Predictors of outcomes in hematopoietic cell transplantation for Fanconi anemia

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) remains the only cure for the hematologic manifestations of Fanconi anemia (FA). We performed retrospective predictor analyses for HCT outcomes in FA for pediatric and young adult patients transplanted between 2007 and 2020 across three large referral institutions. Eighty-nine patients, 70 with bone marrow failure +/- cytogenetic abnormalities, 19 with MDS/AML, were included. Five-year overall survival (OS) was 83.2% and event-free survival (EFS) was 74%. Age ≥19, HLA mismatch and year of HCT were multivariable predictors (MVPs) for OS, EFS and treatment-related mortality (TRM). In the pediatric group, TCD was a borderline MVP (P = 0.059) with 5-year OS of 73.0% in TCD vs. 100% for T-replete HCT. The cumulative incidence of day 100 grade II-IV aGvHD and 5-year cGvHD were 5.6% and 4.6%, respectively. Relapse in the MDS/AML subgroup occurred in 4 patients (16%). Graft failure was seen in 9 patients (TCD 6/37 [16%]; T-replete 3/52 [5.7%]). Six patients developed malignancy after HCT. Survival chances after HCT for FA are excellent and associated with high engrafted survival and low toxicity. Age ≥19, HLA mismatch, year of transplant and 'TCD in the <19 years group' (although borderline) were found to be negative predictors for survival

ADAMTS-13 and bleeding phenotype in von Willebrand disease

Background: The bleeding phenotype of von Willebrand disease (VWD) varies highly between patients and can only partly be explained by von Willebrand factor (VWF) parameters. By cleaving large VWF multimers into smaller, less active multimers, ADAMTS-13 is an important regulator of VWF activity. However, it is unknown what the role of ADAMTS-13 is in individuals with VWD. Objectives: We therefore studied how ADAMTS-13 activity is associated with the laboratory and bleeding phenotype in individuals with VWD. Methods: We measured ADAMTS-13 activity using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer substrate VWF 73 assay in 638 individuals with VWD in the nationwide cross-sectional Willebrand in the Netherlands study and in 36 healthy controls. The bleeding phenotype was assessed using the Tosetto bleeding score. Results: ADAMTS-13 activity was similar in individuals with VWD (109% ± 20.6%) and controls (110% ± 19.7%). ADAMTS-13 activity was higher in individuals with VWD with type 3 than those with type 1 (mean difference, 11.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.9%-20.8%) or type 2 (mean difference, 16.1%; 95% CI, 7.1%-25.1%). ADAMTS-13 activity was not associated with the Tosetto bleeding score (0.1 Tosetto bleeding score increase per 10% ADAMTS-13 increase, 95% CI, −0.2 to 0.3). Furthermore, ADAMTS-13 activity did not differ between individuals with and without a bleeding event during the year preceding blood sampling (mean difference, 1.4%; 95% CI, −2.1% to 4.9%). Conclusion: ADAMTS-13 activity was highest in individuals with type 3 VWD, but it had only minor associations with VWF parameters. ADAMTS-13 activity does not influence the bleeding phenotype in individuals with VWD

Stem cell transplantation for congenital dyserythropoietic anemia : an analysis from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Non peer reviewe

Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction with hyperhemolysis after first red blood cell transfusion in child with β-thalassemia: Challenges in treatment

Background: Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) can manifest with hyperhemolysis, a serious complication of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. This has mostly been described in sickle cell anemia but occasionally in β-thalassemia. Treatment is challenging; immunosuppressive medication has been reported to be useful by some but not others. CASE REPORT: A 1.5-year-old girl with homozygous β-thalassemia was put on a regular RBC transfusion program because of anemia with stunted growth and abnormal bone development. After the first transfusion she developed DHTR with hyperhemolysis. Further RBC transfusions could not be avoided. Despite treatment with prednisone, immunoglobulins, rituximab, and azathioprine hemolysis continued. She received an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation after conditioning using cyclophosphamide, treosulfan, melfalan, and ATG. The transplantation was followed by treatment with cyclosporin A, methotrexate, and prednisone. Because of poor engraftment and later rejection, she received a retransplantation after conditioning using fludarabine instead of cyclophosphamide and was subsequently treated with prednisone, but hemolysis continued. Only after splenectomy did she no longer need RBC transfusions and the direct antiglobulin test turned negative. Discussion and Conclusion: Treatment of DHTR remains challenging. The role of immunosuppressive medication such as azathioprine, cyclosporin A, and rituximab remains to be seen. Splenectomy may be helpful. Mainstay is to minimize RBC transfusions as much as possible

Parental experiences in end-of-life decision-making in allogeneic pediatric stem cell transplantation: "Have I been a good parent?"

BACKGROUND: In pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the end-of-life (EOL) phase and the loss of the child is often characterized by a sudden deterioration of the child following a period of intensive curative treatment. This demands a fast transition for parents. Therefore, an understanding of the parents' perspective on decision-making in such a complex situation is needed. This study aims to gain insight in parental experiences in EOL decision-making in allogeneic pediatric HSCT. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was performed among parents of eight families. Data were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: All parents were aware of their child's deterioration. Six families were confronted with a rapid deterioration, while two families experienced a gradual realization that their child would not survive. Parental EOL decision-making in pediatric HSCT shows a reflective perspective on the meaning of parenthood in EOL decision-making. Two central themes were identified: "survival-oriented decision-making" and "struggling with doubts in hindsight." Six subthemes within the first theme described the parents' goal of doing everything to achieve survival. DISCUSSION: Parents experienced EOL decision-making mainly as a process guided by health care professionals (HCPs) based on the child's condition and treatment possibilities. The decision-making is characterized by following opportunities and focusing on hope for cure. In hindsight parents experienced doubts about treatment steps and their child's suffering. HCPs can strengthen the parental role by an early integration of palliative care, providing timely support to parents in the process of imminent loss. Advance care planning can be used to support communication processes, defining preferences for future care

Parental experiences in end-of-life decision-making in allogeneic pediatric stem cell transplantation: "Have I been a good parent?"

BACKGROUND: In pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the end-of-life (EOL) phase and the loss of the child is often characterized by a sudden deterioration of the child following a period of intensive curative treatment. This demands a fast transition for parents. Therefore, an understanding of the parents' perspective on decision-making in such a complex situation is needed. This study aims to gain insight in parental experiences in EOL decision-making in allogeneic pediatric HSCT. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was performed among parents of eight families. Data were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: All parents were aware of their child's deterioration. Six families were confronted with a rapid deterioration, while two families experienced a gradual realization that their child would not survive. Parental EOL decision-making in pediatric HSCT shows a reflective perspective on the meaning of parenthood in EOL decision-making. Two central themes were identified: "survival-oriented decision-making" and "struggling with doubts in hindsight." Six subthemes within the first theme described the parents' goal of doing everything to achieve survival. DISCUSSION: Parents experienced EOL decision-making mainly as a process guided by health care professionals (HCPs) based on the child's condition and treatment possibilities. The decision-making is characterized by following opportunities and focusing on hope for cure. In hindsight parents experienced doubts about treatment steps and their child's suffering. HCPs can strengthen the parental role by an early integration of palliative care, providing timely support to parents in the process of imminent loss. Advance care planning can be used to support communication processes, defining preferences for future care

Pyruvate kinase deficiency associated with severe liver dysfunction in the newborn

Significant hyperbilirubinaemia, anemia, and splenomegaly are common features in patients with severe haemolysis due to pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency. Until now, severe neonatal PK deficiency has not been associated with fatal liver disease at this age. We present two neonatal cases of severe PK deficiency complicated with progressive fatal liver disease. The patients presented with severe haemolysis, progressive cholestasis, and hepatosplenomegaly, and both patients ultimately developed liver failure at a very young age. Despite extensive investigations, no specific explanation for liver disease and failure was found. We suggest that the PK deficiency itself directly led to liver dysfunctio