Emicizumab: the hemophilia A game-changer

In hemophilia, the unmet needs regarding adherence to prophylaxis and lack of effective long-term prophylaxis regimens, especially in patients with inhibitors, led to the production of emicizumab, the first non-factor medicine for subcutaneous administration in patients with severe and moderate hemophilia A with or without factor VIII inhibitors. This review describes the research steps behind the development of this game-changing medication as well as its success in the prophylaxis of bleeding episodes, as witnessed by the results of pivotal clinical trials but also by real-life use in the frame of a still expanding global market. We also discuss potential and actual adverse events and the nuances related to clinical use, such as laboratory monitoring, development of neutralizing antidrug antibodies, risk of thrombosis/hypercoagulability and role in the management of surgical operations. The potential of emicizumab to prevent bleeding in other congenital and acquired coagulation disorders is also outlined.

Outcome of relapsed and refractory nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: a North American analysis

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare entity, with limited data on the outcome in the relapsed/refractory setting. We evaluated the outcome of all patients diagnosed between 04/1979 and 01/2019 with relapsed or progressive NLPHL after initial active therapy at two institutions, refractory disease being defined as lack of response to treatment and/or relapse within three months of treatment. NLPHL patients with histological evidence of transformation at time of first relapse or progression were excluded. In total, 69 patients with recurrent NLPHL were included in the study. After a median follow-up after initial diagnosis of 14 years (range, 0·5-46 years), median progression-free survival after front-line treatment (PFS-1) was four years. Second-line therapy included chemotherapy in 28 (41%) patients, biological therapy (rituximab, lenalidomide or brentuximab vedotin) in 14 (20%), high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant in 14 (20%) and radiation therapy (RT) alone in 10 (15%). The five-year PFS after second-line therapy (PFS-2) was 68% [95% confidence interval (CI), 54-79%] but the five-year overall survival (OS) after second-line therapy (OS-2) remained excellent, at 94% (95% CI, 85-99%). Due to excellent outcome in case of recurrence, studies aimed at characterizing its biology to guide therapy de-escalation are needed.

Follow-up Blood Cultures in Gram-Negative Bacteremia: Are They Needed?

Background

Bloodstream infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) bacteremia is typically transient and usually resolves rapidly after the initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy and source control. The optimal duration of treatment and utility of follow-up blood cultures (FUBC) have not been studied in detail. Currently, the management of gram-negative bacteremia is determined by clinical judgment. To investigate the value of repeat blood cultures, we analyzed 500 episodes of bacteremia to determine frequency of FUBC and identify risk factors for persistent bacteremia.

Methods

Of 500 episodes of bacteremia, we retrospectively analyzed 383 (77%) that had at least 1 FUBC. We sought information regarding presumed source of bacteremia, antibiotic status at the time of FUBC, antibiotic susceptibility, presence of fever, comorbidities (intravenous central lines, urinary catheters, diabetes mellitus, AIDS, end-stage renal disease, and cirrhosis), need for intensive care, and mortality.

Results

Antibiotic use did not affect the rate of positivity of FUBC, unless bacteria were not sensitive to empiric antibiotic. Fever on the day of FUBC was associated with higher rates of positive FUBC for gram-positive cocci (GPC) but not GNB. Mortality and care in the intensive care unit were not associated with positive FUBC. Seventeen FUBC and 5 FUBC were drawn for GNB and GPC to yield 1 positive result.

Conclusions

FUBC added little value in the management of GNB bacteremia. Unrestrained use of blood cultures has serious implications for patients including increased healthcare costs, longer hospital stays, unnecessary consultations, and inappropriate use of antibiotics.