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Venou TM, Barmpageorgopoulou F, Peppa M, Vlachaki E. Endocrinopathies in beta thalassemia: a narrative review. Hormones (Athens) 2024; 23:205-216. [PMID: 38103163 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00515-w] [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: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Beta thalassemia is the most common genetic blood disorder, characterized by reduced production or complete absence of beta-globin chains. The combination of systematic red blood cell transfusion and iron chelation therapy is the most readily available supportive treatment and one that has considerably prolonged the survival of thalassemia patients. Despite this, the development of endocrine abnormalities correlated with beta thalassemia still exists and is mostly associated with iron overload, chronic anemia, and hypoxia. A multifactorial approach has been employed to investigate other factors involved in the pathogenesis of endocrinopathies, including genotype, liver disease, HCV, splenectomy, socioeconomic factors, chelation therapy, and deficiency of elements. The development of specific biomarkers for predicting endocrinopathy risk has been the subject of extensive discussion. The objective of the present narrative review is to present recent data on endocrinopathies in beta thalassemia patients, including the prevalence, the proposed pathogenetic mechanisms, the risk factors, the diagnostic methods applied, and finally the recommended treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora-Maria Venou
- Hematological Laboratory, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University, Hippokration, Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Melpomeni Peppa
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthimia Vlachaki
- Hematological Laboratory, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University, Hippokration, Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Evangelidis P, Venou TM, Fani B, Vlachaki E, Gavriilaki E. Endocrinopathies in Hemoglobinopathies: What Is the Role of Iron? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16263. [PMID: 38003451 PMCID: PMC10671246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216263] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemoglobinopathies, including β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD), are common genetic blood disorders. Endocrine disorders are frequent manifestations of organ damage observed mainly in patients with β-thalassemia and rarely in SCD. Iron overload, oxidative stress-induced cellular damage, chronic anemia, and HCV infection contribute to the development of endocrinopathies in β-thalassemia. The above factors, combined with vaso-occlusive events and microcirculation defects, are crucial for endocrine dysfunction in SCD patients. These endocrinopathies include diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, parathyroid dysfunction, gonadal and growth failure, osteoporosis, and adrenal insufficiency, affecting the quality of life of these patients. Thus, we aim to provide current knowledge and data about the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of endocrine disorders in β-thalassemia and SCD. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature and examined the available data, mostly using the PubMed and Medline search engines for original articles. In the era of precision medicine, more studies investigating the potential role of genetic modifiers in the development of endocrinopathies in hemoglobinopathies are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalis Evangelidis
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippocration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Theodora-Maria Venou
- Adult Thalassemia Unit, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippocration General Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (T.-M.V.); (E.V.)
| | | | - Efthymia Vlachaki
- Adult Thalassemia Unit, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippocration General Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (T.-M.V.); (E.V.)
| | - Eleni Gavriilaki
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippocration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece;
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Das L, Dutta P. Approach to a case with an unusual cause of hypopituitarism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 108:1488-1504. [PMID: 36573291 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac747] [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: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hypopituitarism refers to insufficiency of one or more hormones of the pituitary and can be due to myriad causes. The clinical and radiological spectrum of the condition is heterogeneous, based on the age, gender, clinical setting and/or other past medical history. Hypopituitarism includes central hypocortisolism, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism and growth hormone deficiency. Both hypo- and hyperprolactinemia can be associated with hypopituitarism, with low prolactin signifying more extensive pituitary damage. Posterior pituitary insufficiency (arginine vasopressin deficiency), occurs either in isolation or with anterior pituitary hormone deficiency. Clinical symptomatology of hypopituitarism is usually non-specific and insidious in onset and progression. Overall, the most common cause of hypopituitarism is a pituitary adenoma and/or its management (surgery, radiotherapy, pharmacotherapy or a combination of these). However, it is this subset of patients which is more likely to be identified and managed timely, possibly alleviating the premature mortality associated with hypopituitarism. What is more challenging is the recognition of hypopituitarism in less common settings, which may be either due to direct involvement of the pituitary (infection, traumatic brain injury, or infiltrative causes) or indirectly as a consequence of the primary process (thalassemia, vasculotoxic snakebite, subarachnoid hemorrhage). These entities are often under-recognised, and increased awareness can help in greater recognition of the problem burden. Further, pituitary insufficiency in most of these settings is dynamic, which may progress, or rarely, show recovery of function. This renders complexity to the problem, but makes it even more imperative to suspect, screen and appropriately manage patients with less common causes of hypopituitarism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Das
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
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Carsote M, Vasiliu C, Trandafir AI, Albu SE, Dumitrascu MC, Popa A, Mehedintu C, Petca RC, Petca A, Sandru F. New Entity-Thalassemic Endocrine Disease: Major Beta-Thalassemia and Endocrine Involvement. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081921. [PMID: 36010271 PMCID: PMC9406368 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta-thalassemia (BTH), a recessively inherited haemoglobin (Hb) disorder, causes iron overload (IO), extra-medullary haematopoiesis and bone marrow expansion with major clinical impact. The main objective of this review is to address endocrine components (including aspects of reproductive health as fertility potential and pregnancy outcome) in major beta-thalassemia patients, a complex panel known as thalassemic endocrine disease (TED). We included English, full-text articles based on PubMed research (January 2017–June 2022). TED includes hypogonadism (hypoGn), anomalies of GH/IGF1 axes with growth retardation, hypothyroidism (hypoT), hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT), glucose profile anomalies, adrenal insufficiency, reduced bone mineral density (BMD), and deterioration of microarchitecture with increased fracture risk (FR). The prevalence of each ED varies with population, criteria of definition, etc. At least one out of every three to four children below the age of 12 y have one ED. ED correlates with ferritin and poor compliance to therapy, but not all studies agree. Up to 86% of the adult population is affected by an ED. Age is a positive linear predictor for ED. Low IGF1 is found in 95% of the population with GH deficiency (GHD), but also in 93.6% of persons without GHD. HypoT is mostly pituitary-related; it is not clinically manifested in the majority of cases, hence the importance of TSH/FT4 screening. HypoT is found at any age, with the prevalence varying between 8.3% and 30%. Non-compliance to chelation increases the risk of hypoT, yet not all studies confirmed the correlation with chelation history (reversible hypoT under chelation is reported). The pitfalls of TSH interpretation due to hypophyseal IO should be taken into consideration. HypoPT prevalence varies from 6.66% (below the age of 12) to a maximum of 40% (depending on the study). Serum ferritin might act as a stimulator of FGF23. Associated hypocalcaemia transitions from asymptomatic to severe manifestations. HypoPT is mostly found in association with growth retardation and hypoGn. TED-associated adrenal dysfunction is typically mild; an index of suspicion should be considered due to potential life-threatening complications. Periodic check-up by ACTH stimulation test is advised. Adrenal insufficiency/hypocortisolism status is the rarest ED (but some reported a prevalence of up to one third of patients). Significantly, many studies did not routinely perform a dynamic test. Atypical EM sites might be found in adrenals, mimicking an incidentaloma. Between 7.5–10% of children with major BTH have DM; screening starts by the age of 10, and ferritin correlated with glycaemia. Larger studies found DM in up to 34%of cases. Many studies do not take into consideration IGF, IGT, or do not routinely include OGTT. Glucose anomalies are time dependent. Emerging new markers represent promising alternatives, such as insulin secretion-sensitivity index-2. The pitfalls of glucose profile interpretation include the levels of HbA1c and the particular risk of gestational DM. Thalassemia bone disease (TBD) is related to hypoGn-related osteoporosis, renal function anomalies, DM, GHD, malnutrition, chronic hypoxia-induced calcium malabsorption, and transplant-associated protocols. Low BMD was identified in both paediatric and adult population; the prevalence of osteoporosis/TBD in major BTH patients varies; the highest rate is 40–72% depending on age, studied parameters, DXA evaluation and corrections, and screening thoracic–lumbar spine X-ray. Lower TBS and abnormal dynamics of bone turnover markers are reported. The largest cohorts on transfusion-dependent BTH identified the prevalence of hypoGn to be between 44.5% and 82%. Ferritin positively correlates with pubertal delay, and negatively with pituitary volume. Some authors appreciate hypoGn as the most frequent ED below the age of 15. Long-term untreated hypoGn induces a high cardiovascular risk and increased FR. Hormonal replacement therapy is necessary in addition to specific BTH therapy. Infertility underlines TED-related hormonal elements (primary and secondary hypoGn) and IO-induced gonadal toxicity. Males with BTH are at risk of infertility due to germ cell loss. IO induces an excessive amount of free radicals which impair the quality of sperm, iron being a local catalyser of ROS. Adequate chelation might improve fertility issues. Due to the advances in current therapies, the reproductive health of females with major BTH is improving; a low level of statistical significance reflects the pregnancy status in major BTH (limited data on spontaneous pregnancies and growing evidence of the induction of ovulation/assisted reproductive techniques). Pregnancy outcome also depends on TED approach, including factors such as DM control, adequate replacement of hypoT and hypoPT, and vitamin D supplementation for bone health. Asymptomatic TED elements such as subclinical hypothyroidism or IFG/IGT might become overt during pregnancy. Endocrine glands are particularly sensitive to iron deposits, hence TED includes a complicated puzzle of EDs which massively impacts on the overall picture, including the quality of life in major BTH. The BTH prognostic has registered progress in the last decades due to modern therapy, but the medical and social burden remains elevated. Genetic counselling represents a major step in approaching TH individuals, including as part of the pre-conception assessment. A multidisciplinary surveillance team is mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Carsote
- Department of Endocrinology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (M.-C.D.)
| | - Cristina Vasiliu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & University Emergency Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Ioana Trandafir
- Department of Endocrinology, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Elena Albu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & University Emergency Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai-Cristian Dumitrascu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & University Emergency Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (M.-C.D.)
| | - Adelina Popa
- Department of Dermatovenerology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & “Elias” University Emergency Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Claudia Mehedintu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & “Filantropia” Clinical Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Razvan-Cosmin Petca
- Department of Urology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & “Prof. Dr. Theodor Burghele” Clinical Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Petca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & University Emergency Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florica Sandru
- Department of Dermatovenerology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & “Elias” University Emergency Hospital, 011684 Bucharest, Romania
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Anterior Pituitary Volume in Patients with Transfusion Dependent Anemias: Volumetric Approaches and Relation to Pituitary MRI‑R2. Clin Neuroradiol 2021; 32:259-267. [PMID: 34709410 PMCID: PMC8894216 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-021-01111-4] [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: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Anterior pituitary iron overload and volume shrinkage is common in patients with transfusion-dependent anemia and associated with growth retardation and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. We investigated the accuracy of different MRI-based pituitary volumetric approaches and the relationship between pituitary volume and MRI-R2, particularly with respect to growth and hypogonadism. METHODS In 43 patients with transfusion-dependent anemia (12-38 years) and 32 healthy controls (12-72 years), anterior pituitary volume was measured by a sagittal T1 GRE 3D sequence at 1.5T and analyzed by 3D semi-automated threshold volumetry (3D-volumetry). This reference method was compared with planimetric 2D-volumetry, approximate volume calculations, and pituitary height. Using a multiple SE sequence, pituitary iron as MRI-R2 was assessed by fitting proton signal intensities to echo times. Growth and hypogonadism were obtained from height percentile tables and patients' medical charts. From body surface area and age adjusted anterior pituitary volumes of controls, Z‑scores were calculated for all subjects. Separation of controls and patients with respect to Z and pituitary R2 was performed by bivariate linear discriminant analysis. RESULTS Tuned 2D volumes showed highest agreement with reference 3D-volumes (bias -4.8%; 95% CI:-8.8%|-0.7%). A linear discriminant equation of Z = -17.8 + 1.45 · R2 revealed optimum threshold sensitivity and specificity of 65% and 100% for discrimination of patients from controls, respectively. Of correctly classified patients 71% and 75% showed hypogonadism and growth retardation, respectively. CONCLUSION Accurate assessment of anterior pituitary size requires 3D or precise 2D volumetry, with shorter analysis time for the latter. Anterior pituitary volume Z‑scores and R2 allow for the identification of patients at risk of pituitary dysfunction.
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Pituitary Volume and Iron Overload Evaluation by 3T MRI in Thalassemia. Indian J Pediatr 2021; 88:656-662. [PMID: 33675027 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-020-03629-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate pituitary volume and iron overload in beta thalassemia major, with the objective of assessing the reliability of this method in predicting hypogonadism. METHODS 3T MRI was used to measure pituitary R2 and T2* in 57 beta thalassemia major patients and 30 controls. Anterior pituitary volume was evaluated by MRI planimetry. Cardiac, hepatic, and pancreatic iron overload were also assessed using MRI T2*. Mean serum ferritin was estimated by sandwich immuno-assay. Short stature was defined as height < 3 rd percentile for age, and clinical hypogonadism defined as absence of secondary sexual characteristics at ages ≥ 13 y for females and ≥ 14 y for males. RESULTS Short stature was present in 32 patients (56.1%). Of the 47 patients in the pubertal age group, 11(23.4%) had hypogonadism. Serum ferritin correlated positively with pituitary R2 (p = 0.004) and negatively with anterior pituitary volume (p = 0.006), whereas pituitary R2 correlated negatively with cardiac T2* (p = 0.001). Patients with hypogonadism had lower pituitary R2 (p = 0.186), T2* (p = 0.048), and anterior pituitary volumes (p = 0.012) compared to those with normal sexual maturity. Regardless of stature, no significant difference was observed between pituitary R2 (p = 0.267) and T2* (p = 0.451). Mean pituitary R2 in patients (78.99 Hz) was higher than in controls (20.8 Hz) (p = 0.0001). Anterior pituitary volume was lower in patients (264.83 mm3) than in controls (380.87 mm3) (p = 0.0001). A threshold value of 22.85 Hz for pituitary R2 gave a sensitivity of 84.2% and a specificity of 73.3% in distinguishing pituitary iron content of patients from controls, with an area of 0.864 under the ROC curve. CONCLUSIONS 3T MRI is a reliable method to detect pituitary iron overload and predict risk of hypogonadism in beta Thalassemia.
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Yılmaz K, Kan A, Çetincakmak MG, Uzel VH, Yılmaz D, Deniz MA, Hattapoglu S. Relationship Between Pituitary Siderosis and Endocrinological Disorders in Pediatric Patients with Beta-Thalassemia. Cureus 2021; 13:e12877. [PMID: 33633906 PMCID: PMC7899051 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.12877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Excess iron accumulation occurs mainly in organs such as reticuloendothelial cells, the pituitary gland, and the pancreas in beta-thalassemia because of blood transfusions. In the present study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between T2* values on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinically diagnosed pituitary endocrinological disorders in children with thalassemia major. Methods This study enrolled patients diagnosed with beta-thalassemia at pediatric hematology outpatient clinics. In the study, in addition to the medical history of the patients, routinely performed tests, including hemoglobin electrophoresis, routine biochemical tests, and tests for pubertal development (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, testosterone, etc.), as well as iron deposition measured by hepatic MRI T2* (STAR) sequence, were retrospectively assessed. A total of 29 patients were enrolled. Results Hypothyroidism was detected in 34.6% (9/26) of patients, short stature in 37% (10/27), and pubertal retardation in 50% (14/28) of the patients. There was no significant correlation between hypothyroidism and pituitary MRI T2* values. No significant correlation was found between laboratory parameters and pituitary MRI examination. Although the sensitivity of T2* levels could rise above 80%, their specificity remained low. This is one of the major limitations of the pituitary MR T2* study for the prediction of short stature. The best lower cut-off level of MR T2* to predict short stature was found 14.6 ms. Conclusion The diagnostic specificity pituitary MR examination levels for short stature were detected as low. Thus, the clinical standardization and validation of pituitary MR T2* values examination are needed before clinical follow-up and multifaceted studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Yılmaz
- Pediatrics, Dicle University School of Medicine, Diyarbakir, TUR
| | - Ahmet Kan
- Pediatric Allergy, Dicle University School of Medicine, Diyarbakir, TUR
| | | | - V Hulya Uzel
- Pediatric Oncology, Dicle University School of Medicine, Diyarbakir, TUR
| | - Deniz Yılmaz
- Pathology, Dicle University School of Medicine, Diyarbakir, TUR
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Karadag SIK, Karakas Z, Yilmaz Y, Gul N, Demir AA, Bayramoglu Z, Darendeliler F, Dursun M. Pituitary Iron Deposition and Endocrine Complications in Patients with β-Thalassemia: From Childhood to Adulthood. Hemoglobin 2020; 44:344-348. [PMID: 32900239 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2020.1812636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The endocrinological complications are a great concern in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (β-thal) patients. The pituitary iron deposition is regarded as the main cause of hormonal changes in thalassemic patients. In this study, our aim was to explore the association between endocrinological complications and pituitary iron overload by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fifty transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients were recruited for the study. Pituitary MRIs of patients were taken using a 1.5 Tesla Philips MRI machine. There was at least one clinical endocrine complication in two of three patients. The iron accumulation was moderate in the liver (60.0%) and was mild in hypophysis (16.0%) and in heart (8.0%). The hypogonadism and diabetes mellitus (DM) were not seen with a significantly increased pituitary iron burden. The hypogonadism was related to cardiac iron deposition (p = 0.04). The short stature was associated with a hepatic iron overload (p = 0.05). The conventional follow-up of patients with TDT might be inadequate and screening of patients with MRI of hypophysis along with heart and liver leads to better results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sefika I K Karadag
- Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Karakas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasin Yilmaz
- Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Neuroscience, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nurdan Gul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali A Demir
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zuhal Bayramoglu
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Feyza Darendeliler
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Memduh Dursun
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Acar S, Gözmen S, Bayraktaroğlu S, Acar SO, Tahta N, Aydınok Y, Vergin RC. Evaluation of Liver Iron Content by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia after Cessation of Treatment. Turk J Haematol 2020; 37:263-270. [PMID: 32077272 PMCID: PMC7702656 DOI: 10.4274/tjh.galenos.2020.2019.0364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective There are a limited number of studies evaluating iron overload in childhood leukemia by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to determine liver iron content (LIC) by MRI in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who had completed treatment and to compare those values with serum iron parameters. Materials and Methods A total of 30 patients between the ages of 7 and 18 who had completed ALL treatment were included in the study. Serum iron parameters (serum iron, serum ferritin [SF], and total iron-binding capacity) and liver function tests were studied. R2 MRI was performed for determining LIC. Results Normal LIC was detected in 22 (63.4%) of the cases. Seven (23.3%) had mild and 1 (3.3%) had moderate liver iron deposition. In contrast, severe iron overload was not detected in any of the cases. LIC levels were correlated with the numbers of packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions (r=0.637, p<0.001), pRBC transfusion volume (r=0.449, p<0.013), SF levels (r=0.561, p=0.001), and transferrin saturation (r=0.353, p=0.044). In addition, a positive correlation was found between the number of pRBC transfusions and SF levels (r=0.595, p<0.001). Conclusion We showed that the frequency of liver iron deposition was low and clinically less significant after the end of treatment in childhood ALL patients. LIC was demonstrated to be related to SF and transfusion history. These findings support that SF and transfusion history may be used as references for monitoring iron accumulation or identifying cases for further examinations such as MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezer Acar
- Dr. Behçet Uz Child Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Salih Gözmen
- Dr. Behcet Uz Child Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, İzmir, Turkey
| | | | - Sultan O. Acar
- Dr. Behcet Uz Child Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Neryal Tahta
- Dr. Behcet Uz Child Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Yeşim Aydınok
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Raziye C. Vergin
- Dr. Behcet Uz Child Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, İzmir, Turkey
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Brain iron content in systemic iron overload: A beta-thalassemia quantitative MRI study. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2019; 24:102058. [PMID: 31711032 PMCID: PMC6849415 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.102058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Iron overload is a life-threatening condition in beta-thalassemia. Data on brain involvement in systemic iron overload are conflicting. MRI quantification of brain tissue iron content is feasible in a voxel-based approach. No iron tissue excess is evident in beta-thalassemia but in the choroid plexuses.
Objective Multisystem iron poisoning is a major concern for long-term beta-thalassemia management. Quantitative MRI-based techniques routinely show iron overload in heart, liver, endocrine glands and kidneys. However, data on the brain are conflicting and monitoring of brain iron content is still matter of debate. Methods This 3T-MRI study applied a well validated high-resolution whole-brain quantitative MRI assessment of iron content on 47 transfusion-dependent (mean-age: 36.9 ± 10.3 years, 63% females), 23 non-transfusion dependent (mean-age: 29.2 ± 11.7 years, 56% females) and 57 healthy controls (mean-age: 33.9 ± 10.8 years, 65% females). Clinical data, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale scores and treatment regimens were recorded. Beside whole-brain R2* analyses, regional R2*-values were extracted in putamen, globus pallidum, caudate nucleus, thalamus and red nucleus; hippocampal volumes were also determined. Results Regional analyses yielded no significant differences between patients and controls, except in those treated with deferiprone that showed lower R2*-values (p<0.05). Whole-brain analyses of R2*-maps revealed strong age-R2* correlations (r2=0.51) in both groups and clusters of significantly increased R2*-values in beta-thalassemia patients in the hippocampal formations and around the Luschka foramina; transfusion treatment was associated with additional R2* increase in dorsal thalami. Hippocampal formation R2*-values did not correlate with hippocampal volume; hippocampal volume did not differ between patients and controls. All regions with increased R2*-values shared a strict anatomical contiguity with choroid plexuses suggesting a blooming effect as the likely cause of R2* increase, in agreement with the available histopathologic literature evidence. Conclusion According to our MRI findings and the available histopathologic literature evidence, concerns about neural tissue iron overload in beta-thalassemia appear to be unjustified.
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