Chronic Anemia Research Articles

The Frequency of Verrucomicrobia in the Intestinal Mucus of Patients with Cancer and Polyps Compared to Healthy Individuals

Background: Members of the phylum Verrucomicrobia, especially Akkermensiamuciniphila, have been identified as beneficial gut bacteria. Changes in the gut microbiota are associated with the occurrence of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and irritable bowel syndrome; however, there is conflicting information about their role and changes in colorectal cancer (CRC). Objectives: In the present study, the prevalence of this bacterial phylum in the intestines of individuals with colorectal lesions and healthy controls was investigated. Methods: Mucus samples were obtained from the colons of 69 individuals with colorectal lesions, including CRC and precancerous gut lesions (PCL), and 68 individuals without lesions during colonoscopy. Bacterial DNA was extracted from the mucus samples. A conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed to detect Verrucomicrobia using a specific 16S rRNA primer. Results: The prevalence of Verrucomicrobia was greater in healthy individuals (75.4%) than in those with either cancer or PCL (59.7%) (P = 0.038). However, there was no significant difference in the presence of these bacteria between the CRC and PCL patient groups. A reverse correlation was observed between the presence of Verrucomicrobia and both chronic constipation (P = 0.001) and anemia (P = 0.048). Conclusions: A decreased frequency of Verrucomicrobia in humans may serve as the basis for the initiation of intestinal changes, resulting in the development of colorectal precancerous and cancerous lesions.

Chronic autoimmune gastritis and its relation to megaloblastic anemia – Main histopathological and pathophysiological characteristics

Chronic autoimmune gastritis is a sustained inflammation of the stomach, characterized by being immunologically mediated against intrinsic factor-producing parietal cells, leading to nutritional deficiencies that may result in anemia. This study investigates the prevalence and underlying mechanism of anemia in patients with chronic autoimmune gastritis, focusing on iron deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency. A bibliographic review was carried out on the subject, in databases of scientific relevance and verified by peers, whose inclusion criteria allowed only studies relevant to the subject, published in the last five years, which establish a relationship with chronic autoimmune gastritis and anemia. Thus, the exclusion criteria left out studies on chronic gastritis due to other etiologies, those cases not related to anemia, or other studies not relevant to the general objective. In the pathophysiological framework, there is an autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells, which leads to a reduction in the secretion of hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 and iron, predisposing to iron deficiency and megaloblastic anemia. Histological examination reveals gastric atrophy with loss of glands, lymphocytic infiltration, and presence of plasma cells. Symptoms include dyspepsia, loss of appetite and loss of appetite.

#2308 The effect of Dapagliflozin on albuminuria and biomarkers associated with renal function in patients with β-thalassemia and/or sickle-cell disease

Abstract Background and Aims Patients with β-thalassemia present already from the 1st year of life with serious anemia thus needing regular blood transfusions in order to attain normal hemoglobin levels. Chronic anemia, iron overload and the use of iron chelating agents have been associated with renal dysfunction. In sickle-cell syndromes, which include sickle-cell anemia and sickle-cell trait, patients present with typical kidney functional and structural defects, resulting in urinary concentrating defects, distal nephron dysfunction and albuminuria. Sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) have shown beneficial effects on renal outcomes in large clinical trials with the added benefit of a substantial decrease in albuminuria. The aim of this prospective, non randomized open label study is to investigate the effect of Dapagliflozin at a dose of 10 mg daily on albuminuria and the overall progression of CKD in patients with β-thalassemia and/or sickle-cell disease undergoing regular blood transfusions. Method In this study we included adult patients undergoing regular blood transfusions with a baseline albuminuria of ACR>30 mg/gCr (assessed with a spot urine sample) who received treatment with Dapagliflozin, a second group with no albuminuria that did not receive treatment and a group of adults with no kidney disease (Controls). In all patients renal function biomarkers were measured in urine and serum with commercial ELISA kits (NGAL and uPAR in serum, MMP9 and KIM-1 in urine), while in patients that received Dapagliflozin additional measurements of ACR and eGFR (CKD-EPI formula) were performed after 3 months of treatment initiation. Results In this study we included 16 patients (7 males) with β-thalassemia and/or sickle-cell disease with ACR>30 mg/gCr, 35 patients (17 males) with β-thalassemia and/or sickle-cell disease without albuminuria and 20 controls (13 males). Patients that received Dapagliflozin showed a significant reduction in albuminuria three months post-initiation of treatment (ACR: 0.52 ± 1.2 vs. 0.3 ± 0.68 mg/g, p=0.006) while kidney function showed a slight non-significant reduction (eGFR: 99.3 ± 21.7 vs. 94.7 ± 28.9 ml/min/1.73m2, p=0.36). Concerning the urine and serum biomarkers of tubular dysfunction, inflammation and kidney disease progression, all were significantly increased in patients with β-thalassemia and/or sickle-cell disease in comparison to controls (Table 1). In patients that received treatment with Dapagliflozin, NGAL, MMP-9 and suPAR at 3 months post-treatment initiation did not show any significant reduction (Table 2). Conclusion Patients with β-thalassemia and/or sickle-cell disease show increased urine and serum levels of kidney damage biomarkers in comparison to healthy controls. Treatment of these patients with Dapagliflozin for 3 months has a significant effect in albuminuria reduction while it does not alter urine and serum levels of these biomarkers.

#2815 Single center, single arm, prospective, observational study of desidustat in chronic kidney disease-induced anemia

Abstract Background and Aims Anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is multifactorial. Relative deficiency of erythropoietin is one of the key reasons for decreased RBC production. This anemia is associated with poor quality of life and increases morbidity in CKD patients. Injectable erythropoietin is the standard of care for CKD-anemia, which has safety concerns. Desidustat, an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI), stimulates endogenous erythropoiesis and is approved for CKD anemia treatment. Hence, the present study identifies the real-world clinical efficacy and safety of the desidustat treatment for a short duration in CKD anemia. Method This is an open-label, single-center, prospective study. We analyzed the data of 130 patients who are currently in follow-up and received Desidustat as treatment for CKD-anemia. The study is for the duration of 24 weeks. We followed up on patent at 1 month, 3 months, and the end of the study (6 months). Patients were given a 100-mg Desidustat tablet orally three times in a week. The primary outcome is to assess the change in Hb from baseline, and the secondary outcome is the safety of the therapy. Results In this study, we enrolled 130 patients. Of these 130 patients, 58.4% (n = 76) were male and 41.5% (n = 54) were female. The mean age of the study population was 53.6 ± 12.3 years. The majority of the study population was in the pre-dialysis category; 80% (n = 104) and 20% (n = 26) were on dialysis. All the dialysis patients were on three times per week on Dialysis. Diabetes (68%) and hypertension (75%) are the most common co-morbid conditions in patients with CKD anemia. All the patients received desidustat at a 100 mg, three-weekly dose. During each follow-up visit, a significant rise in hemoglobin was observed (p<0.001), as shown in the figure. With desidustat therapy, adverse drug reactions were seen in 5.3% (n = 7) cases: three cases of abdominal pain, two cases of vomiting, and two cases of diarrhea. Conclusion Oral HIF-PHIs and Desidustat showed significant improvement in hemoglobin in CKD anemia patients. More studies require for safety and efficacy in Dialysis dependent CKD - Anemia patients.

#437 A multicenter, single-arm study of roxadustat in Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease-associated anemia receiving peritoneal dialysis

Abstract Background and Aims Anemia increases morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Phase 3 studies have demonstrated the efficacy of roxadustat for anemia treatment in patients with CKD undergoing dialysis; however, data from Chinese patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) are limited. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of roxadustat in Chinese patients with CKD-anemia undergoing PD. Method In this phase 4, single-arm, multicenter study, we planned to enroll at least 150 Chinese patients with CKD-anemia undergoing PD (either erythropoiesis-stimulating agent [ESA]-treated or ESA-naïve at enrollment), including at least 50 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 50 patients without diabetes mellitus (DM). Study visits occurred every 2 weeks until Week 8 and then every 4 weeks. All patients received oral roxadustat treatment three times per week for 24 weeks according to the approved product package insert. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with a mean hemoglobin (Hb) ≥100 g/L at Weeks 20–24. The secondary efficacy endpoints were subgroup analyses (T2DM vs. non-DM). The exploratory endpoints were the dose required to maintain Hb at ≥100 g/L over Weeks 20–24, the proportion of time when Hb was 100–130 g/L, changes in residual renal function (RRF), urea clearance index (Kt/V), and creatinine clearance (Ccr), amongst others. For the safety analyses, adverse events (AEs) were assessed during treatment and at 4 weeks after completion. Results Overall, 195 patients (116 male [59.5%]) with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 46.3 (12.3) years were enrolled from 22 centers, and 172 (88.2%) completed the study (main reasons for discontinuation: withdrawal, 7 [3.6%]; AE, 5 [2.6%]; switched from PD to hemodialysis, 5 [2.6%]). Overall, 189 patients (96.9%) were ESA-treated and 43 (22.1%) had T2DM. The median (interquartile range) dialysis duration was 16.1 (5.2–43.2) months. The mean (SD) baseline Hb was 98.1 (10.7) g/L, and the ferritin level and transferrin saturation were 320.9 (287.5) μg/L and 35.5% (17.0%), respectively. The mean (SD) treatment duration was 154.3 (35.6) days, and the mean (SD) weekly dose was 244.9 (88.7) mg. The intention-to-treat (ITT) set and safety analysis set (SAF) included all 195 patients. In the ITT set, 85.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 79.8%–90.5%) of patients had Hb ≥100 g/L over Weeks 20–24. According to the subgroup analysis, 89.2% (95% CI 78.5%–99.9%) of T2DM patients and 84.0% (95% CI 77.8%–90.1%) of non-DM patients had Hb ≥100 g/L over Weeks 20–24 (Fig. 1). The mean (SD) weekly dose required to maintain Hb at ≥100 g/L at Weeks 20–24 was 215.9 (100.0) mg, and the proportion of time that Hb was 100–130 g/L was 76.4% (23.2%). There was a slight decrease in RRF and Ccr. Table 1 shows the RRF, Kt/V, and Ccr results. Of the 195 SAF patients, 158 (81.0%) had ≥1 treatment-emergent AE (TEAE), 20 (10.3%) had drug-related TEAEs, 40 (20.5%) had treatment-emergent serious AEs, and 1 (0.5%) had a TEAE that led to death. The top three TEAEs were upper respiratory tract infection (25 [12.8%]), hypokalemia (17 [8.7%]), and hypoalbuminemia (15 [7.7%]). Conclusion Treatment with roxadustat for 24 weeks effectively corrected anemia in Chinese CKD patients undergoing PD and maintained Hb at ≥100 g/L in the majority of patients, irrespective of baseline T2DM. The AEs were consistent with the characteristics of patients with CKD undergoing PD and with the known safety profile of roxadustat.

#2432 DNA damage analysis with oxidative stress index in patients developing contrast nephropathy after coronary angiography

Abstract Background and Aims Contrast Nephropathy (KN) is acute kidney injury that occurs after exposure to contrast material. Advanced age, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, anemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperuricemia have been reported in the literature to increase the risk of KN development. In addition, oxygen radicals have an important place in the pathogenesis of contrast nephropathy development. Specific biomarkers are used in clinics to determine oxidative stress and antioxidant status. In particular, measurement of total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) can provide useful information about an individual's overall serum antioxidative status. The ratio of TOS to TAS level gives the oxidative stress index (OSI). One of the most investigated metabolites for DNA damage is 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG), which is accepted as a biomarker of oxidative damage to DNA. In our study, we planned to investigate DNA damage and important predisposing factors for contrast nephropathy using oxidative stress markers. Method Between February 2021 and April 2022, blood was taken from 191 patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) by the Cardiology Department at ESOGU before CAG and at 72 hours after CAG. Patients who met the criteria for contrast nephropathy development (those with a serum creatinine increase of 25% or more compared to baseline or an increase of 0.5 mg/dl or more) were included as the case group in our study. Our study is a prospective study consisting of 85 cases and 106 controls, totaling 191 participants. TAS, TOS, OSI, and 8-OhDG levels were compared between both groups and before-after procedure. This study was supported by ESOGU BAP project number 1621. Results The mean age of the developing group was calculated as 68.13 ± 10.37, while it was calculated as 61.03 ± 9.97 in the control group (p = 0.00). In the case group, there were 30 (35.3%) without heart failure, while there were 75 (70.8%) without heart failure in the control group (p = 0.00). In univariate analyzes, we found that advanced age and heart failure were the most important indicators for KMN. When we compared those with and without KMN, we saw that TOS values decreased less in the group with post-angiography nephropathy than in those without it. We found a positive correlation between uric acid and TAS. In the KMN group, it was found that there was a statistically significant increase in TAS value after CAG, while there was a decrease in OSI value, and no statistically significant difference was found for TOS and 8-OhDG. In patients who underwent percutaneous intervention, it was found that there was a statistically significant increase in TAS value after CAG, while TOS and OSI decreased, and no significant difference was found for 8-OhDG. Conclusion Although previous studies have shown that oxidative stress plays an important role in contrast nephropathy pathogenesis, a strong relationship between KMN development and oxidative stress could not be found in our study. Our study is the first study to examine DNA damage with 8-OhDG in KMN, and it has been shown that there is no increase in DNA damage with KMN development. It is thought that one of the reasons leading to this result may be that contrast agents used today are selected as less toxic substances used in less volumes during processing, which may prevent DNA damage from occurring. Another result reached in our study is that TAS level increased in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention, while TOS and OSI decreased; that is, revascularization can reduce TOS and ultimately oxidative status.”

Endoscopically diagnosed hookworm infestation in an adult with chronic iron deficiency anaemia

Despite advances in hookworm control and prevention campaigns, the prevalence remains high in sub-Saharan Africa. Iron deficiency anaemia is a major complication in those with prolonged infection, a high hookworm burden, and undernutrition, though most infected people are asymptomatic. While infected patients are commonly diagnosed by the presence of ova or cysts in the stool, gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is required for those with negative stool tests and chronic iron deficiency anaemia. A 48-year-old female with symptoms of anaemia for nearly two years presented to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital with worsening palpitations, easy fatigability, and dizziness over a period of one month. She was given blood transfusions on two occasions. She lives near the lake where she also gets water for drinking and domestic use. We advise GI endoscopy for all patients with chronic iron deficiency anaemia of unexplained aetiology on standard non-invasive testing. Hookworm’s mass empirical treatment policy in endemic areas should be further emphasised.

Multiorgan Congestion Assessment by Venous Excess Ultrasound Score in Acute Heart Failure

This study sought to explore the prevalence and clinical utility of different patterns of multiorgan venous congestion as assessed by the venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) score in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure (HF). Consecutive patients admitted for acute HF were prospectively enrolled. Inferior vena cava diameter, hepatic vein, portal vein, and renal vein Doppler waveforms were assessed at admission, and patients were stratified based on VExUS score from 0 to 3, with higher values indicating worse congestion. The clinical score Get with the Guidelines (GWTG)-HF for predicting in-hospital mortality in HF was evaluated. In-hospital mortality was recorded. Two hundred ninety patients admitted with acute HF were included, and 114 (39%) of them were classified as VExUS score 3, which was the most prevalent group. Patients with VExUS score 3 suffered more frequently from chronic atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and anemia. Parameters independently associated with VExUS score 3 were higher mean E/e' ratio, larger right ventricular size, severe tricuspid regurgitation, and impaired right atrial function. A VExUS score of 3 was associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 8.03; 95% CI [2.25-28.61], P = .001). The addition of VExUS score on top of the GWTG-HF score improved the predictability of the model (Δx2 = +8.44, P = .03) for in-hospital mortality, whereas other indices of venous congestion (right atrial function, inferior vena cava size) did not. Patients admitted with acute HF commonly had severe venous congestion based on the VExUS score. The VExUS score improved the prediction of in-hospital mortality compared with other indices of venous congestion.

Malnutrition in sickle cell anemia: Prevalence, impact, and interventions: A Review.

Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is a hereditary hemoglobinopathy characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, vaso-occlusive events, and a wide range of clinical complications. Malnutrition, often an underexplored aspect of this complex condition, plays a critical role in disease management and overall patient well-being. This publication provides a comprehensive review of the prevalence, impact, and interventions related to malnutrition in individuals with SCA. A thorough literature review reveals the multifaceted challenges faced by SCA patients in maintaining adequate nutrition. The pathophysiology of SCA, involving chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hypermetabolism, contributes to increased nutritional requirements and altered dietary patterns. Factors such as reduced appetite, nutrient malabsorption, dietary restrictions, and socioeconomic disparities further exacerbate the risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition is a prevalent issue among individuals with SCA, affecting patients of different age groups and disease severities. Nutritional deficiencies, including vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients, are common in this population. The impact of malnutrition on disease outcomes is significant, with associations between nutrient status and complications such as pain crises, infections, and impaired quality of life. This paper also reviews nutritional interventions aimed at addressing malnutrition in SCA patients. While dietary counseling, supplementation, and personalized nutrition plans have shown promise in improving nutritional status, challenges such as patient adherence and access to healthcare must be addressed to optimize their effectiveness.

A RARE COMPLICATION OF MITRAL TEER PROCEDURE: CLIP LATE DETACHMENT AND EMBOLIZATION

Abstract Intraprocedural and late complications of MitraClip implantation have already been described. This report highlights the importance of conventional surgical options in the event of percutaneous treatment failure. An 85–year–old woman with a history of chronic anemia, and thalassemia Minor was referred to our clinic for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to a P2 flail with significant calcification of the posterior mitral annulus. During the Heart Team discussion, age and comorbidities led to consider the patient eligible for TEER with the MitraClip system (EuroSCORE II 9,34%; STS score 7,47%). TEER procedure was uneventful: one XTW was deployed at the level of the flail (A2–P2), a second XTW was then placed more lateral to treat a separate residual jet, and one NTW was finally placed between them. MR reduction was considered acceptable (moderate MR, mean grad 6 mmHg). After two months, symptoms worsened, and TTE showed severe MR (no device detachment) with increased sPAP and associated moderate TR. A couple of weeks later, the patient was hospitalized. Chest X–ray revealed clip embolization confirmed by coronary angiography that showed an XTW Clip embolized to the Right coronary sinus with partial occlusion of the ostium. Percutaneous clip retrieval is described in the literature, but the embolized device position and the presence of recurrent severe MR led us to prefer an urgent surgical intervention. Under CPB, the embolized XTW was easily retrieved through a small aortotomy; the intervention was completed by mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve repair. The postoperative course was uneventful. Predischarge TTE showed normal mitral bioprosthesis function, mild AR, mild TR, and preserved LV function. DISCUSSION Clip embolization is a rare but potentially critical complication of TEER and can happen periprocedurally or on early follow–up. Single leaflet detachment is more common, but complete detachment and embolization can occur. Therapeutic options are represented by surgical or transcatheter approaches according to embolization sites and patient comorbidities. In our case, the risk of potential coronary obstruction or thrombosis and the concomitant need for MR treatment have led us to consider surgery as the first option. CONCLUSION TEER can be graved by acute or late complications. The best approach has to be tailored to each patient, and surgery can be an effective and safe option even for initially discarded high–risk patients.

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitors in Non-Dialysis Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and Renal Anemia Switched from Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator Treatment.

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and anemia are independent prognostic factors for heart failure. In recent years, hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitors have become available for the treatment of renal anemia. This prospective randomized controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of switching from a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) to one of four HIF-PH inhibitors in patients with chronic heart failure and renal anemia. Methods: Forty patients were randomized by the envelop method to receive treatment with roxadustat, daprodustat, vadadustat, or molidustat. The primary endpoint was the change in the hemoglobin (Hb) level. Secondary endpoints included changes in erythropoietin, changes in free T3, free T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adverse effects, and drug dose increases and decreases. This study was preregistered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (study ID: UMIN000041651). Results: We found no statistically significant difference between Hb levels with HIF-PH inhibitors and CERA, but at month 6, the Hb level was significantly higher with roxadustat than with vadadustat and daprodustat. Erythropoietin decreased significantly after switching to HIF-PH inhibitors. HIF-PH inhibitors had various significant effects on free T3, free T4, and TSH. No adverse events occurred. The doses of some drugs had to be increased or decreased. Conclusions: In patients with heart failure and renal anemia receiving CERA, Hb, NT-ProBNP, and renal function were similar after switching from CERA to HIF-PH inhibitors. The individual HIF-PH inhibitors appear to have different effects on anemia and thyroid function. However, because this was a single-center study with a limited sample size, the efficacy and potential limitations of HIF-PH inhibitors need to be further clarified.

The Role of Fe, S, P, Ca, and Sr in Porous Skeletal Lesions: A Study on Non-adult Individuals Using pXRF.

Portable X-ray fluorescence is a new tool in the study of human bone. This research aims to investigate if variations in bone elemental concentrations are related with porous skeletal lesions (PSLs). One hundred well-preserved non-adult skeletons aged 0-11years were selected from the archaeological site Convent of São Domingos, Lisbon (18th-19th century). Measuring a standard reference material and calculating the technical error of measurement assured elemental data reliability. Moreover, measuring soil samples excluded possible contamination of bones with elements from the soil, except for Pb. Additionally, the Ca/P ratio indicates maintenance of bone integrity. Cribra cranii, orbitalia, humeralis, and femoralis were recorded as present/absent, and the estimated intra-/inter-observer errors were low. The multivariate analysis found higher odds of having cribra orbitalia (OR = 1.76; CI = 0.97-3.20) and cribra femoralis (OR = 1.42; CI = 0.73-2.74) in individuals with lower Fe and higher S. Furthermore, higher levels of P, Ca, and Sr increased the odds of individuals developing cribra femoralis (OR = 2.30; CI = 1.23-4.29). Age also correlated with increased odds of exhibiting cribra orbitalia (OR = 1.86; CI = 0.94-3.68), cribra femoralis (OR = 6.97; CI = 2.78-17.45), and cribra humeralis (OR = 8.32; CI = 2.71-25.60). These findings suggest a shared etiology for these three cribras, contrasting with the higher Fe levels in individuals with cribra cranii. Lower Fe and higher S levels in individuals with cribra suggest a complex etiology, possibly involving conditions like megaloblastic or chronic disease anemia(s). Age-related elemental changes support the hypothesis that age influences cribra frequencies. This study highlights PSL complexity and opens new avenues for research.

Utilization of Audiovisual Media as an Effort to Prevent CED and Anemia in Pregnancy

Women of reproductive age as expectant mother would pay attention to their nutritional status. Balanced nutrition during pregnancy must been prepared from the pre-conception period. Lack of nutritional intake during pregnancy had a negative impact on both the mother and baby. One of the nutritional problems in pregnant women was Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) and anemia. Efforts to reduce the incidence of CED and anemia in pregnancy by providing health education regarding balanced nutritional intake during the pre-conception period. The use of audiovisual media was an option for providing education to the public, because it was considered easier to remember and understand. Research purpose was to determine the effectiveness of using audiovisual media on the level of knowledge, attitudes and motivation in women of reproductive age in preventing CED and anemia in pregnancy. The method was quasi-experiment using a pre-post test design with control group. The study was divided into 2 groups, the treatment group was given health education by using audiovisual media and the control group was given health education using flipchart media. The treatment group consisted of 18 samples, the control group consisted of 19 samples. Data were collected before and after being given health education to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and motivation of women of childbearing age in preventing of CED and anemia in pregnancy using a questionnaire. The result showed there was a difference in knowledge before and after being given health education using both audiovisual media and flip sheets with a p value for both groups of 0.005. There was no difference in attitudes and motivation before and after being given health education using either audiovisual media or flip sheets with a p value > 0.05. The difference test between the two groups showed no significant differences in the use of audiovisual media and flip sheet media with a p value for each knowledge, attitude and motivation variable > 0.05.

A lentivirus-vectored feline erythropoietin gene therapy strategy in tissue culture and rodent models for the potential treatment of chronic renal disease-associated anemia.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a third-generation lentivirus-based vector encoding the feline erythropoietin (EPO) (feEPO) gene in vitro and in rodent models in vivo. This vector incorporates a genetic mechanism to facilitate the termination of the therapeutic effect in the event of supraphysiologic polycythemia, the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) "suicide gene." CFRK cells and replication-defective lentiviral vectors encoding feEPO were used for in vitro experiments. Eight Fischer rats were enrolled in the pilot in vivo study, 24 EPO-deficient mice were used in the initial mouse study, and 15 EPO-deficient mice were enrolled in the final mouse study. Efficacy of a third-generation lentivirus encoding feEPO was determined in vitro using western blot assays. Subsequently, in a series of rodent experiments, animals were administered the viral vector in progressively increasing inoculation doses with serial measurements of blood packed cell volume (PCV) over time. We documented production of feEPO protein in transduced CRFK cells with subsequent cessation of production when treated with the HSV-TK substrate ganciclovir. In vivo, we demonstrated variably persistent elevated PCV values in treated rats and mice with eventual return to baseline values over time. These results provide justification for a lentiviral gene therapy approach to the treatment of nonregenerative anemia associated with chronic renal disease in cats.

Ferric carboxymaltose-induced hypophosphatemia - a case series.

Hypophosphatemia may cause serious complications. Depending on its severity and duration, signs and symptoms range from fatigue to life-threatening events, like severe rhabdomyolysis and mental status changes. Long-term consequences include osteomalacia. Hypophosphatemia may be secondary to the use of parental iron, mostly associated with ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), with an incidence of around 45% to 70%. We describe three cases of hypophosphatemia in patients with chronic iron deficiency anemia, requiring repeated FCM infusions. The patients' presentation to the Rheumatology department included musculoskeletal symptoms of severe hypophosphatemia and long-term hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, with fractures. We aim to raise awareness for ferric carboxymaltose-induced hypophosphatemia, an entity increasingly described in the literature that can be responsible for severe disability or potentially life-threatening adverse events.

Unveiling Extramedullary Hematopoiesis: A Case Report Highlighting the Causes, Symptoms, and Management Strategies

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) serves as a compensatory mechanism in chronic hemolytic anemias, such as thalassemia, and can result in spinal cord compression. This case report highlights a 36-year-old woman with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) who presented with lower extremity motor deficiency, pelvic paresthesia, and bladder dysfunction. The patient had a history of lower back pain, bilateral lower limb weakness, and demonstrated poor compliance with iron chelation therapy. MRI findings indicated spinal cord compression attributable to extramedullary hematopoiesis. Due to the infeasibility of surgical intervention, the patient underwent hypertransfusion and iron chelation therapy. While neurological symptoms improved, urinary retention persisted. The patient continues to receive iron chelation treatment and undergo transfusions. Managing extramedullary hematopoiesis in thalassemia necessitates an individualized treatment approach.

The Effect of Chronic Energy Deficiency, Anemia, and Compliance with Iron Supplement Consumption in Pregnant Women on Low Birth Weight

This study aims to determine the effect of chronic energy deficiency, anemia, and compliance with the consumption of iron supplement tablets by pregnant women with low birth weight. This research design was a case-control retrospective approach with a sample size of 33 people. The independent variables in this study were chronic energy deficiency, anemia, and compliance with iron supplement consumption during pregnancy; the dependent variable was Low Birth Weight (LBW). Data collection using observation and interviews, statistical tests using the chi-square test. The results of the research were that there was an effect of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) (p=0.000) OR=94.5, anemia (p=0.019) OR=9.64, compliance with iron supplement consumption on LBW (p=0.009) OR=12.00. An OR value > 1 proves that pregnant women with CED anemia and compliance with iron supplement consumption have a greater risk of giving birth to LBW children than mothers without CED are anemic and adhere to iron supplement consumption. The incidence of CED, anemia, and compliance with iron supplement consumption in pregnant women influence LBW. Prevention efforts need to be carried out through education and assistance from families in meeting the nutritional needs of pregnant women, as well as compliance in consuming iron supplements as recommended

Enhancing Disease Diagnosis: Statistical Analysis of Haematological Parameters in Sickle Cell Patients, Integrating Predictive Analytics

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects 30 million people worldwide, causing a range of symptoms from mild to severe, including Vaso occlusive crises (VOC). SCD leads to damaging cycles of sickling and desickling of red blood cells due to HbS polymer formation, resulting in chronic haemolytic anaemia and tissue hypoxia. We propose using machine learning to categorize SCD patients based on haemoglobin, reticulocyte count, and LDH levels, crucial markers of hemolysis. Statistical analysis, particularly Linear Regression, demonstrates how haemoglobin depletion occurs using LDH and reticulocyte parameters.
 Bilirubin and haemoglobin, two integral biomarkers in clinical biochemistry and haematology, serve distinct yet interconnected roles in human physiology. Bilirubin, a product of heme degradation, is a critical indicator of liver function and various hepatic disorders, while haemoglobin, found in red blood cells, is responsible for oxygen transport throughout the body. Understanding the statistical relationship between these biomarkers has far-reaching clinical implications, enabling improved diagnosis, prognosis, and patient care. This research paper conducts a comprehensive statistical analysis of bilirubin and haemoglobin using various regression techniques to elucidate their intricate association. The primary objective of this study is to characterize the relationship between bilirubin and haemoglobin. Through meticulous data analysis, we explore whether these biomarkers exhibit positive, negative, or no correlation. Additionally, this research develops predictive models for estimating haemoglobin levels based on bilirubin data, offering valuable tools for healthcare professionals in clinical practice.

Assessment of hypoxemia among young adults with sickle cell anaemia in steady state in southwestern Nigeria: a crosssectional study.

Hypoxia is a known feature of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) which results from chronic anaemia and recurrent vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) which can cause tissue ischaemia that leads to an end organ damage. The hallmark of SCA is chronic anaemia and recurrent vaso-occlusive crisis. The aim of this study is to compare the oxygen saturation of sickle cell anaemic individuals with the normal haemoglobin type (Hb AA) control and also to determine the prevalence of hypoxemia among SCA. Two-hundred and twenty-two (136 Hb SS and 86 Hb AA) participated in the study. The mean ± SD of age (years), oxygen saturation (%) and pulse rate (bpm) of participants with sickle cell anaemia and Hb AA control were 21.85 ± 3.04 and 22.14 ± 3.18 (t = 0.701, p = 0.436), 95.21 ± 3.02 and 98.07 ± 0.81 (t=-8.598, p < 0.0001) and 77.10 ± 9.28 and 73.16 ± 8.52 (t = 3.173, p = 0.002) respectively. The prevalence of hypoxemia among SCA participants was 47.1%. Prevalence of hypoxemia in males with SCA was 60.9% while 39.1% of the females had hypoxemia.

Constructing a novel clinical indicator model to predict the occurrence of thalassemia in pregnancy through machine learning algorithm

Thalassemia is one of the inherited hemoglobin disorders worldwide, resulting in ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic hemolytic anemia, compensatory hemopoietic expansion, hypercoagulability, etc., and when a mother carries the thalassemia gene, the child is more likely to have severe thalassemia. Furthermore, the economic and time costs of genetic testing for thalassemia prevent many thalassemia patients from being diagnosed in time. To solve this problem, we performed least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to analyze the correlation between thalassemia and blood routine indicators containing mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red blood cell (RBC). We then built a nomogram to predict the occurrence of thalassemia, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to verify the prediction efficiency of this model. In total, we obtained 7,621 cases, including 847 thalassemia patients and 6,774 non-thalassemia. Among the 847 thalassemia patients, with a positivity rate of 67.2%, 569 cases were positive for α-thalassemia, and with a rate of 31.5%, 267 cases were positive for β-thalassemia. The remaining 11 cases were positive for both α- and β-thalassemia. Based on machine learning algorithm, we screened four optimal indicators, namely, MCV, MCH, RBC, and MCHC. The AUC value of MCV, MCH, RBC, and MCHC were 0.907, 0.906, 0.796, and 0.795, respectively. Moreover, the AUC value of the prediction model was 0.911. In summary, a novel and effective machine learning model was built to predict thalassemia, which functioned accurately, and may provide new insights for the early screening of thalassemia in the future.