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2.
Open Forum Infect Dis ; 11(4): ofae162, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38601746

ABSTRACT

Medical professionals, particularly in regions with a high burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), should be alert to the hematological complications of HIV, which may include cytopenias, malignancy, and coagulation disturbances. Patients may present with these conditions as the first manifestation of HIV infection. Hematological abnormalities are often multifactorial with opportunistic infections, drugs, malignancy, and HIV infection itself contributing to the clinical presentation, and the diagnosis should consider all these factors. Life-threatening hematological complications requiring urgent diagnosis and management include thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, superior mediastinal syndrome, spinal cord compression, and tumor lysis syndrome due to aggressive lymphoma. Antiretroviral therapy is the therapeutic backbone, including for patients with advanced HIV, in addition to specific therapy for the complication. This article reviews the impact of HIV on the hematological system and provides a clinical and diagnostic approach, including the role of a bone marrow biopsy, focusing on perspectives from sub-Saharan Africa.

3.
Vox Sang ; 119(6): 581-589, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38622931

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Accurate HIV incidence estimates among blood donors are necessary to assess the effectiveness of programs aimed at limiting transfusion-transmitted HIV. We assessed the impact of undisclosed HIV status and antiretroviral (ARV) use on HIV recency and incidence estimates using increasingly comprehensive recent infection testing algorithms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using 2017 donation data from first-time and lapsed donors, we populated four HIV recency algorithms: (1) serology and limiting-antigen avidity testing, (2) with individual donation nucleic amplification testing (ID-NAT) added to Algorithm 1, (3) with viral load added to Algorithm 2 and (4) with ARV testing added to Algorithm 3. Algorithm-specific mean durations of recent infection (MDRI) and false recency rates (FRR) were calculated and used to derive and compare incidence estimates. RESULTS: Compared with Algorithm 4, progressive algorithms misclassified fewer donors as recent: Algorithm 1: 61 (12.1%); Algorithm 2: 14 (2.8%) and Algorithm 3: 3 (0.6%). Algorithm-specific MDRI and FRR values resulted in marginally lower incidence estimates: Algorithm 1: 0.19% per annum (p.a.) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13%-0.26%); Algorithm 2: 0.18% p.a. (95% CI: 0.13%-0.22%); Algorithm 3: 0.17% p.a. (95% CI: 0.13%-0.22%) and Algorithm 4: 0.17% p.a. (95% CI: 0.13%-0.21%). CONCLUSION: We confirmed significant misclassification of recent HIV cases when not including viral load and ARV testing. Context-specific MDRI and FRR resulted in progressively lower incidence estimates but did not fully account for the context-specific variability in incidence modelling. The inclusion of ARV testing, in addition to viral load and ID-NAT testing, did not have a significant impact on incidence estimates.


Subject(s)
Algorithms , HIV Infections , Humans , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Incidence , Male , Female , Blood Donors , Adult , Viral Load , Disclosure , Anti-Retroviral Agents/therapeutic use
4.
Vaccine ; 42(6): 1195-1199, 2024 Feb 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38278629

ABSTRACT

The Sisonke 2 study provided a homologous boost at least 6 months after administration of the priming dose of Ad26.COV2.S for healthcare workers enrolled on the Sisonke phase 3b implementation study. Safety monitoring was via five reporting sources: (i.) self-report through a web-link; (ii.) paper-based case report forms; (iii.) a toll-free telephonic reporting line; (iv.) healthcare professionals-initiated reports; and (v.) active linkage with National Disease Databases. A total of 2350 adverse events were reported by 2117 of the 240 888 (0.88%) participants enrolled; 1625 of the 2350 reported events are reactogenicity events and 28 adverse events met seriousness criteria. No cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopaenia syndrome were reported; all adverse events including thromboembolic disorders occurred at a rate below the expected population rates apart from one case of Guillain Barre Syndrome and one case of portal vein thrombosis. The Sisonke 2 study demonstrates that two doses of Ad26.COV2.S is safe and well tolerated; and provides a feasible model for national pharmacovigilance strategies for low- and middle-income settings.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Thrombosis , Humans , South Africa , Ad26COVS1 , COVID-19/prevention & control , Health Personnel
5.
PLoS One ; 18(8): e0290401, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37607165

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gaucher disease is a rare autosomal recessive glycosphingolipid storage disease that ultimately leads to reduced life expectancy. Management of Gaucher disease is challenging due to its wide genotypic and phenotypic variability and changing clinical manifestations due to effective treatment. Deliberation between experts is essential to discuss daily clinical practice and identify controversies regarding the management of Gaucher disease. The usefulness of methods like Delphi surveys is suitable for setting up consensus recommendations for different clinical scenarios. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to develop an expert consensus document for the management of type 1 Gaucher disease by local experts. METHODS: A modified e-Delphi was carried out to develop an expert consensus document on the management goals of type 1 Gaucher disease in South Africa. Following a literature review and input from the steering committee, 205 management goals and best practice statements were e-mailed to an independent panel for consensus development using three rounds of voting. The panel consisted of five local healthcare practitioners with expertise in Gaucher disease. Each panelist provided independent evaluations of statements sent to them via a dedicated survey platform. Panelists indicated their level of agreement on a 9-point Likert scale (1 = absolute disagreement to 9 = absolute agreement) during each round of voting. The criteria to retain a statement in the final round were ≥80% high agreement (7-9). RESULTS: 193 statements met the consensus threshold after three rounds of voting and were included in the final guidance document. In general, the management goals presented in this paper are in line with existing literature on the subject. Additional management goals and general recommendations on sound clinical practice, obtained from more recent research and the panelists' own clinical experience, have been included to develop a comprehensive consensus document on the management goals of type 1 Gaucher disease. CONCLUSION: This paper provides high-level guidance with respect to management goals, and the use of current therapies and adjunctive interventions in type 1 Gaucher disease to assist clinicians in their decisions about the appropriate management of patients in everyday clinical practice. These management goals and best practice statements might be used to inform an update to future South African guidelines on the disease.


Subject(s)
Gaucher Disease , Humans , Gaucher Disease/therapy , Consensus , South Africa , Goals , Delphi Technique
6.
BMJ Med ; 2(1): e000302, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37063238

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess the rates of vascular thrombotic adverse events in the first 35 days after one dose of the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine (Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) in healthcare workers in South Africa and to compare these rates with those observed in the general population. Design: Open label, single arm, phase 3B study. Setting: Sisonke study, South Africa, 17 February to 15 June 2021. Participants: The Sisonke cohort of 477 234 healthcare workers, aged ≥18 years, who received one dose of the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine. Main outcome measures: Observed rates of venous arterial thromboembolism and vaccine induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in individuals who were vaccinated, compared with expected rates, based on age and sex specific background rates from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD database (database of longitudinal routinely collected electronic health records from UK primary care practices using Vision general practice patient management software). Results: Most of the study participants were women (74.9%) and median age was 42 years (interquartile range 33-51). Twenty nine (30.6 per 100 000 person years, 95% confidence interval 20.5 to 44.0) vascular thrombotic events occurred at a median of 14 days (7-29) after vaccination. Of these 29 participants, 93.1% were women, median age 46 (37-55) years, and 51.7% had comorbidities. The observed to expected ratios for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis with thrombocytopenia and pulmonary embolism with thrombocytopenia were 10.6 (95% confidence interval 0.3 to 58.8) and 1.2 (0.1 to 6.5), respectively. Because of the small number of adverse events and wide confidence intervals, no conclusions were drawn between these estimates and the expected incidence rates in the population. Conclusions: Vaccine induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis after one dose of the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine was found in only a few patients in this South African population of healthcare workers. These findings are reassuring if considered in terms of the beneficial effects of vaccination against covid-19 disease. These data support the continued use of this vaccine, but surveillance is recommended to identify other incidences of venous and arterial thromboembolism and to improve confidence in the data estimates. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04838795.

7.
Transfus Med ; 33(4): 277-286, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36799902

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We performed a mixed-methods study to explore the motivations associated with blood donation by donors with known, but undisclosed HIV-positive status and ARV use (HIV+/ARV+), seeking potential strategies to reduce such donations and mitigate risk for blood recipients. Here, we report predominantly the qualitative component. BACKGROUND: A safe and sustainable blood supply is dependent in part, on effective pre-donation donor assessment. We previously described failure by HIV+/ARV+ blood donors to disclose their status. Such donations may lead to transfusion-transmitted HIV. METHODS: The social ecological model provided the conceptual framework for this study. Previously identified HIV+/ARV+ donors were invited to complete a survey (including a validated stigma scale) and qualitative interview, which underwent inductive and deductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: We uncovered two primary motivational paths to HIV+/ARV+ blood donations: privacy and altruism. The latter included a motivation not previously reported in the literature: donating specifically for other people living with HIV (PLWH). The other primary factor was a lack of privacy. These accounts often included donors encountering donation opportunities when accompanied by people to whom they had not and did not plan to disclose their HIV status. Most were highly confident their donations would be identified as HIV-positive and discarded. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated a complex interaction between individual, social, cultural, and structural/policy factors in blood donations by PLWH who take ARV. Recommendations to limit HIV + ARV+ donations include: (1) Targeted communication strategies to increase knowledge among PLWH of their deferral from blood donation-without increasing stigma, and (2) development of procedures to assist those who feel unable to opt-out of donation due to privacy concerns.


Subject(s)
Blood Donation , HIV Infections , Humans , Motivation , South Africa , Blood Transfusion , Blood Donors
10.
AIDS ; 37(4): 587-594, 2023 03 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36472201

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In tuberculosis (TB)-endemic areas, lymphadenopathy is frequently due to TB adenitis, but lymphoma and cancers are important differential diagnoses and critical to diagnose at the earliest opportunity. Key obstacles to lymphoma diagnosis include empiric TB treatment and difficulty accessing a biopsy. We report on a specialized clinic utilizing high-yield investigations for patients with lymphadenopathy. METHODS: This prospective interventional study investigated the utility of a core biopsy and the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Ultra) on fine-needle aspirate (FNA) and tissue in a newly established lymph node biopsy clinic over 4 years. Electronic referral facilitated patient assessment within a week. Hematology fellows without specialist surgical or radiological expertise performed the biopsy on the first visit. RESULTS: In 277 patients, including 43% people with HIV, TB was the most frequent diagnosis (34%), followed by lymphoma (27%) and other cancers (17%). Patients were seen a median of 5 days [interquartile range (IQR) 2-8.5 days] from referral. Core biopsy provided sufficient tissue for diagnosis in 96% of patients with lymphoma (72/75) and 94% of patients with cancer (44/47). FNA Ultra had a sensitivity of 73.9% [34/46; 95% confidence interval (CI) 58.9-85.7], and tissue Ultra 73% (46/63; 95% CI 60.3-83.4). There were six false-positive Ultra tests, highlighting the value of histology to either support TB or make an alternative diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Core biopsies collected under the conditions described are safe and sensitive and can yield a rapid diagnosis. Combining Ultra and a core biopsy can accurately diagnose TB and cancer. This clinic provides an implementation model for resource-constrained and TB-endemic areas.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Lymphadenopathy , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Neoplasms , Tuberculosis , Humans , Prospective Studies , Sensitivity and Specificity , Tuberculosis/diagnosis
11.
Leuk Lymphoma ; 64(3): 613-620, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36562564

ABSTRACT

Despite the burden of anemia among Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients, data evaluating red cell concentrate transfusion are limited. We retrospectively studied 285 newly diagnosed HL patients who received first-line adriamycin, bleomycin sulfate, vinblastine sulfate, and dacarbazine (ABVD) treatment at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town. HIV prevalence in the cohort was 39.5% and 74.2% of patients had advanced stage HL. Patient prognosis was scored using the HL International Prognostic Score (IPS-7) and HL IPS-3. Seventy (24.6%) patients were transfused with a median of 2 (IQR 1-5) units per patient. Compared to HIV-negative patients, more HIV-positive patients were transfused (14.1% vs. 40.4%, p < .001) and received more units, median 2 (IQR 1-3) vs. 3 (IQR 2-5), p = .035. HL IPS-7 (OR 2.1, p < .001) and HL IPS-3 (OR 2.6, p < .001) were independently associated with transfusion. HL IPS-7, HL IPS-3, and HIV positivity remained associated with transfusion after adjusting for covariates. For patients with newly diagnosed HL, HL IPS-7, HL IPS-3, and HIV status predicted transfusion.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Hodgkin Disease , Humans , Hodgkin Disease/therapy , Hodgkin Disease/drug therapy , Prognosis , Bleomycin/therapeutic use , Dacarbazine/adverse effects , Vinblastine/therapeutic use , Doxorubicin/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects , Retrospective Studies , South Africa , HIV Infections/complications , HIV Infections/diagnosis , HIV Infections/epidemiology
12.
PLoS Med ; 19(6): e1004024, 2022 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35727802

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Real-world evaluation of the safety profile of vaccines after licensure is crucial to accurately characterise safety beyond clinical trials, support continued use, and thereby improve public confidence. The Sisonke study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the Janssen Ad26.COV2.S vaccine among healthcare workers (HCWs) in South Africa. Here, we present the safety data. METHODS AND FINDINGS: In this open-label phase 3b implementation study among all eligible HCWs in South Africa registered in the national Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS), we monitored adverse events (AEs) at vaccination sites through self-reporting triggered by text messages after vaccination, healthcare provider reports, and active case finding. The frequency and incidence rate of non-serious and serious AEs were evaluated from the day of first vaccination (17 February 2021) until 28 days after the final vaccination in the study (15 June 2021). COVID-19 breakthrough infections, hospitalisations, and deaths were ascertained via linkage of the electronic vaccination register with existing national databases. Among 477,234 participants, 10,279 AEs were reported, of which 138 (1.3%) were serious AEs (SAEs) or AEs of special interest. Women reported more AEs than men (2.3% versus 1.6%). AE reports decreased with increasing age (3.2% for age 18-30 years, 2.1% for age 31-45 years, 1.8% for age 46-55 years, and 1.5% for age > 55 years). Participants with previous COVID-19 infection reported slightly more AEs (2.6% versus 2.1%). The most common reactogenicity events were headache (n = 4,923) and body aches (n = 4,483), followed by injection site pain (n = 2,767) and fever (n = 2,731), and most occurred within 48 hours of vaccination. Two cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome and 4 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome were reported post-vaccination. Most SAEs and AEs of special interest (n = 138) occurred at lower than the expected population rates. Vascular (n = 37; 39.1/100,000 person-years) and nervous system disorders (n = 31; 31.7/100,000 person-years), immune system disorders (n = 24; 24.3/100,000 person-years), and infections and infestations (n = 19; 20.1/100,000 person-years) were the most common reported SAE categories. A limitation of the study was the single-arm design, with limited routinely collected morbidity comparator data in the study setting. CONCLUSIONS: We observed similar patterns of AEs as in phase 3 trials. AEs were mostly expected reactogenicity signs and symptoms. Furthermore, most SAEs occurred below expected rates. The single-dose Ad26.COV2.S vaccine demonstrated an acceptable safety profile, supporting the continued use of this vaccine in this setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04838795; Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR202102855526180.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Vaccines , Ad26COVS1 , Adolescent , Adult , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines , Female , Health Personnel , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , South Africa/epidemiology , Young Adult
14.
Vox Sang ; 117(6): 822-830, 2022 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35262978

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted blood systems worldwide. Challenges included maintaining blood supplies and initiating the collection and use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP). Sharing information on the challenges can help improve blood collection and utilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey questionnaire was distributed to International Society of Blood Transfusion members in 95 countries. We recorded respondents' demographic information, impacts on the blood supply, CCP collection and use, transfusion demands and operational challenges. RESULTS: Eighty-two responses from 42 countries, including 24 low- and middle-income countries, were analysed. Participants worked in national (26.8%) and regional (26.8%) blood establishments and hospital-based (42.7%) institutions. CCP collection and transfusion were reported by 63% and 36.6% of respondents, respectively. Decreases in blood donations occurred in 70.6% of collecting facilities. Despite safety measures and recruitment strategies, donor fear and refusal of institutions to host blood drives were major contributing factors. Almost half of respondents working at transfusion medicine services were from large hospitals with over 10,000 red cell transfusions per year, and 76.8% of those hospitals experienced blood shortages. Practices varied in accepting donors for blood or CCP donations after a history of COVID-19 infection, CCP transfusion, or vaccination. Operational challenges included loss of staff, increased workloads and delays in reagent supplies. Almost half of the institutions modified their disaster plans during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: The challenges faced by blood systems during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need for guidance, harmonization, and strengthening of the preparedness and the capacity of blood systems against future infectious threats.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Blood Banks , Blood Donors , Blood Transfusion , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/therapy , Humans , Immunization, Passive , Surveys and Questionnaires , COVID-19 Serotherapy
15.
Lancet ; 399(10330): 1141-1153, 2022 03 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35305740

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of a single dose of the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) in health-care workers in South Africa during two waves of the South African COVID-19 epidemic. METHODS: In the single-arm, open-label, phase 3B implementation Sisonke study, health-care workers aged 18 years and older were invited for vaccination at one of 122 vaccination sites nationally. Participants received a single dose of 5 × 1010 viral particles of the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine. Vaccinated participants were linked with their person-level data from one of two national medical insurance schemes (scheme A and scheme B) and matched for COVID-19 risk with an unvaccinated member of the general population. The primary outcome was vaccine effectiveness against severe COVID-19, defined as COVID-19-related admission to hospital, hospitalisation requiring critical or intensive care, or death, in health-care workers compared with the general population, ascertained 28 days or more after vaccination or matching, up to data cutoff. This study is registered with the South African National Clinical Trial Registry, DOH-27-022021-6844, ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04838795, and the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, PACTR202102855526180, and is closed to accrual. FINDINGS: Between Feb 17 and May 17, 2021, 477 102 health-care workers were enrolled and vaccinated, of whom 357 401 (74·9%) were female and 119 701 (25·1%) were male, with a median age of 42·0 years (33·0-51·0). 215 813 vaccinated individuals were matched with 215 813 unvaccinated individuals. As of data cutoff (July 17, 2021), vaccine effectiveness derived from the total matched cohort was 83% (95% CI 75-89) to prevent COVID-19-related deaths, 75% (69-82) to prevent COVID-19-related hospital admissions requiring critical or intensive care, and 67% (62-71) to prevent COVID-19-related hospitalisations. The vaccine effectiveness for all three outcomes were consistent across scheme A and scheme B. The vaccine effectiveness was maintained in older health-care workers and those with comorbidities including HIV infection. During the course of the study, the beta (B.1.351) and then the delta (B.1.617.2) SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns were dominant, and vaccine effectiveness remained consistent (for scheme A plus B vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19-related hospital admission during beta wave was 62% [95% CI 42-76] and during delta wave was 67% [62-71], and vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19-related death during beta wave was 86% [57-100] and during delta wave was 82% [74-89]). INTERPRETATION: The single-dose Ad26.COV2.S vaccine shows effectiveness against severe COVID-19 disease and COVID-19-related death after vaccination, and against both beta and delta variants, providing real-world evidence for its use globally. FUNDING: National Treasury of South Africa, the National Department of Health, Solidarity Response Fund NPC, The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, The Elma Vaccines and Immunization Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , HIV Infections , Vaccines , Ad26COVS1 , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Female , Humans , Male , SARS-CoV-2 , South Africa/epidemiology
16.
Transfus Apher Sci ; 61(4): 103419, 2022 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35288051

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is an established consolidation strategy in the treatment of haematological malignancies, however poor mobilisation (PM) can contribute to patient morbidity and high resource utilisation. Identifying the incidence, risk factors for PM and engraftment outcomes are important goals in our resource limited setting. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with haematological malignancies that consecutively underwent ASCT at Groote Schuur hospital, Cape Town, South Africa from January 2013 to January 2019. RESULTS: 146 patients - majority with multiple myeloma (MM)(41,8%), F:M= 1:2, underwent leukapheresis with median age of 32 years (range, 9 - 66 years). PM occurred in 25/146 (17%), mobilisation failure (MF) in 3/146 (2%) and super mobilisation (SMs) in 99/146 (68%), respectively. Risk factors for PM were: diagnosis of acute leukaemia (RR = 25, 95% CI 3.4 - 183, p = 0.002) and Hodgkin lymphoma (RR = 19, 95% CI 2.6 - 142, p = 0.004); low white cell count (WCC) at harvest (WCC < 9 × 109/L (RR=4.3, 95% CI 2.3 - 8.3, p < 0.0001) and two vs one line of prior therapy (RR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.45 - 6.7, p = 0.0037). Median days to neutrophil and platelet engraftment were 14 days (95% CI 14-15 days) and 16 days (95% CI 15-16 days) respectively. CONCLUSION: PM occurred in 17% of a contemporary South African ASCT cohort, albeit with a low MF rate (2%). There was surprisingly high rate (68%) of SMs, possibly reflective of superfluous mobilisation strategy in MM patients. We identified predictive factors for PM that will lead to enhanced cost-effective use of plerixafor.


Subject(s)
Hematologic Neoplasms , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Heterocyclic Compounds , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute , Multiple Myeloma , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Hematologic Neoplasms/therapy , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects , Humans , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy , Middle Aged , Multiple Myeloma/therapy , Retrospective Studies , South Africa/epidemiology , Transplantation, Autologous , Young Adult
17.
Sci Rep ; 12(1): 2552, 2022 02 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35169169

ABSTRACT

There is a need for effective therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia. Convalescent plasma has antiviral activity and early observational studies suggested benefit in reducing COVID-19 severity. We investigated the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in a population with a high HIV prevalence and where few therapeutic options were available. We performed a double-blinded, multicenter, randomized controlled trial in one private and three public sector hospitals in South Africa. Adult participants with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring non-invasive oxygen were randomized 1:1 to receive a single transfusion of 200 mL of either convalescent plasma or 0.9% saline solution. The primary outcome measure was hospital discharge and/or improvement of ≥ 2 points on the World Health Organisation Blueprint Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement by day 28 of enrolment. The trial was stopped early for futility by the Data and Safety Monitoring Board. 103 participants, including 21 HIV positive individuals, were randomized at the time of premature trial termination: 52 in the convalescent plasma and 51 in the placebo group. The primary outcome occurred in 31 participants in the convalescent plasma group and and 32 participants in the placebo group (relative risk 1.03 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.38). Two grade 1 transfusion-related adverse events occurred. Participants who improved clinically received convalescent plasma with a higher median anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titre compared with those who did not (298 versus 205 AU/mL). Our study contributes additional evidence for recommendations against the use of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 pneumonia. Safety and feasibility in this population supports future investigation for other indications.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/therapy , Adult , COVID-19/mortality , COVID-19/pathology , COVID-19/virology , Double-Blind Method , Female , HIV Infections/complications , Hospitals, Public , Humans , Immunization, Passive , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Male , Middle Aged , Placebo Effect , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Severity of Illness Index , South Africa , Treatment Outcome , COVID-19 Serotherapy
20.
J Allergy Clin Immunol Glob ; 1(1): 2-8, 2022 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37780073

ABSTRACT

Background: The Janssen-Ad26.COV2.S vaccine is authorized for use in several countries, with more than 30 million doses administered. Mild and severe allergic adverse events following immunization (AEFI) have been reported. Objective: We sought to detail allergic reactions reported during the Sisonke phase 3B study in South Africa. Methods: A single dose of the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine was administered to 4,77,234 South African health care workers between February 17 and May 17, 2021. Monitoring of adverse events used a combination of passive reporting and active case finding. Telephonic contact was attempted for all adverse events reported as "allergy." Anaphylaxis adjudication was performed using the Brighton Collaboration and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease case definitions. Results: Only 251 (0.052%) patients reported any allergic-type reaction (<1 in 2000), with 4 cases of adjudicated anaphylaxis (Brighton Collaboration level 1, n = 3) (prevalence of 8.4 per million doses). All anaphylaxis cases had a previous history of drug or vaccine-associated anaphylaxis. Cutaneous allergic reactions were the commonest nonanaphylatic reactions and included self-limiting, transient/localized rashes requiring no health care contact (n = 92) or isolated urticaria and/or angioedema (n = 70; median onset, 48 [interquartile range, 11.5-120] hours postvaccination) that necessitated health care contact (81%), antihistamine (63%), and/or systemic/topical corticosteroid (16%). All immediate (including adjudicated anaphylaxis) and most delayed AEFI (65 of 69) cases resolved completely. Conclusions: Allergic AEFI are rare following a single dose of Ad26.COV, with complete resolution in all cases of anaphylaxis. Although rare, isolated, delayed-onset urticaria and/or angioedema was the commonest allergic AEFI requiring treatment, with nearly half occurring in participants without known atopic disease.

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