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Musallam KM, Sheth S, Cappellini MD, Forni GL, Maggio A, Taher AT. Anemia and iron overload as prognostic markers of outcomes in β-thalassemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2024; 17:631-642. [PMID: 39037857 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2024.2383420] [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: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ineffective erythropoiesis and subsequent anemia as well as primary and secondary (transfusional) iron overload are key drivers for morbidity and mortality outcomes in patients with β-thalassemia. AREAS COVERED In this review, we highlight evidence from observational studies evaluating the association between measures of anemia and iron overload versus outcomes in both non-transfusion-dependent and transfusion-dependent forms of β-thalassemia. EXPERT OPINION Several prognostic thresholds have been identified with implications for patient management. These have also formed the basis for the design of novel therapy clinical trials by informing eligibility and target endpoints. Still, several data gaps persist in view of the challenge of assessing prospective long-term outcomes in a chronic disease. Pooling insights on the prognostic value of different measures of disease mechanism will be key to design future scoring systems that can help optimize patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Center for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD), Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sujit Sheth
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Ca' Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Aurelio Maggio
- Campus of Haematology Franco and Piera Cutino, AOOR Villa Sofia-V. Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Shah FT, Nicolle S, Garg M, Pancham S, Lieberman G, Anthony K, Mensah AK. Guideline for the management of conception and pregnancy in thalassaemia syndromes: A British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol 2024; 204:2194-2209. [PMID: 38715390 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19362] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive guideline, developed by a representative group of UK-based medical experts specialising in haemoglobinopathies, addresses the management of conception and pregnancy in patients with thalassaemia. A systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE using specific keywords, formed the basis of the literature review. Key terms included "thalassaemia," "pregnancy," "Cooley's anaemia," "Mediterranean anaemia," and others, covering aspects such as fertility, iron burden and ultrasonography. The guideline underwent rigorous review by prominent organisations, including the Endocrine Society, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the United Kingdom Thalassaemia Society and the British Society of Haematology (BSH) guideline writing group. Additional feedback was solicited from a sounding board of UK haematologists, ensuring a thorough and collaborative approach. The objective of the guideline is to equip healthcare professionals with precise recommendations for managing conception and pregnancy in patients with thalassaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farrukh T Shah
- Department of Haematology, Whittington Health, London, UK
| | - Sarah Nicolle
- Department of Haematology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - Mamta Garg
- Department of Haematology, Leicester Royal infirmary, Leicester, UK
| | - Shivan Pancham
- Department of Haematology, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, West Bromwich, UK
| | - Gidon Lieberman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Whittington Health, London, UK
| | - Karen Anthony
- Department of Endocrinology, Whittington Health, London, UK
| | - Amma Kyei Mensah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Whittington Health, London, UK
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Seijari MN, Alshurafa A, Yassin MA. Luspatercept's use in a patient with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia and intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH). Clin Case Rep 2024; 12:e8795. [PMID: 38736568 PMCID: PMC11087223 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message This case report and literature review examine the use of a relatively novel agent in a transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia patient with extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH). It examines the benefits and risks associated with its use and reviews the available literature while highlighting the drug's results in our patient with a higher risk profile. Abstract Beta thalassemia can be complicated by EMH, which causes different symptoms based on location and size. Luspatercept is a new agent approved for transfusion-dependent thalassemia and Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). Still, its use in patients with EMH was not well studied, and literature showed an increased risk of EMH expansion or development of new masses after its use. We discuss, in this case, the results of luspatercept treatment in a patient with transfusion-dependent thalassemia who is considered high risk for its use due to the patient's specific characteristics (history of symptomatic intrathoracic EMH, previous splenectomy, refusal to use antithrombotic medications). While also highlighting the benefits of using luspatercept regarding decreasing the iron overload and improving hemoglobin levels and examining how it was used safely to manage a transfusion-dependent thalassemia patient with an extramedullary hematopoiesis mass with no adverse events of note.
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Musallam KM, Cappellini MD, Coates TD, Kuo KHM, Al-Samkari H, Sheth S, Viprakasit V, Taher AT. Αlpha-thalassemia: A practical overview. Blood Rev 2024; 64:101165. [PMID: 38182489 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101165] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
α-Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by decreased synthesis of α-globin chains that results in an imbalance of α and β globin and thus varying degrees of ineffective erythropoiesis, decreased red blood cell (RBC) survival, chronic hemolytic anemia, and subsequent comorbidities. Clinical presentation varies depending on the genotype, ranging from a silent or mild carrier state to severe, transfusion-dependent or lethal disease. Management of patients with α-thalassemia is primarily supportive, addressing either symptoms (eg, RBC transfusions for anemia), complications of the disease, or its transfusion-dependence (eg, chelation therapy for iron overload). Several novel therapies are also in development, including curative gene manipulation techniques and disease modifying agents that target ineffective erythropoiesis and chronic hemolytic anemia. This review of α-thalassemia and its various manifestations provides practical information for clinicians who practice beyond those regions where it is found with high frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Center for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD), Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - M Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Ca' Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas D Coates
- Hematology Section, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kevin H M Kuo
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hanny Al-Samkari
- Center for Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sujit Sheth
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vip Viprakasit
- Department of Pediatrics & Thalassemia Center, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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El-Beshlawy A, Dewedar H, Hindawi S, Alkindi S, Tantawy AA, Yassin MA, Taher AT. Management of transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT): Expert insights and practical overview from the Middle East. Blood Rev 2024; 63:101138. [PMID: 37867006 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101138] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
β-Thalassemia is one of the most common monogenetic diseases worldwide, with a particularly high prevalence in the Middle East region. As such, we have developed long-standing experience with disease management and devising solutions to address challenges attributed to resource limitations. The region has also participated in the majority of clinical trials and development programs of iron chelators and more novel ineffective erythropoiesis-targeted therapy. In this review, we provide a practical overview of management for patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, primarily driven by such experiences, with the aim of transferring knowledge to colleagues in other regions facing similar challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal El-Beshlawy
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hany Dewedar
- Thalassemia Center, Latifa Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salwa Hindawi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salam Alkindi
- Department of Hematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Azza A Tantawy
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Yassin
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, National Centre for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Saliba AN, Musallam KM, Taher AT. How I treat non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. Blood 2023; 142:949-960. [PMID: 37478396 PMCID: PMC10644094 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023020683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The intricate interplay of anemia and iron overload under the pathophysiological umbrella of ineffective erythropoiesis in non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (NTDT) results in a complex variety of clinical phenotypes that are challenging to diagnose and manage. In this article, we use a clinical framework rooted in pathophysiology to present 4 common scenarios of patients with NTDT. Starting from practical considerations in the diagnosis of NTDT, we delineate our strategy for the longitudinal care of patients who exhibit different constellations of symptoms and complications. We highlight the use of transfusion therapy and novel agents, such as luspatercept, in the patient with anemia-related complications. We also describe our approach to chelation therapy in the patient with iron overload. Although tackling every specific complication of NTDT is beyond the scope of this article, we touch on the management of the various morbidities and multisystem manifestations of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khaled M. Musallam
- Thalassemia Center, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ali T. Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Musallam KM, Taher AT, Kattamis A, Kuo KHM, Sheth S, Cappellini MD. Profile of Luspatercept in the Treatment of Anemia in Adults with Non-Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia (NTDT): Design, Development and Potential Place in Therapy. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:1583-1591. [PMID: 37255740 PMCID: PMC10226484 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s368584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, evidence has been mounting on the detrimental clinical sequelae of untreated anemia in patients with non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (NTDT). There are no pharmacologic agents that are specifically approved for the management of anemia in NTDT, and available options such as splenectomy, transfusion therapy, and hydroxyurea each come with their own shortcomings, especially for long-term use. Luspatercept is an erythroid maturation agent that has been evaluated in a Phase 2, randomized trial and showed a significant benefit in raising hemoglobin level by at least 1 g/dL in adults with NTDT and a baseline hemoglobin level ≤10 g/dL. These data led to luspatercept's approval by the European Commission for the treatment of anemia in adults with NTDT and presents the first evidence-based approach for a novel agent that is able to ameliorate anemia in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Thalassemia Center, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Antonis Kattamis
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kevin H M Kuo
- Division of Hematology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sujit Sheth
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Ca’ Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Bou-Fakhredin R, Rivella S, Cappellini MD, Taher AT. Pathogenic Mechanisms in Thalassemia I: Ineffective Erythropoiesis and Hypercoagulability. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2023; 37:341-351. [PMID: 36907607 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Erythropoiesis is the physiological process that results in the production of red blood cells (RBCs). In conditions of pathologically altered erythropoiesis or ineffective erythropoiesis, as in the case of β-thalassemia, the reduced ability of erythrocytes to differentiate, survive and deliver oxygen stimulates a state of stress that leads to the ineffective production of RBCs. We herein describe the main features of erythropoiesis and its regulation in addition to the mechanisms behind ineffective erythropoiesis development in β-thalassemia. Finally, we review the pathophysiology of hypercoagulability and vascular disease development in β-thalassemia and the currently available prevention and treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayan Bou-Fakhredin
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; UOC General Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Ali T Taher
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Koctekin B, Karakus V, Dogan B, Erdem R, Dogan U, Buber H, Kurtoglu E. Optical coherence tomography angiography findings in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia patients with and without splenectomy. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023; 42:103282. [PMID: 36639006 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103282] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocular involvement is common in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDβ-T) patients. We aimed to investigate the effect of splenectomy on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings in TDβ-T patients. METHODS The study is a prospective cross-sectional study. A total of 45 eyes of 23 patients with splenectomy (34.04±8.83 years), 18 eyes of 9 patients without splenectomy (27.44±5.43 years), and 54 eyes of 27 controls (33.22±6.44 years) were included. Vessel density in superficial capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus and radial peripapillary capillary, foveal avascular zone, choriocapillaris flow area, choroidal and retinal thickness detected by OCTA were evaluated. p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Vessel density of superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus were similar in patients with and without splenectomy, and controls. Choriocapillaris flow area was significantly decreased in patients with splenectomy than that in those without splenectomy and controls (2.02±0.12 vs. 2.17±0.1 and 2.14±0.12; p < 0.001). Choroidal thickness was significantly lower in patients without splenectomy than in patients with splenectomy and controls (260.05±61.02 vs. 305.11±42.13 and 298.89±29.14, p = 0.008). Parafoveal and perifoveal thickness of the full retina and outer retina were significantly lower in patients without splenectomy than in patients with splenectomy and controls (301.06±10.0, 279.78±10.28 vs. 311.04±14.89, 290.87±13.67 and 316.63±13.57, 289.56±9.31, p < 0.001 and p = 0.002; 174.72±7.81, 167.17±6.21 vs. 182.87±8.81, 173.60±7.09 and 185.11±9.26, 173.96±6.79, p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS OCTA findings can provide information about the microvascular effects of splenectomy on the retina of patients with TDβ-T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belkis Koctekin
- Transfusion Center, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkiye.
| | - Volkan Karakus
- Department of Hematology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Berna Dogan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Erdem
- Department of Hematology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ugur Dogan
- Department of General Surgery, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Hakan Buber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Erdal Kurtoglu
- Department of Hematology, Kolan Hospital Group, Sisli Kolan International, Istanbul, Turkey
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The long-term efficacy in blood transfusions, hematologic parameter changes, and complications after splenectomy in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Transfus Apher Sci 2022:103620. [PMID: 36509632 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2022.103620] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A splenectomy can reduce transfusion requirements in patients with thalassemia. However, the role of a splenectomy remains controversial because its efficacy has not yet been fully determined and there are concerns over potential complications. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy, potential changes in hematologic parameters, and any complications associated with splenectomy. METHODS Medical records of 50 patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) who had undergone a splenectomy, along with those of 20 control subjects with intact spleens, were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS The primary outcomes indicate the efficacy of a splenectomy in reducing red cell transfusions. Fifty TDT post-splenectomy patients were included in this study, of which 28 (56%) were female. The median age of all patients was 20.5 (18-28 years of age). Twenty-seven patients (54%) transformed from TDT to non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) after the splenectomy; 100% with Hb H disease, 58.3% with beta-thalassemia/Hb E disease, and 23.5% with homozygous beta-thalassemia. According to multivariable logistic regression analysis, Hb H disease (adjusted OR 55.23, 95% CI 1.35-22.8.10) and receiving a splenectomy at > ten years of age (adjusted OR 25.36, 95% CI 1.62-396.47) were associated with higher responses. The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension and thromboembolic events were similar between the splenectomy patients and non-splenectomy patients. CONCLUSION Splenectomy reduced transfusion requirements in TDT patients. The predictive factors as a response to a splenectomy included Hb H disease amongthose receiving a splenectomy at > ten years of age.
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Das S, Ray BK, Pandit A, Ghosh R, Chakraborty AP, Dubey S. Thalassemia and Moyamoya Syndrome: Epidemiology and long-term outcome. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 41:63-70. [PMID: 36368232 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Moyamoya Angiopathy (MMA) is a chronic, progressive intracranial vasculopathy. Unlike Sickle-cell-disease, thalassemia-syndrome has rarely been described in association with MMA. This study was aimed to analyze the demographic, clinical, radiological features and long-term outcome (and possible factors influencing prognosis) of Moyamoya Syndrome (MMS) in the largest cohort of thalassemia-related-to-MMS. MATERIALS & METHODS A single-centered, observational study with longitudinal follow-up was undertaken for 12 cases of MMS-related-to-thalassemia-syndrome amongst 160 consecutive MMA patients. The baseline demographic, clinical and radiological characteristics were noted; and were longitudinally followed-up to assess disease progression (clinical or radiological). Fifteen previously reported cases of thalassemia and MMA were retrieved by literature search in PubMed and Google-Scholar using keywords "Moyamoya" AND "thalassemia". RESULTS The mean age at diagnosis of thalassemia-syndrome and diagnosis of MMS were 6.4 ± 6.55 years (mean ± SD) and 10.4 ± 8.68 years respectively in our 12 cases; 3.2 ± 2.25 years and 10.6 ± 6.1 years respectively in the previously reported 15 cases. Cerebral ischemic insult was the predominant brain lesion at base-line, noted in 91.7% of our cases and 80% of the previous cases. The mean hemoglobin, transfusion-dependency and previous splenectomy were seen in 8.7 ± 3.02 gm%, 33.3% and 8.3% of our cases respectively; 7.0 ± 3.04 gm%, 53.9% and 18.2% of previous cases. All our cases were medically managed for mean follow-up of 28.3 ± 13.9 months, none had evidence of angiographic progression, 1 of our 12 cases (8.3%) had new onset neuro-deficit and subsequent mortality, rest 11 of the 12 cases (91.7%) didn't have any appearance of silent cerebral infarction or evidence of progression of brain atrophy. Among the 15 previous cases, 5 out of 9 medically managed cases and 1 revascularized case described no further clinical recurrence. CONCLUSION Thalassemia-related-MMS may not be so rare. Future development of consensus guidelines in diagnosing and managing cases of MMS-associated-with-thalassemia is of essence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shambaditya Das
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, India.
| | - Biman Kanti Ray
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, India.
| | - Alak Pandit
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, India.
| | - Ritwik Ghosh
- Department of General Medicine, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, Burdwan, India.
| | - Arka Prava Chakraborty
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, India.
| | - Souvik Dubey
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, India.
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Shash H. Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: A Panoramic Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58101496. [PMID: 36295656 PMCID: PMC9608723 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58101496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) has been considered less severe than its transfusion-dependent variants. The most common forms of NTDT include β-thalassemia intermedia, hemoglobin E/beta thalassemia, and hemoglobin H disease. Patients with NTDT develop several clinical complications, despite their regular transfusion independence. Ineffective erythropoiesis, iron overload, and hypercoagulability are pathophysiological factors that lead to morbidities in these patients. Therefore, an early and accurate diagnosis of NTDT is essential to ascertaining early interventions. Currently, several conventional management options are available, with guidelines suggested by the Thalassemia International Federation, and novel therapies are being developed in light of the advancement of the understanding of this disease. This review aimed to increase clinicians’ awareness of NTDT, from its basic medical definition and genetics to its pathophysiology. Specific complications to NTDT were reviewed, along with the risk factors for its development. The indications of different therapeutic options were outlined, and recent advancements were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwazen Shash
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia
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The Roles of Mitophagy and Autophagy in Ineffective Erythropoiesis in β-Thalassemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810811. [PMID: 36142738 PMCID: PMC9502731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810811] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
β-Thalassemia is one of the most common genetically inherited disorders worldwide, and it is characterized by defective β-globin chain synthesis leading to reduced or absent β-globin chains. The excess α-globin chains are the key factor leading to the death of differentiating erythroblasts in a process termed ineffective erythropoiesis, leading to anemia and associated complications in patients. The mechanism of ineffective erythropoiesis in β-thalassemia is complex and not fully understood. Autophagy is primarily known as a cell recycling mechanism in which old or dysfunctional proteins and organelles are digested to allow recycling of constituent elements. In late stage, erythropoiesis autophagy is involved in the removal of mitochondria as part of terminal differentiation. Several studies have shown that autophagy is increased in earlier erythropoiesis in β-thalassemia erythroblasts, as compared to normal erythroblasts. This review summarizes what is known about the role of autophagy in β-thalassemia erythropoiesis and shows that modulation of autophagy and its interplay with apoptosis may provide a new therapeutic route in the treatment of β-thalassemia. Literature was searched and relevant articles were collected from databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Prospero, Clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar, and the Google search engine. Search terms included: β-thalassemia, ineffective erythropoiesis, autophagy, novel treatment, and drugs during the initial search. Relevant titles and abstracts were screened to choose relevant articles. Further, selected full-text articles were retrieved, and then, relevant cross-references were scanned to collect further information for the present review.
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Abolghasemi H, Kamfar S, Azarkeivan A, Karimi M, Keikhaei B, Abolghasemi F, Radfar MH, Eshghi P, Alavi S. Clinical and genetic characteristics of hemoglobin H disease in Iran. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2022; 39:489-499. [PMID: 34951342 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2021.2017529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Hemoglobin H (Hb H) disease is a subtype of α-thalassemia caused by deletional and/or non-deletional mutations in three alpha-globin genes in which the various genotypes determine the disease severity. This study was aimed to investigate the frequency of alpha gene mutations and genotypes and their correlation with hematological and clinical characteristics in Iran. Among 202 patients diagnosed with Hb H disease through a national study in Iran according to standard methods, we had access to the hematologic and clinical findings and genetic data of 101 patients in whom genetic study was performed. Genomic DNA from peripheral blood was extracted and analyzed for identification of α-globin gene mutations using Multiplex Gap Polymerase Chain Reaction, Reverse Hybridization Assay, and finally Direct DNA Sequencing method. Twenty-one different mutations and thirty genotypes were detected in 101 patients with Hb H disease. In total, 39 patients (38.6%) were deletional and 62 patients (61.4%) were non-deletional type of the disease. The --MED mutation was highly prevalent in almost half of the patients (56.4%). Among various genotypes, -MED/-a3.7 (29.7%) and -α20.5/-α5NT (6.9%) were the most prevalent genotypes found in the studied group. Patients with non-deletional type presented with more severe hematological and clinical findings. Hb H percentage and serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in non-deletional patients in comparison to the deletional group (p < 0.05). 12 (11.9%) and 40 (39.6%) out of 101 patients were on regular and occasional transfusions, respectively. 83% of those with regular transfusion belonged to the non-deletional group. Among transfusion-dependent patients, -MED/αCSα and α20.5/-α5NT were the most common genotypes. In this study, two patients with -α20.5/αCSα and -MED/α-5NT genotypes experienced thrombotic events. This study indicated that although non-deletional genotypes of Hb H disease were responsible for more clinical severity of the disease, due to the presence of severe phenotypes even in deletional types, no definite correlation was found between genotype and phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Abolghasemi
- Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sharareh Kamfar
- Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azita Azarkeivan
- Research Center of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, Thalassemia Clinic, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehran Karimi
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bijan Keikhaei
- Research Center for Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy, Health Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Abolghasemi
- Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad H Radfar
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Shahid Labbafinezhad Hospital Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peyman Eshghi
- Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samin Alavi
- Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Sun YY, Yao HW, Chen HR, Chen CW, Kinkaid MM, Kuan CY. Stroke propensity in the Th3+/ mouse model of β-thalassemia intermedia. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 171:105802. [PMID: 35753626 PMCID: PMC10110995 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
β-thalassemia is associated with multiple hematological and cerebrovascular symptoms linked to a hypercoagulable state that has not been fully replicated in animal models for the development of stroke treatments. Herein we compared the physiological properties and responses to transient cerebral hypoxia-ischemia (tHI) between six-month-old wildtype and heterozygous Th3/+ mice, a model of non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI). We found that Th3/+ mice developed microcytic anemia, splenomegaly, higher platelet counts, and increased platelet-erythrocyte plus erythrocyte-leukocyte aggregates. Furthermore, Th3/+ mice showed diminished cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) and cortical oxygen saturation under repetitive hypercapnic challenges. When subjected to a sub-threshold tHI insult, platelets and leukocytes in Th3/+ mice adhered to the cerebrovascular wall or formed aggregates, while their counterparts flew through smoothly in wildtype mice. Subsequently, Th3/+ mice showed increased fibrin deposition around cerebral blood vessels and larger infarction than wildtype mice, especially in female Th3/+ mice. Collectively these results showed that Th3/+ mice mimic key clinical features and a propensity to thromboembolism in β-TI patients. The hypercoagulable state in Th3/+ mice is likely caused by multiple hematological and CVR anomalies that are similar, but are not identical to those in the mouse model of sickle cell anemia. As such, we suggest that Th3/+ mice are a useful model to study the pathological mechanisms and prophylactic stroke treatments in thalassemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Yo Sun
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan; Department of Neuroscience, Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Hui-Wen Yao
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Hong-Ru Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Ching-Wen Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Melissa M Kinkaid
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Chia-Yi Kuan
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Abstract
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately a quarter of the world's population suffers from anemia, including almost half of preschool-age children. Globally, iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of anemia. Other important causes of anemia in children are hemoglobinopathies, infection, and other chronic diseases. Anemia is associated with increased morbidity, including neurologic complications, increased risk of low birth weight, infection, and heart failure, as well as increased mortality. When approaching a child with anemia, detailed historical information, particularly diet, environmental exposures, and family history, often yield important clues to the diagnosis. Dysmorphic features on physical examination may indicate syndromic causes of anemia. Diagnostic testing involves a stepwise approach utilizing various laboratory techniques. The increasing availability of genetic testing is providing new mechanistic insights into inherited anemias and allowing diagnosis in many previously undiagnosed cases. Population-based approaches are being taken to address nutritional anemias. Novel pharmacologic agents and advances in gene therapy-based therapeutics have the potential to ameliorate anemia-associated disease and provide treatment strategies even in the most difficult and complex cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick G Gallagher
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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The thrombotic spectrum of B-thalassemia. THROMBOSIS UPDATE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tru.2022.100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Anemia has been called the fifth cardiovascular risk factor. It is one of the most prevalent pathologies worldwide. In this article, we aimed to perform a narrative review of the main cerebrovascular complications of anemia and its influence on stroke prognosis. RECENT FINDINGS Both hypoproliferative anemia (thalassemia, iron deficiency anemia, etc.) and hyperproliferative anemia (sickle cell disease, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, hereditary spherocytosis, etc.) are associated to cerebrovascular disease ranging from transient ischemic attack to ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke with both intraparenchymal hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage or cerebral venous thrombosis. Anemia is associated to a worse prognosis in patients with cerebrovascular disease In some cases, like sickle cell disease, pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic guidelines are well established, while in others, due to their rarity, there are still lack of robust data. More studies are needed to clarify how the prognosis of stroke patients with anemia could be improved.
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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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SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with β-thalassemia: The French experience. Transfus Clin Biol 2021; 29:70-74. [PMID: 34217815 PMCID: PMC8247188 DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2021.06.007] [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: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Because of iron overload complications, thrombosis and infectious predisposition, patients with severe forms of thalassemia are likely to be at increased risk of COVID-19 complications. RESULTS A national survey conducted during the year 2020 across the French reference centers for hemoglobinopathies identified 16 cases of COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR in beta-thalassemia patients. Their age ranged from 11 months to 60 years. 15 patients were transfusion-dependent and 6 were splenectomized. Concerning iron overload related complications, none had diabetes or cirrhosis and only one had experienced heart failure. All 4 pediatric patients were pauci-symptomatic during the viral episode. Three patients (41, 49 and 57 years old) developed COVID-19 pneumonia requiring oxygen therapy without the need for mechanical ventilation. Neutropenia (absolute neutrophils count <0.5 10 9/L) was observed in 2 patients receiving long-term treatment with hydroxycarbamide and deferiprone. No thrombosis event, organ failure or death occurred. All patients recovered. CONCLUSION Severity of COVID-19 in this population of young and middle-aged patients appeared increased compared to the general population but remained mild to moderate as already described in the few series reported in the literature. Occurrence of adverse events related to chronic treatment administered in thalassemia disease may be favored by the infectious episode.
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Gu R, Xiong Y, Li L, Zhao X, Liu Y. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and aneurysm in a patient with double heterozygous beta-thalassemia major: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26082. [PMID: 34032743 PMCID: PMC8154444 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Thalassemia is an inherited disease associated with thromboembolic events (TEE) and cerebral artery disease. Here, we report a patient with beta-thalassemia presenting with intracerebral hemorrhage due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), and intracranial aneurysms were found after examination. We believe that it is very rare for this patient to have two kinds of cerebrovascular diseases. PATIENTSCONCERN A 25-year-old woman suffered from headache for nine days. She had a history of thalassemia and splenectomy nine years prior. DIAGNOSIS Intracranial hemorrhage, Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, Intracranial aneurysm and double heterozygous beta-thalassemia major. INTERVENTIONS The patient was treated with low-molecular-weight heparin sodium injection (4100IU sc q12 h) and then switched to warfarin after four days of overlap with low-molecular-weight heparin sodium injection. Oral hydroxyurea was prescribed before discharged from the hospital. OUTCOMES The patient's headache was relieved significantly within 48 h, and re-examination of CT showed that the hemorrhage was completely absorbed one week later. LESSONS CVST and intracranial aneurysms are associated with the pathological mechanism of thalassemia, and patients with beta-thalassemia should be monitored and educated for long-term prevention, especially those with risk factors.
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Grech L, Borg K, Borg J. Novel therapies in β-thalassaemia. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 88:2509-2524. [PMID: 34004015 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta-thalassaemia is one of the most significant haemoglobinopathies worldwide resulting in the synthesis of little or no β-globin chains. Without treatment, β-thalassaemia major is lethal within the first decade of life due to the complex pathophysiology, which leads to wide clinical manifestations. Current clinical management for these patients depends on repeated transfusions followed by iron-chelating therapy. Several novel approaches to correct the resulting α/β-globin chain imbalance, treat ineffective erythropoiesis and improve iron overload are currently being developed. Up to now, the only curative treatment for β-thalassemia is haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, but this is a risky and costly procedure. Gene therapy, gene editing and base editing are emerging as a powerful approach to treat this disease. In β-thalassaemia, gene therapy involves the insertion of a vector containing the normal β-globin or γ-globin gene into haematopoietic stem cells to permanently produce normal red blood cells. Gene editing and base editing involves the use of zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like nucleases and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 to either correct the causative mutation or else insert a single nucleotide variant that will increase foetal haemoglobin. In this review, we will examine the current management strategies used to treat β-thalassaemia and focus on the novel therapies targeting ineffective erythropoiesis, improving iron overload and correction of the globin chain imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Grech
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Malta
| | - Karen Borg
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Ministry for Health, Malta
| | - Joseph Borg
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Malta.,Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Malta
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Baronciani D, Casale M, De Franceschi L, Graziadei G, Longo F, Origa R, Rigano P, Pinto V, Marchetti M, Gigante A, Iolascon A, Forni GL. Selecting β-thalassemia Patients for Gene Therapy: A Decision-making Algorithm. Hemasphere 2021; 5:e555. [PMID: 33969274 PMCID: PMC8096466 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This expert opinion originally developed by a panel of the Italian Society of Thalassemias and Hemoglobinopathies (SITE), reviewed and adopted by the European Hematology Association (EHA) through the EHA Scientific Working Group on Red Cells and Iron, has been developed as priority decision-making algorithm on evidence and consensus with the aim to identify which patients with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT) could benefit from a gene therapy (GT) approach. Even if the wide utilized and high successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation provides the possibility to cure several patients a new scenario has been opened by GT. Therefore, it is important to establish the patients setting for whom it is priority indicated, particularly in the early phase of the diffuse use outside experimental trials conducted in high selected centers. Moreover, actual price, limited availability, and resources disposal constitute a further indication to a rational and progressive approach to this innovative treatment. To elaborate this algorithm, the experience with allogeneic transplantation has been used has a predictive model. In this large worldwide experience, it has been clearly demonstrated that key for the optimal transplant outcome is optimal transfusion and chelation therapy in the years before the procedure and consequently optimal patient's clinical condition. In the document, different clinical scenarios have been considered and analyzed for the possible impact on treatment outcome. According to the European Medicine Agency (EMA) for the GT product, this expert opinion must be considered as a dynamic, updatable, priority-based indications for physicians taking care of TDT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maddalena Casale
- Università degli Studi della Campania «Luigi Vanvitelli», Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Graziadei
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Malattie Rare, Milano, Italy
| | - Filomena Longo
- Centro Microcitemie-Pediatria, AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Raffaella Origa
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao,” A.O. “G.Brotzu,” Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Rigano
- Divisione di Malattie Rare del Sangue e degli Organi Emopoietici, Ospedale V. Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Pinto
- Centro della Microcitemia e Anemie Congenite, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Genova, Italy
| | - Monia Marchetti
- Hematology Day Service, SOC Oncologia, Ospedale Cardinal Massaia, Asti, Italy
| | - Antonia Gigante
- Società Italiana Talassemie ed Emoglobinopatie (SITE), Roma, Italy
| | - Achille Iolascon
- Dept. of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Forni
- Centro della Microcitemia e Anemie Congenite, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Genova, Italy
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Abstract
Thalassemia is a hematologic disorder caused by genetic mutation resulting in impaired hemoglobin chain production. Patients with thalassemia commonly experience complications such as anemia, blood transfusion-related issues, hepatic or cardiac involvement, and psychosocial impacts. Rarely, priapism has been associated with thalassemia as an initial presentation or subsequently occurring at any time in the disease course. Our literature review summarizes the reported cases of thalassemia-associated priapism and delves into underlying mechanisms of its pathophysiology and appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundus Sardar
- Internal Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
| | - Elrazi A Ali
- Internal Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
| | - Mohamed A Yassin
- Department of Hematology, National Centre for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
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Amin S, Jalal S, Ali K, Rasool L, Osman T, Ali O, M-Saeed A. Molecular Characterization and Disease-Related Morbidities of β-Thalassemia Patients from the Northeastern Part of Iraq. Int J Gen Med 2020; 13:1453-1467. [PMID: 33335418 PMCID: PMC7737013 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s277947] [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] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-thalassemia is a significant problem in the northeastern part of Iraq, and has imposed a huge burden on the health authorities. OBJECTIVE To identify the molecular characterization and morbidity prevalence in transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and non-transfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT) phenotypes in northeastern Iraq. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 242 β-thalassemia patients from 162 families. Reverse hybridization technique and direct gene sequencing were used to characterize β-thalassemia mutations, and medical records of the patients were reviewed with a well-designed questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 22 β-globin mutations arranged in 53 different genotypes were identified: IVS-II-1 (G> A) (35.7%), followed by IVS-I-6 (T> C) (18.0%), and codon 8/9 (+G) (8.5%) were the most frequent. Among disease-related morbidities, bone disease amounted to (66.9%), followed by endocrinopathies (32.2%), hepatobiliary complications (28.9%), and pulmonary hypertension (9.9%), whereas thrombosis, extramedullary hemopoiesis, and leg ulcers were less frequent. CONCLUSION The overall complications rate was 78.9%, with a growing probability of complications with advanced age, with evidently higher rates in patients with β0β0 and β0β+ genotypes that explain the role of underlying genetic defects in the pathophysiology of disease complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaema Amin
- Hiwa Hematology/Oncology Sulaymaniyah Cancer Center, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Sana Jalal
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Sulaymaniyah, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Kosar Ali
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sulaymaniyah, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Luqman Rasool
- Thalassemia and Congenital Blood Disorders Center, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Tara Osman
- Thalassemia and Congenital Blood Disorders Center, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Omed Ali
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Center, Sulaymaniyah Teaching Hospital, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
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Criado-García J, Blanco-Molina Á. Riesgo de trombosis en pacientes con β-talasemia. Rev Clin Esp 2020; 220:186-187. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rce.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Criado-García J, Blanco-Molina Á. Risk of thrombosis in patients with β-thalassemia. Rev Clin Esp 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Khawaji MM, Hazzazi AA, Ageeli MH, Mawkili YH, Darbashi AH, Abo Kathiyah AMA, Humedi RA. Clinical and hematological features among β-thalassemia major patients in Jazan region: A hospital-based study. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:412-417. [PMID: 32110628 PMCID: PMC7014835 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1007_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Beta-thalassemia is a prevalent hereditary blood disorder in Saudi Arabia. Various clinical manifestations and hematological abnormalities are common among these patients. Aims: To evaluate the clinical manifestations and hematological parameters of β-thalassemia patients in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Settings and Design: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Methods and Materials: We included 36 β-Thalassemia major patients who admitted to PMNH during the period from February 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. Clinical features were obtained via physical examination. The hematological parameters were obtained from the patients' medical records. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted using SPSS. Continuous data was evaluated using independent sample t-test and Chi-square was used to evaluate categorical variables. P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Mean age was 18.56 ± 6.89 years. Males were 23 (63.9%). About 41.4% of patients were underweight. Exposing of the upper teeth was the most prominent feature (n = 19, 59.4%). The majority of patients were splenectomized (62.1%). About two-thirds have moderate anemia. More than half of the patients (58.8%) had high WBCs counts and 35.3% had a high platelet count, especially among those who underwent splenectomy. Approximately, two-thirds had a ferritin level higher than 2500 ng/ml. O+ blood group was the most frequent blood group among the patients (n = 15, 46.9%). Conclusions: Deteriorated clinical and hematological parameters in our study justify the need for more efforts for regular evaluation and follow-up of the βTM patients and reevaluation of the management protocols to be improved or modified.
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Thalassemia and Moyamoya syndrome: unfurling an intriguing association. J Neurol 2019; 266:2838-2847. [PMID: 31422456 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09497-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Moyamoya angiopathy (MMA) is a rare cerebrovascular disease with progressive bilateral narrowing of intracranial parts of the internal carotid artery and proximal parts of the anterior and middle cerebral artery resulting in recurrent hemodynamic ischemic attacks, strokes and hemorrhages. If associated with other diseases, it is called Moyamoya syndrome (MMS). Until now, MMS has rarely been described with thalassemia. METHODS Of the 75 cases of MMA collected in our Indian center in the last 3 years, 4 new patients with the rare cooccurence of thalassemia and MMS were found. Thalassemia cases were confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis and MMA was diagnosed on the basis of MR angiography. Other known secondary causes of MMA were ruled out by relevant investigations. Thirteen previously reported cases of thalassemia and MMA were retrieved by literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar using the keywords "Moyamoya" AND "thalassemia". Subsequently all the data were analyzed and compared by using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Analysis of our 4 cases and those 13 found in the literature showed early childhood diagnosis of thalassemia and in most cases later manifestation of MMS in the age of 14.5 + 10.72 years (mean + SD) in our cases and with 10.97 + 6.47 years in previous cases. While 9 out of the former 13 and 3 of our 4 cases showed obvious infarcts in brain imaging, 1 case with HbE-β-thalassemia presented with intracerebral hemorrhage. Hemiplegia/hemiparesis was present among all of our 4 cases, while it was present in 69.23% cases of the previous 13 reports. Neither transfusion dependence nor the history of splenectomy was found to be associated with MMA development. CONCLUSION These four new cases of MMS in thalassemia enlarged our knowledge about MMS in patients with thalassemia. MMS is a relevant complication in patients with thalassemia and early detection is essential to avoid disability.
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Taher AT, Cappellini MD, Musallam KM. Development of a thalassemia-related thrombosis risk scoring system. Am J Hematol 2019; 94:E207-E209. [PMID: 31056770 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali T. Taher
- Department of Internal MedicineAmerican University of Beirut Medical Centre Beirut Lebanon
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and CommunityUniversity of Milan, IRCCS Ca’ Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital Milan Italy
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Abstract
Independence from regular transfusions is the hallmark of nontransfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). However, the associated complications need anticipation and screening. One such complication is a hypercoagulable state predisposing to development of thrombosis. We evaluated children with NTDT >10 years of age for prevalence of neuroimaging abnormalities (NIA) and identified associated risk factors. In total, 29 patients were evaluated. Blood counts, serum ferritin, protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography was done in all patients. Possible risk factors for thrombosis or cerebrovascular disease were analyzed for association with NIA. The median age was 14 (12 to 15) years. Fifty percent were splenctomized and 31.5% were transfusion naïve. Eleven patients (37.9%) had NIA: 6 with silent cerebral infarction (SCI); 2 with cerebral arteriopathy (CA) and 3 having both CA and SCI. Higher white blood cell (WBC) count was associated with NIA (P=0.034) [silent cerebral infarction (P=0.047) and cerebral arteriopathy (P=0.067)]. Presence of 7 or more risk factors had 4.5 times greater risk of a NIA, especially silent cerebral infarction (SCI) (P=0.03). We conclude that cerebral infarction and arteriopathy seem to start in late childhood. There is a need to develop strategies for preventing neurologic complications in NTDT similar to sickle cell disease.
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Ebeid SA, Sadek NA, El-Benhawy SA, Mahmoud GN. Plasma substance P and soluble P-selectin as biomarkers of β-thalassemia induced hypercoagulability. ALEXANDRIA JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajme.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samia A. Ebeid
- Applied Medical Chemistry Department, Medical Research Institute , Alexandria University , Egypt
| | - Nadia A. Sadek
- Hematology Department, Medical Research Institute , Alexandria University , Egypt
| | - Sanaa A. El-Benhawy
- Radiation Sciences Department, Medical Research Institute , Alexandria University , Egypt
| | - Gihan N. Mahmoud
- Hematology Department, Medical Research Institute , Alexandria University , Egypt
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Chuncharunee S, Teawtrakul N, Siritanaratkul N, Chueamuangphan N. Review of disease-related complications and management in adult patients with thalassemia: A multi-center study in Thailand. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214148. [PMID: 30893381 PMCID: PMC6426207 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease-related complications and management are different among patients with thalassemia. This study was aimed to review the prevalence, clinical risk factors for the complications and the management in patients with thalassemia in Thailand. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with thalassemia aged ≥ 18 years old. Thalassemia-related complications and management were reviewed. The clinical parameters significantly associated with the complications were analyzed by logistic regression methods. The prevalence of thalassemia-related complications was 100% in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and 58.8% in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). Advanced age was statistically associated with extramedullary hematopoiesis in both TDT and NTDT patients. Splenectomy was a significant risk factor for pulmonary hypertension in both groups of patients. Severe iron overload started earlier in patients with TDT than NTDT and was associated with diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 6.2, p-value = 0.02). Disease-related complications are more prevalent in patients with TDT than patients with NTDT. Splenectomy and advanced age were important risk factors for developing major complications in both groups. Early screening and management for specific disease-related complications should be considered in patients with thalassemia according to their clinical risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suporn Chuncharunee
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattiya Teawtrakul
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- * E-mail:
| | - Noppadol Siritanaratkul
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Abstract
Therapeutic advances, including the availability of oral iron chelators and new non-invasive methods for early detection and treatment of iron overload, have significantly improved the life expectancy and quality of thalassemia patients, with a consequent increase in their reproductive potential and desire to have children. Hundreds of pregnancies have been reported so far, highlighting that women carefully managed in the preconception phase usually carry out a successful gestation and labor, both in case of spontaneous conception and assisted reproductive techniques. A multidisciplinary team including a cardiologist, an endocrinologist, and a gynecologist, under the supervision of an expert in beta-thalassemia, should be involved. During pregnancy, a close follow-up of maternal disorders and of the baby’s status is recommended. Hemoglobin should be maintained over 10 g/dL to allow normal fetal growth. Chelators are not recommended; nevertheless, it may be reasonable to consider restarting chelation therapy with desferrioxamine towards the end of the second trimester when the potential benefits outweigh the potential fetal risk. Women with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia who have never previously been transfused or who have received only minimal transfusion therapy are at risk of severe alloimmune anemia if blood transfusions are required during pregnancy. Since pregnancy increases the risk of thrombosis three-fold to four-fold and thalassemia is also a hypercoagulable state, the recommendation is to keep women who are at higher risk -such as those who are not regularly transfused and those splenectomised- on prophylaxis during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
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Sabbagh A, Keikhaei B, Joorabian M, Behzad MM, Momeni M. Retrospective study of the incidence of portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy in hematological disorders: Risk factors and clinical presentation. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2019; 74:1-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Viprakasit V, Ekwattanakit S. Clinical Classification, Screening and Diagnosis for Thalassemia. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2018; 32:193-211. [PMID: 29458726 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
At present, thalassemia diseases are classified into transfusion-dependent thalassemia and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia. This classification is based on the clinical severity of patients determining whether they do require regular blood transfusions to survive (transfusion-dependent thalassemia) or not (non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia). In addition to the previous terminology of "thalassemia major" or "thalassemia intermedia," this classification has embraced all other forms of thalassemia syndromes such as α-thalassemia, hemoglobin E/β-thalassemia and combined α- and β-thalassemias. Definitive diagnosis of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies requires a comprehensive workup from complete blood count, hemoglobin analysis, and molecular studies to identify mutations of globin genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vip Viprakasit
- Siriraj Integrated Center of Excellence for Thalassemia (SiiCOE-T) and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Siriraj, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | - Supachai Ekwattanakit
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Siriraj, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
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How I manage medical complications of β-thalassemia in adults. Blood 2018; 132:1781-1791. [PMID: 30206117 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2018-06-818187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex pathophysiology in β-thalassemia can translate to multiple morbidities that affect every organ system. Improved survival due to advances in management means that patients are exposed to the harmful effects of ineffective erythropoiesis, anemia, and iron overload for a longer duration, and we started seeing new or more frequent complications in adult compared with younger patients. In this article, we highlight particular aspects of managing adult patients with β-thalassemia, using our own experience in treating such patients. We cover both transfusion-dependent and nontransfusion-dependent forms of the disease and tackle specific morbidities of highest interest.
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Study of platelet activation, hypercoagulable state, and the association with pulmonary hypertension in children with β-thalassemia. Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hemonc.2017.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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Ekwattanakit S, Siritanaratkul N, Viprakasit V. A prospective analysis for prevalence of complications in Thai nontransfusion-dependent Hb E/β-thalassemia and α-thalassemia (Hb H disease). Am J Hematol 2018; 93:623-629. [PMID: 29359464 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Recently, complications in patients with nontransfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT), in particular those with β-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI), were found to be significantly different from those in patients with transfusion dependent thalassemia (TDT), mainly β-thalassemia major (β-TM). However, this information is rather limited in other forms of NTDT. In this prospective study, adult Thai NTDT patients were interviewed and clinically evaluated for thalassemia related complications. Fifty-seven NTDT patients (age 18-74 years), 59.6% Hb E/β-thalassemia and 40.4% Hb H disease, were recruited; 26.4% were splenectomized. The most common complications were gallstones (68.4%), osteoporosis (26.3%), and pulmonary hypertension (15.8%). Splenectomy was associated with higher rate of gallstones and serious infection (P = .001 and .052, respectively), consistent with a multivariate analysis (RR = 9.5, P = .044, and RR = 15.1, P = .043, respectively). In addition, a higher hemoglobin level was inversely associated with gallstones in both univariate and multivariate analyses (P = .01 and .022, respectively). Serum ferritin was associated with abnormal liver function (P = .002). In contrast to the previous study, the prevalence of thrombosis was less common in our population (1.7%), probably due to differences in transfusion therapy, ethnicity, and underlying genotypes. For the first time, this prospective study provided the current prevalence of NTDT related complications in a Southeast Asian population with a different underlying genetic basis compared with previous studies. Although individual prevalence of each complication might differ from other studies, several important clinical factors such as splenectomy, degree of anemia, and iron overload seem to be determining risks of developing these complications consistently across different ethnicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supachai Ekwattanakit
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine; Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University; Bangkok Thailand
| | - Noppadol Siritanaratkul
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine; Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University; Bangkok Thailand
| | - Vip Viprakasit
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics; , Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University; Bangkok Thailand
- Thalassemia Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University; Bangkok Thailand
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Management of Children With β-Thalassemia Intermedia: Overview, Recent Advances, and Treatment Challenges. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2018; 40:253-268. [PMID: 29629992 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000001148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Our knowledge of the various clinical morbidities that thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients endure has substantially increased over the past decade. It is mandatory to grasp a solid understanding of disease-specific complications in order to tailor management. The optimal course of management for TI patients has been hard to identify, and several controversies remain with regard to the best treatment plan. Although advances in TI are moving at a fast pace, many complications remain with no treatment guidelines. Studies that expand our understanding of the mechanisms and risk factors, as well as clinical trials evaluating the roles of available treatments, will help establish management guidelines that improve patient care. Novel therapeutic modalities are now emerging. This article focuses on the management of children with β-TI. We present various clinical morbidities and their association with the underlying disease pathophysiology and risk factors. All therapeutic options, recent advances, and treatment challenges were reviewed.
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Chansai S, Fucharoen S, Fucharoen G, Jetsrisuparb A, Chumpia W. Elevations of Thrombotic Biomarkers in Hemoglobin H Disease. Acta Haematol 2018; 139:47-51. [PMID: 29402840 DOI: 10.1159/000486157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thalassemia is a group of hereditary hemoglobinopathies caused by decreased or absent synthesis of α and/or β globin chains. Studies have shown that hypercoagulability and thrombosis are common clinical symptoms in β-thalassemia, especially β-thalassemia intermedia, but little is known about in α-thalassemia. This study aims to examine phosphatidylserine (PS) levels, platelet activation, and coagulation markers in splenectomized (S) and nonsplenectomy (NS) patients with hemoglobin (Hb) H disease. METHODS The NS group comprised 20 patients (median age 15.0 years, range, 14-16.5 years), and the S group consisted of 11 patients (median age 16.4 years, range, 14-19.9 years) with Hb H disease; the control group consisted of 20 normal subjects. Hematological parameters were collected. Flow cytometry was used to measure PS exposure on red blood cells. The levels of intercellular adhesive molecule (ICAM)-1, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), β-thromboglobulin (TG) and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1.2) were determined using ELISA test kits. RESULTS Significant increases in the levels of PS, ICAM-1, TNFα, β-TG, and F1.2 were observed in both patient groups compared to normal controls (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION This observation indicates blood coagulation, endothelial injury, chronic low-grade inflammation, platelet activation, and thrombin generation are present in Hb H disease; these findings merit further assessment in a larger prospective cohort to establish possible links with thrombotic manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriyakorn Chansai
- Medical Science Program, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Supan Fucharoen
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Goonnapa Fucharoen
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Arunee Jetsrisuparb
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Worawan Chumpia
- Division of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Abstract
Inherited haemoglobin disorders, including thalassaemia and sickle-cell disease, are the most common monogenic diseases worldwide. Several clinical forms of α-thalassaemia and β-thalassaemia, including the co-inheritance of β-thalassaemia with haemoglobin E resulting in haemoglobin E/β-thalassaemia, have been described. The disease hallmarks include imbalance in the α/β-globin chain ratio, ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic haemolytic anaemia, compensatory haemopoietic expansion, hypercoagulability, and increased intestinal iron absorption. The complications of iron overload, arising from transfusions that represent the basis of disease management in most patients with severe thalassaemia, might further complicate the clinical phenotype. These pathophysiological mechanisms lead to an array of clinical manifestations involving numerous organ systems. Conventional management primarily relies on transfusion and iron-chelation therapy, as well as splenectomy in specific cases. An increased understanding of the molecular and pathogenic factors that govern the disease process have suggested routes for the development of new therapeutic approaches that address the underlying chain imbalance, ineffective erythropoiesis, and iron dysregulation, with several agents being evaluated in preclinical models and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Centre, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - David J Weatherall
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, IRCCS Ca'Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
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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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Recurrent thromboembolism after splenectomy in a patient with complex hemoglobin disease: a case report. Rev Bras Hematol Hemoter 2017; 39:354-356. [PMID: 29150109 PMCID: PMC5693470 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjhh.2017.04.006] [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: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Evaluation of the Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Previously Followed-up Thalassemia Intermedia Patients to Provide Them Better Care in the Future. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2017; 39:440-444. [PMID: 28719510 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000000914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The increased awareness about the severity of complications in thalassemia intermedia patients led authorities to develop strategies for better management and follow-up of these patients. In this study, we aimed to define the clinical and laboratory characteristics in previously followed-up β-thalassemia intermedia patients and wanted to gain an insight about the follow-up of this patient population in a developing country to provide them better care in the future. The mean age at diagnosis was 4 years, and the mean hemoglobin was 7.13 g/dL. The mean age at the beginning of regular transfusion was 4.8 years. An overall 74% of patients were on a regular transfusion program. The mean ferritin values at diagnosis and the last follow-up were 487 and 1225 ng/mL, respectively. The most common mutations detected in patients were IVS-I-110, IVS-I-6, IVS-II-1, and FCS 8/9 in order of frequency. Complications were seen in 48% of patients. The most common complications were osteopenia/osteoporosis (34%), growth retardation (24%), hypogonadism (18%), and cardiomyopathy (13%). In conclusion, the relatively higher complication rate in our patients who were previously treated highlights once again the need for an increased effort for optimal management and follow-up of this specific group of patients.
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Teawtrakul N, Jetsrisuparb A, Pongudom S, Sirijerachai C, Chansung K, Wanitpongpun C, Fucharoen S. Epidemiologic study of major complications in adolescent and adult patients with thalassemia in Northeastern Thailand: the E-SAAN study phase I. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 23:55-60. [PMID: 28759343 DOI: 10.1080/10245332.2017.1358845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thalassemia-related complications are one of the main factors that increase morbidity and mortality in aging patients with thalassemia. This study was aimed to report the prevalence and clinical risk factors for the complications in thalassemia. METHODS A multi-center prospective cohort study was conducted in patients with thalassemia aged ≥10 years old. Thalassemia-related complications were heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, extramedullary hematopoiesis, endocrine disorders, infections, thrombosis and leg ulcers. The clinical parameters significantly associated with the complications were analyzed by logistic regression methods. RESULTS The prevalence of thalassemia-related complications was 60.5% in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and 43% in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). Splenectomy was statistically associated with complications in both TDT and NTDT patients (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 7.4, p-value = 0.0001 and AOR = 2.6, p-value = 0.001). Age ≥50 years old (AOR = 2.9, p-value = 0.04) and female gender (AOR = 0.5, p-value = 0.03) were statistically associated with the complications in patients with NTDT. CONCLUSION Nearly half of the patients in this cohort had disease-related complications. Splenectomy and advanced age were important factors for complication involvement. Early screening for the complications may reduce the morbidity and mortality in patients with thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nattiya Teawtrakul
- a Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital , Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
| | - Arunee Jetsrisuparb
- b Division of Hematology, Department of Pedriatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital , Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
| | | | - Chittima Sirijerachai
- a Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital , Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
| | - Kanchana Chansung
- a Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital , Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
| | - Chinadol Wanitpongpun
- a Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital , Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
| | - Supan Fucharoen
- d Center for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Science , Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
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Ben Salah N, Bou-Fakhredin R, Mellouli F, Taher AT. Revisiting beta thalassemia intermedia: past, present, and future prospects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 22:607-616. [PMID: 28589785 DOI: 10.1080/10245332.2017.1333246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spectrum of thalassemias is wide ranging from thalassemia minor, which consists of mild hypochromic microcytic anemia without obvious clinical manifestations, to thalassemia major (TM), which is characterized by severe anemia since the first years of life and is transfusion dependent. Thalassemia intermedia (TI) describes those patients with mild or moderate anemia. OBJECTIVE To describe the genetic features and major clinical complications of TI, and the therapeutic approaches available in the management of this disease. METHODS Publications from potentially relevant journals were searched on Medline. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Over the past decade, the understanding of TI has increased with regard to pathophysiology and molecular studies. It is now clear that clinical presentation and specific complications make TI different from TM. It is associated with greater morbidity, a wider spectrum of organ dysfunction and more complications than previously thought. CONCLUSION TI is not a mild disease. The interplay of three hallmark pathophysiologic factors (ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic anemia, and iron overload) leads to the clinical presentations seen in TI. New treatment modalities are currently being investigated to broaden the options available for TI management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naouel Ben Salah
- a Faculty of Medicine Tunis , University Tunis El Manar , Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rayan Bou-Fakhredin
- b Department of Internal Medicine , American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Fethi Mellouli
- c Faculty of Medicine Tunis, National Center of Bone Marrow Graft , University Tunis El Manar , Tunis , Tunisia
| | - Ali T Taher
- b Department of Internal Medicine , American University of Beirut Medical Center , Beirut , Lebanon
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Bazarbachi AHA, Chaya BF, Moukhadder HM, Taher AT. Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassaemia: A Panoramic Survey from Pathophysiology to Treatment. EUROPEAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2016. [DOI: 10.33590/emj/10311793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (NTDT) is a rather broad term that encompasses a group of thalassaemia syndromes, most commonly β-thalassaemia intermedia, haemoglobin E/β-thalassemia, and α-thalassaemia intermedia (haemoglobin H disease). Importantly, these entities do not require regular blood transfusions for survival, and therefore have transfusion independence. Clinical morbidities associated with the NTDTs are the end result of the culmination of three principal pathophysiological aberrancies: ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic anaemia (and associated haemolysis), and iron overload. Such complications involve multiple organs and organ systems; hence, the importance of prompt identification of at-risk individuals and holistic management of diagnosed subjects can never be overstated. Several management options, both medical and surgical, remain at the disposal of involved clinicians, with a significant body of data favouring the virtue of iron chelation therapy, fetal haemoglobin induction, and treatment with blood transfusions, the latter only when absolutely indicated, with reservation of splenectomy to a few select cases. Yet, a better understanding of the molecular phenomena at the origin of the disease process in the NTDT syndromes calls for a pressing need to explore novel therapeutic modalities, in light of the increasing incidence of NTDT in the developed world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bachar F. Chaya
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassan M. Moukhadder
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali T. Taher
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Microparticles from splenectomized β-thalassemia/HbE patients play roles on procoagulant activities with thrombotic potential. Ann Hematol 2016; 96:189-198. [PMID: 27900452 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-016-2885-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Thromboembolic events including cerebral thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism are major complications in β-thalassemia. Damaged red blood cells and chronic platelet activation in splenectomized β-thalassemia/HbE patients were associated with increased microparticles (MPs) releases into blood circulation. MPs are small membrane vesicles, which play important roles on coagulation. However, the role of MP in thalassemia is poorly understood. In this study, the effects of splenectomized-MPs on platelet activation and aggregation were investigated. The results showed that isolated MPs from fresh platelet-free plasma of patients and normal subjects directly induce platelet activation, platelet aggregation, and platelet-neutrophil aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, MPs obtained from splenectomized patients are more efficient in induction of platelet activation (P-selectin+) when compared to MPs from normal subjects (P < 0.05), tenfold lower than pathophysiological level, at 1:0.1 platelet MP ratio. Co-incubation of splenectomized-MPs with either normal-, non-splenectomized- or splenectomized-platelets at 1:10 platelet MP ratio increased platelet activation up to 5.1 ± 2.2, 5.6 ± 3.7, and 9.5 ± 3.0%, respectively, when normalized with individual baseline. These findings suggest that splenectomized patients were proned to be activated by MPs, and splenectomized-MPs could play an important role on chronic platelet activation and aggregation, leading to thrombus formation in β-thalassemia/HbE patients.
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