Dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia: a dose-related occurrence?

Combining Double-Dose and High-Dose Pulsed Dapsone Combination Therapy for Chronic Lyme Disease/Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome and Co-Infections, Including Bartonella: A Report of 3 Cases and a Literature Review

Three patients with relapsing and remitting borreliosis, babesiosis, and bartonellosis, despite extended anti-infective therapy, were prescribed double-dose dapsone combination therapy (DDDCT) for 8 weeks, followed by one or several two-week courses of pulsed high-dose dapsone combination therapy (HDDCT). We discuss these patients' cases to illustrate three important variables required for long-term remission. First, diagnosing and treating active co-infections, including Babesia and Bartonella were important. Babesia required rotations of multiple anti-malarial drug combinations and herbal therapies, and Bartonella required one or several 6-day HDDCT pulses to achieve clinical remission. Second, all prior oral, intramuscular (IM), and/or intravenous (IV) antibiotics used for chronic Lyme disease (CLD)/post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), irrespective of the length of administration, were inferior in efficacy to short-term pulsed biofilm/persister drug combination therapy i.e., dapsone, rifampin, methylene blue, and pyrazinamide, which improved resistant fatigue, pain, headaches, insomnia, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Lastly, addressing multiple factors on the 16-point multiple systemic infectious disease syndrome (MSIDS) model was important in achieving remission. In conclusion, DDDCT with one or several 6-7-day pulses of HDDCT, while addressing abnormalities on the 16-point MSIDS map, could represent a novel effective clinical and anti-infective strategy in CLD/PTLDS and associated co-infections including Bartonella.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Longer versus Shorter Pulsed High Dose Dapsone Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease/Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome with Bartonellosis and Associated Coinfections

Twenty-five patients with relapsing and remitting Borreliosis, Babesiosis, and bartonellosis despite extended anti-infective therapy were prescribed double-dose dapsone combination therapy (DDDCT), followed by one or several courses of High Dose Dapsone Combination Therapy (HDDCT). A retrospective chart review of these 25 patients undergoing DDDCT therapy and HDDCT demonstrated that 100% improved their tick-borne symptoms, and patients completing 6-7 day pulses of HDDCT had superior levels of improvement versus 4-day pulses if Bartonella was present. At the completion of treatment, 7/23 (30.5%) who completed 8 weeks of DDDCT followed by a 5-7 day pulse of HDDCT remained in remission for 3-9 months, and 3/23 patients (13%) who recently finished treatment were 1 ½ months in full remission. In conclusion, DDDCT followed by 6-7 day pulses of HDDCT could represent a novel, effective anti-infective strategy in chronic Lyme disease/Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and associated co-infections, including Bartonella, especially in individuals who have failed standard antibiotic protocols.

Middle ear cholesteatoma resection under general anesthesia in patients with congenital methemoglobinemia: A case report

RATIONALE

Congenital methemoglobinemia is a rare cyanosis cause that can be manifested in affected individuals. We report a case of congenital methemoglobinemia after middle ear cholesteatoma resection under general anesthesia.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The primary concern of the patient is to safely perform cholesteatoma resection of the middle ear to reduce the pain associated with years of surgery and to survive the perioperative period.

DIAGNOSES

Congenital methemoglobinemia type 1.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent general anesthesia and cholesteatoma resection of the middle ear.

OUTCOMES

The patient successfully underwent cholesteatoma resection in the middle ear under general anesthesia and went through the perioperative period smoothly, and successfully returned to society.

LESSONS

For patients requiring general anesthesia complicated with rare methemoglobinemia, we improve the awareness of crisis and make comprehensive preparation and monitoring, learn the pathophysiological mechanism related to the disease, so as to protect the operation of methemoglobin patients under general anesthesia.

Dapsone-Associated Anemia in Heart Transplant Recipients with Normal Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity

Dapsone is considered an alternative for pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) prophylaxis in sulfa-allergic or -intolerant transplant patients with normal glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity. Despite normal G6PD activity, anemia can still occur while on dapsone therapy. We retrospectively reviewed heart transplant patients transplanted at our center between January 2016 and June 2018 and identified those taking dapsone prophylaxis. There were 252 heart transplant recipients at our center between January 2016 and June 2018. 36 patients received dapsone prophylaxis. All had normal G6PD activity assessed prior to dapsone initiation. 8 (22%) patients developed significant anemia attributed to dapsone: 2 were hospitalized for anemia, 1 of whom required blood transfusion. These patients had a median reduction in hemoglobin of 2.1 g/dL from baseline prior to dapsone initiation. Overt evidence of hemolysis was present in six patients. Once dapsone was discontinued, Hgb increased by at least 2 g/dL in a median of 30 days. Anemia from dapsone may occur in a significant proportion of patients despite normal G6PD activity and resulting in significant morbidity. Careful monitoring of transplant recipients on dapsone prophylaxis is warranted, as well as consideration of alternative agents.

Dapsone for Refractory Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children With Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) is a systemic small-vessel vasculitis. Although corticosteroids (CS) are the primary treatment for gastrointestinal manifestations associated with IgAV, some patients develop refractory or recurrent symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal pain despite CS treatment. Dapsone, a synthetic sulfone antimicrobial, has been used to treat cutaneous purpura in IgAV, but few authors have reported its use for refractory gastrointestinal symptoms. In this retrospective observational study, we describe results in 7 children with IgAV who were treated with dapsone for abdominal pain resistant to CS. Dapsone rapidly relieved abdominal pain in all 7 patients, who then were tapered off CS without relapse. Side effects of mild methemoglobinemia and hemolysis appeared to be manageable with planned monitoring and dose adjustment; a single patient who discontinued dapsone had fatigue and hypoxia associated with methemoglobinemia. No side effects were life-threatening. Dapsone may be considered as a therapeutic option for gastrointestinal symptoms refractory to CS in children with IgAV.

Methemoglobinemia With Dapsone Prophylaxis in a Patient With Minimal Change Disease

Our case report represents the need to maintain vigilance for methemoglobinemia risk in patients without classic symptoms, specifically, in patients that develop shortness of breath after starting prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, mostly with dapsone.

A case report of a 42-year-old male with minimal change disease nephrotic syndrome required Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis due to high-dose systemic steroids. The patient was started on dapsone due to side effects and the availability of alternative medications. Since starting therapy, the patient developed progressive dyspnea upon exertion for two weeks with intermittent hypoxia. The patient tested negative for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency prior to starting dapsone. He was also on therapeutic enoxaparin due to a hypercoagulability state from nephrotic syndrome. The patient presented with hypoxia and dyspnea upon exertion, however, speaking in complete sentences and with no cyanosis or overt findings of hypervolemia. The patient remained hypoxemic despite supplemental oxygen. An arterial blood gas was performed and showed methemoglobin levels of 10.6 percent. He was treated with methylene blue with the resolution of methemoglobinemia and hypoxemia after a second dose. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was started for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis. He was safely discharged home.

Dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia in pediatrics post-renal transplant

Dapsone has been utilized for the prevention of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in immunosuppressed patients including pediatric kidney transplant recipients, in whom trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is contraindicated. Dapsone adverse effects include methemoglobinemia, but there are no reports of the burden and impact of methemoglobinemia in pediatric kidney recipients that are taking dapsone for PJP prophylaxis. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all pediatric kidney recipients who had received dapsone at any time posttransplant. The indication, duration, and adverse effects of dapsone therapy were assessed. In addition, methemoglobin levels were assessed, and summary statistics performed. Data demonstrated that more than half of the patients on dapsone were not screened for methemoglobinemia. Of those screened, there was a significantly higher acquired-methemoglobinemia (77%) than previously reported in the literature. We also demonstrate significantly more anemia in patients on dapsone. Methemoglobinemia did not affect patient or graft survival and resolved with cessation of dapsone. We conclude that pediatric kidney recipients often develop methemoglobinemia and / or anemia on dapsone. We recommend if pediatric transplant recipients are prescribed dapsone, routine testing for methemoglobinemia and anemia should be done.

Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Children with Hematological Malignancies: Diagnosis and Approaches to Management

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic infection that mostly affects children with suppressed cellular immunity. PJP was the most common cause of infectious death in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia prior to the inclusion of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis as part of the standard medical care in the late 1980s. Children with acute leukemia, lymphomas, and those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, especially allogeneic transplantation, are also at high risk of PJP. Persistent lymphopenia, graft versus host disease, poor immune reconstitution, and lengthy use of corticosteroids are significant risk factors for PJP. Active infection may be due to reactivation of latent infection or recent acquisition from environmental exposure. Intense hypoxemia and impaired diffusing capacity of the lungs are hallmarks of PJP, while computerized tomography of the lungs is the diagnostic technique of choice. Immunofluorescence testing with monoclonal antibodies followed by fluorescent microscopy and polymerase chain reaction testing of respiratory specimens have emerged as the best diagnostic methods. Measurement of (1-3)-β-D-glucan in the serum has a high negative predictive value in ruling out PJP. Oral cotrimoxazole is effective for prophylaxis, but in intolerant patients, intravenous and aerosolized pentamidine, dapsone, and atovaquone are effective alternatives. Ιntravenous cotrimoxazole is the treatment of choice, but PJP has a high mortality even with appropriate therapy.

Subtle case of dapsone-induced methaemoglobinaemia

Methaemoglobinaemia is a rare disease that is typically caused by a medication or other exogenous agent, with dapsone being the most common. It occurs when the concentration of methaemoglobin rises via ferrous haeme irons becoming oxidised to the ferric state, which shifts the oxygen dissociation curve to the left. The net result of an elevated methaemoglobin concentration is functional anaemia and impaired oxygen delivery to tissues. At lower blood levels, this can cause symptoms such as cyanosis, lethargy, headache and fatigue, whereas at higher levels it can be fatal. Here we discuss a subtle case of dapsone-induced methaemoglobinaemia presenting as subacute mental status changes and apparent hypoxia, thus highlighting the association between methaemoglobinaemia and dapsone. This case demonstrates the importance of thorough medication reconciliation and maintaining a broad differential diagnosis, while also recognising the significance of conflicting data and their implications for the workup.

Dapsone for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis - applying theory to clinical practice with a focus on drug interactions

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a potentially life-threatening infection that occurs in immunocompromised individuals. The incidence can be as high as 80% in some groups but can be reduced to less than 1% with appropriate prophylaxis. HIV-infected patients with a low CD4 count are at the highest risk of PJP. Others at substantial risk include haematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplant recipients, those with cancer (particularly haematologic malignancies), and those receiving glucocorticoids, chemotherapeutic agents, and other immunosuppressive medications. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is an established first-line line agent for prevention and treatment of PJP. However, in some situations, this medication cannot be used and dapsone is considered a suitable cost-effective second line agent. However, information on potential interactions with drugs commonly used in immunosuppressed patients is lacking or contradictory. In this this article we review the metabolic pathway of dapsone with a focus on interactions and clinical significance particularly in patients with haematological malignancies. An understanding of this process should optimise the use of this agent.

High incidence of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients in the modern era

BACKGROUND

International guidelines for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) prevention recommend prophylaxis for ≥6 months following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, and longer in patients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or on immunosuppressive therapy (IST). These recommendations are based on cohorts of patients who did not routinely receive anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) for GVHD prophylaxis.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of 649 patients, all of whom received ATG as part of GVHD prophylaxis.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of definite PJP was 3.52% at both 3 and 5 years (median follow up, 1648 days for survivors). PJP occurred in 13 non-GVHD patients between days 207 and 508, due in part to low CD4 T-cell counts (<200 CD4 T cells/µL). PJP occurred in eight GVHD patients between days 389 and 792, due in part to non-adherence to PJP prophylaxis guidelines (discontinuation of PJP prophylaxis at <3 months after discontinuation of IST). Breakthrough PJP infection was not observed in patients receiving prophylaxis with cotrimoxazole, dapsone or atovaquone, whereas three cases were observed with inhaled pentamidine.

DISCUSSION

In conclusion, for non-GVHD patients receiving ATG-containing GVHD prophylaxis, 6 months of PJP prophylaxis is inadequate, particularly if the CD4 T-cell count is <200 cells/µL or if there is a high incidence of PJP in the community. For patients with GVHD receiving ATG-containing GVHD prophylaxis, continuing PJP prophylaxis until ≥3 months post-discontinuation of IST is important. Cotrimoxazole, dapsone and atovaquone are preferred over inhaled pentamidine.

Efficacy and Safety of Dapsone Versus Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazol for Pneumocystis Jiroveci Prophylaxis in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia With a Background of Ethnic Neutropenia

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To study dapsone in comparison with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) for Pneumocystis jiroveci (PJP) prophylaxis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

DESIGN

A retrospective study with a prospective follow-up.

PATIENTS

Pediatric ALL patients diagnosed between May 2009 and May 2014, who are still receiving or have completed their maintenance chemotherapy. Patients who completed chemotherapy were prospectively followed up for neutropenia.

METHODS

TMP/SMX was used as the initial PJP prophylaxis. An alternative drug was indicated if the patient remained cytopenic for >3 weeks. Average absolute neutrophilic count (ANC), average % of oral mercaptopurine (6-MP), and methotrexate doses were calculated over a period of 6 months before and after shifting to dapsone.

RESULTS

Sixty-two ALL patients were eligible for analysis. Twenty-four patients (38.7%) received TMP/SMX for PJP prophylaxis, whereas 34 patients received Dapsone (54.8%). Only 3 patients received IV pentamidine (4.8%), whereas 1 patient (1.6%) received atovaquone. The incidence of prophylaxis failure was 1/1041 months on TMP/SMX and 1/528 months on dapsone. After shifting to dapsone, patients maintained significantly higher ANC (1.46±0.46 vs. 1.17±0.40, P=0.0053), and received significantly higher doses of 6-MP (62.61%±11.45 vs. 57.45±10.14, P=0.0081) and methotrexate (64.9%±14.29 vs. 56.5%±9.9, P=0.0176), with a significantly shorter duration of chemotherapy interruption (1.94±1.2 vs. 3.25±1.29 wk, P=0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

Dapsone for PJP prophylaxis in ALL allowed patients to maintain higher ANC and to receive higher doses of chemotherapy, while maintaining a low incidence of PJP breakthrough infection.

Guidelines for the Prophylaxis of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PJP) in Children With Solid Tumors

Although it is well-established that children undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplants and treatment for leukemia should be offered prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, the risk for children with solid malignancies is less certain. This guideline has been developed with the aim of standardizing practice and optimizing the benefit versus risk of prophylactic medication in this group of patients. P. jirovecii pneumonia has a high mortality rate even with prompt antimicrobial treatment. Since prophylaxis with co-trimoxazole is safe, effective, and inexpensive, we suggest that all children with malignancies undergoing immunosuppressive therapy are offered prophylaxis unless there are clear contraindications.

ECIL guidelines for preventing Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with haematological malignancies and stem cell transplant recipients

The 5th European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL-5) meeting aimed to establish evidence-based recommendations for the prophylaxis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in non-HIV-infected patients with an underlying haematological condition, including allogeneic HSCT recipients. Recommendations were based on the grading system of the IDSA. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole given 2-3 times weekly is the drug of choice for the primary prophylaxis of PCP in adults ( A-II: ) and children ( A-I: ) and should be given during the entire period at risk. Recent data indicate that children may benefit equally from a once-weekly regimen ( B-II: ). All other drugs, including pentamidine, atovaquone and dapsone, are considered second-line alternatives when trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is poorly tolerated or contraindicated. The main indications of PCP prophylaxis are ALL, allogeneic HSCT, treatment with alemtuzumab, fludarabine/cyclophosphamide/rituximab combinations, >4 weeks of treatment with corticosteroids and well-defined primary immune deficiencies in children. Additional indications are proposed depending on the treatment regimen.

Identifying the Cause of the "Saturation Gap": Two Cases of Dapsone-induced Methemoglobinemia

Diaphenylsulfone (DDS: Dapsone) is used for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis, and methemoglobinemia has rarely been reported as a side effect of DDS. We herein report two cases of DDS-related methemoglobinemia in an 81-year-old man with organizing pneumonia and an 84-year-old woman with eosinophilic pneumonia under treatment with prednisolone. Both patients initially received trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for PCP prophylaxis and were switched to DDS due to side effects and subsequently exhibited a clinically unexplainable decrease in SpO2. Methemoglobinemia was diagnosed based on the findings of arterial blood gas analyses. In both cases, the methemoglobinemia improved after discontinuing DDS.

Lung transplantation in telomerase mutation carriers with pulmonary fibrosis

Lung transplantation is the only intervention that prolongs survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Telomerase mutations are the most common identifiable genetic cause of IPF, and at times, the telomere defect manifests in extrapulmonary disease such as bone marrow failure. The relevance of this genetic diagnosis for lung transplant management has not been examined.

We gathered an international series of telomerase mutation carriers who underwent lung transplant in the USA, Australia and Sweden.

The median age at transplant was 52 years. Seven recipients are alive with a median follow-up of 1.9 years (range 6 months to 9 years); one died at 10 months. The most common complications were haematological, with recipients requiring platelet transfusion support (88%) and adjustment of immunosuppressives (100%). Four recipients (50%) required dialysis for tubular injury and calcineurin inhibitor toxicity. These complications occurred at significantly higher rates relative to historic series (p<0.0001).

Our observations support the feasibility of lung transplantation in telomerase mutation carriers; however, severe post-transplant complications reflecting the syndromic nature of their disease appear to occur at higher rates. While these findings need to be expanded to other cohorts, caution should be exercised when approaching the transplant evaluation and management of this subset of pulmonary fibrosis patients.

Telomerase mutation carriers with IPF may be prone to complications from their underlying telomere syndrome after LTxhttp://ow.ly/wmy6P

Dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia in renal transplant recipients: more prevalent than previously thought

BACKGROUND

After an outbreak of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in our nephrology unit, dapsone was used as the second-line chemoprophylactic agent. Dapsone is the most common cause of drug-induced methemoglobinemia (MHb). Its prevalence is poorly described in the renal transplant population. Because dapsone is excreted by the kidneys, we hypothesized that the rate of MHb in these patients would be higher than previously reported. We aimed to describe the demographics, risk factors, and presenting features of MHb in these renal transplant patients.

METHODS

Twenty-six transplant recipients commenced on dapsone for chemoprophylaxis against PCP from February to September 2011. All patients had normal glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels before treatment. Characteristics of patients with MHb were compared with those of the rest of the cohort to determine potential risk factors.

RESULTS

Twelve (46%) patients developed MHb (levels 6.4 ± 4.1%). Six (50%) of the patients with MHb were asymptomatic on presentation. Cases had a mean drop in hemoglobin of 19 ± 7%. MHb led to five admissions (median length of stay 5 days, range 1-10 days). MHb level showed a strong correlation with the length of stay (correlation coefficient 0.762, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

This is the highest reported prevalence of MHb, to our knowledge, in patients receiving dapsone, and its use led to significant hospitalization in this population. This study raises concerns about the use of dapsone as chemoprophylaxis in renal transplant recipients.

Fatal Methemoglobinemia Due to Industrial Accident

This is a case of a male who fell into a vat of industrial chemicals while at work. He became unresponsive while being transported to the hospital and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. At autopsy there was focal cyanosis, widespread first and second degree burns, chocolate-colored blood, and a postmortem methemoglobin concentration of 61.6%. An extensive search of English-language medical literature revealed that there has not been a reported case like this, in which a patient acquired methemoglobinemia by falling into a vat of industrial chemicals, was immersed in these oxidizing agents, and subsequently died. It is important when treating a victim of an accident such as this to note the chemicals to which the patient was exposed in order to understand their possible toxic effects. It is also important at autopsy to note the coloration of the blood because in this case, this is how the pathologist first suspected the possibility of methemoglobin and then ordered the appropriate diagnostic test.

Dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia: a primer for clinicians

OBJECTIVE

To present a comprehensive review of dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia and its management.

DATA SOURCES

Literature retrieval was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-March 2011), Cochrane Library, and EMBASE, using the terms dapsone and methemoglobinemia.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

All case reports, small case series, and randomized controlled trials published in English were evaluated. Because of the absence of comprehensive updates on this topic since 1996, publications between 1997 and March 2011 were included in this review.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Between 1997 and March 2011, the majority of publications describing methemoglobinemia associated with dapsone use reported this adverse effect at therapeutic doses. Excluding overdose situations, 18 described symptomatic dapsone-associated methemoglobinemia and clinical presentation ranging from cyanosis to dyspnea. In almost all of the accounts, patients had a concurrent event such as anemia or pneumonia, suggesting an interplay between these comorbidities and the onset of symptomatic methemoglobinemia. Delayed hemolytic anemia was seen in patients with high methemoglobin levels at presentation. Management in most cases consisted of administration of methylene blue. Overall, most reports described a successful outcome, and no mortality resulted from methemoglobinemia associated with therapeutic use.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should recognize methemoglobinemia as an adverse effect associated with dapsone use and the potential factors that precipitate it. They should also know how to promptly and effectively manage this event.