A risk score for predicting pulmonary hypertension in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia in northeastern Thailand: The E-SAAN score.
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a major complication in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). The risk score was developed to be a screening test for PH risk in these patients.


METHODS
A multi-center study was conducted in patients with NTDT aged ≥10 years old. PH risk was defined as tricuspid regurgitation velocity >2.9 m/s by echocardiography. The clinical parameters significantly associated with PH were entered into the logistic regression model.


RESULTS
The E-SAAN score included (1) age >35 years (2.5 points), (2) time after splenectomy >5 years (2.5 points), and (3) β-thalassemia/hemoglobin E (2 points). Using the cut-off point of 4.5 points, the score showed a good discrimination in the validating group with an area under receiver-operating characteristics curve of 0.88 (95% CI 0.8-0.95).


CONCLUSIONS
The E-SAAN score is a simple and practical score which can be used as a screening test for PH risk in patients with NTDT.
Nattiya
N
Teawtrakul
Burabha
B
Pussadhamma
Phuangpaka
P
Ungprasert
Patcharawadee
P
Prayalaw
Supan
S
Fucharoen
Arunee
A
Jetsrisuparb
Saranya
S
Pongudom
Chittima
C
Sirijerachai
Kanchana
K
Chansung
Chinadol
C
Wanitpongpun
Srisuda
S
Thongbuaban
Bandit
B
Thinkhamrop
Suporn
S
Chuncharunee
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D013156:Splenectomy; D014262:Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D014463:Ultrasonography; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery
Non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia; Pulmonary hypertension; Risk score