1
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Nickel RS, Darbari DS, Martin B, Thaniel L, Stern H, Jacquot C. Optimising the screening for haemoglobinopathies in pregnancy planning. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1334-1339. [PMID: 36942480 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2190041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Haemoglobinopathies are among the most common inherited disorders around the world. In the United States the diagnosis of haemoglobinopathy or a carrier state is made by universal newborn screening. However, many individuals of childbearing age do not know they are a haemoglobinopathy carrier. Screening for common haemoglobinopathies is generally offered as a part of pregnancy planning so that prospective parents can be counselled regarding the risk of having a child with a haemoglobinopathy. Multiple tests exist to screen patients for presence of haemoglobinopathy carrier or disease state; however, it is crucial to order and interpret the results correctly to appropriately counsel couples. In this case series, we describe clinical scenarios where prospective parents were surprised to unexpectedly have a child with sickle cell disease, a haemoglobinopathy that causes severe clinical complications. Through these cases we demonstrate that deficiencies in testing can occur at different levels which may lead to incorrect estimation of the risk of having a child affected by a haemoglobinopathy. Consultation with a haematologist, laboratory medicine specialist, or genetic counsellor should be considered to select the appropriate test and interpret its results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Nickel
- Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Division of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Deepika S Darbari
- Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Division of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brenda Martin
- Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lisa Thaniel
- Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Harvey Stern
- Division of Reproductive Genetics, Genetics & IVF Institute, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Cyril Jacquot
- Division of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Pathology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
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2
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Leonard A, Furstenau D, Abraham A, Darbari DS, Nickel RS, Limerick E, Fitzhugh C, Hsieh M, Tisdale JF. Reduction in vaso-occlusive events following stem cell transplantation in patients with sickle cell disease. Blood Adv 2023; 7:227-234. [PMID: 36240296 PMCID: PMC9860452 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022008137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is potentially curative for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Patients with stable donor engraftment after allogeneic HSCT generally do not experience SCD-related complications; however, there are no published data specifically reporting the change in vaso-occlusive events (VOE) after HSCT. Data regarding the number of VOEs requiring medical attention in the 2 years before allogeneic HSCT were compared with the number of VOEs in the 2 years (0-12 months and 12-24 months) after allogeneic HSCT in patients with SCD. One-hundred sixty-three patients with SCD underwent allogeneic HSCT between 2005 and 2019. The average age at the time of HSCT was 21 years (range, 7 months - 64 years). Most patients underwent nonmyeloablative conditioning (75% [N = 123]) and had a matched sibling donor (72% [N = 118]). The mean number of VOEs was reduced from 5.6 (range, 0-52) in the 2 years before HSCT to 0.9 (range, 0-12) in the 2 years after HSCT (P < .001). Among the post-HSCT events, VOE was more frequent during the first 12 months (0.8 [range, 0-12]) than at 12 to 24 months after HSCT (0.1 [range, 0-8) (P < .001)). In patients who had graft rejection (12%, N = 20), VOEs were reduced from 6.6 (range, 0-24) before HSCT to 1.1 (range, 0-6) and 0.8 (range, 0-8) at 0 to 12 months and 12 to 24 months after HSCT, respectively (P < .001). VOEs requiring medical care were significantly reduced after allogeneic HSCT for patients with SCD. These data will inform the development of novel autologous HSCT gene therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Leonard
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Dana Furstenau
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Allistair Abraham
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, CETI, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | | | - Robert S. Nickel
- Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Emily Limerick
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Courtney Fitzhugh
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Matt Hsieh
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - John F. Tisdale
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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3
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Martin OY, Darbari DS, Margulies S, Nickel RS, Leonard A, Speller-Brown B, Martin B, Barber JR, Webb J, Majumdar S, Sharron MP, Campbell AD. Clinical outcomes of children and adolescents with sickle cell disease and COVID-19 infection: A year in review at a metropolitan tertiary pediatric hospital. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:987194. [PMID: 36873869 PMCID: PMC9982154 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.987194] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic in March 2020. Early reports were primarily in adults, and sickle cell disease (SCD) was classified as a risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease. However, there are a limited number of primarily multi-center studies reporting on the clinical course of pediatric patients with SCD and COVID-19. Methods We conducted an observational study of all patients with SCD diagnosed with COVID-19 at our institution between March 31, 2020, and February 12, 2021. Demographic and clinical characteristics of this group were collected by retrospective chart review. Results A total of 55 patients were studied, including 38 children and 17 adolescents. Demographics, acute COVID-19 clinical presentation, respiratory support, laboratory findings, healthcare utilization, and SCD modifying therapies were comparable between the children and adolescents. Seventy-three percent (N = 40) of all patients required emergency department care or hospitalization. While 47% (N = 26) were hospitalized, only 5% (N = 3) of all patients required intensive care unit admission. Patients frequently had concurrent vaso-occlusive pain crisis (VOC) (N = 17, 43%) and acute chest syndrome (ACS) (N = 14, 35%). Those with ACS or an oxygen requirement had significantly higher white blood cell count, lower nadir hemoglobin, and higher D-dimers, supporting a pro-inflammatory and coagulopathic picture. Non-hospitalized patients were more likely to be on hydroxyurea than hospitalized patients (79 vs. 50%, p = 0.023). Conclusion Children and adolescent patients with SCD and acute COVID-19 often present with ACS and VOC pain requiring hospital-level care. Hydroxyurea treatment appears to be protective. We observed no mortality despite variable morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olufunke Y Martin
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Deepika S Darbari
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Stefanie Margulies
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Robert S Nickel
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alexis Leonard
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Barbara Speller-Brown
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Brenda Martin
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - John R Barber
- Department of Biostatistics and Study Methodology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jennifer Webb
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Suvankar Majumdar
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Matthew P Sharron
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Andrew D Campbell
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Division of Hematology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
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4
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Stenger E, Xiang Y, Wetzel M, Gillespie S, Chellapandian D, Shah R, Arnold SD, Bhatia M, Chaudhury S, Eckrich MJ, Kanter J, Kasow KA, Krajewski J, Nickel RS, Ngwube AI, Olson TS, Rangarajan HG, Wobma H, Guilcher GMT, Horan JT, Krishnamurti L, Shenoy S, Abraham A. Long-Term Organ Function After HCT for SCD: A Report From the Sickle Cell Transplant Advocacy and Research Alliance. Transplant Cell Ther 2023; 29:47.e1-47.e10. [PMID: 36273784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.10.012] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an established cure for sickle cell disease (SCD) supported by long-term survival, but long-term organ function data are lacking. We sought to describe organ function and assess predictors for dysfunction in a retrospective cohort (n = 247) through the Sickle cell Transplant Advocacy and Research alliance. Patients with <1-year follow-up or graft rejection/second HCT were excluded. Organ function data were collected from last follow-up. Primary measures were organ function, comparing pre- and post-HCT. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed for predictors of dysfunction. Median age at HCT was 9.4 years; the majority had HbSS (88.2%) and severe clinical phenotype (65.4%). Most received matched related (76.9%) bone marrow (83.3%) with myeloablative conditioning (MAC; 57.1%). Acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) developed in 24.0% and 24.8%. Thirteen patients (5.3%) died ≥1 year after HCT, primarily from GVHD or infection. More post-HCT patients had low ejection or shortening fractions than pre-HCT (0.6% → 6.0%, P = .007 and 0% → 4.6%, P = .003). The proportion with lung disease remained stable. Eight patients (3.2%) had overt stroke; most had normal (28.3%) or stable (50.3%) brain magnetic resonance imaging. On multivariable analysis, cardiac dysfunction was associated with MAC (odds ratio [OR] = 2.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-6.77; P = .033) and severe acute GVHD (OR = 2.41; 95% CI, 1.04-5.62; P = .041). Neurologic events were associated with central nervous system indication (OR = 2.88; 95% CI, 2.00-4.12; P < .001). Overall organ dysfunction was associated with age ≥16 years (OR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.35-3.78; P = .002) and clinically severe disease (OR = 1.64; 95% CI, 1.02-2.63; P = .043). In conclusion, our results support consideration of HCT at younger age and use of less intense conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Stenger
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Yijin Xiang
- Biostatistics Core, Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Martha Wetzel
- Biostatistics Core, Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Scott Gillespie
- Biostatistics Core, Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Rikin Shah
- Orlando Health - Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, Florida
| | - Staci D Arnold
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Monica Bhatia
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | | | - Julie Kanter
- University of Alabama Birmingham; Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | | | - Robert S Nickel
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Tim S Olson
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Holly Wobma
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gregory M T Guilcher
- Section of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and BMT, University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - John T Horan
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Shalini Shenoy
- Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Allistair Abraham
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
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5
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Carpenter JL, Nickel RS, Webb J, Khademian Z, Speller-Brown B, Majumdar S, Darbari DS, Campbell A, Zhang A, Abraham A. Low Rates of Cerebral Infarction after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease at High Risk for Stroke. Transplant Cell Ther 2021; 27:1018.e1-1018.e9. [PMID: 34530179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2021.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be curative for sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD patients with cerebrovascular disease are often referred for HSCT. The objective of this study was to describe neurologic outcomes after HSCT in patients with pre-existing SCD and cerebrovascular comorbidity. Patients with SCD treated with HSCT at a single center between 1996 and 2019 were identified. Patients with cerebral ischemia and/or vasculopathy before undergoing HSCT were included. Patients with graft failure were excluded. The cohort was divided into 3 groups: symptomatic stroke, vasculopathy without symptomatic stroke, and isolated silent cerebral infarction (SCI). Magnetic resonance imaging/angiography and neurologic assessments pre- and post-HSCT were analyzed to assess outcomes. In a cohort of 44 patients, there were 25 with symptomatic infarction, 10 with vasculopathy, and 9 with isolated SCI. Post-HSCT ischemic injury (2 symptomatic strokes, 2 SCIs) was identified in 4 patients, all with previous symptomatic infarction. Within this group (n = 25), the post-HSCT incidence of subsequent symptomatic infarction was 1.6 events/100 patient-years, and SCIs occurred at a rate of 2.2 events/100 patient-years. No patient had progression of vasculopathy post-HSCT. Our data show a low incidence of new ischemic injury after successful HSCT for SCD. Patients with a history of both symptomatic stroke and vasculopathy are at greatest risk for post-HSCT ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Carpenter
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Robert S Nickel
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Jennifer Webb
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Zarir Khademian
- Department of Radiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Barbara Speller-Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Suvankar Majumdar
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Deepika S Darbari
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Andrew Campbell
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Anqing Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Allistair Abraham
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
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6
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Shaw R, Kappa S, Nickel RS. Inpatient Ordering of Home Hydroxyurea by Residents for Hospitalized Patients With Sickle Cell Disease. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2020; 42:e38-e41. [PMID: 31688620 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000001638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydroxyurea is a well-established disease-modifying medication for sickle cell disease (SCD). At some institutions, hydroxyurea can only be ordered by "chemotherapy-certified" providers which may not include pediatric resident physicians. METHODS We conducted a survey of 39 American pediatric hospitals regarding their policy on resident hydroxyurea ordering for SCD. Our institution changed its policy in June 2016 to allow residents to order hydroxyurea for hospitalized patients with SCD who were already on hydroxyurea at home. We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of a random sample of patients with SCD on hydroxyurea admitted the year before and the year after this policy change. RESULTS In our national survey, 51% of surveyed hospitals allowed residents to order hydroxyurea, 19% required a second signature, and 30% did not allow residents to order hydroxyurea. In our institutional study, patients after the policy change were significantly more likely to have received their home hydroxyurea by hospital day 1: before 62/90 (69%) versus after 105/119 (88%), P=0.0005. The proportion of patients who inappropriately received hydroxyurea was very low in both groups: before 1/91 (1%) versus after 3/126 (2%), P=0.64, with no serious adverse clinical events due to inappropriate hydroxyurea administration. CONCLUSIONS Considerable national variation in practice currently exists in regards to resident hydroxyurea ordering hospital policies. A policy allowing residents to order hydroxyurea significantly increased the likelihood of a patient receiving hydroxyurea while hospitalized with no significant increase in inappropriate hydroxyurea administration. Resident hydroxyurea ordering seems safe and beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Shaw
- C. S. Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Robert S Nickel
- Children's National Health System.,The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
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7
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Nickel RS, Horan JT, Abraham A, Qayed M, Haight A, Ngwube A, Liang H, Luban NLC, Hendrickson JE. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antibodies and transfusion support in paediatric HLA‐matched haematopoietic cell transplant for sickle cell disease. Br J Haematol 2019; 189:162-170. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert S. Nickel
- Division of Hematology Children's National Hospital WashingtonDCUSA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences Washington DCUSA
| | - John T. Horan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Emory University Atlanta GAUSA
| | - Allistair Abraham
- Division of Hematology Children's National Hospital WashingtonDCUSA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences Washington DCUSA
| | - Muna Qayed
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Emory University Atlanta GAUSA
| | - Ann Haight
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Emory University Atlanta GAUSA
| | - Alexander Ngwube
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Phoenix Children's Hospital Phoenix AZUSA
| | - Hua Liang
- Department of Statistics The George Washington University Washington DCUSA
| | - Naomi L. C. Luban
- Division of Hematology Children's National Hospital WashingtonDCUSA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences Washington DCUSA
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8
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Abraham AA, Lang H, Meier ER, Nickel RS, Dean M, Lawal N, Speller-Brown B, Wang Y, Kean L, Bollard CM. Characterization of natural killer cells expressing markers associated with maturity and cytotoxicity in children and young adults with sickle cell disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019; 66:e27601. [PMID: 30609269 PMCID: PMC6707525 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) is increasingly recognized as a red blood cell disorder modulated by abnormally increased inflammation. We have previously shown that in patients with SCD not on a disease-modifying therapy (hydroxyurea or chronic transfusions), natural killer (NK) cell numbers are increased. In the current study, we further investigated the NK cell function to determine if there was evidence of increased activation and cytotoxicity. PROCEDURE We conducted a cross-sectional study of 44 patients with HbSS/HbSβ0 thalassemia at steady state (hydroxyurea = 13, chronic transfusion = 11, no disease-modifying therapy = 20) and 23 healthy controls. Using a fresh blood sample, NK immunophenotyping was performed as follows: NK cells (CD3- CD56+ lymphocytes) were evaluated for makers associated with activation (NKG2D, NKp30, NKp44, and CD69) and maturity (CD57, killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR), and CD56dim). Degranulation and cytotoxicity assays were performed to evaluate NK cell function. RESULTS Patients with SCD who were not on disease-modifying therapy had a higher number of NK cells with an immunophenotype associated with increased cytotoxicity (NKG2D+ , NKp30+ , CD56dim+ , and KIR+ NK cells) compared with healthy controls and patients on hydroxyurea. NK cells from SCD patients not on disease-modifying therapy demonstrated significantly increased cytotoxicity (measured by assaying NK cell killing of the K562 cell line) compared with healthy controls (P = 0.005). Notably, NK cell cytotoxicity against K562 cells in the hydroxyurea or chronic transfusion patients was not significantly different from that in healthy controls. CONCLUSION SCD is associated with increased NK cell function as well as increased NK cell numbers, which appears to be normalized with disease-modifying therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haili Lang
- Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC
| | | | | | - Marcus Dean
- Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC
| | - Nurah Lawal
- Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC
| | | | - Yunfei Wang
- Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC
| | - Leslie Kean
- Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington
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9
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Darbari I, O'Brien JE, Hardy SJ, Speller-Brown B, Thaniel L, Martin B, Darbari DS, Nickel RS. Views of parents of children with sickle cell disease on pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65:e27102. [PMID: 29667775 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is an option for parents who have a child with sickle cell disease (SCD) to have another child without SCD. We conducted a survey of 19 parents with at least one child with SCD to investigate views on PGD. Before education, 44% of parents were aware of PGD. All parents rated PGD education as important. All parents considering another child also reported interest in using PGD if insurance covered its costs. Parents who have a child with SCD appear to be interested in PGD and educational tools informing this group about PGD should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha Darbari
- Division of Hematology, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Steven J Hardy
- Division of Hematology, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Barbara Speller-Brown
- Division of Hematology, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Lisa Thaniel
- Division of Hematology, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Brenda Martin
- Division of Hematology, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Deepika S Darbari
- Division of Hematology, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Robert S Nickel
- Division of Hematology, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia
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10
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Nickel RS, Horan JT, Fasano RM, Meyer E, Josephson CD, Winkler AM, Yee ME, Kean LS, Hendrickson JE. Immunophenotypic parameters and RBC alloimmunization in children with sickle cell disease on chronic transfusion. Am J Hematol 2015; 90:1135-41. [PMID: 26361243 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.24188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alloimmunization against red blood cell (RBC) antigens is a cause of morbidity and mortality in transfused patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). To investigate distinguishing characteristics of patients who develop RBC alloantibodies after transfusion (responders) versus those who do not (non-responders), a cross-sectional study of 90 children with SCD on chronic RBC transfusion therapy at a single institution was conducted in which 18 immune parameters (including T and B cell subsets) were tested via flow cytometry, and medical records were reviewed. RBC alloimmunization was present in 26/90 (29%) patients, with anti-E, K, and C among the most commonly detected alloantibodies despite prophylactic matching for these antigens at the study institution. In addition, RBC autoantibodies had been detected in 18/26 (69%) of alloimmunized versus 7/64 (11%) of non-alloimmunized patients (P < 0.0001). Alloimmunized patients were significantly older (median 13.0 years vs. 10.7 years, P = 0.010) and had more RBC unit exposures (median 148 U vs. 82 U, P = 0.020) than non-alloimmunized patients. Sex, age at initiation of chronic transfusion, splenectomy, stroke, and transfusion outside of the study institution were not significantly associated with RBC alloimmunization. Alloimmunized patients had a significantly increased percentage of CD4+ T memory cells compared to non-alloimmunized patients (57% vs. 49%, P = 0.0047), with no other significant differences in immune cell subsets or laboratory values detected between these groups. Additional research of RBC alloimmunization is needed to optimize transfusion therapy and to develop strategies to prevent alloimmunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S. Nickel
- Division of Hematology; Children's National Health System; Washington District of Columbia
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University; Atlanta Georgia
- Center for Transfusion and Cellular Therapy, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Emory University; Atlanta Georgia
| | - John T. Horan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University; Atlanta Georgia
| | - Ross M. Fasano
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University; Atlanta Georgia
- Center for Transfusion and Cellular Therapy, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Emory University; Atlanta Georgia
| | - Erin Meyer
- Center for Transfusion and Cellular Therapy, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Emory University; Atlanta Georgia
| | - Cassandra D. Josephson
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University; Atlanta Georgia
- Center for Transfusion and Cellular Therapy, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Emory University; Atlanta Georgia
| | - Anne M. Winkler
- Center for Transfusion and Cellular Therapy, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Emory University; Atlanta Georgia
| | - Marianne E.M. Yee
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University; Atlanta Georgia
| | - Leslie S. Kean
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University; Atlanta Georgia
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Seattle Washington
| | - Jeanne E. Hendrickson
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University; Atlanta Georgia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Yale University; New Haven Connecticut
- Department of Pediatrics; Yale University; New Haven Connecticut
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Nickel
- Department of Pathology, Center for Transfusion and Cellular Therapy, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Division of Hematology, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - E K Waller
- Department of Pathology, Center for Transfusion and Cellular Therapy, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M Qayed
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - K-Y Chiang
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Nickel RS, Hendrickson JE, Yee MM, Bray RA, Gebel HM, Kean LS, Miklos DB, Horan JT. Red blood cell transfusions are associated with HLA class I but not H-Y alloantibodies in children with sickle cell disease. Br J Haematol 2015; 170:247-56. [PMID: 25891976 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.13424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Blood transfusions can induce alloantibodies to antigens on red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells and platelets, with these alloantibodies affecting transfusion and transplantation. While transfusion-related alloimmunization against RBC antigens and human leucocyte antigens (HLA) have been studied, transfusion-related alloimmunization to minor histocompatibility antigens (mHA), such as H-Y antigens, has not been clinically characterized. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 114 children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and tested for antibodies to 5 H-Y antigens and to HLA class I and class II. Few patients had H-Y antibodies, with no significant differences in the prevalence of any H-Y antibody observed among transfused females (7%), transfused males (6%) and never transfused females (4%). In contrast, HLA class I, but not HLA class II, antibodies were more prevalent among transfused than never transfused patients (class I: 33% vs. 13%, P = 0·046; class II: 7% vs. 8%, P = 0·67). Among transfused patients, RBC alloantibody history but not amount of transfusion exposure was associated with a high (>25%) HLA class I panel reactive antibody (Odds ratio 6·8, 95% confidence interval 2·1-22·3). These results are consistent with immunological responder and non-responder phenotypes, wherein a subset of patients with SCD may be at higher risk for transfusion-related alloimmunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Nickel
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Centre, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeanne E Hendrickson
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Paediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marianne M Yee
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Centre, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert A Bray
- Department of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Howard M Gebel
- Department of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Leslie S Kean
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Centre, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Ben Towne Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David B Miklos
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - John T Horan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Centre, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Nickel RS, Osunkwo I, Garrett A, Robertson J, Archer DR, Promislow DEL, Horan JT, Hendrickson JE, Kean LS. Immune parameter analysis of children with sickle cell disease on hydroxycarbamide or chronic transfusion therapy. Br J Haematol 2015; 169:574-83. [PMID: 25753210 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.13326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is increasingly appreciated as an inflammatory condition associated with alterations in immune phenotype and function. In this cross-sectional study we performed a multiparameter analysis of 18 immune markers in 114 paediatric SCD patients divided by treatment group [those receiving hydroxycrabamide (HC, previously termed hydroxyurea), chronic transfusion (CT), or no disease-modifying therapy] and 29 age-matched African American healthy controls. We found global elevation of most immune cell counts in SCD patients receiving no disease-modifying therapy at steady state. Despite the decrease in percentage of haemoglobin S associated with CT therapy, the abnormal cellular immune phenotype persisted in patients on CT. In contrast, in both univariate and multivariate analysis, treatment with HC was associated with normalization of the vast majority of leucocyte populations. This study provides additional support for HC treatment in SCD, as it appears that HC decreases the abnormally elevated immune cell counts in patients with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Nickel
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Centre, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Centre for Transfusion and Cellular Therapies, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Nickel RS, Keller F, Bergsagel J, Cooper T, Daves M, Sabnis H, Lew G. Mitoxantrone as a substitute for daunorubicin during induction in newly diagnosed lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:810-4. [PMID: 24357218 PMCID: PMC4317248 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Daunorubicin, a component of the four-drug induction chemotherapy regimen for de novo pediatric high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LLy), was unavailable in 2011 due to a national drug shortage. During this time, our institution substituted mitoxantrone 6.25 mg/m(2) for daunorubicin 25 mg/m(2) on induction Days 1, 8, 15, and 22. While mitoxantrone has been shown to be effective for relapsed ALL, it has not been studied in de novo pediatric ALL/LLy. PROCEDURE We conducted a retrospective cohort study of newly diagnosed patients with ALL or LLy at our institution 1/2009-4/2013 to compare induction toxicity and response of patients treated with mitoxantrone versus daunorubicin. RESULTS Eleven patients received mitoxantrone, 121 patients received daunorubicin. Induction toxicities including deaths, intensive care unit admissions, fever, bacteremia, and invasive fungal disease were similar for the two groups. Mean number of days hospitalized during induction was also similar (mitoxantrone 9.7 days vs. daunorubicin 11.2 days, P = 0.60). Minimal residual disease prevalence at the end of induction was not significantly different (mitoxantrone 33.3% vs. daunorubicin 23.0%, P = 0.44). The only significant difference between the groups was that a higher proportion of patients who received mitoxantrone had consolidation delayed due to myelosuppression (mitoxantrone 30.0% vs. daunorubicin 6.0%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION Induction toxicity and response for new ALL/LLy patients treated with mitoxantrone in place of daunorubicin were similar to the toxicity and response seen with conventional daunorubicin. Mitoxantrone is a reasonable replacement for daunorubicin in times of drug shortage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S. Nickel
- Correspondence to: Robert S. Nickel, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, 2015 Uppergate Drive, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30322.,
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