Citations

Abstract Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life-threatening, prothrombotic, antibody-mediated disorder. To maximize the likelihood of recovery, early and accurate diagnosis is critical. Widely available HIT assays, such as the platelet factor 4 (PF4) heparin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) lack specificity, and the gold-standard carbon 14–labeled serotonin release assay (SRA) is of limited value for early patient management because it is available only through reference laboratories. Recent studies have demonstrated that pathogenic HIT antibodies selectively activate PF4-treated platelets and that a technically simpler assay, the PF4-dependent P-selectin expression assay (PEA), may provide an option for rapid and conclusive results. Based upon predefined criteria that combined 4Ts scores and HIT ELISA results, 409 consecutive adults suspected of having HIT were classified as disease positive, negative, or indeterminate. Patients deemed HIT indeterminate were considered disease negative in the primary analysis and disease positive in a sensitivity analysis. The ability of PEA and SRA to identify patients judged to have HIT was compared using receiver operating characteristic curve statistics. Using these predefined criteria, the diagnostic accuracy of PEA was high (area under the curve [AUC], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-1.0) and similar to that of SRA (AUC, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.82-1.0). In sensitivity analysis, the AUCs of PEA and SRA were also similar at 0.88 (95% CI, 0.78-0.98) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.77-0.96), respectively. The PEA, a technically simple nonradioactive assay that uses ∼20-fold fewer platelets compared with the SRA, had high accuracy for diagnosing HIT. Widespread use of the PEA may facilitate timely and more effective management of patients with suspected HIT.

AbstractTransplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA) has a wide range of presentations after hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (HSCT). We retrospectively studied the risk factors and outcomes of patients with early (≤day 100) and late (>day 100) TA‐TMA. Among the 1451 HSCT recipients, early TA‐TMA occurred in 45 (3.1%) patients at a median of 27 (3‐91) days, and late TA‐TMA in 39 (2.7%) patients at a median of 303 (122‐2595) days. Patients with early TA‐TMA were more likely to have high blood calcineurin‐inhibitor levels (P < .001) and acute graph‐vs‐host disease (GVHD, P < .001), while late TMA patients were more likely to have chronic GVHD (P < .001). The estimated median overall survival after onset of TMA for the entire cohort was 6 months. The estimated median overall survival was not reached in patients with an improvement of TMA vs 2 months in patients with no improvement (P < .001). In the early TMA group, older age (for every 10 years, HR 1.40; 95% CI 1.00‐1.94; P = .049) and bacterial infection (HR 2.42; 95% CI 0.98‐6.00; P = .056) were positively associated with mortality. Switching to MMF treatment (HR 0.40; 95% CI 0.16‐0.99; P = .047) and improvement of TMA (HR 0.08; 95% CI 0.03‐0.25; P < .001) were negatively associated with mortality in the multivariate analysis. In the late TMA group, the improvement of TMA was the only independent predictor associated with a lower risk of death (HR 0.05; 95% CI 0.02‐0.19; P < .001). Mortality rates in both early and late TMA remain unacceptably high. Future studies are needed for early diagnosis, trigger identifications, and use of targeted treatments.

Abstract Objectives Despite more than 40 years of experience performing the Bethesda assay (BA), poor intra- and interlaboratory precision remains the biggest laboratory challenge to date. Methods The BA procedure was modeled using stochastic simulation techniques to determine the precision of the BA up to dilutions of 1:4,096, to estimate the minimum significant relative change at various inhibitor titers, and to understand the laboratory procedural variables that could significantly affect the performance of the BA at high dilutions. Results Selecting the lowest dilution tube with a residual activity closest to 25% for calculating the reported Bethesda titer (BT), using a factor activity assay with a coefficient of variation less than or equal to 7.5% in the range of 15% to 50% factor activity level, performing the factor activity measurement in replicates, and minimizing pipette volumetric error resulted in the lowest imprecision in the reported BT. The factor neutralization kinetics of the inhibitor appear to have little impact on the precision of the assay if the incubation time is greater than 90 minutes. Conclusions This in silico model will assist future laboratory efforts in standardizing the quantification of specific coagulation factor inhibitors and improving the precision of the reported results.

Abstract Deletion 5q in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): a Clinicopathological Description of 79 Cases From a Single Institution Rafael Santana-Davila, Shernan G. Holtan, Rhett P. Ketterling, Ryan A. Knudson, David P. Steensma, Dong Chen, James D. Hoyer, Curtis A. Hanson, Ayalew Tefferi. Background: Deletion 5q (del(5q)) is a lenalidomide-sensitive cytogenetic abnormality commonly seen in patients with myeloid disorders. In this study we analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with AML and del(5q). Methods: Patients with del(5q) and AML were identified through a database query of our institutional cytogenetic database from May, 1992 through December, 2005. Both peripheral blood and bone marrow specimens from each patient were morphologically examined by a hematopathologist (DC, JDH and/or CAH). A morphologic diagnosis was given based on current WHO criteria. A critical review of the patient history was performed for each patient. Results: A total 79 patients were identified. Median age was 71 (range 39–87) years, 56% (n=43)were female. The most common subtype according to the FAB classification was M2 (n=23, 29%). In 35 (44%) patients AML developed a median of 9.4 (range 1–294) months since the diagnosis of a pre-existing myeloid malignancy, of which myelodysplastic syndrome accounted for 24 (9 cases of MDS NOS, 6 of RA, 6 of RAEB1, 2 of RAEB-2, and a single RARS), a myeloproliferative neoplasm in 10 (4 cases of a CMPD NOS, 4 cases of PV and a single case of ET and PMF each) and 1 case of a prior history of AML with a t(8;21). The del(5q) was documented in 7 of this 24 patients in the antecedent hematologic disorder. Neither a history of prior exposure to cytotoxic agents nor a prior myeloid disorder was found in 44% (n=35) of the patients. Del(5q) was commonly associated with a complex karyotype (n=67), however in 9 patients it was found to be the sole abnormality. The most frequent breakpoint was q13q33 (n=47) followed by q15q33 (n=12). Initial pathological description did not identify any morphological abnormalities in 6 cases, in contrast myelodysplasia involving at least two cell lines was appreciated in 58% (n=46) of the patients. The median survival was 2.8 months. The majority of the subjects (n=51, 65%) received palliative treatment, 7 patients were lost to follow up and no treatment information was available for review and the remaining 21 received induction chemotherapy with a curative intent, in this group median survival was 8.8 months with 52% (n=11) of patients achieving a complete response. Surprisingly the only factor that appeared to alter survival in the whole group was the presence of the breakpoint in chromosome 5 being distal to q15 (median 2.8 vs 4.1 months, p=0.025) Conclusions: This study constitutes the largest review of del(5q) in AML, its presence is currently associated with advanced age and a poor survival. Close to half of the patients in our series were classified as de novo AML. Although more commonly encountered as part of a complex karyotype it can also be present as a single abnormality. The different cytogenetic characteristics of the del(5q) may impact survival and this deserves further investigation. Figure. Survival of patients with AML and del(5q) in which the breakpoint was found to be distal to q15 (straight line) compared with patients in which the breakpoint was proximal to q13 (dotted line). Figure. Survival of patients with AML and del(5q) in which the breakpoint was found to be distal to q15 (straight line) compared with patients in which the breakpoint was proximal to q13 (dotted line).

Abstract Background: Deletion 5q is a lenalidomide-sensitive cytogenetic abnormality seen usually in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In the current study, we looked into the occurrence and clinicopathologic correlates of del(5q) in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) defined according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Methods: Patients with del(5q)-positive MPN were identified through database query involving over 2000 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPD) including no less than 500 patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF), 600 patients with essential thrombocytosis (ET), 500 patients with polycythemia vera (PV), and the remaining comprised of patients with molecularly-undefined chronic eosinophilic leukemia, hypereosinophilic syndrome, systemic mastocytosis (SM), chronic neutrophilic leukemia, and “MPN, unclassifiable”. Results: A total of 23 patients with del(5q) were identified (12 at time of initial diagnosis), suggesting an overall prevalence rate of 1%. A central pathological review was conducted to confirm the diagnosis in each instance. Specific diagnoses included PMF (n=14; estimated prevalence of 3%), MPN, unclassifiable (n=4), PV (n=2), ET (n=1), post ET-myelofibrosis (n=1) and SM (n=1). Del(5q) was a sole abnormality in 5 patients, accompanied by one other abnormality in 6 patients, and part of a complex karyotype in 12 patients. The most common breakpoint was q13q33 (n=10) followed by q15q33 (n=6). Based on sample size adequacy, we focused on del(5q)-positive PMF patients and compared their bone marrow histological and clinical features with their del(5q)-negative counterparts seen at the Mayo Clinic during the same period of time (n=311). There was no difference in gender or age distributions. Histopathological review did not show the typical tight clusters of megakaryocytes seen in classic PMF. The megakaryocytes were not the predominate feature of the biopsy, in general were less lobulated and smaller in size, and had a higher grade of fibrosis (med = 3+) than classic PMF. Furthermore, del(5q)-positive PMF patients presented with significantly lower hemoglobin level (p=0.0009) and platelet count (p=0.0003). The percentage of patients presenting with a hemoglobin level of &lt; 10 g/dL or a platelet count of &lt; 100 × 109/L were 70% and 92% in del(5q)-positive patients as opposed to 43% and 18% in del(5q)-negative patients. However, the presence of del(5q) did not significantly affect either overall survival (Figure) or leukemic transformation in PMF (14% vs 9%). Conclusions: Del(5q) is generally rare in MPNs but might occur in as much as 3% of patients with PMF. The presence of del(5q) does not appear to affect overall survival in PMF despite its clustering with adverse prognostic features for the disease including anemia and thrombocytopenia. Finally, megakaryocyte morphology and distribution in del(5q)-associated PMF are characteristically different from classic PMF. Figure Figure

Abstract Introduction: Assays of plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) are essential for the laboratory diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD). However, the current manual platelet aggregation/aggregometry method has relatively poor operating characteristics. Our goal was to develop a simple, accurate and sensitive platelet based assay. Methods: VWF protein from normal or patient plasma was first captured on the polyclonal anti-VWF antibody coated plastic plate surface. VWF:RCo activity was assayed by the binding of mitotracker (a red fluorochrome)-labeled, formalin-fixed normal platelets in the presence of ristocetin (1mg/ml) and under agitation (200 rpm by vortex). The fluorescence from the bound platelets, measured by a fluorescence microtiter plate reader (Fluor4000, BioRad), was related to the calibrator plasma signal (6∼150% or IU/dL), and reported as % or IU/dL. We tested plasma samples from normal donors (n=16) and known VWD patients (type 1, n=6; type 2, n=9) based on clinical history and levels of plasma VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), VWF:RCo activity (manual platelet aggregation/aggregometry method), factor VIII activity and VWF multimer analysis. Results: For both normal donors and VWD patients, VWF:RCo activities by the plate assay vs. manual platelet aggregation/aggregometry method correlated closely (R2=0.84), and VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag ratios did not differ significantly. Platelet binding to VWF-coated plastic wells is both VWF specific and ristocetin dependent. Conclusions: Although this new platelet based VWF:RCo plate assay is still being optimized and validated, the preliminary data suggest that it is simple, accurate and sensitive.

Abstract Introduction: The utility of patient reported symptoms and serum tryptase levels in distinguishing those with systemic mastocytosis (SM) versus mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) versus those not meeting formal diagnostic criteria for SM or MCAS has not been systematically examined. Methods: This study was approved by our institutional review board. Patients were referred for suspected SM based on symptoms of mast cell activation, osteopenia, skin rash, etc., or had an established diagnosis of SM. All patients were given a Mastocytosis Symptom Assessment Form (MastSAF) to complete at their initial evaluation. The MastSAF is comprised of 36 symptom questions to be graded on a scale of 0 (absent) to 10 (worst imaginable), and is organized around 9 symptom clusters: gastrointestinal (8 questions), constitutional (3 questions), musculoskeletal (5 questions), cutaneous (4 questions), neuropsychological (6 questions), genitourinary (3 questions), respiratory (4 questions), angioedema (1 question), and cardiovascular (2 questions). All patients underwent bone marrow biopsy and serum tryptase level assessment. SM was diagnosed by 2008 WHO criteria. In the presence of characteristic symptoms, if clonal or abnormal mast cells were not identified, and if serum/urine mast cell mediator levels were increased, then non-SM associated, non-monoclonal MCAS was diagnosed. Results: A total 53 patients were studied. 1) SM: Of 28 patients, 13 had indolent SM (ISM), 9 aggressive SM (ASM) and 6 SM with associated hematological disease (SM-AHD) The median total symptom score was 47 (range 8-159). The median (range) for SM subgroups was: ISM 51 (9-159), ASM 55 (19-157) and SM-AHD 27 (8-131) (p=0.2). The normalized median score for individual symptom categories (total median score/no. of symptoms per category) in order of severity was cutaneous 1.9, gastrointestinal 1.8, constitutional 1.7, neuropsychological 1.3, respiratory 1.3, musculoskeletal 0.9, cardiovascular 0.3, genitourinary 0.3, and angioedema 0. Symptom severity was not significantly different among the 3 SM subgroups, except for constitutional symptoms (median score ASM 9, ISM 4, SM-AHD 2.5, p=0.02). The median (range) tryptase level was 48.4 ng/mL (8.8-282); four patients (14%) had a baseline level <20 ng/mL. The median (range) tryptase level among SM subgroups was: ISM 46.9 (8.8-225), ASM 103 (29.4-282), and SM-AHD 43.5 (28.5-233) (p=0.1). When considering patients with tryptase level ≥50 versus <50 ng/mL, symptom scores were not significantly higher in the former group with the exception of constitutional (p=0.02) and genitourinary symptoms (p=0.04). 2) MCAS: 15 patients The median total symptom score was 127 (range 2-248). The normalized median score for individual symptom categories in order of severity was neuropsychological 4.5, musculoskeletal 4.2, cutaneous 4.0, constitutional 3.3, gastrointestinal 2.1, respiratory and cardiovascular 2.0 each, genitourinary 1.7, and angioedema 1.0. The median (range) serum tryptase level at referral was 12.7 ng/mL (1.7-25.8); five patients (33%) had a baseline level >20 ng/mL. 3) Neither SM/MCAS: 10 patients The median total symptom score was 119 (range 45-177). The normalized median score for individual symptom categories in order of severity was musculoskeletal 4.2, gastrointestinal 3.6, constitutional 3.3, neuropsychological 3.3, cutaneous 3.0, cardiovascular and genitourinary 2.0 each, respiratory 1.3, and angioedema 0. The median (range) serum tryptase level at referral (n=9) was 4.8 ng/mL (2.9-6.6). 4) Comparison: MCAS vs. SM: Symptom scores were significantly higher in MCAS as compared to SM (p<0.05), except for genitourinary and respiratory symptoms, which were not significantly different. ‘Neither SM/MCAS’ vs. SM: Symptom scores (total, gastrointestinal, constitutional, musculoskeletal, cutaneous, and neuropsychological) were significantly higher in the former group (p<0.05). Other symptom scores were not significantly different. Conclusions: The spectrum and severity of patient reported symptoms was broadly similar among WHO subcategories of SM, and serum tryptase level had limited if any correlation with symptom scores. Despite the significantly higher overall symptom burden in MCAS versus SM, tryptase levels in the former group were significantly lower with values >30 ng/mL unusual. Despite overlap, the top ranked symptoms in the 3 groups were different. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background: MDS is a clonal bone marrow disorder characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis with peripheral blood cytopenias and an increased risk for transformation to acute leukemia. Patients with MDS who have a history of prior exposure to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are called therapy-related MDS (t-MDS). We hereby describe our experience with this entity and compare it to our experience with de novo MDS patients. Aim: To study the differences of clinical outcome between t-MDS and de novo MDS patients. Method: A retrospective single institution study chart review of cases with MDS at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 1993- 2011 was performed. De novo MDS, t-MDS and leukemic transformation (LT) were defined according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification (Swerdlow et al 2008). Prior exposures to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/ or both were defined as t-MDS; while lack of any as de novo MDS. Appropriate IRB approval was obtained in accordance with the Helsinki declaration. Comparison between group medians was done using Wilcoxon test, comparison between values was done using contingency and One-way analyses (Means/Anova/Pooled t), while survival estimates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves JMP V10 Results: Out of 827 patients with MDS, 153 (19%) patients were t-MDS (group (Gr) 1) versus 674 (81%) (rest of patients, Gr 2). Out of the t-MDS, 79 (52%) pts had CTX, and 42 (27%) had XRT, and 32 (21%) pts had both CTX/XRT). Upon comparison between Gr 1 vs 2, statistical significant difference was seen in median age 69 vs 72 (p=0.01), Platelets 68 vs 114 x109(<p0.0001), and WBC 3.2 vs 3.6 x109(0.02), respectively. No significant statistical difference was found in median Hg 9.6 vs 9.7 gm/dL (p 0.6), peripheral blood (PB) blasts 0% in both groups, and bone marrow (BM) blasts 2% in both groups. IPSS was low, int-1, int-2, high in 16%, 40%, 34%, 9%in Gr 1 and 32%, 46%, 18%, 4% in Gr 2. IPSS-R was very low, low, int, high, very high in 9%, 24%, 18%, 20%, 28% in Gr 1 vs 18%, 36%, 20%, 16%, 10% in Gr 2. AML transformation (LT) was identical in both groups at 12%. Upon comparison between Gr 1 and 2, median time to AML transformation was 7.9 vs 13 months (p=0.08). Median overall survival (mOS) was shorter in Gr 1 vs 2 at 16 vs 34 months (P<0.0001). When analysis was limited to diploid cytogenetics, median OS was 63 vs 50 months, respectively (p=0.9). Both IPSS and IPSS-R were prognostic of mOS in t-MDS (p<0.0001). On multivariate analysis; age (<0.0001), IPSS-R (p<0.0001) and previous CTX and/ or XRT (P=0.02) were the only variables that affected mOS. Conclusion: T-MDS comprises a small portion of all MDS cases (19%). Median overall survival in the de novo MDS group was longer than t-MDS group; however this difference was not maintained in patients with diploid cytogenetics. Similarly, time to AML was longer in de novo MDS compared to t-MDS (although similar rates of incidence). All of age, IPSS-R and t-MDS did affect median OS on multivariate analysis. Disclosures Al-Kali: Celgene: Research Funding.