1
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Meloni A, Pistoia L, Ricchi P, Longo F, Cecinati V, Sorrentino F, Cuccia L, Corigliano E, Rossi V, Righi R, Fina P, Renne S, Barbuto L, Positano V, Cademartiri F. Multiparametric cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with thalassemia intermedia: new insights from the E-MIOT network. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2024; 129:879-889. [PMID: 38683500 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-024-01821-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE In a relatively large cohort of thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients, we systematically investigated myocardial iron overload (MIO), function, and replacement fibrosis using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), we assessed the clinical determinants of global heart T2* values, and we explored the association between multiparametric CMR findings and cardiac complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS We considered 254 beta-TI patients (43.14 ± 13.69 years, 138 females) consecutively enrolled in the Extension-Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia project. MIO was quantified by T2* technique and biventricular function and atrial areas by cine images. Macroscopic myocardial fibrosis was detected by late gadolinium enhancement technique. RESULTS Compared to never/sporadically transfused patients, regularly transfused (RT)-TI patients exhibited significantly lower global heart T2* values, biventricular end-diastolic volume indexes, left ventricular mass index, and cardiac index. In RT-TI patients, age and serum ferritin levels were the strongest predictors of global heart T2* values. Independently from the transfusional state, cardiac T2* values were not associated with biventricular function. Of the 103 (40.6%) patients in whom the contrast medium was administrated, 27 (26.2%) had replacement myocardial fibrosis. Age, sex distribution, cardiac iron, and biventricular function parameters were comparable between patients without and without replacement myocardial fibrosis. Twenty-five (9.8%) patients had a history of cardiac complications (heart failure and arrhythmias). Increased age and replacement myocardial fibrosis emerged as significant risk markers for cardiac complications. CONCLUSIONS In TI, regular transfusions are associated with less pronounced cardiac remodeling but increase the risk of MIO. Replacement myocardial fibrosis is a frequent finding associated with cardiac complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Pistoia
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.C. Ricerca Clinica, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Ricchi
- U.O.S.D. Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, Azienda Ospedaliera Di Rilievo Nazionale "A. Cardarelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Longo
- Unità Operativa Day Hospital Della Talassemia e delle Emoglobinopatie, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria ''S. Anna'', Cona, FE, Italy
| | - Valerio Cecinati
- Struttura Semplice di Microcitemia, Ospedale "SS. Annunziata" ASL Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | | | - Liana Cuccia
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Radiologia, ''ARNAS'' Civico, Di Cristina Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Riccardo Righi
- Diagnostica per Immagini e Radiologia Interventistica, Ospedale del Delta, Lagosanto, FE, Italy
| | - Priscilla Fina
- Unità Operativa Complessa Diagnostica per Immagini, Ospedale ''Sandro Pertini'', Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Renne
- Struttura Complessa di Cardioradiologia-UTIC, Presidio Ospedaliero "Giovanni Paolo II", Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Luigi Barbuto
- U.O.C. Radiologia Generale e di Pronto Soccorso, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "A. Cardarelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Cademartiri
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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2
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Meloni A, Pistoia L, Ricchi P, Bagnato S, Longo F, Messina G, Bagnato S, Rossi V, Renne S, Righi R, Fina P, Positano V, Cademartiri F. Impact of genotype on multi-organ iron and complications in patients with non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia intermedia. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:1887-1896. [PMID: 38581547 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05741-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
We evaluated the impact of the genotype on clinical and hematochemical features, hepatic and cardiac iron levels, and endocrine, hepatic, and cardiovascular complications in non-transfusion-dependent (NTD) β-thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients. Sixty patients (39.09 ± 11.11 years, 29 females) consecutively enrolled in the Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia project underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging to quantify iron overload, biventricular function parameters, and atrial areas and to detect replacement myocardial fibrosis. Three groups of patients were identified: homozygous β+ (N = 18), heterozygous β0β+ (N = 22), and homozygous β0 (N = 20). The groups were homogeneous for sex, age, splenectomy, hematochemical parameters, chelation therapy, and iron levels. The homozygous β° genotype was associated with significantly higher biventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes and bi-atrial area indexes. No difference was detected in biventricular ejection fractions or myocardial fibrosis. Extramedullary hematopoiesis and leg ulcers were significantly more frequent in the homozygous β° group compared to the homozygous β+ group. No association was detected between genotype and liver cirrhosis, hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, heart failure, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension. Heart remodelling related to a high cardiac output state cardiomyopathy, extramedullary hematopoiesis, and leg ulcers were more pronounced in patients with the homozygous β° genotype compared to the other genotypes analyzed. The knowledge of the genotype can assist in the clinical management of NTD β-TI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Pistoia
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.C. Ricerca Clinica, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Ricchi
- U.O.S.D. Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, Azienda Ospedaliera Di Rilievo Nazionale "A. Cardarelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Bagnato
- Ematologia Microcitemia, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio - ASP Crotone, Crotone, Italy
| | - Filomena Longo
- Unità Operativa Day Hospital Della Talassemia E Delle Emoglobinopatie, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "S. Anna", Cona, FE, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Messina
- Centro Microcitemie, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Sabrina Bagnato
- U.O.S. Di Talassemia, Presidio Ospedaliero Lentini - ASP 8 Siracusa, Lentini, SR, 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, FE, Italy
| | - Priscilla Fina
- Unità Operativa Complessa Diagnostica Per Immagini, Ospedale "Sandro Pertini", Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Cademartiri
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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3
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Seijari MN, Alshurafa A, Yassin MA. Luspatercept's use in a patient with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia and intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH). Clin Case Rep 2024; 12:e8795. [PMID: 38736568 PMCID: PMC11087223 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message This case report and literature review examine the use of a relatively novel agent in a transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia patient with extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH). It examines the benefits and risks associated with its use and reviews the available literature while highlighting the drug's results in our patient with a higher risk profile. Abstract Beta thalassemia can be complicated by EMH, which causes different symptoms based on location and size. Luspatercept is a new agent approved for transfusion-dependent thalassemia and Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). Still, its use in patients with EMH was not well studied, and literature showed an increased risk of EMH expansion or development of new masses after its use. We discuss, in this case, the results of luspatercept treatment in a patient with transfusion-dependent thalassemia who is considered high risk for its use due to the patient's specific characteristics (history of symptomatic intrathoracic EMH, previous splenectomy, refusal to use antithrombotic medications). While also highlighting the benefits of using luspatercept regarding decreasing the iron overload and improving hemoglobin levels and examining how it was used safely to manage a transfusion-dependent thalassemia patient with an extramedullary hematopoiesis mass with no adverse events of note.
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4
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Wu Y, Yin X, Yang K. Protein S Deficiency with Recurrent Thromboembolism after Splenectomy in a Patient with Hemoglobin H Disease. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2024; 16:e2024017. [PMID: 38468830 PMCID: PMC10927212 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2024.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wu
- Department of Hematology, Guangan People’s Hospital, Guangan, China
| | - Xiaolin Yin
- Department of Hematology, The 923rd Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the People’s Liberation Army, Nanning, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Hematology, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, China
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5
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Li B, Yu W, Verkhratsky A. Trace metals and astrocytes physiology and pathophysiology. Cell Calcium 2024; 118:102843. [PMID: 38199057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2024.102843] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Several trace metals, including iron, copper, manganese and zinc are essential for normal function of the nervous system. Both deficiency and excessive accumulation of these metals trigger neuropathological developments. The central nervous system (CNS) is in possession of dedicated homeostatic system that removes, accumulates, stores and releases these metals to fulfil nervous tissue demand. This system is mainly associated with astrocytes that act as dynamic reservoirs for trace metals, these being a part of a global system of CNS ionostasis. Here we overview physiological and pathophysiological aspects of astrocyte-cantered trace metals regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, China
| | - Weiyang Yu
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, China
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, Ikerbasque, Bilbao 48011, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius LT-01102, Lithuania.
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6
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Musallam KM, Cappellini MD, Coates TD, Kuo KHM, Al-Samkari H, Sheth S, Viprakasit V, Taher AT. Αlpha-thalassemia: A practical overview. Blood Rev 2024; 64:101165. [PMID: 38182489 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
α-Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by decreased synthesis of α-globin chains that results in an imbalance of α and β globin and thus varying degrees of ineffective erythropoiesis, decreased red blood cell (RBC) survival, chronic hemolytic anemia, and subsequent comorbidities. Clinical presentation varies depending on the genotype, ranging from a silent or mild carrier state to severe, transfusion-dependent or lethal disease. Management of patients with α-thalassemia is primarily supportive, addressing either symptoms (eg, RBC transfusions for anemia), complications of the disease, or its transfusion-dependence (eg, chelation therapy for iron overload). Several novel therapies are also in development, including curative gene manipulation techniques and disease modifying agents that target ineffective erythropoiesis and chronic hemolytic anemia. This review of α-thalassemia and its various manifestations provides practical information for clinicians who practice beyond those regions where it is found with high frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Center for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD), Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - M Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Ca' Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas D Coates
- Hematology Section, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kevin H M Kuo
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hanny Al-Samkari
- Center for Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sujit Sheth
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vip Viprakasit
- Department of Pediatrics & Thalassemia Center, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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7
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Tseng YJ, Kageyama Y, Murdaugh RL, Kitano A, Kim JH, Hoegenauer KA, Tiessen J, Smith MH, Uryu H, Takahashi K, Martin JF, Samee MAH, Nakada D. Increased iron uptake by splenic hematopoietic stem cells promotes TET2-dependent erythroid regeneration. Nat Commun 2024; 15:538. [PMID: 38225226 PMCID: PMC10789814 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44718-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are capable of regenerating the blood system, but the instructive cues that direct HSCs to regenerate particular lineages lost to the injury remain elusive. Here, we show that iron is increasingly taken up by HSCs during anemia and induces erythroid gene expression and regeneration in a Tet2-dependent manner. Lineage tracing of HSCs reveals that HSCs respond to hemolytic anemia by increasing erythroid output. The number of HSCs in the spleen, but not bone marrow, increases upon anemia and these HSCs exhibit enhanced proliferation, erythroid differentiation, iron uptake, and TET2 protein expression. Increased iron in HSCs promotes DNA demethylation and expression of erythroid genes. Suppressing iron uptake or TET2 expression impairs erythroid genes expression and erythroid differentiation of HSCs; iron supplementation, however, augments these processes. These results establish that the physiological level of iron taken up by HSCs has an instructive role in promoting erythroid-biased differentiation of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jung Tseng
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yuki Kageyama
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rebecca L Murdaugh
- Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ayumi Kitano
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jong Hwan Kim
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kevin A Hoegenauer
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jonathan Tiessen
- Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mackenzie H Smith
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hidetaka Uryu
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Koichi Takahashi
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - James F Martin
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Cardiomyocyte Renewal Laboratory, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Md Abul Hassan Samee
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Daisuke Nakada
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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8
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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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9
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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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10
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Meloni A, Parravano M, Pistoia L, Cossu A, Grassedonio E, Renne S, Fina P, Spasiano A, Salvo A, Bagnato S, Gerardi C, Borsellino Z, Cademartiri F, Positano V. Phenotypic Clustering of Beta-Thalassemia Intermedia Patients Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6706. [PMID: 37959172 PMCID: PMC10647397 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216706] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We employed an unsupervised clustering method that integrated demographic, clinical, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) data to identify distinct phenogroups (PGs) of patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI). We considered 138 β-TI patients consecutively enrolled in the Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia (MIOT) Network who underwent MR for the quantification of hepatic and cardiac iron overload (T2* technique), the assessment of biventricular size and function and atrial dimensions (cine images), and the detection of replacement myocardial fibrosis (late gadolinium enhancement technique). Three mutually exclusive phenogroups were identified based on unsupervised hierarchical clustering of principal components: PG1, women; PG2, patients with replacement myocardial fibrosis, increased biventricular volumes and masses, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction; and PG3, men without replacement myocardial fibrosis, but with increased biventricular volumes and masses and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. The hematochemical parameters and the hepatic and cardiac iron levels did not contribute to the PG definition. PG2 exhibited a significantly higher risk of future cardiovascular events (heart failure, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension) than PG1 (hazard ratio-HR = 10.5; p = 0.027) and PG3 (HR = 9.0; p = 0.038). Clustering emerged as a useful tool for risk stratification in TI, enabling the identification of three phenogroups with distinct clinical and prognostic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Meloni
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy; (L.P.); (F.C.); (V.P.)
- Unità Operativa Complessa Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy;
| | - Michela Parravano
- Unità Operativa Complessa Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università degli Studi di Pisa, 56122 Pisa, PI, Italy
| | - Laura Pistoia
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy; (L.P.); (F.C.); (V.P.)
- Unità Operativa Complessa Ricerca Clinica, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy
| | - Alberto Cossu
- Unità Operativa Radiologia Universitaria, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “S. Anna”, 44124 Cona, FE, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Grassedonio
- Sezione di Scienze Radiologiche, Dipartimento di Biopatologia e Biotecnologie Mediche, Policlinico “Paolo Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, PA, Italy;
| | - Stefania Renne
- Struttura Complessa di Cardioradiologia-UTIC, Presidio Ospedaliero “Giovanni Paolo II”, 88046 Lamezia Terme, CZ, Italy;
| | - Priscilla Fina
- Unità Operativa Complessa Diagnostica per Immagini, Ospedale “Sandro Pertini”, 00157 Roma, RM, Italy;
| | - Anna Spasiano
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale “A. Cardarelli”, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Salvo
- Unità Operativa Semplice Talassemia, Presidio Ospedaliero “Umberto I”, 96100 Siracusa, SR, Italy;
| | - Sergio Bagnato
- Ematologia Microcitemia, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio—ASP Crotone, 88900 Crotone, KR, Italy;
| | - Calogera Gerardi
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale di Talassemia, Presidio Ospedaliero “Giovanni Paolo II”—Distretto AG2 di Sciacca, 92019 Sciacca, AG, Italy;
| | - Zelia Borsellino
- Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia con Talassemia, ARNAS Civico “Benfratelli-Di Cristina”, 90134 Palermo, PA, Italy;
| | - Filippo Cademartiri
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy; (L.P.); (F.C.); (V.P.)
| | - Vincenzo Positano
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy; (L.P.); (F.C.); (V.P.)
- Unità Operativa Complessa Bioingegneria, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università degli Studi di Pisa, 56122 Pisa, PI, Italy
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Saliba AN, Musallam KM, Taher AT. How I treat non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. Blood 2023; 142:949-960. [PMID: 37478396 PMCID: PMC10644094 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023020683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The intricate interplay of anemia and iron overload under the pathophysiological umbrella of ineffective erythropoiesis in non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (NTDT) results in a complex variety of clinical phenotypes that are challenging to diagnose and manage. In this article, we use a clinical framework rooted in pathophysiology to present 4 common scenarios of patients with NTDT. Starting from practical considerations in the diagnosis of NTDT, we delineate our strategy for the longitudinal care of patients who exhibit different constellations of symptoms and complications. We highlight the use of transfusion therapy and novel agents, such as luspatercept, in the patient with anemia-related complications. We also describe our approach to chelation therapy in the patient with iron overload. Although tackling every specific complication of NTDT is beyond the scope of this article, we touch on the management of the various morbidities and multisystem manifestations of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khaled M. Musallam
- Thalassemia Center, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ali T. Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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12
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Chapchap EC, Silva MMA, Baroni RH, Araujo ADS, de Assis RA, Loggetto SR, Junior AF, Verissimo MPDA, Baldanzi GR, Fertrin KY, Tricta F, Piga AG, Hamerschlak N. Extramedullary haematopoiesis in patients with thalassemia: a cross-sectional description of its prevalence, clinical features and survival. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther 2023:S2531-1379(23)00158-X. [PMID: 37690980 DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite knowledge advances on extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH) in thalassemic patients, the real picture remains an open issue. OBJECTIVES To assess EMH prevalence in patients with thalassemia major (TM) and intermedia (TI), to describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and to explore clinical risk factors. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, images and clinical records of 184 consecutive patients with thalassemia who underwent T2* MRI between 2004 and 2011 were reviewed. Association of EMH with survival was investigated for patients with available follow-up charts. RESULTS EMH was detected in 16/168 (9.5%) patients with TM (aged 19-49 years) and in 3/16 (18.8%) with TI (aged 36-41 years). Most (88%) had paravertebral thoracic and/or abdominal masses. Age was significantly associated with EMH risk (hazard ratio, [HR] 1.10/year; confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.18; p-value < 0.001), while lower pancreatic iron content by T2*MRI (HR: 0.94/ms; CI: 0.89-0.99; p-value = 0.049) was a protective factor. Estimated survival rate was superior for EMH-positive (n = 19) when compared to EMH-negative patients (n = 75) (p-value = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of EMH was 10.3% (19/184), presented mainly as tumoral masses of 3 to 10 cm. Age was a risk factor for EMH development, while lower pancreatic iron might be a protective factor in this cohort.
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Saeidnia M, Fazeli P, Farzi A, Atefy Nezhad M, Shabani-Borujeni M, Erfani M, Tamaddon G, Karimi M. An Expert Overview on Therapies in Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: Classical to Cutting Edge in Treatment. Hemoglobin 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37325871 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2022.2158099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The thalassemia issue is a growing worldwide health concern that anticipates the number of patients suffering from the disease will soon increase significantly. Patients with β-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI) manifest mild to intermediate levels of anemia, which is a reason for it to be clinically located between thalassemia minor and β-thalassemia major (β-TM). Notably, the determination of the actual rate of β-TI is more complicated than β-TM. The leading cause of this illness could be partial repression of β-globin protein production; accordingly, the rate of β-globin gene repression is different in patients, and the gene repression intensity creates a different clinical status. This review article provides an overview of functional mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of the classic to latest new treatments for this group of patients, depending on the disease severity divided into the typical management strategies for patients with β-TI such as fetal hemoglobin (Hb) induction, splenectomy, bone marrow transplantation (BMT), transfusion therapy, and herbal and chemical iron chelators. Recently, novel erythropoiesis-stimulating agents have been added. Novel strategies are subclassified into molecular and cellular interventions. Genome editing is one of the efficient molecular therapies for improving hemoglobinopathies, especially β-TI. It encompasses high-fidelity DNA repair (HDR), base and prime editing, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 procedure, nuclease-free strategies, and epigenetic modulation. In cellular interventions, we mentioned the approach pattern to improve erythropoiesis impairments in translational models and patients with β-TI that involve activin II receptor traps, Janus-associated kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitors, and iron metabolism regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Saeidnia
- Department of Hematology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Emam Khomeini Hospital, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Pooria Fazeli
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Trauma Research Center, Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arghavan Farzi
- School of Medicine, International Department Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Maryam Atefy Nezhad
- Department of Biology, Sciences Faculty, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, of Zarqān, Zarqān, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Shabani-Borujeni
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehran Erfani
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Para-Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Tamaddon
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehran Karimi
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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14
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Musallam KM, Taher AT, Kattamis A, Kuo KHM, Sheth S, Cappellini MD. Profile of Luspatercept in the Treatment of Anemia in Adults with Non-Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia (NTDT): Design, Development and Potential Place in Therapy. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:1583-1591. [PMID: 37255740 PMCID: PMC10226484 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s368584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, evidence has been mounting on the detrimental clinical sequelae of untreated anemia in patients with non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (NTDT). There are no pharmacologic agents that are specifically approved for the management of anemia in NTDT, and available options such as splenectomy, transfusion therapy, and hydroxyurea each come with their own shortcomings, especially for long-term use. Luspatercept is an erythroid maturation agent that has been evaluated in a Phase 2, randomized trial and showed a significant benefit in raising hemoglobin level by at least 1 g/dL in adults with NTDT and a baseline hemoglobin level ≤10 g/dL. These data led to luspatercept's approval by the European Commission for the treatment of anemia in adults with NTDT and presents the first evidence-based approach for a novel agent that is able to ameliorate anemia in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Thalassemia Center, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Antonis Kattamis
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kevin H M Kuo
- Division of Hematology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sujit Sheth
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Ca’ Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
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15
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Bou-Fakhredin R, Motta I, Cappellini MD, Taher AT. Clinical Complications and Their Management. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2023; 37:365-378. [PMID: 36907609 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
The diversity of disease-related complications among patients with β-thalassemia is complicated by the wide spectrum of genotypes and clinical risk factors. The authors herein present the different complications seen in patients with β-thalassemia, the pathophysiology underlying these complications and their management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayan Bou-Fakhredin
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Motta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; UOC General Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; UOC General Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Ali T Taher
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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16
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Bou-Fakhredin R, Rivella S, Cappellini MD, Taher AT. Pathogenic Mechanisms in Thalassemia I: Ineffective Erythropoiesis and Hypercoagulability. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2023; 37:341-351. [PMID: 36907607 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Erythropoiesis is the physiological process that results in the production of red blood cells (RBCs). In conditions of pathologically altered erythropoiesis or ineffective erythropoiesis, as in the case of β-thalassemia, the reduced ability of erythrocytes to differentiate, survive and deliver oxygen stimulates a state of stress that leads to the ineffective production of RBCs. We herein describe the main features of erythropoiesis and its regulation in addition to the mechanisms behind ineffective erythropoiesis development in β-thalassemia. Finally, we review the pathophysiology of hypercoagulability and vascular disease development in β-thalassemia and the currently available prevention and treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayan Bou-Fakhredin
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; UOC General Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Ali T Taher
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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17
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Li N, Wu B, Wang J, Yan Y, An P, Li Y, Liu Y, Hou Y, Qing X, Niu L, Ding X, Xie Z, Zhang M, Guo X, Chen X, Cai T, Luo J, Wang F, Yang F. Differential proteomic patterns of plasma extracellular vesicles show potential to discriminate β-thalassemia subtypes. iScience 2023; 26:106048. [PMID: 36824279 PMCID: PMC9941134 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The observed specificity of β-thalassemia-subtype phenotypes makes new diagnostic strategies that complement current screening methods necessary to determine each subtype and facilitate therapeutic regimens for different patients. Here, we performed quantitative proteomics of plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) of β-thalassemia major (TM) patients, β-thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients, and healthy controls to explore subgroup characteristics and potential biomarkers. Plasma quantitative proteomics among the same cohorts were analyzed in parallel to compare the biomarker potential of both specimens. EV proteomics showed significantly more abnormalities in immunity and lipid metabolism in TI and TM, respectively. The differential proteomic patterns of EVs were consistent with but more striking than those of plasma. Notably, we also found EV proteins to have a superior performance for discriminating β-thalassemia subtypes. These findings allowed us to propose a diagnostic model consisting of five proteins in EVs with subtyping potential, demonstrating the ability of plasma-derived EVs for the diagnosis of β-thalassemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bowen Wu
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jifeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yumeng Yan
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Peng An
- Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuezhen Li
- Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuning Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yanfei Hou
- Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoqing Qing
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lili Niu
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiang Ding
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhensheng Xie
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaojing Guo
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiulan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tanxi Cai
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianming Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021 China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fuquan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals & Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Corresponding author
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18
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Foong WC, Loh CK, Ho JJ, Lau DS. Foetal haemoglobin inducers for reducing blood transfusion in non-transfusion-dependent beta-thalassaemias. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 1:CD013767. [PMID: 36637054 PMCID: PMC9837847 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013767.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia (NTDβT) is a subset of inherited haemoglobin disorders characterised by reduced production of the β-globin chain of haemoglobin leading to anaemia of varying severity. Although blood transfusion is not a necessity for survival, it may be required to prevent complications of chronic anaemia, such as impaired growth and hypercoagulability. People with NTDβT also experience iron overload due to increased iron absorption from food sources which becomes more pronounced in those requiring blood transfusion. People with a higher foetal haemoglobin (HbF) level have been found to require fewer blood transfusions, thus leading to the emergence of treatments that could increase its level. HbF inducers stimulate HbF production without altering any gene structures. Evidence for the possible benefits and harms of these inducers is important for making an informed decision on their use. OBJECTIVES To compare the effectiveness and safety of the following for reducing blood transfusion for people with NTDβT: 1. HbF inducers versus usual care or placebo; 2. single HbF inducer with another HbF inducer, and single dose with another dose; and 3. combination of HbF inducers versus usual care or placebo, or single HbF inducer. SEARCH METHODS We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 21 August 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs comparing single HbF inducer with placebo or usual care, with another single HbF inducer or with a combination of HbF inducers; or comparing different doses of the same HbF inducer. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were blood transfusion and haemoglobin levels. Our secondary outcomes were HbF levels, the long-term sequelae of NTDβT, quality of life and adverse events. MAIN RESULTS We included seven RCTs involving 291 people with NTDβT, aged two to 49 years, from five countries. We reported 10 comparisons using eight different HbF inducers (four pharmacological and four natural): three RCTs compared a single HbF inducer to placebo and seven to another HbF inducer. The duration of the intervention lasted from 56 days to six months. Most studies did not adequately report the randomisation procedures or whether and how blinding was achieved. HbF inducer against placebo or usual care Three HbF inducers, HQK-1001, Radix Astragali or a 3-in-1 combined natural preparation (CNP), were compared with a placebo. None of the comparisons reported the frequency of blood transfusion. We are uncertain whether Radix Astragali and CNP increase haemoglobin at three months (mean difference (MD) 1.33 g/dL, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 2.11; 1 study, 2 interventions, 35 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain whether Radix Astragali and CNP have any effect on HbF (MD 12%, 95% CI -0.74% to 24.75%; 1 study, 2 interventions, 35 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Only medians on haemoglobin and HbF levels were reported for HQK-1001. Adverse effects reported for HQK-1001 were nausea, vomiting, dizziness and suprapubic pain. There were no prespecified adverse effects for Radix Astragali and CNP. HbF inducer versus another HbF inducer Four studies compared a single inducer with another over three to six months. Comparisons included hydroxyurea versus resveratrol, hydroxyurea versus thalidomide, hydroxyurea versus decitabine and Radix Astragali versus CNP. No study reported our prespecified outcomes on blood transfusion. Haemoglobin and HbF were reported for the comparison Radix Astragali versus CNP, but we are uncertain whether there were any differences (1 study, 24 participants; low-certainty evidence). Different doses of the same HbF inducer Two studies compared two different types of HbF inducers at different doses over two to six months. Comparisons included hydroxyurea 20 mg/kg/day versus 10 mg/kg/day and HQK-1001 10 mg/kg/day, 20 mg/kg/day, 30 mg/kg/day and 40 mg/kg/day. Blood transfusion, as prespecified, was not reported. In one study (61 participants) we are uncertain whether the lower levels of both haemoglobin and HbF at 24 weeks were due to the higher dose of hydroxyurea (haemoglobin: MD -2.39 g/dL, 95% CI -2.80 to -1.98; very low-certainty evidence; HbF: MD -10.20%, 95% CI -16.28% to -4.12%; very low-certainty evidence). The study of the four different doses of HQK-1001 did not report results for either haemoglobin or HbF. We are not certain if major adverse effects may be more common with higher hydroxyurea doses (neutropenia: risk ratio (RR) 9.93, 95% CI 1.34 to 73.97; thrombocytopenia: RR 3.68, 95% CI 1.12 to 12.07; very low-certainty evidence). Taking HQK-1001 20 mg/kg/day may result in the fewest adverse effects. A combination of HbF inducers versus a single HbF inducer Two studies compared three combinations of two inducers with a single inducer over six months: hydroxyurea plus resveratrol versus resveratrol or hydroxyurea alone, and hydroxyurea plus l-carnitine versus hydroxyurea alone. Blood transfusion was not reported. Hydroxyurea plus resveratrol may reduce haemoglobin compared with either resveratrol or hydroxyurea alone (MD -0.74 g/dL, 95% CI -1.45 to -0.03; 1 study, 54 participants; low-certainty evidence). We are not certain whether the gastrointestinal disturbances, headache and malaise more commonly reported with hydroxyurea plus resveratrol than resveratrol alone were due to the interventions. We are uncertain whether hydroxyurea plus l-carnitine compared with hydroxyurea alone may increase mean haemoglobin, and reduce pulmonary hypertension (1 study, 60 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Adverse events were reported but not in the intervention group. None of the comparisons reported the outcome of HbF. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We are uncertain whether any of the eight HbF inducers in this review have a beneficial effect on people with NTDβT. For each of these HbF inducers, we found only one or at the most two small studies. There is no information on whether any of these HbF inducers have an effect on our primary outcome, blood transfusion. For the second primary outcome, haemoglobin, there may be small differences between intervention groups, but these may not be clinically meaningful and are of low- to very low-certainty evidence. Data on adverse effects and optimal doses are limited. Five studies are awaiting classification, but none are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Cheng Foong
- Department of Paediatrics, RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (formerly Penang Medical College), George Town, Malaysia
| | - C Khai Loh
- Department of Paediatrics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, 56000 Cheras, Malaysia
| | - Jacqueline J Ho
- Department of Paediatrics, RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (formerly Penang Medical College), George Town, Malaysia
| | - Doris Sc Lau
- Department of Paediatrics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, 56000 Cheras, Malaysia
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Untreated Anemia in Nontransfusion-dependent β-thalassemia: Time to Sound the Alarm. Hemasphere 2022; 6:e806. [DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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20
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Das S, Ray BK, Pandit A, Ghosh R, Chakraborty AP, Dubey S. Thalassemia and Moyamoya Syndrome: Epidemiology and long-term outcome. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 41:63-70. [PMID: 36368232 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Moyamoya Angiopathy (MMA) is a chronic, progressive intracranial vasculopathy. Unlike Sickle-cell-disease, thalassemia-syndrome has rarely been described in association with MMA. This study was aimed to analyze the demographic, clinical, radiological features and long-term outcome (and possible factors influencing prognosis) of Moyamoya Syndrome (MMS) in the largest cohort of thalassemia-related-to-MMS. MATERIALS & METHODS A single-centered, observational study with longitudinal follow-up was undertaken for 12 cases of MMS-related-to-thalassemia-syndrome amongst 160 consecutive MMA patients. The baseline demographic, clinical and radiological characteristics were noted; and were longitudinally followed-up to assess disease progression (clinical or radiological). Fifteen previously reported cases of thalassemia and MMA were retrieved by literature search in PubMed and Google-Scholar using keywords "Moyamoya" AND "thalassemia". RESULTS The mean age at diagnosis of thalassemia-syndrome and diagnosis of MMS were 6.4 ± 6.55 years (mean ± SD) and 10.4 ± 8.68 years respectively in our 12 cases; 3.2 ± 2.25 years and 10.6 ± 6.1 years respectively in the previously reported 15 cases. Cerebral ischemic insult was the predominant brain lesion at base-line, noted in 91.7% of our cases and 80% of the previous cases. The mean hemoglobin, transfusion-dependency and previous splenectomy were seen in 8.7 ± 3.02 gm%, 33.3% and 8.3% of our cases respectively; 7.0 ± 3.04 gm%, 53.9% and 18.2% of previous cases. All our cases were medically managed for mean follow-up of 28.3 ± 13.9 months, none had evidence of angiographic progression, 1 of our 12 cases (8.3%) had new onset neuro-deficit and subsequent mortality, rest 11 of the 12 cases (91.7%) didn't have any appearance of silent cerebral infarction or evidence of progression of brain atrophy. Among the 15 previous cases, 5 out of 9 medically managed cases and 1 revascularized case described no further clinical recurrence. CONCLUSION Thalassemia-related-MMS may not be so rare. Future development of consensus guidelines in diagnosing and managing cases of MMS-associated-with-thalassemia is of essence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shambaditya Das
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, India.
| | - Biman Kanti Ray
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, India.
| | - Alak Pandit
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, India.
| | - Ritwik Ghosh
- Department of General Medicine, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, Burdwan, India.
| | - Arka Prava Chakraborty
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, India.
| | - Souvik Dubey
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, India.
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Dighriri IM, Alrabghi KK, Sulaiman DM, Alruwaili AM, Alanazi NS, Al-Sadiq AMA, Hadadi AM, Sahli BY, Qasem BA, Alotaibi MT, Asiri TT, Majrashi SM, Alotibia NT, Alhamyani AT, Alharbi AA. Efficacy and Safety of Luspatercept in the Treatment of β-Thalassemia: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e31570. [PMID: 36540460 PMCID: PMC9756914 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
β-thalassemia is characterized by the faulty generation of hemoglobin resulting in an elevated α/β globin ratio; this led to several patients needing red blood cell (RBC) transfusions for the rest of their lives. Luspatercept is an erythroid maturation test for treating various types of anemia, including β-thalassemia. It inhibits the Smad2/3 cascade and treats β-thalassemia by downregulating the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway. Luspatercept was evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, there is still limited data. Therefore, the study aims to review the current literature to assess the efficacy of luspatercept in cure β-thalassemia and its safety. From 2015 to 2022, searches were undertaken in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane. Only RCTs published in English were eligible for inclusion. The Cochrane Collaboration tool for bias assessment was used to analyze the quality of the publications. Our search strategy revealed 94 publications, of which 12 full-text papers were read and five were chosen for this review.All five trials included 1161 participants. Of whom, 153 (13.18%) entered phase 2, and 1008 (86.82%) entered phase 3. Two articles included 153 participants, of whom 70 (45.75%) were transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TD) and 83 (54.25%) were non-transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (NTD) of phase 2. Three articles included 1008 participants, of whom 672 (66.67%) were given luspatercept and 336 (33.33%) were given a placebo. All participants in RCTs were 18 years of age or older. In phase 2, 0.2 to 1.25 mg/kg of luspatercept was given, and in phase 3, 1.0 to 1.25 mg/kg of luspatercept was given once every three weeks. In beta-thalassemia patients, luspatercept was more effective than a placebo and well tolerated. The high dose has shown promising results in the erythroid response, measured by a drop in blood transfusions or an average rise in hemoglobin levels. Luspatercept might make patients less likely to need RBC transfusions, improve their clinical results, and improve their quality of life. Adverse events were hyperuricemia, arthralgia, dizziness, influenza hypertension, and bone pain, but they were manageable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Nader S Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacy, King Salman Specialist Hospital, Hail, SAU
| | | | - Amal M Hadadi
- Department of Pharmacy, Community Pharmacy, Jazan, SAU
| | | | | | | | - Taif T Asiri
- College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, SAU
| | - Salman M Majrashi
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, SAU
| | | | | | - Amjad A Alharbi
- Pharmaceutical Care Services, King Salman Specialist Hospital, Hail Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Hail, SAU
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22
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Shash H. Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: A Panoramic Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58101496. [PMID: 36295656 PMCID: PMC9608723 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58101496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) has been considered less severe than its transfusion-dependent variants. The most common forms of NTDT include β-thalassemia intermedia, hemoglobin E/beta thalassemia, and hemoglobin H disease. Patients with NTDT develop several clinical complications, despite their regular transfusion independence. Ineffective erythropoiesis, iron overload, and hypercoagulability are pathophysiological factors that lead to morbidities in these patients. Therefore, an early and accurate diagnosis of NTDT is essential to ascertaining early interventions. Currently, several conventional management options are available, with guidelines suggested by the Thalassemia International Federation, and novel therapies are being developed in light of the advancement of the understanding of this disease. This review aimed to increase clinicians’ awareness of NTDT, from its basic medical definition and genetics to its pathophysiology. Specific complications to NTDT were reviewed, along with the risk factors for its development. The indications of different therapeutic options were outlined, and recent advancements were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwazen Shash
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pediatrics, King Fahad Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia
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23
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Musallam KM, Taher AT, Cappellini MD. Right in time: Mitapivat for the treatment of anemia in α- and β-thalassemia. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100790. [PMID: 36260990 PMCID: PMC9589095 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Kuo and colleagues1 evaluated the safety and efficacy of mitapivat, an oral pyruvate kinase activator, in adults with non-transfusion-dependent α-thalassemia or β-thalassemia. The high rate of hemoglobin response and good tolerability encourages further development in thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M. Musallam
- Thalassemia Center, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ali T. Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Ca' Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy,Corresponding author
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Shastry S, Mohan G, PA P, Mundkur S, Kurien A, Ahammad J. Role of Thromboelastogram in monitoring the activation of the coagulation pathway and assessing the associated risk factors for hypercoagulable state in transfusion dependent thalassemia patients. Transfus Apher Sci 2022; 62:103583. [PMID: 36344327 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2022.103583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thromboembolic events are rare but one of the fatal complications in thalassemia. Assessment of the hypercoagulable state is not done regularly, and we have assessed the utility of Thromboelastography (TEG) for monitoring the activation of the coagulation pathway in patients with thalassemia. METHODOLOGY A prospective single-center cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care set-up. Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia patients registered with the pediatric unit were screened for hypercoagulability using TEG during six months of the study period and followed up for three years for the development of thromboembolic events. Patient demographics, history of splenectomy, Serum ferritin levels and annual red cell transfusion requirement (mL/kg/year) were assessed. TEG parameters used were R time, K time, alpha angle, Maximum amplitude, Clot index, and Lysis 30. The thrombin generation test (V Curve) obtained from the first-degree derivate of the TEG velocity curve was also used for analysis. RESULTS A total of 34 patients were recruited during the six months study period with an average age of 10.6 years ( ± 5.47). The average pre-transfusion hemoglobin level and the volume of packed red cells received were 7.24 g/dL and 152.82 mL/kg/year respectively. The TEG tracing was suggestive of a hypercoagulable state in 58.82% of patients. The mean values of angle (70.74), MA (64.16), CI (2.65) and TG (774.43) in TDT patients compared to age matched reference range (62.81, 57.99, 0.8, 577.83 respectively) was suggestive of prothrombotic changes. Annual blood transfusion requirement was negatively correlated with hypercoagulable status (-0.344, CI= -0.68 to 0.08). One out of 34 patients developed corona radiata infarct (with annual blood requirement; 112.7 mL/kg/Year). The risk to develop a hypercoagulable state appeared to be higher when the volume of RBCs transfused was less than 154 mL/kg/Year. CONCLUSION TDT patients are at risk of developing thromboembolism, and screening with TEG may be useful to identify those at high risk.
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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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Lee YC, Yen CT, Lee YL, Chen RJ. Thalassemia Intermedia: Chelator or Not? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710189. [PMID: 36077584 PMCID: PMC9456380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Thalassemia is the most common genetic disorder worldwide. Thalassemia intermedia (TI) is non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT), which includes β-TI hemoglobin, E/β-thalassemia and hemoglobin H (HbH) disease. Due to the availability of iron chelation therapy, the life expectancy of thalassemia major (TM) patients is now close to that of TI patients. Iron overload is noted in TI due to the increasing iron absorption from the intestine. Questions are raised regarding the relationship between iron chelation therapy and decreased patient morbidity/mortality, as well as the starting threshold for chelation therapy. Searching all the available articles up to 12 August 2022, iron-chelation-related TI was reviewed. In addition to splenectomized patients, osteoporosis was the most common morbidity among TI cases. Most study designs related to ferritin level and morbidities were cross-sectional and most were from the same Italian study groups. Intervention studies of iron chelation therapy included a subgroup of TI that required regular transfusion. Liver iron concentration (LIC) ≥ 5 mg/g/dw measured by MRI and ferritin level > 300 ng/mL were suggested as indicators to start iron chelation therapy, and iron chelation therapy was suggested to be stopped at a ferritin level ≤ 300 ng/mL. No studies showed improved overall survival rates by iron chelation therapy. TI morbidities and mortalities cannot be explained by iron overload alone. Hypoxemia and hemolysis may play a role. Head-to-head studies comparing different treatment methods, including hydroxyurea, fetal hemoglobin-inducing agents, hypertransfusion as well as iron chelation therapy are needed for TI, hopefully separating β-TI and HbH disease. In addition, the target hemoglobin level should be determined for β-TI and HbH disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chien Lee
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, Tainan 70043, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-C.L.); (R.-J.C.)
| | - Chi-Tai Yen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, Tainan 70043, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ling Lee
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, Tainan 70043, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Jane Chen
- Department of Food Safety/Hygiene and Risk Management, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-C.L.); (R.-J.C.)
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27
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Hsu CC, Senussi NH, Fertrin KY, Kowdley KV. Iron overload disorders. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1842-1854. [PMID: 35699322 PMCID: PMC9315134 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron overload disorders represent a variety of conditions that lead to increased total body iron stores and resultant end-organ damage. An elevated ferritin and transferrin-iron saturation can be commonly encountered in the evaluation of elevated liver enzymes. Confirmatory homeostatic iron regulator (HFE) genetic testing for C282Y and H63D, mutations most encountered in hereditary hemochromatosis, should be pursued in evaluation of hyperferritinemia. Magnetic resonance imaging with quantitative assessment of iron content or liver biopsy (especially if liver disease is a cause of iron overload) should be used as appropriate. A secondary cause for iron overload should be considered if HFE genetic testing is negative for the C282Y homozygous or C282Y/H63D compound heterozygous mutations. Differential diagnosis of secondary iron overload includes hematologic disorders, iatrogenic causes, or chronic liver diseases. More common hematologic disorders include thalassemia syndromes, myelodysplastic syndrome, myelofibrosis, sideroblastic anemias, sickle cell disease, or pyruvate kinase deficiency. If iron overload has been excluded, evaluation for causes of hyperferritinemia should be pursued. Causes of hyperferritinemia include chronic liver disease, malignancy, infections, kidney failure, and rheumatic conditions, such as adult-onset Still's disease or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. In this review, we describe the diagnostic testing of patients with suspected hereditary hemochromatosis, the evaluation of patients with elevated serum ferritin levels, and signs of secondary overload and treatment options for those with secondary iron overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine C Hsu
- Medstar Georgetown University HospitalMedstar Georgetown Transplant InstituteWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Nizar H Senussi
- Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerqueNew MexicoUSA
| | - Kleber Y Fertrin
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonWashingtonUSA
| | - Kris V Kowdley
- Liver Institute Northwest and Elson S. Floyd College of MedicineWashington State UniversityWashingtonUSA
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28
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The thrombotic spectrum of B-thalassemia. THROMBOSIS UPDATE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tru.2022.100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Ricchi P, Meloni A, Rigano P, Pistoia L, Spasiano A, Allò M, Messina G, Quarta A, Rosso R, Quota A, Filosa A, Maggio A, Pepe A. The use of hydroxyurea in the real life of MIOT network: an observational study. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2022; 21:1433-1440. [PMID: 35435090 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.2064980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydroxyurea (HU) has been widely used in clinical practice to manage patients with non-transfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT). Few data are available about the effects of its administration in Italian patients. We assessed hematological and non-hematological outcomes following short- and long-term exposure to HU. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We considered 71 NTDT patients (30 females) enrolled in the Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia Network and treated for >12 months with HU. RESULTS The mean duration of HU treatment was 8.23±5.79 years, starting at a mean age of 37.02±12.06 years. A significant increase in hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume values and a down-regulation of all erythropoietic and/or hemolysis indices were detected after at least 12 months of treatment. In 28 patients the hemoglobin increase was ≥1.0 g/dl, associated with a higher HU dose. The hematological response dropped in long-term treatment. A favorable impact of HU treatment in limiting the progression of several complications typical of NTDT syndrome was observed. CONCLUSION Our findings seemed to suggest that in several NTDT patients HU could be still a valid option to limit the advance in overall disease clinical burden without carrying significant adverse events and increase in mortality.
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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
| | - Paolo Rigano
- Ematologia II con Talassemia, Ospedale "V. Cervello", Palermo, 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
| | - Massimo Allò
- Ematologia Microcitemia, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio - ASP Crotone, Crotone, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Messina
- Centro Microcitemie, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | | | - Rosamaria Rosso
- Unità Operativa Talassemie ed Emoglobinopatie, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele", Catania, Italy
| | | | - Aldo Filosa
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Malattie Rare del Globulo Rosso, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "A. Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Aurelio Maggio
- Ematologia II con Talassemia, Ospedale "V. Cervello", Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessia Pepe
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa, Italy
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Mortality in β-thalassemia patients with confirmed pulmonary arterial hypertension on right heart catheterization. Blood 2022; 139:2080-2083. [PMID: 34986266 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening complication of β-thalassemia, especially in untransfused patients with thalassemia intermedia. Pinto and colleagues analyzed the outcome of 24 patients with PAH documented by right heart catheterization, and they report that with a median follow-up of 4 years, 54% died, most of which deaths were attributable to PAH. Patients who receive treatment that reduce their pulmonary pressures have improved survival, suggesting that improvement in monitoring and treatment are critical imperatives for these patients.
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Casale M, Baldini MI, Del Monte P, Gigante A, Grandone A, Origa R, Poggi M, Gadda F, Lai R, Marchetti M, Forni GL. Good Clinical Practice of the Italian Society of Thalassemia and Haemoglobinopathies (SITE) for the Management of Endocrine Complications in Patients with Haemoglobinopathies. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11071826. [PMID: 35407442 PMCID: PMC8999784 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The treatment of endocrinopathies in haemoglobinopathies is a continually expanding research area; therefore, recommendations supporting the appropriateness of treatments are a pressing need for the medical community. Methods: The Management Committee of SITE selected and gathered a multidisciplinary and multi-professional team, including experts in haemoglobinopathies and experts in endocrinopathies, who have been flanked by experts with methodological and organizational expertise, in order to formulate recommendations based on the available scientific evidence integrated by personal clinical experience. The project followed the systematic approach for the production of clinical practice guidelines according to the methodology suggested by the National Center for Clinical Excellence, Quality and Safety of Care (CNEC). Results: Out of 14 topics, 100 clinical questions were addressed, and 206 recommendations were elaborated on. The strength of recommendations, panel agreement, a short general description of the topic, and the interpretation of evidence were reported. Conclusions: Good Practice Recommendations are the final outcome of translational research and allow one to transfer to the daily clinical practice of endocrine complications in haemoglobinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Casale
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-566-5432
| | - Marina Itala Baldini
- Centro Malattie Rare, UOC Medicina Interna, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.I.B.); (F.G.)
| | | | - Antonia Gigante
- Società Italiana Talassemie d Emoglobinopatie (SITE), Fondazione per la Ricerca sulle Anemie ed Emoglobinopatie in Italia—For Anemia, 16124 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Anna Grandone
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Raffaella Origa
- SSD Talassemia, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico Cao, Università di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (R.O.); (R.L.)
| | - Maurizio Poggi
- UOC Endocrinologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Sant’Andrea, 00189 Rome, Italy;
| | - Franco Gadda
- Centro Malattie Rare, UOC Medicina Interna, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.I.B.); (F.G.)
| | - Rosalba Lai
- SSD Talassemia, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico Cao, Università di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (R.O.); (R.L.)
| | - Monia Marchetti
- Day Service Ematologia, SOC Oncologia, Azienda Ospedaliera SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121 Alessandria, Italy;
| | - Gian Luca Forni
- Centro Emoglobinopatie e Anemie Congenite, Ospedali Galliera, 16128 Genoa, Italy;
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Huang Y, Yang G, Wang M, Wei X, Pan L, Liu J, Lei Y, Peng, Long L, Lai Y, Liu R. Iron overload status in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia in China. Ther Adv Hematol 2022; 13:20406207221084639. [PMID: 35321211 PMCID: PMC8935562 DOI: 10.1177/20406207221084639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Iron overload is one of the main factors that increase morbidity and mortality in patients with non-transfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT). Aim: This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and severity of iron overload in Chinese NTDT patients. Methods: we analyzed serum ferritin (SF), liver iron concentration (LIC) and cardiac T2* in 178 Chinese NTDT in this cross-sectional study. Results: The median SF level was 996.00(27.15–19704.00) ng/ml and the median LIC value was 8.90(0.60–43.00) mg Fe/g dry weight (dw). The youngest patient with liver iron overload was 5 years old with 5.6 mg Fe/g dw in LIC. The median cardiac T2* was 33.06(7.46–75.08) ms. 6 patients had cardiac T2*⩽20ms. The patients with β thalassemia intermedia and HbE/β thalassemia showed a statistically significant lower Hb and higher values of SF and LIC than those of hemoglobin H disease patients. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, patients in ⩾ age 30-year old had a significant higher risk for iron overload (OR: 77.75, 95% CI: 8.76–690.49) in the age group. The detailed analysis of proportions of different LIC indicate in > 30-year old group, 76.8% patients suffered from moderate and severe LIC. Conclusion: Our study provides a strong support for the novel findings that Chinese NTDT patients have a high prevalence of iron overload. The first assessment of MRI LIC should be performed as early as 5 years old. Then, NTDT patients > 30 years old may suffer with a high burden of iron overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Huang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Gaohui Yang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Man Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wei
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Lingyuan Pan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiaodi Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Peng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Liling Long
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yongrong Lai
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Rongrong Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
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Isa Tafreshi R, Radgoodarzi M, Arjmandi Rafsanjani K, Soheilipour F. Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Children and Adolescence With Thalassemia Intermedia. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:774528. [PMID: 35783313 PMCID: PMC9249082 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.774528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac complications are important causes of morbidity in patients with thalassemia intermedia (TI). We aimed to assess left ventricular (LV) function, using new tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) indices, in order to diagnose early ventricular impairment in asymptomatic children and adolescence with the TI. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated possible differences in echocardiographic systolic and diastolic parameters between a population of 28 asymptomatic patients (mean age, 13.6 ± 5.7 years) and 35 age-matched healthy control members. All of them underwent 2-D, pulsed Doppler, and tissue Doppler echocardiographic studies for the assessment of the LV mass, Trans-mitral velocities, mitral annular systolic and diastolic velocities, myocardial performance index (MPI), and myocardial acceleration during isovolumic contraction (IVA). The cardiac iron load was estimated by magnetic resonance imaging T2*. RESULTS Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was found in 13 (46.4%) patients. We found significantly reduced TDI-derived peak systolic myocardial velocity (s') in patients, whereas no significant difference was identified between the patients and control group members when the IVA was compared. The ratio of peak mitral inflow velocity to annular early diastolic velocity (E/e') of the mitral valve as an index of the diastolic function was significantly higher in patients (9 ± 1 vs. 6 ± 1, p < 0.05). Choosing a TDI-derived MPI > 0.33 as a cutoff point, the global LV dysfunction was detected with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 80%. The patients with LVH significantly exhibited higher values of TDI-MPI and lower values of s' velocity and IVA when compared against the subjects with normal LV mass. CONCLUSION Subtle LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction develops early in young patients with the TI who have normal cardiac iron concentration. Moreover, LV remodeling as a main cardiac adaptive response plays a principal role in developing myocardial impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Isa Tafreshi
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Ali Asghar Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Radgoodarzi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kadijeh Arjmandi Rafsanjani
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Ali Asghar Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Soheilipour
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Aliasghar Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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34
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Rashid N. Addison's disease in a lady with hemoglobin H disease. IRAQI JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/ijh.ijh_42_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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35
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Bharadwaj N, Peyam S, Bhatia P, Bhatia A, Das R, Singh M, Bansal D, Trehan A, Jain R. Impact of HFE-2 and HAMP Gene Variations on Iron Overload in Pediatric Patients with Non-Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia: A Pilot Study. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 2022; 38:158-163. [PMID: 35125723 PMCID: PMC8804030 DOI: 10.1007/s12288-021-01442-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with non-transfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT) develop variable degrees of iron overload. Possible genes which may be implicated in causing iron overload are hepcidin (HAMP) and hemojuvelin (HFE). There is variable data assessing the role of c.-582Y A > G HAMP gene and H63D hotspot in HFE-1 gene in causing iron overload, while role of HFE-2 gene is undetermined. Twenty-five patients with NTDT (≥ 10 years) were assessed for iron overload. Genetic analysis for β-globin, α-globin, HAMP, HFE-2 and C282Y and H63D hotspots in HFE-1 genes was performed. T2*MRI demonstrated elevated LIC in 48% patients. No mutations were detected in HAMP gene or HFE-1 hotspots. Four single nucleotide variations (SNV) were detected in HFE-2 gene in 4 (20%) patients, including a novel SNV, p.Gln315Arg in 2 patients in heterozygous state. This is a likely pathogenic mutation; however, in heterozygous state, it did not lead to iron overload. HAMP and HFE-2 gene variations were infrequently seen in this pilot study, with no significant impact on iron overload. Presence of SNV p.Gln315Argin HFE-2 gene needs to be evaluated in larger sample sizes in our population to determine the incidence in homozygous state and its association with iron overload. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12288-021-01442-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niteesh Bharadwaj
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India
| | - Srinivasan Peyam
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India
| | - Prateek Bhatia
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India
| | - Anmol Bhatia
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Reena Das
- Department of Haematology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Minu Singh
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India
| | - Deepak Bansal
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India
| | - Amita Trehan
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India
| | - Richa Jain
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012 India
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36
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The Link of Pancreatic Iron with Glucose Metabolism and Cardiac Iron in Thalassemia Intermedia: A Large, Multicenter Observational Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10235561. [PMID: 34884261 PMCID: PMC8658115 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10235561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In thalassemia major, pancreatic iron was demonstrated as a powerful predictor not only for the alterations of glucose metabolism but also for cardiac iron, fibrosis, and complications, supporting a profound link between pancreatic iron and heart disease. We determined for the first time the prevalence of pancreatic iron overload (IO) in thalassemia intermedia (TI) and systematically explored the link between pancreas T2* values and glucose metabolism and cardiac outcomes. We considered 221 beta-TI patients (53.2% females, 42.95 ± 13.74 years) consecutively enrolled in the Extension–Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia project. Magnetic Resonance Imaging was used to quantify IO (T2* technique) and biventricular function and to detect replacement myocardial fibrosis. The glucose metabolism was assessed by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Pancreatic IO was more frequent in regularly transfused (N = 145) than in nontransfused patients (67.6% vs. 31.6%; p < 0.0001). In the regular transfused group, splenectomy and hepatitis C virus infection were both associated with high pancreatic siderosis. Patients with normal glucose metabolism showed significantly higher global pancreas T2* values than patients with altered OGTT. A pancreas T2* < 17.9 ms predicted an abnormal OGTT. A normal pancreas T2* value showed a 100% negative predictive value for cardiac iron. Pancreas T2* values were not associated to biventricular function, replacement myocardial fibrosis, or cardiac complications. Our findings suggest that in the presence of pancreatic IO, it would be prudent to initiate or intensify iron chelation therapy to prospectively prevent both disturbances of glucose metabolism and cardiac iron accumulation.
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37
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Taneja K, Verma C, Mahajan A. Can ruxolitinib avert splenectomy in patients with thalassaemia: a short term case series. Br J Haematol 2021; 196:1111-1113. [PMID: 34799847 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kushagra Taneja
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Chandrika Verma
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Amita Mahajan
- Department of Advanced Paediatrics, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
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38
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Musallam KM, Bou‐Fakhredin R, Cappellini MD, Taher AT. 2021 update on clinical trials in β-thalassemia. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:1518-1531. [PMID: 34347889 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The treatment landscape for patients with β-thalassemia is witnessing a swift evolution, yet several unmet needs continue to persist. Patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) primarily rely on regular transfusion and iron chelation therapy, which can be associated with considerable treatment burden and cost. Patients with non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (NTDT) are also at risk of significant morbidity due to the underlying anemia and iron overload, but treatment options in this patient subgroup are limited. In this review, we provide updates on clinical trials of novel therapies targeting the underlying pathology in β-thalassemia, including the α/non-α-globin chain imbalance, ineffective erythropoiesis, and iron dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M. Musallam
- Thalassemia Center, Burjeel Medical City Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
- International Network of Hematology London UK
| | - Rayan Bou‐Fakhredin
- Department of Internal Medicine American University of Beirut Medical Center Beirut Lebanon
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community University of Milan, Ca’ Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital Milan Italy
| | - Ali T. Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine American University of Beirut Medical Center Beirut Lebanon
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39
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Kountouris P, Stephanou C, Archer N, Bonifazi F, Giannuzzi V, Kuo KHM, Maggio A, Makani J, Mañú-Pereira MDM, Michailidou K, Nkya S, Nnodu OE, Trompeter S, Tshilolo L, Wonkam A, Zilfalil BA, Inusa BPD, Kleanthous M. The International Hemoglobinopathy Research Network (INHERENT): An international initiative to study the role of genetic modifiers in hemoglobinopathies. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:E416-E420. [PMID: 34406671 PMCID: PMC10390849 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Petros Kountouris
- The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Natasha Archer
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fedele Bonifazi
- Fondazione per la Ricerca Farmacologica Gianni Benzi Onlus, Bari, Italy
| | - Viviana Giannuzzi
- Fondazione per la Ricerca Farmacologica Gianni Benzi Onlus, Bari, Italy
| | - Kevin H M Kuo
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Julie Makani
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - María Del Mar Mañú-Pereira
- Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer. Vall d'Hebron Institut de recerca, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kyriaki Michailidou
- The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Siana Nkya
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Dar es Salaam University College of Education, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Obiageli E Nnodu
- Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Sara Trompeter
- University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK.,NHS Blood and Transplant, London, UK
| | - Léon Tshilolo
- Centre Hospitalier Monkole and CEFA-Institut de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | | | - Baba P D Inusa
- Paediatric Haematology, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's & St. Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Marina Kleanthous
- The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
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40
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Perera S, Allen A, Rees DC, Premawardhena A. Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of β-Thalassemia Intermedia. Hemoglobin 2021; 45:265-268. [PMID: 34612117 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2021.1981370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We present case histories of three patients who had β-thalassemia (β-thal) trait with 'unusual severity' managed as β-thal intermedia (β-TI) where the basis of disease severity could not be explained with routine hematological and genetic investigations. The clinical diagnosis of 'thalassemia intermedia' was justifiable as they had a β-thal mutation and disease severity that did not fit in with either β-thal trait or with β-thal major (β-TM). As mutations of α, β, and γ genes could not explain the unusual severity of the disease, further analysis with next-generation sequencing (NGS) for red cell diseases was carried out, which led to the diagnosis of coexisting membranopathies. This case series highlights the inherent difficulty in the diagnosis of β-TI with certainty in some patients where the genetic basis is not clear-cut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiromi Perera
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Angela Allen
- Department of Molecular Haematology, Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Centre for Tropical and Infectious Disease, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - David C Rees
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Anuja Premawardhena
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka.,Hemal's Thalassaemia Care Unit, North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Anemia has been called the fifth cardiovascular risk factor. It is one of the most prevalent pathologies worldwide. In this article, we aimed to perform a narrative review of the main cerebrovascular complications of anemia and its influence on stroke prognosis. RECENT FINDINGS Both hypoproliferative anemia (thalassemia, iron deficiency anemia, etc.) and hyperproliferative anemia (sickle cell disease, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, hereditary spherocytosis, etc.) are associated to cerebrovascular disease ranging from transient ischemic attack to ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke with both intraparenchymal hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage or cerebral venous thrombosis. Anemia is associated to a worse prognosis in patients with cerebrovascular disease In some cases, like sickle cell disease, pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic guidelines are well established, while in others, due to their rarity, there are still lack of robust data. More studies are needed to clarify how the prognosis of stroke patients with anemia could be improved.
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42
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Musallam KM, Vitrano A, Meloni A, Pollina WA, Karimi M, El-Beshlawy A, Hajipour M, Di Marco V, Ansari SH, Filosa A, Ricchi P, Ceci A, Daar S, Vlachaki E, Singer ST, Naserullah ZA, Pepe A, Scondotto S, Dardanoni G, Bonifazi F, Sankaran VG, Vichinsky E, Taher AT, Maggio A. Survival and causes of death in 2,033 patients with non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. Haematologica 2021; 106:2489-2492. [PMID: 33882642 PMCID: PMC8409024 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2021.278684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Vitrano
- Campus of Haematology Franco and Piera Cutino, AOOR Villa Sofia-V. Cervello, Palermo
| | | | | | - Mehran Karimi
- Haematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz
| | - Amal El-Beshlawy
- Department of Pediatric Haematology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo
| | - Mahmoud Hajipour
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
| | - Vito Di Marco
- Sezione di Gastroenterologia e Epatologia, Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica, University of Palermo, Palermo
| | - Saqib Hussain Ansari
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi
| | - Aldo Filosa
- Rare Blood Cell Disease Unit, "Cardarelli" Hospital, Naples
| | - Paolo Ricchi
- Rare Blood Cell Disease Unit, "Cardarelli" Hospital, Naples
| | - Adriana Ceci
- Fondazione per la Ricerca Farmacologica Gianni Benzi Onlus, Valenzano (BA)
| | - Shahina Daar
- Department of Haematology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman; Wallenberg Research Centre, Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch
| | | | - Sylvia Titi Singer
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA
| | | | - Alessia Pepe
- MRI Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio CNR-Regione Toscana, Pisa
| | | | | | - Fedele Bonifazi
- Fondazione per la Ricerca Farmacologica Gianni Benzi Onlus, Valenzano (BA)
| | - Vijay G Sankaran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA
| | - Elliott Vichinsky
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut
| | - Aurelio Maggio
- Campus of Haematology Franco and Piera Cutino, AOOR Villa Sofia-V. Cervello, Palermo.
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43
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Thalassemia and autoimmune diseases: Absence of evidence or evidence of absence? Blood Rev 2021; 52:100874. [PMID: 34404565 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2021.100874] [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] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The thalassemias are a group of inherited disorders of hemoglobin synthesis that continue to pause a global public health concern. The complex molecular and pathogenetic pathways involved in disease process lead to an array of comorbidities that require lifelong management. The disease and its treatment can also lead to alterations in immune function and a link to various autoimmune diseases has been frequently suggested. However, most data stem from single case reports and small studies that do not allow proper assessment of causal associations. Still, the high morbidity in thalassemia makes patients vulnerable to the added burden of coexisting autoimmune diseases, and special management considerations in this patient population are warranted. In this review, we explore insights and data from the literature on various autoimmune disease that have been observed in patients with thalassemia. The role of the thalassemia carrier state in modifying outcomes of patients with autoimmune diseases is also discussed.
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44
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Detection of endocrine disorders in young children with multi-transfused thalassemia major. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:165. [PMID: 34332621 PMCID: PMC8325842 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01116-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beta thalassemia major (TM) is the most common inherited genetic disorder worldwide. Patients are at risk of iron overload, which leads to various forms of tissue damage, including endocrinopathies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of endocrine disorders in young patients with multi-transfused TM receiving iron chelation therapy. METHODS The inclusion criteria included all known cases of TM according to hemoglobin electrophoresis data, aged 12 years or younger, during the study period. The patient's age, gender, parent's consanguinity, clinical examination, and types of iron chelating agents used were recorded. Serum ferritin level, complete blood count (CBC), blood glucose homeostasis, thyroid, and parathyroid functions were determined. RESULTS One hundred twenty patients met the inclusion criteria; 70% of them had malnutrition. The presence of endocrine disorders was observed in 28/120 (23.33%) patients. The most common endocrine disorders were thyroid disorders, either subclinical or clinical hypothyroidism in 11/120 (9.17%) patients, followed by abnormalities in glucose homeostasis 9/120 (7.5%). The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, and diabetes mellitus in the present study was 5 (4.17%), 4 (3.33%), and 0 (00%), respectively, while the least frequent endocrine disorder seen in our patients was hypoparathyroidism in 8/120 (6.66%). We noted that high serum ferritin levels and poor patient compliance to therapy were significantly associated with increased endocrine disorders (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99, P = 0.003 and OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16:0.93, P = 0.03, respectively). Combined chelating iron agents significantly decreased the prevalence of endocrine disorders when compared with monotherapy (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.16:0.97, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Endocrine disorders could occur in TM patients early before or equal to 12 years of life in about one-fourth of the patients. A high serum ferritin level and poor patient compliance to therapy were significantly associated with increased endocrine disorders. Combined iron-chelating agents were associated with a decreased prevalence of endocrine disorders when compared with monotherapy.
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45
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Porter J, Taher A, Viprakasit V, Kattamis A, Coates TD, Garbowski M, Dürrenberger F, Manolova V, Richard F, Cappellini MD. Oral ferroportin inhibitor vamifeport for improving iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis in β-thalassemia: current evidence and future clinical development. Expert Rev Hematol 2021; 14:633-644. [PMID: 34324404 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2021.1935854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In β-thalassemia, imbalanced globin synthesis causes reduced red blood cell survival and ineffective erythropoiesis. Suppressed hepcidin levels increase ferroportin-mediated iron transport in enterocytes, causing increased iron absorption and potentially iron overload. Low hepcidin also stimulates ferroportin-mediated iron release from macrophages, increasing transferrin saturation (TSAT), potentially forming non-transferrin-bound iron, which can be toxic. Modulating the hepcidin-ferroportin axis is an attractive strategy to improve ineffective erythropoiesis and limit the potential tissue damage resulting from iron overload. There are no oral β-thalassemia treatments that consistently ameliorate anemia and prevent iron overload. AREAS COVERED The preclinical and clinical development of vamifeport (VIT-2763), a novel ferroportin inhibitor, was reviewed. PubMed, EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched using the search term 'VIT-2763'. EXPERT OPINION Vamifeport is the first oral ferroportin inhibitor in clinical development. In healthy volunteers, vamifeport had comparable safety to placebo, was well tolerated and rapidly decreased iron levels and reduced TSAT, consistent with observations in preclinical models. Data from ongoing/planned Phase II studies are critical to define its potential in β-thalassemia and other conditions associated with iron overabsorption and/or ineffective erythropoiesis. If vamifeport potentially increases hemoglobin and reduces iron-related parameters, it could be a suitable treatment for non-transfusion-dependent and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Porter
- Professor of Haematology, Department of Haematology, University College London, Consultant in Haematology, University College London Hospitals and Head of Joint UCLH and Whittington Hospital Red Cell Unit, London, UK
| | - Ali Taher
- Professor of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Vip Viprakasit
- Professor of Pediatrics, Director, Thalassemia Research Program, Director, SiCORE in Advanced Cell & Gene Therapy Center (SiCORE-ACGT), Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics & Siriraj Thalassemia Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Antonis Kattamis
- Professor of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas D Coates
- Section Head, Hematology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Professor of Pediatrics and Pathology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maciej Garbowski
- Clinical Research Fellow, Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Franz Dürrenberger
- Head of Chemical and Preclinical R&D, Vifor (International) AG, Chemical and Preclinical Research and Development, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Vania Manolova
- Head of Biology R&D, Vifor (International) AG, Chemical and Preclinical Research and Development, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Frank Richard
- Clinical Research Director, Vifor Pharma AG, Glattbrugg, Switzerland
| | - M Domenica Cappellini
- Professor of Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Blasi FBM, Rota I, Graziadei G, Vicenzi M. The tailor-made treatment in a particular case of pulmonary hypertension in thalassaemia intermedia: a case report. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-CASE REPORTS 2021; 5:ytab193. [PMID: 34142009 PMCID: PMC8207166 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytab193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a haemodynamic condition, secondary to different causes. Thalassaemia may lead to PH of different origin and needs a comprehensive analysis to be correctly characterized and possibly treated. Case summary We present a case study of a patient with a non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia and a previous diagnosis of group 5 PH. A complete diagnostic assessment led to a specific diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic PH. Thus, we were able to start a specific therapy with riociguat that provided an improvement in terms of haemodynamic, imaging, and functional status. Discussion A correct characterization and treatment of PH are essential in order to change the patient's prognosis. Chronic thromboembolic PH is a treatable cause of PH in thalassemic patients and should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico B M Blasi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ospedale di Circolo, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.,Dyspnea Lab, Department Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Rota
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Graziadei
- General Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Rare Diseases Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Vicenzi
- Dyspnea Lab, Department Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy.,Cardiovascular Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Gu R, Xiong Y, Li L, Zhao X, Liu Y. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and aneurysm in a patient with double heterozygous beta-thalassemia major: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26082. [PMID: 34032743 PMCID: PMC8154444 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Thalassemia is an inherited disease associated with thromboembolic events (TEE) and cerebral artery disease. Here, we report a patient with beta-thalassemia presenting with intracerebral hemorrhage due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), and intracranial aneurysms were found after examination. We believe that it is very rare for this patient to have two kinds of cerebrovascular diseases. PATIENTSCONCERN A 25-year-old woman suffered from headache for nine days. She had a history of thalassemia and splenectomy nine years prior. DIAGNOSIS Intracranial hemorrhage, Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, Intracranial aneurysm and double heterozygous beta-thalassemia major. INTERVENTIONS The patient was treated with low-molecular-weight heparin sodium injection (4100IU sc q12 h) and then switched to warfarin after four days of overlap with low-molecular-weight heparin sodium injection. Oral hydroxyurea was prescribed before discharged from the hospital. OUTCOMES The patient's headache was relieved significantly within 48 h, and re-examination of CT showed that the hemorrhage was completely absorbed one week later. LESSONS CVST and intracranial aneurysms are associated with the pathological mechanism of thalassemia, and patients with beta-thalassemia should be monitored and educated for long-term prevention, especially those with risk factors.
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Wanchaitanawong W, Tantiworawit A, Piriyakhuntorn P, Rattanathammethee T, Hantrakool S, Chai-Adisaksopha C, Rattarittamrong E, Norasetthada L, Niprapan P, Fanhchaksai K, Charoenkwan P. The association between pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels and thalassemia complications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 26:1-8. [PMID: 33357151 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2020.1856513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate any association between pre-transfusion hemoglobin (Hb) levels and thalassemia complications and to identify the Hb cutoff values to predict thalassemia complications. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study in thalassemia patients who attended the Adult Hematology Clinic of the tertiary care University Hospital from October 2017 to October 2018. A point-biserial correlation was used to identify any association between Hb levels and thalassemia complications. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the diagnostic ability of Hb levels to predict thalassemia complications and identify Hb cutoff values. RESULTS Out of the 102 patients, there were 53 transfusion dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients and 49 non-transfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT) patients. In theTDT group, Hb levels showed a negative correlation with severe hepatic iron overload and hypogonadism. The cutoff Hb levels to predict severe hepatic iron overload and hypogonadism were ≤7.01 and 6.81 g/dL, respectively, at which points the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were 0.721 and 0.708, respectively. In the NTDTgroup, Hb levels were negatively correlated with hepatic iron overload, osteoporosis, and pulmonary hypertension. The cutoff values of Hb levels to predict hepatic iron overload, osteoporosis, and pulmonary hypertension were ≤8.24, 7.16, and 7.16 g/dL, respectively, at which points the AUC were 0.923, 0.715, and 0.725, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Lower Hb level was associated with more frequent complications in both TDT and NTDT patients. The Hb cutoff levels to predict these complications were identified.
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Al-Qadi M, LeVarge B, Ford HJ. Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Clinical Approach in Group 5 Pulmonary Hypertension. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 7:616720. [PMID: 33842491 PMCID: PMC8026868 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.616720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is recognized to be associated with a number of comorbid conditions. Based on these associations, PH is classified into 5 groups, considering common pathophysiologic drivers of disease, histopathologic features, clinical manifestations and course, and response to PH therapy. However, in some of these associated conditions, these characteristics are less well-understood. These include, among others, conditions commonly encountered in clinical practice such as sarcoidosis, sickle cell disease, myeloproliferative disorders, and chronic kidney disease/end stage renal disease. PH in these contexts presents a significant challenge to clinicians with respect to disease management. The most recent updated clinical classification schemata from the 6th World Symposium on PH classifies such entities in Group 5, highlighting the often unclear and/or multifactorial nature of PH. An in-depth review of the state of the science of Group 5 PH with respect to epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management is provided. Where applicable, future directions with respect to research needed to enhance understanding of the clinical course of these entities is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazen Al-Qadi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Barbara LeVarge
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - H James Ford
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Al-Zuhairy SH, Darweesh MA, Othman MAM. Relation of Serum Ferritin Level with Serum Hepcidin and Fucose Levels in Children with β-Thalassemia Major. Hemoglobin 2021; 45:69-73. [PMID: 33733981 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2021.1898419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess serum ferritin, hepcidin, L-fucose, and protein binding fucose levels in β-thalassemia major (β-TM) patients and to correlate the serum ferritin level with hepcidin and fucose levels. A total 70 (26 males and 44 females) children with β-TM, ages ranging from 5 to 16 years (mean age 8.3 ± 2.7 years) and 50 (25 males and 25 females) apparently healthy subjects with matching age and sex were included as a control group. An especially designed questionnaire was used to collect age, gender, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, hepcidin-25 peptide, α-L-fucose, and protein binding fucose (PBF) levels. β-Thalassemia major patients had significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum ferritin, fucose and PBF levels, but the serum hepcidin level was significantly (p < 0.05) lower when compared to the controls, and their levels were affected by the gender of the β-TM patients, as it was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in female in comparison to male patients. There was no significant (p > 0.05) correlation between serum ferritin with hepcidin and fucose levels as a marker of iron overload in β-TM. The regulation of hepcidin, and L-fucose levels in patients with β-TM is more affected by erythropoeitic activity than by iron overload, as there was no significant correlation between serum ferritin with hepcidin and fucose levels as a marker of iron overload in β-TM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah H Al-Zuhairy
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Misan, Amarah, Misan, Iraq
| | - Mohammed A Darweesh
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Misan, Amarah, Misan, Iraq
| | - Mohammed A-M Othman
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Misan, Amarah, Misan, Iraq
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