Enhanced detection and Characterization of M-proteins in multiple myeloma patients using An Agilent AssayMAP Bravo liquid handling system coupled to an LC-QTOF.

Background: Mass spectrometry methods are emerging as tools to detect M-proteins in the serum of multiple myeloma patients with increased sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional electrophoretic methods.

Methods: A liquid handling system, the Agilent AssayMAP Bravo, with liquid chromatography high-resolution quadrupole-time-of-flight (LC-QTOF) mass spectrometry to analyze intact light chains was compared to immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) for M-protein analysis. 210 patient serum samples were analyzed in a split sample comparison (LC-QTOF vs.

Serologic Response to Vaccine for COVID-19 in Patients with Hematologic Malignancy: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Patients with hematological cancers have increased COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, and these patients show attenuated vaccine responses. This study aimed to characterize the longitudinal humoral immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination in patients with hematological malignancies.

Patients And Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study, collecting samples from March 2021 to July 2022, from patients seen at a cancer treatment center in London, Ontario, Canada, who met the following eligibility criteria: age ≥18 years, diagnosed with a hematological malignancy, recipient of a COVID-19 vaccine during the study period, and able to provide informed consent.

Use of nonacog beta pegol during surgery in persons with hemophilia B: a case series.

Background: Hemophilia B is a coagulation disorder that puts patients at an increased risk of bleeding. Factor (F) IX replacement therapy is traditionally used in such cases to maintain hemostasis. Nonacog beta pegol (N9-GP; Refixia) is a glycoPEGylated, extended half-life, recombinant FIX product that has demonstrated safety and efficacy when used to manage persons with hemophilia B.

Acquired Hemophilia A Masquerading as Bleeding on Anticoagulation: A Case Report Including Key Laboratory Considerations.

We report a case of a patient with recurrent hematomas while on anticoagulation for a pulmonary embolism and a prolonged hospital stay due to a delayed diagnosis for acquired hemophilia A. Acquired hemophilia A is a rare autoimmune bleeding disorder with autoantibodies directed against coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), leading to an acquired FVIII deficiency. A prolonged isolated activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in a bleeding patient warrants workup for acquired hemophilia A.

Switching to nonacog beta pegol in hemophilia B: Outcomes from a Canadian real-world, multicenter, retrospective study.

Background: The Canadian Bleeding Disorders Registry (CBDR) captures data from 24 hemophilia treatment centers and patients directly. Nonacog beta pegol (N9-GP) was approved in Canada in 2018.

Objectives: To assess treatment outcomes following switching to N9-GP in a real-world setting.

Reflex factor coagulation testing in patients with an unexplained prolonged aPTT: An institutional retrospective review.

Background: We aim to determine the clinical utility of reflex coagulation investigations (RCI) for prolonged lupus insensitive activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) at our institution.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all potential RCI (lupus insensitive aPTT of ≥32s) from April 2014 to June 2019. Our diagnostic algorithm requires completion of RCI only if samples had no interfering medications to explain a prolonged aPTT and were either from a preoperative sample or from a patient presenting with unexplained bleeding.

A descriptive cost-analysis of MYX.1/MCRN003, a phase 2 clinical trial evaluating high-dose weekly carfilzomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.

Background: The prevalence of multiple myeloma is increasing and there is a need to evaluate escalating therapy costs (Canadian Cancer Statistics A, 2020). The MYX.1 phase II trial showed that high-dose weekly carfilzomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (wKCD) is efficacious in relapsed and refractory disease.

Clinical Penetrance of Hereditary Hemochromatosis-Related End-Organ Damage of C282Y Homozygosity, A Newfoundland Experience.

Introduction: Hereditary hemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive disorder of iron absorption, leading to organ dysfunction. C282Y gene homozygosity is implicated in 80%-95% of cases of hereditary hemochromatosis. The clinical penetrance of this genotype remains unclear.

Multifocal CD4+ Primary Cutaneous Small/Medium Lymphoproliferative Disorder Successfully Treated With Low-Dose Oral Methotrexate: A Case Report.

Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (PCSM-LPD) is a rare indolent disorder often associated with a favourable prognosis. It typically presents as a solitary skin lesion, mainly in the head, neck, or upper trunk region. Multifocal PCSM-LPD is a rare entity, with no standard treatment approaches available.

Confounding effect of therapeutic protamine and heparin levels on routine and special coagulation testing.

: The management of a patient with hemophilia undergoing cardiovascular surgery relies on accurate coagulation test results. Both unfractionated heparin (UFH) and protamine sulfate used during cardiac surgery can interfere with factor and inhibitor assays. Here we describe the effects of UFH and protamine sulfate on routine coagulation, factor activity, and inhibitor assays.

Splenic Angiosarcoma with Bone Marrow Involvement Initially Diagnosed as Systemic Mastocytosis: A Case Report.

We describe the case of a 67-year-old female patient presenting with constitutional symptoms and rapid decline. Two bone marrow core biopsies were performed, with spindled cells identified and thought to represent marrow involvement by systemic mastocytosis on the first biopsy. A diagnosis of metastatic vascular malignancy with sarcomatoid features was favored on the second core biopsy.

Muscle aches and pains: do I have leukemia?

We describe a 65-year-old man who presented with 'aches and pains' localized to the lower extremities, and was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We hypothesize that this case represents an atypical presentation of AML with an immune-mediated necrotizing-like myopathy as a possible paraneoplastic manifestation of the disease, which improved after initiating chemotherapy. Our patient received a full course of 7 + 3 chemotherapy with cytarabine and daunorubicin.

A personalized approach to the management of VWD.

The goal of treating Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is to replace deficient or dysfunctional Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) protein. However, the choice of treatment has to be considered carefully in view of patient factors and the unique properties of replacement products. Tailoring a treatment plan to an individual patient's bleeding challenge is an intricate process.

An innovative short-stay health care model for treatment of uncomplicated vaso-occlusive crisis in adult sickle cell disease patients in Canada to reduce emergency department utilization.

Objectives: Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) with vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) often visit the emergency department (ED) for management of painful episodes. The primary objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the acceptability of a short-stay model for treatment of VOC in SCD outside of the ED in Toronto, Canada. Secondary objectives were to assess patient satisfaction of this model, barriers to its use and comparison of clinical outcomes to a historical control.

Effects of Long-Term Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin on Fractures and Bone Density in Non-Pregnant Adults: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

Background: Adults who require long-term anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) such as cancer patients or the elderly may be at increased risk of fractures.

Objective: To determine the effects of LMWH therapy of at least 3 months' duration on fractures and bone mineral density (BMD) in non-pregnant adult populations.

Methods: We systematically reviewed electronic databases (e.