Cardiac amyloidosis: pathological classification and clinical analysis of 48 cases / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the histological features and clinical manifestations in different types of cardiac amyloidosis to improve diagnostic accuracy. Methods: The histopathological features and clinical manifestations of 48 patients diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis by Congo red stain and electron microscopy through endomyocardial biopsy were collected in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2018 to December 2021. Immunohistochemical stains for immunoglobulin light chains (κ and λ) and transthyretin protein were carried out, and a review of literature was made. Results: The patients age ranged from 42 to 79 years (mean 56 years) and the male to female ratio was 1.1 to 1.0. The positive rate of endomyocardial biopsy was 97.9% (47/48), which was significantly higher than that of the abdominal wall fat (7/17). Congo red staining and electron microscopy were positive in 97.9% (47/48) and 93.5% (43/46), respectively. Immunohistochemical stains showed 32 cases (68.1%) were light chain type (AL-CA), including 31 cases of AL-λ type and 1 case of AL-κ type; 9 cases (19.1%) were transthyretin protein type (ATTR-CA); and 6 cases (12.8%) were not classified. There was no significant difference in the deposition pattern of amyloid between different types (P>0.05). Clinical data showed that ATTR-CA patients had less involvement of 2 or more organs and lower N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) than the other type patients (P<0.05). The left ventricular stroke volume and right ventricular ejection fraction of ATTR-CA patients were better than the other patients (P<0.05). Follow-up data of 45 patients was obtained, and the overall mean survival time was 15.6±2.0 months. Univariate survival analysis showed that ATTR-CA patients had a better prognosis, while cardiac amyloidosis patients with higher cardiac function grade, NT-proBNP >6 000 ng/L, and troponin T >70 ng/L had a worse prognosis (P<0.05). Multivariate survival analysis showed that NT-proBNP and cardiac function grade were independent prognostic factors for cardiac amyloidosis patients. Conclusions: AL-λ is the most common type of cardiac amyloidosis in this group. Congo red staining combined with electron microscopy can significantly improve the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis. The clinical manifestations and prognosis of each type are different and can be classified based on immunostaining profile. However, there are still a few cases that cannot be typed; hence mass spectrometry is recommended if feasible.

Polineuropatía por amiloidosis por transtiretina de inicio tardío. Caso clínico / Late-onset hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy. Report of one case

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis is a multisystemic autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by progressive distal sensory-motor polyneuropathy or restrictive cardiomyopathy, secondary to amyloid deposits. Its pathogenesis lies in the TTR gene mutation, and the Val50Met mutation is the most frequent. Patients have significant differences in the onset and severity of clinical presentation according to their country of origin. The diagnosis of this pathology is complex, even more in countries where it is not considered endemic. However, early suspicion and management are essential to improve survival and avoid unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We report a 69-year-old woman who presented a sensory-motor polyneuropathy, predominantly sensory, associated with distal neuropathic pain and bilateral vitritis. The history of her Italian father with polyneuropathy of unspecified etiology stood out. A vitreous biopsy identified amyloid substance deposits (congo red positive). These were also confirmed on a superficial peroneal nerve biopsy. During the etiological study of her polyneuropathy, an increased Kappa/Lambda index of 2.55 mg/L stood out. Therefore, light chain amyloidosis was suspected, and chemotherapy treatment was indicated without favorable response. After 10 years of progressive neurological and ophthalmological involvement, a genetic study confirmed the first case of late-onset hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis Val50Met with polyneuropathy in Chile.

Perfil Clínico, Laboratorial e de Métodos de Imagem na Amiloidose Sistêmica em um Centro de Referência Cardiológico Brasileiro / Clinical, Laboratory, and Imaging Profile in Patients with Systemic Amyloidosis in a Brazilian Cardiology Referral Center

Resumo Fundamento Amiloidose sistêmica é uma doença com manifestações clínicas diversas. O diagnóstico envolve suspeita clínica, aliada a métodos complementares. Objetivo Descrever o perfil clínico, laboratorial, eletrocardiográfico e de imagem no acometimento cardíaco da amiloidose sistêmica. Métodos Estudo de uma amostra de conveniência, analisando dados clínicos, laboratoriais, eletrocardiográficos, ecocardiográficos, medicina nuclear e ressonância magnética. Considerou-se significância estatística quando p < 0,05. Resultados Avaliaram-se 105 pacientes (com mediana de idade de 66 anos), sendo 62 homens, dos quais 83 indivíduos apresentavam amiloidose por transtirretina (ATTR) e 22 amiloidose por cadeia leve (AL). Na ATTR, 68,7% eram de caráter hereditário (ATTRh) e 31,3% do tipo selvagem (ATTRw). As mutações mais prevalentes foram Val142Ile (45,6%) e Val50Met (40,3%). O tempo de início dos sintomas ao diagnóstico foi 0,54 e 2,15 anos nas formas AL e ATTR (p < 0,001), respectivamente. O acometimento cardíaco foi observado em 77,9% dos ATTR e 90,9% dos AL. Observaram-se alterações de condução atrioventricular em 20% e intraventricular em 27,6% dos pacientes, sendo 33,7 % na ATTR e 4,5% das AL (p = 0,006). A forma ATTRw apresentou mais arritmias atriais que os ATTRh (61,5% x 22,8%; p = 0,001). Ao ecocardiograma a mediana da espessura do septo na ATTRw x ATTRh x AL foi de 15 mm x 12 mm x 11 mm (p = 0,193). Observou-se BNP elevado em 89,5% dos indivíduos (mediana 249 ng/mL, IQR 597,7) e elevação da troponina em 43,2%. Conclusão Foi possível caracterizar, em nosso meio, o acometimento cardíaco na amiloidose sistêmica, em seus diferentes subtipos, através da história clínica e dos métodos diagnósticos descritos.

Abstract Background Systemic amyloidosis is a disease with heterogeneous clinical manifestations. Diagnosis depends on clinical suspicion combined with specific complementary methods. Objective To describe the clinical, laboratory, electrocardiographic, and imaging profile in patients with systemic amyloidosis with cardiac involvement. Methods This study was conducted with a convenience sample, analyzing clinical, laboratory, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, nuclear medicine, and magnetic resonance data. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results A total of 105 patients were evaluated (median age of 66 years), 62 of whom were male. Of all patients, 83 had transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis, and 22 had light chain (AL) amyloidosis. With respect to ATTR cases, 68.7% were the hereditary form (ATTRh), and 31.3% were wild type (ATTRw). The most prevalent mutations were Val142Ile (45.6%) and Val50Met (40.3%). Time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 0.54 and 2.15 years, in the AL and ATTR forms, respectively (p < 0.001). Cardiac involvement was observed in 77.9% of patients with ATTR and in 90.9% of those with AL. Alterations were observed in atrioventricular and intraventricular conduction in 20% and 27.6% of patients, respectively, with 33.7% in ATTR and 4.5% in AL (p = 0.006). In the ATTRw form, there were more atrial arrhythmias than in ATTRh (61.5% versus 22.8%; p = 0.001). On echocardiogram, median septum thickness in ATTRw, ATTRh, and AL was 15 mm, 12 mm, and 11 mm, respectively (p = 0.193). Elevated BNP was observed in 89.5% of patients (median 249, ICR 597.7), and elevated troponin was observed in 43.2%. Conclusion In this setting, it was possible to characterize cardiac involvement in systemic amyloidosis in its different subtypes by means of clinical history and the diagnostic methods described.

The effect of prealbumin on the long-term prognosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma following radical surgery / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the association between prealbumin and the long-term prognosis of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HCCA) following radical surgery. Methods: The clinical data of 262 HCCA patients who underwent radical surgery admitted from January 2010 to January 2017 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University were collected,retrospectively. There were 158 males and 104 females; aged (57.6±9.9)years old(range:32 to 78 years). According to the preoperative serum prealbumin level(170 mg/L),the patients were divided into low prealbumin group(n=143) and normal prealbumin group(n=119). Follow-up until September 2020,the main research indicator was overall survival(OS), and the secondary research indicator was recurrence-free survival(RFS). The measurement data conforming to the normal distribution adopted the t test,the measurement data not conforming to the normal distribution adopted the Mann-Whitney U test,and the count data adopted the χ2 test. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative survival rate. The Log-rank test was used for univariate analysis of the cumulative survival rate. Variables with P<0.10 in univariate analysis were included in the Cox proportional hazards model for multivariate analysis. Results: The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rate of the 262 patients was 73.4%, 32.1%, and 24.0%, respectively, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS rate was 54.6%, 25.2%, and 16.2%, respectively. Median OS and RFS were 21 months and 12 months for patients with low prealbumin and 25 months and 19 months for patients with normal prealbumin. The OS rate and RFS rate of patients in the low prealbumin group were lower than those in the normal prealbumin group, and the difference was statistically significant (both P<0.05). The results of univariate analysis indicated that low prealbumin, CA19-9>150 U/L, tumor infiltration length>3 cm, preoperative jaundice, macrovascular invasion, microvascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and poor differentiation maybe the risk factors of OS,and low prealbumin,tumor invasion length>3 cm,macrovascular invasion, microvascular invasion,lymph node metastasis,and poor differentiation maybe the risk factors of RFS for postoperative for radical resection in patients with HCCA (all P<0.10). Multivariate results suggested that low prealbumin,tumor invasion length>3 cm,microvascular invasion,lymph node metastasis,and poor differentiation were independent risk factors affecting OS and RFS in patients with HCCA after radical operation (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Preoperative prealbumin level can predict the long-term prognosis of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma following radical surgery.

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy: a proposal for an epidemiological study through the creation of a virtual platform / Polineuropatia amiloidótica familiar: uma proposta de estudo epidemiológico por meio da criação de uma plataforma virtual

Amyloidosis are characterized by mutations in the gene coding for transthyretin (TTR), located on chromosome 18. TTR is a set of four 127-aminoacid polypeptides structured as homotetrameric protein of 56 kDa with a secondary ß sheet structure. It plays the role of thyroxin (T4) carrier, and has a binding domain for retinol (vitamin A). It is synthesized in the liver, although a small quantity is also produced by the choroid plexus, and retinal cells. Mutations of this gene result in loss of tetramer stability. Insoluble amyloid fibrils (AF) are formed and deposited in tissues and organs. The abnormal aggregation of TTR protein trigger several syndromes, such as familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP-TTR), cardiomyopathies (CMP), and senile systemic amyloidosis (SSA). It is estimated there are 5,000 to 10,000 cases of FAP-TTR globally. OBJECTIVE: The study intends to develop an online platform for the diagnosis of FAP-TTR. The aim is to facilitate the diagnosis process and promote a tool for epidemiological study. METHODS: The project was based on a literature review featuring clinical and epidemiological evidence for the development of a practical platform (applied research). RESULTS: It was elaborated a platform containing a questionnaire to allow a more dynamic, cheaper, and efficient operation, mediated by a better characterization of the disease to enable its early diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The platform might become a valuable resource for the characterization, diagnosis, and future epidemiological study of FAP-TTR

As amiloidoses se caracterizam por mutações no gene codificante da transtirretina (TTR) no cromossomo 18. A proteína TTR compõe-se de uma corrente de polipeptídios de 127 resíduos, que constituem uma proteína homotetramérica de 56kDa com estrutura secundária de folha ß, que serve como proteína de deslocamento para a tiroxina (T4), e uma proteína de ligação ao retinol (vitamina A). O principal local de produção dessa proteína é o fígado, embora uma pequena quantidade seja produzida pelo plexo coroide e pelas células retinianas. O gene codificante da TTR (18q11.2-12) é pequeno (7 kb) e contém quatro éxons. As mutações convertem-se em perda do equilíbrio do tetrâmero proteico. Surgem assim, fibrilas amiloides (FA) em cadeias não ramificadas de 10 a 12 nm de diâmetro e fibrilas indissolúveis, que se condensam nos tecidos e órgãos. As síndromes concernentes ao acúmulo da proteína TTR são: polineuropatia amiloidótica familiar (PAFTTR), miocardiopatias (MCP) e amiloidose sistêmica senil (ASS). Estimativa recente relatou a existência de 5.000 a 10.000 casos de PAFTTR no mundo. OBJETIVO: O estudo objetiva elaborar uma plataforma de diagnóstico PAFTTR on-line para auxiliar como ferramenta de contribuição para o estudo da epidemiologia e facilitar o diagnóstico. MÉTODOS: O projeto baseou-se em uma pesquisa bibliográfica capaz de levantar evidências clínicas e epidemiológicas na elaboração de uma plataforma facilitadora (pesquisa aplicada). RESULTADOS: O resultado alcançado foi a elaboração da plataforma contendo um questionário, que tornará o trabalho dos profissionais mais dinâmico, barato e eficiente, caracterizando melhor a doença e promovendo um diagnóstico precoce. CONCLUSÃO: A plataforma poderá tornar-se recurso valioso para caracterização, diagnóstico e futuro estudo epidemiológico da PAF-TTR

Cardiomiopatía amiloídea por transtiretina: diagnóstico y manejo en la actualidad / Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: a review

RESUMEN: La cardiomiopatía amiloide por transtiretina (CATTR) es una enfermedad caracterizada por depósito extracelular de fibrillas amiloides en el miocardio, a partir de transtiretina mal plegada, generando una miocardiopatía restrictiva. Esta proteína mal plegada puede tener origen hereditario o adquirido, siendo más frecuente en adultos mayores. La CA-TTR ha surgido como una causa subdiagnosticada de insuficiencia cardíaca con fracción de eyección preservada (IC FEp). El pilar fundamental para su diagnóstico es la alta sospecha clínica, basada en diversas banderas de alerta ya que la sintomatología que provoca suele ser inespecífica. Como veremos en esta revisión, el diagnóstico puede sustentarse con la cintigrafía ósea, reservando para situaciones particulares la toma de biopsia. Con el advenimiento de nuevas terapias que impactan en la sobrevida de esta enfermedad, el tiempo para realizar el diagnóstico certero y la diferenciación de otras causas de amiloidosis cardíaca como la de cadenas livianas, se ha tornado crucial.

ABSTRACT: Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (AT-TR-CM) is a disease characterized by extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils in the myocardium, from misfolded transthyretin, generating a restrictive cardiomyopathy. This misfolded protein may be inherited or acquired, and is more prevalent in elderly patients. ATTR-CM has emerged as an underdiagnosed cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HF-PEF). The fundamental pillarfor its diagnosis is high clinical suspicion since the symptoms are usually nonspecific. The diagnosis can be made from bone scintigraphy, reserving myocardial biopsy for particular situations. With the advent of new therapies that affect the survival of these patients, a timely diagnosis has become crucial.

Aproximación diagnóstica a la amiloidosis cardiaca por transtiretina en un área no endémica. ¿Qué variables no invasivas orientan a su diagnóstico? / Diagnostic approach to transthyretin amyloidosis in a non-endemic area. Which non-invasive variables could guide the diagnosis?

Al editor: Clásicamente se ha considerado la amiloidosis cardiaca como una afección rara, con un amplio espectro de síntomas que requiere un alto índice de sospecha. Sin embargo, los estudios han demostrado que la amiloidosis cardiaca por transtiretina (TTR) es más común de lo que previamente se creía1,2. Las características clínicas que se han asociado a la amiloidosis cardiaca por TTR son el sexo masculino, la edad avanzada, la hipertrofia concéntrica y la función ventricular izquierda preservada1. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo retrospectivo de las gammagrafías solicitadas en nuestro centro para descartar amiloidosis cardiaca por TTR desde septiembre de 2016 hasta noviembre de 2019. En dicho periodo se realizaron 39 gammagrafías, con una tendencia al alza en los últimos meses. Los objetivos fueron evaluar las gammagrafías solicitadas y conocer el porcentaje de gammagrafías diagnósticas de amiloidosis por TTR, establecer qué características son más frecuentes en los pacientes con amiloidosis por TTR en nuestra población de referencia y analizar las características diferenciales de las distintas posibilidades diagnósticas. Del total de las pruebas, 22 (56.4% de la muestra) mostraron una captación de grado 2-3 de Perugini, diagnóstica de amiloidosis por TTR. De acuerdo con las recomendaciones de diagnóstico no invasivo de amiloidosis cardiaca por TTR3, se descartó la presencia de pico monoclonal. Únicamente se realizó estudio genético a 10 pacientes, en dos de los cuales se detectó una mutación patogénica (Val50Met y variante patogénica c.290C>A en heterocigosis); los ocho restantes no mostraron mutaciones en el estudio molecular del gen TTR.

Valor pronóstico del ecocardiograma con strain bidimensional por Speckle Tracking en pacientes con amiloidosis asociada a transtiretina / Prognosis value of the echocardiogram with bidimensional strain by speckle tracking in patients with amyloidosis associated with transthyretin

[RESUMEN]: La amiloidosis cardíaca asociada a transtiretina (ATTR) es una cardiomiopatía infiltrativa caracterizada por el depósito de fibrillas en el miocardio, asociada a un mal pronóstico, incluye dos subtipos: hereditaria (ATTRh) y natural. La mutación Val30Met es la más frecuente a nivel mundial. El diagnóstico es desafiante, se basa en un alto grado de sospecha clínica, una combinación de técnicas de imagen y en algunos casos una biopsia endomiocárdica. Las nuevas técnicas ecocardiográficas han aportado avances en el diagnóstico gracias a su mejor sensibilidad en comparación con parámetros clásicos. OBJETIVO: Evaluar si el deterioro del strain (deformación) longitudinal global (SLG) del ventrículo izquierdo (VI) evaluada por ecocardiografía en pacientes con ATTRh Val30Met, se asocia a eventos cardiovasculares adversos. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio prospectivo de Cohorte. Se evaluaron en total 53 pacientes con amiloidosis tratados en el Hospital "El Cruce" de Florencio Varela desde junio de 2014 y se incluyeron 26 pacientes con la mutación Val30Met, entre marzo y noviembre del 2019 que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. RESULTADOS: Se observaron eventos (requerimiento de marcapaso, desarrollo de insuficiencia cardíaca y muerte) en el 53.8 % de los pacientes, de los cuales 71,4 % eran hombres (OR: 0,30 (IC95: 0,05-1,54), p=0.13). De los 5 pacientes con amiloidosis de inicio tardío (>60 años) el 100 % presentó eventos (p 0,03). En el análisis univariado, las variables que mostraron asociación con eventos fueron: edad de inicio de los síntomas (p= <0.001), edad de diagnóstico (p=0.004), inicio temprano (p= 0.02), bajo peso (p= 0.004), disnea (p= <0.001), presencia de HVI (p=0.005), disfunción diastólica (p=0.007), dilatación de la AI (p=0.003) y el SLG promedio (p= 0.003). CONCLUSIONES: La FEY (fracción de eyección) del VI se mantiene normal hasta etapas avanzadas, por lo que se considera inadecuada para la correcta valoración de estos pacientes siendo necesarios métodos alternativos que aumenten la sensibilidad en el período preclínico. El punto de corte de SLG-14.4 ± 4.5% discriminó la evolución a eventos cardiovasculares adversos.

[ABSTRACT]: Transthyretin-associated cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) is an infi ltrative cardiomyopathy characterized by the deposition of fi brils in the myocardium, associated with a poor prognosis, it includes two subtypes: hereditary (hATTR) and natural. The Val30Met mutation is the most frequent worldwide. The diagnosis is challenging, based on a high degree of clinical suspicion, a combination of imaging techniques, and in some cases an endomyocardial biopsy. The new echocardiographic techniques have brought advances in diagnosis thanks to their better sensitivity compared to classical parameters. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the deterioration of the global longitudinal strain (deformation) of the left ventricle (LV) evaluated by echocardiography in patients with hATTR Val30Met is associated with adverse cardiovascular events. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. A total of 53 patients with amyloidosis treated at the Hospital "El Cruce" in Florencio Varela since June 2014 were evaluated, 26 patients with the Val30Met mutation were included, between March and November 2019, who met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Of the 5 patients with late-onset amyloidosis (> 60 years), 100% had events (p 0.03). Events (requirement for a pacemaker, development of heart failure and death) were observed in 53.8% of the patients, of which 71.4% were men (OR: 0.30 (CI95: 0.05-1.54), p = 0.13). In the univariate analysis, the variables that showed an association with events were: age of onset of symptoms (p = <0.001), age of diagnosis (p = 0.004), early onset (p = 0.02), underweight (p = 0.004), dyspnea (p = <0.001), presence of LVH (p = 0.005), diastolic dysfunction (p = 0.007), LA dilation (p = 0.003) and mean GLS (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The LV EF (ejection fraction) remains normal until advanced stages, which is why it is considered inadequate for the correct evaluation of these patients, and alternative methods are necessary to increase sensitivity in the preclinical period. The cut-off point of GLS-14.4 ± 4.5% discriminated the evolution to adverse cardiovascular events.

Tópicos Emergentes em Insuficiência Cardíaca: Novos Paradigmas na Amiloidose Cardíaca / Emerging Topics in Heart Failure: New Paradigms in Cardiac Amyloidosis

Resumo Evidências recentes sugerem que a amiloidose cardíaca é uma doença amplamente subdiagnosticada, particularmente na sua forma ligada à transtirretina, podendo ser uma causa comum de insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada (ICFEP) no idoso. Os novos paradigmas sobre a doença incluem o desenvolvimento de novas terapias específicas que modificam a história natural da doença. Este artigo traz uma síntese destes novos conceitos.

Abstract Recent evidence suggests cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a mostly underdiagnosed condition, particularly in the transthyretin-mediated form, and is a frequent cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in the elderly. New paradigms about CA also involve the development of disease-modifying specific therapies. This article summarizes these new concepts.

A novel prognostic index in patients with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: fibrinogen/prealbumin ratio

ABSTRACT Background: Fibrinogen (Fib) to albumin (ALB) fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio as a prognostic index for esophageal cancer has been confirmed. A novel prognostic index was initially proposed with fibrinogen to prealbumin ratio (FPR) in patients with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Objective: The objective of the study was to study the prognostic role of the novel prognostic index (FPR) in patients with resectable ESCC without any neoadjuvant treatment. Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 372 resectable ESCC patients without any neoadjuvant treatment were included. The best cutoff values were selected by the receiver operating characteristic curves. Two Cox regression analyses with forward stepwise (one for categorical variables and the other for continuous variables) were used to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Results: The best cutoff point was 0.014 for FPR. Patients with lower levels of FPR (≤0.014) had better CSS (50.7% vs. 18.0%, p < 0.001) and OS (48.0% vs. 17.6%, p < 0.001) than patients with higher levels of FPR (> 0.014). Multivariate Cox analyses (categorical and continuous) demonstrated that FPR was an independent prognostic factor in CSS (categorical: hazard ratio [HR]: 2.014, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.504-2.697, p < 0.001; continuous per 0.01: HR: 1.438, 95% CI: 1.154-1.793, p = 0.001) and OS (categorical: HR: 1.964, 95% CI: 1.475-2.617, p < 0.001; continuous per 0.01: HR: 1.429, 95% CI: 1.146-1.781, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Our study indicated that FPR served as an independent prognostic factor in patients with resectable ESCC.

Clinical Value of Serum Amyloid A and Misfolded Transthyretin for Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the clinical value of serum amyloid A (SAA1/2) and misfolded transthyretin (TTR) for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) patients.@*METHODS@#30 R/R DLBCL patients were enrolled as observation group, 20 remission/stabilization DLBCL and 10 chronic lymphadenitis patients were enrolled as control group. SELDI technique, Tris-Tricine sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electro-phoresis, the shotgun-LTQ-MS method, and bioinformatics technique were used to detected and analyzed SAA and TTR in R/R DLBCL patients. SPSS 21.0 software was used to analyze the relationship between the high expression of SAA, misfolded TTR in serum and the clinicopathological features, survival time of R/R DLBCL. patients Chi-square test was used to analyze clinical count data, Kaplan-Meier curve was used for survival analysis, and Log-Rank test was used to compare single-factor survival differences.@*RESULTS@#The high expression of SAA and TTR (SAA@*CONCLUSION@#Both SAA and misfolded TTR are poor prognosis factors of R/R DLBCL patients.

Tafamidis, a Noninvasive Therapy for Delaying Transthyretin Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Tafamidis functions to delay the loss of function in transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP), which is a rare inherited amyloidosis with progressive sensorimotor and autonomic polyneuropathy. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of tafamidis in TTR-FAP patients, with the aim of improving the evidence-based medical evidence of this treatment option for TTP-FAP. METHODS: A systematic search of the English-language literature in five databases was performed through to May 31, 2018 by two reviewers who independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. We extracted efficacy and safety outcomes and performed a meta-analysis. Statistical tests were performed to check for heterogeneity and publication bias. RESULTS: The meta-analysis identified six relevant studies. The tafamidis group showed smaller changes from baseline in the Neuropathy Impairment Score–Lower Limbs [mean difference (MD)=−3.01, 95% confidence interval (CI)=−3.26 to −2.75, p < 0.001] and the Norfolk Quality of Life-Diabetic Neuropathy total quality of life score (MD=−6.67, 95% CI=−9.70 to −3.64, p < 0.001), and a higher modified body mass index (MD=72.45, 95% CI=69.41 to 75.49, p < 0.001), with no significant difference in total adverse events [odds ratio (OR)=0.69, 95% CI=0.35 to 1.35, p=0.27]. The incidence of adverse events did not differ between tafamidis and placebo treatment except for fatigue (OR=0.13, 95% CI=0.02 to 0.72, p=0.02) and hypesthesia (OR=0.16, 95% CI=0.03 to 0.92, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis has demonstrated that tafamidis delays neurologic progression and preserves a better nutritional status and the quality of life. The rates of adverse events did not differ between the patients in the tafamidis and placebo groups. Tafamidis might be a safer noninvasive option for patients with TTR-FAP.

Association between the Nutritional Status at Birth and Need for Respiratory Support on the First Day of Life

PURPOSE: Nutritional markers, such as total protein, albumin, and vitamin D have been reportedly associated with neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to assess the correlation between nutritional markers at birth and the need for respiratory support on the first day of life. METHODS: This retrospective study included 94 newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Kyungpook National University Children's Hospital between March and December 2017. We measured levels of nutritional markers, including serum total protein, albumin, ferritin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), and prealbumin, from cord blood or blood sample within 24 hours after birth. Respiratory support was defined as the use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure, humidified high-flow nasal cannula, or mechanical ventilation on the first day of life. RESULTS: The mean gestational age and birth weight were 36.6±2.3 weeks and 2,714±575 g, respectively. Serum total protein, albumin, prealbumin, and ferritin levels at birth were significantly correlated with gestational age and birth weight. Total protein, albumin, ferritin, and 25-OHD levels were not correlated with the time to recover birth weight after adjusting for gestational age. Moreover, prealbumin levels at birth were significantly lower in small-for-gestational-age infants than in appropriate-for-gestational-age infants. The need for respiratory support on the first day of life decreased 0.058- and 0.001-fold for every 1 g/dL increase in serum total protein (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.004 to 0.833; P=0.036) and albumin (95% CI, 0.000 to 0.136; P=0.009) levels, respectively. CONCLUSION: Nutritional status at birth could be associated with the need for respiratory support on the first day of life, regardless of the Apgar score.

Tafamidis meglumina no tratamento da polineuropatia amiloidótica familiar relacionada à proteína transtirretina / Tafamidis meglumine in the treatment of familial amyloid polyneuropathy related to transthyretin protein

CONTEXTO: A polineuropatia amiloidótica familiar relacionada à transtirretina (PAF-TTR) é uma doença genética neurodegenerativa progressiva altamente incapacitante, irreversível e fatal. As manifestações clínicas são variadas, mas a principal disfunção é uma polineuropatia sensório-motora e autonômica progressiva e irreversível. O tratamento envolve medidas para aliviar sintomas e, em casos selecionados, o transplante hepático. No Brasil, estima-se que existam 4.800 pacientes com esta condição. TECNOLOGIA: Tafamidis meglumina (Vyndaqel®). INDICAÇÃO: Tratamento da amiloidose associada à transtirretina em pacientes adultos com polineuropatia sintomática em estágio inicial e não submetidos a transplante hepático. PERGUNTA: O uso de tafamidis é eficaz, seguro e custo-efetivo no tratamento da polineuropatia amiloidótica familiar relacionada à transtirretina em pacientes com estágio inicial da doença? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: O demandante apresentou sete artigos sobre o medicamento e uma busca complementar para este relatório identificou mais um. De todos os estudos selecionados, apenas um foi ensaio clínico randomizado, controlado por placebo, duplo-cego, sem limitações metodológicas importantes. Entretanto, houve perda de mais de 20% da amostra, com impactos no poder estatístico. Análise por intenção de tratar não demonstrou benefício em escalas de sintomas neurológicos e qualidade de vida. Análise por protocolo e de desfechos secundários, houve benefício com o uso do tafamidis (proporção de pacientes sem progressão neurológica definida pela NIS-LL de 60,0% para intervenção e 38,1% para placebo, p = 0,041; diferença de média no escore de qualidade de vida TQOL foi de 0,1 pontos no grupo intervenção e de 8,9 no grupo placebo, p = 0,045). Demais artigos não foram considerados. AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA: Custo-utilidade cujo comparador foi ausência de tratamento. O uso de tafamidis resultou em ganhos em qualidade de vida (QALY de 6,48 para 9,01, incremento de 2,54) e em anos de vida (de 10,05 para 13,28, incremento de 3,24), com uma razão de custoutilidade incremental de R$ 974.617/QALY e de R$ 763.609/ano de vida salvo. Modelo apresentado possui crítica em sua validade interna, como ausência de descrição clara dos parâmetros utilizados para população em estudo e dos detalhes da análise de microssimulação; ausência de descrição sobre avaliação de incerteza estocástica (variabilidade); pressupostos utilizados para determinação de eficácia do medicamento e progressão da doença (afetando qualidade de vida e sobrevida) e falta de dados para determinar a incerteza paramétrica do modelo (validade externa limitada). AVALIAÇÃO DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: Necessidade de R$ 18,9 milhões no primeiro ano após a incorporação e de R$ 397,5 milhões em cinco anos. Estimativa com validade questionada. MONITORAMENTO DO HORIZONTE TECNOLÓGICO: Foram identificados 4 medicamentos em desenvolvimento clínico para o tratamento da PAF-TTR (fase 2 ou 3): diflunial (Dolobid®), tolcapona (Tasmar®), Oligonucleotídeo fosfotiorato específico da transtirretina (Inotersen®; ISIS TTR Rx; ISIS-GSK1 Rx; IONIS-TTRRx) e Oligoleucleotídeo de siRNA de cadeia dupla sintético dirigido contra mRNA de transtirretina (Patisiran®; ALN-TTR02). CONSIDERAÇÕES: Baixa confiança na evidência do uso do tafamidis na PAF-TTR, baseada em análise secundária de um único ensaio clínico com desfecho que não é crítico para a tomada de decisão clínica. Eficácia comparativa com outras opções terapêuticas não foi avaliada. Análise econômica com validade questionável. Impacto orçamentário com custo significativo. RECOMENDAÇÃO PRELIMINAR: O Plenário, em sua 57ª reunião ordinária (05/07/2017), recomendou a incorporação no SUS do tafamidis meglumina para tratamento da amiloidose associada à transtirretina em pacientes adultos com polineuropatia sintomática em estágio inicial e não submetidos a transplante hepático. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: Foram recebidas 70 contribuições técnico-científicas e 764 sobre experiência ou opinião. Na 61ª reunião ordinária, após apreciação das contribuições, o plenário da CONITEC considerou contundente a necessidade de retomar a análise do tema incluindo as evidências apresentadas pela contribuição contrária. Na 62ª reunião ordinária, após apreciação das evidências trazidas pela contribuição contrária, o plenário entendeu que não houve nova informação, mantendo recomendação inicial. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL: Os membros da CONITEC presentes na 62ª reunião ordinária, no dia 07 de dezembro de 2017, deliberaram, por unanimidade, por recomendar a incorporação no SUS do tafamidis meglumina para tratamento da amiloidose associada à transtirretina em pacientes adultos com polineuropatia amiloidótica familiar sintomática em estágio inicial e não submetidos a transplante hepático, mediante negociação de preço e Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas do Ministério da Saúde. Foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação nº 320/2017. A recomendação será encaminhada para decisão do Secretário da SCTIE. DECISÃO: Incorporar o tafamidis meglumina para pacientes adultos com polineuropatia sintomática em estágio inicial e não submetidos a transplante hepático, mediante negociação de preço e Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas do Ministério da Saúde, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS. A decisão foi dada pela Portaria SCTIE-MS nº 02 publicada no Diário Oficial da União (DOU) nº 13, de 18 de janeiro de 2018, pág. 56.(AU)

Prealbumin and Retinol Binding Proteins Are Not Usable for Nutrition Follow-Up in Pediatric Intensive Care Units / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: Feeding children is a problem in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) and it is difficult to know the correct amount. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if prealbumin or retinol binding proteins (RBP) are effective relative to daily enteral nutrition, without being affected by severity of diseases or infections and can be used to follow up nutritional amount. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study that includes 81 patients admitted to PICU in Akdeniz University with estimated duration >72 hours, age between 1 month and 8 years. Daily calorie and protein intake were calculated and prealbumin, RBP and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured on the first, third, fifth and seventh mornings. RESULTS: We find moderate correlation between daily calorie intake and prealbumin levels (r=0.432, p < 0.001), RBP levels and daily protein intake (r=0.330, p < 0.001). When we investigated the relationship between changes of prealbumin, RBP, CRP, calorie and protein intake during intensive care stay, we found that increase of Prealbumin and RBP levels are explained by decrease of CRP levels (r=−0.546 and −0.645, p < 0.001) and not with increase of nourishment. CONCLUSION: Even adjusted for PRISM3, age and CRP, prealbumin and RBP are correlated with last 24 hours' diet. However, it is not convenient to use as a follow up biomarker because increase of their levels is related with decrease of CRP levels.