Lower Hgb Research Articles

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<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.

Long-term analysis of hematological parameters as predictors of recurrence patterns and treatment outcomes in cervical cancer patients undergoing definitive chemoradiotherapy

PurposeThis study sought to determine the predictive and prognostic value of clinicopathological parameters and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and hemoglobin (Hgb) level in predicting recurrence patterns and locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in cervical cancer patients receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy (ChRT).MethodsThis study included 261 cervical cancer patients treated with ChRT. The primary endpoints were the predictors of local recurrence (LR) and distant metastasis (DM), whereas the secondary endpoints were LRFS and DMFS. The association of survival with potential prognostic factors was analyzed using Cox regression analysis, and the predictors of LR and DM were identified using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe median follow-up time was 10.9 years. Recurrences occurred in 132 patients (50.6%) within a median of 11.2 months after definitive ChRT. NLR and PLR values were significantly higher in patients with LR and DM than in those without, with no significant differences in Hgb levels in patients with or without LR and DM. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, lymph node metastasis, elevated NLR, and low Hgb level were significantly correlated with LR and DM. In the multivariable analysis, large tumor size, presence of lymph node metastasis, and elevated NLR were the independent predictors for poor LRFS and DMFS, and Hgb level was an additional prognostic factor for DMFS.ConclusionHematological markers, particularly NLR and Hgb, may serve as cost-effective and readily accessible indicators for predicting recurrence and survival in cervical cancer patients, contributing to their practical use in routine assessments.

Association Between Preoperative Anemia and Cognitive Function in a Large Cohort Study of Older Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery.

The etiology of anemia has tremendous overlap with the disease states responsible for cognitive decline. We used data from a perioperative database of older adults undergoing elective surgery with anesthesia to (1) examine relationships among preoperative anemia blood markers, preoperative screeners of cognitive function, and chronic disease status; and (2) examine the relationship of these factors with operative outcomes. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the association between preoperative anemia blood markers and cognition measured by a preoperative cognitive screener. Secondary goals were to (1) examine the relationship between preoperative anemia blood markers and chronic disease states (ie, American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] and frailty), and (2) investigate the relationship of preoperative anemia blood markers and cognition with operative outcomes (ie, discharge disposition, 1-year mortality, number of surgical complications, length of hospital stay, and length of intensive care unit [ICU] stay). Data were collected at the University of Florida Health Shands Presurgical Center and the Perioperative Cognitive Anesthesia Network clinic within the electronic medical record. Patients 65 years of age or older were included if they had a preoperative hemoglobin (Hgb) value and a preoperative screening. Nonparametric methods were used for bivariate analysis. Logistic regression was used for the simultaneous examination of variables associated with nonhome discharge and 1-year mortality. Primary outcomes were discharge disposition and 1-year mortality. Secondary outcomes were number of surgical complications and length of hospital and ICU stay. Of 14,795 patients cognitively assessed, 8643 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 26.7% were anemic, with 16.8%, 9.5%, and 0.4% having mild, moderate, and severe anemia, respectively. The Spearman correlation coefficient [95% confidence interval, CI] between the Hgb level and the clock drawing time (CDT) was -.15 [-.17 to -.13] (P < .0001) indicating that a lower Hgb level was associated with cognitive vulnerability. Hgb was also negatively correlated with the ASA physical status classification, patient Fried Frailty Index, and hospital and ICU length of stay. In the multivariable model, age, surgical service, ASA and Fried Frailty Index significantly predicted nonhome discharge. Furthermore, age, surgical service, ASA, Fried Frailty Index, and Hgb independently predicted death within 1 year of surgery. The odds of death, adjusted for ASA, Fried Frailty, and covariates, were 2.7 times higher for those in the mild anemic group compared to those who were not anemic (odds ratio [OR], 2.7, 95% CI, [2.1-3.5]). The odds of death, adjusted for ASA, Fried Frailty, and covariates, were 3.6 times higher for those in the moderate/severe anemic group compared to those who were not anemic (OR, 3.6, 95% CI, [2.7-4.9]). In this first medicine study, we established relationships among anemia, preoperative markers of frailty and cognition, and chronic disease states in a large cohort of older patients undergoing elective surgery in a large tertiary medical center. We found that anemia, cognitive vulnerability, and chronic health disease states predicted death within 1 year of surgery, and that these preoperative factors negatively contribute to surgical outcomes such as time in the ICU, length of hospital stay, nonhome discharge, and 1-year mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) and many academic medical societies have urged the adoption of patient blood management (PBM) disciplines, yet anemia is not routinely optimized as a preoperative risk factor. Given the well-defined association between preoperative anemia and postoperative morbidity and mortality, performing elective surgery on an untreated anemic patient should be considered substandard care. With established safe and effective treatment regimens, iron deficiency anemia is a modifiable preoperative risk factor that should be addressed before elective surgery.

The Importance of Hypoxia-Related to Hemoglobin Concentration in Breast Cancer.

The importance of hemoglobin (Hgb) as a novel prognostic biomarker in predicting clinical features of cancers has been the subject of intense interest. Anemia is common in various types of cancer including breast cancer (BC) and is considered to be attributed to tumoral hypoxia. Cancer microenvironments are hypoxic compared with normal tissues, and this hypoxia is associated with Hgb concentration. Recent preclinical documents propose a direct or indirect correlation of intratumoral hypoxia, specifically along with acidity, with Hgb concentration and anemia. Analysis of the prognostic value of Hgb in BC patients has demonstrated increased hypoxia in the intratumoral environment. A great number of studies demonstrated that lower concentrations of Hgb before or during common cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, is an essential risk factor for poor prognostic and survival, as well as low quality of life in BC patients. This data suggests a potential correlation between anemia and hypoxia in BC. While low Hgb levels are detrimental to BC invasion and survival, identification of a distinct and exact threshold for low Hgb concentration is challenging and inaccurate. The optimal thresholds for Hgb and partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) vary based on different factors including age, gender, therapeutic approaches, and tumor types. While necessitating further investigations, understanding the correlation of Hgb levels with tumoral hypoxia and oxygenation could improve exploring strategies to overcome radio-chemotherapy related anemia in BC patients. This review highlights the collective association of Hgb concentration and hypoxia condition in BC progression.

#2652 Hemoglobin excursion outside of the target range and their associations with all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Background and Aims Based on earlier analyses (Mermelstein et al., ASN Renal Week 2023), where we found an improved survival with hemoglobin levels above the currently targeted range of 10 to 11 g/dL quantified as an area under the excursion curve, we hypothesized an independent association between all-cause mortality hazard ratio and a) the number of excursions, and b) the number of days outside of the target range. Method We explored this relationship in a retrospective cohort study of incident hemodialysis patients receiving erythropoietin stimulating agent (ESA) commencing treatment Fresenius Kidney Care clinics in the US. We included patients who were given a long-acting erythropoietin stimulating agent within 90 days of dialysis initiation, considered the first six months as baseline and the following 18 months as the follow-up period. Only patients with at least 5 hemoglobin values over the first 75 days were included. We calculated the ‘area under the curve’ (AUC) above and below the target hemoglobin range of 10-11 g/dL for each patient during the baseline period, as well as days below and above range, and number of excursions below and above range. Cox proportional hazard models additionally adjusted for age, race, sex, diabetes, serum albumin, and phosphate were developed, and the hazard ratio estimates depicted in a forest plot. Results We studied 62,181 patients (57% male, 39% diabetic, mean baseline hgb 10.42 ± 0.72 g/dL, baseline AUC above target 44.36 ± 49.44 g/dL * days and 78.06 ± 86.26 g/dL * days below target). Forest plot of the HR estimates showed an increased risk of death with AUC below the lower limit of the target range (i.e. 10 g/dL), which also held true both for number of excursions and days exposed to lower hgb levels). Conversely, AUC, conversions and days spent at hgb levels higher than the upper limit of the target range (i.e. 11 g/dL), associated with a significant survival advantage. Conclusion In an effort to validate the robustness of our previously shown association between higher hgb levels and survival advantage, and to corroborate the accuracy of the utilized AUC quantification method, we separated both components of the AUC, namely into time and magnitude and quantified the independent associations with the risk of death. This allowed to discern between the associations of both to the risk of death. Consistent with the earlier results, avoiding levels below 10 g/dL and aiming for levels above the upper limit of 11 g/dL, seems to be beneficial for the anemia management of incident hemodialysis patients treated with a long-acting ESA.

Distinct clinical features of transplanted children with Parvovirus B19 infection

BackgroundThe immature and suppressed immune response makes transplanted children a special susceptible group to Parvovirus B19 (PVB19). However, the clinical features of transplanted children with PVB19 infection haven’t been comprehensively described.MethodsWe searched the medical records of all the transplant recipients who attended the Children’s Hospital of Fudan University from 1 Oct 2020 to 31 May 2023, and reviewed the medical literature for PVB19 infection cases among transplanted children.ResultsA total of 10 cases of PVB19 infection were identified in 201 transplanted children at our hospital, and the medical records of each of these cases were shown. Also, we retrieved 40 cases of PVB19 infection among transplanted children from the literature, thus summarizing a total of 50 unique cases of PVB19 infection. The median time to the first positive PVB19 DNA detection was 14 weeks post-transplantation. PVB19 IgM and IgG were detected in merely 26% and 24% of the children, respectively. The incidence of graft loss/dysfunction was as high as 36%. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients showed higher PVB19 load, lower HGB level, greater platelet damage, lower PVB19 IgM/IgG positive rates, and more graft dysfunction than solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients, indicating a more incompetent immune system.ConclusionsCompared with the published data of transplanted adults, transplanted children displayed distinct clinical features upon PVB19 infection, including lower PVB19 IgM/IgG positive rates, more graft dysfunction, and broader damage on hematopoietic cell lines, which was even more prominent in HSCT recipients, thus should be of greater concern.

Treatment Goals and Symptoms of Patients Presenting to a Center for Fibroid Care [ID 2683523

INTRODUCTION: Multidisciplinary fibroid centers represent a new model of fibroid care. We evaluated the goals and symptoms of patients presenting to our center. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting between June 2022 and June 2023. Patients were sent the Uterine Fibroid Symptom Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) survey and a goals questionnaire prior to first appointment. Patients who completed both were included. We obtained age, race, most recent hemoglobin level (Hgb), largest fibroid type on most recent imaging, composite symptom severity score (SS), and health-related QOL score (HRQL). This study met IRB exemption criteria. RESULTS: Of 581 patients, 326 (56%) completed both surveys. Mean age was 43.0 years (SD 8.0). Patients identified as Black (35.3%), White (24.8%), Asian (8.9%), and other/multiple race (7.7%). Most patients' largest fibroid was subserosal (37%), followed by intramural (28.7%), submucosal (5.9%), and combined type (28.3%). There was no difference in SS (P=.307) or HRQL (P=.504) between these groups. Most patients (60.7%) selected a top goal of symptom elimination, followed by treating anemia (21.2%) and becoming pregnant (18.1%). Almost a quarter (26.4%) reported difficulty conceiving, and they had higher SS (mean difference [MD] −6.1; 95% CI, −12.1, −0.6) and lower HRQL (MD 7.2; 95% CI, 0.4, 14.0). Patients with Hgb below 12 had higher SS (MD −8.6; 95% CI, −14.6, −2.7) and lower HRQL (MD 8.0; 95% CI, 1.1, 15.0). CONCLUSION: Most patients reported a primary goal of symptom elimination. Difficulty conceiving and low Hgb were associated with worse symptoms, yielding insight into treatment opportunities affecting QOL.

Genotype and Phenotype in Pregnant Women with Both Alpha and Beta Thalassemia Mutations Attended at Vietnam National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Introduction: The number of studies that explore people with both alpha and beta thalassemia mutations is still low, not only in Vietnam but around the world as well. We conducted this study to explore genotypes and phenotypes of pregnant women who have both alpha and beta thalassemia mutations in comparison to those who don’t have any thalassemia mutations and those who have either alpha or beta thalassemia mutations. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology from September 2020 to July 2021 on medical records of 6929 pregnant women who attended the hospital between 2015 and 2021. Mutation analysis was performed by the α-Globin Strip Assay (Vienna Lab, Austria) and Strip Assay MED (Vienna Lab, Austria). Results: There were 18 pregnant women with both alpha and beta thalassemia genes, in which only SEA mutation caused alpha thalassemia and nearly 70% of beta thalassemia was caused by CD26 mutation. In comparison with pregnant women who didn’t have any thalassemia genes, those with both mutations had higher RBC, RDW, HbA2 and lower HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and HbA1. We only see the statistically significant difference in HbA1 and HbA2 between those with both mutations and those with either alpha or beta thalassemia mutations. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study showed that there were differences in genotype and phenotype between pregnant women with both alpha and beta thalassemia mutations and other types of thalassemia as well as those without thalassemia.

Treatment status of tyrosine kinase inhibitor for newly-diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia: a domestic multi-centre retrospective real-world study

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the treatment status of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in China. Methods: Data of chronic phase (CP) and accelerated phase (AP) CML patients diagnosed from January 2006 to December 2022 from 77 centers, ≥18 years old, and receiving initial imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib or flumatinib-therapy within 6 months after diagnosis in China with complete data were retrospectively interrogated. The choice of initial TKI, current TKI medications, treatment switch and reasons, treatment responses and outcomes as well as the variables associated with them were analyzed. Results: 6 893 patients in CP (n=6 453, 93.6%) or AP (n=440, 6.4%) receiving initial imatinib (n=4 906, 71.2%), nilotinib (n=1 157, 16.8%), dasatinib (n=298, 4.3%) or flumatinib (n=532, 7.2%) -therapy. With the median follow-up of 43 (IQR 22-75) months, 1 581 (22.9%) patients switched TKI due to resistance (n=1 055, 15.3%), intolerance (n=248, 3.6%), pursuit of better efficacy (n=168, 2.4%), economic or other reasons (n=110, 1.6%). The frequency of switching TKI in AP patients was significantly-higher than that in CP patients (44.1% vs 21.5%, P<0.001), and more AP patients switched TKI due to resistance than CP patients (75.3% vs 66.1%, P=0.011). Multi-variable analyses showed that male, lower HGB concentration and ELTS intermediate/high-risk cohort were associated with lower cytogenetic and molecular responses rate and poor outcomes in CP patients; higher WBC count and initial the second-generation TKI treatment, the higher response rates; Ph(+) ACA at diagnosis, poor PFS. However, Sokal intermediate/high-risk cohort was only significantly-associated with lower CCyR and MMR rates and the poor PFS. Lower HGB concentration and larger spleen size were significantly-associated with the lower cytogenetic and molecular response rates in AP patients; initial the second-generation TKI treatment, the higher treatment response rates; lower PLT count, higher blasts and Ph(+) ACA, poorer TFS; Ph(+) ACA, poorer OS. Conclusion: At present, the vast majority of newly-diagnosed CML-CP or AP patients could benefit from TKI treatment in the long term with the good treatment responses and survival outcomes.

Consequences of anemia in geriatric hip fractures: how low is too low?

BackgroundThe transfusion threshold for low hemoglobin (Hgb) in geriatric patients with hip fractures is widely debated. In certain populations, low Hgb is associated with poor outcomes. Our objective was to...

P381 Intestinal ultrasound in newly diagnosed Ulcerative Colitis predicts the need for colectomy

Abstract Background Upon diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC), it remains challenging to predict who will have a severe disease course, ultimately necessitating colectomy. Predictive tools capable of risk-stratifying patients and individualize treatment are warranted. The aim of this study was to assess whether Intestinal ultrasound (IUS), performed at the onset of UC, could help predict the need for colectomy within the first year of diagnosis. Methods In a Danish prospective inception cohort, all new-onset adult patients with UC (including unclassified IBD) with left-sided or extensive colitis underwent IUS near the diagnostic endoscopy. The assessment included the International Bowel Ultrasound Segmental Activity Score (IBUS-SAS) and the bowel wall thickness (BWT) of the most inflamed segment. Besides IUS, we recorded age, gender, smoking, BMI, the Mayo endoscopic score (MES), the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI), and biomarkers hemoglobin (hgb), C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin and fecal calprotectin. Results During inclusion (May 2021 – April 2023), we included 193 UC patients with Montreal classification E2 or E3. In total, 12/193 (6%) underwent colectomy within the first year or during follow-up (min. 6 months). Baseline characteristics are presented in Table 1. Univariable analyses identified high MES, CRP, SCCAI, IBUS-SAS, and BWT, along with low Hgb and albumin, as significantly associated with an increased colectomy risk. Multivariable analysis with stepwise reduction identified only SCCAI (OR: 2.0, CI 1.2–3.3, p&amp;lt;0.005) and BWT (OR: 1.6, CI 1.1–2.3, p=0.01) as independent predictors. Through ROC analysis, BWT presented the highest accuracy (AUC: 0.89), and the optimal cut-off by Youden Index for colectomy prediction was &amp;gt; 6.1 mm. Combining all the significant non-IUS predictors, CRP, MES, SCCAI, hgb, and albumin yielded an AUC of 0.88. The highest accuracy was found by combining SCCAI and BWT, with an AUC of 0.94. Kaplan-Meier curve for colectomy-free survival is presented in Figure 1. Among patients with BWT&amp;gt;6.1mm, 18/21 (86%) started systemic steroids within the first week, compared to 43/125 (34%) of patients with BWT ≤ 6.1, p=0.007. Among patients with BWT &amp;gt; 6.1mm, 11/21 (52%) started biologics within the first 31 days, compared to 5/125 (4%) of patients with BWT≤6.1mm, p&amp;lt;0.001. Despite more aggressive treatment, 8/21 (38%) with BWT&amp;gt;6.1mm had a colectomy compared to 2/125 (2%) with BWT≤6.1mm.Conclusion IUS at UC onset, specifically BWT, is a robust predictor of colectomy risk within the first year of diagnosis. Combining clinical symptom scores with IUS enhances predictive accuracy. It can accurately identify patients at an increased risk of colectomy, guiding early treatment decisions for improved patient outcomes.

Prevalence and morphological characteristics of anemia in young children in Albaha, Saudi Arabia

Objective: To assess the anemia among children in Albaha and to recognize the morphological and hematological features of anemia in them. Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted in Albaha region, Saudi Arabia using the existing data since 2020. The study included data on children aged 0-69 months. Morphological criteria included high RDW, and low RBCs, Hgb, Hct, MCV, and MCHC. The data were analyzed by the SPSS, version 24. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied including averages, independent t-tests, and univariate and bivariate binary logistic regression. Results: Average age of children was 46.4 months, representing both genders. The prevalence of anemia was 16.7%, 14.7%, and 14.1% for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, respectively. The predominant type of anemia was microcytic hypochromic anemia, affecting 81.4% of males and 14.1% of females. There were insignificant correlations between age, or gender, with anemia status. Conclusion: Microcytic hypochromic anemia was the most prevalent type among young children in this study. It also emerges the necessity for further assessment to confirm the predominance of microcytic hypochromic anemia among young children in Saudi Arabia in regional contexts.

Elevated Serum Levels of Soluble Transferrin Receptor Are Associated with an Increased Risk of Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, and Hematological Manifestations and a Decreased Risk of Neuropsychiatric Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients.

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the serum levels of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and interleukin 4 (IL-4), and the disease activity and organ manifestations in SLE patients. We studied 200 SLE patients and 50 controls. We analyzed disease activity, organ involvement, serum sTfR, IL-4 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and antinuclear and antiphospholipid antibody profiles. The median serum levels of sTfR (p > 0.000001) and IL-4 (p < 0.00001) were higher in the study group than in the controls. SLE patients, compared to the controls, had significantly lower HGB levels (p < 0.0001), a lower iron concentration (p = 0.008), a lower value of total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) (p = 0.03), and lower counts of RBC (p = 0.004), HCT (p = 0.0004), PLT (p = 0.04), neutrophil (p = 0.04), and lymphocyte (p < 0.0001). Serum sTfR levels were negatively correlated with lymphocyte (p = 0.0005), HGB (p = 0.0001) and HCT (p = 0.008), and positively correlated with IL-4 (p = 0.01). Elevated serum sTfR > 2.14 mg/dL was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (OR: 10.6 95 CI 2.71-464.78; p = 0.001), ischemic heart disease (OR: 3.25 95 CI 1.02-10.40; p = 0.04), lung manifestations (OR: 4.48 95 CI 1.44-13.94; p = 0.01), and hematological manifestations (OR: 2.07 95 CI 1.13-3.79; p = 0.01), and with a reduced risk of neuropsychiatric manifestations (OR: 0.42 95 CI 0.22-0.80; p = 0.008). Serum IL-4 was negatively correlated with CRP (p = 0.003), and elevated serum IL-4 levels > 0.17 mg/L were associated with a reduced risk of mucocutaneous manifestations (OR: 0.48 95 CI 0.26-0.90; p = 0.02). In SLE patients, elevated serum levels of sTfR were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematological manifestations, and with a decreased risk of neuropsychiatric manifestations. In contrast, elevated serum IL-4 levels were associated with a decreased risk of mucocutaneous manifestations.

High-Altitude Hypoxia Is Common in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease

BACKGROUND In Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), hypoxia favors deoxy-HbS formation, sickle hemoglobin (Hb) polymerization, and red blood cell (RBC) sickling. The hypobaric hypoxia of high altitude (such as plane flights and high-altitude vacation destinations) may uncover occult hypoxia in people with SCD, trigger vaso-occlusive episodes, and/or exacerbate cardiopulmonary complications. There are few published data on high-altitude hypoxia in people with SCD. High altitude simulation testing (HAST) recapitulates the hypoxia of high altitude and can be used to assess the need for prophylactic supplemental oxygen prior to trips. At our institution, due to anecdotal reports of symptom exacerbation following air travel, we complete pretravel HAST for people with sickle cell disease, and then prescribe portable oxygen therapy. OBJECTIVE This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of high-altitude hypoxia in those adults with SCD who underwent pretravel evaluation from 2019 to 2023. Additionally, we examined the clinical characteristics of those people found to have high-altitude hypoxia. METHODS After getting IRB approval, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with SCD who had undergone HAST as part of pretravel evaluation in 2019 through 2023. HAST was performed with the use of a Hans Rudolph two-way non-rebreathing valve system, and oxygen saturation was monitored with a forehead oximeter. Compressed Air (10 liters per minute) and Nitrogen (8 liters per minute) were blended to an oxygen level of 15%, simulating an altitude of 8,000 feet for 20 minutes. High-altitude hypoxia is defined as persistent SpO 2 ≤88% at 15%FiO 2, requiring supplemental oxygen. Demographics, SCD-related medical history, clinical labs and imaging were collected near the time of testing. We assessed the prevalence of high-altitude hypoxia in our patient population over the time period. We described the characteristics of those tested. Using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, we evaluated associations between time to hypoxia (in minutes). RESULTS 22 adult patients underwent HAST, and 13 (59%) were positive for high-altitude hypoxia (Figure 1). The time to hypoxia ranged from 1-17 minutes with a mean of 5.3 minutes with a minimum SpO 2, in those that tested positive, ranging from 86-89%. However, hypoxic patients were immediately treated with supplemental oxygen during testing, so a true nadir cannot be determined. Compared to those who tested negative, the participants that tested positive had lower BMI and lower mean Hb and hematocrit levels. Their mean absolute reticulocyte counts (ARC) and mean total bilirubin were higher than those who tested negative, and their mean white blood counts (WBC) trended higher. We did not observe significant difference in HAST results by SCD genotype, hydroxyurea use and opioid use. Other patient characteristics are described (Figure 2). We found the strongest inverse correlations between time to hypoxia and WBC (r= -0.73, p= 0.004) and ARC (r= -0.69, p=0.010). CONCLUSIONS Adults with sickle cell disease are at risk for occult hypoxia during travel due to hypobaric hypoxia associated with altitude. In our experience, screening patients with SCD prior to travel, we found HAST-positive hypoxia in 59%, for whom we prescribed supplemental oxygen during travel. Our observations suggested that people with more ‘active’ SCD (lower Hgb and higher ARC) were more likely to have high-altitude hypoxia and tended to declare their hypoxia earlier in the testing period. Our study is limited by sample size, retrospective design, and a lack of patient reported outcomes about altitude associated symptoms or complications. Additionally, there may be a selection bias towards healthier people with SCD, i.e., those who are well enough to travel. However, given the pathophysiology of SCD, our results suggest that providers should be proactive in inquiring about travel plans and assessing the risk for hypoxia. Furthermore, the development of a brief screening tool in this setting may be warranted.

Remote Blood Hemoglobin Monitoring with Hyperspectral Color Truthing for Advancing Sickle Cell Care

Introduction: An urgent need exists for a noninvasive telemedicine approach to alleviate the burdensome reliance on frequent invasive blood draws for monitoring blood hemoglobin (Hgb) levels in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. SCD is the most common genetic blood disorder, impacting over 20 million people worldwide, resulting in frequent emergency healthcare use. A blood Hgb level is pivotal in managing SCD and understanding the pathophysiology of SCD including anemia. Even low blood Hgb levels may indicate painful vaso-occlusion crises (Blood 2021;137:2010). Thus, a remote noninvasive monitoring ability of blood Hgb in at-home settings can potentially enhance SCD management without iatrogenic blood loss. Advanced machine learning and spectroscopic analyses can enable digital colorimetric diagnostics for noninvasive blood Hgb quantification with high fidelity, empowering SCD patients. However, one of the key challenges in diagnostic photography is that clinical photos exhibit significant variations in colors, depending on devices, light conditions, and image file formats, hampering reliable colorimetric diagnostics. Methods: We have developed colorimetric analyses of peripheral tissue perfusion to offer remote monitoring and cost-effective blood Hgb readings for SCD patients. A specially designed diagnostic color reference chart, which is highly sensitive to blood Hgb and peripheral perfusion, allowed us to noninvasively predict blood Hgb levels from digital photos of the palpebral conjunctiva (inner eyelid) across diverse smartphone models, light conditions, and file formats. Specifically, a pilot human study of fifteen SCD patients aged 14 to 73 years generated 156 photos from both left and right eyelids juxtaposed with the diagnostic color reference chart, using Samsung Galaxy S21 and Apple iPhone 12 Pro, taken immediately before or after blood draws. Combining a blood Hgb computation (Optica 2020;7:563), blood Hgb levels were computed involving three primary machine learning algorithms (Figure 1): color recovery of the palpebral conjunctiva, hyperspectral learning to reconstruct a spectrum, and spectroscopic blood Hgb quantification. Results: Using our specially designed color chart (Figure 2a), the linear correlation between the computed blood Hgb levels and venous blood Hgb levels shows a high correlation coefficient of 0.88 and 0.81 for Samsung Galaxy S21 and Apple iPhone 12 Pro, respectively. The Bland-Altman plot as a non-parametric statistical method reveal that the 95% limits of agreement (95% LOA) are [-2.68, 2.10 g dL -1] and [-2.74, 3.19 g dL -1] for the two smartphone models. Conversely, when using a conventional color chart for general photography (Macbeth ColorChecker) (Figure 2b), the computed blood Hgb levels exhibit a low accuracy for both Samsung Galaxy S21 (correlation coefficient of 0.69, 95% LOA = [-5.05, 2.60 g dL -1]) and Apple iPhone 12 Pro (correlation coefficient of 0.57, 95% LOA = [-5.14, 5.87 g dL -1]). Conclusion: This study supports the feasibility of noninvasive blood Hgb assessments as colorimetric diagnostics for SCD patients in telemedical settings. The results correlate significantly with conventional laboratory tests based on venous blood draws and are highly comparable to capillary blood sampling (finger prick) tests (Respiratory Care 2019;64:1343). This study lays the foundation for realizing color accuracy in biological tissue for digital diagnostic colorimetric applications of blood Hgb.The proposed color accuracy-based digital health technology can potentially offer accessible, affordable, and reliable blood Hgb readings via smartphones in at-home or telemedicine settings.

Abstract 11821: Association of Hemoglobin With Mortality Outcomes in the Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network (CCCTN) Registry

Introduction: Anemia is common in critically ill patients and is a known risk indicator for poor outcomes. Little is known about the impact of anemia on short term outcomes in the setting of cardiac critical illness. We examined the association of varying degrees of anemia with in-hospital outcomes in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) admissions. Methods: The Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network (CCCTN) is a multicenter network of tertiary CICUs in North America coordinated by the TIMI Study Group. During annual campaigns, each center contributes at least 2-mo of all consecutive medical CICU admissions. Admissions were stratified according to baseline hemoglobin (Hgb). The association of Hgb and in-hospital mortality, CICU length of stay and hospital length of stay was examined by logistic regression with multivariable adjustment. Results: Among 17,759 admissions, the median baseline Hgb was 12.0 g/dL (IQR 10.0, 13.8). Patients with lower Hgb tended to be older and female with lower body weight and a greater burden of comorbidities. After adjusting for sex and other relevant covariates, a lower baseline Hgb was associated with higher odds of in-hospital death (p-trend &lt;0.0001), and longer CICU and hospital length of stay (p-trend &lt;0.0001). Conclusions: Anemia is prevalent in half of patients admitted to the CICU. Lower Hgb level, even well above standard transfusion thresholds, is independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality and longer length of stay in cardiac critical illness.

THU295 The Role Of Imatinib In Pediatric Diabetes

Abstract Disclosure: K. Lavelle: None. C. Chamberlain: None. M.S. Anderson: None. M.S. German: None. A. Nip: None. S.E. Gitelman: None. Background: A growing body of evidence suggests that imatinib may attenuate or even reverse diabetes in both mice and adults. In children, however, this has not been reported yet. Clinical Case: A 14-year-old previously healthy Black male presented to the hospital with a 2-week history of polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss. He had no family history of diabetes. On admission, he was underweight (weight 45th percentile, Z=-0.11; BMI 1st percentile, Z=-2.33) and was found to be in DKA (serum pH 7.15 [7.31-7.47], glucose 560mg/dL [65-99 mg/dL], HCO3 9.7 mEq/L [20-28 mEq/L], urine ketones 4+, Hgb A1c 12.3%, C-peptide &amp;lt;0.2 ng/mL [1.1-4.4 ng/mL]) as well as COVID-19 positive and G6PD deficient with hyperleukocytosis (WBC 137.8 TH/mm3 [5-10 TH/mm3]). He was requiring 0.6u/kg/day insulin upon discharge and went home on glargine 10 units daily, aspart insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio 1u:10g at breakfast, 1:12 at lunch, and 1:15 at dinner with insulin sensitivity factor 1u:50 mg/dL. After discharge, autoantibodies (GAD-65, IA-2, IAA, ZnT8) returned negative. Oncologic testing returned positive for myeloid neoplasm, and he was readmitted for initiation of imatinib 400mg/day 2 months post-discharge. Over the next 3 months, his Hgb A1c decreased from 6.3% to 4.9%. The following month, he had gained weight (weight 83rd percentile, Z=0.95; BMI 61st percentile, Z=0.27) and was requiring only 0.2u/kg/day insulin on a non-restricted diet. His Hgb A1c was down to 4.6% without hypoglycemia 6 months after starting imatinib. Conclusion: Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor first approved for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. In vivo studies have demonstrated that it targets anti-diabetic pathways as well: imatinib inhibits c-Abl in pancreatic beta cells, thereby blunting endoplasmic reticulum stress responses and reducing apoptosis. It also inhibits platelet-derived growth factor receptors, thereby increasing adiponectin and improving insulin sensitivity. Mouse studies have shown prevention of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and reversal of both T1D and Type 2 diabetes with imatinib. A phase 2 trial in adults with new onset T1D treated with imatinib for 6 months showed preservation of beta cell function out to 12 months (Gitelman et al, Lancet Diabetes 2021). While receiving imatinib, participants also saw lower Hgb A1c, less insulin use, higher adiponectin and lower proinsulin:C-peptide, and improved beta cell glucose sensitivity when compared to the placebo group. This case suggests that imatinib might similarly benefit children, as our patient experienced a 1.7-point reduction in Hgb A1c% and a 67% reduction in insulin requirement on therapy. It is the first case to describe imatinib use in an adolescent with diabetes and poses two important questions: what is the etiology of diabetes in this patient, and how might imatinib impact the natural course of disease? Further studies are underway to clarify these issues. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Correlation between hemoglobin levels and depression in late-stage cancer patients with irritability as mediating variable

PurposeIn late-stage cancer, the cancer itself or the side effects of cancer treatment are known to affect the hemoglobin (Hgb) levels or emotions of patients. We to investigate the relationship between Hgb levels and depression in late-stage cancer patients and verified whether irritability has a mediating effect on this relationship. MethodThe research tools included a patient basic information form, the Irritability Scale-Initial Version (TISi), and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). We first compared the Hgb levels, HAMD scores, and TISi scores of the cancer patients with different attributes, performed multiple hierarchical regression analysis, and then analyzed the mediating effects of TISi scores using the Sobel test. ResultsIn the 117 late-stage cancer patients, Hgb levels of patients with a BMI<18.5 kg/m2 were lower than those of the patients with a BMI 24.0 kg/m2. Hgb levels had a negative influence on both TISi scores (B = −2.74, p = .001) and HAMD scores (B = −0.75, p = .010). TISi scores mediated the relationship between Hgb levels and HAMD scores (Z = 2.06, p = .040). ConclusionsIrritability is a mediating variable of the influence of Hgb levels on depression, meaning that lower Hgb levels in late-stage cancer patients may be detrimental to emotional stability, induce irritability, and thereby cause depression. Thus, in the psychological care of late-stage cancer patients, medical teams should be more vigilant in monitoring Hgb levels and anemia treatment.

Purtscher-like retinopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus: clinical features, risk factors and prognosis.

Purtscher-like retinopathy (PLR) is a rare ocular manifestation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with poor prognosis, but its clear risk factors and treatment consensus are still lacking. To investigate the clinical features, risk factors and prognosis of PLR in SLE patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on SLE patients with PLR admitted at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2013 to 2022. Clinical data, including demographic characteristics, lupus-related features, laboratory findings and ophthalmologic examinations, were collected and analyzed. The prognosis was evaluated based on best-corrected visual acuity and ophthalmologic outcomes. Seventeen SLE patients (32 eyes) diagnosed with PLR were included, along with a random selection of 100 SLE patients without retinopathy and 100 with retinal microvasculopathy as controls. Patients with PLR had a significantly younger age, a higher proportion of hemolytic anemia, a shorter duration of SLE, a higher SLE disease activity index-2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score, higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values and lower hemoglobin (HGB) values than the group without retinopathy (P < 0.05). They also had a significantly higher SLEDAI-2K score, higher ESR values and higher white blood cell values (P < 0.05) than the Microvasculopathy group. The majority of eyes (22/26, 84.62%) achieved stabilization at the last follow-up, with different therapeutic strategies, while a few (4/26, 15.38%) experienced complications or progression. This is the largest reported case series of PLR in SLE, which was associated with higher disease activity and poor visual prognosis. It was also associated with younger age, shorter SLE duration, concomitant hemolytic anemia, lower HGB and higher ESR value. Early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial for improving visual outcomes.

Re-examining poikilocytosis in goats: prevalence, type and association with age and disease.

Domestic goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) are a food, fiber and companion animal. Abnormal erythrocyte shapes (poikilocytes) are considered normal in young goats, but their association with disease is not well described. Likewise, there is little information on the significance of poikilocytosis in adult goats. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, severity and type of poikilocytosis in young and adult goats and its association with age, sex, breed, laboratory results, and underlying disease. We retrospectively examined clinical and laboratory data from 1254 goats presented at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from 1997 to 2019. We analyzed 313 blood smears from goats with moderate or marked (MOD-MKD) poikilocytosis on initial blood smear evaluation. Number and type of poikilocytes per 1000 red blood cells (RBCs) were enumerated. Laboratory values and primary disease categories were compared with the severity and type of poikilocytosis. Kids (<6 mos) and juveniles (>6 mos to <1 year) had a higher prevalence of MOD-MKD poikilocytosis (95/210, 45.2% kids; 27/59, 45.8% juveniles) than adult goats (≥1 year; 190/982, 19.3%) (p < 0.001). Kids had a higher percentage of elliptocytes, dacryocytes, and schistocytes and a lower percentage of polygonal and spiculated RBCs than juvenile and adult goats (p < 0.001). Of goats with MOD-MKD (vs NONE-SLIGHT) poikilocytosis, kids had lower HGB and MCH, and higher RDW (p ≤ 0.02); juveniles and adult goats had lower HCT, MCV, MCH, and albumin concentration (p ≤ 0.01), and all age groups had lower total CO2 concentration and higher PLT counts (p < 0.03). Adult goats with MOD-MKD poikilocytosis also had higher BUN:Cr ratios (p = 0.005). Gastrointestinal parasitism, Johne's disease, diarrhea/enteritis, lice, hepatic disease and renal disease (but not urolithiasis) were significantly associated with MOD-MKD poikilocytosis (p < 0.001). Goats with hepatic and renal disease had a higher prevalence and percentage of spiculated cells (p = 0.001). Goats with Johne's disease had a higher prevalence of polygonal cells (93.3%) and dacryocytes (66.7%) than other diseases, and elliptocytes predominated in a higher proportion (36.0%) of adult goats with GI parasitism vs other diseases (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that iron deficiency is an important pathophysiologic mechanism of poikilocytosis in juvenile and adult goats, and possibly in kids, whether due to iron-restricted erythropoiesis, chronic hemorrhage, functional iron deficiency, or a combination of these mechanisms. Further investigation into the detection and monitoring of iron deficiency and the value of poikilocytosis as a diagnostic marker of iron status in goats is warranted.