Risk Factors For Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder Research Articles

EBV Reactivation and Disease in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients and Its Impact on HSCT Outcomes.

The acquisition or reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) after allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) can be associated with complications including the development of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A number of risk factors for PTLD have been defined, including T-cell depletion, and approaches to monitoring EBV, especially in high-risk patients, with the use of preemptive therapy upon viral activation have been described. Newer therapies for the preemption or treatment of PTLD, such as EBV-specific cytotoxic T-cells, hold promise. Further studies to help define risks, diagnosis, and treatment of EBV-related complications are needed in this at-risk population.

Epidemiology of Epstein-Barr Virus Chronic High Viral Load in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) chronic high viral load (CHVL) may be defined by >16 000 copies/mL whole blood or >200 copies/105 peripheral blood mononuclear cells in >50% samples exceeding 6 mo. EBV CHVL has only been characterized in a few small pediatric studies, with heterogeneous results and unclear clinical significance. Methods. This single-center observational study evaluated adult and pediatric kidney transplant recipients transplanted between 2010 and 2021 on tacrolimus/mycophenolate-based/prednisone immunosuppression. The primary outcome was EBV CHVL prevalence. Secondary outcomes included recipient characteristics, DNAemia kinetics, and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in recipients with EBV CHVL versus low-grade DNAemia or no DNAemia. Results. Five hundred forty-one recipients had a mean follow-up of 4.6 y. Fourteen recipients (2.6%) developed EBV CHVL, 70 (12.9%) had low-grade EBV DNAemia, and 457 (84.5%) had no EBV DNAemia. EBV CHVL was more common in recipients who were Caucasian (P = 0.04), younger (P = 0.04), received induction immunosuppression (P = 0.02), and had high-risk donor–recipient EBV serologic mismatch (P < 0.0001). CHVL patients had a higher first viral load (P = 0.03), longer time to maximum viral load (P = 0.02), and did not achieve sustained DNAemia clearance versus low-grade DNAemia. Three EBV-positive PTLD cases occurred in recipients with a history of EBV DNAemia. PTLD was present in 7.1% (1/14) CHVL versus 2.9% (2/70) low-grade DNAemia patients (P = 0.002). EBV DNAemia developed in 32 EBV seronegative recipients (32/59; 54%); clearance was achieved in 70% (14/20) with low-grade DNAemia but no CHVL (0/12; P = 0.0001). Conclusions. CHVL was uncommon and appeared to occur after primary EBV infection. Future studies should explore other potentially modifiable risk factors for PTLD, including optimal management of EBV DNAemia.

A Pathology Experience of Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder From One Tertiary Hospital: Pathology Concepts and Diagnostic Approach.

Solid organ transplantation and bone marrow/hematologic stem cell transplantation recipients face a heightened risk of developing malignancies or cancer as a result of immunosuppression. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are a range of disorders from benign lymphoid growth to lymphoma found post-transplant. Risk factors for PTLD include high immunosuppressive use and oncogenic effects of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). There is a lack of comprehensive clinical and pathological documentation of PTLD cases among Saudi patients, and the available data are limited to a few case reports. As a result, a deeper understanding of this disease requires more clinicopathological information. In this review, we share our insights on cases diagnosed with PTLD at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, a prominent tertiary center in the western region of Saudi Arabia, from 2005-2023. We have diagnosed a total of 14 cases of PTLD in our department, with an age range spanning from 3 to 62 years. These diagnoses were made based on biopsies or tumor resection procedures. The survival rate of patients is believed to be influenced by multiple factors, including histology, tumorigenesis, disease biology, and clinical stage. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier curve analysis indicates that female patients tend to have a higher estimated survival rate compared to males. PTLD diagnosis and therapy have greatly improved in the past 20 years. PTLD is treated with reduced immunosuppression, rituximab, chemotherapy, adoptive therapy, surgery, antiviral therapy, and radiotherapy. In this study, we present our experience from a large tertiary center in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, we will go through etiology, clinical features, and pathologic morphology along with the corresponding genetics, prevention, and valid treatment options.

Effect of preoperative long-term use of corticosteroids on the development of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders after lung transplantation: a single-center experience in Japan.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a major complication of lung transplantation (LTx). However, few studies on PTLD in Asian populations have been reported. We explored the characteristics of Japanese PTLD cases after LTx. We retrospectively reviewed 195 cases of LTx at our institute. We summarized the clinical experiences of 7 PTLD cases and analyzed the patient characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with (n = 7) and without (n = 188) PTLD. All PTLD patients were taking corticosteroids preoperatively (p = 0.0030), and the duration of preoperative corticosteroid therapy was significantly longer in the PTLD group (p = 0.0064) than in the non-PTLD group. The overall survival after LTx was significantly worse in the PTLD group (p = 0.027) than in the non-PLTD group. Among the three patients who died within 1year after the PTLD onset, two died of opportunistic infections without residual PTLD lesions. Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) or bronchiolitis obliterans at an autopsy were diagnosed after PTLD treatment in four cases. Long-term preoperative corticosteroid therapy may be a risk factor for PTLD after LTx. Opportunistic infections are lethal complications of PTLD, regardless of the effectiveness of PTLD treatment. CLAD occurs at a high rate after PTLD treatment, and close monitoring is required.

Foremost Concepts in Mechanisms of De Novo Post-Liver Transplantation Malignancy

In liver transplant patients, solid tumors and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) have emerged as significant long-term mortality causes. Additionally, it is assumed that de novo malignancy (DNM) after liver transplantation (LT) is the second-leading cause of death after cardiovascular complications. Well-established risk factors for PTLD and solid tumors are calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), tacrolimus (TAC), and cyclosporine, the cornerstones of all immunosuppressive (IS) therapies used after LT. The loss of immunocompetence facilitated by the host immune system due to prolonged IS therapy leads to cancer development, including in LT patients. Hindering DNA repair mechanisms, promoting tumor cell invasiveness, and hampering apoptosis are critical events in tumorigenesis and tumor growth in LT patients resulting from IS administration. This paper aims to overview the refined mechanisms of IS-induced tumorigenesis after LT and the loss of immunocompetence facilitated by the host immune system due to prolonged IS therapy. In addition, we also discuss in detail the mechanisms of action in different types of IS regimen used after LT, and their putative effect on DNM.

High numbers of programmed cell death-1-positive tumor infiltrating lymphocytes correlate with early onset of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a life-threatening complication of transplantation. In addition to reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus in immunocompromised patients, impaired tumor immunity is suggested to be a risk factor for PTLD. However, it remains unclear whether immune suppressive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) correlate with the occurrence or prognosis of PTLD. We analyzed TILs in 26 patients with PTLD to elucidate the clinicopathological significance of the expression of PD-1 and FoxP3, which are associated with exhausted T-cells and regulatory T-cells (Tregs), respectively. Numbers of PD-1+ TILs in the PTLD specimens were significantly higher in patients who developed PTLD early after transplantation (P = 0.0040), while numbers of FoxP3+ TILs were not (P = 0.184). There was no difference in overall response rate regardless of the expression of PD-1 or FoxP3. FoxP3high patients tended to have a shorter time to progression compared with FoxP3low patients, especially in the case of FoxP3high patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma-subtype PTLD (P = 0.011), while PD-1high patients did not. These results suggest that T-cell exhaustion may be mainly associated with PTLD development, while immune suppression by Tregs may be dominant in enhanced progression of PTLD following disease occurrence.

Analysis of Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD) Outcomes with Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) Assessments—A Single Tertiary Referral Center Experience and Review of Literature

Simple SummaryPost-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are lymphoid or plasmacytic proliferations that develop in up to 10–15% of immunosuppressed recipients of solid organ transplantation (SOT), bone marrow and/or hematopoietic stem cell allograft. Its prevalence is expected to rise as transplant numbers increase. We performed a single-center retrospective study on the characteristics and outcomes of PTLD at our center in the rituximab era. Infants have been suggested to be a unique population of patients who develop PTLD later due to delayed Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection and the presence of maternal antibodies. We found that when compared to older cohorts, infant recipients of SOT had a numerically longer time to PTLD diagnosis. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) positivity has not been shown to impact survival of patients with PTLD, but we suggest that EBV viral load at time of diagnosis could be investigated further as a marker of survival in patients with EBV-positive PTLD.Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are lymphoid or plasmacytic proliferations ranging from polyclonal reactive proliferations to overt lymphomas that develop as consequence of immunosuppression in recipients of solid organ transplantation (SOT) or allogeneic bone marrow/hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Immunosuppression and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection are known risk factors for PTLD. Patients with documented histopathologic diagnosis of primary PTLD at our institution between January 2000 and October 2019 were studied. Sixty-six patients with PTLD following SOT were followed for a median of 9.0 years. The overall median time from transplant to PTLD diagnosis was 5.5 years, with infant transplants showing the longest time to diagnosis at 12.0 years, compared to pediatric and adolescent transplants at 4.0 years and adult transplants at 4.5 years. The median overall survival (OS) was 19.0 years. In the monomorphic diffuse large B-cell (M-DLBCL-PTLD) subtype, median OS was 10.7 years, while median OS for polymorphic subtype was not yet reached. There was no significant difference in OS in patients with M-DLBCL-PTLD stratified by quantitative EBV viral load over and under 100,000 copies/mL at time of diagnosis, although there was a trend towards worse prognosis in those with higher copies.

Transplantation for congenital heart disease is associated with an increased risk of Epstein-Barr virus–related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in children

Children undergoing heart transplant are at higher risk of developing post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) than other solid organ recipients. The factors driving that risk are unclear. This study investigated risk factors for PTLD in children transplanted at 1 of 2 United Kingdom pediatric cardiac transplantation centers. All children (<18 years, n = 200) transplanted at our institution over a 16-year period were analyzed. Freedom from PTLD was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional regression. PTLD occurred in 17 of 71 children transplanted for congenital heart disease (CHD) and 18 of 129 transplanted for acquired cardiomyopathy (ACM). The cumulative incidence of all PTLD was 21.1% at 5 years after transplant. Median time from transplant to PTLD was 2.9 years (interquartile range: 0.9-4.6). Negative Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serostatus pre-transplant (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3-5.6, p = 0.01) and underlying CHD (adjusted HR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.4-7.4, p = 0.007) were independently associated with higher risk of PTLD. Age at thymectomy was significantly different between children with CHD and ACM (0.4 vs 5.5 years, p < 0.01). Median CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts at 2years after transplant were significantly lower in children transplanted for CHD vs ACM (CD4+: 391/µl vs 644/µl, p = 0.01; CD8+: 382/µl vs 500/µl, p = 0.01). At 5years after transplant, those differences persisted among patients who developed PTLD (CD4+, 430/µl vs 963/µl, p < 0.01 and CD8+, 367/µl vs 765/µl, p < 0.01). Underlying CHD is an independent risk factor for PTLD and is associated with a younger age at thymectomy. A persistent association with altered T lymphocyte subsets may contribute to the impaired response to primary EBV infection and increase the risk of PTLD.

Incidence and outcome of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders in lung transplant patients: Analysis of ISHLT Registry

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a life-threatening complication following lung transplant. We studied incidence and risk factors for PTLD in adult lung transplant recipients (LTRs) using the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Registry. The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Registry was used to identify adult, first-time, single and bilateral LTRs with at least 1 year of follow-up between 2006 and 2016. Kaplan-Meier method was used to describe the timing and distribution of PTLD. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine clinical characteristics associated with PTLD. Of 19,309 LTRs in the analysis cohort, we identified 454 cases of PTLD. Cumulative incidence of PTLD was 1.1% (95% CI = 1.0%-1.3%) at 1 year and 4.1%(95% CI = 3.6%-4.6%) at 10years. Of the PTLD cases, 47.4% occurred within the first year following lung transplantation. In the multivariable model, independent risk factors for PTLD included age, Epstein-Barr virus serostatus, restrictive lung diseases, and induction. Risk of PTLD during the first year after transplant increased with increasing age in patients between 45 and 62 years at time of transplantation; the inverse was true for ages <45 years or >62 years. Finally, receiving a donor organ with human leukocyte antigen types A1 and A24 was associated with an increased risk of PTLD, whereas the recipient human leukocyte antigen type DR11 was associated with a decreased risk. Our study indicates that PTLD is a relatively rare complication among adult LTRs. We identified clinical characteristics that are associated with an increased risk of PTLD.

Low incidence of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with lymphoma treated with rituximab.

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Several studies of risk factors for PTLD have been reported; however, the probability of, and risk factors for, PTLD in patients with lymphoma is unknown. Japanese nationwide transplant registry data from 5270 patients with lymphoma after allogeneic HSCT were analyzed. Mature B-cell, T/NK-cell, and T-cell lymphoblastic subtypes accounted for 49%, 26%, and 9.6% of lymphoma cases, respectively. Rituximab was used in 1678 lymphoma patients, most of whom (89%) received HSCT for mature B-cell lymphoma. Thirty-one patients with lymphoma developed PTLD, representing a probability of 0.77% at 2 years post-HSCT, which did not differ significantly from that in patients with other diseases (P = .98). Year of HSCT after 2010 (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.6, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48-21.3), antithymocyte globulin (ATG) use in the conditioning regimen (HR = 4.5, 95% CI, 1.61-12.5), and no rituximab use before HSCT (HR = 3.2, 95% CI, 1.26-7.90) were identified as risk factors for PTLD. Probabilities of PTLD at 1 year post-HSCT according to rituximab and ATG use were 0.23% (rituximab+, ATG-), 0.75% (rituximab-, ATG-), 1.25% (rituximab+, ATG+), and 3.53% (rituximab-, ATG+). Regarding lymphoma subtypes, patients with mature B-cell lymphoma had the lowest incidence of PTLD (0.35% at 2 years). Among high-risk patients receiving ATG, the mortality rate due to infection was elevated in those previously treated with rituximab (22%) relative to those without (14%); however, the difference was not significant (P = .10). Rituximab use before HSCT significantly reduces the risk of PTLD. Adding rituximab to the conditioning regimen is potentially a good strategy to prevent the development of PTLD in high-risk patients.

2007 Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder: A Rare Cause of Gastrointestinal Blood Loss Anemia

INTRODUCTION: Post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a rare complication after solid organ or stem cell transplant. Gastrointestinal tract is a common site of PTLD proliferation but PTLD related GI bleeding is rare. WE here by present a young Caucasian male on chronic immunosuppression for disease donor kidney transplant who presented with severe iron deficiency anemia related to GI blood loss from PTLD. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 33-year-old Caucasian male with H/O Alport syndrome with ESRD S/P kidney transplant in 2012 on chronic immunosuppression with azathioprine and tacrolimus presented with 3 months of abdominal pain and intermittent melena. Hb was 5.4 g/dl, iron 7 mg/dl, ferritin 5 ng/ml. CT abdomen with dilated ileal loop with wall thickening and lobular contour. After resuscitation, patient underwent EGD and colonoscopy. EGD was unremarkable and colonoscopy revealed normal colon but nodular pattern in the terminal ileum (Figure 1). Multiple biopsies were taken. Histopathology and immunohistochemical staining were noted as florid follicular hyperplasia and rare EBV-positive cells, compatible with non-destructive PTLD (Figure 2) and positive CD 20 and high KI-67 proliferation index (Figure 3). Patients was discharged with reduction of his immunosuppressant therapy along with weekly rituximab. DISCUSSION: Gastrointestinal tract is the most common extranodal location of PTLD. EBV is a risk factor for PTLD and is associated with more than 80% of cases. Uncontrolled proliferation of EBV transformed B cells in the setting of compromised T cell mediated immunity due to immune suppression is involved in the pathogenesis if PTLD. Gastrointestinal manifestations may include obstruction, perforation and, very rarely, bleeding. Endoscopic manifestation include ulcers or nodular lesions with or without central ulceration and histologically lymphoid hyperplasia to lymphoma with nearly 80% positive EBV staining. Management is reduction of immune suppression; R-CHOP is an alternative in high risk patients. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment is cornerstone of PTLD gastrointestinal involvement.

INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO HERPESVIRUS COMPLICATIONS IN PULMONARY FIBROSIS LUNG TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS WITH SHORT TELOMERES

SESSION TITLE: Late Breaking Pulmonary Fibrosis SESSION TYPE: Original Investigations PRESENTED ON: 10/22/2019 08:45 AM - 09:45 AM PURPOSE: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is the leading indication for lung transplantation in North America, however transplant survival rates in this population lag behind all other end-stage lung diseases. Herpesvirus infectious complications are common causes of morbidity and mortality among lung transplant recipients (LTRs). We recently demonstrated that a high percentage of IPF lung transplant recipients (IPF-LTRs) have short lymphocyte telomere length (short TL) using flow cytometry and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection continues to be one of the most common opportunistic infections in LTRs and is associated with chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a herpesvirus transplant complication that is associated with significant mortality. METHODS: We performed retrospective outcomes analyses combined with genetic analyses in a single institution LTR cohort. RESULTS: We have shown that IPF-LTRs with short TL have increased susceptibility to CMV viremia and other CMV complications post-transplant, compared to age-matched non-IPF-LTRs (P < 0.01). In addition, we find that IPF-LTRs with short TL demonstrate impaired CMV-specific T cell immunity compared to non-IPF-LTRs. We evaluated a cohort of 611 LTRs at our institution from 2010-2016 for EBV-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) and found 28 cases of PTLD (4.6% incidence). Of these, 12/28 patients (43%) were IPF-LTRs and IPF was a risk factor associated with PTLD (Odds ratio: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.2-6.9; P<0.02). Kaplan Meier analyses demonstrated a significant decreased freedom from EBV-associated PTLD among IPF-LTRs (P<0.02), as well as decreased survival with PTLD in IPF-LTRs with PTLD (P<0.05). In addition, EBV mismatch (donor+/recipient-), a known risk factor for PTLD, carried an increased risk (Odds ratio: 6.9; 95% CI 2.3-20.9; P<0.001), while other factors such as male sex or age (risk factors for IPF) were not associated with increase risk for PTLD. Using both targeted exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing approaches, we found genetic mutations in either telomere or telomere-maintenance genes associated with the short telomere syndrome among both the CMV cohort and IPF-LTRs with EBV-PTLD. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these data highlight a predominance of short TL among current IPF-LTRs, along with increased susceptibility to herpesvirus complications in IPF-LTRs as manifestations of the short telomere syndrome. The identification of IPF-LTRs at increased risk for herpesvirus complications using telomere length and genome sequencing, may allow the development of clinical strategies to mitigate these post-transplant complications. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Short telomeres are common in IPF LTRs. Stratification of risk for CMV and EBV-PTLD can advance strategies to mitigate adverse clinical outcomes. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Jonathan Alder, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Stefanie Hannan, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Carlo Iasella, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Ritchie Koshy, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by John McDyer, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Matthew Morrell, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Seyed Mehdi Nouraie, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Joseph Pilewski, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Iulia Popescu, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Pablo Sanchez, source=Web Response no disclosure on file for Fernanda Silveira; No relevant relationships by Spencer Winters, source=Web Response

Long-Term Evaluation of Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders in Paediatric Heart Transplantation in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

We sought to better define the demographics and characteristics of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) in a cohort of paediatric OHT patients from a developing country. Data were collected from the Heart Institute, Sao Paulo, for all paediatric OHT recipients from October 1992 to October 2018. Group differences between the PTLD and non-PTLD cohorts were assessed by Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney U tests. Kaplan-Meier curves analysed the survival in each group. Data were reviewed for 202 paediatric OHT recipients. Overall 1-, 5- and 10-year survival for the entire cohort was 76.5%, 68.3% and 62.9%; 24 patients (11.9%) developed PTLD at a median 3.1years (IQR 0.8-9.0) after OHT. Cases were evenly spread over the follow-up period, with PTLD diagnosed in 9.8% (n = 137) of patients who were alive at 3years, 15.3% (n = 78) of patients who were alive at 5years and 29.3% (n = 41) of patients who were alive at 10years. The commonest form of PTLD was diffuse large B cell lymphoma (n = 9), and most patients received rituximab with immunosuppression and chemotherapy as treatment (n = 15). We identified no increased risk in mortality amongst the PTLD vs. non-PTLD cohorts in multivariate analysis (P = 0.365). PTLD after paediatric OHT had acceptable outcomes. However, risk factors for PTLD were not identified and warrant further investigation.

Incidence, Risk Factors, Clinical Management, and Outcomes of Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a severe complication after kidney transplantation. This study examined the incidence, risk factors, clinical management, and outcomes of PTLD in a cohort of kidney transplant recipients. This single-center cohort study included 1642 patients transplanted from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2012, with follow-up until December 31, 2013. The incidence and risk factors for PTLD were examined using a Cox proportional hazards model. A Cox model was also used to assess the association of PTLD and graft outcomes. Sixteen recipients developed PTLD over follow-up. The incidence rate was 0.18 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11-0.29) cases per 100 person-years. Four were from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) mismatched (D+/R-) transplants and 12 from EBV-positive recipients (R+). Recipients with D+/R- matches were at a significantly higher risk of developing PTLD than R+ (hazard ratio [HR]: 7.52 [95% CI: 2.42-23.32]). Fifteen cases had immunosuppression reduced, 11 cases were supplemented with rituximab or ganciclovir, 6 cases required chemotherapy or radiation, and 6 cases had tumors excised. By the end of follow-up, 6 patients went into remission, 5 returned to chronic dialysis, and 5 patients died. Patients with PTLD were significantly more likely to have total graft failure (return to chronic dialysis, preemptive retransplant, or death with graft function) than patients without PTLD (HR: 3.41 [95% CI: 1.72-6.78). Epstein-Barr virus mismatch continues to be a strong risk factor for developing PTLD after kidney transplantation. Recipients with PTLD have a poor prognosis, as the optimal management remains to be elucidated.

Risk Factors and Predictive Scoring System for Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Risk Factors and Predictive Scoring System for Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Risk of Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders (PTLD) in Solid Organ Transplantation Patients with EBV Viremia

Introduction Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are mostly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive lymphoid proliferations resulting from immunosuppression following allogeneic stem cell or solid organ transplantation (SOT). Despite this strong association, there is a lack of data evaluating the risk of PTLD in SOT patients (pts) with (w/) EBV viremia. The significance of EBV detection remains unclear and can lead to unwarranted preemptive treatments in SOT pts. The aim of this study is to assess the association between peripheral blood EBV viral load and risk of PTLD post SOT. Methods We identified 6468 adult and pediatric pts from the Cleveland Clinic SOT database who underwent SOT from 2002-2016. We included pts who had ≥1 EBV viral load test by PCR, and excluded pts w/ first EBV test at or after PTLD diagnosis. EBV viral load was quantified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of whole blood samples and expressed as log copies/mL. Lower detection limits varied from 2.00 to 2.70 log copies/mL. EBV monitoring post SOT was done at the physician9s discretion. Potential risk factors for PTLD were assessed using Fine and Gray competing risk regression. Stepwise analysis was used to identify multivariable risk factors. Landmark analyses at 2 and 6 months post SOT (LM-2 and LM-6) were performed based on pts9 peak pre-landmark EBV levels. Pts were excluded if they died, lost follow-up (f/u) or developed PTLD prior to the landmark. Two multivariable models were assessed at each landmark using EBV level cutoffs of 3.00 and 4.00 log. Results Of 6324 pts w/ available f/u data, 3348 (52%) had ≥1 quantitative EBV PCR test and were included in this analysis w/ a total of 91,067 tests performed. Median age at SOT was 54 years (range 0.3-79) and 63% were male. The most common SOT was kidney (38%) followed by lung (37%), liver (18%), heart (7%), pancreas (6%) and intestine (2%), w/ 7% receiving >1 organ type (Table 1). Of 3348 pts included, 1503 (45%) developed EBV viremia and 68 (2%) developed PTLD; 45/1503 (3.0%) and 23/1845 (1.2%) of pts w/ and without (w/o) EBV viremia, respectively. EBV was detected in 44% of pts w/o PTLD and 66% of pts w/ PTLD. Median age at PTLD diagnosis was 58 years (range 1-75), with a median time from SOT to PTLD of 33 months (range 2-146). PTLD morphology was DLBCL (n=39), polymorphic (n=9) Burkitt (n=5), other (n=10) and unknown (n=5). EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) testing in tumor was positive in 47%, negative in 44% and unknown in 9% of cases. In pts w/ and w/o PTLD, tacrolimus was the most common immunosuppressant used at 1 month (99% and 89%), 1 year (94% and 88%) and 2 years (81% and 74%) post SOT, respectively. First EBV was checked at a median of 54 days (range 0-5090) in pts w/o PTLD and 28 days (range 0-4308) in pts w/ PTLD. The median number of EBV tests/pt before PTLD or last f/u was 4 (range 1-214) in pts w/o PTLD and 6 (range 1-123) in pts w/ PTLD. Peak EBV levels ≥3.00 and ≥4.00 log were detected in 36% and 13% of pts w/o PTLD, and 60% and 40% of pts w/ PTLD, respectively. Median f/u in both cohorts for pts who were alive was 6.1 years. In multivariable analysis (MVA) for non-EBV risk factors for PTLD, liver (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.31 - 3.66, p=.003) and intestine SOT (HR 4.62, 95% CI 1.84 - 11.6, p=.001) were the only factors associated w/ higher PTLD risk; age, years since SOT, gender, race, other types of SOT and >1 SOT were not significant. 1685 pts were eligible for LM-2 (43 w/ PTLD) and 2093 for LM-6 (36 w/ PTLD). In univariable analysis at LM-2 and LM-6, peak EBV levels ≥4.00 log (LM-2: HR 2.72, p=.016; LM-6: HR 7.08, p Conclusion In this large cohort of SOT pts, Disclosures Hill:Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Abbvie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Infectious Complications in Pancreas Transplantation

In addition to the infectious risk associated with all solid organ transplants, pancreas transplantation poses some unique risks associated with surgical technique and host risk factors. This review highlights several key areas of infectious diseases that physicians must consider in patients undergoing pancreas transplantation. Surgical site infections are common after pancreas transplantation, and empiric antimicrobials, including antifungal coverage, are often needed to reduce the risk of these infections. Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections require close monitoring post-transplant, and we are just beginning to understand risk factors for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, which is often associated with EBV infection in these patients. Pancreas transplantation can be a successful cure for diabetes, if post-transplant complications, including rejection and infection, can be appropriately managed. Recent use of pancreata from HIV- and HCV-positive donors has increased the pool of possible donors, and ideally, more centers will begin to use these organs. Islet cell transplantation and xenotransplantation are exciting new avenues of research for potential diabetes cures.

The Changing Epidemiology of Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in Adult Solid Organ Transplant Recipients Over 30 Years: A Single-center Experience.

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are a complication of solid organ transplantation (SOT) associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). We analyzed the incidence of and risk factors for PTLD among adult SOT recipients at our center over 30 years (1984-2013). We also compared PTLD incidence before and after a prevention strategy of EBV viral load monitoring in EBV serology mismatched patients was adapted in 2001 (ie, transplant era 1 [1983-2001] vs era 2 [2002-2013]). Among 4171 SOT patients, 109 developed PTLD. Cumulative incidence at 1, 10, and 20 years posttransplant was 0.95, 2.3, and 3.5 per 100 person-years, respectively. Beyond the first year peak of almost exclusively EBV-positive PTLD, a lower incidence of PTLD, predominantly EBV negative, persisted for 20 years. Thoracic transplant (hazard ratio [HR], 2.1; P = 0.007) and negative EBV serology (HR, 7.7; P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for PTLD on multivariate Cox regression analysis. EBV seronegativity significantly increased risk of early (HR, 18.5) and EBV-positive PTLD (HR, 14.2), as well as late (HR, 4.9) and EBV-negative PTLD (HR, 3.6) on univariate analyses. Risk of early PTLD was significantly reduced in the recent transplant era (0.8% era 2 vs 1.9% era 1 at 5 years, P = 0.002); this reduction was seen in recent era EBV seropositive (P = 0.035 at 5 years) but not seronegative recipients (P = 0.90 year 5), suggesting lack of impact of viral load monitoring. Adult SOT recipients face a prolonged risk of late PTLD, whereas risk of early PTLD may have declined in recent years.

Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders in Epstein-Barr Virus Donor Positive/Recipient Negative Lung Transplant Recipients

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) donor positive/recipient negative (D+/R-) status is a significant risk factor for posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in lung transplant. There are, however, no studies that identify the risk factors for PTLD in the EBV D+/R- lung transplant population to guide the decision to proceed with an EBV-positive donor. This was a retrospective cohort study of adults listed in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients between May 5, 2005, and August 31, 2016. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the impact of EBV D+/R- status on the development of PTLD, the impact of PTLD on survival, and survival differences between EBV D+/R- and EBV D-/R- recipients. The incidence of PTLD was 6.2% (79 of 1,281) versus 1.4% (145 of 10,352) in EBV D+/R- versus allother recipients (adjusted odds ratio 4.0; 95% confidence interval: 2.8 to 5.9, p < 0.001). Among EBV D+/R- recipients, age less than 40 years and white race were associated with PTLD. The EBV D+/R- patients who had PTLD had increased adjusted risk of death (hazard ratio 1.91; 95% confidence interval: 1.35 to 2.71; p< 0.001). Compared with EBV D+/R- recipients, EBV D-/R- recipients did not have improved adjusted survival (hazard ratio 0.82; 95% confidence interval: 0.57 to 1.18; p= 0.30). Despite increased rates of PTLD and associated mortality in the EBV D+/R- population, EBV seronegative patients did not have worse mortality when transplanted with lungs from EBV seropositive donors compared with lungs from EBV seronegative donors. Consideration should be given for close monitoring for PTLD among EBV D+/R- recipients, particularly those who are white and less than 40 years of age.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease in lung transplantation: A nested case-control study.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) may compromise long-term outcome of lung transplant (LTx) recipients. A case-control study was performed, comparing LTx recipients with PTLD (n=31) to matched recipients without PTLD (Controls, n=62). Risk factors for PTLD and post-transplant outcomes were assessed. PTLD prevalence was 3.9%, time to PTLD 323 (166-1132) days; and 54.8% had early-onset PTLD versus 45.2% late-onset PTLD. At LTx, more Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-seronegative patients were present in PTLD (42%) compared to Controls (5%) (P<.0001); most of whom had undergone EBV seroconversion upon PTLD diagnosis. EBV viral load was higher in PTLD versus Controls (P<.0001). Overall, lower hemoglobin and higher C-reactive protein levels were present in PTLD versus Controls (P<.0001). EBV status at LTx (P=.0073) and EBV viral load at PTLD (P=.0002) were the most important risk determinates for later PTLD. Patients with PTLD demonstrated shorter time to onset of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) (P=.0006) and poorer 5-year survival post-LTx (66.6% versus 91.5%), resulting in worse CLAD-free survival (HR 2.127, 95%CI 1.006-4.500; P=.0483) and overall survival (HR 3.297 95%CI 1.473-7.382; P=.0037) compared to Controls. Late-onset PTLD had worse survival compared to early-onset PTLD (P=.021). Primary EBV infection is a risk for PTLD; which is associated with worse long-term outcome post-LTx.