Blast phase myeloproliferative neoplasm with prior exposure to ruxolitinib: comparative analysis of mutations and survival

Not available.

Implementation of genomic medicine for rare disease in a tertiary healthcare system: Mayo Clinic Program for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (PRaUD)

BACKGROUND

In the United States, rare disease (RD) is defined as a condition that affects fewer than 200,000 individuals. Collectively, RD affects an estimated 30 million Americans. A significant portion of RD has an underlying genetic cause; however, this may go undiagnosed. To better serve these patients, the Mayo Clinic Program for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (PRaUD) was created under the auspices of the Center for Individualized Medicine (CIM) aiming to integrate genomics into subspecialty practice including targeted genetic testing, research, and education.

METHODS

Patients were identified by subspecialty healthcare providers from 11 clinical divisions/departments. Targeted multi-gene panels or custom exome/genome-based panels were utilized. To support the goals of PRaUD, a new clinical service model, the Genetic Testing and Counseling (GTAC) unit, was established to improve access and increase efficiency for genetic test facilitation. The GTAC unit includes genetic counselors, genetic counseling assistants, genetic nurses, and a medical geneticist. Patients receive abbreviated point-of-care genetic counseling and testing through a partnership with subspecialty providers.

RESULTS

Implementation of PRaUD began in 2018 and GTAC unit launched in 2020 to support program expansion. Currently, 29 RD clinical indications are included in 11 specialty divisions/departments with over 142 referring providers. To date, 1152 patients have been evaluated with an overall solved or likely solved rate of 17.5% and as high as 66.7% depending on the phenotype. Noteworthy, 42.7% of the solved or likely solved patients underwent changes in medical management and outcome based on genetic test results.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of PRaUD and GTAC have enabled subspecialty practices advance expertise in RD where genetic counselors have not historically been embedded in practice. Democratizing access to genetic testing and counseling can broaden the reach of patients with RD and increase the diagnostic yield of such indications leading to better medical management as well as expanding research opportunities.

TELOMERE LENGTH OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD MONONUCLEAR CELLS IS ASSOCIATED WITH DISCHARGE DISPOSITION IN OLDER TRAUMA PATIENTS

Introduction: Little is known regarding peripheral blood mononuclear cell telomere length (PBMC-TL) and response to traumatic injury. The objective of this study was to characterize the role of PBMC-TL in coagulation and clinical outcomes after injury. Methods: Plasma and buffy coats were prospectively collected from trauma patients and healthy volunteers. DNA was purified and PBMC-TL quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Thrombin generation kinetics were expressed as lag time (in minutes), peak height (in nanometers), time to peak (in minutes), and endogenous thrombin potential (in nM × min). Results are in median and quartiles [Q1, Q3]. P < 0.05 was considered significant (Wilcoxon rank sum testing). Results: Forty-two younger patients (21 [20, 22] years, 69% were male) and 39 older patients (62 [61, 64] years, 79% were male) were included. There was no significant difference in Clinical Frailty Scores between groups. Younger patients had longer total PBMC-TL (0.40 Mb [0.30, 0.49] vs. 0.29 Mb [0.23, 0.33], P < 0.001) and longer average PBMC-TL per chromosome (4.3 kb [3.3, 5.3] vs. 3.2 kb [2.5, 3.7], P < 0.001). When older patients were stratified by 50th percentile of PBMC-TL, there were no differences in thrombin generation; however, those with shorter telomeres were less likely to be discharged home (29% vs. 77%, P = 0.004). Older patients in the bottom quartile of PBMC-TL had shorter lag time (2.78 min [2.33, 3.00] vs. 3.33 min [3.24, 3.89], P = 0.030) and were less likely to be discharged home (22% vs. 90%, P = 0.006) than those in the top quartile of PBMC-TL. Multivariable logistic regression models revealed both increased age and shorter PBMC-TL to be independent predictors of discharge disposition other than home. Conclusion: In older trauma patients, shorter PBMC-TL is associated with accelerated initiation of thrombin generation and lower likelihood of being discharged to home.

A TRIP11:: FLT3 gene fusion in a patient with myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia and tyrosine kinase gene fusions: a case report and review of the literature

Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with FLT3 gene fusions have recently been included among myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and tyrosine kinase gene fusions (MLN-TK) in the World Health Organization classification and International Consensus Classification. As this entity remains remarkably rare, its scope and phenotypic features are evolving. In this report, we describe a 33-yr-old male with MLN-TK. Conventional chromosome analysis revealed a t(13;14)(q12;q32). Further analysis with mate-pair sequencing (MPseq) confirmed a TRIP11::FLT3 gene fusion. A diagnosis of MLN-TK was rendered. To the best of our knowledge, we report the third case of MLN-TK with a TRIP11::FLT3 gene fusion. In contrast to previously described cases, our case exhibited distinctly mild clinical features and disease behavior, emphasizing the diverse spectrum of MLN-TK at primary presentation and variability in disease course. MLN-TK with FLT3 gene fusions are a genetically defined entity which may be targetable with tyrosine kinase inhibitors with anti-FLT3 activity. Accordingly, from diagnostic and therapeutic viewpoints, genetic testing for FLT3 rearrangements using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or sequencing-based assays should be pursued for patients with chronic eosinophilia.

A dynamic 3-factor survival model for acute myeloid leukemia that accounts for response to induction chemotherapy

The current study was approached with the assumption that response to induction chemotherapy, in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), overshadows pre-treatment risk variables in predicting survival and therefore be used as an anchor for a simplified risk model. We considered 759 intensively-treated patients with AML, not promyelocytic: median age 60 years; primary 66%, secondary 25%, and therapy-related 9%; European LeukemiaNet cytogenetic risk category favorable 8%, intermediate 61%, and adverse 31%. Complete remission with (CR) or without (CRi) count recovery was achieved in 608 (80%) patients. After a median follow-up of 22 months, 503 deaths, 272 relapses, and 257 allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (AHSCTs) were recorded. Multivariable analysis identified failure to achieve CR/CRi (HR 3.8, 95% CI 3.1-4.8), adverse karyotype (2.2, 1.8-2.8), and age >55 years (2.1, 1.6-2.7) as main risk factors for survival. HR-weighted scoring resulted in four-tiered risk stratification: low (0 points; N=183), intermediate-1 (1 point; N=331), intermediate-2 (2 points; N=117), and high (≥3 points; N=128), with respective median survival (5-year rate) not reached (68%), 34 (37%), 13 (20%), and 5 (5%) months (p <0.001). FLT3-ITD mutation was associated with inferior survival in intermediate-1 (p=0.004) and TP53 in intermediate-2 (p=0.06) and high (p=0.02) risk disease; the latter was fully accounted for by the close association between TP53 mutation and complex/monosomal karyotype while the observations regarding FLT3-ITD were not affected by treatment with midostaurin. AHSCT had a favorable impact on survival, most apparent in intermediate-1 (p<0.001), intermediate-2 (p=0.03), and high (p=0.01) risk disease. The proposed 3-factor survival model offers a novel prototype that is amenable to further enhancement by molecular information and was validated in an external cohort of 1,032 intensively-treated AML patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

European LeukemiaNet-defined primary refractory acute myeloid leukemia: the value of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant and overall response

We sought to appraise the value of overall response and salvage chemotherapy, inclusive of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT), in primary refractory acute myeloid leukemia (prAML). For establishing consistency in clinical practice, the 2017 European LeukemiaNet (ELN) defines prAML as failure to attain CR after at least 2 courses of intensive induction chemotherapy. Among 60 consecutive patients (median age 63 years) correspondent with ELN-criteria for prAML, salvage was documented in 48 cases, 30/48 (63%) being administered intensive chemotherapy regimens and 2/48 consolidated with AHSCT as first line salvage. 13/48 (27%) attained response: CR, 7/13 (54%), CRi, 2/13 (15%), MLFS, 4/13 (31%). The CR/CRi rate was 9/48 (19%), with CR rate of 7/48 (15%). On univariate analysis, intermediate-risk karyotype was the only predictor of response (44% vs 17% in unfavorable karyotype; P = 0.04). Administration of any higher-dose (>1 g/m²) cytarabine intensive induction (P = 0.50), intensive salvage chemotherapy (P = 0.72), targeted salvage (FLT3 or IDH inhibitors) (P = 0.42), greater than 1 salvage regimen (P = 0.89), age < 60 years (P = 0.30), and de novo AML (P = 0.10) did not enhance response achievement, nor a survival advantage. AHSCT was performed in 12 patients with (n = 8) or without (n = 4) CR/CRi/MLFS. 1/2/5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 63%/38%/33% in patients who received AHSCT (n = 12) vs 27%/0%/0% in those who achieved CR/CRi/MLFS but were not transplanted (n = 5), vs 14%/0%/0% who were neither transplanted nor achieved CR/CRi/MLFS (n = 43; P < 0.001); the median OS was 18.6, 12.6 and 5.6 months, respectively. Although CR/CRi/MLFS bridged to AHSCT (n = 8), appeared to manifest a longer median OS (20 months), vs (13.4 months) for those with no response consolidated with AHSCT (n = 4), the difference was not significant P = 0.47. We conclude AHSCT as indispensable for securing long-term survival in prAML (p = 0.03 on multivariate analysis), irrespective of response achievement.

Utilizing next-generation sequencing to characterize a case of acute myeloid leukemia with t(4;12)(q12;p13) in the absence of ETV6/CHIC2 and ETV6/PDGFRA gene fusions

The t(4;12)(q12;p13) has been rarely reported in both myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia (ETV6/PDGFRA gene fusion) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (ETV6/CHIC2 gene fusion). The ability to accurately characterize t(4;12) is critical as myeloid neoplasms with PDGFRA rearrangements may be amenable to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Herein, we describe a 60-year-old male with newly diagnosed AML and t(4;12)(q12;p13) by conventional chromosome studies. While the ETV6 break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probe set demonstrated a balanced ETV6 gene rearrangement, the FIP1L1/CHIC2/PDGFRA tri-color and PDGFRA break-apart FISH probe sets could not resolve the ETV6 gene fusion partner. Mate-pair sequencing (MPseq), a next-generation sequencing assay, was subsequently performed and identified an ETV6 gene rearrangement (at 12p13) that involved an intergenic chromosomal region at 4q12, located between the CHIC2 and PDGFRA gene regions. Having excluded involvement by the PDGFRA gene region, the patient will not be considered for TKI therapy at any point during his medical management. The accurate characterization of structural rearrangements by NGS-based technologies, as demonstrated in this case, highlights the clinical relevance and potential impact on patient medical management of modern cytogenetic techniques.

Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is an uncommon complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) that carries high morbidity and mortality. Limited contemporary data are available regarding the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors for DAH.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors for DAH developing after HCT?

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent HCT between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2016. The incidence and outcomes of DAH development were evaluated. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze differences between survivors and nonsurvivors.

RESULTS

Of 4,350 patients undergoing first-time HCT, DAH was diagnosed in 99 (2.3%). DAH was seen in 40 of 3,536 autologous HCT recipients (1.1%) and 59 of 814 allogeneic HCT recipients (7.2%). Mean age was 53 ± 13 years, and median time of DAH diagnosis was 126 days (interquartile range, 19-349 days) after HCT. In-hospital mortality and mortality 1 year after DAH diagnosis were 55.6% and 76.8%, respectively. DAH diagnosis more than 30 days after transplantation (OR, 7.06; 95% CI, 1.65-30.14), low platelet count (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-1.0; P = .02), elevated international normalized ratio (INR; OR, 4.08; 95% CI, 0.64-25.88; P = .046) and need for invasive mechanical ventilation (OR, 8.18; 95% CI, 1.9-35.21) were associated with higher in-hospital mortality. Steroid treatment did not alter mortality (P = .80) or length of stay (P = .65). However, among those who received steroids, survival was higher in whose who received modest-dose steroids (< 250 mg methylprednisolone equivalent/d) compared with those who received high-dose steroids (≥ 250 mg methylprednisolone equivalent/d; OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.07-0.72).

INTERPRETATION

The mortality of DAH after HCT remains high, and DAH can occur long after transplantation. Later development of DAH (>30 days after HCT), need for invasive mechanical ventilation, thrombocytopenia, and elevated INR are all associated with worse outcomes.

Risk Factors for Keratinocyte Carcinoma in Recipients of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplants

Importance

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (alloHCT) is known to increase the risk for keratinocyte carcinoma. The extent to which host characteristics, including pigmentary phenotype and UV radiation exposure, contribute is unknown.

Objective

To identify and validate independent risk factors for keratinocyte carcinoma after alloHCT, including those associated with the transplant and the host.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study analyzed a consecutive sample of alloHCT recipients from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2014, at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (n = 872) and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio (n = 147). Participants from the Mayo Clinic were randomly allocated (2:1) into discovery (n = 581) and validation (n = 291) cohorts. Time to first keratinocyte carcinoma and information about transplant- and host-associated risk factors were extracted. A multivariate keratinocyte carcinoma risk model was created using a stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression model with P ≤ .05 for entry that incorporated all covariates that were individually statistically significant at α = 0.05 in the discovery cohort. The risk model was first internally validated using the Mayo Clinic validation cohort and then externally validated using the independent cohort of alloHCT recipients at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Data were analyzed from March 13, 2018, to June 12, 2019.

Exposures

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was time to development of the first cutaneous keratinocyte carcinoma after alloHCT; secondary outcome, time to development of the first individual basal and/or squamous cell carcinoma after alloHCT.

Results

Of the 872 alloHCT recipients identified in the Mayo Clinic cohort (520 men [59.6%]; mean [SD] age, 48.3 [12.6] years), 95 (10.9%) developed keratinocyte carcinoma after alloHCT during 5349 person-years of follow-up. Of the 147 alloHCT recipients in the exernal validation cohort (86 men [58.5%]; mean [SD] age, 47.9 [17.5] years), 18 (12.2%) developed keratinocyte carcinoma after alloHCT in 880 person-years of follow up. Risk factors independently associated with keratinocyte carcinoma after alloHCT included age (hazard ratio [HR] per 10 years, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.21-2.42), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (HR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.20-5.09), clinically photodamaged skin (HR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.87-6.41), and history of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.41-5.91). Harrell concordance statistics were 0.81 (95% CI, 0.72-0.90) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.74-0.98) for internal and external validation of the keratinocyte carcinoma risk model, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found validated independent risk factors for keratinocyte carcinoma after alloHCT that are enriched with host- compared with transplant-associated risk factors. These findings highlight the importance of assessing host-associated risk factors for keratinocyte carcinoma in patients eligible for alloHCT. Future studies should examine whether keratinocyte carcinoma risk stratification before alloHCT may inform long-term surveillance strategies.

The Impact of Obesity on the Outcomes of Adult Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia - A Single Center Retrospective Study

Introduction

Obesity is a worldwide problem that is related to cardiac disease, thrombosis and cancer. However, little is known about the impact of obesity on the outcomes of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated a cohort of 154 newly diagnosed adult ALL patients between 1994 and 2011 at Mayo Clinic (Rochester). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) international BMI classification, patients were stratified as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. For some analyses, patients were also stratified according to a two-sided non-obese or obese classification.

Results

The median follow-up time was 8.37 years. Obese patients were more likely to be women (p=0.024) and ≥60 years old (p=0.003). Five-year mortality rates were higher in obese patients than non-obese [HR 95% CI: 1.60 (1.03-2.50) p=0.035]. This was also the case in subgroup analysis among T-cell patients although the number of patients was small [HR 95% CI: 5.42 (1.84-15.98) p<0.001]. There was no difference in mortality among the B-cell patients. After adjusting for baseline variables, the difference in mortality remained in several models. There was no difference in EFS or cumulative incidence of relapse rates between obese and non-obese patients among the overall population.

Discussion

In conclusion, our study suggests that adult ALL patients with obesity have lower survival rates, especially in T-cell ALL.

Risk for Significant Kidney Function Decline After Acute Kidney Injury in Adults With Hematologic Malignancy

Introduction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects 30% of adults hospitalized with hematologic malignancy. Little is known about the long-term impact on kidney outcomes in this population despite the close relationship between kidney function and malignancy treatment eligibility. The purpose of this population-based cohort study was to determine the effect of AKI on kidney function in the year following a new diagnosis of acute leukemia or lymphoma.

Methods

Participants were adults hospitalized within 3 weeks of malignancy diagnosis. Baseline kidney function was determined and AKI diagnosed using standardized criteria. Cox proportional hazard modeling examined the relationship between AKI and a ≥30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline in the 1 year following hospitalization as the primary endpoint.

Results

AKI occurred in 33% of 1064 participants, with 70% of episodes occurring within 48 hours of hospitalization, and significantly increased risk for a ≥ 30% decline in eGFR (hazard ratio [HR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2–3.5) and incident chronic kidney disease (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.7–2.8). AKI remained a significant predictor of eGFR decline in subgroup and multivariable analyses (adjusted HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4–2.7). A ≥ 30% decline in eGFR increased the risk for death within 1 year in participants with AKI (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.3).

Conclusion

Results aid in identifying individuals at highest risk for poor outcomes and highlight the need for research involving interventions that preserve kidney function from the time of initial hospitalization with a hematologic malignancy into the postdischarge period.

Impact of Novel Targeted Therapies and Cytogenetic Risk Groups on Outcome After Allogeneic Transplantation for Adult ALL

Novel high-risk groups have recently been identified in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), including Philadelphia-like, therapy-related, and measurable residual disease after induction therapy. Furthermore, modern targeted therapies have recently been incorporated into ALL management; rituximab for CD20-positive and blinatumomab for measurable residual disease after induction therapy or relapsed or refractory disease. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is recommended as consolidation therapy for high-risk ALL; however, its relative benefit for these high-risk groups and after novel therapies is unclear. We performed an analysis of posttransplantation outcomes in a cohort of 261 consecutive patients who underwent allo-HCT for ALL at the 3-site Mayo Clinic Cancer Center (January 1, 2008-December 31, 2018). With a median (range) follow-up of 22.4 months (0.5-135.0), the 100-day and 5-year cumulative incidences of nonrelapse mortality rates were 6.5% and 26.7%, respectively. The 5-year cumulative incidences of relapse and death were 22.6% and 46.2%, respectively. The 1-year estimate of the composite endpoint of graft-versus-host disease/relapse-free survival was 39.3%. We observed no associations of novel high-risk groups or modern targeted therapies with overall survival, nonrelapse mortality, or relapse in multivariable analysis. An increased risk of relapse was observed with T-ALL (hazard ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-4.09; P = .02) and hypodiploidy/near-triploidy (hazard ratio, 2.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-7.62; P = .04). Our analysis suggests that novel high-risk groups derive a similar benefit from allo-HCT as traditional high-risk adult ALL and that novel targeted therapies do not seem to independently predict for posttransplantation outcomes. It also calls for further exploration of maintenance strategies after Allo-HCT to prevent relapse in high-risk subgroups.

Genetic Factors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia With Myelodysplasia-Related Changes

OBJECTIVES

Acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) is a heterogeneous category with a broad range of underlying genetic abnormalities. We investigated the significance of genetic factors in a large series of AML-MRC cases.

METHODS

The morphologic findings, genetic data, and patient outcomes were assessed in 186 AML-MRC cases.

RESULTS

The median overall survival (OS) was dismal in AML-MRC patients (median, 7.6 months; 95% confidence interval, 5-10.6 months). Karyotypically normal cases and cytogenetically abnormal cases without myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)-related cytogenetic abnormalities showed similar OS, significantly better than cases carrying MDS-related cytogenetic abnormalities. MDS-related cytogenetic abnormalities, monosomal or complex karyotype, and history of MDS or myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm were all associated with dismal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

AML-MRC predicts a poor prognosis. Our study supports the finding that the genetic profile plays a key role in determining prognosis in AML-MRC as defined according to the World Health Organization revised fourth edition (2017) diagnostic criteria.

Clinical outcomes of adults with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis treated with the HLH-04 protocol: a retrospective analysis

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare syndrome of pathologic immune activation in children that is increasingly being recognized in adults. Efficacy data for the HLH-04 protocol in adults is lacking. This study retrospectively analyzed 31 adult patients, median age 46 years, who received HLH-04 from 1/1/2004 to 5/1/2018. HLH etiology included malignancy (n = 9), autoimmune (n = 8), infection (n = 8), and idiopathic (n = 6). Eighteen patients were evaluable for response at week 4 with 7 having no response, 11 reaching partial response, and 0 reaching complete response (CR). Six patients eventually achieved CR at a median 195 days. The 1-year overall survival (OS) was 35% and median OS was 3.2 months. Univariate analysis showed shorter survival for hemoglobin <9 g/dL (HR 4.29, p = 0.003), platelets <100 × 10⁹/L (HR 4.06, p = 0.027), ANC <1 × 10⁹/L (HR 5.24, p = 0.001), and total bilirubin >1.2 mg/dL (HR 3.30, p = 0.022). Outcomes of adults treated with HLH-04 remain dismal and newer treatment modalities are needed.

Association between anemia and hematological indices with mortality among cardiac intensive care unit patients

Background

Anemia and elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) or mean corpuscular volume (MCV) are associated with an adverse prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease and critical illness. Limited data exist regarding these associations in unselected cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of CICU patients between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2015, with a hemoglobin (Hb) level measured at admission. Multivariable regression was performed to determine predictors of hospital mortality, and Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to determine post-discharge survival.

Results

We included 9644 patients with a mean age of 67.5 ± 15.1 years, including 3604 (37.4%) females. The median (IQR) values of Hb, MCV and RDW were 12.2 g/dL (10.6, 13.7), 90.7 fL (87.3, 94.2) fL, and 14.1% (13.3, 15.8), respectively. Anemia (admission Hb < 12 g/dL) was present in 4434 (46%) patients. A total of 845 (8.8%) patients died in the hospital. Patients with anemia had higher hospital mortality (11.3% vs. 6.6%, unadjusted OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.58–2.10, p < 0.001). After multivariable regression, admission Hb and MCV were not significantly associated with hospital mortality (both p > 0.1), while admission RDW (adjusted OR 1.12 per 1%, 95% CI 1.07–1.18, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with hospital mortality. Hospital survivors with lower Hb, higher MCV, or higher RDW had lower post-discharge survival.

Conclusion

Elevated RDW on admission was independently associated with higher hospital mortality in CICU patients. These data emphasize the importance of hematologic abnormalities for mortality risk stratification in CICU populations.

Graphic abstract

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00392-019-01549-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Outcome of Myelodysplastic Syndromes Over Time in the United States: A National Cancer Data Base Study From 2004-2013

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes in overall outcome of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) after approval of several treatments.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified 54,953 MDS cases in the National Cancer Data Base diagnosed from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2013, using International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, 3rd edition, codes 9980, 9982-9983, 9985-9987, 9989, 9991-9992. Overall survival and different subgroups were studied over 3 periods of diagnoses (2004-2006, 2007-2009, and 2010-2013).

RESULTS

Median age at diagnosis was 76 years. The most common subtype was MDS-unclassifiable, which represented 55.6% of all cases. We found that males, older patients, patients with refractory anemia with excess blasts, Medicare insurance recipients, and those treated at nonacademic centers had the worse survival (P<.001). Overall survival did not improve over time, except in younger patients (<40 years old).

CONCLUSION

In the past decade, overall outcome of MDS did not improve despite the advent of new therapies. More studies are needed to understand the impact of newly approved treatments on the outcome of patients with MDS.

Differential expression of interferon-induced genes and other tissue-based biomarkers in acute graft-versus-host disease vs. lupus erythematosus in skin

BACKGROUND

In both acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and lupus erythematosus (LE), the patient's own tissues are subjected to immunological assault via complex mechanisms influenced by interferon (IFN) and other cytokines. Although not typically confused clinically, these entities have overlapping histopathological findings in the skin.

AIM

To assess whether GVHD can be differentiated from LE using molecular methods on skin specimens.

METHODS

We developed a quantitative reverse transcription PCR assay based on previously identified tissue-based biomarkers of cutaneous GVHD, and compared gene expression in GVHD with that in LE.

RESULTS

Both entities showed robust expression of IFN-induced genes and of genes encoding proteins involved in antigen presentation, cell signalling and tissue repair. Levels of gene expression differed significantly in GVHD compared with LE, particularly those of IFN-induced genes such as MX1, OAS3, TAP1 and STAT3 (P < 0.01). Three logistic regression models could differentiate the two entities with a high degree of certainty (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 1.0).

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates the feasibility of distinguishing between microscopically similar inflammatory dermatoses using tissue-based molecular techniques.

Bone Marrow Conventional Karyotyping and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization: Defining an Effective Utilization Strategy for Evaluation of Myelodysplastic Syndromes

OBJECTIVES

The current standard of practice for evaluation of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) includes peripheral blood and bone marrow morphology review and conventional karyotyping. Karyotype provides a global view of the chromosome complement while fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) targets specific abnormalities. The aim of this study was to determine if an MDS-FISH panel would add value beyond karyotype in MDS workup.

METHODS

We studied 505 patients who were evaluated for a possible MDS and had concurrent bone marrow examination, karyotyping, and MDS-FISH performed.

RESULTS

In total, 462 cases had adequate karyotyping (≥20 metaphases) and showed excellent concordance (96%, 445/462) between karyotyping and MDS-FISH. Additional FISH abnormalities had no impact on diagnosis and minimal impact on the cytogenetic prognostic scoring in the myeloid neoplasm cases (2%, 4/206). The concordance rate dropped to 82% (32/39) in the group with insufficient karyotyping (<20 metaphases), and additional FISH findings in this subgroup had no impact on the diagnosis but altered the cytogenetic prognostic scoring in 10% (2/20) of myeloid neoplasm cases.

CONCLUSIONS

In the evaluation of a possible MDS, FISH rarely provides additional value when karyotype is adequate. We propose a value-based, cost-effective algorithmic approach for conventional karyotyping and FISH testing in routine MDS workup.

Medical Students' Knowledge, Familiarity, and Attitudes towards Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donation: Stem Cell Donation Behaviors

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative treatment for patients with blood disorders and genetic diseases. Approximately 70% of the HSCTs currently performed in the United States use stems cells from an unrelated donor who donated voluntarily. Medical students (MS) are a young, diverse, influential population whose willingness to engage in altruistic acts, such as donating stem cells, may be correlated with knowledge on the topic. A literature gap exists in MS perspectives towards HSCT and the bone marrow registry (BMR) and prior studies suggest that misconceptions about donation deter MS from participation on the BMR, which may decrease opportunities to educate other potential donors. We performed a cross-sectional survey among the 4-year cohort of MS at Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota. The questionnaire evaluated multiple areas including whether MS were current members of the BMR and/or prior blood donors, MS current knowledge on donor eligibility (DE) and the donation process (DP), MS familiarity with HSCT and the DP, and MS attitudes towards joining the BMR and towards donating stem cells. The responses were analyzed and assessed alongside a self-reported, standardized scale measuring students' altruistic behaviors. There were 99 out of 247 potential respondents (40%), with 45% (n = 44) of MS in preclinical years 1 or 2, 37% (n = 37) in clinical years 3 or 4, and 18% (n = 18) in research or alternative portions of their training, of which 43% (n = 41) in total were current BMR members. BMR status correlated positively with prior blood donation (P = .015) and female sex (P = .014). Respondents had a 57.7% and 63.7% average correct response rate regarding knowledge of DE and DP, respectively, with knowledge of DE not surprisingly higher in BMR members (P < .0001). The majority of MS surveyed, 68% (n = 65), had learned about HSCT during medical school. BMR status correlated with the following attitudes towards donating stem cells: lower concern with all evaluated aspects of HSCT-time, cost, pain, and side effects (for all subsections, P < .05) but not with the altruism score (P = .32). The mean altruism score for respondents was 59.9 ± 11.3 (of a possible 100 points) with no significant difference in age, race, sex, level of training, or participation in the BMR. Altruism scores did not directly correlate with lower concern with aspects of time, cost, and pain of HSCT but did with long-term side effects (P = .021). This latter correlation was regardless of BMR status. Among MS, positive predictors for participation in the BMR included prior blood donation and female sex. BMR status did not ensure knowledge of all aspects of donating stem cells, but it correlated with less concern regarding the DP and was unrelated to altruism score. Improving knowledge gaps regarding the BMR and HSCT for the next generation of physicians and health care providers through expanded medical education curriculum may be beneficial to for the recruitment and retention of donor populations to the BMR.

Venous thromboembolism following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-a systematic review and meta-analysis

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is another complication of HSCT that may modify the risk of VTE. Our objective was to explore the incidence of VTE (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) following HSCT and to evaluate its association with GVHD. A comprehensive search of Medline In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus was conducted to search for both retrospective and prospective HSCT studies which had reported VTE. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool incidence rates. We included 17 studies reporting on allogeneic- and 10 on autologous-HSCT; enrolling 6693 patients; of which 5 were randomized. The overall incidence of VTE after HSCT was 5 % (4-7 %). Incidence in allogeneic-HSCT was 4 % (2-6 %) and in autologous-HSCT was 4 % (1-15 %). Eleven and nine studies reported data on acute and chronic GVHD, respectively. The incidence of VTE in chronic GVHD was 35 % (20-54 %), whereas in acute GVHD it was 47 % (32-62 %). Based on the results of this meta-analysis, VTE is a fairly common complication after HSCT, emphasizing the importance of assimilating guidelines for both treatment and prophylaxis in this patient population.

The Incidence and Severity of Oral Mucositis among Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients: A Systematic Review

Oral mucositis (OM) is a debilitating early adverse effect of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The intensity of the conditioning regimen correlates with the incidence and severity of OM, but no studies have analyzed this relationship among various conditioning regimens. We performed a systematic review on the incidence and outcomes of OM in allogeneic HSCT patients and analyzed this association. A comprehensive search of several databases (Ovid Medline In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Cochrane CRCT, Cochrane DSR, Scopus) from 1990 to 2014 for studies of OM in allogeneic HSCT patients was conducted. Professional societies' meeting abstracts were also searched. Grade of OM was analyzed based on the World Health Organization (WHO) or National Cancer Institutes (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events scales. Severe mucositis was defined as either grades 2 to 4 or grades 3 and 4, depending on the studies' definition of severity. Cohorts were analyzed based on regimen intensity; ie, reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) (including nonmyeloablative) and myeloablative (MA). Random effect (RE) and standard logistic models weighted by the number of patients in each cohort were used for comparisons. A total of 624 studies were generated from the search. Of the 395 patients in 8 eligible MA regimen studies, 73.2% experienced any OM, whereas in 245 patients in the 6 eligible RIC regimen studies, 86.5% experienced any OM (chi-square P < .0001; RE, P = .05). Severe (grades 2 to 4) OM occurred among 79.7% of the WHO/NCI-graded MA patients and 71.5% of RIC patients (chi-square, P = .0421; RE, P < .01). In comparing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis, only 55.4% of patients receiving nonmethotrexate regimens experienced OM; this was lower (chi-square, P < .0001; RE, P = .06) than that found among patients who received methotrexate (83.4%), either standard or reduced dose. Besides NCI and WHO grading scales, other scales included in the studies were Oral Mucositis Index, the Southwest Oncology Group Criteria, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale. To our knowledge, this is the first analysis on OM in allogeneic HSCT patients with respect to conditioning regimens, and we observed that RIC regimens led to a high incidence of OM similar to that of MA regimens. Clinical trials on treatment of OM are lacking, emphasizing the essential need for prospective studies in this arena. A significant variance in the criteria for grading OM underscores the importance of establishing a standard grading system for OM measurement in future allogeneic HSCT clinical trials.

Comparison of complication rates of Hickman(®) catheters versus peripherally inserted central catheters in patients with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing induction chemotherapy

Central venous access devices (CVADs) are used for intravenous therapy in patients with hematological malignancies. There are limited data comparing catheter outcomes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing induction chemotherapy. A retrospective review comparing the incidence of early and late CVAD-associated complications and their effect on CVAD removal was performed in patients with AML undergoing induction chemotherapy between 2007 and 2011. Overall, 64 Hickman(®) catheters and 84 peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) were inserted. There was a trend toward increasing use of PICCs. The rate of CVAD occlusion was higher in PICCs compared to Hickman catheters (48.2% vs. 3.2%), for a rate of 20.43 vs. 1.25 per 1000 CVAD-days (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the rates of CVAD-associated thrombosis, premature removal, blood stream infection (BSI) and CVAD-related BSI. Importantly, there was no significant difference in the rate of CVAD removal between Hickman catheters and PICCs for the duration that the CVADs were in place. The choice of type of CVAD inserted into patients with newly diagnosed AML will depend on ease of catheter placement, cost, perception of frequency and severity of complications, and clinician preference.