Project description:IntroductionVaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is one of the main causes of hospital admission in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Ketamine is often used as an adjuvant to opioids to control sickle cell crisis; however, there is a lack of evidence about its safety and efficacy for VOC in SCD patients.ObjectiveTo synthesize evidence from published reports about the efficacy and safety of ketamine in the management of acute painful VOC in both pediatric and adult SCD patients.MethodsA systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO and Cochrane Library was conducted, up to March 2019. Studies reporting the analgesic effects and side effects of ketamine in the management of acute painful VOC in pediatric and adult SCD patients were included. The primary outcome measure was improvement in pain scale, and the secondary outcomes were reduction in opioid utilization and side effects. Studies were narratively summarized in this review.ResultsFourteen studies (with a total of 604 patients) were included in the final analysis. Several case reports and case series showed that ketamine significantly reduced pain scales and opioid utilization in both populations. The only randomized controlled trial available showed that ketamine was noninferior to morphine in reducing pain scores, but had a higher incidence of nonlife-threatening, reversible adverse effects. However, a retrospective study of 33 patients showed a higher pain score in the ketamine group with an acceptable short-term adverse effect.ConclusionKetamine has a potentially comparable efficacy with other opioids in reducing the pain during VOC in SCD patients. However, it also likely has a higher rate of transient adverse events. Owing to the lack of published randomized controlled trials, current evidence is not sufficient to confirm the safety and efficacy of ketamine. Future well-designed randomized controlled trials are strongly recommended.
Project description:Recurring episodes of acute pain, also referred to as vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), are characteristic of sickle cell disease (SCD), during which pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesion markers and white cell count, some already elevated at steady state, increase further. Hydroxyurea (HU) is licensed by the FDA for reducing frequency of VOCs in SCD; increased fetal hemoglobin (HbF) together with reduction of the neutrophil count and circulating inflammatory markers, contribute to its clinical efficacy. Here, using paired plasma samples from HbSS patients (in steady-state and VOC) we determined that despite HU treatment, the SCD environment remained highly inflammatory and particularly at VOC, triggered neutrophil activity. While neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) induction by the steady state plasmas were comparable to that of plasma from healthy donors, the NETs response triggered by crisis plasmas was significantly increased over that of the steady state (P = 0.0124*). Levels of IL-6 and IL-1α, IL-1ra/IL1F3 and adhesion molecule P-selectin were significantly increased in the VOC plasma when compared with steady state plasma. Higher levels of IL-6 and IL-1ra were also found in the crises samples that yielded an increased NETs response suggesting that increased NETs production associated with increased levels of the inflammatory products of the IL-6 family and regulators of IL-1 family of cytokines during sickle VOCs.
Project description:Objective: To review the efficacy and safety of crizanlizumab (Adakveo) in the prevention of vaso-occlusive pain crises in sickle cell disease. Data Sources: An English-language literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Ovid (1946 to January 2021) was completed using the terms crizanlizumab, SEG101, SelG1, and sickle cell disease. Manufacturer prescribing information, article bibliographies, and data from clinicaltrials.gov were incorporated in the reviewed data. Study Selection/Data Extraction: All studies registered on clinicaltrials.gov were incorporated in the reviewed data. Data Synthesis: Crizanlizumab is the first monoclonal antibody approved for sickle cell disease to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises. One phase 2 clinical trial and a post hoc analysis of the trial have been published. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Crizanlizumab is a monthly intravenous infusion approved by the Food and Drug Administration for patients with sickle cell disease 16 years of age and older to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises. Conclusion: Crizanlizumab appears to be an efficacious therapy for patients with sickle cell disease to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises. Concerns include drug cost and administration. Long-term benefits and risks have not been determined.
Project description:Background and purposeSickle cell disease (SCD) is a collection of rare inherited blood disorders affecting approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. and 20-25 million people globally. Individuals with SCD experience recurrent episodes of severe and unpredictable pain that are caused by vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), a hallmark of the disease. VOCs are the primary cause of hospitalization in SCD, result in missed workdays and school days, and decrease quality of life (QoL). Although VOCs cause significant burden in the lives of individuals with SCD, there is no synthesis on the frequency of VOCs in the real world. This systematic literature review sought to identify literature describing the frequency of VOCs experienced by individuals with SCD in real-world settings.MethodsMEDLINE and 6 congresses were searched (date range: January 1, 2000 to June 30, 2020). Studies were reviewed independently by two researchers. Studies assessing frequency or prevalence of VOCs or VOC-related outcomes were included.ResultsOf 1438 studies identified in the search, 52 met pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Reported frequency of VOCs varied widely ranging from a mean or median of 0 VOCs/year to 18.2 VOCs/year. The proportion of patients experiencing ≥ 3 VOCs/year ranged from 4 to 67% and the proportion of patients experiencing ≥ 5 VOCs/year ranged from 18 to 59%. Measures of VOC severity were limited, with 13 studies considering frequency of complicated VOCs and only 1 study reporting duration of VOC episodes.ConclusionsThis is the first study to systematically assess published evidence pertaining to VOCs in real-world settings. Reported VOC frequency in real-world settings varied widely, with a majority of studies only considering VOCs managed in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Studies that considered VOCs managed at home reported a higher frequency of VOCs, suggesting that many studies may underestimate the frequency of VOCs. This systematic literature review (SLR) highlights the need for consistent reporting of (1) self-reported VOCs, including those managed at home, (2) definitions of VOCs, (3) complicated VOCs, and (4) duration of VOC episodes in literature.
Project description:BackgroundSickle cell disease is one of the most common and severe genetic disorders in the world. It can be broadly divided into two distinct clinical phenotypes characterized by either haemolysis or vaso-occlusion. Pain is the most prominent symptom of vaso-occlusion, and hypercoagulability is a well-established pathogenic phenomenon in people with sickle cell disease. Low-molecular-weight heparins might control this hypercoagulable state through their anticoagulant effect. This is an update of a previously published version of this review.ObjectivesTo assess the effects of low-molecular-weight heparins for managing vaso-occlusive crises in people with sickle cell disease.Search methodsWe searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches. We also searched abstract books of conference proceedings and several online trials registries for ongoing trials.Date of the last search of the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 28 September 2015.Selection criteriaRandomised controlled clinical trials and controlled clinical trials that assessed the effects of low-molecular-weight heparins in the management of vaso-occlusive crises in people with sickle cell disease.Data collection and analysisStudy selection, data extraction, assessment of risk of bias and analyses were carried out independently by the two review authors.Main resultsTwo studies comprising 287 participants were included. One study (with an overall unclear to high risk of bias) involved 253 participants and the quality of the evidence for most outcomes was very low. This study, reported that pain severity at day two and day three was lower in the tinzaparin group than in the placebo group (P < 0.01, analysis of variance (ANOVA)) and additionally at day 4 (P < 0.05 (ANOVA)). Thus tinzaparin resulted in more rapid resolution of pain, as measured with a numerical pain scale. The mean difference in duration of painful crises was statistically significant at -1.78 days in favour of the tinzaparin group (95% confidence interval -1.94 to -1.62). Participants treated with tinzaparin had statistically significantly fewer hospitalisation days than participants in the group treated with placebo, with a mean difference of -4.98 days (95% confidence interval -5.48 to -4.48). Two minor bleeding events were reported as adverse events in the tinzaparin group, and none were reported in the placebo group. The second study (unclear risk of bias) including 34 participants and was a conference abstract with limited data and only addressed one of the predefined outcomes of the review; i.e. pain intensity. After one day pain intensity reduced more, as reported on a visual analogue scale, in the dalteparin group than in the placebo group, mean difference -1.30 (95% confidence interval -1.60 to -1.00), with the quality of evidence rated very low. The most important reasons for downgrading the quality of evidence were serious risk of bias and imprecision (due to low sample size or low occurrence of events).Authors' conclusionsBased on the results of two studies, evidence is incomplete to support or refute the effectiveness of low-molecular-weight heparins in people with sickle cell disease. Vaso-occlusive crises are extremely debilitating for sufferers of sickle cell disease; therefore well-designed placebo-controlled studies with other types of low-molecular-weight heparins, and in participants with different genotypes of sickle cell disease, still need to be carried out to confirm or dismiss the results of this single study.
Project description:BackgroundVaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), hallmark of sickle-cell disease (SCD), is the first cause of patients' Emergency-Room admissions and hospitalizations. Acute chest syndrome (ACS), a life-threatening complication, can occur during VOC, be fatal and prolong hospitalization. No predictive factor identifies VOC patients who will develop secondary ACS.MethodsThis prospective, monocenter, observational study on SS/S-β0thalassemia SCD adults aimed to identify parameters predicting ACS at Emergency-Department arrival. The primary endpoint was ACS onset within 15days of admission. Secondary endpoints were hospitalization duration, morphine consumption, pain evaluation, blood transfusion(s) (BT(s)), requiring intensive care and mortality.FindingsAmong 250 VOCs included, 247 were analyzed. Forty-four (17.8%) ACSs occurred within 15 (median [IQR] 3 [2, 3]) days post-admission based on auscultation abnormalities; missing chest radiographs excluded three patients. Comparing ACS to VOC, respectively, median hospital stay was longer 9 [7-11] vs 4 [3-7] days (p<0.0001), 7/41 (17%) vs 1/203 (0.5%) required intensive care (p<0.0001), and 20/41 (48.7%) vs 6/203 (3%) required BTs (p<0.0001). No patient died. The multivariate model retained reticulocyte and leukocyte counts, and spine and/or pelvis pain as being independently associated with ACS; the resulting ACS-predictive score's area under the ROC was 0.840 [95% CI 0.780-0.900], 98.8% negative-predictive value and 39.5% positive-predictive value for the real ACS incidence.InterpretationThe ACS-predictive score is simple, easily applied and could change VOC management and therapeutic perspectives. Assessed ACS risk could lead to earlier discharges or close monitoring and rapid medical intensification to prevent ACS.
Project description:BackgroundFrequent painful vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) were associated with mortality in the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease (CSSCD) over twenty years ago. Modern therapies for sickle cell anemia (SCA) like hydroxyurea are believed to have improved overall patient survival. The current study sought to determine the relevance of the association between more frequent VOCs and death and its relative impact upon overall mortality compared to other known risk factors in a contemporary adult SCA cohort.MethodsTwo hundred sixty four SCA adults were assigned into two groups based on patient reported outcomes for emergency department (ED) visits or hospitalizations for painful VOC treatment during the 12 months prior to evaluation.ResultsHigher baseline hematocrit (p = 0.0008), ferritin (p = 0.005), and HDL cholesterol (p = 0.01) were independently associated with 1 or more painful VOCs requiring an ED visit or hospitalization for acute pain. During a median follow-up of 5 years, mortality was higher in the ED visit/hospitalization group (relative risk [RR] 2.68, 95% CI 1.1-6.5, p = 0.03). Higher tricuspid regurgitatant jet velocity (TRV) (RR 2.41, 95% CI 1.5-3.9, p < 0.0001), elevated ferritin (RR 4.00, 95% CI 1.8-9.0, p = 0.001) and lower glomerular filtration rate (RR=2.73, 95% CI 1.6-4.6, p < 0.0001) were also independent risk factors for mortality.ConclusionsSevere painful VOCs remain a marker for SCA disease severity and premature mortality in a modern cohort along with other known risk factors for death including high TRV, high ferritin and lower renal function. The number of patient reported pain crises requiring healthcare utilization is an easily obtained outcome that could help to identify high risk patients for disease modifying therapies.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00011648 http://clinicaltrials.gov/
Project description:Adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) agonists have been shown to decrease tissue inflammation induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation in mice with sickle cell disease (SCD). The key mediator of the A2AR agonist's anti-inflammatory effects is a minor lymphocyte subset, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. We tested the hypothesis that administration of an A2AR agonist in patients with SCD would decrease iNKT cell activation and dampen the severity of vaso-occlusive (VO) crises. In a phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we administered a 48-hour infusion of the A2AR agonist regadenoson (1.44 μg/kg per hour) to patients with SCD during VO crises to produce a plasma concentration of ∼5 nM, a concentration known from prior studies to suppress iNKT cell activation in SCD. The primary outcome measure was a >30% reduction in the percentage of activated iNKT cells. Ninety-two patients with SCD were randomized to receive a 48-hour infusion of regadenoson or placebo, in addition to standard-of-care treatment, during hospital admission for a VO crisis and had analyzable iNKT cell samples. The proportion of subjects who demonstrated a reduction of >30% in activated iNKT cells was not significantly different between the regadenoson and placebo arms (43% vs 23%; P = .07). There were also no differences between regadenoson and placebo groups in length of hospital stay, mean total opioid use, or pain scores. These data demonstrate that a low-dose infusion of regadenoson intended to reduce the activity of iNKT cells is not sufficient to produce a statistically significant reduction in such activation or in measures of clinical efficacy. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01788631.
Project description:The phase 3 HESTIA3 study assessed the efficacy and safety of the reversible P2Y12 inhibitor ticagrelor vs placebo in preventing vaso-occlusive crises in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Patients aged 2 to 17 years were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive weight-based doses of ticagrelor or matching placebo. The primary end point was the rate of vaso-occlusive crises, a composite of painful crises and/or acute chest syndrome (ACS). Key secondary end points included number and duration of painful crises, number of ACS events, and number of vaso-occlusive crises requiring hospitalization or emergency department visits. Exploratory end points included the effect of ticagrelor on platelet activation. In total, 193 patients (ticagrelor, n = 101; placebo, n = 92) underwent randomization at 53 sites across 16 countries. The study was terminated 4 months before planned completion for lack of efficacy. Median ticagrelor exposure duration was 296.5 days. The primary end point was not met: estimated yearly incidence of vaso-occlusive crises was 2.74 in the ticagrelor group and 2.60 in the placebo group (rate ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-1.50; P = .7597). There was no evidence of efficacy for ticagrelor vs placebo across secondary end points. Median platelet inhibition with ticagrelor at 6 months was 34.9% predose and 55.7% at 2 hours' postdose. Nine patients (9%) in the ticagrelor group and eight patients (9%) in the placebo group had at least one bleeding event. In conclusion, no reduction of vaso-occlusive crises was seen with ticagrelor vs placebo in these pediatric patients with SCD. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03615924.
Project description:IntroductionThe aim of this study was to describe the clinical complications, treatment use, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and costs among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) with recurrent vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in the US.MethodsMerative MarketScan Databases were used to identify patients with SCD with recurrent VOCs from March 1, 2010, to March 1, 2019. Inclusion criteria were ≥ 1 inpatient or ≥ 2 outpatient claims for SCD and ≥ 2 VOCs per year in any 2 consecutive years after the first qualifying SCD diagnosis. Individuals without SCD in these databases were used as matched controls. Patients were followed for ≥ 12 months, from their second VOC in the 2nd year (index date) to the earliest of inpatient death, end of continuous enrollment in medical/pharmacy benefits, or March 1, 2020. Outcomes were assessed during follow-up.ResultsIn total, 3420 patients with SCD with recurrent VOCs and 16,722 matched controls were identified. Patients with SCD with recurrent VOCs had a mean of 5.0 VOCs (standard deviation [SD] = 6.0), 2.7 inpatient admissions (SD 2.9), and 5.0 emergency department visits (SD 8.0) per patient per year during follow-up. Compared to matched controls, patients with SCD with recurrent VOCs incurred higher annual ($67,282 vs. $4134) and lifetime ($3.8 million vs. $229,000 over 50 years) healthcare costs.ConclusionPatients with SCD with recurrent VOCs experience substantial clinical and economic burden driven by inpatient costs and frequent VOCs. There is a major unmet need for treatments that alleviate or eliminate clinical complications, including VOCs, and reduce healthcare costs in this patient population.