Patients Age 40 Years and Younger With Multiple Myeloma Have the Same Prognosis as Older Patients: An Analysis of Real-World Patients' Evidence From Latin America.

PURPOSE: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a highly heterogeneous, incurable disease most frequently diagnosed in the elderly. Therefore, data on clinical characteristics and outcomes in the very young population are scarce. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed clinical characteristics, response to treatment, and survival in 103 patients with newly diagnosed MM age 40 years or younger compared with 256 patients age 41-50 years and 957 patients age 51 years or older. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in sex, isotype, International Scoring System, renal involvement, hypercalcemia, anemia, dialysis, bony lesions, extramedullary disease, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The most used regimen in young patients was cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, dexamethasone, followed by cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, dexamethasone and bortezomib, thalidomide, dexamethasone. Of the patients age 40 years or younger, only 53% received autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) and 71.1% received maintenance. There were no differences in overall survival (OS) in the three patient cohorts. In the multivariate analysis, only high LDH, high cytogenetic risk, and ASCT were statistically associated with survival. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, younger patients with MM in Latin America have similar clinical characteristics, responses, and OS compared with the elderly.

An elevated HScore is associated with poor clinical outcomes in COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) frequently experience a hyperinflammatory syndrome leading to unfavorable outcomes. This condition resembles Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) described in neoplastic, rheumatic and other infectious diseases. A scoring system (HScore) that evaluates underlying immunosuppression, temperature, organomegaly, cytopenias, ferritin, triglycerides, fibrinogen and AST was validated for sHLH, and recently proposed to evaluate hyperinflammation in COVID-19. AIM: To assess the presence of sHLH among patients with COVID-19 admitted for hospitalization and to evaluate Hscore as a prognostic tool for poor outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred forty-three patients aged 21-100 years (64% males) admitted because of COVID-19 were enrolled in a prospective study. HScore was calculated within 72 hours admission. The incidence of sHLH during hospitalization was evaluated. Additionally, the relationship between a HScore ≥ 130 points and either the requirement of mechanical ventilation or 60-days mortality was explored. RESULTS: The median HScore was 96 (33-169). A SHLH was diagnosed in one patient (incidence 0.7%), whose HScore was 169. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities and obesity, HScore ≥ 130 was independently associated with the composite clinical outcome (Hazard rartio 2.13, p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: sHLH is not frequent among COVID-19 patients. HScore can be useful to predict the risk for poor outcomes.

Outcome of Second Primary Malignancies Developing in Multiple Myeloma Patients.

BACKGROUND: There is an increased risk of second primary malignancies (SMPs) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). This multinational 'real-world' retrospective study analyzed the characteristics and outcomes of MM patients that developed SPMs. RESULTS: 165 patients were analyzed: 62.4% males; 8.5% with a prior cancer; 113 with solid SPMs, mainly ≥stage 2; and 52 with hematological SPM (hemato-SPM), mainly MDS/AML. Patients with hemato-SPM were younger (p = 0.05) and more frequently had a prior AutoHCT (p = 0.012). The time to SPM was shorter in the older (>65 years) and more heavily pretreated patients. One hundred patients were actively treated at the time of SPM detection. Treatment was discontinued in 52, substituted with another anti-MM therapy in 15, and continued in 33 patients. Treatment discontinuation was predominant in the patients diagnosed with hemato-SPM (76%). The median OS following SPM detection was 8.5 months, and the main cause of death was SPM. A poor ECOG status predicted a shorter OS (PS 3 vs. 0, HR = 5.74, 2.32-14.21, p < 0.001), whereas a normal hemoglobin level (HR = 0.43, 0.19-0.95, p = 0.037) predicted longer OS. CONCLUSIONS: With the continuing improvement in OS, a higher proportion of MM patients might develop SPM. The OS following SPM diagnosis is poor; hence, frequent surveillance and early detection are imperative to improve outcomes.

PRO-CTCAE reveals under-recognition of dermatologic symptom burden in hospitalized cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Dermatologic adverse events (dAEs) occur frequently in hospitalized patients and can significantly reduce quality of life. Physicians grade dAEs using the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events (CTCAE). However, they often underestimate symptom frequency and severity. The patient-reported outcomes (PRO) version of the CTCAE (PRO-CTCAE) was developed to assess symptoms from the patient's perspective. In this study, we assessed the patient-reported burden of dAEs via the PRO-CTCAE questionnaire and compared results with dAE assessment by treating oncologists and dermatologists. METHODS: Patients admitted to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from 6/1/2018 to 4/30/2019 and received a dermatology consultation were eligible. Once enrolled, participants completed a PRO-CTCAE questionnaire on 14 dermatologic symptoms. CTCAE grades assigned by oncology and dermatology were obtained from clinical notes, and kappa statistics were calculated to evaluate the level of agreement between physician and patient evaluations. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (mean age 59.4, 55% male) were prospectively enrolled. The most common patient-reported dAEs were rash (72%), swelling (67%), pruritus (64%), bruising (53%), and hives (37%). Oncologists and dermatologists underreported dAEs except for rash (median kappa values 0.3 [0.02-0.84] and 0.32 [0.02-0.87], respectively). Oncologists and dermatologists were concordant with each other's documented assessment of dAEs (median kappa value 0.985 [0.55-1]). CONCLUSION: Oncology patient-reported dAEs in a tertiary academic oncologic referral center were under-recognized by providers. PRO-CTCAE may be a useful tool to optimize inpatient dermatologic care for cancer patients by detecting and allowing management of patient-reported dAEs.

An elevated HScore is associated with poor clinical outcomes in COVID-19 / Un HScore elevado se asocia a mal pronóstico en pacientes con COVID-19

BACKGROUND: Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) frequently experience a hyperinflammatory syndrome leading to unfavorable outcomes. This condition resembles Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) described in neoplastic, rheumatic and other infectious diseases. A scoring system (HScore) that evaluates underlying immunosuppression, temperature, organomegaly, cytopenias, ferritin, triglycerides, fibrinogen and AST was validated for sHLH, and recently proposed to evaluate hyperinflammation in COVID-19. AIM: To assess the presence of sHLH among patients with COVID-19 admitted for hospitalization and to evaluate Hscore as a prognostic tool for poor outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred forty-three patients aged 21-100 years (64% males) admitted because of COVID-19 were enrolled in a prospective study. HScore was calculated within 72 hours admission. The incidence of sHLH during hospitalization was evaluated. Additionally, the relationship between a HScore ≥ 130 points and either the requirement of mechanical ventilation or 60-days mortality was explored. RESULTS: The median HScore was 96 (33-169). A SHLH was diagnosed in one patient (incidence 0.7%), whose HScore was 169. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities and obesity, HScore ≥ 130 was independently associated with the composite clinical outcome (Hazard rartio 2.13, p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: sHLH is not frequent among COVID-19 patients. HScore can be useful to predict the risk for poor outcomes.

ANTECEDENTES: Los pacientes con Enfermedad por Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), experimentan frecuentemente un síndrome hiperinflamatorio que lleva a resultados desfavorables. Esta situación se asemeja al Síndrome Hemofagocítico Secundario (sHLH) descrito en enfermedades neoplásicas, reumatológicas y por otros agentes infecciosos. Un sistema simple de puntaje (HScore) que evalúa inmunosupresión, temperatura organomegalia, citopenias, ferritina, triglicéridos, fibrinógeno y AST ha sido validado para el diagnóstico de sHLH y ha sido propuesto recientemente para evaluar la hiperinflamación en COVID-19. OBJETIVO: Medir la frecuencia de sHLH entre pacientes con COVID-19 hospitalizados, y evaluar a HScore como una herramienta pronóstica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Ciento cuarenta y tres pacientes de 21 a 100 años (64% hombres) fueron ingresados en este estudio de cohorte prospectivo, unicéntrico. Se calculó HScore dentro de las primeras 72 horas desde el ingreso, y se midió la incidencia de sHLH durante la hospitalización. Adicionalmente, se evaluó la relación entre HScore ≥ 130 puntos y un desenlace compuesto de ventilación mecánica o muerte a los 60 días. RESULTADOS: La mediana de HScore fue 96 (33-169) puntos. Un paciente fue diagnosticado con sHLH (incidencia 0,7%). Luego de ajustar por edad, sexo, comorbilidades y obesidad, un HScore ≥ 130 se asoció de manera independiente con el desenlace compuesto. CONCLUSIONES: El sHLH no es frecuente en los pacientes con COVID-19. El uso de HScore puede ser útil para predecir el riesgo de desenlaces clínicos desfavorables.

Primary plasma cell leukemia in Latin America: demographic, clinical, and prognostic characteristics. A study of GELAMM group.

Primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) is an infrequent and aggressive plasma cell disorder. The prognosis is still very poor, and the optimal treatment remains to be established. A retrospective, multicentric, international observational study was performed. Patients from 9 countries of Latin America (LATAM) with a diagnosis of pPCL between 2012 and 2020 were included. 72 patients were included. Treatment was based on thalidomide in 15%, proteasome inhibitors (PI)-based triplets in 38% and chemotherapy plus IMIDs and/or PI in 29%. The mortality rate at 3 months was 30%. The median overall survival (OS) was 18 months. In the multivariate analysis, frontline PI-based triplets, chemotherapy plus IMIDs and/or PI therapy, and maintenance were independent factors of better OS. In conclusion, the OS of pPCL is still poor in LATAM, with high early mortality. PI triplets, chemotherapy plus IMIDs, and/or PI and maintenance therapy were associated with improved survival.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in Chile: The Impact of Combined CHOP Plus Rituximab in the Public Health System.

PURPOSE: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoma subtype. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features, prognostic factors, and results of DLBCL that was treated in the cancer centers of the public health system in Chile and compare cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) with rituximab with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients age > 15 years who were treated in 18 cancer centers in the country between 2001 and 2017 were included. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate overall survival (OS), and Cox proportional hazard regression modeling was used to evaluate the effect of the addition of rituximab to CHOP on OS. RESULTS: A total of 1,807 patients were evaluated. The median age at diagnosis was 62 (range, 15-95) years, with a female predominance (53%). Half of the patients were age ≥ 60 years. Serology for HIV infection was positive in 5% of cases (96 cases). International Prognostic Index scores were available for 90% of patients, of which 45% had low-risk, 25% low-intermediate-risk, 18% high-intermediate-risk, and 11% high-risk scores. CHOP was administered to 986 patients (55%; median follow-up, 13.2 years) and R-CHOP to 821 patients (45%; median follow-up, 8.4 years). R-CHOP was associated with superior OS compared with CHOP (5-year 66% v 48%, and 10-year 53% v 35%; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Rituximab improved the survival of patients with DLBCL diagnosed and treated in Chile. The benefit was sustained over time, with curative rates of > 50%. This intervention shows that the inclusion of this biological drug justified the expenses incurred by the Ministry of Health in the National Lymphoma Protocols in Chile.

Sulfohemoglobinemia secundaria a zopiclona. Casos clínicos / Sulfhemoglobinemia secondary to the use of zopiclone. Report of two cases

Sulfhemoglobin (SulfHb) is formed by hemoglobin (Hb) oxidation by sulfur compounds. Sulfhemoglobinemia is mainly associated with drugs or intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Patients present with central cyanosis, an abnormal pulse oximetry and normal arterial oxygen partial pressure. These features are shared with methemoglobinemia (MetHb) whose diagnosis requires an arterial co-oximetry. Depending on the device used, SulfHb may produce interference with this technique. We report two females aged 31 and 43 years, consulting at the emergency room with cyanosis. Both had a history of acute and chronic, high dose zopiclone ingestion. Pulse oximetry showed desaturation but with normal arterial oxygen partial pressure. Cardiac and pulmonary diseases were ruled out. Co-oximetry in two different analyzers showed interference or normal MetHb percentages. No other complications ensued, and cyanosis decreased over days. Since MetHb was discarded among other causes of cyanosis in a compatible clinical context, the diagnosis of sulfhemoglobinemia was made. The confirmatory method is not available in Chile. The presence of SulfHb is difficult to diagnose, confirmatory tests are not readily available, and it frequently interferes with arterial co-oximetry. This is attributed to a similar absorbance peak of both pigments in arterial blood. Venous co-oximetry can be useful in this context. SulfHb is a self-limited condition in most cases, however it must be differentiated from methemoglobinemia to avoid inappropriate treatments like methylene blue.

Overall survival in Chilean patients with lymphoma and human immunodeficiency virus: A retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Introduction: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) still face high morbidity and mortality resulting from lymphoma. Aim: To describe a population of PLWH and lymphoma in a Chilean public hospital and compare the overall survival (OS) with a previously reported cohort from the same institution. Methods: Retrospective single-center cohort study. All the patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2017 were included. Demographic and clinical variables were obtained from medical records. The overall survival (OS) was estimated in treated patients from diagnosis until death or October 2020. The OS was then compared with a cohort of patients diagnosed between 1992 and 2008. Main Results: Eighty-four patients were included. The most common histological types were Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) at 31%, 27%, 21% and 14%, respectively. The three-year OS for the whole cohort of BL, DLBCL, HL and PBL was 58.9%, 65.2%, 47.4%, 76.4% and 50%, respectively. Compared to the cohort of 1992 to 2008, a global increase in the OS was found after excluding HL and adjusting for age and clinical stage (HR 0.38, p = 0.002). However, when the main types were analyzed individually, the increase in the OS was statistically significant only in DLBCL (HR 0.29, p = 0.007). Most patients with DLBCL received CHOP chemotherapy, as in the previous cohort. Conclusion: The OS has improved in this population, despite no major changes in chemotherapy regimens, mainly due to the universal access to antiretroviral therapy.

Polineuropatía por amiloidosis por transtiretina de inicio tardío. Caso clínico / Late-onset hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy. Report of one case

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis is a multisystemic autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by progressive distal sensory-motor polyneuropathy or restrictive cardiomyopathy, secondary to amyloid deposits. Its pathogenesis lies in the TTR gene mutation, and the Val50Met mutation is the most frequent. Patients have significant differences in the onset and severity of clinical presentation according to their country of origin. The diagnosis of this pathology is complex, even more in countries where it is not considered endemic. However, early suspicion and management are essential to improve survival and avoid unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We report a 69-year-old woman who presented a sensory-motor polyneuropathy, predominantly sensory, associated with distal neuropathic pain and bilateral vitritis. The history of her Italian father with polyneuropathy of unspecified etiology stood out. A vitreous biopsy identified amyloid substance deposits (congo red positive). These were also confirmed on a superficial peroneal nerve biopsy. During the etiological study of her polyneuropathy, an increased Kappa/Lambda index of 2.55 mg/L stood out. Therefore, light chain amyloidosis was suspected, and chemotherapy treatment was indicated without favorable response. After 10 years of progressive neurological and ophthalmological involvement, a genetic study confirmed the first case of late-onset hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis Val50Met with polyneuropathy in Chile.

Treatment and Survival Outcomes of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia in Latin American Patients: A Multinational Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoma with distinct clinical features, and data from Latin American patients are lacking. Therefore, we aim to investigate the clinical, therapy, and outcome patterns of WM in Latin America. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with WM diagnosed between 1991 and 2019 from 24 centers in seven Latin American countries. The study outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: We identified 159 cases (median age 67 years, male 62%). Most patients (95%) were symptomatic at diagnosis. The International Prognostic Scoring System for WM (IPSSWM) at diagnosis was available in 141 (89%) patients (high-risk 40%, intermediate-risk 37%, and low-risk 23%). Twenty-seven (17%) patients were tested for MYD88L265P, with 89% (n = 24 of 27) carrying the mutation. First-line and second-line therapies were administered to 142 (89%) and 53 (33%) patients, respectively. Chemoimmunotherapy was the most commonly used first-line (66%) and second-line (45%) approach; only 18 (11%) patients received ibrutinib. With a median follow-up of 69 months, the 5-year OS rate was 81%. In treated patients, the 5-year OS and PFS rates were 78% and 59%, respectively. High-risk IPSSWM at treatment initiation was an independent risk factor for OS (adjusted hazard ratio: 4.73, 95% CI, 1.67 to 13.41, P = .003) and PFS (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.43, 95% CI, 1.31 to 4.50, P = .005). CONCLUSION: In Latin America, the management of WM is heterogeneous, with limited access to molecular testing and novel agents. However, outcomes were similar to those reported internationally. We validated the IPSSWM score as a prognostic factor for OS and PFS. There is an unmet need to improve access to recommended diagnostic approaches and therapies in Latin America.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors for the Development of Infectious Complications in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study in Latin America.

PURPOSE: Infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). In Latin America, data on infectious complications in this patient population are lacking. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) in seven Latin American countries between June 2019 and May 2020. Patients with active disease, on active therapy, and with a follow-up of 6 months from the time of diagnosis were included. Our primary end point was the number of infectious events that required hospitalization for ≥ 24 hours. RESULTS: Of 248 patients with NDMM, 89 (35.9%) had infectious complications (113 infectious events), the majority (67.3%) within the first 3 months from diagnosis. The most common sites of infection were respiratory (38%) and urinary tract (31%). The microbial agent was identified in 57.5% of patients with gram-negative bacteria (73.5%) as the most common pathogen. Viral infections were infrequent, and no patients with fungal infection were reported. In the multivariable analysis, diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 2.71; 95% CI, 1.23 to 6.00; P = .014), creatinine ≥ 2 mg/dL (OR, 4.87; 95% CI, 2.29 to 10.35; P < .001), no use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis (OR, 6.66; 95% CI, 3.43 to 12.92; P < .001), and treatment with immunomodulatory drugs (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.24 to 6.29; P = .003) were independent factors associated with bacterial infections. At 6 months, 21 patients (8.5%) had died, 47.6% related to infectious complications. CONCLUSION: Bacterial infections are a substantial cause of hospital admissions and early death in patients with NDMM. Antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered to reduce infectious complications in patients with MM.

The potential of pirtobrutinib in multiple B-cell malignancies.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a critical downstream signaling element from the B-cell receptor (BCR) that has been effectively inhibited in B-cell cancers by irreversible, covalent inhibitors including ibrutinib and acalabrutinib. All FDA-approved covalent BTK inhibitors rely on binding to the cysteine 481 (C481) amino acid within the active site of BTK, thus rendering it inert. While covalent BTK inhibitors have been very successful in multiple B-cell malignancies, improving both overall survival and progression-free survival relative to chemoimmunotherapy in phase 3 trials, they can be limited by intolerance and disease progression. Pirtobrutinib is a novel, highly selective, and non-covalent BTK inhibitor that binds independently of C481, and in a recent, first-in-human phase 1/2 clinical trial was shown to be extremely well tolerated and lead to remissions in relapsed/refractory patients with multiple B-cell malignancies. Here, we review the pharmacologic rationale for pursuing non-covalent BTK inhibitors, the clinical need for such inhibitors, existing safety, and resistance mechanism data for pirtobrutinib, and the forthcoming clinical trials that seek to define the clinical utility of pirtobrutinib, which has the potential to fulfill multiple areas of unmet clinical need for patients with B-cell malignancies.

Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS): Real-world data on outcomes and prognostic factors.

Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) is a recognized clinical entity. Literature regarding treatment and its outcomes in MGRS is sparse due to the rarity and misdiagnosis of MGRS. We retrospectively analyzed 280 adults with an MGRS diagnosis from 2003 to 2020 across 19 clinical centers from 12 countries. All cases required renal biopsy for the pathological diagnosis of MGRS. Amyloidosis-related to MGRS (MGRS-A) was present in 180 patients; nonamyloidosis MGRS (MGRS-NA), including a broad spectrum of renal pathologies, was diagnosed in 100 patients. The median overall survival in the studied cohort was 121.0 months (95% CI: 105.0-121.0). Patients with MGRS-A had a shorter overall survival than patients with MGRS-NA (HR = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.25-0.69; p = 0.0007). Both hematologic and renal responses were associated with longer survival. Achievement of ≥VGPR was generally predictive of a renal response (OR = 8.03 95%CI: 4.04-115.96; p < 0.0001), one-fourth of patients with ≥VGPR were renal nonresponders. In MGRS-A, factors associated with poor prognosis included elevated levels of creatinine, beta-2-microglobulin, and hemodialysis at diagnosis. In MGRS-NA, only age >65 years was associated with increased risk of death. Treatments provided similar hematologic response rates in both types of MGRS. Autologous stem cell transplantation led to better response than other treatments. This multicenter and international effort is currently the largest report on MGRS.

Cost-effectiveness study of prophylaxis with emicizumab versus bypassing agents in patients with severe hemophilia A in Peru. / Estudio de costo-efectividad de profilaxis con emicizumab versus agentes hemostáticos alternativos en pacientes con hemofilia A grave en Perú.

Settings: Hemophilia is a coagulation disorder that occurs in one in 5000 male births. Patients with untreated severe hemophilia A have hemorrhagic complications, including joint bleeds and decreased survival. Emicizumab is a monoclonal antibody approved by the United States for routine prophylaxis of pediatric and adult patients with severe hemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors. Objectives: To perform a cost-effectiveness study of emicizumab prophylaxis for children and adults with severe hemophilia A compared with the current disease management in the Peruvian Ministry of Health and Social Security Health Insurance. Methods: The patient transition between medical states was modeled with Markov methodology, and the lifetime costs and incremental effects of emicizumab compared to current management were estimated. The budgetary impact of emicizumab was estimated by projecting annual net costs and its five-year present value. Results: In the Ministry of Health, emicizumab would generate savings between 14.6 and 16.0 per child and 11.8 per adult, in current US$ million. Social Security Health Insurance savings would be 12.8 to 14.9 per child and 40.1 per adult. In addition, this strategy would generate effectiveness gains, measured in quality-adjusted life-years, of 0.36 per child and 0.56 per adult and 0.25 per child, and 0.36 per adult in those respective institutions. The budgetary impact would be a net annual saving of 12.8 and 15.0 US$ million in those entities. Conclusions: The current management of hemophilia A is very costly and has health outcomes inferior to those possible with emicizumab. This drug would produce significant savings and better patient health. The Ministry of Health and Social Health Insurance should implement hemophilia prophylaxis and treatment protocols and finance this drug.

Contexto: La hemofilia es un trastorno hemorrágico de la coagulación que ocurre en uno de cada 5000 nacimientos masculinos. Los pacientes con hemofilia A grave no tratados tienen complicaciones hemorrágicas, incluyendo sangrados articulares y menor sobrevida. El emicizumab es un anticuerpo monoclonal aprobado por los Estados Unidos para la profilaxis rutinaria de pacientes pediátricos y adultos con hemofilia A grave con inhibidores del factor VIII de coagulación. Objetivos: Realizar un estudio de costo-efectividad de la profilaxis con emicizumab para niños y adultos con hemofilia A grave, en comparación con el actual manejo de esos pacientes en el Ministerio de Salud y el Seguro Social de Salud de Perú. Metodología: Se modeló la transición del paciente entre estados médicos con la metodología de Markov y se estimó a lo largo de su vida costos y efectos incrementales de emicizumab comparados con el actual manejo. Se estimó el impacto presupuestario de emicizumab proyectando costos netos anuales y su valor presente a cinco años. Resultados: Emicizumab generaría ahorros en el Ministerio de Salud entre 14,6 y 16,0 por niño y 11,8 por adulto, en US$ millones actuales, y en el Seguro Social de Salud de 12,8 a 14,9 por niño y 40,1 por adulto. Además, se generan ganancias en efectividad, medidas en años de vida ajustados por calidad, de 0,36 por niño y 0,56 por adulto y de 0,25 por niño y 0,36 por adulto en esas respectivas instituciones. El impacto presupuestario sería un ahorro anual neto, en US$ millones, de 12,8 y 15,0 en esas entidades. Conclusión: El actual manejo de la enfermedad es muy costoso y con resultados de salud inferiores a los posibles con emicizumab. Este fármaco produciría grandes ahorros y mejor salud. Ambas entidades debieran implementar protocolos para la profilaxis y tratamiento de la hemofilia y financiarla con presupuesto propio.

Estudio de costo-efectividad de profilaxis con emicizumab versus agentes hemostáticos alternativos en pacientes con hemofilia A grave en Perú / Cost-effectiveness study of prophylaxis with emicizumab versus bypassing agents in patients with severe hemophilia A in Peru

Contexto La hemofilia es un trastorno hemorrágico de la coagulación que ocurre en uno de cada 5000 nacimientos masculinos. Los pacientes con hemofilia A grave no tratados tienen complicaciones hemorrágicas, incluyendo sangrados articulares y menor sobrevida. El emicizumab es un anticuerpo monoclonal aprobado por los Estados Unidos para la profilaxis rutinaria de pacientes pediátricos y adultos con hemofilia A grave con inhibidores del factor VIII de coagulación. Objetivos Realizar un estudio de costo-efectividad de la profilaxis con emicizumab para niños y adultos con hemofilia A grave, en comparación con el actual manejo de esos pacientes en el Ministerio de Salud y el Seguro Social de Salud de Perú. Metodología Se modeló la transición del paciente entre estados médicos con la metodología de Markov y se estimó a lo largo de su vida costos y efectos incrementales de emicizumab comparados con el actual manejo. Se estimó el impacto presupuestario de emicizumab proyectando costos netos anuales y su valor presente a cinco años. Resultados Emicizumab generaría ahorros en el Ministerio de Salud entre 14,6 y 16,0 por niño y 11,8 por adulto, en US$ millones actuales, y en el Seguro Social de Salud de 12,8 a 14,9 por niño y 40,1 por adulto. Además, se generan ganancias en efectividad, medidas en años de vida ajustados por calidad, de 0,36 por niño y 0,56 por adulto y de 0,25 por niño y 0,36 por adulto en esas respectivas instituciones. El impacto presupuestario sería un ahorro anual neto, en US$ millones, de 12,8 y 15,0 en esas entidades. Conclusión El actual manejo de la enfermedad es muy costoso y con resultados de salud inferiores a los posibles con emicizumab. Este fármaco produciría grandes ahorros y mejor salud. Ambas entidades debieran implementar protocolos para la profilaxis y tratamiento de la hemofilia y financiarla con presupuesto propio.

Settings Hemophilia is a coagulation disorder that occurs in one in 5000 male births. Patients with untreated severe hemophilia A have hemorrhagic complications, including joint bleeds and decreased survival. Emicizumab is a monoclonal antibody approved by the United States for routine prophylaxis of pediatric and adult patients with severe hemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors. Objectives To perform a cost-effectiveness study of emicizumab prophylaxis for children and adults with severe hemophilia A compared with the current disease management in the Peruvian Ministry of Health and Social Security Health Insurance. Methods The patient transition between medical states was modeled with Markov methodology, and the lifetime costs and incremental effects of emicizumab compared to current management were estimated. The budgetary impact of emicizumab was estimated by projecting annual net costs and its five-year present value. Results In the Ministry of Health, emicizumab would generate savings between 14.6 and 16.0 per child and 11.8 per adult, in current US$ million. Social Security Health Insurance savings would be 12.8 to 14.9 per child and 40.1 per adult. In addition, this strategy would generate effectiveness gains, measured in quality-adjusted life-years, of 0.36 per child and 0.56 per adult and 0.25 per child, and 0.36 per adult in those respective institutions. The budgetary impact would be a net annual saving of 12.8 and 15.0 US$ million in those entities. Conclusions The current management of hemophilia A is very costly and has health outcomes inferior to those possible with emicizumab. This drug would produce significant savings and better patient health. The Ministry of Health and Social Health Insurance should implement hemophilia prophylaxis and treatment protocols and finance this drug.

[Sulfhemoglobinemia secondary to the use of zopiclone. Report of two cases]. / Sulfohemoglobinemia secundaria a zopiclona. Casos clínicos.

Sulfhemoglobin (SulfHb) is formed by hemoglobin (Hb) oxidation by sulfur compounds. Sulfhemoglobinemia is mainly associated with drugs or intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Patients present with central cyanosis, an abnormal pulse oximetry and normal arterial oxygen partial pressure. These features are shared with methemoglobinemia (MetHb) whose diagnosis requires an arterial co-oximetry. Depending on the device used, SulfHb may produce interference with this technique. We report two females aged 31 and 43 years, consulting at the emergency room with cyanosis. Both had a history of acute and chronic, high dose zopiclone ingestion. Pulse oximetry showed desaturation but with normal arterial oxygen partial pressure. Cardiac and pulmonary diseases were ruled out. Co-oximetry in two different analyzers showed interference or normal MetHb percentages. No other complications ensued, and cyanosis decreased over days. Since MetHb was discarded among other causes of cyanosis in a compatible clinical context, the diagnosis of sulfhemoglobinemia was made. The confirmatory method is not available in Chile. The presence of SulfHb is difficult to diagnose, confirmatory tests are not readily available, and it frequently interferes with arterial co-oximetry. This is attributed to a similar absorbance peak of both pigments in arterial blood. Venous co-oximetry can be useful in this context. SulfHb is a self-limited condition in most cases, however it must be differentiated from methemoglobinemia to avoid inappropriate treatments like methylene blue.

[Late-onset hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy. Report of one case]. / Polineuropatía por amiloidosis por transtiretina de inicio tardío. Caso clínico.

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis is a multisystemic autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by progressive distal sensory-motor polyneuropathy or restrictive cardiomyopathy, secondary to amyloid deposits. Its pathogenesis lies in the TTR gene mutation, and the Val50Met mutation is the most frequent. Patients have significant differences in the onset and severity of clinical presentation according to their country of origin. The diagnosis of this pathology is complex, even more in countries where it is not considered endemic. However, early suspicion and management are essential to improve survival and avoid unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We report a 69-year-old woman who presented a sensory-motor polyneuropathy, predominantly sensory, associated with distal neuropathic pain and bilateral vitritis. The history of her Italian father with polyneuropathy of unspecified etiology stood out. A vitreous biopsy identified amyloid substance deposits (congo red positive). These were also confirmed on a superficial peroneal nerve biopsy. During the etiological study of her polyneuropathy, an increased Kappa/Lambda index of 2.55 mg/L stood out. Therefore, light chain amyloidosis was suspected, and chemotherapy treatment was indicated without favorable response. After 10 years of progressive neurological and ophthalmological involvement, a genetic study confirmed the first case of late-onset hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis Val50Met with polyneuropathy in Chile.

Monoclonal gammopathy of ocular significance (MGOS) - a short survey of corneal manifestations and treatment outcomes.

Monoclonal gammopathy of ocular significance (MGOS) is a rare subset of monoclonal gammopathy of clinical significance occurring secondary to plasma cell disorders and causing ocular manifestations. We identified 23 patients with paraproteinemic keratopathy (PPK) in the setting of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS, 10), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM, 3) or multiple myeloma (MM, 10). Many of these patients with PPK (11/23) presented decreased vision. All patients with MM and 40% of those with other diagnoses such as SMM and MGUS received systemic therapy with or without autologous stem cell transplantation. Four eyes of four patients were treated by penetrating keratoplasty. In most cases, neither ocular nor hematologic treatment afforded a durable improvement in the visual acuity (recurrence after a median of 11 months), despite initial responses. Further studies will be required to determine the optimal strategy to treat and prevent the relapse of ocular symptoms in patients with PPK.