Abstract Background Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a potentially deadly infection afflicting the immunocompromised population, including solid organ transplant recipients. Several risk factors have been described, including acute rejection, lymphopenia, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. However, little is known regarding the risk imparted by posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Methods We performed a nested case-control study of solid organ transplant recipients diagnosed with PCP from 2000-2020. PCP was defined as positive smear or polymerase chain reaction testing with compatible clinical symptoms and radiographic findings. Two control were matched to each case by year of first transplant, first transplanted organ, and sex. Each control had at least as much follow-up from their transplant date to their matched case’s PCP diagnosis date. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was performed to analyze theorized risk factors. Results Sixty-seven cases met inclusion criteria and were matched to 134 controls (Table 1). Median age was 60.9 years, and the most common transplant type was kidney (52.2%). Fourteen patients had a history of PTLD, 12 of which developed PCP. All cases of PTLD were monomorphic, 6 were EBV-positive, 9 were receiving chemotherapy at the index date, and only 1 control patient was receiving PCP prophylaxis. The cases with PTLD developed PCP a median of 85 days after PTLD diagnosis, while the two controls were diagnosed more than 1 year earlier. After adjusting for age, acute rejection requiring treatment within the last 6 months, CMV infection within 6 months, current PCP prophylaxis, and lymphopenia (lymphocyte count < 0.5 x109/L) within 6 months, PTLD had a significant association with PCP (OR 14.0, 95% CI 1.7-114.5; p = .014). Lymphopenia was also associated with PCP (OR 8.2, 95% CI 3.2-20.7; p < .001), while the other factors were not. Table 1:Characteristics of 67 Solid Organ Transplant Recipients with Pneumocystis Pneumonia and 134 Matched Controls Conclusion Diagnosis of PTLD is independently associated with subsequent PCP after adjustment for recognized risk factors. This association is likely influenced by PTLD-directed chemotherapy, particularly regimens containing rituximab. PCP prophylaxis should be initiated in solid organ transplant recipients with PTLD, particularly those undergoing active therapy, and those with severe lymphopenia. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.
636. Meningococcal Vaccination and Antibiotic Prophylaxis Practices in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients undergoing Eculizumab Therapy
Abstract Background Eculizumab, an inhibitor of terminal complement activation, has been utilized in pre-transplant desensitization, treatment of antibody-mediated rejection and thrombotic microangiopathy in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR). Eculizumab is associated with meningococcal disease, leading to guidelines for vaccination against serogroups ACWY (menACWY) and B (menB) at least 2 weeks prior to eculizumab therapy. In persons requiring emergent use of eculizumab, prophylaxis for at least 2 weeks is recommended. SOTRs respond suboptimally to vaccination, raising consideration for pre-transplant vaccination and prolonged prophylaxis in those undergoing eculizumab therapy. We sought to describe meningococcal vaccination and prophylaxis practices among SOTRs receiving eculizumab. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of meningococcal vaccination, including number and timing pre- or post-transplant, along with prophylaxis prescribing and duration in SOTRs receiving eculizumab across 3 distinct Mayo Clinic Enterprise sites (Rochester, Arizona, and Florida). Results 200 SOTRs receiving at least one dose of eculizumab between 1/1/2008 and 9/16/2021 were reviewed. Eculizumab indications included antibody mediated rejection (38%), desensitization (26%), and thrombotic microangiopathy (19%). 83% (166/200) of SOTRs received eculizumab for an unanticipated post-transplant complication. Vaccination rates were 82% (164/200) and 35.5% (71/200) for menACWY dose 1 and 2, respectively, and 54% (108/200) and 28.5% (57/200) for menB dose 1 and 2, respectively. The majority received their first vaccination post-transplant: menACWY 66.5% (133/200) and menB 2.5% (185/200). Among those without vaccination pre-eculizumab, 22.3% (41/184) were not prescribed prophylaxis. The median duration of prophylaxis was 62 (range 4-2651) days. Conclusion Most SOTRs underwent meningococcal vaccinations near the time of eculizumab administration post-transplant for an unanticipated complication. One-fifth of those meeting criteria were not provided meningococcal prophylaxis. These findings may support pre-transplant administration of meningococcal vaccinations and heightened awareness for meningococcal prophylaxis in SOTRs receiving eculizumab. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.
Outcomes of bebtelovimab and sotrovimab treatment of solid organ transplant recipients with mild‐to‐moderate coronavirus disease 2019 during the Omicron epoch
Abstract Background Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at high‐risk for severe infection from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Anti‐spike monoclonal antibodies are currently utilized under emergency use authorization to prevent hospitalization in high‐risk individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), including SOTRs. However, clinical data for bebtelovimab, the sole currently available anti‐spike monoclonal antibody for COVID‐19, is limited. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult SOTRs diagnosed with mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 from January 2022 through May 2022 who received either bebtelovimab or sotrovimab. The primary outcome was COVID‐19‐related hospitalization within 30 days of COVID‐19 diagnosis. Data were analyzed with Fisher's exact test. Results Among 361 SOTRs, 92 (25.5%) received bebtelovimab and 269 (74.5%) received sotrovimab. The most common organ transplant was a kidney (42.4%). SOTRs who received bebtelovimab had a higher proportion who had received a booster SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine dose and had received their last vaccination dose more recently. Eleven (3.0%) SOTRs were hospitalized, and rates of hospitalization were similar between monoclonal antibody groups (3.3% versus 3.0%; p > .99). Three patients required admission to an intensive care unit, all of who received sotrovimab. Four (1.1%) patients died within 30 days of COVID‐19 diagnosis, two from each group. Conclusions SOTRs with mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 who received bebtelovimab had similar rates of COVID‐19‐related hospitalization as those who received sotrovimab. While differences in vaccination rates and viral subvariants could act as confounders, bebtelovimab appears to be of similar effectiveness as sotrovimab. image
Outcomes of B-Cell-Depleted Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Treated With Antispike Monoclonal Antibodies
Abstract Antispike monoclonal antibody treatment of 180 B-cell-depleted patients with mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in good outcomes overall, with only 12.2% progressing to severe disease, 9.4% requiring hospitalization, 0.6% requiring mechanical ventilation, no deaths within 30 days, and 1.8% developing persistent COVID-19. Antispike monoclonal antibodies appear effective in this immunocompromised population.
545. A Retrospective Review of 30-day Mortalities in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients (SOT) versus Non-Transplant Patients (NTP) Receiving Remdesivir (REM) and Dexamethasone (DEX) for COVID-19 Pneumonia
Abstract Background Treating COVID-19 infection in SOT is challenging due to long-term use of immunosuppressive agents. REM is the only FDA-approved anti-viral for SARS-COV-2 infection. DEX showed decrease in mortality in the Recovery Trial. COVID-19 treatment guidelines for SOT patients are the same as NTP despite limited literature on those outcomes. Our primary objective was to determine if 30-day mortality was different between SOT and NTP matched cohorts using these 2 drugs. The secondary objectives included comparisons of length of stay (LOS), days on mechanical ventilation (DMV), and the use of other treatment modalities. Methods We retrospectively collected data for hospitalized SOT and NTP, 18 years and older, with pcr-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection receiving REM and DEX from May 1, 2020, to October 10, 2020, at Mayo Clinic Florida. IRB approval was obtained. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Continuous variables were summarized as mean (standard deviation) or median (range) where appropriate, while categorical variables were reported as frequency (percentage). Results Of 80 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 28 were SOT, and 52 were NTP. The SOT cohort was subcategorized below: SOT patients were significantly younger than NTP (p < .001). Further, SOT patients had significantly longer LOS (p = 0.043) and more COVID-19 modalities (75% vs. 36.5%, p = 0.002) compared to NTP. Among the 28 SOT patients, 2 of them died within 30 days of admission, and among the 52 NTP patients, 7 of them died within 30 days. The 30-d survival estimate for SOT group is 92.9% (95% CI: 83.8% - 100.0%) and for NTP group is 86.5% (95% CI: 77.7% - 96.3%). The log-rank test was not significant between the groups (p=0.37), but the NTP has a worse survival curve from the figure below. SOT-NTP Survival Curve Conclusion SOT group was younger, had longer LOS, and more COVID-related modalities. The 30-d survival estimate for SOT group is 92.9% and for NTP group is 86.5%, but the survival curve for NTP was worse likely secondary to age. Use of REM & DEX in SOT recipients is a valid recommendation. Disclosures Claudia R. Libertin, MD, Gilead (Grant/Research Support)
V.I.T.A.M. in COVID 19: A Systematic Approach to a Global Pandemic
Clinical Medicine Insights: Circulatory, Respiratory and Pulmonary Medicine | October 5, 2021 | Volume: 15 | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available
Introduction In the unprecedented era of COVID-19, ongoing research and evolution of evidence has led to ever-changing guidelines for clinical monitoring and therapeutic options. Formulating treatment protocols requires the understanding and application of the evolving research. Objective The primary objective of this study is to present a systematic evidence-based approach to synthesize the necessary data in order to optimize the management of COVID-19. Methods At Mayo Clinic Florida, we developed a multidisciplinary centralized COVID Treatment Review Panel (TRP) of expert pulmonologists, intensivists, infectious disease specialists, anesthesiologists, hematologists, rheumatologists, and hospitalists that in real-time reviews the latest evidence in peer-reviewed journals, the available clinical trials, and help guide the rapid application of therapeutics or interventions to the patient and the bedside provider. Results/Conclusions The multi-disciplinary team approach of synthesizing clinical data and coordinating care is effective in responding to rapidly evolving and changing evidence. Systematic data collection and evidence-based treatment algorithms enable physicians to rapidly translate the current literature to clinical practice, and improve care and outcomes of patients.
Epidemiology, risk factors, and association of antifungal prophylaxis on early invasive fungal infection in heart transplant recipients
Abstract Background Invasive fungal infection (IFI) in heart transplant recipients is associated with poor outcomes. Estimated risk of 1‐year IFI in heart transplant recipients is 3.4–8.6% with risk factors inconsistently identified in previous studies. The role of antifungal prophylaxis is unclear. The transplant program at Mayo Clinic provides 6 months of universal azole prophylaxis for those heart transplant recipients in Arizona. We sought to define risk factors for 1‐year IFI and determine the effect of antifungal prophylaxis. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing heart transplantation at Mayo Clinic from January 2000 to March 2019. We analyzed demographics, details of transplant hospitalization, antifungal prophylaxis, and fungal infection. Multivariable Cox analyses were performed to identify risk factors of 1‐year IFI and impact of IFI on posttransplant mortality. Results A total of 966 heart transplant recipients were identified with a median age of 56 years (IQR 47, 62). A total of 444 patients received antifungal prophylaxis. Over 1‐year follow‐up, 62 patients developed IFI with a cumulative incidence of 6.4%. In multivariable analysis, factors associated with IFI were renal replacement therapy (RRT) (HR 3.24, 95% CI 1.65–6.39), allograft rejection (HR 2.33, 95% CI 1.25–4.34), and antifungal prophylaxis (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.11–0.96). RRT was also associated with invasive mold infection (HR 3.00, 95% CI 1.29–6.97). Conclusions RRT and allograft rejection after transplantation are associated with 1‐year IFI, and RRT is also associated with invasive mold infection. Antifungal prophylaxis appears to be protective and further study is needed in the heart transplant population.
Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for COVID-19 in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
AbstractBackgroundBamlanivimab and casirivimab-imdevimab are authorized for emergency use treatment of mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients at high risk for developing severe disease or hospitalization. Their safety and efficacy have not been specifically evaluated in solid organ transplant recipients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed solid organ transplant recipients who received monoclonal antibody infusion for COVID-19 at Mayo Clinic sites through January 23, 2021. Outcomes included emergency department visit, hospitalization, mortality, and allograft rejection.ResultsSeventy-three patients were treated, most commonly with bamlanivimab (75.3%). The median age was 59 years, 63% were male, and the median Charlson comorbidity index was 5. Transplant type included 41 kidney (56.2%), 13 liver (17.8%), 11 heart (15.1%), 4 kidney-pancreas (5.5%), 2 lung (2.7%), 1 heart-liver, and 1 pancreas. Eleven (15.1%) patients had an emergency department visit within 28 days of infusion, including 9 (12.3%) who were hospitalized for a median of 4 days. One patient required intensive care unit admission for a nonrespiratory complication. No patients required mechanical ventilation, died, or experienced rejection. Ten adverse events occurred, with 1 seeking medical evaluation. Hypertension was associated with hospital admission (P < .05), while other baseline characteristics were similar. The median time from symptom onset to antibody administration was 4 days in nonhospitalized patients compared with 6 days among hospitalized patients (P < .05).ConclusionsMonoclonal antibody treatment has favorable outcomes with minimal adverse effects in solid organ transplant recipients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Earlier administration of monoclonal antibody therapy appears to be more efficacious.
Schistosomiasis prevalence and low-cost diagnostics in rural Northwestern Madagascar: a pilot study
Background Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects the health of hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Affordable diagnostic methods are necessary for developing countries to monitor schistosomiasis rates and treat infected individuals, particularly in, Madagascar, a country with the world’s fifth highest rate of schistosomiasis. Methods We established the prevalence rate of schistosomiasis among the local population served by a clinic in rural northwestern Madagascar. Additionally, we compared different low-cost methods for schistosomiasis detection, including empirical diagnostic methods in use before this study. 500 patients were recruited in this study, of whom 380 received three tests—urine microscopy, point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) testing, and urinalysis to screen for Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni. Results By combining these modalities, we recorded a schistosomiasis prevalence rate of 64.47%, which was significantly higher than the 4.84% of patients who were diagnosed and treated through previous empirical methods. Conclusions Our results indicate that screening tests are a necessary component of schistosomiasis control programs. The clinic continued to use urinalysis strip testing and urine microscopy to detect schistosomiasis after this study and decided to discontinue the use of POC-CCA S. mansoni urine testing because of cost. Increased awareness of schistosomiasis resulting from this screening program led to the installation of multiple infrastructure projects in local communities to improve access to potable water, demonstrating community benefits of schistosomiasis screening that extend beyond the identification of infected individuals.
Disseminated cryptococcosis in a patient with newly diagnosed HTLV-1 infection
Infection by human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) is often seen as the cause of chronic infection or lymphoproliferative disorders, but many clinicians do not recognise its association with severe immunosuppression. We report the case of a woman in her 70s from the Caribbean who sought care at the emergency department for weakness, fatigue and weight loss. Further work-up showed atypical lymphocytosis with floral lymphocytes and smudge cells in the peripheral blood smear and hypercalcaemia. Chest CT demonstrated a moderate right pleural effusion. Results of HIV testing were negative, and screening and confirmatory tests for HTLV-1 were positive. Empiric antibiotic therapy was administered, and the patient was discharged home. Five days later, she was readmitted with shortness of breath and severe abdominal pain. A disseminated infection with Cryptococcus neoformans was diagnosed. Despite aggressive intravenous antifungal therapy, the patient died on day 7 of hospitalisation.