Introduction: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a physiological metabolite of vitamin A and it is used for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Hypercalcemia is a rare side effect of ATRA and it may be potentiated after interaction of ATRA with azole group antifungals. Herein, we have reported an APL case with hypercalcemia that is caused by the interaction of ATRA and posaconazole. Case Report: A 49-year-old female patient was diagnosed as APL after the examinations performed upon the detection of pancytopenia when she had presented with the complaints of widespread bruising and fever. After the initiation of posaconazole and ATRA, her serum calcium levels begin to increase (10.3 to 11.1mg/dl). Her vitamin D level was 21.9 ng/ml and PTH 17.8 pg/ml, both were in the normal ranges. The Drug Interaction Probability Scale score of our case was calculated as 6, indicating that the probable adverse drug reaction. Therefore, the high level of serum calcium was attributed to the interaction between ATRA and posaconazole. Management & Outcome: Although hypercalcemia with ATRA and other antifungal agents have been previously reported in the literature, this is the first report of hypercalcemia with the concomitant use of ATRA and posaconazole. Discussion: This case highlights the importance of monitoring ATRA’s side effects when it is used in combination with drugs inhibiting the cytochrome P450 enzymes. In conclusion, the concomitant use of posaconazole and ATRA may lead to hypercalcemia and serum calcium levels return to normal ranges with the discontinuation of these drugs.
There are only a few predictive markers that can truly aid therapy decisions in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The current study aimed to examine the impact of easily available common laboratory parameters on the course and prognosis of patients with AML. Gender, initial bone marrow blast percentage, mean platelet volume (MPV), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, treatment regimen, and complete remission (CR1) were found to have a statistically significant effect on both OS and PFS (p < 0.05). Only MPV, LDH, and initial treatment regimen were found to have a significant effect on CR1 achievement (p < 0.05). According to the current study, besides the induction regimen, only MPV was seen to affect short and long-term outcomes including both CR achievement, OS and PFS. MPV can be considered as a predictive or prognostic marker in patients with AML. Patients with higher MPV at the time of diagnosis should be evaluated carefully.
21 September 2023 in Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice
Background and Aim: Similar to the uncertainties in the treatment criteria for indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL), the prognostic criteria have not been fully clarified. The Controlled Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is not only used as a predictor of malnutrition but also indicates prognosis in many chronic or malignant diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive and prognostic significance of the CONUT score in patients with iNHL. Patients and Methods: A retrospective evaluation was made of 109 patients with iNHL. The CONUT scores of the patients were compared between those with an indication for treatment and those followed without treatment. The same analysis was performed between patients who developed relapse after treatment. Survival analysis was performed on all patients, and associations between survival and the CONUT score were examined. Results: The median CONUT score was found to be higher in those who had treatment indications compared to those who did not (2 vs 1; P = 0.014). In the regression model, a CONUT absolute value above 5 was found as an independent risk factor predicting relapse. In the whole study population, a CONUT absolute value >2 predicted the risk of mortality with 53.9% sensitivity and 68.7% specificity (AUC ± SE = 0.639 ± 0.07; +PV = 35%; -PV = 82.6%; P = 0.034). Conclusion: CONUT score is a predictive and prognostic factor for patients with iNHL. The development of simple, low-budget prognostic and predictive biomarkers is critical not only for determining the course of the disease but also for follow-up and treatment management.
13 November 2021 in Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice
Introduction: Imatinib is generally well tolerated by patients. The most common ophthalmic side effects are eyelid edema and periorbital edema. Other side effects which occur at rates of <1% include blepharitis, blurred vision, conjunctival hemorrhage, conjunctivitis, retinal hemorrhage, etc. An uncommon case is here reported of a 51-year-old male with chronic myeloid leukemia who developed vitreous hemorrhage due to imatinib after 9 months of treatment. Case report: A 51-year-old male with leukocytosis detected in the blood test examination was referred to the Hematology Department. The bone marrow biopsy result was compatible with chronic myeloid leukemia. Imatinib treatment (400 mg/day) was started. In the ninth month of imatinib treatment, the patient complained of a sudden decrease in vision. Vitreous hemorrhage was detected in the left eye and the patient underwent surgery. Vitreous hemorrhage recurred 1 month after the operation. On the fourth day after the discontinuation of imatinib treatment, the patient's ophthalmic complaints improved significantly. The Naranjo algorithm was applied and a score of 9 was detected. The vitreous hemorrhage of the patient was attributed to imatinib, and so the treatment of the patient was switched to bosutinib. Discussion: Imatinib is an oral signal inhibitor that targets tyrosine kinase for BCR/ABL, platelet-derived growth factor, stem cell factor, and c-kit (CD117). The conjunctiva and sclera have a large amount of c-kit positive mast cells which are inhibited by imatinib. The inhibition of c-kit positive mast cells by imatinib may be responsible for further exposure of the conjunctival mucosa to injuries.
1 December 2020 in Transfusion and Apheresis Science