Citations 561

Analysis of Serum Ferritin Levels As a Diagnostic Criteria for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in Hospitalized Adult Patients

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 1014-1014

10.1182/blood.v126.23.1014.1014

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disorder caused by the pathologic activation of the immune system. In children, either a molecular diagnosis consistent with HLH or five out of the following eight criteria are considered necessary for a diagnosis of HLH (HLH-04 criteria): 1) fever; 2) splenomegaly; 3) cytopenia in two or more cell lines; 4) hypertriglyceridemia (≥265 mg/dL) or hypofibrinogenemia (≤150 mg/dL); 5) hemophagocytosis in the bone marrow, spleen, or lymph nodes; 6) hyperferritinemia (≥500 mcg/L); 7) impaired NK cell function; and 8) elevated soluble CD25 (sCD25). These criteria have been extrapolated to diagnose HLH in adults; however, it's unclear if these same criteria are applicable in the adult population. METHODS: We reviewed the Mayo Clinic electronic medical record for all adult (≥18 years) hospitalized patients with an admission serum ferritin of ≥500 mcg/L from January 2012 through December 2014. Patients' charts were reviewed and those who met the HLH-04 criteria were considered to have HLH. For the remainder of the patients, the etiology for hyperferritinemia was determined based on chart review and discharge diagnoses. Logistic regression models were used to assess the ability of these values in predicting a diagnosis of HLH. The Mayo Clinic IRB approved this study. RESULTS: We identified 1,329 patients with a serum ferritin ≥500 mcg/L. Of these, HLH was diagnosed in 28 (2.1%) patients (malignancy-associated HLH in 11 patients, infection-associated HLH in 4 patients, autoimmune-associated HLH in 7 patients, and idiopathic HLH in 6 patients). Table 1 describes the etiology of hyperferritinemia in the remaining 1,301 patients. In contrast to pediatric hospitalized patients (Allen, Pediatr Blood Cancer, 2008), adults are more likely to have malignancy (28.1% vs 7%; p<0.05); bacterial infection (21% vs. 13%; p=0.001); liver disease (9.9% vs. 2.7%; p<0.05); and cardiac disease (7.2% vs. 1.5%; p=0.0001) as the etiology of hyperferritinemia during their hospitalization. Among all patients in the study, the following variables were associated with higher odds of having HLH compared to hyperferritinemia due to an alternate cause: elevated ferritin (odds ratio [OR] 35.97, p<0.01); thrombocytopenia (OR 15.22, p<0.01), cytopenias defined by HLH-04 criteria (OR 8.04, p<0.01); elevated admission serum bilirubin (OR 1.05, p=0.02); and peak serum bilirubin (OR 1.05, p<0.01). After stepwise selection in multivariate analysis, serum ferritin ≥2,600 mcg/L and platelets ≤100 x 109/L were independently associated with HLH diagnosis (OR 24.9 and 7.8 respectively; p<0.01 for both). The area under the curve (AUC or c-statistic) ranges from 0.5 for no ability to discriminate, to 1.0 for perfect discrimination; this model has an AUC of 0.91, which shows very good discrimination between cases and controls. An adult hospitalized patient with a combination of serum ferritin ≥2,600 mcg/L and platelets ≤100x109/L predicts a ~200 fold increased likelihood of being diagnosed with HLH as compared to hospitalized adult meeting neither of these criteria (Figures 1 and 2). CONCLUSION: In contrast to hospitalized pediatric patients, the etiology of hyperferritinemia in adults is more likely to be malignancy, bacterial infection, liver disease, and cardiac disease. We conclude that a combination of serum ferritin ≥2,600 mcg/L and platelet count ≤100 x 109/L can be used as screening criteria to help identify adult patients most likely to have HLH. The traditional 5/8 criteria to diagnose HLH in pediatric patients do not appear necessary for establishing a diagnosis of HLH in adult patients. These observations need replication in an independent data set prior to broader applicability. Table 1.Patients with ferritin > 500 mcg/L with underlying cause for elevation.Number Diagnosed (%)Cardiac Disease95 (7.2%)Liver Disease131 (9.9%)Renal Disease87 (6.6%)Infectious343 (25.8%)Malignancy373 (28.1%)Autoimmune118 (8.9%)Solid Organ Transplant34 (2.6%)Stem Cell Transplant16 (1.2%)Bone Marrow Failure9 (0.7%)Shock39 (2.9%)Idiopathic53 (4.0%)Hemoglobinopathies3 (0.2%) Figure 1. ROC curve for the multivariable model with ferritin > 2,600 (yes/no) and platelets below 100,000 (yes/no) in the model with a very good discrimination c-statistic of 0.91. Figure 1. ROC curve for the multivariable model with ferritin > 2,600 (yes/no) and platelets below 100,000 (yes/no) in the model with a very good discrimination c-statistic of 0.91. Figure 2. Figure 2. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Novel Genetic Variants in Complement-Mediated Thrombotic Microangiopath

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 1050-1050

10.1182/blood.v126.23.1050.1050

Abstract BACKGROUND: Complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) are a subset of TMAs in which the thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and end organ damage are caused by mutations in genes encoding the alternative complement pathway. Numerous complement genes have been implicated in complement-mediated TMAs including complement factor H (CFH), CD46 (MCP), complement factor I (CFI), complement component 3 (C3), complement factor B (CFB), factor H related 5 (CFHR5), and thrombomodulin (THBD) among others. Genetic analysis typically yields a mutation in 60% of patients whose TMA is presumed to be mediated by complement dysregulation. However, the description of novel disease-associated variants may increase this proportion. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with TMAs diagnosed between 2000 and 2014 was performed. TMA diagnosis was made based on thrombocytopenia and evidence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Analysis was performed with Alamut¨ software with additional in silico prediction tools (SIFT, MutationTaster, and Polyphen) for classification of gene variants. Variants of unknown significance (VUS) and likely pathogenic variants were further assessed using several mutation databases, including HGMD, ClinVar, and Factor H database RESULTS: Of patients diagnosed with a TMA, genetic analysis was performed in only a 10% of patients. Of the 29 patients with genetic studies performed, mutations were identified in 18 patients (62%). The majority of the mutations had been described previously in the literature, but four novel variants were identified: three missense and one splice-site. The table below summarizes these variants as well as laboratory findings on presentation. These were two variants of CFH, one variant of CFHR5, and one variant of CFI. In silico modeling of these variants revealed two polymorphisms likely to be pathogenic, one polymorphism likely benign given the lack of predicted splicing changes, and one VUS. Table 1. Protein Mutation Classification Age Sex Hemoglobin (g/dL) Platelets (thousands) Creatinine (mg/dL) CFH c.245-10_245-9dup Likely benign 61 F 11.6 51 6.7 CFH c.476G>A, p.Ser159Asn Likely pathogenic 43 F 9.1 101 9.1 CFHR5 c.1412G>A p.Gly471Glu Likely pathogenic 30 F 9.8 129 4.9 CFI c.1190T>A p.Val397Glu Unknown significance 51 M 9.4 125 6.1 DISCUSSION: With therapy available to target the alternative complement pathway, genetic analysis to identify genetic variants capable of causing complement mediated TMAs is an essential part of the evaluation. This genetic data must be interpreted and correlated with functional analysis and clinical phenotype. The reporting of novel variants in clinical databases, with inclusion of relevant clinical findings, is necessary to accurately classify and verify variants as pathologic mutations or benign polymorphisms. The full understanding of this diverse disease requires a more complete understanding of its genetics. While complement pathway-directed therapies are available, their rational use requires thorough interpretation of laboratory data, including genetic analysis. Disclosures Murray: Mayo Clinic: Patents & Royalties: Patent Application Filed.
Characterizing the Use of Gastrointestinal Procedures in the Workup of Anemia: Patterns of Care and Areas for Improvement

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4748-4748

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4748.4748

Abstract Background: Anemia is an extremely prevalent disease and contributes to a substantial percentage of worldwide years lived with disability. Clinicians generally agree that investigation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with colonoscopy and/or endoscopy is warranted in the presence of either overt clinical evidence of GI bleeding or in the presence of documented iron deficiency. However, little is known about the appropriateness of these procedures in the evaluation of patients without either overt GI bleeding or iron deficiency. Additionally, while a large number of colonoscopies and endoscopies are performed each year, the proportion of such procedures performed in the absence of suspect history or findings has not been characterized. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients at Mayo Clinic Rochester who underwent endoscopy, colonoscopy, or both procedures between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015 for an indication of either "anemia" or "iron deficiency anemia." Sources of data included provider notes, laboratory values, procedure notes, and pathology reports. Information including patient demographic characteristics, medical comorbidities, laboratory values related to anemia, findings at the time of gastrointestinal procedure, and procedure-related complications was collected. Data was entered into an electronic database and data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. Results: 999 procedures were included, including 224 colonoscopies, 306 endoscopies, and 469 combined colonoscopy/endoscopies. Of the 999 total procedures, 78 (8%) had no documented pre-procedure hemoglobin value, 666 (67%) were performed after documented anemia (defined as hemoglobin ≤12 g/dL), and 255 (26%) were performed after a documented hemoglobin of >12 g/dL. Of the 675 procedures performed for "iron deficiency anemia," 462 (68%) patients had documented anemia and documented ferritin prior to the procedure, including only 237 (35%) with both hemoglobin ≤12 and ferritin ≤ 20. 388 (39%) had a documented pre-procedure patient and/or provider report of blood in the stool, and 111 (11%) had a documented pre-procedure positive hemoccult test. 365 (37%) of the 999 procedures identified a probable benign source of bleeding, 54 (5.4%) identified a probable malignant source, and 580 (58%) had no findings consistent with a bleeding source. Patients with documented anemia were more likely to have a probable bleeding source identified than those without documented anemia [46% versus 34%, p<.001]. Of the 83 patients with hemoglobin >12 and ferritin >20, only 1 procedure in 83 demonstrated a malignant finding, and this patient did have blood in the stool at the time of the procedure. There were 46 patients who underwent a procedure without any "warning signs" (either anemia and/or blood in the stool and/or positive hemoccult). Of these patients, 0 had a malignant finding. Conclusions: A large number of procedures performed for either "anemia" or "iron deficiency anemia" were done without pre-procedure documentation of anemia and/or iron deficiency. Documentation of anemia is associated with an increased chance of finding a source of bleeding during the procedure. There were no missed diagnoses of malignancy among patients undergoing procedures without anemia, blood in the stool, and/or positive hemoccult. Careful attention to documentation should be encouraged, and quality improvement initiatives requiring appropriate documentation prior to performing these procedures may be helpful. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Practice Patterns of Re-Initiation of Therapy at Time of Relapse or Progression Post- Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) Among Patients with AL Amyloidosis

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 3444-3444

10.1182/blood.v128.22.3444.3444

Abstract Background: Among patients with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis, there is little consensus on when reinstitution of chemotherapy should occur (Milani and Dispenzieri, International Society of Amyloidosis 2016). AL amyloidosis patients who are treated with high dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) are a relatively low-risk and homogenous population, making them an ideal group to study practice patterns. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the patterns of relapse or progression and the timing of re-initiation of therapy among 146 patients who were initially treated with ASCT at Mayo Clinic between 1996 and 2009 and who received second-line therapy between 7/9/1997 and 4/12/2012. Results: The median time from ASCT to second-line therapy was 23.6 months and the median follow up post ASCT was 57.5 months. The indications for second-line treatment were: 1) both hematologic and organ progression 24.7% (36 patients); 2) organ progression only 41.1% (60); 3) hematologic relapse only 34.2% (50). The median dFLC at the time of starting second-line therapy was 10.5 mg/dL (1.6 - 59.5 mg/dL), which was 44.9% (13.8-167.2%) of dFLC level at diagnosis. Increase in proteinuria by > 50% from nadir (that was also at least 1g/24 hours, i.e. renal progression) was present in 35.8%. Increase in NT proBNP by >30% from nadir and minimum of 300 pg/mL was present in 48.9% of patients. The respective 4 years overall survival rates from the time of ASCT were 87.8%, 63.9%, and 56.7% (p=0.0016) for patients who had hematologic relapse, organ progression only and both organ and hematologic progression. Comparisons of laboratory markers at diagnosis, nadir of post ASCT and initiation of second-line therapy are listed in the table. Conclusions: Our study investigated the patterns of relapse / progression following upfront ASCT. This provides some insights on practice patterns of when physicians re-initiate therapy. Table Table. Disclosures Gertz: NCI Frederick: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Med Learning Group: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Research to Practice: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Research Funding; Prothena Therapeutics: Research Funding; GSK: Honoraria; Sandoz Inc: Honoraria; Ionis: Research Funding; Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Annexon Biosciences: Research Funding. Kumar:Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kesios: Consultancy. Kapoor:Celgene: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding. Dispenzieri:Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Alnylam: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Jannsen: Research Funding; pfizer: Research Funding; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.
In-Hospital Outcomes of Neutropenic Fever: A Study Using the National Inpatient Sample, Years 2009-2013

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4762-4762

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4762.4762

Abstract Background: Neutropenic fever is a common complication of therapy for many cancers. Previous studies have shown high rates of in-hospital mortality ranging from 10-14% (Chindaprasirt J., et al, Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2013; Kuderer N. M., et al, Cancer 2006; Lal A., et al,Asian Pac J Cancer Prev2008; Lyman G. H., et al,Cancer 2010). However, outcomes have not been studied in recent years since the release of updated infectious disease guidelines and improvements in supportive care. Methods: We queried years 2009 to 2013 of the National Inpatient Sample to determine the incidence, mortality, and length of stay for neutropenic fever hospitalizations. The National Inpatient Sample is a nationally weighted sample of all hospital discharges in the United States, derived from discharge billing records from hospitals across the country. Patients aged 18 and older with a principal diagnosis of neutropenia [International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes 288.00 and 288.03] and associated fever (ICD-9-CM code 780.61) were included. Patients with multiple malignancies, no malignancies, or admitted for an obstetric procedure/complication were excluded. Baseline characteristics, associated infections, and in-hospital complications were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Mortality and length of stay were our primary outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of mortality and longer length of stay. Results: A total of156,132 admissions with neutropenic fever occurred between 2009 and 2013. The average incidence of hospitalization for neutropenic fever was 85 per 100,000 total admissions, and did not change significantly over time. The distribution of admissions according to major types of malignancy was: solid tumors (54%); non-Hodgkin lymphoma (20%); acute myeloid leukemia (12%); acute lymphocytic leukemia (4%); and multiple myeloma (4%). The overall mortality was 2% and did not change significantly over time. The median length of stay was 4 days (interquartile range, 3-7). Pneumonia was the most commonly diagnosed infection (9%), followed by urinary tract infection (7%), bacteremia (4%), skin/soft tissue infection (4%), and upper respiratory tract infection/bronchitis (3%). Diagnosis of a fungal infection was uncommon (2%). Acute renal failure was the most common complication (7%), while acute respiratory failure (2%) and cardiac or pulmonary arrest (<1%) were uncommon. In multivariable analysis, age >59, acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (versus solid tumors), pneumonia, fungal infection and weighted Elixhauser comorbidity index >14 were significant predictors of mortality (Table 1) and increased length of stay (Table 2). Race, insurance, median household income, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic myeloid leukemia, and multiple myeloma (versus solid tumor), and intestinal infection were also predictors of increased length of stay but not mortality. Conclusions: Our study is the first to examine a nationally representative cohort of cancer patients in the hospital with neutropenic fever and identified a relatively low mortality rate. We identified age, underlying comorbidities, type of cancer, and type of infection as significant predictors of mortality. Given the low morbidity and mortality rate, further studies should be done to improve risk stratification of patients with neutropenic fever and prevent unnecessary hospitalization. Table 1 Predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with neutropenic fever Table 1. Predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with neutropenic fever Table 2 Predictors of length of stay > 2 days in patients with neutropenic fever Table 2. Predictors of length of stay > 2 days in patients with neutropenic fever Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Effect of Standard Dose Versus Risk Adapted Melphalan Conditioning on Outcomes in Systemic AL Amyloidosis Patients Undergoing Frontline Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Based on Revised Mayo Stage

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4627-4627

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4627.4627

Abstract Introduction High dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is an effective therapy for eligible patients with newly diagnosed systemic AL amyloidosis. Dose attenuated melphalan is used in patients with older age, renal dysfunction, and multi-organ involvement in an effort to limit treatment related mortality. Reducing the dose of melphalan compromises response rates and survival outcomes, but this is often contributed to frailty of these patients. The revised Mayo staging (MS) system improves risk stratification and helps develop risk-adapted therapies. We analyzed the outcomes of ASCT following standard [(200 mg/m2); SD group] versus risk adapted [(140-160 mg/m2); RD group] melphalan conditioning, in the context of the factors typically leading to dose modification. Methods Three hundred and twenty nine patients with newly diagnosed systemic AL amyloidosis who underwent conditioning with melphalan followed by ASCT at Mayo Clinic between 2006 and 2015 were identified using existing databases. The clinical and laboratory data, treatment and follow - up details were collected by chart review and analyzed retrospectively. Overall survival(OS) was defined as the time from start of initial therapy until death from any cause or last follow up. Progression free survival(PFS) was defined as the time to relapse or progression requiring change or reinstitution of treatment or death from any cause. The OS and PFS curves were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method while log rank test was used to estimate their difference. Multivariate survival analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results Among the 329 patients, 240 patients were in SD group and 89 patients were in RD group (1 patient received 120 mg/ m2, 2 received 160 mg/m2 and the rest received 140 mg / m2). In the SD group, median age was 58.5 years (25.6 - 72.3); 59.6% were males; 38.7% / 61.7 %/ 7.5% had cardiac / renal /hepatic involvement; and 47.1% / 35.7% / 8.8% / 8.4% had MS I/II/III/IV. In the RD group, median age was 60.8 years (40 - 73.7); 62.9% were males; 66.3% / 71.9 %/ 11.2% had cardiac / renal /hepatic involvement; and 26.2% / 32.5% / 21.2% / 20% had MS I/II/III/IV. The response rates for patients in the SD group [complete response (CR) - 53.7%, very good partial response (VGPR) - 19.6%, partial response (PR) - 12.5%, no response (NR) - 1.2%, progressive disease (PD) - 1.6%] were significantly higher than patients in the RD group (CR - 34.8%, VGPR - 20.2%, PR - 15.7%, NR - 10.1%, PD - 1.1%) (85.8 vs 70.7%; p < 0.002). The PFS and OS for both the groups according to Mayo stage are presented in Figure 1. Multivariate survival analysis for PFS and OS was performed using age (≤ vs > 70 years), serum creatinine (≤ vs > 2 mg/dL), number of major organs involved (heart, kidney, liver, gastrointestinal tract and autonomic neuropathy), MS (1 vs 2 vs 3 and 4) and dose of melphalan (SD vs RD). The dose of melphalan (p=0.0002), MS (p=0.03) and the number of organs involved (p=0.04) were significant for PFS while the dose of melphalan (p=0.0001) and the MS (p = 0.004) were significant for OS. Conclusion Reducing the dose of melphalan during conditioning for frontline ASCT in systemic AL amyloidosis renders more patients eligible for transplant but compromises on the response rates. There is no impact on PFS and OS in Mayo stage I patients. However the OS as well as PFS in Mayo stage II, III and IV were significantly lower in RD group as compared to SD group. These results suggest a suboptimal outcome with use of reduced dose melphalan, even after accounting for the pother prognostic factors, suggesting that high dose therapy should potentially be limited to those eligible to receive the full dose conditioning. Disclosures Dispenzieri: Jannsen: Research Funding; pfizer: Research Funding; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Alnylam: Research Funding; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Kapoor:Takeda: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Kumar:Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy; AbbVie: Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Kesios: Consultancy; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Characteristics and Outcome of Direct Antiglobulin Test-Negative Hemolytic Anemia: A Case Series

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 2451-2451

10.1182/blood.v128.22.2451.2451

Abstract BACKGROUND: Non-hereditary hemolytic anemia of unknown etiology after an exhaustive work-up is commonly known as direct antiglobulin test (DAT)-negative hemolytic anemia. Due to its rarity, limited data are available regarding this condition. We performed this retrospective study to determine the frequency, associated medical conditions, treatments used, and clinical outcome of patients with DAT- negative hemolytic anemia. METHODS: We included adult (age >18 years) patients with DAT-negative hemolytic anemia seen at Mayo Clinic from 1997-2015 who met all of the following criteria: a) hemoglobin (Hb)< 12 g/dL; b) presence of hemolysis (reticulocytosis, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, decreased haptoglobin, and/or elevated indirect bilirubin); c) DAT-negative; and d) unknown etiology of hemolytic anemia after extensive work-up appropriate for clinical context. Remission status after appropriate therapy for perceived hemolysis was defined as follows: a) complete remission (CR; Hb ≥12g/dL and normalization of at least one previously abnormal hemolytic marker); b) partial remission (PR; Hb: 10-11.9 g/dL with evidence of ongoing hemolysis); c) no remission (NR; neither CR nor PR). In order to calculate the relative frequency of DAT-negative hemolytic anemia, we also determined the number of DAT-positive hemolytic anemia cases during the same time period using the above criteria for hemolytic anemia. RESULTS: During the 19-year study period, 24 and 484 patients were diagnosed with DAT- negative and DAT-positive hemolytic anemia, respectively, a ratio of 1:20. Among those with DAT-negative hemolytic anemia, the majority were males (67%) and the median age at diagnosis was 70 years (range, 22-87). Six patients (25%) had pre-existing autoimmune conditions including immune thrombocytopenia (n=3), Crohn's disease (n=2), and Grave's disease (n=1). All patients had negative DAT by conventional method with one patient turning positive at 104 days after initial diagnosis. Enhanced DAT technique using 4°C low-ionic strength saline wash was performed in one case and was negative. In general, peripheral blood smear showed polychromasia, occasional spherocytes, and no schistocytes or bite cells. Additional work-ups performed based on clinical context and proportion of patients tested (all results negative or normal) were as follows: hemoglobin electrophoresis (54%), flow cytometry for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (92%), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase level (67%), osmotic fragility test/eosin-5'-maleimide stain for hereditary spherocytosis (54%), other red blood cell enzymes (46%), computed tomographic scan of the body to look for occult malignancy (46%), and bone marrow biopsy (50%). The median hemoglobin at diagnosis was 8.5 g/dL (range, 4.5-11.8). Fourteen patients (58.3%) required blood transfusion during the course of their disease. Sixteen patients (67%) received prednisone as initial therapy with 19% CR and 38% PR response rates. Subsequent therapies included: rituximab (n=6; 40% PR), cyclophosphamide (n=2; 100% NR), mycophenolate mofetil (n=1; 100% NR), intravenous immunoglobulin (n=2; 100% NR), and splenectomy (n=6; 50% CR and 33.3% PR), respectively. The median follow-up for all cases was 32.9 months (range, 2-433). Six patients (25%) developed hematologic malignancies after a median follow-up of 8.7 months (range, 0.7-29.3), which included primary myelofibrosis (n=2), myelodysplastic syndrome (n=1), mantle cell lymphoma (n=1), non-Hodgkin lymphoma-not otherwise specified (n=1), and T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (n=1). At last follow-up, 9 patients (38%) were in CR and 8 (33%) in PR. Relapses occurred in 67% and 0% of patients who received prednisone and splenectomy, respectively. CONCLUSION: At our institution, DAT-negative hemolytic anemia was approximately 20 times less common than DAT-positive hemolytic anemia. Most patients were treated with either immunosuppressive agents with or without splenectomy. Splenectomy was the most effective treatment. At least a quarter of the patients were eventually diagnosed with hematologic malignancies mostly within a year of DAT-negative hemolytic anemia diagnosis. Routine upfront evaluation for hematologic malignancies might be necessary for these patients. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Predictors of Early Relapse Following Initial Therapy for Systemic Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 2082-2082

10.1182/blood.v128.22.2082.2082

Abstract Introduction Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL Amyloidosis) is a monoclonal plasma cell proliferative disorder that is characterized by tissue deposits of misfolded insoluble κ or λ light chain derived amyloid fibrils, leading to organ dysfunction. The prognosis of patients depends on the number and severity of organ involvement, especially cardiac involvement. Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), if eligible, alkylator (melphalan) and novel drugs like proteasome inhibitors (PI) and immunomodulators (IMiD) have improved the overall survival (OS) during the past decades. But still, nearly half of the patients die within a year of diagnosis. We analyzed the factors predicting early relapse / progression or death (within 12 months) after first line therapy for systemic AL amyloidosis. Methods Clinical and laboratory data of all consecutive patients with systemic AL amyloidosis seen at Mayo Clinic within 90 days of their diagnosis, between 2006 and 2015, was collected by chart review and analyzed retrospectively. Patients who died within 3 months of starting the first line treatment were excluded from analysis. Early relapse (ER) was defined as relapse / progression requiring treatment change / re-institution or death within 12 months of starting first line treatment. Patients in the cohort with ER were compared with patients with a follow up of more than 12 months who had a relapse / progression beyond 12 months or had continuing response at the time of analysis. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi - square and Fisher's exact test and continuous variables using Kruskal- Wallis test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Multivariate analysis was done using logistic regression model. Results Seven hundred and eighty six patients with newly diagnosed systemic AL amyloidosis met the study criteria and were included in the analysis. Among these, 230 (29.3%) patients had ER within 12 months of starting initial therapy while 556 (70.7%) patients either relapsed after 1 year or had continuing response at the time of analysis. Baseline demographics, organ involvement and type of first line therapy are presented in Table1. The median estimated follow up for the entire cohort from start of initial therapy was 62.9 months (95% CI; 59.9, 67.3). The variables included in the univariate and multivariate analyses for factors predicting ER were age at diagnosis (≤ vs > 70 years ), revised mayo stage (I and II vs III and IV), bone marrow plasma cell percentage (BMPC; ≤ 10% vs > 10%), presence of any chromosomal abnormalities, trisomies or IgH translocations by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), multiorgan involvement [(>1 vs 1) (heart, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, autonomic neuropathy), incorporation of ASCT in initial therapy. In univariate analysis, mayo stage (p<0.0001), multiorgan involvement (p=0.0008) and inclusion of ASCT as part of initial therapy (p<0.0001) were significantly associated with ER, while age (p=0.06), BMPC(p=0.9), FISH abnormalities (p=0.2) were not. However, in multivariate analysis, only mayo stage (III + IV vs I + II; p=0.01) and non-inclusion of ASCT in first line treatment (p=0.0001) were significantly predictive of ER. Conclusions Despite the introduction of ASCT and novel drugs, the early mortality in systemic AL amyloidosis remains high. This study demonstrates that patients with ER are older with higher prevalence of cardiac involvement and multiorgan involvement and higher Mayo stage (III and IV). Incorporation of ASCT as part of the initial therapy was associated with reduced early relapse, but it is difficult to separate the influence of the eligibility for ASCT from the effect of ASCT itself. This will help us in characterizing these patients to better understand their mechanisms of resistance to therapy and gives an insight to the type of initial therapy that benefits them. Disclosures Dispenzieri: GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jannsen: Research Funding; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Alnylam: Research Funding; pfizer: Research Funding. Kapoor:Takeda: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Kumar:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kesios: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Treatment Patterns and Outcomes Following Initial Relapse in Patients with Relapsed Systemic Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 3338-3338

10.1182/blood.v128.22.3338.3338

Abstract Introduction Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL Amyloidosis) is a plasma cell disorder characterized by deposition of misfolded insoluble protein fibrils (composed of monoclonal κ or λ light chains) in tissues causing progressive organ dysfunction. Chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), when eligible, are standard treatment options but relapses remain inevitable for most patients. However, there is a paucity of literature describing relapsed or refractory patients. We performed a retrospective study to analyze the outcomes upon relapse and the impact of type of therapy and retreatment with the same therapy at relapse. Methods Clinical and laboratory data of 1327 consecutive patients with systemic AL amyloidosis seen at Mayo Clinic within 90 days of their diagnosis, between 2006 and 2015, was collected by chart review and analyzed retrospectively. Of these patients, 219 (16.5%) were lost to follow-up. Among the remaining 1108 patients, 366 patients experienced a documented hematological or organ relapse or progression requiring change of first line or start of second line therapy and form the current study population. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from start of second line treatment or progression mandating therapy until death from any cause or the date of last follow up. The OS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test was used to estimate the difference in survival curves. Results The median age was 62.8 years (36.1 - 85.3); 63.1% were males; 64.7% / 59.3% / 11.4% had cardiac / renal / hepatic involvement and 24.2% / 32.1% / 23.3% / 20.3% had MS I/II/III/IV. The median estimated follow up for this cohort was 69.4 months (95% CI; 64.4, 76.8) from the start of first line therapy and 45.2 months (95% CI; 36.5, 50.6) from the start of second line therapy or progression requiring treatment. The median time to second line treatment or relapse /progression mandating therapy was 16.2 months (1-93) from the start of first line therapy. At relapse, 14 patients underwent ASCT, 165 were treated with proteasome inhibitor (PI) based therapy, 83 with immunomodulator (IMiD) based therapy, 33 with alkylator based therapy, 15 with a combination of PI and IMiD, 10 with steroids, 8 with other therapies and 38 did not receive treatment. Among the 366 patients, 124 (33.9%) required change or reinstitution of therapy during follow up at the time of analysis. The median time to third line treatment or relapse /progression mandating therapy was 31 months (95% CI; 24, 40.5) from the start of second line treatment. The median overall survival (OS) was 76.4 months (95% CI; 65.2, 83.6) from the start of first line therapy and 38.8 months (95% CI; 29.6, 52.6) from the start of second line therapy. The type of therapy at relapse (ASCT vs PI vs IMiD vs melphalan vs steroids and others) did not alter the time to next therapy (ASCT, 43.1m; PI, 31m; IMiD, 37m; melphalan, 20.8m; steroids and others, 20m; p=0.3) and OS (ASCT, 66.9m; PI, 51.1m; IMiD, 51.3m; melphalan, 37.2m; steroids and others, 80.7m; p=0.9) from the start of the second line treatment; as depicted in Figure 1. Retreatment with a different drug class (as the first line treatment) at relapse significantly reduced the time to next treatment (32.3m vs 22 m; p= 0.01) as compared to same therapy; but did not have any impact on survival (30.8m vs 51.1m; p = 0.5); as presented in Figure 2. Conclusion This study provides novel information about outcomes of patients with systemic AL amyloidosis who relapse or progress after first line therapy which could be useful in planning salvage therapies and designing clinical trials. Retreatment with a different therapy at relapse improves time to next therapy but does not impact OS. Hence, we conclude that the patients can fare well post relapse/ progression and can benefit from various treatment regimens including retreatment with the same agent. Disclosures Dispenzieri: Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Prothena: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jannsen: Research Funding; pfizer: Research Funding; Alnylam: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Kapoor:Amgen: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Kumar:BMS: Consultancy; Kesios: Consultancy; Glycomimetics: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Array BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Noxxon Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Skyline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm. a Population-Based Analysis from the SEER and NCDB Databases

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 4789-4789

10.1182/blood.v128.22.4789.4789

Abstract Introduction Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is an extremely rare hematologic malignancy that was grouped with myeloid malignancies in the 2008 WHO classification. The current available literature is limited to small case series and single-institution experiences. This population study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) and the National Cancer Database (NCDB) is the largest to explore epidemiologic and outcome data in BPDCN. SEER collects cancer incidence and survival data from cancer registries covering approximately 26% of the US population. NCDB is a nationwide, facility-based, comprehensive, clinical-surveillance resource for oncology data coming from more than 1500 Commission of Cancer (CoC)-accredited programs. Methods Using data from the SEER and NCDB registries, this study respectively identified 379 (years 2000-2013) and 216 (years 2004-2012) adult patients over the age of 20 diagnosed with BPDCN (ICDO-3 coding 9727). We used the SEER registry to estimate incidence rates, ratios and trends and the NCDB registry to study clinical characteristics, survival and outcomes. The JMP statistical software and the SEER*STAT 8.3.2 were used to conduct statistical analysis. We analyzed survival using the Kaplan-Meier method and used log-rank tests to compare survival distributions. The prognostic effect of pertinent clinical variables was studied using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. All tests of statistical significance were two-sided and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results The median age at diagnosis for BPDCN was 52 years (20-93). The incidence of BPDCN was found to be 0.45/1,000,000 age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population with similar trends over the years. No racial disparities were identified. The male:female ratio was 2 (P<0.00001). The bone marrow was the most common primary site of involvement (42%) followed by the skin (20%) and the heart, mediastinum and pleura (13%). The median overall survival for the entire cohort was found to be 23 months (95% CI; 17-34). Survival rates at 1 year, 2 years and 5 years were found to be 66%, 49% and 38% respectively. 20 patients (10%) underwent a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as part of their initial therapy and the median overall survival for these patients was not reached compared to a median survival of 19 months for patients who did not undergo upfront HSCT (95% CI; 15-30, P=0.006). A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed including age, race, sex, HSCT, insurance status, income, treatment facility (academic versus non-academic) and disease primary site. Young age and HSCT were predictors of better outcomes. 60 years and older was found to be the age cut-off associated with significantly inferior survival based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Conclusion BPDCN is a rare hematologic malignancy associated with a poor median survival of less than two years. Males are twice more likely to be affected than females. The bone marrow is the primary site of involvement in most cases. Younger age (<60 years) and HSCT were predictors of significantly better outcomes. Kaplan-Meier survival curve for the entire cohort Kaplan-Meier survival curves in patients Age <60 versus > 60 Kaplan-Meier survival curves in patients who underwent HSCT versus those who did not Figure 1 Figure 1. Figure 2 Figure 2. Figure 3 Figure 3. Disclosures Al-Kali: Celgene: Research Funding; Onconova Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding.