Pregnancy outcomes in cystic fibrosis: a 10-year experience from a UK centre

Investigating the role of CFTR in human and mouse myometrium

Background

Abnormal cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function in cystic fibrosis (CF) has been linked to airway smooth muscle abnormalities including bronchial hyperresponsiveness. However, a role for CFTR in other types of smooth muscle, including myometrium, remains largely unexplored. As CF life expectancy and the number of pregnancies increases, there is a need for an understanding of the potential role of CFTR in myometrial function.

Methods

We investigated the role of CFTR in human and mouse myometrium. We used immunofluorescence to identify CFTR expression, and carried out contractility studies on spontaneously contracting term pregnant and non-pregnant mouse myometrium and term pregnant human myometrial biopsies from caesarean sections.

Results

CFTR was found to be expressed in term pregnant mouse myometrium. Inhibition of CFTR, with the selective inhibitor CFTRinh-172, significantly reduced contractility in pregnant mouse and human myometrium in a concentration-dependent manner (44.89 ± 11.02 term pregnant mouse, 9.23 ± 4.75 term-pregnant human; maximal effect at 60 μM expressed as a percentage of the pre-treatment control period). However, there was no effect of CFTRinh-172 in non-pregnant myometrium.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate decreased myometrial function when CFTR is inhibited, which may have implications on pregnancy and labour outcome and therapeutic decisions for labour in CF patients.

Pregnancy experience in the setting of cystic fibrosis: A systematic review and thematic synthesis

AIMS

To synthesize qualitative studies of subjective experience of pregnancy in people with cystic fibrosis.

DESIGN

Thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PUBMED, CINAHL, EMBASE. PsicINFO and Social Sciences Citation Index for qualitative studies published in English, which reported on pregnancy in people with cystic fibrosis. Searches were carried out in March 2021, updated in June 2022.

REVIEW METHODS

Studies that met the inclusion criteria were appraised for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) for qualitative research. Data were extracted from the studies, analyse and synthesise using thematic synthesis approach.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included in the review and 'Walking on a wire' framework was conceptualized. We found three analytical themes: (1) desire for information related to pregnancy in cystic fibrosis, (2) factors at play in decision-making related to pregnancy for people with cystic fibrosis and (3) pregnancy experience and eight descriptive themes: (1) information topics, (2) CF healthcare team/PwCF as a provider of reproductive health information, (3) information timing, (4) barriers to information delivery, (5) barriers to decision-making and stresses relating to the process of trying to conceive, (6) environmental factors, (7) coping with challenges, and (8) moving towards parenthood.

CONCLUSION

For people with cystic fibrosis, pregnancy is a complex pathway: the amount of knowledge about cystic fibrosis and sexual and reproductive health, barriers to pregnancy and environmental factors provides the background to decision-making. Moreover, coping with pregnancy is a challenging experience, where they have to mediate between the physical and emotional implications of planning a pregnancy and the limitations imposed by the chronic health conditions.

IMPACT

Understanding the psychological experiences of people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) will improve future research and practice. Education about sexual and reproductive health and psychosocial care programmes are necessary to help PwCF deal with the challenges related to pregnancy. Hospitals should enhance the development of specific programmes to promote the well-being of individuals with CF who are planning a pregnancy.

Prospectively evaluating maternal and fetal outcomes in the era of CFTR modulators: the MAYFLOWERS observational clinical trial study design

Introduction

Therapeutic advances have markedly increased life expectancy for those with cystic fibrosis (CF), resulting in a median predicted survival over 50 years. Consequently, people with CF (pwCF) are living through their reproductive years and the rate of pregnancy is rapidly rising. Despite the increased relevance of this topic, multicentre studies investigating the association between maternal health and choices made during pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcomes do not exist. Furthermore, there are very limited data on the outcomes following CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator use during pregnancy and lactation.

Methods and analysis

Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in the Era of Modulators (MAYFLOWERS) is a prospective, multicentre observational clinical trial which will enrol approximately 285 pregnant pwCF including those who are modulator ineligible and those who choose to continue or discontinue CFTR modulator therapy during pregnancy and lactation. The primary aim of this 35-month study is to assess whether lung function changes during pregnancy differ based on the continued use of modulators or other factors such as pre-existing comorbid conditions. Secondary objectives include evaluation of pregnancy related and obstetrical complications and changes in mental health.

Ethics and dissemination

The design of this study required special consideration of study burden on pregnant and lactating people with chronic illness in the setting of a substantial number of unanswered questions under these conditions. MAYFLOWERS is the first prospective clinical trial examining pregnancy in CF; the outcomes will guide providers on pregnancy management in pwCF and others with chronic respiratory disease.

Brazilian Guidelines for Nutrition in Cystic Fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

To develop a scientific consensus on nutrition in cystic fibrosis.

METHODS

Sixteen coordinators elaborated relevant questions on nutritional therapy in cystic fibrosis, which were divided into six sections: nutritional assessment, nutritional recommendations, nutritional intervention, dietary counseling, special situations and enzyme replacement, and gastrointestinal manifestations. Two to three specialists in the field were responsible for each section and obtaining answers formulated based on standardized bibliographic searches. The available literature was searched in the PubMed®/MEDLINE database, after training and standardization of search strategies, to write the best level of evidence for the questions elaborated. Issues related to disagreement were discussed until a consensus was reached among specialists, based on the current scientific literature.

RESULTS

Forty-two questions were prepared and objectively answered, resulting in a consensus of nutritional therapy in cystic fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

This work enabled establishing a scientific consensus for nutritional treatment of cystic fibrosis patients.

Pregnancy in cystic fibrosis: Review of the literature and expert recommendations

Cystic fibrosis (CF) was historically a disease largely afflicting children. Due to therapeutic advancements, there are now more adults with CF than children. In the past decade, medications including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) modulators became available that treat the underlying cause of CF and are dramatically improving lung function as well as quality and quantity of life for people with CF. As a result, more women with CF are becoming pregnant. We gathered a panel of experts in CF care, family planning, high risk obstetrics, nutrition, genetics and women with CF to review current literature on pregnancies and to provide care recommendations for this unique population.

Case Report of a Successful Pregnancy in a Cystic Fibrosis Patient with The c.1521_1523delCTT/c.3718-2477C>t Genotypes

The aim of this case report was to show the consequences of pregnancy in a cystic fibrosis (CF) patient with a rare mutation. We present a case of a patient with CF, pregnant for the second time, who gave birth to a healthy child. Her mutation status revealed the presence of relatively rare mutation c.3718-2477C>T that is associated with a milder phenotype of the disease. During pregnancy, her vital signs were within normal limits. She had no exacerbations after the third gestational month. Cystic fibrosis is the most common genetic disorder among Caucasians. Over the last few decades, the survival rate and the lifespan of patients with CF have increased progressively. This is why more affected women are choosing to become pregnant. Predictive factors for the pregnancy outcome are basal pulmonary function [measured by forced expiratory volume/1 second (FEV1)], nutritional status [measured by body mass index (BMI)], diabetes and bacterial colonization. The report of our case emphasizes the need for establishing the exact mutations in CF patients who plan to become pregnant in order to predict the possible outcomes of this specific period of life. Moreover, genetic counseling is strongly recommended for the right understanding of the pregnancy risks in such cases.

Sex disparities in cystic fibrosis: review on the effect of female sex hormones on lung pathophysiology and outcomes

Sex differences in morbidity and mortality have been reported in the cystic fibrosis (CF) population worldwide. However, it is unclear why CF women have worse clinical outcomes than men. In this review, we focus on the influence of female sex hormones on CF pulmonary outcomes and summarise data from in vitro and in vivo experiments on how oestrogen and progesterone might modify mucociliary clearance, immunity and infection in the CF airways. The potential for novel sex hormone-related therapeutic interventions is also discussed.

A disparity in survival has been noted between men and women with cystic fibrosis where female sex hormones may facilitate lung disease progression. There is strong evidence that implicates oestrogen in numerous aspects of CF airway pathophysiology.https://bit.ly/34ef4Cv

Female reproductive health in cystic fibrosis

Women with cystic fibrosis (CF) are living longer and healthier lives, and opportunities for childbearing are increasingly promising. However, this population can also face sexual and reproductive health concerns, including menstrual irregularities, unplanned pregnancies, infertility and pregnancy complications. Additionally, more women are entering menopause and are at risk for the consequences of estrogen deficiency. The exact mechanisms involved in female reproductive health conditions in CF are not clearly understood, but are thought to include cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR)-mediated abnormalities, changes in female sex hormones, and other CF health-related factors. In the era of CFTR modulator therapy, new data are necessary to understand the impact of CFTR modulation on contraceptive effectiveness, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes to help guide future clinical care. This article reviews the current scientific knowledge of major reproductive health issues for women with CF.

The outcome of pregnancy in women with cystic fibrosis: a UK population-based descriptive study

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence of cystic fibrosis in pregnancy and to explore obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

DESIGN

A population-based descriptive study using the methodology of the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS).

SETTING

All consultant-led maternity units in the UK.

POPULATION

All pregnant women with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis who booked for antenatal care in a UK obstetric unit between March 2015 and February 2017.

METHODS

Prospective case collection identified using UKOSS monthly notification.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence, maternal morbidity, maternal mortality, gestation at delivery, neonatal mortality, neonatal morbidity.

RESULTS

We report 71 pregnancies over a 2-year period. There was one early miscarriage, four terminations and three sets of twins, resulting in the live birth of 69 infants. There were no maternal deaths. One infant died following spontaneous preterm birth at 29 weeks' gestation. The mean gestation at delivery was 36.2 completed weeks. The mean birthweight centile for gestational age was the 61st centile. We report a positive correlation between both maternal lung function (FEV₁ ) and mean gestation at delivery, and between FEV₁ and mean birthweight centile for gestational age.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy outcomes are generally good in women with cystic fibrosis. Successful pregnancy is possible even in those women with FEV₁ <60% predicted, although such women have higher chance of preterm delivery and a smaller baby.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Pregnant women with cystic fibrosis who have poorer lung function at the beginning of pregnancy have a higher risk of having a premature or smaller baby.

[Cystic fibrosis and pregnancy: Outcome, prognostic factors and obstetrical management]

As a result of improvements in life expectancy and therapies, increasing numbers of patients with cystic fibrosis become pregnant. The first studies were pessimistic and report adverse outcomes on the fetus and the mother. In the recent publications, long-term outcome for women with cystic fibrosis does not appear to be negatively impacted by pregnancy. Furthermore, the number of women successfully completing pregnancy continues to rise. The aim of this review is to assess the outcome of pregnancy in women with cystic fibrosis and the impact of pregnancy on the disease. It is hoped it will improve the counseling for pregnant women with cystic fibrosis and their obstetrical management.