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Panda K, Sood V, Lal BB, Khanna R, Rastogi A, Ramakrishna G, Alam S. Liver histology and hepatic progenitor cell activity in pediatric acute liver failure: Implications for clinical outcome. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14662. [PMID: 38036869 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic progenitor cell (HPC) activity and regenerative process that follows pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is still not well understood. This clinicopathological study was thus conducted with an aim to study the correlation of liver histology and HPC activity with outcomes in PALF. METHODS All PALF patients with available hepatic histological specimens were included and specimens were analyzed for hepatocyte loss, HPC activity [using cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK19, sex-determining region Y-related high mobility group box(SOX)9 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)], hepatocyte proliferation (using Ki67), and hepatocyte senescence (using p53 and p21). RESULTS Ninety-four children were included: 22 (23.4%) survived with native liver (SNL) (i.e., the good outcome group) while rest (i.e., the poor outcome group) either died [33%, 35.1%] or received liver transplant (LT) [39%, 41.5%]. When compared to subjects with poor outcomes, those in the SNL group exhibited significantly less severe hepatocyte loss, fewer HPC/hpf, more proliferating hepatocytes, and less senescent hepatocytes (p < .05). Increasing severity of hepatocyte loss (adjusted OR: 9.95, 95% CI: 4.22-23.45, p < .001) was identified as an independent predictor of poor outcome. Eighty percent children with >50% native hepatocyte loss had poor outcome within 10 days of hospitalization. CONCLUSION In PALF, more severe hepatocyte loss, higher number of HPC activation, lesser number of proliferating hepatocytes, and greater number of senescent hepatocytes are associated with a poor outcome. Loss of >50% hepatocytes is an independent predictor of poor outcome in PALF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana Panda
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vikrant Sood
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Bikrant Bihari Lal
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajeev Khanna
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Archana Rastogi
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Gayatri Ramakrishna
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Seema Alam
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Özgör B, Gungor S, Aladağ M, Varol FI, Aslan M, Yilmaz S, Gungor S. The Value of Electroencephalogram (EEG) Findings in the Evaluation and Treatment Management of Pediatric Acute Liver Failure. Cureus 2024; 16:e54300. [PMID: 38496192 PMCID: PMC10944321 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is still life-threatening and requires urgent care. The presence of encephalopathy is a clinical diagnosis, but it is more difficult to diagnose in children than in adults, and an electroencephalogram (EEG) can be invaluable. The role of EEG in managing the treatment of patients with PALF, other than the identification of encephalopathy, is unknown. This study aimed to investigate patients' EEGs, which may guide in choosing the most appropriate treatment in encephalopathy children. A further aim was to investigate a new score method, based on the laboratory results, which might indicate the presence of encephalopathy in cases with PALF. Methods Medical data of 33 PALF patients followed in our clinic were reviewed retrospectively. This study included 33 patients, whose EEG recording was taken on the first day of supportive treatment due to liver failure in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The EEG findings were categorized into three classes: normal, epileptic and non-epileptic paroxysmal, and background encephalopathic patterns including widespread slowing and voltage suppression. Result This retrospective study included 13 male and 20 female patients with a mean age at presentation of 4.82±4.81 months whose EEG was performed on the first day of supportive therapy for liver failure in the PICU. The EEG findings were categorized into three groups: normal, epileptic and non-epileptic paroxysms, and encephalopathic patterns including diffuse background slowing and voltage suppression. Comparing EEG findings and treatments, we found that the normal EEG group responded well to liver-supporting therapy and the rate of plasmapheresis treatment was significantly higher in the diffuse slowing group. Patients with diffuse slowing of the EEG were 9.6 times more likely to receive plasmapheresis. We found that above a cut-off of ≥7.5 for the TAI (total bilirubin, albumin, and international normalized ratio (INR)) score used in our study, the risk of developing encephalopathy increased 14.4-fold. Conclusions In PALF, EEG findings can provide findings that will help clinicians in determining treatment selection and prognosis, as well as detecting epileptic focus and encephalopathy. The TAI score can be used to assess the risk of encephalopathy in cases of PALF, when it is challenging to identify encephalopathy or when an EEG is not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilge Özgör
- Pediatric Neurology, İnönü University, Malatya, TUR
| | - Sukru Gungor
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, İnönü University, Malatya, TUR
| | - Merve Aladağ
- Pediatric Medicine, Nurdağı State Hospital, Gaziantep, TUR
| | - Fatma I Varol
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, İnönü University, Malatya, TUR
| | - Mahmut Aslan
- Pediatric Neurology, Mersin City Hospital, Mersin, TUR
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Peters B, Dattner T, Schlieben LD, Sun T, Staufner C, Lenz D. Disorders of vesicular trafficking presenting with recurrent acute liver failure: NBAS, RINT1, and SCYL1 deficiency. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024. [PMID: 38279772 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Among genetic disorders of vesicular trafficking, there are three causing recurrent acute liver failure (RALF): NBAS, RINT1, and SCYL1-associated disease. These three disorders are characterized by liver crises triggered by febrile infections and account for a relevant proportion of RALF causes. While the frequency and severity of liver crises in NBAS and RINT1-associated disease decrease with age, patients with SCYL1 variants present with a progressive, cholestatic course. In all three diseases, there is a multisystemic, partially overlapping phenotype with variable expression, including liver, skeletal, and nervous systems, all organ systems with high secretory activity. There are no specific biomarkers for these diseases, and whole exome sequencing should be performed in patients with RALF of unknown etiology. NBAS, SCYL1, and RINT1 are involved in antegrade and retrograde vesicular trafficking. Pathomechanisms remain unclarified, but there is evidence of a decrease in concentration and stability of the protein primarily affected by the respective gene defect and its interaction partners, potentially causing impairment of vesicular transport. The impairment of protein secretion by compromised antegrade transport provides a possible explanation for different organ manifestations such as bone alteration due to lack of collagens or diabetes mellitus when insulin secretion is affected. Dysfunction of retrograde transport impairs membrane recycling and autophagy. The impairment of vesicular trafficking results in increased endoplasmic reticulum stress, which, in hepatocytes, can progress to hepatocytolysis. While there is no curative therapy, an early and consequent implementation of an emergency protocol seems crucial for optimal therapeutic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Peters
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Paediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tal Dattner
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Paediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lea D Schlieben
- School of Medicine, Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Computational Health Centre, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tian Sun
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Paediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Staufner
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Paediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominic Lenz
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Center for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Division of Paediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Vo LT, Do VC, Trinh TH, Vu T, Nguyen TT. Combined Therapeutic Plasma Exchange and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Children With Dengue-Associated Acute Liver Failure and Shock Syndrome: Single-Center Cohort From Vietnam. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2023; 24:818-828. [PMID: 37310173 PMCID: PMC10540756 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is a fatal complication in patients with severe dengue. To date, clinical data on the combination of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for managing dengue-associated PALF concomitant with shock syndrome are limited. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study (January 2013 to June 2022). PATIENTS Thirty-four children. SETTING PICU of tertiary Children's Hospital No. 2 in Vietnam. INTERVENTIONS We assessed a before-versus-after practice change at our center of using combined TPE and CRRT (2018 to 2022) versus CRRT alone (2013 to 2017) in managing children with dengue-associated acute liver failure and shock syndrome. Clinical and laboratory data were reviewed from PICU admission, before and 24 h after CRRT and TPE treatments. The main study outcomes were 28-day in-hospital mortality, hemodynamics, clinical hepatoencephalopathy, and liver function normalization. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 34 children with a median age of 10 years (interquartile range: 7-11 yr) underwent standard-volume TPE and/or CRRT treatments. Combined TPE and CRRT ( n = 19), versus CRRT alone ( n = 15), was associated with lower proportion of mortality 7 of 19 (37%) versus 13 of 15 (87%), difference 50% (95% CI, 22-78; p < 0.01). Use of combined TPE and CRRT was associated with substantial advancements in clinical hepatoencephalopathy, liver transaminases, coagulation profiles, and blood lactate and ammonia levels (all p values < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In our experience of children with dengue-associated PALF and shock syndrome, combined use of TPE and CRRT, versus CRRT alone, is associated with better outcomes. Such combination intervention was associated with normalization of liver function, neurological status, and biochemistry. In our center we continue to use combined TPE and CRRT rather than CRRT alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luan Thanh Vo
- Infectious Disease Department, Children Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Viet Chau Do
- Infectious Disease Department, Children Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tung Huu Trinh
- Infectious Disease Department, Children Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thien Vu
- NCD Epidemiology Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
- AI Nutrition Project, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, (NIBIOHN), Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Thanh Tat Nguyen
- Infectious Disease Department, Children Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Bonser D, Malone Jenkins S, Palmquist R, Guthery S, Bonkowsky JL, Jaramillo C. Rapid Genome Sequencing Diagnosis in Pediatric Patients with Liver Dysfunction. J Pediatr 2023; 260:113534. [PMID: 37269902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the usefulness of rapid whole genome sequencing (rWGS) in a cohort of children presenting with acute liver dysfunction. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective, population-based cohort study conducted at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Children meeting criteria for acute liver dysfunction who received rWGS between August 2019 and December 2021 were included. rWGS was performed on blood samples from the patient and parents (1 or both depending on availability). The clinical characteristics of patients with positive rWGS results were compared with those with negative results. RESULTS Eighteen patients with pediatric acute liver dysfunction who had rWGS were identified. The median turnaround time from the date rWGS testing was ordered to the date an initial report was received was 8 days with a shorter turnaround time in patients with a diagnostic rWGS (4 days vs 10 days; P = .03). A diagnostic result was identified in 7 of 18 patients (39%). Subsequently, 4 patients in this cohort, who had negative rWGS results, were found to have a toxic exposure accounting for their liver dysfunction. With removal of these patients, the diagnostic rate of rWGS was 7 of 14 (50%). The use of rWGS led to a change in management for 6 of 18 patients (33%). CONCLUSIONS We found that rWGS provided a diagnosis in up to 50% of pediatric acute liver dysfunction. rWGS allows for higher diagnostic rates in an expedited fashion that affects clinical management. These data support the routine use of rWGS for life-threatening disorders in children, specifically acute liver dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabrina Malone Jenkins
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT; Center for Personalized Medicine, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Rachel Palmquist
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Stephen Guthery
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Joshua L Bonkowsky
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Catalina Jaramillo
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT.
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Lal BB, Sood V, Gupta E, Agarwal R, Khanna R, Alam S. Severe Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Etiology Presenting as Pediatric Acute Liver Failure: Analysis of Likely Etiology, Clinical Course and Outcome. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023:S0973-6883(23)00104-4. [PMID: 37360874 PMCID: PMC10212590 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV2) have been recently implicated as probable causative agents of severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology reported from most of Europe. High mortality and liver transplantation (LT) rates have been observed in those presenting with acute liver failure (ALF). Such cases have not been reported from the Indian subcontinent. We analyzed the etiologies, clinical course, and in-hospital outcomes of cases of severe acute hepatitis with ALF presenting to us between May and October 2022. A total of 178 children presented with severe acute hepatitis of known/unknown etiology including 28 presenting as ALF. Eight of them fulfilled the definition of severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology presenting as ALF. Adenovirus was not associated with cases of ALF in these children. SARS-COV2 antibodies were detected in 6 (75%) of them. Children with severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology presenting as ALF were young (median age 4 years), had hyper-acute presentation with a predominance of gastrointestinal symptoms, and a fulminant course with worse outcomes (native liver survival 25%). Expedited evaluation of these children for LT would be the key to management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikrant B Lal
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vikrant Sood
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ekta Gupta
- Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Reshu Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajeev Khanna
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Seema Alam
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Saul SA, Chapin CA, Malladi P, Melin-Aldana H, Wechsler JB, Alonso EM, Taylor SA. RNA-Sequencing Analysis Identifies Etiology Specific Transcriptional Signatures in Neonatal Acute Liver Failure. J Pediatr 2023; 253:205-212.e2. [PMID: 36195310 PMCID: PMC10033333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess hepatic transcriptional signatures in infants with gestational alloimmune liver disease (GALD) compared with other etiologies of neonatal acute liver failure (ALF) and older pediatric patients with ALF. STUDY DESIGN Neonates with ALF (international normalized ratio ≥2 within 30 days of life) and deceased neonates without liver disease (<30 days of age) with available liver tissue between 2010 and 2021 were identified at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Clinical information, liver histology, and data from RNA-sequencing analysis was compared between neonates with GALD, non-GALD etiologies of neonatal ALF, and nondiseased neonatal liver. RESULTS Quantification of trichrome staining showed an increase in fibrosis in patients with GALD vs those with non-GALD neonatal ALF (P = .012); however, quantification of α-cytokeratin 19-positive ductules did not differ between groups (P = .244). Gene set enrichment analysis of RNA-sequencing data identified the pathways of complement activation, fibrosis, and organogenesis to be upregulated in patients with GALD with ALF. In contrast, patients with non-GALD causes of neonatal ALF had increased gene expression for interferon-driven immune pathways. Individual genes upregulated in GALD included matrix metallopeptidase 7, hepatocyte growth factor, and chemokine ligand 14. CONCLUSIONS We have identified distinct pathways that are significantly upregulated in patients with GALD and potential disease-specific diagnostic biomarkers. Future studies will aim to validate these findings and help identify GALD-specific diagnostic biomarkers to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce GALD-associated patient mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A Saul
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Catherine A Chapin
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Padmini Malladi
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Hector Melin-Aldana
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Joshua B Wechsler
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Estella M Alonso
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Sarah A Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
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Singh R, Kapoor A. Severe Acute Hepatitis: An Emerging Grave Illness in Children. Indian Pediatr 2023; 60. [PMCID: PMC10052219 DOI: 10.1007/s13312-023-2831-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children has been recently described in the literature, and a case definition has also been proposed for this condition. The exact etiology is unknown and exclusion of infectious, metabolic, autoimmune and toxin mediated injuries is essential. Management for this condition is supportive, but some may require liver transplantation. Infection prevention and control practices are important as the etiology remains unidentified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghvendra Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College (University of Delhi) and Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India
- Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, 110 002 India
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Hadžić N, Molnar E, Height S, Kovács G, Dhawan A, Andrikovics H, Worth A, Gilmour KC. High Prevalence of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Acute Liver Failure of Infancy. J Pediatr 2022; 250:67-74.e1. [PMID: 35835228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) syndrome in pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) of infancy and assess the diagnostic role of rapid immunologic tests, genotype/phenotype correlations, and clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN We retrospectively analyzed 78 children with PALF aged <24 months referred over almost 2 decades. The studied patients with a phenotype of HLH syndrome had a comprehensive immunologic workup, including additional genetic analysis for primary immunologic causes. RESULTS Thirty of the 78 children had the HLH phenotype and underwent genetic assessment, which demonstrated positive findings in 19 (63.3%), including 9 (30%) with biallelic primary HLH mutations and 10 (33.3%) with heterozygous mutations and/or polymorphisms. The most common form of primary HLH was familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL)-2, diagnosed in 6 children, 4 of whom had a c.50delT (p.Leu17ArgfsTer34) mutation in the PRF1 gene. Three patients with primary HLH received genetic diagnoses of FHL-3, Griscelli syndrome, and LRBA (lipopolysaccharide-responsive vesicle trafficking, beach- and anchor-containing) protein deficiency. Overall mortality in the series was 52.6% (10 of 19), and mortality in children with a documented biallelic pathogenic HLH mutation (ie, primary HLH) was 66.6% (6 of 9). Two children underwent liver transplantation, and 4 children underwent emergency hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; all but 1 child survived medium term. CONCLUSIONS Primary HLH can be diagnosed retrospectively in approximately one-third of infants with indeterminate PALF (iPALF) who meet the clinical criteria for HLH, often leading to their death. The most common HLH type in iPALF is FHL-2, caused by biallelic mutations in PRF-1. The clinical relevance of observed heterozygous mutations and variants of uncertain significance requires further investigation. Prompt hematopoietic stem cell transplantation could be life-saving in infants who survive the liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nedim Hadžić
- Paediatric Liver Service, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Emese Molnar
- Department of Immunology, Camelia Bothnar Laboratories, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sue Height
- Department of Haematology, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gabor Kovács
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anil Dhawan
- Paediatric Liver Service, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hajnalka Andrikovics
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Central Hospital of Southern Pest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Austen Worth
- Department of Immunology, Camelia Bothnar Laboratories, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberly C Gilmour
- Department of Immunology, Camelia Bothnar Laboratories, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is a life-threatening disorder characterized by acute hepatocellular injury occurring in children without recognized underlying liver disease. The clinicopathologic evaluation of PALF requires a different approach from that in adults. The diagnostic considerations differ depending on the age, personal and family history, geographical region, and clinical presentation. Distinct entities such as gestational alloimmune liver disease, herpes simplex virus infection, and metabolic disorders should be considered in neonates with acute liver failure, while acetaminophen toxicity and autoimmune hepatitis are more frequently seen in older children and adolescents. An identified cause for PALF despite a negative complete evaluation (indeterminate) is lacking in 30 to 50% of cases. Although not routinely performed in the setting of PALF, liver biopsy may be helpful in assessing the etiology, potential mechanisms of injury, determining the appropriateness of liver transplantation, and prognostication of the patients. In this article, we review the clinicopathologic characteristics of PALF with an emphasis on general approach of pathologic evaluation and histopathologic characteristic of selected entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Putra
- Division of Pathology, Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, 7979The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vicky L Ng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, 7979The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Antonio R Perez-Atayde
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Kulkarni SS, Goss CW, Khan AS, Nadler ML, Stoll JM, Doyle MB, Turmelle YP, Rudnick DA. Outcomes Analyses of Pediatric Acute Liver Failure Subjects Listed for Liver Transplantation. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2022; 74:750-6. [PMID: 35442235 DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We characterized recent outcomes in US pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) subjects listed for liver transplantation (LT) using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database. METHODS Pediatric subjects listed for LT from 2002 to 2015 were assigned to the "PALF" group based on status 1/1A listing, INR >2, no hepatic artery thrombosis, and no primary graft nonfunction (N = 397). Subjects were assigned to the "non-PALF" group if listed with any status other than 1/1A (N = 4509). RESULTS The PALF group had more infants <3 months of age and males at listing for LT compared to the non-PALF group. Two-thirds of PALF subjects had an indeterminate etiology. LT waitlist survival was significantly worse in the PALF group compared to the non-PALF group. Likelihood of removal from the LT waitlist for being "too sick" was higher, while that of removal for "spontaneous recovery" was lower in PALF subjects. Post-LT short-term (30 days) and long-term (60 months) outcomes were also significantly worse in PALF versus non-PALF subjects. PALF subjects who underwent living-donor-liver-transplant (LDLT) had similar LT waitlist times and post-LT survival compared to those undergoing deceased-donor-liver-transplant (DDLT). Over the study period, we observed a decreased number of liver transplants, and increase in LT waitlist- and short-term post-LT-survival in PALF subjects. CONCLUSION LT waitlist and post-LT outcomes are worse in PALF subjects compared to non-PALF subjects. PALF subjects who undergo LDLT have similar waitlist times and post-LT outcomes compared to those undergoing DDLT.
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Yang CF, Liu JW, Jin LM, Li YM. Association of duration and etiology with the effect of the artificial liver support system in pediatric acute liver failure. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:951443. [PMID: 36340721 PMCID: PMC9632289 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.951443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to assess the efficacy of the artificial liver support system (ALSS) in pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) patients and to examine the risk factors associated with the effect of ALSS. Similar data are limited in PALF. METHODS All patients diagnosed with PALF who received ALSS from June 2011 to June 2021 in the pediatric intensive care unit of the First Hospital of Jilin University were included in this retrospective cohort analysis. The effect of ALSS was measured using difference tests before and after treatments. The risk factors associated with the effect of ALSS were evaluated according to whether the total bilirubin (TBIL) and serum ammonia decreased after ALSS (TBIL-unresponsive group vs. TBIL-responsive group, serum ammonia-unresponsive group vs. serum ammonia-responsive group). RESULTS Thirty-nine patients who received ALSS during the study period were eligible for inclusion. The most common cause of PALF was undetermined causes (n = 14, 35.9%) followed by infection (n = 11, 28.2%). Four patients received pediatric liver transplantation. The overall survival rate was 76.9% (30/39). Fifteen (38.4%) patients received only one modality, whereas 61.6% patients received hybrid treatments. The most commonly used modality of ALSS was plasma exchange combined with continuous renal replacement therapy (n = 14, 35.9%). Alanine aminotransferase, TBIL, the international normalized ratio, and serum ammonia were significantly decreased after ALSS (P < 0.001). Compared with other causes, more patients with infection and toxication were observed in the TBIL-unresponsive group. A longer ALSS duration was significantly related to blood ammonia reduction. CONCLUSIONS ALSS can effectively reduce serum alanine aminotransferase, TBIL, international normalized ratio, and serum ammonia and may reduce mortality. The reduction in TBIL levels after ALSS is dependent on etiology. A longer ALSS duration was associated with blood ammonia reduction. Prospective multicenter studies are needed for further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Feng Yang
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing-Wei Liu
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lin-Mei Jin
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yu-Mei Li
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Amatya P, Kapalavai SK, Deep A, Sankaranarayanan S, Krupanandan R, Sadasivam K, Ramachandran B. Pediatric acute liver failure: An experience of a pediatric intensive care unit from resource limited settings. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:956699. [PMID: 36120651 PMCID: PMC9478462 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.956699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pediatric acute liver failure is a rare and serious disease. Though liver transplantation is considered as the established treatment option for patients who are unlikely to recover with medical management, however, with the advancement of medical care there has been an increase in spontaneous regeneration of liver, obviating the need for liver transplantation. We identified the etiologies, outcome and prognostic factors of acute liver failure and the validity of the existing liver transplantation criteria to predict the outcome of pediatric acute liver failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective study done from January 2014 to December 2019 in a tertiary pediatric critical care unit in South India. All children aged between 1 month to 18 years admitted with acute liver failure were enrolled. RESULTS Of 125 children with acute liver failure, the main etiologies were infections (32%), indeterminate (23%), paracetamol toxicity (21%), metabolic (13%) and others (11%). Dengue was the most common infection (55%). The median pediatric logistic organ dysfunction score at admission was 12 (4-27). Of 125 patients, 63.2% (n = 79) had spontaneous regeneration which was higher in paracetamol induced (92.3%) compared to non-paracetamol induced acute liver failure (55.5%). Only two patients underwent liver transplantation and 35% died. Peak alanine transaminase and use of inotropes significantly predicted the outcome of disease. Of 38 children meeting King's College Hospital criteria for liver transplantation, 57.9% had spontaneous regeneration and 36.8% died. Of 74 children meeting INR > 4 criteria, 54% (n = 40) had spontaneous regeneration and 43.2% died. INR >4 criteria was more sensitive than King's College Hospital criteria for predicting the need for liver transplantation. CONCLUSION Pediatric acute liver failure is caused by varied etiologies and infections were the commonest cause. Despite having a seriously ill cohort of patients, medical management resulted in spontaneous regeneration in the majority of children with acute liver failure. The use of inotropes, advanced hepatic encephalopathy, and peak alanine transaminase were predictors of poor outcome in children with acute liver failure and these patients could be considered for liver transplantation as available. Therefore, we may need to develop better predictors of pediatric acute liver failure in resource limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puja Amatya
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Sudeep Kumar Kapalavai
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Akash Deep
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ravikumar Krupanandan
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Kalaimaran Sadasivam
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Bala Ramachandran
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, Chennai, India
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Toney NA, Bell MJ, Belle SH, Hardison RM, Rodriguez-Baez N, Loomes KM, Vodovotz Y, Zamora R, Squires RH; Pediatric Acute Liver Failure Study Group. Hepatic Encephalopathy in Children With Acute Liver Failure: Utility of Serum Neuromarkers. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2019; 69:108-15. [PMID: 31058776 DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000002351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is a public heath burden, often requiring prolonged hospitalization and liver transplantation. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complication of PALF with limited diagnostic tools to predict outcomes. Serum neurological markers (neuron-specific enolase, S100β, and myelin basic protein) can be elevated in traumatic or ischemic brain injury. We hypothesized that these neuromarkers would be associated with the development of HE in PALF. METHODS PALF study participants enrolled between May 2012 and December 2014 by 12 participating centers were the subjects of this analysis. Daily HE assessments were determined by study investigators. Neurological and inflammatory markers were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and MILLIPLEX techniques, respectively. To model encephalopathy, these markers were log2 transformed and individually examined for association with HE using a generalized linear mixed model with a logit link and random intercept. RESULTS Eighty-two children had neurological and inflammatory marker levels and HE assessments recorded, with the majority having assessments for 3 days during their illness. An indeterminate diagnosis (29%) was most common and the median age was 2.9 years. Significant associations were observed for HE with S100β (odds ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval [1.03-1.29], P = 0.04) and IL-6 (odds ratio 1.24 [1.11-1.38], P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Serum S100β and IL-6 are associated with HE in children with PALF. Measuring these markers may assist in assessing neurological injury in PALF, impacting clinical decisions.
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Abstract
Although there have been advances made in the diagnosis and management of pediatric acute liver failure, there is still no consensus regarding the definition or standardized evaluation, and an inability to predict outcomes, specifically irreversible brain injury, in many patients exists. Much of the research surrounding pediatric acute liver failure in the last several years has centered on the development of predictive scoring systems to enhance diagnosis and treatment decisions. In this article, we will discuss our current understanding of liver failure and updated management strategies in children with acute liver failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Kathryn Smith
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of California, San Francisco, Box 0136, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Philip Rosenthal
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of California, San Francisco, Box 0136, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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