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Thalass. Rep., Volume 14, Issue 1 (March 2024) – 3 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): In patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), transfusions pose risks like delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) and hyperhemolytic syndrome (HHS). We present the case of a 61-year-old Nigerian male patient with SCD, developing hyperhemolytic syndrome (HHS) post-orthopedic surgery due to alloimmunization from blood transfusions. Surgery induced massive hemorrhage, requiring RBC transfusions. Postoperatively, he developed HHS with jaundice, hemoglobinuria, and fever. Despite additional transfusions, his condition worsened, leading to hematological consultation on postoperative day +9. Laboratory findings showed positive DAT and multiple alloantibodies. The diagnosis of HHS was established, and treatment involved high-dose methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and erythropoietin. View this paper
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8 pages, 1295 KiB  
Case Report
A Case Report of Hyperhemolytic Syndrome in Sickle Cell Disease, with a Special Focus on Avoiding the Use of Transfusions
by Omar Obajed Al-Ali, György Pfliegler, Ferenc Magyari, Fanni Borics, László Imre Pinczés, Árpád Illés and Boglárka Brúgós
Thalass. Rep. 2024, 14(1), 18-25; https://doi.org/10.3390/thalassrep14010003 - 4 Mar 2024
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Abstract
In patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), transfusions pose risks like delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) and hyperhemolytic syndrome (HHS). We present the case of a 61-year-old Nigerian male patient with SCD, developing hyperhemolytic syndrome (HHS) post-orthopedic surgery due to alloimmunization from blood [...] Read more.
In patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), transfusions pose risks like delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) and hyperhemolytic syndrome (HHS). We present the case of a 61-year-old Nigerian male patient with SCD, developing hyperhemolytic syndrome (HHS) post-orthopedic surgery due to alloimmunization from blood transfusions. Surgery induced massive hemorrhage, requiring RBC transfusions. Postoperatively, he developed HHS with jaundice, hemoglobinuria, and fever. Despite additional transfusions, his condition worsened, leading to hematological consultation on postoperative day +9. Laboratory findings showed positive DAT and multiple alloantibodies. The diagnosis of HHS was established and treatment involved high-dose methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and erythropoietin. The patient was discharged on postoperative day +24 with stable hemoglobin levels, tapering doses of methylprednisolone, and continuous administration of hydroxyurea prescribed. HHS pathogenesis involves extensive intravascular hemolysis, exacerbated by alloimmunization. Diagnostic challenges and therapy selection complexity underscore the need for cautious transfusion strategies in HHS, reserving them for hemodynamic instability or hypoxia. This case highlights promptly recognizing and managing HHS in SCD for improved outcomes and avoiding unnecessary transfusions. Full article
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8 pages, 449 KiB  
Article
Causes of Hospitalizations in Pediatric Patients with Thalassemia under the National Health Coverage Scheme in Thailand
by Pimlak Charoenkwan, Patcharee Komvilaisak, Kaewjai Thepsuthummarat, Panya Seksarn and Kitti Torcharus
Thalass. Rep. 2024, 14(1), 10-17; https://doi.org/10.3390/thalassrep14010002 - 1 Mar 2024
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Abstract
Thalassemia is a hereditary hemolytic anemia that is prevalent in Southeast Asia. The primary treatment for severe thalassemia involves red cell transfusion, iron chelation, and the treatment of long-term complications, leading to frequent hospital visits and admissions. This study aims to delineate the [...] Read more.
Thalassemia is a hereditary hemolytic anemia that is prevalent in Southeast Asia. The primary treatment for severe thalassemia involves red cell transfusion, iron chelation, and the treatment of long-term complications, leading to frequent hospital visits and admissions. This study aims to delineate the causes and characteristics of hospital admissions among thalassemia patients under the National Health Coverage (NHC) scheme in Thailand. This cross-sectional analysis (2015–2019), conducted using the National Health Security Office database, identified 336,054 admissions among 41,237 patients, with alpha-thalassemia at 12.5%, beta-thalassemia at 61.5%, other thalassemia at 0.5%, and unclassified thalassemia at 25.5%. The overall admission rate was 3.74 per 100 NHC admissions in the pediatric age group. Infections predominated in younger patients, whereas cardiac complications, diabetes mellitus, and cholecystitis/cholelithiasis were more common in older patients. Hospital admissions for cardiac complications and diabetes mellitus in pediatric patients with thalassemia decreased over the study period. The annual hospital admission cost ranged from 8.19 to 12.01 million US dollars, with one-third attributed to iron chelation. In summary, thalassemia poses a significant healthcare challenge in Thai children, characterized by high admission rates and costs. While infections predominate in younger patients, cardiac complications and diabetes mellitus are more common in older individuals. The diminishing admissions for these complications suggest the successful implementation of iron chelation medications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Conventional Treatment of Thalassemia)
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9 pages, 263 KiB  
Review
Challenges of Iron Chelation in Thalassemic Children
by Alkistis Adramerina and Marina Economou
Thalass. Rep. 2024, 14(1), 1-9; https://doi.org/10.3390/thalassrep14010001 - 1 Feb 2024
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Abstract
Thalassemia treatment still relies on supportive care, mainly including blood transfusion and iron chelation therapy. Iron chelation is considered the main factor responsible for the marked improvement in survival rates of thalassemic patients. Hemosiderosis may be prevented if appropriate chelation therapy is offered [...] Read more.
Thalassemia treatment still relies on supportive care, mainly including blood transfusion and iron chelation therapy. Iron chelation is considered the main factor responsible for the marked improvement in survival rates of thalassemic patients. Hemosiderosis may be prevented if appropriate chelation therapy is offered from early childhood, with timely dose adjustments according to changing body weight and close monitoring of organ iron load. With three iron chelators currently available, the choice of appropriate chelation, either as monotherapy or combined therapy, should be individualized depending on the iron overload of target organs, patient’s age, presence of adverse events and compliance issues, given known limitations related to each agent’s administration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Conventional Treatment of Thalassemia)
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