Citations

Abstract Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) and warm antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) are rare autoimmune hemolytic anemias characterized by red blood cell destruction, largely attributable to complement activation resulting in intravascular and extravascular hemolysis. Pegcetacoplan is a subcutaneously administered C3-targeted therapy, which may be suitable for treating CAD and wAIHA. In this open-label phase 2 study, analyses were conducted in 2 cohorts, 1 for patients with CAD and the other for those with wAIHA. In each cohort, patients were randomly assigned to receive pegcetacoplan 270 mg/d or 360 mg/d for up to 48 weeks. Safety end points included the incidence and severity of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and adverse events of special interest (AESI). Efficacy end points included change from baseline in hemoglobin (Hb), lactate dehydrogenase, absolute reticulocyte count, haptoglobin, indirect bilirubin, and functional assessment of chronic illness therapy (FACIT)-fatigue scale. Thirteen of 13 (100%) and 10 of 11 (91%) patients with CAD and wAIHA, respectively, experienced at least 1 TEAE. Ten patients had at least 1 serious AE; none were considered related to pegcetacoplan. The only treatment-related AESIs were injection site reactions. Pegcetacoplan increased Hb levels, reduced hemolysis, and increased FACIT-fatigue scale scores in the first weeks; at week 48 the median (interquartile range) change from baseline Hb for the CAD and wAIHA total groups was 2.4 (0.90-3.00) and 1.7 g/dL (−1.40 to 2.90), respectively, and improvements in hemolysis and FACIT-fatigue scale scores were maintained. This study demonstrated that pegcetacoplan is generally well tolerated and suggests it can be effective for patients with CAD and wAIHA. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT03226678.

Abstract Background/Introduction Cardiac stress tests are carried out in populations with a low probability of ischemic heart disease (IHD) much more frequently than in the past. Stress ECG remains a frequently used modality for the diagnosis of IHD in vast areas of the world with limited facilities. Purpose To assess the diagnostic value of stress ECG for diagnosing IHD using inducible regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) on stress echocardiography (SE) as the gold standard method of diagnosis. Methods The 12-lead ECG response was retrospectively analyzed in 4317 patients (age 64±13 years, 59.6% males) undergoing SE for chronic coronary syndromes who were prospectively recruited from 39 cardiac centers between March 2021 and February 2024. Exclusion criteria were left bundle branch block or pacemaker rhythm. ECG response was considered ischemic according to standard criteria (if ST-segment deviated >1.0 mm from baseline in ≥2 contiguous leads at 80 ms from J point) during an exercise (n=2980, 69.8%), dobutamine (n = 766, 18.0%), or vasodilator (n=519, 12.2%) SE. All patients underwent a comprehensive SE protocol with an assessment of wall motion score index (WMSI), B-lines (4-site simplified score), left ventricular contractile reserve (LVCR) based on force, coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) in the mid-distal left anterior descending artery (LAD), and heart rate reserve (HRR). Results ECG changes occurred in 641 patients (14.8%, Group 1) for the overall studied population. Compared to patients without ECG changes (Group 2, n=3676, 85.2%), patients with ECG changes showed higher values of peak WMSI and lower values of CFVR and LVCR (see table).Amongst patients without inducible RWMA (n=3553), there were 392 (11%) patients with an ischemic ECG at stress (89% specificity). Of 764 patients with inducible RWMA during SE, 249 had an ischemic ECG trace (sensitivity 33%). In patients without inducible RWMA, those with ischemic ECG changes showed similar abnormal stress B-lines (23% vs. 21%, p=0.719), LVCR (61% vs. 63%, p=0.602), CFVR (31% vs 33%, p=0.607) and HRR (37% vs 41%, p=0.097) compared to those without ECG changes. Amongst patients with inducible RWMA and ECG changes, CFVR was significantly lower in patients with ECG changes (39.2% and 60.8%, respectively, p<0.001). Conclusions Simple standard stress ECG diagnostic value in the current era in populations with a low probability of IHD seems to be low. However, during SE, stress-induced ischemic ECG changes are associated with more extensive RWMA and blunted global LVCR, with reduced CFVR in the LAD. Therefore, analysis of ST segment changes during stress imaging studies can offer additional, significant information.

Despite the progress made in understanding the management and outcomes of Moyamoya angiopathy (MMA), several aspects of the disease remain largely unknown. In particular, evidence on the disease history and management of MMA is lacking, mainly due to methodological and selection biases in the available studies and the lack of large, randomized prospective studies. Therefore, the care of MMA patients remains limited to a few expert centers worldwide, and management is often based on local expertise and available resources. Over the years, recommendations or expert opinions have been written to provide guidance to physicians in the treatment of this condition with the goal of reducing the risk of stroke recurrence and long-term disability. However, there is no complete agreement between the available guidelines and recommendations due to differences in the articles addressed, methodologies, expertise, and validated approaches to literature review. This lack of consensus on the management of MMA may confuse clinicians and highlight some important issues and points. The aim of this comprehensive review article is to critically examine three recent guidelines and recommendations on MMA, discussing their differences and similarities and highlighting gaps in MMA care that need to be covered.

AbstractIntroductionThe International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4) is a validated tool that measures inflammatory lesions, including draining tunnels, in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).ObjectiveTo evaluate secukinumab efficacy using IHS4 in patients with moderate to severe HS.MethodsData from the SUNSHINE and SUNRISE trials, which assessed subcutaneous secukinumab 300 mg every 2 (SECQ2W) and 4 (SECQ4W) weeks in adults with moderate to severe HS, were analyzed. Assessments included changes from baseline in IHS4 and severity classification up to Week 52; IHS4‐55, IHS4‐75, IHS4‐90 responses (55%, 75% and 90% reduction in IHS4) and concordance between IHS4‐55 and HS clinical response (HiSCR), at Weeks 16 and 52.ResultsIn total, 1084 patients (SECQ2W = 361; SECQ4W = 360; placebo = 363) were analyzed. At Week 16, SECQ2W and SECQ4W demonstrated a numerically higher reduction in IHS4 from baseline versus placebo (adjusted mean [95% CI]: −10.80 [−12.30 to −9.30] and −9.46 [−10.96 to −7.96] vs. −4.92 [−6.43 to −3.41]); the reduction was maintained until Week 52 in both dose regimens. A greater proportion of patients achieved IHS4‐55 with SECQ2W (43.4%) and SECQ4W (39.5%) versus placebo (31.5%) at Week 16, with further improvement at Week 52. Similar trends were observed for IHS4‐75 and IHS4‐90 responses. While no patients had mild disease based on IHS4 (80.7% had severe and 19.3% had moderate HS) at baseline, a greater proportion of patients were categorized as having mild disease at Week 16 in the SECQ2W (25.9%) and SECQ4W (24.0%) groups versus placebo (16.4%); this trend continued up to Week 52 in both dose regimens. Strong concordance (>85%) was observed between IHS4‐55 and HiSCR.ConclusionsBoth SECQ2W and SECQ4W demonstrated efficacy in improving treatment response as measured by IHS4 and reducing disease severity versus placebo at Week 16 and these improvements were sustained through Week 52. These findings support that the dynamic and dichotomous IHS4 can efficiently detect treatment response changes in clinical trial settings.Clinical Trials RegistrationSUNSHINE (NCT03713619); SUNRISE (NCT03713632).

AbstractBackgroundCytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs). Secondary prophylaxis (SP) is not routinely recommended by guidelines on the management of CMV in SOTR but may be considered in certain higher‐risk situations.MethodsA comprehensive search of English language publications up to September 2023 was performed. The primary outcome was CMV relapse, defined as the recurrence of DNAemia or disease. Secondary outcomes included graft loss, mortality, and hematological toxicity. Meta‐analysis used the random‐effects model. The study protocol is registered in PROSPERO (no. CRD42022357028).ResultsSix retrospective comparative studies were included. A total of 520/727 (72%) of SOTR received SP with valganciclovir. The meta‐analysis did not demonstrate a significant difference in CMV relapse (odds ratio [OR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79–2.63). Heterogeneity between the studies was low (I2 = 0%, p = 0.57). SP was significantly associated with a reduction in mortality (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.07–0.54) but not graft loss (OR 0.67, 0.17–2.63). There was no significant difference in CMV relapse among kidney‐specific SOTR (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.65–2.96).ConclusionEvidence from six nonrandomized studies is limited and cannot support a recommendation for or against routine SP in SOTR treated for CMV infection. Awaiting prospective‐controlled trials, the decision about SP should depend on individualized risk‐profile assessments by experienced clinicians. image

Abstract Disclosure: S.W. Ing: Advisory Board Member; Self; Ultragenyx, Amolyt. Grant Recipient; Self; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Takeda, Amolyt, Radius Health, Inc, Ultragenyx. P. Harmatz: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Mora: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. E.A. Imel: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. P.J. Tebben: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M.L. Warren: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis, Amolyt. Speaker; Self; Ascendis. N. Ma: Research Investigator; Self; Calcilytix Therapeutics, Ultragenyx, Inozyme. Other; Self; Up To Date. A.A. Khan: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis. A. Palermo: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. B. Decallonne: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Lemoine: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Kyowa Kirin. G. Mantovani: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A. Linglart: Consulting Fee; Self; Alexion, Novo Nordisk, Merck, Pfizer, Inc.. Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Kyowa Kirin. H. Wasserman: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A.P. Barbosa: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. C. Cardot-bauters: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M. Roberts: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A. Mathew: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Adler: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M.C. Zillikens: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. R.J. Clifton-Bligh: Consulting Fee; Self; Ipsen, Kyowa Kirin, Amgen Inc, Eisai. Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. L. Rejnmark: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis, Amolyt, Takeda, Kyowa Kirin. Autosomal dominant hypocalcemia type 1 (ADH1), caused by gain-of-function calcium-sensing receptor gene (CASR) variants, is characterized by low parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations, hypocalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia and hypomagnesemia. While a rare disease, ADH1 is one of the more frequently identified causes of genetic hypoparathyroidism. Conventional therapy includes calcium (Ca) and/or active vitamin D, but this regimen incompletely corrects the hypocalcemia and is associated with persistent hypercalciuria, which may result in renal complications including nephrocalcinosis (NC), nephrolithiasis (NL), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The CLARIFY disease monitoring study [NCT05227287] is a global, multicenter, longitudinal study to understand disease burden, management, and progression in children and adults with ADH1 over a 5-year period. Here we report data on the characteristics of adult participants at study entry. As of November 2023, 45 adults (≥18 years) with ADH1 were enrolled, with a mean±SD age of 42.1±16.5 years (range 18-80). The mean±SD age of a hypocalcemia diagnosis was 19.1±19.1 years, while the mean±SD age for a diagnosis of ADH1 was 28.2±20.6 years. As reported on medical history, in decreasing order of prevalence, 36% (16) had NC, 22% (10) had intracranial calcifications, 11% (5) had history of seizures, 11% (5) had CKD, 9% (4) had cataracts, 7% (3) had NL, and 4% (2) had undergone renal transplant. Treatment data were available for 43 participants and included the following: 74% (32) Ca and active vitamin D, 9% (4) Ca alone, 9% (4) active vitamin D alone, 37% (16) magnesium, 33% (14) thiazide diuretics, 26% (11) potassium, 7% (3) phosphate binder, 7% (3) PTH, and 5% (2) no treatment. Mean±SD fasting values collected prior to conventional therapy dose are presented. PTH concentrations (10.1±8.2 pg/mL [nl 15-65]) and albumin-corrected calcium ([cCa]=7.5±1.0 mg/dL [nl 8.5-10.5]) were low. Despite the low mean cCa, the mean 24-hr urine calcium was elevated (268±183 mg/d, [nl <250 women, <300 men]). Blood phosphate was 4.8±0.8 mg/dL [nl 2.5-4.8] while blood magnesium was 1.8±0.2 mg/dL [nl 1.8-2.4]. 25-OH vitamin D was 35.0±13.5 ng/mL [nl 30-80]. Renal function as assessed by CKD-EPIcr_R showed eGFR of 86±23 mL/min/1.73m² (range 36-123). This study represents the largest cohort of adults with ADH1 described to date. These data highlight variability in therapeutic approaches in a real-world setting with some participants receiving up to 6 different medications/supplements. Despite being followed in expert centers, and treated with available therapies, patients on average have low cCa with relatively high 24-hr urine calcium excretion. The CLARIFY study provides an opportunity to better understand the progression and burden of disease in participants with ADH1. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Abstract Disclosure: S.W. Ing: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. P. Harmatz: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Mora: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. E.A. Imel: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. P.J. Tebben: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M.L. Warren: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis, Amolyt. Speaker; Self; Ascendis. N. Ma: Research Investigator; Self; Calcilytix Therapeutics, Ultragenyx, Inozyme. Other; Self; Up To Date. A.A. Khan: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis. A. Palermo: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. B. Decallonne: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Lemoine: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Kyowa Kirin. G. Mantovani: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A. Linglart: Consulting Fee; Self; Alexion, Novo Nordisk, Merck, Pfizer, Inc.. Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Kyowa Kirin. H. Wasserman: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A.P. Barbosa: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. C. Cardot-bauters: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M. Roberts: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. A. Mathew: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. S. Adler: Employee; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. M.C. Zillikens: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. R.J. Clifton-Bligh: Consulting Fee; Self; Ipsen, Kyowa Kirin, Amgen Inc, Eisai. Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma. L. Rejnmark: Research Investigator; Self; BridgeBio Pharma, Ascendis, Amolyt, Takeda, Kyowa Kirin. Autosomal dominant hypocalcemia type 1 (ADH1), caused by gain-of-function calcium-sensing receptor gene (CASR) variants, is characterized by low parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations, hypocalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia and hypomagnesemia. While a rare disease, ADH1 is one of the more frequently identified causes of genetic hypoparathyroidism. Conventional therapy includes calcium (Ca) and/or active vitamin D, but this regimen incompletely corrects the hypocalcemia and is associated with persistent hypercalciuria, which may result in renal complications including nephrocalcinosis (NC), nephrolithiasis (NL), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The CLARIFY disease monitoring study [NCT05227287] is a global, multicenter, longitudinal study to understand disease burden, management, and progression in children and adults with ADH1 over a 5-year period. Here we report data on the characteristics of adult participants at study entry. As of November 2023, 45 adults (≥18 years) with ADH1 were enrolled, with a mean±SD age of 42.1±16.5 years (range 18-80). The mean±SD age of a hypocalcemia diagnosis was 19.1±19.1 years, while the mean±SD age for a diagnosis of ADH1 was 28.2±20.6 years. As reported on medical history, in decreasing order of prevalence, 36% (16) had NC, 22% (10) had intracranial calcifications, 11% (5) had history of seizures, 11% (5) had CKD, 9% (4) had cataracts, 7% (3) had NL, and 4% (2) had undergone renal transplant. Treatment data were available for 43 participants and included the following: 74% (32) Ca and active vitamin D, 9% (4) Ca alone, 9% (4) active vitamin D alone, 37% (16) magnesium, 33% (14) thiazide diuretics, 26% (11) potassium, 7% (3) phosphate binder, 7% (3) PTH, and 5% (2) no treatment. Mean±SD fasting values collected prior to conventional therapy dose are presented. PTH concentrations (10.1±8.2 pg/mL [nl 15-65]) and albumin-corrected calcium ([cCa]=7.5±1.0 mg/dL [nl 8.5-10.5]) were low. Despite the low mean cCa, the mean 24-hr urine calcium was elevated (268±183 mg/d, [nl <250 women, <300 men]). Blood phosphate was 4.8±0.8 mg/dL [nl 2.5-4.8] while blood magnesium was 1.8±0.2 mg/dL [nl 1.8-2.4]. 25-OH vitamin D was 35.0±13.5 ng/mL [nl 30-80]. Renal function as assessed by CKD-EPIcr_R showed eGFR of 86±23 mL/min/1.73m² (range 36-123). This study represents the largest cohort of adults with ADH1 described to date. These data highlight variability in therapeutic approaches in a real-world setting with some participants receiving up to 6 different medications/supplements. Despite being followed in expert centers, and treated with available therapies, patients on average have low cCa with relatively high 24-hr urine calcium excretion. The CLARIFY study provides an opportunity to better understand the progression and burden of disease in participants with ADH1. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Background/Objectives: The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire is a widely employed self-report tool for assessing upper extremity function. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Serbian version of the DASH by determining its criterion and construct validity, as well as internal consistency. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with hand and wrist disabilities at the Institute for Orthopedics “Banjica”, Serbia. The psychometric properties of the Serbian version of the DASH were analyzed through an examination of its factorial structure and internal consistency. The DASH consists of 30 items, 24 of which assess function, 21 of which focus on physical function and three on social/role function. The remaining six items evaluate symptoms related to pain, tingling/numbness, weakness, and stiffness. Results: A total of 297 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 47.4 ± 16.8 years, with 50.5% males. Three models were assessed to determine the reliability and validity of the questionnaire across different domains. Model 1 examined a single-factor structure. In Model 2, the items were divided into two domains: Physical Function and Psychosocial/Symptoms. In Model 3, items were subdivided into three domains: Physical Function, Symptoms, and Psychosocial. All models demonstrated an excellent internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha > 0.9 for most domains. The values for the fit indices Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) and Comparative-Fit Index (CFI) were above their cut-off criteria of 0.9, while the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) were below the suggested value of 0.06, indicating an excellent level of models fit. Standardized factor loadings were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The present study provided the evidence for the appropriate metric properties of the Serbian version of the DASH. Results support both the unidimensional and multidimensional structures of the DASH.

Abstract Accumulating evidence suggests dysregulated immune checkpoint (IC) signaling can exacerbate COVID-19 severity, but the role of these molecules in the pathogenesis of fatal COVID-19-related diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) remains elusive. Understanding how IC proteins influence acute lung injury due to COVID-19 can provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies to modulate immune responses and improve patient outcomes. Here, in a single-center autopsy cohort, we determined the cellular localization of ICs in lung tissue from cases of fatal COVID-19, DAD-comparators, and non-fibrotic controls by using immunohistochemistry, and investigated their association with clinical outcomes. We expanded our findings by performing analyses of publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from patients with fatal COVID-19 and non-fibrotic controls. We demonstrated the presence of protein-protein interaction networks of ICs in the lung cellular niche by performing transcriptomic profiling of lung tissue-derived RNA counts from patients with fatal COVID-19. Further, we leveraged data from the largest international, multi-center COVID-19 autopsy cohort and validated that, among patients with fatal COVID-19, those with higher PD-L1/CD274 expression in lung endothelial cells had more rapid clinical deterioration. Lastly, in a cohort of individuals with early COVID-19, IC plasma protein levels were elevated in those with persistent SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia and adverse clinical outcomes. Collectively, our data provide unique pathological insights into the role of IC dysregulation and differential disease severity in COVID-19.

160 Background: In the United States, racial/ethnic disparities in adoption of breast cancer evidence-based practices (EBPs) persist along the cancer care continuum. This scoping review applied an implementation science lens to describe the current evidence base for interventions to reduce disparities, synthesizing evidence on effective interventions while highlighting gaps in the literature. Methods: A formalized search strategy identified USA-based interventional studies aiming to improve adoption of an EBP along the breast cancer care continuum among racially/ethnically minoritized patients. Relevant articles from 1/2010 - 8/2022 (Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus) were included. For each article, two reviewers screened and extracted data, with a third resolving discrepancies. The PRISMA-ScR checklist and JBO Manual for Evidence Synthesis framework were followed. Results: Our search strategy yielded 45,215 articles. After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 59 articles were retained, targeting screening (85%, 50 of 59), treatment (12%, 7 of 59), and survivorship (5%, 3 of 59) (2 targeted multiple areas). No articles targeted end-of-life care. Of these, 49% (29 of 59) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Among 24 screening RCTs, the most common interventions—and fraction with statistically significant improved screening uptake—were patient navigation (100%, 11 of 11) and patient education (80%, 4 of 5). Among 4 treatment RCTs, 3 targeted adjuvant chemotherapy uptake. Of these, 1 had significant improvements and used patient navigation. The 2 studies without significant improvements used a patient tracking tool/alert system or patient education. Among 2 survivorship RCTs, one used email interventions, resulting in significantly improved physical activity and dietary health. A second used a nurse-facilitated internet support group, resulting in significantly improved physical/psychological symptoms. Early to mid-stage implementation outcomes (acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, or fidelity) were commonly measured (81%, 48 of 59). No study measured later stage implementation outcomes (sustainability or costs). Conclusions: In multiple studies, patient navigation and education improved breast cancer screening among racially/ethnically minoritized populations. In one study, patient navigation improved completion of adjuvant treatment. Despite these studies, patient navigation is not reimbursed for cancer screening, and adoption has not been widespread. Future studies should focus on evaluating and improving later stage implementation outcomes (sustainability and costs). Based on these results, insurance reimbursement mechanisms for screening-related navigation may be warranted. Future breast cancer care delivery disparities research should also be expanded to include treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care.