Arthropathy in cystic fibrosis

Concomitant Use of Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor and Etanercept in a Cystic Fibrosis Patient with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Patients with cystic fibrosis often complain of joint manifestations. However, only a few studies have reported the association between cystic fibrosis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis and addressed the therapeutic challenges of these patients. We describe the first paediatric case of a patient affected by cystic fibrosis, Basedow's disease and juvenile idiopathic arthritis who was contemporarily treated with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) and anti-tumor necrosis factor α (anti-TNFα). This report seems to reassure regarding the potential side effects of these associations. Moreover, our experience suggests that anti-TNFα is an effective option in CF patients affected by juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and is even safe for children receiving a triple CFTR modulator.

Risk factors for cystic fibrosis arthropathy: Data from the German cystic fibrosis registry

BACKGROUND

Epidemiology and potential risk factors for cystic fibrosis arthropathy (CFA) were studied in a relevant cystic fibrosis (CF) patient cohort.

METHODS

Cohort study of patients included in the German CF registry in 2016-2017. Descriptive analysis, exploratory tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess prevalence of CFA and associated potential risk factors for adult patients with/without chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

RESULTS

6069 CF patients aged from 0 to 78 years were analysed. CFA was observed in 4.9% of the patients. Prevalence was significantly higher in adult patients (8.4%) compared to patients <18 years (0.7%; p<0.0001). Logistic regression analyses in adult patients (n=3319) showed that CFA was significantly associated with increasing age (OR=1.04; 95% CI: 1.02-1.05; p<0.0001), female gender (OR=2.10; 95%CI:1.52-2.90; p<0.0001), number of hospitalizations (OR=1.24; 95%CI:1.12-1.36; p<0.0001), chronic P. aeruginosa infection (OR=1.83; 95%CI:1.28-2.61; p=0.0009), CF-related diabetes (OR=1.69; 95%CI:1.23-2.33; p=0.0013), pancreatic insufficiency (OR=2.39; 95%CI:1.28-4.46; p=0.0060) and sinusitis/polyps (OR=1.91; 95%CI:1.39-2.62; p<0.0001). In a subgroup analysis of adults without chronic P. aeruginosa infection (n=1550) CFA was also significantly associated with increasing age, female gender, increasing number of hospitalizations, pancreatic insufficiency as well as sinusitis/polyps; antimycotic treatment associated only in this subgroup while association with CF-related diabetes was not significant.

CONCLUSION

CFA is a frequent and clinically relevant co-morbidity particularly in adult CF patients. CFA is significantly more common in patients with chronic P. aeruginosa colonization but associations with other indicators for a more severe disease course were identified regardless of P. aeruginosa colonization status.

Clinical manifestations and risk factors of arthropathy in cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Recurrent joint pain is frequently observed in patients with CF and can lead to reduced activity and quality of life. We conducted this observational study to assess the clinical manifestations, frequency, and risk factors of CF associated arthropathy.

METHODS

Clinical data were collected using a digital quality management system, medical records, and by conducting structured interviews. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were performed for statistical interpretation.

STUDY DESIGN

retrospective observational study including 186 patients.

RESULTS

Of 186 patients (Demographics: Mean age 27 years, female gender 104/186 (57%), CFTR F508del homozygous 82/186 (44%) included in the study, 54/186 (29%) had experienced joint symptoms. Joint pain and swelling were the most frequent symptoms. The joints of the hands (JOH) followed by the joints of the feet were most affected. No specific pattern of autoantibodies was discovered. The level of total serum IgG, age, female gender, and pulmonary exacerbations per year were significant risk factors for arthropathy in the study cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Joint symptoms in CF are a frequent and clinically relevant phenomenon with a distinct clinical pattern. Pulmonary exacerbations and elevated levels of total serum IgG may reflect chronic inflammation in patients with CF and may lead to a specific arthropathy associated with this condition.

Current and emerging comorbidities in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is expressed ubiquitously throughout the body. Thus, while respiratory manifestations dominate much of cystic fibrosis (CF) care, there are prominent multi-organ manifestations and comorbidities. In the general population, the number of comorbidities increases with aging. Few illnesses have experienced such a dramatic improvement in survival as CF, which has been transformed from an illness of childhood death to one of adult survival. Hence, as longevity increases in CF, it is paralleled by an increasing number of patients with multicomplex comorbidities availing of care from adult CF multi-disciplinary teams. This review gives an overview of the traditional CF associated comorbidities and those emerging in an aging adult cohort. While historically the treatment of CF focused on the consequences of CFTR dysfunction, the recent advent of CFTR modulators with the potential to enhance CFTR function represents an opportunity to potentially reverse or delay the development of some of the comorbidities associated with CF. Where evidence is available for the impact of CFTR modulatory therapy, namely ivacaftor on comorbidities in CF, this is highlighted.

Anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics for managing symptoms in people with cystic fibrosis-related arthritis

BACKGROUND

Arthritis remains a relatively infrequent complication of cystic fibrosis, but is a cause of significant morbidity when it does occur. Two distinct types of arthritis are described in cystic fibrosis: cystic fibrosis-related arthropathy (CFA) and hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPO). Management of arthritis in people with cystic fibrosis is uncertain and complex because of the underlying disease and its intense treatment. This is an update of a previously published review.

OBJECTIVES

To review the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological agents for the symptomatic management of cystic fibrosis-related arthritis in adults and children with cystic fibrosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.Date of most recent search: 19 January 2016.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled studies which compared the efficacy and safety of anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents (e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, systemic corticosteroids, intra-articular corticosteroids) with each other, with no treatment or with placebo for CFA and HPO.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

No relevant studies were identified.

MAIN RESULTS

No studies were included in this review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Although it is generally recognised that CFA may be episodic and resolve spontaneously, treatment with analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents may be needed. While this approach may be sufficient to manage symptoms, it is disappointing that no randomised controlled trials to rigorously evaluate these agents were found, nor could the authors identify any quasi-randomised. This systematic review has identified the need for a well-designed adequately-powered randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of pharmacological agents for the symptomatic management of cystic fibrosis-related arthritis (CFA and HPO) in adults and children with cystic fibrosis. Studies should also better define the two conditions. A study has recently been conducted in CFA and may help fill this gap when analysed and published.There are no trials included in the review up to January 2016. We will continue to run searches to identify any potentially relevant studies; however, we do not plan to update other sections of the review until new studies are published.

Prevalence and characteristics of pain in patients awaiting lung transplantation

CONTEXT

Pain in patients awaiting lung transplantation is not well known.

OBJECTIVES

This study prospectively investigated prevalence and characteristics of pain in these patients.

METHODS

Assessment, undertaken at the time of registration, comprised an interview, a physical examination by a pain-qualified anesthesiologist, and a questionnaire completed by the patient and investigator. This questionnaire included evaluation of pain (intensity, location, sensory and affective qualifications, and treatment), detection of neuropathic pain, and assessment of anxiety and depression. A patient was considered "with pain" when at least one of the following criteria was met: 1) positive answer to the question "Do you suffer regularly from pain?" and 2) score greater than 3 on at least one of three numeric pain scales (current, maximal, and average during the last eight days) ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe pain imaginable).

RESULTS

One hundred forty-three patients were enrolled. Prevalence of pain was 59%. Three independent variables were correlated to the magnitude of the average pain score for the preceding eight days: female gender (P = 0.003), cystic fibrosis (P = 0.02), and depression score (P = 0.02). Among the pain patients, 39% took analgesic drugs daily and 36% regularly but less than daily; 2% used opioids. Nineteen percent used nonpharmacological strategies (e.g., hypnosis, relaxation).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the prevalence of pain in this population and specific problems associated with pain such as anxiety and depression. Appropriate assessment and treatment of pain should be considered a component of pretransplantation management.

A novel case of diabetic muscle necrosis in a patient with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes

Cystic fibrosis is a recessive autosomal disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is a common comorbidity of cystic fibrosis. Diabetic myonecrosis is a rare self-limited complication of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus that commonly presents with acute, intense pain and swelling of lower extremities and responds well to conservative management. We report the first case of diabetic myonecrosis in a patient with CFRD.

Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in people with cystic fibrosis-related arthritis

BACKGROUND

Arthritis remains a relatively infrequent complication of cystic fibrosis, but is a cause of significant morbidity when it does occur. Two distinct types of arthritis are described in cystic fibrosis: cystic fibrosis-related arthropathy and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Management of arthritis in people with cystic fibrosis is uncertain and complex because of the underlying disease and its treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To review the effectiveness and safety of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs for the management of arthritis related to cystic fibrosis in adults and children.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database handsearches of relevant journal and abstract books of conference proceedings.Date of most recent search: 10 July 2012.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials which compared the efficacy and safety of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (e.g. methotrexate, gold, sulfasalazine, penicillamine, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine and newer agents such as biologic disease modifying agents and monoclonal antibodies) with each other, with no treatment or with placebo for cystic fibrosis-related arthropathy or hypertrophic osteoarthropathy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

No relevant studies were identified.

MAIN RESULTS

No studies were included in this review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Although it is generally recognised that cystic fibrosis-related arthritis can be episodic and resolve spontaneously, treatment with analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents may be needed. But when episodic symptoms progress to persistent disease, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs may be needed to limit the course of the disease. It is disappointing that no randomised controlled trials to rigorously evaluate these drugs could be found. This systematic review has identified the need for a well-designed adequately powered randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs for the management of cystic fibrosis-related arthropathy and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in adults and children with cystic fibrosis. However, given the infrequency of cystic fibrosis-related arthritis and the range of symptoms and severity, randomised controlled trials may not be feasible and well-designed non-randomised observational studies may be more appropriate. Studies should also better define the two conditions.

Anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics for managing symptoms in people with cystic fibrosis-related arthritis

BACKGROUND

Arthritis remains a relatively infrequent complication of cystic fibrosis, but is a cause of significant morbidity when it does occur. Two distinct types of arthritis are described in cystic fibrosis: cystic fibrosis-related arthropathy (CFA) and hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPO). Management of arthritis in people with cystic fibrosis is uncertain and complex because of the underlying disease and its intense treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To review the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological agents for the symptomatic management of cystic fibrosis-related arthritis in adults and children with cystic fibrosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.Date of most recent search: 16 December 2011.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials which compared the efficacy and safety of anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents (e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, systemic corticosteroids, intra-articular corticosteroids) with each other, with no treatment or with placebo for CFA and HPO.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

No relevant studies were identified.

MAIN RESULTS

No studies were included in this review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Although it is generally recognised that CFA may be episodic and resolve spontaneously, treatment with analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents may be needed. While this approach may be sufficient to manage symptoms, it is disappointing that no randomised controlled trials to rigorously evaluate these agents were found, nor could the authors identify any quasi-randomised. This systematic review has identified the need for a well-designed adequately-powered randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of pharmacological agents for the symptomatic management of cystic fibrosis-related arthritis (CFA and HPO) in adults and children with cystic fibrosis. Studies should also better define the two conditions. A study has recently been conducted in CFA and may help fill this gap when analysed and published.There are no trials included in the review up to January 2012. We do not plan to update this review until new trials are published, although we will search the Group's Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register on a two-yearly cycle.

Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in people with cystic fibrosis-related arthritis

BACKGROUND

Arthritis remains a relatively infrequent complication of cystic fibrosis, but is a cause of significant morbidity when it does occur. Two distinct types of arthritis are described in cystic fibrosis: cystic fibrosis-related arthropathy and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Management of arthritis in people with cystic fibrosis is uncertain and complex because of the underlying disease and its treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To review the effectiveness and safety of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for the management of arthritis related to cystic fibrosis in adults and children.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database handsearches of relevant journal and abstract books of conference proceedings.Date of most recent search: May 2008

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials which compared the efficacy and safety of DMARDs (e.g. methotrexate, gold, sulfasalazine, penicillamine, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine and newer agents such as biologic disease modifying agents and monoclonal antibodies) with each other, with no treatment or with placebo for cystic fibrosis-related arthropathy or hypertrophic osteoarthropathy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

No relevant studies were identified.

MAIN RESULTS

No studies were included in this review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Although it is generally recognised that cystic fibrosis-related arthritis can be episodic and resolve spontaneously, treatment with analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents may be needed. But when episodic symptoms progress to persistent disease, DMARDs may be needed to limit the course of the disease. It is disappointing that no randomised controlled trials to rigorously evaluate DMARDs could be found. This systematic review has identified the need for a well-designed adequately powered randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of DMARDs for the management of cystic fibrosis-related arthropathy and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in adults and children with cystic fibrosis. However, given the infrequency of cystic fibrosis-related arthritis and the range of symptoms and severity, randomised controlled trials may not be feasible and well-designed non-randomised observational studies may be more appropriate. Studies should also better define the two conditions.

Pharmacological agents (anti-inflammatory and analgesic) for managing symptoms in people with cystic fibrosis-related arthritis

BACKGROUND

Arthritis remains a relatively infrequent complication of cystic fibrosis, but is a cause of significant morbidity when it does occur. Two distinct types of arthritis are described in cystic fibrosis: cystic fibrosis-related arthropathy (CFA) and hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPO). Management of arthritis in people with cystic fibrosis is uncertain and complex because of the underlying disease and its intense treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To review the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological agents for the symptomatic management of cystic fibrosis-related arthritis in adults and children with cystic fibrosis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. Date of most recent search: September 2007.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials which compared the efficacy and safety of anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents (e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, systemic corticosteroids, intra-articular corticosteroids) with each other, with no treatment or with placebo for CFA and HPO.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

No relevant studies were identified.

MAIN RESULTS

No studies were included in this review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Although it is generally recognised that CFA may be episodic and resolve spontaneously, treatment with analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents may be needed. While this approach may be sufficient to manage symptoms, it is disappointing that no randomised controlled trials to rigorously evaluate these agents were found, nor could the authors identify any quasi-randomised. This systematic review has identified the need for a well-designed adequately-powered randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of pharmacological agents for the symptomatic management of cystic fibrosis-related arthritis (CFA and HPO) in adults and children with cystic fibrosis. Studies should also better define the two conditions. A study has recently been conducted in CFA and may help fill this gap when analysed and published.

Use of Lung Transplantation Survival Models to Refine Patient Selection in Cystic Fibrosis

Lung transplantation in cystic fibrosis may improve survival for patients with low 5-year predicted survival. Identifying characteristics that affect post-transplantation survival may improve patient selection and survival benefit. Using Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry and United Network for Organ Sharing data, we identified 845 lung transplant recipients from 1991-2001, and 12,826 control patients from 1997. We used Cox proportional hazards models to identify variables that influence post-transplantation survival. To estimate the survival benefit of transplantation for patients affected by identified variables, we compared Kaplan-Meier survival curves of transplanted and control patients stratified by 5-year predicted survival. Post-transplantation survival improved annually. Youth, Burkholderia cepacia, and cystic fibrosis-related arthropathy increased the post-transplantation hazard of death. Compared with control subjects, transplanted adults with a 5-year predicted survival of less than 50% without B. cepacia or arthropathy have improved survival. Transplanted adults with B. cepacia, arthropathy, or a 5-year predicted survival of greater than 50% have decreased survival. Transplantation never improves survivorship for pediatric patients. Patients with arthropathy, B. cepacia infection, or younger age derive no aggregate survival benefit and must appraise carefully the high risk of decreased post-transplantation survival. Adult patients with low 5-year predicted survival without B. cepacia infection should receive priority for lung transplantation.

Musculoskeletal manifestations in cystic fibrosis

Although bone and joint manifestations are common in children with cystic fibrosis (CF), they have received little attention in adults. As compared to healthy individuals, bone mineral density is low, even with calcium intakes greater than 1500 mg/d. Nevertheless, calcium and phosphate levels in blood and urine are often normal, and vitamin D levels vary. Short stature with a low body mass index and central hypogonadism are the rule in these patients. Fractures and kyphosis are often reported. CF arthropathy occurs in 2-8.5% of patients. Arthritis develops, and there may be skin eruptions. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug therapy is effective. Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy associated with respiratory failure is present in 2-7% of patients. Rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, sarcoidosis, and amyloidosis have been reported in association with CF. Knee pain due to patellofemoral syndrome, quinolone-induced arthropathy, and mechanical back pain have been described. Rheumatoid factor titers are higher than in healthy controls, particularly in patients with episodic arthritis. No data are available on antiperinuclear factor or antikeratin antibody titers. Tests for antinuclear antibody are usually negative. Circulating immune complex levels and antibodies to heat shock proteins may be elevated. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody of the bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) or azurocidin (AZ) type has been reported, often in high titers (up to 40%).

Prevalence of pain in adults with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) may strongly condition the life of affected people. CF may be associated with relevant painful conditions caused by complications of the illness and also by therapy itself, which may represent an additional load of suffering. This study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of pain symptoms in adult CF patients, if they are noticed and treated, and the influence of pain symptoms on patients' life.

METHOD

Using a questionnaire, we examined 239 adults with CF (17% of the whole Italian adult CF population).

RESULTS

We found a high prevalence of painful episodes among CF adult patients, as for both intensity and frequency. In a 2 months period 32.6% of patients experienced episodes of pain described as intense to severe, and 29.7% had more than 10 occurrences of pain in the same location. Headache, gastric pain and backache were the most frequently reported kind of pain. 59.8% of subjects perceived pain episodes as the cause of unfavorable effects on their life. Only 42.6% of those with pain asked a CF center physician for help and another 3.5% a general practitioner.

CONCLUSION

Painful symptoms can be the cause of a worsening of the quality of life for adults with CF; the relevance of pain in CF adult patients may often be underestimated; the assessment of pain should be routinely performed as a part of care in CF centers.

Rheumatologic manifestations of gastrointestinal diseases

One of the most significant extraintestinal manifestations of gastrointestinal diseases is rheumatologic disorders. The gastrointestinal diseases with rheumatologic manifestations can be divided into two major categories: intestinal disorders and disorders of the liver, biliary tree, and pancreas. The cause of diseases in each of these categories is different. Although intestinal permeability and immune responsiveness are frequently implicated in disorders of the intestine, diseases of the liver, biliary tree, and pancreas usually involve the production of autoantibodies, cytokines, or enzymes. Treatment of rheumatologic complications frequently involves therapy directed at the underlying gastrointestinal disease.