Early Post-Transplantation Febrile Episodes Are Associated With increased Risk for Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease

The HPSE gene encodes heparanase (HPSE), a key player in cancer, inflammation, and autoimmunity. We have previously identified a strong HPSE gene enhancer involved in self-regulation of heparanase by negative feedback exerted in a functional rs4693608 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dependent manner. In the present study, we analyzed the HPSE gene insulator region, located in intron 9 and containing rs4426765, rs28649799, and rs4364254 SNPs. Our results indicate that this region exhibits HPSE regulatory activity. SNP substitutions lead to modulation of a unique DNA-protein complex that affects insulator activity. Analysis of interactions between enhancer and insulator SNPs revealed that rs4693608 has a major effect on HPSE expression and the risk of post-transplantation acute graft versus host disease (GVHD). The C alleles of insulator SNPs rs4364254 and rs4426765 modify the activity of the HPSE enhancer, resulting in altered HPSE expression and increased risk of acute GVHD. Moreover, rs4426765 correlated with HPSE expression in activated mononuclear cells, as well as with CD3 levels and lymphocyte counts following G-CSF mobilization. rs4363084 and rs28649799 were found to be associated with CD34+ levels. Our study provides new insight into the mechanism of HPSE gene regulation and its impact on normal and pathological processes in the hematopoietic system.

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1075. Absolute Lymphocyte Count as a Predictor of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection and Recurrence in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.1261 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S565-S565

Author(s):

Joanne Reekie ◽

Marie Helleberg ◽

Christina Ekenberg ◽

Mark P Khurana ◽

Isabelle P Lodding ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Lymphocyte Count ◽

Absolute Lymphocyte Count ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Cmv Infection ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Acute Graft

Abstract Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a serious complication following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) and can lead to serious organ disease and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the association between absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and CMV to determine whether ALC could help to identify those at an increased risk of CMV infection and recurrence Methods Adults undergoing HSCT between 2011 and 2016 at Rigshospitalet, Denmark were included. Cox proportional hazards models investigated risk factors, including ALC, for CMV infection in the first year post-transplant and recurrent CMV infection 6 months after clearance and stopping CMV treatment for the first infection. For the primary outcome ALC was investigated as a time-updated risk factor lagged by 7 days, and for recurrent CMV, ALC measured at the time at the time of stopping treatment for the first CMV infection was investigated (+/- 7 days). Results Of the 352 HSCT recipients included, 57% were male, 40% received myeloablative conditioning, 42% had high risk (D-R+) CMV IgG serostatus at transplant and the median age was 56 (IQR 43-63). 143 (40.6%) patients had an episode of CMV DNAemia a median of 47 days after transplant (IQR 35-62). A lower current ALC (≤ 0.3 x109/L) was associated with a higher risk of CMV infection in univariate analysis compared to a high current ALC (> 1 x109/L). However, this association was attenuated after adjustment, particularly for acute graft versus host disease (Figure). 102 HSCT recipients were investigated for risk of recurrent CMV of which 41 (40.2%) had a recurrent CMV episode a median of 27 days (IQR 16-50) after stopping CMV treatment for the first infection. A lower ALC (≤ 0.3 x109/L) at the time of stopping CMV treatment was associated with a significantly higher risk of recurrent CMV after adjustment (Figure). A higher peak viral load (> 1500 IU/ml) during the first episode of CMV infection was also associated with an increased risk of recurrent CMV (aHR 2.47, 95%CI 1.00-6.10 compared to < 750 IU/ml). Association between absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and risk of CMV infection and recurrent CMV within 6 months. **First CMV infection multivariable model also adjusted for sex, CMV serostatus, age, year of transplant, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) given, HLA donor-recipient matching, and acute graft versus host disease (time-updated) *Recurrent CMV infection multivariable model also adjusted for conditioning regimen, sex, CMV serostatus, age, year of transplant Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) given, HLA donor-recipient matching, and acute graft versus host disease and peak CMV viral load during the first CMV infection Conclusion A lower ALC at the time of stopping treatment for the first CMV infection was associated with an increased risk of recurrent CMV and could be used to help guide decisions for augmented CMV surveillance and clinical awareness of CMV disease symptoms in these patients. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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Acute graft-versus-host disease: analysis of risk factors after allogeneic marrow transplantation and prophylaxis with cyclosporine and methotrexate [see comments]

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v80.7.1838.1838 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 80 (7) ◽

pp. 1838-1845 ◽

Cited By ~ 277

Author(s):

RA Nash ◽

MS Pepe ◽

R Storb ◽

G Longton ◽

M Pettinger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Marrow Transplantation ◽

Malignant Disease ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Host Disease ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Acute Graft

Abstract Previous studies of risk factors for acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) involved patients receiving predominantly single-agent prophylaxis. Therefore, a retrospective analysis was performed on 446 patients, from a single institution, who received transplants of marrow from HLA-identical siblings and the combination of cyclosporine (CSP) and methotrexate (MTX) to determine risk factors for acute GVHD associated with this more effective form of GVHD prophylaxis. The incidences of Grades II-IV and Grades III-IV (severe) acute GVHD were 35% and 16%, respectively. Increased clinical grades of acute GVHD in patients without advanced malignant disease were associated with a decreased survival. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, risk factors associated with the onset of Grades II-IV acute GVHD were sex mismatch and donor parity (P = .001), increased dose of total body irradiation (TBI) (P = .001), and reduction to less than 80% of the scheduled dose of MTX (P = .02) or CSP (P = .02). The multivariate analysis indicated a relative risk of 1.37 for acute GVHD in a group defined as having advanced malignant disease at transplant; however, this difference failed to reach conventional levels of statistical significance (P = .07). Reduction of MTX and CSP occurred in up to 36% and 44% of patients, respectively, primarily because of renal or hepatic dysfunction. The periods of increased risk for the onset of acute GVHD were up to 1 week after a reduction of MTX and 2 weeks after a reduction in CSP. When only patients who developed Grades II-IV acute GVHD were considered, the more severe acute GVHD of Grades III-IV was associated with increased patient age of 40 years or greater (P = .05) and dose reductions of CSP (P = .008). Serologic status of patient and donor for cytomegalovirus (CMV), HLA antigens in the A and B loci, and isolation in a laminar air flow room during marrow transplantation, all previously identified as risk factors for acute GVHD, were not confirmed as risk factors in this study population. The toxicity of MTX and CSP and the development of acute GVHD from inadequate immunosuppression because of dose reduction warrants further trials with potentially less toxic immunosuppressive agents. Risk factors for acute GVHD should be considered in clinical management and in the design of clinical trials.

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Association of Serum Interleukin-7 Levels With the Development of Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2008.17.1314 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 26 (35) ◽

pp. 5735-5741 ◽

Cited By ~ 64

Author(s):

Robert M. Dean ◽

Terry Fry ◽

Crystal Mackall ◽

Seth M. Steinberg ◽

Fran Hakim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Critical Role ◽

Human Leukocyte ◽

Post Transplantation ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Interleukin 7 ◽

Acute Graft

Purpose Morbidity from acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) limits the success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) to treat malignancy. Interleukin-7 (IL-7), the principal homeostatic cytokine for T cells, is required for acute GVHD in murine models. In contrast to inflammatory cytokines (eg, IL-2, tumor necrosis factor α), IL-7 has not been studied extensively in the clinical transplant setting relative to its relationship with acute GVHD. Patients and Methods We evaluated the association of serum IL-7 levels with acute GVHD in 31 patients who were uniformly treated in a prospective clinical trial with reduced-intensity allogeneic HSCT from human leukocyte antigen–identical siblings. GVHD prophylaxis consisted of cyclosporine and methotrexate. Serum IL-7 levels and lymphocyte populations were determined at enrollment, the day of transplantation before the allograft infusion, and at specified intervals through 12 months post-transplantation. Results As expected, IL-7 levels were inversely correlated with T-cell populations (P < .00001). Acute GVHD was significantly associated with higher IL-7 levels at day +7 (P = .01) and day +14 (P = .00003) post-transplantation as well as with the allograft CD34+ cell dose (P = .01). IL-7 levels at day +14 also correlated with the severity of acute GVHD (P < .0001). In logistic regression models, these factors were highly sensitive (up to 86%) and specific (100%) for classifying whether patients developed acute GVHD. Conclusion These data support preclinical observations that IL-7 plays a critical role in inducing acute GVHD and provide a rational basis for novel approaches to prevent and treat acute GVHD through modulation of the IL-7 pathway.

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Tacrolimus does not abrogate the increased risk of acute graft-versus-host disease after unrelated-donor marrow transplantation with allelic mismatching at HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1

Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation ◽

10.1016/s1083-8791(00)70042-5 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 190-197 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Donna Przepiorka ◽

Rima Saliba ◽

Karen Cleary ◽

Harald Fischer ◽

Richard Tonai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Marrow Transplantation ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Acute Graft

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Pre-Engraftment Serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Value as a Predictor of Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease and Non-Relapse Mortality.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v110.11.1968.1968 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (11) ◽

pp. 1968-1968

Author(s):

Shigeo Fuji ◽

Sung-Won Kim ◽

Takahiro Fukuda ◽

Shin-ichiro Mori ◽

Satoshi Yamasaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

Primary Role ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Acute Graft

Abstract Background: In a mouse model, it has been shown that inflammatory cytokines play a primary role in the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Here, we evaluated whether the pre-engraftment CRP value, which is used as a surrogate marker of inflammation, could predict post-transplant complications including GVHD. Methods: The medical records of 224 adult patients (median age, 47 years; range, 18–68 y), who underwent conventional (CST, n=105) or reduced-intensity (RIST, n=119) allogeneic stem cell transplantation between January 2002 and July 2006 were reviewed retrospectively. Their diagnosis included AML (n=94), ALL (n=23), NHL (n=62), MDS (n=27) and others (n=18). Stem cell sources included bone marrow (n=108), peripheral blood stem cells (n=98) and cord blood cells (n=18). Patients were categorized according to the maximum CRP value during the pre-engraftment neutropenic period: the “low CRP” group (CRP < 15 mg/dL) included 157 patients and the “high CRP” group (CRP≥15 mg/dL) included 67 patients. We assessed the occurrence of acute GVHD, non-relapse mortality (NRM) and overall survival. Results: The incidence of documented infections during neutropenia was higher in the high CRP group (34% vs 17%, P=0.004). The CRP value was significantly lower after RIST than after CST (P=0.017) or after related than after unrelated transplantation (P<0.001). A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that male sex, unrelated donor and HLA-mismatched donor were associated with high CRP values. The high CRP group developed significantly more grade II-IV acute GVHD, grade III-IV acute GVHD and NRM as shown in Figure 1 and 2. A multivariate analysis showed that a high CRP level was associated with an increased risk of grade II-IV acute GVHD, poor OS and high NRM. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that the CRP value may reflect the net degree of tissue damage due to the conditioning regimen, inflammation, infection and allogeneic immune reactions, all of which lead to subsequent acute GVHD and NRM. Future clinical studies to evaluate the feasibility of earlier intervention and adjustment of GVHD prophylaxis based on monitoring of the early CRP value are warranted. Fig 1 grade II-IV acute GVHD Fig 1. grade II-IV acute GVHD Fig 2 non-relapse mortality Fig 2. non-relapse mortality

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Effect of cytomegalovirus reactivation with or without acute graft-versus-host disease on the risk of nonrelapse mortality

Clinical Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/cid/ciaa1871 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yu Akahoshi ◽

Shun-ichi Kimura ◽

Yoshihiro Inamoto ◽

Sachiko Seo ◽

Hiroyuki Muranushi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Subsequent Development ◽

Joint Effect ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Cytomegalovirus Reactivation ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact ◽

Acute Graft

Abstract Background Despite a strong association between acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and cytomegalovirus reactivation (CMVR), the joint effect of acute GVHD and CMVR on nonrelapse mortality (NRM) has not been well studied. Methods We evaluated the impact of CMVR on NRM stratified according to the development of acute GVHD using a landmark method. This study included 6078 patients who received their first allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) with a pre-emptive strategy for CMVR between 2008 and 2017. Results The cumulative incidences of grade II-IV acute GVHD (G24GVHD), CMVR by day 100, and CMV disease by day 365 were 37.3%, 52.1%, and 2.9%, respectively. Patients with G24GVHD were associated with the subsequent development of CMVR, and the presence of CMVR also increased the risk of G24GVHD. In a landmark analysis at day 65, the cumulative incidence of NRM at 1 year was 5.4%, 10.0%, 13.9%, and 19.7% in patients with G24GVHD-/CMVR-, G24GVHD-/CMVR+, G24GVHD+/CMVR-, and G24GVHD+/CMVR+, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, CMVR was respectively associated with an increased risk of NRM by day 365 in patients without G24GVHD (HR [hazard ratio], 1.59, 95% CI, 1.24-2.05, P < 0.001) and with G24GVHD (HR, 1.34, 95% CI, 1.06-1.70, P = 0.014), but the interaction between G24GVHD and CMVR was not significant (P = 0.326). Subgroup analyses suggested that the joint effect of acute GVHD and CMVR might vary according to the baseline characteristics. Conclusions These data regarding the close relationship between acute GVHD and CMVR should provide important implications for the treatment strategy after HCT.

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