Blood component-associated acute transfusion reactions in pediatric patients: experience of a tertiary care hospital.

Background/aim: The transfusion of blood products is a life-saving clinical practice in patients with bleeding, hemoglobinopathy, and cancer. It was aimed herein to analyze the frequency and types of blood component-related acute transfusion reactions (ATRs) in pediatric patients. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care academic pediatric hospital. Results: During the study period, 30,811 transfusions were administered to 25,448 patients. There were 103 ATRs detected in 81 patients (0.33%; 3.34 reactions per 1000 transfusions, mean age 8.3 ± 5.98 years, 36 females and 45 males). All the reactions were observed within an average of 4 h after the transfusion began. The most common ATRs were allergic reactions (79; 76.6%) and febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (12; 11.6%). All the allergic transfusion reactions occurred within the first hour after the start of the transfusion. Granulocyte concentrates were the blood component associated with the highest ATR rate (2.1%). Conclusion: Within our hospital, pediatric hematology-oncology wards and the stem cell transplantation unit had the most frequent ATR reports; therefore, when transfusions are carried out, increased attention should be given to these units. Educating health staff about the adverse effects of transfusion therapy should increase the awareness and reporting of ATRs in children.

Prognosis of Second Primary Malignancies in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Survivors: A Multicenter Study by the Turkish Pediatric Hematology Society.

The improved survival rates of childhood cancers raise the long-term risk of second primary malignancy (SPM) in childhood and adolescent cancer survivors. The intensity of the treatment protocol used, the use of some groups of chemotherapeutics, and radiotherapy were found to be risk factors for the development of second primary malignancies (SPMs). Forty-one patients who developed acute myelocytic leukemia or any solid organ cancer within 25 years of follow-up, after completion of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, were included in the study. The mean duration of initial ALL diagnosis to SPM was 9.3 ± 6.1 years. The 3 most common SPMs were acute myelocytic leukemia, glial tumors, and thyroid cancer. Thirteen (81%) of 16 patients exposed to cranial irradiation had cancer related to the radiation field. In total 13/41 (32%) patients died, and the 5-year overall survival rate was 70 ± 8%. Patients older than 5 years old at ALL diagnosis had significantly worse overall survival than cases younger than 5 years old. In conclusion, children and adolescents who survive ALL have an increased risk of developing SPM compared with healthy populations, and physicians following these patients should screen for SPMs at regular intervals.

The Effects of Vitamin D on Myocardial Function Demonstrated by Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Children with Beta Thalassemia.

OBJECTIVE: Beta thalassemia major is an inherited hemoglobin disorder resulting in chronic hemolytic anemia. Cardiac involvement is the main cause of death in patients. Speckle-tracking echocardiography is a feasible method for the evaluation of cardiac function via an assessment of the longitudinal deformation of the myocardium through the cardiac cycle. The aim of our study is to evaluate the association between vitamin D deficiency and deformation of the left ventricular myocardium measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography in children with thalassemia major. METHODS: In this prospective study, 33 thalassemic patients with vitamin D deficiency were enrolled. Cardiac magnetic resonance T2* value, conventional echocardiography, and speckle tracking, and also left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential strain values were measured. Myocardial functions of the patients with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency were evaluated by speckle-tracking echocardiography before and after vitamin D replacement. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 15.4 ± 3.09 years. Vitamin D level was deficient in 30 (90%) and insufficient in 3 (10%) of them. Speckle-tracking analysis showed a significantly decreased absolute value of the left ventricular global longitudinal strain before vitamin D replacement. A significant improvement in the global longitudinal strain was detected after vitamin D replacement (P < 0.05). A statistically significant increase was observed in parameters showing left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions after vitamin D replacement. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is frequently observed and causes decreased contractility in thalassemic patients. In our study, we observed that our patients' cardiac functions had improved after vitamin D replacement therapy.

Central nervous system thrombosis in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Turkey: A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the risk of thromboembolism increases due to hemostatic changes secondary to the primary disease and due to treatment-related factors. In this multicenter study, we aimed to research the frequency of central nervous system (CNS) thrombosis occurring during treatment, hereditary and acquired risk factors, clinical and laboratory features of patients with thrombosis, treatment approaches, and thrombosis-related mortality and morbidity rates in pediatric ALL patients. PROCEDURE: Pediatric patients who developed CNS thrombosis during ALL treatment from 2010 to 2021 were analyzed retrospectively in 25 different Pediatric Hematology Oncology centers in Türkiye. The demographic characteristics of the patients, symptoms associated with thrombosis, the stage of the leukemia treatment during thrombosis, the anticoagulant therapy applied for thrombosis, and the final status of the patients recorded through electronic medical records were determined. RESULTS: Data from 70 patients with CNS thrombosis during treatment, out of 3968 pediatric patients with ALL, were reviewed. The incidence of CNS thrombosis was 1.8% (venous: 1.5 %; arterial: 0.03%). Among patients with CNS thrombosis, 47 had the event in the first 2 months. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was the most commonly used treatment with a median of 6 months (min-max: 3-28 months). No treatment-related complications occurred. Chronic thrombosis findings occurred in four patients (6%). In five (7%) patients who developed cerebral vein thrombosis, neurological sequelae (epilepsy and neurological deficit) remained. One patient died related to thrombosis, and the mortality rate was 1.4%. CONCLUSION: Cerebral venous thrombosis and, less frequently, cerebral arterial thrombosis may develop in patients with ALL. The incidence of CNS thrombosis is higher during induction therapy than during other courses of treatment. Therefore, patients receiving induction therapy should be monitored carefully for clinical findings suggestive of CNS thrombosis.

A case series of intracardiac thrombi and vascular involvement in pediatric Behçet's disease.

To evaluate the general characteristics of pediatric Behçet's disease (BD) patients with thrombus and to present the clinical features, treatment responses and prognosis of patients with intracardiac thrombus. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of 15 patients with thrombus among 85 pediatric BD patients followed in the Department of Pediatric Rheumatology were evaluated retrospectively. Of the 15 BD patients with thrombus, 12 (80%) were male, 3 (20%) were female. The mean age at diagnosis was 12.9 ± 1.1 years. Thrombus was present at the time of diagnosis in 12 patients (80%), while thrombus developed in three patients within the first three months after diagnosis. The most common site of thrombus was the central nervous system (n = 9, 60%), followed by deep vein thrombus (n = 6, 40%) and pulmonary artery thrombus (n = 4, 26.6%). Three male patients (20%) developed intracardiac thrombus. The overall intracardiac thrombus rate in the 85 patients was 3.5%. Two of the three patients had thrombus in the right, and one had thrombus in the left heart cavity. In addition to steroids, 2 of the 3 patients received cyclophosphamide, while the patient with thrombus localized in the left heart cavity was given infliximab. In the follow-up, the two patients with thrombus in the right heart cavity were switched to infliximab because of resistance to cyclophosphamide. Complete resolution was observed in 2 of the 3 patients on infliximab; a significant reduction in the thrombus of the other patient was achieved. Intracardiac thrombus is a rare presentation of cardiac involvement in BD. It is usually observed in males and in the right heart. Although steroids and immunosuppressive agents such as cyclophosphamide are recommended as first-line treatment, favorable outcomes can be achieved with anti-TNFs in resistant cases.

Central Nervous System Fungal Infections in Children With Leukemia and Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Central nervous system fungal infections (CNSFI) are seen in patients with hematologic malignancies and have high morbidity and mortality. Because of their rarity, there is limited data on CNSFI in children with no established treatment protocols or guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter retrospective study, 51 pediatric patients with leukemia, 6 of whom had undergone bone marrow transplantation, with proven or probable CNSFI were evaluated. Fungal infections were defined as proven or probable based on European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria. Proven CNSFI was diagnosed by appropriate central nervous system (CNS) imaging or tissue sample findings in combination with positive microbiological results of cerebrospinal fluid. A positive culture, microscopic evidence of hyphae, a positive result of the galactomannan assays are defined as positive microbiological evidence. Probable CNSFI was defined as appropriate CNS imaging findings together with proven or probable invasive fungal infections at another focus without CNS when there is no other explanatory condition. Data was collected by using the questionnaire form (Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JPHO/A541 ). RESULTS: Seventeen patients had proven, 34 patients had probable CNSFI. Headaches and seizures were the most common clinical findings. The median time between the onset of fever and diagnosis was 5 days. The most common fungal agent identified was Aspergillus . Sixteen patients received single-agent, 35 received combination antifungal therapy. Surgery was performed in 23 patients. Twenty-two patients (43%) died, 29 of the CNSFI episodes recovered with a 20% neurological sequelae. CONCLUSION: CNSFIs should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with leukemia and refractory/recurrent fever, headache, neurologicalocular symptoms, and a radiologic-serological evaluation should be performed immediately. Early diagnosis and prompt management, both medical and surgical, are essential for improving clinical outcomes.

Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Primary Immunodeficiency and Malignancy in Childhood at a Tertiary Oncology Center in Developing Country.

Primary immune deficiencies are a group of heterogenous genetic disorders characterized by frequent infections, autoimmunity and malignancy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate clinical characteristics, outcomes of children with malignancy developed on background of primary immunodeficiency and compare survival rates of patients between malignant lymphoma with primary immunodeficiency and without immunodeficiency from tertiary oncology center in a developing country. A total 23 patients with primary immunodeficiency and malignancy were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 26 malignancies (first or second) in 23 patients were determined. The median age at the time of the first malignancy was 8 years (ranges 2-18 years) with increased male ratio (M/F:14/9). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 17; 65%) was the most common malignancy, followed by Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 5), anaplastic ependymoma (n = 1), spinal glioblastoma multiforme (n = 1), retinoblastoma (n = 1) and intracranial hemangiopericytoma (n = 1). The median follow-up time of patients was 25 months (ranges between 1 and 189 months). The 5-year overall survival rate of patients with malignant lymphoma associated with primary immunodeficiency (41%) were lower than immunocompetent patients with malignant lymphoma (80%) (p = 0.000). The 5-year overall survival of patients was diagnosed between 2021 and 2013 years (62%) was higher than previous years (22%) (p = 0.03). In conclusion, non-Hodgkin lymphomas were the most common histopathologic type in patients with malignancy associated with primary immunodeficiency in the present study. The survival of patients with malignant lymphoma associated with primary immunodeficiency has improved in recent years, yet it is still lower than immunocompetent patients with lymphoma and new targeted drugs are required for better survival rates.

The Development of Chylothorax in a Child With T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma and Ataxia Telangiectasia During Induction Therapy.

Chylothorax is an unusual complication of childhood cancer. It causes to additional morbidity and mortality during management. It should be kept in mind that chylothorax may occur due to mass shrinkage during treatment in patients with mediastinal mass and ductus thoracicus invasion at the initial diagnosis and necessary measures should be taken. This case was presented because of the rarity in pediatric oncology practice.

Successful treatment of multiple relapsed-refractory Langerhans cell histiocytosis with cyclosporine.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare hematologic disorder and patients who fail first-line treatment have a poor prognosis, and require more intensive treatment. We present an infant diagnosed with multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis refractory to multimodal therapy who was successfully treated with cyclosporine. Cyclosporine might be an effective alternative drug as nonmyelosuppressive rescue therapy for multiple relapsed-refractory Langerhans cell histiocytosis that has not achieved remission with cladribine and cytarabine therapy.

Children With Behçet Disease-associated Thrombosis: A Single-Center Experience.

Behçet disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis that can be complicated with thrombosis, which is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. The course of BD is more severe, and the diagnosis is usually delayed. In children, thrombosis associated with BD is very rare. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the characteristics of children with BD complicated with thrombosis. Forty-six patients with BD who were followed-up at a pediatric rheumatology department between January 2012 and September 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Thrombosis was detected in 10 patients (21.7%), and it was the first sign of BD in 7 patients. Four patients had cerebral sinus venous thrombosis, 4 patients had deep-vein thrombosis, 1 patient had renal vein thrombosis, 1 had pulmonary artery thrombosis, and 1 had intracardiac thrombosis. None of the patients had arterial thrombosis. All patients had received anticoagulant therapy with immunosuppressive treatment. Any complication due to anticoagulant therapy was not detected. One patient had recurrent thrombosis, and none of the patients died during follow-up. Vasculitic diseases such as BD may cause a predisposition to thrombosis, and thrombosis might be the first sign of BD. Therefore, in children presenting with unprovoked thrombosis, BD should also be investigated.

Efficacy and safety of granulocyte transfusion in children: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Granulocyte suspension transfusion (GTx) can be used in severely neutropenic patients with infections that cannot be controlled despite appropriate antibiotic therapy. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of GTx for the treatment of febrile neutropenia (FEN) in the pediatric age group. METHODS: Patients who underwent GTx in the Hematology Clinic of Ankara Child Health and Diseases Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital between 2013 and 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Hematologic and clinical response rates, effects on survival, and adverse effects were investigated. Clinical response was defined at two time points: clinical response I was evaluated after each transfusion, while clinical response II was evaluated after the final GTx in a FEN episode. RESULTS: During the study period, 343 GTx were given 107 FEN episodes of 74 patients. The mean number of granulocyte suspensions administered per patient and per FEN episode was 4.6 units and 3.2 units. The mean GTx volume administered was 237 ± 40 mL, and the mean granulocyte count was 2.8 ± 1.3 x 1010 /unit. Hematologic response was attained in 163 (47.6%) of 343 transfusions. Clinical response I was obtained in 88 (25.7%) of the GTx, and clinical response II was attained in 83 (78.5%) of 107 episodes. Life-threatening adverse event was not observed. The cumulative 1-month and 3-month survival rates were 87.8% and 76.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: High hematologic response and clinical recovery rates were achieved with GTx, with no limiting adverse effects. Granulocyte transfusion appears to be a safe and effective treatment in pediatric patients with FEN.

Evaluation of hypersensitivity reactions to cancer chemotherapeutic agents in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to chemotherapeutic agents have been increasingly documented. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate HSRs due to chemotherapeutics agents in childhood. METHODS: From January 2007 to June 2019, the patients who were treated for neoplastic diseases in our hospital were evaluated. Patients who developed a HSR to a chemotherapeutic agent were included. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients with 65 reactions (60% anaphylaxis) were evaluated. Escherichia coli asparaginase was responsible for 38 (58.5%) of these 65 reactions. The other agents were polyethylene glycol (PEG)-asparaginase (n = 11), etoposide (n = 7), methotrexate (n = 4), carboplatin (n = 4), and procarbazine (n = 1). Of the 38 patients who had a reaction to E coli-asparaginase, 33 patients received alternative treatment (PEG-asparaginase or Erwinia asparaginase), 3 patients continued with desensitization, and 2 patients underwent bone marrow transplantation. Five patients who had an initial reaction to PEG-asparaginase continued their treatment with Erwinia asparaginase or E coli asparaginase uneventfully. Of 7 patients who had a reaction to etoposide (4 had anaphylaxis), 3 patients continued with desensitization, and 2 patients used the drug with premedication and prolonged infusion. Two patients had anaphylaxis with methotrexate. Treatment was continued with desensitization in 1 patient and methotrexate treatment was discontinued in the other patient. Of the 4 patients with carboplatin hypersensitivity, 2 had anaphylaxis. Desensitization was performed in 2 patients. One patient had procarbazine HSR, drug was given with premedication. CONCLUSION: Among all chemotherapeutic agents reviewed in our study that caused HSRs, asparaginase was the most common culprit agent in children. Most of reactions are immediate type. Many of the patients can take their treatment by drug replacement or desensitization.

Bone Marrow Necrosis in a Patient Following Blinatumomab Therapy.

Bone marrow necrosis (BMN) is an extremely rare condition characterized by necrosis of the myeloid tissue and medullary stroma leaving an amorphous eosinophilic background and ill-defined necrotic cells in the hematopoietic bone marrow. Several conditions are associated with BMN, including sickle cell disease, metastatic carcinoma, and hematologic malignancies. It is also associated with the use of antineoplastic drugs, such as fludarabine, interferon alpha, and imatinib. Blinatumomab is a CD19/CD3 bispecific T-cell engager antibody which redirects autologous CD3-positive T cells to CD19-positive lymphoblasts creating a cytolytic synapse leading to blastic cells. Cytokine release syndrome, cerebral nervous system toxicities, and febrile neutropenia are the most frequent adverse effects of blinatumomab. Here, we report an adolescent boy with relapse/resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia developing BMN following blinatumomab therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first case report on BMN following blinatumomab treatment.

Evaluation of measles immunity in Turkey: is it still a threat?

Background/aim: Measles is one of the important vaccine-preventable diseases with many complications in childhood. This study presents cross-sectional seroepidemiological data, beginning from neonatal cord blood in infants to children under 6 years of age, about waning of measles antibody and tries to suggest the proper time for measles immunization. Materials and methods: A total of 564 blood samples consisting of neonatal cord blood and samples taken from infants and children at ages of 6, 9, 24­48, and 49­72 months were analyzed for measles seropositivity in a period of 6 months. Results: Measles seropositivity rate was 72.5% in 109 cord blood samples, 2.6% in 117 infants of 6 months of age, and 3.6% in 111 infants of 9 months of age. Seropositivity was determined in 118 children at 24­48 months and in 109 children at 49­72 months and was 80.5% and 66%, respectively (P = 0.001). These children were vaccinated in the 12th month. Conclusion: Though measles immunization coverage is 97% in Turkey, population immunity is somewhat lower than expected. Increases of measles cases in Europe and the refugee problem in the country could easily lead to outbreaks. Implementing the first dose of the immunization at 9 months may be an option.