortality and improved life expectancy. Yet patients with SCD remain at increased risk of infection. Unfortunately, the treatment of most bacterial infections that are common in SCD is not based on the results of randomized controlled clinical trials. In their absence, treatment decisions are based on consensus guidelines, clinical experience or adapting treatment applied in other diseases. This leads to wide variation in treatment among institutions and even between treating physicians in a single institution. Prevention of infection, when possible, is most important and we focus on prevention through targeted prophylaxis and vaccination. We will share our management strategies for managing the more common infections in SCD and provide the rationale for our recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Sobota
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vishakha Sabharwal
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gwendoline Fonebi
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin Steinberg
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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