1
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Dong C, Song Z, Sun C, Wang K, Zhang W, Chen J, Zheng W, Yang Y, Wang Z, Han C, Jiao L, Zhang G, Xie E, Gao W, Shen Z. Basiliximab Induction and Postoperative Steroid-free Immunosuppression With Tacrolimus in Pediatric Liver Transplantation: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Transplantation 2024; 108:1769-1775. [PMID: 38419149 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimizing the immunosuppressive regimen is essential to improve the long-term outcomes of pediatric liver transplant recipients. METHODS We conducted a prospective, randomized, open-label study to compare the safety and efficacy of 2 treatment approaches during pediatric liver transplantation: tacrolimus monotherapy following basiliximab induction (the study group) and a dual regimen of tacrolimus plus steroids (the control group). A total of 150 patients were enrolled, with 75 patients allocated to each group. RESULTS In both groups, recipients achieved graft and recipient overall survival rates exceeding 93%, with no statistically significant differences between them. However, the study group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of acute cellular rejection (ACR), delayed occurrence of ACR, and an improved ACR-free survival rate at 2 y compared with the control group. Notably, the study group also showed a significant reduction in the incidence of de novo donor-specific antibodies at 3-mo and 2-y posttransplant. Furthermore, 6 mo after the transplant, the study group demonstrated significant improvements in weight-for-age Z score and height-for-age Z score. No notable differences were observed in postoperative complications or the incidence of liver fibrosis between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS Basiliximab induction combine with tacrolimus (TAC) monotherapy is a safe and effective immunosuppressive regimen to reduce the episodes of ACR without influencing the development of liver fibrosis and graft and recipient survival rate after pediatric liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Dong
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhuolun Song
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
| | - Weiping Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
| | - Chao Han
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijun Jiao
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
| | - Guofeng Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
| | - Enbo Xie
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongyang Shen
- Department of Pediatric Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Organ Transplantation, Tianjin, China
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2
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Peters AL, Perito ER. Freedom isn't free: Assessing the risks and benefits of steroid-free immunosuppression regimens in pediatric liver transplantation in a real-world setting. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:242-243. [PMID: 38009913 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Peters
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Emily R Perito
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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3
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Trezeguet Renatti G, Riva N, Minetto J, Reijenstein H, Gole M, Meza V, Bosaleh A, Licciardone N, Aredes D, Lauferman L, Cervio G, Dip M, Schaiquevich P, Halac E, Imventarza O. Feasibility of steroid-free tacrolimus-basiliximab immunosuppression in pediatric liver transplantation and predictors for steroid requirement. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:61-71. [PMID: 37439661 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Avoidance of steroids in pediatric liver transplantation may reduce toxicity and morbidity. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of a steroid-free tacrolimus-basiliximab immunosuppression scheme, the risk factors associated with steroid requirement, and safety parameters. Patients who underwent liver transplantation for biliary atresia between 2011 and 2019 were included and followed for 6 months after transplantation. Immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus-based treatment with basiliximab induction. Steroid-free survival was estimated, and risk factors for steroid requirement were evaluated using multivariate Cox regression analysis. A total of 76 patients were included, of whom 42 (55.3%) required steroids (>14 d) due to biopsy-proven acute rejection (47.6%, n = 20), instability in liver function tests (35.7%, n = 15), tacrolimus-related adverse drug reactions (14.3%, n = 6), or other reasons (bronchospasm episode, n = 1). Steroid-free survival was 45.9% (95% CI, 35.9-58.8). Independent factors associated with steroid requirement included tortuosity in tacrolimus trough levels (≥1.76 vs. <1.76: HR 5.8, 95% CI, 2.6-12.7; p < 0.001) and mean tacrolimus trough levels (≥ 6.4 ng/mL vs. < 6.4 ng/mL: HR 0.4, 95% CI, 0.2-0.7; p = 0.002). The rate of bacterial and viral infections was comparable between patients with and without steroids, although in the former group, cytomegalovirus infection developed earlier ( p = 0.03). Patients receiving steroids had higher total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL levels ( p < 0.05) during follow-up, but no changes in the height Z-score were observed 1 year after transplantation. Basiliximab induction in combination with tacrolimus-based treatment avoided steroid requirements in 45% of the patients. Tacrolimus variability and trough levels below 6.4 ng/mL independently increased the risk of steroid requirement. Further efforts should be focused on personalizing immunosuppressive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Trezeguet Renatti
- Unit of Innovative Treatments, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Riva
- Unit of Innovative Treatments, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julia Minetto
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hayellen Reijenstein
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Gole
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Veronica Meza
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Bosaleh
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Diego Aredes
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leandro Lauferman
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Cervio
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Dip
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula Schaiquevich
- Unit of Innovative Treatments, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban Halac
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Oscar Imventarza
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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4
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Aufhauser DD, Stalter L, Marka N, Leverson G, Al-Adra DP, Foley DP. Detrimental impact of early biopsy-proven rejection in liver transplantation. Clin Transplant 2024; 38:e15206. [PMID: 38041491 PMCID: PMC10843795 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15206] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Existing literature offers conflicting conclusions about whether early acute cellular rejection influences long-term outcomes in liver transplantation. We retrospectively collected donor and recipient data on all adult, first-time liver transplants performed at a single center between 2008 and 2020. We divided this population into two cohorts based on the presence of early biopsy-proven acute cellular rejection (EBPR) within the first 90 days post-transplant and compared outcomes between the groups. There were 896 liver transplants that met inclusion criteria with 112 cases (12.5%) of EBPR. Recipients who developed EBPR had higher biochemical Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores (28 vs. 24, p < .01), but other donor and recipient characteristics were similar. Recipients with EBPR had similar overall survival compared to patients without EBPR (p = .09) but had decreased graft survival (p < .05). EBPR was also associated with decreased time to first episode of late (> 90 days post-transplant) rejection (p < .0001) and increased vulnerability to bacterial and viral infection (p < .05). In subgroup analysis of recipients with autoimmune indications for liver transplantation, EBPR had a more pronounced association with patient death (hazard ratio [HR] 3.9, p < .05) and graft loss (HR 4.0, p < .01). EBPR after liver transplant is associated with inferior graft survival, increased susceptibility to late rejections, and increased vulnerability to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D Aufhauser
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Lily Stalter
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nicholas Marka
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Glen Leverson
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - David P Al-Adra
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - David P Foley
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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5
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Wood P, Huang YS, Sanchez L, Kitt E, Abt PL, Bittermann T. The effectiveness and safety of antibody induction immunosuppression in a large cohort of United States pediatric liver transplant recipients. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:794-804. [PMID: 36933831 PMCID: PMC10247522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Data on the potential benefits and risks of induction therapy in pediatric liver transplantation (LT) are limited. This was a retrospective cohort study of 2748 pediatric LT recipients at 26 children's hospitals between January 1, 2006 to May 31, 2017 using data from the pediatric health information system linked to the United Network for Organ Sharing database. The induction regimen was obtained from the pediatric health information system day-by-day pharmacy resource utilization. Cox proportional hazards evaluated the association of induction regimen (none/corticosteroid-only, nondepleting, and depleting) on patient and graft survival. Additional outcomes, including opportunistic infections and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder, were studied using multivariable logistic regression. Overall, 64.9% received none/corticosteroid-only induction, whereas 28.1% received nondepleting, 8.3% received depleting, and 2.5% other antibody regimens. Differences in patient characteristics were small, but center practices were heterogeneous. Compared with none/corticosteroid-only induction, nondepleting induction was associated with reduced acute rejection (odd ratio [OR], 0.53; P <.001) but with the increased posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (OR, 1.75; P =.021). Depleting induction was associated with improved graft survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; P =.028) but with increased noncytomegalovirus opportunistic infections (OR, 1.46; P =.046). Depleting induction is underused yet may offer long-term benefits in this large multicenter cohort. Greater consensus guidance in this aspect of pediatric LT care is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Wood
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yuan-Shung Huang
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lucia Sanchez
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eimear Kitt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Peter L Abt
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Therese Bittermann
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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6
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Jung WS, Kuh JH, Lim L, Yoo HK, Ju JW, Lee HJ, Kim WH. T-cell specific antibody induction versus corticosteroid induction immunosuppression for liver transplant recipients: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6951. [PMID: 37117258 PMCID: PMC10147598 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32972-z] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of immunosuppression for liver transplant recipients despite several serious complications including infection, hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence, diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypertension. We attempted to compare the safety and efficacy of T-cell specific antibody induction with complete corticosteroid avoidance. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane central library. Randomized controlled trials comparing T-cell specific antibody induction with corticosteroid induction immunosuppression were included. Our primary outcome was the incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection. Eleven trials involving 1683 patients were included. The incidence of acute rejection was not significantly different between the antibody and steroid induction groups (risk ratio [RR] 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72, 1.01, P = 0.06, I2 = 0%). However, T-cell specific antibody induction significantly reduced the risk of cytomegalovirus infection (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.33, 0.70, P = 0.0002, I2 = 3%), HCV recurrence (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80, 0.99, P = 0.03, I2 = 0%), DM (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.32, 0.54, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%) and hypertension (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55, 0.90, P = 0.005, I2 = 35%). Trial sequential analysis for acute rejection showed that the cumulative z-curve did not cross the Trial sequential boundary and the required information size was not reached. T-cell specific antibody induction compared to corticosteroid induction seems to significantly reduce opportunistic infections including cytomegalovirus infection and HCV recurrence and metabolic complications including DM and hypertension. However, given the insufficient study power, low quality of evidence, and heterogeneous immunosuppressive regimens, our results should be cautiously appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Seok Jung
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hee Kuh
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Leerang Lim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Kyung Yoo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Woo Ju
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Jin Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Ho Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Kathirvel M, Mallick S, Sethi P, Thillai M, Durairaj MS, Nair K, Sunny A, Mathew JS, Varghese CT, Chandran B, Pillai Thankamony Amma BS, Menon RN, Balakrishnan D, Gopalakrishnan U, Surendran S. Randomized trial of steroid free immunosuppression with basiliximab induction in adult live donor liver transplantation (LDLT). HPB (Oxford) 2021; 23:666-674. [PMID: 33032883 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2020.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corticosteroids are an integral part of immunosuppression following solid organ transplantation, despite their metabolic complications. We conducted a randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of steroid-free immunosuppression following live donor liver transplantation (LDLT). METHODS We randomized 104 patients stratified based on pre-transplant diabetic status to either a steroid-free arm (SF-arm) (Basiliximab + Tacrolimus and Azathioprine,n = 52) or Steroid arm (S-Arm) (Steroid + Tacrolimus + Azathioprine,n = 52). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of metabolic complications (new-onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT), new-onset systemic hypertension after transplant (NOSHT), post-transplant dyslipidemia) within 6 months after transplant. Secondary endpoints included biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) within six months, patient and graft survival at 6 months. RESULTS The incidence NODAT was significantly higher in S-arm at 3 months (64.5%vs. 28.1%,p-0.004) and 6 months (51.6% vs. 15.6%,p-0.006). Likewise, the incidence of NOSHT (27.8% vs. 4.8%,p-0.01) and hypertriglyceridemia (26.7% vs. 8%,p-0.03) at six months was significantly higher in S-arm. However, there were no differences in BPAR (19.2% vs. 21.2%, p-0.81), time to first rejection (58 vs. 53 days, p-0.78), patient and graft survival (610 vs. 554 days,p- 0.22). CONCLUSION Following LDLT, basiliximab induction with tacrolimus and azathioprine maintenance resulted in significantly lower metabolic complications compared to the triple-drug regimen of steroid, tacrolimus, and azathioprine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manikandan Kathirvel
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India.
| | - Shweta Mallick
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Pulkit Sethi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Manoj Thillai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Madhu S Durairaj
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Krishnanunni Nair
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Aleena Sunny
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Johns S Mathew
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Christi T Varghese
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Biju Chandran
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Binoj S Pillai Thankamony Amma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Ramachandran N Menon
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Dinesh Balakrishnan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Unnikrishnan Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Sudhindran Surendran
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India
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8
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Anesi JA, Lautenbach E, Tamma PD, Thom KA, Blumberg EA, Alby K, Bilker WB, Werzen A, Tolomeo P, Omorogbe J, Pineles L, Han JH. Risk Factors for Extended-Spectrum β-lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales Bloodstream Infection Among Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:953-960. [PMID: 32149327 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 40% of all Enterobacterales (EB) bloodstream infections (BSIs) among solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms, but risk factors for such infections remain ill defined in this population. We sought to determine the risk factors for ESBL-EB BSIs among SOTRs. METHODS A multicenter case-control study was performed. All SOTRs with an EB BSI at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and University of Maryland Medical Center between 1 January 2007 and 30 June 2018 and at The Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2015 were included. Cases were those with an ESBL-EB BSI. Controls were those with a non-ESBL-EB BSI. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors for ESBL-EB BSI. RESULTS There were 988 episodes of EB BSI, of which 395 (40%) were due to an ESBL-EB. On multivariable analysis, the independent risk factors for ESBL-EB BSI included: ESBL-EB on prior culture (aOR, 12.75; 95% CI, 3.23-50.33; P < .001), a corticosteroid-containing immunosuppression regimen (aOR 1.30; 95% CI 1.03-1.65; P = .030), acute rejection treated with corticosteroids (aOR 1.18; 95% CI 1.16-1.19; P < .001), and exposure to third-generation cephalosporins (aOR 1.95; 95% CI 1.48-2.57; P < .001), echinocandins (aOR 1.61; 95% CI 1.08-2.40; P = .020), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (aOR 1.35; 95% CI 1.10-1.64; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS We identified several novel risk factors that are uniquely important to the SOTR population, including exposure to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and corticosteroid-containing immunosuppressive regimens. Further studies exploring these associations and testing interventions aimed at these modifiable risk factors among SOTRs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Anesi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ebbing Lautenbach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Pranita D Tamma
- Department of Pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kerri A Thom
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Emily A Blumberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin Alby
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Warren B Bilker
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alissa Werzen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Pam Tolomeo
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jacqueline Omorogbe
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lisa Pineles
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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9
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Anugwom CM, Parekh JR, Hwang C, MacConmara M, Lee WM, Leventhal TM. Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Induction Regimens in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation for Acute Liver Failure. Liver Transpl 2021; 27:27-33. [PMID: 32578297 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Spontaneous survival rates in acute liver failure (ALF) are vastly improved by liver transplantation (LT). However, the value of induction agents beyond steroids continues to be debated. To understand the potential benefit of different induction regimens in the ALF population, we compared overall survival of recipients undergoing LT in the United States for ALF. Using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we assessed the impact of induction immunosuppression (IS) in a cohort of 3754 first-time LT recipients with a diagnosis of ALF from 2002 to 2018. Induction IS therapy was grouped into steroid-only induction, use of antithymocyte globulin (ATG), or interleukin 2 receptor antibody. Other regimens were excluded from analysis. Survival analysis was estimated via Cox proportional hazards models and expressed as hazard ratios (HRs). In LT for ALF, the use of induction agents beyond steroids is increasingly frequent over the last 2 decades. The use of ATG is associated with worse overall survival, even after adjusting for donor and recipient factors, with HR of 1.24 (95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.53; P = 0.05). An elevated serum creatinine, recipient and donor age, and Black ethnicity, were all associated with reduced survival, whereas maintenance IS with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) was associated with improved survival. Although adjunct induction therapy has become more common, our analysis shows that compared with a steroid-only induction regimen, the addition of ATG is associated with worse overall survival after LT for ALF. CNI maintenance was highly protective, suggesting that an IS strategy focusing on corticosteroid-only induction followed by CNI maintenance may offer the best overall survival rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chimaobi M Anugwom
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Justin R Parekh
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Christine Hwang
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Malcolm MacConmara
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - William M Lee
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Thomas M Leventhal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
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10
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Dohna Schwake C, Guiddir T, Cuzon G, Benissa MR, Dubois C, Miatello J, Merchaoui Z, Durand P, Tissieres P. Bacterial infections in children after liver transplantation: A single-center surveillance study of 345 consecutive transplantations. Transpl Infect Dis 2019; 22:e13208. [PMID: 31693773 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious complications after pediatric liver transplantation frequently occur and are potentially serious. Data concerning strictly defined bacterial infections and their associated risk factors are lacking. METHODS For the pediatric liver transplant postoperative period, we analyzed data from the nosocomial infection surveillance (2006-2015). RESULTS A total of 235 bacterial infections in 162 transplantations (47%) occurred, including 32 bacterial pneumonia cases, 104 surgical site infections, 27 urinary tract infections, and 40 bloodstream infections. Sepsis was diagnosed in 127 cases (54%), severe sepsis in 22 (9%) cases, and septic shock in 41 (17%) cases. Thirty patients (9%) died, and septic shock was the leading cause of death. The carrier status of multi-drug resistant bacteria and a tacrolimus level >20 ng/mL were independent risk factors for surgical site infections and the occurrence of severe sepsis or septic shock. The length of mechanical ventilation was an independent risk factor for pneumonia and surgical site infection. CONCLUSION Bacterial infections in the early postoperative period after pediatric liver transplantation are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Physicians involved in the medical care of these patients should be aware of the specific risk factors, and further development of prevention programs is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Dohna Schwake
- Pediatric Intensive Care, Paris South University Hospitals AP-HP, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Pediatric Intensive Care, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Essen, Germany.,Westdeutsches Zentrum für Infektiologie, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tamazoust Guiddir
- Pediatric Intensive Care, Paris South University Hospitals AP-HP, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Gaelle Cuzon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Paris South University Hospitals AP-HP, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Mohamed-Rida Benissa
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Dubois
- Pediatric Intensive Care, Paris South University Hospitals AP-HP, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Jordi Miatello
- Pediatric Intensive Care, Paris South University Hospitals AP-HP, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Institute of Integrative Biology of the Cell, CNRS, CEA, Univ. Paris Sud, Paris Saclay University, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Zied Merchaoui
- Pediatric Intensive Care, Paris South University Hospitals AP-HP, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Philippe Durand
- Pediatric Intensive Care, Paris South University Hospitals AP-HP, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Pierre Tissieres
- Pediatric Intensive Care, Paris South University Hospitals AP-HP, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Institute of Integrative Biology of the Cell, CNRS, CEA, Univ. Paris Sud, Paris Saclay University, Gif sur Yvette, France
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11
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Newland DM, Royston MJ, McDonald DR, Nemeth TL, Wallace-Boughter K, Carlin K, Horslen S. Analysis of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin vs basiliximab induction in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplant 2019; 23:e13573. [PMID: 31512802 DOI: 10.1111/petr.13573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Literature is limited comparing induction immunosuppression in pediatric liver transplant (LTx) recipients. This is a single-center, retrospective cohort study of primary pediatric liver transplants at our center between 2005 and 2016 who received either basiliximab (BSX) or rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG) induction. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus ± a corticosteroid taper. Exclusions included receipt of an ABO-incompatible graft, retransplantation, and multi-organ transplantation. Primary outcomes were incidence of treated biopsy-proven acute rejection (tBPAR) and PTLD within the first year and infections within 90 days of LTx. Secondary outcomes included graft and patient survival, time to first tBPAR, and incidence of steroid-resistant rejection (SRR) within the first year post-LTx. A total of 136 patients were included in the final analysis of which 57 patients (42%) received BSX induction. Patients who received rATG induction with or without a 2-week corticosteroid taper experienced significantly more tBPAR compared to those who received BSX induction with a 6-month corticosteroid taper (55.7% vs 33.3%, P = .01). There were no differences in the incidence of PTLD, infections, SRR, graft or patient survival, or time to first tBPAR between the two groups. Induction with rATG either with or without a short corticosteroid taper was associated with significantly more tBPAR in primary pediatric LTx recipients when compared to BSX induction with a prolonged corticosteroid taper in the setting of maintenance immunosuppression with tacrolimus.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Newland
- Department of Pharmacy, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA.,School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Macy J Royston
- Department of Pharmacy, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA.,School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Derry R McDonald
- Department of Pharmacy, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA.,School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas L Nemeth
- Department of Pharmacy, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA.,School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kelly Wallace-Boughter
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristen Carlin
- Children's Core for Biomedical Statistics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Simon Horslen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
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12
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Günhan BK, Röver C, Friede T. Random‐effects meta‐analysis of few studies involving rare events. Res Synth Methods 2019; 11:74-90. [DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Burak Kürsad Günhan
- Department of Medical StatisticsUniversity Medical Center Göttingen Göttingen Germany
| | - Christian Röver
- Department of Medical StatisticsUniversity Medical Center Göttingen Göttingen Germany
| | - Tim Friede
- Department of Medical StatisticsUniversity Medical Center Göttingen Göttingen Germany
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13
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Riva N, Dip M, Halac E, Cáceres Guido P, Woillard JB, Licciardone N, Chan D, Buendía J, Borgnia D, Bosaleh A, de Davila MT, Imventarza O, Schaiquevich P. Survival Time to Biopsy-Proven Acute Rejection and Tacrolimus Adverse Drug Reactions in Pediatric Liver Transplantation. Ther Drug Monit 2018; 40:401-410. [PMID: 29621122 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances in surgical procedures and the optimization of immunosuppressive therapies in pediatric liver transplantation, acute rejection (AR) and serious adverse drug reaction (ADR) to tacrolimus still contribute to morbidity and mortality. Identifying risk factors of safety and efficacy parameters may help in optimizing individual immunosuppressive therapies. This study aimed to identify peritransplant predictors of AR and factors related to the risk of ADR to tacrolimus in a large Latin American cohort of pediatric liver transplant patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study in a pediatric liver transplant population (n = 72). Peritransplant variables were collected retrospectively including demographic, clinical, laboratory parameters, genomic (CYP3A5 donor and recipients polymorphism), and tacrolimus trough concentrations (C0) over a 2-year follow-up period. Variability in tacrolimus C0 was calculated using percent coefficient of variation and tortuosity. ADR- and AR-free survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and risk factors were identified by multivariate Cox regression models. RESULTS Cox-proportional hazard models identified that high tortuosity in tacrolimus C0 was associated with an 80% increased risk of AR [hazard ratio (HR), 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-3.22; P < 0.05], whereas steroid in maintenance doses decreased this risk (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.31-0.99; P < 0.05). Forty-six patients experienced at least one ADR including hypomagnesemia, nephrotoxicity, hypertension, malignancies, and tremor as a first event. Multivariate analysis showed that C0 values 10 days before the event (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.21-1.39; P < 0.0001) and CYP3A5 expresser recipients (HR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.03-4.06; P < 0.05) were independent predictors of ADR. CONCLUSIONS Tacrolimus C0 values, its variability, and CYP3A5 polymorphisms were identified as risk factors of AR and tacrolimus ADR. This knowledge may help to control and reduce their incidence in pediatric liver transplant patients. Prospective studies are important to validate these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Riva
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Hospital de Pediatría J.P. Garrahan
| | - Marcelo Dip
- Liver Transplant Service, Hospital de Pediatría J.P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban Halac
- Liver Transplant Service, Hospital de Pediatría J.P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Jean B Woillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire à Limoges, Limoges, France
| | | | - Debora Chan
- Basic Science-Mathematics, Universidad Tecnológica Nacional
| | | | | | | | | | - Oscar Imventarza
- Liver Transplant Service, Hospital de Pediatría J.P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula Schaiquevich
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Hospital de Pediatría J.P. Garrahan.,National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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14
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Fairfield C, Penninga L, Powell J, Harrison EM, Wigmore SJ. Glucocorticosteroid-free versus glucocorticosteroid-containing immunosuppression for liver transplanted patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 4:CD007606. [PMID: 29630730 PMCID: PMC6494590 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007606.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation is an established treatment option for end-stage liver failure. Now that newer, more potent immunosuppressants have been developed, glucocorticosteroids may no longer be needed and their removal may prevent adverse effects. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of glucocorticosteroid avoidance (excluding intra-operative use or treatment of acute rejection) or withdrawal versus glucocorticosteroid-containing immunosuppression following liver transplantation. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science, Literatura Americano e do Caribe em Ciencias da Saude (LILACS), World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov, and The Transplant Library until May 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised clinical trials assessing glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal versus glucocorticosteroid-containing immunosuppression for liver transplanted people. Our inclusion criteria stated that participants should have received the same co-interventions. We included trials that assessed complete glucocorticosteroid avoidance (excluding intra-operative use or treatment of acute rejection) versus short-term glucocorticosteroids, as well as trials that assessed short-term glucocorticosteroids versus long-term glucocorticosteroids. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used RevMan to conduct meta-analyses, calculating risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous variables and mean difference (MD) for continuous variables, both with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used a random-effects model and a fixed-effect model and reported both results where a discrepancy existed; otherwise we reported only the results from the fixed-effect model. We assessed the risk of systematic errors using 'Risk of bias' domains. We controlled for random errors by performing Trial Sequential Analysis. We presented our results in a 'Summary of findings' table. MAIN RESULTS We included 17 completed randomised clinical trials, but only 16 studies with 1347 participants provided data for the meta-analyses. Ten of the 16 trials assessed complete postoperative glucocorticosteroid avoidance (excluding intra-operative use or treatment of acute rejection) versus short-term glucocorticosteroids (782 participants) and six trials assessed short-term glucocorticosteroids versus long-term glucocorticosteroids (565 participants). One additional study assessed complete post-operative glucocorticosteroid avoidance but could only be incorporated into qualitative analysis of the results due to limited data published in an abstract. All trials were at high risk of bias. Only eight trials reported on the type of donor used. Overall, we found no statistically significant difference for mortality (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.44; low-quality evidence), graft loss including death (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.46; low-quality evidence), or infection (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.05; very low-quality evidence) when glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal was compared with glucocorticosteroid-containing immunosuppression. Acute rejection and glucocorticosteroid-resistant rejection were statistically significantly more frequent when glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal was compared with glucocorticosteroid-containing immunosuppression (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.64; low-quality evidence; and RR 2.14, 95% CI 1.13 to 4.02; very low-quality evidence). Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were statistically significantly less frequent when glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal was compared with glucocorticosteroid-containing immunosuppression (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.99; low-quality evidence; and RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.90; low-quality evidence). We performed Trial Sequential Analysis for all outcomes. None of the outcomes crossed the monitoring boundaries or reached the required information size. Hence, we cannot exclude random errors from the results of the conventional meta-analyses. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Many of the benefits and harms of glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal remain uncertain because of the limited number of published randomised clinical trials, limited numbers of participants and outcomes, and high risk of bias in the trials. Glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal appears to reduce diabetes mellitus and hypertension whilst increasing acute rejection, glucocorticosteroid-resistant rejection, and renal impairment. We could identify no other benefits or harms of glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal. Glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal may be of benefit in selected patients, especially those at low risk of rejection and high risk of hypertension or diabetes mellitus. The optimal duration of glucocorticosteroid administration remains unclear. More randomised clinical trials assessing glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal are needed. These should be large, high-quality trials that minimise the risk of random and systematic error.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Fairfield
- Royal Infirmary Edinburgh ‐ NHS Lothian, Royal Infirmary EdinburghHepatobiliary‐Pancreatic Surgical Services and Edinburgh Transplant Unit51 Little France CrescentEdinburghMidlothianUKEH16 4SA
| | - Luit Penninga
- Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalDepartment of Surgery and Transplantation C2122Blegdamsvej 9CopenhagenDenmarkDK‐2100
| | - James Powell
- NHS LothianScottish Liver Transplant UnitRoyal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France CrescentEdinburghUKEH16 4SA
| | - Ewen M Harrison
- University of EdinburghClinical Surgery53 Little France CrescentEdinburghMidlothianUKEH16 4SA
| | - Stephen J Wigmore
- Royal Infirmary Edinburgh ‐ NHS Lothian, Royal Infirmary EdinburghHepatobiliary‐Pancreatic Surgical Services and Edinburgh Transplant Unit51 Little France CrescentEdinburghMidlothianUKEH16 4SA
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15
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Abstract
Biologics target various pathways to modify immunologic activity. Biologic use to treat pediatric patients continues to expand; but limited data exist regarding infectious complications of these agents, especially for newer agents. Infectious events reported in the literature for pediatric patients indicate that a variety of bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, and fungal infections can occur. Further pediatric-specific reports are needed to fill knowledge gaps in the complications related to these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Danziger-Isakov
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7017, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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16
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Early and Late Factors Impacting Patient and Graft Outcome in Pediatric Liver Transplantation: Summary of an ESPGHAN Monothematic Conference. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2017; 65:e53-e59. [PMID: 28319600 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000001564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As pediatric liver transplantation comes of age, experts gathered to discuss current paradigms and define gaps in knowledge warranting research to further improve patient and graft outcomes. Identified areas ripe for collaborative research include understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of tolerance and the role of donor-specific antibodies, considering ways to expand donor pool, minimizing long-term side effects of immunosuppression, and fine-tuning surgical techniques to minimize biliary and vascular complications.
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17
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Friede T, Röver C, Wandel S, Neuenschwander B. Meta-analysis of two studies in the presence of heterogeneity with applications in rare diseases. Biom J 2017; 59:658-671. [PMID: 27754556 PMCID: PMC5516158 DOI: 10.1002/bimj.201500236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Random-effects meta-analyses are used to combine evidence of treatment effects from multiple studies. Since treatment effects may vary across trials due to differences in study characteristics, heterogeneity in treatment effects between studies must be accounted for to achieve valid inference. The standard model for random-effects meta-analysis assumes approximately normal effect estimates and a normal random-effects model. However, standard methods based on this model ignore the uncertainty in estimating the between-trial heterogeneity. In the special setting of only two studies and in the presence of heterogeneity, we investigate here alternatives such as the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method (HKSJ), the modified Knapp-Hartung method (mKH, a variation of the HKSJ method) and Bayesian random-effects meta-analyses with priors covering plausible heterogeneity values; R code to reproduce the examples is presented in an appendix. The properties of these methods are assessed by applying them to five examples from various rare diseases and by a simulation study. Whereas the standard method based on normal quantiles has poor coverage, the HKSJ and mKH generally lead to very long, and therefore inconclusive, confidence intervals. The Bayesian intervals on the whole show satisfying properties and offer a reasonable compromise between these two extremes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Friede
- Department of Medical StatisticsUniversity Medical Center GöttingenHumboldtallee 3237073GöttingenGermany
| | - Christian Röver
- Department of Medical StatisticsUniversity Medical Center GöttingenHumboldtallee 3237073GöttingenGermany
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18
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Corticosteroid Use and Growth After Pediatric Solid Organ Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Transplantation 2017; 101:694-703. [PMID: 27736823 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000001320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of corticosteroid minimization and avoidance protocols for post-solid organ transplant have been developed. The study objective was to examine the effect of corticosteroid withdrawal/avoidance on growth and safety parameters in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients. METHODS A systematic review using Medline and Embase was performed. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies comparing corticosteroid withdrawal/avoidance to controls receiving corticosteroids in pediatric transplant recipients which reported growth as change in height or final height were included. Two reviewers independently abstracted study data and assessed quality. RESULTS The search yielded 930 records, 14 separate studies involving 1146 patients. Renal RCTs (n = 5) showed that corticosteroid withdrawal/avoidance was associated with a significant increase in growth (mean difference in height standard deviation score [SDS], 0.18; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.07-0.29; P = 0.001) compared with those remaining on steroids. In liver RCTs (n = 2), mean difference in height SDS was -0.20 (95% CI, -1.08 to 0.68; P = 0.66). Results for renal observational studies (n = 5) was 0.34 (95% CI, 0.03-0.65; P = 0.03). The most pronounced effect was seen in prepubertal children with SDS of 0.28 (95% CI, 0.14-0.41; P < 0.0001). In pubertal participants this was not observed (SDS, 0.06; 95% CI, -0.04 to 0.15; P = 0.24). Corticosteroid withdrawal/avoidance was not associated with acute rejection (odds ratio [OR], 0.87; P = 0.63), graft failure (OR, 0.45; P = 0.08), or death (OR, 0.34; P = 0.16) in renal trials. CONCLUSIONS Corticosteroid withdrawal/avoidance in pediatric renal transplantation is associated with a significant improvement in height. Prepubertal patients appeared to have the greatest benefit. Importantly, the improvement in growth was not accompanied by increased rejection or worsening patient/allograft survival in the short term.
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19
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Kyriakidis I, Tragiannidis A, Zündorf I, Groll AH. Invasive fungal infections in paediatric patients treated with macromolecular immunomodulators other than tumour necrosis alpha inhibitors. Mycoses 2017; 60:493-507. [DOI: 10.1111/myc.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Kyriakidis
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; AHEPA University General Hospital; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Athanasios Tragiannidis
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; AHEPA University General Hospital; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Ilse Zündorf
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology; Goethe-University of Frankfurt; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Andreas H. Groll
- Infectious Disease Research Program; Center for Bone Marrow Transplantation and Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology; University Childrens Hospital; Muenster Germany
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20
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Zhang GQ, Zhang CS, Sun N, Lv W, Chen BM, Zhang JL. Basiliximab application on liver recipients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2017; 16:139-146. [PMID: 28381376 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(16)60183-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The benefits of the application of basiliximab induction therapy in liver transplantation are not clear. The present meta-analysis was to evaluate the pros and cons of basiliximab use in liver transplantation. DATA SOURCES We searched the associated publications in English from July 1998 to December 2015 in the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. RESULTS Basiliximab significantly decreased the incidence of de novo diabetes mellitus after liver transplantation (RR=0.56; 95% CI: 0.34-0.91; P=0.02). Subgroup analysis showed that basiliximab in combination with steroids-free immunosuppressant significantly decreased the incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (RR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.39-0.97; P=0.04) and new-onset hypertension (RR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.42-0.93; P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Basiliximab may be effective in reducing de novo diabetes mellitus. What is more, basiliximab in combination with steroids-free immunosuppressant shows statistical benefit to reduce biopsy-proven acute rejection and de novo hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Qing Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
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21
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Friede T, Röver C, Wandel S, Neuenschwander B. Meta-analysis of few small studies in orphan diseases. Res Synth Methods 2017; 8:79-91. [PMID: 27362487 PMCID: PMC5347842 DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Meta-analyses in orphan diseases and small populations generally face particular problems, including small numbers of studies, small study sizes and heterogeneity of results. However, the heterogeneity is difficult to estimate if only very few studies are included. Motivated by a systematic review in immunosuppression following liver transplantation in children, we investigate the properties of a range of commonly used frequentist and Bayesian procedures in simulation studies. Furthermore, the consequences for interval estimation of the common treatment effect in random-effects meta-analysis are assessed. The Bayesian credibility intervals using weakly informative priors for the between-trial heterogeneity exhibited coverage probabilities in excess of the nominal level for a range of scenarios considered. However, they tended to be shorter than those obtained by the Knapp-Hartung method, which were also conservative. In contrast, methods based on normal quantiles exhibited coverages well below the nominal levels in many scenarios. With very few studies, the performance of the Bayesian credibility intervals is of course sensitive to the specification of the prior for the between-trial heterogeneity. In conclusion, the use of weakly informative priors as exemplified by half-normal priors (with a scale of 0.5 or 1.0) for log odds ratios is recommended for applications in rare diseases. © 2016 The Authors. Research Synthesis Methods published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Friede
- Department of Medical StatisticsUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Christian Röver
- Department of Medical StatisticsUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
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Miloh T, Barton A, Wheeler J, Pham Y, Hewitt W, Keegan T, Sanchez C, Bulut P, Goss J. Immunosuppression in pediatric liver transplant recipients: Unique aspects. Liver Transpl 2017; 23:244-256. [PMID: 27874250 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric liver transplantation has experienced improved outcomes over the last 50 years. This can be attributed in part to establishing optimal use of immunosuppressive agents to achieve a balance between minimizing the risks of allograft rejection and infection. The management of immunosuppression in children is generally more complex and can be challenging when compared with the use of these agents in adult liver transplant patients. Physiologic differences in children alter the pharmacokinetics of immunosuppressive agents, which affects absorption, distribution, metabolism, and drug excretion. Children also have a longer expected period of exposure to immunosuppression, which can impact growth, risk of infection (bacterial, viral, and fungal), carcinogenesis, and likelihood of nonadherence. This review discusses immunosuppressive options for pediatric liver transplant recipients and the unique issues that must be addressed when managing this population. Further advances in the field of tolerance and accommodation are needed to relieve the acute and cumulative burden of chronic immunosuppression in children. Liver Transplantation 23 244-256 2017 AASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamir Miloh
- Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Andrea Barton
- Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Yen Pham
- Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | | | | | | | - John Goss
- Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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Sindhi R, Ashokkumar C, Higgs BW, Levy S, Soltys K, Bond G, Mazariegos G, Ranganathan S, Zeevi A. Profile of the Pleximmune blood test for transplant rejection risk prediction. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2016; 16:387-93. [PMID: 26760313 PMCID: PMC4965161 DOI: 10.1586/14737159.2016.1139455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The Pleximmune™ test (Plexision Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA) is the first cell-based test approved by the US FDA, which predicts acute cellular rejection in children with liver- or intestine transplantation. The test addresses an unmet need to improve management of immunosuppression, which incurs greater risks of opportunistic infections and Epstein-Barr virus-induced malignancy during childhood. High-dose immunosuppression and recurrent rejection after intestine transplantation also result in a 5-year graft loss rate of up to 50%. Such outcomes seem increasingly unacceptable because children can experience rejection-free survival with reduced immunosuppression. Pleximmune test sensitivity and specificity for predicting acute cellular rejection is 84% and 80% respectively in training set-validation set testing of 214 children. Among existing gold standards, the biopsy detects but cannot predict rejection. Anti-donor antibodies, which presage antibody-mediated injury, reflect late-stage allosensitization as a downstream effect of engagement between recipient and donor cells. Therefore, durable graft and patient outcomes also require accurate management of cellular immune responses in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Sindhi
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Department of Transplant Surgery, 4401 Penn Avenue, FP-6/Transplant, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
| | - Chethan Ashokkumar
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Department of Transplant Surgery, 4401 Penn Avenue, FP-6/Transplant, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
| | - Brandon W Higgs
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Department of Transplant Surgery, 4401 Penn Avenue, FP-6/Transplant, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
| | - Samantha Levy
- Plexision Inc., 4424 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
| | - Kyle Soltys
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Department of Transplant Surgery, 4401 Penn Avenue, FP-6/Transplant, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
| | - Geoffrey Bond
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Department of Transplant Surgery, 4401 Penn Avenue, FP-6/Transplant, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
| | - George Mazariegos
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Department of Transplant Surgery, 4401 Penn Avenue, FP-6/Transplant, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
| | - Sarangarajan Ranganathan
- Tissue Typing Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
| | - Adriana Zeevi
- Tissue Typing Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
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Fairfield C, Penninga L, Powell J, Harrison EM, Wigmore SJ. Glucocorticosteroid-free versus glucocorticosteroid-containing immunosuppression for liver transplanted patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015:CD007606. [PMID: 26666504 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007606.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation is an established treatment option for end-stage liver failure. Now that newer, more potent immunosuppressants have been developed, glucocorticosteroids may no longer be needed and their removal may prevent adverse effects. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of glucocorticosteroid avoidance (excluding intra-operative use) or withdrawal versus glucocorticosteroid-containing immunosuppression following liver transplantation. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index, The Transplant Library, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) until September 2014. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised clinical trials assessing glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal versus glucocorticosteroid-containing immunosuppression for liver-transplanted people. Our inclusion criteria stated that participants should have received the same co-interventions. We included trials that assessed complete glucocorticosteroid avoidance (excluding the perioperative period and excluding the occurrence of acute rejection) versus short-term glucocorticosteroids, as well as trials that assessed short-term glucocorticosteroids versus long-term glucocorticosteroids. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used RevMan to conduct meta-analyses, calculating risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous variables and mean difference (MD) for continuous variables, both with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used a random-effects model and a fixed-effect model and reported both results where a discrepancy existed. We assessed the risk of systematic errors using risk of bias domains. We controlled for random errors by performing Trial Sequential Analysis. We presented our results in a 'Summary of findings' table. MAIN RESULTS We included 16 completed randomised clinical trials with a total of 1347 participants. We found 10 trials that assessed complete postoperative glucocorticosteroid avoidance (excluding intra-operative use and treatment of rejection) versus short-term glucocorticosteroids (782 participants) and six trials that assessed short-term glucocorticosteroids versus long-term glucocorticosteroids (565 participants). We found one ongoing trial assessing complete postoperative glucocorticosteroid avoidance versus short-term glucocorticosteroids, which is expected to enrol 300 participants. All trials were at high risk of bias. Overall, we found no statistically significant difference for mortality (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.44; low-quality evidence), graft loss including death (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.48; low-quality evidence), or infection (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.05; low-quality evidence) when glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal was compared with glucocorticosteroid-containing immunosuppression. Acute rejection and glucocorticosteroid-resistant rejection were statistically significantly more frequent when glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal was compared with glucocorticosteroid-containing immunosuppression (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.64; moderate-quality evidence; and RR 2.14, 95% CI 1.13 to 4.02; very low-quality evidence). Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were statistically significantly less frequent when glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal was compared with glucocorticosteroid-containing immunosuppression (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.99; low-quality evidence; and RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.90; low-quality evidence). We performed Trial Sequential Analysis for all outcomes. None of the outcomes crossed the monitoring boundaries or reached the required information size. Hence, we cannot exclude random errors from the results of the conventional meta-analyses. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Many of the benefits and harms of glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal remain uncertain because of the limited number of published randomised clinical trials, limited numbers of participants and outcomes, and high risk of bias in the trials. Glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal appears to reduce diabetes mellitus and hypertension whilst increasing acute rejection, glucocorticosteroid-resistant rejection, and renal impairment. We could identify no other benefits or harms of glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal. Glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal may be of benefit in selected patients, especially those at low risk of rejection and high risk of hypertension or diabetes mellitus. The optimal duration of glucocorticosteroid administration remains unclear. More randomised clinical trials assessing glucocorticosteroid avoidance or withdrawal are needed. These should be large, high-quality trials that minimise the risk of random and systematic error.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Fairfield
- Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgical Services and Edinburgh Transplant Unit, Royal Infirmary Edinburgh - NHS Lothian, Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK, EH16 4SA
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Auerbach SR, Kukreja M, Gilbert D, Bastardi H, Feingold B, Knecht K, Kaufman BD, Brown RN, Miyamoto SD. Maintenance steroid use at 30 days post-transplant and outcomes of pediatric heart transplantation: A propensity matched analysis of the Pediatric Heart Transplant Study database. J Heart Lung Transplant 2015; 34:1066-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Crins ND, Röver C, Goralczyk AD, Friede T. Interleukin-2 receptor antagonists for pediatric liver transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies. Pediatr Transplant 2014; 18:839-50. [PMID: 25283839 DOI: 10.1111/petr.12362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
IL-2RA are frequently used as induction therapy in liver transplant recipients to decrease the risk of AR while allowing the reduction of concomitant immunosuppression. The exact association with the use of IL-2RA, however, is uncertain. We performed a systematic literature search for relevant studies. Random effects models were used to assess the incidence of AR, steroid-resistant rejection, graft loss, patient death, and adverse drug reaction, with or without IL-2RA. Six studies (two randomized and four non-randomized) met the eligibility criteria. Acute rejection at six months or later favored the use of IL-2RA significantly (RR 0.38; 95% CI 0.22-0.66, p = 0.0005). Although not statistically significant, IL-2RA showed a substantial reduction of the risk of steroid-resistant rejection (RR 0.32; CI 0.19-1.03, p = 0.0594). Graft loss and patient death showed a reductive tendency through the use of IL-2RA. The use of IL-2RA is safe and is associated with a statistically significantly lower incidence of AR after transplantation and substantial reduction of steroid-resistant rejection, graft loss, and patient death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola D Crins
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center Wolfenbüttel, Wolfenbüttel, Germany
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Abstract
During the last 5 decades, liver transplantation has witnessed rapid development in terms of both technical and pharmacologic advances. Since their discovery, calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) have remained the standard of care for immunosuppression therapy in liver transplantation, improving both patient and graft survival. However, adverse events, particularly posttransplant nephrotoxicity, associated with long-term CNI use have necessitated the development of alternate treatment approaches. These include combination therapy with a CNI and the inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor mycophenolic acid and use of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors. Everolimus, a 40-O-(2-hydroxyethyl) derivative of mTOR inhibitor sirolimus, has a distinct pharmacokinetic profile. Several studies have assessed the role of everolimus in liver transplant recipients in combination with CNI reduction or as a CNI withdrawal strategy. The efficacy of everolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy has been demonstrated in both de novo and maintenance liver transplant recipients. A pivotal study in 719 de novo liver transplant recipients formed the basis of the recent approval of everolimus in combination with steroids and reduced-dose tacrolimus in liver transplantation. In this study, everolimus introduced at 30 days posttransplantation in combination with reduced-dose tacrolimus (exposure reduced by 39%) showed comparable efficacy (composite efficacy failure rate of treated biopsy-proven acute rejection, graft loss, or death) and achieved superior renal function as early as month 1 and maintained it over 2 years versus standard exposure tacrolimus. This review provides an overview of the efficacy and safety of everolimus-based regimens in liver transplantation in the de novo and maintenance settings, as well as in special populations such as patients with hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence, hepatitis C virus-positive patients, and pediatric transplant recipients. We also provide an overview of ongoing studies and discuss potential expansion of the role for everolimus in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörg-Matthias Pollok
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Guido Junge
- Integrated Hospital Care, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
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Abstract
The rapid development of new diagnostic tests and improved therapy, especially the success of liver transplantation, has changed the outcome for children with liver disease, many of whom survive into adolescence without liver transplantation. The indications for transplantation in adolescence are similar to pediatric indications and reflect the medical advances made in this specialty that allow later transplantation. These young people need a different approach to management that involves consideration of their physical and psychological stage of development. A focused approach to their eventual transition to adult care is essential for long-term survival and quality of life.
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Penninga L, Wettergren A, Wilson CH, Chan A, Steinbrüchel DA, Gluud C. Antibody induction versus placebo, no induction, or another type of antibody induction for liver transplant recipients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; 2014:CD010253. [PMID: 24901467 PMCID: PMC8925015 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010253.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation is an established treatment option for end-stage liver failure. To date, no consensus has been reached on the use of immunosuppressive T-cell antibody induction for preventing rejection after liver transplantation. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of immunosuppressive T-cell specific antibody induction compared with placebo, no induction, or another type of T-cell specific antibody induction for prevention of acute rejection in liver transplant recipients. SEARCH METHODS We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) until September 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised clinical trials assessing immunosuppression with T-cell specific antibody induction compared with placebo, no induction, or another type of antibody induction in liver transplant recipients. Our inclusion criteria stated that participants within each included trial should have received the same maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. We planned to include trials with all of the different types of T-cell specific antibodies that are or have been used for induction (ie., polyclonal antibodies (rabbit of horse antithymocyte globulin (ATG), or antilymphocyte globulin (ALG)), monoclonal antibodies (muromonab-CD3, anti-CD2, or alemtuzumab), and interleukin-2 receptor antagonists (daclizumab, basiliximab, BT563, or Lo-Tact-1)). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used RevMan analysis for statistical analysis of dichotomous data with risk ratio (RR) and of continuous data with mean difference (MD), both with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed the risk of systematic errors (bias) using bias risk domains with definitions. We used trial sequential analysis to control for random errors (play of chance). We presented outcome results in a summary of findings table. MAIN RESULTS We included 19 randomised clinical trials with a total of 2067 liver transplant recipients. All 19 trials were with high risk of bias. Of the 19 trials, 16 trials were two-arm trials, and three trials were three-arm trials. Hence, we found 25 trial comparisons with antibody induction agents: interleukin-2 receptor antagonist (IL-2 RA) versus no induction (10 trials with 1454 participants); monoclonal antibody versus no induction (five trials with 398 participants); polyclonal antibody versus no induction (three trials with 145 participants); IL-2 RA versus monoclonal antibody (one trial with 87 participants); and IL-2 RA versus polyclonal antibody (two trials with 112 participants). Thus, we were able to compare T-cell specific antibody induction versus no induction (17 trials with a total of 1955 participants). Overall, no difference in mortality (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.64 to 1.28; low-quality of evidence), graft loss including death (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.71 to 1.19; low-quality of evidence), and adverse events ((RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.02; low-quality evidence) outcomes was observed between any kind of T-cell specific antibody induction compared with no induction when the T-cell specific antibody induction agents were analysed together or separately. Acute rejection seemed to be reduced when any kind of T-cell specific antibody induction was compared with no induction (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.96; moderate-quality evidence), and when trial sequential analysis was applied, the trial sequential monitoring boundary for benefit was crossed before the required information size was obtained. Furthermore, serum creatinine was statistically significantly higher when T-cell specific antibody induction was compared with no induction (MD 3.77 μmol/L, 95% CI 0.33 to 7.21; low-quality evidence), as well as when polyclonal T-cell specific antibody induction was compared with no induction, but this small difference was not clinically significant. We found no statistically significant differences for any of the remaining predefined outcomes - infection, cytomegalovirus infection, hepatitis C recurrence, malignancy, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, renal failure requiring dialysis, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension - when the T-cell specific antibody induction agents were analysed together or separately. Limited data were available for meta-analysis on drug-specific adverse events such as haematological adverse events for antithymocyte globulin. No data were found on quality of life.When T-cell specific antibody induction agents were compared with another type of antibody induction, no statistically significant differences were found for mortality, graft loss, and acute rejection for the separate analyses. When interleukin-2 receptor antagonists were compared with polyclonal T-cell specific antibody induction, drug-related adverse events were less common among participants treated with interleukin-2 receptor antagonists (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.63; low-quality evidence), but this was caused by the results from one trial, and trial sequential analysis could not exclude random errors. We found no statistically significant differences for any of the remaining predefined outcomes: infection, cytomegalovirus infection, hepatitis C recurrence, malignancy, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, renal failure requiring dialysis, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. No data were found on quality of life. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The effects of T-cell antibody induction remain uncertain because of the high risk of bias of the randomised clinical trials, the small number of randomised clinical trials reported, and the limited numbers of participants and outcomes in the trials. T-cell specific antibody induction seems to reduce acute rejection when compared with no induction. No other clear benefits or harms were associated with the use of any kind of T-cell specific antibody induction compared with no induction, or when compared with another type of T-cell specific antibody. Hence, more randomised clinical trials are needed to assess the benefits and harms of T-cell specific antibody induction compared with placebo, and compared with another type of antibody, for prevention of rejection in liver transplant recipients. Such trials ought to be conducted with low risks of systematic error (bias) and low risk of random error (play of chance).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luit Penninga
- Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCopenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812Blegdamsvej 9CopenhagenDenmarkDK‐2100
- Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalDepartment of Surgery and Transplantation C2122Blegdamsvej 9CopenhagenDenmarkDK‐2100 Ø
| | - André Wettergren
- Surgical Clinic HvidovreHvidovrevej 342, 1. floorHvidovreDenmark2650
| | - Colin H Wilson
- The Freeman HospitalInstitute of TransplantationFreeman RoadHigh HeatonNewcastle upon TyneTyne and WearUKNE7 7DN
| | - An‐Wen Chan
- University of TorontoWomen's College Research Institute790 Bay St, Rm 735TorontoONCanada
| | - Daniel A Steinbrüchel
- Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalDepartment of Cardiothoracic SurgeryBlegdamsvej 9CopenhagenDenmarkDK‐2100
| | - Christian Gluud
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalThe Cochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupBlegdamsvej 9CopenhagenDenmarkDK‐2100
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Penninga L, Wettergren A, Wilson CH, Chan A, Steinbrüchel DA, Gluud C. Antibody induction versus corticosteroid induction for liver transplant recipients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; 2014:CD010252. [PMID: 24880007 PMCID: PMC10577808 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010252.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation is an established treatment option for end-stage liver failure. To date, no consensus has been reached on the use of immunosuppressive T-cell specific antibody induction compared with corticosteroid induction of immunosuppression after liver transplantation. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of T-cell specific antibody induction versus corticosteroid induction for prevention of acute rejection in liver transplant recipients. SEARCH METHODS We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) on 30 September 2013 together with reference checking, citation searching, contact with trial authors and pharmaceutical companies to identify additional trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised clinical trials assessing immunosuppression with T-cell specific antibody induction versus corticosteroid induction in liver transplant recipients. Our inclusion criteria stated that participants within each included trial should have received the same maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used RevMan for statistical analysis of dichotomous data with risk ratio (RR) and of continuous data with mean difference (MD), both with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed risk of systematic errors (bias) using bias risk domains with definitions. We used trial sequential analysis to control for random errors (play of chance). MAIN RESULTS We included 10 randomised trials with a total of 1589 liver transplant recipients, which studied the use of T-cell specific antibody induction versus corticosteroid induction. All trials were with high risk of bias. We compared any kind of T-cell specific antibody induction versus corticosteroid induction in 10 trials with 1589 participants, including interleukin-2 receptor antagonist induction versus corticosteroid induction in nine trials with 1470 participants, and polyclonal T-cell specific antibody induction versus corticosteroid induction in one trial with 119 participants.Our analyses showed no significant differences regarding mortality (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.43), graft loss (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.53) and acute rejection (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.00), infection (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.09), hepatitis C virus recurrence (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.00), malignancy (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.13 to 2.73), and post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.07 to 15.38) when any kind of T-cell specific antibody induction was compared with corticosteroid induction (all low-quality evidence). Cytomegalovirus infection was less frequent in patients receiving any kind of T-cell specific antibody induction compared with corticosteroid induction (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.75; low-quality evidence). This was also observed when interleukin-2 receptor antagonist induction was compared with corticosteroid induction (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.83; low-quality evidence), and when polyclonal T-cell specific antibody induction was compared with corticosteroid induction (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.70; low-quality evidence). However, when trial sequential analysis regarding cytomegalovirus infection was applied, the required information size was not reached. Furthermore, diabetes mellitus occurred less frequently when T-cell specific antibody induction was compared with corticosteroid induction (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.60; low-quality evidence), when interleukin-2 receptor antagonist induction was compared with corticosteroid induction (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.61; low-quality evidence), and when polyclonal T-cell specific antibody induction was compared with corticosteroid induction (RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.95; low-quality evidence). When trial sequential analysis was applied, the trial sequential monitoring boundary for benefit was crossed. We found no subgroup differences for type of interleukin-2 receptor antagonist (basiliximab versus daclizumab). Four trials reported on adverse events. However, no differences between trial groups were noted. Limited data were available for meta-analysis on drug-specific adverse events such as haematological adverse events for antithymocyte globulin. No data were available on quality of life. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Because of the low quality of the evidence, the effects of T-cell antibody induction remain uncertain. T-cell specific antibody induction seems to reduce diabetes mellitus and may reduce cytomegalovirus infection when compared with corticosteroid induction. No other clear benefits or harms were associated with the use of T-cell specific antibody induction compared with corticosteroid induction. For some analyses, the number of trials investigating the use of T-cell specific antibody induction after liver transplantation is small, and the numbers of participants and outcomes in these randomised trials are limited. Furthermore, the included trials are heterogeneous in nature and have applied different types of T-cell specific antibody induction therapy. All trials were at high risk of bias. Hence, additional randomised clinical trials are needed to assess the benefits and harms of T-cell specific antibody induction compared with corticosteroid induction for liver transplant recipients. Such trials ought to be conducted with low risks of systematic error and of random error.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luit Penninga
- Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCopenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812Blegdamsvej 9CopenhagenDenmarkDK‐2100
- Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalDepartment of Surgery and Transplantation C2122Blegdamsvej 9CopenhagenDenmarkDK‐2100 Ø
| | - André Wettergren
- Surgical Clinic HvidovreHvidovrevej 342, 1. floorHvidovreDenmark2650
| | - Colin H Wilson
- The Freeman HospitalInstitute of TransplantationFreeman RoadHigh HeatonNewcastle upon TyneTyne and WearUKNE7 7DN
| | - An‐Wen Chan
- University of TorontoWomen's College Research Institute790 Bay St, Rm 735TorontoONCanada
| | - Daniel A Steinbrüchel
- Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalDepartment of Cardiothoracic SurgeryBlegdamsvej 9CopenhagenDenmarkDK‐2100
| | - Christian Gluud
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalThe Cochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupBlegdamsvej 9CopenhagenDenmarkDK‐2100
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Kalil AC, Florescu MC, Grant W, Miles C, Morris M, Stevens RB, Langnas AN, Florescu DF. Risk of serious opportunistic infections after solid organ transplantation: interleukin-2 receptor antagonists versus polyclonal antibodies. A meta-analysis. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 12:881-96. [PMID: 24869718 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2014.917046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate and quantify the risk of serious opportunistic infections after induction with polyclonal antibodies versus IL-2 receptor antagonists (IL-2RAs) in randomized clinical trials. METHODS PRISMA guidelines were followed and random-effects models were performed. RESULTS 70 randomized clinical trials (10,106 patients) were selected: 36 polyclonal antibodies (n = 3377), and 34 IL-2RAs (n = 6729). Compared to controls, polyclonal antibodies showed higher risk of serious opportunistic infections (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.34-2.80; p < 0.0001); IL-2RAs were associated with lower risk of serious opportunistic infections (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.68-0.94; p = 0.009). Polyclonal antibodies were associated with higher risk of bacterial (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.00-2.50; p = 0.049) and viral infections (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.60-3.49; p < 0.0001), while IL-2RAs were associated with lower risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56-0.97; p = 0.032). Adjusted indirect comparison: compared to polyclonal antibodies, IL-2RAs were associated with lower risk of serious opportunistic infections (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.34-0.49; p < 0.0001), bacterial infections (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.39-0.67; p < 0.0001) and CMV disease (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.34-0.98; p = 0.043). Results remained consistent across allografts. CONCLUSION The risk of serious opportunistic infections, bacterial infections and CMV disease were all significantly decreased with IL-2RAs compared to polyclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre C Kalil
- Infectious Diseases Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Gu J, Wu X, Lu L, Zhang S, Bai J, Wang J, Li J, Ding Y. Role of steroid minimization in the tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen for liver transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective randomized controlled trials. Hepatol Int 2014; 8:198-215. [PMID: 24765218 PMCID: PMC3990862 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-014-9523-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of early steroid withdrawal or steroid avoidance in the tacrolimus (Tac)-based immunosuppressive regimen for liver transplant recipients. According to the requirements of the Cochrane systematic review, a thorough literature search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane electronic databases between 1995 and 2011 using the key words "liver transplantation," "Tac," and "steroid free" or "steroid withdrawal," restricting articles to the English language. Data were processed for a meta-analysis by Stata 12 software. Altogether 17 prospective randomized controlled trials containing 1,980 transplanted patients were included in this study. The overall pooled RR estimates of 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year patient and graft survival rates were 0.985, 0.998, 0.995, and 1.100 (95 % CI 0.925-1.048, 0.934-1.067, 0.894-1.107, and 0.968-1.250, respectively), as well as 0.998, 0.993, 0.945, and 1.053, respectively (95 % CI 0.928-1.072, 0.902-1.092, 0.833-1.072, and 0.849-1.307, respectively). The other pooled RR estimates of acute rejection and chronic rejection rates for all enrolled studies were 1.077 and 0.311 (95 % CI 0.864-1.343 and 0.003-37.207). As for secondary predictors, the pooled RR estimates such as HCV recurrence, HCC recurrence, diabetes, hypertension, kidney dysfunction, bacterial infection, and CMV were 1.101, 1.403, 1.836, 1.607, 0.842, 1.096, and 2.280, respectively (95 % CI 0.964-1.257, 0.422-4.688, 1.294-2.606, 0.926-1.228, 0.693-1.022, 0.783-1.533, and 1.500-3.465, respectively). There were no differences between the steroid group and steroid-free group for all clinical observational indices except for the incidence of diabetes (p = 0.001) and CMV infection (p < 0.001). In summary, our study indicate that rapid discontinuation of steroid in the Tac-based immunosuppressive regimen may not lead to an increased risk of morbidity and rejection rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyang Gu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated DrumTower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province’s Key Medical Center for Hepatobiliary Disease, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingyu Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated DrumTower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province’s Key Medical Center for Hepatobiliary Disease, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Lu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The 81st Hospital of PLA, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated DrumTower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianling Bai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, DrumTower Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Ultrasonography, Wuxi Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Wuxi, China
| | - Yitao Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated DrumTower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province’s Key Medical Center for Hepatobiliary Disease, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Abstract
The success of paediatric liver transplantation is attributed to improved surgical techniques and the advent of calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression. Acute rejection (AR) rarely results in graft loss with calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressive regimens, and the advent of newer agents like interleukin (IL)-2 receptor antibodies. The latter have the benefit of reducing the incidence of AR further and may be of use in patients who are susceptible to recurrent AR, were retransplanted for graft rejection or are in a steroid-sparing regimen. A total of 60 % of all paediatric liver transplants result in AR; however, there is a 75 % response rate to initial steroid therapy. Steroid therapy remains the mainstay of initial AR management, coupled with an increase in baseline immunosuppression. Steroid-resistant rejection (SRR), previously an immediate indication for potent anti-lymphocyte preparations, is now effectively treated with chimeric or humanised IL-2 receptor monoclonal antibodies. Recurrent AR can be treated by adding adjuvant immunosuppressive agents such as mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or sirolimus. Studies have also demonstrated the efficacy of MMF as rescue therapy for SRR. Anti-lymphocyte preparations such as anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) and OKT3 are rarely used in SRR but may be of use as rescue therapy for severe SRR. The challenges of the management of AR remain in the management of recurrent AR and SRR. We discuss the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of AR, including prevention, and specific management of AR and SRR based on current evidence and our own experience at the King's College Paediatric Liver, Gastroenterology and Nutrition Centre in London.
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Kelly DA, Bucuvalas JC, Alonso EM, Karpen SJ, Allen U, Green M, Farmer D, Shemesh E, McDonald RA. Long-term medical management of the pediatric patient after liver transplantation: 2013 practice guideline by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the American Society of Transplantation. Liver Transpl 2013; 19:798-825. [PMID: 23836431 DOI: 10.1002/lt.23697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre A Kelly
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital, National Health Service Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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Turner AP, Knechtle SJ. Induction immunosuppression in liver transplantation: a review. Transpl Int 2013; 26:673-83. [PMID: 23651083 DOI: 10.1111/tri.12100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antibody therapy for induction is seldom used in liver transplantation in the United States, but continues to be used in approximately 10% of patients. The most commonly used antibody at the current time is basiliximab (Simulect, Novartis) and is used in adults with renal dysfunction at the time of liver transplantation with the intention of delaying introduction of calcineurin-inhibitors. In children, the same antibody is commonly used in order to reduce rates of acute rejection. Most patients, adult and pediatric, are treated with initially higher levels of tacrolimus rather than antibody induction.
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Baughman RP, Meyer KC, Nathanson I, Angel L, Bhorade SM, Chan KM, Culver D, Harrod CG, Hayney MS, Highland KB, Limper AH, Patrick H, Strange C, Whelan T. Monitoring of nonsteroidal immunosuppressive drugs in patients with lung disease and lung transplant recipients: American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest 2012; 142:e1S-e111S. [PMID: 23131960 PMCID: PMC3610695 DOI: 10.1378/chest.12-1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Immunosuppressive pharmacologic agents prescribed to patients with diffuse interstitial and inflammatory lung disease and lung transplant recipients are associated with potential risks for adverse reactions. Strategies for minimizing such risks include administering these drugs according to established, safe protocols; monitoring to detect manifestations of toxicity; and patient education. Hence, an evidence-based guideline for physicians can improve safety and optimize the likelihood of a successful outcome. To maximize the likelihood that these agents will be used safely, the American College of Chest Physicians established a committee to examine the clinical evidence for the administration and monitoring of immunosuppressive drugs (with the exception of corticosteroids) to identify associated toxicities associated with each drug and appropriate protocols for monitoring these agents. METHODS Committee members developed and refined a series of questions about toxicities of immunosuppressives and current approaches to administration and monitoring. A systematic review was carried out by the American College of Chest Physicians. Committee members were supplied with this information and created this evidence-based guideline. CONCLUSIONS It is hoped that these guidelines will improve patient safety when immunosuppressive drugs are given to lung transplant recipients and to patients with diffuse interstitial lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keith C Meyer
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | | | - Luis Angel
- University of Texas Health Sciences, San Antonio, TX
| | | | - Kevin M Chan
- University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | | | - Mary S Hayney
- University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, Madison, WI
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Kaemmerer D, Schmidt B, Lehmann G, Wolf G, Hommann M, Settmacher U. Monthly Ibandronate for the Prevention of Bone Loss in Patients After Liver Transplantation. Transplant Proc 2012; 44:1362-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2012.01.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Risk factors for infection after liver transplantation. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2012; 26:61-72. [PMID: 22482526 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 01/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Infection is a common cause of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation. Risk factors relate to transplantation factors, donor and recipient factors. Transplant factors include ischaemia-reperfusion damage, amount of intra-operative blood transfusion, level and type of immunosuppression, rejection, and complications, prolonged intensive care stay with dialysis or ventilation, type of biliary drainage, repeat operations, re-transplantation, antibiotics, antiviral regimen, and environment. Donor risk factors include infection, prolonged intensive care stay, quality of the donor liver (e.g. steatosis), and viral status. For the recipient the most important are MELD score >30, malnutrition, renal failure, acute liver failure, presence of infection or colonisation, and immune status for viruses like cytomegalovirus. In recent years it has become clear that genetic polymorphisms in innate immunity, especially the lectin pathway of complement activation and in Toll-like receptors importantly contribute to the infection risk after liver transplantation. Therefore, the risk for infections after liver transplantation is a multifactorial problem and all factors need attention to reduce this risk.
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Abstract
Pediatric liver transplantation is now so successful that we expect more than 80% of children to survive into adolescence and adulthood. As the focus of care shifts toward long-term patient management, immunosuppressive regimens should, in addition to preventing acute and chronic rejection, promote good quality of life and be free of significant long-term side effects. Historically, the most effective immunosuppressive regimens have been based on induction with a combination of calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporin or tacrolimus) and steroids. Usually, maintenance is monotherapy with cyclosporin or tacrolimus or dual therapy with low-dose alternate-day steroids to encourage growth. A number of studies, including long-term follow-up, have shown significantly lower incidences of rejection, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and cosmetic side effects in patients treated initially with tacrolimus compared with cyclosporin. The use of anti-interleukin-2 inhibitors as induction therapy, with low-dose tacrolimus or in combination with mycophenolate mofetil, has a key role in preventing significant renal dysfunction and reducing infection and rejection. Steroid-free immunosuppression is also proving to be an effective option for the management of pediatric liver recipients. The main challenges now facing pediatricians include ensuring long-term quality of life, optimizing immunosuppression while preventing associated adverse events, and managing a smooth transition from childhood to adolescence and adulthood.
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40
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Abstract
The long-term outcome of paediatric transplantation has improved over the last decade with an increase in the armamentarium of immunosuppressive agents. However, the battle against the hostile immune response at the time of and after transplantation continues. Induction therapy can reduce early injury, to optimize the long-term allograft survival. The goal of induction immunosuppression in paediatric transplantation is to permit the use of lower doses of maintenance immunosuppressive agents without increased rates of acute allograft rejection and chronic allograft damage. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature relating to the use of antibody agents for induction in paediatric solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Krischock
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow, UK
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41
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Abstract
The theoretical risks of early SW, <3 months post-LT, and complete elimination (steroid-free LT) lie in mainly three areas, namely the risks of AGR, CGR, and the development of d-AIH that has been described in SW post-LT in children. These should be balanced against the benefits of early SW mainly manifested as effects on growth post-LT. In this paper, we focused on the clinical trials that included CS therapy risks and benefits in pediatric LT. Focusing mainly on CGR and d-AIH as risks, and the beneficial effects on growth post-LT with either low-dose CS, SW, or steroid-free regimens. Main conclusions from comparing a large number of studies are: early SW or elimination from immunosuppression protocols was neither harmful to the patient nor to the graft survival rate in the short term, the overall impression is that steroids negatively affect growth in LT recipients when used in high doses and prolonged course, and that development of d-AIH is not associated with CS therapy with evidence that chronic low dose steroids post-LT have no preventative role against d-AIH.
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Lerut J, Bonaccorsi-Riani E, Finet P, Gianello P. Minimization of steroids in liver transplantation. Transpl Int 2009; 22:2-19. [PMID: 19121145 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2008.00758.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Because of the markedly improved short-term results of liver transplantation (LT) and persistently high number of long-term complications, the attention of transplant physicians should be focused on minimizing immunosuppressive therapy as much as possible. Steroid-based immunosuppression is responsible for a substantial post-LT morbidity and mortality, hence, minimization of its use is of utmost importance to improve the quality of life of the successfully transplanted liver recipient. This literature review shows that LT can be performed safely with steroid-minimal immunosuppression without compromising graft and patient survival. The tendency in clinical practice is to move more and more from steroid withdrawal to steroid avoidance protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lerut
- Department of Abdominal and Transplantation Surgery, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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43
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Abstract
In previous decades, pediatric liver transplantation has become a state-of-the-art operation with excellent success and limited mortality. Graft and patient survival have continued to improve as a result of improvements in medical, surgical and anesthetic management, organ availability, immunosuppression, and identification and treatment of postoperative complications. The utilization of split-liver grafts and living-related donors has provided more organs for pediatric patients. Newer immunosuppression regimens, including induction therapy, have had a significant impact on graft and patient survival. Future developments of pediatric liver transplantation will deal with long-term follow-up, with prevention of immunosuppression-related complications and promotion of as normal growth as possible. This review describes the state-of-the-art in pediatric liver transplantation.
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Tredger JM, Brown NW, Dhawan A. Calcineurin inhibitor sparing in paediatric solid organ transplantation : managing the efficacy/toxicity conundrum. Drugs 2008; 68:1385-414. [PMID: 18578558 DOI: 10.2165/00003495-200868100-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite their efficacy, the calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) ciclosporin and tacrolimus carry a risk of debilitating adverse effects, especially nephrotoxicity, that affect the long-term outcome and survival of children who are given organ transplants. Simple reduction in dosage of CNI has little or no long-term benefit on their adverse effects, and complete withdrawal without threatening graft outcome may only be possible after liver transplantation. Until the last decade, the only option was to increase corticosteroid and/or azathioprine doses, which imposed additional long-term hazards. Considered here are the emerging generation of new agents offering an opportunity for improving long-term graft survival, minimizing CNI-related adverse events and ensuring patient well-being.A holistic, multifaceted strategy may need to be considered - initial selection and optimized use and monitoring of immunosuppressant regimens, early recognition of indicators of patient and graft dysfunction, and, where applicable, early introduction of CNI-sparing regimens facilitating CNI withdrawal. The evidence reviewed here supports these approaches but remains far from definitive in paediatric solid organ transplantation. Because de novo immunosuppression uses CNI in more than 93% of patients, reduction of CNI-related adverse effects has focused on CNI sparing or withdrawal.A recurring theme where sirolimus and mycophenolate mofetil have been used for this purpose is the importance of their early introduction to limit CNI damage and provide long-term benefit: for example, long-term renal function critically reflects that at 1 year post-transplant. While mycophenolic acid shows advantages over sirolimus in preserving renal function because the latter is associated with proteinuria, sirolimus appears the more potent immunosuppressant but also impairs early wound healing. The use of CNI-free immunosuppressant regimens with depleting or non-depleting antibodies plus sirolimus and mycophenolic acid needs much wider investigation to achieve acceptable rejection rates and conserve renal function. The adverse effects of the alternative immunosuppressants, particularly the dyslipidaemia associated with sirolimus, needs to be minimized to avoid replacing one set of adverse effects (from CNIs) with another. While we can only conjecture that judicious combinations with the second generation of novel immunosuppressants currently in development will provide these solutions, a rationale of low-dose therapy with multiple immunosuppressants acting by complementary mechanisms seems to hold the promise for efficacy with minimal toxicity until the vision of tolerance achieves reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Tredger
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital and King's College London School of Medicine, London, UK.
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45
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Basiliximab versus steroids in double therapy immunosuppression in liver transplantation: a prospective randomized clinical trial. Transplantation 2008; 86:925-31. [PMID: 18852657 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e318186b8a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND : Basiliximab (B), an anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody, may represent an alternative to steroids (S) in immunosuppression after liver transplantation (LTx). The aim of this prospective randomized clinical trial was to compare B with S in a cyclosporin A (CsA)-based immunosuppression regimen in primary LTx. METHODS : Forty-seven adult recipients of LTx were randomly assigned to receive B or S. CsA was administered at the initial dose of 10 mg/kg/day and adjusted to the target C2 level of 800 to 1000 ng/mL by day 7. Clinically suspected acute cellular rejection (ACR) was histologically confirmed. Endpoints include ACR, survival, and disease-free survival. RESULTS : In group B (26 patients), there were seven biopsy-confirmed ACR with an ACR rate of 15.4%; in group S (21 patients), 8 ACR with an ACR rate of 28.6% (P=n.s.). Cumulative survival at 36 months after transplantation was 84.3% for group B and 61.0% for group S. In hepatitis C virus patients (n=20: 12 in group B, 8 in group S), the ACR rate was 25% in group B and 50% in group S. The incidence of infection and other adverse events was similar in the two treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS : B may represent a valid alternative to S in the induction of immunosuppression in LTx. Further studies of basiliximab in a large cohort are needed.
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Gras JM, Gerkens S, Beguin C, Janssen M, Smets F, Otte JB, Sokal E, Reding R. Steroid-free, tacrolimus-basiliximab immunosuppression in pediatric liver transplantation: clinical and pharmacoeconomic study in 50 children. Liver Transpl 2008; 14:469-77. [PMID: 18383091 DOI: 10.1002/lt.21397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Corticosteroid-free immunosuppression (IS) may be potentially beneficial for transplanted patients, particularly children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and cost of such strategy in primary pediatric liver transplantation (LT). Fifty pediatric LT recipients were prospectively treated with a steroid-free, tacrolimus-basiliximab-based IS (group TB). A group of 34 children transplanted under a conventional tacrolimus-steroids regimen served as control series (group TS). Groups TB and TS were compared regarding patient and graft survival, rejection incidence, infectious complications, and growth, as well as cost of the transplant procedure. Patient and graft survivals at 3 years were 96% and 94% in group TB, versus 91% and 88% in group TS (P = 0.380 and P = 0.370, respectively). Rejection-free graft survival at 3 years was 72% in group TB, versus 41% in group TS (P = 0.007). Patients in group TB had significantly less viral infections than patients in group TS (P = 0.045). Height standard deviation score was significantly enhanced in children from group TB, when compared to group TS. Medical care costs were similar in both groups. Steroid avoidance together with basiliximab immunoprophylaxis was not harmful in terms of allograft acceptance, and even seemed to be beneficial in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie M Gras
- Pediatric Liver Transplant Program, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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Registry of Randomized Controlled Trials in Transplantation: July 1 to December 31, 2006. Transplantation 2007; 84:940-53. [DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000286319.97951.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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48
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The role of antibody induction in liver transplantation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2007; 12:242-244. [PMID: 27711011 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0b013e32814e6b9f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Antilymphocyte antibody induction has been used in liver transplantation for decades, initially as part of a triple or quadruple immunosuppressive protocol to prevent rejection or in the treatment of steroid-resistant rejection. More recently there has been renewed interest in antibody induction in liver transplantation as part of a strategy to eliminate or reduce one or more immunosuppressive agents. This review highlights recent advances in the role of antibody induction in liver transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS Primary interest in antibody induction now falls into four major categories: steroid avoidance; calcineurin inhibitor reduction as a renal sparing protocol; minimal immunosuppression protocols (tolerance); and limiting hepatitis C recurrence. These protocols usually involve short courses of antibody induction in the peritransplant period, with decreased reliance on other agents after transplantation. Recent reports demonstrate several beneficial effects of antibody induction and suggest that, in the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease era, antibody induction in immunosuppressive strategies in liver transplantation will become increasingly important. SUMMARY Antibody induction in liver transplantation confers valuable benefit in limiting the adverse effects of maintenance immunosuppression. Antibodies allow the subsequent reduction or elimination of other agents to minimize overall immunosuppression.
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49
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Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is now a standard treatment for children with end-stage liver disease with excellent 1- and 5-year survival. This has been achieved through improvement of surgical techniques and anti-rejection treatment and management. The donor pool for children has been extended by the use of cut-down, split, living-related and, recently, non-heart-beating donor and isolated hepatocyte transplantation. Though the majority of transplanted children enjoy an excellent quality of life, there remain a high number of possible complications, including short-term primary non-function, vascular and biliary problems, bowel perforation, severe rejection, infection, hypertension and long-term renal impairment, chronic rejection, de novo autoimmunity, lymphoproliferative disease and cancer, most of which are related to anti-rejection drug toxicity. Hence, the focus of research for paediatric LT should be induction of tolerance, avoiding long-term immunosuppression and its toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Muiesan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK
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