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Moayedi Y, Teuteberg JJ. Rejection Surveillance After Heart Transplantation: Is Paired Noninvasive Testing the New Gold Standard? Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00803. [PMID: 38946033 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Rejection surveillance after heart transplantation has traditionally relied on numerous endomyocardial biopsies, most of which occur during the first posttransplant year. With the introduction of gene expression profiling and, more recently, donor-derived cell-free DNA, a great proportion of surveillance is being performed noninvasively with both tests. Although patients have welcomed the use of paired testing because of the decreased risk and inconvenience, interpretation of both tests can sometimes be challenging, particularly when the test results are discordant. Growing evidence from both single-center experiences and large national databases has given insights that have allowed the field to operationalize dual testing and provide physicians with algorithms to approach paired testing. The increased use of noninvasive testing has also begun to challenge the role of biopsy as the gold standard for graft monitoring, not only for rejection but over the life of the heart transplant. In a growing number of circumstances, cell-free DNA not only may be a better means of assessing rejection but could also redefine how clinicians approach the diagnosis and even treatment of graft injury. As the heart transplant community garners more experience and generates more data, the current paradigms of heart transplant surveillance will continue to be challenged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasbanoo Moayedi
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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2
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Abstract
This review delves into the rapidly evolving landscape of liquid biopsy technologies based on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and cell-free RNA (cfRNA) and their increasingly prominent role in precision medicine. With the advent of high-throughput DNA sequencing, the use of cfDNA and cfRNA has revolutionized noninvasive clinical testing. Here, we explore the physical characteristics of cfDNA and cfRNA, present an overview of the essential engineering tools used by the field, and highlight clinical applications, including noninvasive prenatal testing, cancer testing, organ transplantation surveillance, and infectious disease testing. Finally, we discuss emerging technologies and the broadening scope of liquid biopsies to new areas of diagnostic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Loy
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Lauren Ahmann
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA;
| | - Iwijn De Vlaminck
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Wei Gu
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA;
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3
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Masset C, Danger R, Degauque N, Dantal J, Giral M, Brouard S. Blood Gene Signature as a Biomarker for Subclinical Kidney Allograft Rejection: Where Are We? Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00787. [PMID: 38867352 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The observation decades ago that inflammatory injuries because of an alloimmune response might be present even in the absence of concomitant clinical impairment in allograft function conduced to the later definition of subclinical rejection. Many studies have investigated the different subclinical rejections defined according to the Banff classification (subclinical T cell-mediated rejection and antibody-mediated rejection), overall concluding that these episodes worsened long-term allograft function and survival. These observations led several transplant teams to perform systematic protocolar biopsies to anticipate treatment of rejection episodes and possibly prevent allograft loss. Paradoxically, the invasive characteristics and associated logistics of such procedures paved the way to investigate noninvasive biomarkers (urine and blood) of subclinical rejection. Among them, several research teams proposed a blood gene signature developed from cohort studies, most of which achieved excellent predictive values for the occurrence of subclinical rejection, mainly antibody-mediated rejection. Interestingly, although all identified genes relate to immune subsets and pathways involved in rejection pathophysiology, very few transcripts are shared among these sets of genes, highlighting the heterogenicity of such episodes and the difficult but mandatory need for external validation of such tools. Beyond this, their application and value in clinical practice remain to be definitively demonstrated in both biopsy avoidance and prevention of clinical rejection episodes. Their combination with other biomarkers, either epidemiological or biological, could contribute to a more accurate picture of a patient's risk of rejection and guide clinicians in the follow-up of kidney transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Masset
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Richard Danger
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Nicolas Degauque
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Jacques Dantal
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Magali Giral
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Brouard
- Institut de Transplantation-Urologie-Néphrologie (ITUN), Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, Nantes, France
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4
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Khush K, Hall S, Kao A, Raval N, Dhingra R, Shah P, Bellumkonda L, Ravichandran A, Van Bakel A, Uriel N, Patel S, Pinney S, DePasquale E, Baran DA, Pinney K, Oreschak K, Kobulnik J, Shen L, Teuteberg J. Surveillance with dual noninvasive testing for acute cellular rejection after heart transplantation: Outcomes from the Surveillance HeartCare Outcomes Registry. J Heart Lung Transplant 2024:S1053-2498(24)01659-0. [PMID: 38759766 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2024.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular testing with gene-expression profiling (GEP) and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is increasingly used in the surveillance for acute cellular rejection (ACR) after heart transplant. However, the performance of dual testing over each test individually has not been established. Further, the impact of dual noninvasive surveillance on clinical decision-making has not been widely investigated. METHODS We evaluated 2,077 subjects from the Surveillance HeartCare Outcomes Registry registry who were enrolled between 2018 and 2021 and had verified biopsy data and were categorized as dual negative, GEP positive/dd-cfDNA negative, GEP negative/dd-cfDNA positive, or dual positive. The incidence of ACR and follow-up testing rates for each group were evaluated. Positive likelihood ratios (LRs+) were calculated, and biopsy rates over time were analyzed. RESULTS The incidence of ACR was 1.5% for dual negative, 1.9% for GEP positive/dd-cfDNA negative, 4.3% for GEP negative/dd-cfDNA positive, and 9.2% for dual-positive groups. Follow-up biopsies were performed after 8.8% for dual negative, 14.2% for GEP positive/dd-cfDNA negative, 22.8% for GEP negative/dd-cfDNA positive, and 35.4% for dual-positive results. The LR+ for ACR was 1.37, 2.91, and 3.90 for GEP positive, dd-cfDNA positive, and dual-positive testing, respectively. From 2018 to 2021, biopsies performed between 2 and 12-months post-transplant declined from 5.9 to 5.3 biopsies/patient, and second-year biopsy rates declined from 1.5 to 0.9 biopsies/patient. At 2 years, survival was 94.9%, and only 2.7% had graft dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Dual molecular testing demonstrated improved performance for ACR surveillance compared to single molecular testing. The use of dual noninvasive testing was associated with lower biopsy rates over time, excellent survival, and low incidence of graft dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Khush
- Divison of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Shelley Hall
- Department of Cardiology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Andrew Kao
- Division of Cardiology, St. Luke's Health System Kansas City Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Nirav Raval
- Transplant Institute, AdventHealth Transplant Institute, Orlando, Florida
| | - Ravi Dhingra
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Program, Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Palak Shah
- Cardiovascular Genomics Center, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Lavanya Bellumkonda
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ashwin Ravichandran
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology, St Vincent Heart Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Adrian Van Bakel
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Nir Uriel
- Department of Cardiology, New York Presbyterian, New York, New York
| | - Snehal Patel
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore-Einstein, Bronx, New York
| | - Sean Pinney
- Department of Cardiology, Mount Sinai Morningside, New York, New York
| | - Eugene DePasquale
- Heart Failure, Heart Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - David A Baran
- Advanced Heart Failure, Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Westin, Florida
| | | | | | | | - Ling Shen
- Biostatistics, CareDx, Brisbane, California
| | - Jeffrey Teuteberg
- Divison of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
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Cusi V, Vaida F, Wettersten N, Rodgers N, Tada Y, Gerding B, Urey MA, Greenberg B, Adler ED, Kim PJ. Incidence of Acute Rejection Compared With Endomyocardial Biopsy Complications for Heart Transplant Patients in the Contemporary Era. Transplantation 2024; 108:1220-1227. [PMID: 38098137 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reference standard of detecting acute rejection (AR) in adult heart transplant (HTx) patients is an endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). The majority of EMBs are performed in asymptomatic patients. However, the incidence of treated AR compared with EMB complications has not been compared in the contemporary era (2010-current). METHODS The authors retrospectively analyzed 2769 EMBs obtained in 326 consecutive HTx patients between August 2019 and August 2022. Variables included surveillance versus for-cause indication, recipient and donor characteristics, EMB procedural data and pathological grades, treatment for AR, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS The overall EMB complications rate was 1.6%. EMBs performed within 1 mo after HTx compared with after 1 mo from HTx showed significantly increased complications (OR, 12.74, P < 0.001). The treated AR rate was 14.2% in the for-cause EMBs and 1.2% in the surveillance EMBs. We found the incidence of AR versus EMB complications was significantly lower in the surveillance compared with the for-cause EMB group (OR, 0.05, P < 0.001). We also found the incidence of EMB complications was higher than treated AR in surveillance EMBs. CONCLUSIONS The yield of surveillance EMBs has declined in the contemporary era, with a higher incidence of EMB complications compared with detected AR. The risk of EMB complications was highest within 1 mo after HTx. Surveillance EMB protocols in the contemporary era may need to be reevaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Florin Vaida
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Nicholas Wettersten
- Cardiology Section, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
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Pedamallu H, O'Halloran CP, Morrison A, Monge MC, Magnetta DA, Tannous P. Interventions on residual lesions in patients with heterotaxy syndrome following orthotropic heart transplantation: A single-center experience. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14706. [PMID: 38553789 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heterotaxy syndrome (HS) is a defect in lateralization which often results in complex intra and extracardiac abnormalities. Orthotropic heart transplantation (OHT) in HS involves intricate and individualized modifications to surgical technique. Post-OHT outcomes are worse in patients with HS, however, the impact of post-OHT residual lesions has not yet been characterized. METHODS Patients with HS who underwent OHT at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago between January 2012 and June 2023 were identified. Patients were excluded if follow-up data was not available due to follow up at a different institution of early mortality. Pre-OHT clinical data, surgical data, and post-OHT surgical and catheterization data were collected. RESULTS Two early mortalities were excluded from analysis, leaving 15 patients in the study cohort. Median age at OHT was 3.7 years (range: 0.7-15.4). Nine out of 15 patients were diagnosed with residual lesions requiring intervention at a median of 188 days post transplantation. All interventions on residual lesions occurred via catheterization. Overall mortality rate was 27% (4/15) with all deaths occurring in patients with residual lesions (4/9 patients, 44%). 83% (10/12) of lesions were diagnosed via catheterization, and 83% (10/12) of lesions of occurred in the first year after transplant. CONCLUSIONS Patients with HS are at high risk for residual lesions after OHT, which may contribute to increased mortality. Comprehensive invasive diagnostics were required to diagnose residual lesions, which were all addressed percutaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Havisha Pedamallu
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Conor P O'Halloran
- Division of Cardiology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Adam Morrison
- Division of Cardiology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael C Monge
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Defne A Magnetta
- Division of Cardiology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul Tannous
- Division of Cardiology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Casas S, Tangprasertchai NS, Oikonomaki K, Mathers S, Sollet ZC, Samara S, Liu J, Burlinson ND, Constantoulakis P, Villard J, Viard T. Multi-centre analytical performance verification of an IVD assay to quantify donor-derived cell-free DNA in solid organ transplant recipients. HLA 2024; 103:e15518. [PMID: 38733247 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) has been widely studied as biomarker for non-invasive allograft rejection monitoring. Earlier rejection detection enables more prompt diagnosis and intervention, ultimately improving patient treatment and outcomes. This multi-centre study aims to verify analytical performance of a next-generation sequencing-based dd-cfDNA assay at end-user environments. Three independent laboratories received the same experimental design and 16 blinded samples to perform cfDNA extraction and the dd-cfDNA assay workflow. dd-cfDNA results were compared between sites and against manufacturer validation to evaluate concordance, reproducibility, repeatability and verify analytical performance. A total of 247 sample libraries were generated across 18 runs, with completion time of <24 h. A 96.0% first pass rate highlighted minimal failures. Overall observed versus expected dd-cfDNA results demonstrated good concordance and a strong positive correlation with linear least squares regression r2 = 0.9989, and high repeatability and reproducibility within and between sites, respectively (p > 0.05). Manufacturer validation established limit of blank 0.18%, limit of detection 0.23% and limit of quantification 0.23%, and results from independent sites verified those limits. Parallel analyses illustrated no significant difference (p = 0.951) between dd-cfDNA results with or without recipient genotype. The dd-cfDNA assay evaluated here has been verified as a reliable method for efficient, reproducible dd-cfDNA quantification in plasma from solid organ transplant recipients without requiring genotyping. Implementation of onsite dd-cfDNA testing at clinical laboratories could facilitate earlier detection of allograft injury, bearing great potential for patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Simon Mathers
- Transplantation Laboratory, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Zuleika Calderin Sollet
- Transplantation Immunology Unit and National Reference Laboratory for Histocompatibility, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - June Liu
- CareDx, Brisbane, California, USA
| | | | | | - Jean Villard
- Transplantation Immunology Unit and National Reference Laboratory for Histocompatibility, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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8
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Borkowski P, Singh N, Borkowska N. Advancements in Heart Transplantation: Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA as Next-Generation Biomarker. Cureus 2024; 16:e54018. [PMID: 38476807 PMCID: PMC10930105 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart failure, particularly in its advanced stages, significantly impacts quality of life. Despite progress in Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT) and invasive treatments, heart transplantation (HT) remains the primary option for severe cases. However, complications such as graft rejection present significant challenges that necessitate effective monitoring. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is the gold standard for detecting rejection, but its invasive nature, associated risks, and healthcare costs have shifted interest in non-invasive techniques. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) has gained attention as a promising non-invasive biomarker for monitoring graft rejection. Compared to EMB, dd-cfDNA detects graft rejection early and enables clinicians to adjust immunosuppression promptly. Despite its advantages, dd-cfDNA testing faces challenges, such as the need for specialized technology and potential inaccuracies due to other clinical conditions. Additionally, dd-cfDNA cannot yet differentiate between types of graft rejection, and its effectiveness in chronic rejection remains unclear. Research is ongoing to set precise standards for dd-cfDNA levels, which would enhance its diagnostic accuracy and help in clinical decisions. The article also points to the future of HT monitoring, which may involve combining dd-cfDNA with other biomarkers and integrating artificial intelligence to improve diagnostic capabilities and personalize patient care. Furthermore, it emphasizes both global and racial inequalities in dd-cfDNA testing and the ethical issues related to its use in transplant medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Borkowski
- Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Nikita Singh
- Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Natalia Borkowska
- Pediatrics, SPZOZ (Samodzielny Publiczny Zakład Opieki Zdrowotnej) Krotoszyn, Krotoszyn, POL
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9
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Kveton M, Hudec L, Vykopal I, Halinkovic M, Laco M, Felsoova A, Benesova W, Fabian O. Digital pathology in cardiac transplant diagnostics: from biopsies to algorithms. Cardiovasc Pathol 2024; 68:107587. [PMID: 37926351 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2023.107587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the field of heart transplantation, the ability to accurately and promptly diagnose cardiac allograft rejection is crucial. This comprehensive review explores the transformative role of digital pathology and computational pathology, especially through machine learning, in this critical domain. These methodologies harness large datasets to extract subtle patterns and valuable information that extend beyond human perceptual capabilities, potentially enhancing diagnostic outcomes. Current research indicates that these computer-based systems could offer accuracy and performance matching, or even exceeding, that of expert pathologists, thereby introducing more objectivity and reducing observer variability. Despite promising results, several challenges such as limited sample sizes, diverse data sources, and the absence of standardized protocols pose significant barriers to the widespread adoption of these techniques. The future of digital pathology in heart transplantation diagnostics depends on utilizing larger, more diverse patient cohorts, standardizing data collection, processing, and evaluation protocols, and fostering collaborative research efforts. The integration of various data types, including clinical, demographic, and imaging information, could further refine diagnostic precision. As researchers address these challenges and promote collaborative efforts, digital pathology has the potential to become an integral part of clinical practice, ultimately improving patient care in heart transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kveton
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Clinical and Transplant Pathology Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Lukas Hudec
- Faculty of Informatics and Information Technologies, Slovak University of Technology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ivan Vykopal
- Faculty of Informatics and Information Technologies, Slovak University of Technology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Matej Halinkovic
- Faculty of Informatics and Information Technologies, Slovak University of Technology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslav Laco
- Faculty of Informatics and Information Technologies, Slovak University of Technology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Felsoova
- Clinical and Transplant Pathology Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Histology and Embryology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Wanda Benesova
- Faculty of Informatics and Information Technologies, Slovak University of Technology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ondrej Fabian
- Clinical and Transplant Pathology Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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10
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Srivastava PK, Kittleson MM. Modern advances in heart transplantation. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 82:147-156. [PMID: 38244826 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Heart transplantation (HTx) is the only definitive therapy for patients with end stage heart disease. With the increasing global prevalence of heart failure, the demand for HTx has continued to grow and outpace supply. In this paper, we will review advances in the field of HTx along the clinical journey of a HTx recipient. Starting with the sensitized patient, we discuss current methods to define sensitization, and assays to help identify clinically relevant anti-HLA antibodies. Desensitization strategies targeting all levels of the adaptive immune system are discussed with emphasis on novel techniques such as anti-CD 38 blockade and use of the Immunoglobulin G-Degrading Enzyme of Streptococcus Pyogenes. We next discuss donor procurement and the resurgence of donation after circulatory death as a viable strategy to significantly and safely increase the donor pool. Post-transplant, we evaluate non-invasive surveillance techniques including gene expression profiling and donor-derived cell-free DNA. Last, we discuss the ground-breaking developments in the field of xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratyaksh K Srivastava
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Michelle M Kittleson
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
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11
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Abstract
Heart transplantation (HT) remains the best treatment of patients with severe heart failure who are deemed to be transplant candidates. The authors discuss postoperative management of the HT recipient by system, emphasizing areas where care might differ from other cardiac surgery patients. Working together, critical care physicians, heart transplant surgeons and cardiologists, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, transplant coordinators, nursing staff, physical therapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation specialists, nutritionists, health psychologists, social workers, and the patient and their loved ones partner to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gozde Demiralp
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, B6/319 CSC, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Robert T Arrigo
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, Mail Code 3272, Madison, WI 53792, USA; Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, Mail Code 3272, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Christopher Cassara
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, Mail Code 3272, Madison, WI 53792, USA; Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, Mail Code 3272, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Maryl R Johnson
- Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, E5/582 CSC, Mail Code 5710, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
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12
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Stein AP, Stewart BD, Patel DC, Al-Ani M, Vilaro J, Aranda JM, Ahmed MM, Parker AM. Recurrent Cardiac Sarcoidosis and Giant Cell Myocarditis After Heart Transplant: A Case Report and Systematic Literature Review. Am J Cardiol 2023; 207:271-279. [PMID: 37769570 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Recurrence of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and giant cell myocarditis (GCM) after heart transplant is rare, with rates of 5% in CS and 8% in GCM. We aim to identify all reported cases of recurrence in the literature and to assess clinical course, treatments, and outcomes to improve understanding of the conditions. A systematic review, utilizing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was conducted by searching MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase of all available literature describing post-transplant recurrent granulomatous myocarditis, CS, or GCM. Data on demographics, transplant, recurrence, management, and outcomes data were collected from each publication. Comparison between the 2 groups were made using standard statistical approaches. Post-transplant GM recurrence was identified in 39 patients in 33 total publications. Reported cases included 24 GCM, 12 CS, and 3 suspected cases. Case reports were the most frequent form of publication. Mean age of patients experiencing recurrence was 42 years for GCM and 48 years for CS and favored males (62%). Time to recurrence ranged from 2 weeks to 9 years post-transplant, occurring earlier in GCM (mean 1.8 vs 3.0 years). Endomyocardial biopsies (89%) were the most utilized diagnostic method over cardiac magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography. Recurrence treatment regimens involved only steroids in 40% of CS, whereas other immunomodulatory regimens were utilized in 70% of GCM. In conclusion, GCM and CS recurrence after cardiac transplantation holds associated risks including concurrent acute cellular rejection, a higher therapeutic demand for GCM recurrence compared with CS, and mortality. New noninvasive screening techniques may help modify post-transplant monitoring regimens to increase both early detection and treatment of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Divya C Patel
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
| | - Mohammad Al-Ani
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, Florida
| | - Juan Vilaro
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, Florida
| | - Juan M Aranda
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mustafa M Ahmed
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, Florida
| | - Alex M Parker
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, Florida
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13
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Baran DA. Anything But a Biopsy: The Quest for Noninvasive Alternatives in Heart Transplantation. Transplantation 2023; 107:1875-1876. [PMID: 37143200 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David A Baran
- Department of Cardiology, Advanced Heart Failure, Transplant and MCS, Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Weston, FL
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Teszak T, Bödör C, Hegyi L, Levay L, Nagy B, Fintha A, Merkely B, Sax B. Local laboratory-run donor-derived cell-free DNA assay for rejection surveillance in heart transplantation-first six months of clinical experience. Clin Transplant 2023; 37:e15078. [PMID: 37489087 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is a blood biomarker detecting graft injury with high negative predictive value. While non-invasive strategies for heart transplant (HTx) rejection surveillance are widely adopted in the United States with centralized testing, data on the feasibility of dd-cfDNA assay at the local level are lacking. Here, we report the first 6 months of experience with a local laboratory-run dd-cfDNA assay in the routine clinical surveillance setting. METHODS Twenty-six HTx patients with stable graft function were transitioned from endomyocardial biopsy-based (EMB) to dd-cfDNA-led rejection surveillance using a commercially available next-generation sequencing-based assay. RESULTS In the 90 samples analyzed, dd-cfDNA fraction remained continuously low in most patients, thus 88% of surveillance EMBs could be safely avoided. In the case of ≥.25% dd-cfDNA, EMB was performed. There was no missed rejection. CONCLUSION Our data show the feasibility to analyze dd-cfDNA at the local level and successful implementation of this non-invasive surveillance method into clinical practice, thus considerably reducing the frequency of invasive surveillance EMBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timea Teszak
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Bödör
- Molecular Diagnostics Division, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lajos Hegyi
- Molecular Diagnostics Division, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Luca Levay
- Molecular Diagnostics Division, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beata Nagy
- Molecular Diagnostics Division, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Fintha
- Molecular Diagnostics Division, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bela Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balazs Sax
- Heart and Vascular Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Cusi V, Vaida F, Wettersten N, Rodgers N, Tada Y, Gerding B, Greenberg B, Urey MA, Adler E, Kim PJ. Benefit versus Risk of Endomyocardial Biopsy for Heart Transplant Patients in the Contemporary Era. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.05.19.23290196. [PMID: 37293037 PMCID: PMC10246074 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.19.23290196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background The reference standard of detecting acute rejection (AR) in adult heart transplant (HTx) patients is an endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). The majority of EMBs are performed in asymptomatic patients. However, the benefit of diagnosing and treating AR compared to the risk of EMB complications has not been compared in the contemporary era (2010-current). Methods The authors retrospectively analyzed 2,769 EMB obtained in 326 consecutive HTx patients between August 2019 and August 2022. Variables included surveillance versus for cause indication, recipient and donor characteristics, EMB procedural data and pathologic grades, treatment for AR, and clinical outcomes. Results The overall EMB complication rate was 1.6%. EMBs performed within 1 month after HTx compared to after 1 month from HTx showed significantly increased complications (OR = 12.74, p < 0.001). The treated AR rate was 14.2% in the for cause EMBs and 1.2% in the surveillance EMBs. We found the benefit/risk ratio was significantly lower in the surveillance compared to the for cause EMB group (OR = 0.05, p < 0.001). We also found the benefit to be lower than risk in surveillance EMBs. Conclusions The yield of surveillance EMBs has declined, while for cause EMBs continued to demonstrate a high benefit/risk ratio. The risk of EMB complications was highest within 1 month after HTx. Surveillance EMB protocols in the contemporary era may need to be re-evaluated.
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