The Natural History of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in Children: A Large Single-Center Longitudinal Cohort Study

Good long-term outcomes of primary sclerosing cholangitis in childhood

Background & Aims

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare progressive liver disease associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is usually diagnosed in adults but can also present in children. Data on long-term outcomes of pediatric PSC are limited. Our aim was to study the natural history of pediatric PSC in Sweden.

Methods

This is a cohort study, including all children (<18 years), diagnosed with PSC between January 2000 and December 2015 at the Pediatric Liver Unit at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm. Patients were followed until liver transplantation, death or last date of follow-up (August 2021).

Results

We identified 124 children with a median age of 14 (1.9-17.8) years at PSC diagnosis. Sixty percent were boys, 93% had IBD. Median follow-up time was 13 years (5.7-21.6). Overall event-free survival in the cohort was 91% (95% CI 0.84-0.95) at 5 years and 77% (95% CI 0.68-0.84) at 10 years after diagnosis. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was present in 31% (n = 39). Portal hypertension developed in 13% (n = 16), biliary complications in 24% (n = 30), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in 0.8% (n = 1), while 13% (n = 16) underwent liver transplantation and three patients died. Transplant-free survival was 91% after 10 years. Individuals with a high SCOPE index at diagnosis had a 2.3-fold increased risk of requiring liver transplantation (hazard ratio 2.35, 95% CI 1.18-4.66, c-statistics = 0.70). Patients with an additional diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis had slightly higher risk of reaching transplantation during follow-up (hazard ratio 2.85, 95% CI 1.06-7.67, p = 0.038).

Conclusions

Children diagnosed with PSC have a good prognosis during the first decade after diagnosis. A high SCOPE index at diagnosis was associated with a less favorable outcome.

Impact and implications

Data on long-term outcome in pediatric primary sclerosing cholangitis bridging over to adulthood is limited. There is a great need among children with primary sclerosing cholangitis and their parents for more knowledge about the natural history of this disease and what they can expect from the future. We hope that the data presented in this study may help counsel health professionals, young individuals and families affected by this disease.

Liver fibrosis in children: a comprehensive review of mechanisms, diagnosis, and therapy

Chronic liver disease incidence is increasing among children worldwide due to a multitude of epidemiological changes. Most of these chronic insults to the pediatric liver progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis to different degrees. Liver and immune physiology differs significantly in children from adults. Because most of pediatric liver diseases have no definitive therapy, a better understanding of population and disease-specific fibrogenesis is mandatory. Furthermore, fibrosis development has prognostic significance and often guide treatment. Evaluation of liver fibrosis continues to rely on the gold-standard liver biopsy. However, many high-quality studies put forward the high diagnostic accuracy of numerous diagnostic modalities in this setting. Herein, we summarize and discuss the recent literature on fibrogenesis with an emphasis on pediatric physiology along with a detailed outline of disease-specific signatures, noninvasive diagnostic modalities, and the potential for antifibrotic therapies.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Affect the Phenotype and Disease Course of Coexisting Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) affect the phenotype and severity of co-occurring immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). We aimed to investigate the characteristics of IMIDs in relation to co-occurring IBD.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to September 2020. We identified studies reporting the phenotype, severity, or disease course of IMIDs among patients with or without co-occurring IBD. A meta-analysis was conducted using random effects models.

RESULTS

The electronic search yielded 13 220 studies that we narrowed down to 73 eligible studies for full-text review, including 42 on primary sclerosing cholangitis, 12 on axial spondyloarthropathies, and 8 studies on psoriasis. In primary sclerosing cholangitis, IBD was associated with less frequent involvement of extrahepatic bile ducts (risk ratio [RR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.75), longer liver transplantation-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.60-0.82), and no increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.59-1.31). Patients with axial spondyloarthropathies and co-occurring IBD were characterized by an increased risk of dactylitis (RR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.24-3.42), a lower Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index (mean difference [MD] = -2.28; 95% CI, -3.26 to -1.30), and better Schober's test results (MD = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.64-1.49). Psoriasis and co-occurring IBD was associated with reduced disease severity (RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.02-1.96) and less frequent presentation in nails (RR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.05-0.42), with no apparent impact on psoriatic arthritis (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.27-3.31).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review with meta-analysis found IBD is associated with a distinct disease phenotype among the IMIDs investigated. Our findings emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to patients with co-occurring IMIDs and IBD.

Recent Insights into Pediatric Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

This article reviews recent literature on the pathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis, comorbidities, natural history, and management of pediatric primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The authors shed light on the role of genetic and environmental factors in PSC, although recognize the limitations in the understanding of PSC pathogenesis. They reflect on presenting disease phenotypes, including the association with inflammatory bowel disease and frequent histologic presence of autoimmune hepatitis features. The current lack of effective medications is discussed, and disease complications and prognosis are described. Finally, the authors highlight available evidence while acknowledging the paucity of prospective pediatric data.

Long-Term Follow-Up into Adulthood of Pediatric-Onset Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Autoimmune Sclerosing Cholangitis

Studies on pediatric patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) have been limited by short follow-up and inconsistent classification of pediatric patients with autoimmune hepatitis-sclerosing cholangitis overlap (AIC). We conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with AIC or PSC during childhood with extension of follow-up into adulthood.

Methods

We reviewed records of patients followed for PSC or AIC between 1998 and 2019 at a pediatric referral center. Features at diagnosis, biochemical and liver-related outcomes (cholangitis, liver transplant, and cirrhosis) were compared.

Results

Forty patients (27 PSC, 13 AIC) were followed for 92 months on average (standard deviation 79 months) with extension into adulthood in 52.5%; 70% had associated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The proportion of patients with significant fibrosis and abnormal baseline liver tests (serum bilirubin and transaminase levels) were similar in both groups. One year postdiagnosis, 55% (15/27) of PSC patients had normal liver tests versus only 15% (2/13) in the AIC group (P = 0.02). During follow-up, more liver-related events occurred in the AIC group (69% versus 27%, hazard ratio [HR] = 3.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-10] P = 0.01). Baseline elevated serum bilirubin levels (HR = 5.3 [95% CI: 1.7-16.9] P = 0.005) and elevated transaminase levels at 1 year (HR = 9.09 [95% CI: 1.18-66.7) P = 0.03) were predictive of liver-related events, while having IBD was not (HR = 0.48 (95% CI: 0.15-1.5) P = 0.22).

Conclusions

Pediatric patients with AIC and PSC presented at a similar fibrosis stage, however, with a more severe hepatitis in AIC. In this cohort, AIC was associated with more liver-related events, primarily driven by a higher rate of cirrhosis compared with PSC; transplant rates were similar.

A review of histopathologic features of pediatric autoimmune liver disease

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Impact of ulcerative colitis on liver-related outcomes of children with primary sclerosing cholangitis

AIM

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic progressive cholestatic disorder associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). Although the inflammatory bowel disease phenotype has been characterised in patients with PSC, the impact of UC on the course and progression of PSC-UC is less clear. We aimed to evaluate the effects of UC on liver-related outcomes in children with PSC.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of children aged ≤18 years diagnosed with PSC with/without UC at a single tertiary paediatric liver unit between January 1998 and May 2016. Patients were followed up until transition to an adult service. Outcomes studied included biliary complications, clinically significant portal hypertension, need for liver transplantation and post-transplantation recurrence.

RESULTS

Fifty-one children (31 female) were diagnosed with PSC (median age - 11.3 years (interquartile range 7)), follow-up median duration 54 months (interquartile range 56). Thirty-seven (73%) patients had concurrent UC, of which 26 had their diagnosis confirmed prior to or within 6 months of PSC diagnosis (early-onset). PSC complications were more common in children with PSC-UC compared with PSC alone (24/37 (65%) vs. 2/14 (14%); P = 0.001). Furthermore, children with endoscopically mild or moderate UC at diagnosis showed a greater propensity for liver-related complications compared with children with severe UC (24/32 vs. 0/5; P = 0.003). Children with late-onset UC had higher rates of clinically significant portal hypertension (5/11 (45%) vs. 3/26 (12%); P = 0.007) and liver transplantation (5/11(45%) vs. 2/26 (8%); P = 0.02). Children with PSC-UC had significantly higher rates of pancolitis, rectal sparing and milder colitis than those with UC alone.

CONCLUSION

The presence and a later-onset of UC are associated with more significant progression to end-stage liver disease. There is an inverse trend between UC severity and PSC severity in children with concurrent PSC-UC.

Hepatic manifestations of systemic disease: an imaging-based review

The liver is responsible for many processes that maintain human metabolic homeostasis and can be affected by several pediatric systemic diseases. In this manuscript, we explore key pathological findings and imaging features across multiple modalities of a spectrum of congenital, metabolic and autoimmune disorders. Strengthening the radiologists' knowledge regarding potential hepatic manifestations of these systemic diseases will ultimately lead to improved care for pediatric patients.

Cutting edge issues in juvenile sclerosing cholangitis

Sclerosing cholangitis (SC) is a rare chronic disorder characterised by inflammation and progressive obliterative fibrosis of the intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile ducts. Diagnosis is based on cholangiogram showing bile duct dilatation, narrowing and obliteration of the biliary tree, and histologically, on the presence of inflammatory bile duct damage leading to periductal fibrosis. In children the most common SC is associated with strong autoimmune features, overlapping with those of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH); this form is known as autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis, ASC. Conversely, primary SC (PSC), a condition in which the term "primary" indicates that aetiology and pathogenesis are unknown, is rare in paediatrics. Secondary SC (SSC) defines a cholangiopathy associated with an identifiable aetiology such as immunodeficiencies, infections or haematological disorders. ASC and PSC are strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). ASC responds biochemically well to immunosuppressive drugs and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Primary forms are exclusively managed with oral UDCA, while in the secondary forms the medical treatment depends on the underlying aetiology. Despite treatment, SC often progresses to biliary cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease requiring liver transplantation. The disease can recur after transplant. Better understanding of pathogenic mechanisms and better treatment modalities are needed to improve the prognosis of this invalidating hepatic disorder.

Small duct primary sclerosing cholangitis: A discrete variant or a bridge to large duct disease, a practical review

The natural history, associations with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and long-term outcomes of large duct primary sclerosing cholangitis (ldPSC) have been well documented. Small duct primary sclerosing cholangitis (sdPSC) is a much less common and relatively more benign variant. The natural history of sdPSC has been difficult to characterize given the limited number of studies in the literature especially with regards to the subset of patients who progress to large duct involvement. It has been unclear whether sdPSC represented a subset of ldPSC, an earlier staging of ldPSC, or a completely separate and distinct entity of its own. Strong associations between sdPSC and IBD have been established with suspicion that concurrent sdPSC-IBD may be a key prognostic factor in determining which patients are at risk of progression to ldPSC. Little is known regarding the discrete circumstances that predisposes some patients with sdPSC to progress to ldPSC. It has been suspected that progression to large biliary duct involvement subjects this subset of patients to potentially developing life-threatening complications. Here the authors conducted a thorough review of the published sdPSC literature using Pubmed searches and cross-referencing to compile all accessible studies regarding cohorts of sdPSC patients in order better characterize the subset of sdPSC patients who progress to ldPSC and the associated outcomes.

Analysis of the Clinical Course of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in Paediatric Population-Single Center Study

Background and Objectives: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare cholestatic disease of the liver of unknown etiology, severe course and poor prognosis. PSC most often co-occurs with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), especially with ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of the study was the analysis of the clinical course of primary sclerosing cholangitis in children, hospitalized in the Gastroenterology Unit in Katowice. Materials and Methods: The analysis included 30 patients, aged from 7 to 18 years, 21/30 boys (70%) and 9/30 girls (30%), diagnosed with PSC in the years 2009–2019. The analysis included the age at diagnosis, clinical symptoms, course of the disease, coexisting diseases, laboratory and imaging results, and complications. Results: The average age at diagnosis was 13 years. 22/30 (73.3%) patients suffered from UC, 4/30 (13.3%) were diagnosed with Crohn’s disease (CD), 2/30 (6.66%) with Eosinophilic Colitis (EC). 2/30 patients (6.66%) had no clinical evidence of coexistent IBD to date. In addition, 7/30 (23.3%) had an overlap syndrome of primary sclerosing cholangitis/autoimmune hepatitis. When PSC was detected before IBD (6/30–20%), patients had complications more often compared to those diagnosed with IBD first or PSC and IBD at the same time. At the moment of diagnosis 6/30 (20%) patients presented with abdominal pain, which was the most common symptom, 3/30 (10%) jaundice, while 17/30 (56.6%) were asymptomatic but had abnormal results of the laboratory tests. Conclusions: Monitoring liver markers in IBD patients is important since most PSC cases are asymptomatic and their elevation might be the first sign of the disease. Patients diagnosed with PSC before IBD diagnosis are more likely to have a more aggressive course of the disease.

Exome sequencing in patient-parent trios suggests new candidate genes for early-onset primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare bile duct disease strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Whole-exome sequencing (WES) has contributed to understanding the molecular basis of very early-onset IBD, but rare protein-altering genetic variants have not been identified for early-onset PSC. We performed WES in patients diagnosed with PSC ≤ 12 years to investigate the contribution of rare genetic variants to early-onset PSC.

METHODS

In this multicentre study, WES was performed on 87 DNA samples from 29 patient-parent trios with early-onset PSC. We selected rare (minor allele frequency < 2%) coding and splice-site variants that matched recessive (homozygous and compound heterozygous variants) and dominant (de novo) inheritance in the index patients. Variant pathogenicity was predicted by an in-house developed algorithm (GAVIN), and PSC-relevant variants were selected using gene expression data and gene function.

RESULTS

In 22 of 29 trios we identified at least 1 possibly pathogenic variant. We prioritized 36 genes, harbouring a total of 54 variants with predicted pathogenic effects. In 18 genes, we identified 36 compound heterozygous variants, whereas in the other 18 genes we identified 18 de novo variants. Twelve of 36 candidate risk genes are known to play a role in transmembrane transport, adaptive and innate immunity, and epithelial barrier function.

CONCLUSIONS

The 36 candidate genes for early-onset PSC need further verification in other patient cohorts and evaluation of gene function before a causal role can be attributed to its variants.

The Sclerosing Cholangitis Outcomes in Pediatrics (SCOPE) Index: A Prognostic Tool for Children

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Disease progression in children with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is variable. Prognostic and risk-stratification tools exist for adult-onset PSC, but not for children. We aimed to create a tool that accounts for the biochemical and phenotypic features and early disease stage of pediatric PSC.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We used retrospective data from the Pediatric PSC Consortium. The training cohort contained 1,012 patients from 40 centers. We generated a multivariate risk index (Sclerosing Cholangitis Outcomes in Pediatrics [SCOPE] index) that contained total bilirubin, albumin, platelet count, gamma glutamyltransferase, and cholangiography to predict a primary outcome of liver transplantation or death (TD) and a broader secondary outcome that included portal hypertensive, biliary, and cancer complications termed hepatobiliary complications (HBCs). The model stratified patients as low, medium, or high risk based on progression to TD at rates of <1%, 3%, and 9% annually and to HBCs at rates of 2%, 6%, and 13% annually, respectively (P < 0.001). C-statistics to discriminate outcomes at 1 and 5 years were 0.95 and 0.82 for TD and 0.80 and 0.76 for HBCs, respectively. Baseline hepatic fibrosis stage was worse with increasing risk score, with extensive fibrosis in 8% of the lowest versus 100% with the highest risk index (P < 0.001). The model was validated in 240 children from 11 additional centers and performed well.

CONCLUSIONS

The SCOPE index is a pediatric-specific prognostic tool for PSC. It uses routinely obtained, objective data to predict a complicated clinical course. It correlates strongly with biopsy-proven liver fibrosis. SCOPE can be used with families for shared decision making on clinical care based on a patient's individual risk, and to account for variable disease progression when designing future clinical trials.

Clinical features and MRI progression of small duct primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)

PURPOSE

First, to evaluate and describe the clinical and MRI progression of patients with small duct primary sclerosing cholangitis (sdPSC), and second, to look for MRI features associated with disease progression to large duct PSC.

METHOD

16 patients (7 female, 9 male; median age 27 years) with diagnosis of sdPSC and available MR imaging were included in this retrospective dual-center study. Liver function tests (LFTs) and imaging was reviewed in consensus by two radiologists at baseline and follow-up, and compared by means of non-parametric tests, with p < 0.05 deemed significant.

RESULTS

At baseline and follow-up patients had a cholestatic liver profile with elevated LFTs. Progressive liver deformity, heterogeneous enhancement and hilar lymphadenopathy were common findings. In 9 patients follow-up MRI was available with a mean interval between imaging of 10.6 years (range 3.6-15.3 years). 5 patients (55.5 %) developed cholangiographic changes diagnostic of large duct PSC. No correlation was observed between MRI findings or LFTs at baseline and the endpoint of developing PSC typical cholangiographic changes at follow-up imaging (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of sdPSC patients developed cholangiographic changes, supporting that sdPSC may be an early stage of large duct PSC rather than an entity of its own. Larger studies are needed to address the value of MRI for prediction of sdPSC disease progression.

Small Duct Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: An Underdiagnosed Cause of Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis

Classic or large duct primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is part of the PSC spectrum. It is diagnosed on clinical and biochemical findings of cholestasis supported by biliary tree changes on cholangiography, forgoing the need for an invasive liver biopsy. The spectrum contains various PSC variants with distinct clinical courses and outcomes. We present a case of small duct PSC, a rare variant that manifested insidiously with clinical and objective cholestasis but appeared negative on diagnostic cholangiography. Eventually, a liver biopsy was obtained that revealed chronic bilious disease of the small and microscopic ducts with simultaneous changes consistent with liver cirrhosis. Despite presenting like its classical counterpart, small duct PSC can remain undetectable on cholangiography due to the diminutive size of the bile ducts requiring histological confirmation. In contrast to classic PSC, small duct PSC portends a much better prognosis. However, it eventually progresses to the classic form or end-stage liver disease, requiring patients to receive timely surveillance and transplantation referrals. Due to the limited understanding of this disease process, patients with similar presentations often pose a diagnostic dilemma due to the clinical and cholangiographic mismatch. This case aims to reaffirm that a negative cholangiography does not rule out the PSC spectrum and that small duct disease is a rare but growing entity. The paucity in cases emphasizes the importance of isolated reports in guiding workup and management, especially since surveillance schedules and transplantation guidelines have not been formally established.

Assessing the Validity of Adult-derived Prognostic Models for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Outcomes in Children

BACKGROUND

Natural history models for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are derived from adult patient data, but have never been validated in children. It is unclear how accurate such models are for children with PSC.

METHODS

We utilized the pediatric PSC consortium database to assess the Revised Mayo Clinic, Amsterdam-Oxford, and Boberg models. We calculated the risk stratum and predicted survival for each patient within each model using patient data at PSC diagnosis, and compared it with observed survival. We evaluated model fit using the c-statistic.

RESULTS

Model fit was good at 1 year (c-statistics 0.93, 0.87, 0.82) and fair at 10 years (0.78, 0.75, 0.69) in the Mayo, Boberg, and Amsterdam-Oxford models, respectively. The Mayo model correctly classified most children as low risk, whereas the Amsterdam-Oxford model incorrectly classified most as high risk. All of the models underestimated survival of patients classified as high risk. Albumin, bilirubin, AST, and platelets were most associated with outcomes. Autoimmune hepatitis was more prevalent in higher risk groups, and over-weighting of AST in these patients accounted for the observed versus predicted survival discrepancy.

CONCLUSIONS

All 3 models offered good short-term discrimination of outcomes but only fair long-term discrimination. None of the models account for the high prevalence of features of autoimmune hepatitis overlap in children and the associated elevated aminotransferases. A pediatric-specific model is needed. AST, bilirubin, albumin, and platelets will be important predictors, but must be weighted to account for the unique features of PSC in children.

Long-term outcomes of pediatric-onset primary sclerosing cholangitis: A single-center experience in Japan

AIM

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is very rare in Japan. Although a large-scale cohort study of 781 pediatric-onset PSC patients in Europe and North America showed that the 5-year survival with native liver was 88%, the long-term outcomes of pediatric-onset PSC in Japan are unknown. Here, we evaluated the clinical outcomes of pediatric-onset PSC in Japan.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective cohort study with a medical records review of pediatric PSC patients diagnosed between 1986 and 2017 at a single center. The PSC diagnoses were based on cholangiography, liver histology, and biochemical findings. The patients' survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS

We identified 39 pediatric-onset PSC patients (22 boys, 17 girls). The median age at diagnosis was 9 years (interquartile range 6.0-13.5 years). The median follow-up period was 5.5 years (interquartile range 3.4-8.7 years). The phenotypes of PSC-autoimmune hepatitis, PSC-inflammatory bowel disease, and small-duct PSC were diagnosed in 13 (33.3%), 36 out of 38 (94.8%), and three (7.7%) patients, respectively. The 5-year liver transplantation-free survival of the whole cohort was 93.5%. Nine patients underwent liver transplantation, and four of these nine cases resulted in death. Both the univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the phenotype of "PSC-autoimmune hepatitis overlap" was an independent poor prognostic factor.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall survival of pediatric-onset PSC in Japan was comparable to those in Western countries. The phenotype of PSC-autoimmune hepatitis was identified as a prognostic factor associated with a poorer long-term outcome.

Disease progression in paediatric- and adult-onset sclerosing cholangitis: Results from two independent Dutch registries

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Sclerosing cholangitis (SC) is a severe liver disease leading to destruction of bile ducts. It is believed to run a milder course in children than in adults. To test this assumption, we evaluated time-to-complication curves in two independent paediatric-onset cohorts from the same geographical area.

METHODS

Short-term disease outcomes were evaluated with an online clinical registry that was filled with data on children with SC diagnosed between 2000 and 2017 and who were followed bi-annually thereafter. Long-term disease outcomes were evaluated in a paediatric-onset subcohort derived from a previously published population-based study from the Netherlands. Time-to-complication in the first cohort was defined as the time from diagnosis until portal hypertension, biliary obstructions and infections, development of malignancy, or liver transplantation, whichever came first. In the second cohort time-to-complication was defined as the time until liver transplantation or PSC-related death.

RESULTS

Median age at diagnosis in the first cohort (n = 86) was 12.3 years. In the first 5 years post-diagnosis 23% of patients developed complications. The patients in the population-based study (n = 683) were stratified into those diagnosed before the age of 18 years ('paediatric-onset' subcohort, n = 43) and those diagnosed after the age of 18 years ('adult-onset' subcohort, n = 640). Median age at diagnosis was 14.6 and 40.2 years, respectively. Median time-to-complication in the paediatric-onset and adult-onset subcohorts was not statistically different.

CONCLUSION

Paediatric and adult-onset SC run a similar long-term disease course. Paediatricians who treat children with SC should monitor them closely to recognize early complications and control long-term sequelae.

Impact of paediatric onset primary sclerosing cholangitis on clinical course and outcome of inflammatory bowel disease: a case-control population-based study in Finland

Introduction and aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of a paediatric onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a cohort of subjects with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and in a matched-age population-based control group without PSC. Methods: We identified 28 IBD-PSC cases (median age at IBD diagnosis 12.5 years, 25-75th: 10-16 years) and selected three IBD controls for each case matched for age and year of IBD diagnosis. All data regarding the gastrointestinal tract and liver were collected at diagnosis and at last follow-up (median 15 years). Results: At diagnosis the prevalence of pancolitis was similar between the groups (78% and 79%, respectively p = -.30), but histologic inflammation was milder in IBD-PSC (61% vs 30%, p = .06). At last follow-up (median age 29 years) pancolitis was less frequent (6% and 33%, respectively p = .04) and the remission higher (76% and 47%, respectively p = .08) in IBD-PSC patients than in IBD patients. Panproctolectomy (32% in IBD-PSC and 34% in IBD, p = 1.0) and the rate of pouchitis (62% and 70%, respectively p = .8) were similar. Conclusions: The outcome of paediatric onset IBD in patients with PSC in adulthood seems to be comparable to those with IBD only.

Characteristics and outcome of primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease in Asian children

BACKGROUND

Current knowledge on the clinical features and natural history of childhood primary sclerosing cholangitis - inflammatory bowel disease in Asia is limited. We described the presenting features and natural history of primary sclerosing cholangitis-inflammatory bowel disease seen in a cohort of Southeast Asian children.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of childhood primary sclerosing cholangitis-inflammatory bowel disease from three tertiary centers in Singapore and Malaysia.

RESULTS

Of 24 patients (boys, 58%; median age at diagnosis: 6.3 years) with primary sclerosing cholangitis-inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, n = 21; Crohn's disease, n = 1; undifferentiated, n = 2), 63% (n = 15) were diagnosed during follow-up for colitis, and 21% (n = 5) presented with acute or chronic hepatitis, 17% (n = 4) presented simultaneously. Disease phenotype of liver involvement showed 79% had sclerosing cholangitis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap, 54% large duct disease, and 46% small duct disease. All patients received immunosuppression therapy. At final review after a median [±S.D.] duration follow-up of 4.7 [±3.8] years, 12.5% patients had normal liver enzymes, 75% persistent disease, and 12.5% liver failure. The proportion of patients with liver cirrhosis increased from 13% at diagnosis to 29%; 21% had portal hypertension, and 17% had liver dysfunction. One patient required liver transplant. Transplant-free survival was 95%. For colitis, 95% had pancolitis, 27% rectal sparing, and 11% backwash ileitis at initial presentation. At final review, 67% patients had quiescent bowel disease with immunosuppression. One patient who had UC with pancolitis which was diagnosed at 3 years old developed colorectal cancer at 22 years of age. All patients survived.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver disease in primary sclerosing cholangitis-inflammatory bowel disease in Asian children has variable severity. With immunosuppression, two-thirds of patients have quiescent bowel disease but the majority have persistent cholangitis and progressive liver disease.

Ursodeoxycholic Acid Therapy in Pediatric Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Predictors of Gamma Glutamyltransferase Normalization and Favorable Clinical Course

OBJECTIVE

To investigate patient factors predictive of gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) normalization following ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy in children with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed patient records at 46 centers. We included patients with a baseline serum GGT level ≥50 IU/L at diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis who initiated UDCA therapy within 1 month and continued therapy for at least 1 year. We defined "normalization" as a GGT level <50 IU/L without experiencing portal hypertensive or dominant stricture events, liver transplantation, or death during the first year.

RESULTS

We identified 263 patients, median age 12.1 years at diagnosis, treated with UDCA at a median dose of 15 mg/kg/d. Normalization occurred in 46%. Patients with normalization had a lower prevalence of Crohn's disease, lower total bilirubin level, lower aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, greater platelet count, and greater serum albumin level at diagnosis. The 5-year survival with native liver was 99% in those patients who achieved normalization vs 77% in those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Less than one-half of the patients treated with UDCA have a complete GGT normalization in the first year after diagnosis, but this subset of patients has a favorable 5-year outcome. Normalization is less likely in patients with a Crohn's disease phenotype or a laboratory profile suggestive of more advanced hepatobiliary fibrosis. Patients who do not achieve normalization could reasonably stop UDCA, as they are likely not receiving clinical benefit. Alternative treatments with improved efficacy are needed, particularly for patients with already-advanced disease.

Treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis in children

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare disease of stricturing and destruction of the biliary tree with a complex genetic and environmental etiology. Most patients have co-occurring inflammatory bowel disease. Children generally present with uncomplicated disease, but undergo a variable progression to end-stage liver disease. Within ten years of diagnosis, 50% of children will develop clinical complications including 30% requiring liver transplantation. Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare but serious complication affecting 1% of children. Ursodeoxycholic acid and oral vancomycin therapy used widely in children as medical therapy, and may be effective in a subset of patients. Gamma glutamyltransferase is a potential surrogate endpoint for disease activity, with improved survival in patients who achieve a normal value. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a necessary adjunct to medical therapy to evaluate mass lesions or dominant strictures for malignancy, and also to relieve biliary obstruction. Liver transplantation remains the only option for patients who progress to end-stage liver disease. We review special considerations for patients before and after transplant, and in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. There is presently no published treatment algorithm or guideline for the management of children with PSC. We review the evidence for drug efficacy, dosing, duration of therapy, and treatment targets in PSC, and provide a framework for endoscopic and medical management of this complex problem.

Autoimmune Hepatitis, Sclerosing Cholangitis, and Autoimmune Sclerosing Cholangitis or Overlap Syndrome

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is characterized by elevated serum aminotransferases, immunoglobulin G, autoantibodies, and interface hepatitis, in the absence of a known diagnosis. Presentation is varied. Therapy is with immunosuppression. There is inflammation of the intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile ducts in Sclerosing cholangitis (SC) and when associated with inflammatory bowel disease, it is known as primary SC, with Ursodeoxycholic acid used for therapy. The overlap of clinical, biochemical and histological features of AIH and PSC is known as autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC) or overlap syndrome. Liver transplantation is performed when medical treatment fails and both AIH and PSC may recur post-transplantation.

Autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis: Evidence and open questions

Juvenile sclerosing cholangitis is a rare chronic hepatobiliary disorder characterized by inflammation of the intra- and/or extrahepatic bile ducts, bile duct dilatation, narrowing and obliteration, and, histologically, by inflammatory bile duct damage leading to periductular fibrosis. The diagnosis is based on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. In children, it may be associated to a variety of systemic and hepatic conditions: thus, the term "primary" sclerosing cholangitis should be reserved for the rare cases without a known cause. Small duct disease is diagnosed in the presence of histological features diagnostic of sclerosing cholangitis and normal cholangiography. Autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC) is a form of sclerosing cholangitis with strong autoimmune features overlapping with those of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). It is a well-recognized nosological entity in paediatrics, where it accounts for the majority of sclerosing cholangitis cases. It is as prevalent as AIH in children, is equally frequent in males and females, half of the patients have concomitant inflammatory bowel disease, virtually all patients have raised immunoglobulin G levels and positive anti-nuclear and/or anti-smooth muscle antibodies. Half of the ASC patients respond well to standard immunosuppressive treatment for AIH with the addition of ursodeoxycholic acid, but the transplant rate is higher than in AIH, and post-transplant recurrence is frequent. A number of open questions remain: are ASC and AIH distinct entities or different manifestations of the same condition? What is the role of histology? Is small duct disease a specific entity? What is the relationship between ASC and adult primary sclerosing cholangitis? What is the role of inflammatory bowel disease? In addition, validated diagnostic criteria for ASC are needed.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis in children versus adults: lessons for the clinic

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare cholestatic disorder that presents with multifocal biliary strictures. PSC has a variable course but often leads to progressive liver disease, and most patients will eventually require liver transplantation. PSC has a strong association with inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune liver disease. Areas covered: The objective of this article is to compare and contrast the clinical features and natural history of PSC in children to adults. We performed a PubMed search of the English literature using keywords 'primary sclerosing cholangitis', 'PSC', 'children', and 'pediatric.' Expert commentary: While certain features of PSC are similar in the pediatric and adult population, there are unique features of pediatric PSC. More longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the natural history of pediatric PSC. It is conceivable that treatment for PSC that will alter the course of disease may become available in the future.

Gamma Glutamyltransferase Reduction Is Associated With Favorable Outcomes in Pediatric Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Adverse clinical events in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) happen too slowly to capture during clinical trials. Surrogate endpoints are needed, but no such validated endpoints exist for children with PSC. We evaluated the association between gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) reduction and long-term outcomes in pediatric PSC patients. We evaluated GGT normalization (< 50 IU/L) at 1 year among a multicenter cohort of children with PSC who did or did not receive treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). We compared rates of event-free survival (no portal hypertensive or biliary complications, cholangiocarcinoma, liver transplantation, or liver-related death) at 5 years. Of the 287 children, mean age of 11.4 years old, UDCA was used in 81% at a mean dose of 17 mg/kg/day. Treated and untreated groups had similar GGT at diagnosis (314 versus 300, P= not significant [NS]). The mean GGT was reduced at 1 year in both groups, with lower values seen in treated (versus untreated) patients (99 versus 175, P= 0.002), but 5-year event-free survival was similar (74% versus 77%, P= NS). In patients with GGT normalization (versus no normalization) by 1 year, regardless of UDCA treatment status, 5-year event-free survival was better (91% versus 67%, P< 0.001). Similarly, larger reduction in GGT over 1 year (> 75% versus < 25% reduction) was also associated with improved outcome (5-year event-free survival 88% versus 61%, P= 0.005). Conclusion:A GGT < 50 and/or GGT reduction of > 75% by 1 year after PSC diagnosis predicts favorable 5-year outcomes in children. GGT has promise as a potential surrogate endpoint in future clinical trials for pediatric PSC.

The intestinal microbiome and paediatric liver disease

The intestinal microbiome has been the intense focus of recent study, but how the microbiota affects connected organs, such as the liver, has not been fully elucidated. The microbiome regulates intestinal permeability and helps to metabolise the human diet into small molecules, thus directly affecting liver health. Several studies have linked intestinal dysbiosis to the severity and progression of liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, total parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease, and cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease. However, there is limited information and interpretation with regard to how the microbiome could contribute to liver disease in the paediatric population. Notably, the gut microbiota is distinct at birth and does not establish an adult profile until the third year of life. Clinical research suggests that paediatric liver disease differs in both severity and rate of progression compared with adult forms, suggesting independent mechanisms of pathogenesis. We discuss data linking the intestinal microbiome to liver disease development and therapeutic efforts to modify the microbiome in children.

Post-Transplant Disease Recurrence in Pediatric PSC

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Review the current knowledge about recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis (rPSC) after transplant in children.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recurrent PSC is a significant complication that afflicts 16% of children after liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) at a median onset of 38 months post-transplant. Possible risk factors include younger age at PSC diagnosis or transplant, the presence of overlap syndrome or IBD, and post-transplant induction with thymoglobulin. rPSC impairs the patient's quality of life and can be detrimental to the graft. Preventive options and therapeutic measures are limited. Ursodeoxycholic acid is widely used, but its effect on long-term outcome is unknown. Vancomycin can improve the biochemical profile of rPSC, but it remains unknown whether it halts the disease progression. Pediatric liver transplant for primary sclerosis cholangitis can be complicated by recurrence of the disease, which portends poor outcomes. Although few risk factors have been implicated, larger studies with longer follow-ups are needed to characterize cardinal risk factors for rPSC, as well as evaluate possible preventative and therapeutic options.

A promising medium-term follow-up of pediatric sclerosing cholangitis: Mild phenotype or early diagnosis?

AIM

Sclerosing cholangitis (SC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that is being increasingly diagnosed in childhood. The long-term course and prognosis of pediatric SC are poorly described.

METHODS

We reviewed data of pediatric SC patients, followed in two referral centers, during a period of up to 20 years. We aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes according to SC phenotype.

RESULTS

Among 45 patients (median age, 10.4 years; male patients, 73.4%) 29 (64.4%) were asymptomatic at presentation. Twenty patients (44%) had a concomitant inflammatory bowel disease (SC/IBD). Autoimmune features were found in 20 patients (44%). Liver biopsy showed severe fibrosis or cirrhosis in 32% of cases. Patients with SC alone had a higher rate of interface hepatitis at liver biopsy than SC/IBD patients. All children received ursodeoxycholic acid at diagnosis, and 17 received steroids and/or azathioprine. After a mean follow-up of 8.7 ± 5.6 years, all patients were alive and seven developed at least one liver-related complication. At the end of follow-up, 10 patients stopped immunosuppressants and two had no therapy. Only two patients underwent liver transplantation. Complication-free survival did not differ between SC/IBD and SC patients, but survival was longer in patients without autoimmune features.

CONCLUSIONS

In our early diagnosed cohort, the 9-year survival with native liver was better than that reported in other studies. Approximately 15% of patients developed liver-related disease complications, less than previously reported. The long-term course of SC was negatively influenced by the presence of autoimmune features, but not by concomitant IBD.

Usefulness of serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2 binding protein in children with primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND

Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2 binding protein (WFA⁺ -M2BP) is a novel serum marker of hepatic fibrosis in adults with chronic hepatitis C. However, it remains unclear whether serum WFA⁺ -M2BP levels are associated with the progression of liver histology in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

METHODS

Twenty-eight children and adolescents with pediatric-onset PSC (male : female patient ratio, 20:8; median age at diagnosis, 9 years) were enrolled in this study. The relation between serum WFA⁺ -M2BP levels and clinical characteristics was retrospectively evaluated. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine whether serum WFA⁺ -M2BP levels could be a reliable marker to identify PSC patients with advanced liver histology.

RESULTS

According to the Ludwig classification of liver histological stage, 28 patients were classified into the four stages. The WFA⁺ -M2BP level, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI), and hyaluronic acid correlated significantly with liver histological stage. Moreover, WFA⁺ -M2BP showed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) with autoimmune hepatitis overlap, AST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyltransferase, total bilirubin, immunoglobulin G, APRI, and hyaluronic acid. A ROC analysis was undertaken to distinguish the patients with advanced stage disease (stage 3-4) from those with early stage disease (stage 0-2). It showed that WFA⁺ -M2BP yielded the highest area under the ROC curve value (0.898) among four surrogate makers (APRI, 0.850; Fibrosis-4 index, 0.806; and AST/ALT ratio, 0.802). Moreover, WFA⁺ -M2BP yielded the highest sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value among the four markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum WFA⁺ -M2BP levels are useful to identify patients with advanced liver histology in pediatric PSC.

Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Autoimmune Liver Disease: ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee Position Statement

Paediatric autoimmune liver disease is characterized by inflammatory liver histology, circulating autoantibodies, and increased levels of IgG, in the absence of a known etiology. Three conditions have a likely autoimmune pathogenesis: autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis, and de novo AIH after liver transplantation. Two types of pediatric AIH are recognized according to seropositivity for smooth muscle and/or antinuclear antibody (AIH-1) or liver kidney microsomal type 1 and/or anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibodies (AIH-2).Pertinent issues addressing the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up were formulated by a core group of ESPGHAN members. They have commissioned the first authors with execution of this project. Initially, they have performed a systematic literature search on MEDLINE, ResearchGate, and Mendeley databases during the last 30 years and produced a document focusing on prospective and retrospective studies in children. The ESPGHAN core group and ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee members voted on each recommendation, using a formal voting technique.

The coming of age of a young subspecialty: paediatric hepatology

Paediatric hepatology dates from the 1970s and it is the youngest of the organ-specific subspecialties. As then there have been impressive achievements in the fields of anatomical, metabolic, immunological and neoplastic diseases, and the advent of modern molecular biology has resulted in a marked increase in exact diagnoses. Liver transplants provided enormous stimulus for the discipline. Due to changing morbidity patterns, the discipline faces new challenges, such as environment- and lifestyle-induced liver diseases, but different forms of chronic viral hepatitis are diminishing.

CONCLUSION

High levels of competence require good clinical research, optimal results and a high degree of centralisation.

The natural history of primary sclerosing cholangitis in 781 children: A multicenter, international collaboration

There are limited data on the natural history of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in children. We aimed to describe the disease characteristics and long-term outcomes of pediatric PSC. We retrospectively collected all pediatric PSC cases from 36 participating institutions and conducted a survival analysis from the date of PSC diagnosis to dates of diagnosis of portal hypertensive or biliary complications, cholangiocarcinoma, liver transplantation, or death. We analyzed patients grouped by disease phenotype and laboratory studies at diagnosis to identify objective predictors of long-term outcome. We identified 781 patients, median age 12 years, with 4,277 person-years of follow-up; 33% with autoimmune hepatitis, 76% with inflammatory bowel disease, and 13% with small duct PSC. Portal hypertensive and biliary complications developed in 38% and 25%, respectively, after 10 years of disease. Once these complications developed, median survival with native liver was 2.8 and 3.5 years, respectively. Cholangiocarcinoma occurred in 1%. Overall event-free survival was 70% at 5 years and 53% at 10 years. Patient groups with the most elevated total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index at diagnosis had the worst outcomes. In multivariate analysis PSC-inflammatory bowel disease and small duct phenotypes were associated with favorable prognosis (hazard ratios 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.5-0.9, and 0.7, 95% confidence interval 0.5-0.96, respectively). Age, gender, and autoimmune hepatitis overlap did not impact long-term outcome.

CONCLUSION

PSC has a chronic, progressive course in children, and nearly half of patients develop an adverse liver outcome after 10 years of disease; elevations in bilirubin, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index at diagnosis can identify patients at highest risk; small duct PSC and PSC-inflammatory bowel disease are more favorable disease phenotypes. (Hepatology 2017;66:518-527).