Monitoring oral iron therapy in children with iron deficiency anemia: an observational, prospective, multicenter study of AIEOP patients (Associazione Italiana Emato-Oncologia Pediatrica).

Oral ferrous salts are standard treatment for children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The objective of our study was to monitor oral iron therapy in children, aged 3 months-12 years, with IDA. We prospectively collected clinical and hematological data of children with IDA, from 15 AIEOP (Associazione Italiana di Ematologia ed. Oncologia Pediatrica) centers. Response was measured by the increase of Hb from baseline. Of the 107 analyzed patients, 18 received ferrous gluconate/sulfate 2 mg/kg (ferrous 2), 7 ferrous gluconate/sulfate 4 mg/kg (ferrous 4), 7 ferric iron salts 2 mg/kg (ferric), 62 bis-glycinate iron 0.45 mg/kg (glycinate), and 13 liposomal iron 0.7-1.4 mg/kg (liposomal). Increase in reticulocytes was evident at 3 days, while Hb increase appeared at 2 weeks. Gain of Hb at 2 and 8 weeks revealed a higher median increase in both ferrous 2 and ferrous 4 groups. Gastro-intestinal side effects were reported in 16% (ferrous 2), 14% (ferrous 4), 6% (glycinate), and 0 (ferric and liposomal) patients. The reticulocyte counts significantly increased after 3 days from the start of oral iron supplementation. Bis-glycinate iron formulation had a good efficacy/safety profile and offers an acceptable alternative to ferrous iron preparations.

Diagnosis and management of acquired aplastic anemia in childhood. Guidelines from the Marrow Failure Study Group of the Pediatric Haemato-Oncology Italian Association (AIEOP).

Acquired aplastic anemia (AA) is a rare heterogeneous disease characterized by pancytopenia and hypoplastic bone marrow. The incidence is 2-3/million inhabitants/year, in Europe, but higher in East Asia. Survival in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) has markedly improved in the past 2 decades because of advances in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, immunosuppressive and biologic drugs, and supportive care. In SAA hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) from a matched sibling donor (MSD) is the treatment of choice. If a MSD is not available, the options include immunosuppressive therapy (IST) or unrelated donor HSCT. The objective of this guideline is to provide healthcare professionals with clear guidance on the diagnosis and management of pediatric patients with AA. A preliminary, evidence-based document issued by a group of pediatric hematologists was discussed, modified and approved during a series of "Consensus Conferences" according to procedures previously validated by the AIEOP Board. The guidelines highlight the importance of referring pediatric patients with AA to pediatric centers with long experience in diagnosis, differential diagnosis, management, supportive care and follow-up of AA.

Diagnosis and management of newly diagnosed childhood autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. Recommendations from the Red Cell Study Group of the Paediatric Haemato-Oncology Italian Association.

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia is an uncommon disorder to which paediatric haematology centres take a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The Red Cell Working Group of the Italian Association of Paediatric Onco-haematology (Associazione Italiana di Ematologia ed Oncologia Pediatrica, AIEOP) developed this document in order to collate expert opinions on the management of newly diagnosed childhood autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.The diagnostic process includes the direct and indirect antiglobulin tests; recommendations are given regarding further diagnostic tests, specifically in the cases that the direct and indirect antiglobulin tests are negative. Clear-cut definitions of clinical response are stated. Specific recommendations for treatment include: dosage of steroid therapy and tapering modality for warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia; the choice of rituximab as first-line therapy for the rare primary transfusion-dependent cold autoimmune haemolytic anaemia; the indications for supportive therapy; the need for switching to second-line therapy. Each statement is provided with a score expressing the level of appropriateness and the agreement among participants.