A randomized trial of heparin plus ursodiol vs. heparin alone to prevent hepatic veno-occlusive disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Liver Late Effects in Childhood Cancer Survivors Treated With Radiation Therapy: A PENTEC Comprehensive Review

PURPOSE

A pediatric normal tissue effects in the clinic (PENTEC) comprehensive review of patients with childhood cancer who received radiation therapy (RT) to the liver was performed to develop models that may inform RT dose constraints for the liver and improve risk forecasting of toxicities.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A systematic literature search was performed to identify published data on hepatic toxicities in children. Treatment and outcome data were extracted and used to generate normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models. Complications from both whole and partial liver irradiation were considered. For whole liver irradiation, total body irradiation and non-total body irradiation treatments were considered, but it was assumed that the entire liver received the prescribed dose. For partial liver irradiation, only Wilms tumor flank field RT could be analyzed. However, a prescribed dose assumption could not be applied, and there was a paucity of analyzable liver dosimetry data. To associate the dose-volume exposures with the partial volume complication data from flank irradiation, liver dose-volume metrics were reconstructed for Wilms tumor flank RT using age-specific computational phantoms as a function of field laterality and superior extent of the field.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 2103 investigations pertaining to hepatic sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS) and liver failure in pediatric patients. All abstracts were screened, and 241 articles were reviewed in full by the study team. A model was developed to calculate the risk of developing SOS after whole liver RT. RT dose (P = .006) and receipt of nonalkylating chemotherapy (P = .01) were significant. Age <20 years at time of RT was borderline significant (P = .058). The model predicted a 2% risk of SOS with zero RT dose, 6.1% following 10 Gy, and 14.5% following 20 Gy to the whole liver (modeled as the linear-quadratic equivalent dose in 2-Gy fractions [α/β = 3 Gy]). Patients with Wilms tumor treated with right flank RT had a higher observed rate of SOS than patients receiving left flank RT, but data were insufficient to generate an NTCP model for partial liver irradiation. From the phantom-based dose reconstructions, mean liver dose was estimated to be 2.16 ± 1.15 Gy and 6.54 ± 2.50 Gy for left and right flank RT, respectively, using T10-T11 as the superior field border and a prescription dose of 10.8 Gy (based on dose reconstruction). Data were sparse regarding rates of late liver injury after RT, which suggests low rates of severe toxicity after treatment for common pediatric malignancies.

CONCLUSIONS

This pediatric normal tissue effects in the clinic (PENTEC) review provides an NTCP model to estimate the risk of hepatic SOS as a function of RT dose following whole liver RT and quantifies the range of mean liver doses from typical Wilms tumor flank irradiation fields. Patients treated with right flank RT had higher rates of SOS than patients treated with left flank RT, but data were insufficient to develop a model for partial liver irradiation. Risk of SOS was estimated to be approximately ≤6% in pediatric patients receiving whole liver doses of <10 Gy.

Veno-Occlusive Disease: A Life-Saving Novel Approach With Plasma Exchange, IVIG, and Steroid, Without Defibrotide

INTRODUCTION

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a critical medical emergency with a high mortality rate of up to 90% if not promptly treated. Defibrotide is the only approved medication for VOD treatment, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and anti-ischemic properties. This report presents a case of severe VOD in a patient undergoing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe the successful and rapid treatment of severe VOD in an ALL patient using therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and methylprednisolone (MPZ). The patient showed significant clinical and laboratory improvement after this combined therapeutic approach.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the effectiveness of TPE, IVIG, and MPZ in the treatment of severe VOD in ALL patients, providing insights into alternative therapeutic strategies in the absence of Defibrotide.

The Development of New Agents for Post-Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Non-Infectious Complications in Children

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is often the only curative treatment option for patients suffering from various types of malignant diseases and some non-cancerous conditions. Nevertheless, it is associated with a high risk of complications leading to transplant-related mortality and long-term morbidity. An increasing number of therapeutic and prevention strategies have been developed over the last few years to tackle the complications arising in patients receiving an HSCT. These strategies have been mainly carried out in adults and some are now being translated into children. In this manuscript, we review the recent advancements in the development and implementation of treatment options for post-HSCT non-infectious complications in pediatric patients with leukemia and other non-malignant conditions, with a special attention on the new agents available within clinical trials. We focused on the following conditions: graft failure, prevention of relapse and early interventions after detection of minimal residual disease positivity following HSCT in acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemia, chronic graft versus host disease, non-infectious pulmonary complications, and complications of endothelial origin.

Low-dose unfractionated heparin prophylaxis is a safe strategy for the prevention of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after myeloablative adult allogenic stem cell transplant

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is a serious complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT). However, there is no uniform consensus on the optimal strategy for SOS prevention. Ursodeoxycholic acid is the most used regimen, even though its administration is challenging in recipients unable to tolerate oral medication. Defibrotide was recently studied in a phase 3 trial, but enrollment was stopped early due to futility. Low dose unfractionated heparin (UFH) is an alternative strategy. However, its efficacy is reputed but unproven increased risk of bleeding has not been fully established. We evaluated 514 adult allo-HCT recipients who received SOS prophylaxis with low dose UFH. Bleeding complications occurred in 12 patients 2.3% of patients of which only 2 (0.4%) had significant grade 3 bleeding. Only 14 patients were diagnosed with hepatic SOS. Univariate analysis showed that day 100 SOS was higher in recipients of unmodified grafts when compared to CD34+ selected ex vivo T-cell depleted grafts (p ≤ 0.001), and patients with hepatitis B and/or C exposure pre-HCT (p = 0.028). Overall, UFH was well tolerated and associated with a low incidence of subsequent hepatic SOS. Low dose UFH prophylaxis can be considered in select patients who cannot tolerate oral ursodiol.

Low Incidence of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease in adults undergoing allogenic stem cell transplantation with prophylactic ursodiol and low-dose heparin

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS)/veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a complication after allogenic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with high mortality. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence and outcome of SOS in patients after allo-HSCT with the impact of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and low-dose heparin as SOS prophylaxis. Out of 1016 patients, 23 developed SOS, with a cumulative incidence of 2.3% (95% CI 1.3-3.3) 6 months after HSCT. Approximately one quarter of these patients (26.1%) had late-onset SOS. A high proportion were very severe SOS cases (74%), and 83% of the patients were treated with defibrotide (DF). In multivariate analysis, advanced disease (p = 0.003), previous HSCT (p = 0.025) and graft versus host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis by post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) (p = 0.055) were associated with the development of SOS. The 1-year overall survival (OS) was significantly lower in the SOS group compared to patients without SOS (13% versus 70%, p = 0.0001). In conclusion, we found a low incidence of SOS in patients receiving low-dose heparin and UDCA prophylactically, but among SOS patients, a high mortality. Low-dose heparin and UDCA might be a prophylactic approach for SOS.

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease after hematopoietic cell transplantation: historical and current considerations in Korea

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease (SOS/VOD) is a rare but severe complication of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) showing high mortality. Multiple risk factors for SOS/VOD were identified, but it is often confused with other hepatic complications due to nonspecific clinical features. Therefore, diagnostic and severity criteria have been revised several times. The European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation suggested a new guideline that excludes the standard duration of development within 21 days, emphasizes late-onset SOS/VOD, and suggests the importance of Doppler ultrasonography. The severity criteria were further subdivided for guidance to begin active treatment using defibrotide which was approved in Korea since 2016. In a phase 3 trial, defibrotide had superior 100-day survival, compared to best available treatments (38.2% vs. 25.0%). Although several studies of SOS/VOD in Korean patients have been performed after the implementation of HCT, most involved small number of pediatric patients. Recently, the Korean Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation investigated the incidence of SOS/VOD in the Korean population, and several influential studies of adult patients were published. Here, we summarize recent issues regarding the mechanism, diagnosis, severity criteria, prevention, and treatments of SOS/VOD in Korean patients, as well as recent analyses of nationwide incidence.

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome secondary the intake of Senecio brasiliensis: A case report

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) is a hepatic vascular disease histologically characterized by edema, necrosis, detachment of endothelial cells in small sinusoidal hepatic and interlobular veins and intrahepatic congestion, which leads to portal hypertension and liver dysfunction. In the Western world, most HSOS cases are associated with myeloablative pretreatment in a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation setting. Here we report a case of a 54 years old female patient, otherwise healthy, with no history of alcoholic ingestion, who presented with jaundice and signs of portal hypertension, including ascites and bilateral pleural effusion. She had no history of liver disease and denied any other risk factor for liver injury, except Senecio brasiliensis ingestion as a tea, prescribed as a therapy for menopause. Acute viral hepatitis and thrombosis of the portal system were excluded in complementary investigation, as well as sepsis, metastatic malignancy and other liver diseases, setting a RUCAM score of 6. Computed tomography demonstrated a diffuse liver parenchymal heterogeneity (in mosaic) and an extensive portosystemic collateral venous circulation, in the absence of any noticeable venous obstruction. HSOS diagnosis was confirmed through a liver biopsy. During the following-up period, patient developed refractory pleural effusion, requiring hemodialysis. Right before starting anticoagulation, she presented with abdominal pain and distention, with findings compatible of mesenteric ischemia by computed tomography. A laparotomy was performed, showing an 80cm segment of small bowel ischemia, and resection was done. She died one day after as a result from a septic shock refractory to treatment. The presented case was related to oral intake of S. brasiliensis, a plant containing pyrrolidine alkaloids, which are one of the main causes of HSOS in the East, highlighting the risk of liver injury with herbs intake.

Safety evaluation of fermented Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A.DC. extract: Genotoxicity, acute toxicity, and 13-week subchronic toxicity study in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A.DC. is a well-known traditional herbal medicine administered for bronchitis and inflammatory diseases. Especially, anti-inflammatory effect of fermented P. grandiflorus (Jacq.) A.DC. extract (FPGE) was higher than that of P. grandiflorus (Jacq.) A.DC. extract. However, toxicological information for FPGE is lacking.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we establish a toxicological profile for FPGE by testing genotoxicity, acute and 13-week subchronic toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

FPGE was evaluated with bacterial reverse mutation, chromosome aberration, and micronucleus test. For the acute- and 13-week subchronic toxicity tests, FPGE was administered orally at doses of 0, 750, 1500, and 3000 mg/kg in SD rats.

RESULTS

The results of the genotoxic assays indicated that FPGE induced neither mutagenicity nor clastogenicity. The acute toxicity test showed that FPGE did not affect animal mortality, clinical signs, body weight changes, or microscopic findings at ≤ 3000 mg/kg. The approximate lethal dose (ALD) of FPGE in SD rats was >3000 mg/kg. For the 13-week subchronic toxicity assay, no FPGE dose induced any significant change in mortality, clinical signs, body or organ weight, food consumption, ophthalmology, urinalysis, hematology, serum chemistry, gross findings and histopathologic examination in either SD rat sex. The rat no observed adverse effects level (NOAEL) for FPGE was set to 3000 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study empirically demonstrated that FPGE has a safe preclinical profile and indicated that it could be safely integrated into health products for atopic dermatitis treatment.

Incidence and risk factors of hepatic veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in adults with prophylactic ursodiol and intravenous heparin or prostaglandin E1

We attempted to identify the incidence and survival outcome of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease (VOD/SOS) after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) under strategy of prophylactic ursodiol and intravenous heparin or prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). From 2009 to 2018, 2572 consecutive allogeneic-HCT cases were reviewed. We used oral ursodiol for all transplants, and most were administered low-dose heparin, while PGE1 in selected cases with low platelet count at the time of preconditioning. Diagnosis and severity grades were reassessed by revised EBMT criteria. The overall incidence of hepatic VOD/SOS was 3.4% (Mild 0.9%, Moderate 0.6%, Severe 0.7%, Very severe 1.2%) after allogeneic-HCT under strategy of intravenous prophylaxis. The 1-year overall survival of VOD/SOS was 41.4% which was divided into 73.9% for mild, 66.7% for moderate, 38.9% for severe, and 6.5% for very severe grade. Very high disease risk index, male gender, donor other than matched sibling donor, and busulfex > 9 mg/kg were affecting factors for development of VOD/SOS. For severe to very severe VOD/SOS, history of pre-HCT liver dysfunction was an additionally affecting factor. Allogeneic-HCT using ursodiol and intravenous prophylaxis was considered safe without significant bleeding complications and should be evaluated in future clinical trials. For those with high-risk of VOD/SOS, early intervention and management is important.

Diagnosis and Treatment of VOD/SOS After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) or sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is a rare complication characterized by hepatomegaly, right-upper quadrant pain, jaundice, and ascites, occurring after high-dose chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and, less commonly, other conditions. We review pathogenesis, clinical appearance and diagnostic criteria, risk factors, prophylaxis, and treatment of the VOD occurring post-HSCT. The injury of the sinusoidal endothelial cells with loss of wall integrity and sinusoidal obstruction is the basis of development of postsinusoidal portal hypertension responsible for clinical syndrome. Risk factors associated with the onset of VOD and diagnostic tools have been recently updated both in the pediatric and adult settings and here are reported. Treatment includes supportive care, intensive management, and specific drug therapy with defibrotide. Because of its severity, particularly in VOD with associated multiorgan disease, prophylaxis approaches are under investigation. During the last years, decreased mortality associated to VOD/SOS has been reported being it attributable to a better intensive and multidisciplinary approach.

Supportive care during pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: beyond infectious diseases. A report from workshops on supportive care of the Pediatric Diseases Working Party (PDWP) of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT)

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is currently the standard of care for many malignant and nonmalignant blood diseases. As several treatment-emerging acute toxicities are expected, optimal supportive measurements critically affect HSCT outcomes. The paucity of good clinical studies in supportive practices gives rise to the establishment of heterogeneous guidelines across the different centers, which hampers direct clinical comparison in multicentric studies. Aiming to harmonize the supportive care provided during the pediatric HSCT in Europe, the Pediatric Diseases Working Party (PDWP) of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) promoted dedicated workshops during the years 2017 and 2018. The present paper describes the resulting consensus on the management of sinusoidal obstructive syndrome, mucositis, enteral and parenteral nutrition, iron overload, and emesis during HSCT.

Prophylactic, preemptive, and curative treatment for sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease in adult patients: a position statement from an international expert group

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, also known as veno-occlusive disease (SOS/VOD), is a potentially life-threatening complication that can develop after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). While SOS/VOD may resolve within a few weeks in the majority of patients with mild-to-moderate disease, the most severe forms result in multiorgan dysfunction and are associated with a high mortality rate (>80%). Therefore, careful surveillance may allow early detection of SOS/VOD, particularly as the licensed available drug is proven to be effective and reduce mortality. The aim of this work is to propose an international consensus guideline for the treatment and prevention of SOS/VOD in adult patients, on behalf of an international expert group.

Hepatic late adverse effects after antineoplastic treatment for childhood cancer

BACKGROUND

Survival rates have greatly improved as a result of more effective treatments for childhood cancer. Unfortunately, the improved prognosis has been accompanied by the occurrence of late, treatment-related complications. Liver complications are common during and soon after treatment for childhood cancer. However, among long-term childhood cancer survivors, the risk of hepatic late adverse effects is largely unknown. To make informed decisions about future cancer treatment and follow-up policies, it is important to know the risk of, and associated risk factors for, hepatic late adverse effects. This review is an update of a previously published Cochrane review.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate all the existing evidence on the association between antineoplastic treatment (that is, chemotherapy, radiotherapy involving the liver, surgery involving the liver and BMT) for childhood cancer and hepatic late adverse effects.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2018, Issue 1), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2018) and Embase (1980 to January 2018). In addition, we searched reference lists of relevant articles and scanned the conference proceedings of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) (from 2005 to 2017) and American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) (from 2013 to 2018) electronically.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All studies, except case reports, case series, and studies including fewer than 10 patients that examined the association between antineoplastic treatment for childhood cancer (aged 18 years or less at diagnosis) and hepatic late adverse effects (one year or more after the end of treatment).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently performed the study selection and 'risk of bias' assessment. The 'risk of bias' assessment was based on earlier checklists for observational studies. For the original version of the review, two review authors independently performed data extraction. For the update of the review, the data extraction was performed by one reviewer and checked by another reviewer.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirteen new studies were identified for the update of this review. In total, we included 33 cohort studies including 7876 participants investigating hepatic late adverse effects after antineoplastic treatment (especially chemotherapy and radiotherapy) for different types of childhood cancer, both haematological and solid malignancies. All studies had methodological limitations. The prevalence of hepatic late adverse effects, all defined in a biochemical way, varied widely, between 0% and 84.2%. Selecting studies where the outcome of hepatic late adverse effects was well-defined as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) above the upper limit of normal, indicating cellular liver injury, resulted in eight studies. In this subgroup, the prevalence of hepatic late adverse effects ranged from 5.8% to 52.8%, with median follow-up durations varying from three to 23 years since cancer diagnosis in studies that reported the median follow-up duration. A more stringent selection process using the outcome definition of ALT as above twice the upper limit of normal, resulted in five studies, with a prevalence ranging from 0.9% to 44.8%. One study investigated biliary tract injury, defined as gamma-glutamyltransferase (γGT) above the upper limit of normal and above twice the upper limit of normal and reported a prevalence of 5.3% and 0.9%, respectively. Three studies investigated disturbance in biliary function, defined as bilirubin above the upper limit of normal and reported prevalences ranging from 0% to 8.7%. Two studies showed that treatment with radiotherapy involving the liver (especially after a high percentage of the liver irradiated), higher BMI, and longer follow-up time or older age at evaluation increased the risk of cellular liver injury in multivariable analyses. In addition, there was some suggestion that busulfan, thioguanine, hepatic surgery, chronic viral hepatitis C, metabolic syndrome, use of statins, non-Hispanic white ethnicity, and higher alcohol intake (> 14 units per week) increase the risk of cellular liver injury in multivariable analyses. Chronic viral hepatitis was shown to increase the risk of cellular liver injury in six univariable analyses as well. Moreover, one study showed that treatment with radiotherapy involving the liver, higher BMI, higher alcohol intake (> 14 units per week), longer follow-up time, and older age at cancer diagnosis increased the risk of biliary tract injury in a multivariable analysis.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hepatic late adverse effects among studies with an adequate outcome definition varied considerably from 1% to 53%. Evidence suggests that radiotherapy involving the liver, higher BMI, chronic viral hepatitis and longer follow-up time or older age at follow-up increase the risk of hepatic late adverse effects. In addition, there may be a suggestion that busulfan, thioguanine, hepatic surgery, higher alcohol intake (>14 units per week), metabolic syndrome, use of statins, non-Hispanic white ethnicity, and older age at cancer diagnosis increase the risk of hepatic late adverse effects. High-quality studies are needed to evaluate the effects of different therapy doses, time trends, and associated risk factors after antineoplastic treatment for childhood cancer.

Clinical characteristics and treatment of pyrrolizidine alkaloid-related hepatic vein occlusive disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation related hepatic vein occlusive disease (HSCT-HVOD) has been researched extensively; however, little is known about the clinical features and treatment of pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced HVOD (PA-HVOD). This retrospective single centre study examined the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 108 patients with acute PA-HVOD and explored the efficacy of anticoagulation and TIPS therapy.

METHODS

The study included 108 consecutive patients with PA-HVOD between July 2008 and June 2016. The clinical manifestations and the results of laboratory and imaging tests were evaluated. The survival rates of patients treated with different approaches were recorded.

RESULTS

Serum total bilirubin was <34.2 μmol/L (2 mg/dL) in approximately 40% of patients. More than 90% of patients were presented with hepatomegaly, uneven liver perfusion in the balance phase, compressive stenosis of the hepatic segmental inferior vena cava and decreased peak velocity of portal vein blood flow. Severe portal hypertension was observed in all patients undergoing HVPG examination or TIPS operation. Anticoagulation therapy with low molecular weight heparin combined with warfarin was significantly more effective than liver protection and supportive therapy, and TIPS further improved the prognosis of patients who did not respond to anticoagulation therapy. The total effective rate of the anticoagulation-TIPS ladder therapeutic strategy was 91%.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PA-HVOD had different characteristics than those with HSCT-HVOD. Anticoagulation and TIPS treatment may be effective for patients with PA-HVOD.

Consensus Report by Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators and Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Consortium Joint Working Committees: Supportive Care Guidelines for Management of Veno-Occlusive Disease in Children and Adolescents, Part 1: Focus on Investigations, Prophylaxis, and Specific Treatment

Veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a common and potentially fatal complication in children undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). It occurs in about one-third of all patients undergoing transplantation and is fatal in 50% of patients with severe disease. Early intervention and specific treatment with defibrotide are associated with improved outcomes. However, there is a lack of supportive care guidelines for management of the multiorgan dysfunction seen in most cases. There is high variability in the management of VOD, which may contribute to the increased morbidity and mortality. Although there is ample research in the specific treatment of VOD, there is paucity of literature regarding the management of ascites, transfusions requirements, fluids and electrolyte dysfunction, delirium, and investigations in children with VOD. The joint working committees of the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators and the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Consortium collaborated to develop a series of evidence-based supportive care guidelines for management of VOD. The quality of evidence was rated and recommendations were made using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. This manuscript is part 1 of the series and focuses on the need to develop these guidelines; methodology used to establish the guidelines; and investigations needed for diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of VOD in children.

Cytokines and 90Y-Radioembolization: Relation to Liver Function and Overall Survival

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the course of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines after ⁹⁰Y-radioembolization (RE) of liver malignancies and to identify prognosticators for liver-related adverse events and survival.

METHODS

In 34 consecutive patients with secondary or primary liver tumors scheduled for RE, the following cytokines were measured prior to and 2 h, 3 days, and 6 weeks after RE: interleukin (IL) -1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-γ. Liver function impairment was defined as an elevation of liver-related laboratory values as graded by CTCAE ≥ 2 and/or serum bilirubin ≥30 µmol/l and/or development of ascites at 6-week follow-up.

RESULTS

Significant changes over time were seen in IL-1 (increase from 0.4 pg/ml (±0.7) at baseline to 1.1 pg/ml (±1.4) 3 days after RE (p = 0.02)), and in IL-6 (increase from 16.8 pg/ml (±21.8) at baseline to 54.6 pg/ml (±78.2) 3 days after RE (p = 0.003)). Baseline values of IL-6 and IL-8 were independently associated with liver function impairment at follow-up as well as decreased survival with an optimal cutoff at 6.53 and 60.8 pg/ml, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Expected changes in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines after RE were shown. Furthermore, baseline values of IL-6 and IL-8 were associated with later liver dysfunction and survival. We hypothesize that these biomarkers are potential prognosticators and might help in patient selection for RE.

Defibrotide in the treatment of hepatic veno-occlusive disease

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), represents the most frequent complication in patients in early phase following hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). In its severe form, VOD/SOS can be associated with multiorgan failure and with a mortality rate >80% by day +100. Defibrotide (DF) (a mixture of 90% single-stranded phosphodiester oligonucleotides and 10% double-stranded phosphodiester oligonucleotides derived from controlled depolarization of porcine intestinal mucosal DNA) has been proposed for the treatment of SOS due to its ability to restore thrombo-fibrinolytic balance and protect endothelial cells. The present review highlights why the mechanisms of action of DF allow its successful use in the prevention and treatment of SOS following HSCT.

Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Risk Factors and Stratification, Prophylaxis, and Treatment

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), can develop in a subset of patients, primarily after myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but it also may occur after reduced-intensity conditioning. Severe VOD/SOS, typically characterized by multiorgan failure, has been associated with a mortality rate greater than 80%. Therefore, an accurate and prompt diagnosis of VOD/SOS is essential for early initiation of appropriate therapy to improve clinical outcomes. Moreover, some studies have support the use of prophylaxis for patients who are at high risk of developing VOD/SOS. This review summarizes risk factors associated with development of VOD/SOS, including pretransplantation patient characteristics and factors related to stem cell transplantation, that can facilitate patient stratification according to risk. The incidence of VOD/SOS, clinical features, and diagnostic criteria are reviewed. Data on emerging treatment strategies for patients with VOD/SOS are discussed in the context of recent treatment guidelines. Additionally, options for prophylaxis in individuals who are at increased risk are presented. Although historically only those patients with moderate to severe VOD/SOS have been treated, early therapy and prophylaxis may be appropriate for many patients and may have the potential to improve patients' outcomes and survival, including for those with nonsevere disease.

Prophylaxis and treatment recommendations for sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in adult and pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant: a review of the literature

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, a complication occurring early after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, is a concern for clinicians. There are no guidelines to direct clinicians on the optimal way to prevent and treat this disease. Newer data show that defibrotide is a promising drug both for prevention and treatment, although it is not yet FDA approved.

Interventions for prophylaxis of hepatic veno-occlusive disease in people undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a severe complication after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Different drugs with different mechanisms of action have been tried in HSCT recipients to prevent hepatic VOD. However, it is uncertain whether high-quality evidence exists to support any prophylactic therapy.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the effects of various prophylactic therapies on the incidence of hepatic VOD, overall survival, mortality, quality of life (QOL), and the safety of these therapies in people undergoing HSCT.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Registe of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, conference proceedings of three international haematology-oncology societies and two trial registries in January 2015, together with reference checking, citation searching and contact with study authors to identify additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing prophylactic therapies with placebo or no treatment, or comparing different therapies for hepatic VOD in people undergoing HSCT.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 14 RCTs. Four trials (612 participants) compared ursodeoxycholic acid with or without additional treatment versus placebo or no treatment or same additional treatment. Two trials (259 participants) compared heparin with no treatment. Two trials (106 participants) compared low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) with placebo or no treatment. One trial (360 participants) compared defibrotide with no treatment. One trial (34 participants) compared glutamine with placebo. Two trials (383 participants) compared fresh frozen plasma (FFP) with or without additional treatment versus no treatment or same additional treatment. One trial (30 participants) compared antithrombin III with heparin versus heparin. One trial compared heparin (47 participants) with LMWH (46 participants) and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) (47 participants). No trial investigated the effects of danaparoid. The RCTs included participants of both genders with wide age range and disease spectrum undergoing autologous or allogeneic HSCT. Funding was provided by government sources (two studies), research fund (one study), pharmaceutical companies that manufactured defibrotide and ursodeoxycholic acid (two studies), or unclear source (nine studies). All RCTs had high risk of bias because of lack of blinding of participants and study personnel, or other risks of bias (mainly differences in baseline characteristics of comparison groups).Results showed that ursodeoxycholic acid may reduce the incidence of hepatic VOD (risk ratio (RR) 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.88; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 15, 95% CI 7 to 50, low quality of evidence), but there was no evidence of difference in overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 0.83, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.18, low quality of evidence). It may reduce all-cause mortality (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.99; NNTB 17, 95% CI 8 to 431, low quality of evidence) and mortality due to hepatic VOD (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.87; NNTB 34, 95% CI 16 to 220, very low quality of evidence). There was no evidence of difference in the incidence of hepatic VOD between treatment and control groups for heparin (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.26, very low quality of evidence), LMWH (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.18, very low quality of evidence), defibrotide (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.02, low quality of evidence), glutamine (no hepatic VOD in either group, very low quality of evidence), FFP (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.20 to 2.17, very low quality of evidence), antithrombin III (RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.15, very low quality of evidence), between heparin and LMWH (RR 1.96, 95% CI 0.80 to 4.77, very low quality of evidence), between heparin and PGE1 (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.50, very low quality of evidence), and between LMWH and PGE1 (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.55, very low quality of evidence). There was no evidence of difference in survival between treatment and control groups for heparin (92.6% vs. 88.7%) and defibrotide (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.54 to 2.02, low quality of evidence). There were no data on survival for trials of LMWH, glutamine, FFP, antithrombin III, between heparin and LMWH, between heparin and PGE1, and between LMWH and PGE1. There were no data on quality of life (QoL) for any trials. Eleven trials reported adverse events. There was no evidence of difference in the frequency of adverse events between treatment and control groups except for one trial showing that defibrotide resulted in more adverse events compared with no treatment (RR 18.79, 95% CI 1.10 to 320.45). These adverse events included coagulopathy, gastrointestinal disorders, haemorrhage and microangiopathy. The quality of evidence was low or very low due to bias of study design, and inconsistent and imprecise results.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is low or very low quality evidence that ursodeoxycholic acid may reduce the incidence of hepatic VOD, all-cause mortality and mortality due to VOD in HSCT recipients. However, the optimal regimen is not well-defined. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of heparin, LMWH, defibrotide, glutamine, FFP, antithrombin III, and PGE1. Further high-quality RCTs are needed.

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease: current situation and perspectives-a position statement from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT)

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome or veno-occlusive disease (SOS/VOD) is a potentially life-threatening complication of hematopoietic SCT (HSCT). This review aims to highlight, on behalf of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, the current knowledge on SOS/VOD pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and treatments. Our perspectives on SOS/VOD are (i) to accurately identify its risk factors; (ii) to define new criteria for its diagnosis; (iii) to search for SOS/VOD biomarkers and (iv) to propose prospective studies evaluating SOS/VOD prevention and treatment in adults and children.

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (hepatic veno-occlusive disease)

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is an obliterative venulitis of the terminal hepatic venules, which in its more severe forms imparts a high risk of mortality. SOS, also known as veno-occlusive disease (VOD), occurs as a result of cytoreductive therapy prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), following oxaliplatin-containing adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal carcinoma metastatic to the liver and treated by partial hepatectomy, in patients taking pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herbal remedies, and in other particular settings such as the autosomal recessive condition of veno-occlusive disease with immunodeficiency (VODI). A central pathogenic event is toxic destruction of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC), with sloughing and downstream occlusion of terminal hepatic venules. Contributing factors are SEC glutathione depletion, nitric oxide depletion, increased intrahepatic expression of matrix metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and activation of clotting factors. The clinical presentation of SOS includes jaundice, development of right upper-quadrant pain and tender hepatomegaly, ascites, and unexplained weight gain. Owing to the potentially critical condition of these patients, transjugular biopsy may be the preferred route for liver biopsy to exclude other potential causes of liver dysfunction and to establish a diagnosis of SOS. Treatment includes rigorous fluid management so as to avoid excessive fluid overload while avoiding too rapid diuresis or pericentesis, potential use of pharmaceutics such as defibrotide, coagulolytic agents, or methylprednisolone, and liver transplantation. Proposed strategies for prevention and prophylaxis include reduced-intensity conditioning radiation for HSCT, treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid, and inclusion of bevacizumab with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapeutic regimes. While significant progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of SOS and in mitigating against its adverse outcomes, this condition remains a serious complication of a selective group of medical treatments.

How I manage sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after haematopoietic cell transplantation

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), also called veno-occlusive disease of the liver, is one of the most relevant complications of endothelial origin that appears early after haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Despite its relatively low incidence and the fact that most cases of SOS resolve spontaneously, the cases that evolve to multi-organ failure (MOF; severe SOS) have a mortality rate higher than 80% and represent one of the major clinical problems after HCT. For this reason, transplantation teams must have a pre-established policy regarding preventive measures in high-risk patients, strict daily control of weight and fluid balance during HCT, homogeneous diagnostic criteria, appropriate complementary studies for a correct differential diagnosis and measures to prevent and manage hepatorenal syndrome; in addition they must also be ready to start early treatment with defibrotide in patients with a possible severe SOS. Due to the lack of definitive evidence to enable the establishment of general recommendations in the management of SOS, this review analyses all of these aspects based on the author's personal experience.

Prospective randomized trial of enoxaparin, pentoxifylline and ursodeoxycholic acid for prevention of radiation-induced liver toxicity

BACKGROUND/AIM

Targeted radiotherapy of liver malignancies has found to be effective in selected patients. A key limiting factor of these therapies is the relatively low tolerance of the liver parenchyma to radiation. We sought to assess the preventive effects of a combined regimen of pentoxifylline (PTX), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and low-dose low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on focal radiation-induced liver injury (fRILI).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma who were scheduled for local ablation by radiotherapy (image-guided high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy) were prospectively randomized to receive PTX, UDCA and LMWH for 8 weeks (treatment) or no medication (control). Focal RILI at follow-up was assessed using functional hepatobiliary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A minimal threshold dose, i.e. the dose to which the outer rim of the fRILI was formerly exposed to, was quantified by merging MRI and dosimetry data.

RESULTS

Results from an intended interim-analysis made a premature termination necessary. Twenty-two patients were included in the per-protocol analysis. Minimal mean hepatic threshold dose 6 weeks after radiotherapy (primary endpoint) was significantly higher in the study treatment-group compared with the control (19.1 Gy versus 14.6 Gy, p = 0.011). Qualitative evidence of fRILI by MRI at 6 weeks was observed in 45.5% of patients in the treatment versus 90.9% of the control group. No significant differences between the groups were observed at the 12-week follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The post-therapeutic application of PTX, UDCA and low-dose LMWH significantly reduced the extent and incidence fRILI at 6 weeks after radiotherapy. The development of subsequent fRILI at 12 weeks (4 weeks after cessation of PTX, UDCA and LMWH during weeks 1-8) in the treatment group was comparable to the control group thus supporting the observation that the agents mitigated fRILI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EU clinical trials register 2008-002985-70 ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01149304.

Improved survival with ursodeoxycholic acid prophylaxis in allogeneic stem cell transplantation: long-term follow-up of a randomized study

We report the long-term results of a prospective randomized study on the use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for prevention of hepatic complications after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Two hundred forty-two patients, 232 with malignant disease, were randomized to receive (n = 123) or not to receive (n = 119) UDCA from the beginning of the conditioning until 90 days post-transplantation. The results were reported after 1-year follow-up. UDCA administration reduced significantly the proportion of patients developing high serum bilirubin levels as well as the incidence of severe acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), liver GVHD, and intestinal GVHD. In the UDCA prophylaxis group, nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was lower and overall survival better than in the control group. After a 10-year follow-up, the difference in the survival and NRM in favor of the UDCA-treated group, seen at 1 year, was maintained (survival 48% versus 38%, P = .037; NRM 28% versus 41%, P = .01). A landmark analysis in patients surviving at 1 year post-transplantation showed no significant differences between the study groups in the long-term follow-up in chronic GVHD, relapse rate, NRM, disease-free survival, or overall survival. These long-term results continue to support the useful role of UDCA in the prevention of transplant-related complications in allogeneic transplantation.

BCSH/BSBMT guideline: diagnosis and management of veno-occlusive disease (sinusoidal obstruction syndrome) following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

DIAGNOSIS

It is recommended that the diagnosis of veno-occlusive disease (sinusoidal obstruction syndrome) [VOD (SOS)] be based primarily on established clinical criteria (modified Seattle or Baltimore criteria) (1A). Ultrasound imaging may be helpful in the exclusion of other disorders in patients with suspected VOD (SOS) (1C). It is recommended that liver biopsy be reserved for patients in whom the diagnosis of VOD (SOS) is unclear and there is a need to exclude other diagnoses (1C). It is recommended that liver biopsies are undertaken using the transjugular approach in order to reduce the risks associated with the procedure (1C). It is suggested that the role of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 levels remains an area for further research but that these levels should not form part of the routine diagnostic work-up for VOD (SOS) at present (2C).

RISK FACTORS

It is recommended that patients are assessed for risk factors for VOD (SOS) and that these risk factors are addressed prior to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (1A).

PROPHYLAXIS

Defibrotide is recommended at a dose of 6.25 mg/kg intravenously four times daily for the prevention of VOD (SOS) in children undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation with the following risk factors: pre-existing hepatic disease, second myeloablative transplant, allogeneic transplant for leukaemia beyond second relapse, conditioning with busulfan-containing regimens, prior treatment with gemtuzumab ozogamicin, diagnosis of primary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, adrenoleucodystrophy or osteopetrosis (1A). Defibrotide is suggested at a dose of 6.25 mg/kg intravenously four times daily for the prevention of VOD (SOS) in adults undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation with the following risk factors: pre-existing hepatic disease, second myeloablative transplant, allogeneic transplant for leukaemia beyond second relapse, conditioning with busulfan-containing regimens, prior treatment with gemtuzumab ozogamicin, diagnosis of primary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, adrenoleucodystrophy or osteopetrosis (2B). Prostaglandin E1 is not recommended in the prophylaxis of VOD (SOS) due to lack of efficacy and toxicity (1B). Pentoxifylline is not recommended in the prophylaxis of VOD (SOS) due to lack of efficacy (1A). Ursodeoxycholic acid is suggested for use in the prophylaxis of VOD (SOS) (2C). Heparin (unfractionated and low molecular weight) is not suggested for use in the prophylaxis of VOD (SOS) due to the risk of increased toxicity (2B). Antithrombin is not suggested for the prophylaxis of VOD (SOS) due to lack of efficacy (2B).

TREATMENT

Defibrotide is recommended in the treatment of VOD (SOS) in adults and children (1B). Tissue plasminogen activator is not recommended for use in the treatment of VOD (SOS) due to the associated risk of haemorrhage (1B). N-acetylcysteine is not routinely recommended for use in the treatment of veno-occlusive disease due to lack of efficacy (1A). Methylprednisolone may be considered for use in the treatment of veno-occlusive disease with the appropriate caveats of caution regarding infection (2C). Judicious clinical care, particularly in the management of fluid balance, is recommended in the management of VOD (SOS) (1C). Early discussion with critical care specialists and a specialist hepatology unit is recommended in the management of VOD (SOS) and other treatment options including transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt or hepatic transplantation may be considered (1C).

SUMMARY

A joint working group established by the Haemato-oncology subgroup of the British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) and the British Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BSBMT) has reviewed the available literature and made recommendations for the diagnosis and management of veno-occlusive disease of the liver following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This guideline includes recommendations for both prophylaxis and treatment of the condition and includes recommendations for children and adults undergoing HSCT.

Veno-occlusive disease in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients

Veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a potentially fatal complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that affects the liver, as well as other organs. Although mild cases resolve on their own, severe cases of VOD carry a high mortality rate. The diagnosis usually is clinically based, with nonspecific signs such as weight gain, ascites, hepatomegaly, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, and elevated serum bilirubin. Although studies are ongoing, no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for VOD exist to date. Therefore, supportive care is a critical part of the treatment plan. Oncology nurses should be familiar with the risk factors and clinical signs of VOD so that patients can be monitored closely for its occurrence. Accurate and timely recognition of VOD is crucial for appropriate treatment.

Defibrotide for the treatment of hepatic veno-occlusive disease in children after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a serious complication of stem cell transplantation in children. VOD is characterized by rapid weight gain, hepatomegaly, hyperbilirubinemia and ascites. The pathogenesis of VOD is thought to involve chemotherapy and radiation-induced damage to the sinusoidal endothelium, resulting in endothelial injury, microthrombosis, subendothelial damage and cytokine activation. These processes lead to concomitant progressive hepatocellular dysfunction and subsequent fluid retention and renal impairment. Severe VOD is typically associated with multiorgan failure and high mortality. A number of possible strategies for the prevention and/or treatment of VOD in children have been investigated. The most promising agent to date is defibrotide, a novel polydeoxyribonucleotide with fibrinolytic properties but no major bleeding risk. Numerous studies, including Phase II/III trials, have shown clinical benefit in pediatric patients with the use of defibrotide treatment and prophylaxis. This review discusses VOD in children and focuses on therapeutic options, including defibrotide, in this patient population.

Clinical research of hepatic veno-occlusive disease: current status and future prospects

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) is one of the main complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Its pathogenesis is mainly associated with a local hypercoagulable state, and the main pathological changes are occlusion of terminal hepatic venules and necrosis of liver cells. The diagnosis of HVOD depends on a liver biopsy. Identifying and avoiding the risk factors are main measures to reduce the incidence and mortality of HVOD, since drug prophylaxis lacks exact effect and has significant adverse reactions. Defibrotide is the most effective therapy for HVOD, while the efficacy of other drugs still needs to be verified. In this paper, we will review the current status and future prospects of clinical research of HVOD.

How can we reduce hepatic veno-occlusive disease-related deaths after allogeneic stem cell transplantation?

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a common and potentially devastating complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Confirmative diagnosis of this disorder can prove difficult early post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, as a broad differential diagnosis exists and no definitive diagnostic test is available. Incidence of VOD has decreased in recent years, with especially dramatic declines in severe and fatal VOD. This improvement is attributed to less toxic and reduced-intensity conditioning regimens, and more appropriate patient selection. When severe VOD does occur, current treatments have been largely ineffective. Prevention remains the primary tool in the clinician's arsenal for managing VOD. Our institution pursues aggressive preventative measures for VOD, including appropriate conditioning regimen selection, avoiding hepatotoxic drugs, early prophylactic use of ursodiol, and aggressive fluid management. With appropriate management steps, we believe the incidence of VOD and related deaths can be further decreased.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Prophylaxis and treatment controversies

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, is a major complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and it carries a high mortality. Prophylaxis for hepatic VOD is commonly given to transplant recipients from the start of conditioning through the early weeks of transplant. However, high quality evidence from randomized controlled trials is scarce with small sample sizes and the trials yielded conflicting results. Although various treatment options for hepatic VOD are available, most have not undergone stringent evaluation with randomized controlled trial and therefore it remains uncertain which treatment offers real benefit. It remains controversial whether VOD prophylaxis should be given, which prophylactic therapy should be given, who should receive prophylaxis, and what treatment should be offered once VOD is established.

Incidence, characteristics and risk factors of marked hyperbilirubinemia after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with reduced-intensity conditioning

To analyze the incidence, characteristics and risk factors of hyperbilirubinemia after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with reduced-intensity conditioning (allo-RIC), we conducted a retrospective study in three Spanish centers. We analyzed 452 consecutive patients receiving allo-RIC. Of these, 92 patients (20%) developed marked hyperbilirubinemia (>4 mg/day or >68.4 μM) after allo-RIC. The main causes of marked hyperbilirubinemia after transplant were cholestasis due to GVHD or sepsis (n=57, 62%) and drug-induced cholestasis (n=13, 14%). A total of 22 patients with marked hyperbilirubinemia (24%) underwent liver biopsy. The most frequent histological finding was iron overload alone (n=6) or in combination with other features (n=6). In multivariate analysis, the risk factors for marked hyperbilirubinemia after allo-RIC were non-HLA-identical sibling donors (hazard ratio (HR) 2.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-3.6) P=0.001), female donors to male recipients (HR 2.1 (95% CI 1.3-3.3) P=0.003) and high levels of bilirubin and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase before transplant (HR 4.5 (95% CI 2.5-8.4) P<0.001 and HR 4.6 (95% CI 2.6-8.1) P<0.001, respectively). Patients with marked hyperbilirubinemia showed higher 4-year nonrelapse mortality (HR 1.3 (95% CI 1-1.7), P=0.02) and lower 4-year OS (HR 1.4 (95%CI 1.3-1.7), P<0.001) than patients without. In conclusion, we confirm that marked hyperbilirubinemia is frequent and diverse after allo-RIC. Development of marked hyperbilirubinemia after allo-RIC is associated with worse outcome of the procedure.

Hepatic late adverse effects after antineoplastic treatment for childhood cancer

BACKGROUND

Survival rates have greatly improved as a result of more effective treatments for childhood cancer. Unfortunately the improved prognosis has resulted in the occurrence of late, treatment-related complications. Liver complications are common during and soon after treatment for childhood cancer. However, among long-term childhood cancer survivors the risk of hepatic late adverse effects is largely unknown. To make informed decisions about future cancer treatment and follow-up policies it is important to know the risk of, and associated risk factors for, hepatic late adverse effects.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the existing evidence on the association between antineoplastic treatment for childhood cancer and hepatic late adverse effects.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2009, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to June 2009) and EMBASE (1980 to June 2009). In addition, we searched reference lists of relevant articles and conference proceedings.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All studies except case reports, case series and studies including less than 10 patients that examined the association between antineoplastic treatment for childhood cancer (aged 18 years or less at diagnosis) and hepatic late adverse effects (one year or more after the end of treatment).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently performed the study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 20 cohort studies investigating hepatic late adverse effects after antineoplastic treatment for childhood cancer. All studies had methodological limitations. The prevalence of hepatic late adverse effects varied widely, between 0% and 84.2%. Selecting studies where the outcome of hepatic late adverse effects was well defined as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) above the upper limit of normal resulted in five studies. In this subgroup the prevalence of hepatic late adverse effects ranged from 8.0% to 52.8%, with follow-up durations varying from one to 27 years after the end of treatment. A more stringent selection process using the outcome definition of ALT as above twice the upper limit of normal resulted in three studies, with a prevalence ranging from 7.9% to 44.8%. Chronic viral hepatitis was identified as a risk factor for hepatic late adverse effects in univariate analyses. It is unclear which specific antineoplastic treatments increase the risk of hepatic late adverse effects

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hepatic late adverse effects ranged from 7.9% to 52.8% when selecting studies with an adequate outcome definition. It has not been established which childhood cancer treatments result in hepatic late adverse effects. There is a suggestion that chronic viral hepatitis increases the risk of hepatic late adverse effects. More well-designed studies are needed to reliably evaluate the prevalence of, and risk factors for, hepatic late adverse effects after antineoplastic treatment for childhood cancer.

Expanding options to improve outcomes following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers a curative option for children with a number of potentially lethal malignant and non-malignant conditions. Decisions regarding the appropriateness of HSCT for a given patient involve careful consideration of the risks associated with HSCT and the likelihood of cure. This is particularly important as the procedure is being used with increasing frequency for diagnoses such as high-risk sickle cell anemia where the disease is associated with shortened lifespan but death generally occurs in adulthood. Recent advances in supportive care such as improved anti-microbial agents, the use of reduced intensity conditioning regimens and high-resolution HLA typing that allows for better donor selection have all contributed to improved outcomes. However, the risk of treatment-related mortality remains approximately 5-10%, in part due to complications such as veno-occlusive disease (VOD) for which there has been less progress.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease: a chemotherapy-related toxicity in children with malignancies

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a major manifestation of liver toxicity associated with conventional and high-dose chemotherapy in children affected by hematologic malignancies and certain solid tumors. Clinically, patients present with jaundice, painful hepatomegaly, and fluid retention, which may evolve into multi-organ failure, a hallmark of severe disease. The pathogenesis is complex and not completely understood, but the damage to sinusoidal endothelium, typically caused by toxic metabolites released from antineoplastic drugs, is thought to play a crucial role, together with cytokine activation, immune deregulation, and coagulopathy. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria supported by characteristic ultrasound findings, with the gold standard investigation being hepatic-venous pressure gradient measurement and biopsy. Several treatment options have been tested; the most convincing approach to date is the use of defibrotide, a novel oligonucleotide with antithrombotic and antiplatelet aggregating properties, as well as endothelial-stabilizing effects. This agent, together with other specific forms of supportive care, has shown efficacy in the treatment of established VOD and promising results in the prevention of VOD in pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy.

Low incidence of hepatic veno-occlusive disease in pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation attributed to a combination of intravenous heparin, oral glutamine, and ursodiol at a single transplant institution

We report the low incidence of hepatic VOD in pediatric patients with various diagnoses including hematologic malignancies and non-malignant conditions transplanted at our institution. Retrospective review of 188 patients who underwent HSCT and received a combined prophylactic regimen of intravenous heparin, oral glutamine, and ursodiol was undertaken. Analysis of the outcome of VOD revealed only one clinical case with acute myeloid leukemia; the patient developed hepatic VOD 10 days after receiving myeloablative chemotherapy with busulfan and CTX followed by HLA-matched related peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. The low incidence of hepatic VOD in an otherwise high-risk pediatric transplant population is an important observation, which may be partly attributed to this prophylactic regimen, and warrants further randomized clinical trials for confirmation.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease following stem cell transplantation: incidence, clinical course, and outcome

The occurrence of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) has been reported in up to 60% of patients following stem cell transplantation (SCT), with incidence varying widely between studies depending on the type of transplant, conditioning regimen, and criteria used to make the diagnosis. Severe VOD is characterized by high mortality and progression to multiorgan failure (MOF); however, there is no consensus on how to evaluate severity. This review and analysis of published reports attempts to clarify these issues by calculating the overall mean incidence of VOD and mortality from severe VOD, examining the effect of changes in SCT practice on the incidence of VOD over time, and discussing the methods used to evaluate severity. Across 135 studies performed between 1979 and October 2007, the overall mean incidence of VOD was 13.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]=13.3%-14.1%). The mean incidence of VOD was significantly lower between 1979-1994 than between 1994-2007 (11.5% [95% CI, 10.9%-12.1%] vs 14.6% [95% CI, 14.0%-15.2%]; P <.05). The mortality rate from severe VOD was 84.3% (95% CI, 79.6%-88.9%); most of these patients had MOF, which also was the most frequent cause of death. Thus, VOD is less common than early reports suggested, but the current incidence appears to be relatively stable despite recent advances in SCT, including the advent of reduced-intensity conditioning. The evolution of MOF in the setting of VOD after SCT can be considered a reliable indication of severity and a predictor of poor outcome.

Vascular disorders of the liver

This guideline has been approved by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and represents the position of the association.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: update on defibrotide and other current investigational therapies

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), remains one of the most serious and common complications after myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Clinical diagnosis of hepatic VOD is based on the clinical triad of (1) painful hepatomegaly, (2) hyperbilirubinemia and (3) unexplained fluid retention. While milder cases usually resolve spontaneously, severe VOD is associated with a grim prognosis. Defibrotide (DF), a polydisperse mixture of single-stranded oligonucleotide with antithrombotic and fibrinolytic effects on microvascular endothelium, has emerged as an effective and safe therapy for patients with severe VOD. Multiple studies, including a recent large international multicenter phase II clinical trial, have demonstrated 30-60% complete remission rates with DF, even among patients with severe VOD and multiorgan failure. This article will review our current understanding of hepatic VOD, and update the clinical trial experience with DF and other potential therapies for this feared transplant complication.

Veno occlusive disease: update on clinical management

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease is a clinical syndrome characterized by hepatomegaly, ascites, weight gain and jaundice, due to sinusoidal congestion which can be caused by alkaloid ingestion, but the most frequent cause is haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (STC) and is also seen after solid organ transplantation. The incidence of veno occlusive disease (VOD) after STC ranges from 0 to 70%, but is decreasing. Survival is good when VOD is a mild form, but when it is severe and associated with an increase of hepatic venous pressure gradient > 20 mmHg, and mortality is about 90%. Prevention remains the best therapeutic strategy, by using non-myeloablative conditioning regimens before STC. Prophylactic administration of ursodeoxycholic acid, being an antioxidant and antiapoptotic agent, can have some benefit in reducing overall mortality. Defibrotide, which has pro-fibrinolytic and antithrombotic properties, is the most effective therapy; decompression of the sinusoids by a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) can be tried, especially to treat VOD after liver transplantation and when multiorgan failure (MOF) is not present. Liver transplantation can be the last option, but can not be considered a standard rescue therapy, because usually the concomitant presence of multiorgan failure contraindicates this procedure.

Systematic review of controlled clinical trials on the use of ursodeoxycholic acid for the prevention of hepatic veno-occlusive disease in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) is a serious life-threatening complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Currently, there is no optimal therapeutic strategy and preventive measures are ill-defined. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UA) is well-tolerated oral medication that has been associated with possible benefit as a prophylactic agent. We sought to summarize and quantify the clinical effects of prophylactic UA in the context of HSCT. We undertook a systematic review of studies addressing the use of UA as monotherapy or in combination with other agents in patients undergoing HSCT. The Search Strategy included MEDLINE (1966 to fourth week of March 2006), EMBASE (1980 to fourth week of March 2006), all EBM Reviews (fourth quarter of 2005), Ovid Healthstar (1966 to fourth week of March 2006), and Google Scholar on March 20, 2006. Six studies, 4 randomized clinical trials and 2 historically controlled studies, representing 824 patients were included in the review. Three randomized clinical trials comparing prophylactic UA with no treatment demonstrated reduced proportion of HVOD (relative risk [RR], 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.66). When the analysis was limited to higher-quality studies, the beneficial effect of UA remained significant (RR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.15-0.90). Transplant-related mortality was also reduced with the prophylactic use of UA (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.35-0.95). UA did not significantly attenuate the outcomes of acute graft-versus-host disease (RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.53-1.09), relapse (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.46-1.31), or overall survival (RR, 1.22; 95 % CI, 0.96-1.54). UA appears effective for HVOD prophylaxis in patients undergoing HSCT and should be considered as a prevention strategy by HSCT centers to reduce HVOD.