Continuing Education Activity

Poikilocytosis is the term used for abnormal-shaped red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood. Normal RBCs (also called erythrocytes) are typically disk-shaped, are thinner in the middle than in the edges, with a diameter of 6.2 to 8.2 micrometers, a thickness at the thickest point of 2 to 2.5 micrometers, and a thickness in the center of 0.8 to 1 micrometers. Poikilocytosis generally refers to an increase in abnormal-shaped red blood cells that make up 10% or more of the total red blood cells. Poikilocytes may be flat, elongated, teardrop, or crescent-shaped, or they may have point-like or thorn-like projections or may have any other abnormal feature. This activity reviews the evaluation and treatment of poikilocytosis and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in the care of patients with this condition.

Objectives:

• Identify the pathophysiology of poikilocytosis.
• Describe the appropriate evaluation of common causes of poikilocytosis.
• Review the management options available for different types of medical conditions associated with poikilocytosis.
• Summarize interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication to enhance the care of patients with poikilocytosis and improve patient outcomes.

Introduction

Poikilocytosis is the term used for abnormal-shaped red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood. Normal RBCs (also called erythrocytes) are typically disk-shaped, are thinner in the middle than in the edges, with a diameter of  6.2 to 8.2 micrometers, a thickness at the thickest point of 2 to 2.5 micrometers, and a thickness in the center of 0.8 to 1 micrometers. Poikilocytosis generally refers to an increase in abnormal-shaped red blood cells that make up 10% or more of the total red blood cells. Poikilocytes may be flat, elongated, teardrop, or crescent-shaped, or they may have point-like or thorn-like projections or may have any other abnormal feature. Their presence may provide a hematologic 'fingerprint' for identifying their underlying disease pathology. 

Etiology

Poikilocytosis is the result of internal damage or external (environmental) trauma. Poikilocytosis causes, generally speaking, it can be inherited or acquired. Inherited conditions can be caused by genetic abnormalities or mutations. Acquired conditions usually develop later in life. The following list provides a general overlay based on etiology. 

Inherited causes of poikilocytosis include:

• In sickle cell anemia, RBCs are an abnormal crescent, an elongated spiculated shape known as sickle cells or drepanocytes[1]
• Thalassemia, a genetic disorder in which abnormal hemoglobin is made, contains target cells or codocytes
• Hereditary spherocytosis contains spherocytes[2]
• Pyruvate kinase deficiency contains echinocytes or burr cells
• Hereditary elliptocytosis contains elliptocytes[3]
• McLeod syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that contains acanthocytes

 Acquired causes of poikilocytosis include:

• Iron deficiency anemia, a common type of anemia that is seen when there is insufficient iron in the body, contains elliptocytes (ovalocytes)
• Megaloblastic anemia caused by a deficiency of either folate or vitamin B-12 contains dacrocytes (teardrop cells) and elliptocytes[4][5]
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia usually contains schistocytes and spherocytes
• Liver and kidney disease contain echinocytes or burr cells
• Alcohol-related liver disease contains acanthocytes
• Myelofibrosis contains tear drop cells
• Lead poisoning (heavy metals)
• Infections (Plasmodium, Babesia)

Causes based on the type of poikilocytosis:

• Spherocytes: Seen in hereditary spherocytosis, autoimmune hemolytic disorders, red cell fragmentation disorders, hemolytic transfusion reactions, ABO hemolytic diseases of newborn/Rh hemolytic disease of the newborn, hypophosphatemia, bartonellosis, snakebites, hyposplenism.
• Codocytes (target cells): Seen in thalassemia, liver disease (cholestatic type), hemoglobin C disorder, recently splenectomy, autosplenectomy in sickle cell disease, and iron deficiency disorder.
• Sickle cells (drepanocytes): Seen in sickle cell disease.
• Dacrocytes (teardrop cells): Seen in beta-thalassemia, leukemia, hemolytic anemia, myelofibrosis, and megaloblastic anemia.
• Acanthocytes (spur cells): Seen in liver disease, thalassemia, abetalipoproteinemia, splenectomized patients, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, kidney disease, and Mcleod syndrome.[6]
• Schistocytes: Seen in hemolytic anemias, sepsis, burns, disseminated intravascular coagulation, platelet disorders like thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and hemolytic uremic syndrome.
• Elliptocytes(ovalocytes): Seen in iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, megaloblastic anemia, and myelofibrosis.
• Echinocytes (burr cells): Seen in pyruvate kinase deficiency, kidney disease, and cancer.
• Other nonspecific types are leukocytes, stomatocytes (mouth-shaped cells), and degmacytes (bite cells).

Epidemiology

Epidemiology depends on the cause of poikilocytosis. In the case of sickle cell disease, it is autosomal recessive in inheritance and has many variants. Heterozygotes are prevalent in Africa, Meditteranean, the middle east, and India. Thalassemias are of two types: alpha and beta; alpha thalassemia is common in sub-Saharan Africa, the Mediterranean, and generally tropical regions. Beta thalassemia is common in the Mediterranean.[7] Hereditary spherocytosis is common in  European and North American ancestry.[2][8] Pyruvate kinase deficiency is most commonly seen in northern Europe and Japan.

Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology varies depending on the cause.[9] Erythrocytes are affected by internal damage or external trauma; with the resultant distortion, the dysmorphism, they may lose pliability, thereby becoming sequestered and either disfigured or destroyed by the spleen. 

• Drepanocytes or sickle cells: Seen is sickle cell disease due to hemoglobin S (HbS) by substituting valine in place of glutamic acid at position 6 of beta-globin of HbA. It has an autosomal recessive inheritance. There are many variants like hemoglobin SC disease, hemoglobin S beta thalassemia disease, etc.[10]
• Spherocytes: Seen most commonly in hereditary spherocytosis due to mutations in genes that code for the red blood cell membrane proteins spectrin (alpha and beta), ankyrin, band 3 protein, protein 4.2, and other red blood cell membrane proteins that cause erythrocytes to change shape.[3] Disease entities manifesting spherocytes include hereditary spherocytosis (AKA Minkowski-Chauffard disease), ABO incompatibility, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (warm Antibody subtype), Cold agglutinin hemolysis, severer burns, myelodysplasia (MDS), hemolytic disease of the newborn, and myelophthisis. 
• Target cells (codocytes): Most commonly seen in thalassemia due to impaired hemoglobin production (Hb). Normal Hb has two alpha and two beta chains, a decrease in alpha chains is alpha-thalassemia, and a decrease in beta chains is beta-thalassemia.[11] Target cells have an area of central hemoglobinization surrounded by a halo of pallor. Besides hemoglobinopathies, these cells are also found in lecithin-cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, sideroblastic anemia, obstructive intrahepatic disease, and status post splenectomy (or asplenia). 
• Schistocytes are fragmented RBCs seen most commonly in hemolytic anemias, hemolytic disorders, DIC, pre-eclampsia, B12 deficiency, HIV, BMT, mechanical heart valves, and COVID infection, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome.[12][13][14]
• Echinocytes or Burr cells can be found in a myriad of clinical situations, including burns, uremia, malnutrition, hepatic cirrhosis, pyruvate kinase deficiency, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, hemodialysis, parenteral fish oil and sometimes in long-distance runners.[15][16][17]
• Acanthocytes, or spur cells, are found in disease entities like myelodysplasia, pyruvate kinase deficiency, alcoholic cirrhosis, hypothyroidism, anorexia nervose, drug-induced forms (e.g., statins, misoprostol), neuroacanthocytosis, and abetalipoproteinemia[6][18][19][20][21] The latter two comprise hereditary neurodegenerative diseases with acanthocytes as a concurrent finding. 
• Dacrocytes or teardrop cells / lacrymocytes are erythrocytes that have been remodeled into a 'teardrop formation.'[9][22] While they are highly suggestive of myelofibrosis, they do appear in other ailments. These include thalassemia major, myeolphtisis (marrow infiltration), extramedullary hematopoiesis, hereditary elliptocytosis, hereditary pyropokilocytosis, severe Iron deficiency, myelodysplasia, megaloblastic anemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. 
• Elliptocytes or ovalocytes are best exemplified by hereditary elliptocytosis (>25% of cases) and hereditary pyropoikilocytosis. They are both autosomal, the former dominant while the latter is recessive. Other entities that can present with elliptocytes include iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, myelofibrosis, and myelodysplasia.[23][24][25][26]
• Degmacytes or Bite cells derive their name, colloquially, from the fact that their physical structure gives the impression of a "bite" mark in the membrane. The "bite" occurs as the spleen removes damaged hemoglobin from the cell. This represents a common endpoint to a variety of causations. Diseases involved with this finding include G6PD deficiency, unstable hemoglobins, (congenital) Heinz body anemia, fava beans, and drug-induced oxidative hemolysis.[27][28]
• Stomatocytes are derived from genetic defects in membrane proteins leading to the "leakiness" of cations and fluid.[29] Cells appear cup-shaped with a central pallor in the form of a slit, sometimes referred to as a "fish mouth."  The hereditary form of Stomatocytosis is autosomal dominant. Acquired forms include factors such as excessive alcohol intake (that resolves within two weeks of alcohol cessation), obstructive lung disease, Rh-null (autosomal recessive defect in phospholipids), and artifactually (due to slow drying of the specimen in a humid environment.[30] 

Histopathology

Drepanocytes; Hemolysis of the sickle cell compounds the illness by potentiating the systemic inflammatory environment.[31][32] With hemolysis, there is a release of cell-free hemoglobin, which depletes Hemopexin, Haptoglobin, and, most notably, nitric oxide.[33] With nitric oxide depletion comes platelet activation, upregulation of endothelial adhesion molecules, and vasoconstriction. These signs herald the development of vascular dysfunction, occlusion, and subsequent end-organ damage. In drepanocytes, the amino acid malposition leads to red cell hypoxic sensitivity and sickling. As the erythrocytes pass through the relatively hypoxic regions of the body's capillaries, the low oxygen tension causes the Hemoglobin S to polymerize into rods leading to the sickle shape primarily and a cigar-shape secondarily.[34][35] 

S-polymer damages the cell membranes leading to a calcium/potassium transit problem. The S-polymers also precipitate against the inner surface of the red cell membrane leading to iron-mediated oxidative damage. The damaged sickle cells then adhere to the vascular endothelium leading to vascular occlusion.[31]

Spherocytes; Spherocytes are small round cells that lack the flat, light-colored center of regular erythrocytes. The hereditary form is autosomal dominant in roughly 75% of cases, while the remaining 25% are autosomal recessive or de novo.[36] The hereditary forms have gene mutations SPTA1, SPTB, ANK1, SLC4A1, and EPB42 that code for proteins spectrin, ankyrin, band 3, and erythrocyte protein band 4.2. The resultant dysmorphisms arise from their decreased membrane surface area with decreased membrane flexibility and increased fragility. The cells become rounded and lose their central pallor. They become more easily captured and prematurely destroyed by the spleen. Sometimes the hemolysis may be significant in that the bone marrow initiates a massive (reactive) production of young red blood cells, called reticulocytosis. 

Normally reticulocytes are macrocytic and carry a bluish hue due to the presence of internal RNA. They are pitted and matured within the spleen and should normally be < 2.5% of the red cell population. The difference in color tone between the bluish reticulocytes and the red cells is referred to as polychromasia. Autoimmune hemolysis is identified by the presence of a positive Coomb test alongside the spherocytes [36]. Microspherocytes, hyperchromic, and densely hemoglobinized red cells are also found in immune hemolysis.[9]  Spherocytes can be acquired in MDS due to the mutation in U2AF1.[37] Spherocytes may be found alongside a myriad of other cell forms in a finding known as leukoerythroblastosis. This tends to occur when the bone marrow is infiltrated or overrun by another disease entity, such as cancer. Typically leukoerythroblastosis portends a poor prognosis. 

Codocytes; The basic mechanism of target cell formation is when the intracellular volume has become disproportionately smaller than what is needed to keep the surface area full.[38] The resultant membrane appears redundant, can fold over itself (making a bell-like form), and remodel in such a fashion as to possess a pale halo twixt a red peripheral ring and central core. In liver disease, the membrane cholesterol is decreased, thereby decreasing the membrane tensile strength and leading to codocyte formation. In hemoglobinopathies, there can be uneven hemoglobin distribution within the cell leading to a distortion in the surface area/volume ratio with subsequent target cell formation. Target cells may also occur artifactually when blood smears are made in a high-humidity environment. The margin is up to 5%

Schistocytes; Schistocytes are disrupted red blood cells. Helmet cells are a subset where the red cell has been "chopped" mechanically, leaving behind a roughly semicircular residual. It looks akin to a helmet with a straight border next to the semicircle and sharp, angular edges. Triangular cells are the remnants, the triangle-shaped detritus of red cells; they are very small fragments with significant distortions from significant disruptions. Schistocytes might actually be 'normal' in adults and full-term neonates if their presence is < 1% of the population.[13] In newborns, one may find pyknocytes, fragile and contracted erythrocytes. They can persist in premature babies for up to the first six months of life. Sometimes schistocytes can be difficult to identify if they are embedded in a clouded field of other cell types like echinocytes, acanthocytes, and created (shriveled) red blood cells. In this situation, noting an increase in the LDH, the RDW (measurement of anisocytosis), or the presence of polychromasia may offer a measure of help in making the diagnosis. 

Echinocytes or Burr cells are typically reversible dysmorphisms. They have an area of central pallor and multiple small projections, almost spicular, with uniform size and presentation.[6] 

Acanthocytes are spiculated erythrocytes with projections of varying size, shape, and distribution.[20] Present theory suggests that expanding the outer red cell membrane layer gives rise to the characteristic spicules. (Expansion of the inner lipid bilayer is thought to lead to stomatocytosis.)  Autophagia and autolysosomal degeneration occur in later stages.  

Tear Drop Cells; It is believed that the approach to teardrop cell (dacrocyte) formation may be multifocal though the underlying mechanism may be common.[9][22] It is felt that the cells may be disrupted or distorted as they pass through the bone marrow or the splenic sinusoids. Credence is given to this belief in that, in some cases, dacrocytes have disappeared after splenectomy.  

Elliptocytes; The basic pathomechanism involved in elliptocytosis involves defects in the horizontal cytoskeletal network of the red cell. This involves problems with the spectrin dimer interaction or the spectrin-actin-protein 4.1 junctional complexes.[39][40] In hereditary elliptocytosis, there are defects in one of the following genes; EPB4I (1p33-p32) erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1, SPTA1(1q21) alpha=spectrin erythrocyte, SPTB (14q24.1-q24.2) beta-spectrin erythrocyte, and GYPC(2q14-q21) glycophorin C / Gerbich blood groups. Hereditary pyropoikilocytosis is a severe form of elliptocytosis with hemolytic anemia and jaundice in infancy.[40] The cells resemble those from thermal burn cases with microspherocytes and erythrocyte fragments. 

Bite cells; The commonality amongst diseases with bite cells (degmacytes) is the denaturation and precipitation of their hemoglobin.[27][41] Once the hemoglobin precipitates, it forms a Heinz body, which will cause the entrapment of the red cells within the spleen. The spleen severs off the affected membrane-hemoglobin segment leaving behind the classic "bite."  G6PD deficiency is an x-linked recessive disease prevalent among African and Mediterranean peoples. The enzyme protects the red cell from oxidative stress, but as the cells age, the concentration lessens, and hemolysis can result. A patient with hemolysis may give an impression of normalcy as the body's reaction to the hemolysis is reticulocytosis. Younger red cells have an adequate enzyme amount and so the level, overall, when tested, may appear to be normal. Drugs such as phenazopyridine, nitrofurantoin, and sulfa agents can cause oxidative stress in these cells.[28] Infections and Fava beans are causative agents as well. 

Stomatocytes; The basic defect in stomatocytosis is believed to be the dysregulation of fluid and cation movement into the cells. PIEZO1 codes for a transmembrane protein that is felt to establish "mechanosensitive currents" across the red cell membrane.[42][43]  PIEZO1 mediates calcium movement and acts as a primary regulator of volume.[30] Variations in the red cell presentations are explained by differences in PIEZO1 gene mutation prevalence.[29] Dysfunction typically leads to dehydration (rarely overhydration). 

History and Physical

In poikilocytosis, RBCs are irregularly shaped and may be unable to carry enough oxygen. Subsequently, the patient will manifest fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, palpitations, and weakness. The main feature of poikilocytosis is having 10 percent or more abnormally-shaped RBCs. External stressors have the propensity to magnify the signs and symptoms of the erythrocyte's illness. For example, sickle cell disease commonly presents as (when exposed to cold, dehydration, hypoxia) sickle cell crisis (hemolytic, aplastic, sequestration), acute chest syndrome, vaso-occlusive crisis, and autosplenectomy.

Anemia due to increased intravascular hemolysis can present as an indirect hyperbilirubinemia. The sclera and skin may appear jaundiced in hemolysis; the urine may be discolored. The most difficult part of the exam is that the symptoms can be admixed with other, nonspecific findings. 

Evaluation

Poikilocytosis is diagnosed with a blood smear examination.[44] This test can be done as part of a routine physical exam or if the patient is experiencing symptoms of anemia or any unexplained symptoms. As stated before, the most difficult part of the evaluation is that the symptoms may be admixed with other, nonspecific findings. 

Not all RBCs will take on an abnormal shape. Patients with poikilocytosis have some normally shaped cells RBCs mixed with abnormally shaped poikilocytes. Sometimes, many different types of poikilocytes are present in one patient's blood smear in conditions like iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, etc. 

In addition to the blood smear, other tests are done to determine the etiology of abnormally shaped RBCs. Examples of other commonly used diagnostic tests include serum iron levels (iron studies), complete blood count (CBC), vitamin B-12, folate, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and liver function tests. Choosing the right test(s) can depend on determining the right morphology. 

Treatment / Management

The treatment of poikilocytosis is based on the underlying cause of the poikilocytosis. In conditions where poikilocytosis is caused by iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia due to low levels of iron, vitamin B12, or folate, respectively, is usually treated by taking supplements and increasing the levels of these vitamins in the diet and/or by treating the underlying disease (such as celiac disease or alcoholism) that have caused the deficiency.[45]

Poikilocytocis due to inherited causes like thalassemia or sickle cell anemia may require treatment for a long duration, depending on their clinical variants (homozygous or heterozygous). Genetic diseases, generally, require lifelong monitoring with the treatment of periodic disease exacerbations. These cases may require blood transfusions, or in some cases of poikilocytosis, a bone marrow transplant may be necessary to treat their condition. People with other causes of poikilocytosis, like liver disease (with target cells or acanthocytes), should be treated accordingly. Some may require a liver transplant, while patients with sepsis or serious infections (may have schistocytes) may need antibiotics. 

Differential Diagnosis

Poikilocytosis should be differentiated from the following:

• Anisocytosis is the abnormal size of RBCs. As a general rule, hypochromic microcytosis deals with iron deficiencies (with subsequent hemoglobin deficiencies) or hemoglobinopathies, while macrocytic anemia deals with B12 and folate deficiencies or hypothyroidism (causing nuclear/cytoplasmic asynchrony in maturation).[46][47][48] The remaining ailments often fall within the "normochromic normocytic" category. 
• Howell Jolly bodies, which are RBCs with inclusions, are seen in conditions like asplenia.
• Anisochromia is variability in the color density of erythrocytes due to unequal hemoglobin, including hypochromic cells seen in iron deficiency anemia.
• Rouleaux are aggregations of RBCs seen when the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is increased in infections, cancers, and inflammatory conditions. Rouleaux formation refers to the stacking of red cells like coins in a single file. It is seen in hypoproteinemia and paraproteinemias like plasma cell disorders as well as in B-cell lymphomas. Rouleaux is differentiated from agglutination, in which there are clusters or clumps of red cells. This is oft an antibody-mediated agglutination and could give a falsely elevated MCV.[49] A false Rouleaux may also be made if the red cell preparation is too thick. The morphology in this situation will be difficult to evaluate because the erythrocytes will be packed.[50]
• Heavy metals (lead); classically, coarse basophilic stippling is associated with heavy metal poisoning (e.g., Pb).[51][52] Basophilic stippling is aggregates of ribosomes and fragments of rRNA precipitates. Patients with hemoglobinopathies also have basophilic stippling, though it is finer in consistency. Chronic lead exposure leads to microcytosis and an increase in the mean platelet volume (MPV) without effect on the platelet count or the leukocyte count (though the differential may be affected).[53] This is felt to be due to heme synthesis interference as well as via effects on hematopoietic cytokines.[54]

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on the cause of poikilocytosis. Some diseases like iron deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemias have a good prognosis as the disease is resolved by correcting the underlying nutritional defect. However, some causes, like sickle cell disease, may have a poor prognosis depending on presentation and complications, including infections and vaso-occlusive crises, requiring lifelong treatments.

Complications

Complications also depend on the cause of poikilocytosis. Sometimes the severity of the disease may overshadow or obscure the underlying dyserythropoiesis. Clinical acumen, coupled with a thorough observation, can use poikilocytosis to point in the right diagnostic direction. The following are some of the complications associated with common etiologies of poikilocytosis:

Sickle cell disease complications include:

• Infections
• Osteomyelitis
• Stroke, priapism
• Acute chest syndrome
• Hemolytic crisis
• Aplastic crisis
• Autosplenectomy (seen in sickle cell disease)[55]

Hereditary spherocytosis complications include:

• Folate deficiency (might be a functional deficit). 
• Hemolysis
• Pigmented gall stones
• Aplastic crisis 

Anemia complications include palpitations, heart failure, pregnancy complications, and delayed growth in infants and children.

Deterrence and Patient Education

Poikilocytosis is caused by another medical condition. The patients should be educated about the cause of their poikilocytosis, prognosis, and treatment options. Conditions like anemia caused by iron deficiency are treatable and have a very good prognosis, but they can be dangerous if not managed properly. Anemia during pregnancy can cause complications, including severe congenital defects such as neural tube defects caused by megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency. Other complications of anemia during pregnancy include preeclampsia, preterm birth, etc. Anemia caused by a genetic disorder such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia will require lifelong treatment.

Pearls and Other Issues

• Poikilocytosis is a term for abnormal-shaped red blood cells in the blood.
• Poikilocytosis refers to an increase in abnormal red blood cells of any shape that makes up 10% or more of the total population. Poikilocytes can be flat, elongated, teardrop-shaped, crescent-shaped, sickle-shaped, or can have pointy or thorn-like projections, or may have other abnormal features.
• Poikilocytosis can be due to inherited or acquired causes. Inherited conditions are due to a genetic mutation. Acquired conditions usually develop later in life.
• The most common etiologies of poikilocytosis are sickle cell disease, thalassemia, hereditary spherocytosis, iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, and liver disease.
• The most common types of poikilocytosis are sickle cells, target cells, spherocytes, elliptocytes, ovalocytes, echinocytes, and acanthocytes.
• They are usually identified on the blood smear and play an important role in diagnosing the underlying cause and its management.
• Treatment and prognosis vary depending on the cause of the poikilocytosis.

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

The outcome of poikilocytosis depends on the type of poikilocytosis, its cause, and how quickly the underlying disease is diagnosed and managed. It requires a well-planned interprofessional team approach with a primary clinician, a hematologist, a hematopathologist, a pharmacist, and a nurse, all working together as a healthcare team to bring the best outcome to the patients. The patients should be educated about the cause, prognosis, and different treatment options available. It is essential to identify and diagnose the condition early. Red blood cell morphology can be likened to a trail, a track, from which, with other current data, the proper diagnosis can be pursued and found.   

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Disclosure: Sai Samyuktha Bandaru declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Robert Killeen declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Vikas Gupta declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.