Short-course Venetoclax With Standard Chemotherapy Is Effective in Early T-cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ETP ALL) is a high-risk subgroup of acute lymphoblastic leukemia characterized by unique immune phenotype and disease biology. ETP ALL cells share similarities with hematopoietic stem cells and myeloid progenitor cells. These patients have lower rates of complete remission and overall survival. High BCL2 expression is the main rationale for using venetoclax in ETP ALL. RESULTS: We report the treatment outcomes of 2 patients with ETP ALL who achieved minimal residual disease negative remission with the short course of venetoclax. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy of short-course venetoclax with Berlin-Frankfurt-Meunster 95 regimen is an effective regimen for treating patients with ETP ALL.

Outcomes of COVID-19 in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: Multicenter Retrospective Analysis.

COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 9, 2020. Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients may be highly susceptible to infection and related pulmonary complications due to nascent immune systems or organ damage from treatment-related toxicities. Poor outcomes in such group of patients were linked to older age, steroid therapy at the time of COVID-19 infection, and COVID-19 infection within a year of HSCT. We studied a cohort of 28 hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (male 17, M:F ratio of 1.5) with COVID-19 infection from 1st June 2020, through 31st December 2020 for outcome. Fever was the most common symptom at the time of presentation in 22 (78.5%) patients. Mortality rate at Day 28 and Day 42 was found to be 4/28 (14.3%) and 7/28 (25%) respectively. Patients within one year of HSCT and severe infection had higher day 28 mortality (with p values = 0.038)". There was no relation of mortality with type of transplant.

Innovator Filgrastim versus Generic Filgrastim in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Mobilization.

Methods This is a retrospective study. G-CSF was administered in the dose of 10 µg/kg subcutaneous as a single dose for 4 days. On day 5, peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) apheresis was performed using Haemonetics MCS plus or COBE Spectra apheresis machine through a double-lumen central venous catheter. Primary outcome parameters were the total number of CD34+ HSCs/kg of recipient weight mobilized in peripheral blood and the number of days required for neutrophil and platelets engraftment, respectively. Objective We compared the effectiveness and safety of innovator filgrastim versus generic filgrastim in patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Results A total of 91 stem cell mobilizations was analyzed. There were 58 normal healthy donors for allogeneic HSCT and 33 patients for autologous HSCT. There was no statistically significant difference among groups in terms of total collected CD34+ cells value ( p = 0.609). The mean time to neutrophil engraftment was 13.7 days in the innovator group and 13.2 days in the Grafeel group ( p = 0.518). The mean time to platelet engraftment was 16.2 days in the innovator group and 14.8 days in the generic group ( p = 0.435). The patient who received generic filgrastim had more febrile episodes during the course of transplantation ( p = 0.020). Conclusion Generic filgrastim was found to be comparable to original filgrastim for peripheral blood stem cell mobilization in normal healthy donors for allogeneic HSCT and patients for autologous HSCT.

Lambda-Restricted Crystal-Storing Histiocytosis of Stomach: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Crystal-storing histiocytosis (CSH) is a rare tissue phenomenon that is usually associated with lympho-proliferative diseases. The disease is characterized by prominent collections of macrophages with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and fibrillary cytoplasmic inclusions. The inclusions appear as linear crystals within the macrophages which are usually kappa restricted. The disease usually involves lungs, lymph nodes, bone marrow, thymus and spleen with rare involvement of the gastrointestinal tract. We report a rare case of lambda-restricted CSH of the stomach. The diagnosis of CSH triggered further hematological evaluation. The patient was later diagnosed to have diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving lymph nodes and bone marrow. He received chemotherapy for the same and is on regular follow up. The index case highlights the need to identify CSH of stomach prompting evaluation for hematological malignancies and to increase its awareness among clinicians and pathologists.

Effectiveness of convalescent plasma in Indian patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Convalescent plasma (CP) is being used as a treatment option in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Till date, there is conflicting evidence on efficacy of CP in reducing COVID-19 related mortality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of CP on 28-day mortality reduction in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: We did a multi-centre, retrospective case control observational study from 1st May 2020 to 31st August 2020. A total of 1079 adult patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 requiring oxygen, were reviewed. Of these, 694 patients were admitted to ICU. Out of these, 333 were given CP along with best supportive care and remaining 361 received best supportive care only. RESULTS: In the overall group of 1079 patients, mortality in plasma vs no plasma group was statistically not significant (22.4% vs 18.5%; p = 0.125; OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.94--1.72). However, in patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICU, mortality was significantly lower in plasma group (25.5% vs 33.2%; p = 0.026; OR = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.50-0.96). This benefit of reduced mortality was most seen in age group 60 to 74 years (26.7% vs 43.0%; p = 0.004; OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.29-0.80), driven mostly by females of this age group (23.1% vs 53.5%; p = 0.013; OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09-0.78). Significant difference in mortality was observed in patients with one comorbidity (22.3% vs 36.5%; p = 0.004; OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31-0.80). Moreover, patients on ventilator had significantly lower mortality in the plasma arm (37.2% vs 49.3%; p = 0.009; OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.42-0.89); particularly so for patients on invasive mechanical ventilation (63.9% vs 82.9%; p = 0.014; OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.16-0.83). CONCLUSION: The use of CP was associated with reduced mortality in COVID-19 elderly patients admitted in ICU, above 60 years of age, particularly females, those with comorbidities and especially those who required some form of ventilation.

Convalescent plasma therapy for severe Covid-19 in patients with hematological malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Data on convalescent plasma therapy (CPT) in patients of hematological malignancies with severe Covid-19 is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To study 14-day mortality in patients who received CPT. PATIENTS & METHODS: Retrospective multicentre observational study conducted in 4 centres treating haematological malignancies across Delhi-national capital region. Total 33 haematological malignancies patients with severe Covid-19 who received CPT were analysed. RESULTS: The median age of the study cohort was 62 years (18-80 years). Twenty one percent patients had 1 comorbidity, 18 % had 2 comorbidities and 6% patients had 3 and 5 comorbidities each. Twenty four patients were on active therapy. Sixty nine percent of patients required ICU stay. Twenty five patients received plasma therapy within 7 days (early) of diagnosis of Covid-19 infection. Median day of plasma infusion from date of diagnosis of Covid-19 infection was 4 days (range: 2-25 days). Patient who had early initiation of plasma therapy had shorter duration of hospitalisation (12.7 vs 24.3 days, p = 0.000). Overall mortality in the cohort was 45.5%. There was no effect of disease status, active therapy, presence of comorbidity on mortality. There was no difference in the mortality in patients receiving early vs late initiation of plasma therapy or in patients receiving one versus two plasma therapy. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a large series of patients with hematological malignancies and role of CPT in this group.

Indian Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (ISHBT) Consensus Document on Hematological Practice During COVID-19 Pandemic.

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).

Daratumumab for pure red cell aplasia post ABO incompatible allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant for aplastic anemia.

Pure red cell aplasia is a known complication after ABO incompatible stem cell transplant. Due to rarity of disease, no established treatment guidelines are available for PRCA. Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody against CD38 expressed by plasma cells. In this report we present our experience of successfully managing a patient of post-transplant PRCA with daratumumab. Our patient had failed multiple lines of therapy prior to receiving daratumumab. Response was seen after the 3rd weekly dose of daratumumab.

Effect of age, comorbidity and remission status on outcome of COVID-19 in patients with hematological malignancies.

BACKGROUND: There is scarcity of data on outcome of COVID-19 in patients with hematological malignancies. Primary objective of study was to analyse the 14-day and 28-day mortality. Secondary objectives were to correlate age, comorbidities and remission status with outcome. METHODS: Retrospective multicentre observational study conducted in 11 centres across India. Total 130 patients with hematological malignancies and COVID-19 were enrolled. RESULTS: Fever and cough were commonest presentation. Eleven percent patients were incidentally detected. Median age of our cohort was 49.5 years. Most of our patients had a lymphoid malignancy (n = 91). One-half patients (52%) had mild infection, while moderate and severe infections contributed to one-fourth each. Sixty seven patients (52%) needed oxygen For treatment of COVID-19 infection, half(n = 66) received antivirals. Median time to RT-PCR COVID-19 negativity was 17 days (7-49 days). Nearly three-fourth (n = 95) of our patients were on anticancer treatment at time of infection, of which nearly two-third (n = 59;64%) had a delay in chemotherapy. Overall, 20% (n = 26) patients succumbed. 14-day survival and 28-day survival for whole cohort was 85.4% and 80%, respectively. One patient succumbed outside the study period on day 39. Importantly, death rate at 1 month was 50% and 60% in relapse/refractory and severe disease cohorts, respectively. Elderly patients(age ≥ 60) (p = 0.009), and severe COVID-19 infection (p = 0.000) had a poor 14-day survival. The 28-day survival was significantly better for patients in remission (p = 0.04), non-severe infection (p = 0.00), and age < 60 years (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with hematological malignancy and severe covid-19 have worst outcomes specially when disease is not in remission.

Prevalence of Flu-like Symptoms and COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers from India.

BACKGROUND: The current COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. As the numbers expand exponentially, a paucity of data regarding health care workers (HCWs), who are at the forefront of this disaster, exists. Hence we decided to conduct a study amongst the HCWs to determine the prevalence and risk factor stratification. METHODS: This was an online questionnaire-based survey of healthcare workers conducted at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India from 23rd March to 30th April 2020. Data on flu-like symptoms, travel history, posting in high-risk or low risk zones, and prophylactic drugs was collected. RESULTS: Out of the 18000 HCWs who were approached 4403 responded and adequate data of 3667 was available for analysis. 14.7% had flu-like symptoms. 1.8% (20/1113) of the participants tested were positive for the virus. HCWs posted in the high-risk zones had more symptoms than those working in low-risk zones (169/539, 31.4% vs 679/3128, 21.7%), p<0.001; but no difference in COVID-19 positivity rates (p=0.849). Symptomatic HCWs had higher positivity (10/193, 5.2%) than the asymptomatic ones (10/920, 1.1%), p=0.001. HCQ was taken by 755/1113 (67.8%) people and 14 (1.9%) of these reported positive for the virus. CONCLUSION: This is the first study on healthcare workers from India to the best of our knowledge. Our findings suggest that posting in a high-risk zone with adequate PPE does not pose higher risk to the HCWs. Moreover, HCQ as a prophylactic has no use. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04339608.

Adequate Engraftment With Lower Hematopoietic Stem Cell Dose.

BACKGROUND: Adequate hematopoietic stem cell dose is required to proceed with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 108 patients with multiple myeloma and lymphoma who underwent ASCT with noncryopreserved stem cells at our center. Data were compared for patients who received stem cell dose < 2 × 106/kg with those who received a higher dose. RESULTS: The median CD34 dose collected in the lesser dose group was 1.76 × 106/kg (1.22 to 1.97 × 106/kg). Mean CD34 dose of the whole group was 4.96 ± 4.2 × 106/kg. Neutrophil engraftment was similar in both groups (12 vs. 11 days) (P = .065). Similarly, platelet engraftment occurred in 12 versus 11 days in both groups (P = .017). Length of hospital stay was similar in both groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of proven bacterial infections between the 2 groups. There was no transplant-related mortality in lower dose group. CONCLUSION: ASCT can be safely performed with lower hematopoietic stem cell dose in noncryopreserved setting.

Tandem Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Very Young Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

Introduction Multiple myeloma (MM) in very young patients is uncommon, and no treatment guidelines exist for these patients. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of five very young myeloma patients who underwent tandem autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Results The median age was 37 years (range = 34-40 years). A median of two leukapheresis was performed (range = 1-4). The median number of hematopoietic stem cells collected was 5.4 × 10 6 /kg (4.4-8.2 × 10 6 /kg). During first transplant, four patients received melphalan of 200 mg/m 2 and one patient received melphalan of 140 mg/m 2 (due to renal failure) as conditioning regimen. Second transplant conditioning was melphalan of 200 mg/m 2 for one patient and melphalan of 140 mg/m 2 for remaining four patients. Two patients were in complete remission, and two were in very good partial remission and one patient progressed to active disease at the time of tandem autologous bone marrow transplant. All patients developed significant mucositis. Neutrophil and platelet recovery was longer in tandem autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant. More viral infections were seen in tandem transplant. Day 30 and day 100 mortality was nil. Conclusion We present data on tandem autologous HSCTs in very young patients with MM in India. Responses continued to improve in this small series.