Haploidentical stem cell transplantation in two children with mucopolysaccharidosis VI: clinical and biochemical outcome

BACKGROUND

Mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS VI) is an autosomal recessive progressive multiorgan disorder due to mutation in the gene encoding the enzyme Arylsulfatase B (ARSB). Dysfunctional ARSB causes lysosomal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). Currently, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is preferred to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) due to the treatment-related risks of the latter. However, ERT constitutes an expensive life-long treatment. Increased experience and safety of SCT-procedures in recent years suggest that SCT should be further explored as a treatment option.This is the first report on haploidentical SCT in patients with MPS VI. The primary objective was to assess the treatment safety and clinical and biochemical outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two siblings diagnosed with MPS VI at 10 months of age and at birth with genotype p.C192R, reported as mild to intermediate phenotype, underwent unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation pre-symptomatic. Due to graft failure, both patients were urgently re-transplantated with haploidentical SCT with the father as donor. Continuous clinical and biochemical status was monitored and concluded 3.8 and 4.6 years after the haploidentical SCT.

RESULTS

Haploidentical SCT resulted in prompt and sustained engraftment. Complete donor chimerism was achieved in both patients, apart from mixed B cells chimerism in patient 2. ARSB activity in leukocytes post transplant increased from 0.0 to 19.0 μkat/kg protein (patient 1) and from 3.6 to 17.9 μkat/kg protein (patient 2) (ref. 17-40). Total urinary GAG normalized in both patients, although patient 2's values slightly exceed normal range since 6 months. However, dermatan sulfaturia was substantially normalized since 16 months and 12 months post-SCT, respectively. Height was -1.85 SD and -1.27 SD at follow-up. Patient 1 had impaired visual acuity and discrete hepatomegaly. Patient 2 had elevated intraocular pressure and X-ray revealed steep acetabular angles and slightly flattened lumbar vertebrae.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that young children with MPS VI tolerate haploidentical SCT. Normalization of enzyme production and dermatan sulfaturia indicates correction of the inborn error of metabolism and coincide with no obvious symptoms of progressive MPS VI up to 4.6 years post-SCT.

Small cell lung cancer in a 14-year-old girl

Pediatric lung cancer is uncommon, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is exceptionally rare. A 14-year-old previously healthy girl was diagnosed with limited-stage SCLC, which was considered inoperable. She responded well to chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide, and surgical resection was performed after 2 cycles. High-dose thoracic radiotherapy in combination with etoposide and carboplatin was given as postoperative treatment. The patient died of relapsing disease 21 months after initial diagnosis. Only 1 single case report on SCLC has been published earlier. Additional reports on pediatric SCLC are needed to evaluate appropriate treatment.

Prognostic value of PAX-FKHR fusion status in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: a report from the cooperative soft tissue sarcoma study group (CWS)

BACKGROUND

Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMA) are characterized by chromosomal translocations, fusing the PAX3 or PAX7 gene with FKHR in about 85%. Previous studies have suggested that the fusion type is associated with prognosis. In order to investigate the predictive value of the PAX-FKHR fusion status on disease outcome of patients with RMA treated in the CWS trials we performed a retrospective analysis.

PROCEDURE

Between 1986 and 2004, out of 446 patients with RMA treated in four consecutive CWS trials, tumor samples from 126 patients were available for RT-PCR analysis. Survival depending on fusion status in context with known clinical risk-factors was analyzed.

RESULTS

Out of 126 samples, 121 had adequate quality for PAX-FKHR fusion status analysis. PAX-FKHR fusions were detected in 101 samples: 60% PAX3-FKHR and 24% PAX7-FKHR fusions, 17% were fusion-negative. There was no significant difference in survival between patients with PAX3-FKHR versus PAX7-FKHR positive tumors. The fusion transcript negative cohort showed a more favorable outcome than the fusion transcript positive cohort among patients with metastatic disease. From the established clinical risk-factors none was associated with a significantly higher risk of failure or death in a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

PAX-FKHR fusion type was not a significant predictor for survival in our analysis. More extensive molecular analyses are needed to identify features with prognostic relevance and useful therapeutic impact.

High-dose iodine-131-metaiodobenzylguanidine with haploidentical stem cell transplantation and posttransplant immunotherapy in children with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma

We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of using high-dose iodine-131-metaiodobenzylguanidine ((131)I-MIBG) followed by reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) and transplantation of T cell-depleted haploidentical peripheral blood stem cells (designated haplo-SCT) to treat relapsing/refractory neuroblastoma (RRNB). Five RRNB patients were enrolled: 4 with relapse (3 after autologous SCT) and 1 with induction therapy failure. The preparative regimen included high-dose (131)I-MIBG on day -20, followed by fludarabine (Flu), thiotepa, and melphalan (Mel) from day -8 to -1. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized, T cell-depleted haploidentical paternal stem cells were infused on day 0 together with cultured donor mesenchymal stem cells. A single dose of rituximab was given on day +1. After cessation of short immunosuppression (mycophenolate, OKT3), 4 children received donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI). (131)I-MIBG infusion and RIC were well tolerated. All patients engrafted. No primary acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) was observed. Four children developed aGVHD after DLI and were successfully treated. Analysis of immunologic recovery showed fast reappearance of potentially immunocompetent natural killer (NK) and T cells, which might have acted as effector cells responsible for the graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect. Two children are alive and well, with no evidence of disease 40 and 42 months after transplantation. One patient experienced late progression with new bone lesions (sternum) 38 months after haplo-SCT, and is being treated with local irradiation and reinstituted DLI. One patient rejected the graft, was rescued with autologous backup, and died of progressive disease 5 months after transplantation. Another child relapsed 7 months after transplantation and died 5 months later. High-dose (131)I-MIBG followed by RIC and haplo-SCT for RRNB is feasible and promising, because 2 of 5 children on that regimen achieved long-lasting remission. Further studies are needed to evaluate targeted therapy and immune-mediated tumor control in high-risk neuroblastoma.

Rapid and effective CD3 T-cell depletion with a magnetic cell sorting program to produce peripheral blood progenitor cell products for haploidentical transplantation in children and adults

BACKGROUND

Effective T-cell depletion is a prerequisite for haploidentical peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplantation. This study was performed to investigate the performance of magnetic cell sorting-based direct large-scale T-cell depletion, which is an attractive alternative to standard PBPC enrichment procedures.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

PBPCs were harvested from 11 human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical donors. T cells labeled with anti-CD3-coated beads were depleted with a commercially available magnetic separation unit (CliniMACS, Miltenyi Biotec) with either the Depletion 2.1 (D2.1, n=11) or the novel Depletion 3.1 (D3.1, n=12) program. If indicated, additional CD34+ selections were performed (n=6). Eleven patients received T-cell-depleted grafts after reduced-intensity conditioning.

RESULTS

The median log T-cell depletion was better with the D2.1 compared to the D3.1 (log 3.6 vs. log 2.3, p<0.05) and was further improved by introducing an immunoglobulin G (IgG)-blocking step (log 4.5 and log 3.4, respectively). The D3.1 was superior to the D2.1 (p<0.05) in median recovery of CD34+ cells (90% vs. 78%) and in median recovery of CD3- cells (87% vs. 76%). The median processing times per 10(10) total cells were 0.90 hours (D2.1) and 0.35 hours (D3.1). The transplanted grafts (directly T-cell-depleted products with or without positively selected CD34+ cells) contained a median of 10.5 x 10(6) per kg CD34+, 0.93x10(5) per kg CD3+, and 11.6x10(6) per kg CD56+. Rapid engraftment was achieved in 10 patients. The incidences of acute graft-versus-host disease were less than 10 percent (Grade I/II) and 0 percent (Grade III/IV).

CONCLUSION

The novel D3.1 program with IgG blocking enables highly effective, time-saving large-scale T-cell depletion. Combining direct depletion techniques with standard CD34+ selection enables the composition of grafts optimized to the specific requirements of the patients.

Cytogenetic findings in pediatric renal cell carcinoma

Adenocarcinomas of the kidney are rare childhood tumors. Only 30 cases with chromosomal abnormalities have been reported, and neither their karyotypic characteristics nor the molecular mechanisms behind their pathogenesis are clear, except for a special group of papillary tumors characterized by X-chromosome abnormalities. We have cytogenetically analyzed short-term cultured cells from two pediatric renal carcinomas, one papillary, and one chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, revealing the following karyotypes: 58-60,XX,-X,-1,+7,-8,-9,-11,-14,-15,+17,-18,-19,-21,-22 and 36,X,-X,-1,-2,-5,-6,-9,-10,-13,-17,-21/37,idem,+r/36,idem,-14,+1-2r, respectively. The findings indicate that subsets of pediatric renal cell carcinoma show karyotypes that are similar to their adult counterparts.

Pax3-fkhr and pax7-fkhr fusion genes impact outcome of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in children

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a highly malignant embryonic tumor of childhood. Two specific translocations t(2;13)(q35;q14) and t(1;13)(p36;q14) have been identified in about 75-80% of ARMS cells. The aim of this multicenter study was to analyze the relationships between the identified fusion transcripts and survival including some selected clinical parameters. The extent of disease was graded according to clinical staging system with following distribution: 3 children with stage I, 4 with stage II, 23 with stage III, and 18 with stage IV spread disease having distant metastases. PAX3-FKHR fusion genes were detected in 28 and PAX7-FKHR fusion genes in 7 tumor biopsy specimens. Children with PAX3-FKHR fusion gene had often distant metastases at presentation (p = 0.03). PAX3-FKHR positive patients with locoregional disease had significantly poorer outcome compared with the ones with PAX7-FKHR positive tumors (p = 0.04). Although analyzed groups were small, significant differences in survival and clinical characteristics between PAX3-FKHR and PAX7-FKHR positive tumors were stated indicating their role in carcinogenesis. In addition, fusion gene analysis is a helpful tool in differential diagnosis of poorly differentiated soft tissue tumors.

Pathways Through Relapses and Deaths of Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Role of Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation in Nordic Data

Purpose

Our focus was on patients with pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who experienced relapse or died without becoming transplantation candidates. The purpose was to outline measures needed to improve the outcome.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed our population-based 20-year data on 3,385 Nordic children with ALL treated on Nordic Society for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology ALL protocols, and described the flow of these patients through relapses, remissions, and deaths as a result of toxicity, demonstrating where major patient losses occurred.

Results

In total, 854 patients (25%) had a first and 274 patients (8%) had a second ALL relapse. P for survival after the first relapse was .35 ± .02. The induction mortality (2.2%, primary; 10.3%, first relapse; 26.3%, second relapse) and remission mortality (1%, first complete remission [1CR]; 19%, second CR [2CR]) were significant; transplantation-related mortality (TRM) only represented 15% (69 of 459) of the deaths as a result of toxicity. Of the 766 patients entering 2CR, 29% underwent transplantation (P for survival, .46 ± .04), whereas 71% continued receiving chemotherapy (P for survival, .39 ± .02). Children with stem-cell transplantation indications in 2CR, if they did not undergo transplantation, generally died or had a second relapse. The patient groups that underwent transplantation in 1CR (n = 84), 2CR (n = 220), and ≥ 3CR (n = 62) represented different risk profiles. Those with allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (allo-SCT) in ≥ 3CR (P for survival, .37 ± .07) had an ALL and first relapse with favorable features.

Conclusion

Major patient losses occurred through mortality as a result of toxicity and resistant disease during the pathways before allo-SCT. After relapse, more patients were lost to mortality as a result of toxicity during conventional chemotherapy compared with TRM. After second relapse, the chance for rescue by allo-SCT in ≥ 3CR was minimal. The question of whether transplantation is recommended after ALL relapse should be carefully addressed, and more efficient relapse protocols should be launched.

Influence of Donor/Recipient Sex Matching on Outcome of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Aplastic Anemia

BACKGROUND

Increased risk of transplant related mortality in male recipients of female hematopoietic stem cell grafts and in vitro reactivity of lymphocytes against H-Y encoded gene products in females with rejected male grafts have been documented. An increased rejection of male grafts in female recipients is not reported for solid organ or stem cell transplants and the role of H-Y as transplantation antigen has been controversial.

METHODS

Data from 1481 patients with a hematopoietic stem cell transplant for aplastic anemia reported from 154 centers in 28 countries were analyzed. Outcome was compared between patients with donors of the same or opposite sex.

RESULTS

Survival at 5 years was significantly better in patients with donors from the same sex: 68% vs. 60% (P = 0.001). Male patients with female donors had a decreased survival (relative risk of death 1.52, P < 0.001) and an increased risk of severe graft-versus-host disease (relative risk 1.33, P = 0.03) compared to recipients of sex-matched grafts. Female patients with male donors had a decreased survival (relative risk of death 1.44, P = 0.01) and an increased risk of rejection (relative risk 2.20, P = 0.01) compared to recipients of sex-matched grafts. In a subgroup analysis, the negative effects of donor/recipient sex-mismatching appeared confined to patients receiving conditioning regimens not containing antithymocyte globulin.

CONCLUSIONS

These data confirm H-Y as a clinically relevant transplantation antigen, in both the graft-versus-host and the host-versus-graft direction. Wherever possible, donor-recipient sex-matching should be integrated into donor selection algorithms.

A novel and cytogenetically cryptic t(7;21)(p22;q22) in acute myeloid leukemia results in fusion of RUNX1 with the ubiquitin-specific protease gene USP42

Although many of the chromosomal abnormalities in hematologic malignancies are identifiable cytogenetically, some are only detectable using molecular methods. We describe a novel cryptic t(7;21)(p22;q22) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). FISH, 3'RACE, and RT-PCR revealed a fusion involving RUNX1 and the ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) gene USP42. The genomic breakpoint was in intron 7 of RUNX1 and intron 1 of USP42. The reciprocal chimera was not detected - neither on the transcriptional nor on the genomic level - and FISH showed that the 5' part of USP42 was deleted. USP42 maps to a 7p22 region characterized by segmental duplications. Notably, 17 kb duplicons are present 1 Mb proximal to USP42 and 3 Mb proximal to RUNX1; these may be important in the genesis of t(7;21). This is the second cryptic RUNX1 translocation in hematologic malignancies and the first in AML. The USPs have not previously been reported to be rearranged in leukemias. The cellular context in which USP42 is active is unknown, but we here show that it is expressed in normal bone marrow, in primary AMLs, and in cancer cell lines. Its involvement in the t(7;21) suggests that deregulation of ubiquitin-associated pathways may be pathogenetically important in AML.

Distinct patterns of hematopoietic stem cell involvement in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The cellular targets of primary mutations and malignant transformation remain elusive in most cancers. Here, we show that clinically and genetically different subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) originate and transform at distinct stages of hematopoietic development. Primary ETV6-RUNX1 (also known as TEL-AML1) fusions and subsequent leukemic transformations were targeted to committed B-cell progenitors. Major breakpoint BCR-ABL1 fusions (encoding P210 BCR-ABL1) originated in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), whereas minor BCR-ABL1 fusions (encoding P190 BCR-ABL1) had a B-cell progenitor origin, suggesting that P190 and P210 BCR-ABL1 ALLs represent largely distinct tumor biological and clinical entities. The transformed leukemia-initiating stem cells in both P190 and P210 BCR-ABL1 ALLs had, as in ETV6-RUNX1 ALLs, a committed B progenitor phenotype. In all patients, normal and leukemic repopulating stem cells could successfully be separated prospectively, and notably, the size of the normal HSC compartment in ETV6-RUNX1 and P190 BCR-ABL1 ALLs was found to be unaffected by the expansive leukemic stem cell population.

Acute myeloid leukemia with inv(16)(p13q22): involvement of cervical lymph nodes and tonsils is common and may be a negative prognostic sign

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with inv(16)(p13q22) or the variant t(16;16)(p13;q22), is strongly associated with the FAB subtype M4Eo. A high incidence of CNS involvement was reported in the 1980s, but otherwise little is known about the pattern of extamedullary leukemia (EML) manifestations in this AML type. We have compiled clinical and cytogenetic data on 27 consecutive AML cases with inv(16)/t(16;16) from southern Sweden. In general, these AMLs displayed the clinical features that have previously been described as characteristic for this disease entity: low median age, hyperleukocytosis, M4Eo morphology, and a favorable prognosis. However, CNS leukemia was only seen in relapse in one patient diagnosed in 1980, whereas the most common EML manifestation in our series was lymphadenopathy (5/27, 19%), most often cervical with or without gross tonsillar enlargement. A review of previously published, clinically informative cases corroborates that lymphadenopathy, with preference for the cervical region, is the most common EML at diagnosis in inv(16)-positive AML (58/175, 33%). CNS leukemia, on the other hand, has been reported in only 17% of the cases, mostly in the relapse setting, with a diminishing frequency over time, possibly due to protective effects of high-dose cytarabine. Other reported EML sites include the scalp, ovaries, and the intestine. Cervicotonsillar EML was in our series associated with a shorter duration of first remission, (P < 0.05), and may hence prove to be an important clinical parameter when deciding treatment strategies in AML with inv(16)/t(16;16).

Intravitreal sustained-release ganciclovir implants for severe bilateral cytomegalovirus retinitis after stem cell transplantation

PURPOSE

To describe the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis with intravitreal sustain-release ganciclovir devices in a 16-year-old patient in third remission of acute lymphoblastic leukemia after stem cell transplantation.

METHODS

The patient received a stem cell transplant from an unrelated bone marrow donor after which he contracted a serious CMV infection manifested in the lungs and retinae. His immune system at this time was almost completely depleted. Implantation of a sustained-release ganciclovir device was performed in both eyes when retinitis progressed in spite of aggressive antiviral intravenous treatment.

RESULTS

No per- or postoperative complications were noted. Infiltrates, hemorrhages and macular edema present preoperatively dissolved over a period of six months. The final visual acuity was 1.0 in both eyes. The patients immune system and lung function slowly recovered during the same time period.

CONCLUSIONS

The intravitreal ganciclovir implant provides safe and effective therapy against CMV retinitis, and should be considered in patients acquiring the infection after stem cell transplantation.

Cytogenetic and FISH studies of a single center consecutive series of 152 childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemias

Between 1977 and 1996, cytogenetic investigations were performed on 182 childhood (< or = 16 yr) acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL), constituting 94% (182 of 194) of all ALL patients diagnosed and treated at the Departments of Pediatrics, Lund and Malmo University Hospitals, Sweden, during these two decades. The cytogenetic analyses were successful in 152 cases (84%). The failure rate was higher for the ALL investigated before 1987 (30% vs. 4%, p < 0.0001), and also the incidence of cytogenetically normal cases was higher during 1977-86 (43% vs. 25%, p < 0.05). Clonal chromosomal abnormalities were found in 103 (68%) ALL. Structural rearrangements were detected, by chromosome banding alone, in 76 cases (50%). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to identify cases with t(12;21), 11q23 rearrangements, and 9p deletions, using probes for ETV6/CBFA2, MLL, and CDKN2A/B, in 72 cases from which cells in fixative and/or unstained metaphase preparations were available. In total, the most common structural rearrangements were del(9p) (17%), t(12;21) (15%), del(6q) (8%), and MLL rearrangements (4%). Six (32%) of nineteen cytogenetically normal ALL analyzed by FISH harbored cryptic abnormalities; three displayed t(12;21) and four had del(9p), one of which also carried a t(12;21). Five (45%) of the t(12;21)-positive ALL showed +der(21)t(12;21) or ider(21)(q10)t(12;21), resulting in the formation of double fusion genes. Among the more rare aberrations, eight structural rearrangements were identified as novel recurrent ALL-associated abnormalities, and nine cases harbored rearrangements previously not reported. Sixteen cases displayed karyotypically unrelated clones at different investigations. Seven ALL (5%) showed simple chromosomal changes, unrelated to the aberrations detected at diagnosis, during morphologic and clinical remission, and in all but one instance the patients remained in remission, with the abnormal clone disappearing in subsequent investigations. This indicates that the emergence of novel clonal chromosomal aberrations during remission in childhood ALL is rather common and does not by necessity predict a forthcoming relapse.

Granulocytic sarcomas in body cavities in childhood acute myeloid leukemias with 11q23/MLL rearrangements

Three childhood acute monoblastic leukemias (AML M5) with granulocytic sarcomas (GSs) are described. All displayed 11q23/MLL abnormalities, t(9;11)(p22;q23) in two cases and t(11;17)(q23;q21) in one case, constituting around 20% of all 11q23-positive AML cytogenetically investigated in our department. Two of the patients had GS in multiple locations, and all three had abdominal GS. In two of them, t(9;11)-positive GS was diagnosed prior to the diagnosis of AML. Fourteen (1.9%) of 752 published AML cases with 11q23 aberrations have had GS, either as a presenting feature or during disease progression. The incidence of GS has varied significantly (P < 0.05) between children (3.8%) and adults (0.8%). The most common AML subtype has been AML M5 ( approximately 75%) and the most frequent GS sites have been the skin, abdomen, orbit, and thorax. Considering the possibility of underreporting of GS in published cases and the relatively high frequency in our own series, we believe that 11q23/MLL rearrangements may predispose to GS development. Although extramedullary infiltrates in the skin are known to be frequent in cases of AML M5, which is often associated with 11q23 aberrations, the present findings indicate that GS in the abdomen, orbit, and thorax may also be common, especially in pediatric AML. Thus, the possibility of 11q23/MLL-positive GS should be suspected when tumors of uncertain derivation occur in these sites. Finally, the identification of 11q23/MLL abnormalities in GSs in two patients without overt AML underscores the importance of using cytogenetic and molecular genetic investigations as a diagnostic approach in the evaluation of tumorous lesions of unknown origin. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 27:136-142, 2000.

Abnormalities on brain MR images during the course of familial haemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis in a child. A case report

PURPOSE

To describe and report the neuroradiological findings and clinical features in a patient with familial haemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis (FHL), a rare hereditary immune dysregulation in early childhood characterised by multisystem involvement, including in approximately 30% of cases also the central nervous system (CNS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Serial brain MR examinations were carried out in a 4.5-year-old boy with FHL, finally complicated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-driven posttransplantation lymphoma.

RESULTS

Multiple brain MR examinations before and after contrast enhancement showed discrete perivascular non-enhancing areas of high signal intensity on T2 images, and later also an enhancing lesion in the right caudate nucleus.

CONCLUSION

FHL should be included in the differential diagnosis of patchy white matter abnormalities in young patients. EBV-driven post-transplantation lymphoma, which may present as meningial and/or parenchymal CNS infiltration, is a differential diagnostic problem.

Fludarabine-based preparative protocol for unrelated donor cord blood transplantation in children: successful engraftment with minimal toxicity

Unrelated umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a new source of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) for allogeneic transplantation. The optimal conditioning for UCB transplant has not been defined. Intensive immunosuppression is frequently employed because of the higher risk of graft failure. Fludarabine monophosphate is shown to be an effective agent for facilitating allogeneic HSC engraftment. We have recently encountered three children who were not ideal candidates for 'conventional' conditioning protocols. TBI followed by fludarabine and melphalan were used for transplant preparation. The UCB units were one HLA-antigen (n = 1) and two HLA-antigen mismatched with the recipients. All three patients engrafted successfully. There was mild extramedullary toxicity. Two patients are alive with complete chimerism 8 and 20 months after transplant. A fludarabine-based protocol may be considered for selected cases of UCB transplants.

Doxorubicin reversibly decreases the antithrombogenicity of heparin immobilized on central venous catheters

This is an in vitro study of the effects of doxorubicin on heparin immobilized on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing. Doxorubicin contains an amino group that binds up to 16 heparin molecules, forming insoluble complexes if they are added to the same infusion. Three systems were tested: doxorubicin in perfusing blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl). The antithrombogenicity of immobilized heparin is impaired on exposure to doxorubicin. However, the reaction is reversible provided the PVC tubing system is thoroughly washed. Heparinized tubing perfused for 12 hours in blood with doxorubicin (0.027 mg/mL) decreased the activity of the immobilized heparin to 6.0% compared with 43% of that exposed to blood only. Exposure to doxorubicin (0.27 mg/mL) for 15 minutes in NaCl decreased the activity to 3% compared with that of NaCl only. Continuous washing for 10 minutes (8 mL/min) resulted in regained activity. This indicated a reversible reaction between immobilized heparin and doxorubicin. Cyclophosphamide, netilmicin, and gentamicin did not affect the antithrombogenicity of heparin in any solution.

High busulfan concentrations are associated with increased transplant-related mortality in allogeneic bone marrow transplant patients

The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of busulfan concentrations for short- and long-term survival in autologous (ABMT) and allogeneic (BMT) bone marrow transplant recipients. One hundred and seventy-three patients were included in the study; 87 ABMT and 85 BMT patients. All patients received busulfan 1 mg/kg four times daily for 4 days followed by cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg/day for 2 days. Busulfan concentrations were measured and the mean concentration calculated for each patient. There was no difference in busulfan concentrations between BMT and ABMT patients. Patients who died before day 100 had significantly higher busulfan concentrations than patients surviving beyond day 100 (719 ng/ml vs 589 ng/ml; P < 0.02). BMT patients who had busulfan concentrations in the highest quartile had significantly worse disease-free survival (DFS) and survival compared to other patients. The transplant-related mortalities (TRM) at 100 days were 29 and 14% in patients in the highest quartile and remaining patients, respectively. There was no difference in relapse incidence. High busulfan concentrations were associated with increased TRM but no difference in either survival or DFS could be found for the ABMT patients. Monitoring of busulfan concentrations is important in reducing the risk for TRM in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

Salvage treatment of relapsing Wilms' tumour by autologous bone marrow transplantation

Despite the remarkable success in treatment of Wilms' tumour there is still a small group who will suffer from relapse. The optimal therapy for relapsing Wilms tumour has not been determined. We have treated four children with high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) followed by stem-cell support known as autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). The patients were two girls and two boys aged 1-9 years. The histology was favourable in 3 cases and unfavourable, clear cell sarcoma, in 1. The relapses were pulmonary in 2 cases and skeletal in 2 cases. There was no detectable disease prior to ABMT. After ABMT 2 children got further relapses and died. On the other hand 2 children had no further relapse and are alive and well 1.5-2.5 years later. Treatment with HDC and ABMT is complicated and expensive but may be of benefit and should be added to the treatment options in children with otherwise poor prognosis of Wilms' tumour.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease in Wilms' tumor

Invasive surgical procedures will be avoided by recognition of veno-occlusive disease (VOD) as a clinical syndrome which sometimes leads to serious complications in children receiving Actinomycin D for Wilms' tumor. In order to document the unusually frequent occurrence of VOD far beyond the observations of others, a prospective study was undertaken in 13 consecutive Actinomycin D-treated children. There were 9 children experiencing 27 events of mostly mild VOD. Six of them were below 3 years of age having in 5 cases a unilateral kidney tumor on the right side. The criteria used for VOD were painful hepatomegaly and abdominal distension accompanied by weight gain, ascites, hemoglobin and platelet drop, with or without elevated bilirubin level found in all patients developing VOD. Supportive management of these patients should attempt to preserve respiratory and renal function, generally resulting in a favorable outcome.

Granulocytic sarcoma after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: a retrospective European multicenter survey. Acute and Chronic Leukemia Working Parties of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

In a retrospective analysis we assessed occurrence, contributing factors and outcome of patients experiencing granulocytic sarcoma as a localized extramedullary relapse after allogeneic BMT. EBMT members were asked to report the number of patients transplanted for leukemia between January 1981 and December 1992 and the number of patients with granulocytic sarcoma. Of a total of 5824 patients transplanted for AML, CML or MDS by 86 teams, granulocytic sarcoma was observed in 26 patients (0.45% occurring 4-56 months after BMT. Granulocytic sarcoma occurred after allogeneic BMT in 20 out of 3071 patients grafted for AML (0.65%), and in the CML/MDS subgroup in six out of 2753 grafted patients (0.22%). Granulocytic sarcoma can involve any site of the body, presenting as a soft tissue mass; it occurred in body cavities (eg pleural cavity, abdominal cavity, spinal canal, stomach and bladder), the head and neck region (orbit, ear, skull base, peripheral nerves), the trunk and limbs, and mammary and sex glands. Granulocytic sarcoma predicts an additional hazard to outcome after BMT. Nine of 26 patients (33%) were alive 15-151 months after the onset of granulocytic sarcoma. Advanced disease stage at grafting adversely affected survival and all patients died. The best treatment option still needs to be defined.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of whole-arm 7;12 translocations in hematologic malignancies

Cytogenetic analysis of one case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), one of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), one of refractory anemia with excess of blasts (RAEB), and one of acute mixed lineage leukemia (AMLL) with unbalanced 7;12 translocations mapped the breakpoints to the centromeres on both chromosomes. The rearrangements were interpreted as the whole-arm translocations der(7;12)(q10;q10) in the AML and ALL and der(7;12)(p10;q10) in the RAEB and AMLL. However, further analysis by metaphase and/or interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed centric fusion only in the AML and ALL. In the RAEB and AMLL, centromeric material from chromosome 7 but not from 12 was present in the derivative chromosome. Whereas the t(7;12) resulted in loss of 12p in all four cases, the corresponding chromosome 7 imbalances differed--monosomy for 7q in the RAEB and AMLL and monosomy for 7p in the AML and ALL. Six hematologic neoplasms with unbalanced whole-arm or near-centromeric 7;12 translocations and seven dic(7;12) with juxtacentromeric breakpoints have been reported previously: 2 AML, 1 RAEB in transformation, and 10 ALL. All karyotypically informative cases had loss of 12p material. All but one of the cases with combined 7p and 12p deletion were ALL, whereas all cases with 7q and 12p loss showed myeloid differentiation. No particular clinical, morphologic, or immunophenotypic features seem to characterize ALLs with t(7;12). AMLs with an unbalanced t(7;12), often together with 5q deletions, might be associated with previous genotoxic exposure and poor prognosis.

Busulfan concentration in relation to permanent alopecia in recipients of bone marrow transplants

Alopecia is an important long-term complication after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of busulfan concentration on the development of permanent alopecia. Sixty five patients who survived for at least 6 months after BMT were studied. The median follow-up was 2.1 years (range 0.5-5.7 years). Thirty one patients (47%) had some degree of alopecia and 19 of these patients had extensive alopecia. The mean minimum busulfan concentration was 656 +/- 222 ng/ml in patients who developed alopecia compared with 507 +/- 224 ng/ml in those who did not (P = 0.005). Patients with more extensive alopecia had higher busulfan concentrations than patients with less significant abnormalities. In multivariate analysis, alopecia was associated with busulfan concentrations higher than the median (OR 3.43; 95% CI 3.04-3.88), allogeneic transplantation (OR 2.56; 95% CI 2.28-2.88) and female sex (OR 1.96; 95% CI 1.73-2.88). There was no association between alopecia and chronic graft-versus-host disease. High busulfan concentrations may contribute to the development of permanent alopecia and the risk for alopecia should be considered when choosing the conditioning regimen before BMT.

Elective testicular biopsy at the end of maintenance treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A prospective study

Open testicular wedge biopsy has electively been performed prior to completion of maintenance therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 25 boys during 6 years were included in this prospective study. Three boys developed testicular enlargement while on maintenance therapy and biopsies confirmed testicular leukemia. The remaining 22 boys were biopsied at termination of maintenance therapy. Occult testicular relapse was revealed on histologic examination in only one boy with normal testicular size. During the follow-up period, one boy developed overt testicular relapse two months after negative biopsy. These results will not justify electively performed routine biopsy prior to termination of chemotherapy. Instead, careful and minute clinical examination of the testicles, estimating their size and consistence, should be performed regularly at short intervals.

Polymerase chain reaction with double primer pairs for detection of human parvovirus B19 induced aplastic crises in family outbreaks

Parvovirus B19 DNA can be detected by polymerase chain reaction with double primer pairs (nested PCR). Recent infection was documented by a retrospective serological study using Parvoscan-B19 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (EIA) for detection of B19 human parvovirus IgM and IgG antibodies in serum or plasma specimens. In 3 families B19 outbreaks caused aplastic crises necessitating blood transfusion in 5 children and 1 adult with hereditary sphaerocytosis. Four members from 2 of the families had clinically overt haemolytic anaemia prior to the event. Two members in another family presented with an aplastic crisis disclosing the underlying chronic haemolytic disease. All 7 patients were identified as PCR positive in serum samples taken 3-14 days after the onset of symptoms. Comparison with dot blot hybridization revealed detectable DNA in only 2/3 PCR positive patients. Thus, nested PCR is more sensitive than the dot blot hybridization method and is therefore a suitable complement to the antibody assay for identifying recent B19 infection.

Hepatocellular carcinoma associated with arteriohepatic dysplasia in a 4-year-old girl

Hepatocellular carcinoma and obliterated hepatic bile duct were found at postmortem examination in a 4-year-old girl with arteriohepatic dysplasia (Alagille's syndrome). AFP level was extremely high. Liver cirrhosis was present on percutaneous needle biopsy 9 months before she succumbed in progressive liver failure. Episodes of repeated gastrointestinal, life-threatening hemorrhages occurred during the last 6 months of her life. Histopathologic findings of the eyes were documented at autopsy.

Hemodilution during bone marrow harvesting in children

Eight children (1-17 yr) underwent bone marrow harvesting while in cytostatic-induced remission of their disease (leukemia [n = 6], Ewing sarcoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma). After the induction of general anesthesia, all patients were loaded with 10 mL/kg of a 6% high-molecular dextran solution (Macrodex--Pharmacia), which resulted in a significant preoperative decrease in hematocrit (Hct) from 32% +/- 6% to 28% +/- 5% (hypervolemic hemodilution) and also allowed the procedure to be performed without systemic heparinization. The blood aspirated during the harvest (24 +/- 6 mL/kg; mean +/- SD) was replaced with a solution of 6% dextran and Ringer's acetate solution, and the Hct decreased from 28% +/- 5% to a minimum of 18% +/- 3%. Immediately after the harvest, 10 mL/kg of homologous packed red blood cells was transfused, increasing Hct to 25% +/- 3%. Oxygen saturation in the superior caval vein (ScvO2) decreased from 79% +/- 4% before the harvest to 70% +/- 3% (P less than 0.01) at the end of it, and then increased to 74% +/- 3% after the transfusion of homologous packed red blood cells. There was a strong linear correlation between mean values for Hct and ScvO2 during the various stages (r = 0.99). Mean heart rate decreased gradually during the procedure, from 106 +/- 10 to 86 +/- 7 beats/min. There was no significant change in arterial pressure, but cardiac output measured by impedance cardiography was about 30% greater during harvesting than during undisturbed anesthesia. Pulse oximetric saturation was 99% or 100% throughout. Caval venous blood lactate and pyruvate concentrations remained within normal limits in all children.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pharmacokinetics of cytosine arabinoside in cerebrospinal fluid and of its metabolite in leukemic cells

Concentrations of ara-CTP in leukemic cells isolated from CSF and of ara-C in lumbar CSF were measured following intraventricular ara-C administration in two girls with refractory meningeal leukemia. CSF samples were collected with a permanent intrathecal-lumbar catheter. In contrast to the comparatively short retention of ara-C in the CSF (t1/2 1.8 to 2.9 hours), there was a high accumulation and an extremely long retention of ara-CTP in the leukemic cells (t1/2 8.1 to 36 hours). The patients included in this study had an ara-C-resistant disease. No obvious relationship was seen between concentrations of ara-C in the CSF and of ara-CTP in the leukemic cells. Similar studies were performed after simultaneous intraventricular administration of hydrocortison and ara-C. Hydrocortison did not increase ara-CTP retention in the leukemic cells, nor did it effect CSF pleocytosis.

Port-A-Cath in children during long-term chemotherapy: complications and outcome

Complications related to Port-A-Cath were studied prospectively during a period of 32 months in 31 patients, aged 1-18 years, with leukemias and solid tumors. There were 34 Port-A-Cath inserted, and the cumulative time for these catheters kept in place was 5899 days. No complications occurred in 18 patients (19 catheters) kept in place for a cumulative time of 3998 days with an average duration of 210 days (12-550 days). In 13 patients (15 catheters) there were 14 events of systemic infections; seven events were treated successfully with antibiotics, four events necessitated the extraction of the catheter (in one patient a combination of systemic and local infection), and in three events the catheters were kept unused, as the patients were in terminal stages. Nonsystemic complications occurred with five catheters; two local infections, two obstructions (catheters removed), and one local bleeding (catheter kept unused). Appropriate antimicrobial treatment of systemic infections enables the immunocompromised child to keep the Port-A-Cath in place for a long time.

Changing pattern of neonatal meningitis in Sweden. A comparative study 1976 vs. 1983

A nationwide retrospective epidemiological survey of neonatal meningitis in Sweden was performed in order to estimate possible changes in incidence, etiology and mortality. The total number of newborns with meningitis was 137 and 40 (29%) were preterm (less than 37 gestational weeks) infants and 27 of these preterm boys (20%). Meningitis from group B streptococci and Escherichia coli, the two major causative organisms in 1976, had decreased markedly in 1983. The identification rate of viral origin was more frequent during 1983 compared to 1976. The total incidence of meningitis was 8.9/10,000 livebirths in 1983 vs. 5.6/10,000 in 1976 but the rate of verified bacterial meningitis had decreased from 3.6/10,000 (1976) to 1.9/10,000 (1983). The total outcome was improved significantly since the combined mortality and handicap rates decreased from 34% in 1976 to 15% in 1983.

Fulminating clostridial septicemia in children treated for lymphoproliferative disorders

Overwhelming Clostridium septicum infection in 2 children, 1 and 4 yr old, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and B-cell non-Hodgkin malignant lymphoma, respectively, as well as fatal C. perfringens infection in a 3-yr-old child with histiocytosis-X are reported. A neutropenic patient with fever, abdominal symptoms and hypotension--but otherwise being well--must be suspected of having clostridial disease. The most alarming feature is shock and rapid course.

Nosocomial Klebsiella pneumoniae infection: clinical and hygienic measures in a neonatal intensive care unit

An outbreak in a neonatal intensive care nursery of severe infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae type K-17 has been studied. Over a 9-month period 20 epidemiologically linked cases of severe septicemia, meningitis and pneumonia were diagnosed. The specific epidemic strain could be identified. After introduction of a policy of hygienic measures the nosocomial infection could be eradicated although colonization still occurred. Thorough handwashing before and after the nursing care of each infant, individual gowning and disposable gloves in the care of infants below 1 500 g were important. The changing bacterial ecology of a neonatal unit should be followed closely by weekly routine throat cultures as well as by cultures of incubators and ventilation equipment. The present investigation has shown the importance of this procedure, which is mandatory for appropriate choice of antimicrobial agents when treating infections in critically ill or very low birth weight infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Prophylactic antimicrobial treatment is not indicated. Control of K. pneumoniae nosocomial infections can only be achieved by maintaining a high standard of hygiene in the neonatal care.

Transient carpal tunnel syndrome accompanying rubella infection

Four children are presented with otherwise uncomplicated rubella infection suffering from transient carpal tunnel syndrome. The diagnosis was confirmed by repeated measurements of sensory conduction velocity and sensory action potential amplitude. The symptoms were only nocturnal. They disappeared rapidly but the neurophysiological changes normalized slowly. The possibility of a carpal tunnel syndrome should be considered in a child with rubella complaining of numbing or tingling fingers during the night.