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Significance Statement Efficacy of rituximab (RTX) in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) in patients with severe renal involvement (eGFR<30 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 ) has not been addressed in clinical trials. This observational study did not find statistically significant differences between RTX and cyclophosphamide (CYC) for remission-induction therapy or any apparent benefit from the addition of plasma exchange (PLEX) to standard remission-induction therapy for patients with AAV and severe renal involvement. Although our analyses suggest that the benefits and risks of these therapeutic choices (RTX versus CYC with and without PLEX) are balanced, a randomized, controlled trial is needed to confirm these findings. Background Treatment of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and severe renal involvement is not established. We describe outcomes in response to rituximab (RTX) versus cyclophosphamide (CYC) and plasma exchange (PLEX). Methods A retrospective cohort study of MPO- or PR3-ANCA–positive patients with AAV (MPA and GPA) and severe kidney disease (eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 ). Remission, relapse, ESKD and death after remission-induction with CYC or RTX, with or without the use of PLEX, were compared. Results Of 467 patients with active renal involvement, 251 had severe kidney disease. Patients received CYC ( n =161) or RTX ( n =64) for remission-induction, and 51 were also treated with PLEX. Predictors for ESKD and/or death at 18 months were eGFR <15 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 at diagnosis (IRR 3.09 [95% CI 1.49 to 6.40], P =0.002), renal recovery (IRR 0.27 [95% CI 0.12 to 0.64], P =0.003) and renal remission at 6 months (IRR 0.40 [95% CI 0.18 to 0.90], P =0.027). RTX was comparable to CYC in remission-induction (BVAS/WG=0) at 6 months (IRR 1.37 [95% CI 0.91 to 2.08], P =0.132). Addition of PLEX showed no benefit on remission-induction at 6 months (IRR 0.73 [95% CI 0.44 to 1.22], P =0.230), the rate of ESKD and/or death at 18 months (IRR 1.05 [95% CI 0.51 to 2.18], P =0.891), progression to ESKD (IRR 1.06 [95% CI 0.50 to 2.25], P =0.887), and survival at 24 months (IRR 0.54 [95% CI 0.16 to 1.85], P =0.330). Conclusions The apparent benefits and risks of using CYC or RTX for the treatment of patients with AAV and severe kidney disease are balanced. The addition of PLEX to standard remission-induction therapy showed no benefit in our cohort. A randomized controlled trial is the only satisfactory means to evaluate efficacy of remission-induction treatments in AAV with severe renal involvement.

Background Trans-acting programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) derives from malignant cells in three known forms. High levels of secreted splice variant PD-L1 (sPD-L1), ADAM10/ADAM17-shed sPD-L1, and PD-L1-positive extracellular vesicles (evPD-L1) each predict poor prognosis and limited response to PD-(L)1 checkpoint inhibitors in cancer. To our knowledge, no clinical intervention has reduced any of these circulating forms of extracellular PD-L1. Here, we explore therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) as a treatment to reduce circulating extracellular PD-L1. Results In patients with melanoma, sPD-L1 levels above 0.277 ng/mL predicted inferior overall survival. In patients undergoing TPE for non-malignant indications, each TPE session removed a mean 70.8% sPD-L1 and 73.1% evPD-L1 detectable in plasma. TPE also reduced total and ADAM10-positive extracellular vesicles. Conclusion Here, we report the first known clinical intervention to remove either sPD-L1 or evPD-L1 from plasma in vivo. TPE reduces plasma sPD-L1 and evPD-L1 in vivo and may have a role in treatment with immunotherapy. TPE may also prove useful in patients with other extracellular vesicle-related conditions.

AbstractBackgroundA new protocol has been developed on the Amicus Separator that enables the device to perform online extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) procedures when used in conjunction with the Phelix photoactivation device and associated disposable kit. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and performance of the Amicus ECP System in adult subjects with steroid‐refractory or dependent chronic graft vs host disease (cGVHD).Study Design and MethodsEight subjects with mild to severe cGVHD underwent 31 procedures. Subject safety evaluations were performed pre and post procedure and adverse events (AEs) were recorded during treatment and 24 hours after the last procedure. In vitro evaluations of the treated cells included hematology counts and lymphocyte apoptosis, viability and proliferation as measures for ECP procedure validation.ResultsFor n = 23 evaluable procedures, median (range) procedure time was 88 (78‐110) minutes, during which 2.9 (0.6‐4.7) × 109 TNCs (approximately 90% MNCs) were treated and reinfused to the subjects. All subject safety evaluations (vitals, cell counts, plasma hemoglobin and bacterial and endotoxin testing) were within expected ranges. All device or procedure related AEs were mild in nature. After 24 hours in culture, 86 (52‐98)% of treated lymphocytes were apoptotic compared to 27 (15‐51)% in controls. Inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation was >91% in all procedures.ConclusionECP procedures were safely completed in adult subjects with SR‐cGVHD treated using the new online Amicus ECP system.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Coagulation factor XIII deficiency, in either its acquired or inherited form, is a rare cause of abnormal bleeding. In patients with Factor XIII (F XIII) deficiency, recommended means of factor replacement include infusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitated plasma (Cryo), or F XIII concentrates1. Comparisons of F XIII concentration in FFP and Cryo are not well defined. To aid management of F XIII deficiency, we measured F XIII activity and antigen in FFP and Cryo. In addition, we determined concentrations of fibrinogen, factor VIII (F VIII) and von Willebrand factor (VWF), including antigen (VWF:Ag), ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) and collagen binding activity (VWF:CB). STUDY DESIGNS AND METHODS: 10 bags each of FFP and of Cryo from blood group O donors obtained from the Mayo Clinic Division of Transfusion Medicine blood bank, were analyzed. F XIII activity was assayed by ELISA detecting activated F XIII-mediated amine incorporation into solid phase fibrinogen (Pefakit, Pentapharm). F XIII antigen was measured using radial immunodiffusion (The Binding Site). Fibrinogen was measured by Clauss kinetic clotting assay (Fibriquik, Biomerieux) and also by endpoint delta OD derived from the prothrombin time (ACL, Instrumentation Lab). F VIII was measured by 1-stage APTT-based assay; VWF:Ag by automated LIA (Diagnostica Stago); VWF:RCo by aggregometry of washed platelets; and VWF:CB by ELISA (Corgenix). RESULTS: Mean concentrations of F XIII activity were 60 U/bag (+/−30) in Cryo and 288 U/bag (+/− 77) in FFP. F XIII antigen concentrations paralleled the activity results and are depicted in Table 1, which also includes results for the other analytes. The mean fluid volumes of Cryo and FFP were 21.3 ml/bag (+/− 2.7) and 245 mL/bag (+/− 29), respectively. Table 1. Comparison of Hemostatic Components in Cryoprecipitated Plasma (Cryo) versus Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) Cryoprecipitate Fresh Frozen Plasma Component Mean (SD) Mean (SD) Factor XIII activity 60 U/bag (+/− 30) 288 U/bag (+/− 77) Factor XIII antigen 0.65 mg/bag (+/− 0.23) 2.36 mg/bag (+/− 0.76) Factor VIII 133 U/bag (+/− 36.5) 265 U/bag (+/− 83) Fibrinogen Clauss 184 mg/dl (+/− 44) 725 mg/dl (+/− 199) Fibrinogen ACL 319 mg/dl (+/− 76) 864 mg/dl (+/− 327) VWF:Ag 181 U/bag (+/− 53) 218 U/bag (+/− 70) VWF:RCo 168 U/bag (+/− 34) 221 U/bag (+/− 65) VWF:CB 165 U/bag (+/− 40) 208 U/bag (+/− 71) Bag volume 21.3 ml/bag (+/− 2.7) 245 ml/bag (+/− 29) CONCLUSION: In contrast to some of the other cryoprecipitable coagulation proteins, F XIII is only mildly enriched in Cryo when compared with FFP (about 2- to 3-fold). Although both products are practical means of F XIII replacement, and F XIII is somewhat enriched in Cryo, FFP may be a preferred product for F XIII replacement when infusion volume is not a major consideration (eg, in adults versus small children) and risks of exposure to multiple donors are considered. While Cryo is no longer recommended as the product of choice for VWF (or F VIII) replacement, our studies also demonstrate that Cryo is significantly enriched in VWF (which is not routinely assayed as a quality control measure for Cryo, in contrast to requirements for F VIII and fibrinogen content).

Abstract SERF-TTP is the first prospective case-control study to investigate epidemiology, risk factors & outcomes in patients with first episode of idiopathic TTP. METHODS: Each case of TTP is identified upon referral for therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). Exclusion criteria include organ or allogeneic stem cell transplant, anti-neoplastic therapy or malignancy. 2 age & gender-matched controls are identified for each case. Epidemiologic information, lab data & plasma samples are collected from each case. Case & control data are collected by standardized interview. Relative risk & 95% CI computed by chi-squared tests. ADAMTS13 activity & inhibitor are centrally measured on pre-TPE samples. ADAMTS13 activity is measured by FRETS-vWF73 assay (Peptides Int.). ADAMTS13 inhibitor is assessed by Technozym ADAMTS13 INH ELISA (Technoclone). RESULTS: Data is available for 67 cases & 138 controls. The median age of cases is 40, & 82% are female. Medical history & exposures are shown in Table 1. Clinical & lab characteristics vary by ADAMTS13 activity (Table 2). Low titer ADAMTS13 inhibitors are detectable in some patients with normal ADAMTS13 activity. 30 day survival of cases is 95.7%. Adverse reactions to TPE occur in 59% of patients, most commonly allergic(85%) or citrate-related reactions(65%). 14.7% had a venous access complication, 50% were catheter-related thromboses. 10% of all adverse events required an ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results from the case-control study suggest that predisposing factors for the development of TTP include recent infection or connective tissue disorder. Cardiovascular disease, prior history of venous thrombosis, clopidogrel use and lower income are more common in TTP cases than controls. Patients with normal ADAMTS13 activity are more likely to present with higher platelet count, abnormal renal function and neurologic symptoms. Case & Control Characteristics Cases (n=67) Controls (n=138) Relative Risk (95% CI) Medical History Connective Tissue Disease 11.9% 2.2% 5.4 (1.5–20.0) Cardiovascular Disease 13.4% 3.6% 3.7 (1.29–10.6) Prior Venous Thrombosis 13.4% 2.9% 4.6 (1.48–14.5) Infection (prior 2 wks) 32.8% 10.1% 3.2 (1.77–5.9) Medications (prior 12 wks) Antibiotics 31.3% 17.4% 1.8 (1.08–2.99) Clopidogrel 4.5% 0.7% 6.4 (0.65–62.9) Income Level &lt; $25,000 42% 18% 2.3 (1.47–3.6) $25,000 – 70,000 37.3% 52.9% 0.7 (0.49–0.99) &gt; $70,000 11.9% 24.6% 0.5 (0.24–0.98) Characteristics by ADAMTS13 activity ADAMTS13 activity N ADAMTS13 inhibitor (&gt;15 u/ml) ADAMTS13 inhibitor titer (mean) Platelets (mean) Creatinine (mean) Neurologic symptoms Survival Comparison of ADAMTS13 ≤20% vs &gt; 20%, p-values: * 0.0028, † 0.003, ‡ 0.73, # 0.48. &lt; 5% 18 (37.5%) 100% 80.9 22,350 1.4 44% 94% 5–20% 4 (8.3%) 100% 76.4 20,000 1.1 75% 100% &gt; 20% 26 (54.2%) 57.7% 22.5 58,810* 4.3† 58%‡ 89.5%#

Abstract Introduction: Peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor cell collection is a more popular source of stem cells for transplantation than bone marrow harvest. A number of automated cell separators exist which can be used to perform mononuclear cell collections. These separators collect varying amounts of other cells during the collection process, including them in the mononuclear cell product. Because of this, collection of mononuclear cells can result in significant reductions in platelet count and loss of red blood cells during the procedure. In order to minimize platelet transfusion support, we developed an algorithm to optimize mononuclear cell collections while minimizing platelet losses using the Gambro COBE Spectra and the Baxter Amicus Methods: Previously, patients were assigned randomly to any available apheresis machine. Starting August 2nd 2002, patients with a WBC count higher than 35×10 (9)/L were preferably assigned to Amicus for 5 hour collection with processing 1000 ml/cycle or as second choice Spectra for 5 hours run with maximum draw rate 65 ml/Min., for both instruments. If the WBC was lower than 35×10 (9)/L, the preferred machine would be Amicus for 5 hours run at 1400 ml/cycle with maximum draw rate 90ml/Min. or Spectra for 5 hours run with maximum draw 100 ml/Min. We reviewed the difference of pre and post procedure platelet counts of non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma patients undergoing stem cells collection for 6 months before and after the implementation of the above protocol from February 2002 till February 2003. All CBC were performed on the same Coulter analyzer. Results: 14 patients (2 on Amicus and 12 on Spectra) underwent stem cells collection before August 2nd, 2002. 13 patients (8 on Amicus and 5 on Spectra) were collected after this date. The Fisher’s exact test was used for this study. The median and mean differences in the first group were 141.5 ×10(9)/L and 135 ×10 (9)/L respectively (95% CI, p 0.0183). The second group had a median and mean of 45 ×10 (9)/L and 51 × 10(9)/L (95% I, p 0.0183). The minimum and maximum differences were 36 × 10(9)/L and 200 × 10(9)/L respectively in the first group and −19 ×10(9)/L and 121×10(9)/L for the second group. There was no difference in the numbers of the collections days in both groups in regard to the type of automated cell collector. Discussion: The implemented algorithm showed a net advantage. Even though none of the patients required blood transfusions, there was lesser drop of platelets counts with the new settings.

Abstract Background: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare disorder that presents with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, fevers, renal insufficiency and neurologic features. We reviewed clinical, laboratory, and outcome data for TTP cases with severely deficient versus non-severely deficient ADAMTS13 activity levels. Methods: Mean and median data were from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and Risk Factors for TTP (SERF-TTP) study group for idiopathic TTP cases, the Canadian Apheresis Group (CAG), and five published series (Zheng 2004, Raife 2004, Vesely 2003 (Oklahoma TTP-HUS Registry), Matsumoto 2004 (Japan Referral Center), Bennett 2007). Results: Compared to TTP cases with near-normal ADAMTS13 activity levels (n= 282), TTP cases with severe ADAMTS13-deficiency (n=185) were more likely to have severe thrombocytopenia, normal renal function and neutralizing ADAMTS13 antibodies. Severe ADAMTS13 deficient TTP cases have better overall survival after therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) but are more likely to relapse. TTP patients with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency were primarily categorized as idiopathic or ticlopidine-associated, while TTP patients with non-severely deficient ADAMTS13 activity levels were frequently categorized as idiopathic, secondary to drugs (clopidogrel, quinine), stem cell transplantation, or cancer. Conclusions: Severe ADAMTS13 deficiency is most commonly idiopathic, has better survival following TPE, and a 35–40% spontaneous relapse rate. By contrast, non-ADAMTS13 deficient TTP cases are usually associated with an underlying disorder or external insults. Amongst this cohort, four series have 47–62% survival rates and three series, which contain mostly idiopathic cases, have 83–90% survival rates following TPE. From this, we propose that TTP may occur by three possible mechanism; ADAMTS13-deficient (antibody-mediated), an immunologic mediated pathway independent of ADAMTS13 (i.e. quinine) that is responsive to TPE, and endothelial injury related TTP that is unresponsive to TPE. Platelet count mean (x10^9/L) Creatinine mean (mg/dl) ADAMTS13 neutralizing antibodies (%) Survival % Relapse % * &lt;15% ADAMTS13 activity cutoff Severe ADAMTS13 Deficiency (&lt;10–15%) SERF-TTP (n=30) 19 1.3 83 97 41 Zheng (n=16) 19 1.6 44 81 38 Bennett (n=26) 15 85 Oklahoma (n=18) 12 1.8 94 81 38 Raife (n=50) * 13 1.2 92 35 Japan (n=34) 35 91 Canada (n=11) 16 2.4 82 Not Severely Deficient ADAMTS13 Activity (&gt; 15%) SERF-TTP (n=22) 57 3.9 35 90 0 Raife (n=57) * 44 2.7 83 9 Canada (n=17) 57 4.1 88 Zheng (n=13) 40 3.0 0 54 Bennett (n=13) 62 Japan (n=66) 9 62 Oklahoma (n=94 ) 23 47 3

Abstract Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a microvascular occlusive disorder characterized by systemic aggregation of platelets, thrombocytopenia, and mechanical injury to erythrocytes. Between 30% and 80% of TTP cases are associated with ADAMTS13 deficiency. Thienopyridine-derivative anti-platelet agents, ticlopidine and clopidogrel, are the drugs most commonly associated with TTP. The structures differ only by a carboxymethyl side-chain and have no common metabolites. Since 2002, our R01 research project has focused on evaluating thienopyridine-associated TTP. Herein, we present the final results. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from case reports, the FDA’s MedWatch program, a Japanese national reference laboratory for ADAMTS13 assays, and apheresis centers at Duke University, University of North Carolina, Northwestern University, and the Mayo Clinic. Epidemiologic data for rate estimation for thienopyridine-associated TTP among persons who receive cardiac stents were obtained from international cardiology laboratories. Pharmacovigilance information was obtained from package inserts for the drugs. Most thienopyridine-associated TTP cases are associated with two weeks or more of ticlopidine rather than clopidogrel, are immune-mediated involving neutralizing antibodies to ADAMTS13, resolve with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), and have spontaneous relapses. Less frequently, cases are associated with clopidogrel, occur within days of drug initiation, may be a direct result of endothelial cell damage, are less responsive to TPE, and are less likely to recur. Thienopyridine-associated TTP patients with severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity have a different profile than those with normal ADAMTS13 levels. Among thienopyridine-associated TTP patients who have ADAMTS13 deficiency, TPE is usually performed for a few days and patients recover without detectable organ damage. In contrast, among thienopyridine-associated TTP patients who do not have ADAMTS13 deficiency, several weeks of TPE is required for recovery, and 30% mortality rates have been reported. Despite similar chemical structures, ticlopidine- and clopidogrel-associated TTP probably occur by different mechanisms and have different clinical presentations and expected outcomes. Clinical Characteristics Onset Platelet Count &lt;20,000 (%) Creatinine ≤2 mg/dl (%) Neurologic Symptoms (%) Mortality With TPE/Without TPE (%) Relapse *p &lt; 0.05 ticlopidine 10%* &lt;2 weeks; 90% 2-12 weeks 84* 28* 28 15/44 Occasional clopidogrel 74%*≤2 weeks; 26% &gt; 2 weeks 60* 55* 32 28/33 Rare Epidemiology, Pharmacovigilance & Basic Science Incidence (cases per treated patients) Safety ADAMTS13 Activity (%) ADAMTS13 Antibodies (%) ticlopidine 1:1,600 “Black Box” warning &lt;10* 90* clopidogrel 1:100,000 package insert warning 50–100* 10*

AbstractImportanceNeuromyelitis optica/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients' response to therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is currently incompletely characterized.ObjectiveOur study aims to understand the clinical status improvement of neuromyelitis optica/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients treated with TPE.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis is a multicenter retrospective study conducted between 1 January 2003 and 31 July 2017 at 13 US hospitals performing apheresis procedures. Subjects studied were diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder who received TPE during presentation with acute disease.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was clinical status improvement in patients treated with TPE. Secondary measures were procedural and patient characteristics associated with response to treatment.ResultsWe evaluated 114 patients from 13 institutions. There was a female predilection. The largest ethnic group affected was non‐Hispanic Caucasian. The average age of diagnosis was 43.1 years. The average time to diagnosis was 3.1 years. On average, five procedures were performed during each treatment series. The most commonly performed plasma volume exchange was 1.0 to 1.25 using 5% albumin as replacement fluid. Most patients (52%) did not require an additional course of TPE and noted “mild” to “moderate” clinical status improvement. Maximal symptom improvement appeared by the fourth or fifth TPE treatment.Conclusion and RelevanceTPE improved the clinical status of patients. Adults responded more favorably than children. Procedural characteristics, including number of TPEs, plasma volume exchanged, and replacement fluid used, were similar between institutions. TPE was well‐tolerated and had a low severe adverse event profile.