Enrichment of effector memory T cells in the CD4 and CD8 T cell compartment during chronic graft versus host disease in children.

BACKGROUND: During allogeneic Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), frequent pathological scenarios include graft versus host disease (GVHD) and viral infections. We hypothesized if exogenous stimulus as alloantigen and viral antigens might impact on central and effector memory T cells in pediatric recipients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Subjects included 21 pediatric recipients and 20 healthy children (control group). Peripheral blood samples of patients were collected along the first 712 days post-HSCT. T cell phenotyping of naïve, central, and effector memory T cells (TCMs and TEMs, respectively) was conducted using flow cytometry. Viral nucleic acids were detected using real-time PCR. RESULTS: T cell reconstitution was not reached after 1 year post-HSCT. Chronic GVHD was associated with increased numbers of naïve CD4 T cells (p < 0.05) as well as an increase in TEM and TCM cells of the CD4 (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively) and CD8 T cell TEM (p < 0.0001). and TCM (p < 0.001) populations too. Moreover, BK and Epstein-Barr viruses were the main viral pathogens detected (<104 copies), which were associated with a decrease in all T cell compartments. CONCLUSION: During chronic GVHD, alloantigen persistence generates TEM cell enrichment among CD4 and CD8 T cells, and viral infections are associated with deficient recovery of T cells after HSCT.

Presence of antibodies against HLA class I and class II molecules in children before and after allo-HSCT. Alloantibodies before and after HSCT.

A severe complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is graft failure (GF). Among others, donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) are associated with graft rejection after allogeneic or haploidentical transplantation in adults. Knowledge of DSA and pediatric recipients is limited. Hence, we aimed to generate more information about the presence of DSA (pre- and post-HSCT) and the clinical outcomes (graft rejection and poor function) in children. We identified DSA in 27% of the patients. We observed a higher frequency (50%) of DSA-bearing patients with a benign disease diagnosis than those diagnosed with leukemia (16.66%). We observed graft rejection in one patient (with DSA against two alleles of HLA class I molecules) and poor function in three recipients during the first 30 days after HSCT in the absence of DSA. The presence of donor and nondonor HLA-specific antibodies decreased substantially after transplantation. After the transplant, we identified two patients with DSA specific for HLA class I molecules (independent of clinical relevance), and four recipients showed PGF in the absence of DSA. We were unable to establish any association between the presence of DSA and a clinical outcome: graft failure or prevalence of viral infection.

Herpesvirus Screening in Childhood Hematopoietic Transplant Reveals High Systemic Inflammation in Episodes of Multiple Viral Detection and an EBV Association with Elevated IL-1ß, IL-8 and Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

Infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality among hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Unlike Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Human Herpesvirus (HHV) 6, HHV7 and HHV8 are not routinely monitored in many centers, especially in the pediatric population of low-medium income countries. We screened EBV, HCMV, HHV6, HHV7 and HHV8 in 412 leukocytes-plasma paired samples from 40 pediatric patients assisted in a tertiary hospital in Mexico. Thirty-two underwent allo-HSCT, whereas eight received auto-HSCT. Overall viral detection frequencies in allo- and auto-HSCT were: EBV = 43.7% and 30.0%, HCMV = 5.0% and 6.7%, HHV6 = 7.9% and 20.0% and HHV7 = 9.7% and 23.3%. HHV8 was not detected in any sample. Interestingly, HHV6 and HHV7 were more frequent in auto-HSCT, and HHV6 was observed in all episodes of multiple detection in auto-HSCT patients. We found EBV DNA in plasma samples, whereas HCMV, HHV6 and HHV7 DNA were predominantly observed in leukocytes, indicative of their expansion in cellular compartments. We also found that IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly increased in episodes in which multiple viruses were simultaneously detected, and samples positive for EBV DNA and graft-versus-host disease had a further increase of IL-1ß and IL-8. In conclusion, the EBV, HCMV, HHV6 and HHV7 burdens were frequently detected in allo- and auto-HSCT, and their presence associated with systemic inflammation.

Supervivencia de pacientes con leucemia aguda post trasplante de células hematopoyéticas: 8 años de experiencia de un centro único en México / Survival of patients with acute leukemia after hematopoietic cell transplantation: A 8-years single center study in Mexico

Introducción: El trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TCPH) es el trata-miento para la leucemia aguda en niños, el tipo de cáncer más común en edad pediátrica. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la supervivencia global y libre de enferme-dad en un grupo de pacientes sometidos a TCPH y explorar los factores de riesgo pacientes pediátricos con leucemia aguda. Metodología: El presente estudio observacional incluye a pacientes pediátricos diagnosticados de leucemia mieloide aguda (LMA) o linfoide (LLA), sometidos a TCPH, de 2011 a 2018 presentados en el Hospital Infantil Federico Gómez. Se construyen curvas de Kaplan Meier para la supervivencia global, por subgrupos según tipo de leucemia y estado libre de enfermedad así como un estudio multivariable para medir factores de riesgo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 53 pacientes en el análisis. 5 pacientes (11%) tuvieron falla primaria del injerto. La supervivencia global fue del 28% a los 24 meses. Fallecieron 30 pacientes (67%). La mediana de supervivencia global fue de 11 meses. Para LMA fue de 8.9 meses y para LLA de 12.4 meses. Uno de los factores de riesgo constituyó la edad >10 años al momento del trasplante OR 5.2 (1.07-25.12), P=0.04 y el número de recaídas previas al trasplante OR 4.3 (1.2-15.07) P=0.025. Conclusión: Los pacientes que sobrevivieron un año libre de la enfermedad tenían un mejor pronóstico en general. En estudios relacionados a TCPH no se ha reportado que exista un rango de edad de los receptores de trasplante que esté relacionado a mayor mortalidad, por lo cual es un dato significativo como un factor de riesgo independiente.

Introduction: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the treatment for acute leukemia in children, the most common type of cancer in children. The objective of the present study was to de-termine the overall and disease-free survival in a group of patients undergoing HSCT and to explore the risk factors for pediatric patients with acute leukemia. Methodology: This observational study includes all pediatric patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or lymphoid leukemia (ALL), undergoing HSCT from March 2011 to March 2018, presented at the Federico Gómez Children's Hospital. Kaplan Meier curves are constructed for overall survival by subgroups according to the type of leukemia and disease-free status, as well as a multivaria-ble study to measure risk factors. Results: 53 patients were included in the análisis. 5 patients (11%) had primary graft failure. Overall survival was 28% at 24 months. Thirty patients (67%) died. The median overall survival was 11 months. For AML, it was 8.9 months, and for ALL, it was 12.4 months. One of the risk factors was age >10 years at the time of transplant OR 5.2 (1.07-25.12) P=0.04 and the number of relapses prior to transplant OR 4.3 (1.2-15.07) P=0.025. Conclusión: Patients who survived one year free of the disease had a better prognosis. In studies relat-ed to HSCT, it has not been reported that there is an age range of transplant recipients that is related to higher mortality, which is why it is a significant and independent risk factor.

Respiratory viral infections in pediatric patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Background: Viral respiratory infections in pediatric patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) significantly impact morbidity and mortality. It is necessary to determine the viral agents and their frequency of presentation to understand their impact on transplantation patients' evolution. Methods: From January 2017 to December 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study of patients who underwent HSCT with a viral respiratory infection. Viral identification was performed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction for nine respiratory viruses. Descriptive statistics were performed with a report of central tendency measures and percentages. Results: Of the 54 pediatric patients who underwent HSCT, 59.2% presented an airway infection; in turn, at least one viral agent was identified in 59.3% of these patients. The most frequent viral agents were influenza (25.9%), human rhinovirus (18.5%), and respiratory syncytial virus (18.5%). Viral co-infections occurred in 36.8% of the cases. The reported complications were supplemental oxygen requirement (73.6%), support with mechanical ventilation (21%), admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (15.7%), and mortality associated with a viral respiratory infection (10.5%). Conclusions: Viral respiratory infections are frequent in pediatric patients with HSCT; influenza A/B virus was the most frequent agent. As morbidity and mortality increase due to these infections in patients with HSCT, strategies are necessary for its prevention and timely treatment after transplantation.

Introducción: Las infecciones respiratorias virales en los pacientes pediátricos con trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TCPH) impactan significativamente la morbilidad y la mortalidad. Para comprender su impacto en la evolución de los pacientes receptores de trasplantes es necesario conocer la frecuencia de presentación y los agentes virales. Métodos: De enero de 2017 a diciembre de 2019 se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal, descriptivo y observacional de los pacientes sometidos a TCPH que tuvieron una infección viral de vías respiratorias. La identificación de los virus se realizó por medio de la prueba de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa multiplex para nueve virus respiratorios. Se realizó estadística descriptiva con reporte de medidas de tendencia central y porcentajes. Resultados: De los 54 pacientes incluidos, el 59.2% presentaron una infección de vías respiratorias y se identificó al menos un agente viral en el 59.3% de estos casos. Los virus más frecuentes fueron influenza (25.9%), rinovirus humano (18.5%) y virus sincitial respiratorio (18.5%). En el 36.8% de los casos se detectaron coinfecciones virales. Se presentaron las siguientes complicaciones: requerimiento de oxígeno suplementario (73.6%), soporte con ventilación mecánica (21%), ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (15.7%) y muerte asociada a infección por virus respiratorios (10.5%). Conclusiones: Las infecciones respiratorias virales en los pacientes pediátricos con TCPH son frecuentes; el virus influenza A/B es el agente más habitual. Debido a que estas infecciones se asocian con mayor morbimortalidad en los pacientes con TCPH, son estrategias necesarias para su preven­ción y tratamiento oportuno posterior al trasplante.

Respiratory viral infections in pediatric patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation / Infecciones respiratorias virales en pacientes pediátricos con trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas

Abstract Background: Viral respiratory infections in pediatric patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) significantly impact morbidity and mortality. It is necessary to determine the viral agents and their frequency of presentation to understand their impact on transplantation patients’ evolution. Methods: From January 2017 to December 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study of patients who underwent HSCT with a viral respiratory infection. Viral identification was performed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction for nine respiratory viruses. Descriptive statistics were performed with a report of central tendency measures and percentages. Results: Of the 54 pediatric patients who underwent HSCT, 59.2% presented an airway infection; in turn, at least one viral agent was identified in 59.3% of these patients. The most frequent viral agents were influenza (25.9%), human rhinovirus (18.5%), and respiratory syncytial virus (18.5%). Viral co-infections occurred in 36.8% of the cases. The reported complications were supplemental oxygen requirement (73.6%), support with mechanical ventilation (21%), admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (15.7%), and mortality associated with a viral respiratory infection (10.5%). Conclusions: Viral respiratory infections are frequent in pediatric patients with HSCT; influenza A/B virus was the most frequent agent. As morbidity and mortality increase due to these infections in patients with HSCT, strategies are necessary for its prevention and timely treatment after transplantation.

Resumen Introducción: Las infecciones respiratorias virales en los pacientes pediátricos con trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TCPH) impactan significativamente la morbilidad y la mortalidad. Para comprender su impacto en la evolución de los pacientes receptores de trasplantes es necesario conocer la frecuencia de presentación y los agentes virales. Métodos: De enero de 2017 a diciembre de 2019 se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal, descriptivo y observacional de los pacientes sometidos a TCPH que tuvieron una infección viral de vías respiratorias. La identificación de los virus se realizó por medio de la prueba de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa multiplex para nueve virus respiratorios. Se realizó estadística descriptiva con reporte de medidas de tendencia central y porcentajes. Resultados: De los 54 pacientes incluidos, el 59.2% presentaron una infección de vías respiratorias y se identificó al menos un agente viral en el 59.3% de estos casos. Los virus más frecuentes fueron influenza (25.9%), rinovirus humano (18.5%) y virus sincitial respiratorio (18.5%). En el 36.8% de los casos se detectaron coinfecciones virales. Se presentaron las siguientes complicaciones: requerimiento de oxígeno suplementario (73.6%), soporte con ventilación mecánica (21%), ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (15.7%) y muerte asociada a infección por virus respiratorios (10.5%). Conclusiones: Las infecciones respiratorias virales en los pacientes pediátricos con TCPH son frecuentes; el virus influenza A/B es el agente más habitual. Debido a que estas infecciones se asocian con mayor morbimortalidad en los pacientes con TCPH, son estrategias necesarias para su prevención y tratamiento oportuno posterior al trasplante.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a patient with osteopetrosis and mutation in CLCN7: long-term follow-up / Trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas en un paciente con osteopetrosis y mutación en CLCN7: seguimiento a largo plazo

Abstract Background: Osteopetrosis is a rare hereditary bone dysplasia characterized by insufficient osteoclast activity that results in increased bone mineral density. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can reverse skeletal abnormalities and restore hematopoiesis. Case report: We present the case of a 3-year and 2-month-old male patient with the diagnosis of osteopetrosis. The patient underwent allogeneic HSCT (Allo-HSCT) using 100% compatible bone marrow from a related donor and received a myeloablative conditioning regimen and a CD34 cell dose (4.7 × 107/kg). In the early post-transplant, frequent complications such as pneumonitis, hypercalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia ocurred. With a suitable granulocytic graft and chimerism of 100%, it was considered a successful transplant. However, the patient showed a delayed platelet graft treated with a platelet-stimulating factor for 6 months. The patient is currently disease-free, outpatient follow-up, with no data on graft-versus-host disease, and no progressive neurological damage. Conclusions: Osteopetrosis is a childhood disease that requires clinical suspicion and early diagnosis. HSCT is necessary at an early age to prevent disease progression and sensorineural, hematological, and endocrinological functions damage that can lead to death.

Resumen Introducción: La osteopetrosis es una displasia ósea hereditaria poco común, caracterizada por una actividad osteoclástica deficiente que aumenta la densidad mineral ósea. Se considera que el trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TCPH) puede revertir las anormalidades esqueléticas y restaurar la hematopoyesis. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino, de 3 años y 2 meses de edad, con diagnóstico tardío de osteopetrosis. Se realizó un TCPH alogénico de donador relacionado 100% compatible con médula ósea. Se utilizaron un régimen de acondicionamiento mieloablativo y una dosis celular de CD34 de 4.7 × 107/kg de peso. En el postrasplante temprano, el paciente desarrolló complicaciones como neumonitis, hipercalcemia e hiperfosfatemia. Con un injerto granulocítico adecuado y quimerismo del 100% se consideró un trasplante exitoso. Sin embargo, el paciente presentó retraso en el injerto plaquetario, por lo que se administró factor estimulante de plaquetas por 6 meses. Actualmente el paciente se encuentra libre de enfermedad, en seguimiento ambulatorio, sin datos de enfermedad del injerto contra el hospedero y con pruebas de neurodesarrollo sin deterioro neurológico progresivo. Conclusiones: La osteopetrosis es una enfermedad infantil que requiere una sospecha clínica y un diagnóstico temprano, ya que es necesario un TCPH a corta edad como tratamiento para evitar la progresión de la enfermedad y el deterioro de las funciones neurosensoriales, hematológicas y endocrinológicas que puede derivar en la defunción del paciente.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a patient with osteopetrosis and mutation in CLCN7: long-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Osteopetrosis is a rare hereditary bone dysplasia characterized by insufficient osteoclast activity that results in increased bone mineral density. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can reverse skeletal abnormalities and restore hematopoiesis. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 3-year and 2-month-old male patient with the diagnosis of osteopetrosis. The patient underwent allogeneic HSCT (Allo-HSCT) using 100% compatible bone marrow from a related and received a myeloablative conditioning regimen and a CD34 cell dose (4.7 × 107/kg). In the early post-transplant, frequent complications such as pneumonitis, hypercalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia ocurred. With a suitable granulocytic graft and chimerism of 100%, it was considered a successful transplant. However, the patient showed a delayed platelet graft treated with a platelet-stimulating factor for 6 months. The patient is currently disease-free, outpatient follow-up, with no data on graft-versus-host disease, and no progressive neurological damage. CONCLUSION: Osteopetrosis is a childhood disease that requires clinical suspicion and early diagnosis. HSCT is necessary at an early age to prevent disease progression and sensorineural, hematological, and endocrinological functions damage that can lead to death.

Natural killer cell reconstitution after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in children.

INTRODUCTION: After hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), natural killer (NK) cells reconstitution is the main barrier against viral infections. OBJECTIVE: To determine that the knowledge on the kinetics of NK cell reconstitution after HSCT contributes to transplant efficient monitoring, which increases the possibility of its success. METHOD: Twenty-one patients undergoing HSCT were included, as well as a control group of clinically healthy individuals. At different time points after transplantation (range of 21 to 670 days), CD3- CD16+ CD56+ NK cells were quantified by flow cytometry in peripheral blood samples. RESULTS: NK cell recovery occurs at three to six months and 10 to 12 months post-transplantation; their number was significantly lower (in comparison with the control group) in the rest of the monitoring time. CONCLUSIONS: The first period of NK cell recovery occurs between three and six months after transplantation. Reconstitution is transient and the number of NK cells varies in the first years.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Después de un trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TCPH), la reconstitución de las células natural killer (NK) es la principal barrera contra las infecciones virales. OBJETIVO: Determinar que el conocimiento sobre la cinética de la reconstitución de las células NK posterior al TCPH contribuye a un eficiente monitoreo del trasplante, lo que incrementa la posibilidad de éxito de este. MÉTODO: Se incluyeron 21 pacientes sometidos a TCPH, así como un grupo control de individuos clínicamente sanos. En diferentes momentos después del trasplante (intervalo de 21 a 670 días), mediante citometría de flujo se cuantificaron las células NK CD3− CD16+ CD56+ en muestras de sangre periférica. RESULTADOS: La recuperación de las células NK ocurre a los tres a seis meses y a los 10 a 12 meses postrasplante; su número fue significativamente menor (en comparación con el grupo control) en el tiempo restante del monitoreo. CONCLUSIONES: El primer periodo de recuperación de las células NK ocurre entre los tres y seis meses posteriores al trasplante. La reconstitución es transitoria y el número de células NK varía en los primeros años.

Reconstitución de células natural killer después del trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas en niños / Natural killer cell reconstitution after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in children

Resumen Introducción: Después de un trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TCPH), la reconstitución de las células natural killer (NK) es la principal barrera contra las infecciones virales. Objetivo: Determinar que el conocimiento sobre la cinética de la reconstitución de las células NK posterior al TCPH contribuye a un eficiente monitoreo del trasplante, lo que incrementa la posibilidad de éxito de este. Método: Se incluyeron 21 pacientes sometidos a TCPH, así como un grupo control de individuos clínicamente sanos. En diferentes momentos después del trasplante (intervalo de 21 a 670 días), mediante citometría de flujo se cuantificaron las células NK CD3− CD16+ CD56+ en muestras de sangre periférica. Resultados: La recuperación de las células NK ocurre entre los tres y seis meses y entre los 10 y 12 meses postrasplante; su número fue significativamente menor (en comparación con el grupo control) en el tiempo restante del monitoreo. Conclusiones: El primer periodo de recuperación de las células NK ocurre entre los tres y seis meses posteriores al trasplante. La reconstitución es transitoria y el número de células NK varía en los primeros años.

Abstract Introduction: After hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), natural killer (NK) cells reconstitution is the main barrier against viral infections. Objective: To determine that the knowledge on the kinetics of NK cell reconstitution after HSCT contributes to transplant efficient monitoring, which increases the possibility of its success. Method: Twenty-one patients undergoing HSCT were included, as well as a control group of clinically healthy individuals. At different time points after transplantation (range of 21 to 670 days), CD3- CD16+ CD56+ NK cells were quantified by flow cytometry in peripheral blood samples. Results: NK cell recovery occurs at three to six months and 10 to 12 months post-transplantation; their number was significantly lower (in comparison with the control group) in the rest of the monitoring time. Conclusions: The first period of NK cell recovery occurs between three and six months after transplantation. Reconstitution is transient and the number of NK cells varies in the first years.