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Thalass. Rep., Volume 14, Issue 2 (June 2024) – 3 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) serves as a compensatory mechanism in chronic hemolytic anemias such as thalassemia, and can result in spinal cord compression. This report presents the case of a 36-year-old woman with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) who presented with lower extremity motor deficiency, pelvic paresthesia, and bladder dysfunction. The patient had a history of lower back pain, bilateral lower limb weakness, and demonstrated poor compliance with iron chelation therapy. The MRI findings indicated spinal cord compression attributable to extramedullary hematopoiesis. View this paper
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5 pages, 2134 KiB  
Case Report
Premarital Counseling on the Alpha Thalassemia Allele HBA2:c.*94A>G
by Latifa Alderei, Nouf Alshkeili, Dana Alnaqbi, Omar Abdulla Shehab, Ranjit Vijayan and Abdul-Kader Souid
Thalass. Rep. 2024, 14(2), 44-48; https://doi.org/10.3390/thalassrep14020006 - 3 Jun 2024
Viewed by 947
Abstract
The mutation HBA2:c.*94A>G (AATAAA>AATAAG; rs63751269) is a 3′-UTR (3 prime untranslated region) single-nucleotide substitution in the polyadenylation (PA) signal of HBA2PA:A→G). This pathogenic (CADD score, 14.92) variant is sporadic in the Arabian Peninsula. It results in inefficient mRNA processing, [...] Read more.
The mutation HBA2:c.*94A>G (AATAAA>AATAAG; rs63751269) is a 3′-UTR (3 prime untranslated region) single-nucleotide substitution in the polyadenylation (PA) signal of HBA2PA:A→G). This pathogenic (CADD score, 14.92) variant is sporadic in the Arabian Peninsula. It results in inefficient mRNA processing, transcription termination, and possibly using an alternate cryptic downstream polyadenylation signal. As a result, the allele αT (or αT-Saudi) poses challenges in premarital counseling with respect to fetal risk of hemoglobin H disease. Homozygous HBA2:c.*94A>G (αTα/αTα) results in moderate-to-severe microcytosis (mean red cell volume, MCV, 55 to 65 fL), reflecting markedly impaired hemoglobin synthesis (hemoglobin H disease). Homozygous rightward −α3.7 (a 3804-neocleotide deletion allele, NM_000517.4:c.[-2_-3delAC; −α3.7]), on the other hand, results in mild microcytosis (MCV, 70 to 75 fL, alpha-thalassemia trait). Thus, HBA2:c.*94A>G is more damaging than −α3.7. Consistently, the value of MCV in compound heterozygosity, HBA2:c.*94A>G and −α3.7, is 65 to 70 fL. We report here a healthy couple who presented for premarital counseling on their hemoglobinopathy. The man has homozygous HBA2:c.*94A>G (αTα/αTα), and the woman has compound heterozygous (−α3.7Tα, also annotated as: −3.7α/αTα). As a result, the genotype of their offspring would be that of the father (αTα/αTα) or the mother (−α3.7Tα). The counseling was mainly based on the benign phenotypes of the parents. As both were asymptomatic and their anemia was clinically insignificant, they proceeded with the marriage. Full article
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11 pages, 246 KiB  
Review
Psychological Burden among Pediatric Thalassemia Major Patients in Indonesia: A Review
by Teny Tjitra Sari, Ludi Dhyani Rahmartani, Angga Wirahmadi, Nathasha Brigitta Selene, Stephen Diah Iskandar and Pustika Amalia Wahidiyat
Thalass. Rep. 2024, 14(2), 33-43; https://doi.org/10.3390/thalassrep14020005 - 14 May 2024
Viewed by 1665
Abstract
Thalassemia a common hereditary blood disorder resulting in anemia. It is an important public health problem, with a high prevalence in Southeast Asia and Mediterranean countries, and preventable through screening programs. However, due to its chronic nature, permanent physical changes, troublesome complications, and [...] Read more.
Thalassemia a common hereditary blood disorder resulting in anemia. It is an important public health problem, with a high prevalence in Southeast Asia and Mediterranean countries, and preventable through screening programs. However, due to its chronic nature, permanent physical changes, troublesome complications, and lifelong treatment, pediatric patients with thalassemia major are more prone to mental disorders and cognitive impairment. Internalizing and externalizing problems are higher in pediatric patients with thalassemia. Children with β-thalassemia major exhibit lower IQ scores than healthy children. Neurophysiology and neuroimaging examinations have shown abnormal results in children with thalassemia. Co-morbidity with mental disorders increases the mortality, morbidity, and total healthcare costs of patients with thalassemia. Therefore, routine evaluation of mental health problems is recommended to accommodate the early detection and prompt treatment of mental disorders. A multidisciplinary approach for thalassemia patients and families should be delivered by providing appropriate medical care, psychosocial support, and good transition care to improve survival and well-being, assist good social integration and daily functioning, and cope with the stress of chronic disease. Full article
7 pages, 7614 KiB  
Case Report
Unveiling Extramedullary Hematopoiesis: A Case Report Highlighting the Causes, Symptoms, and Management Strategies
by Konstantinos Manganas, Aikaterini Xydaki, Angeliki Kotsiafti, Olympia Papakonstantinou and Sophia Delicou
Thalass. Rep. 2024, 14(2), 26-32; https://doi.org/10.3390/thalassrep14020004 - 10 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1326
Abstract
Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) serves as a compensatory mechanism in chronic hemolytic anemias, such as thalassemia, and can result in spinal cord compression. This case report highlights a 36-year-old woman with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) who presented with lower extremity motor deficiency, pelvic paresthesia, and [...] Read more.
Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) serves as a compensatory mechanism in chronic hemolytic anemias, such as thalassemia, and can result in spinal cord compression. This case report highlights a 36-year-old woman with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) who presented with lower extremity motor deficiency, pelvic paresthesia, and bladder dysfunction. The patient had a history of lower back pain, bilateral lower limb weakness, and demonstrated poor compliance with iron chelation therapy. MRI findings indicated spinal cord compression attributable to extramedullary hematopoiesis. Due to the infeasibility of surgical intervention, the patient underwent hypertransfusion and iron chelation therapy. While neurological symptoms improved, urinary retention persisted. The patient continues to receive iron chelation treatment and undergo transfusions. Managing extramedullary hematopoiesis in thalassemia necessitates an individualized treatment approach. Full article
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