Adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine in adult autologous stem cell transplant recipients: polyfunctional immune responses and lessons for clinical practice

Immunocompromised individuals, particularly autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (auHSCT) recipients, are at high risk for herpes zoster (HZ). We provide an in-depth description of humoral and cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses by age (protocol-defined) or underlying disease (post-hoc) as well as efficacy by underlying disease (post-hoc) of the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) in a randomized observer-blind phase III trial (ZOE-HSCT, NCT01610414). 1846 adult auHSCT recipients were randomized to receive a first dose of either RZV or placebo 50–70 days post-auHSCT, followed by the second dose at 1–2 months (M) later. In cohorts of 114–1721 participants, at 1 M post-second vaccine dose: Anti-gE antibody geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) and median gE-specific CD4[2+] T-cell frequencies (CD4 T cells expressing ≥2 of four assessed activation markers) were similar between 18–49 and ≥50-year-olds. Despite lower anti-gE antibody GMCs in non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma (NHBCL) patients, CD4[2+] T-cell frequencies were similar between NHBCL and other underlying diseases. The proportion of polyfunctional CD4 T cells increased over time, accounting for 79.6% of gE-specific CD4 T cells at 24 M post-dose two. Vaccine efficacy against HZ ranged between 42.5% and 82.5% across underlying diseases and was statistically significant in NHBCL and multiple myeloma patients. In conclusion, two RZV doses administered early post-auHSCT induced robust, persistent, and polyfunctional gE-specific immune responses. Efficacy against HZ was also high in NHBCL patients despite the lower humoral response.

What is the context?

After haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, patients have impaired immunity from conditioning chemotherapy regimens, often exacerbated by underlying diseases, putting them at high risk of developing herpes zoster. In this population, antiviral prophylaxis is the current standard of care to reduce herpes zoster risk. Vaccination provides an additional means to prevent herpes zoster. Live-attenuated vaccines are generally contraindicated in immunocompromised patients. A non-live, adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix, GSK), has been approved for use in adults ≥50 years of age in the European Union, United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and China. This vaccine is highly efficacious at preventing herpes zoster in adults over 50 years of age, as demonstrated in large, placebo-controlled randomised trials. Importantly, Shingrix use is not contraindicated in immunocompromised conditions, and was found to be highly efficacious in adults who had recently undergone autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant.

What is new?

In autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients in whom Shingrix has demonstrated efficacy, two doses elicited high and persistent immune responses. Date presented here further support our understanding of the impact of specific factors such as age or underlying diseases on the vaccine’s effect in the population studied, as well as the characteristics of the elicited cell-mediated immune responses.

What is the impact?

These results indicate that Shingrix, given shortly after haematopoietic stem cell transplant, can induce robust immune responses and reduce the risk of herpes zoster, even in individuals with immunosuppression due to underlying disease and/or use of immunosuppressive therapies, regardless of age or underlying disease.

Antibody avidity, persistence, and response to antigen recall: comparison of vaccine adjuvants

Differences in innate immune ‘imprinting’ between vaccine adjuvants may mediate dissimilar effects on the quantity/quality of persisting adaptive responses. We compared antibody avidity maturation, antibody/memory B cell/CD4⁺ T cell response durability, and recall responses to non-adjuvanted fractional-dose antigen administered 1-year post-immunization (Day [D]360), between hepatitis B vaccines containing Adjuvant System (AS)01_B, AS01_E, AS03, AS04, or Alum (NCT00805389). Both the antibody and B cell levels ranked similarly (AS01_B/E/AS03 > AS04 > Alum) at peak response, at D360, and following their increases post-antigen recall (D390). Proportions of high-avidity antibodies increased post-dose 2 across all groups and persisted at D360, but avidity maturation appeared to be more strongly promoted by AS vs. Alum. Post-antigen recall, frequencies of subjects with high-avidity antibodies increased only markedly in the AS groups. Among the AS, total antibody responses were lowest for AS04. However, proportions of high-avidity antibodies were similar between groups, suggesting that MPL in AS04 contributes to avidity maturation. Specific combinations of immunoenhancers in the AS, regardless of their individual nature, increase antibody persistence and avidity maturation.

Immunogenicity and Safety of the Adjuvanted Recombinant Zoster Vaccine in Chronically Immunosuppressed Adults Following Renal Transplant: A Phase 3, Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

The incidence of herpes zoster is up to 9 times higher in immunosuppressed solid organ transplant recipients than in the general population. We investigated the immunogenicity and safety of an adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) in renal transplant (RT) recipients ≥18 years of age receiving daily immunosuppressive therapy.

Methods

In this phase 3, randomized (1:1), observer-blind, multicenter trial, RT recipients were enrolled and received 2 doses of RZV or placebo 1–2 months (M) apart 4–18M posttransplant. Anti–glycoprotein E (gE) antibody concentrations, gE-specific CD4 T-cell frequencies, and vaccine response rates were assessed at 1M post–dose 1, and 1M and 12M post–dose 2. Solicited and unsolicited adverse events (AEs) were recorded for 7 and 30 days after each dose, respectively. Solicited general symptoms and unsolicited AEs were also collected 7 days before first vaccination. Serious AEs (including biopsy-proven allograft rejections) and potential immune-mediated diseases (pIMDs) were recorded up to 12M post–dose 2.

Results

Two hundred sixty-four participants (RZV: 132; placebo: 132) were enrolled between March 2014 and April 2017. gE-specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses were higher in RZV than placebo recipients across postvaccination time points and persisted above prevaccination baseline 12M post–dose 2. Local AEs were reported more frequently by RZV than placebo recipients. Overall occurrences of renal function changes, rejections, unsolicited AEs, serious AEs, and pIMDs were similar between groups.

Conclusions

RZV was immunogenic in chronically immunosuppressed RT recipients. Immunogenicity persisted through 12M postvaccination. No safety concerns arose.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02058589.

[Emergency coverage of post-traumatic losses of cutaneous substances of the anterior face of the knee using proximally based sural fasciocutaneous flap: about 4 cases of articular wounds]

Our study reports 4 cases of male patients with wounds on the anterior face of the knee loosing cutaneous substance after motorcycle accident. The patients had undergone surgery involving the debridement and the application of four proximally based sural fasciocutaneous flaps since 2012. The average age of patients ranged from 28 to 42 years. The highest loss of cutaneous substance measured 14 x 10 cm. The average pedicle length was 14 cm. The post-operative suites were uneventful with a satisfactory wound healing. From a functional point of view the knee and the ankle were completely mobile. This study shows the effectiveness and reliability of proximally based sural fasciocutaneous flap in the coverage of post-traumatic losses of cutaneous substances of the anterior face of the knee, and allows for limit the indications for heads of the gastrocnemius muscle flaps.

Immunogenicity and safety of the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine in adults with haematological malignancies: a phase 3, randomised, clinical trial and post-hoc efficacy analysis

BACKGROUND

The adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) can prevent herpes zoster in older adults and autologous haemopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. We evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of this vaccine in adults with haematological malignancies receiving immunosuppressive cancer treatments.

METHODS

In this phase 3, randomised, observer-blind, placebo-controlled study, done at 77 centres worldwide, we randomly assigned (1:1) patients with haematological malignancies aged 18 years and older to receive two doses of the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine or placebo 1-2 months apart during or after immunosuppressive cancer treatments, and stratified participants according to their underlying diseases. The co-primary objectives of the study were the evaluation of safety and reactogenicity of the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine compared with placebo from the first vaccination up to 30 days after last vaccination in all participants; evaluation of the proportion of participants with a vaccine response in terms of anti-glycoprotein E humoral immune response to the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine at month 2 in all participants, excluding those with non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia; and evaluation of the anti-glycoprotein E humoral immune responses to the vaccine compared with placebo at month 2 in all participants, excluding those with non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. We assessed immunogenicity in the per-protocol cohort for immunogenicity and safety in the total vaccinated cohort. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01767467, and with the EU Clinical Trials Register, number 2012-003438-18.

FINDINGS

Between March 1, 2013, and Sept 10, 2015, we randomly assigned 286 participants to adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine and 283 to placebo. 283 in the vaccine group and 279 in the placebo group were vaccinated. At month 2, 119 (80·4%, 95% CI 73·1-86·5) of 148 participants had a humoral vaccine response to adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine, compared with one (0·8%, 0·0-4·2) of 130 participants in the placebo group, and the adjusted geometric mean anti-glycoprotein E antibody concentration was 23 132·9 mIU/mL (95% CI 16 642·8-32 153·9) in the vaccine group and 777·6 mIU/mL (702·8-860·3) in the placebo group (adjusted geometric mean ratio 29·75, 21·09-41·96; p<0·0001) in all patients, excluding those with non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses persisted above baseline until month 13 in all strata and, as expected, vaccine was more reactogenic than placebo (within 7 days after vaccination pain was reported by 221 [79·5%] of 278 vaccine group participants and 45 [16·4%] of 274 placebo group participants; fatigue was reported by 162 [58·3%] of 278 vaccine group participants and 102 [37·2%] of 274 placebo group participants). Incidences of unsolicited or serious adverse events, potential immune-mediated diseases, disease-related events, and fatal serious adverse events were similar between the groups.

INTERPRETATION

The immunocompromised adult population with haematological malignancies is at high risk for herpes zoster. The adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine, which is currently licensed in certain countries for adults aged 50 years and older, is likely to benefit this population.

FUNDING

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA.

Recombinant Zoster Vaccine Significantly Reduces the Impact on Quality of Life Caused by Herpes Zoster in Adult Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial (ZOE-HSCT)

Herpes zoster (HZ) can have a substantial impact on quality of life (QoL). The vaccine efficacy (VE) of a recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) was 68.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 55.6% to 77.5%) in a phase 3 study in adult autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients (NCT01610414). Herein, we report the impact of RZV on patients' QoL. Autologous HSCT recipients were randomized 1:1 to receive 2 doses of RZV or placebo, given 1 to 2 months apart. QoL was measured by the Short Form Survey-36 and Euro-QoL-5 Dimension at baseline, 1 month, and 1 year postdose 2 and during suspected HZ episodes with the Zoster Brief Pain Inventory (ZBPI). The RZV impact on ZBPI burden of illness and burden of interference scores was estimated. The 2 scores were calculated from the area under the curve (days 0 to 182) of the ZBPI worst pain and ZBPI activities of daily living scores, respectively, assuming a score of 0 for patients not having a confirmed HZ episode. The ZBPI maximum worst pain score was significantly lower in the RZV than placebo group (mean: 5.8 versus 7.1, P = .011). Consequently, the VE estimates for HZ burden of illness (82.5%; 95% CI, 73.6 to 91.4) and burden of interference (82.8%; 95% CI, 73.3 to 92.3) were higher than the HZ VE estimate (ie, 68.2%). RZV showed significantly better QoL scores than placebo 1 week following rash onset among patients with confirmed HZ. In addition to reducing the risk of HZ and its complications, RZV significantly reduced the impact of HZ on patients' QoL in those who developed breakthrough disease.

The Impact of Reactogenicity After the First Dose of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine on the Physical Functioning and Quality of Life of Older Adults: An Open-Label, Phase III Trial

BACKGROUND

Herpes zoster and its related complications are associated with significant medical burden, which negatively affects quality of life and daily functioning of the patients. The recently licensed recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) offers high efficacy but is associated with local and systemic reactions. This study assessed the impact of RZV on the quality of life and daily functioning of participants and implications for caregivers.

METHODS

Four hundred and one adults aged 50 years or older received single RZV doses at 0 and 2 months in this open-label, single-arm, multicenter study (NCT02979639). Change in mean SF-36 Physical Functioning score following first-dose administration, quality of life, reactogenicity, safety, productivity loss, and health care resource utilization was assessed. The current analysis was performed post-vaccine dose-1; safety follow-up will continue until 1 year post-dose-2.

RESULTS

The most common solicited local symptoms were injection-site pain (77.5%), redness (23.0%), and swelling (13.3%); the most frequent solicited systemic reactions were fatigue (33.5%), headache (28.3%), and myalgia (26.8%). Grade 3 reactogenicity occurred in 9.5% of participants and was associated with a transient clinically important decrease in SF-36 Physical Functioning score (affecting activities such as walking, carrying groceries, climbing stairs) on Days 1 and 2 post-first vaccination. No clinically meaningful reductions in mean SF-36 Physical Functioning scale scores from pre- to post-RZV dose-1 were observed (mean +1.9 points, primary end point), and no overall quality-adjusted-life-year loss was recorded post-dose-1. Five participants reported lost workdays; caregiver workload was not increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the physical functioning and quality of life of older adults were not affected by a first RZV dose. The observed reactogenicity was consistent with previous studies.

Effect of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine on Incidence of Herpes Zoster After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Herpes zoster, a frequent complication following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), is associated with significant morbidity. A nonlive adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine has been developed to prevent posttransplantation zoster.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and adverse event profile of the recombinant zoster vaccine in immunocompromised autologous HSCT recipients.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Phase 3, randomized, observer-blinded study conducted in 167 centers in 28 countries between July 13, 2012, and February 1, 2017, among 1846 patients aged 18 years or older who had undergone recent autologous HSCT.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomized to receive 2 doses of either recombinant zoster vaccine (n = 922) or placebo (n = 924) administered into the deltoid muscle; the first dose was given 50 to 70 days after transplantation and the second dose 1 to 2 months thereafter.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary end point was occurrence of confirmed herpes zoster cases.

RESULTS

Among 1846 autologous HSCT recipients (mean age, 55 years; 688 [37%] women) who received 1 vaccine or placebo dose, 1735 (94%) received a second dose and 1366 (74%) completed the study. During the 21-month median follow-up, at least 1 herpes zoster episode was confirmed in 49 vaccine and 135 placebo recipients (incidence, 30 and 94 per 1000 person-years, respectively), an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 0.32 (95% CI, 0.22-0.44; P < .001), equivalent to 68.2% vaccine efficacy. Of 8 secondary end points, 3 showed significant reductions in incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (vaccine, n=1; placebo, n=9; IRR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.00-0.78; P = .02) and of other prespecified herpes zoster-related complications (vaccine, n=3; placebo, n=13; IRR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.04-0.81; P = .02) and in duration of severe worst herpes zoster-associated pain (vaccine, 892.0 days; placebo, 6275.0 days; hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.42-0.89; P = .01). Five secondary objectives were descriptive. Injection site reactions were recorded in 86% of vaccine and 10% of placebo recipients, of which pain was the most common, occurring in 84% of vaccine recipients (grade 3: 11%). Unsolicited and serious adverse events, potentially immune-mediated diseases, and underlying disease relapses were similar between groups at all time points.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among adults who had undergone autologous HSCT, a 2-dose course of recombinant zoster vaccine compared with placebo significantly reduced the incidence of herpes zoster over a median follow-up of 21 months.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01610414.

Hydrophobicity-responsive engineered mesoporous silica nanoparticles: application in the delivery of essential nutrients to bacteria combating oil spills

Facile chemical modification of mesoporous silica particles allows the production of gated reservoir systems capable of hydrophobicity-triggered release. Applied to the delivery of nutrients specifically to an oil phase, the systems developed have been shown to reliably assist the bacterial degradation of hydrocarbons. The gated system developed, made of C₁₈ hydrocarbon chains, is demonstrated to be in a closed collapsed state in an aqueous environment, yet opens up through solvation by lipophilic alkanes and releases its content on contact with the oil phase.

Immunogenicity and safety of the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine in patients with solid tumors, vaccinated before or during chemotherapy: A randomized trial

BACKGROUND

The adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) has demonstrated >90% efficacy against herpes zoster in adults ≥50 years of age and 68% efficacy in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients ≥18 years of age. We report the immunogenicity and safety of RZV administered to patients with solid tumors (STs) before or at the start of a chemotherapy cycle.

METHOD

In this phase 2/3 observer-blind, multicenter study (NCT01798056), patients with STs who were ≥18 years of age were randomized (1:1) to receive 2 doses of RZV or placebo 1-2 months apart and stratified (4:1) according to the timing of the first dose with respect to the start of a chemotherapy cycle (first vaccination 8-30 days before the start or at the start [±1 day] of a chemotherapy cycle). Anti-glycoprotein E (gE) antibody concentrations, gE-specific CD4+ T cell frequencies, and vaccine response rates (VRRs) were assessed 1 month after dose 1 and 1 and 12 months after dose 2. Reactogenicity and safety were assessed in the total vaccinated cohort through 12 months after dose 2.

RESULTS

There were 232 participants in the total vaccinated cohort, 185 participants in the according-to-protocol cohort for humoral immunogenicity, and 58 participants in the according-to-protocol cohort for cell-mediated immunogenicity. Postvaccination anti-gE antibody concentrations, gE-specific CD4+ T cell frequencies and VRRs were higher in RZV recipients than in placebo recipients. Solicited adverse events (AEs) were more frequent among RZV recipients than placebo recipients. Incidence of unsolicited AEs, serious AEs, fatalities, and potential immune-mediated diseases were similar between RZV and placebo recipients.

CONCLUSION

RZV was immunogenic in patients with STs receiving immunosuppressive chemotherapies. Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses persisted 1 year after vaccination. No safety concerns were identified.

2488. The Impact of Reactogenicity After Administration of the Recombinant Zoster Vaccine Upon the Physical Functioning and Quality of Life of Older Adults

Background

Herpes zoster (HZ) and its related complications are associated with a significant burden of illness in older adults, which negatively impacts patients’ physical functioning and quality-of-life (QoL). The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) shows high efficacy for the prevention of HZ in older adults but is associated with local and systemic reactions. Therefore, this study assessed the impact of RZV reactogenicity upon the physical functioning and QoL of participants.

Methods

401 adults aged ≥50 years received a dose of RZV at 0 and 2 months in this open-label, single-arm, multicenter study (NCT02979639). Changes in mean SF-36 Physical Functioning score were assessed between pre-dose-1 vaccination and post-dose-1 vaccination for 7 days (primary endpoint). Decreased scores are associated with decreased physical functioning. QoL, reactogenicity and safety were also assessed. The current analysis was performed post-dose-1 vaccination of the 2-dose RZV schedule.

Results

No clinically meaningful reductions in overall mean SF-36 Physical Functioning scores from pre- to post-RZV dose-1 were observed (mean +1.9 points) and no overall quality-adjusted-life-year loss was recorded post-dose-1. However, grade 3 reactogenicity occurred in 9.5% of participants, and was associated with a transient, clinically-important decrease in SF-36 Physical Functioning score (impacting activities such as walking, carrying groceries, climbing stairs) on Days 1–2 post-first-vaccination (Table 1). The solicited local symptoms were pain (77.5%), redness (23.0%) and swelling (13.3%); the most frequent solicited systemic reactions were fatigue (33.5%), headache (28.3%) and myalgia (26.8%).

Conclusion

Overall, the physical functioning and QoL of older adults were not significantly affected by a first RZV dose. Grade 3 reactogenicity was associated with a small transient decrease in physical functioning 1–2 days post-dose-1 that resolved by Day 3 post-vaccination.

Funding: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA

Disclosures

K. E. Schmader, GSK group of companies: Investigator, Research grant. M. J. Levin, GSK group of companies: Grant Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee and Research grant. K. Grupping, GSK group of companies: Employee, Salary. S. Matthews, GSK group of companies: Consultant, Consulting fee. M. El Idrissi, GSK group of companies: Employee and Shareholder, Salary. L. A. Fissette, GSK group of companies: Employee, Salary. C. Fogarty, Medical Research: Investigator, Research grant. N. P. Klein, GSK group of companies: Investigator, Research support. M. Nevarez, GSK group of companies: Investigator, Investigator stipend. K. Uusinarkaus, GSK group of companies: Investigator, Research grant. L. Oostvogels, GSK group of companies: Employee, Salary. D. Curran, GSK group of companies: Employee and Shareholder, GSK shares and Salary.

149. Immunogenicity, Safety, and Post-hoc Efficacy Assessment of the Adjuvanted Recombinant Zoster Vaccine in Adults with Hematologic Malignancies: A Phase 3, Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

Patients with hematologic malignancies treated with anticancer immunosuppressive therapies (ITs) are at increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ). In a previous report of this phase 3, observer-blind, multicenter trial (NCT01767467), the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) was shown to be immunogenic and well-tolerated in ≥18 years of age patients with hematologic malignancies who completed or were undergoing anticancer IT.¹ Here we report end-of-study results from the same trial.

Methods

Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive 2 doses of RZV or placebo (PL) 1–2 months apart, either ≥10 days before or after a cancer therapy cycle, or 10 days to 6 months after cancer therapy ended. Humoral and cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses were evaluated at 1 month and 12 months post-dose 2 (month 2 and month 13, respectively). Confirmatory objectives were to evaluate humoral response rate to RZV and to compare humoral immune responses to RZV and PL at month 2 excluding either subjects with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma (NHBCL), or only those with NHBCL. Efficacy against HZ was explored in a post-hoc analysis of confirmed HZ cases. Solicited and unsolicited adverse events (AEs) were recorded for 7 and 30 days after each dose, respectively. Serious AEs (SAEs) and potential immune-mediated diseases (pIMDs) were recorded throughout the study.

Results

Of the 562 (RZV: 283, PL: 279) treated participants, 415 (RZV: 217, PL: 198)/310 (RZV: 168, PL: 142) were included in the according-to-protocol (ATP) cohort for humoral immunogenicity/immune persistence. The ATP sub-cohort for CMI included 132 (RZV: 69, PL: 63) participants at month 2 and 100 (RZV: 54, PL: 46) at month 13. All confirmatory immunogenicity objectives were met (Table 1). RZV efficacy against HZ, assessed post-hoc, was 87.2% (Table 2). RZV was more reactogenic than PL. The occurrence of unsolicited AEs, SAEs, and pIMDs was similar between the study groups (Table 3).

Conclusion

RZV induced robust humoral and cellular immune responses and showed an effect in the reduction of HZ incidence in patients with hematologic malignancies who completed or were undergoing anticancer IT. No safety concerns were identified.

Reference

1. Oostvogels et al. IDWeek2017, abs 1344.

Funding. GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA.

Disclosures

A. F. Dagnew, GSK: Employee and Shareholder, Salary. J. Murphy, GSK: Investigator, Research support. S. A. McNeil, GSK group of companies: Grant Investigator, Research grant and Research support. B. Salaun, GSK group of companies: Employee and Shareholder, Salary. E. Di Paolo, GSK group of companies: Employee, Salary. L. Campora, GSK group of companies: Employee and Shareholder, Salary. M. López-Fauqued, GSK group of companies: Employee, Salary. M. El Idrissi, GSK group of companies: Employee, Salary. A. Schuind, GSK: Employee, Salary. T. C. Heineman, GSK group of companies: Consultant, Employee and Shareholder, Consulting fee and Salary. P. Van Den Steen, GSK: Employee and Shareholder, Restricted shares and Salary. L. Oostvogels, GSK: Employee, Salary and Stock and stock options.

[Hip arthroscopy in patients with femoroacetabular impingement: about 2 cases]

Le conflit fémoro-acétabulaire (CFA) est une des causes de douleur de hanche chez les sujets jeunes et sportifs. Son diagnostic est basé sur des arguments cliniques et radiologiques. La prise en charge chirurgicale peut être conventionnelle ou arthroscopique. L'arthroscopie s'avère être une technique fiable dans les CFA, efficace sur la douleur, permettant d'améliorer la fonction de ces patients sportifs afin de reprendre leurs activités précocement. Nous rapportons l'expérience de notre service dans la prise en charge arthroscopique des CFA à travers deux observations. Le score de Harris modifié était nettement amélioré au dernier recul (24 et 18 mois).

[Infection and detachment of total hip prosthesis due to listeria monocytogenes]

Joint prostheses are increasingly used in our current practice. Infection is one of the most dreaded complications; it is most often due to germs of the skin flora. Listeria monocytogenes rarely causes this infection. We here report the case of a patient with hip prosthesis infected by this germ. Favorable outcome was obtained by antibiotic therapy and single-stage prosthesis replacement.

Nanosensors based on polymer vesicles and planar membranes: a short review

This review aims to summarize the advance in the field of nanosensors based on two particular materials: polymer vesicles (polymersomes) and polymer planar membranes. These two types of polymer-based structural arrangements have been shown to be efficient in the production of sensors as their features allow to adapt to different environment but also to increase the sensitivity and the selectivity of the sensing device. Polymersomes and planar polymer membranes offer a platform of choice for a wide range of chemical functionalization and characteristic structural organization which allows a convenient usage in numerous sensing applications. These materials appear as great candidates for such nanosensors considering the broad variety of polymers. They also enable the confection of robust nanosized architectures providing interesting properties for numerous applications in many domains ranging from pollution to drug monitoring. This report gives an overview of these different sensing strategies whether the nanosensors aim to detect chemicals, biological or physical signals.

Ulnar nerve entrapment complicating radial head excision

•

The cubital tunnel syndrome can be caused by iatrogenic elbow valgus after radial head excision.

•

The radial head excision is a good procedure when indicated but must be followed by radial head replacement.

•

A neurological examination should be systematically controlled for severe trauma to the elbow.

Introduction

Several mechanisms are involved in ischemia or mechanical compression of ulnar nerve at the elbow.

Presentation of case

We hereby present the case of a road accident victim, who received a radial head excision for an isolated fracture of the radial head and complicated by onset of cubital tunnel syndrome. This outcome could be the consequence of an iatrogenic valgus of the elbow due to excision of the radial head. Hitherto the surgical treatment of choice it is gradually been abandoned due to development of radial head implant arthroplasty. However, this management option is still being performed in some rural centers with low resources.

Discussion

The radial head plays an important role in the stability of the elbow and his iatrogenic deformity can be complicated by cubital tunnel syndrome.

Conclusion

An ulnar nerve release was performed with favorable outcome.

Results of a Safety Pooled Analysis of an Adjuvanted Herpes Zoster Subunit Vaccine in More than 14,500 Participants Aged 50 Years or Older

Background

The recombinant herpes zoster (HZ) subunit vaccine (HZ/su) has shown efficacy against HZ in adults ≥50 and ≥70 years of age (YOA), in two pivotal Phase III clinical trials (NCT01165177, NCT01165229). A pooled safety analysis of data from these two efficacy studies was performed, including a comparative analysis on HZ/su vs. placebo groups, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the HZ/su safety profile.

Methods

Two pivotal, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase III studies, assessed the efficacy, reactogenicity and safety of HZ/su, administered intramuscularly according to a 0, 2-month schedule. Solicited and unsolicited adverse events (AEs) were collected for 7 and 30 days after each dose, respectively; serious AEs (SAEs) for 1 year after last dose; fatal and related SAEs and potential immune-mediated diseases (pIMDs) during the entire study period. Reactogenicity was assessed in a subset of participants; safety was assessed in all vaccinated participants.

Results

29,305 participants ≥50 YOA (HZ/su: 14,645; placebo: 14,660) were included in the pooled analysis. HZ/su was more reactogenic than placebo. Local reactions were mostly mild to moderate in intensity and transient (median duration = 3 days); the percentages of participants reporting SAEs, fatal SAEs and pIMDs were similar in both groups, at 30 days and 1 year after last dose (Figures 1 and 2). Percentages of fatal SAEs ranged between 4.3% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 4.0–4.7) and 4.6% (95% CI: 4.3–5.0) and pIMDs between 1.2% (95% CI: 1.1–1.4) and 1.4% (95% CI: 1.2–1.6), in HZ/su and placebo groups, respectively. In both groups, the most frequent causes of death were neoplasms, cardiac disorders, and respiratory tract infections and infestations, and most frequent pIMDs were polymyalgia rheumatica, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

Conclusion

No safety concern was identified. Together with the high efficacy against HZ (97.2% [95% CI: 93.7–99.0],¹ 91.3% [95% CI: 86.8–94.5]²), the safety data supports a favorable benefit/risk profile of HZ/su in participants ≥50 YOA.

Funding

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA

Disclosures

M. López-Fauqued, GSK Biologicals’: Employee, Salary; 
L. Campora, GSK Biologicals’: Employee, Salary; F. Delannois, GSK Vaccines: Employee, Salary; M. El Idrissi, GSK Vaccines: Employee, Salary; E. Ledent, GSK Vaccines: Employee, Salary; J. Diez-Domingo, GSK Vaccines: Consultant and Investigator, Educational support and Research grant; J. McElhaney, GSK Vaccines: Scientific Advisor, Speaker honorarium; S. McNeil, GSK/Merck: Grant Investigator, Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee, Grant recipient, Research grant, Research support and Speaker honorarium; F. De Looze, GSK Vaccines: Investigator and Research Contractor, Research support; F. Tavares Da Silva, GSK Vaccines: Employee, restricted shares and Salary

Template-free hierarchical self-assembly of a pyrene derivative into supramolecular nanorods

A pyrene derivative was designed to form, through a hierarchical process, well-defined supramolecular nanorods.

[Total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of congenital hip dislocations in adults: about 15 cases]

Total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of congenital dislocation represents a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. It is now well established that the treatment of congenital hip dislocation in adults is a real "functional miracle". The evolution of surgical techniques and materials has expanded the indications for prosthetic replacement including the most complex cases and thus going against Charnley and Feagin who wrote in 1973 that there was no place for total hip arthroplasty in inveterate dislocations. We conducted a retrospective study of a series of THP 15 for the treatment of congenital hip dislocation in adults;sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic data were collected from the medical records of 15 patients and also via a written questionnaire which was completed during their last follow-up visit. The average age of our patients was 28 years; female sex ratio was 2F/1H. Severe dysplasia stage VI according to Crowe's classification was present in 4 cases, type III in 9 cases and type II only in 2 cases. All patients underwent cemented total hip arthroplasty, a reinforcement ring was used in 9 cases and a bone graft in 2 cases. At last follow-up visit PMA functional scores were excellent and very good in 74% of cases. Surgical treatment of congenital hip dislocations in adults must meet strict health standards as congenital hip dislocations often occurs in young female population that is more demanding as to the aesthetic and functional outcomes. Several surgical techniques have tried to solve the problems related to this disease, acetabular and femoral hypoplasia, leg length inequality. Total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of congenital dislocations in adults remains a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. This is a difficult surgical procedure which requires technical skills and careful pre-design programming to reduce the occurrence of adverse events especially in the particular case of young female population.

HBx triggers either cellular senescence or cell proliferation depending on cellular phenotype

Replicative senescence is a hallmark of chronic liver diseases including chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, whereas HBV-encoded oncoproteins HBx and preS2 have been found to overcome senescence. HBx possesses a C-terminal truncation mainly in hepatocellular carcinomas but also in noncancerous liver tissues. Here, by cell counting, BrdU incorporation, MTT proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis, SA-βgal staining and Western blotting in primary and malignant cells, we investigated the effect of HBx C-terminal mutants on cellular senescence. HBx C-terminal mutants were found to trigger cellular senescence in primary MRC5 cells, and malignant liver cells Huh7, and SK-Hep1. In contrast, these mutants promoted the proliferation of HepG2 malignant liver cells. The pro-senescent effect of HBx relied on an increased p16(INK4a) and p21(Waf1/Cip1) expression, and a decreased phosphorylation of Rb. Together, these results suggest that the two main variants of HBx present in HBV-infected liver possess opposite effects on cellular senescence that depend on the phenotype of infected cells.

[Subcutaneous traumatic rupture of the quadriceps ligament in a young patient]

La rupture sous-cutanée traumatique du tendon quadricipital est exceptionnelle. Nous présentons un patient de 19 ans victime d'un accident de sport occasionnant cette blessure. La réparation chirurgicale puis la rééducation fonctionnelle ont permis une récupération complète des fonctions du genou et de la marche.

[Erysipelas on postoperative scar in traumatology: report of a case and review of literature]

L’érysipèle sur cicatrice post opératoire est une entité rare, décrite principalement chez des patients présentant les facteurs de risque classiques de la maladie au niveau des sites de veinectomie pour pontage coronarien. En traumatologie orthopédie, nous n'avons que les 3 cas rapportés dans le travail de Dhrif survenus au décours d'une implantation prothétique chez des malades à risque. Nous présentons à travers cet article, le cas d'un érysipèle post opératoire sur une cicatrice d'ostéosynthèse d'une fracture fermée du pilon tibial, ayant la particularité du terrain et des circonstances de survenues, pour enfin conclure aux principes de la prévention primaire à adopter.

La para-osteo-arthropathie neurogene dans le syndrome de guillain barre: complication rare (à propos d’un cas et revue de la littérature)

Les para-ostéo-arthropathies neurogènes sont des complications classiques des affections neurologiques centrales, surtout dans les contextes traumatiques. Elles surviennent principalement au voisinage des grosses articulations. Leur physiopathologie exacte reste inconnue malgré de très nombreux travaux et cas rapportés. Il semble que leur survenue au décours d'affections neurologiques périphériques soit exceptionnelle. Nous présentons le cas d'une para-ostéo-arthropathie de hanche bilatérale compliquant un syndrome de Guillain-Barré.

Safety and immunogenicity of an adjuvanted herpes zoster subunit candidate vaccine in HIV-infected adults: a phase 1/2a randomized, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals are at increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ), even in the antiretroviral therapy (ART) era. Because concerns exist about the use of live-attenuated vaccines in immunocompromised individuals, a subunit vaccine may be an appropriate alternative.

METHODS

This phase 1/2, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of an investigational HZ subunit vaccine (HZ/su). Three cohorts of HIV-infected adults aged ≥18 years were enrolled: 94 ART recipients with a CD4(+) T-cell count of ≥200 cells/mm(3), 14 ART recipients with a CD4(+) T-cell count of 50-199 cells/mm(3), and 15 ART-naive adults with a CD4(+) T-cell count of ≥500 cells/mm(3). Subjects received 3 doses of HZ/su (50 µg varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein E [gE] combined with AS01B adjuvant) or 3 doses of saline at months 0, 2, and 6.

RESULTS

One month after dose 3, serum anti-gE antibody concentrations and frequencies of gE-specific CD4(+) T cells were higher following HZ/su vaccination than after receipt of saline (P < .0001). Median cell-mediated immune responses peaked after dose 2. Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses persisted until the end of the study (month 18). No vaccination-related serious adverse events were reported. No sustained impact on HIV load or CD4(+) T-cell count was noted following vaccinations.

CONCLUSIONS

HZ/su was immunogenic and had a clinically acceptable safety profile in HIV-infected adults.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT01165203.

Superior antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell response with AS03-adjuvantation of a trivalent influenza vaccine in a randomised trial of adults aged 65 and older

Background

The effectiveness of trivalent influenza vaccines may be reduced in older versus younger adults because of age-related immunosenescence. The use of an adjuvant in such a vaccine is one strategy that may combat immunosenescence, potentially by bolstering T-cell mediated responses.

Methods

This observer-blind study, conducted in the United States (US) and Spain during the 2008–2009 influenza season, evaluated the effect of Adjuvant System AS03 on specific T-cell responses to a seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) in ≥65 year-old adults.

Medically-stable adults aged ≥65 years were randomly allocated to receive a single dose of AS03-adjuvanted TIV (TIV/AS03) or TIV. Healthy adults aged 18–40 years received only TIV. Blood samples were collected on Day 0, Day 21, Day 42 and Day 180. Influenza-specific CD4⁺ T cells, defined by the induction of the immune markers CD40L, IL-2, IFN-γ, or TNF-α, were measured in ex vivo cultures of antigen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results

A total of 192 adults were vaccinated: sixty nine and seventy three ≥65 year olds received TIV/AS03 and TIV, respectively; and fifty 18 - 40 year olds received TIV. In the ≥65 year-old group on Day 21, the frequency of CD4⁺ T cells specific to the three vaccine strains was superior in the TIV/AS03 recipients to the frequency in TIV (p < 0.001). On Days 42 and 180, the adjusted-geometric mean specific CD4⁺ T-cell frequencies were also higher in the TIV/AS03 recipients than in the TIV recipients (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the adjusted-geometric mean specific CD4⁺ T-cell frequencies were higher in the ≥65 year-old recipients of TIV/AS03 than in the18 - 40 year old recipients of TIV on Days 21 (p = 0.006) and 42 (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

This positive effect of AS03 Adjuvant System on the CD4⁺ T-cell response to influenza vaccine strains in older adults could confer benefit in protection against clinical influenza disease in this population.

Trial registration

(Clinicaltrials.gov.). NCT00765076.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2334-14-425) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A randomized controlled study to evaluate the immunogenicity of a trivalent inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine at two dosages in children 6 to 35 months of age

The trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine Fluarix™ is licensed in the US for adults and children from 3 years old. This randomized observer-blind study (NCT00764790) evaluated Fluarix™ at two doses; 0.25 ml (Flu-25) and 0.5 ml (Flu-50) in children aged 6-35 months. The primary objective was to demonstrate immunogenic non-inferiority vs. a control vaccine (Fluzone®; 0.25 ml). Children received Flu-25 (n = 1107), Flu-50 (n = 1106) or control vaccine (n = 1104) at Day 0 and for un-primed children, also on Day 28. Serum hemagglutination-inhibition titers were determined pre-vaccination and at Day 28 (primed) or Day 56 (un-primed). Non-inferiority was assessed by post-vaccination geometric mean titer (GMT) ratio, (upper 95% confidence interval [CI] ≤ 1.5) and difference in seroconversion rate (upper 95% CI ≤ 10%). Reactogenicity/safety was monitored. The immune response to Flu-50 met all regulatory criteria. Indicated by adjusted GMT ratios [with 95% CI], the criteria for non-inferiority of Flu-50 vs. control vaccine were reached for the B/Florida strain (1.13 [1.01-1.25]) but not for the A/Brisbane/H1N1 (1.74 [1.54-1.98]) or A/Uruguay/H3N2 (1.72 [1.57-1.89]) strains. In children aged 18-35 months similar immune responses were observed for Flu-50 and the control vaccine. Flu-50 induced a higher response than Flu-25 for all strains. Temperature (≥ 37.5°C) was reported in 6.2%, 6.4%, and 6.6% of the Flu-25, Flu-50, and control group, respectively. Reactogenicity/safety endpoints were within the same range for all vaccines. In children aged 6-35 months, immune responses with Flu-50 fulfilled regulatory criteria but did not meet the pre-defined criteria for non-inferiority vs. control. This appeared to be due to differences in immunogenicity in children aged<18 months.

AS03-adjuvanted versus non-adjuvanted inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine against seasonal influenza in elderly people: a phase 3 randomised trial

BACKGROUND

We aimed to compare AS03-adjuvanted inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) with non-adjuvanted TIV for seasonal influenza prevention in elderly people.

METHODS

We did a randomised trial in 15 countries worldwide during the 2008-09 (year 1) and 2009-10 (year 2) influenza seasons. Eligible participants aged at least 65 years who were not in hospital or bedridden and were without acute illness were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either AS03-adjuvanted TIV or non-adjuvanted TIV. Randomisation was done in an internet-based system, with a blocking scheme and stratification by age (65-74 years and 75 years or older). Participants were scheduled to receive one vaccine in each year, and remained in the same group in years 1 and 2. Unmasked personnel prepared and gave the vaccines, but participants and individuals assessing any study endpoint were masked. The coprimary objectives were to assess the relative efficacy of the vaccines and lot-to-lot consistency of the AS03-adjuvanted TIV (to be reported elsewhere). For the first objective, the primary endpoint was relative efficacy of the vaccines for prevention of influenza A (excluding A H1N1 pdm09) or B, or both, that was confirmed by PCR analysis in year 1 (lower limit of two-sided 95% CI had to be greater than zero to establish superiority). From Nov 15, to April 30, in both years, participants were monitored by telephone or site contact and home visits every week or 2 weeks to identify cases of influenza-like illness. After onset of suspected cases, we obtained nasal and throat swabs to identify influenza RNA with real-time PCR. Efficacy analyses were done per protocol. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00753272.

FINDINGS

We enrolled 43 802 participants, of whom 21 893 were assigned to and received the AS03-adjuvanted TIV and 21 802 the non-adjuvanted TIV in year 1. In the year 1 efficacy cohort, fewer participants given AS03-adjuvanted than non-adjuvanted TIV were infected with influenza A or B, or both (274 [1·27%, 95% CI 1·12-1·43] of 21 573 vs 310 [1·44%, 1·29-1·61] of 21 482; relative efficacy 12·11%, 95% CI -3·40 to 25·29; superiority not established). Fewer participants in the year 1 efficacy cohort given AS03-adjuvanted TIV than non-adjuvanted TIV were infected with influenza A (224 [1·04%, 95% CI 0·91-1·18] vs 270 [1·26, 1·11-1·41]; relative efficacy 17·53%, 95% CI 1·55-30·92) and influenza A H3N2 (170 [0·79, 0·67-0·92] vs 205 [0·95, 0·83-1·09]; post-hoc analysis relative efficacy 22·0%, 95% CI 5·68-35·49).

INTERPRETATION

AS03-adjuvanted TIV has a higher efficacy for prevention of some subtypes of influenza than does a non-adjuvanted TIV. Future influenza vaccine studies in elderly people should be based on subtype or lineage-specific endpoints.

FUNDING

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA.

[Isolated fracture of the lesser trochanter in an adult, and if it was a metastasis: a case report and literature review]

Nous rapportons dans ce travail le cas d'une fracture du petit trochanter sans notion de traumatisme survenue chez une patiente de 85 ans. Il s'agit d'une entité pathologique rare due à une infiltration tumorale de la région trochantérienne souvent de nature métastatique qui peut être méconnue initialement. C’était le cas de notre malade, qui s'est compliquée après 1 mois d’évolution d'une fracture sous trochantérienne. Notre prise en charge thérapeutique était à visée palliative devant des localisations métastatiques multiples.

Use of real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) as a diagnostic tool for influenza infection in a vaccine efficacy trial

BACKGROUND

Conventional techniques for diagnosing influenza based on viral cell culture or disease serology have limitations, and molecular assays, such as real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) are increasingly used.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the use of rtPCR as a diagnostic tool for the determination of influenza virus infection.

STUDY DESIGN

This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised efficacy study was conducted in persons aged 18-64 years. Cases of influenza-like-illness (ILI), defined as at least one systemic symptom [fever ≥37.8°C and/or myalgia] and at least one respiratory symptom [cough and/or sore throat] were identified by active and passive surveillance. For each case of suspected ILI, nasal and throat swabs were collected and analysed by viral culture and rtPCR.

RESULTS

227 ILI cases were positive by rtPCR while 64% (145/227) were positive by both rtPCR and culture. For both assays, the maximum percentage of swabs that tested positive was on Day 0, thereafter positive samples by rtPCR remained constant until Day 5 but decreased progressively by culture. All rtPCR positive cases with a viral load of below 4.5log(10) copies/sample were negative by culture. There were however culture negative cases with high viral loads. Vaccine efficacy for influenza was estimated as 54.7% by rtPCR (culture positive or negative) and 61.6% by culture irrespective of match to vaccine strain. Clinical severity was not significantly different between culture positive cases and culture negative but rtPCR positive cases.

CONCLUSIONS

rtPCR is a sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for influenza vaccine efficacy studies.

Exacerbation of autoantibody-mediated hemolytic anemia by viral infection

Strong enhancement of the pathogenicity of an antierythrocyte monoclonal antibody was observed after infection of mice with lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus. While injection of the antierythrocyte antibody alone induced only moderate anemia, concomitant infection with this virus, which is harmless in most normal mice, led to a dramatic drop in the hematocrit and to death of infected animals. In vitro and in vivo analyses showed a dramatic increase in the ability of macrophages from infected mice to phagocytose antibody-coated erythrocytes. These results indicate that viruses can trigger the onset of autoimmune disease by enhancing the pathogenicity of autoantibodies. They may explain how unrelated viruses could be implicated in the etiology of autoantibody-mediated autoimmune diseases.