Comparison of telomere length in patients with bone marrow failure syndromes and healthy controls.

INTRODUCTION: During normal aging, telomeric DNA is gradually lost in dividing somatic cells, and critically short telomeres lead to replicative senescence, apoptosis, or chromosomal instability. We studied telomere length in bone marrow failure syndromes (BMFS) compared to normal healthy population. METHODS: Peripheral blood was collected from the participants, and genomic DNA was extracted. Relative telomere length was measured using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and GraphPad Prism 8.2 software. RESULTS: The median age of normal Indian population was 31 (0-60) years. As expected, telomere length (TL) showed a decline with age and no difference in TL between males and females. The median age of 650 patients with aplastic anemia (AA) was 30 (1-60) years. TL was significantly shorter in patients with AA compared to healthy controls (p < .001). In FA and MDS patients, TL was significantly shorter than age-matched healthy controls (p = .028; p < .001), respectively. There was no difference between the median TL in age-matched AA and FA patients (p = .727). However, patients with MDS had shorter TL than age-matched AA (p = .031). CONCLUSION: TL in BMF syndrome patients was significantly shorter than age-matched healthy controls.

Fungal Intracranial Infections (Central Nervous System-Invasive Fungal Disease) in Patients With Haematological Disorders-A Single-Centre Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a sinister complication encountered in patients with haematological disorders. When occurring in the central nervous system (CNS), IFDs can have catastrophic outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical presentation, predisposing etiological factors, and prognosis of a CNS-IFD in a patient with a haematological disorder. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study focusing on the clinical profile, diagnosis, treatment strategy and outcomes of 43 patients with an underlying haematological disorder, who were diagnosed with CNS-IFD between 2018 and 2022. RESULTS: Of the 43 patients, 18 were chemotherapy recipients, while 23 were stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients and 2 presented with CNS-IFD at diagnosis. AML/MDS (37.2%) and ALL (18.6%) were the predominant underlying diagnoses. A sudden deterioration in sensorium (53.5%) was the earliest clinical sign, while T2 hyperintensities (26.8%), vascular involvement (26.8%) and ring-enhancing lesions (16.3%) were the commonest radiological findings, with all patients exhibiting diffusion restriction in diffusion-weighted images. Microbiological evidence of infection was obtained in all patients; however, culture positivity was established in only 25 patients. Rhizopus spp (23.2%) and Aspergillus spp (20.9%) were implicated in most cases. Overall survival of the cohort was 27.9% at a median follow-up of 6 months. In patients who succumbed, the median time to death was 4 days (0-46). CONCLUSION: CNS-IFD is associated with very poor survival in patients undergoing chemotherapy or an SCT, urging the need for prompt diagnosis and initiation of suitable antifungal therapy.

Impact of imaging modality on clinical outcome in Hodgkin lymphoma in a resource constraint setting.

Treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) has evolved with risk-stratified therapy based on PET-CT scan at multiple timepoints. In a resource constraint setting even a single PET-CT scan ($400) is inaccessible to many patients, who are re-assessed with only clinical examination, abdominal ultrasonogram and/or x-ray (C/U/X) ($10). To compare clinical outcomes in patients with HL who have had suboptimal imaging after completion of chemotherapy for HL, with those who had a CT or PET-CT, 283 patients were treated for HL from 2011 to 2015, and 268 patients completed six cycles of ABVD therapy with response assessment modality by CT/PET in 185 patients and by C/U/X in 83. There was no difference in the number of patients with advanced (64·1% vs. 61·1%; P = 0·650) or bulk disease (8·1% vs. 7·2%). A significantly higher number of patients in the CT/PET group received IFRT (25·4% vs. 7·7%; P = 0·0005). The three-year overall survival and progression-free survival of all treated patients (n = 283) was 83·5 ± 2·3% and 76·7 ± 2·6% respectively [median follow-up 36 months (range 2-93)]. At three years, the overall relapse-free survival (RFS) was 80·1 ± 2·5%, with RFS of 77 ± 3·2% vs. 85 ± 4·0% in the CT/PET group and C/U/X groups respectively (P = 0·349). There was no difference in RFS between the two groups either in early-stage disease (88·1 ± 4·6% vs. 91·8 ± 5·6%; P = 0·671) or late-stage disease (73·9 ± 4·8% vs. 81·3 ± 6·0%; P = 0·747). The only significant factor adversely affecting RFS was advanced disease (P = 0·004). Factors not affecting RFS were age (P = 0·763), sex (P = 0·925), bulk disease (P = 0·889) and imaging modality (P = 0·352). There was no difference in relapse rates between patients who had suboptimal imaging compared to those who had a PET/CT. It is possible to use these basic imaging modalities when resources are a constraint, with acceptable outcomes.

Drug-resistant organisms are common in fecal surveillance cultures, predict bacteremia and correlate with poorer outcomes in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplants.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms and high mortality rates associated with these infections, we describe the spectrum of the major drug-resistant pathogens identified in fecal surveillance, and re-visit the use of fecal surveillance in predicting infection with these organisms post-allogeneic stem cell transplant. METHODS: Data from allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients with common drug-resistant strains of bacteria in fecal surveillance (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and Enterococcus spp.) were compared with recipients who did not have the same in fecal surveillance cultures. Baseline characteristics and post-transplant outcomes including similar drug resistance in blood cultures, severe sepsis, and 100-day transplant-related mortality were compared. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression model was used to determine independent predictors of outcome. RESULTS: In 232 transplants, the prevalence of common drug-resistant isolates in fecal surveillance cultures was 57.7% (134 out of 232 patients-with a single isolate in 115 and ≥2 isolates in the remaining 19 patients. A total of 164 drug-resistant isolates were obtained from 134 patients. Of the 164 isolates, 133 (81%) were positive for ESBL screening, 19 (11.5%) for carbapenem-resistant organisms (CRO) screening, 12 (7.3%) for VRE screening. Patients who had common drug-resistant pathogens detected in fecal surveillance have significantly higher subsequent blood culture positivity with drug resistance, as well as higher 100-day mortality. Factors influencing 100-day mortality included patient's age (P = .001), drug resistance positivity in blood (P < .001), drug resistance in fecal surveillance (P = .011), use of an alternate donor (other than fully matched sibling) (P < .001), GVHD grade 3-4 (P < .001), and severe sepsis (P < .001). On multivariate analysis, only use of an alternate donor (0.024), severe sepsis (P < .001), and grade 3-4 GVHD (P < .001) retained significance in predicting 100-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Organisms resistant to 3rd generation cephalosporins are frequently seen on fecal surveillance in the pre-transplant setting and are associated with a higher incidence of drug-resistant organisms in subsequent blood cultures (not limited to the same drug resistance pattern as seen in fecal surveillance). Drug-resistant organisms in fecal surveillance are associated with poorer outcomes following allogeneic stem cell transplant and may be used as a guide to identify patients at risk of subsequently developing a drug-resistant organism in blood.

Invasive fungal infection following chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia-Experience from a developing country.

The incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFI) is believed to be higher in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) undergoing chemotherapy in non-HEPA-filtered rooms. The aim of this study is to review the incidence of IFI in a large cohort of patients with AML treated at a single centre in India. Two hundred and twenty-two patients with AML treated with either induction chemotherapy or salvage chemotherapy between 2008 and 2013 were studied retrospectively. IFI was defined as per the revised EORTC-MSG criteria. Data on type of chemotherapy, prophylactic strategies, engraftment (ANC>500), the presence of IFI and survival were collected. IFI was diagnosed in 86 patients (38.7%) with proven IFI in 12 (5.4%). Use of posaconazole prophylaxis (P=.001) was the only factor associated with reduced incidence of IFI. Survival in patients with proven IFI was lower than those without proven IFI, but not statistically significant (59.4% vs 78.5%; P=.139). There is a high incidence of IFI during induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia in developing countries. Posaconazole prophylaxis was associated with a significantly lower incidence of IFI. Optimal yet cost-effective strategies for prevention and early diagnosis of IFI are required to improve survival in patients undergoing chemotherapy for AML.

Acute myeloid leukaemia: challenges and real world data from India.

The management of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in India remains a challenge. In a two-year prospective study at our centre there were 380 newly diagnosed AML (excluding acute promyelocytic leukaemia, AML-M3) patients. The median age of newly diagnosed patients was 40 years (range: 1-79; 12.3% were ≤ 15 years, 16.3% were ≥ 60 years old) and there were 244 (64.2%) males. The median duration of symptoms prior to first presentation at our hospital was 4 weeks (range: 1-52). The median distance from home to hospital was 580 km (range: 6-3200 km). 109 (29%) opted for standard of care and were admitted for induction chemotherapy. Of the 271 that did not take treatment the major reason was lack of financial resources in 219 (81%). There were 27 (24.7%) inductions deaths and of these, 12 (44.5%) were due to multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli and 12 (44.5%) showed evidence of a fungal infection. The overall survival at 1 year was 70.4% ± 10.7%, 55.6% ± 6.8% and 42.4% ± 15.6% in patients aged ≤ 15 years, 15 - 60 years and ≥ 60 years, respectively. In conclusion, the biggest constraint is the cost of treatment and the absence of a health security net to treat all patients with this diagnosis.

Profile and Predictors of Infection Following Anti-thymocyte Globulin or Anti-lymphocyte Globulin with Cyclosporine in Aplastic Anemia.

Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) and Cyclosporine (CSA) in aplastic anaemia (AA) results in improvement of blood counts between 3 and 6 months for the majority of patients. Infection is the most lethal complication in aplastic anemia and may arise due to several factors. We performed this study to determine the prevalence and predictors of specific infection types before and after IST. Six hundred and seventy-seven (546 adults; 434 males) transplant ineligible patients received ATG and CSA between 1995 and 2017. All patients who were transplant ineligible and received IST in this period were included. Infections before IST was seen in 209 (30.9%) and in 430 (63.5%) patients post IST. There were 700 infective episodes in the six months post-IST, including 216 bacterial, 78 fungal, 33 viral, and 373 culture-negative febrile episodes. Infections were highest (98, 77.8%) in very severe aplastic anaemia as compared to Severe AA (SAA) and Non-Severe AA (NSAA) (p < 0.001). Infections were also significantly higher in those who did not respond to ATG (71.1% vs. 56.8%, p = 0.003). At six months post-IST were 545 (80.5%) alive, and there were 54 (7.9%) deaths due to infection. Significant predictors of mortality were paediatric AA, very severe aplastic anaemia, pre or post ATG infections, and lack of response to ATG. Mortality was highest in those with combined bacterial and fungal infections post IST (p < 0.001). We conclude that infections are a common complication (63.5%) of IST. Mortality was highest when both bacterial and fungal infections were present. Routine use of growth factors and prophylactic antifungal and antibacterial agents was not part of our protocol, despite which 80.5% of the cohort was alive at the end of six months.

An Antithymocyte Globulin-Free Conditioning Regimen Using Fludarabine and Cyclophosphamide Is Associated with Good Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Matched Related Family Donor Transplantation for Aplastic Anemia.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) using fludarabine (Flu)-based conditioning regimens are being increasingly being used in patients with aplastic anemia (AA). We describe an antithymocyte globulin (ATG)-free conditioning regimen consisting of Flu and cyclophosphamide (Cy) in patients undergoing matched related donor (MRD) HSCT for AA. Between 2004 and 2019, 212 patients underwent MRD HSCT using Flu (30 mg/m2/day for 6 days) and Cy (60 mg/kg/day for 2 days) for conditioning. The graft source was peripheral blood stem cells in all patients. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted mainly of cyclosporine and methotrexate, although 41 patients received post-transplantation Cy as part of a study. Engraftment occurred in 91% of patients at a median of 16 days, whereas 4 patients (1.8%) experienced primary graft failure and 15 (7.1%) died before achieving engraftment. Toxicity was minimal. The incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD (aGVHD) was 27.9%, and that of grade III-IV aGVHD was 11.3%. Chronic GVHD occurred in 41.6%. 80% were free of immunosuppression at 60 months and long-term complications were seen in 8.4%. At a median of 46 months, 158 patients were alive and well, with a 5-year overall survival (OS) of 75.3 ± 3.0%. The 5-year OS was 80.6 ± 4.1% for patients age <20 years (n = 93), 74.5 ± 4.6% for those age 20 to 40 years (n = 91), and 59.7 ± 9.5% for those age >40 years (n = 28) (P = .11). Patients classified as low risk had better OS compared with those at high risk (93.2 ± 2.9% versus 65.7 ± 4.1%; P = .000). Factors affecting OS on multivariate analysis included aGVHD (P = .02) and graft failure (P = .000). This large series using Flu/Cy for conditioning before MRD HSCT confirms good outcomes in patients with AA, with excellent outcomes in low-risk patients. Suitable modifications are needed to improve outcomes in high-risk patients.

Surgical procedures in patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia: case series and literature review.

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia is a rare platelet function disorder with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Achieving haemostasis in such patients who undergo surgical procedures always poses a significant challenge. Herein we report six cases of Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, who underwent nine surgeries under the cover of platelet-rich concentrates with or without recombinant activated factor VII . Of these, five were major surgeries such as thyroidectomy, laparotomy, Hartmann's procedure, reversal of Hartmann's procedure and a complete dental extraction. All five procedures were successfully done without any major bleeding. The major cost incurred in these procedures is due to the large number of blood products used and recombinant activated factor VII if used.