Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Driven by ETV6-ABL1 in an Adolescent with Recent History of Burkitt Leukemia

ETV6-ABL1 gene fusion is a rare genetic rearrangement in a variety of malignancies, including myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here, we report the case of a 16-year-old male diagnosed with a MPN, 7 months post-completion of treatment for Burkitt leukaemia. RNA sequencing analysis confirmed the presence of an ETV6-ABL1 fusion transcript, with an intact, in-frame ABL tyrosine-kinase domain. Of note, secondary ETV6-ABL1-rearranged neoplastic diseases have not been reported to date. The patient was started on a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI; imatinib) and, subsequently, underwent a 10/10 matched unrelated haematopoietic stem cell transplant. He is disease-free five years post-transplant. Definitive evidence of the prognostic influence of the ETV6-ABL1 fusion in haematological neoplasms is lacking; however, overall data suggest that it is a poor prognostic factor, particularly in patients with ALL and AML. The presence of this ETV6-ABL1 fusion should be more routinely investigated, especially in patients with a CML-like picture. More routine use of whole-genome and RNA sequencing analyses in clinical diagnostic care, in conjunction with conventional cytogenetics, will facilitate these investigations.

PANC Study (Pancreatitis: A National Cohort Study): national cohort study examining the first 30 days from presentation of acute pancreatitis in the UK

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis is a common, yet complex, emergency surgical presentation. Multiple guidelines exist and management can vary significantly. The aim of this first UK, multicentre, prospective cohort study was to assess the variation in management of acute pancreatitis to guide resource planning and optimize treatment.

METHODS

All patients aged greater than or equal to 18 years presenting with acute pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria, from March to April 2021 were eligible for inclusion and followed up for 30 days. Anonymized data were uploaded to a secure electronic database in line with local governance approvals.

RESULTS

A total of 113 hospitals contributed data on 2580 patients, with an equal sex distribution and a mean age of 57 years. The aetiology was gallstones in 50.6 per cent, with idiopathic the next most common (22.4 per cent). In addition to the 7.6 per cent with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, 20.1 per cent of patients had a previous episode of acute pancreatitis. One in 20 patients were classed as having severe pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria. The overall mortality rate was 2.3 per cent at 30 days, but rose to one in three in the severe group. Predictors of death included male sex, increased age, and frailty; previous acute pancreatitis and gallstones as aetiologies were protective. Smoking status and body mass index did not affect death.

CONCLUSION

Most patients presenting with acute pancreatitis have a mild, self-limiting disease. Rates of patients with idiopathic pancreatitis are high. Recurrent attacks of pancreatitis are common, but are likely to have reduced risk of death on subsequent admissions.

The Clinical Landscape of NRAS- mutated Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia-like Myeloproliferation Includes Children With Costello Syndrome

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare, aggressive pediatric disorder characterized by pathologic myeloproliferation because of alterations in RAS pathway genes. NRAS -mutated JMML encompasses a broad range of clinical severity. Herein we describe 4 unique cases of NRAS -mutated JMML and JMML-like myeloproliferation, 2 with somatic mutations and 2 with germline mutations. These cases illustrate the diverse clinical and hematologic presentation of this subtype of JMML, including a very unusual example presenting with Auer rods. Lastly, this is the first report of patients with phenotypic Costello syndrome presenting with JMML-like myeloproliferation, highlighting an important clinical phenomenon that has not been previously described.

Stroke: Molecular mechanisms and therapies: Update on recent developments

Stroke, a neurological disease, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, resulting in long-term disability in most survivors. Annual stroke costs in the United States alone were estimated at $46 billion recently. Stroke pathophysiology is complex, involving multiple causal factors, among which atherosclerosis, thrombus, and embolus are prevalent. The molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology are essential to understanding targeted drug development. Some common mechanisms are excitotoxicity and calcium overload, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. In addition, various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors increase the chances of stroke manifolds. Once a patient encounters a stroke, complete restoration of motor ability and cognitive skills is often rare. Therefore, shaping therapeutic strategies is paramount for finding a viable therapeutic agent. Apart from tPA, an FDA-approved therapy that is applied in most stroke cases, many other therapeutic strategies have been met with limited success. Stroke therapies often involve a combination of multiple strategies to restore the patient's normal function. Certain drugs like Gamma-aminobutyric receptor agonists (GABA), Glutamate Receptor inhibitors, Sodium, and Calcium channel blockers, and fibrinogen-depleting agents have shown promise in stroke treatment. Recently, a drug, DM199, a recombinant (synthetic) form of a naturally occurring protein called human tissue kallikrein-1 (KLK1), has shown great potential in treating stroke with fewer side effects. Furthermore, DM199 has been found to overcome the limitations presented when using tPA and/or mechanical thrombectomy. Cell-based therapies like Neural Stem Cells, Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and Human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUCB-MSCs) are also being explored as a treatment of choice for stroke. These therapeutic agents come with merits and demerits, but continuous research and efforts are being made to develop the best therapeutic strategies to minimize the damage post-stroke and restore complete neurological function in stroke patients.

HCV cure: an appropriate moment to reduce cannabis use in people living with HIV? (ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH data)

BACKGROUND

Thanks to direct-acting antivirals, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can be cured, with similar rates in HCV-infected and HIV-HCV co-infected patients. HCV cure is likely to foster behavioral changes in psychoactive substance use, which is highly prevalent in people living with HIV (PLWH). Cannabis is one substance that is very commonly used by PLWH, sometimes for therapeutic purposes. We aimed to identify correlates of cannabis use reduction following HCV cure in HIV-HCV co-infected cannabis users and to characterize persons who reduced their use.

METHODS

We used data collected on HCV-cured cannabis users in a cross-sectional survey nested in the ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH cohort of HIV-HCV co-infected patients, to perform logistic regression, with post-HCV cure cannabis reduction as the outcome, and socio-behavioral characteristics as potential correlates. We also characterized the study sample by comparing post-cure substance use behaviors between those who reduced their cannabis use and those who did not.

RESULTS

Among 140 HIV-infected cannabis users, 50 and 5 had reduced and increased their use, respectively, while 85 had not changed their use since HCV cure. Cannabis use reduction was significantly associated with tobacco use reduction, a decrease in fatigue level, paying more attention to one's dietary habits since HCV cure, and pre-HCV cure alcohol abstinence (p = 0.063 for alcohol use reduction).

CONCLUSIONS

Among PLWH using cannabis, post-HCV cure cannabis reduction was associated with tobacco use reduction, improved well-being, and adoption of healthy behaviors. The management of addictive behaviors should therefore be encouraged during HCV treatment.

T-cell activation profiles distinguish hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and early sepsis

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a fatal disorder of immune hyperactivation that has been described as a cytokine storm. Sepsis due to known or suspected infection has also been viewed as a cytokine storm. Although clinical similarities between these syndromes suggest similar immunopathology and may create diagnostic uncertainty, distinguishing them is critical as treatments are widely divergent. We examined T-cell profiles from children with either HLH or sepsis and found that HLH is characterized by acute T-cell activation, in clear contrast to sepsis. Activated T cells in patients with HLH were characterized as CD38high/HLA-DR+ effector cells, with activation of CD8+ T cells being most pronounced. Activated T cells were type 1 polarized, proliferative, and displayed evidence of recent and persistent activation. Circulating activated T cells appeared to be broadly characteristic of HLH, as they were seen in children with and without genetic lesions or identifiable infections and resolved with conventional treatment of HLH. Furthermore, we observed even greater activation and type 1 polarization in tissue-infiltrating T cells, described here for the first time in a series of patients with HLH. Finally, we observed that a threshold of >7% CD38high/HLA-DR+ cells among CD8+ T cells had strong positive and negative predictive value for distinguishing HLH from early sepsis or healthy controls. We conclude that the cytokine storm of HLH is marked by distinctive T-cell activation whereas early sepsis is not, and that these 2 syndromes can be readily distinguished by T-cell phenotypes.

Microelimination or Not? The Changing Epidemiology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Hepatitis C Virus Coinfection in France 2012–2018

Background

The arrival of highly effective, well-tolerated, direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) led to a dramatic decrease in hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-HCV–coinfected patients are deemed a priority population for HCV elimination, while a rise in recently acquired HCV infections in men who have sex with men (MSM) has been described. We describe the variations in HIV-HCV epidemiology in the French Dat’AIDS cohort.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort of persons living with HIV (PLWH) from 2012 to 2018. We determined HCV prevalence, HCV incidence, proportion of viremic patients, treatment uptake, and mortality rate in the full cohort and by HIV risk factors.

Results

From 2012 to 2018, 50 861 PLWH with a known HCV status were followed up. During the period, HCV prevalence decreased from 15.4% to 13.5%. HCV prevalence among new HIV cases increased from 1.9% to 3.5% in MSM but remained stable in other groups. Recently acquired HCV incidence increased from 0.36/100 person-years to 1.25/100 person-years in MSM. The proportion of viremic patients decreased from 67.0% to 8.9%. MSM became the first group of viremic patients in 2018 (37.9%). Recently acquired hepatitis represented 59.2% of viremic MSM in 2018. DAA treatment uptake increased from 11.4% to 61.5%. More treatments were initiated in MSM in 2018 (41.2%) than in intravenous drug users (35.6%). In MSM, treatment at the acute phase represented 30.0% of treatments in 2018.

Conclusions

A major shift in HCV epidemiology was observed in PLWH in France from 2012 to 2018, leading to a unique situation in which the major group of HCV transmission in 2018 was MSM.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT02898987.

Effect of different conditioning regimens on survival and engraftment for children with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis undergoing allogeneic hematopoeitic stem cell transplantation: A single institution experience

BACKGROUND

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare hyperinflammatory immuneregulatory disorder, is a challenge in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) because of the high rate of mixed chimerism, relapse, and graft failure (GF) unless intensive myeloablative regimens are used. However, historically conventional myeloablative regimens (conv MA) are associated with high toxicity and mortality.

PROCEDURE

We retrospectively compared transplant outcomes between three preparative regimens of varying intensities: Conv MA (n = 15), reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC, n = 12), and a treosulfan-based reduced-toxicity conditioning (RTC, n = 9).

RESULTS

Patients in the RIC cohort had a higher incidence of mixed donor chimerism and five patients (42%) developed secondary GF (P = .002) compared to the other two regimens. There was a higher incidence of veno-occlusive disease and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions in the Conv MA cohort. With the RTC regimen, there was a similar 2-year overall survival (89, 73, and 83%; P = .87), but improved compound EFS (lack of relapse, GF, second transplant or additional donor cell infusions, or death; 89, 73, and 42%, P = .041) in RTC, Conv MA, and RIC regimen, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The intensity of the preparative regimen has a significant impact on outcome of HSCT for HLH. The newly described treosulfan-based RTC provides for a stable graft with a reasonable toxicity profile.

Clinical decisions following implementation of asparaginase activity monitoring in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Experience from a single-center study

We undertook this retrospective study to describe decisions made following asparaginase activity monitoring implementation at our center. Clinically apparent reactions (CARs) and asparaginase activity monitoring costs were described. Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, aged <18 years who received asparaginase between April 2016 and September 2017, were included. Decisions made following receipt of asparaginase activity results were categorized as continuation, modification, premedication, or discontinuation. We included 129 patients (median age: 5.33 years) receiving 565 asparaginase doses. CARs were observed following 25 asparaginase doses (19/361 [5.3%] pegaspargase). A total of 224 asparaginase activity levels were ordered in 88 patients. Following receipt of 190 asparaginase activity results, asparaginase therapy was continued, modified, or premedicated in 188 (98.9%), 1 (0.005%), and 1 (0.005%) cases, respectively. Inadequate asparaginase activity was observed in three patients receiving Erwinia asparaginase. Asparaginase activity monitoring allowed patients with pegaspargase-associated CAR and adequate activity to continue therapy unchanged and was cost neutral.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a sign of poor outcome in pediatric Epstein-Barr virus-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

EBV-related PTLD developing after HSCT is a potentially life-threatening disease. HLH is uncommon after allogeneic HSCT. Data on outcome of patients with PTLD and concomitant HLH after allogeneic HSCT are limited. In this retrospective study, we collected demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcome data for 408 patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT from 2006 to 2015. Graft source included CB (n = 135; 33.1%), PBSCs (n = 34; 8.3%), and BM (n = 239; 58.6%). Eight out of 408 patients (2%) developed EBV-PTLD with a median age at HSCT of 5.9 years (range: 2.3-17.3). All eight patients received ATG as part of the conditioning regimen. Graft source was PBSC in three patients (37.5%), BM in four patients (50%), and CB in one patient (12.5%). Donors were matched unrelated in five patients (62.5%) and matched sibling in three patients (37.5%). Seven out of eight patients developed EBV-PTLD within the first 100-day post-HSCT. Lymph node biopsy revealed early lesions in three patients, polymorphic in three patients, and monomorphic PTLD in two patients. Three patients (37.5%) died within 1 month of EBV-PTLD diagnosis. All deceased patients developed HLH manifestations with two of them meeting HLH diagnostic criteria and one having an incomplete workup. PTLD after allogeneic HSCT with manifestations of HLH is associated with high mortality. Early identification and treatment of EBV-PTLD seems imperative to control the disease, especially if signs of HLH are evolving.

Chemotherapeutic Response and Survival for Patients With an Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Low Hemoglobin Levels

Purpose

Anemia is associated with poor treatment results for a variety of cancers. The effect of low hemoglobin levels on long-term outcomes after the treatment of patients with an anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remains unclear. For that reason, this study aimed to investigate the effect of anemia on treatment outcomes following chemoradiation for an anal SCC.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of all patients who underwent curative treatment for an anal SCC between 2009 and 2015 at 2 trusts in the United Kingdom. Data were collated from prospectively collected cancer databases and were cross-checked with operating-room records and records in the hospitals’ patient management systems.

Results

We identified 103 patients with a median age of 63 years (range, 36–84 years). The median overall survival was 39 months (range, 9–90 months), and the disease-free survival was 36 months (range, 2–90 months). During the follow-up period, 16.5% patients died and 13.6% patients developed recurrence. Twenty-two people were anemic prior to treatment, with a female preponderance (20 of 22). No differences in disease-free survival (P = 0.74) and overall survival (P = 0.12) were noted between patients with anemia and those with normal hemoglobin levels. On regression the analysis, the combination of anemia, the presence of a defunctioning colostomy, lymph-node involvement and higher tumor stage correlated with poor overall survival.

Conclusion

In this study, anemia did not influence disease-free survival or overall survival. We suggest that the interaction between anemia and survival is more complex than previously demonstrated and potentially reliant on other coexisting factors.

Anastomosing hemangioma of the kidney: radiologic and pathologic distinctions of a kidney cancer mimic

Anastomosing hemangioma (ah) is a rare subtype of primary vascular tumour that can, clinically and radiologically, present similarly to malignant renal tumours such as renal cell carcinoma (rcc) and angiosarcoma. Rarely seen in the genitourinary system, the ah we report here occurred in a 40-year-old male patient diagnosed initially with rcc based on imaging and successfully treated by laparoscopic left radical nephrectomy, with adrenal sparing and perihilar lymph node dissection. The pathologic diagnosis of ah can be challenging on small biopsy specimens; we therefore opine that it is appropriate to excise these lesions to facilitate diagnosis and definitively exclude common renal cancers. However, in this review, we describe some radiologic and pathologic distinctions between ah and malignant tumours.

Efficacy, safety and patient-reported outcomes of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in NS3/4A protease inhibitor-experienced individuals with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 and HIV coinfection with and without cirrhosis (ANRS HC31 SOFTRIH study)

OBJECTIVES

Studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of the fixed-dose combination ledipasvir (LDV)/sofosbuvir (SOF) in patients coinfected with HIV-1 and hepatitis C virus (HCV) have mainly included treatment-naïve patients without cirrhosis. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this combination in treatment-experienced patients with and without cirrhosis.

METHODS

We conducted a multicentre, open-label, double-arm, nonrandomized study in patients coinfected with HIV-1 and HCV genotype 1 with and without cirrhosis, who had good viral suppression on their antiretroviral regimens. All patients were pretreated with a first-generation NS3/4A protease inhibitor (PI) plus pegylated interferon/ribavirin. Patients received a fixed-dose combination of LDV/SOF for 12 weeks, or for 24 weeks if cirrhosis was present. The primary endpoint was a sustained virological response (SVR) 12 weeks after the end of therapy. Secondary endpoints included safety, pharmacokinetics and patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 68 patients enrolled, 39.7% had cirrhosis. Sixty-five patients [95.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 87.6-99.1%; P < 0.0001] achieved an SVR, with similar rates of SVR in those with and without cirrhosis. Tolerance was satisfactory, with mainly grade 1 or 2 adverse events. Among patient-reported outcomes, only fatigue significantly decreased at the end of treatment compared with baseline [odds ratio (OR): 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14-0.96; P = 0.04]. Mean tenofovir area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) at week 4 was high, with mean ± SD AUC variation between baseline and week 4 higher in cirrhotic than in noncirrhotic patients (3261.57 ± 1920.47 ng/mL vs. 1576.15 ± 911.97 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.03). Mild proteinuria (54.4%), hypophosphataemia (50.0%), blood bicarbonate decrease (29.4%) and hypokalaemia (13.2%) were reported. The serum creatinine level was not modified.

CONCLUSIONS

LDV/SOF provided a high SVR rate in PI-experienced subjects coinfected with HCV genotype 1 and HIV-1, including patients with cirrhosis.

Direct-acting antiviral treatment against hepatitis C virus infection in HIV-Infected patients - "En route for eradication"?

OBJECTIVES

Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) opened a new era in HCV treatment. We report the impact of HCV treatment in French HIV-HCV coinfected patients.

METHODS

All HIV-HCV patients from the Dat'AIDS cohort followed between 2012 and 2015 were included. HCV status was defined yearly as naive, spontaneous cure, sustained virological response (SVR12), failure or reinfection.

RESULTS

Among 32,945 HIV-infected patients, 15.2% were positive for anti-HCV antibodies. From 2012 to 2015, HCV incidence rate increased from 0.35%PY to 0.69%PY in MSM, while median incidence was 0.08%PY in other patients. Median reinfection rate was 2.56%PY in MSM and 0.22%PY in other patients. HCV treatment initiation rate rose from 8.2% in 2012 to 29.6% (48.0% in pre-treated patients vs 22.6% in naïve patients). SVR12 rate increased from 68.7% to 95.2%. By the end of 2015, 62.7% of the patients were cured either spontaneously or following SVR.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV treatment dramatically increased in HIV-HCV patients in France from 2012 to 2015 resulting in HCV cure in nearly two-thirds of the patients in this cohort. Combined with a declining HCV prevalence, the prevalence of active HCV infection among HIV patients will drastically decrease in the forthcoming years.

Salvage therapy for refractory hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A review of the published experience

Hemophagocytic lymphohistioytosis (HLH) is a severe, life-threatening hyperinflammatory disorder that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Approximately, 25-50% of patients with HLH fail to achieve remission with established regimens that include dexamethasone and etoposide, or methylprednisolone and antithymocyte globulin (ATG). Some of these patients may require salvage or alternative therapeutic approaches. There is a paucity of literature regarding effective salvage therapies for patients with refractory HLH. In this review, we summarize the published experience of four therapeutics reported for using at least two patients with HLH refractory to dexamethasone and etoposide or methylprednisolone and ATG.

How to Treat Involvement of the Central Nervous System in Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis?

OPINION STATEMENT

Central nervous system (CNS)-hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is not a disease in itself, but it is part of a systemic immune response. The vast majority of patients with CNS-HLH also have systemic HLH and a large number of patients with primary and secondary HLH have CNS involvement. Reactivations within the CNS are frequent during the course of HLH treatment and may occur concomitant with or independent of systemic relapses. It is also important to consider primary HLH as an underlying cause of "unknown CNS inflammation" as these patients may present with only CNS disease. To initiate proper treatment, a correct diagnosis must be made. A careful review of the patient's history and a thorough neurological examination are essential. In addition to the blood tests required to make a diagnosis of HLH, a lumbar puncture with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should always be done in all cases regardless of the presence or absence of neurological signs or symptom. Treatment options for CNS-HLH include, but are not limited to, those commonly used in systemic HLH, including corticosteroids, etoposide, cyclosporine A, alemtuzumab, and ATG. In addition, intrathecal treatment with methotrexate and corticosteroids has become a standard care and is likely to be beneficial. Therapy must be initiated without inappropriate delay to prevent late effects in HLH. An interesting novel approach is an anti-IFN-gamma antibody (NI-0501), which is currently being tested. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) also represents an important CNS-HLH treatment; patients with primary HLH may benefit from immediate HSCT even if there is active disease at time of transplantation, though care should be taken to monitor CNS inflammation through HSCT and treat if needed. Since CNS-HLH is a condition leading to the most severe late effects of HLH, early expert consultation is recommended.

Liver transplantation for children with acute liver failure associated with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare life-threatening systemic disease, characterized by overwhelming stimulation of the immune system and categorized as primary or secondary types. Occasionally, acute liver failure (ALF) may dominate the clinical presentation. Given the systemic nature of HLH and risk of recurrence, HLH is considered by many a contraindication to liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study is to review our single-center experience with LT in children with secondary HLH and ALF (HLH-ALF). This is a cross-sectional, retrospective study of children with secondary HLH-ALF that underwent LT in 2005-2014. Of 246 LTs, 9 patients (3 males; median age, 5 years; range, 0.7-15.4 years) underwent LT for secondary HLH-ALF. Disease progression was rapid with median 14 days (range, 6-27 days) between first symptoms and LT. Low fibrinogen/high triglycerides, elevated ferritin, hemophagocytosis on liver biopsy, and soluble interleukin 2 receptor levels were the most commonly fulfilled diagnostic criteria; HLH genetic studies were negative in all patients. Immunosuppressive therapy after LT included corticosteroids adjusted to HLH treatment protocol and tacrolimus. Thymoglobulin (n = 5), etoposide (n = 4), and alemtuzumab (n = 2) were used in cases of recurrence. Five (56%) patients experienced HLH recurrence, 1 requiring repeat LT, and 3 died. Overall graft and patient survival were 60% and 67%, respectively. Six patients are alive and well at a median of 24 months (range, 15-72 months) after transplantation. In conclusion, LT can be beneficial in selected patients with secondary HLH-ALF and can restore good health in an otherwise lethal condition. Liver Transplantation 22 1245-1253 2016 AASLD.

Liver transplantation for children with acute liver failure associated with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare life-threatening systemic disease, characterized by overwhelming stimulation of the immune system and categorized as primary or secondary types. Occasionally, acute liver failure (ALF) may dominate the clinical presentation. Given the systemic nature of HLH and risk of recurrence, HLH is considered by many a contraindication to liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study is to review our single-center experience with LT in children with secondary HLH and ALF (HLH-ALF). This is a cross-sectional, retrospective study of children with secondary HLH-ALF that underwent LT in 2005-2014. Of 246 LTs, 9 patients (3 males; median age, 5 years; range, 0.7-15.4 years) underwent LT for secondary HLH-ALF. Disease progression was rapid with median 14 days (range, 6-27 days) between first symptoms and LT. Low fibrinogen/high triglycerides, elevated ferritin, hemophagocytosis on liver biopsy, and soluble interleukin 2 receptor levels were the most commonly fulfilled diagnostic criteria; HLH genetic studies were negative in all patients. Immunosuppressive therapy after LT included corticosteroids adjusted to HLH treatment protocol and tacrolimus. Thymoglobulin (n = 5), etoposide (n = 4), and alemtuzumab (n = 2) were used in cases of recurrence. Five (56%) patients experienced HLH recurrence, 1 requiring repeat LT, and 3 died. Overall graft and patient survival were 60% and 67%, respectively. Six patients are alive and well at a median of 24 months (range, 15-72 months) after transplantation. In conclusion, LT can be beneficial in selected patients with secondary HLH-ALF and can restore good health in an otherwise lethal condition. Liver Transplantation 22 1245-1253 2016 AASLD.

Successful Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in XIAP Deficiency Using Reduced-Intensity Conditioning

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is currently the only available curative therapy for X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) deficiency. Myeloablative conditioning regimens are associated with high mortality rates. Reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) is recommended in order to decrease treatment-related toxicities, but RIC regimens increase the risk for mixed donor-recipient chimerism that may progress to graft loss. We report our experience with a patient with XIAP deficiency who was successfully treated with allogeneic HSCT using a RIC protocol. Post-transplant chimerism was vigilantly monitored and maintained with donor lymphocyte infusions and a stem cell boost to a level that prevented hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis recurrence.

Clinical features and induction outcome of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a lower/middle income population: A multi-institutional report from Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer of childhood. Some evidence suggests differences in clinical and cytogenetic characteristics of ALL based on geographic and ethnic variations. However, data on ALL characteristics and early outcome of therapy from low/middle-income countries such as Pakistan are scanty.

PROCEDURE

A prospective, multi-institutional cohort study in Karachi enrolled 646 newly diagnosed children with ALL over 3 years. Standard forms were used to collect demographic, clinical, and laboratory data at presentation and at the end of induction.

RESULTS

Of the total, 66.1% (n = 427) were males. Median age was 6 (mean ± SE 6.87 ± 0.16; range 0.16-18) years. The most common clinical presentation was fever (88.7%). BPC-ALL was diagnosed in 78.5%, while 17.5% had T-ALL; 28.8% had a WBC >50 × 10(9) /L. With 316 patients karyotyped, hypodiploidy and hyperdiploidy were seen in 5.1% and 10.7%, respectively. Of those tested, ETV6-RUNX1 translocation was detected in 13.2%, while BCR-ABL1 translocation and MLL gene rearrangements were seen in 7.3% and 4.6%, respectively. The cumulative loss to follow up before and during induction was 12.8% (n = 83) and 11.5% (n = 74) died before or during this phase. Induction was successfully completed by only 75.6% (n = 489) of the entire cohort and 69.6% (n = 450) achieved remission.

CONCLUSION

These patients had ALL with higher risk features than that reported from developed countries. One quarter failed to complete induction chemotherapy. This suboptimal result requires further study and development of innovative interventions, particularly focusing on the causes and solutions for late referral, abandonment, and infections.

Risk for complications in patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis who undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: myeloablative versus reduced-intensity conditioning regimens

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative option for patients with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and for patients with secondary HLH who fail to respond to therapy. Advances in HSCT and supportive care measures have resulted in improved patient outcomes and decreased treatment-related mortality. Despite the overall improvement in outcome, HLH patients who undergo HSCT using myeloablative conditioning regimens are still at significant risk for complications. The HLH-94 study conducted by the Histiocyte Society reported a 30% TRM with increased pulmonary and hepatic complications. Recently, the use of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens has shown favorable outcomes when compared to conventional HSCT and lower rate of acute complications. In this review we compare the potential complications of myeloablative and RIC regimens for HSCT in HLH patients.

An N-Terminal Missense Mutation in STX11 Causative of FHL4 Abrogates Syntaxin-11 Binding to Munc18-2

Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is an often-fatal hyperinflammatory disorder caused by autosomal recessive mutations in PRF1, UNC13D, STX11, and STXBP2. We identified a homozygous STX11 mutation, c.173T > C (p.L58P), in three patients presenting clinically with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis from unrelated Pakistani families. The mutation yields an amino acid substitution in the N-terminal Habc domain of syntaxin-11 and resulted in defective natural killer cell degranulation. Notably, syntaxin-11 expression was decreased in patient cells. However, in an ectopic expression system, syntaxin-11 L58P was expressed at levels comparable to wild-type syntaxin-11, but did not bind Munc18-2. Moreover, another N-terminal syntaxin-11 mutant, R4A, also did not bind Munc18-2. Thus, we have identified a novel missense STX11 mutation causative of FHL type 4. The syntaxin-11 R4A and L58P mutations reveal that both the N-terminus and Habc domain of syntaxin-11 are required for binding to Munc18-2, implying similarity to the dynamic binary binding of neuronal syntaxin-1 to Munc18-1.

Economic evaluation of treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in childhood

Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster (BFM) and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) consortia's treatment strategies for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in children are widely used. We compared the health effects and monetary costs of hospital treatments for these two strategies. Parents of children treated at seven centres in Canada, Italy and the USA completed health-related quality of life (HRQL) assessments during four active treatment phases and at 2 years after treatment. Mean HRQL scores were used to calculate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for a period of 5 years following diagnosis. Total costs of treatment were determined from variables in administrative databases in a universally accessible and publicly funded healthcare system. Valid HRQL assessments (n = 1200) were collected for 307 BFM and 317 DFCI patients, with costs measured for 66 BFM and 28 DFCI patients. QALYs per patient were <1.0% greater for BFM than DFCI. Median HRQL scores revealed no difference in QALYs. The difference in mean total costs for BFM (US$88 480) and DFCI (US$93 026) was not significant (P = 0.600). This study provides no evidence of superiority for one treatment strategy over the other. Current BFM or DFCI strategies should represent conventional management for the next economic evaluation of treatments for ALL in childhood.

Bioequivalence of fixed-dose combination Myrin®-P Forte and reference drugs in loose combination

BACKGROUND

Myrin®-P Forte is a fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet containing rifampicin (RMP, 150 mg), isoniazid (INH, 75 mg), ethambutol (EMB) hydrochloride (275 mg) and pyrazinamide (PZA, 400 mg) developed for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB).

SETTING

This study was conducted at a single centre--the Pfizer Clinical Research Unit in Singapore.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the bioequivalence of each drug component of the Myrin-P Forte FDC and the individual product in loose combination.

DESIGN

In a randomized, open-label, single-dose, two-way, crossover study, subjects received single doses of Myrin-P Forte or four individual products under fasting conditions in a crossover fashion with at least 7 days washout between doses. The primary measures for comparison were peak plasma concentration (C(max)) and the area under plasma concentration-time curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Of 36 subjects enrolled, 35 completed the study. The adjusted geometric mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals for C(max) and AUC values were completely contained within bioequivalence limits (80%, 125%) for all four drugs in both formulations. Both treatments were generally well tolerated in the study.

CONCLUSION

The Myrin-P Forte FDC tablet formulation is bioequivalent to the four single-drug references for RMP, INH, EMB hydrochloride and PZA at equivalent doses.

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: experience from a single tertiary care facility of Pakistan

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the demographic features, outcome and prognostic factors seen in children with acute lymphoplastic leukaemia at a tertiary care hospital.

METHODS

The retrospective descriptive study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, comprising data related to children below 15 years of age and treated between January 1997 and December 2006. Kaplan Meir survival curves were used to describe overall and event-free survival rates. Cox Proportional Hazards model was used to describe factors associated with death and relapse. SPSS 16 was the main statistical tool.

RESULTS

Of the total 121 children diagnosed with the condition, 79 (65.3%) were males; 86 (71.1%) patients were between 1-9 years of age; Immunophenotyping was done in 99 (81.81%) patients: 86 (87%) cases had precursor B and 13 (13.13%) had precursor T. Of the total, 106 (87.6%) patients opted for treatment, while 15 (11.6%) were lost to follow-up. Besides, 26 (21.7%) patients had at least one relapse; the most common site being bone marrow in 13 (50%) followed by central nervous system in 9 (36.6%). There were 20 (16.5%) deaths in the sample. Infection was the most frequent cause of death. The event-free survival and overall survival was 63% (n = 76) and 65% (n = 79) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Through the clinical characteristics of children with acute lymphoblastic leukamia were similar to those reported in literature, the outcomes were inferior. The high rate of infections and relapse warrant better supportive care and risk-based approach.

A mixed method approach to describe the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by families of children with cancer

BACKGROUND

Families of children with cancer are confronted with a broad range of direct costs (out-of-pocket expenses), but the nature of these costs is poorly understood. This study aimed to disaggregate and describe these costs.

PROCEDURE

A prospective, mixed method, cost-of-illness design was utilized. Starting in the fourth week following their child's diagnosis, parents recorded resources consumed, and costs incurred for 1 week per month for 3 consecutive months. Any additional costs not captured in this typical 1 week period were added for the remainder of the month. Parents also discussed their costs in an audio-taped interview at the end of the 3 months. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analyses were performed to disaggregate and describe families' costs.

RESULTS

In total, 99 families reported utilizing 16 cost categories and 74 cost items. Nearly three quarters of these costs were attributed to travel (56%) and food (18%). Costly items included acquisition of a car ($CAD35,000), relocation of a family ($CAD6,000), and purchase of a wheelchair ($CAD6,800). Parents described facing significant out-of-pocket expenses to ensure that their children had access to cancer treatment, to cope with the clinical treatment side effects of treatment, and to maintain the family household.

CONCLUSION

Families of children with cancer experience a wide range of costs. Our understanding of the nature of their costs and resource use may formulate the basis for future cost assessments and provide insight into practice and policy changes aimed at lessening the economic impact of this burden.

Increased complications and morbidity in children with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative option for patients with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and for patients with secondary HLH who fail to respond to therapy.

METHODS

Retrospective study of HSCT for HLH with focus on complications and outcome.

RESULTS

Eighteen children (10 males), with a median age of 1.2 yr (5 months-16 yr), received HSCT for HLH. Fourteen children had primary HLH. Four children underwent transplant while not in remission. Sixteen received myeloablative and two received reduced intensity conditioning regimen. A high incidence of complications was found: 13 (72%) children had 22 episodes of culture-proven infections; seven (38%) had hepatic veno-occlusive disease; nine (50%) developed respiratory complications; and nine (50%) required intensive care unit admission. Eight children had acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and three developed chronic GVHD. Three patients died from multi-organ failure before day +100, and another patient died from pulmonary hemorrhage after day 100. Three patients failed to engraft (two developed recurrent HLH and died from complications after a second HSCT). Three of four children not in remission at the time of transplantation died. Actuarial survival at three yr was 61%.

CONCLUSION

HSCT for HLH carries significant risks with high infection, organ dysfunction, and ICU admissions rates.

The fraction of recombinant factor VIII:Ag unable to bind von Willebrand factor has no FVIII coagulant activity: studies in vitro

A fraction of FVIII:Ag in commercial recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) cannot bind VWF whereas all the FVIII:Ag in plasma-derived FVIII (pd-FVIII) concentrates does. To compare the FVIII:C activities of the fractions of rFVIII:Ag that can and cannot bind VWF. The FVIII:Ag contents of the rFVIII Kogenate, and Advate and a pd-FVIII-pd-VWF (Fanhdi) were measured by ELISA. The FX activation was initiated by adding 1.0 IU of FVIII:C of each FVIII-containing product to a coagulant phospholipids suspension containing 1.0 nm FIXa, 100 nm FX, 1 μm hirudin and 2 mm calcium chloride and measured after 1, 5 and 10 min. The same approach was followed after adding 2.0 IU of pd-VWF to 1.0 IU of FVIII:C of Kogenate or Advate. The FVIII:Ag content/IU of FVIII:C of Kogenate, Advate and Fanhdi were 1.80 ± 0.05, 1.31 ± 0.9 and 0.84 ± 1.5 IU respectively. Only Kogenate and Advate effectively enhanced FX activation 1 min after adding each FVIII:C to the coagulant suspension containing FIXa and FX. Thus, the FXa initially generated by FIXa readily activated FVIII:C in control Kogenate and Advate to thereby effectively enhance FX activation while the VWF in Fanhdi continued to suppress FX activation for up to 10 min. Addition of pd-VWF to Kogenate or Advate effectively decreased their enhancements of FX activation to the same level as Fanhdi over 10 min. The FVIII:Ag fraction in Kogenate and Advate that cannot bind VWF appears to be inactive as it has no measureable FVIII:C activity in the presence of added VWF in vitro.

Perspectives toward oral mucositis prevention from parents and health care professionals in pediatric cancer

PURPOSE

The objectives of this study were: (1) to describe parents and health care professionals (HCPs) perceived importance of oral mucositis prevention in children with cancer; (2) To describe utilities and willingness-to-pay (WTP) to prevent mucositis.

METHODS

Respondents included parents of children receiving intensive chemotherapy for leukemia/lymphoma or undergoing stem cell transplantation and HCPs caring for children with cancer. Importance of mild and severe oral mucositis was estimated using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Mucositis-associated utilities were elicited using the time trade-off technique (TTO). WTP to avoid mucositis was obtained using contingent valuation. These techniques quantify how much time or money the participant is willing to relinquish in order to prevent mucositis.

RESULTS

Eighty-two parents and 60 HCPs were included. Parents and HCPs believed mild mucositis to be of similar importance (median VAS 2.5 versus 3.6; P = 0.357) while parents considered severe mucositis less important than HCPs (median VAS 8.3 versus 9.0; P < 0.0001). No differences in parent versus HCP responses were seen with TTO (mild or severe mucositis) and most parents were not willing to trade any survival time to prevent severe mucositis. Parents were willing to pay significantly more than HCPs to prevent mild mucositis (average median WTP $1,371 CAN vs. $684 CAN, P = 0.031). No differences were seen in WTP to prevent severe mucositis.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents and HCP believe severe mucositis to be important, although it is more important to HCPs. Parents would not be willing to reduce life expectancy to eliminate mucositis.