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Knowledge on the Haemophilia Care Among Healthcare Providers in Tanzania: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Haemophilia is a rare inherited bleeding disorder associated with recurrent bleeding, disability, and mortality when diagnosis and management are delayed. In low- and middle-income countries, limited diagnostic capacity, access to treatment and gaps in Healthcare Providers' (HCPs') knowledge are major contributors to morbidity and mortality. In Tanzania, the recent improvement in haemophilia services highlights the need for systematic evaluation of HCPs' knowledge and clinical practices. OBJECTIVE: The study assessed the knowledge of haemophilia care among healthcare providers in Tanzania. METHODS: A multicenter hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among HCPs in tertiary and regional hospitals in Tanzania. A structured self-administered questionnaire assessed knowledge on haemophilia, including the pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and complications. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics version 27. RESULTS: Among 799 HCPs assessed (50.9%) aged 20-29 and (59.2%) males. Nurses were the majority (31.8%), and 75.2% had &#x2264;5 years' experience. Overall haemophilia knowledge was high (median 83.3%, IQR: 75.9-88.9), strongest performance in general knowledge and weakest in treatment (68.2%, IQR: 54.5-77.3). Most respondents identified haemophilia as inherited (95.6%), non-infectious (93.7%), and recognized prolonged bleeding after injury or circumcision as key-symptoms (>90%). Knowledge varied by cadre, department, and experience (p<0.05); physicians and specialists scored higher than nurses, while health attendants scored lower. CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers demonstrated fairly adequate general knowledge of haemophilia. However, gaps remain in understanding genetic inheritance, acquired haemophilia, and modern treatment strategies, with knowledge variation by cadre, department, and experience, highlighting the need for targeted education across all HCPs groups.

Tanzania

Genetic study of von Willebrand factor antigen levels &#x2264; 50 IU/dL identifies variants associated with increased risk of von Willebrand disease and bleeding.

BACKGROUND: von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a common inherited bleeding disorder caused by low levels or activity of circulating von Willebrand factor (VWF). Genetic susceptibility to VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) below normal (&#x2264; 50 IU/dL) in the general population is underexplored. OBJECTIVES: To identify genetic variants influencing VWF:Ag levels &#x2264; 50 IU/dL. METHODS: We performed a genome-wide association study in 926 cases with VWF:Ag levels &#x2264; 50 IU/dL and 12 846 controls from 7 studies from the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine program. We then examined whether significant genome-wide findings were also associated with clinical diagnosis of VWD in 5 biobanks with 708 VWD cases and 1 286 069 controls, and with 6 bleeding and thrombotic disorders in FinnGen. RESULTS: Variants at 2 loci were associated (P < 5 &#xd7; 10-9) with VWF:Ag levels &#x2264; 50 IU/dL: ABO and VWF. The VWF index variant, p.Tyr1584Cys, is a rare (0.22%) missense variant with odds ratio (OR) of 78.58, while the ABO index variant is a common intronic variant with a smaller effect (OR = 2.52). Notably, both VWF (OR = 7.16) and ABO (OR = 1.57) variants were also associated (P < .025) with diagnosed VWD. Among p.Tyr1584Cys heterozygotes, the penetrance of VWF:Ag levels &#x2264; 50 IU/dL was 24.2% and the penetrance of diagnosed VWD was 0.3%. p.Tyr1584Cys was associated (P < .0042) with increased odds of heavy menstrual bleeding (OR = 1.27), iron deficiency anemia (OR = 1.55), and intrapartum hemorrhage (OR = 2.20), but decreased odds of deep vein thrombosis (OR = 0.54). CONCLUSIONS: Although there are currently conflicting interpretations of pathogenicity p.Tyr1584Cys, our results suggest that it is a low penetrance pathogenic variant that contributes to VWF:Ag levels &#x2264; 50 IU/dL, bleeding, and VWD.

Humans

Integrating Next-Generation Sequencing into von Willebrand Disease Diagnostics: Insights from the PCM-EVW-ES Multicenter Project.

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, caused by quantitative or qualitative defects in von Willebrand factor (VWF). Diagnosis is challenging and requires integrating bleeding history, VWF antigen and activity measurements, FVIII assays, and specialized phenotyping. Genetic testing is increasingly recognized as a key component. Here, we review current concepts in VWD diagnostics and highlight the Spanish Clinical and Molecular Profile of von Willebrand Disease (PCM-EVW-ES) project as a model for genomics-enabled precision medicine. PCM-EVW-ES is a multicenter initiative involving 48 hospitals, centralized phenotypic testing, and next-generation sequencing of the VWF coding region, enabling definitive classification in 730 individuals with VWD to date. Harmonized recruitment criteria and standardized workflows improve subtype assignment, uncover complex genotypes, refine genotype-phenotype correlations, and facilitate the identification of asymptomatic carriers. The PCM-EVW-ES variant spectrum highlights recurrent disease-causing variants in Spain and underscores the value of coordinated national registries for variant curation. Building on these data, we propose a diagnostic algorithm in which bleeding assessment and first-line VWF/FVIII assays, combined with, early VWF molecular testing increases diagnostic accuracy and guides targeted second-line investigations to confirm and refine VWD subtype classification. We also outline persisting challenges, including the interpretation of variants of uncertain significance and patients without identifiable pathogenic VWF variants, and future directions integrating third-generation sequencing, expanded gene panels, functional studies, and artificial-intelligence-driven multiomic approaches. Together, these advances illustrate how robust multicenter studies can bridge the gap between complex diagnostics and clinical practice in VWD.

Humans

Rewriting the script: gene therapy and genome editing for von Willebrand Disease.

In recent years gene therapy has emerged as a powerful technology for treatment of a large variety of inherited disorders. With the FDA approval of in vivo gene therapy of hemophilia A and B using AAV-mediated transgene delivery to hepatocytes, the path towards a new treatment era seemed paved. Also, CRISPR-Cas based approaches have reached the clinic, as in the ex vivo treatment of hematopoietic stem cells for sickle cell disease and thalassemia patients. The question arises whether these innovative strategies will also be suitable for patients with von Willebrand Disease (VWD). Whilst in and ex vivo delivery to endothelial cells (ECs) has been demonstrated, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing has been successful in ECs, there are currently no gene therapy options available for VWD. The wide variety of pathogenic VWF mutations makes development of broadly applicable, cost-effective gene therapies challenging. While delivery of von Willebrand factor (VWF) as a therapeutic transgene would be optimal, the size of VWF challenges efficient delivery. Therefore, treatment of VWD requires targeted, personalized gene therapy; for instance by using the newest CRISPR-Cas technologies which can be tailored to facilitate alteration and restoration of various pathogenic VWD variants. This review describes the inherited bleeding disorder VWD and potential gene therapy approaches for management of the disease. Thereby we are exploring different CRISPR-Cas technologies and recent developments in the field. Moreover, we will discuss the ongoing advances of in vivo delivery systems, all with the scope on ECs.

CRISPR-Cas, in vivo delivery

Utilisation and Perceived Value of Genetic Counsellors Within US Haemophilia Treatment Centres.

INTRODUCTION: Rapid advancement of molecular genetics has transformed the diagnosis, treatment, and management of individuals with hereditary bleeding disorders. To provide effective, up-to-date genetic counselling, navigate the complexity of these conditions, and select appropriate molecular testing, genetics expertise is required. AIM: This study assessed the provision of genetic counselling services, involvement of genetic counsellors (GCs), and the perceived value of GCs within haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs) in the United States. METHODS: A survey was emailed to 396 HTC providers. Of these, 115 responses were received, representing 68 of 149 US HTCs (45.6% HTC participation rate). Responses were stratified by level of GC engagement. RESULTS: Although GCs have extensive training in genetics, genomics and counselling skills, nearly one-third of respondents (34.9%, n&#xa0;=&#xa0;38) reported that a GC is not involved with the HTC nor are referrals made. Almost all GC-engaged respondents (98%, n&#xa0;=&#xa0;22) and GC-referral respondents (95%, n&#xa0;=&#xa0;20) agreed that 'GCs have a unique skill set that is highly valuable to an HTC clinic' compared to only 62% (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;20) of non-GC-engaged respondents (p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.001). Additionally, respondents noted positive implications of integrating a GC within their HTCs, stating that GCs are 'ideal for optimal patient care'. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the value of a GC within an HTC. This signifies the need to reassess the role of GCs among HTCs to reduce inconsistencies in provision of genetic counselling and increase healthcare equity.

Humans

Coagulopathy in Neonates With Classic Galactosemia: A Life-Threatening Yet Underrecognized Complication.

INTRODUCTION: Classic galactosemia (CG) is a rare metabolic disorder caused by galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase deficiency, leading to toxic metabolite accumulation and life-threatening complications such as failure to thrive, sepsis, and acute liver failure. We hypothesize that coagulopathy is an underrecognized complication of CG and that this gap is reflected by limited documentation in the medical literature. METHODS: A PubMed literature review was conducted to identify articles describing coagulopathy in CG. We filtered for guidelines, meta-analyses, reviews, and systematic reviews. Our article screening followed PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Of 49 identified articles, 26/49 (53%) met inclusion criteria. Only 6/49 (12%) explicitly described coagulopathy in CG, and only 1/49 (2%) discussed management. DISCUSSION: These data supports our hypothesis that coagulopathy may be an underrecognized complication of CG by clinicians and identifies a gap in current medical literature. Improved early recognition of coagulopathy in neonates with CG could prevent delays in treatment and improve outcomes.

Humans

Comprehensive analysis of a novel LYST mutation in a Tunisian patient with Chediak-Higashi syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Chediak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, recurrent infections, bleeding tendencies, and progressive neurological impairment. The syndrome is caused by mutations in the LYST gene, which plays a crucial role in lysosomal trafficking. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to characterize the molecular basis of CHS in a Tunisian patient by identifying mutations in the LYST gene and analyzing their impact on the protein function, correlating these findings with the patient's clinical presentation. METHODS: A comprehensive clinical assessment was conducted on the patient, followed by biochemical, hematological, and microbiological analyses. Additionally, LYST protein levels were quantified in the patient and their parents using an ELISA assay. Genomic DNA was extracted from the patient's blood, and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was performed to identify mutations in the LYST gene. The findings were confirmed through Sanger sequencing, and bioinformatic tools were employed to predict the functional consequences of the detected mutations. RESULTS: The patient presented with classical symptoms of CHS, including silver hair, hypopigmented skin, recurrent infections, and neurological decline, with an unusually late onset at 18 years. ELISA results demonstrated significantly reduced LYST levels in the patient (1.8 ng/ml) compared to heterozygous parents (7.8 ng/ml and 8.1 ng/ml) and controls (9.2 ng/ml). Genetic analysis revealed a novel homozygous deletion, c.10269_10275del (p.Gly3424SerfsTer15), in the LYST gene, leading to a frameshift mutation and premature termination of the protein. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that this mutation leads to the deletion of five out of sven WD40 repeats in the protein's C-terminal region, which are critical for protein-protein interactions and lysosomal trafficking. CONCLUSION: The study identifies a novel LYST mutation in a Tunisian patient with CHS, expanding the spectrum of known genetic variants associated with the disease. The findings highlight the importance of genetic screening in populations with high consanguinity and underscore the need for targeted therapies to address the molecular defects in CHS.

Adolescent

Inherited Platelet GPIV Deficiency: First Description of a Series of Unrelated Patients with Bleeding Diathesis.

GPIV (CD36) is a multifunctional membrane protein expressed on various cells, including platelets, where it plays a role in adhesion and activation through the interaction with its ligands, including collagen types I and III and thrombospondin 1. Inherited GPIV deficiency, historically recognized in anti-Naka alloimmunized East Asian donors, is considered asymptomatic and associated with normal platelet aggregation, although impaired adhesion under high-flow conditions has been reported. Here, we reconsider the molecular basis, epidemiology and functional consequences of GPIV deficiency and report four unrelated patients in whom heterozygous CD36 variants are associated with markedly reduced platelet GPIV expression and a clinically relevant mucocutaneous bleeding diathesis. Patients suffered lifelong bleeding symptoms despite normal light-transmission aggregometry and platelet granule content and release and displayed decreased GPIV expression. Three of them showed slightly decreased VWF. Platelet adhesion to Type I collagen was reduced at high shear. These cases suggest for the first time an association between CD36 gene variants and bleeding and underscore the importance of including GPIV in the diagnostic workup of inherited platelet disorders, particularly when conventional assays do not reveal abnormalities.

Humans

Risk factors for bleeding after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: ERCP is associated with adverse events, including bleeding, which occurs in up to 1.3% of cases. This meta-analysis aims to identify and quantify risk factors associated with post-ERCP bleeding. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of electronic databases was conducted from inception to January 10, 2025. Studies were eligible if they used multivariate analysis to identify predictors of post-ERCP bleeding. Risk factors reported in at least 2 studies were pooled using a random-effects model to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs. A further subgroup analysis was performed, including risk factors for postsphincterotomy bleeding and postendoscopic papillectomy bleeding. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies (4 prospective and 23 retrospective studies) comprising 149,870 patients were included, of whom 1865 experienced post-ERCP bleeding. Twenty potential risk factors were analyzed. The meta-analysis identified several factors significantly associated with increased odds of post-ERCP bleeding in the pooled adjusted analysis, including male gender (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.05-1.46), anticoagulation therapy (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.66-4.56), cirrhosis (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.76-3.65), hemodialysis (OR, 5.82; 95% CI, 3.32-10.18), coagulopathy (OR, 11.01; 95% CI, 2.50-48.40), endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) (OR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.69-6.01), precut sphincterotomy (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.52-3.30), and intraoperative bleeding (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.80-3.66). Several factors in the pooled adjusted analysis were not found to be significantly associated with higher odds of post-ERCP bleeding, including high body mass index (BMI), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, antiplatelet therapy, thrombocytopenia, common bile duct stones, cholangitis, endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation, and covered self-expandable metal stent insertion. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis identified that the anticoagulation therapy, cirrhosis, hemodialysis, coagulation disorder, EST, precut sphincterotomy, and male gender are associated with increased odds of post-ERCP bleeding in the pooled adjusted analysis. Conversely, age, high BMI, cholangitis, choledocholithiasis, pancreatic duct stones, needle-knife sphincterotomy, NSAID use, and antiplatelet therapy were not significantly associated with higher odds of post-ERCP bleeding in the pooled adjusted analysis. Incorporating our results into a prediction model may assist in identifying patients at increased risk, optimizing informed consent, and guiding prevention and management strategies for post-ERCP bleeding.

Humans

Multi-trait GWAS identifies pleiotropic loci shared between early pregnancy bleeding and psychiatric traits.

INTRODUCTION: Early pregnancy bleeding is a common pregnancy complication, yet its genetic basis and potential links with psychiatric traits remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the shared genetic architecture between early pregnancy bleeding and reproductive, psychiatric, and cardiometabolic traits. METHODS: We integrated linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC), local genetic correlation analysis (LAVA), and multi-trait genome-wide association analysis (MTAG). LDSC was used to estimate genome-wide genetic correlations, including sex-stratified analyses. LAVA was applied to identify genomic regions contributing to local genetic sharing. Guided by these correlation patterns, MTAG was performed to improve locus discovery, followed by cis-eQTL analysis using GTEx v8 to explore potential regulatory mechanisms. RESULTS: LDSC revealed significant positive genetic correlations between early pregnancy bleeding and reproductive traits, including endometriosis, miscarriage, and uterine fibroids. Strong positive correlations were also observed with several psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Sex-stratified analyses suggested stronger genetic correlations with emotional reactivity-related traits in females, whereas social and behavioral traits were more prominent in males. LAVA localized these shared signals to specific genomic regions and identified pleiotropic hotspots at 8q21 near RUNX1T1 and 9p21 near CDKN2A/B. MTAG identified two novel loci, 15q15.1 marked by rs45457497 and 11q13.1 marked by rs2452681. Cis-eQTL analysis showed that the lead variant at 15q15.1 regulates RMDN3 expression across multiple brain regions, while the 11q13.1 locus regulates PACS1, GAL3ST3, and SF3B2 expression in brain tissues and the pituitary. DISCUSSION: These findings position early pregnancy bleeding as a multifactorial trait shaped by shared reproductive, psychiatric, neuroendocrine, and stress-related biology. The implication of RMDN3, which encodes a mitochondrial outer membrane protein involved in ER-mitochondria tethering and calcium homeostasis, suggests a potential molecular link between neuroendocrine stress pathways, psychiatric susceptibility, and reproductive vulnerability.

RMDN3

Clinical and genetic features of Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms with dual-driver gene positivity.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical laboratory characteristics and gene mutation features of dual-driver gene positivity in patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (Ph-negative MPN). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data and genetic test results from 203 newly diagnosed patients with Ph-negative MPN. Of these, 194 had single-driver gene positivity and 9 had dual-driver gene positivity. High-throughput sequencing was used to detect mutations in JAK2, CALR, and MPL. Clinical characteristics and gene mutation profiles were compared between the two patient groups. RESULTS: The incidence of dual-driver gene positivity was 4.4% (9/203), with the most common combinations being JAK2 with CALR (4 patients) and JAK2 with MPL (4 patients). Compared with the single-driver group, the dual-driver group had a significantly higher risk of bleeding [4.1% (8/194) vs. 33.3% (3/9), P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.008] and a higher proportion of uncommon mutations [3.6% (7/194) vs. 33.3% (3/9), P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.006]. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding age, thrombosis incidence, splenomegaly, or routine blood test indicators. During follow-up, 1 patient in the dual-driver group died from cerebrovascular disease. No leukaemia transformation or disease-related deaths occurred among the remaining patients. DISCUSSION: The increased bleeding risk in dual-driver patients may be related to a higher proportion of CALR mutations, elevated platelet counts, and higher variant allele frequencies, though these findings require validation in larger cohorts due to the small sample size. The higher prevalence of uncommon mutations suggests a more complex mutational landscape in this subgroup. CONCLUSION: Patients with Ph-negative MPN and dual-driver gene positivity may have a higher risk of bleeding and a more complex gene mutation profile.

Humans

Characterization of a series of patients with GNE-related thrombocytopenia: insights into pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.

BACKGROUND: GNE-related thrombocytopenia (GNE-RT) is a very rare disorder caused by biallelic variants in GNE, which encodes a key enzyme in sialic acid biosynthesis. Patients usually present with severe thrombocytopenia and excessive bleeding. Knowledge of this condition remains limited. There are no recognized diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of GNE-RT. A previous study showed reduced platelet half-life as a mechanism of thrombocytopenia; however, it remains unclear whether the sialylation defect also impairs platelet biogenesis. OBJECTIVES: To gain insights into the clinical aspects and platelet biogenesis of GNE-RT. METHODS: We investigated 4 new GNE-RT patients (3 families). A recently standardized flow cytometry assay was used to characterize platelet sialylation. Patients' megakaryocytes were cultured to study megakaryopoiesis and proplatelet formation. A validated 3-dimensional bone marrow model was used to investigate platelet production. RESULTS: We characterized 3 novel GNE variants and demonstrated the pathogenicity of 2 variants of uncertain significance. In all individuals, platelet flow cytometry showed increased RCA-1 and ECL lectin binding and decreased MAL-II binding. Sialylation of serum transferrin showed no clear alterations. Despite the sialylation defect, patients' megakaryocytes showed preserved differentiation, maturation, and proplatelet formation. Ex vivo, megakaryocytes produced a normal number of normal-sized platelets. Two patients received eltrombopag and achieved a durable clinical response (38- and 72-month follow-up). CONCLUSION: The profound megakaryocyte sialylation defect induced by GNE variants does not affect platelet biogenesis. Platelet flow cytometry assessing RCA-1 and MAL-II binding is a reliable, simple assay for diagnosing GNE-RT. Based on a literature review, 55% of GNE-RT patients respond to thrombopoietin mimetics.

GNE gene

Efficacy and Safety of Rivaroxaban in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: A GRADE-assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common atherosclerotic disorder characterized by progressive arterial narrowing in the limbs. This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban, focusing on major cardiovascular events, limb outcomes, and bleeding risks. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized comparative studies that compared rivaroxaban, either alone or in combination with aspirin, to placebo or standard care such as antiplatelet therapy. Risk ratios and hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were pooled using R v4.5.1 with an appropriate random-effects model applied. Subgroup analyses were performed according to rivaroxaban plus aspirin versus rivaroxaban alone. RESULTS: A total of 39,991 participants across 6 studies were included. Compared with control, use of rivaroxaban was linked to a significant reduction in composite efficacy outcomes (relative risk [RR] = 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78-0.91, P < 0.001), risk of acute limb ischemia (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.55-0.78, P < 0.001), and thromboembolism (RR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.38-0.97, P = 0.037). Although rivaroxaban plus aspirin failed to show a significant reduction in the risk of amputation, rivaroxaban alone reported a significant risk reduction (RR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.30-0.85, P = 0.003). However, its use was associated with a significantly higher risk of major bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.54, 95% CI 1.38-1.72, P < 0.001) and International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis-defined bleeding (RR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.19-1.76, P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed for stroke, myocardial infarction, major adverse limb events, fatal bleeding, mortality, or cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSION: Rivaroxaban-based therapy reduced the trial-defined composite efficacy outcome, acute limb ischemia, and thromboembolism in patients with PAD, but increased the risk of major bleeding. These findings support individualized use of rivaroxaban-based therapy in carefully selected patients, balancing ischemic and limb-protective benefits against bleeding risk.

Humans

Self-organization of sinusoidal vessels in pluripotent stem cell-derived human liver bud organoids.

The induction of tissue-specific vessels in in vitro living tissue systems remains challenging. Here, we directly differentiated human pluripotent stem cells into CD32b+ putative liver sinusoidal progenitors by dictating developmental pathways. By devising an inverted multilayered air-liquid interface culture, hepatic endoderm, septum mesenchyme, arterial and sinusoidal quadruple progenitors self-organize to generate and sustain hepatocyte-like cells neighboured by divergent endothelial subsets composed of CD32blowCD31high, LYVE1+STAB1+CD32bhighCD31lowTHBD-vWF- and LYVE1-THBD+vWF+ cells. WNT2 mediates sinusoidal-to-hepatic intercellular crosstalk potentiating hepatocyte differentiation and branched endothelial network formation. Intravital imaging reveals the iPS-cell-derived putative liver sinusoidal endothelial progenitor develops fully perfused human vessels with functional sinusoid-like features. Organoid-derived hepatocyte- and sinusoid-derived coagulation factors enable correction of in vitro clotting time with Factor V-, VIII-, IX- and XI-deficient plasma, and rescues the severe bleeding phenotype in haemophilia A mice on transplantation. Advanced organoid vascularization technology allows for interrogating key insights governing organ-specific vessel development, paving the way for coagulation disorder therapeutics.

Humans

Design of a modified platelet immunofluorescence test to assess platelet-reactive antibody burden and its association with platelet functional exhaustion and clinical features in chronic immune thrombocytopenia.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by platelet destruction and dysfunction associated with anti-platelet antibodies. This study evaluated the relationship between total anti-platelet antibody burden, measured using a modified platelet immunofluorescence test (PIFT), platelet functional responses and clinical features in chronic ITP. Thirty-one patients with chronic ITP and 20 healthy controls were included. Bleeding severity was assessed, and platelet function was analysed in peripheral blood by measuring P-selectin expression, PAC-1 binding (antibody against active conformation of GPIIb/IIIa)&#xa0;and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation at baseline and following agonist stimulation. Relative platelet-reactive antibody burden was assessed using a ratio-based PIFT assay. ITP patients demonstrated significantly higher antibody burden compared with controls. Increased platelet-reactive immunoglobulin G (IgG) signals were associated with reduced platelet responsiveness to agonist stimulation. Antibody burden correlated with bleeding severity (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01) but not with platelet count. Non-responders exhibited significantly higher antibody levels than responders. receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated discrimination between responder groups at a PIFT cut-off &#x2265;3.85 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.877, sensitivity 80%; specificity 87%). Patients above this threshold showed attenuated platelet functional responses. Taken together, this study concluded that quantitative assessment of total antibody burden against platelets using modified PIFT is associated with platelet dysfunction, bleeding severity and treatment response status in chronic ITP.

Humans

Preemptive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in RUNX1 familial platelet disorder: a shared decision-making framework.

RUNX1 familial platelet disorder (RUNX1-FPD) is associated with a 35-50% lifetime risk of hematologic malignancy (HM). Like all germline HM predisposition syndromes, RUNX1-FPD can only be cured with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Current genetic screening techniques allow for early detection of germline predisposition and, consequently, the opportunity for HSCT before overt development of HM (i.e., preemptive HSCT). However, there is as yet no consensus on the use of preemptive HSCT for RUNX1-FPD. Described here is the case of an individual with RUNX1-FPD and a family history of HM who underwent preemptive HSCT. We introduce a shared decision-making framework designed to support individuals with RUNX1-FPD, their families, and their multidisciplinary clinical teams in evaluating whether and when to pursue preemptive HSCT versus continued surveillance. The framework reviews key medical factors that influence the decisions regarding timing of HSCT, including germline and somatic variants, clonal changes over time, familial history of HM, early morphologic or hematologic features, impacts on bleeding-related quality of life, and donor availability. The framework also summarizes the major risks and uncertainties potentially associated with preemptive HSCT while highlighting the associated ethical challenges. Together, the case and framework provide a structured, patient-centered approach for navigating the complex clinical decision of preemptive HSCT. Ongoing collaborative efforts to define cytogenetic and clonal changes preceding malignant transformation in RUNX1-FPD will refine the framework and bolster individualized treatment strategies aimed at preventing HM and improving the quality of life of individuals with RUNX1-FPD.

Humans

Exploring cross-category relationships between symptoms in people with hypermobile EDS (hEDS) to identify disability patterns.

BACKGROUND: Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a connective tissue disorder with variable symptom presentation across multiple organ systems and significant morbidity. Little is known about hEDS etiology and identifying patterns of symptom co-occurrence can reveal previously unidentified relationships between phenotypes and inform studies of underlying disease pathophysiology for symptoms that may share functional biological pathways. In this exploratory analysis, we specifically assessed the distribution of symptoms in case and controls to identify clusters of co-occurring symptoms. METHODS: We have interrogated clinically relevant symptom areas in 47 females with hEDS, 36 age-matched female controls and 8 hypermobile patients without chronic pain. Studied symptoms include general health, mental health, body pain, vitality and energy, autonomic symptoms, bleeding, and gastrointestinal symptoms. We conducted hierarchal clustering on principle components (HCPC) to identify groups and compared the groups for the previously described symptoms. Radial plots were used to identify relationships between severe symptom categories. RESULTS: Our analysis reveals statistically significantly more severe symptoms in all categories in people with hEDS compared with age- and sex-matched controls and asymptomatic hypermobile patients. HCPC identified clearly separated Low, Moderate, and High symptom groups within participants. The Low dysfunction groups include nearly all controls and hypermobile patients without chronic pain. The High dysfunction group includes ~60% of people with hEDS, while around 40% are in the Moderate dysfunction cluster. Cluster solutions for all participants were stable with moderate fit (silhouette 0.64; Jaccard boot mean 0.91). Group level radial plots showed high bleeding severity across all symptom clusters, while disproportional severity of general health, physical function, limitation of role due to physical symptoms, pain, and social functioning deficits differentiates the High from Moderate and Low Dysfunction clusters. CONCLUSION: Using this analysis at the group level has revealed patterns suggesting a progression of disease symptoms. People with hypermobility do not uniformly have severe symptoms but instead have some symptoms that differentiate from non-hypermobile individuals. While exploratory, using a radar multi-symptom analysis may be used to evaluate disproportionately severe symptoms contributing to the patterns of global symptom severity. These include pain but also ability to perform roles, suggesting strong utility of physical and occupational therapies to emphasize coping. This may also allow better targeting of etiological studies and may have additional utility at an individual level to develop symptom management strategies.

Humans

Clinical characteristic of isolated thrombocytopenia in patients with bone marrow failure-related germline variants: a retrospective study from a single centre.

BACKGROUND: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) comprises the majority of thrombocytopenia. Some patients respond poorly to first-line ITP therapy or develop pancytopenia years later. Recent studies link heterozygous germline variants in acquired aplastic anemia (AA), yet their role in isolated thrombocytopenia carrying bone marrow failure-related germline variants (ITGV-BMFs) remains unclear. While whole-exome sequencing (WES) detects these variants, its cost limits routine use. This study compares prognosis and clinical features of isolated thrombocytopenia in patients with ITGV-BMFsand those with classic ITP. METHODS: The clinical data of patients diagnosed with ITGV-BMFs were retrospectively analyzed and compared with those of patients with classic ITP from August 2018 to February 2024. The baseline characteristics, genomic systematically background, previous treatment response as well as their follow-up outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Patients with ITGV-BMFs demonstrated earlier onset age (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), lower bleeding scores and CD34%, along with elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and reticulocyte (RET) counts (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the patients with ITGV-BMFs may possess distinct characteristics, including an earlier age at onset (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.014) and lower bleeding score (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.048). Notably, MCV and RET showed promising performance in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. During the follow-up period, 57.69% (15/26) ITGV-BMFs patients were further confirmed as aplastic anemia (AA, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;13) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;2), with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 7.25&#x2009;years (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001). CONCLUSION: ITGV-BMFs may be diagnosed early using elevated MCV and reticulocyte counts, a diagnostic approach that may lead to earlier intervention and improved prognosis.

Humans