Cystic Fibrosis

Examining linaclotide for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation

Fri, 2024-07-26 06:00

Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2024 Jul 26. doi: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2386160. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is characterized by infrequent bowel movements and hard stools lasting for at least three months or longer. This disease affects 8-12% of the US population and 10-17% of the world population. Treatment and management involve identifying the primary cause, changing dietary habits, and adequate physical activity. Linaclotide is a guanylate cyclase-agonist acting locally in the luminal surface of the intestinal enterocyte leading to a signal transduction cascade, activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), thus increasing secretion of chloride and bicarbonate into the intestinal lumen with eventual increased intestinal fluid and faster transit time.

AREAS COVERED: We reviewed multiple studies and did a thorough literature review on CIC including its pathophysiology. Through this literature review we were able to discuss and give the context and rationale for drug regimens indicated for CIC.

EXPERT OPINION: The era we live in right now is akin to nutrient-rich and fertilized soil as knowledge and resources are abundant. The opportunities and potential are endless. Constipation being more extensively studied, our understanding of medications and diseases broadens, leading to novel medications being discovered. Linaclotide is a pioneer in this aspect and can pave the way for future generations.

PMID:39058326 | DOI:10.1080/14656566.2024.2386160

Categories: Literature Watch

Insights into Aspergillus fumigatus Colonization in Cystic Fibrosis and Cross-Transmission between Patients and Hospital Environments

Fri, 2024-07-26 06:00

J Fungi (Basel). 2024 Jun 29;10(7):461. doi: 10.3390/jof10070461.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Approximately 60% of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are affected by Aspergillus fumigatus infection. This condition is correlated with a decline in lung function and is identified as an independent risk factor contributing to hospital admissions among CF patients. This study investigates the dynamic interplay of A. fumigatus within the context of CF patients, tracing its evolution over time, with a specific emphasis on colonization dynamics.

METHODS: An analysis was conducted on 83 sequential A. fumigatus isolates derived from sputum samples of six patients receiving care at a renowned CF hospital in Brazil. Employing microsatellite genotyping techniques, alongside an investigation into cyp51A gene mutations, this research sheds light on the genetic variations, colonization, and resistance of A. fumigatus within the CF respiratory environment.

RESULTS: Our research findings indicate that CF patients can harbor A. fumigatus strains from the same clonal complexes for prolonged periods. Additionally, we identified that clinical isolates have the potential to spread among patients in the same healthcare facility, evidencing hospital contamination. Two patients who underwent long-term Itraconazole treatment did not show phenotypic resistance. However, one of these patients exhibited mutations in the cyp51A gene, indicating the need to monitor resistance to azoles in these patients colonized for long periods by A. fumigatus. We also observed co-colonization or co-infection involving multiple genotypes in all patients over time.

CONCLUSION: This comprehensive examination offers valuable insights into the pathogenesis of A. fumigatus infections in CF patients, potentially shaping future therapeutic strategies and management approaches. This enhanced understanding contributes to our knowledge of A. fumigatus impact on disease progression in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Additionally, the study provides evidence of cross-contamination among patients undergoing treatment at the same hospital.

PMID:39057346 | DOI:10.3390/jof10070461

Categories: Literature Watch

Genetic and Non-Genetic Contributions to Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Fri, 2024-07-26 06:00

Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2024 Jul 16;46(7):7516-7529. doi: 10.3390/cimb46070446.

ABSTRACT

In this work, we present a comprehensive overview of the genetic and non-genetic complexity of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). EGPA is a rare complex systemic disease that occurs in people presenting with severe asthma and high eosinophilia. After briefly introducing EGPA and its relationship with the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAVs), we delve into the complexity of this disease. At first, the two main biological actors, ANCA and eosinophils, are presented. Biological and clinical phenotypes related to ANCA positivity or negativity are explained, as well as the role of eosinophils and their pathological subtypes, pointing out their intricate relations with EGPA. Then, the genetics of EGPA are described, providing an overview of the research effort to unravel them. Candidate gene studies have investigated biologically relevant candidate genes; the more recent genome-wide association studies and meta-analyses, able to analyze the whole genome, have confirmed previous associations and discovered novel risk loci; in the end, family-based studies have dissected the contribution of rare variants and the heritability of EGPA. Then, we briefly present the environmental contribution to EGPA, reporting seasonal events and pollutants as triggering factors. In the end, the latest omic research is discussed and the most recent epigenomic, transcriptomic and microbiome studies are presented, highlighting the current challenges, open questions and suggesting approaches to unraveling this complex disease.

PMID:39057087 | DOI:10.3390/cimb46070446

Categories: Literature Watch

Cystic fibrosis year in review 2023

Fri, 2024-07-26 06:00

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2024 Jul 26. doi: 10.1002/ppul.27190. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This past year, there were many important advances for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Of the many publications related to CF in 2023, there was further evaluation of highly effective modulator therapy, new assessments and guidelines for clinical manifestations and therapies for CF, advances in newborn screening and diagnosis, and evaluation of outcomes for people with CF transmembrane conductance regulator-related metabolic syndrome/CF screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis. The aim of this review article is not to provide a full assessment of the wide range of articles published in 2023, but to provide a brief review of publication that may lead to changes in clinical care.

PMID:39056532 | DOI:10.1002/ppul.27190

Categories: Literature Watch

Extracorpeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Cystic Fibrosis Patient With Septic Shock Due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Fri, 2024-07-26 06:00

Cureus. 2024 Jun 25;16(6):e63096. doi: 10.7759/cureus.63096. eCollection 2024 Jun.

ABSTRACT

This report presents the case of an 18-year-old male with cystic fibrosis (CF) who developed septic shock due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia. He had a history of poor nutritional status and uncontrolled CF-related diabetes, both contributing to his rapidly declining condition. Despite aggressive treatment, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, his hospital course continued to deteriorate, including worsening respiratory failure and the need for lower extremity amputation secondary to ischemia. Ultimately, the decision to withdraw life support was made after it was determined the patient had unrecoverable respiratory failure. Our goal in presenting this case is to demonstrate the serious consequences of MRSA infection in patients with CF, who are often severely immunocompromised, and to emphasize the need for early detection and aggressive intervention among patients of this group.

PMID:39055462 | PMC:PMC11270623 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.63096

Categories: Literature Watch

Inhalable tobramycin EEG powder formulation for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced lung infection

Thu, 2024-07-25 06:00

Int J Pharm. 2024 Jul 23:124504. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124504. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pulmonary delivery of antibiotics is an effective strategy in treating bacterial lung infection for cystic fibrosis patients, by achieving high local drug concentrations and reducing overall systemic exposure compared to systemic administration. However, the inherent anatomical lung defense mechanisms, formulation characteristics, and drug-device combination determine the treatment efficacy of the aerosol delivery approach. In this study, we prepared a new tobramycin (Tobi) dry powder aerosol using excipient enhanced growth (EEG) technology and evaluated the in vitro and in vivo aerosol performance. We further established a Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced lung infection rat model using an in-house designed novel liquid aerosolizer device. Notably, novel liquid aerosolizer yields comparable lung infection profiles despite administering 3-times lower P. aeruginosa CFU per rat in comparison to the conventional intratracheal administration. Dry powder insufflator (e.g. Penn-Century DP-4) to administer small powder masses to experimental animals is no longer commercially available. To address this gap, we developed a novel rat air-jet dry powder insufflator (Rat AJ DPI) that can emit 68-70 % of the loaded mass for 2 mg and 5 mg of Tobi-EEG powder formulations, achieving a high rat lung deposition efficiency of 79 % and 86 %, respectively. Rat AJ DPI can achieve homogenous distribution of Tobi EEG powder formulations at both loaded mass (2 mg and 5 mg) over all five lung lobes in rats. We then demonstrated that Tobi EEG formulation delivered by Rat AJ DPI can significantly decrease CFU counts in both trachea and lung lobes at 2 mg (p < 0.05) and 5 mg (p < 0.001) loaded mass compared to the untreated P. aeruginosa-infected group. Tobi EEG powder formulation delivered by the novel Rat AJ DPI showed excellent efficiencies in substantially reducing the P. aeruginosa-induced lung infection in rats.

PMID:39053676 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124504

Categories: Literature Watch

A case of severe pulmonary exacerbation in a young patient with cystic fibrosis in the era of CFTR modulators

Thu, 2024-07-25 06:00

Int J Infect Dis. 2024 Jul 23:107190. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107190. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The introduction of CFTR modulator drugs like Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor (ETI) has transformed the management of Cystic Fibrosis (CF), significantly improving symptoms, lung function, and quality of life, while reducing reliance on intravenous antibiotics. However, respiratory exacerbations in the CFTR modulators era remain poorly understood from both pathophysiological and clinical perspectives. We present the case of a 20-year-old Caucasian woman with CF (F508del/L1077P) who, after three years of ETI treatment, experienced a severe episode of haemoptysis, despite being almost asymptomatic in the weeks leading up to admission, requiring bronchial artery embolization. Following ETI treatment, auscultatory findings and FEV1 changes may be less significant, making the detection of respiratory exacerbation more challenging. This highlights the need for heightened vigilance in managing such cases and underscores the challenge of diagnosing and managing exacerbations in the era of modulators. Long term real-world studies are essential to comprehend the evolving course of the disease during ETI treatment.

PMID:39053617 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107190

Categories: Literature Watch

Dual inhaled antibiotics for treatment of pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis - A real life pilot study

Thu, 2024-07-25 06:00

Respir Med Res. 2024 Jul 6;86:101128. doi: 10.1016/j.resmer.2024.101128. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39053340 | DOI:10.1016/j.resmer.2024.101128

Categories: Literature Watch

The novel CFTR haplotype E583G/F508del in CFTR-related disorder

Thu, 2024-07-25 06:00

Mol Biol Rep. 2024 Jul 25;51(1):849. doi: 10.1007/s11033-024-09732-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: CFTR-related disorder (CFTR-RD) is a clinical entity associated to complex diagnostic paths and newly upgraded standard of care. In CFTR-RD, CFTR genotyping represents a diagnostic surrogate marker. In case of novel haplotype, the diagnosis could represents an area of concern. We described the molecular evaluation of the rare CFTR variant E583G identified in trans with the F508del in a novel haplotype.

METHODS AND RESULTS: An adult woman was referred to our pulmonary unit for persistent respiratory symptoms. CFTR Next Generation Sequencing was performed to evaluate full-gene mutational status. The variant identified was evaluated for its pathogenicity integrating clinical evidences with dedicated bioinformatics analyses. Clinical evaluation of patient matched with a mono-organ CFTR-RD diagnosis. Genotyping revealed the novel CFTR haplotype F508del/E583G. Multiple evidences of a deleterious effect of the CFTR E583G rare variant emerged from the bioinformatics analyses performed.

CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines for CFTR-RD are available with the purpose of harmonizing clinical and molecular investigations. In such context, the identification of novel CFTR haplotype need to a deeper evaluation with a combination of skills. The novel E583G variant could be considered of clinical interest and overall a CFTR-RD Variants of Varying Clinical Consequences.

PMID:39052151 | DOI:10.1007/s11033-024-09732-x

Categories: Literature Watch

Effectiveness of Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor in People with Cystic Fibrosis with Mildly Decreased and Normal Lung Function: A Real-Life Observational Study

Thu, 2024-07-25 06:00

Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2024 Jul 25. doi: 10.1513/AnnalsATS.202401-030RL. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39052004 | DOI:10.1513/AnnalsATS.202401-030RL

Categories: Literature Watch

Cystic Fibrosis: Understanding Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator Mutation Classification and Modulator Therapies

Thu, 2024-07-25 06:00

Adv Respir Med. 2024 Jul 20;92(4):263-277. doi: 10.3390/arm92040026.

ABSTRACT

A common life-threatening hereditary disease, Cystic Fibrosis (CF), affects primarily Caucasian infants. High sweat-salt levels are observed as a result of a single autosomal mutation in chromosome 7 that affects the critical function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR). For establishing tailored treatment strategies, it is important to understand the broad range of CFTR mutations and their impacts on disease pathophysiology. This study thoroughly investigates the six main classes of classification of CFTR mutations based on their functional effects. Each class is distinguished by distinct molecular flaws, such as poor protein synthesis, misfolding, gating defects, conduction defects, and decreased CFTR expression at the apical membrane. Furthermore, this paper focuses on the emerging field of CFTR modulators, which intend to restore CFTR function or mitigate its consequences. These modulators, which are characterized by the mode of action and targeted mutation class, have the potential to provide personalized therapy regimens in CF patients. This review provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of CF pathology, and highlights the potential for precision medicine methods in CF therapy by thoroughly investigating CFTR mutation classification and related modulators.

PMID:39051188 | DOI:10.3390/arm92040026

Categories: Literature Watch

Validation of Polish-Language Questionnaires for Assessing the Quality of Life of Patients with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD-QOL)

Thu, 2024-07-25 06:00

Adv Respir Med. 2024 Jun 24;92(4):254-262. doi: 10.3390/arm92040025.

ABSTRACT

In recent years, questionnaires were published in English to assess the quality of life of patients with PCD (Primary Ciliary Diskinesia) for adults, adolescents aged 13-17 years, and children aged 6-12 years and their caregivers. This study aimed to prepare Polish versions of the questionnaires and validate them in specific age groups with the participation of Polish patients with PCD. The individual questionnaires were translated and discussed with the involvement of the creator of the original questionnaire in English. Patients completed the questionnaires according to their affiliation with one of the groups. Validation was based on internal consistency analysis (Cronbach's alpha coefficient and split-half reliability) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient-ICC). The internal consistency of all questionnaires was from moderate to very good (Cronbach's alpha 0.67-0.91, split-half reliability 0.53-0.95). The consistency of the measurements showed excellent repeatability (ICC 0.67-0.91). The surveyed Polish PCD patients rated their quality of life quite well (63-77%). QOL questionnaires for patients with PCD can be used routinely during each medical check-up as a simple tool to provide the doctor with an indication of the effectiveness of treatment and the impact of the disease on the patient's quality of life.

PMID:39051187 | DOI:10.3390/arm92040025

Categories: Literature Watch

The Impact of Cost of Living on the Quality of Life of Cystic Fibrosis Patients: A Study in Greece

Thu, 2024-07-25 06:00

Cureus. 2024 Jun 24;16(6):e63009. doi: 10.7759/cureus.63009. eCollection 2024 Jun.

ABSTRACT

Introduction Cystic fibrosis (CF) leads to the impairment of multiple essential organs and systems in the human body. The objective of this study was to analyze the financial consequences of having cystic fibrosis (CF) on patients, evaluate their general state of health, and specifically investigate the impact of living expenses on their quality of life. Methods The data were collected using three tools and a form for personal information entry. The first questionnaire was employed to quantify fluctuations in patients' cost of living. The Greek variant of the Short Form Questionnaire-36 (SF-36) and the Greek version of the Cystic Fibrosis Quality of Life (CFQoL) were implemented to assess quality of life. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, and analyses were conducted using SPSS statistical software. Results The study obtained a response rate of 93.2%, with 105 participants consenting to and effectively finishing the questionnaire. The mean age of the patients was 32.1 years, with 46.7% being female and 53.3% being male. Medication was being administered to 46.7% of the patients. The condition incurred an average cost of 767€ in the preceding semester. The maximum cost was 1007€. Patients with a higher monthly family income and those who were taking medication exhibited superior physical performance and functional capacity. Conclusion The research emphasizes that implementing causative treatment and minimizing hospitalizations can potentially enhance life satisfaction. The findings suggest possible approaches to enhance the quality of life in people with cystic fibrosis, in conjunction with the implementation of novel or enhanced treatment modalities.

PMID:39050347 | PMC:PMC11267247 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.63009

Categories: Literature Watch

COVID-19 Vaccine in Lung and Liver Transplant Recipients Exceeds Expectations: An Italian Real-Life Experience on Immunogenicity and Clinical Efficacy of BNT162b2 Vaccine

Thu, 2024-07-25 06:00

Transpl Int. 2024 Jul 10;37:12729. doi: 10.3389/ti.2024.12729. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

This study assessed humoral and T cell-mediated immune responses to the BNT162b2 vaccine in orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) and lung transplant (LUT) recipients who received three doses of the vaccine from March 2021 at our institution. Serum samples were collected 60 days post-second and third dose to quantify antibodies against the spike region of SARS-CoV-2 while whole blood samples were collected to analyze the SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell response using an IFN-γ ELISpot assay. We enrolled 244 OLT and 120 LUT recipients. The third dose increased antibody titres in OLT recipients (from a median value of 131 after the second dose to 5523 IU/mL, p < 0.001) and LUT recipients (from 14.8 to 1729 IU/mL, p < 0.001). T-cell response also increased in OLT recipients (from 8.5 to 23 IFN-γ SFU per 250,000 PBMC, p < 0.001) and LUT recipients (from 8 to 15 IFN-γ SFU per 250,000 PBMC, p < 0.001). A total of 128 breakthrough infections were observed: two (0.8%) OLT recipients were hospitalized due to COVID-19 and one died (0.4%); among LUT recipients, seven were hospitalized (5.8%) and two patients died (1.7%). In conclusion, the three-dose schedule of the BNT162b2 vaccine elicited both humoral and T cell-mediated responses in solid organ transplant recipients. The risk of severe COVID-19 post-vaccination was low in this population.

PMID:39050189 | PMC:PMC11266016 | DOI:10.3389/ti.2024.12729

Categories: Literature Watch

Mutations Affecting Cellular Levels of Cobalamin (Vitamin B<sub>12</sub>) Confer Tolerance to Bactericidal Antibiotics in <em>Burkholderia cenocepacia</em>

Thu, 2024-07-25 06:00

J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2024 Jul 11;34(8):1-8. doi: 10.4014/jmb.2406.06028. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) consists of opportunistic pathogens known to cause pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals, especially those with cystic fibrosis. Treating Bcc pneumonia is challenging due to the pathogens' high multidrug resistance. Therefore, inhalation therapy with tobramycin powder, which can achieve high antibiotic concentrations in the lungs, is a promising treatment option. In this study, we investigated potential mechanisms that could compromise the effectiveness of tobramycin therapy. By selecting for Burkholderia cenocepacia survivors against tobramycin, we identified three spontaneous mutations that disrupt a gene encoding a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of cobalamin (Vitamin B12). This disruption may affect the production of succinyl-CoA by methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, which requires adenosylcobalamin as a cofactor. The depletion of cellular succinyl-CoA may impact the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, which becomes metabolically overloaded upon exposure to tobramycin. Consequently, the mutants exhibited significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Both the wild-type and mutants showed tolerance to tobramycin and various other bactericidal antibiotics under microaerobic conditions. This suggests that compromised ROS-mediated killing, due to the impacted TCA cycle, underlies the mutants' tolerance to bactericidal antibiotics. The importance of ROS-mediated killing and the potential emergence of mutants that evade it through the depletion of cobalamin (Vitamin B12) provide valuable insights for developing strategies to enhance antibiotic treatments of Bcc pneumonia.

PMID:39049470 | DOI:10.4014/jmb.2406.06028

Categories: Literature Watch

Predicting return of lung function after a pulmonary exacerbation using the cystic fibrosis respiratory symptom diary-chronic respiratory infection symptom scale

Thu, 2024-07-25 06:00

BMC Pulm Med. 2024 Jul 24;24(1):360. doi: 10.1186/s12890-024-03148-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary exacerbations (PExs) in people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) are associated with increased healthcare costs, decreased quality of life and the risk for permanent decline in lung function. Symptom burden, the continuous physiological and emotional symptoms on an individual related to their disease, may be a useful tool for monitoring PwCF during a PEx, and identifying individuals at high risk for permanent decline in lung function. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the degree of symptom burden severity, measured by the Cystic Fibrosis Respiratory Symptom Diary (CFRSD)- Chronic Respiratory Infection Symptom Scale (CRISS), at the onset of a PEx can predict failure to return to baseline lung function by the end of treatment.

METHODS: A secondary analysis of a longitudinal, observational study (N = 56) was conducted. Data was collected at four time points: year-prior-to-enrollment annual appointment, termed "baseline", day 1 of PEx diagnosis, termed "Visit 1", day 10-21 of PEx diagnosis, termed "Visit 2" and two-weeks post-hospitalization, termed "Visit 3". A linear regression model was performed to analyze the research question.

RESULTS: A regression model predicted that recovery of lung function decreased by 0.2 points for every increase in CRISS points, indicating that participants with a CRISS score greater than 48.3 were at 14% greater risk of not recovering to baseline lung function by Visit 2, than people with lower scores.

CONCLUSION: Monitoring CRISS scores in PwCF is an efficient, reliable, non-invasive way to determine a person's status at the beginning of a PEx. The results presented in this paper support the usefulness of studying symptoms in the context of PEx in PwCF.

PMID:39049032 | DOI:10.1186/s12890-024-03148-w

Categories: Literature Watch

Rapid differentiation of cystic fibrosis-related bacteria via reagentless atmospheric pressure photoionisation mass spectrometry

Wed, 2024-07-24 06:00

Sci Rep. 2024 Jul 24;14(1):17067. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-66851-y.

ABSTRACT

Breath analysis is an area of significant interest in medical research as it allows for non-invasive sampling with exceptional potential for disease monitoring and diagnosis. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in breath can offer critical insight into a person's lifestyle and/or disease/health state. To this end, the development of a rapid, sensitive, cost-effective and potentially portable method for the detection of key compounds in breath would mark a significant advancement. Herein, we have designed, built and tested a novel reagent-less atmospheric pressure photoionisation (APPI) source, coupled with mass spectrometry (MS), utilising a bespoke bias electrode within a custom 3D printed sampling chamber for direct analysis of VOCs. Optimal APPI-MS conditions were identified, including bias voltage, cone voltage and vaporisation temperature. Calibration curves were produced for ethanol, acetone, 2-butanone, ethyl acetate and eucalyptol, yielding R2 > 0.99 and limits of detection < 10 pg. As a pre-clinical proof of concept, this method was applied to bacterial headspace samples of Escherichia coli (EC), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA) collected in 1 L Tedlar bags. In particular, PSA and SA are commonly associated with lung infection in cystic fibrosis patients. The headspace samples were classified using principal component analysis with 86.9% of the total variance across the first three components and yielding 100% classification in a blind-sample study. All experiments conducted with the novel APPI arrangement were carried out directly in real-time with low-resolution MS, which opens up exciting possibilities in the future for on-site (e.g., in the clinic) analysis with a portable system.

PMID:39048618 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-66851-y

Categories: Literature Watch

Abstracts of the 15th Australasian Cystic Fibrosis Conference, 2-4 August 2024

Wed, 2024-07-24 06:00

Respirology. 2024 Jul;29 Suppl 2:3-44. doi: 10.1111/resp.14771.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39048527 | DOI:10.1111/resp.14771

Categories: Literature Watch

Estimating minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for gastrointestinal symptoms in cystic fibrosis

Wed, 2024-07-24 06:00

J Cyst Fibros. 2024 Jul 23:S1569-1993(24)00798-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2024.07.013. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is important to establish as a meaningful outcome in research when using patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). We determined the MCID using the distribution-based approach for three measurements used as part of the GALAXY study, which is an observational prospective study on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in cystic fibrosis (CF).

METHODS: Four hundred and two persons with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) participated in the GALAXY study, all with baseline values available for all questionnaires. Mean age was 20.9 years (2.1- 61.1) with 75 females and 94 males under the age of 18 (42.04 %) and 118 females and 115 males aged 18 or older (57.99 %). MCID was measured for Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM), Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms (PAGI-SYM), Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) and their subscales. Two distribution-based approaches, defined as multiplications of the standard deviation (SD) or standard error of the mean (SEM), were used to approximate the MCID.

RESULTS: The two distribution-based approaches for determining the MCID estimates produced comparable results in trends in MCIDs across the subscales and total scores. In general, MCID estimates of subscales for all three measurements were higher than their total score MCIDs. The one-half SD- and SEM-based MCID estimates for total scores of each questionnaire are as follows: PAC-SYM: 0.26 and 0.14; PAGI-SYM: 0.32 and 0.15; PAC-QOL: 0.27 and 0.18, respectively.

CONCLUSION: This paper establishes initial MCIDs estimated by the distribution-based approach for the PAC-SYM, PAGI-SYM and PAC-QOL that can now be used to evaluate interventional studies that may impact gastrointestinal symptoms in PwCF.

PMID:39048465 | DOI:10.1016/j.jcf.2024.07.013

Categories: Literature Watch

The clinical effectiveness of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) for people with CF without a F508del variant: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Wed, 2024-07-24 06:00

J Cyst Fibros. 2024 Jul 23:S1569-1993(24)00796-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2024.07.012. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Access to elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) for people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) without a F508del variant is limited due to lack of clinical data supporting efficacy.

METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined patient-level data from studies reporting the clinical response to ETI for PwCF with non-F508del CFTR variants. We searched electronic data sources including Embase, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL from January 1st, 2019 to May 14th, 2024.

FINDINGS: Our search results identified 4,795 studies and 20 met the eligibility criteria. 120 of 164 (73 %) individuals had a positive clinical response to ETI, defined by a sweat chloride (SwCl) decrease of ≥10 mmol/L or percent-predicted FEV1 (ppFEV1) improvement of ≥5 %. 51 unique ETI-responsive variants were represented across these 120 individuals and 27 of these variants (53 %) have not been previously approved by the U.S. FDA. For variants with at least 10 individuals treated with ETI to date, a consistent positive clinical response was observed for N1303K and G85E. For N1303K (n = 48), the median increase in ppFEV1 was 16 % (IQR: 8 %, 29 %), with a median decrease in SwCl of -9 (IQR: -4, -22) mmol/L. For G85E (n = 16), the median increase in ppFEV1 was 13.5 % (IQR: 8 %, 19 %) with a median decrease in SwCl of -46 (IQR: -39, -66) mmol/L.

CONCLUSION: Additional ETI-responsive variants were identified following a comprehensive review of ETI clinical use in PwCF without F508del. This data can be used by the CF community in efforts to expand the labelled indications or to help advocate for off-label ETI reimbursement.

PMID:39048464 | DOI:10.1016/j.jcf.2024.07.012

Categories: Literature Watch

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