Red Cell Transfusion Research Articles

The Serine Threonine Kinase Inhibitor Ots-167 Improves Erythropoiesis through Suppression of Nlk Activity in Diamond Blackfan Anemia Models

Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) is associated with a hypoproliferative anemia, congenital abnormalities, and cancer. The disease typically presents within the first year of life with the majority of patients carrying mutations in one of at least 17 ribosomal proteins, with RPS19 being the most common. Current therapies for DBA have undesirable side effects, including iron overload from repeated red cell transfusions, chronic effects from long term corticosteroid use, or complications from stem cell transplantation.The serine threonine kinase Nemo-like Kinase (NLK) is an atypical member of the MAP kinase family of enzymes and has been shown to be chronically hyper-activated in RPS19- and RPL11-haploinsufficient murine and human models of DBA, as well as in erythroid progenitors from DBA patients. In RPS19-insufficient human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, genetic silencing of NLK by shRNA increased erythroid expansion by 220.3% (SD = 6.6%), indicating that aberrant NLK activation may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease and is a potential target for DBA therapy.A number of clinically approved or advanced compounds have been developed to inhibit MAP kinases with various degrees of cross reactivity among its family members. We therefore screened a number of compounds that inhibit NLK as an off-target and found that these NLK inhibitors improved erythroid expansion in DBA models. Of these inhibitors, OTS-167 performed optimally, improving erythropoiesis by 2-fold at 300nM, with an EC50 of 146nM.Previous studies of OTS-167 in xenograft models of neuroblastoma for one month did not result in neutropenia, suggesting very little to no toxicity to myeloid cells. The goal in treating DBA patients with NLK inhibitors is to sufficiently raise the hemoglobin to prevent the need for chronic red cell transfusions or treatment with steroids. Our results suggest that pharmacologic inhibition of NLK is a potential approach to treat patients with DBA. We are currently investigating other NLK inhibitors in preclinical models for future clinical application. DisclosuresGlader: Agios: Consultancy.

Visualizing Sickle Cell Disease Whole Blood Flow and Viscosity through Modifications to Hemoglobin Levels from a Simple Blood Transfusion

Red cell transfusions are an effective part of a clinical care regiment in the treatment of chronic sickle cell disease; however, the understanding of the target hemoglobin levels has not been investigated past the standard hematocrit/hemoglobin (HgB) of 10 g/dL. A simple transfusion of packed red cells can be a beneficial clinical treatment of acute pain crisis or even stroke. Along with other transfusion-based complications, when performing a simple transfusion, the changes in blood velocity as a result of increased blood viscosity from the additional red cells can lead to complications of their own. Because of this, clinical treatment has hesitated to transfuse sickle patients above a HgB of 10 g/dL.The complications of sickle cell disease tend to be more pronounced on the microvascular scale than then macrovascular. Along with this, the overall slower blood flow caused by the increase in viscosity from a simple blood transfusion is more probable to lead to complications on the microvascular level. Our device allows us to target the changes in whole blood on multiple scales including down to arteriole sizes. Here, we have begun to investigate how transfusion could be more patient-specific by identifying the velocity profile of whole blood flowing through a “microvasculature-on-a-chip” device that mimics the microvascular geometry (Figure 1A). The devices were microfabricated using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and then coated with 0.1% bovine serum albumin (BSA) to help prevent red cell adhesion to channel walls. To simulate various HgB levels, healthy whole blood samples were centrifuged to separate red cells. To simulate a simple clinical transfusion of a sickle patient, isolated red cells were added to sickle whole blood samples. Similar to a clinical setting, sickle samples were only transfused up to higher HgB levels. HgB levels were then confirmed on a differential hematology analyzer (Sysmex XN 330). 3.2mm CA+ was added to various HgB samples to defeat the citrate anticoagulant. Samples were loaded into syringes then perfused into the BSA coated devices (Figure 1B).During perfusion, a 450 frame video of flow was captured at 40x resolution and 163 fps. Following capture, videos parameters such as frame rate and pixel distance were defined in a custom MATLAB (Mathworks, Natick, MA) script. The script segmented videos into cropped frames of the desired regions of interest then a Kanade-Lucas-Tomasi (KLT) tracking algorithm detected red cell features in each frame across 4 frames (Figure 1 B&C). 12 equal spaced bins were created across the width of the channel in the direction of flow; Tracked velocities were assigned to their corresponding bin and averaged to create a velocity profile of function as the distance from the center of the channel (Figure 1 D&E).To create a case study, two patient samples were received with the same starting HgB of 6.8 g/dL and were transfused upwards incrementally to a HgB of 12 g/dL. One patient is currently on a hydroxyurea regiment and the other patient is not. At each HgB level, the perfused whole blood was tracked through several different arteriole-sized vessels (30, 40 & 60 um) at two appropriate flow rates. To quantify the differences in the flow, the average cell velocity (um/s) through the channel and the peak velocity (um/s) through channels were charted against the various HgB levels (Figure 2).Continuing this series of experiments, 2 additional sickle whole blood on hydroxyurea samples were transfused upwards from their respective starting hemoglobin (9.7 & 10 g/dL). The flow was tracked and averages were quantified across the channel through its distance from the center of the channel. As transfused sickle HgB levels were increased, the bluntness of the velocity profile, or the difference between the average flow velocity in the center of the channel and at the walls of the channel, became less dramatic. This could be primarily attributed to the increase in the viscosity from the addition of the red cells (Figure 3).Our data shows that viscosity plays an important factor in whole blood flow. HgB of 10 g/dL is an important target for sickle transfusions; however, this target HgB may be more patient-specific than previously stated. Understanding patient viscosity may prove to be more important than hemoglobin levels. As patient blood increases in viscosity, blood slows down on the microvascular level the most. This may be critical in understanding the appropriate transfusion. [Display omitted] DisclosuresLam: Sanguina, Inc.: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company. Kemp: Parthenon Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Management of MDS with Isolated Del(5q) Patients in the European MDS (EUMDS) Registry, a Unique Prospective Real-World Dataset

Management of MDS with Isolated Del(5q) Patients in the European MDS (EUMDS) Registry, a Unique Prospective Real-World Dataset

The First Real-World Experience with Betibeglogene Autotemcel (beti-cel) Gene Therapy Treatment for Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia (TDT)

BackgroundBeti-cel ex vivo gene therapy integrates a modified HBB gene into hematopoietic stem cells of patients with TDT, aiming to enable lifelong, stable production of functional adult hemoglobin (Hb). The efficacy and safety of the treatment have been demonstrated in a total of 63 patients treated across 4 clinical trials (HGB-204,-HGB-205, HGB-207, and HGB-212). Here, we present the first patient who received beti-cel outside of the clinical trial setting, a 14-year-old male with a β 0/β + (IVS-1-6) genotype.MethodsFollowing hematopoietic stem cell collection via granulocyte-colony stimulating factor plus plerixafor mobilization and apheresis, CD34+ cells were transduced with the BB305 lentiviral vector encoding HbA T87Q. The patient received hypertransfusion before mobilization and conditioning, maintaining a pre-transfusion Hb level of >11 g/dL. Six days prior to beti-cel infusion, single-agent busulfan myeloablation was initiated (16 single doses at 0.8 mg/kg body weight; 3.2 mg/kg/24 h) with concomitant clonazepam (see Table for treatment timeline). Ursodeoxycholic acid therapy was continued as hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) prophylaxis through inpatient treatment.ResultsThe patient was diagnosed with TDT at the age of 2 years in his home country and has been treated in Germany since the age of 9. Regular transfusion therapy was initiated soon after diagnosis (Table). Aged 9, the patient was started on desferasirox for iron elimination therapy. His annualized red blood cell (RBC) transfusion volume was 174 ml/kg in 2018 and 185 ml/kg in 2019, maintaining his pre-transfusion Hb at or above 9 g/dl. No HLA-related donor was available for allogeneic transplant.At informed consent, the patient was 13 years old and met the eligibility criteria for beti-cel treatment as outlined in the summary of product characteristics (SmPC). The patient was physically fit, with a 90% Lansky score and regular participation in school sports, but reported physical limitations when running extensively. The patient underwent a thorough assessment before admission (Table), which did not reveal any remarkable abnormalities except TDT-related splenomegaly and signs of slight iron overload (liver iron content, 2.0 mg/g dry weight [normal range, 0.17-1.8]).On 11/Feb/2021, the patient was infused with 5.1 × 10 6 CD34+ cells/kg. The patient received 4 RBC and 8 platelet transfusions following infusion until Day 13 and 27, respectively (Table). Neutrophil and platelet engraftment occurred on day 27 post beti-cel infusion. The patient was discharged from inpatient treatment the same day, in excellent general condition, with 90% Lansky score, Hb of 8.2 g/dl, a reticulocyte count of 9.3%, a total white cell count of 1.55/nl, a neutrophil count of 0.75/nl, and a platelet count of 24/nl.At last follow-up (+100 days), the patient felt well and exhibited normal exercise tolerance. He has received neither red blood cell nor platelet transfusions or chelation therapy since discharge. Total Hb was 11.8 g/dl (Table). Granulocytes and lymphocytes had recovered to normal levels. The patient showed continued, albeit slowly improving, thrombocytopenia (platelet count, 31/nl [29/nl at +60 days]), consistent with previous observations after beti-cel therapy.Myeloablation and beti-cel infusion were tolerated well. Adverse events post infusion were febrile neutropenia, elevated C-reactive protein levels, pruritus, gingivitis, mild mucositis, and vertigo, consistent with the SmPC. At +23 and +26 days, the patient experienced transient subjective hearing loss (quickly resolved). No VOD events occurred.ConclusionsThis is the first real-world patient with TDT treated with beti-cel therapy. The treatment regimen had a tolerability profile consistent with that of mobilization, apheresis, and busulfan myeloablation, matching clinical trial observations. Following treatment, this 14-year-old patient reached a total Hb of 11.8 g/dL at +100 days without requirement of red cell transfusions and continues to exhibit prolonged but slowly improving and asymptomatic thrombocytopenia. [Display omitted] DisclosuresSchmitt: TolerogenixX Ltd: Current Employment; Therakos/Mallinckrodt: Research Funding; Hexal: Other: Travel grant; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Other: Travel grant. Schmitt: Bluebird Bio: Other: Travel grants; Novartis: Other: Travel grants, Research Funding; TolerogenixX: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company; Apogenix: Research Funding; MSD: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Hexal: Other: Travel grants, Research Funding; Kite Gilead: Other: Travel grants. Kulozik: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria; BioMedX: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; bluebird bio, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau.

Evaluating Clinical Outcomes and Potential Prognostic Factors Among 308 Children and Adolescents with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): An 11-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

Background:Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) usually is a mild and self-limited disease; however, 25-30% of children develop chronic ITP. Nordic score is a validated clinical prediction tool, yet its use in children is limited and evidence for other prognostic factors is unclear.Purpose:To evaluate clinical outcomes among pediatric ITP patients, and examine their relationship to patient characteristics, including Nordic score. We hypothesized that Nordic score and patient characteristics will be predictive of ITP resolution or development of chronic ITP.Methods:We conducted a retrospective chart review of all children diagnosed with ITP at our institution between May 2008 to May 2019. Data extraction included patients' age, sex, presenting signs and symptoms, laboratory values, treatment decisions, and clinical outcomes. Nordic score calculated with 6 clinical features from diagnosis: abrupt onset <14 days, age < 10 years, preceding infection <1 month, platelet count < 5x10 9/L, wet purpura, and male sex. High scores (10-14) predict a brief disease course (<3 months), whereas low scores (0-4) predict a more prolonged course.Primary outcomes included complete response (CR) (platelets 100 x10 9/L on 2 occasions >7 days apart), recurrence (platelets < 100 after achieving CR), development of chronic ITP, and resolution (long term normal platelet count). Secondary outcomes included early response (platelets 30 x10 9/L in <1 week), time to CR, duration of CR (months between CR and recurrence), and time to resolution. Data presented as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. OR for Nordic score presented per 5-unit increase correlating with Nordic score categories (low 0-4, moderate 5-9, high 10-14).Results:A total of 308 patients were included (median age 5 years, IQR 2.0-10.8; 54.5% male) (Table 1). About 56% presented with platelets < 10 x10 9/L and 42% had bleeding at diagnosis (bleeding score 3 or higher), only 3% were severe. Median Nordic score was 10 (IQR 6-11). Overall, 64% of patients were treated upfront, majority (98%) receiving intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).Treatment at diagnosis was more likely for patients with platelets < 10 x10 9/L (OR 21, 10.4-42.5), bleeding score 3 or higher (OR 2.0, 1-4), and higher Nordic score (OR 6.2, 5.6-6.9) (Table 2). Treatment was predictive only of early response in multivariate analysis, not of CR, recurrence, development of chronic ITP, or disease resolution. Additionally, treatment at diagnosis was not associated with reduction in ITP-related complications, such as major bleeding episodes, need for platelet or red cell transfusions, or iron deficiency anemia.Overall rate of CR was 90% over a median of 1 month (IQR 0.3-4 months), while 13% had recurrence after median 19 months (IQR 8.3-26.0 months) and 32% developed chronic ITP. Overall, 80% of all study patients had resolution of ITP after median 1 month (IQR 0.3-5), with 86% achieving this before 12 months. About 36% of patients with chronic ITP had disease resolution over median 25 months (IQR 16.3-46.5 months).Univariate analysis showed significant variation across subgroups for age, viral symptoms, abrupt onset, Nordic score, hospital admission at diagnosis, platelet count, and treatment. Using multivariate regression analysis adjusted for the above variables, Nordic score was the only independent predictor of all primary outcomes. Higher Nordic score group had increased likelihood of CR (OR 6.2, 5.6-6.8) and disease resolution (OR 6.8, 5.1-8.9). Lower Nordic score group was associated with increased likelihood of recurrence (OR 6.5, 5.3-6.9) and development of chronic ITP (OR 8.6, 6.5-11.4). Additionally, higher Nordic score group was associated with increased time to recurrence and duration of response, decreased time to CR and resolution.Conclusions:In our cohort, low platelet count and bleeding symptoms were drivers of upfront treatment in pediatric ITP. Treatment initiation, associated with Nordic score, was predictive of faster increase in platelet count; however, it had no impact on overall disease trajectory or likelihood of complications. Our analysis demonstrate that Nordic score is an independent predictor of CR, resolution, recurrence, and development chronic ITP. Nordic score is a useful, simple prognostic tool that has the potential to help predict clinical course of pediatric ITP and identifying patients who may benefit from closer monitoring. [Display omitted] DisclosuresBadawy: Bluebird Bio Inc: Consultancy; Sanofi Genzyme: Consultancy; Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc: Consultancy.

Real World Use of Narsoplimab in a Case of Severe HSCT-TMA

Introduction: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers a curative approach for hematologic malignancies. However, endothelial injury from HSCT activates the lectin pathway of complement, resulting in complications such as thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). HSCT-TMA causes significant mortality. Incidence is reported up to 39%, although lack of consensus on diagnostic criteria results in under-recognition. Risk factors for HSCT-TMA include calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), conditioning, and infection. There is currently no approved treatment for HSCT-TMA.Narsoplimab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits MASP-2, the effector enzyme of the lectin pathway. We report a patient with late-onset HSCT-TMA who was successfully treated with narsoplimab via a compassionate use program.Methods and Results: A 60-year-old woman with de novo acute myeloid leukemia t (9;11) (p22; q23) who achieved first complete remission (CR1) with minimal residual disease positivity confirmed by flow cytometry (0.04%) underwent matched related allogeneic HSCT from her sister. Patient was cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositive and blood group O, whereas donor was CMV seronegative and blood group B. Patient received induction with 7+3 and HiDAC consolidation, achieving CR1. Conditioning regimen was Bu4Flu with graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis of mini methotrexate and tacrolimus.Letermovir was used for CMV reactivation prophylaxis until Day +100. Post-transplant maintenance therapy with azacitidine 36 mg/m 2 was administered by four 5-day cycles (de Lima Cancer 2010). Patient achieved completed donor myeloid CD33 chimerism at Day +30, but donor lymphoid CD3 chimerism was not complete until Day +239. Tacrolimus was discontinued at Day +180. Patient initially had red cell aplasia but achieved transfusion independence by 6 months post-transplant.Circa achieving complete donor CD3 chimerism, patient developed extensive skin and gastrointestinal-overlap GVHD requiring admission for high-dose steroid therapy and resumption of tacrolimus. Onset of GVHD precluded stopping CNI. Patient became steroid refractory and ruxolitinib was added for immunosuppression with resolution of symptoms.Four weeks later, patient developed CMV reactivation and started induction therapy with valganciclovir, during which time she became red cell-transfusion dependent. Patient required 3 weeks induction and 10 days maintenance to clear CMV viremia.Subsequently, she reported dark red urine with evidence for hemoglobinuria without viruria, bilateral leg edema unresponsive to diuretic therapy, and rising serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Evaluation revealed negative direct antiglobulin test, schistocytes on peripheral blood smear (~5/hpf), elevated sC5b-9 levels of 334 ng/mL (72-244 ng/mL), and elevated random urine protein of 124 mg/dL indicative of end organ damage. LDH was modestly elevated 302 IU/L (84-246 IU/L) and haptoglobin was elevated. Based on clinical symptoms and lab results, she was diagnosed with late-onset HSCT-TMA on Day +282 (9 months) using published diagnostic criteria proposed by Cho (2010) and Jodele (2014).The patient's clinical symptoms worsened with severe leg edema - which impeded her ability to walk - and red cell and platelet transfusion dependency. With no approved therapies, compassionate use of narsoplimab was requested for this clinical course of HSCT-TMA. Treatment commenced on Day +309.Patient received a total of 21 doses of narsoplimab 370 mg administered twice weekly on an outpatient basis. All infusions were well tolerated. No adverse events were noted with narsoplimab. Peripheral counts, LDH, anemia, thrombocytopenia and sC5b-9 normalized with reduction in proteinuria, reflecting resolution of HSCT-TMA by dose 19 (10 weeks of treatment); two additional doses were administered (Figure 1). Narsoplimab was given concomitantly with tacrolimus. Patient became transfusion independent and leg edema resolved.Conclusions: This report presents a real-world case study of HSCT-TMA treated with narsoplimab via compassionate use. HSCT-TMA resolved after 10 weeks of treatment, as evidenced by peripheral counts, normalization of LDH and sC5b-9, reduction in urinary protein reflecting improvement in renal function, and improvement in clinical symptoms. Narsoplimab was effective in this complicated case despite several risk factors for poor outcomes. [Display omitted] DisclosuresPantin: Omeros Corporation: Honoraria. Billy: Omeros Corporation: Current Employment. OffLabel Disclosure:Off-label use of azacitidine for post-transplant maintenance therapy

A Phase 2 Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Selinexor in Patients with Myelofibrosis Refractory or Intolerant to JAK Inhibitors

▪Background:Selinexor is an oral, small molecule, selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) compound that specifically blocks the karyopherin protein exportin 1 (XPO1, CRM1). In an shRNA library screen, we discovered that the survival of JAK2V167F mutant HEL cells is dependent on XPO1-mediated nuclear-cytoplasmic transport. Selinexor selectively suppressed primary myelofibrosis (MF) cells as compared with normal progenitor cells and induced hematologic responses in an MPN mouse model.Methods:An open label, prospective, investigator-initiated single center study is ongoing in adults with primary or secondary MF with resistance or intolerance to JAK inhibitor (JAKi) therapy with platelets > 30 K/μL and neutrophils > 500/μL. Selinexor was given orally once a week. Spleen volume was assessed by MRI at week 12 and week 24. The study was amended to include additional MRIs every 12 weeks in the year 1 and 24 weeks in the year 2. Primary end point is spleen response, defined as ≥ 35% spleen volume reduction (SVR) by MRI or CT, where applicable) at week 24. Bone marrow was evaluated at baseline and at week 24. The projected sample size of 24 will provide 83% power to reject a response rate of 15% and allow for up to a 25% dropout rate. We provide an interim report after completing 50% enrollment.Results:Between May 2019 and February 2021, 12 patients (pts) were enrolled. JAK2, CALR and MPL mutations were present in 7 (58.3%), 4 (33.3%) and 1 (8.3%) pts respectively. Eight pts (66.6%) had at least one high molecular risk mutation at baseline (Table 1). Median duration of prior JAKi therapy was 22 months (0.5 to 96 months) and 11 out of 12 were refractory to ruxolitinib at study enrollment. Median baseline spleen volume was 1454 cm 3(range 835 to 5792). Selinexor starting dose was 80 mg weekly in the first 6 pts and 60 mg for subsequent pts. At data cutoff, median duration of selinexor therapy was 36 weeks (range 11-114 weeks). One pt was not response evaluable and died due to liver abscess at week 12 (unrelated). One pt discontinued selinexor at week 18 due to grade 3 fatigue and was not evaluable for the primary end point. Of the 11 pts who had week 12 MRI or CT, 6 showed ≥ 10% SVR, 3 showed ≥ 25% SVR and 1 pt had early progression (Figure 1). At week 24, 5/9 (56%) pts had ≥ 25% SVR and 2/9 (22%) had ≥ 35% SVR (Figure 1). In 9 pts who had ≥24 weeks of selinexor, SVR ≥ 25% and ≥ 35% occurred at any point during study treatment in 4 (44%) and 3 (33%) pts, respectively. Two pts were red cell transfusion dependent at baseline; 1 became transfusion independent after 36 weeks of treatment, has not required transfusion for 49 weeks and remains on study treatment to date (114 weeks). Six pts (50%) discontinued selinexor. Reasons for treatment discontinuation are death in 1 pt, progressive disease in 1 pt, alternative treatment in 2 pts, and toxicity in 2 pts. Ten pts required dose reduction due to fatigue (1pt), anemia (1 pt), thrombocytopenia (2 pts), abdominal pain (1pt) and weight loss (5 pts). The most common treatment related adverse event was weight loss (grade 2 in 4 pts and grade 3 in 1 pt). This was manageable with treatment interruption and dose reduction, except in one pt who discontinued selinexor. As yet no changes in reticulin fibrosis MF grade were observed among 9 patients who received at least 24 weeks of treatment.Conclusions:Once weekly, oral selinexor showed single agent activity with sustained spleen responses in pts with JAKi refractory MF. Long-term administration of selinexor was well tolerated over time in MF pts. Correlatives studies including circulating inflammatory cytokine levels and mutant allele burden, as well as clonality studies by X-chromosome inactivation studies in woman, are underway and will be presented. [Display omitted] DisclosuresTantravahi: BMS: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; CTI BioPharma: Research Funding; Abbvie Inc.: Research Funding; Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Patel: Stemline: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding. Chamoun: Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Shah: Karyopharm: Current Employment. George: Celgene: Consultancy; Bristol Meyers Squibb: Consultancy; Incyte Corporation: Consultancy; Blueprint Medicines: Consultancy. Deininger: Fusion Pharma, Medscape, DisperSol: Consultancy; SPARC, DisperSol, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Part of a Study Management Committee, Research Funding; Blueprint Medicines Corporation: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Part of a Study Management Committee, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sangamo: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

A Retrospective Head-to-Head Comparison between Pacritinib and Ruxolitinib in Patients with Myelofibrosis and Moderate to Severe Thrombocytopenia

A Retrospective Head-to-Head Comparison between Pacritinib and Ruxolitinib in Patients with Myelofibrosis and Moderate to Severe Thrombocytopenia

Nutritional Supplements, Ginseng and Leucine, Increase Erythropoiesis in Diamond Blackfan Anemia Models through Inhibition of Nemo-like Kinase

Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) is an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome that is typically associated with mutations in one of at least 20 ribosomal genes and is associated with anemia, congenital abnormalities, and cancer predisposition. The current treatment for DBA is associated with toxicities including iron overload from repeated transfusions, immune suppression from chronic corticosteroid therapy or consequences from stem cell transplantation. Developing new therapies for DBA remains a challenge, since it is a rare disease and the connection between faulty ribosomes and defects in erythropoiesis is still being explored. As such, repurposing existing, approved drugs is one approach to find new ways to treat this disease.We recently identified that Nemo-like Kinase (NLK) is hyper-activated and contributes to disease pathogenesis in the erythroid progenitors of patients with DBA, irrespective of the genetic mutation. NLK is an atypical member of the MAPK family of kinases. Due to a high degree of conservation, kinase inhibitors that specifically target NLK are not currently available, although several small molecules inhibit NLK as an off-target. We are actively pursuing a number of these compounds as potential therapies for DBA. In addition to known kinase inhibitors, we have examined the active components of widely available nutritional supplements. Although rigorous clinical evaluation is required, these supplements are well tolerated and offer an alternative or a complement to conventional drug therapy for DBA.Ginsenoside Rb1, an active component of ginseng, increases erythropoiesis in in vitro models of DBA (2.6-fold) at 50mM (p=0.048) with an EC 50 of 2.3mM. Importantly, ginsenoside Rb1 does not impact healthy erythropoiesis or other hematopoietic lineages and is nontoxic to normal cells. Our results demonstrate that ginsenoside Rb1 does not inhibit NLK kinase activity directly, but rather induces a microRNA (miR-208) that binds to NLK mRNA leading to degradation of transcript by 35.9% (p=0.007) before the protein can be translated.Another nutritional supplement that has been indicated to improve erythropoiesis (in DBA and non-diseased models) and is currently in clinical trials is the amino acid leucine. In DBA progenitors, 5mM leucine increases erythropoiesis from 8.8 to 16.3% of healthy controls. Leucine acts by stimulating the activity of mTORC1 but similar to erythropoiesis, mTORC1 activity is only stimulated from 26.4 to 57.2% of controls in DBA progenitors.Our results demonstrate that leucine does not impact NLK expression or activity directly. Aberrantly activated NLK phosphorylates and inhibits the activation of mTORC1 (target of leucine). The suppression of NLK by 50mM ginsenoside Rb1 restored mTORC1 activity to basal (94.7% of non-diseased control) but also restored leucine sensitivity (from 57.2 to 88.1% of non-diseased controls). Importantly, combining 5mM leucine and 50mM ginsenoside Rb1 increased erythropoiesis from 1.9-fold and 2.6-fold when used alone, to 8.9-fold (or 78.3% of healthy controls) together in our in vitro models of DBA (CI=0.31).Ginseng and leucine offer promising alternatives to steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs for DBA patients. The goal of these studies is to raise the hemoglobin in DBA patients to avoid the need for red cell transfusions. As nutritional supplements are widely available and well tolerated, this class of compounds provides alternatives to currently approved drugs to treat DBA. DisclosuresGlader: Agios: Consultancy.

Complex Clonal Evolution Can Occur Following Transplantation for Transfusion Dependent Thalassaemia in the Context of Mixed Myeloid Chimerism and Reduced Conditioning Regimens

Haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a well-established treatment modality for the cure of transfusion dependent thalassaemia (TDT) and sickle cell disease (SCD). Clonal evolution has recently been identified as a concerning event in the setting of mixed chimerism and/or ineffective haemopoiesis following conventional bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy for haemoglobinopathies. This has so far been restricted to SCD only, with the presumption that despite both conditions sharing an ineffective erythropoietic marrow compartment, there may be inflammatory and hypoxic differences enabling clonal evolution, in addition to the different exposure to hydroxycarbamide as a therapeutic agent. However, there is a need to investigate whether this may also be an occurrence in TDT.From 2011 to 2021, over a ten-year period, sixty-five consecutive paediatric patients received a sibling HSCT (n=55) or a haploidentical HSCT (n=10) for TDT in our institution. Conditioning intensity was minimised at the start of this cohort in order to limit toxicity and late effects, abandoning the use of Bu/Cy, which resulted in approximately 50% of the patients having stable mixed chimerism long-term. Sibling HSCT was conditioned with fludarabine 160 mg/m 2, treosulfan 42 g/m 2, thiotepa 10 mg/kg and ATG (Thymoglobulin) or alemtuzumab, and received GvHD prophylaxis with ciclosporin and MMF. Haploidentical HSCT was conditioned with fludarabine 150 mg/m 2, cyclophosphamide 30 mg/kg, TBI 2 or 4 Gy, and ATG 4.5 mg/kg (thiotepa 10 mg/kg added if TBI 2 Gy only) with GvHD prophylaxis provided by two doses of post-transplantation cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg, sirolimus and MMF. All patients had pre-transplantation endogenous haemopoiesis was suppressed pre-transplantation with hypertransfusions for a minimum of 8 weeks, and/or the use of hydroxycarbamide and azathioprine. GvHD prophylaxis was provided with ciclosporin and MMF. All patients were Pesaro class I or II at the time of transplantation. The median age was 5 years (2 - 19). The median survival was 26.8 months (2.6-101.8). The OS was 93.8% and DFS was 89.2%.Three patients in this cohort developed clonal evolution in the context of myeloid mixed chimerism identified due to the development of cytopenias and transfusion dependence. All patients had a complex karyotype and it involved deletion of chromosome 7: •Patient 1 had a sibling BMT at 3 years and 2 months. Day +28 chimerism was >95% in whole blood and 95% in T cells. The myeloid fraction had a progressive reduction from day +60 onwards. At 15 months post-transplantation clonal evolution was identified [18% ring sideroblasts, 46;XY, del (7) (q22 q34) [5]/46;XY [5], chimerism 13% donor in whole marrow and 41% marrow T cells. Two months later he became red cell transfusion dependence. A second BMT with busulfan based conditioning resulted in long-term cure.•Patient 2 had a sibling BMT at 3 years and 8 months of age. Day +28 chimerism was 99% donor in whole blood and 99% donor in T cells. Day +161 post-transplantation he started requiring erythropoietin support to maintain him transfusion independent and on day +217 we first identified in the bone marrow the appearance of myeloid mixed chimerism (75% donor in whole marrow and 91% marrow T cells) and complex clonal evolution involving -7 and FISH identified deletion of one copy of KMT2E (7q22) and MET (7q31) detected [16/200]. The patient is under monitoring at present with a progressive reduction of the size of the abnormal clones.•Patient 3 had a haplo BMT at 5 years and 8 months. Day +28 chimerism was 97% donor in whole blood and 99% donor in T cells. She developed mixed myeloid chimerism following cessation of immunosuppression on day +206: 86% donor whole blood and 99% donor in T cells. At 22 months post-BMT she started to require transfusion and a complex clonal evolution involving deletion 7 in her bone marrow when the chimerism was 42% donor whole blood and 81% donor marrow T cells. FISH identified deletion of one copy of KMT2E(7q22) and MET(7q31) detected[22/100]. She is being prepared for a second bone marrow transplant.In conclusion, complex clonal evolution also occurs post HSCT in TDT, at least in the context of reduction of conditioning intensity and development of mixed myeloid chimerism. This finding warrants further investigation and may have significant implications for the design of both conventional HSCT and gene therapy strategies. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Real World Escalated Beacopdac Delivers Similar Outcomes to Escalated Beacopp and Superior Outcomes to Response-Adapted (RATHL) ABVD, While Potentially Reducing Toxicity Compared with Escalated Beacopp

▪Background:In the treatment of advanced Hodgkin lymphoma, it is increasingly common UK practice to modify escalated BEACOPP (eBPP) by removing oral procarbazine and replacing it with intravenous dacarbazine (250mg/m2 D2-3) to reduce haematopoietic stem cell and gonadal toxicity. However, published data of the “escalated BEACOPDac (eBPDac)” regimen are very limited.Methods:This is a retrospective study of 225 patients from 20 centres in the UK, Ireland and France who were treated with eBPDac first line for advanced stage Hodgkin Lymphoma. Toxicity outcomes were compared with 58 matched patients treated with eBPP at 4 UK centres and survival outcomes were compared with 2073 eBPP patients in the HD18 trial 1 and with 1088 patients aged 18-59y in the RATHL trial 2,3. Most eBPDac patients were treated as per HD18 protocol. The 34 patients treated in Paris followed the AHL2011 protocol with two courses of eBPDac given upfront and if iPET2 negative were deescalated to 4 cycles of ABVD.Toxicity outcomes:Toxicity was compared between eBPDac patients (n=225; median follow-up 22.1 months) and matched real-world UK eBPP patients (n=58; median follow-up 52.7 months) over the first 4 cycles. eBPP and eBPDac patients were well matched with no significant differences in age (median 23 y vs 26 y), sex, stage (stage 3/4 82% vs 83%) and international prognostic score (IPS 3+ 74% vs 65%). 55% of eBPDac patients received only 4 cycles (vs 12% of eBPP patients; p<0.001) reflecting publication of HD18 trial data. Mean day 8 (D8) ALT was similar between the two regimens. Mean D8 neutrophil count tended to be lower in eBPDac than eBPP patients (2.04 vs 2.45; p=0.072; G-CSF given D9), however it increased to 6.48 in eBPDac patients given GCSF from D4. There were fewer non-elective days of inpatient care for eBPDac compared with eBPP (mean 3.35 vs 5.84; p=0.022), and eBPDac patients received fewer red cell transfusions compared with eBPP patients (mean 1.79 units vs 4.16 units; p<0.001). Women aged <35, who completed ≥4 cycles of eBPDac/eBPP had a similar rate of return of menstrual cycles (eBPP 22/25; eBPDac 41/41), although eBPDac patients appeared to restart menstruation earlier post chemotherapy (mean 4.64 months vs 9.12 months, p=0.0026). However, this could also reflect the higher mean chemotherapy cycle number completed by the eBPP women (5.86 vs 4.60; p<0.001). The use of Goserelin to suppress ovulation varied between centres.Disease outcomes:The eBPDac patients (n=225) were younger than the HD18 patients (median age 26 y vs 35 y, p<0.001) and the RATHL patients (median age 26 y vs 31 y). However, they had higher risk disease than HD18 (IPS 4+ 36% vs 16%, p<0.001) and RATHL patients (IPS 3+ 65% vs 33%, p<0.001) and more stage 4 disease than HD18 (66% vs 36%, p<0.001) and RATHL (66% vs 28%, p<0.001). Of the 225 patients who started eBPDac, 77% achieved iPET2 Deauville score (DS) ≤3, similar to RATHL (DS ≤3: 83.7%) and HD18 (DS ≤3: 76%). Of the eBPDac patients, one patient had primary refractory disease, and ten have relapsed at 6 to 36 months. One 56-year-old eBPDac patient with high IPS died with bowel perforation during cycle 1 and one 34-year-old with alcoholic liver disease died 8 months after treatment while still in remission. There have been no lymphoma-related deaths to date.Figure 1 shows Kaplan-Meier plots for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The PFS at 22 months (median follow-up) of eBPDac patients was 94.9% (91.7-98.3%) which is similar to HD18 3 year PFS of 92.3% (91.1-93.5%) and appears superior to RATHL 5 year PFS 81.4% (78.9-83.7%). The difference in PFS between eBPDac and RATHL is most marked in IPS3+ patients. The OS rates with all 3 regimens are excellent, with 22 month eBPDac OS estimate of 98.9% (97.4-100%).Summary/Conclusion:Accepting the limitations of a retrospective study, we suggest that substituting dacarbazine for procarbazine is unlikely to compromise the efficacy of eBPP and may have some toxicity benefits. Despite the clear preference of clinicians to offer this regimen to high-risk advanced stage patients, with nearly 2 years median follow-up we have observed similar PFS and OS compared to HD18 but superior survival estimates compared with 18-59y RATHL patients, suggesting that eBPDac is highly efficacious for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Echocardiographic Abnormalities in Children with Sickle Cell Disease; Results from the Displace Study

IntroductionCardiopulmonary complications remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) particularly for people with sickle cell anemia (SCA) who have lower hemoglobin and higher baseline hemolysis. Many cardiovascular complications are not identified until adulthood when patients have developed irreversible pathology. Previous studies have suggested that SCD-specific therapies like hydroxyurea (HU) may be beneficial in reducing the hemolysis associated vascular dysfunction and reducing cardiopulmonary complications. This study describes the prevalence of and factors associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left atrial dilation and high tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRJV) in children with SCA. We also describe the association between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and ischemic stroke in children with SCA.MethodThis crossectional study used data collected as part of the Dissemination and Implementation Stroke Prevention Looking at the Care Environment (DISPLACE) study. American society of echocardiography (ASE) guidelines and cutoff values were used to define abnormalities in the echocardiographic variables.ResultsA total of 1414 children were included in the analysis. The median age was 9 years (range 5-12 years) and median hemoglobin of 8.6 g/dl. The most common abnormal findings on echocardiogram was left atrial dilatation (61% of the children), LVH (20% of children) and high TRJV (23% of children). Children with abnormal echocardiographic variables were more likely to have lower hemoglobin level. Children with LVH were more likely to have left atrial dilation, high TRJV and abnormal left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVIDD). Multivariable analysis of LVH was conducted and included variables: age, sex, hemoglobin, reticulocyte count, treatment with chronic red cell transfusion therapy (CRCT) or hydroxyurea therapy (HU). Baseline hemoglobin levels were associated with the lower odds of having LVH (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.60 - 0.84). The odds of LVH increases for every one-year increase in age (OR: 1.07, 95%CI: 1.02-1.13). Similarly, the odds of LVH was lower among males than females (OR:0.59, 95%CI: 0.38-0.93). The odds of LVH were higher among those on HU compared to no therapy (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.41 - 2.37).Although not all children had a bubble, study, a total of 90(6.3%) had an identified PFO. We assessed the relationship between PFO and ischemic stroke. 102 (7.2%) of the 1414 children had an ischemic stroke. Out of this 5 (5.6%) had PFO. We also assessed the relationship between PFO and abnormal TCD. 142 (10.0%) of the 1414 had abnormal TCD and only 9 (10%) of the 142 had PFO. There is no evidence that the odds of having stroke was higher among those with PFO compared to those without (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.20- 11.03, p = 0.6994). Similarly, no evidence that the odds of having abnormal TCD is higher among those with PFO compared to those without (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.17- 4.25, p = 0.8463).ConclusionOverall results of the study showed echocardiographic abnormalities are common in and occur at an early age in children with SCA. The risk of LVH increases with increasing age and with lower hemoglobin. Further, we found higher use of HU among those with LVH, suggesting that possibly children with more severe disease requiring HU are also at increased risk of cardiopulmonary complications.Given the fact that high TRJV is an independent risk factor for death in adults with SCD and left atrial dilatation has been shown to be an independent predictor of cardiac events, our data support further investigation into identifying early biomarkers of cardiovascular morbidity in children with SCD. [Display omitted] DisclosuresKanter: Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc.: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Forma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Agios: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Beam: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Graphite Bio: Consultancy; GuidePoint Global: Honoraria; Fulcrum Tx: Consultancy.

Hemolytic anemia in a 2-years old caused by Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD): a case report

Background: Glucose-6-Phosphate-Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an enzyme abnormality related to sex chromosomes (x-linked), which is inherited. The activity or stability of the G6PD enzyme decreases, thus causing the breakdown of red blood cells when an individual is exposed to exogenous substances that can cause oxidative damage. This case study aims to describe a rare case of hemolytic anemia caused by glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in a two-year-old boy. Case Presentation: A two-year-old boy presented with agitated, pale, yellowish eyes and body and projectile vomiting after consuming fava beans. He had a prior history of packed red cell transfusion. Physical examination found the conjunctivae were pale with the icteric sclera. Laboratory examination revealed leukocytosis, moderate normochromic normocytic anemia, increased reticulocytes count, and elevated total and unconjugated bilirubin. Peripheral blood smear examination found microcytes, spherocytes, fragmentocytes, and burr cells. Coomb test was negative with decreased G6PD result. Conclusion: G6PD deficient patients have no symptoms until exposed to oxidizing drugs, infections or after fava beans ingestion which may cause hemolytic anemia and jaundice. Several methods of screening and diagnosis of G6PD can be performed to avoid morbidity and mortality.

Cytopenias After CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells (CAR-T) Therapy for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas or Transformed Follicular Lymphoma: A Single Institution Experience.

IntroductionPatients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have poor outcomes. Treatment with CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) cells, tisagenlecleucel and axicabtagene ciloleucel, has been associated with improved outcomes. Cytopenias were observed in clinical trials with both products; however, little is known regarding the patterns and outcomes of these cytopenias.Subjects and MethodsWe reviewed DLBCL patients (n=32) receiving either product between January and September 2018 at our institution.ResultsMedian duration of leukopenia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia was 49, 9, 117.5, 125, and 95.5 days after CAR-T infusion, respectively. Filgrastim was used in 63% of patients, and 50% of patients received red cell or platelet transfusions. With the exception of neutropenia, increase in the duration of cytopenia of any lineage was associated with improvement in progression-free survival, and in overall survival in case of anemia. There was no association between the duration of cytopenias with either cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity.DiscussionOur data suggest a correlation between cytopenias and survival outcomes after CD19 CAR-T therapy. If validated, cytopenia may be proven useful as a biomarker of response and survival after CAR-T therapy.

Acquired methemoglobinemia: A systematic review of reported cases

IntroductionAcquired methemoglobinemia may cause cyanosis and tissue ischemia unresponsive to oxygen supplementation. MethodsWe performed a literature search to identify cases of acquired methemoglobinemia published between 1980 and 2020. Clinical, diagnostic, and treatment details were extracted from eligible cases. ResultsA total of 76 reports involving 87 cases were analyzed. The median age at presentation was 32.5 with male to female ratio of 1.6. Cyanosis and SpO2 <90 % were reported in 82 % and 60 % of cases, respectively. Dapsone or cocaine-based anesthetics were causative in 52 % of cases; most anesthetic-related cases occurred in the peri-procedural setting. Methylene blue (MB) and red cell transfusion were given in 71 % and 10 % of cases, respectively. Compared to MB untreated patients, MB treated patients were more likely to be cyanotic (91.9 % vs 54.2 %), had higher proportions (%) and levels (g/dL) of methemoglobin (MetHb) – 33.2 % vs 15.3 % and 3.1 g/dL vs 1.2 g/dL, respectively. We found that among cyanotic cases, the median MetHb level was 3.0 g/dL (0.4–12.3 g/dL) with 74 % of values ≥ 1.5 g/dL. An SaO2:SpO2 ratio of >1 was not universally present, but always coincided with an [SaO2-SpO2] delta value greater than zero. ConclusionsCyanosis and hypoxemia were not universal findings of acquired methemoglobinemia in our series. In addition, not all patients had cyanosis at MetHb ≥ 1.5 g/dL or an SaO2:SpO2 ratio of >1. All those with an SaO2:SpO2 >1 did, however, have a delta value greater than zero – a finding not previously reported which we feel holds diagnostic value.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Caused by Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection in Children: A Case Report and Literature Review

We describe the case of a 6-year-old boy with a Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) respiratory tract infection associated with thrombotic microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia with renal failure which was diagnosed as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Renal biopsy showed features of thrombotic microangiopathy. The patient was treated with azithromycin for the M. pneumoniae infection, and supportive care with red cell transfusion and renal dialysis in the acute period. The microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia resolved within 2 months after diagnosis but the renal function damage was irreversible. The patient developed end-stage renal disease and required long term renal replacement therapy.

Optimal blood management as priority route in cardiac surgery

Introduction. Generating manifold publications over decades, research continues assessing the burden of perioperative bleeding, preoperative anaemia and red blood component (RBC) transfusion in cardiac surgical patients. The past decade is witnessing a trend towards limited RBC transfusion. Nevertheless, the risk and justifi cation of a restrictive or liberal transfusion strategy in cardiac surgery remain a matter of debate.Aim — a description of evidence estimating the impact of bleeding, preoperative anaemia, red-cell transfusion and restrictive vs. liberal strategies on the risk of mortality and other adverse events in adults with cardiac surgery.Methods. Relevant evidence was mined in PubMed for the period 2012–2019. The query phrases were: cardiac surgery [кардиохирургия], bleeding [кровотечение], preoperative anaemia [предоперационная анемия], red-cell transfusion [переливание эритроцитов], restrictive and liberal transfusion strategy [рестриктивная и либеральная трансфузионная стратегия]. The review includes 18 studies describing outcomes related to bleeding, preoperative anaemia of varying severity and variant-volume RBC transfusion in patients with cardiac surgery. Nine studies comparatively assessed the cardiac surgical clinical outcomes under restrictive and liberal transfusion strategies. A total of 24 full texts have been analysed, one randomised clinical trial (RCT) summary, one retrospective trial summary and one meta-analysis review. Additional studies of concern to discussion have also been considered.Results. One prospective and four retrospective studies evaluated the effect of perioperative bleeding on the risk of subsequent adverse events in patients with cardiac surgery. Three prospective, fi ve retrospective studies and one RCT revealed the association of red-cell transfusion with adverse outcomes. Five retrospective studies exposed a link between preoperative anaemia and reason for RBC transfusions. Six retrospective studies found an independent association between the risk of postoperative complications and mortality in patients having cardiac surgery and preoperative anaemia. Eight RCTs and one meta-analysis of seven RCTs presented comparative data on clinical outcomes of restrictive and liberal transfusion strategies in patients after heart surgery.Conclusion. Preoperative anaemia, haemorrhage and donated component transfusion independently contribute to the risk of serious postoperative complications and death unifying in the “deadly triad” of cardiac surgery. RBC transfusions are integrally indicative of the aid quality in cardiac surgery reflecting the success of blood management system in the hospital. Leveraging a good patient blood management practice at all treatment steps to involve a multispecialty blood-team approach can significantly improve patient outcomes at a higher cost efficiency.

Building better brains with iron

Iron is a critical nutrient for brain development. Extremely low birth weight infants are at high risk because they are deprived of iron transfer late in pregnancy. The Committee on Nutrition of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an iron intake of at least 2 mg/kg/day for all preterm infants through 12 months of age. Iron deficiency in that population is exacerbated by rapid postnatal growth and blood loss through phlebotomies. These deficits may be counterbalanced by red cell transfusions; however, there are concerns about iron overload in infants transfused multiple times and receiving an enteral supplementation.

A discrepancy of blood group A with missing antigen in anorectal malformation patient at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia

Background: Blood group discrepancy is a discrepancy in the results of the cell grouping with serum grouping examination. The source of discrepancy is from technical errors or a patient's medical status such as age, disease, history of blood transfusion and medication, pregnancy. This case study aims to evaluate a discrepancy of blood group A with missing antigen in anorectal malformation patient at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, IndonesiaCase Presentation: A male baby, 6 months 19 days old, was unable to defecate since birth post-colostomy. Physical examination reveals anemia. A routine blood test showed a hemoglobin level of 8.8 g/dL. The diagnosis was high position anorectal malformation post colostomy suspect Hirschsprung Disease, with 110 cc Packed Red Cell (PRC) transfusion plan. A routine pre-transfusion procedure was performed. It was found a discrepancy of blood group A with missing antigen. Crossmatching with blood groups O and A both gave compatible results. Examination of peripheral blood smear after PRC blood group A transfusion found no signs of hemolytic.Conclusion: Blood group discrepancy, in this case, was due to missing antigen, which was caused by the possibility of gastrointestinal bacterial infection.

Predictors of mortality and outcomes of liver transplant in spur cell hemolytic anemia.

Spur cell hemolytic anemia (SCHA) is a rare, acquired, nonimmune hemolytic anemia of decompensated cirrhosis. Data describing prognostic impact, outcomes of liver transplant, and clinical hematologic characteristics of SCHA are absent or limited. We performed a multicenter, 24-year observational cohort study of patients with SCHA, retrospectively analyzing hepatic and hematologic parameters, independent predictors of mortality, and long-term outcomes of liver transplant. Sixty-nine patients with SCHA met eligibility for inclusion. The median (interquartile range) age was 53 (42-59) years; 46.4% were female, and 11 (15.9%) received liver transplant. Thirty-nine patients (56.5%) were red blood celltransfusion-dependent. All 11 patients undergoing transplant had rapid and complete resolution of SCHA, with improvement in median hematocrit from 22.1% to 34.6% post-transplant (p= .001) and excellent post-transplant outcomes. In multivariable logistic models adjusting for age, sex, etiology of cirrhosis, active/recent variceal bleeding, and Child-Turcotte-Pugh score, transfusion dependence had an odds ratio (OR) for 90-day mortality of 9.14 (95% CI, 2.46-34.00) and reduced pre-transfusion hematocrit had an OR of 4.73 (95% CI, 1.42-15.82) per 6% decrease; increased red cell transfusion requirement, reduced hemoglobin, increased lactate dehydrogenase, and increased indirect bilirubin were also independently predictive of higher 90-day mortality. Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD)-Na and Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores consistently significantly underestimated 90-day mortality, with standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) >1 across all scores/classes [MELD-Na 20-29, SMR 2.42 (1.18-4.44); Child-Turcotte-Pugh class B, SMR 4.46 (1.64-9.90)]. In conclusion, SCHA is associated with substantial excess mortality than predicted by MELD-Na or Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores and uniformly resolves with liver transplant, without recurrence. Multiple parameters of hemolytic anemia severity independently predict higher 90-day mortality.