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Preiksaitis J, Allen U, Bollard CM, Dharnidharka VR, Dulek DE, Green M, Martinez OM, Metes DM, Michaels MG, Smets F, Chinnock RE, Comoli P, Danziger-Isakov L, Dipchand AI, Esquivel CO, Ferry JA, Gross TG, Hayashi RJ, Höcker B, L'Huillier AG, Marks SD, Mazariegos GV, Squires J, Swerdlow SH, Trappe RU, Visner G, Webber SA, Wilkinson JD, Maecker-Kolhoff B. The IPTA Nashville Consensus Conference on Post-Transplant lymphoproliferative disorders after solid organ transplantation in children: III - Consensus guidelines for Epstein-Barr virus load and other biomarker monitoring. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14471. [PMID: 37294621 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The International Pediatric Transplant Association convened an expert consensus conference to assess current evidence and develop recommendations for various aspects of care relating to post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders after solid organ transplantation in children. In this report from the Viral Load and Biomarker Monitoring Working Group, we reviewed the existing literature regarding the role of Epstein-Barr viral load and other biomarkers in peripheral blood for predicting the development of PTLD, for PTLD diagnosis, and for monitoring of response to treatment. Key recommendations from the group highlighted the strong recommendation for use of the term EBV DNAemia instead of "viremia" to describe EBV DNA levels in peripheral blood as well as concerns with comparison of EBV DNAemia measurement results performed at different institutions even when tests are calibrated using the WHO international standard. The working group concluded that either whole blood or plasma could be used as matrices for EBV DNA measurement; optimal specimen type may be clinical context dependent. Whole blood testing has some advantages for surveillance to inform pre-emptive interventions while plasma testing may be preferred in the setting of clinical symptoms and treatment monitoring. However, EBV DNAemia testing alone was not recommended for PTLD diagnosis. Quantitative EBV DNAemia surveillance to identify patients at risk for PTLD and to inform pre-emptive interventions in patients who are EBV seronegative pre-transplant was recommended. In contrast, with the exception of intestinal transplant recipients or those with recent primary EBV infection prior to SOT, surveillance was not recommended in pediatric SOT recipients EBV seropositive pre-transplant. Implications of viral load kinetic parameters including peak load and viral set point on pre-emptive PTLD prevention monitoring algorithms were discussed. Use of additional markers, including measurements of EBV specific cell mediated immunity was discussed but not recommended though the importance of obtaining additional data from prospective multicenter studies was highlighted as a key research priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutta Preiksaitis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Upton Allen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and the Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Vikas R Dharnidharka
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Hypertension & Pheresis, Washington University School of Medicine & St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Daniel E Dulek
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michael Green
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Olivia M Martinez
- Department of Surgery and Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Diana M Metes
- Departments of Surgery and Immunology, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marian G Michaels
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Françoise Smets
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Patrizia Comoli
- Cell Factory & Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lara Danziger-Isakov
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Anne I Dipchand
- Labatt Family Heart Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Judith A Ferry
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas G Gross
- Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Robert J Hayashi
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Britta Höcker
- University Children's Hospital, Pediatrics I, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arnaud G L'Huillier
- Faculty of Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit and Laboratory of Virology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephen D Marks
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - George Vincent Mazariegos
- Department of Surgery, Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James Squires
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Steven H Swerdlow
- Division of Hematopathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ralf U Trappe
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, DIAKO Ev. Diakonie-Krankenhaus Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II: Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Gary Visner
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven A Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - James D Wilkinson
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Green M, Squires JE, Chinnock RE, Comoli P, Danziger-Isakov L, Dulek DE, Esquivel CO, Höcker B, L'Huillier AG, Mazariegos GV, Visner GA, Bollard CM, Dipchand AI, Ferry JA, Gross TG, Hayashi R, Maecker-Kolhoff B, Marks S, Martinez OM, Metes DM, Michaels MG, Preiksaitis J, Smets F, Swerdlow SH, Trappe RU, Wilkinson JD, Allen U, Webber SA, Dharnidharka VR. The IPTA Nashville consensus conference on Post-Transplant lymphoproliferative disorders after solid organ transplantation in children: II-consensus guidelines for prevention. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14350. [PMID: 36369745 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The International Pediatric Transplant Association (IPTA) convened an expert consensus conference to assess current evidence and develop recommendations for various aspects of care relating to post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after solid organ transplantation in children. In this report from the Prevention Working Group, we reviewed the existing literature regarding immunoprophylaxis and chemoprophylaxis, and pre-emptive strategies. While the group made a strong recommendation for pre-emptive reduction of immunosuppression at the time of EBV DNAemia (low to moderate evidence), no recommendations for use could be made for any prophylactic strategy or alternate pre-emptive strategy, largely due to insufficient or conflicting evidence. Current gaps and future research priorities are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Green
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James E Squires
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Patrizia Comoli
- Cell Factory & Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico, San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lara Danziger-Isakov
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel E Dulek
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Britta Höcker
- Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arnaud G L'Huillier
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit and Laboratory of Virology, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - George Vincent Mazariegos
- Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gary A Visner
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Anne I Dipchand
- Labatt Family Heart Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Judith A Ferry
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas G Gross
- Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Robert Hayashi
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Stephen Marks
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Olivia M Martinez
- Department of Surgery and Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Diana M Metes
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marian G Michaels
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jutta Preiksaitis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Françoise Smets
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stephen H Swerdlow
- Division of Hematopathology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ralf U Trappe
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, DIAKO Ev. Diakonie-Krankenhaus Bremen, Bremen, Germany and Department of Internal Medicine II: Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - James D Wilkinson
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Upton Allen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and the Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven A Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Vikas R Dharnidharka
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Hypertension & Pheresis, Washington University School of Medicine & St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Patry C, Fichtner A, Höcker B, Ries M, Schmitt CP, Tönshoff B. Missing trial results: analysis of the current publication rate of studies in pediatric dialysis from 2003 to 2020. Pediatr Nephrol 2023; 38:227-236. [PMID: 35460394 PMCID: PMC9747852 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-022-05553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decision-making in the field of pediatric dialysis requires evidence from clinical trials, but, similar to other fields of pediatric medicine, might be affected by a low trial publication rate. METHODS We analyzed the current publication rate, the time to publication, and factors that might be associated with both rate of and time to publication in pediatric dialysis studies registered as completed on ClinicalTrials.gov from 2003 until November 2020. RESULTS Fifty-three respective studies were identified. These enrolled 7287 patients in total. 28 of 53 studies (52.8%) had results available. We identified a median time to publication of 20.5 months (range, 3-67). Studies published after the FDA Amendments Act establishment in 2007 were published faster (P = 0.025). There was no trend toward a higher publication rate of studies completed more recently (P = 0.431). 26 of 53 studies (49.1%) focused on medication and control of secondary complications of kidney failure. 12 of 53 studies (22.6%) enrolled only children, were published faster (P = 0.029) and had a higher 5-year publication rate (P = 0.038) than studies enrolling both children and adults. 25 of 53 studies (47.1%) were co-funded by industry. These were published faster (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS Currently, only 52.8% of all investigated studies in pediatric dialysis have available results, and the overall median time to publication did not meet FDA requirements. This might introduce a publication bias into the field, and it might negatively impact clinical decision-making in this critical subspecialty of pediatric medicine. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Patry
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Alexander Fichtner
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Ries
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claus Peter Schmitt
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Patry C, Sauer LD, Sander A, Krupka K, Fichtner A, Brezinski J, Geissbühler Y, Aubrun E, Grinienko A, Strologo LD, Haffner D, Oh J, Grenda R, Pape L, Topaloğlu R, Weber LT, Bouts A, Kim JJ, Prytula A, König J, Shenoy M, Höcker B, Tönshoff B. Emulation of the control cohort of a randomized controlled trial in pediatric kidney transplantation with Real-World Data from the CERTAIN Registry. Pediatr Nephrol 2022; 38:1621-1632. [PMID: 36264431 PMCID: PMC9584233 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-022-05777-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomized controlled trials in pediatric kidney transplantation are hampered by low incidence and prevalence of kidney failure in children. Real-World Data from patient registries could facilitate the conduct of clinical trials by substituting a control cohort. However, the emulation of a control cohort by registry data in pediatric kidney transplantation has not been investigated so far. METHODS In this multicenter comparative analysis, we emulated the control cohort (n = 54) of an RCT in pediatric kidney transplant patients (CRADLE trial; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01544491) with data derived from the Cooperative European Paediatric Renal Transplant Initiative (CERTAIN) registry, using the same inclusion and exclusion criteria (CERTAIN cohort, n = 554). RESULTS Most baseline patient and transplant characteristics were well comparable between both cohorts. At year 1 posttransplant, a composite efficacy failure end point comprising biopsy-proven acute rejection, graft loss or death (5.8% ± 3.3% vs. 7.5% ± 1.1%, P = 0.33), and kidney function (72.5 ± 24.9 vs. 77.3 ± 24.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 P = 0.19) did not differ significantly between CRADLE and CERTAIN. Furthermore, the incidence and severity of BPAR (5.6% vs. 7.8%), the degree of proteinuria (20.2 ± 13.9 vs. 30.6 ± 58.4 g/mol, P = 0.15), and the key safety parameters such as occurrence of urinary tract infections (24.1% vs. 15.5%, P = 0.10) were well comparable. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, usage of Real-World Data from patient registries such as CERTAIN to emulate the control cohort of an RCT is feasible and could facilitate the conduct of clinical trials in pediatric kidney transplantation. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Patry
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Lukas D. Sauer
- Institute of Medical Biometry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Sander
- Institute of Medical Biometry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Krupka
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Fichtner
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jolanda Brezinski
- Institute of Medical Biometry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Luca Dello Strologo
- Renal Transplant Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Pediatric subspecialities, Rome, Italy
| | - Dieter Haffner
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jun Oh
- Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ryszard Grenda
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Transplantation and Hypertension, Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lars Pape
- Clinic for Paediatrics III, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Rezan Topaloğlu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Lutz T. Weber
- Pediatric Nephrology, Children’s and Adolescents’ Hospital, University Hospital Cologne, Medical Faculty University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Antonia Bouts
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jon Jin Kim
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Agnieszka Prytula
- Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology Department, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jens König
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital, Munster, Germany
| | - Mohan Shenoy
- Paediatric Nephrology, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Patry C, Höcker B, Dello Strologo L, Baumann L, Grenda R, Peruzzi L, Oh J, Pape L, Weber LT, Weitz M, Awan A, Carraro A, Zirngibl M, Hansen M, Müller D, Bald M, Pecqueux C, Krupka K, Fichtner A, Tönshoff B, Nyarangi-Dix J. Timing of reconstruction of the lower urinary tract in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: A CERTAIN multicenter analysis of current practice. Pediatr Transplant 2022; 26:e14328. [PMID: 35689820 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preexistent LUTD are considered a hostile environment, which might negatively impact KTx survival. In such cases, surgical reconstruction of the bladder is required. However, there is still disagreement on the optimal timing of the reconstruction procedure. METHODS This is a multicenter analysis of data from the CERTAIN Registry. Included were 62 children aged 8.18 ± 4.90 years, with LUTD. Study endpoints were the duration of initial posttransplant hospitalization, febrile UTIs, and a composite failure endpoint comprising decline of eGFR, graft loss, or death up to 5 years posttransplant. Outcome was compared to matched controls without bladder dysfunction. RESULTS Forty-one patients (66.1%) underwent pretransplant and 14 patients (22.6%) posttransplant reconstruction. Bladder augmentation was performed more frequently in the pretransplant (61%) than in the posttransplant group (21%, p = .013). Outcome in the pre- and posttransplant groups and in the subgroups of patients on pretransplant PD with major bladder surgery either pre- (n = 14) or posttransplant (n = 7) was comparable. Outcomes of the main study cohort and the matched control cohort (n = 119) were comparable during the first 4 years posttransplant; at year 5, there were more events of transplant dysfunction in the study cohort with LUTD than in controls (p = .03). CONCLUSIONS This multicenter analysis of the current practice of LUTD reconstruction in pediatric KTx recipients shows that pre- or posttransplant surgical reconstruction of the lower urinary tract is associated with a comparable 5-year outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Patry
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Lukas Baumann
- Institute of Medical Biometry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ryszard Grenda
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Transplantation and Hypertension, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Licia Peruzzi
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Regina Margherita University Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Jun Oh
- Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lars Pape
- Clinic for Paediatrics III, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Lutz T Weber
- Pediatric Nephrology, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, University Hospital Cologne, Medical Faculty University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marcus Weitz
- Pediatric Nephrology Department, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Atif Awan
- Department of National Paediatric Renal Transplantation, Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrea Carraro
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Matthias Zirngibl
- Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Hansen
- KfH Kindernierenzentrum Frankfurt at Clementine Kinderhospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dominik Müller
- Departments of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Metabolic Diseases, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Bald
- Pediatric Nephrology, Clinics of Stuttgart, Olgahospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Carine Pecqueux
- Department of Urology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Krupka
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Fichtner
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Patry C, Cordts S, Baumann L, Höcker B, Fichtner A, Ries M, Tönshoff B. Publication rate and research topics of studies in pediatric kidney transplantation. Pediatr Transplant 2022; 26:e14262. [PMID: 35253962 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quality of medical care for pediatric kidney transplant recipients depends on sound evidence from published clinical trials. METHODS We examined the publication rate, time to publication, and factors associated with publication of studies in pediatric kidney transplantation registered on ClinicalTrials.gov from 1999 to 2020. RESULTS We identified 136 studies with an overall enrollment of 36255 study participants, of which only 58.8% have been published yet. Unpublished studies included data from 14 350 participants. The median time to publication was 25 months (range, 0-117) with a significantly shorter time to publication in more recent years. The most frequently investigated research topic was immunosuppressants (49.3%), followed by perioperative management (11.0%) and infectiology (10.3%). The percentage of published studies was highest for the topic steroid withdrawal (87.5%), followed by infectiology (78.6%), and nutrition, sports and quality of life (71.4%). Studies, which were co-funded by industry, showed a significantly higher 5-year publication rate (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, nearly half of all studies in pediatric kidney transplantation remain unpublished. Non-publication of studies might lead to a publication bias with a negative impact on clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Patry
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Cordts
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lukas Baumann
- Institute of Medical Biometry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Fichtner
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Ries
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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7
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Baghai Arassi M, Gauche L, Schmidt J, Höcker B, Rieger S, Süsal C, Tönshoff B, Fichtner A. Association of intraindividual tacrolimus variability with de novo donor-specific HLA antibody development and allograft rejection in pediatric kidney transplant recipients with low immunological risk. Pediatr Nephrol 2022; 37:2503-2514. [PMID: 35166920 PMCID: PMC9395307 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-022-05426-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tacrolimus (Tac) intraindividual variability (TacIPV) in pediatric kidney transplant patients is only poorly understood. We investigated the impact of TacIPV on de novo donor-specific HLA antibodies (dnDSA) development and allograft rejection in Caucasian pediatric recipients of a living or deceased donor kidney with low immunological risk. METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study including 48 pediatric kidney transplant recipients. TacIPV was calculated based on coefficient of variation (CV%) 6-12 months posttransplant. TacIPV cutoff was set at the median (25%). Outcome parameters were dnDSA development and rejection episodes. RESULTS In total, 566 Tac levels were measured with median 11.0 (6.0-17.0) measurements per patient. The cutoff of 25% corresponded to the median CV% in our study cohort (25%, IQR 18-35%) and was comparable to cutoffs determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. High TacIPV was associated with higher risk of dnDSA development (HR 3.4, 95% CI 1.0-11.1, P = 0.047; Kaplan-Meier analysis P = 0.018) and any kind of rejection episodes (HR 4.1, 95% CI 1.1-14.8, P = 0.033; Kaplan-Meier analysis P = 0.010). There was a clear trend towards higher TacIPV below the age of 6 years. TacIPV (CV%) was stable over time. A TacIPV (CV%) cutoff of 30% or IPV quantification by mean absolute deviation (MAD) showed comparable results. CONCLUSIONS High TacIPV is associated with an increased risk of dnDSA development and rejection episodes > year 1 posttransplant even in patients with low immunological risk profile. Therefore, in patients with high TacIPV, potential causes should be addressed, and if not resolved, changes in immunosuppressive therapy should be considered. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maral Baghai Arassi
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Laura Gauche
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jeremy Schmidt
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Rieger
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Caner Süsal
- Institute of Immunology, Transplantation Immunology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Fichtner
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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8
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Zierhut H, Kanzelmeyer N, Buescher A, Höcker B, Mauz-Körholz C, Tönshoff B, Metzler M, Pohl M, Pape L, Maecker-Kolhoff B. Course of renal allograft function after diagnosis and treatment of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplant 2021; 25:e14042. [PMID: 34021949 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a life-threatening complication in renal transplant recipients. Immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic treatment potentially affect allograft function. The aim of this study was to evaluate graft function of pediatric kidney transplant recipients following diagnosis and standardized treatment of PTLD. METHODS Patients were identified from the German Ped-PTLD registry, and data on renal function were retrospectively retrieved from patient charts. For PTLD treatment, immunosuppressive therapy was reduced and all children received rituximab (375 mg/m2 ) for up to six doses. Two patients required additional low-dose chemotherapy. Renal allograft function was monitored by consecutive measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at defined time points. Follow-up was up to 60 months after PTLD. RESULTS Twenty patients were included in this cohort analysis. Median time from transplantation to PTLD was 2.4 years. Histopathology showed monomorphic lesions in 16 and polymorphic in 4 patients. Two patients experienced PTLD relapse after 2 and 14 months. Range-based analysis of variance showed stable allograft function in 17 of 20 patients (85%). Mean eGFR increased during early treatment phase. One patient experienced graft rejection 5.3 years after diagnosis of PTLD. Another patient developed recurrence of primary renal disease (focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis) and lost his renal allograft 3.8 years post-transplant (2.0 years after PTLD diagnosis). CONCLUSION Treatment of PTLD with rituximab with or without low-dose chemotherapy in combination with reduced immunosuppression, mostly comprising of an mTOR inhibitor-based, calcineurin inhibitor-free regimen, is associated with stable graft function and favorable graft survival in pediatric renal transplant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriette Zierhut
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nele Kanzelmeyer
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anja Buescher
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine Mauz-Körholz
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Gießen and Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther University of Halle, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Metzler
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Pohl
- Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lars Pape
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Britta Maecker-Kolhoff
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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9
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Fichtner A, Süsal C, Höcker B, Rieger S, Waldherr R, Westhoff JH, Sander A, Dragun D, Tönshoff B. Association of non-HLA antibodies against endothelial targets and donor-specific HLA antibodies with antibody-mediated rejection and graft function in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Pediatr Nephrol 2021; 36:2473-2484. [PMID: 33759004 PMCID: PMC8260519 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-021-04969-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-HLA antibodies against endothelial targets have been implicated in the pathogenesis of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), but data in pediatric patients are scarce. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed a carefully phenotyped single-center (University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Germany) cohort of 62 pediatric kidney transplant recipients (mean age at transplantation, 8.6 ± 5.0 years) at increased risk of graft function deterioration. Patients had received their transplant between January 1, 1999, and January 31, 2010. We examined at time of late index biopsies (more than 1-year post-transplant, occurring after January 2004) the association of antibodies against the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), the endothelin type A receptor (ETAR), the MHC class I chain-like gene A (MICA), and vimentin in conjunction with overall and complement-binding donor-specific HLA antibodies (HLA-DSA) with graft histology and function. RESULTS We observed a high prevalence (62.9%) of non-HLA antibody positivity. Seventy-two percent of HLA-DSA positive patients showed additional positivity for at least one non-HLA antibody. Antibodies against AT1R, ETAR, and MICA were associated with the histological phenotype of ABMR. The cumulative load of HLA-DSA and non-HLA antibodies in circulation was related to the degree of microinflammation in peritubular capillaries. Non-HLA antibody positivity was an independent non-invasive risk factor for graft function deterioration (adjusted hazard ratio 6.38, 95% CI, 2.11-19.3). CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that the combined detection of antibodies to HLA and non-HLA targets may allow a more comprehensive assessment of the patients' immune responses against the kidney allograft and facilitates immunological risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Fichtner
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Caner Süsal
- Transplantation Immunology, Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Rieger
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Waldherr
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens H Westhoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Sander
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Duska Dragun
- Clinic for Nephrology and Critical Care Medicine, Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universitat Berlin, Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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10
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Pittet LF, Danziger-Isakov L, Allen UD, Ardura MI, Chaudhuri A, Goddard E, Höcker B, Michaels MG, Van der Linden D, Green M, Posfay-Barbe KM. Management and prevention of varicella and measles infections in pediatric solid organ transplant candidates and recipients: An IPTA survey of current practice. Pediatr Transplant 2020; 24:e13830. [PMID: 32964637 DOI: 10.1111/petr.13830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicella and measles infections can be life-threatening after solid organ transplantation (SOT) but may be preventable with live-attenuated vaccines (LAV). METHODS This survey conducted in January 2019 among subscribers of the International Pediatric Transplantation Association listserv aimed to explore the current strategies to prevent and manage both infections in the pediatric SOT population, including recommending LAV after SOT. RESULTS The answers given by 95 pediatric SOT healthcare workers show that these strategies are not yet optimal and call for further education. In particular, 59% of respondents are unnecessarily waiting for a SOT candidate to be >1 year of age to start administrating LAV before SOT. Interestingly, most respondents are willing to administer LAV after SOT (57%), and a fifth (21%) are already doing so, off-label. The survey queried the precautions taken to improve safety evaluations after LAV, and identified knowledge gaps and practitioners' concerns. CONCLUSION The results of this survey could be used as a starting point for education and promotion of the safe administration of LAV in carefully selected SOT recipients; in turn, this would increase available data that would contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines by the transplant societies and ultimately prevent these infections after SOT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure F Pittet
- Department of Women, Children and Adolescents, Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lara Danziger-Isakov
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Upton D Allen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Monica I Ardura
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Host Defense Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Abanti Chaudhuri
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Goddard
- Department of Paediatrics, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Dimitri Van der Linden
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, General Pediatrics, Pediatric Department, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michael Green
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Klara M Posfay-Barbe
- Department of Women, Children and Adolescents, Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
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11
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Höcker B, Schneble L, Murer L, Carraro A, Pape L, Kranz B, Oh J, Zirngibl M, Dello Strologo L, Büscher A, Weber LT, Awan A, Pohl M, Bald M, Printza N, Rusai K, Peruzzi L, Topaloglu R, Fichtner A, Krupka K, Köster L, Bruckner T, Schnitzler P, Hirsch HH, Tönshoff B. Epidemiology of and Risk Factors for BK Polyomavirus Replication and Nephropathy in Pediatric Renal Transplant Recipients: An International CERTAIN Registry Study. Transplantation 2020; 103:1224-1233. [PMID: 30130322 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) constitutes a serious cause of kidney allograft failure, but large-scale data in pediatric renal transplant recipients and a comprehensive analysis of specific risk factors are lacking. METHODS We analyzed the data of 313 patients in the Cooperative European Pediatric Renal Transplant Initiative Registry, with an observation period of 3.3 years (range, 1-5). The net state of immunosuppressive therapy was assessed by the modified Vasudev score. RESULTS Presumptive BKPyVAN (defined as sustained [>3 wk] high-level BK viremia >10 copies/mL) within 5 years posttransplant occurred in 49 (15.8%) of 311 patients, and biopsy-proven BKPyVAN in 14 (4.5%) of 313. BKPyV viremia was observed in 115 (36.7%) of 311 patients, of whom 11 (9.6%) of 115 developed viremia late, that is, after the second year posttransplant. In 6 (12.5%) of 48 patients with high-level viremia and in 3 (21.4%) of 14 with BKPyVAN, this respective event occurred late. According to multivariable analysis, BKPyV viremia and/or BKPyVAN were associated not only with a higher net state of immunosuppression (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; P < 0.01) and with tacrolimus-based versus ciclosporin-based immunosuppression (OR, 3.6; P < 0.01) but also with younger recipient age (OR, 1.1 per y younger; P < 0.001) and obstructive uropathy (OR, 12.4; P < 0.01) as primary renal disease. CONCLUSIONS Uncontrolled BKPyV replication affects a significant proportion of pediatric renal transplant recipients and is associated with unique features of epidemiology and risk factors, such as young recipient age, obstructive uropathy, and overall intensity of immunosuppressive therapy. BKPyV surveillance should be considered beyond 2 years posttransplant in pediatric patients at higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lukas Schneble
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Luisa Murer
- Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Carraro
- Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Lars Pape
- Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Birgitta Kranz
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jun Oh
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Luca Dello Strologo
- Pediatric Nephrology and Renal Transplant Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anja Büscher
- Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatrics II, University Children's Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lutz T Weber
- Pediatric Nephrology, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Atif Awan
- Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martin Pohl
- Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Bald
- Olga Children's Hospital, Clinic of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nikoleta Printza
- 1st Pediatric Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Krisztina Rusai
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Licia Peruzzi
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Rezan Topaloglu
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Alexander Fichtner
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Krupka
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lennart Köster
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Bruckner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul Schnitzler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans H Hirsch
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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L'Huillier AG, Green M, Danziger-Isakov L, Chaudhuri A, Höcker B, Van der Linden D, Goddard L, Ardura MI, Stephens D, Verma A, Evans HM, McCulloch M, Michaels MG, Posfay-Barbe KM, Allen UD. Infections among pediatric transplant candidates: An approach to decision-making. Pediatr Transplant 2019; 23:e13375. [PMID: 30838753 DOI: 10.1111/petr.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The presence of infections in the immediate pretransplant period poses challenges in decision-making. Delaying transplantation because of these infections may be required, but is associated with a risk to the potential recipient. The aim of this project was to develop a structured framework based on expert opinion to guide decision-making regarding the safety of transplantation for candidates with infection immediately before transplant, and to show how this framework can be applied to clinical scenarios. METHODS Categories were created as follows: Category A: no delay; Category B: brief delay (≤1 week); Category C: intermediate delay (>1 week); and Category D: more prolonged or indefinite delay. A survey containing 59 clinical scenarios was sent to members of the IPTA ID CARE committee. Answers were reviewed, and the level of agreement was characterized as follows: Level 1: ≥75% agreement; Level 2:51%-74% agreement; and Level 3: ≤50% agreement. 95% CIs were calculated for the mean overall agreement across 59 scenarios. RESULTS Among the panel, the agreement level ranged from 33% to 92% with the mean overall agreement across the 59 scenarios being 61%. For 7/59 scenarios, the lower bound of 95% CI was greater than 50%, indicating a difference at the 5% level of significance between the observed proportion and the chance level of 0.5. SUMMARY The document provides expert opinion regarding the need to delay transplantation in the setting of different infections. The most important points in the decision to proceed to SOT included the urgency of transplantation and the severity of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud G L'Huillier
- The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michael Green
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lara Danziger-Isakov
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital and the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Britta Höcker
- University Children's Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Liz Goddard
- Red Cross Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Derek Stephens
- The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Upton D Allen
- The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Rieger S, Bethe D, Bagorda A, Treiber D, Beimler J, Sommerer C, Höcker B, Fichtner A, Vinke T, Zeier M, Hoffmann GF, Tönshoff B. A need-adapted transition program after pediatric kidney transplantation. Journal of Transition Medicine 2019. [DOI: 10.1515/jtm-2018-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractA successful transition of renal transplant recipients from pediatric to adult care requires a structured, need-adapted and multidisciplinary approach to preserve renal graft function during this critical period of life. In this article we present our clinical protocol for transition from pediatric to adult care, which we developed on the basis of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN)/International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA) consensus guidelines influenced by our own experience. This transition program was established in our center in July 2017. The entire transition process is structured and accompanied by a transition key worker (social worker). From 12 years of age we train pediatric renal transplant recipients in medical knowledge, self-management skills and networking with self-help groups. The training is adapted to the individual patient‘s intellectual ability, lasts about 10 years and takes place with increasing intensity. Repeatedly we perform standardized informational interviews and check patient’s knowledge of transplant-related topics. Psychosocial and educational issues are evaluated concomitantly. The actual transfer takes place in a pediatric-adult-transition clinic. Relevant medical and psychosocial aspects are discussed and the future treatment regimen is established. The date of transfer is adapted to the individual patient’s need; it varies between 18 and 24 years of age. In periods of increased risk for non-adherence the transfer is postponed to intensify the efforts for training and assistance. After transfer a standardized evaluation of each individual patient takes place focusing on medical and psychosocial issues and on satisfaction with the transition process. Collection of these data is still in progress and will be analyzed systematically at a later stage in order to evaluate the impact of this new transition program on the stability of transplant function. That analysis might serve as a basis for negotiations about refunding with health insurance companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Rieger
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Bethe
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angela Bagorda
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dorothea Treiber
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jörg Beimler
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Sommerer
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Fichtner
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Vinke
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Zeier
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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14
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Höcker B, Tabatabai J, Schneble L, Oh J, Thiel F, Pape L, Rusai K, Topaloglu R, Kranz B, Klaus G, Printza N, Yavascan O, Fichtner A, Krupka K, Bruckner T, Waldherr R, Pawlita M, Schnitzler P, Hirsch HH, Tönshoff B. JC polyomavirus replication and associated disease in pediatric renal transplantation: an international CERTAIN Registry study. Pediatr Nephrol 2018; 33:2343-2352. [PMID: 30058047 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-018-4029-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND JC polyomavirus (JCPyV)-associated nephropathy (JCPyVAN) is a severe, but rare complication in adult renal transplant (RTx) recipients. Related data in pediatric patients are scarce. METHODS Based on the CERTAIN Registry, we therefore performed a multi-center, retrospective study on the JCPyV antibody status, prevalence of JCPyV replication, and its associated disease in 139 pediatric RTx recipients (mean age, 8.5 ± 5.3 years). JCPyV DNA in plasma and/or urine was measured by quantitative PCR at a median time of 3.2 (IQR, 0.3-8.1) years post-transplant. RESULTS 53.2% of patients were JCPyV-seronegative prior to transplantation; younger age was associated with JCPyV seronegativity. 34/139 (24.5%) patients post-transplant showed active JCPyV replication in either urine (22.0%), plasma (13.4%), or both (7.6%). JCPyV viremia occurred significantly (p < 0.001) more often in patients with viruria (34.6%) than in those without (7.6%), but 7/118 (5.9%) had isolated viremia. High-level viruria (> 107 copies/mL) was found in 29.6% of viruric patients. A higher net state of immunosuppression constituted an independent risk factor for JCPyV replication both in urine and plasma (OR 1.2, p < 0.02). Male patients tended to have a higher risk of JCPyV viremia than females (OR 4.3, p = 0.057). There was one male patient (0.7%) with JCPyVAN 7 years post-transplant, which resolved after reduction of immunosuppressive therapy. No patient exhibited progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. CONCLUSIONS This first multi-center study on JCPyV in pediatric renal transplant recipients shows that JCPyV replication is common (24.5%), with strong immunosuppression being a significant risk factor, but associated nephropathy is rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Julia Tabatabai
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lukas Schneble
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jun Oh
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Thiel
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lars Pape
- Hanover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hanover, Germany
| | - Krisztina Rusai
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rezan Topaloglu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Birgitta Kranz
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital Münster, Waldeyerstraße 22, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Günter Klaus
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nikoleta Printza
- 1st Pediatric Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Onder Yavascan
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Tepecik Teaching and Research Hospital, 1140/1 Sk No: 1, 35180 Yenisehir, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Alexander Fichtner
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Krupka
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Bruckner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Waldherr
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Pawlita
- Division of Molecular Diagnostics of Oncogenic Infections, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul Schnitzler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans H Hirsch
- Transplantation & Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 10, 4009, Basel, Switzerland
- Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Pellett Madan R, Allen UD, Green M, Höcker B, Michaels MG, Varela-Fascinetto G, Danziger-Isakov L. Pediatric transplantation case conference: Update on cytomegalovirus. Pediatr Transplant 2018; 22:e13276. [PMID: 30203626 DOI: 10.1111/petr.13276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The prevention and management of cytomegalovirus (CMV) remain challenging in children who have undergone solid organ transplantation, despite the availability of effective antiviral medications and sensitive diagnostic assays. The primary objective of this invited commentary is to provide an updated and multidisciplinary approach to persistently challenging CMV cases that commonly occur in pediatric transplantation candidates and recipients, including cases for which published data are frequently lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Pellett Madan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Upton D Allen
- Department of Paediatrics and the Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Green
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marian G Michaels
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Lara Danziger-Isakov
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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16
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Ehren R, Benz MR, Doetsch J, Fichtner A, Gellermann J, Haffner D, Höcker B, Hoyer PF, Kästner B, Kemper MJ, Konrad M, Luntz S, Querfeld U, Sander A, Toenshoff B, Weber LT. Initial treatment of steroid-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children with mycophenolate mofetil versus prednisone: protocol for a randomised, controlled, multicentre trial (INTENT study). BMJ Open 2018; 8:e024882. [PMID: 30309995 PMCID: PMC6252704 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerular disease in childhood with an incidence of 1.8 cases per 100 000 children in Germany. The treatment of the first episode implies two aspects: induction of remission and sustainment of remission. The recent Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes, American Academy of Pediatrics and German guidelines for the initial treatment of the first episode of a nephrotic syndrome recommend a 12-week course of prednisone. Despite being effective, this treatment is associated with pronounced glucocorticoid-associated toxicity due to high-dose prednisone administration over a prolonged period of time. The aim of the INTENT study (Initial treatment of steroid-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrom in children with mycophenolate mofetil versus prednisone: protocol for a randomised, controlled, multicentre trial) is to show that an alternative treatment regimen with mycophenolic acid is not inferior regarding sustainment of remission, but with lower toxicity compared with treatment with glucocorticoids only. METHODS AND DESIGN The study is designed as an open, randomised, controlled, multicentre trial. 340 children with a first episode of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome and who achieved remission by a standard prednisone regimen will be enrolled in the trial and randomised to one of two treatment arms. The standard care group will be treated with prednisone for a total of 12 weeks; in the experimental group the treatment is switched to mycophenolate mofetil, also for a total of 12 weeks in treatment duration. The primary endpoint is the occurrence of a treated relapse within 24 months after completion of initial treatment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval for this trial was granted by the ethics committee of the Medical Faculty of the University of Heidelberg (AFmu-554/2014). The study results will be published in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement and the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials guidelines. Our findings will be submitted to major international paediatric nephrology and general paediatric conferences and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed, open-access journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRKS0006547; EudraCT2014-001991-76; Pre-result. DATE OF REGISTRATION 30 October 2014; 24 February 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus Ehren
- Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Köln, University Hospital Köln, Köln, Germany
| | - Marcus R Benz
- Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Köln, University Hospital Köln, Köln, Germany
| | - Jorg Doetsch
- Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Köln, University Hospital Köln, Köln, Germany
| | - Alexander Fichtner
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jutta Gellermann
- Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Berlin, University Hospital Berlin Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dieter Haffner
- Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Hannover, University Hospital Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter F Hoyer
- Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bärbel Kästner
- KKS (Coordination Center for Clinical Trials), University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus J Kemper
- Department of Pediatrics, Asklepios Klinik Nord – Heidberg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Konrad
- Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Münster, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Steffen Luntz
- KKS (Coordination Center for Clinical Trials), University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uwe Querfeld
- Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Berlin, University Hospital Berlin Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Sander
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Toenshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lutz T Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Köln, University Hospital Köln, Köln, Germany
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17
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Fichtner A, Süsal C, Schröder C, Höcker B, Rieger S, Waldherr R, Westhoff JH, Sander A, Dragun D, Tönshoff B. Association of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibodies with graft histology, function and survival in paediatric renal transplant recipients. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2018; 33:1065-1072. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfy008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Fichtner
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Caner Süsal
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Schröder
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Rieger
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Waldherr
- Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Clinical Pathology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens H Westhoff
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Sander
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Duska Dragun
- Clinic for Nephrology and Critical Care Medicine, Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universitat Berlin, Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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18
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Höcker B, Aguilar M, Schnitzler P, Pape L, Dello Strologo L, Webb NJA, Bald M, Genc G, Billing H, König J, Büscher A, Kemper MJ, Marks SD, Pohl M, Wigger M, Topaloglu R, Rieger S, Krupka K, Bruckner T, Fichtner A, Tönshoff B. Incomplete vaccination coverage in European children with end-stage kidney disease prior to renal transplantation. Pediatr Nephrol 2018; 33:341-350. [PMID: 28983694 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-017-3776-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because infections constitute a major cause of morbidity and mortality in paediatric renal allograft recipients, avoidance of preventable systemic infections by vaccination before transplantation is of utmost importance. However, data on the completeness of vaccinations and factors associated with incomplete vaccination coverage are scarce. METHODS Within the framework of the Cooperative European Paediatric Renal Transplant Initiative (CERTAIN), we therefore performed a multi-centre, multi-national, retrospective study investigating the vaccination coverage before transplantation of 254 European children with end-stage renal disease (mean age 10.0 ± 5.6 years). RESULTS Only 22 out of 254 patients (8.7%) presented complete vaccination coverage. In particular, the respective vaccination coverage against human papillomavirus (27.3%), pneumococci (42.0%), and meningococci (47.9%) was low. Patients with complete pneumococcal vaccination coverage had numerically less lower respiratory tract infections during the first 3 years post-transplant than children without vaccination or with an incomplete status (16.4% vs 27.7%, p = 0.081). Vaccine-preventable diseases post-transplant were 4.0 times more frequently in unvaccinated than in vaccinated patients. Factors associated with an incomplete vaccination coverage were non-Caucasian ethnicity (OR 9.21, p = 0.004), chronic dialysis treatment before transplantation (OR 6.18, p = 0.001), and older age at transplantation (OR 1.33, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The vaccination coverage in paediatric kidney transplant candidates is incomplete. Paediatric nephrologists, together with primary-care staff and patients' families, should therefore make every effort to improve vaccination rates before kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Höcker
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Aguilar
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul Schnitzler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lars Pape
- Hanover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hanover, Germany
| | - Luca Dello Strologo
- IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Piazza di Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicholas J A Webb
- Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, M13 9WL, Manchester, UK
| | - Martin Bald
- Clinic of Stuttgart, Olga Children's Hospital, Kriegsbergstrasse 62, 70174, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gurkan Genc
- Paediatric Nephrology Department, Ondokuz Mayis University Faculty of Medicine, Children's Hospital, Kurupelit, 55139, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Heiko Billing
- University Children's Hospital, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 1, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jens König
- Department of General Paediatrics, Paediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital, Waldeyerstrasse 22, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Anja Büscher
- University Children's Hospital, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Markus J Kemper
- University Children's Hospital, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephen D Marks
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, WC1N 3JH, London, UK
| | - Martin Pohl
- Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Center for Pediatrics, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Mathildenstrasse 1, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marianne Wigger
- Paediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital, Ernst-Heydemann-Strasse 8, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Rezan Topaloglu
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Susanne Rieger
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Krupka
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Bruckner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Fichtner
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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19
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Habbig S, Volland R, Krupka K, Querfeld U, Dello Strologo L, Noyan A, Yalcinkaya F, Topaloglu R, Webb NJA, Kemper MJ, Pape L, Bald M, Kranz B, Taylan C, Höcker B, Tönshoff B, Weber LT. Dyslipidemia after pediatric renal transplantation-The impact of immunosuppressive regimens. Pediatr Transplant 2017; 21. [PMID: 28370750 DOI: 10.1111/petr.12914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dyslipidemia contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in pediatric transplant recipients. Data on prevalence and risk factors in pediatric cohorts are, however, scarce. We therefore determined the prevalence of dyslipidemia in 386 pediatric renal transplant recipients enrolled in the CERTAIN registry. Data were obtained before and during the first year after RTx to analyze possible non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 95% before engraftment and 88% at 1 year post-transplant. Low estimated glomerular filtration rate at 1 year post-transplant was associated with elevated serum triglyceride levels. The use of TAC and of MPA was associated with significantly lower concentrations of all lipid parameters compared to regimens containing CsA and mTORi. Immunosuppressive regimens consisting of CsA, MPA, and steroids as well as of CsA, mTORi, and steroids were associated with a three- and 25-fold (P<.001) increased risk of having more than one pathologic lipid parameter as compared to the use of TAC, MPA, and steroids. Thus, amelioration of the cardiovascular risk profile after pediatric RTx may be attained by adaption of the immunosuppressive regimen according to the individual risk profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Habbig
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's and Adolescent's Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ruth Volland
- Division of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's and Adolescent's Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kai Krupka
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uwe Querfeld
- Pediatric Nephrology Charité, University Children's Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Aytül Noyan
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Adana Teaching and Research Center, Baskent University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Fatos Yalcinkaya
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Rezan Topaloglu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nicholas J A Webb
- Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Center, Manchester, UK
| | - Markus J Kemper
- University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Pediatric Asklepios Hospital Nord-Heidberg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lars Pape
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Bald
- Clinic of Stuttgart, Olga Children's Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Birgitta Kranz
- Department of General Pediatrics, Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christina Taylan
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's and Adolescent's Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lutz T Weber
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's and Adolescent's Hospital, Cologne, Germany
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20
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Höcker B, Zencke S, Pape L, Krupka K, Köster L, Fichtner A, Dello Strologo L, Guzzo I, Topaloglu R, Kranz B, König J, Bald M, Webb NJA, Noyan A, Dursun H, Marks S, Ozcakar ZB, Thiel F, Billing H, Pohl M, Fehrenbach H, Schnitzler P, Bruckner T, Ahlenstiel-Grunow T, Tönshoff B. Impact of Everolimus and Low-Dose Cyclosporin on Cytomegalovirus Replication and Disease in Pediatric Renal Transplantation. Am J Transplant 2016; 16:921-9. [PMID: 26613840 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In order to investigate the hypothesis that the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus (EVR) shows anticytomegalovirus (CMV) activity in pediatric patients, we analyzed the impact of EVR-based immunosuppressive therapy on CMV replication and disease in a large cohort (n = 301) of pediatric kidney allograft recipients. The EVR cohort (n = 59), who also received low-dose cyclosporin, was compared with a control cohort (n = 242), who was administered standard-dose cyclosporin or tacrolimus and an antimetabolite, mostly mycophenolate mofetil (91.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed an 83% lower risk of CMV replication in the EVR cohort than in the control cohort (p = 0.005). In CMV high-risk (donor+/recipient-) patients (n = 88), the EVR-based regimen was associated with a significantly lower rate of CMV disease (0% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.046) than the standard regimen. In patients who had received chemoprophylaxis with (val-)ganciclovir (n = 63), the CMV-free survival rates at 1 year and 3 years posttransplant (100%) were significantly (p = 0.015) higher in the EVR cohort (n = 15) than in the control cohort (n = 48; 1 year, 75.0%; 3 years, 63.3%). Our data suggest that in pediatric patients at high risk of CMV, an EVR-based immunosuppressive regimen is associated with a lower risk of CMV disease than a standard-dose calcineurin inhibitor-based regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - S Zencke
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - L Pape
- Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - K Krupka
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - L Köster
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A Fichtner
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - I Guzzo
- IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - R Topaloglu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - B Kranz
- Department of General Pediatrics, Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - J König
- Department of General Pediatrics, Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - M Bald
- Olga Children's Hospital, Clinic of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - N J A Webb
- Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Center, Manchester, UK
| | - A Noyan
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Adana Teaching and Research Center, Baskent University, Adana, Turkey
| | - H Dursun
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Adana Teaching and Research Center, Baskent University, Adana, Turkey
| | - S Marks
- Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Z B Ozcakar
- Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - F Thiel
- University Children's Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
| | - H Billing
- University Children's Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - M Pohl
- University Children's Hospital, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - P Schnitzler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - T Bruckner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - B Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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21
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Brunkhorst LC, Fichtner A, Höcker B, Burmeister G, Ahlenstiel-Grunow T, Krupka K, Bald M, Zapf A, Tönshoff B, Pape L. Efficacy and Safety of an Everolimus- vs. a Mycophenolate Mofetil-Based Regimen in Pediatric Renal Transplant Recipients. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135439. [PMID: 26407177 PMCID: PMC4583261 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Data on the efficacy and safety of everolimus in pediatric renal transplantation compared to other immunosuppressive regimens are scarce. Patients/Methods We therefore performed a multicenter, observational, matched cohort study over 4 years post-transplant in 35 patients on everolimus plus low-dose cyclosporine, who were matched (1:2) with a control group of 70 children receiving a standard-dose calcineurin-inhibitor- and mycophenolate mofetil-based regimen. Results Corticosteroids were withdrawn in 83% in the everolimus vs. 39% in the control group (p<0.001). Patient and graft survival were comparable. The rate of biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes Banff score ≥ IA during the first year post-transplant was 6% in the everolimus vs. 13% in the control group (p = 0.23). The rate of de novo donor-specific HLA antibodies (11% in everolimus, 18% in controls) was comparable (p = 0.55). At 4 years post-transplant, mean eGFR in the everolimus group was 56±33 ml/min per 1.73 m² vs. 63±22 ml/min per 1.73 m² in the control group (p = 0.14). Everolimus therapy was associated with less BK polyomavirus replication (3% vs. 17% in controls; p = 0.04), but with a higher percentage of arterial hypertension and more hyperlipidemia (p<0.001). Conclusion In pediatric renal transplantation, an everolimus-based regimen with low-dose cyclosporine yields comparable four year results as a standard regimen, but with a different side effect profile.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander Fichtner
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Greta Burmeister
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Kai Krupka
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Bald
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Olgahospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Antonia Zapf
- Department of Biostatistics, University Clinic of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lars Pape
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
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22
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Kliem V, Sester M, Nitschke M, Tönshoff B, Budde K, Hauser IA, Schmitt M, Höcker B, Witzke O. [Cytomegalovirus after renal transplantation - diagnosis, prevention and treatment]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2015; 140:612-5. [PMID: 25945912 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-100777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Volker Kliem
- Abteilung Innere Medizin/Nephrologie, Nephrologisches Zentrum Niedersachsen, Hann. Münden
| | - Martina Sester
- Abteilung für Transplantations- und Infektionsimmunologie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes und Medizinische Fakultät der Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar
| | - Martin Nitschke
- Medizinische Klinik I, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinik Kinderheilkunde I, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
| | - Klemens Budde
- Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Nephrologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
| | - Ingeborg A Hauser
- Funktionsbereich Nephrologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Goethe-Universität
| | | | - Britta Höcker
- Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Klinik Kinderheilkunde I, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
| | - Oliver Witzke
- Klinik für Nephrologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen
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23
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Lehnhardt A, Karnatz C, Ahlenstiel-Grunow T, Benz K, Benz MR, Budde K, Büscher AK, Fehr T, Feldkötter M, Graf N, Höcker B, Jungraithmayr T, Klaus G, Koehler B, Konrad M, Kranz B, Montoya CR, Müller D, Neuhaus TJ, Oh J, Pape L, Pohl M, Royer-Pokora B, Querfeld U, Schneppenheim R, Staude H, Spartà G, Timmermann K, Wilkening F, Wygoda S, Bergmann C, Kemper MJ. Clinical and molecular characterization of patients with heterozygous mutations in wilms tumor suppressor gene 1. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 10:825-31. [PMID: 25818337 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.10141014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The Wilms tumor suppressor gene 1 (WT1) plays an essential role in urogenital and kidney development. Genotype/phenotype correlations of WT1 mutations with renal function and proteinuria have been observed in world-wide cohorts with nephrotic syndrome or Wilms tumor (WT). This study analyzed mid-European patients with known constitutional heterozygous mutations in WT1, including patients without proteinuria or WT. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS & MEASUREMENTS Retrospective analysis of genotype, phenotype, and treatment of 53 patients with WT1 mutation from all pediatric nephrology centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland performed from 2010 to 2012. RESULTS Median age was 12.4 (interquartile range [IQR], 6-19) years. Forty-four of 53 (83%) patients had an exon mutation (36 missense, eight truncating), and nine of 53 (17%) had an intronic lysine-threonine-serine (KTS) splice site mutation. Fifty of 53 patients (94%) had proteinuria, which occurred at an earlier age in patients with missense mutations (0.6 [IQR, 0.1-1.5] years) than in those with truncating (9.7 [IQR, 5.7-11.9]; P<0.001) and splice site (4.0 [IQR, 2.6-6.6]; P=0.004) mutations. Thirteen of 50 (26%) were treated with steroids and remained irresponsive, while three of five partially responded to cyclosporine A. Seventy-three percent of all patients required RRT, those with missense mutations significantly earlier (at 1.1 [IQR, 0.01-9.3] years) than those with truncating mutations (16.5 [IQR, 16.5-16.8]; P<0.001) and splice site mutations (12.3 [IQR, 7.9-18.2]; P=0.002). Diffuse mesangial sclerosis was restricted to patients with missense mutations, while focal segmental sclerosis occurred in all groups. WT occurred only in patients with exon mutations (n=19). Fifty of 53 (94%) patients were karyotyped: Thirty-one (62%) had XY and 19 (38%) had XX chromosomes, and 96% of male karyotypes had urogenital malformations. CONCLUSIONS Type and location of WT1 mutations have predictive value for the development of proteinuria, renal insufficiency, and WT. XY karyotype was more frequent and associated with urogenital malformations in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Lehnhardt
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material.
| | - Claartje Karnatz
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Thurid Ahlenstiel-Grunow
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Kerstin Benz
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Marcus R Benz
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Klemens Budde
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Anja K Büscher
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Thomas Fehr
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Markus Feldkötter
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Norbert Graf
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Britta Höcker
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Therese Jungraithmayr
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Günter Klaus
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Birgit Koehler
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Martin Konrad
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Birgitta Kranz
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Carmen R Montoya
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Dominik Müller
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Thomas J Neuhaus
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Jun Oh
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Lars Pape
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Martin Pohl
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Brigitte Royer-Pokora
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Uwe Querfeld
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Reinhard Schneppenheim
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Hagen Staude
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Giuseppina Spartà
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Kirsten Timmermann
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Frauke Wilkening
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Simone Wygoda
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Carsten Bergmann
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Markus J Kemper
- Due to the number of contributing authors,the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
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Köster L, Krupka K, Höcker B, Rahmel A, Samuel U, Zanen W, Opelz G, Süsal C, Döhler B, Plotnicki L, Kohl CD, Knaup P, Tönshoff B. Integrating data from multiple sources for data completeness in a web-based registry for pediatric renal transplantation--the CERTAIN Registry. Stud Health Technol Inform 2015; 216:1049. [PMID: 26262348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Patient registries are a useful tool to measure outcomes and compare the effectiveness of therapies in a specific patient population. High data quality and completeness are therefore advantageous for registry analysis. Data integration from multiple sources may increase completeness of the data. The pediatric renal transplantation registry CERTAIN identified Eurotransplant (ET) and the Collaborative Transplant Study (CTS) as possible partners for data exchange. Import and export interfaces with CTS and ET were implemented. All parties reached their projected goals and benefit from the exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Köster
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Krupka
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Axel Rahmel
- Stichting Eurotransplant International Foundation, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Undine Samuel
- Stichting Eurotransplant International Foundation, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Zanen
- Stichting Eurotransplant International Foundation, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerhard Opelz
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Caner Süsal
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernd Döhler
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lukasz Plotnicki
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian D Kohl
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petra Knaup
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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25
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Ganschow R, Pape L, Sturm E, Bauer J, Melter M, Gerner P, Höcker B, Ahlenstiel T, Kemper M, Brinkert F, Sachse MM, Tönshoff B. Growing experience with mTOR inhibitors in pediatric solid organ transplantation. Pediatr Transplant 2013; 17:694-706. [PMID: 24004351 DOI: 10.1111/petr.12147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Controlled trials of mTOR inhibitors in children following solid organ transplantation are scarce, although evidence from prospective single-arm studies is growing. Everolimus with reduced CNI therapy has been shown to be efficacious and safe in de novo pediatric kidney transplant patients in prospective trials. Prospective and retrospective data in children converted from CNI therapy to mTOR inhibition following kidney, liver, or heart transplantation suggest preservation of immunosuppressive efficacy. Good renal function has been maintained when mTOR inhibitors are used de novo in children following kidney transplantation or after conversion to mTOR inhibition with CNI minimization. mTOR inhibition with reduced CNI exposure is associated with a low risk for developing infection in children. Growth and development do not appear to be impaired during low-dose mTOR inhibition, but more studies are required. No firm conclusions can be drawn as to whether mTOR inhibitors should be discontinued in children requiring surgical intervention or whether mTOR inhibition delays progression of hepatic fibrosis after pediatric liver transplantation. In conclusion, current evidence suggests that use of mTOR inhibitors in children undergoing solid organ transplantation is efficacious and safe, but a number of issues remain unresolved and further studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ganschow
- Pädiatrische Hepatologie und Lebertransplantation, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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26
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Billing H, Burmeister G, Plotnicki L, Ahlenstiel T, Fichtner A, Sander A, Höcker B, Tönshoff B, Pape L. Longitudinal growth on an everolimus- versus an MMF-based steroid-free immunosuppressive regimen in paediatric renal transplant recipients. Transpl Int 2013; 26:903-9. [PMID: 23865768 DOI: 10.1111/tri.12148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Concerns have been raised that mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors in pediatric transplant recipients might interfere with longitudinal bone growth by inhibition of growth factor signaling and growth plate chondrocyte proliferation. We therefore undertook a prospective nested, case-control study on longitudinal growth over 2 years in steroid-free pediatric renal transplant recipients. Fourteen patients on a steroid-free maintenance immunosuppressive regimen consisting of low-dose everolimus (EVR) in conjunction with low-dose cyclosporine (CsA) were compared to a matched cohort of 14 steroid-free patients on a standard dose mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) regimen in conjunction with a standard dose calcineurin inhibitor (CNI). The mean change in height standard deviation (SD) score in the first study year was 0.31 ± 0.71 SD score in the EVR group compared to 0.31 ± 0.64 SD score in the MMF group (P = 0.20). For the entire study period of 2 years, the change in height SD score in the EVR group was 0.43 ± 0.81 SDS compared to 0.75 ± 0.85 SDS in the MMF group (P = 0.32). The percentage of prepubertal patients experiencing catch-up growth, defined as an increase in height SD score ≥0.5 in 2 years, was similar in the EVR group (5/8, 65%) and the MMF group (6/8, 75%; P = 1.00). Longitudinal growth over 2 years in steroid-free pediatric patients on low-dose EVR and CsA is not different to that of a matched steroid-free control group on an immunosuppressive regimen with standard-dose CNI and MMF. Hence, low-dose EVR does not appear to negatively impact short-term growth in pediatric renal transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Billing
- Department of Paediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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27
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Plotnicki L, Kohl C, Höcker B, Krupka K, Rahmel A, Pape L, Hoyer P, Marks S, Webb N, Söylemezoglu O, Topaloglu R, Szabo A, Seeman T, Marlies Cornelissen E, Knops N, Grenda R, Tönshoff B. The CERTAIN Registry: A Novel, Web-Based Registry and Research Platform for Pediatric Renal Transplantation in Europe. Transplant Proc 2013; 45:1414-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2013.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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28
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Billing H, Sander A, Süsal C, Ovens J, Feneberg R, Höcker B, Vondrak K, Grenda R, Friman S, Milford DV, Lucan M, Opelz G, Tönshoff B. Soluble CD30 and ELISA-detected human leukocyte antigen antibodies for the prediction of acute rejection in pediatric renal transplant recipients. Transpl Int 2012; 26:331-8. [DOI: 10.1111/tri.12049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 07/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Billing
- Department of Pediatrics I; University Children's Hospital; Heidelberg; Germany
| | - Anja Sander
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics; University of Heidelberg; Heidelberg; Germany
| | - Caner Süsal
- Department of Transplantation Immunology; University of Heidelberg; Germany
| | - Jörg Ovens
- Department of Transplantation Immunology; University of Heidelberg; Germany
| | - Reinhard Feneberg
- Department of Pediatrics I; University Children's Hospital; Heidelberg; Germany
| | - Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I; University Children's Hospital; Heidelberg; Germany
| | - Karel Vondrak
- Department of Pediatrics; University Hospital Prague-Motol; Praha; Czech Republic
| | - Ryszard Grenda
- Department of Nephrology; Kidney Transplantation and Hypertension; The Children's Memorial Health Institute; Warsaw; Poland
| | - Stybjorn Friman
- Transplant Institute; Sahlgrenska University Hospital; Göteborg; Sweden
| | | | - Mihai Lucan
- Clinical Institute of Urology and Renal Transplantation; Cluj-Napoca; Romania
| | - Gerhard Opelz
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics; University of Heidelberg; Heidelberg; Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I; University Children's Hospital; Heidelberg; Germany
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29
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Plotnicki L, Höcker B, Krupka K, Kohl C, Rahmel A, Pape L, Hoyer P, Marks SD, Webb N, Söylemezoglu O, Topaloglu R, Szabó A, Seeman T, Cornelissen EA, Knops N, Grenda R, Tönshoff B. The CERTAIN Registry: A Novel, Web-Based Registry and Research Platform for Paediatric Renal Transplantation in Europe. Transplantation 2012. [DOI: 10.1097/00007890-201211271-02401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Höcker B, Fickenscher H, Delecluse HJ, Böhm S, Küsters U, Schnitzler P, Pohl M, John U, Kemper MJ, Fehrenbach H, Wigger M, Holder M, Schröder M, Billing H, Fichtner A, Feneberg R, Sander A, Köpf-Shakib S, Süsal C, Tönshoff B. Epidemiology and morbidity of Epstein-Barr virus infection in pediatric renal transplant recipients: a multicenter, prospective study. Clin Infect Dis 2012; 56:84-92. [PMID: 23042966 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cis823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidemiology and morbidity of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in pediatric renal transplant recipients have been characterized insufficiently. METHODS In a prospective, multicenter study among 106 pediatric kidney allograft recipients aged 11.4 ± 5.9 years, we investigated the epidemiology of EBV infection and the relationship between EBV load, EBV serology, and EBV-related morbidity (posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease [PTLD] or symptomatic EBV infection, defined as flu-like symptoms or infectious mononucleosis). RESULTS EBV primary infection occurred in 27 of 43 (63%) seronegative patients and reactivation/reinfection in 28 of 63 (44%) seropositive patients. There was no association between the degree or duration of EBV load and EBV-related morbidity: The vast majority (17 of 18 [94%]) of patients with a high, persistent EBV load remained PTLD-free throughout a follow-up of 5.0 ± 1.3 years, while 2 of 3 (66%) patients with EBV-related PTLD exhibited only a low EBV load beforehand. Eight of 18 (44%) patients with a high, persistent EBV load remained asymptomatic during a follow-up of 5.3 ± 2.9 years. Multivariate analysis identified the EBV high-risk (D(+)/R(-)) serostatus (odds ratio [OR], 7.07; P < .05), the presence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR7 (OR, 5.65; P < .05), and the intensity of the immunosuppressive therapy (OR, 1.53; P < .01) as independent risk factors for the development of a symptomatic EBV infection. CONCLUSIONS Presence of EBV high-risk seroconstellation, HLA-DR7, and intensity of immunosuppressive therapy are significant risk factors for a symptomatic EBV infection, whereas there is no close association between the degree or duration of EBV load and EBV-related morbidity. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT00963248.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Höcker
- University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Höcker B, Böhm S, Fickenscher H, Küsters U, Schnitzler P, Pohl M, John U, Kemper MJ, Fehrenbach H, Wigger M, Holder M, Schröder M, Feneberg R, Köpf-Shakib S, Tönshoff B. (Val-)Ganciclovir prophylaxis reduces Epstein-Barr virus primary infection in pediatric renal transplantation. Transpl Int 2012; 25:723-31. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2012.01485.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Goldwasser R, Kiepe D, Höcker B, Schnitzler P, Hirsch HH, Tönshoff B. Erfolgreiche Therapie einer schweren Parvovirus-B19-induzierten hyporegeneratorischen Anämie nach Nierentransplantation mit IVIG. Klin Padiatr 2011. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1273807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Höcker B, Böhm S, Pohl M, John U, Kemper MJ, Fehrenbach H, Wigger M, Tönshoff B. Multizentrische prospektive Studie zur Inzidenz und Morbidität einer EBV-Infektion bei pädiatrischen Patienten nach Nierentransplantation. Klin Padiatr 2011. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1273803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Höcker B, Böhm S, Pohl M, John U, Kemper MJ, Fehrenbach H, Wigger M, Tönshoff B. Die antivirale Prophylaxe mit (Val-)Ganciclovir senkt deutlich die Inzidenz der EBV-Primärinfektion nach pädiatrischer Nierentransplantation. Klin Padiatr 2011. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1273785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Abstract
The introduction, in the mid-1980s, of calcineurin inhibitors - namely ciclosporin (cyclosporine) and later tacrolimus - has significantly improved short-term renal graft survival by lowering acute rejection rates in both adult and pediatric kidney transplantation. Nonetheless, long-term transplant survival is still not satisfactory, with calcineurin inhibitor-induced chronic nephrotoxicity being one of the main causes of progressive nephron loss and declining renal transplant function. Hence, different immunosuppressant regimens have been proposed to avoid or ameliorate calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity. These comprise the use of non-depleting or depleting antibodies for calcineurin inhibitor minimization, calcineurin inhibitor avoidance, or calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal from mycophenolate mofetil-based immunosuppressant protocols. De novo use of a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor (sirolimus or everolimus) or conversion from a calcineurin inhibitor to an mTOR inhibitor may constitute another therapeutic option to avoid or reduce calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity. To date, complete calcineurin inhibitor avoidance seems to be inappropriate because other relatively potent immunosuppressant agents such as lymphocyte-depleting antibodies are needed for rejection prophylaxis, which are frequently accompanied by a higher incidence of infections and an unacceptably high acute rejection rate under calcineurin inhibitor avoidance. In some studies, calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal in adult and pediatric kidney allograft recipients with stable or declining transplant function has been associated with an amelioration of renal function; however, this is attained at the cost of a higher acute rejection rate in 10-20% of patients. It has been frequently stressed that conversion from a calcineurin inhibitor-based regimen to an mTOR inhibitor-based immunosuppressant regimen should be performed early (e.g. 3 or 6 months post-transplant) in patients with well-preserved renal transplant function without significant proteinuria in order to prevent, or at least limit, calcineurin inhibitor-induced tissue damage and provide long-term benefit. It should be borne in mind though that the use of an mTOR inhibitor carries the risk of potential adverse events such as aggravation of proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, myelosuppression, and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Even though everolimus may be better tolerated than sirolimus, studies on everolimus for calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression in the pediatric kidney transplant patient population are lacking. At present, the safest therapeutic strategy for pediatric renal allograft recipients with chronic calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity appears to be a mycophenolate mofetil-based regimen with low-dose calcineurin inhibitor therapy and corticosteroids; available published data show that dual immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids, as well as an mTOR inhibitor plus mycophenolate mofetil plus corticosteroid-based regimens, are associated with an increased risk of acute rejection episodes. In individual patients with evidenced chronic allograft dysfunction and over-immunosuppression leading to recurrent infections, dual maintenance immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids may be appropriate. As stated in the annual report issued by the North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies (NAPRTCS) Registry, currently the most popular immunosuppressant protocol consists of a calcineurin inhibitor combined with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids: 59.1% and 53.2% of patients with a functioning graft receive a calcineurin inhibitor plus mycophenolate mofetil plus corticosteroid-based immunosuppression at 1 and 5 years post-transplant, respectively. 91.4% and 87.8% of patients are administered a calcineurin inhibitor-containing regimen 1 and/or 5 years after transplantation, respectively. Undoubtedly, the use of calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppressant regimens with or without antibody induction, plus an mTOR inhibitor and mycophenolate mofetil, requires more comprehensive long-term investigations to determine whether acceptable rejection rates and conservation of renal function can be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Höcker
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Höcker B, van Gelder T, Martin-Govantes J, Machado P, Tedesco H, Rubik J, Dehennault M, Garcia Meseguer C, Tönshoff B. Comparison of MMF efficacy and safety in paediatric vs. adult renal transplantation: subgroup analysis of the randomised, multicentre FDCC trial. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2010; 26:1073-9. [PMID: 20670958 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfq450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is widely used for immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplantation, but comparative data regarding efficacy and safety in paediatric vs. adult kidney allograft recipients in one and the same study are lacking. METHODS We therefore performed this subgroup analysis of the FDCC trial, a 12-month, prospective, randomised study, comparing fixed-dose (FD) with concentration-controlled (CC) MMF dosing in paediatric and adult renal transplant recipients. Sixty-two paediatric and 839 adult de novo patients in 19 countries were randomised 1:1 to receive fixed-dose or concentration-controlled MMF therapy in combination with calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids. RESULTS Both patient and allograft survival proved to be excellent in paediatric patients (98.4% and 90.3%) and adults (96.8% and 95.0%). The rates of biopsy-proven acute rejections (BPAR) and treated acute rejection episodes (ARE) were comparable between paediatric (12.9% and 17.7%) and adult patients (15.5% and 20.7%). Transplant function at 12 months post-transplant was similar in paediatric (67.8 ± 45.6 mL/min/1.73 m2;) and adult recipients (64.7 ± 23.3 mL/min/1.73 m2;). Children < 6 years (n = 10) exhibited a numerically higher frequency of leucocytopaenia (20%), diarrhoea (40%) and weight loss (10%) than older children (6-18 years; 5.8%, 28.8% and 1.9%) and adults (16.1%, 24.7% and 1.5%). On the whole, the percentage of patients who experienced adverse events causing interruption of MMF therapy were numerically lower in children (4.8%) than in adults (12.5%). Conclusions. The overall efficacy and tolerability of MMF appear to be comparable between paediatric and adult patients. Further studies are needed to validate these results.
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Abstract
Long-term allograft survival poses a major problem in pediatric renal transplantation, with allograft nephropathy being the principal cause of graft failure after the first post-transplant year. The mechanisms of nephron loss resulting in graft dysfunction are multiple, comprising both immunologic factors such as acute and chronic antibody- or T-cell-mediated rejection and non-immunologic components. The latter include peri-transplant injuries and renovascular lesions (renal artery stenosis, thrombosis) as well as cardiovascular risk factors such as arterial hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Another relevant issue leading to progressive nephron loss and declining kidney transplant function is acute and chronic nephrotoxicity induced by the calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) ciclosporin (cyclosporine microemulsion) and tacrolimus. Furthermore, the presence of an abnormal lower urinary tract as well as bacterial (recurrent pyelonephritis) and viral (cytomegalovirus [CMV], polyomavirus [BK virus; BKV]) infections are crucial factors involved in the incidence of chronic allograft dysfunction and graft failure. Renovascular lesions and lower urinary tract obstruction are typical indicators for surgical intervention. The aim of treatment in pediatric patients with renal failure secondary to a dysfunctional lower urinary tract is to create a sterile, continent, and nonrefluxive reservoir. Surgical techniques such as bladder augmentation and the introduction of intermittent catheterization and anticholinergic therapy have significantly improved graft outcome. Arterial hypertension, another factor responsible for graft function deterioration in pediatric renal transplant recipients, is controlled preferably by the use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists, which are known to possess nephroprotective properties in addition to their potent antihypertensive effects. Although treatment of subclinical rejection with augmented immunosuppression has been associated with better graft survival, an increase of the immunosuppressive level to avoid subclinical rejection should be weighed against the risk of infection. The majority of viral infections affecting kidney allografts are caused by CMV and BKV. Antiviral CMV prophylaxis or pre-emptive therapy with ganciclovir has been shown to have beneficial effects in the pediatric renal transplant population. Treatment of BKV-induced nephropathy is based on reduction of the immunosuppressant therapy, although specific antiviral agents such as cidofovir and leflunomide are known to inhibit BKV. However, cidofovir itself is nephrotoxic and should therefore be administered cautiously to pediatric renal transplant patients. Since CNIs are likewise known for their nephrotoxic effects, especially with long-term use, alteration of the immunosuppressant regimen is necessary in case of deteriorating graft function due to CNI-induced histopathologic changes. Complete CNI avoidance seems inappropriate because, in this situation in pediatric renal transplant recipients, other relatively potent immunosuppressant agents such as lymphocyte-depleting antibodies, which are frequently accompanied by a higher incidence of infections, are needed for rejection prophylaxis. CNI withdrawal and switching of the immunosuppressant regimen from CNI therapy to sirolimus may be an option for some pediatric renal transplant patients with less advanced graft function deterioration. Nevertheless, potential adverse events such as aggravation of proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, myelosuppression, and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism have to be considered, and controlled studies are lacking. At present, an immunosuppressant maintenance therapy composed of low-dose tacrolimus or ciclosporin (CNI minimization) and mycophenolate mofetil with low-dose corticosteroids appears to be the most promising strategy to adopt in pediatric renal transplant recipients at low or normal immunologic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Höcker
- University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Höcker B, Weber LT, Feneberg R, Drube J, John U, Fehrenbach H, Pohl M, Zimmering M, Fründ S, Klaus G, Wühl E, Tönshoff B. Improved growth and cardiovascular risk after late steroid withdrawal: 2-year results of a prospective, randomised trial in paediatric renal transplantation. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2009; 25:617-24. [PMID: 19793929 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfp506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term corticosteroid treatment impairs growth and increases cardiovascular risk factors. Hence, steroid withdrawal constitutes a major topic in paediatric renal transplantation and maintenance immunosuppression. METHODS The lack of data from randomised controlled trials caused us to conduct the first prospective, randomised, multicentre study on late steroid withdrawal among paediatric kidney allograft recipients treated with standard-dose cyclosporine microemulsion (CsA) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for 2 years. Forty-two low- or regular-immunologic risk patients were randomly assigned, >or=1 year post-transplant, to continue taking or to withdraw steroids over 3 months. RESULTS Two years after steroid withdrawal, they showed a longitudinal growth superior to controls [mean height standard deviation score (SDS) gain, 0.6 +/- 0.1 SDS versus -0.2 +/- 0.1 SDS (P < 0.001)]. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome declined significantly (P < 0.05), 2 years after steroid withdrawal, from 39% (9/23) to 6% (1/16). Steroid-free patients had less frequent arterial hypertension (50% versus 93% (P < 0.05)) and required fewer antihypertensive drugs [0.6 +/- 0.2 versus 1.5 +/- 0.3 (P < 0.05 versus control)]. Additionally, they had a significantly improved carbohydrate and lipid metabolism with fewer hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia (P < 0.05 versus control). Patient and graft survival amounted to 100%. Allograft function remained stable 2 years after steroid withdrawal. The incidence of acute rejections was similar in the steroid-withdrawal group (1/23, 4%) and controls (2/19, 11%). CONCLUSION Late steroid withdrawal in selected CsA- and MMF-treated paediatric kidney transplant recipients improves growth, mitigates cardiovascular risk factors and reduces the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, at no increased risk of acute rejection or unstable graft function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Höcker
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Höcker B, Knüppel T, Waldherr R, Schaefer F, Weber S, Tönshoff B. Recurrence of proteinuria 10 years post-transplant in NPHS2-associated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after conversion from cyclosporin A to sirolimus. Pediatr Nephrol 2006; 21:1476-9. [PMID: 16721582 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-006-0148-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2006] [Revised: 03/14/2006] [Accepted: 03/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the NPHS2 gene, which encodes podocin, are associated with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in childhood. Renal histology frequently presents focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Post-transplant recurrence of proteinuria in patients affected by homozygous or compound heterozygous NPHS2 mutation is encountered rarely (1-2%) compared to 30% recurrence in nonhereditary FSGS. We report on a pediatric kidney transplant recipient with NPHS2-associated nephrotic syndrome and FSGS, who developed biopsy-proven recurrence of FSGS 10 years post-transplant in temporal association with conversion from cyclosporin A (CsA)- to sirolimus (SRL)-based immunosuppression, due to histological evidence of severe CsA-induced nephrotoxicity. Reswitch of the immunosuppressive regimen from SRL to CsA led to a noticeable decrease of proteinuria and to stabilization of graft function. We conclude that patients with hereditary FSGS are not entirely protected from post-transplant recurrence of proteinuria, even in the long term. The close temporal relationship of FSGS recurrence with CsA withdrawal and conversion to SRL suggests that caution should be exercised in the use of CsA-free immunosuppression also in patients with NPHS2-associated FSGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Höcker
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 153, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Abstract
Although short-term kidney allograft survival has improved significantly since the introduction of the calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus, long-term transplant survival remains a major concern, chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) being the principal reason for graft loss after the first post-transplant year. This is particularly major for pediatric renal transplant recipients because of their higher life expectancy compared with adults. The mechanisms leading to CAN are multiple, including acute and chronic alloimmune responses and nephrotoxicity of CNIs. CNI-induced nephrotoxicity is also a long-term concern in other pediatric solid organ transplant recipients, such as liver and heart. Prevention of allograft nephropathy requires a balance of maintaining adequate immunosuppression, while avoiding the toxic effects of CNIs. Regimens that are based on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) alone or in combination with newer agents may allow for reduced reliance on CNIs and thus may represent an effective treatment paradigm for long-term maintenance of a renal allograft. From the available data it appears that the currently safest treatment strategy in pediatric renal and heart transplant recipients with CNI toxicity is an MMF-based therapy with low-dose CNIs +/- low-dose steroids, while in pediatric liver transplant recipients, CNI-free MMF-based immunosuppressive therapy with or without steroids appears feasible in a significant subset of patients. In renal transplant recipients, the benefit of a CNI-free MMF/steroid therapy on renal function is gained at the cost of increased rejection in a subset of patients, although the relative importance of rejection vs. overall renal function requires further clinical investigation. The introduction of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors provides an opportunity for unique CNI-sparing regimens that combine two antiproliferative agents (MMF and TOR inhibitors). It is possible that a sirolimus-based CNI-free immunosuppressive regimen in terms of renal transplant survival is superior to CNI minimization, where the detrimental effects of CNIs on allograft function and structure are still operative, albeit to a lesser degree. Substitution of CNIs by mTOR inhibitors is therefore promising, but requires validation in long-term studies in large cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Höcker B, Feneberg R, Köpf S, Weber LT, Waldherr R, Wühl E, Tönshoff B. SRL-based immunosuppression vs. CNI minimization in pediatric renal transplant recipients with chronic CNI nephrotoxicity. Pediatr Transplant 2006; 10:593-601. [PMID: 16856996 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2006.00526.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Because calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-induced nephrotoxicity contributes significantly to late renal allograft loss, sirolimus (SRL)-based, CNI-free maintenance immunosuppression has been advocated, but data in the pediatric population are scarce. We therefore analyzed the efficacy and safety of an SRL-based immunosuppressive regimen plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids vs. CNI minimization (mean dose reduction by 39%) plus MMF and corticosteroids in 19 pediatric recipients with biopsy-proven CNI-induced nephrotoxicity in a single-center case-control study. In the SRL group, we observed, one yr after study entry, an improvement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by 10.3 +/- 3.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05 vs. baseline) in seven of 10 patients and a stabilization in the remaining three, while in the CNI minimization group GFR improved by 17.7 +/- 7.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05) in six of nine recipients and stabilized in the remaining three. No patient in either group experienced an acute rejection episode. The main adverse event under SRL therapy was a transient hyperlipidemia in 70% of patients. In pediatric renal transplant recipients with declining graft function because of CNI-induced nephrotoxicity, CNI withdrawal and switch to SRL-based therapy or CNI minimization are associated with a comparable improvement of GFR after 12 months of observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Höcker
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld, Heidelberg, Germany
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Höcker B, Weber LT, Bunchman T, Rashford M, Tönshoff B. Mycophenolate mofetil suspension in pediatric renal transplantation: three-year data from the tricontinental trial. Pediatr Transplant 2005; 9:504-11. [PMID: 16048604 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2005.00335.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is widely used to prevent acute rejection in adult solid organ transplant recipients, but data in children and adolescents are scarce. This prospective, multicenter, open-labeled, single-arm study investigated the efficacy and safety of an MMF-based immunosuppressive regimen in 100 pediatric renal transplant recipients over a 3-yr period of time. Three age groups were formed (<6 yr, n = 33; 6 to <12 yr, n = 34; 12-18 yr, n = 33). Basic immunosuppression consisted of MMF (600 mg/m(2) b.i.d), cyclosporin A microemulsion and corticosteroids. Seventy-three percent of patients were given anti-lymphocyte antibody induction therapy, of whom 74% received anti-thymocyte globulin. Patient and graft survival 3 yr after transplantation amounted to 98 and 95%, respectively. Twenty-five percent of all patients suffered a biopsy-proven acute rejection episode in the first 6 month post-transplant. Children undergoing induction therapy exhibited a numerically lower rejection rate (21 vs. 37%, p = 0.11). Three years after transplantation, the acute rejection rate added up to 30% (26% with induction therapy vs. 41% without induction therapy, p = 0.21). The number of patients with acute rejection was lowest in the youngest age group (18%), in comparison with 39% in the 6 to <12 yr and 33% in the 12-18 yr age group, respectively. For the entire patient population, the rate of patients who withdrew prematurely because of adverse events was low (12%). The present study shows that MMF therapy in pediatric renal transplant recipients leads to an excellent patient and graft survival 3 yr post-transplant with an acceptable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Höcker
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Abstract
We describe an outbreak of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in a pediatric renal transplant unit, likely attributable to patient-to-patient transmission. Single-strand conformation polymorphism molecular typing showed that 3 affected patients had acquired the same 2 strains of Pneumocystis, which suggests interhuman infection. An infant with mitochondriopathy was the probable index patient.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Cross Infection/immunology
- Cross Infection/microbiology
- Cross Infection/transmission
- DNA, Mitochondrial/chemistry
- DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/chemistry
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics
- DNA, Viral/chemistry
- DNA, Viral/genetics
- Disease Transmission, Infectious
- Female
- Humans
- Immunocompromised Host
- Infant
- Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects
- Kidney Transplantation/immunology
- Male
- Pneumocystis carinii
- Pneumonia, Pneumocystis/immunology
- Pneumonia, Pneumocystis/transmission
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Polymorphism, Single-Stranded Conformational
- RNA, Ribosomal/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Höcker
- University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 150, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Tönshoff B, Höcker B, Weber LT. Steroid withdrawal in pediatric and adult renal transplant recipients. Pediatr Nephrol 2005; 20:409-17. [PMID: 15650883 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-004-1765-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2004] [Revised: 11/02/2004] [Accepted: 11/02/2004] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Corticosteroids are still a cornerstone in the immunosuppressive regimen in pediatric renal transplant recipients despite their numerous side effects, such as inhibition of longitudinal growth, body disfigurement, arterial hypertension, cardiovascular complications, osteopathy, and others. Previous attempts to spare steroids in cyclosporine (CsA)-based protocols have been associated with an increased risk for acute rejection episodes. The recent introduction of more-potent immunosuppressive medications, such as mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), have, however, renewed interest in steroid-sparing protocols to avoid or ameliorate steroid-associated side effects. Recent studies in Caucasian adult renal transplant recipients receiving CsA and MMF have shown a beneficial effect of late (>/=6 months post transplant) steroid withdrawal on steroid-associated side effects without the burden of an increased rate of acute rejection episodes. These favorable results compared with previous reports in patients on CsA and azathioprine (AZA) can be ascribed to the higher immunosuppressive potency of MMF compared with AZA. We have shown in a retrospective case control study in 40 pediatric renal transplant recipients that late steroid withdrawal is safe and successful in stable patients under an immunosuppressive maintenance therapy with CsA and MMF. The Mid-European Study Group on Pediatric Renal Transplantation and the Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Padiatrische Nephrologie are currently performing a prospective randomized trial to validate these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Tönshoff
- University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 153, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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46
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Höcker B, John U, Plank C, Wühl E, Weber LT, Misselwitz J, Rascher W, Mehls O, Tönshoff B. Successful withdrawal of steroids in pediatric renal transplant recipients receiving cyclosporine A and mycophenolate mofetil treatment: results after four years. Transplantation 2004; 78:228-34. [PMID: 15280683 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000133536.83756.1f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite their numerous systemic side effects, glucocorticoids (steroids) still form a cornerstone in immunosuppressive regimens in pediatric renal transplant recipients. The addition of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) to a cyclosporine A (CsA)-based immunosuppressive regimen after renal transplantation may allow steroid withdrawal and amelioration or avoidance of steroid-specific side effects. METHODS In a retrospective case-control study, covering a mean follow-up period of 46 +/- 2.3 months and 40 patients aged 11.4 +/- 4.9 years, we analyzed the safety and efficacy of steroid withdrawal in pediatric renal transplant recipients receiving CsA micoroemulsion, MMF, and low-dose prednisone treatment. RESULTS : Steroid withdrawal in all 20 pediatric renal transplant recipients receiving CsA and MMF was successful and not associated with an acute rejection episode; graft function remained stable. At baseline, the degree of growth retardation was comparable between the groups (mean height standard deviation scores [SDSs] -1.60 +/- 0.30 [withdrawal group] and -1.32 +/- 0.39 [case-control group]). After steroid withdrawal, prepubertal patients exhibited a significant catch-up growth with a mean height gain of 1.47 +/- 0.32 SDS, whereas height SDS did not improve in patients receiving steroids. Growth was also improved in pubertal patients who stopped taking steroids. Standardized body mass index in patients who stopped taking steroids decreased significantly by 49% from 0.87 +/- 0.31 SDS to 0.45 +/- 0.30 SDS. After steroid withdrawal, mean arterial blood pressure SDS decreased significantly by 45%. Moreover, the need for antihypertensive medication declined significantly in patients who stopped taking steroids. The white blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS : This study suggests that steroids can be safely and successfully withdrawn in selected pediatric renal transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive maintenance therapy consisting of CsA and MMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Höcker
- University Children's Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 150, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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47
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Weber LT, Höcker B, Mehls O, Tönshoff B. Mycophenolate mofetil in pediatric renal transplantation. MINERVA UROL NEFROL 2003; 55:91-9. [PMID: 12773970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Since mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an ester prodrug of the immunosuppressant mycophenolic acid (MPA), has been approved for maintenance immunosuppressive therapy also in children after renal transplantation it has become an important part of immunosuppressive protocols. By inhibiting inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, the key enzyme in the de novo purine biosynthesis of proliferating T and B lymphocytes, MMF acts as a relatively specific inhibitor of human lymphocyte proliferation. MMF is more effective than azathioprine in combination with cyclosporin A (CsA) and corticosteroids and distinctly reduces the incidence of acute rejection episodes in the 1st year post-transplant in adults as well as in children. Beneficial effects on steroid-resistant rejection and chronic allograft dysfunction have been shown. In general, MMF is well tolerated. Major adverse events in pediatric renal transplant recipients include leukopenia, infections and gastrointestinal problems. Pharmacokinetic monitoring of MPA can help to optimise MMF therapy after renal transplantation, as associations between the risk of acute rejection episodes and MPA-AUC values and MPA predose levels have been demonstrated. The incidence of MMF-related side effects such as leukopenia and/or infections, however, is associated with pharmacokinetic parameters of free MPA. Reference data of relevant pharmacokinetic parameters are available. The possible steroid-sparing potential of MMF is an important issue in pediatric renal transplantation. Preliminary data demonstrate improved longitudinal growth, less cushingoid habitus and lower blood pressure after steroid-withdrawal in pediatric renal transplant recipients under MMF and CsA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L T Weber
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Abstract
The (betaalpha)8-barrel is the most versatile and most frequently encountered fold among enzymes. It is an interesting question how the contemporary (betaalpha)8-barrels are evolutionarily related and by which mechanisms they evolved from more simple precursors. Comprehensive comparisons of amino acid sequences and three-dimensional structures suggest that a large fraction of the known (betaalpha)8-barrels have divergently evolved from a common ancestor. The mutational interconversion of enzymatic activities of several (betaalpha)8-barrels further supports their common evolutionary origin. Moreover, the high structural similarity between the N- and C-terminal (betaalpha)4 units of two (betaalpha)8-barrel enzymes from histidine biosynthesis indicates that the contemporary proteins evolved by tandem duplication and fusion of the gene of an ancestral 'half-barrel' precursor. In support of this hypothesis, recombinantly produced 'half-barrels' were shown to be folded, dimeric proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Henn-Sax
- Institut für Biochemie, Universität zu Köln, Germany
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Abstract
The (beta alpha)(8)-barrel is a versatile single-domain protein fold that is adopted by a large number of enzymes. The (beta alpha)(8)-barrel fold has been used as a model to elucidate the structural basis of protein thermostability and in studies to interconvert catalytic activities or substrate specificities by rational design or directed evolution. Recently, the (beta alpha)(4)-half-barrel was identified as a possible structural subdomain.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Höcker
- Universität zu Köln, Institut für Biochemie, Otto-Fischer-Strasse 12-14, D-50674 Köln, Germany
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Höcker B, Beismann-Driemeyer S, Hettwer S, Lustig A, Sterner R. Dissection of a (betaalpha)8-barrel enzyme into two folded halves. Nat Struct Biol 2001; 8:32-6. [PMID: 11135667 DOI: 10.1038/83021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The (betaalpha)8-barrel, which is the most frequently encountered protein fold, is generally considered to consist of a single structural domain. However, the X-ray structure of the imidazoleglycerol phosphate synthase (HisF) from Thermotoga maritima has identified it as a (betaalpha) 8-barrel made up of two superimposable subdomains (HisF-N and HisF-C). HisF-N consists of the four N-terminal (betaalpha) units and HisF-C of the four C-terminal (betaalpha) units. It has been postulated, therefore, that HisF evolved by tandem duplication and fusion from an ancestral half-barrel. To test this hypothesis, HisF-N and HisF-C were produced in Escherichia coli, purified and characterized. Separately, HisF-N and HisF-C are folded proteins, but are catalytically inactive. Upon co-expression in vivo or joint refolding in vitro, HisF-N and HisF-C assemble to the stoichiometric and catalytically fully active HisF-NC complex. These findings support the hypothesis that the (betaalpha)8-barrel of HisF evolved from an ancestral half-barrel and have implications for the folding mechanism of the members of this large protein family.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Höcker
- Abteilung Molekulare Genetik und Präparative Molekularbiologie, Institut für Mikrobiologie und Genetik, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
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