Vulnerable newborn types: analysis of subnational, population-based birth cohorts for 541 285 live births in 23 countries, 2000-2021

OBJECTIVE

To examine prevalence of novel newborn types among 541 285 live births in 23 countries from 2000 to 2021.

DESIGN

Descriptive multi-country secondary data analysis.

SETTING

Subnational, population-based birth cohort studies (n = 45) in 23 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) spanning 2000-2021.

POPULATION

Liveborn infants.

METHODS

Subnational, population-based studies with high-quality birth outcome data from LMICs were invited to join the Vulnerable Newborn Measurement Collaboration. We defined distinct newborn types using gestational age (preterm [PT], term [T]), birthweight for gestational age using INTERGROWTH-21st standards (small for gestational age [SGA], appropriate for gestational age [AGA] or large for gestational age [LGA]), and birthweight (low birthweight, LBW [<2500 g], nonLBW) as ten types (using all three outcomes), six types (by excluding the birthweight categorisation), and four types (by collapsing the AGA and LGA categories). We defined small types as those with at least one classification of LBW, PT or SGA. We presented study characteristics, participant characteristics, data missingness, and prevalence of newborn types by region and study.

RESULTS

Among 541 285 live births, 476 939 (88.1%) had non-missing and plausible values for gestational age, birthweight and sex required to construct the newborn types. The median prevalences of ten types across studies were T+AGA+nonLBW (58.0%), T+LGA+nonLBW (3.3%), T+AGA+LBW (0.5%), T+SGA+nonLBW (14.2%), T+SGA+LBW (7.1%), PT+LGA+nonLBW (1.6%), PT+LGA+LBW (0.2%), PT+AGA+nonLBW (3.7%), PT+AGA+LBW (3.6%) and PT+SGA+LBW (1.0%). The median prevalence of small types (six types, 37.6%) varied across studies and within regions and was higher in Southern Asia (52.4%) than in Sub-Saharan Africa (34.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Further investigation is needed to describe the mortality risks associated with newborn types and understand the implications of this framework for local targeting of interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes in LMICs.

Long-term prevention of hereditary angioedema attacks with lanadelumab: The HELP OLE Study

Background

The aim was to evaluate long‐term effectiveness and safety of lanadelumab in patients ≥12 y old with hereditary angioedema (HAE) 1/2 (NCT02741596).

Methods

Rollover patients completing the HELP Study and continuing into HELP OLE received one lanadelumab 300 mg dose until first attack (dose‐and‐wait period), then 300 mg q2wks (regular dosing stage). Nonrollovers (newly enrolled) received lanadelumab 300 mg q2wks from day 0. Baseline attack rate for rollovers: ≥1 attack/4 weeks (based on run‐in period attack rate during HELP Study); for nonrollovers: historical attack rate ≥1 attack/12 weeks. The planned treatment period was 33 months.

Results

212 patients participated (109 rollovers, 103 nonrollovers); 81.6% completed ≥30 months on study (mean [SD], 29.6 [8.2] months). Lanadelumab markedly reduced mean HAE attack rate (reduction vs baseline: 87.4% overall). Patients were attack free for a mean of 97.7% of days during treatment; 81.8% and 68.9% of patients were attack free for ≥6 and ≥12 months, respectively. Angioedema Quality‐of‐Life total and domain scores improved from day 0 to end of study. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (excluding HAE attacks) were reported by 97.2% of patients; most commonly injection site pain (47.2%) and viral upper respiratory tract infection (42.0%). Treatment‐related TEAEs were reported by 54.7% of patients. Most injection site reactions resolved within 1 hour (70.2%) or 1 day (92.6%). Six (2.8%) patients discontinued due to TEAEs. No treatment‐related serious TEAEs or deaths were reported. Eleven treatment‐related TEAEs of special interest were reported by seven (3.3%) patients.

Conclusion

Lanadelumab demonstrated sustained efficacy and acceptable tolerability with long‐term use in HAE patients.

Impact of lanadelumab on health-related quality of life in patients with hereditary angioedema in the HELP study

Background

An objective of the phase 3 HELP Study was to investigate the effect of lanadelumab on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE).

Methods

Patients with HAE‐1/2 received either lanadelumab 150 mg every 4 weeks (q4wks; n = 28), 300 mg q4wks (n = 29), 300 mg every 2 weeks (q2wks; n = 27), or placebo (n = 41) for 26 weeks (days 0–182). The Angioedema Quality of Life Questionnaire (AE‐QoL) was administered monthly, consisting of four domain (functioning, fatigue/mood, fears/shame, nutrition) and total scores. The generic EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaire was administered on days 0, 98, and 182. Comparisons were made between placebo and (a) all lanadelumab‐treated patients and (b) individual lanadelumab groups for changes in scores (day 0–182) and proportions achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID, −6) in AE‐QoL total score.

Results

Compared with the placebo group, the lanadelumab total group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in AE‐QoL total and domain scores (mean change, −13.0 to −29.3; p < 0.05 for all); the largest improvement was in functioning. A significantly greater proportion of the lanadelumab total group achieved the MCID (70% vs 37%; p = 0.001). The lanadelumab 300 mg q2wks group had the highest proportion (81%; p = 0.001) and was 7.2 times more likely to achieve the MCID than the placebo group. Mean EQ‐5D‐5L scores at day 0 were high in all groups, indicating low impairment, with no significant changes at day 182.

Conclusion

Patients with HAE‐1/2 experienced significant and clinically meaningful improvements in HRQoL measured by AE‐QoL following lanadelumab treatment in the HELP Study.

Lanadelumab demonstrates rapid and sustained prevention of hereditary angioedema attacks

Background

Lanadelumab demonstrated efficacy in preventing hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in the phase 3 HELP Study.

Objective

To assess time to onset of effect and long‐term efficacy of lanadelumab, based on exploratory findings from the HELP Study.

Methods

Eligible patients with HAE type I/II received lanadelumab 150 mg every 4 weeks (q4wks), 300 mg q4wks, 300 mg q2wks, or placebo. Ad hoc analyses evaluated day 0‐69 findings using a Poisson regression model accounting for overdispersion. Least‐squares mean monthly HAE attack rate for lanadelumab was compared with placebo. Intrapatient comparisons for days 0‐69 versus steady state (days 70‐182) used a paired t test for continuous endpoints or Kappa statistics for categorical endpoints.

Results

One hundred twenty‐five patients were randomized and treated. During days 0‐69, mean monthly attack rate was significantly lower with lanadelumab (0.41‐0.76) vs placebo (2.04), including attacks requiring acute treatment (0.33‐0.61 vs 1.66) and moderate/severe attacks (0.31‐0.48 vs 1.33, all P ≤ .001). More patients receiving lanadelumab vs placebo were attack free (37.9%‐48.1% vs 7.3%) and responders (85.7%‐100% vs 26.8%). During steady state, the efficacy of lanadelumab vs placebo was similar or improved vs days 0‐69. Intrapatient differences were significant with lanadelumab 300 mg q4wks for select outcomes. Lanadelumab efficacy was durable—HAE attack rate was consistently lower vs placebo, from the first 2 weeks of treatment through study end. Treatment emergent adverse events were comparable during days 0‐69 and 70‐182.

Conclusion

Protection with lanadelumab started from the first dose and continued throughout the entire study period.

Evaluation of avoralstat, an oral kallikrein inhibitor, in a Phase 3 hereditary angioedema prophylaxis trial: The OPuS-2 study

Background

Effective inhibition of plasma kallikrein may have significant benefits for patients with hereditary angioedema due to deficiency of C1 inhibitor (C1‐INH‐HAE) by reducing the frequency of angioedema attacks. Avoralstat is a small molecule inhibitor of plasma kallikrein. This study (OPuS‐2) evaluated the efficacy and safety of prophylactic avoralstat 300 or 500 mg compared with placebo.

Methods

OPuS‐2 was a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study. Subjects were administered avoralstat 300 mg, avoralstat 500 mg, or placebo orally 3 times per day for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the angioedema attack rate based on adjudicator‐confirmed attacks.

Results

A total of 110 subjects were randomized and dosed. The least squares (LS) mean attack rates per week were 0.589, 0.675, and 0.593 for subjects receiving avoralstat 500 mg, avoralstat 300 mg, and placebo, respectively. Overall, 1 subject in each of the avoralstat groups and no subjects in the placebo group were attack‐free during the 84‐day treatment period. The LS mean duration of all confirmed attacks was 25.4, 29.4, and 31.4 hours for the avoralstat 500 mg, avoralstat 300 mg, and placebo groups, respectively. Using the Angioedema Quality of Life Questionnaire (AE‐QoL), improved QoL was observed for the avoralstat 500 mg group compared with placebo. Avoralstat was generally safe and well tolerated.

Conclusions

Although this study did not demonstrate efficacy of avoralstat in preventing angioedema attacks in C1‐INH‐HAE, it provided evidence of shortened angioedema episodes and improved QoL in the avoralstat 500 mg treatment group compared with placebo.

The Incremental Cost of Incompatible Living Donor Kidney Transplantation: A National Cohort Analysis

Incompatible living donor kidney transplantation (ILDKT) has been established as an effective option for end-stage renal disease patients with willing but HLA-incompatible living donors, reducing mortality and improving quality of life. Depending on antibody titer, ILDKT can require highly resource-intensive procedures, including intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange, and/or cell-depleting antibody treatment, as well as protocol biopsies and donor-specific antibody testing. This study sought to compare the cost and Medicare reimbursement, exclusive of organ acquisition payment, for ILDKT (n = 926) with varying antibody titers to matched compatible transplants (n = 2762) performed between 2002 and 2011. Data were assembled from a national cohort study of ILDKT and a unique data set linking hospital cost accounting data and Medicare claims. ILDKT was more expensive than matched compatible transplantation, ranging from 20% higher adjusted costs for positive on Luminex assay but negative flow cytometric crossmatch, 26% higher for positive flow cytometric crossmatch but negative cytotoxic crossmatch, and 39% higher for positive cytotoxic crossmatch (p < 0.0001 for all). ILDKT was associated with longer median length of stay (12.9 vs. 7.8 days), higher Medicare payments ($91 330 vs. $63 782 p < 0.0001), and greater outlier payments. In conclusion, ILDKT increases the cost of and payments for kidney transplantation.

Belatacept Conversion in an HIV-Positive Kidney Transplant Recipient With Prolonged Delayed Graft Function

We report an HIV-positive renal transplant recipient with delayed graft function who was converted from tacrolimus to belatacept in an attempt to improve renal function. The patient had kidney biopsies at 4 and 8 weeks posttransplant that revealed acute tubular necrosis and mild fibrosis. After 14 weeks of delayed function, belatacept was initiated and tacrolimus was weaned off. Shortly after discontinuing tacrolimus, renal function began to improve. The patient was able to discontinue dialysis 21 weeks posttransplant. HIV viral load was undetectable at last follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first report of belatacept use in a patient with HIV.

Erratum to: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine: Brussels, Belgium. 15-18 March 2016

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6.].

Abstract P2-12-12: MarginProbe device use and re-excision rates for breast conservation surgeries

Background: Current methods of intraoperative assessment of lumpectomy margins are limited. Previous studies have found a lower rate of re-excisions with the adjunctive use of the MarginProbe device (Dune Medical Devices Ltd, Israel). The purpose of this study was to compare the tumor characteristics and re-excision rates before and after the use of MarginProbe for patients who had breast conservation surgery (BCS) at our institution.

Methods: The Breast Cancer Database of our medical center was queried for patients who underwent BCS from 1/2010-3/2015 by three breast surgeons. 2 surgeons used the MarginProbe to direct excision of additional margins at the time of primary lumpectomy surgery and 1 surgeon performed routine 6-surface cavity shavings. We compared our historical data (1/2010-12/2014) to MarginProbe data (1/2015-4/2015). The following variables were included: age, mammographic breast density, tumor characteristics, and re-excision rates. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson's Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact Tests.

Results: We had a total of 1201 women who had BCS among the 3 breast surgeons. The median age was 61 years. The median invasive size was 1.2 cm. Majority of cancers were early stage (stage 0, I), invasive ductal carcinoma (61%), ER-positive (86%), PR-positive (74%), and Her2Neu-negative (88%). These tumor characteristics were not statistically different in the pre- and post-MarginProbe groups. The majority of patients had dense breasts (51%) and density did not differ among the pre- and post-MarginProbe groups (p=0.86). For the surgeons who used the MarginProbe for margin assessment at the time of surgery, the re-excision rate fell from 17% to 0% and 35% to 20% during the 4-month period. In contrast, the surgeon who routinely performed 6-surface shavings had a re-excision rate that fell from 13% to 12% in the same time period. 88% of MarginProbe readings were false positive. There was one false negative reading.

Table 1. Tumor CharacteristicsVARIABLESTotal N=1201%No MarginProbe (N=1144, 95%)%MarginProbe (N=57, 5%)%P-valueTUMOR STAGE0292242782414240.95I64454614543053 IIA, IIB22319211191221 IIIA, IIIB, IIIC39338312 IV30.330.300 HISTOLOGYDuctal carcinoma in situ305252892516280.75Invasive ductal carcinoma73061695613561 Invasive lobular carcinoma1129107959 Invasive other54553512 ESTROGEN RECEPTOR STATUSNegative16314157146110.46Positive101486963865189 PROGESTERONE RECEPTOR STATUSNegative307262942613230.56Positive86774823744477 HER2-NEU STATUSNegative788887538835810.22Positive92108610614 Equivocal19217225 

Conclusions: Routine use of the MarginProbe device was associated with lower re-excision rates compared to historical data and concurrent 6-cavity shaving approach. Better intraoperative margin assessment and lower re-excision rates will decrease the burden of breast cancer on patients and the health care system and support the practice of breast conserving surgery.

Citation Format: Schnabel F, Guth A, Axelrod D, Chun J, Schwartz S, Shapiro R. MarginProbe device use and re-excision rates for breast conservation surgeries. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-12-12.

Diagnosis and management of splenic injury following colonoscopy: algorithm and case series

BACKGROUND

Splenic injury following colonoscopy is a rare yet life-threatening complication. These injuries are often associated with delayed diagnosis and may require invasive intervention. We sought to study the emergent presentation associated with splenic injury post-colonoscopy and to suggest a new treatment algorithm.

METHODS

Six cases of splenic injury following colonoscopy were collected from three medical centers. Data regarding patient medical history, clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging findings and clinical management were recorded. A systematic PubMed/MEDLINE search was performed. Non-English-language publications and publications dating earlier than 2010 were excluded. An emergency department trauma-based management algorithm was designed according to the identified publications and review of the available trauma literature.

RESULTS

The mean age was 65.3 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1:5. Five of the cases presented within 24 h of the colonoscopy complaining of severe abdominal pain. Hemodynamic instability was noted in four patients who presented with tachycardia (105-130), hypotension and/or a rapid drop in hemoglobin levels. All of the patients underwent initial resuscitation and a computerized abdominal tomography scan. Four of them required emergent splenectomy. No mortality or major morbidity was reported following the hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Although very rare, splenic injury during colonoscopy is an acute, severe and possible fatal complication. Patients may present with a rapid clinical deterioration and hemodynamic instability. Physicians should be familiar with the practical management of this surgical emergency and the treatment options available.

Commercially available immunoglobulins contain virus neutralizing antibodies against all major genotypes of polyomavirus BK

Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) form the basis of immunotherapeutic strategies against many important human viral infections. Accordingly, we studied the prevalence, titer, genotype-specificity, and mechanism of action of anti-polyomavirus BK (BKV) NAbs in commercially available human immune globulin (IG) preparations designed for intravenous (IV) use. Pseudovirions (PsV) of genotypes Ia, Ib2, Ic, II, III, and IV were generated by co-transfecting a reporter plasmid encoding luciferase and expression plasmids containing synthetic codon-modified VP1, VP2, and VP3 capsid protein genes into 293TT cells. NAbs were measured using luminometry. All IG preparations neutralized all BKV genotypes, with mean EC50 titers as high as 254 899 for genotype Ia and 6,666 for genotype IV. Neutralizing titers against genotypes II and III were higher than expected, adding to growing evidence that infections with these genotypes are more common than currently appreciated. Batch to batch variation in different lots of IG was within the limits of experimental error. Antibody mediated virus neutralizing was dose dependent, modestly enhanced by complement, genotype-specific, and achieved without effect on viral aggregation, capsid morphology, elution, or host cell release. IG contains potent NAbs capable of neutralizing all major BKV genotypes. Clinical trials based on sound pharmacokinetic principles are needed to explore prophylactic and therapeutic applications of these anti-viral effects, until effective small molecule inhibitors of BKV replication can be developed.

Should HLA mismatch acceptability for sensitized transplant candidates be determined at the high-resolution rather than the antigen level?

Defining HLA mismatch acceptability of organ transplant donors for sensitized recipients has traditionally been based on serologically defined HLA antigens. Now, however, it is well accepted that HLA antibodies specifically recognize a wide range of epitopes present on HLA antigens and that molecularly defined high resolution alleles corresponding to the same low resolution antigen can possess different epitope repertoires. Hence, determination of HLA compatibility at the allele level represents a more accurate approach to identify suitable donors for sensitized patients. This approach would offer opportunities for increased transplant rates and improved long term graft survivals.

Current treatment options with immunoglobulin G for the individualization of care in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease

Primary antibody deficiencies require lifelong replacement therapy with immunoglobulin (Ig)G to reduce the incidence and severity of infections. Both subcutaneous and intravenous routes of administering IgG can be effective and well tolerated. Treatment regimens can be individualized to provide optimal medical and quality-of-life outcomes in infants, children, adults and elderly people. Frequency, dose, route of administration, home or infusion-centre administration, and the use of self- or health-professional-administered infusion can be tailored to suit individual patient needs and circumstances. Patient education is needed to understand the disease and the importance of continuous therapy. Both the subcutaneous and intravenous routes have advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered in selecting each patient's treatment regimen. The subcutaneous route is attractive to many patients because of a reduced incidence of systemic adverse events, flexibility in scheduling and its comparative ease of administration, at home or in a clinic. Self-infusion regimens, however, require independence and self-reliance, good compliance on the part of the patient/parent and the confidence of the physician and the nurse. Intravenous administration in a clinic setting may be more appropriate in patients with reduced manual dexterity, reluctance to self-administer or a lack of self-reliance, and intravenous administration at home for those with good venous access who prefer less frequent treatments. Both therapy approaches have been demonstrated to provide protection from infections and improve health-related quality of life. Data supporting current options in IgG replacement are presented, and considerations in choosing between the two routes of therapy are discussed.

Quantifying the risk of incompatible kidney transplantation: a multicenter study

Incompatible live donor kidney transplantation (ILDKT) offers a survival advantage over dialysis to patients with anti-HLA donor-specific antibody (DSA). Program-specific reports (PSRs) fail to account for ILDKT, placing this practice at regulatory risk. We collected DSA data, categorized as positive Luminex, negative flow crossmatch (PLNF) (n = 185), positive flow, negative cytotoxic crossmatch (PFNC) (n = 536) or positive cytotoxic crossmatch (PCC) (n = 304), from 22 centers. We tested associations between DSA, graft loss and mortality after adjusting for PSR model factors, using 9669 compatible patients as a comparison. PLNF patients had similar graft loss; however, PFNC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-2.23, p = 0.007) and PCC (aHR = 5.01, 95% CI: 3.71-6.77, p < 0.001) were associated with increased graft loss in the first year. PLNF patients had similar mortality; however, PFNC (aHR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.28-3.26; p = 0.003) and PCC (aHR = 4.59; 95% CI: 2.98-7.07; p < 0.001) were associated with increased mortality. We simulated Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services flagging to examine ILDKT's effect on the risk of being flagged. Compared to equal-quality centers performing no ILDKT, centers performing 5%, 10% or 20% PFNC had a 1.19-, 1.33- and 1.73-fold higher odds of being flagged. Centers performing 5%, 10% or 20% PCC had a 2.22-, 4.09- and 10.72-fold higher odds. Failure to account for ILDKT's increased risk places centers providing this life-saving treatment in jeopardy of regulatory intervention.

Rapamycin augments human DC IL-12p70 and IL-27 secretion to promote allogeneic Type 1 polarization modulated by NK cells

Mammalian target of rapamycin kinase inhibitor (mTORi) rapamycin (RAPA) use in transplantation can lead to inflammatory complications in some patients. Our goal was to better understand how mTORi-exposed human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) stimulated with pro-inflammatory cytokines shape T cell allo-immunity. RAPA-conditioned-DC (RAPA-DC) displayed a more immature phenotype than untreated, control (CTRL)-DC. However, subsequent exposure of RAPA-DC to an inflammatory cytokine cocktail (ICC) plus IFN-γ induced a mature Type-1 promoting phenotype, consisting of elevated HLA-DR and co-stimulatory molecules, augmented IL-12p70 and IL-27 production, but decreased IL-10 secretion compared to CTRL-DC. Co-culture of mature (m)RAPA-DC with allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells resulted in significantly increased Type-1 (IFN-γ) responses by T cells. Moreover, NK cells acted as innate modulators that conveyed activating cell-to-cell contact signals in addition to helper (IFN-γ) and/or regulatory (IL-10) soluble cytokines. We conclude that production of IL12-p70, IL-27 and low IL-10 by RAPA-DC allowed us to elucidate how these cytokines as well as NK-DC interaction shapes T cell allo-immunity. Thus, lack of inhibitory NK cell function during allo-specific T cell activation by human ICC + IFN-γ-stimulated RAPA-DC may represent an unwanted effector mechanism that may underlie RAPA-induced inflammatory events in transplant patients undergoing microbial infection or allograft rejection.

Regulatory dendritic cell infusion prolongs kidney allograft survival in nonhuman primates

We examined the influence of regulatory dendritic cells (DCreg), generated from cytokine-mobilized donor blood monocytes in vitamin D3 and IL-10, on renal allograft survival in a clinically relevant rhesus macaque model. DCreg expressed low MHC class II and costimulatory molecules, but comparatively high levels of programmed death ligand-1 (B7-H1), and were resistant to pro-inflammatory cytokine-induced maturation. They were infused intravenously (3.5-10 × 10(6) /kg), together with the B7-CD28 costimulation blocking agent CTLA4Ig, 7 days before renal transplantation. CTLA4Ig was given for up to 8 weeks and rapamycin, started on Day -2, was maintained with tapering of blood levels until full withdrawal at 6 months. Median graft survival time was 39.5 days in control monkeys (no DC infusion; n = 6) and 113.5 days (p < 0.05) in DCreg-treated animals (n = 6). No adverse events were associated with DCreg infusion, and there was no evidence of induction of host sensitization based on circulating donor-specific alloantibody levels. Immunologic monitoring also revealed regulation of donor-reactive memory CD95(+) T cells and reduced memory/regulatory T cell ratios in DCreg-treated monkeys compared with controls. Termination allograft histology showed moderate combined T cell- and Ab-mediated rejection in both groups. These findings justify further preclinical evaluation of DCreg therapy and their therapeutic potential in organ transplantation.

Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (16 or 20%) therapy in obese patients with primary immunodeficiency: a retrospective analysis of administration by infusion pump or subcutaneous rapid push

A retrospective chart review was conducted at a single centre, capturing data on 173 primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD) patients, including 40 obese patients, using subcutaneous administration of immunoglobulin (Ig) (SCIG) (16 or 20%) delivered by infusion pump or subcutaneous (s.c.) rapid push. Patients previously using Ig administered as intravenous (i.v.) infusions (IVIG) were converted to SCIG dosing on a 1:1 basis. In both obese and non-obese patients, mean serum Ig levels were higher during SCIG administration (steady state) compared with IVIG administration (trough values). Similar SCIG dose : serum IgG level relationships were observed between obese and non-obese patients, suggesting the consistent bioavailability of SCIG regardless of body mass index (BMI). The mean SCIG volume per dosing site and the mean number of dosing days per week were greater with s.c. rapid push compared with infusion pump in this cohort, but the mean number of sites per infusion session was lower with s.c. rapid push. Both methods were well tolerated. The use of 20 versus 16% SCIG in obese patients improved dosing efficiency, resulting in smaller weekly volumes (54·7 versus 74·5 ml/week) and dosing on fewer days per week (2·3 versus 3·4 days). These data do not suggest a need for SCIG dosing adjustments in obese individuals relative to non-obese patients. The administration of SCIG using either infusion pump or s.c. rapid push is a practical and well-tolerated alternative to IVIG in obese patients. Offering various administration techniques provides a greater opportunity for treatment satisfaction and patient empowerment, which may support high levels of patient compliance.

Cancer risk with alemtuzumab following kidney transplantation

Alemtuzumab has been employed for induction therapy in kidney transplantation with low rates of acute rejection and excellent graft and patient survival. Antibody induction therapy has been linked to increased vulnerability to cancer. Data regarding malignancy rates with alemtuzumab are limited. We studied 1350 kidney transplant recipients (between 2001 and 2009) at the University of Pittsburgh Starzl Transplant Institute, for post-transplant de novo and recurrent malignancy, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, among patients receiving alemtuzumab, thymoglobulin, and no induction therapies. Of the 1350 patients, 1002 (74.2%) received alemtuzumab, 205 (15.2%) received thymoglobulin, and 122 (9%) received no induction therapy. After excluding cancers occurring within 60 d post-transplantation, 43 (3.25%) malignancies were observed during a median follow-up time of 4.0 yr. The incidence of malignancy was 5.4% (1.09 per 100 patient-years [PY]) with thymoglobulin, 2.8% (0.74 per 100 PY) with alemtuzumab, and 3.3% (0.66 per 100 PY) with no induction (across all groups; p = 0.2342, thymoglobulin vs. alemtuzumab; p = 0.008). Thus, with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer which we did not evaluate, alemtuzumab induction was not associated with increased cancer incidence post-kidney transplantation when compared to no induction therapy and was associated with lower cancer incidence when compared to thymoglobulin.

Abstract P4-14-03: Nipple-sparing mastectomy and intra-operative nipple biopsy: To freeze or not to freeze?

Background: Advances in breast cancer screening and treatment have fostered the use of surgical procedures that increasingly optimize cosmetic outcome, while ensuring oncologic safety remains the primary concern of the oncologic surgeon. The role of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) for risk-reducing surgery and breast cancer is evolving. It can be difficult to demonstrate involvement of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) preoperatively, and and in this report we examine the utility of intraoperative subareolar frozen section (FS).

Methods: Records of patients undergoing NSM at the NYU Langone Medical Center from 2006–2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Use of subareolar FS was at surgeon's discretion.

Results: 237 NSM were performed (146 prophylacytic, 91 theraputic). FC was not utilized in 58 mastectomies (28 prophylactic), with 2 (+) on paraffin. Among the remaining 180 mastectomies, 11 biopsies were (+)(7.2%); 5 subareolar biopsies were (+) on FS and paraffin histologic slides (PS)(2.8%); 6 were negative on FS and (+) on PS. Among the 3 prophylactic NSM with (+) subareolar biopsies there was 1 (+) FS, 1 (−) FS, and 1 with no FS performed. There were no false (+) FS. Four of the 5 patients with (+)FS underwent simultaneous excision of the NAC. The 5th patient had atypia on FS and DCIS on PS, and returned to the OR during the same hospitalization for removal of NAC. The remaining patients underwent subsequent excision of the NAC either during planned 2nd stage reconstruction or following completion of chemotherapy. 8 NAC were free of disease and 5 were positive for in situ or invasive disease. There has been no local recurrence in these patients to date.

Conclusions: The rate of NAC involvement is low, 5.5% in this series, and FS, while utilized in the majority of these cases, detected only 46% of subareolar disease. While FS can direct intraoperative decision making, the predictive power is low, and these considerations must be addressed in preoperative patient discussions. Furthermore, among those patients with (+) subareolar biopsies, only 39% had residual disease on NAC excision. Thus, optimal oncologic management of the NAC must still be considered an unresolved issue.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-14-03.

Abstract P4-17-07: Reconstructive Outcomes of Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: A Five Year Experience

Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has gained popularity, but remains contoversial as the procedure's reconstructive outcomes and oncologic safety are still somewhat uncertain.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the New York University-Langone Medical Center experience with NSM from 2006–2011. Outcomes measured include post-operative complications, breast cancer recurrence, presence of cancer at the nipple-areolar complex, and nipple-areolar complex viability.

Results: Our data include patients who underwent NSM from 2006–2011. In total, the records of 235 (145 prophylactic, 90 theraputic) NSM at NYULMC were reviewed. Our reconstructive dta included all forms of reconstruction, including 144 tissue expanders, 74 microvascular free flaps, 16 immediate implants, and 1 combination latissimus dorsi flap with implant. Mean follow-up time was 19 months. No differences existed between the theraputic and prophylactic breast patients.

The major complication rate of 4.3% (10/235) included 4 intraoperative hematoma evacuations, 1 flap anastomosis revision, and 3 explanted implants. One patient expired 4 months following surgery secondary to progression of disease. The microvascular free flap loss rate for this group was 0. Minor complications in 6.8% of patients consisted of implant exchange for asymmetry, operative revision of partial flap necrosis, intravenous antibiotics for infection, and 1 non-operative hematoma.

In total, 5.9% of nipples were resected due to malignant or premalignant disease. There were 3 positive intraoperative biopsies with 9 additional biopsies positive on final pathology. To date, there have been no recurrences involving the nipple-areolar complex. The viability rate for the remaining nipples was 93.2% with1.7% of nipples undergoing complete necrosis, 3.8% partial necrosis, and 1.3% undergoing epiderolysis.

Conclusions: This experience with NSM demonstrates the in a carefully selected cohort, oncologic safety and reconstructive outcome are comparable to the current standard of total mastectomy.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-17-07.

Pharmacokinetics of low-dose cidofovir in kidney transplant recipients with BK virus infection

BACKGROUND

BK virus (BKV) infection in kidney transplant recipients is associated with progressive graft dysfunction and graft loss. Cidofovir, an antiviral agent with known nephrotoxicity, has been used in low doses to treat BKV infections. However, the systemic exposure and disposition of the low-dose cidofovir regimen are not known in kidney transplant recipients.

METHODS

We investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK) of low-dose cidofovir (0.24 - 0.62 mg/kg) both without and with oral probenecid in 9 transplant patients with persistent BK viremia without nephropathy in a crossover design.

RESULTS

The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of the study participants was 46.2 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (range: 17-75 mL/min/1.73 m(2) ). The contribution of active renal secretion to cidofovir total body clearance was assessed by evaluating the effect of probenecid on cidofovir PK. Maximum cidofovir plasma concentrations, which averaged approximately 1 μg/mL, were significantly below the 36 μg/mL 50% effective concentration in vitro for cidofovir against BKV. The plasma concentration of cidofovir declined with an overall disposition half-life of 5.1 ± 3.5 and 5.3 ± 2.9 h in the absence and in the presence of probenecid, respectively (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cidofovir clearance and eGFR were linearly related irrespective of probenecid administration (r(2) = 0.8 without probenecid; r(2) = 0.7 with probenecid). This relationship allows for the prediction of systemic cidofovir exposure in individual patients and may be utilized to evaluate exposure-response relationships to optimize the cidofovir dosing regimen for BKV infection.

P4-10-08: Risk Factor Profiles of Women with DCIS and Invasive Ductal Breast Cancers

Background There are well established risk factors for breast cancer, including elements of personal and family history. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) have long been viewed as representing two points on the spectrum of one disease. There is limited and conflicting information in the literature regarding risk factor profiles for DCIS as compared with IDC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of established risk factors in a population of women newly diagnosed with pure DCIS and IDC. Methods

The Breast Cancer Database at NYU Langone Medical Center was queried for women who were diagnosed with pure DCIS and IDC from 1/2010-3/2011. Variables of interest included: age, family history of breast cancer (FHBC), BRCA1/2 status, age at menarche and menopause, parity, age at first birth, breast feeding, body mass index (BMI), history of atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ (ADH, ALH, LCIS), stage, ER/PR status, and method of presentation. Wilcoxon non-parametric tests, Chi-Square tests, and Fisher's Exact Tests were used to evaluate differences among DCIS and IDC patients.

Results Of the 593 women identified in this study, 140 (24%) had pure DCIS and 453 (76%) had IDC. The median age at diagnosis was 59 years. There were 9 (1.5%) BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Of these, 7 had IDC and 2 had DCIS. The majority of patients with IDC were stage I (67%) and ER/PR+ (73%). The majority of patients with DCIS were also ER/PR+ (71%). In our cohort, the majority of DCIS (83%) was mammographically detected versus 47% of IDC cases. There were no statistically significant differences in breast cancer risk factors between the two groups.