Adult Solid Organ Transplant Recipients Research Articles

111. Assessment of Empiric Management Practices of Common Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients at a Canadian Tertiary Care Centre - A Retrospective Cohort Study

BackgroundPost-transplant infections remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR). Standardized antimicrobial treatment guidelines for infectious syndromes may contribute to improved clinical care. Our study seeks to assess the rate of therapeutic compliance with local standard guidelines in the treatment of common infections in SOTR, and their associated outcomes.MethodsConsecutive adult SOTR admitted to the transplant floor from January–May 2020 for treatment of an infectious syndrome of interest were reviewed for study inclusion. Patients were followed until discharge or for 30 days following the date of diagnosis, whichever was shorter. Data was extracted from electronic medical records.Results475 SOTR were admitted to the transplant floor, of which 156 patients (33%) were admitted with infectious syndromes. Guidelines were applicable to 117 patients, constituting the following 122 syndromes: 51 pneumonias; 34 urinary tract infections (UTI); 22 bacteremias and 15 intra-abdominal infections (Fig. 1). Intra-abdominal infections occurred earliest at a median time of 9 months post-transplant followed by bacteremias, pneumonias, and UTIs (medians 10, 38 and 54 months respectively) (Table 1). 47% of patients were empirically treated with a regimen compliant with guidelines and 66% were provided compliant tailored therapies. Non-compliance with empiric management guidelines resulted in a significantly higher proportion of patients requiring ICU transfer when compared to compliance (25% vs. 9%; P = .02) (Table 2). Non-compliance with tailoring protocols resulted in an increased overall length of stay (medians 11 days vs. 8 days; P = .04). Within 30 days of discharge, no differences in readmission, development of Clostridium difficile infection, rejection, graft loss or death were observed between patients receiving compliant or non-compliant regimens.Figure 1. Study Flow Diagram Table 1. Baseline Characteristics of Patient Cohort Table 2. Outcomes of compliant vs. non-compliant treatment in patients receiving antimicrobial therapy for an infectious syndrome ConclusionNon-compliance with locally developed antimicrobial management guidelines resulted in a higher proportion of patients being transferred to the ICU and an increased length of stay in our cohort, highlighting the benefits of adherence. Future studies will assess long-term outcomes associated with compliance to infection management guidelines.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Response to “SARS-CoV-2 vaccine effectiveness trumps immunogenicity in solid organ transplant recipients”

We recently reported a SARS-CoV-2 infection breakthrough rate of 0.65% (3/459) among fully vaccinated adult solid organ transplant recipients (SOTr) at our institution as of May 18,2021(1). The majority of fully vaccinated SOTr consisted of kidney recipients (319/459, 70%), with a minority of liver (85/459, 19%), heart (41/459, 9%), and multi-visceral transplants (11/459, 2%). Sixty-five percent was on a mycophenolate-containing regimen (Table 1) and mycophenolate with tacrolimus and prednisone was the most common regimen (33%). In response to our letter, Mossad(2) pointed out that our findings may not be generalizable to other centers whose SOTr population may be more highly immunosuppressed and/or more vulnerable to respiratory infections such as lung and multi-visceral SOTr. Furthermore, Mossad noted that SOTr with prior undocumented SARS-CoV-2 infection and thus with some level of protection from reinfection might have been included.

Abstract 11644: Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Adult Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Introduction: Data on the incidence and prevalence of HCM in adult post-transplant patients are limited. We describe the characteristics of adult solid organ transplant recipients diagnosed with HCM at a single center. Methods: Solid organ transplant recipients with LV wall thickness > 13 mm on TTE were included in this retrospective analysis. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were abstracted. Categorical variables were described as n (%). Continuous variables were described with medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) and compared using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. A 2-sided p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Twelve transplant recipients — 3 (25%) lung, 5 (42%) kidney, 4 (33%) liver — were identified. Half (50%) were women, and 42% were non-White. One kidney transplant patient had a pathogenic variant in Myosin Binding Protein C (MYBPC3 c.3190+1G>A), and one kidney transplant patient had a likely pathogenic variant in Myosin Heavy Chain 7 (MYH7 c.5561C>T). Most (75%) had NYHA II-III symptoms. Five (42%) had hypertension. 10 (83%) were treated with tacrolimus and 2 (17%) with cyclosporine for a median 11.5 years (IQR 5.0,17.5). All had normal to hyperdynamic LVEF on first TTE (median LVEF 72.5% [IQR 60,75]). Median septal thickness at diagnosis was significantly greater than LV posterior wall thickness (17 vs. 13 mm, p <0.001). Seven had resting LVOT gradients >50 mm Hg. Nine (75%) were on beta-blocker, and 3 (25%) were concomitantly on calcium channel blocker. Four patients underwent successful septal reduction therapy: 2 (kidney) with septal myectomy and 2 (lung, kidney) with alcohol septal ablation. Conclusions: We report the largest series of adult solid organ transplant recipients with HCM. Symptomatic HCM with dynamic LVOT obstruction can develop in solid organ transplant recipients. Medical management and septal reduction therapy are options for severe symptomatic disease. Prospective study of LVH in these patients is needed.

Recurrent nocardiosis in solid organ transplant recipients: An evaluation of secondary prophylaxis.

Immunocompromised individuals are at risk for Nocardia infection, with a recurrence rate of approximately 5%. Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients often receive secondary prophylaxis due to their requirement of lifelong immunosuppression. However, data supporting this practice is sparse. We sought to evaluate Nocardia recurrence in SOT recipients, specifically evaluating secondary prophylaxis. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of SOT recipients diagnosed with nocardiosis from 2000 through 2020. We included adult SOT recipients who completed their course of Nocardia therapy and had at least 6months of posttherapy follow-up. The primary outcome was Nocardia recurrence, which included relapse and reinfection. One hundred two patients met inclusion criteria. Sixty-six (64.7%) were male and mean age was 58.6 ± 11.7years. Most common SOT types were kidney (46.1%), heart (18.6%), kidney-pancreas (11.8%), and lung (10.8%). Most common sites of infection were lung (85.3%), skin (17.6%), and brain (14.7%). Secondary prophylaxis was utilized in 53 (52.0%) patients. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) single-strength daily was the most common prophylaxis agent and dose. Five patients (4.9%) experienced Nocardia recurrence, three of which were receiving secondary prophylaxis at time of recurrence. Two recurrences were with the same Nocardia species. Factors associated with recurrence were lung transplantation (p=.011), chronic lung disease (p=.032), and treatment ≤120days (p=.006). Time from treatment completion to recurrence ranged from 107 to 875days. Nocardia recurrence in SOT recipients is an uncommon event. TMP-SMX secondary prophylaxis is incompletely protective and recurrence may be dependent upon other factors. Further study of secondary prophylaxis is warranted.

Modified Risk-Stratified Sequential Treatment in B-Cell Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD) after Solid Organ Transplantation (SOT): The Prospective Multicenter Phase II PTLD-2 Trial

Modified Risk-Stratified Sequential Treatment in B-Cell Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD) after Solid Organ Transplantation (SOT): The Prospective Multicenter Phase II PTLD-2 Trial

Remote Mobile Outpatient Monitoring in Transplant (Reboot) 2.0: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundThe number of solid organ transplants in Canada has increased 33% over the past decade. Hospital readmissions are common within the first year after transplant and are linked to increased morbidity and mortality. Nearly half of these admissions to the hospital appear to be preventable. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies hold promise to reduce admission to the hospital and improve patient outcomes, as they allow real-time monitoring and timely clinical intervention.ObjectiveThis study aims to determine whether an innovative mHealth intervention can reduce hospital readmission and unscheduled visits to the emergency department or transplant clinic. Our second objective is to assess the use of clinical and continuous ambulatory physiologic data to develop machine learning algorithms to predict the risk of infection, organ rejection, and early mortality in adult heart, kidney, and liver transplant recipients.MethodsRemote Mobile Outpatient Monitoring in Transplant (Reboot) 2.0 is a two-phased single-center study to be conducted at the University Health Network in Toronto, Canada. Phase one will consist of a 1-year concealed randomized controlled trial of 400 adult heart, kidney, and liver transplant recipients. Participants will be randomized to receive either personalized communication using an mHealth app in addition to standard of care phone communication (intervention group) or standard of care communication only (control group). In phase two, the prior collected data set will be used to develop machine learning algorithms to identify early markers of rejection, infection, and graft dysfunction posttransplantation. The primary outcome will be a composite of any unscheduled hospital admission, visits to the emergency department or transplant clinic, following discharge from the index admission. Secondary outcomes will include patient-reported outcomes using validated self-administered questionnaires, 1-year graft survival rate, 1-year patient survival rate, and the number of standard of care phone voice messages.ResultsAt the time of this paper’s completion, no results are available.ConclusionsBuilding from previous work, this project will aim to leverage an innovative mHealth app to improve outcomes and reduce hospital readmission in adult solid organ transplant recipients. Additionally, the development of machine learning algorithms to better predict adverse health outcomes will allow for personalized medicine to tailor clinician-patient interactions and mitigate the health care burden of a growing patient population.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04721288; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04721288International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/26816

Perspectives of solid organ transplant recipients on medicine-taking: Systematic review of qualitative studies

Medicine-taking among transplant recipients is a complex and ubiquitous task with significant impacts on outcomes. This study aimed to describe the perspectives and experiences of medicine-taking in adult solid organ transplant recipients. Electronic databases were searched to July 2020, and thematic synthesis was used to analyze the data. From 119 studies (n=2901), we identified six themes: threats to identity and ambitions (impaired self-image, restricting goals and roles, loss of financial independence); navigating through uncertainty and distrust (lacking tangible/perceptible benefits, unprepared for side effects, isolation in decision-making); alleviating treatment burdens (establishing and mastering routines, counteracting side effects, preparing for the unexpected); gaining and seeking confidence (clarity with knowledge, reassurance through collective experiences, focusing on the future outlook); recalibrating to a new normal posttransplant (adjusting to ongoing dependence on medications, in both states of illness and health, unfulfilled expectations); and preserving graft survival (maintaining the ability to participate in life, avoiding rejection, enacting a social responsibility of giving back). Transplant recipients take medications to preserve graft function, but dependence on medications jeopardizes their sense of normality. Interventions supporting the adaptation to medicine-taking and addressing treatment burdens may improve patient satisfaction and capacities to take medications for improved outcomes.

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Risk Factors for Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Adult Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

There is no consensus guidance on when to reinitiate Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) prophylaxis in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients at increased risk. The 2019 American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice (AST IDCOP) guidelines suggested to continue or reinstitute PJP prophylaxis in those receiving intensified immunosuppression for graft rejection, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, higher dose of corticosteroids, or prolonged neutropenia. A literature search was conducted evaluating all literature from existence through April 22, 2020, using MEDLINE and EMBASE. (The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews registration number: CRD42019134204). A total of 30 studies with 413 276 SOT recipients were included. The following factors were associated with PJP development: acute rejection (pooled odds ratio [pOR], 2.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-3.26); study heterogeneity index [I2] = 23.4%), CMV-related illnesses (pOR, 3.14; 95% CI, 2.30-4.29; I2 = 48%), absolute lymphocyte count <500 cells/mm3 (pOR, 6.29; 95% CI, 3.56-11.13; I2 = 0%), BK polyomavirus-related diseases (pOR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.22-5.49; I2 = 0%), HLA mismatch ≥3 (pOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.06-3.17; I2 = 0%), rituximab use (pOR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.82-5.04; I2 = 0%), and polyclonal antibodies use for rejection (pOR, 3.92; 95% CI, 1.87-8.19; I2 = 0%). On the other hand, sex, CMV mismatch, interleukin-2 inhibitors, corticosteroids for rejection, and plasmapheresis were not associated with developing PJP. PJP prophylaxis should be considered in SOT recipients with lymphopenia, BK polyomavirus-related infections, and rituximab exposure in addition to the previously mentioned risk factors in the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice guidelines.

Health-related quality of life, uncertainty and coping strategies in solid organ transplant recipients during shielding for the COVID-19 pandemic.

SummaryStrict isolation of vulnerable individuals has been a strategy implemented by authorities to protect people from COVID‐19. Our objective was to investigate health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), uncertainty and coping behaviours in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients during the COVID‐19 pandemic. A cross‐sectional survey of adult SOT recipients undergoing follow‐up at our institution was performed. Perceived health status, uncertainty and coping strategies were assessed using the EQ‐5D‐5L, Short‐form Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (SF‐MUIS) and Brief Cope, respectively. Interactions with COVID‐19 risk perception, access to health care, demographic and clinical variables were assessed. The survey was completed by 826 of 3839 (21.5%) invited participants. Overall, low levels of uncertainty in illness were reported, and acceptance was the major coping strategy (92%). Coping by acceptance, feeling protected, self‐perceived susceptibility to COVID‐19 were associated with lower levels of uncertainty. Health status index scores were significantly lower for those with mental health illness, compromised access to health care, a perceived high risk of severe COVID‐19 infection and higher levels of uncertainty. A history of mental health illness, risk perceptions, restricted healthcare access, uncertainty and coping strategies was associated with poorer HRQoL in SOT recipients during strict isolation. These findings may allow identification of strategies to improve HRQoL in SOT recipients during the pandemic.

Impact of tacrolimus variability on pediatric heart transplant outcomes.

Tacrolimus is a narrow therapeutic index drug, requiring consistent levels to maximize transplant success while reducing adverse effects. Elevated tacrolimus level variability (ETLV) is associated with poor outcomes in both pediatric and adult solid organ transplant recipients. We sought to describe the prevalence of ETLV and identify associations with patient-specific factors and poor outcomes. Tacrolimus levels were evaluated from 118 patients at our single center. As a marker of variability, standard deviations (SD) were calculated for each patient from their entire tacrolimus level data set (global SD), and 1-2years and 1-5years post-HT (prediction window SDs). SD ≥3 denoted ETLV. There was large variability in tacrolimus levels (median global SD 3.1; IQR 2.3, 4; SD ≥3, n=64, 54%). Patients with elevated SD (≥3) vs lower SD (<3) were more likely to have poor outcomes including rejection (73% vs 46%), cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV, 22% vs 9%), and death (20% vs 6%). The prediction window analysis noted ETLV was associated with a 40% greater risk of CAV, re-HT, or death (p=.024) and increasing age at transplantation was associated with a 12% increase in the risk of rejection (p=<.001) and a 19% increase in the risk of a composite event (p=.021). ETLV is prevalent in the pediatric HT population with increased frequency of poor outcomes in those with SD ≥3. ETLV is an easily accessible marker with which to risk-stratify patients.

Incidence of herpes zoster in adult solid organ transplant recipients: A meta-analysis and comprehensive review.

Chronic immunosuppressive therapy in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients can trigger latent varicella zoster virus reactivation even in those with stable graft function. The inactivated herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine can be effective in preventing post-transplant HZ, which can cause severe neuralgia or disseminated disease. This meta-analysis aims to assess the incidences of HZ across transplant organs in SOT recipients. We included 12 observational studies (6560 recipients) from a PubMed and EMBASE search of articles through October 2019 and collected data from single-center dating from January 2001 to December 2017 (3498 recipients). The pooled HZ incidence and its differences between subgroups were obtained from random-effect models and meta-analysis of variance tests using R package. The overall pooled crude incidence was 9.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.6%-10.8%). The pooled incidence was similar between sexes but significantly different between transplanted organs (P<.001). Heart transplants (HT) (n=644) have the highest pooled incidence with 15.2% (95% CI, 12.7%-18.2%), followed by lung transplants (LTX) (n=780) with 11.0% (8.3%-14.4%). Kidney transplants (n=5435) have the lowest incidence of 6.7 (5.1%-8.8%). The meta-regression analysis revealed that HZ development had a relationship with past graft rejection (P=.024). These data support the need for subunit HZ vaccination in SOT recipients with a high risk for HZ, especially HT and LTX recipients, without respect to the late post-transplant period.

An Observational Prospective Cohort Study of Incidence and Outcome of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Hemophilus influenzae Infections in Adult Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) and Hemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) are among the main vaccine-preventable bacterial infections in immunocompromised individuals including solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. There is a lack of information about incidence and outcomes of these infections in SOT recipients. Methods: We determined the incidence of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae, the related hospitalization, and 30- and 180-days mortality in a large cohort of 1182 adult SOT recipients. We calculated 95% confidence intervals (CI) of incidence rate (IR) using Byar’s approximation to the Poisson distribution. Results: The overall IR of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae were 1086 (95% CI, 796–1448) and 1293 (95% CI, 974–1687) per 100,000 person-years of follow-up (PYFU), respectively. The IR of invasive infections were 76 (95% CI, 21–202) and 25 (95% CI, 2.3–118) per 100,000 PYFU, respectively. Hospital admission was required in >50%, 30-days mortality was 0, and 180-days mortality was 8.8% and 4.5% after S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae infections, respectively. Conclusions: The IR of invasive S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae infections in SOT recipients were much higher than reports from the general population in Denmark. Furthermore, a large proportion of infected SOT recipients were hospitalized. These findings highlight the need for further studies to assess uptake and immunogenicity of vaccines against S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae in SOT recipients.

Quality of the reporting of exercise interventions in solid organ transplant recipients: a systematic review

Background:Exercise training programs must be described in detail to facilitate replication and implementation. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of exercise training program description in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Methods: We evaluated 21 RCTs reporting on exercise interventions in SOT recipients that were included in a recent systematic review/meta-analysis conducted by the research team. This previous review investigated the effects of exercise training (versus no training) in adult SOT recipients. Several databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched from inception to May 2019. Three reviewers independently rated the exercise programs for SOT using the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT). Results: Mean score of the CERT was 6/19. None of the RCTs described all items of the CERT. Items of crucial importance, such as adherence, whether the exercise was done individually or in a group, whether there were home program or non-exercise components, and the type and number of adverse events, were either not mentioned or not described in detail. Conclusion: RCTs in exercise in SOT recipients did not satisfactorily report their exercise protocols, which can lead to difficulties in replication by researchers and implementation by clinicians.

Tacrolimus Measured in Capillary Volumetric Microsamples in Pediatric Patients-A Cross-Validation Study.

Background:Therapeutic drug monitoring of tacrolimus (Tac) is mandatory in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Finger-prick microsampling is more flexible and tolerable during the therapeutic drug monitoring of tacrolimus and has been shown to be applicable in adult SOT recipients. In this study, a previously validated method applying volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) to measure Tac in adults was cross-validated in a pediatric population.Methods:Patients with SOT scheduled for standard posttransplant follow-up visits were recruited. Blood samples were obtained by trained phlebotomists using standard venipuncture and capillary microsampling, before the morning dose of Tac as well as 2 and 5 hours after dosing. Tac concentrations were quantified using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Concordance between Tac concentrations obtained with venipuncture and VAMS was evaluated using Passing–Bablok regression, calculation of absolute and relative differences, and percentage of samples within ±20% and ±30% difference.Results:A total of 39 SOT patients aged 4–18 years (22 male) were included. The median (range) predose venous blood concentration was 4.8 (2.6–13.6) mcg/L, with a difference between VAMS and venous blood samples of −0.2 ± 0.7 mcg/L. The relative mean difference was −1.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), −5.9% to 3.4%]. Ninety-two percent and 97% of the sample pairs demonstrated differences within ±20% and ±30%, respectively. Postdose (2 hours and/or 5 hours, n = 17) median concentration in venous blood was 7.9 (4.8–19.2) mcg/L. The difference between VAMS and venous blood samples was 0.1 ± 1.0 mcg/L, with a relative mean difference of −2.5% (95% confidence interval, −8.8% to 3.8%). Eighty-eight percent of the postdose sample pairs were within ±20% difference, and all were within ±30% difference.Conclusions:Tac concentrations can be accurately measured using VAMS technology in pediatric SOT recipients. This makes home-based Tac monitoring feasible in the pediatric population.

Prevalence and predictors of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among solid organ transplant recipients with confirmed infection.

It remains uncertain whether immunocompromised patients including solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients will have a robust antibody response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. We enrolled all adult SOT recipients at our center with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection who underwent antibody testing with a single commercially available anti‐nucleocapsid antibody test at least 7 days after diagnosis in a retrospective cohort. Seventy SOT recipients were studied (56% kidney, 19% lung, 14% liver ± kidney, and 11% heart ± kidney recipients). Thirty‐six (51%) had positive anti‐nucleocapsid antibody testing, and 34 (49%) were negative. Recipients of a kidney allograft were less likely to have positive antibody testing compared to those who did not receive a kidney (p = .04). In the final multivariable model, the years from transplant to diagnosis (OR 1.26, p = .002) and baseline immunosuppression with more than two agents (OR 0.26, p = .03) were significantly associated with the antibody test result, controlling for kidney transplantation. In conclusion, among SOT recipients with confirmed infection, only 51% of patients had detectable anti‐nucleocapsid antibodies, and transplant‐related variables including the level and nature of immunosuppression were important predictors. These findings raise the concern that SOT recipients with COVID‐19 may be less likely to form SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies.

The effects of exercise training in adult solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Reduced exercise capacity can predispose solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients to higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular complications, and mortality and impact their quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of exercise training (versus no training) in adult SOT recipients. We conducted an electronic search of randomized controlled trials reporting on exercise interventions in SOT recipients. Primary outcomes were exercise capacity, quadriceps muscle strength, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Twenty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria. In 24 studies, there were either high risk of bias or some concerns about the potential risk of bias. There was an increase in exercise capacity (VO2 peak) (SMD: 0.40; 95%CI 0.22-0.57; P=0.0) and quadriceps muscle strength (SMD: 0.38; 95%CI 0.16-0.60; P=0.001) in the exercise vs control groups. There were also improvements in several domains of the SF-36. Diastolic blood pressure improved in the exercise group compared to controls (SMD: -0.22; 95%CI -0.41-0.03; P=0.02). Despite the considerable variation in exercise training characteristics and high risk of bias in the included studies, exercise training improved maximal exercise capacity, quadriceps muscle strength, HRQoL, and diastolic blood pressure and should be an essential part of the post-transplant care.

Tedizolid vs Linezolid for the Treatment of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

BackgroundTreatment options for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are limited by the pathogen’s intrinsic resistance profile and toxicities. Tedizolid and linezolid display in vitro activity against NTM species. However, safety data and treatment outcomes are limited in the solid organ transplant (SOT) population.MethodsThis was a single-center retrospective cohort study of adult SOT recipients receiving linezolid or tedizolid for an NTM infection from January 1, 2010, to August 31, 2019. The primary outcome compared the hematologic safety profiles of tedizolid vs linezolid. We also described nonhematological adverse drug events (ADEs) and therapy discontinuation rates. In an exploratory analysis, we assessed symptomatic microbiologic and clinical outcomes in those receiving tedizolid or linezolid for at least 4 weeks.ResultsTwenty-four patients were included (15 tedizolid, 9 linezolid). No differences were identified comparing the effects of tedizolid vs linezolid on platelet counts, absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs), and hemoglobin over 7 weeks using mixed-effects analysis of variance models. ANC was significantly decreased in both groups after 7 weeks of therapy (P = .04). Approximately 20% of patients in each arm discontinued therapy due to an ADE. Seven of 12 (58%) and 2 of 3 (67%) patients were cured or clinically cured with tedizolid- and linezolid-containing regimens, respectively.ConclusionsThis study suggests no significant safety benefit of tedizolid over linezolid for the treatment of NTM infections in SOT recipients. Tedizolid or linezolid-containing regimens demonstrated a potential benefit in symptomatic and microbiologic improvement. Larger cohorts are needed to further delineate the comparative role of linezolid and tedizolid for the treatment of NTM infections in SOT recipients.

Quality of life in women with HPV and accurary of direct visual anal inspection with acetic acid and lugol compared to high-resolution anoscopy to diagnose intraepithelial anal lesion

Abstract Objectives: to describe life quality of women with HPV and analyze the accuracy of anal visual inspection with acetic acid and lugol compared to high-resolution anoscopy in the detection of anal intraepithelial lesions. Methods: diagnostic evaluation study conducted with adult solid-organ transplant recipients and/or diagnosed with HIV and/or with a history of anogenital neoplasia, attended at the High Resolution Anoscopy outpatient clinic between April and December 2018. To calculate the accuracy parameters, 87 women participated: 44 with lesions and 43 without them. The 44 women with lesions were also subjected to a descriptive study to assess their life quality using the SF-36 questionnaire. Results: it was observed that almost half of the women in the study practiced vaginal, anal and oral intercourse without condom. History of HPV infection and anogenital neoplasia were the most prevailing with percentages of 81% and 72.7%, respectively. In five out of the eight domains of SF-36 they did not perform well in regard to life quality. Visual inspection with acetic acid and lugol presented sensitivity of 22.7% and specificity of 100%. Conclusion: unsatisfactory life quality was evidenced. Direct visual inspection with acetic acid and lugol should not be used in trials to spot intraepithelial HPV lesions, for it presents low sensitivity.

Ethics Consultation for Adult Solid Organ Transplantation Candidates and Recipients: A Single Centre Experience.

Systematic study of the intersection of ethics consultation services and solid organ transplants and recipients can identify and illustrate ethical issues that arise in the clinical care of these patients, including challenges beyond resource allocation. This was a single-centre, retrospective cohort study of all adult ethics consultations between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2017, at a large academic medical centre in the north-eastern United States. Of the 880 ethics consultations, sixty (6.8 per cent ) involved solid organ transplant, thirty-nine (65.0 per cent) for candidates and twenty-one (35.0 per cent ) for recipients. Ethics consultations were requested for 4.3 per cent of heart, 4.9 per cent of lung, 0.3 per cent of liver, and 0.3 per cent of kidney transplant recipients over the study period. Nurses were more likely to request ethics consultations for recipients than physicians (80.0 per cent vs 20.0 per cent , p = 0.006). The most common reason for consultation among transplant candidates was discussion about intensity of treatment or goals of care after the patient was not or was no longer a transplant candidate. The most common reason for ethics consultation among transplant recipients was disagreement between transplant providers and patients/families/non-transplant healthcare professionals over the appropriate intensity of treatment for recipients. Very few consultations involved questions about appropriate resource allocation. Ethics consultants involved in these cases most often navigated communication challenges between transplant and non-transplant healthcare professionals and patients and families.

Systematic Review of Safety and Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccines in Patients With Kidney Disease

Systematic Review of Safety and Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccines in Patients With Kidney Disease