Outcome of cystic fibrosis-associated liver cirrhosis: management of portal hypertension

Current situation of pediatric cystic fibrosis-related liver disease: results of a Spanish nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis-related liver disease (CFRLD) is a health problem that can affect as many as 30-40% of cystic fibrosis patients by the age of 12 years. We studied the epidemiology of CFRLD thanks to the first exclusively pediatric CFRLD patient registry to date.

METHODS

Descriptive cross-sectional study. Information from medical records from January 2018 to December 2020 is collected. CFRLD was classified according to the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition 2017 criteria.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 168 pediatric patients diagnosed with CFRLD (90.5% liver involvement without cirrhosis and 8.5% multinodular cirrhosis).

CONCLUSION

In this national registry, including exclusively pediatric population, liver disease is diagnosed around 7 years of age. Liver involvement without cirrhosis is the most frequent finding among our patients but about 9% of the patients already had cirrhosis. CFRLD is one of the challenges faced by pediatric gastroenterologists in the future and national registries give us the opportunity to further study and broaden our knowledge.

Advanced cystic fibrosis liver disease: Endovascular, endoscopic, radiologic, and surgical considerations

Up to 90% of people with CF (pwCF) will have some form of hepatobiliary involvement. This manuscript aims to explore the different endovascular, endoscopic, radiological and surgical procedures available to diagnose and manage the most severe form of CF hepatobiliary involvement (CFHBI) known as advanced cystic fibrosis liver disease (aCFLD), seen in 10% of pwCF. These procedures and interventions include liver biopsy, hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement, gastrostomy tube placement to optimize nutrition, paracentesis, endoscopic variceal control of bleeding and portosystemic shunting before liver transplantation. By utilizing advanced diagnostic or surgical techniques, healthcare professionals of pwCF can more effectively manage patients with CFHBI and aCFLD and potentially improve patient outcomes.

Cystic fibrosis screening, evaluation, and management of hepatobiliary disease consensus recommendations

Cystic fibrosis (CF) may cause a spectrum of hepatobiliary complications, including portal hypertension, multilobular cirrhosis, and liver failure. Current guidelines on the detection and monitoring of hepatobiliary complications in CF were published in 1999. The CF Foundation assembled a committee to evaluate research advances and formulate revised guidelines for CF-associated liver disease. A committee of hepatologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, pharmacists, nurses, dietitians, individuals with CF, and the parents of a child with CF devised "population, intervention, comparison, and outcome" questions regarding hepatobiliary disease in CF. PubMed literature searches were performed for each population, intervention, comparison, and outcome question. Recommendations were voted on with 80% agreement required to approve a recommendation. Public comment on initial recommendations was solicited prior to the formulation of final recommendations. Thirty-one population, intervention, comparison, and outcome questions were assembled, 6401 manuscripts were title screened for relevance, with 1053 manuscripts undergoing detailed full-text review. Seven recommendations were approved for screening, 13 for monitoring of existing disease, and 14 for treatment of CF-associated hepatobiliary involvement or advanced liver disease. One recommendation on liver biopsy did not meet the 80% threshold. One recommendation on screening ultrasound was revised and re-voted on. Through a multidisciplinary committee and public engagement, we have assembled updated recommendations and guidance on screening, monitoring, and treatment of CF-associated hepatobiliary involvement and advanced liver disease. While research gaps remain, we anticipate that these recommendations will lead to improvements in CF outcomes through earlier detection and increased evidence-based approaches to monitoring and treatment.

Management of liver disease and portal hypertension in cystic fibrosis: a review

INTRODUCTION

Cystic fibrosis (CF)-associated liver disease can significantly affect the quality of life and survival of people with CF. The hepatobiliary manifestations in CF are various, with focal/multilobular biliary cirrhosis more common in children and porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) in young adults. Portal hypertensive complications, particularly bleeding from esophagogastric varices and hypersplenism are common, while liver failure is rarer and mainly linked to biliary disease.

AREAS COVERED

This review explores current therapeutic options for CF-associated liver disease, presenting ongoing studies and new insights into parthenogenesis for potential future therapies.

EXPERT OPINION

Monitoring for signs of portal hypertension is essential. Limited evidence supports ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) efficacy in halting CF liver disease progression. The effect of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators on liver outcomes lacks definitive data, since patients with CF-related liver disease were excluded from trials due to potential hepatotoxicity. A proposed approach involves using UDCA and modulators in early stages, along with anti-inflammatory agents, with further therapeutic strategies awaiting randomized trials. Prevention of portal hypertensive bleeding includes endoscopic sclerotherapy or ligation of esophageal varices. Nonselective beta-blockers may also prevent bleeding and could be cautiously implemented. Other non-etiological treatments require investigation.

Towards a Standardized Classification of the Hepatobiliary Manifestations in Cystic Fibrosis (CFHBI): A Joint ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN Position Paper

The broad spectrum of hepatobiliary involvement in cystic fibrosis (CF) has been commonly referred to as cystic fibrosis liver disease (CFLD). However, differences in the definitions of CFLD have led to variations in reported prevalence, incidence rates, and standardized recommendations for diagnosis and therapies. Harmonizing the description of the spectrum of hepatobiliary involvement in all people with CF (pwCF) is deemed essential for providing a reliable account of the natural history, which in turn supports the development of meaningful clinical outcomes in patient care and research. Recognizing this necessity, The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) commissioned and tasked a committee to develop and propose a systematic classification of the CF hepatobiliary manifestations to increase uniformity, accuracy, and comparability for clinical, registry, and research purposes. This report describes the committee's combined expert position statement on hepatobiliary involvement in CF, which has been endorsed by NASPGHAN and ESPGHAN. We recommend using CFHBI (Cystic Fibrosis Hepato-Biliary Involvement) as the updated term to describe and classify all hepatobiliary manifestations in all pwCF. CFHBI encompasses the current extensive spectrum of phenotypical, clinical, or diagnostic expressions of liver involvement observed in pwCF. We present a schematic categorization of CFHBI, which may also be used to track and classify the changes and development of CFHBI in pwCF over time. The proposed classification for CFHBI is based on expert consensus and has not been validated for clinical practice and research purposes. Achieving validation should be an important aim for future research.

Cystic Fibrosis and Cancer: Unraveling the Complex Role of CFTR Gene in Cancer Susceptibility

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, primarily the lungs and digestive system. Over the years, advancements in medical care and treatments have significantly increased the life expectancy of individuals with CF. However, with this improved longevity, concerns about the potential risk of developing certain types of cancers have arisen. This narrative review aims to explore the relationship between CF, increased life expectancy, and the associated risk for cancers. We discuss the potential mechanisms underlying this risk, including chronic inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and genetic factors. Additionally, we review studies that have examined the incidence and types of cancers seen in CF patients, with a focus on gastrointestinal, breast, and respiratory malignancies. We also explore the impact of CFTR modulator therapies on cancer risk. In the gastrointestinal tract, CF patients have an elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and possibly esophageal cancer. The underlying mechanisms contributing to these increased risks are not fully understood, but chronic inflammation, altered gut microbiota, and genetic factors are believed to play a role. Regular surveillance and colonoscopies are recommended for early detection and management of colorectal cancer in CF patients. Understanding the factors contributing to cancer development in CF patients is crucial for implementing appropriate surveillance strategies and improving long-term outcomes. Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved and develop targeted interventions to mitigate cancer risk in individuals with CF.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children: Current Management, Controversies, and Advances

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in children has many causes, with its prevalence varying by age. Often presenting as hematemesis or melena, the initial treatment is stabilization of the patient, including protection of the airway, fluid resuscitation, and a transfusion hemoglobin threshold of 7 g/L. Endoscopy should be performed with the goal of using combinations of therapies to treat a bleeding lesion, generally involving epinephrine injection along with either cautery, hemoclips, or hemospray. This review discusses the diagnosis and treatment of variceal and non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding in children with a focus on current advances in the treatment of severe UGIB.

Cystic fibrosis-related liver disease: Clinical presentations, diagnostic and monitoring approaches in the era of CFTR modulator therapies

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive disease in the Caucasian population. Cystic fibrosis-related liver disease (CFLD) is defined as the pathogenesis related to the underlying CFTR defect in biliary epithelial cells. CFLD needs to be distinguished from other liver manifestations that may not have any pathological significance. The clinical/histological presentation and severity of CFLD vary. The main histological presentation of CFLD is focal biliary fibrosis, which is usually asymptomatic. Portal hypertension develops in a minority of cases (about 10%) and may require specific management including liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease. Portal hypertension is usually the result of the progression of focal biliary fibrosis to multilobular cirrhosis during childhood. Nevertheless, non-cirrhotic portal hypertension as a result of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease is now identified increasingly more frequently, mainly in young adults. To evaluate the effect of new CFTR modulator therapies on the liver, the spectrum of hepatobiliary involvement must first be precisely classified. This paper discusses the phenotypic features of CFLD, its underlying physiopathology and relevant diagnostic and follow-up approaches, with a special focus on imaging.

The impact of liver disease on mortality in cystic fibrosis-A systematic review

BACKGROUND

There is conflicting evidence on the impact of liver disease (CFLD) on life expectancy in CF. Therefore the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of liver disease (CFLD) on mortality in CF.

METHODS

The protocol was published at (https://hrbopenresearch.org/articles/3-44/v3) using PRISPMA-P guidelines and registered in Prospero 2020 (CRD42020182885). Three databases were searched for publications (1938-2020) where the outcome was all-cause mortality (defined as death and transplantation) or CF-specific mortality in participants with CFLD. Studies with and without a comparator group were included. Studies were divided into 2 groups based on the definition of CFLD: Group 1 used 2 categories of liver disease (i) liver disease with portal hypertension (PH) (ii) non-specific abnormalities which did not meet the criteria for PH, Group 2 studies only included participants with PH.

RESULTS

All 14 eligible studies were observational, with a moderate-high risk of bias, Six of the 14 studies directly compared mortality between those with CFLD and those with no liver disease, and 5/6 demonstrated that those with CFLD had at least 3 time the risk of death compared to those with no liver disease. Pulmonary complications were the primary cause of death.

CONCLUSION

This SR demonstrates that liver disease shortens life expectancy in CF, and that pulmonary complications are the primary cause of death in those with CFLD. There has been no improvement in survival for persons with CFLD despite significant improvements in life expectancy for persons with CF who have no evidence of liver disease.

Cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease in children

As improvements in nutritional and pulmonary care increase the life expectancy of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, CF-associated liver disease (CFLD) is emerging as a cause of mortality. CFLD is the third leading cause of death in CF patients. We performed a search on PubMed and Google Scholar for published articles on CFLD. We reviewed the articles found in the literature search and gave priority to recent publications and studies with larger sample sizes. The prevalence of CFLD in the CF population is around 23% with a range of 2-62% and that prevalence increases linearly with age from 3.7% at age 5 to 32.2% at age 30. CFLD can present clinically in various ways such as hepatomegaly, variceal hemorrhage, persistent elevation of liver enzymes, and micro-gallbladder. Due to the focal nature of fibrosis in majority cases of CFLD, liver biopsies are sparsely performed for diagnosis or the marker of liver fibrosis. Although the mechanism of CFLD development is still unknown, many potential factors are reported. Some mutations of CFTR such as having a homozygous F508del mutation has been reported to increase the risk of developing CFLD and its severity. Having the SERPINA1 Z allele, a history of pancreatic insufficiency, a history meconium ileus, CF-related diabetes, or being male increases the risk of developing CFLD. Environmental factors do not appear to have significant effect on modulating CFLD development. Ursodeoxycholic acid is commonly used to treat or prevent CFLD, but the efficacy of this treatment is questionable.

Interventions for preventing and managing advanced liver disease in cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive inherited defect in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene resulting in abnormal regulation of salt and water movement across the membranes. In the liver this leads to focal biliary fibrosis resulting in progressive portal hypertension and end-stage liver disease in some individuals. This can be asymptomatic, but may lead to splenomegaly and hypersplenism, development of varices and variceal bleeding, and ascites; it has negative impact on overall nutritional status and respiratory function in this population. Prognosis is poor once significant portal hypertension is established. The role and outcome of various interventions for managing advanced liver disease (non-malignant end stage disease) in people with cystic fibrosis is currently unidentified. This is an updated version of a previously published review.

OBJECTIVES

To review and assess the efficacy of currently available treatment options for preventing and managing advanced liver disease in children and adults with cystic fibrosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of journals and conference abstract books. Date of last search: 19 November 2019. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews and online trials registries. Date of last search: 01 January 2020.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Any published and unpublished randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised controlled trials of advanced liver disease in cystic fibrosis with cirrhosis or liver failure, portal hypertension or variceal bleeding (or both).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Authors independently examined titles and abstracts to identify potentially relevant trials, but none were eligible for inclusion in this review.

MAIN RESULTS

A comprehensive search of the literature did not identify any published eligible randomised controlled trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In order to develop the best source of evidence, there is a need to undertake randomised controlled trials of interventions for preventing and managing advanced liver disease in adults and children with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis liver disease: A condition in need of structured transition and continuity of care

Liver disease affects one-third of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and it is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Historically considered a disease of childhood, its impact is now seen more often in adulthood. The heterogeneous pattern of CF liver disease and its rapid progression to cirrhosis remain a diagnostic challenge and new questions pertaining to the nature of liver involvement have recently been raised. Non-invasive measures to stratify the severity of liver involvement are increasingly used to predict clinical outcomes. A single treatment, ursodeoxycholic acid, has been used to slow progression of liver disease while recent advances in the field of CF treatments are promising. Management of portal hypertension remains challenging but outcomes after liver transplantation are encouraging. While many questions remain unanswered, a growing number of CF patients reach adulthood and will require care for CF liver disease.

Cystic fibrosis and portal hypertension: Distal splenorenal shunt can prevent the need for future liver transplant

BACKGROUND

The management of portal hypertension (PHT) in children with well compensated cirrhosis and cystic fibrosis (CF) is controversial. We present our experience with distal splenorenal shunting (DSRS) for the treatment of PHT as an alternative to liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2017, 5 CF children underwent a DSRS at a pediatric hepatobiliary and transplantation referral center. LT (n = 9) was reserved for patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Statistical analysis was done using the paired t-test (p < 0.05 considered significant).

RESULTS

Mean PELD/MELD score was significantly lower for DSRS patients than LT (3 ± 6 vs 28 ± 4, p < 0.001). All 5 DSRS patients had grade III-IV varices. One bled prior to surgery. After DSRS, spleen size decreased significantly from 8.4 ± 1.5 cm to 4.4 ± 1.8 cm (p = 0.019). Mean platelet count remained stable (87.8 ± 48 to 91.8 ± 35, p = 0.9). There were no postoperative complications. No DSRS patient experienced variceal bleeding following shunt creation. Liver function tests remained stable in the DSRS group, and no patient required a liver transplant (median follow up 4.65 years, range 1.24-7.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cystic fibrosis who have well-compensated cirrhosis and symptomatic portal hypertension can be palliated with distal splenorenal shunting and do not need liver transplants. These patients can undergo shunting with minimal morbidity.

TYPE OF STUDY

Case series with no comparison group.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Pretransplant and Posttransplant Management of Cystic Fibrosis-Associated Liver Disease

Approximately 5%-10% of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) will develop advanced liver disease with portal hypertension, representing the third leading cause of death among patients with CF. Cystic fibrosis with advanced liver disease and portal hypertension (CFLD) represents the most significant risk to patient mortality, second only to pulmonary or lung transplant complications in patients with CF. Currently, there is no medical therapy to treat or reverse CFLD. Liver transplantation (LT) in patients with CFLD with portal hypertension confers a significant survival advantage over those who do not receive LT, although the timing in which to optimize this benefit is unclear. Despite the value and efficacy of LT in selected patients with CFLD, established clinical criteria outlining indications and timing for LT as well as disease-specific transplant considerations are notably absent. The goal of this comprehensive and multidisciplinary report is to present recommendations on the unique CF-specific pre- and post-LT management issues clinicians should consider and will face.

Modifier genes in cystic fibrosis-related liver disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cystic fibrosis (CF; OMIM 219700) is caused by variations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. CF-related liver disease (CFLD) affects approximately one-third of patients with CF, but the severity of CFLD is highly variable. This review provides the latest knowledge in the pathophysiology and CF genetic modifier research in CFLD.

RECENT FINDINGS

So far, the only modifier gene validated in CFLD is SERPINA1 (α-1-antitrypsin) Z allele. Recent studies support the view that cholangiopathy arising in CF is the result of an ill-adapted innate immune response to endotoxins coming from the intestine and triggering a pro-inflammatory response.

SUMMARY

The pathophysiology of liver disease remains uncertain and so far, no therapy has proven effective to prevent the progression of CFLD. A better understanding of the pathophysiology and the effect of environmental and non-cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator genetic influences in the context of CFLD development would help improve management and develop new drug therapies.

Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension in the Pediatric Population

Cirrhosis is a complex process in which the architecture of the liver is replaced by structurally abnormal nodules due to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis frequently leads to the development of portal hypertension. In children, portal hypertension may be caused by a wide range of etiologies, including extrahepatic portal vein obstruction, biliary atresia, alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, and autoimmune hepatitis. Gastroesophageal varices and ascites are two of the complications of portal hypertension likely to cause morbidity and mortality. This review also discusses extrahepatic manifestations of portal hypertension and treatment options.

Analysis of a large cohort of cystic fibrosis patients with severe liver disease indicates lung function decline does not significantly differ from that of the general cystic fibrosis population

Previous reports of lung function in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with liver disease have shown worse, similar, or even better forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), compared to CF patients without liver disease. Varying definitions of CF liver disease likely contribute to these inconsistent relationships reported between CF lung function and liver disease. We retrospectively evaluated spirometric data in 179 subjects (62% male; 58% Phe508del homozygous) with severe CF liver disease (CFLD; defined by presence of portal hypertension due to cirrhosis). FEV1 values were referenced to both a normal population (FEV1% predicted) and CF population (CF-specific FEV1 percentile). We utilized a linear mixed model with repeated measures to assess changes in lung function (before and after diagnosis of CFLD), relative to both the normal and CF populations. At diagnosis of CFLD, the mean FEV1 was 81% predicted, or at the 53rd percentile referenced to CF patients without CFLD. There was a significant difference in post-CFLD slope compared to pre-CFLD slope (post-pre) using FEV1% predicted (-1.94, p-value < 0.0001). However, there was insignificant evidence of this difference using the CF-specific FEV1 percentile measure (-0.99, p-value = 0.1268). Although FEV1% predicted values declined in patients following CFLD diagnosis, there was not significant evidence of lung function decline in CF-specific FEV1 percentiles. Thus, the observed study cohort indicates diagnosis of severe CFLD was not associated with worsened CF lung disease when compared to a large CF reference population.

Clinical and Imaging Predictors of Surgical Splenorenal Shunt Dysfunction in Pediatric Patients

PURPOSE

Few established criteria exist to prompt angiographic evaluation and intervention for surgically created splenorenal shunts (SRS). Clinical and Doppler ultrasound (DUS) imaging predictors of shunt dysfunction were evaluated in this retrospective study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing SRS angiography over a 10-year period were retrospectively identified. Preangiography platelet count and DUS measurements of spleen diameter, maximum splenic vein velocity, and maximum shunt velocity were assessed and compared to findings at subsequent catheter angiography.

RESULTS

Twenty-six SRS angiograms were performed in 16 patients. Two of the 26 procedures were excluded from analysis due to insufficient baseline preangiography clinical and DUS data. In the remaining 24 cases, significant stenosis/occlusion was confirmed at angiography in 20, whereas wide patency was seen in 4. For the 20 cases of angiographically confirmed significant stenosis/occlusion, when compared to baseline post-SRS creation to immediate preangiography evaluation there was a greater decrease in platelet count (-51.8% vs -19.4%), a greater increase in spleen diameter (+13.4% vs +3.7%), a greater increase in maximum shunt velocity (+74.7% vs +59.7%), and a greater decrease in splenic vein velocity (-25.0% vs -18.5%).

CONCLUSION

Clinical evidence of splenic sequestration and DUS finding of increased maximum shunt velocity correlate with angiographic findings of SRS dysfunction and could be used to help predict the need for shunt intervention.

The Health Care Transition of Youth With Liver Disease Into the Adult Health System: Position Paper From ESPGHAN and EASL

BACKGROUND

Medical advances have dramatically improved the long-term prognosis of children and adolescents with once-fatal hepatobiliary diseases. However, there is no generally accepted optimal pathway of care for the transition from paediatric care to the adult health system.

AIM

The purpose of this position paper is to propose a transition process for young people with paediatric onset hepatobiliary diseases from child-centred to adult-centred healthcare services.

METHODS

Seventeen ESPGHAN/EASL physicians from 13 countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom) formulated and answered questions after examining the currently published literature on transition from childhood to adulthood. PubMed and Google Scholar were systematically searched between 1980 and January 2018. Quality of evidence was assessed by the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Expert opinions were used to support recommendations whenever the evidence was graded weak. All authors voted on each recommendation, using the nominal voting technique.

RESULTS

We reviewed the literature regarding the optimal timing for the initiation of the transition process and the transfer of the patient to adult services, principal documents, transition multi-professional team components, main barriers, and goals of the general transition process. A transition plan based on available evidence was agreed focusing on the individual young people's readiness and on coordinated teamwork, with transition monitoring continuing until the first year of adult services.We further agreed on selected features of transitioning processes inherent to the most frequent paediatric-onset hepatobiliary diseases. The discussion highlights specific clinical issues that will probably present to adult gastrointestinal specialists and that should be considered, according to published evidence, in the long-term tracking of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Transfer of medical care of individuals with paediatric onset hepatobiliary chronic diseases to adult facilities is a complex task requiring multiple involvements of patients and both paediatric and adult care providers.

Variceal Hemorrhage and Adverse Liver Outcomes in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis Cirrhosis

OBJECTIVES

Cirrhosis occurs in 5% to 10% of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, often accompanied by portal hypertension. We analyzed 3 adverse liver outcomes, variceal bleeding (VB), liver transplant (LT), and liver-related death (LD), and risk factors for these in CF Foundation Patient Registry subjects with reported cirrhosis.

METHODS

We determined 10-year incidence rates for VB, LT, LD, and all-cause mortality (ACM), and examined risk factors using competing risk models and Cox-proportional hazard regression.

RESULTS

From 2003 to 2012, 943 participants (41% females, mean age 18.1 years) had newly reported cirrhosis; 24.7% required insulin, 85% had previous pseudomonas. Seventy-three subjects had reported VB: 38 with first VB and new cirrhosis reported simultaneously and 35 with VB after cirrhosis report. Ten-year cumulative VB, LT, and LD rates were 6.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.0, 9.1%), 9.9% (95% CI: 6.6%, 13.2%), and 6.9% (95% CI: 4.0%, 9.8%), respectively, with an ACM of 39.2% (95% CI: 30.8, 36.6%). ACM was not increased in subjects with VB compared to those without (hazard ratio [HR] 1.10, 95% CI: 0.59, 2.08). CF-related diabetes (HR: 3.141, 95% CI:1.56, 6.34) and VB (HR: 4.837, 95% CI: 2.33, 10.0) were associated with higher LT risk, whereas only worse lung function was associated with increased LD in multivariate analysis. Death rate among subjects with VB was 24% with LT and 20.4% with native liver.

CONCLUSIONS

VB is an uncommon complication of CF cirrhosis and can herald the diagnosis, but does not affect ACM. Adverse liver outcomes and ACM are frequent by 10 years after cirrhosis report.

Interventions for preventing and managing advanced liver disease in cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive inherited defect in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene resulting in abnormal regulation of salt and water movement across the membranes. In the liver this leads to focal biliary fibrosis resulting in progressive portal hypertension and end-stage liver disease in some individuals. This can be asymptomatic, but may lead to splenomegaly and hypersplenism, development of varices and variceal bleeding, and ascites; it has negative impact on overall nutritional status and respiratory function in this population. Prognosis is poor once significant portal hypertension is established. The role and outcome of various interventions for managing advanced liver disease (non-malignant end stage disease) in people with cystic fibrosis is currently unidentified.

OBJECTIVES

To review and assess the efficacy of currently available treatment options for preventing and managing advanced liver disease in children and adults with cystic fibrosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of journals and conference abstract books.Date of last search: 06 April 2017.We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews and online trials registries. Date of last search: 04 January 2017.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Any published and unpublished randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised controlled trials of advanced liver disease in cystic fibrosis with cirrhosis or liver failure, portal hypertension or variceal bleeding (or both).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Authors independently examined titles and abstracts to identify potentially relevant trials, but none were eligible for inclusion in this review.

MAIN RESULTS

A comprehensive search of the literature did not identify any published eligible randomised controlled trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In order to develop the best source of evidence, there is a need to undertake randomised controlled trials of interventions for preventing and managing advanced liver disease in adults and children with cystic fibrosis.

Vitamin K status in cystic fibrosis patients with liver cirrhosis

The available data on the influence of liver cirrhosis on vitamin K status in CF patients is scarce. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to assess the prevalence of vitamin K deficiency in cirrhotic CF subjects and to determine whether it correlates with liver cirrhosis. The study group comprised of 27 CF patients with and 63 without liver cirrhosis. Vitamin K status was assessed using prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKA-II) and the percentage of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (u-OC). PIVKA-II concentrations were higher in cirrhotic than in non-cirrhotic CF patients (median [1st-3rd quartile]: 3.2ng/ml [1.0-10.0] vs. 1.3ng/ml [0.2-2.6], p=0.0029). However, the differences in u-OC percentages between the studied groups did not reach the level of significance (49.4% [7.0-73.8] vs. 8.0% [2.6-59.1], p=0.0501). Based on multiple linear regression analysis the dose of vitamin K and F508del mutation were potentially defined as determinants of vitamin K deficiency. Liver cirrhosis was not documented to be an independent risk factor. In CF patients with liver cirrhosis vitamin K deficiency is not only more frequent, but also more severe. However, not liver cirrhosis, but the presence of a F508del CFTR mutation constitutes an independent risk factor for vitamin K deficiency.

Idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension: current perspectives

The term idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) has been recently proposed to replace terms, such as hepatoportal sclerosis, idiopathic portal hypertension, incomplete septal cirrhosis, and nodular regenerative hyperplasia, used to describe patients with a hepatic presinusoidal cause of portal hypertension of unknown etiology, characterized by features of portal hypertension (esophageal varices, nonmalignant ascites, porto-venous collaterals), splenomegaly, patent portal, and hepatic veins and no clinical and histological signs of cirrhosis. Physicians should learn to look for this condition in a number of clinical settings, including cryptogenic cirrhosis, a disease known to be associated with INCPH, drug administration, and even chronic alterations in liver function tests. Once INCPH is clinically suspected, liver histology becomes mandatory for the correct diagnosis. However, pathologists should be familiar with the histological features of INCPH, especially in cases in which histology is not only requested to exclude liver cirrhosis.

Longitudinal Transient Elastography Measurements Used in Follow-up for Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis-related liver disease (CFLD) is diagnosed using a combination of criteria. Transient elastography (TE), an ultrasonographic method to evaluate liver stiffness, can differentiate patients with and without liver disease. This retrospective study (2007-2013) aimed to detect developing CFLD using consequent TE measurements. All cystic fibrosis patients with TE measurements between 2007 and 2013 (n = 150, median age 17 (9-24) y) were included, of which 118 had a median of three (range, 2-4) measurements with an interval of 1 (1-2) y. Twenty (14%) had CFLD at the first TE measurement; five (3%) developed CFLD during follow-up. The median TE value in CFLD was 14 kPa (8.7-32.2) compared with 5.3 (4.9-5.7) in cystic fibrosis patients without liver disease (CFnoLD; p = 0.0001). In CFnoLD, TE was correlated with age (p = 0.031). A TE result >6.8 kPa had a sensitivity of 91.5% and a specificity of 91.7% in predicting CFLD, according to the receiver operating characteristics analysis. It also has a positive predictive value of 88.6% and a negative predictive value of 86.9%, increasing to 91.7% and 98%, respectively, in patients at risk (<14 y) for developing CFLD. Patients with developing CFLD had progressively increasing consecutive TE measurements.

Increase of Serum γ-Glutamyltransferase Associated With Development of Cirrhotic Cystic Fibrosis Liver Disease

BACKGROUND

Identification of patients at risk for developing cirrhotic cystic fibrosis liver disease (CCFLD) is essential for targeting potentially preventive treatment. We studied the evolution of serum liver enzymes and thrombocyte counts as predictors of CCFLD development.

METHODS

For this study, we defined the diagnosis of CCFLD as the combination of splenomegaly (on either physical examination or ultrasound scan) and macronodularity of the liver on ultrasound scan. We reviewed the medical records of 277 pediatric patients with CF for the diagnosis of CCFLD. In each patient with CCFLD, we reviewed serum liver enzymes and thrombocyte counts in the 2-year period preceding the diagnosis of CCFLD. We compared these results with a non-CCFLD control group (patients with CF older than 15 years with no reported signs or symptoms of CCFLD).

RESULTS

In the 2 years preceding the diagnosis, the γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) levels of patients with CCFLD were significantly higher compared to non-CCFLD controls (42 ± 5 vs 17 ± 2 U/L, respectively; P < 0.001). Corresponding aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels did not significantly differ between patients with CCFLD and controls. The thrombocyte counts in patients with CCFLD were significantly lower than those in controls (252 ± 108 vs 320 ± 94 × 10 /L, respectively; P < 0.05). The predictive value for CCFLD of a single GGT measurement was low; however, for patients with CF with a mean GGT > 35 U/L, based on repeated measurements, the odds ratio for developing CCFLD was 39 (95% confidence interval 9-175, specificity was 95%, sensitivity was 64%, positive predictive value was 50%). For the thrombocytes, however, no reliable cutoff value could be identified.

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric patients with CF, a persistently high-normal GGT is strongly associated with the diagnosis of CCFLD within 2 years. The prognostic value of a single GGT measurement is limited, but repeated GGT measurements may allow the identification of groups of patients at increased risk for CCFLD.

The liver in pediatric gastrointestinal disease

Hepatic involvement is often encountered in gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, in part because of the close anatomic and physiologic relations between the liver and GI tract. Drainage of the mesenteric blood supply to the portal vein permits absorbed and/or translocated nutrients, toxins, bacterial elements, cytokines, and immunocytes to gain hepatic access. Liver problems in digestive disorders may range from nonspecific hepatocellular enzyme elevations to significant pathologic processes that may progress to end-stage liver disease. Hepatobiliary manifestations of primary GI diseases in childhood and adolescence are not uncommon and include several well-described associations, such as sclerosing cholangitis with inflammatory bowel disease. Liver damage may also result from the effects of drugs used to treat GI diseases, for example, the hepatotoxicity of immunomodulatory therapies. This review highlights the important features of the hepatic and biliary abnormalities associated with 3 common pediatric GI conditions: inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and cystic fibrosis.

The adolescent liver transplant patient

The rapid development of new diagnostic tests and improved therapy, especially the success of liver transplantation, has changed the outcome for children with liver disease, many of whom survive into adolescence without liver transplantation. The indications for transplantation in adolescence are similar to pediatric indications and reflect the medical advances made in this specialty that allow later transplantation. These young people need a different approach to management that involves consideration of their physical and psychological stage of development. A focused approach to their eventual transition to adult care is essential for long-term survival and quality of life.

Cholestasis and meconium ileus in infants with cystic fibrosis and their clinical outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To identify the incidence and outcomes of cholestasis and meconium ileus (MI) in infants with cystic fibrosis (CF).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Single-centre study.

PATIENTS

From January 1986 to December 2011, 401 infants with CF (69 with MI) presented to our centre.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

(1) incidence of cholestasis, (2) identification of risk factors for cholestasis, (3) association between the presence of cholestasis and MI and the development of clinically significant CF-associated liver disease (CFLD) defined as multilobular cirrhosis with portal hypertension.

RESULTS

Cholestasis occurred in 23 of 401 infants (5.7%). There was a significantly higher incidence of cholestasis in infants with MI (27.1%) compared to those without MI (1.2%) (p<0.001). Infants with MI had a 30.36-fold increased risk of developing cholestasis compared to those without MI (p<0.001). Cholestasis resolved in all children, at a median (range) age of 9.2 (0.8-53.2) months in the MI group and 10.2 (2.0-19.4) months in the non-MI group. The majority of cholestatic infants (87.0%) and infants with MI (92.8%) did not develop clinically significant CFLD, not significantly different than either the 93.9% of non-cholestatic infants nor the 93.7% infants without MI.

CONCLUSIONS

Cholestasis is an uncommon condition in CF affecting only 5.7% of the screened newborn CF population. The greatest risk factor for developing cholestasis is the presence of MI. However, the presence of MI appears not to be associated with the development of CFLD. An effect of neonatal cholestasis on the development of CFLD cannot be excluded by this study.

Liver disease in cystic fibrosis

The survival of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has progressively increased over recent decades, largely attributable to early diagnosis through newborn screening and advances in nutritional and respiratory care. As the life expectancy of patients with CF has improved, non-respiratory complications such as liver disease have become increasingly recognized. Biochemical derangements of liver enzymes in CF are common and may be attributed to a number of specific hepatobiliary abnormalities. Among them, Cystic Fibrosis-associated Liver Disease (CFLD) is clinically the most significant hepatic complication and is believed to have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. However, there remains much conjecture about the extent of the adverse prognostic implications that a diagnosis of CFLD has on clinical outcomes. The purpose of this review is to give an overview of the current knowledge regarding liver disease in children with CF.

Liver disease in cystic fibrosis: an update

CONTEXT

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most widespread autosomal recessive genetic disorder that limits life expectation amongst the Caucasian population. As the median survival has increased related to early multidisciplinary intervention, other manifestations of CF have emerged especially for the broad spectrum of hepatobiliary involvement. The present study reviews the existing literature on liver disease in cystic fibrosis and describes the key issues for an adequate clinical evaluation and management of patients, with a focus on the pathogenetic, clinical and diagnostic-therapeutic aspects of liver disease in CF.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A literature search of electronic databases was undertaken for relevant studies published from 1990 about liver disease in cystic fibrosis. The databases searched were: EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

CF is due to mutations in the gene on chromosome 7 that encodes an amino acidic polypeptide named CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator). The hepatic manifestations include particular changes referring to the basic CFTR defect, iatrogenic lesions or consequences of the multisystem disease. Even though hepatobiliary disease is the most common non-pulmonary cause of mortality in CF (the third after pulmonary disease and transplant complications), only about the 33%of CF patients presents clinically significant hepatobiliary disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver disease will have a growing impact on survival and quality of life of cystic fibrosis patients because a longer life expectancy and for this it is important its early recognition and a correct clinical management aimed at delaying the onset of complications. This review could represent an opportunity to encourage researchers to better investigate genotype-phenotype correlation associated with the development of cystic fibrosis liver disease, especially for non-CFTR genetic polymorphisms, and detect predisposed individuals. Therapeutic trials are needed to find strategies of fibrosis prevention and to avoid its progression prior to development its related complications.

Liver transplantation in cystic fibrosis: a report from Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Children's Hospital

CF affects one of 2000 Caucasians, and approximately 25% are found to have CFLD for which OLT may be indicated. Timing of transplantation, contraindications, and survival are still widely debated. We report the outcomes of OLT for pediatric patients with CFLD from the largest children's hospital in the United States. Our records since September 1998 were analyzed for all patients undergoing OLT for CFLD. Nine patients were then compared to similar patients in the UNOS/OPTN database (n = 155). Survivals were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. All statistics were performed in SPSS 15.0. We performed OLT on nine pediatric patients with CFLD, with age ranging from nine to 17 yr at the time of transplant. Mean survival was 69.2 months; patient and allograft survivals at one and five yr were 88.9%, with one death at day 21 due to Aspergillus fumigatus sepsis. Two patients underwent concurrent multi-organ transplantation. One patient required double lung transplantation four yr after isolated OLT. Comparison to the UNOS/OPTN database revealed a trend toward improved survival. Patients with CF can achieve favorable outcomes after OLT, as we report excellent survivals for pediatric patients with CFLD.

Utility of transient elastography in the non-invasive evaluation of cystic fibrosis liver disease

BACKGROUND

Liver disease frequently complicates cystic fibrosis (CF), with CF liver disease (CFLD) a leading cause of death. Liver biopsy is rarely performed because of the patchy nature of the disease. Transient elastography can reliably stage liver fibrosis via liver stiffness measurement (LSM).

AIMS

To evaluate LSM as a diagnostic tool in adults with CFLD.

METHODS

Fifty adult patients with CF were prospectively studied: 25 with CFLD and 25 without CFLD. The presence of CFLD and portal hypertension (PHT) was assessed according to strict established criteria based on serial biochemistry and imaging. All patients underwent LSM; APRI, Hepascore(®) and Forns score were calculated.

RESULTS

Median LSM was higher in those with CFLD [8.1 kPa (IQR 6.8-9.5) vs. 5.0 kPa (IQR 4.1-5.6); P < 0.001]. On multivariate analysis, LSM was the only variable associated with CFLD (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.53-4.89; P = 0.001). AUROC for LSM predicting CFLD was 0.87 (95% CI 0.77-0.98) and an LSM ≥ 6.8 kPa predicted CFLD with 76.0% sensitivity and 92.0% specificity. Median LSM was higher in those with PHT [15.7 kPa (IQR 9.2-17.2) vs. 5.4 kPa (IQR 4.3-6.8); P < 0.001]. The AUROC for LSM predicting the presence of PHT was 0.96 (95% CI 0.92-1.00). An LSM cut-off of ≥ 8.9 kPa predicted the presence of PHT with 87.5% sensitivity, 90.5% specificity, 63.6% positive predictive value and 92.9% negative predictive value.

CONCLUSIONS

LSM is an accurate and reliable non-invasive tool in assessing CFLD and PHT. An LSM ≥ 6.8 kPa is highly suggestive of CFLD and an LSM <8.9 kPa reliably excludes PHT.

Management of portal hypertension in children

Portal hypertension can be caused by a wide variety of conditions. It frequently presents with bleeding from esophageal varices. The approach to acute variceal hemorrhage in children is a stepwise progression from least invasive to most invasive. Management of acute variceal bleeding is straightforward. But data on primary prophylaxis and long term management prevention of recurrent variceal bleeding in children is scarce, therefore prospective multicenter trials are needed to establish best practices.

Etiology and management of hemorrhagic complications of portal hypertension in children

PORTAL HYPERTENSION IN CHILDREN REPRESENTS A PARTICULAR DIAGNOSTIC AND MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE FOR SEVERAL REASONS: (1) treatment outcomes should be evaluated in relationship with a long-life expectancy, (2) pediatric patients with portal hypertension constitute an heterogeneous population, both in terms of individual characteristics and diversity of liver diseases; making comparison between treatment outcomes very difficult, (3) application of techniques and procedures developed in adult patients (v.gr. TIPS) face size limitations in small children, and (4) absence of data from well-controlled trials in children forces pediatric specialists to adapt results obtained from adult cohorts suffering from diseases such as HCV and alcoholic cirrhosis. Despite those limitations, substantial progress in the treatment of children with portal hypertension has been achieved in recent years, with better outcomes and survival. Two main factors influence our therapeutic decision: age of the patient and etiology of the liver disease. Therefore, diagnosis and treatment of complications of portal hypertension in children need to be described taking such factors into consideration. This paper summarizes current knowledge and expert opinion.

Liver disease in adult patients with cystic fibrosis: a frequent and independent prognostic factor associated with death or lung transplantation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Increased life expectancy in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) allows better knowledge of non-pulmonary complications like liver disease (CFLD). However, few data have been published in large adult cohorts. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and the prognosis of CFLD in adult CF patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a monocentric cohort of adult CF patients prospectively followed, at least every year, was performed. CFLD was diagnosed using published composite criteria. If cirrhosis was suspected, upper digestive endoscopy was realized to assess the presence of portal hypertension.

RESULTS

A cohort of 285 adult CF patients was followed during 4.8 ± 3.6 years. Among them, 90 had CFLD at the beginning of follow-up and 23 a suspicion of cirrhosis. Factors independently associated with liver disease at baseline were history of meconium ileus, pancreatic insufficiency, chronic colonization with Burkholderia cepacia and the number of IV antibiotic courses per year. Nine patients developed liver decompensation during follow-up, all with a suspicion of cirrhosis at baseline. Six patients underwent liver transplantation alone and three patients combined liver and lung transplantation. Factors independently associated with death or lung transplantation at baseline were liver disease, BMI, forced expiratory volume in 1 second and number of IV antibiotic courses per year.

CONCLUSIONS

CFLD was present at baseline in one third of adult patients with CF with a marked risk of liver decompensation during follow-up. Moreover, CFLD at baseline appears as an independent factor associated with death or lung transplantation.

Best practice guidance for the diagnosis and management of cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease

Approximately 5-10% of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients develop multilobular cirrhosis during the first decade of life. Most CF patients later develop signs of portal hypertension with complications, mainly variceal bleeding. Liver failure usually occurs later, after the paediatric age. Annual screening for liver disease is recommended to detect pre-symptomatic signs and initiate ursodeoxycholic acid therapy, which might halt disease progression. Liver disease should be considered if at least two of the following variables are present: abnormal physical examination, persistently abnormal liver function tests and pathological ultrasonography. If there is diagnostic doubt, a liver biopsy is indicated. All CF patients with liver disease need annual follow-up to evaluate the development of cirrhosis, portal hypertension or liver failure. Management should focus on nutrition, prevention of bleeding and variceal decompression. Deterioration of pulmonary function is an important consideration for liver transplantation, particularly in children with hepatic dysfunction or advanced portal hypertension.

Paediatric liver transplantation for metabolic disorders. Part 2: Metabolic disorders with liver lesions

Liver based metabolic disorders account for 10 to 15% of the indications for paediatric liver transplantation. In the last three decades, important progress has been made in the understanding of these diseases, and new therapies have emerged. Concomitantly, medical and surgical innovations have lead to improved results of paediatric liver transplantation, patient survival nowadays exceeding 80% 10 year after surgery with close to normal quality of life in most survivors. This review is a practical update on medical therapy, indications and results of liver transplantation, and potential future therapies, for the main liver based metabolic disorders in which paediatric liver transplantation may be considered. Part 1 focuses on metabolic based liver disorders without liver lesions, and part 2 on metabolic liver diseases with liver lesions.

Outcome in cystic fibrosis liver disease

OBJECTIVES

Evidence suggests that cystic fibrosis liver disease (CFLD) does not affect mortality or morbidity in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The importance of gender and age in outcome in CF makes selection of an appropriate comparison group central to the interpretation of any differences in mortality and morbidity in patients with CFLD.

METHODS

This is a 7-year follow-up of 42 children with CFLD and their age- and sex-matched controls. Participants were reviewed clinically, biochemically, and radiologically at follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall, 85% (72 of 84) of the original cohort were included, 36 CFLD participants and 36 CF controls. There was no significant difference in the number of deaths/transplants between groups (7 of 36 (19.4%) CFLD participants, 3 of 36 (8.3%) CF controls). There was a tendency for participants with CFLD to die younger than their respective CF controls. There was no difference in height, weight, body mass index, or pulmonary function between the groups. Nutritional parameters (sum skinfold thickness 31.6 vs. 42.3, P=0.03; mean upper arm fat area 15.08 vs. 10.59, P=0.001; Shwachman score 43.7 vs. 32.1, P=0.001) were worse among CFLD participants than among CF controls. Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes was more common in CFLD participants (11 of 27 (40.7%) vs. 5 of 33 (15.2%), P=0.02). Eight children (22.2%) with evidence of CFLD at baseline had no clinical evidence of liver disease as adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CFLD have a more severe CF phenotype than do CF patients without liver disease. However, a subgroup of children with CFLD will not manifest clinically significant liver disease as adults.

Cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease

Liver disease is increasingly common in cystic fibrosis (CF). As new therapeutic options emerge, life expectancy increases and common hepatobiliary manifestations impact on quality of life and survival of CF patients. Hepatobiliary abnormalities in CF vary in nature and range from defects attributable to the underlying CFTR gene defect to those related to systemic disease and malnutrition. Today complications of liver disease represent the third most frequent cause of disease-related death in patients with CF. Here we review molecular and clinical genetics of CF, including genetic modifiers of CF-associated liver disease, and provide practical recommendations for genetic testing, diagnosis and treatment of hepatobiliary manifestations in CF.

Transient elastography in patients with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Hepatic involvement is frequent in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), with focal biliary cirrhosis being the pathognomonic hepatic manifestation. In around one-quarter of CF patients, it results in CF-associated liver disease (CFLD). This occurs as a relatively early complication with the majority of patients presenting in childhood or their early teens. However, a normal US does not preclude significant liver fibrosis and liver biopsy is an invasive procedure that is hampered by potential sampling errors. Transient elastography (TE) (Fibroscan) is a non-invasive, user-friendly and quick technique that provides an objective and reproducible measure of liver stiffness. This is accomplished with a device using an US probe mounted in the axis of a vibrator. Vibrations are transmitted by the transducer, inducing an electronic shear wave that propagates through the underlying tissue.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to prospectively compare TE and transabdominal US scanning in children and adults attending a CF clinic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 134 consecutive patients with documented CF were prospectively studied. In each case, transient elastography measurement was performed immediately after the routine annual US evaluation of the liver. Sonographic appearance of the liver was classified from 1 to 5. Ten validated TE measurements were performed in each patient with the result expressed in kilopascals (kPa). The median value was considered representative of the elastic modulus of the liver.

RESULTS

Measurements were performed in 59 CF adults, 75 CF children and 31 control children. There was no relationship between age and liver stiffness in either the control group or CF patients. Elasticity values of controls, CF pancreatic sufficient (PS) patients and pancreatic insufficient (PI) CF patients with a US score <3 were comparable and significantly lower than in CF patients with a US score > or = 3 (all PI) (P < 0.002). Median elasticity in CF patients was significantly higher in males (4.7 kPa) than in females (3.9 kPa) (P = 0.0013).

CONCLUSION

Considering the limitations of US and the low risk-benefit rate of liver biopsy in most CF patients, this preliminary study suggests that TE is an attractive non-invasive way to assess and follow-up liver disease in these patients.

Genetic modifiers of liver disease in cystic fibrosis

CONTEXT

A subset (approximately 3%-5%) of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) develops severe liver disease with portal hypertension.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether any of 9 polymorphisms in 5 candidate genes (alpha(1)-antitrypsin or alpha(1)-antiprotease [SERPINA1], angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE], glutathione S-transferase [GSTP1], mannose-binding lectin 2 [MBL2], and transforming growth factor beta1 [TGFB1]) are associated with severe liver disease in patients with CF.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Two-stage case-control study enrolling patients with CF and severe liver disease with portal hypertension (CFLD) from 63 CF centers in the United States as well as 32 in Canada and 18 outside of North America, with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as the coordinating site. In the initial study, 124 patients with CFLD (enrolled January 1999-December 2004) and 843 control patients without CFLD were studied by genotyping 9 polymorphisms in 5 genes previously studied as modifiers of liver disease in CF. In the second stage, the SERPINA1 Z allele and TGFB1 codon 10 genotype were tested in an additional 136 patients with CFLD (enrolled January 2005-February 2007) and 1088 with no CFLD.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Differences in distribution of genotypes in patients with CFLD vs patients without CFLD.

RESULTS

The initial study showed CFLD to be associated with the SERPINA1 Z allele (odds ratio [OR], 4.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.31-9.61; P = 3.3 x 10(-6)) and with TGFB1 codon 10 CC genotype (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.16-2.03; P = 2.8 x 10(-3)). In the replication study, CFLD was associated with the SERPINA1 Z allele (OR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.54-7.59; P = 1.4 x 10(-3)) but not with TGFB1 codon 10. A combined analysis of the initial and replication studies by logistic regression showed CFLD to be associated with SERPINA1 Z allele (OR, 5.04; 95% CI, 2.88-8.83; P = 1.5 x 10(-8)).

CONCLUSIONS

The SERPINA1 Z allele is a risk factor for liver disease in CF. Patients who carry the Z allele are at greater risk (OR, approximately 5) of developing severe liver disease with portal hypertension.

Intensive care management of the patient with cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis was previously thought to be a disease of childhood. With a better understanding of this condition along with improvements in therapy, patients with cystic fibrosis are now living well into adulthood. The aim of this article is to familiarize the intensive care unit physician with cystic fibrosis care, to discuss complications associated with cystic fibrosis specifically related to the intensive care unit, and to detail the current recommendations for the clinical management of the patient with cystic fibrosis. With advancing disease, the most severely affected organs are the lungs. Obstruction, infection, and inflammation contribute to the decline of pulmonary function, ultimately leading to death. Some patients may be eligible for lung transplantation, but choosing wisely will affect posttransplant survival. Because other organs are affected by the genetic defect and associated treatments, serious complications related to the liver, pancreas, intestines, and kidneys must be considered by the intensivist faced with a patient with cystic fibrosis. As practitioners, the fact that not all patients will survive and help our patients and families gracefully through the end-of-life process should be accepted.