Heterozygous mutations of the human telomerase RNA template gene (TERC) have been described in patients with acquired aplastic anemia and the autosomal dominant form of dyskeratosis congenita (DKC). ...Patients with mutations in both TERC alleles have not yet been reported. Here, we report a patient with DKC who inherited 2 distinct TERC sequence variants from her parents; a deletion (216_229del) in one and a point mutation (37A>G) in the other allele of the TERC gene. Her marrow was hypocellular and showed an abnormal clone 46, XX t(7; 21)(q34;q22). The telomere lengths in leukocytes of the patient and her relatives were shorter than those of the age-matched controls and were progressively shorter in subsequent generations of family members with the 216_229del allele. Telomerase enzymatic levels in lymphocytes from the patient were approximately half of those measured in healthy controls. The 216_229del mutation failed to reconstitute telomerase activity in transfected cells, but, when coexpressed with the 37A>G variant, telomerase activity was only modestly suppressed. These clinical and laboratory findings support the concept that telomerase levels in human hematopoietic stem cells are tightly controlled as even moderately reduced levels result in accelerated telomere shortening and eventual marrow failure.
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, renal dysfunction, and cholestasis (ARC) syndrome is a rare, fatal, multisystem disorder. Bleeding problems, which occur spontaneously and post organ biopsies, ...have been reported in these patients. We report the case of an infant who had life-threatening spontaneous nasal bleeding. A detailed assessment of her platelet function and morphology is presented.
We report three patients, two females and one male, with congenital polycythemia and high erythropoietin. All were extensively investigated in childhood; no known polycythemic conditions were ...diagnosed nor were any tumors known to be associated with polycythemia uncovered. At the ages of 14, 16, and 32 years the patients developed malignant hypertension secondary to multiple paragangliomas. In addition, one of patients has also developed a malignant pancreatic carcinoid tumor that expressed somatostatin. After the surgical resection of paragangliomas, hypertension subsided, but polycythemia persisted in all three subjects.
Comprehensive screening for germ-line mutations of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene as well as genes known to be causing familial paragangliomas - catalytic succinate dehydrogenase subunits B (SDHB), and catalytic succinate dehydrogenase subunit D (SDHD), has not revealed any mutations. In one of these patients studied so far there was no abnormality of the any of the three hypoxia control associated proline hydroxylase genes expressions found. Unlike the erythroid progenitors of Chuvash Polycythemia, these patients had normal sensitivity of erythroid progenitors to erythropoietin. The search for somatic mutations of VHL, SDHB, and SDHD genes, as well as quantitative analysis of the expressions of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha subunit (HIF-1a), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VHL, SDHB, and SDHD mRNAs by real-time PCR is ongoing.
In summary, we report a new polycythemic syndrome of congenital polycythemia with high erythropoietin and the normal sensitivity of erythroid progenitors to erythropoietin, which is not associated with VHL mutation. This is in contrast to our previous experience with about 200 patients, homozygous for Chuvash Polycythemia mutation or compound heterozygous for Chuvash Polycythemia R200W and other VHL mutations, who have not developed paraganglioma or any VHL syndrome tumors. This new polycythemic syndrome shares some clinical features with both von Hippel Lindau syndrome and with the Chuvash polycythemia. While its molecular defect is yet to be elucidated, it is a distinct clinical and genetic entity.
The oral cavity is one of the most common sites impacted by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with acute complications including mucositis, bleeding, salivary gland dysfunction, ...infection, and taste alteration. These complications may result in significant morbidity and can negatively impact outcomes such as length of stay and overall costs. As such, oral care during HSCT for prevention and management of oral toxicities is a standard component of transplant protocols at all centers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the current oral care practices for patients during HSCT at different transplant centers within the Eastern Mediterranean region.
An internet-based survey was directed to 30 transplant centers in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The survey included five sections asking questions related to (1) transplant center demographics; (2) current oral care protocol used at the center and type of collaboration (if any) with a dental service; (3) use of standardized oral assessment tools and grading systems for mucositis; (4) consultations for management of oral complications; and (5) oral health needs at each center. Data are presented as averages and percentages.
A total of 16 responses from 11 countries were collected and analyzed, indicating a response rate of 53%. Eight centers reported that a dentist was part of the HSCT team, with four reporting oral medicine specialists specifically being part of the team. Almost all centers (15/16; 93%) had an affiliated dental service to facilitate pre-HSCT dental clearance with an established dental clearance protocol at 14 centers (87%). Dental extraction was associated with the highest concern for bleeding and the need for platelet transfusion. With respect to infection risk, antibiotic prophylaxis was considered in the setting of low neutrophil counts with restorative dentistry and extraction. All centers provide daily reinforcement of oral hygiene regimen. The most frequently used mouth oral rinses included sodium bicarbonate (68%) and chlorhexidine gluconate (62%), in addition to ice chips for dry mouth (62%). The most frequently used mucositis assessment tools were the World Health Organization scale (7/16; 43%) and visual analogue scale for pain (6/16; 37%). Mucositis pain was managed with lidocaine solution (68.8%), magic mouth wash (68.8%) and/or systemic pain medications (75%).
Scope and implementation of oral care protocols prior to and during HSCT varied between transplant centers. The lack of a universal protocol may contribute to gaps in oral healthcare needs and management for this group of patients. Further dissemination of and education around available oral care guidelines is warranted.
Considering oral care during HSCT a standard component of transplant protocols, the current study highlights the common oral care practices for patients at centers within the Eastern Mediterranean region.
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