DOCSLIB.ORG

Monoclonal Gammopathyin Beta Thalassaemia

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Monoclonal Gammopathyin Beta Thalassaemia Case fteporfr Monoclonal Gammopathyin Beta Thalassaemia Sumitra Dash, John Punnose and R J Dash A rare instance of IgG-kappa monoclonal gammopathy in a patient with beta-thalassaemia trait is reported. Thepatient had a smoldering multiple myelomawith no apparent clinical symptomspertaining to the disease and was a non-responder to conventional Melphalan and prednisolone therapy. Beta- thalassaemia trait was detected while investigating him for anaemia. A state of altered immunological reactivity, chronic infections and associated biliary tract disease are some of the pathogenetic mechanisms suggested. Howeverin this patient none of these were operative. Key words: Beta-thalassaemia, Monoclonal gammopathy Development of monoclonal gammopathy in thalassaemia trait. Three of his 5 children also association with long standing haemolytic anae- had evidence of beta-thalassaemia trait. He had mia is rare. Till today only ll instances of such hypergammaglobulinaemia (4.5 g out of 7.3 g/dl associations have been reported ' . Of these only of total serum proteins) with prominent mono- 2 had beta-thalassaemia trait. We report here a clonal spike (Fig 1). Protein electrophoresis of case of monoclonal gammopathyin a beta-thalas- urine revealed trace of Bence Jones protein. He saemia trait and discuss the possible interrelation- was given another course of Melphalan and pred- ship. nisolone besides 3 packed red cell transfusions. CASE STUDY The transfusions produced significant subjective A 63-year-old known type II (non-obese) and physical improvement. His condition wors- diabetic was seen for vague aches and pains, ened abruptly and he developed unstable angina, anaemia and cervical spondylosis. During his followed by a complete right bundle branch block visit to USA he was investigated for anaemia and runs of ventricular ectopics. He developed at the Memorial Medical Center of Jacksonville, congestive heart failure and had pulmonary Florida. A routien serum electrophoresis revealed infarction involving the right lower lobe. He was IgG-kappa monoclonal gammopathy (Table 1). managed conservatively with heparin, digoxin, Bone marrow aspirate contained 30% immature lasix etc. and was discharged after a hospital stay and multinucleated plasma cells. The skeletal of about 6 weeks. He was readmitted in January survey revealed generalised osteoporosis but no 1985 in left heart failure and expired after a expansile or punched out lesions were noted. He brief hospital stay. was treated with Melphalan 0.25 mg/kg a day DISCUSSION and prednisolone 60 mg/day for 4 days in each In our patient monoclonal gammopathy was course, which was repeated 4 times at monthly discovered accidentally. He did not have the intervals. Chemotherapy produced subjective usual symptoms of multiple myeloma. Even improvement but no change in the gammaglobulin after courses of chemotherapy the level of mono- profile. clonal protein never came down. However, there Approximately 3 months after the therapy he was subjective improvement. Such behaviour of was admitted with us for re-evaluation. He had the disease has been described- as smoldering several episodes of effort angina. He had severe multiple myeloma. anaemia (Hb-6 g/dl, PCV-17%) at this time. De- In a series of 153 cases of multiple myeloma tailed haematological workup revealed a beta- with pre-existing disease, reported by Schafer From Department of Pathology (Hematology) and Medicine (Endocrinology), Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh-1 6001 2, India. Received for publication April 30, 1985. Reprint request to: R. J. Dash, MD, Professor and Head, Dept. Endocrinology, PGIMER, Chandigarh-12, India. JapJ MedVol 25, No 1 (February 1986) 57 Dash et al Table 1. Relevant investigations of the patient IMMUNOLOGICAL Totalserumproteins -7.3g/dl IgA -35mg/dl Albumin -2.8g/dl IgM -26mg/dl Globulin -4.5g/dl IgG - 1687 mg/dl SerumProtein electrophoresis: Monoclonal band in gammaregion. Urine protein electrophoresis: Trace of BenceJones protein, HAEMATOLOGICAL Fig. 1. Serum protein electrophoresis showing RBC 5.23x lO12/l MCV -70.0(fl) monoclonal band in the gamma region. WBC 8.1 x 109/l MCH -21.3(pg/cell) Hb ll.1 g/dl MCHC -30.7 (g/dl RBC's) et al , haematological disease was present in & Hct 36.3% Serumiron 89vug/dl (5%). Of these 4 had HbS trait, 2 beta-thalas- Platelets 231,000/cmm TIBC - 357 Mg/dl saemia trait and the remaining 2 were cases of Peripheralblood smear: HbA2 - 5.0% hereditary spherocytosis and hereditary ellipto- Moderate microcytosis, slight hypochromia and basophilic stipping of red cells. cytosis. In the same study 3 of the 8 had IgG existence of these two conditions in our patient paraproteinemia. The same was not true of the 2 beta-thalassaemia trait. In Schafer et al's study1^ as mere association. The prevalence of B-thalas- both the beta-thalassaemia traits had secondary saemia in India ranges from 3-15%9^ and that of multiple myeloma is approximately 1 in 30,000 biliary tract disease, which is a common compli- (0.0003%)10\ These observations would suggest cation of chronic haemolytic anaemia. It has random coincidence of both conditions in this also been implicated in the pathogenesis of multi- patient. ple myeloma. In our case there was no evidence REFERENCES of cholecystitis or any biliary tract disease. Altered immunological status in beta-thalas- 1) Schafer AI and Miller JB: Association of IgA multi- ple myeloma with pre-existing disease. Brit J Haema- saemia trait has been suggested by Macrolongo tol41: 19,1979. et al . They found higher incidence of rheumatoid 2) Schafer AI, Miller JB, et al: Monoclonal gammo- arthritis in these patients. In a study of 15 patients pathy in patients with hereditary spherocytosis: with thalassaemia intermedia6' increased levels of a possible pathogenetic relation. Annals Int Med 88:45, 1978. IgA and IgG were observed with serum immuno- 3) Kyle RA and Greipp PR: Smoldering multiple globulins higher than 200 mg/dl. In one of our myeloma. New EnglJ Med 302: 1346, 1980. previous studies7' IgM levels were significantly in- 4) Isobe T and Osserman EF: Pathologic conditions creased in a series of 20 beta-thalassaemia traits. associated with plasma cell dyscrasias: a study of 806 cases. Annals New York Acad Sciences 90: It has been suggested by Schafer et al.1'2' that 507, 1971. patients of beta-thalassaemia trait are particularly 5) Macrolongo R, Trotta F, et al: Beta thalassaemia prone to persistent stimulation of the reticulo- trait and rhematoid arthritis. Lancet 1: 1141, 1975. endothelial system because of chronic haemolysis. 6) Kapadia A, Sousa MD, et al: Lymphoid sets and An initial antigen exposure results in immunocyte serum immunoglobulins in patients with thalas- saemia intermedia. Relationship to serum iron and proliferation; Under certain circumstances an splenectomy. BritJ Haematol 45: 405, 1980. oncogenic stimulus and/or mutation might induce 7) Dash S and Dutta U: Immunological reactivity in a susceptible sub-population of this clone to beta thalassaemia. Ind J Med Res (submitted for proliferate, leading to the development of multi- publication) 1985. ple myeloma. Recently it has been shown that 8) Weitzman SA, Weitberg AB, et al: Phagocytes as toxic intermediates and by products of oxygen carcinogens: malignant transformation produced by human neutrophils. Science 227: 1231, 1985. metabolism generated by stimulated phagocytes 9) Weatherall DJ and Clegg JB: In "The Thalassaemia may play a role in the carcinogenic process by Syndromes", 1981, p 303. damaging DNA and chromosome and causing 10) Sehgal S, Dutta U, Gulati DR, et al: Spectrum of transformation of target cells . lymphoreticular malignancies in India with particular Despite these attractive arguments and circum- reference to myelomatosis. Proceedings of a Work- shop on "Role of environments in lymphoid malig- stantial evidence linking beta-thalassaemia to the nancies" held at NIH, May 1982. Raven Press, pathogenesis of multiple myeloma, we consider USA, 1982. 58 JapJ Med Vol 25, No 1 (February 1986).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Clinical Pathology Interpretation Barbara Horney
    CLINICAL PATHOLOGY PATHOLOGIE CLINIQUE Clinical pathology interpretation Barbara Horney History, physical examination, and Table 1. Hematologic findings from a lethargic, laboratory findings 4-year-old schipperke 4-year-old, spayed female, schipperke was pre- Blood cell count Reference range A sented because of mild lethargy. Pale mucous mem- White blood cells branes were observed on physical examination. Table 1 (WBC) gives the results of the hematological examination of Total 6.0 X 109/L 6.0-17.1 X 109/L blood at Differential samples taken this time. No significant abnor- segmented 65% 3.85 X 109/L 3.6-11.5 X 109/L malities were identified on the serum biochemical neutrophils profile. eosinophils 2% 0.12 X 109/L 0.01-1.25 X 109/L lymphocytes 27% 1.59 X 109/L 1.0-4.8 X 109/L Interpretation and discussion monocytes 6% 0.35 X 109/L 0.15-1.35 X 109/L Red blood cells The hematology results can be summarized as severe, Total 1.2 X 1012/L 5.5-8.5 X 109/L microcytic, normochromic, nonregenerative anemia nucleated 1/100 WBC <1-2 per 100 WBC associated with marked spherocytosis. spherocytes 4+ microcytosis 2+ The presence of spherocytes is often associated with immune-mediated hemolytic disease [1,2], although Platelets estimated normal hereditary membrane defects [3] and zinc toxicosis [4] in number can also result in spherocyte formation. A direct antibody Reticulocytes 0 X 109/L up to 120 X 109/L test (Coomb's test) was weakly positive. This finding can Hemoglobin 22 g/L 120-180 g/L support the tentative diagnosis of anemia of immune- Hematocrit 0.068 L/L 0.37-0.55 L/L mediated etiology, although this test is subject to both Mean corpuscular false positive and false negative results [2,5].
    [Show full text]
  • SEED Haematology Sysmex Educational Enhancement and Development October 2012
    SEED Haematology Sysmex Educational Enhancement and Development October 2012 The red blood cell indices The full blood count has been used in conjunction with the traditional red The complete blood count (CBC) is central to clinical deci- cell indices in order to narrow down the possible causes sion making. This makes it one of the commonest laboratory of anaemia in an individual patient. investigations performed worldwide. Whilst the definition of what constitutes an CBC is influenced by the number Impedance technology and type of parameters measured by different haematology The RBC, HCT and MCV are all closely interrelated as they analysers, the traditional red cell indices that are widely are derived from information obtained from the passage used to classify anaemias are common to all. of cells through the aperture of the impedance channel of an automated haematology analyser. The impedance The laboratory approach to anaemia technology is based on the principle that an electrical field, Anaemia is an extremely common global healthcare prob- created between two electrodes of opposite charge, can lem. However, anaemia is merely a symptom which can be used to count and determine the size of cells. Blood result from a multitude of causes. Effective treatment is cells are poor conductors of electricity. The diluent in which only possible if the underlying cause is correctly identified. they are suspended as they pass through the aperture To this end, several classification systems have been devis- during counting is an isotonic solution which is a good ed. The most useful and widely used classification system conductor of electricity.
    [Show full text]
  • Acoi Board Review 2019 Text
    CHERYL KOVALSKI, DO FACOI NO DISCLOSURES ACOI BOARD REVIEW 2019 TEXT ANEMIA ‣ Hemoglobin <13 grams or ‣ Hematocrit<39% TEXT ANEMIA MCV RETICULOCYTE COUNT Corrected retic ct = hematocrit/45 x retic % (45 considered normal hematocrit) >2%: blood loss or hemolysis <2%: hypoproliferative process TEXT ANEMIA ‣ MICROCYTIC ‣ Obtain and interpret iron studies ‣ Serum iron ‣ Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) ‣ Transferrin saturation ‣ Ferritin-correlates with total iron stores ‣ can be normal or increased if co-existent inflammation TEXT IRON DEFICIENCY ‣ Most common nutritional problem in the world ‣ Absorbed in small bowel, enhanced by gastric acid ‣ Absorption inhibited by inflammation, phytates (bran) & tannins (tea) TEXT CAUSES OF IRON DEFICIENCY ‣ Blood loss – most common etiology ‣ Decreased intake ‣ Increased utilization-EPO therapy, chronic hemolysis ‣ Malabsorption – gastrectomy, sprue ‣ ‣ ‣ TEXT CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF IRON DEFICIENCY ‣ Impaired psychomotor development ‣ Fatigue, Irritability ‣ PICA ‣ Koilonychiae, Glossitis, Angular stomatitis ‣ Dysphagia TEXT IRON DEFICIENCY LAB FINDINGS ‣ Low serum iron, increased TIBC ‣ % sat <20 TEXT MANAGEMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ‣ MUST LOOK FOR SOURCE OF BLEED: ie: GI, GU, Regular blood donor ‣ Replacement: 1. Oral: Ferrous sulfate 325 mg TID until serum iron, % sat, and ferritin mid-range normal, 6-12 months 2. IV TEXT SIDEROBLASTIC ANEMIAS Diverse group of disorders of RBC production characterized by: 1. Defect involving incorporation of iron into heme molecule 2. Ringed sideroblasts in
    [Show full text]
  • The Red Cell Histogram and the Dimorphic Red Cell Population
    CE Update Submitted 4.30.10 | Revision Received 9.27.10 | Accepted 9.27.10 The Red Cell Histogram and The Dimorphic Red Cell Population Benie T. Constantino, SH, I; ART, MLT(CSMLS) (CML Healthcare Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) DOI: 10.1309/LMF1UY85HEKBMIWO Abstract conditions and may provide major clues in some morphological features of dimorphism The RBC histogram is an integral part of the diagnosis and management of significant and the ensuing characteristic changes in their automated hematology analysis and is now red cell disorders. In addition, it is frequently RBC histograms. routinely available on all automated cell used, along with the peripheral blood film, as counters. This histogram and other associated an aid in monitoring and interpreting abnormal Keywords: histogram, dimorphic red cells, red complete blood count (CBC) parameters have morphological changes, particularly dimorphic blood cell distribution width been found abnormal in various hematological red cell populations. This article discusses After reading this article, readers should be able to correlate a RBC Hematology exam 51102 questions and corresponding answer form histogram and red blood cell distribution width with microscopical are located after this CE Update on page 309. findings. Table 1_Conditions Associated With Dimorphic To paraphrase an adage, 1 histogram graph is worth 5-12 1000 numbers. A large collection of data, displayed as a visual Red Cells image, can convey information with far more impact than the numbers alone. In hematology, these data take on several Early iron developing microcytic population forms, 1 of which is the RBC histogram. Visual scanning Folate/vitamin B12 developing macrocytic population Post-iron treatment of iron deficiency anemia of the histogram gives a good initial sense of the range, size, Post-iron treatment of iron deficiency with megaloblastic anemia shape, and other salient features of the red cell morphology.
    [Show full text]
  • Complete Blood Count in Primary Care
    Complete Blood Count in Primary Care bpac nz better medicine Editorial Team bpacnz Tony Fraser 10 George Street Professor Murray Tilyard PO Box 6032, Dunedin Clinical Advisory Group phone 03 477 5418 Dr Dave Colquhoun Michele Cray free fax 0800 bpac nz Dr Rosemary Ikram www.bpac.org.nz Dr Peter Jensen Dr Cam Kyle Dr Chris Leathart Dr Lynn McBain Associate Professor Jim Reid Dr David Reith Professor Murray Tilyard Programme Development Team Noni Allison Rachael Clarke Rebecca Didham Terry Ehau Peter Ellison Dr Malcolm Kendall-Smith Dr Anne Marie Tangney Dr Trevor Walker Dr Sharyn Willis Dave Woods Report Development Team Justine Broadley Todd Gillies Lana Johnson Web Gordon Smith Design Michael Crawford Management and Administration Kaye Baldwin Tony Fraser Kyla Letman Professor Murray Tilyard Distribution Zane Lindon Lyn Thomlinson Colleen Witchall All information is intended for use by competent health care professionals and should be utilised in conjunction with © May 2008 pertinent clinical data. Contents Key points/purpose 2 Introduction 2 Background ▪ Haematopoiesis - Cell development 3 ▪ Limitations of reference ranges for the CBC 4 ▪ Borderline abnormal results must be interpreted in clinical context 4 ▪ History and clinical examination 4 White Cells ▪ Neutrophils 5 ▪ Lymphocytes 9 ▪ Monocytes 11 ▪ Basophils 12 ▪ Eosinophils 12 ▪ Platelets 13 Haemoglobin and red cell indices ▪ Low haemoglobin 15 ▪ Microcytic anaemia 15 ▪ Normocytic anaemia 16 ▪ Macrocytic anaemia 17 ▪ High haemoglobin 17 ▪ Other red cell indices 18 Summary Table 19 Glossary 20 This resource is a consensus document, developed with haematology and general practice input. We would like to thank: Dr Liam Fernyhough, Haematologist, Canterbury Health Laboratories Dr Chris Leathart, GP, Christchurch Dr Edward Theakston, Haematologist, Diagnostic Medlab Ltd We would like to acknowledge their advice, expertise and valuable feedback on this document.
    [Show full text]
  • Red Blood Cell Morphology in Patients with Β-Thalassemia Minor
    J Lab Med 2017; 41(1): 49–52 Short Communication Carolin Körber, Albert Wölfler, Manfred Neubauer and Christoph Robier* Red blood cell morphology in patients with β-thalassemia minor DOI 10.1515/labmed-2016-0052 Keywords: β-thalassemia minor; erythrocytes; red blood Received July 11, 2016; accepted October 20, 2016; previously published cells; red blood cell morphology. online December 10, 2016 Abstract In β-thalassemias, the examination of a peripheral blood (PB) smear may provide relevant clues to initial diagnosis. Background: A systematic analysis of the occurrence of Complete laboratory investigation consists of the determina- red blood cell (RBC) abnormalities in β-thalassemia minor tion of the complete blood count, assessment of red blood has not been performed to date. This study aimed to iden- cell (RBC) morphology, high performance liquid chroma- tify and quantify the frequency of RBC abnormalities in tography (HPLC), hemoglobin electrophoresis and, where patients with β-thalassemia minor. necessary, DNA analysis [1]. Especially in the clinically Methods: We examined blood smears of 33 patients with severe forms referred to as β-thalassemia major and interme- β-thalassemia minor by light microscopy for the occur- dia, RBC abnormalities are often markedly apparent [2]. In rence of 15 defined RBC abnormalities. In the case of posi- β-thalassemia minor, also called β-thalassemia trait, the car- tivity, the abnormal cells/20 high power fields (HPF) at riers are usually clinically asymptomatic, showing persistent 1000-fold magnification were counted. microcytosis and hypochromia or mild microcytic anemia [1, Results: Anisocytosis, poikilocytosis and target cells 3]. The PB smear may show microcytosis, hypochromia and, (median 42/20 HPF) were observed in all, and ovalocytes infrequently, poikilocytosis [2].
    [Show full text]
  • Clinical and Subclinical Iron-Deficiency Among Inner-City Adolescent Girls Eric Donald Wells Yale University
    Yale University EliScholar – A Digital Platform for Scholarly Publishing at Yale Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library School of Medicine 1982 Clinical and subclinical iron-deficiency among inner-city adolescent girls Eric Donald Wells Yale University Follow this and additional works at: http://elischolar.library.yale.edu/ymtdl Recommended Citation Wells, Eric Donald, "Clinical and subclinical iron-deficiency among inner-city adolescent girls" (1982). Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library. 3303. http://elischolar.library.yale.edu/ymtdl/3303 This Open Access Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the School of Medicine at EliScholar – A Digital Platform for Scholarly Publishing at Yale. It has been accepted for inclusion in Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library by an authorized administrator of EliScholar – A Digital Platform for Scholarly Publishing at Yale. For more information, please contact [email protected]. VALE MEDICAL LIBRARY TII3 Y12 3 9002 08676 1443 5109 MEDICAL LIBRARY • >-> . • •• ts • • -tV ‘ • t , Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from The National Endowment for the Humanities and the Arcadia Fund https://archive.org/details/clinicalsubcliniOOwell Permission for photocopying or microfilming of 11 -, A II (Title of thesis) for the purpose of individual scholarly consultation or refer ence is hereby granted by the author. This permission is not to be interpreted as affecting publication of this work or otherwise placing it in the public domain, and the author re¬ serves all rights of ownership
    [Show full text]
  • 16 Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia
    Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia MODULE Hematology and Blood Bank Technique 16 MICROCYTIC HYPOCHROMIC Notes ANEMIA 16.1 INTRODUCTION Microcytic hypochromic anemia is characterized by decreased haemoglobin, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and normal to increased Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW). RBC count is normal to increased depending upon the cause of anemia. The peripheral blood smear shows red cells which are smaller in size (microcytes) containing less haemoglobin (hypochromic). OBJECTIVES After reading this lesson, you will be able to: z describe the basics of normal iron metabolism z explain the biochemical parameters to measure iron in the body z describe the causes of iron deficiency anemia z discuss the laboratory diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia z explain the differential diagnosis of hypochromic microcytic anemia 16.2 DEFINITION Microcytic hypochromic anemia is characterized by decreased hemoglobin, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC and normal to increased RDW. RBC count is normal to increased depending upon the cause of anemia. The peripheral blood smear shows red cells which are smaller in size (microcytes) containing less hemoglobin (hypochromic). HEMATOLOGY AND BLOOD BANK TECHNIQUE 133 MODULE Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia Hematology and Blood Examples Bank Technique Iron deficiency anemia Anemia of chronic disorders Disorders of globin synthesis (eg. Thalassemia minor) Sideroblastic anemias Notes Lead intoxication 16.3 IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA 16.3.1 Incidence This is the most common type of anemia found worldwide and in India. It is seen in all age groups but is more common in women of the child bearing age and in children.
    [Show full text]
  • Hemoglobin Bart's and Alpha Thalassemia Fact Sheet
    Health Care Provider Hemoglobinopathy Fact Sheet Hemoglobin Bart’s & Alpha Thalassemia Hemoglobin Bart’s is a tetramer of gamma (fetal) globin chains seen during the newborn period. Its presence indicates that one or more of the four genes that produce alpha globin chains are dysfunctional, causing alpha thalassemia. The more alpha genes affected, the more significant the thalassemia and clinical symptoms. Alpha thalassemia occurs in individuals of all ethnic backgrounds and is one of the most common genetic diseases worldwide. However, the clinically significant forms (Hemoglobin H disease, Hemoglobin H Constant Spring, and Alpha Thalassemia Major) occur predominantly among Southeast Asians. Summarized below are the manifestations associated with the different levels of Hemoglobin Bart’s detected on the newborn screen, and recommendations for follow-up. The number of dysfunctional genes is estimated by the percentage of Bart’s seen on the newborn screen. Silent Carrier- Low Bart’s If only one alpha gene is affected, the other three genes can compensate nearly completely and only a low level of Bart’s is detected, unless hemoglobin Constant Spring is identified (see below). Levels of Bart’s below a certain percentage are not generally reported by the State Newborn Screening Program as these individuals are likely to be clinically and hematologically normal. However, a small number of babies reported as having possible alpha thalassemia trait will be silent carriers. Alpha Thalassemia or Hemoglobin Constant Spring Trait- Moderate Bart’s Alpha thalassemia trait produces a moderate level of Bart’s and typically results from the dysfunction of two alpha genes-- either due to gene deletions or a specific change in the alpha gene that produces elongated alpha globin and has a thalassemia-like effect: hemoglobin Constant Spring.
    [Show full text]
  • Iron Homeostasis and Anemia in Hiv and Tuberculosis A
    IRON HOMEOSTASIS AND ANEMIA IN HIV AND TUBERCULOSIS A Dissertation Presented to the faculty of the Graduate School of Cornell University In Partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Peter Andrew Minchella May 2015 © 2015 Peter Andrew Minchella IRON HOMEOSTASIS AND ANEMIA IN HIV AND TUBERCULOSIS Peter Andrew Minchella, PhD Cornell University 2015 Background: Evidence supports a role for iron homeostasis in the pathogenesis of HIV and tuberculosis. The iron regulatory peptide, hepcidin, inhibits both dietary iron absorption and iron efflux leading to macrophage iron retention. Conditions associated with elevated hepcidin, which include altered concentrations of ferritin, transferrin and hemoglobin, may favor Mycobacterium tuberculosis iron acquisition, HIV progression and anemia. In light of this, we investigated iron homeostasis biomarkers as risk factors for incident TB and mortality in an HIV- seropositive cohort and also for progression to TB in an HIV-seromixed cohort. In addition, we characterized iron homeostasis during TB therapy in order to identify causes of anemia and inform selection of safe, effective and well-timed treatments for anemia. Methods: Clinical and demographic data and archived plasma and serum samples from two research platforms were utilized in this work: the Medical Research Council (MRC) HIV clinical cohort and the MRC TB case contact study. Analysis of iron homeostasis biomarker concentrations was conducted at MRC laboratories in The Gambia. Results: During HIV Clinical Cohort follow up, 32 incident tuberculosis cases were identified and 64% of the 196 participants died. Greater hepcidin was associated with significantly increased likelihood of tuberculosis and greater all-cause mortality.
    [Show full text]
  • News to Digest Health Tips from Your Gastroenterologist
    News to Digest Health tips from your Gastroenterologist... (412) 262-1000 www.gihealth.com What is a Complete Blood Count (CBC) ? by Robert Fusco, MD Okay, you have just seen your family doctor for a checkup. As you leave the CELL TYPE ABBREV. FUNCTION office, the nurse says the doctor wants you Red Blood Cell RBC carries oxygen to have some blood tests as part of your White Blood Cell WBC fights infection exam. She hands you a laboratory form Platelets PLT clots blood cryptically marked “CMP and CBC.” What Endoscopy Center do these strange acronyms mean? Very The bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue simply, the CMP blood test evaluates the found in the center of the large bones. All Excellence Award many chemical compounds found in the cells made in the bone marrow start out Our doctors are proud liquid portion of your blood while the CBC as a single kind of cell called a stem cell. to announce that Three evaluates the blood cells themselves. Depending on what type of cell the body needs, a stem cell can become one of three Rivers Endoscopy Cen- Your cells need oxygen major types of blood cells: a red cell, a ter (TREC) is recipient The human body is made up of billions white cell, or a cell that makes platelets. of the Endoscopy Unit of small cells that are grouped together in Blood cells must be mature to carry out Recognition Award by the various specialized organs such as the their jobs properly. The Complete Blood the American Society for lungs, heart, and liver These cells work Count (CBC) is a tool your doctor uses to Gastrointestinal Endos- behind the scenes 24/7 to keep you healthy evaluate these three types of cells in your copy (ASGE).
    [Show full text]
  • Microcytic Anemia
    The new england journal of medicine review article Edward W. Campion, M.D., Editor Microcytic Anemia Thomas G. DeLoughery, M.D. From the Hematology Section, Knight Can- he microcytic anemias are those characterized by the produc- cer Institute; and the Departments of Med- tion of red cells that are smaller than normal. The small size of these cells is icine, Pathology, and Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland. Tdue to decreased production of hemoglobin, the predominant constituent of Address reprint requests to Dr. DeLough- red cells (Fig. 1). The causes of microcytic anemia are a lack of globin product (thal- ery at the Division of Hematology–Medi- assemia), restricted iron delivery to the heme group of hemoglobin (anemia of in- cal Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., flammation), a lack of iron delivery to the heme group (iron-deficiency anemia), Portland, OR 97239, or at delought@ and defects in the synthesis of the heme group (sideroblastic anemias). This review ohsu.edu. highlights new aspects of the most common microcytic anemias: thalassemia, N Engl J Med 2014;371:1324-31. anemia of inflammation, and iron-deficiency anemia. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra1215361 Copyright © 2014 Massachusetts Medical Society. Thalassemia Thalassemias are diseases of hemoglobin synthesis, with subtypes named after the hemoglobin chain involved (Table 1). Given that each chromosome 16 carries two copies of the gene encoding the α chain, there are four types of α-thalassemia: trait 1, trait 2, hemoglobin H disease, and hemoglobin Bart’s. Patients with the trait thalassemias present with no or very mild anemia and variable microcytosis — both more pronounced in patients with the trait-2 form.
    [Show full text]