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Antonopoulos AS, Panagiotopoulos I, Kouroutzoglou A, Koutsis G, Toskas P, Lazaros G, Toutouzas K, Tousoulis D, Tsioufis K, Vlachopoulos C. Prevalence and Clinical Outcomes of Transthyretin Amyloidosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Eur J Heart Fail 2022; 24:1677-1696. [PMID: 35730461 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.2589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic evidence on the prevalence and clinical outcome of transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is missing. We explored: a) the prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis in various patient subgroups, b) survival estimates for ATTR subtypes and c) the effects of novel therapeutics on the natural course of disease. METHODS A systematic review of literature published in Medline before 31/12/2021 was performed for the prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis & all-cause mortality of ATTR patients. Extracted data included sample size, age, sex, and all-cause mortality at 1, 2 and 5-years. Subgroup analyses were performed for ATTR subtype i.e., wild type ATTR (wtATTR) vs. hereditary ATTR (htATTR), htATTR genotypes and treatment subgroups. RESULTS We identified a total of 62 studies (n=277,882 individuals) reporting the prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis, which was high among patients with a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype, HFpEF, and elderly with aortic stenosis. Data on ATTR mortality were extracted from 95 studies (n=18,238 ATTR patients). Patients with wtATTR were older (p=7x10-10 ) and more frequently male (p=5x10-20 ) vs. htATTR. The 2-year survival of ATTR was 73.3% (95%CI 71.6-76.2); for non-subtyped ATTR 70.4% (95%CI 66.9-73.9), for wtATTR (76.0%, 95%CI: 73.0-78.9) and for htATTR (77.2%, 95%CI: 74.0-80.4); in meta-regression analysis wtATTR was associated with higher survival after adjusting for confounders. There was an interaction between survival and htATTR genotypes (p=10-15 , Val30Met having the lowest and Val122Ile/Thr60Ala the highest mortality). ATTR 2-year survival was higher on tafamidis/patisiran compared to natural disease course (79.9%, 95%CI: 74.4-85.3 vs. 72.4%, 95%CI 69.8-74.9, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS We report the prevalence of ATTR in various population subgroups and provide survival estimates for the natural course of disease and the effects of novel therapeutics. Important gaps in worldwide epidemiology research in ATTR were identified. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexios S Antonopoulos
- 1st Cardiology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Panagiotopoulos
- 1st Cardiology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandrina Kouroutzoglou
- 1st Cardiology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Koutsis
- Neurogenetics Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Pantelis Toskas
- 1st Cardiology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Lazaros
- 1st Cardiology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Toutouzas
- 1st Cardiology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Cardiology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- 1st Cardiology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalambos Vlachopoulos
- 1st Cardiology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration University Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Treatment of Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy: The Current Options, the Future, and the Challenges. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082148. [PMID: 35456241 PMCID: PMC9031576 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressively debilitating, rare disease associated with high mortality. ATTR-CM occurs when TTR amyloid protein builds up in the myocardium along with different organs, most commonly the peripheral and the autonomic nervous systems. Managing the cardiac complications with standard heart failure medications is difficult due to the challenge to maintain a balance between the high filling pressure associated with restricted ventricular volume and the low cardiac output. To date, tafamidis is the only agent approved for ATTR-CM treatment. Besides, several agents, including green tea, tolcapone, and diflunisal, are used off-label in ATTR-CM patients. Novel therapies using RNA interference also offer clinical promise. Patisiran and inotersen are currently approved for ATTR-polyneuropathy of hereditary origin and are under investigation for ATTR-CM. Monoclonal antibodies in the early development phases carry hope for amyloid deposit clearance. Despite several drug candidates in the clinical development pipeline, the small ATTR-CM patient population raises several challenges. This review describes current and future therapies for ATTR-CM and sheds light on the clinical development hurdles facing them.
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Karadagi A, Romano A, Renneus Guthrie V, Kjaernet F, Ericzon BG, Nowak G. Effects of a Domino Liver Transplantation Program on Patient Survival and Waiting List Time: A Single-Center Retrospective Study. Transplant Proc 2021; 53:2983-2992. [PMID: 34749995 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Explanted livers from patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy have often been used for domino liver transplantation (DLT). This has expanded the organ pool for liver transplantation. We evaluated the effects of a single-center DLT program on waiting list duration and patient survival. Liver transplants conducted from 2007 to 2017 were analyzed. Selected patients, all liver transplant candidates above the age of 60 years and patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, were offered DLT. Survival, time on waiting list, and operative factors were evaluated. The study group included 485 patients transplanted with grafts from deceased donors (conventional liver transplantation) and 149 patients who were offered and accepted a potential DLT, of whom 34 underwent DLT and 115 did not; these patients received a deceased donor graft (non-DLT). Five-year and overall estimated survival rates respectively were 79% and 54.4% for DLT and 67.6% and 46.7% for non-DLT (P = .67, log rank test). No differences were noted in survival (P = .816) or waiting times (P = 1.0) between DLT and non-DLT groups. As expected, survival time in the conventional liver transplantation group was longer (84.7% and 60.6%, P < .001). Donor age and ischemia time were significantly different between DLT and non-DLT (P < .001). DLT has enabled 6% additional transplantations without affecting waiting time or survival (34/600).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Karadagi
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Transplantation Surgery, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Antonio Romano
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Viktor Renneus Guthrie
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Felicia Kjaernet
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bo-Göran Ericzon
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Transplantation Surgery, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Greg Nowak
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Transplantation Surgery, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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González-Duarte A, Conceição I, Amass L, Botteman MF, Carter JA, Stewart M. Impact of Non-Cardiac Clinicopathologic Characteristics on Survival in Transthyretin Amyloid Polyneuropathy. Neurol Ther 2020; 9:135-149. [PMID: 32232748 PMCID: PMC7229108 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-020-00183-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hereditary (variant) transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) with polyneuropathy (ATTR-PN) is a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive autonomic and sensorimotor neuropathy, severe disability, and death within 10 years of onset. Previous studies have primarily focused on how baseline cardiac characteristics affect mortality, but the impact of non-cardiac baseline characteristics is less defined. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed/Medline (1990-2019) to identify studies that assessed the impact of baseline ATTR-PN characteristics on survival. Outcomes were first summarized descriptively. Extracted survival data were then disaggregated, and parametric mixture models were used to assess survival differences among patient groups defined by factors known to affect survival. RESULTS The search yielded 1193 records, of which 35 were retained for analysis. Median survival ranged from 0.5 to > 25 years. The largest survival differences were between cohorts who underwent liver transplantation (LTx) versus those who did not. Among LTx cohorts, pre-LTx ATTR-PN disease duration ≥ 7 years, poor nutritional status, and late disease onset reduced median survival by 13, 12, and 10 years, respectively. Other prognostic survival factors included non-Val30Met genotype and baseline presence of urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, or muscle weakness. CONCLUSION Survival in patients with ATTR-PN is highly variable and affected by non-cardiac baseline characteristics, such as autonomic dysfunction, large fiber involvement, late-onset disease, and non-Val30Met mutation. Careful interpretation of these findings is warranted given that this synthesis did not control for differences between studies. Survival in patients with ATTR-PN remains poor among those who are untreated or with delayed diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel Conceição
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria-Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Tomás MT, Melo X, Mateus É, Gonçalves M, Barroso E, Santa-Clara H. A 5-Year Follow-Up of The Benefits of an Exercise Training Program in Liver Recipients Transplanted Due to Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy. Prog Transplant 2018; 28:330-337. [PMID: 30261817 DOI: 10.1177/1526924818800033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supervised (SE) and home-based exercise (HBE) training regimes are effective on reconditioning patients with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) after liver transplantation, but research of the long-term retention of the benefits attained in patients with FAP has not yet been conducted. PURPOSE In this 5-year follow-up study, we aimed to determine whether the exercise training gains in body composition, physical activity, and function promoted by a 24-week SE or HBE training regimes are retained in patients with FAP who resume normal activity. METHODOLOGY Sixteen liver-transplanted patients with FAP were reassessed for body composition (dual X-ray absorptiometry), physical activity (questionnaire), and function (handgrip strength and 6-minute walk test). RESULTS Total body fat increased with both exercise regimes during follow-up ( P < .05; η2 = 0.432-0.625) as well as femoral neck bone density ( P = .048; η2 = 0.119). However, gains in upper limbs muscle quality during follow-up ( P < .001; η2 = 0.597) were only found in the SE group ( P = .042; η2 = 0.245). Both exercise regimes showed retaining aptitudes in walking capacity ( P < .05; η2 = 0.329-0.460) and muscle mass ( P = .05; η2 = 0.245). Still, none could retain the physical activity levels. CONCLUSION Long-term resumption of normal activity following a 24-week SE or HBE regime in patients with FAP resulted in loss of exercise induced increases in physical activity but counterweighted postoperative losses in bone mineral density and substantially retained the benefits in walking capacity, muscle mass, and quality, in particular, in the SE group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Tomás
- 1 Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa (ESTeSL) at Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa (IPL), Lisbon, Portugal.,2 Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance (CIPER) at Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Xavier Melo
- 2 Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance (CIPER) at Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,3 Ginásio Clube Português, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Élia Mateus
- 4 Hepatobiliopancreatic and Transplantation Centre at Hospital Curry Cabral, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Gonçalves
- 2 Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance (CIPER) at Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Barroso
- 4 Hepatobiliopancreatic and Transplantation Centre at Hospital Curry Cabral, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Helena Santa-Clara
- 2 Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance (CIPER) at Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Relationship between Modified Body Mass Index and Prognosis of Renal Amyloid a Amyloidosis. SISLI ETFAL HASTANESI TIP BULTENI 2018; 52:103-108. [PMID: 32595381 PMCID: PMC7315068 DOI: 10.14744/semb.2017.89410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Overhydration occurs in nephrotic syndrome related to kidney involvement of amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis, which can cause an overestimation of body mass index (BMI). Modified BMI (mBMI, albumin×BMI) may be a better marker of nutritional status; therefore, we investigated the relationship between mBMI and the prognosis of patients with renal AA amyloidosis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with biopsy-proven renal AA amyloidosis who were followed up between January 2001 and May 2013. Data regarding baseline characteristics, etiology of amyloidosis, dialysis, and mortality were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups according to median mBMI (group 1, n=60 and group 2, n=61). Results: The median age and follow-up period of the cohort (M/F 37/84) were 43 (19) years and 26 (56) months, respectively. Familial Mediterranean fever (37.2%) and tuberculosis (24.8%) were the most common etiologies. The baseline serum creatinine and albumin and proteinuria levels were 1.3 (2.2) mg/dL, 2.6 (1.5) g/dL, and 5.3 (7) g/day, respectively. The mBMIs of groups 1 and 2 were significantly different [41.5 (15.6) vs. 74.2 (21.8) g.kg/m2, p =< 0.001]. Group 1 patients had shorter time to dialysis (13.9±20.8 vs. 25.7±28.1 months, p=0.040) and higher mortality (50% vs. 32.7%, p=0.041), whereas the rates of dialysis inception were similar. The area under the curve for mBMI as a predictor of mortality was larger than that for serum albumin and BMI in ROC analysis. Conclusion: Lower mBMI has been associated with worse prognosis in renal AA amyloidosis. As an anthropometric measure of nutritional status, mBMI may be a better marker in patients with hypoalbuminemia.
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Martens B, De Pauw M, De Bleecker JL. Single-centre experience on transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy: case series and literature review. Acta Neurol Belg 2018. [PMID: 29524093 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-018-0906-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a most often length-dependent axonal neuropathy, often part of a multisystem disorder also affecting other organs, such as cardiac, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, renal, meningeal and eye tissue. It is most frequently the result of a mutation in the TTR gene, most commonly a p.Val50Met mutation. TTR-FAP is a rare autosomal dominant heritable disabling, heterogeneous disease in which early diagnosis is of pivotal importance when attempting treatment. This paper discusses the course of four Belgian FAP patients with different TTR mutations (p.Val48Met; p.Val52Ala; p.Ala59Val; p.Val50Met). We also review the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of TTR-FAP, diagnostic studies, follow-up, its current treatment and those in development, prognosis and the importance of genetic counseling. At first, TTR-FAP is often misdiagnosed as a chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy or chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy. Genetic testing is obligatory to confirm the diagnosis of TTR-FAP, except in familial cases. Biopsy samples are an asset in diagnosing TTR-FAP but can be falsely negative. At the moment, tafamidis meglumine is considered as first-line treatment in stage I neurological disease. Patients eligible for liver transplantation should be carefully selected when first-line therapy fails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Broes Martens
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Reference Centre, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michel De Pauw
- Department of Cardiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan L De Bleecker
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Reference Centre, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Parenteral nutrition improves nutritional status, autonomic symptoms and quality of life in transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy. Neuromuscul Disord 2016; 26:374-7. [PMID: 27132122 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP) is an inherited amyloidosis, leading to death in about ten years in most cases due to cardiac failure or wasting syndrome. Previous studies showed that modified body mass index was related to time before death, duration of gastrointestinal disturbances, malabsorption and functional capacity. We report two patients in whom nutritional status worsened despite diet modification, hypercaloric supplement and two relevant therapeutic approaches such as liver transplant and tafamidis meglumine, respectively. The first patient, a 52-year-old lady carrying Thr49Ala mutation, had a disease duration of twelve years and had lost weight up to 35 kg because of daily diarrhea. The second patient, a 63-year-old man with Glu89Gln mutation and a disease duration of fifteen years, was in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification class III and his weight was 39 kg. In both cases, a peripherally inserted central catheter was placed for parenteral nutrition. It allowed to improve their nutritional status and clinical conditions, with body weight gains of 11 and 8 kg in a one year follow-up, respectively. Moreover, reduction of autonomic symptoms including postural hypotension, nausea and diarrhoea was recorded with ameliorated quality of life. Our experience suggests that parenteral nutrition may be useful in reducing complications and disabilities in TTR-FAP patients, even when all dietary adjustments have been ineffective. Reasonably, the improvement in nutritional status may prolong survival in TTR-FAP patients.
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Carvalho A, Rocha A, Lobato L. Liver transplantation in transthyretin amyloidosis: issues and challenges. Liver Transpl 2015; 21:282-92. [PMID: 25482846 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a rare worldwide autosomal dominant disease caused by the systemic deposition of an amyloidogenic variant of transthyretin (TTR), which is usually derived from a single amino acid substitution in the TTR gene. More than 100 mutations have been described, with V30M being the most prevalent. Each variant has a different involvement, although peripheral neuropathy and cardiomyopathy are the most common. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) was implemented as the inaugural disease-modifying therapy because the liver produces the circulating unstable TTR. In this review, we focus on the results and long-term outcomes of OLT for ATTR after more than 2063 procedures and 23 years of experience. After successful OLT, neuropathy and organ impairment are not usually reversed, and in some cases, the disease progresses. The overall 5-year survival rate is approximately 100% for V30M patients and 59% for non-ATTR V30M patients. Cardiac-related death and septicemia are the main causes of mortality. Lower survival is related to malnutrition, a longer duration of disease, cardiomyopathy, and a later onset (particularly for males). Deposits, which are composed of a mixture of truncated and full-length TTR (type A) fibrils, have been associated with posttransplant myocardial dysfunction. A higher incidence of early hepatic artery thrombosis of the graft has also been documented for these patients. Liver-kidney/heart transplantation is an alternative for patients with advanced renal disease or heart failure. The sequential procedure, in which ATTR livers are reused in patients with liver disease, reveals that neuropathy in the recipient may appear as soon as 6 years after OLT, and ATTR deposits may appear even earlier. Long-term results of trials with amyloid protein stabilizers or disrupters, silencing RNA, and antisense oligonucleotides will highlight the value and limitations of liver transplantation.
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Suhr OB, Conceição IM, Karayal ON, Mandel FS, Huertas PE, Ericzon BG. Post hoc analysis of nutritional status in patients with transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy: impact of tafamidis. Neurol Ther 2014; 3:101-12. [PMID: 26000226 PMCID: PMC4386428 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-014-0023-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gastrointestinal symptoms are common among patients with transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP). This post hoc analysis evaluated the nutritional status of TTR-FAP patients treated with tafamidis while enrolled in clinical trials. METHODS Nutritional status was measured by the modified body mass index (mBMI = BMI × albumin level). Treatment-related changes in mBMI were reported for 71 Val30Met TTR-FAP patients who completed an 18-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and who continued into its open-label, 12-month extension. RESULTS At month 18, mBMI worsened in the placebo group (n = 33) (-33 ± 16 kg/m(2) g/l, P = 0.04 versus baseline) but improved in the tafamidis group (n = 38) (+37 ± 14 kg/m(2) g/l, P = 0.01 versus baseline) such that the effect size between the groups was statistically significant (P = 0.001). By month 30 (completion of the open-label extension), placebo patients with 12 months of tafamidis treatment and tafamidis-treated patients with 30 months of treatment both tended to increase their mBMI (28 ± 19 kg/m(2) g/l and 16 ± 18 kg/m(2) g/l, respectively). Increase in BMI was most pronounced in patients with low BMI at entry into the studies. CONCLUSIONS mBMI is well suited to monitor disease progression in TTR-FAP patients. The delay in neurological deterioration brought about by tafamidis treatment in clinical trials is associated with improvements in, or maintenance of, mBMI. FUNDING This study was sponsored by Pfizer Inc., New York, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole B Suhr
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Isabel M Conceição
- Department of Neurosciences, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte-Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal ; Translational and Clinical Physiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Lisbon, Portugal
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