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Burnside MJ, Benitez-Aguirre P, Romans R, Gehrmann F, Velayutham V, Alexander A, Choong CS, Abraham MB. Effective and safe use of sirolimus in hyperinsulinemic hypoglycaemia refractory to medical and surgical therapy: a case series and review of literature. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2024; 37:900-911. [PMID: 39190903 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2024-0348] [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: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycaemia (HH) presents significant management challenges, especially in cases refractory to standard therapies. This case series aims to report the efficacy and safety of sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, as an adjunctive therapy in persistent HH, noting that current clinical guidelines caution its use outside of research. CASE PRESENTATION We report a case series from two paediatric endocrinology centres across Australia, describing use of sirolimus in four infants with persistent HH refractory to conventional treatments or post near-total pancreatectomy. Retrospective chart reviews provided clinical and biochemical data, documenting each patient's sirolimus dosing, treatment responses, and adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Sirolimus emerged as a useful and safe adjunct, enabling hospital discharge, and demonstrating efficacy even at lower serum trough levels. Despite safety concerns, including recurrent viral infections in one patient, sirolimus was generally well-tolerated. We advocate for implementing risk mitigation strategies, including a multidisciplinary approach, and maintaining lower sirolimus trough levels than previously recommended. Careful consideration of sirolimus is warranted in select cases of severe diffuse HH, emphasising ongoing monitoring for adverse effects and further research to refine treatment guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Benitez-Aguirre
- Diabetes and Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachel Romans
- Endocrinology and Diabetes, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Frances Gehrmann
- Endocrinology and Diabetes, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Vallimayil Velayutham
- Diabetes and Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashley Alexander
- Diabetes and Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine S Choong
- Endocrinology and Diabetes, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mary B Abraham
- Endocrinology and Diabetes, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
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2
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Fan L, Guo HL, Zhao YT, Li Y, Wang WJ, Huang J, Hu YH, Zou JJ, Chen F. Population pharmacokinetic study in children with vascular anomalies: body weight as a key variable in predicting the initial dose and dosing frequency of sirolimus. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1457614. [PMID: 39380905 PMCID: PMC11458483 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1457614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The main challenges faced when using sirolimus in children with vascular anomalies (VAs) still include significant pharmacokinetic (PK) variability, uncertainty in the target concentration range, as well as inconsistencies in initial dosing and dosing frequency. The aim of this study is to establish a new population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model for children with VAs to guide the individualized use of sirolimus. Methods A PPK study was performed using data from children with VAs who received sirolimus between July 2017 and April 2022. A nonlinear mixed-effect modeling with a one-compartment model structure was applied. Monte Carlo simulation was employed to propose specific dosing recommendations to achieve the target trough concentrations (C trough) of 5-15 ng/mL. Results In total, 134 blood concentrations from 49 pediatric patients were used to characterize the sirolimus pharmacokinetics. Covariate analysis identified body weight (BW) as a significant factor affecting clearance (CL) in the final PPK model. The typical clearance rate and distribution volume, standardized to a BW of 16 kg, were 4.06 L/h (4% relative standard error, RSE) and 155 L (26% RSE), respectively. Optimal dosing regimens were simulated for different BWs. For a twice-daily regimen, the recommended doses were 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, and 0.08 mg/kg/day for BW of <10, 10-20, 20-40, and ≥40 kg, respectively; for a once-daily regimen, the recommended doses were 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, and 0.09 mg/kg/day for BW of <10, 10-30, 30-50, and ≥50 kg, respectively. Notably, sirolimus C trough could be maintained between 5-15 ng/mL across various dosing frequencies based on the recommended dosing regimen. Conclusion We established a PPK model of sirolimus for children with VAs and proposed an initial dosing strategy. Integrating initial dose and medication frequency recommendations into sirolimus' guidelines will broaden its clinical options and simplify the clinical management for childhood VAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Fan
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong-Li Guo
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue-Tao Zhao
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Li
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei-Jun Wang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ya-Hui Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ji-Jun Zou
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Neirotti A, Barat V, Coppo P, La Selva R, Manicone R, Cotti R, Sensini M, Mussa A, Gatto M, Farri F, Basso ME, Fagioli F. Therapy with sirolimus in vascular anomalies: the experience of two Italian centers on 14 pediatric patients. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1434493. [PMID: 39086628 PMCID: PMC11289977 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1434493] [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] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vascular anomalies (VAs) constitute a heterogeneous group of tumors and malformations capable of inducing significant clinical events in specific patients, such as the compression of vital organs, pain, functional impairment, or acquired coagulopathy. Molecular investigations into the underlying mechanisms of VAs have unveiled the frequent involvement of the PI3 K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Sirolimus, a specific mTOR inhibitor, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent; however, its routine clinical application in complex VAs is currently restricted by a lack of extensive clinical experience. Methods Between 2015 and 2024, we administered sirolimus to 14 pediatric patients with various types of vascular anomalies in two Italian centers, subjecting them to clinical and instrumental follow-up to investigate its efficacy and the possible occurrence of adverse events. Results An overall improvement in or stability of their vascular anomalies was reported by 86% of patients. We also assessed toxicity, noting a low prevalence of life-threatening adverse events: only one case of sepsis was reported in a patient with a severe clinical condition, and four cases of recurrent aphthosis (28%) were reported. The most common side effect was dyslipidemia, with 43% of patients developing hypercholesterolemia (21%) or hypertriglyceridemia (21%), although these patients generally did not reach severe levels. Discussion In line with data in the literature, according to our experience, medical therapy with sirolimus should be considered in pediatric patients affected by vascular anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Neirotti
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Division, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - V. Barat
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Division, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - P. Coppo
- Pediatric Dermatology Unit, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - R. La Selva
- Pediatric Dermatology Unit, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - R. Manicone
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Division, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - R. Cotti
- Pediatric Radiology, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - M. Sensini
- Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - A. Mussa
- Clinical Pediatric Genetics Unit, Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - M. Gatto
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - F. Farri
- ENT Division, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - M. E. Basso
- Division of Pediatrics, SS Annunziata Hospital, Savigliano, Italy
| | - F. Fagioli
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Division, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
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Qaderi S, Javinani A, Blumenfeld YJ, Krispin E, Papanna R, Chervenak FA, Shamshirsaz AA. Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors: A new-possible approach for in-utero medication therapy. Prenat Diagn 2024; 44:88-98. [PMID: 38177082 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that plays a crucial role in regulating cellular growth, metabolism, and survival. Although there is no absolute contraindication for the use of mTOR inhibitors during pregnancy, the specific fetal effects remain unknown. Available data from the past 2 decades have examined the use of mTOR inhibitors during pregnancy in patients with solid organ transplantation, showing no clear link to fetal complications or structural abnormalities. Recently, a handful of case reports and series have described transplacental therapy of mTOR inhibitors to control symptomatic and complicated pathologies in the fetus. The effect of these agents includes a significant reduction in lesion size in the fetus and a reduced need for mechanical ventilation in neonates. In this context, we delve into the potential of mTOR inhibitors as in-utero therapy for fetal abnormalities, with a primary focus on lymphatic malformation (LM) and cardiac rhabdomyoma (CR). While preliminary reports underscore the efficacy of mTOR inhibitors for the treatment of fetal CR and fetal brain lesions associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, chylothorax, and LMs, additional investigation and clinical trials are essential to comprehensively assess the safety and efficacy of these medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohra Qaderi
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Division of Fetal Medicine and Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ali Javinani
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Division of Fetal Medicine and Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yair J Blumenfeld
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Eyal Krispin
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Division of Fetal Medicine and Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ramesha Papanna
- Division of Fetal Intervention, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School at UT Health Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Frank A Chervenak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alireza A Shamshirsaz
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Division of Fetal Medicine and Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Zhang Z, Qiu T, Zhou J, Gong X, Yang K, Zhang X, Lan Y, Yang C, Zhou Z, Ji Y. Toxic effects of sirolimus and everolimus on the development and behavior of zebrafish embryos. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115397. [PMID: 37659200 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115397] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sirolimus and everolimus have been widely used in children. These mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors have shown excellent efficacy not only in organ transplant patients as immunosuppressive agents but also in patients with some other diseases. However, whether mTOR inhibitors can affect the growth and development of children is of great concern. In this study, using zebrafish models, we discovered that sirolimus and everolimus could slow the development of zebrafish, affecting indicators such as survival, hatching, deformities, body length, and movement. In addition to these basic indicators, sirolimus and everolimus had certain slowing effects on the growth and development of the nervous system, blood vessels, and the immune system. These effects were dose dependent. When the drug concentration reached or exceeded 0.5 μM, the impacts of sirolimus and everolimus were very significant. More interestingly, the impact was transient. Over time, the various manifestations of experimental embryos gradually approached those of control embryos. We also compared the effects of sirolimus and everolimus on zebrafish, and we revealed that there was no significant difference between these drugs in terms of their effects. In summary, the dose of sirolimus and everolimus in children should be strictly controlled, and the drug concentration should be monitored over time. Otherwise, drug overdosing may have a certain impact on the growth and development of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixin Zhang
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tong Qiu
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiangyuan Zhou
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xue Gong
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Kaiying Yang
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, National Children's Medical Center for South Central Region, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Xuepeng Zhang
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuru Lan
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Congxia Yang
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zilong Zhou
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi Ji
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Saibene AM, Rosso C, Felisati G, Pignataro L, Schindler A, Ghilardi G, Colletti G, Gaffuri M, Mozzanica F. Sirolimus treatment for paediatric head and neck lymphatic malformations: a systematic review. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:3529-3540. [PMID: 37115326 PMCID: PMC10313583 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-07991-1] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This PRISMA-compliant systematic review aimed to assess risks and benefits of sirolimus treatment for paediatric lymphatic malformations by focusing not only on treatment efficacy but also on possible treatment-related adverse events, and treatment combinations with other techniques. METHODS Search criteria were applied to MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases and included all studies published up to March 2022 reporting paediatric lymphatic malformations treated with sirolimus. We selected all original studies that included treatment outcomes. After the removal of duplicates, selection of abstracts and full-text articles, and quality assessment, we reviewed eligible articles for patient demographics, lymphatic malformation type, size or stage, site, clinical response rates, sirolimus administration route and dose, related adverse events, follow-up time, and concurrent treatments. RESULTS Among 153 unique citations, 19 studies were considered eligible, with reported treatment data for 97 paediatric patients. Most studies (n = 9) were case reports. Clinical response was described for 89 patients, in whom 94 mild-to-moderate adverse events were reported. The most frequently administered treatment regimen was oral sirolimus 0.8 mg/m2 twice a day, with the aim of achieving a blood concentration of 10-15 ng/mL. CONCLUSION Despite promising results for sirolimus treatment in lymphatic malformation, the efficacy and safety profile of remains unclear due to the lack of high-quality studies. Systematic reporting of known side effects, especially in younger children, should assist clinicians in minimising treatment-associated risks. At the same time, we advocate for prospective multicentre studies with minimum reporting standards to facilitate improved candidate selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Saibene
- Otolaryngology Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Antonio di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Rosso
- Otolaryngology Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Antonio di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Felisati
- Otolaryngology Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Antonio di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pignataro
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Schindler
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Ghilardi
- Clinica Chirurgica Generale, Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Colletti
- Cranio Maxillo Facial Surgery, Università Degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Michele Gaffuri
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Mozzanica
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, San Giuseppe Hospital, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Andreescu M. The impact of the use of immunosuppressive treatment after an embryo transfer in increasing the rate of live birth. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1167876. [PMID: 37441690 PMCID: PMC10333755 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1167876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The tolerance of the immune system for the semi-allogeneic embryo is promoted by several factors and the cells involved in the immune system and factors in the mother during pregnancy. The dysregulation of the immune responses between the mother and fetus is a risk factor that raises the likelihood of rejection of the embryo and reproductive failure. To safeguard embryos and prevent immunological attacks, it is critical to suppress immunological rejection and encourage immunological tolerance. Based on current medical literature, it seems that immune cell management through immunosuppressive therapies can address reproductive failures. Immunosuppressive treatment has demonstrated encouraging results in terms of enhancing outcomes related to pregnancy and rates of live birth by regulating the immune responses of mothers and positively impacting the reproductive processes of humans. Currently, there is scarcity of high-quality data regarding the safety and efficacy of immunosuppressive therapies for children and mothers. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution while selecting use of any immunosuppressive therapy in pregnancy. This mini review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature regarding the impact of Calcineurin Inhibitors and anti-TNF treatment on improving the live birth rate following embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Andreescu
- Department of Hematology, Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
- Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest, Romania
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