Simultaneous administration of mRNA COVID-19 bivalent booster and influenza vaccines

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized use of mRNA COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccines on August 31, 2022. Currently, CDC's clinical guidance states that COVID-19 and other vaccines may be administered simultaneously. At time of authorization and recommendations, limited data existed describing simultaneous administration of COVID-19 bivalent booster and other vaccines. We describe simultaneous influenza and mRNA COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccine administration between August 31-December 31, 2022, among persons aged ≥6 months in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) by COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccine type, influenza vaccine type, age group, sex, and race and ethnicity. Of 2,301,876 persons who received a COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccine, 737,992 (32.1%) received simultaneous influenza vaccine, majority were female (53.1%), aged ≥18 years (91.4%), and non-Hispanic White (55.7%). These findings can inform future VSD studies on simultaneous influenza and COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccine safety and coverage, which may have implications for immunization service delivery.

Comparative bone histology of two thalattosaurians (Diapsida: Thalattosauria): Askeptosaurus italicus from the Alpine Triassic (Middle Triassic) and a Thalattosauroidea indet. from the Carnian of Oregon (Late Triassic)

Here, we present the first bone histological and microanatomical study of thalattosaurians, an enigmatic group among Triassic marine reptiles. Two taxa of thalattosaurians, the askeptosauroid Askeptosaurus italicus and one as yet undescribed thalattosauroid, are examined. Both taxa have a rather different microanatomy, tissue type, and growth pattern. Askeptosaurus italicus from the late Anisian middle Besano Formation of the southern Alpine Triassic shows very compact tissue in vertebrae, rib, a gastralium, and femora, and all bones are without medullary cavities. The tissue shows moderate to low vascularization, dominated by highly organized and very coarse parallel-fibred bone, resembling interwoven tissue. Vascularization is dominated by simple longitudinal vascular canals, except for the larger femur of Askeptosaurus, where simple vascular canals dominate in a radial arrangement. Growth marks stratify the cortex of femora. The vertebrae and humeri from the undescribed thalattosauroid from the late Carnian of Oregon have primary and secondary cancellous bone, resulting in an overall low bone compactness. Two dorsal vertebral centra show dominantly secondary trabeculae, whereas a caudal vertebral centrum shows much primary trabecular bone, globuli ossei, and cartilage, indicating an earlier ontogenetic stage of the specimens or paedomorphosis. The humeri of the thalattosauroid show large, simple vascular canals that are dominantly radially oriented in a scaffold of woven and loosely organized parallel-fibred tissue. Few of the simple vascular canals are thinly but only incompletely lined by parallel-fibered tissue. In the Oregon material, changes in growth rate are only indicated by changes in vascular organization but no distinct growth marks were identified. The compact bone of Askeptosaurus is best comparable to some pachypleurosaurs, whereas its combination of tissue and vascularity is similar to eosauropterygians in general, except for the coarse nature of its parallel-fibred tissue. The cancellous bone of the Oregon thalattosauroid resembles what is documented in ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. However, in contrast to these its tissue does not consist of fibro-lamellar bone type. Tissue types of both thalattosaurian taxa indicate rather different growth rates and growth patterns, associated with different life history strategies. The microanatomy reflects different life styles that fit to the different environments in which they had been found (intraplatform basin vs. open marine). Both thalattosaurian taxa differ from each other but in sum also from all other marine reptile taxa studied so far. Thalattosaurian bone histology documents once more that bone histology provides for certain groups (i.e., Triassic Diapsida) only a poor phylogenetic signal and is more influenced by exogenous factors. Differences in lifestyle, life history traits, and growth rate and pattern enabled all these Triassic marine reptiles to live contemporaneously in the same habitat managing to avoid substantial competition.

Maternal SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and Infant Protection Against SARS-CoV-2 During the First 6 Months of Life

We examined the effectiveness of maternal vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection in 30,288 infants born at Kaiser Permanente Northern California from December 15, 2020, to May 31, 2022. Using Cox regression, the effectiveness of maternal vaccination was 85% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 67, 93), 64% (CI: 43, 78) and 57% (CI: 36,71) during the first 2, 4 and 6 months of life, respectively, in the Delta variant period. In the Omicron variant period, the effectiveness of maternal vaccination in these three age intervals was 22% (CI: -18,48), 14% (CI: -10,32) and 12% (CI: -4,26), respectively. Over the entire study period, the incidence of hospitalization for COVID-19 was lower during the first 6 months of life among infants of vaccinated mothers compared with infants of unvaccinated mothers (21/100,000 person-years vs. 100/100,000 person-years). Maternal vaccination was protective, but protection was lower during Omicron than during Delta. Protection during both periods decreased as infants aged.

The Gantzer transfer - Assessment of the feasibility of using the nerve supplying the Gantzer muscle for end-to-side supercharging of the ulnar nerve

Our study aimed at assessing the anatomical feasibility of using the nerve supplying the Gantzer muscle (GM) to supercharge the ulnar nerve following injury. The GM nerve was dissected and measured in 36 forearms. The distance between its origin and the lateral epicondyle of humerus and between the GM nerve and the ulnar nerve was measured. The GM was present in 15 forearms (47%). The average distance between the origin of the GM nerve and the lateral epicondyle was 7.34 cm (range 3.3-9.1 cm). The average length of the GM nerve was 3.05 cm (range 1.6-4.5 cm) from origin to neuromuscular junction. The average distance from the ulnar nerve was 2.56 cm (range 1.8-13 3.4 cm). The length of the GM nerve was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than the perpendicular distance between its origin and the ulnar nerve, allowing ample margin for side-to-side or end-to-side supercharging of the ulnar nerve with minimal or no need for further translocation or dissection. The use of the GM nerve as donor following ulnar nerve injury may provide an alternative to the pronator quadratus nerve for supercharged end-to-side transfer, or as an addition, thus supercharging the ulnar nerve twice.

Arterial Stiffness in a Cohort of Young People Living With Perinatal HIV and HIV Negative Young People in England

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased life expectancy and consequently the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults living with HIV. We investigated the levels and predictors of arterial stiffness in young people (YP) living with perinatal HIV (PHIV) and HIV negative YP in the Adolescents and Adults Living with Perinatal HIV (AALPHI) study.

Methods

AALPHI was a prospective study evaluating the impact of HIV infection and exposure to ART on YP living with PHIV (aged 13–21 years) who had known their HIV status for at least 6 months, and HIV negative YP (aged 13–23 years) who either had a sibling, friend or parent living with HIV. Participants were enrolled from HIV clinics and community services in England. Two hundred and thirteen PHIV and 65 HIV negative YP (42% siblings of PHIV) had pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements taken (Vicorder software) from the supra-sternal notch to the middle of the thigh cuff, at their second interview in the study between 2015 and 2017. Average PWV was calculated from the three closest readings (≥3 and ≤ 12 m/s) within 0.6 m/s of each other. Linear regression examined predictors of higher (worse) PWV, including age, sex, HIV status and height as a priori, ethnicity, born outside UK/Ireland, alcohol/nicotine/drug use, weight, waist-to-hip-ratio, mean arterial pressure (MAP), caffeine 2 h before PWV and nicotine on day of PWV. A separate PHIV model included CD4, viral load, years taking ART and ART regimen.

Findings

One hundred and twenty eight (60%) PHIV and 45 (69%) HIV negative YP were female (p = 0.18), with median (IQR) age 18 (16, 20) and 18 (16, 21) years (p = 0.48) respectively. Most PHIV were taking a combination of three ART drugs from two classes. There was a trend toward higher (worse) mean PWV in the PHIV group than the HIV negative group [unvariable analysis 6.15 (SD 0.83) m/s vs. 5.93 (0.70) m/s, respectively, unadjusted p = 0.058], which was statistically significant in the multivariable analysis [adjusted p (ap) = 0.020]. In multivariable analysis being male (ap = 0.002), older age (ap < 0.001), higher MAP (ap < 0.001) and nicotine use on day of measurement (ap = 0.001) were also predictors of higher PWV. The predictors were the same in the PHIV model.

Interpretation

By late adolescence PHIV had worse PWV in comparison to HIV negative peers, and traditional risk factors for CVD (higher arterial pressure, being male and older age) were associated with higher PWV values. Regular detailed monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors should become standard of care for every young person with PHIV worldwide.

Barriers and facilitators to infection prevention and control in a neonatal unit in Zimbabwe - a theory-driven qualitative study to inform design of a behaviour change intervention

BACKGROUND

Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) is an increasing cause of neonatal morbidity/mortality in low-income settings. Hospital staff behaviours (e.g., hand hygiene) are key contributors to HAI. Understanding the drivers of these can inform interventions to improve infection prevention and control (IPC).

AIM

To explore barriers/facilitators to IPC in a neonatal unit in Harare, Zimbabwe.

METHODS

Interviews were conducted with 15 staff members of neonatal and maternity units alongside ethnographic observations. The interview guide and data analysis were informed by the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour) model and explored individual, socio-cultural, and organizational barriers/facilitators to IPC. Potential interventions were identified using the Behaviour-Change Wheel.

FINDINGS

Enablers within Capability included awareness of IPC, and within Motivation beliefs that IPC was crucial to one's role, and concerns about consequences of poor IPC. Staff were optimistic that IPC could improve, contingent upon resource availability (Opportunity). Barriers included: limited knowledge of guidelines, no formal feedback on performance (Capability), lack of resources (Opportunity), often leading to improvization and poor habit formation. Further barriers included the unit's hierarchy, e.g., low engagement of cleaners and mothers in IPC, and staff witnessing implementation of poor practices by other team members (Opportunity). Potential interventions could include role-modelling, engaging mothers and staff across cadres, audit and feedback and flexible protocols (adaptable to water/handrub availability).

CONCLUSIONS

Most barriers to IPC fell within Opportunity, whilst most enablers fell under Capability and Motivation. Theory-based investigation provides the basis for systematically identifying and developing interventions to address barriers and enablers to IPC in low-income settings.

Long-term clinical, virological and immunological outcomes following planned treatment interruption in HIV-infected children

OBJECTIVES

Planned treatment interruption (PTI) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in adults is associated with adverse outcomes. The PENTA 11 trial randomized HIV-infected children to continuous ART (CT) vs. CD4-driven PTIs. We report 5 years' follow-up after the end of main trial.

METHODS

Post-trial, all children resumed ART. Clinical, immunological, virological and treatment data were collected annually. A sub-study investigated more detailed immunophenotype. CT and PTI arms were compared using intention-to-treat. Laboratory parameters were compared using linear regression, adjusting for baseline values; mixed models were used to include all data over time.

RESULTS

In all, 101 children (51 CT, 50 PTI) contributed a median of 7.6 years, including 5.1 years of post-trial follow-up. Post-trial, there were no deaths, one pulmonary tuberculosis and no other CDC stage B/C events. At 5 years post-trial, 90% of children in the CT vs. 82% in the PTI arm had HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL (P = 0.26). A persistent increase in CD8 cells was observed in the PTI arm. The sub-study (54 children) suggested that both naïve and memory populations contributed to higher CD8 cells following PTI. Mean CD4/CD8 ratios at 5 years post-trial were 1.22 and 1.08 in CT and PTI arms, respectively [difference (CT - PTI) = -0.15; 95% CI: -0.34-0.05), P = 0.14]. The sub-study also suggested that during the trial and at early timepoints after the end of the trial, reduction in CD4 in the PTI arm was mainly from loss of CD4 memory cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Children tolerated PTI with few long-term clinical, virological or immunological consequences.

Auditing use of antibiotics in Zimbabwean neonates

BACKGROUND

Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in low-income settings. As signs of sepsis are non-specific and deterioration precipitous, antibiotics are often used profusely in these settings where diagnostics may not be readily available. Harare Central Hospital, Zimbabwe, delivers 12000 babies per annum admitting ∼4800 to the neonatal unit. Overcrowding, understaffing and rapid staff turnover are consistent problems. Suspected sepsis is highly prevalent, and antibiotics widely used. We audited the impact of training and benchmarking intervention on rationalizing antibiotic prescription using local, World Health Organization-derived, guidelines as the standard.

METHODS

An initial audit of admission diagnosis and antibiotic use was performed between 8th May - 6th June 2018 as per the audit cycle. An intern training programme, focusing on antimicrobial stewardship and differentiating between babies 'at risk of' versus 'with' clinically-suspected sepsis was instituted post-primary audit. Re-audit was conducted after 5 months.

RESULTS

Sepsis was the most common admitting diagnosis by interns at both time points but reduced at repeat audit (81% versus 59%, P<0.0001). Re-audit after 5 months demonstrated a decrease in antibiotic prescribing at admission and discharge. Babies prescribed antibiotics at admission decreased from 449 (98%) to 96 (51%), P<0.0001. Inpatient days of therapy (DOT) reduced from 1243 to 1110/1000 patient-days. Oral amoxicillin prescription at discharge reduced from 349/354 (99%) to 1% 1/161 (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

A substantial decrease in antibiotic use was achieved by performance feedback, training and leadership, although ongoing performance review will be key to ensuring safety and sustainability.

2649. Measles-Containing Vaccination Resulted in a Balanced Cytokine Profile Without Evidence of Immunosuppression in Healthy 12-Month-Old Children

Background

Measles virus infection results in immune activation, viral clearance and lifelong immunity. In addition, there is an immunosuppressive state defined by type 2 skewing of CD4⁺ T‐cell cytokine production and induction of regulatory T cells with reduced dendritic cell (DC) activation in the recovery phase. Studies following measles immunization show conflicting immune profiles. To more robustly interrogate and define specific functional cytokine profiles, this study evaluated cytokine profiles in 12-month old infants before and after primary MMR vaccination.

Methods

Cytokine profiles using luminex assay (62-plex; eBioscience) were measured in 65 infants before and 42 days after MMR vaccination administered at 12 months of age as part of a randomized clinical trial. Mean cytokine percentages of children with increased or decreased concentrations of each cytokine in the post sample compared with the levels in the pre sample were evaluated using Student’s t-test. Cytokines were arranged into dominant CD4+ T-cell type, Th1, Th2, and T regulatory (T_reg) and those produced by DC.

Results

No dominant cytokine pattern emerged following measles immunization, with a balanced profile. The mean percentage of children with increased and decreased concentrations (pg/mL) of signature CD 4+ T-cell Th1 (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFa], interferon gamma [IFNg]), Th2 (Interleukin [IL] IL5, IL4, IL13), T_reg (IL10, transforming growth factor-β TCFb) and DC (IL12P40 and IL12P70) cytokines were equivalent when measured at 42 days after MMR vaccine compared with levels before vaccine (Table 1) (P ≥ 0.05 for all comparisons).

Conclusion

In contrast to data demonstrating an immune suppression profile following measles disease, measles-containing vaccine did not suppress Th1 CD4+ T-cell and DC cytokines or promote Th2 and T_reg CD4+ T-cell cytokines measured 42 days after vaccination. The cytokine profile represents one of balance and homeostasis. This study supports the data that show measles vaccine does not cause immunosuppression in healthy infants.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

Langley J, Leach A, Madhi SA, Maleux K, Lien-Anh Nguyen T, Puthanakit T, Silas P, Stoszek SK, Tangsathapornpong A, Teeratakulpisarn J, Virta M, Zaman K. 2855. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Neutralizing Antibodies in Cord Blood and Serum from Infants up to 2 Years of Age in a Multinational Prospective Study

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) during infancy worldwide. High cord blood (CB) concentrations of anti-RSV neutralizing antibody (nAb) may attenuate, delay, or prevent infant infection. We report RSV A and B nAb concentrations in CB and serum from a birth cohort at different time points through 2 years of age.

Methods

Between 2013 and 2017, newborns from 8 countries were studied prospectively from birth to 2 years of age (NCT01995175). CB was collected at birth for the entire cohort. A subcohort of children was randomly assigned to have one blood sample collected again at either 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, or 24 months of age. Sera were analyzed for RSV A and B nAb concentrations by serum neutralization assay. Active surveillance was used to identify LRTIs during the 2-year follow-up as previously reported.

Results

In total, 2,401 newborns were enrolled and followed up. >99% of infants had detectable CB RSV A and B nAb. Geometric mean antibody titers (GMTs) varied by country, but were overall higher for RSV B than for RSV A (327 vs. 251; Figure 1). The lowest GMTs were seen from CB sera collected from South African newborns (197 RSV A, 255 RSV B); Canadian newborns had the highest RSV A GMT (383), while Hondurans had the highest RSV B GMT (460). 1380 infants provided follow-up serum nAb results as part of the subcohort (Figure 2). Dramatic waning of GMTs was evident, with a ~3-fold drop in GMTs at 2 months of age, and an additional ~2-fold drop between 2 and 4 months of age. At 6 and 12 months of age, 71% and 50% of infants had RSV A nAb and GMTs were at a nadir of 14. At 6, 12, and 18 months of age, RSV B nAb was detected in 98%, 69%, and 63% of infants, respectively. The RSV B nAb nadir GMT of 20 was observed at 12 months of age, while the 6- and 18-month RSV B nAb GMTs were 30 and 31, respectively. A total of 1,017 LRTIs were identified during the 2-year study period; of which, 94 (9%) were caused by RSV A and 132 (13%) by RSV B. Associations between CB nAb levels and RSV infection will be presented.

Conclusion

Neutralizing Ab to RSV A and B was present at birth in infants from 8 countries, and waned over time. GMTs were at a nadir at 6 to 12 months of age.

Funding. GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA.

Disclosures

All Authors: No reported Disclosures.

2763. Uptake and Safety of Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Vaccine in Adolescents and Adults in the Vaccine Safety Datalink

Background

MMR vaccine is given routinely to young children but may be given at other ages. We described MMR use in adolescent and adult populations in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) and estimated the incidence of medically-attended outcomes after MMR to inform future studies estimating vaccine-associated risk.

Methods

The study population included adolescents (9–17 years) and adults (≥18 years) in VSD who received at least one MMR vaccine from 2010 through 2016. Outcomes were pre-specified based on previous vaccine safety studies and categorized as clinically serious (anaphylaxis, encephalitis/myelitis, GBS, meningitis, seizure) or non-serious (allergic reaction, arthropathy, fever, injection site reaction, lymphadenopathy, nonspecific reaction, parotitis, rash, syncope). Outcomes were identified by searching for ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes in post-vaccination exposure windows. Medical records were reviewed for all serious outcomes to verify incident diagnoses. Incidence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for validated serious and all non-serious outcomes.

Results

146,503 adolescents and adults received 162,992 MMR vaccines during the study period. The mean age at vaccination was 33.7 years, 65% were female, and 53% received at least one other vaccine simultaneously. Demographic and vaccination characteristics varied across age groups (Table 1). The analysis of post-vaccination outcomes included 162,053 MMR vaccinations. The incidence of validated serious outcomes was low, ranging from 0 to 6.8 per 100,000 vaccinations. Only one serious outcome (anaphylaxis) was noted to be vaccine-associated in the medical record. Incidence of clinically non-serious outcomes varied from 0.4 to 56.0 per 10,000 vaccinations. Injection site reactions were more common among adolescents (118.1 per 10,000 vaccinations), who also had a higher frequency of simultaneous vaccination (80%).

Conclusion

Clinically serious outcomes were rare following MMR vaccination. Rates of clinically non-serious outcomes varied but were similar to or lower than previous reports in children. This descriptive analysis did not evaluate the association between MMR and adverse events. Future analysis with an appropriate comparison group is needed for risk estimation.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

2767. Variation in Incidence of Pediatric Herpes Zoster by First- and Second-Dose Varicella Vaccine Formulations

Background

Varicella (VAR) and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines are recommended for children at ages 12–15 months and 4–6 years. These are administered as separate MMR and VAR vaccines (MMR+VAR) or as combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine. Herpes zoster (HZ), caused by wild-type or vaccine-strain varicella-zoster virus, can occur in children after varicella vaccination. It is unknown whether HZ incidence after varicella vaccination varies by vaccine formulation or simultaneous receipt of MMR.

Methods

Using data from six integrated health systems, we examined HZ incidence among children who turned 12 months old during 2003–2008 and received varicella and MMR vaccines according to routine recommendations. All HZ cases ≥ 21 days after first varicella vaccination were identified using ICD-9 codes from inpatient, outpatient, emergency room encounters, and claims data, through 2014. HZ incidence was examined by vaccine formulation (MMR+VAR, MMRV, or VAR without same-day MMR) and doses received and compared using incidence rate ratios (IRR).

Results

Among 199,797 children, we identified 601 HZ cases. Crude HZ incidence after first-dose MMR+VAR (18.6 [95% CI 11.1–29.2] cases/100,000 person-years) was similar to the rate after first-dose MMRV (17.9 [95% CI 10.6–28.3] cases/100,000 person-years), but approximately double the rate among those with first-dose VAR without same-day MMR (7.5 [95% CI 3.1–15.0] cases/100,000 person-years); see Table 1. The IRR for HZ after first-dose MMR+VAR or MMRV, compared with VAR, was 2.5 (95% CI 1.4–4.4; P = 0.002). When examining any first or second dose formulation, crude HZ incidence was lower after the second varicella vaccine dose (13.9 cases/100,000 person-years), than in the period before the second dose (i.e., between first and second doses or after the first dose in children with only one dose; 21.8 cases/100,000 person-years, P < 0.0001). HZ incidence was also lower after two varicella vaccine doses in each of the three first-dose formulation groups.

Conclusion

HZ incidence among children varied by first-dose varicella vaccine formulation and number of varicella vaccine doses. Regardless of the first-dose varicella vaccine formulation, children who received two vaccine doses had lower HZ incidence after the second dose.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

2711. Effectiveness of 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Against Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Older Adults

Background

Routine use of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) has been recommended for infants since early 2010 and for adults ≥65 years since 2014 when KPNC began routine use of PCV13 in adults. PCV13 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) has been demonstrated; however, recent surveillance data have been interpreted as showing limited population-level impact of PCV13 on serotype 3 IPD. We estimated PCV13 VE against IPD due to vaccine serotypes at Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC).

Methods

The study period spanned September 2014 through September 2018. The cohort included KPNC members who were aged ≥65 years with no record of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) receipt before age 65 years. We compared IPD cases with KPNC members who were the same age on the date of the positive pneumococcal culture using conditional logistic regression, conditioned on age and date, and controlled for sex, race, KPNC service area and membership history, prior season influenza vaccine receipt, PPV23 receipt after age 65 years, risk factors for IPD, and healthcare utilization.

Results

From September 2014 to September 2018, PCV13 vaccine coverage among persons ≥65 years old increased from < 1% to 77%. During the same period, there was a total of 245 IPD cases. For a variety of reasons, we did not have serotype results for 57 (23%) IPD cases, which were excluded from the analysis. There were 61 (25%) PCV13-type IPD cases included in the analysis, of which 33 (14%) were serotype 3. PCV13 VE against PCV13-type serotypes was 68.0% (95% CI: 37.7%, 83.6%; P-value < 0.01), and 53.4% (95% CI: −10.0%, 80.3%; P = 0.08) against serotype 3.

Conclusion

During the first 4 years of PCV13 vaccination implementation in adults ≥65 years of age at KPNC, PCV13 provided significant protection against PCV13-type IPD. Further surveillance will allow for more precise estimation of PCV13 VE on overall and serotype 3 IPD over time.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

2743. Safety of Recombinant Influenza Vaccine Compared with Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Adults

Background

In 2013, a recombinant trivalent influenza vaccine (RIV, Flublok®, Sanofi Pasteur) was licensed for use against influenza virus subtypes A and B contained in the vaccine for persons 18–49 years of age and approved for all adults ≥18 years of age in 2014. The study aim was to evaluate the safety of RIV compared with trivalent standard-dose, inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3) in Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC).

Methods

This was an observational, retrospective cohort study including all persons ≥18 years vaccinated in KPNC facilities with RIV or IIV3 during the 2015–2016 influenza season as part of routine clinical care. We compared the rates of pre-specified diagnoses of interest (Guillain-Barré Syndrome, pericarditis, pleural effusion, narcolepsy/cataplexy, asthma, acute hypersensitivity reactions and fever) using International Classification of Diseases codes during post-vaccination risk intervals 0–2, 0–13, 0–41, and 0–180 days, as well as all-cause hospitalization rates 0–180 days following vaccination. Comparing cohorts, we estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, month of vaccination, and concomitant receipt of other vaccinations.

Results

During the study period, 21,976 persons received RIV and 283,683 received IIV3. Comparing RIV with IIV3, there were no statistically significantly elevated outcomes. RIV vaccination was associated with significantly decreased fever in the 0–41 day risk interval (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.14–0.86) and all-cause hospitalization (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.61–0.73) in the 0–180 day risk interval. Further analyses found that the lower rates of hospitalization in RIV recipients was mostly, though not fully, related to pregnancy-related hospital events in the IIV3 cohort and to the presence of additional unmeasured confounding. There were no serious adverse events or deaths related to RIV or IIV3.

Conclusion

This study did not identify any safety concerns regarding the use of RIV in adults. Understanding the observed reduction in all-cause hospitalization will need additional studies.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

Persistence of HIV reservoir following successful haematopoietic stem cell transplant for juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia in a child with perinatally acquired HIV

This report describes a case of juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML) on a background of both perinatally acquired HIV infection and congenital cytomegalovirus, and management of antiretroviral therapy during haematopoietic stem cell transplant. Peripheral blood HIV viral load remained below the lower limit of detection throughout and following transplant and is currently <20 RNA copies/mL. The child is currently in remission from JMML, but HIV DNA remains detectable despite myeloablative conditioning and sustained plasma HIV viral suppression.

Prostate cancer treatment with Irreversible Electroporation (IRE): Safety, efficacy and clinical experience in 471 treatments

BACKGROUND

Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) is a novel image-guided tissue ablation technology that induces cell death via very short but strong pulsed electric fields. IRE has been shown to have preserving properties towards vessels and nerves and the extracellular matrix. This makes IRE an ideal candidate to treat prostate cancer (PCa) where other treatment modalities frequently unselectively destroy surrounding structures inducing severe side effects like incontinence or impotence. We report the retrospective assessment of 471 IRE treatments in 429 patients of all grades and stages of PCa with 6-year maximum follow-up time.

MATERIAL AND FINDINGS

The patient cohort consisted of low (25), intermediate (88) and high-risk cancers (312). All had multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging, and 199 men had additional 3D-mapping biopsy for diagnostic work-up prior to IRE. Patients were treated either focally (123), sub-whole-gland (154), whole-gland (134) or for recurrent disease (63) after previous radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, etc. Adverse effects were mild (19.7%), moderate (3.7%) and severe (1.4%), never life-threatening. Urinary continence was preserved in all cases. IRE-induced erectile dysfunction persisted in 3% of the evaluated cases 12 months post treatment. Mean transient IIEF-5-Score reduction was 33% within 12-month post IRE follow-up and 15% after 12 months. Recurrences within the follow-up period occurred in 10% of the treated men, 23 in or adjacent to the treatment field and 18 outside the treatment field (residuals). Including residuals for worst case analysis, Kaplan Maier estimation on recurrence rate at 5 years resulted in 5.6% (CI95: 1.8-16.93) for Gleason 6, 14.6% (CI95: 8.8-23.7) for Gleason 7 and 39.5% (CI95: 23.5-61.4) for Gleason 8-10.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate comparable efficacy of IRE to standard radical prostatectomy in terms of 5-year recurrence rates and better preservation of urogenital function, proving the safety and suitability of IRE for PCa treatment. The data also shows that IRE, besides focal therapy of early PCa, can also be used for whole-gland ablations, in patients with recurrent PCa, and as a problem-solver for local tumor control in T4-cancers not amenable to surgery and radiation therapy anymore.

Calcium-induced stabilization of AU-rich short-lived mRNAs is a common default response

The AU-rich element (AUUUA)n, found in the 3' noncoding region of many short-lived cytokine and proto-oncogene mRNAs, is sufficient to specifically target these mRNAs for rapid degradation in mammalian cells. The mechanism by which the AU-rich element promotes rapid mRNA decay is not known. Previous studies have shown that release of intracellular stored calcium by ionophore treatment of thymocytes and mast cells inhibits the rapid turnover of AU-rich interleukin mRNAs. Increased cytoplasmic half-life of interleukin mRNAs was linked to calcium-induced activation of the N-terminal c-Jun kinase. In this report we have characterized the calcium-induced stabilization of AU-rich mRNAs. We show that calcium induces stabilization of mRNAs with canonical AU-rich elements in all cell types tested. These results indicate that short-lived mRNA stabilization by calcium is not unique to immune cells nor interleukin mRNAs, but is a widespread default response that includes generic AU-rich mRNAs. Stabilization is shown to be rapid but transient, and to act without altering nuclear transcription or cytoplasmic translation rates. These data support the view that calcium release likely stabilizes short-lived mRNAs by altering trans-acting decay factors that promote AU-rich mRNA turnover.

Periapical infection may affect birth outcomes via systemic inflammation

OBJECTIVES

Maternal dental periapical infections are associated with preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction. This study investigates whether the association is mediated through bacterial spread from periapical lesions to placenta (direct pathway) or systemic inflammatory reaction (indirect pathway).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We compared birth outcomes in Malawian mothers with and without periapical infection. As markers of a direct pathway, we identified placental bacteria using a 16S rDNA approach and assessed histological evidence of inflammation in the placenta and amniotic membranes. We measured C-reactive protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, and salivary cortisol as markers of an indirect pathway. We used regression models to associate the predictor variables with duration of pregnancy and newborn size.

RESULTS

Of 1,024 women, 23.5% had periapical infection. There was no association of periapical infection with either bacterial DNA or histological inflammation in placenta or membranes. Periapical infection was associated with C-reactive protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, and cortisol concentrations in a dose-dependent manner at 36 weeks. Addition of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein or cortisol concentration into regression models attenuated the association between periapical infection and pregnancy outcomes.

CONCLUSION

There was no evidence of direct spread of periapical bacteria to the placenta. Periapical infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes are in part mediated through systemic inflammation.

Risk in the "Red Zone": Outcomes for Children Admitted to Ebola Holding Units in Sierra Leone Without Ebola Virus Disease

We collected data on 1054 children admitted to Ebola Holding Units in Sierra Leone and describe outcomes of 697/1054 children testing negative for Ebola virus disease (EVD) and accompanying caregivers. Case-fatality was 9%; 3/630 (0.5%) children discharged testing negative were readmitted EVD-positive. Nosocomial EVD transmission risk may be lower than feared.

Predicting CD4 T-Cell Reconstitution Following Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an increasingly common treatment for children with a range of hematological disorders. Conditioning with cytotoxic chemotherapy and total body irradiation leaves patients severely immunocompromised. T‐cell reconstitution can take several years due to delayed restoration of thymic output. Understanding T‐cell reconstitution in children is complicated by normal immune system maturation, heterogeneous diagnoses, and sparse uneven sampling due to the long time spans involved. We describe here a mechanistic mathematical model for CD4 T‐cell immune reconstitution following pediatric transplantation. Including relevant biology and using mixed‐effects modeling allowed the factors affecting reconstitution to be identified. Bayesian predictions for the long‐term reconstitution trajectories of individual children were then obtained using early post‐transplant data. The model was developed using data from 288 children; its predictive ability validated on data from a further 75 children, with long‐term reconstitution predicted accurately in 81% of the patients.