1.Efficacy and safety of obinutuzumab combined with short-course dexamethasone for relapsed immune thrombocytopenia after treatment with rituximab
Xiaotong CHEN ; Yanqiu ZHAO ; Qi LI ; Shengjin FAN
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2025;34(10):597-600
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of obinutuzumab combined with short-course dexamethasone in patients with relapsed immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who had previously been treated with rituximab.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. A total of 8 patients with relapsed ITP after treatment with rituximab who received obinutuzumab combined with short-course dexamethasone between January 2023 and January 2024 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were collected. The clinical characteristics, changes in platelet counts, changes in peripheral blood B-lymphocyte counts, treatment outcome and treatment-related adverse events were analyzed.Results:There were 1 male and 7 females in 8 patients with relapsed ITP after treatment with rituximab. The median age [ M ( Q1, Q3)] of the 8 enrolled patients was 52.5 (40.5, 56.0) years. The median relapsed times was 2.0 (2.0, 2.5) times and the median course of disease was 16.0 (13.0, 18.5) months. The platelet count increased from 8.73 (5.79, 11.65)×10 9/L pre-treatment to 180.00 (83.40, 255.00)×10 9/L post-treatment, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z = -2.37, P = 0.018); conversely, peripheral blood B-lymphocyte count decreased from 322.59 (148.29, 403.07) × 10 9/L pre-treatment to 1.23 (0.57, 1.76) ×10 9/L post-treatment, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z = -2.52, P = 0.012). After obinutuzumab and short-course dexamethasone treatment, 6 patients achieved complete remission, 1 case showed response, and 1 case had no response. No severe adverse events were observed during treatment and follow-up in all patients. Conclusions:Obinutuzumab combined with short-course dexamethasone appears to be effective in treating relapsed ITP patients after treatment with rituximab, and its safety is good.
2.Clinical characteristics and prognostic evaluation of patients with hematological disease and sepsis in the Hematological intensive care unit
Haitao LI ; Dongxue LU ; Dandan LI ; Dongyang ZHANG ; Jinyue FU ; Qian ZHANG ; Shengjin FAN
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(1):58-63
Objective:To identify the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with hematological disease and neutropenic sepsis in the hematological intensive care unit (HCU).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with hematological disease and sepsis who admitted to HCU, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from October 2017 to October 2024, to examine the primary therapeutic options, prognosis, cause of death, and infectious features of sepsis.Results:A total of 245 septic patients were included in the study, comprising 88 cases in the neutropenic sepsis group (neutropenic group) and 157 cases in the non-neutropenic sepsis group (non-neutropenic group). Acute leukemia was more prevalent in the neutropenic group [55.68% (49/88) ]. At the time of admission to the HCU, the neutropenic group exhibited unstable vital signs, lower blood cell counts, higher inflammatory markers, elevated Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, increased creatinine levels (120.00 μmol/L vs 77.10 μmol/L, P<0.01), higher total bilirubin levels (24.70 μmol/L vs 17.90 μmol/L, P<0.01), and significantly elevated B-type natriuretic peptide levels (567.90 ng/L vs 134.50 ng/L, P<0.01) compared with the non-neutropenic group. Furthermore, septic shock was more common in the neutropenic group [53.40% (47/88) vs 36.94% (58/157), P<0.05]. The mortality rate was also higher in the neutropenic group [46.59% (41/88) ] compared with the non-neutropenic group [32.48% (51/157) ] ( P<0.05), with septic shock accounting for the majority of deaths [70.73% (29/41) ]. Infections caused by gram-negative bacteria [55.68% (49/88) vs 36.30% (57/157), P<0.01] and fungi [14.77% (13/88) vs 6.36% (10/157), P<0.05] were more common in the neutropenic group. However, lung infections were significantly less frequent in the neutropenic group ( P<0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a substantially worse 28-day overall survival rate for the neutropenic group compared with the non-neutropenic group ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Patients with hematological diseases and neutropenic sepsis presented with more severe clinical conditions, a higher likelihood of organ failure and septic shock, and significantly increased mortality compared with patients with non-neutropenic sepsis.
3.Advancing the development of hematology care units to enhance hematology-specific critical care capacity
Shengjin FAN ; Haitao LI ; Xi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(11):985-990
Establishing hematology care units (HCU) is essential for strengthening hematology-specific critical care capacity. This article outlines two HCU operational models in China—the ICU model and the pre-ICU model—and discusses practical insights from their implementation. It recommends establishing HCU within hematology wards, equipped for respiratory and hemodynamic monitoring and blood purification, and led by hematologists trained in critical care or by teams collaborating efficiently with general ICU through standardized workflows. For units not yet meeting these standards, establishing a resuscitation room and strengthening critical care training are advised. HCU primarily admit patients with severe or life-threatening bleeding due to hematologic diseases, severe infections or septic shock, early complications of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia or acute promyelocytic leukemia (AML/APL), treatment-related complications, rapidly progressive or highly lethal conditions, and those requiring organ support or blood purification. Emphasis is placed on quantitative assessment of disease severity and timely transfer to the HCU, using tools such as the National Early Warning Score, quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA), SOFA/ΔSOFA, and the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer risk index for patient stratification. Early implementation of sepsis bundles is emphasized. For organ support, high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy is prioritized to improve oxygenation. Continuous renal replacement therapy is performed when there are indications such as renal failure with oliguria or anuria, congestive heart failure, or drug overdose, etc. Treatment of the underlying hematologic disease follows a "three-tier stratification" and "watch-and-adjust" strategy, while respecting patient preferences. We encourage eligible hematology centers to actively establish HCU, explore new care models, and strengthen hematology-specific critical care capacity.
4.Clinical characteristics and prognostic evaluation of patients with hematological disease and sepsis in the Hematological intensive care unit
Haitao LI ; Dongxue LU ; Dandan LI ; Dongyang ZHANG ; Jinyue FU ; Qian ZHANG ; Shengjin FAN
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(1):58-63
Objective:To identify the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with hematological disease and neutropenic sepsis in the hematological intensive care unit (HCU).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with hematological disease and sepsis who admitted to HCU, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from October 2017 to October 2024, to examine the primary therapeutic options, prognosis, cause of death, and infectious features of sepsis.Results:A total of 245 septic patients were included in the study, comprising 88 cases in the neutropenic sepsis group (neutropenic group) and 157 cases in the non-neutropenic sepsis group (non-neutropenic group). Acute leukemia was more prevalent in the neutropenic group [55.68% (49/88) ]. At the time of admission to the HCU, the neutropenic group exhibited unstable vital signs, lower blood cell counts, higher inflammatory markers, elevated Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, increased creatinine levels (120.00 μmol/L vs 77.10 μmol/L, P<0.01), higher total bilirubin levels (24.70 μmol/L vs 17.90 μmol/L, P<0.01), and significantly elevated B-type natriuretic peptide levels (567.90 ng/L vs 134.50 ng/L, P<0.01) compared with the non-neutropenic group. Furthermore, septic shock was more common in the neutropenic group [53.40% (47/88) vs 36.94% (58/157), P<0.05]. The mortality rate was also higher in the neutropenic group [46.59% (41/88) ] compared with the non-neutropenic group [32.48% (51/157) ] ( P<0.05), with septic shock accounting for the majority of deaths [70.73% (29/41) ]. Infections caused by gram-negative bacteria [55.68% (49/88) vs 36.30% (57/157), P<0.01] and fungi [14.77% (13/88) vs 6.36% (10/157), P<0.05] were more common in the neutropenic group. However, lung infections were significantly less frequent in the neutropenic group ( P<0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a substantially worse 28-day overall survival rate for the neutropenic group compared with the non-neutropenic group ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Patients with hematological diseases and neutropenic sepsis presented with more severe clinical conditions, a higher likelihood of organ failure and septic shock, and significantly increased mortality compared with patients with non-neutropenic sepsis.
5.Advancing the development of hematology care units to enhance hematology-specific critical care capacity
Shengjin FAN ; Haitao LI ; Xi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(11):985-990
Establishing hematology care units (HCU) is essential for strengthening hematology-specific critical care capacity. This article outlines two HCU operational models in China—the ICU model and the pre-ICU model—and discusses practical insights from their implementation. It recommends establishing HCU within hematology wards, equipped for respiratory and hemodynamic monitoring and blood purification, and led by hematologists trained in critical care or by teams collaborating efficiently with general ICU through standardized workflows. For units not yet meeting these standards, establishing a resuscitation room and strengthening critical care training are advised. HCU primarily admit patients with severe or life-threatening bleeding due to hematologic diseases, severe infections or septic shock, early complications of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia or acute promyelocytic leukemia (AML/APL), treatment-related complications, rapidly progressive or highly lethal conditions, and those requiring organ support or blood purification. Emphasis is placed on quantitative assessment of disease severity and timely transfer to the HCU, using tools such as the National Early Warning Score, quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA), SOFA/ΔSOFA, and the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer risk index for patient stratification. Early implementation of sepsis bundles is emphasized. For organ support, high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy is prioritized to improve oxygenation. Continuous renal replacement therapy is performed when there are indications such as renal failure with oliguria or anuria, congestive heart failure, or drug overdose, etc. Treatment of the underlying hematologic disease follows a "three-tier stratification" and "watch-and-adjust" strategy, while respecting patient preferences. We encourage eligible hematology centers to actively establish HCU, explore new care models, and strengthen hematology-specific critical care capacity.
6.Immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura treated with Obinutuzumab: a case report and literature review
Xiaotong CHEN ; Yanqiu ZHAO ; Qi LI ; Haitao LI ; Dandan LI ; Qian ZHANG ; Jinyue FU ; Dongxue LU ; Dongyang ZHANG ; Shengjin FAN
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(S1):53-56
Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of Obinutuzumab in the treatment of immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.Methods:Data from a case of immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) admitted to the Department of haematology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were evaluated retrospectively and a literature review was performed.Results:A 66-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital for thrombocytopenia. On admission, physical examination showed that yellow skin and sclera. The patient was fully conscious but had a decreasing ability to calculate. Laboratory examination revealed a platelet count of 7×10 9/L; liver function: alanine aminotransferase 55.2 U/L, azelaic aminotransferase 117.5 U/L; total bilirubin 142.7 μmol/L, direct bilirubin 64.6 μmol/L, indirect bilirubin 78.1 μmol/L; lactate dehydrogenase: 2362 U/L; creatinine: 260.7 μmol/L; peripheral blood smear showed 4% fragmented erythrocytes; ADAMTS13 activity 2.7% and positive inhibitor (1.12 BU). The patient is treated with plasma exchange and glucocorticoids, but the patient’s symptoms worsened. Rituximab was permanently discontinued for severe infusion reactions. Treatment with Obinutuzumab (1000 mg, qw×2 w) and she achieved a complete remission for 18 months. The treatment was well tolerated with no adverse events related to Obinutuzumab. Conclusion:For iTTP patients with rituximab intolerance, obinutuzumab is a safe and effective alternative treatment option.
7.Immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura treated with Obinutuzumab: a case report and literature review
Xiaotong CHEN ; Yanqiu ZHAO ; Qi LI ; Haitao LI ; Dandan LI ; Qian ZHANG ; Jinyue FU ; Dongxue LU ; Dongyang ZHANG ; Shengjin FAN
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(S1):53-56
Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of Obinutuzumab in the treatment of immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.Methods:Data from a case of immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) admitted to the Department of haematology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were evaluated retrospectively and a literature review was performed.Results:A 66-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital for thrombocytopenia. On admission, physical examination showed that yellow skin and sclera. The patient was fully conscious but had a decreasing ability to calculate. Laboratory examination revealed a platelet count of 7×10 9/L; liver function: alanine aminotransferase 55.2 U/L, azelaic aminotransferase 117.5 U/L; total bilirubin 142.7 μmol/L, direct bilirubin 64.6 μmol/L, indirect bilirubin 78.1 μmol/L; lactate dehydrogenase: 2362 U/L; creatinine: 260.7 μmol/L; peripheral blood smear showed 4% fragmented erythrocytes; ADAMTS13 activity 2.7% and positive inhibitor (1.12 BU). The patient is treated with plasma exchange and glucocorticoids, but the patient’s symptoms worsened. Rituximab was permanently discontinued for severe infusion reactions. Treatment with Obinutuzumab (1000 mg, qw×2 w) and she achieved a complete remission for 18 months. The treatment was well tolerated with no adverse events related to Obinutuzumab. Conclusion:For iTTP patients with rituximab intolerance, obinutuzumab is a safe and effective alternative treatment option.
8.Analysis of hematopoietic system damage in 210 patients with brucellosis
Hong ZHANG ; Yanqiu ZHAO ; Shengjin FAN
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2018;37(9):765-768
Objective The correlation between blood system damage and splenomegaly in brucellosis patients and their effects on liver function were analyzed.Methods Data were retrospectively collected in patients with blood system damage diagnosed of brucellosis from 2005 to 2016 at the Department of Infectious Disease of Harbin Medical University First Affiliated Hospital.At the same time,test results of the selected patients liver function,ferritin,D-dimer and abdominal ultrasonography were collected.According to splenomegaly or not,patients were divided into splenomegaly and no-splenomegaly,and any difference in hematopoietic damage caused by splenomegaly or not was analyzed.Results Of the 210 patients (101 cases of splenomegaly,109 cases without splenomegaly),170 were male (80.95%),40 were women (19.05%),and age was (39.65 ± 10.79) years.The patients with abnormal blood system were 103 cases (49.05%);in splenomegaly group there were 58 cases of blood system damage;in no-splenomegaly group there were 45 cases of blood system damage,and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (x2 =5.465,P < 0.05);151 cases of brucellosis had elevated aminotransferase (71.90%),but transaminase elevated or not in different intervals of age groups was not statistically different between liver function and age (x2 =10.192,P > 0.05).Ferritin increased in 26 cases (12.38%).D-dimer increased in 22 cases (10.48%).There were 93 patients with splenomegaly and transaminase elevation,and 58 patients with non-splenomegaly and transaminase elevation.There were significant differences between the two groups (x2 =39.204,P < 0.05).Conclusion Brucellosis can cause blood system damage,probably caused by splenomegaly;and patients with brucellosis are often accompanied by elevated transaminases.
9.The effect of arsenic trioxide on QT interval prolongation during APL therapy.
Jin ZHOU ; Ran MENG ; Xiaoxia LI ; Chengfang LU ; Shengjin FAN ; Baofeng YANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2003;116(11):1764-1766
OBJECTIVETo investigate the cardiac effect of QT interval prolongation in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)), and the relationship between QT and serum arsenic concentration.
METHODSBlood serum arsenic concentrations of thirty APL patients were determined at 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, and 24 hours after As(2)O(3) injection using atomic fluorophotometry. Cardiac functions were measured simultaneously using a 12-lead body-surface electrocardiogram (ECG). Q-T intervals were manually measured, and then corrected using Bazett's formula (QTc). QT dispersion (QTd) was also calculated. In order to assess the effects of arsenic on the symptoms of anemia, twenty-four anemia patients were divided into two groups on the basis hemoglobin concentration: Group 1 (Hb > or = 90 g/L), and Group 2 (60 g/L < or = Hb < 90 g/L). QTc and QTd of these patients were also manually measured.
RESULTSAll QT intervals of APL patients treated with As(2)O(3) injection were prolonged [32.2 ms (27, 41 ms); P < 0.05], but the changes of QTd were not prominent [3 ms (-8, 7 ms), P > 0.05]. There was a delay of 2 hours in maximum QTc following peaks in serum arsenic concentration. Changes in QTc and QTd of the two anemic groups were not prominent.
CONCLUSIONSAs(2)O(3) can prolong QTc intervals in APL patients, but the effects are delayed compared to peak serum arsenic concentrations. As(2)O(3) has no prolongation effect on QTd. Mild and moderate anemia do not effect QTc and QTd.
Arsenicals ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Electrocardiography ; drug effects ; Humans ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute ; drug therapy ; Oxides ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use

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