Early infections after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children and adolescents: the St. Jude experience

Invasive fungal disease in children with solid tumors: An Australian multicenter 10-year review

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) occurs less frequently during treatment for solid compared to hematological malignancies in children, and risk groups are poorly defined. Retrospective national multicenter cohort data (2004-2013) were analyzed to document prevalence, clinical characteristics, and microbiology of IFD. Amongst 2067 children treated for solid malignancy, IFD prevalence was 1.9% overall and 1.4% for proven/probable IFD. Of all IFD episodes, 42.5% occurred in patients with neuroblastoma (prevalence 7.0%). Candida species comprised 54.8% of implicated pathogens in proven/probable IFD. In children with solid tumors, IFD is rare, and predominantly caused by yeasts.Routine prophylaxis may not be warranted.

Infections and risk factors for infection-related mortality after pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Mexico: A single center retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To identify the type of infections and risk factors for infection-related mortality (IRM) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of patients <16 years of age treated in 2010-2019 was conducted. Unadjusted hazard ratios (HR) and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using Cox regression. Cumulative incidence was calculated.

RESULTS

Data for 99 pediatric patients were analyzed. The myeloablative conditioning was the most used regimen (78.8%) and the hematopoietic stem cell source was predominantly peripheral blood (80.8%). Primary graft failure occurred in 19.2% of patients. Frequency of acute graft-versus-host disease was 46.5%. Total of 136 infectious events was recorded, the most common of which were bacterial (76.4%) followed by viral infection (15.5%) and then fungal infection (8.1%). The best predictors for infection subtypes where the following: a) for bacterial infection (the age groups of 10.1-15 years: aHR = 3.33; 95% CI: 1.62-6.85 and. >15 years: aHR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.18-9.45); b) for viral infection (graft versus host disease: aHR = 5.36; 95% CI: 1.62-17.68), however, for fungal infection statistically significant predictors were not identified. Related mortality was 30% (n = 12). Increased risk for infection-related mortality was observed in patients with unrelated donor and umbilical cord stem cells recipients (HR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.00-9.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Frequencies of infections and infection-related mortality appear to be similar to those reported. Unrelated donors and stem cells from umbilical cord recipients were associated with a high risk of mortality.

Risk factors for bloodstream infection in paediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), a standard treatment for paediatric haematological diseases, is highly associated with bloodstream infection (BSI), which may increase mortality.

AIM

To explore the risk factors for BSI in paediatric HSCT recipients.

METHODS

Three English databases and four Chinese databases were searched from inception to March 17th, 2022. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies that enrolled HSCT recipients aged ≤18 years and reported BSI risk factors. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), certainty of body of evidence was assessed.

FINDINGS

Fourteen studies involving 4602 persons were included. The incidences of BSI and associated mortality in paediatric HSCT recipients were approximately 10-50% and 5-15%, respectively. Meta-analysis of all studies revealed that previous BSI before HSCT (relative effect (RE): 2.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19-4.34, moderate certainty) and receiving an umbilical cord blood transplant (RE: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.22-1.97, moderate certainty) were probably associated with an increased risk of BSI. Meta-analysis of studies with low risk of bias reassured that previous BSI before HSCT probably increased the risk of BSI (RE: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.19-4.34, moderate certainty), and revealed that steroid use (RE: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.31-5.64, moderate certainty) was likely a risk factor whereas autologous HSCT was probably a protective factor of BSI (RE: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.45-0.94, moderate certainty).

CONCLUSION

These findings could inform the management of paediatric HSCT recipients, helping identify who may benefit from prophylactic antibiotics.

Risk Factors, Prevalence, and Outcomes of Invasive Fungal Disease Post Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies: A Retrospective Monocenter Real-Life Analysis

(1) Background: Autologous, allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and other cellular therapies, including CAR T cell and gene therapy, constitute a cornerstone in the management of various benign and malignant hematological disorders. Invasive fungal infections (IFD) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in HCT recipients. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and risk factors of IFD following HCT and other cellular therapies in an era of novel antifungal prophylaxis. (2) Methods: In this study, we retrospectively enrolled adult HCT recipients who were treated at our JACIE-accredited center according to standard operating procedures over the last decade (2013-2022). (3) Results: 950 patients who received cellular therapies were studied. None of the 19 CAR T cell and neither of the two gene therapy recipients developed IFD whereas 3/456 autologous HCT recipients who suffered from primary refractory/relapsed lymphomas presented with probable IFD. Overall, 11 patients who received allogeneic HCT experienced probable IFD, possible IFD was found in 31/473, and IFD was proven in 10/473. A second IFD episode was present in three patients. Four-year OS was significantly lower in proven compared to probable IFD (p = 0.041) and was independently associated with HCT-CI (p = 0.040) and chronic GVHD (p = 0.045). (4) Conclusions: In this real-world cohort, the prevalence of proven and probable IFD in an era of novel antifungal prophylaxis was found to be relatively low. However, IFDs were associated with poor outcomes for patients who received allogeneic HCT.

Assessing the utility of routine viral surveillance performed in children undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation at a single centre

We assessed the utility of routine viral surveillance for cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and human adenovirus in children <16 years, undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) at a single centre over a 10-year period. A total of 85 ASCT were performed in 65 patients. Routine viral surveillance resulted in a high number of tests performed (median 20 tests per ASCT), without any clinically significant viral detections. These data support the limited clinical utility of routine viral surveillance in children undergoing ASCT. Adopting a clinically driven approach for viral testing is likely to be both cost-effective and safe.

Epidemiology of early infections and predictors of mortality after autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation among multiple myeloma, Hodgkin, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: the first experience from Palestine

Background

Autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is the standard of care in many relapsed and refractory lymphoid malignancy, neuroblastoma, and multiple myeloma (MM). This study was conducted to describe the epidemiology of early infections that occurred within the first 100 days among patients who received HSCT for MM, Hodgkin (HL), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in Palestine.

Methods

This study was conducted in a retrospective cohort design in the only autologous HSCT in Palestine in the period between 2014 and 2021. The medical records of the patients were reviewed to identify and collect demographic, clinical, and microbiological data on bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections as diagnosed by cultures, polymerase chain reaction, and fluorescent antibody testing.

Results

A total of 145 patients were included in this study (median age = 44.0 [28.0, 53.5] years). Of those, 8 (5.5%) were younger than 18 years, 69 (47.6%) had MM, 53 (36.6%) had HL, and 23 (15.9%) had NHL. The source of fever had no focus in the majority of the cases 82 (56.6%), 12 (8.3%) had bloodstream infections, 8 (5.5%) had colitis, and 7.6 (5.0%) had pneumonia. Patients from whom gram-negative bacteria were isolated stayed in the hospital for longer duration compared to the other patients (median = 21.0 [19.0, 25.0] vs. 18.0 [15.0, 22.0] days, p-value = 0.043, respectively). The cumulative incidence of death in the first 100 days after infusion of stem cells was 3.4%. The cumulative incidence of death in the first 100 days post-transplantation was higher for patients with NHL compared to those with HL and MM (p-value = 0.017). Gram-negative and fungal infections were strong predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

Bacterial gram-positive and gram-negative infections were the most common early infections among patients who underwent autologous HSCT for hematological malignancies (HM) in the only center in Palestine. The findings of this study are informative to healthcare providers and planners of care for patients who are scheduled to receive autologous HSCT for HM.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07709-4.

Infectious Morbidity in Pediatric Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Sarcoma

Simple Summary

Infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood cancer treatment. The aim of our retrospective study was to assess the infectious burden in pediatric sarcoma patients during neoadjuvant chemotherapy administered according to the EWING 2008, CWS SoTiSaR and EURAMOS clinical trial or registry. Our analyses indicate a substantial infectious morbidity in this group of patients, with 58.8% experiencing at least one episode of febrile neutropenia (FN) and 20.6% at least one microbiologically documented infection (MDI). We also identified parameters that impact on the occurrence of FN and MDIs, including treatment protocol, patient age, and mucositis. These findings may contribute to a better risk stratification for prevention and management of FN and infections as well as for maintaining quality of life, cost control, and optimum outcomes of anticancer treatment.

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective, single-center cohort study was to assess the infectious burden in pediatric sarcoma patients during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The review included all patients with a new diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma or soft tissue sarcoma between September 2009 and December 2018 who were enrolled in the EWING 2008, CWS SoTiSaR and EURAMOS clinical trial or registry. Primary endpoints were the occurrence of febrile neutropenia (FN) and microbiologically documented infection (MDI). Parameters with a potential impact on FN and MDI were also analyzed. A total of 170 sarcoma patients (median age: 13 years, range: 0–21; 96 m/74 f) received 948 chemotherapy courses (median: 6; range: 2–8). Of these patients, 58.8% had ≥1 FN episode and 20.6% ≥ 1 MDI. FN occurred in 272/948 courses (28.7%) with fever of unknown origin (FUO) in 231 courses and 45 MDI and 19 clinically documented infections (CDI) occurring in a total of 57 courses. Patients enrolled in EWING 2008 had significantly more FN (p < 0.001), infections (p = 0.02) and MDI (p = 0.035). No infection-related deaths were observed. Younger age, tumor type and localization, and higher median and maximum mucositis grades were significantly associated with higher numbers of FN (p < 0.001), and younger age (p = 0.024) and higher median mucositis grade (p = 0.017) with MDI. The study shows substantial infectious morbidity in sarcoma patients during neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment and opportunities to improve prevention and management.

Epidemiological surveillance of health care-associated infections in a pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation unit in South Brazil

BACKGROUND

Pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients represent a vulnerable population with regard to health care-associated infections (HAI) with a differentiated profile of etiologic agents.^1,2 There are few reports in the literature regarding HAI in the pediatric population submitted to HSCT.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study conducted in a pediatric HSCT unit in Curitiba, Brazil between February 2013 and December 2017 that evaluated 109 pediatric patients. The variables analyzed were: age, gender, baseline disease, type of transplantation, infection topography, etiologic agent, time of HAI occurrence, antimicrobial prophylaxis, period of neutropenia, length of stay, and outcomes RESULTS: Of 113 HSCT procedures, 91 (83.5%) were allogenic and 18 were autologous (16.5%). The mean age of the patients was 7.9 years, with a median of 8.1 years (4.0 months-17.3 years); 71 (65.1%) were male; 55 (50.5%) presented with an oncologic diagnosis, 32 (29.4%) with a hematological diagnosis, 17 (15.6%) with immunodeficiencies, and 5 (4.6%) with other causes. During hospitalization after HSCT, 86 episodes of HAI were detected in 66 patients, with an infection density of 16.5 infections/1000 patient days, 86% of which occurred after allogeneic transplants, appearing, on average, 15.3 days after transplantation. The main topographies were bloodstream infection (BSI), with 24 (27.9%) cases, and central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), with 11 (12.8%). Gram-positive bacteria predominated in cultures and HAI was more frequent in patients diagnosed with immunodeficiencies and other non-oncologic and non-hematologic conditions. Among the Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis was the main agent identified (77.7%), possibly because of colonization. However, Gram-negative bacteria, with a resistance profile, comprised 40% of the cases of bacterial infections, most of them represented by Klebsiella pneumoniae (66.6%). Of the 66 patients who presented HAI, 59 patients (89.4%) were discharged, and 7 (10.6%) died.

CONCLUSION

The main topographies were CLABSI and BSI. Patients with immunodeficiencies presented a higher risk for HAI Staphylococcus epidermidis was the main agent identified. However, Klebsiella pneumoniae posed a higher risk for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit admission and death.

Intercontinental study on pre-engraftment and post-engraftment Gram-negative rods bacteremia in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients: Risk factors and association with mortality

OBJECTIVES

We present here data on Gram-negative rods bacteremia (GNRB) rates, risk factors and associated mortality.

METHODS

Data on GNRB episodes were prospectively collected in 65 allo-/67 auto-HSCT centers in 24 countries (Europe, Asia, Australia). In patients with and without GNRB, we compared: demography, underlying disease, HSCT-related data, center` fluoroquinolone prophylaxis (FQP) policy and accreditation status, and involvement of infection control team (ICT).

RESULTS

The GNRB cumulative incidence among 2818 allo-HSCT was: pre-engraftment (pre-eng-allo-HSCT), 8.4 (95% CI 7-9%), post-engraftment (post-eng-allo-HSCT), 5.8% (95%CI: 5-7%); among 3152 auto-HSCT, pre-eng-auto-HSCT, 6.6% (95%CI: 6-7%), post-eng-auto-HSCT, 0.7% (95%CI: 0.4-1.1%). GNRB, especially MDR, was associated with increased mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed the following GNRB risk factors: (a) pre-eng-allo-HSCT: south-eastern Europe center location, underlying diseases not at complete remission, and cord blood source; (b) post-eng-allo-HSCT: center location not in northwestern Europe; underlying non-malignant disease, not providing FQP and never accredited. (c) pre-eng-auto-HSCT: older age, autoimmune and malignant (vs. plasma cell) disease, and ICT absence.

CONCLUSIONS

Benefit of FQP should be explored in prospective studies. Increased GNRB risk in auto-HSCT patients transplanted for autoimmune diseases is worrying. Infection control and being accredited are possibly protective against bacteremia. GNRB are associated with increased mortality.

Nutritional status as a predictor of adverse events and survival in pediatric autologous stem cell transplant

Nutritional status is recognized as an independent and modifiable risk factor of outcome in stem cell transplant. Our research aim was to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) and serum albumin on the prevalence of adverse events and survival in autologous transplant in children. A retrospective study was conducted of autologous transplants performed between 2006 and 2017 in the Children's Hospital Zagreb, Croatia. Nutritional status was assessed at the times of diagnosis, procedure, and discharge using BMI (underweight, normal, obese) and serum albumin (grades 1-4). Adverse events (fever, gastrointestinal toxicity, electrolyte disturbances, dysglycemia) and outcome (3-year, relapse, mortality) were documented. Seventy-seven children (54.5% males, mean age 7.9 years) underwent autologous transplant, mostly for neuroblastoma. In terms of BMI and albumin, which showed significant positive correlation at diagnosis (p = 0.026) and transplant (p = 0.016), most participants were well nourished. Average post-transplant weight loss was 4%. Major toxicities were severe mucositis (72.7%) and hypophosphatemia (31.2%). Relapse and mortality rates were 35.1% and 42.9%, respectively. Hypokalemia (p = 0.041) and hypomagnesemia (p = 0.044) were more prevalent in the underweight group, while obese children experienced significantly less severe mucositis (p = 0.016) and hypophosphatemia (p = 0.038). There was no significant difference regarding outcome among children of different nutritional status, although undernourished children tended to have lower relapse and mortality rates. In conclusion, underweight children are significantly more prone to severe electrolyte disorders and mucositis, and although statistical significance was not reached, are more likely to survive.

Effectiveness of Bath Wipes After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Randomized Trial

Objective: Bacteremia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Infections of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and multidrug resistant (MDR) gram-negative rods (GNRs) are common in this population. Our objective was to assess whether experimental bath wipes containing silver were more effective than standard bath wipes containing soap at reducing skin colonization by VRE and MDR GNRs, and nonmucosal barrier injury bacteremia. Study Design: Patients undergoing autologous or allogeneic HCT in a tertiary referral center were randomized to receive experimental or standard bath wipes for 60 days post-HCT. Skin swabs were collected at baseline, discharge, and day +60 post-HCT. The rate of VRE colonization was chosen as the marker for efficacy. Results: Experimental bath wipes were well tolerated. Before the study, the rate of colonization with VRE in HCT recipients was 25%. In an interim analysis of 127 children, one (2%) patient in the experimental arm and two (3%) in the standard arm were colonized with VRE. Two (3%) patients had nonmucosal barrier injury bacteremia in the standard arm, with none in the experimental arm. MDR GNRs were not isolated. The trial was halted because the interim analyses indicated equivalent efficacy of the two methods. Conclusions: Skin cleansing with silver-containing or standard bath wipes resulted in very low and equivalent rates of bacteremia and colonization with VRE and MDR GNRs in children post-HCT. Future studies in other high-risk populations are needed to confirm these results.

Infectious complications in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients-A retrospective clinical and epidemiological cohort study

BACKGROUND

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an important therapeutic strategy for several hematologic diseases. In the absence of a matched related donor, allogeneic HSCT has been associated with increased risk of infectious complications. Here, we present the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of early infectious complications in children undergoing HSCT from Southern Brazil.

METHODS

This is a retrospective unicentric cohort study of infections in all children receiving their first HSCT during the period between 2010 and 2017.

RESULTS

Data from 292 patients were analyzed; bone marrow failures (52.7%) comprised most of the baseline diagnosis. Bone marrow (BM) was the stem cell source in 254 (87%), followed by cord blood (CB) in 34 (11.6%) children. The use of alternative donors (77.8%) and presence of acute graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) (23.6%) were associated with an increased risk of viral and fungal infection. Bacterial infection was observed in 79 patients (27%); 220 patients (75.3%) were diagnosed with viral infection, and 35 patients (12%) developed fungal infection. The presence of fungal disease together with the presence of multiple infections during follow-up was associated with an increased risk of death (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical profile of HSCT-related infections in this cohort suggests that prognosis in allogeneic HSCT is influenced by the source of stem cells (CB having worse prognosis), presence of acute GVHD and complications arising from fungal infections. The appropriate management of these factors has the potential to improve the overall prognosis rates in pediatric allogeneic HSCT recipients.

Comparison of two different anti-infectious approaches after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies in a 12-year period in British Hospital, Uruguay

Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is a widely used and safe procedure to treat mostly hematologic diseases. These patients are at risk of infectious complications, which represents a major cause of morbidity and it is the second cause of mortality. This retrospective 12-year analysis of the incidence, type, and severity of infections in 266 consecutive unselected ASCT patients at our institution provides novel information addressing this issue. We included 266 ASCT procedures. Patients included in the 2006-2013 period are referred to as group 1 (ciprofloxacin prophylaxis and ceftazidime-amikacin as empirical antibiotics), and those in the 2013-2017 period are group 2 (levofloxacin prophylaxis and meropenem as empirical antibiotics). The incidence of febrile neutropenia was 72% in group 1 and 86.2% in group 2 (p = 0.004). The majority of infectious episodes were associated with fever of unknown origin: 55% in group 1 and 59% in group 2. Febrile of unknown origin episodes were 82.6% in group 1 and 80% in group 2. Significant differences between both groups were found in age, hypogammaglobulinemia, and advanced disease at ASCT. No differences were found between groups regarding the most common agent documented in positive blood cultures (Gram+ were 66.6% in group 1 and 69% in group 2 (p = 0.68)). Mortality within 100 days of transplant was low, 1.87%. Regardless of the prophylactic regimen used, most patients experience febrile episodes in the ASCT setting, fever of unknown origin is the most common infection complication, and Gram+ agents are prevalent in both groups. Mortality rates were low. According to our results, ASCT is a safe procedure and there is no clear benefit in favor of levofloxacin versus ciprofloxacin prophylaxis. Both anti-infectious approaches are acceptable, yielding similar outcomes.

Incidence, risk factors, and outcome of blood stream infections during the first 100 days post-pediatric allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantations

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are a frequently observed complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Retrospective analysis of clinical and microbiological data during the first 100 days from 302 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent HSCT for a malignant disease at our institute between January 2013 and June 2017. A total of 164 patients underwent autologous and 138 allogeneic HSCT. The overall incidence of BSI was 37% with 92% of infectious episodes occurring during the pre-engraftment phase. Gram-positive bacteria (GPB) accounted for 54.6% of the isolated pathogens, gram-negative bacteria (GNB) for 43.9%, and fungi for 1.4%. Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Escherichia coli were the most commonly isolated GPB and GNB, respectively. Forty-five percent of GNB were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers and 21% were multidrug-resistant organisms. Fluoroquinolone resistance was 92% and 68%, among GPB and GNB, respectively. Risk factors for BSI in univariate analysis were allogeneic HSCT, delayed time to engraftment more than 12 days, previous BSI before HSCT, and alternative donor. In multivariate analysis, only HSCT type (allogeneic vs autologous P = .03) and previous BSI within 6 months before HSCT (P = .016) were significant. Overall survival at day 100 was 98% and did not differ significantly between patients with and without BSI (P = .76). BSI is common in children undergoing HSCT for malignant diseases. Allogeneic HSCT recipients and previous BSI within 6 months before HSCT are associated with increased risk of post-transplant BSI. With current supportive measures, BSI does not seem to confer an increased risk for 100-day mortality.

Umbilical Cord Blood Transplants: Current Status and Evolving Therapies

Hematopoietic cell transplants using stem cells from umbilical cord blood are used worldwide for the treatment of malignant and non-malignant disorders. Transplant procedures from this stem cell source have shown promising outcomes in successfully treating various hematologic, immunologic, malignant, and inherited metabolic disorders. Rapid availability of these stem cells is an important advantage over other unrelated donor transplants, especially in situations where waiting can adversely affect the prognosis. The umbilical cord blood is rich in CD34+ stem cells, though with a limited cell dose and usually takes longer to engraft. Limitations around this have been addressed by in vivo and ex vivo expansion techniques as well as enhanced engraftment kinetics. Development of adoptive immunotherapy using other components of umbilical cord blood such as regulatory T cells, virus-specific T cells, and natural killer cells has further transformed the field and enhanced the utility of umbilical cord blood unit.

Epidemiology, Outcome and Risk Factors Analysis of Viral Infections in Children and Adolescents Undergoing Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Antiviral Drugs Do Not Prevent Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation

Objective

The analysis of epidemiology, risk factors and outcome of viral infections in children and adolescents after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

Methods

In this multicenter nationwide study a total of 971 HCT procedures (741 allo-HCT; 230 auto-HCT) over a period of 6 years were analyzed.

Results

During this period 801 episodes of viral infections were diagnosed in 442 patients. The incidence of viral infections was 57.9% in allo-HCT and 4.8% in auto-HCT patients. The most frequent infections after allo-HCT were caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV), polyoma BK virus (BKV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The majority of infections occurred within the first 4 months after allo-HCT and over 80% required pharmacotherapy or symptomatic therapy. The median time of treatment of specific viral infection ranged from 7 (for EBV) to 24 (for CMV) days. The highest mortality was observed in case of CMV infection. The risk factors for viral infections were allo-HCT, acute leukemia, acute and chronic graft versus host disease (a/cGVHD), and matched unrelated donor (MUD)/mismatched unrelated donor (MMUD)-HCT. The risk factor for death from viral infection were CMV-IgG seropositivity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia recipient, and MUD/MMUD-HCT. The incidence of EBV infection requiring pre-emptive treatment with rituximab in allo-HCT children was 19.3%. In 30.8% cases of EBV infection, these episodes were preceded by other viral infection and treated with antivirals, which did not prevent development of EBV-DNA-emia with need of rituximab treatment in 81.5% cases. In 47.7% of these cases, GVHD was a factor enabling development of significant EBV-DNA-emia during antiviral therapy of other infection.

Conclusion

We have shown that antiviral drugs do not prevent EBV reactivation in allo-HCT pediatric patients.

Age-dependent determinants of infectious complications profile in children and adults after hematopoietic cell transplantation: lesson from the nationwide study

Incidence and outcome of microbiologically documented bacterial/viral infections and invasive fungal disease (IFD) in children and adults after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) were compared in 650 children and 3200 adults in multicenter cross-sectional nationwide study. Infections were diagnosed in 60.8% children and 35.0% adults, including respectively 69.1% and 63.5% allo-HCT, and 33.1% and 20.8% auto-HCT patients. The incidence of bacterial infections was higher in children (36.0% vs 27.6%; p < 0.0001). Infections with Gram-negative bacteria were more frequent than Gram-positives in adults (64.6% vs 44.8%; p < 0.0001). Outcome of bacterial infections was better in children (95.5% vs 91.4%; p = 0.0011). The IFD incidence (25.3% vs 6.3%; p < 0.0001) and outcome (88.0% vs 74.9%; p < 0.0001) were higher in children. The incidence of viral infections was higher in children after allo-HCT (56.3% vs 29.3%; p < 0.0001), and auto-HCT (6.6% vs 0.8%; p < 0.0001). Outcome of viral infections was better in children (98.6% vs 92.3%; p = 0.0096). Infection-related mortality was 7.8% in children and 18.4% in adults (p < 0.0001). No child after auto-HCT died of infection. Adult age, mismatched transplants, acute leukemia, chronic GVHD, CMV reactivation, infection with Gram-negatives, and duration of infection > 21 days were risk factors for death from infection. In conclusion, pediatric patients have 2.9-fold higher incidence and 2.5-fold better outcome of infections than adults after HCT.

Epidemiology and management burden of invasive fungal infections after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: 10-year experience at a European Pediatric Cancer Center

BACKGROUND

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) carries risks of infectious morbidity. We analysed epidemiology and management burden associated with invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) in children and adolescents undergoing autologous HSCT.

METHODS

In a retrospective, single-centre observational study, epidemiology and management burden associated with IFDs were analysed in all paediatric cancer patients who underwent autologous HSCT between 2005 and 2014. Clinical, radiographic and microbiological data were assessed up to 100 days post-transplant. The primary endpoint was the incidence of proven, probable and possible IFDs. Further endpoints included the use of systemic antifungal agents for prevention and management of IFDs; infectious and non-infectious comorbidities; and survival until day + 100.

RESULTS

Of 95 patients (median age: 8 years; r, 0.75-20) underwent 103 HSCT procedures for solid tumours (92) or lymphoma (11). Primary antifungal prophylaxis was administered in 49 procedures (47.5%). No single case of proven/probable IFD was diagnosed. Nine cases (8.7%) fulfilled criteria of possible pulmonary mould infection and received treatment for a median of 14 days (r, 7-35). In an additional 12 procedures, empiric antifungal therapy with mould active agents was given for a median of 8 days (r, 3-105). Microbiologically documented non-fungal infections were observed in 17 procedures, and five patients were transferred to the ICU. There was one death from biopsy documented toxic endothelial damage at day 83 post-transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous HSCT for solid tumours or lymphoma was associated with low morbidity from IFDs. However, utilisation of systemic antifungal agents for prevention and management of suspected IFDs was considerable.

Infusion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes for the treatment of viral infections in hematopoetic stem cell transplant patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has proven curative for a range of malignant and nonmalignant disorders. However, the clinical success of this therapy is marred by the morbidity associated with viral infections, which are frequent (cytomegalovirus 15.6-28%, adenovirus 3-21%, BK virus 18.5-20.7%) post-transplant. These infections occur as a consequence of transplant conditioning regimens designed to eliminate not only malignant cells but also host immune cells that might interfere with stem cell engraftment. The result is a transient period of immune compromise when hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients are at risk of infectious complications associated with both latent (cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, BK virus, human herpes virus 6, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus) and community-acquired viruses including adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza virus.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current standard of care for many of these infections involves pharmacologic agents, which are often ineffective and associated with side effects including nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Ultimately, because these agents do not address the underlying immune compromise, viral rebound often occurs. Thus, a number of groups have explored the clinical potential of adoptively transferred virus-specific T cells (VSTs) as an approach to prevent/treat virus-associated complications.

SUMMARY

The current review will highlight recent publications showcasing VST manufacturing technologies and clinical experience with such cells.

Safety and feasibility of outpatient autologous stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients with primary central nervous system tumors

High-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (autoHSCT) is a well-established treatment for pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Given the risks of toxicity and infection, pediatric autoHSCT has been historically performed on hospitalized children. As our practice evolved, some patients were transplanted as outpatients. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 37 patients who received 90 transplant procedures (49 outpatient and 41 inpatient) at Children’s Hospital Colorado. The most common primary diagnosis was medulloblastoma (51.4%). Of the patients transplanted as outpatients, 69.4% were admitted for fever and neutropenia and had a median time to hospitalization of day +6, with fever and neutropenia being the most common reasons for admission. The median time to neutrophil engraftment was the same in both cohorts, 11 days. Median time to platelet engraftment was 13 days (8–82 days) vs 16 days (8–106 days) (p = 0.0008). At day +100, the transplant-related mortality (TRM) was 0% for both the cohorts. At a median follow-up of 1.7 years, overall survival (OS) for all patients was 66.1% and TRM was 0% for both the cohorts. Outpatient autoHSCT for properly selected children with CNS tumors is safe and effective.

Incidence of Infectious Complications in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated With Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed incidence and profile of infections in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in Polish pediatric HSCT departments, over a 2-year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Hospital records of 67 patients, who underwent allogeneic HSCT for ALL, were analyzed retrospectively for microbiologically documented infection: bacterial infection (BI), viral infection (VI), and fungal infection (FI). The majority of patients (40/67; 59.7%) underwent HSCT from matched unrelated donors (MUD).

RESULTS

In total, 84 BI in 31 patients, 93 VI in 50 patients, and 27 FI in 22 patients were diagnosed. No differences were found in the frequency of occurrence of BI according to the type of transplant (P = .16); the occurrence of VI was statistically more frequent in MUD transplant recipients as compared with matched sibling donors (MSD) and mismatched related donors (MMFD; P = .001) and there was a trend in MUD patients for the higher occurrence of FI in comparison with MSD and MMFD transplants (P = .08). Regarding disease status, the occurrence of BI, VI, and FI was statistically more frequent in children who underwent transplantation in their first complete remission (CR1), rather than those who underwent transplantation in ≥CR2 (P < .05). In conclusion, infectious complications are an important cause of morbidity in children with ALL treated with allogeneic HSCT and the incidence of infections is high in this group of patients.

Recognition and Clinical Presentation of Invasive Fungal Disease in Neonates and Children

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are devastating opportunistic infections that result in significant morbidity and death in a broad range of pediatric patients, particularly those with a compromised immune system. Recognizing them can be difficult, because nonspecific clinical signs and symptoms or isolated fever are frequently the only presenting features. Therefore, a high index of clinical suspicion is necessary in patients at increased risk of IFD, which requires knowledge of the pediatric patient population at risk, additional predisposing factors within this population, and the clinical signs and symptoms of IFD. With this review, we aim to summarize current knowledge regarding the recognition and clinical presentation of IFD in neonates and children.

Infectious complications in multiple myeloma receiving autologous stem cell transplantation in the past 10 years

Infection is one of the main causes of early-treatment mortality in multiple myeloma (MM) patients during autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT). In the present study, we sought to determine the incidence of, and risk factors for, infection during hospital stays after autoSCT. We retrospectively evaluated 324 autoSCT events that occurred in 285 MM patients between 2006 and 2015, and reviewed the clinical characteristics of patients and history of infections. Sixty-eight infection events occurred, including bacteremia (24), other bacterial infections (7), as well as infections caused by Cytomegalovirus (17), Herpes simplex virus (12), Varicella zoster virus (3), Aspergillus (3) and Pneumocystis jiroveci (2). There was no significant difference in number of infections in the 2006-2010 and 2011-2015 periods (P = 0.194). Risk factors for bacteremia included higher beta-2 microglobulin levels at diagnosis [≥3.5 mg/L; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.544 (95% CI 1.070-11.736), P = 0.038] and previous bortezomib treatment [aOR 4.270 (95% CI 1.389-13.125), P = 0.011]. In-hospital mortality occurred in 1.2% of all cases and all were infection-related. In conclusion, infection was the main cause of in-hospital mortality in patients who underwent autoSCT. Bacteremia was the most common type of microbiologically confirmed infection, and was associated with higher beta-2 microglobulin levels and previous bortezomib treatment.

Antiviral prophylaxis for preventing herpes zoster in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The optimal duration of prophylaxis for the varicella-zoster virus following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the available literature to determine the optimal duration of antiviral prophylaxis for preventing herpes zoster (HZ) in allogeneic and autologous HSCT recipients. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched to identify relevant studies. The relative risk (RR) of HZ was calculated using fixed effects or random effects models depending on heterogeneity across the included studies. We analyzed six observational studies comprising a total of 3420 patients. In all HSCT recipients, the overall incidence of HZ in the prophylaxis group and the control group was 7.8% and 25.6%, respectively, with a pooled RR of 0.31 (95% CI, 0.26-0.37). The incidence of HZ in the subgroup wherein prophylaxis was given for at least 1 year and in the subgroup wherein prophylaxis was given for less than 1 year was 2.1% and 15.4%, respectively, with a pooled RR of 0.23 (95% CI, 0.04-1.39). Taken together, our results demonstrate that antiviral prophylaxis can significantly reduce HZ in HSCT recipients, and suggests that long-term prophylaxis given for at least 1 year may be recommended for better preventive effects.

Infectious Risk after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Complicated by Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease

The occurrence of infections after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is nearly universal. However, the relationship between infections and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is complex and attribution of infectious-related mortality is highly inconsistent, making comparison of infectious complication rates across allogeneic HCT clinical studies difficult. We categorized infectious complications from diagnosis or 1 year before HCT (whichever occurred later) through 2 years after HCT according to timing, frequency, causative organism, severity, and contribution to mortality for 431 consecutive patients who underwent allogeneic HCT from 2008 to 2011. We then assessed the contribution of risk factors, such as the frequency of pre-HCT infections and post-HCT GVHD, on post-HCT infection frequency and severity. We found that each pre-HCT bacterial infection/year leads to an additional 2.15 post-HCT bacterial infection/year (P = .004). Pre-HCT viral and fungal infections were not predictors for post-HCT infections. Acute GVHD (aGVHD) significantly increased the risk of developing life-threatening (hazard ratio [HR], 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33 to 2.90) and fatal (HR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.10 to 7.08) infections. Furthermore, patients who develop aGVHD experienced ~60% more infections than patients who never develop aGVHD. Quantification of infection frequency and severity for patients with and without GVHD may facilitate comparison of infectious outcomes across allogeneic HCT trials.

Risk stratification for invasive fungal infections in patients with hematological malignancies: SEIFEM recommendations

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Patients with hematological malignancies undergoing conventional chemotherapy, autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are considered at high risk, and Aspergillus spp. represents the most frequently isolated micro-organisms. In the last years, attention has also been focused on other rare molds (e.g., Zygomycetes, Fusarium spp.) responsible for devastating clinical manifestations. The extensive use of antifungal prophylaxis has reduced the infections from yeasts (e.g., candidemia) even though they are still associated with high mortality rates. This paper analyzes concurrent multiple predisposing factors that could favor the onset of fungal infections. Although neutropenia is common to almost all hematologic patients, other factors play a key role in specific patients, in particular in patients with AML or allogeneic HSCT recipients. Defining those patients at higher risk of IFIs may help to design the most appropriate diagnostic work-up and antifungal strategy.

Infectious Complications during Tandem High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Children with High-Risk or Recurrent Solid Tumors

We retrospectively analyzed infectious complications during tandem high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDCT/auto-SCT) in children and adolescents with high-risk or recurrent solid tumors. A total of 324 patients underwent their first HDCT/auto-SCT between October 2004 and September 2014, and 283 of them proceeded to their second HDCT/auto-SCT (a total of 607 HDCT/auto-SCTs). During the early transplant period of 607 HDCT/auto-SCTs (from the beginning of HDCT to day 30 post-transplant), bacteremia, urinary tract infection (UTI), respiratory virus infection, and varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation occurred in 7.1%, 2.3%, 13.0%, and 2.5% of HDCT/auto-SCTs, respectively. The early transplant period of the second HDCT/auto-SCT had infectious complications similar to the first HDCT/auto-SCT. During the late transplant period of HDCT/auto-SCT (from day 31 to 1 year post-transplant), bacteremia, UTI, and VZV reactivation occurred in 7.5%, 2.5%, and 3.9% of patients, respectively. Most infectious complications in the late transplant period occurred during the first 6 months post-transplant. There were no invasive fungal infections during the study period. Six patients died from infectious complications (4 from bacterial sepsis and 2 from respiratory virus infection). Our study suggests that infectious complications are similar following second and first HDCT/auto-SCT in children.

Incidence and risk factors of bacterial infections in children following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Single-center experience from Jordan

Bacterial infection is a serious sequela following AHSCT; however, limited data are available regarding pediatric recipients, especially in developing countries. We retrospectively analyzed the incidence and risk factors of bacterial infections during the first 100 days after AHSCT in children at KHCC in Amman, Jordan between January, 2005 and September, 2013. A total of 65 patients were identified, with median age of four yr (1-17). Forty-seven patients (72.3%) had solid tumors and 18 (27.7%) had lymphoma. Bacterial infections were documented in 33 patients (50%), with a total of 63 episodes. Gram-negative infection (57.1%) was more prevalent than Gram-positive infection (38%). The risk of bacterial infections was higher among patients less than five yr of age (p = 0.028) and those who developed hypogammaglobulinemia requiring IVIG replacement (p = 0.001). Patients with solid tumors developed more bacterial infections compared to patients with lymphoma (p = 0.0057). No deaths were attributed to bacterial infection. Bacterial infection rate is high among recipients of AHSCT in Jordan with Gram-negative bacteria being the most common.

Herpes zoster after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

The autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation procedure involves immunosuppression of the patient. Thus, the patient has an elevated risk for several diseases, such as infections with the varicella-zoster virus. Prevention protocols have been proposed based on the use of acyclovir from the first day of conditioning, and maintaining this drug for 30-100 days after the procedure or for as much as one year. The objective of this work was to evaluate the incidence of herpes zoster after autologous transplantations related to the early suspension of acyclovir.

METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out based on the collection of data from 231 medical records of transplant patients in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit of the teaching hospital of the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora in the period between 2004 and 2014.

RESULTS

Fourteen (6.1%) patients had herpes zoster in the post-transplant period on average within six months of the procedure. Patients with multiple myeloma (64.3%) were the most affected. There was a statistically significant difference in the age of the patients, with older individuals having a greater chance of developing the infection (p-value=0.002). There were no significant differences for the other variables analyzed.

CONCLUSION

The early suspension of acyclovir can be safe in patients who receive autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplants. However some groups may benefit from extended prophylaxis with acyclovir, particularly older patients and patients with multiple myeloma.

Increased risk of infections and infection-related mortality in children undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation compared to conventional anticancer therapy: a multicentre nationwide study

This nationwide multicentre study analysed the epidemiology of bacterial, viral and fungal infections in paediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and paediatric haematology and oncology (PHO) patients over a period of 24 consecutive months, including incidence, hazard risk and outcome of infections as well as occurrence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. During this period, 308 HSCTs were performed and 1768 children were newly diagnosed for malignancy. Compared to PHO, the risk in HSCT patients was significantly higher for all infections (hazard ratio (HR) 2.7), bacterial (HR 1.4), fungal (HR 3.5) and viral (HR 15.7) infections. The risk was higher in allo- than auto-HSCT for bacterial (HR 1.4), fungal (HR 3.2) and viral (HR 17.7) infections. The incidence of resistant bacteria was higher in HSCT than in PHO patients for both G-negative (72.5% vs. 59.2%) and G-positive (41.4% vs. 20.5%) strains. Cumulative incidence of bacterial, fungal and viral infections in HSCT patients was 33.9, 22.8 and 38.3%, respectively. Cumulative incidence of viral infections in allo-HSCT was 28.0% for cytomegalovirus, 18.5% for BK virus, 15.5% for Epstein-Barr virus, 9.5% for adenovirus, 2.6% for varicella zoster virus, 0.9% for influenza, 0.9% for human herpesvirus 6 and 0.3% for hepatitis B virus. Survival rates from infections were lower in HSCT than in PHO patients in bacterial (96.0 vs. 98.2%), fungal (75.5 vs. 94.6%) and most viral infections. In conclusion, the risk of any infections and the occurrence of resistant bacterial strains in allo-HSCT patients were higher than in auto-HSCT and PHO patients, while the outcome of infections was better in the PHO setting.