Empagliflozin for treating neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunction in 21 infants with glycogen storage disease 1b.

Empagliflozin has been successfully repurposed for treating neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunction in patients with glycogen storage disease type 1b (GSD 1b), however, data in infants are missing. We report on efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in infants with GSD 1b. This is an international retrospective case series on 21 GSD 1b infants treated with empagliflozin (total treatment time 20.6 years). Before starting empagliflozin (at a median age of 8.1 months with a median dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day) 12 patients had clinical signs and symptoms of neutrophil dysfunction. Six of these previously symptomatic patients had no further neutropenia/neutrophil dysfunction-associated findings on empagliflozin. Eight patients had no signs and symptoms of neutropenia/neutrophil dysfunction before start and during empagliflozin treatment. One previously asymptomatic individual with a horseshoe kidney developed a central line infection with pyelonephritis and urosepsis during empagliflozin treatment. Of the 10 patients who were treated with G-CSF before starting empagliflozin, this was stopped in four and decreased in another four. Eleven individuals were never treated with G-CSF. While in 17 patients glucose homeostasis remained stable on empagliflozin, four showed glucose homeostasis instability in the introductory phase. In 17 patients, no other side effects were reported, while genital (n = 2) or oral (n = 1) candidiasis and skin infection (n = 1) were reported in the remaining four. Empagliflozin had a good effect on neutropenia/neutrophil dysfunction-related signs and symptoms and a favourable safety profile in infants with GSD 1b and therefore qualifies for further exploration as first line treatment.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in paediatric nephrology in Ireland.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is utilised in the management of a limited number of paediatric renal conditions. Despite its widespread acceptance and advancements in the practice of apheresis, there remains a paucity of data pertaining to paediatrics. We present a large retrospective review of our cohort of paediatric patients undergoing TPE for renal indications, outlining their outcomes and complications. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients (under 16 years) undergoing TPE for renal conditions between January 2002 and June 2019 in Ireland. Demographic and clinical data were extracted, with patients anonymised and stratified according to their pathology. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients were identified. A total of 1137 exchanges were performed using heparin sodium anticoagulation. The median age was 35.5 months (IQR 18-110 months). The leading indication was neurological involvement in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli haemolytic uraemic syndrome (STEC-HUS) (n = 29). Complications (minor or major) occurred in 65.5% (n = 38) of patients, with most experiencing minor complications 58.6% (n = 34). Asymptomatic hypocalcaemia was the most common complication in 43.1% (n = 25). CONCLUSIONS: Our experience of TPE, spanning 1137 exchanges, proved a safe, well-tolerated therapy. Most complications were minor, and with therapy conducted in specialised centres, there are very low levels of adverse events.

Clinical and biochemical footprints of inherited metabolic disease. XVI. Hematological abnormalities.

Many classical inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) are associated with significant hematological complications such as anemia or thrombosis. While these may not be the prominent presenting feature of these conditions, management of these issues is important for optimal outcomes in people with IMDs. Some disorders that are included in the nosology of inherited metabolic disorders, such as inherited disorders of red cell energy metabolism, have purely hematological features, and have typically been cared for by a hematologist. In the 16th issue of the Footprints series, we identified 265 IMDs associated with hematological abnormalities. We review the major hematological manifestations of IMDs, suggest further investigation of hematological findings, and discuss treatment options available for specific hematological complications of IMDs.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as a targeted therapy for bone marrow failure in Ghosal hematodiaphyseal dysplasia.

Advances in genomic diagnostics hold promise for improved care of rare hematologic diseases. Here, we describe a novel targeted therapeutic approach for Ghosal hematodiaphyseal dysplasia, an autosomal recessive disease characterized by severe normocytic anemia and bone abnormalities due to loss-of-function mutations in thromboxane A synthase 1 (TBXAS1). TBXAS1 metabolizes prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), a cyclooxygenase (COX) product of arachidonic acid, into thromboxane A2. Loss-of-function mutations in TBXAS result in an increase in PGH2 availability for other PG synthases. The current treatment for Ghosal hematodiaphyseal dysplasia syndrome consists of corticosteroids. We hypothesize that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which inhibit COX-1 and COX-2, could ameliorate the effects of TBXAS1 loss and improve hematologic function by reducing prostaglandin formation. We treated 2 patients with Ghosal hematodiaphyseal dysplasia syndrome, an adult and a child, with standard doses of NSAIDs (aspirin or ibuprofen). Both patients had rapid improvements concerning hematologic parameters and inflammatory markers without adverse events. Mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that urinary PG metabolites were increased along with proinflammatory lipoxygenase (LOX) products 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and leukotriene E4. Our data show that NSAIDs at standard doses surprisingly reduced both COX and LOX products, leading to the resolution of cytopenia, and should be considered for first-line treatment for Ghosal hematodiaphyseal dysplasia syndrome.

Fontaine progeroid syndrome-A case report.

Fontaine progeroid syndrome (FPS) is an autosomal dominant condition caused by pathogenic variants in the SLC25A24 gene. Eleven cases have been described in the literature, with early lethality in some. We discuss the clinical course of a patient from birth until his death at 7 months.

A gain-of-function variant in the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome gene is associated with a MYH9-related disease-like syndrome.

While loss-of-function variants in the WAS gene are associated with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and lead to microthrombocytopenia, gain-of-function variants of WAS are associated with X-linked neutropenia (XLN) and the absence of microthrombocytopenia. Only a few XLN families have been reported so far, and their platelet phenotype was not described in detail. To date, no renal involvement was described in XLN. In the present study, we report exome sequencing of individuals from 3 generations of a family with a dominant disease combining neutropenia, macrothrombocytopenia, and renal failure. We identified a heterozygous missense gain-of-function variant in the WAS gene (c.881T>C, p.I294T) that segregates with the disease and is already known to cause XLN. There was no pathogenic variant in MYH9, TUBB1, or ACTN1. This is the first report of a WAS gain-of-function variant associated with both the hematological phenotype of XLN (neutropenia, macrothrombocytopenia) and renal disease (proteinuria, renal failure) with glomerular tip lesion hyalinosis and actin condensations in effaced podocytes foot processes.

The challenges of pregnancy management in pyridoxine nonresponsive homocystinuria: The Irish experience.

Many patients with inborn errors of metabolism, due to early diagnosis and improved management, are living longer with less disease burden. Several are now having families of their own. This poses challenges both for the metabolic control of the mother and potential secondary effects on the fetus, as well as the risk of inheriting the inborn error. Classical homocystinuria (HCU, OMIM 236200) is a rare multisystem condition with intellectual, skeletal, ocular, and thromboembolic complications. Ireland has included HCU in the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program since 1971. The European network and registry for homocystinurias and methylation defects (E-HOD) guidelines outline the requirements for management and monitoring of this condition and associated complications. Pregnancy alone has many potential complications. When combined with an underlying condition such as HCU, which is prothrombotic and requires a highly medicalized diet, there are significantly increased risks to both mother and baby. Colleagues previously published an Irish case of maternal HCU with successful pregnancy outcome. We add five pregnancies to two women with classical HCU to the literature. We use these to highlight the importance of careful metabolic control and managing the predictable HCU associated risks during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Our cases demonstrate the potential for healthy pregnancies in HCU and that this is best achieved with a motivated clinical team and good patient engagement. Only small numbers of pregnancies in HCU have been reported and we are still learning best practice, but proactive management is essential, as in any inborn error of metabolism.

A retrospective study of myeloid leukaemia in children with Down syndrome in Ireland.

BACKGROUND: Acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (AMKL) is a subtype of myeloid leukaemia and is the most common leukaemia type in children with Down syndrome (DS) under 4 years of age. AMKL is often preceded by a transient neonatal pre-leukaemic syndrome, transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD). Although TMD often spontaneously resolves, 20-30% of these patients subsequently develop AMKL within the first 4 years of life. AIMS: To perform a retrospective consecutive national audit of all documented cases of childhood TMD and AMKL-DS from 1990 to 2018 at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin (OLCHC), Ireland. METHODS: All patients with a diagnosis of AMKL treated consecutively at (OLCHC) between 1990 and 2018 were reviewed. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients with AMKL-DS were identified. A prior neonatal diagnosis of TMD was described in 10 patients (37%). Nineteen patients (70%) are alive and well, in complete remission, at a median follow-up of 11.4 years. Overall survival (OS) of this cohort has risen from 54% from those treated between the years 1990 and 2004 (n = 13) to 93% for those treated between the years 2005 and 2018 (n = 14). CONCLUSION: High cure rates are observed in AMKL-DS using current polychemotherapy protocols. The finding of a low platelet count at time of diagnosis is in keeping with the knowledge that AMKL-DS is a malignancy of platelet progenitor cells.

Catalogue of inherited disorders found among the Irish Traveller population.

Background Irish Travellers are an endogamous, nomadic, ethnic minority population mostly resident on the island of Ireland with smaller populations in Europe and the USA. High levels of consanguinity result in many rare autosomal recessive disorders. Due to founder effects and endogamy, most recessive disorders are caused by specific homozygous mutations unique to this population. Key clinicians and scientists with experience in managing rare disorders seen in this population have developed a de facto advisory service on differential diagnoses to consider when faced with specific clinical scenarios. Objective(s) To catalogue all known inherited disorders found in the Irish Traveller population. Methods We performed detailed literature and database searches to identify relevant publications and the disease mutations of known genetic disorders found in Irish Travellers. Results We identified 104 genetic disorders: 90 inherited in an autosomal recessive manner; 13 autosomal dominant and one a recurring chromosomal duplication. Conclusion We have collated our experience of inherited disorders found in the Irish Traveller population to make it publically available through this publication to facilitate a targeted genetic approach to diagnostics in this ethnic group.

Clinical and genetic characterisation of infantile liver failure syndrome type 1, due to recessive mutations in LARS.

BACKGROUND: Recessive LARS mutations were recently reported to cause a novel syndrome, infantile liver failure syndrome type 1 (ILFS1), in six Irish Travellers. We have since identified four additional patients, including one of Ashkenazi origin, representing the largest ILFS1 cohort to date. Our study aims to define the ILFS1 clinical phenotype to help guide diagnosis and patient management. METHODS: We clinically evaluated and reviewed the medical records of ten ILFS1 patients. Clinical features, histopathology and natural histories were compared and patient management strategies reviewed. RESULTS: Early failure to thrive, recurrent liver dysfunction, anemia, hypoalbuminemia and seizures were present in all patients. Most patients (90 %) had developmental delay. Encephalopathic episodes triggered by febrile illness have occurred in 80 % and were fatal in two children. Two patients are currently >28 years old and clinically well. Leucine supplementation had no appreciable impact on patient well-being. However, we suggest that the traditional management of reducing/stopping protein intake in patients with metabolic hepatopathies may not be appropriate for ILFS1. We currently recommend ensuring sufficient natural protein intake when unwell. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first non-Irish ILFS1 patient, suggesting ILFS1 may be more extensive than anticipated. Low birth weight, early failure to thrive, anemia and hypoalbuminemia are amongst the first presenting features, with liver dysfunction before age 1. Episodic hepatic dysfunction is typically triggered by febrile illness, and becomes less severe with increasing age. While difficult to anticipate, two patients are currently >28 years old, suggesting that survival beyond childhood may be associated with a favourable long-term prognosis.

Sideroblastic anaemia and primary adrenal insufficiency due to a mitochondrial respiratory chain disorder in the absence of mtDNA deletion.

A fatigued 8-year-old boy was found to have sideroblastic anaemia (haemoglobin 7.8 g/dL) which over time became transfusion dependent. Subtle neurological dysfunction, initially manifesting as mild spastic diplegia, was slowly progressive and ultimately led to wheelchair dependence. Elevated plasma lactate and urinary 3-methylglutaconate led to a muscle biopsy which confirmed partial complex IV deficiency. PCR in leucocytes and muscle was negative for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions. Faltering growth prompted an insulin tolerance test which confirmed growth hormone sufficiency and adrenal insufficiency. Plasma renin was elevated and adrenal androgens were low, suggesting primary adrenal insufficiency. Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy was initiated. A renal tubular Fanconi syndrome and diabetes mellitus developed subsequently. Sideroblastic anaemia and primary adrenal insufficiency, both individually and collectively, are associated with mtDNA deletion; however, absence of the same does not exclude the possibility that sideroblastic anaemia and primary adrenal insufficiency are of mitochondrial origin.

Successful treatment with rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil of refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant for dyskeratosis congenita due to TINF2 mutation.

AIHA following allogeneic HSCT is appearing more frequently in the literature. It occurs as a result of donor cell-derived antibodies targeting donor red cell antigens. Little guidance exists on the management of such patients, particularly in the pediatric setting. First-line conventional treatment is corticosteroids and/or immunoglobulin therapy with monoclonal antibody therapy reserved for treatment failure. We report our experience of a child refractory to immunoglobulin and steroid therapy who required several infusions of rituximab and immunomodulatory therapy to obtain a clinically significant response.

Laboratory coagulation parameters in extremely premature infants born earlier than 27 gestational weeks upon admission to a neonatal intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Few published data exist to guide interpretation of coagulation times in extremely premature infants. OBJECTIVE: To determine coagulation reference ranges on day 1 of life in extremely premature infants. METHODS: A retrospective review of day 1 coagulation tests was performed in 144 infants <27 weeks' gestation between 2004 and 2010 in a tertiary neonatal unit. Samples were drawn through a non-heparinized umbilical or peripheral venous catheter as part of routine clinical care. RESULTS: Mean (SD) and median (range) prothrombin times (PT) of 21.5 (5.3) and 20.2 (13.3-39) s, respectively, activated partial thromboplastin times (APTT) of 75.2 (27.8) and 67.4 (34.9-191.6) s, respectively, and plasma fibrinogen levels of 1.9 (1.1) and 1.4 (0.5-4.8) g/l, respectively, were reported. Using reference intervals derived from the 2.5th to 97.5th centiles, ranges of 14.4-36.7 s, 40.5-158.5 s and 0.7-4.8 g/l were determined for PT, APTT and plasma fibrinogen levels, respectively. In a subcohort with grade 0-2 intraventricular haemorrhage (n = 92), mean PT and APTT were 20.9 and 71.3 s, respectively, versus mean PT and APTT of 23.1 and 88.4 s (p = 0.06 and p = 0.03), respectively for those with grade 3-4 intraventricular haemorrhage. Mean PT and APTT in a cohort of infants defined to be small for gestational age were 22 and 76.8 s. These results did not differ significantly from non-small for gestational age infants, with a mean PT and APTT of 19.5 and 73.4 s (p = 0.09 and p = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Reference ranges based on retrospective data were determined for PT, APTT and fibrinogen in a large cohort of extremely preterm infants.