Diagnostic Conundrum: Anemic Newborn and Identification of Novel Red Cell Gene Mutation Supporting Sideroblastic Anemia

Rapid Communication

Austin Hematol. 2020; 5(1): 1030.

Diagnostic Conundrum: Anemic Newborn and Identification of Novel Red Cell Gene Mutation Supporting Sideroblastic Anemias

Islam MS1* and Hutchens D2

¹Department of Hematology, Queen Elizabeth and Guy’s Hospital, UK

²Special Hematology section, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, UK

*Corresponding author: Md Serajul Islam, Department of Hematology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Guy’s Hospital, Stadium Road, London, SE18 4QH, UK

Received: May 11, 2020; Accepted: June 01, 2020;Published: June 08, 2020

Abstract

Term newborn usually have a higher Hemoglobin (Hb) compared to older children and adults and majority of their Hb consists of HbF. However, babies born with congenital sideroblastic anemias can be anemic at birth in absence of hemolysis or bleeding complications. Diagnosis can be challenging and Red Cell Gene Panel (RCGP) can be helpful in such circumstances. We report such a newborn here who had low HbF% at birth and he was diagnosed with Autosomal Recessive Pyridoxine Refractory Congenital Sideroblastic Anemia (ARSA) and we identify a novel red cell gene mutation (the SLC25A38c. 706c>T).

Keywords: Hemoglobin F; Anemia; Red cell gene mutation; Sideroblastic anemia

Introduction

Term newborn usually have a higher Hemoglobin (Hb) compared to older children and adults. This increased Hb is a normal compensatory mechanism in these infants for the relative tissuelevel hypoxia that is prevalent in the intrauterine environment, and it is exacerbated by the high affinity of fetal hemoglobin for oxygen [1,2]. In utero, the oxygen saturation in arterial blood is low and erythropoietin levels are high, hence there is a rapid red blood cell production in fetuses. Soon after birth, the oxygen saturation goes as high as up to 95%, which intern down regulates the erythropoietin mediated red cell production and haemoglobin levels fall [3]. At birth the Hb levels are 149g/L-237g/L in term and 191g/L-221g/L in preterm babies [4].

Congenital sideroblastic anemias are rare disorder caused by mutations in genes that are involved in heme synthesis, iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis, or mitochondrial metabolism [5]. For heme synthesis, the gene defect is on the x-chromosome, forming mutations in the Aminolevulinate Synthase (ALAS2), Adenosine Triphosphate- Binding Cassette B7 (ABCB7) or Glutaredoxin 5 (GRLX5) enzymes. Other causes include mutations in the mitochondrial transporter (SLC25A38), thiamine transporter SLC19A2, RNA modifying enzyme Pseudouridine synthase (PUS1), mitochondrial tyrosyltRNA synthase (YARS2) and mitochondrial DNA deletions [6].

A male baby born at term underwent blood tests as he was clinically listless. His blood test showed he was anemic but his White Blood Count (WBC) and Platelet counts were normal. His MCV as well as MCH were also exceptionally low. Hemoglobin Electrophoresis (HbE) using high performance liquid chromatography did not show any abnormal Haemoglobin (Hb) but his Haemoglobin F (HbF) level was much lower than expected at 22.5% for a newborn infant (Table 1 & Figure 1). There was no history of intra-uterine bleeding complications or any intra-uterine transfusion which could have explained his low HbF%. His vital parameters remain stable. Neonatologist started him on antibiotic suspecting infection. However, he remained clinically stable but listless and his blood parameters did not improve. Both his parents were physically well, and they had normal blood parameters (Table 2).

Figure 1: Baby’s Hb Electrophoresis.

    

    
    

    

    Figure 1: Baby’s Hb Electrophoresis.

Table 1: Baby’ blood results.



TABLECREATED







Table 1: Baby’ blood results.

Table 2: Parents blood results.



TABLECREATED







Table 2: Parents blood results.

Her parents were not in consanguineous marriage and they are of Pakistani origin. As his Hb did not improve over the course of 3 weeks and no obvious causes were identified, his blood sample was sent For Red Cell Gene Panel (RCGP) studies (Table 3). Test for pathogenic variants in genes known to be associated with hemolytic anemia (e.g. red cell membranopathy, enzymopathy, hemoglobinopathy), Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia (CDA), Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) and Sideroblastic anemia using Agilent Sure-Select enrichment Technology and Illumina DNA sequencing. Reported variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenic variants in the SLC25A38 genes are associated with autosomal recessive pyridoxine refractory congenital Sideroblastic anemia (ARSA) [7].

Table 3: Red cell gene panel results.



TABLECREATED







Table 3: Red cell gene panel results.

However, the SLC25A38c. 706c>T variant has not been previously reported in English literature and we are not sure where the clinical phenotype associated with this new mutation will be different from SLC25A38 associated other ARSA. It is also not clear why the HbF is low in this infant. The RCGP result did not indicate any abnormality in red cell membranopathy subpanel. However, there is obviously something affecting the haemoglobin switching and HbA production with adult production up-regulated early. However, it is not clear why HbA production is up regulated and we think there is likely other factors involved which we do not fully understand at this time. Parents testing including RCGP would have been helpful however it was not possible due to their refusal.

Congenital sideroblastic anemias showed characteristic pathological deposition of iron in mitochondria of erythroid precursors leading to ineffective erythropoiesis with iron overload, and in the peripheral blood there are hypochromic red cells [8]. They can be subdivided into syndromic and non-syndromic forms and are genetically heterogeneous and others due to mitochondrial DNA deletion. Non-syndromic forms are either X-linked or autosomal recessive. Their morphological hallmark is the presence of ring sideroblasts in the bone marrow. These represent iron-laden mitochondria which form a ring around the nucleus of erythrocyte precursors [9]. This feature points to a common pathophysiology due to genetic mutations that disrupt heme-iron biosynthesis in the mitochondria [10].

Unlike X-linked sideroblastic anemias ARSA is not responsive to treatment with pyridoxine and they are phenotypically severe. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment which includes hematological monitoring; the surveillance of iron levels and almost always requires chronic blood transfusions. Iron chelation is required for transfusion hemosiderosis. In some cases, Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is considered as a successful treatment option and it is the only cure for this condition at present [11].

Author Ccontribution

MSI conceived the article; MSI has written the manuscript reviewed the literature. DH has analysed the sample, MSI and DH have interpreted the results. Both authors have agreed on the final manuscript.

Acknowledgement

Talhah Saad Bin-Islam for manuscript preparation and editing.

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Citation:Islam MS and Hutchens D. Diagnostic Conundrum: Anemic Newborn and Identification of Novel Red Cell Gene Mutation Supporting Sideroblastic Anemia. Austin Hematol. 2020; 5(1): 1030.