Erythrocyte aplasia and systemic lupus erythematosus

Treating Parvovirus Triggered Refractory Hemolytic Anemia with Rituximab in Renal Transplant Recipients - A Report of Two Cases

Parvovirus B19 is a small (26 nm), nonenveloped, single-stranded DNA (5.6-kb) virus. The only known host for parvovirus B19 is humans. Parvovirus B19 is directly cytotoxic to erythroid precursor cells of the colony- and burst-forming units. Human parvovirus B19 is the etiologic agent of erythema infectiosum and chronic pure red cell aplasia in immunocompromised individuals. Acute parvovirus B19 infection should be suspected in immunocompromised patients, who present with reticulocytopenic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is the standard treatment for parvovirus-induced cytopenias. We report two cases of postrenal transplant who presented with reticulocytopenic anemia and were found to have parvovirus infection. They did not respond to conventional treatment with intravenous gamma globulin. Both patients were treated with rituximab with which they had improvement in clinical and hematological parameters. There was no previous documentation of using rituximab in the treatment of parvovirus-triggered autoimmune hemolytic anemia postrenal transplant patients. This article illustrates how rituximab will be helpful in this setting, of course, it is a new thought but requires further studies and validation.

Immune-mediated Coombs negative intravascular haemolysis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

A 27-year-old woman presented with a history of excessive hair loss, loss of appetite, loss of weight, amenorrhoea and loss of axillary and pubic hair for 6 months followed by fever and vomiting for 5 months and abdominal pain for 1 month. During the course of her illness, the patient developed intravascular haemolysis as evidenced by a drop in haemoglobin, indirect hyperbilirubinaemia, raised lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and haemoglobinuria. Examination revealed severe pallor, mild icterus, elevated jugular venous pressure, generalised lymphadenopathy and hyperpigmentation. Investigations revealed severe anaemia, indirect hyperbilirubinaemia, raised LDH and negative Coombs test. Antinuclear antibody and anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm and anti-SS-A/Ro antibodies were positive and complement C3 was low. The patient was diagnosed to have systemic lupus erythematosus and immune-mediated intravascular haemolysis and was treated with prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine. Haemolysis resolved following steroid therapy, and during follow-up, there were no further episodes of haemolysis.

Pure red cell aplasia in systemic lupus erythematosus, a nationwide retrospective cohort and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the clinical and biological course, management and response to treatment in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)-associated Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA).

METHODS

Nationwide multicentre retrospective cohort study. From 2006 to 2018, we included adults with a diagnosis of PRCA supported by bone-marrow examination and SLE or biologic manifestations of SLE after ruling out parvovirus B19 infection.

RESULTS

We enrolled 24 patients (20 women). SLE was diagnosed before PRCA for 14 patients (median delay 81 months). At PRCA diagnosis, mean age, haemoglobin level and reticulocyte and differential erythroblast count were 39.2 ± 13.2 years, 62 ± 20 g/L, 9.1 ± 7.6 x 109/L and 2.8 ± 2.5%, respectively. Eleven (45%) patients experienced multiple PRCA flares (median 6, range: 2-11). Corticosteroid therapy resulted in only three complete sustained responses, and 19 (79%) patients required immunosuppressive agents with highly variable regimens. After a median follow-up of 76 months (range 13-173), 17 (71%) patients showed complete response for PRCA, five (21%) partial response and two (8%) treatment failure. In total, 21 (87%) patients required red-blood-cell transfusion; five had a diagnosis of transfusion-related iron overload. Eighteen (75%) patients experienced severe infectious events requiring hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

SLE-associated PRCA is a severe condition. Repeated red-blood-cell transfusions and several lines of immunosuppressant therapy are mostly required with high risk of severe infectious events and iron overload. Despite sustained response for PRCA and SLE obtained in most patients, the best therapeutic strategy remains to be determined.

Identification of Stages of Erythroid Differentiation in Bone Marrow and Erythrocyte Subpopulations in Blood Circulation that Are Preferentially Lost in Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Mouse

Repeated weekly injections of rat erythrocytes produced autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) in C57BL/6 mice after 5–6 weeks. Using the double in vivo biotinylation (DIB) technique, recently developed in our laboratory, turnover of erythrocyte cohorts of different age groups during AIHA was monitored. Results indicate a significant decline in the proportion of reticulocytes, young and intermediate age groups of erythrocytes, but a significant increase in the proportion of old erythrocytes in blood circulation. Binding of the autoantibody was relatively higher to the young erythrocytes and higher levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also seen in these cells. Erythropoietic activity in the bone marrows and the spleen of AIHA induced mice was examined by monitoring the relative proportion of erythroid cells at various stages of differentiation in these organs. Cells at different stages of differentiation were enumerated flow cytometrically by double staining with anti-Ter119 and anti-transferrin receptor (CD71) monoclonal antibodies. Erythroid cells in bone marrow declined significantly in AIHA induced mice, erythroblast C being most affected (50% decline). Erythroblast C also recorded high intracellular ROS level along with increased levels of membrane-bound autoantibody. No such decline was observed in spleen. A model of AIHA has been proposed indicating that binding of autoantibodies may not be a sufficient condition for destruction of erythroid cells in bone marrow and in blood circulation. Last stage of erythropoietic differentiation in bone marrow and early stages of erythrocytes in blood circulation are specifically susceptible to removal in AIHA.

Mycophenolate mofetil-induced erythroid hypoplasia in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Anaemia is prevalent in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The anaemia is often a consequence of the disease itself but may also be secondary to drug treatments. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is increasingly used in the management of patients with SLE and its associated anaemia. We describe the case of a 19-year-old girl, who presented acutely with SLE and renal involvement. Her disease was controlled with immunosuppression but she later developed severe transfusion-dependent anaemia. Several causes were considered before a bone marrow biopsy led to the diagnosis of erythroid hypoplasia. In the absence of clinical or laboratory markers of active lupus, MMF was implicated as the cause. Its discontinuation led to a rapid and sustained correction of the anaemia. Red cell aplasia linked to the use of MMF is uncommon and the manufacturers are aware of fewer than 50 cases. This is the first case report of evolving red cell aplasia induced by MMF in SLE.

Anaemia in systemic lupus erythematosus: from pathophysiology to clinical assessment

Haematological abnormalities are common in systemic lupus erythematosus. Anaemia is found in about 50% of patients, with anaemia of chronic disease being the most common form. Impaired erythropoietin response and presence of antibodies against erythropoietin may contribute to the pathogenesis of this type of anaemia. Patients with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia usually belong to a distinct category, which is associated with anticardiolipin antibodies, thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and renal disease, often in the context of secondary antiphospholipid syndrome. Autoantibodies, T lymphocytes, and deregulation of the cytokine network can affect bone marrow erythropoiesis, leading to anaemia.

Markers of cell activation and apoptosis in bone marrow mononuclear cells of patients with autoimmune hepatitis type 1 and primary biliary cirrhosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We have reported quantitative and qualitative differences in bone marrow (BM) progenitor cells in autoimmune hepatitis type-1 (AIH-1) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). This study investigated the apoptotic features and cytokine suppressors of haematopoiesis in long-term cultures of BM mononuclear cells (BMMCs) from AIH-1 and PBC patients.

METHODS

Apoptotic markers and CD14 expression were evaluated in 13 AIH-1 patients, 13 PBC patients, 12 cirrhotic controls and 10 healthy subjects. TNF-alpha, TGF-beta and IFN-gamma were determined using ELISAs.

RESULTS

All apoptotic markers and CD14 were increased in AIH-1 and PBC compared to controls (P<0.0001). Fas+ cells were positively correlated (P=0.0001) with apoptotic cells in AIH-1 and PBC. TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma were higher in AIH-1 (P=0.003 and P=0.001) and PBC (P=0.0001) compared to controls. No differences were found between the control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate for the first time that the apoptotic process, macrophage activation and the production of cytokine suppressors of haematopoiesis in BMMCs from AIH-1 and PBC patients are higher compared to controls. The Fas-FasL pathway is likely to be involved in the apoptotic process; the increased levels of selected cytokines may contribute to Fas-FasL stimulation. Cirrhosis appears unlikely to be the cause of the above findings.

Successful treatment of pure red cell aplasia associated with systemic lupus erythematosus with oral danazol and steroid

We describe a middle-aged Chinese systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient developing steroid refractory and transfusion dependent red cell aplasia. Oral danazol 200 mg twice per day was started together with low-dose prednisolone therapy. There was no further recurrence of anemia 1 month after this combined therapy.

Pure red cell aplasia in a Sjögren's syndrome/lupus erythematosus overlap patient

Hematological complications of systemic lupus erythematosus usually include anemia of chronic disease and peripheral destruction of blood cells. We describe the case of a young woman with Sjögren's syndrome'lupus erythematosus overlap, mother of infant with congenital heart block, complicated by pure red cell aplasia. The patient was asymptomatic until the onset of severe anemia. A serum inhibitor of erythropoiesis was detected before the onset of immunosuppression. Bone marrow examination showed a low CD4:CD8 ratio, an immune defect possibly linked with the unrestrained production of antibodies against erythroid progenitor cells.

Bone marrow stem cells and stromal cells in autoimmune cytopenias

High-dose immunosuppression followed by autologous haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a promising practice for the treatment of severe, resistant autoimmune disorders. Patients with refractory autoimmune cytopenias (AIC), primary or secondary to systemic autoimmune diseases (AID) including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), have been proposed as potential candidates for such a therapeutic procedure. An abnormal immune milieu, however, may affect the number and functional characteristics of stem cells and/or stromal cells in the bone marrow (BM) and might impact on harvesting and engraftment potential of stem cells or on BM reconstitution following engraftment in patients with AIC undergoing ASCT. Using flow cytometry and in vitro culture assays we have shown that patients with primary AIC display increased number of BM CD34+ cells in response to abnormally high production of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) by BM stroma. In contrast, patients with AIC secondary to systemic AID display increased apoptosis of BM progenitor cells resulting in low CD34+ cell numbers and abnormal haemopoiesis supporting capacity of BM stroma due to the aberrant, local or systemic, inhibitory cytokine production or to intricate interactions between haemopoietic and immune cells present within the BM microenvironment. In this review we summarize the available knowledge on BM stem cell reserve and function and stromal cell function in patients with primary and secondary AIC with special reference to SLE and RA. The underlying mechanisms possibly involved in the pathogenesis of the observed abnormalities are also discussed.

Pure red cell aplasia and lupus

OBJECTIVE

To review the clinical and laboratory features of all reported patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and pure red cell aplasia (PRCA).

METHODS

In addition to our patient, we identified cases reported during the years 1966-2000 by searching the MEDLINE literature (Winspirs). Clinical and laboratory features were compared with those reported in large series of patients with SLE but without PRCA.

RESULTS

Twenty-three additional cases were identified. In most cases, SLE was diagnosed either before or concomitantly with the diagnosis of PRCA. The clinical and laboratory features were not significantly different from those reported in large series of patients with SLE, except for less pleuritis and a trend toward less proteinuria, hallucinations, thrombopenia, and leukopenia. The natural history of PRCA and SLE was similar to that reported for PRCA alone. The disease responded to prednisone in the majority of cases, but patients frequently remained steroid dependent.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between SLE and PRCA is rare. The clinical and laboratory features of SLE in such patients are similar to SLE patients without PRCA with the exception of a decreased frequency of pleuritis. Response to treatment of PRCA in those with SLE is similar to patients with PRCA but without SLE.

Increased apoptosis of bone marrow CD34(+) cells and impaired function of bone marrow stromal cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

The changes in bone marrow (BM) stem cell reserve and function and stromal cell function in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were investigated. The study was carried out on seven SLE patients and 28 healthy controls using flow cytometry and in vitro cell culture assays. We found that patients had low CD34(+) cells, compared with the control group, reflecting the decrease of both CD34(+)/CD38(-) and CD34(+)/CD38(+) cells. Patient CD34(+)/Fas(+) but not CD34(-)/Fas(+) cells were significantly increased. Apoptotic (7AAD(dim)) cells were higher among CD34(+)/Fas(+) than among CD34(+)/Fas(-) cells, and individual values of apoptotic CD34+ cells strongly correlated with the number of CD34(+)/Fas(+) cells. These findings are suggestive of a Fas-mediated apoptosis accounting for the low CD34(+) cells in SLE patients. Moreover, we found that patients had low numbers of granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GM) and erythroid burst-forming units (BFU-E), compared with the control group, and that the generation of colony-forming cells in long-term BM cultures was significantly reduced. Patient BM stroma failed to support allogeneic progenitor cell growth. In one patient, CD34(+) cells were increased, apoptotic CD34(+)/Fas(+) cells were normalized and defective stromal cell function was restored after autologous stem cell transplantation. We concluded that defective haemopoiesis in SLE patients is probably caused, at least in part, to the presence of autoreactive lymphocytes in BM.

[A case of post-partum remission of acquired dyserythropoiesis, a rare cause of anemia in disseminated lupus erythematosus]

INTRODUCTION

Amongst the various causes of anemia in systemic lupus erythematosus, isolated and acquired erythrocyte dysplasia is rare and most often part of global dysmyelopoiesis.

EXEGESIS

The authors report a case of acquired erythrocyte dysplastic syndrome that occurred in a 34-year-old woman in whom previous diagnosis had evidenced systemic lupus erythematosus of rather benign course. Other causes of dysmyelopoiesis were ruled out. Myeloid stem cell cultures showed selective inhibition of erythroid cells growing, with no particular effect of the patient's serum. While a corticosteroid treatment with prednisone (1 mg/kg/d) did not show any efficacy upon anemia, the patient's pregnancy was followed by prolonged correction of hemoglobin, making possible the tapering of prednisone down to 10 mg/d.

CONCLUSION

Acquired erythrocyte dysplastic syndrome remains a rare cause of anemia in systemic lupus erythematosus. This case report suggests an immunological phenomenon, but the mechanisms underlying both the appearance and long-lasting remission after pregnancy remain unexplained.