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Comella M, Palmisani E, Mariani M, Dell’Orso G, Licciardello M, Giarratana MC, Arcuri L, Pestarino S, Grossi A, Lanciotti M, Brucci G, Guardo D, Russo G, Dufour C, Fioredda F, Castagnola E, Miano M. Infection risk in patients with autoimmune cytopenias and immune dysregulation treated with mycophenolate mofetil and sirolimus. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1415389. [PMID: 38873600 PMCID: PMC11169563 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1415389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autoimmune cytopenias (AICs) are a group of disorders characterized by immune-mediated destruction of blood cells. In children, they are often secondary to immune dysregulation that may require long-lasting immunosuppression. Mycophenolate mofetil and sirolimus represent two well-tolerated options to treat these disorders, often as a steroid-sparing option. However, no data are available on the infection risk for patients undergoing long-lasting treatments. Patients and methods The rate of severe infective events was calculated in episodes per 100 persons/months at risk (p/m/r) documented by the analysis of hospitalization charts between January 2015 and July 2023 of patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil or sirolimus given for isolated AIC or AICs associated with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS)/ALPS-like syndromes in two large Italian pediatric hematology units. Results From January 2015 to July 2023, 13 out of 96 patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil or sirolimus developed 16 severe infectious events requiring hospitalization. No patients died. Overall infection rate was 0.24 person/*100 months/risk (95% CI 0.09-0.3). Serious infectious events incidence was higher in patients with ALPS-like compared to others (0.42 versus 0.09; p = 0.006) and lower in patients who underwent mycophenolate treatment alone compared to those who started sirolimus after mycophenolate failure (0.04 versus 0.29, p = 0.03). Considering only patients who started treatment at the beginning of study period, overall cumulative hazard was 18.6% at 60 months (95% CI 3.4-31.4) with higher risk of infectious events after 5 years in ALPS-like patients (26.1%; 95% CI 3.2-43.5) compared to other AICs (4%; 95% CI 0-11.4; p = 0.041). Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the infectious risk related to mycophenolate and sirolimus chronic treatment in patients with AICs and immune dysregulation. Our data highlight that infection rate is very low and mainly related to the underlying hematological condition. Conclusions Mycophenolate and sirolimus represent a safe immunosuppressive therapy in AICs and immune dysregulation syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Comella
- Haematology Unit, Department of Haematology/Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Palmisani
- Haematology Unit, Department of Haematology/Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marcello Mariani
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Gianluca Dell’Orso
- Haematology Unit, Department of Haematology/Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Licciardello
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Giarratana
- Haematology Unit, Department of Haematology/Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Arcuri
- Haematology Unit, Department of Haematology/Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sara Pestarino
- Haematology Unit, Department of Haematology/Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alice Grossi
- Genetic and Genomic of Rare Disease Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Marina Lanciotti
- Haematology Unit, Department of Haematology/Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Brucci
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Guardo
- Haematology Unit, Department of Haematology/Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Russo
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carlo Dufour
- Haematology Unit, Department of Haematology/Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Fioredda
- Haematology Unit, Department of Haematology/Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elio Castagnola
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Miano
- Haematology Unit, Department of Haematology/Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
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Abdel-Salam A, Bassiouni ST, Goher AM, Shafie ES. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in the Pediatric Age Group: The Egyptian Experience. Ann Hematol 2023:10.1007/s00277-023-05230-5. [PMID: 37093240 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05230-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a common disease entity among adults; however, it is rare among the pediatric age group. Evidence is scarce regarding pediatric AIHA in the literature. The objective of this study is to assess the frequency of AIHA and describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics and treatment outcomes of a cohort of children with AIHA in Egypt. A retrospective study was conducted on 50 children with AIHA who were registered and followed up at the New Children's Hospital in Cairo, Egypt, between January 2010 and January 2021. The study group comprised 60% females and 40% males. Their median age was 8.25 years. All patients showed low hemoglobin levels with a mean of 5.40 ± 1.34 g/dl and a median reticulocyte count of 10 (IQR: 8-15). Twelve (24%) patients were diagnosed with Evans syndrome, and a positive Coombs test was detected in 46 patients (92%). The frequency of primary AIHA was 40%, whereas it was 60% for secondary AIHA. The first line of therapy for acute attacks was high-dose IV steroids which responded well in 38 (76%) patients. Secondary AIHA was more common among our children (60%). AIHA is more prevalent in females (60%). The clinical and laboratory characteristics matched previous reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Abdel-Salam
- Deparment of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherifa Tarek Bassiouni
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alaa Magdi Goher
- Deparment of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman Shafik Shafie
- Deparment of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Bernardo M, Martins J, Martins M, Prata F, Costa-Reis P, Ferrão A, João Palaré M. Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia following SARS-CoV-2 infection in a child: A clue to a systemic autoimmune disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29481. [PMID: 34842350 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Bernardo
- Haematology Unit, Paediatrics Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal.,Paediatrics Department, Hospital São Pedro de Vila Real, Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Joana Martins
- Infectious Diseases and Immunodeficiency Unit, Paediatrics Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal.,Paediatrics Department, Hospital Garcia de Orta, EPE, Almada, Portugal
| | - Miguel Martins
- Haematology Unit, Paediatrics Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal.,Paediatrics Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira EPE, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Filipa Prata
- Infectious Diseases and Immunodeficiency Unit, Paediatrics Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal.,Clínica Universitária de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Costa-Reis
- Clínica Universitária de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Paediatric Rheumatology Unit, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anabela Ferrão
- Haematology Unit, Paediatrics Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal.,Clínica Universitária de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria João Palaré
- Haematology Unit, Paediatrics Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal.,Clínica Universitária de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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William V, Rusmawatiningtyas D, Makrufardi F, Widjajanto PH. Comprehensive management of refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia in pediatric beta-thalassemia major patient: A case report. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2021; 70:102853. [PMID: 34691416 PMCID: PMC8519758 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction and importance: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is characterized by the production of antibodies against the red blood cells (RBCs) leading to increased hemolysis. Incidence of AIHA in patients with beta-thalassemia major is 5 of 100 thalassemia patients. Case presentation A 15-year-old female patient with refractory AIHA and thalassemia was unresponsive to steroid therapy. In this report, she was treated with cyclosporine and prednisone in addition to leucodepleted packed red cell (PRC). She was successfully got remission during one-year monitoring. Clinical discussion Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive agent that interferes with T-cells activation by inhibiting transcription of cytokines, such as interleukin 2 and interferon-ɣ. Cyclosporine and steroid have synergic effects to prevent antibody production. Nephrotoxicity is one of the most concerning effect in cyclosporine usage, but it rarely develops using doses lower than 5 mg/kgBW/day. In limited resources blood bank with ABO and Rh crossmatch only, leucodepleted PRC transfusion could be an effective way to prevent antibody formation to minor blood group. Conclusion Cyclosporine and steroid could be considered for management in refractory AIHA with thalassemia patients. Non-pharmacological therapy such as leucodepleted PRC transfusion and limited donor transfusion could be considered. Cyclosporine and steroid may be of benefit in patients with refractory AIHA and beta thalassemia major. Leukodepleted PRC transfusion showed protective effect for antibody formation. Limited donor transfusion could be beneficial in recurrent transfusion patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincencius William
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Desy Rusmawatiningtyas
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Firdian Makrufardi
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Pudjo Hagung Widjajanto
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
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Tranekær S, Hansen DL, Frederiksen H. Epidemiology of Secondary Warm Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10061244. [PMID: 33802848 PMCID: PMC8002719 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10061244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (wAIHA) is a haemolytic disorder, most commonly seen among adults and is classified as either primary or secondary to an underlying disease. We describe the age and sex distribution and the proportion of secondary wAIHA. Method: We retrieved 2635 published articles, screened abstracts and titles, and identified 27 articles eligible for full-text review. From these studies, we extracted data regarding number of patients, sex distribution, age at diagnosis, number of patients with secondary wAIHA, and whether the patients were diagnosed through local or referral centres. All data were weighted according to the number of included patients in each study. Results: 27 studies including a total of 4311 patients with wAIHA, of which 66% were females, were included. The median age at diagnosis was 68.7 years, however, wAIHA affected all ages. The mean proportion of secondary wAIHA was 49%, most frequently secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus. The proportions of secondary wAIHA reported from primary vs. referral centres were 35% vs. 59%, respectively. Conclusion: This review consolidates previously reported gender distribution. The higher proportion of secondary wAIHA in referral centres suggests that the most severely affected patients are disproportionally more frequent in such facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stinne Tranekær
- Haematological Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern, 5230 Odense M, Denmark; (S.T.); (D.L.H.)
- Department of Haematology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Dennis Lund Hansen
- Haematological Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern, 5230 Odense M, Denmark; (S.T.); (D.L.H.)
- Department of Haematology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Henrik Frederiksen
- Haematological Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern, 5230 Odense M, Denmark; (S.T.); (D.L.H.)
- Department of Haematology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
- Correspondence:
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Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in the Pediatric Setting. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020216. [PMID: 33435309 PMCID: PMC7828053 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare disease in children, presenting with variable severity. Most commonly, warm-reactive IgG antibodies bind erythrocytes at 37 °C and induce opsonization and phagocytosis mainly by the splenic macrophages, causing warm AIHA (w-AIHA). Post-infectious cold-reactive antibodies can also lead to hemolysis following the patient’s exposure to cold temperatures, causing cold agglutinin syndrome (CAS) due to IgM autoantibodies, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH) due to atypical IgG autoantibodies which bind their target RBC antigen and fix complement at 4 °C. Cold-reactive antibodies mainly induce intravascular hemolysis after complement activation. Direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is the gold standard for AIHA diagnosis; however, DAT negative results are seen in up to 11% of warm AIHA, highlighting the need to pursue further evaluation in cases with a phenotype compatible with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia despite negative DAT. Prompt supportive care, initiation of treatment with steroids for w-AIHA, and transfusion if necessary for symptomatic or fast-evolving anemia is crucial for a positive outcome. w-AIHA in children is often secondary to underlying immune dysregulation syndromes and thus, screening for such disorders is recommended at presentation, before initiating treatment with immunosuppressants, to determine prognosis and optimize long-term management potentially with novel targeted medications.
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Gupta A, Bhalla K, Verma N, Nanda S, Mehra S. Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia along with concomitant vitamin B12 deficiency in an adolescent girl: A rare occurrence. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:3756-3758. [PMID: 33102365 PMCID: PMC7567204 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_401_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin B12 deficiency is seen in countries like India mainly because of predominantly vegetarian diet and is a significant health problem. Patients present with various neurological and hematological manifestations of megaloblastic anemia. In this case report, we present a 14-year-old girl child having a history of past blood transfusions and iron deficiency anemia currently presenting with severe anemia due to idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and later found to have concomitant vitamin B12 deficiency. On investigating, she had vitamin B12 deficiency, raised homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels, positive Direct Coombs Test (DCT), and negative glucose-6-phoshphatase deficiency and osmotic fragility tests. Thyroid profile and tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTg-IgA) tests were negative. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-double stranded DNA antibody (anti-dsDNA) serum immunoglobulin were also normal. Bone marrow showed megaloblastic anemia picture. Although AIHA and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia are not common, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion when patients present with hemolytic picture and severe megaloblastic anemia.
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