Hematology

This preliminary study revealed that mice with certain genetic variants exhibit anemia, emphasizing the importance of LDHA in red blood cell erythropoiesis. Glycolysis, or the metabolism of glucose, is integral to cellular life. The pyruvate obtained in glycolysis is either converted to lactate or oxidized into the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The former process is catalyzed...

This study will investigate the use of bitopertin, an oral GlyT1 glycine transporter inhibitor, in treating steroid-refractory Diamond–Blackfan anemia, which is characterized by bone marrow failure and often exhibits poor response to systemic corticosteroids. Bitopertin aims to rebalance hemoglobin synthesis by slowing heme production.  Diamond–Blackfan anemia (DBA) is described as a bone marrow failure disorder....

Study shows 33 percent have nonproliferative retinopathy and 6 percent have proliferative retinopathy For pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), ophthalmologic complications include nonproliferative retinopathy (NPR) and proliferative retinopathy (PR), which occur in 33 and 6 percent, respectively, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, held...

No significant differences were found in plasma cell leukemia outcomes among racial groups of hospitalized patients in a recent study. Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is an aggressive subtype of multiple myeloma (MM) with a poor prognosis. Prior studies have documented racial disparities among MM patients regarding prevalence, treatment outcomes, and mortality, but limited data exists...

Sickle cell disease is known to be associated with worse pregnancy outcomes and higher maternal mortality. However, a new study shows that racial disparities significantly contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes in Black women. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is more likely to affect people of African descent. Additionally, it is known that SCD significantly increases the...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Sarmiento, M.D., MPH on Oct. 4, 2023 A new study finds that Black patients have a lower life expectancy when living with sickle cell disease compared to Non-Blacks. This is despite being insured by Medicare and Medicaid, and might point to healthcare disparities requiring further investigation. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) affects about...

Improved therapies allow patients with sickle cell disease to live longer, but there is a paucity of research on specific treatment recommendations in older adults and older adults are often underrepresented in clinical trials. Older adults are underrepresented in sickle cell disease clinical trials. Disease management in older adults must focus on interactions between SCD...

Vaso-occlusive events in sickle cell disease are managed with opioids, but there are several side effects. Ketamine is proposed as an adjunctive therapy that may reduce the need for high-dose opioids. Sickle cell disease causes vaso-occlusive pain episodes, typically managed with opioids and NSAIDs Ketamine might be an effective therapy to add to VOE management...

The transition from pediatric to adult treatment programs poses a challenge in the management of sickle cell disease. Developing transition programs with better knowledge of the factors that lead to transition success will be vital to improving patient outcomes.   Patients with sickle cell disease require lifelong treatment Transitioning from pediatric to adult care is a...