Does race play a role in complications and outcomes of Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms?

BACKGROUND

Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are a group of hematologic malignancies with known vascular complications. The role race and ethnicity play in these complications is less defined. We aimed to further evaluate the role of race in patients without a history of previous thrombotic or hemorrhagic events.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 300 adult patients with MPN were included; 270 (90.0%) were White and 30 (10.0%) were non-White. The non-White group primarily consisted of African American or Black (26 patients), followed by others. Median age at diagnosis was 58 years for White patients and 61.5 years for non-White patients. The interaction between outcomes and vascular events with race was evaluated using multivariate logistical regression models.

RESULTS

The incidence of thrombotic events was inversely correlated with age at diagnosis, with younger patients demonstrating a higher rate of thrombotic events over time (p < .001). The incidence of thrombotic or hemorrhagic events did not differ between White and non-White patients. A statistically significant difference in median survival was observed between White and non-White patients: 29 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21.8-not reached) versus 13 years (95% CI: 5.7-22.7), respectively (p = .016).

CONCLUSION

This study did not find a significant difference in the rate of thrombotic or hemorrhagic events between White and non-White patients with MPN but suggested that non-White patients had significantly shorter median survival than White patients. Such observations may inform future studies to further characterize racial disparities in outcomes.

Case Report: Candida dubliniensis as a Cause of Chronic Meningitis

Background: Candida dubliniensis is closely related to Candida albicans and rarely isolated in clinical specimens. C. dubliniensis is increasingly recognized as a pathogen in immunocompromised hosts. We present the third known case of Candida dubliniensis meningitis in a young immunocompetent host. Case Presentation: A 27-year-old female with a history of intravenous heroin use and chronic hepatitis C presented with a 10-month history of headaches and progressive bilateral vision loss. On physical examination, visual acuity was 20/20 in her right eye and grade II papilledema was noted. Examination of her left eye revealed complete loss of vision and grade IV papilledema. An MRI with and without contrast revealed increased leptomeningeal enhancement involving the posterior fossa and spinal cord. After multiple lumbar punctures, cerebrospinal fluid fungal cultures grew Candida dubliniensis. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of liposomal amphotericin and fluconazole for 6 weeks with complete resolution of her CNS symptoms, with the exception of irreversible vision loss. Conclusion: We report a case of chronic meningitis due to Candida dubliniensis in an immunocompetent woman with hepatitis C and a history of intravenous heroin use. Additional studies are needed to confirm risk factors for Candida dubliniensis colonization, which likely predisposes individuals to invasive candidiasis.

Management of fever and neutropenia in the adult patient with acute myeloid leukemia

INTRODUCTION

Febrile neutropenia represents one of the most common treatment-associated complications in the management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is considered an oncologic emergency. Rapid and detailed workup as well as the initiation of empiric broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy are critical to avoid sepsis and to reduce mortality. Although a definitive source of infection is frequently not identified, the severely immunosuppressed status of the AML patient undergoing cytotoxic therapy results in a high risk for a wide array of bacterial, fungal, and viral etiologies.

AREAS COVERED

The authors herein review the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to the neutropenic leukemia patient based on the current knowledge. Special consideration is given to the rapidly changing therapeutic landscape in AML, creating new challenges in the management of infectious complications.

EXPERT OPINION

Multidrug-resistant organisms pose a major challenge in the management of neutropenic fever patients with hematologic malignancies - including AML. Future directions to improve outcomes demand innovative treatment approaches as well as advances in biomarker research to facilitate diagnosis and disease monitoring. Recent achievements in AML-targeted therapy led to an increased incidence of differentiation syndrome, a potentially life-threatening side effect that frequently resembles clinical infection and requires prompt recognition and aggressive intervention.