Octreotide in Hennekam syndrome-associated intestinal lymphangiectasia

Use of octreotide for the treatment of protein-losing enteropathy in dogs: Retrospective study of 18 cases

BACKGROUND

More than 50% of dogs with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) fail to respond to standard therapies. Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, is used in cases of intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) in humans with some success.

OBJECTIVES

Describe the use of octreotide in dogs with PLE including reason for and details of prescription, adverse effects, and apparent response.

ANIMALS

Eighteen dogs with PLE, 13 with histopathology available. Ninety-two percent (12/13) had IL diagnosed on biopsy. All 13 dogs had intestinal inflammatory infiltrates noted.

METHODS

Multicenter, retrospective, descriptive study. Cases were volunteered for inclusion by individual attending veterinarians who reported the use of octreotide in cases of PLE.

RESULTS

In 16/18 (89%) cases octreotide was prescribed to PLE dogs with a clinical suspicion or confirmed diagnosis of IL that were refractory to standard therapies. Median serum albumin at the time of octreotide prescription was 1.7 g/dL (range, 1.0-3.1 g/dL). The median dose of octreotide prescribed was 20 μg/kg, SQ, daily with a range of 4-39 μg/kg, SQ, daily. Adverse effects were noted in 3/18 (17%, 95% CI [4%, 41%]) of dogs; discontinuation of the drug was necessary in 1 dog. Improvement in clinical signs was noted in 6/12 (50%, 95% CI [21%, 79%]).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Octreotide was most commonly prescribed to dogs with PLE and suspected or confirmed IL that had failed to respond to standard therapies. Though a benefit to PLE dogs cannot be confirmed, octreotide was well tolerated by the majority of dogs at the doses prescribed in this study.

Newfound features associated with Hennekam Syndrome (Intestinal Lymphangiectasia-Lymphedema-Intellectual-Disability Syndrome) complicated with comorbid Waldmann's Disease resulting in Celiac Disease

Key Clinical Message

Adequate evaluation of patients with Hennekam Syndrome (HS) is challenging for physicians, because of multi-organ involvement and complex pathophysiology. We report the first case in an African American with lymphedema, who developed protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) and was successfully diagnosed with HS from cause-and-effect complications by Waldmann's Disease (WD) and comorbid Celiac Disease (CD).

Abstract

As far as we know, this is the 51st case of HS worldwide and the first one in an African American. The examined patient met all diagnostic criteria for HS, suggesting a dysfunction in the development of the lymphatic system, with associated comorbidities including developmental delay, gastrointestinal pathologies, facial and hearing abnormalities, and cardiac defects. Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (WD) is a consequence of HS, which ultimately results in PLE and worsening interstitial lymph buildup. Based on our findings, CD, a complication not yet reported in HS, may arise from WD. Other autoimmune diseases may be seen in HS: a previous report demonstrated positive anti-thyroid stimulating hormone antibodies in HS patients. We propose that in HS, increased interstitial lymph (WD, if intestinal) with protein loss induces TNF-α- and IL-6-mediated immune reactions in the affected visceral organs, causing autoimmune pathologies. The interstitial lymph fluid-induced TNF-α and IL-6-mediated immunopathogenic reactions lead to inflammation and subsequent destruction of the intestinal mucosa. The chronic inflammatory increase in TGF-β causes gastric mucosa hypertrophy, which results in gastric fold thickening. Eventually, wider tight junctions develop, increasing gastric mucosa permeability, and leading to gastropathy. Considering the examined patient's history of gastroenteritis and the literature stating that CD is a non-mucosal cause of gastropathy and PLE, it is suggested that sequelae of GI complications occur in a cause-and-effect chain in HS. HS results in WD, which causes CD, resulting in hypertrophic gastropathy and loss of parietal and chief cells, eventually leading to malabsorption and PLE (Figure 1). HS primarily affects various organs due to inflammatory-mediated damage and accumulation of lymph fluid. Other findings for HS include keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye disease), fibrous lymphedema exhibiting lymphorrhea, chylous ascites, anemia, and parathyroid abnormalities. Immune impairment in HS predisposes patients to autoimmune disorders, therefore autoimmunity (CD) and WD are concomitant comorbidities of HS. HS-associated comorbidities are primarily due to inflammation and damage to immune cell transport or underlying health conditions affecting proper lymphatic function. However, it is suggested that HS mutations may disrupt the development of the lymphatic system leading to further complication. complications can be compound heterozygous, and there is a need for further research to identify nearby genes that can cause concomitant co-morbidity.

Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Canine Intestinal Lymphangiectasia: A Comparative Review

Intestinal lymphangiectasia was first described in the dog over 50 years ago. Despite this, canine IL remains poorly understood and challenging to manage. Intestinal lymphangiectasia is characterized by variable intestinal lymphatic dilation, lymphatic obstruction, and/or lymphangitis, and is a common cause of protein-losing enteropathy in the dog. Breed predispositions are suggestive of a genetic cause, but IL can also occur as a secondary process. Similarly, both primary and secondary IL have been described in humans. Intestinal lymphangiectasia is definitively diagnosed via intestinal histopathology, but other diagnostic results can be suggestive of IL. Advanced imaging techniques are frequently utilized to aid in the diagnosis of IL in humans but have not been thoroughly investigated in the dog. Management strategies differ between humans and dogs. Dietary modification is the mainstay of therapy in humans with additional pharmacological therapies occasionally employed, and immunosuppressives are rarely used due to the lack of a recognized immune pathogenesis. In contrast, corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapies are more commonly utilized in canine IL. This review aims toward a better understanding of canine IL with an emphasis on recent discoveries, comparative aspects, and necessary future investigations.

Drugs in Focus: Octreotide Use in Children With Gastrointestinal Disorders

ABSTRACT

Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, has been used for more than 20 years in children with gastrointestinal bleeding, chylothorax or chylous ascites, intestinal lymphangiectasia, pancreatitis, intestinal dysmotility, and severe diarrhoea; however, until now, there is a lack of randomised clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of this compound in childhood. Hence, we aimed to review the literature in order to determine the evidence of its use and safety in children, using PubMed from 2000 to 2021 with the search terms "octreotide" and "children" and "bleeding or chylous ascites or chylothorax or acute pancreatitis or lymphangiectasia or diarrhoea or intestinal dysmotility".

Etiology and Management of Pediatric Intestinal Failure: Focus on the Non-Digestive Causes

Background: Intestinal failure (IF) is defined as reduction in functioning gut mass below the minimal amount necessary for adequate digestion and absorption. In most cases, IF results from intrinsic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (digestive IF) (DIF); few cases arise from digestive vascular components, gut annexed (liver and pancreas) and extra-digestive organs or from systemic diseases (non-digestive IF) (NDIF). The present review revised etiology and treatments of DIF and NDIF, with special focus on the pathophysiological mechanisms, whereby NDIF develops. Methods: We performed a comprehensive search of published literature from January 2010 to the present by selecting the following search strings: “intestinal failure” OR “home parenteral nutrition” OR “short bowel syndrome” OR “chronic pseudo-obstruction” OR “chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction” OR “autoimmune enteropathy” OR “long-term parenteral nutrition”. Results: We collected overall 1656 patients with well-documented etiology of IF: 1419 with DIF (86%) and 237 with NDIF (14%), 55% males and 45% females. Among DIF cases, 66% had SBS and among NDIF cases 90% had malabsorption/maldigestion. Conclusions: The improved availability of diagnostic and therapeutic tools has increased prevalence and life expectancy of rare and severe diseases responsible for IF. The present review greatly expands the spectrum of knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms through which the diseases not strictly affecting the intestine can cause IF. In view of the rarity of the majority of pediatric IF diseases, the development of IF Registries is strongly required; in fact, through information flow within the network, the Registries could improve IF knowledge and management.

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia in children: A review

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is an uncommon condition that usually presents early in childhood. This incurable condition is consequent to underlying lymphatic abnormalities that lead to loss of lymphatic contents into the intestinal lumen. This article outlines an approach to the assessment of children presenting with characteristic features and consideration of other conditions that could lead to enteric protein loss. An overview of the management of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is outlined.

Targeting FcRn for immunomodulation: Benefits, risks, and practical considerations

The neonatal fragment crystallizable (Fc) receptor (FcRn) functions as a recycling mechanism to prevent degradation and extend the half-life of IgG and albumin in the circulation. Several FcRn inhibitors selectively targeting IgG recycling are now moving rapidly toward clinical practice in neurology and hematology. These molecules accelerate the destruction of IgG, reducing pathogenic IgG and IgG immune complexes, with no anticipated effects on IgA, IgM, IgE, complement, plasma cells, B cells, or other cells of the innate or adaptive immune systems. FcRn inhibitors have potential for future use in a much wider variety of antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases. Given the imminent clinical use, potential for broader utility, and novel mechanism of action of FcRn inhibitors, here we review data from 4 main sources: (a) currently available activity, safety, and mechanism-of-action data from clinical trials of FcRn inhibitors; (b) other procedures and treatments that also remove IgG (plasma donation, plasma exchange, immunoadsorption); (c) diseases resulting in loss of IgG; and (d) primary immunodeficiencies with potential mechanistic similarities to those induced by FcRn inhibitors. These data have been evaluated to provide practical considerations for the assessment, monitoring, and reduction of any potential infection risk associated with FcRn inhibition, in addition to highlighting areas for future research.

CHAPLE syndrome uncovers the primary role of complement in a familial form of Waldmann's disease

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) or Waldmann's disease was described in 1961 as an important cause of protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). PIL can be the sole finding in rare individuals or occur as part of a multisystemic genetic syndrome. Although genetic etiologies of many lymphatic dysplasia syndromes associated with PIL have been identified, the pathogenesis of isolated PIL (with no associated syndromic features) remains unknown. Familial cases and occurrence at birth suggest genetic etiologies in certain cases. Recently, CD55 deficiency with hyperactivation of complement, angiopathic thrombosis, and PLE (the CHAPLE syndrome) has been identified as a monogenic form of PIL. Surprisingly, loss of CD55, a key regulator of complement system leads to a predominantly gut condition. Similarly to other complement disorders, namely paroxysmal nocturnal and hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), CHAPLE disease involves pathogenic cross-activation of the coagulation system, predisposing individuals to severe thrombosis. The observation that complement system is overly active in CHAPLE disease introduced a novel concept into the management of PLE; anti-complement therapy. While CD55 deficiency constitutes a treatable subgroup in the larger pool of patients with isolated PIL, the etiology remains to be identified in the remaining patients with intact CD55.

Comparative pathophysiology and management of protein-losing enteropathy

Protein‐losing enteropathy, or PLE, is not a disease but a syndrome that develops in numerous disease states of differing etiologies and often involving the lymphatic system, such as lymphangiectasia and lymphangitis in dogs. The pathophysiology of lymphatic disease is incompletely understood, and the disease is challenging to manage. Understanding of PLE mechanisms requires knowledge of lymphatic system structure and function, which are reviewed here. The mechanisms of enteric protein loss in PLE are identical in dogs and people, irrespective of the underlying cause. In people, PLE is usually associated with primary intestinal lymphangiectasia, suspected to arise from genetic susceptibility, or “idiopathic” lymphatic vascular obstruction. In dogs, PLE is most often a feature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and less frequently intestinal lymphangiectasia, although it is not proven which process is the true driving defect. In cats, PLE is relatively rare. Review of the veterinary literature (1977‐2018) reveals that PLE was life‐ending in 54.2% of dogs compared to published disease‐associated deaths in IBD of <20%, implying that PLE is not merely a continuum of IBD spectrum pathophysiology. In people, diet is the cornerstone of management, whereas dogs are often treated with immunosuppression for causes of PLE including lymphangiectasia, lymphangitis, and crypt disease. Currently, however, there is no scientific, extrapolated, or evidence‐based support for an autoimmune or immune‐mediated mechanism. Moreover, people with PLE have disease‐associated loss of immune function, including lymphopenia, severe CD4+ T‐cell depletion, and negative vaccinal titers. Comparison of PLE in people and dogs is undertaken here, and theories in treatment of PLE are presented.

CT Lymphangiography (CTL) in Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (PIL): A Comparative Study with Intraoperative Enteroscopy (IOE)

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate the clinical feasibility of CT lymphangiography (CTL) in primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) by comparison with intraoperative enteroscopy (IOE) during exploratory laparotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eleven PIL patients (F/M, two/nine, age range 10-37 years) were recruited in this study, and they were performed IOE during exploratory laparotomy for suspected serious lymphatic-intestinal leakages. All the patients were performed CTL before surgery, and the imaging data were reviewed by two radiologists separately. CTL assessments included intestinal lesions, edematous lesions, intestinal and mesenteric lymphangiectasia, lymphaticabdominal leakages, lymph fluid reflux, lymphangioma and abnormal lymphatics in other area. The intestinal lymphangiectasia and lymphaticintestinal leakages were confirmed by histology and IOE.

RESULTS

For CTL, (1) nine intestinal wall thickening; (2) eight ascites, complicated with four pleural effusions, (3) eight intestinal and mesenteric lymphangiectasia, (4) six lymph fluid reflux (5) one lymphatic-abdominal leakage, (6) two lymphangioma. While for IOE, intestinal lymphangiectasia has been confirmed in all patients, including five segemental and six diffusive lesions in intestinal mucosa. Besides, one lymphatic-intestinal fistula, one lymphatic-abdominal leakage was confirmed. Compared to IOE and histology, the accuracy of CTL was 72.7% in detecting intestinal lymphangiectasia.

CONCLUSION

Compared to IOE, CTL demonstrates feasibility in detection of intestinal lymphangiectasia and other abnormalities in whole lymphatic circulation for PIL. Combination of CTL with IOE accommodates guidance for preoperative evaluation and therapeutic management for PIL.

Octreotide Use in Neonates: A Case Series

Background and Objective

Octreotide is a somatostatin analogue and has been used off-label for a variety of conditions. There are no specific guidelines for the use of octreotide in neonates and its safety and efficacy have not been systematically evaluated. The objective of this study is to present our experience of using octreotide therapy in neonates.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of neonates who received octreotide therapy during their hospital stay over a 15 years period (2003–2017) in a tertiary neonatal centre. The demographic details and indications of octreotide therapy including time of initiation, route, dose, duration and adverse effects of therapy were noted. The clinical course following octreotide administration was also analysed.

Results

Eleven neonates received octreotide therapy during the study period, of which nine had chylothorax and two had chylous ascites. Resolution of the chylous effusion with octreotide therapy was achieved in 4 out of 11 (36.3%) of the cases. The median duration of octreotide therapy in cases with successful resolution was 17.5 days. With the exception of minor side effects such as hyperglycaemia, none of the patients had any significant side effects that required discontinuation of therapy.

Conclusion

Octreotide was used safely as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of chylothorax and chylous ascites in neonates. However, larger prospective controlled trials are required to establish the optimal dose, time of initiation, duration and efficacy of octreotide therapy in neonates.

Intestinal Lymphangiectasia: Insights on Management and Literature Review

Patient: Male, 24

Final Diagnosis: Intestinal lymphangiectasia

Symptoms: Frequent episodes of diarrhea • recurrent infections • swelling in the lower limbs

Medication: Octreotide • MCT oils

Clinical Procedure: Endoscopic exam • Doppler ultrasound study • abdominal CT scan

Specialty: Gastroenterology and Hepatology

How to treat an extensive form of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia?

We report a case of a 42-year-old man with a rare disorder known as primary intestinal lymphangiectasia, which is characterized by dilated intestinal lymphatics that lead to the development of protein-losing enteropathy. The patient presented with a grand mal seizure caused by malabsorption-derived electrolytes and a protein disorder. Signs of the disease, including chronic diarrhea and peripheral edema, manifested 10 years ago, but a diagnosis was never made. The diagnosis was suspected because of the clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, imaging and endoscopic findings. Hyperemic and edematous mucosa of the small intestine corresponded to scattered white spots with dilated intestinal lymphatics and whitish villi in the histological specimen of the biopsied jejunal mucosa. Although numerous therapeutic strategies are available, only octreotide therapy proved to be an effective means of therapeutic resolution in this patient. Although the patient had a partial remission following the use of a slow release formula of octreotide, his prognosis, clinical course, and future treatment challenges are yet to be determined.

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia: Minireview

Primary idiopathic intestinal lymphangiectasia is an unusual disease featured by the presence of dilated lymphatic channels which are located in the mucosa, submucosa or subserosa leading to protein loosing enteropathy.Most often affected were children and generally diagnosed before third year of life but may be rarely seen in adults too. Bilateral pitting oedema of lower limb is the main clinical manifestation mimicking the systemic disease and posing a real diagnostic dilemma to the clinicians to differentiate it from other common systemic diseases like Congestive cardiac failure, Nephrotic Syndrome, Protein Energy Malnutrition, etc. Diagnosis can be made on capsule endoscopy which can localise the lesion but unable to take biopsy samples. Thus, recently double-balloon enteroscopy and biopsy in combination can be used as an effective diagnostic tool to hit the correct diagnosis. Patients respond dramatically to diet constituting low long chain triglycerides and high protein content with supplements of medium chain triglyceride. So early diagnosis is important to prevent untoward complications related to disease or treatment for the sake of accurate pathological diagnosis.