Citations

Abstract Background: Luspatercept, an erythroid maturation agent, has shown efficacy in improving anemia in both β-thalassemia and lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). In the BELIEVE trial, which led to its approval in transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, thromboembolic events were notably higher in patients with risk factors such as splenectomy. More recently, the COMMANDS trial demonstrated superior transfusion independence with luspatercept over erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in ESA-naive, lower-risk MDS patients. However, limited data exist regarding comparative thrombotic risk in real-world MDS populations. We conducted a multicenter, real-world study to evaluate thrombotic event rates associated with luspatercept versus ESAs in MDS patients without prior venous thromboembolism (VTE). Methods: We queried the TriNetX Research Network, a federated real-time electronic health record (EHR) database covering over 100 million patients across major healthcare organizations. Adults (≥18 years) with a diagnosis of MDS (ICD-10-CM code D46) and no prior history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) were included. Patients were stratified based on treatment with luspatercept or ESAs (epoetin alfa or darbepoetin alfa). Propensity score matching (PSM) using a 1:1 nearest-neighbor algorithm without replacement was performed to balance demographics and clinical covariates. Primary outcomes included the incidence of DVT, PE, and composite VTE events within 12 months of therapy initiation. Results: A total of 6,448 patients with MDS and no prior VTE were identified: 5,698 received ESAs and 750 received luspatercept. The overall mean age was 72.5 ± 13.5 years, with 48.1% male. After PSM, 741 patients were included in each treatment arm. The matched cohort had a mean age of 76.7 ± 10.7 years, and 41.3% were female. In the ESA group, 58/741 (7.8%) developed DVT compared to 27/741 (3.6%) in the luspatercept group (Hazard Ratio [HR] 1.4; 95% CI, 0.9–2.3). PE occurred in 27 ESA-treated patients (3.6%) versus 13 luspatercept-treated patients (1.8%) (HR 1.3; 95% CI, 0.6–2.7; p=0.941). The overall composite VTE rate was 10.0% (74/741) in the ESA group and 4.9% (36/741) in the luspatercept group (HR 1.3; 95% CI, 0.9–2.0; p=0.732). Conclusion: In this large, multicenter real-world analysis, we observed a numerically lower incidence of thrombotic events with luspatercept compared to erythropoietin-based agents in patients with MDS, though differences did not reach statistical significance. These findings support the thrombotic safety profile of luspatercept observed in clinical trials and warrant further prospective validation.

Abstract Background: Philadelphia chromosome–negative (Ph–) ALL is a genetically heterogeneous entity defined by recurrent cytogenetic and molecular aberrations that shape its clinical trajectory and prognosis. Historically poor outcomes in adults prompted significant changes in therapeutic approaches over the past decade, resulting in improved survival. Currently, blinatumomab is a bispecific T-cell engager targeting CD19 in leukemic cells and CD3 on T Lymphocytes. It has shown significant results in relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). However, its role in the frontline treatment of Philadelphia chromosome–negative (Ph–) B-ALL, particularly in combination with chemotherapy, is continuously being explored. Objective: Our purpose is to evaluate the efficacy of blinatumomab-based frontline regimens in adolescents and adults with newly diagnosed Ph– B-ALL through a systematic review and meta-analysis of proportions. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane from inception through May 2025. Eligible studies included adolescents or adults with a cut off age of 15 years old, with newly diagnosed Ph– B-ALL where blinatumomab was used in the induction phase, consolidation phase, or both. Primary outcomes were complete remission (CR), measurable residual disease (MRD) negativity, and 3-year overall survival (OS). Random-effects proportional meta-analyses were conducted using logit or Freeman–Tukey transformations. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 for Randomized Controlled Trials and ROBINS-I for prospective trials. Subgroup analysis was performed, dividing subgroups by phase of Blinatumomab utilization; either induction, consolidation or both. To tackle heterogeneity in the MRD pooled results, we conducted a Meta-regression to evaluate the link between different treatment phases and sample sizes. Results: Thirteen studies (n = 878 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled CR rate after induction-phase blinatumomab was 78% (95% CI: 71–85%; I² = 21.2%). The pooled MRD negativity rate was highest in the induction-only group, at 90% (95% CI: 83%–95%), with no significant heterogeneity (I² = 0%). The consolidation group showed a pooled MRD negativity rate of 88% (95% CI: 75%–96%), though heterogeneity was substantial (I² = 74.2%, p = 0.0087). For patients treated during both induction and consolidation, the pooled MRD negativity rate was 89% (95% CI: 82%–94%), also with no observed heterogeneity (I² = 0%). The overall pooled MRD negativity rate across all ten studies was 89% (95% CI: 84%–93%), using a random-effects model with Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation. A meta-analysis of four studies reporting 3-year overall survival (OS) following frontline blinatumomab-based therapy was performed, stratified by treatment phase. In the consolidation subgroup, the pooled 3-year OS was 83% (95% CI: 76%–88%), with no heterogeneity (I² = 0%, p = 0.4032). In contrast, for patients treated during both induction and consolidation, the pooled 3-year OS was 52% (95% CI: 22%–81%), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 88.6%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Blinatumomab-based regimens in the frontline setting are associated with high MRD clearance and complete remission rates, particularly when used during induction or consolidation. However, the predominance of non-randomized studies, small sample sizes, and heterogeneity in MRD assessment limit definitive conclusions. Prospective randomized trials are needed to clarify the optimal integration of blinatumomab in frontline Ph– B-ALL therapy.

Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rise precipitously during the 6th–9th decades of life, identifying aging as a critical risk factor. Simultaneously, older individuals are susceptible to severe viral infection, raising the question whether shared mechanisms exist that predispose to both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and failing anti-viral immunity. The aging process causes steady decline in immune fitness (immune aging), which undermines the ability to generate protective anti-viral immune responses. Paradoxically, the aging immune system supports unopposed inflammatory pathways (inflammaging), which exacerbates tissue inflammation in CVD, specifically atherosclerosis. Here, we review the current evidence of how innate and adaptive immune aging promotes tissue-destructive inflammation in atherosclerosis while failing to fight viral infections. Further, we consider how these two disease processes mutually influence each other. We propose that mounting an effective anti-viral response induces off-target bystander activation and exhausts immune cells, ultimately exacerbating CVD. Additionally, we explore how atherosclerotic CVD impacts innate immunity through epigenetic modification of hematopoietic precursors and metabolically conditioning immune cells, leading to a dysfunctional immune system that accelerates plaque inflammation while simultaneously impairing host defense.

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a multisystem progressive disease of pregnancy, characterized by a new onset of hypertension (≥ 140/90 mm Hg) with proteinuria after the 20th week of gestation. There is a conflict between United States guidelines that recommend Low-dose aspirin (LDA) and United Kingdom guidelines that recommend High-dose aspirin (HDA) for the prevention of preeclampsia in high-risk pregnant women. After the latest study that recommends HDA and the absence of pairwise meta-analyses comparing two doses, we aimed to conduct a comprehensive pairwise meta-analysis to assess whether HDA is better than LDA in the prevention of preeclampsia. Methods: We conducted a systematic search on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central, and Web of Science (WOS) from inception until June 2025. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LDA and HDA in high-risk pregnant women were included. Our primary outcome was the incidence of preeclampsia (PE), while secondary outcomes were Placental abruption, Pre-term delivery, and Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). Using random-effects models, we calculated risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 8 RCTs with 1,290 patients from the United States, Canada, England, and different Asian countries were included, among whom 642 (49.8%) patients were randomized to HDA. All studies compared HDA (≥ 150 mg) and LDA (75 mg to 81 mg). Patients with LDA had a higher risk of Preeclampsia (RR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.44, p<0.001) compared to HDA. There was no significant difference between the LDA and HDA regarding Placental abruption, Pre-term delivery, and IUGR. With a pooled RR with a 95% CI (1.8, [0.91 to 3.54], P = 0.09), (1.25, [0.79 to 1.97], P = 0.34), (1.5, [0.93 to 2.42], P = 0.1), respectively. Conclusion: Among high-risk pregnant women, LDA was associated with a 71% higher incidence of preeclampsia than HDA. These results support the use of HDA as a preventive medication for preeclampsia in high-risk pregnant women.

Abstract Disclosure: M. Kakakhel: None. S. Cheema: None. R. Haider: None. F. Saleem: None. A. Ullah: None. M. Shah: None. A. Qadeer: None. M. Khawar: None. H. Jawad: None. H. Ahmad: None. F. Ahmed: None. S. N.l.: None. R. Alcaraz: None. Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health burden, contributing significantly to mortality and comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), which remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined mortality data from the United States from the CDC WONDER database, which gathers data from death certificates. Particularly, deaths from renal problems (ICD-10 codes E10.2-E14.2) linked to diabetes were the emphasis. Sex, age, race/ethnicity, and geographic location were among the important demographic factors that were used to stratify the data for the analysis. Temporal trends were examined using linear regression, while geographic disparities were assessed through chi-square tests and regression analysis. A significance level of p&lt;0.05 was used for all tests. Results: According to the data, the death rate from diabetes increased significantly between 1999 and 2020. Between 1999 and 2020, the number of deaths from diabetes rose from 2,325 to 74,296. From 13.12 per 100,000 in 1999 to 276.92 per 100,000 in 2020, the age-adjusted death rate increased significantly, indicating a fivefold rise in mortality rates over the 21 years. After 2010, the pace of increase became especially steep, with notable yearly increases, especially in the years after 2013. In the Hispanic population alone, the number of deaths from diabetes more than quadrupled between 2013 and 2020, rising from 5,378 in 2013 to 10,395 in 2020. Male mortality rates were consistently greater than female death rates, indicating gender-based inequities as well. By 2020, there were 41,225 male deaths from diabetes (AAMR: 351.07). Notably, the death rate for men was almost 60% greater than that for women in 2020, with rates rising more sharply for men, particularly from 2010 onward. Significant differences in diabetes-related mortality were also observed by geography. Florida, Texas, and California had the largest mortality burdens; in California alone, 73,185 deaths, or 13.8% of all deaths, occurred. Lastly, more deaths were found to occur in medical facilities, especially inpatient settings, as well as at home or in hospice care, indicating a change in the place of death. Conclusions: The study shows a significant rise in diabetes-related mortality in the US over the past two decades, with males experiencing a higher mortality rate. Geographic disparities are also evident, with Southern states and large states like California, Texas, and Florida contributing disproportionately. The shift in death places suggests increased reliance on medical facilities, home care, and hospice care. The study calls for targeted public health interventions to address the growing burden of diabetes-related mortality, particularly in high-risk regions. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: M. Kakakhel: None. S. Cheema: None. R. Haider: None. F. Saleem: None. M.H. Alsaadi: None. H. Jawad: None. A.Z. Khan: None. A. Qadeer: None. M. Khawar: None. A. Ullah: None. M.F. Hemida: None. H. Ahmad: None. F. Ahmed: None. R. Alcaraz: None. Background: Globally, pediatric endocrine anomalies are a significant cause of early mortality. This study examines the discrepancies of paediatric endocrine abnormalities across various demographic and geographic groups in the United States, including gender, census region, race, age groups, and urbanization levels. Our objective was to identify disparities and trends to inform targeted interventions for the vulnerable demographics. Methods: Adhering to STROBES criteria, we extracted the mortality statistics due to endocrine disorders in the paediatric population from 1999-2020 from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention-Wide Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic research (CDC-WONDER). We calculated Age-Adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 individuals. We calculated the Annual Percentage Change (APC) and Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) to assess trends stratified by age, gender, urbanization, race, census region, and states. Joinpoint regression model was used for analysis. Results: Between 1999 and 2020, 5161 deaths among children less than 1 year to 14 years of age in the United States were related to endocrine-related disorders. Most occurred due to thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and other miscellaneous disorders related to glucose regulation and pancreatic internal secretion. The overall AAPC for endocrine-related mortality in the pediatric population increased from 1.4866 in 2008 to 2.4982 in 2020, with an AAPC of 0.1346 (95% CI: -3.1216 to -3.5003, p &gt; 0.000001). The male population had higher AAPCs than the female population (women: -0.9938; men: 0.7223). There were notable racial differences: The Hispanic or Latino population had the highest AAPC (0.15), followed by the Black population (-0.195) and then the White population with the lowest AAPC (-0.166). According to the age group stratification, the age group with the highest AAPC was the 5-14 age group (2.03) and the lowest the less than 1 year age group, with AAPC (-2.007). There was a significant decrease in deaths in the less than 1 year age group from 1999 to 2020 (p value &lt; 0.05) with APC (-2.0) (95% CI: -3.0191 to -0.9861) and for the 5-14 age group from 2010 to 2020 with APC (10.8861) (95% CI: 3.4843 to 18.8). Depending on the urban-rural categorization, metro areas had a higher AAPC (0.1508) compared to the non-metro areas with an AAPC (-0.4467). Conclusion: The overall decline in endocrine-related deaths in the pediatric population from 1999 to 2020 hails an improvement in efforts made to manage these disorders. However, the recent uptick in the Hispanic-Latino population emphasizes the necessity for targeted efforts to tackle these disparities and improve the health outcomes of affected communities as well as in children 1-4 years of age, depicting the increased vulnerability and need for added care in this age group. Presentation: Saturday, July 12, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: M. Kakakhel: None. F. Saleem: None. A. Ullah: None. K. Abdul Rehman: None. M.H. Alsaadi: None. H. Ahmad: None. A. Qadeer: None. R. Haider: None. M. Khawar: None. H. Jawad: None. J. Ikram: None. M. Filal: None. F. Ahmed: None. R.W. Kirchoff: None. Background: Thyroid disorders are common endocrine disorders including thyrotoxicosis, thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid diseases. Although it affects an estimated 200 million people globally, the epidemiology of this condition remains underexplored. Here we aimed to investigate mortality trends attributable to thyroid disorders in the US stratified by year, sex, race, and region. Methods: Using data from the CDC WONDER database, we calculated the crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 1,000,000 individuals (≥25 years) and used Joinpoint regression to determine annual and average annual percent change (AAPC) in the mortality trends. Results: Between 1999 and 2020, 561,089 deaths were recorded among patients with thyroid disorders in the United States, with an overall increasing trend in mortality (AAPC = 0.78). The age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) declined gradually from 1999 to 2018 (APC = -0.43, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.22) before rising sharply from 2018 to 2020 (APC = 13.05, 95% CI: 6.39 to 20.12). Females had a higher AAMR (139.75) than males (81.99). Among racial and ethnic groups, Whites exhibited the highest AAMR (124.09), followed by American Indian or Alaskan Natives (121.36), Hispanics (89.13), Black or African Americans (88.44), and Asian or Pacific Islanders (59.36). Regional disparities showed the highest AAMR in the Midwest (130.45) and the lowest in the South (109.40). West Virginia (199.93) and North Dakota (198.82) reported the highest state-level AAMRs, while Nevada (60.18) and Florida (65.49) had the lowest. Non-metropolitan areas experienced higher mortality rates (141.04) than metropolitan areas (112.21), underscoring significant geographical and demographic variations in thyroid disorder-related mortality. Conclusion: Adults in the US have shown a rising trend in Thyroid-related deaths, with the highest mortality rates seen in females, Whites, and people living in the Midwest and Non-metropolitan areas. Our study also highlights the disparities across different demographics. Policy makers should focus on equitable access to healthcare to control this increasing mortality. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025

Establishing vascular access early in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a crucial factor for improving prognosis. Clinical guidelines recommend both intravascular (IV) and intraosseous (IO) access, but the superiority of one technique over the other has yet to be determined. Our review aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of IV versus IO access in OHCA. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception till January 2025 for randomized controlled trials or their subgroup analyses comparing IV versus IO access in adult OHCA patients. The data for clinical outcomes were extracted, and forest plots were generated using the random-effects model in the Review Manager 5.4. We included 6 studies reporting data for 19,811 patients. The pooled analysis demonstrated that IO access had significantly higher odds of successful vascular access on first attempt [odds ratio (OR), 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.19–0.34], but this did not translate to improved survival to hospital discharge (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.90–1.67), survival to hospital discharge with a favorable neurological outcome (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.93–1.76), and return of spontaneous circulation (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.67–1.93). Intravenous and intraosseous vascular access have similar effects on clinical outcomes in patients with OHCA. The preferred method for vascular access should depend on the responder’s feasibility and expertise.

Abstract The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) has updated the operational classification of epileptic seizures, building upon the framework established in 2017. This revision, informed by the implementation experience, involved a working group appointed by the ILAE Executive Committee. Comprising 37 members from all ILAE regions, the group utilized a modified Delphi process, requiring a consensus threshold of more than two thirds for any proposal. Following public comments, the Executive Committee appointed seven additional experts to the revision task force to address and incorporate the issues raised, as appropriate. The updated classification maintains four main seizure classes: Focal, Generalized, Unknown (whether focal or generalized), and Unclassified. Taxonomic rules distinguish classifiers, which are considered to reflect biological classes and directly impact clinical management, from descriptors, which indicate other important seizure characteristics. Focal seizures and those of unknown origin are further classified by the patient's state of consciousness (impaired or preserved) during the seizure, defined operationally through clinical assessment of awareness and responsiveness. If the state of consciousness is undetermined, the seizure is classified under the parent term, that is, the main seizure class (focal seizure or seizure of unknown origin). Generalized seizures are grouped into absence seizures, generalized tonic–clonic seizures, and other generalized seizures, now including recognition of negative myoclonus as a seizure type. Seizures are described in the basic version as with or without observable manifestations, whereas an expanded version utilizes the chronological sequence of seizure semiology. This updated classification comprises four main classes and 21 seizure types. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring translatability into languages beyond English. Its aim is to establish a common language for all health care professionals involved in epilepsy care, from resource‐limited areas to highly specialized centers, and to provide accessible terms for patients and caregivers.