Lung transplantation in children following bone marrow transplantation: a multi-center experience.

Allogenic BMT has been successfully performed as a treatment for hematologic diseases with an expected long-term survival. This survival is truncated by respiratory complications including airway obstruction especially BO. Chronic GVHD has been reported to precede almost all cases reported. LTx has become a therapeutic life-saving option for patients with end-stage lung disease that maybe offered for the treatment of GVHD. We report a multi-center experience of pediatric LTx following BMT in 11 patients age- and gender-matched with 11 controls who received LTx for end-stage lung disease secondary to CF. Overall death was 36.4% over a follow-up period of 19 months (range 3-36 months) for the cases and 27.3% for the control group followed for 17 months (range 8-32 months). Median FEV1 one yr post-transplant for the cases was 78% predicted compared with 67.3% predicted for the controls. The median for episodes of infection was comparable at a median of one episode per patient through the entire follow-up period among both groups. Acute rejection episodes were significantly higher in the control group with a median of one episode per patient in the control group compared to none within the cases. Our data suggest that LTx may be a valuable therapeutic option for children with end-stage lung disease post-BMT with comparable survival outcome to that after LTx in children for other indications such as CF. Hospital stay was significantly longer in our case group. Infection rate was comparable between groups albeit type of infection varied. Significantly and of interest is that acute rejection episodes were non-existent in these cases.

Clostridium difficile colitis in children following lung transplantation.

Risk factors for Clostridium difficile diarrhea are antibiotic exposure, hospitalization, extreme ages, and immunodeficiency. Patients with CF have a high rate of colonization with C. difficile. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients at Texas Children's Hospital who underwent lung transplantation since the inception of our program in October 2002 until October 2008. There were 78 pediatric lung transplants performed at our institution during the study period. Four patients developed six total episodes of CDC for an overall incidence of 5.4%. CF was the underlying diagnosis in all four patients, leading to an incidence of 8.9% in patients with CF. Two patients developed colitis within the first four months following transplant, and the other two patients developed colitis more than three yr after transplantation. All four patients required hospitalization, and three patients were managed medically while one patient underwent diverting ileostomy. One experienced renal insufficiency and subsequently expired. Overall survival was 75% among patients with CDC following lung transplantation. CDC causes significant morbidity and mortality in children with CF who have undergone lung transplantation.

Long-term impact of respiratory viral infection after pediatric lung transplantation.

To evaluate the epidemiology and to investigate the impact of RVI on chronic allograft rejection after pediatric lung transplantation, a retrospective study of pediatric lung transplant recipients from 2002 to 2007 was conducted. Association between RVI and continuous and categorical risk factors was assessed using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Fisher's exact tests, respectively. Association between risk factors and outcomes were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. Fifty-five subjects were followed for a mean of 674 days (range 14-1790). Twenty-eight (51%) developed 51 RVI at a median of 144 days post-transplant (mean 246; range 1-1276); 41% of infections were diagnosed within 90 days. Twenty-five subjects developed 39 LRI, and eight subjects had 11 URI. Organisms recovered included rhinovirus (n = 14), adenovirus (n = 10), parainfluenza (n = 10), influenza (n = 5), and RSV (n = 4). Three subjects expired secondary to their RVI (two adenovirus, one RSV). Younger age and prior CMV infection were risks for RVI (HR 2.4 95% CI 1.1-5.3 and 17.0; 3.0-96.2, respectively). RVI was not associated with the development of chronic allograft rejection (p = 0.25) or death during the study period. RVI occurs in the majority of pediatric lung transplant recipients, but was not associated with mortality or chronic allograft rejection.

Respiratory viral infections within one year after pediatric lung transplant.

To characterize epidemiology and risk factors for respiratory viral infections (RVI) in pediatric lung transplant recipients within the first post-transplant year, a retrospective multicenter study of pediatric lung transplant recipients from 1988 to 2005 was conducted at 14 centers in the United States and Europe. Data were recorded for 1 year post transplant. Associations between RVI and continuous and categorical risk factors were assessed using Wilcoxon's rank-sum and chi(2) tests, respectively. Associations between time to RVI and risk factors or survival were assessed by multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Of 576 subjects, 79 subjects (14%) had 101 RVI in the first year post transplant. Subjects with RVI were younger than those without RVI (median ages 9.7, 13; P<0.01). Viruses detected included adenovirus (n=25), influenza (n=9), respiratory syncytial virus (n=21), parainfluenza virus (n=19), enterovirus (n=4), and rhinovirus (n=22). In a multivariable model for time to first RVI, etiology other than cystic fibrosis (CF), younger age, and no induction therapy were independently associated with risk of RVI. Cytomegalovirus serostatus and acute rejection were not associated with RVI. RVI was independently associated with decreased 12-month survival (hazard ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.6-4.4). RVI commonly occurs after pediatric lung transplantation with risk factors including younger age and non-CF diagnosis. RVI is associated with decreased 1-year survival.

Mycobacterium abscessus in cystic fibrosis lung transplant recipients: report of 2 cases and risk for recurrence.

Mycobacterium abscessus is increasingly recognized as an important pathogen in some individuals with advancing lung disease related to cystic fibrosis (CF). Because of its resistance to antimicrobial agents and virulence, its presence in the lungs of potential lung transplant recipients can be problematic. We present 2 cases of individuals with CF in whom M. abscessus was present in the preoperative sputum cultures. The organism manifested different degrees of invasiveness in the 2 cases after transplantation with different outcomes, suggesting an approach to future candidates for lung transplantation that may be of clinical significance to their physicians and surgeons.

Serum KL-6 differentiates neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy from the inborn errors of surfactant metabolism.

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted in order to determine if the glycoprotein KL-6 is a useful biomarker in differentiating neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy (NEHI), a benign form of children's interstitial lung disease, from the more severe inborn errors of surfactant metabolism (IESM), since their clinical presentation can be similar. METHODS: Serum KL-6 levels were measured in 10 healthy control children, 6 with NEHI and 13 with IESM (4 with surfactant protein C (SP-C) and 9 with ABCA3 mutations). The initial clinical presentation, findings on previous CT scans and interstitial lung disease (ILD) scores at the time of KL-6 testing were compared. Correlations of KL-6 levels with age and with interval from lung biopsy were evaluated. RESULTS: The median (range) KL-6 levels were 265 (1-409), 194 (47-352), 1149 (593-4407) and 3068 (726-9912) U/ml for the control, NEHI, SP-C and ABCA3 groups, respectively. When compared with the control and NEHI groups, median KL-6 levels were significantly higher in the SP-C (p<0.01; p = 0.01, respectively) and ABCA3 groups (p<0.001; p = 0.001, respectively); however, there was no difference between the control and NEHI groups (p = 0.91). An inverse relationship was seen between KL-6 levels and age in the IESM groups, but not in the NEHI or control groups. Children with NEHI had similar presenting clinical features and were equally symptomatic at the time of KL-6 measurement as those with IESM. CONCLUSIONS: Children with NEHI have normal KL-6 levels, in contrast to those with IESM, who have elevated serum KL-6 levels; serum KL-6 may be a useful biomarker in distinguishing between these entities when their clinical presentations overlap.

Lung transplantation in a patient with a thrombophilic disorder.

The prothrombin G20210A mutation has been associated with an increased risk of graft failure in renal transplant recipients. Little is known about the potential effect of this mutation on lung transplant recipients. We report the case of bilateral lung transplantation in a patient with cystic fibrosis who was heterozygous for the G20210A mutation of the prothrombin gene.

American Society of Transplantation executive summary on pediatric lung transplantation.

Lung transplantation in children poses distinctly different challenges from those seen in the adult population. This consensus statement reviews the experience in the field of pediatric lung transplantation and highlights areas that deserve further investigation.

Time course of hemosiderin production by alveolar macrophages in a murine model.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis of alveolar hemorrhage is assisted by the presence of hemosiderin-laden macrophages (HLMs) in the BAL fluid or lung tissue. Despite the importance of this diagnostic method in clinical settings, limited information is available on the formation and clearance of HLMs as a function of time. The objectives of this study are to determine the time course of HLMs within the BAL and lung tissue, and to evaluate the effect of a single blood aspiration on the recruitment of inflammatory cells within the BAL. DESIGN: Under light anesthesia, Balb/c mice received a single intranasal instillation of species-specific blood (50 microL). Control animals received heparinized sterile saline solution in a similar manner. At several time points after blood aspiration, BAL was recovered for cell differentials and determination of HLMs. The time course for HLMs was also established in the lung tissue. RESULTS: Hemosiderin staining within alveolar macrophages was first detected in the BAL and lung tissue at day 3, peaked at day 7, and persisted through 2 months. The analysis of the BAL revealed an increased number of total cells, with an acute inflammatory reaction that resolved within 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the validity of this model for the study of HLM production after blood aspiration. Additional work using animal models of lung hemorrhage is needed to further characterize the cellular events leading to clearance of erythrocytes within the lung.

Recurrent milk aspiration produces changes in airway mechanics, lung eosinophilia, and goblet cell hyperplasia in a murine model.

Recurrent aspiration of milk into the respiratory tract has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory lung disorders including asthma. However, the lack of animal models of aspiration-induced lung injury has limited our knowledge of the pathophysiological characteristics of this disorder. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of recurrent milk aspiration on airway mechanics and lung cells in a murine model. Under light anesthesia, BALB/c mice received daily intranasal instillations of whole cow's milk (n = 7) or sterile physiologic saline (n = 9) for 10 d. Respiratory system resistance (Rrs) and dynamic elastance (Edyn,rs) were measured in anesthetized, tracheotomized, paralyzed and mechanically ventilated mice 24 h after the last aspiration of milk. Rrs and Edyn,rs were derived from transrespiratory and plethysmographic pressure signals. In addition, airway responses to increasing concentrations of i.v. methacholine (Mch) were determined. Airway responses were measured in terms of PD(100) (dose of Mch causing 100% increase from baseline Rrs) and Rrs,max (% increase from baseline at the maximal plateau response) and expressed as % control (mean +/- SE). We found recurrent milk aspiration did not affect Edyn and baseline Rrs values. However, airway responses to Mch were increased after milk aspiration when compared with control mice. These changes in airway mechanics were associated with an increased percentage of lymphocytes and eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage, mucus production, and lung inflammation. Our findings suggest that recurrent milk aspiration leads to alterations in airway function, lung eosinophilia, and goblet cell hyperplasia in a murine model.

Quantification of siderophore and hemolysin from Stachybotrys chartarum strains, including a strain isolated from the lung of a child with pulmonary hemorrhage and hemosiderosis.

A strain of Stachybotrys chartarum was recently isolated from the lung of a pulmonary hemorrhage and hemosiderosis (PH) patient in Texas (designated the Houston strain). This is the first time that S. chartarum has been isolated from the lung of a PH patient. In this study, the Houston strain and 10 strains of S. chartarum isolated from case (n = 5) or control (n = 5) homes in Cleveland were analyzed for hemolytic activity, siderophore production, and relatedness as measured by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis.

A novel diagnostic method for pulmonary aspiration in a murine model. Immunocytochemical staining of milk proteins in alveolar macrophages.

Aspiration of foreign material into the lungs has been implicated in the etiology of a variety of pulmonary disorders. Although aspiration is a common clinical problem, its diagnosis represents a major challenge due to the lack of sensitive and/or specific tests. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of a novel diagnostic method in a murine model of milk aspiration. Under light anesthesia, BALB/c mice received either single or repeated intranasal instillation of milk. Control animals received sterile physiologic saline or were infected with respiratory pathogens in a similar manner. After isolation and cannulation of the trachea, mouse lungs were lavaged with PBS at various time points after the last aspiration event. Cells were recovered for Oil Red O (ORO) staining as well as immunocytochemistry for milk proteins: alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin. After single aspiration of milk, a large number of alveolar macrophages displayed a strong immunoreactivity for alpha-lactalbumin for 2-96 h. After single and repeated aspiration, the percentage of positive cells for alpha-lactalbumin was significantly higher when compared with ORO staining at 24, 48, and 72 h (p < 0.05). No immunoreactivity for milk proteins was found in alveolar macrophages obtained from our control groups. These findings demonstrate that immunocytochemical staining of milk proteins within alveolar macrophages represents a novel, sensitive, and specific test for the diagnosis of aspiration in a murine model.

Falsely elevated serum tobramycin concentrations in cystic fibrosis patients treated with concurrent intravenous and inhaled tobramycin.

A recently developed tobramycin preparation for inhalation (TOBI(R), Pathogenesis Corp., Seattle, WA) is widely used in CF patients. It is often used in conjunction with intravenous tobramycin. Renal and ototoxicity associated with the use of tobramycin require that serum drug concentrations be monitored during therapy. We report on two patients with falsely elevated, toxic serum tobramycin concentrations while receiving concurrent intravenous and inhaled tobramycin. These cases point out the need for guidelines governing the use and monitoring of simultaneous inhaled and intravenous tobramycin therapy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2000; 29:43- 45.

Isolation of Stachybotrys from the lung of a child with pulmonary hemosiderosis.

Recently, Stachybotrys atra, a toxigenic fungus, has been implicated as a potential cause of pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis in infants living in water-damaged homes. Although epidemiologic evidence supports this association, neither the organism nor its toxic products has ever been recovered from humans. We report the first case in which Stachybotrys was isolated from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of a child with pulmonary hemorrhage. Stachybotrys was also recovered from his water-damaged home. The patient recovered completely after his immediate removal from the environment and subsequent cleaning of his home. This case provides further evidence that this fungus is capable of causing pulmonary hemorrhage in children.

Fibromyxoid sarcoma in a four-year-old child: case report and review of the literature.

We present a child with a rare and chemotherapy-resistant form of soft-tissue cancer, low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma, first noted when he was 4 years old. He is the youngest patient reported to date. An 11-year-old white male presented to. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center's Department of Pediatrics with a 7-year history of right thigh mass and pulmonary nodules, confirmed on examination. He had undergone extensive prior chemotherapy and surgery. He received chemotherapy with high-dose cyclophosphamide (7 g/m2) and later etoposide (150 mg/m2/day x 5), with only slight shrinkage of the thigh mass and none in the lungs. Subsequently the tumor in his proximal thigh and his lung metastases were resected, and radiation therapy was administered to the thigh. His disease remained stable for 12 months, but he then developed a pleural-based metastasis on the left side and new bilateral lung metastases also. The tumors on the left side were removed; residual disease is stable after treatment for 6 months with subcutaneous alpha-interferon-2b. Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma is very uncommon in children. It grows slowly and metastasizes to distant organs, chiefly to the lungs. It is resistant to conventional chemotherapy, and thus far only surgery seems to have a life-prolonging effect. Newer chemotherapeutic and possibly biologic agents should be tried in future patients, in order to find an effective way to control the disease.

Age related differences in plasma theophylline levels.

Because of its special pharmacokinetic properties, plasma levels of theophylline show significant differences between individuals and also its therapeutic index is very low. So, plasma theophylline concentration measurements are essential for an effective and safe treatment. In the present study, age related differences in plasma theophylline levels were evaluated in patients from different age groups. Patients were divided randomly into two groups. Group I included patients under the age of 50 years, group II included patients over 50 years of age. Plasma theophylline levels were measured before and 3, 7, 12 and 19 h after a single dose given orally. The results show that 3, 7 and 19 h post dose, levels of theophylline were significantly higher in group II than in group I (P < 0.001).