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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Therapeutic approaches to pulmonary hypertension in hemoglobinopathies: Efficacy and safety of sildenafil in the treatment of severe pulmonary hypertension in patients with hemoglobinopathy.

New approaches to the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) have increased symptomatic relief and prolonged survival. PH is a common sequela of the hemoglobinopathies, but the use of standard oral treatment options is limited because of toxicity and poor effectiveness. Sildenafil citrate is a selective and potent inhibitor of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5), which promotes selective smooth muscle relaxation in lung vasculature and has been used successfully in the treatment of PH. Hemoglobinopathic patients suffering from severe PH who were treated with sildenafil citrate (50 mg b.i.d.) for periods ranging from 4 to 48 months showed a significant decrease in pulmonary pressure and improvement in exercise capacity and functional class. No significant adverse events were reported. These data, described in a small group of patients, indicate that sildenafil citrate is effective in the treatment of PH in hemoglobinopathies and is well tolerated long-term at a daily dose of 100 mg.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

HbOThrace trait, HbOThrace hemoglobinopathy and HbOThrace/Hb beta zero hemoglobinopathy: a retrospective study of 118 cases.

HbOThrace is an abnormal hemoglobin which is constructed by defective beta chains (Glu121-->Lys121). It mostly characterises the Muslim minority of the Thrace region. During the last 6 years, our department detected HbOThrace in 118 cases. Four groups were formed, the first consisted of cases of HbOThrace trait with normal iron and ferritin levels, the second of cases of HbOThrace hemoglobinopathy, the third of cases of HbOThrace/Hb beta zero hemoglobinopathy and the fourth of cases of HbOThrace trait with low iron and ferritin levels. The second, third and fourth group were compared with the first one. The conclusion is that the presence of HbOThrace leads to a mild hypochromic anemia, with no clinical findings, but the coexistence of beta zero gene or iron deficiency produces more pronounced laboratory findings and even clinically evident anemia.

Anemia, Hypochromic↗

Prenatal hemoglobinopathy screening. IV. Follow-up of women at risk for a child with a clinically significant hemoglobinopathy.

To determine the benefits and burdens of prenatal hemoglobinopathy carrier identification and genetic counseling and its impact on subsequent reproductive behavior, we recontacted women whom we had previously identified as at risk for having a child with a clinically significant hemoglobinopathy, regardless of whether they had accepted the offer of prenatal diagnosis. Of the 46 such women, 31 were available for interview. These 31 women had received offers of prenatal diagnosis in 47 pregnancies. Seventeen had been accepted, and 30 had been declined. The proportion of patients accepting the offer of prenatal diagnosis was higher for the index pregnancy (50%) than for subsequent pregnancies (22%). The mean interval between the initial counseling of the patient and the follow-up interview was 43 mo (standard error +/- 2.7 mo). Ninety-four percent of those interviewed recalled having received information from the screening program; 74% recalled the name of their condition; 90% knew that trait did not affect their health; 84% recalled the name of the condition for which their fetus had been at risk; and 77% could state at least one symptom of the disease. Of the 29 women asked whether they intended to use prenatal diagnosis in future pregnancies, 13 said yes and 16 said no. Of the 26 patients asked about satisfaction with their previous decision about prenatal diagnosis, all were satisfied with their decision. Eighteen said they would make the same decision in their next pregnancy, but seven patients said they would not, and one was undecided.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

[Population genetics study of hemoglobinopathies in Uzbekistan. II. Population dynamics of hemoglobinopathies].

It was shown that on comparing variability of selective neutral genetic marker systems with that of the beta-thalassemia system for the populations of different hierarchical level, the relative importance of selection and genetic drift could be evaluated. The genetic differentiation of the beta-thalassemia gene frequencies in elementary populations (villages) could be solely explained by genetic drift. On the other hand, the differentiation of district populations (the sizes of the populations being 10(6] for beta-thalassemia gene frequencies could be explained by selection forces. This is supported by the fact that the genetic distances and FST values are only significant for the beta-thalassemia gene and not for the neutral genetic systems, when the district populations are compared.

Genetic Markers↗

Good practice guidelines for laboratory investigation of hemoglobinopathies.

A review of the Quality Management Program-Laboratory Services (QMP-LS) hemoglobin fraction quantitation/hemoglobinopathy investigation surveys revealed recurrent errors in diagnosis of carrier genotypes for serious hemoglobinopathies. To address these concerns, QMP-LS developed guidelines for laboratory investigation of hemoglobinopathy syndromes. The guidelines are based on current practice in the province of Ontario, expert opinion in the field, and a review of recent literature. They include an overview of the clinical significance of the hemoglobinopathies, the indications for a hemoglobinopathy investigation, key components of a thorough laboratory hemoglobinopathy investigation, interpretation of investigation results, diagnosis of rare hemoglobin variants, and indications for DNA investigation of hemoglobinopathies. The guidelines present various tables and figures outlining mean cell volume reference intervals, recommended hemoglobinopathy investigative techniques, recommendations for further investigation of abnormal findings, and algorithms for interpretation of the various laboratory hemoglobinopathy investigative techniques. The guidelines are intended for use in the processing of specimens when a clinical or laboratory physician has ordered a hemoglobinopathy investigation (hemoglobin electrophoresis).

Algorithms↗

Bacterial skin infections among patients with hemoglobinopathies.

OBJECTIVE: Hemoglobinopathies are a common problem in our locality, yet there were no previous studies concerning skin lesions among those patients. We sought to find out the most common skin lesions among patients with hemoglobinopathies and the frequency of occurrence of bacterial skin infections in those patients. METHODS: A total of 168 patients with bacterial skin infections were included in this study. The specimens were collected from outpatients dermatology departments of 5 main hospitals in different areas in Basrah governorate, Iraq (hospital-based study) from March 2002 to October 2002. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of hemoglobin on electrophoresis. The first group included 35 patients with bacterial skin infections and hemoglobinopathies while the second one included 133 patients with normal hemoglobin. RESULTS: Recurrent bacterial skin infections was reported in 30 out of 35 patients with hemoglobinopathies (85.7%) and 45 out of 133 in those with normal hemoglobin (33.8%). In addition, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were isolated from patients with hemoglobinopathies (74.3%) and gram negative bacteria (42.9%). CONCLUSION: The study revealed that patients with hemoglobinopathies were more susceptible to recurrent bacterial skin infections than those with normal hemoglobin. In addition, S. aureus and gram negative bacteria were isolated more commonly from patients with hemoglobinopathies.

Adolescent↗

Spectrum of hemoglobinopathies in the state of Orissa, India: a ten years cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: i) To determine the pattern of spectrum of hemoglobinopathies in the state of Orissa, ii) To find the ethnic groups at high risk of hemoglobinopathies, iii) Geographical distribution of hemoglobinopathies, and iv). To know epidemiological aspects of hemoglobinopathy cases in Orissa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One thousand fifteen cases of anemia were analysed referred from different peripheral hospitals and Medical Colleges and Hospitals of Orissa state for diagnosis and counseling during 1994 to 2003. About 2-3 ml. intravenous blood samples were collected after obtaining informed consent from each individual. Hematological indices were measured using MS4 Cell Counter. Background data of each individual were recorded like age, sex, caste, place of origin, consanguinity, etc. Hemoglobin electrophoresis was carried out on CAM in Tris-EDTA-Borate buffer at pH 8.9 and quantification of A2 fraction of hemoglobin by elution method. The value more than 3.5% of A2 fraction of hemoglobin was taken as cut off point for beta-thalassemia trait and more than 10% as Hb E. Hb electrophoresis in acidic medium (pH 6.2) was also carried out to confirm Hb D or E band. Estimation of fetal hemoglobin was done. Family studies were carried out to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Most common hemoglobinopathies observed out of 1015 cases were: sickle cell trait (29.8%), sickle cell disease (7.5%), sickle cell-beta-thalassemia (1.7%), beta-thalassemia trait (18.2%), thalassemia major (5.3%), thalassemia intermedia (0.9%), Hb E trait (0.9%), Hb E disease (0.3%), E-beta-thalassemia (0.7%), Hb D trait (0.2%) and SD disease (0.2%). Sickle cell disorders with high level of fetal hemoglobin were common in general castes (0.3-20.7%), scheduled castes (0-8.9%) and scheduled tribals (0-5.5%). Transfusion dependent beta-thalassemia syndrome was prevalent in Brahmin, Karan, Khandyat, Teli, etc. Most of the cases belong to Anugul district, followed by Khurda, Nayagarh, Phulbani, Cuttack, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, etc. CONCLUSIONS: The heterogeneous population is harbouring almost all major hemoglobinopathies in general castes, scheduled castes and tribes, belonging to Coastal and South-Western regions of Orissa. This study provides for the first time a comprehensive database on the pattern of spectrum of hemoglobinopathies in Orissa.

Adolescent↗

[Prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in pregnant women in the Lanzarote health sanitary area].

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to analyze the global prevalence of carriers of heterozygous hemoglobinopathies among pregnant women settled in Lanzarote. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A epidemiologic cross-sectional observational investigation was undertaken to study the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in 2,436 pregnant women in Lanzarote. The techniques of primary screening were hemoglobin electrophoresis on cellulose acetate at alkaline pH for the detection of hemoglobin variants, and the quantification of HbA2 and HbF for the diagnosis of b thalassemia trait. The study to confirm the diagnosis of structural hemoglobinopathies was based on hemoglobin electrophoresis on citrate agar at acid pH, isolectric focusing and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The molecular characterization of b thalassemia trait (HbA2 >3.5%) was carried out by techniques using a real time PCR procedure with specific fluorescently labelled hybridization probes and allele-specific amplification (PCR-ARMS). RESULTS: The global prevalence of hemoglobinopathies was 11.90 corresponding to 9.44 for structural hemoglobinopathies and 2.46 for heterozygous b thalassemias. A variant hemoglobin was detected on 23 women and the distribution was as follows: thirteen carriers of hemoglobin S, seven HbC trait, two HbD trait and one "unstable" hemoglobin. 82.6% of the variant hemoglobins found were from migrant population from Africa and America. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of carriers of structural hemoglobinopathies in Lanzarote justifies the initiation of programs for screening for hemoglobinopathies to prevent the emergence of severe states causing disease.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

Comparing prenatal and neonatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the results of prenatal and neonatal hemoglobinopathy screening, a pilot program was developed at the Northern California Kaiser Permanente Health Care Program, a prepaid health maintenance program serving 2.5 million members. METHODS: In this program, 54,700 pregnant women were screened for hemoglobinopathies. RESULTS: Of the 54,700 women screened, 1019 (1.9%) had a hemoglobinopathy trait, and 81 women with at-risk fetuses were identified. Half the women with fetuses at risk for thalassemia accepted prenatal diagnosis; of those whose fetuses were at risk for sickle-cell disease or other hemoglobinopathies, 30% accepted prenatal diagnosis. Of the 81 at-risk couples, 53 refused amniocentesis for definitive fetal diagnosis; only 28 (35%) accepted; all 4 women who were carrying a fetus with thalassemia major elected to terminate the pregnancy. Only 7 of the 21 cases of hemoglobinopathies were diagnosed prenatally; 14 were discovered neonatally. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal screening was not found to be an ideal method of identifying hemoglobinopathies of the newborn in this large population. With cost-effectiveness a high priority in health care delivery, we believe that testing of newborns for hemoglobinopathies will continue to be the preferred screening method. A combined prenatal and neonatal program would offer the maximum benefit to patients by adding prenatal counseling, parental options, education, and early complete diagnosis to neonatal screening.

Algorithms↗

Influence of sickle hemoglobinopathies on growth and development.

To determine the influence of hemoglobinopathy on growth and development, we examined the height, weight, and sexual maturation of 2115 patients 2 to 25 years old who had homozygous sickle-cell disease (SS), SC disease (SC), sickle beta+ thalassemia (S beta+), or sickle beta O thalassemia (S beta O). Using regression analysis of these cross-sectional data to generate growth and maturation curves for each hemoglobinopathy, we found that the curves for all hemoglobinopathy groups were significantly different from published norms for black subjects (P less than 0.001), and that subjects with SS and S beta O were consistently smaller and less sexually developed than those with SC and S beta+ (P less than 0.001). For both sexes and all hemoglobinopathies, low weight was more pronounced than short height and was most apparent in subjects over the age of seven. The median age of the female subjects who had attained at least Tanner Stage V was 17.3 years for those with SS, 17.2 years for S beta O, 16.0 years for SC, and 16.5 years for S beta+; among male subjects the corresponding values were 17.6, 18.8, 16.6, and 16.6 years. Discriminant analysis of menarche status, weight, age, and hemoglobinopathy revealed that the influences of age and weight on menarche were similar regardless of hemoglobinopathy. This relationship suggests a constitutional rather than a primary endocrinologic cause of sexual immaturity in patients with hemoglobinopathies.

Adolescent↗

Regional experience with newborn screening for sickle cell disease, other hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Newborn screening for sickle cell disease, other hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency is one of the most important means of decreasing mortality and morbidity in high prevalence areas. Nine years experience in newborn screening in Qatif Central Hospital are summarized. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All newborns in Qatif Central Hospital had cord blood screening for sickle cell disease, other hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency using alkaline and electrophoresis, agar gel electrophoresis for sickle cell disease and fluorescent screening technique for G6PD deficiency. Families of infants with minor hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency were informed about the results in the well baby clinic. RESULTS: From December 1992 to December 2001, 24 012 newborn were screened. 21 858 (91.03%) were Saudi and 2154 (8.97%) were non-Saudi. In the Saudi hemoglobin electrophoresis patterns, AF (normal) was found in 49.52%, hemoglobin FS (sickle cell disease) + FS Bart s (sickle cell disease with alpha thalassemia) in 2.57%, hemoglobin AFS (sickle cell trait) + AFS Bart s (sickle cell trait with alpha thalassemia) in 21.14%, and alpha thalassemia (based on elevated Bart s hemoglobin > or = 2%) in 35.68%. G6PD deficiency was found in 37.02% and 21.27% in males and females, respectively. Of 563 Saudi newborn with a presumptive diagnosis of sickle cell disease, 48 (8.5%) did not come to the hematology clinic or were not contactable. The diagnosis of sickle cell anemia or sickle thalassemia was confirmed in 513 patients, and 2 cases were found to have sickle cell trait on repeat testing. Many parents found it hard to accept the initial diagnosis and the resulting impact on their relationship with one another. CONCLUSION: Prevention and early identification of sickle cell disease, other major hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency remains the cornerstone of management of these diseases. The main barriers to successful neonatal screening for hemoglobinopathies are the level of the education and deficiency in manpower. We recommend including newborn screening for hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency in the national hypothyroidism screening program in the eastern province and the establishment of a special center for hemoglobinopathies with a high standard of medical care in Qatif.

Journal Article↗

Umbilical cord blood stem cells: application for the treatment of patients with hemoglobinopathies.

Even though there is recognized morbidity and death associated with bone marrow transplantation, this procedure has been performed successfully in a substantial number of patients with hemoglobinopathies. However, finding a suitable related donor is often difficult and the morbidity associated with the use of unrelated donors is high. Several reports indicate that fewer than 30% of patients with thalassemia major and fewer than 20% of patients with sickle cell anemia have histocompatible siblings. Human umbilical cord blood (UCB) contains hematopoietic stem cells capable of reconstituting bone marrow. To date, approximately 200 transplantations have been performed with UCBs. Early results suggest that, even with substantial human leukocyte antigen (HLA) incompatibility, a decrease in the incidence of graft-versus-host disease occurs with cord blood. The extent to which HLA incompatibility can be tolerated when cord blood is used has not been determined. These results raise the possibility that UCB obtained from unrelated donors could be used for transplantation in patients with hemoglobinopathies. This review summarizes current data on UCB stem cells used for transplantation in hematologic diseases. The review contains a discussion of the potential uses of UCB for patients with hemoglobinopathies and the value of programs designed to collect UCB from newborn infants with hemoglobinopathies, from siblings of patients with hemoglobinopathies, and from groups of ethnic minorities similar to those in which hemoglobinopathies are found.

Blood Banks↗

Systematic follow-up and case management of the abnormal newborn screen can improve acceptance of genetic counseling for sickle cell or other hemoglobinopathy trait.

PURPOSE: Sickle cell or other hemoglobinopathy trait detected on the newborn screen provides an opportunity for genetic counseling of families at risk of having a child with a major hemoglobinopathy. However, follow-up of hemoglobinopathy trait is often fragmented and acceptance of counseling is low. We describe the results of systematic follow-up and case management of abnormal newborn screen and the effect on acceptance of counseling. METHODS: From July 1997 to June 2002, families of a newborn with hemoglobinopathy trait were notified by mail. In April 2003, an intensive trait follow-up protocol including letters, telephone calls, educational videos, and genetic counseling was implemented. Demographic information and follow-up activity were documented and tracked using an electronic database. RESULTS: From July 1997 to June 2002, 3095 families were notified by letter of a newborn with hemoglobinopathy trait and were offered genetic counseling. Of these, 165 (5.3%) received counseling by telephone and 60 (2%) underwent extended family testing. From April to December 2003, 694 families with a newborn with hemoglobinopathy trait were notified by mail. Of these, 362 (52%) families were reached by telephone. Of those contacted by telephone, 92% received genetic counseling via telephone, 57% were interested in family testing, and 12% scheduled an appointment. Additionally, 27% of families were mailed an educational video. Among those declining extended family testing, 26% preferred to consult their pediatrician. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic follow-up and case management of abnormal newborn screen can improve the acceptance of genetic counseling.

Case Management↗

Hemoglobinopathy control program in Turkey.

Hemoglobinopathies are a very important health problem in Turkey. To date many studies have been performed but there has been no national hemoglobinopathy control program (HCP). After the Turkish National Hemoglobinopathy Council (TNHC) was created all centers, foundations, and associations were combined into one organization controlled by the Ministry of Health (MOH). The MOH and the TNHC have started to register the results of the screening of 377,339 healthy subjects from 16 different cities and the recorded average frequency of the beta-thalassemia trait was 4.3%. The highest prevalence of thebeta-thalassemia trait (13.1%) was found in the Antalya region and of the HbS trait (10%) in the Cukurova region. Next, written regulations for the Fight against Hereditary Blood Disease were published especially for preventing and treating hemoglobinopathies. The MOH and the TNHC selected 33 provinces situated in the Thrace, Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean and South Eastern regions with a high birth prevalence of severe hemoglobinopathies. The hemoglobinopathy scientific committee was set up, a guidebook was published and a national HCP was started in these high-risk provinces.

Hemoglobinopathies↗

Mixed chimerism following in utero hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in murine models of hemoglobinopathy.

OBJECTIVE: Mixed hematopoietic chimerism after bone marrow transplantation can provide effective treatment for beta-thalassemia because of the selective advantage that exists for donor erythropoiesis. In utero hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (IUHSCTx) can achieve mixed hematopoietic chimerism, particularly when a selective advantage exists for donor cells. To investigate the biology of IUHSCTx in hemoglobinopathies, we performed fully allogeneic IUHSCTx in murine models of beta-thalassemia (Thal) and sickle cell disease (SCD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We serially assessed and compared levels of mononuclear cell (MNC) and erythroid chimerism after IUHSCTx of either adult bone marrow (BM)- or fetal liver (FL)-derived allogeneic donor cells in the two hemoglobinopathy models, which differ significantly in their degree of anemia (Thal>>SCD) and red cell half-life (Thal<<SCD). RESULTS: The mean level of donor MNC chimerism was higher for SCD and Thal chimeras receiving FL- compared to adult BM-derived donor cells and tended to increase over time in the FL recipients. Donor hemoglobin (Hb) levels also were higher in all groups receiving FL compared to adult BM. Donor Hb levels in chimeric Thal mice were significantly higher than those in SCD or wild-type mice. Hematologic parameters such as Hb, hematocrit (Hct), mean cell volume (MCV), membrane-associated denatured Hb, and the oxygen equilibration curve were improved in chimeric hemoglobinopathy mice. However, the improvement in Hb, Hct, and MCV was not sustained despite stable levels of donor leukocyte engraftment. CONCLUSION: The severity of the hemoglobinopathy being treated and the source of donor cells may be important determinants of success in the treatment of hemoglobinopathy by IUHSCTx.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗