Citations

The International Academy for Clinical Hematology (IACH) is a global, non-profit educational organization dedicated to advancing excellence, equity, and innovation in clinical hematology. Since its creation, the IACH has built an international community spanning more than 130 countries, leveraging digital-first education, scientific collaboration, and professional networking to improve patient care worldwide. This document presents the IACH Strategic Vision for 2026–2030, outlining a structured roadmap for the Academy’s next phase of growth and international leadership. The strategy is built upon six interdependent pillars: scientific excellence and credibility; digital leadership and intelligent learning; academic alliances and global footprint; innovation, visibility, and advocacy; transparency and sustainability; and brand positioning with global impact. By reinforcing scientific rigor, embracing digital transformation, and promoting innovation, the IACH aims to become the most trusted global reference for clinical hematology education and collaboration. This strategic vision positions the IACH as a unifying platform to unite the world hematology community under one banner of knowledge, collaboration, and compassion, for the benefit of every patient, everywhere.

Abstract Introduction Sickle cell disease (SCD) disproportionately affects African Americans(AA), comprising over 90% of cases. Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a serious complication in SCD patients due to increased thromboembolic risk from chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and hypercoagulability. Although recent studies have demonstrated sex-based differences in APE outcomes, data remain limited for SCD patients. We evaluated sex-based differences in outcomes among AA SCD patients with APE. Methods AA adults with SCD hospitalized for APE were queried from the 2016-2022 National Inpatient Sample. COVID-19 positive patients, patients younger than 18 years, and cases missing data were excluded. Demographics, treatment patterns, and in-hospital outcomes were compared between males and females using appropriate statistical tests with survey-weighted analysis. Results We studied 3635 SCD patients who were treated for APE, consisting of 60.66% (3635)females and 39.34%(2205) males. The overall mean age was 38.40 years, with no differences between the two sexes(mean age of 38.71 in males and 38.20 years in females, p = 0.620). While males reported a higher comorbidity burden with a Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI) score of 1.03 (vs. 0.92 in females), it was not statistically significant(p = 0.345). In total, 23.43% of males and 22.68% of females had a prior history of PE(p = 0.815). Medicare constituted 31.82% of primary payers among males and 38.36% among females, while Medicaid and private insurance accounted for 32.52% and 24.83% of males, and 32.19% and 25.11% of females, respectively(p = 0.015). After adjusting for confounders, we found that females demonstrated higher odds of receiving transfusion to males. No statistically significant differences were seen for mortality, major cardiovascular complications including cardiac arrest, acute kidney injury, acute liver injury, ventricular tachycardia, or cardiogenic shock. In addition, treatment modalities such as mechanical ventilation, vasopressors or thrombolytic interventions(systemic thrombolysis, catheter-directed thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy) were comparable between males and females. We further did not find any differences in sepsis, bleeding events, acute ischemic stroke, or acute myocardial infarction(Table 1). Similarly, although females stayed longer(mean: 5.46 days vs. 4.90 days, p = 0.121), and had higher inflation-adjusted charges($61106 vs. $58810, p = 0.688), they were comparable. Conclusion Our study revealed that sex-based differences in outcome disparities among AA SCD patients admitted for APE are limited, with female transfusion requirements differing significantly, which warrants further investigation. This abstract is funded by: None

Abstract Introduction Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia(CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults in the United States. CLL patients are at higher risk of bacterial infections, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a notable pathogen. Limited data is available comparing the demographics and outcomes of pseudomonas sepsis in CLL. Our study aims to analyze the patient characteristics and mortality between intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU admissions for pseudomonas sepsis among CLL patients. Methods Adults with active CLL admitted with a primary diagnosis code of pseudomonas sepsis(ICD-10 code: A41.52) were identified via the National Inpatient Sample(NIS)(2016-2022), excluding COVID-19 cases. Admissions to ICU were estimated if the patients required mechanical ventilation , vasopressors or central venous catheter placement, as per prior NIS-based studies. The predictors of ICU admissions were identified using multivariable regression models, with further analyses focused on estimating the in-hospital mortality. All analysis incorporated adjustments for weight, cluster, and strata, as advised by the data source. Results A total of 1,650 admissions were identified, of which 335 (20.3%) required intensive care. The intensive care cohort was younger (mean age: 73.19 vs. 76.86 years), yet age was not a significant predictor for the need for intensive care. Significant racial disparities were observed, with Black patients demonstrating significantly higher odds of intensive care use than White patients. In contrast, Hispanic patients had comparable odds to White patients. Sex, weekend admission status, private insurance coverage versus Medicare, and income quartiles did not significantly impact intensive care utilization. Among comorbidities, liver cirrhosis and palliative care encounters predicted higher ICU admission rates. Paradoxically, hypertension was associated with lower odds. Other comorbidities showed no significant association with intensive care admission (Table 1). Intensive care patients demonstrated an in-hospital mortality rate of 40.91% versus 8.75% in non-intensive care patients (aOR: 6.690, 95% CI: 2.648-16.906, p < 0.01). Furthermore, intensive care had a substantially greater resource utilization, longer stays (mean: 16.49 vs. 8.83 days, p < 0.01) and markedly higher hospitalization charges (mean: $314,311 vs. $89,614, p < 0.01). Conclusions Our study revealed that black race, comorbidities like liver cirrhosis and palliative care encounters were key predictors for ICU admissions. ICU utilization was associated with higher inpatient mortality, length of stay and hospitalization costs. These findings highlight the disparities and resource burden, and warrants strategic interventions to address them. This abstract is funded by: None

Abstract Introduction Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) has emerged as a safer interventional option for acute pulmonary embolism (APE) compared to systemic thrombolysis, with reduced rates of hemorrhage and mortality. However, comparative outcomes between first-time and recurrent APE patients undergoing CDT remain inadequately documented. This study aims to compare complications, mortality, and readmissions following CDT in recurrent versus first-time PE to provide evidence-based guidance for treatment optimization. Methods We explored the 2016-2022 Nationwide Readmissions Database(NRD) for APE admissions treated with CDT and stratified our sample by history of prior pulmonary embolism. Our cases excluded patients with COVID-19 and those younger than 18 years. We compared differences in their demographics, in-hospital complications during the index admission, and 30-day readmission rates. Adjustments were made to account for the complex design of the NRD via STATA 18.0. Results Of 37,952 patients identified, 9.27% had a history of prior PE. The groups had comparable mean age, sex distribution, and hospital status, with varying comorbidities as shown in Tables 1a-1b. Patients with first-time PE were more likely to experience in-hospital complications including sepsis, transfusion requirement, invasive mechanical ventilation, shock, acute encephalopathy, acute kidney injury, and all-cause mortality during the index hospitalization(Table 2). However, hospital length of stay and charges were similar between groups(Table 1b). Following discharge, 30-day readmission rates were comparable (6.25% vs. 6.41% for first-time versus recurrent PE, respectively; hazard ratio 0.948, 95% CI 0.765-1.17, p = 0.626). Conclusion First-time APE patients who underwent CDT reported higher rates of various in-hospital complications, and all-cause mortality, despite having comparable 30-day readmission rates. There were certain limitations to our study, such as the lack of laboratory data, imaging findings, APE severity scores on admissions, and medication history. Prospective studies with detailed clinical parameters will help validate our findings and elucidate the different causes of death. This abstract is funded by: None

Abstract Introduction Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a significant opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. While cancer patients experience significant immunosuppression that increases their susceptibility to PJP, outcomes of this infection stratified by specific tumor types remain poorly characterized. Methods This retrospective study identified adults with PJP and either solid or hematologic malignancies using the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2022). Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, COVID-19 positivity, concurrent solid and hematologic malignancies, HIV positivity, or missing data. Baseline characteristics were compared between the two cancer groups. Multivariable regression analyses, adjusting for potential confounders, were conducted to estimate adjusted odds ratios for adverse events, treatments, and mortality. All analyses accounted for the complex survey design of the dataset. Results We found 11565 admissions involving PCP matching our selection, with 55.6%(6430) liquid and 44.4%(5135) solid cancers. Both groups contained an elderly population (mean age in solid: 64.25 years, vs. mean age in liquid: 63.36 years, p = 0.139), and mostly males( 51.32% of solid and 66.33% of liquid cancers, p < 0.01). The adjusted Deyo Charlson Comorbidity Index Scores were also comparable(1.65 in solid vs. 1.55 in liquid cancers, p = 0.195). Majority of patients in both groups (73.97% of solid and 72.55% of liquid) were Whites(p = 0.155), insured via Medicare(52.98% of solid and 54.60% of liquid,p=0.580), and hospitalized at urban teaching centers(85.69% of solid and 87.17% of liquid, p = 0.341). Among patients with solid tumors, 32.03% were respiratory/thoracic cancers, 11.88% were breast cancers, 11.10% were gastrointestinal cancers. Among patients with hematologic malignancies, the most common diagnoses were lymphoma (48.4%) followed by leukemia (37.2%). Patients with hematologic malignancies recorded reduced rates of acute respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation requirements, and intubation. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between groups for cardiovascular complications including cardiac arrest and septic shock. Acute kidney injury odds were similarly comparable between the two cohorts(Table 1). Our analysis demonstrated significantly lower mortality in hematologic malignancy patients compared to solid tumor patients, but with longer lengths of stay (15.4 days vs 13.2 days) and higher hospital charges ($234,616 vs $188,792). Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that solid malignancies may pose a bigger threat to PJP outcomes as compared to hematological cancers, warranting further investigation to set up appropriate preventive strategies and treatment protocols. This abstract is funded by: None

Abstract Introduction Minimally invasive surgical techniques including Robotic-Assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) have advanced the treatment of lung cancer and enhanced patient outcomes from early recovery to improved quality of life. The “July effect” hypothesizes that morbidity and mortality outcomes worsen during the beginning of academic year when new residents and fellows begin training. We investigated the impact of the same on outcomes of RATS among lung cancer patients. Methods Using the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2019), we identified adults(ages≥18 years) with lung cancer who underwent RATS(lobectomy/sublobar resection) at urban teaching centers(UTC). Patients were stratified by surgical timing: July-September versus other months. Multivariable logistic regression compared perioperative outcomes between groups, adjusting for confounders. Results We analyzed 25,480 RATS procedures, with 25.59% performed during July-September. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups regarding sex, race (White, Hispanic), insurance type, comorbidity burden, and age; however, fewer Black patients underwent surgery during July-September (Table 1a). Multivariable logistic regression revealed no significant differences in perioperative outcomes between the July-September and other months of the year. Evaluated outcomes included thoracic complications like pneumonia (aOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.62-1.28, p = 0.526), pneumothorax (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 0.85-1.34, p = 0.583), air leak (aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.79- 1.22, p = 0.873), respiratory failure (aOR 0.9, 95% CI 0.50-1.63, p = 0.729) , atelectasis (aOR 1.12, 95% CI 0.88-1.42, p = 0.372), thromboembolic events like pulmonary embolism (aOR 0.63, 95% CI 0.13-2.97, p = 0.557), deep venous thrombosis (aOR 1.01, 95% CI 0.65-1.57, p = 0.952), bleeding complications like transfusion (aOR 0.95, 95% CI 0.55-1.64, p = 0.866), hemothorax/hemoperitoneum/hematoma (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.22-1.52, p = 0.264), renal complications (aOR 1.00, 95% CI 0.32-3.17, p = 0.994), conversion to open surgery (aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.11-2.47, p = 0.417), extended length of stay (>7 days) (aOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.78-1.17, p = 0.667), and in-hospital mortality (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.21-1.50, p = 0.250)(Table 1b). Conclusions Our study suggested no “July effect” in the perioperative outcomes of RATS. This demonstrates the robust hospital support systems ensuring the safe transition of resident classes without affecting the patient care negatively. This abstract is funded by: None

Abstract Introduction The lung is the most commonly affected organ in sarcoidosis, present in over 90% of cases. However, cardiac involvement may also occur and can significantly complicate patient outcomes. We propose to explore further. Methods Adults with isolated pulmonary sarcoidosis and combined pulmonary-cardiac sarcoidosis were identified using ICD-10 codes from the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2022). Patients with any additional organ involvement beyond lung or heart were excluded to ensure distinct comparison groups. We compared age, sex, race, insurance type, hospital characteristics, comorbidities, and healthcare burden between groups. Results Over the seven-year study period, we identified 154,125 hospitalizations of patients with either isolated pulmonary or combined pulmonary-cardiac sarcoidosis. Of these, 2.41% (n = 3,715) were combined pulmonary-cardiac cases, while the remainder were isolated pulmonary sarcoidosis. Patients with combined pulmonary-cardiac sarcoidosis were significantly younger(mean age: 58.2 vs. 62.0 years, p < 0.001), but had a higher mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score (3.49 vs. 2.77, p < 0.001) compared to those with isolated pulmonary disease. Multiple demographic differences were found: isolated pulmonary cases were predominantly female(59.5%), with a higher proportion of White patients(46.7%), whereas combined cases were predominantly male(60.4%), with a higher proportion of Black patients(53.0%). Both groups were primarily covered by Medicare(58.1% of isolated vs. 48.1% of combined), with a higher proportion of combined pulmonary-cardiac sarcoidosis cases treated at urban teaching centers(92.3% vs. 78.9%, p < 0.001). Patients with combined pulmonary-cardiac sarcoidosis demonstrated a higher prevalence of multiple comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease, prior myocardial infarction, complete atrioventricular block, obstructive sleep apnea, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, and valvular disease. Conversely, the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was lower in this group. Hospitalization burden was substantially greater among patients with combined pulmonary-cardiac sarcoidosis (Charlson Comorbidity Index 2.77±0.01 vs. 3.49±0.07), evidenced by longer mean length of stay (6.1±0.05 vs. 7.6±0.32 days) and significantly higher total hospital charges ($82,987±1,121 vs. $122,460±6,991) (Table 1). Conclusions Combined pulmonary-cardiac sarcoidosis affected younger patients with greater comorbidity and hospitalization burden, with notable racial disparities. As cardiac sarcoidosis is frequently underdiagnosed, systematic cardiac screening protocols in high-risk sarcoidosis patients are essential for earlier detection and improved management. This abstract is funded by: None

Abstract Background IDH-mutant astrocytomas are classified as WHO grade 4 in the presence of conventional high-grade histologic features and/or homozygous CDKN2A/B deletion in the 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Central Nervous System Tumour guidelines. However, work over the past decade has indicated a number of other molecular alterations that warrant consideration as potential prognostic markers. Methods We used univariate Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to evaluate the prognostic effects of homozygous CDKN2A/B deletion, CDK4 amplification, CCND2 amplification, PDGFRA amplification/mutation, PIK3R1 mutation, PIK3CA mutation, MYCN amplification, EGFR amplification/mutation, TERT promoter mutation, and grade 4 histologic features in two independent cohorts of WHO grade 2-4 IDH-mutant astrocytoma (n = 840 and n = 367). Results The presence of CDK4 amplification, CCND2 amplification, PDGFRA alteration, PIK3R1 mutation, MYCN amplification, and EGFR alteration were each associated with reduced overall survival compared to WHO grade 2/3 astrocytomas without these molecular features. 17.7% (148/837) of otherwise grade 2/3 astrocytomas had one or more of these molecular criteria, with resulting intermediate clinical outcome in terms of overall survival (median survival of 67.3-82.0 months) compared to grade 2/3 astrocytomas without these molecular features (median survival of 135.0-140.7 months) and grade 4 astrocytomas (median survival of 35.3-45.0 months). Conclusions The presence of CDK4, CCND2, PDGFRA, PIK3R1, MYCN, and EGFR alterations result in an intermediate patient survival in IDH-mutant astrocytoma. Adding these molecular alterations should be considered in future diagnostic classification systems to improve stratification of high-risk patients.

7018 Background: CAR-T cell therapy represents a notable advancement in treating relapsed/refractory (R/R) hematological malignancies. Adverse events include CRS, infections, and neurological and cardiac complications. While there are reports from major academic institutions on the adverse effects of CAR-T therapy, we used data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to gather national estimates of complications related to CAR-T therapy. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze patients who underwent CAR-T cell therapy by utilizing appropriate ICD-10-PCS procedure codes (XW033C3, XW043C3, XW23346, XW24346, XW23376, and XW24376) from NIS 2019 to 2021. Data regarding infections, toxic encephalopathy (a surrogate for neurological toxicity), and adverse cardiac events were extracted using relevant ICD-10-CM diagnostic codes. Patients experiencing various grades of CRS were identified through specific ICD-10 codes available in 2021 (Grades 1-5: D89.831-D89.835). Results: This study analyzed 6515 patients who underwent CAR-T cell therapy from January 2019 to December 2021. Among them, 60.7% were male. 74.6% were Caucasian, 11.7% were Asian and 6.7% were African American. 49.8% of patients had private insurance, 36.2% had Medicare, and 8.6% had Medicaid. 6.8% of patients were diagnosed with pneumonia, while sepsis occurred in 7.4% of patients and 3% experienced septic shock. 19.4% of patients experienced cardiac arrhythmias, and major cardiovascular events were recorded in 4.7% of the cohort. Acute myocardial infarction and stroke were documented in 0.6 and 1.2% of patients, respectively. Toxic encephalopathy was reported in 19.7% of patients. Among 2235 patients identified to have received CAR-T in 2021, 59.7% developed CRS. Grade 1 and grade 2 CRS were reported in 32% and 21% of patients, respectively, while grade 3 and grade 4 reactions were noted in 4.7% and 2% of patients, with no cases of grade 5 identified. The mean total cost of hospitalization was 308,364$, and the mean length of hospital stay was 19.5 days. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 3.4%. Conclusions: Our study describes real-world outcomes from a large dataset of CAR-T patients. Infections pose a significant challenge with CAR-T therapy, highlighting the importance of early detection and timely antimicrobial treatment. CRS is common, with a 60% incidence, similar to previous clinical trials (55%). Immediate management is crucial for addressing CRS toxicity. Adverse neurological and cardiovascular incidents are often reported, emphasizing the need for meticulous monitoring and coordinating multidisciplinary care plans. The financial burdens also bear mentioning: CAR-T therapy costs significantly higher than autologous stem cell transplants. Further studies to address these issues are warranted.

Abstract We evaluate the impact of donor types on outcomes of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in myelofibrosis, using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research registry data for HCTs done between 2013 and 2019. In all 1597 patients, the use of haploidentical donors increased from 3% in 2013 to 19% in 2019. In study-eligible 1032 patients who received peripheral blood grafts for chronic-phase myelofibrosis, 38% of recipients of haploidentical HCT were non-White/Caucasian. Matched sibling donor (MSD)–HCTs were associated with superior overall survival (OS) in the first 3 months (haploidentical hazard ratio [HR], 5.80 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.52-13.35]; matched unrelated (MUD) HR, 4.50 [95% CI, 2.24-9.03]; mismatched unrelated HR, 5.13 [95% CI, 1.44-18.31]; P < .001). This difference in OS aligns with lower graft failure with MSD (haploidentical HR, 6.11 [95% CI, 2.98-12.54]; matched unrelated HR, 2.33 [95% CI, 1.20-4.51]; mismatched unrelated HR, 1.82 [95% CI, 0.58-5.72]). There was no significant difference in OS among haploidentical, MUD, and mismatched unrelated donor HCTs in the first 3 months. Donor type was not associated with differences in OS beyond 3 months after HCT, relapse, disease-free survival, or OS among patients who underwent HCT within 24 months of diagnosis. Patients who experienced graft failure had more advanced disease and commonly used nonmyeloablative conditioning. Although MSD-HCTs were superior, there is no significant difference in HCT outcomes from haploidentical and MUDs. These results establish haploidentical HCT with posttransplantation cyclophosphamide as a viable option in myelofibrosis, especially for ethnic minorities underrepresented in the donor registries.