Characterization of Fatigue in Primary Mitochondrial Myopathies: Findings From a Qualitative Interview Study.

Background and Objectives: Primary mitochondrial myopathies are genetic disorders that primarily affect peripheral skeletal muscles. Patients with primary mitochondrial myopathies often experience muscle weakness, fatigue, and other significant impacts on health-related quality of life. The aim of this noninterventional qualitative study was to collect the most bothersome fatigue-related symptoms and impacts reported by patients with primary mitochondrial myopathies and determine whether the questions included in an existing patient-reported outcome measure, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, are relevant and interpretable for this population. Methods: The interviews contained a concept elicitation exercise to understand the most bothersome primary mitochondrial myopathies symptoms and impacts and a cognitive debriefing section to review the questions included in the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale for relevance and interpretability. Transcripts were coded using ATLAS.ti software. Results: Interviews were conducted with 16 patients who were aged 16 years and older with a genetically confirmed and clinical diagnosis of symptomatic primary mitochondrial myopathies. Concept elicitation interviews established that while patients with mitochondrial myopathies reported a wide variety of symptoms and impacts, one of the most impactful symptoms discussed was fatigue. Cognitive debriefing interview results confirmed that the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale items were relevant, were interpretable, and largely captured patients' experience with fatigue. Discussion: Fatigue was one of the most widely discussed experiences discussed by participants and was considered the most important symptom/impact to treat by most of the participants. The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale could be used in future clinical trials to measure treatment benefit in fatigue-related impacts.

Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of maralixibat in adults with primary sclerosing cholangitis: Open-label pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is frequently associated with pruritus, which significantly impairs quality of life. Maralixibat is a selective ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitor that lowers circulating bile acid (BA) levels and reduces pruritus in cholestatic liver diseases. This is the first proof-of-concept study of IBAT inhibition in PSC. METHODS: This open-label study evaluated the safety and tolerability of maralixibat ≤10 mg/d for 14 weeks in adults with PSC. Measures of pruritus, biomarkers of BA synthesis, cholestasis, and liver function were also assessed. RESULTS: Of 27 enrolled participants, 85.2% completed treatment. Gastrointestinal treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 81.5%, with diarrhea in 51.9%. TEAEs were mostly mild or moderate (63.0%); 1 serious TEAE (cholangitis) was considered treatment related. Mean serum BA (sBA) levels decreased by 16.7% (-14.84 µmol/L; 95% CI, -27.25 to -2.43; p = 0.0043) by week 14/early termination (ET). In participants with baseline sBA levels above normal (n = 18), mean sBA decreased by 40.0% (-22.3 µmol/L, 95% CI, -40.38 to -4.3; p = 0.004) by week 14/ET. Liver enzyme elevations were not significant; however, increases of unknown clinical significance in conjugated bilirubin levels were observed. ItchRO weekly sum scores decreased from baseline to week 14/ET by 8.4% (p = 0.0495), by 12.6% (p = 0.0275) in 18 participants with pruritus at baseline, and by 70% (p = 0.0078) in 8 participants with ItchRO daily average score ≥3 at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Maralixibat was associated with reduced sBA levels in adults with PSC. In participants with more severe baseline pruritus, pruritus improved significantly from baseline. TEAEs were mostly gastrointestinal related. These results support further investigation of IBAT inhibitors for adults with PSC-associated pruritus. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02061540.

Treatment of VLCAD-Deficient Patient Fibroblasts with Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor δ Agonist Improves Cellular Bioenergetics.

Background: Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disease that prevents the body from utilizing long-chain fatty acids for energy, most needed during stress and fasting. Symptoms can appear from infancy through childhood and adolescence or early adulthood, and include hypoglycemia, recurrent rhabdomyolysis, myopathy, hepatopathy, and cardiomyopathy. REN001 is a peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) agonist that modulates the expression of the genes coding for fatty acid ß-oxidation enzymes and proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Here, we assessed the effect of REN001 on VLCAD-deficient patient fibroblasts. Methods: VLCAD-deficient patient and control fibroblasts were treated with REN001. Cells were harvested for gene expression analysis, protein content, VLCAD enzyme activity, cellular bioenergetics, and ATP production. Results: VLCAD-deficient cell lines responded differently to REN001 based on genotype. All cells had statistically significant increases in ACADVL gene expression. Small increases in VLCAD protein and enzyme activity were observed and were cell-line- and dose-dependent. Even with these small increases, cellular bioenergetics improved in all cell lines in the presence of REN001, as demonstrated by the oxygen consumption rate and ATP production. VLCAD-deficient cell lines containing missense mutations responded better to REN001 treatment than one containing a duplication mutation in ACADVL. Discussion: Treating VLCAD-deficient fibroblasts with the REN001 PPARδ agonist results in an increase in VLCAD protein and enzyme activity, and a decrease in cellular stress. These results establish REN001 as a potential therapy for VLCADD as enhanced expression may provide a therapeutic increase in total VLCAD activity, but suggest the need for mutation-specific treatment augmented by other treatment measures.

Maralixibat for the treatment of PFIC: Long-term, IBAT inhibition in an open-label, Phase 2 study.

Children with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, including bile salt export pump (BSEP) and familial intrahepatic cholestasis-associated protein 1 (FIC1) deficiencies, suffer debilitating cholestatic pruritus that adversely affects growth and quality of life (QoL). Reliance on surgical interventions, including liver transplantation, highlights the unmet therapeutic need. INDIGO was an open-label, Phase 2, international, long-term study to assess the efficacy and safety of maralixibat in children with FIC1 or BSEP deficiencies. Thirty-three patients, ranging from 12 months to 18 years of age, were enrolled. Eight had FIC1 deficiency and 25 had BSEP deficiency. Of the latter, 6 had biallelic, protein truncating mutations (t)-BSEP, and 19 had ≥ 1 nontruncating mutation (nt)-BSEP. Patients received maralixibat 266 µg/kg orally, once daily, from baseline to Week 72, with twice-daily dosing permitted from Week 72. Long-term efficacy was determined at Week 240. Serum bile acid (sBA) response (reduction in sBAs of > 75% from baseline or concentrations <102.0 µmol/L) was achieved in 7 patients with nt-BSEP, 6 during once-daily dosing, and 1 after switching to twice-daily dosing. sBA responders also demonstrated marked reductions in sBAs and pruritus, and increases in height, weight, and QoL. All sBA responders remained liver transplant-free after > 5 years. No patients with FIC1 deficiency or t-BSEP deficiency met the sBA responder criteria during the study. Maralixibat was generally well-tolerated throughout the study. Conclusion: Response to maralixibat was dependent on progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis subtype, and 6 of 19 patients with nt-BSEP experienced rapid and sustained reductions in sBA levels. The 7 responders survived with native liver and experienced clinically significant reductions in pruritus and meaningful improvements in growth and QoL. Maralixibat may represent a well-tolerated alternative to surgical intervention.

Efficacy and safety of maralixibat treatment in patients with Alagille syndrome and cholestatic pruritus (ICONIC): a randomised phase 2 study.

BACKGROUND: Alagille syndrome is a rare genetic disease that often presents with severe cholestasis and pruritus. There are no approved drugs for management. Maralixibat, an apical, sodium-dependent, bile acid transport inhibitor, prevents enterohepatic bile acid recirculation. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of maralixibat for children with cholestasis in Alagille syndrome. METHODS: ICONIC was a placebo-controlled, randomised withdrawal period (RWD), phase 2b study with open-label extension in children (aged 1-18 years) with Alagille syndrome (NCT02160782). Eligible participants had more than three times the normal serum bile acid (sBA) levels and intractable pruritus. After 18 weeks of maralixibat 380 µg/kg once per day, participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to continue maralixibat or receive placebo for 4 weeks. Subsequently, all participants received open-label maralixibat until week 48. During the long-term extension (204 weeks reported), doses were increased up to 380 µg/kg twice per day. The primary endpoint was the mean sBA change during the RWD in participants with at least 50% sBA reduction by week 18. Cholestastic pruritus was assessed using observer-rated, patient-rated, and clinician-rated 0-4 scales. The safety population was defined as all participants who had received at least one dose of maralixibat. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02160782, and is closed to recruitment. FINDINGS: Between Oct 28, 2014, and Aug 14, 2015, 31 participants (mean age 5·4 years [SD 4·25]) were enrolled and 28 analysed at week 48. Of the 29 participants who entered the randomised drug withdrawal period, ten (34%) were female and 19 (66%) were male. In the RWD, participants switched to placebo had significant increases in sBA (94 µmol/L, 95% CI 23 to 164) and pruritus (1·7 points, 95% CI 1·2 to 2·2), whereas participants who continued maralixibat maintained treatment effect. This study met the primary endpoint (least square mean difference -117 µmol/L, 95% CI -232 to -2). From baseline to week 48, sBA (-96 µmol/L, -162 to -31) and pruritus (-1·6 pts, -2·1 to -1·1) improved. In participants who continued to week 204 (n=15) all improvements were maintained. Maralixibat was generally safe and well tolerated throughout. The most frequent adverse events were gastrointestinal related. Most adverse events were self-limiting in nature and mild-to-moderate in severity. INTERPRETATION: In children with Alagille syndrome, maralixibat is, to our knowledge, the first agent to show durable and clinically meaningful improvements in cholestasis. Maralixibat might represent a new treatment paradigm for chronic cholestasis in Alagille syndrome. FUNDING: Mirum Pharmaceuticals.

A Randomized, Controlled, Phase 2 Study of Maralixibat in the Treatment of Itching Associated With Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is typically associated with elevated serum bile acid levels and pruritus, but pruritus is often refractory to treatment with existing therapies. This phase 2 study assessed the efficacy and safety of maralixibat, a selective, ileal, apical, sodium-dependent, bile acid transporter inhibitor, in adults with PBC and pruritus. Adults with PBC and pruritus who had received ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for ≥6 months or were intolerant to UDCA were randomized 2:1 to maralixibat (10 or 20 mg/day) or placebo for 13 weeks in combination with UDCA (when tolerated). The primary outcome was change in Adult Itch Reported Outcome (ItchRO™) average weekly sum score (0, no itching; 70, maximum itching) from baseline to week 13/early termination (ET). The study enrolled 66 patients (maralixibat [both doses combined], n = 42; placebo, n = 24). Mean ItchRO™ weekly sum scores decreased from baseline to week 13/ET with maralixibat (-26.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], -31.8, -21.2) and placebo (-23.4; 95% CI, -30.3, -16.4). The difference between groups was not significant (P = 0.48). In the maralixibat and placebo groups, adverse events (AEs) were reported in 97.6% and 70.8% of patients, respectively. Gastrointestinal disorders were the most frequently reported AEs (maralixibat, 78.6%; placebo, 50.0%). Conclusion: Reductions in pruritus did not differ significantly between maralixibat and placebo. However, a large placebo effect may have confounded assessment of pruritus. Lessons learned from this rigorously designed and executed trial are indispensable for understanding how to approach trials assessing pruritus as the primary endpoint and the therapeutic window of bile acid uptake inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in PBC.

Safety, tolerability and pharmacodynamics of apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter inhibition with volixibat in healthy adults and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pathogenesis in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) involves abnormal cholesterol metabolism and hepatic accumulation of toxic free cholesterol. Apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) inhibition in the terminal ileum may facilitate removal of free cholesterol from the liver by reducing recirculation of bile acids (BAs) to the liver, thereby stimulating new BA synthesis from cholesterol. The aim of this phase 1 study in adult healthy volunteers (HVs) and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ASBT inhibition with volixibat (SHP626; formerly LUM002). METHODS: Participants were randomised 3:1 to receive once-daily oral volixibat (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg) or placebo for 28 days in two cohorts (HV and T2DM). Assessments included safety, faecal BA and serum 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4; BA synthesis biomarker). RESULTS: Sixty-one individuals were randomised (HVs: placebo, n = 12; volixibat, n = 38; T2DM: placebo, n = 3; volixibat, n = 8). No deaths or treatment-related serious adverse events were reported. Mild or moderate gastrointestinal adverse events were those most frequently reported with volixibat. With volixibat, mean total faecal BA excretion on day 28 was ~1.6-3.2 times higher in HVs (643.73-1239.3 µmol/24 h) and ~8 times higher in T2DM (1786.0 µmol/24 h) than with placebo (HVs: 386.93 µmol/24 h; T2DM: 220.00 µmol/24 h). With volixibat, mean C4 concentrations increased by ~1.3-5.3-fold from baseline to day 28 in HVs and by twofold in T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: Volixibat was generally well tolerated. Increased faecal BA excretion and serum C4 levels support the mechanistic rationale for exploring ASBT inhibition in NASH. The study was registered with the Dutch clinical trial authority (Centrale Commissie Mensgebonden Onderzoek; trial registration number NL44732.056.13; registered 24 May 2013).

Development of a Novel Tool to Assess the Impact of Itching in Pediatric Cholestasis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to develop a clinical outcome assessment (COA) for itching in children with cholestatic pruritus. METHODS: This prospective study aimed to enroll patients aged 4-30 years with Alagille syndrome (ALGS) or progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 and caregivers of patients aged 5 months to 14 years. Eligible patients experienced itching during ≥3 of the 7 days before enrollment and had not undergone liver transplant or surgical interruption of the enterohepatic circulation. Open-ended qualitative interviews confirmed that itching was a primary concern for patients and caregivers. Diaries were modified and then evaluated by participants during cognitive debriefing. Interview results were reviewed by clinical, COA and statistical experts. Diary questions were revised following an interim analysis before finalizing the Itch Reported Outcome (ItchRO). RESULTS: Thirty-six interviews were analyzed, representing 25 families of patients with ALGS. Itching was reported spontaneously (without prompting by the interviewer) by ten of 12 patients with ALGS and 19 of 20 caregivers. Consequences of itching included skin damage (78%), mood changes (59%), and difficulties staying asleep (59%) or falling asleep (53%). Two versions of the ItchRO were developed: ItchRO(Patient) for self-completion by patients and ItchRO(Observer) for caregivers. The ItchRO diaries comprise a single scorable item to assess itch and are to be completed twice daily (morning and evening). CONCLUSIONS: Itching was the most bothersome ALGS symptom reported by study participants. We have developed the ItchRO(Patient) and ItchRO(Observer) to assess itching in children with ALGS and other cholestatic liver diseases. These diaries are being validated for use in clinical trials.

Impact of asthma exacerbations and asthma triggers on asthma-related quality of life in patients with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma.

BACKGROUND: Few data are available that evaluate the relationship among asthma exacerbations, asthma triggers, and asthma-related quality of life (QoL). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of asthma exacerbations and asthma triggers on QoL. METHODS: Patients with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma, ages ≥ 13 years (n = 2679) from the TENOR (The Epidemiology and Natural History of Asthma: Outcomes and Treatment Regimens) 3-year observational study were included. Exacerbations were defined hierarchically in descending order of severity (hospitalization, emergency department [ED] visit, steroid burst, no exacerbation) by using data from months 6 and 12. The total number (frequency) of exacerbations was assessed. Asthma-related QoL was measured at month 12 by using the Mini-Asthma QoL Questionnaire (Mini-AQLQ); self-reported asthma triggers were collected at baseline and annually. We used 1-way ANOVA to test for differences in Mini-AQLQ domain scores across asthma exacerbation severity, the total number of asthma exacerbations, and the number of asthma triggers. RESULTS: A significant decrease (P < .001) in Mini-AQLQ domain scores was seen with increasing severity of asthma exacerbation (no exacerbation, steroid burst, ED visit, and hospitalization); symptom (5.5, 4.8, 4.3, and 4.2), activity (5.8, 5.2, 4.6, and 4.4), emotional (5.6, 5.0, 4.4, and 4.2), exposure (5.0, 4.5, 4.0, and 3.9); and overall (5.5, 4.9, 4.3, and 4.1). Increasing exacerbation frequency and the number of baseline asthma triggers also were associated with significant decreases in Mini-AQLQ domain scores. An increasing number of asthma triggers were associated with an increase in severity and frequency of exacerbations. CONCLUSION: Avoidance of asthma triggers may reduce exacerbation rates and improve asthma-related QoL in patients with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma. Interventional studies are warranted to further explore these outcomes.

Single-dose, subcutaneous recombinant phenylalanine ammonia lyase conjugated with polyethylene glycol in adult patients with phenylketonuria: an open-label, multicentre, phase 1 dose-escalation trial.

BACKGROUND: Phenylketonuria is an inherited disease caused by impaired activity of phenylalanine hydroxylase, the enzyme that converts phenylalanine to tyrosine, leading to accumulation of phenylalanine and subsequent neurocognitive dysfunction. Phenylalanine ammonia lyase is a prokaryotic enzyme that converts phenylalanine to ammonia and trans-cinnamic acid. We aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and efficacy of recombinant Anabaena variabilis phenylalanine ammonia lyase (produced in Escherichia coli) conjugated with polyethylene glycol (rAvPAL-PEG) in reducing phenylalanine concentrations in adult patients with phenylketonuria. METHODS: In this open-label, phase 1, multicentre trial, single subcutaneous injections of rAvPAL-PEG were given in escalating doses (0·001, 0·003, 0·010, 0·030, and 0·100 mg/kg) to adults with phenylketonuria. Participants aged 18 years or older with blood phenylalanine concentrations of 600 µmol/L or higher were recruited from among patients attending metabolic disease clinics in the USA. The primary endpoints were safety and tolerability of rAvPAL-PEG. Secondary endpoints were the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug and its effect on concentrations of phenylalanine. Participants and investigators were not masked to assigned dose group. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00925054. FINDINGS: 25 participants were recruited from seven centres between May 6, 2008, and April 15, 2009, with five participants assigned to each escalating dose group. All participants were included in the safety population. The most frequently reported adverse events were injection-site reactions and dizziness, which were self-limited and without sequelae. Two participants had serious adverse reactions to intramuscular medroxyprogesterone acetate, a drug that contains polyethylene glycol as an excipient. Three of five participants given the highest dose of rAvPAL-PEG (0·100 mg/kg) developed a generalised skin rash. By the end of the study, all participants had developed antibodies against polyethylene glycol, and some against phenylalanine ammonia lyase as well. Drug concentrations peaked about 89-106 h after administration of the highest dose. Treatment seemed to be effective at reducing blood phenylalanine in all five participants who received the highest dose (mean reduction of 54·2% from baseline), with a nadir about 6 days after injection and an inverse correlation between drug and phenylalanine concentrations in plasma. Phenylalanine returned to near-baseline concentrations about 21 days after the injection. INTERPRETATION: Subcutaneous administration of rAvPAL-PEG in a single dose of up to 0·100 mg/kg was fairly safe and well tolerated in adult patients with phenylketonuria. At the highest dose tested, rAvPAL-PEG reduced blood phenylalanine concentrations. In view of the development of antibodies against polyethylene glycol (and in some cases against phenylalanine ammonia lyase), future studies are needed to assess the effect of repeat dosing. FUNDING: BioMarin Pharmaceutical.

Clinical burden and predictors of asthma exacerbations in patients on guideline-based steps 4-6 asthma therapy in the TENOR cohort.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma on guideline-recommended Steps 4/5/6 therapy have not previously been described. OBJECTIVE: To characterize patients with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma on Steps 4/5/6 therapy and assess predictors of future asthma exacerbations. METHODS: Patients ages ≥12 years with baseline and month 12 medication data were assigned to Steps 4/5/6 care levels from the 2007 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines. Demographic, atopic, and clinical characteristics at baseline and month 12 were assessed by using descriptive statistics. Asthma-related quality of life was assessed by using the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, and work and activity impairment was assessed by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire-Asthma. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI for asthma exacerbation risk at month 12 were generated by using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 1186 patients were included. More than two-thirds of the patients (67.4%) were on ≥3 long-term controllers, and 55.1% were considered difficult to treat due to frequent exacerbations. Patients reported low asthma-related quality of life scores and considerable impairment in overall work and daily activity (21.4% and 32.1%, respectively). After adjustment for covariates, exacerbation history (hospitalization, OR 6.27 [95% CI, 3.61-10.88]; emergency department visit, OR 3.84 [95% CI, 2.50-5.91]; corticosteroid burst, OR 2.89 [95% CI, 2.18-3.82]) and very poorly controlled asthma (OR 1.95 [95% CI, 1.41-2.71] vs not well controlled) were independently associated with risk of a future exacerbation (all P < .001). CONCLUSION: Despite multiple long-term controller medications, patients with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma on Steps 4/5/6 therapy present with significant clinical burden and risk of future asthma exacerbations.

Phenotypes determined by cluster analysis in severe or difficult-to-treat asthma.

BACKGROUND: Asthma phenotyping can facilitate understanding of disease pathogenesis and potential targeted therapies. OBJECTIVE: To further characterize the distinguishing features of phenotypic groups in difficult-to-treat asthma. METHODS: Children ages 6-11 years (n = 518) and adolescents and adults ages ≥12 years (n = 3612) with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma from The Epidemiology and Natural History of Asthma: Outcomes and Treatment Regimens (TENOR) study were evaluated in this post hoc cluster analysis. Analyzed variables included sex, race, atopy, age of asthma onset, smoking (adolescents and adults), passive smoke exposure (children), obesity, and aspirin sensitivity. Cluster analysis used the hierarchical clustering algorithm with the Ward minimum variance method. The results were compared among clusters by χ(2) analysis; variables with significant (P < .05) differences among clusters were considered as distinguishing feature candidates. Associations among clusters and asthma-related health outcomes were assessed in multivariable analyses by adjusting for socioeconomic status, environmental exposures, and intensity of therapy. RESULTS: Five clusters were identified in each age stratum. Sex, atopic status, and nonwhite race were distinguishing variables in both strata; passive smoke exposure was distinguishing in children and aspirin sensitivity in adolescents and adults. Clusters were not related to outcomes in children, but 2 adult and adolescent clusters distinguished by nonwhite race and aspirin sensitivity manifested poorer quality of life (P < .0001), and the aspirin-sensitive cluster experienced more frequent asthma exacerbations (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Distinct phenotypes appear to exist in patients with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma, which is related to outcomes in adolescents and adults but not in children. The study of the therapeutic implications of these phenotypes is warranted.

Assessment of asthma control and asthma exacerbations in the epidemiology and natural history of asthma: outcomes and treatment regimens (TENOR) observational cohort.

Patients with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma account for substantial asthma morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden despite comprising only a small proportion of the total asthma population. TENOR, a multicenter, observational, prospective cohort study was initiated in 2001. It enrolled 4,756 adults, adolescents and children with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma who were followed semi-annually and annually for three years, enabling insight to be gained into this understudied population. A broad range of demographic, clinical, and patient self-reported assessments were completed during the follow-up period. Here, we present key findings from the TENOR registry in relation to asthma control and exacerbations, including the identification of specific subgroups found to be at particularly high-risk. Identification of the factors and subgroups associated with poor asthma control and increased risk of exacerbations can help physicians design individual asthma management, and improve asthma-related health outcomes for these patients.

Chaperone-like therapy with tetrahydrobiopterin in clinical trials for phenylketonuria: is genotype a predictor of response?

Prospectively enrolled phenylketonuria patients (n=485) participated in an international Phase II clinical trial to identify the prevalence of a therapeutic response to daily doses of sapropterin dihydrochloride (sapropterin, KUVAN(®)). Responsive patients were then enrolled in two subsequent Phase III clinical trials to examine safety, ability to reduce blood Phenylalanine levels, dosage (5-20 mg/kg/day) and response, and bioavailability of sapropterin. We combined phenotypic findings in the Phase II and III clinical trials to classify study-related responsiveness associated with specific alleles and genotypes identified in the patients. We found that 17% of patients showed a response to sapropterin. The patients harbored 245 different genotypes derived from 122 different alleles, among which ten alleles were newly discovered. Only 16.3% of the genotypes clearly conferred a sapropterin-responsive phenotype. Among the different PAH alleles, only 5% conferred a responsive phenotype. The responsive alleles were largely but not solely missense mutations known to or likely to cause misfolding of the PAH subunit. However, the metabolic response was not robustly predictable from the PAH genotypes, based on the study design adopted for these clinical trials, and accordingly it seems prudent to test each person for this phenotype with a standardized protocol.

Efficacy and safety of heparinase I versus protamine in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with and without cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: Hemodynamic protamine reactions with heparin reversal during cardiac surgery are common and associated with adverse outcomes. As an alternative to protamine, the authors examined heparinase I reversal of heparin after aortocoronary bypass graft surgery. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy trial, 167 on- and off-pump aortocoronary bypass graft surgery patients received either heparinase I (maximum 35 microg/kg) or protamine (maximum 650 mg) for heparin reversal, monitored by activated clotting time values and clinical assessment. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded electronically; safety evaluation was to 30 days postoperatively. Noninferiority was predefined as 400 ml or less median 12-h chest tube drainage from intensive care unit arrival for heparinase I patients, after risk adjustment. Hemodynamic instability was defined as systemic hypotension (> or = 30 mmHg decrease) and/or pulmonary hypertension (> or = 40 mmHg with an increase > or = 10 mmHg) within 30 min of heparin reversal initiation. RESULTS: Patient enrollment was terminated on advisement of the Data Safety Monitoring Board. Although heparinase I was noninferior for 12-h chest tube drainage, protamine had a superior safety profile. Overall, heparinase I subjects had longer hospital stays (P = 0.04), were more likely to experience a serious adverse event (P = 0.01), and were less likely to avoid transfusion (P = 0.006). A composite morbidity score was not different (P = 0.24), and similar rates of hemodynamic instability were observed between groups. Findings were consistent in analyses stratified by on- and off-pump surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Heparinase I reverses heparin anticoagulation after aortocoronary bypass graft surgery but is not equivalent to protamine because of its inferior safety profile.

Maternal toxicity and pregnancy complications in human immunodeficiency virus-infected women receiving antiretroviral therapy: PACTG 316.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate rates of maternal toxicity, pregnancy complications, and peripartum morbidity by type and duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: The Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group (PACTG) Protocol 316 (PACTG 316) study evaluated the addition of intrapartum/neonatal nevirapine to background ART to reduce perinatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1). For this secondary analysis, women were categorized into one of six groups on the basis of ART during pregnancy (monotherapy [monoRx], combination without protease inhibitor [PI], combination with PI), and start time (early: before or during first trimester; late: second or third trimester). RESULTS: One thousand four hundred seven women were included: 288 monoRx late, 34 monoRx early, 327 combo, no PI late, 175 combo, no PI early, 320 combo, PI late, and 263 combo, PI early. Symptoms and laboratory abnormalities of moderate grade or more occurred in less than 5% of women. Only gestational diabetes (highest in combo PI early) varied significantly by therapy group. CONCLUSION: In HIV-infected women receiving prenatal care and ART, adverse events were uncommon.

Predose infant nevirapine concentration with the two-dose intrapartum neonatal nevirapine regimen: association with timing of maternal intrapartum nevirapine dose.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cord blood and predose nevirapine concentrations in infants exposed to the two-dose intrapartum neonatal nevirapine regimen. METHODS: The authors obtained plasma samples for nevirapine assay from cord blood and just prior to the 48-hours to 72-hours after birth neonatal nevirapine dose from a subset of infants participating in PACTG 316, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the two-dose intrapartum neonatal nevirapine regimen added to standard antiretroviral therapy. RESULTS: Nevirapine concentrations were measured in 109 cord blood samples and 149 predose samples. Cord blood nevirapine concentrations were below the target concentration of 100 ng/mL (10-times the in vitro IC(50) of nevirapine against wild-type HIV) in eight (7%) of 109 infants (95% confidence interval [CI], 3%-14%); the concentrations in six of these infants were below the assay limit of quantitation. Predose infant nevirapine concentrations were below 100 ng/mL in 23 (15%) of 149 infants (95% CI, 10%-22%); the concentrations in 13 of these infants were below the assay limit of quantitation. Lower predose nevirapine concentrations were associated with lower cord blood concentrations and a shorter interval between maternal dosing and delivery. All but one of the infants with predose nevirapine concentrations below the assay limit of quantitation were born less than 2 hours after maternal dosing. CONCLUSION: Infants born less than 2 hours after maternal nevirapine dosing during labor should receive a dose of nevirapine immediately after birth in addition to the standard infant dose at 48 to 72 hours.

When the time comes to talk about HIV: factors associated with diagnostic disclosure and emotional distress in HIV-infected children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors related to the timing and probability of nondisclosure of HIV status to perinatally HIV-infected children, and to explore factors associated with emotional distress in HIV-infected children. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 51 HIV-infected children based on medical records, parent interviews, and child assessments. RESULTS: 1) Probability of earlier age of disclosure is associated with higher child IQ (p =.04) and more family expressiveness (p =.01); 2) controlling for child age, disclosure status at time of study is associated with major life events, but not with medical status; and 3) factors associated with increased parent-rated anxiety in HIV-infected children in univariate analyses are: HIV disclosure (p =.04), other major life events (p =.001), higher medication dose frequency ( p=.01), and child age (p =.01). Increased depression is associated only with more medication doses (p =.02). CONCLUSION: These data indicate that higher child IQ and greater family expressiveness increase the probability of earlier diagnostic disclosure to HIV-infected children. Factors associated with emotional distress highlight important areas of clinical attention. These data suggest that diagnostic disclosure may not necessarily minimize emotional distress, indicating the need for further evaluation of the appropriate timing and type of disclosure for pediatric HIV.

Two-dose intrapartum/newborn nevirapine and standard antiretroviral therapy to reduce perinatal HIV transmission: a randomized trial.

CONTEXT: A 2-dose intrapartum/newborn nevirapine regimen reduced perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission in Ugandan women not receiving antenatal antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, it is unknown whether the addition of the 2-dose nevirapine regimen to standard ART would further reduce perinatal HIV transmission. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a 2-dose nevirapine regimen can decrease perinatal transmission of HIV in nonbreastfeeding women receiving standard ART. DESIGN AND SETTING: International, blinded, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial enrolling women between May 1997 and June 2000 at clinical sites providing care for HIV infection throughout the United States, Europe, Brazil, and the Bahamas. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1270 women received nevirapine (n = 642) or placebo (n = 628). Infants were followed up for 6 months to determine HIV-infection status, which was available for 1248 deliveries. INTERVENTION: A 200-mg dose of oral nevirapine to women after onset of labor and a 2-mg/kg dose of oral nevirapine to newborns between 48 and 72 hours after birth. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Detection of HIV infection in infants and grade 3 and 4 toxic effects in women and newborns. RESULTS: After review by the data and safety monitoring board, the trial was stopped early because the overall transmission rates were significantly lower than assumed for the study design. Antenatal ART included zidovudine alone in 23%; combinations without protease inhibitors in 36%; and combinations with protease inhibitors in 41%. Thirty-four percent of women had elective cesarean delivery. No significant safety concerns were identified for women or infants. Detection of HIV infection occurred in 9 (1.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6%-2.7%) of 631 nevirapine group deliveries and 10 (1.6%; 95% CI, 0.8%-2.9%) of 617 placebo group deliveries. The 95% CI for the difference in transmission rate (-0.2) between the 2 study arms ranged from -1.5% in favor of nevirapine to 1.2% in favor of placebo (P =.82, Fisher exact test). The transmission rate was higher in women with lower baseline CD4 cell counts and higher delivery HIV RNA levels, but there was no significant difference between treatment arms in any subgroup. CONCLUSION: Risk of perinatal HIV transmission was low and no benefit from additional intrapartum/newborn nevirapine was demonstrated when women received prenatal care and antenatal ART, and elective cesarean section was made available.