Cribado neonatal para la fibrosis quística

Spanish adaptation and validation of the child- and parent-report cystic fibrosis questionnaire-revised (CFQ-R)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish versions of the child- and parent-report cystic fibrosis questionnaire-revised (CFQ-R).

METHODS

A Spanish adaptation of the CFQ-R was performed; 68 children with CF (6-13 years) and their parents completed the child- and parent-report CFQ-R, respectively, and the Revidierter KINDer Lebensqualitätsfragebogen (KINDL) questionnaire. The CFQ-R was completed twice, 7-10 days apart, and its psychometric properties were analyzed.

RESULTS

The internal consistency of both CFQ-R versions was adequate (child-report version, Cronbach's α >.60 for all domains except "Treatment Burden" [α = .42] and "Social Functioning" [α = .57]; parent-report version, α > .60 for all domains except "Social Functioning" [α = .58]). For the child-report version, the lowest measurement error was for "Emotional Functioning" (standard error of measurement [SEM]: 8.3%; minimal detectable change [MDC90 ]: 19.3%), and the highest was for "Body Image" (SEM: 15%; MDC90 : 35%). For the parent-report version, the lowest measurement error was for "Physical Functioning" (SEM: 7.1%; MDC90 : 16.5%), and the highest was for "Weight" (SEM: 17.2%; MDC90 ; 40.1%). The correlation between the versions showed higher agreement for the domains related to observable signs ("Physical Functioning") and lower agreement for "Emotional Functioning." There was a significant correlation between the CFQ-R and KINDL.

CONCLUSION

Both the child- and parent-report versions of the Spanish CFQ-R have adequate reliability and validity for clinical and research purposes. These versions can be administered before and after starting modulator therapy to assess its effect on daily functioning. The MDC90 can help identify, with a high probability, whether real changes have occurred in the quality-of-life subscales in children with CF.

Results of the Andalusian Cystic Fibrosis Neonatal Screening Program, 5 Years After Implementation

INTRODUCTION

Cystic fibrosis neonatal screening (CFNS), based on double determination of immunoreactive trypsinogen ([IRT] [IRT1/IRT2]), has been available in Andalusia since May 2011. If screening is positive, a sweat test is performed, and if that is positive or inconclusive, genetic testing is requested.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze CFNS, based on results from the first 4.5 years of the program.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective descriptive study of neonates undergoing CFNS. IRT levels, sweat chloride, and mutations were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 12.0.

RESULTS

Between May 2011 and December 2016, 474,953 neonates underwent CFNS. Of these, 1,087 (0.23%) had elevated IRT2. Since CFNS was introduced, 73 cases of cystic fibrosis were diagnosed; 60 were diagnosed by positive CFNS, and 13 were diagnosed by other means. In one case, the patient developed a typical clinical picture of cystic fibrosis, but had not undergone CFNS at the decision of the parents; the remaining 12 had a negative CFNS (false negatives). Of these, one patient was diagnosed before symptoms developed, as his twin brother had a positive CFNS result; another had chloride at the upper limit of normal, and was subsequently diagnosed with genetic testing before symptoms appeared; and 10 patients developed clinical signs and symptoms. Excluding patients with meconium ileus, sensitivity and specificity of the CFNS program were 85.71% and 99.78%, respectively. The incidence of the disease in Andalusia is 1/6,506 live births.

CONCLUSION

These results are a basis for reflection on possible areas for improvement of the CFNS algorithm, and thought may be given to the introduction of genetic studies to increase sensitivity and reduce false positives.

Spanish consensus on the prevention and treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bronchial infections in cystic fibrosis patients

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the main pathogen in bronchopulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. It can only be eradicated at early infection stages while reduction of its bacterial load is the therapeutic goal during chronic infection or exacerbations. Neonatal screening and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic knowledge has modified the management of CF-patients. A culture based microbiological follow-up should be performed in patients with no infection with P.aeruginosa. At initial infection, inhaled colistin (0,5-2MU/tid), tobramycin (300mg/bid) or aztreonam (75mg/tid) with or without oral ciprofloxacin (15-20mg/kg/bid, 2-3weeks) are recommended. In chronic infections, treatment is based on continuous administration of colistin or with a 28-day on-off regimen with tobramycin or aztreonam. During mild-moderate exacerbations oral ciprofloxacin (2-3weeks) can be administered while serious exacerbations must be treated with intravenous combination therapy (beta-lactam with an aminoglycoside or a fluoroquinolone). Future studies will support antibiotic rotation and/or new combination therapies. Epidemiological measures are also recommended to avoid new P.aeruginosa infections and "patient-to-patient transmission" of this pathogen.

CFTR protein repair therapy in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a single gene, autosomal recessive disorder, in which more than 1,900 mutations grouped into 6 classes have been described. It is an example a disease that could be well placed to benefit from personalised medicine. There are currently 2 very different approaches that aim to correct the basic defect: gene therapy, aimed at correcting the genetic alteration, and therapy aimed at correcting the defect in the CFTR protein. The latter is beginning to show promising results, with several molecules under development. Ataluren (PTC124) is a molecule designed to make the ribosomes become less sensitive to the premature stop codons responsible for class i mutations. Lumacaftor (VX-809) is a CFTR corrector directed at class ii mutations, among which Phe508del is the most frequent, with encouraging results. Ivacaftor (VX-770) is a potentiator, the only one marketed to date, which has shown good efficacy for the class iii mutation Gly551Asp in children over the age of 6 and adults. These drugs, or a combination of them, are currently undergoing various clinical trials for other less common genetic mutations. In the last 5 years, CFTR has been designated as a therapeutic target. Ivacaftor is the first drug to treat the basic defect in cystic fibrosis, but only provides a response in a small number of patients. New drugs capable of restoring the CFTR protein damaged by the most common mutations are required.