Newborn bloodspot results: predictive value of screen positive test for thalassaemia major.

AIM: There are limited published data on the performance of the percentage of haemoglobin A (Hb A) as a screening test for beta thalassaemia major in the newborn period. This paper aims to analyse data derived from a national newborn bloodspot screening programme for sickle cell disease on the performance of haemoglobin A (Hb A) as a screening test for beta thalassaemia major in the newborn period. METHODS: Newborn bloodspot sickle cell screening data from 2,288,008 babies were analysed. Data reported to the NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme in England for the period 2005 to 2012 were also reviewed to identify any missed cases (4,599,849 babies). RESULTS: Within the cohort of 2,288,008 births, 170 babies were identified as screen positive for beta thalassaemia major using a cut-point of 1.5% HbA. There were 51 identified through look-back methods and 119 prospectively identified from 4 screening laboratories. Among 119 babies with prospective data, 7 were lost to follow up and 15 were false positive results. Using a cut-off value of 1.5% Hb A as a percentage of the total haemoglobin as a screening test for beta thalassaemia major in the newborn provides an estimated sensitivity of 99% (from the look back arm of the study) with a positive predictive value of 87% (from the prospective arm of the study). Excluding infants born before 32 weeks gestation, the positive predictive value rose to 95%. CONCLUSION: A haemoglobin A value of less than 1.5% is a reliable screening test for beta thalassaemia major in the newborn period.

Extended spectrum of human glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 3 deficiency: novel genotypes and phenotypic variability in severe congenital neutropenia.

OBJECTIVE: To delineate the phenotypic and molecular spectrum of patients with a syndromic variant of severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) due to mutations in the gene encoding glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 3 (G6PC3). STUDY DESIGN: Patients with syndromic SCN were characterized for associated malformations and referred to us for G6PC3 mutational analysis. RESULTS: In a cohort of 31 patients with syndromic SCN, we identified 16 patients with G6PC3 deficiency including 11 patients with novel biallelic mutations. We show that nonhematologic features of G6PC3 deficiency are good predictive indicators for mutations in G6PC3. Additionally, we demonstrate genetic variability in this disease and define novel features such as growth hormone deficiency, genital malformations, disrupted bone remodeling, and abnormalities of the integument. G6PC3 mutations may be associated with hydronephrosis or facial dysmorphism. The risk of transition to myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia may be lower than in other genetically defined SCN subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The phenotypic and molecular spectrum in G6PC3 deficiency is wider than previously appreciated. The risk of transition to myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia may be lower in G6PC3 deficiency compared with other subgroups of SCN.

Outcome after first relapse in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia - lessons from the United Kingdom R2 trial.

A retrospective analysis of children with first relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), treated on the UKALL R2 protocol at four different hospitals, between June 1995 and December 2002 was performed. Of the 150 children 139 (93%) achieved a second complete remission. The overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) for the whole group was 56% and 47% respectively. The duration of first complete remission and immunophenotype, but not sites of relapse, were predictive for survival. Using the Berlin-Frankfürt-Münster risk stratification for relapsed ALL, the OS and EFS for standard, intermediate (IR) and high risk (HR) groups were 92% and 92%, 64% and 51%, and 14% and 15%, respectively; P < 0.0001 for both OS and EFS. In the IR group, those with a very early isolated central nervous system relapse also had a significantly worse outcome (P = 0.0001). Given the poor outcome of a second relapse, clear strategies are required to identify those in the IR group who will most benefit from stem cell transplantation (SCT). A higher proportion (16%) of induction failures in the HR group suggest the need for novel agents during this phase of treatment, but SCT was associated with a lower relapse rate and better outcome than those treated with chemotherapy alone.

Impact of disordered puberty on bone density in beta-thalassaemia major.

Reduction of bone density and its associated morbidity is recognized in young adults with beta-thalassaemia major, but the aetiology is not clear. This study used dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to look at bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) in children and young adults with thalassaemia in a predominantly Asian population, in the context of sexual maturation. Fifty-five patients were scanned (mean age 13.8 years, range 5.9-37.5) and BMAD z-scores were calculated using normal data from locally recruited control subjects. Eighteen patients had undergone bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and the remainder were on a transfusion/chelation regimen. BMAD z-scores ranged from -3.3-1.6 with a mean of -0.92. No difference in BMAD was found between those patients treated conventionally and those who had undergone BMT. When comparing mean BMAD z-score according to sexual maturation, there was a highly significant difference (P < 0.0001) between those whose pubertal maturation was age appropriate (mean z-score -0.22), when compared with those who had disordered puberty (mean z-score -1.82). We have shown that failure to progress normally through puberty is highly significant in the failure of adequate bone mineralization and achievement of peak bone mass in thalassaemic patients. The management of these patients should therefore be pro-active to anticipate problems and facilitate normal sexual maturation.