Biological advances in acute graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a potentially curative therapy for many malignant and non-malignant hematological diseases. Unfortunately, na?ve donor T cells that are critical for the success of this effective therapy also cause its most severe toxicity--graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Recent experimental observations have brought into focus a critical role for additional cell populations in the pathogenesis and modulation of GVHD. A better understanding of the complex interactions involving these cellular subsets and the inflammatory cascades is likely to be critical in the pathophysiology of GVHD. This review will primarily focus on the immunobiology of experimental acute GVHD with an emphasis on the recent observations on the novel role of innate and adaptive cellular subsets in the activation, effector phases, and target organ specificity of acute GVHD.     

异基因造血干细胞移植后慢性移植物抗宿主病的临床分析

目的：探讨异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT）后慢性移植物抗宿主病（cGVHD）的临床特点、相关危险因素及治疗效果。方法：回顾性分析69例allo-HSCT患者的临床资料。根据供、受者的关系以及配型情况，将患者分为三组：A组为亲缘全相合异基因骨髓移植，22例；B组为亲缘全相合异基因外周血干细胞移植，37例；C组为非血缘移植和不全相合移植，10例。术前均采用化疗预处理，术后采用短程甲氨蝶呤联合环孢素A（CsA）预防移植物抗宿主病（GVHD）。局限性cGVHD患者多采用单一免疫抑制剂（CsA或糖皮质激素）治疗，病情进展者采用标准方案（CsA联合糖皮质激素）治疗；广泛性cGVHD患者则需用标准方案治疗（一线治疗方案）。一线治疗无效、病情进展者，对一线治疗依赖不能停药，或停药后病情反复者，需用他克莫司、霉酚酸酯及硫唑嘌呤治疗（二线治疗方案）。结果：移植后随访6～120个月，中位时间为43个月，39例诊断为cGVHD，其中局限性cGVHD13例（33．3％，13／39），广泛性cGVHD26例（66．7％，26／39），7例死于cGVHD或与之相关的并发症。B组cGVHD发生率较A组显著升高（P〈0．05），B组和C组的广泛性cGVHD发生率显著高于A组（P〈O．05）。外周血干细胞移植和病程中发生2～4度急性GVHD是cGVHD发生的主要危险因素。局限性cGVHD患者采用一线方案治疗的有效率显著高于广泛性cGVHD患者（P〈0．05），标准危险度cGVHD者的治疗有效率显著优于高危险度cGVHD者（P〈0．05）。结论：eGVHD是allo-HSCT后常见并发症和致死原因；广泛性cGVHD多发生于异基因外周血干细胞移植、HLA配型不全相合移植和非血缘移植，且临床治疗效果不佳。     

Activated circulating dendritic cells after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation predict acute graft-versus-host disease

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DC) are central to the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). We hypothesized that DC activation status determines the severity of GVHD and that activated DC may be detected in the circulation prior to clinical presentation of GVHD. METHODS: Following transplant, blood samples were obtained twice weekly from alloHSCT patients. Myeloid (CD11c+) and plasmacytoid (CD123hi) DC were enumerated by flow cytometry, and activated myeloid DC were identified using the CMRF-44 monoclonal antibody. RESULTS: Of 40 alloHSCT patients, 26 developed acute GVHD. Severity of GVHD was associated with low total blood DC counts (P=0.007) and with low myeloid and plasmacytoid DC numbers (P=0.015 and 0.003). The CMRF-44 antigen was expressed on blood CD11c+ DC in all cases prior to GVHD onset, whereas of the 14 patients without GVHD, seven had no CMRF-44+ CD11c DC. Patients with CMRF-44+ CD11c+ DC in more than 20% of samples were more likely to subsequently develop acute GVHD (P=0.001, odds ratio=37.1), while patients who developed grade 2-4 GVHD had prior higher percentages of CMRF-44+ CD11c+ DC compared to grade 0-1 GVHD patients (P=0.001). CMRF-44 expression on >7.9% CD11c+ DC predicted for subsequent development of GVHD with a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 79.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Activation status, as assessed by CMRF-44 antigen expression, of blood CD11c+ DC is highly associated with acute GVHD and these cells may be targets for therapeutic intervention.     

儿童造血干细胞移植后皮肤GVHD评估与预防最佳证据总结

目的 总结儿童造血干细胞移植后皮肤移植物抗宿主病护理最佳证据,为临床护理提供指引。方法 计算机检索BMJ Best Practice、UpToDate、JBI循证卫生保健中心数据库、中国抗癌协会护理专业委员会、PubMed、中国知网、万方数据等数据库,检索时限为2000年1月1日至2023年5月31日。结果 共纳入文献17篇（临床决策3篇,指南7篇,系统评价1篇,专家共识4篇,证据总结2篇）,总结出皮肤评估、皮肤防护、皮肤不良反应的处理、用药指导、随访与筛查5个方面24条最佳证据。结论 总结的儿童造血干细胞移植后皮肤移植物抗宿主病护理最佳证据,可作为指引用于临床护理。     

High serum leptin in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND: Increased serum leptin has been described after various organ transplants, with a mechanism that is still unclear. METHODS: We measured serum leptin in 60 patients before and after allogeneic (allo) or autologous (auto) stem cell transplant (SCT) and in 60 healthy controls, matched for age and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Serum leptin was higher in patients after SCT than before and in controls. Leptin production was higher after allo- than after auto-SCT; the presence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) was associated with the highest values. The physiological correlation with BMI was lost in the allogeneic setting, indicating a strong influence of factors other than the nutritional status on circulating leptin. No relationship was found between serum leptin levels and time from transplant, age, cortisol, C-reactive protein, and T-lymphocyte CD4-to-CD8 ratio. Among the cytokines secreted by type-1/type-2 T-helper lymphocytes, only serum interferon-gamma significantly correlated with serum leptin levels. Anti-leptin blocking antibodies partially inhibited T-cell activation in mixed lymphocyte reaction, suggesting a link between leptin and T-lymphocyte activation in the allo-SCT setting. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these findings suggest that increased serum leptin concentrations may contribute to T-cell activation during development of cGVHD.     

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis in chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is one of the most frequent complications that occur after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Recently, renal involvement, including membranous nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and minimal change disease, has been described as a manifestation of chronic GVHD. This case report describes a patient who developed antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis after HSCT. Following preparation with chemotherapy, a 29-year-old man with chronic myeloid leukemia underwent allogenic peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation, after which first acute and then chronic GVHD developed. Treatment with prednisone resulted in improvement in the patient's GVHD. After the termination of steroid therapy and about 10 months after PBSC transplantation, nephritic syndrome appeared and the patient's serum creatinine value increased to 1.7 mg/dL. Laboratory evaluation revealed perinuclear antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (p-ANCA) in the serum. Histological examination of renal biopsy tissue showed focal segmental proliferative glomerulonephritis with glomerulosclerosis in 20% of available glomeruli, large cellular crescents in 6% of glomeruli, and no staining of immunoglobulins or complement along the capillary walls. Electron microscopy revealed no immune deposits. After treatment with prednisone 60 mg/d, diltiazem 120 mg/d, and enalapril 10 mg/d, the proteinuria gradually decreased, and p-ANCA was undetectable. These findings suggest that in this patient the ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis was associated with renal involvement that occurred during the course of chronic GVHD.     

Liver disease after hematopoietic cell transplantation in adults

Liver-related complications constitute a large component of the overall morbidity and mortality associated with hematopoietic cell transplantation. Affecting up to 80% of allogeneic HCT recipients, prompt recognition and treatment are essential. The differential diagnosis is broad and is best categorized by time of onset after transplantation. Early complications include drug-induced liver injury, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, and graft-versus-host disease. Late complications include infectious sequelae, cirrhosis, and hepatic malignancies. Patients being considered for hematopoietic cell transplantation should be screened and evaluated for liver-related complications to help improve outcomes.     

Hepatitic graft-versus-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: clinicopathologic features and prognostic implication

BACKGROUND: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) of the liver after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation classically presents with increased bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. A hepatitic variant was recently recognized, with more than a 10-fold increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. This study defines the clinicopathologic features and prognostic implications of hepatitic GVHD compared with classic liver GVHD. METHOD: A total of 38 cases of hepatitic GVHD, 68 cases of classic liver GVHD, and 13 cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatitis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were analyzed. RESULTS: Hepatitic GVHD cases showed significantly higher ALT, AST, and ALP levels compared with classic liver GVHD cases (at onset, mean ALT: 154 vs. 58 U/L, P <0.001; AST: 167 vs. 77 U/L, P <0.001; at peak, ALT: 435 vs. 112 U/L, P <0.001; AST: 587 vs. 150 U/L, P <0.001; ALP: 416 vs. 238 U/L, P =0.001), persisted longer (74 vs. 32 days, P =0.006), and showed more lobular pathologic changes in biopsy (lobular changes: 16/26 vs. 4/19, P =0.007; hepatocyte necrosis: 16/26 vs. 6/19, P =0.008; acidophil bodies: 15/26 vs. 4/19, P =0.014) but less cholestasis (4/26 vs. 8/19, P =0.045). However, cumulative doses of immunosuppressants prescribed, response, and outcome were similar. Compared with hepatitic GVHD, HBV-related hepatitis occurred later (95 vs. 184 days, P =0.049), but clinical and biochemical profiles were similar, requiring liver biopsies for their distinction. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitic and classic liver GVHD differed biochemically and pathologically, but these differences showed no obvious impact on outcome. The distinction of hepatitic GVHD from other hepatitis is mandatory.     

Extending postgrafting cyclosporine decreases the risk of severe graft-versus-host disease after nonmyeloablative hematopoietic cell transplantation

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether the duration of systemic immunosuppressive treatment after allogeneic nonmyeloablative hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) might influence the incidence, severity, timing, and/or corticosteroid-responsiveness of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed outcomes among 185 patients with hematologic malignancies who were given grafts from HLA-matched related donors following conditioning with 2 Gy total body irradiation alone or in combination with fludarabine between December 1998 and March 2003. Postgrafting immunosuppression consisted of mycophenolate mofetil (days 0-27) in combination with 3 different cyclosporine (CSP) regimens: taper from (A) days 35 to 56 (n=107), (B) days 56 to 77 (n=35), and (C) days 56 to 180 (n=43). RESULTS: The overall incidences of grades II-IV and III-IV acute GVHD, and extensive chronic GVHD were 52%, 13%, and 56%, respectively. The duration of CSP prophylaxis did not significantly influence the overall rate of acute GVHD (grade II-IV), extensive chronic GVHD, or non-relapse mortality. However, prolonged administration of CSP (group C) was associated with a significantly decreased hazard of grades III-IV acute GVHD (HR 0.2, 95% CI [0.04, 0.9]) and with an increased likelihood of discontinuing all systemic immunosuppression (HR 2.4, 95% CI [1.1, 5.2]) when compared to the shortest course of CSP (group A). CONCLUSION: Longer CSP duration decreased the risk of severe GVHD and increased the likelihood of discontinuing all systemic immunosuppression after nonmyeloablative HCT with HLA-matched related grafts.     

异基因造血干细胞移植受者外周血中可溶性HLA-G与急性GVHD的相关性

目的 探讨异基因造血干细胞移植(allo-HSCT)受者外周血中可溶性HLA-G(sHLA-G)的水平与急性移植物抗宿主病(aGVHD)间的相关性以及与CD4+CD25~(hlgh)调节性T淋巴细胞(Treg)水平的相关性.方法 选择27例allo-HSCT受者,将其中13例术后发生aGVHD者作为aGVHD组,14例未发生aGVHD者作为对照组.在移植预处理前、移植后第2、4、8、14周时,分别抽取两组受者清晨空腹肘静脉血2～4 ml,采用酶联免疫吸附试验双抗夹心法定量检测sHLA-G,采用流式细胞术检测CD4+CD25+Treg.动态监测术后第2和14周受者sHLA-G水平的变化;动态监测和分析术后第8和14周两组受者间sHLA-G的差异.观察sHLA-G与发生aGVHD的相关性;检测术后第14周两组受者CD4+CD25+Treg的数量,观察sHLA-G水平与CD4+CD25+Treg的相关性.结果 预处理前,对照组和aGVHD组受者sHLA-G的水平分别为(75.4±13.1)/μg/L和(47.0±14.1)btg/L,两组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).术后第8周和第14周,对照组受者sHLA-G的水平明显高于相应时间点aGVHD组受者,两组间差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01).对照组受者术后第14周的sHLA-G水平与第2周相比,增长了1.2～3.4倍,两时间点的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).术后第14周,通过Spearman等级相关检验显示受者sHLA_G水平与CD4+CD25+Treg比例具有统计学上的相关性(相关系数r=0.810,P<0.05),结论 allo-HSCT后受者体内sHIA-G对aGVHD的发生起负性调节作用;sHLA-G的水平与外周血CD4+CD25~(hlgh) T淋巴细胞的比例旱正相关,二者之间可能存在相互诱导和调节的信号途径,在诱导和维持移植免疫耐受中起着重要的协同作用.     

Chronic kidney disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Acute and chronic kidney diseases occur after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These are caused by the transplant itself, and the complications of transplant. Recent estimates show that near 15% of subjects undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation will develop chronic kidney disease, which is a complication rate that can affect outcome and reduce survival. Investigation of the causes of chronic kidney disease is needed, as are ways to prevent, mitigate, and treat it.     

Nephrotic syndrome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as a late complication of chronic graft-versus-host disease

BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine the incidence and outcome of nephrotic syndrome in patients who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation in a single center. METHODS: Records of 279 adult patients with hematological diseases who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were analyzed to evaluate the incidence and outcome of nephrotic syndrome. The diagnosis of chronic graft-versus-host disease was based on clinical evidence with histological confirmation whenever possible. RESULTS: Of the 279 patients, 105 with a minimum follow-up of 100 days developed chronic graft-versus-host disease: six of these had nephrotic syndrome. The cumulative incidence of nephrotic syndrome was 8% at day +1,681. Patients grafted with peripheral blood stem cells had a higher probability of developing nephrotic syndrome than did those grafted with bone marrow: 24% and 3%, respectively. The pathological diagnosis was membranous glomerulonephritis in four patients, and minimal change disease in one; the diagnosis could not be histologically confirmed in the sixth patient. All patients had extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease and were receiving treatment with cyclosporine A and steroids (four patients). Response to immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine A and steroids was achieved in all patients at a median time of 12 weeks after transplantation. CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease may be considered to be at risk of nephrotic syndrome: careful monitoring of renal function is advisable, particularly in patients receiving allogeneic peripheral stem cell grafts.     

Basiliximab for the treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease after unmanipulated HLA-mismatched/haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Background

Anti-CD₂₅ monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) have been evaluated for the treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) mainly with matched donors for years, but there is little attention concerning patients with unmanipulated human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mismatched/haploidentical transplantations. We investigated the efficacy and safety of the chimeric Mab, basiliximab, to treat steroid-refractory acute GVHD after unmanipulated mismatched/haploidentical HSCT.

Methods

Fifty-three patients who developed steroid-refractory acute GVHD between July 2005 and July 2009 were treated at our institute with basiliximab. No prisoners were used in this study.

Results

Forty-six among 53 patients responded, including 37 complete remissions at a median response of 6 days from Mab initiation. There were 29 episodes of viral reactivations, 25 bacterial infections, and 11 probable fungal infections. Thirty-four out of 49 patients who could be evaluated developed chronic GVHD. Twenty-eight of 53 subjects (52.8%) were alive at a median follow-up of 16 months (range, 2-57) posttransplantation. The Kaplan-Meier probability of a 3-year event-free survival was 47.7%. The causes of death were infection alone (n = 15), progressive GVHD with infection (n = 3), relapse (n = 3), and other etiologies (n = 4).

Conclusion

These data suggested that basiliximab was effective to treat steroid-refractory acute GVHD after unmanipulated HLA-mismatched/haploidentical stem cell transplantation.     

Lung transplantation after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Whitson BA, Shelstad RC, Hertz MI, Kelly RF, D’Cunha J, Shumway SJ. Lung transplantation after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01482.x.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Introduction: Pulmonary insufficiency following bone marrow transplant (BMT) is common and has significant associated mortality. Lung transplantation (LTX) is the only viable treatment for patients with end‐stage pulmonary disease, but LTX after BMT is an uncommon event given the medical candidacy of the potential recipients. We sought to evaluate the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of LTX in BMT recipients. Methods: We performed a retrospective evaluation of our institution’s longitudinal LTX and BMT databases. Demographic and outcomes variables were collected. Results: We identified 639 LTX from January 1, 1988, through December 31, 2009, and 5525 BMT from program inception, March 21, 1974, through December 31, 2009. From the cross‐referenced cohort, we identified four patients who had BMT followed by LTX. Our series was composed of two men and two women, with a mean age of 32.3 yr (range, 20–59 yr). Single LTX were performed in two recipients (50%). All patients had significant and expected morbidities related to their transplant immunosuppression. Three patients (75%) required cardiopulmonary bypass at the time of LTX. The two recipients who underwent bilateral LTX required open chest management and subsequent tracheostomy. All patients are still alive at follow‐up (range, 19–119 months, median 39.5). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that LTX in the setting of BMT is a high‐risk operation with the potential for a tumultuous perioperative course. Despite this, good outcomes and survival are obtainable in carefully selected patients. Selection factors include clinically stable patients without active sepsis and preoperative optimization of nutrition in anticipation of a prolonged recovery. An experienced multidisciplinary team approach and a protocol‐driven management plan are paramount for successful outcomes in this challenging population.     

Defibrotide for the prevention of hepatic veno-occlusive disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review

Prophylactic use of defibrotide (DF) to prevent veno‐occlusive disease (VOD), a relatively common and high‐risk complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), may be an encouraging modality to reduce morbidity and mortality from VOD. However, conclusions remain unclear. We carried out a systematic review to summarize the state of knowledge. One randomized controlled trial (RCT), four cohort studies and eight case series studies were found, including a total of 1230 patients. The overall mean incidence of VOD in patients using DF was 4.7% (95% CI, 3.3–6.1) which was significantly lower than the data 13.7% (95% CI, 13.3–14.1) across 135 studies using no VOD prophylaxis (p < 0.005). The meta‐analysis of the incidence of VOD in controlled trials revealed a statistical reduction in VOD incidence in the DF group (RR = 0.47, 95% CI, 0.31–0.73). The overall mean incidence of severe VOD was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.2–1.4). The RR was 0.31 (95% CI, 0.09–1.06). However, the lack of RCTs and the methodological weaknesses of the studies may preclude making generalizable conclusions. Our review described that DF appears promising for VOD prevention and large RCT is needed for further confirmation.