Cardiovascular complications among hematopoietic cell transplantation survivors - the role of cardiomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers potentially curative therapy for numerous malignant and nonmalignant diseases. The number of survivors and length of follow-up after successful HSCT is continually increasing. HSCT can induce damage of various organs and tissues - from minimal potentially progressive subclinical changes to life-threatening conditions. The aim of this thesis was to assess the prognostic value of high sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing and early identification of patients at high risk of a cardiac event after allogeneic HSCT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-three patients with the median age of 37 years at the time of allogeneic HSCT for hematologic diseases were studied. Cardiac bio-markers were serially measured before conditioning regimen and at days 1, 14 and 30 after HSCT. Cardiac systolic and diastolic functions were assessed before the conditioning regimen and 1 month after HSCT by echocardiography. RESULTS: The differences in plasma NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT concentrations during the 30 days following HSCT were statistically significant (P < 0.001 vs. P = 0.02). Seven of 63 patients (11.1 %) developed a cardiac event defined as cardiovascular dys-rhythmias, pericarditis with cardiac tamponade and heart failure. By multivariate analysis, the strongest prognostic factor of cardiac event was an increased level of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP persisted for a period of 14 days after HSCT (P < 0.0001). The area under the curve from hs-cTnT testing plus NT-proBNP testing together (AUC = 0.95) was superior to each dia-gnostic modality alone. CONCLUSION: Measurements of plasma NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT concentrations might be a useful tool for identification of high-risk patients requiring further cardiological follow up. Measurement of hs-cTnT plus NT-proBNP together was superior to hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP measurements alone.

Metabolic syndrome in long-term survivors after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers potentially curative therapy for numerous malignant and non-malignant diseases. The number of survivors and length of follow-up after successful HSCT is continually increasing. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can induce damage of various organs and tissues - from minimal potentially progressive subclinical changes to life-threatening conditions. The aim of this thesis was the evaluation of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among survivors of allogeneic HSCT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 74 patients with a median age at transplant of 35 years, who had been followed for a median of 5 years (2-23 years) after allogeneic HSCT. MS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Programs Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria and by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition. RESULTS: The prevalence of MS among HSCT recipients was 40.5% applying the NCEP ATP III definition and 39.2% the IDF, a 2.02-fold increase compared to the general Slovak population. MS was more common in men. The most common MS features were abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension. The lowest prevalence of MS was in the age group of 20-29 years; and the highest prevalence in the age group of 60-69 years. The 10-year cumulative incidence of MS was 32.5%. The most significant risk factor for MS was total body irradiation, positive family history and age > 40 years at HSCT. Seven patients (9.45%) developed cardiovascular complications. The median 10-year general cardiovascular risk scores for males and females were found to be 13.3% and 6.68%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Detected increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome after allogeneic HSCT in patients surviving more than 2 years after this procedure may provide next stimulus to promote longer follow-up studies and to design of interventions to prevent late effects among survivors of serious hematologic diseases.

Cardiovascular events and atherogenic lipid profile in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with nilotinib versus imatinib.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess cardiotoxicity and potential adverse effects related to lipid metabolism during treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) imatinib and nilotinib in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-two consecutive patients with CML, who received nilotinib and/or imatinib in a single haemato-oncological Slovak center between years 2002-2018 were evaluated in a retrospective study. The mean age was 55.8 years (range 22-77 years). Median of follow-up was 61.3 months. RESULTS: A significantly higher incidence of dyslipidemia, significantly higher levels of potential risk markers of cardiovascular disease small dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-CH) and a significant increase in total cholesterol were found in the patients during treatment with nilotinib in comparison to imatinib. Dyslipidemia led to drug therapy in 22 % of the patients in the nilotinib group. Fourteen percent of the patients in the nilotinib group had one or more cardiovascular events, including peripheral artery disease (10 %), myocardial infarction (4 %) and stroke (4 %). CONCLUSION: A higher risk of cardiovascular events and atherogenic dyslipidemia were associated with nilotinib therapy. Patients treated with TKI, especially nilotinib, require an early modification of cardiovascular risk factors and a careful cardiologic surveillance so that antileukemic therapy with this highly effective agent could continue (Tab. 4, Fig. 3, Ref. 32). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: tyrosine kinase inhibitors, cardiovascular events, dyslipidemia, small dense LDL-cholesterol, nilotinib, imatinib.

The use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Restrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of early vs. delayed initiation of G-CSF after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) in patients with lymphoid malignancies. BACKGROUND: Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is commonly used after AHSCT to accelerate stem cell engraftment to minimize the morbidity and mortality associated with prolonged neutropenia. However, there is no consensus on the optimal timing of G-CSF after HSCT. METHODS: A total of 117 patients with lymphoid malignancies who underwent AHSCT were included. All patients received G-CSF (filgrastim 5 µg/kg s.c.) daily after AHSCT (43 patients on day 6-8 and 74 patients on day 3 or 4). All patients received standard conditioning regimen for the underlying disease, and standard supportive treatment, including treatment of febrile neutropenia. RESULTS: The incidence of severe neutropenia was 81 % vs 17 %, and very severe neutropenia 61 % vs 4 % in the delayed and early G-CSF groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). The rate of fungal infection was higher in the group of patients who received delayed G-CSF (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: An early administration of G-CSF after AHSCT (on day 3 or 4) accelerates neutophil engraftment; decreases the incidence of severe neutropenia and the risk of infectious complications (especially fungal infections) (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 22).

European principles of inhibitor management in patients with haemophilia.

BACKGROUND: In spite of recent major advances in the understanding and treatment of inhibitor development in patients with haemophilia, multidisciplinary management of many of these patients remains suboptimal and highly heterogenous across Europe. METHODS: Following a series of multidisciplinary meetings and a review of the literature, the European haemophilia community of health professionals and patients jointly defined practical optimum standards for ensuring and harmonizing treatment and care for patients with an inhibitor. RESULTS: Ten complementary principles for the management of inhibitors in haemophilia have been developed, emphasizing the importance and benefits of a centralized, multidisciplinary, expert and holistic approach. CONCLUSIONS: This document will serve as a benchmark to improve the multidisciplinary and practical management of patients with inhibitor. Implementation and adherence to each of these principles should have a major positive impact on the management and outcomes of patients developing an inhibitor.

Emergency care of patients receiving non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants.

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), which inhibit thrombin (dabigatran) and factor Xa (rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban) have been introduced in several clinical indications. Although NOACs have a favourable benefit-risk profile and can be used without routine laboratory monitoring, they are associated-as any anticoagulant-with a risk of bleeding. In addition, treatment may need to be interrupted in patients who need surgery or other procedures. The objective of this article, developed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts in thrombosis and haemostasis, is to provide an update on the management of NOAC-treated patients who experience a bleeding episode or require an urgent procedure. Recent advances in the development of targeted reversal agents are expected to help streamline the management of NOAC-treated patients in whom rapid reversal of anticoagulation is required.

Continuous infusion of coagulation factor concentrates during intensive treatment.

In clinical management of bleeds and surgical procedures in patients suffering from bleeding disorders either repetitive bolus injections (BI) or continuous infusion (CI) can be used for coagulation factor replacement. Continuous infusion seems to be an attractive route of administration and may be considered if replacement therapy is required for more than 3 days. The strongest argument favouring continuous infusion is its superiority in providing the patient with a safe and constant level of the deficient coagulation factor by balancing input with clearance. Furthermore, several studies have shown that coagulation factor consumption may be reduced by CI compared to repetitive bolus injections (BI) since unnecessary peaks of factor level are avoided. Concerns have been raised whether continuous infusion of coagulation concentrates is associated with an increased risk of developing inhibitors. However, available data have so far not shown an increased risk for inhibitor development in severe haemophilia patients with more than 50 exposure days of coagulation factor concentrates. Further, previously reported complications when using CI such as phlebitis at the infusion site and pump failure are nowadays very seldom seen when small amounts of heparin are added to the infusion bag, and increased quality of the pumps are available. Over the last decades, numerous reports have confirmed CI to be a safe and effective mode of coagulation factor replacement even in the most challenging surgical procedures, such as total joint arthroplasties.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia - single center experience.

We aimed to determine the effect of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients as a valid alternative therapeutic option for patients without HLA-compatible donor. This retrospective single center study included 79 patients with AML older than 18 years. In this report, we describe the patient characteristics, engraftment, toxicity of treatment, complications, overall survival, and relapse incidence of 79 patients treated chemotherapy and followed by auto-HSCT. The descriptive statistics was used, and the method of Kaplan and Meier was applied to calculate the actuarial rate of overall survival. The patients achieved an absolute neutrophile count (ANC) of ≥ 0.5 x109/l in between 10 to 40 days; median was 14 days after auto-HSCT. The patients achieved platelet count ≥ 20 x109/l in between 10 to 209 days; median was 19 days after auto-HSCT. Hundred-day mortality after autologous transplant was 6.57% (5/76). The relapse rate was 39.5% (32 patients) and 7 patients (8.6%) were lost from follow-up. On the date of evaluation (April 30, 2016), 48 patients (60.8%) were alive, including 7 (8.6%) patients who are lost from follow-up (not responding to check-up request). The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 60.8%; median overall survival was not reached. The present clinical study has demonstrated safety and efficacy of myeloablative chemotherapy followed by auto-HSCT in the treatment of AML in first remission.

Current view and outcome of ITI therapy - A change over time?

INTRODUCTION: Inhibitor development in people with haemophilia is a serious complication that may require intensive and costly interventions. The goal of inhibitor management should be permanent inhibitor eradication through immune tolerance induction (ITI), but well-designed studies are lacking and the management of patients is therefore defined by the experience and views of the clinician. OBJECTIVES: To explore the current clinical practice and outcome of ITI therapy in Europe and how this may have changed over the last decade, as well as to provide consensus recommendations to guide clinicians in their clinical practice. METHODS: A survey was conducted among 16 European haemophilia comprehensive care centres to evaluate current ITI treatment regimens and success rates in severe and mild/moderate haemophilia A and haemophilia B. In addition, an updated literature review was performed as guidance for providing recommendations. RESULTS: We demonstrated successful inhibitor treatment in 86% of severe haemophilia A patients with low responding (LR) and 59% of patients with high responding (HR) inhibitors. Some new trends in the management of patients with inhibitors were identified, including a tendency to use low-dose regimens (<50IU/kg/d) in both children and adults with HR inhibitors possibly based on similar success rates demonstrated in the I-ITI study compared to a high-dose protocol. Data on ITI therapy in mild and moderate haemophilia as well as haemophilia B were limited. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of ITI therapy seems to be stable over time, and treatment regimens remain heterogeneous. The use of low dose regimens however is considered more frequently.

Graft-versus-host disease management.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a major problem of allogeneic hematopoietic-stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and an obstacle for successful outcome. Clinically significant acute GVHD (grade II or higher) developed in 20 to 65 percent of the patients. Death due to this complication accounts for approximately 50 percent of the deaths that are not due to a relapse of the neoplasm. Up to 70 % of patients who survive beyond day 100 develop chronic GVHD and it is the leading cause of nonrelapse mortality more than 2 years after allogeneic HSCT. In addition, chronic GVHD is associated with decreased quality of life, impaired functional status, and ongoing need for immunosuppressive medications. The incidence of chronic GVHD is increasing because of expansion of the donor population beyond HLA-identical siblings, older recipient age, use of peripheral blood cells as the graft source, and infusion of donor lymphocytes for treatment of recurrent malignancy after HSCT. With the current rush in new findings related to GVHD, we see a significant advancement in its management. Given these various new options and challenges, it is important to identify the minimal requirements for diagnosis and treatment of GVHD, as access to the most sophisticated advances may vary depending on local circumstances (Tab. 4, Fig. 1, Ref. 51).

Women with congenital factor VII deficiency: clinical phenotype and treatment options from two international studies.

INTRODUCTION: A paucity of data exists on the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of bleeding in women with inherited factor VII (FVII) deficiency. AIM: Here we report results of a comprehensive analysis from two international registries of patients with inherited FVII deficiency, depicting the clinical picture of this disorder in women and describing any gender-related differences. METHODS: A comprehensive analysis of two fully compatible, international registries of patients with inherited FVII deficiency (International Registry of Factor VII deficiency, IRF7; Seven Treatment Evaluation Registry, STER) was performed. RESULTS: In our cohort (N = 449; 215 male, 234 female), the higher prevalence of mucocutaneous bleeds in females strongly predicted ensuing gynaecological bleeding (hazard ratio = 12.8, 95% CI 1.68-97.6, P = 0.014). Menorrhagia was the most prevalent type of bleeding (46.4% of patients), and was the presentation symptom in 12% of cases. Replacement therapies administered were also analysed. For surgical procedures (n = 50), a receiver operator characteristic analysis showed that the minimal first dose of rFVIIa to avoid postsurgical bleeding during the first 24 hours was 22 µg kg(-1) , and no less than two administrations. Prophylaxis was reported in 25 women with excellent or effective outcomes when performed with a total weekly rFVIIa dose of 90 µg kg(-1) (divided as three doses). CONCLUSION: Women with FVII deficiency have a bleeding disorder mainly characterized by mucocutaneous bleeds, which predicts an increased risk of ensuing gynaecological bleeding. Systematic replacement therapy or long-term prophylaxis with rFVIIa may reduce the impact of menorrhagia on the reproductive system, iron loss and may avoid unnecessary hysterectomies.

Collection of peripheral hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells.

OBJECTIVES: Several variables possibly affecting collection of peripheral hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (PBSC) were evaluated: type of apheresis machine (Amicus version 2.5, Baxter vs Cobe Spectra version 7.0, Terumo BCT), venous access (peripheral vein vs central venous catheter, i.g. CVC), and apheresis regimen (standard vs large volume leukapheresis, i.g. SVL vs LVL) with the objective to increase collection efficacy at the site. BACKGROUND: Peripheral blood represents the currently preferred source of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSCs) for transplantation. METHODS: Data regarding 169 collection procedures performed in healthy donors and patients between January 2008 and December 2011 at the Clinics of Haematology and Transfusiology in St Cyril and Method Hospital in Bratislava (Slovakia) were analysed. RESULTS: With Cobe Spectra apheresis machine it was possible to process larger blood volumes per procedure with higher CD34+ cell collection efficiency (p = 0.0229) and lower RBC contamination of the harvest than with Amicus (p = 0.0116). On the other hand, Amicus helped to limit PLT contamination of the harvest (p < 0.0001), thus minimizing post-procedural decrease in patient´s PLT count. The highest detected advantage of CVC usage was higher flow rate of procedure, thus processing larger blood volumes per unit of time. Interesting finding was the tendency to lower harvest PLT contamination (p = 0.054). When LVL was performed, significantly higher HSCs yields were collected, even in "poor mobilizers" when the pre-run parameters were low. CONCLUSION: Management of PBSC collection requires a particular approach in each subject. Institutionally and individually optimized collection may help to improve the transplantation outcome and decrease the financial costs (Tab. 8, Ref. 15).

[Pomalidomide in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma]. / Pomalidomid v liecbe relabujúceho a refraktérneho mnohopocetného myelómu.

Despite improvements in multiple myeloma therapy, the vast majority of patients continue to suffer relapses. Unfortunately, many patients event. develop disease that is refractory to lenalidomide and bortezomib and have few treatment options. Pomalidomide is a potent second-generation immunomodulatory agent with direct antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and antiangiogenic effects, as well as modulatory effects on bone resorption and on the immune system. Pomalidomide exhibited more potent anti-myeloma activity compared with thalidomide and lenalidomide. The optimal starting dose of pomalidomide is 4 mg given orally on days 1-21 of each 28-day cycle and combination with dexamethasone produces synergistic effects. In clinical trials, pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone has shown better responses, progression-free and overall survival than high-dose dexamethasone or pomalidomide alone. Pomalidomide has limited cross-resistance with lenalidomide, and the overall response rates of pomalidomide in lenalidomide/bortezomib dual-refractory patients ranged from 26 to 31%. The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events are hematologic, consisting of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia. Pomalidomide was approved by the FDA and the EMA in patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and bortezomib and have demonstrated disease progression on their last therapy. We review pomalidomide mechanism of action, clinical trials in relapsed and refractory patients, and novel pomalidomide-based combinations.

Longitudinal evaluation of markers of hemostasis in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish the physiologic changes in hemostasis during pregnancy and to find the association between the factor V Leiden mutation and adverse pregnancy outcome. METHODS: We investigated blood samples of 148 pregnant women during each trimester of pregnancy. We measured their serum concentrations of factors I, II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, D-dimers, prothrombin time, INR, aPTT, activity of protein C and S, antithrombin III and platelet count. The pregnancy outcome of women with factor V Leiden mutation was compared to those without congenital thrombophilia. RESULTS: Prothrombin time, INR and aPTT were significantly shorter. We found significantly higher plasma concentrations of fibrinogen and d-dimers and higher levels of activity of factor VII and X in the third trimester. No significant difference was found in protein C and antithrombin III activity. The protein S activity was lower in the second trimester and it increased in the third trimester. Although most of the clotting factors were rising during the pregnancy, there was no evidence of fibrinolytic overactivation. In our study, the carriership of factor V Leiden mutation did not affect the incidence of preeclampsia, eclampsia, intrauterine fetal death and venous thromboembolism. Placental abruption was rare. CONCLUSION: Hemostatic changes in pregnancy are significant and essential, and have the potential to cause adverse pregnancy outcome. In addition, hypercoagulable state during pregnancy is considered to be physiological (Tab. 4, Ref. 36).

Continuous infusion in haemophilia: current practice in Europe.

Summary. Continuous infusion (CI) of factor VIII (FVIII) is an effective method for replacement therapy in haemophilia. Recently, concerns have been raised regarding association of CI with the development of inhibitors. The aim of this study was to gain information on the current practices in Europe regarding CI and the true inhibitor incidence after this mode of therapy. In a cross sectional study performed in 22 Comprehensive Care Centres (CCCs), we evaluated CI techniques, treatment protocols, efficacy, safety and complications of CI including inhibitors. Thirteen (59%) CCCs reported a total of 1079 CI treatments, given peri-operatively or for major bleeds, in 742 patients. Most centres used 'adjusted dose' CI aimed at median target FVIII level of 0.8 IU mL(-1). CI was haemostatically very effective with a low incidence of complications: median incidence of postoperative bleeding was 1.8%, six centres observed phlebitis in 2-11% of CI treatments. Only nine (1.2%) patients developed inhibitors (0.45% of 659 severe and 7.2% of 83 mild haemophilia patients). Additional analysis of inhibitor patients revealed several confounding factors (low number of prior FVIII exposure days, high steady-state factor levels during CI, high-risk genotype). In this unprecedentedly large cohort, CI treatment appears to be an effective and safe treatment that does not increase the risk of inhibitor development in patients with severe haemophilia. Thus, previous small case series reports suggesting that CI may increase inhibitors cannot be confirmed. Inhibitor risk in mild haemophilia could not be evaluated as the influence of other, potentially confounding, risk factors could not be excluded.