Top 5 Most-Read Rare Blood Articles of 2023

The top read news in rare blood in 2023 included research on pseudo–thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), immune TTP, hemophilia, and how vitamin B deficiency can mimic TTP.

Here are the top articles for rare blood in 2023.

5. Case Report Highlights Hurdles in Identifying Pseudo-TTP

A case report found that a man who displayed apparent symptoms of TTP had not only vitamin B₁₂ deficiency but also B₁ deficiency, which made the case more notable. The hematological presentation of pseudo-TTP is similar to that of TTP but is ultimately caused by other factors that cause vitamin B deficiency. The man who presented with symptoms of TTP was treated with steroids until the B₁₂ test results came in, which indicated a switch to vitamin B supplementation was needed. The man revealed that financial constraints led to poor nutrition, which ultimately caused the lack of vitamin B in his system.

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4. ADAMTS-13 Clearance Major Pathogenic Mechanism in iTTP

ADAMTS-13 deficiency in patients with immune-mediated TTP appears to be caused by the major pathogenic mechanism of clearance of ADAMTS-13 mediated by immunoglobulin G antibodies. These antibodies can help to clear ADAMTS-13 by 4- to 10-fold and can play a role in plasma exchange therapy as well as presentation of the disorder. The researchers found that all but 1 of the 15 patients with immune TTP had reduced ADAMTS-13 antigen levels, which implied that clearance of ADAMTS-13 had a major role in these cases.

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3. Unique Giant Cancer Cells Found in Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes

A total of 46% of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) had polypoid giant cancer cells in their peripheral blood in a study, which could indicate that they play a role in hematological disorders. Blood samples from 99 patients showed that 46 patients with MDS had a total of 680 giant cells compared with 28 giant cells in 11 healthy individuals. More than 80% of the bone marrow samples also had a high rate of cells that were similar to polypoid giant cancer cells.

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2. High Use of Antidepressants, Anxiety, Pain Meds Seen Among Patients With Hemophilia

A higher use of pain, depression, and anxiety was found in patients with hemophilia, according to a study, which indicated to the authors that improved care for hemophilia was needed. A 4- to 6-fold higher use of opioids was found in the patients with moderate to high factor consumption whereas it was 2- to 4-fold higher in the low factor consumption group compared with controls. Patients with hemophilia also had a longer duration of taking the pain drugs compared with matched controls.

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1. Vitamin B Deficiency Can Mimic TTP, Case Report Warns

Psuedo–thrombotic microangiopathy (pseudo-TMA) was found in a patient who had vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. Although pseudo-TMA can appear similar to thrombotic TTP, treating these diseases is very different and can take different forms. Pseudo-TMA is easier to treat through blood infusions and B₁₂ injections in conjunction with prednisone, which normalized the case patient’s blood work. Actual TMA requires emergency care and should be addressed differently.

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