Development and validation of a faecal immunochemical test-based model in the work-up of patients with iron deficiency anaemia.

Objective: In patients with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), the diagnostic yield of gastroscopy and colonoscopy (bidirectional endoscopy) in detecting neoplastic lesions is low. This study aimed to develop and validate a faecal immunochemical test (FIT)-based model to optimise the work-up of patients with IDA. Methods: Outpatients with IDA were enrolled in a prospective, multicentre study from April 2016 to October 2019. One FIT was performed before bidirectional endoscopy. Significant gastrointestinal lesions were recorded and a combined model developed with variables that were independently associated with significant colorectal lesions in the multivariate analysis. The model cut-off was selected to provide a sensitivity of at least 95% for colorectal cancer (CRC) detection, and its performance was compared to different FIT cut-offs. The data set was randomly split into two groups (developed and validation cohorts). An online calculator was developed for clinical application. Results: The development and validation cohorts included 373 and 160 patients, respectively. The developed model included FIT value, age, and sex. In the development and validation cohorts, a model cut-off of 0.1375 provided a negative predictive value of 98.1 and 96.7% for CRC and 90.7 and 88.3% for significant colorectal lesions, respectively. This combined model reduced the rate of missed significant colorectal lesions compared to FIT alone and could have avoided more than one-fourth of colonoscopies. Conclusion: The FIT-based combined model developed in this study may serve as a useful diagnostic tool to triage IDA patients for early endoscopic referral, resulting in considerable reduction of unnecessary colonoscopies.

Shift in emergency department utilization by frequent attendees with sickle cell disease during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multicentre cohort study.

While the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) might have increased acute episodes in people living with sickle cell disease (SCD), it may also have changed their reliance on emergency department (ED) services. We assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns on ED visits in adult SCD people followed in five French reference centres, with a special focus on 'high users' (≥10 visits in 2019). We analysed the rate of ED visits from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2021, using a self-controlled case series. Among 1530 people (17 829 ED visits), we observed a significant reduction in ED visits during and after lockdowns, but the effect vanished over time. Compared to pre-pandemic, incidence rate ratios for ED visits were 0.59 [95% CI 0.52-0.67] for the first lockdown, 0.66 [95% CI 0.58-0.75] for the second and 0.85 [95% CI 0.73-0.99] for the third. High users (4% of people but 33.7% of visits) mainly drove the reductions after the first lockdown. COVID-19 lockdowns were associated with reduced ED visits. While most people returned to their baseline utilization by April 2021, high users had a lasting decrease in ED visits. Understanding the factors driving the drop in ED utilization among high users might inform clinical practice and health policy.

Clinical Profile and middle cerebral artery velocity of children with sickle cell anaemia seen in UUTH, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria.

Background: The risk of stroke in individuals with Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) can be assessed by routine non-invasive measurement of their cerebral blood flow using a Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound scan. This study aimed to determine the difference in blood flow velocity parameters in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) of children with sickle cell anaemia compared to a normal age-matched population. Methodology: This was a hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study among 40 SCA patients aged 3-16 years, in steady state and 40 age and sex-matched HbAA healthy subjects. This study lasted from June to October 2019. Medical history was retrieved using a structured questionnaire. The time-averaged mean of maximum velocity (TAMMV) of the right and left MCA was measured using non-imaging TCD. Results: The mean age ± SD of the SCA patients was 9.1 ± 4.4 years. The SCA patients and sex and age-matched HbAA group consisted of 23 (57.5%) males and 17 (42.5%) females respectively. SCA patients had a significantly lower mean ± SD haemoglobin (Hb) than the controls (7.1 ± 1.1g/dl vs 11.1 ± 1.4g/dl; p<0.001). The right MCA of the patients with SCA had a significantly higher mean flow velocity compared to the controls (94.1 ± 23.1 vs 55.0 ± 8.8cm/sec, p<0.001). Conclusion: The mean TAMMV recorded in the SCA subjects were significantly higher than that of the non-SCA subjects. There is a need to ensure that TCD ultrasound is employed as a routine screening tool for stroke risk among SCA patients in Nigerian tertiary health institutions.

Rapunzel Syndrome: Diagnostic Challenges and Multidisciplinary Treatment Strategies.

Rapunzel syndrome, a rare yet complex condition, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Trichobezoars, stemming from trichotillomania and pica, manifest as hair conglomerates within the gastrointestinal tract, often necessitating surgical intervention. This review synthesizes literature on symptomatology, diagnostic methods, and treatment modalities, emphasizing the multidisciplinary approach essential for effective management. Psychological interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, complement surgical measures in addressing underlying psychiatric factors. Diagnostic imaging, endoscopic examinations, and histopathological analysis aid in an accurate diagnosis. Enhanced awareness among healthcare providers regarding the association between psychological disorders and gastrointestinal complications is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes in individuals with Rapunzel syndrome.

Verification of haemoglobin level to prevent worsening of prognosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients from the PURSUIT-HFpEF registry.

AIMS: Anaemia has been reported as poor predictor in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of changes in haemoglobin (Hb) from discharge to 1 year after discharge on the prognosis using a lower cut-off value of Hb than the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. METHODS AND RESULTS: First, 547 HFpEF cases were divided into two groups, Hb < 11.0 g/dL (n = 218) and Hb ≥ 11.0 g/dL (n = 329), according to Hb at discharge, and further were divided according to Hb 1 year after discharge into Hb < 11.0 g/dL (G1, n = 113), Hb ≥ 11.0 g/dL (G2, n = 105), Hb < 11.0 g/dL (G3, n = 66), and Hb ≥ 11.0 g/dL (G4, n = 263), respectively. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was defined as composite of all-cause death and heart failure readmission after a visit 1 year after discharge. The cut-off value of Hb was analysed by the receiver operating characteristics curve that predicts MACE. We examined the incidence rate of MACE between G4 and other subgroups and verified predictors of improving or worsening anaemia and covarying factors with change in Hb. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, MACE was significantly higher in G3 with worsening anaemia from Hb ≥ 11.0 g/dL to <11.0 g/dL than G4 with persistently Hb ≥ 11 g/dL (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 3.14 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.76-5.60], P < 0.001). MACE was not significantly different between G2 with improving anaemia from Hb < 11.0 g/dL to ≥ 11.0 g/dL and G4 (adjusted HR: 1.37 [95% CI, 0.68-2.75], P = 0.38). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent predictors of improving anaemia were male [odds ratio (OR): 0.45], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 10.3), prior heart failure hospitalization (OR: 0.38), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR: 1.04). Independent predictors of worsening anaemia were age (OR: 1.07), body mass index (BMI) (OR: 0.86), clinical frailty scale score (OR: 1.29), Hb at discharge (OR: 0.63), and use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (OR: 2.76). In multivariate linear regression analysis, covarying factors with change in Hb were BMI (ß = -0.098), serum albumin (ß = 0.411), and total cholesterol (ß = 0.179). CONCLUSIONS: Change in haemoglobin after discharge using a lower cut-off value than WHO criteria has prognostic impact in patients with HFpEF.

Consensus recommendations for optimising the diagnosis and treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria in Singapore.

Introduction: Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare haematologic disease characterised by intravascular haemolysis, thrombophilia and bone marrow failure. There is a lack of established clinical guidance on the screening, diagnosis and manage-ment of PNH in Singapore. A relatively low level of awareness among healthcare professionals regarding PNH manifestations further contributes to diagnostic delays. Additionally, limited access to complement inhibitors, like eculizumab, may delay treatment and impact patient outcomes. Method: Nine haematologists from different institu-tions in Singapore convened to formulate evidence-based consensus recommendations for optimising the diagnosis and management of patients with PNH and improving access to novel treatments. The experts reviewed the existing literature and international guidelines published from January 2010 to July 2023, focusing on 7 clinical questions spanning PNH screening, diagnostic criteria, investigations, treatment and monitoring of subclinical and classic disease, PNH with underlying bone marrow disorders, and PNH in pregnancy. A total of 181 papers were reviewed to formulate the statements. All experts voted on the statements via 2 rounds of Delphi and convened for an expert panel discussion to finetune the recommendations. Results: Sixteen statements have been formulated for optimising the screening, diagnosis and management of PNH. Upon confirmation of PNH diagnosis, individuals with active haemolysis and/or thrombosis should be considered for anti-complement therapy, with eculizumab being the only approved drug in Singapore. Conclusion: The current recommendations aim to guide the clinicians in optimising the screening, diagnosis and management of PNH in Singapore.

Blended Tele-mentoring Support for Strengthening Antenatal Care by Private Health care Facilities: FOGSI VISTRIT INITIATIVE.

Introduction: The objective of the present initiative was to build capacity of health care providers in private sector along with standardisation of care during antenatal period for common antenatal problems of GDM and iron deficiency anaemia in private sector. Methods: A pilot project for all levels of health care providers including doctors, nurses, counsellors and laboratory technicians of 34 private facilities in six districts of Jharkhand was planned. Training modules for GDM and anaemia based on government of India guidelines were developed. End line evaluation included data collection and descriptive analysis of quantitative data quality scores from assessment standards on GDM and anaemia in pregnancy. Results: Knowledge assessment of health care providers and doctors through baseline and end line knowledge assessment survey questionnaire showed that 100% health care providers who were trained scored 85% or more in knowledge assessment questionnaires as seen by baseline and end line questionnaire results. All project hospitals (n = 34) in Jharkhand achieved quality standards of care in intervention period for gestational diabetes mellitus and anaemia in pregnancy. They achieved total score more than 80% and exceeded target of 80% of the quality standards. Conclusion: A systematic strengthening of private health care facilities through a blended tele-mentoring and onsite support is possible. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13224-023-01866-5.

The enigma of sickle cell hepatopathy: Pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and therapy.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic disorders in the world predominantly affecting economically disadvantaged populations. There is a notable discrepancy between the growing adult SCD population and available diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for SCD. Sickle cell hepatopathy (SCH) is an all-inclusive term to describe the acute and chronic liver manifestations of SCD. The pathophysiology of SCH follows no defined pattern or sequence that poses challenges to clinicians and researchers alike. Evidence is lacking for this underreported disease at various levels from diagnostic to therapeutic options. This paper reviews the basic pathophysiology, clinical features, biochemical and radiological findings of various SCH manifestations and outlines the management of each condition. Old and new therapy options in SCD including hydroxyurea, red blood cell exchange transfusion, ursodeoxycholic acid, voxelotor, l-glutamine and crizanlizumab have been reviewed to investigate the role of these options in treating SCH. The role of liver transplant, haematopoietic stem cell transplant and gene therapy in SCH patients have been reviewed.

Persistent albuminuria and chronic kidney disease in adults with sickle cell anaemia: Results from a multicenter natural history study.

Clinical and laboratory correlates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in sickle cell anaemia remain incompletely defined. In a multicenter cohort study, we evaluated the prevalence of persistent albuminuria (PA) and characteristics associated with PA, albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using logistic, linear and multinomial regression models, respectively. Of 269 participants (median age: 30 years; 57.2% females), the prevalence of PA was 35.7%. Using baseline ACR values of <100 and ≥100 mg/g, the probabilities of PA were 30.0% and 94.6%, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, male sex (ß = 0.80 [SE = 0.36], p = 0.024) and ACE inhibitors/ARBs use (ß = 1.54 [SE = 0.43], p < 0.001) were associated with higher likelihoods of PA, while higher haemoglobin (ß = -0.33 [SE = 0.13], p = 0.009) and HbF (ß = -0.04 [SE = 0.02], p = 0.041) were associated with lower likelihoods of PA. In multivariable multinomial regression analyses, older age (ß = 0.06 [SE = 0.02], p = 0.004) and higher alkaline phosphatase (ß = 0.01 [SE = 0.00], p = 0.004) were associated with higher odds of having eGFR 60-90 versus eGFR>90 mL/min/1.73 m2 using the cystatin C-based CKD-EPI-2012 equation. Additionally, higher systolic blood pressure (ß = 0.11 [SE = 0.03], p = 0.001) and blood urea nitrogen (ß = 0.45 [SE = 0.12], p < 0.001) were associated with higher odds, while higher haemoglobin (ß = -1.22 [SE = 0.43], p = 0.004) was associated with lower odds of having eGFR<60 versus eGFR>90 mL/min/1.73 m2. PA and decreased eGFR are associated with measures of disease severity and comorbid conditions (Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03277547).

Association of anaemia with indoor air pollution among older Indian adult population: multilevel modelling analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Anaemia is a disease of public health importance with multi-causal pathways. Previous literature suggests the role of indoor air pollution (IAP) on haemoglobin levels, but this has been studied less due to logistic constraints. A high proportion of the population in developing countries, including India, still depends on unclean fuel, which exacerbates IAP. The objective was to study the association between anaemia and IAP among the older Indian adult population (≥ 45 years) as per gender. METHODS: Our study analysed the nationally representative dataset of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI 2017-18, Wave-1). We have documented the association of anaemia (outcome variable) with IAP (explanatory variable). To reduce the confounding effects of demographic and socioeconomic; health related and behavioural covariates; propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted. Nested multilevel regression modelling was conducted. States and union territories were categorised cross tabulated as low, middle and high as per anaemia and IAP exposure. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. SATA version 17 was used for analysis. RESULTS: More than half (52.52%) of the participants were exposed to IAP (male (53.55%) > female (51.63%)). The odds of having anaemia was significantly 1.19 times higher (AOR 1.19 (1.09-1.31)) among participants using unclean/ solid fuel. The adjusted odds were significantly higher among participants exposed to pollution-generating sources (AOR 1.30; 1.18-1.43), and household indoor smoking (AOR 1.17 (1.07-1.29). The odds of having anaemia were significantly higher (AOR 1.26; 1.15-1.38) among participants exposed to IAP, which was higher in males (AOR 1.36; 1.15-1.61) than females (AOR 1.21; 1.08-1.35). Empowered Action Group (EAG) states like Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar had both high anaemia and IAP exposure. CONCLUSION: This study established the positive association of anaemia with indoor air pollution among older Indian adults through a nationally representative large dataset. The association was higher among men. Further research is recommended to understand detailed causation and to establish temporality. It is a high time to implement positive intervention nationally to decrease solid/ unclean fuel usage, vulnerable ventilation, indoor smoking, IAP and health hazards associated with these with more focused actions towards EAG states.

FANCD2 expression affects platinum response and further characteristics of high grade serous ovarian cancer in cells with different genetic backgrounds.

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most prevalent subtype of ovarian cancer and demonstrates 5-year survival of just 40%. One of the major causes of mortality is the development of tumour resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy, which can be modulated by dysregulation of DNA damage repair pathways. We therefore investigated the contribution of the DNA interstrand crosslink repair protein FANCD2 to chemosensitivity in HGSOC. Increased FANCD2 protein expression was observed in some cell line models of platinum resistant HGSOC compared with paired platinum sensitive models. Knockdown of FANCD2 in some cell lines, including the platinum resistant PEO4, led to increased carboplatin sensitivity. Investigation into mechanisms of FANCD2 regulation showed that increased FANCD2 expression in platinum resistant cells coincides with increased expression of mTOR. Treatment with mTOR inhibitors resulted in FANCD2 depletion, suggesting that mTOR can mediate platinum sensitivity via regulation of FANCD2. Tumours from a cohort of HGSOC patients showed varied nuclear and cytoplasmic FANCD2 expression, however this was not significantly associated with clinical characteristics. Knockout of FANCD2 was associated with increased cell migration, which may represent a non-canonical function of cytoplasmic FANCD2. We conclude that upregulation of FANCD2, possibly mediated by mTOR, is a potential mechanism of chemoresistance in HGSOC and modulation of FANCD2 expression can influence platinum sensitivity and other tumour cell characteristics.

Anaemia at mid-pregnancy is associated with prehypertension in late pregnancy among urban women.

Background: Antenatal iron deficiency and anaemia are associated with gestational hypertension and diabetes mellitus, but so are elevated iron stores and haemoglobin. In South Africa, pregnant women receive routine iron supplementation regardless of iron status. Aim: This study aimed to assess associations of antenatal iron status and anaemia with blood pressure in pregnant women in urban South Africa. Secondary to this, associations with heart rate, fasting glucose and glucose tolerance were also investigated. Setting: Johannesburg, South Africa. Methods: A total of 250 pregnant women, aged 27 (24-32) years, were recruited using consecutive sampling. The authors measured biomarkers of iron status and anaemia at < 18 and ± 22 weeks', blood pressure and heart rate at ± 36 weeks', and fasting glucose and glucose tolerance between 24 and 28 weeks' gestation. Associations were determined using multivariable regression models adjusted for confounders. Results: The odds of prehypertension in late pregnancy among women with anaemia at ± 22 weeks' gestation were three times higher than among women without anaemia (odds ratio [OR]: 3.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22, 7.42). Participants with anaemia at ± 22 weeks' gestation had 2.15 times higher odds of having elevated mean arterial pressure than women without anaemia (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.60). Conclusion: Anaemia at mid-pregnancy could be a predictor of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The cause of antenatal anaemia may need further investigation apart from iron deficiency. The effective management of anaemia in pregnant women living in urban South Africa remains a challenge. Contribution: This study provides evidence about the health impact of pregnant women regarding antenatal supplementation practices in South Africa.

Impact on pregnancy outcomes of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in urban and peri-urban Papua New Guinea: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) reduces malaria-attributable adverse pregnancy outcomes and may also prevent low birth weight (< 2,500 g) through mechanisms independent of malaria. Malaria transmission in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is highly heterogeneous. The impact of IPTp-SP on adverse birth outcomes in settings with little or no malaria transmission, such as PNG's capital city Port Moresby, is unknown. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted amongst HIV-negative women with a singleton pregnancy who delivered at Port Moresby General Hospital between 18 July and 21 August 2022. The impact of IPTp-SP doses on adverse birth outcomes and anaemia was assessed using logistic and linear regression models, as appropriate. RESULTS: Of 1,140 eligible women amongst 1,228 consecutive births, 1,110 had a live birth with a documented birth weight. A total of 156 women (13.7%) did not receive any IPTp-SP, 347 women (30.4%) received one, 333 (29.2%) received two, and 304 (26.7%) received the recommended ≥ 3 doses of IPTp-SP. A total of 65 of 1,110 liveborn babies (5.9%) had low birth weight and there were 34 perinatal deaths (3.0%). Anaemia (haemoglobin < 100 g/L) was observed in 30.6% (243/793) of women, and 14 (1.2%) had clinical malaria in pregnancy. Compared to women receiving 0-1 dose of IPTp-SP, women receiving ≥ 2 doses had lower odds of LBW (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26, 0.96), preterm birth (aOR 0.58; 95% CI 0.32, 1.04), perinatal death (aOR 0.49; 95% CI 0.18, 1.38), LBW/perinatal death (aOR 0.55; 95% CI 0.27, 1.12), and anaemia (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.36, 0.69). Women who received 2 doses versus 0-1 had 45% lower odds of LBW (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.27, 1.10), and a 16% further (total 61%) reduction with ≥ 3 doses (aOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.14, 1.05). Birth weights for women who received 2 or ≥ 3 doses versus 0-1 were 81 g (95% CI -3, 166) higher, and 151 g (58, 246) higher, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Provision of IPTp-SP in a low malaria-transmission setting in PNG appears to translate into substantial health benefits, in a dose-response manner, supporting the strengthening IPTp-SP uptake across all transmission settings in PNG.

Retrospective audit compares screening and treatment of pregnancy-related anaemia in regional New South Wales with Australian guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Anaemia during pregnancy is common worldwide. In Australia, approximately 17% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age have anaemia, increasing to a rate of 25% in pregnant women. This study sought to determine the rate of screening for anaemia in pregnancy in regional New South Wales, and to determine whether screening and treatment protocols followed the recommended guidelines. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed antenatal and postnatal (48 h) data of women (n = 150) who had a live birth at Bathurst Hospital between 01/01/2020 and 30/04/2020. Demographic data, risk factors for anaemia in pregnancy, antenatal bloods, treatments provided in trimesters one (T1), two (T2) and three (T3), and postpartum complications were recorded. These were compared to the Australian Red Cross Guidelines (ARCG) using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Of the women with screening data available (n = 103), they were mostly aged 20-35yrs (79.6%), 23.3% were obese, 97.1% were iron deficient, 17% were anaemic and only a few (5.3%) completed the full pregnancy screening as recommended by the ARCG while a majority completed only partial screenings specifically Hb levels in T1 (56.7%), T2 (44.7%) and T3 (36.6%). Compliance to oral iron was largely undocumented, but constipation was a common side effect among the women. IV iron was administered in 14.0% of women, approximately 1.75x higher than the recommended rate. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided useful information about compliance to screening and treatment guidelines for anaemia in pregnancy. We identified the need for improved documentation and communication between various health providers to ensure adequate antenatal care to prevent maternal complications during pregnancy. This will improve patient care and encourage further developments in maternal care, bridging the rural health gap.

Disparity by caste and tribe: Understanding women's empowerment and health outcomes in India.

AIM: Women's empowerment status varies greatly in India according to caste, class, ethnicity and region. This paper aims to investigate the caste/tribe disparity in women's empowerment by region, the main correlates of each domain of empowerment, and the association of women's empowerment with nutritional and health care access outcomes, specifically anaemia, menstrual hygiene, and institutional delivery. METHODOLOGY: Using National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021) data, we have created a modified survey-based women's empowerment index (SWPER) using principal component analysis with Oblique varimax rotation. The first four components are interpreted as an attitude to violence, freedom of movement, decision-making power and social independence. Several multivariate regression models were used to understand the factor associated with empowerment and the association of women's empowerment with different health outcomes. RESULTS: The results indicate that women from the forward castes are the most empowered in most domains except decision-making. However, after controlling other background variables, the forward castes women are found to be the most empowered in attitude to violence, whereas Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes women were found to be the most empowered women in decision-making. With regards to social independence, deprived castes women are more empowered than the forward castes women. The likelihood of empowerment in social independence domain increases with increasing wealth. There are wide regional variations in empowerment level between different social groups. Caste/tribe identity plays a significant role in determining health outcomes in India. Among all empowerment domains, social independence emerges as the most significant associated factor with improved health across all caste/tribe groups. CONCLUSION: The path to women's empowerment in India must recognize the intersectionality of caste/tribe identities, and address regional disparities. Social independence emerges as a critical determinant across all caste/tribe groups for improving health. Measures should be taken to empower women through the underlying factors of social independence.

Efficacy of a pre-operative anaemia clinic in patients undergoing elective abdominal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pre-operative iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is common in patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery and is associated with increased risk of perioperative complications. However, widespread implementation of pre-operative anaemia management is lacking. Guidelines recommend investigation of anaemia preferably 4-6 weeks before surgery to allow time for correction. However, this is not always feasible in abdominal cancer surgery with short time to surgery and may be influenced by concomitant chemotherapy. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of implementing a pre-operative screening and treatment programme for IDA in elective abdominal cancer surgery patients, with short duration to surgery and concomitant use of chemotherapy. METHODS: All patients scheduled for elective abdominal cancer surgery with IDA were included. Anaemia was defined according to the World Health Organization-criteria and iron deficiency as a transferrin saturation <0.20. The primary outcome was change in haemoglobin (Hb) between iron infusion and surgery in patients receiving pre-operative intravenous iron infusion. RESULTS: Of 178 diagnosed IDA patients 134 (75%) received intravenous iron, 103 pre-operatively (58%) at median day 17 (interquartile range: 9-27) before surgery while 31 (17%) received post-operative intravenous iron treatment. The pre-operative Hb increased 0.89 g/dL (95% CI: 0.64-1.13, p < .001) compared to a decrease of 0.4 g/dL (95% CI: 0.19-0.58, p < .001) in 75 patients not treated pre-operatively. Patients diagnosed with severe anaemia had the largest pre-operative Hb increase. Iron infusion >2 weeks pre-operatively resulted in a greater Hb increment of 1.13 g/dL (95% CI: 0.81-1.45) compared to iron infusion ≤2 weeks before surgery 0.48 g/dL (95% CI: 0.16-0.81). Hb increased by 0.64 g/dL (95% CI 0.19-1.21) in patients receiving chemotherapy ≤31 days prior to surgery. CONCLUSION: In patients scheduled for abdominal cancer surgery, including in patients with concomitant chemotherapy, pre-operative IDA management is feasible and results in a significant pre-operative Hb increase compared to patients not treated. On the day of surgery 25% patients treated pre-operatively were no longer anaemic.

Faecal immunochemical tests can improve colonoscopy triage in patients with iron deficiency: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Use of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to triage patients with iron deficiency (ID) for colonoscopy due to suspected colorectal cancer (CRC) may improve distribution of colonoscopic resources. We reviewed the diagnostic performance of FIT for detecting advanced colorectal neoplasia, including CRC and advanced pre-cancerous neoplasia (APCN), in patients with ID, with or without anaemia. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of three databases for studies comprising of patients with ID, with or without anaemia, completing a quantitative FIT within six months prior to colonoscopy, where test performance was compared against the reference standard colonoscopy. Random effects meta-analyses determined the diagnostic performance of FIT for advanced colorectal neoplasia. RESULTS: Nine studies were included on a total of n=1761 patients with ID, reporting FIT positivity thresholds between 4-150 µg haemoglobin/g faeces. Only one study included a non-anaemic ID (NAID) cohort. FIT detected CRC and APCN in ID patients with 90.7 % and 49.3 % sensitivity, and 81.0 % and 82.4 % specificity, respectively. FIT was 88.0 % sensitive and 83.4 % specific for CRC in patients with ID anaemia at a FIT positivity threshold of 10 µg haemoglobin/g faeces. CONCLUSIONS: FIT shows high sensitivity for advanced colorectal neoplasia and may be used to triage those with ID anaemia where colonoscopic resources are limited, enabling those at higher risk of CRC to be prioritised for colonoscopy. There is a need for further research investigating the diagnostic performance of FIT in NAID patients.

Association between exposure to smoke from cooking fuels and anaemia among women of reproductive age in Ghana.

In low- and middle-income countries, indoor air pollution (IAP) is a serious public health concern, especially for women and children who cook with solid fuels. IAP exposure has been linked to a number of medical conditions, including pneumonia, ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and anaemia. Around 500 million women of reproductive age (WRA) suffer from anaemia globally, with an estimated 190 million cases in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study, which is based on prior research, investigates the relationship between IAP exposure and anaemia among WRA in Ghana. A diverse sample of 2,406 WRA living in Ghana were interviewed, of which 58.06% were anaemic and used high-pollutant fuels for cooking. Age, place of residence, region, education level, religion, ethnicity, wealth index, type of drinking water, type of toilet facility, and type of cooking fuels were all found to be significantly linked with anaemic state by bivariate analysis. Type of cooking fuels utilized, age, region of residence, and the type of residence were shown to be significant predictors of anaemia status using sequential binary logit regression models. The results emphasise the critical need for efforts to promote the usage of clean cooking fuel in an attempt to lower anaemia prevalence in Ghana. To reduce dependency on solid fuels for cooking, initiatives should promote the use of cleaner cooking fuels and enhance the socioeconomic status of households. These interventions could have significant public health effects by reducing the burden of anaemia and improving maternal and child health outcomes due to the prevalence of anaemia among WRA. Overall, this study sheds light on the relationship between IAP exposure and anaemia in Ghana and highlights the demand for focused public health initiatives to address this serious health problem.

FANCM branchpoint translocase: Master of traverse, reverse and adverse DNA repair.

FANCM is a multifunctional DNA repair enzyme that acts as a sensor and coordinator of replication stress responses, especially interstrand crosslink (ICL) repair mediated by the Fanconi anaemia (FA) pathway. Its specialised ability to bind and remodel branched DNA structures enables diverse genome maintenance activities. Through ATP-powered "branchpoint translocation", FANCM can promote fork reversal, facilitate replication traverse of ICLs, resolve deleterious R-loop structures, and restrain recombination. These remodelling functions also support a role as sensor of perturbed replication, eliciting checkpoint signalling and recruitment of downstream repair factors like the Fanconi anaemia FANCI:FANCD2 complex. Accordingly, FANCM deficiency causes chromosome fragility and cancer susceptibility. Other recent advances link FANCM to roles in gene editing efficiency and meiotic recombination, along with emerging synthetic lethal relationships, and targeting opportunities in ALT-positive cancers. Here we review key properties of FANCM's biochemical activities, with a particular focus on branchpoint translocation as a distinguishing characteristic.

Can we effectively manage chronic kidney disease with a precision-based pharmacotherapy plan? Where are we?

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, thanks to significant advances in basic science and biotechnologies, nephrology has witnessed a deeper understanding of the mechanisms leading to various conditions associated with or causing kidney disease, opening new perspectives for developing specific treatments. These new possibilities have brought increased challenges to physicians, who face with a new complexity in disease characterization and selection the right treatment for individual patients. AREAS COVERED: We chose four therapeutic situations: anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD), heart failure in CKD, IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and membranous nephropathy (MN). The literature search was made through PubMed. EXPERT OPINION: Anaemia management remains challenging in CKD; a personalized therapeutic approach is often needed. Identifying patients who could benefit from a specific therapy is also an important goal for patients with CKD and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Several new treatments are under clinical development for IgAN; interestingly, they target specifically the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease. The understanding of MN pathogenesis as an autoimmune disease and the discovery of several autoantibodies allows a better characterization of patients. High-sensible techniques for lymphocyte counting open the possibility of more personalized use of anti CD20 therapies.