Hepatobiliary abnormalities and disease in cystic fibrosis: epidemiology and outcomes through adulthood

Evaluation of the synbiotic effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mushroom extract on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and immune status of zebrafish danio rerio

BACKGROUND

The quest for candidate probiotics and prebiotics to develop novel synbiotics for sustainable and profitable fish farming remains a major focus for various stakeholders. In this study, we examined the effects of combining two fungal probiotics, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger with extracts of Jerusalem artichoke and white button mushroom to develop a synbiotic formulation to improve the growth and health status of zebrafish (Danio rerio). An initial in vitro study determined the most effective synbiotic combination, which was then tested in a 60-day in vivo nutritional trial using zebrafish (80 ± 1.0 mg) as a model animal. Four experimental diets were prepared: a control diet (basal diet), a prebiotic diet with 100% selected mushroom extract, a probiotic diet with 107 CFU of S. cerevisiae/g of diet, and a synbiotic diet with 107 CFU of S. cerevisiae/g of diet and 100% mushroom extract. As readouts, growth performance, survival, digestive enzyme activity and innate immune responses were evaluated.

RESULTS

In vitro results showed that the S. cerevisiae cultured in a medium containing 100% mushroom extract exhibited the maximum specific growth rate and shortest doubling time. In the in vivo test with zebrafish, feeding them with a synbiotic diet, developed with S. cerevisiae and mushroom extract, led to a significant improvement in the growth performance of zebrafish (P < 0.05). The group of zebrafish fed with the synbiotic diet showed significantly higher levels of digestive enzyme activity and immune responses compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results indicated that the combination of S. cerevisiae and mushroom extract forms an effective synbiotic, capable of enhancing growth performance and immune response in zebrafish.

A Gastroenterologist's Guide to Care Transitions in Cystic Fibrosis from Pediatrics to Adult Care

Cystic Fibrosis is a chronic disease affecting multiple systems, including the GI tract. Clinical manifestation in patients can start as early as infancy and vary across different age groups. With the advent of new, highly effective modulators, the life expectancy of PwCF has improved significantly. Various GI aspects of CF care, such as nutrition, are linked to an overall improvement in morbidity, lung function and the quality of life of PwCF. The variable clinical presentations and management of GI diseases in pediatrics and adults with CF should be recognized. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure efficient transfer of information between pediatric and adult providers for proper continuity of management and coordination of care at the time of transition. The transition of care is a challenging process for both patients and providers and currently there are no specific tools for GI providers to help ensure a smooth transition. In this review, we aim to highlight the crucial features of GI care at the time of transition and provide a checklist that can assist in ensuring an effective transition and ease the challenges associated with it.

Cystic fibrosis liver disease in Newfoundland and Labrador: a prevalence study

Background: Liver disease in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is an understudied and increasingly common concern. The prevalence of cystic fibrosis liver disease (CFLD) in Canada has not been clearly established, although it is now the third leading cause of death among patients with CF. The current literature identifies a range in prevalence from 4% to 65%, which implies the need for further research. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CFLD among adult patients with CF in Newfoundland and Labrador. Methods: Charts of patients with CF from the St. John’s, Newfoundland, CF clinics were reviewed retrospectively for the presence of elevated liver enzymes, imaging or biopsy of the liver, and other etiologies of liver disease. Prevalence was determined for patients meeting the criteria for CFLD in the population as a whole and for those who had undergone all pertinent investigations. Results: The diagnostic guidelines for CFLD were met in 14 of 57 cases (24.6% prevalence). Severe CFLD was present in 9 patients (15.8%). Among all patients with CF, 33 (57.9%) had isolated liver enzyme elevation. Eleven patients had not had the requisite imaging performed for accurate diagnosis. Among the subset who had undergone imaging, the prevalence of CFLD was 30%. Conclusions: This study attempted to fill the gap in Canadian CFLD prevalence data by examining the population with CF in Newfoundland and Labrador. The prevalence of CFLD was found to be between 25% and 30%. More accurate determination of prevalence could be done with future cross-sectional or prospective studies.

[Rare diseases on the agenda for innovation in health: progress and challenges with cystic fibrosis]

The article proposes to discuss the many complexities involved in the incorporation of new health technologies for rare diseases, with a central focus on the case of cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis was chosen because it is a autosomal recessive genetic disorder, considered the most common of the rare diseases. The disease has also benefited greatly from investments in research in the field of molecular biology, mainly in the United States, but also among European research groups, which resulted in the registration and marketing of four new drugs. These new drugs act for the first time on the basic defect in cystic fibrosis. From a perspective that views rare diseases as a field of research woven among many others, the article aims to problematize cystic fibrosis from a more person-centered approach, the duality of witnessing from afar the molecularization of life, the emergence of last-generation drugs that interrupt, at the molecular level, the cascade of errors and thus the symptoms and evolution of the disease. The article aims to bring various elements to the debate that traverse the complex local reality of Brazilian cystic fibrosis patients in a global context of technological innovation and with a break in the treatment paradigm. Based on the field of rare diseases, including the presentation of cystic fibrosis in the age of precision medicine, alongside discussions on biopolitics in a context of health innovation and high-cost drugs, the article aims to shed light on the current challenges and possibilities.

Assessment of Selected Parameters of Liver Fibrosis and Inflammation in Patients with Diagnosed Cystic Fibrosis

Changes in the liver and bile ducts observed in patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis result from inflammatory processes as well as fibrosis, remodeling, apoptosis, and cholestasis. As a consequence, portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and hepatic failure may develop. So far, the complexity of these processes has not been elucidated. Study Objectives. The aim of the study was to evaluate the selected parameters of hepatitis and fibrosis (Fibrotest, Actitest, and APRI) in patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Material and Methods. The study included 79 patients with cystic fibrosis, aged 1 to 20 years (mean age 9.8 years), 49 girls (62%) and 30 boys (38%). The analysis involved the following: age, sex, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests evaluating pancreas function, parameters of liver damage, and cholestasis. Fibrotest, Actitest, and APRI were performed in all subjects. Results. Elevated parameters of hepatic cell damage (hypertransaminasemia) were found in 31/79 (39.2%) patients, while abnormal cholestasis parameters in 21/79 (26.6%). The abnormal results of Fibrotest were reported in 15% of patients (12/79), while of Actitest in 10% (8/79). In contrast, elevated APRI values were found in only 7.6% (6/79) of subjects. There was a statistically significant correlation between APRI and age (higher values were observed in younger children) and between Fibrotest and Actitest and pancreatic insufficiency (higher values were found in subjects without this abnormality). Moreover, Fibrotest values were significantly higher in girls. There was no correlation between Fibrotest, Actitest, and APRI values and the type of mutation. Conclusion. It appears that Fibrotest may be used as an early marker of liver fibrosis in patients with cystic fibrosis. Increased APRI values were only found in subjects with advanced hepatic lesions, most often in the form of portal hypertension.

A phase 3 study of tezacaftor in combination with ivacaftor in children aged 6 through 11 years with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Tezacaftor/ivacaftor is a new treatment option in many regions for patients aged ≥12 years who are homozygous (F/F) or heterozygous for the F508del-CFTR mutation and a residual function (F/RF) mutation. This Phase 3, 2-part, open-label study evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, tolerability, and efficacy of tezacaftor/ivacaftor in children aged 6 through 11 years with these mutations.

METHODS

Part A informed weight-based tezacaftor/ivacaftor dosages for part B. The primary objective of part B was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of tezacaftor/ivacaftor through 24 weeks; the secondary objective was to evaluate efficacy based on changes from baseline in percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (ppFEV₁), growth parameters, sweat chloride, and the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) respiratory domain score.

RESULTS

After PK analysis in part A, 70 children received ≥1 dose of tezacaftor/ivacaftor in part B; 67 children completed treatment. Exposures in children aged 6 through 11 years were within the target range for those observed in patients aged ≥12 years. The safety profile of tezacaftor/ivacaftor was generally similar to prior studies in patients aged ≥12 years. One child discontinued treatment for a serious adverse event of constipation. Tezacaftor/ivacaftor treatment improved sweat chloride levels and CFQ-R respiratory domain scores, mean ppFEV₁ remained stable in the normal range, and growth parameters remained stable over 24 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Tezacaftor/ivacaftor was generally safe and well tolerated, and improved CFTR function in children aged 6 through 11 years with CF with F/F and F/RF genotypes, supporting tezacaftor/ivacaftor use in this age group. NCT02953314.

Pathophysiology of Cystic Fibrosis Liver Disease: A Channelopathy Leading to Alterations in Innate Immunity and in Microbiota

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic disease caused by mutation of Cftr. CF-associated liver disease (CFLD) is a common nonpulmonary cause of mortality in CF and accounts for approximately 2.5%-5% of overall CF mortality. The peak of the disease is in the pediatric population, but a second wave of liver disease in CF adults has been reported in the past decade in association with an increase in the life expectancy of these patients. New drugs are available to correct the basic defect in CF but their efficacy in CFLD is not known. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, expressed in the apical membrane of cholangiocytes, is a major determinant for bile secretion and CFLD classically has been considered a channelopathy. However, the recent findings of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator as a regulator of epithelial innate immunity and the possible influence of the intestinal disease with an altered microbiota on the liver complication have opened new mechanistic insights on the pathogenesis of CFLD. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and discusses a potential target for intervention.

Hepatic Manifestations of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis liver disease (CFLD) remains the third leading cause of death in patients with cystic fibrosis. Although most patients with CFLD present in childhood, recent studies suggest a second wave of liver disease in adulthood. There are no clear guidelines for diagnosing CFLD. Treatment options for CFLD remain limited, and while UDCA is widely used, its long-term benefit is unclear. Those who develop hepatic decompensation or uncontrolled variceal bleeding may benefit from liver transplant, either alone, or in combination with lung transplant.

The Efficacy of MRI in the diagnostic workup of cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease: A clinical observational cohort study

PURPOSE

To identify independent imaging features and establish a diagnostic algorithm for diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF)-associated liver disease (CFLD) in CF patients compared to controls using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI.

METHODS

A total of 90 adult patients were enrolled: 50 with CF, 40 controls. The CF group was composed of two subgroups: a retrospective test subgroup (n = 33) and a prospective validation subgroup (n = 17). Controls (patients with normal liver enzymes and only benign focal liver lesions) were divided accordingly (27:13). MRI variables, including quantitative and qualitative parameters, were used to distinguish CFLD from controls using clinical symptoms, laboratory tests and Debray criteria. Disease severity was classified according to Child-Pugh and Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) scores. Fifteen qualitative single-lesion CF descriptors were defined. Two readers independently evaluated the images. Univariate statistical analysis was performed to obtain significant imaging features that differentiate CF patients from controls. Through multivariate analysis using chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) methodology the most important descriptors were identified. Diagnostic performance was assessed by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

Three independent imaging descriptors distinguished CFLD from controls: (1) presence of altered gallbladder morphology; (2) periportal tracking; and (3) periportal fat deposition. Prospective validation of the classification algorithm demonstrated a sensitivity of 94.1% and specificity of 84.6% for discriminating CFLD from controls. Disease severity was well associated with the imaging features.

CONCLUSIONS

A short unenhanced MRI protocol can identify the three cardinal imaging features of CFLD. The hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI can define CFLD progression.

KEY POINTS

• Using a multivariate classification analysis, we identified three independent imaging features, altered gallbladder morphology (GBAM), periportal tracking (PPT) and periportal fat deposition (PPFD), that could diagnose CFLD with high sensitivity, 94.1 % (95% CI: 71.3-99.9) and moderate specificity, 84.6 % (95% CI: 54.6-98.1). • Based upon the results of this study, gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI with DWI is able to diagnose early-stage CFLD, as well as its progression.

Risk factors for hepatic steatosis in adults with cystic fibrosis: Similarities to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM

To investigate the clinical, biochemical and imaging characteristics of adult cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with hepatic steatosis as compared to normal CF controls.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of adult CF patients in an academic outpatient setting during 2016. Baseline characteristics, genetic mutation analysis as well as laboratory values were collected. Abdominal imaging (ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance) was used to determine presence of hepatic steatosis. We compare patients with hepatic steatosis to normal controls.

RESULTS

Data was collected on 114 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Seventeen patients (14.9%) were found to have hepatic steatosis on imaging. Being overweight (BMI > 25) (P = 0.019) and having a higher ppFEV1 (75 vs 53, P = 0.037) were significantly associated with hepatic steatosis. Patients with hepatic steatosis had a significantly higher median alanine aminotransferase level (27 vs 19, P = 0.048). None of the hepatic steatosis patients had frank CF liver disease, cirrhosis or portal hypertension. We found no significant association with pancreatic insufficiency or CF related diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic steatosis appears to be a clinically and phenotypically distinct entity from CF liver disease. The lack of association with malnourishment and the significant association with higher BMI and higher ppFEV1 demonstrate similarities with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Long term prospective studies are needed to ascertain whether CF hepatic steatosis progresses to fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Ursodeoxycholic acid for cystic fibrosis-related liver disease

BACKGROUND

Abnormal biliary secretion leads to the thickening of bile and the formation of plugs within the bile ducts; the consequent obstruction and abnormal bile flow ultimately results in the development of cystic fibrosis-related liver disease. This condition peaks in adolescence with up to 20% of adolescents with cystic fibrosis developing chronic liver disease. Early changes in the liver may ultimately result in end-stage liver disease with people needing transplantation. One therapeutic option currently used is ursodeoxycholic acid. This is an update of a previous review.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse evidence that ursodeoxycholic acid improves indices of liver function, reduces the risk of developing chronic liver disease and improves outcomes in general in cystic fibrosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane CF and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We also contacted drug companies and searched online trial registries.Date of the most recent search of the Group's trials register: 09 April 2017.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of the use of ursodeoxycholic acid for at least three months compared with placebo or no additional treatment in people with cystic fibrosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and quality. The authors used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

Twelve trials have been identified, of which four trials involving 137 participants were included; data were only available from three of the trials (118 participants) since one cross-over trial did not report appropriate data. The dose of ursodeoxycholic acid ranged from 10 to 20 mg/kg/day for up to 12 months. The complex design used in two trials meant that data could only be analysed for subsets of participants. There was no significant difference in weight change, mean difference -0.90 kg (95% confidence interval -1.94 to 0.14) based on 30 participants from two trials. Improvement in biliary excretion was reported in only one trial and no significant change after treatment was shown. There were no data available for analysis for long-term outcomes such as death or need for liver transplantation.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There are few trials assessing the effectiveness of ursodeoxycholic acid. The quality of the evidence identified ranged from low to very low. There is currently insufficient evidence to justify its routine use in cystic fibrosis.

Adult-onset cystic fibrosis liver disease: Diagnosis and characterization of an underappreciated entity

Cystic fibrosis (CF) liver disease (CFLD), a leading cause of death in CF, is mostly described in pediatric populations. Adult-onset CFLD lacks sufficient characterization and diagnostic tools. A cohort of CF patients without CFLD during childhood were followed for up to 38 years with serologic testing, imaging, and noninvasive fibrosis markers. Historical CFLD diagnostic criteria were compared with newly proposed CFLD criteria. Thirty-six CF patients were followed for a median of 24.5 years (interquartile range 15.6-32.9). By the last follow-up, 11 (31%) had died. With conventional criteria, 8 (22%) patients had CFLD; and by the new criteria, 17 (47%) had CFLD at a median age of 36.6 years (interquartile range 26.5-43.2). By the new criteria, those with CFLD had higher median alanine aminotransferase (42 versus 27, P = 0.005), aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 26 versus 21, P = 0.01), direct bilirubin (0.13 versus 0.1, P = 0.01), prothrombin time (14.4 versus 12.4, P = 0.002), and AST-to-platelet ratio index (0.31 versus 0.23, P = 0.003) over the last 2 years of follow-up. Subjects with a FibroScan >6.8 kPa had higher alanine aminotransferase (42 versus 28U/L, P = 0.02), AST (35 versus 25U/L, P = 0.02), AST-to-platelet ratio index (0.77 versus 0.25, P = 0.0004), and Fibrosis-4 index (2.14 versus 0.74, P = 0.0003) and lower platelet counts (205 versus 293, P = 0.02). One CFLD patient had nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Longitudinally, mean platelet counts significantly declined in the CFLD group (from 310 to 230 U/L, P = 0.0005). Deceased CFLD patients had lower platelet counts than those alive with CFLD (143 versus 258 U/L, P = 0.004) or those deceased with no CFLD (143 versus 327U/L, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Adult-onset CFLD may be more prevalent than previously described, which suggests a later wave of CFLD that impacts morbidity; routine liver tests, radiologic imaging, noninvasive fibrosis markers, and FibroScan can be used algorithmically to identify adult CFLD; and further evaluation in other CF cohorts should be performed for validation. (Hepatology 2017;66:591-601).

Current and Emerging Therapies for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis or Mitigation of Its Symptoms

Clinical presentation of the chronic, heritable condition cystic fibrosis (CF) is complex, with a diverse range of symptoms often affecting multiple organs with varying severity. The primary source of morbidity and mortality is due to progressive destruction of the airways attributable to chronic inflammation arising from microbial colonisation. Antimicrobial therapy combined with practises to remove obstructive mucopurulent deposits form the cornerstone of current therapy. However, new treatment options are emerging which offer, for the first time, the opportunity to effect remission from the underlying cause of CF. Here, we discuss these therapies, their mechanisms of action, and their successes and failures in order to illustrate the shift in the nature of how CF will likely be managed into the future.

Lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis: results, indications, complications, and controversies

Survival in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has improved dramatically over the past 30 to 40 years, with mean survival now approximately 40 years. Nonetheless, progressive respiratory insufficiency remains the major cause of mortality in CF patients, and lung transplantation (LT) is eventually required. Timing of listing for LT is critical, because up to 25 to 41% of CF patients have died while awaiting LT. Globally, approximately 16.4% of lung transplants are performed in adults with CF. Survival rates for LT recipients with CF are superior to other indications, yet LT is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality (∼50% at 5-year survival rates). Myriad complications of LT include allograft failure (acute or chronic), opportunistic infections, and complications of chronic immunosuppressive medications (including malignancy). Determining which patients are candidates for LT is difficult, and survival benefit remains uncertain. In this review, we discuss when LT should be considered, criteria for identifying candidates, contraindications to LT, results post-LT, and specific complications that may be associated with LT. Infectious complications that may complicate CF (particularly Burkholderia cepacia spp., opportunistic fungi, and nontuberculous mycobacteria) are discussed.

Ursodeoxycholic acid for cystic fibrosis-related liver disease

BACKGROUND

Abnormal biliary secretion leads to the thickening of bile and the formation of plugs within the bile ducts; the consequent obstruction and abnormal bile flow ultimately results in the development of cystic fibrosis-related liver disease. This condition peaks in adolescence with up to 20% of adolescents with cystic fibrosis developing chronic liver disease. Early changes in the liver may ultimately result in end-stage liver disease with people needing transplantation. One therapeutic option currently used is ursodeoxycholic acid.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse evidence that ursodeoxycholic acid improves indices of liver function, reduces the risk of developing chronic liver disease and improves outcomes in general in cystic fibrosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane CF and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We also contacted drug companies.Date of the most recent search of the Group's trials register: 29 May 2014.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of the use of ursodeoxycholic acid for at least three months compared with placebo or no additional treatment in people with cystic fibrosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and quality.

MAIN RESULTS

Ten trials have been identified, of which three trials involving 118 participants were included; the dose of ursodeoxycholic acid ranged from 10 to 20 mg/kg/day for up to 12 months. The complex design used in two trials meant that data could only be analysed for subsets of participants. There was no significant difference in weight change, mean difference -0.90 kg (95% confidence interval -1.94 to 0.14) based on 30 participants from two trials. Improvement in biliary excretion was reported in only one trial and no significant change after treatment was shown. There were no data available for analysis for long-term outcomes such as death or need for liver transplantation.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There are few trials assessing the effectiveness of ursodeoxycholic acid. There is insufficient evidence to justify its routine use in cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis: an update for clinicians. Part 2: hepatobiliary and pancreatic manifestations

This paper, the second in the series, will build on the first and explore the importance of liver and pancreatic manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) and the effect on morbidity and mortality of this multifaceted genetic condition. It will also further develop the critical role of the gastroenterologist as part of the multidisciplinary group of clinicians and allied health staff in the effective management of patients with CF.

Liver involvement in the Hispanic population of North America with cystic fibrosis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present article was to determine the prevalence of liver involvement in Hispanic patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and identify associations with age and severity of liver involvement.

METHODS

We used 1994-2005 Epidemiologic Study of CF data to compare abnormal liver findings between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients with CF.

RESULTS

Of 30,727 patients with CF, 5015 had liver involvement. Of 1957 Hispanic patients, 20.8% had liver involvement compared with 16.0% of 28,770 non-Hispanic white patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-1.54). This higher prevalence of liver involvement persisted after adjusting for demographics and meconium ileus and was especially high in the first year of life (adjusted OR 3.14, 95% CI 2.27-4.35). Ten percent of infants with only elevated liver enzymes progressed to more severe liver disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The Hispanic population with CF has more liver involvement (both elevated liver enzymes and clinical liver disease) than the non-Hispanic white population with CF, especially during the first year of life.

The cystic fibrosis intestine

The clinical manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) result from dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein (CFTR). The majority of people with CF have a limited life span as a consequence of CFTR dysfunction in the respiratory tract. However, CFTR dysfunction in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract occurs earlier in ontogeny and is present in all patients, regardless of genotype. The same pathophysiologic triad of obstruction, infection, and inflammation that causes disease in the airways also causes disease in the intestines. This article describes the effects of CFTR dysfunction on the intestinal tissues and the intraluminal environment. Mouse models of CF have greatly advanced our understanding of the GI manifestations of CF, which can be directly applied to understanding CF disease in humans.

Biliary manifestations of systemic diseases

Patients with a variety of systemic diseases may present with clinical indications of biliary tract disorders. This article describes a group of systemic conditions associated with bile duct abnormalities and the role of endoscopic therapy in their diagnosis and management.

Shortness of breath in the patient with chronic liver disease

Shortness of breath is a common complaint in those with chronic liver disease. The differential diagnosis for this complaint includes primary pulmonary disorders, systemic disorders that affect the liver and lungs, and extrahepatic manifestations of portal hypertension. Orthotopic liver transplant, when appropriate, is the most effective therapy for many patients with dyspnea and chronic liver disease, although therapies to treat the underlying complications of cirrhosis may provide relief. Shortness of breath in patients with cirrhosis often portends a poor prognosis, and these patients should be evaluated for orthotopic liver transplant because this therapy is most likely to provide long-lasting benefit.

Cystic fibrosis-related liver disease: a single-center experience

Prospective studies concerning liver disease in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients are scarce. The present study aimed to describe the prevalence and clinical expression of cystic fibrosis - related liver disease, in a cohort of 62 pediatric patients. Descriptive study, resulting from the prospective evaluation, between 1994 and 2009, of 62 pediatric patients (age <18 years) with cystic fibrosis. The follow-up protocol included a clinical assessment every 2 months, liver function tests every 6 months and annual liver ultrasonography. The cumulative prevalence of liver disease was 11.2% (7/62 cases). All patients had ΔF508 mutation and pancreatic insufficiency, none had meconium ileus. The liver involvement became clinically evident at a mean age of 8 years (3-15 years), revealed by hepatomegaly or hepatosplenomegaly (3 cases) and/ or abnormalities of liver function tests (3 cases) changes of liver ultrasound (7 cases) with evidence of portal hypertension (2 cases). Four patients were submitted to liver biopsy; biliary fibrosis was documented in one case, focal biliary cirrhosis in 2 cases and multilobular cirrhosis in another case. Within a median 11.6 years follow-up period (all patients under UDCA therapy after liver disease diagnosis), progression of liver disease was observed in 2 patients; one patient developed refractory variceal bleeding and progressive hepatic failure, requiring liver transplant. The results of the present study agree with those of previous pediatric studies, further documenting clinical expression of liver disease in CF patients, which is usually detected in the first decade of life and emphasize the contribution of ultrasound to early diagnosis of liver involvement. Moreover, although advanced liver disease is a relatively rare event, early isolated liver transplantation may have to be considered at this age group.

Adult-onset cystic fibrosis in an African-American male

This report describes a case of adult-onset cystic fibrosis (CF) in an African-American male. Although CF is a common autosomal recessive disorder in populations of European descent, it is relatively rare in the African-American population (1 in 17,000), with only Asian population ancestries being less affected than African blacks. We present our patient’s disease course in order to elucidate the manifestations of CF in this particular ethnic population. More specifically, this patient had a form of CF with late-onset features, which may represent a new clinical phenotype of CF. We seek to improve clinician awareness of CF disease subtypes. We also show the radiographic intra- and extra-thoracic manifestations of CF and the peculiar clinical scenario that brought forth this condition.