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Resta E, Cuscianna E, Pierucci P, Custodero C, Solfrizzi V, Sabbà C, Palmisano CM, Barratta F, De Candia ML, Tummolo MG, Capozza E, Lomuscio S, De Michele L, Tafuri S, Resta O, Lenato GM. Significant burden of post-COVID exertional dyspnoea in a South-Italy region: knowledge of risk factors might prevent further critical overload on the healthcare system. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1273853. [PMID: 38179561 PMCID: PMC10764627 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1273853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Exertional dyspnoea in post-COVID syndrome is a debilitating manifestation, requiring appropriate comprehensive management. However, limited-resources healthcare systems might be unable to expand their healthcare-providing capacity and are expected to be overwhelmed by increasing healthcare demand. Furthermore, since post-COVID exertional dyspnoea is regarded to represent an umbrella term, encompassing several clinical conditions, stratification of patients with post-COVID exertional dyspnoea, depending on risk factors and underlying aetiologies might provide useful for healthcare optimization and potentially help relieve healthcare service from overload. Hence, we aimed to investigate the frequency, functional characterization, and predictors of post-COVID exertional dyspnoea in a large cohort of post-COVID patients in Apulia, Italy, at 3-month post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods A cohort of laboratory-confirmed 318 patients, both domiciliary or hospitalized, was evaluated in a post-COVID Unit outpatient setting. Post-COVID exertional dyspnoea and other post-COVID syndrome manifestations were collected by medical history. Functional characterization of post-COVID exertional dyspnoea was performed through a 6-min walking test (6-mwt). The association of post-COVID exertional dyspnoea with possible risk factors was investigated through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results At medical evaluation, post-COVID exertional dyspnoea was reported by as many as 190/318 patients (59.7%), showing relatively high prevalence also in domiciliary-course patients. However, functional characterization disclosed a 6-mwt-based desaturation walking drop in only 24.1% of instrumental post-COVID exertional dyspnoea patients. Multivariate analysis identified five independent predictors significantly contributing to PCED, namely post-COVID-fatigue, pre-existing respiratory co-morbidities, non-asthmatic allergy history, age, and acute-phase-dyspnoea. Sex-restricted multivariate analysis identified a differential risk pattern for males (pre-existing respiratory co-morbidities, age, acute-phase-dyspnoea) and females (post-COVID-fatigue and acute-phase-dyspnoea). Conclusion Our findings revealed that post-COVID exertional dyspnoea is characterized by relevant clinical burden, with potential further strain on healthcare systems, already weakened by pandemic waves. Sex-based subgroup analysis reveals sex-specific dyspnoea-underlying risk profiles and pathogenic mechanisms. Knowledge of sex-specific risk-determining factors might help optimize personalized care management and healthcare resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Resta
- University of Foggia – Doctorate School of Translational Medicine and Management of Health Systems, Foggia, Italy
| | - Eustachio Cuscianna
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Pierucci
- Policlinico Hospital, University of Bari Aldo Moro – Respiratory Medicine Unit, Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Custodero
- Policlinico Hospital – University of Bari Aldo Moro – “Frugoni” Internal Medicine and Geriatric Unit, Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- Policlinico Hospital – University of Bari Aldo Moro – “Frugoni” Internal Medicine and Geriatric Unit, Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Sabbà
- Policlinico Hospital – University of Bari Aldo Moro – “Frugoni” Internal Medicine and Geriatric Unit, Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Maria Palmisano
- Policlinico Hospital – University of Bari Aldo Moro – “Frugoni” Internal Medicine and Geriatric Unit, Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Barratta
- “POC Central-SS. Annunziata-Moscati” Taranto Hospital – Pulmonology Unit, Taranto, Italy
| | | | | | - Elena Capozza
- Terlizzi “Sarcone” Hospital – Pulmonology and Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit, Terlizzi, Italy
| | - Sonia Lomuscio
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucrezia De Michele
- Policlinico Hospital – University of Bari Aldo Moro – Cardiology Unit, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Onofrio Resta
- Policlinico Hospital – University of Bari Aldo Moro – Post-COVID Unit Service of Respiratory Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Gennaro Mariano Lenato
- Policlinico Hospital – University of Bari Aldo Moro – “Frugoni” Internal Medicine and Geriatric Unit, Bari, Italy
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Suppressa P, Maiorano E, Gaetani E, Matti E, Lenato GM, Serio I, Masala MS, Passali GC, Aguglia M, Crocione C, Lopalco PL, Caneschi F, Musella V, De Silvestri A, Gambini G, Spinozzi G, Sabbà C, Pagella F. Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: epidemiological and clinical data from the comprehensive Italian retrospective multicenter study. Intern Emerg Med 2023; 18:1109-1118. [PMID: 37140873 PMCID: PMC10157588 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-023-03287-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Rare Disease patients manifested high concern regarding the possible increased risk of severe outcomes and worsening of disease-specific clinical manifestation due to the impact of COVID-19. Our aim was to assess the prevalence, outcomes, and impact of COVID-19 in patients with a rare disease such as Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) in Italian population. A nationwide, multicentric, cross-sectional observational study was conducted on patients with HHT from five Italian HHT centers by online survey. The association between COVID-19-related signs and symptoms and nosebleeds worsening, the impact of personal protective equipment on nosebleeds pattern, and the relationship between the presence of visceral AVMs and severe outcomes were analyzed. Out of 605 total survey responses and eligible for analysis, 107 cases of COVID-19 were reported. A mild-course COVID-19 disease, not requiring hospitalization, was observed in 90.7% of patients, while the remaining eight cases needed hospitalization, two of them requiring intensive-care access. No fatal outcome was recorded and 79.3% of patients reported a complete recovery. No difference in infection risk and outcome between HHT patients and general population was evidenced. No significative interference of COVID-19 on HHT-related bleeding was found. The majority of patients received COVID-19 vaccination, with relevant impact on symptoms and need for hospitalization in case of infection. COVID-19 in HHT patients had an infection profile similar to the general population. COVID-19 course and outcome were independent from any specific HHT-related clinical features. Moreover, COVID-19 and anti-SARS-CoV-2 measures did not seem to affect significantly HHT-related bleeding profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Suppressa
- "Frugoni" Internal Medicine and Geriatrics Unit, Centro Sovraziendale per le Malattie Rare, DIM-Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, HHT Interdepartmental Center, VascERN HHT Reference Center, Policlinico Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | - Eugenia Maiorano
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gaetani
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Multidisciplinary Gemelli Group for HHT, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Elina Matti
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gennaro Mariano Lenato
- "Frugoni" Internal Medicine and Geriatrics Unit, Centro Sovraziendale per le Malattie Rare, DIM-Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, HHT Interdepartmental Center, VascERN HHT Reference Center, Policlinico Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Serio
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Cesare Passali
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Multidisciplinary Gemelli Group for HHT, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Aguglia
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Vito Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy
- HHT Onlus Patient Association, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Luigi Lopalco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Musella
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry Unit, Scientific Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Annalisa De Silvestri
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry Unit, Scientific Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Gambini
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry Unit, Scientific Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spinozzi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Sabbà
- "Frugoni" Internal Medicine and Geriatrics Unit, Centro Sovraziendale per le Malattie Rare, DIM-Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, HHT Interdepartmental Center, VascERN HHT Reference Center, Policlinico Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Fabio Pagella
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Shovlin CL, Buscarini E, Sabbà C, Mager HJ, Kjeldsen AD, Pagella F, Sure U, Ugolini S, Torring PM, Suppressa P, Rennie C, Post MC, Patel MC, Nielsen TH, Manfredi G, Lenato GM, Lefroy D, Kariholu U, Jones B, Fialla AD, Eker OF, Dupuis O, Droege F, Coote N, Boccardi E, Alsafi A, Alicante S, Dupuis-Girod S. The European Rare Disease Network for HHT Frameworks for management of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia in general and speciality care. Eur J Med Genet 2022; 65:104370. [PMID: 34737116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a complex, multisystemic vascular dysplasia affecting approximately 85,000 European Citizens. In 2016, eight founding centres operating within 6 countries, set up a working group dedicated to HHT within what became the European Reference Network on Rare Multisystemic Vascular Diseases. By launch, combined experience exceeded 10,000 HHT patients, and Chairs representing 7 separate specialties provided a median of 24 years' experience in HHT. Integrated were expert patients who focused discussions on the patient experience. Following a 2016-2017 survey to capture priorities, and underpinned by more than 40 monthly meetings, and new data acquisitions, VASCERN HHT generated position statements that distinguish expert HHT care from non-expert HHT practice. Leadership was by specialists in the relevant sub-discipline(s), and 100% consensus was required amongst all clinicians before statements were published or disseminated. One major set of outputs targeted all healthcare professionals and their HHT patients, and include the new Orphanet definition; Do's and Don'ts for common situations; Outcome Measures suitable for all consultations; COVID-19; and anticoagulation. The second output set span aspects of vascular pathophysiology where greater understanding will assist organ-specific specialist clinicians to provide more informed care to HHT patients. These cover cerebral vascular malformations and screening; mucocutaneous telangiectasia and differential diagnosis; anti-angiogenic therapies; circulatory interplays between anaemia and arteriovenous malformations; and microbiological strategies to counteract loss of normal pulmonary capillary function. Overall, the integrated outputs, and documented current practices, provide frameworks for approaches that augment the health and safety of HHT patients in diverse health-care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Shovlin
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service Trust, London, UK; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK.
| | - E Buscarini
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, ASST Maggiore Hospital, Crema, Italy.
| | - C Sabbà
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Centro Sovraziendale Malattie Rare, "Frugoni" Internal Medicine Unit, University of Bari "A. Moro", Italy.
| | - H J Mager
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, St Antonius Ziekenhuis, Nieuwegein, Netherlands.
| | - A D Kjeldsen
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Odense University Hospital, Syddansk Universitet, Odense, Denmark.
| | - F Pagella
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
| | - U Sure
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany; Department of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Germany.
| | - S Ugolini
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
| | - P M Torring
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Odense University Hospital, Syddansk Universitet, Odense, Denmark.
| | - P Suppressa
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Centro Sovraziendale Malattie Rare, "Frugoni" Internal Medicine Unit, University of Bari "A. Moro", Italy.
| | - C Rennie
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service Trust, London, UK.
| | - M C Post
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, St Antonius Ziekenhuis, Nieuwegein, Netherlands; Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - M C Patel
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service Trust, London, UK.
| | - T H Nielsen
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Odense University Hospital, Syddansk Universitet, Odense, Denmark.
| | - G Manfredi
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, ASST Maggiore Hospital, Crema, Italy.
| | - G M Lenato
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Centro Sovraziendale Malattie Rare, "Frugoni" Internal Medicine Unit, University of Bari "A. Moro", Italy.
| | - D Lefroy
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service Trust, London, UK.
| | - U Kariholu
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service Trust, London, UK.
| | - B Jones
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service Trust, London, UK.
| | - A D Fialla
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Odense University Hospital, Syddansk Universitet, Odense, Denmark.
| | - O F Eker
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.
| | - O Dupuis
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.
| | - F Droege
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany; Department of ENT Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Germany.
| | - N Coote
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service Trust, London, UK.
| | - E Boccardi
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, ASST Maggiore Hospital, Crema, Italy; Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy.
| | - A Alsafi
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service Trust, London, UK.
| | - S Alicante
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, ASST Maggiore Hospital, Crema, Italy.
| | - S Dupuis-Girod
- VASCERN HHT Reference Centre, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.
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Suppressa P, Pagella F, Lenato GM, Gaetani E, Serio I, Masala MS, Spinozzi G, Lizzio R, Matti E, De Silvestri A, Passali GC, Aguglia M, Crocione C, Sabbà C. Characterization of epidemiological distribution and outcome of COVID-19 in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: a nationwide retrospective multi-centre study during first wave in Italy. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:378. [PMID: 34496900 PMCID: PMC8424156 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-02000-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to have a devastating impact across the world. A number of pre-existing common clinical conditions were reported to represent risk factors for more severe COVID-19 outcomes. Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare vascular heritable disorders, characterized by complications secondary to visceral Arterio-Venous Malformations. The impact of HHT, as well as for many Rare Diseases (RDs) on infection susceptibility profile and clinical adverse outcome risk is an unresolved issue. Objectives The main objectives were: to assess the clinical features and outcomes of HHT patients infected with COVID-19; to compare the relative infection risk in these patients with the Italian general population throughout the first pandemic wave; to investigate the factors potentially associated with severe COVID-19 outcome in HHT patients, and the possible impact of COVID-19 infection on HHT-related symptoms/complications. Finally, we aimed to estimate how the lockdown-associated wearing of personal protective equipment/individual protection devices could affect HHT-related telangiectasia bleeding frequency. Methods The study is a nation-wide questionnaire-based survey, with a multi-Center retrospective cross-sectional design, addressed to the whole Italian HHT population. COVID-19 cases, occurring throughout the first pandemic wave, were collected by a questionnaire-based semi-structured interview. Only the cases ascertained by laboratory confirmation (molecular/serological) were included for epidemiological estimates. Information concerning eventual SarS-Cov-2 infection, as well as regarding HHT-related manifestations and HHT-unrelated co-morbidities were collected by the questionnaire. Prevalence data were compared to Italian general population in the same period. Results The survey disclosed 9/296 (3.04%) COVID-19 cases, 8/9 of them being resident in Lombardy, the main epidemic epicenter. Pneumonia was reported by 4/9 patients, which prompted hospital admission and intensive care management in 2 cases. No fatal outcome was recorded. After careful refinement of epidemiological analysis, the survey evidenced overlapping infection risk in HHT compared to general population. Conclusions COVID-19 infection profile parallels geographical distribution of epidemic foci. COVID-19 in HHT patients can lead to highly variable clinical profile, likely overlapping with that of general population. The HHT disease does not seem to involve a different approach in terms of hospital admission and access to intensive care with respect to general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Suppressa
- DIM-Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, "Frugoni" Internal Medicine and Geriatrics Unit, HHT Interdepartmental Center, VascERN HHT Reference Center, Policlinico Hospital, University of Bari, P.zza Giulio Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Fabio Pagella
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gennaro Mariano Lenato
- DIM-Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, "Frugoni" Internal Medicine and Geriatrics Unit, HHT Interdepartmental Center, VascERN HHT Reference Center, Policlinico Hospital, University of Bari, P.zza Giulio Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gaetani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Multidisciplinary Gemelli Group for HHT, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Serio
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Spinozzi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberta Lizzio
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elina Matti
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Annalisa De Silvestri
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulio Cesare Passali
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Multidisciplinary Gemelli Group for HHT, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Aguglia
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Vito Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy.,HHT Onlus Patient Association, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Sabbà
- DIM-Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, "Frugoni" Internal Medicine and Geriatrics Unit, HHT Interdepartmental Center, VascERN HHT Reference Center, Policlinico Hospital, University of Bari, P.zza Giulio Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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Barone M, Suppressa P, Viggiani MT, Lenato GM, Scardapane A, Chiumarulo L, Ambrosini N, Leo AD, Sabbà C. Minimal portosystemic encephalopathy: A new nosological entity in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. Eur J Intern Med 2021; 90:43-48. [PMID: 34020869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2021.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portosystemic shunts in Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) are often overlooked by conventional imaging although they could reduce hepatic clearance of gut-derived toxins. AIMS To evaluate, the presence of subclinical neurological alterations (SNAs), that we named "minimal portosystemic encephalopathy" (mPSE) in HHT patients without advanced liver disease (ALD). METHODS In this cross sectional study, consecutive HHT outpatients were firstly screened by critical flicker frequency (CFF) test (abnormal ≤39Hz), and the simplified animal naming test (S-ANT1) (abnormal <15) was used to confirm the diagnosis of mPSE. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of lactulose administration on mPSE. Multi-slice CT, cerebral dynamic magnetic resonance, laboratory analyses and transient elastography were also used. RESULTS None of the 37 enrolled patients showed portosystemic shunts at imaging techniques. However, 33 patients had normal CFF values (CFF-) and 4 displayed CFF alterations (37.0±0.7Hz, CFF+). The S-ANT1 confirmed an impaired neurological performance (10.2±2.8) in CFF+ patients thus confirming the presence of mPSE. Noteworthy, lactulose administration determined a CFF increase (39.1±0.4Hz) and S-ANT1 normalization in these patients. Neither mPSE- nor mPSE+ patients had ALD and showed similar demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters. Finally, no mPSE+ patient showed radiologically-detectable brain vascular malformations or other brain abnormalities at imaging. CONCLUSIONS HHT patients represent a human model of mPSE secondary to portosystemic shunts escaping radiological detection. mPSE evaluation should be incorporated in HHT surveillance protocols since it can affect both health-related/social aspects and pharmacokinetics of orally administered drugs with a narrow therapeutic index and high hepatic first-pass uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Barone
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Suppressa
- "Frugoni" Internal Medicine Unit, Centre for Rare Diseases, Interdepartmental Centre for Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (D.I.M.), VascERN HHT Reference Centre, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Viggiani
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gennaro Mariano Lenato
- "Frugoni" Internal Medicine Unit, Centre for Rare Diseases, Interdepartmental Centre for Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (D.I.M.), VascERN HHT Reference Centre, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Arnaldo Scardapane
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Radiology Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Chiumarulo
- Neuroradiology Unit, Policlinico University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Ambrosini
- "Frugoni" Internal Medicine Unit, Centre for Rare Diseases, Interdepartmental Centre for Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (D.I.M.), VascERN HHT Reference Centre, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Sabbà
- "Frugoni" Internal Medicine Unit, Centre for Rare Diseases, Interdepartmental Centre for Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (D.I.M.), VascERN HHT Reference Centre, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Bari, Italy
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Cavallo ML, Castrovilli A, D’Introno A, Perrone A, Polito A, Lenato GM, Sabbà C. A Systemic and Severe Infection via Cytomegalovirus and Other Herpesviruses in a Young Apparently Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report. J Med Cases 2017. [DOI: 10.14740/jmc2865w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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7
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Resta N, Pierannunzio D, Lenato GM, Stella A, Capocaccia R, Bagnulo R, Lastella P, Susca FC, Bozzao C, Loconte DC, Sabbà C, Urso E, Sala P, Fornasarig M, Grammatico P, Piepoli A, Host C, Turchetti D, Viel A, Memo L, Giunti L, Stigliano V, Varesco L, Bertario L, Genuardi M, Lucci Cordisco E, Tibiletti MG, Di Gregorio C, Andriulli A, Ponz de Leon M. Cancer risk associated with STK11/LKB1 germline mutations in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome patients: results of an Italian multicenter study. Dig Liver Dis 2013; 45:606-11. [PMID: 23415580 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2012.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Revised: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germline mutations in the STK11/LKB1 gene cause Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, an autosomal-dominantly inherited condition characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation, hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyposis, and an increased risk for various malignancies. We here report the results of the first Italian collaborative study on Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. AIMS To assess cancer risks in a large homogenous cohort of patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, carrying, in large majority, an identified STK11/LKB1 mutation. METHODS One-hundred and nineteen patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, ascertained in sixteen different Italian centres, were enrolled in a retrospective cohort study. Relative and cumulative cancer risks and genotype-phenotype correlations were evaluated. RESULTS 36 malignant tumours were found in 31/119 (29 STK11/LKB1 mutation carriers) patients. The mean age at first cancer diagnosis was 41 years. The relative overall cancer risk was 15.1 with a significantly higher risk (p < 0.001) in females (22.0) than in males (8.6). Highly increased relative risks were present for gastrointestinal (126.2) and gynaecological cancers (27.7), in particular for pancreatic (139.7) and cervical cancer (55.6). The Kaplan-Meier estimates for overall cumulative cancer risks were 20%, 43%, 71%, and 89%, at age 40, 50, 60 and 65 years, respectively. CONCLUSION Peutz-Jeghers syndrome entails markedly elevated cancer risks, mainly for pancreatic and cervical cancers. This study provides a helpful reference for improving current surveillance protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Resta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Medical Genetics Unit, Aldo Moro, University of Bari, Italy.
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Sabbà C, Pasculli G, Lenato GM, Suppressa P, Lastella P, Memeo M, Dicuonzo F, Guant G. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: clinical features in ENG and ALK1 mutation carriers. J Thromb Haemost 2007; 5:1149-57. [PMID: 17388964 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2007.02531.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic disorder characterized by epistaxis, mucocutaneous telangiectases and visceral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), particularly in the brain (CAVMs), lungs (PAVMs), liver (HAVMs) and gastrointestinal tract (GI). The identification of a mutated ENG (HHT1) or ALK-1 (HHT2) gene now enables a genotype-phenotype correlation. OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of visceral localizations and evaluate phenotypic differences between ENG and ALK1 mutation carriers. METHODS A total of 135 consecutive adult patients were subjected to mutational screening in ENG and ALK1 genes and instrumental tests to detect AVMs, such as chest-abdomen multislice computed tomography (MDCT), brain magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA), upper endoscopy, were offered to all patients, independent of presence of clinical symptoms. The 122 patients with identified mutations were enrolled in the study and genotype-phenotype correlations were established. RESULTS PAVMs and CAVMs were significantly more frequent in HHT1 (75% vs. 44%, P < 0.0005; 20% vs. 0%, P < 0.002, respectively) and HAVMs in HHT2 (60% vs. 84%, P < 0.01). No age difference was found for PAVMs whereas HAVMs were significantly higher in older patients in both HHT1 and HHT2. Neurological manifestations secondary to CAVMs/PAVMs were found only in HHT1 patients, whereas severe liver involvement was detected only in HHT2. Respiratory symptoms were mainly detected in HHT1. CONCLUSIONS Our study evidences a higher visceral involvement in HHT1 and HHT2 compared with previous reports. HHT1 is more frequently associated with congenital AVM malformations, such as CAVMs and PAVMs whereas HHT2 predominantly involves the liver. The ENG gene should be first targeted for mutational screening in the presence of large PAVM in patients < 45 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sabbà
- Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
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Giordano P, Nigro A, Lenato GM, Guanti G, Suppressa P, Lastella P, DE Mattia D, Sabbà C. Screening for children from families with Rendu-Osler-Weber disease: from geneticist to clinician. J Thromb Haemost 2006; 4:1237-45. [PMID: 16706966 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2006.01934.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome, or hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), is an autosomal dominant vascular disorder. The syndrome is characterized by telangiectases and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) affecting skin, mucosae and internal organs. AVMs often remain clinically silent until provoking sudden serious complications, responsible for important morbidity and mortality which can occur both in adulthood and in children. The incidence of AVMs in HHT pediatric populations is unknown. OBJECTIVE To describe the screening protocol performed in the first genotypically confirmed HHT pediatric population and to estimate the incidence of occult brain, lung and liver AVMs and the different disease phenotypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Molecular analysis was performed on 35 children, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, who were family members of probands with a previously identified mutation. Clinical-instrumental examination was performed on the mutation positive cases. Nasal telangiectases were investigated by anterior rhinoscopy. Contrast echocardiography and high resolution thoracic multislice computed tomography (CT) were performed to detect pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs), and echo-color Doppler, and abdominal CT to detect hepatic arteriovenous malformations (HAVMs). Brain magnetic resonance imaging was utilized to detect cerebral angiopathic involvement. RESULTS Molecular analysis demonstrated the mutation-carrier status in 22/35 children. Nineteen children, 12 of whom had epistaxis, positive to molecular testing underwent clinical evaluation. Nasal teleangiectases were found in 68%, mucocutaneous telangiectases (fingers, lips and oral cavity) in 79%, PAVMs in 53%, HAVMs in 47% and cerebral anteriovenous malformations and/or cerebral ischemic changes secondary to PAVMs in 12%. CONCLUSIONS We evidenced a high incidence of HHT children with occult visceral lesions suggesting that a diagnostic screening may be indicated to appropriately treat brain and lung malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Giordano
- Pediatrics Unit, Medicine and Public Health University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Abstract
Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia, or Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome, is a rare autosomal dominant disorder involving the vascular system and is characterised by a highly variable expressivity and age-dependent penetrance. Diagnosis is based on the presence of at least three of four of the following symptoms: spontaneous epistaxis, cutaneous telangiectases, arteriovenous malformations in internal organs and familiarity. Recurrent complications are severe anaemia, stroke, portal and pulmonary hypertension. The peculiar characteristic of this disease is the diffusion of arteriovenous malformations, that is, localised abnormal arteriovenous connections affecting both microvasculature and large vessels. HHT is actually a heterogenous genetic disorder, divided into two clinically indistinguishable forms: HHT1 caused by mutations in endoglin gene mapping on chromosome 9q, and HHT2 caused by mutations in ALK1 located on chromosome 12q. Haploinsufficiency is the underlying mechanism for endoglin and most ALK1 mutations. Such mutations lead to a deficiency in angiogenesis, i.e. the sprouting of new vessels from pre-existing ones. To date, little is still known about the mechanism(s) responsible for lesion formation, development and slow growth. Current models focus on the role that TGF-beta superfamily members, a vast group of multifunctional cytokines, play in endothelial responses to angiogenic stimuli. As both genes seem to act in TGF-beta signal transduction pathways, SMAD proteins are also thought to be involved. There is no clear explanation accounting for the strong variability shown even among members of the same family despite the sharing of the same disease-causing mutation, and why lesions are spatially discrete.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Lenato
- Medical Genetics Unit, DI.M.I.M.P, University of Bari, Italy
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Pasculli G, Quaranta D, Lenato GM, Suppressa P, Lastella P, Guanti G, Sabbà C. Capillaroscopy of the dorsal skin of the hands in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. QJM 2005; 98:757-63. [PMID: 16126740 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hci115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous telangiectases are manifestations of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a dominantly inherited disorder. Telangiectases have been studied by skin biopsy, and recently by nailfold capillaroscopy. AIM To confirm the diagnostic role of nailfold capillaroscopy, and assess the value of skin capillaroscopy of the dorsum of the hands in HHT. DESIGN Prospective clinical investigation. METHODS Using a Wild Heerbrugg-M650 microscope, we studied the nailfolds and dorsum of the hands of 88 patients (37 females, 51 males, mean age 39.7 +/- 18.4 years), including 85 with positive genetic testing and three with clinical diagnosis (at least three clinical criteria but a negative genetic test) and 27 controls (13 females, 14 males, mean age 38.6 +/- 19.6 years). RESULTS Microscopic telangiectases were observed on the dorsum of the hands in 80/88 patients (91%): 77 with positive and three with negative genetic tests. No control showed vascular abnormalities. In six patients (7%), nailfold capillaroscopy showed pseudo-megacapillaries and megacapillaries; the remaining 82 (93%) and all controls, had normal capillaroscopic patterns. DISCUSSION HHT can induce morphological changes in microcirculation that are more easily detectable on the dorsum of the hands than in the nailfold. Microscopic lesions without macroscopic telangiectases were also noted, suggesting the need for further research. Capillaroscopy may provide an additional non-invasive diagnostic criterion for HHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Pasculli
- Clinica Medica A. Murri, Centro Universitario Interdipartimentale HHT, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Medicina Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
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Lastella P, Sabbà C, Lenato GM, Resta N, Lattanzi W, Gallitelli M, Cirulli A, Guanti G. Endoglin gene mutations and polymorphisms in Italian patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. Clin Genet 2003; 63:536-40. [PMID: 12786761 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-0004.2003.00081.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal-dominant hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetically heterogeneous disease caused by mutations in at least two different loci. We screened for mutations in four Italian families where segregation studies showed clear evidence of linkage to the endoglin (ENG) locus. In addition, one sporadic case and three patients with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, belonging to small nuclear families unsuitable for linkage analysis, were included in the screening. The proband from each family was investigated using single-strand conformation polymorphism and heteroduplex analysis; potential variants were sequenced. Four novel and one previously reported mutation were detected, as well as three new polymorphisms. The novel mutations included deletions in exon 1 (patient 581/02), exon 5 (patient 780/01) and exon 7 (patient 700/01), and a C-->T229 substitution in exon 3 (patient 462/02). When analysing patient 700/01 and his affected daughter, we encountered a mutant ENG allele with two mutations--a deletion in exon 7 and a substitution in exon 12--which converts isoleucine 575 into threonine, in a non-conserved region. Both mutations were absent in the two healthy sons of the patient, while the polymorphic variant in exon 12 was present in his healthy father. These results and haplotype-segregation studies suggest that a de novo deletion had occurred in the gamete of paternal origin. For the first time the parental germline in which a de novo HHT mutation occurred has been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lastella
- Sez. Genetica Medica, DIMIMP, Università di Bari, Italy
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