The teammate trial: Study design and rationale tacrolimus and everolimus against tacrolimus and MMF in pediatric heart transplantation using the major adverse transplant event (MATE) score.

2023

100-112

06/2023

1097-6744

BACKGROUND: Currently there are no immunosuppression regimens FDA-approved to prevent rejection in pediatric heart transplantation (HT). In recent years, everolimus (EVL) has emerged as a potential alternative to standard tacrolimus (TAC) as the primary immunosuppressant to prevent rejection that may also reduce the risk of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. However, the 2 regimens have never been compared head-to-head in a randomized trial. The study design and rationale are reviewed in light of the challenges inherent in rare disease research.

METHODS: The TEAMMATE trial (IND 127980) is the first multicenter randomized clinical trial (RCT) in pediatric HT. The primary purpose is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EVL and low-dose TAC (LD-TAC) compared to standard-dose TAC and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Children aged <21 years at HT were randomized (1:1 ratio) at 6 months post-HT to either regimen, and followed for 30 months. Children with recurrent rejection, multi-organ transplant recipients, and those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73m were excluded. The primary efficacy hypothesis is that, compared to TAC/MMF, EVL/LD-TAC is more effective in preventing 3 MATEs: acute cellular rejection (ACR), CKD and CAV. The primary safety hypothesis is that EVL/LD-TAC does not have a higher cumulative burden of 6 MATEs (antibody mediated rejection [AMR], infection, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder [PTLD] in addition to the 3 above). The primary endpoint is the MATE score, a composite, ordinal surrogate endpoint reflecting the frequency and severity of MATEs that is validated against graft loss. The study had a target sample size of 210 patients across 25 sites and is powered to demonstrate superior efficacy of EVL/LD-TAC. Trial enrollment is complete and participant follow-up will be completed in 2023.

CONCLUSION: The TEAMMATE trial is the first multicenter RCT in pediatric HT. It is anticipated that the study will provide important information about the safety and efficacy of everolimus vs tacrolimus-based regimens and will provide valuable lessons into the design and conduct of future trials in pediatric HT.

10.1016/j.ahj.2023.02.002

Am Heart J

36828201

The teammate trial: Study design and rationale tacrolimus and everolimus against tacrolimus and MMF in pediatric heart transplantation using the major adverse transplant event (MATE) score.

2023

100-112

06/2023

1097-6744

BACKGROUND: Currently there are no immunosuppression regimens FDA-approved to prevent rejection in pediatric heart transplantation (HT). In recent years, everolimus (EVL) has emerged as a potential alternative to standard tacrolimus (TAC) as the primary immunosuppressant to prevent rejection that may also reduce the risk of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. However, the 2 regimens have never been compared head-to-head in a randomized trial. The study design and rationale are reviewed in light of the challenges inherent in rare disease research.

METHODS: The TEAMMATE trial (IND 127980) is the first multicenter randomized clinical trial (RCT) in pediatric HT. The primary purpose is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EVL and low-dose TAC (LD-TAC) compared to standard-dose TAC and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Children aged <21 years at HT were randomized (1:1 ratio) at 6 months post-HT to either regimen, and followed for 30 months. Children with recurrent rejection, multi-organ transplant recipients, and those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73m were excluded. The primary efficacy hypothesis is that, compared to TAC/MMF, EVL/LD-TAC is more effective in preventing 3 MATEs: acute cellular rejection (ACR), CKD and CAV. The primary safety hypothesis is that EVL/LD-TAC does not have a higher cumulative burden of 6 MATEs (antibody mediated rejection [AMR], infection, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder [PTLD] in addition to the 3 above). The primary endpoint is the MATE score, a composite, ordinal surrogate endpoint reflecting the frequency and severity of MATEs that is validated against graft loss. The study had a target sample size of 210 patients across 25 sites and is powered to demonstrate superior efficacy of EVL/LD-TAC. Trial enrollment is complete and participant follow-up will be completed in 2023.

CONCLUSION: The TEAMMATE trial is the first multicenter RCT in pediatric HT. It is anticipated that the study will provide important information about the safety and efficacy of everolimus vs tacrolimus-based regimens and will provide valuable lessons into the design and conduct of future trials in pediatric HT.

10.1016/j.ahj.2023.02.002

Am Heart J

36828201

Sixth Annual Pediatric Interagency Registry for Mechanical Circulatory Support (Pedimacs) Report: The Society Of Thoracic Surgeons Pedimacs Annual Report.

2023

1098-1108

05/2023

1552-6259

BACKGROUND: The Pediatric Interagency Registry for Mechanical Circulatory Support (Pedimacs), supported by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, provides detailed information on pediatric patients supported with ventricular assist devices (VADs).

METHODS: From September 19, 2012, to December 31, 2021, there were 1355 devices in 1109 patients (<19 years) from 42 North American Hospitals.

RESULTS: Cardiomyopathy was the most common underlying cause (59%), followed by congenital heart disease (25%) and myocarditis (9%). Regarding device type, implantable continuous (IC) VADs were most common at 40%, followed by paracorporeal pulsatile (PP; 28%) and paracorporeal continuous (PC; 26%). Baseline demographics differed, with the PC cohort being younger, smaller, more complex (ie, congenital heart disease), and sicker at implantation (P < .0001). At 6 months after VAD implantation, a favorable outcome (transplantation, recovery, or alive on device) was achieved in 84% of patients, which was greatest among those on IC VADs (92%) and least for PC VADs (69%). Adverse events were not uncommon, with nongastrointestinal bleeding (incidence of 14%) and neurologic dysfunction (11% [stroke, 4%]), within 2 weeks after implantation being the most prevalent. Stroke and bleeding had negative impacts on overall survival (P = .002 and P < .001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: This Sixth Pedimacs Report demonstrates the continued evolution of the pediatric field. The complexity of cardiac physiologies and anatomic constraint mandates the need for multiple types of devices used (PC, PP, IC). Detailed analyses of each device type in this report provide valuable information to further advance the care of this challenging and vulnerable population.

10.1016/j.athoracsur.2022.10.042

Ann Thorac Surg

36402175

Fifth Annual Pediatric Interagency Registry for Mechanical Circulatory Support (Pedimacs) Report.

2021

2021 Oct 11

1552-6259

<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>The Pediatric Interagency Registry for Mechanical Circulatory Support (Pedimacs) provides detailed information on pediatric patients supported with ventricular assist devices (VADs).</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>From September 19, 2012 to December 31, 2020 there were 1,229 devices in 1,011 patients reported to the registry from 47 North American Hospitals in patients under 19 years of age.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Cardiomyopathy was the most common underlying etiology (58%), followed by congenital heart disease (CHD) (25%) and myocarditis (10%). The most common devices implanted were implantable continuous (IC) (n=419, 41%), followed by paracorporeal pulsatile (PP) (n=269, 27%), paracorporeal continuous (PC) (n=263, 26%), and percutaneous (n=53, 5%). Overall, at six months after VAD implantation, 83% had a positive outcome (transplant, explant, or alive on device). The freedom from stroke was highest in IC VADs (93% at 3-months), compared to PP VADs (84% at 3-months) and with PC VADs (75% at 3-months. There were differences in survival by device type with patients on IC VADs having the best overall survival and those on PC having the lowest overall survival, though the patient populations being supported by each VAD type differed significantly from each other.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>This Fifth Pedimacs Report demonstrates the continued robust growth of VADs in the pediatric community, now with over 1000 patients reported to the registry. The multiple available device types (PC, PP, IC) serve different populations with different pre-VAD risk profiles, which may account for differences in survival and AE between device types.</p>

10.1016/j.athoracsur.2021.10.001

Ann Thorac Surg

34648810

Compassionate Deactivation of Ventricular Assist Devices in Children with Heart Failure.

2021

2021 Aug 03

1538-943X

10.1097/MAT.0000000000001545

ASAIO J

34352820

The TEAMMATE Trial: Study Design and Rationale of the First Pediatric Heart Transplant Randomized Clinical Trial.

2020

S207-S208

2020 Apr

1557-3117

<p><b>PURPOSE: </b>Currently there are no-FDA approved immunosuppressants specific to pediatric heart transplantation (HT). In recent years, everolimus (EVL) has emerged as an alternative to tacrolimus (TAC) as a primary immunosuppressant to prevent rejection that may also prevent kidney and coronary disease. However, the two regimens have never been evaluated systematically.</p><p><b>METHODS: </b>The TEAMMATE Trial (IND 127980) is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EVL and low-dose (LD-TAC) compared to standard-therapy TAC and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). The study design and rationale are reviewed in light of challenges inherent in rare disease research.</p><p><b>RESULTS: </b>The TEAMMATE trial is the first multicenter randomized clinical trial (RCT) in pediatric HT. The primary purpose is to evaluate the risk-benefit profile of the two regimens to prevent major adverse transplant events (MATE), and to support FDA approval of 1 or both regimens for pediatric HT. Children <21 years at HT will be randomized (1:1 ratio) at 6 mo. post-HT to either regimen for 30 months (Figure). Children with recurrent rejection or a GFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2 are excluded. The primary efficacy hypothesis is that compared to TAC/MMF, EVL/LD-TAC is more effective in preventing 3 MATEs: cellular rejection, CKD and CAV. The primary safety hypothesis is that EVL/LD-TAC does not have a higher cumulative burden of 6 MATE (AMR, infection, and PTLD + the 3 above). The primary endpoint is the MATE Score, a surrogate endpoint reflecting the frequency and severity of MATEs and validated against graft loss. The study will enroll 210 patients across 26 sites and is powered to demonstrate superior efficacy of EVL/LDTAC. The trial is projected to be completed in 2022.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION: </b>The TEAMMATE trial is the first RCT in pediatric HT. It is anticipated that the study will provide important information about the safety and effectiveness of EVL and TAC and provide valuable lessons into the design and conduct of future trials in pediatric HT.</p>

10.1016/j.healun.2020.01.825

J. Heart Lung Transplant.

32465073

Haemodynamic profiles of children with end-stage heart failure.

2017

2900-2909

2017 Oct 07

1522-9645

<p><strong>Aims: </strong>To evaluate associations between haemodynamic profiles and symptoms, end-organ function and outcome in children listed for heart transplantation.</p>

<p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>Children &lt;18 years listed for heart transplant between 1993 and 2013 with cardiac catheterization data [pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), right atrial pressure (RAP), and cardiac index (CI)] in the Pediatric Heart Transplant Study database were included. Outcomes were New York Heart Association (NYHA)/Ross classification, renal and hepatic dysfunction, and death or clinical deterioration while on waitlist. Among 1059 children analysed, median age was 6.9 years and 46% had dilated cardiomyopathy. Overall, 58% had congestion (PCWP &gt;15 mmHg), 28% had severe congestion (PCWP &gt;22 mmHg), and 22% low cardiac output (CI &lt; 2.2 L/min/m2). Twenty-one per cent met the primary outcome of death (9%) or clinical deterioration (12%). In multivariable analysis, worse NYHA/Ross classification was associated with increased PCWP [odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.01-1.07, P = 0.01], renal dysfunction with increased RAP (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08, P = 0.007), and hepatic dysfunction with both increased PCWP (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, P &lt; 0.001) and increased RAP (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06-1.12, P &lt; 0.001). There were no associations with low output. Death or clinical deterioration was associated with severe congestion (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2, P = 0.002), but not with CI alone. However, children with both low output and severe congestion were at highest risk (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.5, P = 0.03).</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Congestion is more common than low cardiac output in children with end-stage heart failure and correlates with NYHA/Ross classification and end-organ dysfunction. Children with both congestion and low output have the highest risk of death or clinical deterioration.</p>

10.1093/eurheartj/ehx456

Eur. Heart J.

29019615

Clinical practice patterns are relatively uniform between pediatric heart transplant centers: A survey-based assessment.

2017

2017 Jul 03

1399-3046

<p>Clinical practice variations are a barrier to the study of pediatric heart transplants and coordination of multicenter RCTs in this patient population. We surveyed centers to describe practice patterns, understand areas of variation, and willingness to modify protocol. Pediatric heart transplant centers were identified, and one survey was completed per center. Simple descriptive statistics were used. The response rate was 77% (40 responses from 52 contacted centers, 37 with complete responses). Median center volume of respondents was eight transplants/year (IQR 3-19). Most centers reported tacrolimus (36/38, 95%) and mycophenolate mofetil (36/38, 95%) as maintenance immunosuppression. Other immunosuppression agents reported were cyclosporine (7/38, 18%), everolimus or sirolimus (3/38, 8%), and azathioprine (2/38, 5%). Overall, respondents answered similarly for questions regarding clinical practices including induction therapy, maintenance immunosuppression, and rejection treatment threshold (&gt;85% agreement for all). Additionally, willingness to change clinical practices was over 70% for all practices surveyed (35 total respondents), and 97% of centers (36/37) were willing to participate in a RCT of maintenance immunosuppression. In conclusion, we found many similar clinical practice protocols. Most centers are willing to collaborate on a common protocol in order to participate in a RCT and support a trial investigating maintenance immunosuppression.</p>

10.1111/petr.13013

Pediatr Transplant

28670871

Development and validation of a major adverse transplant event (MATE) score to predict late graft loss in pediatric heart transplantation.

2018

441-450

2018 Apr

1557-3117

<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>There is inadequate power to perform a valid clinical trial in pediatric heart transplantation (HT) using a conventional end-point, because the disease is rare and hard end-points, such as death or graft loss, are infrequent. We sought to develop and validate a surrogate end-point involving the cumulative burden of post-transplant complications to predict death/graft loss to power a randomized clinical trial of maintenance immunosuppression in pediatric HT.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>Pediatric Heart Transplant Study (PHTS) data were used to identify all children who underwent an isolated orthotopic HT between 2005 and 2014 who survived to 6 months post-HT. A time-varying Cox model was used to develop and evaluate a surrogate end-point comprised of 6 major adverse transplant events (MATEs) (acute cellular rejection [ACR], antibody-mediated rejection [AMR], infection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy [CAV], post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease [PTLD] and chronic kidney disease [CKD]) occurring between 6 and 36 months, where individual events were defined according to international guidelines. Two thirds of the study cohort was used for score development, and one third of the cohort was used to test the score.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Among 2,118 children, 6.4% underwent graft loss between 6 and 36 months post-HT, whereas 39% developed CKD, 34% ACR, 34% infection, 9% AMR, 4% CAV and 2% PTLD. The best predictive score involved a simple MATE score sum, yielding a concordance probability estimate (CPE) statistic of 0.74. Whereas the power to detect non-inferiority (NI), assuming the NI hazard ratio of 1.45 in graft survival was 10% (assuming 200 subjects and 6% graft loss rate), the power to detect NI assuming a 2-point non-inferiority margin was &gt;85% using the MATE score.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>The MATE score reflects the cumulative burden of MATEs and has acceptable prediction characteristics for death/graft loss post-HT. The MATE score may be useful as a surrogate end-point to power a clinical trial in pediatric HT.</p>

10.1016/j.healun.2017.03.013

28465118