Differential detection of megakaryocytic and erythroid DNA in plasma in hematological disorders.

The tissues of origin of plasma DNA can be revealed by methylation patterns. However, the relative DNA contributions from megakaryocytes and erythroblasts into plasma appeared inconsistent among studies. To shed light into this phenomenon, we developed droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays for the differential detection of contributions from these cell types in plasma based on megakaryocyte-specific and erythroblast-specific methylation markers.

Prevention and management of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with hematological malignancies in the targeted therapy era.

Hepatitis due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation can be serious and potentially fatal, but is preventable. HBV reactivation is most commonly reported in patients receiving chemotherapy, especially rituximab-containing therapy for hematological malignancies and those receiving stem cell transplantation. Patients with inactive and even resolved HBV infection still have persistence of HBV genomes in the liver.

Efficacy of Vaccine Protection Against COVID-19 Virus Infection in Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 is a useful weapon to combat the virus. Patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs), including compensated or decompensated liver cirrhosis and noncirrhotic diseases, have a decreased immunologic response to coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines.

Risk of alanine aminotransferase flare in patients with previous hepatitis B virus exposure on biological modifier therapies-A population-based study.

Background: It is uncertain whether biological therapies would increase the risk of hepatitis among patients with past hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flare in patients with past HBV infection while using biological therapies.

Methodology: Patients who received biological therapies for ≥3 months from 2000 to 2019 were identified from a population-based database in Hong Kong.

Clinical outcomes of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving the hyper-CVAD regimen and assessment of the risk of hepatitis flares due to hepatitis B virus reactivation after chemotherapy.

Introduction: Hyper-CVAD (hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone) has become a popular regimen for adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We assessed the efficacy and tolerability of hyper-CVAD in the treatment of adult ALL.

Material And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed ALL patients aged 18 or above receiving the hyper-CVAD regimen.

Update on Molecular Diagnosis in Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma and Its Role in the Era of Personalized Medicine.

Natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is an aggressive malignancy with unique epidemiological, histological, molecular, and clinical characteristics. It occurs in two pathological forms, namely, extranodal NKTCL (ENKTCL) and aggressive NK leukemia, according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has long been proposed as the major etiology of lymphomagenesis.

Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E: What we know so far?

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of viral hepatitis globally. There is growing concern about transfusion-transmitted HEV (TT-HEV) as an emerging global health problem. HEV can potentially result in chronic infection in immunocompromised patients, leading to a higher risk of liver cirrhosis and even death.

Gastrointestinal and hepatic side effects of potential treatment for COVID-19 and vaccination in patients with chronic liver diseases.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic. Many clinical trials have been performed to investigate potential treatments or vaccines for this disease to reduce the high morbidity and mortality. The drugs of higher interest include umifenovir, bromhexine, remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, steroid, tocilizumab, interferon alpha or beta, ribavirin, fivapiravir, nitazoxanide, ivermectin, molnupiravir, hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin, and baricitinib.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Haematologist's Perspective.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is affecting millions of patients worldwide. It is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which belongs to the family Coronaviridae, with 80% genomic similarities to SARS-CoV. Lymphopenia was commonly seen in infected patients and has a correlation to disease severity.

Prevention of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with hematological malignancies and resolved hepatitis B virus infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Patients with resolved hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are at risk of HBV reactivation during treatment for hematological malignancies. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the data on the efficacy of antiviral prophylaxis for the prevention of HBV reactivation in this group of patients.

Methods: We conducted a systemic literature search of PubMed including MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to 31 January 2019 to identify studies published in English comparing antiviral prophylaxis with no prophylaxis for HBV reactivation in patients treated for hematological malignancies.

DNA of Erythroid Origin Is Present in Human Plasma and Informs the Types of Anemia.

Background: There is much interest in the tissue of origin of circulating DNA in plasma. Data generated using DNA methylation markers have suggested that hematopoietic cells of white cell lineages are important contributors to the circulating DNA pool. However, it is not known whether cells of the erythroid lineage would also release DNA into the plasma.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder presenting with skin ulceration in a renal transplant recipient who achieved sustained remission with rituximab therapy: A case report.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is associated with a variety of clinical presentations, but rarely involves the skin. We herein report a case of PTLD presenting with skin ulceration in a renal transplant recipient. A biopsy of the ulcer confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Prevention and management of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with hematological malignancies treated with anticancer therapy.

Hepatitis due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation can be severe and potentially fatal, but is preventable. HBV reactivation is most commonly reported in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy, especially rituximab-containing therapy for hematological malignancies and those receiving stem cell transplantation. All patients with hematological malignancies receiving anticancer therapy should be screened for active or resolved HBV infection by blood tests for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc).

Hb Tarrant [α126(H9)Asp→Asn; HBA2: c.379G > A (or HBA1)] in a Chinese Family as a Cause of Familial Erythrocytosis.

Hb Tarrant [α126(H9)Asp→Asn; HBA2: c.379G > A (or HBA1)], is a rare high oxygen affinity hemoglobin (Hb) variant that causes erythrocytosis, previously described in a few Mexican-American families. Here we report the first Chinese family with this Hb variant presenting with unexplained familial erythrocytosis.

Effects of addition of rituximab to chemotherapy on central nervous system events in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of rituximab to chemotherapy reduces central nervous system (CNS) events and to identify the risk factors associated with CNS involvement. Patients who were diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) between January, 1995 and December, 2012, without prior CNS disease, were recruited in this study. The patients received chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (CHOP) or CHOP with rituximab (R-CHOP), with curative intent.

Rare case of intussusception in an adult with acute myeloid leukemia.

Intussusception is rarely reported in adult patients with acute leukemia. We report a case of intussusception in a 29-year-old woman with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She developed right lower quadrant pain, fever, and vomiting on day 16 of induction chemotherapy.

Clinical features and treatment outcomes of Hodgkin's lymphoma in Hong Kong Chinese.

Introduction: Little information is available on the outcomes of Hodgkin's lymphoma in Chinese patients. We analyzed the clinical and histopathological characteristics, treatment types, clinical course and treatment outcomes of Hong Kong Chinese patients.

Material And Methods: Patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed from January 1991 to December 2010 were recruited.