A randomised controlled trial of Standard Of Care versus RadioAblaTion in Early Stage HepatoCellular Carcinoma (SOCRATES HCC).

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic options for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in individual patients can be limited by tumor and location, liver dysfunction and comorbidities. Many patients with early-stage HCC do not receive curative-intent therapies. Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) has emerged as an effective, non-invasive HCC treatment option, however, randomized evidence for SABR in the first line setting is lacking. METHODS: Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) 21.07 SOCRATES-HCC is a phase II, prospective, randomised trial comparing SABR to other current standard of care therapies for patients with a solitary HCC ≤ 8 cm, ineligible for surgical resection or transplantation. The study is divided into 2 cohorts. Cohort 1 will compromise 118 patients with tumors ≤ 3 cm eligible for thermal ablation randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to thermal ablation or SABR. Cohort 2 will comprise 100 patients with tumors > 3 cm up to 8 cm in size, or tumors ≤ 3 cm ineligible for thermal ablation, randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to SABR or best other standard of care therapy including transarterial therapies. The primary objective is to determine whether SABR results in superior freedom from local progression (FFLP) at 2 years compared to thermal ablation in cohort 1 and compared to best standard of care therapy in cohort 2. Secondary endpoints include progression free survival, overall survival, adverse events, patient reported outcomes and health economic analyses. DISCUSSION: The SOCRATES-HCC study will provide the first randomized, multicentre evaluation of the efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of SABR versus other standard of care therapies in the first line treatment of unresectable, early-stage HCC. It is a broad, multicentre collaboration between hepatology, interventional radiology and radiation oncology groups around Australia, coordinated by TROG Cancer Research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: anzctr.org.au, ACTRN12621001444875, registered 21 October 2021.

A clinical study on roxadustat for anemia in diabetic nephropathy: a 8-week study.

PURPOSE: The development of roxadustat is a standard treatment for renal anemia, and multiple clinical trials have proved its safety and efficacy. However, less information is available from trials of the population with diabetic nephropathy (DN). This study aimed to determine whether roxadustat is effective for treating DN. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective, institutional review board-approved cohort study. The patients with DN were chosen and given roxadustat or erythropoietin (EPO) for 8 weeks. The mean hemoglobin (Hb) level after 8 weeks of treatment served as the primary outcome. Alterations in the iron index and lipid levels were considered secondary objectives. Sub-group analysis was performed to observe the impact of inflammation and glycemic status on Hb. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were enrolled, 40 in each group. After 8 weeks of treatment, the Hb levels in the roxadustat group were higher than those in the control group. The number of patients who achieved Hb response was higher in the roxadustat group than in the control group (77.5% versus 27.5%; P < 0.001). In addition to lowering total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, roxadustat decreased ferritin and elevated total iron-binding capacity. Compared to the control group, roxadustat was more beneficial for patients with an inflammatory condition and poor glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS: Roxadustat treatment remarkably corrected anemia in patients with DN, and its effectiveness was unaffected by inflammation or glycemic control levels. In addition, roxadustat can also reduce a patient's blood lipid level and enhance the body's use of iron. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2200057232.

Effect of roxadustat on iron metabolism in patients with peritoneal dialysis: a real-world 24-week study.

BACKGROUND: Roxadustat is an oral hypoxia inducing factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI) that regulates iron metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) primarily by reducing hepcidin levels and mobilizing internal iron stores. More data are needed to demonstrate the efficacy of roxadustat in regulating iron metabolism in patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD) compared with erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs). METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled PD patients with a mean hemoglobin level of 60-100 g/L. All subjects were randomized into two groups at a ratio of 2:1 the roxadustat group (106 cases), and the ESA group (53 cases). The primary endpoint was the change in the iron biomarker levels and the proportion of patients with absolute iron deficiency and functional iron deficiency. RESULTS: Compared with ESAs, roxadustat significantly decreased hepcidin level (difference, - 20.09 ng/mL; 95% CI, - 30.26 to - 9.92), attenuated the increase in serum soluble transferrin receptor (sTFR) level (difference, - 7.87 nmol/L; 95% CI, - 12.11 to - 3.64), and reduced the proportion of patients with functional iron deficiency (roxadustat, 11.43%; ESA, 33.33%). There was no significant difference in safety of the two groups over the duration of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with ESA group, roxadustat group showed significant differences in all iron biomarker levels except serum ferritin (sFt) and transferrin saturation (TSAT). These results suggest that roxadustat was superior to ESAs as a therapy for iron metabolism in PD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study completed Chinese Clinical Trial Registration on March 4, 2022 (registration number: ChiCTR2200057231).

Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes Enhanced Glycolysis through the SIX1/HBO1 Pathway against Oxygen and Glucose Deprivation Injury in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis and energy metabolism mediated by adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (AMSC-exos) are promising therapeutics for vascular diseases. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to explore whether AMSC-exos have therapeutic effects on oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injury by modulating the SIX1/HBO1 signaling pathway to upregulate endothelial cells (E.C.s) glycolysis and angiogenesis. METHODS: AMSC-exos were isolated and characterized following standard protocols. AMSC-exos cytoprotective effects were evaluated in the HUVECs-OGD model. The proliferation, migration, and tube formation abilities of HUVECs were assessed. The glycolysis level was evaluated by detecting lactate production and ATP synthesis. The expressions of HK2, PKM2, VEGF, HIF-1α, SIX1, and HBO1 were determined by western blotting, and finally, the SIX1 overexpression vector or small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected into HUVECs to assess the change in HBO1 expression. RESULTS: Our study revealed that AMSC-exos promotes E.C.s survival after OGD, reducing E.C.s apoptosis while strengthening E.C.'s angiogenic ability. AMSC-exos enhanced glycolysis and reduced OGD-induced ECs injury by modulation of the SIX1/HBO1 signaling pathway, which is a novel anti-endothelial cell injury role of AMSC-exos that regulates glycolysis via activating the SIX1/HBO1 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: The current study findings demonstrate a useful angiogenic therapeutic strategy for AMSC-exos treatment in vascular injury, thus providing new therapeutic ideas for treating ischaemic diseases.

Impact of the time of surgical delay on survival in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Background and objectives: Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) often experience a waiting period before radical surgery for numerous reasons; however, the COVID-19 outbreak has exacerbated this problem. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the impact of the unavoidable time of surgical delay on the outcome of patients with MIBC. Methods: In all, 165 patients from high-volume centers with pT2-pT3 MIBC, who underwent radical surgery between January 2008 and November 2020, were retrospectively evaluated. Patients' demographic and pathological information was recorded. Based on the time of surgical delay endured, patients were divided into three groups: long waiting time (> 90 days), intermediate waiting time (30-90 days), and short waiting time (≤ 30 days). Finally, each group's pathological characteristics and survival rates were compared. Results: The median time of surgical delay for all patients was 33 days (interquartile range, IQR: 16-67 days). Among the 165 patients, 32 (19.4%) were classified into the long waiting time group, 55 (33.3%) into the intermediate waiting time group, and 78 (47.3%) into the short waiting time group. The median follow-up period for all patients was 48 months (IQR: 23-84 months). The median times of surgical delay in the long, intermediate, and short waiting time groups were 188 days (IQR: 98-367 days), 39 days (IQR: 35-65 days), and 16 days (IQR: 12-22 days), respectively. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate for all patients was 58.4%, and that in the long, intermediate, and short waiting time groups were 35.7%, 61.3%, and 64.1%, respectively (P = 0.035). The 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates in the long, intermediate, and short waiting time groups were 38.9%, 61.5%, and 65.0%, respectively (P = 0.042). The multivariate Cox regression analysis identified age, time of surgical delay, pT stage, and lymph node involvement as independent determinants of OS and CSS. Conclusion: In patients with pT2-pT3 MIBC, the time of surgical delay > 90 days can have a negative impact on survival.

Effects of Erythrocytapheresis Procedures on Delayed Bone Marrow Conversion in Sickle Cell Disease.

The imaging appearances of the skeletal system have been well documented in sickle cell disease (SCD) but there is limited information about the impact of SCD treatments on skeletal abnormalities. We present two patients with SCD maintained on long-term erythrocytapheresis and the changes to their skeletal abnormalities on neuroimaging with this treatment. We observed a reversal of the bone marrow conversion process and the skull appearance was age appropriate without any radiographic findings of iron overload in the patients.

Effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan on renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A real-world 12-week study.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are often complicated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, several drugs, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), have not shown apparent benefits in terms of morbidity and mortality of HFpEF. PARAMOUNT and other studies have shown the potential benefits of Sacubitril/Valsartan on patients with HFpEF, but its effects on renal function and the effect of low-dose Sacubitril/Valsartan in actual clinical conditions have not been thoroughly evaluated. In our longitudinal and observational research, 353 patients were followed up for 12 weeks. We evaluated renal function [urinary protein, serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)] and cardiac function [NT-proBNP (brain natriuretic peptide), New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrial width and left ventricular end-diastolic width] at baseline and during follow-up. Worsening renal function (WRF) was defined as an increased serum creatinine≥26.5umol/L or decreased eGFR≥20%. The decline of eGFR in the Sacubitril/Valsartan group was slower than that in the control group (p = 0.021). The outcome of proteinuria in the ACEI/ARB group was significantly better than that in the Sacubitril/Valsartan group (p = 0.001). In terms of echocardiogram, the average left atrial width in Sacubitril/Valsartan group decreased by 1.38 ± 3.02 mm, which was significantly lower than that in the ACEI/ARB group (p = 0.02). The increase of urine protein class in the ACEI/ARB group increased the risk of WRF with statistical significance (OR = 2.36, 95%CI 1.01-5.49, p = 0.047), but no statistical significance was found in all the patients or Sacubitril/Valsartan group. In conclusion, Sacubitril/Valsartan could more effectively slow down renal function decline and reverse myocardial remodeling in patients with CKD and HFpEF than ACEI/ARB, even at low doses, though its protective effect on urinary protein is not as good as that of ACEI/ARB.

Iron Chelation Therapy With Deferasirox in Sickle Cell Disease With End-Stage Renal Disease.

Patients with transfusion-dependent sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk of iron overload and its complications. Iron overload is a significant risk factor for chronic liver disease in patients who are dependent on hemodialysis secondary to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Deferasirox is being increasingly used as an iron-chelating agent for the treatment of iron overload in both adults and children. There are limited reports on its use in pediatric patients with ESRD. Here, we discuss the use of deferasirox to treat iron overload in a 15-year-old male with SCD, ESRD from granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and dependent on hemodialysis. We also review the literature on similar uses of deferasirox in adult patients with ESRD.

A simple high-volume culture technique-Good substitute for polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Aspergillus species in bronchoalveolar lavage samples.

BACKGROUND: Aspergillus species is the most common agent of invasive pulmonary fungal disease. Culture-based diagnosis considered as gold standard is limited by the fungal load in samples. Detection of Aspergillus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been included as a diagnostic criterion by European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). Most routine laboratories lack facilities for molecular diagnosis. Better yield using high-volume culture (HVC) technique has been reported. Studies have not compared HVC and PCR for detection of Aspergillus species in respiratory samples from patients with suspected invasive pulmonary Aspergillosis (IPA) not on antifungal therapy. OBJECTIVE: This pilot study compared HVC and PCR for the detection of Aspergillus species in respiratory samples from treatment naïve patients. METHODS: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from 30 patients with clinical suspicion of IPA were evaluated. Direct microscopy, culture both conventional (CC) and HVC and qualitative Pan Aspergillus PCR were performed. Latent class model was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Sensitivity of HVC (100%) was better compared with CC (60%) and comparable to that of PCR (100%). Specificities of CC, HVC and PCR were 100%, 100% and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSION: High-volume culture is a simple cost-effective technique with a high sensitivity and specificity. It can be easily introduced in routine microbiology laboratories. In centres with the availability of infrastructure for molecular analysis, Aspergillus PCR with other mycological techniques can be used for better diagnosis and management of patients with IPA.

A 3D printing personalized percutaneous puncture guide access plate for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: CT-Urography combined with 3D printing technology, digital design, construction of individualized PCNL puncture guides, and preliminary analyze their efficacy, safety puncture positioning for PCNL. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with renal calculi were randomly selected at the affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University during 2017-2018. We randomly divided the patients into two groups: in 10 experimental groups, we used our 3D printing personalized percutaneous puncture guide access plate for PCNL, and in the control group, 12 patients with standard USG guide PCNL. The accuracy of puncture position, puncture time, and intraoperative blood loss was compared. RESULTS: In the experimental group, 10 patients with 3D printing personalized percutaneous puncture guide access plate. The puncture needle was accessed through the guide plate and verified by the color Doppler. The single puncture, needle position, and depth success rate were 100.00% (10/10). The angles were consistent with the preoperative design. In the control group, 12 patients via USG guided PCNL success rate was 75.00% (9/12). The puncture time and amount of hemorrhage was (7.78 ± 0.94) min and (49.31 ± 6.43) mL, and (9.04 ± 1.09) min and (60.08 ± 12.18) mL, respectively. The above data of the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: 3D printing personalized percutaneous nephrolithotomy guide plate for PCNL can improve PCNL renal puncture channel positioning accuracy, shorten puncture time, reduce intraoperative blood loss, bleeding-related complications and provide a new method for PCNL renal puncture positioning, which is worthy of further clinical exploration.

Shear wave elastography to predict oesophageal varices, morbidity and mortality in chronic liver disease.

INTRODUCTION: In chronic liver disease (CLD), Fibroscan® (transient elastography) can be a useful "rule-out" test for oesophageal varices, but it is limited by body habitus. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is another non-invasive fibrosis test that is better suited for overweight subjects. We determined SWE's ability to predict oesophageal varices, morbidity and mortality in a predominantly overweight population. METHODS: Subjects (n=1,120) with CLD who underwent SWE at Middlemore Hospital between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2018 were identified. The diagnostic accuracy of SWE to rule out oesophageal varices in advanced hepatic fibrosis was assessed, as well as associations with morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Of 304 subjects with advanced fibrosis, 89 had endoscopic data and 18 had varices. Median body mass index was 28.2kg/m2. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value for liver stiffness to predict varices was 0.74 and 0.80 when combined with serum albumin. Liver stiffness ≤12.4kPa and albumin ≥37g/L had a negative predictive value of 95%. There were 135 hospital admissions and 19 deaths. Liver stiffness correlated with hospital admissions (p=0.007) and independently predicted mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Shear wave elastography could be a useful rule-out test for screening endoscopy in overweight populations with CLD.

A sandwich technique for the removal of stone embedded intrauterine devices in the urinary bladder.

A urinary bladder stone in young adults is uncommon. Dislocation of an IUD to adjection organs is a rare condition. We present a case of a 28-year female with a chief complaint of right side pelvis discomfort, off and on with the urinary system. In this case, we performed cystoscopy assisted laser lithotripsy, hysteroscopy to localize and remove IUD, transurethral resectoscope for removing IUD residual, and resection sinus tract. This article's objective states that the multidisciplinary approach to removing dislocated IUD is safe and effective and raises awareness of forgotten contraceptive devices and their potential complications.

Effect of Poloxamer 188 vs Placebo on Painful Vaso-Occlusive Episodes in Children and Adults With Sickle Cell Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Although effective agents are available to prevent painful vaso-occlusive episodes of sickle cell disease (SCD), there are no disease-modifying therapies for ongoing painful vaso-occlusive episodes; treatment remains supportive. A previous phase 3 trial of poloxamer 188 reported shortened duration of painful vaso-occlusive episodes in SCD, particularly in children and participants treated with hydroxyurea. Objective: To reassess the efficacy of poloxamer 188 for vaso-occlusive episodes. Design, Setting, and Participants: Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, international trial conducted from May 2013 to February 2016 that included 66 hospitals in 12 countries and 60 cities; 388 individuals with SCD (hemoglobin SS, SC, S-ß0 thalassemia, or S-ß+ thalassemia disease) aged 4 to 65 years with acute moderate to severe pain typical of painful vaso-occlusive episodes requiring hospitalization were included. Interventions: A 1-hour 100-mg/kg loading dose of poloxamer 188 intravenously followed by a 12-hour to 48-hour 30-mg/kg/h continuous infusion (n = 194) or placebo (n = 194). Main Outcomes and Measures: Time in hours from randomization to the last dose of parenteral opioids among all participants and among those younger than 16 years as a separate subgroup. Results: Of 437 participants assessed for eligibility, 388 were randomized (mean age, 15.2 years; 176 [45.4%] female), the primary outcome was available for 384 (99.0%), 15-day follow-up contacts were available for 357 (92.0%), and 30-day follow-up contacts were available for 368 (94.8%). There was no significant difference between the groups for the mean time to last dose of parenteral opioids (81.8 h for the poloxamer 188 group vs 77.8 h for the placebo group; difference, 4.0 h [95% CI, -7.8 to 15.7]; geometric mean ratio, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.0-1.5]; P = .09). Based on a significant interaction of age and treatment (P = .01), there was a treatment difference in time from randomization to last administration of parenteral opioids for participants younger than 16 years (88.7 h in the poloxamer 188 group vs 71.9 h in the placebo group; difference, 16.8 h [95% CI, 1.7-32.0]; geometric mean ratio, 1.4 [95% CI, 1.1-1.8]; P = .008). Adverse events that were more common in the poloxamer 188 group than the placebo group included hyperbilirubinemia (12.7% vs 5.2%); those more common in the placebo group included hypoxia (12.0% vs 5.3%). Conclusions and Relevance: Among children and adults with SCD, poloxamer 188 did not significantly shorten time to last dose of parenteral opioids during vaso-occlusive episodes. These findings do not support the use of poloxamer 188 for vaso-occlusive episodes. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01737814.

Abstinence from alcohol consumption and exercise capacity: A pre and post intervention cohort study.

The benefits or harm associated with moderate levels of alcohol consumption on cardiorespiratory fitness are unclear. We hypothesised that in moderate drinkers, four weeks of abstinence could improve cardiorespiratory fitness. This was a single centre, prospective, pre and post intervention, experimental cohort study. Participants were recruited from healthy volunteers among hospital staff, who were non-smokers, over 25 years of age and regularly consumed ≥3 units of alcohol a day, ≥4 times a week for > 1 month. Cardiopulmonary exercise test was used to provide objective, quantifiable and reproducible data. In all, 30 participated, and data were analysed for 22 participants. Mean (SD) peak oxygen consumption and oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold were similar before and after alcohol abstinence: 37.55 (10.89) and 39.66 (11.48) (P = 0.21) and 18.52 (5.43) and 16.82 (5.19) ml/kg/min (P = 0.1), respectively. It is concluded that this preliminary study did not establish a correlation between four weeks alcohol abstinence and cardiopulmonary fitness as measured by cardiopulmonary exercise test, among healthy volunteers self-reporting moderate alcohol consumption.

Romiplostim treatment for children with immune thrombocytopenia: Results of an integrated database of five clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Treatment for chronic immune thrombocytopenia (cITP) in children is largely limited to immunosuppressive agents. Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TRAs) have been used to treat cITP in adults for over a decade. The objective of this integrated analysis was to examine the safety and efficacy of the TRA romiplostim in children with ITP. METHODS: We examined efficacy and safety in children with ITP across five romiplostim trials: final data from two double-blind placebo-controlled trials and two open-label extensions, and interim data from an ongoing single-arm trial. RESULTS: Patients (n = 24 initially placebo; n = 262 initially romiplostim) had a median age of 10.0 years (Q1: 6.0, Q3: 13.0), ITP duration of 1.9 years (Q1: 1.0, Q3: 4.0), and baseline platelet count of 14.3 × 109 /L (Q1: 7.5, Q3: 23.0). Among 282 patients receiving romiplostim, median treatment duration was 65 weeks (range 8-471 weeks) and median weekly dose was 6.6 µg/kg (range 0.1-9.7 µg/kg). Overall, 89% of romiplostim-treated patients had platelet responses. Nineteen patients (7%) maintained treatment-free responses for ≥6 months while withholding all ITP therapy. Grade 3 and 4 adverse events of bleeding occurred in 10% and <1% of romiplostim-treated patients, respectively. Twenty-five percent of patients had a serious adverse event, most commonly epistaxis (6%). Seven patients (2%) had neutralizing antibodies against romiplostim postbaseline and none had neutralizing antibodies against endogenous thrombopoietin. Efficacy and safety results appeared similar between children with ITP for ≤12 months and >12 months at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Across five pediatric clinical trials, romiplostim was well tolerated. Most patients had a platelet response; some maintained responses for at least 6 months while withholding all ITP therapy.

Progression of albuminuria in patients with sickle cell anemia: a multicenter, longitudinal study.

Sickle cell nephropathy results in chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in sickle cell anemia (SCA). Albuminuria is an early manifestation of sickle nephropathy; however, little is known about progression of albuminuria or its correlation with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decline or CKD. We studied nephropathy progression in 303 SCA participants in a prospective, multicenter, longitudinal study. We collected steady-state urine and serum samples yearly and assessed albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), estimated GFR (eGFR), and SCA and nephropathy biomarkers. Participants with albuminuria (ACR ≥30 mg/g) for ≥2 annual measurements were classified as having persistent albuminuria (PA). At baseline (mean age, 21 years; range, 2-64 years), 32% had albuminuria. In longitudinal multivariate analysis, ACR was associated with sex, anemia, older age, and higher bilirubin and kidney injury molecule-1 levels. Albuminuria increased with age by 3.5 mg/g per year (P < .0001). Of 175 participants with ≥3 annual samples, 81% with baseline albuminuria ≥100 mg/g developed PA. Decreased eGFR and adult CKD were associated with PA (P = .002 and P = .02, respectively), but not with baseline albuminuria. Rate of eGFR decline was steeper among adults (but not children) with albuminuria, compared with those without (P = .02). Participants with PA were more likely to have rapid eGFR decline compared with those without (P = .03). In this longitudinal study, albuminuria progressed with age, and adults with albuminuria had worse eGFR decline than those without. Albuminuria ≥100 mg/g predicted PA, which was associated with rapid eGFR decline and CKD development in adults with SCA. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02239016.

Immunization Adherence in Children With Sickle Cell Disease: A Single-Institution Experience.

OBJECTIVES: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends additional immunizations for people with asplenia or functional asplenia, such as children with sickle cell disease. Adherence rate to the recommended immunization schedule for functional asplenia remains low for children with sickle cell disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the immunization adherence for this population at a single institution in Kentucky and to evaluate the use of the Kentucky Immunization Registry (KYIR) by providers. METHODS: A single-center retrospective chart review was conducted for 107 children with sickle cell disease ages 2 through 18 years. Immunization histories were obtained from the hospital EMRs, the sickle cell clinic EMR, the KYIR, and by requesting records from primary care physicians. Each patient was documented as either missing or having complete records in the KYIR. RESULTS: The complete adherence rate to the ACIP-recommended immunization schedule for children with functional asplenia was 6% (6 of 107). Nearly all children were compliant with the Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccination, whereas the adherence rate for the meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines ranged from 25% to 77%. The lowest immunization rate was observed in children eligible for the meningococcal B vaccine (25%). Only 3 patients had a complete immunization history documented in the KYIR. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to the ACIP-recommended immunization schedule for functionally asplenic patients is poor among children with sickle cell disease included in this study. Quality improvement measures should focus on increasing immunization adherence and improving documentation of immunization records in the KYIR for this patient population.

Emicizumab Associated Rhabdomyolysis in Hemophilia A.

Emicizumab is increasingly the front-line treatment for patients with Hemophilia A with or without inhibitors. Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome of muscle necrosis and release of intracellular muscle constituents into the circulation. Creatine kinase (CK) levels are typically markedly elevated, and muscle pain and myoglobinuria may be present. The severity of illness ranges from asymptomatic elevations in serum muscle enzymes to life-threatening disease associated with extreme enzyme elevations, electrolyte imbalances, acute kidney injury and disseminated intravascular coagulation. We present a case of an African American male with severe hemophilia A and history of factor VIII inhibitor, maintained on emicizumab prophylaxis, who developed rhabdomyolysis with a symptomatic hyperCKemia. To date, there is no known link between rhabdomyolysis to emicizumab. This report brings to light the possibility of symptomatic rhabdomyolysis as a potential side effect of emicizumab after moderate exertional activity.

Dysbiosis of the Duodenal Mucosal Microbiota Is Associated With Increased Small Intestinal Permeability in Chronic Liver Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic liver disease (CLD) is associated with both alterations of the stool microbiota and increased small intestinal permeability. However, little is known about the role of the small intestinal mucosa-associated microbiota (MAM) in CLD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the duodenal MAM and both small intestinal permeability and liver disease severity in CLD. METHODS: Subjects with CLD and a disease-free control group undergoing routine endoscopy underwent duodenal biopsy to assess duodenal MAM by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Small intestinal permeability was assessed by a dual sugar (lactulose: rhamnose) assay. Other assessments included transient elastography, endotoxemia, serum markers of hepatic inflammation, dietary intake, and anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: Forty-six subjects (35 with CLD and 11 controls) were assessed. In subjects with CLD, the composition (P = 0.02) and diversity (P < 0.01) of the duodenal MAM differed to controls. Constrained multivariate analysis and linear discriminate effect size showed this was due to Streptococcus-affiliated lineages. Small intestinal permeability was significantly higher in CLD subjects compared to controls. In CLD, there were inverse correlations between microbial diversity and both increased small intestinal permeability (r = -0.41, P = 0.02) and serum alanine aminotransferase (r = -0.35, P = 0.04). Hepatic stiffness was not associated with the MAM. DISCUSSION: In CLD, there is dysbiosis of the duodenal MAM and an inverse correlation between microbial diversity and small intestinal permeability. TRANSLATIONAL IMPACT: Strategies to ameliorate duodenal MAM dysbiosis may ameliorate intestinal barrier dysfunction and liver injury in CLD.