Anti-A/B isoagglutinin reduction in an intravenous immunoglobulin product and risk of hemolytic anemia: a hospital-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are derived from large human plasma pools. IVIG-associated hemolytic anemia (HA) is a known class effect, likely attributed to dose-dependent passive transfer of anti-A/B isoagglutinins. Two isoagglutinin reduction steps were implemented in the manufacturing process of Privigen (human 10% liquid IVIG): exclusion of high-anti-A-titer donors in 2013, replaced by specific immunoaffinity chromatography in 2015. We aim to estimate the clinical effectiveness of both measures. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Using the US hospital-based Premier Healthcare Database, three Privigen cohorts were generated based on calendar periods indicative of manufacturing changes: Period 1 (baseline) January 2008 to December 2012, Period 2 (high-anti-A-titer donor exclusion) October 2013 to December 2015, and Period 3 (immunoaffinity chromatography) October 2016 to April 2019. HA within a 10-day at-risk period after Privigen administrations was identified from review of patient record summaries. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated from Poisson regression (Period 1 reference) adjusting for hospital setting, sex, age, Privigen indication, dose, and first use. RESULTS: Crude incidence rates of HA were 1.49 per 10,000 person-days in Period 1 (38 HA, 9439 patients), 1.01 in Period 2 (20 HA, 7710 patients), and 0.14 in Period 3 (3 HA, 7759 patients). Adjusted IRR for HA in Period 2 was 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-1.23), and in Period 3 was 0.10 (0.03-0.33) compared with Period 1. The IRR for HA in Period 3 compared with Period 2 was 0.14 (95% CI, 0.04-0.47). CONCLUSION: Implementation of immunoaffinity chromatography in Privigen manufacturing resulted in a significant 90% reduction of HA risk. HA has become a rare event in association with Privigen use.

Chimeric hemagglutinin supra-seasonal universal influenza vaccine candidates administered sequentially by the intramuscular route are locally and systemically well-tolerated in rabbits.

Sequential intramuscular immunization with chimeric hemagglutinins (cHA) composed of the same conserved HA stalk domain and distinct HA heads is a proposed strategy to produce a supra-seasonal universal influenza vaccine. To evaluate the local tolerance and the local and systemic effects of this strategy, two studies were performed in rabbits. In the first study, two different split virion monovalent cHA vaccines, containing cH5/1N1 and cH8/1N1, with or without AS01 or AS03, were injected at a two-week interval. In the second study, animals were given these vaccines and two weeks later an additional dose of split virion monovalent cHA vaccine containing cH11/1N1, with or without AS01 or AS03. General health status, rectal temperature, local tolerance, ophthalmology, hematology, coagulation, and blood chemistry parameters were monitored. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were performed three days after the last dose and after a treatment-free recovery period. The treatment-related changes included body weight loss and food consumption decrease, increases in neutrophil count, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels. Microscopic signs of inflammation at the injection sites and immune stimulation of the draining lymph nodes and spleen were also noticed. Most post-injection findings could be linked to the transient inflammation due to the establishment of the desired vaccine-elicited immune response, and were mainly observed in the adjuvanted groups. In conclusion, the sequential administration of different cHA vaccines was locally and systemically well-tolerated in rabbits.

Safety and immunogenicity of investigational seasonal influenza hemagglutinin DNA vaccine followed by trivalent inactivated vaccine administered intradermally or intramuscularly in healthy adults: An open-label randomized phase 1 clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal influenza results in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, but the currently licensed inactivated vaccines generally have low vaccine efficacies and could be improved. In this phase 1 clinical trial, we compared seasonal influenza vaccine regimens with different priming strategies, prime-boost intervals, and administration routes to determine the impact of these variables on the resulting antibody response. METHODS: Between August 17, 2012 and January 25, 2013, four sites enrolled healthy adults 18-70 years of age. Subjects were randomized to receive one of the following vaccination regimens: trivalent hemagglutinin (HA) DNA prime followed by trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3) boost with a 3.5 month interval (DNA-IIV3), IIV3 prime followed by IIV3 boost with a 10 month interval (IIV3-IIV3), or concurrent DNA and IIV3 prime followed by IIV3 boost with a 10 month interval (DNA/IIV3-IIV3). Each regimen was additionally stratified by an IIV3 administration route of either intramuscular (IM) or intradermal (ID). DNA vaccines were administered by a needle-free jet injector (Biojector). Study objectives included evaluating the safety and tolerability of each regimen and measuring the antibody response by hemagglutination inhibition (HAI). RESULTS: Three hundred and sixteen subjects enrolled. Local reactogenicity was mild to moderate in severity, with higher frequencies recorded following DNA vaccine administered by Biojector compared to IIV3 by either route (p <0.02 for pain, swelling, and redness) and following IIV3 by ID route compared to IM route (p <0.001 for swelling and redness). Systemic reactogenicity was similar between regimens. Though no overall differences were observed between regimens, the highest titers post boost were observed in the DNA-IIV3 group by ID route and in the IIV3-IIV3 group by IM route. CONCLUSIONS: All vaccination regimens were found to be safe and tolerable. While there were no overall differences between regimens, the DNA-IIV3 group by ID route, and the IIV3-IIV3 group by IM route, showed higher responses compared to the other same-route regimens.

Severe acrocyanosis precipitated by cold agglutinin secondary to infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a pediatric patient.

This is the first report describing a severe form of cold agglutinin-induced acrocyanosis with cutaneous necrosis after Mycoplasma infection in a 9-year-old patient without any other severe symptoms and laboratory alterations. We also present the results of two non-invasive methods used to determine the viability of tissues, degree of tissue perfusion impairment, and the responsiveness of the microvasculature. Laser Doppler flowmetry and laser speckle contrast imaging, both suitable to measure tissue blood perfusion non-invasively, have been used in the diagnosis and follow-up of various peripheral vascular diseases. In our patient, we demonstrated remarkably reduced microcirculation before the treatment and a significant perfusion increase in the acral regions after pentoxifylline therapy. The investigational techniques were useful tools to assess and quantify the severity of peripheral perfusion disturbances and to monitor the efficacy of the treatment in our patient.

The role of isoagglutinins in intravenous immunoglobulin-related hemolysis.

BACKGROUND: Increased reporting of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)-related hemolytic reactions (HRs) triggered an investigation by the German and Swiss health authorities to identify potential risk factors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: From the EudraVigilance database HRs reported between 2008 and 2013 were retrieved for seven IVIG preparations. HRs were classified as mild to moderate (hemoglobin [Hb] decline < 2 g/dL)] or severe (Hb decline > 2 g/dL) and separately analyzed for IVIG doses of less than 2 g/kg body weight and 2 g/kg body weight or more. It was assessed whether HR reporting rates correlate with the isoagglutinin content of the different preparations. RESULTS: Of 569 HR cases retrieved, 103 cases were excluded due to insufficient data, leaving 466 for analysis. Ninety-three cases were classified as mild to moderate and 373 as severe. Approximately 80% of the severe HRs concerned patients with blood group A and only three patients with blood group O. Testing of isoagglutinin titers revealed substantial differences between the seven preparations. IVIG products with high anti-A/anti-B titers (≥32) had elevated HR reporting rates, particularly when cumulative doses at least 2 g/kg were administered. CONCLUSION: The isoagglutinin content of IVIGs correlates with the risk for HRs. Exclusion of high-titer donations and manufacturing steps that deplete isoagglutinins should be considered for risk mitigation. In patients with blood groups A or AB receiving doses of at least 2 g/kg, the use of IVIG batches with low isoagglutinin titers should be considered to prevent HRs.

Hemolytic events associated with intravenous immune globulin therapy: a qualitative analysis of 263 cases reported to four manufacturers between 2003 and 2012.

BACKGROUND: Objectives of this study were to identify possible patient and product risk factors for intravenous immune globulin (IVIG)-associated hemolysis, a recognized side effect of IG therapy; analyze IVIG indications; and examine dose levels (g/kg body weight) and total IVIG dose administered. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Reports of IVIG-associated hemolysis for 10 years (2003-2012) for four participating IG manufacturers were identified using a uniform case definition (Standardized MedDRA Query "Hemolytic disorders," Broad Scope, Version 16.0) and analyzed. RESULTS: IVIG-associated hemolysis appears to occur predominantly at dose levels exceeding 0.5 g/kg, with 72% of cases with known dose information having dose levels between 1 and 2.5, and can affect patients at any age, without a clear gender preference. No association was found between hemagglutinin exposure and development of hemolysis, nor between dose levels and odds of receiving a transfusion to treat hemolysis. Patients with blood group AB may be at higher risk of hemolysis than those with group A or B. CONCLUSION: Data examined confirm that IVIG-associated hemolysis predominantly occurs following infusion of high IVIG doses, and can affect patients at every age of both genders. While presence of hemagglutinins appears to play a major role in pathogenesis of hemolytic disorders, high hemagglutinin titers of IVIG products themselves seem to be of less relevance, indicating that the pathomechanism of IVIG-associated hemolysis may be related to the presence, but not the absolute amount, of hemagglutinins. Patients with hemolysis had additional hemolytic risks such as multiple comorbidities and medication use. IG-treated patients with multiple risks should be closely monitored for hemolysis.

Do immune complexes play a role in hemolytic sequelae of intravenous immune globulin?

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) was developed initially as an immunoglobulin replacement therapy for primary humoral immunodeficiency, but is now widely used in the treatment of autoinflammatory and autoimmune pathologies. In a small number of patients, hemolytic sequelae have been observed after IVIG administration. The lack of a simple one-to-one correlation between measurable hemagglutinins and hemolysis has led to complicated hypotheses involving coincident necessary variables (e.g., a two-hit hypothesis) and also to the positing of causal factors other than hemagglutinins. One such hypothesis is that immune complexes (ICs) contained within IVIG lead to hemolysis. IVIG-mediated hemolysis was addressed at a recent meeting sponsored by the Food and Drug Administration; the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association; and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The primary literature was reviewed at this meeting followed by detailed discussion. Participants concluded that there is both a theoretical basis by which ICs could contribute to hemolysis after IVIG administration and some published data in support of such a possibility. However, the reported data contain substantial caveats, and the existing evidence does not rise to a level sufficient to either confirm or reject a role for ICs. More detailed and focused human studies will be required to further assess the potential role of ICs in IVIG induced hemolysis. This paper summarizes the relevant literature and expands upon the conclusions of this workshop.

Clinical study and stability assessment of a novel transcutaneous influenza vaccination using a dissolving microneedle patch.

Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) is an attractive vaccination method compared with conventional injectable vaccines because it is easier to administer without pain. We developed a dissolving microneedle patch (MicroHyala, MH) made of hyaluronic acid and showed that transcutaneous vaccination using MH induced a strong immune response against various antigens in mice. In the present study, we investigated the clinical safety and efficacy of a novel transcutaneous influenza vaccine using MH (flu-MH), which contains trivalent influenza hemagglutinins (15 µg each). Subjects of the TCI group were treated transcutaneously with flu-MH, and were compared with subjects who received subcutaneous injections of a solution containing 15 µg of each influenza antigen (SCI group). No severe local or systemic adverse events were detected in either group and immune responses against A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains were induced equally in the TCI and SCI groups. Moreover, the efficacy of the vaccine against the B strain in the TCI group was stronger than that in the SCI group. Influenza vaccination using MH is promising for practical use as an easy and effective method to replace conventional injections systems.

Hemolytic events after the administration of lyophilized versus liquid immune globulin: an analysis of a single manufacturer's safety database.

BACKGROUND: Recent publications have raised concerns that liquid immune globulins (IGs) may be associated with either a higher or a lower frequency of hemolytic events compared to lyophilized IGs, among other reasons due to the differences of their isohemagglutinin content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of hemolytic events to product presentation (liquid versus lyophilized) and to examine the relationship between total IG doses administered and the individual isohemagglutinin titers of IG lots infused. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The reporting rate as well as the proportional reporting rate (PRR) of hemolytic events for liquid (Gammagard liquid [GGL]) and lyophilized IG (Gammagard S/D [GGSD]) received spontaneously from the United States was calculated. For all hemolytic events received spontaneously from global sources, total IG doses (g/kg body weight) and the loading dose of isohemagglutinins (total IG dose infused × isohemagglutinin titers of infused lots) were determined. RESULTS: With 0.27 and 0.33 cases per 1 million grams distributed, the reporting rates for GGL and GGSD are comparable, further confirmed by a PRR of 1.0 (95% confidence interval, 0.4-2.7). Hemolytic events for GGL and GGSD were observed with low loading doses of isohemagglutinins, and lots with high isohemagglutinin titers did not contribute to the development of hemolytic events in a higher proportion than lots with low titers CONCLUSIONS: Hemolysis associated with GGL or GGSD can occur even with low loading doses of isohemagglutinins. Data presented do not indicate that high isohemagglutinin titers of IG products play a major role in the development of these events.

Safety and immunogenicity of an inactivated influenza A/H5N1 vaccine given with or without aluminum hydroxide to healthy adults: results of a phase I-II randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Dose-sparing strategies are being explored for vaccines against pandemic influenza. We evaluated the dose-sparing potential of aluminum hydroxide (AlOH) adjuvant. METHODS: A total of 600 healthy subjects (age, 18-49 years) were randomized to receive 2 vaccinations 1 month apart with subvirion inactivated influenza A/H5N1 vaccine containing 7.5, 15, or 45 microg of hemagglutinin (HA), with or without 600 microg of aluminum hydroxide (AlOH), or 3.75 microg of HA, with or without 300 microg of AlOH. Serum specimens were obtained for antibody assays before and 1 month after each vaccination. RESULTS: All formulations were safe. Injection site discomfort was more frequent in groups given vaccines with AlOH. Dose-related increases in antibody responses were noted after both vaccinations (P< .001) geometric mean titers of hemagglutination inhibition antibody in vaccines with and without AlOH, respectively, were 5.4 and 5.4 for subjects who received 3.75 microg of HA, 7.7 and 5.3 for those who received 7.5 microg of HA, 8.1 and 8.5 for those who received 15 microg of HA, and 14.8 and 12 for those who received 45 microg of HA. A > or =4-fold increase in titer was observed in 2% and 2% of subjects who received 3.75 microg of HA with or without AlOH, respectively; in 14% and 0% who received 7 microg of HA; in 14% and 13% who received 15 microg of HA; and in 33% and 25% who received 45 microg of HA. Addition of AlOH enhanced responses only for subjects who received 7.5 microg of HA, but responses in subjects who received 7.5 microg of HA without AlOH were unexpectedly low. CONCLUSION: Overall, a meaningful beneficial effect of AlOH adjuvant was not observed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00296634 .

Perfil de restrição de um fragmento do gene da hemaglutinina amplificado pela RT-PCR a partir de estirpes vacinais e selvagens do vírus da cinomose canina / Restriction pattern of a hemagglutinin gene amplified by RT-PCR from vaccine strains and wild-type canine distemper virus

Fragmentos com 721 pares de bases do gene da hemaglutinina (H) do vírus da cinomose canina (CDV), amplificados pela RT-PCR a partir de três estirpes vacinais (Snyder Hill, Onderstepoort e Rockborn) e de 27 amostras de campo, provenientes de cães com cinomose, foram clivados com as endonucleases Hinf I and Rsa I. A seleção das enzimas foi realizada por meio de análises in silico de seqüências do CDV depositadas em bases públicas de dados. Tanto as estirpes vacinais quanto as amostras selvagens do CDV apresentaram com a enzima Hinf I o mesmo perfil de restrição, confirmando a identidade do fragmento amplificado pela RT-PCR, uma vez que todas as estirpes com seqüências disponíveis (GenBank) têm sítios de restrição para essa enzima nas mesmas posições. O perfil de restrição das estirpes vacinais Snyder Hill e Onderstepoort, que diferem entre si, foi confirmado com a enzima Rsa I que também clivou a estirpe Rockborn nas mesmas posições que a estirpe Snyder Hill. Todas as 27 amostras de campo do CDV apresentaram com a enzima Rsa I o mesmo perfil de restrição, indicando conservar os mesmos sítios de restrição para essa enzima. O perfil das amostras de campo foi diferente daquele obtido nas três estirpes vacinais. Os perfis de restrição do gene que codifica a hemaglutinina do CDV, gerados pela enzima Rsa I, sugerem diferenças moleculares entre as estirpes vacinais e as selvagens circulantes na região norte do estado do Paraná e abrem a perspectiva da elaboração de análises moleculares comparativas mais complexas, como o seqüenciamento de todo o gene H, de estirpes do CDV identificadas em diferentes regiões brasileiras.

The restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay of a 721 bp fragment from hemagglutinin (H) gene of canine distemper virus (CDV) amplified by RT-PCR was analyzed with Hinf I and Rsa I enzymes. Clinical samples from 27 dogs with natural canine distemper infection, and three vaccine (Snyder Hill, Onderstepoort and Rockborn) CDV strains were analyzed. All RT-PCR amplified product from CDV wild-type and vaccine-strains had the same RFLP pattern with Hinf I enzyme showing the amplicon specificity. The RFLP pattern for CDV vaccine-strains generated with Rsa I enzyme was the expected by in silico analysis. All 27 wild-type CDV strains present the same Rsa I enzyme RFLP pattern that was different from vaccine-strains pattern, suggesting molecular differences between vaccine-strains and wild-type of CDV from dogs population in North region of Paraná State/Brazil. These results open the perspectives of the accomplishment of comparative molecular analysis, such as sequencing of the whole gene H, of CDV wild-type strains identified in different Brazilian regions.

Efficacy and safety of a new Botulinum Toxin Type A free of complexing proteins in the treatment of blepharospasm.

NT 201 is a new development of Botulinum Toxin Type A free of complexing proteins. In this double-blind Phase III trial, we compared the efficacy and safety of NT 201 and BOTOX in patients suffering from blepharospasm. Of 304 enrolled patients, 300 patients received study medication (intent-to-treat population), and 256 patients completed the study as planned (per-protocol population). At baseline, patients received a single injection of NT 201 or BOTOX (

Algunos aspectos antinutritivos de los alimentos / Some anti-nutritive aspects of foods

En la composición del alimento, aparte de las sustancias nutritivas, se encuentran otras sustancias consideradas antinutritivas. El interés que existe por estas sustancias es que hacen disminuir el valor nutritivo del alimento y pueden resultar peligrosas para el consumidor cuando la dieta es a base de alimentos de origen vegetal. Constituyen un grupo muy variado desde el punto de vista de su estructura química, por lo que su clasificación se realiza en función de los grupos de nutrientes con los que interfiere. En el artículo se hace una revisión de los inhibidores enzimáticos que afectan a la utilización digestiva de proteínas y carbohidratos, de las sustancias que interfieren total o parcialmente la asimilación de minerales (sustancias bociógenas, ácido oxálico y ácido fítico), de las antivitaminas y de los compuestos con actividad polivalente (taninos y fibra). Estas sustancias actúan interfiriendo la utilización y función metabólica de nutrientes esenciales, en el tracto gastrointestinal, en los tejidos e incluso en el propio alimento; pero al encontrarse en pequeñas proporciones, es preciso consumir grandes cantidades durante mucho tiempo para producir efectos adversos. El tratamiento culinario inactiva muchas de estas productos antinutritivos, por lo que no suelen presentar un riesgo serio para la salud en los países desarrollados. Los alimentos de consumo habitual contienen diversas sustancias antinutritivas, y su presencia en el alimento se debe tener en cuenta cuando se ingieren dietas deficientes, en países subdesarrollados, conflictos bélicos o en individuos malnutridos (AU)

Safety and immunogenicity of two acellular pertussis vaccines with different pertussis toxoid and filamentous hemagglutinin content in infants 2-6 months old.

The optimal composition and antigen content of acellular pertussis vaccines is not known. Two vaccines with different quantities of pertussis toxoid (10 and 20 micrograms) and filamentous hemagglutinin (5 and 20 micrograms) and identical 69 kD protein (3 micrograms) and fimbriae 2 and 3 (5 micrograms) combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids were compared in a randomized, double-blind study in 2,050 infants undergoing their primary immunization series at 8 centers in the US and Canada. A 6:1 increased antigen to lower antigen allocation was used; 96% of infants received 3 doses and completed the study. A 'clinically significant' local reaction was reported in 3-6% of participants after each dose. Erythema was the most common reaction occurring in 3-5% of infants after the second or third dose. A clinically significant systemic adverse reaction was reported in 28-34% of vaccinees (or vaccinated children) after each dose; fever (7-18%) and fussiness (12-17%) were most common. There were no differences in adverse events between the 2 vaccine formulations. Antibody responses were measured in 292 infants at 1 center. At 7 months, geometric mean anti-filamentous hemagglutinin antibody titers were higher in recipients of the higher antigen content vaccine (p < 0.001) whereas recipients of the lower antigen content formulation had higher anti-fimbriae antibody (p < 0.001) and agglutinin titers (p < 0.05). No differences were detected in anti-pertussis toxin or other antibody responses between the formulations. We conclude that increasing the antigen content of the acellular pertussis vaccine had a variable effect on antibody response but was not associated with increased adverse reactions.