Seckin, Zeynep Idil

Abstract Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized pulmonary hypertension (PH) in five groups. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent cause of group 3 PH. The prevalence of OSA in PH patients is approximately 20% and untreated OSA may contribute to pulmonary vascular remodeling, exacerbating PH. Regular use of positive airway pressure (PAP) can improve pulmonary artery pressures. We hypothesized that untreated OSA is associated with mortality in all five groups of PH, and that mortality is reduced with PAP therapy. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of the PH patient registry at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, comprised of 696 patients classified per WHO classification of PH. Mortality in each WHO group of PH was abstracted as well as the presence of OSA as a comorbidity. Compliance with positive airway pressure therapy (PAP) was assessed across all patients with OSA. Results Patients in the registry were followed for a mean of 101.2 months. The mortality across all groups was 36.8%, ranging from 22.6% in group 4 to 64.3% in group 5. OSA was present in 46.9% patients, and it ranged from 33% in group 5 to 58% in group 2. Mortality did not vary significantly in the patients with OSA versus those without OSA (p=0.56). Of patients with OSA, 45.9% was deemed compliant with PAP therapy. Overall, the compliant patients had reduced mortality compared to the noncompliant ones (p=0.045), however this significance was due to pronounced effect in group 1 patients only. Conclusion Almost half of PH patients from our registry had OSA. Compliance with PAP therapy was associated with lesser mortality, primarily due to the effect seen in Group 1 PH patients. Support (if any)

Abstract Background. Renal transplant recipients are at increased risk for developing complications of vaccine-preventable diseases. They benefit from a comprehensive pre-transplant evaluation when they might safely receive live vaccines. The primary aim of our study was to investigate the number of renal transplant recipients who were evaluated for serologic status against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and varicella. Secondarily, we investigated if pre-transplant Infectious Diseases consultation (IDC) improved vaccination rates. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 282 kidney-alone and kidney-plus adult transplant recipients who were born in or after 1957. Patients were evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Florida Transplant Center between January 2015 and December 2017. Serologic status evaluation and vaccination rates were compared in two groups created based on IDC and no ID consultation (NIDC). Results. 235 (83%) of a total 282 patients received an IDC pre-transplantation. Varicella IgG levels were screened in all 235 IDC candidates. Among the IDC patients, mumps, measles and rubella IgG serologies were performed in 7 (3%), 143 (61%) and 144 (61%), respectively. Among 44 patients seronegative for any of MMR, 24 (55%) were vaccinated. Ten (66%) of 15 varicella seronegative patients were vaccinated. Zostavax was not given to 18% of IDC patients. Zostavax and MMR were administered more frequently in the IDC group compared to NIDC (p < .001 and p = 0.0016, respectively). Conclusion. Although the majority of patients had IDC, the screening rate for MMR serologies was lower than varicella. A protocol-driven serologic screening similar to the one for VZV is required for MMR. Pre-transplant IDC increases vaccination rates.

AbstractBackgroundSolid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are a special group of patients who require comprehensive evaluation for preventable infectious diseases before transplantation. The main aim of our study was to investigate the number of heart, lung, and liver (HLL) transplant recipients who were evaluated for their immune status against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and varicella (VZV). As a secondary aim, we investigated whether pre‐transplant infectious disease consultation (IDC) improves vaccination rates.MethodsThis study was an institution‐based retrospective analysis of HLL transplant recipients born in or after 1957 and evaluated at Mayo Clinic, FL Transplant Center between January 1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2017. Data collection was obtained from electronic medical records. The vaccination rates were compared by univariate analysis based on IDC and no ID consultation (NIDC).ResultsOne hundred and eighty‐seven (77%) of a total 242 patients received an IDC pre‐transplantation. Varicella IgG levels were screened in all 187 IDC candidates. Among the 187 IDC patients, mumps, measles, and rubella IgG serologies were performed in 9 (5%), 21 (11%), and 51 (27%), respectively. Among all 242 patients, vaccines given included 2 (0.8%) MMR, 10 (4.1%) varicella and 85 (35.12%) Zostavax. Univariate analysis revealed that Zostavax was given to 76 (40.6%) pre‐transplant IDC patients and only in 9 (16.7%) NIDC patients (P < .001).ConclusionsDespite the relatively high IDC rate, patients’ screened numbers for MMR IgG levels were low. Results pointed out the need for MMR protocol‐driven serologic screening as well as for VZV and IDC prior to transplantation to increase vaccination rates.