The intestinal flora: The key to unraveling heterogeneity in immune thrombocytopenia?

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disorder characterized by enhanced platelet destruction and impaired platelet production, due to a loss of immune tolerance that leads to targeting of platelets and megakaryocytes by glycoprotein-autoantibodies and/or cytotoxic T cells. There is a high degree of heterogeneity in ITP patients signified by unpredictable disease trajectories and treatment responses. Initial studies in humans have identified intestinal microbiota perturbance in ITP.

Prevalence and treatment of anemia and secondary iron overload in patients with a myelodysplastic syndrome: Real-world data from a multicenter cohort study.

Background: anemia is the most common finding in patients with a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Repetitive red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and disease-related low hepcidin levels induce secondary iron overload. Real-world data on the prevalence and treatment strategies of anemia and secondary iron overload in MDS patients, is limited.

Hemoglobin modulation affects physiology and patient reported outcomes in anemic and non-anemic subjects: An umbrella review.

An abnormal hemoglobin concentration has a substantial effect on a person's quality of life and physiology. Lack of tools that effectively evaluate hemoglobin-related outcomes leads to uncertainty regarding optimal hemoglobin levels, transfusion thresholds and treatment targets. We therefore aim to summarize reviews that assess the effects of hemoglobin modulation on the human physiology at various baseline hemoglobin levels, and identify gaps in existing evidence.

Remote Monitoring of Vital and Activity Parameters in Chronic Transfusion-Dependent Patients: A Feasibility Pilot Using Wearable Biosensors.

Introduction: Little is known if, and to what extent, outpatient red blood cell (RBC) transfusions benefit chronic transfusion-dependent patients. Costs, labour, and potential side effects of RBC transfusions cause a restrictive transfusion strategy to be the standard of care. However, effects on the actual performance and quality of life of patients who require RBCs on a regular basis are hardly studied.