Baseline characteristics of patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy enrolled in a tafamidis expanded access programme

Background

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive and ultimately fatal disease caused by the accumulation of amyloid fibrils in the heart muscle. Tafamidis, currently the only approved drug for the treatment of ATTR-CM, demonstrated reduced mortality and cardiovascular-related hospitalisations in the Tafamidis in Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy Clinical Trial (ATTR-ACT). Real-world data in patients with ATTR-CM, including patient characteristics, are scarce. Here we analysed the baseline characteristics of patients enrolled in an expanded access programme (EAP) for tafamidis. Initiated in 2018, this tafamidis EAP allows access to tafamidis for patients who have exhausted all standard-of-care options and are not eligible for a clinical trial.

Purpose

To examine baseline characteristics of patients with ATTR-CM enrolled in a tafamidis EAP.

Methods

All patients enrolled in this tafamidis EAP from the start (May 2018) until November 2020 were included. To be eligible for inclusion, patients had to have documentation of the following: genetic testing for transthyretin amyloidosis (TTR sequencing); ATTR-CM diagnosis, including the criteria used; exclusion of light chain amyloidosis; and current medical/cardiac status, including New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification. Patients were grouped for analysis purposes in the following NYHA classes: I–II, >II–III, and >III–IV.

Results

A total of 700 patients (88.7% male) from 20 countries were enrolled over 2.6 years. Mean age was 76.2 years in males and 76.6 years in females. Of 518 patients with a recorded genotype, 87.5% were wild-type (89.6% male) and 12.5% hereditary (73.8% male). In males and females, respectively, mean age was 77.0 and 79.4 years in wild-type patients, and 66.2 and 69.3 years in variant patients. The NYHA class distribution is shown in the Figure. The greatest proportion of patients was considered NYHA class I–II. The proportion of patients considered NYHA class I–II was lower in the first half of the data collection period (Months 0–15, 55.3%) compared with the latter half (Months 15–30, 59.4%). In 254 patients with baseline N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) data, the median NT-proBNP level was 2784.5 pg/mL (NYHA class I–II, 2408.5 pg/mL; NYHA class >II–III, 3165.0 pg/mL).

Conclusions

These are the first multi-country, real-world data evaluating baseline characteristics of patients with ATTR-CM enrolled in an EAP. It is of interest that, compared with the ATTR-ACT population, this patient group was older and had a greater proportion of wild-type patients. As a higher percentage of patients with less severe disease was enrolled in the latter half of data collection, these data also suggest a potential shift over time to earlier diagnosis of ATTR-CM. This analysis provides insight into the characteristics of real-world patients with ATTR-CM.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Pfizer Figure 1. Baseline NYHA class distribution

Oral nomegestrol acetate and transdermal 17-beta-estradiol for preventing post-partum relapses in multiple sclerosis: The POPARTMUS study

Background:

Sex steroids could explain the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) in pregnancy.

Objective:

To compare the annualized relapse rate (ARR) 12 weeks post-partum in women treated with nomegestrol acetate (NOMAc) and 17-beta-estradiol (E2) versus placebo.

Methods:

POPARTMUS is a randomized, proof-of-concept trial in women with MS, receiving oral NOMAc 10 mg/day and transdermal estradiol 75 µg/week, or placebo.

Results:

Recruitment was stopped prematurely due to slow inclusions ( n = 202). No treatment effect was observed on ARR after 12 weeks (sex steroids = 0.90 (0.58–1.39), placebo = 0.97 (0.63–1.50) ( p = 0.79)).

Conclusion:

POPARTMUS failed showing efficacy of a NOMAc–E2 combination in preventing post-partum relapses.

Neuraxial analgesia is not associated with an increased risk of post-partum relapses in MS

Background:

Obstetrical analgesia remains a matter of controversy because of the fear of neurotoxicity of local anesthetics on demyelinated fibers or their potential relationship with subsequent relapses.

Objective:

To assess the impact of neuraxial analgesia on the risk of relapse during the first 3 months post-partum, with a focus on women who experienced relapses during pregnancy.

Methods:

We analyzed data of women followed-up prospectively during their pregnancies and at least 3 months post-partum, collected in the Pregnancy in Multiple Sclerosis (PRIMS) and Prevention of Post-Partum Relapses with Progestin and Estradiol in Multiple Sclerosis (POPARTMUS) studies between 1992–1995 and 2005–2012, respectively. The association of neuraxial analgesia with the occurrence of a post-partum relapse was estimated by logistic regression analysis.

Results:

A total of 389 women were included, 215 from PRIMS and 174 from POPARTMUS. In total, 156 women (40%) had neuraxial analgesia. Overall, 24% experienced a relapse during pregnancy and 25% in the 3 months post-partum. Women with a pregnancy relapse were more likely to have a post-partum relapse (odds ratio (OR) = 1.83, p = 0.02), independently of the use of neuraxial analgesia. There was no association between neuraxial analgesia and post-partum relapse (OR = 1.08, p = 0.78).

Conclusion:

Neuraxial analgesia was not associated with an increased risk of post-partum relapses, whatever multiple sclerosis (MS) activity during pregnancy.

[General anesthesia in a patient with idiopathic orthostatic hypotension]

Idiopathic orthostatic hypotension (formerly known as Shy-Drager syndrome) is a multiple system atrophy, which is characterized by autonomic dysregulation. Providing perioperative hemodynamic stability during narcosis is therefore a particular challenge. The effects of general anesthesia on systemic vascular resistance and cardiac output in a patient with idiopathic orthostatic hypotension undergoing retropubic prostatectomy will be reported. In the case presented perioperative hemodynamic stability was achieved by aggressive volume therapy guided by global end-diastolic volume measurement and low-dose catecholamine therapy.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for poor graft function after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: 3 days of G-CSF identifies long-term responders

Poor graft function (PGF) is a frequent cause of morbidity after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). To study the value of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in PGF, we retrospectively analyzed 81 episodes of PGF in 66 patients transplanted from 01/94 to 01/99 from an HLA-identical sibling (n = 45) or an unrelated (n = 21) donor. Median age was 29 years, 55 patients had malignancies. A total of 11 patients received a CD34+ selected graft. Viral infections (25%), myelotoxic drug (33%), fungal/bacterial infections (14%), and GVHD (31%) were present before PGF diagnosis. Median time from allo-HSCT to PGF was 75 (25-474) days. All patients were treated with G-CSF. In 77/81 episodes, there was a response that was sustained in 57. A total of 27 patients presented an increase of white cell count (WBC) >0.1 x 10(9)/l after 3 days of G-CSF. The 5-year survival was 37% and was significantly better in patients with increased WBC > 0.1 x 10(9)/l after 3 days of G-CSF (65 vs 18%, P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, increased WBC > 0.1 x 10(9)/l after 3 days of G-CSF (P = 0.002) was associated with better survival, while BuCy-based conditioning (P = 0.02) and GVHD (P = 0.005) were associated with higher risk of death. In conclusion, hematological response after 3 days with G-CSF predicted a better survival for patients with PGF after allo-SCT.

Comparison of outcomes of unrelated bone marrow and umbilical cord blood transplants in children with acute leukemia

In order to compare the outcomes of unrelated umbilical cord blood transplants (UCBTs) or bone marrow transplants, 541 children with acute leukemia (AL) transplanted with umbilical cord blood (n = 99), T-cell-depleted unrelated bone marrow transplants (T-UBMT) (n = 180), or nonmanipulated (UBMT) (n = 262), were analyzed in a retrospective multicenter study. Comparisons were performed after adjustment for patient, disease, and transplant variables. The major difference between the 3 groups was the higher number in the UCBT group of HLA mismatches (defined by serology for class I and molecular typing for DRB1). The donor was HLA mismatched in 92% of UCBTs, in 18% of UBMTs, and in 43% of T-UBMTs (P <.001). Other significant differences were observed in pretransplant disease characteristics, preparative regimens, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis, and number of cells infused. Nonadjusted estimates of 2-year survival and event-free survival rates were 49% and 43%, respectively, in the UBMT group, 41% and 37% in the T-UBMT group, and 35% and 31% in the UCBT group. After adjustment, differences in outcomes appeared in the first 100 days after the transplantation. Compared with UBMT recipients, UCBT recipients had delayed hematopoietic recovery (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.37; 95% confidence interval [95CI]: 0.27-0.52; P <.001), increased 100 day transplant-related mortality (HR = 2.13; 95CI: 1.20-3.76; P <.01) and decreased acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) (HR = 0.50; 95CI: 0.34-0.73; P <.001). T-UBMT recipients had decreased aGVHD (HR = 0.25; 95CI: 0.17-0.36; P <.0001) and increased risk of relapse (HR = 1.96; 95CI: 1.11-3.45; P =.02). After day 100 posttransplant, the 3 groups achieved similar results in terms of relapse. Chronic GVHD was decreased after T-UBMT (HR = 0.21; 95CI: 0.11-0.37; P <.0001) and UCBT (HR = 0.24; 95CI: 0.01-0.66; P =.002), and overall mortality was higher in T-UBMT recipients (HR = 1.39; 95CI: 0.97-1.99; P <.07). In conclusion, the use of UCBT, as a source of hematopoietic stem cells, is a reasonable option for children with AL lacking an acceptably matched unrelated marrow donor.

Restaging with gallium scan identifies chemosensitive patients and predicts survival of poor-prognosis mediastinal Hodgkin's disease patients

Following treatment of mediastinal Hodgkin's disease (HD), residual masses are frequent and gallium scanning has proven to be of value in the evaluation of their specificity (fibrosis or active disease). This study assessed, for relapse and survival, the predictive value of restaging gallium scan of patients with a residual mass on computed tomography scan after induction chemotherapy. Between 1/89 and 12/97, in 53 newly diagnosed HD patients with a residual mediastinal mass, a gallium scan was performed after chemotherapy (3 or 4 courses) and always before consolidative radiotherapy. Characteristics at diagnosis were: nodular sclerosis histology, 89%; bulky mediastinal disease, 79%; B-symptoms, 51%.

RESULTS

gallium scan was positive in 16 patients (30%) and negative in 37 (70%). At median follow-up period of 36 months, freedom-from-progression rate was 86% versus 19% (P<0.0001) for patients with negative vs positive gallium scans, respectively. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 68% and differed significantly (P<0.0001) between negative (91%) and positive (25%) gallium scanning groups. The specificity of gallium scanning was 91% and the sensitivity 72% with a positive predictive value of 81% and a negative predictive value of 86%. Evaluation with gallium scan after induction chemotherapy identifies chemosensitive patients among those with poor-prognosis mediastinal HD. Although relapse may occur in patients with negative gallium scan, a postive gallium scan is highly predictive of failure and poor outcome, and treatment should thus be modified.

Economy of contraction of cardiomyocytes as influenced by different positive inotropic interventions

In the present study the effects of the novel cardiotonic agent EMD-57033 on contraction and energetic demand of isolated, electrically stimulated cardiomyocytes were investigated and compared with the effects of enhancement of extracellular calcium and of the beta-mimetic isoproterenol. In a specially designed setup [H. Rose, K.H. Strotmann, S. Pöpping, Y. Fischer, D. Kulsch, and H. Kammermeier. Am. J. Physiol. 261 (Heart Circ. Physiol. 30): H1329-H1334, 1991] parameters of contractile behavior and metabolic demand (O2 consumption) of isolated cardiac myocytes were measured. For a given enhancement of contractile performance (cell shortening) the increase in energetic demand (VO2) after application of EMD-57033 were markedly lower than on treatment with elevated extracellular Ca2+ concentration or with isoproterenol. This economization of positive inotropic effects was proposed to be due to two factors. First, stimulation-related ion cycling was only slightly enhanced with marked increase in contraction amplitude after application of EMD-57033. Second, calcium sensitization reflected in a leftward shift of the calcium concentration needed for half-maximum force development could be interpreted to be mediated by modulation of the cross-bridge dynamics of the myofilaments, where reduction of the switch-off rate of the cross bridges and prolongation of their force-generating states were presumed to be involved. Lowered pH (7.0) decreased economy of contraction. EMD-57033 restored contraction amplitude and economy of contraction at lowered pH.

The effect of anoxia on cardiomyocyte glucose transport does not involve an adenosine release or a change in energy state

The action of anoxia on glucose transport was investigated in isolated resting rat cardiomyocytes. Incubation of these cells in the absence of oxygen for 30 min resulted in a 4- to 5-fold increase in glucose transport (with a lag period of 5-10 min). Up to 40 min of anoxia failed to alter the cellular concentrations of ATP, phosphocreatine, and creatine. Adenosine deaminase (1.5 U/ml), the A1-adenosine receptor antagonist 1,3-diethyl-8-phenylxanthine (1 microM), or the A2-selective antagonist 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (20 microM) had no effect on anoxia-dependent glucose transport. Moreover, adenosine (10-300 microM, added under normoxia) did not stimulate glucose transport. Wortmannin (1 microM) did not influence the effect of anoxia, but completely suppressed that of insulin. On the other hand, the effects of anoxia and insulin were not additive. These results indicate (i) that the effect of anoxia on cardiomyocyte glucose transport is not mediated by a change in energy metabolism, nor by an adenosine release; (ii) that it probably does not involve a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, in contrast to the effect of insulin, and (iii) that the signal chains triggered by anoxia or insulin may converge downstream of this enzyme, or, alternatively, that anoxic conditions may impair the action of the hormone.

Effect of a hawthorn extract on contraction and energy turnover of isolated rat cardiomyocytes

The hawthorn extract LI 132 (crataegus), prepared from leaves and flowers, and standardised to 2.2% flavonoids, was investigated with respect to its effect on (1) the contraction, (2) the energy-turnover and (3) the apparent refractory period (t(ref)) of isolated cardiac myocytes from adult rats. (1) The contractile behaviour of attached myocytes was analyzed by an image processing system. (2) The energy turnover was calculated from the decrease in oxygen content in the myocyte suspension, brought about by cellular respiration. It was differentiated between energy turnover related to cell shortening and that required for ionic transport processes by application of the contraction-inhibiting agent 2,3-butanedione monoxime. (3) The apparent refractory period (t(ref)) was evaluated by pacing the myocytes with increasing stimulation rates and determining the frequency at which failure of single contractions occurred. For these purposes, the myocytes were incubated in a stimulation chamber, which is part of a computer-assisted system allowing to simultaneously evaluate the mechanics and energetics of electrically induced contraction. Within a range of 30-180 microg/ml, the hawthorn extract exhibited a positive inotropic effect on the contraction amplitude accompanied by a moderate increase of energy turnover both for mechanical and ionic processes. In comparison with other positive inotropic interventions, such as application of the beta-adrenergic agonist isoprenaline, or of the cardiac glycoside ouabain (g-strophantin), or elevation of the extracellular Ca++-concentration, the effects of the hawthorn extract were significantly more economical with respect to the energetics of the myocytes. Furthermore the extract prolonged the apparent refractory period in the presence and the absence of isoprenaline, which be indicative for an antiarrhythmic potential.

Fatty-acid peroxidation in relation to trace elements in serum of patients with homozygous sickle-cell anemia and beta-thalassemia: a gas-chromatographic study

Due mainly to a deeply disturbed iron metabolism, intense production of oxygen-derived free radicals occurs in genetic hemoglobinopathies such as homozygous sickle-cell anemia and beta-thalassemia. Together with impairments in the natural factors involved in oxy-radical detoxication, this results in intense oxidative stress leading to lipid peroxidation in the blood components. In search of peroxidation effects, we undertook a gas chromatographic study of both the total and phospholipid-bound fatty acids in the serum from sickle-cell disease and beta-thalassemia patients. Specific alterations of pathologic origin have been evidenced in the profiles of total and phospholipidic fatty acids, as well as in the elongation-desaturation ratios of the total fatty acids. Results are consistent with lipid peroxidations and fatty-acid biosynthesis disturbances in both diseases, but more severe in thalassemia than in sickle-cell anemia. Increased serum selenium in the latter disease might exert a protective action against lipid peroxidation.

Negative inotropic effects of the new class I antiarrhythmic agents berlafenone and alprafenone on electrically stimulated isolated cardiomyocytes

Isolated cardiac myocytes from adult rats were used in a stimulation chamber to investigate the negative inotropic effects of propafenone and the new compounds berlafenone (1-2'-biphenyloxy)-3-tert-butylamino-propanol-2-hydrochloride, GK 23 G; CAS 18965-97-4) and alprafenone (1-(4-methylphenyl)-3-[3'-(2-hydroxy-3-tert-pentylaminopropoxy)-4'- methoxyphenyl]-1-propanonhydrochloride, AH 141; CAS 124316-02-5). This chamber is part of a new device that allows the simultaneous evaluation of mechanics and of the energetics of electrically induced contractions of the myocytes. 1. The contractile behaviour of attaches myocytes was analysed by an image processing system using digitized frames of a CCD camera. 2. The metabolic demand for excitation-contraction coupling was calculated from the drop in oxygen tension (registered by a Clark electrode) caused by suspended myocytes when stimulated in the presence of the contraction inhibiting agent 2,3-butanedione monoxime in the stimulation chamber. 3. The apparent refractory period was evaluated by pacing the myocytes with increasing stimulation rates and determining the frequency at which failure of single contractions occurred. All 3 agents produced a reduction in contraction amplitude of the electrically stimulated myocytes with a similar dose-response relationship (IC50 approx. 10 mumol/l). 4 mumol/l berlafenone reduced the contraction amplitude to 62% of control. Under these conditions the energy expenditure of the contracting cells for excitation and excitation-contraction coupling (ion-cycling) was also reduced (77 +/- 17% of control). Since most of this energy is used for Ca2+ (greater than 80%) it may be concluded that a reduced Ca2+ release causes the negative inotropic action of berlafenone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Studies of water permeability and proteins of erythrocyte membranes in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

The characteristics of water permeability of erythrocytes from 54 Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients and age-matched controls have been determined by a pulse nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique. A decreased permeability of erythrocyte membrane in DMD was definitely found at all temperatures between 15 and 42 degrees C, with normal values for the activation energy of water diffusion. No differences between DMD and control subjects in the pattern of erythrocyte membrane polypeptides separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis could be detected. The findings are discussed in relation to the molecular mechanisms of water diffusion across erythrocyte membrane and the problem of erythrocyte membrane abnormalities in DMD. A new interpretation of erythrocyte membrane alterations is proposed based on the recent findings regarding the molecular pathology of DMD.