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Summary: Few studies have reported the real‐world use of both romiplostim and eltrombopag in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). TRAIT was a retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the platelet responses and adverse effects associated with the use of these thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO‐RAs) in adult patients with ITP in the United Kingdom. Of 267 patients (median age at diagnosis, 48 years) with ITP (primary ITP [n = 218], secondary ITP [n = 49]) included in the study, 112 (42%) received eltrombopag and 155 (58%) received romiplostim as the first prescribed TPO‐RA. A platelet count ≥30 × 109/L was achieved in 89% of patients with the first TPO‐RA treatments, while 68% achieved a platelet count ≥100 × 109/L. Treatment‐free response (TFR; platelet count ≥30 × 109/L, 3 months after discontinuing treatment) was achieved by 18% of the total patients. Overall, 61 patients (23%) switched TPO‐RAs, most of whom achieved platelet counts ≥30 × 109/L with the second TPO‐RA (23/25 who switched from eltrombopag to romiplostim [92%]; 28/36 who switched from romiplostim to eltrombopag [78%]). TFR was associated with secondary ITP, early TPO‐RA initiation after diagnosis, the presence of comorbidity and no prior splenectomy or treatment with steroids or mycophenolate mofetil. Both TPO‐RAs had similar efficacy and safety profiles to those reported in clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aimed to compare the outcomes of total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA) in haemophilic patients compared to matched controls. Methods: Through a literature search we identified all cohort studies comparing perioperative complications and other outcomes of THA and TKA in haemophilic patients and matched controls without haemophilia. Results of the same outcome measure assessed by two or more studies were pooled in meta‐analyses; odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The risk of bias in included studies and certainty of evidence of each result were assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale and the GRADE tool respectively. Results: A total of five retrospective studies with matched controls were included; four of them were of good and one of fair quality. Based on moderate certainty evidence, compared to matched controls, patients with haemophilia had a significantly higher incidence of the following complications after a) TKA: periprosthetic joint infection [PJI; OR 1.6 CI (1.3, 1.9)], 1‐year revision/re‐operation [OR 1.4 CI (1.2, 1.8)] and b) THA: major and minor 90‐day complications [major OR 2.2 CI (1.7, 2.9); minor OR 1.4 CI (1.1, 1.8)], venous thromboembolism [OR 3.1 CI (2.1, 4.6)]. PJI incidence in THA was not different in haemophilia compared to controls [OR 1.5 CI (.9, 2.6)]. Conclusion: Our results can be used by healthcare professionals counselling patients with haemophilia considering a THA or TKA as part of the informed consent process. We provide detailed clinical recommendations for the perioperative management of THA and TKA in haemophilic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein (rFIX‐Fc) is an extended half‐life factor concentrate administered to haemophilia B patients. So far, a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model has only been published for patients aged ≥12 years. The aim was to externally evaluate the predictive performance of the published rFIX‐Fc population PK model for patients of all ages and develop a model that describes rFIX‐Fc PK using real‐world data. Methods: We collected prospective and retrospective data from patients with haemophilia B treated with rFIX‐Fc and included in the OPTI‐CLOT TARGET study (NTR7523) or United Kindom (UK)‐EHL Outcomes Registry (NCT02938156). Predictive performance was assessed by comparing predicted with observed FIX activity levels. A new population PK model was constructed using nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling. Results: Real‐world data were obtained from 37 patients (median age: 16 years, range 2–71) of whom 14 were aged <12 years. Observed FIX activity levels were significantly higher than levels predicted using the published model, with a median prediction error of −48.8%. The new model showed a lower median prediction error (3.4%) and better described rFIX‐Fc PK, especially for children aged <12 years. In the new model, an increase in age was correlated with a decrease in clearance (P <.01). Conclusions: The published population PK model significantly underpredicted FIX activity levels. The new model better describes rFIX‐Fc PK, especially for children aged <12 years. This study underlines the necessity to strive for representative population PK models, thereby avoiding extrapolation outside the studied population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The multisystem associations between baseline mental health status and coronavirus disease-19 (COVID)-19 illness trajectory are uncertain. Objectives: This article will investigate the associations between baseline mental health status and disease trajectory following COVID-19 hospitalization, which may have implications for practice and future research. Methods: The Chief Scientist Office Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Imaging in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) COVID-19 study is a prospective, observational, multicenter, longitudinal, secondary care cohort study that assessed the time-course of multi-organ injury in posthospital survivors of COVID-19. Patients were assessed in-hospital, at 28–60 days after discharge and in the longer term using electronic health record linkage. Results: One hundred and fifty-two patients (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age 54.3 ± 11.8 years, 43% female, 40% most socio-economically deprived quintile, 33% history of mental health history) were enrolled and had mental health serially assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) questionnaire. Fifty-three (35%) had PHQ-4 score of 6–12 consistent with moderate-severe symptoms of anxiety or depression and this was associated with diagnostic criteria for myocarditis (P = 0.0498). Moderate-severe symptoms of anxiety or depression were positively associated with higher perception of illness, lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and poorer physical function. The mean (SD) duration of follow-up after hospital discharge was 428 (86) days (range, 290–627 days). PHQ-4 score was not associated with clinical outcomes at follow-up. Conclusions: In patients who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, moderate-severe symptoms of anxiety or depression were associated with myocarditis, worse HRQoL, higher perception of illness, and lower levels of physical function. Public Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT04403607. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite increasing awareness of issues faced by women and girls with inherited BDs (WGBD), standards of care are lacking, with disparities in diagnosis and treatment for WGBD across Europe. We aimed to develop practical principles of care (PoC) to promote standardization of care for WGBD within European Haemophilia Treatment and Comprehensive Care Centres (HTC/CCCs). Methods: The co‐creation process, supported by the European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders, consisted of four multidisciplinary meetings with health care providers (HCPs) experienced in WGBD care, and European Haemophilia Consortium representatives, combined with broad patient and HCP consultations in the European haemophilia community. Relevant medical societies outside Europe were contacted for confirmation. Results: We developed ten PoC for WGBD, stressing the importance and benefits of a centralized, multidisciplinary, comprehensive, family‐centred approach to support and manage WGBD during all life stages. These PoC emphasise the right to equitable access and quality of care for all people with BDs, irrespective of gender. Multiple medical societies outside Europe also confirmed their support for endorsement. Conclusions: Ten PoC for WGBD evolved from an iterative process among stakeholders, supported by relevant medical societies worldwide. These PoC can serve as a benchmark for diagnosis and comprehensive multidisciplinary management of WGBD, and improve awareness of their unique challenges. They offer a framework to guide HTC/CCCs in providing equitable care for all WGBD, both in their own services and in other healthcare settings. Implementation of these principles aims to positively impact the health, wellbeing and quality of life for WGBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background COVID-19 is typically a primary respiratory illness with multisystem involvement. The prevalence and clinical significance of cardiovascular and multisystem involvement in COVID-19 remain unclear. Methods This is a prospective, observational, multicentre, longitudinal, cohort study with minimal selection criteria and a near-consecutive approach to screening. Patients who have received hospital care for COVID-19 will be enrolled within 28 days of discharge. Myocardial injury will be diagnosed according to the peak troponin I in relation to the upper reference limit (URL, 99th centile) (Abbott Architect troponin I assay; sex-specific URL, male: >34 ng/L; female: >16 ng/L). Multisystem, multimodality imaging will be undertaken during the convalescent phase at 28 days post-discharge (Visit 2). Imaging of the heart, lung, and kidneys will include multiparametric, stress perfusion, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography coronary angiography. Health and well-being will be assessed in the longer term. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients with a diagnosis of myocardial inflammation. Conclusion CISCO-19 will provide detailed insights into cardiovascular and multisystem involvement of COVID-19. Our study will inform the rationale and design of novel therapeutic and management strategies for affected patients. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04403607. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The level of venous thrombosis risk in women who experience spontaneous or induced pregnancy loss has previously been uncertain. However, recent data indicate that the risk of venous thrombosis in women undergoing pregnancy termination in the first trimester is increased two‐fold compared to non‐pregnant women but reduced five‐fold compared to women in the 6 weeks following a term birth. The termination procedure itself appears not to influence thrombosis risk. In light of this data, this consensus statement provides recommendations for reducing the risk of venous thrombosis in women undergoing spontaneous or induced pregnancy loss based on Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists risk stratification guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 70 years, the West of Scotland Haemophilia Centre in the UK has played a leading role in research, education and training. Its staff studied the natural history of haemophilias, their complications, and their treatment complications, pioneered the use of fibrinolytic inhibitors to reduce the risk of receiving a blood transfusion and developed national audit. Collaborations across Scotland with other haemophilia centres and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service progressed self-sufficiency in NHS-produced factor concentrates, heat treatments to prevent HIV and hepatitis transmission, and finally, replacement of human by recombinant factor concentrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the glucocorticoids being a risk factor causing osteoporosis in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) receiving steroids. It talks about the Good Practice Paper compiled by the British Society for Haematology (BSH) consisting of guideline for the prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) during the treatment of patients with ITP.

Antithrombin deficiency is identified as one of the most potent risk factors for venous thromboembolism during pregnancy. Therapeutic low molecular weight heparin is recommended, but it can be difficult to attain sufficient anticoagulation since low molecular weight heparin requires antithrombin to exert its anticoagulant effect. We carried out a multicentre case-series assessing the dose of low molecular weight heparin required to achieve therapeutic anti-activated factor X levels in pregnant women with antithrombin deficiency. We assessed 27 pregnancies in 18 women with severe antithrombin deficiency, which we defined as an antithrombin level of <0.55 IU/ml (with or without prior venous thromboembolism) or an antithrombin level < 0.8 IU/ml and a personal history of venous thromboembolism. Our data illustrate the need for high doses of low molecular weight heparin to achieve therapeutic anti-activated factor X levels (average 20,220 IU/day). All pregnancies ended in live birth (excluding one elective termination), although intrauterine growth restriction occurred in five (18%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune condition that may cause thrombocytopeniarelated bleeding. Current first-line ITP treatment is with high-dose corticosteroids but frequent side effects, heterogeneous responses and high relapse rates are significant problems with only 20% remaining in sustained remission with this approach. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is often used as the next treatment with efficacy in 50%-80% of patients and good tolerability but can take up to 2 months to work. Objective To test the hypothesis that MMF combined with corticosteroid is a more effective first-line treatment for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) than current standard of corticosteroid alone. Methods and analysis Multicentre, UK-based, openlabel, randomised controlled trial. Setting Haematology departments in secondary care. Participants We plan to recruit 120 patients >16 years old with a diagnosis of ITP and a platelet count <30x109/L who require first-line treatment. Patients will be followed up for a minimum of 12 months following randomisation. Primary outcome Time from randomisation to treatment failure defined as platelets <30x109/L and a need for second-line treatment. Secondary outcomes Side effects, bleeding events, remission rates, time to relapse, time to next therapy, cumulative corticosteroid dose, rescue therapy, splenectomy, socioeconomic costs, patient-reported outcomes (quality of life, fatigue, impact of bleeding, care costs). Analysis The sample size of 120 achieves a 91.5% power to detect a doubling of the median time to treatment failure from 5 to 10 months. This will be expressed as an HR with 95% CI, median time to event if more than 50% have had an event and illustrated with Kaplan-Meier curves. Cost-effectiveness will be based on the first 12 months from diagnosis. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval from NRES Committee South West (IRAS number 225959). EudraCT Number: 2017-001171-23. Results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number NCT03156452. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Awareness of the risk factors for venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease and timely administration of thromboprophylaxis can prevent many VTE events. This article examines these risk factors and the recommended strategies to prevent VTE, as well as discussing the diagnosis and treatment of an event that has already occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a retrospective observational study performed on patients diagnosed with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who underwent an autologous In-labelled platelet sequestration study at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) between 2009 and 2017. Topics discussed include key outcome among the splenectomised population, finding on the response of patients with predominant splenic sequestration splenectomy, and main limitation of the study.

Recurrent pregnancy loss ( RPL) affects 1% pregnancies and is multi-factorial in origin. The role of the acquired thrombophilia antiphospholipid syndrome ( APS) as a common and potentially treatable cause of RPL is well established but this is less so for inherited thrombophilia. In obstetric APS the combination of aspirin and heparin has improved outcomes. By analogy, the use of low molecular weight heparin ( LMWH) has become commonplace in women with inherited thrombophilia and also those with unexplained miscarriage to help safeguard the pregnancy. This review will examine the pathophysiological role of thrombophilia in pregnancy loss, and the evidence for anticoagulant-based intervention. The limited data supporting the use of heparin for women with RPL and inherited thrombophilia suggests adoption of a more cautious and judicious approach in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HOXA10 is necessary for mammalian reproduction; however, its transcriptional targets are not completely defined. EMX2, a divergent homeobox gene, is necessary for urogenital tract development. In these studies we identify and characterize the regulation of EMX2 by HOXA10. By using Northern analysis and in situ hybridization, we found that EMX2 is expressed in the adult urogenital tract in an inverse temporal pattern from HOXA10, suggestive of a negative regulatory relationship. Constitutive expression of HOXA10 diminished EMX2 mRNA, whereas blocking HOXA10 through the use of antisensc resulted in high EMX2 mRNA expression. Deletionai analysis of the EMX2 5' regulatory region revealed that a 150-bp clement mediated transcriptional repression when cotransfected with pcDNA3.1/HOXA10 in transient-transfection assays. Bindlng of HOXA10 protein to this element was demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and further localized to a consensus HOXA10 binding site within this element by DNasc I footprinting. Site-directed mutagenesis abolished binding, as well as the negative transcriptional regulation. Transcriptional activation of empty spiracles, the Drosophila ortholog of EMX2, by Abdominal-B (HOXA10 ortholog) has been previously demonstrated. These findings demonstrate conservation of the transcription factor-target gene relationship, although the direction of regulation is reversed with possible evolutionary implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HOXA10 and HOXA11 are homeobox genes that function as transcription factors essential to embryonic development. We have recently described a role for each of these two genes in regulating endometrial development in the adult during the course of a menstrual cycle. Both Hoxa10 and Hoxa11 are essential for implantation in the mouse and appear to play a similar role in women. To investigate the role of HOX genes in the endometrium of women with endometriosis, quantitative Northern blot analysis was performed on the endometrium of 40 normal cycling controls and 40 patients with documented endometriosis. Patients with endometriosis failed to show the expected mid-luteal rise in HOX gene expression as demonstrated in the controls. Aberrant HOX gene expression suggests that altered development of the endometrium at the molecular level may contribute to the aetiology of infertility in patients with endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A 35-year-old man was referred after thrombocytopenia was detected at occupational health screening. Full blood count showed Hb 154 g/l, WBC 6 x 10 SP 9 sp /l, platelet count 94 x 10 SP 9 sp /l, mean platelet volume 14 fl (normal range [NR] 7-11). Haemolytic anaemia may occur due to incorporation of phytosterols into red cell membranes causing stomatocytosis and reduced red cell deformability and survival. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) is a new syndrome associated with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 adenoviral vector vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Data are lacking on the clinical features of and the prognostic criteria for this disorder.Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study involving patients with suspected VITT who presented to hospitals in the United Kingdom between March 22 and June 6, 2021. Data were collected with the use of an anonymized electronic form, and cases were identified as definite or probable VITT according to prespecified criteria. Baseline characteristics and clinicopathological features of the patients, risk factors, treatment, and markers of poor prognosis were determined.Results: Among 294 patients who were evaluated, we identified 170 definite and 50 probable cases of VITT. All the patients had received the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine and presented 5 to 48 days (median, 14) after vaccination. The age range was 18 to 79 years (median, 48), with no sex preponderance and no identifiable medical risk factors. Overall mortality was 22%. The odds of death increased by a factor of 2.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4 to 5.2) among patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, by a factor of 1.7 (95% CI, 1.3 to 2.3) for every 50% decrease in the baseline platelet count, by a factor of 1.2 (95% CI, 1.0 to 1.3) for every increase of 10,000 fibrinogen-equivalent units in the baseline d-dimer level, and by a factor of 1.7 (95% CI, 1.1 to 2.5) for every 50% decrease in the baseline fibrinogen level. Multivariate analysis identified the baseline platelet count and the presence of intracranial hemorrhage as being independently associated with death; the observed mortality was 73% among patients with platelet counts below 30,000 per cubic millimeter and intracranial hemorrhage.Conclusions: The high mortality associated with VITT was highest among patients with a low platelet count and intracranial hemorrhage. Treatment remains uncertain, but identification of prognostic markers may help guide effective management. (Funded by the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune thrombocytopenia is a rare autoimmune disorder with associated bleeding risk and fatigue. Recommended first-line treatment for immune thrombocytopenia is high-dose glucocorticoids, but side effects, variable responses, and high relapse rates are serious drawbacks.Methods: In this multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled trial conducted in the United Kingdom, we assigned adult patients with immune thrombocytopenia, in a 1:1 ratio, to first-line treatment with a glucocorticoid only (standard care) or combined glucocorticoid and mycophenolate mofetil. The primary efficacy outcome was treatment failure, defined as a platelet count of less than 30×109 per liter and initiation of a second-line treatment, assessed in a time-to-event analysis. Secondary outcomes were response rates, side effects, occurrence of bleeding, patient-reported quality-of-life measures, and serious adverse events.Results: A total of 120 patients with immune thrombocytopenia underwent randomization (52.4% male; mean age, 54 years [range 17 to 87]; mean platelet level, 7×109 per liter) and were followed for up to 2 years after beginning trial treatment. The mycophenolate mofetil group had fewer treatment failures than the glucocorticoid-only group (22% [13 of 59 patients] vs. 44% [27 of 61 patients]; hazard ratio, 0.41; range, 0.21 to 0.80; P = 0.008) and greater response (91.5% of patients having platelet counts greater than 100×109 per liter vs. 63.9%; P<0.001). We found no evidence of a difference between the groups in the occurrence of bleeding, rescue treatments, or treatment side effects, including infection. However, patients in the mycophenolate mofetil group reported worse quality-of-life outcomes regarding physical function and fatigue than those in the glucocorticoid-only group.Conclusions: The addition of mycophenolate mofetil to a glucocorticoid for first-line treatment of immune thrombocytopenia resulted in greater response and a lower risk of refractory or relapsed immune thrombocytopenia, but with somewhat decreased quality of life. (Funded by the U.K. National Institute for Health Research; FLIGHT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03156452; EudraCT number, 2017-001171-23.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]