Solid Organ Transplant Recipients Research Articles

Impact of Bebtelovimab Treatment Timing on COVID-19 Outcomes in Ambulatory Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Outcomes after bebtelovimab treatment for COVID-19 were favorable for most but not all solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) during the era of Omicron BA.2 to BA.5, but effects of timing of bebtelovimab administration on these outcomes are unknown. We sought to compare outcomes of SOTR who received early bebtelovimab ("EBT", given ≤2days from diagnosis) versus late bebtelovimab ("LBT", given between Days 3 and 7), versus no bebtelovimab (NBT). This was a retrospective cohort study of SOTRs with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, with endpoint of 30-day COVID-19-related hospitalization. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine variables associated with receiving EBT, and to assess impact of EBT on hospitalization. A propensity score (PS) was calculated for EBT versus NBT. Of 297 SOTRs, 162 (58.1%) received EBT, 46 (16.5%) LBT, and 71 (25.4%) NBT. Early bebtelovimab treatment was associated with a lower risk of 30-day COVID-19-related hospitalization compared to NBT (OR, 0.112 [95% CI, 0.018-0.686]; p=0.018). There was no significant difference in hospitalization risk between LBT and NBT, suggesting that delayed administration may not confer additional benefits over no treatment. Early bebtelovimab treatment in outpatient SOTRs was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization compared to no treatment, while late administration did not show a significant advantage over no treatment. Although bebtelovimab is no longer authorized, these findings suggest that the timing of COVID therapies for SOTRs may be important to optimize outcomes.

Cytomegalovirus Infection After Solid Organ Transplantation: How I Use Cell-Mediated Immune Assays for Management

Introduction: The pathogenesis and outcome of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after solid organ transplantation (SOT) reflects the interplay between viral replication and CMV-specific immunity. Despite advances in its diagnosis and treatment, CMV continues to cause significant morbidity after SOT. Since CMV is an opportunistic pathogen that occurs as a result of impaired pathogen-specific immunity, laboratory assays that measure CMV-specific immune responses may be useful in assisting clinicians in its management. Methods and Results: The author summarizes the evolving and emerging data on the clinical utility of assays that quantify cell-mediated immune responses to CMV in SOT recipients. The majority of publications are observational studies that demonstrate that a lack or deficiency in CMV-specific cell-mediated immunity is correlated with a heightened risk of primary, reactivation, or recurrent CMV after transplantation. A few prospective interventional studies have utilized CMV-specific cell-mediated immune assays in guiding the duration of antiviral prophylaxis among CMV-seropositive SOT recipients. Likewise, CMV-specific cell-mediated immunity assays have been suggested to inform the need for secondary antiviral prophylaxis and immunologic optimization to prevent CMV relapse after treatment. Conclusions: CMV-specific cell-mediated immune assays are emerging to assist transplant clinicians in predicting a patient’s risk of CMV after transplantation, and these assays have been utilized to individualize the approach to CMV prevention and treatment. The author suggests the conduct of more interventional studies to further solidify the role of CMV-specific cell-mediated immune assays in routine clinical practice.

High histoplasmosis incidence in kidney transplant recipients in Santa Fe city, Argentina

Abstract Histoplasmosis is endemic in the central/north-east region of Argentina. It is estimated that the incidence of this mycosis is low in solid organ transplant recipients. This work aims to describe the epidemiology, clinical forms, and evolution of kidney transplant recipients diagnosed with histoplasmosis in Santa Fe city, Argentina. A retrospective study was carried out between 2015 and 2020 on kidney transplant patients with symptoms associated with histoplasmosis in Santa Fe city. Histoplasmosis diagnosis was performed through histopathology, recovery of Histoplasma spp., by culture, and/or positive nested PCR specific for the Histoplasma Hc100 gene. During the study period, 360 kidney transplantations were performed. Of these patients, 12 were diagnosed with histoplasmosis (3.3%). The patients' median age was 51 years, and 75% were male. Eleven patients (92%) presented the disseminated form of the disease. Thirty-three % were diagnosed with histoplasmosis in their first-year post-transplantation (mostly 6-12 months), while 42% received their diagnosis three years after transplantation. Laboratory diagnosis was performed by histopathology, culture, and PCR in four cases (33%), by culture and PCR in three cases (25%), and by PCR alone in three cases (25%). Thus, all 12 patients showed positive nested PCR results. All patients received amphotericin B as initial treatment. A good response was observed in 83% of patients. We found a high incidence of histoplasmosis in kidney transplant recipients (up to 10 times higher than reports from other endemic areas). Diagnosis by histopathology/culture showed 75% sensitivity, while nested PCR showed better sensitivity and diagnostic speed.

Top 50 Most Cited Articles in Transplant Dermatology: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Solid organ transplant recipients are at high risk for developing skin malignancies due to prolonged immunosuppression. The field of transplant dermatology (TD) has experienced a surge in research and clinical advancements, yet there is no quantitative evaluation estimating the impact of TD literature. Identify and characterize the most frequently cited TD articles. Institute For Scientific Information Web of Science was used to identify the 50 most cited research articles in TD. Results were reviewed by 3 independent authors. A network analysis was performed to assess collaboration patterns among coauthors. Top articles held a combined total of 12,114 citations. The top-cited article was "Cancer incidence before and after kidney transplantation," by Vajdic and colleagues in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2006) with 872 citations. A total of 22 countries and 221 institutions were represented. This bibliometric analysis offers a detailed overview of the most cited manuscripts in TD and illustrates the discoveries steering TD research and practice.

Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Solid Organ Transplant recipients: a neglected disease in America

Abstract This study investigates the prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection among solid organ transplant recipients in the United States from 2019 to 2023 before transplantation. Utilizing data from a large multicenter network, we identified a rising seroprevalence of 4.8% from 1523 Solid Organ Transplant Recipients at the time of the evaluation for transplantation, particularly among lung and heart transplant recipients. The findings highlight the need for improved screening protocols to address this neglected tropical disease in transplant populations.

Association of COVID-19 With Risk of Posttransplant Diabetes Mellitus.

Posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is an important complication for solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs). COVID-19 has been associated with an increased risk of incident diabetes in the general population. However, the association between COVID-19 and new-onset PTDM has not been explored. Using the National COVID Cohort Collaborative Enclave, we conducted a cohort study of adults without diabetes receiving a solid organ transplant (heart, lung, kidney, or liver) in the United States between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2023, with and without a first diagnosis of COVID-19 (COVID+ versus COVID-) within 180 d of SOT. We propensity score matched a single COVID+ SOTR with a COVID- SOTR who was diabetes free at the same point posttransplant. Within this matched cohort, we used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to examine the adjusted risk of PTDM associated with COVID+. Among 1342 COVID+ SOTRs matched to 1342 COVID- SOTRs, the crude rate of newly diagnosed PTDM in the 2 y post-COVID was 17% in those with versus 13% in those without COVID-19 (P = 0.007). COVID-19 was significantly associated with new PTDM (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.68 at 2 y). Similar to other viral infections, COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of PTDM in SOTRs.

Quadrivalent HPV (4vHPV) vaccine immunogenicity and safety in women using immunosuppressive drugs due to solid organ transplant

IntroductionImmunocompromised persons are at high risk of persistent Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection and associated diseases. Few studies evaluated HPV vaccines in immunocompromised persons. This study aimed to evaluate the quadrivalent HPV vaccine (4vHPV) immunogenicity and safety in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, in comparison to immunocompetent women (IC).MethodsOpen-label clinical trial that enrolled SOT recipients and immunocompetent women aged 18 to 45 years. All participants received three doses of 4vHPV vaccine. Blood samples were drawn for evaluation of immune responses at baseline and one month after the third vaccination. Seroconversion rates and antibody geometric mean concentration (GMC) against HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 35, 52 and 58 were measured with in-house multiplexed serology assay (xMAP technology). Follow-up for the local and systemic adverse events (AEs) continued for seven days after each vaccination. Severe AEs were evaluated throughout the study.Results125 SOT and 132 immunocompetent women were enrolled; 105 (84%) SOT and 119 (90%) immunocompetent women completed the study. At baseline, HPV seropositivity was not significantly different between groups. Seroconversion rates were significantly lower in SOT (HPV18, 57%; HPV6 and 16, 69%; and HPV11, 72%) than in immunocompetent women (100% seroconversion to all vaccine types) (p<0.001). Antibody GMCs of all four HPV vaccine types were also significantly lower in SOT (p<0.001). Pain in the injection site and headache were the most frequent adverse event in both groups. Local pain was more frequent in immunocompetent women than in SOT recipients. Rates of other AEs were comparable in both groups.Conclusion4vHPV vaccine was well-tolerated by SOT recipients. We found strong evidence of lower humoral immune responses to 4vHPV vaccine in SOT compared to immunocompetent women, which strengthen recommendation of routine cervical cancer screening in SOT recipients regardless of HPV vaccination status.

A Scoping Review of Arthropod-Borne Flavivirus Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Arthropod-borne flaviviruses (ABFs), transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks, are increasing due to climate change and globalization. This scoping review examines the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostics, treatment, and outcomes of ABF infection in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs). A database search up to January 25, 2024, focused on ABFs such as West Nile virus (WNV), dengue virus (DENV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Powassan virus (POWV), yellow fever virus (YFV), and Zika virus (ZIKV), limited to SOTRs. We identified 173 WNV cases from 84 studies, with 28 donor-derived infections (DDIs). Common clinical features included fever (78.5%), altered mental status (65.1%), and weakness or paralysis (45.6%). Treatment involved reducing immunosuppression (IS) in 93 cases, with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), interferon alfa-2b, and ribavirin used in 75 cases. Seven cases involved graft loss or rejection post-infection. WNV infection had a 23.7% mortality rate, with severe neurological complications in 43.9% For DENV infection, 386 cases from 47 studies were identified, including 14 DDI cases. Symptoms included fever (85%), myalgias (56.4%), and headache or retro-orbital pain (34.6%). Severe dengue occurred in 50 cases (13.0%). IVIG was administered in six cases. Reduction in IS was reported in 116 patients. DENV mortality rate was 4.9%. Additionally, 26 cases of less common ABFs such as JEV, POWV, YFV, and ZIKV were described. In summary, ABF infections among SOTRs are associated with higher morbidity and mortality compared to the general population, emphasizing the need for improved preventive strategies, timely diagnosis, and optimized management protocols.

Comment on: Safety of penile prosthesis implantation in solid organ transplant recipients: a systematic review.

Comment on: Safety of penile prosthesis implantation in solid organ transplant recipients: a systematic review.

Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 in unvaccinated solid organ transplant recipients

The role of immunosuppressive therapy on SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and COVID-19 severity remains unclear in unvaccinated solid organ transplant recipients. We included 1957 organ transplant recipients between July 2020 and April 2021 to analyze whether baseline immunosuppressive therapy and other risk factors are associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19. In total, 247 (12.6%) had SARS-CoV-2 (defined as positive nasopharyngeal swab and/or positive antibody titer). Of these, 57 (23.1%) had severe COVID-19, defined as oxygen supplementation, intensive care unit admission or death. Multivariable analysis identified diabetes (hazard ratio (HR) 1.39 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.83)), chronic lung disease (HR 1.71 (95% CI 1.13–2.60)) and contact with a COVID-19 positive individual (HR 3.61 (95% CI 2.61–4.99) as independent risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. There was no association between immunosuppressive therapy and infection risk. Severe COVID-19 was multivariably associated with hypertension (OR 5.45 (95% CI 1.66–17.84)), chronic kidney disease (OR 3.55 (95% CI 1.75–7.19)), corticosteroid use (OR 2.93 (95% CI 1.03–2.55)) and having a COVID-19 positive housemate (OR 6.77 (95% CI 2.65–17.28)). In conclusion, baseline corticosteroid use, but no other immunosuppressive agent, is independently associated with severe COVID-19 in unvaccinated SOT recipients after correction for hypertension, chronic kidney disease, housemates affected by COVID-19 and transplant type.

Management of Post-transplant Infections in Collaborating Hospitals (MATCH) Programme: a prospective cohort of all transplant recipients at Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Denmark

PurposeThe Management of Post-transplant Infections in Collaborating Hospitals (MATCH) programme, initiated in 2011 and still ongoing, was created to 1) optimise the implementation of existing preventive strategies against viral infections...

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in solid organ transplant recipients

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are an important threat to the health of solid organ transplant recipients (SOTr); data comparing outcomes of SOTr with CRE to non-SOTr with CRE are lacking. A matched cohort study was performed within two prospective, multicenter, cohort studies (CRACKLE, CRACKLE-2). The epidemiology, desirability of outcome rankings (DOOR) outcomes, and mortality of SOTr and non-SOTr hospitalized in the United States (December 2011 - August 2017) with clinical isolates with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-defined CRE were compared. In total, 121 SOTr and 242 matched non-SOTr were included. Fifty one percent of isolates met infection criteria. SOTr were younger (p<0.001), less acutely ill (p=0.029), less often had a malignancy history (p=0.006), and more often were admitted from home (p<0.001) than non-SOTr. SOTr had more favorable adjusted DOOR outcomes; a randomly selected SOTr had a 58% (95% CI 53%-64%) probability of a better outcome as compared to a randomly selected non-SOTr. All-cause 30-day mortality was 14% (17/121) in SOTr vs. 25% (60/242) in non-SOTr, p=0.018. After stabilized inverse-probability weighted adjustment, SOTr had a 7% lower 30-d mortality risk than non-SOTr (95% CI -15%, 1%). SOTr with CRE do not have worse outcomes than matched patients without transplant history.

Serologic screening and molecular surveillance of Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infections for early recognition and effective treatment of KSHV-associated inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS) in solid organ transplant recipients

Serologic screening and molecular surveillance of Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infections for early recognition and effective treatment of KSHV-associated inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS) in solid organ transplant recipients

Risk Factors of Post-Traumatic Stress in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Life with end-stage organ failure is accompanied by an accumulation of traumatic medical or surgical experiences. Despite recovery after solid organ transplantation (SOT), many children and adolescents develop post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). PTSS remain underappreciated as a major comorbidity in SOT programs, despite their association with decreased quality of life. We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of 86 pediatric SOT recipients (17 heart, 44 kidney, and 25 liver) to evaluate potential determinants of PTSS. Trauma symptoms were measured by the Child Trauma Screening Questionnaire (CTSQ). Demographic, baseline, and contemporaneous factors were tested for independent association with CTSQ scores. The median post-transplant CTSQ score was 2 (IQR 1-4), and 22% were identified as high risk (score ≥5) for PTSD. Higher CTSQ scores were independently associated with the number of ICU days within the previous 12 months, the number of medications (complexity), and involvement with foster care in the primary model (R2 [adj.] = 0.26). The addition of the Family Impact Module improved the overall model (R2 [adj.] = 0.33), wherein higher family functioning was independently associated with lower CTSQ scores. An exploratory analysis of pre-transplant patients (n = 34) found a median pre-transplant CTSQ of 2 (IQR 1-6), suggesting that PTSS are onset before transplant and persist afterward. PTSS are highly prevalent in the SOT population. Risk factors include recent adverse medical experiences and complexity, whereas family stability may be protective. Additional research is needed to improve early ascertainment and support for patients at high risk of developing PTSS throughout their transplant journey.

Isoniazid Prophylaxis Based on Tuberculosis Risk Factors in Living Kidney Transplantation Recipients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a major and severe opportunistic infection among solid organ transplant recipients. Chemoprophylaxis is advised for those with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). However, the effectiveness of an isoniazid (INH) prophylactic approach based on TB risk factors remains uncertain. MethodsThis study included all living-donor kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) between January 2016 and December 2022. The recipients were categorized into three groups: the risk group with isoniazid (R-INH), the risk group without isoniazid (R-NINH), and the non-risk group (NR), based on the presence of TB risk factors and INH usage. The R-INH group received a 6-month INH prophylactic regimen to prevent post-transplant TB infection. The incidence of active TB among the groups was assessed. ResultsA total of 1348 patients were divided into R-INH (n=108), R-NINH (n=371), and NR (n=869). Forty-seven patients (3.49%) developed TB with an incidence rate of 16.0 per 1000 person-years. Compared to NR, the TB incidence in R-INH was not statistically different (HR, 0.55, 95% CI, 0.07-4.21, P = 0.564), whereas it was significantly higher in R-NINH (HR, 5.04, 95% CI, 2.64-9.62, P < 0.001). The median time from transplantation to TB was 19 months (IQR: 6-39), and 18 patients (38.3%) were diagnosed within one year of transplantation. Ninety-four patients (87.0%) completed INH prophylaxis, with adverse events including two cases of hepatotoxicity (1.85%) and one case of peripheral neuritis (0.93%). ConclusionsA 6-month INH regimen based on TB risk factors is effective and well tolerated for preventing post-transplant TB in KTRs

Post-Transplant Vitamin D Deficiency in Lung Transplant Recipients: Impact on Outcomes and Prognosis.

Despite the recognized clinical significance of vitamin D deficiency in other solid organ transplant recipients, its specific relevance in lung transplantation remains to be fully understood. In this study, we performed a retrospective observational study on the impact of vitamin D deficiency on clinical outcomes and prognosis in 125 lung transplant recipients (LTRs) from October 2014 to March 2020 at a university hospital in Seoul, South Korea. Among 125 LTRs, 51 patients (40.8%) were vitamin D deficient. LTRs in the vitamin D-deficient group exhibited a higher incidence of post-transplant pneumonia and overall mortality than those with normal vitamin D levels during the follow-up period. This trend persisted when subjects were stratified into vitamin D tertiles. Furthermore, post-transplant vitamin D levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) significantly impacted pneumonia incidence and survival outcomes. Prognosis also varied based on cumulative vitamin D supplementation after transplantation, with patients receiving higher cumulative supplementation demonstrating improved prognosis. Our findings underscore the importance of assessing and maintaining optimal vitamin D levels post-transplantation, suggesting a potential avenue for improving outcomes in lung transplant recipients, especially in mitigating infection risk and enhancing long-term survival. Further research into optimal vitamin D levels and supplementation strategies in this population is warranted.

Atypical presentation of PJP: hypercalcemia and kidney injury in an allogeneic stem cell transplant recipient

BackgroundPneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic infection that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals. Typical symptoms of PJP include the subacute onset of dyspnea, nonproductive cough, and low-grade fever. In hematology patients, particularly those who are allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients, the disease often presents with a more aggressive clinical course. While hypercalcemia has been documented as a manifestation of PJP in some solid organ transplant recipients, it has not been reported in hematology or stem cell transplant patients.Case presentationHere, we present a case of PJP in a 56-year-old male allogeneic stem cell transplant recipient, who developed hypercalcemia and renal failure during the late post-transplant period. The patient had a history of allogeneic stem cell transplantation due to acute myeloid leukemia. He presented with symptoms of fatigue and weakness. Laboratory tests revealed hypercalcemia (13.8 mg/dL) and elevated serum creatinine levels (2.3 mg/dL). The patient was hospitalized, and despite initial treatment with hydration and furosemide, the hypercalcemia persisted, leading to the administration of denosumab. During follow-up, hypoxia was detected, and a chest CT scan revealed mosaic attenuation and ground-glass opacities. Bronchoscopy was performed, and PCR testing confirmed the presence of Pneumocystis jirovecii. Other causes of hypercalcemia were ruled out, with PTH measured at 13.8 pg/mL (normal range 15–65 pg/mL), albumin at 3.71 g/dL, 1.25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 at 96 ng/dL (normal range 26–95 ng/dL), and 25-hydroxy vitamin D at 32.5 ng/mL (normal range 20–40 ng/mL). A PET-CT scan demonstrated no pathological FDG uptake, with the exception of findings suggestive of a pulmonary infection. Following treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and denosumab, the patient’s hypercalcemia and infection resolved.Conclusions Although rare, PJP can present with hypercalcemia and kidney injury in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve both PJP and hypercalcemia.

Tremor after solid organ transplantation: Results from the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study.

Tremor is a frequent complaint of solid organ transplant recipients. We report on the largest population investigated with clinical neurophysiological methods. Our aim is to objectively establish the tremor prevalence and syndrome in the largest population of solid organ transplant recipients. Tremor was measured in heart, kidney, liver, and lung recipients, using accelerometers during rest, postural, and weight-loaded conditions. The 95th percentile of healthy kidney donors' tremor amplitude was used as the cutoff to determine the presence of tremor in transplant recipients. Tremor frequency, frequency variability, and effect of loading were used to investigate enhanced physiological tremor as the likely tremor syndrome. Impact on activities of daily life was assessed, and correlations with tacrolimus blood levels were investigated. Tremor was present in 52% of 246 transplant recipients, typically in postural positions. Mean tremor frequency was 6.1 (±2.0) Hz; mean tremor variability was 2.6 (±1.8) Hz. A frequency decrease upon loading was found in 83% of patients with tremor. Sixty-five percent of patients met formal clinical neurophysiological criteria for enhanced physiological tremor. Tremor-related impairment was present in 55% and correlated with tremor amplitude (ρ = 0.23, p ≤ 0.001). In a binominal regression analysis, tacrolimus blood levels were independently associated with tremor prevalence (p = 0.009). More than half of solid organ transplant recipients experience a tremor that best fits the syndrome of enhanced physiological tremor. This is the first objective study on tremor that has established a better understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms of tremor in a large population of solid organ transplant recipients.

Crushing obstacles: A case series on alternative letermovir administration in transplant recipients.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Letermovir is used primarily for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis in select hematopoietic cell or solid organ transplant recipients. The manufacturer has provided no guidance on whether letermovir can be crushed and administered via enteral tube. This study aimed to assess whether letermovir tablets could be manipulated (eg, through crushing) for enteral tube administration. This was a retrospective, single-center review of patients who received crushed letermovir tablets administered via enteral tube for at least 7 days, between April 2018 and August 2023. Data collection focused on demographics, transplant history, treatment characteristics associated with letermovir, and diagnosis of CMV viremia or disease. Fourteen patients met the inclusion criteria for the review and received crushed letermovir for a median of 19 days (range, 7 to 42 days). All patients were on letermovir as CMV prophylaxis, the majority of whom were lung transplant recipients. On the basis of CMV serostatus at the time of transplantation, 50% of patients were classified as being at high risk and the other 50% were in the intermediate-risk category for CMV disease. One patient developed low-level viremia with a CMV viral load of 254 IU/mL. No patients developed CMV infection or disease while receiving crushed letermovir. On the basis of this case series, manipulation of letermovir immediate-release tablets was proven to be safe and effective for patients. Crushing letermovir for administration via enteral tube should be considered as an option for patients who cannot tolerate administration via the oral route.

Economics of risk stratification for skin cancer screening in solid organ transplant recipients

Background: Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) have different risks of developing skin cancer depending on patient characteristics. However, there is currently no widely used tool to stratify skin cancer risk in these patients. The Skin and Ultraviolet Neoplasia Transplant Risk Assessment Calculator (SUNTRAC) is an attempt to stratify skin cancer risk in SOTRs and guide screening recommendations for those patients. Materials and methods: It was assumed that the 2022 solid organ transplant population in the United States would follow the same distribution of skin cancer risk as the population in the study that led to the development of the SUNTRAC. The total number of skin cancer screening visits and the total cost of those visits over 10 years were determined utilizing the screening recommendations in the SUNTRAC. Results: If all SOTRs received yearly skin cancer screens, 428,870 office visits would be conducted over 10 years for a total cost of $94,780,270. If the SUNTRAC were utilized, 336,666 office visits would be conducted for a 10-year cost of $74,403,186. Conclusions: Utilizing the SUNTRAC to guide skin cancer screening recommendations in SOTRs has the potential to minimize over-screening and lower the total cost of skin cancer screening visits for SOTRs. Initial studies into the applicability of the SUNTRAC have found similar risk distribution in different populations of SOTRs. Utilizing this model to guide skin cancer screening recommendations will better allocate resources to the highest risk patients while also avoiding unnecessary health care costs.