Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by diffuse vascular thrombosis, leading to multiple organ failure developing over a short period of time in the presence of positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). CAPS is a severe form of antiphospholipid syndrome, developing in about 1% of cases of classic antiphospholipid syndrome, manifesting as microangiopathy, affecting small vessels of multiple organs. It is acute in onset, with majority of cases developing thrombocytopenia and less frequently hemolytic anemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies have been reported as predominant antibodies associated with CAPS. Treatment options often utilized in CAPS include anticoagulation, steroids, plasma exchange, cyclophosphamide therapy, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Even though the reported incidence of this condition is considered to be low, the mortality rate is approaching 50%. The high rate of mortality should warrant greater awareness among clinicians for timely diagnosis and treatment of this life-threatening condition. Studies have shown that complement activation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of aPL mediated thrombosis in CAPS. We report a case of a 36-year-old female admitted with clinical and laboratory findings consistent with CAPS successfully treated with eculizumab, a terminal complement inhibitor.
Cancer health disparities affecting low-income and minority patients have been well documented to lead to poor outcomes. This report examines the impact of patient navigation on adherence to prescribed adjuvant breast cancer treatment. A multidisciplinary patient navigation program was initiated at a public safety net hospital to improve compliance with 3 National Quality Forum measures: (1) administration of combination chemotherapy for women with Stage (defined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC]) T1c, II, or III hormone receptor-negative breast cancer within 120 days; (2) administration of endocrine therapy for women with AJCC Stage T1c, II, or III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer within 365 days; and (3) radiation therapy for women receiving breast-conserving surgery within one year. Implementation of a multidisciplinary patient navigation program reduced time to treatment and improved compliance with adjuvant therapy for breast cancer in an underserved minority community.
Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is an uncommon, underdiagnosed, and heterogeneous disease which is increasingly recognized as a cause of bleeding diatheses. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an infrequent cause of AVWS. Herein, we report a case of AVWS diagnosed during the initial presentation of SLE in a previously healthy young man with no family history of bleeding diathesis who presented with worsening epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and anasarca. He was found to have severe anemia and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) with severely decreased levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) measurements in addition to markedly decreased factor VIII levels. Further evaluation revealed nephrotic syndrome and interstitial lung disease due to SLE. He initially received combination therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and von Willebrand factor/factor VIII concentrates without significant improvement. Treatment with steroids, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab was followed by clinical improvement evidenced by cessation of bleeding. The short follow-up did not allow us to definitely prove the therapeutic effect of immunosuppressive treatment on AVWS in SLE patients. This case adds to the literature supporting the relationship between AVWS and SLE and highlights the importance of combination therapy in the treatment of severe AVWS as well as the role of IVIG, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab in AVWS associated with SLE.
While the wide belief is that monoclonal antibodies, due to their large size, would not be able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, we present a rare case of aseptic meningitis induced by intravenous cetuximab administration. A 58-year-old man with tonsillar squamous cell cancer presented with headache and fever, which started approximately 1 h after his first dose of cetuximab (loading dose of 400 mg/m(2) equalling 800 mg). CT scan of the head was non-revealing and laboratory tests including complete blood count, serum comprehensive metabolic panel and coagulation profile were within normal limits. Aseptic meningitis in the setting of cetuximab therapy has been reported on 6 previous occasions. Consistent with these prior reports, it is interesting to note that this case also occurred after administration of the initial higher loading dose of Cetuximab. This is of interest as Cetuximab is more frequently being dosed at 500 mg/m(2) (higher dose) every 2 weeks in colorectal cancer.
Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a coagulopathy favouring thrombosis over bleeding that imparts a poor prognosis. Clot in transit (CIT) is considered a rare entity and the most severe form of venous thromboembolism (VTE), carrying a higher mortality than isolated pulmonary embolism (PE). The incidence of this phenomenon in patients with COVID-19 infection is unknown and likely under-recognized.
Case summary
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, a 70-year-old Hispanic female presented with syncope due to a saddle PE further complicated by a highly mobile CIT. Polymerase chain reaction was positive for COVID-19 infection, however, there was no evidence of lung parenchymal involvement or hyper-inflammation. Based on consensus from a multidisciplinary team, aspiration thrombectomy was attempted to treat this extreme case of VTE, however, the patient died during the procedure.
Discussion
This case raises awareness to the most catastrophic form of VTE, presenting in an early phase of COVID-19 infection without the typical hyper-inflammation and severe lung injury associated with development of COVID-related coagulopathy. It also serves to inform on the critical role echocardiography has in the comprehensive evaluation and re-evaluation of hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and the importance of a multidisciplinary organized approach in clinical decision-making for this complex and poorly understood disease and its sequelae.
450 Background: Reolysin (reovirus serotype 3) contains a naturally occurring, ubiquitous, non-enveloped human dearing strain reovirus. Reovirus replicates in KRAS-mutant cells resulting in cell lysis. In phase I evaluation, CRC pts received single agent Reolysin with tumor stabilization and CEA response without significant toxicity. Reolysin and irinotecan (IRI) are synergistic in KRAS-mutant preclinical CRC models, providing rationale for this phase I study. Methods: This was a phase I dose escalation study of FOLFIRI + Reolysin. Eligible pts were >18 yrs with histologically confirmed KRAS-mutant mCRC, measurable disease, ECOG PS 0-1, <3 metastatic regimens, and adequate organ function. Standard FOLFIRI was administered with escalating Reolysin doses (range 1x1010 TCID50 to 3x1010 TCID50) in cohorts of 3-6 pts. Reolysin was given IV over 1 hr days 1-5 every 28d (1 cycle). Primary objectives were dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) to determine MTD and pharmacokinetics. Secondary endpoints were antitumor activity, response rate, progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS). Results: 21 pts enrolled; median age 62 (range 39-77); 5 M; 16 F; FOLFIRI-naïve: 9/21 pts. 2 pts had DLTs in cycle 1 at the highest dose of 180 mg/m2 of IRI. Common (>10%) grade 3-4 toxicity include: neutropenia (n=11), anemia (n=4), and thrombocytopenia (n=3). One patient died of acute renal failure. The DLT is neutropenia. The recommended phase II dose is IRI 150 mg/m2 and Reolysin at 3x1010 TCID50 on days 1-5, q 28 days. 18 pts evaluable for response: PR (1pt; 5%), SD (9 pts; 50%), PD (8pts; 44%). 3 pts taken off study before evaluation. Median PFS: FOLFIRI-naïve pts = 7.4 mo. (95% CI = 1.9 mo., 12.9 mo.); Median PFS FOLFIRI non-naïve pts was not reached; overall median PFS = 7.4 mo. (95% CI = 0.6 mo., 14.1 mo.) Conclusions: The combination of Reolysin and FOLFIRI in pts with KRAS-mutant mCRC was safe, well tolerated and resulted in disease control in the majority of pts, including pts who previously progressed on IRI. We are encouraged by this activity and safety profile, and are planning additional studies. Clinical trial information: NCT01274624.
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