1
|
Musallam KM, Cappellini MD, Coates TD, Kuo KHM, Al-Samkari H, Sheth S, Viprakasit V, Taher AT. Αlpha-thalassemia: A practical overview. Blood Rev 2024; 64:101165. [PMID: 38182489 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
α-Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by decreased synthesis of α-globin chains that results in an imbalance of α and β globin and thus varying degrees of ineffective erythropoiesis, decreased red blood cell (RBC) survival, chronic hemolytic anemia, and subsequent comorbidities. Clinical presentation varies depending on the genotype, ranging from a silent or mild carrier state to severe, transfusion-dependent or lethal disease. Management of patients with α-thalassemia is primarily supportive, addressing either symptoms (eg, RBC transfusions for anemia), complications of the disease, or its transfusion-dependence (eg, chelation therapy for iron overload). Several novel therapies are also in development, including curative gene manipulation techniques and disease modifying agents that target ineffective erythropoiesis and chronic hemolytic anemia. This review of α-thalassemia and its various manifestations provides practical information for clinicians who practice beyond those regions where it is found with high frequency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Musallam
- Center for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD), Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - M Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community, University of Milan, Ca' Granda Foundation IRCCS Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas D Coates
- Hematology Section, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kevin H M Kuo
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hanny Al-Samkari
- Center for Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sujit Sheth
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vip Viprakasit
- Department of Pediatrics & Thalassemia Center, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ali T Taher
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The impact of in utero transfusions on perinatal outcomes in patients with alpha thalassemia major: the UCSF registry. Blood Adv 2022; 7:269-279. [PMID: 36306387 PMCID: PMC9860434 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022007823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha thalassemia major (ATM) is a hemoglobinopathy that usually results in perinatal demise if in utero transfusions (IUTs) are not performed. We established an international registry (NCT04872179) to evaluate the impact of IUTs on survival to discharge (primary outcome) as well as perinatal and neurodevelopmental secondary outcomes. Forty-nine patients were diagnosed prenatally, 11 were diagnosed postnatally, and all 11 spontaneous survivor genotypes had preserved embryonic zeta-globin levels. We compared 3 groups of patients; group 1, prenatally diagnosed and alive at hospital discharge (n = 14), group 2, prenatally diagnosed and deceased perinatally (n = 5), and group 3, postnatally diagnosed and alive at hospital discharge (n = 11). Group 1 had better outcomes than groups 2 and 3 in terms of the resolution of hydrops, delivery closer to term, shorter hospitalizations, and more frequent average or greater neurodevelopmental outcomes. Earlier IUT initiation was correlated with higher neurodevelopmental (Vineland-3) scores (r = -0.72, P = .02). Preterm delivery after IUT was seen in 3/16 (19%) patients who continued their pregnancy. When we combined our data with those from 2 published series, patients who received ≥2 IUTs had better outcomes than those with 0 to 1 IUT, including resolution of hydrops, delivery at ≥34 weeks gestation, and 5-minute appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration scores ≥7. Neurodevelopmental assessments were normal in 17/18 of the ≥2 IUT vs 5/13 of the 0 to 1 IUT group (OR 2.74; P = .01). Thus, fetal transfusions enable the survival of patients with ATM and normal neurodevelopment, even in those patients presenting with hydrops. Nondirective prenatal counseling for expectant parents should include the option of IUTs.
Collapse
|
3
|
Chong SC, Metassan S, Yusof N, Idros R, Johari N, Zulkipli IN, Ghani H, Lim MA, Taib S, Lu ZH, Abdul-Hamid MRW. Thalassemia in Asia 2021 Thalassemia in Brunei Darussalam. Hemoglobin 2022; 46:15-19. [PMID: 35950589 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2021.2008959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Acknowledging and understanding the extent of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathy issues in a country is crucial for the benefit of implementing a national preventive and control program to reduce its prevalence. In order to obtain reliable prevalence data, the gene frequencies of the thalassemias and other hemoglobinopathies should be investigated. Molecular studies on thalassemia have yet to be done for Brunei's population. It was estimated that carriers of thalassemia or hemoglobinopathies in Brunei is approximately 5.0% or less of the overall population. There are about 200 current cases of thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies including adults and children reported across all four districts of Brunei. Blood parameter analysis, microscopy, hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are the most common methods of investigation in aiding diagnosis in the hospital laboratory. Genotyping analysis conducted in an overseas laboratory has been employed to confirm some diagnosis. Compiled data from 2009-2017 at the Hematology Laboratory of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Jalan Putera Al-Muhtadee Billah, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, showed that the most reported diagnoses are α-thalassemia (α-thal) trait, β-thalassemia (β-thal) trait, heterozygous Hb E (HBB: c.79G>A)/β-thal, β-thal major (β-TM) and β-thal intermedia (β-TI). The data reported indicate the importance of establishing a thalassemia registry with relevant data on patients and patient outcomes as a tool for monitoring and improving patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seow-Chin Chong
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Sofian Metassan
- Department of Laboratory Services, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Noorainun Yusof
- Hemato-Oncology Unit, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Roserahayu Idros
- Hemato-Oncology Unit, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Norehan Johari
- Department of Pediatrics, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Ihsan N Zulkipli
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Hazim Ghani
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Mei-Ann Lim
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Surita Taib
- Department of Laboratory Services, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Zen-Huat Lu
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Mas R W Abdul-Hamid
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Horvei P, MacKenzie T, Kharbanda S. Advances in the management of α-thalassemia major: reasons to be optimistic. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2021; 2021:592-599. [PMID: 34889445 PMCID: PMC8791144 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2021000295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
α-Thalassemia major (ATM) is a severe disease resulting from deletions in all 4 copies of the α-globin gene. Although it is usually fatal before birth, the advent of in utero transfusions has enabled survival of a growing number of children. Postnatal therapy consists of chronic transfusions or stem cell transplantation, similar to patients with β-thalassemia major. In this review, we discuss the experience with postnatal stem cell transplantation in patients with ATM, as well as the ongoing phase 1 clinical trial of in utero stem cell transplantation for this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Horvei
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Tippi MacKenzie
- Division of Pediatric Surgery and Fetal Treatment Center, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sandhya Kharbanda
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Singh A, Sharma K, Venkateswaran V, Trikha A. Pregnancy in thalassemia, anesthetic implication and perioperative management- A narrative review. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC ANAESTHESIA AND CRITICAL CARE 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/joacc.joacc_77_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
|
6
|
Songdej D, Babbs C, Higgs DR. An international registry of survivors with Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome. Blood 2017; 129:1251-1259. [PMID: 28057638 PMCID: PMC5345731 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-08-697110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemoglobin (Hb) Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome (BHFS) resulting from α0-thalassemia is considered a universally fatal disorder. However, over the last 3 decades, improvements in intrauterine interventions and perinatal intensive care have resulted in increasing numbers of BHFS survivors. We have initiated an international registry containing information on 69 patients, of which 31 are previously unpublished. In this perspective, we analyze the available clinical information to document the natural history of BHFS. In the future, once we have accrued sufficient cases, we aim to build on this study and provide information to allow counseling of at-risk couples. To date, 39 patients have survived beyond the age of 5 years, 18 of whom are now older than 10 years. Based on the available cases, we find evidence to suggest that intrauterine therapy provides benefits during the perinatal and neonatal period; however, it may not provide additional benefits to long-term growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Growth retardation is a major adverse long-term outcome among BHFS patients with ∼40% being severely affected in terms of weight and ∼50% in terms of height. There is also an increased risk of neurodevelopmental delay as we find 20% (11/55) of BHFS survivors suffer from a serious delay of ≥6 months. Most patients in the registry require lifelong transfusion and often have associated congenital abnormalities and comorbidities. This perspective is a first step in gathering information to allow provision of informed counseling on the predicted outcomes of affected babies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duantida Songdej
- Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; and
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Christian Babbs
- Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; and
| | - Douglas R Higgs
- Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; and
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pecker LH, Guerrera MF, Loechelt B, Massaro A, Abraham AA, Fasano RM, Meier ER. Homozygous α-thalassemia: Challenges surrounding early identification, treatment, and cure. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2017; 64:151-155. [PMID: 27573913 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The prognosis for homozygous α-thalassemia is changing. Prenatal diagnosis and intrauterine transfusions (IUT) reduce maternofetal morbidity and mortality; hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is curative. Empiric evidence to support IUT and HSCT to treat homozygous α-thalassemia is lacking. The first case of curative HSCT for homozygous α-thalassemia was reported in 1997. Nearly 20 years later, five additional reports are published. We review the literature and report an institutional experience with three homozygous α-thalassemia patients. The first died shortly after birth. The second underwent HSCT after years of chronic transfusion therapy. The third benefited from IUT and HSCT. These cases exemplify the varied outcomes associated with this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia H Pecker
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia.,Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Michael F Guerrera
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia.,Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Brett Loechelt
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - An Massaro
- Division of Neonatology, Children's National Health Systems, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Allistair A Abraham
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia.,Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Ross M Fasano
- Center for Transfusion and Cellular Therapies, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kreger EM, Singer ST, Witt RG, Sweeters N, Lianoglou B, Lal A, Mackenzie TC, Vichinsky E. Favorable outcomes after in utero transfusion in fetuses with alpha thalassemia major: a case series and review of the literature. Prenat Diagn 2016; 36:1242-1249. [PMID: 27862048 DOI: 10.1002/pd.4966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alpha thalassemia major (ATM) is often fatal in utero due to severe hydrops fetalis. Although in utero transfusions (IUTs) are increasingly used to allow fetal survival in ATM, prenatal and postnatal outcomes are not well described. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed cases of ATM at our institution treated with consecutive IUT. Clinical records were reviewed for transfusion history, neurodevelopmental outcomes, anatomic abnormalities, survival to hematopoietic cell transplantation, and transfusion independence. A systematic review was performed, and additional reported cases are discussed. RESULTS Three patients who underwent IUT for ATM were identified, and review of the literature revealed 17 reported cases. Of patients who received IUT, reported neurodevelopmental deficits occurred in 29% (4/14) and anatomic abnormalities in 55% (11/20). Four patients eventually underwent successful hematopoietic cell transplantation. Transfusion volumes were less than suggested guidelines for other causes of fetal anemia in 91.7% of the transfusions. CONCLUSION This series demonstrates the potential for achieving full fetal development with normal neurologic outcomes in those affected by ATM. It provides support for continued patient and provider education about current benefits and risks of active prenatal therapy for fetuses with ATM, as well as continued research to optimize therapeutic strategies such as in utero transplantation. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Kreger
- The Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Fetal Treatment Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Russell G Witt
- The Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Fetal Treatment Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Billie Lianoglou
- The Fetal Treatment Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ashutosh Lal
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Tippi C Mackenzie
- The Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Fetal Treatment Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tatari-Calderone Z, Luban NLC, Vukmanovic S. Genetics of transfusion recipient alloimmunization: can clues from susceptibility to autoimmunity pave the way? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 41:436-45. [PMID: 25670931 DOI: 10.1159/000369145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The search for genetic determinants of alloimmunization in sickle cell disease transfusion recipients was based on two premises: i) that polymorphisms responsible for stronger immune and/or inflammatory responses and hemoglobin β(S) mutation were co-selected by malaria; and ii) that stronger responder status contributes to development of lupus. We found a marker of alloimmunization in the gene encoding for Ro52 protein, also known as Sjögren syndrome antigen 1 (SSA1) and TRIM21. Surprisingly, the nature of the association was opposite of that with lupus; the same variant of a polymorphism (rs660) that was associated with lupus incidence was also associated with induction of tolerance to red blood cell antigens during early childhood. The dual function of Ro52 can explain this apparent contradiction. We propose that other lupus/autoimmunity susceptibility loci may reveal roles of additional molecules in various aspects of alloimmunization induced by transfusion as well as during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Tatari-Calderone
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA ; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Naomi L C Luban
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA ; Division of Laboratory Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stanislav Vukmanovic
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA ; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Akar M, Dilli D, Dilmen U. A Case of Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis Caused by Homozygous α-Thalassemia. Turk J Haematol 2014; 30:63-6. [PMID: 24385756 PMCID: PMC3781648 DOI: 10.4274/tjh.2012.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrops fetalis is a serious condition which indicates poor prognosis for the affected fetus. Although the incidence of isoimmune hydrops fetalis has decreased markedly, nonimmune hydrops fetalis cases have been more frequently reported. Nonimmune-mediated hydrops can be caused by hemoglobinopathies. In this report we present a case of nonimmune hydrops fetalis caused by homozygous α-thalassemia. Because of the high incidence of the disease in our country, α-thalassemia should be investigated in all cases with nonimmune hydrops fetalis. Conflict of interest:None declared.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melek Akar
- Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity Teaching Hospital, Department of Neonatology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dilek Dilli
- Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity Teaching Hospital, Department of Neonatology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Uğur Dilmen
- Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity Teaching Hospital, Department of Neonatology, Ankara, Turkey ; Yıldırım Beyazıt University Faculty of Medicine and Director General of Health Research, Ministry of Health, Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Matos JF, Dusse LMS, Stubbert RVB, Ferreira MR, Coura-Vital W, Fernandes APSM, de Faria JR, Borges KBG, Carvalho MDG. Comparison of discriminative indices for iron deficiency anemia and β thalassemia trait in a Brazilian population. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 18:169-74. [PMID: 23321282 DOI: 10.1179/1607845412y.0000000054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
To discriminate iron deficiency anemia (IDA) from β thalassemia trait (βTT), several indices obtained from modern blood count analyzers have been reported. Discrimination power of seven indices to differentiate between IDA and βTT, such as Green and King Index (GKI), RDW Index (RDWI), Srivastava Index (SRI), Mentzer Index (MI), Shine and Lal Index (SLI), Ehsani Index (EI), and Sirdah Index (SI), were evaluated. These indices were applied on 47 patients with βTT and on 289 patients with IDA, as confirmed by gold standard tests. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, efficiency, area under receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC), and Youden's Index (YI) were calculated. GKI and RDWI showed the highest reliability, as they had the largest AUCs (0.919, 0.912, respectively) and Youden's Index (70.4, 74.6, respectively). Conversely, SLI presented a less satisfactory performance (AUC = 0.786 and YI = 6.6). Data taken together suggest the superiority of GKI and RDWI to discriminate between IDA and βTT.
Collapse
|
12
|
Vichinsky E. Complexity of alpha thalassemia: growing health problem with new approaches to screening, diagnosis, and therapy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1202:180-7. [PMID: 20712791 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05572.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Alpha thalassemia, the most common genetic disorder of hemoglobin synthesis, affects up to 5% of the world's population. It represents a group of conditions with reduced or absent synthesis of one to all four of alpha globin genes. Deletional or nondeletional mutations occur on chromosome 16. Its severity ranges from asymptomatic to fatal in utero. Hemoglobin H disease, a mutation of three alpha globin genes, is more severe than previously recognized. Anemia, hypersplenism, hemosiderosis, growth failure, and osteoporosis are commonly noted as the patient ages. Alpha thalassemia major, a usually fatal in utero disease, is now recognized to have a complex molecular and phenotypic expression with increasing births being reported. Surviving newborns without intrauterine transfusion often have congenital anomalies and neurocognitive injury. Serious maternal complications often accompany pregnancy. Doppler ultrasonography with intrauterine transfusion ameliorates these complications. The high incidence in many populations mandates population screening and prenatal diagnosis of at-risk couples. Universal newborn screening has been adopted in several regions with DNA confirmatory testing. These advances have resulted in ethical dilemmas for the family and the provider.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elliott Vichinsky
- Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland, Oakland, Califorina, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yi JS, Moertel CL, Baker KS. Homozygous alpha-thalassemia treated with intrauterine transfusions and unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplantation. J Pediatr 2009; 154:766-8. [PMID: 19364562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2008.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2008] [Revised: 10/03/2008] [Accepted: 11/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recently, intrauterine transfusions and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have changed homozygous alpha-thalassemia from a frequently fatal disease to a potentially survivable condition. We present a patient with Hemoglobin Bart's disease who was cured after failing to engraft with 1 unrelated HCT, but engrafting after a second unrelated donor HCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna S Yi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vichinsky EP. Alpha thalassemia major--new mutations, intrauterine management, and outcomes. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2009; 2009:35-41. [PMID: 20008180 DOI: 10.1182/asheducation-2009.1.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Alpha thalassemia disorders are a group of hereditary anemias caused by absent or decreased production of the alpha chain of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis is usually a fatal in-utero disease caused by absence of the alpha genes. However, the molecular and genotypic expression of hemoglobin Bart's varies and increasing numbers of births are being reported. Population screening and prenatal diagnosis of at-risk couples is essential but often not performed. Most affected pregnancies are often undetected, resulting in severe fetal and maternal complications. Noninvasive monitoring by Doppler ultrasonagraphy with intrauterine transfusion therapy has changed the prognosis for this disorder. These advances in intrauterine and postnatal therapy have resulted in ethical dilemmas for the family and the provider.
Collapse
|
15
|
Dadhwal V, Deka D, Sharma A, Sharma Y, Bahadur A. Tetraploid mixoploidy presenting as refractory hydrops in a case of immune hemolytic anemia. Prenat Diagn 2007; 27:1262. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.1889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
16
|
Lee SYR, Chow CB, Li CK, Chiu MC. Outcome of intensive care of homozygous alpha-thalassaemia without prior intra-uterine therapy. J Paediatr Child Health 2007; 43:546-50. [PMID: 17635683 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2007.01131.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To review the outcome of homozygous alpha-thalassaemia without prior intra-uterine therapy treated in neonatal intensive care unit and identify the factors associated with survival. METHODS The hospital records of all patients with homozygous alpha-thalassaemia treated in our neonatal intensive care unit in the last 15 years were reviewed. A literature search beginning in the year 1980 was done to identify homozygous alpha-thalassaemia actively treated in neonatal intensive care units. Those receiving prior intra-uterine therapy were excluded. The following information was collected: the severity of hydrops, sizes of liver and spleen, haemoglobin level, Apgar score at 5 min, ventilator settings, timing and forms of red blood cell transfusion and presence of persistent hypoxaemia. The survivors and the non-survivors were compared. RESULTS In our centre, in the last 15 years there were six infants born with homozygous alpha-thalassaemia who did not receive intra-uterine therapy; one survived and five succumbed despite aggressive respiratory therapy. In our literature search there were more reports of survivors (10) than non-survivors (six) for these infants, suggesting a reporting bias towards selection of rare cases of survival. Apgar score of four or above occurred in seven of the eight survivors with data available in the reports, whereas this occurred in four of the 11 non-survivors (P = 0.035, Fisher Exact test). Five of the 11 survivors had abnormal neurological outcome including developmental delay and spastic quadriplegia. CONCLUSION Without prior intra-uterine therapy, homozygous alpha-thalassaemia has grave outlook in terms of mortality and morbidity despite aggressive respiratory therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shing Y R Lee
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Lai King Hill Road, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
alpha-Thalassemia mutations are one of the most common mutations of man, and they cause Hb H disease and Hb Barts hydrops fetalis. Hb H disease is not necessarily a benign disorder as has been generally thought. Furthermore, in southern China and in Southeast Asia, there are 2-3 times more fetuses afflicted with the invariably fatal Hb Barts hydrops fetalis than with the beta-thalassemia major or intermedia. These findings underscore the public health importance of these hereditary disorders, and they call for better education, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research for these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David H K Chui
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, Boston University School of Medicine, 88 East Newton Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| |
Collapse
|