Higher White Blood Cell Count Research Articles

Clinical characteristics and predictive factors of thrombotic complications in children with acute mastoiditis: a single center retrospective study.

Among acute mastoiditis (AM) complications, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is particularly severe, leading to increased intracranial pressure and potential neurological sequelae. Predicting the development of such complications is challenging. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors for the development of CVST in AM. A retrospective study was conducted on children hospitalized with AM at the Meyer Children's Hospital between 2016 and 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: those with CVST (group A) and those without (group B), comparing demographic, clinical, and laboratory data. CVST was diagnosed using computed tomography (CT) and cerebral magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). To identify predictors of CVST complications, univariate and bivariate binary regression models were used. Out of 100 patients with AM, 15 (15%) developed CVST. Patients with CVST more frequently presented with fever, neurological symptoms (headache, vomiting), elevated CRP, and white blood cell counts compared to those who did not (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae were more commonly encountered in patients with thrombotic complications (p = 0.024 and p = 0.05). Multivariate regression identified white blood cell (WBC) count and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) as independent predictors of CVST in AM patients (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03-1.26, and OR: 1.10, 95% CI 1.00-1.21, p = 0.010 and p = 0.049, respectively). Conclusions: CVST is a frequent and serious complication of AM. Neurological symptoms and systemic inflammation (WBC count and CRP) are predictive indicators of CVST. Further studies are needed to develop risk algorithms for early diagnosis and to reduce sequelae. What is known: • Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) are severe complications of acute mastoiditis, potentially leading to neurologic sequelae What is new: • An elevated inflammatory burden, namely a high C-reactive protein level and white blood cell count predict thrombotic complications in children with acute mastoiditis.

A decade-long analysis of 98 chronic myeloid leukemia patients: Laboratory data and clinical progress at a single center

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL1 fusion gene). CML primarily progresses through chronic, accelerated, and blast phases. While global studies on BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript types and their associations with clinical, laboratory, and prognostic profiles exist, such data is scarce in Malaysia. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the distribution of BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript types and evaluate their associations with demographic, clinical, laboratory, prognostic profiles, and disease outcomes among Malaysian CML patients. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 98 patients diagnosed with CML were identified at East Coast Hospital, Malaysia. This 12-year cross-sectional study was carried out using data extracted from patients’ medical records. Molecular results for BCR-ABL1 fusion genes were obtained using one-step multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Out of the 98 patients, 56% had e14a2, 41% had e13a2 fusion transcripts, while the remaining 2 patients had e14a3 transcripts. Additionally, 1 patient co-expressed both e13a2 and e14a2. Among patients with the major BCR-ABL1 transcript type, those with e14a2 fusion transcripts showed an older median age (P = 0.025), while patients with e13a2 fusion transcripts had significantly higher white blood cell (WBC) counts (P = 0.014). Furthermore, there were significantly more patients with blastic transformation in the e13a2 group (P = 0.038). The median latency period of CML was 12 months. The blast cell lineages consisted of myeloid (68.4%), followed by B-lymphoid (26.3%) and mixed phenotypic (5.3%). The differences in fusion transcript expression might influence certain parameters; for instance, older patients were associated with the e14a2 fusion transcript. Meanwhile, patients exhibiting e13a2 might have a higher WBC count at diagnosis and be more vulnerable to blastic transformation of CML. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the predominance of e14a2 fusion transcripts in Malaysian CML patients and its association with older age. The e13a2 transcript was linked to higher tumor burden and a higher rate of blastic transformation, suggesting potential prognostic significance. These findings underscore the importance of baseline molecular profiling for optimizing disease management.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics and Mortality Outcome in Critical COVID-19 Patients Infected with Alpha and Omicron Variants.

Early reports have indicated that the Omicron variant of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be associated with low mortality. However, the mortality rate of critical patients in Taiwan with COVID-19 caused by different variants has not been well described. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Linkou Branch of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, from April 2020 to September 2022. Critically ill patients who had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and were on mechanical ventilation (MV) were enrolled. Demographic data, laboratory results, and treatment information were collected and analyzed. In addition, clinical outcomes for different SARS-CoV-2 variants were analyzed. This study included 110 critical patients with COVID-19 who required intubation and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Among these patients, 46 (41.8%) required intensive care during Alpha predominance period and 64 (58.2%) during the Omicron predominance period. The Alpha group had a higher body mass index, had a longer ICU stay, and included more patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, and the Omicron group included more active smokers, had more comorbidities, had worse initial laboratory data (including higher white blood cell counts, prothrombin time [PT], activated partial prothrombin time, blood urine nitrogen levels, and creatine levels), and had higher in-hospital mortality rates (40.6% vs 15.2%, p = 0.004). The independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality, were Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥ 3 and higher PT and creatine levels. Our study discovered that CCI ≥ 3, elevated serum creatine levels, and prolonged PT were independently associated with a high mortality rate in patients with critical COVID-19. Patients with those risk factors may require intensive monitoring during their treatment course.

Effects of spirulina platensis addition on performance, immune response, hematological, selected bacteria activity and rumen morphology of lambs

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different levels of Spirulina platensis in the diet on performance, immune response, hematological, activity of selected bacteria and rumen morphology of lambs. Forty-eight weaned lambs (aged 3 months) were used and then divided into four groups with 6 pens per group (2 lambs/pen), including a control group and three groups fed pelleted complete feed containing 0.20%, 0.40% and 0.80% spirulina powder, respectively. The study lasted 70 days, during which all target parameters were assessed and analysed. The results showed that spirulina powder had a positive effect on body weight and daily weight gain of lambs on days 42–70 and 1–70 (p < 0.05). Daily feed intake was also increased by spirulina powder (p < 0.05). The T2 and T3 had a higher white blood cell count (35 and 70 days) (p < 0.05). The percentage of granulocytes increased at T3 (35 days) and T2 (70 days), while lymphocytes at T3 (35 and 70 days) and monocytes at T1 and T2 (35 days) were decreased (p < 0.05). Red blood cell counts and percent haematocrit were lower at T1 (35 days), T1 and T3 (70 days) (p < 0.05). IL-2 in T3 (35 and 70 days), IL-4 in T1 (35 days) and IL-10 in the spirulina groups (70 days) were higher (p < 0.05). Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens was higher in the T2 and T3 groups and lower in the T1 group (p < 0.05). In addition, Ruminocoocus Albus, Ruminococcus Flavefaciens and Streptococcus Bovis were higher in the Spirulina groups (p < 0.05). Papilla height (T2), papilla area, density and total papilla area (T2 and T3) were increased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results suggest that lambs fed Spirulina platensis had higher weight gain and feed intake, white blood cell count and IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 levels, rumen microbiota, papilla height, density, and total papilla surface area compared to the control group, with most parameters tending to be higher in dose. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms and to determine the most effective and safest dose of Spirulina platensis for lambs.

Risk factors of acute kidney injury, septic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with blood culture‑positive sepsis.

Sepsis, a condition characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection, can progress to septic shock and lead to various complications. The present study aimed to identify risk factors for the early clinical identification of sepsis patients at heightened risk of complications. In the present study, a total of 383 hospitalized patients with sepsis and positive blood cultures were enrolled. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings at admission and treatment outcomes were collected and analyzed. Among the 383 sepsis patients, 165 were diagnosed with acute kidney injury (AKI). Patients with AKI exhibited significantly lower platelet counts, elevated procalcitonin levels and higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. Logistic regression analysis identified the SOFA score [odds ratio (OR)=1.269, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.067-1.510, P=0.007) as an independent predictor of AKI. Furthermore, patients with septic shock had lower platelet counts and higher white blood cell counts at admission. Multivariable analysis revealed that age (OR=1.024, 95% CI: 1.001-1.047, P=0.039), procalcitonin (OR=1.018, 95% CI: 1.003-1.032, P=0.015), SOFA score (OR=1.465, 95% CI: 1.248-1.719, P<0.001) and Pitt bacteremia score (OR=1.437, 95% CI: 1.204-1.716, P<0.001) were independently associated with septic shock. In addition, sepsis patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were observed to have lower platelet counts, higher body weight and elevated alanine aminotransferase levels. Multivariable analysis identified the SOFA score (OR=1.177, 95% CI: 1.095-1.265, P<0.001) and body weight (OR=1.030, 95% CI: 1.007-1.054, P=0.010) as independent predictors of ARDS. The present study highlights the risk factors associated with AKI, ARDS and septic shock in sepsis patients with positive blood cultures. Early identification and close monitoring of these factors are crucial for improving outcomes in sepsis management.

Association between allergic rhinitis and development of autoimmune thyroid diseases in Egyptian patients

BackgroundAutoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) and allergic rhinitis (AR) are prevalent conditions; however, limited research has investigated their association. This study aimed to evaluate whether AR can be considered a risk factor for developing AITD.MethodsA retrospective cohort study analyzed the records of AITD patients who visited Alexandria University Students Hospital between January 2017 and December 2021. The parameters included in the study were thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb), eosinophils count, and IgE.ResultsOut of 4,515 eligible patients, 41.7% were diagnosed with AR in addition to AITD. Among the patients with both conditions, 81% were females, their mean age was 45.71 ± 24.14 years, and the mean duration of AITD was 7.32 ± 2.11 years. The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the AR cohort had a higher cumulative incidence of AITD than did the non-AR cohort (log-rank test, p = 0.001). Multivariate-adjusted hazardous ratios showed that patients with AR, female sex, higher white blood cell count, and diagnosis in November had a higher risk of developing AITD.ConclusionsScreening for AITD should be conducted at the time of diagnosis of AR as it could be a risk factor for AITD.

Frequency and Predictors of Conversion From Laparoscopic to Open Cholecystectomy: A Single-Center Observational Study.

The study aimed to investigate the rate of conversion from laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) to open cholecystectomy (OC) in our population and determine the potential risk factors associated with it. Understanding these factors helps surgeons predict complex cases and plan surgeries, reducing patient risks and improving outcomes. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, on 349 patients undergoing elective LC. Data on demographics, clinical history, laboratory values, and imaging findings were recorded using a standardized proforma. Intraoperative findings, surgical outcomes, and complications were noted, with statistical analysis performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Chi-squared, Mann-Whitney U, and logistic regression tests assessed the associations and risk factors of conversion to open surgery. The rate of conversion from LC to OC was found to be 13 (3.7%). The multivariate analysis revealed several significant risk factors associated with the conversion. These included male gender, history of jaundice due to gallbladder stones, history of pancreatitis, gallbladder wall thickness greater than 3 mm, white blood cell counts greater than 1000per microliter of blood, difficulty in handling the gallbladder with instruments intraoperatively, and dense adhesions with surrounding tissues (p<0.05). The risk factor summation pyramid showed a sensitivity of 84.6% and a specificity of 63.8% in predicting the likelihood of conversion, emphasizing the importance of considering each risk factor individually. The rate of conversion to OC was 3.7%. Factors such as male gender, history of jaundice due to gallbladder stones, history of pancreatitis, thick gallbladder wall, high white blood cell count, difficulty in handling the gallbladder, and dense adhesions with surrounding tissues were significantly associated with conversion to OC.

Analysis of risk factors for SIRS after PCNL in patients with solitary kidney.

The purpose of this study is to address the gap in the existing literature regarding the risk factors for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in patients with a solitary kidney who undergo percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).This retrospective study reviewed the clinical data of 51 patients with solitary kidney stones who underwent PCNL from January 2018 to January 2024.The study evaluated demographic information, stone characteristics, and laboratory data. Among the 51 patients evaluated, 12 (23.5%) developed SIRS. Multivariate analysis showed that a high urinary white blood cell count (p = 0.041; OR, 1.004; 95% CI, 1.000-1.008), prolonged operation time (p = 0.040; OR, 1.054; 95% CI, 1.005-1.107), and postoperative blood leukocyte count (p = 0.031; OR, 1.459; 95% CI, 1.020-2.061) were independent risk factors for SIRS after PCNL in patients with a solitary kidney. Given the unique physiological conditions of patients with solitary kidneys, who face a higher incidence of kidney stones and have lower risk tolerance, the results of this study provide insights into the risk factors for SIRS after PCNL in these patients. By identifying these factors, clinicians can better stratify risk, implement preventive and therapeutic measures in a timely manner, reduce the risk of SIRS, and improve overall patient outcomes.

What Clinicians Think About When They Think About Sepsis: Results From a Survey Across the University of Maryland Medical System.

Sepsis, a leading cause of death in the hospital, is a heterogeneous syndrome without a defined or specific set of symptoms. We conducted a survey of clinicians in practice to understand which clinical findings they tend to associate with sepsis. A survey was distributed to physicians and advanced practice providers across a multihospital health system during April 2022 and May 2022 querying likelihood of suspecting sepsis and initiating sepsis care in response to various normal and abnormal clinical findings. Strength of association between clinical findings and suspicion of sepsis were based on median and interquartile range of complete responses. Comparisons between individual questions were performed using Wilcoxon rank-sum testing. Among 179 clinicians who opened the survey, 68 (38%) completed all questions, including 53 (78%) attending physicians representing six different hospitals. Twenty-nine respondents (43%) worked primarily in the ICU, and 16 (24%) worked in the emergency department. The clinical findings most strongly associated with suspicion of sepsis were hypotension, tachypnea, coagulopathy, leukocytosis, respiratory distress, and fever. The abnormal clinical findings least likely to prompt suspicion for sepsis were elevated bilirubin, elevated troponin, and abdominal examination suggesting ileus. On average, respondents were more likely to suspect sepsis with high temperature than with low temperature (p = 0.008) and with high WBC count than with low WBC count (p = 0.003). Clinicians in practice tend to associate the diagnosis of sepsis with signs of severe illness, such as hypotension or respiratory distress, and systemic inflammation, such as fever and leukocytosis. Except for coagulopathy, nonspecific laboratory indicators of organ dysfunction have less influence on decision-making.

Association Between Socioeconomic Factors and Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment- and Survival-Related Outcomes in Canada.

Studies examing the impact of socioeconomic factors on outcomes in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have yielded inconsistent findings. We aimed to determine whether socioeconomic status (SES) or healthcare access are associated with the presence of potentially time-sensitive high-risk features at diagnosis, times to diagnosis or treatment, or survival among children with ALL in Canada. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all children aged less than 15years diagnosed with first primary ALL between 2001 and 2019 using the Cancer in Young People in Canada national Data Tool, which is population-based. SES was measured using neighborhood income quintiles, and healthcare access proxy measured as distance to treating center. We used logistic regression to examine the associations between income quintile and distance and two potentially time-sensitive indicators of high-risk ALL at diagnosis, white blood cell count (WBC) ≥50×109/L, and central nervous system (CNS) disease. We used Cox proportional hazards to examine associations with time-to-event outcomes (times to diagnosis and treatment, event-free survival [EFS], and overall survival [OS]). We included 4189 patients. In multivariable analyses, no associations were found between income quintile and potentially time-sensitive high-risk features at diagnosis, time to diagnosis or treatment, or OS. The only significant SES measure in multivariable survival analysis was superior EFS among those in income quintile 4 as compared to those in the lowest income quintile with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.70 (confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-0.91). Living at increased distance from treating center was not associated with high WBC at diagnosis, time to diagnosis, EFS, or OS. Associations were seen between distance to treating center and CNS disease at diagnosis and time to treatment, but without a clear pattern across distance quartiles. Children diagnosed with ALL and treated within Canada's universal healthcare system experience similar treatment and survival outcomes regardless of SES and distance to treatment center. Further work is required using individual-level SES and demographic data to determine if any associations exist, and qualitative assessments to understand barriers to care.

Risk Factors of Mortality and Clinical Characteristics in Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis: A Retrospective Evaluation of 181 Patients.

Objectives: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a serious infection with a high-mortality rate. However, large-scale studies analyzing the clinical characteristics and risk factors of mortality in DNM are rare. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors and some clinical characteristics of mortality of DNM in our hospital. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data, including clinical characteristics and mortality, of 181 patients diagnosed with DNM between 2008 and 2022 to clarify the mortality-related risk factors. Results: A total of 181 patients were evaluated, and the mortality rate was 21.55% (39/181 patients). Endo classification type IIB; advanced age; higher white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, C-reactive protein (CRP) level on admission; and the incidence of septic shock, sepsis, hypoalbuminemia, and electrolyte disorders were significantly related to mortality. Logistic analysis showed that age (≥55 years old), Endo classification type IIB on computed tomography (CT), septic shock, and high CRP level on admission were independent risk factors of mortality. Conclusion: Old age and high CRP levels on admission increase the risk of mortality in DNM patients. Further, Endo classification type IIB on CT and septic shock were associated with poor prognosis.

The Incidence, Risk Factors, and Hospital Mortality of Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation among Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is a common complication after cardiac surgery and is considered a risk factor for poor outcomes. However, the incidence and in-hospital mortality of PMV among cardiac surgery patients reported in studies vary widely, and risk factors are controversial. We searched four databases (Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMBASE) for English-language articles from inception to October 2023. The odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI), PMV incidence, and in-hospital mortality were extracted. Statistical data analysis was performed using Stata software. We calculated the fixed or random effects model according to the heterogeneity. The quality of each study was appraised by two independent reviewers using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Thirty-two studies were included. The incidence of PMV was 20%. Twenty-one risk factors were pooled, fifteen risk factors were found to be statistically significant (advanced age, being female, ejection fraction <50, body mass index (BMI), BMI >28 kg/m2, New York Heart Association Class ≥Ⅲ, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal failure, heart failure, arrhythmia, previous cardiac surgery, higher white blood cell count, creatinine, longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, and CPB >120 min). In addition, PMV was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (OR, 14.13, 95% CI, 12.16-16.41, I2 = 90.3%, p < 0.01). The PMV incidence was 20%, and it was associated with increased in-hospital mortality. Fifteen risk factors were identified. More studies are needed to prevent PMV more effectively according to these risk factors. This systematic review and meta-analysis was recorded at PROSPERO (CRD42021273953, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=273953).

Changes in Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Status in Dogs Subjected to Celiotomy or Video-Assisted Ovariohysterectomy.

We evaluated the surgical stress response of dogs undergoing three ovariohysterectomy (OVH) techniques. Twenty-nine healthy females were allocated into groups: celiotomy and ligature (CelioSut), celiotomy and bipolar energy (CelioBip), and a video-assisted technique using two portals and bipolar energy (VidBip). Clinical evaluation was performed, and the following blood analyses were determined: acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein and haptoglobin), white blood cell counting (WBC), and biomarkers of oxidative status. The VidBip required more time despite a smaller incision, lower heart rate, and earlier feeding and urination. All groups had high white blood cells counts; the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels peaked at 6 and 12 h in all groups and was higher in the CelioBip and VidBip groups compared to CelioSut; haptoglobin concentrations peaked at 48 h in all groups and increased in dogs of the CelioSut group. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing ability of plasma, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, and advanced oxidation protein were not significantly different among the groups or time points. Total thiol concentrations were lower in CelioBip and CelioSut groups. All surgical techniques induced an inflammatory and oxidative stress response, but the video-assisted technique produced early clinical recovery. The bipolar device produces fewer disturbances than suspensory ligament rupture and ligature.

A higher JAK2V617F allele burden may be a risk factor for hemorrhagic events in younger patients with polycythemia vera

ABSTRACT Objectives: Hemorrhagic events are a rare but potentially fatal complication in patients with polycythemia vera (PV). Methods: We analyzed the characteristics of hemorrhagic events in 267 patients with PV. Results: A median follow-up of 4.8 years revealed that 23 (8.6%) hemorrhagic events occurred. Significantly more hemorrhagic events occurred in younger patients aged below 60 years (n = 72) than in older patients aged 60 years or above (n = 191) (n = 12 [16.7%] vs. n = 11 [5.8%], respectively, P = 0.012). In univariate analysis among the younger patients, white blood cell (WBC) count ≥ 15 × 109/L (hazard ratio [HR] = 7.746, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.082-28.830, P = 0.002), palpable splenomegaly (HR = 5.629, 95% CI 1.193–26.550, P = 0.029), and JAK2V617F allele burden ≥ 80% (HR = 22.850, 95% CI 2.885–181.00, P = 0.003) were associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic events. In multivariate analysis, JAK2V617F allele burden ≥ 80% (HR = 9.394, 95% CI 1.046–84.380, P = 0.046) was a significant risk factor. Conclusions: There is an increased risk of hemorrhagic events after diagnosis in younger PV patients with a high JAK2V617F allele burden, high WBC count or palpable splenomegaly. It is important to consider treatment options that aim to avoid hemorrhagic events by reducing the JAK2V617F allele burden in younger PV patients.

Delineation of features, responses, outcomes, and prognostic factors in pediatric PDGFRB-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients: A retrospective multicenter study.

PDGFRB fusions in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is rare. The authors identified 28 pediatric PDGFRB-positive ALL. They analyzed the features, outcomes, and prognostic factors of this disease. This multicenter, retrospective study included 6457 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed PDGFRB fusion ALL according to the CCCG-ALL-2015 and CCCG-ALL-2020 protocols from April 2015 to April 2022 in 20 hospitals in China. Of these patients, 3451 were screened for PDGFRB fusions. Pediatric PDGFRB-positive ALL accounted for only 0.8% of the 3451 cases tested for PDGFRB. These patients included 21 males and seven females and 24 B-ALL and 4 T-ALL; the median age was 10 years; and the median leukocyte count was 29.8 × 109/L at baseline. Only one patient had eosinophilia. Three patients had an IKZF1 deletion, three had chromosome 5q31-33 abnormalities, and one suffered from a complex karyotype. The 3-year event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), and cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) were 33.1%, 65.5%, and 32.1%, respectively, with a median follow-up of 25.5 months. Twenty patients were treated with chemotherapy plus tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and eight were treated without TKI. Complete remission (CR) rates of them were 90.0% and 63.6%, respectively, but no differences in EFS, OS, or CIR. Univariate analyses showed patients with IKZF1 deletion or measurable residual disease (MRD) ≥0.01% after induction had inferior outcomes (p<.05). Pediatric PDGFRB-positive ALL has a poor outcome associated with high-risk features. Chemotherapy plus TKIs can improve the CR rate, providing an opportunity for lower MRD levels and transplantation. MRD ≥0.01% was a powerful adverse prognostic factor, and stratified treatment based on MRD may improve survival for these patients. Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with PDGFRB fusions are associated with high-risk clinical features such as older age, high white blood cell count at diagnosis, high measurable residual disease after induction therapy, and increased risk of leukemia relapse. Chemotherapy plus tyrosine-kinase inhibitors can improve the complete remission rate and provide an opportunity for lower measurable residual disease (MRD) levels and transplantation for pediatric PDGFRB-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. The MRD level was also a powerful prognostic factor for pediatric PDGFRB-positive ALL patients.

Hematological Changes in Newly Diagnosed Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients on Standard Anti-TB Treatment Regimen and their Influence on Smear Conversion

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) mortality remains high despite the availability of effective anti-TB therapy. Disease and treatment-associated hematological derangements at diagnosis and during therapy might contribute to this high TB mortality rate. This paper aims to determine hematological changes in newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients on standard anti-TB treatment regimen and their influence on smear conversion. The study adopted a longitudinal design in which 55 newly diagnosed HIV negative PTB patients were followed up to the fifth month of anti-TB therapy. Blood samples (5ml) were collected for diagnosis during the second and fifth months and analyzed using automated HumaCount 5D hematology analyzer. Data was analyzed using Kruskal-wallis test with Dunn’s multiple comparisons test in Graph-Pad prism version 6.0. Throughout therapy, there was a statistically significant time-dependent decrease in median total white blood cell counts from 6.82x103/ uL at diagnosis to 5.87x103/ uL at the fifth month (P=0.0358). This decrease in total WBC count was majorly driven by significant decrease in the neutrophil numbers from 4.31x103/ uL at diagnosis to 2.97x103/ uL at the fifth month. The proportion of patients who had anemia at the fifth month of treatment increased compared to the second month post intensive phase. There was also a significant decrease in MCV, MCH and MCHC at the second month compared to diagnosis. Moreover, the median platelet count, MPV, PDW and PCT% decreased from 314x103/ uL, 8.9 fL, 10.4 fL and 0.273 at diagnosis to 232x103/ uL, 10.15 fL, 12.5 fL and 0.235 at the fifth month, respectively. High WBC count, high platelet count, low lymphocyte count and low HGB at the end of month two of therapy were shown to increase the likelihood of sputum non-conversion (OR-2.42 (95% Ci 2.07-2.82)), (OR-1.5 (95% Ci 1.01-2.22)), (OR-1 (95% Ci 1-1)) and (OR-2.58 (95% Ci 1.68-3.95)), respectively (P&lt;0.05). A significant number of PTB patients presented with anemia, thrombocytosis and leukocytosis. The proportion of patients with anemia increased over time. The study recommends screening for hematological abnormalities in patients for tailored patient interventions for better clinical outcomes.

Exploring optimal administration timing of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in early breast cancer treated with pharmorubicin and endoxan: a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundPegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF) is a treatment for preventing febrile neutropenia (FN) in patients with early breast cancer. However, the optimal injection timing of PEG-rhG-CSF after chemotherapy is obscure. The trial was designed to explore the best administration timing of PEG-rhG-CSF when breast cancer patients could benefit most.MethodsPatients with early breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive a preventive injection on the 7th or 3rd day following chemotherapy. The experimental group (n = 80) received PEG-rhG-CSF treatment on day 7 after chemotherapy, whereas the control group (n = 80) received it on day 3. The occurrence of grades 3–4 neutropenia and FN in the first cycle was the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoint was the frequency of PEG-rhG-CSF dose reduction.ResultsIn comparison to the control group, the experimental group exhibited higher white blood cell count (WBC) and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) on the 9th and 13th days following chemotherapy (P < 0.05). Additionally, the incidence of grade 3–4 neutropenia was significantly lower in the experimental group (P = 0.038). Furthermore, a greater proportion of patients in the experimental group met the criteria for reducing the PEG-rhG-CSF dose compared to the control group (69.74% vs. 35.06%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn comparison with PEG-rhG-CSF injection on day 3 after chemotherapy, the incidence of grade 3–4 myelosuppression is lower, and the safety is more manageable after the injection on day 7. This approach potentially allows for a wider adoption of PEG-rhG-CSF dose reduction, leading to a consequential decrease in overall medical costs for patients.Trial registrationClinical Trials: NCT04477616. Registered July 16, 2020.

Abstract 4136280: Inflammation and Cancer Mortality among CVD Individuals: NHANES-Continuous study

Background: Both cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are the leading causes of death worldwide. While previous research showed a relationship between CVD and cancer incidence, limited evidence is available regarding the relationship between inflammation and cancer mortality in CVD patients. Methods: A prospective cohort study using data from the continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (1999-2016) merged with Medicare and National Death Index (NDI) mortality data until December 31, 2018. We included CVD individuals with no history of cancer at baseline to investigate the relationship between inflammatory markers, including Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), as the main exposure and cancer mortality as the main outcome. Results: We included 4,089 adult individuals representing 127,809,316 individuals (47% females, 72% non-Hispanic Whites, and 5% Hispanics). The risk factor analysis (Table) using the competing risk modeling showed that while inflammatory markers did not show significant associations with cancer mortality in the overall analysis, upon stratification by race/ethnicity, NH-Blacks showed higher cancer mortality with higher WBC count (aHR 5.61, 95% CI 1.66-18.91, p=0.007) and NLR (aHR 2.97, 95% CI 1.19-7.42, p=0.02), but lower cancer mortality with higher neutrophil (aHR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.60, p=0.02) and lymphocyte (aHR 0.34, 95% CI 0.15-0.80, p=0.02) counts. Notably, our NH-Blacks showed lower neutrophils at baseline than others which could be explained by a phenomenon called “Benign Ethnic Neutropenia -BEN-” that still brings more complexity when interpreting NLR. Conclusions: Our study highlights the close relationship between cardiovascular health, inflammation, and cancer mortality. The findings also suggest that race/ethnicity may play a significant role in the relationship between inflammation and cancer mortality among individuals with CVD. Yet, further research is still needed to underpin the biological pathways influencing this relationship.

Abstract 4134777: Predictive Factors for Early Recovery from Mechanical Circulatory Support in Patients with Fulminant Myocarditis

Background: Fulminant myocarditis (FM) requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is fatal and has a complicated clinical course. In such FM cases, predicting which cases are likely to achieve early recovery is crucial for developing acute-phase treatment strategies. We aimed to examine the factors predicting early recovery in fatal cases of FM requiring VA-ECMO using multicenter cohort of patients with myocarditis. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 343 patients with FM requiring VA-ECMO between April 2012 and March 2017. The early recovery group was defined as patients who were successfully weaned off mechanical circulatory support (MCS) within 7 days from MCS deployment and discharged with favorable outcomes. We divided patients into early recovery group and non-early recovery group. Predictors of early recovery were investigated by performing a multivariate analysis, including significant variables ( p &lt;0.05) identified from a univariate analysis of baseline clinical parameters and meaningful variables from previous reports. Results: Among the eligible patients, 71 were assigned to the early recovery group, whereas 272 were assigned to the non-early recovery group. The baseline patient demographics showed the early recovery group was significantly younger (45 [30-63] years vs. 56.5 [40-67] years, p =0.003), had higher WBC counts (11,400 [8,500-16,000] /μL vs. 9,900 [7,162.5-13,297.5] /μL, p =0.009), and had lower CK-MB levels (38.5 [18.0-75.3] U/L vs. 73.0 [42.5-137.0] U/L, p &lt;0.001), than the non-early recovery group. In the histological diagnosis, the proportions of lymphocytic and eosinophilic myocarditis were similar between the two groups, whereas the proportions of giant cell myocarditis tended to be higher in the non-early recovery group. Multivariate analysis showed the independent predictors of early recovery were age ≤40 years (OR: 3.25; 95% CI: 1.42-7.44), WBC ≥ 11,000 /μL (OR: 3.10; 95% CI: 1.39-6.86) and CK-MB ≤ 61 U/L (OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.06-5.72), and if all conditions were fulfilled, the early recovery rate increased to 61.5%. Conclusions: Early recovery group had higher inflammatory parameter levels but lower myocardial damage marker levels on admission in addition to age ≤40 years, suggesting that patients having a strong acute-phase inflammatory response with a lower degree of myocardial damage, could recover earlier.

Sarcopenia is associated with new-onset acute biliary infection within 1 year in patients with hepatitis B virus-related decompensated cirrhosis.

Malnutrition and sarcopenia are prevalent complications in cirrhosis. The relationship between sarcopenia and biliary infection in cirrhotic patients is not well understood. Our study aims to clarify this association. In this study, we leveraged data from a tertiary care hospital, enrolling patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced cirrhosis from 2022. An acute biliary tract infection was defined as the onset of acute cholecystitis or cholangitis within a year. Sarcopenia was identified based on established criteria and assessed using the L3 skeletal muscle index (SMI). A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to analyze the relationship between sarcopenia and acute biliary tract infection. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and smooth curve fitting were also conducted. This study enrolled a total of 262 patients with HBV-related cirrhosis, with an average age of 60 years and including 173 males. The primary causes for hospital admission were ascites and hepatic encephalopathy. Within the group with biliary infection, patients typically presented with higher white blood cell counts, lower platelet levels, and poorer indicators of liver and kidney function. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for various confounding factors, sarcopenia was associated with an odds ratio of 1.55 ( P = 0.002) for acute biliary infection. Smooth curve fitting revealed an approximately linear positive relationship between L3 SMI and acute biliary infection, with the area under the ROC curve for L3 SMI reaching 0.89, indicating a strong predictive value. Sarcopenia is associated with acute biliary infection in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis.