A Brazilian university hospital position regarding transplantation criteria for HIV-positive patients according to the current literature

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was considered a contraindication for solid organ transplantation (SOT) in the past. However, HIV management has improved since highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) became available in 1996, and the long-term survival of patients living with HIV has led many transplant programs to reevaluate their policies regarding the exclusion of patients with HIV infection. Based on the available data in the medical literature and the cumulative experience of transplantation in HIV-positive patients at our hospital, the aim of the present article is to outline the criteria for transplantation in HIV-positive patients as recommended by the Immunocompromised Host Committee of the Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo.

Cytomegalovirus infection in transplant recipients

Cytomegalovirus infection is a frequent complication after transplantation. This infection occurs due to transmission from the transplanted organ, due to reactivation of latent infection, or after a primary infection in seronegative patients and can be defined as follows: latent infection, active infection, viral syndrome or invasive disease. This condition occurs mainly between 30 and 90 days after transplantation. In hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in particular, infection usually occurs within the first 30 days after transplantation and in the presence of graft-versus-host disease. The major risk factors are when the recipient is cytomegalovirus seronegative and the donor is seropositive as well as when lymphocyte-depleting antibodies are used. There are two methods for the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection: the pp65 antigenemia assay and polymerase chain reaction. Serology has no value for the diagnosis of active disease, whereas histology of the affected tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage analysis are useful in the diagnosis of invasive disease. Cytomegalovirus disease can be prevented by prophylaxis (the administration of antiviral drugs to all or to a subgroup of patients who are at higher risk of viral replication) or by preemptive therapy (the early diagnosis of viral replication before development of the disease and prescription of antiviral treatment to prevent the appearance of clinical disease). The drug used is intravenous or oral ganciclovir; oral valganciclovir; or, less frequently, valacyclovir. Prophylaxis should continue for 90 to 180 days. Treatment is always indicated in cytomegalovirus disease, and the gold-standard drug is intravenous ganciclovir. Treatment should be given for 2 to 3 weeks and should be continued for an additional 7 days after the first negative result for viremia. .

Management of post-transplant Epstein-Barr virus-related lymphoproliferative disease in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell recipients

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is one of the most serious complications associated with solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. PTLD is most frequently seen with primary EBV infection post-transplant, a common scenario for pediatric solid organ recipients. Risk factors for infection or reactivation of EBV following solid organ transplant are stronger immunosuppressive therapy regimens, and being seronegative for receptor. For hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the risk factors relate to the type of transplant, human leukocyte antigen disparity, the use of stronger immunosuppressants, T-cell depletion, and severe graft-versus-host disease. Mortality is high, and most frequent in patients who develop PTLD in the first six months post-transplant. The primary goal of this article is to provide an overview of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, accepted therapies, and management of EBV infection in transplant recipients, and to suggest that the adoption of monitoring protocols could contribute to a reduction in related complications.

IV Consenso Brasileiro para pesquisa de autoanticorpos em celulas HEp-2 / IV Brazilian Guidelines for autoantibodies on HEp-2 cells

Objetivo: O IV Consenso Brasileiro para Pesquisa de Autoanticorpos em Células HEp-2 (FAN) realizado em Vitória (ES), no dia 18 de setembro de 2012, objetivou discutir estratégias e recomendações relacionadas ao procedimento técnico, à padronização e à interpretação dos resultados da pesquisa de autoanticorpos em células HEp-2. Métodos: Participaram do evento 23 pesquisadores e especialistas de Universidades e laboratórios brasileiros. Foram abordados diferentes tópicos, discutidos amplamente a fim de se estabelecer recomendações específicas. Resultados e conclusão: O IV Consenso integrou à árvore de decisão o padrão citoplasmático em Anéis e Bastões, o padrão nuclear pontilhado Quasi-homogêneo (QH) e o padrão misto CENP-F. Discutiu-se ainda a necessidade de atenção para a classificação do padrão misto relacionado à presença de anticorpos anti-DNA topoisomerase I (Scl70), compreendendo os componentes nuclear pontilhado fino, nucleolar homogêneo, NOR na placa metafásica e citoplasmático pontilhado fino. Foram sugeridas diretrizes para o controle de qualidade do teste, diluição de triagem e diluição de esgotamento, e foi emitido alerta quanto à necessidade de atenção em relação à heterogeneidade de substratos disponíveis no mercado e a utilização de metodologias automatizadas para detecção de autoanticorpos. .

Objective: The Fourth Brazilian Consensus for Autoantibodies Screening in HEp-2 Cells (ANA) was held in Vitória, Espírito Santo, and aimed to discuss strategies and recommendations about the technique, standardization, interpretation and quality control of the indirect immunofluorescence reaction on HEp-2 cells. Methods: Twenty three ANA experts from university centers and private laboratories in different areas from Brazil discussed and agreed upon recommendations for the fourth edition of the Brazilian Consensus for Autoantibodies Screening in HEp-2 Cells. Results and conclusion: The 4th ANA Consensus included three novel patterns into the existing algorithm (cytoplasmic Rods and Rings, nuclear Quasi-homogeneous, and CENP-F). Emphasis was given to the need of attention in describing the peculiar mixed pattern elicited by anti-DNA topoisomerase I (Scl-70) autoantibodies, comprising nuclear fine specked, nucleolar homogeneous pattern, NOR staining in metaphase plates, and cytoplasmic fine speckled patterns. The group also emphasized the need for continuous quality control in indirect immunofluorescence assays, the establishment of screening dilutions, as well as conjugate titration. An alert was made regarding the heterogeneity of commercial kits in defining patterns and the use of solid phase methodologies to determine the presence of autoantibodies. .