Context:Elevated a priori risk may enhance the likelihood that common variant effects, captured collectively in a polygenic risk score (PRS), approach clinical utility. Objective:In this study, we investigated the modifying effect of PRSs for adult height and body mass index (BMI) in individuals with elevated baseline risk for short stature (<3rd percentile height) and obesity (BMI ≥30) conferred by a 22q11.2 microdeletion. Methods:We tested height-PRS and BMI-PRS for association with their respective phenotypes in 259 adults of European ancestry with a 22q11.2 microdeletion using sequencing data and multivariable linear regression models to account for clinical/demographic variables. Results:In multivariable linear regression models, height-PRS and BMI-PRS explained 25.8% and 5.7% of the variance in their respective traits (P < .001 for both). When applying the height-PRS to stratify risk for short stature, 42.3% of individuals in the lowest PRS quintile had short stature (vs 5.9% in the highest PRS quintile, odds ratio = 11.46, P = 1.74E-05). Using logistic regression models to predict short stature in a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a model combining height-PRS and clinical/demographic covariates achieved an area under the curve of 0.78, performing significantly better than a covariate-only model. Conclusion:The results demonstrate that adult height and BMI can be influenced by the effects of genome-wide common variants in the presence of a rare variant conferring elevated a priori risk. Height-PRS may help refine growth expectations in individuals with 22q11.2 microdeletion.
PURPOSE:The genomic architecture of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) has primarily been studied in White populations, despite evidence suggesting a lower prevalence in Black individuals. This study aims to improve our understanding of the population-specific organization of 22q11.2 genomic structures. METHODS:Optical mapping data from 106 genomes, representing various Black and White individuals, were analyzed to assess the structure and variation of the 22q11.2 low copy repeats (LCR22s). RESULTS:Extensive variability in copy-number and orientation of LCR22 elements was observed between Black and White genomes. Several novel copy-number variants and haplotype configurations were identified, some being private or more prevalent within specific groups. Notably, copy-number variants diversity was particularly striking among Black genomes. Comparisons of Black and White families with de novo 22q11.2DS probands revealed unique nonallelic homologous recombination scenarios, with Black families exhibiting recombination patterns that are not previously observed. CONCLUSION:Perhaps the unique and highly variable LCR22 haplotype configurations in Black individuals contribute to the lower observed prevalence of 22q11.2DS by inhibiting the likelihood of nonallelic homologous recombination, the mechanism that leads to the syndrome.
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) occur in 50-75% of patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), ranging from mild to severe manifestations. The genetic and environmental factors contributing to variable CHD phenotypes in 22q11.2DS are largely unknown. In this study, we used a mouse model of 22q11.2DS, termed Df1/+, to evaluate the effect of maternal vitamin A (VitA) dietary imbalance (supplementation or deficiency) on the incidence of aortic arch defects (AADs), which is a common type of CHD observed in both 22q11.2DS patients and Df1/+ mouse embryos. While most groups showed a previously observed 30% AAD incidence, two groups exhibited significantly higher rates: (1) Df1/+ embryos from WT mothers on a VitA-Supl diet (51% AADs) and (2) Df1/+ embryos from Df1/+ mothers on a VitA-Def diet (45% AADs). Thus, a low or high maternal VitA diet can increase the frequency of AADs in embryos depending on the maternal genotype. Transcriptomic analysis of the hearts of these high-risk embryos at embryonic day (E)18.5 revealed downregulation of key genes (Hdac3, Ptgds, Sirt5, Pfkm, and Lclat1) associated with energy metabolism pathways, such as oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, suggesting impaired cardiac recovery mechanisms. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that altered VitA exposure can exacerbate AAD incidence in a maternal-genotype-dependent manner, highlighting the complex interplay between embryonic and maternal genetic background and environmental factors in CHDs associated with 22q11.2DS.
The DGCR8 gene, encoding a critical miRNA processing protein, maps within the hemizygous region in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Most patients have malformations of the cardiac outflow tract that is derived in part from the anterior second heart field (aSHF) mesoderm. To understand the function of Dgcr8 in the aSHF, we inactivated it in mice using Mef2c-AHF-Cre. Inactivation resulted in a fully penetrant persistent truncus arteriosus and a hypoplastic right ventricle leading to lethality by E14.5. To understand the molecular mechanism for this phenotype, we performed gene expression profiling of the aSHF and the cardiac outflow tract with right ventricle in conditional null versus normal mouse littermates at stage E9.5 prior to morphology changes. We identified dysregulation of mRNA gene expression, of which some are relevant to cardiogenesis. Many pri-miRNA genes were strongly increased in expression in mutant embryos along with reduced expression of mature miRNA genes. We further examined the individual, mature miRNAs that were decreased in expression along with pri-miRNAs that were accumulated that could be direct effects due to loss of Dgcr8. Among these genes, were miR-1a, miR-133a, miR-134, miR143 and miR145a, which have known functions in heart development. These early mRNA and miRNA changes may in part, explain the first steps that lead to the resulting phenotype in Dgcr8 aSHF conditional mutant embryos.
Single-cell transcriptomics profiling has increasingly been used to evaluate cross-group (or condition) differences in cell population and cell-type gene expression. This often leads to large datasets with complex experimental designs that need advanced comparative analysis. Concurrently, bioinformatics software and analytic approaches also become more diverse and constantly undergo improvement. Thus, there is an increased need for automated and standardized data processing and analysis pipelines, which should be efficient and flexible too. To address these, we develop the single-cell Differential Analysis and Processing Pipeline (scDAPP), a R-based workflow for comparative analysis of single cell (or nucleus) transcriptomic data between two or more groups and at the levels of single cells or 'pseudobulking' samples. The pipeline automates many steps of pre-processing using data-learnt parameters, uses previously benchmarked software, and generates comprehensive intermediate data and final results that are valuable for both beginners and experts of scRNA-seq analysis. Moreover, the analytic reports, augmented by extensive data visualization, increase the transparency of computational analysis and parameter choices, while facilitate users to go seamlessly from raw data to biological interpretation. scDAPP is freely available under the MIT license, with source code, documentation and sample data at the GitHub (https://github.com/bioinfoDZ/scDAPP).
Meningomyelocele is one of the most severe forms of neural tube defects (NTDs) and the most frequent structural birth defect of the central nervous system. We assembled the Spina Bifida Sequencing Consortium to identify causes. Exome and genome sequencing of 715 parent-offspring trios identified six patients with chromosomal 22q11.2 deletions, suggesting a 23-fold increased risk compared with the general population. Furthermore, analysis of a separate 22q11.2 deletion cohort suggested a 12- to 15-fold increased NTD risk of meningomyelocele. The loss of Crkl , one of several neural tube–expressed genes within the minimal deletion interval, was sufficient to replicate NTDs in mice, where both penetrance and expressivity were exacerbated by maternal folate deficiency. Thus, the common 22q11.2 deletion confers substantial meningomyelocele risk, which is partially alleviated by folate supplementation.
Background Adult height and body mass index (BMI) are highly heritable traits that can be influenced by both common variants, captured collectively in a polygenic risk score (PRS), and by rare variants of large effect. In this study, we aimed to investigate the modifying effect of PRSs for height and BMI in individuals where there is a baseline increased risk for short stature (<3rd percentile height) and obesity (BMI ≥30) conferred by the 22q11.2 microdeletion. Methods Genetic analyses were performed in 259 adults of European ancestry with a typical 22q11.2 microdeletion and available genome sequencing and phenotypic data. We applied published PRSs for height and BMI and tested for association using multivariable linear regression models, adjusting for clinical/demographic variables and 22q11.2 microdeletion extent. Results In multivariable linear regression models, the PRSs for height and BMI were significantly associated (p<0.001) with their respective traits, explaining 25.8% and 5.7% of the variance (ΔR2). The overall models (p<0.001) explained 33.9% and 14.7% of the variance (R2) for height and BMI, respectively. Significant additional covariate predictors of shorter sex-standardized height were longer (LCR22A-D) deletion extent, congenital heart disease, intellectual disability, and the first principal component of ancestry; for BMI, they were female sex and older age. When applying the height-PRS to stratify risk for short stature, we found that significantly more of those in the lowest PRS quintile had short stature, compared to those in the highest quintile (odds ratio=11.46, p=1.74E-05). Using logistic regression models to predict short stature, a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a model combining height-PRS and clinical/demographic covariates achieved an area of the curve of 0.78, performing significantly better than a covariate-only model. Conclusions The results demonstrate that adult height and BMI can be influenced by the effects of both a 22q11.2 microdeletion and genome-wide common variants. The findings contribute to growing evidence that polygenic risk together with other standard factors can shape adult outcomes of a high-impact rare variant. For height in 22q11.2 microdeletion, PRS may be approaching clinical utility.
OBJECTIVES:Hearing loss is considered common in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), with a few prior studies reporting a 32%-78% prevalence; mild-moderate conductive hearing loss has been reported most commonly. Overall, however, there remains a paucity of data regarding the frequency, type, age, and progression of hearing loss in children with 22q11.2DS. METHODS:Retrospective chart review was completed, and data combined for two large 22q centers. Inclusion criteria were children with 22q11.2DS and a documented audiogram. Data extracted included a laboratory-confirmed chromosome 22q11.2 deletion; co-morbidities; results of all audiograms and radiologic temporal bone imaging; and otologic surgical procedures. RESULTS:One thousand seven hundred sixty-nine charts were reviewed; 775 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 563 (73%) children had at least one abnormal audiogram demonstrating hearing loss. A total of 2,536 audiograms were reviewed; 74% of these showed abnormal hearing in at least one ear. Most of the hearing loss was conductive (right ear 76%; left ear 69%) and mild severity. For the children with SNHL, 90% of all follow-up audiograms were stable without progression. Hearing loss was identified across all pediatric age ranges. Ear tube placement occurred in 39% of children. CONCLUSION:This study confirms the high incidence of hearing loss for children with 22q11.2DS at some point in their childhood. In our cohort, hearing loss occurred in 73% of children and was most often conductive and mild in severity. The results highlight the importance of otolaryngology and audiology involvement in managing children with 22q11.2DS for timely diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:4 Laryngoscope, 135:929-934, 2025.
The genomic architecture of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS) has focused on analysis of white genomes. However, Black individuals appear to have a lower prevalence of 22q11.2DS compared to whites. To improve the understanding of different populations in relation to 22q11.2DS, optical mapping data from 106 genomes across various Black and white genomes were used to determine the organization of 22q11.2 genomic structures. This revealed extensive variability between the groups regarding copy number and orientation changes of the elements comprising the 22q11.2 low copy repeats (LCR22s). Several novel CNVs and whole haplotype configurations, private and of different prevalence to each group were detected. The diversity of CNVs within Black genomes compared to white genomes was especially striking. To determine the impact of this variability, Black families with de novo 22q11.2DS probands were compared to white families. The highly variable configurations of Black and white haplotypes led to several unique non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) scenarios with recombinations at different loci. In particular, Black families had unique recombinations yet to be observed. Thus, the unique and highly variable haplotype configurations of LCR22s in Black individuals may play a role in their decreased incidence of 22q11.2DS. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.
BACKGROUND:Single-cell technologies to analyze transcription and chromatin structure have been widely used in many research areas to reveal the functions and molecular properties of cells at single-cell resolution. Sample multiplexing techniques are valuable when performing single-cell analysis, reducing technical variation and permitting cost efficiencies. Several commercially available methods have been used in many scRNA-seq studies. On the other hand, while several methods have been published, multiplexing techniques for single nuclear assay for transposase-accessible chromatin (snATAC)-seq assays remain under development. We developed a simple nucleus hashing method using oligonucleotide-conjugated antibodies recognizing nuclear pore complex proteins, NuHash, to perform snATAC-seq library preparations by multiplexing. RESULTS:We performed multiplexing snATAC-seq analyses on a mixture of human and mouse cell samples (two samples, 2-plex, and four samples, 4-plex) using NuHash. The analyses on nuclei with at least 10,000 read counts showed that the demultiplexing accuracy of NuHash was high, and only ten out of 9144 nuclei (2-plex) and 150 of 12,208 nuclei (4-plex) had discordant classifications between NuHash demultiplexing and discrimination using reference genome alignments. The differential open chromatin region (OCR) analysis between female and male samples revealed that male-specific OCRs were enriched in chromosome Y (four out of nine). We also found that five female-specific OCRs (20 OCRs) were on chromosome X. A comparative analysis between snATAC-seq and deeply sequenced bulk ATAC-seq on the same samples revealed that the bulk ATAC-seq signal intensity was positively correlated with the number of cell clusters detected in snATAC-seq. Moreover, when we categorized snATAC-seq peaks based on the number of cell clusters in which the peak was present, we observed different distributions over different genomic features between the groups. This result suggests that the peak intensities of bulk ATAC-seq can be used to identify different types of functional loci. CONCLUSIONS:Our multiplexing method using oligo-conjugated anti-nuclear pore complex proteins, NuHash, permits high-accuracy demultiplexing of samples. The NuHash protocol is straightforward, works on frozen samples, and requires no modifications for snATAC-seq library preparation.
Background Endocardial cells are a major progenitor population that gives rise to heart valves through endocardial cushion formation by endocardial to mesenchymal transformation and the subsequent endocardial cushion remodeling. Genetic variants that affect these developmental processes can lead to congenital heart valve defects. Crk and Crkl are ubiquitously expressed genes encoding cytoplasmic adaptors essential for cell signaling. This study aims to explore the specific role of Crk and Crkl in the endocardial lineage during heart valve development. Methods and Results We deleted Crk and Crkl specifically in the endocardial lineage. The resultant heart valve morphology was evaluated by histological analysis, and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms were investigated by immunostaining and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We found that the targeted deletion of Crk and Crkl impeded the remodeling of endocardial cushions at the atrioventricular canal into the atrioventricular valves. We showed that apoptosis was temporally increased in the remodeling atrioventricular endocardial cushions, and this developmentally upregulated apoptosis was repressed by deletion of Crk and Crkl. Loss of Crk and Crkl also resulted in altered extracellular matrix production and organization in the remodeling atrioventricular endocardial cushions. These morphogenic defects were associated with altered expression of genes in BMP (bone morphogenetic protein), connective tissue growth factor, and WNT signaling pathways, and reduced extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling activities. Conclusions Our findings support that Crk and Crkl have shared functions in the endocardial lineage that critically regulate atrioventricular valve development; together, they likely coordinate the morphogenic signals involved in the remodeling of the atrioventricular endocardial cushions.
Disruption of cardiac neural crest cells (CNCCs) results in congenital heart disease, yet we do not understand the cell fate dynamics as these cells differentiate to vascular smooth muscle cells. Here we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing of NCCs from the pharyngeal apparatus with the heart in control mouse embryos and when Tbx1 , the gene for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, is inactivated. We uncover three dynamic transitions of pharyngeal NCCs expressing Tbx2 and Tbx3 through differentiated CNCCs expressing cardiac transcription factors with smooth muscle genes. These transitions are altered non-autonomously by loss of Tbx1 . Further, inactivation of Tbx2 and Tbx3 in early CNCCs results in aortic arch branching defects due to failed smooth muscle differentiation. Loss of Tbx1 interrupts mesoderm to CNCC cell-cell communication with upregulation and premature activation of BMP signaling and reduced MAPK signaling, as well as alteration of other signaling, and failed dynamic transitions of CNCCs leading to disruption of aortic arch artery formation and cardiac outflow tract septation.
Congenital heart disease (CHD) affecting the conotruncal region of the heart, occurs in 40-50% of patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). This syndrome is a rare disorder with relative genetic homogeneity that can facilitate identification of genetic modifiers. Haploinsufficiency of TBX1, encoding a T-box transcription factor, is one of the main genes responsible for the etiology of the syndrome. We suggest that genetic modifiers of conotruncal defects in patients with 22q11.2DS may be in the TBX1 gene network. To identify genetic modifiers, we analyzed rare, predicted damaging variants in whole genome sequence of 456 cases with conotruncal defects and 537 controls, with 22q11.2DS. We then performed gene set approaches and identified chromatin regulatory genes as modifiers. Chromatin genes with recurrent damaging variants include EP400, KAT6A, KMT2C, KMT2D, NSD1, CHD7 and PHF21A. In total, we identified 37 chromatin regulatory genes, that may increase risk for conotruncal heart defects in 8.5% of 22q11.2DS cases. Many of these genes were identified as risk factors for sporadic CHD in the general population. These genes are co-expressed in cardiac progenitor cells with TBX1, suggesting that they may be in the same genetic network. The genes KAT6A, KMT2C, CHD7 and EZH2, have been previously shown to genetically interact with TBX1 in mouse models. Our findings indicate that disturbance of chromatin regulatory genes impact the TBX1 gene network serving as genetic modifiers of 22q11.2DS and sporadic CHD, suggesting that there are some shared mechanisms involving the TBX1 gene network in the etiology of CHD.
22q11.2 deletion is one of the strongest known genetic risk factors for schizophrenia. Recent whole-genome sequencing of schizophrenia cases and controls with this deletion provided an unprecedented opportunity to identify risk modifying genetic variants and investigate their contribution to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Here, we apply a novel analytic framework that integrates gene network and phenotype data to investigate the aggregate effects of rare coding variants and identified modifier genes in this etiologically homogenous cohort (223 schizophrenia cases and 233 controls of European descent). Our analyses revealed significant additive genetic components of rare nonsynonymous variants in 110 modifier genes (adjusted P = 9.4E-04) that overall accounted for 4.6% of the variance in schizophrenia status in this cohort, of which 4.0% was independent of the common polygenic risk for schizophrenia. The modifier genes affected by rare coding variants were enriched with genes involved in synaptic function and developmental disorders. Spatiotemporal transcriptomic analyses identified an enrichment of coexpression between modifier and 22q11.2 genes in cortical brain regions from late infancy to young adulthood. Corresponding gene coexpression modules are enriched with brain-specific protein-protein interactions of SLC25A1, COMT, and PI4KA in the 22q11.2 deletion region. Overall, our study highlights the contribution of rare coding variants to the SCZ risk. They not only complement common variants in disease genetics but also pinpoint brain regions and developmental stages critical to the etiology of syndromic schizophrenia.
Rationale Ubiquitously expressed cytoplasmic adaptors CRK and CRKL mediate multiple signaling pathways in mammalian embryogenesis. They are also associated with cardiovascular defects occurring in Miller-Dieker syndrome and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, respectively. The embryonic mesoderm contributes to the formation of the cardiovascular system, yet the roles that Crk and Crkl play there are not understood on a single cell level. Objectives To determine functions of Crk and Crkl in the embryonic mesoderm during early mouse vascular development. Secondly, we will examine the molecular mechanisms responsible for early embryonic endothelial cell (EC) defects by performing single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and in vivo validation experiments. Methods and Results Inactivation of both Crk and Crkl together using Mesp1Cre resulted embryonic lethality with severe vascular defects. Although vasculogenesis appeared normal, angiogenesis was disrupted both in the yolk sac and embryo proper, leading to disorganized vascular networks. We performed scRNA-seq of the Mesp1Cre mesodermal lineage and found that there was upregulation of a great number of angiogenesis and cell migration related genes in ECs in the mutants, including NOTCH signaling genes such as Dll4 and Hey1. Further bioinformatic analysis of EC subpopulations identified a relative increase in the number of more differentiated angiogenic ECs and decrease in EC progenitors. Consistent with this, we identified an expansion of Dll4 expressing cells within abnormal arteries, in vivo. Also, our bioinformatic data indicates that there is dysregulated expression of lineage genes that promote EC differentiation causing accelerated cell fate progression during EC differentiation. Conclusions Our results show that Crk and Crkl are crucial for regulating early embryonic angiogenesis. Combined inactivation of Crk/Crkl caused precocious EC maturation with an increase of atypical differentiated angiogenic ECs and failed vascular remodeling. This is in part due to increased NOTCH signaling and altered expression of cell migration genes.
CRK and CRKL encode cytoplasmic adaptors that contribute to the etiology of congenital heart disease. Neural crest cells (NCCs) are required for cardiac outflow tract (OFT) septation and aortic arch formation. The roles of Crk/Crkl in NCCs during mouse cardiovascular development remain unknown. To test this, we inactivated Crk and/or Crkl in NCCs. We found that the loss of Crk, rather than Crkl, in NCCs resulted in double outlet right ventricle, while loss of both Crk/Crkl in NCCs resulted in severe defects with earlier lethality due to failed OFT septation and severe dilation of the pharyngeal arch arteries (PAAs). We found that these defects are due to altered cell morphology resulting in reduced localization of NCCs to the OFT and failed integrity of the PAAs, along with reduced expression of Integrin signaling genes. Further, molecular studies identified reduced differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells that may in part be due to altered Notch signaling. Additionally, there is increased cellular stress that leads to modest increase in apoptosis. Overall, this explains the mechanism for the Crk/Crkl phenotype.
AbstractBackgroundCongenital heart disease (CHD) affecting the conotruncal region of the heart, occur in half of patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. This syndrome is a rare disorder with relative genetic homogeneity that can facilitate identification of genetic modifiers. Haploinsufficiency of TBX1, mapped to the 22q11.2 region, encoding a T-box transcription factor, is one of the main genes for the etiology of the syndrome. We suggest that genetic modifiers of CHD in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome may be in the TBX1 gene network.MethodsTo identify genetic modifiers of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, we analyzed whole genome sequence of subjects with 22q11.2DS, of which 456 were cases with conotruncal heart defects and 537 were controls with normal cardiac structures. We retained the most damaging rare coding variants and examined 19 functional gene sets for association that were weighted upon expression of genes in cardiac progenitor cells in mouse embryos identified by RNA-sequencing.ResultsWe identified rare damaging coding variants in chromatin regulatory genes as modifiers of conotruncal heart defects in 22q11.2DS. Chromatin genes with recurrent damaging variants include EP400, KAT6A, KMT2C, KMT2D, NSD1, CHD7 and PHF21A. In total, we identified 37 chromatin regulatory genes, that may increase risk for conotruncal heart defects in 8.5% of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome cases. Many of these genes were identified as risk factors for sporadic CHD in the general population increasing the likelihood that these genes are medically important contributors for CHD. These genes are co-expressed in cardiac progenitor cells with TBX1, suggesting that they may be in the same genetic network. Some of the genes identified, such as KAT6A, KMT2C, CHD7 and EZH2, have been previously shown to genetically interact with TBX1 in mouse models, providing mechanistic validation of these genes found.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that disturbance of chromatin regulatory genes impact a TBX1 gene network serving as genetic modifiers of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Since some of these chromatin regulatory genes were found in individuals with sporadic CHD, we suggest that there are shared mechanisms involving the TBX1 gene network in the etiology of CHD.
AbstractPrior studies have demonstrated that patients with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) have lower platelet counts (PC) compared to non-deleted populations. They also have an increased mean platelet volume. The mechanism for this has been postulated to be haploinsufficiency of the GPIBB gene. We examined platelet parameters, deletion size and factors known to influence counts, including status of thyroid hormone and CHD, in a population of 825 patients with 22q11.2DS. We also measured surface expression of GPIB-IX complex by flow cytometry. The major determinant of PC was deletion status of GP1BB, regardless of surface expression or other factors. Patients with nested distal chromosome 22q11.2 deletions (those with GP1BB present) had higher PCs than those with proximal deletions where GP1BB is deleted. Patients with 22q11.2DS also demonstrated an accelerated PC decrease with age, occurring in childhood. These data demonstrate that genes within the proximal deletion segment drive PC differences in 22q11.2DS and suggest that PC reference ranges may need to be adjusted for age and deletion size in 22q11.2DS populations. Bleeding did not correlate with either platelet count or GP1b expression. Further studies into drivers of expression of GP1b and associations with severe thrombocytopenia and immune thrombocytopenia are needed to inform clinical care.