First report of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator mutation c.1521_1523delCTT (p. Phe508del) in two Qatari patients with cystic fibrosis

A comprehensive review of cystic fibrosis in Africa and Asia

Cystic fibrosis (CF) was earlier thought to be a disease prevalent in the West among Caucasians. However, quite a number of recent studies have uncovered CF cases outside of this region, and reported hundreds of unique and novel variant forms of CFTR. Here, we discuss the evidence of CF in parts of the world earlier considered to be rare; Africa, and Asia. This review also highlighted the CFTR mutation variations and new mutations discovered in these regions. This discovery implies that the CF data from these regions were earlier underestimated. The inadequate awareness of the disease in these regions might have contributed towards the poor diagnostic facilities, under-diagnosis or/and under-reporting, and the lack of CF associated health policies. Overall, these regions have a high rate of infant, childhood and early adulthood mortality due to CF. Therefore, there is a need for a thorough investigation of CF prevalence and to identify unique and novel variant mutations within these regions in order to formulate intervention plans, create awareness, develop mutation specific screening kits and therapies to keep CF mortality at bay.

Advances in Cystic Fibrosis Research in Qatar: A Commentary

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by a Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene defect. Many across the globe suffer the debilitating symptoms. The aim of this commentary is to briefly cover various aspects related to the disease in the Arab world and then in Qatar.

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Protein Modulators in Children and Adolescents with Different CF Genotypes - Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of the first triple CFTR protein modulators in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, following PRISMA guidelines. The following databases were searched extensively: PubMed/Medline, Clinical trials.gov, Google Scholar, Scopus, Embase, and Europe PMC using the keywords: "Ivacaftor", "Elexacaftor", "Tezacaftor", VX_661", VX_770", "VX_445", "cystic fibrosis". A total of ten randomized clinical trials were included in our analysis. Primary outcomes included: Absolute change in predicted FEV1 from baseline, Absolute change in sweat chloride test from baseline, Absolute change in BMI from baseline, Absolute change in CF-QR from baseline, and Adverse Events.

RESULTS

Among primary findings, significant absolute change in predictive FEV1 from baseline through 4 weeks favoured the triple CFTR protein modulators. (MD = 11.80, 95% CI = 8.47_15.12, p value = <0.00001); as well as CF_QR score (MD = 0.00, 95% CI = -2.50_2.50, p value= 1.00), and BMI kg/m² change (MD = 16.90, 95% CI = 12.73_21.06, p value= <0.00001). No significant change was noted for CFTR channels activity in the treatment group when compared to placebo or VX_770/VX_661 (MD = -12.57, 95% CI = -94.46_69.32, p value= 0.76).

CONCLUSION

In children aged ≥ 6 y old and adolescents with F508del_CFTR mutation, Elexacaftor- Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor tend to be more effective than first-generation therapy, demonstrating promising results by exhibiting significant improvement in lung function, body weight, and respiratory-related quality of life.