Cystic Fibrosis

Systemic Disease and the Liver Part 2: Pregnancy-Related Liver Injury, Sepsis/Critical Illness, Hypoxia, Psoriasis, Scleroderma/Sjogren's Syndrome, Sarcoidosis, Common Variable Immune Deficiency, Cystic Fibrosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and...

Thu, 2023-08-03 06:00

Surg Pathol Clin. 2023 Sep;16(3):485-498. doi: 10.1016/j.path.2023.04.005. Epub 2023 Jun 9.

ABSTRACT

The liver is involved in many multisystem diseases and commonly may manifest with abnormal liver chemistry tests. The liver test perturbations may be multifactorial in nature, however, as patients are receiving many different medications and can also have intrinsic liver disease that may be exacerbated by the systemic disorder. Some disorders have typical histologic findings that can be diagnosed on liver biopsy, whereas others will show a more nonspecific histology. Clinicians should be aware of these conditions so as to consider the performance of a liver biopsy at the most opportune time and setting to help establish the diagnosis of acute or chronic liver disease.

PMID:37536884 | DOI:10.1016/j.path.2023.04.005

Categories: Literature Watch

Long-term therapy with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) in cystic fibrosis: improved clinical outcomes but infection and inflammation persist

Thu, 2023-08-03 06:00

Eur Respir J. 2023 Aug 3;62(2):2301008. doi: 10.1183/13993003.01008-2023. Print 2023 Aug.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:37536727 | DOI:10.1183/13993003.01008-2023

Categories: Literature Watch

Effects of elexacaftor / tezacaftor / ivacaftor triple combination therapy on glycaemic control and body composition in patients with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes

Thu, 2023-08-03 06:00

Diabetes Metab. 2023 Aug 1:101466. doi: 10.1016/j.diabet.2023.101466. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators are a group of new drugs for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) and elexacaftor + tezacaftor + ivacaftor (ETI) triple combination therapy has been approved as first choice therapy in the treatment of patients with at least 1 copy of F508del mutation. Data on the effects of CFTR modulators on glucose metabolism are limited to small studies with conflicting results. We conducted a prospective observational study on 24 CF patients with CF-related diabetes requiring insulin therapy, with the aim to evaluate the effectiveness of ETI on glucose metabolism, glucose variability and body composition. After six months of treatment, HbA1c and coefficient of variation, measured through continuous glucose monitoring, significantly decreased (median changes: -0.5, P = 0.029 and -6.3, P = 0.008, respectively), despite unchanged insulin requirements. Over the treatment period, percent of fat mass increased by a median value of 3% (p= 0.029).

PMID:37536552 | DOI:10.1016/j.diabet.2023.101466

Categories: Literature Watch

Cystic fibrosis and chronic pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Is Gross Domestic Product (GDP) involved?

Thu, 2023-08-03 06:00

J Infect. 2023 Aug 1:S0163-4453(23)00441-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2023.07.019. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:37536449 | DOI:10.1016/j.jinf.2023.07.019

Categories: Literature Watch

Hyperammonemia Syndrome After Lung Transplantation: A Double-Hit Fatal Syndrome. A Case Report

Thu, 2023-08-03 06:00

Transplant Proc. 2023 Aug 2:S0041-1345(23)00466-9. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2023.07.003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Hyperammonemia after lung transplantation is a rare but potentially fatal condition. A 59-year-old male patient affected by pulmonary fibrosis underwent an uncomplicated bilateral lung transplant. Fourteen days after the procedure, the patient developed severe encephalopathy caused by elevated serum ammonia levels. Ureaplasma parvum and Mycoplasma hominis were found on bronchial aspirate and urinary samples as well as on pharyngeal and rectal swabs. Despite the initiation of multimodal therapy, brain damage due to hyperosmolarity was so extensive to evolve into brain death. The autopsy revealed glutamine synthetase hypo-expression in the hepatic tissue. The pathophysiology of hyperammonemia syndrome in lung transplant recipients remains unclear. Previous studies have described the presence of disorders of glutamine synthetase, while others considered the infection with urea-splitting microorganisms as a cause of hyperammonemia syndrome. Our report describes the case of a patient who developed hyperammonemia after a lung transplant in which both the aforementioned etiologies were documented. A high level of clinical suspicion for hyperammonemia syndrome should be maintained in lung transplant recipients. Timely recognition and treatment are critical to prevent the potentially dreadful evolution of this severe complication.

PMID:37537075 | DOI:10.1016/j.transproceed.2023.07.003

Categories: Literature Watch

Aminoglycosides: single- or multiple-daily dosing? An updated qualitative systematic review of randomized trials on toxicity and efficacy

Thu, 2023-08-03 06:00

Curr Mol Med. 2023 Aug 1. doi: 10.2174/1566524023666230801160452. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Aminoglycosides are among the first-choice antibiotics for routine clinical use. However, dose-limiting factors such as ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity are considered as serious complications of aminoglycosides.

OBJECTIVE: In this systematic review, the main goal was to investigate the efficacy and incidence of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of once-daily dosing (ODD) and multiple daily dosing (MDD) regimens of aminoglycosides through available randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS: We performed a literature-based research in relevant databases, including EMBASE, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS published between 1987 and 2023 using the keywords "aminoglycosides", "pharmacokinetics", "ODD", "MDD", "once daily", "multiple daily", "dosing regimen", "nephrotoxicity", "ototoxicity", "efficacy", "safety", and "toxicity". As so told, the results of this article were limited to papers available in English. Our initial search yielded 1124 results. After a review of the titles and abstracts of the articles, 803 articles were excluded from this study because they did not address the toxicity and effectiveness of ODD versus MDD of aminoglycosides. A total number of 21 studies on gentamicin, tobramycin, netilmicin, and amikacin met the inclusion criteria for the efficacy of aminoglycosides and their role in ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity were included in this review. Studies recruited different age classes, and the age of relevant cohorts varied from only a few days to more than 70 years.

RESULTS: The most common clinical condition in the included studies was cystic fibrosis.

CONCLUSION: In most studies, there were no significant differences between the two regimens regarding ototoxicity. In addition, the ODD regimens were safer than MDD concerning nephrotoxicity.

PMID:37533241 | DOI:10.2174/1566524023666230801160452

Categories: Literature Watch

Pdta Net come strumento per l’analisi dei percorsi regionali delle malattie rare: l’esempio della fibrosi cistica

Wed, 2023-08-02 06:00

Recenti Prog Med. 2023 Sep;114(9):534-535. doi: 10.1701/4088.40801.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:37530008 | DOI:10.1701/4088.40801

Categories: Literature Watch

Advanced pulmonary drug delivery formulations for the treatment of cystic fibrosis

Wed, 2023-08-02 06:00

Drug Discov Today. 2023 Jul 31:103729. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103729. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cystic fibrosis (CF), a fatal genetic condition, causes thick, sticky mucus. It also causes pancreatic dysfunction, bacterial infection, and increased salt loss. Currently available treatments can improve the patient's quality of life. Drug delivery aided by nanotechnology has been explored to alter the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of drugs. In this short review, we aim to summarize various conventional formulations and highlight advanced formulations delivered via the pulmonary route for the treatment of CF. There is considerable interest in advanced drug delivery formulations addressing the various challenges posed by CF. Despite their potential to be translated for clinical use, we anticipate that a considerable amount of effort may still be required for translation to the clinic.

PMID:37532219 | DOI:10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103729

Categories: Literature Watch

Lung function decline is mitigated following liver transplantation in people with cystic fibrosis: A retrospective cohort study

Wed, 2023-08-02 06:00

Liver Transpl. 2023 Aug 3. doi: 10.1097/LVT.0000000000000232. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is paucity of literature on the health outcomes following liver transplantation (LT) in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). We aim to evaluate changes in lung function following LT in pwCF.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of pwCF who underwent LT between 1987 and 2019 in the United States and Canada. Simultaneous lung-liver transplants and individuals who had lung transplant prior to LT were excluded. We analyzed pre- and post-LT percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (ppFEV1), body mass index (BMI), rates of pulmonary exacerbation and post-LT overall survival.

RESULTS: A total of 402 LT recipients were included. The median age of transplant was 14.9 years and 69.7% of transplants were performed in children less than 18 years old. The rate of decline in ppFEV1 was attenuated after LT from -2.2% predicted/year to -0.7% predicted/year with a difference of 1.5% predicted/year (95% CI 0.8, 2.2; p < 0.001). Following LT, the rate of decline in BMI was reduced, and there were fewer pulmonary exacerbations (0.6 pre vs. 0.4 post; RR 0.7, p < 0.01). The median survival time post-transplant was 13.9 years and the overall probability of survival at 5 years was 77.6%. Those with higher lung function pre-LT had a lower risk of death post-LT, and those with genotypes other than F508 deletion had worse survival.

CONCLUSION: LT in pwCF occurs most often in children and adolescents and is associated with a slower rate of decline in lung function and nutritional status, and a reduction in pulmonary exacerbations.

PMID:37530842 | DOI:10.1097/LVT.0000000000000232

Categories: Literature Watch

Evaluation and management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: pearls and pitfalls

Wed, 2023-08-02 06:00

Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2023 Sep 1;39(5):428-435. doi: 10.1097/MOG.0000000000000951. Epub 2023 May 11.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The diagnosis and management of exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPD) can be challenging. EPD classically results from conditions that cause loss of pancreatic acinar cell function and decreased digestive enzyme production. However, several conditions may contribute to signs or symptoms of EPD with otherwise normal pancreatic exocrine function. A thoughtful approach to considering these conditions, along with their specific therapies, can guide a tailored management approach.

RECENT FINDINGS: An EPD severity classification schema has been proposed, which emphasizes a shift towards a more restrictive prescription of pancreas enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) for patients with milder EPD. In contrast, PERT use has been associated with a measurable survival benefit among individuals with EPD and pancreatic cancer, so the prescription of PERT may be more liberal in this population. Recent publications in the cystic fibrosis population offer pearls guiding the titration and optimization of PERT.

SUMMARY: Among individuals with severe EPD, PERT is an effective therapy. Among individuals with milder EPD, although PERT is effective, there may be opportunities to provide additional and potentially more effective therapies.

PMID:37530731 | DOI:10.1097/MOG.0000000000000951

Categories: Literature Watch

Pediatric pulmonology year in review 2022: Sleep medicine

Wed, 2023-08-02 06:00

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2023 Aug 2. doi: 10.1002/ppul.26622. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pediatric pulmonology publishes original research, review articles, and case reports on a wide variety of pediatric respiratory disorders. In this article, we summarized the past year's publications in sleep medicine and reviewed selected literature from other journals in this field. We focused on original research articles exploring aspects of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with underlying conditions such as asthma, neuromuscular disorders, and Down syndrome. We also explored sleep-disordered breathing risk factors, monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment; and included recent recommendations for drug-induced sleep endoscopy and ways to monitor and improve PAP adherence remotely.

PMID:37530517 | DOI:10.1002/ppul.26622

Categories: Literature Watch

Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, mean platelet volume, and immunoreactive trypsinogen as early inflammatory biomarkers for cystic fibrosis in infancy: A retrospective cohort study

Wed, 2023-08-02 06:00

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2023 Aug 2. doi: 10.1002/ppul.26628. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Airway inflammation starts in early life in cystic fibrosis (CF) and limited, objective markers are available to help identify infants with increased inflammation. We aimed to investigate neutrophil, lymphocyte ratio (NLR), mean platelet volume (MPV) and immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) to be a possible inflammatory biomarker for CF in infancy.

METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study in three centers. Between January 2015 and December 2022, children with CF newborn screening (NBS) positivity and diagnosed as CF were included in the study. Correlation analysis were performed with NLR, MPV, IRT and follow-up parameters such as z-scores, modified Shwachman-Kulczycki score (mSKS) at the first, second, third and sixth ages and pulmonary function test (PFT) at the sixth age.

RESULTS: A total of 92 children with CF included in the study and 47.8% of them were female. There were no correlations between NLR, MPV and weight and height z-scores for all ages (p > 0.05), a negative correlation was found between MPV and body mass indexes (BMI) z-score at the age of 6 (r = -0.443, p = 0.038). No correlation was found between NLR, MPV and PFT parameters and mSKS at all ages (p > 0.05). There was a negative correlation between first IRT and BMI z-score at 6 years of age (r = -0.381, p = 0.046) and negative correlations between second IRT and weight and BMI z-score at the age of 6 (r = -0.462, p = 0.010; r = -0.437, p = 0.016, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Higher MPV and IRT levels during NBS period are associated with worse nutritional outcome which may reflect chronic inflammation. Children with higher MPV and IRT should be followed up closely in terms of chronic inflammation and nutritional status.

PMID:37530491 | DOI:10.1002/ppul.26628

Categories: Literature Watch

Identification of two distinct phylogenomic lineages and model strains for the understudied cystic fibrosis lung pathogen <em>Burkholderia multivorans</em>

Tue, 2023-08-01 06:00

Microbiology (Reading). 2023 Aug;169(8). doi: 10.1099/mic.0.001366.

ABSTRACT

Burkholderia multivorans is the dominant Burkholderia pathogen recovered from lung infection in people with cystic fibrosis. However, as an understudied pathogen there are knowledge gaps in relation to its population biology, phenotypic traits and useful model strains. A phylogenomic study of B. multivorans was undertaken using a total of 283 genomes, of which 73 were sequenced and 49 phenotypically characterized as part of this study. Average nucleotide identity analysis (ANI) and phylogenetic alignment of core genes demonstrated that the B. multivorans population separated into two distinct evolutionary clades, defined as lineage 1 (n=58 genomes) and lineage 2 (n=221 genomes). To examine the population biology of B. multivorans, a representative subgroup of 77 B. multivorans genomes (28 from the reference databases and the 49 novel short-read genome sequences) were selected based on multilocus sequence typing (MLST), isolation source and phylogenetic placement criteria. Comparative genomics was used to identify B. multivorans lineage-specific genes - ghrB_1 in lineage 1 and glnM_2 in lineage 2 - and diagnostic PCRs targeting them were successfully developed. Phenotypic analysis of 49 representative B. multivorans strains showed considerable inter-strain variance, but the majority of the isolates tested were motile and capable of biofilm formation. A striking absence of B. multivorans protease activity in vitro was observed, but no lineage-specific phenotypic differences were demonstrated. Using phylogenomic and phenotypic criteria, three model B. multivorans CF strains were identified, BCC0084 (lineage 1), BCC1272 (lineage 2a) and BCC0033 lineage 2b, and their complete genome sequences determined. B. multivorans CF strains BCC0033 and BCC0084, and the environmental reference strain, ATCC 17616, were all capable of short-term survival within a murine lung infection model. By mapping the population biology, identifying lineage-specific PCRs and model strains, we provide much needed baseline resources for future studies of B. multivorans.

PMID:37526960 | DOI:10.1099/mic.0.001366

Categories: Literature Watch

The Weariness of Hoping: Synchronizing Affect While Awaiting Organ Transplantation for Cystic Fibrosis in Germany

Tue, 2023-08-01 06:00

Med Anthropol. 2023 Aug 1:1-14. doi: 10.1080/01459740.2023.2240946. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We describe the challenges in synchronizing affect during the lengthy lead-up to organ transplantation. Our analysis draws on ethnographic fieldwork in Eastern Germany among medical staff caring for patients with cystic fibrosis, a progressive, genetic illness. Patient and practitioners must together endure an uncertain wait for a donor organ, while simultaneously living and working toward living as well as possible. The organizing affective principle in this setting is hoping, which is a socio-material practice that must be continuously and interactively re-produced. Too little or too much hoping must be managed by adjusting affective intensities. A failure to strike this balance can lead to what we designate as the weariness of hoping.

PMID:37526924 | DOI:10.1080/01459740.2023.2240946

Categories: Literature Watch

Transforming Growth Factor ß1 and Gap Junction Protein Alpha 4 Gene Heterogeneity in Relation to the Severity of Clinical Disease in Cystic Fibrosis

Tue, 2023-08-01 06:00

Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2023 Jul 19;28(7):138. doi: 10.31083/j.fbl2807138.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: High TGFβ1-producing variants cause severe clinical disease in F508del homozygous patients. Lately, we showed that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs41266431, in the GJA4 gene modifies the disease severity of cystic fibrosis (CF). Our aim was to investigate whether the clinical phenotype associated with GJA4 variants was independent of TGFβ1 variants.

METHODS: Homozygous F508del patients (n = 115, mean age 27.2 years, m/f (65/50)) were included in this study. A deep sequence analysis was performed for GJA4 and TGBβ1, and disease severity was assessed over 3 years using lung function tests (LFTs), body mass index, diabetes mellitus, colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, survival to end-stage lung disease (ESLD), as well as distinct inflammatory biomarkers.

RESULTS: The analyses revealed that one SNP (rs41266431) in GJA4 may be clinically relevant. Carriers homozygous for the G variant (n = 84; 73%) presented with worse LFTs (forced vital capacity (FVC) % predicted: mean 80/86.6, p < 0.035) and a lower survival to ESLD (p < 0.029). For the TGBβ1 variant: 509 carriers of the C variant (CT + CC genotype, n = 105, 91.3%) had better LFTs (Forced expiratory flow at 75% of the FVC (FEF75% predicted: median 40/29.5, p < 0.015), although a similar outcome to ESLD. A gene-gene interaction was not observed between TGBβ1 and GJA4 variants for any clinical measure.

CONCLUSIONS: GJA4 variants are independent of TGBβ1 variants. Both variants had an impact on the LFTs, although only GJA4 variants were associated with an improved outcome for ESLD.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04242420, retrospectively on January 24th, 2020.

PMID:37525914 | DOI:10.31083/j.fbl2807138

Categories: Literature Watch

Feasibility of home initiation of an airway clearance device (SIMEOX) by telecare in people with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: a pilot study

Mon, 2023-07-31 06:00

BMJ Open Respir Res. 2023 Jul;10(1):e001722. doi: 10.1136/bmjresp-2023-001722.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mucociliary clearance is a cornerstone of the management of people with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). SIMEOX, an innovative device, could facilitate autonomous airway clearance, but its use requires specific training. We hypothesised that telecare would be an effective means to train people with NCFB in the handling of device and to monitor and promote device adherence.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To evaluate frequency of use of the SIMEOX for 10 weeks after telecare training. (2) To assess user satisfaction and clinical efficacy of the SIMEOX+telecare.

METHODS: Multicentre, prospective, pilot study in adults with NCFB. A SIMEOX was provided to each participant at inclusion. Physiotherapists performed telecare sessions the first 2 weeks (3-5 sessions) for device training and every 10 days to reinforce motivation and provide technical support.

RESULTS: 22 individuals were included, 21 analysed (38% male; mean±SD age 53±18 years; Bronchiectasis Severity Index 6.6±3.5). Fourteen participants (66.7%; 95% CI 43.1% to 84.5%) performed ≥3 SIMEOX sessions/week (self-reported adherence, primary outcome). Median (Q1; Q3) number of self-reported sessions/week for the whole group was 3.7 (1.8; 5.7). Adherence including web registration was 80.9%. At week 12, participant satisfaction rating was 9.0 (7.9; 10.0) on a 10-point visual analogue scale; respiratory function did not change but quality of life improved (COPD Assessment Test score -4.7, 95% CI -7.7 to -1.6, p=0.023; St Georges Respiratory Questionnaire -5.8, 95% CI -10.8 to -0.9, p=0.005).

CONCLUSION: Adherence to and satisfaction with the SIMEOX airway clearance device supported by telecare were high in people with NCFB. The clinical efficacy needs to be confirmed in a randomised controlled trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04742270.

PMID:37524523 | DOI:10.1136/bmjresp-2023-001722

Categories: Literature Watch

Identifying the need for a UK colorectal cancer screening programme for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF): 10-year retrospective review of colonoscopy and colorectal cancer outcomes at a single CF centre

Mon, 2023-07-31 06:00

BMJ Open Gastroenterol. 2023 Jul;10(1):e001178. doi: 10.1136/bmjgast-2023-001178.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Patients with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) have a high incidence of early colorectal cancer (CRC). In the absence of a UK CRC screening programme for pwCF, we evaluated the utility and outcomes of colonoscopy and CRC at a large UK CF centre.

DESIGN: In a retrospective study of colonoscopy and CRC outcomes between 2010 and 2020 in pwCF aged≥30 years at a large CF centre, data were collected on colonoscopy indications and findings, polyp detection rates, bowel preparation regimens and outcomes, colonoscopy completion rates, and patient outcomes.

RESULTS: We identified 361 pwCF aged ≥30 years, of whom 135 were ≥40 years old. In the absence of a UK CRC screening guideline only 33 (9%)/361 pwCF aged ≥30 years (mean age: 44.8±11.0 years) had a colonoscopy between 2010 and 2020. Colonoscopy completion rate was 94.9%, with a 33% polyp detection rate, 93.8% of the polyps retrieved were premalignant. During the study period no patients developed postcolonoscopy CRC. However, of the patients aged ≥40 years who did not have a colonoscopy (111/135, 82.2%), four (3.6%) patients developed CRC and three pwCF died from complications of CRC.

CONCLUSION: In this 10-year experience from a large CF centre, colonoscopy uptake for symptomatic indications was low, yet of high yield for premalignant lesions in pwCF >40 years. These data highlight the risk of potentially preventable, early CRC, and therefore support the need for prospective, large-scale nationwide studies which may inform the need for UK CRC screening guidelines for pwCF.

PMID:37524505 | DOI:10.1136/bmjgast-2023-001178

Categories: Literature Watch

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors and lung diseases

Mon, 2023-07-31 06:00

Adv Pharmacol. 2023;98:55-81. doi: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.05.001. Epub 2023 May 26.

ABSTRACT

Phosphodiesterase enzymes (PDE) have long been known as regulators of cAMP and cGMP, second messengers involved in various signaling pathways and expressed in a variety of cell types implicated in respiratory diseases such as airway smooth muscle and inflammatory cells making them a key target for the treatment of lung diseases as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension (PH). The first reported PDE inhibitor was the xanthine, theophylline, described as a non-specific PDE inhibitor and whilst this drug is effective, it also has a range of unwanted side effects. In an attempt to improve the therapeutic window of xanthines, a number of selective PDE inhibitors have been developed for the treatment of respiratory diseases with only the selective PDE 4 inhibitor, roflumilast, being approved for the treatment of severe COPD. However, roflumilast also has a very narrow therapeutic window due to a number of important doses limiting side effects, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. However, there continues to be research carried out in this field to identify improved selective PDE inhibitors, both by targeting other PDE subtypes (e.g., PDE 7 found in a number of inflammatory and immune cells) and through development of selective PDE inhibitors for pulmonary administration to reduce systemic exposure and improve the side effect profile. This approach has been exemplified by the development of ensifentrine, a dual PDE 3-PDE 4 inhibitor, an inhaled drug that has recently completed two successful Phase III clinical trials in patients with COPD.

PMID:37524492 | DOI:10.1016/bs.apha.2023.05.001

Categories: Literature Watch

Occupations and balance during the transition to motherhood with a lifetime chronic illness: A scoping review examining cystic fibrosis, asthma, and Type-1 diabetes

Mon, 2023-07-31 06:00

Aust Occup Ther J. 2023 Jul 31. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12899. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Throughout the transition to motherhood, changes are experienced across a woman's physical, mental, social, and occupational self. Maternal chronic illness adds the complexity of increased healthcare needs and navigating a high-risk, medicalised pregnancy, birth, and post-natal period. Literature concerning motherhood transitions in chronic illness generally focusses on the mother's medical health and pregnancy outcomes; little is known about the impacts on women's occupations, balance, and quality of life. Understanding these issues may help support women in a more tailored and holistic way.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to gather, analyse, and synthesise existing empirical research on occupational engagement and occupational balance as they impact on wellbeing and quality of life in women with a lifetime chronic illness before and during pregnancy and in early motherhood.

METHOD: The review follows the nine-stage framework described in the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis (2020). Five databases were searched: Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, and OT Seeker. Data were extracted and examined via content analysis, described in narrative synthesis, summarised into a conceptual framework, and tabulated.

FINDINGS: A total of 8,655 papers were discovered on initial search. Following title and abstract screening, 220 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility, and 46 papers were finally included. Analysis generated four major themes: The Disrupted Transition Journey; Adaptation, Compromise and Choice; Outcomes; and Drawing on What's Available. The themes were conceptualised into a framework to explain how women sought to balance motherhood and illness-related occupations. Adequate access to information, social support, expert care, and financial resources improved both quality of life and healthcare compliance.

CONCLUSION: Findings of this scoping review deepen the understanding of occupational balance during the transition to motherhood in the context of lifetime chronic illness. Healthcare providers and supportive family and friends can use this knowledge to adapt their approach to assisting women with chronic illness on the motherhood journey. These findings may also inform further inquiry into the scope of occupational therapy practice with this population.

PMID:37524324 | DOI:10.1111/1440-1630.12899

Categories: Literature Watch

The impact of CFTR modulator triple therapy on type 2 inflammatory response in patients with cystic fibrosis

Mon, 2023-07-31 06:00

Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2023 Jul 31;19(1):66. doi: 10.1186/s13223-023-00822-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) has been revolutionized by the use of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein modulators such as elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) triple therapy. Prior studies support a role for type 2 (T2) inflammation in many people with CF (PwCF) and CF-asthma overlap syndrome (CFAOS) is considered a separate clinical entity. It is unknown whether initiation of ETI therapy impacts T2 inflammation in PwCF. We hypothesized that ETI initiation decreases T2 inflammation in PwCF.

METHODS: A single center retrospective chart review was conducted for adult PwCF. As markers of T2 inflammation, absolute eosinophil count (AEC) and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) data were collected longitudinally 12 months prior to ETI therapy initiation and 12 months following therapy initiation. Multivariable analyses adjusted for the age, gender, CFTR mutation, disease severity, inhaled steroid use, and microbiological colonization.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction (20.10%, p < 0.001) in 12-month mean total IgE following ETI initiation; this change remained statistically significant in the multivariate model. The longitudinal analysis demonstrated no change in AEC following therapy initiation.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that there is a statistically significant percent reduction in mean total IgE but no change in AEC following ETI initiation. ETI may lead to decreased antigen and superantigen load in the airway as a result of improved mucociliary clearance and these changes may drive the decline in total IgE, without influencing the epigenetic drivers of eosinophilic inflammation. Further studies are warranted to determine the underlying mechanism of ETI impact on T2 inflammation and possible role for asthma immunomodulator therapy post ETI initiation in CFAOS.

PMID:37525180 | DOI:10.1186/s13223-023-00822-2

Categories: Literature Watch

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