Baseline body mass index among children and adults undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: clinical characteristics and outcomes

Nutritional and Body Composition Changes in Paediatric β-Thalassemia Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Retrospective Study Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

Objective

This retrospective study evaluated nutritional status and body composition changes in paediatric β-thalassemia (β-TM) patients before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and explored their relationship with HSCT outcomes.

Methods

A cohort of 40 paediatric β-TM patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT was assessed for their nutritional status, anthropometric parameters, including body mass index (BMI), weight, and height, and body composition parameters pre-and post-HSCT, focusing on BIA measurements, including intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), fat mass (FAT), fat-free mass (FFM), Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM), soft Lean Mass (SLM), percent body fat (PBF), Body Cell Mass (BCM), Phase angle (PA) and muscle balance pre- and post-HSCT. Post-HSCT clinical outcomes, including acute graft-vs-host disease (aGVHD), engraftment time, oral mucositis (OM), sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), and diarrhoea in relation to nutrition status after HSCT were analysed.

Results

After HSCT, 28.21% experienced diminished nutritional status, with 71.43% of those who were wasting before HSCT showing diminished nutritional status, significantly higher than the normal group (18.75%, P = 0.012). Anthropometric changes included significant weight reduction (87.5%, 22.15 ± 7.46 vs 20.74 ± 6.57, P < 0.001) and BMI decrease (90%, 15.19 ± 1.70 vs 14.05 ± 1.48, P < 0.001). Body composition parameters, which are FFM, SMM, SLM, ICW, ECW, BCM, and PA (18.26 ± 5.71 vs 17.27 ± 5.19, 8.68 ± 3.30 vs 7.93 ± 3.02, 17.11 ± 5.28 vs 16.06 ± 4.84, 8.19 ± 2.54 vs 7.62 ± 2.31, 5.15 ± 1.58 vs 4.94 ± 1.47, 11.74 ± 3.63 vs 10.92 ± 3.32, 4.42 ± 0.50 vs 3.90 ± 0.57, respectively, P < 0.001) analysis revealed significant decreases. No significant differences in clinical outcomes were observed based on nutritional status.

Conclusion

Paediatric β-TM patients undergoing HSCT exhibit significant changes in nutrition status and body composition, emphasizing the need for focused attention on malnourished children who are more prone to diminished nutritional status. Comprehensive BIA aids in understanding the impact, urging consideration for extended follow-up and larger cohorts in future research.

The impact of pre-transplantation diabetes and obesity on acute graft-versus-host disease, relapse and death after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: a study from the EBMT Transplant Complications Working Party

Obesity and diabetes can modulate immune responses, which may impact allogeneic HCT outcomes and GvHD. From the EBMT registry, we included 36,539 adult patients who underwent allogeneic HCT for a hematological malignancy between 2016 and 2020. Of these, 5228 (14%) had obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), 1415 (4%) had diabetes (requiring treatment with insulin or oral hypoglycemics), and 688 (2%) had obesity + diabetes pre-transplantation. Compared with patients without diabetes or obesity, the hazard ratio (HR) of grade II-IV acute GvHD was 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94-1.06, p = 0.89) for patients with obesity, 0.95 (CI 0.85-1.07, p = 0.43) for patients with diabetes, and 0.96 (CI 0.82-1.13, p = 0.63) for patients with obesity + diabetes. Non-relapse mortality was higher in patients with obesity (HR 1.08, CI 1.00-1.17, p = 0.047), diabetes (HR 1.40, CI 1.24-1.57, p < 0.001), and obesity + diabetes (HR 1.38, CI 1.16-1.64, p < 0.001). Overall survival after grade II-IV acute GvHD was lower in patients with diabetes (HR 1.46, CI 1.25-1.70, p < 0.001). Pre-transplantation diabetes and obesity did not influence the risk of developing acute GvHD, but pre-transplantation diabetes was associated with poorer survival after acute GvHD.

The Promise of Precision Nutrition for Modulation of the Gut Microbiota as a Novel Therapeutic Approach to Acute Graft-versus-host Disease

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a severe side effect of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) that has complex phenotypes and often unpredictable outcomes. The current management is not always able to prevent aGVHD. A neglected actor in the management of aGVHD is the gut microbiota. Gut microbiota dysbiosis after aHSCT is caused by many factors and may contribute to the development of aGVHD. Diet and nutritional status modify the gut microbiota and a wide range of products are now available to manipulate the gut microbiota (pro-, pre-, and postbiotics). New investigations are testing the effect of probiotics and nutritional supplements in both animal models and human studies, with encouraging results. In this review, we summarize the most recent literature about the probiotics and nutritional factors able to modulate the gut microbiota and we discuss the future perspective in developing new integrative therapeutic approaches to reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease in patients undergoing aHSCT.

Increased Body Mass Index Augments Endothelial Injury and Clinical Outcomes after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Higher body mass index (BMI) is characterized as a chronic inflammatory state with endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial injury after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) puts patients at risk for such complications as transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) and acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD). To evaluate the impact of increased BMI on endothelial injury after allo-HSCT in pediatric and young adult patients, we conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating 476 consecutive allo-HSCT children and young adult recipients age 0 to 20 years. Our analysis was subdivided based on distinct age categories (<2 years and 2 to 20 years). BMI was considered as a variable but was also expressed in standard deviations from the mean adjusted for age and sex (z-score), based on established criteria from the World Health Organization (age <2 years) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (age 2 to 20 years) to account for differences associated with age. Primary endpoints included the incidences of TA-TMA and aGVHD. Increased BMI z-score was associated with TA-TMA after allo-HSCT in patients age <2 years (median, 18.1; IQR, 17 to 20; P = .006) and in patients age 2 to 20 years (median, 18.7; IQR, 16 to 21.9; P = .02). Higher BMI z-score correlated with TA-TMA risk in both age groups, with a BMI z-score of .9 in the younger cohort and .7 (IQR, -.4 to 1.6; P = .04) in the older cohort. Increased BMI z-score was associated with an increased risk of TA-TMA in a multivariate analysis of the entire cohort (odds ratio [OR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 1.37; P = .008). Multivariate analysis also demonstrated that patients with BMI in the 85th percentile or greater had an increased risk of developing TA-TMA compared to those with a lower BMI percentile (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.62 to 4.32; P < .001). Baseline and day +7 ST2 levels were elevated in subjects with TA-TMA compared to those without TA-TMA in both age groups. Baseline sC5b-9 concentration was not correlated with BMI z-score, but sC5b-9 concentration was increased markedly by 7 days post-allo-HSCT in patients age <2 years who later developed TA-TMA compared to those who never developed TA-TMA (P = .001). The median BMI z-score was higher for patients with aGVHD compared to patients without aGVHD (.7 [range, -3.9 to 3.9] versus .2 [range, -7.8 to 5.4]; P = .03). We show that high BMI is associated with augmented risk of endothelial injury after HSCT, specifically TA-TMA. These data identify a high-risk population likely to benefit from early interventions to prevent endothelial injury and prompt treatment of established endothelial injury.

Pretransplantation Plasma ST2 Level as a Prognostic Biomarker of 1-Year Nonrelapse Mortality in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Soluble ST2 is established as a prognostic biomarker of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) when measured early after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, less is known about the prognostic value of ST2 measured before transplantation. We hypothesized that pretransplantation plasma ST2 level was associated with 1-year NRM and could add to our current prognostic assessment. Moreover, we aimed to investigate the associations between pretransplantation plasma ST2 levels and patient characteristics and other plasma biomarkers and to reproduce previous associations between post-transplantation plasma ST2 levels and outcomes of HCT. We conducted this cohort study of 374 adults who underwent allogeneic HCT at our center between July 2015 and December 2019 (median age, 59 years; 55% with a nonmyeloablative conditioning regimen). ST2 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in stored plasma samples obtained at a median of 23 days before HCT and also in samples obtained on days +7 and +14 post-HCT. A logistic regression model of 1-year NRM was fitted using an a priori defined set of covariates consisting of age, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI), and conditioning intensity (myeloablative versus nonmyeloablative), to which the pretransplantation ST2 level was added as a variable to assess its incremental prognostic value. Models also were fitted of 1-year all-cause mortality, relapse, and grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) for pretransplantation and post-transplantation ST2 levels. The median pretransplantation plasma ST2 level was 20.4 ng/mL (interquartile range, 15.2 to 27.2 ng/mL). Pretransplantation ST2 levels were higher in males compared with females (median, 22.2 ng/mL versus 18.1 ng/mL; P < .001) and were correlated with HCT-CI (Spearman ρ = .18; P < .001), body mass index (ρ = .10; P = .05), and plasma levels of C-reactive protein (ρ = .34; P < .001), creatinine (ρ = .17; P = .001), and albumin (ρ = -.17; P < .001). Pretransplantation ST2 levels added prognostic information about 1-year NRM to age, HCT-CI, and conditioning intensity (adjusted odds ratio [OR] of 1-year NRM per 10 ng/mL increase in ST2, 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 1.65; P = .02). Although adding pretransplantation ST2 levels did not notably improve model discrimination (.674 to .675, ΔAUC = .001), it increased the diversity of the predicted risks (P = .02, likelihood ratio test). Pretransplantation ST2 levels also were prognostic of 1-year all-cause mortality (adjusted OR per 10-ng/mL increase, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.48; P = .03), but not of relapse (P = .47) or acute GvHD (P = .81). Plasma ST2 levels at day +7 were prognostic of 1-year NRM, all-cause mortality, relapse, and acute GVHD, whereas levels at day +14 were prognostic of 1-year NRM and all-cause mortality. Our results show that pretransplantation plasma ST2 levels added prognostic information about 1-year NRM to age, HCT-CI, and conditioning intensity, and suggest that ST2 has potential as a biomarker of pretransplantation vulnerability and should be considered in future developments of prediction models of NRM after allogeneic HCT.

Expanded HCT-CI Definitions Capture Comorbidity Better for Younger Patients of Allogeneic HCT for Nonmalignant Diseases

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can cure many nonmalignant conditions, but concern for morbidity and mortality remains. To help physicians estimate patient-specific transplant mortality risk, the HCT comorbidity index (HCT-CI) is used. However, pediatric physicians use the HCT-CI less frequently than adult counterparts. We used the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database to expand the HCT-CI comorbidity definitions to be more inclusive of children and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients, adding history of mechanical ventilation, history of invasive fungal infection, assessment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by estimated glomerular filtration rate, expanding the definition of obesity, and adding an underweight category. A total of 2815 children and AYAs (<40 years old) who received first allogeneic HCT for nonmalignant diseases from 2008 to 2017 were included to create an expanded youth nonmalignant HCT-CI (expanded ynHCT-CI) and a simplified non-malignant (simplified ynHCT-CI) HCT-CI. The expanded comorbidities occurred frequently-history of mechanical ventilation (9.6%), history of invasive fungal infection (5.9%), mild CKD (12.2%), moderate/severe CKD (2.1%), obesity (10.9%), and underweight (14.5%). Thirty-nine percent of patients had an increase in their comorbidity score using the expanded ynHCT-CI, leading to a redistribution of scores: ynHCT-CI score 0 (35%), 1-2 (36.4%), and ≥3 (28.6%). Patients with an increase in their comorbidity score had an increased hazard of mortality compared to those whose score remained the same (hazard ratio = 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.98). Modifications to the HCT-CI can benefit children and AYA patients with nonmalignant diseases, creating a risk assessment tool that is clinically relevant and better captures comorbidity in this younger population.

Plerixafor and granulocyte colony stimulating factor for poor mobilizers in patients undergoing autologous peripheral hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Single institution study

Background

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has become the mainstay treatment for many hematological malignancies and solid tumors. An adequate number of stem cells must be collected for better ASCT outcomes, which is challenging in 5%-30% of patients. To improve mobilization, plerixafor is used along with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF).

Patients and methods

We conducted a retrospective single center study involving patients who received plerixafor pre-ASCTs between January 2013 and December 2020 at a tertiary care center in Lebanon. We identified a total of 84 consecutive adult patients. All patients identified were poor mobilizers and have eventually received plerixafor either as pre-emptive use before first apheresis in those with peripheral CD34 + of less than 20 cells/ul, or after failure of first apheresis in those with peripheral stem cells (PSC) >2.0 × 106 cells/Kg.

Results

The median age at ASCT was 52.7 years (22-74) with 61% male predominance. Multiple myeloma was the most prevalent disease 64% followed by Lymphoma 32%. The majority of patients were in complete remission 64% at the time of ASCT. Most patients received proteasome inhibitor-based induction therapy 67% and Melphalan-based conditioning therapy 68%. The median follow-up from ASCT was 9 months (1-59). It was noted that greater body mass index (BMI) is a significant factor for better PSC collection whether premobilization (P = 0.003), or post plerixafor mobilization (P = 0.024). Moreover, Multiple Myeloma patients showed better mobilization using Plerixafor (P = 0.049). Using Plerixafor along with G-CSF in poor mobilizers post G-CSF alone showed a statistically significant increase in the collected PSC mean from 0.67 × 106 cells/Kg to 4.90 × 106 cells/Kg (P < 0.001) with a failure rate only for 12 patients (15%). The infusion of PSC > 2.5 × 106 cells/Kg has shown 3 days decrease in time to platelet engraftment (P = 0.021) and a 36% decrease in progression/relapse rate (P = 0.025).

Conclusion

Plerixafor is effective in increasing the PSC yield in poor mobilizers. Low BMI and hematologic malignancies other than Multiple Myeloma are risk factors for poor mobilization. More studies should be performed to establish more risk factors, helping us to identify poor mobilizers more accurately and initiate plerixafor mobilization early on.

Weight-adjusted urinary creatinine excretion predicts transplant outcomes in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia in complete remission

Sarcopenia is a prognostic factor for cancer. Because creatinine is formed from creatine phosphate in muscle tissue, urinary creatinine excretion (UCE) serves as an index of muscle volume. However, as of yet, there are no studies assessing the clinical impact of UCE or weight- adjusted urinary creatinine excretion (WA-UCE) on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients. We analyzed the association between pre-transplant WA-UCE and transplant outcomes among 164 adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia in complete remission who underwent their first allo-HSCT at our center. The patients were classified into a high (n = 106) and a low WA-UCE group (n = 58) for predicting overall survival (OS) based on the receiver operating characteristics curve. On multivariate analysis, low WA-UCE was associated with poor OS, progression-free survival and a high incidence of non-relapse mortality. WA-UCE has the potential to be an objective biomarker for predicting transplant outcomes, especially the incidence of infection-related death.

Nutritional support in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation Asian perspective

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is an integral part of the treatment strategy for patients with malignant or non-malignant hematological diseases. Clinical outcomes of patients undergoing allo-HSCT have significantly improved in recent decades. However, transplant-related morbidity and mortality remain major issues for allo-HSCT recipients. With regard to nutrition, patients undergoing allo-HSCT are at high risk for malnutrition. It is expected that clinical practice concerning nutritional support in allo-HSCT has been improving in recent decades; however, no data directly support this expectation. One major issue in managing nutritional support during allo-HSCT is the lack of large-scale randomized prospective studies, which leads to a lack of well-established strategies. Accordingly, we need to gather data from studies in non-HSCT and allo-HSCT settings. In some Asia-Pacific countries, a physician's lack of knowledge of nutritional support may impede the application of nutritional support practices recommended by existing guidelines. Another barrier may be the lack of access to an adequately qualified or trained registered dietitian (RD) at allo-HSCT units. Adequate training in the nutritional management of allo-HSCT patients should be provided to all RDs working with HSCT. Herein, we summarize the information on nutritional support in allo-HSCT, focusing on an Asian perspective.

Correlation of nutrition-associated parameters with non-relapse mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is hampered by substantial non-relapse mortality (NRM). Given its impact on organ function and immune response, the nutritional status has been suggested as relevant for NRM. We aimed to evaluate the association of NRM with nutritional status prior to alloSCT and in the post-SCT course. In a retrospective single-center study, we analyzed 128 alloSCTs. Besides standard characteristics, nutrition-associated parameters BMI, serum total protein, and serum albumin were recorded before conditioning and at various time points after alloSCT. Association with NRM was evaluated by univariate and multivariate survival analysis. The cohort comprised patients with a median BMI of 26 kg/m² (16.7–46.9 kg/m²), median serum total protein of 59 g/l (41–77 g/l), and serum albumin of 36 g/l (22–46 g/l) before SCT. NRM at d₊₁₀₀ was 14.8% and at 1 year 26.6%. Prior to SCT, only serum albumin deficiency was associated with increased NRM (p = .010) in multivariate analysis. After SCT (d₊₃₀ and d₊₁₀₀), all nutrition-associated parameters decreased (p < .002), but no association of deteriorating nutritional status with NRM was found. In multivariate analysis, serum albumin (p = .03) and severe albumin deficiency (p = .02) correlated with NRM at d₊₃₀ and d₊₁₀₀, while BMI and serum total protein did not. In our study, albumin deficiency, particularly prior to alloSCT, shows a strong correlation with NRM. This finding may add to monitoring, risk evaluation, and counseling of patients and serve as a rational for interventions to improve the nutritional status in patients undergoing SCT.

Survival Rate and Prognostic Factors Among Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Using the Joint Model

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the most effective of all hematologic malignancies treatments, resulting in a significant improvement in survival rate. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the survival rate and factors affecting the survival in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, using the joint model. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study, used for collecting data from patients with hematopoietic malignancies who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Taleghani Hospital (Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences), Tehran, Iran during the years 2007 and 2015 and were followed up till 2017. A Bayesian joint model of longitudinal and survival was chosen, using Win Bugs software. Results: A total of 395 patients were enrolled. The median overall survival was 6.3 years (95% CI (5.86, 6.76)). Eighty-one patients had died. The obtained results from this study manifested that age (HR: 1.02, 95% CI: (1.002, 1.04)) and pre-transplantation relapse (HR = 1.64, 95% CI: (1.09, 2.4)) have incremental impact on death after transplantation, while malignancy type (NHL (HR: 0.33, 95%CI: (0.152, 0.73)) and AML (HR: 0.62, 95% CI: (0.29, 0.7)) are also effective in reducing death after transplantation. Similarly, the correlation index between longitudinal and survival models proved to be significant (HR: 0.6, 95% CI: (0.0802, 0.37)). Conclusions: This study showed that age, per-transplantation relapse, and malignancy type are the effective factors in the survival rate. Moreover, the link parameter between longitudinal response (WBC) and the survival indicated that an increase in WBC count leads to a decrease in the death risk.

Pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation: Longitudinal trends in body mass index and outcomes

Pediatric recipients of HCT may have a high susceptibility for overweight and obesity, and obesity may negatively impact post-transplant mortality and survival. This is a single-center retrospective analysis of 297 pediatric patients who received HCT between 2005 and 2018. Patients were classified as UW, NW, OW, or OB based on age-adjusted BMI. A mixed-effects linear regression model controlling for patient, disease, and transplant-related characteristics was used to trend weight longitudinally. Comparisons were made between weight category and post-transplant outcomes. In the pretransplant period, 5.4%, 54.5%, 22.2%, and 17.8% of patients were UW, NW, OW, and OB, respectively. Five years post-transplantation, those numbers were 10.6%, 48.2%, 16.5%, and 24.7%. Overall, BMI increased 0.00094 ± 0.0001 kg/m² each day post-transplant (P < .001), with older individuals demonstrating greater rates of increase. Further, there was a larger BMI increase in patients without TBI compared with those who received TBI (1.29 ± 0.49, P = .008). Rates of acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, and viral infections, in addition to time to platelet and neutrophil engraftment and 5-year survival estimates, were not significantly different based on pretransplant BMI. Overweight and obese individuals had poorer 5-year survival based on 100-day post-transplant BMI (P = .02). Overall, pediatric HCT recipients are at risk of developing obesity, which is associated with decreased survival. Adolescents and young adults demonstrate the highest risk of weight gain, representing a vulnerable population that requires close monitoring, additional interventions, and further research.

Obesity is correlated with poor outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with acute leukemia

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between body mass index and overall survival has been controversial in patients who suffered from hematological malignancies and underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

METHODS

We collected the data of 686 acute leukemia patients who received only one allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in our center from 2008 to 2017. Patients were divided into four groups (underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity) according to their body mass index pre-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

RESULTS

56.4% of patients had normal body mass indices, 17.3% were underweight, 20.4% were overweight and 5.8% were with obesity. Concerning long-term follow-up, the probability of overall survival was significantly lower in overweight (P = 0.010) and patients with obesity (P = 0.065) as compared with normal weight patients, and no statistically significant difference between underweight and normal weight individuals (P = 0.810). The results demonstrated that higher body mass index was associated with poorer overall survival (hazard ratio: 1.79; 95% confidence interval: 1.33-2.40, P < 0.001) and shorter leukemia-free survival (hazard ratio: 1.78; 95% confidence interval: 1.35-2.34, P < 0.001). Additionally, patients exhibiting a higher body mass index were more likely to face the problem of relapse (30.6 vs 20.9%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, non-relapse mortality of patients with obesity was statistically higher than normal weight patients (22.5 vs 9.6%, P = 0.027). Besides, individuals with a higher abdominal girth had shorter survival (hazard ratio: 1.73; 95% confidence interval: 1.29-2.31, P < 0.001) and higher relapse rate (hazard ratio: 1.78; 95% confidence interval: 1.29-2.45, P = 0.001) as compared with those with a lower abdominal girth.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that obesity at pre-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation stage, whether characterized by higher body mass index or abdominal girth, is correlated with poorer outcome.

A Review on the Impact of Body Mass Index on Outcomes in Pediatric Leukemia

In the last decades, adults and pediatric obesity have become a major issue in developed countries. Considerable research has been conducted in patients with acute lymphoblastic (ALL) and myeloid leukemia (AML) with the aim of correlating body mass index (BMI) and outcomes in patients undergoing chemotherapy for hematological diseases. In adults, a high BMI has been associated with increased leukemia-related mortality. Whether a similar effect exists in the pediatric setting remains controversial. Some of the studies detailed in this review have reported no differences in outcomes according to BMI, whilst other reports have described higher treatment-related mortality, increased risk of relapse and death. Although the link between BMI and acute leukemia outcomes is controversial, a large number of studies describe poorer survival rates in children with AML or ALL with higher BMI. On the other hand, being underweight has been associated with higher treatment-related toxicity. Understanding more about the impact of BMI in pediatric leukemia is of utmost importance to provide prompt intervention and improve outcomes.

The pro-inflammatory marker soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (ST2) is reduced especially in diabetic morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

High soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2) is a marker of poor prognosis in chronic inflammatory conditions. ST2 and its ligand interleukin (IL)-33 are elevated in adipose tissue of obese individuals. We aimed to evaluate circulating sST2 and IL-33 as possible markers of metabolic benefit in morbidly overweight patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) bariatric surgery.

METHODS

sST2, IL-33, high sensitive IL-6, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), leptin, cholesterol metabolism and liver parameters were measured in 80 morbidly obese individuals before and 1 year after bariatric surgery.

RESULTS

sST2 was higher (P = 0.03) in diabetics as compared to individuals without diabetes. Baseline sST2 was also higher in males than in females (P= 0.0002). One year after bariatric surgery, sST2 levels were decreased (median 120, IQR 59-176 pg/mL) as compared to sST2 before surgery (median 141, IQR 111-181, P = 0.0024), and the diabetic group showed most pronounced reduction in sST2 (P = 0.0016). An association was found between sST2 and liver function parameters before and after bariatric surgery, and between baseline sST2 and total cholesterol, triglyceride, total low density lipoprotein (LDL), small dense LDL, Apolipoprotein B as well as with small dense high density lipoproteins (HDL). In the subgroup of diabetic patients positive correlation between IL-33 and sST2 (r = 0.44, P = 0.05) was noticed.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating sST2 is associated with markers of liver functions and lipid metabolism in severely obese patients and a reduction of sST2 was shown after successful bariatric surgery, most prominently in diabetic patients.

Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Adults

The nutritional status of patients submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplant is considered an independent risk factor, which may influence on quality of life and tolerance to the proposed treatment. The impairment of nutritional status during hematopoietic stem cell transplant occurs mainly due to the adverse effects resulting from conditioning to which the patient is subjected. Therefore, adequate nutritional evaluation and follow-up during hematopoietic stem cell transplant are essential. To emphasize the importance of nutritional status and body composition during treatment, as well as the main characteristics related to the nutritional assessment of the patient, the Brazilian Consensus on Nutrition in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: Adults was prepared, aiming to standardize and update Nutritional Therapy in this area. Dietitians, nutrition physicians and hematologists from 15 Brazilian centers thar are references in hematopoietic stem cell transplant took part.

Nutritional challenges in children with primary immunodeficiencies undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Nutritional profile and management of patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PID) undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) has not been described in the literature. We aim to report the nutritional challenges and practices peculiar to this population before and after HSCT and suggest clinical pathways for their management. We conducted a single-centre retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were children aged less than 20 years with a diagnosis of PID who have undergone HSCT at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne since April 2014 with a minimal follow-up of 1 year. Nutritional parameters were collected in the pre-transplant period, at conditioning, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-HSCT. Descriptive analysis were used. Between April 2014 and December 2018, 27 children received 31 HSCT. Before transplant, 33% had a weight and/or height ≤ -2 standard deviations (SD). Forty percent required nutritional support before transplant: 33% had enteral nutrition (EN) while 7% required long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) due to intestinal failure. After transplant, although most children were started on EN, 82% required PN with a mean duration of 67 days. Mean time to full oral diet was 154 days. Pre-transplant mean weight and height were -0.57 SD and -0.88 SD respectively. After a decrease in anthropometric parameters the first 3 months post-transplant, progressive catch up was noticeable for weight (-0.27 SD) with no catch up for height at 1 year (-0.93 SD). Our work highlights the nutritional challenges and specificities of children with PID in the peri-transplant period. An approach to nutrition assessment and management in the pre- and post-transplant period is proposed.

Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Elderly

The Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Elderly was elaborated by nutritionists, nutrologists and hematologists physicians from 15 Brazilians reference centers in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, in order to emphasize the importancy of nutritional status and the body composition during the treatment, as well as the main characteristics related to patient's nutritional assessment. Establishing the consensus, we intended to improve and standardize the nutritional therapy during the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The Consensus was approved by the Brazilian Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation.

Impact of Body Mass Index on Outcomes of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Adults

This retrospective analysis of 2503 adult (age ≥20 years) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients assessed the effect of body mass index (BMI) on transplantation outcomes. The median patient age was 51.7years. Patients with both nonmalignant and malignant diagnoses were included. Patients received either a myeloablative (52%) or a reduced-intensity (48%) conditioning regimen. Donors were either related (42%) or unrelated (58%). Cord blood recipients were excluded. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mobilized peripheral blood cells were the stem cell source in 86% of transplantations. Graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis included at least 2 immunosuppressive agents, 1 of which was a calcineurin inhibitor. Patient groups were categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese, or very obese based on BMI. Endpoints included day +100 mortality, overall mortality, nonrelapse mortality (NRM), and relapse. Changes in nutritional status, based on laboratory parameters, were also examined. Underweight patients had significantly lower early and overall survival and greater NRM. Very obese patients had increased NRM, which was associated with the intensity of conditioning regimen. With long-term follow-up, increasing NRM was associated with both underweight and obese patients compared with normal-weight individuals. Changes in serum protein and albumin levels did not correlate with BMI. Although enteral nutrition is now recommended for some undernourished patients, the efficacy of enteral or parenteral nutrition has not been well studied. For obese patients, there are no guidelines regarding weight loss before transplantation, and acute weight loss in the pretransplantation period may be detrimental.

Patient eligibility for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a review of patient-associated variables

Assessing patient eligibility for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains a complex, multifaceted challenge. Among these challenges, the paucity of comprehensive clinical data to guide decision making remains problematic coupled with unclear trade-offs between patient, disease and local HSCT center factors. Moreover, it is unclear that the modification of poor patient characteristics will improve post-HSCT outcomes. However, the use of Comorbidity Indices and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments helps meet this challenge, but may be limited by overlapping patient characteristics. The increasing consideration for pre-HSCT psychosocial assessments and interventions remains to be studied. Ultimately, the decision to proceed with a HSCT remains interdisciplinary while considering the available evidence discussed in this review.

Optimization of nutrition during allogeneic hematologic stem cell transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Malnutrition before and during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Yet, optimal use of nutritional support to improve outcomes remains controversial. Our aim was to do an up-to-date literature review regarding nutritional therapy in allogeneic HSCT, the neutropenic diet and the use of immunonutrients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several observational studies find malnutrition to be associated with poor outcome, increased complications and lower overall survival. There are, however, few interventional trials proving the benefits of nutritional therapy in this population compared with no nutritional treatment. Regarding routes of treatment, studies suggested that parenteral nutrition is associated with higher risk for complications compared with enteral nutrition. Whether the use of specific formulas, such as immunonutrition, has a beneficial effect on clinical outcome is not established yet. Strict use of neutropenic diets did not show a reduction in infection risk and clinical outcome, and can no longer be recommended.

SUMMARY

Our updated search confirms that malnutrition is a strong negative predictor for outcome, yet optimal use of nutritional interventions to prevent or treat malnutrition remains ill-defined. There is need for larger randomized trials to better address these issues in the future.

Low Body Mass Index Is Associated with Increased Risk of Acute GVHD after Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation in Children and Young Adults with Acute Leukemia: A Study on Behalf of Eurocord and the EBMT Pediatric Disease Working Party

Body mass index (BMI) may influence outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, the impact of BMI on survival in children undergoing HSCT is not well defined, with conflicting results being reported on this issue. We analyzed 855 patients age 2 to 20 years with diagnosis of acute leukemia who underwent umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) from 1990 to 2015. Patients were classified according to BMI as normal (fifth to 85th percentile), underweight (less than fifth percentile), overweight (85th to 95th percentile), and obese (>95th percentile) using growth charts for age and sex. All patients received single-unit UCBT after a myeloablative conditioning regimen. Diagnosis was acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 68% of the patients. Sixty-one percent of patients (n = 523) were in the normal BMI category, 11% (n = 96) were underweight, 16% (n = 137) overweight, and 12% (n = 99) obese. The cumulative incidence of grade II to IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) was 35% (32% to 38%). According to pretransplantation BMI, aGVHD was 46% (33% to 59%) for underweight, 34% (31% to 42%) for normal, 36% (18% to 38%) for overweight, and 27% (15% to 37%) for obese (P = .04). In multivariate analysis, a BMI less than the fifth percentile was associated with higher incidence of acute grade II to IV GVHD compared with normal-BMI patients (hazard ratio,  1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.15 to 2.26; P = .006). Our results show that being underweight at the time of transplantation is associated with an increased risk of aGVHD, highlighting the importance of nutritional status before UCBT.

Changes in protein serum levels during stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

GvHD is one of the major complication after stem cell transplantation affecting transplant-related mortality. Throughout the last years, many serum proteins were been proposed as possible biomarkers for GvHD.

AIMS

We studied the trend of five of the most studied serum proteins to evaluate whether a correlation exists between proteins concentration and post-HSCT outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We measured serum concentration of REG3α, ST2, B-cell activating factor (BAFF), CXCL9 and elafin in a cohort of 77 patients submitted to Hematopoietic allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in our department. Blood samples were been collected at baseline, day +30, GvHD onset and GvHD resolution.

RESULTS

REG3α levels showed an association only with acute GvHD. Elafin and ST2 levels varied according to both acute and chronic GvHD occurrence. BAFF concentration showed an inverse association with acute GvHD development. Interestingly, baseline BAFF and ST2 levels predicted post-HSCT survival. No associations were found for CXCL9.

CONCLUSIONS

Except for CXCL9, the protein levels seem to change according to GvHD development, independently from organ involvement and grading. Pretransplant ST2 and BAFF appeared to be predictors for survival after HSCT.

Nutritional status and hyperglycemia in the peritransplant period: a review of associations with parenteral nutrition and clinical outcomes

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an established treatment option for various hematological diseases. This therapy involves complex procedures and is associated with several systemic complications. Due to the toxic effects of the conditioning regimen used in allogeneic transplantations, patients frequently suffer from severe gastrointestinal complications and are unable to feed themselves properly. This complex clinical scenario often requires specialized nutritional support, and despite the increasing number of studies available, many questions remain regarding the best way to feed these patients. Parenteral nutrition has been traditionally indicated when the effects on gastrointestinal mucosa are significant; however, the true benefits of this type of nutrition in reducing clinical complications have been questioned. Hyperglycemia is a common consequence of parenteral nutrition that seems to be correlated to poor transplantation outcomes and a higher risk of infections. Additionally, nutrition-related pre-transplantation risk factors are being studied, such as impaired nutritional status, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and obesity. This review aims to discuss some of these recent issues. A real case of allogeneic transplant was used to illustrate the scenario and to highlight the most important topics that motivated this literature review.

Early Hyperglycemia after Initiation of Glucocorticoid Therapy Predicts Adverse Outcome in Patients with Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease

Because of first-line treatment with high-dose glucocorticoids (GC), steroid-induced hyperglycemia develops frequently in patients with acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), potentially affecting their outcome. We performed a retrospective analysis on 104 patients who received systemic GC for aGVHD and investigated the consequences of aberrant glucose metabolism. In particular, we focused on glucose parameters early after initiation of GC. With a median of 50 (range, 4 to 513) blood glucose measurements during GC treatment, increasing mean, median, and maximum glucose levels and the need for insulin treatment were associated with decreased overall survival (OS) in simple and multiple survival analysis. Early hyperglycemia, as defined by mean blood glucose levels >125 mg/dL during the first 3 days of GC therapy, was also found to be highly associated with adverse outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 2.5 for death; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 4.8, and HR of 3.5 for death due to nonrelapse mortality, 95% CI, 1.7 to 7.5, in a competing risk analysis). A score based on early hyperglycemia and nonresponse to GC within 7 days allowed the identification of 3 risk groups: patients with both risk factors had an inferior OS at 5 years of 4.1% compared with 75.4% in patients with none. Patients with 1 risk factor had a 5-year OS rate of 32.0% (P = .0002 for trend). Early hyperglycemia after GC initiation is a prominent risk factor for adverse outcome in patients with aGVHD. A score based solely on early hyperglycemia and lack of response to GC can predict survival in these patients.

Revisiting nutritional support for allogeneic hematologic stem cell transplantation-a systematic review

In 2009, the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and its European counterpart (Euopean Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) published guidelines regarding nutritional support of patients with hematologic stem cell transplantation. Our aim was to do an up-to-date literature review regarding benefit of nutritional interventions and treatment recommendations. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library for interventional and observational clinical studies. We extracted data based on a predefined case report form and assessed bias. Out of 459 potential abstracts, 13 studies of mostly moderate quality with a total of 18 167 patients were included. Two very large trials reported negative associations of malnutrition and survival, transplant-related mortality and relapse risk. Some trials found enteral nutrition (EN) to be as effective as parenteral nutrition (PN) with lower complication rates. In addition, EN was associated with better survival, less acute GvHD and faster neutrophil recovery. A neutropenic diet was not superior regarding overall survival, but in contrast resulted in higher infection risk. Current moderate quality studies show negative associations of malnutrition and clinical outcomes, with EN being superior to PN. There was no benefit of neutropenic diets. Large, randomized controlled studies are needed to better understand optimal nutritional support in this patient population.

Nutritional status and weakness following pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation

Survivorship after pediatric HCT has increased over the past decade. Focus on long-term care and well-being remains critical due to risk of poor dietary habits and exaggerated sedentary behavior, which can lead to muscle weakness, increased risk for obesity, and cardiometabolic disorders. Nutrition and physical activity are key factors in survivorship; however, data are limited. Comprehensive nutritional assessments, including nutrition-focused physical examination, grip strength, and food/activity surveys, were completed in 36 pediatric HCT survivors (aged 2-25 years). Patients were divided into undernutrition, normal-nutrition, and overnutrition categories. Fifty percent of participants were classified as normal nutrition, 22% undernutrition, and 28% overnutrition. Few patients met the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommended intake for vegetables, fiber, saturated fat, and So FAS. Patients in the undernutrition group demonstrated significantly lower grip strength than those in the normal- and overnutrition groups. When grip strength was normalized to body mass, patients in the overnutrition group had the highest prevalence of weakness. Using NHANES reference data, maximum grip strength and NGS cutoffs were identified that could significantly distinguish the nutrition groups. Comprehensive nutritional assessments and grip strength measurements are feasible, non-invasive, easy to perform, and inform both under- and overnutrition in pediatric HCT survivors.

Metabolic Syndrome after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: At the Intersection of Treatment Toxicity and Immune Dysfunction

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors face a multitude of short- and long-term health complications in the years after treatment. One important health complication that is associated with significant morbidity is metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). This constellation of findings, which includes obesity, glucose and lipid dysmetabolism, and hypertension, places affected individuals at increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular complications, and stroke. Previous studies have linked MetSyn in HCT survivors to prior treatment; however, few studies have addressed the potential roles of systemic inflammation and immune system dysfunction after HCT. Within this review, we address the recent advances in the understanding of adipose tissue biology, immune, and inflammatory mechanisms involved in MetSyn in non-HCT patients, and lastly, we discuss potential novel mechanisms that may play a role in MetSyn development after HCT, such as hematopoietic stem cell source, inflammatory status of the stem cell donor, and microbiome composition, all of which represent potential new directions for post-HCT MetSyn research.

Preclinical modeling of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation - advantages and limitations

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which was first successfully performed in the 1950s, remains a critical therapeutic modality for treatment of a diverse array of diseases, including a multitude of hematological malignancies, autoimmune disorders, amyloidosis and inherited genetic hematological disorders. Although great advances have been made in understanding and application of this therapy, significant complications still exist, warranting further investigation. Of critical importance, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), in both acute and chronic forms, remains a major complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, responsible for both the development of chronic illness and morbidity, as well as mortality. Use of an appropriate preclinical model may provide significant insight into the mechanistic pathways leading to the development and progression of graft-versus-host disease, as well as cancer in general. However, existing preclinical modeling systems exhibit significant limitations, and development of models that recapitulate the complex and comprehensive clinical scenario and provide a tool by which therapeutic intervention may be developed and assessed is of utmost importance. Here, we review the present status of the field of graft-versus-host disease research. We discuss and summarize the preclinical models currently in use, as well as their advantages and limitations.