Association between Transfusion-Related Iron Overload and Liver Fibrosis in Survivors of Pediatric Leukemia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: Patients who receive frequent blood transfusions are at an elevated risk of developing hepatic fibrosis due to iron overload in the liver. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of transient elastography (TE) (FibroScan®) for assessing liver fibrosis in patients with pediatric cancer. Methods: We enrolled 106 consecutive cases of acute leukemia in individuals under 21 years of age. The participants were followed for 2 years. Based on their serum ferritin (SF) levels, the patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (SF≥300 ng/mL) and group 2 (SF<300 ng/mL). A liver FibroScan® was performed, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the various parameters in the liver function test (LFT), alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in a subgroup of patients aged 5-8 years in group 2 compared to those in group 1. The indices of liver fibrosis determined by TE, including the FibroScan score, controlled attenuation parameter score, steatosis percentage, and meta-analysis of histological data in viral hepatitis score, as well as indirect serum markers of liver fibrosis such as the aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, Fibrosis 4 score, and AST to platelet ratio index, did not differ significantly between the two groups. The association between the TE results and LFT parameters was only significant for ALT. Conclusion: Transfusion-associated iron overload does not have a significant correlation with severe liver fibrosis. FibroScan® is not a sensitive tool for detecting early stages of fibrosis in survivors of pediatric leukemia.

The efficacy of Allium ampeloprasum L. in reducing neutrophil recovery time in childhood cancer with febrile neutropenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Febrile neutropenia is a serious complication of cancer chemotherapy that can result in delays in treatment. This study evaluates the efficacy of A. ampeloprasum L. at neutrophil recovery time in children with chemotherapy-associated febrile neutropenia. METHODS: This single-center, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted at an oncology hospital. Patients selected among childhood cancers with febrile neutropenia. Overall, 97 febrile neutropenic children were enrolled. The intervention group (n=49) was given A. ampeloprasum L. in capsules (500 mg twice daily) for seven days plus supportive care. The control group (n=48) was treated similarly with supportive care and placebo capsules. Total white blood cell (WBC) and absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) were checked daily and neutrophil recovery time in both groups was compared. RESULTS: Patients in the intervention group experienced shorter neutrophil recovery compared to the control group (4.02 ± 2.32 days vs. 6.38 ± 2.80 days, respectively, P less than 0.001). The intervention group was discharged from the hospital earlier than the control group with a mean of two days, but it did not reach statistical significance (P=0.133). Mean WBC and ANC were not significantly different in the two groups. Herbal medicine was well tolerated, and no adverse effect was reported. CONCLUSIONS: A fresh, lyophilized extract from deciduous leaves of A. ampeloprasum L. can effectively shorten the ANC recovery time leading to an earlier release from the hospital. The trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with registration No. IRCT2015051615666N2 (http://www.irct.ir/).

Cardioprotective effects of deferoxamine in acute and subacute cardiotoxicities of doxorubicin: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiotoxicity is a major concern following doxorubicin (DOX) use in the treatment of malignancies. We aimed to investigate whether deferoxamine (DFO) can prevent acute cardiotoxicity in children with cancer who were treated with DOX as part of their chemotherapy. RESULTS: Sixty-two newly-diagnosed pediatric cancer patients aged 2-18 years with DOX as part of their treatment regimens were assigned to three groups: group 1 (no intervention, n = 21), group II (Deferoxamine (DFO) 10 times DOX dose, n = 20), and group III (DFO 50 mg/kg, n = 21). Patients in the intervention groups were pretreated with DFO 8-h intravenous infusion in each chemotherapy course during and after completion of DOX infusion. Conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography, serum concentrations of human brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were checked after the last course of chemotherapy. Sixty patients were analyzed. The level of cTnI was < 0.01 in all patients. Serum BNP was significantly lower in group 3 compared to control subjects (P = 0.036). No significant differences were observed in the parameters of Doppler echocardiography. Significant lower values of tissue Doppler late diastolic velocity at the lateral annulus of the tricuspid valve were noticed in group 3 in comparison with controls. By using Pearson analysis, tissue Doppler systolic velocity of the septum showed a marginally significant negative correlation with DOX dose (P = 0.05, r = - 0.308). No adverse effect was reported in the intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose DFO (50 mg/kg) may serve as a promising cardioprotective agent at least at the molecular level in cancer patients treated with DOX. Further multicenter trials with longer follow-ups are needed to investigate its protective role in delayed DOX-induced cardiac damage. Trial registration IRCT, IRCT2016080615666N5. Registered 6 September 2016, http://www.irct.ir/IRCT2016080615666N5 .

Prognosis and Overall Survival of Thalassemia Patients using Semi-Parametric Mixture Cure-Rate Model: a 30-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the determinants of long-term overall survival (OS) of thalassemia patients (TPs) is the mainstay of care. METHODS: As a retrospective survey, we assessed the data of 769 TPs who had regular follow-up and blood transfusion for at least 30 years from 1990 - 2019. We utilized semi-parametric proportional hazards mixture cure-rate regression to discover the factors with a significant effect on short- and long-term OS separately. RESULTS: The 25- and 30-year OS for the TPs were calculated to be 98.7% and 90.4%, respectively. Each five-year age escalation was associated with a 30% decrease in the probability of being short-term survivors (HR = 1.06, p = 0.047). Parental family relationship influenced both cured (OR = 3.00, p = 0.017) and uncured (HR = 0.50, p = 0.046) TPs. Moreover, the type of iron chelation drug, liver iron concentration, and normal EF results had a significant effect on long-term OS. Aging, parental consanguinity, liver and cardiac siderosis, higher ferritin levels, and low hemoglobin level were associated with poorer prognosis in TPs. CONCLUSIONS: However, deferoxamine followed by multiple drugs as iron chelation, severe liver siderosis, and abnormal EF declined the probability of long-term OS among TPs. This can be considered by health policy decision-makers to enforce the screening program more strictly.

An evaluation of ascitic calprotectin for diagnosis of ascitic fluid infection in children with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: The most common infection in children with the hepatic disease with or without cirrhotic ascites is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), which occurs in the absence of an evident intra-abdominal source of infection. The present study aims to assess the value of calprotectin in ascitic fluid in the diagnosis of ascitic fluid infection in children with liver cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-section study, 80 children with underlying liver disease who attended the Hepatology and Emergency Department in Shiraz University Hospitals were studied. All the patients were evaluated by a thorough history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, diagnostic paracentesis with PMNLs count, and Calprotectin, which was measured in 1 mL ascitic fluid by ELISA. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (43.75%) were diagnosed with ascitic fluid infection. Of these children 6 cases had positive ascitic fluid culture (SBP). Calprotectin was high in AFI patients with a statistically significant difference in AFI patients compared to non-AFI patients. The cut-off levels were 91.55 mg /L and the area under the curve was 0.971. So it can serve as a sensitive and specific diagnostic test for detection of AFI in children with underlying liver disease. CONCLUSION: Elevated ascitic calprotectin levels in cirrhotic patients are a diagnostic and reliable marker for the detection of AFI and are considered a surrogate marker for PMN.

Study of the Serum Immunoglobulin and Cell-Mediated Immunity in Patients with Congenital Severe Hemophilia.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that a close relationship exists between the immune system and coagulation cascade. Hemophilia A is an X-linked, recessive bleeding disorder caused by deficiency of functional plasma clotting factor VIII that is classically treated with factor VIII replacement therapy. Despite this, some patients produce inhibitors or antibodies against epitopes of infused factor VIII, indicating the activation of the adaptive immune system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in the T cell frequency and serum immunoglobulin level in patients with congenital hemophilia A, especially those who produce inhibitors against factor VIII. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, case-control study on congenital hemophilia A patients with severe factor VIII deficiency. Twenty-eight hemophilia A male patients were randomly selected along with twenty age-matched healthy males, as the control group. Serum immunoglobulin concentration was measured by nephelometry (for IgG, IgA and IgM) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (for IgE) and the frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were calculated using a flow cytometry method. RESULTS: Serum IgG was significantly higher in hemophilic patients compared to controls (14.35 ± 3.60, vs. 12.4 ± 1.72, p = 0.014). Among IgG subtypes, the IgG1 antibody was significantly higher in hemophilia patients than control group (p < 0.001). The frequency of CD4+ as well as CD8+ T cells did not significantly differ between patients and control group (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between patients with and without inhibitors re-garding serum immunoglobulin level, different IgG subtypes, the frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells as well as CD4/CD8 ratio (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with hemophilia A have high levels of serum immunoglobulin especially IgG1. Therefore, further larger studies along with close observation and evaluation of the presence of serum inhibitor is recommended every 3 months.

Feasibility and Therapeutic Potential of 177Lu-Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor-46 for Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Cancers: A Preliminary Study.

INTRODUCTION: Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a member of the serine protease family and has a high expression in the stroma of approximately 90% of epithelial malignancies. The present investigation aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and dosimetry data of 177Lu-FAPI-46 in diverse malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with advanced cancers with nonoperable tumors, or tumors refractory to conventional therapies, were enrolled. Treatment included escalating doses of 177Lu-FAPI-46 (1.85-4.44 GBq) per cycle using a combination of clinical and statistical expertise design, and intervals of 4 to 6 weeks were considered between the cycles. Biodistribution and dosimetry were examined by whole-body scans. We applied the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03 to measure peptide-targeted radionuclide therapy (PTRT)-associated toxicity. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients (11 females and 10 males) with a median age of 50 years (range, 6-79 years) were investigated. Of 21 participants, 18 cases were selected for PTRT. Overall, 36 PTRT cycles were performed. The median number of PTRT cycles and the median injected amount of activity in each cycle were 2 and 3.7 GBq, respectively. The dosimetric analysis revealed median absorbed doses of 0.026, 0.136, 0.886, and 0.02 with ranges of 0.023-0.034, 0.001-0.2, 0.076-1.39, and 0.002-0.2 mGy/MBq for the whole body, liver, kidneys, and spleen, respectively. The therapy was well tolerated in almost all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this preliminary investigation might indicate the potential feasibility and safety of PTRT using 177Lu-FAPI-46 for different aggressive tumors. Moreover, the current study could be beneficial in determining the suitable amount of activity for a phase 2 study.

Successful treatment of refractory metastatic neuroblastoma with panobinostat in combination with chemotherapy agents and iodine-131-meta-iodobenzylguanidine therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Neuroblastoma commonly required multimodal therapy containing surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. CASE REPORT: In our case, who had refractory metastatic neuroblastoma, we use histone deacetylase inhibitor (panobinostat) in combination with chemotherapy agents and iodine-131-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) therapy. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: This approach leads to successfully treat the patient. MIBG scan and bone marrow examination after therapy revealed no evidence of tumor. Now, she underwent autologous transplantation six months ago and free of tumor. CONCLUSION: Panobinostat can cause apoptosis induction in refractory metastatic neuroblastoma in combination with MIBG therapy and chemotherapy.

Extramedullary manifestations in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children: a systematic review and guideline-based approach of treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) may present with signs and symptoms related to extramedullary involvement, therefore, leads to delayed diagnosis of ALL in children. This study aims to consider the extramedullary manifestations of ALL in children and their proper treatment. METHOD: The databases were searched for all relevant subjects including "acute lymphoblastic leukemia", "clinical presentation", "unusual presentation", "childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia", "presenting features of ALL", "extramedullary presentation", and "atypical presentation" from April 1968 to June 2020. The Inclusion criteria for this review study were all cases reported, case series, and studies about extramedullary presentations of ALL in pediatrics. Eighty-seven studies had inclusion criteria. All reported studies were analyzed given their extramedullary presentations, age, sex, treatment option, and prognostic factors. A two-sided P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT: In this review study, the extramedullary initial signs and symptoms of ALL were related to musculoskeletal system 17 (19.5%) especially bony symptoms and hypercalcemia. The additional extramedullary presentations of ALL in order of frequency include; renal involvement, 17 (19.5%), hepatic symptom 12 (13.8%), orbital presentation 10 (11.5%), neurologic signs 8 (9%), dermatological manifestations 5 (5.8%), oral presentations 5 (5.8%), hypereosinophilia 5 (5.8%), abdominal manifestation 3 (3.5%), pericardial involvement 2 (2.3%), and the other miscellaneous presentations 3 (3.5%). CONCLUSION: The clinicians must become familiar with these extramedullary presentations of ALL in pediatrics to avoid the delayed diagnosis of this disease and increase the probable chance of survival by early detection.

A novel frame-shift deletion in FANCF gene causing autosomal recessive Fanconi anemia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Fanconi anemia (FA) is a heterogeneous genetic disorder characterized by congenital anomalies, early-onset bone marrow failure, and a high predisposition to cancers. Up to know, different genes involved in the DNA repair pathway, mainly FANCA genes, have been identified to be affected in patients with FA. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report clinical, laboratory and genetic findings in a 3.5-year-old Iranian female patient, a product of a consanguineous marriage, who was suspicious of FA, observed with short stature, microcephaly, skin hyperpigmentation, anemia, thrombocytopenia and hypo cellular bone marrow. Therefore, Next Generation Sequencing was performed to identify the genetic cause of the disease in this patient. Results revealed a novel, private, homozygous frameshift mutation in the FANCF gene (NM_022725: c. 534delG, p. G178 fs) which was confirmed by Sanger sequencing in the proband. CONCLUSION: Such studies may help uncover the exact pathomechanisms of this disorder and establish the genotype-phenotype correlations by identification of more mutations in this gene. It is the first report of a mutation in the FANCF gene in Iranian patients with Fanconi anemia. This new mutation correlates with a hematological problem (pancytopenia), short stature, and microcephaly and skin hyperpigmentation. Until now, no evidence of malignancy was detected.

Gynecomastia as a late complication of childhood cancer and its treatment that can affect the quality of life of male survivors.

Childhood cancer is relatively rare, and nowadays it is curable in more than 80% of children. Childhood cancer therapy is directed not only at improving survival but recently, we also concentrate on reducing late effects. We want children who have a diagnosis of cancer to survive and have an excellent quality of life. Gynecomastia and fertility outcome of the survivors of childhood malignancies should be considered in the follow-up of teen agers and young adults and should be approached in an accurate manner and managed in comprehensive teams.

Thrombosis in pediatric malignancy: a review and future perspectives with focus on management.

: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) result in significant morbidity and mortality in children with cancer. The cause of VTE in children with cancer is multifactorial and includes genetic predisposition (thrombophilia), disease-related factors, and treatment-related factors including use of central venous catheter (CVC), surgery, and chemotherapy. This review aims to examine current knowledge regarding the incidence, risk factors, clinical manifestation, evaluation, prevention, and management of thromboembolic events in children with cancer.

Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid and vitamin E in the prevention of liver injury from methotrexate in pediatric leukemia.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and antioxidants such as vitamin E are considered to have a protective role in preventing chemotherapy-induced liver damage. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of these agents for hepatoprotection in pediatric patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), who were treated with methotrexate in their maintenance phase of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty children with B-cell ALL were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 was administered oral vitamin E (400 mg/day); group 2 was administered oral UDCA (15 mg/kg/day); group 3 was administered a combination of the two drugs; and group 4 served as a control group and was administered no drug except their chemotherapy drugs. Complete blood count, liver function test, liver ultrasonography, and liver fibroscan were requested, and the results were compared. RESULTS: Group 1 showed a slight increase in total bilirubin levels compared to baseline levels during the study (P=0.036). Group 2 showed a decline in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels during the study and at 6 months after discontinuing the drug; however, these differences were not statistically significant (P=0.051 and 0.083, respectively). None of the patients showed the evidence of significant fibrosis on liver fibroscan. Eight patients showed some evidence of mild-to-moderate fibrosis (F1, F2), but the results were not different between the groups as well as between pre- and post-study periods in each group. CONCLUSION: Low-dose methotrexate does not cause significant liver fibrosis in pediatric leukemia. UDCA and vitamin E have minimal roles in hepatoprotection among pediatric patients with ALL.

Acute Progressive Visual Loss in a Case of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Challenges in the Utility of Molecular Tests in Early Diagnose of Cytomegalovirus Retinitis.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is one of the rare but debilitating presentations of the CMV infection in children with leukemia. Herein, we report a 12-year-old boy with acute myeloid leukemia complicated by rapid progressive visual loss during relapse of leukemia. The definite diagnosis of CMV retinitis was made after vitreous aspiration. Despite prompt treatment and ophthalmologic intervention, he died because of AML relapse. Viral infections, especially cytomegalovirus infection, may present with vague clinical pictures during any time of chemotherapy, which may not be easily distinguishable from bacterial or fungal retinitis and also chemotherapy-induced retinopathies. Clinician should consider CMV retinitis in seropositive patients especially those without detectable viremia.

Hodgkin Lymphoma in a Patient With IFAP Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

The IFAP syndrome is a rare X-linked recessive inheritance disorder with defect of the MBTPS2 gene defined by the triad of follicular ichthyosis, alopecia, and photophobia. A total of 40 cases has been reported, but no correlation with Hodgkin lymphoma has been reported yet. A 3.5-year-old boy was diagnosed with IFAP syndrome confirmed by Next Generation Sequencing. He was on regular follow-up when he developed prolonged fever and lymphadenopathy. His lymph node biopsy showed Hodgkin lymphoma with mixed cellularity subtype. This case is the first report on IFAP syndrome associated with malignancy. IFAP syndrome could be a risk factor in developing malignancy.

Rigler Sign in a Child With Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disease: A Sign That Should Not Be Missed.

Rigler sign is a double wall sign suggesting pneumoperitoneum and intestinal perforation, and it needs emergency surgical treatment. Early diagnosis of intestinal perforation by clinical symptoms, presence of Rigler sign in abdominal radiography, and then early surgical treatment can reduce mortality. Here, we report a patient with Crigler-Najjar syndrome who underwent liver transplant and then developed posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease and received chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone plus rituximab. She was referred to the emergency department due to abdominal distension with positive Rigler sign in abdominal radiography; intraoperative findings revealed intestinal perforation. Pediatricians and surgeons should be aware of Rigler sign so that it is diagnosed early and emergency surgical treatment can be performed.

Neurological Crises after Discontinuation of Nitisinone (NTBC) Treatment in Tyrosinemia.

OBJECTIVE: Tyrosinemia type 1 is a hereditary disorder with liver, kidney and nervous system involvement. Neurological crises can occur in tyrosinemic patients without treatment or when treatment stops. Here we report three children that developed diaphragmatic paralysis after discontinuation of nitisinone. In patients with tyrosinemia type 1, combined treatment with nitisinone and a low-tyrosine diet have prevented neurological crises. The purpose of this article was to express the importance of taking nitisinone (NTBC) for tyrosinemia diseases and risks of inadvertent discontinuation. MATERIALS & METHODS: We describe three children referred to emergency department of Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz, Iran in December 2015 with tyrosinemia type 1 who stopped NTBC treatment, presenting with respiratory. Clinical findings, laboratory results, and imaging study were assessed in three patients on admission and after starting nitisinone. RESULTS: All patients developed diaphragmatic paralysis and respiratory distress after interruption of nitisinone treatment. Two of the patients were improved after starting nitisinone. One patient expired due to respiratory failure. Full recovery occurred about 2 months after starting nitisinone. CONCLUSION: Discontinuation of nitisinone can induce diaphragmatic paralysis and respiratory failure. Therefore, we should advise patients to use NTBC for the long term and not interrupt it.

Colonic basidiobolomycosis with liver involvement masquerading as gastrointestinal lymphoma: a case report and literature review.

Basidiobolomycosis is an unusual fungal skin infection that rarely involves the gastrointestinal tract. This study reported a 5-year-old boy with gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis that had been misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal lymphoma. He was treated by surgical resection and a combination of posaconazole and amphotericin B deoxycholate with an acceptable response and no recurrence.

Esthesioneuroblastoma Presenting with Bilateral Proptosis and Blindness in a Child: A Case Report.

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare malignant tumour of the olfactory epithelium. The most common symptom is related to unilateral nasal obstruction. It rarely presents with bilateral proptosis and blindness. We report a 21-month-old girl with esthesioneuroblastoma in sphenoid and ethmoid sinus in a child presenting with bilateral proptosis, blindness, and irritability. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology.