Niños con trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos admitidos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos: análisis de la sobrevida y los factores predictivos de mortalidad / Children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Analysis of survival and predictors of mortality

Introducción: El trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TPH) en niños es un procedimiento no exento de complicaciones graves. El ingreso de esta población a unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP) se asocia con elevada mortalidad. Objetivos: Analizar la sobrevida y los factores predictivos de la mortalidad en niños que recibieron TPH e ingresaron a la UCIP y elaborar un modelo predictivo de mortalidad en esta población. Materiales y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de niños y adolescentes que recibieron un TPH entre el 01/01/2005 y el 31/12/2019 e ingresaron a la UCIP de un hospital universitario de alta complejidad. Resultados: De un total de 264 niños que recibieron el trasplante, 114 ingresaron a la UCIP. La mortalidad general fue del 29 % (n = 34). El tipo de trasplante, enfermedad basal, evento de neutropenia febril, infección por citomegalovirus, insuficiencia respiratoria, enfermedad de injerto contra huésped (EICH), quimioterapia mieloablativa y desnutrición previa se asociaron con tasas de mortalidad más elevadas. En el análisis multivariado, la EICH (razón de posibilidades [OR, por su sigla en inglés]: 2,23; intervalo de confianza del 95 % [IC 95 %]: 1,92-2,98), la necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva (OR: 2,47; IC95 %: 1,39-5,73), el trasplante de donante alternativo (OR: 1,58; IC 95 %: 1,14-2,17) y la desnutrición previa (OR: 1,78; IC 95 %: 1,223-3,89) se asociaron con mayor mortalidad. Conclusión: En la población estudiada, dos de cada tres niños que recibieron TPH e ingresaron a la UCIP sobrevivieron. La EICH, ventilación mecánica, trasplante de donante alternativo y desnutrición previa fueron factores predictivos de mortalidad

Introduction: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children is a procedure that is not exempt of severe complications. Admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is associated with a high mortality rate. Objectives: To analyze survival and predictors of mortality among children who received a HSCT and were admitted to the PICU, and to develop a mortality prediction model in this population. Materials and methods: Retrospective review of children and adolescents who received a HSCT between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2019 and were admitted to the PICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Results: Out of 264 children receiving the transplant 114 were admitted to the PICU. The overall mortality rate was 29 % (n = 34). The type of transplant, underlying disease, febrile neutropenia event, cytomegalovirus infection, respiratory failure, graft versus host disease (GVHD), myeloablative chemotherapy, and previous malnutrition were associated with higher mortality rates. In the multivariate analysis, GVHD (odds ratio [OR]: 2.23; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.92-2.98), need for mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.47; 95 % CI: 1.39-5.73), alternative donor transplant (OR: 1.58; 95 % CI: 1.14-2.17), and previous malnutrition (OR: 1.78; 95 % CI: 1.22-3.89) were associated with a higher mortality rate. Conclusion: In the studied population, 2 out of 3 children who received a HSCT and were admitted to the PICU survived. GVHD, mechanical ventilation, alternative donor transplant, and previous malnutrition were predictors of mortality

Fotoféresis extracorpórea en enfermedad injerto contra huésped en una población pediátrica / Extracorporeal Photopheresis in Pediatric Graft-vs-Host Disease

Antecedentes La fotoféresis extracorpórea (FEC) es una terapia inmunomoduladora indicada para la enfermedad injerto contra huésped (EICH) en adultos y niños, no obstante, existen pocos estudios en esta última población. Objetivo Describir las características demográficas, la respuesta clínica, los efectos adversos y la evolución de los pacientes pediátricos con EICH aguda (EICH-a) y EICH crónica (EICH-c) tratados con FEC. Materiales y métodos Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con EICH-a y EICH-c sometidos a tratamiento con FEC entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2018 en el Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Se utilizó el sistema UVAR-XTS™ en 2 pacientes y el CELLEX™ en el resto, con 2 sesiones por semana y reevaluación al mes en EICH-a, 2 sesiones cada 2 semanas con reevaluación a los 3 meses en EICH-c, y en ambos finalización según respuesta. Resultados Evaluamos 9 pacientes pediátricos con EICH refractaria, dependiente y/o resistente a corticoides sistémicos tratados con FEC. Siete pacientes fueron respondedores y 2 no respondedores. La piel presentó respuesta completa (RC) en 1/9 y respuesta parcial en 7/9 pacientes, el hígado, el sistema gastrointestinal y las mucosas presentaron RC en 3/5, 1/2 y 4/5 pacientes, respectivamente. Dos pacientes fallecieron durante el periodo estudiado. Conclusión La FEC es una buena opción terapéutica para los pacientes pediátricos con EICH aguda y crónica (AU)

Background Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an immunomodulatory therapy used to treat graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) in adults and children. Few studies have examined its use in children. Objective To describe demographic characteristics, clinical response, adverse effects, and outcomes in a series of pediatric patients with acute or chronic GVHD treated with ECP. Material and methods We included all pediatric patients with acute or chronic GVHD treated with ECP by the Dermatology Department of Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between January 2012 and December 2018. We used the UVAR-XTS™ system (2 patients) and the CELLEX system (7 patients). Patients with acute GVHD received 2 sessions a week and were reassessed at 1 month, while those with chronic GVHD received 2 sessions every 2 weeks and were reassessed at 3 months. Treatment duration in both scenarios varied according to response. Results We evaluated 9 pediatric patients with corticosteroid-refractory, -dependent, and/or -resistant GVHD treated with ECP. Seven responded to treatment and 2 did not. Response was complete in 1 of the 9 patients with skin involvement and partial in 7. Complete response rates for the other sites of involvement were 60% (3/5) for the liver, 50% (1/2) for the gastrointestinal system, and 80% (4/5) for mucous membranes. Two patients died during the study period. Conclusion ECP is a good treatment option for pediatric patients with acute or chronic GVHD (AU)

Utility of capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a complication of hematopoietic cell transplantation, and the small bowel is one of the main targets in the gastrointestinal tract. Capsule endoscopy is a safe procedure and can be useful in the diagnosis of GvHD. The aim of the present study was to compare the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy with the histopathologic findings in GvHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective diagnostic test study included all the patients with suspected GvHD that underwent gastroscopy and colonoscopy, with histopathologic evaluation of the biopsies taken, and capsule endoscopy, within the time frame of July 2015 and July 2019. Capsule endoscopy findings were compared with the histopathologic diagnosis, considered the gold standard. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with GvHD (7 [33%] women; 37 ± 11.9 years of age) were included, 20 (95%) of whom had acute GvHD. The median gastric transit time of the capsule was 55 minutes (20-113) and the median small bowel transit time was 261 minutes (238-434). The entire small bowel was visualized through capsule endoscopy in 17 cases (80.95%). The histopathologic findings and capsule endoscopy findings resulted in the diagnosis of GvHD in 17 and 16 cases, respectively. There was agreement between the histopathologic and capsule endoscopy findings in 18 cases (15 positive and 3 negative). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy were 88%, 75%, 94%, 60%, and 85%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Capsule endoscopy is a safe tool for the diagnosis of GvHD, with high sensitivity and positive predictive value, as well as moderate agreement with histopathologic findings.

Utilidad de la biopsia digestiva para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad injerto contra huésped / Usefulness of digestive biopsy in the diagnosis of graft-versus-host disease

Introducción: La enfermedad injerto contra huésped (EICH) esuna complicación frecuente de los trasplantes de células precursorashematopoyéticas alogénicos (alo-TCPH), con gran morbimortalidad.La clínica intestinal es inespecífica, planteando el diagnóstico diferencial con infecciones y etiología medicamentosa. Aunque las biopsiasintestinales son el gold standard, no existe consenso sobre la mejortécnica para obtenerlas.nObjetivo: Evaluar los resultados de las técnicas empleadas paraobtener biopsias en pacientes con sospecha de EICH intestinal. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que incluye pacientessometidos a alo-TCPH entre 2010 y 2019, con sospecha de EICH intes-tinal estudiados mediante biopsias digestivas: esofagogastroduodenales(endoscopia digestiva alta - EDA) o rectales (colonoscopia o biopsiadirecta). Recogimos variables cuantitativas, expresadas como medianay rango intercuartílico; y cualitativas, expresadas en frecuencia absolutay porcentaje. Resultados: Estudiamos 23 pacientes (60,9% varones). La medianade edad en el momento de la biopsia fue 9 años (7-14 años). EmpleamosEDA en el 47,8% (n= 11), colonoscopia en 26,1% (n= 6) y biopsiadirecta en el 34,8% (n= 8); siendo positivas para EICH en 2 (18,2%), 2(33,3%) y 4 (50%), respectivamente.Conclusiones. Las muestras obtenidas mediante biopsia directase plantean como una alternativa eficiente en el diagnóstico del EICH.(AU)

Introduction: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a frequentcomplication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT), with high morbidity and mortality rates. Intestinalclinical signs are unspecific, which means differential diagnosis withinfections and drug-related etiology should be carried out. Even though intestinal biopsy is widely considered as the gold standardtechnique, there is no consensus as to which sampling method is best. Objective: To assess the results of the biopsy techniques usedin patients with suspected intestinal GVHD.Materials and methods. A retrospective study of patients withsuspected intestinal GVHD undergoing allo-HSCT from 2010 to2019 was carried out. They were assessed through digestive biopsy– esophagogastroduodenal biopsy (upper GI endoscopy – UGIE)or rectal biopsy (colonoscopy or direct biopsy). Quantitative vari-ables, expressed as median and interquartile range, and qualitativevariables, expressed as absolute frequency and percentage, werecollected. Results:23 patients were studied, 60.9% of whom were male.Median age at biopsy was 9 years (7-14 years). UGIE was used in47.8% of patients (n=11), colonoscopy was used in 26.1% of pa-tients (n=6), and direct biopsy was used in 34.8% of patients (n=8),with GVHD positive results in 2 (18.2%), 2 (33.3%), and 4 (50%)patients, respectively. Conclusions: Samples taken through direct biopsy stand as aneffective alternative in GVHD diagnosis.(AU)

Extracorporeal Photopheresis in Pediatric Graft-vs-Host Disease.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an immunomodulatory therapy used to treat graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) in adults and children. Few studies have examined its use in children. OBJECTIVE: To describe demographic characteristics, clinical response, adverse effects, and outcomes in a series of pediatric patients with acute or chronic GVHD treated with ECP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included all pediatric patients with acute or chronic GVHD treated with ECP by the dermatology department of Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between January 2012 and December 2018. We used the UVAR-XTS™ system (2 patients) and the CELLEX system (7 patients). Patients with acute GVHD received 2 sessions a week and were reassessed at 1 month, while those with chronic GVHD received 2 sessions every 2 weeks and were reassessed at 3 months. Treatment duration in both scenarios varied according to response. RESULTS: We evaluated 9 pediatric patients with corticosteroid-refractory, -dependent, and/or -resistant GVHD treated with ECP. Seven responded to treatment and 2 did not. Response was complete in 1 of the 9 patients with skin involvement and partial in 7. Complete response rates for the other sites of involvement were 60% (3/5) for the liver, 50% (1/2) for the gastrointestinal system, and 80% (4/5) for mucous membranes. Two patients died during the study period. CONCLUSION: ECP is a good treatment option for pediatric patients with acute or chronic GVHD.

Implicaciones clínicas de las quimiocinas y sus receptores en la medicina transfusional y el trasplante / Clinical implications of chemokines and their receptors in transfusion medicine and transplantation

Introducción: Las quimiocinas son proteínas secretadas con tamaño en el rango de 8-10 kDa, con numerosas funciones en la fisiología normal y patológica. El término deriva de las palabras citocinas quimiotácticas, que refleja su importante participación en la quimioatracción de leucocitos. Sin embargo, las evidencias muestran que las quimiocinas tienen muchas otras funciones como la comunicación intercelular, la activación celular y la regulación del ciclo celular. Objetivo: Analizar los conocimientos actuales sobre las quimiocinas y sus receptores, y la significación clínica de estas en la medicina transfusional y el trasplante. Métodos: Se realizó revisión de la literatura, en inglés y español, a través del sitio web PubMed y el motor de búsqueda Google académico de artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años. Se efectuó análisis y resumen de la bibliografía revisada. Análisis y síntesis de la información: La transcripción de la mayoría de los genes de quimiocinas es inducible y se produce en respuesta a estímulos celulares específicos. Las quimiocinas son importantes en la movilización de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas para el trasplante y localización de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas trasplantadas. En los modelos de incompatibilidad ABO, las quimiocinas CXC y CC se producen en niveles elevados. Conclusiones: Muchas son las oportunidades de futuras investigaciones sobre las quimiocinas en la medicina transfusional por la considerable redundancia y superposición en la función biológica de estas moléculas y sus receptores. Son solo una parte de un proceso mucho más grande y complejo dentro de la red de citoquinas y otras moléculas del sistema inmune(AU)

Introduction: Chemokines are secreted proteins with size in the range of 8-10 kDa, with numerous functions in normal and pathological physiology. The term derives from the words chemotactic cytokines, reflecting its important role in the chemoattraction of leukocytes. However, the evidence shows that chemokines have many other functions such as intercellular communication, cell activation and cell cycle regulation. Objetive: To present current knowledge about chemokines and their receptors, and the clinical significance of these in transfusion medicine and transplantation. Method: A review of the literature was made, in English and Spanish, through the PubMed website and the Google academic search engine of articles published in the last 10 years. An analysis and summary of the revised bibliography was made. Developing: The transcription of most of the chemokine genes is inducible and occurs in response to specific cellular stimuli. Chemokines play an important role in the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells for the transplantation and localization of transplanted hematopoietic progenitor cells. In the ABO incompatibility models, the CXC and CC chemokines are produced at high levels. Conclusions: There are many opportunities for future research on chemokines in transfusion medicine due to their considerable redundancy and superposition in the biological function of these molecules and their receptors. They are just one part of a much larger and more complex process within the network of cytokines and other molecules of the immune system(AU)

Extracorporeal Photopheresis in Pediatric Graft-vs-Host Disease. / Fotoféresis extracorpórea en enfermedad injerto contra huésped en una población pediátrica.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an immunomodulatory therapy used to treat graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) in adults and children. Few studies have examined its use in children. OBJECTIVE: To describe demographic characteristics, clinical response, adverse effects, and outcomes in a series of pediatric patients with acute or chronic GVHD treated with ECP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included all pediatric patients with acute or chronic GVHD treated with ECP by the Dermatology Department of Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between January 2012 and December 2018. We used the UVAR-XTS™ system (2 patients) and the CELLEX system (7 patients). Patients with acute GVHD received 2 sessions a week and were reassessed at 1 month, while those with chronic GVHD received 2 sessions every 2 weeks and were reassessed at 3 months. Treatment duration in both scenarios varied according to response. RESULTS: We evaluated 9 pediatric patients with corticosteroid-refractory, -dependent, and/or -resistant GVHD treated with ECP. Seven responded to treatment and 2 did not. Response was complete in 1 of the 9 patients with skin involvement and partial in 7. Complete response rates for the other sites of involvement were 60% (3/5) for the liver, 50% (1/2) for the gastrointestinal system, and 80% (4/5) for mucous membranes. Two patients died during the study period. CONCLUSION: ECP is a good treatment option for pediatric patients with acute or chronic GVHD.

Manifestaciones cutáneas de la enfermedad injerto versushuésped en una población pediátrica y de adultos jóvenes / Cutaneous manifestations of graft versus host disease in a population of pediatric and young adults patients

El trasplante de médula ósea es una terapia potencialmente curativa para múltiples enfermedades; el alogénico es el más indicado en leucemias. La enfermedad injerto versus huésped (EIVH) constituye la principal complicación del trasplante de médula ósea alogénico. Tanto en la EIVH aguda como crónica, la piel es el órgano más frecuentemente comprometido. El objetivo fue analizar las manifestaciones cutáneas de esta entidad. Trabajo retrospectivo y descriptivo, que incluyó a 59 pacientes trasplantados de edades entre 0 y 20 años. En 50 casos, se realizó trasplante de médula ósea alogénico. Veinticinco pacientes desarrollaron EIVH (17, la forma aguda, y 8, la forma crónica), y 24 tuvieron compromiso cutáneo. En concordancia con lo comunicado se encontró que las manifestaciones cutáneas fueron la manifestación clínica más común de EIVH. El hallazgo principal en EIVH aguda en nuestra serie fue el rash eritematoso maculopapular y, en EIVH crónica, las lesiones escleróticas símil morf

Bone marrow transplant is a potentially curative therapy for several diseases, and allogeneic bone marrow transplant is the most commonly indicated type for leukemias. Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is the main complication of allogeneic bone marrow transplant. In both acute and chronic GVHD, the skin is the most frequently involved organ. The objective of this study was to analyze cutaneous manifestations of this disease. Retrospective and descriptive study that included 59 transplanted patients aged 0 to 20 years. In 50 cases allogeneic bone marrow transplant was performed. Twenty-five patients developed GVHD (17 acute disease and 8 chronic disease) and 24 of them had cutaneous involvement. According to the literature, skin compromise was the commonest clinical manifestation of GVHD. Main finding in acute GVHD in our series was the erythematous maculopapular rash, while in chronic GVHD they were sclerotic lesions resembling morphe

Afectación ocular en la enfermedad injerto contra huésped / Ocular damage in graft-versus-host disease

RESUMEN El trasplante alogénico de precursores hematopoyéticos está indicado en el tratamiento de diversos trastornos de la sangre, sobre todo en las neoplasias malignas. La enfermedad injerto contra huésped es la complicación principal de los trasplantes alogénicos de órganos hematopoyéticos. Es una enfermedad inmunológica provocada por la interacción entre el donante y el receptor, mediante respuestas innatas y adaptativas. Con gran frecuencia afecta la piel y el sistema gastrointestinal. Diferentes pueden ser las manifestaciones oculares, pero son las alteraciones de la superficie ocular las más frecuentes. Los cambios en la superficie ocular pueden provocar ceguera. El diagnóstico y el tratamiento precoz mejoran el pronóstico. Además del tratamiento general de la enfermedad es necesario instaurar medidas específicas para controlar las alteraciones oculares. Se realizó una revisión sobre los artículos publicados con el objetivo de conocer sobre la enfermedad injerto contra huésped y su afectación ocular(AU)

ABSTRACT Allogeneic transplantation of hematopoietic precursors is indicated in the treatment of various blood disorders, particularly malignant neoplasms. Graft-versus-host disease is the main complication of allogeneic transplants of hematopoietic organs. GVHD is an immunological condition caused by the interaction between the donor and the recipient manifested as innate and adaptive responses. It very often affects the skin and the gastrointestinal system. A variety of ocular manifestations may also occur, the most common of which are ocular surface alterations. Changes in the ocular surface may cause blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment improve prognosis. Besides the general treatment of the disease it is necessary to implement specific measures to control ocular alterations. A review was conducted of published papers on the topic to become acquainted with graft-versus-host disease and the ocular damage it causes(AU)

Invasive aspergillosis manifesting as retinal necrosis in a patient treated with ruxolitinib. / Necrosis retiniana como manifestación de aspergilosis invasiva en un paciente tratado con ruxolitinib.

A 30 year-old man with acute myeloblastic leukaemia and secondary myelodysplastic syndrome developed graft-versus-host disease. The patient was treated with ruxolitinib. After being treated for 3 months with ruxolitinib, an inhibitor of Janus kinase, he developed Aspergillus retinal necrosis resistant to common treatment. Treatment with Janus kinase inhibitors may lead to an increased incidence of opportunistic infections. Janus kinase inhibitor administration may result in poor treatment efficacy.

Gastrointestinal tract and liver graft-versus-host disease in pediatric patients with hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation at a tertiary care center in Mexico. / Enfermedad injerto contra huésped gastrointestinal y hepático en pacientes pediátricos con trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas en el Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common multisystemic complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. The most frequent presentations of graft-versus-host disease involve the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and the liver. The aim of the present study was to know the frequency of gastrointestinal tract and liver GVHD and the characteristics of disease presentation in pediatric patients that underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at a tertiary care hospital center in Mexico City. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out, utilizing the case records of patients that underwent HSCT in 2015, to determine the frequency of GVHD in pediatric patients at a Mexican tertiary care hospital center. RESULTS: In 2015, 16 HSCT were performed, 11 of which were carried out in males (68%). Only 3 patients developed graft-versus-host disease (18.7%). One patient presented with skin and liver GVHD and 2 patients presented with gastrointestinal tract and liver GVHD, which was the most frequent type. CONCLUSIONS: HSCT is still an uncommon procedure in Mexico and there is a lower frequency of gastrointestinal tract and liver GVHD than that reported in other studies. Most certainly, there will be an increase in this type of patient and risk factors in the Mexican population must still be determined to help predict the onset of GVHD.

Enfermedad injerto contra huésped cutánea crónica tipo vitiligo. Caso clínico / Vitiligo type cutaneous manifestation of chronic graft-versus-host disease. Case report

Resumen: Introducción: La enfermedad injerto contra huésped (EICH) se produce por una respuesta patoló gica y destructiva del organismo, como resultado de la interacción entre linfocitos T inmunocompetentes del donante y los antígenos del tejido receptor. Se considera la complicación más grave del trasplante de células madres hematopoyéticas, descrito con mayor frecuencia posterior al trasplante de médula ósea (TMO). La piel suele ser el primer órgano y el más comúnmente afectado, tanto en su forma aguda como crónica, con un espectro clínico de presentación variable. Objetivo: Reportar un caso de vitiligo como manifestación de EICH cutánea crónica, signo de baja prevalencia, cuyo reconocimiento podría ayudar a la sospecha de esta grave complicación. Caso clínico: Escolar de sexo masculino de 8 años de edad, con antecedente de leucemia linfoblástica aguda (LLA) diagnosticada a los 3 años de edad, con recaída combinada medular y del sistema nervioso central (SNC) con enfer medad mínima positiva en los 3 años siguientes. Cuatro años posterior al diagnóstico de LLA, recibió TMO alogénico y siete meses después presentó múltiples nevos melanocíticos con hipopigmentación perilesional y máculas acrómicas en cara, tronco y extremidades, asintomáticas. La biopsia de piel fue compatible con EICH crónica tipo vitiligo y esclerodermiforme. Recibió tratamiento tópico con Tacrolimus, logrando estabilización del cuadro. Conclusiones: La EICH conlleva a la aparición de autoanticuerpos que podrían actuar como un factor desencadenante en la aparición de enfermedades autoinmunes, como lo es el vitiligo. En consecuencia podría explicar esta manifestación, poco descri ta en la literatura, de la EICH cutánea crónica.

Abstract: Introduction: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is caused by a pathologic and destructive response of the organism as a result of the interaction between donor immunocompetent T lymphocytes and the recipient tisular antigens. It's considered the most serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, most frequently described after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The skin is usually the first and most commonly affected organ, in both acute and chronic, with a variable clinical spectrum of presentation. Objective: To report a case of vitiligo as a manifestation of cutaneous chronic GVHD, a low prevalence sign, which recognition could help to suspect this severe compli cation. Case report: 8 years old male, diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at 3 years old, had a combined medullary and central nervous system (NCS) relapse with minimal positive disease 3 years afterwards. After 4 years ALL was diagnosed, he received an allogeneic bone marrow transplant. Seven months after the BMT he presented multiple melanocytic nevi with peripheral hypopigmentation, and some isolated asymptomatic, confluent achromic macules on the face, trunk and limbs. The skin biopsy was compatible with chronic vitiligo and sclerodermiform type GVHD. He received topical treatment with Tacrolimus, achieving clinical stabilization. Conclusions: GVHD leads to the appearance of autoantibodies that could act as a trigger in the onset of autoimmune diseases, such as vitiligo. Consequently it could explain this poorly described manifestation in the literature of chronic cutaneous GVHD.

Fototerapia UVB banda estrecha en el tratamiento de la enfermedad injerto contra huésped crónica cutánea: reporte de caso / Narrowband UVB phototherapy for the treatment of cutaneous chronic graft versus host disease: case report

Resumen La enfermedad injerto contra huésped crónica (EICHc) es una complicación frecuente en los pacientes que reciben trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos (TPH) alogénico, siendo la piel el órgano más frecuentemente afectado. La EICHc cutánea se presenta con lesiones esclerodermiformes y no esclerodermiformes y frecuentemente requiere tratamiento con inmunosupresores sistémicos, fotoféresis extracorpórea o fototerapia. Los inmunosupresores tienen el potencial de producir importantes efectos adversos, por lo que terapias con mejor perfil de seguridad son claramente necesarias. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 11 años a quien se le realizó un TPH haploidéntico como tratamiento de una leucemia linfocítica aguda. En su evolución desarrolló EICHc cutánea esclerodermiforme. La paciente recibió tratamiento con luz ultravioleta B de banda estrecha (UVBbe), respondiendo satisfactoriamente en los 2 primeros meses. Existen múltiples reportes y series de casos exitosos sobre el tratamiento con fototerapia en distintas modalidades. En relación a la fototerapia con UVBbe, la literatura es escasa, sin embargo, muestran importantes resultados tanto en las formas esclerodermiformes y no esclerodermiformes de la EICHc cutánea y un buen perfil de seguridad. De todas formas, se requieren estudios prospectivos controlados a gran escala para determinar su efectividad como terapia adjuvante o incluso de primera línea y para definir los esquemas terapéuticos y dosis más efectivas.

Summary Chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is a frequent complication in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants (HCTs), and the skin is the most common site of involvement. Chronic cutaneous GVHD can present with sclerotic or nonsclerotic changes and often requires treatment with systemic immunosuppressants, extracorporeal photopheresis, or phototherapy. Immunosuppressants carry the potential of causing important side effects, so additional modes of therapy with better security profiles are clearly needed. We report a case of an eleven year old girl, who received allogeneic HCTs to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia. She developed sclerotic chronic GVHD. The patient underwent treatment with narrowband UV-B phototherapy, and a significant improvement was seen over the first 2 months. There are a number of successful series and case reports on different forms of phototherapy. In relation to narrowband UV-B phototherapy, literature is scarce, although shows important results in sclerotic and nonsclerotic forms of chronic cutaneous GVHD and a good safety profile have been seen. Anyway, large-scale controlled prospective trials are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of phototherapy as adjuvant o even first-line therapy, and to establish the most effective therapy schemes and doses.

Desafíos terapéuticos en la enfermedad injerto contra huésped / Therapeutic challenges in graft versus host disease

La enfermedad injerto contra huésped es una entidad en la cual las células inmunológicas competentes de un tejido injertado reconocen y dañan antígenos presentes en el receptor del trasplante, que es incapaz de defenderse de ellas. Es una complicación frecuente del trasplante alogénico de médula ósea, y con menor frecuencia se produce luego de trasplantes de órganos sólidos o transfusiones de hemoderivados no irradiados. Se comunica el caso de una paciente de sexo femenino de 23 años, con leucemia linfoblástica aguda.y trasplante alogénico de médula ósea, que presentó una enfermedad injerto contra huésped con compromiso cutáneo y gastrointestinal dependiente de corticoides, con mejoría de los signos y síntomas cutáneos luego del tratamiento con infliximab y fotoféresis extracorpórea. (AU)

Graft versus host disease is an entity in which competent grafted immune cells recognize and damage tissue antigens present in the transplant recipient, who is unable to defend from them. It is one of the most serious complications in patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, although less frequently it may be associated with solid organ transplants or transfusions of not irradiated blood products. We report the case of a 23 year-old patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, that presented graft versus host disease with skin and gastrointestinal involvement, dependent on corticosteroids, that showed improvement in signs and skin symptoms after treatment with infliximab and extracorporeal photopheresis. (AU)

Enfermedad injerto contra huesped: sus manifestaciones bucales / Graft-versus-host disease: its oral manifestations

La enfermedad injerto contra huésped es la principal complicación que sufren los pacientes que han recibido trasplante alogénico. Se produce como consecuencia de una reacción inflamatoria exagerada mediada por los linfocitos del donante y estimulada por aquellos tejidos que han sido lesionados por la enfermedad de base, por las infecciones previas o por el tratamiento de acondicionamiento. El diagnóstico es clínico e histopatológico. Los pacientes presentan rash maculopapular pruriginoso y doloroso que puede extenderse por toda la superficie corporal, fiebre, vómito, náuseas, diarrea y anorexia. En la mucosa bucal se observan erosiones ulceradas, extremamente dolorosas y pueden ser la primera o la única manifestación detectable clínicamente de esta enfermedad. El objetivo es presentar un caso de enfermedad de injerto contra huésped. Se trata de una mujer de 54 años de edad con linfoma no-Hodgking, que recibió tratamiento con quimioterapia, radioterapia y trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas en el 2009. Tres meses después, presentó lesiones en la piel diagnosticadas como enfermedad injerto contra huésped y tratadas con corticoesteroides, a los seis meses fue remitida al odontólogo porque se quejaba de ardor en la boca, xerostomía y dificultad para masticar, tenía úlceras en la mucosa bucal y en la lengua. En la ocasión recibió tratamiento con corticoesteroides, clorhexidina, orientaciones de higiene bucal y controles clínicos permanentes. Aunque existen protocolos para la prevención y el tratamiento de la enfermedad injerto contra el huésped, su frecuencia ha aumentado en los últimos años debido al incremento en el número de trasplantes. Por esta razón, es fundamental que el odontólogo forme parte del grupo multidisciplinario que asiste al paciente y que esté familiarizado con los signos y síntomas de esta enfermedad en la mucosa bucal, pues las manifestaciones clínicas pueden ser las únicas para realizar el diagnóstico(AU)

Graft-versus-host disease is the main complication following an allogeneic tissue transplant. It is caused by an exaggerated inflammatory reaction mediated by donor lymphocytes and stimulated by tissues lesioned by the underlying disease, by previous infection or by the conditioning treatment. The diagnosis is clinical and histopathological. Patients have itchy and painful maculopapular rash that can spread throughout the entire body surface, fever, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and anorexia. Extremely painful ulcerated erosions occur in the oral mucosa, which may be the first or the only clinically detectable manifestation of the disease. The objective is to report a case of graft-versus-host disease. A 54 year-old woman with non-Hodgkin lymphoma was treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hematopoietic cell transplantation in 2009. After three months, she presented skin lesions diagnosed as graft-versus-host disease and received corticosteroids. Six months later, she was referred to the dentist because of complaints of xerostomia, a burning sensation in her mouth and difficulty chewing. She also had ulcers in the oral mucosa and tongue. This time she received topical corticosteroid therapy, chlorhexidine, oral hygiene instructions and permanent clinical control. Despite some protocols for the prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host disease, its frequency has recently risen due to the increasing number of transplants. For this reason, it is essential for the dentist to be part of the multidisciplinary team treating the patient, and familiar with the signs and symptoms of the disease, since clinical manifestations may be the only ones at hand to make the diagnosis(AU)

Quality of life of patients with graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation / Calidad de Vida de Pacientes Post Trasplante de Células Madre Hematopoyéticas con Enfermedad del Injerto Contra Huésped / Qualidade de vida de pacientes pós-transplante de células-tronco hematopoéticas com doença do enxerto-hospedeiro

Abstract OBJECTIVE Assessing the quality of life of adult patients with hematological cancer in the 100 days after transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells and verifying whether the variable graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is predictive of worse results. METHOD An observational correlational and quantitative study with 36 adult participants diagnosed with hematologic cancer who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from September 2013 to June 2015. RESULT The mean age was 37 years, 52.78% were female, and 61.11% were diagnosed with leukemia. Quality of life scores showed a significant impact between pre-transplantation and pre-hospital discharge, and also within the 100 days post-transplantation. The statistical analysis between the scores for the groups with and without GvHD showed a significant difference between the presence of the complication and worse results. CONCLUSION Quality of life is altered as a result of hematopoietic stem cells transplantation, especially in patients who have graft-versus-host disease.

Resumen OBJETIVO Evaluar la calidad de vida de paciente adultos con cáncer hematológico los 100 días tras el trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas y verificar si la variable enfermedad del injerto contra huésped es predictiva de peores resultados. MÉTODO Estudio observacional, correlacional y cuantitativo, con 36 participantes adultos, diagnosticados con cáncer hematológico que se sometieron al trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas de septiembre de 2013 a junio de 2015. RESULTADO El promedio de edad fue 37 años, el 52,78% eran del sexo femenino y el 61,11% con diagnóstico de leucemia. Los puntajes de calidad de vida demostraron impacto significativo entre el pre trasplante y la pre alta hospitalaria y entre los 100 días post trasplante. El análisis estadístico entre los puntajes de los grupos con y sin enfermedad del injerto contra huésped evidenció significación entre la presencia de esa complicación y peores resultados. CONCLUSIÓN La calidad de vida se modifica como consecuencia del trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas, en especial en los pacientes que presentan enfermedad del injerto contra huésped.

Resumo OBJETIVO Avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes adultos com câncer hematológico nos 100 dias do transplante de células-tronco hematopoéticas e verificar se a variável doença do enxerto contra o hospedeiro é preditiva de piores resultados. MÉTODO Estudo observacional, correlacional e quantitativo, com 36 participantes adultos, diagnosticados com câncer hematológico que se submeteram ao transplante de células-tronco hematopoéticas de setembro de 2013 a junho de 2015. RESULTADO A média de idade foi 37 anos, 52,78% eram do sexo feminino, e 61,11% com diagnóstico de leucemia. Os escores de qualidade de vida demonstraram impacto significativo entre o pré-transplante e a pré-alta hospitalar e entre os 100 dias pós-transplante. A análise estatística entre os escores dos grupos com e sem doença do enxerto contra o hospedeiro evidenciou significância entre a presença desta complicação e piores resultados. CONCLUSÃO A qualidade de vida é alterada em decorrência do transplante de células-tronco hematopoéticas, em especial nos pacientes que apresentam doença do enxerto contra o hospedeiro.

Review of Cutaneous Graft-vs-Host Disease.

Graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is a multisystem disease that arises as a complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. It is due to recognition of the recipient's tissues by immune cells from the donor. The skin and mucous membranes are the organs most commonly affected. GVHD is classified as acute or chronic depending on the pathophysiology and clinical presentation. Acute GVHD typically presents with the triad of rash, diarrhea, and hyperbilirubinemia, and treatment is based on systemic corticosteroid and immunosuppressant therapy. The cutaneous manifestations of chronic GVHD are divided into sclerodermiform and nonsclerodermiform, and the mucous membranes and skin appendages may also be affected. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, but skin biopsy can help in doubtful cases. Treatment can be topical, systemic, or physical, depending on the size, site, and depth of the lesions and the involvement of other organs.

Curso clínico de pacientes de trasplante autógeno de médula ósea portadores del virus linfotrópico humano / Clinical evolution of carriers of human T-lymphotropic virus 1 after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

La infección por virus linfotrópico humano 1 es frecuente en la costa pacífica colombiana y se ha relacionado con leucemia/linfoma de células T del adulto y mielopatía en una proporción baja de los seropositivos. En pacientes con trasplante de órganos sólidos pareciera que estas patologías se desarrollan más rápidamente que en los otros escenarios pero se desconoce el curso de la infección por virus linfotrópico humano 1 en trasplante de médula ósea por lo cual describimos 3 casos de pacientes seropositivos y linfoma que fueron llevados a trasplante autógeno. Uno de ellos tuvo recaída de su patología hematológica y falleció a consecuencia de la misma, otra paciente presentó un cuadro compatible con mielopatía asociada al virus linfotrópico humano 1 y la última, una enfermedad injerto contra hospedero. En las personas seropositivas y que necesitan un trasplante de células hematopoyéticas se requiere una búsqueda activa de este virus para hacer seguimientos y evaluar su impacto real en los desenlaces y saber si el curso de la infección podría cambiar con el régimen condicionante del trasplante.

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 infection is common in Colombia´s Pacific coast and has been linked to adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and human T-lymphotropic virus 1-associated myelopathy in a low percentage of cases. In patients with solid organ transplantation, these diseases occur more quickly than in other scenarios but in bone marrow transplantation the true impact is unknown. We describe 3 seropositive patients with lymphoma who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation; in one case there was relapse of the hematologic malignancy and death occurred as a result. Another patient had symptoms compatible with human T-lymphotropic virus 1-associated myelopathy and the last patient had a graft vs. host disease. In seropositive people who need hematopoietic cell transplantation, an active search for this virus is required to be able to follow and assess the virus´s impact on outcomes, as well as to assess whether the evolution could change according to the transplant conditioning regimen.

The role of phototherapy in cutaneous chronic graft-vs-host disease: a retrospective study and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cutaneous chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Phototherapy is a therapeutic option for patients with skin involvement and for those who require high doses of corticosteroids. We analyze the cases treated in our department and review the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients with GVHD treated with phototherapy in the dermatology department of Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe in Valencia, Spain between March 2011 and October 2014 were identified. Data were gathered retrospectively. RESULTS: There were 16 patients: 10 treated with psoralen-UV-A and 6 with narrowband-UV-B. Complete response was achieved in 9 patients and partial response in 7; 2 patients with partial responses relapsed after treatment. Ten patients were able to decrease their dose of corticosteroids during treatment, and a further 3 decreased the number of other immunosuppressant drugs. No serious adverse effects occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Phototherapy is a good therapeutic option for patients with chronic GVHD with extensive cutaneous involvement, as well as for those who fail to respond to topical treatment or who have become steroid-dependent. The main benefits are that, as the treatment targets the skin, it reduces corticosteroid requirements and has a good safety profile. Treatment must be individualized and, in our experience, both the initial dose and the maximum dose per session can be lower than for other diseases.

Tratamiento de mucopolisacaridosis tipo I con trasplante de células madre de sangre de cordón umbilical de donante no emparentado: informe del primer caso exitoso en Colombia / Treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis I with cord blood stem cell transplantation of unrelated donor: report of first successful case in Colombia

Resumen: se presenta el primer caso exitoso en Colombia de trasplante de células madre de sangre de cordón umbilical no relacionadas, en un niño de 30 meses de edad con diagnóstico de mucopolisacaridosis tipo I. El paciente fue recibido a los seis meses de edad por presentar signos y síntomas típicos de la enfermedad, por lo que se realizó confirmación diagnóstica por bioquímica y se determinó la mutación genética. Se inició terapia de reemplazo enzimático con laronidasa a los 13 meses de edad y se llevó a cabo un trasplante de sangre de cordón umbilical de un donante no emparentado a los 30 meses, alcanzando una sobrevida superior a los tres años con mejoría en el neurodesarrollo y cambios fenotípicos marcados, sin evidencia de cifosis, macrocefalia y macroglosia, entre otros. El control ecocardiográfico actual es normal, sin manejo farmacológico, evidencia de cifosis, macrocefalia o macroglosia. Como se reporta en la literatura, el trasplante de células madre de sangre de cordón umbilical de donante no emparentado es una alternativa efectiva y segura en el tratamiento de esta enfermedad.

Abstract: here we present the first successful case in Colombia of transplantation of unrelated cord blood stem cell transplantation in a 30-month-old boy diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis type I. Patient was received at the age of six months showing typical signs and symptoms of the disease. Biochemical diagnosis was confirmed and the genetic mutation was determined. Patient began enzymereplacement therapy with laronidase at the age of 13 months and, at the age of 30 months he underwent cord blood stem cell transplantation. The boy reaching more than three years of survival with neurologic progression with marked phenotypic changes, decrease of coarse facies, active, walking without help, with normal echocardiography results without medication, no evidence of kyphosis, macrocephaly and macroglossia. In this case, it is evident that transplantation of unrelated hematopoietic stem cells from cord blood is an effective and safe alternative in treating Hurler syndrome.