Preoperative observations and short-term outcome after partial external biliary diversion in 13 patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

Internal Ileal Diversion as Treatment for Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type 1-Associated Graft Inflammation and Steatosis after Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Progressive Familial Intrahepatic cholestasis type I (PFIC1) is a rare congenital hepatopathy causing cholestasis with progressive liver disease. Surgical interruption of the enterohepatic circulation, e.g., surgical biliary diversion (SBD) can slow down development of liver cirrhosis. Eventually, end stage liver disease necessitates liver transplantation (LT). PFIC1 patients might develop diarrhea, graft steatosis and inflammation after LT. SBD after LT was shown to be effective in the alleviation of liver steatosis and graft injury.

CASE REPORT

Three PFIC1 patients received LT at the ages of two, two and a half and five years. Shortly after LT diarrhea and graft steatosis was recognized, SBD to the terminal ileum was opted to prevent risk for ascending cholangitis. After SBD, inflammation and steatosis was found to be reduced to resolved, as seen by liver biochemistry and ultrasounds. Diarrhea was reported unchanged.

CONCLUSION

We present three PFIC1 cases for whom SBD to the terminal ileum successfully helped to resolve graft inflammation and steatosis.

Biliary diversion in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Biliary diversion (BD) is indicated in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) with refractory pruritus. Three types-partial external biliary drainage (PEBD), partial internal biliary drainage (PIBD), and ileal exclusion (IE) are described, with no consensus about the relative efficacy of these procedures.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for publications on PFIC and BD. Improvement in pruritus, serum bile acid (BA), and need for liver transplantation (LT) were compared between the various BD procedures.

RESULTS

25 studies [424 children (PEBD-301, PIBD-93, IE-30)] were included. Pruritus resolved in 59.5% [PIBD:72% (95%CI 43-96%), PEBD:57% (95%CI 43-71%) and IE:48% (95%CI 14-82%)] cases. Significant overlap in confidence intervals indicated no significant differences. Absolute decrease in BA (AUROC-0.72) and bilirubin (AUROC-0.69) discriminated responders and non-responders. Eventually, 27% required LT: PIBD 10.7%, PEBD32%, IE 27%. The post-operative BA (AUROC-0.9) and bilirubin (AUROC-0.85) determined need for LT. Complications were commoner in PEBD than PIBD (38% vs 21.8%: p=0.02).

CONCLUSION

59.5% children have pruritus relief after BD and 27% need LT. PIBD has lower complications and LT requirement than PEBD. However, this requires cautious interpretation as the 2 groups differed in PFIC type and follow-up duration.

Partial Biliary Diversion May Promote Long-Term Relief of Pruritus and Native Liver Survival in Children with Cholestatic Liver Diseases

INTRODUCTION

 Rare cholestatic liver diseases may cause debilitating pruritus in children. Partial biliary diversion (PBD) may relieve pruritus and postpone liver transplantation which is the only other alternative when conservative treatment fails. The aim was to report long-term outcome after PBD in a population of 26 million people during a 25-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 This is an international, multicenter retrospective study reviewing medical journals. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system.

RESULTS

 Thirty-three patients, 14 males, underwent PBD at a median of 1.5 (0.3-13) years at four Nordic pediatric surgical centers. Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis was the most common underlying condition. Initially, all patients got external diversion, either cholecystojejunostomy (25 patients) or button placed in the gallbladder or a jejunal conduit. Early complications occurred in 14 (42%) patients, of which 3 were Clavien-Dindo grade 3. Long-term stoma-related complications were common (55%). Twenty secondary surgeries were performed due to stoma problems such as prolapse, stricture, and bleeding, or conversion to another form of PBD. Thirteen children have undergone liver transplantation, and two are listed for transplantation due to inefficient effect of PBD on pruritus. Serum levels of bile acids in the first week after PBD construction were significantly lower in patients with good relief of pruritus than in those with poor effect (13 [2-192] vs. 148 [5-383] μmol/L; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

 PBD may ensure long-term satisfactory effect on intolerable pruritus and native liver survival in children with cholestatic liver disease. However, stoma-related problems and reoperations are common.

Impact of Genotype, Serum Bile Acids, and Surgical Biliary Diversion on Native Liver Survival in FIC1 Deficiency

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Mutations in ATPase phospholipid transporting 8B1 (ATP8B1) can lead to familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 (FIC1) deficiency, or progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1. The rarity of FIC1 deficiency has largely prevented a detailed analysis of its natural history, effects of predicted protein truncating mutations (PPTMs), and possible associations of serum bile acid (sBA) concentrations and surgical biliary diversion (SBD) with long-term outcome. We aimed to provide insights by using the largest genetically defined cohort of patients with FIC1 deficiency to date.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

This multicenter, combined retrospective and prospective study included 130 patients with compound heterozygous or homozygous predicted pathogenic ATP8B1 variants. Patients were categorized according to the number of PPTMs (i.e., splice site, frameshift due to deletion or insertion, nonsense, duplication), FIC1-A (n = 67; no PPTMs), FIC1-B (n = 29; one PPTM), or FIC1-C (n = 34; two PPTMs). Survival analysis showed an overall native liver survival (NLS) of 44% at age 18 years. NLS was comparable among FIC1-A, FIC1-B, and FIC1-C (% NLS at age 10 years: 67%, 41%, and 59%, respectively; P = 0.12), despite FIC1-C undergoing SBD less often (% SBD at age 10 years: 65%, 57%, and 45%, respectively; P = 0.03). sBAs at presentation were negatively associated with NLS (NLS at age 10 years, sBAs < 194 µmol/L: 49% vs. sBAs ≥ 194 µmol/L: 15%; P = 0.03). SBD decreased sBAs (230 [125-282] to 74 [11-177] μmol/L; P = 0.005). SBD (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.28-1.03, P = 0.06) and post-SBD sBA concentrations < 65 μmol/L (P = 0.05) tended to be associated with improved NLS.

CONCLUSIONS

Less than half of patients with FIC1 deficiency reach adulthood with native liver. The number of PPTMs did not associate with the natural history or prognosis of FIC1 deficiency. sBA concentrations at initial presentation and after SBD provide limited prognostic information on long-term NLS.

Epidemiology and burden of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis: a systematic review

Background

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis is a rare, heterogeneous group of liver disorders of autosomal recessive inheritance, characterised by an early onset of cholestasis with pruritus and malabsorption, which rapidly progresses, eventually culminating in liver failure. For children and their parents, PFIC is an extremely distressing disease. Significant pruritus can lead to severe cutaneous mutilation and may affect many activities of daily living through loss of sleep, irritability, poor attention, and impaired school performance.

Methods

Databases including MEDLINE and Embase were searched for publications on PFIC prevalence, incidence or natural history, and the economic burden or health-related quality of life of patients with PFIC. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed.

Results

Three systematic reviews and twenty-two studies were eligible for inclusion for the epidemiology of PFIC including a total of 2603 patients. Study periods ranged from 3 to 33 years. Local population prevalence of PFIC was reported in three studies, ranging from 9.0 to 12.0% of children admitted with cholestasis, acute liver failure, or splenomegaly. The most detailed data come from the NAPPED study where native liver survival of >15 years is predicted in PFIC2 patients with a serum bile  acid concentration below 102 µmol/L following bile diversion surgery. Burden of disease was mainly reported through health-related quality of life (HRQL), rates of surgery and survival. Rates of biliary diversion and liver transplant varied widely depending on study period, sample size and PFIC type, with many patients have multiple surgeries and progressing to liver transplant. This renders data unsuitable for comparison.

Conclusion

Using robust and transparent methods, this systematic review summarises our current knowledge of PFIC. The epidemiological overview is highly mixed and dependent on presentation and PFIC subtype. Only two studies reported HRQL and mortality results were variable across different subtypes. Lack of data and extensive heterogeneity severely limit understanding across this disease area, particularly variation around and within subtypes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-021-01884-4.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Partial External Biliary Diversion in Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis

OBJECTIVES

We assessed available data on impact of partial external biliary diversion (PEBD) surgery on clinical outcomes in patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC).

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature review (PubMed) and meta-analysis to evaluate relationships between liver biochemistry parameters (serum bile acids, bilirubin, and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]) and early response (pruritus improvement) or long-term outcomes (need for liver transplant) in patients with PFIC who underwent PEBD.

RESULTS

Searches identified 175 publications before September 2018; 16 met inclusion criteria. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis examined ability of liver biochemistry parameters to discriminate patients who demonstrated early and long-term response to PEBD from those who did not. Regarding pruritus improvement in 155 included patients in aggregate, 104 (67%) were responders, 14 (9%) had partial response, and 37 (24%) were nonresponders. In ROC analyses of individual patient data, post-PEBD serum concentration of bile acids, in particular, could discriminate responders from nonresponders for pruritus improvement (area under the curve, 0.99; P < 0.0001; n = 42); to a lesser extent, this was also true for bilirubin (0.87; P = 0.003; n = 31), whereas ALT could not discriminate responders from nonresponders for pruritus improvement (0.74; P = 0.06; n = 28). Reductions from pre-PEBD values in serum bile acid concentration (0.89; P = 0.0003; n = 32) and bilirubin (0.98; P = 0.002; n = 18) but not ALT (0.62; P = 0.46; n = 18) significantly discriminated decreased aggregate need for liver transplant.

CONCLUSION

Changes in bile acids seem particularly useful in discriminating early and long-term post-PEBD outcomes and may be potential biomarkers of response to interruption of enterohepatic circulation in patients with PFIC.

Genotype correlates with the natural history of severe bile salt export pump deficiency

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Mutations in ABCB11 can cause deficiency of the bile salt export pump (BSEP), leading to cholestasis and end-stage liver disease. Owing to the rarity of the disease, the associations between genotype and natural history, or outcomes following surgical biliary diversion (SBD), remain elusive. We aimed to determine these associations by assembling the largest genetically defined cohort of patients with severe BSEP deficiency to date.

METHODS

This multicentre, retrospective cohort study included 264 patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous pathological ABCB11 mutations. Patients were categorized according to genotypic severity (BSEP1, BSEP2, BSEP3). The predicted residual BSEP transport function decreased with each category.

RESULTS

Genotype severity was strongly associated with native liver survival (NLS, BSEP1 median 20.4 years; BSEP2, 7.0 years; BSEP3, 3.5 years; p <0.001). At 15 years of age, the proportion of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was 4% in BSEP1, 7% in BSEP2 and 34% in BSEP3 (p = 0.001). SBD was associated with significantly increased NLS (hazard ratio 0.50; 95% CI 0.27-0.94: p = 0.03) in BSEP1 and BSEP2. A serum bile acid concentration below 102 μmol/L or a decrease of at least 75%, each shortly after SBD, reliably predicted NLS of ≥15 years following SBD (each p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The genotype of severe BSEP deficiency strongly predicts long-term NLS, the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, and the chance that SBD will increase NLS. Serum bile acid parameters shortly after SBD can predict long-term NLS.

LAY SUMMARY

This study presents data from the largest genetically defined cohort of patients with severe bile salt export pump deficiency to date. The genotype of patients with severe bile salt export pump deficiency is associated with clinical outcomes and the success of therapeutic interventions. Therefore, genotypic data should be used to guide personalized clinical care throughout childhood and adulthood in patients with this disease.

Changes in plasma bile acid profiles after partial internal biliary diversion in PFIC2 patients

Background

We ask if plasma bile acid profiles can be used to monitor the effectiveness of partial internal biliary diversion (PIBD) for treating uncontrolled cholestasis in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC2) patients.

Methods

Plasma bile acids were profiled in 3 cases of ATP-binding cassette, sub-family B member 11 (ABCB11)-mutated PFIC2 children before and after PIBD compared to healthy controls and 8 PFIC2 patients. The quantitation of bile acids was performed by reversed-phase ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography/multiple-reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry (UPLC/MRM-MS) with negative ion detection.

Results

Before PIBD, all three patients presented with >50-fold higher levels of total plasma bile acids, 2-7 folds higher ratios of taurine: glycine conjugated primary bile acids, and unchanged secondary bile acids levels compared to healthy controls. After PIBD, only one of the three patients (P3) showed relief of cholestasis. The bile acid profiles of the two nonresponding patients showed little change while that of the responding patient showed a 5-fold reduction in total plasma primary bile acids, a reduced taurine: glycine conjugate ratio, and an unexpected 26- and 12-fold increase in secondary bile acids DCA and LCA respectively. One year later, the responder suffered a recurrence of cholestasis, and the bile acid profile shifted back to a more pre-PIBD-like profile.

Conclusions

Plasma bile acid profiles may potentially be useful as sensitive biomarkers for monitoring the clinical course of PIBD patients. Relief of cholestasis after PIBD appears to be associated with significantly increased circulating toxic secondary bile acids and this may limit the utility of PIBD in PFIC2 patients in the long run.

Outcomes of surgical management of familial intrahepatic cholestasis 1 and bile salt export protein deficiencies

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) with normal circulating gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase levels can result from mutations in the ATP8B1 gene (encoding familial intrahepatic cholestasis 1 [FIC1] deficiency) or the ABCB11 gene (bile salt export protein [BSEP] deficiency). We investigated the outcomes of partial external biliary diversion, ileal exclusion, and liver transplantation in these two conditions. We conducted a retrospective multicenter study of 42 patients with FIC1 deficiency (FIC1 patients) and 60 patients with BSEP deficiency (BSEP patients) who had undergone one or more surgical procedures (57 diversions, 6 exclusions, and 57 transplants). For surgeries performed prior to transplantation, BSEP patients were divided into two groups, BSEP‐common (bearing common missense mutations D482G or E297G, with likely residual function) and BSEP‐other. We evaluated clinical and biochemical outcomes in these patients. Overall, diversion improved biochemical parameters, pruritus, and growth, with substantial variation in individual response. BSEP‐common or FIC1 patients survived longer after diversion without developing cirrhosis, being listed for or undergoing liver transplantation, or dying, compared to BSEP‐other patients. Transplantation resolved cholestasis in all groups. However, FIC1 patients commonly developed hepatic steatosis, diarrhea, and/or pancreatic disease after transplant accompanied by biochemical abnormalities and often had continued poor growth. In BSEP patients with impaired growth, this generally improved after transplantation. Conclusion: Diversion can improve clinical and biochemical status in FIC1 and BSEP deficiencies, but outcomes differ depending on genetic etiology. For many patients, particularly BSEP‐other, diversion is not a permanent solution and transplantation is required. Although transplantation resolves cholestasis in patients with FIC1 and BSEP deficiencies, the overall outcome remains unsatisfactory in many FIC1 patients; this is mainly due to extrahepatic manifestations. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:515‐528)

Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type 2 in an Indian Child

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a chronic cholestasis syndrome that begins in infancy and usually progresses to cirrhosis within the first decade of life. There are three varieties of PFIC described: PFIC-1 occurs due to mutations in the ATP8B1 gene mapped to 18q21.31, PFIC-2 due to mutations in ABCB11 mapped to 2q24, and PFIC-3 due to mutations in ABCB4 located on 7q21.12. We report an Indian child whose mutation analysis was suggestive of PFIC-2. He underwent a biliary diversion at 3½ years of age but subsequently died secondary to massive hematemesis.

Analysis of surgical interruption of the enterohepatic circulation as a treatment for pediatric cholestasis

To evaluate the efficacy of nontransplant surgery for pediatric cholestasis, 58 clinically diagnosed children, including 20 with Alagille syndrome (ALGS), 16 with familial intrahepatic cholestasis-1 (FIC1), 18 with bile salt export pump (BSEP) disease, and 4 others with low γ-glutamyl transpeptidase disease (levels <100 U/L), were identified across 14 Childhood Liver Disease Research Network (ChiLDReN) centers. Data were collected retrospectively from individuals who collectively had 39 partial external biliary diversions (PEBDs), 11 ileal exclusions (IEs), and seven gallbladder-to-colon (GBC) diversions. Serum total bilirubin decreased after PEBD in FIC1 (8.1 ± 4.0 vs. 2.9 ± 4.1 mg/dL, preoperatively vs. 12-24 months postoperatively, respectively; P = 0.02), but not in ALGS or BSEP. Total serum cholesterol decreased after PEBD in ALGS patients (695 ± 465 vs. 457 ± 319 mg/dL, preoperatively vs. 12-24 months postoperatively, respectively; P = 0.0001). Alanine aminotransferase levels increased in ALGS after PEBD (182 ± 70 vs. 260 ± 73 IU/L, preoperatively vs. 24 months; P = 0.03), but not in FIC1 or BSEP. ALGS, FIC1, and BSEP patients experienced less severely scored pruritus after PEBD (ALGS, 100% vs. 9% severe; FIC1, 64% vs. 10%; BSEP, 50% vs. 20%, preoperatively vs. >24 months postoperatively, respectively; P < 0.001). ALGS patients experienced a trend toward greater freedom from xanthomata after PEBD. There was a trend toward decreased pruritus in FIC1 after IE and GBC. Vitamin K supplementation increased in ALGS after PEBD (33% vs. 77%; P = 0.03). Overall, there were 15 major complications after surgery. Twelve patients (3 ALGS, 3 FIC1, and 6 BSEP) subsequently underwent liver transplantation.

CONCLUSION

This was a multicenter analysis of nontransplant surgical approaches to intrahepatic cholestasis. Approaches vary, are well tolerated, and generally, although not uniformly, result in improvement of pruritus and cholestasis. (Hepatology 2017;65:1645-1654).

Influence of Partial External Biliary Diversion on the Lipid Profile in Children With Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis

OBJECTIVES

The concentration of bile acids is highly increased in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). Bile acids are the end products of cholesterol metabolism, and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and dietary fat. The aim of our study was to investigate lipid metabolism in patients with PFIC with focus on the effect of partial external biliary diversion (PEBD).

METHODS

In 26 patients with PFIC, who underwent PEBD surgery at the median age of 2.2 years (range: 0.4-16.6), we analyzed the concentrations of lipids and apolipoproteins both before and 6 months after PEBD. Patients were split into 2 groups according to the outcome of surgery (either "good" or "poor"), and were analyzed separately. A "good" result following surgery was defined as complete relief from pruritus, and normalization of total bilirubin (<1.0 mg/dL) and bile acid concentration in serum (<12 μmol/L).

RESULTS

We found abnormal lipid concentrations at baseline in all 26 patients: cholesterol was increased (>190 mg/dL) in 13 patients, phospholipids were increased (>250 mg/dL) in 5 patients, and triglyceride concentration was increased (>150 mg/dL) in 13 patients. After PEBD, the concentrations of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids decreased significantly, whereas, ApoA-I and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations increased and the concentrations of apolipoprotein B, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased. PEBD had neither an effect on ApoE concentration nor on lecithin-cholesterol acyl transferase activity. In the group with a "poor" outcome report following PEBD, total serum cholesterol concentration decreased significantly, and no effect on the concentrations of triglycerides and phospholipids were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PFIC present with a high risk of lipid disturbances. PEBD has a beneficial effect on lipid profile in the majority of cases.

Biliary atresia and other cholestatic childhood diseases: Advances and future challenges

Biliary Atresia and other cholestatic childhood diseases are rare conditions affecting the function and/or anatomy along the canalicular-bile duct continuum, characterised by onset of persistent cholestatic jaundice during the neonatal period. Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common among these, but still has an incidence of only 1 in 10-19,000 in Europe and North America. Other diseases such as the genetic conditions, Alagille syndrome (ALGS) and Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC), are less common. Choledochal malformations are amenable to surgical correction and require a high index of suspicion. The low incidence of such diseases hinder patient-based studies that include large cohorts, while the limited numbers of animal models of disease that recapitulate the spectrum of disease phenotypes hinders both basic research and the development of new treatments. Despite their individual rarity, collectively BA and other cholestatic childhood diseases are the commonest indications for liver transplantation during childhood. Here, we review the recent advances in basic research and clinical progress in these diseases, as well as the research needs. For the various diseases, we formulate current key questions and controversies and identify top priorities to guide future research.

Liver transplantation and the management of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis in children

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a constellation of inherited disorders that result in the impairment of bile flow through the liver that predominantly affects children. The accumulation of bile results in progressive liver damage, and if left untreated leads to end stage liver disease and death. Patients often present with worsening jaundice and pruritis within the first few years of life. Many of these patients will progress to end stage liver disease and require liver transplantation. The role and timing of liver transplantation still remains debated especially in the management of PFIC1. In those patients who are appropriately selected, liver transplantation offers an excellent survival benefit. Appropriate timing and selection of patients for liver transplantation will be discussed, and the short and long term management of patients post liver transplantation will also be described.

Tacrolimus without or with the addition of conventional immunosuppressive treatment in juvenile autoimmune hepatitis

AIM

To investigate tacrolimus (Tac)-based treatment in juvenile autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Twenty patients (13 girls; age, 8-17 years; median, 13.25 years) with AIH were treated with two daily oral doses of Tac. Six of them had advanced liver disease and/or cirrhosis.

METHODS

Drug concentrations in blood were measured regularly, and the target trough levels were 2.5-5 ng/mL. The patients were followed up for 1 year. Their clinical, biochemical, immunological and histological status was obtained at baseline and after 1 year.

RESULTS

In three cases, Tac alone led to complete remission. In 14 cases, additional low doses of prednisolone or azathioprine were used for a short time to achieve remission. In two cases, the treatment was discontinued: in one because of therapeutic failure, in another because of a suspected but unverified adverse event. Ten patients reported headache and/or recurrent abdominal pain. Two patients developed inflammatory bowel disease. Renal function remained intact.

CONCLUSION

Tac is a promising alternative first line of treatment for AIH. Although monotherapy with Tac is usually not sufficient to achieve complete remission, the prednisolone and azathioprine doses can be drastically reduced, and most of their side effects avoided.

Normalization of serum bile acids after partial external biliary diversion indicates an excellent long-term outcome in children with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The surgical treatment for patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is either liver transplantation (LTX) or partial external biliary diversion (PEBD). Both procedures achieve a good short-term outcome. However, the treatment strategy for these children remains controversial because the long-term outcome after PEBD is unknown. The aim of our study was to assess the long-term outcome and complications after PEBD in our institution.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics of all patients with PFIC undergoing PEBD in our department from 1994 to 2008. The course of serum bile acids, pruritus, and liver enzymes was assessed in a regular follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients underwent PEBD. Thirteen patients (54%) improved significantly, with a normalization of serum bile acids (P < .001 vs postoperatively) and lessened pruritus (P < .05 vs preoperatively) at 12 months after PEBD. None of these patients showed progression of cholestasis during a median follow-up of 9.8 years (range, 1.6-14.3 years). Partial external biliary diversion failed to normalize bile acids in 11 patients, of whom 9 required secondary LTX at a 1-year follow-up, with a median interval of 1.9 years (range, 0.5-3.8 years). All 7 patients (100%) with liver cirrhosis at the time of PEBD and 2 of 17 patients without cirrhosis (12%) required secondary LTX (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical improvement with normalization of serum bile acids within 1 year was associated with an excellent long-term outcome in patients with PEBD. The presence of liver cirrhosis at the time of PEBD indicated an unfavorable outcome. Thus, we recommend primary LTX only in PFIC patients with liver cirrhosis.

Living-donor liver transplantation for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

BACKGROUND

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) results in liver cirrhosis during the disease course, although the etiology includes unknown mechanisms. Some PFIC patients require liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

In this study, 11 patients with PFIC type 1 (PFIC1) and 3 patients with PFIC type 2 (PFIC2) who underwent living-donor LT (LDLT) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Digestive symptoms after LDLT were confirmed in 10 PFIC1 recipients (90.9%); 8 PFIC1 recipients showed steatosis after LDLT (72.7%), which began during the early postoperative period (71.5±55.1 days). Seven of the eight steatosis-positive PFIC1 recipients (87.5%) showed a steatosis degree of ≥80%, which was complicated with steatohepatitis and resulted in fibrosis. Cirrhotic findings persisted in six PFIC1 recipients even after LDLT (54.5%), and three PFIC1 recipients finally died. The survival rates of the PFIC1 recipients at 5, 10, and 15 years were 90.9%, 72.7%, and 54.5%, respectively. In contrast, the PFIC2 recipients showed good courses and outcomes without any steatosis after LDLT.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical courses and outcomes after LDLT are still not sufficient in PFIC1 recipients owing to steatosis/steatohepatitis and subsequent fibrosis, in contrast to PFIC2 recipients. PFIC2 is good indication for LDLT. PFIC1 patients require LT during the disease course; therefore, we suggest that the therapeutic strategies for PFIC1 patients, including the timing of LDLT, under the donor limitation should be reconsidered. The establishment of more advanced treatments for PFIC1 patients is required to improve the long-term prognosis of these patients.

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy during cholestatic and noncholestatic periods in patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis after partial external biliary diversion

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study was to determine the distribution of excreted bile during cholestatic periods and in remission in patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) after surgery with partial external biliary diversion (PEBD), using hepatobiliary scintigraphy.

METHODS

Using intravenously administered technetium Tc 99m-labeled mebrofenin, the distribution of bile during periods of biochemical cholestasis and in remission was investigated in patients with PFIC operated with PEBD. Stomal bile, urine, and feces from the patients were collected during 24 hours after administration of technetium Tc 99m-labeled mebrofenin; and the fractions of remaining radioactivity in the 3 compartments and the remaining isotopic activity in the body were quantified using scintigraphy.

RESULTS

Nine patients (4 boys and 5 girls) were studied. The median age was 13 (range, 5-24) years, and they had been operated with PEBD at a median time of 10 (range, 4-14) years before entering the study. Thirteen scintigraphic examinations were analyzed: 8 during noncholestatic remission (n = 7 patients) and 5 during cholestasis (n = 3 patients). The patients studied during remission discharged a significantly larger fraction of isotopic activity through the stoma (median, 90% vs 22%; P < .05) and a significantly lower fraction through the urine (median, 2.5% vs 15%; P < .05) compared with the patients studied during cholestasis.

CONCLUSION

Hepatobiliary scintigraphy could detect substantial differences in the output of bile. Further studies are needed to determine whether these differences may explain the mechanism of the PEBD operation or merely are secondary to the degree of cholestasis.

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis: a single-center experience of living-donor liver transplantation during two decades in Japan

BACKGROUND

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) results in liver cirrhosis. Therefore, some PFIC patients require liver transplantation (LT). Although three types of PFIC have been identified, their etiologies include unknown mechanisms.

PATIENTS

A total of 717 recipients who underwent living-donor LT (LDLT) at <20 yr old were enrolled in this study. Among these recipients, 14 PFIC recipients comprising 11 PFIC type 1 (PFIC1) and three PFIC type 2 (PFIC2) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Three of 11 PFIC1 recipients died, while all three PFIC2 recipients survived. Eight of 11 PFIC1 recipients showed steatosis after LDLT. Among the eight steatosis-positive PFIC1 recipients, seven showed severe steatosis and seven were complicated with steatohepatitis. Nine of 11 PFIC1 recipients showed fibrosis after LDLT, and eight of the nine fibrosis-positive PFIC1 recipients showed severe fibrosis. In contrast to the PFIC1 recipients, the PFIC2 recipients did not show any steatosis or fibrosis after LDLT.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical courses and outcomes of PFIC1 recipients after LDLT are still not sufficient owing to steatosis/fibrosis, unlike the case for PFIC2 recipients. As PFIC1 patients will require LT during the long-term progression of the disease, further strategy improvements are required for PFIC1 patients.

Follow-up in children with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis after partial external biliary diversion

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine whether reversion of histological fibrosis followed partial external biliary diversion (PEBD) in patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC); whether the duration of cholestatic episodes after PEBD influenced the evolution of fibrosis; and whether genotyping was helpful in predicting outcome of PEBD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Children with PFIC who underwent PEBD were investigated with genetic, biochemical, and anthropometric standard methods. Serial liver specimens were assessed histologically without knowledge of genotype and outcome. Findings were evaluated in the contexts of the total duration of cholestasis and the clinical outcome after PEBD.

RESULTS

From a total of 18 children with PFIC, 13 underwent PEBD, and 12 of these (among them 10 with identified ABCB11 mutations) were amenable for clinical and histological follow-up. When compared with baseline at PEBD, statistically significant reductions were found in histological cholestasis 1 and 3 years after PEBD, and in fibrosis 5 and >10 years after PEBD. The relative duration of cholestatic episodes after PEBD was positively correlated with the severity of fibrosis. Children homozygous for the missense mutation c.890A>G in ABCB11 responded well to PEBD.

CONCLUSIONS

Biliary diversion should be regarded as the first choice of surgical treatment in noncirrhotic patients with severe ABCB11 disease and may also be efficacious in other forms of PFIC.

Familial cholestasis: progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) type 1, 2 and 3 are due to mutations in ATP8B1, ABCB11 and ABCB4, respectively. Each of these genes encodes a hepatocanalicular transporter, which is essential for the proper formation of bile. Mutations in ABCB4 can result in progressive cholestatic disease, while mutations in ATP8B1 and ABCB11 can result both in episodic cholestasis, referred to as benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) type 1 and 2, as well as in progressive cholestatic disease. This suggests a clinical continuum and these diseases are therefore preferably referred to as ATP8B1 deficiency and ABCB11 deficiency. Similarly PFIC type 3 is designated as ABCB4 deficiency. Heterozygous mutations in each of these transporters can also be associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. This review summarizes the pathophysiology, clinical features and current as well as future therapeutic options for progressive familial- and benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis as well as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Differences in presentation and progression between severe FIC1 and BSEP deficiencies

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) with normal serum levels of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase can result from mutations in ATP8B1 (encoding familial intrahepatic cholestasis 1 [FIC1]) or ABCB11 (encoding bile salt export pump [BSEP]). We evaluated clinical and laboratory features of disease in patients diagnosed with PFIC, who carried mutations in ATP8B1 (FIC1 deficiency) or ABCB11 (BSEP deficiency). Our goal was to identify features that distinguish presentation and course of these two disorders, thus facilitating diagnosis and elucidating the differing consequences of ATP8B1 and ABCB11 mutations.

METHODS

A retrospective multi-center study was conducted, using questionnaires and chart review. Available clinical and biochemical data from 145 PFIC patients with mutations in either ATP8B1 (61 "FIC1 patients") or ABCB11 (84 "BSEP patients") were evaluated.

RESULTS

At presentation, serum aminotransferase and bile salt levels were higher in BSEP patients; serum alkaline phosphatase values were higher, and serum albumin values were lower, in FIC1 patients. Elevated white blood cell counts, and giant or multinucleate cells at liver biopsy, were more common in BSEP patients. BSEP patients more often had gallstones and portal hypertension. Diarrhea, pancreatic disease, rickets, pneumonia, abnormal sweat tests, hearing impairment, and poor growth were more common in FIC1 patients. Among BSEP patients, the course of disease was less rapidly progressive in patients bearing the D482G mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe forms of FIC1 and BSEP deficiency differed. BSEP patients manifested more severe hepatobiliary disease, while FIC1 patients showed greater evidence of extrahepatic disease.

Long-term outcome after partial external biliary diversion for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

BACKGROUND

Though patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) typically require liver transplantation, initial surgical treatment includes partial biliary diversion (PBD) to relieve jaundice-associated pruritus. This study was undertaken to describe long-term PFIC outcome data, which are currently sparsely reported.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 7 patients diagnosed with PFIC who underwent PBD between 2004 and 2008 was directed toward long-term postoperative outcome including resolution of jaundice/pruritus, stoma complications, interval to transplantation, and death.

RESULTS

Six patients who underwent PBD experienced short-term resolution of jaundice and pruritus. Four patients experienced persistent stoma-related complications requiring a total of 14 revisions. Three symptom-free patients have not yet required liver transplantation post-PBD (average, 70 months; range, 59-78 months). Two patients underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (average, 44 +/- 18 months post-PBD). Two patients died at home because of gastroenteritis-associated dehydration before transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Partial biliary diversion for PFIC is effective as a bridge to liver transplantation in improving jaundice and pruritus but may be associated with a high incidence of stoma-related complications. Persistent or recurrent pruritus after PFIC is associated with an increased risk of stoma prolapse or reflux. Insufficiently replaced stomal losses over time may increase the risk of dehydration-related complications in association with gastroenteritis.

ATP8B1 and ABCB11 analysis in 62 children with normal gamma-glutamyl transferase progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC): phenotypic differences between PFIC1 and PFIC2 and natural history

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) types 1 and 2 are characterized by normal serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity and are due to mutations in ATP8B1 (encoding FIC1) and ABCB11 (encoding bile salt export pump [BSEP]), respectively. Our goal was to evaluate the features that may distinguish PFIC1 from PFIC2 and ease their diagnosis. We retrospectively reviewed charts of 62 children with normal-GGT PFIC in whom a search for ATP8B1 and/or ABCB11 mutation, liver BSEP immunostaining, and/or bile analysis were performed. Based on genetic testing, 13 patients were PFIC1 and 39 PFIC2. The PFIC origin remained unknown in 10 cases. PFIC2 patients had a higher tendency to develop neonatal cholestasis. High serum alanine aminotransferase and alphafetoprotein levels, severe lobular lesions with giant hepatocytes, early liver failure, cholelithiasis, hepatocellular carcinoma, very low biliary bile acid concentration, and negative BSEP canalicular staining suggest PFIC2, whereas an absence of these signs and/or presence of extrahepatic manifestations suggest PFIC1. The PFIC1 and PFIC2 phenotypes were not clearly correlated with mutation types, but we found tendencies for a better prognosis and response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) or biliary diversion (BD) in a few children with missense mutations. Combination of UDCA, BD, and liver transplantation allowed 87% of normal-GGT PFIC patients to be alive at a median age of 10.5 years (1-36), half of them without liver transplantation.

CONCLUSION

PFIC1 and PFIC2 differ clinically, biochemically, and histologically at presentation and/or during the disease course. A small proportion of normal-GGT PFIC is likely not due to ATP8B1 or ABCB11 mutations.

Liver disease associated with canalicular transport defects: current and future therapies

Bile formation at the canalicular membrane is a delicate process. This is illustrated by inherited liver diseases due to mutations in ATP8B1, ABCB11, ABCB4, ABCC2 and ABCG5/8, all encoding hepatocanalicular transporters. Effective treatment of these canalicular transport defects is a clinical and scientific challenge that is still ongoing. Current evidence indicates that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) can be effective in selected patients with PFIC3 (ABCB4 deficiency), while rifampicin reduces pruritus in patients with PFIC1 (ATP8B1 deficiency) and PFIC2 (ABCB11 deficiency), and might abort cholestatic episodes in BRIC (mild ATP8B1 or ABCB11 deficiency). Cholestyramine is essential in the treatment of sitosterolemia (ABCG5/8 deficiency). Most patients with PFIC1 and PFIC2 will benefit from partial biliary drainage. Nevertheless liver transplantation is needed in a substantial proportion of these patients, as it is in PFIC3 patients. New developments in the treatment of canalicular transport defects by using nuclear receptors as a target, enhancing the expression of the mutated transporter protein by employing chaperones, or by mutation specific therapy show substantial promise. This review will focus on the therapy that is currently available as well as on those developments that are likely to influence clinical practice in the near future.