Clinical characteristics and evolution of hematological patients and COVID-19 in Argentina: a report from the Argentine Society of Hematology.

Individuals with malignancies and COVID-19 have a lower survival compared with the general population. However, the information about the impact of COVID-19 on the whole hematological population is scarce. We aimed to describe the 30th day overall survival (OS) after COVID-19 infection in patients with a hematological disease in Argentina. A completely anonymous survey from the Argentine Society of Hematology was delivered to all the hematologists in Argentina; it started in April 2020. A cut-off to analyze the data was performed in December 2020 and, finally, 419 patients were reported and suitable for the analysis (average age: 58 years, 90% with malignant diseases). After the COVID-19 diagnosis, the 30-day OS for the whole population was 80.2%. From the entire group (419), 101 (24.1%) individuals required intensive care unit admission, where the 30-day OS was 46.6%. Among allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients, the 30-day OS was 70.3%. Factors associated with a low OS were two or more comorbidities, an active hematological disease and history of chemotherapy. In individuals with the three factors, the 30-day OS was 49.6% while the 30-day OS in those without those factors was 100%. Patients with hematological diseases have a higher mortality than the general population. This group represents a challenge and requires careful decision-making of the treatment in order not to compromise the chances of cure.

El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo primario conocer la mortalidad de pacientes con enfermedad hematológica que presentaron infección por COVID-19 en Argentina. Para ello se difundió una encuesta desde la Sociedad Argentina de Hematología (SAH) entre los hematológos para informar sobre los pacientes con enfermedades hematológicas y diagnóstico de infección por SARS- CoV-2, entre el 19/4/2020, y el 7/12/2020. Se incluyeron individuos de todas las edades con diagnóstico de enfermedad hematológica benigna o maligna e infección por SARS-CoV-2 confirmada por técnica de RTPCR. Se analizaron 419 pacientes (mediana 58 años; 90% enfermedades malignas). La supervivencia al día 30 fue de 80.2%. La supervivencia fue menor en aquellos que requirieron internación (74.2%), cuidados intensivos (46.6%) y asistencia respiratoria mecánica (36.8%). Entre los trasplantados alogénicos la supervivencia fue 70.3%. Los factores vinculados a la supervivencia global fueron las comorbilidades, el estado de la enfermedad al momento de la infección y el antecedente de quimioterapia. Se pudo establecer un score en el que aquellos que tuvieron un puntaje de 4 alcanzaron una supervivencia del 49.6% al día 30, mientras que la de los pacientes con score 0 fue del 100% a 30 días. En comparación con la población general, los pacientes con enfermedades hematológicas presentan una mayor mortalidad vinculada al COVID-19, motivo por el cual es primordial definir pautas destinadas a disminuir la exposición de los mismos sin comprometer las posibilidades de beneficiarse del tratamiento de la enfermedad de base.

Clinical characteristics and evolution of hematological patients and COVID-19 in Argentina: a report from the Argentine Society of Hematology / Características clínicas y evolución de pacientes hematológicos y COVID-19 en Argentina: datos de la Sociedad Argentina de Hematología

Abstract Individuals with malignancies and COVID-19 have a lower survival compared with the general population. However, the information about the impact of COVID-19 on the whole hematological population is scarce. We aimed to describe the 30th day overall survival (OS) after COVID-19 infection in pa tients with a hematological disease in Argentina. A completely anonymous survey from the Argentine Society of Hematology was delivered to all the hematologists in Argentina; it started in April 2020. A cut-off to analyze the data was performed in December 2020 and, finally, 419 patients were reported and suitable for the analysis (average age: 58 years, 90% with malignant diseases). After the COVID-19 diagnosis, the 30-day OS for the whole population was 80.2%. From the entire group (419), 101 (24.1%) individuals required intensive care unit admission, where the 30-day OS was 46.6%. Among allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients, the 30-day OS was 70.3%. Factors associated with a low OS were two or more comorbidities, an active hematological disease and history of chemotherapy. In individuals with the three factors, the 30-day OS was 49.6% while the 30-day OS in those without those factors was 100%. Patients with hematological diseases have a higher mortality than the general population. This group represents a challenge and requires careful decision-making of the treatment in order not to compromise the chances of cure.

Resumen El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo primario conocer la mortalidad de pacientes con enfermedad hematológica que presentaron infección por COVID-19 en Argentina. Para ello se difundió una encuesta desde la Sociedad Argentina de Hematología (SAH) entre los hematológos para informar sobre los pacientes con enfermedades hematológicas y diagnóstico de infección por SARS- CoV-2, entre el 19/4/2020, y el 7/12/2020. Se incluyeron individuos de todas las edades con diagnóstico de enfermedad hematológica benigna o maligna e infección por SARS-CoV-2 confirmada por técnica de RT-PCR. Se analizaron 419 pacientes (mediana 58 años; 90% enfermedades malignas). La supervivencia al día 30 fue de 80.2%. La supervivencia fue menor en aquellos que requirieron internación (74.2%), cuidados intensivos (46.6%) y asistencia respiratoria mecánica (36.8%). Entre los trasplantados alogénicos la supervivencia fue 70.3%. Los factores vinculados a la supervivencia global fueron las comorbilidades, el estado de la enfermedad al momento de la infección y el antecedente de quimioterapia. Se pudo establecer un score en el que aquellos que tuvieron un puntaje de 4 alcanzaron una supervivencia del 49.6% al día 30, mientras que la de los pacientes con score 0 fue del 100% a 30 días. En comparación con la población general, los pacientes con enfermedades hematológicas presentan una mayor mortalidad vinculada al COVID-19, motivo por el cual es primordial definir pautas destinadas a disminuir la exposición de los mismos sin comprometer las posibilidades de beneficiarse del tratamiento de la enfermedad de base.

Niños con trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos admitidos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos: análisis de la sobrevida y los factores predictivos de mortalidad / Children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Analysis of survival and predictors of mortality

Introducción: El trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TPH) en niños es un procedimiento no exento de complicaciones graves. El ingreso de esta población a unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP) se asocia con elevada mortalidad. Objetivos: Analizar la sobrevida y los factores predictivos de la mortalidad en niños que recibieron TPH e ingresaron a la UCIP y elaborar un modelo predictivo de mortalidad en esta población. Materiales y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de niños y adolescentes que recibieron un TPH entre el 01/01/2005 y el 31/12/2019 e ingresaron a la UCIP de un hospital universitario de alta complejidad. Resultados: De un total de 264 niños que recibieron el trasplante, 114 ingresaron a la UCIP. La mortalidad general fue del 29 % (n = 34). El tipo de trasplante, enfermedad basal, evento de neutropenia febril, infección por citomegalovirus, insuficiencia respiratoria, enfermedad de injerto contra huésped (EICH), quimioterapia mieloablativa y desnutrición previa se asociaron con tasas de mortalidad más elevadas. En el análisis multivariado, la EICH (razón de posibilidades [OR, por su sigla en inglés]: 2,23; intervalo de confianza del 95 % [IC 95 %]: 1,92-2,98), la necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva (OR: 2,47; IC95 %: 1,39-5,73), el trasplante de donante alternativo (OR: 1,58; IC 95 %: 1,14-2,17) y la desnutrición previa (OR: 1,78; IC 95 %: 1,223-3,89) se asociaron con mayor mortalidad. Conclusión: En la población estudiada, dos de cada tres niños que recibieron TPH e ingresaron a la UCIP sobrevivieron. La EICH, ventilación mecánica, trasplante de donante alternativo y desnutrición previa fueron factores predictivos de mortalidad

Introduction: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children is a procedure that is not exempt of severe complications. Admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is associated with a high mortality rate. Objectives: To analyze survival and predictors of mortality among children who received a HSCT and were admitted to the PICU, and to develop a mortality prediction model in this population. Materials and methods: Retrospective review of children and adolescents who received a HSCT between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2019 and were admitted to the PICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Results: Out of 264 children receiving the transplant 114 were admitted to the PICU. The overall mortality rate was 29 % (n = 34). The type of transplant, underlying disease, febrile neutropenia event, cytomegalovirus infection, respiratory failure, graft versus host disease (GVHD), myeloablative chemotherapy, and previous malnutrition were associated with higher mortality rates. In the multivariate analysis, GVHD (odds ratio [OR]: 2.23; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.92-2.98), need for mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.47; 95 % CI: 1.39-5.73), alternative donor transplant (OR: 1.58; 95 % CI: 1.14-2.17), and previous malnutrition (OR: 1.78; 95 % CI: 1.22-3.89) were associated with a higher mortality rate. Conclusion: In the studied population, 2 out of 3 children who received a HSCT and were admitted to the PICU survived. GVHD, mechanical ventilation, alternative donor transplant, and previous malnutrition were predictors of mortality

Children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Analysis of survival and predictors of mortality. / Niños con trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos admitidos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos: análisis de la sobrevida y los factores predictivos de mortalidad.

INTRODUCTION: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children is a procedure that is not exempt of severe complications. Admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is associated with a high mortality rate. Objectives: To analyze survival and predictors of mortality among children who received a HSCT and were admitted to the PICU, and to develop a mortality prediction model in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of children and adolescents who received a HSCT between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2019 and were admitted to the PICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital. RESULTS: Out of 264 children receiving the transplant, 114 were admitted to the PICU. The overall mortality rate was 29% (n = 34). The type of transplant, underlying disease, febrile neutropenia event, cytomegalovirus infection, respiratory failure, graft versus host disease (GVHD), myeloablative chemotherapy, and previous malnutrition were associated with higher mortality rates. In the multivariate analysis, GVHD (odds ratio [OR]: 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.92-2.98), need for mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.39- 5.73), alternative donor transplant (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.14-2.17), and previous malnutrition (OR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.22-3.89) were associated with a higher mortality rate. CONCLUSION: In the studied population, 2 out of 3 children who received a HSCT and were admitted to the PICU survived. GVHD, mechanical ventilation, alternative donor transplant, and previous malnutrition were predictors of mortality.

Introducción: El trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TPH) en niños es un procedimiento no exento de complicaciones graves. El ingreso de esta población a unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP) se asocia con elevada mortalidad. Objetivos: Analizar la sobrevida y los factores predictivos de la mortalidad en niños que recibieron TPH e ingresaron a la UCIP y elaborar un modelo predictivo de mortalidad en esta población. Materiales y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de niños y adolescentes que recibieron un TPH entre el 01/01/2005 y el 31/12/2019 e ingresaron a la UCIP de un hospital universitario de alta complejidad. Resultados: De un total de 264 niños que recibieron el trasplante, 114 ingresaron a la UCIP. La mortalidad general fue del 29% (n = 34). El tipo de trasplante, enfermedad basal, evento de neutropenia febril, infección por citomegalovirus, insuficiencia respiratoria, enfermedad de injerto contra huésped (EICH), quimioterapia mieloablativa y desnutrición previa se asociaron con tasas de mortalidad más elevadas. En el análisis multivariado, la EICH (razón de posibilidades [OR, por su sigla en inglés]: 2,23; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 1,92-2,98), la necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva (OR: 2,47; IC95%: 1,39-5,73), el trasplante de donante alternativo (OR: 1,58; IC 95%: 1,14-2,17) y la desnutrición previa (OR: 1,78; IC 95%: 1,223-3,89) se asociaron con mayor mortalidad. Conclusión: En la población estudiada, dos de cada tres niños que recibieron TPH e ingresaron a la UCIP sobrevivieron. La EICH, ventilación mecánica, trasplante de donante alternativo y desnutrición previa fueron factores predictivos de mortalidad.

Comparison of matched sibling, unrelated and haploidentical donors in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A real world experience from the Argentine Group For Bone Marrow Transplantation And Cell Therapy (GATMO-TC) / Comparación de donantes relacionados, no relacionados y haploidénticos en trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos. Experiencia del Grupo Argentino de Trasplante de Médula Ósea y Terapia Celular (GATMO-TC)

Abstract We retrospectively analyzed 570 adult patients who received allogeneic stem cell transplantation for malignant diseases. The outcomes were compared according to donor type. Most of the patients (60%) were transplanted for acute leukemia. Median follow-up was 1.6 years. Haploidentical allogeneic stem cell transplantation was more frequently performed for acute myeloid leukemia and in late stages than any other donor type. Non-relapse mortality at 100 days and one year for unrelated and haploidentical donors were similar, 19%-29% vs. 17%-28%, respectively. A significant better non-relapse mortality was observed for matched sibling donors (7%-15%; p < 0.001). Relapse rate was higher in haploidentical donors compared to matched sibling and unrelated donors (three year relapse rate 46%, 39%, 28%; respectively p < 0.001). Haploidentical donors resulted in lower three year progression-free survival and worse 3 year overall survival (32%; p < 0.001 and 42%; p < 0.001) compared with other donors (44% and 55% MSD, 40% and 42% UD, respectively). The incidence of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease was higher in unrelated donors (51% unrelated, 35% haploidentical, 36% matched sibling; respectively; p = 0.001), with no difference in grades III-IV (p = 0.73) or in chronic graft-versus-host disease (p = 0.2) between groups. After multivariate analysis, haploidentical and unrelated donors remained negatively associated with non-relapse mortality (HR 1.95; 95% CI 1.10-3.20 and HR 2.70; 95% CI 1.63-4.46, respectively). Haploidentical donors were associated with a higher risk of relapse and worse overall survival. This analysis shows that haploidentical donors were associated with similar non-relpase mortality and higher relapse rates than unrelated donors. Better results in non-relapse mortality were observed for matched sibling donors.

Resumen Se efectuó un análisis retrospectivo de 570 pacientes adultos que recibieron un trasplante alogénico de precursores hematopoyéticos, comparando los resultados según el tipo de donante. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 1.6 años. El 60% de la población se trasplantó por leucemias agudas. Los trasplantes haploidénticos se hicieron en su mayoría en leucemia mieloide aguda y en estadios tardíos en comparación a otros donantes. La mortalidad libre de enfermedad al día +100 y a 1 año fue similar para los donantes no emparentados y haploidénticos (19% y 29% vs. 17% y 28%, respectivamente). Se obtuvieron mejores resultados con donantes relacionados idénticos (7% y 15%; p < 0.001). La recaída fue mayor en los donantes haploidénticos (tres años 46% haploidénticos, 39% relacionados idénticos, 28% no emparentados; p < 0.003). El trasplante con donante haploidéntico presentó una menor supervivencia libre de progresión y menor supervivencia global a tres años (32%; p < 0.001 y 42%; p < 0.001). La incidencia de enfermedad injerto contra huésped aguda fue mayor en no emparentados (51%, 35% haploidénticos, 36% relacionados idénticos; p = 0.001), sin diferencias en grados III-IV (p = 0.73) o en EICH crónica (p = 0.2). Los trasplantes con donante haploidéntico y no emparentado mantuvieron su asociación negativa con mortalidad libre de enfermedad (HR 1.95; 95%IC 1.10-3.20 y HR 2.70; 95%IC 1.63-4.46), en análisis multivariado. El trasplante haploidéntico se asoció a mayor recaída y a menor supervivencia global. Esta experiencia mostró similar mortalidad libre de enfermedad entre trasplantes con donantes haploidénticos y no emparentados. Los trasplantes relacionados idénticos mostraron menores tasas de mortalidad libre de enfermedad.

Comparison of matched sibling, unrelated and haploidentical donors in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A real-world experience from the Argentine Group for Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy (GATMO-TC).

We retrospectively analyzed 570 adult patients who received allogeneic stem cell transplantation for malignant diseases. The outcomes were compared according to donor type. Most of the patients (60%) were transplanted for acute leukemia. Median follow-up was 1.6 years. Haploidentical allogeneic stem cell transplantation was more frequently performed for acute myeloid leukemia and in late stages than any other donor type. Non-relapse mortality at 100 days and one year for unrelated and haploidentical donors were similar, 19%-29% vs. 17%-28%, respectively. A significant better non-relapse mortality was observed for matched sibling donors (7%-15%; p < 0.001). Relapse rate was higher in haploidentical donors compared to matched sibling and unrelated donors (three year relapse rate 46%, 39%, 28%; respectively p < 0.001). Haploidentical donors resulted in lower three year progression-free survival and worse 3 year overall survival (32%; p < 0.001 and 42%; p < 0.001) compared with other donors (44% and 55% MSD, 40% and 42% UD, respectively). The incidence of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease was higher in unrelated donors (51% unrelated, 35% haploidentical, 36% matched sibling; respectively; p = 0.001), with no difference in grades III-IV (p = 0.73) or in chronic graft-versus-host disease (p = 0.2) between groups. After multivariate analysis, haploidentical and unrelated donors remained negatively associated with non-relapse mortality (HR 1.95; 95% CI 1.10-3.20 and HR 2.70; 95% CI 1.63-4.46, respectively). Haploidentical donors were associated with a higher risk of relapse and worse overall survival. This analysis shows that haploidentical donors were associated with similar non-relpase mortality and higher relapse rates than unrelated donors. Better results in non-relapse mortality were observed for matched sibling donors.

Se efectuó un análisis retrospectivo de 570 pacientes adultos que recibieron un trasplante alogénico de precursores hematopoyéticos, comparando los resultados según el tipo de donante. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 1.6 años. El 60% de la población se trasplantó por leucemias agudas. Los trasplantes haploidénticos se hicieron en su mayoría en leucemia mieloide aguda y en estadios tardíos en comparación a otros donantes. La mortalidad libre de enfermedad al día +100 y a 1 año fue similar para los donantes no emparentados y haploidénticos (19% y 29% vs. 17% y 28%, respectivamente). Se obtuvieron mejores resultados con donantes relacionados idénticos (7% y 15%; p < 0.001). La recaída fue mayor en los donantes haploidénticos (tres años 46% haploidénticos, 39% relacionados idénticos, 28% no emparentados; p < 0.003). El trasplante con donante haploidéntico presentó una menor supervivencia libre de progresión y menor supervivencia global a tres años (32%; p < 0.001 y 42%; p < 0.001). La incidencia de enfermedad injerto contra huésped aguda fue mayor en no emparentados (51%, 35% haploidénticos, 36% relacionados idénticos; p = 0.001), sin diferencias en grados III-IV (p = 0.73) o en EICH crónica (p = 0.2). Los trasplantes con donante haploidéntico y no emparentado mantuvieron su asociación negativa con mortalidad libre de enfermedad (HR 1.95; 95%IC 1.10-3.20 y HR 2.70; 95%IC 1.63-4.46), en análisis multivariado. El trasplante haploidéntico se asoció a mayor recaída y a menor supervivencia global. Esta experiencia mostró similar mortalidad libre de enfermedad entre trasplantes con donantes haploidénticos y no emparentados. Los trasplantes relacionados idénticos mostraron menores tasas de mortalidad libre de enfermedad.

Predicting Mortality after Autologous Transplant: Development of a Novel Risk Score.

There have been several efforts to predict mortality after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), such as the hematopoietic cell transplant-comorbidity index (HCT-CI), described for allogeneic stem cell transplantation and validated for ASCT, but there is no composite score in the setting of ASCT combining comorbidities with other clinical characteristics. Our aim is to describe a comprehensive score combining comorbidities with other clinical factors and to analyze the impact of this score on nonrelapse mortality (NRM), overall survival (OS), and early morbidity endpoints (mechanical ventilation, shock or dialysis) after ASCT. For the training cohort, we retrospectively reviewed data of 2068 adult patients who received an ASCT in Argentina (October 2002 to June 2017) for multiple myeloma or lymphoma. For the validation cohort, we analyzed 2168 ASCTs performed in the Medical College of Wisconsin and Spanish stem cell transplant group (Grupo Español de Trasplante Hematopoyético (GETH)) (January 2012 to December 2018). We first performed a multivariate analysis for NRM in order to select and assign weight to the risk factors included in the score (male patients, aged 55 to 64 and ≥65 years, HCT-CI ≥3, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma). The hazard ratio for NRM increased proportionally with the score. Patients were grouped as low risk (LR) with a score of 0 to 1 (686, 33%), intermediate risk (IR) with a score of 2 to 3 (1109, 53%), high risk (HR) with a score of 4 (198, 10%), and very high risk (VHR) with a score of ≥5 (75, 4%). The score was associated with a progressive increase in all the early morbidity endpoints. Moreover, the score was significantly associated with early NRM (day 100: 1.5% versus 2.4% versus 7.6% versus 17.6%) as well as long term (1 to 3 years; 1.8% to 2.3% versus 3.8% to 4.9% versus 11.7% to 14.5% versus 25.0% to 27.4%, respectively; P< .0001) and OS (1 to 5 years; 94% to 73% versus 89% to 75% versus 76% to 47% versus 65% to 52% respectively; P < .0001). The score was validated in an independent cohort (N = 2168) and was significantly associated with early and late events. In conclusion, we developed and validated a novel score predicting NRM and OS in 2 large cohorts of more than 2000 autologous transplant patients. This tool can be useful for tailoring conditioning regimens or defining risk for transplant program decision making.

Bilateral macular detachment: Choroid as a sanctuary of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

PURPOSE: To describe a bilateral macular detachment as the only sign of acute lymphoblastic leukemia relapse and prompt reversal with total body irradiation without ocular protection. OBSERVATIONS: We present the case of a 20-year-old patient, diagnosed with a high-risk phy-negative, pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), with a positive MLL gene rearrangement. After a Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster-like regimen chemotherapy protocol and a first complete remission, ALL relapse was diagnosed, so he was commenced on a FlaG-Ida protocol (fludarabine, idarubicin, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and high-dose cytarabine). He achieved a second complete remission with positive minimal residual disease and was scheduled for urgent allogeneic bone marrow transplant.Five days before the conditioning regimen was initiated, the patient complained of visual loss in the left eye and then in the right eye. Ophthalmological evaluation showed a best corrected visual acuity of the right eye (OD) of 20/100 and of the left eye (OS) of 20/400. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed a bilateral serous sub-foveal detachment. The sub-foveal choroidal thickness was measured by enhanced depth imaging (EDI-OCT) and showed a significant increase (OD 836 µm and OS 1036 µm) compared with normal (average 310 µm). This choroidal thickness increase, associated with the serous macular detachment, was interpreted as a choroidal leukemic infiltration.A lumbar puncture with cytologic studies and flow cytometry was performed, showing no evidence of central nervous system (CNS) involvement of leukemia. CNS and orbital magnetic nuclear resonance imaging showed no pathology. No extramedullary involvement could be confirmed.Retinal fluorescein angiography showed multiple and diffuse leakage points (pinpoint pattern) within the macular area. This pattern reinforced our presumptive diagnosis, even though the lumbar puncture and flow cytometry were negative.The hematologist decided to proceed with the bone marrow transplant. A myeloablative conditioning regimen was delivered, based on total body irradiation (TBI) with a total dose of 12 Gy plus fludarabine 30 mg/m2 for five days. No ocular protection was used during TBI.Only 2 h after TBI commenced, the patient reported a significant improvement in his visual acuity. We confirmed 20/20 in both eyes. The OCT showed a dramatic decrease in the choroidal thickness measurement (OD 387 µm and OS 408 µm compared with 836 µm and 1036 µm measured before radiotherapy). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Complete ophthalmological evaluation and EDI-OCT choroidal thickness measurement could be fundamental tools necessary to determine CNS involvement of ALL, even in cases with negative cerebrospinal fluid and brain imaging.

Haploidentical transplant in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Argentina: a comparison with matched related and unrelated donors.

We aimed at analyzing the outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplant (ASCT) in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), comparing Haploidentical (Haplo) with HLA-matched (sibling and unrelated) donors. Between 2008 and 2017, we collected data from 236 patients (median age 31 years; range 16-64; 90% HCT-CI 0-1) who underwent unmanipulated ASCT in first complete remission and subsequent remissions in 15 Argentinian centers. Donors were HLA-matched (n = 175; 74%) and Haplo (n = 61; 26%). Two-year overall survival (OS) was 55% (95% CI 47-63) for the HLA-matched group and 49% (95% CI 34-62) for the Haplo group (p = 0.351). For OS, crude HR, adjusted HR for covariates (HR 1.24; 95% CI 0.77-1.99; p = 0.363) and HR including a propensity score in the model (HR 1.22; 95% CI 0.71-2.08; p = 0.414) showed no impact of donor category on the OS. No difference was found in terms of nonrelapse mortality, relapse, leukemia-free survival, and grade 3-4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD); 2-year incidence of chronic GVHD was higher in HLA-matched vs Haplo group (p = 0.028). Patients with ALL who underwent ASCT were young subjects with low HCT-CI. In this setting, a Haplo donor represents an alternative widely available in the absence of an HLA-matched donor. Relapse remains a challenge for all donor categories.