Abstract Eating disorders and substance use disorders frequently co‐occur. Twin studies reveal shared genetic variance between liabilities to eating disorders and substance use, with the strongest associations between symptoms of bulimia nervosa and problem alcohol use (genetic correlation [ r g ], twin‐based = 0.23‐0.53). We estimated the genetic correlation between eating disorder and substance use and disorder phenotypes using data from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Four eating disorder phenotypes (anorexia nervosa [AN], AN with binge eating, AN without binge eating, and a bulimia nervosa factor score), and eight substance‐use‐related phenotypes (drinks per week, alcohol use disorder [AUD], smoking initiation, current smoking, cigarettes per day, nicotine dependence, cannabis initiation, and cannabis use disorder) from eight studies were included. Significant genetic correlations were adjusted for variants associated with major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. Total study sample sizes per phenotype ranged from ~2400 to ~537 000 individuals. We used linkage disequilibrium score regression to calculate single nucleotide polymorphism‐based genetic correlations between eating disorder‐ and substance‐use‐related phenotypes. Significant positive genetic associations emerged between AUD and AN ( r g = 0.18; false discovery rate q = 0.0006), cannabis initiation and AN ( r g = 0.23; q < 0.0001), and cannabis initiation and AN with binge eating ( r g = 0.27; q = 0.0016). Conversely, significant negative genetic correlations were observed between three nondiagnostic smoking phenotypes (smoking initiation, current smoking, and cigarettes per day) and AN without binge eating ( r gs = −0.19 to −0.23; qs < 0.04). The genetic correlation between AUD and AN was no longer significant after co‐varying for major depressive disorder loci. The patterns of association between eating disorder‐ and substance‐use‐related phenotypes highlights the potentially complex and substance‐specific relationships among these behaviors.
Expert artificial intelligence-based natural language processing characterises childhood asthma
Introduction The lack of effective, consistent, reproducible and efficient asthma ascertainment methods results in inconsistent asthma cohorts and study results for clinical trials or other studies. We aimed to assess whether application of expert artificial intelligence (AI)-based natural language processing (NLP) algorithms for two existing asthma criteria to electronic health records of a paediatric population systematically identifies childhood asthma and its subgroups with distinctive characteristics. Methods Using the 1997–2007 Olmsted County Birth Cohort, we applied validated NLP algorithms for Predetermined Asthma Criteria (NLP-PAC) as well as Asthma Predictive Index (NLP-API). We categorised subjects into four groups (both criteria positive (NLP-PAC+/NLP-API+); PAC positive only (NLP-PAC+ only); API positive only (NLP-API+ only); and both criteria negative (NLP-PAC−/NLP-API−)) and characterised them. Results were replicated in unsupervised cluster analysis for asthmatics and a random sample of 300 children using laboratory and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Results Of the 8196 subjects (51% male, 80% white), we identified 1614 (20%), NLP-PAC+/NLP-API+; 954 (12%), NLP-PAC+ only; 105 (1%), NLP-API+ only; and 5523 (67%), NLP-PAC−/NLP-API−. Asthmatic children classified as NLP-PAC+/NLP-API+ showed earlier onset asthma, more Th2-high profile, poorer lung function, higher asthma exacerbation and higher risk of asthma-associated comorbidities compared with other groups. These results were consistent with those based on unsupervised cluster analysis and lab and PFT data of a random sample of study subjects. Conclusion Expert AI-based NLP algorithms for two asthma criteria systematically identify childhood asthma with distinctive characteristics. This approach may improve precision, reproducibility, consistency and efficiency of large-scale clinical studies for asthma and enable population management.
Diagnostic and Predictive Value of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Abstract Background: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease that may affect the myocardium. This study evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic value of 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Methods: Eighty-three patients with extracardiac, biopsy-proven sarcoidosis and definite/probable diagnosis of cardiac involvement diagnosed from January 2005 through December 2016 were included. Strain parameters in early stages of CS, in a subgroup of 23 CS patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) within normal limits (LVEF>52% for men: >54% for women, mean value: 57.3%±3.8%) and no wall motion abnormalities was compared with 97 controls (1:4) without cardiac disease. LV and right ventricular (RV) global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS), and radial (GRS) strain and strain rate (SR) analyses were performed with TomTec software and correlated with cardiac outcomes (including heart failure and arrhythmias). This study was approved by the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board, and all patients gave informed written consent to participate. Results: Mean age of CS patients was 53.6±10.8 years, and 34.9% were women. Mean LVEF was 43.2%±12.4%; LV GLS, -12.4%±3.7%; LV GCS, -17.1%±6.5%; LV GRS, 29.3%±12.8%; and RV wall GLS, 14.6%±6.3%. In the 23 patients with early stage CS with normal LVEF and RV systolic function, strain parameters were significantly reduced when compared with controls (respectively: LV GLS, -15.9%±2.5% vs -18.2%±2.7% [ P =.001]; RV GLS, -16.9%±4.5% vs -24.1%±4.0% [ P <.001]). A LV GLS value of -16.3% provided 82.2% sensitivity and 81.2% specificity for the diagnosis of CS (AUC 0.91), while a RV value of -19.9% provided 88.1% sensitivity and 86.7% specificity (AUC 0.93). Hospital admission and heart failure significantly correlated to impaired LV GLS (> -14%). Conclusion: Reduced strain values in the LV GLS and RV GLS can be used in the diagnostic algorithm in patients with suspicion of cardiac sarcoidosis. These values also correlate with adverse cardiovascular events.
Diagnostic Yield and Bleeding Complications Associated With Bronchoscopic Biopsy of Endobronchial Carcinoid Tumors
Background: Bronchial carcinoid often appears hypervascular on bronchoscopic visualization and may be associated with hemoptysis. The diagnostic yield and bleeding complications associated with bronchoscopic biopsy of bronchial carcinoid tumors remain unclear. Materials and Methods: Patients with bronchial carcinoid tumors that were bronchoscopically visualized and biopsied at our tertiary referral medical center, over an 8-year period from 2010 to 2017, were retrospectively identified and reviewed to assess diagnostic yield and bleeding complications. Correlations with patient characteristics and carcinoid tumor features were analyzed. Results: Forty-nine patients were included (57% female). Tumors were predominantly (71%) located in proximal airways (mainstem and lobar bronchi). Bronchoscopic biopsy was diagnostic in 45 patients (92%). Thirteen patients (27%) experienced moderate (n=12, 25%) or severe (n=1, 2%) bleeding. Among these, 6 tumors (46%) had a vascular appearance and 4 patients (31%) had experienced recent hemoptysis. However, neither vascularity nor hemoptysis was associated with bleeding at biopsy (P=0.68 and 0.73, respectively). Carcinoid tumors were classified as typical in 79% and atypical in 21% with no difference in diagnostic yield or bleeding risk (P=0.28 and 0.92, respectively). Tumor size was also not associated with increased diagnostic yield or bleeding risk (P=0.54 and 0.39, respectively). Conclusion: Bronchoscopic biopsy of endobronchial carcinoid is associated with a high diagnostic yield and severe bleeding is rarely encountered. Diagnostic yield and bleeding seemed independent of vascular tumor appearance or history of recent hemoptysis.
Long-term incidence of glioma in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and disparities in postglioma survival rate: a population-based study
Abstract Background We assessed glioma incidence and disparities in postglioma survival rate in the Olmsted County, Minnesota, population. Methods This population-based study assessed the incidence of pathologically confirmed primary gliomas between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2014. Age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates per 100 000 person-years were calculated and standardized to the US white 2010 population. We compared incidence trends of glioma during our study period with previously published Olmsted County data from 1950 to 1990. We assessed postglioma survival rates among individuals with different socioeconomic status (SES), which was measured by a validated individual HOUsing-based SES index (HOUSES). Results We identified 135 incident glioma cases (93% white) with 20 pediatric (50% female) and 115 adult cases (44% female). Overall incidence rate during our study period, 5.51 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI: 4.56-6.46), showed no significant changes and was similar to that seen in 1950 to 1990, 5.5 per 100 000 person-years. The incidence of pediatric (age < 20 years) glioma was 2.49 (95% CI: 1.40-3.58), whereas adult glioma incidence was 6.47 (95% CI: 5.26-7.67). Among those with grade II to IV gliomas, individuals with lower SES (< median HOUSES) had significantly lower 5-year survival rates compared to those with higher SES, adjusted hazard ratio 1.61 (95% CI: 1.01-2.85). Conclusion In a well-defined North American population, long-term glioma incidence appears stable since 1950. Significant socioeconomic disparities exist for postglioma survival.
Diagnostic and Predictive Value of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Abstract Background: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease that may affect the myocardium. This study evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic value of 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Methods: Eighty-three patients with extracardiac, biopsy-proven sarcoidosis and definite/probable diagnosis of cardiac involvement diagnosed from January 2005 through December 2016 were included. Strain parameters in early stages of CS, in a subgroup of 23 CS patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) within normal limits (LVEF>52% for men: >54% for women, mean value: 57.3%±3.8%) and no wall motion abnormalities was compared with 97 controls (1:4) without cardiac disease. LV and right ventricular (RV) global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS), and radial (GRS) strain and strain rate (SR) analyses were performed with TomTec software and correlated with cardiac outcomes (including heart failure and arrhythmias). This study was approved by the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board, and all patients gave informed written consent to participate. Results: Mean age of CS patients was 53.6±10.8 years, and 34.9% were women. Mean LVEF was 43.2%±12.4%; LV GLS, -12.4%±3.7%; LV GCS, -17.1%±6.5%; LV GRS, 29.3%±12.8%; and RV wall GLS, 14.6%±6.3%. In the 23 patients with early stage CS with normal LVEF and RV systolic function, strain parameters were significantly reduced when compared with controls (respectively: LV GLS, -15.9%±2.5% vs -18.2%±2.7% [P=.001]; RV GLS, -16.9%±4.5% vs -24.1%±4.0% [P<.001]). A LV GLS value of -16.3% provided 82.2% sensitivity and 81.2% specificity for the diagnosis of CS (AUC 0.91), while a RV value of -19.9% provided 88.1% sensitivity and 86.7% specificity (AUC 0.93). Hospital admission and heart failure significantly correlated to impaired LV GLS (> -14%). Conclusion: Reduced strain values in the LV GLS and RV GLS can be used in the diagnostic algorithm in patients with suspicion of cardiac sarcoidosis. These values also correlate with adverse cardiovascular events.
The impact of sample processing on inflammatory markers in serum: Lessons learned
Introduction Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an uncommon histiocytic disorder which is now categorized as a hematopoietic neoplasm. Most treatment and outcomes data in LCH are derived from pediatric studies, and there is a lack of FDA-approved treatment options for adult LCH. There is some evidence that cladribine may be toxic to monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells. In this study, we report the efficacy of cladribine in adult LCH patients seen at our institution. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all LCH patients seen at our institution between 1998 and 2018. Where necessary, the radiological images and histopathological slides were reviewed by an expert radiologist and pathologist. Since prospective uniform response assessment was not performed, we utilized the clinical documentation and radiological reports to assess the overall response rate (ORR). All time to event analyses were performed from the time of cladribine initiation. Results We included a total of 37 adult LCH patients in the study. The median age at diagnosis for this cohort was 35 years (range, 21-76), and 51% were males. Although 31 (84%) patients had multi-system disease, all patients had more than one LCH lesion (multifocal). Most commonly involved organs were bone (65%), lung (60%), skin (38%), lymph nodes (30%), and pituitary/hypothalamus (27%). BRAF-mutational analysis was performed in 13 patients, with 7 (54%) demonstrating the presence of BRAF-V600E mutation. Cladribine was administered as first line therapy in 22 (59%) patients and subsequent line treatment in 15 (41%). Of the 15 patients who received cladribine in subsequent line, surgery (n=3), radiation (n=3), steroids (n=3), antibiotic with inhaled steroids (n=1), vinblastine (n=3), topical nitrogen mustard cream (n=1) and vemurafenib (n=1) were the treatments utilized before the initiation of cladribine. Two patients received the drug more than once during the course of their disease. The dosing of cladribine for all patients was based on one of the two intravenous regimens (0.14 mg/kg for days 1-5 every 28 days or 5 mg/m2 for days 1-5 every 28 days). The median follow-up for the entire cohort was 4.5 years (95% CI:2-7) and the treatment outcomes are shown in Table 1. Median number of cycles of cladribine administered was 1.5 (range, 1-9). Clinical/radiographic responses were noted in 29 (78%) patientsORR was 78%, with 24% complete responses and 54% partial responses (PR). Responses were seen in various disease sites: lung nodules/infiltrates (13/29, 45%), bone (12/29, 41%), lymph nodes (8/29, 28%), skin (3/29, 10%), pituitary/hypothalamus (4/29, 14%). Eight (22%) patients did not respond and had progressive disease (PD)- cystic/bullous lung disease (n=2), skin (n=2), abdominal/peritoneal lymph nodes (n=2), and hypothalamus (n=3).The treatment was well tolerated, with grade 3 or above adverse effects seen in three patients: two with lymphopenia requiring dose delays and one with congestive cardiac failure leading to drug discontinuation. After initial disease response, PD was seen in three patients. 89%, 78%, 64% of those who responded initially maintained their responses at years 1, 3, and 5, respectively (Table 1). The 5-year progression free survival (PFS) was 55% for the entire cohort. BRAF-status was evaluated on 13 of 37 patients in the entire cohort (35%): BRAFV600E positive [n=7 (53%)] and WT [n=6 (46%)]. Of the 7 patients who had BRAFV600E mutation, responses were seen in 71%, while 100% of those without BRAFV600E achieved a response (p=0.09). At the time of last follow-up, 9 patients (24%) were dead. Of those, cause of death were available on 5 patients; due to LCH (n=1), stroke (n=1), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (n=1), acute myeloid leukemia (n=2). Conclusion In our study, cladribine monotherapy yielded a high ORR, with the majority of patients achieving a PR. The responses were durable with a small risk of subsequent disease relapse. Responses were seen irrespective of the presence of BRAFV600E mutation. Cladribine was well tolerated overall, and may be considered a potential therapy for adult LCH patients. Disclosures Vassallo: Sun Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Sun Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: Cladribine for langerhans cell histiocytosis
Clinical Features and Outcomes of Unifocal Adult Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Purpose: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare histiocytic disorder that presents with a wide spectrum of clinical diseases, ranging from single-organ lesions to systemic disease. Although previously thought of as an immune disorder, LCH was reclassified as an inflammatory myeloid neoplasm in the 2016 Histocyte Society classification after discovery of BRAF V600E or MAP2K1 gain-of-function mutations and evidence of clonality in most LCH patients. In this revised classification, LCH was divided into single-system LCH, pulmonary LCH, or multisystem LCH. However, there is a lack of data on clinical features and outcomes in the subgroup of "unifocal" non-pulmonary LCH in adults. In this study, we sought to address the gaps in knowledge for unifocal adult LCH utilizing our institution's experience over 20 years. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 189 adult patients (defined as >18 years old at diagnosis) with histopathologically confirmed LCH who were seen at our tertiary referral center between 1997 and 2018. Of these, 44 met criteria for unifocal LCH at diagnosis after careful exclusion of other sites of disease involvement. Results: We included 44 adult patients with unifocal LCH at diagnosis, with median age 42 years (range 19 to 88) and 55% males. 84% were Caucasians and 50% were smokers. Most commonly involved disease sites included bone (43%), skin (25%), pituitary (14%), and gastrointestinal (11%), with common presenting symptoms of head pain/swelling (25%), skin rash (20%), abdominal pain/diarrhea (11%), and diabetes insipidus (9%). Resection/excision was the most common first line therapy in 24 patients (63%); none had local recurrence and 3 patients developed recurrence at a new site. Radiation was the second most common therapy in 6 patients, with an overall response rate of 83%; none had local recurrence and 1 patient had recurrence at a new site. Other less common first-line treatments included resection followed by radiation (2), topical immunosuppression (2), dexamethasone (1), cladribine (1), smoking cessation (1), and observation (1) (Table 1). Cladribine used as first-line therapy for pituitary LCH resulted in progressive disease, but cladribine used as second-line therapy in 2 cases (including one who had progressed to multisystem disease) resulted in partial remission with no further recurrence in both cases. Patients were followed for a median of 3.8 years (range 0.1 to 18.8), with 5 patients lost to follow-up. By time of last follow-up, 11 (28%) had developed recurrence: 1 had local recurrence, 5 developed disease at a new site within the same system (skin or bone), and 5 developed multisystem disease (Figure 1). Median time to recurrence was 2 years (range 0.2 to 6.6). 2 out of 5 patients tested for BRAF had a V600E mutation, both of whom had isolated unifocal bone disease and remained in complete remission following resection at time of last follow-up. Median overall survival (OS) from time of diagnosis was not reached and overall 5-year OS was 94%. 3 patients died, only 1 of progressive LCH. Conclusion: In our study, most patients with unifocal adult LCH achieved a complete remission with surgical resection or local radiation. None of the patients treated with resection or radiation developed local recurrence, but around 1 in 5 developed distant recurrence within 5 years. However, the overall prognosis was very good, and none of the patients in the cohort progressed to "high-risk" organ (liver, spleen, or bone marrow) involvement or pulmonary involvement. Further studies are warranted to assess the role of MAPK-ERK mutations in the prognosis of unifocal LCH. Disclosures Bennani: Seattle Genetics: Other: Advisory board; Adicet Bio: Other: Advisory board; Adicet Bio: Other: Advisory board; Adicet Bio: Other: Advisory board; Kite Pharma: Other: Advisory board; Kite Pharma: Other: Advisory board; Kite Pharma: Other: Advisory board; Purdue Pharma: Other: Advisory board; Seattle Genetics: Other: Advisory board; Purdue Pharma: Other: Advisory board; Seattle Genetics: Other: Advisory board; Purdue Pharma: Other: Advisory board; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding. Vassallo:Sun Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Sun Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding.
Abstract Microaspiration, or silent aspiration, is commonly suspected in patients with refractory respiratory symptoms, including unexplained chronic cough, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This suspicion is driven by the high prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in these otherwise disparate disorders. Frequently, patients receive aggressive treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease as a means of treating their underlying respiratory conditions, even in the absence of overt symptoms of reflux. However, clinical trials have not demonstrated a clear impact on outcomes with this strategy, and in some instances there may be potential for harm. Mechanistic studies have increasingly used gastric biomarkers obtained directly from the airways to confirm the association between reflux and respiratory disease, but results are limited by methodologic flaws and correlation. The best evidence of aspiration directly causing respiratory disorders is the histopathologic detection of foreign bodies. For most of the other chronic respiratory disorders, microaspiration may be uncommon or a secondary aggravating factor, as in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In some cases, microaspiration is probably not a significant factor at all, such as in unexplained chronic cough. It is important to distinguish between conditions in which aspiration is primarily or directly causal and conditions in which aspiration may be indirectly aggravating, to help identify whether interventions targeting reflux and aspiration precautions should be recommended to patients. Our clinical review examines some of the evidence supporting reflux-aspiration as a mechanism for several chronic respiratory disorders and offers some management considerations when reflux-aspiration is suspected.