Reduced mortality from KPC-K.pneumoniae bloodstream infection in high-risk patients with hematological malignancies colonized by KPC-K.pneumoniae.

BACKGROUND: KPC-K.pneumoniae bloodstream infection (KPC-KpBSI) mortality rate in patients with hematological malignancies is reported about 60%. The initial treatment active against KPC-K.pneumoniae is crucial for survival and KPC-K.pneumoniae rectal colonization usually precedes KPC-KpBSI. We evaluated the impact on KPC-KpBSI mortality of the preemptive use of antibiotics active against KPC-K.pneumoniae, as opposed to inactive or standard empiric antibiotics, for the empiric treatment of febrile neutropenia episodes in patients with hematological malignancy identified as KPC-K.pneumoniae intestinal carriers. METHODS: We compared the outcomes of KPC-KpBSIs occurring in high-risk hematological patients known to be colonized with KPC-K.pneumoniae, during two time periods: March2012-December2013 (Period 1, initial approach to KPC-K.pneumoniae spread) and January2017-October2018 (Period 2, full application of the preemptive strategy). The relative importance of the various prognostic factors that could influence death rates were assessed by forward stepwise logistic regression models. RESULTS: KPC-KpBSI-related mortality in hematological patients identified as KPC-K.pneumoniae carriers dropped from 50% in Period 1 to 6% in Period 2 (p < 0.01), from 58 to 9% in acute myeloid leukemia carriers(p < 0.01). KPC-KpBSIs developed in patients identified as KPC-K.pneumoniae carriers were initially treated with active therapy in 56% and 100% of cases in Period 1 and Period 2, respectively (p < 0.01), in particular with an active antibiotic combination in 39 and 94% of cases, respectively(p < 0.01). The 61% of KPC-KpBSI observed in Period 1 developed during inactive systemic antibiotic treatment (none in Period 2, p < 0.01), fatal in the 73% of cases. Overall, KPC-KpBSI-related mortality was 88% with no initial active treatment, 11.5% with at least one initial active antibiotic (p < 0.01), 9% with initial active combination. Only the initial active treatment resulted independently associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk hematological patients colonized by KPC-K.pneumoniae, the empiric treatment of febrile neutropenia active against KPC-K.pneumoniae reduced KPC-KpBSI-related mortality to 6% and prevented fatal KPC-KpBSI occurrence during inactive systemic antibiotic treatment.

Unrelated donor vs HLA-haploidentical α/ß T-cell- and B-cell-depleted HSCT in children with acute leukemia.

Traditionally, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from both HLA-matched related and unrelated donors (UD) has been used for treating children with acute leukemia (AL) in need of an allograft. Recently, HLA-haploidentical HSCT after αß T-cell/B-cell depletion (αßhaplo-HSCT) was shown to be effective in single-center studies. Here, we report the first multicenter retrospective analysis of 127 matched UD (MUD), 118 mismatched UD (MMUD), and 98 αßhaplo-HSCT recipients, transplanted between 2010 and 2015, in 13 Italian centers. All these AL children were transplanted in morphological remission after a myeloablative conditioning regimen. Graft failure occurred in 2% each of UD-HSCT and αßhaplo-HSCT groups. In MUD vs MMUD-HSCT recipients, the cumulative incidence of grade II to IV and grade III to IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 35% vs 44% and 6% vs 18%, respectively, compared with 16% and 0% in αßhaplo-HSCT recipients (P < .001). Children treated with αßhaplo-HSCT also had a significantly lower incidence of overall and extensive chronic GVHD (P < .01). Eight (6%) MUD, 32 (28%) MMUD, and 9 (9%) αßhaplo-HSCT patients died of transplant-related complications. With a median follow-up of 3.3 years, the 5-year probability of leukemia-free survival in the 3 groups was 67%, 55%, and 62%, respectively. In the 3 groups, chronic GVHD-free/relapse-free (GRFS) probability of survival was 61%, 34%, and 58%, respectively (P < .001). When compared with patients given MMUD-HSCT, αßhaplo-HSCT recipients had a lower cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality and a better GRFS (P < .001). These data indicate that αßhaplo-HSCT is a suitable therapeutic option for children with AL in need of transplantation, especially when an allele-matched UD is not available.

Peripherally inserted central catheters in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters (CVC) are essential for the management of patients with hematologic malignancies, facilitating chemotherapy infusion, antibiotics, parenteral nutrition, blood products, and blood samples collection. In this population, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) seem to be associated with lower complications, compared with conventional percutaneously inserted devices (CICC). Data on the PICC in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell recipients (allo-HSCT) are limited. METHODS: We have prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of 100 polyurethanes or silicone PICC, inserted into 100 adult allo-HSCT recipients, at the Hematology of Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), between October 2012 and August 2017. RESULTS: The median duration of PICC placement was 117 days. Overall, 68% of patients maintained the device for the entire transplant procedure and PICC were removed after day 100 from allo-HSCT; of these, 44% did not experienced any PICC-related complications. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) occurred in 32% of patients (2.5/1000 PICC days), associated with thrombosis in 8 cases. CRBSI were observed in 42% of patients with polyurethane and 20% with silicone PICC (p = 0.02). Catheter-related thrombosis occurred in 9% of patients, never requiring anticipated PICC removal. Mechanical complications occurred in 15% of cases (1.2/1000 PICC days). On the whole, adverse events were manageable and did not affect transplant outcome. No deaths related to PICC-complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: PICC are a safe and reliable long-term venous access in allo-HSCT recipients.

Voriconazole treatment in adults and children with hematological diseases: can it be used without measurement of plasma concentration?

Indication and timing of trough plasma-voriconazole (VCZ)-concentration (t-PVC) measurement during VCZ treatment is a debated issue. Patterns of t-PVC were prospectively evaluated in pediatric (50 courses) and adult (95 courses) hematologic patients. Efficacy patterns were defined: adequate, t-PVC always ≥1 mcg/ml; borderline, at least one t-PVC measurement <1 mcg/ml but median value of the measurements ≥1 mcg/ml; inadequate, median value of the measurements <1 mcg/ml. Toxicity patterns were defined: favorable, t-PVC always ≤5 mcg/ml; borderline, one or more t-PVC measurements >5 mcg/ml but median value of the measurements ≤5 mcg/ml; unfavorable, median value of the measurements >5 mcg/ml. In children and adults the mean t-PVCs were higher during intravenous treatments. The t-PVC efficacy pattern was adequate, borderline and inadequate in 48%, 12%, and 40% of courses, respectively, in children, and in 66.3%, 16.8%, and 16.8% of courses, respectively, in adults. Adequate efficacy pattern was more frequent in children with body weight above the median (≥25 kg) (OR 4.8; P = .011) and in adults with active hematological disease receiving intravenous therapy (OR 3.93; P = .006). Favorable toxicity pattern was more frequent in children receiving VCZ daily dosage below the median (<14 mg/kg) (OR 4.18; P = .027) and in adults with body weight below the median (<68 kg) (OR 0.22; P = .004). T-PVC measurement is generally needed, however, a non t-PVC guided approach may be considered in heavier adults receiving intravenous VCZ. The risk of supratherapeutic levels does not seem an absolute indication for t-PVC monitoring.

Enterovirus D68-Associated Acute Flaccid Myelitis in Immunocompromised Woman, Italy.

In Italy in 2016, acute flaccid myelitis developed in a woman who had received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Enterovirus D68 viral genome was detected in respiratory and cerebrospinal fluid samples, and the viral protein 1 sequence clustered with lineage B3. Immunocompromised adults may be at risk for enterovirus D68-associated neurologic complications.

Can chronic myeloid leukaemia in children and adolescents be successfully treated without haematopoietic stem cell transplant? A single centre experience.

We analysed the long-term outcome of 35 children and adolescents (<20 years at diagnosis) with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in chronic phase: 20 patients had received interferon-alpha and/or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and 15 underwent a haematopoietic stem cell transplant. The 10-year survival probabilities were similar in transplanted and non-transplanted patients (73·3% vs. 72·1%, respectively), whereas the survival probability was significantly lower in patients diagnosed before 1999 compared to those diagnosed afterwards (62·1% vs. 100%, P = 0·0384). The availability of TKIs and the standardized molecular monitoring have significantly improved treatment, management and outcome in children and adolescents with CML.

Proven Epstein-Barr encephalitis with negative EBV-DNA load in cerebrospinal fluid after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

We report a case of EBV encephalitis in a seven-yr-old child with Ph+ ALL. Two months after an allogeneic HSCT from his HLA mismatched mother, the patient showed an altered sensorium, generalized seizures, and a left hemiparesis. Brain MRI demonstrated multiple lesions highly suggestive for viral encephalitis. Blood and CSF PCR analyses were negative for the most common viruses involved in immunocompromised patients including EBV. A cerebral biopsy was performed, which showed intense gliosis and perivascular lymphocytic cuffing. PCR analysis performed on brain tissue was positive only for the EBV genome, while extensive investigations for other viral infections were negative. The patient's neurological symptoms rapidly worsened and he died two months later. This case report suggests that in patients presenting neurological and radiological signs of encephalitis after an HSCT, an EBV involvement should be considered, even in the absence of CSF and blood PCR virus detection.

Catheter-associated bloodstream infections and thrombotic risk in hematologic patients with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC).

PURPOSE: The use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) as an alternative to other central venous access devices (CVAD) is becoming very frequent in cancer patients. To evaluate the impact of complications associated to these devices in patients with hematologic malignancies, we revised the catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) and the catheter-related thrombotic complications (CRTC) observed at our institute between January 2009 and December 2012. METHODS: A total of 612 PICCs were inserted into 483 patients at diagnosis or in subsequent phases of their hematologic disease. PICCs were successfully inserted in all cases. The median duration of in situ PICC placement was 101 days (interquartile range, 48-184 days). RESULTS: A CRBSI occurred in 47 cases (7.7 %), with a rate of 0.59 per 1000 PICC days. A CRTC was recorded in 16 cases (2.6 %), with a rate of 0.20 per 1000 PICC days. No serious complication was associated to these events. Cox regression analyses of variables associated to CRBSIs and to CRTCs showed that only the type of disease (acute leukemia compared to other diseases) was significantly associated to a higher incidence of CRBSIs, while no feature was predictive for a higher risk of CRTCs. CONCLUSIONS: PICCs represent a useful and safe alternative to conventional CVAD for the management of patients with hematologic malignancies.

Epidemiology and risk factors for invasive fungal diseases in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Knowledge of the epidemiology and the risk factors of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients is a critical determinant of the prevention, diagnosis and therapeutic antifungal strategy. Transplant procedures are characterized by a continuous evolution; therefore, an update of the epidemiological findings of IFDs in HSCT populations is needed. RECENT FINDINGS: In the last few years, the incidence and the clinical risk factors of IFD, mainly in allogeneic HSCT populations, have been investigated in prospective, multicenter studies. New findings in the different types and phases of transplant may be considered for a redefinition of the level of risk of IFD after HSCT. Furthermore, recent studies have uncovered associations between host's and/or donor's genetic variants and immunological risk for IFDs, in particular invasive aspergillosis. SUMMARY: Evolution of the transplant procedures was followed by an important change in the epidemiology and clinical risk of IFD after allogeneic HSCT. A new stratification of subpopulations according to different clinical infectious risk and genetic susceptibility may be considered to predict those patients most vulnerable to IFD and update tailored antifungal strategies.

Cytomegalovirus in bone marrow cells correlates with cytomegalovirus in peripheral blood leukocytes.

In allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients with bone marrow (BM) suppression, cytomegalovirus (CMV) pp65 antigenemia and DNA were detectable in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and BM cells. A relationship between CMV infection of PBL and BM cells has been found.

Recognition of adult and pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia blasts by natural killer cells.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the pathways of recognition of acute lymphoblastic leukemia blasts by natural killer cells and to verify whether differences in natural killer cell activating receptor ligand expression among groups defined by age of patients, or presence of cytogenetic/molecular aberrations correlate with the susceptibility to recognition and killing. We analyzed 103 newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients: 46 adults and 57 children. Pediatric blasts showed a significantly higher expression of Nec-2 (P=0.03), ULBP-1 (P=0.01) and ULBP-3 (P=0.04) compared to adult cells. The differential expression of these ligands between adults and children was confined to B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia with no known molecular alterations. Within molecularly defined subgroups of patients, a high surface expression of NKG2D and DNAM1 ligands was found on BCR-ABL(+) blasts, regardless of patient age. Accordingly, BCR-ABL(+) blasts proved to be significantly more susceptible to natural killer-dependent lysis than B-lineage blasts without molecular aberrations (P=0.03). Cytotoxic tests performed in the presence of neutralizing antibodies indicated a pathway of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell recognition in the setting of the Nec-2/DNAM-1 interaction. These data provide a biological explanation of the different roles played by alloreactive natural killer cells in pediatric versus adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia and suggest that new natural killer-based strategies targeting specific subgroups of patients, particularly those BCR-ABL(+), are worth pursuing further.

Molecular analysis of Fanconi anemia: the experience of the Bone Marrow Failure Study Group of the Italian Association of Pediatric Onco-Hematology.

Fanconi anemia is an inherited disease characterized by congenital malformations, pancytopenia, cancer predisposition, and sensitivity to cross-linking agents. The molecular diagnosis of Fanconi anemia is relatively complex for several aspects including genetic heterogeneity with mutations in at least 16 different genes. In this paper, we report the mutations identified in 100 unrelated probands enrolled into the National Network of the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematoly and Oncology. In approximately half of these cases, mutational screening was carried out after retroviral complementation analyses or protein analysis. In the other half, the analysis was performed on the most frequently mutated genes or using a next generation sequencing approach. We identified 108 distinct variants of the FANCA, FANCG, FANCC, FANCD2, and FANCB genes in 85, 9, 3, 2, and 1 families, respectively. Despite the relatively high number of private mutations, 45 of which are novel Fanconi anemia alleles, 26% of the FANCA alleles are due to 5 distinct mutations. Most of the mutations are large genomic deletions and nonsense or frameshift mutations, although we identified a series of missense mutations, whose pathogenetic role was not always certain. The molecular diagnosis of Fanconi anemia is still a tiered procedure that requires identifying candidate genes to avoid useless sequencing. Introduction of next generation sequencing strategies will greatly improve the diagnostic process, allowing a rapid analysis of all the genes.

Donor specific anti-HLA antibodies in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Single Center prospective evaluation and desensitization strategies employed.

BACKGROUND: In the setting of mismatched-hematopoietic stem cells transplantation, the detection of antibodies directed against donor-specific HLA allele(s) or antigen(s) (DSA) represents a barrier for engraftment. It is thus necessary to plan an immunosuppressive strategy, or to select an alternative donor. This prospective study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of our strategy for testing DSAs and the efficacy of the desensitization strategy (DS) employed between November 2017 and November 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-HLA antibody search was performed using the Luminex bead assays (Lifecode ID and LSA I/II-Immucor) and expressed as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI >1,000 positive). If the patient had DSAs and no alternative donors, a DS was employed with rituximab (day -15), 2 single volume plasmaphereses (PP; days -9 and -8), intravenous immunoglobulins (day -7) and infusion of HLA selected platelets, if persistent DSAs were directed against class I HLA. DS was scheduled with or without PP, according to the DSA MFI (>1,000 or <5,000) and FCXM (flow cytometry crossmatch). RESULTS: Twenty-two out of 126 patients (17.46%) showed anti-HLA antibodies, 5 of them DSAs (3.97% of total); 3 patients underwent DS obtaining engraftment. Female gender (p=0.033) and a history of previous pregnancies or miscarriages (p=0.009) showed a statistically significant impact on alloimmunization. Factors associated with a delayed neutrophil engraftment were patient's female gender (p=0.039), stem cell source (p=0.025), and a high HSCT-specific comorbidity index (p=0.028). None of the analyzed variables, including the DSA detection, influenced engraftment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the importance to test DSAs in mismatched-hematopoietic stem cells transplantation The DS used proved successful in removing DSAs. Prospective multicenter studies are needed to better define and validate consensus strategies on DSA management in HSCT.

Outcome of patients activating an unrelated donor search for severe acquired aplastic anemia.

Patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) without a sibling donor receive immunosuppressive treatment (IST) with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG). In the case of no response to IST, a voluntary unrelated donor (VUD) search is usually started. This study analyzes the outcome of ATG-refractory SAA patients activating a VUD search. Of 179 patients, 68 had at least one HLA-A, -B, and -DR matched donor identified and underwent HSCT while 50 also with a donor were not transplanted because of early death (8), late response to IST (34), transplant refusal (1), or other (7). Conversely, 61 had no matched donor, 13 of those ultimately received a mismatched HSCT. All but one received marrow stem cells. Among patients aged <17 years, those with at least one matched donor had a significant higher 4-year survival as compared to others (79% ± 6% versus 53% ± 10%, P = 0.01). There was also a survival advantage independent of recipient age when the donor search was initiated in the recent 2000-2005 study-period (74% ± 6% versus 47% ± 10%, P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, the identification of a matched VUD tended to impact favourably on survival in patients with a recent donor search (P = 0.07). This study provides evidence for the use of unrelated donor HSCT in children and adults with IST-refractory SAA.

Pediatric Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Safety, Efficacy, and Patient Outcomes. Literature Review.

Autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) is a part of the therapeutic strategy for various oncohematological diseases. The auto-HSCT procedure enables hematological recovery after high-dose chemotherapy, otherwise not tolerable, by the infusion of autologous hematopoietic stem cells. Unlike allogeneic transplant (allo-HSCT), auto-HSCT has the advantage of lacking acute-graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and prolonged immunosuppression, however, these advantages are counterbalanced by the absence of graft-versus-leukemia. Moreover, in hematological malignancies, the autologous hematopoietic stem cell source may be contaminated by neoplastic cells, leading to disease reappearance. In recent years, allogeneic transplant-related mortality (TRM) has progressively decreased, almost approaching auto-TRM, and many alternative donor sources are available for the majority of patients eligible for transplant procedures. In adults, the role of auto-HSCT compared to conventional chemotherapy (CT) in hematological malignancies has been well defined in many extended randomized trials; however, such trials are lacking in pediatric cohorts. Therefore, the role of auto-HSCT in pediatric oncohematology is limited, in both first- and second-line therapies and still remains to be defined. Nowadays, the accurate stratification in risk groups, according to the biological characteristics of the tumors and therapy response, and the introduction of new biological therapies, have to be taken into account in order to assign auto-HSCT a precise role in the therapeutic strategies, also considering that in the developmental age, auto-HSCT has a clear advantage over allo-HSCT, in terms of late sequelae, such as organ damage and second neoplasms. The purpose of this review is to report the results obtained with auto-HSCT in the different pediatric oncohematological diseases, focusing on the most significant literature data in the context of the various diseases and discussing this data in the light of the current therapeutic landscape.

Benefits and Safety of Empiric Antibiotic Treatment Active Against KPC-K. pneumoniae in Febrile Neutropenic Patients with Acute Leukemia Who are Colonized with KPC-K. pneumoniae. A 7-Years Retrospective Observational Cohort Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the benefits and safety of the empiric antibiotic treatment (EAT) active against KPC-K. pneumoniae in febrile neutropenic patients with acute leukaemia (AL) who are colonised by KPC-K. pneumoniae. Patients and Methods: A 7-year (2013-2019) retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at the Haematology, Sapienza Rome University (Italy) on 94 febrile neutropenia episodes (FNE) in AL patients KPC-K. pneumoniae carriers treated with active EAT. Results: Eighty-two (87%) FNE were empirically treated with antibiotic combinations [38 colistin-based and 44 ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZAVI)-based], 12 with CAZAVI monotherapy. Successful outcomes were observed in 88/94 (94%) FNE, 46/49 (94%) microbiologically documented infections, and 24/27 (89%) gram-negative bloodstream infections (GNB-BSI). Mortality due to infective causes was 4.2% (2.1% within 1 week). KPC-K. pneumoniae infections caused 28/94 FNE (30%) and KPC-K. pneumoniae-BSI was documented in 22 FNE (23.4%) (85% of GNB-BSI), in all cases patients received active EAT, and 21 survived. KPC-K.pneumoniae-BSI mortality rate was 4.5%. CAZAVI-based EAT showed better results than colistin-based EAT (55/56 vs 33/38, p = 0.037), overall and without EAT modification (41/56 vs 20/38, p = 0.02). Empirical combinations including CAZAVI were successful in 98% of cases (43/44 vs 33/38 for colistin-based EAT, p = 0.01), without modifications in 82% (36/44 vs 20/28, p = 0.02). All deaths occurred in patients treated with colistin-based EAT (4/38 vs 0/56, p = 0.02). CAZAVI-containing EAT was the only independent factor for an overall successful response (HR 0.058, CI 0.013-1.072, p = 0.058). Nephrotoxicity occurred in 3(8%) patients undergoing colistin-based EAT (none in those undergoing CAZAVI-based EAT, p = 0.02). Conclusion: KPC-K. pneumoniae infections are frequent in colonised AL patients with FNE. EAT with active antibiotics, mainly CAZAVI-based combinations, was effective, safe, and associated with low overall and KPC-K. pneumoniae-BSI-related mortality.

Case Report: Severe cutaneous adverse event associated with checkpoint inhibition in the setting of CAR T-cell therapy: beyond CRS.

Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy actually represents the standard of care for multiple relapsed or refractory primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (r/r PMBCL). Checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, appear to be a safe and effective treatment strategy for patients who are ineligible for or resistant to autologous stem cell transplantation. Although preclinical studies suggested that checkpoint inhibitors may enhance the vitality and anti-tumor activity of CAR T cells, there are no substantial/robust clinical data about the immune-mediated toxicity of their association. We describe a case of a severe cutaneous adverse event arising immediately after Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) on day +6 from CAR T cells infusion in a young r/r PMBCL patient who previously received pembrolizumab. These skin lesions were interpreted as an immune mediated adverse event, considering their prompt improvement and fully recovering achieved with the addition of immunoglobulin infusion to systemic steroid therapy. This case of life-threatening cutaneous adverse event calls for further investigations about off-target immune-related adverse events deriving from the combination of CAR T cell therapy and checkpoint inhibition, whose synergic therapeutic effect is promising.

Peripherally inserted central venous catheter for pediatric acute leukemia: A retrospective 11-year single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are successfully increasingly used in children in onco-hematologic setting. PICC insertion, especially in oncologic patients, can be associated with adverse events (thrombosis, mechanical complications, and infections). Data regarding the use of PICC, as long-term access in pediatric patients with severe hematologic diseases, are still limited. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of 196 PICC, inserted in 129 pediatric patients with acute leukemia diagnosed and treated at Pediatric Hematology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome. RESULTS: The 196 PICC analyzed were in situ for a median dwell time of 190 days (range 12-898). In 42 children, PICC was inserted twice and in 10, three times or more due to hematopoietic stem cell transplant, disease recurrence, or PICC-related complications. The overall complication rate was 34%: catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) occurred in 22% of cases after a median time of 97 days; a catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) in 3.5% and mechanical complications in 9% of cases. Premature removal for complications occurred in 30% of PICC. One death from CRBSI was observed. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study represents the largest cohort of pediatric patients who have inserted the PICC for acute leukemia. In our experience, PICC was a cheap, safe, and reliable device for long-term intravenous access in children with acute leukemia. This has been possible with the help of dedicated PICC team.

Concurrent search for unrelated cord and volunteer donor in high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

To assess the effectiveness of the search for an unrelated donor on the outcome of patients with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia, we analyzed prospectively 136 patients who underwent a search for cord blood (CB) and an unrelated volunteer donor (UD) at the same time. The probability of finding a donor was 58.2%, 70.3%, and 75.7% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The median time to find a donor was 1.8 months for CB and 3.5 months for UD. Of the 99 patients with a donor, 38.4% failed to undergo the transplant because of a relapse observed at a median of 4 months from the start of the search. In univariate analysis, absence of relapse during the search (p < 0.0001) and transplant (p = 0.004) showed a positive impact on long-term survival. In multivariate analysis, relapse during the search remained the key factor affecting survival (p < 0.0001). Since an extension of the search beyond 3 months enables only a slight increase in the probability of finding a donor compared to the increased risk of relapse, the time of the search should not exceed the 3-month time point. The simultaneous search for CB and UD increases the likelihood of performing a timely transplant.