Extended-release tacrolimus therapy in de novo kidney transplant recipients: single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Available data for extended-release tacrolimus (Tac) except in clinical trials are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To describe our initial experience with once-daily Tac in combination with corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil therapy in patients undergoing de novo renal transplantation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective, observational, single-center study, data were obtained for 49 adult recipients treated with extended-release Tac and 30 patients treated with standard-release Tac (control group). Mean (SD) follow-up in the 2 groups was 3.5 (2.5) months and 4.0 (2.6) months, respectively. The primary characteristics were comparable between the groups.

RESULTS

The acute rejection rate in the extended-release group was 10%, and 13% in the standard-release group. Patient and graft survival rates were 98% and 96% vs 100% and 90%, respectively. Renal function in the 2 groups was comparable: serum creatinine concentration 1.3 (0.2) mg/dL vs 1.45 (0.4) mg/dL. At day 14 posttransplantation, Tac doses were 0.17 mg/kg/d vs 0.14 mg/kg/d, and blood concentrations were 9.0 ng/mL vs 14.0 ng/mL. In recipients older than 60 years, lower dosages of Tac resulted in blood concentrations similar to those in younger patients, with less variation in dosage.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term experience with extended-release Tac therapy in de novo renal recipients confirms its efficacy and safety. Adjusting blood concentrations in the immediate posttransplantation period is less difficult with extended-release Tac compared with the twice-daily formulation.

Knowledge and attitudes about intrauterine devices among women's health care providers in El Salvador

In order to gain an understanding of Salvadoran health care providers' clinical knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward the intrauterine device (IUD), Ministry of Health providers completed a self-administered, anonymous survey. Surveys were completed by 135 participants. The majority (94.7% and 97.0%) agreed the IUD is a safe and effective form of contraception. Only 46.6% of participants had ever received training in IUD placement, and 32.0% of them had ever inserted more than 10 IUDs. The majority of providers (54.2%) believed that the IUD was associated with a higher rate of infection than is described in the literature. Lack of formal training and knowledge about persistent infection rates associated with IUDs may contribute to low IUD placement by Salvadoran providers. Health care providers surveyed are open to learning more about the IUD and sharing the information with their patients.

Strabometry precision: intra-examiner repeatability and agreement in measuring the magnitude of the angle of latent binocular ocular deviations (heterophorias or latent strabismus)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study was designed to compare heterophoria measurements obtained using the methods: prisms cover test (prism alternate cover test), von Graefe technique, Maddox rod test and modified Thorington test. Given the different methodological features of these tests, our working hypothesis was that these tests would not be interchangeable and repeatability would vary.

METHODS

Horizontal deviation measurements were made at: far distance (six meters) and near distance (40 centimeters) on two occasions in 61 young subjects of mean age 19.7 years (range 18 -32 years), with essentially normal eyes and vision, who were not familiar with the methods used. Statistical repeatability and agreement were determined using the Bland and Altman method.

RESULTS

Repeatability: No difference between the results of the various heterophoria tests was statistically significant. Coefficients of repeatability were always best when the tests were conducted at far, the cover test being the most repeatable. Agreement: Mean differences between absolute values ranged from 1.7 prism diopters to 5.1 prism diopters for measurements at far and from 2.1 prism diopters to 3.4 prism diopters at near.

CONCLUSIONS

The alternating prism cover test was the most repeatable test for measuring latent horizontal deviations. Among the subjective tests, the modified Thorington test was the most repeatable. The low level of agreement observed between the different tests makes their interchangeable use in clinical practice not recommended.

Abstract P3-02-11: First Analysis of the Value of Circulating Epithelial Tumor Cells and Circulating Endothelial Cells (CTCs/CECs) in Patients with HER-2 Negative Recurrent or Metastatic Breast Cancer Treated with Bevacizumab in Combination with Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine as First Line Therapy (AVALUZ Trial)

Background: Circulating epithelial tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood are an ideal source for the detection of disseminated tumor cells of an easy sampling procedure. Their prognosis significance has been demonstrated in metastasic breast carcinoma and have potencial to influence the clinical management for pts. with breast cancer (Cristofanilli, NEJM 2004). The antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab (Bev.), in combination with CT, improves progression free survival (PFS) of first line treatments, may modify tumor cell intravasation and CTC count, and may change CEC levels. Aims of this study are the evaluation of the prevalence and kinetics of CTCs and CECs before and after antiangiogenic treatment with Bev in pts with metastatic breast cancer.

Methods: Eligible pts. received Bev (10mg/kg q2w) combined with paclitaxel 150 mg/m2 and gemcitabine 2000mg/m2 d 1 y 15 q28d as first line therapy, until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or withdrawal. For pts. participating in the sub-study, CTC and CEC were measured in 7.5ml of blood at baseline and after the first cycle of treatment. Samples were subjected to imnumomagnetic enrichment with an anti-EpCAM antibody and fluorescence labelled. CTCs were defined as nucleated cells (DAPI+) expressing cytokeratin 8, 18 and 19 but CD45 negative phenotype. CECs were defined as nuclear cells (DAPI+) expressing CD105 PE and CD45 negative phenotype. A sample was considered positive when 1 or more cells were detected.

Results: Data are available for 37 pts. We found ≥1 CTCs before first cycle of treatment with bev in 73% of the patients (N=27). After first treatment, reduction of CTCs was found in 57% of the patients (N=16). The median number of CTCs was 34 cells/7.5 ml (min 0-max 845) of blood in the first determination and 4.79 cells/7.5 ml (min 0-max 99) in the second determination, p=0.0075. In 38% of the pts (N=14) we found ≥5 baseline CTCs and after treatment <5 CTCs were found in 89% of the pts (N=25). In 70% of pts with baseline ≥5 CTCs count, a reduction to < 5CTCs was observed in the second determination (N=10), p=0.20 (IC 34.15-93.33). In 10 pts we found CTCs=0 baseline value (35%) and in the second determination after treatment CTCs=0 cells/7.5 ml was observed in 53%, p=0.058. Baseline CECs ≥1 was observed in 100% of the pts (N=31). After first cycle of treatment with bev plus CT CECs=0 was found in 1 patient (3.4%). In 70% of pts (N=14) there was a reduction of baseline CECs count, p=0.3. The median value of baseline CECs was 123 cells/7.5 ml (min 4- max 1407) and the median value in second determination was 54 cells/7.5 ml (min 0-max 349). The median of reduction of CECs after treatment was 70 CECs, p=0.02.

Conclusions: The addiction of bev to 1st line CT was related with high reduction of the value of baseline CTCs and CECs count, statistically significant correlation. Reduction to < 5 CTCs of patients with baseline ≥5 CTCs (unfavourable prognosis) was observed in 70% of patients. The results of this explorative study are preliminary and a large number of pts and follow-up is required.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-02-11.

Abstract P2-16-13: Phase II Open Label Trial Bevacizumab in Combination with Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine as First Line in Patients with HER-2 Negative Recurrent or Metastatic Breast Cancer (AVALUZ): First Analysis

Background:

The combination of bevacizumab with taxanes, capecitabine or anthracyclines has shown increased progression-free survival in patients with metastatic breast carcinoma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity profile of the combination of bevacizumab with gemcitabine and paclitaxel, providing a preliminary analysis of response in patients included for whom at least one response assessment and the toxicity experienced in all patients treated.

Methods:

A Phase II multicenter, national, open-label study in patients diagnosed of recurrent or metastatic HER-2 negative breast carcinoma, treated with first-line bevacizumab 10 mg/kg, paclitaxel 150 mg/m2 and gemcitabine 2000 mg/m2 day 1 and 15 c/28d until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or medical decision. This abstract evaluates efficacy by the response rate and the toxicity profile of the combination in all cycles of all patients included. The primary end-point of the study is PFS. Toxicity is evaluated according to NCI CTC v 3.0 criteria. Results:

From January 2009 to December 2009, 82 evaluable patients were recruited in 23 sites, with at least one response assessment available in 69. Median age 51.5 (26-81), ER+ 59 pts, PR+ 51 pts, triple negative patients 16 and previous chemotherapy (neoadj or adj) 58 pts. Of the 69 pts with response assessment, the last assessment is in cycle 3 for 31.88% of patients, cycle 6: 33.33%, cycle 9: 4.35%, cycle 12: 1.45% and at the end of treatment 29%. The median cycles administered per patient is 6 (1-14) and the relative median dose intensity is 0.93 for bevacizumab, 0.91 for paclitaxel, and 0.93 for gemcitabine.

The overall response obtained was 69.57%, with a clinical benefit of 89.86% (CR 8.7% (6), PR 60.87% (42), SD 20.29%, and DP 10.14%). Of the 82 patients with a median follow-up of 7.19 m (0.16-13.98), grade 3-4 toxicity affected 41%, with treatment discontinuation for adverse events in 19.51%. Eighteen SAEs were reported: pyrexia (4), infection at catheter site (2), urine infection and a single case of angor, hypertension, pulmonary embolism, pleural effusion, febrile neutropenia, neutropenia, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, atrial fibrillation, and dizziness. Toxicity was generally easily controlled. Conclusions:

Although data from the primary study endpoint (PFS) are not yet available, the treatment regimen obtained a high overall response in patients treated and was well tolerated by this patient group.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-16-13.

A Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Developmental Items of Five Ethnic Groups in the Southwest

A population of 3,067 Mexican-American, Pueblo Indian, Navajo Indian, Black, and Anglo elementary children were administered the Draw-A-Person for norming and comparison against the existing Koppitz scoring procedure. A significant number of items for each of the five ethnic groups changed categories with final score interpretation affected. A significant difference in percentage of items drawn by the five ethnic groups was also found, as were regional differences on certain items.

Outcome of renal transplantation in adult patients with augmented bladders

OBJECTIVE

We studied the long-term renal graft functions, survivals, and complications among patients with augmented bladders.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1976 and 2008, we performed 6/2600 renal transplantations in patients with augmented bladders. The mean patient age was 52 years. The cause of end-stage renal disease was chronic interstitial kidney disease in all patients, being secondary to lower urinary tract dysfunction. The etiology of bladder dysfunction was tuberculosis in 4 cases, bladder exstrophy in 1, and myelomeningocele in 1. Enterocystoplasty had been performed at a mean of 19 years prior to transplantation. The ureter was implanted into the native ureter in 5 cases and the bowel segment in 1 case.

RESULTS

With a mean follow-up of 56 months (range, 20-100 months), the overall graft survival was 50%. Three grafts were lost due to venous thrombosis (n = 1), and chronic allograft nephropathy (n = 2) at 37 and 100 months posttransplantation. No patient died during follow-up. Mean serum creatinine was 1.44 mg/dL with Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) clearance of 76 mL/min/1.73 m(2). One fistula that caused obstructive uropathy and 2 cases of migration of a double J catheter were among the surgical complications. These patients showed a mean of 7 episodes of uncomplicated urinary infections. Only 1 patient was rehospitalized due to a complicated urinary tract infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with enterocystoplasty and renal transplantation show a greater risk of urinary tract infections, albeit mostly uncomplicated. Despite this, the long-term results are acceptable.

Validation of the Spanish, Portuguese and French versions of the Lupus Damage Index questionnaire: data from North and South America, Spain and Portugal

We have previously developed and validated a self-administered questionnaire, modelled after the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SDI), the Lupus Damage Index Questionnaire (LDIQ), which may allow the ascertainment of this construct in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients followed in the community and thus expand observations made about damage. We have now translated, back-translated and adapted the LDIQ to Spanish, Portuguese and French and applied it to patients followed at academic and non-academic centres in North and South America, Portugal and Spain while their physicians scored the SDI. A total of 887 patients (659 Spanish-speaking, 140 Portuguese-speaking and 80 French-speaking patients) and 40 physicians participated. Overall, patients scored all LDIQ versions higher than their physicians (total score and all domains). Infrequent manifestations had less optimal clinimetric properties but overall agreement was more than 95% for the majority of items. Higher correlations were observed among the Spanish-speaking patients than the Portuguese-speaking and French-speaking patients; further adjustments may be needed before the Portuguese and French versions of the LDIQ are applied in community-based studies. The relationship between the LDIQ and other outcome parameters is currently being investigated in a different patient sample.