Reacción hemolítica transfusional tardía en un paciente con anemia de células falciformes: reporte de un caso / Delayed hemolytic reaction to transfusion in sickle cell anemia: report of one case

Sickle cell anemia was a rare disease in Chile, especially in adults, however the recent immigration wave from Haiti is changing this scenario. We report a 29 year old black female from Haiti with a non-disclosed history of sickle cell anemia. She was transfused with two units of red blood cells, found unconscious and with jaundice five days later and admitted to the hospital. On admission she had a hemoglobin of 3.3 g/dL, a total bilirubin of 5.08 mg/dL, a LDH of 1,306 Ui/L. She was transfused again, worsening her condition. An alloimmunization and delayed hemolytic reaction was suspected. A direct Coombs test was positive. She was treated with steroids and her serum hemoglobin rose progressively.

Genetic variants associated with fetal hemoglobin levels show the diverse ethnic origin in Colombian patients with sickle cell anemia / Las variantes genéticas asociadas con niveles de hemoglobina fetal señalan diversos orígenes étnicos en pacientes colombianos con anemia falciforme.

Introduction: Fetal hemoglobin is an important factor in modulating the severity of sickle cell anemia. Its level in peripheral blood underlies strong genetic determination. Associated loci with increased levels of fetal hemoglobin display population-specific allele frequencies. Objective: We investigated the presence and effect of known common genetic variants promoting fetal hemoglobin persistence (rs11886868, rs9399137, rs4895441, and rs7482144) in 60 Colombian patients with sickle cell anemia. Materials and methods: Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) and the use of the TaqMan procedure. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) from these patients was quantified using the oxyhemoglobin alkaline denaturation technique. Genotype frequencies were compared with frequencies reported in global reference populations. Results: We detected genetic variants in the four SNPs, reported to be associated with higher HbF levels for all four SNPs in the Colombian patients. Genetic association between SNPs and HbF levels did not reach statistical significance. The frequency of these variants reflected the specific ethnic make-up of our patient population: A high prevalence of rs7482144-'A' reflects the West-African origin of the sickle cell mutation, while high frequencies of rs4895441-'G' and rs11886868-'C' point to a significant influence of an Amerindian ethnic background in the Colombian sickle cell disease population. Conclusion: These results showed that in the sickle cell disease population in Colombia there is not a unique genetic background, but two (African and Amerindian). This unique genetic situation will provide opportunities for a further study of these loci, such as fine-mapping and molecular-biological investigation. Colombian patients are expected to yield a distinctive insight into the effect of modifier loci in sickle cell disease.

Introducción. La hemoglobina fetal es un importante factor modulador de la gravedad de la anemia falciforme, cuya expresión está muy condicionada por el factor genético. Los loci asociados con el incremento de la hemoglobina fetal pueden presentar frecuencias alélicas específicas para cada población. Objetivo. Investigar la presencia y el efecto de las variantes genéticas rs11886868, rs9399137, rs4895441 y rs7482144 asociadas con la persistencia de hemoglobina fetal, en 60 pacientes colombianos con anemia falciforme. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo la genotipificación de los polimorfismos de nucleótido simple ( Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, SNP) mediante la técnica de polimorfismos de longitud de fragmentos de restricción ( Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms, RFLP) y el procedimiento TaqMan. La hemoglobina fetal (HbF) se cuantificó utilizando la técnica de desnaturalización alcalina de la oxihemoglobina. Las frecuencias genotípicas se compararon con las reportadas en poblaciones de referencia global. Resultados. Se observaron variantes genéticas ya reportadas para aumento de HbF en los cuatro SNP. La asociación genética entre los SNP y el incremento de la HbF no alcanzó significancia estadística. La frecuencia de estos alelos reflejó la siguiente composición específica en esta muestra de pacientes colombianos: una gran prevalencia de rs7482144-'A', lo que indica que el origen de la mutación para la anemia falciforme es África occidental, y una gran frecuencia de rs4895441-'G' y rs11886868-'C', lo que denota la influencia significativa del origen genético amerindio. Conclusión. Los resultados evidenciaron que la población con anemia falciforme de Colombia no tiene un único origen genético, sino que existen dos (africano y amerindio). Esta situación genética única ofrece la oportunidad de llevar a cabo un estudio más amplio de estos loci a nivel molecular. Se espera que el estudio de pacientes colombianos permita una visión diferente del efecto de los loci modificadores en esta enfermedad.

Is sickle cell anemia a risk factor for severe dental malocclusion?

The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between sickle cell anemia (SCA) and the severity of dental malocclusion (MO). This was a retrospective cohort study of 93 individuals with SCA (G1) and 186 individuals without the disease (G2). SCA patients were randomly selected by a simple draw from patients treated in the Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Maranhão (HEMOMAR) in northeastern Brazil. Patients aged between 16 and 60 were included after being tested for the hemoglobin S gene. G2 consisted of individuals living in the same residence as the patients. The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), as well as some morphological deviations not included in DAI, were used for the orthodontic evaluation of MO. Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment was employed to estimate relative risk (RR). In the multivariate analysis, SCA was associated with moderate (RR = 1.36) and very severe MO (RR = 8.0). SCA is correlated with anterior tooth loss (RR = 1.94), anterior spacing (RR = 1.66), overjet (RR = 1.87), anterior crossbite (RR = 1.94), and open bite (RR = 1.94). Thus, SCA is a risk factor for moderate and very severe MO.

Estudo dos haplótipos da doença falciforme revela a origem afrodescendente da população amapaense / Study on sickle cell disease haplotypes reveals the African origin of Amapá's population

Introduction:Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary, hematologic, multifactorial disease, with high prevalence worldwide; its cause is a mutation in the sixth codon of the beta globin gene (βs).Objective: To identify the haplotypes present in people with SCD in Amapá, and relate them to African descent. Methods: We analyzed, by molecular techniques, 46 blood samples from people with SCD in Macapá, the capital of Amapá, with the purpose of obtaining information about haplotype frequency distribution, which helps understand the ethnic background of Amapá's population. Results: Our study revealed that the most frequent haplotype is Bantu (61.2%), followed by Benin (26.6%) and Senegal (12.2%). Results showed statistical differences from studies conducted in other regions. A high frequency of the Senegal haplotype stands out, in comparison with some Brazilian studies. Conclusion: Amapá's results exhibit unique characteristics when compared to haplotypes in other regions, with high frequency of Senegal and Benin haplotypes, absence of atypical, Cameroon and Saudi, confirming that Brazil shows ethnic background diversity, as well as different haplotype frequencies...

Introdução: A doença falciforme é uma doença hereditária, hematológica, de caráter multifatorial, com alta prevalência mundial; sua causa é a mutação no sexto códon do gene da globina beta (βs). Objetivo:Identificar os haplótipos presentes em indivíduos com doença falciforme no Amapá e relacioná-los com a origem afrodescendente. Método: Foram analisadas por meio de técnicas moleculares 46 amostras de sangue de indivíduos com doença falciforme de Macapá, capital do Amapá, com a finalidade de fornecer informações sobre a distribuição das frequências dos haplótipos, contribuindo para o entendimento da formação étnica da população amapaense. Resultados: Nosso estudo revelou que o mais frequente é o haplótipo Bantu (61,2%), seguido de Benin (26,6%) e Senegal (12,2%). Nossos resultados apresentaram diferenças estatísticas em relação a estudos realizados em outras regiões, destacando-se que o presente estudo mostra uma frequência elevada do haplótipo Senegal quando comparado com alguns estudos brasileiros. Conclusão: Os resultados amapaenses apresentam características únicas quando relacionados com os haplótipos de outras regiões, com alta frequência de Senegal e Benin, ausência de atípicos, Camarões e Saudi, confirmando que o Brasil apresenta diversidade de origens étnicas, bem como diferentes frequências de haplótipos...

Haplotipos del gen de la globina beta en portadores de hemoglobina S en Colombia / Beta globin haplotypes in hemoglobin S carriers in Colombia

Introducción. La mutación de la hemoglobina S (HbS) va acompañada por otras mutaciones en la región del cromosoma 11, conocida como conjunto de la globina beta(beta globin cluster). El patrón de combinación de estos polimorfismos da lugar a los haplotipos que se heredan junto con la mutación de la hemoglobina S, se denominan haplotipos de la mutación bs y revisten gran importancia epidemiológica y clínica. Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de los principales haplotipos asociados al gen HBB en pacientes colombianos heterocigotos para hemoglobina S. Materiales y métodos. En la Clínica Colsanitas se han estudiado a la fecha 1.200 muestras de sangre periférica de niños en busca de hemoglobinopatías, y se ha encontrado el rasgo falciforme como la hemoglobinopatía más frecuente. Se determinaron los haplotipos del gen HBB que presentaron la mutación beta-S en 33 niños con patrón electroforético de hemoglobina AS, mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) y enzimas de restricción. Se determinaron el patrón electroforético de la hemoglobina, el nivel de hemoglobina fetal y los parámetros hematológicos de cada individuo. Resultados. Los haplotipos de la hemoglobina S encontrados con mayor frecuencia en la muestra analizada son de origen africano y su orden de aparición fue mayor para el haplotipo Bantú (36,4 %), seguido por Senegal (30,3 %), Benín (21,2 %) y Camerún (12,1 %). La electroforesis de hemoglobina confirmó el fenotipo AS; la dosificación de hemoglobina fetal mostró niveles por debajo de 1 % y los parámetros hematológicos analizados mostraron valores normales en el 100 % de los individuos. Conclusión. Los haplotipos de la HbS encontrados con mayor frecuencia en la muestra estudiada eran de origen africano y su distribución variaba de acuerdo con el lugar de prodedencia del individuo. La mayor frecuencia correspodió al haplotipo Bantú.

Introduction. The hemoglobin S (HbS) mutation is accompanied by other mutations in the region of chromosome 11 known as "beta globin cluster". The pattern of combination of these polymorphisms giving rise to the haplotypes that co-inherit the HbS mutation, are called haplotypes bs, and are of great epidemiological and clinical significance. Objective. The frequencies of major haplotypes associated with S beta-globin gene was determined in Colombian patients heterozygous for hemoglobin S. Materials and methods. As part of the national neonatal screening program at Clínica Colsanitas, located in major cities of Colombia, nearly 1,200 children from different areas of the country were examined for hemoglobinopathies. The sickle cell trait was identified as the most common. S beta-globin gene haplotypes were determined by PCR and restriction enzymes in 33 children with AS hemoglobin electrophoretic patterns (carrier state). In addition, electrophoretic patterns of hemoglobin, fetal hemoglobin levels and hematologic parameters of each individual were identified. Results. The most frequent haplotypes in Colombia were the Bantú haplotype (36.4 %), followed by Senegal (30.3 %), Benin (21.2 %) and Cameroon (12.1 %) haplotypes. Hemoglobin electrophoresis confirmed the AS phenotype in all patients, and fetal hemoglobin levels below 1%. Other hematological parameters were normal in all cases. Conclusion. The HbS haplotypes found more frequently in the sample were of African origin, and their distribution varied according to the place of origin of the individual. The most frequent corresponded to the Bantu haplotype.

Análise dos haplótipos da anemia falciforme em Fortaleza revela as origens étnicas da população cearense / Analysis of sickle cell anemia haplotypes in Fortaleza reveals the ethnic origins of Ceará state population

Os haplótipos ligados ao gene da βS-globina foram analisados em uma amostra de 68 cromossomos de pacientes de Fortaleza, capital do Ceará, com anemia falciforme (AF), com a finalidade de fornecer informações sobre a distribuição das frequências dos haplótipos, contribuindo para o estudo das origens da formação étnica da população cearense. A distribuição dos haplótipos do gene da βS-globina foi 66,2 por cento do tipo Bantu, 22 por cento do Benin e 11,8 por cento do atípico. Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o presente estudo e os resultados de outros pesquisadores no Ceará. A distribuição das frequências dos haplótipos do gene da βS-globina no presente estudo está condizente com a história da formação da população brasileira. Conforme dados históricos sobre as origens da população negra trazida ao Ceará, o haplótipo Bantu seria o mais prevalente, seguido pelo Benin e Senegal. Estes resultados são relevantes para o estudo das rotas de tráfico dos escravos no Brasil e para entendermos as origens étnicas da população brasileira.

In a sample of 68 chromosomes from sickle cell anemia patients from the population of Fortaleza, capital of Ceará State - Brazil, the haplotypes connected with βS-globin gene were analyzed with the aim to provide further information on haplotype frequency distribution, which ultimately contributed to the investigation into the ethnic origins of the state's population. The haplotype distribution of βS-globin gene was 66.2 percent Bantu type, 22 percent Benin type and 11.8 percent atypical. There was a significant statistical difference between the results of the present study and those achieved by other researchers in Ceará. The distribution of haplotype frequencies of βS-globin gene in the present study is consistent with the history of the Brazilian population origins. According to historical data on the origins of the slave population brought to Ceará State, Bantu haplotype would be the most prevalent, followed by Benin and Senegal. These results are relevant to the study of the slave traffic routes in Brazil and to understand the ethnic origins of Brazilian population.

A política de saúde da população negra no Brasil: o caso da anemia falciforme (1996-2004) / Health policy for the black population in Brazil: the case of the sickle cell anemia (1996-2004)

Tem por objetivo abordar o processo de constituição e desenvolvimento de um campo denominado saúde da população negra no período que se estende de 1996 a 2004. Com o interesse em discutir a construção dessa agenda política na esfera da saúde, o trabalho propõe fazer uma reflexão das ações promovidas pelo Estado no que diz respeito à definição de políticas voltadas para a anemia falciforme, encarada como uma doença de maior prevalência na população negra.

Benign ocular manifestations of sickle cell anemia in Arabs.

A complete ophthalmic examination was carried out for each of 54 adult patients with various forms of sickle cell disease. Mild and infrequent signs in the anterior and posterior segments were found, but there were no cases of proliferative sickle cell retinopathy detected. These findings were compared with the reported findings in the black Americans of African origin with the same disease. The probable explanations were the high prevalence of fetal haemoglobin in Arab sicklers, the rarity of sickle cell disease among the Arabs and the possible existence of a different gene.