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Bizri M, Koleilat R, Akiki N, Dergham R, Mihailescu AM, Bou-Fakhredin R, Musallam KM, Taher AT. Quality of life, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment in adults with β-thalassemia. Blood Rev 2024; 65:101181. [PMID: 38341336 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2024.101181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Advances in understanding the disease process in β-thalassemia supported development of various treatment strategies that resulted in improved survival. Improved survival, however, allowed multiple morbidities to manifest and cemented the need for frequent, lifelong treatment. This has directly impacted patients' health-related quality of life and opened the door for various psychiatric and cognitive disorders to potentially develop. In this review, we summarize available evidence on quality of life, depression and anxiety, suicidality, and cognitive impairment in adult patients with β-thalassemia while sharing our personal insights from experience in treating patients with both transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Bizri
- Department of Psychiatry, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rawan Koleilat
- Department of Psychiatry, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nathalie Akiki
- Department of Haematology, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Reem Dergham
- Department of Psychiatry, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Rayan Bou-Fakhredin
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Khaled M Musallam
- Center for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD), 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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Permana DA, Susanah S, Adrizain R, Rahayuningsih SE, Dhamayanti M, Rakhmilla LE. Factors Related to the Quality of Life in Children with Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2024; 41:179-197. [PMID: 38424668 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2023.2286962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Objective: Increased survival rate of patients with Transfusion-dependent Thalassemia (TDT) should be in line with their good quality of life (QoL). The study aimed to analyze the relationship between sociodemographic factors and clinical characteristics with the QoL of children with TDT. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Hasan Sadikin General Hospital from December 2022 to February 2023. A total of 158 eligible subjects aged 5-18 years with TDT were included in the analysis. QoL assessment was performed using child self-report and parent-proxy report questionnaires, along with physical examination findings. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to analyze the data. Results: A total of 158 subjects who met the research criteria were included in the analysis. Of 58.9% of children with TDT had a low adherence rate to iron chelating therapy (ICT). School function had the lowest score in QoL based on child-self report and parent proxy. Gender (p<0,05) and adherence to ICT (p<0,05) were significantly associated with lower quality of life. Conclusion: Female and adherence to ICT were predictors of children with TDT's QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dea Aprilianti Permana
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran/Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Susi Susanah
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran/Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Riyadi Adrizain
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran/Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Sri Endah Rahayuningsih
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran/Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Meita Dhamayanti
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran/Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Lulu Eva Rakhmilla
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistic, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
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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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Mardhiyah A, Panduragan SL, Mediani HS, Yosep I. Nursing Interventions to Improve Quality of Life Among Children and Adolescents with Thalassemia: A Scoping Review. J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16:1749-1762. [PMID: 37383528 PMCID: PMC10295575 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s415314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder affecting hemoglobin synthesis which leads to chronic hemolysis that can reduce the quality of life of children with it due to the disease and the treatment given. However, the intervention still focuses on handling physical problems due to thalassemia. So that an intervention that focuses on improving the quality of life of children with thalassemia is needed. The purpose of this study is to explore interventions that could improve the quality of life of children with thalassemia. A scoping review study design was used in this study. The databases used are CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus. Articles published from last five years (2018-2022), open access full-text, in English, and with the type of randomized controlled trial (RCT). The keywords used in English are "thalassemia or beta-thalassemia" AND "quality of life OR Life Quality OR Health-Related Quality of Life" AND "nursing intervention OR nursing care". From ten articles analyzed, we found five types of nursing intervention: Health Care Instructions, Psychological Program, Educational Program, Counseling Program, and Self-care Model, which were carried out for 1-7 months. The articles in this study are from Egypt and Iran. The sample in this study is the range of 20-173 respondents. The thalassemia patients in this study were in the age range of 7-35 years, but the average age of the patients was in their 20s. Nursing intervention can potentially improve the quality of life in children and adolescents with thalassemia. Nurses need to pay attention to the patient's age, family and patient knowledge about the disease, length of stay, and the patient's physical and psychological condition in providing nursing care to patients with thalassemia. Implementation of nursing is given by paying attention to the stages of child development and involving the family. Nursing interventions can be carried out by nurses or nurses teach families to intervene at home. This nursing intervention has the potential to improve the quality of life of patients with thalassemia while still taking into account the conditions of the patient and family in a comprehensive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Mardhiyah
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
- Faculty of Health Science, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | | | - Henny Suzana Mediani
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Iyus Yosep
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia
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Cappellini MD, Taher AT, Piga A, Shah F, Voskaridou E, Viprakasit V, Porter JB, Hermine O, Neufeld EJ, Thompson AA, Tang D, Yucel A, Lord-Bessen J, Yu P, Guo S, Shetty JK, Miteva D, Zinger T, Backstrom JT, Oliva EN. Health-related quality of life in patients with β-thalassemia: Data from the phase 3 BELIEVE trial of luspatercept. Eur J Haematol 2023. [PMID: 37095595 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with transfusion-dependent (TD) β-thalassemia require long-term red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) that lead to iron overload, impacting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS The impact of luspatercept, a first-in-class erythroid maturation agent, versus placebo on HRQoL of patients with TD β-thalassemia was evaluated in the phase 3 BELIEVE trial. HRQoL was assessed at baseline and every 12 weeks using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Transfusion-dependent Quality of Life questionnaire (TranQol). Mean change in HRQoL was evaluated from baseline to week 48 for patients receiving luspatercept + best supportive care (BSC) and placebo + BSC and between luspatercept responders and non-responders. RESULTS Through week 48, for both groups, mean scores on SF-36 and TranQol domains were stable over time and did not have a clinically meaningful change. At week 48, more patients who achieved clinical response (≥50% reduction in RBCT burden over 24 weeks) in the luspatercept + BSC group had improvement in SF-36 Physical Function compared with placebo + BSC (27.1% vs. 11.5%; p = .019). CONCLUSIONS Luspatercept + BSC reduced transfusion burden while maintaining patients' HRQoL. HRQoL domain improvements from baseline through 48 weeks were also enhanced for luspatercept responders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Antonio Piga
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Farrukh Shah
- Department of Haematology, Whittington Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ersi Voskaridou
- Centre of Excellence in Rare Haematological Diseases-Haemoglobinopathies, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - John B Porter
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Olivier Hermine
- Necker Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Imagine Institute, INSERM Unité 1163, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Ellis J Neufeld
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Alexis A Thompson
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Derek Tang
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Aylin Yucel
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Peiwen Yu
- Evidera, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shien Guo
- Evidera, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jay T Backstrom
- Acceleron Pharma Inc., a Subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
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Taher AT, Musallam KM, Viprakasit V, Kattamis A, Lord-Bessen J, Yucel A, Guo S, Pelligra C, Shields AL, Shetty JK, Miteva D, Bueno LM, Cappellini MD. Psychometric evaluation of the NTDT-PRO questionnaire for assessing symptoms in patients with non-transfusion-dependent beta-thalassaemia. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066683. [PMID: 36948565 PMCID: PMC10040027 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The non-transfusion-dependent beta-thalassaemia-patient-reported outcome (NTDT-PRO) questionnaire was developed for assessing anaemia-related tiredness/weakness (T/W) and shortness of breath (SoB) among patients with NTDT. Psychometric properties were evaluated using blinded data from the BEYOND trial (NCT03342404). DESIGN Analysis of a phase 2, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING USA, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Thailand and the UK. PARTICIPANTS Adults (≥18 years) (N=145) with NTDT who had not received a red blood cell transfusion within 8 weeks prior to randomisation, with mean baseline haemoglobin level ≤100 g/L. MEASURES NTDT-PRO daily scores from baseline until week 24, and scores at select time points for the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) and Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S). RESULTS Cronbach's alpha at weeks 13-24 was 0.95 and 0.84 for the T/W and SoB domains, respectively, indicating acceptable internal consistency reliability. Among participants self-reporting no change in thalassaemia symptoms via the PGI-S between baseline and week 1, intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.94 and 0.92 for the T/W and SoB domains, respectively, indicating excellent test-retest reliability. In a known-groups validity analysis, least-squares mean T/W and SoB scores at weeks 13-24 were worse in participants with worse scores for the FACIT-F Fatigue Subscale (FS), SF-36v2 vitality or PGI-S. Indicating responsiveness, changes in T/W and SoB domain scores were moderately correlated with changes in haemoglobin levels, and strongly correlated with changes in SF-36v2 vitality, FACIT-F FS, select FACIT-F items and the PGI-S. Improvements in least-squares mean T/W and SoB scores were higher in participants with greater improvements in scores on other PROs measuring similar constructs. CONCLUSIONS The NTDT-PRO demonstrated adequate psychometric properties to assess anaemia-related symptoms in adults with NTDT and can be used to evaluate treatment efficacy in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Khaled M Musallam
- Thalassemia Center, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- International Network of Hematology, London, UK
| | - Vip Viprakasit
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Pediatrics & Siriraj Thalassemia Center, Siriraj Research Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Antonis Kattamis
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Aylin Yucel
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Shien Guo
- Evidera, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Jeevan K Shetty
- Celgene International Sàrl, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Boudry, Switzerland
| | - Dimana Miteva
- Celgene International Sàrl, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Boudry, Switzerland
| | - Luciana Moro Bueno
- Celgene International Sàrl, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Boudry, Switzerland
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Policlinico Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Luspatercept for the treatment of anaemia in non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia (BEYOND): a phase 2, randomised, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Haematol 2022; 9:e733-e744. [PMID: 36007538 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(22)00208-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia, haemoglobin concentrations lower than 10 g/dL are associated with a higher risk of morbidity, mortality, and impaired quality of life. No drugs are specifically approved for anaemia management in patients with non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia, other than transfusion therapy administered infrequently in accordance with patients' needs. We assessed the efficacy and safety of luspatercept versus placebo in patients with non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia. METHODS We did a phase 2, randomised, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled trial in 12 centres in six countries (Thailand [n=1], Lebanon [n=1], Greece [n=2], Italy [n=5], the UK [n=1], and the USA [n=2]). Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older, had confirmed diagnosis of β-thalassaemia or haemoglobin E/β-thalassaemia (concomitant α-globin deletion, mutation, or duplication were allowed), and a baseline haemoglobin concentration of 10·0 g/dL or lower. All patients were non-transfusion-dependent. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to luspatercept or placebo using an interactive response technology system and stratified by baseline haemoglobin concentration (≥8·5 g/dL vs <8·5 g/dL) and baseline Non-Transfusion-Dependent β-thalassaemia-Patient-Reported Outcome Tiredness/Weakness domain score (≥3 vs <3). All patients, study site staff, and sponsor representatives (who reviewed the data), except for designated individuals, were masked to drug assignment until the time the study was unblinded. Luspatercept or placebo was given once subcutaneously every 3 weeks for 48 weeks in the double-blind treatment period. Luspatercept was started at 1·0 mg/kg with titration up to 1·25 mg/kg, or reduction in the event of toxicity or excessive haemoglobin concentration increase. The primary endpoint was achievement of an increase from baseline of 1·0 g/dL or higher in mean haemoglobin concentration over a continuous 12-week interval during weeks 13-24, in the absence of transfusions. The primary efficacy and safety analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03342404, and is ongoing. FINDINGS Between Feb 5, 2018, and Oct 14, 2019, 160 patients were screened for eligiblity, of whom 145 were randomly assigned to luspatercept (n=96) or placebo (n=49). 82 (57%) patients were female and 63 (43%) were male. 44 (30%) patients were Asian, 87 (60%) were White, and 14 (10%) identified as another race. The study met its primary endpoint: 74 (77%) of 96 patients in the luspatercept group and none in the placebo group had an increase of at least 1·0 g/dL in haemoglobin concentration (common risk difference 77·1 [95% CI 68·7-85·5]; p<0·0001). The proportion of patients with serious adverse events was lower in the luspatercept group than in the placebo group (11 [12%] vs 12 [25%]). Treatment-emergent adverse events most commonly reported with luspatercept were bone pain (35 [37%]), headache (29 [30%]), and arthralgia (28 [29%]). No thromboembolic events or deaths were reported during the study. INTERPRETATION Luspatercept represents a potential treatment for adult patients with non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia, for whom effective approved treatment options are scarce. FUNDING Celgene and Acceleron Pharma.
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Rodigari F, Brugnera G, Colombatti R. Health-related quality of life in hemoglobinopathies: A systematic review from a global perspective. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:886674. [PMID: 36090573 PMCID: PMC9452907 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.886674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia are inherited blood disorders, which can lead to life-threatening events and chronic organ damage. Recent advances in treatments have increased life expectancy, and hemoglobinopathies have become chronic illnesses with social and emotional impairments. Thus, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment has a fundamental role in disease management and treatment, and generic and disease-specific questionnaires are reliable and validated measures to estimate disease burden. The heterogeneous distribution of treatment opportunities worldwide influences physical, social, and emotional disease perception. OBJECTIVES To review publications concerning HRQOL for SCD and thalassemia in different areas of the world in order to gather a global perspective of questionnaires used and outcomes evaluated. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Medline databases were searched on 29 September 2021. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) studies of HRQOL assessment in SCD and thalassemia patients by using the PROMIS, the SF-36, the SCSES, the PedsQL-SCD, the PedsQOL generic core scale, the ASCQ-Me, and the TranQoL; and (2) every article type, including non-English studies. We excluded studies that were not limited to SCD or thalassemia and studies that were not specific to hemoglobinopathies, and not consistent with the topic of HRQOL assessment. We did not include the gray literature. A total of 102 out of 124 articles from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were eligible for inclusion (66 SCD articles and 36 thalassemia articles). The quality of studies was assessed through Critical Appraisal tools for use in JBI Systematic Reviews. Data extraction was conducted using a standardized data collection form (authors, year and country of publication, study design, age and number of patients, HRQOL questionnaires, questionnaire language, and clinical outcomes). RESULTS The evaluation of HRQOL was conducted on all continents, but differences in the worldwide frequency of HRQOL assessment were observed. HRQOL of SCD patients was less investigated in Europe. HRQOL of thalassemia patients was less investigated in South-East Asia and Africa. Generic HRQOL questionnaires (PROMIS, SF-36, and PedsQL) were frequently adopted, while disease-specific ones (ASCQ-Me, SCSES for SCD, and TranQoL for thalassemia) were less used. Translation into local languages has been often performed. CONCLUSION Health-related quality of life is a complex outcome that has been increasingly incorporated in clinical research and clinical practice worldwide, although with regional differences. Disease-specific outcomes (pain for SCD and transfusion burden for thalassemia) and healthcare system characteristics, particularly in low-income countries, have an impact on HRQOL and should be considered in healthcare plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Rodigari
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Giorgia Brugnera
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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Bou-Fakhredin R, Ghanem NN, Kreidieh F, Tabbikha R, Daadaa H, Ajouz J, Koussa S, Taher AT. A Report on the Education, Employment and Marital Status of Thalassemia Patients from a Tertiary Care Center in the Middle East. Hemoglobin 2020; 44:278-283. [PMID: 32727228 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2020.1797776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Very few reports in the literature have focused on the psychosocial status of patients with thalassemia. The aim of this study was to report on the education, employment, and marital status of thalassemia patients in Lebanon and potential influencing factors. A total of 228 patients from the Chronic Care Center, Hazmieh, Lebanon, were incorporated for the data analysis. Demographic, social, and clinical variables were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson χ2 test, Fisher Exact test, and binary logistic regression. In this sample, 54.4% were employed, and 45.6% not employed. Of those employed, 65.3% were male, 62.9% single or divorced, 77.4% splenectomized. University level was reached by 26.3% subjects, 7.9% reached high school level, and 32.5% have a level less than high school. Multivariate analysis revealed higher education was most likely attained by males [odds ratio (OR) = 2.23, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.23-0.86] and those with no heart disease and no joint disease (OR = 27.5, 95% CI: 2.80-270 and OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 0.90-12.7, respectively). For employment, a lower average ferritin was associated with current employment. Neither the type of thalassemia nor transfusion status or type of chelation therapy corresponded with higher education or employment status. In conclusion, this is one of the few studies in the literature to look at education, employment, and marital status of thalassemia patients. Such information is essential to develop effective psychosocial support plans for our thalassemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayan Bou-Fakhredin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nadim N Ghanem
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Firas Kreidieh
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rami Tabbikha
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hisham Daadaa
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Ali T Taher
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Ricchi P, Meloni A, Pistoia L, Spasiano A, Rita Gamberini M, Maggio A, Gerardi C, Messina G, Campisi S, Allò M, Renne S, Righi R, Midiri M, Positano V, Filosa A, Pepe A. Longitudinal follow‐up of patients with thalassaemia intermedia who started transfusion therapy in adulthood: a cohort study. Br J Haematol 2020; 191:107-114. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ricchi
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale ‘A. Cardarelli’ Napoli Italy
| | - Antonella Meloni
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR‐Regione Toscana Pisa Italy
| | - Laura Pistoia
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR‐Regione Toscana Pisa Italy
| | - Anna Spasiano
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale ‘A. Cardarelli’ Napoli Italy
| | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Dipartimento della Riproduzione e dell’Accrescimento Day Hospital della Talassemia e delle Emoglobinopatie Azienda Ospedaliero‐Universitaria Arcispedale ‘S. Anna’ Ferrara Italy
| | - Aurelio Maggio
- Ematologia II con Talassemia Ospedale ‘V. Cervello’ Palermo Italy
| | - Calogera Gerardi
- Unità Operativa Semplice di Talassemia Presidio Ospedaliero ‘Giovanni Paolo II’ – Distretto AG2 di Sciacca Sciacca Italy
| | - Giuseppe Messina
- Centro Microcitemie Azienda Ospedaliera ‘Bianchi‐Melacrino‐Morelli’ Reggio Calabria Italy
| | - Saveria Campisi
- Unità Operativa Semplice Talassemia Presidio Ospedaliero ‘Umberto I’ Siracusa Italy
| | - Massimo Allò
- Ematologia Microcitemia Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio ASP Crotone Crotone Italy
| | - Stefania Renne
- Struttura Complessa di Cardioradiologia‐UTIC Presidio Ospedaliero ‘Giovanni Paolo II’ Lamezia Terme Italy
| | - Riccardo Righi
- Diagnostica per Immagini e Radiologia Interventistica Ospedale del Delta Lagosanto Italy
| | - Massimo Midiri
- Sezione di Scienze Radiologiche – Dipartimento di Biopatologia e Biotecnologie Mediche Policlinico ‘Paolo Giaccone’ Palermo Italy
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR‐Regione Toscana Pisa Italy
| | - Aldo Filosa
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale ‘A. Cardarelli’ Napoli Italy
| | - Alessia Pepe
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR‐Regione Toscana Pisa Italy
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Tartaglione I, Manara R, Caiazza M, Carafa PA, Caserta V, Ferrantino T, Granato I, Ippolito N, Maietta C, Oliveto T, Casale M, Di Concilio R, Ciancio A, De Michele E, Russo C, Elefante A, Ponticorvo S, Russo AG, Femina G, Canna A, Ermani M, Cirillo M, Esposito F, Centanni A, Gritti P, Perrotta S. Brain functional impairment in beta-thalassaemia: the cognitive profile in Italian neurologically asymptomatic adult patients in comparison to the reported literature. Br J Haematol 2019; 186:592-607. [PMID: 31106405 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.15959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive involvement in beta-thalassaemia is strikingly controversial and poorly studied in adulthood. This multicentre prospective study investigated 74 adult neurologically-asymptomatic beta-thalassaemia patients (mean-age 34·5 ± 10·3 years; 53 transfusion-dependent [TDT], 21 non-transfusion dependent [NTDT]) and 45 healthy volunteers (mean-age 33·9 ± 10·7 years). Participants underwent testing with Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and multiparametric brain 3T-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for parenchymal, vascular and iron content evaluation. Patients had lower Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) than controls (75·5 ± 17·9 vs. 97·4 ± 18·1, P < 0·0001) even after correction for education level. Compared to TDT, NTDT showed a trend of higher FSIQ (P = 0·08) but a similar cognitive profile at WAIS-subtests. FSIQ correlated with total and indirect bilirubin (P < 0·0001 and P = 0·002, respectively); no correlation was found with splenectomy, intracranial MRI/magnetic resonance-angiography findings, brain tissue iron content or other disease-related clinical/laboratory/treatment data. FSIQ did not correlate with BPRS scores, although the latter were higher among patients (28·74 ± 3·1 vs. 27·29 ± 4·8, P = 0·01) mainly because of increased depression and anxiety levels. Occupation rate was higher among controls (84·4% vs. 64·9%, P = 0·004) and correlated with higher FSIQ (P = 0·001) and education level (P = 0·001). In conclusion, Italian adult beta-thalassaemia patients seem to present a characteristic cognitive profile impairment and an increased rate of psychological disorders with possible profound long-term socio-economic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Immacolata Tartaglione
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Renzo Manara
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Scuola Medica Salernitana, Sezione di Neuroscienze, Università di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Martina Caiazza
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Violetta Caserta
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale e Fisica e Medicina Preventiva, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Ferrantino
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale e Fisica e Medicina Preventiva, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Ilaria Granato
- Ambulatorio di Psicologia, Ospedale "Umberto I", Nocera Inferiore, Italy
| | - Noemi Ippolito
- Ambulatorio di Psicologia, Ospedale "Umberto I", Nocera Inferiore, Italy
| | - Caterina Maietta
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale e Fisica e Medicina Preventiva, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Tiziana Oliveto
- Ambulatorio di Psicologia, Ospedale "Umberto I", Nocera Inferiore, Italy
| | - Maddalena Casale
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Angela Ciancio
- Unità Operativa Ematologia - Day Hospital di Talassemia, Ospedale "Madonna delle Grazie", Matera, Italy
| | - Elisa De Michele
- Medicina Trasfusionale AUO "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona", Salerno, Italy
| | - Camilla Russo
- Neuroradiologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Elefante
- Neuroradiologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Ponticorvo
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Scuola Medica Salernitana, Sezione di Neuroscienze, Università di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Andrea Gerardo Russo
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Scuola Medica Salernitana, Sezione di Neuroscienze, Università di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Gianluca Femina
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Scuola Medica Salernitana, Sezione di Neuroscienze, Università di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonietta Canna
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Scuola Medica Salernitana, Sezione di Neuroscienze, Università di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Ermani
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze (DNS), Unità di Statistica e di Informatica, Scuola di Medicina, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mario Cirillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche, Neurologiche, Metaboliche e dell'Invecchiamento, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Esposito
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Scuola Medica Salernitana, Sezione di Neuroscienze, Università di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonella Centanni
- Ambulatorio di Psicologia, Ospedale "Umberto I", Nocera Inferiore, Italy
| | - Paolo Gritti
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale e Fisica e Medicina Preventiva, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Silverio Perrotta
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
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12
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Mikael NA, Al-Allawi NA. Factors affecting quality of life in children and adolescents with thalassemia in Iraqi Kurdistan. Saudi Med J 2018; 39:799-807. [PMID: 30106418 PMCID: PMC6194984 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2018.8.23315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To assess the health related quality of life (HRQoL) in Iraqi Kurd children and adolescents with thalassemia, and identify the factors that affect it. Methods: In the period between May and June 2018, 100 thalassemic patients and 100 healthy subjects between the ages of 6-18 years were enrolled. The patients included 73 with thalassemia major (TM) and 27 with intermedia (TI). Patients were clinically re-evaluated, and the pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 was administered by both child and parent reports. Results: The mean HRQoL score of thalassemic patients was significantly lower than that of healthy subjects, with lowest scores in physical functioning. Furthermore, the mean HRQoL of TM was significantly lower than that of TI subgroup. Significantly lower mean HRQoL scores were seen in those taking ≥6 transfusions/year, with hepatitis C infection, with illiterate parents, and those on oral iron chelation. Pearson correlation revealed that HRQoL was negatively associated with age, frequency of transfusions, and serum ferritin, but positively correlated with age at starting transfusion and age at diagnosis. Only age and serum ferritin remained significant by multivariate analysis. Conclusion: This study shows that among Iraqi Kurds with thalassemia, the disease has a significant negative impact on quality of life, with age and serum ferritin being identified as independent predictors. Psychosocial, educational, and patient-centered management programs may be needed to improve HRQoL in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najbeer A Mikael
- Department of Pathology, Azadi Teaching Hospital,Duhok, Iraq. E-mail.
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13
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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: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [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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14
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Arian M, Mirmohammadkhani M, Ghorbani R, Soleimani M. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) patients assessed by 36-item short form health survey (SF-36): a meta-analysis. Qual Life Res 2018; 28:321-334. [PMID: 30194626 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-018-1986-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The main purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of beta-thalassemia major (BTM) on the health-related quality of life as assessed by the medical outcomes short-form-36 questionnaire (SF-36). METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on Cochrane library, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, ProQues, Medline/PubMed, Scholar Google until March 17, 2017 to obtain eligible studies. A fixed effect model was applied to summarize the scores of each domain. The radar chart was used to compare the scores of BTM patients with other health conditions. Spearman's correlation analysis and meta-regression were used to explore the related factors. RESULTS 26 studies were included in this study, which were all reliable to summarize the scores of the SF36. Pooled mean scores of the physical health domains ranged from 52.74 to 74.5, with the GH and PF domains being the lowest and the highest, respectively. Further, the pooled mean scores of the mental health domains varied between 59.6 and 71.11, with the (MH-VT) and SF domains being the maximum and the minimum, respectively. Patients with BTM had a substantially compromised HRQoL in comparison with the general population. CONCLUSION BTM could adversely affect the HRQoL of patients. Measuring HRQoL should be considered as an essential part of the overall assessment of health status of BTM patients, which would provide valuable clues for improving the management of disease and making decisions on the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Arian
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Majid Mirmohammadkhani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Raheb Ghorbani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Soleimani
- Nursing Care Research Center, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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15
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A paradigm shift on beta-thalassaemia treatment: How will we manage this old disease with new therapies? Blood Rev 2018; 32:300-311. [DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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16
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Karimi M, Cohan N. Quality of Life: Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia vs Non-Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia. THALASSEMIA REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.4081/thal.2018.7489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the improvements in the treatment and management of thalassemia patients in new years lead to the improved survival and quality of life (QOL) in this group of patients, QOL is still is an important dimension of care in thalassemic patients [...]
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17
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Hakeem GLA, Mousa SO, Moustafa AN, Mahgoob MH, Hassan EE. Health-related quality of life in pediatric and adolescent patients with transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia in upper Egypt (single center study). Health Qual Life Outcomes 2018; 16:59. [PMID: 29631616 PMCID: PMC5891954 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-018-0893-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thalassemia is a major health problem that disturbs the lifestyle of the affected patient. The aim of this work is to detect the impact of thalassemia on the quality of life regarding physical, social, emotional, psychological scored assessment. METHODS A case-control survey was conducted in Minia University children's hospital on 64 patients recruiting pediatric hematology outpatient clinic from July 2014 to February 2017. PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scale (Arabic version) was used to assess HRQOL in 64 thalassemia patients between 8 and 18 years of ages. Other related clinical data of the involved patients were collected from the pediatric hematology records. RESULTS Mean physical, emotional, social, school performance, psychological and total scores (- 36.9 ± 20.9, 49.4 ± 17, 47.2 ± 21.3, 38.5 ± 15.5, 45.3 ± 13.8, 47.9 ± 38.8 respectively) were significantly decreased compared with control (p = 0.001 for all). The younger age group had better scores regarding social, emotional, psychological and total scores compared to older ones (p = 0.01, 0.03, 0.01 and 0.009 respectively). Older age of starting transfusion was statistically significant protecting factor from poor physical QOL in thalassemia patients (OR = 0.96, p = 0.03). The presence of hepatomegaly was a statistically significant predictor for poor physical QOL (OR = 8.5, p = 0.02). Household income was the statistically significant predictor for poor emotional QOL (OR = 5.03, p = 0.04). High serum ferritin was the statistically significant predictor for poor social QOL (OR = 1.1, CI 95%=, p = 0.04). Regarding poor psychological QOL (OR = 0.94, p = 0.01) and total QOL (OR = 0.94, p = 0.01) scores, older age of starting transfusion was the statistically significant protecting factor. CONCLUSION Scheduled programs giving psychosocial help and a network connecting between the patients, school officials, thalassemia caregivers and the physician is required especially in developing countries where the health services are not integrated with social organizations. Special school services for thalassemia patients are required to deal with the repeated absence and anemia induced low mental performance of thalassemia children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gehan L Abdel Hakeem
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, El Minya, 61511 Egypt
| | - Suzan O Mousa
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, El Minya, 61511 Egypt
| | - Asmaa N Moustafa
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, El Minya, 61511 Egypt
| | - Mohamed H Mahgoob
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, El Minya, 61511 Egypt
| | - Ebtesam E Hassan
- Public health, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, 61511 Egypt
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18
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Asadov C, Alimirzoeva Z, Mammadova T, Aliyeva G, Gafarova S, Mammadov J. β-Thalassemia intermedia: a comprehensive overview and novel approaches. Int J Hematol 2018; 108:5-21. [PMID: 29380178 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-018-2411-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
β-Thalassemia intermedia is a clinical condition of intermediate gravity between β-thalassemia minor, the asymptomatic carrier, and β-thalassemia major, the transfusion-dependent severe anemia. It is characterized by a significant clinical polymorphism, which is attributable to its genetic heterogeneity. Ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic anemia, and iron overload contribute to the clinical complications of thalassemia intermedia through stepwise pathophysiological mechanisms. These complications, including splenomegaly, extramedullary erythropoiesis, iron accumulation, leg ulcers, thrombophilia, and bone abnormalities can be managed via fetal hemoglobin induction, occasional transfusions, chelation, and in some cases, stem cell transplantation. Given its clinical diversity, thalassemia intermedia patients require tailored approaches to therapy. Here we present an overview and novel approaches to the genetic basis, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical complications, and optimal management of thalassemia intermedia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chingiz Asadov
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, M. Gashgai Str. 87, AZ1007, Baku, Azerbaijan.
| | - Zohra Alimirzoeva
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, M. Gashgai Str. 87, AZ1007, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Tahira Mammadova
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, M. Gashgai Str. 87, AZ1007, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Gunay Aliyeva
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, M. Gashgai Str. 87, AZ1007, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Shahla Gafarova
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, M. Gashgai Str. 87, AZ1007, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Jeyhun Mammadov
- Thalassemia Centre, Fataly Khan Khoysky Str. 128, AZ1072, Baku, Azerbaijan
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19
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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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Health-related Quality of Life and Associated Factors Among Thalassemia Major Patients, Southeast of Iran. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2017; 39:513-517. [PMID: 28859037 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000000963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Low quality of life (QOL) is a feature that has been overlooked in thalassemia major (TM) patients. Our aim was to assess QOL in school-aged TM patients in Zabol city and surrounding rural areas in southeast of Iran. The study was performed in 2014. QOL was evaluated using Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4 (PedsQL4) questionnaire addressing physical, emotional, social, and educational, along with psychological health in 80 TM patients. Also, 80 age-matched and sex-matched subjects without any chronic illness served as control group. Mean age of the patients was 11.7±4.1 years old. Total QOL scores was 51.4±13.3 in the patients. In comparison, mean value of total QOL score in controls was 91.1±3.3 (P<0.0001). Poor and moderate QOL were observed in 44.7% and 48.7% of the patients, respectively. Mean functioning scores for physical, emotional, social, educational, and psychological dimensions in the patients were 56.2±119, 69.6.4±23.3, 27.1±22.1, 52.3±18.1, and 48.9±11.8, respectively. The lowest level of QOL was related to the social field (81.3% with less than average score), while the highest QOL was related to the emotional aspect (58.8% with good QOL; >75 scores). Overall, female sex, poor compliance with chelation therapy, and residency in urban areas were significantly associated with poor QOL. In conclusion, providing a psychiatric health package seems to be essential for improving QOL in TM patients, especially in social field.
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21
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Halawi R, Motta I, Taher A, Cappellini MD. Deferasirox: an orphan drug for chronic iron overload in non-transfusion dependent thalassemia syndromes. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2016.1182018] [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: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Racha Halawi
- Internal Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta GA, USA
| | - Irene Motta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Ali Taher
- Hematology and Oncology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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22
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Amid A, Saliba AN, Taher AT, Klaassen RJ. Thalassaemia in children: from quality of care to quality of life. Arch Dis Child 2015; 100:1051-7. [PMID: 26289062 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2014-308112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, there has been a remarkable improvement in the survival of patients with thalassaemia in developed countries. Availability of safe blood transfusions, effective and accessible iron chelating medications, the introduction of new and non-invasive methods of tissue iron assessment and other advances in multidisciplinary care of thalassaemia patients have all contributed to better outcomes. This, however, may not be true for patients who are born in countries where the resources are limited. Unfortunately, transfusion-transmitted infections are still major concerns in these countries where paradoxically thalassaemia is most common. Moreover, oral iron chelators and MRI for monitoring of iron status may not be widely accessible or affordable, which may result in poor compliance and suboptimal iron chelation. All of these limitations will lead to reduced survival and increased thalassaemia-related complications and subsequently will affect the patient's quality of life. In countries with limited resources, together with improvement of clinical care, strategies to control the disease burden, such as public education, screening programmes and appropriate counselling, should be put in place. Much can be done to improve the situation by developing partnerships between developed countries and those with limited resources. Future research should also particularly focus on patient's quality of life as an important outcome of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Amid
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antoine N Saliba
- 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
| | - Robert J Klaassen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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23
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Taher AT, Radwan A, Viprakasit V. When to consider transfusion therapy for patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia. Vox Sang 2015; 108:1-10. [PMID: 25286743 PMCID: PMC4302976 DOI: 10.1111/vox.12201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (NTDT) refers to all thalassaemia disease phenotypes that do not require regular blood transfusions for survival. Thalassaemia disorders were traditionally concentrated along the tropical belt stretching from sub-Saharan Africa through the Mediterranean region and the Middle East to South and South-East Asia, but global migration has led to increased incidence in North America and Northern Europe. Transfusionists may be familiar with β-thalassaemia major because of the lifelong transfusions needed by these patients. Although patients with NTDT do not require regular transfusions for survival, they may require transfusions in some instances such as pregnancy, infection or growth failure. The complications associated with NTDT can be severe if not properly managed, and many are directly related to chronic anaemia. Awareness of NTDT is important, and this review will outline the factors that should be taken into consideration when deciding whether to initiate and properly plan for transfusion therapy in these patients in terms of transfusion interval and duration of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Taher
- American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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24
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Karimi M, Cohan N, De Sanctis V, Mallat NS, Taher A. Guidelines for diagnosis and management of Beta-thalassemia intermedia. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2014; 31:583-96. [PMID: 25247665 DOI: 10.3109/08880018.2014.937884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Beta-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI) is a genetic variant of beta-thalassemias with a clinical disorder whose severity falls between thalassemia minor and thalassemia major. Different genetic defects are involved in this disorder and, based on severity of disease, clinical complications like skeletal deformities and growth retardation, splenomegaly, extramedullary hematopoiesis, heart failure, and endocrine disorders may be present in untreated patients. Precise diagnosis and management are essential in these patients for prevention of later clinical complications. Diagnosis of TI is based on clinical and laboratory data. There are some treatment strategies like modulation of gamma-globulin chain production with hydroxyurea or other drugs, transfusion, splenectomy, and stem cell transplantation. Iron chelation therapy is also needed in many of these patients even if they are not transfused. The aim of this manuscript is to review the clinical manifestations, complications, genetic defects, and unmet treatments needs in TI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Karimi
- 1Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
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Identification and key management of non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia patients: not a rare but potentially under-recognised condition. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2014; 9:131. [PMID: 25265971 PMCID: PMC4193991 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-014-0131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (NTDT) have a genetic defect or combination of defects that affect haemoglobin synthesis, but which is not severe enough to require regular blood transfusions. The carrier frequency of NTDT is high (up to 80% in some parts of the world) but the prevalence of symptomatic patients varies with geography and is estimated to be from 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 100. NTDT has a variable presentation that may include mild to severe anaemia, enlarged spleen and/or liver, skeletal deformities, growth retardation, elevated serum ferritin and iron overload. The contributing factors to disease progression are ineffective erythropoiesis and increased haemolysis, which lead to chronic anaemia. The body's attempts to correct the anaemia result in constantly activated erythropoiesis, leading to marrow expansion and extramedullary haematopoiesis. Diagnosis of NTDT is largely clinical but can be confirmed by genetic sequencing. NTDT must be differentiated from other anaemias including sideroblastic anaemia, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia, myelodysplastic syndromes and iron-deficiency anaemia. Management of NTDT is based on managing symptoms, and includes blood transfusions, hydroxyurea treatment, iron chelation and sometimes splenectomy. Prognosis for well managed patients is good, with most patients living a normal life. Since NTDT is mainly prevalent in sub-tropical regions, patients who present in other parts of the world, in particular the Northern hemisphere, might not been correctly recognised and it can be considered a 'rare' condition. It is particularly important to identify and diagnose patients early, thereby preventing complications.
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β -thalassemia intermedia in Northern Iraq: a single center experience. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:262853. [PMID: 24719849 PMCID: PMC3955643 DOI: 10.1155/2014/262853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Revised: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the molecular basis of β-thalassemia intermedia in Northern Iraq and evaluate its management practices, a total of 74 patients from 51 families were enrolled. The patients were clinically and hematologically reevaluated, and had their β-thalassemia mutations characterized, as well as the number of α-globin genes and Xmn I Gγ −158 (C>T) polymorphism studied. Out of 14 β-thalassemia mutations identified, the four most common were IVS-I-6 (T>C) [33.3%], IVS-II-I (G>A) [21.1%], codon 82/83(−G) [10.1%], and codon 8 (−AA) [8.1%]. The most common contributing factors to the less severe phenotype of thalassemia intermedia were found to be the inheritance of mild β-thalassemia alleles and the Xmn I polymorphism, while concomitant α-thalassemia had a limited role. Several complications were documented including: pulmonary hypertension in 20.4%, diabetes mellitus in 1.4%, hypothyroidism in 2.9%, and heart failure in 2.7%, while no documented cases of venous thrombosis were found. Compared to their counterparts in several Mediterranean countries, it appears that our patients were much less frequently transfused and had a lower proportion of patients who were splenectomized, on iron chelation, or hydroxycarbamide therapy. Such practices require further scrutiny to ensure that a better level of care is provided and that growth retardation, skeletal changes, and other complications are prevented or reduced.
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Musallam KM, Rivella S, Vichinsky E, Rachmilewitz EA. Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemias. Haematologica 2013; 98:833-44. [PMID: 23729725 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2012.066845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemias include a variety of phenotypes that, unlike patients with beta (β)-thalassemia major, do not require regular transfusion therapy for survival. The most commonly investigated forms are β-thalassemia intermedia, hemoglobin E/β-thalassemia, and α-thalassemia intermedia (hemoglobin H disease). However, transfusion-independence in such patients is not without side effects. Ineffective erythropoiesis and peripheral hemolysis, the hallmarks of disease process, lead to a variety of subsequent pathophysiologies including iron overload and hypercoagulability that ultimately lead to a number of serious clinical morbidities. Thus, prompt and accurate diagnosis of non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia is essential to ensure early intervention. Although several management options are currently available, the need to develop more novel therapeutics is justified by recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of disease. Such efforts require wide international collaboration, especially since non-transfusion-dependent thalassemias are no longer bound to low- and middle-income countries but have spread to large multiethnic cities in Europe and the Americas due to continued migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, IRCCS Ca’ Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Khoury B, Musallam KM, Abi-Habib R, Bazzi L, Ward ZAL, Succar J, Halawi R, Hankir A, Koussa S, Taher AT. Prevalence of depression and anxiety in adult patients with β-thalassemia major and intermedia. Int J Psychiatry Med 2013; 44:291-303. [PMID: 23885513 DOI: 10.2190/pm.44.4.a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate and compare the prevalence and risk factors for anxiety and depression in adults with beta-thalassemia major (TM) and intermedia (TI). METHOD A cross-sectional study of TI and TM patients at a Chronic Care Center in Lebanon. A total of 80 patients agreed to participate (32 TI (median age 24 years) and 48 TM (median age 23 years)). The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires were used to assess the depression and anxiety levels of patients, respectively. Data on patient demographics, clinical complications, and socioeconomic status were also collected. RESULTS Patients with TM had a significantly longer median duration with a known thalassemia diagnosis than patients with TI (p < 0.001). A considerable proportion of patients had depression (35.0%), State (S)-anxiety (22.5%) or Trait (T)-anxiety (36.2%). Patients with TI had a higher median S-anxiety score compared with TM (p = 0.035), although the median T-anxiety and depression scores were similar. On linear regression analysis, the significant association between the thalassemia diagnosis (TM versus TI) and S-anxiety score (beta: 5.740; 95% CI: 0.201 to 11.278; p = 0.042) was no longer observed upon adjustment for the co-variate duration with a known thalassemia diagnosis (beta: 3.162; 95% CI: -2.949 to 9.274; p = 0.306). CONCLUSIONS A considerable proportion of adult patients with TM and TI show evidence of depression and anxiety. Patients with TI are more liable to state anxiety than TM patients of a similar age, which is attributed to a shorter duration of living with a thalassemia diagnosis.
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Goulas V, Kourakli-Symeonidis A, Camoutsis C. Comparative effects of three iron chelation therapies on the quality of life of greek patients with homozygous transfusion-dependent Beta-thalassemia. ISRN HEMATOLOGY 2012; 2012:139862. [PMID: 23316378 PMCID: PMC3534333 DOI: 10.5402/2012/139862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This prospective study assessed the quality of life of patients with homozygous transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia in Greece receiving three different iron chelation treatments. Patients enrolled were receiving one of the following chelation therapies: deferoxamine (n = 21), deferasirox (n = 75), or deferoxamine in combination with deferiprone (n = 39). The three groups were compared in terms of their quality of life, satisfaction and adherence to treatment, control of their health, and self-esteem through the completion of five questionnaires. A higher percentage of patients receiving deferoxamine felt that their treatment negatively influenced their body and skin appearance and limited their ability to work, attend school, and perform daily tasks (P = 0.0066). The adherence to treatment rate and self-esteem were the lowest in the deferoxamine group (P < 0.05). The deferoxamine group also had the lowest physical component summary score in the SF-36 questionnaire (P = 0.014). This study suggests that the quality of life of beta-thalassemia patients receiving chelation therapy is dependent on the type of iron chelation treatment they receive. The study provides insight into important factors associated with the quality of life of these patients, which are essential for developing a more suitable clinical support team and counseling in order to maximize the treatment benefits for these patients in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilis Goulas
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Agrinio, Kokkali Street, 30100 Agrinio, Greece
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Lyrakos GN, Vini D, Aslani H, Drosou-Servou M. Psychometric properties of the Specific Thalassemia Quality of Life Instrument for adults. Patient Prefer Adherence 2012; 6:477-97. [PMID: 22848151 PMCID: PMC3402048 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s30763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No specific questionnaire has been developed to assess the health-related quality of life of thalassemia patients. Thus, the main objective of this study was to develop, according to psychometric standards, a self-administered Specific Thalassemia Quality of Life Instrument (STQOLI) for adult patients. METHODS First, a qualitative phase was conducted to generate items and identify domains using the critical analysis incident technique and a literature review. A list of easily comprehensible, non-redundant items was defined using the Delphi technique and a pilot study on ten thalassemia patients. This phase involved both patients and experts. The second step was a quantitative validation phase comprising a study of 128 thalassemia patients in a single hospital. It was designed to select items, identify dimensions, and measure reliability and internal and concurrent validity. The psychometric and scaling properties of the proposed 41-item Specific Thalassemia Quality of Life Instrument were then assessed among patients recruited from the Thalassemia Unit at the General Hospital of Nikaia, Greece. RESULTS The final questionnaire had 41 items comprising four main domains and one global item about general health. The factorial structure was satisfactory (loading > 0.40 on each factor of the four domains for all items). Interscale correlations ranged from 0.06 to 0.78, Cronbach's α-coefficients were 0.78 for the psychosocial domain, 0.77 for the chelation domain, 0.72 for the transfusion domain, 0.81 for the disease and symptoms domain, and 0.840 for the total score of the questionnaire. CONCLUSION The 41-item Specific Thalassemia Quality of Life Instrument seems to be a valid tool for assessing health-related quality of life for patients with thalassemia. More research is needed to explore the universal properties of the questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios N Lyrakos
- 2nd Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Pain Clinic, Attikon University Hospital
- Thalassemia Unit, General Hospital of Nikaia Ag. Panteleimon, Athens, Greece
| | - Demetra Vini
- Thalassemia Unit, General Hospital of Nikaia Ag. Panteleimon, Athens, Greece
| | - Helen Aslani
- Thalassemia Unit, General Hospital of Nikaia Ag. Panteleimon, Athens, Greece
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Musallam KM, Taher AT, Rachmilewitz EA. β-thalassemia intermedia: a clinical perspective. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2012; 2:a013482. [PMID: 22762026 PMCID: PMC3385943 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a013482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease process in patients with β-thalassemia intermedia has substantially increased over the past decade. Earlier studies observed that patients with β-thalassemia intermedia experience a clinical-complications profile that is different from that in patients with β-thalassemia major. In this article, a variety of clinical morbidities are explored, and their associations with the underlying disease pathophysiology and risk factors are examined. These involve several organs and organ systems including the vasculature, heart, liver, endocrine glands, bone, and the extramedullary hematopoietic system. The effects of some therapeutic interventions on the development of clinical complications are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, IRCCS Cà Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, 20122 Milan, Italy
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