EASIX for Prediction of Outcome in Hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patients

Association between EASIX and acute kidney injury in critically ill cancer patients

BACKGROUND

To analyze the relationship between endothelial activation and stress index (EASIX) and the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill cancer patients.

METHODS

Critically ill cancer patients were selected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV). Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between EASIX and the occurrence of AKI in critically ill cancer patients.

RESULTS

One thousand forty-one cancer patients were retrospectively included, including 607 men and 434 women with mean age of 64.86 ± 13.67 years. Univariate analysis showed that high EASIX levels were associated with an increased risk of AKI occurrence in intensive care unit (ICU) cancer patients (OR: 1.47,95% CI: 1.13-1.91, P < 0.05). After adjusting for other confounders, high EASIX levels remained an independent risk factor predicting the development of AKI (OR: 1.42,95% CI: 1.08-1.88, P < 0.05). Trends in effect sizes were generally consistent across all subgroups in the prespecified subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSION

EASIX is an independent risk factor for AKI in critically ill cancer patients. More prospective studies are needed to validate the effect of EASIX on the occurrence of AKI in critically ill cancer patients in the future.

The endothelial activation and stress index is a potential prognostic indicator for patients with acute pancreatitis managed in the intensive care unit: a retrospective study

Background

The endothelial activation and stress index (EASIX) serves as a dependable and efficient surrogate marker for endothelial dysfunction, which plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis (AP). Hence, we investigated the prognostic value of EASIX in AP.

Methods

This was a retrospective study, using patient information obtained from the Medical Information Market for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database. EASIX was calculated using lactate dehydrogenase, serum creatinine, and platelet counts obtained during the first measurement within 24 h of admission. Patients were grouped into three cohorts based on log2-transformed EASIX. The main endpoint of the study was 28-day all-cause mortality (ACM) in AP patients, with the secondary endpoint being 90-day ACM. The relationship between EASIX and prognosis in patients with AP was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models, Kaplan-Meier curves, restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves, and subgroup analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the predictive performance of EASIX compared to other indicators.

Results

The study cohort comprised 620 patients in total. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis indicated that an increased log2 (EASIX) was linked to a higher risk of 28-day ACM in AP patients (HR, 1.32; 95% CI: 1.14-1.52; p < 0.001). The risk of 28-day ACM was higher in Tertiles 2 and 3 compared with Tertile 1 [(HR, 2.80; 95% CI: 1.21-6.45); (HR, 3.50; 95% CI: 1.42-8.66)]. Comparable findings were noted for 90-day ACM. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that patients with elevated log2 (EASIX) had lower 28- and 90-day survival rates. The RCS curves suggested a non-linear relationship between log2 (EASIX) and 28- and 90-day ACM. ROC curves indicated that log2 (EASIX) was not inferior to sequential organ failure assessment and systemic inflammatory response syndrome scores in predicting the prognosis of patients with AP. Subgroup analyses demonstrated no interaction between log2 (EASIX) and any subgroup.

Conclusion

Elevated EASIX levels were significantly correlated with a heightened risk of 28- and 90-day ACM in AP patients.

EASIX (endothelial activation and stress index) predicts mortality in patients with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Coronary interventions reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, the risk of mortality for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) additionally depends on their systemic endothelial health status. The 'Endothelial Activation and Stress Index' (EASIX) predicts endothelial complications and survival in diverse clinical settings.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that EASIX may predict mortality in patients with CAD.

METHODS

In 1283 patients undergoing coronary catheterization (CC) and having a diagnosis of CAD, EASIX was measured within 52 days (range - 1 year to - 14 days) before CC and correlated with overall survival. In an independent validation cohort of 1934 patients, EASIXval was measured within 174 days (+ 28 days to + 11 years) after CC.

RESULTS

EASIX predicted the risk of mortality after CC (per log2: hazard ratio (HR) 1.29, 95% confidence interval: [1.18-1.41], p < 0.001) in multivariable Cox regression analyses adjusting for age, sex, a high-grade coronary stenosis ≥ 90%, left ventricular ejection fraction, arterial hypertension and diabetes. In the independent cohort, EASIX correlated with EASIXval with rho = 0.7. The long-term predictive value of EASIXval was confirmed (per log2: HR 1.53, [1.42-1.64], p < 0.001) and could be validated by integrated Brier score and concordance index. Pre-established cut-offs (0.88-2.32) associated with increased mortality (cut-off 0.88: HR training: 1.63; HR validation: 1.67, p < 0.0001 and cut-off 2.32: HR training: 3.57; HR validation: 4.65, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

We validated EASIX as a potential biomarker to predict death of CAD patients, irrespective of the timing either before or after catheterization.

Severe COVID-19 infection: An institutional review and literature overview

BACKGROUND

Our study aimed to describe the group of severe COVID-19 patients at an institutional level, and determine factors associated with different outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients admitted with severe acute hypoxic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 infection. Based on outcomes, we categorized 3 groups of severe COVID-19: (1) Favorable outcome: progressive care unit admission and discharge (2) Intermediate outcome: ICU care (3) Poor outcome: in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients met our inclusion criteria; 42.7% were female. The average age was 59.7 (standard deviation (SD):13.7). Most of the population were Caucasian (95.5%) and non-Hispanic (91.0%). Age, sex, race, and ethnicity were similar between outcome groups. Medicare and Medicaid patients accounted for 62.9%. The average BMI was 33.5 (SD:8.2). Moderate comorbidity was observed, with an average Charlson Comorbidity index (CCI) of 3.8 (SD:2.6). There were no differences in the average CCI between groups(p = 0.291). Many patients (67.4%) had hypertension, diabetes (42.7%) and chronic lung disease (32.6%). A statistical difference was found when chronic lung disease was evaluated; p = 0.002. The prevalence of chronic lung disease was 19.6%, 27.8%, and 40% in the favorable, intermediate, and poor outcome groups, respectively. Smoking history was associated with poor outcomes (p = 0.04). Only 7.9% were fully vaccinated. Almost half (46.1%) were intubated and mechanically ventilated. Patients spent an average of 12.1 days ventilated (SD:8.5), with an average of 6.0 days from admission to ventilation (SD:5.1). The intermediate group had a shorter average interval from admission to ventilator (77.2 hours, SD:67.6), than the poor group (212.8 hours, SD:126.8); (p = 0.001). The presence of bacterial pneumonia was greatest in the intermediate group (72.2%), compared to the favorable group (17.4%), and the poor group (56%); this was significant (p<0.0001). In-hospital mortality was seen in 28.1%.

CONCLUSION

Most patients were male, obese, had moderate-level comorbidity, a history of tobacco abuse, and government-funded insurance. Nearly 50% required mechanical ventilation, and about 28% died during hospitalization. Bacterial pneumonia was most prevalent in intubated groups. Patients who were intubated with a good outcome were intubated earlier during their hospital course, with an average difference of 135.6 hours. A history of cigarette smoking and chronic lung disease were associated with poor outcomes.

The critical role of endothelial cell in the toxicity associated with chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy and intervention strategies

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has shown promising results in patients with hematological malignancies. However, many patients still have poor prognoses or even fatal outcomes due to the life-threatening toxicities associated with the therapy. Moreover, even after improving the known influencing factors (such as number or type of CAR-T infusion) related to CAR-T cell infusion, the results remain unsatisfactory. In recent years, it has been found that endothelial cells (ECs), which are key components of the organization, play a crucial role in various aspects of immune system activation and inflammatory response. The levels of typical markers of endothelial activation positively correlated with the severity of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxic syndrome (ICANS), suggesting that ECs are important targets for intervention and toxicity prevention. This review focuses on the critical role of ECs in CRS and ICANS and the intervention strategies adopted.

Urinary phenotyping of SARS-CoV-2 infection connects clinical diagnostics with metabolomics and uncovers impaired NAD+ pathway and SIRT1 activation

OBJECTIVES

The stratification of individuals suffering from acute and post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infection remains a critical challenge. Notably, biomarkers able to specifically monitor viral progression, providing details about patient clinical status, are still not available. Herein, quantitative metabolomics is progressively recognized as a useful tool to describe the consequences of virus-host interactions considering also clinical metadata.

METHODS

The present study characterized the urinary metabolic profile of 243 infected individuals by quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results were compared with a historical cohort of noninfected subjects. Moreover, we assessed the concentration of recently identified antiviral nucleosides and their association with other metabolites and clinical data.

RESULTS

Urinary metabolomics can stratify patients into classes of disease severity, with a discrimination ability comparable to that of clinical biomarkers. Kynurenines showed the highest fold change in clinically-deteriorated patients and higher-risk subjects. Unique metabolite clusters were also generated based on age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Changes in the concentration of antiviral nucleosides were associated with either other metabolites or clinical variables. Increased kynurenines and reduced trigonelline excretion indicated a disrupted nicotinamide adenine nucleotide (NAD+) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the potential of urinary metabolomics for noninvasive diagnostic/prognostic screening and show that the antiviral nucleosides could represent novel biomarkers linking viral load, immune response, and metabolism. Moreover, we established for the first time a casual link between kynurenine accumulation and deranged NAD+/SIRT1, offering a novel mechanism through which SARS-CoV-2 manipulates host physiology.

Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) to predict mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that the "Endothelial Activation and Stress Index" (EASIX; ((creatinine×lactate dehydrogenase)÷thrombocytes)) measured before start of conditioning predicts mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) when used as continuous score. For broad clinical implementation, a prospectively validated EASIX-pre cut-off is needed that defines a high-risk cohort and is easy to use.

METHOD

In the current study, we first performed a retrospective cohort analysis in n=2022 alloSCT recipients and identified an optimal cut-off for predicting non-relapse mortality (NRM) as EASIX-pre=3. For cut-off validation, we conducted a multicenter prospective study with inclusion of n=317 first alloSCTs from peripheral blood stem cell in adult patients with acute leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasms in the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation network.

RESULTS

Twenty-three % (n=74) of alloSCT recipients had EASIX-pre ≥3 taken before conditioning. NRM at 2 years was 31.1% in the high EASIX group versus 11.5% in the low EASIX group (p<0.001). Patients with high EASIX-pre also had worse 2 years overall survival (51.6% vs 70.9%; p=0.002). We were able to validate the cut-off and found that EASIX ≥3 was associated with more than twofold increased risk for NRM in multivariate analysis (HR=2.18, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.94; p=0.01). No statistically significant difference could be observed for the incidence of relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provide a prospectively validated standard laboratory biomarker index to estimate the transplant-related mortality risk after alloSCT. EASIX ≥3 taken before conditioning identifies a population of alloSCT recipients who have a more than twofold increased risk of treatment-related mortality.

Endothelial Activation and Stress Index in adults undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with post-transplant cyclophosphamide-based prophylaxis

BACKGROUND AIMS

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY)-based prophylaxis is becoming widespread for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) performed independently of the selected donor source. In parallel, use of the Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX)-considered a surrogate parameter of endothelial activation-for predicting patient outcomes and clinical complications is gaining popularity in the allo-HCT setting.

METHODS

We first investigated whether the dynamics of EASIX after allo-HCT differ between patients receiving PTCY and patients receiving other prophylaxis. We then investigated whether the predictive capacity of EASIX persists in PTCY-based allo-HCT. A total of 328 patients transplanted between 2014 and 2020 were included, and 201 (61.2%) received PTCY.

RESULTS

EASIX trends differed significantly between the groups. Compared with patients receiving other prophylaxis, patients receiving PTCY had lower EASIX on day 0 and higher values between day 7 and day 100. In patients receiving PTCY, higher EASIX correlated significantly with higher non-relapse mortality (NRM) and lower overall survival (OS) when measured before and during the first 180 days after allo-HCT. In addition, higher EASIX scores measured at specific time points were predictors of veno-occlusive disease (VOD), transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) and grade 2-4 acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) risk.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates how EASIX trends vary during the first 180 days after allo-HCT in patients receiving PTCY and those not receiving PTCY and validates the utility of this index for predicting NRM, OS and risk of VOD, TA-TMA and grade 2-4 aGVHD in patients receiving PTCY.

It's in the blood: a review of the hematological system in SARS-CoV-2-associated COVID-19

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to an unprecedented global healthcare crisis. While SARS-CoV-2-associated COVID-19 affects primarily the respiratory system, patients with COVID-19 frequently develop extrapulmonary manifestations. Notably, changes in the hematological system, including lymphocytopenia, neutrophilia and significant abnormalities of hemostatic markers, were observed early in the pandemic. Hematological manifestations have since been recognized as important parameters in the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 and in the management of patients with COVID-19. In this narrative review, we summarize the state-of-the-art regarding the hematological and hemostatic abnormalities observed in patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated COVID-19, as well as the current understanding of the hematological system in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic SARS-CoV-2-associated COVID-19.

Preconditioning Modified-Easix as a Predictor of Prognosis in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT) is associated with severe complications, most of which share a common physiopathological background characterized by endothelial dysfunction. A novel risk assessment model, endothelial activation and stress index (EASIX), has been introduced as a predictor of endothelial activation. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the predictive impact of EASIX/modified-EASIX (mEASIX) on transplant outcome. Medical records of 398 alloHCT recipients [median age: 43(17-71) years; M/F: 243/155] were examined. EASIX/mEASIX were calculated at specific time points before and after transplantation. EASIX/mEASIX were significantly associated with transplant complications including engraftment syndrome, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, febrile neutropenia and transplant associated thrombotic microangiopathy. The probability of overall survival was significantly higher in low-preconditioning mEASIX (day -7) group (37% vs 25.2%; p = 0.008; HR: 2.057; 95% CI: 1.208-3.504). The probabilities of day30 mortality (2.9% vs 19.4%; p = 0.017; HR: 7.028; 95% CI: 1.418-34.836), day100 mortality (9% vs 33%; p = 0.004; HR: 4.469; 95% CI: 1.619-12.336) and non relapse mortality (44.8% vs 61.4%; p = 0.005; HR: 2.551; 95% CI: 1.318-4.941) were lower in low-preconditioning mEASIX (day -7) group. This retrospective cohort analysis demonstrates the significant impact of EASIX/mEASIX on transplant complications and survival. Prospective analyses are mandatory to assess the predictive role of EASIX/mEASIX in clinical practice.

EASIX-1year and late mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Patients with hematological malignancies who survive the first year after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) without relapse have a substantial risk of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) and missing predictive markers. The Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) predicts endothelial complications and NRM early after allo-SCT. We hypothesized that EASIX assessed 1 year after allo-SCT in survivors who were disease free may predict late NRM. Survivors who were relapse-free at 1 year after allo-SCT were retrospectively studied in 2 independent cohorts (training cohort, n = 610; merged validation cohort, n = 852). EASIX determined 1 year after allo-SCT correlated with the overall survival (OS), NRM, and relapse. Serum endothelial and inflammatory markers were measured in the training cohort and correlated with EASIX-1year, which predicted OS and NRM but not relapse risk in both the training and validation cohorts in univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses. Brier score and c-index analyses validated the univariable EASIX effects. There was no significant interaction between EASIX-1year and incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) on OS. EASIX-1year predicted the outcome irrespective of preexisting comorbidities. Principal causes of NRM in both training and validation cohorts were infections with and without GVHD as well as cardiovascular complications. EASIX-1year correlated with sCD141 and interleukin-18 but not with C-reactive protein, suppressor of tumorigenicity-2, angiopoietin-2, CXCL9, or CXCL8. To our knowledge, EASIX-1year is the first validated predictor of late overall and NRM. Patients who are high risk as defined by EASIX-1year might be considered for intensified surveillance and prophylactic measures.

Association Between Endothelial Activation and Stress Index and 28-Day Mortality in Septic ICU patients: a Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) is a reliable alternative biomarker of endothelial dysfunction. Because endothelial activation is involved in sepsis pathophysiology, we aimed to investigate the association between EASIX and prognosis in septic patients. Methods: Data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) IV database. EASIX scores were calculated using the formula: lactate dehydrogenase (U/L) × creatinine (mg/dL)/platelet count (109/L). Patients were grouped into tertiles according to log2 transformed EASIX. The primary and secondary outcomes were 28-day and 90-day mortality. Cox proportional hazards models, Kaplan-Meier curves, restricted cubic spline curves, and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between EASIX and prognosis in septic patients. Results: A total of 7504 patients were included. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses showed that higher log2-EASIX was associated with increased risk of 28-day mortality (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.07-1.13; P < 0.001). Compared with tertile 1, the tertile 2 and 3 groups had higher risk of 28-day mortality [HR (95% CI) 1.24 (1.09-1.41); HR (95% CI) 1.51 (1.31-1.74)]; P for trend < 0.001). Similar results were found for 90-day mortality. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients with higher EASIX had lower 28-day and 90-day survival rates. A linear relationship was found between log2-EASIX and 28-day and 90-day mortality. Conclusion: High EASIX was significantly associated with an increased risk of 28-day and 90-day all-cause mortality in patients with sepsis.

Unpacking the Complexity of COVID-19 Fatalities: Adverse Events as Contributing Factors-A Single-Center, Retrospective Analysis of the First Two Years of the Pandemic

In a retrospective analysis of 477 fatal COVID-19 cases hospitalised at a single medical centre during the period from 6 March 2020 to 30 June 2022, several factors defining those patients at admission were assessed, as well as the course of the hospitalisation and factors contributing to death. There was a predominance of men (59.3% (283)) burdened by comorbidities, with increased inflammation at admission. Patients aged ≥ 81 years were significantly more likely to be admitted to and die in infectious diseases units (IDU) due to respiratory failure, their hospital stays were shorter, and they were most likely not to receive specialist treatment. The most common COVID-19 complications included acute kidney injury in 31.2% (149) patients and thromboembolic complications in 23.5% (112). The course of hospitalisation was complicated by healthcare-associated infections (HAI) in 33.3% (159) of cases, more often in those treated with baricitinib (p < 0.001). The initial use of an antibiotic, although common (94.8% (452)), was unwarranted in almost half of the cases (47.6% (215)). Complications of hospitalisation (46.1% (220)) and adverse events involving staff (49.7% (237)) were found in almost half of the patients. In 88.7% (423) of the cases, death was due to respiratory failure in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Adverse events during hospitalisation should be considered as an additional factor that, in addition to the infection itself, may have influenced the death of patients.

EASIX Is an Accurate and Easily Available Prognostic Score in Critically Ill Patients with Advanced Liver Disease

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with high mortality. Objective prognostic scores are important for treatment decisions. EASIX (Endothelial Activation and Stress Index) is a simple biomarker consisting of LDH, platelets, and creatinine, reflecting endothelial dysfunction after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Considering endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of ACLF, this study aimed to test the discriminative ability of EASIX in advanced liver disease. We retrospectively analysed the prognostic potential of EASIX to predict 28-day and 3-month mortality in a total of 188 liver cirrhotic patients requiring treatment at the intensive care unit. We evaluated the ability of EASIX to rule out early infections and predict the need for hemodialysis. EASIX performed moderately better than established scores in predicting 28-day mortality (AUC = 0.771) and was nearly equivalent (AUC = 0.791) to SOFA and APACHE-II in the prediction of 3-month mortality. Importantly, EASIX showed better diagnostic potential in ruling out clinically apparent infections than common proinflammatory markers (AUC = 0.861, p < 0.001) and showed suitable accuracy in predicting the need for hemodialysis (AUC = 0.833). EASIX is an accurate, objective and easily assessable biomarker for predicting mortality and complications in patients with advanced liver disease.

Statin-based endothelial prophylaxis and outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) often remains the only curative therapy for hematologic malignancies. Although the management of transplant-associated adverse events considerably improved over the last decades, nonrelapse mortality (NRM) remains a challenge, and endothelial dysfunction was identified as a major contributor to NRM.

METHODS

Statin-based endothelial prophylaxis (SEP) has been implemented in the standard of care in our transplant centre to reduce NRM caused by endothelial injury. Here, we retrospectively analysed the impact of SEP on clinical outcome in a cohort of 347 alloSCT patients.

RESULTS

SEP (n = 209) was associated with significantly reduced NRM (hazard ratio 0.61, 95% CI 0.38-0.96) and better overall survival (OS) after acute graft-versus-host disease (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37-0.93). Subgroup analyses showed that the NRM benefit was mainly found in patients with an intermediate endothelial activation and stress index (EASIX), while relapse risk was not affected. On day 100 post-alloSCT, patients receiving SEP had significantly higher levels of the rate-limiting enzyme of tryptophan metabolism, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), higher kynurenine to tryptophan ratios as a proxy of IDO activity and tended to have lower levels of the endothelial injury marker ST2 (p = .055). No significant differences in interferon-gamma or IL18 levels were observed. These biomarker signatures suggest that the beneficial effects of SEP might be mediated by both endothelial protection and immunomodulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these data suggest that SEP improves NRM and OS post-alloSCT in particular in patients with intermediate endothelial risk and provide first mechanistic clues about its potential mode of action.

Endothelial activation predicts disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, cytokine release syndrome and prognosis in patients treated with anti‐CD19 CAR‐T cells

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and consumptive coagulopathy can complicate the treatment with chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells. The modified version of the Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (mEASIX), a score derived from haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, combines platelets, C-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and has been correlated with CRS and endothelial biomarkers. In 38 consecutive patients with aggressive lymphoproliferative disease we measured a coagulative laboratory panel at baseline and early after infusion of anti-CD19 CAR-T. The panel was investigated also in the presence of CRS graded 2 or higher, or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Moreover, we examined the relationship between mEASIX, coagulation biomarkers, and toxicities of CAR-T cells. During CRS grade 2 or higher, we found increased prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, D-dimer, factor VIII (FVIII), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen levels, and decreased platelet count and antithrombin levels. The occurrence of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome was associated with higher PT values, D-dimer, FVIII, and vWF levels, and decreased fibrinogen levels and platelet count. A higher mEASIX score correlated with increased aPTT values, fibrinogen, D-dimer, FVIII and vWF levels, and decreased antithrombin levels. Baseline mEASIX was predictive for consumptive coagulopathy and CRS graded 2 or higher, and for progression-free survival and overall survival.

Endothelial activation and stress index (EASIX) as a predictive biomarker in small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Endothelial activation and insult may contribute to the aggressive clinical course of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC); however, no predictive biomarker for this pathogenesis has been identified.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical impact of the endothelial activation and stress index (EASIX) in SCLC.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, the EASIX was calculated from measurements of serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, and platelet levels. A total of 264 patients with SCLC treated with platinum-based chemotherapy were stratified into high and low EASIX groups.

RESULTS

Complete and objective response rates in the limited-stage (LD) were 19.5% vs. 33.3% (P= 0.050) and 85.4% vs. 97.9% (P= 0.028) in the high and low EASIX groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the response rate between the two groups in the extensive-stage (ED). The median overall survival was 9.8 vs. 40.5 months in LD (P< 0.001) and 7.2 vs. 11.9 months in ED (P< 0.001) in the high and low EASIX groups, respectively. In multivariate analyses, a high EASIX level was an independent prognostic factor for worse progression-free and overall survival irrespective of stage.

CONCLUSION

EASIX may be a potential predictive biomarker of SCLC.

Prognostic Role of sST2 in Acute Heart Failure and COVID-19 Infection-A Narrative Review on Pathophysiology and Clinical Prospective

The importance of cardiovascular biomarkers in clinical practice increased dramatically in the last years, and the interest extends from the diagnosis purpose to prognostic applications and response to specific treatment. Acute heart failure, ischemic heart failure, and COVID-19 infection represent different clinical settings that are challenging in terms of the proper prognostic establishment. The aim of the present review is to establish the useful role of sST2, the soluble form of the interleukin-1 receptor superfamily (ST2), physiologically involved in the signaling of interleukin-33 (IL-33)-ST2 axis, in the clinical setting of acute heart failure (HF), ischemic heart disease, and SARS-CoV-2 acute infection. Molecular mechanisms associated with the IL33/ST2 signaling pathways are discussed in view of the clinical usefulness of biomarkers to early diagnosis, evaluation therapy to response, and prediction of adverse outcomes in cardiovascular diseases.

The role of IL-1 family of cytokines and receptors in pathogenesis of COVID-19

A global pandemic has erupted as a result of the new brand coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This pandemic has been consociated with widespread mortality worldwide. The antiviral immune response is an imperative factor in confronting the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. Meantime, cytokines recognize as crucial components in guiding the appropriate immune pathways in the restraining and eradication of the virus. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 can induce uncontrolled inflammatory responses characterized by hyper-inflammatory cytokine production, which causes cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). As excessive inflammatory responses are contributed to the severe stage of the COVID-19 disease, therefore, the pro-inflammatory cytokines are regarded as the Achilles heel during COVID-19 infection. Among these cytokines, interleukin (IL-) 1 family cytokines (IL-1, IL-18, IL-33, IL-36, IL-37, and IL-38) appear to have a strong inflammatory role in severe COVID-19. Hence, understanding the underlying inflammatory mechanism of these cytokines during infection is critical for reducing the symptoms and severity of the disease. Here, the possible mechanisms and pathways involved in inflammatory immune responses are discussed.

EASIX, Modified EASIX and Simplified EASIX as an Early Predictor for Intensive Care Unit Admission and Mortality in Severe COVID-19 Patients

COVID-19 receives a lot of attention due to its threat to global public health. Research is ongoing to find universal methods to assess the baseline health status of a patient to determine prognosis and management strategies. This study aims to assess the predictive potential of the EASIX (Endothelial Activation and Stress Index) and two of its modifications (mEASIX and sEASIX) in terms of the need for admission to the ICU (intensive care unit), the use of IMV (invasive mechanical ventilation) and death due to COVID-19. The medical data of 370 severely ill patients hospitalised in the COVID-19 departments of the Regional Specialist Hospital in Wroclaw (Poland), including the ICU, were analysed retrospectively. The mortality rate in the group studied was 65.7% (243 cases). In the case of all three indices, EASIX, mEASIX and sEASIX, there was a statistically significant correlation between the need for admission to the ICU (p = 0.026, p = 0.019, p = 0.001, respectively) and the risk of death (p < 0.001). In terms of the risk of death, the high values of the assessed indices (EASIX ≥ 2.36, mEASIX ≥ 704.03, sEASIX ≥ 3.81) were characterised by low sensitivity (≤40%), high specificity (approximately 90%) and low NPV (negative predictive value) (approximately 40%) with high PPV (positive predictive value) (approximately 80%). Due to the ease of implementation and the low cost of performing basic laboratory tests, the above-mentioned indices can be used as an additional, but not universal tool for the initial assessment of the health condition of patients admitted to the hospital.

EASIX and Severe Endothelial Complications After CD19-Directed CAR-T Cell Therapy—A Cohort Study

Background

Endothelial dysfunction is associated with two main complications of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). This study evaluates the Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) as a prognostic marker for high-grade CRS and ICANS in patients treated with CD19-directed CAR-T cells.

Methods

In this retrospective study, a training cohort of 93 patients from the ZUMA-1 trial and a validation cohort of 121 patients from two independent centers (University Hospital Heidelberg, Charité University Medicine Berlin) were investigated. The primary objective was to assess the predictive capacity of EASIX measured immediately before the start of lymphodepletion (EASIX-pre) for the occurrence of grade ≥3 CRS and/or ICANS. To explore a possible endothelial link, serum levels of endothelial stress markers (angiopoietin-2, suppressor of tumorigenicity-2, soluble thrombomodulin, and interleukin-8) were determined before lymphodepletion and on day 7 after CART infusion in the validation cohort (n = 47).

Results

The prognostic effect of EASIX-pre on grade ≥3 CRS and/or ICANS was significant in the training cohort [OR 2-fold increase 1.72 (1.26–2.46)] and validated in the independent cohort. An EASIX-pre cutoff >4.67 derived from the training cohort associated with a 4.3-fold increased odds ratio of severe CRS/ICANS in the independent cohort. Serum endothelial distress markers measured on day+7 correlated with EASIX-pre and associated with severe complications.

Conclusions

EASIX-pre is a powerful predictor of severe CRS/ICANS after CD19-directed CART therapy and might be used as a basis for risk-adapted prevention strategies.

A non-interventional study of microcirculation dynamics in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation survivors compared to controls: evidence of impaired microvascular response regardless of conventional cardiovascular risk factors

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) survivors have been recently recognized as patients at increased cardiovascular risk. We hypothesized that vascular function remains impaired in alloHCT survivors free of graft-versus-host-disease or relapse. We enrolled consecutive adult alloHCT survivors and non-HCT control individuals (January 2019-March 2020), matched for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Microvascular dysfunction was dynamically assessed in real time by Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis (LASCA). Carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) were assessed as surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease. We studied 75 patients after a median of 3.2 (range 2.1-4.9) years from alloHCT, who had suffered from grade 2 to 3 acute (20%) and/or moderate/severe chronic GVHD (42%), and 75 controls. Although traditional cardiovascular risk factors and surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease did not differ between groups, alloHCT survivors showed significantly impaired microvascular function (baseline and peak flux, time to peak, base to peak and base to occlusion change). LASCA indices were also independently associated with alloHCT. Our study shows for the first-time impaired microcirculation dynamics in alloHCT survivors, independently of cardiovascular risk factors. Additional studies are needed to address the role of novel markers in cardiovascular risk prediction, along with effects of disease type, phase, and pre-transplant treatments.

Age-Adjusted Endothelial Activation and Stress Index for Coronavirus Disease 2019 at Admission Is a Reliable Predictor for 28-Day Mortality in Hospitalized Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019

Background: Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) predict death in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation who develop endothelial complications. Because coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients also have coagulopathy and endotheliitis, we aimed to assess whether EASIX predicts death within 28 days in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective study on COVID-19 patients from two different cohorts [derivation (n = 1,200 patients) and validation (n = 1,830 patients)]. The endpoint was death within 28 days. The main factors were EASIX [(lactate dehydrogenase * creatinine)/thrombocytes] and aEASIX-COVID (EASIX * age), which were log2-transformed for analysis. Results: Log2-EASIX and log2-aEASIX-COVID were independently associated with an increased risk of death in both cohorts (p < 0.001). Log2-aEASIX-COVID showed a good predictive performance for 28-day mortality both in the derivation cohort (area under the receiver-operating characteristic = 0.827) and in the validation cohort (area under the receiver-operating characteristic = 0.820), with better predictive performance than log2-EASIX (p < 0.001). For log2 aEASIX-COVID, patients with low/moderate risk (<6) had a 28-day mortality probability of 5.3% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 4-6.5%], high (6-7) of 17.2% (95% CI = 14.7-19.6%), and very high (>7) of 47.6% (95% CI = 44.2-50.9%). The cutoff of log2 aEASIX-COVID = 6 showed a positive predictive value of 31.7% and negative predictive value of 94.7%, and log2 aEASIX-COVID = 7 showed a positive predictive value of 47.6% and negative predictive value of 89.8%. Conclusion: Both EASIX and aEASIX-COVID were associated with death within 28 days in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. However, aEASIX-COVID had significantly better predictive performance than EASIX, particularly for discarding death. Thus, aEASIX-COVID could be a reliable predictor of death that could help to manage COVID-19 patients.

Personalized therapy: can it tame the COVID-19 monster?

SARS-CoV-2, a recently emerged zoonotic virus, has resulted in unstoppable high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. However, due to a limited knowledge of the dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, it has been observed that the current COVID-19 therapy has led to some clinical repercussions. We discuss the adverse effects of drugs for COVID-19 primarily based on some clinical trials. As therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of therapy may vary due to different, genetic determinants, sex, age and the ethnic background of test subjects, hence biomarker-based personalized therapy could be more appropriate. We will share our thoughts on the current landscape of personalized therapy as a roadmap to fight against SARS-CoV-2 or another emerging pathogen.

Early Measurement of Blood sST2 Is a Good Predictor of Death and Poor Outcomes in Patients Admitted for COVID-19 Infection

Although several biomarkers have shown correlation to prognosis in COVID-19 patients, their clinical value is limited because of lack of specificity, suboptimal sensibility or poor dynamic behavior. We hypothesized that circulating soluble ST2 (sST2) could be associated to a worse outcome in COVID-19. In total, 152 patients admitted for confirmed COVID-19 were included in a prospective non-interventional, observational study. Blood samples were drawn at admission, 48-72 h later and at discharge. sST2 concentrations and routine blood laboratory were analyzed. Primary endpoints were admission at intensive care unit (ICU) and mortality. Median age was 57.5 years [Standard Deviation (SD: 12.8)], 60.4% males. 10% of patients (n = 15) were derived to ICU and/or died during admission. Median (IQR) sST2 serum concentration (ng/mL) rose to 53.1 (30.9) at admission, peaked at 48-72 h (79.5(64)) and returned to admission levels at discharge (44.9[36.7]). A concentration of sST2 above 58.9 ng/mL was identified patients progressing to ICU admission or death. Results remained significant after multivariable analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of sST2 for endpoints was 0.776 (p = 0.001). In patients admitted for COVID-19 infection, early measurement of sST2 was able to identify patients at risk of severe complications or death.