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Macesic N, Morrissey CO, Liew D, Bohensky MA, Chen SCA, Gilroy NM, Milliken ST, Szer J, Slavin MA. Is a biomarker-based diagnostic strategy for invasive aspergillosis cost effective in high-risk haematology patients? Med Mycol 2018; 55:705-712. [PMID: 28131991 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myw141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Empirical antifungal therapy is frequently used in hematology patients at high risk of invasive aspergillosis (IA), with substantial cost and toxicity. Biomarkers for IA aim for earlier and more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. However, data on the cost-effectiveness of a biomarker-based diagnostic strategy (BDS) are limited. We evaluated the cost effectiveness of BDS using results from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and individual patient costing data. Data inputs derived from a published RCT were used to construct a decision-analytic model to compare BDS (Aspergillus galactomannan and PCR on blood) with standard diagnostic strategy (SDS) of culture and histology in terms of total costs, length of stay, IA incidence, mortality, and years of life saved. Costs were estimated for each patient using hospital costing data to day 180 and follow-up for survival was modeled to five years using a Gompertz survival model. Treatment costs were determined for 137 adults undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant or receiving chemotherapy for acute leukemia in four Australian centers (2005-2009). Median total costs at 180 days were similar between groups (US$78,774 for SDS [IQR US$50,808-123,476] and US$81,279 for BDS [IQR US$59,221-123,242], P = .49). All-cause mortality was 14.7% (10/68) for SDS and 10.1% (7/69) for BDS, (P = .573). The costs per life-year saved were US$325,448, US$81,966, and US$3,670 at 180 days, one year and five years, respectively. BDS is not cost-sparing but is cost-effective if a survival benefit is maintained over several years. An individualized institutional approach to diagnostic strategies may maximize utility and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Macesic
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, 161 Fort Washington Ave, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Department of Infectious Diseases, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - C O Morrissey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, 55 Commercial Rd, Prahran, VIC 3181, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 55 Commercial Rd, Prahran, VIC 3181, Australia
| | - D Liew
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 40 Exhibition Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - M A Bohensky
- Melbourne EpiCentre, University of Melbourne, Level 7 East, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - S C-A Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Level 3, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Locked Bag 9001, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - N M Gilroy
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Network, Agency for Clinical Innovation, 67 Albert Ave, Chatswood, NSW 2057, Australia
| | - S T Milliken
- Department of Clinical Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, 390 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - J Szer
- Department of Clinical Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan St, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - M A Slavin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 2 St Andrews Pl, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia.,Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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Fleming S, Yannakou CK, Haeusler GM, Clark J, Grigg A, Heath CH, Bajel A, van Hal SJ, Chen SC, Milliken ST, Morrissey CO, Tam CS, Szer J, Weinkove R, Slavin MA. Consensus guidelines for antifungal prophylaxis in haematological malignancy and haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, 2014. Intern Med J 2014; 44:1283-97. [DOI: 10.1111/imj.12595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Fleming
- Malignant Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Service; Alfred Health; Prahran Victoria
| | - C. K. Yannakou
- Department of Clinical Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Service; The Royal Melbourne Hospital; Parkville Victoria
| | - G. M. Haeusler
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; East Melbourne Victoria
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases; Monash Children's Hospital; Monash Health; Clayton Victoria
- Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service; Parkville Victoria
| | - J. Clark
- Infection Management and Prevention Service; The Royal Children's Hospital Brisbane; Queensland Health; Herston Queensland
| | - A. Grigg
- Department of Clinical Haematology; Austin Health; Heidelberg Victoria
- School of Medicine; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria
| | - C. H. Heath
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; Royal Perth Hospital; Perth Western Australia
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology (RPH Unit); University of Western Australia; Perth Western Australia
| | - A. Bajel
- Department of Clinical Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Service; The Royal Melbourne Hospital; Parkville Victoria
| | - S. J. van Hal
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; Camperdown New South Wales
| | - S. C. Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services; ICPMR - Pathology West; Westmead New South Wales
- Department of Infectious Diseases; Westmead Hospital; Westmead New South Wales
- Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales
| | - S. T. Milliken
- Department of Haematology; St Vincent's Hospital; Darlinghurst New South Wales
- Faculties of Medicine and Pathology; The University of NSW; Kensington New South Wales
| | - C. O. Morrissey
- Department of Infectious Diseases; Alfred Health and Monash University; Prahran Victoria
- Department of Clinical Haematology; Alfred Health; Prahran Victoria
| | - C. S. Tam
- School of Medicine; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria
- Department of Haematology; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; East Melbourne Victoria
| | - J. Szer
- Department of Clinical Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Service; The Royal Melbourne Hospital; Parkville Victoria
- School of Medicine; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria
| | - R. Weinkove
- Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre; Capital and Coast District Health Board; Wellington New Zealand
- Vaccine Research Group; Malaghan Institute of Medical Research; Wellington New Zealand
| | - M. A. Slavin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; East Melbourne Victoria
- School of Medicine; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service; The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity; Parkville Victoria
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Slavin MA, Heath CH, Thursky KA, Morrissey CO, Szer J, Ling LM, Milliken ST, Grigg AP. Antifungal prophylaxis in adult stem cell transplantation and haematological malignancy. Intern Med J 2008; 38:468-76. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2008.01723.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe, retrospectively, the Australian experience of multi-centric Castleman's disease (MCD) in the setting of HIV infection, specifically with the advent of HAART, and newer chemotherapeutic agents. PATIENTS AND METHODS HIV-infected patients diagnosed with MCD since 1994, were identified from three major HIV treatment centres in Australia. Demographic and disease characteristic variables were collated by the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research. RESULTS Eleven patients were identified with MCD. Medial follow up was 46 (18-57) months. All had CD4 cell counts less than 500 cells/microL. All but one patient was receiving HAART at the time of diagnosis. Nine of the 11 patients had Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and two patients also developed non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL). All patients received chemotherapy for MCD. The response rate from Chemotherapy was 64%. Only two patients achieved sustained remissions. The median survival was 21.9 (1-52) months. The mortality was 45% from MCD and its related complications. CONCLUSION MCD in HIV infected patients is a rare and life-threatening disorder. There is limited recent information on optimal treatment for MCD. MCD in our series appeared to be a chemo-responsive disease. In our experience, treatment with liposomal anthracycline was associated with good response rates and acceptable toxicity in several patients, and therefore merits further exploration to establish its role. Treatment in the future may concentrate on novel agents such as anti-interleukin 6, anti-CD20 antibodies, thalidomide and viral ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Loi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Locked Bag 1, A'Becket Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 8006, Australia.
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Grulich AE, Wan X, Law MG, Milliken ST, Lewis CR, Garsia RJ, Gold J, Finlayson RJ, Cooper DA, Kaldor JM. B-cell stimulation and prolonged immune deficiency are risk factors for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in people with AIDS. AIDS 2000; 14:133-40. [PMID: 10708283 DOI: 10.1097/00002030-200001280-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify risk factors for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in people with HIV infection. DESIGN AND SETTING Case-control study in Sydney, Australia. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Two hundred and nineteen patients with AIDS-related NHL were compared with 219 HIV-infected controls without NHL, matched for CD4 positive cell count and date of specimen collection. Data on demographic, infectious, treatment-related and immunological factors were abstracted by medical record review. The association between demographic factors, sexually transmissible diseases, HIV-related opportunistic infections, anti-viral therapy, duration of immune deficiency and indices of immune stimulation and risk of NHL were derived for these groups. RESULTS In a multivariate model, there were two independent groups of predictors of NHL risk. The first was duration of immunodeficiency, as measured by longer time since seroconversion (P for trend 0.008), and lower CD4 positive cell count 1 year prior to the time of NHL diagnosis (P for trend 0.009). The second predictor was B-cell stimulation, as indicated by higher serum globulin (a surrogate marker for serum immunoglobulin, P for trend 0.044) and HIV p24 antigenaemia [odds ratio (OR) for p24 positivity, 1.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15-2.88]. Indices of B-cell stimulation preceded the diagnosis of NHL by several years. Factors not related to NHL risk included clinical indices of Epstein-Barr virus infection and receipt of individual nucleoside analogue antiretroviral agents. Combination therapy with these agents was associated with a non-significant reduction in NHL risk (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.39-1.18). CONCLUSIONS Markers of long-standing immune deficiency and B-cell stimulation were associated with an increased risk of developing NHL. Unless the strongest risk factor for NHL, immune deficiency, can be reversed, NHL is likely to become proportionately more important as a cause of morbidity and mortality in people with HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Grulich
- National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Snowden JA, Biggs JC, Milliken ST, Fuller A, Brooks PM. A phase I/II dose escalation study of intensified cyclophosphamide and autologous blood stem cell rescue in severe, active rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 1999. [PMID: 10555022 DOI: 10.1002/1529-0131(199911)42:11<2286::aid-anr5>3.0.co;2-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Based on animal studies and anecdotal case reports, high-dose therapy and autologous blood stem cell rescue have been proposed as an experimental treatment for severe, refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to establish the toxicity of this treatment and obtain preliminary efficacy data upon which to base future clinical trials. METHODS Two cohorts of 4 patients who fulfilled criteria for severe, active, treatment-resistant RA were recruited into a dose-escalation study of cyclophosphamide (CYC) (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) followed by unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cell rescue. Patient treatment was managed according to a standard supportive care protocol. Disease-modifying drugs were discontinued before treatment, but corticosteroids were maintained and later tapered where possible. Patients' conditions were assessed using World Health Organization toxicity criteria and standard parameters for rheumatic disease. RESULTS Dose-dependent differences in hematologic toxicity were observed between cohorts 1 and 2, although toxicity was similar for other systems and was most significant in the gastrointestinal system. Patients in cohort 1 had only transient responses to therapy, lasting 2-3 months. Substantial improvements were sustained beyond 17-19 months in cohort 2, including steroid-independent disease remission for 1 patient, although the procedure did not completely abolish disease activity. CONCLUSION High-dose CYC and unmanipulated autologous blood stem cell rescue has acceptable dose-dependent toxicity in severe, treatment-resistant RA, and 200 mg/kg of CYC induces substantial clinical responses. Refinement of this intensive approach might include further intensification of the preparation regimen, graft manipulation, and posttransplant immunomodulation.
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Snowden JA, Biggs JC, Milliken ST, Fuller A, Brooks PM. A phase I/II dose escalation study of intensified cyclophosphamide and autologous blood stem cell rescue in severe, active rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 1999; 42:2286-92. [PMID: 10555022 DOI: 10.1002/1529-0131(199911)42:11<2286::aid-anr5>3.0.co;2-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Based on animal studies and anecdotal case reports, high-dose therapy and autologous blood stem cell rescue have been proposed as an experimental treatment for severe, refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to establish the toxicity of this treatment and obtain preliminary efficacy data upon which to base future clinical trials. METHODS Two cohorts of 4 patients who fulfilled criteria for severe, active, treatment-resistant RA were recruited into a dose-escalation study of cyclophosphamide (CYC) (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) followed by unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cell rescue. Patient treatment was managed according to a standard supportive care protocol. Disease-modifying drugs were discontinued before treatment, but corticosteroids were maintained and later tapered where possible. Patients' conditions were assessed using World Health Organization toxicity criteria and standard parameters for rheumatic disease. RESULTS Dose-dependent differences in hematologic toxicity were observed between cohorts 1 and 2, although toxicity was similar for other systems and was most significant in the gastrointestinal system. Patients in cohort 1 had only transient responses to therapy, lasting 2-3 months. Substantial improvements were sustained beyond 17-19 months in cohort 2, including steroid-independent disease remission for 1 patient, although the procedure did not completely abolish disease activity. CONCLUSION High-dose CYC and unmanipulated autologous blood stem cell rescue has acceptable dose-dependent toxicity in severe, treatment-resistant RA, and 200 mg/kg of CYC induces substantial clinical responses. Refinement of this intensive approach might include further intensification of the preparation regimen, graft manipulation, and posttransplant immunomodulation.
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Snowden JA, Nink V, Cooley M, Zaunders J, Keir M, Wright L, Milliken ST, Brooks PM, Biggs JC. Composition and function of peripheral blood stem and progenitor cell harvests from patients with severe active rheumatoid arthritis. Br J Haematol 1998; 103:601-9. [PMID: 9858207 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.1998.01073.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue has been proposed as an intensive therapy for severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In view of previous observations of abnormal haemopoiesis in RA patients, the composition and function of peripheral blood stem cell harvests (PBSCH) was investigated. Compared with PBSCH from healthy allogeneic donors mobilized with the same dose of G-CSF (filgrastim; 10 microg/kg/d, n = 14), RA PBSCH (n = 9) contained significantly fewer mononuclear cells (375 v 569 x 10(6)/kg, P = 0.03) and CD34+ cells (2.7 v 5.8 x 10(6)/kg, P = 0.003). However, there were increased proportions of CD14+ cells (P = 0.006) and CD14+ CD15+ cells (the phenotype of previously described 'abnormal' myeloid cells, P = 0.002) in the RA PBSCH which translated into 3.5- and 7-fold increases respectively on a per CD34+ cell basis. There were no differences in T-cell activation status as judged by proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ expressing CD45RA, CD45RO, HLA-DR and CD28 (RA PBSCH, n = 7, donor PBSCH, n = 5, P = 0.2-0.7). Phytohaemagglutinin responses determined fluorocytometrically with induction of CD69 expression were reduced in CD4+ and CD8+ cells following filgrastim administration in 3/3 RA patients tested. Compared with bone marrow as a potential source of CD34+ cells, PBSCH contained 11-fold more T cells (P < 0.0005), 8-fold more B cells (P < 0.0005) and 4-fold more monocytes (P = 0.02). In short-term methylcellulose culture there were no differences in colony counts (CFU-GM, CFU-GEMM, BFU-E) per CD34+ cell from PBSCH from RA patients (n = 11) and healthy donors (n = 10). Long-term culture initiator cells were cultured successfully from cryopreserved PBSCH from RA patients (n = 9). In conclusion, PBSCH from RA patients differed significantly in composition from normal individuals, but in vitro studies support normal stem and progenitor cell function. Changes in T-cell function occur during mobilization in RA patients. This work provides reassurance for the use of PBSCH as haematological rescue and baseline data for clinical trials of graft manipulation strategies in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Snowden
- Department of Haematology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Snowden JA, Biggs JC, Milliken ST, Fuller A, Staniforth D, Passuello F, Renwick J, Brooks PM. A randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled, dose escalation study of the tolerability and efficacy of filgrastim for haemopoietic stem cell mobilisation in patients with severe active rheumatoid arthritis. Bone Marrow Transplant 1998; 22:1035-41. [PMID: 9877264 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1701486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autologous haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) represents a potential therapy for severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As a prelude to clinical trails, the safety and efficacy of haemopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilisation required investigation as colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) have been reported to flare RA. A double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled dose escalation study was performed. Two cohorts of eight patients fulfilling strict eligibility criteria for severe active RA (age median 40 years, range 24-60 years; median disease duration 10.5 years, range 2-18 years) received filgrastim (r-Hu-methionyl granulocyte(G)-CSF) at 5 and 10 microg/kg/day, randomised in a 5:3 ratio with placebo. Patients were unblinded on the fifth day of treatment and those randomised to filgrastim underwent cell harvesting (leukapheresis) daily until 2 x 10(6)/kg CD34+ cells (haemopoietic stem and progenitor cells) were obtained. Patients were assessed by clinical and laboratory parameters before, during and after filgrastim administration. RA flare was defined as an increase of 30% or more in two of the following parameters: tender joint count, swollen joint count or pain score. Efficacy was assessed by quantitation of CD34+ cells and CFU-GM. One patient in the 5 microg/kg/day group and two patients in the 10 microg/kg/day group fulfilled criteria for RA flare, although this did not preclude successful stem cell collection. Median changes in swollen and tender joint counts were not supportive of filgrastim consistently causing exacerbation of disease, but administration of filgrastim at 10 microg/kg/day was associated with rises in median C-reactive protein and median rheumatoid factor compared with placebo. Other adverse events were well recognised for filgrastim and included bone pain (80%) and increases in alkaline phosphatase (four-fold) and lactate dehydrogenase (two-fold). With respect to efficacy, filgrastim at 10 microg/kg/day was more efficient with all patients (n = 5) achieving target CD34+ cell counts with a single leukapheresis (median = 2.8, range = 2.3-4.8 x 10(6)/kg, median CFU-GM = 22.1, range = 4.2-102.9 x 10(4)/kg), whereas 1-3 leukaphereses were necessary to achieve the target yield using 5 microg/kg/day. We conclude that filgrastim may be administered to patients with severe active RA for effective stem cell mobilisation. Flare of RA occurs in a minority of patients and is more likely with 10 than 5 microg/kg/day. However, on balance, 10 microg/kg/day remains the dose of choice in view of more efficient CD34+ cell mobilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Snowden
- Department of Haematology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Lord RV, Coleman MJ, Milliken ST. Splenectomy for HIV-related immune thrombocytopenia: comparison with results of splenectomy for non-HIV immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Arch Surg 1998; 133:205-10. [PMID: 9484736 DOI: 10.1001/archsurg.133.2.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness and safety of splenectomy for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related immune thrombocytopenia, using the results of splenectomy for patients with non-HIV immune thrombocytopenic purpura as a control group for comparison. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS Fourteen patients who underwent splenectomy for symptomatic, medically refractory HIV-related immune thrombocytopenia at this hospital from 1988 to 1997. During the same period, 20 patients had splenectomy for treatment of non-HIV immune thrombocytopenic purpura. INTERVENTION Splenectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Platelet response, need for postsplenectomy medical therapy, progression of HIV disease, and complications. RESULTS All patients with HIV-related thrombocytopenia had a complete early platelet response to splenectomy, with an elevation of the platelet count to greater than 100X10(9)/L. After a median follow-up of 26.5 months, all but 1 patient had a sustained complete remission with no need for medical therapy for thrombocytopenia. Splenectomy was more effective in the HIV-related thrombocytopenia group than in the non-HIV immune thrombocytopenic purpura group, with significantly higher platelet counts at 1 week and 1 month after splenectomy in the HIV group (t test, P=.02 and P=.009, respectively). There were significantly fewer patients needing medical therapy for thrombocytopenia after splenectomy in the HIV group (chi2 test, P=.02). There were no remarkable short- or long-term complications in the patients with HIV infection, including no overwhelming postsplenectomy infections. Three patients have died, and 2 patients have developed AIDS since operation. CONCLUSIONS Splenectomy is effective treatment for patients with symptomatic HIV-related thrombocytopenia that is resistant to medical therapy. The effectiveness of this treatment suggests that the predominant mechanism of thrombocytopenia in HIV-infected patients is increased destruction of platelets because of platelet-associated immunoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- R V Lord
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Field AS, Marriott DJ, Milliken ST, Brew BJ, Canning EU, Kench JG, Darveniza P, Harkness JL. Myositis associated with a newly described microsporidian, Trachipleistophora hominis, in a patient with AIDS. J Clin Microbiol 1996; 34:2803-11. [PMID: 8897186 PMCID: PMC229407 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.34.11.2803-2811.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are zoonotic protozoa which were rare human pathogens prior to 1985, when Enterocytozoon bieneusi was described in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with chronic diarrhea. Another species, Encephalitozoon (Septata) intestinalis, is associated with diarrhea and chronic sinusitis, and approximately 25 cases have been reported in the literature. However, other microsporidial infections in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients remain extremely rare. We report the first case of a Pleistophora sp.-like microsporidian infection presenting as a progressive severe myosotis associated with fever and weight loss. The organism was demonstrated by light microscopy and electron microscopy in corneal scrapings, skeletal muscle, and nasal discharge. Electron microscopy showed an electron-dense surface coat with "sunflare"-like projections surrounding all stages of development of meronts (two to four nuclei, dividing by binary fission), sporonts, and sporoblasts. Division of sporonts, in which sporonts separate from the thick outer coat, creating a sporophorous vesicle, is by binary fission, differentiating this organism from Pleistophora sp. The spore measures 4.0 by 2.5 microns and has a rugose exospore. A new genus and species, Trachipleistophora hominis, has been established for this parasite. The patient was treated with albendazole, sulfadiazine, and pyrimethamine, and the clinical symptoms resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Field
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Milliken ST, Clezy KR, Cooper SG, Romeril KR. Managing HIV. Part 5: Treating secondary outcomes. 5.13 HIV-related lymphoma and other malignancies. Med J Aust 1996; 164:489-91. [PMID: 8614344] [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: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Treating systemic malignancies requires specialist skill and experience, with active treatment often providing the best initial palliation of symptoms. A full management plan involving general practitioner, patient and others is essential at this stage of HIV disease.
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Kelleher AD, Brew BJ, Milliken ST. Intractable headache as the presenting complaint of AIDS-related lymphoma confined to bone. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr (1988) 1994; 7:629-30. [PMID: 8176647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Field AS, Hing MC, Milliken ST, Marriott DJ. Microsporidia in the small intestine of HIV-infected patients. A new diagnostic technique and a new species. Med J Aust 1993; 158:390-4. [PMID: 7683076] [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: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether microsporidian infections occur in Australian patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), to assess the incidence, and to discuss microscopic detection methods. DESIGN AND PATIENTS 180 consecutive HIV-infected patients (109 with chronic diarrhoea and 71 with other indications) underwent upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and pinch biopsies of the second part of the duodenum. The biopsies were handled by a protocol: four levels, with haematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E) at each level, periodic acid Schiff reagent after diastase (DiPAS) and auramine stain at the second level, and Warthin-Starry (WS) stain and cytomegalovirus early antigen immunoperoxidase study at the third level. Electron microscopy was carried out on samples from the first 95 patients, and thereafter from selected patients. SETTING The patients came from the HIV Medicine Unit of a teaching hospital and from the practice of a gastroenterologist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Diagnosis of microsporidia was to based on the H&E stain, with electron microscopy as the definitive test because the microsporidia are often difficult to see with H&E. Empirically, the WS stain was found to stain the microorganisms and it replaced electron microscopy during the study as the screening diagnostic test. RESULTS Microsporidia were present in 36 of the 109 patients with diarrhoea (33%) and one of 71 patients without diarrhoea. The WS stain in all cases showed developing spores in the enterocytes and in four cases in macrophages as well. The H&E stain showed non-specific duodenitis and was not diagnostic in some cases. Electron microscopy on samples from the first 95 consecutive patients showed 100% concordance with the WS stain. In 33 cases, electron microscopy showed the multinucleated plasmodia and the spores of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and in the four cases confirmed the spores in macrophages and showed a new Encephalitozoon-like species with a septate parasitophorous vacuole. Other causes of duodenal infection were cytomegalovirus (11 cases), mycobacteria (8), cryptosporidia (8) and Giardia lamblia (5). CONCLUSION E. bieneusi was the commonest microorganism found in our series of 180 consecutive patients. The actual prevalence of the two microsporidia species within the HIV-positive population and general community awaits further study. The WS stain provides a sensitive diagnostic test for the presence of E. bieneusi and the new Encephalitozoon-like species, avoiding the cost and potential sampling error of electron microscopy. The detailed ultrastructure and taxonomy of the new species requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Field
- St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW
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Powles RL, Parikh PM, Helenglass G, Aboud HH, Smith CL, Mrazek IA, Shepherd V, Milliken ST, Treleaven J, Sharrock C. Bone-marrow transplant from father to son and subsequent graft from son to father. Lancet 1990; 335:999-1000. [PMID: 1970109 DOI: 10.1016/0140-6736(90)91065-i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
An 11-year-old boy with acute myeloblastic leukaemia in first remission received an allogeneic mismatched bone-marrow transplant (BMT) from his father in 1979; subsequent HLA typing showed that his haemopoietic system had been repopulated by the donor cells. In 1986 hypereosinophilic syndrome, secondary to a T-cell lymphocytic lymphoma, developed in the father, then aged 45 years. A full haematological remission was obtained by means of standard acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treatment. He then received melphalan, total body irradiation, and a BMT from his son. Graft-versus-host disease was transient in both patients, and father and son remain well and disease-free 20 months and 10 years, respectively, after BMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Powles
- Leukaemia Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, Surrey, UK
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Abstract
Deep fungal infection in recipients of bone marrow transplants remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Prolonged neutropenia is the major factor predisposing patients to invasive fungal disease. Candida and Aspergillus species remain the two most common pathogens. Prophylaxis against these organisms with the oral polyenes nystatin and amphotericin B has been disappointing. Systemic amphotericin B is too toxic for prophylactic use, yet it remains the mainstay of therapy for suspected or established deep fungal infection. Ketoconazole is contraindicated in patients receiving cyclosporine prophylaxis against graft-vs.-host disease and appears effective only in high doses associated relatively commonly with adverse reactions. This paper reviews results of antifungal prophylaxis and discusses new measures and agents likely to be of value in the prevention of fungal infection in bone marrow transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Milliken
- Leukaemia Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
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Milliken ST, Tattersall MH, Woods RL, Coates AS, Levi JA, Fox RM, Raghavan D. Metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site. A randomized study of two combination chemotherapy regimens. Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol 1987; 23:1645-8. [PMID: 2448145 DOI: 10.1016/0277-5379(87)90443-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Of 101 patients with symptomatic adenocarcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma of unknown primary site, 95 were evaluable for the effects of two randomized chemotherapy regimens. Forty-eight patients received combination doxorubicin and mitomycin C (DM) and 47 received combination cisplatin, vinblastine and bleomycin (PB). Response rates were not significantly different between the two treatment groups, 42% for DM and 32% for PVB, with an overall response rate of 37.1%. Survival differences for DM and PVB treated groups were not significantly different, with 18 weeks and 25 weeks median survivals respectively. Toxicities were unequal for the two treatment groups with increased haematological toxicity for DM and greater gastrointestinal toxicity for PVB. The authors conclude both therapies were of limited efficacy in the treatment of ACUP patients and emphasize that only symptomatic patients should be considered for such therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Milliken
- Clinical Oncology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Davey RA, Milliken ST, Harvie RM, Cahill EJ, Morgan LJ, Kerestes Z, Levi JA. Serum galactosyltransferase as a prognostic marker in patients with solid tumors. Cancer Res 1986; 46:5973-5. [PMID: 3093073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The serum level of galactosyltransferase was measured in a group of 218 patients with a variety of solid tumors and most with advanced disease. The pretreatment enzyme level showed little potential as a diagnostic tumor marker, and its change with treatment did not reflect the initial response. There was, however, a significant correlation between the length of survival and the pretreatment enzyme level. Patients with normal levels survived over twice as long as those with elevated levels. When Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis was used to compare the prognostic potential of galactosyltransferase with a number of known clinical indicators of prognosis, the variable most related to survival was performance status (P less than 10(-4) followed by galactosyltransferase (P = 0.01) and then the extent of disease (P = 0.03). The other variables, such as previous therapy, the type, site, and size of primary tumor, did not contribute significantly to the relationship with survival. The pretreatment level of galactosyltransferase is therefore a relatively independent prognosticator of survival and, as such, could be potentially useful in patient management by increasing the accuracy of the initial assessment of prognosis.
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Barr PA, Milliken ST. Mechanical ventilation of infants with severe hyaline membrane disease in a regional newborn intensive care unit. Aust Paediatr J 1980; 16:83-9. [PMID: 6893546 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.1980.tb01269.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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