1
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Casas S, Tangprasertchai NS, Oikonomaki K, Mathers S, Sollet ZC, Samara S, Liu J, Burlinson ND, Constantoulakis P, Villard J, Viard T. Multi-centre analytical performance verification of an IVD assay to quantify donor-derived cell-free DNA in solid organ transplant recipients. HLA 2024; 103:e15518. [PMID: 38733247 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) has been widely studied as biomarker for non-invasive allograft rejection monitoring. Earlier rejection detection enables more prompt diagnosis and intervention, ultimately improving patient treatment and outcomes. This multi-centre study aims to verify analytical performance of a next-generation sequencing-based dd-cfDNA assay at end-user environments. Three independent laboratories received the same experimental design and 16 blinded samples to perform cfDNA extraction and the dd-cfDNA assay workflow. dd-cfDNA results were compared between sites and against manufacturer validation to evaluate concordance, reproducibility, repeatability and verify analytical performance. A total of 247 sample libraries were generated across 18 runs, with completion time of <24 h. A 96.0% first pass rate highlighted minimal failures. Overall observed versus expected dd-cfDNA results demonstrated good concordance and a strong positive correlation with linear least squares regression r2 = 0.9989, and high repeatability and reproducibility within and between sites, respectively (p > 0.05). Manufacturer validation established limit of blank 0.18%, limit of detection 0.23% and limit of quantification 0.23%, and results from independent sites verified those limits. Parallel analyses illustrated no significant difference (p = 0.951) between dd-cfDNA results with or without recipient genotype. The dd-cfDNA assay evaluated here has been verified as a reliable method for efficient, reproducible dd-cfDNA quantification in plasma from solid organ transplant recipients without requiring genotyping. Implementation of onsite dd-cfDNA testing at clinical laboratories could facilitate earlier detection of allograft injury, bearing great potential for patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Simon Mathers
- Transplantation Laboratory, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Zuleika Calderin Sollet
- Transplantation Immunology Unit and National Reference Laboratory for Histocompatibility, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - June Liu
- CareDx, Brisbane, California, USA
| | | | | | - Jean Villard
- Transplantation Immunology Unit and National Reference Laboratory for Histocompatibility, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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2
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O'Halloran CP, Tannous P, Arva NC, Thrush PT, Monge M, Joong A, Magnetta DA. Histopathology, mRNA expression profile, and donor-derived cell-free DNA for assessment of rejection in pediatric heart transplantation. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14705. [PMID: 38528753 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between histopathologic and molecular ("MMDx"®) assessments of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and serum donor-derived cell-free DNA (ddcfDNA) in acute rejection (AR) assessment following pediatric heart transplantation (HT) is unknown. METHODS EMB sent for MMDx and histopathology from November 2021 to September 2022 were reviewed. MMDx and histopathology results were compared. DdcfDNA obtained ≤1 week prior to EMB were compared with histopathology and MMDx results. The discrimination of ddcfDNA for AR was assessed using receiver-operating curves. FINDINGS In this study, 177 EMBs were obtained for histopathology and MMDx, 101 had time-matched ddcfDNA values. MMDx and Histopathology displayed moderate agreement for T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR, Kappa = 0.52, p < .001) and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR, Kappa = 0.41, p < .001). Discordant results occurred in 24% of cases, most often with ABMR. Compared with no AR, ddcfDNA values were elevated in cases of AR diagnosed by both histopathology and MMDx (p < .01 for all). Additionally, ddcfDNA values were elevated in injury patterns on MMDx, even when AR was not present (p = .01). DdcfDNA displayed excellent discrimination (AUC 0.83) for AR by MMDx and/or histopathology. Using a threshold of ≥0.135%, ddcfDNA had a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 63%, PPV of 52%, and NPV of 94%. CONCLUSIONS Histopathology and MMDx displayed moderate agreement in diagnosing AR following pediatric HT, with most discrepancies noted in the presence of ABMR. DdcfDNA is elevated with AR, with excellent discrimination and high NPV particularly when utilizing MMDx. A combination of all three tests may be necessary in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor P O'Halloran
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul Tannous
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nicoleta C Arva
- Department of Pathology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Philip T Thrush
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael Monge
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anna Joong
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Defne A Magnetta
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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3
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Sorbini M, Carradori T, Togliatto GM, Vaisitti T, Deaglio S. Technical Advances in Circulating Cell-Free DNA Detection and Analysis for Personalized Medicine in Patients' Care. Biomolecules 2024; 14:498. [PMID: 38672514 PMCID: PMC11048502 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) refers to small fragments of DNA molecules released after programmed cell death and necrosis in several body fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. The discovery of cfDNA has revolutionized the field of non-invasive diagnostics in the oncologic field, in prenatal testing, and in organ transplantation. Despite the potential of cfDNA and the solid results published in the recent literature, several challenges remain, represented by a low abundance, a need for highly sensitive assays, and analytical issues. In this review, the main technical advances in cfDNA analysis are presented and discussed, with a comprehensive examination of the current available methodologies applied in each field. Considering the potential advantages of cfDNA, this biomarker is increasing its consensus among clinicians, as it allows us to monitor patients' conditions in an easy and non-invasive way, offering a more personalized care. Nevertheless, cfDNA analysis is still considered a diagnostic marker to be further validated, and very few centers are implementing its analysis in routine diagnostics. As technical improvements are enhancing the performances of cfDNA analysis, its application will transversally improve patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Sorbini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (T.C.); (T.V.); (S.D.)
| | - Tullia Carradori
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (T.C.); (T.V.); (S.D.)
| | - Gabriele Maria Togliatto
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Service, Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Vaisitti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (T.C.); (T.V.); (S.D.)
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Service, Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (T.C.); (T.V.); (S.D.)
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Service, Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy;
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4
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Dipchand AI, Webber SA. Pediatric heart transplantation: Looking forward after five decades of learning. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14675. [PMID: 38062996 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Heart transplantation has become the standard of care for pediatric patients with end-stage heart disease throughout the world. Since the first transplant was performed in 1967, the number of transplants has grown dramatically with 13 449 pediatric heart transplants being reported to The International Society of Heart and Lung Transplant (ISHLT) between January 1992 and June 30, 2018. Outcomes have consistently improved over the last few decades, specifically short-term outcomes. Most recent survival data demonstrate that recipients who survive to 1-year post-transplant have excellent long-term survival with more than 60% of those who were transplanted as infants being alive 25 years later. Nonetheless, the rates of graft loss beyond the first year have remained relatively constant over time; driven primarily by our poor understanding and lack of treatments for chronic allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Acute rejection, CAV, graft failure, and infection continue to be the major causes of death within the first 5 years post-transplant. In addition, renal dysfunction, malignancy, and the need for re-transplantation remain as significant issues that require close follow-up. Looking forward, key challenges include improving donor utilization rates (including donation after cardiac death (DCD) and the use of ex vivo perfusion devices), the development of non-invasive biomarkers for rejection, efforts to mitigate the long-term effects of immunosuppression, and prevention of CAV. It is not possible to cover the entire evolution of pediatric heart transplantation over the last five decades, but in this review, we hope to touch on key observations, lessons learned, and practice changes that have advanced the field, as well as glance ahead to the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne I Dipchand
- Department of Paediatrics, Head, Heart Transplant, Labatt Family Heart Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven A Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Pediatrician-in-Chief, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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5
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Park S, Sellares J, Tinel C, Anglicheau D, Bestard O, Friedewald JJ. European Society of Organ Transplantation Consensus Statement on Testing for Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Kidney Allograft Rejection. Transpl Int 2024; 36:12115. [PMID: 38239762 PMCID: PMC10794444 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2023.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
To address the need for improved biomarkers for kidney transplant rejection, European Society of Organ Transplantation (ESOT) convened a dedicated working group comprised of experts in kidney transplant biomarkers to review literature pertaining to clinical and subclinical acute rejection to develop guidelines in the screening and diagnosis of acute rejection that were subsequently discussed and voted on during the Consensus Conference that took place in person in Prague. The findings and recommendations of the Working Group on Molecular Biomarkers of Kidney Transplant Rejection are presented in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sookhyeon Park
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Claire Tinel
- Dijon University Hospital, INSERM UMR 1098 Right, UBFC, Dijon, France
| | - Dany Anglicheau
- Necker Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, INSERM U1151, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - John J. Friedewald
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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6
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Battle R, Pritchard D, Peacock S, Hastie C, Worthington J, Jordan S, McCaughlan JA, Barnardo M, Cope R, Collins C, Diaz-Burlinson N, Rosser C, Foster L, Kallon D, Shaw O, Briggs D, Turner D, Anand A, Akbarzad-Yousefi A, Sage D. BSHI and BTS UK guideline on the detection of alloantibodies in solid organ (and islet) transplantation. Int J Immunogenet 2023; 50 Suppl 2:3-63. [PMID: 37919251 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12641] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Solid organ transplantation represents the best (and in many cases only) treatment option for patients with end-stage organ failure. The effectiveness and functioning life of these transplants has improved each decade due to surgical and clinical advances, and accurate histocompatibility assessment. Patient exposure to alloantigen from another individual is a common occurrence and takes place through pregnancies, blood transfusions or previous transplantation. Such exposure to alloantigen's can lead to the formation of circulating alloreactive antibodies which can be deleterious to solid organ transplant outcome. The purpose of these guidelines is to update to the previous BSHI/BTS guidelines 2016 on the relevance, assessment, and management of alloantibodies within solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Battle
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Sarah Peacock
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Sue Jordan
- National Blood Service Tooting, London, UK
| | | | - Martin Barnardo
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca Cope
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Luke Foster
- Birmingham Blood Donor Centre, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Olivia Shaw
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - David Turner
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Arthi Anand
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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7
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Goldberg JF, Truby LK, Agbor-Enoh S, Jackson AM, deFilippi CR, Khush KK, Shah P. Selection and Interpretation of Molecular Diagnostics in Heart Transplantation. Circulation 2023; 148:679-694. [PMID: 37603604 PMCID: PMC10449361 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.062847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The number of heart transplants performed annually in the United States and worldwide continues to increase, but there has been little change in graft longevity and patient survival over the past 2 decades. The reference standard for diagnosis of acute cellular and antibody-mediated rejection includes histologic and immunofluorescence evaluation of endomyocardial biopsy samples, despite invasiveness and high interrater variability for grading histologic rejection. Circulating biomarkers and molecular diagnostics have shown substantial predictive value in rejection monitoring, and emerging data support their use in diagnosing other posttransplant complications. The use of genomic (cell-free DNA), transcriptomic (mRNA and microRNA profiling), and proteomic (protein expression quantitation) methodologies in diagnosis of these posttransplant outcomes has been evaluated with varying levels of evidence. In parallel, growing knowledge about the genetically mediated immune response leading to rejection (immunogenetics) has enhanced understanding of antibody-mediated rejection, associated graft dysfunction, and death. Antibodies to donor human leukocyte antigens and the technology available to evaluate these antibodies continues to evolve. This review aims to provide an overview of biomarker and immunologic tests used to diagnose posttransplant complications. This includes a discussion of pediatric heart transplantation and the disparate rates of rejection and death experienced by Black patients receiving a heart transplant. This review describes diagnostic modalities that are available and used after transplant and the landscape of future investigations needed to enhance patient outcomes after heart transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason F Goldberg
- Department of Heart Failure and Transplantation, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church, VA (J.F.G., C.R.d., P.S.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Inova L.J. Murphy Children's Hospital, Falls Church, VA (J.F.G.)
| | - Lauren K Truby
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas (L.K.T.)
| | - Sean Agbor-Enoh
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (S.A.-E.)
- Applied Precision Genomics, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD (S.A.-E.)
| | - Annette M Jackson
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC (A.M.J.)
| | - Christopher R deFilippi
- Department of Heart Failure and Transplantation, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church, VA (J.F.G., C.R.d., P.S.)
| | - Kiran K Khush
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA (K.K.K.)
| | - Palak Shah
- Department of Heart Failure and Transplantation, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church, VA (J.F.G., C.R.d., P.S.)
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8
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Almond CS, Sleeper LA, Rossano JW, Bock MJ, Pahl E, Auerbach S, Lal A, Hollander SA, Miyamoto SD, Castleberry C, Lee J, Barkoff LM, Gonzales S, Klein G, Daly KP. The teammate trial: Study design and rationale tacrolimus and everolimus against tacrolimus and MMF in pediatric heart transplantation using the major adverse transplant event (MATE) score. Am Heart J 2023; 260:100-112. [PMID: 36828201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently there are no immunosuppression regimens FDA-approved to prevent rejection in pediatric heart transplantation (HT). In recent years, everolimus (EVL) has emerged as a potential alternative to standard tacrolimus (TAC) as the primary immunosuppressant to prevent rejection that may also reduce the risk of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. However, the 2 regimens have never been compared head-to-head in a randomized trial. The study design and rationale are reviewed in light of the challenges inherent in rare disease research. METHODS The TEAMMATE trial (IND 127980) is the first multicenter randomized clinical trial (RCT) in pediatric HT. The primary purpose is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EVL and low-dose TAC (LD-TAC) compared to standard-dose TAC and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Children aged <21 years at HT were randomized (1:1 ratio) at 6 months post-HT to either regimen, and followed for 30 months. Children with recurrent rejection, multi-organ transplant recipients, and those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73m2 were excluded. The primary efficacy hypothesis is that, compared to TAC/MMF, EVL/LD-TAC is more effective in preventing 3 MATEs: acute cellular rejection (ACR), CKD and CAV. The primary safety hypothesis is that EVL/LD-TAC does not have a higher cumulative burden of 6 MATEs (antibody mediated rejection [AMR], infection, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder [PTLD] in addition to the 3 above). The primary endpoint is the MATE score, a composite, ordinal surrogate endpoint reflecting the frequency and severity of MATEs that is validated against graft loss. The study had a target sample size of 210 patients across 25 sites and is powered to demonstrate superior efficacy of EVL/LD-TAC. Trial enrollment is complete and participant follow-up will be completed in 2023. CONCLUSION The TEAMMATE trial is the first multicenter RCT in pediatric HT. It is anticipated that the study will provide important information about the safety and efficacy of everolimus vs tacrolimus-based regimens and will provide valuable lessons into the design and conduct of future trials in pediatric HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Almond
- Departments of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA.
| | - Lynn A Sleeper
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital and the Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Joseph W Rossano
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Matthew J Bock
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Elfriede Pahl
- Department of Pediatrics, Lurie Children's Hospital, Northwestern School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Scott Auerbach
- Children's Hospital Colorado Heart Institute, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Ashwin Lal
- Department of Pediatrics Primary Children's Hospital, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Seth A Hollander
- Departments of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Shelley D Miyamoto
- Children's Hospital Colorado Heart Institute, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Chesney Castleberry
- Departments of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Joanne Lee
- Departments of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Lynsey M Barkoff
- Departments of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Selena Gonzales
- Departments of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Gloria Klein
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital and the Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kevin P Daly
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital and the Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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9
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Clausen FB, Jørgensen KMCL, Wardil LW, Nielsen LK, Krog GR. Droplet digital PCR-based testing for donor-derived cell-free DNA in transplanted patients as noninvasive marker of allograft health: Methodological aspects. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282332. [PMID: 36827438 PMCID: PMC9955980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In solid organ transplantation, donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is a promising universal noninvasive biomarker for allograft health, where high levels of dd-cfDNA indicate organ damage. Using Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR), we aimed to develop an assay setup for monitoring organ health. We aimed to identify the least distinguishable percentage-point increase in the fraction of minute amounts of cfDNA in a large cfDNA background by using assays targeting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We mimicked a clinical sample from a recipient in a number of spike-in experiments, where cfDNA from healthy volunteers were mixed. A total of 40 assays were tested and approved by qPCR and ddPCR. Limit of detection (LOD) was demonstrated to be approximately 3 copies per reaction, observed at a fraction of 0.002%, and which would equal 6 copies per mL plasma. Limit of quantification (LOQ) was 35 copies per reaction, estimated to 0.038%. The lowest detectable increase in percentage point of dd-cfDNA was approximately 0.04%. Our results demonstrated that ddPCR has great sensitivity, high precision, and exceptional ability to quantify low levels of cfDNA. The ability to distinguish small differences in mimicking dd-cfDNA was far beyond the desired capability. While these methodological data are promising, further prospective studies are needed to determine the clinical utility of the proposed method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Banch Clausen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Kristine Mathilde Clara Lund Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Technology, Faculty of Health, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lasse Witt Wardil
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Technology, Faculty of Health, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leif Kofoed Nielsen
- Department of Technology, Faculty of Health, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grethe Risum Krog
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Feingold B, Rose-Felker K, West SC, Miller SA, Zinn MD. Short-term clinical outcomes and predicted cost savings of dd-cfDNA-led surveillance after pediatric heart transplantation. Clin Transplant 2023; 37:e14933. [PMID: 36779524 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB)-led surveillance is common after pediatric heart transplantation (HT), with some centers performing periodic surveillance EMBs indefinitely after HT. Donor derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA)-led surveillance offers an alternative, but knowledge about its clinical and economic outcomes, both key drivers of potential utilization, are lacking. METHODS Using single-center recipient and center-level data, we describe clinical outcomes prior to and since transition from EMB-led surveillance to dd-cfDNA-led surveillance of pediatric and young adult HT recipients. These data were then used to inform Markov models to compare costs between EMB-led and dd-cfDNA-led surveillance strategies. RESULTS Over 34.5 months, dd-cfDNA-led surveillance decreased the number of EMBs by 81.8% (95% CI 76.3%-86.5%) among 120 HT recipients (median age 13.3 years). There were no differences in the incidences of graft loss or death among all recipients followed at our center prior to and following implementation of dd-cfDNA-led surveillance (graft loss: 2.9 vs. 1.5 per 100 patient-years; p = .17; mortality: 3.7 vs. 2.2 per 100 patient-years; p = .23). Over 20 years from HT, dd-cfDNA-led surveillance is projected to cost $8545 less than EMB-led surveillance. Model findings were robust in sensitivity and scenario analyses, with cost of EMB, cost of dd-cfDNA testing, and probability of elevated dd-cfDNA most influential on model findings. CONCLUSIONS dd-cfDNA-led surveillance shows promise as a less invasive and cost saving alternative to EMB-led surveillance among pediatric and young adult HT recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Feingold
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Clinical and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kirsten Rose-Felker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shawn C West
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Susan A Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew D Zinn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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The methylome and cell-free DNA: current applications in medicine and pediatric disease. Pediatr Res 2023:10.1038/s41390-022-02448-3. [PMID: 36646885 PMCID: PMC9842217 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02448-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that contributes to cell regulation and development, and different methylation patterns allow for the identification of cell and tissue type. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is composed of small circulating fragments of DNA found in plasma and urine. Total cfDNA levels correlate with the presence of inflammation and tissue injury in a variety of disease states. Unfortunately, the utility of cfDNA is limited by its lack of tissue or cell-type specificity. However, methylome analysis of cfDNA allows the identification of the tissue or cell type from which cfDNA originated. Thus, methylation patterns in cfDNA from tissues isolated from direct study may provide windows into health and disease states, thereby serving as a "liquid biopsy". This review will discuss methylation and its role in establishing cellular identity, cfDNA as a biomarker and its pathophysiologic role in the inflammatory process, and the ways cfDNA and methylomics can be jointly applied in medicine. IMPACT: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is increasingly being used as a noninvasive diagnostic and disease-monitoring tool in pediatric medicine. However, the lack of specificity of cfDNA limits its utility. Identification of cell type-specific methylation signatures can help overcome the limited specificity of cfDNA. As knowledge of the cfDNA methylome improves, cfDNA will be more broadly applied in medicine, such that clinicians will need to understand the methods and applications of its use.
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A Review of Biomarkers of Cardiac Allograft Rejection: Toward an Integrated Diagnosis of Rejection. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081135. [PMID: 36009029 PMCID: PMC9405997 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major advances in immunosuppression, allograft rejection remains an important complication after heart transplantation, and it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The gold standard invasive strategy to monitor and diagnose cardiac allograft rejection, based on the pathologic evaluation of endomyocardial biopsies, suffers from many limitations including the low prevalence of rejection, sample bias, high inter-observer variability, and international working formulations based on arbitrary cut-offs that simplify the landscape of rejection. The development of innovative diagnostic and prognostic strategies—integrating conventional histology, molecular profiling of allograft biopsy, and the discovery of new tissue or circulating biomarkers—is one of the major challenges of translational medicine in solid organ transplantation, and particularly in heart transplantation. Major advances in the field of biomarkers of rejection have paved the way for a paradigm shift in the monitoring and diagnosis of cardiac allograft rejection. We review the recent developments in the field, including non-invasive biomarkers to minimize the number of protocol endomyocardial biopsies and tissue biomarkers as companion tools of pathology to refine the diagnosis of cardiac rejection. Finally, we discuss the potential role of these biomarkers to provide an integrated bio-histomolecular diagnosis of cardiac allograft rejection.
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Qian X, Shah P, Agbor-Enoh S. Noninvasive biomarkers in heart transplant: 2020-2021 year in review. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2022; 27:7-14. [PMID: 34939959 PMCID: PMC8711631 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB), the current gold standard for cardiac allograft monitoring is invasive, may have a low sensitivity and is associated with significant variability in histopathologic interpretation. Fortunately, on-going research is identifying noninvasive biomarkers that address some of these limitations. This review provides an update on noninvasive blood-based methods for rejection surveillance and diagnosis in heart transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies highlight good test performance to detect acute rejection for donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) and microRNAs (miR). dd-cfDNA is sensitive, nonspecific, and has a high negative predictive value for acute cellular and antibody-mediated rejection. Clinical utility trials are being planned to test its role as a rule-out test for acute rejection as compared to the EMB. miRs may have an added advantage as it may phenotype the subtypes of rejection alleviating the need for an EMB or permitting the initiation of targeted therapy while awaiting the results of the EMB. SUMMARY In this review, we discuss recent advances in the field of noninvasive biomarkers to detect allograft rejection after heart transplant. We provide a perspective of additional studies needed to prove their clinical utility and bring these biomarkers to widescale clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Qian
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church VA
| | - Palak Shah
- Heart Failure, MCS and Transplant, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Falls Church VA
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT), Bethesda, MD
| | - Sean Agbor-Enoh
- Genomic Research Alliance for Transplantation (GRAfT), Bethesda, MD
- Laboratory of Applied Precision Omics, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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From Other Journals: A Review of Recent Articles by Our Editorial Team. Pediatr Cardiol 2022; 43:3-7. [PMID: 34854942 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-021-02791-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we provide a brief description of recently published articles addressing topics relevant to pediatric cardiologists. Our hope is to provide a summary of the latest articles published recently in other journals in our field. The articles address (1) preterm birth association with ventricular fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction in adulthood, (2) shared decision-making as a viable strategy to counsel patients with long QT syndrome to return to play, (3) using pulmonary-to-aortic surgical shunt in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension which is associated with similar 5-year survival compared to lung transplant, (4) the use of donor-derived cell-free DNA to screen for heart transplant rejection, and (5) the role of microvasculature in hypoplastic left heart syndrome using cardiac magnetic resonance.
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