Current use of androgens in bone marrow failure disorders: a report from the Severe Aplastic Anemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Androgens represent the historical therapeutic backbone of bone marrow failure (BMF) syndromes. However, their role has rarely been analyzed in a prospective setting, and systematic and long-term data regarding their usage, effectiveness and toxicity in both acquired and inherited BMF are currently unavailable. Here, taking advantage of a unique disease-specific international dataset, we retrospectively analyzed the largest cohort so far of BMF patients who received androgens before or in the absence of an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), re-evaluating their current use in these disorders. We identified 274 patients across 82 European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) affiliated centers: 193 with acquired (median age 32 years) and 81 with inherited (median age 8 years) BMF. With a median duration of androgen treatment of 5.6 and 20 months, respectively, complete and partial remission rates at 3 months were 6% and 29% in acquired and 8% and 29% in inherited disorders. Five-year overall survival and failure-free survival (FFS) were respectively 63% and 23% in acquired and 78% and 14% in inherited BMF. Androgen initiation after second-line treatments for acquired BMF, and after >12 months post diagnosis for inherited BMF were identified as factors associated with improved FFS in multivariable analysis. Androgen use was associated with a manageable incidence of organ-specific toxicity, and low rates of solid and hematologic malignancies. Sub-analysis of transplant-related outcomes after exposure to these compounds showed probabilities of survival and complications similar to other transplanted BMF cohorts. This study delivers a unique opportunity to track androgen use in BMF syndromes and represents the basis for general recommendations on this category of therapeutics on behalf of the Severe Aplastic Anemia Working Party of the EBMT.

A large single-center cohort of bare lymphocyte syndrome: Immunological and genetic features in Turkey

Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) deficiency or bare lymphocyte syndrome (BLS) is a rare, early-onset, autosomal recessive, and life-threatening inborn error of immunity. We aimed to assess the demographic, clinical, laboratory, follow-up, and treatment characteristics of patients with MHC-II deficiency, together with their survival. We retrospectively investigated 21 patients with MHC-II deficiency. Female/male ratio was 1.63. The median age at diagnosis was 16.3 months (5 months-9.7 years). Nineteen patients (90.5%) had parental consanguinity. Pulmonary diseases (pneumonia, chronic lung disease) (81%), diarrhoea (47.6%), and candidiasis (28.6%) were common. Four (19%) had autoimmunity, two developed septic arthritis, and three (14%) developed bronchiectasis in the follow-up. Three patients (14%) had CMV viraemia, one with bilateral CMV retinitis. Eight (38.1%) had lymphocytopenia, and four (19%) had neutropenia. Serum IgM, IgA, and IgG levels were low in 18 (85.7%), 15 (71.4%), and 11 (52.4%) patients, respectively. CD4+ lymphocytopenia, a reversed CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and absent/low HLA-DR expressions were detected in 93.3%, 86.7%, and 100% of the patients, respectively. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was performed on nine patients, and four died of septicaemia and ARDS after HSCT. The present median age of patients survived is 14 years (1-31 years). Genetic analysis was performed in 10 patients. RFX5 homozygous gene defect was found in three patients (P1, P4 and P8), and RFXANK (P2 and P14) and RFXAP (P18 and P19) heterozygous gene defects were found in each two patients, respectively. This large cohort showed that BLS patients have severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)-like clinical findings. Flow cytometric MHC-II expression study is crucial for the diagnosis, differential diagnosis with SCID, early haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and post-HSCT follow-up. Genetic studies are required first for matched family donor evaluation before HSCT and then for genetic counselling.

Elevated Selenoprotein P Levels in Thalassemia Major Patients

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have measured selenium levels and glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) activity in patients with thalassemia major (TM). However, Selenoprotein P (SEPP), which is responsible for the storage and transport of selenium, has not been studied in thalassemia patients. This study aims to correlate thyroid functions of TM patients with their SEPP and GPX3 levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty subjects (40 controls, 40 TM patients) were included in this study. GPX3 and SEPP concentrations were measured in all subjects using sandwich ELISA. Iron, ferritin, urinary iodine, thyroxine (T₄), triiodothyronine (T₃), thyrotropin (TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), and anti-human thyroglobulin (anti-hTG) concentrations were also measured.

RESULTS

Mean SEPP concentration was higher in the TM group compared to the control group. A slight elevation in GPX3 levels was also observed in thalassemia patients, yet it was not statistically significant. In both TM patients and controls, ferritin was inversely correlated with free T₄ concentration and GPX3 was inversely correlated with free T₄ and T₃ concentrations. There was also a negative correlation between SEPP and TSH concentrations in healthy subjects.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study, which has measured SEPP concentrations in thalassemia patients. SEPP levels were higher in TM patients compared to controls. Correlations between thyroid hormones and selenoproteins may indicate that selenium is necessary for thyroid function. Detailed studies are required to elaborate the role of SEPP in thyroid metabolism in thalassemia patients.

Thalassemia-free and graft-versus-host-free survival: outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for thalassemia major, Turkish experience

We report the national data on the outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for thalassemia major (TM) patients in Turkey on behalf of the Turkish Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Group. We retrospectively enrolled 1469 patients with TM who underwent their first HSCT between 1988 and 2020 in 25 pediatric centers in Turkey. The median follow-up duration and transplant ages were 62 months and 7 years, respectively; 113 patients had chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) and the cGVHD rate was 8.3% in surviving patients. Upon the last visit, 30 patients still had cGvHD (2.2%). The 5-year overall survival (OS), thalassemia-free survival (TFS) and thalassemia-GVHD-free survival (TGFS) rates were 92.3%, 82.1%, and 80.8%, respectively. cGVHD incidence was significantly lower in the mixed chimerism (MC) group compared to the complete chimerism (CC) group (p < 0.001). In survival analysis, OS, TFS, and TGFS rates were significantly higher for transplants after 2010. TFS and TGFS rates were better for patients under 7 years and at centers that had performed over 100 thalassemia transplants. Transplants from matched unrelated donors had significantly higher TFS rates. We recommend HSCT before 7 years old in thalassemia patients who have a matched donor for improved outcomes.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation in severe combined immunodeficiency: The SCETIDE 2006-2014 European cohort

BACKGROUND

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) represents a curative treatment for patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a group of monogenic immune disorders with an otherwise fatal outcome.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a comprehensive multicenter analysis of genotype-specific HSCT outcome, including detailed analysis of immune reconstitution (IR) and the predictive value for clinical outcome.

METHODS

HSCT outcome was studied in 338 patients with genetically confirmed SCID who underwent transplantation in 2006-2014 and who were registered in the SCETIDE registry. In a representative subgroup of 152 patients, data on IR and long-term clinical outcome were analyzed.

RESULTS

Two-year OS was similar with matched family and unrelated donors and better than mismatched donor HSCT (P < .001). The 2-year event-free survival (EFS) was similar in matched and mismatched unrelated donor and less favorable in mismatched related donor (MMRD) HSCT (P < .001). Genetic subgroups did not differ in 2-year OS (P = .1) and EFS (P = .073). In multivariate analysis, pretransplantation infections and use of MMRDs were associated with less favorable OS and EFS. With a median follow-up of 6.2 years (range, 2.0-11.8 years), 73 of 152 patients in the IR cohort were alive and well without Ig dependency. IL-2 receptor gamma chain/Janus kinase 3/IL-7 receptor-deficient SCID, myeloablative conditioning, matched donor HSCT, and naive CD4 T lymphocytes >0.5 × 10^e3/μL at +1 year were identified as independent predictors of favorable clinical and immunologic outcome.

CONCLUSION

Recent advances in HSCT in SCID patients have resulted in improved OS and EFS in all genotypes and donor types. To achieve a favorable long-term outcome, treatment strategies should aim for optimal naive CD4 T lymphocyte regeneration.

Evaluation of Aspergillus Lateral-Flow Test in Serum Samples of Pediatric Patients

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in patients with hematologic malignancies and under the risk of IA may be uncertain or may delay because of nonspecific clinical presentation of the patients and difficult application techniques of conventional methods. Early diagnosis can provide initial antifungal therapy and prevent high mortality. In this study, we investigated the performance of an Aspergillus lateral-flow device (LFD) test (OLM Diagnostics, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom) for the diagnosis of IA in pediatric febrile neutropenic patients with hematologic malignancies.

METHODS

Three hundred and fourty seven serum samples of 26 febrile neutropenic episodes of 21 patients at risk for IA were tested. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of the Aspergillus LFD test at episode level and at serum level were calculated.

RESULTS

According to the reference diagnostic criteria of IA, one proven and 13 probable IA episodes were defined. Twelve episodes (46.1%) did not meet the criteria for IA. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, accuracy of the Aspergillus LFD test at episode level and at serum level were 14.3%, 100%, 100%, 50%, 53.8% and 12.1%, 100%, 100%, 50.8%, 53.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Aspergillus LFD test is an easy-to-use assay with short hands-on time; however, further study of the clinical utility in children and especially in serum samples are needed. It is a highly specific test for IA on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples but is not useful as a screening test for serum samples unless combined with galactomannan (GM) antigen test because of its potentially suboptimal sensitivity.

Haplo-identical or mismatched unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplantation for Fanconi anemia: Results from the Severe Aplastic Anemia Working Party of the EBMT

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only curative option for bone marrow failure or hematopoietic malignant diseases for Fanconi anemia (FA) patients. Although results have improved over the last decades, reaching more than 90% survival when a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical donor is available, alternative HCT donors are still less reported. We compared HCT outcomes using HLA-mismatched unrelated donors (MMUD; n = 123) or haplo-identical donors (HDs), either using only in vivo T cell depletion (n = 33) or T cells depleted in vivo with some type of graft manipulation ex vivo (n = 59) performed for FA between 2000 and 2018. Overall survival (OS) by 24 months was 62% (53-71%) for MMUD, versus 80% (66-95%) for HDs with only in vivo T cell depletion and 60% (47-73%) for HDs with in vivo and ex vivo T cell depletion (p = .22). Event-free survival (EFS) was better for HD-transplanted FA patients with only in vivo T cell depletion 86% (73-99%) than for those transplanted from a MMUD 58% (48-68%) or those with graft manipulation 56% (42-69%) (p = .046). Grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 41% (MMUD) versus 40% (HDs with no graft manipulation) versus 17% (HDs with T cell depleted graft), (p = .005). No differences were found for the other transplant related outcomes. These data suggest that HDs might be considered as an alternative option for FA patients with better EFS using unmanipulated grafts.

Evaluation the oral hygiene conditions, oral Candida colonization and salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli density in a group of β-thalassemic children and adolescence

BACKGROUND

In this study, the prevalence and distribution of dental caries and oral hygiene conditions in a group of patients with β-TM are evaluated and the results compared to age-and gender-matched healthy patients. In addition, oral candida colonization and the density of Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans) and Lactobacilli in the total saliva are assessed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study involved 59 β-TM patients between 6-16 years old (mean:11.59±3.22), who applied to the Department of Pedodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Akdeniz University, with ongoing follow-up, treatment and regular blood transfusions. All enrolled patients were diagnosed with β-TM by the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University. As a control group, age-and gender-matched healthy 50 patients were included to the study.

RESULTS

Plaque ( p=0.001), DMFT ( p=0.009) and DMFS ( p=0.039) indices were significantly higher in the β-TM patients, whereas, the oral hygiene status was significantly lower ( p=0.004). Saliva buffering capacity average was insignificantly but slightly more in β-TM patients( p=0.131). While S.mutans values were significantly higher in the β-TM patients ( p=0.002), no significant difference was found in the Lactobacillus ( p=0.131) and Candida values ( p=0.33).

CONCLUSIONS

DMFT, DMFS, Plaque and oral hygiene indices and S.mutans values were found significantly different in β-TM patients than healthy, control group patients, in this study.

Mineral Levels in Thalassaemia Major Patients Using Different Iron Chelators

The goal of the present study was to determine the levels of minerals in chronically transfused thalassaemic patients living in Antalya, Turkey and to determine mineral levels in groups using different iron chelators. Three iron chelators deferoxamine, deferiprone and deferasirox have been used to remove iron from patients' tissues. There were contradictory results in the literature about minerals including selenium, zinc, copper, and magnesium in thalassaemia major patients. Blood samples from the 60 thalassaemia major patients (the deferoxamine group, n = 19; the deferiprone group, n = 20 and the deferasirox group, n = 21) and the controls (n = 20) were collected. Levels of selenium, zinc, copper, magnesium, and iron were measured, and all of them except iron showed no significant difference between the controls and the patients regardless of chelator type. Serum copper levels in the deferasirox group were lower than those in the control and deferoxamine groups, and serum magnesium levels in the deferasirox group were higher than those in the control, deferoxamine and deferiprone groups. Iron levels in the patient groups were higher than those in the control group, and iron levels showed a significant correlation with selenium and magnesium levels. Different values of minerals in thalassaemia major patients may be the result of different dietary intake, chelator type, or regional differences in where patients live. That is why minerals may be measured in thalassaemia major patients at intervals, and deficient minerals should be replaced. Being careful about levels of copper and magnesium in thalassaemia major patients using deferasirox seems to be beneficial.

Outcome of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children and adolescents with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma

This study evaluates the outcome of 66 pediatric patients with rrHL who underwent autoHSCT. Twenty-nine patients experienced early relapse, and 19 patients experienced late relapse. Of 18 newly diagnosed with HL, 13 were primary refractory disease and five had late responsive disease. At the time of transplantation, only 68% of the patients were chemosensitive. The majority of patients received BCNU + etoposide + ara-C + melphalan for conditioning (45/66), and peripheral blood (56/66) was used as a source of stem cells. After a median follow-up period of 39 months, 46 patients were alive. At five yr, the probabilities of OS, EFS, the relapse rate, and the non-relapse mortality rate were 63.1%, 54.3%, 36.4%, and 9.1%, respectively. The probability of EFS in chemosensitive and chemoresistant patients at five yr was 72.3% and 19%, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that chemoresistant disease at the time of transplantation was the only factor predicting limited both OS (hazard ratio = 4.073) and EFS (hazard ratio = 4.599). AutoHSCT plays an important role for the treatment of rrHL in children and adolescents, and survival rates are better for patients with chemosensitive disease at the time of transplantation.

Evaluation of ETV6/RUNX1 Fusion and Additional Abnormalities Involving ETV6 and/or RUNX1 Genes Using FISH Technique in Patients with Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood leukemia. Specifically, ALL is a malignant disorder of the lymphoid progenitor cells, with a peak incidence among children aged 2-5 years. The t(12;21)(p13;q22) translocation occurs in 25 % of childhood B cell precursor ALL. In this study, bone marrow samples were obtained from 165 patients with childhood ALL. We analyzed the t(12;21) translocation and other related abnormalities using the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) technique with the ETV6(TEL)/RUNX1(AML1) ES dual color translocation probe. Conventional cytogenetic analyses were also performed. ETV6 and RUNX1 related chromosomal abnormalities were found in 42 (25.5 %) of the 165 patients with childhood ALL. Among these 42 patients, structural changes were detected in 33 (78.6 %) and numerical abnormalities in 9 (21.4 %). The frequency of FISH abnormalities in pediatric ALL cases were as follows: 8.5 % for t(12;21)(p13;q22) ETV6/RUNX1 fusion, 6.0 % for RUNX1 amplification, 3.0 % for tetrasomy/trisomy 21, 1.8 % for ETV6 deletion, 1.21 % for ETV6 deletion with RUNX1 amplification, 1.21 % for ETV6 amplification with RUNX1 amplification, 0.6 % for polyploidy, 0.6 % for RUNX1 deletion, and 0.6 % for diminished ETV6 signal. The most common structural abnormality was the t(12;21) translocation, followed by RUNX1 amplification and ETV6 deletion, while the most commonly observed numerical abnormality was trisomy 21.

Thalassemia major patients using iron chelators showed a reduced plasma thioredoxin level and reduced thioredoxin reductase activity, despite elevated oxidative stress

In the present study, we aimed to investigate plasma levels of peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2) and thioredoxin 1 (Trx1), and the activity of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), in thalassemia major (TM) patients living in the Antalya region, Turkey. The patients were divided into three groups, according to chelators - the deferoxamine group (DFO, n = 20), the deferasirox group (DFX, n = 20), and the deferiprone group (DFP, n = 20), to compare any possible effect of chelators on antioxidative and oxidative stress parameters. A control group (n = 20) was selected from healthy volunteers. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and TrxR, as well as the concentrations of Prx2, Trx1, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), reduced glutathione (GSH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the plasma samples of TM patients and the controls. The activity of CAT and the levels of H2O2 and MDA in the TM patients were significantly higher than those in the controls, while the levels of GPx, Trx1, TrxR, and GSH were lower. The concentrations of ferritin, GSH, H2O2, and MDA, as well as the activities of GR, CAT and TrxR, showed significant differences among the chelator groups. Although TrxR activity showed an increase in TM patients due to an elevated iron overload, both TrxR activity and Trx1 level were lower in the patient groups compared with the cases in the control group. As a result, because Trx1 level and TrxR activity were measured at a low level in the patients, increasing the levels of Trx1 and TrxR in TM patients will be a target of future treatment.

Successful unrelated bone marrow transplantation in two siblings with alpha-mannosidosis

Alpha-mannosidosis is a rare lysosomal storage disorder with an autosomal recessive inheritance. Deficient alpha-mannosidase activity leads to lysosomal accumulation of mannose-rich oligosaccharides. The disease characterized by mental retardation, skeletal changes, hearing impairment, and recurrent infections. Stem cell transplantation has been shown to be an effective treatment. It works by providing increased levels of α-mannosidase in the localized extracellular milieu to provide improvements in skeletal malformations, neurocognitive, and sensorineural function. In this case report, we describe a pair of siblings with α-mannosidosis who successfully underwent HSCT from matched unrelated donors. In both siblings, enzyme levels reached to normal limits and improvements in clinical symptoms were recognized early after HSCT. We conclude that HSCT should be considered as a therapeutic approach in patients with alpha-mannosidosis before disease-related complications have developed.

Quality of life assessment in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation performed on thalassemia major patients

Although successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can offer a cure in thalassemia major, there are only a few and noncomprehensive studies of its effect on the quality of life (QoL), as it is expected to increase the QoL by ending transfusion-related issues. Our objective was to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of transplanted and nontransplanted thalassemia major patients in a developing country. We have studied the QoL effect of HSCT in consecutively invited 50 nontransplanted and 49 transplanted patients who had received transplants from HLA matched related donors at least two years ago. PedsQL questionnaire was used for the patients under 18 years of age and World Health Organization's WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire for above 18 years of age. Higher QoL was determined in HSCT performed group surveyed in 5-18 years' age group. Detailed analysis marked the profound difference in 8-12 year subgroup, particularly in physical activity questionnaires. QoL scores in HSCT performed adult group are higher than the transfusion-dependent group, especially in physical activity domain. Transplanted adult patients rated their overall health significantly better than patients on conventional therapy. The patients who still have chronic graft versus host disease rated worse compared to those without it. In conclusion, thalassemia major patients who have undergone HSCT at least two years before assessment are not inferior to the transfusion-dependent group with regard to the QoL and have a better QoL than transfusion-dependent patients in some areas. The QoL score is better for school children and adolescents; therefore, we suggest HSCT before primary school. GVHD reduces the QoL significantly and it is obvious that GVHD prevention should be one of the primary goals of post-HSCT follow-up.

The effect of hemolysis on plasma oxidation and nitration in patients with sickle cell disease

This study aimed to determine the effect of haemolysis on plasma oxidation and nitration in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Blood was collected from haemoglobin (Hb)A volunteers and homozygous HbSS patients who had not received blood transfusions in the last 3 months. Haemolysis was characterised by low levels of haemoglobin and haptoglobin and high levels of reticulocyte, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), plasma cell-free haemoglobin, bilirubin, total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and dominance of LDH-1 isoenzyme. Plasma 8-isoprostane, protein carbonyl and nitrotyrosine levels were measured to evaluate oxidised lipids, oxidised and nitrated proteins, respectively. Plasma nitrite-nitrate levels were also determined to assess nitric oxide (NO) production in both SCD patients and controls. Markers of haemolysis were significantly evident in SCD patients compared to controls. Plasma 8-isoprostane, protein carbonyl and nitrotyrosine levels were markedly elevated in SCD patients compared to controls. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation between haemoglobin and reticulocyte counts and a significant positive correlation of plasma cell-free haemoglobin with protein carbonyl and nitrotyrosine levels. The obtained data shows that increased haemolysis in SCD increases plasma protein oxidation and nitration.

Aberrations of chromosomes 9 and 22 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases detected by ES-fluorescence in situ hybridization

A reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 creates oncogenic BCR/ABL fusion in the breakpoint region of the derivative chromosome 22. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of atypical fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) signal patterns in pediatric and adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases. We evaluated t(9;22) translocation in 208 cases with ALL (294 tests), including 139 childhood and 69 adult cases by FISH technique using BCR/ABL extra signal (ES) probe. FISH signal patterns observed in pediatric ALL cases were as follows; Major-BCR/ABL (M-BCR/ABL) (1.4%), minor-BCR/ABL (m-BCR/ABL) (3.6%), trisomy 9 (4.3%), trisomy 22 (4.3%), trisomy or tetrasomy of both chromosomes 9 and 22 (2.9%), monosomy 9 (1.4%), monosomy 22 (0.7%), ABL gene amplification (1.4%), derivative chromosome 9 deletion (1.4%), and extra copies of the Philadelphia chromosome (1.4%). FISH signal patterns observed in adult ALL cases were as follows; M-BCR/ABL (5.8%), m-BCR/ABL (11.6%), two different cell clones with major and minor BCR/ABL signal pattern (2.9%), extra copies of Philadelphia chromosome (4.3%), derivative chromosome 9 deletion (1.4%), trisomy 9 (2.9%), tetraploidy (1.4%), monosomy 9 (1.4%), trisomy 22 (1.4%), and coexistence of both trisomy 22 and monosomy 9 (1.4%). Trisomy 9, trisomy 22, and polyploidy of chromosomes 9 and 22 were specific atypical FISH signal patterns for childhood B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) patients. However, monosomy 9 and ABL gene amplification were highly specific for childhood T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients. Our report presents the correlation between atypical FISH signal patterns and clinical findings of a large group of ALL cases.

The value of donor lymphocyte infusions in thalassemia patients at imminent risk of graft rejection following stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) in transplanted patients with thalassemia who were at imminent risk of graft rejection (GR).

PROCEDURE

We retrospectively evaluated outcomes in a cohort of 19 patients with thalassemia who received DLI following 21 transplantations. Patients were divided into three groups depending on indication and time of DLI: group I, mixed chimerism-level-3 (MC-level-3) within 2 months and subsequently receiving DLI; group II, MC-level-3 within 2 months and receiving deferred DLI beyond post-transplant 2.5 months; group III, receiving DLI because of a gradual decrease in both donor cells and hemoglobin levels without MC-level-3 within 2 months.

RESULTS

Three patients evolved to compete chimerism (16%), 9 patients had MC with transfusion independency (47%) and 7 had GR (37%). Three of 7 patients in group I, 1 of 4 patients in group II and 8 of 10 patients in group III preserved the graft. Although significant increases in the percentage of donor cells were not detected in group III, hemoglobin levels improved (median, 6.8-8.8 g/dl, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The risk of GR is high in patients with thalassemia who have MC-level-3 within 2 months after transplantation. DLI is a feasible method for converting unstable MC towards stable MC or full donor chimerism, but its efficacy is partially related to the percentage of residual host cells at the time of infusion. Serial chimerism studies can identify unstable MC earlier and may guide the proper timing of intervention.

Unrelated cord blood transplantation in children with severe congenital neutropenia

SCN is an inherited hematological disorder with severe neutropenia and recurrent infections. Although there are some reports that recombinant rhG-CSF improves clinical outcome, allogeneic HSCT appears to be the only curative treatment for these patients. We report here two children with SCN successfully treated by CBT from unrelated donors. They were refractory to rhG-CSF treatment and have no identical family donor. Bu + CY were given as conditioning. Case 1 and Case 2 received 6/6 and 5/6 HLA-matched unrelated umbilical cord blood, respectively. The number of infused nucleated cells was 6, 18 x 10(7)/kg and CD34(+) cell number was 3, 74 x 10(5)/kg in Case 1. Those cell numbers were 8, 8 x 10(7)/kg and 5, 34 x 10(5)/kg for Case 2, respectively. Neutrophil/platelet engraftments were 45/49 days in Case 1 and 24/36 days in Case 2. Grade II cutaneous acute GVHD was seen in Case 2 that was treated successfully with prednisolone. Both patients are well with normal hematological findings and full donor chimerism for post-transplant 20 and 24 months, respectively. We conclude that UCB can be considered as a safe source of stem cell in patients with SCN who need urgent HSCT.

Better posttransplant outcome with fludarabine based conditioning in multitransfused fanconi anemia patients who underwent peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

Several investigators have been looking for less toxic conditioning regimen for stem cell transplantation in Fanconi anemia (FA) patients because of sensitivity to DNA cross-linking agents and tendency to malignancy. We report 16 multitransfused FA patients who underwent peripheral stem cell transplantation from 13 related and 3 unrelated donors. Although the first 6 patients received thoraco-abdominal irradiation + cyclophosphamide + antithymocyte globulin (regimen A) for conditioning, fludarabine (FLU) + cyclophosphamide + antithymocyte globulin (regimen B) were used in the last 10 patients in which 3 of them received unrelated graft. Cyclosporin A was given alone for the related allografts but also included mycophenolate mofetil for the unrelated allograft as graft versus host disease prophylaxis. We observed a lower risk of peritransplant morbidity and mortality with fewer and milder graft versus host disease in FLU based group. We lost 3 patients in regimen A group and 1 of them from secondary acute myeloid leukemia. Three patients are alive with transfusion independent. In regimen B group, 9 of 10 patients are alive with normal hematologic parameters and full donor chimerism. The longest follow-up durations are 90 and 60 months in regimen A and B, respectively. In conclusion, FLU based conditioning is more effective and successful with lower toxicity in multitransfused FA patients. However, it needs more experience and longer follow up duration.

Bone metabolism and mineral density in patients with beta-thalassemia major

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate bone metabolism in patients with beta-thalassemia major and to determine the factors associated with the development of osteoporosis.

METHODS

We studied 25 patients with thalassemia major with a mean age of 18.4 years (range 5-31) and aged and gender matched 24 healthy controls who were attending the outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic of Akdeniz University Hospital between January 2004 and March 2004 in Turkey. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine (L1-L4) and proximal femur were determined using dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Venous blood samples were obtained for determination of blood cell count and markers of bone formation and resorption.

RESULTS

The BMD values, both at lumbar and femoral neck levels were significantly lower in patients compared to controls. Serum N-telopeptide level was slightly higher, whereas osteocalcin was slightly lower in patients; however, these values were not statistically significant. Plasma levels of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) and insulin like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) were significantly lower in patients. Also, serum levels of estradiol and progesterone in females, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in both gender were significantly lower in patients. Serum levels of free testosterone and total testosterone were lower in patients, but not statistically significant. Patients also had significantly higher serum phosphorus levels, and lower serum calcitonin levels compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

The BMD is decreased in thalassemic patients. Growth retardation, growth hormone / IGF-I / IGFBP-3 axis dysfunction, gonadal dysfunction and hypothalomo-pituitary-gonadal axis dysfunction may be responsible for the development of osteoporosis in the patients with beta-thalassemia major.

Donor cell-derived acute myeloblastic leukemia after allogeneic peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia

Despite its rarity, donor cell leukemia (DCL) is a most intriguing entity. We report here the case of a 5 year-old girl with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia and normal female karyotype who developed acute myeloblastic leukemia with a karyotype of 46, X, t(X; 7) (p21; p11.2), der(7) t(3; 7) (q13.3; q22) 5 months after peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from her HLA-matched sister. We performed the analysis of short tandem repeat sequence markers to DNA obtained from donor peripheral blood, patient's peripheral blood including leukemic blasts and patient's hair root. This analysis showed that the leukemic blood DNA matched the donor blood DNA and not the patient's DNA, thus confirming DCL. To our knowledge, this is the first case of DCL after peripheral blood SCT for juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.

Cytomegalovirus antigenemia and outcomes of patients undergoing allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation: effects of long-term high-dose acyclovir prophylaxis and preemptive ganciclovir treatment

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In order to investigate the relationships between antigenemia, high-dose acyclovir (HDACV) prophylaxis, preemptive ganciclovir (GCV) therapy, and outcomes, we analyzed the records of 105 patients, including both pediatric and adult populations, who underwent allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) and who were at risk for CMV reactivation and disease (both recipient and donor seropositive). All received HDACV until neutrophil engraftment, but prophylaxis was continued till post-transplant day 180 only in pediatric patients in conjunction with weekly CMV pp65 antigenemia monitoring. Antigenemia-guided preemptive strategy with GCV was used for all patients. CMV antigenemia developed in 45 patients (42.9%) and CMV disease in 13 (12.4%). The frequencies for antigenemia were 31.3 and 63.2% in pediatric and adult groups (P = 0.002). All CMV diseases were in the adult group (P<0.001). Age at transplantation, underlying disease, long-term HDACV prophylaxis and acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) were all found to be a significant risk factors for antigenemia. All of these factors other than aGVHD and conditioning regimen were also the significant risk factors for CMV disease. However, when we analyzed the pediatric and adult patients separately, dropping "long-term HDACV prophylaxis," none of these parameters were significant risk factors for CMV disease. In conclusion, we hypothesize that long-term HDACV prophylaxis in the GCV era results in a low incidence of CMV reactivation and disease in patients undergoing PBSCT.

Episodes of fever and neutropenia in children with cancer in a tertiary care medical center in Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical features and microbiological spectrum during episodes of fever and neutropenia (FEN) in children with cancer. Demographics, clinical information, treatment approaches, and outcomes of the patients admitted to Akdeniz University Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology from October 1996 to June 2004 were evaluated retrospectively. Of the total 621 episodes, 345 (55.5%) were microbiologically documented (MDI) (36.4%) or clinically suspected (CSI) (19.2%) infections. A total of 425 infections were diagnosed in 345 episodes, in which lower respiratory tract infections were the most common (32.7%). Among the microbiologically documented infections, Staphylococci (both coagulase-negative and coagulase-positive) (38.7%) and Escherichia coli (12.9%) were the most frequently isolated gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, respectively. Monocytopenia less than 100/microL (p = 0.01), duration of neutropenia (p = .01) and fever (p < .001) were significantly associated with documented infection by univariate analysis. In addition, presence of previous FEN episode (p = .001) and hypotension (p = .029) were also found to be risk factors. However, using the multivariate analyses, only the duration of fever was found to be an independent risk factor for MDI. The rate of mortality was significantly higher among under 1-year-old patients (p = .039). Hypotension and uncontrolled cancer were the significant determinants of poor prognosis. These results may help to consider a more selective management strategy for children with these problems.

L-carnitine deficiency and red blood cell mechanical impairment in beta-thalassemia major

L-carnitine is an essential element of intermediary metabolism and also was shown to be effective in maintaining normal red blood cell (RBC) function. This study aimed at investigating plasma free L-carnitine concentrations and effectiveness of L-carnitine supplementation in protecting deterioration of RBC properties in beta-thalassemia major patients. Plasma free L-carnitine concentrations were determined in the blood samples obtained before their regular transfusion (about one month after the previous transfusion). Each patient received 100 mg/kg/day oral L-carnitine supplementation. RBC deformability, lipid peroxidation and intracellular free calcium concentrations were investigated before and after this treatment. Plasma free L-carnitine levels and RBC deformability before the treatment were found to be lower whereas lipid peroxidation and intracellular calcium concentration in RBC were higher compared to those of the control subjects before the L-carnitine treatment. After one month supplementation of L-carnitine lipid peroxidation and intracellular calcium concentrations were found to be decreased and RBC deformability was improved, accompanying the significantly increased plasma L-carnitine concentrations. These results suggest that L-carnitine can be used as a supplement in beta-thalassemic patients, to prevent RBC deterioration.

Two rare mutations in Turkey: IVS I.130(G-C) and IVS II.848(C-A)

Beta-thalassemia, an autosomal recessive disease, results from mutations of the beta-globin gene. More than 40 different mutations found in Turkish beta-thalassemia patients are mostly composed of point mutations, and only in very rare cases a deletion or an insertion causes beta-thalassemia phenotypes. Here, we report two patients who were clinically diagnosed with beta-thalassemia major and HbS/beta-thalassemia respectively. We performed reverse dot blot hybridization method and automated sequence analysis to detect the mutations. One of the patients was found to be IVS I.130 (G-C) homozygous, the other was HbS/IVS II.848 (C-A) as compound heterozygous. The aim of this study was to report hematological and clinical findings in both cases related with beta-globin gene defects that are very rare.