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The top 5 articles about rare blood featured information on pseudo–thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), immune TTP, and hemophilia.
The top read news in rare blood in 2023 included research on pseudo–thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), immune TTP, hemophilia, and how vitamin B deficiency can mimic TTP.
Here are the top articles for rare blood in 2023.
5. Case Report Highlights Hurdles in Identifying Pseudo-TTP
A case report found that a man who displayed apparent symptoms of TTP had not only vitamin B12 deficiency but also B1 deficiency, which made the case more notable. The hematological presentation of pseudo-TTP is similar to that of TTP but is ultimately caused by other factors that cause vitamin B deficiency. The man who presented with symptoms of TTP was treated with steroids until the B12 test results came in, which indicated a switch to vitamin B supplementation was needed. The man revealed that financial constraints led to poor nutrition, which ultimately caused the lack of vitamin B in his system.
4. ADAMTS-13 Clearance Major Pathogenic Mechanism in iTTP
ADAMTS-13 deficiency in patients with immune-mediated TTP appears to be caused by the major pathogenic mechanism of clearance of ADAMTS-13 mediated by immunoglobulin G antibodies. These antibodies can help to clear ADAMTS-13 by 4- to 10-fold and can play a role in plasma exchange therapy as well as presentation of the disorder. The researchers found that all but 1 of the 15 patients with immune TTP had reduced ADAMTS-13 antigen levels, which implied that clearance of ADAMTS-13 had a major role in these cases.
3. Unique Giant Cancer Cells Found in Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes
A total of 46% of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) had polypoid giant cancer cells in their peripheral blood in a study, which could indicate that they play a role in hematological disorders. Blood samples from 99 patients showed that 46 patients with MDS had a total of 680 giant cells compared with 28 giant cells in 11 healthy individuals. More than 80% of the bone marrow samples also had a high rate of cells that were similar to polypoid giant cancer cells.
2. High Use of Antidepressants, Anxiety, Pain Meds Seen Among Patients With Hemophilia
A higher use of pain, depression, and anxiety was found in patients with hemophilia, according to a study, which indicated to the authors that improved care for hemophilia was needed. A 4- to 6-fold higher use of opioids was found in the patients with moderate to high factor consumption whereas it was 2- to 4-fold higher in the low factor consumption group compared with controls. Patients with hemophilia also had a longer duration of taking the pain drugs compared with matched controls.
1. Vitamin B Deficiency Can Mimic TTP, Case Report Warns
Psuedo–thrombotic microangiopathy (pseudo-TMA) was found in a patient who had vitamin B12 deficiency. Although pseudo-TMA can appear similar to thrombotic TTP, treating these diseases is very different and can take different forms. Pseudo-TMA is easier to treat through blood infusions and B12 injections in conjunction with prednisone, which normalized the case patient’s blood work. Actual TMA requires emergency care and should be addressed differently.