Effects of partial internal biliary diversion on long-term outcomes in patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis: experience in 44 patients

Surgical versus Medical Management of Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis-Case Compilation and Review of the Literature

(1) Background: Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a rare cause of liver failure. Surgical biliary diversion (SBD) and ileal bile salt inhibitors (IBAT) can delay or prevent liver transplantation (LTX). A comparison of the two methodologies in the literature is lacking. The combination has not been investigated. (2) Methods: We performed a literature survey on medical and surgical treatments for PFIC and reviewed the charts of our patients with PFIC of a tertiary hospital. The end points of our analysis were a decrease in serum bile acid (sBA) levels, reduction of pruritus and delay or avoidance of (LTX). (3) Results: We included 17 case series on SBD with more than 5 patients and a total of 536 patients. External or internal SBD, either conventional or minimally invasive, can reduce pruritus and sBA, but not all PFIC types are suitable for SBD. Six publications described the use of two types of IBAT in PFIC with a total of 118 patients. Treatment response was dependent on genetic type and subtype. Patients with PFIC 2 (nt-BSEP) showed the best response to treatment. Four out of eleven PFIC patients underwent SBD at our centre, with two currently receiving IBAT. (4) Conclusions: Limited data on IBAT in selected patients with PFIC show safety and effectiveness, although surgical methods should still be considered as a successful bridging procedure. Further studies to evaluate a possible combination of IBAT and SBD in PFIC are warranted and treatment decision should be discussed in an interdisciplinary board.

Overview of Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis

Bile acid transport is a complex physiologic process, of which disruption at any step can lead to progressive intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). The first described PFIC disorders were originally named as such before identification of a genetic cause. However, advances in clinical molecular genetics have led to the identification of additional disorders that can cause these monogenic inherited cholestasis syndromes, and they are now increasingly referred to by the affected protein causing disease. The list of PFIC disorders is expected to grow as more causative genes are discovered. Here forth, we present a comprehensive overview of known PFIC disorders.

Biliary diversion in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Biliary diversion (BD) is indicated in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) with refractory pruritus. Three types-partial external biliary drainage (PEBD), partial internal biliary drainage (PIBD), and ileal exclusion (IE) are described, with no consensus about the relative efficacy of these procedures.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for publications on PFIC and BD. Improvement in pruritus, serum bile acid (BA), and need for liver transplantation (LT) were compared between the various BD procedures.

RESULTS

25 studies [424 children (PEBD-301, PIBD-93, IE-30)] were included. Pruritus resolved in 59.5% [PIBD:72% (95%CI 43-96%), PEBD:57% (95%CI 43-71%) and IE:48% (95%CI 14-82%)] cases. Significant overlap in confidence intervals indicated no significant differences. Absolute decrease in BA (AUROC-0.72) and bilirubin (AUROC-0.69) discriminated responders and non-responders. Eventually, 27% required LT: PIBD 10.7%, PEBD32%, IE 27%. The post-operative BA (AUROC-0.9) and bilirubin (AUROC-0.85) determined need for LT. Complications were commoner in PEBD than PIBD (38% vs 21.8%: p=0.02).

CONCLUSION

59.5% children have pruritus relief after BD and 27% need LT. PIBD has lower complications and LT requirement than PEBD. However, this requires cautious interpretation as the 2 groups differed in PFIC type and follow-up duration.

Recent updates on progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis types 1, 2 and 3: Outcome and therapeutic strategies

Recent evidence points towards the role of genotype to understand the phenotype, predict the natural course and long term outcome of patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). Expanded role of the heterozygous transporter defects presenting late needs to be suspected and identified. Treatment of pruritus, nutritional rehabilitation, prevention of fibrosis progression and liver transplantation (LT) in those with end stage liver disease form the crux of the treatment. LT in PFIC has its own unique issues like high rates of intractable diarrhoea, growth failure; steatohepatitis and graft failure in PFIC1 and antibody-mediated bile salt export pump deficiency in PFIC2. Drugs inhibiting apical sodium-dependent bile transporter and adenovirus-associated vector mediated gene therapy hold promise for future.

Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis: A Study in Children From a Liver Transplant Center in India

Background/Aims

This study aimed to delineate the clinical profile of children diagnosed with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC).

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of case records of children in the tertiary care hospital, with the diagnosis of PFIC from January 2017 to January 2020. The diagnosis was made using clinical and laboratory parameters and with genetic testing when available. Medical and surgical management was according to the departmental protocol. Liver transplant was offered to children with end-stage liver disease, intractable pruritus, or severe growth failure.

Result

There were 13 identified PFIC cases (familial intrahepatic cholestasis 1 [FIC1] deficiency-4, bile salt export pump (BSEP) deficiency-3, tight junction protein [TJP2] deficiency 3, multidrug-resistant protein 3 [MDR3] deficiency 2 and farnesoid X receptor deficiency-1). PFIC subtypes 1, 2, and 5 presented in infancy, whereas MDR3 presented in childhood. TJP2 deficiency had varied age of presentation from infancy to adolescence. Jaundice with or without pruritus was present in most cases. Genetic testing was carried out in 10 children, of which five had a homozygous mutation, three had a compound heterozygous mutation, and two had a heterozygous mutation. Three children (FIC1-2 and TJP2-1) underwent biliary diversion, of which clinical improvement was seen in two. Six children underwent liver transplantation, which was successful in four.

Conclusion

Byler's disease was the most common subtype. A clinicopathologic correlation with molecular diagnosis leads to early diagnosis and management. Liver transplantation provides good outcomes in children with end-stage liver disease.

Single-center experience in management of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is an autosomal recessively inherited disease that causes intrahepatic-hepatocellular cholestasis. PFIC constitutes approximately 10-15% of cholestatic liver diseases in children. The aim of this study is to draw attention to this group of diseases, which pose a higher risk, in societies where consanguineous marriage is more common, and to share our experiences since the studies in the literature, regarding this group of diseases are case series with small number of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 34 patients who were admitted with jaundice and diagnosed by genetic analysis, between January 2015 and July 2020.

RESULTS

We found 17.6% of patients with PFIC type 1, 55.9% patients had PFIC type 2, 14.7% patients had PFIC type 3, 8.8% patients had PFIC type 4 and 2.9% patients had PFIC type 5. Partial internal biliary diversion was performed in 5 (14.7%) patients, who had severe itching during follow-up, did not respond to medical treatment, and did not have significant fibrosis in liver biopsy yet. The degree of itching before PIBD was rated as +4 (cutaneous erosion, bleeding and scarring), in 5 patients and the rates were 0 (absent) in two patients, and +1 (mild itching) in 3 patients, 6 months after PIBD, these differences were statistically significant(p = 0.027). The mean weight z score was-1.43 (-3.72-+0.73), before PIBD, while it was 0.39(-1.86 -+2.45), six months after PIBD; the diference was statistically significant(p = 0.043). Liver transplantation was performed in 12 (35.3%) patients with significant fibrosis in liver biopsy and developing signs of portal hypertension.

CONCLUSION

The PFIC disease group is a heterogeneous disease group that is difficult to diagnose and treat. It should be considered in patients with cholestasis and/or pruritus and those with a history of consanguineous marriage between parents and death of a sibling with similar clinical symptoms.

Liver Transplantation in Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis with Normal Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase: Evaluation of Post-transplant Steatosis and Steatohepatitis

Background: Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis is a disease presenting with severe cholestasis and progressing to the end-stage liver disease later. Liver transplantation is a treatment modality available for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, especially in patients with end-stage liver disease or those who are unsuitable for or have failed biliary diversion. Objectives: To evaluate clinical and pathological characteristics of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis patients who had undergone liver transplantation and to determine post-transplant steatosis and steatohepatitis. Methods: We evaluated 111 progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis patients with normal gamma-glutamyl transferase that performed liver transplantation in Shiraz Transplant Center in Iran between March 2000 and March 2017. Results: The most common clinical manifestations were jaundice and pruritus. Growth retardation and diarrhea were detected in 76.6% and 42.5% of the patients. After transplantation, growth retardation was seen in 31.5% of the patients, and diarrhea in 36.9% of them. Besides, 29.1% of the patients died post-transplant. Post-transplant liver biopsies were taken from 50 patients, and 15 (30%) patients had steatosis or steatohepatitis, five of whom (10%) had macrovesicular steatosis alone, and 10 (20%) had steatohepatitis. Only one patient showed moderate bridging fibrosis (stage III), and none of them showed severe fibrosis. Conclusions: Liver transplantation is the final treatment option for these patients, and it can relieve most clinical manifestations. However, post-transplant mortality rate was relatively high in our center. Diarrhea, growth retardation, and steatosis are unique post-transplant complications in these patients. The rate of post-transplant steatosis and steatohepatitis in patients with liver biopsy in our study was 30%, with a significant difference from previous studies.

Effects of odevixibat on pruritus and bile acids in children with cholestatic liver disease: Phase 2 study

PURPOSE

Ileal bile acid transporter inhibition is a novel therapeutic concept for cholestatic pruritus and cholestatic liver disease progression. Odevixibat, a potent, selective, reversible ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor, decreases enteric bile acid reuptake with minimal systemic exposure. Oral odevixibat safety, tolerability, and efficacy in pediatric patients with cholestatic liver disease and pruritus were evaluated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this phase 2, open-label, multicenter study, children received 10‒200 μg/kg oral odevixibat daily for 4 weeks. Changes in serum bile acid levels (primary efficacy endpoint), pruritus, and sleep disturbance were explored.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were enrolled (8 females; 1‒17 years; 4 re-entered at a different dose). Diagnoses included progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (n = 13; 3 re-entries), Alagille syndrome (n = 6), biliary atresia (n = 3), and other intrahepatic cholestasis causes (n = 2; 1 re-entry). Mean baseline serum bile acid levels were high (235 µmol/L; range, 26‒564) and were reduced in the majority (-123.1 μmol/L; range, -394 to 14.5, reflecting reductions of up to 98%). Patient-reported diary data documented improved pruritus (3 scales) and sleep. With 100 μg/kg, mean (SEM) decrease was 2.8 (1.1) points for pruritus (visual analogue itch scale 0-10) and 2.9 (0.9) points for sleep disturbance (Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis scale 0-10). Reduced pruritus correlated significantly with reduced serum bile acids (P ≤ 0.007). Significant correlations were also observed between autotaxin levels and pruritus. All patients completed the study. No serious adverse events were treatment related; most adverse events, including increased transaminases, were transient.

CONCLUSIONS

Orally administered odevixibat was well tolerated, reduced serum bile acids, and improved pruritus and sleep disturbance in children with cholestatic diseases.

Epidemiology and burden of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis: a systematic review

Background

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis is a rare, heterogeneous group of liver disorders of autosomal recessive inheritance, characterised by an early onset of cholestasis with pruritus and malabsorption, which rapidly progresses, eventually culminating in liver failure. For children and their parents, PFIC is an extremely distressing disease. Significant pruritus can lead to severe cutaneous mutilation and may affect many activities of daily living through loss of sleep, irritability, poor attention, and impaired school performance.

Methods

Databases including MEDLINE and Embase were searched for publications on PFIC prevalence, incidence or natural history, and the economic burden or health-related quality of life of patients with PFIC. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed.

Results

Three systematic reviews and twenty-two studies were eligible for inclusion for the epidemiology of PFIC including a total of 2603 patients. Study periods ranged from 3 to 33 years. Local population prevalence of PFIC was reported in three studies, ranging from 9.0 to 12.0% of children admitted with cholestasis, acute liver failure, or splenomegaly. The most detailed data come from the NAPPED study where native liver survival of >15 years is predicted in PFIC2 patients with a serum bile  acid concentration below 102 µmol/L following bile diversion surgery. Burden of disease was mainly reported through health-related quality of life (HRQL), rates of surgery and survival. Rates of biliary diversion and liver transplant varied widely depending on study period, sample size and PFIC type, with many patients have multiple surgeries and progressing to liver transplant. This renders data unsuitable for comparison.

Conclusion

Using robust and transparent methods, this systematic review summarises our current knowledge of PFIC. The epidemiological overview is highly mixed and dependent on presentation and PFIC subtype. Only two studies reported HRQL and mortality results were variable across different subtypes. Lack of data and extensive heterogeneity severely limit understanding across this disease area, particularly variation around and within subtypes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-021-01884-4.

Long-term outcome following cholecystocolostomy in 41 patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

PURPOSE

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a cohort of autosomal recessive syndromes which presents with jaundice, severe pruritus and liver derangement. Without treatments, patients progress to liver failure in early childhood. Biliary diversion strategies have been deployed to interrupt enterohepatic circulation to alleviate symptoms and delay progression to cirrhosis. Cholecystocolostomy has been the diversion method of choice at our institution and we aim to evaluate its long-term outcome.

METHODS

All patients with PFIC who underwent cholecystocolostomy between August 2003 to May 2019 were included. PFIC diagnosed by clinical course, serum liver biochemistry and genotyping excluding other causes of cholestasis. All patients received ursodeoxycholic acid prior to biliary diversion. Those without long-term follow-up were excluded. Long-term follow-up conducted with physical examination, abdominal ultrasonography, liver function tests, contrast enema studies and colonoscopies. Outcome analysis was performed with patients divided into three groups according to their postoperative responses.

RESULTS

58 children underwent cholecystocolostomy, 41 were included in the study. Overall survival rate was 73.2% without a liver transplant. Survival improved to 81.1% in those without cirrhosis. 83.3% of those without a transplant was to no longer need any medication after their cholecystocolostomy. Recurrent cholestasis was seen in those with constipation (n = 8), ascending cholangitis (n = 10), intrahepatic reflux from Y-loop (n = 3) and cystic duct stenosis (n = 4).

CONCLUSION

Cholecystocolostomy is a safe and effective technique for treatment of cholestasis in PFIC patients without cirrhosis. Careful monitoring and proactive management of postoperative constipation and ascending cholangitis is required to prevent stenosis of the cystic duct leading to recurrent cholestasis.