Acute phase after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

HLA-DQB1 mismatch increase risk of severe bleeding independently in recipients of allogeneic stem cell transplant

Severe bleeding is a major cause of death in acute leukemia (AL) patients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogene hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). However, the prognostic value and prediction of HSCT-associated severe bleeding in GVHD patients have not been reported in cohort studies. We did a retrospective analysis of 200 AL patients with GVHD after allo-HSCT from Feb 1, 2014, to Dec 1, 2015. Multivariate analysis showed that the severe bleeding class was associated with the risk of death (HR 2.26, 95% CI 1.31-3.92, p<0.001***). In order to predict severe bleeding and figure out the solution to bleeding events, we established a multiple logistic regression model. HLA-DQB1 unmatching, megakaryocyte reconsititution failure, and III or IV GVHD were the independent risk factors for severe bleeding. Among all the variations above, OR of HLA-DQB1 was the highest (OR: 16.02, 95% CI: 11.54-48.68). Adding HLA-DQB1 to other factors improved the reclassification for predicting severe bleeding (NRI=0.195, z=2.634, p=0.008**; IDI=0.289, z=3.249, p<0.001***). Lasso regression was used to select variants. A nomogram of the logistic model was generated and displayed. Calibration curve demonstrated excellent accuracy in estimating severe bleeding (C index of 0.935). HLA-DQB1 showed excellent efficacy of predicting severe bleeding in HSCT patients.

Potential role of CT-textural features for differentiation between viral interstitial pneumonias, pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in early stages of disease: a proof of principle

Background

Pulmonary involvement is common in several infectious and non-infectious diagnostic settings. Imaging findings consistently overlap and are therefore difficult to differentiate by chest-CT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of CT-textural features(CTTA) for discrimination between atypical viral (respiratory-syncitial-virus(RSV) and herpes-simplex-1-virus (HSV1)), fungal (pneumocystis-jirovecii-pneumonia(PJP)) interstitial pneumonias and alveolar hemorrhage.

Methods

By retrospective single-centre analysis we identified 46 consecutive patients (29 m) with RSV(n = 5), HSV1(n = 6), PJP(n = 21) and lung hemorrhage(n = 14) who underwent unenhanced chest CTs in early stages of the disease between 01/2016 and 02/2017. All cases were confirmed by microbiologic direct analysis of bronchial lavage. On chest-CT-scans, the presence of imaging features like ground-glass opacity(GGO), crazy-paving, air-space consolidation, reticulation, bronchial wall thickening and centrilobular nodules were described. A representative large area was chosen in both lungs and used for CTTA-parameters (included heterogeneity, intensity, average, deviation, skewness).

Results

Discriminatory CTTA-features were found between alveolar hemorrhage and PJP consisting of differences in mean heterogeneity(p < 0.015) and uniformity of skewness(p < 0.006). There was no difference between CT-textural features of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and viral pneumonia or PJP and viral pneumonia. Visual HRCT-assessment yielded great overlap of imaging findings with predominance of GGO for PJP and airspace consolidation for pneumonia/alveolar hemorrhage. Significant correlations between HRCT-based imaging findings and CT-textural features were found for all three disease groups.

Conclusion

CT-textural features showed significant differences in mean heterogeneity and uniformity of skewness. HRCT-based imaging findings correlated with certain CT-textural features showing that the latter have the potential to characterize structural properties of lung parenchyma and related abnormalities.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12880-019-0338-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is most often fatal and is affected by graft source, conditioning regimen toxicity, and engraftment kinetics

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a frequently fatal complication with no standard therapy. Although significant changes in supportive and intensive care measures for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation have been made over the past decades, the impact of these changes on the incidence and outcome of patients with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage has not been examined. We analyzed 1228 patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between 2008-2015 at the University of Minnesota to study the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage developed in 5% of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, at a median of 30 days (range +3 to +168 days) after transplantation. The incidence of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage was significantly greater in recipients of umbilical cord blood than peripheral blood or bone marrow grafts (HR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.16-3.74; P=0.01). In multivariate analysis, delayed neutrophil engraftment or primary graft failure was a risk factor for diffuse alveolar hemorrhage following peripheral blood or bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HR: 5.51, 95% CI: 1.26-24; P=0.02) and delayed platelet engraftment was associated with significantly increased diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in umbilical cord blood transplant recipients (HR: 6.96, 95% CI: 2.39-20.29; P<0.05). Myeloablative regimens including total body irradiation were also risk factors for diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (HR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.03-3.13, P=0.05) in both peripheral blood or bone marrow and umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HR: 1.87, 95% CI: 0.95-3.71). Patients with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage had an inferior 6-month treatment-related mortality (HR: 6.09, 95% CI: 4.33-8.56, P<0.01) and 2-year overall survival (HR: 4.16, 95% CI: 3.06-5.64; P<0.01) using either graft source. The etiology of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is multifactorial, involving lung injury influenced by high-dose total body irradiation, graft source, and delayed engraftment or graft failure. The survival of patients with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains poor. Clinical interventions or experimental studies (e.g., cell expansion for umbilical cord blood transplants or thrombopoietin use) that modulate these risk factors may limit the incidence and improve the outcomes of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage.

Catheter-Related Thrombosis in Patients with Lymphoma or Myeloma Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) occurs frequently during autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) and data regarding the incidence, risk factors, and management are understudied. We evaluated 789 consecutive patients with lymphoma and myeloma that underwent AHCT over 10 years (2006 to 2016) and detected the incidence of CRT was 6.3%; only 32% of CRT were symptomatic. The majority occurred within 100 days of AHCT (86%) and median time from tunneled line placement to CRT was 44 days (range, 11 to 89 days). Outcomes of these 50 patients with CRT were compared with age- and disease-matched AHCT control subjects to identify risk factors. History of prior venous thromboembolism (VTE) (20.9% versus 7.0%, P = .02) was the only significant risk factor. Treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin was tolerated with rare minor bleeding (4%), although CRT recurrence or extension (10%) and subsequent VTE (12%) were common. CRT did not impact on nonrelapse mortality or risk of relapse; 2-year progression-free survival was 55% in CRT cases versus 54% in control subjects (P = .42). CRT appears to be common in patients with lymphoma and myeloma undergoing AHCT and significantly contributes to morbidity. Further study to determine mitigating strategies and modify risk factors for CRT is warranted.

Increased prostacyclin levels inhibit the aggregation and activation of platelets via the PI3K-AKT pathway in prolonged isolated thrombocytopenia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of prostacyclin (PGI2) in prolonged isolated thrombocytopenia (PT) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and the effect of PGI2 on the activation and aggregation of platelets in PT.

METHODS

We enrolled 37 patients with PT and 36 controls following allo-HSCT in this study. Platelet aggregation and activation and PGI2 levels were measured. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from either PT or control patients were cultured ex vivo with serum from either PT or control patients. PGI2 secretions were then measured. PGI2 was added to the platelets ex vivo, and platelet aggregation and activation and PI3K/Akt phosphorylation were analyzed.

RESULTS

A higher PGI2 level was observed in the PT patients. The activation and aggregation of platelets were significantly lower in the PT patients. EPCs from PT patients cultured in PT serum secreted higher levels of PGI2, and PGI2 inhibited platelet activation and aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner ex vivo. PI3K/Akt phosphorylation of platelets was regulated by PGI2 after allo-HSCT. Disease status, serum PGI2 level and platelet aggregation were independent risk factors in patients with PT after allo-HSCT.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher PGI2 levels and lower platelet activation and aggregation occurred simultaneously in PT patients. PGI2 inhibited platelet activation and aggregation, probably by regulating the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt.

Predictors of gastrostomy placement in children with inherited metabolic diseases treated by umbilical cord blood transplantation

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Children with inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) undergoing umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) who are at risk for post-transplant failure to thrive may benefit from pretransplant gastrostomy tube (GT) placement. Here we sought to determine predictors of posttransplant failure to thrive.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for IMD patients who underwent UCBT at a single center from 2001 to 2011. Patients who received GTs were compared with controls. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors for GT placement. Recursive partitioning was performed to determine appropriate cut-offs for significant continuous variables.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventeen patients met inclusion criteria of which twenty-three were excluded due to death within one hundred days of transplant. Forty (20.6%) of the remaining patients underwent a surgical GT placement. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that weight percentile at time of transplant was significantly associated with GT placement (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.87 per 10th percentile, p=0.022). Recursive partitioning demonstrated that the 40th weight percentile at time of transplant was an optimal cut-off for predicting GT placement.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients preparing for umbilical cord transplantation who are below the 40th percentile for weight may benefit from pre-emptive GT placement prior to transplant.

Reduced IL-35 levels are associated with increased platelet aggregation and activation in patients with acute graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a major complication associated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Interleukin (IL)-35 is a novel anti-inflammatory cytokine that suppresses the immune response. This prospective study explored IL-35 plasma levels in 65 patients after HSCT. The results revealed that the peripheral blood of patients with grades III-IV aGVHD (23.46 ng/ml) had reduced IL-35 compared to transplanted patients with grades I-II aGVHD (40.26 ng/ml, p < 0.01) or patients without aGVHD (41.40 ng/ml, p < 0.05). Allografts, including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) and G-CSF-primed bone marrow (GBM), from 38 patients were analyzed for IL-35 levels with respect to aGVHD. The patients who received lower levels of IL-35 cells in the GBM (28.0 ng/ml, p = 0.551) or lower levels of IL-35 in PBPC (53.46 ng/ml, p = 0.03) exhibited a higher incidence of aGVHD. Patients with aGVHD have increased platelet aggregation. IL-35 was added to patient blood in vitro, and platelet aggregation was inhibited by IL-35 in a dose-dependent manner. The markers of platelet activation (CD62P/PAC-1) can also be inhibited by IL-35. The results indicate that IL-35 may affect the development of aGVHD by inhibiting platelet activation and aggregation. Our data suggests that IL-35 represents a potentially effective therapeutic agent against aGVHD after allo-HSCT.

Successful cord blood transplantation in a patient with malignant infantile osteopetrosis and hemophilia

MIOP is a congenital disorder of osteoclast differentiation or dysfunction. Inadequate bone resorption by osteoclasts results in a spectrum of complications including hypocalcemia, osteosclerosis, marrow failure, extramedullary hematopoiesis, hydrocephalus, visual deficits, and eventual mortality. Early diagnosis and timely HCT is a recommended treatment approach for select patients prior to the development of end-organ damage. A comorbid bleeding disorder presents a unique challenge in the setting of MIOP and cord blood HCT given the additional risk factors for bleeding including delayed engraftment, a high risk of developing sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, and potential need for emergent invasive procedures. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with an autosomal recessive form of MIOP who successfully underwent a cord blood HCT complicated by the presence of mild hemophilia A and HCT-related complications including delayed engraftment, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, and need for multiple invasive procedures (e.g., ventriculostomy, tracheostomy) without clinically significant bleeding. Given the underlying diagnosis of MIOP and need for HCT, the challenge of mitigating the significant risk of bleeding in a patient with a comorbid bleeding disorder is discussed.

Analysis of incidence, risk factors and clinical outcome of thromboembolic and bleeding events in 431 allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients have an increasing risk of both hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications. However, the competing risks of two of these life-threatening complications in these complex patients have still not been well defined. We retrospectively analyzed data from 431 allogeneic transplantation recipients to identify the incidence, risk factors and mortality due to thrombosis and bleeding. Significant clinical bleeding was more frequent than symptomatic thrombosis. The cumulative incidence of a bleeding episode was 30.2% at 14 years. The cumulative incidence of a venous or arterial thrombosis at 14 years was 11.8% and 4.1%, respectively. The analysis of competing factors for venous thrombosis revealed extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease to be the only independent prognostic risk factor. By contrast, six factors were associated with an increased risk of bleeding; advanced disease, ablative conditioning regimen, umbilical cord blood transplantation, anticoagulation, acute III-IV graft-versus-host disease, and transplant-associated microangiopathy. The development of thrombosis did not significantly affect overall survival (P=0.856). However, significant clinical bleeding was associated with inferior survival (P<0.001). In allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, significant clinical bleeding is more common than thrombotic complications and affects survival.

Thrombosis in stem cell transplantation

Hemostatic changes and thrombotic events are frequent in patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. Arterial and venous thromboses are major causes of morbidity and mortality. Thrombotic complications can be classified into four groups including: catheter-related thrombosis, venous thromboembolic (VTE) events, sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS)/veno-occlusive disease, and transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TAM). The incidence of catheter-related thrombosis is 8-20% in patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and the incidence is low in syngeneic and allogeneic transplant patients. Venous duplex Doppler ultrasound, venogram, and computed tomography scan are required to visualize the venous thrombus. The treatment should be aimed at the prevention of pulmonary embolism, the avoidance of thrombus extension, and the preservation of catheter patency. Patients undergoing HSCT may have risk factors for VTE including underlying malignancy, traumatic brain injury, prolonged hospitalization, administration of conditioning regimens, and central venous catheters. Important risk factors are presence of history of VTE and graft-versus-host disease. One-year incidence of symptomatic VTE is 3.7%. SOS, also known as veno-occlusive disease, is a serious liver disease, seen in approximately 50-60% of HSCT patients. The mortality rate from the severe form of SOS is 84.3% and majority of the patients have multi-organ failure. The frequency is quite low after autologous transplantation. Risk factors for SOS include pre-existing hepatic damage, previous high-dose chemotherapy and abdominal irradiation, female gender and donor-recipient human leukocyte antigen disparity. Cyclophosphamide and busulphan are the most common agents with the highest incidence and fatal SOS. Histopathologic features of SOS include dilatation of sinusoids, necrosis of perivenular hepatocytes, and obstruction of small intrahepatic central venules by microthrombi and fibrin deposition. Signs of SOS usually occur within first 30 days after HSCT including hyperbilirubinemia, hepatomegaly, ascites, and weight gain. Symptoms of liver failure, including encephalopathy, coagulopathy, and renal failure will appear in severe form. A hepatic venous pressure gradient above 10 mmHg is highly specific for SOS. Early use of defibrotide has been shown to be effective in the treatment of high-risk SOS. TAM is a distinct, infrequent, and significant life-threatening complication of HSCT. TAM is seen in the range of 0·5-76% and was reported to be 10-25% in patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT with a mortality rate around 50%. It can also be seen after autologous HSCT and mainly affects the glomerular capillaries. There has been no standard therapy for TAM. Few case series reported good response to rituximab and high-dose corticosteroids were used with limited success. Trials with complement inhibitors such as eculizumab are currently underway.