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Barcellini W, Fattizzo B. The evolving management algorithm for the patient with newly diagnosed cold agglutinin disease. Expert Rev Hematol 2024; 17:287-294. [PMID: 38872338 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2024.2366540] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is driven by IgM autoantibodies reactive at <37°C and able to fix complement. The activation of the classical complement pathway leads to C3-mediated extravascular hemolysis in the liver and to intravascular hemolytic crises in case of complement amplifying conditions. C3 positivity at direct Coombs test along with high titer agglutins are required for the diagnosis. Treatment is less standardized. AREAS COVERED This review recapitulates CAD diagnosis and then focus on the evolving management of the disease. Both current approach and novel targeted drugs are discussed. Literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus from 2000 to 2024 using 'CAD' and 'autoimmune hemolytic anemia' as keywords. EXPERT OPINION Rituximab represents the frontline approach in patients with symptomatic anemia or disabling cold-induced peripheral symptoms and is effective in 50-60% of cases. Refractory/relapsing patients are an unmet need and may now benefit from complement inhibitors, particularly the anti-C1s sutimlimab, effective in controlling hemolysis thus improving anemia in >80% of patients, but not active on cold-induced peripheral symptoms. Novel drugs include long-acting complement inhibitors, plasma cells, and B-cell targeting agents (proteasome inhibitors, anti-CD38, BTKi, PI3Ki, anti-BAFF). Combination therapy may be the future answer to CAD unmet needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilma Barcellini
- SC Ematologia, SS Fisiopatologia delle Anemie, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- SC Ematologia, SS Fisiopatologia delle Anemie, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Berentsen S, Vos JMI, Malecka A, Tjønnfjord GE, D'Sa S. The impact of individual clinical features in cold agglutinin disease: hemolytic versus non-hemolytic symptoms. Expert Rev Hematol 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38938203 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2024.2372333] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the last decades, the pathogenesis of cold agglutinin disease (CAD) has been well elucidated and shown to be complex. Several documented or investigational therapies have been made available. This development has resulted in major therapeutic advances, but also in challenges in choice of therapy. AREAS COVERED In this review, we address each step in pathogenesis: bone marrow clonal lymphoproliferation, composition and effects of monoclonal cold agglutinin, non-complement mediated erythrocyte agglutination, complement-dependent hemolysis, and other effects of complement activation. We also discuss the heterogeneous clinical features and their relation to specific steps in pathogenesis, in particular with respect to the impact of complement involvement. CAD can be classified into three clinical phenotypes with consequences for established treatments as well as development of new therapies. Some promising future treatment approaches - beyond chemoimmunotherapy and complement inhibition - are reviewed. EXPERT OPINION The patient's individual clinical profile regarding complement involvement and hemolytic versus non-hemolytic features is important for the choice of treatment. Further development of treatment approaches is encouraged, and some candidate drugs are promising irrespective of clinical phenotype. Patients with CAD requiring therapy should be considered for inclusion in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigbjørn Berentsen
- Department of Research and Innovation, Haugesund Hospital, Helse Fonna Hospital Trust, Haugesund, Norway
| | | | - Agnieszka Malecka
- Department of Haematology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Geir E Tjønnfjord
- Department of Haematology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shirley D'Sa
- UCLH Centre for Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia and Related Conditions, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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3
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Plante MM, Wang J, Alhaj Moustafa M. 73-Year-Old Man With Worsening Hematuria. Mayo Clin Proc 2024:S0025-6196(23)00523-2. [PMID: 38912987 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marie M Plante
- Resident in Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Jing Wang
- Resident in Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Muhamad Alhaj Moustafa
- Advisor to residents and Consultant in Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL.
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Berentsen S. Cold-antibody Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: its Association with Neoplastic Disease and Impact on Therapy. Curr Oncol Rep 2024:10.1007/s11912-024-01569-8. [PMID: 38874820 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-024-01569-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cold-antibody mediated autoimmune hemolytic anemia (cAIHA) is subclassified as cold agglutinin disease (CAD), secondary cold agglutinin syndrome (CAS), and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH). This review aims to address the occurrence of neoplastic disorders with these three entities and analyze the impact of such neoplasias on treatment for cAIHA. RECENT FINDINGS "Primary" CAD is a distinct clonal B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder in probably all cases, although not classified as a malignant lymphoma. CAS is secondary to malignant lymphoma in a minority of cases. Recent findings allow a further clarification of these differential diagnoses and the therapeutic consequences of specific neoplastic entities. Appropriate diagnostic workup is critical for therapy in cAIHA. Patients with CAD should be treated if they have symptomatic anemia, significant fatigue, or bothersome circulatory symptoms. The distinction between CAD and CAS and the presence of any underlying malignancy in CAS have essential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigbjørn Berentsen
- Department of Research and Innovation, Haugesund Hospital, Helse Fonna Hospital Trust, Haugesund, Norway.
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5
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Ito S, Wang D, Purcell A, Chetlapalli K, Lee AI, Cuker A, Goshua G. Cost-effectiveness of sutimlimab in cold agglutinin disease. Am J Hematol 2024. [PMID: 38733355 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Primary cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia caused by cold-reactive antibodies that bind to red blood cells and lead to complement-mediated hemolysis. Patients with primary CAD experience the burden of increased health resource utilization and reduced quality of life. The standard-of-care (SOC) in patients with primary CAD has included cold avoidance, transfusion support, and chemoimmunotherapy. The use of sutimlimab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits C1-mediated hemolysis, was shown to reduce transfusion-dependence and improve quality of life across two pivotal phase 3 studies, further supported by 2-year extension data. Using data from the transfusion-dependent patient population that led to sutimlimab's initial FDA approval, we performed the first-ever cost-effectiveness analysis in primary CAD. The projected incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in our Markov model was $2 340 000/QALY, significantly above an upper-end conventional US willingness-to-pay threshold of $150 000/QALY. These results are consistent across scenarios of higher body weight and a pan-refractory SOC patient phenotype (i.e., treated sequentially with bendamustine-rituximab, bortezomib, ibrutinib, and eculizumab). No parameter variations in deterministic sensitivity analyses changed our conclusion. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, SOC was favored over sutimlimab in 100% of 10 000 iterations. Exploratory threshold analyses showed that significant price reduction (>80%) or time-limited treatment (<18 months) followed by lifelong clinical remission off sutimlimab would allow sutimlimab to become cost-effective. The impact of sutimlimab on health system costs with longer term follow-up data merits future study and consideration through a distributional cost-effectiveness framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Ito
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Daniel Wang
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | | - Alfred I Lee
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Adam Cuker
- Department of Medicine and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - George Goshua
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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6
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Michel M. [Sutimlimab for cold agglutinin disease, a newcomer among complement inhibitors in immunohematology]. Rev Med Interne 2024; 45:255-257. [PMID: 38719668 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2024.04.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- M Michel
- Service de médecine interne, centre de référence sur les cytopénies auto-immunes de l'adulte, CHU Henri-Mondor, université Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France.
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7
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Jalink M, Yan MTS, Cohn CS, Eichbaum QG, Fung MK, Lu W, Murphy MF, Pagano MB, Stanworth SJ, Shih AW. Systematic review for the serological testing for cold agglutinins: The BEST collaborative study. Transfusion 2024. [PMID: 38642020 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marit Jalink
- Center for Clinical Transfusion Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew T S Yan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Claudia S Cohn
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Quentin G Eichbaum
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mark K Fung
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Wen Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael F Murphy
- NHS Blood and Transplant, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Monica B Pagano
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Washington, USA
| | - Simon J Stanworth
- NHS Blood and Transplant, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew W Shih
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Datta SS, Berentsen S. Management of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in low-to-middle income countries: current challenges and the way forward. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. SOUTHEAST ASIA 2024; 23:100343. [PMID: 38601175 PMCID: PMC11004394 DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2023.100343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is a common term for several disorders that differ from one another in terms of aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment. Therapy is becoming increasingly differentiated and evidence-based, and several new established and investigational therapeutic approaches have appeared during recent years. While this development has resulted in therapeutic improvements, it also carries increased medical and financial requirements for optimal diagnosis, subgrouping, and individualization of therapy, including the use of more advanced laboratory tests and expensive drugs. In this brief Viewpoint review, we first summarize the diagnostic workup of AIHA subgroups and the respective therapies that are currently considered optimal. We then compare these principles with real-world data from India, the world's largest nation by population and a typical low-to-middle income country. We identify major deficiencies and limitations in general and laboratory resources, real-life diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic practices. Incomplete diagnostic workup, overuse of corticosteroids, lack of access to more specific treatments, and poor follow-up of patients are the rule more than exceptions. Although it may not seem realistic to resolve all challenges, we try to outline some ways towards an improved management of patients with AIHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvro Sankha Datta
- Tata Medical Centre, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sigbjørn Berentsen
- Department of Research and Innovation, Haugesund Hospital, Helse Fonna Hospital Trust, Haugesund, Norway
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Mohamed A, Alkhatib M, Alshurafa A, El Omri H. Refractory cold agglutinin disease successfully treated with daratumumab. A case report and review of literature. Hematology 2023; 28:2252651. [PMID: 37664905 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2023.2252651] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. The disease is caused by cold reactive autoantibodies that induce hemolysis through the activation of the complement pathway. Most patients with CAD are elderly, and half may have refractory CAD that may not respond to the first-line treatment option (i.e. rituximab). Some cases are refractory to multiple lines of therapy, including chemotherapeutic agents, which might be toxic, especially for elderly patients. Daratumumab is a human monoclonal antibody targeting CD 38 glycoprotein, a transmembrane protein highly expressed in lymphoid and plasma cells. Daratumumab is currently approved for treating multiple myeloma and is used mainly as a combination therapy with other agents. CASE PRESENTATION Our patient is a 69-year-old female diagnosed with CAD after presenting with severe anemia and significant circulatory symptoms. Rituximab was not effective in controlling her disease, and she refused other available chemotherapeutic agents due to their side effects profile. We used daratumumab combined with erythropoietin, which led to a dramatic response measured by stabilizing her hemoglobin levels and transfusion independence. CONCLUSION Our case is the third reported case of refractory CAD successfully treated with daratumumab, which suggests that daratumumab might be a potential agent for the treatment and control of refractory Cold Agglutinin Disease.
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10
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Vanani NB, Bejarano E, Bequest A, Levine D. The Importance of Early Suspicion for Cold Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. Cureus 2023; 15:e49160. [PMID: 38130544 PMCID: PMC10733896 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia (cAIHA) is a form of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) that most often involves agglutinin antibodies that specifically react to cold temperatures. This process most commonly involves an immunoglobulin M (IgM)-mediated agglutination of erythrocytes and can result in complement-mediated hemolysis, which can range greatly in severity from case to case. Here, we present a case of cAIHA in a 64-year-old male who presented with rapidly progressive and severe hemolytic anemia, which resulted in irreversible decompensation. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for cAIHA in patients older adult patients with a previous history of autoimmune hematologic diseases presenting in a rapidly progressive hemolytic state, which can allow for prompt diagnosis, treatment, and mitigation of adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Bejarano
- Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Andrea Bequest
- Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Douglas Levine
- Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
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11
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Raes M, De Becker A, Blanckaert J, Balthazar T, De Ridder S, Mekeirele M, Verbrugge FH, Poelaert J, Taccone FS. Veno-venous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation in a COVID-19 patient with cold-agglutinin haemolytic anaemia: A case report. Perfusion 2023; 38:1746-1750. [PMID: 36128692 PMCID: PMC9490382 DOI: 10.1177/02676591221127932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OVERVIEW The use of extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy to treat severe COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure is increasing worldwide. We reported herein the use of veno-venous ECMO in a patient with cold agglutinin haemolytic anaemia (CAHA) who suffered from severe COVID-19 infection. DESCRIPTION A 64-year-old man presented to the emergency department (ED) with incremental complaints of dyspnoea and cough since one week. His history consisted of CAHA, which responded well to corticosteroid treatment. Because of severe hypoxemia, urgent intubation and mechanical ventilation were necessary. Despite deep sedation, muscle paralysis and prone ventilation, P/F ratio remained low. Though his history of CAHA, he still was considered for VV-ECMO. As lab results pointed to recurrence of CAHA, corticosteroids and rituximab were started. The VV-ECMO run was short and rather uncomplicated. Although, despite treatment, CAHA persisted and caused important complications of intestinal ischemia, which needed multiple surgical interventions. Finally, the patient suffered from progressive liver failure, thought to be secondary to ischemic cholangitis. One month after admission, therapy was stopped and patient passed away. CONCLUSION Our case report shows that CAHA is no contraindication for VV-ECMO, even when both titre and thermal amplitude are high. Although, the aetiology of CAHA and its response to therapy will determine the final outcome of those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Raes
- Department of Critical Care, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Belgium
- Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Care, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB), Laarbeeklaan, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - Ann De Becker
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
- Department of Haematology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB), Laarbeeklaan, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Blanckaert
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB), Laarbeeklaan, Belgium
| | - Tim Balthazar
- Department of Critical Care, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Belgium
| | - Simon De Ridder
- Department of Critical Care, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - Michael Mekeirele
- Department of Critical Care, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - Frederik Hendrik Verbrugge
- Department of Critical Care, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Belgium
- Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jan Poelaert
- Department of Critical Care, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan, Belgium
- Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Care, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB), Laarbeeklaan, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
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Turudic D, Dejanovic Bekic S, Mucavac L, Pavlovic M, Milosevic D, Bilic E. Case report: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia caused by warm and cold autoantibodies with complement activation-etiological and therapeutic issues. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1217536. [PMID: 37794962 PMCID: PMC10546200 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1217536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Research on mixed warm and cold autoantibodies in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) targeting erythrocytes [red blood cells (RBCs)] and platelets is scarcely reported. Case presentation In this study, we present the case of a 5-year-old boy with positive direct [anti-IgG (1+), anti-IgG-C3d (3+)], and indirect antiglobulin (Coombs) tests. The RBCs were coated with polyspecific-positive, warm IgG autoantibodies alongside activated complement components. Plasma-containing immunoglobulin M (IgM) class autoantibodies were found in 1:64 titers with a wide temperature range of 4°C-37°C. The platelets were also coated with IgM autoantibodies. There was a reduction in the levels of the classical and alternative complement pathways, such as C3, C4, ADAMTS13 metalloprotease activity, factor H antigen, complement factor B antigen, and C1q antigen alongside the elevated sC5b-9 terminal complement complex. Hematuria and/or proteinuria, reduced diuresis, and elevated levels of serum creatinine were absent. The kidney ultrasound report was normal. A recent combination of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was found. The first-line treatment consisted of intravenous methylprednisolone [4 mg/kg/body weight for the first 72 h (q12 h), followed by 2 mg/kg body weight for 21 consecutive days with a slow steroid reduction until plasmapheresis (PLEX)]. After the patient showed limited response to corticosteroid therapy, rituximab (375 mg/m2) was administered once a week (five doses in total), with vitamins B9 and B12. These strategies also showed limited (partial) therapeutic benefits. Therefore, the treatment was switched to PLEX (five cycles in total) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (1 g/kg/5 days). This combination significantly improved RBC count and platelet levels, and C3 and C4 levels returned to normal. A follow-up of 2.5 years after treatment showed no sign of relapse. A genetic analysis revealed a rare heterozygous intronic variation (c.600-14C > T) and heterozygous Y402H polymorphism of the CFH gene. c.600-14C > T mutation was located near the 5' end of exon 6 in the gene encoding the complement C3 protein of unknown significance. We presumed that the complement regulators in our patient were sufficient to control complement activation and that complement blockade should be reserved only for devastating, life-threatening complement-related multiorgan failure. Conclusion We believe that EBV and CMV triggered AIHA, thus activating the complement cascade. Hence, we used corticosteroids, rituximab, vitamins B9 + B12, PLEX, and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) as treatment. Final remission was achieved with PLEX and FFP. However, an additional late effect of B12 rituximab and the disappearance of long-lived circulating plasma cells should not be completely ignored. Complement activation with a genetic background should be assessed in severe warm and cold hemolytic anemias caused by autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Turudic
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sara Dejanovic Bekic
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Mucavac
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Pavlovic
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Danko Milosevic
- Croatian Academy of Medical Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pediatrics, Zabok General Hospital and the Croatian Veterans Hospital, Zabok, Bračak, Croatia
| | - Ernest Bilic
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Mulder FVM, Evers D, de Haas M, Cruijsen MJ, Bernelot Moens SJ, Barcellini W, Fattizzo B, Vos JMI. Severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia; epidemiology, clinical management, outcomes and knowledge gaps. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1228142. [PMID: 37795092 PMCID: PMC10545865 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an acquired hemolytic disorder, mediated by auto-antibodies, and has a variable clinical course ranging from fully compensated low grade hemolysis to severe life-threatening cases. The rarity, heterogeneity and incomplete understanding of severe AIHA complicate the recognition and management of severe cases. In this review, we describe how severe AIHA can be defined and what is currently known of the severity and outcome of AIHA. There are no validated predictors for severe clinical course, but certain risk factors for poor outcomes (hospitalisation, transfusion need and mortality) can aid in recognizing severe cases. Some serological subtypes of AIHA (warm AIHA with complement positive DAT, mixed, atypical) are associated with lower hemoglobin levels, higher transfusion need and mortality. Currently, there is no evidence-based therapeutic approach for severe AIHA. We provide a general approach for the management of severe AIHA patients, incorporating monitoring, supportive measures and therapeutic options based on expert opinion. In cases where steroids fail, there is a lack of rapidly effective therapeutic options. In this era, numerous novel therapies are emerging for AIHA, including novel complement inhibitors, such as sutimlimab. Their potential in severe AIHA is discussed. Future research efforts are needed to gain a clearer picture of severe AIHA and develop prediction models for severe disease course. It is crucial to incorporate not only clinical characteristics but also biomarkers that are associated with pathophysiological differences and severity, to enhance the accuracy of prediction models and facilitate the selection of the optimal therapeutic approach. Future clinical trials should prioritize the inclusion of severe AIHA patients, particularly in the quest for rapidly acting novel agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke V. M. Mulder
- Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Translational Immunohematology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dorothea Evers
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Masja de Haas
- Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Translational Immunohematology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Immunohematology Diagnostics, Sanquin Diagnostic Services, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Sophie J. Bernelot Moens
- Department of Hematology and Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- Department of Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- Department of Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Josephine M. I. Vos
- Department of Immunohematology Diagnostics, Sanquin Diagnostic Services, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology and Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Osorio-Toro LM, Quintana-Ospina JH, Melo-Burbano LÁ, Ruiz-Jiménez PA, Daza-Arana JE, Rivas-Tafurt GP, Izquierdo-Loaiza JH. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Caused by Cold Agglutinin Antibodies in Systemic Lupus erythematosus-a Rare Association: Case Report. J Blood Med 2023; 14:507-511. [PMID: 37692069 PMCID: PMC10488652 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s420937] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemias (AIHAs) are rare and heterogeneous disorders characterized by the destruction of red blood cells by warm or cold antibodies. Hemolytic anemia associated with warm antibodies is the most common, whereas cold antibodies are rare and infrequent in cases published in the scientific literature. Herein, we present the case of a young patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia caused by cold antibodies. Initially, infectious etiology and hematological malignancy were considered, which were ruled out. She required management in the intensive care unit due to severe hematological involvement and responded well to immunomodulatory therapy. This case illustrates the importance of a strong clinical suspicion of AIHA due to cold agglutinins associated with SLE when faced with similar clinical symptoms in order to achieve a timely diagnosis and provide optimal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Miguel Osorio-Toro
- Specialization in Internal Medicine, Department of Health, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
- Department of Research and Education, Clínica de Occidente S.A, Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
- Genetics, Physiology, and Metabolism Research Group (GEFIME), Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
| | - Jhon Herney Quintana-Ospina
- Specialization in Internal Medicine, Department of Health, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
- Department of Research and Education, Clínica de Occidente S.A, Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
- Genetics, Physiology, and Metabolism Research Group (GEFIME), Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
| | - Luis Álvaro Melo-Burbano
- Specialization in Internal Medicine, Department of Health, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
- Department of Research and Education, Clínica de Occidente S.A, Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
- Genetics, Physiology, and Metabolism Research Group (GEFIME), Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
| | - Paola Andrea Ruiz-Jiménez
- Specialization in Internal Medicine, Department of Health, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
- Department of Research and Education, Clínica de Occidente S.A, Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
- Genetics, Physiology, and Metabolism Research Group (GEFIME), Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
| | - Jorge Enrique Daza-Arana
- Specialization in Internal Medicine, Department of Health, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
- Health and Movement Research Group, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
| | - Giovanna Patricia Rivas-Tafurt
- Specialization in Internal Medicine, Department of Health, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
- Department of Research and Education, Clínica de Occidente S.A, Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
| | - Jorge Hernán Izquierdo-Loaiza
- Specialization in Internal Medicine, Department of Health, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
- Department of Research and Education, Clínica de Occidente S.A, Santiago de Cali, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
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15
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Balaja W, Schmidt P, Fenando A. Cold agglutinin disease: A case report with atypical clinical findings. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2023; 11:2050313X231191899. [PMID: 37654547 PMCID: PMC10467205 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x231191899] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A female in her 60s presented to the allergy and immunology clinic for further investigation of ongoing dermatitis. She presented with chronic acrocyanosis, mainly in her left lower extremity, extending distally from her mid thigh with concurrent ulcerations in her foot resulting in immobility secondary to pain. She experienced these symptoms for years without a definitive diagnosis. The lack of diagnosis was due, in part, to her atypical symptoms and laboratory findings that required a high level of clinical suspicion to diagnose. Extensive autoimmune workup was largely unrevealing with the exception of a cold agglutinin titer of 1:250 and a positive anticomplement C3b direct antiglobulin test. A diagnosis of cold agglutinin disease was made and treatment with rituximab monotherapy was initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Balaja
- Department of Rheumatology & Internal Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Paul Schmidt
- Department of Rheumatology & Internal Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Ardy Fenando
- Department of Rheumatology & Internal Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA
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16
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Moore DC, Arnall JR. Sutimlimab: A Complement C1s Inhibitor for the Management of Cold Agglutinin Disease-Associated Hemolysis. Ann Pharmacother 2023; 57:970-977. [PMID: 36476151 DOI: 10.1177/10600280221138802] [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] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, dosing and administration, and place in therapy of sutimlimab for the management of cold agglutinin disease (CAD)-associated hemolysis. DATA SOURCES A literature search of PubMed (1966-October 2022) was conducted using the keywords sutimlimab, BIVV009, and cold agglutinin. Data were also obtained from prescribing information, meeting abstracts, and clinicaltrials.gov. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All published prospective clinical trials, prescribing information, and meeting abstracts on sutimlimab for the treatment of CAD were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS Sutimlimab is a first-in-class complement C1s inhibitor indicated for the treatment of CAD-associated hemolysis. This approval was based on the phase III CARDINAL trial, which evaluated sutimlimab in patients with CAD-associated hemolysis. The primary endpoint of achieving a hemoglobin of ≥12 g/dL or increase of ≥2 above baseline was achieved by 54% of patients with sutimlimab in the 26-week trial. The phase III CADENZA trial was a placebo-controlled trial in which sutimlimab has demonstrated a significant improvement in the composite endpoint of hemoglobin increase of ≥1.5 g/dL, avoidance of transfusion, and avoidance of additional CAD therapies (73% sutimlimab vs 15% placebo). RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE IN COMPARISON WITH EXISTING DRUGS Sutimlimab rapidly halts hemolysis, improves hemoglobin, and improves quality-of-life in patients with CAD. Safety issues with sutimlimab include infusion-related reactions and risk of serious infections with encapsulated bacteria. CONCLUSIONS Sutimlimab provides an additional therapeutic option in the treatment of CAD-associated hemolysis that can lead to rapid improvement in hemoglobin and anemia-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald C Moore
- Department of Pharmacy, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Justin R Arnall
- Specialty Pharmacy Service, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
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17
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de Boer ECW, Jalink M, Delvasto-Nuñez L, Meulenbroek EM, Baas I, Janssen SR, Folman CC, Gelderman KA, Wouters D, Engel MD, de Haas M, Kersten MJ, Jongerius I, Zeerleder S, Vos JMI. C1-inhibitor treatment in patients with severe complement-mediated autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Blood Adv 2023; 7:3128-3139. [PMID: 36920779 PMCID: PMC10362545 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022009402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Complement-mediated (CM) autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is characterized by the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) by autoantibodies that activate the classical complement pathway. These antibodies also reduce transfusion efficacy via the lysis of donor RBCs. Because C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) is an endogenous regulator of the classical complement pathway, we hypothesized that peritransfusional C1-INH in patients with severe CM-AIHA reduces complement activation and hemolysis, and thus enhances RBC transfusion efficacy. We conducted a prospective, single-center, phase 2, open-label trial (EudraCT2012-003710-13). Patients with confirmed CM-AIHA and indication for the transfusion of 2 RBC units were eligible for inclusion. Four IV C1-INH doses (6000, 3000, 2000, and 1000 U) were administered with 12-hour intervals around RBC transfusion. Serial blood samples were analyzed for hemolytic activity, RBC opsonization, complement activation, and inflammation markers. Ten patients were included in the study. C1-INH administration increased plasma C1-INH antigen and activity, peaking at 48 hours after the first dose and accompanied by a significant reduction of RBC C3d deposition. Hemoglobin levels increased briefly after transfusion but returned to baseline within 48 hours. Overall, markers of hemolysis, inflammation, and complement activation remained unchanged. Five grade 3 and 1 grade 4 adverse event occurred but were considered unrelated to the study medication. In conclusion, peritransfusional C1-INH temporarily reduced complement activation. However, C1-INH failed to halt hemolytic activity in severe transfusion-dependent-CM-AIHA. We cannot exclude that posttransfusional hemolytic activity would have been even higher without C1-INH. The potential of complement inhibition on transfusion efficacy in severe CM-AIHA remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther C. W. de Boer
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marit Jalink
- Department of Clinical Transfusion Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Sanquin Blood Supply, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Delvasto-Nuñez
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth M. Meulenbroek
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Inge Baas
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne R. Janssen
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia C. Folman
- Department of Immunohematology Diagnostics, Sanquin, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Diana Wouters
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Marije D. Engel
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Masja de Haas
- Department of Clinical Transfusion Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunohematology Diagnostics, Sanquin, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marie José Kersten
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam and Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ilse Jongerius
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sacha Zeerleder
- Department of Hematology, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Luzern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Josephine M. I. Vos
- Department of Immunohematology Diagnostics, Sanquin, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam and Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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18
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Cavallaro F, Barcellini W, Fattizzo B. Antibody based therapeutics for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:1227-1237. [PMID: 37874225 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2274912] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) treatment has been revolutionized by the introduction of target therapies, mainly monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). AREAS COVERED The anti-CD20 rituximab, which targets Ab production by B-cells, induces 80% of response in warm-type AIHA (wAIHA) and 50-60% in cold agglutinin disease (CAD). Other B-cell targeting MoAbs including ianalumab, povetacicept, and obexelimab are under active study. The anti-CD38 MoAb daratumumab has been used in several reports to target long-lived plasma-cells responsible for AIHA relapse, being effective even in multi-refractory cases. Anti-complement MoAbs will soon change the treatment paradigm in CAD; the anti-C1s sutimlimab rapidly increased Hb in more than 80% of the cases. Finally, MoAbs inhibiting the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), such as nipocalimab, can reduce the half-life of the pathogenic autoAbs, representing a promising treatment for wAIHA. EXPERT OPINION MoAbs offer the potential to improve efficacy by reducing toxicity. However, there is a huge need for clinical trials exploring response duration rather than short-term efficacy. Complement inhibitors and anti-FcRns do not abrogate autoAb production and are being developed as long-term therapies. Thus, the combination of B-cell/plasma cell targeting drugs deserves to be explored. On the other hand, their rapid efficacy should be exploited for the acute AIHA phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cavallaro
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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19
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Bortolotti M, Barcellini W, Fattizzo B. Molecular pharmacology in complement-mediated hemolytic disorders. Eur J Haematol 2023. [PMID: 37308291 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14026] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of complement mediated hemolytic disorders, such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), cold agglutinin disease (CAD), warm type autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) with complement activation (wAIHA), and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), paved the way to the therapeutic shift from purely supportive approaches to complement-targeted therapies. This resulted in a significant improvement in disease management, survival, and quality of life. In this review, we will provide a snapshot of novel therapies for complement-mediated hemolytic anemias with a focus on those ready to use in clinical practice. C5 inhibitors eculizumab and the long-acting ravulizumab, are the established gold standard for untreated PNH patients, whilst the C3 inhibitor pegcetacoplan should be considered for suboptimal responders to anti-C5 drugs. Several additional compounds targeting the complement cascade at different levels (other C5 inhibitors, factor B and D inhibitors) are under active investigation with promising results. In CAD, immunosuppression with rituximab remains the first-line. However, recently FDA and EMA approved the anti-C1s monoclonal antibody, sutimlimab, that showed dramatic responses and whose regulatory approval is soon awaited in many countries. Other drugs under investigation in AIHA include the C3 inhibitor pegcetacoplan, and the anti-C1q ANX005 for warm AIHA with complement activation. Finally, aHUS is an indication for complement inhibitors. Eculizumab and ravulizumab have been approved, whilst other C5 inhibitors, and novel lectin pathway inhibitors are under active investigation in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bortolotti
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Oncohematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Oncohematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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20
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Gelbenegger G, Berentsen S, Jilma B. Monoclonal antibodies for treatment of cold agglutinin disease. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:395-406. [PMID: 37128907 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2209265] [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: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a difficult-to-treat autoimmune hemolytic anemia and B cell lymphoproliferative disorder associated with fatigue, acrocyanosis and a risk of thromboembolic events. Cold-induced binding of autoantibodies agglutinates red blood cells and triggers the classical complement pathway, leading to predominantly extravascular hemolysis. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes clinical and experimental antibody-based treatments for CAD and analyzes the risks and benefits of B cell and complement directed therapies, and discusses potential future treatments for CAD. EXPERT OPINION Conventional treatment of CAD includes a B cell targeted treatment approach with rituximab, yielding only limited treatment success. Addition of a cytotoxic agent (e.g. bendamustine) increases efficacy but this is accompanied by an increased risk of neutropenia and infection. Novel complement-directed therapies have emerged and were shown to have a good efficacy against hemolysis and safety profile but are expensive and unable to address circulatory symptoms. Complement inhibition with sutimlimab may be used as a bridging strategy until B cell directed therapy with rituximab takes effect or continued indefinitely if needed. Future antibody-based treatment approaches for CAD involve the further development of complement-directed antibodies, combination of rituximab and bortezomib, and daratumumab. Non-antibody based prospective treatments may include the use of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Gelbenegger
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sigbjørn Berentsen
- Department of Research and Innovation, Haugesund Hospital, Haugesund, Norway
| | - Bernd Jilma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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21
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Berentsen S. Sutimlimab for the Treatment of Cold Agglutinin Disease. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e879. [PMID: 37153870 PMCID: PMC10155901 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia and a bone marrow clonal lymphoproliferative disorder. Hemolysis in CAD is complement-dependent and mediated by the classical activation pathway. Patients also frequently suffer from fatigue and cold-induced circulatory symptoms. Although not all patients need treatment, the symptom burden has previously been underestimated. Effective therapies target the clonal lymphoproliferation or the complement activation. Sutimlimab, a humanized monoclonal IgG4 antibody that binds and inactivates complement protein C1s, is the most extensively investigated complement inhibitor for the treatment of CAD. This review addresses the preclinical studies of sutimlimab and the studies of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. We then describe and discuss the prospective clinical trials that established sutimlimab as a rapidly acting, highly efficacious, and low-toxic therapeutic agent. This complement inhibitor does not improve the cold-induced circulatory symptoms, which are not complement-mediated. Sutimlimab is approved for the treatment of CAD in the US, Japan, and the European Union. A tentative therapeutic algorithm is presented. The choice of therapy for CAD should be based on an individual assessment, and patients requiring therapy should be considered for inclusion in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigbjørn Berentsen
- Department of Research and Innovation, Haugesund Hospital, Helse Fonna Hospital Trust, Haugesund, Norway
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22
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Nagahata K, Suzuki C, Takahashi H. Spurious macrocytic anaemia in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: cold agglutinin disease. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:1485-1486. [PMID: 36754909 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06536-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Nagahata
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, South 1-West 16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8543, Japan.
| | - Chisako Suzuki
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, South 1-West 16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8543, Japan
| | - Hiroki Takahashi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, South 1-West 16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8543, Japan
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23
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Jalal Eldin A, Thomas R, Gibson G, Abongwa D, Hassan I, Tabot Tabot MK, Singh G, Sarma R. Hemolytic Anemia in the Setting of Atypical Pneumonia: A Case of Cold Agglutinin Disease. Cureus 2023; 15:e39734. [PMID: 37398820 PMCID: PMC10310400 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cold agglutinin hemolytic anemia (cAHA) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of cold agglutinins. We present a case of secondary cAHA in a 23-year-old female with severe anemia and unexplained hemolysis. The patient exhibited findings indicative of hemolysis and a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) with complement alone. Additional investigations revealed incidental lung infiltrates, negative serology for infections and autoimmune diseases, and a low cold agglutinin titer. The patient showed a favorable response to doxycycline and supportive therapy, including multiple packed red blood cell transfusions. At the two-week follow-up, the patient had a stable hemoglobin level with no evidence of ongoing hemolysis. This case highlights the importance of considering secondary cAHA in patients with cold symptoms or unexplained hemolysis. Primary cAHA patients may require more aggressive treatment, including rituximab and sutilumab.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roshni Thomas
- Internal Medicine, Howard University Hospital, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Gary Gibson
- Internal Medicine, Howard University Hospital, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Davis Abongwa
- Internal Medicine, Howard University Hospital, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Israa Hassan
- Internal Medicine, Howard University Hospital, Washington, D.C., USA
| | | | - Gagan Singh
- Internal Medicine, Howard University Hospital, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Ravi Sarma
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Howard University Hospital, Washington, D.C., USA
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24
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Thompson TZ, Krull AA, Strasburg DJ, Adamski J, Jacob EK, DiGuardo MA. Collection and processing of hematopoietic progenitor cell products at risk of presenting with cold agglutination. Cytotherapy 2023:S1465-3249(23)00065-8. [PMID: 37045729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.03.003] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Cold agglutinins are commonly identified in transfusion laboratories and are defined by their ability to agglutinate erythrocytes at 3-4°C, with most demonstrating a titer >64. Similarly, cryoglobulins can precipitate from plasma when temperatures drop below central body temperature, resulting in erythrocyte agglutination. Thankfully, disease associated from these autoantibodies is rare, but unfortunately, such temperature ranges are routinely encountered outside of the body's circulation, as in an extracorporeal circuit during hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) collection or human cell therapy laboratory processing. When agglutination occurs ex vivo, complications with the collection and product may be encountered, resulting in adverse events or product loss. Here, we endeavor to share our experience in preventing and responding to known cases at risk of or spontaneous HPC agglutination in our human cell therapy laboratory. CASE REPORTS Four cases of HPC products at risk for, or spontaneously, agglutinating were seen at our institution from 2018 to 2020. Planned modifications occurred, including ambient room temperature increases, tandem draw and return blood warmers, warm product transport and extended post-thaw warming occurred. In addition, unplanned modifications were undertaken, including warm HPC product processing and plasma replacement of the product when spontaneous agglutination of the product was identified. All recipients successfully engrafted after infusion. CONCLUSIONS While uncommon, cold agglutination of HPC products can disrupt standard processes of collection and processing. Protocol modifications can circumvent adverse events for the donor and minimize product loss. Such process modifications should be considered in individuals with known risks for agglutination going to HPC donation/collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Z Thompson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ashley A Krull
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Dustin J Strasburg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jill Adamski
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Eapen K Jacob
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Margaret A DiGuardo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
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25
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Guevara NA, Perez E, Sanchez J, Rosado F, Sequeira Gross HG, Fulger I. A Case Report of Cold Agglutinin Disease, Severe B12 Deficiency, and Pernicious Anemia: A Deadly Coincidence. Cureus 2023; 15:e38208. [PMID: 37252560 PMCID: PMC10224745 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Anemia is the most common hematological disorder. It is commonly a manifestation of an underlying disease. Its causes are multifactorial, including but not limited to nutritional deficiencies, chronic conditions, inflammatory processes, medications, malignancy, renal dysfunction, hereditary diseases, and bone marrow disorders. We present a case of a patient exhibiting anemia related to cold agglutin disease and severe B12 deficiency secondary to pernicious anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Esmirna Perez
- Internal Medicine, St. Barnabas Hospital Health System, Bronx, USA
| | - Jorge Sanchez
- Internal Medicine, St. Barnabas Hospital Health System, Bronx, USA
| | - Flor Rosado
- Internal Medicine, St. Barnabas Hospital Health System, Bronx, USA
| | | | - Ilmana Fulger
- Internal Medicine, Department of Hematology-Oncology, St. Barnabas Hospital Health System, Bronx, USA
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26
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Current Status of Peptide Medications and the Position of Active Therapeutic Peptides with Scorpion Venom Origin. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2023. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp-134049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
: Peptides are highly potent, selective, and relatively safe therapeutics. Over the past two decades, natural peptides have been obtained, studied, and eventually approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to advancements in identification, production, modification, and analytical technologies. Some peptide therapeutics has been derived from the venom gland of venomous animals, including snake, leech, lizard, snail, and scorpion. Scorpion was identified as a reservoir of important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. The scorpion uses these peptides for capturing prey and defense. However, their pharmacological properties in treating different diseases, including cardiac problems, autoimmune and infectious diseases, and diverse cancers, have been confirmed. Ion channel modifiers are the greatest components of the scorpion venom glands. Due to advances in proteomic and transcriptomic approaches, the identification of new scorpion venom peptides is steadily increasing. In this review, we tried to represent the current status of peptide medicines and describe the last peptide medications approved by FDA in 2022. Moreover, we will further explain potent peptides originating from scorpion venom, which have gone through important steps to be approved.
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Bartolmäs T, Pruß A, Mayer B. Three different pathways of IgM-antibody-dependent hemolysis are mainly regulated by complement. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1114509. [PMID: 36817469 PMCID: PMC9933241 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1114509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies to red blood cells (RBCs) may hemolyze erythrocytes via Fc-mediated phagocytosis or complement-dependent. Complement activation on RBCs can be detected by C3d-direct antiglobulin test (DAT), which is the only test in immune hematology that directly targets complement. However, a positive DAT with anti-C3d cannot distinguish between C3b-mediated extravascular hemolysis, C5b-C9-mediated intravascular hemolysis and C5b-C8-mediated eryptosis. Furthermore, DAT is not suitable to estimate the strength of hemolysis. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare disease that is caused by autoantibodies to red blood cells that is divided in warm AIHA and in cold agglutinin disease (CAD). The causative antibodies in CAD and sometimes in warm AIHA are from the IgM class. Depending on strength of complement activation they can induce extravascular hemolysis, intravascular hemolysis and eryptosis. We studied the three types of hemolysis by use of sera from patients with CAD under various conditions. We found that additionally to the routinely applied C3d-DAT, indirect tests for complement activity (free hemoglobin and Annexin V-binding to phosphatidylserine-exposing RBCs) should be used to determine the portion of extravascular, intravascular and eryptotic hemolysis. Eryptotic hemolysis may have a significant share in clinical relevant CAD or IgM warm AIHA, which should be considered for successful treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Axel Pruß
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Eichenauer DA, Kochanek M. [Hemolytic anemia in emergency and intensive care medicine]. Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed 2023; 118:30-34. [PMID: 36598517 DOI: 10.1007/s00063-022-00980-y] [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: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hemolytic anemia (HA) is caused by premature destruction or degradation of red blood cells (RBC). Low hemoglobin, suppressed haptoglobin, reticulocytosis as well as an elevation of lactate dehydrogenase and bilirubin are common laboratory findings in HA. Intracorpuscular HA due to defects of the RBC themselves are distinguished from extracorpuscular HA due to external factors. Severity of symptoms such as fatigue and dyspnea depend on the degree of anemia. For optimal treatment of HA, a detailed evaluation of the patient history (including hereditary RBC defects, B symptoms and travel history) is necessary. Additional diagnostics (hematological diagnostics, infectious disease diagnostics, immunological diagnostics, computed tomography [CT] scan) should be performed according to the patient's individual requirements. Treatment of HA depends on the etiology. If HA is immune-mediated, immunosuppressive therapy is indicated, whereas HA due to infections usually improves after adequate anti-infective therapy. Anti-infective therapy should also be considered in patients with sickle cell disease who present with severe HA. In general, HA can be treated effectively in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis A Eichenauer
- Klinik I für Innere Medizin, Zentrum für Integrierte Onkologie Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, Uniklinik Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Köln, Deutschland.
| | - Matthias Kochanek
- Klinik I für Innere Medizin, Zentrum für Integrierte Onkologie Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, Uniklinik Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Köln, Deutschland
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Jajosky RP, Wu SC, Zheng L, Jajosky AN, Jajosky PG, Josephson CD, Hollenhorst MA, Sackstein R, Cummings RD, Arthur CM, Stowell SR. ABO blood group antigens and differential glycan expression: Perspective on the evolution of common human enzyme deficiencies. iScience 2023; 26:105798. [PMID: 36691627 PMCID: PMC9860303 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions and play critical roles in human health and disease. Enzyme variants and deficiencies can lead to variable expression of glycans, which can affect physiology, influence predilection for disease, and/or directly contribute to disease pathogenesis. Although certain well-characterized enzyme deficiencies result in overt disease, some of the most common enzyme deficiencies in humans form the basis of blood groups. These carbohydrate blood groups impact fundamental areas of clinical medicine, including the risk of infection and severity of infectious disease, bleeding risk, transfusion medicine, and tissue/organ transplantation. In this review, we examine the enzymes responsible for carbohydrate-based blood group antigen biosynthesis and their expression within the human population. We also consider the evolutionary selective pressures, e.g. malaria, that may account for the variation in carbohydrate structures and the implications of this biology for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Philip Jajosky
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 630E New Research Building, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Biconcavity Inc, Lilburn, GA, USA
| | - Shang-Chuen Wu
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 630E New Research Building, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Leon Zheng
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 630E New Research Building, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Audrey N. Jajosky
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, West Henrietta, NY, USA
| | | | - Cassandra D. Josephson
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute and Blood Bank/Transfusion Medicine Division, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
- Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marie A. Hollenhorst
- Department of Pathology and Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robert Sackstein
- Translational Glycobiology Institute, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Richard D. Cummings
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Connie M. Arthur
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 630E New Research Building, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sean R. Stowell
- Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 630E New Research Building, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Gkalea V, Fotiou D, Dimopoulos MA, Kastritis E. Monoclonal Gammopathy of Thrombotic Significance. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020480. [PMID: 36672429 PMCID: PMC9856365 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The current review provides an overview of the thrombotic risk observed in patients with MG who do not otherwise require treatment. We discuss clinical and biomarker studies that highlight the heterogenous hemostatic profile observed in these patients and how knowledge has evolved over the past 20 years. Biomarker studies suggest shared biologic features between multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), which involves both hypercoagulability and platelet activation. Hemostatic abnormalities identified in MGUS patients cannot be translated into clinical practice as they lack correlation to clinical events. The prothrombotic phenotype of MGUS patients has not been ascertained yet, but novel data on coagulation markers are promising. We also review rare conditions associated with the thrombogenic properties of the monoclonal protein that predispose to arterial, venous or microthrombotic events and demonstrate that the M-protein can be linked to clinically significant thrombotic events. Cryoglobulinemia, cryofibrinogenemia, cryo-crystaloglobulinemia and MG-related antiphospholipid syndrome are reviewed. We propose the new umbrella term "monoclonal gammopathy of thrombotic significance" (MGTS) to refer to significant, recurrent thrombotic events in patients with MGUS that provide a rationale for targeting the underlying plasma cell clone. Identifying MGUS patients at high risk for thrombotic events is currently a challenge.
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Argüello Marina M, López Rubio M, Castilla García L. [Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia]. Med Clin (Barc) 2023; 160:30-38. [PMID: 36334945 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2022.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemias (AIHA) are acquired haematological disorders caused by increased peripheral erythrocyte destruction mediated by autoantibodies against erythrocyte antigens. They classified according to aetiology into primary and secondary, and according to the type of antibody and reaction temperature into AIHA due to warm antibodies (w-AIHA) and AIHA due to cold antibodies (c-AIHA). The mainstay of management in w-AIHA remains glucocorticoid therapy, and the early addition of rituximab has shown good results in recent studies. Primary c-AIHA is mainly treated with rituximab, alone or in combination with chemotherapy. New drugs such as Syk inhibitors, anti-FcRn Ig and complement inhibitors are in advanced development and will expand the therapeutic arsenal, especially in refractory or relapsed cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Argüello Marina
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España.
| | - Montserrat López Rubio
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España
| | - Lucía Castilla García
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España
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Berentsen S, Fattizzo B, Barcellini W. The choice of new treatments in autoimmune hemolytic anemia: how to pick from the basket? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1180509. [PMID: 37168855 PMCID: PMC10165002 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1180509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is defined by increased erythrocyte turnover mediated by autoimmune mechanisms. While corticosteroids remain first-line therapy in most cases of warm-antibody AIHA, cold agglutinin disease is treated by targeting the underlying clonal B-cell proliferation or the classical complement activation pathway. Several new established or investigational drugs and treatment regimens have appeared during the last 1-2 decades, resulting in an improvement of therapy options but also raising challenges on how to select the best treatment in individual patients. In severe warm-antibody AIHA, there is evidence for the upfront addition of rituximab to prednisolone in the first line. Novel agents targeting B-cells, extravascular hemolysis, or removing IgG will offer further options in the acute and relapsed/refractory settings. In cold agglutinin disease, the development of complement inhibitors and B-cell targeting agents makes it possible to individualize therapy, based on the disease profile and patient characteristics. For most AIHAs, the optimal treatment remains to be found, and there is still a need for more evidence-based therapies. Therefore, prospective clinical trials should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigbjørn Berentsen
- Department of Research and Innovation, Haugesund Hospital, Helse Fonna Hospital Trust, Haugesund, Norway
- *Correspondence: Sigbjørn Berentsen,
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, and Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Cold AIHA and the best treatment strategies. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2022; 2022:90-95. [PMID: 36485161 PMCID: PMC9821124 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2022000369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cold-reactive autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is rare among the hemolytic anemias. It results when 1 of a variety of processes causes the generation of immunoglobulin M (IgM) autoantibodies against endogenous erythrocytes, resulting in complement activation and predominantly intravascular hemolysis. Cold AIHA is typically a primary lymphoproliferative disorder with marrow B-cell clones producing pathogenic IgM. More rarely, secondary cold AIHA (cAIHA) can develop from malignancy, infection, or other autoimmune disorders. However, in children cAIHA is typically post infection, mild, and self-limited. Symptoms include a sequelae of anemia, fatigue, and acrocyanosis. The severity of disease is variable and highly dependent on the thermal binding range of the autoantibody. In adults, treatment has most commonly focused on reducing antibody production with rituximab-based regimens. The addition of cytotoxic agents to rituximab improves response rates, but at the expense of tolerability. Recent insights into the cause of cold agglutinin disease as a clonal disorder driven by complement form the basis of newer therapeutic options. While rituximab-based regimens are still the mainstay of therapy, options have now expanded to include complement-directed treatments and other B-cell-directed or plasma-cell-directed therapies.
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Pham HP, Wilson A, Adeyemi A, Miles G, Kuang K, Carita P, Joly F. An observational analysis of disease burden in patients with cold agglutinin disease: Results from a large US electronic health record database. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2022; 28:1419-1428. [PMID: 36427340 PMCID: PMC10372954 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2022.28.12.1419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). Information regarding the impact of CAD from the patient and health care system perspective is limited. OBJECTIVE: To understand longitudinal trends in outcomes in patients with CAD, including anemia severity, hemolytic status, administration of CAD-related therapies, and health care resource utilization (HCRU). METHODS: This retrospective, observational cohort study used data from the US Optum Electronic Health Record database. Included patients were aged 18 years and older at the index date (first CAD mention in physician"s notes), had 1 or more medical encounters with an AIHA-related diagnosis code during the study period, and had 3 or more CAD mentions during the patient identification period (January 2008 to March 2019). The baseline period was the 12 months preceding the index date. Anemia severity (severe, hemoglobin < 8.0 g/dL; moderate, 8.0-10.0 g/dL; mild, 10.1-11.9 g/dL; no anemia, ≥ 12.0 g/dL) and hemolytic status (elevated lactate dehydrogenase [LDH; > 250 μ/L] and/or elevated bilirubin [> 1.2 mg/dL]) were assessed at baseline and 6-monthly followup intervals. Use of CAD-related therapies, blood transfusions, and all-cause HCRU were analyzed every 6 months; results were stratified by anemia severity. RESULTS: The analysis included 610 adults with CAD (median [interquartile range; IQR] age 72.0 [61.0-78.0] years; 65.4% female). Median (IQR) duration of follow-up was 42.8 (22.8-68.4) months. The proportion of patients with moderate/severe anemia was 51.0% at baseline, 57.7% over 12 months' follow-up, and 66.6% over full follow-up. During the full follow-up period, approximately 50% of patients had elevated bilirubin and LDH levels. Corticosteroids were the most frequently used medication (65.6% of patients) over full follow-up. Mean (SD) number of blood transfusions per patient was 3.26 (9.21) over 12 months and 5.47 (17.11) over the full follow-up. At full follow-up, 68.7% of patients with severe anemia received a transfusion vs 12.6% and 0.0% with moderate or mild anemia, respectively. At 12 months, 34.1%, 97.7%, and 29.3% of patients had 1 or more hospitalizations, outpatient services, or emergency department visits (full follow-up: 52.5%, 99.0%, and 53.9%), respectively. Across all time periods, HCRU was greater in patients with severe anemia vs mild or moderate anemia. CONCLUSIONS: CAD imposed a substantial long-term burden on patients and health care systems, and despite the use of several therapies, hemolysis and anemia still occurred. The use of CAD-related therapies and HCRU was generally greater with greater anemia severity. These results suggest a lack of effective treatment options available for patients with CAD at the time of this analysis. DISCLOSURES: This study was sponsored by Sanofi. Dr Wilson, Dr Joly, Mr Carita, and Ms Miles are employees and stockholders of Sanofi. Dr Adeyemi was an employee and may have held stocks at Sanofi at the time of the study. Ms Miles and Ms Kuang were employees of Aetion Inc at the time of this study; Aetion Inc is a software company that received funding from Sanofi for the current study. Dr Pham is a consultant for Sanofi and Argenx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy P Pham
- National Marrow Donor Program, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
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Ringel F, Kiesewetter H, Mayer B, Bartolmäs T, Sehouli J, Salama A. Silvernanoparticle-induced hemolysis confounded with direct antiglobulin test-negative autoimmune hemolytic anemias diagnosis. Transfusion 2022; 62:2648-2652. [PMID: 36325695 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17172] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We describe here the first patient with recurrent hemolysis related to disinfectant containing silver nanoparticles (AgNps). METHODS A 58-year-old chemist repeatedly experienced DAT-negative (Coombs-negative) hemolysis during the last 5 years. He was treated with a number of immunosuppressive drugs including 18 times rituximab. The attempt to treat him with cyclosporine A served only to increase the rate of hemolysis. Only by chance, we revealed that the patient regularly used a hand disinfectant containing AgNps. Serological testing was performed using standard techniques. Eryptosis was measured by binding annexin to exposed phosphatidylserine (PS) of the circulating red blood cells (RBCs). RESULTS Antiglobulin tests remained negative, and PS exposing RBCs were detected two times during the last hemolytic episodes. Hemolysis completely disappeared following discontinuation of AgNp containing products. CONCLUSION AgNps are increasingly being used in a large variety of products. Recently, it was reported that they induce in vitro prohemolytic and procoagulant effects via oxidative stress and eryptosis. The clinical findings imply the hemolysis was provoked by the patient's regular use of cleansing products containing AgNps. Our finding might help to explain the etiology of hemolytical disorders that may remain obscure in many cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Ringel
- Klinik für Gynäkologie mit Zentrum für onkologische Chirurgie (CVK), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Medicover, Hämostaseologicum Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Beate Mayer
- Institut for Transfusion Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thilo Bartolmäs
- Institut for Transfusion Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jalid Sehouli
- Klinik für Gynäkologie mit Zentrum für onkologische Chirurgie (CVK), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Abdulgabar Salama
- Klinik für Gynäkologie mit Zentrum für onkologische Chirurgie (CVK), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Medicover, Hämostaseologicum Mitte, Berlin, Germany
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Gordon MJ, Ferrajoli A. Unusual complications in the management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Am J Hematol 2022; 97 Suppl 2:S26-S34. [PMID: 35491515 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common, indolent disease that typically presents with a proliferation of mature, immunologically dysfunctional CD5+ B-cells which preferentially occupy the bone marrow, peripheral blood and lymphoid organs. Immune dysfunction leads to an increase in autoimmune diseases which occur in approximately 10% of patients with CLL. Autoimmune cytopenias are the most common, but other organs may be affected as well. The treatment of these conditions typically depends on the extent of CLL and severity of symptoms, but generally consists of CLL-directed therapies, immunosuppression or both. CLL may also infiltrate extranodal sites in the body. Symptomatic extranodal CLL or extranodal disease which threatens normal organ function is an indication for initiation of CLL-directed therapy. The following review summarizes autoimmune and extranodal complications that can occur in patients with CLL and our suggested approach to their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max J Gordon
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
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First-Line Treatment of Waldenström’s Macroglobulinaemia: Considerations Based on the Dutch National Guideline. HEMATO 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/hemato3040047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. There are only few prospective randomized clinical trials to guide treatment recommendations and there is no international consensus on a preferred first line treatment approach. In the recently revised Dutch guideline for WM, we describe recommendations for practice based as much as possible on the known data. Here, we summarize the considerations for first-line treatment based on these Dutch guidelines. Available evidence is summarized, including efficacy and toxicity data. Combinations of Rituximab with chemotherapy, proteasome inhibition or BTK-inhibition are all valid first line treatment options. The Dutch WM working group considers Dexamethasone/Rituximab/Cylofosfamide (DRC) a suitable first-line treatment for many WM patients, given the efficacy, the relatively mild toxicity profile and the extensive experience with this regimen. However, the long-term toxicities of DRC are unclear and need further clarification. Other regimens such as R-bendamustine, R-Bortezomib-dexamethason are also effective options, however with specific toxicities. BTK-inhibitors are not a preferred option in first line for most patients in the Dutch WM guidelines because of the need for longterm treatment and toxicities. Based on patient preferences research, future clinical trials should focus on effective fixed-duration regimens with non-cytotoxic therapies that have a favorable toxicity profile. Further development of (combinations with) BCL-2 inhibititors, novel proteasome inhibitors and BTK-inhibition could be interesting. In addition T-cell-directed treatments including bispecific antibodies as a monotherapy or combined with other novel agents deserve further study in WM.
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Sutimlimab in patients with cold agglutinin disease: results of the randomized placebo-controlled phase 3 CADENZA trial. Blood 2022; 140:980-991. [PMID: 35687757 PMCID: PMC9437710 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sutimlimab, a first-in-class humanized immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits the classical complement pathway at C1s, rapidly halted hemolysis in the single-arm CARDINAL study in recently transfused patients with cold agglutinin disease (CAD). CADENZA was a 26-week randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 study to assess safety and efficacy of sutimlimab in patients with CAD without recent (within 6 months prior to enrollment) transfusion history. Forty-two patients with screening hemoglobin ≤10 g/dL, elevated bilirubin, and ≥1 CAD symptom received sutimlimab (n = 22) or placebo (n = 20) on days 0 and 7 and then biweekly. Composite primary endpoint criteria (hemoglobin increase ≥1.5 g/dL at treatment assessment timepoint [mean of weeks 23, 25, 26], avoidance of transfusion, and study-prohibited CAD therapy [weeks 5-26]) were met by 16 patients (73%) on sutimlimab, and 3 patients (15%) on placebo (odds ratio, 15.9 [95% confidence interval, 2.9, 88.0; P < .001]). Sutimlimab, but not placebo, significantly increased mean hemoglobin and FACIT-Fatigue scores at treatment assessment timepoint. Sutimlimab normalized mean bilirubin by week 1. Improvements correlated with near-complete inhibition of the classical complement pathway (2.3% mean activity at week 1) and C4 normalization. Twenty-one (96%) sutimlimab patients and 20 (100%) placebo patients experienced ≥1 treatment-emergent adverse event. Headache, hypertension, rhinitis, Raynaud phenomenon, and acrocyanosis were more frequent with sutimlimab vs placebo, with a difference of ≥3 patients between groups. Three sutimlimab patients discontinued owing to adverse events; no placebo patients discontinued. These data demonstrate that sutimlimab has potential to be an important advancement in the treatment of CAD. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03347422.
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Krull A, Thompson T, Strasburg D, DiGuardo M, Jacob EK. How do I warm HPC(A) products to maximize cell viability in the setting of cold agglutinin disease? Transfusion 2022; 62:1942-1947. [PMID: 35946488 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High titers of cold agglutinins jeopardize the quality of an apheresis product meant for autologous or allogeneic transplant. Management of transplant patients with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is often experience-based and under reported, yet decisions must be made quickly to optimize product management and patient outcomes. There remains a lack of data quantifying cell recovery and viability when using various warming methodologies. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS To expand the published experimental data on this subject, our human cellular therapy lab compared cellular recoveries and viabilities after manipulation of cryopreserved apheresis products through various warming methodologies: (1) extended warming in a water bath, (2) warming via blood warmer and infusion pump, and (3) warming in a water bath followed by infusion pump as a control to assess potential shear stress effects. RESULTS The presented studies demonstrate that all methods of product warming produce the same rates of recovery of total and viable cells across vital cell types prior to patient administration. Statistically, use of an extended water bath protocol provided a marginal benefit in recovery of total nucleated cells, though this effect is diminished when products are held for an extended period to simulate a delay in administration. DISCUSSION These results can inform decisions to improve patient care and minimize product manipulation and loss. Centers are encouraged to use this information to guide proactive measures to establish a standard operating procedure to manage CAD cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Krull
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Thomas Thompson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Dustin Strasburg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Margaret DiGuardo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Eapen K Jacob
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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40
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Berentsen S, Barcellini W, D'Sa S, Jilma B. Sutimlimab for treatment of cold agglutinin disease: why, how and for whom? Immunotherapy 2022; 14:1191-1204. [PMID: 35946351 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2022-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapies for cold agglutinin disease have been directed at the pathogenic B-cell clone. Sutimlimab, a monoclonal antibody that targets C1s, is the first complement inhibitor to be extensively studied in cold agglutinin disease. Sutimlimab selectively blocks the classical activation pathway and leaves the alternative and lectin pathways intact. Trials have documented high response rates with rapid improvement in hemolysis, hemoglobin levels and fatigue scores and low toxicity. Sutimlimab was recently approved in the USA. This drug appears to be particularly useful in severely anemic patients who require a rapid response, in acute exacerbations that do not resolve spontaneously and in patients in whom chemoimmunotherapy is contraindicated or has failed. The choice of therapy in cold agglutinin disease should be individualized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigbjørn Berentsen
- Department of Research and Innovation, Haugesund Hospital, Helse Fonna Hospital Trust, Haugesund, Norway
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Shirley D'Sa
- University College London Hospitals Centre for Waldenström and Associated Conditions, University College London Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Bernd Jilma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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41
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Berentsen S, Tjønnfjord GE. Current treatment options in cold agglutinin disease: B-cell directed or complement directed therapy? Transfus Med Rev 2022; 36:181-187. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Girard LP, Soekojo CY, Ooi M, Chng WJ, de Mel S. Immunoglobulin M Monoclonal Gammopathies of Clinical Significance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:905484. [PMID: 35756635 PMCID: PMC9219578 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.905484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin M monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) comprises 15-20% of all cases of MGUS. IgM MGUS is distinct from other forms of MGUS in that the typical primary progression events include Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia and light chain amyloidosis. Owing to its large pentameric structure, IgM molecules have high intrinsic viscosity and precipitate more readily than other immunoglobulin subtypes. They are also more commonly associated with autoimmune phenomena, resulting in unique clinical manifestations. Organ damage attributable to the paraprotein, not fulfilling criteria for a lymphoid or plasma cell malignancy has recently been termed monoclonal gammopathy of clinical significance (MGCS) and encompasses an important family of disorders for which diagnostic and treatment algorithms are evolving. IgM related MGCS include unique entities such as cold haemagglutinin disease, IgM related neuropathies, renal manifestations and Schnitzler's syndrome. The diagnostic approach to, and management of these disorders differs significantly from other categories of MGCS. We describe a practical approach to the evaluation of these patients and our approach to their treatment. We will also elaborate on the key unmet needs in IgM MGCS and highlight potential areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Pierre Girard
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, National Health Service Grampian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Cinnie Yentia Soekojo
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Melissa Ooi
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wee Joo Chng
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sanjay de Mel
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
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43
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Fattizzo B, Barcellini W. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: causes and consequences. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:731-745. [PMID: 35702053 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2089115] [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
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is classified according to the direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and thermal characteristics of the autoantibody into warm and cold forms, and in primary versus secondary depending on the presence of associated conditions. AREAS COVERED AIHA displays a multifactorial pathogenesis, including genetic (association with congenital conditions and certain mutations), environmental (drugs, infections, including SARS-CoV-2, pollution, etc.), and miscellaneous factors (solid/hematologic neoplasms, systemic autoimmune diseases, etc.) contributing to tolerance breakdown. Several mechanisms, such as autoantibody production, complement activation, monocyte/macrophage phagocytosis, and bone marrow compensation are implicated in extra-/intravascular hemolysis. Treatment should be differentiated and sequenced according to AIHA type (i.e. steroids followed by rituximab for warm, rituximab alone or in association with bendamustine or fludarabine for cold forms). Several new drugs targeting B-cells/plasma cells, complement, and phagocytosis are in clinical trials. Finally, thrombosis and infections may complicate disease course burdening quality of life and increasing mortality. EXPERT OPINION Beyond warm and cold AIHA, a gray-zone still exists including mixed and DAT negative forms representing an unmet need. AIHA management is rapidly changing through an increasing knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms, the refinement of diagnostic tools, and the development of novel targeted and combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Fattizzo
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - W Barcellini
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Gertz MA. Updates on the Diagnosis and Management of Cold Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2022; 36:341-352. [PMID: 35282954 PMCID: PMC9088174 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cold agglutinin disease represents a form of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia whereby an IgM protein either monoclonal or polyclonal deposits complement on the surface of the red blood cell. Once complement is deposited, the 3rd component of complement is recognized by receptors in the mononuclear phagocyte system resulting in spherocytic extravascular hemolysis. This results in a Coombs positive hemolytic anemia with the peripheral blood film showing agglutination. In many instances, the source is a clonal population of lymphoplasmacytic cells in the bone marrow producing a monoclonal IgM protein. Traditional and emerging therapies directed against the production of the IgM may have a positive effect on hemolytic anemia. Success in the management of cold agglutinin disease with rituximab, fludarabine, bortezomib, and bendamustine has all been reported. Recent studies have demonstrated that the blockade of complement with sutimlimab can stop the hemolysis without the use of systemic chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morie A Gertz
- Mayo Clinic, Two Hundred South West 1st Street, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. https://twitter.com/moriegertz
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The Role of a Routine Bone Marrow Biopsy in Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia for the Detection of an Underlying Lymphoproliferative Disorder. Hemasphere 2021; 6:e674. [PMID: 34938958 PMCID: PMC8687727 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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Patriquin CJ, Pavenski K. O, wind, if winter comes … will symptoms be far behind?: Exploring the seasonality (or lack thereof) and management of cold agglutinin disease. Transfusion 2021; 62:2-10. [PMID: 34893982 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Patriquin
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Katerina Pavenski
- Departments of Medicine & Laboratory Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Departments of Medicine & Laboratory Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Pasquale R, Giannotta JA, Barcellini W, Fattizzo B. Bortezomib in autoimmune hemolytic anemia and beyond. Ther Adv Hematol 2021; 12:20406207211046428. [PMID: 34795889 PMCID: PMC8593301 DOI: 10.1177/20406207211046428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bortezomib is a first-in-class, potent, selective and reversible proteasome inhibitor approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) and relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma. In these diseases, bortezomib targets plasma cells and lymphocytes reducing tumor burden. Recently, preclinical evidence highlighted its efficacy in reducing long-lived plasma cells responsible of autoantibodies production in several models of autoimmune conditions. These findings paved the way to a number of experiences of bortezomib use in patients with various autoimmune conditions, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). The latter is a nice model of autoimmunity in hematology and is caused by the production of autoantibodies against erythrocytes resulting in various degrees of hemolytic anemia. AIHA is classified in warm and cold forms according to the thermal characteristics of the autoantibody, and first-line treatment mainly relies on steroids for warm cases and the anti-CD20 rituximab for cold ones. Relapsed/refractory cases are still an unmet need, and bortezomib has been proposed in this setting with intriguing efficacy. In this review, we collected available literature on bortezomib use in AIHA and in other immune-mediated hematologic and non-hematologic diseases. Overall, most experiences highlight bortezomib efficacy even in multi-relapsed/refractory patients and suggest to consider its use in AIHA after rituximab failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Pasquale
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Wilma Barcellini
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Bruno Fattizzo
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225804. [PMID: 34830959 PMCID: PMC8616265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review analyzes the occurrence, clinical characteristics, and prognostic impact and treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is observed in about 10% of CLL. Pathogenesis is multifactorial involving humoral, cellular, and innate immunity, so the different mechanisms are well described in this review which also focuses on drugs associated to CLL-AIHA and on difficulties to diagnose it. There is a comprehensive revision of the main published casistics and then of the treatments; in particular the paper analyzes the main chemo-immunotherapeutic agents used in this setting. Since the therapy depends on the presence and severity of clinical symptoms, disease status, and comorbidities, treatment is nowadays more individualized in CLL and also in CLL-AIHA. Patients not responding to corticosteroids and rituximab are treated with CLL-specific drugs as per current guidelines according to age and comorbidities and new targeted agents against BCR and BCL-2 which can be given orally and have few side effects, are very effective both in progressive CLL and in situations such as AIHA. Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients have a greater predisposition to develop autoimmune complications. The most common of them is autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) with a frequency of 7–10% of cases. Pathogenesis is multifactorial involving humoral, cellular, and innate immunity. CLL B-cells have damaged apoptosis, produce less immunoglobulins, and could be responsible for antigen presentation and releasing inflammatory cytokines. CLL B-cells can act similar to antigen-presenting cells activating self-reactive T helper cells and may induce T-cell subsets imbalance, favoring autoreactive B-cells which produce anti-red blood cells autoantibodies. Treatment is individualized and it depends on the presence and severity of clinical symptoms, disease status, and comorbidities. Corticosteroids are the standardized first-line treatment; second-line treatment comprises rituximab. Patients not responding to corticosteroids and rituximab should be treated with CLL-specific drugs as per current guidelines according to age and comorbidities. New targeted drugs (BTK inhibitors and anti BCL2) are recently used after or together with steroids to manage AIHA. In the case of cold agglutinin disease, rituximab is preferred, because steroids are ineffective. Management must combine supportive therapies, including vitamins; antibiotics and heparin prophylaxis are indicated in order to minimize infectious and thrombotic risk.
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MESH Headings
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/diagnosis
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/pathology
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/physiopathology
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/therapy
- Blood Transfusion
- Complement Inactivating Agents/therapeutic use
- Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use
- Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal/diagnosis
- Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal/pathology
- Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal/physiopathology
- Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal/therapy
- Humans
- Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use
- Rituximab/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigbjørn Berentsen
- From the Department of Research and Innovation, Haugesund Hospital, Helse Fonna Hospital Trust, Haugesund, Norway (S.B.); and the Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan (W.B.)
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- From the Department of Research and Innovation, Haugesund Hospital, Helse Fonna Hospital Trust, Haugesund, Norway (S.B.); and the Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan (W.B.)
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Karki NR, McElhone P, Savage N, Abdel Karim N. Diagnosis and management of cold agglutinin disease associated with low-grade B-cell lymphoma in a patient receiving pembrolizumab for lung cancer. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:e243751. [PMID: 34400426 PMCID: PMC8370555 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-243751] [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] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A 65-year-old with non-small cell lung cancer developed autoimmune haemolytic anaemia while receiving pembrolizumab containing chemoimmunotherapy. Initially thought to be due to pembrolizumab induced haemolysis, he was treated with steroids, and pembrolizumab was held. Haemolysis was refractory to steroids and blood was observed to agglutinate in cold room temperatures. Cold agglutinins in high titre and monoclonal serum IgM kappa protein were detected. Bone marrow biopsy showed marginal zone lymphoma confirming low grade B-cell lymphoma causing cold agglutinin disease. B-cell depletion by rituximab stopped haemolysis, and pembrolizumab was safely continued for lung cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/chemically induced
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/diagnosis
- Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/drug therapy
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy
- Humans
- Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Male
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabin Raj Karki
- Hematology Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Peyton McElhone
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Natasha Savage
- Department of Pathology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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