Kapadia, Malika

Abstract Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS), an X-linked disorder characterized by immunodeficiency, thrombocytopenia, autoimmunity, and malignancy, can be effectively treated with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Older age at HCT and mismatched donors are known to affect overall survival (OS). However, the influence of specific clinical manifestations or WAS variant class on OS and factors associated with event-free survival (EFS) remain incompletely defined. We analyzed outcomes of 308 patients with WAS who underwent HCT at 37 institutions of the Primary Immune Deficiency Treatment Consortium from 1990 to 2018. With a median follow-up of 5.3 years, the 5-year OS and EFS were 87.2% and 79.7%, respectively. Age ≥5 years, donor type, and a pre-HCT history of severe infection had a negative impact on OS and EFS, whereas pre-HCT autoimmunity had no impact. Reduced-intensity regimens were associated with lower T-cell and myeloid donor chimerism, particularly when non–busulfan-based regimens were used. Low myeloid donor chimerism was associated with lower platelet counts. Mixed chimerism was not consistently associated with post-HCT autoimmunity. Patients with class I (exon 1-2 missense and intron 5 hot spot variants) and class II variants (all others) had similar pre-HCT clinical symptom severity and no difference in OS, EFS, or platelet recovery post-HCT. In conclusion, our study showed excellent long-term OS and EFS after HCT for WAS, highlighting the importance of early HCT, before the development of severe infections. We confirmed that HCT using busulfan-based conditioning was associated with improved donor chimerism and platelet recovery. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02064933.

ABSTRACT Central venous catheters (CVCs) are a cornerstone of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), facilitating the delivery of chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, medications, and blood products. Despite CVCs’ essential role, prolonged use can lead to complications such as increased risk of infection, thrombosis, mechanical issues, and psychosocial burden. However, the timing of CVC removal remains highly variable across institutions. Additionally, there are no standardized guidelines to balance the benefits of extended access against the risks of prolonged use. This narrative review examines the existing literature on CVC management post‐HSCT, highlighting key factors influencing the removal timing, such as patient characteristics, disease‐specific considerations, and institutional practices. The review emphasizes the urgent need for multi‐institutional research and standardized protocols to improve outcomes, reduce complications, and enhance the quality of care for HSCT patients.

Abstract Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by life-threatening infections and inflammatory conditions. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the definitive treatment for CGD, but questions remain regarding patient selection and impact of active disease on transplant outcomes. We performed a multi-institutional retrospective and prospective study of 391 patients with CGD treated either conventionally (non-HCT) enrolled from 2004 to 2018 or with HCT from 1996 to 2018. Median follow-up after HCT was 3.7 years with a 3-year overall survival of 82% and event-free survival of 69%. In a multivariate analysis, a Lansky/Karnofsky score <90 and use of HLA-mismatched donors negatively affected survival. Age, genotype, and oxidase status did not affect outcomes. Before HCT, patients had higher infection density, higher frequency of noninfectious lung and liver diseases, and more steroid use than conventionally treated patients; however, these issues did not adversely affect HCT survival. Presence of pre-HCT inflammatory conditions was associated with chronic graft-versus-host disease. Graft failure or receipt of a second HCT occurred in 17.6% of the patients and was associated with melphalan-based conditioning and/or early mixed chimerism. At 3 to 5 years after HCT, patients had improved growth and nutrition, resolved infections and inflammatory disease, and lower rates of antimicrobial prophylaxis or corticosteroid use compared with both their baseline and those of conventionally treated patients. HCT leads to durable resolution of CGD symptoms and lowers the burden of the disease. Patients with active infection or inflammation are candidates for transplants; HCT should be considered before the development of comorbidities that could affect performance status. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02082353.