A lower fibrinogen threshold does not lead to increased bleeding risk in patients receiving therapeutic plasma exchange: A prospective single-center analysis.

BACKGROUND: Plasma exchange (PLEX) therapy is indicated for several disorders. The 5% albumin is often used as a sole replacement fluid during most PLEX. However, each 1.0 plasma volume exchange depletes coagulation factors by ~65%. Although most coagulation factors recover to hemostatic levels within 24 h post-PLEX, fibrinogen requires 48-72 h to recover. Fibrinogen is the key coagulation protein for hemostasis. Therefore, fibrinogen is often monitored during the acute course of PLEX, and plasma is supplemented to prevent bleeding if fibrinogen is <100 mg/dL. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective, single-center, observational study to evaluate bleeding risk in adults who received an acute course of PLEX with a fibrinogen level of 80-100 mg/dL without plasma supplementation during the procedure or before central venous catheter removal. The study group was compared to patients with plasma fibrinogen >100 mg/dL. RESULTS: Among the 275 patients who received 1406 PLEXes, 62 patients (23%) who underwent 323 PLEXes met the inclusion criteria, and only 2 (3%) patients had bleeding while on oral anticoagulants. In contrast, out of 275 patients, 143 (52%) with fibrinogen levels >100 mg/dL received 751 PLEX treatments, and bleeding occurred in 2 (1%) while on low-molecular-weight heparin. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a pre-procedure fibrinogen threshold of 80-100 mg/dL without plasma supplementation does not increase bleeding risk unless patients were on anticoagulation.

The increasing need for ABO blood group genotyping and quality assurance implications for laboratory implementation.

ABO blood group antigens are critical determinants of immunologic self and non-self and are ubiquitously expressed on all cellular tissues. Antibodies against non-self ABO antigens are naturally present and can mediate pathologic reactions against incompatible transfused blood cells and transplanted tissues. Laboratory testing for ABO antigens and isoagglutinins is essential for safe and effective transfusion and transplantation. Testing for ABO antigens has traditionally depended on serologic testing. However, there is increasing need for evaluation of genetic analysis of ABO antigens, to enable evaluation of ABO blood group in cases where serologic testing may be ambiguous or impossible to accurately perform. The clinical need for ABO genotyping is being addressed by the development of multiple molecular diagnostic approaches. Recent data have clearly demonstrated the potential utility of ABO genotyping in solid organ transplantation, yet widespread implementation has been slow. We propose that this lag is related to practical considerations in laboratory testing, including limited regulatory guidance on the performance and reporting of these assays and the absence of widely available external proficiency testing programs for quality assurance. Here we describe approaches to ABO genotyping, current initiatives in developing ABO genotyping proficiency testing programs, and laboratory quality assurance considerations for ABO genotyping.

Fellowship Board Pass Rates Rising: Analysis of Pathology Subspecialty Board Examination Performance.

CONTEXT.­: The American Board of Pathology (ABPath) publishes annual performance data for the anatomic pathology (AP) and clinical pathology (CP) board examinations, as well as for ABPath subspecialty examinations. Overall board pass rates for all AP and CP board examinees have increased during the past decade; however, no study has analyzed the board pass rates for pathology subspecialty examinations, and whether these follow the same trend. OBJECTIVE.­: To evaluate ABPath subspecialty examination pass rates to assess the trend in certification. DESIGN.­: We analyzed the total number of first-time test takers and board pass rates for 11 pathology subspecialties recognized by the ABPath from 2007 to 2021, acquired from annual reports published by the ABPath. We compared the pass rates in 5-year intervals (2007-2011, 2012-2016, 2017-2021) for each individual specialty. We also analyzed the pass rate of CP subspecialties compared with AP subspecialties. RESULTS.­: The overall mean pass rate for ABPath subspecialty examinations during the previous 15 years was 89% (range, 78.9%-100%), with the overall pass rate being significantly higher in 2017-2021 (P = .02). The contemporary overall rate of passing was significantly higher for AP subspecialty examinations (P < .001) and was higher, though not significantly, for CP subspecialties (P = .13). There were significant differences between first-time test takers' mean pass rate (92.1%), repeat test takers' mean pass rate (54.5%), and the overall rate (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS.­: Contemporary pathology subspecialty board examination pass rates are significantly higher than historic rates, possibly reflecting continuously improving and readily available preparatory materials.

High versus low fixed-dose four factor-prothrombin complex concentrate for warfarin reversal in patients with intracranial hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate 4F-PCC is the standard of care for warfarin reversal in patients with major bleed or requiring urgent surgery. Although the 4F-PCC dose is weight and international normalized ratio (INR) based, for practical purposes, a fixed-dose approach has been explored, especially for rapid reversal. We report our experience using two different fixed-dose 4F-PCC for warfarin reversal in patients presenting with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We completed a retrospective chart review comparing high (4000 units) versus low (2000 units) dose 4F-PCC by evaluating patient characteristics, laboratory data, and pre-and post-4F-PCC brain imaging. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between patient characteristics or INR correction (≤1.5) between the two groups. Eighty percent (12/15) of patients who received the low dose 4F-PCC had either improved or stable brain imaging as compared to 88% (14/16) of patients who received the high dose PCC. When the eight patients (4 from each arm of the study) who required neurosurgery were excluded, only two patients in each arm had worse imaging after 4F-PCC. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between the INR correction and the brain imaging changes in patients with an ICH who received either the high or the low fixed-dose 4F-PCC for warfarin reversal.

Does Immunohistochemistry Add to Morphology in Differentiating Trichoepithelioma, Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma, Morpheaform Basal Cell Carcinoma, and Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma?

BACKGROUND: The distinction among cutaneous basaloid neoplasms such as trichoepithelioma (TE), desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DTE), morpheaform basal cell carcinoma (MBCC), and microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) can be difficult, especially in superficial biopsies. As the treatment plan of each entity is different, accurate characterization is important for appropriate management. While TE and DTE are benign neoplasms with indolent behavior, MBCC and MAC are typically locally aggressive. The expression of several recently described immunohistochemical (IHC) markers, including p40, IMP3, and ProEx C, has not been adequately established in cutaneous neoplasms. We explored the potential utility of a broad IHC panel, including previously reported and novel markers to differentiate TE, DTE, MBCC, and MAC. DESIGN: A total of 35 archival cases [TE (n=14), DTE (n=9), MBCC (n=6), and MAC (n=6)] were stained with 9 IHC markers: p40, IMP3, ProEx C, p16, CK20, Ki-67, androgen receptor, D2-40, and beta-catenin. Tumors with >5% immunoreactivity were scored as positive. The intensity was scored on a scale from 1+ to 3+. The pattern of positivity- nuclear, cytoplasmic, membranous, or in combination; peripheral or central distribution with lesion was also recorded. RESULTS: CK20 (in contrast to prior studies) and IMP3 were negative in all cases. Likewise, with the exception of one case of TE, androgen receptor showed no immunoreactivity in all categories. No significant difference was observed in the expression of beta-catenin, p16, ProEx C, and p40 among the four groups of cutaneous neoplasms. The mean Ki-67 labeling index for MBCC (8%) was slightly higher than DTE (3%). Interestingly, the proliferation index for TE (15%) was significantly higher than that of MBCC. All six cases of MAC and 36% of TEs expressed D2-40; neither the MBCC nor DE cases showed D2-40immunoreactivity. Also, we confirmed the previously published observation of scattered CK20 positive Merkel cells in the epidermis of all cases of DTE; whereas, no Merkel cells were identified in MBCC and MAC cases. CONCLUSIONS: Except Ki-67, our IHC panel showed no significant added diagnostic utility of IHC in discriminating among TE, DTE, MBCC, and MAC. Among the four cutaneous neoplasms, DTE and MBCC show a small but discernible difference in Ki-67.

Serological Response in Lung Transplant Recipients after Two Doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccines.

BACKGROUND: Lung-transplant (LT) recipients are at high risk for COVID-19 due to immunosuppression and respiratory tropism of SARS-CoV-2. The information on the effect of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines to elicit immunogenic responses after a two-dose (2D) regimen in LT recipients is sparse. Thus, we assessed the effect of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines' 2D regimen on anti-spike responses in immunocompromised LT recipients. METHODS: We utilized serum samples from LT recipients vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 with 2D of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines and 2D-vaccinated naïve (non-transplanted and non-exposed to COVID-19) group. Antibody responses were assessed using the FDA-approved SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid protein IgG assay (IgGNC), the SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike protein IgM assay (IgMSP), and the SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike protein IgG II assay (IgGSP). CD4+ T-cell activity was assessed as a marker of immune competence using the ImmuKnow® assay. RESULTS: About 25% (18/73) of SARS-CoV-2 uninfected-LT patients generated a positive spike-IgG response following 2D of vaccines, with 36% (9/25) in the Moderna cohort and only 19% (9/48) in the Pfizer cohort. 2D in LT patients elicited a significantly lesser median IgGSP response (1.7 AU/mL, 95% CI: 0.6-7.5 AU/mL) compared to non-transplanted, uninfected naïve subjects (14,209 AU/mL, 95% CI: 11,261-18,836 AU/mL; p < 0.0001). In LT patients, the Moderna-evoked seropositivity trend was higher than Pfizer. CONCLUSION: 2D COVID-19 vaccination elicits a dampened serological response in LT patients. Whether assessing other arms of host immunity combined with a higher vaccine dose can better capture and elicit improved immunogenicity in this immunocompromised population warrants investigation.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicity: A new indication for therapeutic plasma exchange?

Novel immune-modulating anticancer drugs are being used with increasing frequency. With increased use, there are more frequent cases of toxicities caused by these drugs, termed immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We present a case in which we successfully treated a case of severe, steroid-refractory, nivolumab-induced myocarditis with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). Nivolumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) which blocks programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1). This blockade allows for enhanced T-cell function and increased anti-tumor response. The patient presented with signs and symptoms of heart failure and was found to have a significantly depressed cardiac ejection fraction. Over the course of her five TPE procedures, she improved clinically and was discharged home with improved left ventricular ejection function. This case suggests an emerging role of TPE in the management of severe ICI-induced toxicity, such as myocarditis.

Comparison of low fixed dose versus standard-dose rituximab to treat thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in the acute phase and preemptively during remission.

The standard dose of rituximab used in B-cell hematological malignancies, 375 mg/m2 weekly, may be excessive for autoimmune conditions. Successful use of a low, fixed dose of 100-200 mg of rituximab, weekly for 4 weeks, has been reported in the literature in the treatment of autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP). We retrospectively analyzed our rituximab data in aTTP over a 13-year-period for 39 patients, with the aim of comparing response and outcomes with a standard lymphoma-dose course versus a low fixed 100 mg-dose course. Compared to the standard dose (17 patients, 17 courses of 4 infusions), our patients who received a low dose (8 patients, 9 courses of 4 infusions) had a possibly lower baseline risk but did achieve a similar time to remission and number of plasma exchange procedures to remission. Preemptive low-dose courses for ADAMTS13 activity <50 % during remission (6 patients, 10 courses of 4 infusions) achieved a median peak ADAMTS13 activity of 99 %, in a median of 1 month, with no clinical relapses. Our results provide additional evidence for the efficacy of low-dose rituximab, with the benefit of much lower cost, less infusion time, and theoretically lower risk of toxicity.

Excellent response to therapeutic plasma exchange in myasthenia gravis patients irrespective of antibody status.

INTRODUCTION: The primary objective of this study was to assess response to plasma exchange (PLEX) in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients with and without autoantibodies (Ab) to acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or muscle-specific kinase (MuSK). Analysis was also done to determine if correlation existed between sex, early or late onset MG, thymoma, or thymectomy and response to PLEX. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was analyzed on 58 consecutive MG patients treated with PLEX. Responses were categorized as complete response, clinical improvement requiring maintenance PLEX, or no/minimal response to PLEX. RESULTS: Eighty-eight percent (51/58) of patients were Ab-positive; 44 had AChR and 7 had MuSK Ab. Complete response was seen in 26 patients (24 Ab+), 24 remain on maintenance PLEX (19 Ab+), and 2 had no/minimal response (both AChR Ab+). Ab status (P = 0.43), AChR Ab (P = 0.10), MuSK Ab (P = 0.45), early onset MG (P = 0.63), thymoma (P = 0.46), and thymectomy (P = 0.16) were not significantly associated with outcome. Patient sex did show significant association with outcome (P = 0.01), with men more likely to have complete response and women more likely to require maintenance. Late onset MG is significantly associated with higher likelihood of complete response (P = 0.03). Antibody titers declined after PLEX in 83% of patients with complete response, in whom pre- and post-PLEX titers were available (n = 6). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our study showed 96% response rate to PLEX in MG; however, only patient gender and late onset MG were significantly associated with treatment response.

Mathematical calculation of lifespan of transfused RBCs in sickle cell disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion of donor red blood cells (RBCs) remains an important part of management of sickle cell disease (SCD). However, the survival characteristics of transfused donor RBCs in SCD patients have not been well studied. We sought to calculate survival kinetics of transfused RBCs in SCD patients since it is unclear whether transfused RBCs get destroyed at faster rate as innocent bystander or persist longer due to decreased destruction capacity such as functional splenectomy. STUDY DESIGN: and methods Forty-one SCD patients who had undergone at least 3 RBC exchange procedures were inlcuded. Interval between the procedures, both pre-procedure and post procedure hematocrits, HbA% and HbS% were collected. We developed a mathematical model to calculate RBC lifespan for donor RBCs. RESULTS: Donor RBCs exhibited average lifespan of about 120days (121.1±13.9 days), which was similar to reported survival of RBCs in normal recipients. However, significant variation between patients were observed with lifespan ranging from 75.6-148.5 days. Intrapersonal variations were small in most cases. CONCLUSION: The calculated survival of donor RBCs in SCD recipient, based on certain laboratory values, appears to be similar to that of normal recipient. However, inter-personal variations were large, suggesting different RBC kinetics in a subset of patients, which calls for further research to better understand underlying pathophysiology. This knowledge of RBC survival would be very helpful in individualized management of patients on chronic RBCx.

HHV8-negative effusion based lymphoma: a series of 17 cases at a single institution.

INTRODUCTION: Human herpesvirus 8-positive (HHV8+) primary effusion lymphoma is a well-recognized clinicopathologic entity. In contrast, HHV8-negative (HHV8-) effusion-based lymphoma (EBL) is incompletely characterized and under-recognized. We describe 17 cases of HHV8- EBL at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytology and available immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics were reviewed. Patient demographics, history, and outcome were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: The effusions were pleural (n = 9; 53%), peritoneal (n = 4; 24%), pericardial (n = 3; 18%), and pleural and pericardial (n = 1; 6%). Fifteen cases (88%) were CD20+ and 15 had sufficient information for classification by Hans algorithm (CD10, BCL6, MUM1): 11 (73%) nongerminal center and 4 (27%) germinal center phenotype. Epstein-Barr virus in situ hybridization was negative in 16 cases (94%). Three of 14 cases were MYC+ by immunohistochemistry. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, performed on 5 of the 17 cases, showed a MYC rearrangement in 1 case and a BCL6 rearrangement in 2 cases. Most patients were elderly (median age 86 years) and female (82%). Human immunodeficiency virus testing results, available in 4 patients, were negative. Seven (41%), including 1 of 2 heart transplant recipients, had congestive heart failure. Follow-up (5 days to 12 years) was available for 16 patients including 4 who survived ≥8 years. Only 1 of the 8 known deaths was clinically attributed to lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: HHV8- lymphomas that occur in body cavity effusions without detectable lymphomatous masses are usually composed of large CD20+ lymphoid or lymphoplasmacytoid cells. In contrast to HHV8+ primary effusion lymphoma, patients with HHV8- EBL are usually elderly, lack a documented human immunodeficiency virus-positive history, and have a longer disease specific survival.