scholarly journals The Prevalence and Clinical Impact of Leukopenia Among Arab Population with Iron Deficiency Anemia an Experience from Qatar

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 16-16
Author(s):  
Hussam A Almasri ◽  
Ashraf Tawfiq Soliman ◽  
Vincenzo Desanctis ◽  
Mustafa A Al-Tikrity ◽  
Arwa E Alsaud ◽  
...  

Introduction Severe IDA can cause many complications and impair the quality of life. Iron is an essential micronutrient required for catalysis, DNA synthesis, redox reactions and oxygen transport1. It is important for an early step in embryonic haematopoiesis, which is common for all developing blood cells. The link between IDA and leukopenia is not well recognized in the literature. Objectives To assess the prevalence and clinical significance of leukopenia in patients with IDA and effect of iron replacement and correction of anemia on the WBCs count. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of all patients attended haematology clinic with the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) over 2 years in Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. All other causes of anemia and patients with systemic or chronic diseases were excluded. Age, nationality, BMI, Complete blood count and iron parameters were collected before and after treatment with IV iron therapy. Associated infections at the time of presentation (IDA and leukopenia) were noted including the course of the infection and response to treatment. Leukopenia was defined as WBCs count below 4000/microlitre. Statistical analysis was done using paired t test to compare variables after versus before iron therapy. Results Out of 1567 case of iron deficiency anemia, 80 case had leukopenia (5.105%) Their mean Leukocytes count was 3.35 +/- 0.48 ×103 before iron replacement. 7 patients had infections; 4 had upper respiratory tract infection, 1 urinary tract infection, 1 gastroenteritis, 1 lymphadenitis. Six of them received antibiotics and they had no complications. After iron therapy and correction of anemia the leukocyte count increased significantly to 4.38 +/- 1.82×103 (P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between WBC count and iron parameters (Hb, TIBC, serum iron concentration). Discussion High level of erythropoietin in IDA is thought to cause down regulation of neutrophils in animal models. In our study leukopenia occurred in 5.1% of the big cohort with IDA. A previous study on 516 patients with IDA recorded leukopenia in 17.6% of them. Their cases with leukopenia occurred more in patients with severe anemia. The increase of WBC count with correction of anemia suggested a physiologic link between erythropoiesis and leukopoiesis. However, our study did not show correlation between WBC count and Hb or any of the iron parameters. In concert with our finding, a study in healthy children (n = 556) did not find associations between the measured iron markers and WBC In addition, the association between IDA and leukopenia did not significantly increase the risk of infections in our patients. The link between leukopenia and IDA needs to be addressed in more studies. Conclusions: The prevalence of leukopenia in this big cohort with IDA was 5.1%. This leukopenia was not associated with severe or complicated infections. There were no associations between the measured iron markers and white blood cell counts in healthy adults Figure Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 39-40
Author(s):  
Hussam A Almasri ◽  
Ashraf Tawfiq Soliman ◽  
Vincenzo Desanctis ◽  
Arwa E Alsaud ◽  
Ruoa Alhashimy ◽  
...  

Introduction Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anemia in both developed and developing countries, particularly affecting females in the child bearing age and children. The treatment of IDA is a major health goal, it consists of treating the underlying cause and iron supplements. Iron replacement comes in form of oral or intravenous, there are certain side effects of this therapy including constipation and allergy. Leukopenia as a side effect of iron therapy is under reported in the literature as only sporadic cases were prescribed. We conducted a study to clarify this issue and to check for its clinical significance. Objective: To assess the relationship between iron therapy (intravenous) and leukopenia, neutropenia or lymphocytopenia, and its impact on patient's clinical settings. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients attended Haematology clinic for iron deficiency anemia and treated with intravenous iron (ferric carboxymaltose or iron saccharide) over 2 years in Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha/Qatar. Adult female patients with IDA cases who received IV iron were included. anemia due to other nutrients deficienciesa nd conditions (including other medications) that may alter WBCs count were excluded.Age, Ethnicity, BMI, Complete blood count and iron studies data were collected before and after treatment with IV iron therapy. Infection occurrence at the time of IDA and leukopenia, the use of antibiotics and infection related complications were also collected. Leukopenia was defined as WBCs count to be less than 4000/microlitre, Neutropenia as ANC less than 1500/microlitre and lymphocytopenia as lymphocytes less than 1000/mocrolitre. Statistical analysis was done using mean , SD and t test. Results After iron therapy, out of 1567 case of iron deficiency anemia, 30 cases (1.914%) have leukopenia,15 cases (0.957%) have neutropenia and 12 cases (0.765%) have lymphocytopenia. All had normal readings before treatment. 2 patients (6.66%) had infection, 1 had upper respiratory tract infection and 1 urinary tract infection, the latter was treated with antibiotics, none reported infection related complications Discussion Leukocytopenia is defined as low WBCs circulating in the blood and this can be caused by low neutrophils count, low lymphocytes count, other WBCs components or combined. Some previous reported cases generated the idea of a possible connection between iron supplement therapy and leukopenia, Brito-Babapulle et al reported a case of fatal bone marrow suppression linked to ferric carboxymaltose therapy in a patient with IDA. The pathophysiology is not well understood but thought to be a toxic effect of iron on bone marrow and it can affect all cell lineages. Our findings suggest possible iron replacement side effect as there was significant drop of the WBCs count after treating IDA patients with IV iron, however this association was not common. There was no life threatening or serious infections in the affected patients, which can suggest that most of these cases are mild and transient. More studies are needed to address this issue, particularly on larger scales. Patient education also may be appreciated before treatment with IV iron. Conclusions: Leukopenia in form of neutropenia or lymphocytopenia maybe a side effect of IV iron therapy. Clinical significance is limited in view of current literature further studies needed to elaborate more in this important adverse event. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 15-16
Author(s):  
Hussam A Almasri ◽  
Ashraf Tawfiq Soliman ◽  
Vincenzo Desanctis ◽  
Rita Wafik Ahmad ◽  
Mustafa A Al-Tikrity ◽  
...  

Introduction Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is one of the most common health problems worldwide, its prevalence is up to 1 in 5 of the general population. The diagnosis of absolute iron deficiency is easy unless the condition is masked by inflammatory conditions. All cases of iron deficiency should be assessed for treatment and underlying cause.In developing countries, iron deficiency anemia is nutritional, resulting from reduced intake of bioavailable iron , and often associated with infections causing hemorrhages, such as hookworm infestation . In Western societies, other than in individuals at risk, iron depletion results from chronic bleeding and/or reduced iron absorption, disorders that may be more relevant than anemia itself.The association between IDA and lymphocytopenia is poorly addressed in the literature. Objective: To assess the prevalence of lymphocytopenia in a large cohort with IDA and to study the effect of iron replacement on lymphocytes count. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients attended haematology clinic with the diagnosis of IDA over 2 years in Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. Patients with other forms of anemia were excluded as those with chronic or systemic diseases. Complete blood count and iron parameters were collected and analysed. Lymphocytopenia was defined as lymphocyte count less than 1000/microlitre. Statistical analysis was done using mean and SD and paired t test to compare variables after versus before treatment. Results The mean age of our IDA patients was 37.95 years with a mean BMI = 31.82. Out of 1567 case of IDA, 20 had lymphocytopenia, (1.276%). The mean lymphocytes count mean increased from 0.73 +/- 0.15 x 10^9 before iron replacement, to 1.79 +/- 0.74 x 10^9 after iron treatment (p < 0.05) (iron dose of 1000 mg of IV iron saccharate or ferric carboxymaltose) . Four out of the 20 patients with lymphopenia had mild infections (2 upper respiratory tract infections, 1 urinary tract infection and one gastroenteritis) with no serious complications. These findings suggested that the lymphopenia associated with IDA is correctable and does not increase infection risk in these patients. Discussion Our study showed a possible negative impact of IDA on lymphocytes count in a small number of patients that was corrected with the correction of anemia with iron therapy. Animal studies showed that iron deficiency may lead to impaired T lymphoid differentiation and may negatively affect all cell lineage in haematopoiesis not only on erythroid line. A case control study by Das et al. found significantly lower levels of CD4+ T-cell counts and CD4:CD8 ratios in iron deficient children, however there was no significant effect on immunoglobulin levels. Conclusions: Lymphopenia may occur in a small percentage of patients with IDA. Significant increase in the lymphocyte count occur with iron therapy and correction of the anemia. Lymphopenia was not associated with serious infections. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 4737-4737
Author(s):  
Nilupa Gaspe Mudiyanselage ◽  
Tarek Elrafei ◽  
Beth Lewis ◽  
Mary King ◽  
Marianna Strakhan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Prior studies have indicated that transfusion is unusual (2%) in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia. Nonetheless, compliance with oral iron replacement can be an issue and physicians may wish to use IV iron therapy in markedly anemic pregnant women. Objectives: to evaluate the effectiveness of adding intravenous iron sucrose concentrate (ISC) to pregnant patients already taking oral iron in terms of effect on hemoglobin, effect on ferritin levels, rates of transfusion, and cost. Methods: We analyzed all referrals from Obstetrics to Hematology clinic and Obstetrics consultation (Internal medicine) clinic from January 2014 to June 2016. Of the 176 pregnant patients, 98 were referred for anemia, including 81 patients with Hgb < 12 g/dl and ferritin < 20 ug/L. All had previously been given oral ferrous sulfate prescriptions. Patients with hemoglobinopathy were excluded. All 81 patients were advised to continue on the oral iron, and 40 were given IV iron sucrose (ISC group). Results: The average cumulative dose of iron sucrose was 700 mg, a mean of 5.575 doses (initiated in the third trimester in 38 of 40 patients). The lowest antepartum Hgb was 8.18 g/dl in the ISC group and 9.58 in the oral only group; there was an average Hgb increase of 2.17 vs 1.76 g/dl respectively (p=.107 NS and the 0.41 g/dl difference was considered to be of no clinical consequence). 89% in the ISC group vs 30% in the oral achieved a ferritin >20 (p=0.000015). No adverse events in the IV iron group were reported. There was 1 transfusion in the oral iron group attributable to iron deficiency (2.4%) vs none in the IV iron group (p = 0.107 NS). Two patients were transfused in the antenatal period before IV iron was started and 1 transfused because of post-partum hemorrhage. The total cost of the IV iron therapy would add an average of $1,500 per patient. Thus, and additional cost of $60,000 in IV iron would be required to prevent 1 transfusion [40:1]. Conclusions: ISC corrects ferritin in more patients than oral iron replacement, but did not significantly increase Hgb levels or have a meaningful impact on the transfusion rate. The additional cost and lack of clinically improved outcomes with IV iron argue against its use and in favor of strategies to ensure compliance with oral iron. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 721-724 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad N. Kloub ◽  
Mohamed A. Yassin

Iron deficiency anemia is common and worldwide distributed, particularly among females; however, it can also occur among males. Iron deficiency anemia is commonly associated with thrombocytosis; little is known about the effect of iron therapy (oral or intravenous) on other hematological parameters. We report a 29-year-old male patient with iron deficiency anemia, who received oral iron replacement therapy and developed neutropenia which recovered spontaneously 1 month later.


Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 19-20
Author(s):  
Hussam A Almasri ◽  
Ashraf Tawfiq Soliman ◽  
Vincenzo Desanctis ◽  
Arwa E Alsaud ◽  
Mona M Babikir ◽  
...  

Introduction Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major public health issue, with widespread prevalence and negative impact on health care system. IDA occurs when iron stores diminish to the level that disturbs erythropoiesis and causes anemia. Neutropenia is an abnormal reduction in the number of neutrophils. A little is known about the association between iron deficiency anemia and neutropenia. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of neutropenia in a large cohort of adult patients with IDA and to find possible correlation between neutrophil levels with haemoglobin concentration and iron stores. We studied associated infections in this neutropenic group. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 1567 patients attended haematology clinic with the diagnosis of IDA ((haemoglobin level less than 12 gm/dl for women, less than 13 gm/dl for men) over the past 2 years in Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. Other causes of anemia and anemia associated with any systemic or endocrine disease were excluded. The values of complete blood count (CBC) and iron parameters were collected. Neutropenia was defined as neutrophils count to be less than 1.5x 109/L Results Sixty four patients of the 1567 cohort with IDA had neutropenia (4.084%) Their mean neutrophils count = 1.18 +/- 0.28x 109/L before iron replacement. Neutrophil count increased significantly to 2.33 +/- 1x 109/L after iron therapy (p&lt; 0.05) . No significant correlation was detected between neutrophil count on the one hand and iron level, iron saturation, TIBC, Transferrin and ferritin level on the other hand. Eight out of the 64 patients with neutropenia had infection at the time of presentation; 5 upper respiratory tract infections, 1 gastroenteritis, 1 lymphadenitis, 1 urinary tract infections. Five of these patients received antibiotics, with no complications reported. Discussion In our cohort with IDA the prevalence of neutropenia was 4.08%. In all patients, the neutrophil count returned to normal after proper iron therapy. The effect of iron deficiency on neutrophils count is through its effect on haematopoiesis progenitors and bone marrow microenvironment which regulates the production of cell lineages. In addition, the high level of erythropoietin (observed in IDA) has been shown to down-regulate neutrophil production in animal models. In another relatively smaller study on 516 patients with IDA, neutropenia was found in 17.6% However, unlike in our study the neutrophil count was correlated with Hb level. On the other hand in 97 patients with unexplained neutropenia, IDA was found in 2.1% with correction of neutrophil count after correction of the anemia. In addition, the associated infection rate was low and was treated without complications. Our findings support a possible link between IDA and neutropenia evident by the improvement of neutrophils count after iron replacement, (1.18 vs 2.33x 109/). Conclusions: The finding of neutropenia is not uncommon in patients with IDA. This neutropenia markedly improved after iron replacement. Iron is essential for proper development and maintenance of the immune system in general and further studies are required to elaborate further in this unique association. Figure 1 Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 18-19
Author(s):  
Hussam A Almasri ◽  
Ashraf Tawfiq Soliman ◽  
Vincenzo Desanctis ◽  
Rita Wafik Ahmad ◽  
Mustafa A Al-Tikrity ◽  
...  

Introduction Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anemia in both developed and developing countries, particularly affecting females in the child bearing age and children. The treatment of IDA is a major health goal, it consists of treating the underlying cause and iron supplements. Iron replacement comes in form of oral or intravenous, there are certain side effects of this therapy including constipation and allergy. Leukopenia as a side effect of iron therapy is under reported in the literature as only sporadic cases were prescribed. We conducted a study to clarify this issue and to check for its clinical significance. Objective: To assess the relationship between iron therapy (intravenous) and leukopenia, neutropenia or lymphocytopenia, and its impact on patient's clinical settings. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients attended Haematology clinic for iron deficiency anemia and treated with intravenous iron (ferric carboxymaltose or iron saccharide) over 2 years in Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha/Qatar. Adult female patients with IDA cases who received IV iron were included. anemia due to other nutrients deficienciesa nd conditions (including other medications) that may alter WBCs count were excluded.Age, Ethnicity, BMI, Complete blood count and iron studies data were collected before and after treatment with IV iron therapy. Infection occurrence at the time of IDA and leukopenia, the use of antibiotics and infection related complications were also collected. Leukopenia was defined as WBCs count to be less than 4000/microlitre, Neutropenia as ANC less than 1500/microlitre and lymphocytopenia as lymphocytes less than 1000/mocrolitre. Statistical analysis was done using mean , SD and t test. Results After iron therapy, out of 1567 case of iron deficiency anemia, 30 cases (1.914%) have leukopenia,15 cases (0.957%) have neutropenia and 12 cases (0.765%) have lymphocytopenia. All had normal readings before treatment. 2 patients (6.66%) had infection, 1 had upper respiratory tract infection and 1 urinary tract infection, the latter was treated with antibiotics, none reported infection related complications Discussion Leukocytopenia is defined as low WBCs circulating in the blood and this can be caused by low neutrophils count, low lymphocytes count, other WBCs components or combined. Some previous reported cases generated the idea of a possible connection between iron supplement therapy and leukopenia, Brito-Babapulle et al reported a case of fatal bone marrow suppression linked to ferric carboxymaltose therapy in a patient with IDA. The pathophysiology is not well understood but thought to be a toxic effect of iron on bone marrow and it can affect all cell lineages. Our findings suggest possible iron replacement side effect as there was significant drop of the WBCs count after treating IDA patients with IV iron, however this association was not common. There was no life threatening or serious infections in the affected patients, which can suggest that most of these cases are mild and transient. More studies are needed to address this issue, particularly on larger scales. Patient education also may be appreciated before treatment with IV iron. Conclusions: Leukopenia in form of neutropenia or lymphocytopenia maybe a side effect of IV iron therapy. Clinical significance is limited in view of current literature further studies needed to elaborate more in this important adverse event. Figure Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 1322-26
Author(s):  
Raazia Nawaz ◽  
Shabbir Hussain ◽  
Arshad Khushdil ◽  
Sidra Tanveer ◽  
Maria Javed ◽  
...  

Objective: To establish association between acute lower respiratory tract infection and iron deficiency anemia. Study Design: Case-control study. Place and Duration of Study: Pediatrics Department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from Dec 2017 to May 2018. Methodology: A total of 100 children with age ranging from 6-60 months were selected for this study with 50 being in each group. Study group constituted of children presenting with acute lower respiratory tract infection and healthy children presenting to outpatient were taken as controls. Hemoglobin levels (<11g/dl), mean corpuscular volume (<70fl), Serum Ferritin (<30ng/ml) and red blood cell Morphology were used to determine iron deficiency anemia. Patients meeting the WHO criteria were labeled to have acute lower respiratory tract infection. Results: The frequency of iron deficiency was found to be 40 (80%) in cases and only 34 (17%) in healthy controls. A significant association was found between iron deficiency anemia and acute lower respiratory tract Infection with an odds ratio of 7.76 and a significant p-value of <0.01. Conclusions: Iron deficiency anemia has an increased association of up to seven times in children with acute lower respiratory tract infections as compared to healthy children thus highlighting it as a significant risk factor.


2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashraf Soliman ◽  
Mohamed Yassin ◽  
Osman Abdelrahmanm ◽  
Vincenzo Desanctis ◽  
Ahmed Elawwa

1993 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 661-661
Author(s):  
Helena U Suzuki ◽  
Mauro B Morais ◽  
Jose N Corral ◽  
Ulisses Fagundes-Neto ◽  
Nelson L Machado

Author(s):  
Manal Mahmoud Atia ◽  
Rasha Mohamed Gama ◽  
Mohamed Attia Saad ◽  
Mohammed Amr Hamam

Greater prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) has been observed in overweight and obese children and adolescents. Hepcidin acts as a key regulator of iron metabolism. Hepcidin synthesis increases in response inflammatory cytokines especially Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Considering that obesity represents a low grade chronic inflammatory state, a high concentration of hepcidin has been found in obese children. Elevated hepcidin level in obese children is associated with diminished response to oral iron therapy. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding multifunctional glycoprotein and has strong capacity to modulate the inflammatory response by its capacity to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in vivo, including IL-6 and hepcidin. Aim of the Work: To compare the efficacy of lactoferrin versus oral iron therapy in treatment of obese children and adolescents with iron deficiency anemia and the effect of therapy on serum hepcidin and interleukin 6 levels. Methodology: This prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted on 40 obese children and adolescents aged between 6 –18 years suffering from iron deficiency anemia (IDA). They were equally randomized into one of 2 groups. Group A received regular oral lactoferrin in a dose of 100 mg/day. Group B received regular oral iron supplementation (Ferric hydroxide polymaltose) in a dose of 6 mg elemental iron/kg /day.Baseline investigations included complete blood count (CBC), iron profile (Serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation), serum Interleukin 6, and serum hepcidin. Reevaluation of CBC was done monthly while iron status parameters, serum IL-6 and serum hepcidin were reevaluated after 3 months of receiving regular therapy. Results: Significant elevations in hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, Serum ferritin, serum iron and transferrin saturation with lactoferrin therapy compared to oral iron therapy. Significantly Lower TIBC after 3 months of lactoferrin therapy while the decrease in TIBC was insignificant in the iron therapy group.Lower serum hepcidin and IL6 after 3 months of lactoferrin therapy with no significant change in serum hepcidin and IL6 after iron therapy. Conclusion: This study clearly demonstrated the superiority of lactoferrin over iron use as oral in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in obese children not only for the better response of hematological and iron status parameters and less gastrointestinal side effects but also for its effect on decreasing inflammatory biomarkers as hepcidin and IL6.


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