Incidence and risk factors of pain crisis after hematopoietic cell transplantation for sickle cell disease.

ABSTRACT: Vaso-occlusive episodes (VOC) or pain crises are the most common indications for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for sickle cell disease (SCD). Elimination of pain crisis after HCT is an important patient-centered outcome and may improve understanding of the natural history of pain syndromes in SCD. We examined deidentified records of 763 patients followed-up for a median of 36.7 months (range, 0.3-168.6 months), with 69.6% patient's age <18 years at HCT, 83.3% patient's Karnofsky-Lansky performance score (KPS) ≥90, overall survival 92.9%, event-free survival 72.4%, graft failure (GF) 22.4%, AGVHD 21.4%, CGVHD 27%, and pain crisis 8.65%. On unadjusted logistic regression, increased risk of pain crisis after HCT was observed in patient's aged >10 years at HCT (range, 11-17 years; OR, 9.43; 95% CI, 3.20-27.79; P < .0001), in age ≥18 years (OR, 16.62; 95% CI, 5.85-47.16; P < .0001), in those with history of pain crisis 2 years before HCT (OR, 13.16; 95% CI, 4.08-42.42; P < .0001), alternate donors (haploidentical [OR, 4.80; 95% CI, 2.48-9.31; P < .0001], unrelated matched [OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.23-5.97; P = .0132], and mismatched unrelated [OR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.44-7.05; P = .0041], and those with GF (n = 41 [5.37%]; OR, 7.15; 95% CI, 4.20-12.18; P < .0001). Pain crisis was less frequent with KPS of ≥90 (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.18-0.55; P < .0001). Multivariable logistic regression models confirmed age at HCT, KPS, graft type, donor type, history of VOC 2 years before HCT, and GF as independent predictors of pain crisis after HCT and generated predictive models and nomograms for pain crisis after HCT for SCD, which can support shared decision making.

Mediport use as an acceptable standard for CAR T cell infusion.

Introduction: Mediport use as a clinical option for the administration of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T cell) therapy in patients with B-cell malignancies has yet to be standardized. Concern for mediport dislodgement, cell infiltration, and ineffective therapy delivery to systemic circulation has resulted in variable practice with intravenous administration of CAR T cell therapy. With CAR T cell commercialization, it is important to establish practice standards for CAR T cell delivery. We conducted a study to establish usage patterns of mediports in the clinical setting and provide a standard of care recommendation for mediport use as an acceptable form of access for CAR T cell infusions. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data on mediport use and infiltration rate was collected from a survey across 34 medical centers in the Pediatric Real-World CAR Consortium, capturing 504 CAR T cell infusion routes across 489 patients. Data represents the largest, and to our knowledge sole, report on clinical CAR T cell infusion practice patterns since FDA approval and CAR T cell commercialization in 2017. Results: Across 34 sites, all reported tunneled central venous catheters, including Broviac® and Hickman® catheters, as accepted standard venous options for CAR T cell infusion. Use of mediports as a standard clinical practice was reported in 29 of 34 sites (85%). Of 489 evaluable patients with reported route of CAR T cell infusion, 184 patients were infused using mediports, with no reported incidences of CAR T cell infiltration. Discussion/Conclusion: Based on current clinical practice, mediports are a commonly utilized form of access for CAR T cell therapy administration. These findings support the safe practice of mediport usage as an accepted standard line option for CAR T cell infusion.

Mixed donor chimerism following stem cell transplantation for sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is a debilitating hemoglobinopathy with high morbidity and mortality. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is curative, but the presence of mixed donor/recipient chimerism post-HCT raises concerns about disease control long-term. Mixed donor/recipient chimerism is reported in significant numbers even after aggressive HCT conditioning regimens. Post-HCT, adequacy of donor erythropoiesis is crucial for disease control. This review explores the relationship between mixed donor/recipient chimerism and outcomes post-HCT. Serial chimerism analysis in lineage specific manner in erythroid or myeloid cells post-HCT predicts for disease control and HCT success. Adequate and stable donor-derived erythropoiesis is essential for reversing SCD manifestations. Myeloid lineage chimerism mirrors erythropoiesis is commercially available, and a reliable indicator of adequacy. Using this tool, the minimum threshold of donor chimerism is required to prevent SCD-related complications and maintain sickle hemoglobin less than 50% is approximately 20-25% even when a donor has Hb S trait. Curative interventions should, at a minimum, meet this goal long-term. Achieving a balance between successful engraftment while minimizing toxicity is important in patients vulnerable because of age or preexisting morbidity and is the objective of recent clinical trials. As HCT and gene therapies evolve, efficient long-term follow-up that includes durability assessment of mixed donor/recipient chimerism will be crucial.

Role of abatacept in the prevention of graft-versus-host disease: current perspectives.

Administration of abatacept following transplantation has been reported to inhibit graft rejection and graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD) in mouse models associated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). This strategy has recently been adopted in clinical practice for GvHD prevention in human allogeneic HSCT and offers a unique approach to optimizing GvHD prophylaxis following alternative donor HSCTs. When combined with calcineurin inhibitors and methotrexate, abatacept had shown to be safe and effective in preventing moderate to severe acute GvHD in myeloablative HSCT using human leukocyte antigen (HLA) unrelated donors. Equivalent results are being reported in recent studies using alternative donors, in reduced-intensity conditioning HSCT and nonmalignant disorders. These observations have led to hypothesizing that even in the setting of increasing donor HLA disparity, abatacept when given with traditional GvHD prophylaxis does not worsen general outcomes. In addition, in limited studies, abatacept have being protective against the development of chronic GvHD through extended dosing and in the treatment of steroid-refractory chronic GvHD. This review summarized all the limited reports of this novels approach in the HSCT setting.

The Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Bone Marrow Transplantation in a Patient With High-risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

An 18-year-old girl with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia developed Streptococcus mitis septic shock and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome, including biventricular failure. Due to the anticipated reversibility of her cardiogenic shock, her young age, and her favorable survival chance after an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, she was placed on full circulatory support with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to her successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation 2 months later. This highlights the importance of prognostication in patient selection for extracorporeal life support. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to each case until more definite initiation criteria, risk stratification, and treatment protocols are established.

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia: A Report from the Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy Consortium.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the sole curative option for congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA), a rare type of hemolytic anemia characterized by anemia, ineffective erythropoiesis, and secondary hemochromatosis. In this retrospective multicenter study, we report the outcomes of children with CDA who underwent HCT at participating Pediatric Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Consortium centers. Clinical information on HCT and associated outcomes was collected retrospectively using a common questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and appropriate analysis. Eighteen patients with CDA who underwent allogeneic HCT between 2002 and 2020 were identified. The majority of patients (n = 13) had CDA type II, and the remainder had either CDA type I (n = 2) or CDA of unknown type (n = 3). Mutations were identified in 7 patients (39%), including SEC23B in 5, GATA1 in 1, and abnormality of chromosome 20 in 1. Thirteen patients had evidence of iron overload pre-HCT and received chelation therapy for a median duration of 10 months (range, 2 months to 17 years) pre-HCT. The median age at the time of HCT was 5.5 years (range, 0.7 to 26 years). Donors were HLA-matched (sibling, 4; unrelated, 10) and mismatched (haploidentical, 1; unrelated, 3). Graft sources were bone marrow in 15 patients, umbilical cord blood in 2 patients, or both in 1 patient. Conditioning included busulfan-based myeloablative (67%), fludarabine-based reduced-intensity (27%), or nonmyeloablative (6%) regimens. Five patients developed veno-occlusive disease, and 4 had viral reactivation. The cumulative incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 33%, and that of chronic GVHD was 22%. Four patients (22%) experienced graft failure; all engrafted following either a second HCT (n = 2) or third HCT (n = 2) but sustained considerable morbidities (3 GVHD, 1 death, 2 viral reactivation). With a median follow-up of 3.2 years (range, 0.6 to 14 years)), the 2-year overall survival, event-free survival (EFS), and GVHD-free EFS were 88% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73% to 100%), 65% (95% CI, 45% to 92%), and 60% (95% CI, 40% to 88%), respectively. Univariate analysis did not identify any patient- or transplantation-related variables impacting outcomes. Our study indicates that HCT can be curative for patients with CDA. Strategies such as aggressive chelation, use of preconditioning therapy, and early HCT in the presence of a suitable donor before comorbidities occur are needed to improve engraftment without increasing the risk for toxicity and mortality.

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Is Safe and Well Tolerated following Allogeneic Transplantation in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) used after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can enhance neutrophil recovery in patients rendered neutropenic by the preparative regimen. G-CSF is contraindicated in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), because life-threatening complications can ensue in the presence of sickle vasculopathy. The safety profile of G-CSF after HSCT for SCD has not been described, however. We report clinical outcomes in the first 100 days post-HSCT in 62 patients supported with G-CSF until neutrophil recovery on a clinical trial of reduced- intensity conditioning HSCT for SCD. The patients received G-CSF for a median of 9 days (range, 5 to 33 days) post-transplantation from the best available stem cell source. Preparation for transplantation included a target hemoglobin S level of ≤45%. Neutrophil engraftment (absolute neutrophil count >0.5 × 103/mL) was achieved at a median of 13 days (range, 10 to 34 days), and platelet engraftment (>50 × 103/mL) was achieved at a median of 19 days (range, 12 to 71 days). The median duration of inpatient hospitalization following stem cell infusion (day 0) was 21.5 days (range, 11 to 33 days). No patient developed SCD-related complications following G-CSF use. The most common organ toxicities encountered between G-CSF initiation (on day +7) and day +100 were anorexia (n = 14), hypertension (n = 11), and electrolyte imbalance requiring correction (n = 9). Central nervous system-related events were noted in 5 patients, all of whom had preexisting cerebral vasculopathy/moyamoya disease, attributed to reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome in the presence of calcineurin inhibitor therapy and hypertension. We conclude that G-CSF does not adversely impact SCD HSCT recipients and can be safely used post-transplantation to enhance neutrophil recovery.

Evidence-Based Minireview: In young children with severe sickle cell disease, do the benefits of HLA-identical sibling donor HCT outweigh the risks?

In case 1, a 14-month-old male child with sickle cell disease (SCD) was referred for evaluation for an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT). The patient had a history of dactylitis 3 times in his first year of life and febrile episodes twice at the consult. His 4-year-old sister was found to be human leukocyte antigen (HLA) identical. The patient was started on hydroxyurea (HU) at 2.5 years of age. His parents again sought consultation when he was 5 years old because of concerns about his medical condition. At the time, the patient had experienced 2 vaso-occlusive pain episodes (VOEs) requiring hospitalization during the previous 2 years. He had also experienced intermittent pain crises requiring rest at home for 2 to 3 days. The child has not attended school in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The family is considering HCT but is ambivalent about it because of potential toxicity. In case 2, an 8-year-old female child is 3 years out from HCT for SCD from her HLA-identical sibling. Before HCT, despite receiving HU, she had experienced >5 VOEs requiring hospitalization and 2 episodes of acute chest syndromes in the previous 3 years. She had also been missing almost 50 days of school days each year. After HCT, she is now attending school regularly and participating in all normal age-appropriate activities. The parents believe that HCT has been transformative in their child's life.

Bone marrow transplant using fludarabine-based reduced intensity conditioning regimen with in vivo T cell depletion in patients with Fanconi anemia.

FA is the most common cause of inherited BMF syndromes. The only cure for BMF in FA remains HSCT. Due to DNA instability in FA, RIC has been used to decrease immediate and late complications of HSCT. Most FA conditioning regimens in mismatched and unrelated donor transplants rely on TBI, which increases the risk of secondary malignancies. Most of the non-TBI conditioning regimens use an ex vivo T-cell depletion approach, but this is not feasible at all pediatric stem cell transplant programs. To evaluate the success of HSCT in patients with FA using non-TBI conditioning regimens with in vivo T-cell depletion approach. HSCT using non-TBI based conditioning was performed on two siblings with FA. The first sibling underwent matched unrelated donor transplant with a BM graft using fludarabine, alemtuzumab, busulfan, and cyclophosphamide conditioning and cyclosporine and mycophenolate as GVHD prophylaxis. The second sibling underwent MSD transplant with UCB and BM grafts using similar approach, but without busulfan and mycophenolate. Both siblings had engraftment without signs of acute or chronic GVHD. Acute post-transplant complications included brief viral reactivations. At last follow-up, both siblings continued to have full immune reconstitution with stable chimerism. Conditioning regimens without radiation and inclusion of alemtuzumab can lead to successful engraftment without development of GVHD and reduce risk of developing secondary neoplasms, even with unrelated donor transplants.

Abatacept is effective as GVHD prophylaxis in unrelated donor stem cell transplantation for children with severe sickle cell disease.

We report results of a phase 1 multicenter stem cell transplantation (SCT) trial from HLA-matched (n = 7) or one-antigen-mismatched (n = 7) unrelated donors (URD) using bone marrow or cord blood as stem cell source, following reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) in severe sickle cell disease (SCD). Conditioning included distal alemtuzumab, fludarabine, and melphalan (matched donors), with thiotepa (mismatched donors). Abatacept, a selective inhibitor of T cell costimulation, was added to tacrolimus and methotrexate as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis to offset GVHD risks, and was administered for longer duration in bone marrow recipients than in cord blood recipients because of increased incidence of chronic GVHD with bone marrow. Median age at transplant was 13 years (range, 7-21 years). The incidence of grades II to IV and grades III to IV acute GVHD at day +100 was 28.6% and 7%, respectively. One-year incidence of chronic GVHD was 57% and mild/limited in all but 1 patient who received abatacept for a longer duration. Only 1 patient developed reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome and recovered. With a median follow-up of 1.6 years (range, 1-5.5 years), the 2-year overall and disease-free survival was 100% and 92.9%, respectively. The encouraging results from the phase 1 portion of this RIC SCT trial, despite risk factors such as older age, URD, and HLA-mismatch, support further evaluation of URD SCT in clinical trial settings. The phase 2 portion of the trial is in progress. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03128996.

Low toxicity and favorable overall survival in relapsed/refractory B-ALL following CAR T cells and CD34-selected T-cell depleted allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant.

To define the tolerability and outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) following CAR T-cell therapy, we retrospectively reviewed pediatric/young adult patients with relapsed/refractory B-ALL who underwent this treatment. Fifteen patients (median age 13 years; range 1-20 years) with a median potential follow-up of 39 months demonstrated 24-month cumulative incidence of relapse, cumulative incidence of TRM, and OS of 16% (95% CI: 0-37%), 20% (95% CI: 0-40%), and 80% (95% CI: 60-100%), respectively. Severe toxicity following CAR T cells did not impact OS (p = 0.27), while greater time from CAR T cells to allo-HSCT (>80 days) was associated with a decrease in OS. In comparing CD34-selected T-cell depleted (TCD; n = 9) vs unmodified (n = 6) allo-HSCT, the cumulative incidence of relapse, TRM, and OS at 24 months was 22% (95% CI: 0-49%) vs 0% (p = 0.14), 0% vs 50% [95% CI: 10-90%] (p = 0.02) and 100% vs 50% [95% CI: 10-90%] (p = 0.02). In this small cohort of patients, CAR T cells followed by a CD34-selected TCD allo-HSCT appears to result in less TRM and favorable OS when compared with unmodified allo-HSCT. There was no evidence that disease control was impacted by the type of consolidative allo-HSCT, which demonstrates the feasibility of this approach.

GRFS and CRFS in alternative donor hematopoietic cell transplantation for pediatric patients with acute leukemia.

We report graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-free relapse-free survival (GRFS) (a composite end point of survival without grade III-IV acute GVHD [aGVHD], systemic therapy-requiring chronic GVHD [cGVHD], or relapse) and cGVHD-free relapse-free survival (CRFS) among pediatric patients with acute leukemia (n = 1613) who underwent transplantation with 1 antigen-mismatched (7/8) bone marrow (BM; n = 172) or umbilical cord blood (UCB; n = 1441). Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards models. To account for multiple testing, P < .01 for the donor/graft variable was considered statistically significant. Clinical characteristics were similar between UCB and 7/8 BM recipients, because most had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (62%), 64% received total body irradiation-based conditioning, and 60% received anti-thymocyte globulin or alemtuzumab. Methotrexate-based GVHD prophylaxis was more common with 7/8 BM (79%) than with UCB (15%), in which mycophenolate mofetil was commonly used. The univariate estimates of GRFS and CRFS were 22% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16-29) and 27% (95% CI, 20-34), respectively, with 7/8 BM and 33% (95% CI, 31-36) and 38% (95% CI, 35-40), respectively, with UCB (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, 7/8 BM vs UCB had similar GRFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.12; 95% CI, 0.87-1.45; P = .39), CRFS (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.82-1.38; P = .66), overall survival (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.80-1.44; P = .66), and relapse (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.03-2.02; P = .03). However, the 7/8 BM group had a significantly higher risk for grade III-IV aGVHD (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.16-2.48; P = .006) compared with the UCB group. UCB and 7/8 BM groups had similar outcomes, as measured by GRFS and CRFS. However, given the higher risk for grade III-IV aGVHD, UCB might be preferred for patients lacking matched donors.

Reduced-toxicity allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in congenital sideroblastic anemia.

The case of an infant girl with severe congenital sideroblastic anemia associated with a novel molecular defect in mitochondrial transporter SLC25A38 is presented. Her transfusion dependence was fully reversed following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using a modified reduced-intensity conditioning regimen, and she remains healthy 5 years posttransplant.

Transplant Outcomes for Children with T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Second Remission: A Report from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research.

Survival for children with relapsed T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is poor when treated with chemotherapy alone, and outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is not well described. Two hundred twenty-nine children with T-ALL in second complete remission (CR2) received an HCT after myeloablative conditioning between 2000 and 2011 and were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. Median age was 10 years (range, 2 to 18). Donor source was umbilical cord blood (26%), matched sibling bone marrow (38%), or unrelated bone marrow/peripheral blood (36%). Acute (grades II to IV) and chronic graft-versus-host disease occurred in, respectively, 35% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27% to 45%) and 26% (95% CI, 20% to 33%) of patients. Transplant-related mortality at day 100 and 3-year relapse rates were 13% (95% CI, 9% to 18%) and 30% (95% CI, 24% to 37%), respectively. Three-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 48% (95% CI, 41% to 55%) and 46% (95% CI, 39% to 52%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, patients with bone marrow relapse, with or without concurrent extramedullary relapse before HCT, were most likely to relapse (hazard ratio, 3.94; P = .005) as compared with isolated extramedullary disease. In conclusion, HCT for pediatric T-ALL in CR2 demonstrates reasonable and durable outcomes, and consideration for HCT is warranted.

Low molecular weight heparin for prevention of central venous catheterization-related thrombosis in children.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of children diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism has been increasing in the last decade. The most common thrombosis risk factor in neonates, infants and children is the placement of a central venous catheter (CVC). To date, it is unknown if the practice of anticoagulation prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) decreases CVC-related thrombosis in children. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this review was to determine the effect of LMWH prophylaxis on reducing the incidence of CVC-related thrombosis in children.Secondary objectives were to determine the effect of LMWH on occlusion of CVCs, number of days of CVC patency, episodes of catheter-related sepsis, side effects of LMWH (allergic reactions, major and minor bleeding complications, abnormal coagulation profile, osteoporosis) and mortality during therapy. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (last searched June 2013), CENTRAL (2013, Issue 5) and clinical trial databases. The authors searched MEDLINE and EMBASE (July 2013). Bibliographies of identified articles were searched. There were no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing LMWH prophylaxis to standard care given to prevent CVC-related thrombotic events in children were included. We selected studies conducted in children aged 0 to 18 years. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently identified eligible studies, which were assessed for study quality including bias, and extracted unadjusted data where available. In the data analysis step, all outcomes were analysed as binary or dichotomous outcomes. The effects of interventions were summarised with risk ratios (RR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: One of 17 studies retrieved for full-text assessment for eligibility was included in the final analysis. This study included a total of 186 participants and investigated the effect of LMWH to prevent CVC-related thrombosis compared to standard care. The risk of bias of the study was assessed to be low, except for the unclear risk of selection bias (allocation concealment not reported) and detection bias since it was an open-label study. Nonetheless, outcome adjudication was blinded. However, overall the quality of the evidence was low due to the fact that the study was underpowered. The CIs for the risk of CVC-related thrombosis (symptomatic and asymptomatic events) were compatible with benefits of either LMWH (reviparin) or the control (RR for symptomatic thrombosis 1.03, 95% CI 0.21 to 4.93; RR for asymptomatic thrombosis 1.17, 95% CI 0.45 to 3.08). Similarly, only one patient in the standard care group suffered a major bleeding event, while minor bleeding was found in 53.3% of patients in the reviparin arm and in 44.7% of patients in the standard care arm (major bleeding RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.01 to 8.26; minor bleeding RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.58). Lastly, there were two deaths within the study and neither were the result of a venous thrombotic event (VTE), occurring in the standard care arm. No additional adverse effects were reported. Other pre-specified outcomes for this review were not reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: A single study reported imprecise effects for the risk of CVC-related thrombosis in children on a CVC anticoagulant prophylaxis regimen. The quality of the evidence was low due to the fact that the included study was clearly underpowered, hampering any conclusions in regards to the efficacy of LMWH prophylaxis to prevent CVC-related thrombi in children. Further prospective randomised studies are highly encouraged.

Heparin-bonded catheters for prolonging the patency of central venous catheters in children.

BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are a mainstay in the management of critically ill children. However, these catheters are associated with mechanical and infectious complications which reduce their life span. Heparin bonding of catheters has shown promise in animal studies and in adults. This is the first update of a review published in 2007. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to determine the effect of heparin-bonded CVCs on the duration of catheter patency in children. Secondary objectives were to determine the effects of heparin-bonded catheters on catheter-related thrombosis, occlusion, blood stream infection and side effects. SEARCH METHODS: For this update the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (last searched August 2013) and CENTRAL (2013, Issue 7). The authors searched MEDLINE (1946 to week 3 August 2013). SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of heparin-bonded catheters versus non-heparin bonded catheters or antibiotic-impregnated catheters that reported on any of the prespecified outcomes, without language restriction. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We assessed the methodological quality of the trials using the information provided in the studies and by contacting authors. We extracted data and estimated the effect size reported as risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD) or number needed to treat (NNT), as appropriate. MAIN RESULTS: We included two eligible studies with a total of 287 participants; both had good methodological quality. There was no difference in the duration of catheter patency between heparin-bonded and non-heparin bonded catheters (median duration seven days versus six days) reported in one study. There was no difference in the risk of catheter-related thrombosis (two studies, RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.68; I(2) = 80%; RD -0.06, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.06). Data from one study revealed a statistically significant reduction in the risk of catheter occlusion (RR 0.06, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.07; RD -0.08, 95% CI -0.13 to -0.02; NNT 13, 95% CI 8 to 50), catheter-related blood stream infections (RR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.41; RD -0.17, 95% CI -0.25 to -0.10; NNT 6, 95% CI 4 to 10) and catheter colonization (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.71; RD -0.11, 95% CI -0.19 to -0.04; NNT 9, 95% CI 5 to 25) in the heparin-bonded catheter group. The second study did not report on these outcomes. There was no significant difference in risk of thrombocytopenia after catheter placement (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.39; RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.07). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Two eligible studies on the use of heparin-bonded catheters versus placebo in children were identified. Meta-analysis of the two studies revealed no reduction in catheter-related thrombosis with heparin-bonded catheters. One study reported a reduction in catheter-related blood stream infection and colonization following the use of heparin-bonded catheters. The strength of evidence is low and further well-designed multicenter randomized controlled trials are warranted.