[Systematic review and Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of Kushen Gelatum combined with antibiotics in treatment of bacterial vaginosis].

This study aims to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Kushen Gelatum combined with antibiotics for treating bacterial vaginosis. The randomized controlled trial(RCT) of Kushen Gelatum for treating bacterial vaginosis were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, and Cochrane Library with the time interval from inception to January 2023. Data were extracted from the included RCT by 2 investigators, including the sample size, characteristics of patients, interventions and controls, outcome indicators, and adverse effects. The Cochrane collaboration network's bias risk assessment tool was used for methodolo-gical quality evaluation of the included trials. RevMan 5.4 was employed to perform the Meta-analysis. A total of 19 RCTs were inclu-ded, involving 1 980 patients with bacterial vaginosis. Meta-analysis showed that, compared with nitroimidazoles alone, Kushen Gelatum + nitroimidazoles improved the total response rates in terms of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests(RR=1.24, 95%CI[1.13, 1.36], P<0.000 01), laboratory tests(RR=1.16, 95%CI[1.06, 1.26], P=0.000 9), and clinical symptoms(RR=1.26, 95%CI[1.08, 1.46], P=0.003), and reduced the leukocyte esterase positive rate(RR=0.29, 95%CI[0.17, 0.48], P<0.000 01) and the recurrence rate(RR=0.37, 95%CI[0.23, 0.58], P<0.000 1). Compared with lincomycin antibiotics(clindamycin) alone, Kushen Gelatum + lincomycin antibiotics(clindamycin) improved the total response rates in terms of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests(RR=1.18, 95%CI[1.06, 1.31], P=0.003) and laboratory tests(RR=1.27, 95%CI[1.04, 1.54], P=0.02), reduced the recurrence rate(RR=0.20, 95%CI[0.05, 0.75], P=0.02), and shortened the time to relief of burning sensation(MD=-1.70, 95%CI[-2.15,-1.26], P<0.000 01), vaginal itching(MD=-0.82, 95%CI[-1.30,-0.34], P=0.000 8), and abnormal leucorrhea(MD=-1.52, 95%CI[-1.98,-1.06], P<0.000 01). Compared with nitroimidazoles + probiotics, Kushen Gelatum + nitroimidazoles + probiotics improved the total response rate in terms of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests(RR=1.18, 95%CI[1.02, 1.36], P=0.03) and reduced the recurrence rate(RR=0.27, 95%CI[0.09, 0.76], P=0.01). Kushen Gelatum combined with antibiotics demonstrates a potential therapeutic effect on bacterial vaginosis, whereas the number and quality of the relevant clinical studies remain to be improved. The process of clinical trial should be standardized to improve the quality of evidence, so as to provide strong evidence to guide the application of Kushen Gelatum in clinical practice.

The effect of anti-tuberculosis drug pharmacokinetics on QTc prolongation.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of newer anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs may prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of arrythmias and sudden cardiac death. The potential for cardiac adverse events has prompted recommendations for frequent cardiac monitoring during treatment. However, unknowns remain, including the association between drug concentrations and QT interval. METHODS: An observational prospective cohort study design was used. Patients undergoing treatment for drug-resistant TB in Georgia were assessed. Serial blood samples were collected at 4-6 weeks for pharmacokinetics. Electrocardiograms were recommended to be performed monthly. A generalized estimating equation spline model was used to investigate (1) the effect difference between bedaquiline and delamanid, (2) the cumulative effect of number of anti-TB drugs, and (3) the relationship between serum drug concentrations on QTc interval. RESULTS: Among 94 patients receiving either bedaquiline (n = 64) or delamanid (n = 30)-based treatment, most were male (82%), and the mean age was 39 years. The mean maximum QTc increase during the first six months was 37.5 ms (IQR: 17.8-56.8). Bedaquiline- and delamanid-based regimens displayed similar increased mean QTc change from baseline during drug administration (P = 0.12). Increasing number of anti-TB drugs was associated with an increased QTc (P = 0.01), but participants trended back towards baseline after drug discontinuation (P = 0.25). A significant association between AUC, Cmin, Cmax, and increased QTc interval was found for bedaquiline (months 1-6) and levofloxacin (months 1-12). CONCLUSION: Bedaquiline- and delamanid-based regimens and increasing number of QT prolonging agents led to modest increases in the QTc interval with minimal clinical effect.

Efficacy and Safety of Nifurtimox in Pediatric Patients with Chagas Disease: Results at 4-Year Follow-Up in a Prospective, Historically Controlled Study (CHICO SECURE).

Nifurtimox is recommended for the treatment of Chagas disease; however, long-term follow-up data are scarce. This prolonged follow-up phase of the prospective, historically controlled, CHICO clinical trial evaluated seronegative conversion in pediatric patients aged <18 years with Chagas disease who were followed for 4 years after nifurtimox treatment. Patients were randomly assigned 2:1 to nifurtimox 60-day or 30-day regimens comprising 10 to 20 mg/kg/day for patients aged <12 years and body weight <40 kg, and 8 to 10 mg/kg/day for those aged ≥12 years and body weight ≥40 kg. Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies decreased during the study period, achieving seronegative conversion in 16 (8.12%) and 8 (8.16%) patients in the 60-day and 30-day nifurtimox regimens, respectively, with corresponding incidence rates per 100 patients/year of seronegative conversion of 2.12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21 to 3.45) and 2.11 (95% CI: 0.91 to 4.16). Superiority of the 60-day nifurtimox regimen was confirmed by the lower limit of the 95% CI being higher than that (0%) in a historical placebo control group. Children aged <2 years at baseline were more likely to reach seronegative conversion during the 4-year follow-up than older children. At any annual follow-up visit, >90% of evaluable patients had persistently negative quantitative PCR results for T. cruzi DNA. No adverse events potentially related to treatment or caused by protocol-required procedures were documented for either treatment regimen. This study confirms the effectiveness and safety of a pediatric formulation of nifurtimox administered in an age- and weight-adjusted regimen for 60 days to treat children with Chagas disease.

Tolerance and Adherence of Patients with Chronic Chagas Disease Treated with Benznidazole.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease (CD) treatment is commonly associated with a high incidence of adverse effects. It is crucial to study and update these adverse effects to improve the existing knowledge of which drugs to use and to clarify the information presented to patients. METHODS: We analyzed the adverse effects of benznidazole in two cohorts of patients: a large retrospective study and a small prospective study. RESULTS: This large retrospective study described the most and least common adverse effects in our area and characterized our Chagas disease population. This prospective study, along with a close follow-up of the treatment, detected more adverse effects and enhanced the patients' perception of the disease and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This information is important for preventing non-medical-related withdrawals and for removing baseless fears. Better knowledge of patients could help us provide better care.

A Phase 2, Randomized, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled, Proof-of-Concept Trial of Oral Fexinidazole in Adults With Chronic Indeterminate Chagas Disease.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease (CD) has significant global health impact, but safe, effective treatments remain elusive. The nitroimidazole fexinidazole is a potential treatment. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-finding, proof-of-concept study was conducted in Bolivia. Adults with serologically confirmed chronic indeterminate CD and positive PCR were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 fexinidazole regimens (1200 or 1800 mg/day for 2, 4, or 8 weeks) or placebo. Target recruitment was 20 patients/arm. The primary endpoint was sustained parasitological clearance by serial negative qPCR from end of treatment (EOT) until 6 months follow-up in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Follow-up was extended to 12 months. RESULTS: Enrollment was interrupted after 4/47 patients presented with transient asymptomatic grade 3 and 4 neutropenia. Treatment of ongoing patients was stopped in all patients administered >2 weeks. A total of 40 patients received treatment with fexinidazole from 3 days to 8 weeks. Delayed-onset neutropenia (n = 8) and increased liver enzymes (n = 8) were found in fexinidazole patients vs none in the placebo arm. In the ITT analysis, sustained parasitological clearance from EOT to 12 months follow-up varied between 66.7% (1200 mg-2 week) and 100.0% (1800 mg-2 week). Rapid, sustained clearance of parasitemia was observed in all treated patients with available data, but not in any patients in the placebo group, at 12 months (P = .0056). Further exploratory exposure-response analysis suggested low dosages of fexinidazole may be safe and effective. CONCLUSIONS: Further evaluation is needed to establish fexinidazole's minimum effective dosage and risk-benefit relationship. Results suggest potential for effective treatment regimens <10 days. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT02498782.

Assessing Pretomanid for Tuberculosis (APT), a Randomized Phase 2 Trial of Pretomanid-Containing Regimens for Drug-Sensitive Tuberculosis: 12-Week Results.

Rationale: Pretomanid is a new nitroimidazole with proven treatment-shortening efficacy in drug-resistant tuberculosis. Pretomanid-rifamycin-pyrazinamide combinations are potent in mice but have not been tested clinically. Rifampicin, but not rifabutin, reduces pretomanid exposures. Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of regimens containing pretomanid-rifamycin-pyrazinamide among participants with drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: A phase 2, 12-week, open-label randomized trial was conducted of isoniazid and pyrazinamide plus 1) pretomanid and rifampicin (arm 1), 2) pretomanid and rifabutin (arm 2), or 3) rifampicin and ethambutol (standard of care; arm 3). Laboratory values of safety and sputum cultures were collected at Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. Time to culture conversion on liquid medium was the primary outcome. Measurements and Main Results: Among 157 participants, 125 (80%) had cavitary disease. Median time to liquid culture negativity in the modified intention-to-treat population (n = 150) was 42 (arm 1), 28 (arm 2), and 56 (arm 3) days (P = 0.01) (adjusted hazard ratio for arm 1 vs. arm 3, 1.41 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.93-2.12; P = 0.10]; adjusted hazard ratio for arm 2 vs. arm 3, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.24-2.87; P = 0.003]). Eight-week liquid culture conversion was 79%, 89%, and 69%, respectively. Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 3 of 56 (5%), 5 of 53 (9%), and 2 of 56 (4%) participants. Six participants were withdrawn because of elevated transaminase concentrations (five in arm 2, one in arm 1). There were three serious adverse events (arm 2) and no deaths. Conclusions: Pretomanid enhanced the microbiologic activity of regimens containing a rifamycin and pyrazinamide. Efficacy and hepatic adverse events appeared highest with the pretomanid and rifabutin-containing regimen. Whether this is due to higher pretomanid concentrations merits exploration. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02256696).

Efficacy and Tolerability of Concomitant Use of Bedaquiline and Delamanid for Multidrug- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The introduction of two novel drugs, bedaquiline and delamanid, has given hope for better and shorter treatments of drug-resistant tuberculosis. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of concomitant bedaquiline and delamanid administration. Pooled estimates of World Health Organization-defined favorable treatment outcome and significant QTc-interval prolongation (QTc ≥500 ms or ≥60 ms increase from baseline) were calculated using a random-effects model. Thirteen studies including a total of 1031 individuals with multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis who received bedaquiline and delamanid were included. The pooled estimate of favorable treatment outcome was 73.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 64.3-81.8%). Sputum culture conversion at 6 months ranged from 61% to 95%. Overall, the pooled proportion of QTc-prolongation was 7.8% (95% CI: 4.1-11.6%) and few cardiac events were reported (0.8%; n = 6/798). Rates of sputum culture conversion and favorable treatment outcome were high in patients treated concomitantly with bedaquiline and delamanid, and the treatment seemed tolerable with low rates of clinically significant cardiac toxicity.

Scoping review: QT interval prolongation in regimen containing bedaquiline and delamanid in patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Background: A regimen containing bedaquiline-delamanid is recommended in management of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR TB) to increase a success rate. However, this regimen was rare in a clinical setting due to a potential risk of QT prolongation. Several studies have reported the incidence of QT prolongation after administration of this regimen, but the results are inconsistent due to different sample size, study design, and covariate. The aim of this review is to summarize and analyze the published articles related to QT prolongation of bedaquiline and delamanid in PubMed and ScienceDirect databases using a scoping review. Methods: This scoping review was conducted under PRISMA for scoping review. The outcomes of this review were incidence of QT prolongation and death. We found 8 articles to be included in this review. Results: The incidence of QT prolongation was higher for DR TB patients who received a regimen containing bedaquiline and delamanid. However, this review found no clinical symptoms, such as cardiac arrhythmias, torsade de pointes, or even death. DR TB patients, especially the elderly, were at risk for QT prolongation. Special consideration in patients with HIV and low level of potassium should be closely monitored for QT interval. Conclusion: The regular measurement of electrocardiography was highly recommended to evaluate QT interval. Generally, the use of individualized regimen containing bedaquiline and delamanid is relatively safe in DR TB patients.

Bedaquiline-Pretomanid-Linezolid Regimens for Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: The bedaquiline-pretomanid-linezolid regimen has been reported to have 90% efficacy against highly drug-resistant tuberculosis, but the incidence of adverse events with 1200 mg of linezolid daily has been high. The appropriate dose of linezolid and duration of treatment with this agent to minimize toxic effects while maintaining efficacy against highly drug-resistant tuberculosis are unclear. METHODS: We enrolled participants with extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (i.e., resistant to rifampin, a fluoroquinolone, and an aminoglycoside), pre-XDR tuberculosis (i.e., resistant to rifampin and to either a fluoroquinolone or an aminoglycoside), or rifampin-resistant tuberculosis that was not responsive to treatment or for which a second-line regimen had been discontinued because of side effects. We randomly assigned the participants to receive bedaquiline for 26 weeks (200 mg daily for 8 weeks, then 100 mg daily for 18 weeks), pretomanid (200 mg daily for 26 weeks), and daily linezolid at a dose of 1200 mg for 26 weeks or 9 weeks or 600 mg for 26 weeks or 9 weeks. The primary end point in the modified intention-to-treat population was the incidence of an unfavorable outcome, defined as treatment failure or disease relapse (clinical or bacteriologic) at 26 weeks after completion of treatment. Safety was also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 181 participants were enrolled, 88% of whom had XDR or pre-XDR tuberculosis. Among participants who received bedaquiline-pretomanid-linezolid with linezolid at a dose of 1200 mg for 26 weeks or 9 weeks or 600 mg for 26 weeks or 9 weeks, 93%, 89%, 91%, and 84%, respectively, had a favorable outcome; peripheral neuropathy occurred in 38%, 24%, 24%, and 13%, respectively; myelosuppression occurred in 22%, 15%, 2%, and 7%, respectively; and the linezolid dose was modified (i.e., interrupted, reduced, or discontinued) in 51%, 30%, 13%, and 13%, respectively. Optic neuropathy developed in 4 participants (9%) who had received linezolid at a dose of 1200 mg for 26 weeks; all the cases resolved. Six of the seven unfavorable microbiologic outcomes through 78 weeks of follow-up occurred in participants assigned to the 9-week linezolid groups. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 84 to 93% of the participants across all four bedaquiline-pretomanid-linezolid treatment groups had a favorable outcome. The overall risk-benefit ratio favored the group that received the three-drug regimen with linezolid at a dose of 600 mg for 26 weeks, with a lower incidence of adverse events reported and fewer linezolid dose modifications. (Funded by the TB Alliance and others; ZeNix ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03086486.).

Safety and efficacy of oral fexinidazole in children with gambiense human African trypanosomiasis: a multicentre, single-arm, open-label, phase 2-3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Fexinidazole has been reported as an effective oral monotherapy against non-severe gambiense human African trypanosomiasis in a recent trial in adults. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of fexinidazole in children across all disease stages of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis. METHODS: We did a multicentre, single-arm, open-label, phase 2-3 trial at eight district hospitals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We recruited children with a Karnofsky score of more than 50, those aged 6 years to younger than 15 years, weighing 20 kg or more, and with confirmed gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (any stage). Children weighing 20 kg or more and less than 35 kg received oral fexinidazole of 1200 mg (two × 600 mg tablets) once per day for 4 days (days 1-4) followed by 600 mg (one × 600 mg tablet) once per day for 6 days (days 5-10). Children weighing 35 kg or more received oral fexinidazole of 1800 mg (three × 600 mg tablets) once per day for 4 days (days 1-4), followed by 1200 mg (two × 600 mg tablets) once per day for 6 days (days 5-10). The primary endpoint was fexinidazole treatment success rate 12 months after end of treatment. A rate greater than 80% was deemed acceptable and a target value of 92% was aimed for. Safety was assessed through routine monitoring. This study is completed and registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02184689. FINDINGS: Between May 3, 2014, and Nov 22, 2016, we screened a total of 130 paediatric patients, of whom 125 (96%) received at least one dose of fexinidazole. All 125 patients (69 [55%] patients with stage 1, 19 [15%] with early stage 2, and 37 [30%] with late stage 2 gambiense human African trypanosomiasis) completed the 10-day treatment. Treatment success rate at 12 months was 97·6% (95% CI 93·1-99·5; 122 of 125 patients). The primary endpoint was met and the targeted value of 92% was exceeded. Treatment success at 12 months was elevated across all disease stages: 98·6% (95% CI 92·2-99·9; 68 of 69 patients) in stage 1, 94·7% (74·0-99·9; 18 of 19 patients) in early stage 2, and 97·3% (85·8-99·9; 36 of 37 patients) in late stage 2 gambiense human African trypanosomiasis. No new safety issues were observed beyond those found in adult trials. Overall, 116 (93%) of 125 patients reported 586 treatment-emergent adverse events, mainly mild or moderate. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events of interest during hospital admission were vomiting (86 [69%] of 125) and headache (41 [33%]). Seven (6%) of 125 patients had severe malaria, which was often accompanied by anaemia that was unrelated to fexinidazole. One patient died following dyspnoea and injury due to traumatic aggression 172 days after end of treatment, which was considered unrelated to fexinidazole or gambiense human African trypanosomiasis. INTERPRETATION: Oral fexinidazole is a safe and effective first-line treatment option across all gambiense human African trypanosomiasis disease stages in paediatric patients. FUNDING: Through the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative: the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (USA), the Republic and Canton of Geneva (Switzerland), the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Netherlands), the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norway), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research through KfW (Germany), the Brian Mercer Charitable Trust (UK), and other private foundations and individuals from the human African trypanosomiasis campaign. TRANSLATION: For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Mixed T Helper1/T Helper2/T Cytotoxic Profile in Subjects with Chronic Chagas Disease with Hypersensitivity Reactions to Benznidazole.

Dermatitis is the most common adverse event during treatment with benznidazole in chronic Chagas disease and is probably mediated by T cells. A set of molecules representative of the different type IV hypersensitivity reactions was evaluated in the circulation and skin biopsies of Trypanosoma cruzi-infected subjects presenting dermatitis during benznidazole administration. Through cytometric bead assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay capture techniques, the serum levels of cytokines, chemokines, proapoptotic molecules, and mediators of the activation and migration of eosinophils and T cells were measured in subjects infected with Trypanosoma cruzi who exhibited skin adverse events (n = 22) and compared with those without adverse events (n = 37) during benznidazole therapy. Serum levels of interleukin- 5 (IL-5), soluble Fas cell surface death receptor ligand (FAS-L), and interferon γ-induced protein (IP-10) significantly increased at 7 to 30 days posttreatment with benznidazole and decreased thereafter in subjects with dermatitis but not in those without dermatitis. Circulating eotaxin levels were lower in subjects with dermatitis than in those without. Two patterns emerged in the skin biopsies: a T helper 1/T cytotoxic profile and a T helper 2/T cytotoxic profile with the presence of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), uremia, and T cell activation emerged as risk factors for the development of dermatitis during benznidazole administration. These results support a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to benznidazole, involving CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and eosinophils, and a mixed cytokine profile. This study provides new insights for better management of adverse drug reactions to benznidazole. IMPORTANCE This study identified the risk factors for the development of adverse reactions to benznidazole and identified a set molecule to monitor the appearance of these reactions. This knowledge might improve the safety of benznidazole administration.

Assessing Prolongation of the Corrected QT Interval with Bedaquiline and Delamanid Coadministration to Predict the Cardiac Safety of Simplified Dosing Regimens.

Delamanid and bedaquiline are two drugs approved to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis, and each have been associated with corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation. We aimed to investigate the relationships between the drugs' plasma concentrations and the prolongation of observed QT interval corrected using Fridericia's formula (QTcF) and to evaluate their combined effects on QTcF, using a model-based population approach. Furthermore, we predicted the safety profiles of once daily regimens. Data were obtained from a trial where participants were randomized 1:1:1 to receive delamanid, bedaquiline, or delamanid + bedaquiline. The effect on QTcF of delamanid and/or its metabolite (DM-6705) and the pharmacodynamic interactions under coadministration were explored based on a published model between bedaquiline's metabolite (M2) and QTcF. The metabolites of each drug were found to be responsible for the drug-related QTcF prolongation. The final drug-effect model included a competitive interaction between M2 and DM-6705 acting on the same cardiac receptor and thereby reducing each other's apparent potency, by 28% (95% confidence interval (CI), 22-40%) for M2 and 33% (95% CI, 24-54%) for DM-6705. The generated combined effect was not greater but close to "additivity" in the analyzed concentration range. Predictions with the final model suggested a similar QT prolonging potential with simplified, once-daily dosing regimens compared with the approved regimens, with a maximum median change from baseline QTcF increase of 20 milliseconds in both regimens. The concentrations-QTcF relationship of the combination of bedaquiline and delamanid was best described by a competitive binding model involving the two main metabolites. Model predictions demonstrated that QTcF prolongation with simplified once daily regimens would be comparable to currently used dosing regimens.

Delamanid Added to an Optimized Background Regimen in Children with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis: Results of a Phase I/II Clinical Trial.

Delamanid has been demonstrated to be safe and effective for treatment of adult multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and has been approved by the European Commission for treatment of pediatric MDR-TB patients at least 10 kg in weight, making the drug no longer limited to adults. A 10-day phase I age deescalation study was conducted, followed by a 6-month phase II extension study, to assess the pharmacokinetics, safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of delamanid when combined with optimized background regimen (OBR) in children (birth to 17 years) with MDR-TB. Delamanid administered at 100 mg twice-daily (BID), 50 mg BID, and 25 mg BID resulted in exposures in 12- to 17- (n = 7), 6- to 11- (n = 6), and 3- to 5-year-olds (n = 12), respectively, comparable with those in adults at the approved adult dosage (100 mg BID). Exposures in 0- to 2-year-olds (n = 12) following a weight-based dosing regimen (5 mg once daily [QD] to 10 mg BID) were lower than predicted from pharmacokinetic modeling of the older three age groups and below target exposures in adults. Overall, the safety profile of delamanid in children 0 to 17 years of age was similar to the adult profile. At 24 months after the first delamanid dose, 33/37 children (89.2%) had favorable treatment outcomes, as defined by the World Health Organization (15/37 [40.5%] cured and 18/37 [48.6%] completed treatment). A new pediatric delamanid formulation used in 0- to 2-year-olds and 3- to 5-year-olds was palatable per child/parent and nurse/investigator reports. Data from initial phase I/II studies inform our understanding of delamanid use in children and support its further assessment in the setting of pediatric MDR-TB. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifiers NCT01856634 [phase I trial] and NCT01859923 [phase II trial].).

Mitigation of benznidazole toxicity and oxidative stress following ascorbic acid supplementation in an adult traveller with chronic indeterminate Chagas' disease.

BACKGROUND: Benznidazole is an effective drug in the trypanocidal treatment of acute and chronic indeterminate Chagas' disease (CD). However, adverse drug reactions (ADR) are common and frequently cause patients to discontinue treatment. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that antioxidant supplementation could mitigate benznidazole-induced toxicity. METHODS: We co-supplemented an adult traveller with chronic indeterminate CD who experienced benznidazole ADR with ascorbic acid (AA), 1000 mg/day. We measured selected serum biomarkers of oxidative stress [total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidative status (TOS), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), malondialdehyde (MDA), extracellular glutathione peroxidase (GPX3), catalase (CAT) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD)] at timepoints before and throughout benznidazole treatment and after AA co-supplementation. RESULTS: AA co-supplementation effectively mitigated benznidazole-induced ADR during the aetiological treatment of chronic indeterminate CD. The kinetics of serum biomarkers of oxidative stress suggested significantly decreased oxidative insult in our patient. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesize that the key pathophysiological mechanism of benznidazole-associated toxicity is oxidative stress, rather than hypersensitivity. AA co-supplementation may improve adherence to benznidazole treatment of chronic indeterminate (or acute) CD. Oxidative stress biomarkers have the potential to guide the clinical management of CD. Prospective studies are needed to establish the benefit of antioxidant co-supplementation to benznidazole treatment of CD in reducing benznidazole toxicity, parasite clearance and the prevention of end-organ damage.

Experimental Combination Therapy with Amiodarone and Low-Dose Benznidazole in a Mouse Model of Trypanosoma cruzi Acute Infection.

Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, affects approximately 6 to 7 million people in Latin America, with cardiomyopathy being the clinical manifestation most commonly associated with patient death during the acute phase. The etiological treatment of CD is restricted to benznidazole (Bz) and nifurtimox (Nif), which involve long periods of administration, frequent side effects, and low efficacy in the chronic phase. Thus, combined therapies emerge as an important tool in the treatment of CD, allowing the reduction of Bz dose and treatment duration. In this sense, amiodarone (AMD), the most efficient antiarrhythmic drug currently available and prescribed to CD patients, is a potential candidate for combined treatment due to its known trypanocidal activity. However, the efficacy of AMD during the acute phase of CD and its interaction with Bz or Nif are still unknown. In the present study, using a well-established murine model of the acute phase of CD, we observed that the Bz/AMD combination was more effective in reducing the peak parasitemia than both monotherapy treatments. Additionally, the Bz/AMD combination reduced (i) interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in cardiac tissue, (ii) P-wave duration, and (iii) frequency of arrhythmia in infected animals and (iv) restored gap junction integrity in cardiac tissue. Therefore, our study validates AMD as a promising candidate for combined therapy with Bz, reinforcing the strategy of combined therapy for CD. IMPORTANCE Chagas disease affects approximately 6 to 7 million people worldwide, with cardiomyopathy being the clinical manifestation that most commonly leads to patient death. The etiological treatment of Chagas disease is limited to drugs (benznidazole and nifurtimox) with relatively high toxicity and therapeutic failures. In this sense, amiodarone, the most effective currently available antiarrhythmic drug prescribed to patients with Chagas disease, is a potential candidate for combined treatment due to its known trypanocidal effect. In the present study, we show that combined treatment with benznidazole and amiodarone improves the trypanocidal effect and reduces cardiac damage in acutely T. cruzi-infected mice.

Association of HLA-B∗35 and moderate or severe cutaneous reactions secondary to benznidazole treatment in chronic chagas disease.

OBJECTIVES: Benznidazole is the first-line treatment for Chagas disease. Adverse events appear in more than 50% of patients, leading to discontinuation in approximately 15%. Cutaneous reactions are one of the most frequent adverse events. Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping studies identified an association between cutaneous reactions to benznidazole and carrying the specific allele HLA-B∗35:05. We designed the present study to prospectively confirm this association. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study including Chagas disease patients aged 18 years or more who accepted to receive benznidazole treatment following current guidelines. Allele genotyping of HLA-B was determined in all patients. Clinical and analytical follow up was performed at days 0, 7, 14, 30 and 60 of treatment. RESULTS: Two-hundred and seven individuals were included. Seventy per cent were female with a mean age of 45.1 (SD ± 9.86) years mainly from Bolivia (92.8%). In 102 (49.3%) cases a cutaneous reaction was diagnosed. Forty-eight (46.6%) were classified as mild, 37 (35.9%) as moderate and 18 (17.5%) as severe. Thirty-two (15.4%) patients had to definitively interrupt the treatment because of a cutaneous reaction. Female sex (OR 4.49; 95% CI 1.62-12.47), new-onset eosinophilia before cutaneous symptoms (OR 2.55; 95% CI 1.2-5.43) and carrying the HLA-B∗35 allelic group (OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.2-5.51) were all predictors of moderate to severe cutaneous reactions. No statistical significance was found when the specific allele HLA-B∗35:05 was analysed. CONCLUSIONS: Patients carrying the HLA-B∗35 allelic group are at higher risk of moderate to severe reactions when taking benznidazole treatment.

Assessing antibody decline after chemotherapy of early chronic Chagas disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease remains a significant public health problem in Latin America. There are only two chemotherapy drugs, nifurtimox and benznidazole, and both may have severe side effects. After complete chemotherapy of acute cases, seropositive diagnosis may revert to negative. However, there are no definitive parasitological or serological biomarkers of cure. METHODS: Following a pilot study with seven Bolivian migrants to Spain, we tested 71 serum samples from chronic patients (mean age 12.6 years) inhabiting the Argentine Chaco region. Benznidazole chemotherapy (5-8 mg/kg day, twice daily for 60 days) was administered during 2011-2016. Subsequently, pre-and post-chemotherapy serum samples were analysed in pairs by IgG1 and IgG ELISA using two different antigens and Chagas Sero K-SeT rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). Molecular diagnosis by kDNA-PCR was applied to post-treatment samples. RESULTS: Pilot data demonstrated IgG1 antibody decline in three of seven patients from Bolivia 1 year post-treatment. All Argentine patients in 2017 (averaging 5 years post-treatment), except one, were positive by conventional serology. All were kDNA-PCR-negative. Most (91.5%) pre-treatment samples were positive by the Chagas Sero K-SeT RDT, confirming the predominance of TcII/V/VI. IgG1 and IgG of Argentine patients showed significant decline in antibody titres post-chemotherapy, with either lysate (IgG, P = 0.0001, IgG1, P = 0.0001) or TcII/V/VI peptide antigen (IgG, P = 0.0001, IgG1, P = 0.0001). IgG1 decline was more discriminative than IgG. Antibody decline after treatment was also detected by the RDT. Incomplete treatment was associated with high IgG1 post-treatment titres against lysate (P = 0.013), as were IgG post-treatment titres to TcII/V/VI peptide (P = 0.0001). High pre-treatment IgG1 with lysate was associated with Qom ethnicity (P = 0.045). No associations were found between gender, age, body mass index and pre- or post-treatment antibody titres. CONCLUSIONS: We show that following chemotherapy of early chronic Chagas disease, significant decline in IgG1 antibody suggests cure, whereas sustained or increased IgG1 is a potential indicator of treatment failure. Due to restricted sensitivity, IgG1 should not be used as a diagnostic marker but has promise, with further development, as a biomarker of cure. We show that following chemotherapy of early chronic Chagas disease, a significant decline in IgG1 antibody suggests cure, whereas sustained or increased IgG1 is a potential indicator of treatment failure. Due to restricted sensitivity, IgG1 should not be used as a diagnostic marker but has promise, with further development, as a biomarker of cure.

Combination therapy using nitro compounds improves the efficacy of experimental Chagas disease treatment.

Drug combinations have been evaluated for Chagas disease in an attempt to improve efficacy and safety. In this line, the objective of this work is to assess the effects of treatment with nitro drugs combinations using benznidazole (BZ) or nifurtimox (NFX) plus the sulfone metabolite of fexinidazole (fex-SFN) in vitro and in vivo on Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The in vitro interaction of fex-SFN and BZ or NFX against infected H9c2 cells by the Y strain was classified as an additive (0.5⩾ΣFIC<4), suggesting the possibility of a dose reduction in the in vivo T. cruzi infection. Next, the effect of combining suboptimal doses was assessed in an acute model of murine T. cruzi infection. Drug combinations led to a faster suppression of parasitemia than monotherapies. Also, the associations led to higher cure levels than those in the reference treatment BZ 100 mg day−1 (57.1%) (i.e. 83.3% with BZ/fex-SFN and 75% with NFX/fex-SFN). Importantly, toxic effects resulting from the associations were not observed, according to weight gain and hepatic enzyme levels in the serum of experimental animals. Taken together, this study is a starting point to explore the potential effects of nitro drugs combinations in preclinical models of kinetoplastid-related infections.