Tocilizumab en el tratamiento del rechazo humoral crónico activo resistente a terapia estándar / Tocilizumab in the treatment of active chronic humoral rejection resistant to standard therapy

Introducción: No existe consenso sobre el tratamiento más adecuado para el rechazo humoral crónico activo (RHCa). Estudios recientes sugieren que el tratamiento con tocilizumab (TCZ) puede estabilizar la función del injerto, disminuir la intensidad de los anticuerpos anti-HLA donante-específicos (ADEs) y reducir la inflamación de la microcirculación. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional con pacientes trasplantados renales diagnosticados de RHCa (n = 5) que no habían presentado respuesta al tratamiento tradicional basado en la combinación de recambios plasmáticos, inmunoglobulinas y rituximab. A los pacientes se les indicó tratamiento con TCZ como uso compasivo en seis dosis mensuales (8 mg/kg/mes). Durante el seguimiento se monitorizó la función renal, proteinuria y la intensidad de los ADEs. Resultados: Cinco pacientes, de edad media 60 ± 13 años, tres de género masculino y dos retrasplantes (cPRA medio 55%) con ADEs preformados. El tratamiento con TCZ se inició a los 47 ± 52 días de la biopsia. En dos casos se suspendió el tratamiento tras la primera dosis, por bicitopenia severa con viremia por citomegalovirus y por fracaso del injerto, respectivamente. En los tres pacientes que completaron el tratamiento no se observó estabilidad de la función renal (creatinina sérica [Cr-s] de 1,73 ± 0,70 a 2,04 ± 0,52 mg/dL, filtrado glomerular estimado [FGRe] de 46 ± 15 a 36 ± 16 mL/min), presentaron aumento de la proteinuria (3,2 ± 4,0 a 6,9 ± 11,0 g/g) y la intensidad de los ADEs se mantuvo estable. No se observaron cambios en el grado de inflamación de la microcirculación (glomerulitis y capilaritis peritubular [g+cpt] 4,2 ± 0,8 vs. 4,3 ± 1,0), ni en el grado de glomerulopatía del trasplante (glomerulopatía crónica [cg] 1,2 ± 0,4 vs. 1,8 ± 1,0). (AU)

Introduction: There is no consensus on the most appropriate treatment for chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (cAMR). Recent studies suggest that treatment with tocilizumab (TCZ) may stabilize graft function, decrease the intensity of donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSAs) and reduce inflammation of microcirculation. Patients and methods: Observational study with renal allograft recipients diagnosed with cAMR (n = 5) who had not submitted a response to traditional treatment based on the combination of plasma replacements, immunoglobulins, and rituximab. Patients were told to be treated with TCZ as compassionate use in six doses per month (8 mg/kg/month). Renal function, proteinuria, and the intensity of DSAs were monitored during follow-up. Results: Five patients, average age 60 ± 13 years, three male and two retrasplants (cPRA average 55%) with preformed DSAs. Treatment with TCZ was initiated within 47 ± 52 days of biopsy. In two cases treatment was discontinued after the first dose, by severe bicitopenia with cytomegalovirus viremia and by graft failure, respectively. In the three patients who completed treatment, no stability of renal function (serum creatinine from 1.73 ± 0.70 to 2.04 ± 0.52 mg/dL, e-FGR 4 6 ± 15 to 36 ± 16 mL/min), showed increased proteinuria (3.2 ± 4.0 to 6.9 ± 11.0 g/g) and the intensity of DSAs maintain stable. No changes were observed in the degree of inflammation of microcirculation (g + pt 4.2 ± 0.8 vs. 4.3 ± 1.0) or in the degree of transplant glomerulopathy (cg 1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 1.8 ± 1.0). (AU)

Tocilizumab in the treatment of active chronic humoral rejection resistant to standard therapy.

INTRODUCTION: There is no consensus on the most appropriate treatment for chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (cAMR). Recent studies suggest that treatment with tocilizumab (TCZ) may stabilize graft function, decrease the intensity of donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSAs) and reduce inflammation of microcirculation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational study with renal allograft recipients diagnosed with cAMR (n = 5) who had not submitted a response to traditional treatment based on the combination of plasma replacements, immunoglobulins, and rituximab. Patients were told to be treated with TCZ as compassionate use in six doses per month (8 mg/kg/month). Renal function, proteinuria, and the intensity of DSAs were monitored during follow-up. RESULTS: Five patients, average age 60 ± 13 years, three male and two retrasplants (cPRA average 55%) with preformed DSAs. Treatment with TCZ was initiated within 47 ± 52 days of biopsy. In two cases treatment was discontinued after the first dose, by severe bicitopenia with cytomegalovirus viremia and by graft failure, respectively. In the three patients who completed treatment, no stability of renal function (serum creatinine from 1.73 ± 0.70 to 2.04 ± 0.52 mg/dL, e-FGR 4 6 ± 15 to 36 ± 16 mL/min), showed increased proteinuria (3.2 ± 4.0 to 6.9 ± 11.0 g/g) and the intensity of DSAs maintain stable. No changes were observed in the degree of inflammation of microcirculation (g+pt 4.2 ± 0.8 vs. 4.3 ± 1.0) or in the degree of transplant glomerulopathy (cg 1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 1.8 ± 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: TCZ therapy does not appear to be effective in modifying the natural history of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection, does not improve the degree of inflammation of microcirculation and does not reduces the intensity of DSAs.

Myositis and myasteniform syndrome related to pembrolizumab.

This case report concerns a 63-year-old man affected by metastatic undifferentiated liposarcoma. After receiving pembrolizumab as a second-line treatment in a clinical trial, the patient experienced an immune-mediated myocarditis, myositis and myasteniform syndrome. The last two adverse events showed significant clinical relevance in terms of severity, duration and the required specific treatment.Initial treatment approach consisted in pulses of 1 g of methylprednisolone, followed by 2 mg/kg/day, with clinical improvement. After 12 days, the immune-mediated myasteniform syndrome worsened, with dysphagia, dysphonia, bilateral palpebral ptosis and respiratory difficulty. Due to the refractoriness to glucocorticoid treatment, it was decided to initiate intravenous immunoglobulin at 2 g/kg, followed by 2 mg/kg every 4 weeks once discharged and mycophenolate 500 mg/12 hours, in order to reduce the dose of glucocorticoids.After 2 months, the patient presented an optimal clinical evolution, without muscular weakness and referred to an improvement in dysphagia and speech.

COVID-19 in Solid Organ Transplantation: A Matched Retrospective Cohort Study and Evaluation of Immunosuppression Management.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of solid organ transplant (SOT) patients during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic remains unclear. We conducted a matched retrospective cohort study to compare clinical outcomes among SOT recipients with the general population and to assess immunosuppression management. METHODS: Adult SOT recipients with laboratory polymerase chain reaction-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to a tertiary-care hospital in Barcelona, Spain, from March 11 to April 25, 2020, were matched to controls (1:4) on the basis of sex, age, and age-adjusted Charlson's Index. Patients were followed for up to 28 days from admission or until censored. Primary endpoint was mortality at 28 days. Secondary endpoints included admission to the intensive care unit and secondary complications. Drug-drug interactions (DDI) between immunosuppressants and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) management medication were collected. RESULTS: Forty-six transplant recipients and 166 control patients were included. Mean (SD) age of transplant recipients and controls was 62.7 (12.6) and 66.0 (12.7) years, 33 (71.7%) and 122 (73.5%) were male, and median (interquartile range) Charlson's Index was 5 (3-7) and 4 (2-7), respectively. Mortality was 37.0% in SOT recipients and 22.9% in controls (P = 0.51). Thirty-three (71.7%) patients underwent transitory discontinuation of immunosuppressants due to potential or confirmed DDI. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, hospitalized SOT recipients with COVID-19 had a trend toward higher mortality compared with controls, although it was not statistically significant, and a notable propensity for DDI.

Clinical outcomes of the inclusion of the therapeutic drug monitoring report in the electronic clinical record / Resultados en salud de la integración del informe de monitorización farmacocinética en la historia clínica electrónica

Objectives: To assess the inclusion of the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Report (TDMR) in the Electronic Clinical Record (ECR). Method: An observational ambispective cohort study with a duration of 149 days: PRE (retrospective, 49 days) with the TDMR printed in paper, and POST (prospective, 100 days) with the TDMR included in the ECR. Exclusion criteria: Patients not hospitalized, applications for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Critical Care and Neonatal Units, as well as monitoring with an objective other than dose adjustment. Variables: Number of TDMRs prepared, number of patients admitted with TDMR, time of delay for treatment adjustment, defined as the number of adjustments made to the treatment within over or under 24 hours from the time of TDMR preparation, and medication errors (MEs) associated with said delay, as well as the degree of acceptance of the TDMR. Results: 690 TDMRs were conducted in 391 patients, 339 in PRE (n = 206) and 351 in POST (n = 185). The number of treatment modifications made in under 24 hours increased from 73.9% in PRE to 87.3% in POST [RR = 1.2 (CI95% = 0.97-1.43). We identified 35 patients with ME, 9.7% of them in PRE and 8.1% in POST (RR = 0.84 (CI95% = 0.44-1.58)]. The degree of acceptance of the pharmacist recommendation increased from 53.3% in PRE to 68.3% in POST [RR = 1.3 (CI95% = 1.02- 1.62)]. Conclusions: The inclusion of the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Report (TDMR) in the Electronic Clinical Record increases the degree of acceptance of recommendations, and may reduce the delay in treatment modifications, reducing MEs and improving the process quality in terms of efficacy and safety (AU)

Objetivos: Valorar la integración del informe de monitorización farmacocinética (IMFC) en la historia clínica electrónica (HCE). Método: Estudio observacional ambispectivo de cohortes de 149 días de duración: PRE (retrospectiva, 49 días) con emisión del IMFC en papel y POST (prospectiva, 100 días) con emisión del IMFC integrado en HCE. Criterios de exclusión: Pacientes no ingresados, solicitudes de monitorización farmacocinética de unidades de críticos y neonatos, así como monitorizaciones cuyo objetivo no era el ajuste posológico. Variables: Número de IMFC elaborados, número de pacientes ingresados con IMFC, tiempo de demora de las adecuaciones del tratamiento definidas como número de adecuaciones realizadas en el tratamiento en más o en menos 24 horas respecto al momento de emisión del IMFC, y errores de medicación (EM) asociados a dicha demora, así como grado de aceptación del IMFC. Resultados: Se realizaron 690 IFC en 391 pacientes, 339 en PRE (n = 206) y 351 en POST (n = 185). El número de modificaciones realizadas en menos de 24 horas aumentó del 73,9% en PRE al 87,3% en POST [RR = 1,2 (IC95% = 0,97-1,43)]. Se identificaron 35 pacientes con EM, siendo 9,7% en PRE y 8,1% en POST [RR = 0,84 (IC95% = 0,44-1,58)]. El grado de aceptación de la recomendación farmacéutica se incrementó de 53,3% en PRE a 68,3% en POST [RR = 1,3 (IC95% = 1,02-1,62)]. Conclusiones: La integración del informe de monitorización farmacocinética en la historia clínica electrónica incrementa el gra do de aceptación de las recomendaciones y puede disminuir la demora de las adecuaciones del tratamiento reduciendo los EM, mejorando con ello la calidad del proceso en eficacia y seguridad (AU)

Clinical outcomes of the inclusion of the therapeutic drug monitoring report in the electronic clinical record.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the inclusion of the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Report (TDMR) in the Electronic Clinical Record (ECR). METHOD: An observational ambispective cohort study with a duration of 149 days: PRE (retrospective, 49 days) with the TDMR printed in paper, and POST (prospective, 100 days) with the TDMR included in the ECR. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients not hospitalized, applications for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Critical Care and Neonatal Units, as well as monitoring with an objective other than dose adjustment. VARIABLES: Number of TDMRs prepared, number of patients admitted with TDMR, time of delay for treatment adjustment, defined as the number of adjustments made to the treatment within over or under 24 hours from the time of TDMR preparation, and medication errors (MEs) associated with said delay, as well as the degree of acceptance of the TDMR. RESULTS: 690 TDMRs were conducted in 391 patients, 339 in PRE (n = 206) and 351 in POST (n = 185). The number of treatment modifications made in under 24 hours increased from 73.9% in PRE to 87.3% in POST [RR = 1.2 (CI95% = 0.97-1.43). We identified 35 patients with ME, 9.7% of them in PRE and 8.1% in POST (RR = 0.84 (CI95% = 0.44-1.58)]. The degree of acceptance of the pharmacist recommendation increased from 53.3% in PRE to 68.3% in POST [RR = 1.3 (CI95% = 1.02- 1.62)]. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Report (TDMR) in the Electronic Clinical Record increases the degree of acceptance of recommendations, and may reduce the delay in treatment modifications, reducing MEs and improving the process quality in terms of efficacy and safety.

Objetivos: Valorar la integración del informe de monitorización farmacocinética (IMFC) en la historia clínica electrónica (HCE). Método: Estudio observacional ambispectivo de cohortes de 149 días de duración: PRE (retrospectiva, 49 días) con emisión del IMFC en papel y POST (prospectiva, 100 días) con emisión del IMFC integrado en HCE. Criterios de exclusión: Pacientes no ingresados, solicitudes de monitorización farmacocinética de unidades de críticos y neonatos, así como monitorizaciones cuyo objetivo no era el ajuste posológico. VARIABLES: Número de IMFC elaborados, número de pacientes ingresados con IMFC, tiempo de demora de las adecuaciones del tratamiento definidas como número de adecuaciones realizadas en el tratamiento en más o en menos 24 horas respecto al momento de emisión del IMFC, y errores de medicación (EM) asociados a dicha demora, así como grado de aceptación del IMFC. Resultados: Se realizaron 690 IFC en 391 pacientes, 339 en PRE (n = 206) y 351 en POST (n = 185). El número de modificaciones realizadas en menos de 24 horas aumentó del 73,9% en PRE al 87,3% en POST [RR = 1,2 (IC95% = 0,97-1,43)]. Se identificaron 35 pacientes con EM, siendo 9,7% en PRE y 8,1% en POST [RR = 0,84 (IC95% = 0,44-1,58)]. El grado de aceptación de la recomendación farmacéutica se incrementó de 53,3% en PRE a 68,3% en POST [RR = 1,3 (IC95% = 1,02-1,62)]. Conclusiones: La integración del informe de monitorización farmacocinética en la historia clínica electrónica incrementa el gra do de aceptación de las recomendaciones y puede disminuir la demora de las adecuaciones del tratamiento reduciendo los EM, mejorando con ello la calidad del proceso en eficacia y seguridad.