Genetic Factors and the Outcomes of Transplant-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathies

Abstract

Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA–TMA) is a severe endothelial complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), associated with high mortality when not promptly diagnosed and treated. This study aimed to delineate the genetic landscape associated with TA–TMA and assess its impact on clinical outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed 1069 allo-HSCT recipients between January 2016 and May 2020, identifying 131 patients who met diagnostic criteria for TA–TMA (incidence rate: 12.25%). Genomic DNA sequencing was performed targeting 17 complement- related genes, identifying 74 genetic variants in 58 TA–TMA patients, including seven large deletions within the CFH–CFHR5 locus. Survival analysis indicated significantly poorer outcomes for TA–TMA patients compared to non-TMA patients (24.4% vs 62.4% survival at maximum follow-up, p = 0.025). However, cumulative incidence curves revealed no significant difference in TA–TMA onset between genetic variant carriers and non-carriers. These findings underscore the complexity of TA–TMA pathogenesis, suggesting that genetic predisposition alone is insufficient without additional endothelial insults. The limited predictive value of individual markers highlights the need for integrated biomarker strategies. Future research should focus on refining risk stratification models incorporating comprehensive genetic profiles, dynamic biomarkers, and longitudinal clinical parameters to enable earlier identification and targeted interventions, thereby improving post-transplant survival outcomes.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This study did not receive any funding.

Author Declarations

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

Ethics committee of Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital gave approval for this work.

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

Yes

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

Yes

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Yes

Data Availability

All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors.

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