Citations

Abstract Disclosure: R.S. Douglas: Consulting Fee; Self; Horizon Therapeutics plc, Immunovant, Viridian. S. Couch: None. S.T. Wester: Advisory Board Member; Self; Horizon Therapeutics plc. Consulting Fee; Self; Immunovant, Sling. B. Fowler: Consulting Fee; Self; Horizon Therapeutics plc. C. Liu: Other; Self; Walter Kluwer Health. P. Subramanian: Consulting Fee; Self; Gensight, Horizon Therapeutics plc, Viridian. R. Tang: Consulting Fee; Self; Viridian, Alexion, Valenza. Research Investigator; Self; Viridian, Horizon Therapeutics plc, Novartis, Immunovant, Vasaragen. Speaker; Self; Serono Speaker Journal Club. Q.T. Nguyen: None. K. Hsu: Employee; Self; Horizon Therapeutics plc. Stock Owner; Self; Horizon Therapeutics plc. M. Karon: Employee; Self; Horizon Therapeutics plc. Stock Owner; Self; Horizon Therapeutics plc. M.N. Stan: Consulting Fee; Self; Immunovant, Horizon Therapeutics plc, Sling, Genentech, ArgenX. Background: Thyroid eye disease (TED) is characterized by expansion of peri- and retro-orbital fat and muscle, often resulting in disfiguring proptosis (eye-bulging) and diplopia (double vision) which may persist chronically. Teprotumumab, an inhibitor of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, demonstrated improvements in proptosis, diplopia, inflammation and quality of life in clinical trials in patients with TED history of short duration (6-13 months), and active disease (clinical activity score [CAS] ≥4). In a published study of 31 patients with CAS≤3 and TED duration >2 years, teprotumumab reduced proptosis, diplopia and inflammation.1 We have undertaken the first randomized, placebo (PBO)-controlled trial to evaluate teprotumumab in patients with chronic/inactive/low CAS TED. The trial has completed randomization with results available in May 2023. Here we report characteristics of the randomized patients. Methods: The trial (NCT04583735) is being conducted in 11 centers in the United States. Key inclusion criteria were age≥18 years, TED duration ≥2 years but <10 years and CAS≤1 in both eyes, ≥3mm proptosis from baseline and/normal for sex and race, or no progression in proptosis or diplopia or new inflammatory symptoms in the preceding year. Patients must have been euthyroid or mildly hypo/hyperthyroid, and not require surgical intervention through the trial. Patients could not have received teprotumumab previously, or steroids within 3 weeks before screening. Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive 8 infusions of teprotumumab (10 mg/kg for the first infusion and 20 mg/kg for the remaining 7 infusions) or PBO once every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint is improvement in proptosis (mm) as compared with PBO from baseline at Week 24. Other endpoints include percentage of proptosis responders (improvement of ≥2mm), diplopia responders (improvement of ≥1 grade in diplopia on the Bahn-Gorman scale, 0-3), and improvement in Graves’ Ophthalmopathy- Quality of Life (GO-QoL), all at Week 24. Adverse events (AE) and AE of special interest will be reported. Results: 62 patients were randomized. 80.6% are female, mean (SD) age was 48.7 (14.94) years. 54.8% are White, 24.2 %, Black or African American, and 12.9%, Asian. Mean (SD) TED duration was 5.2 (1.77) years. 87.1% are never/former smokers. At baseline, mean (SD) proptosis in the study eye was 24.4 (2.94) mm, and mean (SD) CAS was 0.4 (0.49). 27.4% had binocular diplopia with a mean diplopia score of 2. The mean overall GO-QoL score was 63.9 indicating similar disutility as observed in the acute trial population (previously published). Results from this 24-week trial will be presented. Conclusions: Despite a long duration of TED and low “activity”, patients enrolled in this trial have high levels of proptosis and impaired quality of life at baseline. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Abstract Disclosure: R.S. Douglas: Consulting Fee; Self; Horizon, Immunovant, Viridian. Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. S. Couch: Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. S.T. Wester: Advisory Board Member; Self; Horizon. Consulting Fee; Self; Immunovant, Sling. Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. B.T. Fowler: Consulting Fee; Self; Horizon. Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. C. Liu: Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. Other; Self; Royalties from Wolters-Kluwer. P. Subramanian: Consulting Fee; Self; Horizon, Gensight, Viridian. Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. R. Tang: Consulting Fee; Self; Viridian, Alexion, Valenza. Research Investigator; Self; Horizon, Viridian, Novartis, Immunovant, Vasaragen. Speaker; Self; Serono Journal Club. Q.T. Nguyen: Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. R.N. Maamari: Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. K. Hsu: Employee; Self; Horizon. Stock Owner; Self; Horizon. M. Karon: Employee; Self; Horizon. Stock Owner; Self; Horizon. M. Stan: Consulting Fee; Self; Septerna Inc, Third Rock Ventures LLC, Genentech, MedicXi Ventures, ArgenX US Inc, Tourmaline Bio, Lassen Therapeutics, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare, Tolmar Inc, OSE, Immunotherapeutics, Roivant Sciences. Research Investigator; Self; Horizon, Immunovant, ValenzaBio, Sling Therapeutics. Background: Early inflammatory thyroid eye disease (TED) gives way to chronic disease which may lead to long-term disfiguring proptosis (eye-bulging). Teprotumumab, an IGF-1 receptor inhibitor, significantly improved signs and symptoms of newly diagnosed TED (6-13 months) with active disease (clinical activity score [CAS] ≥4) in prior studies. We present data from the first randomized, placebo (PBO)-controlled trial (NCT04583735) with teprotumumab in chronic/low CAS TED, where disease has not regressed. Methods: Pts met all following criteria: ≥18 yrs, TED 2-10 yrs, inactive disease or >1 yr without progression in proptosis/diplopia/new symptoms, baseline (BL) CAS≤1, increased proptosis ≥3mm before TED or from normal, euthyroid/mildly hypo/hyperthyroid, no prior teprotumumab and no steroids within 3 wks of screen. Pts received teprotumumab or PBO once every 3 wks for 21 wks. Primary endpoint was improvement in proptosis(mm) from BL at Wk 24 vs PBO. Secondarily proptosis responders (≥2mm improvement), diplopia responders (≥1 grade improvement on Gorman scale 0-3) with resolved diplopia (grade 0) and improvement in Graves’ Ophthalmopathy-QoL (GO-QoL) visual function (VF) and appearance (AP) subscales were assessed. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) and AEs of special interest are reported. Study was solely sized/powered for proptosis. Results: 62 pts were randomized 2:1 (ITT, teprotumumab:42; PBO:20), 80.6% were female, mean(SD) age was 48.7(14.94) yrs. Mean(SD) TED duration was 5.2(1.8) yrs. 87.1% were never/former smokers. At BL, mean(SD) proptosis was 24.4(2.94) mm, mean CAS was 0.4, and 29% (teprotumumab, n=14, PBO, n=4) had diplopia with a mean score ∼2. 93%(39) of teprotumumab pts completed the study. At Wk 24, proptosis improvements from BL were significantly greater in the teprotumumab group [2.41 (0.228) mm] vs PBO [0.92(0.323) mm], P<.001. Proptosis response was observed in 26/42 (62%) of teprotumumab pts vs 5/20 (25%) of PBO, P=.01. Diplopia improvement was observed in 6/14 (43%) teprotumumab pts with resolved diplopia in 4(29%) vs 2/4(50%) in PBO and 1(25%) resolved. Significantly greater improvement from BL was observed on GO-QoL-VF for teprotumumab (8.73) vs PBO (2.41), P=.03. Change from BL on AP was 10.03 vs 7.19, P= .65. TEAEs proportions were similar: 33/41(80.5%) of teprotumumab, and 16/20(80%) of PBO pts. Hyperglycemia was reported in 6(15%) vs 2(10%) and hearing impairment in 9(22%) vs 2(10%), respectively. There were two AE discontinuations: teprotumumab (left ear conductive hearing loss with congenital anomaly) and PBO (infusion related). Conclusions: For the first time in pts with longstanding TED and low CAS/inflammation, a medical therapy, teprotumumab, produced significant improvement in proptosis as compared with PBO supporting its use regardless of TED duration or activity. The safety profile was comparable to that previously reported. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Abstract Background Physiologic pacing through left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has recently been shown to be a very promising alternative for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and to avoid pacing induced cardiomyopathy. However, it is not clear whether the position of LABBP lead may affect the clinical outcomes. Case Report We here report a case of likely LBBAP induced worsening heart failure and cardiomyopathy reversed by re‐positioning of the pacing lead towards a more annular position. A 70‐year‐old male with a previous history of non‐ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction 40%) who developed intermittent complete heart block and required permanent ventricular pacing. LBBAP was performed with the lead positioned to a position relatively far away from the tricuspid annulus (3.7 cm), due to difficulty in fixating the lead deep into the septum at a more annular position. One month post procedure, the patient's heart failure symptoms worsened, and his EF decreased to 31% despite good heart failure management. He underwent CRT upgrade with successful revision of the originally implanted LBBAP lead to a more annular position, using a deflectable delivery sheath. This resulted in further narrowing of the paced QRS duration from 135 to 106 ms. Two months post procedure, his heart failure symptoms improved by one functional class, and EF improved to 41% by echocardiogram. Conclusions LBBAP may be harmful when the lead is placed too far away from the annulus and may cause paced induced cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematological malignancy with a poor prognosis and considered incurable with conventional chemotherapy. Small observational studies reported allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) offers durable remissions in patients with BPDCN. We report an analysis of patients with BPDCN who received an allo-HCT, using data reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR). We identified 164 patients with BPDCN from 78 centers who underwent allo-HCT between 2007 and 2018. The 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), relapse, and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) rates were 51.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 42.5-59.8), 44.4% (95% CI, 36.2-52.8), 32.2% (95% CI, 24.7-40.3), and 23.3% (95% CI, 16.9-30.4), respectively. Disease relapse was the most common cause of death. On multivariate analyses, age of ≥60 years was predictive for inferior OS (hazard ratio [HR], 2.16; 95% CI, 1.35-3.46; P = .001), and higher NRM (HR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.13-4.22; P = .02). Remission status at time of allo-HCT (CR2/primary induction failure/relapse vs CR1) was predictive of inferior OS (HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.14-3.06; P = .01) and DFS (HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.11-2.76; P = .02). Use of myeloablative conditioning with total body irradiation (MAC-TBI) was predictive of improved DFS and reduced relapse risk. Allo-HCT is effective in providing durable remissions and long-term survival in BPDCN. Younger age and allo-HCT in CR1 predicted for improved survival, whereas MAC-TBI predicted for less relapse and improved DFS. Novel strategies incorporating allo-HCT are needed to further improve outcomes.

Perioperative cardiac arrest (POCA) is a catastrophic complication that requires immediate recognition and correction of the underlying cause to improve patient outcomes. While the hypoxia, hypovolemia, hydrogen ions (acidosis), hypo-/hyperkalemia, and hypothermia (Hs) and toxins, tamponade (cardiac), tension pneumothorax, thrombosis (pulmonary), and thrombosis (coronary) (Ts) mnemonic is a valuable tool for rapid differential diagnosis, it does not cover all possible causes leading to POCA. To address this limitation, we propose using the preload-contractility-afterload-rate and rhythm (PCARR) construct to categorize POCA, which is comprehensive, systemic, and physiologically logical. We provide evidence for each component in the PCARR construct and emphasize that it complements the Hs and Ts mnemonic rather than replacing it. Furthermore, we discuss the significance of utilizing monitored variables such as electrocardiography, pulse oxygen saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide, and blood pressure to identify clues to the underlying cause of POCA. To aid in investigating POCA causes, we suggest the Anesthetic care, Surgery, Echocardiography, Relevant Check and History (A-SERCH) list of actions. We recommend combining the Hs and Ts mnemonic, the PCARR construct, monitoring, and the A-SERCH list of actions in a rational manner to investigate POCA causes. These proposals require real-world testing to assess their feasibility.

Adipose tissue plays a central role in the regulation of plasma triglyceride (TG) and fatty acid (FA) levels, whose elevation is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Circulating TGs are hydrolyzed by lipoprotein lipase (LPL), releasing FAs that are taken up by adipocytes. Conversely, lipolytic action of adipose tissue triglyceride lipase (ATGL) mobilizes intracellular TG storage, supplying FAs via circulation for utilization by other tissues. However, how intracellular lipolysis influences intravascular lipolysis and atherosclerotic development remains largely unknown. Herein, the current study aimed to explore the role of G0S2, a selective protein inhibitor of ATGL, in this particular context. When treated with a Western diet and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting LDLR, mice with a global ablation of G0S2 exhibited a significantly reduced lesion formation in aorta and brachiocephalic artery than their wild type (WT) littermates. Despite of little to no impact on hypercholesterolemia, total plasma and lipoprotein-specific TG content were normalized in G0S2 -/- mice. While it did not elicit any effects on intestinal lipid adsorption and hepatic TG secretion, the G0S2 ablation resulted in considerable elevation of LPL activity and protein levels in both plasma and adipose tissue. Accordingly, these G0S2 -/- mice showed a greatly improved TG clearance upon an oral lipid challenge. Interestingly, transplantation of G0S2 -/- adipose tissue increased circulating LPL in the WD-treated WT mice, which subsequently displayed a profound reduction of plasma TG levels as well as alleviation of hepatic steatosis. By studying adipose tissue explants and primary adipocytes, we observed that the G0S2 ablation led to markedly improved insulin sensitivity, resulting in increased FOXO1 phosphorylation and decreased expression of the LPL inhibitor ANGPTL4. Together, our data indicate that in the absence of G0S2, upregulation of adipose tissue LPL plays an important role in the clearance of circulating TGs and alleviation of diet-induced hypertriglyceridemia and atherosclerosis. We thus conclude that adipocyte G0S2 acts as a critical switch of both intracellular and vascular lipolysis.

Objective To evaluate long-term effects of COVID-19 on auditory and vestibular symptoms in a diverse cohort impacted by the initial 2020 COVID-19 infection in the pandemic's epicenter, before vaccine availability. Study Design Cohort study of individuals with confirmed COVID-19 infection, diagnosed in the March–May 2020 infection wave. A randomized, retrospective chart review of 1,352 individuals was performed to identify those with documented new or worsening auditory (aural fullness, tinnitus, hyperacusis, hearing loss) or vestibular (dizziness, vertigo) symptoms. Those with documented symptoms (613 of the 1,352 initial cohort) were contacted for a follow-up telephone survey in 2021–2022 to obtain self-report of aforementioned symptoms. Setting Academic tertiary hospital system in Bronx, NY. Patients Adults 18 to 99 years old with confirmed COVID-19 infection, alive at time of review. One hundred forty-eight charts were excluded for restricted access, incomplete data, no COVID-19 swab, or deceased at time of review. Intervention Confirmed COVID-19 infection, March to May 2020. Main Outcomes Measures Auditory and vestibular symptoms documented in 2020 medical records and by self-report on 2021 to 2022 survey. Results Among the 74 individuals with documented symptoms during the first 2020 COVID-19 wave who participated in the 2021 to 2022 follow-up survey, 58% had documented vestibular symptoms initially in 2020, whereas 43% reported vestibular symptoms on the 2021 to 2022 survey (p = 0.10). In contrast, 9% had documented auditory symptoms initially in 2020 and 55% reported auditory symptoms on the 2021 to 2022 survey (p < 0.01). Conclusions COVID-19 may impact vestibular symptoms early and persistently, whereas auditory effects may have more pronounced long-term impact, suggesting the importance of continually assessing COVID-19 patients.

Background: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication of hematopoietic cell transplantation, and its incidence is low in liver transplantation (LT). Estimating the incidence of GVHD after LT is challenging due to the paucity of available data from the United Network for Organ Sharing. This is the first national analysis of the incidence and risk factors of GVHD after LT. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used the National Readmission Database to calculate the incidence rate of GVHD within 1 year of LT using survival analysis. The predictors of GVHD were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results: From 2010 to 2020, of 88,433 LTs, 383 cases of GVHD occurred within 1 year after LT, resulting in an incidence rate of 1.0% (95% CI: 0.8%–1.3%). We observed no statistically significant change in the incidence of GVHD after LT from 2010 to 2020 (beta-coefficient, −0.07%; 95% CI: −0.17% to 0.04%, p = 0.188). Interestingly, alcohol-associated liver disease was associated with a lower risk of GVHD (adjusted HR, 0.57; 95% CI: 0.36–0.91, p = 0.018), whereas a higher risk was found to be related to a secondary diagnosis of COVID-19 on index admission. Conclusion: Our study found that the incidence rate of GVHD within 1 year of LT in the United States was 1.0% and remained stable from 2010 to 2020. The predictors associated with GVHD include alcohol-associated liver disease and COVID-19. Our study provides valuable insights into the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of GVHD after LT.

Background: Tobacco smoking during pregnancy is associated with metabolic dysfunction in children, but mechanistic insights remain limited. Hypomethylation of cg05575921 in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) gene is associated with in utero tobacco smoke exposure. In this study, we evaluated whether AHRR hypomethylation mediates the association between maternal smoking and metabolic dysfunction in children. Methods: We assessed metabolic dysfunction using liver fat content (LFC), serum, and clinical data in children aged 7–12 years (n=78) followed since birth. Maternal smoking was self-reported at 12 weeks gestation. Methylation was measured by means of pyrosequencing at 3 sequential CpG sites, including cg05575921, at birth and at ages 7–12. Regression models were used to evaluate whether AHRR methylation mediated the association between maternal smoking and child metabolic dysfunction. Results: Average AHRR methylation at birth was significantly higher among children of nonsmoking mothers compared with children of mothers who smoked (69.8% ± 4.4% vs. 63.5% ± 5.5, p=0.0006). AHRR hypomethylation at birth was associated with higher liver fat content (p=0.01), triglycerides (p=0.01), and alanine aminotransferase levels (p=0.03), and lower HDL cholesterol (p=0.01) in childhood. AHRR hypomethylation significantly mediated associations between maternal smoking and liver fat content (indirect effect=0.213, p=0.018), triglycerides (indirect effect=0.297, p=0.044), and HDL cholesterol (indirect effect = -0.413, p=0.007). AHRR methylation in childhood (n=78) was no longer significantly associated with prenatal smoke exposure or child metabolic parameters (p>0.05). Conclusions: AHRR hypomethylation significantly mediates the association between prenatal tobacco smoke exposure and features of childhood metabolic dysfunction, despite the lack of persistent hypomethylation of AHRR into childhood. Further studies are needed to replicate these findings and to explore their causal and long-term significance.