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1.
J Vector Borne Dis ; 60(1): 111-114, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37026228

ABSTRACT

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has been rarely reported worldwide or from India as the underlying cause of anemia in malaria. We hereby present a case of complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria with concomitant warm AIHA in a 31-year-old male. Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) was positive and elution studies showed pan-agglutination reaction. Clinico-hematological and serological follow-up of the patient was done post artesunate treatment until day 9. We suggest that it is important to establish the immune basis of anemia in malaria patients for guiding the treatment plan for the clinicians and providing packed red blood cell transfusion if required.


Subject(s)
Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune , Malaria, Falciparum , Malaria , Male , Humans , Adult , Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/complications , Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/diagnosis , Coombs Test , Malaria/complications , Malaria, Falciparum/complications , Malaria, Falciparum/diagnosis , India
2.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 114(18): 4763-4768, 2017 05 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28420787

ABSTRACT

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), caused by altered hemostasis, remains the third most common cause of mortality among all cardiovascular conditions. In addition to established genetic and acquired risk factors, low-oxygen environments also predispose otherwise healthy individuals to VTE. Although disease etiology appears to entail perturbation of hemostasis pathways, the key molecular determinants during immediate early response remain elusive. Using an established model of venous thrombosis, we here show that systemic hypoxia accelerates thromboembolic events, functionally stimulated by the activation of nucleotide binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome complex and increased IL-1ß secretion. Interestingly, we also show that the expression of NLRP3 is mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) during these conditions. The pharmacological inhibition of caspase-1, in vivo knockdown of NLRP3, or HIF-1α other than IL-1ß-neutralizing antibodies attenuated inflammasome activation and curtailed thrombosis under hypoxic conditions. We extend the significance of these preclinical findings by studying modulation of this pathway in patients with altitude-induced venous thrombosis. Our results demonstrate distinctive, increased expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1ß in individuals with clinically established venous thrombosis. We therefore propose that an early proinflammatory state in the venous milieu, orchestrated by the HIF-induced NLRP3 inflammasome complex, is a key determinant of acute thrombotic events during hypoxic conditions.


Subject(s)
Hypoxia/metabolism , Inflammasomes/metabolism , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/biosynthesis , Venous Thrombosis/metabolism , Animals , Caspase 1/biosynthesis , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Gene Expression Regulation , Humans , Hypoxia/pathology , Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/biosynthesis , Interleukin-1beta/biosynthesis , Male , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Venous Thrombosis/pathology
4.
Med J Armed Forces India ; 73(1): 54-57, 2017 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28123246

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Normal B lymphoid precursors that express CD19, CD10, and/or CD34 are highly sensitive to corticosteroids and after two weeks of remission-induction therapy, they form less than 0.01% of the bone marrow population. More than 0.01% of such cells indicate minimal residual disease (MRD). MRD "lite" panel uses only three antibodies, namely CD19, CD10, and CD34 for MRD detection in cases of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) expressing CD19, CD10, and/or CD34 by flow cytometry. METHODS: Fifteen cases of B-ALL were studied for MRD at Day 19 of remission-induction therapy by employing a simplified MRD detection protocol using a 3-color fluorochrome conjugated antibody panel (CD19, CD10, and CD34) on bone marrow aspirate samples. RESULTS: All cases at diagnosis expressed CD19, CD10, and CD34. Of fifteen patients, five (33.33%) were MRD negative with less than 0.01% of mononuclear cells and remaining ten cases (66.66%) were MRD positive, with the level of 0.01% to less than 0.1% cells. CONCLUSION: The MRD assay used in this study is a simplified method for detecting MRD at Day 19 of remission-induction therapy for B-lineage ALL. This MRD assay is an effective and useful methodology in cases of B-ALL expressing CD19, CD10, and/or CD34 by flow cytometry.

5.
Med J Armed Forces India ; 72(3): 220-30, 2016 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27546960

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoid leukemia differ substantially in response to therapy and course, and accurate differentiation of the two is fundamental to therapeutic decisions. Immunophenotyping is used for this purpose, and various guidelines have been proposed regarding a minimal screening antibody panel. Most of them have been found inefficient. METHODS: Eighty-two cases of consecutive acute leukemias reporting to this hospital over a period of two years were included in the study. Peripheral blood smear, bone marrow aspirate, and bone marrow biopsy were studied using morphology, cytochemical stains, and relevant immunohistochemical stains on selected biopsy specimens. Flowcytometry analysis was carried out using Indian consensus screening panel and our proposed minimal screening panel (PMSP) for comparison. RESULT: Immunophenotyping using PMSP resulted in 95.12% accurate diagnosis versus Indian consensus minimal screening panel (ICMSP) with an accuracy of 92.68%. This result was statistically significant as per Chi Square tests. CONCLUSION: PMSP can be used as a substitute for ICMSP, since it includes lineage-specific cytoplasmic antibodies, as well as lesser number of monoclonal antibodies, and enables us to diagnose mixed lineage leukemia. Fewer markers can be linked to a lower cost as well, which is relevant in a developing economy.

6.
Lab Med ; 45(2): 111-5, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24868990

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To compare the coagulation-factor profile of cryoprecipitate produced from fresh frozen plasma from whole blood (WB) stored for 24 hours at room temperature (24CP) with that of standard cryoprecipitate (CP). METHODS: We collected 80 units of WB from healthy volunteers, of which 20 units were of each blood group. Each unit of blood was divided into 2 parts. One part was used for preparation and quality-control evaluation of CP within 8 hours of collection; the other part was stored at room temperature for 24 hours and then subjected to CP preparation. Coagulation studies were carried out on each batch of CP after production. Fibrinogen, Factor VIII (FVII), and von Willibrand factor (vWF) were measured, and the blood groups were determined. We used the Student's t-test to perform comparisons and considered results to be significant at P < .005. RESULTS: Overall, all 3 clotting factors were increased in 24CP compared with CP, with a statistically significant increase in the level of FVIII. Blood group AB had significantly increased levels of fibrinogen and vWF in 24CP compared with CP. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that 24CP has equal or greater levels of coagulation factors compared with CP. His indicates that our alternate approach for preparation of CP may enable more efficient use of blood collected in satellite blood collection centers and during blood drives.


Subject(s)
Blood Preservation , Cryopreservation , Factor VIII/chemistry , Fibrinogen/chemistry , Plasma/chemistry , von Willebrand Factor/chemistry , Blood Coagulation Tests , Blood Group Antigens , Humans , Quality Control , Time Factors
7.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38727423

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare immune disorder which occurs when antibodies are directed against self red blood cells (RBCs) leading to hemolysis. AIHA is widely classified as warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, cold agglutinin syndrome, mixed AIHA, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria and rarely drug induced AIHA. The pathogenesis of AIHA is complex interplay between genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation and enviornmental triggers. A direct antiglobulin test can be used to assess the immunological origin of the hemolysis in order to diagnose AIHA after identifying laboratory and clinical symptoms of hemolysis. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to understand underlying mechanism in AIHAs, and usage of targeted therapies to modulate specific components of the immune response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We are hereby presenting a case series of 11 clinically suspected cases of AIHA in collaboration with their clinical features, immuno-hematological and other laboratory parameters, Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte subset in relevant cases, underlying etiology as well as serological subtype are also included. RESULTS: Majority of the patients were categorized as secondary AIHA (7/11, 63.63%). Out of 11 cases 7 were serologically subtyped as warm AIHA (7/11, 63.63%) ,2 cases were DaaT negative AIHA (2/11;18.18%), 2 cases were characterized as mixed AIHA subtype (2/11, 18.18%). CONCLUSION: Accurate subtyping of AIHA requires a systematic immunohematological approach coupled with comprehensive evaluations of clinical, hematological, and biochemical parameters.

8.
Curr Med Mycol ; 9(1): 1-7, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37867588

ABSTRACT

Background and Purpose: Morbidity and mortality of opportunistic fungal infections in COVID-19 patients are less studied and defined. The patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, and invasive and non-invasive ventilation are the high-risk groups. Materials and Methods: The demographic profile as well as clinical and radiological findings of all the patients with COVID-19 suspected of Mucormycosis (MM) were recorded. The tissue samples from all the patients were sent for microbiological (KOH mount and culture) and histopathological analysis for confirmation of MM. Results: In total, 45 COVID-19 patients suspected of MM were included in the study and MM was confirmed in 42 patients. The mean age of the patients was 50.30±14.17 years with a female: male ratio of 1.1:1. The most common symptom was headache (52.38%) followed by purulent nasal discharge (38.09%) and facial pain in 33.33% of the cases. The ocular symptoms included a diminution of vision (33.33%) and redness of the eye (2.38%). The most common site of involvement was rhino-orbital (42.85%) followed by sinonasal (23.80%) and rhino cerebral (19.04%). Majority (38.09%) of the patients were diagnosed with stage II of Rhino-orbital-cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM) based on radiology. A history of diabetes mellitus and steroids was present in 97.61% and 85.71% of the cases, respectively. Moreover, KOH was positive for MM in 97.61% of the cases while the culture was positive in only 35.71% of the cases. In addition, on histopathology, MM was confirmed in 64.28 % of the cases. Mixed growth with Aspergillus species and Rhizopus species was observed in 14.28% of the cases in culture and 11.90% of the cases in histopathology test. Furthermore, angioinvasion was found in 23.80% of the cases according to the histopathology test. Conclusion: Based on the results, the most common conditions associated with MM in COVID-19 patients were diabetes mellitus and steroid therapy. A high level of clinical suspicion aided with diagnostic tests, including KOH mount, culture, histopathology, and radiology which helped the early detection of opportunistic fungal infection in COVID-19 patients to ensure timely treatment.

9.
Autops Case Rep ; 12: e2021381, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35642205

ABSTRACT

Infective endocarditis (IE) is the heart valve or endocardium infection. We report a rare case of polymicrobial endocarditis, namely invasive Aspergillus spp and Acinetobacter baumannii, in a 36-year-old male with a medical history of degenerative disease of the aorta with abdominal aortic and ascending aortic aneurysms with a fulminant clinical course and fatal outcome. The treatment was challenging due to multiple comorbidities. The autopsy revealed dual pathogen endocarditis due to Acinetobacter baumannii sepsis and invasive Aspergillus spp mycosis. This report emphasizes that polymicrobial endocarditis (PE) is an infrequent finding with a poor prognosis requiring high clinical suspicion.

10.
Indian J Nephrol ; 32(1): 67-70, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35283579

ABSTRACT

Plasmablastic lymphoma is a rapidly progressive CD20 negative large cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with poor outcome. It occurs mostly in immunocompromised individuals and has a predilection for extranodal sites. They need to be differentiated from other entities sharing similar morphological features like poorly differentiated carcinoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, Alk positive large B cell lymphoma, Diffuse large B cell lymphoma, and anaplastic myeloma. EBV negativity in recipients, type, intensity, and duration of immunosuppressives used are certain risk factors in development of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders. High index of suspicion can help clinch the diagnosis early and prevent catastrophic consequences. Our renal transplant recipient presented with complaints of pain abdomen and malena for which he underwent exploratory laparotomy. Diagnosis was established on histopathology and timely treatment initiated reverted the disease.

11.
Thromb Res ; 215: 5-13, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35580466

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: DNA methylation regulates gene expression by inhibiting transcription factor binding to promoter and regulatory regions. Acute hypoxia during altitude exposure is associated with decreased natural anticoagulants and morbid thrombotic events. Thrombomodulin (TM) is a high affinity thrombin binding receptor protein, vital for vascular homeostasis. The purpose of this study is to determine gene expression regulation via methylation of TM gene in high altitude hypoxia induced deep vein thrombosis (DVT) patients. MATERIALS AND RESULTS: Percent 5-methyl cytosine analysis showed increased methylation in high altitude DVT patients (HAP) as compared to high altitude control (HAC) and seal level control (Control) subjects, while TM protein and mRNA levels were decreased in high altitude DVT patients as compared to other two groups. Bisulfite sequencing analysis indicated increased methylation in TM promoter in high altitude DVT patients compared to high altitude controls. Flow cytometry analysis showed decreased TM expression in hypoxia induced primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Treatment with specific DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor-decitabine during hypoxia, restored TM expression. in vitro global methylation assay showed increased methylation in hypoxia group. Specific concentration of decitabine in hypoxia decreased global methylation showing a direct correlation between DNMTs and methylation. Selective dose of decitabine restored TM levels in HUVECs. DNMT1 and DNMT3B proteins showed to mediate the overall expression of TM. CONCLUSION: TM emerged as a potential candidate for methylation in high altitude DVT patients, regulated by hypoxia-induced epigenetic mechanism. Hypoxia culminates in methylation of DNA sequences in the promoter region of TM gene and increased the expression of DNMT1 and DNMT3B per se in primary HUVECs. Critical DNA methylation events were found to be compromised in high altitude DVT patients.


Subject(s)
DNA Methylation , Thrombomodulin/genetics , Venous Thrombosis , Altitude , Decitabine/administration & dosage , Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells , Humans , Hypoxia/metabolism , Promoter Regions, Genetic , Venous Thrombosis/genetics
12.
Lancet Reg Health Southeast Asia ; 3: 100016, 2022 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37384264

ABSTRACT

Background: Previous literature suggests that thrombosis is more common in lowlanders sojourning at high altitude (HA) compared to near-sea-level. Though the pathophysiology is partly understood, little is known of its epidemiology. To elucidate this, an observational prospective longitudinal study was conducted in healthy soldiers sojourning for months at HA. Methods: A total of 960 healthy male subjects were screened in the plains, of which 750 ascended, to altitudes above 15,000ft (4,472m). Clinical examination, haemogram, coagulogram, markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, were studied at three time points during ascent and descent. The diagnosis of thrombosis was confirmed radiologically in all cases where a thrombotic event was suspected clinically. Subjects developing thrombosis at HA were labelled as Index Cases (ICs) and compared to a nested cohort of the healthy subjects (comparison group,(CG)) matched for altitude of stay. Findings: Twelve and three subjects, developed venous (incidence: 5,926/105 person-years) and arterial (incidence: 1,482/105 person-years) thrombosis at HA, respectively. The ICs had enhanced coagulation (FVIIa: p<0.001; FXa: p<0.001) and decreased levels of natural anticoagulants (thrombomodulin, p=0.016; tissue factor pathway inhibitor [TFPI]: p<0.001) and a trend to dampened fibrinolysis (tissue plasminogen activator tPA; p=0.078) compared to CG. ICs also exhibited statistically significant increase in the levels of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation markers (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1[VCAM-1], intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1], vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 [VEGFR-3], P-Selectin, CD40 ligand, soluble C-reactive protein and myeloperoxidase: p<0.001). Interpretation: The incidence of thrombosis in healthy subjects at HA was higher than that reported in literature at near sea-level. This was associated with inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, a prothrombotic state and dampened fibrinolysis. Funding: Research grants from the Armed Forces Medical Research Committee, Office of the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) & Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, India.

13.
Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus ; 37(1): 10-20, 2021 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33707831

ABSTRACT

B cell lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common leukemia occurring in children and young adults and is the leading cause of cancer related deaths. The 5 year overall survival outcome in children with B-ALL has improved significantly in the last few decades. In the past, the discovery of various genetic alterations and targeted therapy have played a major role in decreasing disease-related deaths. In addition, numerous advances in the pathogenesis of B-ALL have been found which have provided better understanding of the genes involved in disease biology with respect to diagnostic and prognostic implications. Present review will summarize current understanding of risk stratification, genetic factors including cytogenetics in diagnosis and prognosis of B-ALL.

14.
Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl ; 32(2): 418-427, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35017336

ABSTRACT

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are potentially fatal complications arising after solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The most crucial factor in pathogenesis of PTLDs is either a primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus or reactivation of its latent state due to immune dysregulation. This complex pathobiology leads to a myriad of clinical manifestations due to uncontrolled lymphoproliferation that may be reactive, polymorphous or monomorphous. We report our experience at a tertiary center of six cases detected over a span of six years. All our patients were proven as high grade B-cell lymphoma on histopathology, which remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Two cases were of primary central nervous system lymphoma, two had disseminated disease, fifth showed allograft involvement, and last case presented with gastrointestinal obstruction. All the patients were managed with reduction of immunosuppression, chemotherapeutic agents, and rituximab. Five patients responded well with a follow-up period of 3-28 months since the time of treatment initiation and had preserved renal function with no episodes of disease recurrence or allograft rejection.


Subject(s)
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/diagnosis , Herpesvirus 4, Human/isolation & purification , Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects , Lymphoproliferative Disorders/diagnosis , Postoperative Complications/virology , Transplant Recipients , Adult , Antineoplastic Agents , Female , Herpesvirus 4, Human/immunology , Humans , Immunocompromised Host , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Lymphoproliferative Disorders/therapy , Lymphoproliferative Disorders/virology , Male , Retrospective Studies , Rituximab/therapeutic use , Tertiary Care Centers
15.
Thromb Haemost ; 121(11): 1497-1511, 2021 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33580494

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is considered as multifactorial, where thrombus formation is an interplay of genetic and acquired risk factors. Little is known about the expression profile and roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human subjects developing DVT at high altitude. METHODS: Using RNAseQ, we compared peripheral blood mRNA and lncRNA expression profile in human high-altitude DVT (HA-DVT) patients with high-altitude control subjects. We used DESeq to identify differentially expressed (DE) genes. We annotated the lncRNAs using NONCODE 3.0 database. In silico putative lncRNA-miRNA association study unravels the endogenous miRNA sponge associated with our candidate lncRNAs. These findings were validated by small-interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown assay of the candidate lncRNAs conducted in primary endothelial cells. RESULTS: We identified 1,524 DE mRNAs and 973 DE lncRNAs. Co-expressed protein-coding gene analysis resulted in a list of 722 co-expressed protein-coding genes with a Pearson correlation coefficients >0.7. The functional annotation of co-expressed genes and putative proteins revealed their involvement in the hypoxia, immune response, and coagulation cascade. Through its miRNA response elements to compete for miR-143 and miR-15, lncRNA-LINC00659 and UXT-AS1 regulate the expression of prothrombotic genes. Furthermore, in vitro RNA interference (siRNA) simultaneously suppressed lncRNAs and target gene mRNA level. CONCLUSION: This transcriptome profile describes novel potential mechanisms of interaction between lncRNAs, the coding genes, miRNAs, and regulatory transcription factors that define the thrombotic signature and may be used in establishing lncRNAs as a biomarker in HA-DVT.


Subject(s)
Altitude , Gene Expression Profiling , RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics , Transcriptome , Venous Thrombosis/genetics , Adult , Cell Hypoxia , Cells, Cultured , Databases, Genetic , Endothelial Cells/metabolism , Gene Regulatory Networks , Humans , Male , MicroRNAs/genetics , MicroRNAs/metabolism , RNA, Long Noncoding/blood , RNA-Seq , Venous Thrombosis/blood , Venous Thrombosis/diagnosis
16.
JCO Glob Oncol ; 7: 704-715, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33999651

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The outcomes of patients with myeloma from developing countries are often lacking because of poor record maintenance. Publications from such settings are also limited because of the retrospective nature of the data collection. Information technology can bridge these gaps in developing countries with real-time data maintenance. We present the real-time survival data of the patients with myeloma from a tertiary care center in North India using one such indigenously built software. PATIENTS AND METHODS: These are real-time data of all patients with myeloma presenting to a tertiary care center from North India. The patient characteristics (demographics, baseline disease characteristics, risk stratification, and outcomes) were recorded contemporaneously. The survival of the study population was analyzed and grouped based on various disease characteristics at diagnosis. RESULTS: The median age of the study population (N = 696) was 65.9 (34.9-94.9) years with male predominance (65%). The median follow-up was 3.7 years (0-18.6 years) with the median overall survival (OS) not achieved. The OS of the study population at 1, 3, and 5 years was 94% (n = 558), 87.5% (n = 394), and 83.1% (n = 267), respectively. Most of the patients presented in advanced stages based on International Staging System (III:70%). On Kaplan-Meier analysis, the presence of weight loss (P = .01), renal dysfunction (P = .047), and anemia at diagnosis (P = .004) had a significant impact on survival. On Cox proportional model univariate analysis, the presence of renal dysfunction, anemia, and weight loss had the significant hazard ratio of 1.68 (1-2.82, P = .049), 3.18 (1.39-7.29, P = .0063), and 2.81 (1.22-6.42, P = .014), respectively, whereas on multivariate analysis of hypercalcemia, renal disease, anemia, and bone disease (CRAB) features, only anemia was found to have a significant hazard ratio of 2.56 (1.01-6.47, P = .046). CONCLUSION: The real-world data show OS comparable with the published western literature. Only anemia was found to have significant impact on survival. The use of such software can aid in better data-keeping in resource-constrained settings.


Subject(s)
Multiple Myeloma , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Humans , India/epidemiology , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Male , Multiple Myeloma/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Tertiary Care Centers
17.
Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus ; 37(1): 1-9, 2021 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33613003

ABSTRACT

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic is a worldwide public health emergency with widespread impact on health care delivery. Unforeseen challenges have been noted during administration of usual haematology care in these unusual COVID-19 times. Medical services have been overstretched and frontline health workers have borne the brunt of COVID-19 pandemic. Movement restrictions during lockdown prevented large sections of population from accessing health care, blood banks from holding blood drives, and disrupted delivery of diagnostic hematology services. The disruption in hematology care due to COVID-19 pandemic in India has been disproportionately higher compared to other subspecialities as hematology practice in India remains restricted to major cities. In this review we chronicle the challenges encountered in caring for hematology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in India and put forth recommendations for minimizing their impact on provision of hematology care with special emphasis on hematology practice in lower and middle income countries (LMICs).

18.
Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus ; 36(2): 229-237, 2020 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32425371

ABSTRACT

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder is an extremely fatal complication arising in transplant recipients as a side effect of immunosuppression. PTLDs are seen after both solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplants though the incidence is much higher in the former. Primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection or reactivation due to a state of immune dysregulation along with intensity of immunosuppression used are of paramount importance in pathogenesis of PTLD. EBV associated PTLDs occur early in the post transplant period whereas late onset lymphomas are usually EBV negative. The uncontrolled B cell proliferation can create a spectrum of histological patterns from nondestructive lesions to destructive polymorphic or more aggressive monomorphic PTLDs. Early detection of seropositivity by serial monitoring in the recipient can prevent PTLD development by starting pre-emptive therapy. The mainstay treatment in established cases remains reduction of immunosuppression. Chemotherapeutic and immunomodulatory agents are added sequentially based on the type of PTLD and based on its response to initial therapy. Despite various treatment options available, the morbidity remains high and achieving state of disease remission without causing graft rejection can be quite challenging. Hence, a better understanding in pathobiology of EBV+ versus EBV- PTLDS may help prevent lymphomagenesis in transplant recipients.

19.
Autops Case Rep ; 10(3): e2020199, 2020 Sep 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33344305

ABSTRACT

We present the autopsy findings and differential diagnosis in a 42year old male who presented with fever and rapidly progressive respiratory symptoms like breathlessness, nonproductive cough and right sided chest pain. Initial imaging workup done at our hospital revealed a large unilateral tumor with tracheal shift. While being evaluated patient developed facial puffiness, tachypnea suggestive of superior vena cava obstruction. Antemortem biopsy of lung mass was attempted twice and that suggested malignant lesion. Unfortunately, the individual had a rapid downhill course following admission. Post mortem examination was conducted that on opening the thoracic cavity revealed total replacement of right lung tissue by a necrotic growth which was deeply adherent to the rib cage. The contralateral lung as well as all other visceral organs were unremarkable grossly. Histopathology confirmed primary Ewing sarcoma of the lung. We hereby, report a rare case of primary lung Ewing sarcoma diagnosed at autopsy.

20.
High Alt Med Biol ; 21(4): 319-326, 2020 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32707006

ABSTRACT

Uday, Yanamandra, Revanth Boddu, Suman Pramanik, Kundan Mishra, Rajan Kapoor, Ankur Ahuja, Tathagata Chatterjee, and Satyaranjan Das. Prevalence and clinical characteristics of post-thrombotic syndrome in high-altitude-induced deep vein thrombosis: experience of a single tertiary care center from real-world settings. High Alt Med Biol. 21:319-326, 2020. Background: Exposure to high altitude (HA) is a recognized predisposing factor for venous thrombosis. Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a significant late complication, occurring in ∼30%-50% of patients of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There are not many studies about the characteristics of PTS in patients with HA-DVT. Aim: The aim was to study the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of PTS using a noninvasive Villalta score and identify the risk factors for its development in patients with HA-DVT. Methodology: This is a retrospective single-center observational study (n = 47). The diagnosis of HA-DVT was confirmed using color Doppler ultrasonography at HA. The patients were managed with low molecular weight heparin, followed by vitamin K antagonist therapy till normalization of D-dimer and imaging. The therapeutic target range of >80% was ensured. Villalta scale was used for PTS assessment. JMP 15.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: All study participants were male with a median age of 34 years, of which 46.81% developed PTS with mean Villalta of 5.29 ± 4.25. The most common symptom was pain (87.23%; n = 41), whereas the most common sign was hyperpigmentation (42.5%; n = 20). On multivariate analysis, the time from onset of DVT and the extent of DVT were related to the development of PTS (degree of freedom [dF] = 5, χ2 = 17.34, p = 0.0039) with a likelihood ratio of 4.95 (p = 0.026) and 4.96 (p = 0.026), respectively. The extent of DVT was associated with the severity of PTS (dF = 5, χ2 = 12.6, p = 0.0273) with a likelihood ratio of 5.24 (p = 0.022). Conclusions: PTS develops in approximately half of the patients with HA-DVT. The extent of DVT is a significant risk factor for both development of PTS and its severity, whereas time to assessment of PTS from the onset of DVT was associated only with the occurrence of PTS.


Subject(s)
Altitude , Venous Thrombosis , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Tertiary Care Centers , Venous Thrombosis/epidemiology , Venous Thrombosis/etiology
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