Markers of Renal Complications in Beta Thalassemia Patients with Iron Overload Receiving Chelation Agent Therapy: A Systematic Review.

Objective: The emerging renal complications in beta-thalassemia patients have raised the global exchange of views. Despite better survival due to blood transfusion and iron chelation therapy, the previously unrecognized renal complication remain a burden of disease affecting this population -the primary concern on how iron overload and chelation therapy correlated with renal impairment is still controversial. Early detection and diagnosis is crucial in preventing further kidney damage. Therefore, a systematic review was performed to identify markers of kidney complications in beta thalassemia patients with iron overload receiving chelation therapy. Methods: Searches of PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science were conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to identify studies of literature reporting renal outcome in ß-TM patients with iron overload and receiving chelation therapy. The eligible 17 studies were obtained. Results: uNGAL/NGAL, uNAG/NAG, uKIM-1 are markers that can be used as predictor of renal tubular damage in early renal complications, while Cystatin C and uß2MG showed further damage at the glomerular level. Discussion and Conclusion: The renal complication in beta-thalassemia patients with iron overload receiving chelating agent therapy may progress to kidney disease. Early detection using accurate biological markers is a substantial issue that deserves further evaluation to determine prevention and management.

Prognosticating 2-Year Survival Rate of Breast Cancer Patients Through Plasma miRNA-21 and Other Associating Factors.

Background: miRNA-21, one of breast cancer (BC) predictive markers, is now gaining cardinal attention from researchers worldwide to evaluate BC patients' survival rate. However, cancer staging, hormonal status, and other BC markers still have to be discussed. We aim to determine the relationship between miRNA-21 and associating factors such as BC staging, other tumor markers, and hormonal status to predict the 2-year survival rate of BC patients. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study on 49 BC patients (26 early stage, 23 advanced stage). Apart from cancer staging, we also examined CEA, Ca15-3, and hormonal status (ER, PR, Her2) and correlated them with miRNA-21 to predict 2-year survival rate. We did bivariate, multivariate, and survival analyses to determine the link between miRNA-21 and those factors to prognosticate on 2-year survival rate. Results: There are significances between advanced and loco-regional stage (p < 0.001); high and low miRNA-21 (p = 0.002) and CA 15-3 (p = 0.001), and low survival rate in patients with ER/PR-Her2- status (p=0.0015). Cox proportional hazard showed miRNA-21 (Adjusted HR 1.41; 95% CI = 1.205-1.632), cancer stage (Adjusted HR 9.5; 95% CI = 1.378-20.683), and CA15-3 (Adjusted HR 4.64; 95% CI = 1.548-13.931) affected patients' mortality within 2 years. Conclusion: Low two-year survival rate depends on miRNA-21, cancer stage, CA15-3, and ER/PR-Her2-. Cancer stage is robustly associated with miRNA-21 in predicting 2-year survival rate.

Dietary management of haemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease and malnourishment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dietary supplementation for haemodialyzed (HD) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its benefits for the anthropometric profiles remain contentious. This study analysed changes in the albumin levels and anthropometric profiles of HD patients within 3 months of nutritional therapy. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-three malnourished HD patients (Subjective Global Assessment nutrition status B or C) were enrolled. Twenty patients received counselling, 17 patients received oral therapy, 26 patients received intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN), and were evaluated at month 0, month 1, and month 3. Five patients withdrew before completing the trial. The patients' albumin levels and anthropometric profiles (biceps and triceps skinfold thickness, upper arm circumference, body weight, and body mass index) were analysed before and after treatment. We performed multivariate analysis to determine the effect of each treatment on serum albumin and anthropometric profiles. RESULTS: At months 1 and 3, nutritional therapy was associated with different mean serum albumin level among three nutritional intervention groups (p<0.05). Significant increases in serum albumin, upper arm circumference, and triceps and biceps skinfold thickness were identified in the counselling and IDPN groups. Multivariate linear regression revealed significant differences between oral and nonoral groups in albumin and biceps and triceps skinfold thickness at months 1 and 3. These variables were affected by age and duration of haemodialysis (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional therapy for malnourished CKD patients receiving HD ameliorated serum albumin and their anthropometric profiles within 3 months.

Case Report: Priapism as The Clinical Presenting Feature of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Case Report and 20-Year Literature Review.

Priapism in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) appears to be an infrequent manifestation as well as a crucial emergency. Here, we report an 18-year-old male presenting with a persistent erection of penis for 20 days. We evaluate and compare the reported cases during the past 20 years discussing the management of CML patients experiencing priapism. Cytoreductive therapy followed by leukapheresis, the administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and intra-cavernosal blood aspiration may resolve the symptoms of priapism. Early intervention for cytoreduction and aspiration are the pivotal keys to successfully impeding the complications.