The expression level of BAALC-associated microRNA miR-3151 is an independent prognostic factor in younger patients with cytogenetic intermediate-risk acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease whose prognosis is mainly related to the biological risk conferred by cytogenetics and molecular profiling. In elderly patients (⩾60 years) with normal karyotype AML miR-3151 have been identified as a prognostic factor. However, miR-3151 prognostic value has not been examined in younger AML patients. In the present work, we have studied miR-3151 alone and in combination with BAALC, its host gene, in a cohort of 181 younger intermediate-risk AML (IR-AML) patients. Patients with higher expression of miR-3151 had shorter overall survival (P=0.0025), shorter leukemia-free survival (P=0.026) and higher cumulative incidence of relapse (P=0.082). Moreover, in the multivariate analysis miR-3151 emerged as independent prognostic marker in both the overall series and within the unfavorable molecular prognostic category. Interestingly, the combined determination of both miR-3151 and BAALC improved this prognostic stratification, with patients with low levels of both parameters showing a better outcome compared with those patients harboring increased levels of one or both markers (P=0.003). In addition, we studied the microRNA expression profile associated with miR-3151 identifying a six-microRNA signature. In conclusion, the analysis of miR-3151 and BAALC expression may well contribute to an improved prognostic stratification of younger patients with IR-AML.

Development and psychometric validation of a brief comprehensive health status assessment scale in older patients with hematological malignancies: The GAH Scale

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to develop a new brief, comprehensive geriatric assessment scale for older patients diagnosed with different hematological malignancies, the Geriatric Assessment in Hematology (GAH scale), and to determine its psychometric properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 30-item GAH scale was designed through a multi-step process to cover 8 relevant dimensions. This is an observational study conducted in 363 patients aged≥65years, newly diagnosed with different hematological malignancies (myelodysplasic syndrome/acute myeloblastic leukemia, multiple myeloma, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia), and treatment-naïve. The scale psychometric validation process included the analyses of feasibility, floor and ceiling effect, validity and reliability criteria.

RESULTS

Mean time taken to complete the GAH scale was 11.9±4.7min that improved through a learning-curve effect. Almost 90% of patients completed all items, and no floor or ceiling effects were identified. Criterion validity was supported by reasonable correlations between the GAH scale dimensions and three contrast variables (global health visual analogue scale, ECOG and Karnofsky), except for comorbidities. Factor analysis (supported by the scree plot) revealed nine factors that explained almost 60% of the total variance. Moderate internal consistency reliability was found (Cronbach's α: 0.610), and test-retest was excellent (ICC coefficients, 0.695-0.928).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that the GAH scale is a valid, internally reliable and a consistent tool to assess health status in older patients with different hematological malignancies. Future large studies should confirm whether the GAH scale may be a tool to improve clinical decision-making in older patients with hematological malignancies.

Pharmacokinetic interaction between rifampicin and ritonavir-boosted atazanavir in HIV-infected patients

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) is a common opportunistic infection among HIV-infected people, and rifampicin is an important drug for the treatment of TB. However, administration of rifampicin in combination with antiretroviral therapy, particularly protease inhibitors, is difficult because of drug-drug interactions.

METHODS

We have performed a prospective study in three HIV-infected patients with TB treated with a rifampicin-containing regimen (rifampicin 600 mg per day) and antiretroviral therapy including only nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus atazanavir 300 mg once a day (qd) and ritonavir 100 mg qd, to evaluate whether the inducing effect of rifampicin on the drug-metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 could be overcome by the inhibitory effect of ritonavir. A complete pharmacokinetic evaluation of the steady-state concentrations of atazanavir and ritonavir was performed.

RESULTS

In all three cases, more than 50% of the time the atazanavir level was below the minimum recommended trough plasma level (150 ng/mL according to current pharmacokinetic guidelines) to inhibit HIV wild-type replication.

CONCLUSION

These results strongly indicate that the administration of rifampicin with a combination of atazanavir 300 mg qd plus ritonavir 100 mg qd must be avoided because subtherapeutic concentrations of atazanavir are produced.

Instrument for Detection of Delirium in General Hospitals: Adaptation of the Confusion Assessment Method

Delirium is a common and severe disorder that is often misdiagnosed. The use of screening instruments is advisable for its early detection and treatment. In this study, the authors present an adaptation of the Confusion Assessment Method in order to improve its psychometric properties. One hundred fifty-three elderly inpatients were assessed in a four-phase procedure. Interrater reliability was high (kappa = 0.89). Sensitivity was 90%, and specificity was 100%; the value for negative predictive accuracy was 97%, and the value for positive predictive accuracy was 100%. The adaptation has convergent agreement with two other mental status tests, the Mini-Mental Status Examination and the Delirium Rating Scale. Our results suggest that the adaptation of the Confusion Assessment Method is sensitive, specific, reliable, and easy to use by clinicians.