2022 M to Z

Amy MacdougallDeborah JarvisRuth H KeoghCole BowermanDiana Bilton, Gwyneth DaviesSiobhán B CarrSanja Stanojevic.  Trajectories of early growth and subsequent lung function in cystic fibrosis: An observational study using UK and Canadian registry dataJ Cyst Fibros 2022 Sep 7;S1569-1993(22)00658-0.doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.09.001.Online ahead of print. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36088206/

Fig. 1 Amy Macdougall Linked in

Background: Understanding the pulmonary impact of changes in early life nutritional status over time in a paediatric CF population may help inform how to use nutritional assessment to guide clinical care. National registry data provides an opportunity to study patterns of weight gain over time at the level of the individual, and thus to gain detailed understanding of the relationship between early weight trajectories and later lung function in children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF).
Methods: Using data from the United Kingdom (UK) and Canadian CF Registries, a mixed effects linear regression model was used to describe children’s weight and BMI z-score trajectories from age 1 to 5 years. The intercept (weight-for-age at age 1) and slope (weight-for-age trajectory) from this model were then used as covariates in a linear regression of first lung function measurement at age 6 years.
Results: In both the UK and Canadian data, greater weight-for-age z-score at age 1 year and greater change in weight-for-age over time were associated with higher FEV1% predicted. A greater weight-for-age z-score at age 1 year was associated with a higher FEV1% predicted (UK: 3.78% (95% CI: 1.76; 4.70); Canada: 3.20% (95%CI: 1.76, 4.70)). These associations were reproduced for BMI z-scores and FVC% predicted.

Conclusions: Early weight-for-age, specifically at age 1 year, and weight-for-age trajectories across early childhood are associated with later lung function. This relationship persists after adjustment for potential confounders. Current guidelines may need to be updated to place less emphasis on a specific cut-off (such as the 10th percentile) and encourage tracking of weight-for-age over time

Dr Amy Macdougall (fig.1) is a research fellow is at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.

Marcus A Mall , Rossa Brugha , Silvia Gartner , Julian Legg, Alexander Moeller, Pedro Mondejar-Lopez, Dario Prais,, Tacjana Pressle , Felix Ratjen , Philippe Reix , Paul D Robinson, Hiran Selvadurai, Florian Stehling, Neil Ahluwalia , Emilio Arteaga-Solis, Bote G Bruinsma, Mark Jenning , Samuel M Moskowitz , Sabrina Noel , Simon Tian , Tanya G Weinstock , Pan Wu , Claire E Wainwright , Jane C Davies. Efficacy and Safety of Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor in Children 6 Through 11 Years of Age with Cystic Fibrosis Heterozygous for F508del and a Minimal Function Mutation: A Phase 3b, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2022 Dec 1;206(11):1361-1369. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202202-0392OC  Free PMC article /pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35816621/

 Fig.2 Marcus A Mall Falling Walls 

Rationale: The triple-combination regimen elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) was shown to be safe and efficacious in children aged 6 through 11 years with cystic fibrosis and at least one F508del-CFTR allele in a phase 3, open-label, single-arm study.
Objectives: To further evaluate the efficacy and safety of ELX/TEZ/IVA in children 6 through 11 years of age with cystic fibrosis heterozygous for F508del and a minimal function CFTR mutation (F/MF genotypes) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3b trial. Methods: Children were randomized to receive either ELX/TEZ/IVA (n = 60) or placebo (n = 61) during a 24-week treatment period. The dose of ELX/TEZ/IVA administered was based on weight at screening, with children <30 kg receiving ELX 100 mg once daily, TEZ 50 mg once daily, and IVA 75 mg every 12 hours, and children ⩾30 kg receiving ELX 200 mg once daily, TEZ 100 mg once daily, and IVA 150 mg every 12 hours (adult dose).
Measurements and Main Results: The primary endpoint was absolute change in lung clearance index2.5 from baseline through Week 24. Children given ELX/TEZ/IVA had a mean decrease in lung clearance index2.5 of 2.29 units (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.97-2.60) compared with 0.02 units (95% CI, -0.29 to 0.34) in children given placebo (between-group treatment difference, -2.26 units; 95% CI, -2.71 to -1.81; P < 0.0001). ELX/TEZ/IVA treatment also led to improvements in the secondary endpoint of sweat chloride concentration (between-group treatment difference, -51.2 mmol/L; 95% CI, -55.3 to -47.1) and in the other endpoints of percent predicted FEV1 (between-group treatment difference, 11.0 percentage points; 95% CI, 6.9-15.1) and Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised Respiratory domain score (between-group treatment difference, 5.5 points; 95% CI, 1.0-10.0) compared with placebo from baseline through Week 24. The most common adverse events in children receiving ELX/TEZ/IVA were headache and cough (30.0% and 23.3%, respectively); most adverse events were mild or moderate in severity.

Conclusions: In this first randomized, controlled study of a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulator conducted in children 6 through 11 years of age with F/MF genotypes, ELX/TEZ/IVA treatment led to significant improvements in lung function, as well as robust improvements in respiratory symptoms and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator function. ELX/TEZ/IVA was generally safe and well tolerated in this pediatric population with no new safety findings.

Prof. Dr Marcus M Mall (fig.2) is head of the Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.  German Center for Lung Research, Associated Partner, Berlin, Germany.

Ryan MarshHelen GavilletLiam HansonChristabella NgMandisa Mitchell-WhyteGiles MajorAlan R SmythDamian RivettChristopher van der Gast.   Intestinal function and transit associate with gut microbiota dysbiosis in cystic fibrosis.  J Cyst Fibros 2022 May;21(3):506-513.doi.10.1016/j.jcf.2021.11.014. Epub 2021 Dec 8. Free article    pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34895838

Fig. 3    Ryan Marsh researchgate.net

Background: Most people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms and are at risk of gut complications. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is apparent within the CF population across all age groups, with evidence linking dysbiosis to intestinal inflammation and other markers of health. This pilot study aimed to investigate the potential relationships between the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal physiology, transit, and health.
Study design: 
Faecal samples from 10 pwCF and matched controls were subject to 16S rRNA sequencing. Results were combined with clinical metadata and MRI metrics of gut function to investigate relationships.
Results: 
pwCF had significantly reduced microbiota diversity compared to controls. Microbiota compositions were significantly different, suggesting remodelling of core and rarer satellite taxa in CF. Dissimilarity between groups was driven by a variety of taxa, including Escherichia coli, Bacteroides spp., Clostridium spp., and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. The core taxa were explained primarily by CF disease, whilst the satellite taxa were associated with pulmonary antibiotic usage, CF disease, and gut function metrics. Species-specific ordination biplots revealed relationships between taxa and the clinical or MRI-based variables observed.

Conclusions: Alterations in gut function and transit resultant of CF disease are associated with the gut microbiota composition, notably the satellite taxa. Delayed transit in the small intestine might allow for the expansion of satellite taxa resulting in potential downstream consequences for core community function in the colon.

Ryan Marsh (fig.3) is a PhD student in the Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom.

Clémence Martin, Martine Reynaud-Gaubert, Rebecca Hamidfar, Isabelle Durieu, Marlène Murris-Espin, Isabelle Danner-Boucher, Raphaël Chiron, Sylvie Leroy, Benoit Douvry, Dominique Grenet. Laurent Mely, Sophie Ramel, Sylvie Montcouquiol, LydieLemonnier, Espérie Burnet, Jean-Louis Paillasseur, Jennifer Da Silva, Pierre-Régis Burgel. Sustained effectiveness of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor in lung transplant candidates with cystic fibrosis.  J Cyst Fibros. 2022 Feb 2;S1569-1993(22)00032-7.doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.01.012. Online ahead of print pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35123901

Fig. 4 Clemence Martin researchgate.net

Elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor induces rapid clinical improvement in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and advanced pulmonary disease, often leading to suspend the indication for lung transplantation. Yet no long-term data is available in lung transplant candidates.

Methods: Lung transplant candidates (defined as being waitlisted for lung transplantation or considered for listing within 3 months) who have initiated elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor were identified in the French cohort of patients with CF and advanced pulmonary disease. Patients were prospectively followed to evaluate treatment safety and effectiveness from initiation to July 20th, 2021.
Results: Among the 331 patients with advanced CF pulmonary disease who initiated elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor, 65 were lung transplant candidates (17 listed for transplantation, 48 considered for listing within 3 months). Median [IQR] follow-up time was 363 [329; 377] days. At the end of the follow-up period, two patients were transplanted five and 11 days following treatment initiation, two were listed for transplantation, and 61 no longer met transplantation criteria. Improvement in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (ppFEV1) at one month was +13.4% (95% confidence interval, 10.3%-16.5%; P < 0.0001) and remained stable thereafter. Treatment burden decreased substantially, with an 86% decrease in the need for intravenous antibiotics, 59% for oxygen therapy and 62% for non-invasive ventilation.

Conclusion: In lung transplant candidates eligible for elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor, the rapid improvement following initiation of treatment persisted over one year with a reduction in treatment burden and lung transplantation could be safely deferred in most patients.

Clémence Martin (fig.4)  is at the Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, InsermU1016, Paris, France; Respiratory Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis National Reference Center, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France; ERN-Lung CF network, Frankfurt, Germany.

Almudena Marinero Martínez-Lázaro, Rosa María Girón Moreno, Fernando Casals Seoane, Óscar Cano-Valderrama, Luisa García-Buey. Cystic fibrosis with liver involvement in adults has a benign course. Results from a tertiary referral centre cohort. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2022 Nov 10;114. doi: 10.17235/reed.2022.9289/2022. Online ahead of print.   pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36353964/
Background: Cystic Fibrosis Liver Disease is a poorly understood entity, especially in adults, in terms of its real prevalence, natural history and diagnostic criteria, despite being the most important extrapulmonary cause of mortality. The aim was to evaluate the prevalence, characteristics and potential risk factors of liver disease in adults with cystic fibrosis, according to two diagnostic criteria accepted in the scientific literature.
Methods: Patients were recruited in a tertiary referral hospital, and laboratory, ultrasound, non-invasive liver fibrosis tests (AST to Platelet Ratio Index; Fibrosis-4 Index) and transient elastography (Fibroscan) were performed. The proportion of patients with liver disease according to the Debray and Koh criteria were evaluated.
Results: 95 patients were included, 48 (50.5%) females, with a mean age of 30.4 (28.6-32.2) years. According to the Debray criteria, 6 (6.3%) patients presented liver disease. According to the Koh criteria, prevalence increased up to 8.4%, being statistically different from the 25% value described in other published series (p = 0.005). Seven (7.5%) presented ultrasonographic chronic liver disease. Eleven (13%) presented liver fibrosis according to the APRI score; 95 (100%) had a normal FIB-4 value. Mean liver stiffness value was 4.4 (4.1-4.7) kPa. FEV1 (OR=0.16, p 0.05), meconium ileus (OR=14.16, p 0.002), platelets (Pearson coefficient -0.25, p 0.05) and younger age (Pearson coefficient -0.19, p 0.05) were risk factors.

Conclusions: Prevalence and severity of liver disease in adult cystic fibrosis patients were lower than expected. Meconium ileus, platelets, age and respiratory function were confirmed as risk factors associated to cystic fibrosis liver disease.

Almudena Marinero Martínez-Lázaro is at Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos .

Nicole Mayer-Hamblett , Felix Ratjen , Renee Russell , Scott H Donaldson , Kristin A Riekert , Gregory S Sawicki  , Katherine Odem-Davis  , Julia K Young  , Daniel Rosenbluth , Jennifer L Taylor-Cousar , Christopher H Goss , George Retsch-Bogart  , John Paul Clancy , Alan Genatossio , Brian P O’Sullivan  , Ariel Berlinski  , Susan L Millard , Gregory Omlor , Colby A Wyatt, Kathryn Moffett , David P Nichols , Alex H Gifford 20 , SIMPLIFY Study Group.Discontinuation versus continuation of hypertonic saline or dornase alfa in modulator treated people with cystic fibrosis (SIMPLIFY): results from two parallel, multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial. Lancet Respir Med. 2022 Nov 4;S2213-2600(22)00434-9. doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(22)00434-9. Online ahead of print.    pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36343646/

Fig. 5   Nicole Mayer-Hamblett. Seattle Children’s 

Background: Reducing treatment burden is a priority for people with cystic fibrosis, whose health has benefited from using new modulators that substantially increase CFTR protein function. The SIMPLIFY study aimed to assess the effects of discontinuing nebulised hypertonic saline or dornase alfa in individuals using the CFTR modulator elexacaftor plus tezacaftor plus ivacaftor (ETI).
Methods: The SIMPLIFY study included two parallel, multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trials at 80 participating clinics across the USA in the Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutics Development Network. We included individuals with cystic fibrosis aged 12-17 years with percent predicted FEV1 (ppFEV1) of 70% or more, or those aged 18 years or older with ppFEV1 of 60% or more, if they had been taking ETI and either (or both) mucoactive therapies (≥3% hypertonic saline or dornase alfa) for at least 90 days before screening. Participants on both hypertonic saline and dornase alfa were randomly assigned to one of the two trials, and those on a single therapy were assigned to the applicable trial. All participants were then randomly assigned 1:1 to continue or discontinue therapy for 6 weeks using permuted blocks of varying size, stratified by baseline ppFEV1 (week 0; ≥90% or <90%), single or concurrent use of hypertonic saline and dornase alfa, previous SIMPLIFY study participation (yes or no), and age (≥18 or <18 years). For participants randomly assigned to continue their therapy during a given trial, this therapy was instructed to be taken at least once daily according to each participant’s pre-existing, clinically prescribed regimen. Hypertonic saline concentration was required to be at least 3%. The primary objective for each trial was to determine whether discontinuing was non-inferior to continuing, measured by the 6-week change in ppFEV1 in the per-protocol population. We established a non-inferiority margin of -3% for the difference between groups in the 6-week change in ppFEV1. Safety outcomes were analysed in the intention-to-treat population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04378153.
Findings: From Aug 25, 2020, to May 25, 2022, a total of 672 unique participants were screened for eligibility for one or both trials, resulting in 847 total random assignments across both trials with 594 unique participants. 370 participants were randomly assigned in the hypertonic saline trial and 477 in the dornase alfa trial. Participants across both trials had an average ppFEV1 of 96·9%. Discontinuing treatment was non-inferior to continuing treatment with respect to the absolute 6-week change in ppFEV1 in both the hypertonic saline trial (-0·19% [95% CI -0·85 to 0·48] in the discontinuation group [n=133] vs 0·14% [-0·51 to 0·78] in the continuation group [n=140]; between-group difference -0·32% [-1·25 to 0·60]) and dornase alfa trial (0·18% [-0·38 to 0·74] in the discontinuation group [n=199] vs -0·16% [-0·73 to 0·41] in the continuation group [n=193]; between-group difference 0·35% [-0·45 to 1·14]), with consistent results in the intention-to-treat populations. In the hypertonic saline trial, 64 (35%) of 184 in the discontinuation group versus 44 (24%) of 186 participants in the continuation group and, in the dornase alfa trial, 89 (37%) of 240 in the discontinuation group versus 55 (23%) of 237 in the continuation group had at least one adverse event.

Interpretation: In individuals with cystic fibrosis on ETI with relatively well preserved pulmonary function, discontinuing daily hypertonic saline or dornase alfa for 6 weeks did not result in clinically meaningful differences in pulmonary function when compared with continuing treatment.

Nicole Mayer-Hamblett (fig.5) is at the Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

Gerry McLachlanEric W F W AltonA Christopher BoydNora K ClarkeJane C DaviesDeborah R GillUta GriesenbachJack W HickmottStephen C HydeKamran M MiahClaudia Juarez Molina   Progress in Respiratory Gene TherapyHum Gene Ther 2022 Sep;33(17-18):893-912.doi: 10.1089/hum.2022.172. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36074947/

Fig. 6  Gerry Mclachlan ed.ac.uk

The prospect of gene therapy for inherited and acquired respiratory disease has energized the research community since the 1980s, with cystic fibrosis, as a monogenic disorder, driving early efforts to develop effective strategies. The fact that there are still no approved gene therapy products for the lung, despite many early phase clinical trials, illustrates the scale of the challenge: In the 1990s, first-generation non-viral and viral vector systems demonstrated proof-of-concept but low efficacy. Since then, there has been steady progress toward improved vectors with the capacity to overcome at least some of the formidable barriers presented by the lung. In addition, the inclusion of features such as codon optimization and promoters providing long-term expression have improved the expression characteristics of therapeutic transgenes. Early approaches were based on gene addition, where a new DNA copy of a gene is introduced to complement a genetic mutation: however, the advent of RNA-based products that can directly express a therapeutic protein or manipulate gene expression, together with the expanding range of tools for gene editing, has stimulated the development of alternative approaches. This review discusses the range of vector systems being evaluated for lung delivery; the variety of cargoes they deliver, including DNA, antisense oligonucleotides, messenger RNA (mRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and peptide nucleic acids; and exemplifies progress in selected respiratory disease indications.

Dr Gerry McLachlan (fig 6) is group leader and Senior Research Fellow at The Roslin Institute & R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, and with the UK Respiratory Gene Therapy Consortium, London, United Kingdom.

Ernestina MelicoffFadel E RuizKathleen HosekGeorge B Mallory.  Cystic Fibrosis Lung Transplant Recipients 10 years of age or Younger: Predisposing Factors for End-stage DiseasePediatr Pulmonol 2022 Mar 3.doi: 10.1002/ppul.25882. Online ahead of print. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35243829/

Fig. 7  Ernestina
Melicoff
bcm.edu

Background: The largest age group among children and adolescents referred for lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis (CF) have been those in the pubertal or post pubertal age range. However, over 100 younger patients with CF have undergone lung transplantation over the last three decades in the USA.
Methods: We performed a retrospective review of our experience with 18 children with CF who underwent lung transplantation in our center before the age of 11 years and compared them to our older CF lung transplant recipients and our larger CF Center population.
Results: The transplant population was demographically distinct from our CF center in terms of ethnicity, country of origin, and insurance status. Other notable findings were a high prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a high prevalence of CF-related diabetes mellitus and a high prevalence of consolidated lobar or whole lung disease. Post-transplant outcomes were comparable to those older than 10 years of age in our center until five years after transplant after which the younger cohort showed a superior enduring survival.
Conclusions: In an era of increasingly effective medications modifying the natural history of CF, identification of risk factors for early severe lung disease in CF remains relevant to permit interventions to prevent or postpone the time of future lung transplantation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Dr Enestina Melicoff (fig.7) is in the Section of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital.

Xochitl MellorTerri SchindlerShahrazad SaabErica RoeschThomas SferraSenthilkumar Sankararaman. Eosinophilic esophagitis in cystic fibrosis: A case series with long-term follow-upPediatr Pulmonol 2022 Jun;57(6):1557-1561.doi: 10.1002/ppul.25912. Epub 2022 Apr 11. [Pubmed]
Challenging mealtime behaviors in young children and difficulties in meeting their dietary intake recommendations are sources of parenting stress and associated with negative quality of life. The gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) can often present similarly to a GI pathology unrelated to CF. Specifically, this case series focuses on three toddlers with CF who presented with oral aversion and challenging mealtime behaviors and later were diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Though EoE often presents with dysphagia, younger patients commonly present with nonspecific GI symptoms such as regurgitation, emesis, abdominal pain, failure to thrive, food intolerance, and oral aversion. Given the overlap of GI manifestations in CF and EoE, it can be challenging for clinicians to diagnose the coexistent EoE in patients with CF. We describe the presenting symptoms, treatment, and successful outcomes of three pediatric patients with CF and EoE. To our knowledge, this is the second case series with a detailed description of EoE in CF.

Xochitl Mellor  is a paediatrician in the Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, US

Lina MerjanehSana HasanNader KasimKatie Larson Ode. The role of modulators in cystic fibrosis related diabetesJ Clin Transl Endocrinol  2021 Dec 7;27:100286.doi: 10.1016/j.jcte.2021.100286.eCollection 2022 Mar. Free PMC article   [Pubmed]

Fig 8 Lina Merjaneh seattlechildrens.org

The development and introduction of modulator therapies have completely shifted the paradigm for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). Highly effective modulator therapies have driven marked improvements in lung function, exacerbation rate, weight and quality of life in CF patients. However, their effect on CF related diabetes (CFRD) is not well delineated. The role of CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in CFRD pathogenesis is inadequately understood and research aimed at deciphering the underlying mechanisms of CFRD continues to evolve.

In this review, we summarize what is known regarding the effect of CFTR modulators on CFRD. Small studies using ivacaftor monotherapy in gating mutations have revealed improvement in insulin secretion, glucose tolerance and/or decrease in insulin requirement. However, lumacaftor/ivacaftor studies (primarily in delta F 508 homozygous) have not revealed significant improvement in CFRD or glucose tolerance. No studies are yet available regarding the effect of the highly effective triple therapy (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) on CFRD or insulin secretion. CFTR modulators might affect development or progression of CFRD through many mechanisms including improving insulin secretion by correcting the CFTR defect directly, improving ductal function, reducing islet inflammation, and improving incretin secretion or by enhancing insulin sensitivity via reduced systemic inflammation and increased physical activity driven by improved lung function and quality of life. On the other hand, they can stimulate appetite and improve gastrointestinal function resulting in increased caloric intake and absorption, driving excessive weight gain and potentially increased insulin resistance. If the defect in insulin secretion is reversible then it is possible that initiation of CFTR modulators at a younger age might help prevent CFRD. Despite the advances in CF management, CFRD remains a challenge and knowledge continues to evolve. Future studies will drive better understanding of the role of highly effective CFTR modulators in CFRD.

Dr Lina Merjaneh (fig. 8) is a pediatric endocrinologist and Assistant Professor at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Julie Mésinèle Manon RuffinLoïc GuillotPierre-Yves BoëlleHarriet CorvolOn Behalf Of The French Cf Modifier Gene Study Investigators Factors predisposing the response to Lumacaftor/ivacaftor in people with cystic fibrosis. J Pers Med 2022 Feb 10;12(2):252.doi: 10.3390/jpm12020252.       Free PMC article pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35207740

 Fig. 9  Julie Mesinele

Lumacaftor/ivacaftor (LUMA-IVA) therapy is prescribed to people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) homozygous for the Phe508del-CFTR variant to restore CFTR protein function. There is, however, large inter-individual variability in treatment response. Here, we seek to identify clinical and/or genetic factors that may modulate the response to this CFTR modulator therapy.

A total of 765 pwCF older than 12 years under LUMA-IVA therapy and with lung function and nutritional measurements available before and after treatment initiation were included. Response to treatment was determined by the change in lung function and nutritional status, from baseline and over the first two years after initiation, and it was assessed by weighted generalized estimating equation models. Gains in lung function and nutritional status were observed after 6 months of treatment (on average 2.11 ± 7.81% for percent predicted FEV1 and 0.44 ± 0.77 kg/m2 for BMI) and sustained over the 2 years.

We observed that the more severe patients gained the most in lung function and nutritional status. While females started with a nutritional status more impaired than males, they had a larger response and regained BMI Z-score values similar to men after 2 years of treatment. We observed no association between variants in solute carrier (SLC) genes and the respiratory function response to LUMA-IVA, but the SLC6A14 rs12839137 variant was associated with the nutritional response. Further investigations, including other genomic regions, will be needed to fully explore the inter-individual variability of the response to LUMA-IVA.

Dr Julie Mésinèle (fig.9) is Post-Doctoral Researcher in Biostatistics at the Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Inserm, Sorbonne Université, 75012 Paris, France. and Hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (iPLESP), Inserm, Sorbonne Université, 75012 Paris, France

Brittany Miles, Jay Chacko, Mohammed Zaidan. The Impact of Elexacaftor/Ivacaftor/Tezacaftor on Cystic Fibrosis Patients Who Acquire COVID-19 Infection    Cureus. 2022 Sep 17;14(9):e29276. doi: 10.7759/cureus.29276. eCollection 2022 Sep   pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36277555
The combination of medication containing elexacaftor, ivacaftor, and tezacaftor (EIT) has dramatically impacted the treatment and prognosis for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Lung function, weight, and self-reported quality of life have improved for many of these patients, but little is known about whether this treatment will have a beneficial effect in preventing morbidity and/or mortality from respiratory infections such as COVID-19. EIT received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval shortly before the first cases of COVID-19 appeared in the United States. We performed an analysis using the TriNetX (Cambridge, MA, USA) research database to determine if patients being treated with EIT who became infected with COVID-19 experienced significantly different outcomes compared to patients who were not receiving it.

Brittany Miles is at Medical Education and Radiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA.

Amir Moheet Antoinette MoranNew concepts in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.  J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2022 Feb 2;dgac020.doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgac020.Online ahead of print.   pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35106591/

Fig 10 Amir Moheet med.umn.edu

Context: Cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) is the most common extra pulmonary complication of cystic fibrosis (CF). Around 40% of people with CF above age 20 have CFRD. Presence of CFRD is associated with poor health outcomes in people with CF.
Objective: This review summarizes current knowledge on pathophysiology of CFRD.
Methods: A PubMed review of the literature was conducted, and search terms included CFRD, cystic fibrosis, cystic fibrosis related diabetes, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Additional sources were identified through manual searches of reference lists. The pathophysiology underlying development of glucose tolerance abnormalities in CF is complex and not fully understood. β-cell loss and functional impairment of the remaining β-cell function results in progressive insulin insufficiency. Factors that may contribute to development in CFRD include local islet and systemic inflammation, alterations in the incretion hormone axis, varying degrees of insulin resistance and genetic factors related to type 2 diabetes
Conclusion: The prevalence of CFRD is expected to further increase with improving life expectancy of people with CF. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the development of CFRD and the impact of diabetes on clinical outcomes in CF.

Dr Amir Moheet (Fig 10) is in the Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dr Antoinette Moran is in the Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Majid Moshirfar, Alex H Brown, Christian A Sulit, Wyatt M Corbin , Yasmyne C Ronquillo , Phillip C Hoopes.  Corneal Refractive Surgery Considerations in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis and Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator-Related Disorders. Int Med Case Rep J. 2022 Nov 9;15:647-656. doi: 10.2147/IMCRJ.S381078. eCollection 2022.  Free PMC article pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36388243/

Fig. 11  Majid Moshirfar

This article discusses common ocular manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-related disorders (CFTR-RD). A structured approach for assessing and treating patients with CF/CFTR-RD seeking corneal refractive surgery is proposed, as well as a novel surgical risk scoring system. We also report two patients with various manifestations of CFTR dysfunction who presented for refractive surgery and the outcomes of the procedures. Surgeons seeking to perform refractive surgery on patients with CF/CFTR-RD should be aware of mild to severe clinical manifestations of CFTR dysfunction. Specific systemic and ocular manifestations of CF include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, recurrent pulmonary infections, CF-related diabetes and liver disease, pancreatic insufficiency, conjunctival xerosis, night blindness, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and blepharitis. Corneal manifestations include dry eye disease (DED), punctate keratitis (PK), filamentary keratitis (FK), xerophthalmia, and decreased endothelial cell density and central corneal thickness. Utilization of the appropriate review of systems (ROS) and screening tests will assist in determining if the patient is a suitable candidate for refractive surgery, as CF/CFTR-RD can impact the health of the cornea. Collaboration with other medical professionals who care for these patients is encouraged to ensure that their CF/CFTR-RD symptoms are best controlled via systemic and other treatment options. This will assist in reducing the severity of their ocular manifestations before and after surgery.

Majid Moshirfar (fig.11)  is the director of the Moran Eye Center’s Refractive Surgery Program and Cornea Program. the Hoopes Vision Research Center, Hoopes Vision, Draper, UT, USA.    John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.Utah Lions Eye Bank, Murray, UT, USA

Danya MuilwijkEyleen de PoelPeter van MourikSylvia W F SuenAnnelotte M Vonk Jesse E Brunsveld  et al.(please see PubMed abstract for full author list).  Forskolin-induced Organoid Swelling is Associated with Long-term CF Disease ProgressionEur Respir J 2022 Jan 27;2100508.doi: 10.1183/13993003.00508-2021. Online ahead of print.  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3506832

Fig. 13 Eileen de Poel

Fig.12 Danya Muilwijk nl.linkedin.com

Rationale: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic life-shortening disease associated with highly variable individual disease progression which is difficult to predict. Here we assessed the association of forskolin-induced swelling (FIS) of patient-derived organoids (PDO) with long-term CF disease progression in multiple organs and compared FIS with the golden standard biomarker sweat chloride concentration (SCC).
Methods: We retrieved 9-year longitudinal clinical data from the Dutch CF Registry of 173 people with mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Individual CFTR function was defined by FIS, measured as the relative size increase of intestinal organoids after stimulation with 0.8 µM forskolin, quantified as area under the curve (AUC). We used linear mixed effect models and multivariable logistic regression to estimate the association of FIS with long-term FEV1pp decline and development of pancreatic insufficiency, CF-related liver disease and diabetes. Within these models, FIS was compared with SCC.
Results: FIS was strongly associated with longitudinal changes of lung function, with an estimated difference in annual FEV1pp decline of 0.32% (95%CI: 0.11%-0.54%; p=0.004) per 1000-points change in AUC. Moreover, increasing FIS levels were associated with lower odds of developing pancreatic insufficiency (adjusted OR: 0.18, 95%CI: 0.07-0.46, p<0.001), CF-related liver disease (adjusted OR: 0.18, 95%CI: 0.06-0.54, p=0.002) and diabetes (adjusted OR: 0.34, 95%CI: 0.12-0.97, p=0.044). These associations were absent for SCC.

Conclusion: This study exemplifies the prognostic value of a PDO-based biomarker within a clinical setting, which is especially important for people carrying rare CFTR mutations with unclear clinical consequences.

Danya Muilwijk (fig.12) is a PhD candidate in the Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Eyleen de Poel  (fig.13)  is in the Department of Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands and Medical Science Liaison at Chiesi Nederland

Danya Muilwijk , Domenique D Zomer-van Ommen  , Vincent A M Gulmans , Marinus J C Eijkemans , Cornelis K van der Ent , Dutch Cystic Fibrosis Registry (NCFR) Steering Group: Long-term effectiveness of dual CFTR modulator treatment of cystic fibrosis. ERJ Open Res. 2022 Nov 14;8(4):00204-2022.  doi: 10.1183/23120541.00204-2022. eCollection 2022 Oct.  Free PMC article   pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36382237/

 Fig. 14   Danya Muilwijk    www.linkedin.com 

Background: Although short-term efficacy of lumacaftor/ivacaftor and tezacaftor/ivacaftor is clearly established in clinical trials, data on long-term effectiveness is limited. This registry-based cohort study assessed real-world longitudinal outcomes of F508del-homozygous people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) ‚â•12 years, up to 3 years after the introduction of dual cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators.
Methods: Annual data (2010-2019) were retrieved from the Dutch Cystic Fibrosis Registry. Longitudinal trends of per cent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 % pred) decline, body mass index (BMI), BMI Z-score and intravenous antibiotic treatment duration before and after CFTR modulator initiation were assessed with linear and negative binomial mixed models.
Results: We included 401 participants (41.9% female, baseline age 24.5 years (IQR 18.0-31.5 years), baseline mean±sd FEV1 70.5±23.4% pred). FEV1 decline improved from -1.36% pred per year to -0.48% pred per year after modulator initiation (change: 0.88% pred, 95% CI: 0.35-1.39%, p=0.001). This change was even 1.40% pred per year (95% CI: -0.0001-2.82%, p=0.050) higher in participants with baseline FEV1 <40% pred. In adults, annual BMI trend was not altered (change: 0.10 kg·m-2·year-1, 95% CI:-0.01-0.21, p=0.079). Annual BMI Z-score in children reversed from -0.08 per year before modulator treatment to 0.06 per year afterwards (change: 0.14 per year, 95% CI: 0.06-0.22, p<0.001). Intravenous antibiotic treatment duration showed a three-fold reduction in the first year after modulator initiation (incidence rate ratios (IRR): 0.28, 95% CI: 0.19-0.40, p<0.001), but the annual trend did not change in the subsequent years (IRR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.94-1.50, p=0.153).

Conclusion: Long-term effectiveness of dual CFTR modulator therapies on FEV1 decline, BMI and intravenous antibiotic treatment duration is less pronounced in a real-world setting than in clinical trials and varies considerably between pwCF and different baseline FEV1 levels

Dr Danya Muilwijk (fig.14) is a PhD candidate in the Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

David P NicholsAlex C PaynterSonya L HeltsheScott H DonaldsonCarla A FrederickSteven D Freedman and the other members of the PROMISE Study group. Clinical Effectiveness of Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor in People with Cystic Fibrosis: A Clinical TrialAm J Respir Crit Care Med. 2022 Mar 1;205(5):529-539 doi: 10.1164/rccm.202108-1986OC     Free PMC article  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34784492/

Fig.15  David Nichols seattle childrens.org

Rationale: The cystic fibrosis (CF) modulator drug, elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI), proved highly effective in controlled clinical trials for individuals with at least one F508del allele, which occurs in at least 85% of people with CF.
Objectives: PROMISE is a post-approval study to understand the broad effects of ETI through 30 months’ clinical use in a more diverse U.S. patient population with planned analyses after 6 months Methods: Prospective, observational study in 487 people with CF age 12 years or older with at least one F508del allele starting ETI for the first time. Assessments occurred before and 1, 3, and 6 months into ETI therapy. Outcomes included change in percent predicted FEV1 (ppFEV1), sweat chloride concentration, body mass index (BMI), and self-reported respiratory symptoms.
Measurements and Main Results: Average age was 25.1 years, and 44.1% entered the study using tezacaftor/ivacaftor or lumacaftor/ivacaftor, whereas 6.7% were using ivacaftor, consistent with F508del homozygosity and G551D allele, respectively. At 6 months into ETI therapy, ppFEV1 improved 9.76 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.76 to 10.76) from baseline, cystic fibrosis questionnaire-revised respiratory domain score improved 20.4 points (95% CI, 18.3 to 22.5), and sweat chloride decreased -41.7 mmol/L (95% CI, -43.8 to -39.6). BMI also significantly increased. Changes were larger in those naive to modulators but substantial in all groups, including those treated with ivacaftor at baseline.

Conclusions: ETI by clinical prescription provided large improvements in lung function, respiratory symptoms, and BMI in a diverse population naive to modulator drug therapy, using existing two-drug combinations, or using ivacaftor alone. Each group also experienced significant reductions in sweat chloride concentration, which correlated with improved ppFEV1 in the overall study population. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT NCT04038047).

Dr David P Nichols (fig.15) is at the Department of Pediatrics, and. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics Development Network Coordinating Center, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.

Victoria C Nolan, James Harrison, Jonathan A G Cox. Manuka honey in combination with azithromycin shows potential for improved activity against Mycobacterium abscessus. Cell Surf. 2022 Nov 17;8:100090. doi: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2022.100090. eCollection 2022 Dec.PMID: 36452962
Free PMC article    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36452962/

Fig. 14  Victoria C Nolan
ResarchGate

Mycobacterium abscessus is an increasingly prevalent opportunistic pathogen causing both pulmonary and skin and soft tissue infections. It is of increasing concern for immunocompromised individuals, such as those with cystic fibrosis, due to its highly drug resistant nature and ability to evade the host immune system. Current treatments for M. abscessus pulmonary infections are largely ineffective and treatment outcomes are generally poor, thus we urgently require new treatments to combat these infections. Recently, it has been demonstrated that manuka honey is effective against M. abscessus and can improve the inhibitory effect of amikacin. Here, we explore the potential improvement of both azithromycin and tobramycin with the addition of manuka honey against M. abscessus complex. Improved growth inhibition was observed for azithromycin with manuka honey against all M. abscessus subspecies. Improved bactericidal activity was also observed. Importantly, the macrolide resistant M. abscessus subsp. bolletii showed improved inhibition and bactericidal activity was obtained in response to 0.117 g/mL manuka honey MGO40 with 16 µg/mL azithromycin. No improved activity was observed for tobramycin and manuka honey against any of the M. abscessus isolates tested. This demonstrates the potential for antibiotic enhancement by the addition of manuka honey, furthering the applications of therapeutic manuka honey

Victoria C Nolan (Fig. 14) is at the School of Life and Health Sciences, Department of Biology, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.

Nowak JK, Wykrętowicz A, Mądry E, Krauze T, Drzymała-Czyż S, Krzyżanowska-Jankowska P, Sobkowiak P, Schneider A, Goździk-Spychalska J, Kurek S, Kononets V, Kashirskaya N, Lisowska A, Walkowiak J.    Preclinical atherosclerosis in cystic fibrosis: Two distinct presentations are related to pancreatic status. J Cyst Fibros. 2022 Jan;21(1):26-33. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2021.06.010. Epub 2021 Jul 10. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34253491/

Fig. 15 Jaroslaw Walkowiak
jus.ump.edu.pl

Background: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are exposed to overlapping cardiovascular risk factors. We hypothesized that CF is characterized by increased arterial stiffness and greater intima-media thickness (IMT).
Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the digital volume pulse arterial stiffness index (SIDVP) using photopletysmography, measured intima-media complex thickness (IMT) at the common carotid artery, and obtained an extended set of clinical and atherosclerosis-related laboratory parameters.
Results: Fifty-five patients with moderate-to-severe CF (mean age 26.3±8.6 years, BMI 20.3±3.1 kg/m2, FEV1 62±26%) and 51 healthy controls (25.1±4.4 years, BMI 21.7±3.0 kg/m2) entered the study. SIDVP was greater in pancreatic insufficient (PI), but not pancreatic sufficient (PS) CF patients compared with control (7.3±1.8 m/s vs 6.0±1.2 m/s; p=7.1 × 10-5). IMT was increased in PS (but not PI) participants relative to control (552±69 µm vs 456±95 µm, p=0.0011). SIDVP was also greater in PI than in PS patients (7.3±1.8 m/s vs 6.3±1.7 m/s, p=0.0232) and IMT was higher in PS compared with PI (552±69 µm vs 453±82 µm, p=0.0002). SIDVP independently associated with age, PI, the lack of liver cirrhosis, and with Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization. PS was the only independent correlate of IMT in CF.

Conclusions: PI patients are at risk of developing general arterial stiffness. PS may relate to carotid IMT thickening, which underscores the need for further study that could lead to reconsideration of dietary guidance in PS CF.

JK Nowak is at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan, Poland.

Jarosław Walkowiak (fig.15)  is Professor in that department.

Léa Okroglie , Pierre Sohier , Clémence Martin , Coralie Lheure , Nathalie Franck, Isabelle Honoré , Reem Kanaan , Pierre-Régis Burgel , Agnès Carlotti  , Nicolas Dupin , Bénédicte Oulès. Acneiform Eruption Following Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor Treatment in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis. JAMA Dermatol. 2022 Nov 30. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.5208. Online ahead of print.  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36449298/

Fig. 16 Léa Okroglic fondsdedotation.sfdermato.org

Importance: A new treatment for cystic fibrosis combining 3 CFTR modulators-elexacaftor (ELX), tezacaftor (TEZ), and ivacaftor (IVA)-has recently been approved for cystic fibrosis treatment. The cutaneous adverse effects following treatment with this combination are poorly described in the literature.
Objective: To describe the clinicopathological features and treatment response of ELX-TEZ-IVA-associated acneiform eruptions in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Design, setting, and participants: This case series study was conducted in the Dermatology Department of Cochin Hospital, Paris, France, from July 2021 to June 2022 in collaboration with the Cochin Reference Center for Cystic Fibrosis. Referred patients were examined by senior dermatologists. All patients with cystic fibrosis treated with ELX-TEZ-IVA and referred for an acneiform rash were included.
Exposures: Treatment with ELX-TEZ-IVA.
Main outcomes and measures: Onset of acneiform rash, type of lesions, and degree of severity, as well as treatments initiated and response, were evaluated. When performed, skin biopsies were reviewed.Results: This study included 16 patients (11 women [68.7%]) with a median (range) age of 27 (22-38) years. Six patients (37.5%) developed new-onset acneiform rashes, whereas 10 patients (62.5%) had a relapse (5 patients) or worsening (5 patients) of previous acne. The median (range) onset of acneiform rash was 45 (15-150) days. At inclusion, 11 patients (68.7%) had facial hyperseborrhea, 15 patients (93.7%) had noninflammatory lesions, and 14 (87.5%) had inflammatory lesions of seborrheic regions. Four patients (25.0%) had severe acne with deep inflammatory lesions and pitted scars. A specific pathological pattern of necrotizing infundibular crystalline folliculitis was observed in 4 patients. Topical acne treatments, antibiotics, and isotretinoin were used successfully in these patients, resulting in partial or complete remission in 12 patients (85.7% of patients reevaluated).

Conclusions and relevance: This case series study found that acneiform eruption is an adverse event associated with ELX-TEZ-IVA treatment in patients with cystic fibrosis. Most patients developed mild lesions. However, isotretinoin treatment may be necessary in some patients. The mechanism of ELX-TEZ-IVA-associated acneiform eruption is currently unknown, but the observation of necrotizing infundibular crystalline folliculitis in biopsied patients may guide further exploration.

Léa Okroglic (fig. 16) is in the Department of Dermatology, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, AP-HP.Centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France

Sophia Theres PallenbergSibylle JungeFelix C RingshausenAnnette Sauer-HeilbornGesine HansenAnna Maria DittrichBurkhard TümmlerManuel Nietert.  CFTR modulation with elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor in people with cystic fibrosis assessed by the β-adrenergic sweat rate assay. J Cyst Fibros 2022 May;21(3):442-447.doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2021.10.005. Epub 2021 Oct 29. Free article pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34756683/

Fig. 17 Sophia There’s Pallenberg research gate.net

Background: The cystic fibrosis (CF) sweat gland is defective in β-adrenergically-stimulated sweat secretion in the coil and chloride reabsorption in the duct. Whereas chloride reabsorption is regularly assessed by quantitative pilocarpine iontophoresis (QPIT), the measurement of β-adrenergic sweat secretion is not yet established in clinical practice
Methods: A novel sweat bubble imaging protocol was developed that determines sweat secretion rates by automatic recording, processing and quality control of the kinetics of sweat droplet formation.
Results: Treatment of CF patients with the CFTR modulators elexacaftor, tezacaftor and ivacaftor reduced the sweat chloride concentration measured in QPIT in the majority of patients to values in the intermediate or normal range. In contrast, the β-adrenergically-stimulated sweat secretion rate assayed by the automated bubble sweat test was normalized in only 3 patients, slightly increased in 12 patients and remained undetectable in 8 patients.

Conclusions: β-adrenergic sweat stimulation in the coil is apparently rather stringent in its requirements for a wild type CFTR conformation whereas chloride reabsorption in the duct tolerates residual structural and functional deficits of native or pharmacologically rescued mutant CFTR in the apical membrane.

Sophia Theres Pallenberg (fig.17) is a clinical scientist in the Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology in, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.

Petersen MC, Begnel L, Wallendorf M, Litvin M. Effect of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor on body weight and metabolic parameters in adults with cystic fibrosis. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis. 21(2):265-271, 2022 03.   

Fig.18 Max C Petersen endocrinology.wustl.edu

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34862121/

Background: Though weight gain has been reported in some clinical trials of CFTR modulators, the effect of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor on body weight, body  ass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipids and glycemic control in the real-world setting remains incompletely described.

Methods: We performed a single-center, retrospective, observational analysis of the effect of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor on body weight and cardiometabolic parameters in 134 adult CF patients of the Washington University Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center. Body weight, BMI, and blood pressure were extracted from outpatient clinic visits for the year preceding and the period following the initiation of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor. Other metabolic parameters were extracted at baseline and at latest available follow-up

Results: A mean of 12.2 months of follow-up data was available for analysis. The mean rate of change in BMI was 1.47 kg/m2/yr (95% CI, 1.08 to 1.87) greater after initiation of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor. Significant increases in blood pressure were observed. In those without CFRD, random blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c were decreased after elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor initiation. In those with CFRD, elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor increased serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol.

Conclusions: In this single-center, retrospective, observational study of 134 adults with CF, initiation of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor was associated with increases in BMI at a mean follow up of 12.2 months. Changes in other cardiometabolic risk factors were also observed. Widespread use of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor may be expected to increase the incidence of overnutrition in the CF population.

Max C Petersen (fig.18) is in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, & Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Poore TS, Taylor-Cousar JL, Zemanick ET.   Cardiovascular complications in cystic fibrosis: A review of the literature.J Cyst Fibros. 2022 Jan;21(1):18-25. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2021.04.016. Epub 2021 Jun 14. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34140249/

Fig. 19 Thomas S Poore Childrens of Alabama

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, leading to dysfunction of the CFTR protein. CFTR dysfunction leads to disease in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Disorders of the cardiovascular system in individuals with CF are usually attributed to secondary effects from progressive lung disease. However, CFTR has been localized to vascular endothelium and smooth muscle, suggesting that CFTR dysfunction may directly impact cardiovascular function. As treatments for CF improve and life-expectancy increases, the risk of vascular disease may increase in prevalence related to primary and secondary CFTR dysfunction, chronic systemic inflammation, nutritional health and hyperglycemia in individuals with CF related diabetes. Here we review the available literature on CF and the cardiovascular system, examining the secondary effects and evidence for direct CFTR dysfunction in the heart, aorta, pulmonary vessels, and vasculature, as well as future directions and treatment options.

Thomas Spencer Poore (fig.19) is in the Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.

Magdalena PostekKatarzyna Walicka-SerzyskoJustyna MilczewskaDorota SandsWhat Is Most Suitable for Children With Cystic Fibrosis-The Relationship Between Spirometry, Oscillometry, and Multiple Breath Nitrogen WashoutFront Pediatr 2022 Jan 14;9:692949.doi: 10.3389/fped.2021.692949.eCollection 2021.Free PMC article  [Pubmed]

Fig. 21 Dorota Sands szpitaldziekanow.pl

Fig. 20 Magdalena Postek research gate.net

Introduction:In cystic fibrosis (CF), pathological lung changes begin early in life. The technological progress currently gives many diagnostic possibilities. However, pulmonary function testing in children remains problematic.
Objectives:Our study aimed to correlate the results of impulse oscillometry (IOS) with those of multiple breath nitrogen washout (MBNW) in our pediatric CF population. We also compared those parameters between the groups with and without spirometric features of obturation.
Methods:We collected 150 pulmonary function test sets, including spirometry, IOS, and MBNW in patients with CF aged 12.08 ± 3.85 years [6-18]. The study group was divided into two subgroups: IA (without obturation) and IB (with obturation). We also compared Sacin, Scond, and oscillometry parameters of 20 patients aged 14-18 years who reached the appropriate tidal volume (VT) during MBNW.
Results:Statistical analysis showed a negative correlation between lung clearance index (LCI) and spimoetric parameters. Comparison of subgroups IA (n = 102) and IB (n = 48) indicated a statistically significant difference in LCI (p < 0.001) and FEV1z-score (p < 0.001), FEV1% pred (p < 0.001), MEF25z-score (p < 0.001), MEF50 z-score (p < 0.001), MEF75 z-score (p < 0.001), R5% pred (p < 0.05), and R20% pred (p < 0.01). LCI higher than 7.91 was found in 75.33% of the study group, in subgroup IB-91.67%, and IA-67.6%.

Conclusions:LCI derived from multiple breath nitrogen washout (MBNW) may be a better tool than impulse oscillometry (IOS) for assessing pulmonary function in patients with CF, particularly those who cannot perform spirometry.

Dr Magdalena Postek (fug.20) is in the Cystic Fibrosis Department, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland and the Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Pediatric Hospital, Dziekanów Leśny, Poland.

Prof. Dorota Sands (fig. 21) is a senior Paediatrician and coordinator at the Cystic Fibrosis Centre.

Marjolein MijndersSabine A FuchsEdward E S NieuwenhuisPossible applications of organoids in medicine. Ned TijdschrGeneeskd  2022 Jan 12;166:D6011.   35138705  [Article in Dutch]      [Pubmed]

Fig. 22 Marjolein Mijnders uu.nl

With the development of organoids as three-dimensional model organs it is now possible to mimic the growth of human organs in a culture dish. As these model organs can be generated from patients’ (diseased) tissue and capture the (genetic) properties thereof, they are more representative disease models than cell lines and animal models. The use of organoids in pathophysiological research has already increased our understanding of many human diseases. Furthermore, organoids are used for patient-specific drug tests for cystic fibrosis, and this will soon be possible for other genetic diseases. Also, transplantation of (own genetically corrected) organoids could become a new treatment option. To fully employ the potential of organoids in medicine, cultures need to be standardized and further optimized for better organ/disease representation. With this, organoids hold the promise to quickly revolutionize personalized and regenerative medicine.

Dr Marjolein Mijndersis (fig. 22) is at  UMC Utrecht, Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, afd. Maag-, Darm- en Leverziekten, Utrecht.

Scott Mastromatteo, Angela Chen,  Jiafen Gong, Fan Lin, Bhooma Thiruvahindrapuram, Wilson W L Sung, et al. ++.  High-quality read-based phasing of cystic fibrosis cohort informs genetic understanding of disease modification. HGG Adv. 2022 Oct 20;4(1):100156. doi: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2022.100156. eCollection 2023 Jan 12. 
Free PMC article  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36386424/

Fig. 23 Scott Mastromatteo LinkedIn

Phasing of heterozygous alleles is critical for interpretation of cis-effects of disease-relevant variation. We sequenced 477 individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) using linked-read sequencing, which display an average phase block N50 of 4.39 Mb. We use these samples to construct a graph representation of CFTR haplotypes, demonstrating its utility for understanding complex CF alleles. These are visualized in a Web app, CFTbaRcodes, that enables interactive exploration of CFTR haplotypes present in this cohort. We perform fine-mapping and phasing of the chr7q35 trypsinogen locus associated with CF meconium ileus, an intestinal obstruction at birth associated with more severe CF outcomes and pancreatic disease. A 20-kb deletion polymorphism and a PRSS2 missense variant p.Thr8Ile (rs62473563) are shown to independently contribute to meconium ileus risk (p = 0.0028, p = 0.011, respectively) and are PRSS2 pancreas eQTLs (p = 9.5 × 10-7 and p = 1.4 × 10-4, respectively), suggesting the mechanism by which these polymorphisms contribute to CF. The phase information from linked reads provides a putative causal explanation for variation at a CF-relevant locus, which also has implications for the genetic basis of non-CF pancreatitis, to which this locus has been reported to contribute.

Scott Mastromatteo (fig.23) is a data scientist with the Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada and The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.

—–  This is obviously an important article and the full version is available via PubMed link.

Ernestina MelicoffFadel E RuizKathleen HosekGeorge B MalloryCystic Fibrosis Lung Transplant Recipients 10 years of age or Younger: Predisposing Factors for End-stage DiseasePediatr Pulmonol 2022 Mar 3.doi: 10.1002/ppul.25882. Online ahead of print.[Pubmed]

Fig. 24 Ernestina Melicoff bcm.edu

Background:The largest age group among children and adolescents referred for lungtransplantation for cystic fibrosis (CF) have been those in the pubertal or post pubertal age range. However, over 100 younger patients with CF have undergone lung transplantation over the last three decades in the USA.
Methods:We performed a retrospective review of our experience with 18 children with CF who underwent lung transplantation in our center before the age of 11 years and compared them to our older CF lung transplant recipients and our larger CF Center population.
Results:The transplant population was demographically distinct from our CF center in terms of ethnicity, country of origin, and insurance status. Other notable findings were a high prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a high prevalence of CF-related diabetes mellitus and a high prevalence of consolidated lobar or whole lung disease. Post-transplant outcomes were comparable to those older than 10 years of age in our center until five years after transplant after which the younger cohort showed a superior enduring survival.
Conclusions:In an era of increasingly effective medications modifying the natural history of CF, identification of risk factors for early severe lung disease in CF remains relevant to permit interventions to prevent or postpone the time of future lung transplantation.

Dr Ernestina Melicoff (fig.24) is Assistant Professor in the the Section of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital

Julie MésinèleManon RuffinLoïc GuillotPierre-Yves BoëlleHarriet CorvolOn Behalf Of The French Cf Modifier Gene Study Investigators Factors predisposing the response to Lumacaftor/ivacaftor in people with cystic fibrosis. J Pers Med 2022 Feb 10;12(2):252.doi: 10.3390/jpm12020252. [Pubmed]Free PMC article

Fig. 25 Julie Mesinele crsa.fr

Lumacaftor/ivacaftor (LUMA-IVA) therapy is prescribed to people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) homozygous for the Phe508del-CFTR variant to restore CFTR protein function. There is, however, large inter-individual variability in treatment response. Here, we seek to identify clinical and/or genetic factors that may modulate the response to this CFTR modulator therapy.

A total of 765 pwCF older than 12 years under LUMA-IVA therapy and with lung function and nutritional measurements available before and after treatment initiation were included. Response to treatment was determined by the change in lung function and nutritional status, from baseline and over the first two years after initiation, and it was assessed by weighted generalized estimating equation models. Gains in lung function and nutritional status were observed after 6 months of treatment (on average 2.11 ± 7.81% for percent predicted FEV1 and 0.44 ± 0.77 kg/m2 for BMI) and sustained over the 2 years.

We observed that the more severe patients gained the most in lung function and nutritional status. While females started with a nutritional status more impaired than males, they had a larger response and regained BMI Z-score values similar to men after 2 years of treatment. We observed no association between variants in solute carrier (SLC) genes and the respiratory function response to LUMA-IVA, but the SLC6A14 rs12839137 variant was associated with the nutritional response. Further investigations, including other genomic regions, will be needed to fully explore the inter-individual variability of the response to LUMA-IVA.

Dr Julie Mésinèle (fig.25) is Post-Doctoral Researcher in Biostatistics at the Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Inserm, Sorbonne Université, 75012 Paris, France. and Hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (iPLESP), Inserm, Sorbonne Université, 75012 Paris, France

Julie Mésinèle, Manon Ruffin, Loïc Guillot, Harriet Corvol.Modifier Factors of Cystic Fibrosis Phenotypes: A Focus on Modifier Genes. Review Int J Mol Sci
. 2022 Nov 17;23(22):14205. doi: 10.3390/ijms232214205.
 Free PMC article               pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36430680/         

Fig.25 Julie Mesinele crsa.fr

Although cystic fibrosis (CF) is recognized as a monogenic disease, due to variants within the CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator) gene, an extreme clinical heterogeneity is described among people with CF (pwCF). Apart from the exocrine pancreatic status, most studies agree that there is little association between CFTR variants and disease phenotypes. Environmental factors have been shown to contribute to this heterogeneity, accounting for almost 50% of the variability of the lung function of pwCF. Nevertheless, pwCF with similar CFTR variants and sharing the same environment (such as in siblings) may have highly variable clinical manifestations not explained by CFTR variants, and only partly explained by environmental factors. It is recognized that genetic variants located outside the CFTR locus, named “modifier genes”, influence the clinical expression of the disease. This short review discusses the latest studies that have described modifier factors associated with the various CF phenotypes as well as the response to the recent CFTR modulator therapies.

Julie Mésinèle (fig.25) is at  Sorbonne Université, Inserm U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), 75012 Paris, France.and Inovarion, 75005 Paris, France

Aaron C MillerLogan M Harris ,Joseph E CavanaughMahmoud Abou AlaiwaDavid A StoltzDouglas B HornickPhilip M PolgreenThe rapid reduction of infection-related visits and antibiotic use among people with cystic fibrosis after starting Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor.  Clin Infect Dis 2022 Feb 10;ciac117.doi: 10.1093/cid/ciac117. Online ahead of print.  [Pubmed

Fig. 26 Aaron C Miller informatics.grad.uiowa.edu

Background: People with cystic fibrosis (CF) routinely suffer from recurrent sino-pulmonary infections. Such infections require frequent courses of antimicrobials and often involve multidrug-resistant organisms. The goal of this study was to identify real-world evidence for the effectiveness of Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) at decreasing infection-related visits and antimicrobial use in people with CF.
Methods: Using IBM MarketScan data, we identified 389 enrollees with CF who began taking ELX/TEZ/IVA prior to 12/1/2019 and were enrolled from 7/1/2019-3/14/2020. We also identified a comparison population who did not begin ELX/TEZ/IVA during the study period. We compared the following outcomes in the 15 weeks before and after medication initiation: total healthcare visits, inpatient visits, infection-related visits, and antimicrobial prescriptions. We analyzed outcomes using both a case-crossover analysis and a difference-in-differences analysis, to control for underlying trends.
Results: For the case-crossover analysis, ELX/TEZ/IVA initiation was associated with 2.20 (95% CI: -3.26, -1.14) fewer overall healthcare visit-days, 0.16 (95% CI: -0.22, -0.11) fewer inpatient admissions, 0.33 (95% CI: -0.59, -0.07) fewer infection-related visit-days, and 0.78 (95% CI: -1.03, -0.54) fewer antibiotic prescriptions over a 15 week period. Results from the difference-in-differences approach were similar.

Conclusions: We show a rapid reduction of infection-related visits and antimicrobial use among people with CF after starting a therapy that was not explicitly designed to treat infections. Currently, there are over 30,000 people living with CF in the United States alone. Given that this therapy is effective for approximately 90% of people with CF, the impact on respiratory infections and antimicrobial use may be substantial.

Dr Aaron C Miller (fig.26) is at the Department ofInternal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.

Amir MoheetAntoinette Moran. New concepts in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.  J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2022 Feb 2;dgac020.doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgac020.Online ahead of print.   [Pubmed]

Fig. 27 Amir Motet med.umn.edu

Context: Cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) is the most common extra pulmonary complication of cystic fibrosis (CF). Around 40% of people with CF above age 20 have CFRD. Presence of CFRD is associated with poor health outcomes in people with CF.
Objective: This review summarizes current knowledge on pathophysiology of CFRD.
Methods: A PubMed review of the literature was conducted, and search terms included CFRD, cystic fibrosis, cystic fibrosis related diabetes, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Additional sources were identified through manual searches of reference lists. The pathophysiology underlying development of glucose tolerance abnormalities in CF is complex and not fully understood. β-cell loss and functional impairment of the remaining β-cell function results in progressive insulin insufficiency. Factors that may contribute to development in CFRD include local islet and systemic inflammation, alterations in the incretion hormone axis, varying degrees of insulin resistance and genetic factors related to type 2 diabetes
Conclusion: The prevalence of CFRD is expected to further increase with improving life expectancy of people with CF. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the development of CFRD and the impact of diabetes on clinical outcomes in CF.

Dr Amir Moheet (fig.27) is in the Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Dr Antoinette Moran is in the Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Fig 29 Eileen de Poel

Fig.28  Danya Muilwijk nl.linkedin.com

Danya MuilwijkEyleen de PoelPeter van MourikSylvia W F SuenAnnelotte M VonkJesse E Brunsveldet al.(please see PubMed abstract for full author list).  Forskolin-induced Organoid Swelling is Associated with Long-term CF Disease Progression.  Eur Respir J 2022 Jan 27;2100508.doi: 10.1183/13993003.00508-2021. Online ahead of print.  [Pubmed
Rationale: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic life-shortening disease associated with highly variable individual disease progression which is difficult to predict. Here we assessed the association of forskolin-induced swelling (FIS) of patient-derived organoids (PDO) with long-term CF disease progression in multiple organs and compared FIS with the golden standard biomarker sweat chloride concentration (SCC).
Methods: We retrieved 9-year longitudinal clinical data from the Dutch CF Registry of 173 people with mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Individual CFTR function was defined by FIS, measured as the relative size increase of intestinal organoids after stimulation with 0.8 µM forskolin, quantified as area under the curve (AUC). We used linear mixed effect models and multivariable logistic regression to estimate the association of FIS with long-term FEV1pp decline and development of pancreatic insufficiency, CF-related liver disease and diabetes. Within these models, FIS was compared with SCC.
Results: FIS was strongly associated with longitudinal changes of lung function, with an estimated difference in annual FEV1pp decline of 0.32% (95%CI: 0.11%-0.54%; p=0.004) per 1000-points change in AUC. Moreover, increasing FIS levels were associated with lower odds of developing pancreatic insufficiency (adjusted OR: 0.18, 95%CI: 0.07-0.46, p<0.001), CF-related liver disease (adjusted OR: 0.18, 95%CI: 0.06-0.54, p=0.002) and diabetes (adjusted OR: 0.34, 95%CI: 0.12-0.97, p=0.044). These associations were absent for SCC.

Conclusion: This study exemplifies the prognostic value of a PDO-based biomarker within a clinical setting, which is especially important for people carrying rare CFTR mutations with unclear clinical consequences.

Dr Danya Muilwijk (fig.28) is a PhD candidate in the Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Eyleen de Poel   (fig.29) is in the Department of Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Danya Muilwijk , Domenique D Zomer-van Ommen, Vincent A M Gulmans , Marinus J C Eijkemans , Cornelis K van der Ent , Dutch Cystic Fibrosis Registry (NCFR) Steering Group.  Long-term effectiveness of dual CFTR modulator treatment of cystic fibrosis.ERJ Open Res. 2022 Nov 14;8(4):00204-2022. doi: 10.1183/23120541.00204-2022. eCollection 2022 Oct 36382237   Free PMC article pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36382237/

Background: Although short-term efficacy of lumacaftor/ivacaftor and tezacaftor/ivacaftor is clearly established in clinical trials, data on long-term effectiveness is limited. This registry-based cohort study assessed real-world longitudinal outcomes of F508del-homozygous people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) ≥12 years, up to 3 years after the introduction of dual cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators.

Methods: Annual data (2010-2019) were retrieved from the Dutch Cystic Fibrosis Registry. Longitudinal trends of per cent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 % pred) decline, body mass index (BMI), BMI Z-score and intravenous antibiotic treatment duration before and after CFTR modulator initiation were assessed with linear and negative binomial mixed models.
Results: We included 401 participants (41.9% female, baseline age 24.5 years (IQR 18.0-31.5 years), baseline mean±sd FEV1 70.5±23.4% pred). FEV1 decline improved from -1.36% pred per year to -0.48% pred per year after modulator initiation (change: 0.88% pred, 95% CI: 0.35-1.39%, p=0.001). This change was even 1.40% pred per year (95% CI: -0.0001-2.82%, p=0.050) higher in participants with baseline FEV1 <40% pred. In adults, annual BMI trend was not altered (change: 0.10 kg·m-2·year-1, 95% CI:-0.01-0.21, p=0.079). Annual BMI Z-score in children reversed from -0.08 per year before modulator treatment to 0.06 per year afterwards (change: 0.14 per year, 95% CI: 0.06-0.22, p<0.001). Intravenous antibiotic treatment duration showed a three-fold reduction in the first year after modulator initiation (incidence rate ratios (IRR): 0.28, 95% CI: 0.19-0.40, p<0.001), but the annual trend did not change in the subsequent years (IRR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.94-1.50, p=0.153).

Conclusion: Long-term effectiveness of dual CFTR modulator therapies on FEV1 decline, BMI and intravenous antibiotic treatment duration is less pronounced in a real-world setting than in clinical trials and varies considerably between pwCF and different baseline FEV1 levels.

Danya Muilwijk (fig.28 above)  is in the department of Pediatric Pulmonology, University Medical Center Utrecht, loc. Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

E NauwynckJ VanbesienJ De SchepperI GiesA Van LeynseeleE De WachterB HauserW Staels.  Everything in excess is opposed to nature, even vitamin D: a case reportEndocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep 2022 Feb 1;2022:21-0181.doi: 10.1530/EDM-21-0181.Online ahead of print. Free PMC article[Pubmed]

Fig. 30 Elise Nauwynck
LinkedIn Belgium

Summary:Vitamin D intoxication in children is rare but its incidence is increasing as vitamin D is supplemented more often and in higher doses. Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at risk for vitamin D intoxication due to incorrect compounded preparations of liposoluble vitamins. Here, we report a severe vitamin D intoxication in a 4-year-old girl with CF, due to an error in the compounded vitamin A, D, E, and K preparation, presenting clinically with weight loss, constipation, polydipsia, polyuria, and nycturia. The administered compounded preparation contained 10 000-fold the prescribed vititsiamin D dose. The patient was treated with hyperhydration, loop diuretics, and bisphosphonates. Serum calcium levels normalized after 4 days but serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels remained elevated even up to 2 months after treatment.

Learning points:Vitamin D intoxication should be ruled out when patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) present with acute polyuria, constipation, and weight loss. Prompt treatment is necessary to avert life-threatening complications. Regularly measuring serum calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in children with CF receiving vitamin A, D, E, and K supplements is important during their follow-up.

Dr Elise Nauwynck (fig.30) is in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinolgy, KidZ Health Castle, UZ Brussel Vrije Universitiet, Brussels Belgium

Thi Tham NguyenGraham R JohnsonScott C BellLuke D Knibbs. A Systematic Literature Review of Indoor Air Disinfection Techniques for Airborne Bacterial Respiratory Pathogens. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022 Jan 21;19(3):1197.doi: 10.3390/ijerph19031197    Free PMC article    pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35162224 

Fig. 31  Thi Tham Nguyen
Linkedin.com

Interrupting the transmission of airborne (<≈5 µm) respiratory pathogens indoors is not a new challenge, but it has attracted unprecedented interest due to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020-2021. However, bacterial respiratory pathogens with known or potential airborne transmission account for an appreciable proportion of the communicable disease burden globally. We aimed to systematically review quantitative, laboratory-based studies of air disinfection techniques for airborne respiratory bacteria. Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus) were searched, following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 9596 articles were identified, of which 517 were assessed in detail and of which 26 met the inclusion and quality assessment criteria. Seven air disinfection techniques, including UV-C light, filtration, and face masks, among others, were applied to 13 different bacterial pathogens. More than 80% of studies suggested that air disinfection techniques were more effective at inactivating or killing bacteria than the comparator or baseline condition. However, it was not possible to compare these techniques because of methodological heterogeneity and the relatively small number of the studies. Laboratory studies are useful for demonstrating proof-of-concept and performance under controlled conditions. However, the generalisability of their findings to person-to-person transmission in real-world settings is unclear for most of the pathogens and techniques we assessed.

Thi Tham Nguyen (fig. 31) is at the School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia

 Qi Ni; Chen X; Zhang P; Yang L; Lu Y; Xiao F; Wu B; Wang H; Zhou W; Dong X.  Systematic estimation of cystic fibrosis prevalence in Chinese and genetic spectrum comparison to Caucasians.  Orphanet Journal Of Rare Diseases. 17(1):129, 2022 03 21. Free article [Pubmed]
Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common, life-threatening genetic disease in Caucasians but rarely reported in Chinese population. The prevalence and population-specific genetic spectrum of CF in China needs to be systematically estimated and compared with Caucasians.
Materials and methods: We reviewed 30,951 exome-sequencing samples, including 20,909 pediatric patient samples and 10,042 parent samples, from Chinese Children’s Rare Disease Genetic Testing Clinical Collaboration System (CCGT). After the in-lab filtration process, 477 candidate variants of CFTR gene were left and 53 variants were manually curated as pathogenic/likely-pathogenic (P/LP). These P/LP variants were adopted to estimate CF prevalence in three methods: the carrier frequency method, the permutation-combinations method and the Bayesian framework method. Allele frequencies of the 477 CFTR variants were compared with non-Finland European (NFE) and East Asian (EAS) from gnomAD database. To investigate the haplotype structure difference of CFTR, another 2067 whole-genome-sequencing samples from CCGT and 195 NFE from 1000 genome project were analyzed by Shapeit4 software.
Result: With the 53 manually curated P/LP variants in CFTR gene, we excluded individuals identified or suspected with CF and their parents in our cohorts and estimated the Chinese CF prevalence is approximately 1/128,434. Only 21 (39.6%) of the 53 variants were included in Caucasian specific CF screening panels, resulting in significantly under-estimation of CF prevalence in our children cohort (1/143,171 vs. 1/1,387,395, P = 5e-24) and parent’s cohort (1/110,127 vs. 1/872,437, P = 7e-10). The allele frequencies of six pathogenic variants (G970D, D979A, M469V, G622D, L88X, 1898+5G->T) were significantly higher in our cohorts compared with gnomAD-NFE population (all P-value < 0.1). Haplotype analysis showed more haplotype diversity in Chinese compared to Caucasians. In addition, G970D and F508del were founder mutation of Chinese and Caucasians with two SNPs (rs213950-rs1042077) identified as related genotype in exon region.

Conclusions: Chinese population showed significantly different genetic spectrum pattern in CFTR gene compared with Caucasian population, and thus a Chinese-specific CF screening panel is needed.

Shanghai Children’s Hospital ch.shmu.edu.cn

Qi Ni is at the Children’s Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, 201102, People’s Republic of China and the Center for Molecular Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.

Katharina NiedermayrVerena GasserClaudia Rueckes-NilgesDorothea AppeltJohannes EderTeresa FuchsLutz NaehrlichHelmut Ellemunter.   Personalized medicine with drugs targeting the underlying protein defect in cystic fibrosis: is monitoring of treatment response necessary.  Ther Adv Chronic Dis   2022 Aug 5;13:20406223221108627.doi: 10.1177/20406223221108627.eCollection 2022.Free PMC article [Pubmed]

Fig. 32 Katharina Niedermayr
LinkedIn

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by two mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene. In the last years, drugs targeting the underlying protein defect like lumacaftor/ivacaftor (LUM/IVA) or tezacaftor/ivacaftor (TEZ/IVA) and more recently elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) were admitted. Outcome parameters evaluating therapy response like forced expiratory pressure in 1 s (FEV1), body mass index (BMI) or the efficacy of CFTR function in sweat glands showed improvement in several cases. Other, CFTRbiomarkers were analysed rarely.
This prospective observational study was aimed at evaluating CFTR function in patients treated with different CFTR modulators together with common valid clinical outcome parameters at standardized appointments (day 0, week 2, 4, 16). We followed four patients with the same mutation (F508del-CFTR), sex, age and disease severity. Monitoring focused on lung function, gastrointestinal aspects and CFTR function of sweat glands, nasal and intestinal epithelium. Sweat tests were performed by pilocarpine iontophoresis. Nasal potential difference (NPD) measured transepithelial voltage in vivo and potential increased when CFTRfunction improved. Rectal biopsies were obtained for intestinal current measurements (ICM) ex vivo. Intestinal CFTR function was assessed by stimulating chloride secretion with different reagents.

Response to CFTR modulators regarding clinical outcome parameters was rather variable. A sweat chloride reduction of 35.3 mmol/L, nasal CFTR rescue of 4.4% and fivefold higher CFTR function in the intestine was seen at week 16 post-LUM/IVA. Due to our monitoring, we identified a non-responder to LUM/IVA and TEZ/IVA. In case of ELX/TEZ/IVA, clinical parameters and CFTR bioassays improved and were concordant. Although our cohort is small, results emphasize that non-responders exist and conclusions could not be drawn if patients were not monitored. Data on CFTR function can confirm or disprove ongoing CFTR dysfunction and might be helpful selectively. Non-responders need other alternative therapy options as demonstrated with ELX/TEZ/IVA.

Dr Katharina Niedermayr (fig.32) is in the Department for Child and Adolescent Health, University Clinic for Paediatrics III, Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria.

Victoria C Nolan , James Harrison , Jonathan A G Cox. Manuka honey in combination with azithromycin shows potential for improved activity against Mycobacterium abscessus.Cell Surf. 2022 Nov 17;8:100090. doi: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2022.100090. eCollection 2022 Dec. Free PMC article pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36452962/

Fig. 33 Victoria C Nolan linkedin.com

Mycobacterium abscessus is an increasingly prevalent opportunistic pathogen causing both pulmonary and skin and soft tissue infections. It is of increasing concern for immunocompromised individuals, such as those with cystic fibrosis, due to its highly drug resistant nature and ability to evade the host immune system. Current treatments for M. abscessus pulmonary infections are largely ineffective and treatment outcomes are generally poor, thus we urgently require new treatments to combat these infections. Recently, it has been demonstrated that manuka honey is effective against M. abscessus and can improve the inhibitory effect of amikacin. Here, we explore the potential improvement of both azithromycin and tobramycin with the addition of manuka honey against M. abscessus complex. Improved growth inhibition was observed for azithromycin with manuka honey against all M. abscessus subspecies. Improved bactericidal activity was also observed. Importantly, the macrolide resistant M. abscessus subsp. bolletii showed improved inhibition and bactericidal activity was obtained in response to 0.117 g/mL manuka honey MGO40 with 16 µg/mL azithromycin. No improved activity was observed for tobramycin and manuka honey against any of the M. abscessus isolates tested. This demonstrates the potential for antibiotic enhancement by the addition of manuka honey, furthering the applications of therapeutic manuka honey.

Victoria Nolan (fig. 33) is in the School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.

Yifat S OrenOfra Avizur-BarchadEfrat Ozeri-GalaiRenana ElgrabliMeital R SchirelmanTehilla BlinderChava D StampferMerav OrdanOnofrio LaselvaMalena Cohen-CymberknohEitan KeremChristine E BearBatsheva KeremAntisense oligonucleotide splicing modulation as a novel Cystic Fibrosis therapeutic approach for the W1282X nonsense mutationJ Cyst Fibros 2022 Jul;21(4):630-636.doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2021.12.012.Epub 2021 Dec 28.Free article Pubmed

Fig.34   Yifat Oren resarchgate.net

Background:Antisense oligonucleotide- based drugs for splicing modulation were recently approved for various genetic diseases with unmet need. Here we aimed to generate skipping over exon 23 of the CFTR transcript, to eliminate the W1282X nonsense mutation and avoid RNA degradation induced by the nonsense mediated mRNA decay mechanism, allowing production of partially active CFTR proteins lacking exon 23.
Methods:∼80 ASOs were screened in 16HBEge W1282X cells. ASO candidates showing significant exon skipping were assessed for their W1282X allele selectivity and the increase of CFTR protein maturation and function. The effect of a highly potent ASO candidates was further analyzed in well differentiated primary human nasal epithelial cells, derived from a W1282X homozygous patient.
Results:ASO screening led to identification of several ASOs that significantly decrease the level of CFTR transcripts including exon 23. These ASOs resulted in significant levels of mature CFTR protein and together with modulators restore the channel function following free uptake into these cells. Importantly, a highly potent lead ASOs, efficiently delivered by free uptake, was able to increase the level of transcripts lacking exon 23 and restore the CFTR function in cells from a W1282X homozygote patient.

Conclusion:The highly efficient exon 23 skipping induced by free uptake of the lead ASO and the resulting levels of mature CFTR protein exhibiting channel function in the presence of modulators, demonstrate the ASO therapeutic potential benefit for CF patients carrying the W1282X mutation with the objective to advance the lead candidate SPL23-2 to proof-of-concept clinical study.

Yifat S Oren (Fig 34) is in with Department of Genetics, The Life Sciences Institute, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel; SpliSense Therapeutics, Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Israel.

Mette F OlsenMaria S Kjøller-SvarreGrith MøllerTerese L KatzensteinBibi U NielsenTacjana PresslerJack I LewisInger H MathiesenChristian MølgaardDaniel Faurholt-JepsenCorrelates of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy Intake in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study Nutrients 2022 Mar 22;14(7):1330. doi: 10.3390/nu14071330.  [Pubmed]

Fig. 35 Mette Frahm Olsen research region dk

  

Most people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) develop pancreatic insufficiency and are treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). We aimed to describe the use of PERT and assess the correlates of PERT dose in adult pwCF. In a cross-sectional study at the Copenhagen CF Centre, the participants reported PERT intake, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and the use of concomitant treatments. Demographic and clinical characteristics were extracted from the Danish CF Registry. We used linear regression to assess the correlates of PERT dose per kg bodyweight (U-lipase/kg). We included 120 pwCF with a median age of 32.9 years, 46% women and 72% F508delta homozygote. The PERT dose ranged from 0 to 6160 U-lipase/kg per main meal (mean 1828; SD 1115). The PERT dose was associated with participants’ sex (men vs. women: 661; 95% CI: 302; 1020 U-lipase/kg), age (-16; 95% CI: -31; -1 U-lipase/kg per year) and weight (-45; 95% CI: -58; -31 U-lipase/kg per kg). Having less frequent constipation and being lung transplanted were also associated with a higher PERT dose. A third of participants did not take PERT for snacks, and this was associated with the frequency of diarrhoea. These findings indicate that PERT intake may be improved to reduce GI symptoms.

Dr Mette F Olsen (fig 35) is Associate Professor at the Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark and the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark.

Sumaya Al Oraimi , Khoula Al Shidhani , Hasina Al Harthi  , Suaad Al Sinani , Nasser Al Busaidi , Muna Al Bimani  , Qasem Al Salmi  , Hussein Al Kindi    Prevalence and Characteristics of Cystic Fibrosis in Omani Children: A Multi-center Cross-sectional Study Oman Med J. 2022 Nov 30;37(6):e444.  doi: 10.5001/omj.2022.101.  eCollection 2022 Nov. Free PMC article  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36458240/

Fig. 35 Sumaya Al Oraimi

Objectives: To describe the demographic distribution of cystic fibrosis (CF) in Omani children, estimate the national prevalence, and provide updated mutational panels of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of all CF patients who had been diagnosed and followed-up at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and Royal Hospital in Oman between 2006 and 2020. Data were collected from electronic hospital records and telephone interviews.
Results: A total of 227 patients with CF were included in the study. Geographical clusters of the disease were identified in the governorates of Al-Batinah, A’Dhahirah, and A’Dakhiliyah. Parental consanguinity and family history of CF were present in 68.3% and 69.6% of the patients, respectively. The most common CFTR mutation was p.Ser549Arg (52.0%), followed by p.Phe508del (12.3%), and c.2988+1G>A (4.4%). Three novel CFTR mutations were identified, viz., Leu88TyrFs*, p.Asp192Val, and c.4242+1G>C.

Conclusions: The estimated prevalence of CF in Oman is 10.3 per 100 000 individuals. Premarital genetic counselling and preimplantation genetic testing are recommended in CF-prevalent regions.

Dr Sumaya Al Oraimi (fig.35) is a paediatric pulmonologist in the Pediatric Pulmonology unit, Department of Child Health, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.

Annalisa OrentiMeir Mei-ZahavPatrizia BoracchiAnders LindbladMichal ShteinbergECFSPR Scientific Committee. Prevalence, trends and outcomes of long-term inhaled antibiotic treatment in people with cystic fibrosis without chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection – A European cystic fibrosis patient registry data analysisJ Cyst Fibros 2022 Aug 28;S1569-1993(22)00647-6.doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.08.010.Online ahead of print. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36045028/

Fig. 36 Annalisa Orenti researchgate.net

Background:Long-term treatment with inhaled antibiotics is recommended for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). However, pwCF without chronic PA infection are also commonly treated with inhaled antibiotics. Using data from the European Cystic Fibrosis Patient Registry (ECFSPR) we aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with inhaled antibiotic treatment in pwCF without chronic PA infection, and long-term outcomes with inhaled antibiotics use.
Methods:The ECFSPR was searched for pwCF 6 years of age and older who were not chronically infected with PA at baseline. Factors associated with inhaled antibiotic use were first assessed through a logistic regression. From this model a propensity score was computed for each individual, providing the likelihood of being treated with inhaled antibiotics. Long-term outcomes with and without inhaled antibiotics were assessed separately for propensity scores tertiles.
Results:7210 pwCF without chronic PA infection at baseline were included, with 2722 (37.75%) receiving long-term treatment with inhaled antibiotics. Treatment with inhaled antibiotics was more prevalent with severe genotype, diabetes, pancreatic insufficiency, and past infection with chronic PA (OR 3.8, 95% CI, 2.88-5.04). Treatment with inhaled antibiotics was not associated with a reduced risk for acquisition of PA or other resistant pathogens, or with improved lung function decline, mortality, or transplantation.

Conclusions:Many pwCF without chronic PA infection are receiving long-term treatment with inhaled antibiotics despite lack of support from clinical trials or practice guidelines. We did not observe improve outcomes with inhaled antibiotics. Our findings suggest controlled studies evaluating specific inhaled antibiotic regimens targeting specific pathogens or indications be performed to determine their effect.

Annalisa Orienti (fig.36) is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Laboratory of Medical Statistics, Biometry and Epidemiology “G. A. Maccacaro”, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.

Sophia T Pallenberg  , Marie-Madlen Pust , Ilona Rosenboom 1 , Gesine Hansen , Lutz Wiehlmann , Anna-Maria Dittrich , Burkhard Tümmler. Impact of Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor Therapy on the Cystic Fibrosis Airway Microbial Metagenome. Microbiol Spectr. 2022 Sep 26;e0145422. doi: 10.1128/spectrum.01454-22. Online ahead of print. 
Free articlepubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36154176

Fig. 37    Sophia Pallenberg ResearchGate 

The introduction of mutation-specific combination therapy with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) has substantially improved lung function and quality of life of people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Collecting deep cough swabs and induced sputum, this postapproval study examined the effect of 14- and 50-week treatment with ELX/TEZ/IVA on the airway microbial metagenome of pancreatic- insufficient CF patients aged 12 years and older. Compared to pretreatment, the total bacterial load decreased, the individual species were more evenly distributed in the community, and the individual microbial metagenomes became more similar in their composition. However, the microbial network remained vulnerable to fragmentation. The initial shift of the CF metagenome was attributable to the ELX/TEZ/IVA-mediated gain of CFTR activity followed by a diversification driven by a group of commensals at the 1-year time point that are typical for healthy airways. IMPORTANCE Shotgun metagenome sequencing of respiratory secretions with spike-in controls for normalization demonstrated that 1 year of high-efficient CFTR modulation with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor extensively reduced the bacterial load. Longer observation periods will be necessary to resolve whether the partial reversion of the basic defect that is achieved with ELX/TEZ/IVA is sufficient in the long run to render the CF lungs robust against the recolonization with common opportunistic pathogens

Sophia Pallenberg (fig.37)  is at the Department for Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, and the German Center for Lung Research, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), Hannover Medical Schoolgrid.10423.34, Hannover, Germany.

Lucy Perrem. Routine clinical monitoring fails to identify children at high risk of lung function decline. Editorial J Cyst Fibros
. 2022 Nov;21(6):904-905. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.08.017. Epub 2022 Aug 30. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36050145/

Fig. 38 Lucy Perrem ResearchGate.net

This editorial reviews  work from research groups from both the UK and Australia reporting prospective observational data investigating early life factors associated with loss of lung function at different periods in childhood. Recent studies from London Cystic Fibrosis Collaboration (Aurora  et al, 2022) and a follow up to the Australasian Cystic Fibrosis Bronchoalveolar Lavage Study (Begum et al, 2022). Also the relevance of the type of insurance of US infants appears to be a factor (Collaco et al, 2022).  [all abstracted in this section)

The editorial continues – The LCFC study suggests that a more proactive approach to monitoring functional and structural changes in the first 2 years of life may improve later lung function outcomes. However, the importance of conducting clinical trials to inform surveillance strategies is highlighted by the ACFBAL study, which failed to demonstrate that BAL-directed therapy for pulmonary exacerbations during the first 5 years of life provided superior clinical outcomes compared to standard practice (Wainwright et al, 2011). The author continues – An evidence-based approach to surveillance strategies will be even more relevant in the setting of highly effective modulator therapies so that the treatment burden can be minimized in children with stable disease trajectories while children at high risk of lung function decline are proactively identified and managed.

(Please note the papers mentioned by the author are all abstracted on this website.  It was surprising that the significance of “cough” is not mentioned in this discussion).

Dr Lucy Perrem (fig.38) is in the Division of Respiratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Canada; Translational Medicine Program, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.

Pilewski JM. Update on Lung Transplantation for Cystic Fibrosis. [ReviewClinics in Chest Medicine. 43(4):821-840, 2022 Dec.  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36344083/

Fig. 39  Joseph M Pilewski Uiversity of Pittsburgh

Lung transplantation provides a treatment option for many individuals withdvanced lung disease due to cystic fibrosis (CF). Since the first transplants for CF in the 1980s, survival has improved and the opportunity for transplant has expanded to include individuals who previously were not
considered candidates for transplant. Criteria to be a transplant
candidate vary significantly among transplant programs, highlighting that
the engagement in more than one transplant program may be necessary.
Individuals with highly resistant CF pathogens, malnutrition,
osteoporosis, CF liver disease, and other comorbidities may be suitable
candidates for lung transplant, or if needed, multi-organ transplant. The
transplant process involves several phases, from discussion of prognosis
and referral to a transplant center, to transplant evaluation, to listing,
transplant surgery, and care after transplant. While the availability of
highly effective CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators
for many individuals with CF has improved lung function and slowed
progression to respiratory failure, early discussion regarding transplant
as a treatment option and referral to a transplant program are critical to
maximizing opportunity and optimizing patient and family experience. The
decision to be evaluated for transplant and to list for transplant are
distinct, and early referral may provide a treatment option that can be
urgently executed if needed. Survival after transplant for CF is
improving, to a median survival of approximately 10 years, and most
transplant survivors enjoy significant improvement in quality of life.

Joseph M Pilewski (fig.39) is with the Lung Transplant Program, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine Division, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
(UPMC); Cystic Fibrosis Program, UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Children’s
Hospital, NW 628 MUH, 3459 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.

Lucy PerremSanja StanojevicMelinda SolomonHartmut GrasemannNeil SweezeyValerie WatersDon B SandersStephanie D DavisFelix RatjenEvaluation of clinically relevant changes in the lung clearance index in children with cystic fibrosis and healthy controlsThorax. 2022 Apr 15;thoraxjnl-2021-218347.doi: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2021-218347.Online ahead of print. [Pubmed]

Fig. 38 Lucy Perem             researchgate.net

Background:The limits of reproducibility of the lung clearance index (LCI) are higher in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) compared with healthy children, and it is currently unclear what defines a clinically meaningful change.
Methods:In a prospective multisite observational study of children with CF and healthy controls (HCs), we measured LCI, FEV1% predicted and symptom scores at quarterly visits over 2 years. Two reviewers performed a detailed review of visits to evaluate the frequency that between visit LCI changes outside ±10%, ±15%, ±20% represented a clinically relevant signal. In the setting of acute respiratory symptoms, we used a generalised estimating equation model, with a logit link function to determine the ability of LCI worsening at different thresholds to predict failure of lung function recovery at follow-up.

Results:Clinically relevant LCI changes outside ±10%, ±15% and ±20% were observed at 25.7%, 15.0% and 8.3% of CF visits (n=744), respectively. The proportions of LCI changes categorised as noise, reflecting biological variability, were comparable between CF and HC at the 10% (CF 9.9% vs HC 13.0%), 15% (CF 4.3% vs HC 3.1%) and 20% (CF 2.4% vs HC 1.0%) thresholds. Compared with symptomatic CF visits without a worsening in LCI, events with ≥10% LCI increase were more likely to fail to recover baseline LCI at follow-up.

Conclusion:The limits of reproducibility of the LCI in healthy children can be used to detect clinically relevant changes and thus inform clinical care in children with CF.

Dr Lucy Perrem (fig 38) is involved with the Division of Respiratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Postgraduate Medical Education, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland. National Children’s Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland.   Department of Paediatrics, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Translational Medicine Program, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Philip M PolgreenAlejandro P Comellas.  Clinical Phenotypes of Cystic Fibrosis CarriersAnnu Rev Med 2022 Jan 27;73:563-574.doi: 10.1146/annurev-med-042120-020148.  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35084992/

Fig. 39 Philip Polgreen medicine.uiowa.edu

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by mutations in CFTR, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. People with CF experience a wide variety of medical conditions that affect the pulmonary, endocrine, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, biliary, and reproductive systems.

Traditionally, CF carriers, with one defective copy of CFTR, were not thought to be at risk for CF-associated diseases. However, an emerging body of literature suggests that heterozygotes are at increased risk for many of the same conditions as homozygotes. For example, heterozygotes appear to be at increased risk for chronic pancreatitis, atypical mycobacterial infections, and bronchiectasis. In the United States alone, there are almost 10 million CF carriers. Universal newborn screening and prenatal genetic screening will identify more. Thus, there is a critical need to develop more precise estimates of health risks attributable to the CF carrier state across the lifespan.

Philip M Polgreen (fig.39) is Professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA

Poore TS, Taylor-Cousar JL, Zemanick ET.   Cardiovascular complications in cystic fibrosis: A review of the literature.J Cyst Fibros. 2022 Jan;21(1):18-25. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2021.04.016. Epub 2021 Jun 14.[Pubmed]

Fig. 40 Spencer Poor  inside beds.org

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, leading to dysfunction of the CFTR protein. CFTR dysfunction leads to disease in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Disorders of the cardiovascular system in individuals with CF are usually attributed to secondary effects from progressive lung disease. However, CFTR has been localized to vascular endothelium and smooth muscle, suggesting that CFTR dysfunction may directly impact cardiovascular function. As treatments for CF improve and life-expectancy increases, the risk of vascular disease may increase in prevalence related to primary and secondary CFTR dysfunction, chronic systemic inflammation, nutritional health and hyperglycemia in individuals with CF related diabetes. Here we review the available literature on CF and the cardiovascular system, examining the secondary effects and evidence for direct CFTR dysfunction in the heart, aorta, pulmonary vessels, and vasculature, as well as future directions and treatment options.

T Spencer Poore (fig. 40) is in the Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.

Eldar Priel Adil AdatiaMelanie KjarsgaardParameswaran Nair.  CFTR heterozygosity in severe asthma with recurrent airway infections: a retrospective reviewAllergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2022 Jun 6;18(1):46.doi: 10.1186/s13223-022-00684-   Free PMC article pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35668512/

Fig. 42 Adil Adatia allergyfoundation.ca

Fig. 41  Eldar Priel researchgate.net

Rationale:Patients with asthma who have neutrophilic bronchitis may have an underlying cause leading to increased susceptibility to airway infections.
Methods:Retrospective review of patients with asthma who had a previous history of recurrent exacerbations that had been associated with airway or sinus infections referred to a tertiary asthma center between 2005 and 2020. Demographics, clinical features, and airway inflammation type determined by sputum cytometry were compared between CFTR carriers and non-carriers. Multiple linear regression was used to identify clinical predictors of CFTR carrier status. Response to nebulized hypertonic saline was assessed by comparing the number of infective exacerbations before and after its initiation.
Results:75 patients underwent CFTR mutation testing. Of these, 13 (17%) were CFTR carriers. The most common mutation was [Formula: see text]F508. CFTR carriers were older (adjusted odds ratio 1.06 (CI 95% 1.01, 1.13)) and had more frequent flares requiring hospitalization (4.19 (1.34, 24.74)). Neutrophilic airway inflammation was the most common inflammatory subtype in CFTR carriers, though 8/13 also had eosinophilic bronchitis. Nebulized hypertonic saline was well tolerated by most and reduced the frequency of infective exacerbations.

Conclusions:The prevalence of CFTR heterozygosity in this cohort with recurrent neutrophilic bronchitis is higher than in the general population. Respiratory disease in CFTR carriers is associated with older age and may cause significant morbidity. Airway neutrophilia is the most common inflammatory subtype, but > 50% had eosinophilic bronchitis requiring treatment. Hypertonic saline appears to be well tolerated and effective in reducing the number of infective exacerbations.

Eldar Priel (fig.41) and Adil Adatia (fig 42)  contributed equally and are both at the McMaster University Department of Medicine, Hamilton, Canada and the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada.

Rathin PujariBhairavi BhatiaErika Marie DamatoPhilip AlexanderSuccessful non-surgical treatment of pseudomonas choroidal abscess in cystic fibrosis with previous double lung transplantationBMJ Case Rep 2022 Jan 13;15(1):e245238.doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-245238.[Pubmed]
Pseudomonas aeruginosa choroidal abscess is a rare condition which tends to affect patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have undergone double lung transplantation. Various surgical treatment strategies have been described but almost universally have had a dismal prognosis. We present a case of pseudomonas choroidal abscess in a CF patient with previous double lung transplantation who was managed with medical treatment, with intravitreal and systemic antibiotics, without surgical intervention, which led to successful resolution of the choroidal abscess, preservation of the eye and retention of vision.

Rathin Pujarin is in the Department of Ophthalmology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.

Hunter RaganElizabeth AutryTaryn BomersbackJennifer HewlettLauren KormelinkJulie SafirsteinLaura ShanleyLisa Lubsch.  The use of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in patients with cystic fibrosis post-liver transplant: A case seriesPediatr Pulmonol 2022 Feb;57(2):411-417.doi: 10.1002/ppul.25779.Epub 2021 Dec 12.[Pubmed]

Fig. 43  Hunter Ragan
linkedin

Introduction:Cystic fibrosis (CF)-related liver disease (CFLD) manifests as a wide spectrum of hepatobiliary disease and can progress to need liver transplantation. Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (elx/tez/iva) is a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulator that has superior efficacy compared to previously approved modulators. Use of elx/tez/iva, should be approached with caution in individuals with CFLD or following liver transplantation due to possible increases in liver function tests (LFTs) and drug-drug interactions with several immunosuppressant medications.
Objective:The purpose of this case series is to explore if the use of elx/tez/iva is safe and tolerable in patients with CF postliver transplantation.
Methods:A retrospective case series including patients prescribed elx/tez/iva following liver transplantation and an immunosuppressive regimen consisting of drug therapy metabolized by P-glycoprotein was completed.
Results:Ten patients at six CF centers with a median age of 22.1 years (range 14-43.4 years) and the median time from the transplant of 6.9 years (range 0.6-22 years) were included. Most patients (8, 80%) received a reduced or full dose of elx/tez/iva for a mean duration of 10.4 months (range 7-12 months). Fluctuations in LFTs occurred in all patients (10, 100%) and led to therapy discontinuation in two patients (20%). Elx/tez/iva initiation resulted in elevations in tacrolimus trough concentration in seven patients (70%). Most patients who tolerated elx/tez/iva had symptomatic and quality of life improvement, increased body mass index, and maintained or improved lung function.

Conclusion:Initiation of elx/tez/iva in patients with CF who received liver transplantation may be safe with clinical benefits.

Hunter Ragan (fig.43)  is a pharmacist at the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Lvc RakotoarisoaClothilde WagnerMarion MunchBenjamin Renaud PicardDominique GrenetAnne OllandMichel GregetIulian EnescuFlorence BouilloudPierre BonnetteAxel GuthDomenico BoscoCatherine MercierMuriel RabilloudThierry BerneyPierre Yves BenhamouGilbert MassardCoralie Camilo,Cyrille ColinCécile ArnoldRomain KesslerLaurence KesslerGRAGIL-TREPID group.   Feasibility and efficacy of combined pancreatic islet-lung transplantation in cystic fibrosis related diabetes -PIM study: a multicenter phase 1-2 trial. Am J Transplant 2022 Apr 11.doi: 10.1111/ajt.17058. Online ahead of print. [Pubmed]
Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is a common complication of cystic fibrosis (CF), and restoring metabolic control in these patients may improve their management after lung transplantation. In this this multicenter, prospective, phase 1-2 trial, we evaluate the feasibility and metabolic efficacy of combined pancreatic islet-lung transplantation from a single donor in patients with CFRD, terminal respiratory failure and poorly controlled diabetes. Islets were infused via the portal vein under local anesthesia, one week after lung transplantation. At one year, the primary outcome was transplant success as evaluated by a composite score including four parameters (weight, fasting glycaemia, HbA1c, insulin requirements). 10 participants (age: 24 years [17-31], diabetes duration: 8 years [4-12]) received a combined islet-lung transplant with 2892 IEQ/kg [2293 – 6185]. Transplant success was achieved in 7/10 participants at one year post-transplant. Fasting plasma C-peptide increased from 0.91μg/L [0.56-1.29] to 1.15μg/L [0.77-2.2], HbA1c decreased from 7.8% [6.5-8.3] (62 mmol/mol [48-67]) to 6.7% [5.5-8.0] (50 mmol/mol [37-64]), with 38% decrease in daily insulin doses. No complications related to the islet injection procedure were reported. In this pilot study, combined pancreatic islet-lung transplantation restored satisfactory metabolic control and pulmonary function in patients with CF, without increasing the morbidity of lung transplantation.

Luc Rakotoarisoa  is in the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Strasbourg University Hospital, France and Inserm UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, Strasbourg, France

Kathleen J RamosJennifer S GuimbellotMaryam ValapourLauren E BartlettTravis Hee WaiChristopher H GossJoseph M PilewskiAlbert FaroJoshua M DiamondCFLTC Study GroupUse of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor among cystic fibrosis lung transplant recipientsJ Cyst Fibros 2022 Apr 23;S1569-1993(22)00098-4.doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.04.009.Online ahead of print.[Pubmed]

Fig. 44 Kathleen J Ramos uwmedicine.org

Background:Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung transplant (LT) recipients may warrant treatment with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) to improve extrapulmonary manifestations of CF. Our objectives were to identify reasons for prescribing ETI after LT and evaluate changes in body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c, hemoglobin, and liver enzymes.
Methods:This was an electronic health record-based cohort study, October 2019-September 2020, at 14 CF LT Consortium sites in North America. The study included CF LT recipients prescribed ETI after transplant. Differences in BMI, A1c, and hemoglobin were assessed with paired t-tests.
Results:There were 94 patients prescribed ETI; indications included sinus disease (68%), GI symptoms (39%), or low BMI (19%). Prescriptions were written by CF physicians (34%), LT physicians (27%), or physicians who practice both CF and LT (39%). Forty patients (42%) stopped ETI at a median of 56 days [IQR 26, 139] after start/prescription date. ETI was not associated with a significant change in BMI (0.2 kg/m2, 95% CI [-0.1, 0.6], p = 0.150), but was associated with decreased A1c (0.4%, 95% CI 0.2, 0.7, p = 0.003), and increased hemoglobin for patients with anemia (0.6 g/dL, 95% CI 0.2, 1.0, p = 0.007). Three people (3%) stopped ETI due to elevated transaminases.

Conclusions:ETI is rarely prescribed for non-pulmonary indications after LT for CF. Further study is needed to determine the risks and benefits of ETI in the CF lung transplant population given the potential for drug interactions, side effects leading to discontinuation of ETI, and the possible mechanisms for ETI to positively impact long-term post-transplant outcomes.

Kathleen J Ramos (fig.44) is in the Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356522, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.

Mitchell L RamseyMichael R WellnerKyle PorterStephen E KirkbySusan S LiLuis F LaraSean G KellyA James HanjeLindsay A SobotkaCystic fibrosis patients on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulators have a reduced incidence of cirrhosisWorld J Hepatol 2022 Feb 27;14(2):411-419.doi: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i2.411. Free PMC article

Fig. 45 Mitchell Ramsey health.usnews.com

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35317183/

Background: Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators significantly improve pulmonary function in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) but the effect on hepatobiliary outcomes remains unknown. We hypothesized that CF patients on CFTR modulators would have a decreased incidence of cirrhosis compared to patients not on CFTR modulators or on ursodiol.
Aim: To investigate the effect of CFTR modulators on the development of cirrhosis in patients with CF.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed using Truven MarketScan from    January 2012 through December 2017 including all patients with a diagnosis of CF. Patients were excluded if they underwent a liver transplantation or if they had other etiologies of liver disease including viral hepatitis or alcohol use. Subjects were grouped by use of CFTR modulators, ursodiol, dual therapy, or no therapy. The primary outcome was development of cirrhosis. Kaplan-Meier curves estimated the incidence of cirrhosis and log-rank tests compared incidence curves between treatment groups.
Results: A total of 7201 patients were included, of which 955 (12.6%) used a CFTR modulator, 529 (7.0%) used ursodiol, 105 (1.4%) used combination therapy, and 5612 (74.3%) used neither therapy. The incidence of cirrhosis was 0.1% at 1 year and 0.7% at 4 years in untreated patients, 5.9% and 10.1% in the Ursodiol group, and 1.0% and 1.0% in patients who received both therapies. No patient treated with CFTR modulators alone developed cirrhosis. Patients on CFTR modulators alone had lower cirrhosis incidence than untreated patients (P = 0.05), patients on Ursodiol (P < 0.001), and patients on dual therapy (P = 0.003). The highest incidence of cirrhosis was found among patients treated with Ursodiol alone, compared to untreated patients (P < 0.001) or patients on Ursodiol and CFTR modulators (P = 0.01).

Conclusion: CFTR modulators are associated with a reduction in the incidence of cirrhosis compared to other therapies in patients with CF.

Dr Mitchell L Ramseyis (fig. 45) in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.

Mitchell L Ramsey,Susan S LiLuis F LaraYevgeniya GokunVenkata S AkshintalaDarwin L ConwellJohn HeintzStephen E KirkbyKaren S McCoyGeorgios I PapachristouAlpa PatelVikesh K SinghPhil A HartCystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulators and the exocrine pancreas: A scoping reviewJ Cyst Fibros  2022 Aug 22;S1569-1993(22)00644-0.doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.08.008.Online ahead of print.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36008229/

Background:Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators improve pulmonary outcomes in subjects with cystic fibrosis (CF); however, the effects on pancreatic manifestations are not well characterized. We hypothesized that CFTR modulators would improve measures of exocrine pancreatic function and outcomes.
Methods:We performed a systematic search to identify studies reporting measures of the exocrine pancreas in humans treated with CFTR modulators. Only studies reporting baseline and on-treatment assessments were included.
Results:Of 630 identified studies, 41 met inclusion criteria. CFTR modulators reduced acute pancreatitis events by 85% overall (rate ratio 0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04, 0.52), with a greater effect seen in the subgroup with pancreas sufficient CF (PS-CF) (rate ratio 0.13 (95% CI 0.03, 0.53). Among 293 subjects with baseline and on-treatment evaluation of pancreas sufficiency, 253 were pancreas insufficient at baseline and 54 (21.3%) converted to pancreas sufficiency. Of 32 subjects with baseline FE-1 values <200 mcg/g, 16 (50%) increased to ≥200 mcg/g. Serum trypsin decreased by a mean of 565.9 ng/mL (standard deviation (SD) 311.8), amylase decreased by 38.2 U/L (SD 57.6), and lipase decreased by 232.3 U/L (SD 247.7).

Conclusions:CFTR modulator use reduces acute pancreatitis frequency and improves indirect measures of exocrine pancreas function. Future interventional studies that evaluate the mechanism and impact of CFTR modulators on acute pancreatitis and pancreas sufficiency in patients with CFTR dysfunction are warranted.

Dr Mitchell L Ramsey (fig.45 above) is in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.

Karen S RaraighMichelle H LewisJoseph M CollacoMary CoreyChristopher M PenlandAnne L StephensonJohanna M RommensCarlo CastellaniGarry R CuttingCaution advised in the use of CFTR modulator treatment for individuals harboring specific CFTR variantsJ Cyst Fibros 2022 May 5;S1569-1993(22)00108-4.doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.04.019.Online ahead of print[Pubmed]

Fig 46 Karen S Raraigh CFFPhiladelphia 2022

In December 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the list of CFTR variants approved for treatment with CFTR modulators drugs from 39 to 183. Clinicians should be aware that individuals harboring certain variants approved for treatment may not respond to or benefit from this therapy. After review, the expert panel leading the CFTR2 project identified four categories of variants that may not result in a clinical response to modulator treatment: 15 variants assigned as non CF-causing; 45 variants of unknown significance; six variants known or suspected to cause mis-splicing as their primary defect rather than an amino acid substitution; and eight variants known to occur together in cis with another deleterious variant not expected to lead to CFTR protein (nonsense or frameshift). The potential risks and benefits of CFTR modulator therapy should be considered carefully for individuals harboring these variants.

Karen S Raraigh (fig.46) is a genetic counsellor at the McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States

Felix RatjenDonald R VanDevanter.  Retracing changes in cystic fibrosis understanding and management over the past twenty years.  J Cyst Fibros 2022 Jan;21(1):3-9.doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2021.09.015.Epub 2021 Oct 1.[Pubmed]

Fig. 48 Donald R VanDevanter researchgate.net

Fig 47 Felix Ratjen oirm.ca

I summarised the contents of this article as follows – This is an excellent review of the past 20 years describing the state of the art in 2002 through to 2022. Important milestone between 2002 and 2022 are described including the building of a clinical research structure, encounter based registries, the adoption of newborn screening, consensus guidelines and the Cochrane Database analysis, alternate measures of lung physiology and function, improved delivery of inhaled therapy, improved knowledge of airway microbiology, use of animal models, newer therapies and CFTR modulators, efficacy studies in paediatric CF populations with mild lung disease.
The authors conclude that CF is a multiorgan disease and CF research and care encompass a broad variety of disciplines, from basic science to epidemiology to drug development. They note the exponential rise of research at the same time as the Journal of Cystic Fibrosis was established and the importance of a journal dealing solely with cystic fibrosis.

The article puts to past 20 years nicely in perspective and can be firmly recommended, particularly to younger professionals who have not experienced to earlier part of the last 20 years.

Felix Ratjen (fig.47) is Professor in the Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Canada.

Donald VanDevanter (fig.48) Adjunct Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH USA.

Jonathan H RaymentFadi AsfourMargaret RosenfeldMark HigginsLingyun LiuMolly MasciaHildegarde Paz-DiazSimon TianRachel ZahigianSusanna A McColleyVX16-809-122 Study Group. A Phase 3, Open-Label Study of Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor in Children 1 to Less Than 2 Years of Age With Cystic Fibrosis Homozygous for F508del-CFTR.  Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2022 Jun 30. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202204-0734OC.Online ahead of print.[Pubmed]              

Fig. 49 Jonathan Rayment msfhr.org

Rationale: Previous phase 3 trials showed treatment with lumacaftor/ivacaftor was safe and efficacious in people aged ≥2 years with cystic fibrosis homozygous for F508del-CFTR (F/F genotype).
Objectives: 
To assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of lumacaftor/ivacaftor in children aged 1 to <2 years with the F/F genotype.
Methods: This open-label, phase 3 study consisted of two parts (Part A [N = 14] and Part B [N = 46]) that enrolled two cohorts based on age (Cohort 1: 18 to <24 months and Cohort 2: 12 to <18 months). For the 15-day treatment period in Part A, lumacaftor/ivacaftor dose was based on weight at screening. Pharmacokinetic data from Part A were used to determine dose-based weight boundaries for Part B (24-week treatment period).
Measurements and main results: 
The primary endpoint of Part A was pharmacokinetics and the primary endpoint for Part B was safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints for Part B were absolute change in sweat chloride concentration from baseline at Week 24 and pharmacokinetics. Analysis of pharmacokinetic data from Part A confirmed the appropriateness of Part B dosing. In Part B, 44 children (95.7%) had adverse events which for most were either mild (52.2% of children) or moderate (39.1% of children) in severity. The most common adverse events were cough, infective pulmonary exacerbation of cystic fibrosis, pyrexia, and vomiting. At Week 24, mean absolute change from baseline in sweat chloride concentration was ‒29.1 mmol/L (95% confidence interval, ‒34.8 to ‒23.4). Growth parameters (body mass index, weight, length, and associated z-scores) were normal at baseline and remained normal during the 24-week treatment period. Improving trends in some biomarkers of pancreatic function and intestinal inflammation such as fecal elastase-1, serum immunoreactive trypsinogen, and fecal calprotectin were observed.
Conclusions: Lumacaftor/ivacaftor was generally safe and well tolerated in children aged 1 to <2 years with the F/F genotype with a pharmacokinetic profile consistent with studies in older children. Efficacy results, including robust reductions in sweat chloride concentration, suggest the potential for CF disease modification with lumacaftor/ivacaftor treatment. These results support the use of lumacaftor/ivacaftor in this population

Dr Jonathan Rayment (fig 49) is paediatrician and researcher at the BC Children’s Hospital, 37210, Respiratory Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Emma Raywood , Harriet Shannon , Nicole Filipow , Gizem Tanriver , Sanja Stanojevic , Kunal Kapoor , Helen Douglas  , Rachel O’Connor , Nicky Murray , Bridget Black , Eleanor Main. Quantity and quality of airway clearance in children and young people with cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros. 2022 Oct 6;S1569-1993(22)00686-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.09.008. Online ahead of print.            pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36210322/]

Fig. 50 Emma Raywood crunchable.com

Children and young people with CF (CYPwCF) get advice about using positive expiratory pressure (PEP) or oscillating PEP (OPEP) devices to clear sticky mucus from their lungs. However, little is known about the quantity (number of treatments, breaths, or sets) or quality (breath pressures and lengths) of these daily airway clearance techniques (ACTs) undertaken at home. This study used electronic pressure sensors to record real time breath-by-breath data from 145 CYPwCF (6-16y) during routine ACTs over 2 months. ACT quantity and quality were benchmarked against individual prescriptions and accepted recommendations for device use. In total 742,084 breaths from 9,081 treatments were recorded. Individual CYPwCF maintained consistent patterns of ACT quantity and quality over time. Overall, 60% of CYPwCF did at least half their prescribed treatments, while 27% did fewer than a quarter. About 77% of pre-teens did the right number of daily treatments compared with only 56% of teenagers. CYPwCF usually did the right number of breaths. ACT quality (recommended breath length and pressure) varied between participants and depended on device. Breath pressures, lengths and pressure-length relationships were significantly different between ACT devices. PEP devices encouraged longer breaths with lower pressures, while OPEP devices encouraged shorter breaths with higher pressures. More breaths per treatment were within advised ranges for both pressure and length using PEP (30-31%) than OPEP devices (1-3%). Objective measures of quantity and quality may help to optimise ACT device selection and support CYPwCF to do regular effective ACTs.

Emma Raywood (fig. 50) is a physiotherapist at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London

Emily E RicottaD Rebecca PrevotsKenneth N Olivier. CFTR modulator use and risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria positivity in cystic fibrosis, 2011-2018ERJ Open Res 2022 Apr 11;8(2):00724-2021.doi: 10.1183/23120541.00724-2021.eCollection 2022 Apr.   Free PMC article   [Pubmed]

Fig. 51 Emily E Ricotta loop.frontiersin.org

Background: People with cystic fibrosis are at increased risk of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators are associated with reduced lung infection with pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. This association has not been studied with NTM.
Methods:Using encounter-level data from the US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry from 2011 to 2018, we identified individuals aged >12 years with one or more NTM-negative sputum culture and information on receipt of ivacaftor therapy. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to assess the relationship between CFTR modulator usage (any and monotherapy versus combination therapy) and NTM sputum culture positivity, controlling for sex, least severe class of CFTR mutation, receipt of chronic macrolides, age, body mass index and percentage predicted forced expiratory volume.
Results:Out of 25 987 unique individuals, 17 403 individuals met inclusion criteria. During follow-up, 42% of individuals received CFTR modulator therapy, and 23% had incident NTM. The median (interquartile range) time to event was 6.1 (4.0-7.3) years for those ever receiving CFTR modulators compared to 4.0 (1.6-6.5) years in those never receiving CFTR modulators. CFTR modulator use was associated with a significantly reduced hazard of NTM culture positivity (hazard ratio (HR) 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.97); there was no significant difference in the hazard between those receiving ivacaftor monotherapy versus combination therapy (combination HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.79-1.23).

Conclusions:CFTR modulator therapy is associated with a decreased risk of NTM positivity in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

Dr Emily E Ricotta (fig 51) is an epidemiologist in the Dept of Epidemiology and Population Studies Unit, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA.

Shan RikuHerman HedrianaJacqueline A CarozzaJennifer HoskovecReflex single-gene non-invasive prenatal testing is associated with markedly better detection of fetuses affected with single-gene recessive disorders at lower costJ Med Econ Jan-Dec 2022;25(1):403-411. doi: 10.1080/13696998.2022.2053384. Free article [Pubmed]

Fig. 52 Shan Riku github.com

Objective: To evaluate the clinical benefits and achievable cost savings associated with the adoption of a carrier screen with reflex single-gene non-invasive prenatal test (sgNIPT) in prenatal care.
Method:A decision-analytic model was developed to compare carrier screen with reflex sgNIPT (maternal carrier status and fetal risk reported together) as first-line carrier screening to the traditional carrier screening workflow (positive maternal carrier screen followed by paternal screening to evaluate fetal risk). The model compared the clinical outcomes and healthcare costs associated with the two screening methods. These results were used to simulate appropriate pricing for reflex sgNIPT.
Results:Reflex sgNIPT carrier screening-detected 108 of 110 affected pregnancies per 100,000 births (98.5% sensitivity), whereas traditional carrier screening-detected 46 of 110 affected pregnancies (41.5% sensitivity). The cost to identify one affected pregnancy was reduced by 62% in the reflex sgNIPT scenario compared to the traditional scenario. Adding together the testing cost savings and the savings from earlier clinical intervention made possible by reflex sgNIPT, the total cost savings was $37.6 million per 100,000 pregnancies. Based on these cost savings, we simulated appropriate reflex sgNIPT pricing range: if the cost to identify one affected pregnancy is the unit cost, carrier screening with reflex sgNIPT can be priced up to $1,859 per test (or $7,233 if sgNIPT is billed separately); if the cost per 100,000 pregnancies is the unit cost, carrier screening with sgNIPT can be priced up to $1,070 per test (or $2,336 if sgNIPT is billed separately).

Conclusion:Using the carrier screen with reflex sgNIPT as first-line screening improves the detection of affected fetuses by 2.4-fold and can save costs for the healthcare system. A real-life experience will be needed to assess the clinical utility and exact cost savings of carrier screen with reflex sgNIPT.

Shan Riku (fig.52) is SVP of Product at BillionToOne, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, USA.

Jobst F RoehmelFriederike J DoerflerCordula Koerner-RettbergFolke BrinkmannAnne SchlegtendalMartin WetzkeIsa RudolfSimone HelmsJoerg Große-OnnebrinkYin YuThomas NuessleinIrena Wojsyk-BanaszakSebastian BeckeOlaf EickmeierOlaf SommerburgHeymut OmranMirjam StahlMarcus A Mall     Comparison of the Lung Clearance Index in Preschool Children with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia and Cystic Fibrosis     Chest. 2022 Mar 7;S0012-3692(22)00421-4.doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.02.052.Online ahead of print. [Pubmed]        

Fig  53 Jobst Roshmel ResearchGate 

Background:Previous studies have shown that the lung clearance index (LCI) determined by multiple-breath washout (MBW) is sensitive to detect early lung disease in preschool children with cystic fibrosis (CF). In preschool children with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), data on the onset and severity of lung disease and on the sensitivity of the LCI as a noninvasive quantitative outcome measure remain limited.
Research and study question:Is MBW feasible and sensitive to detect ventilation inhomogeneity in preschool children with PCD?
Study design and methods:This was a prospective cross-sectional multicenter study and included preschoolers with PCD and preschoolers with CF and healthy controls. LCI was determined using nitrogen MBW, and compared between the three groups.
Results:LCI was determined in 27 children with PCD, 34 children with CF and 30 healthy controls (mean age, 4.8 years; range, 2.2 – 6.9 years). The LCI in preschool children with PCD was increased (median, 9.1; CI 95%, 8.6-10.3) compared to healthy controls (median, 7.0; CI 95%, 6.7-7.1), (P < 0.0001), but did not differ from preschool children with CF (median, 8.6; CI 95%, 8.4-9.7), (P = 0.71). The feasibility in the PCD group was 93.1% and was similar to that in the CF group (91.9%) and in healthy controls (85.7%), (P = 0.55).
Interpretation:This study demonstrates early onset of lung disease in preschool children with PCD and indicates that lung disease severity in PCD may be similar to that in CF during preschool years. These data support a need for early diagnostic monitoring and therapy and suggest the LCI as a noninvasive diagnostic tool and as a potential endpoint in clinical trials testing early interventions in children with PCD.

Dr Jobst F Roehmel (fig.53) is consultant paediatrician in the Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Christine Rousset-Jablonski, Faustine Dalon, Quitterie Reynaud, Lydie Lemonnier, Clémence Dehillotte, Flore Jacoud, Marjorie Berard , Marie Viprey, Eric Van Ganse, Isabelle Durieu, Manon Belhassen. Cancer incidence and prevalence in cystic fibrosis patients with and without a lung transplant in France. Front Public Health
. 2022 Nov 22;10:1043691. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1043691. eCollection 2022 

Free PMC article pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36483264/

Fig. 54 Christine Rousset-Jablonski
ResearchGate

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) care and the life expectancy of affected patients have substantially improved in recent decades, leading to an increased number of patients being diagnosed with comorbidities, including cancers. Our objective was to characterize the epidemiology of cancers between 2006 and 2017 in CF patients with and without a lung transplant.
Methods: Medical records of CF patients from 2006 to 2016 in the French CF Registry were linked to their corresponding claims data (SNDS). The annual prevalence and incidence rates of cancers were estimated from 2006 to 2017 in CF patients without lung transplant and in those with lung transplant after transplantation.
Results: Of the 7,671 patients included in the French CF Registry, 6,187 patients (80.7%) were linked to the SNDS; among them, 1,006 (16.3%) received a lung transplant. The prevalence of any cancer increased between 2006 and 2017, from 0.3 to 1.0% and from 1.3 to 6.3% in non-transplanted and transplanted patients, respectively. When compared to the general population, the incidence of cancer was significantly higher in both non-transplanted [Standardized Incidence Ratio (SIR) = 2.57, 95%CI 2.05 to 3.17] and transplanted (SIR = 19.76, 95%CI 16.45 to 23.55) patients. The median time between transplant and the first cancer was 3.9 years. Among the 211 incident cancer cases, the most frequent malignant neoplasms were skin neoplasm (48 cases), lung cancers (31 cases), gastro-intestinal (24 cases), and hematologic cancers (17 cases).

Conclusion: The overall burden of cancer in CF patients is high, particularly following lung transplantation. Therefore, specific follow-up, screening and cancer prevention for CF patients with transplants are necessary.

Christine Rousset-Jablonski (fig 54) is at University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Research on Healthcare Performance (RESHAPE), INSERM U1290, Lyon, France;    the Department of Internal Medicine, Cystic Fibrosis Center, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Groupe Hospitalier Sud, Lyon, France;  Département de chirurgie, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.

Bhaswati RoyMarlyn S WooSusana VacasPatricia EshaghianAdupa P RaoRajesh KumarRegional brain tissue changes in patients with cystic fibrosis. J Transl Med 2021 Oct 9;19(1):419.doi: 10.1186/s12967-021-03092-x.[Pubmed]Free PMC article

Fig. 55 Bhaswati Roy kumarlab.dgsom.ucla.edu

Background:Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients present with a variety of symptoms, including mood and cognition deficits, in addition to classical respiratory, and autonomic issues. This suggests that brain injury, which can be examined with non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is a manifestation of this condition. However, brain tissue integrity in sites that regulate cognitive, autonomic, respiratory, and mood functions in CF patients is unclear. Our aim was to assess regional brain changes using high-resolution T1-weighted images based gray matter (GM) density and T2-relaxometry procedures in CF over control subjects.
Methods:We acquired high-resolution T1-weighted images and proton-density (PD) and T2-weighted images from 5 CF and 15 control subjects using a 3.0-Tesla MRI. High-resolution T1-weighted images were partitioned to GM-tissue type, normalized to a common space, and smoothed. Using PD- and T2-weighted images, whole-brain T2-relaxation maps were calculated, normalized, and smoothed. The smoothed GM-density and T2-relaxation maps were compared voxel-by-voxel between groups using analysis of covariance (covariates, age and sex; SPM12, p < 0.001).
Results:Significantly increased GM-density, indicating tissues injury, emerged in multiple brain regions, including the cerebellum, hippocampus, amygdala, basal forebrain, insula, and frontal and prefrontal cortices. Various brain areas showed significantly reduced T2-relaxation values in CF subjects, indicating predominant acute tissue changes, in the cerebellum, cerebellar tonsil, prefrontal and frontal cortices, insula, and corpus callosum.

Conclusions:Cystic fibrosis subjects show predominant acute tissue changes in areas that control mood, cognition, respiratory, and autonomic functions and suggests that tissue changes may contribute to symptoms resulting from ongoing hypoxia accompanying the condition.

Dr Bhaswati Roy (fig.55) s a Post doc in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.

Rajesh Kumar is Professor of Anesthesiology and Radiological Sciences; Director of Imaging Technology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles

Salim Ramadan, The Thanh Diem Nguyen, Sophie Laberge, Jacques-Edouard Marcotte,  Zofia Zisman-Colman, Sze Man Tse. Pre and post-COVID 19 infection pulmonary functions in children with chronic respiratory disease: A case series.   Case Reports  Respirol Case Rep. 2022 Dec 22;11(1):e01077.  doi: 10.1002/rcr2.1077. eCollection 2023 Jan.  Free PMC article  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36578269/

Fig 56 Ramadan Salim ResearchGate

As functional respiratory impairment following COVID-19 infection (COVID-19) is increasingly reported in adult, data regarding children especially with pre-existing chronic respiratory disease (PCRD) remain scarce. We retrospectively assessed clinical presentation, duration of symptoms related to COVID-19 from paediatric patients with PCRD and compared their pre/post COVID-19-I spirometry values. Data from 12 patients were analysed. Timing between COVID-19 diagnosis and subsequent functional evaluation ranged from 26 to 209 days (mean 77). The PCRD in these patients included asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiolitis obliterans and bronchomalacia. During COVID-19, all clinical presentations were mild. One patient displayed persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms for 8 weeks after infection. Two patients presented significant deterioration of post-COVID-19 spirometric values with a return to pre-COVID-19 values in subsequent measures.

We concluded that children with PCRD are not at increased risk for severe COVID disease and that most of them have no or only transient pulmonary functional impairment 1 to 7 months after COVID-19.

Salim Ramadan (fig 56) is a post-doctoral research assistant with the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center Montreal Québec Canada.;  the Faculty of Medicine University of Montreal Montreal Québec Canada.;  the Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics University Hospitals of Geneva Geneva Switzerland.

Danieli B Salinas, Choo Phei Wee, Barbara Bailey, Karen Raraigh, Douglas Conrad. Cystic Fibrosis Screen Positive, Inconclusive Diagnosis Genotypes in People with Cystic Fibrosis from the U.S. Patient Registry. Ann Am Thorac Soc
. 2022 Nov 21. doi: 10.1513/AnnalsATS.202201-024OC. Online ahead of print.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36409994/

Fig 57 Danieli Salinas

Rationale: Variants within the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR) that are of unknown significance or are categorized as non CF-causing may be observed in persons with CF. These variants are frequently detected in children with inconclusive newborn screen results and, in some cases, may be associated with a benign presentation in early childhood that progresses to a CF phenotype later in life.

Objectives: To analyze data from individuals enrolled in the U.S. CF Foundation patient registry who have received a diagnosis of CF and who have variants found in a population of children with cystic fibrosis screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID).
Methods: This retrospective review analyzed registry data from individuals with a diagnosis of CF who also harbor one or more variants of interest due to their frequency within a CFSPID population and/or their interpretation as non CF-causing. Three groups were defined by the number of CF-causing (CF-C) variants identified (CF-Cx2, CF-Cx1, and CF-Cx0), which were reported in addition to variant(s) of interest. Multivariate quantile regression modeling of FEV1 outcome generated a disease severity score for each person determined by six selected variables. Median scores were calculated for the three groups.
Results: Patients carrying one CF-causing variant and at least one variant of interest (CF-Cx1) had higher median disease severity score compared to CF-Cx2, suggesting milder phonotype (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in scores between CF-Cx2 and the two other groups combined (CF-Cx1 and CF-Cx0; p=0.33). Analysis revealed that the CF-Cx1 and CF-Cx0 groups, when compared to the CF-Cx2 group, had later median diagnoses (8 years vs. newborn; p<0.0001), lower median sweat chloride (48 vs. 94.5 mmol/L, p<0.0001), lower prevalence of pancreatic insufficiency (29% vs. 78%; p<0.0001), and higher median FEV1% predicted (95% vs. 87%; p=0.0002).

Conclusions: Individuals with CF who have specific variants frequently identified in children with CFSPID have a similar range of disease severity scores compared to those who have two CF-causing variants, but a milder phenotype overall. Variants that should be given careful scrutiny due to their high prevalence are: G576A+R668C, T854T, R75Q, F1052V, R1070W, R31C, and L967S.

Danieli B Salinas (fig.57) is a paediatric pulmonologist at the Hospital Los Angeles Department of Pediatrics, 337885, Pediatrics, Los Angeles, California, United States

Francesca SaluzzoLuca RiberiBarbara MessoreNicola Ivan LoréIrene EspositoElisabetta BignaminiVirginia De Rose.   CFTR Modulator Therapies: Potential Impact on Airway Infections in Cystic Fibrosis.   Cells 2022 Apr 6;11(7):1243.doi: 10.3390/cells11071243  Free PMC article   [Pubmed]

Fig. 58 Francesca Saluzzo
research.hsr.it

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding for the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein, expressed on the apical surface of epithelial cells. CFTR absence/dysfunction results in ion imbalance and airway surface dehydration that severely compromise the CF airway microenvironment, increasing infection susceptibility. Recently, novel therapies aimed at correcting the basic CFTR defect have become available, leading to substantial clinical improvement of CF patients. The restoration or increase of CFTR function affects the airway microenvironment, improving local defence mechanisms. CFTR modulator drugs might therefore affect the development of chronic airway infections and/or improve the status of existing infections in CF. Thus far, however, the full extent of these effects of CFTR-modulators, especially in the long-term remains still unknown.

This review aims to provide an overview of current evidence on the potential impact of CFTR modulators on airway infections in CF. Their role in affecting CF microbiology, the susceptibility to infections as well as the potential efficacy of their use in preventing/decreasing the development of chronic lung infections and the recurrent acute exacerbations in CF will be critically analysed.

Francesca Saluzzo (fig.58) is in the Emerging Bacterial Pathogens Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.

D B SandersU KhanS L HeltsheM SkallandN E WestD R VanDevanterC H GossP A FlumeSTOP2 Investigators.   Association of site of treatment with clinical outcomes following intravenous antimicrobial treatment of a pulmonary exacerbation. J Cyst Fibros 2022 Jul;21(4):574-580.doi10.1016/j.jcf.2021.11.009pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34857494/

Fig. 59 Don B Sanders medicine.iu.edu

Background:In the STOP2 (Standardized Treatment of Pulmonary Exacerbations-2) study, intravenous (IV) antimicrobial treatment duration for adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) experiencing pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) was determined based on initial treatment response. The impact of home vs hospital care remains an important clinical question in CF. Our hypothesis was that STOP2 participants treated at home would have less improvement in lung function compared to those treated in the hospital.
Methods:Treating clinicians determined PEx treatment location, which was a stratification factor for STOP2 randomization. Lung function, weight, and symptom recovery were evaluated by treatment location. Propensity scores and inverse probability treatment weighting were used to test for differences in clinical response by treatment location.
Results:In all, 33% of STOP2 participants received IV antimicrobials in the hospital only, 46% both in the hospital and at home, and 21% at home only. Mean (95% CI) ppFEV1 improvement was significantly (p < 0.05) lower for those treated at home only, 5.0 (3.5, 6.5), compared with at home and in the hospital, 7.0 (5.9, 8.1), and in the hospital only, 8.0 (6.7, 9.4). Mean weight (p < 0.001) and symptom (p < 0.05) changes were significantly smaller for those treated at home only compared to those treated in the hospital only.

Conclusions:Compared to PEx treatment at home only, treatment in the hospital was associated with greater mean lung function, respiratory symptom, and weight improvements. The limitations of home IV therapy should be addressed in order to optimize outcomes for adults with CF

Don B Sanders (fig.59) is Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.

Don B Sanders, Ashley R Deschamp, Joseph E Hatch, James E Slaven, Netsanet Gebregziabher, Mariette Kemner-van de Corput, Harm A W M Tiddens, Tim Rosenow, Gregory A Storch, Graham L Hall, Stephen M Stick, Sarath Ranganathan, Thomas W Ferkol, Stephanie D Davis.  Association between early respiratory viral infections and structural lung disease in infants with cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros
. 2022 Nov;21(6):1020-1026. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.04.014. Epub 2022 May 4.
   pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35523715/

 Fig 60 Don B Sanders The academic family tree

Background: Infants with cystic fibrosis (CF) develop structural lung disease early in life, and viral infections are associated with progressive lung disease. We hypothesized that the presence of respiratory viruses would be associated with structural lung disease on computed tomography (CT) of the chest in infants with CF.
Methods: Infants with CF were enrolled before 4 months of age. Multiplex PCR assays were performed on nasal swabs to detect respiratory viruses during routine visits and when symptomatic. Participants underwent CT imaging at approximately 12 months of age. Associations between Perth-Rotterdam Annotated Grid Morphometric Analysis for CF (PRAGMA-CF) CT scores and respiratory viruses and symptoms were assessed with Spearman correlation coefficients.
Results: Sixty infants were included for analysis. Human rhinovirus was the most common virus detected, on 28% of tested nasal swabs and in 85% of participants. The median (IQR) extent of lung fields that was healthy based on PRAGMA-CF was 98.7 (0.8)%. There were no associations between PRAGMA-CF and age at first virus, or detection of any virus, including rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, or parainfluenza. The extent of airway wall thickening was associated with ever having wheezed (ρ = 0.31, p = 0.02) and number of encounters with cough (ρ = 0.25, p = 0.0495).

Conclusions: Infants with CF had minimal structural lung disease. We did not find an association between respiratory viruses and CT abnormalities. Wheezing and frequency of cough were associated with early structural changes.

Don B Sanders (fig 60) is Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.

—  A study emphasising the importance of cough as an indication of lower respiratory tract pathology in young children

Zahrae Sandouk, Noura Nachawi, Richard Simon, Jennifer Wyckoff , Melissa S Putman , Sarah Kiel, Sarah Soltman, Antoinette Moran, Amir Moheet. Coronary artery disease in patients with cystic fibrosis – A case series and review of the literature. Case Reports J Clin Transl Endocrinol
. 2022 Oct 5;30:100308. doi: 10.1016/j.jcte.2022.100308. eCollection 2022 Dec.  
36267108    Free PMC article   pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36267108/

Fig. 61 Zahrae Sandouk Michigan Medicine

Progressive obstructive pulmonary disease is the primary life-shortening complication in people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF); improvement in life expectancy has led to increased prevalence of non-pulmonary complications. Patients with CF are considered to be at low risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). We report here a case series of six patients with CF with and without known cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) who had acute myocardial infarction (AMI) requiring coronary stent placement. This was a heterogeneous group of patients, without a clear pattern of consistent risk factors. Interestingly, most patients in this cohort had low LDL. In this review, we discuss risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) that may apply to the CF population. While CAD is rare in people with CF, it does occur. We postulate that the risk will grow with increased longevity and the increased prevalence of co-morbidities such as obesity and dyslipidemia.

Zahrae Sandouk (fig 61) is Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

Malay Sarkar , Irappa Madabhavi , Nagaveni Kadakol Oxygen-induced hypercapnia: physiological mechanisms and clinical implications. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2022 Nov 18. doi: 10.4081/monaldi.2022.2399. Online ahead of print. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36412131/

Fig. 62 Malay Sarker
ResearchGate

Oxygen is probably the most commonly prescribed drug in the emergency setting and is a life-saving modality as well. However, like any other drug, oxygen therapy may also lead to various adverse effects. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may develop hypercapnia during supplemental oxygen therapy, particularly if uncontrolled. The risk of hypercapnia is not restricted to COPD only; it has also been reported in patients with morbid obesity, asthma, cystic fibrosis, chest wall skeletal deformities, bronchiectasis, chest wall deformities, or neuromuscular disorders. However, the risk of hypercapnia should not be a deterrent to oxygen therapy in hypoxemic patients with chronic lung diseases, as hypoxemia may lead to life-threatening cardiovascular complications. Various mechanisms leading to the development of oxygen-induced hypercapnia are the abolition of ‘hypoxic drive’, loss of hypoxic vasoconstriction and absorption atelectasis leading to an increase in dead-space ventilation and Haldane effect. The international guideline recommends a target oxygen saturation of 88% to 92% in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and other chronic lung diseases at risk of hypercapnia. Oxygen should be administered only when oxygen saturation is below 88%. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the CINAHL from inception to June 2022. We used the following search terms: “Hypercapnia”, “Oxygen therapy in COPD”, “Oxygen-associated hypercapnia”, “oxygen therapy”, and “Hypoxic drive”. All types of study are selected. This review will focus on the physiological mechanisms of oxygen-induced hypercapnia and its clinical implications.

Professor Malay Sarker (fig.62)  is at the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Meghana Sathe  , Baha Moshiree , Enid Aliaj  , MinJae Lee  , Jessica Hudson   , Alex Gifford  , Susan Attel  , Breck Gamel Med , Steven D Freedman , Sarah Jane Schwarzenberg  , A Jay Freeman.    Need to study simplification of gastrointestinal medication regimen in cystic fibrosis in the era of highly effective modulators.Pediatr Pulmonol. 2022 Nov 30.  doi: 10.1002/ppul.26257.  Online ahead of print.  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36448312/

Fig. 63 Meghana Nitin Sathe                Children’s health

Introduction: The success of highly effective modulator therapy (HEMT) has led to consideration of simpler regimens for people with CF (PwCF) with opportunities to modify burdensome regimens. Despite the intuitive appeal of discontinuing chronic therapies no longer necessary, this process should be pursued systematically to ensure safety, adherence, and validate patient-centered preferences. We designed a questionnaire to determine the state of use of acid suppressive medications (ASM) and pancreatic enzyme therapy (PERT), current self-withdrawal and provider-directed withdrawal practices, and interest in a standardized withdrawal study.
Methods: In collaboration with CF Foundation (CFF), a questionnaire was developed and distributed to members of Community Voice (CV, comprised of PwCF and their loved ones), and CF providers regarding the need to study simplifying the gastrointestinal (GI) regimen for PwCF on HEMT.
Results: Approximately 20-40% of CV or CF providers have decreased or stopped ASM for those on HEMT. For PERT, CV and CF providers have decreased dose (34-48% and approximately 25%, respectively) more often than having stopped it altogether (13-24% and 3-12%, respectively). Cumulatively, there is interest in pursuing research in this area (86% CV, 89% CF providers) and willingness to enroll in such a study (80% CV and 89% CF providers).

Conclusion: Systematically studying withdrawal of common GI medications, ASM and PERT, is important to CV and CF providers. Decreases in dosing and withdrawal are already taking place without evidence to support this practice. This questionnaire is the first step in designing a GI medication simplification study in PwCF on HEMT. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Dr Meghana Sathe (fig 63) is a paedaitric gastroenterologist and professor at Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Texas Southwestern/Children’s Health, Dallas, TX.

Adrienne P SavantCystic fibrosis year in review 2021Pediatr Pulmonol 2022 May 2.doi: 10.1002/ppul.25948.Online ahead of print.[Pubmed]

Fig 64 Adrienne P Savant icmchealth.org

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) have an amazing outlook with the treatment availability of highly effective modulators. Unfortunately, not all PwCF are eligible for modulators leading to continued pulmonary exacerbations and advanced lung disease. Additionally, optimizing diagnosis and evaluation for CF in the newborn period continues to be an area of focus for research. This review article will work to cover articles published in 2021 with high clinical relevance related to the above topics, however due to the extensive body of research published, this review will not be comprehensive. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Adrienne P Savant (fig 64) is a paediatric pulmonologist at the Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA and the Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

Gregory S SawickiMark ChilversJohn McNamaraLutz NaehrlichClare SaundersIsabelle Sermet-GaudelusClaire E WainwrightNeil AhluwaliaDaniel CampbellR Scott HarrisHildegarde Paz-DiazJudy L ShihJane C Davies.  A Phase 3, open-label, 96-week trial to study the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of tezacaftor/ivacaftor in children ≥ 6 years of age homozygous for F508del or heterozygous for F508del and a residual function CFTR variantJ Cyst Fibros 2022 Feb 18;S1569-1993(22)00033-9.doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.02.003.Online ahead of print. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35190292/

Fig 65  Gregory Sawick doctors.childrenshospital

Background:Two previous Phase 3 studies (“parent studies”) showed that tezacaftor/ivacaftor was generally safe and efficacious for up to 24 weeks in children 6 through 11 years of age with cystic fibrosis (CF) and F508del/F508del (F/F) or F508del/residual function (F/RF) genotypes. We assessed the safety and efficacy of tezacaftor/ivacaftor in an open-label, 96-week extension study.
Methods:This was a Phase 3, 2-part, multicenter, open-label, extension study in children 6 through 11 years of age at treatment initiation (Study VX17-661-116; NCT03537651). The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints were absolute change from baseline in lung clearance index2.5 (LCI2.5), sweat chloride (SwCl) concentration, Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) respiratory domain score, and body mass index (BMI).
Results:One-hundred thirty children enrolled and received ≥ 1 dose of tezacaftor/ivacaftor; 109 completed treatment. Most (n = 129) had ≥ 1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE), the majority of which were mild or moderate in severity and generally consistent with common manifestations of CF. Exposure-adjusted TEAE rates were similar to or lower than those in the parent studies. Five (3.8%) had TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation. Efficacy results from the parent studies were maintained, with improvements in lung function, SwCl concentration, CFQ‑R respiratory domain score, and BMI observed from parent study baseline to Week 96.

Conclusions:Tezacaftor/ivacaftor is generally safe and well tolerated, and treatment effects are maintained for up to 120 weeks. These results support long-term use of tezacaftor/ivacaftor in children ≥ 6 years of age with CF and F/F or F/RF genotypes.

Dr Gregory Sawick (fig 65) is ta the Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA.

Mathias Schenkel , Dorna Ravamehr-Lake , Tomasz Czerniak   , James P Saenz , Georg Krainer , Michael Schlierf , Charles M Deber. Impact of cholesterol and Lumacaftor on the folding of CFTR helical hairpins. Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr. 2023 Jan 1;1865(1):184078. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184078.  Epub 2022 Oct 22  DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184078  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36279907/
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the gene that codes for the chloride channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Recent advances in CF treatment have included use of small-molecule drugs known as modulators, such as Lumacaftor (VX-809), but their detailed mechanism of action and interplay with the surrounding lipid membranes, including cholesterol, remain largely unknown. To examine these phenomena and guide future modulator development, we prepared a set of wild type (WT) and mutant helical hairpin constructs consisting of CFTR transmembrane (TM) segments 3 and 4 and the intervening extracellular loop (termed TM3/4 hairpins) that represent minimal membrane protein tertiary folding units. These hairpin variants, including CF-phenotypic loop mutants E217G and Q220R, and membrane-buried mutant V232D, were reconstituted into large unilamellar phosphatidylcholine (POPC) vesicles, and into corresponding vesicles containing 70 mol% POPC +30 mol% cholesterol, and studied by single-molecule FRET and circular dichroism experiments. We found that the presence of 30 mol% cholesterol induced an increase in helicity of all TM3/4 hairpins, suggesting an increase in bilayer cross-section and hence an increase in the depth of membrane insertion compared to pure POPC vesicles. Importantly, when we added the corrector VX-809, regardless of the presence or absence of cholesterol, all mutants displayed folding and helicity largely indistinguishable from the WT hairpin. Fluorescence spectroscopy measurements suggest that the corrector alters lipid packing and water accessibility. We propose a model whereby VX-809 shields the protein from the lipid environment in a mutant-independent manner such that the WT scaffold prevails. Such ‘normalization’ to WT conformation is consistent with the action of VX-809 as a protein-folding chape

Mathias Schenkel is at  CUBE – Center for Molecular Bioengineering, TU Dresden, Tatzberg 41, 01307 Dresden, Germany.

Christina N Schmid , Alexander M Friedman, Emily A DiMango, Alice H Linder, Nasim C Sobhani, Mary E D’Alton, Timothy Wen.  Trends in and Outcomes of Deliveries Complicated by Cystic Fibrosis. Obstet Gynecol
. 2022 Oct 6. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004959. Online ahead of print.
       pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36201759/

Fig.66 Christina Schmidt

Objective: To characterize current trends and outcomes in pregnancies complicated by cystic fibrosis (CF) that resulted in delivery.
Methods: This repeated cross-sectional study used the U.S. National Inpatient Sample to identify delivery hospitalizations of patients with CF between 2000 and 2019. Trends in delivery hospitalizations of patients with CF were assessed using joinpoint regression to determine the average annual percent change (AAPC). The risk of adverse maternal and obstetric outcomes was compared between patients with and without CF using adjusted logistic regression models accounting for demographic, clinical, and hospital characteristics, with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CIs as measures of association. The proportion of patients with CF and other chronic conditions such as pregestational diabetes was analyzed over time.
Results: From 2000 to 2019, the prevalence of CF at delivery increased from 2.1 to 10.4 per 100,000 deliveries (AAPC 6.7%, 95% CI 5.7-8.2%). The proportion of patients with CF and other chronic conditions increased from 18.0% to 37.3% (AAPC 3.1%, 95% CI 1.0-5.3%). Patients with CF were more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity (aOR 2.61, 95% CI 1.71-3.97), respiratory complications (aOR 17.45, 95% CI 11.85-25.68), venous thromboembolism (aOR 3.59, 95% CI 1.33-9.69), preterm delivery (aOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.79-2.59), abruption and antepartum hemorrhage (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.10-2.41), and gestational diabetes (aOR 2.47, 95% CI 2.47-3.70).

Conclusion: Although still infrequent (approximately 1 in 10,000), deliveries complicated by CF increased approximately fivefold over the study period. The proportion of patients with CF and other chronic conditions is increasing. Patients with CF are at increased risk for a broad range of adverse outcomes.

Christina Schmidt (fig.66) is a 4th year medical student from the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine and the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California

FIG 67 Katharina Schutz mhh.de

Background: Newborn screening (NBS) has been shown to improve cystic fibrosis (CF) disease course and has been widely implemented worldwide. This monocentric study compared children diagnosed by NBS vs. a cohort preceding the implementation of NBS in Germany in 2016 to evaluate ascribed benefits of NBS.
Methods: We compared all children with confirmed CF diagnosis (n=19, “NBS group”) out of all children presenting with positive NBS at our center after implementation of NBS (n=100) to children diagnosed with CF at our center within 4 years before NBS implementation (n=29, “pre-NBS group”) for outcomes of anthropometry, gastrointestinal and pulmonary disease manifestations and respiratory microbiology.
Results: Children diagnosed by NBS had a lower incidence of initial difficulty to thrive (15 vs. 41%) and showed higher mean z-scores for Body-Mass-Index (BMI), weight and length at diagnosis and during study period. Children in the pre-NBS group displayed higher proportions of oxygen-dependent pulmonary exacerbations (10 vs. 0%). They show a significantly lower amount of normal bacterial flora (p=0.005) along with a significantly higher number of throat swab cultures positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p=0.0154) in the first year of life. Yet, pulmonary imaging did not reveal less pulmonary morbidity in the NBS group.

Conclusions: Our results confirm that NBS for CF leads to earlier diagnosis and improves nutritional outcomes in early childhood. Although trajectories of structural lung damage at early age were unaffected by NBS, NBS positive CF patients at preschool age displayed less pulmonary exacerbations and pathological bacteria in throat swabs.

Katarina Schultz (fig 67) is in the Department of Paediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School Centre for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hannover, Deutschland.Excellence Cluster RESIST – Resolving Infection Susceptibility, Hannover Medical School Centre for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hannover, Deutschland.

Sarah Jane Schwarzenberg , Phuong T Vu, Michelle Skalland , Lucas R Hoffman, Christopher Pope, Daniel Gelfond, et al  and the  Promise Study Group. Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and gastrointestinal outcomes in cystic fibrosis: Report of promise-GI. J Cyst Fibros
. 2022 Oct 21;S1569-1993(22)01384-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.10.003. Online ahead of print. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36280527/

Fig 68 Sarah Jane Schwarzenberg med.umn.edu

Background: Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) improves pulmonary disease in people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF), but its effect on gastrointestinal symptoms, which also affect quality of life, is not clear.
Methods: PROMISE is a 56-center prospective, observational study of ETI in PwCF >12 years and at least one F508del allele. Gastrointestinal symptoms, evaluated by validated questionnaires: Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders-Symptom (PAGI-SYM), Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptom (PAC-SYM), Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL)), fecal calprotectin, steatocrit and elastase-1 were measured before and 6 months after ETI initiation. Mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were obtained from linear regression with adjustment for age and sex.
Results: 438 participants fully completed at least 1 questionnaire. Mean (SD) for baseline PAGI-SYM, PAC-SYM, and PAC-QOL total scores were 0.56 (0.59), 0.47 (0.45), and 0.69 (0.53) out of maximum 5, 4, and 5, respectively (higher score indicates greater severity). Corresponding age- and sex-adjusted 6 months mean changes (95% CI) in total scores were -0.15 (-0.21, -0.09) for PAGI-SYM, -0.14 (-0.19, -0.09) for PAC-SYM, and -0.15 (-0.21, -0.10) for PAC-QOL. While statistically significant, changes were small and unlikely to be of clinical importance. Fecal calprotectin showed a change (95% CI) from baseline of -66.2 µg/g (-86.1, -46.2) at 6 months, while fecal elastase and steatocrit did not meaningfully change.

Conclusions: After 6 months of ETI, fecal markers of inflammation decreased. Gastrointestinal symptoms improved, but the effect size was small. Pancreatic insufficiency did not improve

Professor Sarah Jane Schwarzenberg (fig. 68) at Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, Academic Office Building, 2450 Riverside Ave S AO-201, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA.

Shahid Sheikh, Rodney D Britt Jr, Nancy A Ryan-Wenger, Aiman Q Khan, Brandon W Lewis, Courtney Gushue, Hazel Ozuna, Devi Jaganathan, Karen McCoy, Benjamin T Kopp. Impact of Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor on Bacterial Colonization and Inflammatory Responses in Cystic Fibrosis.  Pediatr Pulmonol. 2022 Nov 29.  doi: 10.1002/ppul.26261.  Online ahead of print.  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36444736/

FIG 69 Shahid Sheikh

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disease with progressive deterioration. Recently, CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies were introduced that repair underlying protein defects. Objective of this study was to determine the impact of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI) on clinical parameters and inflammatory responses in people with CF (pwCF).                                               Methods: Lung function (FEV1 ), body mass index (BMI) and microbiologic data were collected at initiation and 3-month intervals for 1 year. Blood was analyzed at baseline and 6 months for cytokines and immune cell populations via flow cytometry and compared to non-CF controls.
Results: Sample size was 48 pwCF, 28 (58.3%) males with a mean age of 28.8±10.7 years. Significant increases in %predicted FEV1 and BMI were observed through 6 months of ETI therapy with no change thereafter. Changes in FEV1 and BMI at 3 months were significantly correlated (r=57.2, p<0.01). There were significant reductions in Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus positivity (percent of total samples) in pwCF through 12 months of ETI treatment. Healthy controls (n=20) had significantly lower levels of circulating neutrophils, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17A and higher levels of IL-13 compared to pwCF at baseline (n=48). After 6 months of ETI, pwCF had significant decreases in IL-8, IL-6, and IL-17A levels and normalization of peripheral blood immune cell composition.

Conclusions: In pwCF, ETI significantly improved clinical outcomes, reduced systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines, and restored circulating immune cell composition after 6 months of therapy.

Dr Shahid Sheikh (fig 69)  is a paediatric pulmonologist in the Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, and the Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.

Megan Sheppard, Hiran Selvadurai, Paul D Robinson, Chetan Pandit, S Murthy Chennapragada, Dominic A Fitzgerald. Approaches to the management of haemoptysis in young people with cystic fibrosis  Review Paediatr Respir Rev. 2022 Nov 3;S1526-0542(22)00070-7. doi: 10.1016/j.prrv.2022.10.002. Online ahead of print.   pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36463090/

Fig 70 Megan Sheppard
LinkedIn

Haemoptysis occurs in up to 25 % of young people with Cystic fibrosis (CF) [1]. We undertook a literature review and described the management approach to haemoptysis in CF between 2010 and 2020 at an Australian tertiary paediatric centre, The Children’s Hospital Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, using a retrospective review of the medical records which identified 67 episodes. Sixty episodes met inclusion criteria, including 31 patients. Using the US CF Foundation guidelines, episodes were classified as scant (53.3 %), moderate (38.3 %) or massive (8.3 %). Fifty-two percent of patients were female, mean age at presentation was 15.4 years (SD+/- 2.4) and 58 % were homozygous for the Fdel508 genotype. Twelve episodes (9 patients) required bronchial artery embolization (BAE). BAE was used in all cases of massive haemoptysis 5/5 (100 %), 6/23 (22 %) episodes of moderate and 1/32 (3 %) episode of scant haemoptysis as an elective procedure for recurrent haemoptysis. Our literature review and institutional experience highlights the need for up-to-date management guidelines in the management of haemoptysis in Cystic Fibrosis. Based on our experience, we provide a proposed algorithm to help guide the management of haemoptysis in CF.

Megan Sheppard (fig 70)  is in the Dept.of Respiratory Medicine, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia.

Nicholas J SimmondsC Kors van der EntCarla ColomboNils KinnmanCynthia DeSouzaTeja ThoratMarci L ChewKeval ChandaranaCarlo CastellaniVOCAL: An observational study of ivacaftor for people with cystic fibrosis and selected non-G551D-CFTR gating mutations. J Cyst Fibros 2022 May 22;S1569-1993(22)00141-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.05.007.Online ahead of print. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35613999/

Fig 71 Nicholas Simmonds rbht.nhs.uk

Background:VOCAL was an observational study of the effect of long-term ivacaftor on real-world clinical outcomes and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) in Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK.
Methods:pwCF aged ≥6 years with non-G551D-CFTR gating mutations were eligible. Prospective data were collected up to 48 months after enrollment; retrospective data were collected to ensure that 12 months of pre-ivacaftor data were available. Endpoints included absolute change from baseline in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (ppFEV1) and measures of nutritional status. Pulmonary exacerbation (PEx) rates, HCRU, and respiratory microbiology during ivacaftor treatment were compared with data from the 12-month period before initiation.
Results:Seventy-three eligible pwCF were enrolled and received ivacaftor; 65 (89.0%) completed the study (48 [65.8%] completed ≥48 months of ivacaftor). During the first 6 months of ivacaftor, ppFEV1, body mass index (BMI), and BMI-for-age z-score showed least-squares mean absolute improvements of 10.8 percentage points, 0.79 kg/m2, and 0.54, respectively; improvements were maintained through 48 months. Rates of PEx, antibiotic use due to PEx, and hospitalization decreased by >50% during ivacaftor treatment compared with before ivacaftor. The number of respiratory cultures and sputum was lower post-ivacaftor, as was the percentage of pwCF with positive respiratory cultures for 3 of 9 pathogens evaluated (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus fumigatus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia). Reported safety results were consistent with CF and ivacaftor’s known safety profile.

Conclusions:These results demonstrate the positive long-term effectiveness of ivacaftor on clinical outcomes and HCRU in pwCF with non-G551D-CFTR gating mutations in real-world settings.

Professor Nicholas Simmonds (fig 71) is at the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK, and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.

Sherie SmithNicola J RowbothamChristopher T EdwardsShort-acting inhaled bronchodilators for cystic fibrosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022 Jun24;6(6):CD013666.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013666.pub2.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35749226/

Fig 72 Sherie Smith
Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis

 A Cochrane Review looking at both short- and long-acting inhaled bronchodilators for CF was withdrawn from the Cochrane Library in 2016. That review has been replaced by two separate Cochrane Reviews: one on long-acting inhaled bronchodilators for CF, and this review on short-acting inhaled bronchodilators for CF. For this review ‘inhaled’ includes the use of pressurised metered dose inhalers (MDIs), with or without a spacer, dry powder devices and nebulisers.
Objectives:To evaluate short-acting inhaled bronchodilators in children and adults with CF in terms of clinical outcomes and safety.
Authors’ conclusions:All included trials in this review are small and of a cross-over design. Most trials looked at very short-term effects of inhaled bronchodilators, and therefore did not measure longer-term outcomes. The certainty of evidence across all outcomes was very low, and therefore we have been unable to describe any effects with certainty.

Sherie Smith (fig 72) is a researcher in the Academic Unit of Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.

—  A disappointing conclusion. However, clinicians will presumably continue to try the effect of short acting bronchodilators on their patients and, depending on the change in respiratory function test(s) and the patient’s opinion, will continue to prescribe in a proportion of patients. Some 25% of UK patients were taking regular bronchodilators in 2022.

Jia Tong Song , Sameer Desai,  Alessandro N Franciosi, Renee V E Dagenais, Bradley S Quon. Research letter: The impact of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor on adherence to nebulized maintenance therapies in people with cystic fibrosis. Cyst Fibros. 2022 Nov;21(6):1080-1081. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.05.005. Epub 2022 May 16.  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36585011/
Summary of this letter:  Reducing treatment burden is a high priority for people living with CF.    Standard of care involves the use of multiple nebulized therapies which are time consuming. Prescription refills for nebulized dornase alfa and hypertonic saline decreased in the first year post-ETI. Several ongoing studies are evaluating the safety of withdrawing nebulized therapies post-ETI.
Since ETI has only been studied as an adjunct to standard of care and not as stand-alone therapy, the CF care team has strongly encouraged adherence to pre-existing nebulized therapies while taking ETI especially in this cohort of patients with more advanced lung disease qualifying for the special access program. Despite this encouragement, our current experience suggests that patients still become less adherent.

Jia Tong Song is in the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia.

G Spoletini, L Gillgrass, K Pollard, N Shaw, E Williams, C Etherington, I J Clifton, D G Peckham.  Dose adjustments of Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor in response to mental health side effects in adults with cystic fibrosis.  J Cyst Fibros. 2022 Nov;21(6):1061-1065.  doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.05.001.  Epub 2022 May 16  35585012   Free article  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35585012/

Fig. 73 Giulia Spoletini

Introduction: Deterioration in mental health has been reported in a minority of individuals with cystic fibrosis starting elexacafor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA). We report our experience of using sweat chloride and markers of clinical stability to titrate dose reduction with the aim of minimising adverse events and maintaining clinical stability.
Method: Adults (n = 266) prescribed ELX/TEZ/IVA, were included. Adverse events, sweat chloride, lung function and clinical data were collected.
Results: Nineteen (7.1%) individuals reported anxiety, low mood, insomnia and “brain fog” with reduced attention and concentration span. Thirteen underwent dose reduction with sweat chloride remained normal (<30 mmol l-1) or borderline (30-60 mmol l-1) in six (46.2%) and seven (53.2%) cases respectively. Improvement or resolution of AEs occurring in 10 of the 13 cases.

Conclusion: Dose adjustment of ELX/TEZ/IVA was associated with improvement in mental health AEs without significant clinical deterioration. Sweat chloride concentration may prove useful as a surrogate marker of CFTR function.

Dr G Spoletini (fig.73) is at the Regional Adult CF Centre, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom; Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.

Fig. 74 Gemma Stanford Imperial College London

Gemma Stanford (fig.74) is at Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guys and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP, UK.;   National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Guy Scadding Building, Dovehouse St, Chelsea, London SW3 6LY,;    UK.Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Cystic Fibrosis (ACPCF) c/o ACPCF Secretary, Infection, Immunity & Inflammation Dept, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.

Stephen M StickAlexia FotiRobert S WareHarm A W M TiddensBarry S ClementsDavid S ArmstrongHiran SelvaduraiAndrew TaiPeter J CooperCatherine A ByrnesYvonne BelessisClaire WainwrightAdam JaffePhilip RobinsonLisa SaimanPeter D SlyCOMBAT CF Study Group.The effect of azithromycin on structural lung disease in infants with cystic fibrosis (COMBAT CF): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialLancet Respir Med  2022 Aug;10(8):776-784.doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(22)00165-5.Epub 2022 Jun 2.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35662406/

Fig 75  Stephen Stick thelimbic.com

Background: Structural lung disease and neutrophil-dominated airway inflammation is present from 3 months of age in children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis after newborn screening. We hypothesised that azithromycin, given three times weekly to infants with cystic fibrosis from diagnosis until age 36 months, would reduce the extent of structural lung disease as captured on chest CT scans.
Methods:A phase three, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done at eight paediatric cystic fibrosis centres in Australia and New Zealand. Infants (aged 3-6 months) diagnosed with cystic fibrosis following newborn screening were eligible. Exclusion criteria included prolonged mechanical ventilation in the first 3 months of life, clinically significant medical disease or comorbidities other than cystic fibrosis, or macrolide hypersensitivity. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either azithromycin (10 mg/kg bodyweight orally three times per week) or matched placebo until age 36 months. Randomisation was done with a permuted block strategy and an interactive web-based response system, stratified by study site. Unblinding was done once all participants completed the trial. The two primary outcomes were the proportion of children with radiologically defined bronchiectasis, and the percentage of total lung volume affected by disease. Secondary outcomes included clinical outcomes and exploratory outcomes were inflammatory markers. Analyses were done with the intention-to-treat principle. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01270074).
Findings:Between June 15, 2012, and July 10, 2017, 281 patients were screened, of whom 130 were enrolled, randomly assigned, and received first study dose. 68 participants received azithromycin and 62 received placebo. At 36 months, 88% (n=50) of the azithromycin group and 94% (n=44) of the placebo group had bronchiectasis (odds ratio 0·49, 95% CI 0·12 to 2·00; p=0·32), and total airways disease did not differ between groups (median difference -0·02%, 95% CI -0·59 to 0·56; p=0·96). Secondary outcome results included fewer days in hospital for pulmonary exacerbations (mean difference -6·3, 95% CI -10·5 to -2·1; p=0·0037) and fewer courses of inhaled or oral antibiotics (incidence rate ratio 0·88, 95% CI 0·81 to 0·97; p=0·0088) for those in the azithromycin group. For the pre-planned, exploratory analysis, concentrations of airway inflammation were lower for participants receiving azithromycin, including interleukin-8 (median difference -1·2 pg/mL, 95% CI -1·9 to -0·5; p=0·0012) and neutrophil elastase activity (-0·6 μg/mL, -1·1 to -0·2; p=0·0087) at age 36 months, although no difference was noted between the groups for interleukin-8 or neutrophil elastase activity at 12 months. There was no effect of azithromycin on body-mass index at age 36 months (mean difference 0·4, 95% CI -0·1 to 0·9; p=0·12), nor any evidence of pathogen emergence with the use of azithromycin. There were few adverse outcomes with no differences between the treatment groups.

Interpretation:Azithromycin treatment from diagnosis of cystic fibrosis did not reduce the extent of structural lung disease at 36 months of age; however, it did reduce airway inflammation, morbidity including pulmonary exacerbations in the first year of life and hospitalisations, and improved some clinical outcomes associated with cystic fibrosis lung disease. Therefore, we suggest thrice-weekly azithromycin is a strategy that could be considered for the routine early management of paediatric patients with cystic fibrosis.

Stephen M Stick (fig. 75) is Clinical Professor at the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia.

Iain StewartJoseph JacobPeter M GeorgePhilip L MolyneauxJoanna C PorterRichard J Allen, e t al. Residual Lung Abnormalities Following COVID-19 Hospitalization: Interim Analysis of the UKILD Post-COVID StudyAm J Respir Crit Care Med. 2022 Dec 1.doi: 10.1164/rccm.202203-0564OC.Online ahead of print.  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36457159/

Fig. 76  Iain Stewart imperial.ac.uk

Rationale:Shared symptoms and genetic architecture between COVID-19 and lung fibrosis suggests SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to progressive lung damage.
Objectives:The UKILD Post-COVID study interim analysis was planned to estimate the prevalence of residual lung abnormalities in people hospitalized with COVID-19 based on risk strata.
Methods:The Post-HOSPitalisation COVID Study (PHOSP-COVID) was used for capture of routine and research follow-up within 240 days from discharge. Thoracic CTs linked by PHOSP-COVID identifiers were scored for percentage of residual lung abnormalities (ground glass opacities and reticulations). Risk factors in linked CT were estimated with Bayesian binomial regression and risk strata were generated. Numbers within strata were used to estimate post-hospitalization prevalence using Bayesian binomial distributions. Sensitivity analysis was restricted to participants with protocol driven research follow-up.
Measurements and main results:The interim cohort comprised 3700 people. Of 209 subjects with linked CTs (median 119 days, interquartile range 83-155), 166 people (79.4%) had >10% involvement of residual lung abnormalities. Risk factors included abnormal chest X-ray (RR 1·21 95%CrI 1·05; 1·40), percent predicted DLco<80% (RR 1·25 95%CrI 1·00; 1·56) and severe admission requiring ventilation support (RR 1·27 95%CrI 1·07; 1·55). In the remaining 3491 people, moderate to very-high risk of residual lung abnormalities was classified in 7·8%, post-hospitalization prevalence was estimated at 8.5% (95%CrI 7.6%; 9.5%) rising to 11.7% (95%CrI 10.3%; 13.1%) in sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions:Residual lung abnormalities were estimated in up to 11% of people discharged following COVID-19 related hospitalization. Health services should monitor at-risk individuals to elucidate long-term functional implications. This article is open access and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Dr Ian Stewart (fig 76) is an Advanced Research Fellow at Imperial College London, 4615, National Heart & Lung Institute, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Birce SunmanNagehan EmiraliogluGülsen HazirolanBurçin ŞenerBeste OzsezenDilber A TuralHalime N BuyuksahinIsmail GuzelkasEbru YalcinDeniz DogruUğur ÖzçelikNural Kiper  Effectiveness of different eradication treatment protocols for new-onset Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children with cystic fibrosisPediatr Pulmonol 2022 Jun;57(6):1456-1465.doi: 10.1002/ppul.25876. Epub 2022 Apr 8.[Pubmed]

Fig 77    Birce Sunman researchgate.net

Objectives: While eradicating new-onset Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children with cystic fibrosis is an important issue, there is no clear evidence about the best treatment approach. This retrospective observational cohort study aims to compare the effectiveness of intravenous therapy versus inhalation with/without oral therapy in the eradication of new-onset P. aeruginosa, determine the factors affecting the treatment success and assess lung function at baseline and posttreatment.
Methods: Of 399 children, 110 (140 episodes) with either the first P. aeruginosa isolation or a new isolation after at least 1 year free of infection were included. Different eradication regimens (intravenous therapy or inhaled tobramycin or inhaled tobramycin plus oral ciprofloxacin) were compared. Eradication success was accepted as remaining free of infection with a negative culture for 12 months. Demographic, clinical, and microbiological characteristics of children, effectiveness of different eradication strategies, time to a new P. aeruginosa isolation, and the relationship between lung function and the type of eradication regimen were determined.
Results: Of 140 episodes, intravenous therapy was administered in 53 and inhalation therapy (in combination with or without oral ciprofloxacin) in 87. Total success rate of eradication was 60.7%. Eradication was achieved in 56.6% of children with intravenous therapy, 59.7% with inhaled tobramycin therapy, and 72% with inhaled tobramycin plus oral ciprofloxacin therapy. Success rates of different eradication regimens did not differ significantly (p = 0.419). Lung function by the end of the first year was worse in the intravenous group compared to the inhalation group (p = 0.017 for forced expiratory volume in 1 s, p = 0.015 for forced vital capacity).

Conclusion: No advantage of intravenous therapy was demonstrated compared to inhalation therapy in terms of eradication success© 2022

Dr Birce Sunman (fig 77) is in the Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Ihsan Dogramaci Children’s Hospital, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.

Marcus SvedbergHenrik ImbergPer GustafssonMela BrinkHåkan CaisanderAnders LindbladChest X-rays are less sensitive than multiple breath washout examinations when it comes to detecting early cystic fibrosis lung diseaseActa Paediatr 2022 Jun;111(6):1253-1260.doi: 10.1111/apa.16302.Epub 2022 Feb 24.  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35181935/

 Fig. 78 Marcus Svedberg nuvoair.com

Aim:Annual chest X-ray is recommended as routine surveillance to track cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical utility of chest X-rays to track CF lung disease.
Methods:Children at Gothenburg’s CF centre who underwent chest X-rays, multiple breath washouts and chest computed tomography examinations between 1996 and 2016 were included in the study. Chest X-rays were interpreted with Northern Score (NS). We compared NS to lung clearance index (LCI) and structural lung damage measured by computed tomography using a logistic regression model.
Results:A total of 75 children were included over a median period of 13 years (range: 3.0-18.0 years). The proportion of children with abnormal NS was significantly lower than the proportion of abnormal LCI up to the age of 4 years (p < 0.05). A normal NS and a normal LCI at age 6 years were associated with a median (10-90th percentile) total airway disease of 1.8% (0.4-4.7%) and bronchiectasis of 0.2% (0.0-1.5%).

Conclusion: Chest X-rays were less sensitive than multiple breath washout examinations to detect early CF lung disease. The combined results from both methods can be used as an indicator to perform chest computed tomography less frequently.

Marcus Svedberg (fig 78) is at the Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Science at The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden and the Department of Pediatrics, Queen Silvia’s Children Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Sylvia SzentpeteryKimberly FoilSara HendrixSue GrayChristina MingoraBarbara HeadDonna JohnsonPatrick A Flume.  A case report of CFTR modulator administration via carrier mother to treat meconium ileus in a F508del homozygous fetusJ Cyst Fibros 2022 Apr 11;S1569-1993(22)00095-9.doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.04.005.Online ahead of print.[Pubmed]

Fig. 79  Sylvia Szentpetery education.musc.edu

We report elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI) treatment of a F508del carrier who was pregnant with a F508del homozygous fetus. At 23-weeks gestation meconium ileus (MI) was evident on ultrasound including dilated, hyperechoic bowel, which persisted on subsequent imaging. Through shared decision-making, the mother began ETI at 32 weeks with intent to treat fetal MI. The ultrasound findings persisted at treatment day 13, but bowel dilation had resolved by imaging on treatment day 27. A female infant was delivered vaginally at 36 weeks with no complications. The mother continued ETI while breastfeeding. Stool elastase at age 2 weeks was 240 mcg/g. Sweat chloride measurement was 64 and 62 mEq/L. Maternal and infant liver function testing have been normal. Maternal ETI treatment likely led to resolution of the MI and there is evidence supporting continued infant benefit through breastmilk. Logistical and ethical considerations regarding treatment of a carrier mother for infant benefit are discussed.

Dr Sylvia Szentpetery (fig.79) s a pediatric pulmonologist at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29424, USA.

Harold Tabori , Jochen Schneider , Stefan Lüth  , Carlos Zagoya  , Anton Barucha , Thomas Lehmann , Eberhard Kauf , Astrid Barth , Jochen G Mainz Elevated Levels of Toxic Bile Acids in Serum of Cystic Fibrosis Patients with CFTR Mutations Causing Pancreatic Insufficiency. Int J Mol Sci
. 2022 Oct 18;23(20):12436. doi: 10.3390/ijms232012436.      
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36293293/

Fig 80 Harold Tabori researchgate.net

Hepatobiliary involvement is a hallmark in cystic fibrosis (CF), as the causative CF Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) defect is expressed in the biliary tree. However, bile acid (BA) compositions in regard to pancreatic insufficiency, which is present at an early stage in about 85% of CF patients, have not been satisfactorily understood. We assess the pattern of serum BAs in people with CF (pwCF) without CFTR modulator therapy in regard to pancreatic insufficiency and the CFTR genotype. In 47 pwCF, 10 free and 12 taurine- and glycine-conjugated BAs in serum were prospectively assessed. Findings were related to genotype, pancreatic insufficiency prevalence (PIP)-score, and hepatic involvement indicated by serum liver enzymes, as well as clinical and ultrasound criteria for CF-related liver disease. Serum concentrations of total primary BAs and free cholic acid (CA) were significantly higher in pwCF with higher PIP-scores (p = 0.025, p = 0.009, respectively). Higher total BAs were seen in pwCF with PIP-scores ≥0.88 (p = 0.033) and with pancreatic insufficiency (p = 0.034). Free CA was higher in patients with CF-related liver involvement without cirrhosis, compared to pwCF without liver disease (2.3-fold, p = 0.036). pwCF with severe CFTR genotypes, as assessed by the PIP-score, reveals more toxic BA compositions in serum. Subsequent studies assessing changes in BA homeostasis during new highly effective CFTR-modulating therapies are of high interest.

Dr Harold Tabori (fig 80)  is at the Cystic Fibrosis Center, Brandenburg Medical School (MHB) University, Klinikum Westbrandenburg, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany.and Internal Medicine, Alexianer Hedwigshöhe Hospital, 12526 Berlin, Germany .

Haluk TekerlekBilge Nur Yardımcı-LokmanoğluDeniz Inal-InceUğur ÖzçelikAkmer Mutlu.  Developmental Functioning Outcomes in Infants with Cystic Fibrosis: a 24- to 36-Month Follow-Up Study. Phys Ther  2022 Apr 6;pzac037.doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzac037. Online ahead of print pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35385120/

Fig. 81 Haluk Tekerlek researchgate.net

This study aimed to follow the developmental functioning of infants, 3 to 5 months of age, with cystic fibrosis (CF), according to recent published results based on Prechtl General Movement Assessment (GMA).
Methods:Motor repertoire was evaluated using Prechtl GMA, and developmental function was assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (Bayley-III) in infants with CF and their peers who were neurotypical.
Results:Twelve infants with CF clinically stable and 12 infants who were neurotypical, with respective median postterm ages of 14 and 13 weeks, were assessed using GMA. At 24 to 36 months, the Bayley-III was applied to the CF group (median postterm age = 27.5 months) and the control group (median post-term age = 27.0 months). Fidgety movements (FMs) were absent in 5 infants with CF, whereas all infants who were neurotypical had normal FMs. The Motor Optimality Score (MOS) was significantly lower in the CF group (median = 18.5) compared with the control group (median = 26). The CF group had significantly lower composite scores in the Bayley-III cognition, language, and motor domains compared to the control group.
Conclusions:Cognitive, language, and motor development was delayed in infants with CF. Developmental functioning of infants with CF should be assessed as early as possible and monitored, and age-specific early intervention programs should be considered when necessary.

Impact:Children with CF may have motor, cognitive, and language developmental delays compared with peers who are neurotypical during early childhood, and hospitalization was negatively correlated with motor development at 24 to 36 months of age. This study highlights the importance of early assessment of developmental functioning and age-specific, early intervention programs when necessary in infants with CF.

Dr Haluk Tekerlek (fig 81) is in the Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.

Vito Terlizzi , Giuseppe Fabio Parisi , Beatrice Ferrari , Chiara Castellani , Sara Manti , Salvatore Leonardi  , Giovanni Taccetti. Effect of Dornase Alfa on the Lung Clearance Index in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Lesson from a Case Series.Children (Basel). 2022 Oct 26;9(11):1625. doi: 10.3390/children9111625  Free article   pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36360353/

Vito Terlizzi

  Fig 82 Vito Terlizzi

Background: Dornase alfa (DNase) is the only mucus-degrading agent that has proven efficacy in cystic fibrosis (CF). Few studies have evaluated the effects of DNase on the lung clearance index (LCI). We report the experience of two CF centers in which LCI monitoring was used to evaluate the efficacy of DNase therapy.
Methods: This is a prospective and observational study, evaluating the effects of DNase therapy on LCI values in three CF children followed at CF centers in Florence and Catania, Italy. In both centers, LCI was performed routinely, every 3-6 months, based on the clinical picture and severity of the lung disease. In this study, we evaluated the LCI before and after long-term DNase therapy.
Results: DNase improved LCI values in the absence of respiratory exacerbations: in case n. 1 LCI decreased by 39% in 16 months (from 11.1 to 6.8); in case n. 2 by 20% in 12 months (from 9.3 to 7.4); in case n. 3 by 24% in 16 months (from 9.3 to 7.0).

Conclusions: This case series confirms the efficacy of DNase therapy in CF children, as demonstrated by the LCI reduction in treated patients. Furthermore, our results suggest that LCI is a sensitive marker of disease and can be used for the evaluation of response to treatment.

Vitto Terlizzi (fig 82) is at the Cystic Fibrosis Regional Reference Center, Department of Paediatric Medicine, Meyer Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy.

Harm A W M TiddensYuxin ChenEleni-Rosalina AndrinopoulouStephanie D DavisMargaret RosenfeldFelix RatjenRichard A KronmalKaren D Hinckley StukovskyAlison DasiewiczStephen Michael StickSHIP-CT Study GroupCollaborators.  The effect of inhaled hypertonic saline on lung structure in children aged 3-6 years with cystic fibrosis (SHIP-CT): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, controlled trial. Lancet Respir Med 2022 Mar 11;S2213-2600(21)00546-4.doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00546-4. Online ahead of print [Pubmed]

Fig. 83 Harm Tiddens          erasmucmc.nl

Background: In the Saline Hypertonic in Preschoolers (SHIP) study, inhaled 7% hypertonic saline improved the lung clearance index in children aged 3-6 years with cystic fibrosis, but it remained unclear whether improvement is also seen in structural lung disease. We aimed to assess the effect of inhaled hypertonic saline on chest CT imaging in children aged 3-6 years with cystic fibrosis.
Methods: Children with cystic fibrosis were enrolled in this multicentre, randomised, double-blind, controlled study at 23 cystic fibrosis centres in Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Belgium, the USA, Canada, and Australia. Eligible participants were children aged 3-6 years who were able to cooperate with chest CT imaging and comply with daily nebuliser treatment. Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive inhaled 2 puffs of 100 μg salbutamol followed by 4mL of either 7% hypertonic saline or 0·9% isotonic saline twice per day for 48 weeks. Randomisation was stratified by age in North America and Australia, and by age and country in Europe. Chest CTs were obtained at baseline and 48 weeks and scored using the Perth-Rotterdam Annotated Grid Morphometric Analysis for Cystic Fibrosis (PRAGMA-CF) method. The primary outcome was the difference between groups in the percentage of total lung volume occupied by abnormal airways (PRAGMA-CF %Disease) measured by chest CT at 48 weeks. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. This study is registered withClinicaltrials.gov, NCT02950883.

Findings: Between May 24, 2016, and Dec 18, 2019, 134 children were assessed for inclusion. 18 patients were excluded (nine had incomplete or unsuccessful chest CT at enrolment visit, two could not comply with CT training, two had acute respiratory infection, two withdrew consent, two for reasons unknown, and one was already on hypertonic saline). 116 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to hypertonic saline (n=56) or isotonic saline (n=60). 12 patients dropped out of the study (seven in the hypertonic saline group and five in the isotonic saline group). Mean PRAGMA-CF %Disease at 48 weeks was 0·88% (95% CI 0·60-1·16) in the hypertonic saline group and 1·55% (1·25-1·84) in the isotonic saline group (mean difference 0·67%, 95% CI 0·26-1·08; p=0·0092) based on a linear regression model adjusted for baseline %Disease values and baseline age. Most adverse events in both groups were rated as mild, and the most common adverse event in both groups was cough.

Interpretation: Inhaled hypertonic saline for 48 weeks had a positive effect on structural lung changes in children aged 3-6 years with cystic fibrosis relative to isotonic saline. This is the first demonstration of an intervention that alters structural lung disease in children aged 3-6 years with cystic fibrosis.

Prof. Harm A W M Tiddens (fig 83) is in the Department of Paediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Monique TheberathDavid BauerWeizhi ChenManisha SalinasArya B MohabbatJuan YangTony Y ChonBrent A BauerDietlind L Wahner-RoedlerEffects of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of children and adolescents: A systematic review of survey studies. SAGE Open Med.2022 Mar 30;10:20503121221086712.doi: 10.1177/20503121221086712.eCollection 2022.[Pubmed] Free PMC article

Fig 84 Monique Threberath
linked in

Objective:Mental health problems among children and adolescentsare increasingly observed during the outbreak of COVID-1   9, leading to significant healthcare concerns. Survey studies provide unique opportunities for research during this pandemic, while there are no existing systematic reviews in this setting. The objective was to summarize existing survey studies addressing the effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and adolescents.
Methods:For this systematic review, we performed an electronic search in multiple databases from December 2019 to December 2020. The quality appraisal of the included studies was performed with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist. Because of the high methodological heterogeneity between studies, a narrative synthesis of the qualitative data was used.
Results:In total, 35 survey studies with 65,508 participants, ranging from 4 to 19 years of age, are included in this review. Anxiety (28%), depression (23%), loneliness (5%), stress (5%), fear (5%), tension (3%), anger (3%), fatigue (3%), confusion (3%), and worry (3%) were the most common mental health issues reported. Children and adolescents with psychiatric and/or developmental disorders, such as severe obesity, chronic lung disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cystic fibrosis, and obsessive-compulsive disorders, were especially vulnerable to the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Age, gender, psychological quality, and negative coping strategies were identified as risk factors for the development of mental health problems. Social and family support, along with a positive coping style, was associated with better outcomes.

Conclusion:The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of children and adolescents is multifaceted and substantial. Survey studies regarding child and adolescent mental health amid COVID-19 indicated that anxiety, depression, loneliness, stress, and tension are the most observed symptoms. Positive coping strategies with family and social support may be important to achieving better outcomes. Due to limited available evidence, more well-designed studies in this area are urgently needed.

Monique Theberath (fig 84) is at St Olaf College, Northfield MN, USA

Christina ThorntonRanjani SomayajiAngel ChuMichael D ParkinsHuman papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical dysplasia in adult female cystic fibrosis (CF) lung transplant recipientsThorax 2022 Feb 4;thoraxjnl-2021-218461.doi: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2021-218461.Online ahead of print.[Pubmed]

Fig 85 Christina Thornton cihr-irsc.gc.ca

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35121654/

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the principal risk factor for cervical cancer. Transplant recipients are at a disproportionate risk of HPV complications. We conducted a single-centre, retrospective study of adult female cystic fibrosis (CF) lung transplant recipients between 2008 and 2021. We observed 12 of 34 (35.3%) with ≥1 abnormal pap smear (median age: 26.7 years). Complications included refractory anogenital warts (n=3), vulvectomy (n=2) and cervical cancer (n=4), with two deaths from metastatic disease. None with HPV morbidity was vaccinated. Lung transplant recipients had greater odds of cervical dysplasia relative to controls (OR, 3.98; 95% CI 1.17 to 11.82).

CF care providers must prioritise HPV vaccination to attenuate potential future morbidity and mortality.

Dr Christina Thornton (fig 85)  is at the Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Joseph Tobias , Mckinna Tillotson , Lauren Maloney , Elizabeth Fialkowski Meconium Ileus, Distal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome, and Other Gastrointestinal Pathology in the Cystic Fibrosis Patient. Review Surg Clin North Am. 2022 Oct;102(5):873-882. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2022.07.016. Epub 2022 Sep 7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36209752/

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal-recessive defect in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene located on chromosome 7 that affects 1 in 2500 live White births. Defects in the gene lead to abnormally thick secretions causing chronic obstruction in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Common gastrointestinal pathology in children with cystic fibrosis includes meconium ileus in infancy and distal intestinal obstruction syndrome in childhood and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, constipation, and rectal prolapse. This article describes the presentation, diagnosis, and management of these conditions in patients with cystic fibrosis, from birth to adulthood.

Joseph Tobias is resident physician in surgery at Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.

Maret G Traber , Scott W Leonard, Vihas T Vasu  , Brian M Morrissey , Huangshu John Lei  , Jeffrey Atkinson  , Carroll E Cross. α-Tocopherol Pharmacokinetics in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: Benefits of Supplemental Vitamin C Administration. Nutrients. 2022 Sep 9;14(18):3717. doi: 10.3390/nu14183717.Free PMC article   pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36145092/

Fig 86 Maret G Traber ipi.oregonstate.edu

Background: Numerous abnormalities in cystic fibrosis (CF) could influence tocopherol absorption, transportation, storage, metabolism and excretion. We hypothesized that the oxidative distress due to inflammation in CF increases vitamin E utilization, which could be positively influenced by supplemental vitamin C administration.
Methods: Immediately before and after receiving vitamin C (500 mg) twice daily for 3.5 weeks, adult CF patients (n = 6) with moderately advanced respiratory tract (RT) disease consumed a standardized breakfast with 30% fat and a capsule containing 50 mg each hexadeuterium (d6)-α- and dideuterium (d2)-γ-tocopheryl acetates. Blood samples were taken frequently up to 72 h; plasma tocopherol pharmacokinetics were determined. During both trials, d6-α- and d2-γ-tocopherols were similarly absorbed and reached similar maximal plasma concentrations ~18-20 h. As predicted, during vitamin C supplementation, the rates of plasma d6-α-tocopherol decline were significantly slower.

Conclusions: The vitamin C-induced decrease in the plasma disappearance rate of α-tocopherol suggests that vitamin C recycled α-tocopherol, thereby augmenting its concentrations. We conclude that some attention should be paid to plasma ascorbic acid concentrations in CF patients, particularly to those individuals with more advanced RT inflammatory disease and including those with severe exacerbations.

Maret G Traber (fig 86) is Principal Investigator and Ava Helen Pauling Professor at the Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.

Aliye Uc , Birgitta Strandvik, Jianrong Yao, Xiaoming Liu, Yaling Yi , Xingshen Sun 3 , Ruth Welti  , John F Engelhardt, Andrew W Norris. The Fatty Acid Imbalance of Cystic Fibrosis Exists at Birth Independent of Feeding, in Pig and Ferret Models. Clin Sci (Lond). 2022 Nov 23;CS20220450. doi: 10.1042/CS20220450. Online ahead of print. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36416119

 Fig  87  Aliye Uc uihc.org/childrens

Persons with cystic fibrosis (CF) exhibit a unique alteration of fatty acid composition, marked especially among polyunsaturates by relative deficiency of linoleic acid and excess of Mead acid. Relative deficiency of docosahexaenoic acid is variably found. However, the initial development of these abnormalities is not understood. We examined fatty acid composition in young CF ferrets and pigs, finding abnormalities from the day of birth onward including relative deficiency of linoleic acid in both species. Fatty acid composition abnormalities were present in both liver and serum phospholipids of newborn CF piglets even prior to feeding, including reduced linoleic acid and increased Mead acid. Serum fatty acid composition evolved over the first weeks of life in both non-CF and CF ferrets, though differences between CF and non-CF persisted. Although red blood cell phospholipid fatty acid composition was normal in newborn animals, it became perturbed in juvenile CF ferrets including relative deficiencies of linoleic and docosahexaenoic acids and excess of Mead acid. In summary, fatty acid composition abnormalities in CF pigs and ferrets exist from a young age including at birth independent of feeding and overlap extensively with the abnormalities found in humans with CF. That the abnormalities exist prior to feeding implies that dietary measures alone will not address the mechanisms of imbalance.

Aliye Uc, (Fig 87)  is director of the division of pediatric gastroenterology at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Arnaud J Van Wettere, Shih-Hsing Leir, Calvin U Cotton, Misha Regouski, Iuri Viotti Perisse, Jenny L Kerschner, Alekh Paranjapye, Zhiqiang Fan , Ying Liu  , Makayla Schacht, Kenneth L White , Irina A Polejaeva, Ann Harris.   Early developmental phenotypes in the cystic fibrosis sheep model. FASEB Bioadv
. 2022 Oct 31;5(1):13-26. doi: 10.1096/fba.2022-00085. eCollection 2023 Jan   Free article pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36643895/

Fig 88  Arnaud Van Wettere

Highly effective modulator therapies for cystic fibrosis (CF) make it a treatable condition for many people. However, although CF respiratory illness occurs after birth, other organ systems particularly in the digestive tract are damaged before birth. We use an ovine model of CF to investigate the in utero origins of CF disease since the sheep closely mirrors critical aspects of human development. Wildtype (WT) and CFTR -/- sheep tissues were collected at 50, 65, 80, 100, and 120 days of gestation and term (147 days) and used for histological, electrophysiological, and molecular analysis. Histological abnormalities are evident in CFTR-/- -/- animals by 80 days of gestation, equivalent to 21 weeks in humans. Acinar and ductal dilation, mucus obstruction, and fibrosis are observed in the pancreas; biliary fibrosis, cholestasis, and gallbladder hypoplasia in the liver; and intestinal meconium obstruction, as seen at birth in all large animal models of CF. Concurrently, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-dependent short circuit current is present in WT tracheal epithelium by 80 days gestation and is absent from CFTR -/- tissues. Transcriptomic profiles of tracheal tissues confirm the early expression of CFTR and suggest that its loss does not globally impair tracheal differentiation.

Dr Arnaud J Van Wettere (fig 88)  is in the Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences Utah State University Logan Utah USA.and the School of Veterinary Medicine Utah State University Logan Utah USA.

Lakshmi ViswanathanEric BachmanSimon TianNeil AhluwaliaYaohua ZhangHarold S BernsteinPaul Panorchan.Phase 1 Study to Assess the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor in Subjects Without Cystic Fibrosis With Moderate Hepatic ImpairmentEur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2022 Aug 29.doi: 10.1007/s13318-022-00791-8.Online ahead of print   pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36036885/
Background and objective:Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor is highly effective in treating people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) who have ≥ 1 responsive mutation. Liver disease occurs in approximately 10%-20% of pwCF. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and pharmacokinetics of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in people with moderate hepatic impairment, which is necessary to inform on its use and guide dosing recommendations.
Methods:The safety and pharmacokinetics of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor were evaluated in subjects without CF with moderate hepatic impairment versus matched healthy controls. Twenty-two subjects (11 with moderate hepatic impairment and 11 healthy subjects) received half the standard adult daily dose of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (elexacaftor 100 mg/tezacaftor 50 mg/ivacaftor 150 mg) orally for 10 days.
Results:Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor was safe and well tolerated in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment and healthy controls. On day 10, the mean values of the area under the curve during the dosing interval (AUCτ) for total (bound and unbound) elexacaftor and its major active metabolite M23-elexacaftor were increased 1.25-fold (95% CI 1.01, 1.54) and 1.73-fold (95% CI 1.27, 2.35), respectively, in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment compared with matched healthy subjects. The mean values of AUCτ for ivacaftor and tezacaftor were increased 1.50-fold (95% CI 1.09, 2.06) and 1.20-fold (95% CI 1.00, 1.43), respectively, while the mean value of AUCτfor the active metabolite M1-tezacaftor was 1.29-fold lower [ratio of moderate hepatic impairment to healthy subjects (95% CI): 0.778 (0.655, 0.924)] in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment.

Conclusions:A dose reduction of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor is warranted in people with moderate hepatic impairment.

Lakshmi Viswanathan is a clinical pharmacologist with Vertex Phamaceuticals in Boston USA

—-I wonder if the non-CF patients were expected to improve. Were they informed it was not for their benefit?  This paper is available in full on tpublisher’s website

Nirmal VijayavelSung Woo KohElizabeth Leigh h Goodman.Cystic fibrosis associated with Wernicke’s encephalopathy in an older adultBMJ Case Rep 2022 Jul 27;15(7):e249727.doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249727. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35896303/

Fig 89 Nirmal Vijavavel doximetry.com

Here we report the first case of an association between cystic fibrosis and Wernicke’s encephalopathy. The patient had a history of cystic fibrosis diagnosed in her early 60s associated with pancreatitis and chronic lung disease. She presented with a traumatic hip fracture requiring operative repair. On examination, she was found to have bilateral nystagmus. MRI revealed enhancement of the mammillary bodies. Laboratory results were notable for thiamine deficiency, which in context of the radiographic and physical examination findings, confirmed a diagnosis of Wernicke’s encephalopathy. The cause of her low thiamine was thought to be poor dietary intake, weight loss and malabsorption associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in the setting of a history of recurrent pancreatitis. The patient had complete resolution of her symptoms with the initiation of thiamine supplementation and pancreatic enzymes. Although classically associated with fat soluble vitamin deficiencies, there are increasing reports of water-soluble vitamin deficiencies associated with cystic fibrosis.

Nirmal Vijayavel (fig 89 )  is a resident in internal medicine at Internal Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Department of Internal Medicine, Torrance, California, USA.

Stefanie Vincken , Sylvia Verbanck , Sue Braun , Nathalie Buyck , Christiane Knoop , Eef Vanderhelst. Real-world data on the efficacy and safety of tezacaftor-ivacaftor in adults living with cystic fibrosis homozygous for F508del and heterozygous for F508del and a residual function mutation. Acta Clin Belg
. 2022 Nov 22;1-5. doi: 10.1080/17843286.2022.2145684. Online ahead of print.  
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36415912/
Background: To examine safety and efficacy of tezacaftor-ivacaftor (TEZ/IVA) in a real-life setting in adults living with cystic fibrosis.
Methods: A multicentre retrospective observational study, including adults living with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) eligible for TEZ/IVA, with assessments at baseline, 3 months (visit3mo) and 6 months (visit6mo) after start of treatment. Outcomes included change in FEV1, LCI, FeNO, CFQ-R, estimated number of annual acute exacerbations, BMI, dosage of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) and airway microbiology. We also assessed safety.
Results: Forty-eight adult pwCF (mean (±SD) age 33 (±12) years; mean FEV1 65 (±19) %P) were included. Three subgroups were identified: pwCF F/F CFTR modulator-naive (n = 28; 58%), pwCF F/F previously treated with lumacaftor-ivacaftor (n = 11; 23%) and pwCF F/RF (n = 9; 19%). Adverse events were described in 3 pwCF (6%) during the 6-month observation period (in one leading to treatment interruption). At visit3mo, FEV1 had improved in all subgroups. In the entire group, mean FEV1 had increased from 66 (±2.9) %P to 72 (±2.9) %P (p < 0.0001). Similarly, LCI improved by approximately one unit at visit3mo (p = 0.02). At visit6mo mean annual acute exacerbation rate decreased significantly (p = 0.02). Only in the CFQ-R social functioning domain score, a significant improvement was observed at visit6mo (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: We showed that TEZ/IVA (Symdeko) is safe, well tolerated and effective in terms of improvement of lung function, ventilation inhomogeneity, health-related social functioning, and reduction of estimated annual acute exacerbation rate, in adult pwCF F/F and F/RF. Results in this real-life study reflect those observed in RCTs

Stefanie Vincken in is the Department of Pulmonology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium.

Rebecca Weiser, Juliette Oakley, Katherine Ronchetti, Jo-Dee Tame, Sven Hoehn, Tomasz P Jurkowski, Eshwar Mahenthiralingam, Julian T Forton. The lung microbiota in children with cystic fibrosis captured by induced sputum sampling.   J Cyst Fibros. 2022 Nov;21(6):1006-1012.  doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.01.006.  Epub 2022 Jan 22.Free article    pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35078737/

  Fig 90  Rebecca Weiser Cardiff University

Background: Spatial topography of the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung microbiota is poorly understood in childhood. How best to sample the respiratory tract in children for microbiota analysis, and the utility of microbiota profiling in clinical management of early infection remains unclear. By comparison with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), we assessed the ability of induced sputum (IS) sampling to characterise the lower airway microbiota.
Methods: Sample sets from IS and two or three matched BAL compartments were obtained for microbiota analysis as part of the CF-Sputum Induction Trial (UKCRN_14615, ISRCTNR_12473810). Microbiota profiles and pathogen detection were compared between matched samples.
Results: Twenty-eight patients, aged 1.1-17.7 years, provided 30 sample sets. Within-patient BAL comparisons revealed spatial heterogeneity in 8/30 (27%) sample sets indicating that the lower airway microbiota from BAL is frequently compartmentalised in children with CF. IS samples closely resembled one or more matched BAL compartments in 15/30 (50%) sets, and were related in composition in a further 9/30 (30%). IS detected 86.2% of the Top 5 genera found across matched BAL samples. The sensitivity of IS to detect specific CF-pathogens identified in matched BAL samples at relative abundance ≥5% varied between 43 and 100%, with negative predictive values between 73 and 100%.

Conclusions: Spatial heterogeneity of the lower airway microbiota was observed in BAL samples and presents difficulties for consistent lung sampling. IS captured a microbiota signature representative of the lower airway in 80% of cases, and is a straightforward, non-invasive intervention that can be performed frequently to aid pathogen diagnosis and understand microbiota evolution in children with CF.

Dr Rebecca Weiser (Fig 90) is a Research Associate with Microbiomes Microbes and Informatics Group, Organisms and Environment Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Park Place, Cardiff, UK.

— This would appear to be an important contribution particularly as the method is repeatable many times in contrast to BAL.

West NE, Kazmerski TM, Taylor-Cousar JL, Tangpricha V, Pearson K, Aitken ML, et al. Optimizing sexual and reproductive health across the lifespan in people with cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2022;57 Suppl 1:S89-S100. DOI:10.1002/ppul.25703   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34570960/

Dirk Westhölter  FabianSchumacherNuria WülfinghoffSivagurunathanSutharsanSvenja StrassburgBurkhard KleuserPeter A HornSebastian ReuterErich GulbinsChristian TaubeMatthias Welsner.  CFTR modulator therapy alters plasma sphingolipid profiles in people with cystic fibrosis.  J Cyst Fibros 2022 Feb 12;S1569-1993(22)00037-6.doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.02.005.Online ahead of print. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35168870/

Fig 91 Dirk Westhölter
researchgate.net

Background: Sphingolipids, in particular ceramides, play an important role in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Ceramides seem to be dysregulated in people with CF (PWCF): An elevated ratio of ceramides C16Cer/ C24Cer has been linked to inflammation and disease severity. CFTR modulators might influence sphingolipid dysregulation in PWCF.
Methods: Sphingolipid profiles were retrospectively analyzed in serum from 112 PWCF and 96 healthy controls as well as in plasma from 25 PWCF before and after treatment with the CFTR modulator elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Lipid data were correlated with clinical parameters.
Results: There were significantly higher levels of long-chain ceramides C18Cer and C20Cer and of the very long-chain ceramide C24:1Cer in PWCF versus healthy controls. Sphingosine levels were significantly reduced and accurately distinguished PWCF from healthy controls. Treatment with ELX/TEZ/IVA was associated with a decrease in levels of long-chain ceramides C16Cer, C18Cer and C20Cer and very long-chain ceramide C24:1Cer. Plasma levels of the most abundant very long-chain ceramide C24Cer as well as sphingosine-1-phosphate increased. Consequently, the ratio of ceramides C16Cer/ C24Cer decreased. Sphingolipid levels showed weak correlations with clinical parameters.

Conclusions: These findings highlight the existence of a distinctive sphingolipid profile in blood from PWCF, which appears to be altered by ELX/TEZ/IVA therapy. Thus, strategies for sphingolipid remodeling need to be reassessed and adjusted in the light of highly effective CFTR modulator therapies.

Dirk Westhölter (Fig 91) is in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Essen- Ruhrlandklinik, Tüschener Weg 40, Essen 45239, Germany.

Lena WucherpfennigSimon M F TriphanSabine WegeHans-Ulrich KauczorClaus P HeusselNiclas SchmittFelix WuennemannVictoria L MayerOlaf SommerburgMarcus A MallMonika EichingerMark O Wielpütz    Magnetic resonance imaging detects improvements of pulmonary and paranasal sinus abnormalities in response to elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor therapy in adults with cystic fibrosisJ Cyst Fibros 2022 Apr 7;S1569-1993(22)00088-1.: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.03.011.Online ahead of print.[Pubmed]

Fig 92 Lena Wucherpfennig researchgate.net

Background: Therapy with Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (ETI) was recently approved for adult cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with at least one F508del mutation. However, its effects on structural and functional lung abnormalities and chronic rhinosinusitis have not been studied by imaging.
Methods: 19 adults with CF (mean age 31±9y, range 19-55y) underwent standardized chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nine also same-session sinonasal MRI, before (MRI1) and after (MRI2) at least one month (mean duration 5 ± 3mon) on ETI. 24 control CF patients (30±7y, range 20-44y) without ETI underwent longitudinal chest MRI, and eleven also sinonasal MRI, twice (mean interval 40±15mon). MRI was assessed using the validated chest MRI score and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)-MRI score. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s percent predicted (FEV1%) was measured in all patients.
Results: In controls, the chest MRI global score and CRS-MRI sum score were stable from MRI1 to MRI2. In patients under ETI, the chest MRI global score improved (-11.4 ± 4.6, P<0.001), mainly due to reduction of bronchiectasis/wall thickening and mucus plugging subscores (-3.3 ± 2.2 and -5.2 ± 1.5, P<0.001, respectively). The improvement in chest MRI score correlated well with improved FEV1% (r=-0.703, P<0.001). The CRS-MRI sum score also improved in patients under ETI (-6.9 ± 3.0, P<0.001), mainly due to a reduction of mucopyoceles in the maxillary and ethmoid sinus (-50% and -39%, P<0.05, respectively).

Conclusions: MRI detects improvements of chest MRI and CRS-MRI scores in adult CF patients who first received ETI, demonstrating reversibility of structural lung and paranasal sinus abnormalities in patients with established disease.

Dr Lena Wucherpfennig (fig 92) is in the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Subdivision of Pulmonary Imaging, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 420, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Im Neuenheimer Feld 156, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology with Nuclear Medicine, Thoraxklinik at University Hospital Heidelberg, Röntgenstr. 1, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany.

John XuerebPatrick SammutChiara VellaIan M Balfour-Lynn.Resolution of lobe collapse in a child with cystic fibrosis with Mycobacterium abscessus using serial intrabronchial rhDNasePediatr Pulmonol 2022 Jun;57(6):1549-1551.doi: 10.1002/ppul.25902.Epub 2022 Mar 31 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35318832/

Fig 93 John Xuereb researchgate .net

An eight-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis (CF) developed a left upper lobe collapse failing to resolve with initial conventional antibiotic treatment, mucolytics and intensified physiotherapy. Mycobacterium abscessus was isolated from her sputum. Bronchoscopy revealed thick viscous mucus plugging of the left upper lobe bronchus with complete obliteration.  Three bronchoscopies with saline lavage and Dornase alfa, a rhDNase, at the end of each procedure resulted in removal of this mucus plug and the re-inflation of the affected lobe, with clinical and radiological resolution. The use of flexible bronchoscopy as a ‘secondary’ treatment with 0.9% saline lavage and instillation of rhDNase is described sparsely in the literature. This is the first reported successful therapeutic resolution of a lung collapse in a CF patient with Mycobacterium abscessus, with sequential therapeutic bronchoscopies with instillation  of Dornase alfa. This should be considered for lobar collapse in CF not responding to the standard therapeutic regime.

Dr John Xuereb (fig 93) is in the Department of Paediatrics, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta.

Marco ZampoliNataliya KashirskayaBulent KaradagLuiz Vicente Ribeiro Ferreira da Silva FilhoGrace R Paul,Christine Noke.    Global access to affordable CFTR modulator drugs: Time for action! J Cyst Fibros 2022 Mar 24;S1569-1993(22)00083-2.doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.03.006.Online ahead of print.

There is no abstract so the article is reproduced here

Fig. 94  Marco Zampoli  news.uct.ac.za

Whilst the incredible advancements in CF treatment are to be applauded and celebrated, the reality is that only a minority of people with CF in the rich global North are benefiting from CFTRm therapy. We are therefore very grateful and encouraged by the timely and important article by Jonathan Guo et al. published recently in the Journal which highlights the stark reality and disparity that exists in CF diagnosis and treatment across the world. According to their estimates based on available data, there are 57,076 people with undiagnosed CF across the world with the highest burden likely to be in the Middle East and India. Furthermore, only 12% of estimated 105,352 people captured in global CF registries are receiving Trikafta®/Kaftrio® and the majority of them are living in North America or Western Europe. We agree with their view that paucity of epidemiological data and lack of CF diagnosis capacity in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are major barriers to advocating for effective and equitable treatment in these regions. However, there are significant CF populations living in LMICs such as South Africa, India, the Middle East, eastern Europe, and South America who currently have no access nor pathway to registration of Trikafta®/Kaftrio® which will undoubtably lead to increasing disparity in CF outcomes between the rich global North and poor global South. In these countries, the main barrier to accessing triple CFTRm therapy is not lack of diagnosis capacity, but profit-driven global market forces which are accountable more to shareholders than the health needs of the global CF community.

Global distribution and sales of CFTRm drugs and patents are in place until 2037 in many LMICs that are signatories to the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, effectively preventing manufacture and distribution of affordable generic alternatives in these countries. The current annual cost per patient of Trikafta®/Kaftrio® paid by countries with negotiated agreements is more than $250 000 which is prohibitive for governments and private health insurers in LMICs. Vertex Pharmaceuticals posted a net income of $5.7 billion in 2021 which is a bitter pill to swallow for CF communities in LMICs who are helpless and increasingly impatient with the injustice of their plight . Precedent exists where pharmaceutical companies holding patents have issued voluntary licenses to generic manufacturers to distribute, with profit, life-saving affordable generic drugs in LMICs for treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, hepatitis-C and more recently COVID-19. It is time that the global CF community stand in solidarity in support of similar issuing of voluntary licenses for the manufacture and distribution of generic CFTRm drugs.

We appeal and urge that the Journal and CF patient organizations in the global North such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and European CF Society adopt a stronger position and publish statements against the injustice of the disparity in access to CFTRm therapy for all people across the world living with CF who are eligible for this life-saving treatment. Cystic fibrosis clinicians, researchers and CF communities living in LMICs cannot endure and tolerate much longer reading and hearing about the ‘miracle’ outcomes of triple CFTRm drugs of the privileged minority in rich countries. In the meantime, we continue to patiently negotiate in good faith with Vertex Pharmaceuticals in the hope that CF communities in LMICs will soon have affordable access to this life saving treatment. But time is running out for many people slowly dying too early with CF.

Dr Marco Zampoli (fig 94) is Clinical Head: Cystic Fibrosis Clinic Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, National Director South African CF Registry Steering Committee, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

Claire E Wainwright  A New Era for Cystic Fibrosis and CFTR Modulator Trials in Infants.  Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2022 Jul 20.doi: 10.1164/rccm.202207-1356ED.Online ahead of print.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35856818/
(Summary below as no abstract)

Fig 95 Claire Wainwright
Author’s photo

As CFTR modulator therapies becomes established in young children a new approach to clinical care is likely to evolve as people with CF live longer lives ensuring healthy ageing will become a priority
In open label trials nearly 11% of children had transaminases elevation more than 3x upper limit of normal. Details of trails in young infants remain to be decided – open label trials appear to be extending to infants. There may be unrecognised effects on the young developing child and will open label trials be adequate to recognise these problems?
As CFTR modulation becomes established clinically the window for randomised placebo-controlled trials has almost closed. Consumers, clinicians and researchers need to rapidly determine how we move forward in developing new CFTR modulator therapy for infants and decide whether infants are indeed “little adults” and whether benefits can be effectively inferred or whether they deserve the same degree of evidence as older people expect?

Claire E Wainwright (fig 95) is Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

West NE, Kazmerski TM, Taylor-Cousar JL, Tangpricha V, Pearson K, Aitken ML, et al. Optimizing sexual and reproductive health across the lifespan in people with cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2022;57 Suppl 1:S89-S100. DOI:10.1002/ppul.25703   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34570960/

Michael Wilschanski, Daniel Peckham.  Nutritional and metabolic management for cystic fibrosis in a post-cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance modulator era. Review Curr Opin Pulm Med
. 2022 Nov 1;28(6):577-583. doi: 10.1097/MCP.0000000000000917. Epub 2022 Sep 14.  
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36102602/

Fig 97  Daniel Peckham

Fig 96 Michael Wilschanski authors’ photo

Purpose of review: The introduction of highly effective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulators has resulted in a paradigm shift towards treating underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF) rather than the ensuing complications. In this review, we will describe the impact of these small molecules on growth, nutrition, and metabolic status in people with CF (pwCF).
Recent finding: Results of clinical trials and real world data demonstrate that these small molecules are having a significant impact of on augmenting body weight, improving nutritional status and reducing gastrointestinal symptom burden. Early treatment can also positively impact on pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function.
Summary: Nutritional and metabolic management of pwCF needs to change in order to maximize long term health and avoid future complications relating to obesity and increased cardiovascular risk. Longitudinal registry studies will be key to improve our understanding of the longer-term outcome of these new therapies.

Michael Wilschanski (fig 96) From  the Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel. and Daniel Peckham (fig 97) from the Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.

Laura Zazzeron , Gianfranco Alicandro , Valeria Daccò , Chiara Lanfranchi, Anna Bulfamante , Calogero Sathya Sciarrabba, Fabiola Corti , Carla Colombo. Effects of prolonged proton pump inhibitor treatment on nutritional status and respiratory infection risk in cystic fibrosis: A matched cohort study. Dig Liver Dis. 2022 Oct 14;S1590-8658(22)00694-6. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.09.005. Online ahead of print.   pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36253246/

Fig 98  Laura Zazzeron policlinico.mi.it

Background: Evidence on the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) as adjuvant therapy to improve maldigestion in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) is limited and there is increasing concern on possible side effects.
Methods: We conducted a matched cohort study based on paediatric and adult pwCF who received PPI for ≥3 months. Treated patients were matched to a group of patients who never received PPI using a nearest neighbour propensity score matching based on sex, year of birth, CFTR genotype and pancreatic insufficiency.
Results: The study included 160 pwCF: 80 treated and 80 untreated patients. Over a median follow-up of 2 years, no significant differences in changes in BMI z-score were detected between groups (adjusted mean difference: 0.06, 95% CI: -0.17-0.30). At baseline 25% (n = 20) of the treated patients and 22.5% (n = 18) of the untreated patients had a positive culture for P. aeruginosa (Pa). At follow-up percentages of Pa positive cultures increased to 47.5% (n = 38) in the treated group and to 26.3% (n = 21) in the untreated group (adjusted mean difference: 23.1%, 95% CI: 10.8-35.3).

Conclusions: Prolonged PPI therapy should be used cautiously in pwCF since it may increase the risk of respiratory infection by Pa. In addition, such treatment does not seem to improve nutritional status.

Laura Zazzeron (fig 98) is at the Fibrosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda 9, Milano 20122, Italy.

Mehwish Zeb, Sujan Poudel, Sai Dheeraj Gutlapalli , Ijeoma A Toulassi , Varshitha Kondapaneni , Ivan Cancarevic. Role of Inhalational Aztreonam Lysine in Lower Airway Infections in Cystic Fibrosis: An Updated Literature Review. Review Cureus. 2022 Oct 29;14(10):e30833. doi: 10.7759/cureus.30833. eCollection 2022 Oct. 36451641 
Free PMC article  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36451641/
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder most prevalent in the Caucasian population, characterized by a functional abnormality of the transmembrane conductance regulator protein that leads to a wide array of complications, including chronic lung infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a frequently acquired microbe in CF patients and is associated with deterioration in pulmonary function and increased mortality. Inhaled anti-infective agents are an established curative therapy for CF airway infections, especially with chronic PA lung disease. Amongst them, aztreonam lysine for inhalation (AZLI) is an aerosolized monobactam antibiotic aztreonam, approved for use in CF patients nearly a decade ago. This literature review aims to explore studies based on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of AZLI use in CF patients with pulmonary infections. We searched for all the relevant articles present in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Journal of Cystic Fibrosis for our data collection from 2000 to 2020. The use of AZLI has substantially improved lung function, respiratory symptoms, and remarkably reduced sputum PA density in CF patients, thereby improving the patient’s overall quality of life. The adverse effects reported were compatible with CF lung disease. Hence, inhalational therapy with AZLI is highly efficacious and safe in the management of chronic airway infections. More clinical trials need to be conducted in the future to assess its long-term clinical benefits and adverse events as well as to explore the role of AZLI in the setting of acute lung infections.

Mehwish Zeb is resident physician  in the department of Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Fairfield, USA.

-Please note there is a free full article available

Domenique Zomer, Jakko van Ingen, Regina Hofland, Dutch CF Registry Steering group. Epidemiology and management of nontuberculous mycobacterial disease in people with cystic fibrosis, the Netherlands.  J Cyst Fibros. 2022 Nov 5;S1569-1993(22)01391-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.10.009. Online ahead of print.  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36347785/

Fig 99 Dominique Zomer
LinkedIn.com

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistic, difficult to treat pathogens. With increasing prevalence of NTM infections in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) and the improved life expectancy, the burden is expected to grow.
Methods: We assessed the epidemiology and management of NTM isolation and disease in pwCF in the Netherlands using a survey and retrospective, case-controlled data from the Dutch CF Registry. We determined the isolation prevalence, treatment and outcomes from 2013-2019.
Results: NTM isolation prevalence increased from 1.0% to 3.6% (2013-2019). This was a single NTM isolation in 53.7% of the adults and 60.0% of the children. M. abscessus and M. avium complex (MAC) were most frequent (47.1 and 30.9%). Of the treated pwCF, 48.5% attained culture conversion of M. abscessus; 54.5% for MAC. Children with an NTM isolation showed more infections with S. maltophilia and/or A. fumigatus (p < 0.001) compared to controls. In the year prior to NTM isolation, children in the NTM group had a lower mean FEV1% predicted (81.5 ± 16.7 vs. 88.6 ± 15.3, p = 0.024), while adults in the NTM group had more IV antibiotic days compared to controls (60 vs. 17, p = 0.047). In the following years, FEV1% predicted declined faster in pwCF with NTM than the control group (children: -3.8% vs. -1.6%, p = 0.023; adults: -0.7% and 0.4%, ns).

Conclusions: The isolation prevalence of 3.6%, poor treatment outcomes and associated lung function decline emphasize that NTM pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a significant health issue among pwCF in the Netherlands. Its prevention and treatment require increased attention.

Dr Domenique Zomer (Fig 99) is Manager Research and Quality care at the Dutch CF Foundation, Dr. A. Schweitzerweg 3a, 3744 MG Baarn, the Netherlands.