Intrahepatic cholestasis in sickle cell disease: a case report

The enigma of sickle cell hepatopathy: Pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and therapy

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic disorders in the world predominantly affecting economically disadvantaged populations. There is a notable discrepancy between the growing adult SCD population and available diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for SCD. Sickle cell hepatopathy (SCH) is an all-inclusive term to describe the acute and chronic liver manifestations of SCD. The pathophysiology of SCH follows no defined pattern or sequence that poses challenges to clinicians and researchers alike. Evidence is lacking for this underreported disease at various levels from diagnostic to therapeutic options. This paper reviews the basic pathophysiology, clinical features, biochemical and radiological findings of various SCH manifestations and outlines the management of each condition. Old and new therapy options in SCD including hydroxyurea, red blood cell exchange transfusion, ursodeoxycholic acid, voxelotor, l-glutamine and crizanlizumab have been reviewed to investigate the role of these options in treating SCH. The role of liver transplant, haematopoietic stem cell transplant and gene therapy in SCH patients have been reviewed.

Intrahepatic Cholestasis in a Pregnant Patient With Sickle Cell Disease: A Case Report

Sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis (SCIC) is a potentially fatal complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) with a high mortality rate, observed mainly in patients with homozygous SCD. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a known complication in pregnancy and usually presents in the late second or third trimester with itching, elevated bile acids, and elevated liver enzymes. Intrahepatic cholestasis in a pregnant patient with homozygous SCD is a rare occurrence. We present the case of a patient who was diagnosed with homozygous SCD during her second pregnancy and developed cholestasis with abnormal levels of liver enzymes at 25 weeks gestation, requiring delivery at 30 weeks gestation due to very high bile acid and liver enzyme levels. The patient was successfully managed.

Intrahepatic cholestasis in sickle cell disease: A review of diagnostic criteria, treatments, and case reports

Objective To delineate the etiology, symptomatology, and treatment of sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis (SCIC). Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most frequently inherited hematologic disease, and SCIC is one rare and often fatal complication and comorbid disease. The literature contains only a small number of case reports involving SCIC and hence limited guidance can be obtained. Methods We reviewed the scientific literature to evaluate the science of SCIC to determine if there were consistencies in presentation, evaluation, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Results We reviewed 6 case reports and a limited number of clinical papers on SCIC. We reported consistencies in clinical presentation and treatment outcomes among cases as well as serological and hematological finding. Conclusions While there is some consistency in the symptom presentation of individuals with SCIC, reliable evaluation and clinical procedures were not demonstrated in what we reviewed. Further research is needed to delineate the attributes of this complicated disease that occurs within SCD.

Sickle Cell Intrahepatic Cholestasis: Extremely Rare but Fatal Complication of Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis (SCIC) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of sickle cell disease (SCD), with high mortality, observed mainly in patients with homozygous sickle cell anemia. Herein, we have reported a case of severe SCIC with a poor outcome despite aggressive measures including exchange transfusion and use of vasopressors.

The patient was admitted with generalized weakness, confusion, rigors, chills, and signs of hepatic failure, such as hyperbilirubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and coagulopathy. There was no evidence of viral hepatitis or biliary obstruction. The patient received two exchange transfusions, but he continued to deteriorate clinically despite exchange transfusion and developed hemorrhagic shock and multiorgan failure. The patient was made comfort care as per family wishes. This case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis of sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis and poor prognosis despite aggressive measures.

Dengue fever as a potential cause of sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis: A report of two cases

Sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis is a potentially fatal syndrome characterized by jaundice, painful hepatomegaly, and organ dysfunction. Two cases of sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis associated with dengue fever were described. Endothelial damage/dysfunction is a mechanism involved in severe hepatobiliary complications related to sickle cell diseases. However, the reasons for the lack of increase in the admission of patients with sickle cell disease having severe acute hepatobiliary complications triggered by endothelial damage/dysfunction due to dengue fever remain unknown. This study describes the first association between sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis and dengue fever.

Sickle Hepatopathy

Sickle hepatopathy is an umbrella term describing various pattern of liver injury seen in patients with sickle cell disease. The disease is not uncommon in India; in terms of prevalence, India is second only to Sub-Saharan Africa where sickle cell disease is most prevalent. Hepatic involvement in sickle cell disease is not uncommon. Liver disease may result from viral hepatitis and iron overload due to multiple transfusions of blood products or due to disease activity causing varying changes in vasculature. The clinical spectrum of disease ranges from ischemic injury due to sickling of red blood cells in hepatic sinusoids, pigment gall stones, and acute/chronic sequestration syndromes. The sequestration syndromes are usually episodic and self-limiting requiring conservative management such as antibiotics and intravenous fluids or packed red cell transfusions. However, rarely these episodes may present with coagulopathy and encephalopathy like acute liver failure, which are life-threatening, requiring exchange transfusions or even liver transplantation. However, evidence for their benefits, optimal indications, and threshold to start exchange transfusion is limited. Similarly, there is paucity of the literature regarding the end point of exchange transfusion in this scenario. Liver transplantation may also be beneficial in end-stage liver disease. Hydroxyurea, the antitumor agent, which is popularly used to prevent life-threatening complications such as acute chest syndrome or stroke in these patients, has been used only sparingly in hepatic sequestrations. The purpose of this review is to provide insights into epidemiology of sickle cell disease in India and pathogenesis and classification of hepatobiliary involvement in sickle cell disease. Finally, various management options including exchange transfusion, liver transplantation, and hydroxyurea in hepatic sequestration syndromes will be discussed in brief.

Interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease is the most common hemoglobinopathy occurring worldwide and sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis is a complication long recognized in this population. Cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by impaired formation or excretion (or both) of bile from the liver. There is a need to assess the clinical benefits and harms of the interventions used to treat intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease. This is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of the interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearching of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We also searched the LILACS database (1982 to 21 January 2020), the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov (21 January 2020). Date of last search of the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 25 November 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We searched for published or unpublished randomised controlled trials.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Each author intended to independently extract data, assess the risk of bias of the trials by standard Cochrane methodologies and assess the quality of the evidence using the GRADE criteria; however, no trials were included in the review.

MAIN RESULTS

We did not identify any randomised controlled trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This updated Cochrane Review did not identify any randomised controlled trials assessing interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease. Randomised controlled trials are needed to establish the optimum treatment for this condition.

Management of Sickle Cell Intrahepatic Cholestasis: An Argument in Favor of Automated Exchange Transfusion

Sickle cell disease patients are commonly treated at transfusion medicine services, and understanding of the hepatic manifestations of the disease is key for optimal management, specifically, in individuals presenting with sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis (SCIC). SCIC represents a rare, severe hepatic crisis wherein sinusoidal red cell sickling leads to massive hepatocyte dysfunction and cholestatic laboratory findings. Acute SCIC is defined by abdominal pain with progressive hepatic injury associated with hyperbilirubinemia, renal failure, encephalopathy, and coagulopathy. Patients are generally managed with red blood cell exchange transfusion (RBCEx), when available, as this is a potentially fatal condition. Simple transfusion may be utilized in resource-poor environment or when patients refuse RBCEx. As less than 50 adult cases have been described in the literature, many of them with limited follow-up, randomized clinical trials comparing RBCEx with other treatments are currently unfeasible. Likewise, a chronic form exists, but is less well characterized, and is associated with persistent bilirubinemia and a variable course in terms of progressive hepatic disease. We undertake a brief review of the literature and discuss two cases of SCIC managed with RBCEx at our institution.

The Liver in Sickle Cell Disease

Patients with sickle cell disease can develop liver disease as a result of intrahepatic sickling of erythrocytes, viral hepatitis and iron overload secondary to multiple blood transfusions, and gallstone disease as a result of chronic hemolysis. The spectrum of clinical liver disease is wide and often multifactorial. Some patients develop cirrhosis that may progress to end-stage liver failure. Limited evidence exists for medical treatments. Exchange blood transfusions may improve outcomes in the acute liver syndromes. Liver transplantation may be an option for chronic liver disease. The role for prophylactic cholecystectomy in preventing complications of gallstone disease is controversial.

Care of the Critically Ill Pediatric Sickle Cell Patient

Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited disease in the United States. Through the effects of hemolysis and vaso-occlusion, it has the potential to incite critical illness involving multiple organ systems. Children with sickle cell disease are at risk of multiple types of shock resulting in a need for ICU care. Our youngest patients with sickle cell disease are at highest risk of infection due to lack of splenic function, and this can present with septic shock. Hypovolemic shock can occur secondary to severe acute anemia as seen with splenic sequestration or a delayed transfusion reaction. As one ages, the risk of cardiac dysfunction – diastolic and systolic dysfunction as well as pulmonary hypertension – can result in cardiogenic shock. In addition to shock, patients with sickle cell disease are at risk for respiratory failure from acute chest syndrome as well as acute neurologic deterioration from stroke. For these reasons, critical care physicians must be familiar with the unique management of sickle cell complications in order to provide the best possible care for this vulnerable population.

Interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease is the most common hemoglobinopathy occurring worldwide and sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis is a complication long recognized in this population. Cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by impaired formation or excretion (or both) of bile from the liver. There is a need to assess the clinical benefits and harms of the interventions used to treat intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease. This is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of the interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearching of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We also searched the LILACS database (1982 to 23 May 2017), the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal (23 May 2017) and ClinicalTrials.gov.Date of last search of the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 12 April 2017.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We searched for published or unpublished randomised controlled trials.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Each author intended to independently extract data and assess the risk of bias of the trials by standard Cochrane methodologies; however, no trials were included in the review.

MAIN RESULTS

There were no randomised controlled trials identified.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This updated Cochrane Review did not identify any randomised controlled trials assessing interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease. Randomised controlled trials are needed to establish the optimum treatment for this condition.

Interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease is the most common hemoglobinopathy occurring worldwide and sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis is a complication long recognized in this population. Cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by impaired formation or excretion (or both) of bile from the liver. There is a need to assess the clinical benefits and harms of the interventions used to treat intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of the interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearching of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We also searched the LILACS database (1982 to 7 July 2014) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal (7 July 2014).Date of last search of the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 10 October 2014.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We searched for published or unpublished randomised controlled trials.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Each author intended to independently extract data and assess the risk of bias of the trials by standard Cochrane Collaboration methodologies; however, no trials were included in the review.

MAIN RESULTS

There were no randomised controlled trials identified.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This Cochrane Review did not identify any randomised controlled trials assessing interventions for treating intrahepatic cholestasis in people with sickle cell disease. Randomised controlled trials are needed to establish the optimum treatment for this condition.

Reversal of liver function without exchange transfusion in sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis

Sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis (SCIC) is a rare but fatal complication of sickle cell disease. It is found mainly in homozygous sickle cell disease. To date, there are no standard diagnostic criteria or well-established therapeutic approaches to this condition. Herein, we report this case of a 48-year-old man with sickle cell anemia and a total bilirubin of 78.5 mg/dL without evidence of extrahepatic biliary obstruction or viral hepatitis. The patient had a hemoglobin S level of 87.9%, acute renal failure, and mild coagulopathy. Despite the disease severity, he refused exchange transfusion (ET) with packed red blood cells. He was transfused with 2 units of blood and treated mainly with supportive measures. His total bilirubin levels trended down to normal days after discharge. Multiple studies have shown a significant decrease in the mortality rate in SCIC after ET. To date, only two reported adult cases have survived SCIC without aggressive treatment. Our case is the third case that demonstrates recovery of severe SCIC without ET.

How we treat sickle hepatopathy and liver transplantation in adults

Sickle cell disease (SCD) has evolved into a debilitating disorder with emerging end-organ damage. One of the organs affected is the liver, causing "sickle hepatopathy," an umbrella term for a variety of acute and chronic pathologies. Prevalence of liver dysfunction in SCD is unknown, with estimates of 10%. Dominant etiologies include gallstones, hepatic sequestration, viral hepatitis, and sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis (SCIC). In addition, causes of liver disease outside SCD must be identified and managed. SCIC is an uncommon, severe subtype, with outcome of its acute form having vastly improved with exchange blood transfusion (EBT). In its chronic form, there is limited evidence for EBT programs as a therapeutic option. Liver transplantation may have a role in a subset of patients with minimal SCD-related other organ damage. In the transplantation setting, EBT is important to maintain a low hemoglobin S fraction peri- and posttransplantation. Liver dysfunction in SCD is likely to escalate as life span increases and patients incur incremental transfusional iron overload. Future work must concentrate on not only investigating the underlying pathogenesis, but also identifying in whom and when to intervene with the 2 treatment modalities available: EBT and liver transplantation.

Systemic causes of cholestasis

Systemic causes of cholestasis constitute a diverse group of diseases across organ systems. The pathophysiology of cholestasis in systemic disease can be a consequence of direct involvement of a disease process within the liver or extrahepatic biliary system or secondary to immune-mediated changes in bile flow. Evaluating a patient with cholestasis for a systemic cause requires an understanding of the patient's risk factors, clinical setting (eg, hospitalized or immunosuppressed patient), clinical features, and pattern of laboratory abnormalities.

Beyond the definitions of the phenotypic complications of sickle cell disease: an update on management

The sickle hemoglobin is an abnormal hemoglobin due to point mutation (GAG → GTG) in exon 1 of the β globin gene resulting in the substitution of glutamic acid by valine at position 6 of the β globin polypeptide chain. Although the molecular lesion is a single-point mutation, the sickle gene is pleiotropic in nature causing multiple phenotypic expressions that constitute the various complications of sickle cell disease in general and sickle cell anemia in particular. The disease itself is chronic in nature but many of its complications are acute such as the recurrent acute painful crises (its hallmark), acute chest syndrome, and priapism. These complications vary considerably among patients, in the same patient with time, among countries and with age and sex. To date, there is no well-established consensus among providers on the management of the complications of sickle cell disease due in part to lack of evidence and in part to differences in the experience of providers. It is the aim of this paper to review available current approaches to manage the major complications of sickle cell disease. We hope that this will establish another preliminary forum among providers that may eventually lead the way to better outcomes.