Oral Vancomycin, Ursodeoxycholic Acid, or No Therapy for Pediatric Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Many children with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) receive oral vancomycin therapy (OVT) or ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). There is a paucity of data on whether these medications improve outcomes. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We analyzed retrospective data from the Pediatric PSC Consortium. Children treated with OVT were matched 1:1:1 to those treated with UDCA or managed with observation (no treatment) based on the closest propensity score, ensuring similar baseline characteristics. Two hundred sixty-four patients (88 each with OVT, UDCA, or observation) had matching propensity scores and were similar in demographics, phenotype, immunosuppression, baseline biochemistry, and hepatic fibrosis. After 1 year in an intention-to-treat analysis, all outcome metrics were similar regardless of treatment group. In OVT, UDCA, and untreated groups, respectively: Gamma-glutamyltransferase normalized in 53%, 49%, and 52% (P = not significant [NS]), liver fibrosis stage was improved in 20%, 13%, and 18% and worsened in 11%, 29%, and 18% (P = NS), and the 5-year probability of liver transplant listing was 21%, 10%, and 12% (P = NS). Favorable outcome was associated with having a mild phenotype of PSC and minimal hepatic fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: We presented the largest-ever description of outcomes on OVT in PSC and compared them to carefully matched patients on UDCA or no therapy. Neither OVT nor UDCA showed improvement in outcomes compared to a strategy of observation. Patients progressed to end-stage liver disease at similar rates. Spontaneous normalization of biochemistry is common in children receiving no therapy, particularly in the majority of children with a mild phenotype and an early stage of disease. Placebo-controlled treatment trials are needed to identify effective treatments for pediatric PSC.

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

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Disease progression in children with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is variable. Prognostic and risk-stratification tools exist for adult-onset PSC, but not for children. We aimed to create a tool that accounts for the biochemical and phenotypic features and early disease stage of pediatric PSC. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We used retrospective data from the Pediatric PSC Consortium. The training cohort contained 1,012 patients from 40 centers. We generated a multivariate risk index (Sclerosing Cholangitis Outcomes in Pediatrics [SCOPE] index) that contained total bilirubin, albumin, platelet count, gamma glutamyltransferase, and cholangiography to predict a primary outcome of liver transplantation or death (TD) and a broader secondary outcome that included portal hypertensive, biliary, and cancer complications termed hepatobiliary complications (HBCs). The model stratified patients as low, medium, or high risk based on progression to TD at rates of <1%, 3%, and 9% annually and to HBCs at rates of 2%, 6%, and 13% annually, respectively (P < 0.001). C-statistics to discriminate outcomes at 1 and 5 years were 0.95 and 0.82 for TD and 0.80 and 0.76 for HBCs, respectively. Baseline hepatic fibrosis stage was worse with increasing risk score, with extensive fibrosis in 8% of the lowest versus 100% with the highest risk index (P < 0.001). The model was validated in 240 children from 11 additional centers and performed well. CONCLUSIONS: The SCOPE index is a pediatric-specific prognostic tool for PSC. It uses routinely obtained, objective data to predict a complicated clinical course. It correlates strongly with biopsy-proven liver fibrosis. SCOPE can be used with families for shared decision making on clinical care based on a patient's individual risk, and to account for variable disease progression when designing future clinical trials.

Hepatic histologic findings in a case of MEGDHEL syndrome due to SERAC1 deficiency.

MEGD(H)EL syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in SERAC1, a protein necessary for phosphatidylglycerol remodeling. It is characterized by 3-methylglutaconic aciduria, deafness-dystonia, (hepatopathy), encephalopathy, and Leigh-like syndrome, but has a wide spectrum of severity. Here, we present a case of a child with MEGD(H)EL syndrome with infantile hepatopathy, neurodevelopmental delays, characteristic biochemical abnormalities, and biallelic novel SERAC1 mutations: (1) deletion of (at least) exons 2-4, pathogenic; and (2) c.1601A>T (p.H534L), likely pathogenic. Her initial clinical presentation was notable for persistently elevated transaminases, speech delay, delayed motor milestones, and sensorineural hearing loss. However, her verbal and motor development has progressively improved and now, at 4 years of age, she has only speech and mild gross motor delays as compared to her unaffected peers and is exceeding clinical expectations. The histologic features of a liver biopsy are described, which has not previously been published in detail for this syndrome. Hepatocytes showed granular cytoplasm and fine intracytoplasmic lipid droplets. The ultrastructural findings included abnormal circular mitochondrial cristae. These findings are consistent with a mitochondrial disorder.

Analysis of INSPPIRE-2 Cohort: Risk Factors and Disease Burden in Children With Acute Recurrent or Chronic Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to investigate risk factors and disease burden in pediatric acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). METHODS: Data were obtained from INternational Study group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE-2 (INSPPIRE-2), the largest multi-center prospective cohort study in pediatric patients with ARP or CP. RESULTS: Of 689 children, 365 had ARP (53%), 324 had CP (47%). CP was more commonly associated with female sex, younger age at first acute pancreatitis (AP) attack, Asian race, family history of CP, lower BMI%, genetic and obstructive factors, PRSS1 mutations and pancreas divisum. CFTR mutations, toxic-metabolic factors, medication use, hypertriglyceridemia, Crohn disease were more common in children with ARP. Constant or frequent abdominal pain, emergency room (ER) visits, hospitalizations, medical, endoscopic or surgical therapies were significantly more common in CP, episodic pain in ARP. A total of 33.1% of children with CP had exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), 8.7% had diabetes mellitus. Compared to boys, girls were more likely to report pain impacting socialization and school, medical therapies, cholecystectomy, but no increased opioid use. There was no difference in race, ethnicity, age at first AP episode, age at CP diagnosis, duration of disease, risk factors, prevalence of EPI or diabetes between boys and girls. Multivariate analysis revealed that family history of CP, constant pain, obstructive risk factors were predictors of CP. CONCLUSIONS: Children with family history of CP, constant pain, or obstructive risk factors should raise suspicion for CP.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Acute Recurrent or Chronic Pancreatitis: Association With Biopsychosocial Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVES: Abdominal pain, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations impact lives of children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). Data on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in this population, however, remains limited. We aimed to evaluate HRQOL in children with ARP or CP; and test biopsychosocial risk factors associated with low HRQOL. METHODS: Data were acquired from the INternational Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE registry. Baseline demographic and clinical questionnaires, the Child Health Questionnaire (measures HRQOL) and Child Behavior Checklist (measures emotional and behavioral functioning) were completed at enrollment. RESULTS: The sample included 368 children (54.3% girls, mean age = 12.7years, standard deviation [SD] = 3.3); 65.2% had ARP and 34.8% with CP. Low physical HRQOL (M = 38.5, SD = 16.0) was demonstrated while psychosocial HRQOL (M = 49.5, SD = 10.2) was in the normative range. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that clinical levels of emotional and behavioral problems (B = -10.28, P  < 0.001), episodic and constant abdominal pain (B = 04.66, P = 0.03; B = -13.25, P < 0.001) were associated with low physical HRQOL, after accounting for ARP/CP status, age, sex, exocrine, and endocrine disease (F [9, 271] = 8.34, P < 0.001). Borderline and clinical levels of emotional and behavioral problems (B = -10.18, P < 0.001; B = -15.98, P < 0.001), and constant pain (B = -4.46, P < 0.001) were associated with low psychosocial HRQOL (F [9, 271] = 17.18, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the importance of assessing HRQOL and treating pain and psychosocial problems in this vulnerable group of children.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children and young adults is associated with increased long-term mortality.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Longitudinal data are scarce regarding the natural history and long-term risk of mortality in children and young adults with biopsy-confirmed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: This nationwide, matched cohort study included all Swedish children and young adults (≤25 years) with biopsy-confirmed NAFLD (1966-2017; n = 718). NAFLD was confirmed histologically from all liver biopsies submitted to Sweden's 28 pathology departments, and further categorized as simple steatosis or steatohepatitis (NASH). Patients with NAFLD were matched to ≤5 general population controls by age, sex, calendar year and county (n = 3,457). To account for shared genetic and early-life factors, we also matched patients with NAFLD to full-sibling comparators. Using Cox regression, we estimated multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% CIs. RESULTS: Over a median of 15.8 years, 59 patients with NAFLD died (5.5/1,000 person-years [PY]) compared to 36 population controls (0.7/1,000 PY; difference = 4.8/1,000 PY; multivariable aHR 5.88; 95% CI 3.77-9.17), corresponding to 1 additional death per 15 patients with NAFLD, followed for 20 years. The 20-year absolute risk of overall mortality was 7.7% among patients with NAFLD, and 1.1% among controls (difference = 6.6%; 95% CI 4.0-9.2). Findings persisted after excluding those who died within the first 6 months (aHR 4.65; 95% CI 2.92-7.42), and after using full-sibling comparators (aHR 11.72; 95% CI 3.18-43.23). Simple steatosis was associated with a 5.26-fold higher adjusted rate of mortality compared to controls (95% CI 3.05-9.07), and this was amplified with NASH (aHR 11.51, 95% CI 4.77-27.79). Most of the excess mortality was from cancer (1.67 vs. 0.07/1,000PY; aHR 15.60; 95% CI 4.97-48.93), liver disease (0.93 vs. 0.04/1,000PY; aHR 16.46; 95% CI 2.75-98.43) and cardiometabolic disease (1.12 vs. 0.14/1,000PY; aHR 4.32, 95% CI 1.73-10.79). CONCLUSIONS: Swedish children and young adults with biopsy-confirmed NAFLD have significantly higher rates of overall, cancer-, liver- and cardiometabolic-specific mortality compared to matched general population controls. LAY SUMMARY: Currently, the natural history and long-term risk of mortality in children and young adults with biopsy-confirmed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is unknown. This nationwide cohort study compared the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in pediatric and young adult patients in Sweden with biopsy-confirmed NAFLD to matched general population controls. We found that compared to controls, children and young adults with biopsy-confirmed NAFLD and NASH have significantly higher rates of overall, cancer-, liver- and cardiometabolic-specific mortality.

Colorectal Dysplasia and Cancer in Pediatric-Onset Ulcerative Colitis Associated With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially when associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), is a risk factor for developing colorectal cancer (CRC).1-3 We aimed to determine the incidence of CRC in a large cohort of pediatric-onset PSC-ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.

North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the Society for Pediatric Radiology Joint Position Paper on Noninvasive Imaging of Pediatric Pancreatitis: Literature Summary and Recommendations.

ABSTRACT: The reported incidence of pediatric pancreatitis is increasing. Noninvasive imaging, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), play important roles in the diagnosis, staging, follow-up, and management of pancreatitis in children. In this position paper, generated by members of the Pancreas Committee of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and the Abdominal Imaging Committee of The Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR), we review the roles of noninvasive imaging in pediatric acute, acute recurrent, and chronic pancreatitis. We discuss available evidence related to noninvasive imaging, highlighting evidence specific to pediatric populations, and we make joint recommendations for use of noninvasive imaging. Further, we highlight the need for research to define the performance and role of noninvasive imaging in pediatric pancreatitis.

Pediatric liver transplant following near catastrophic head bleed: Lessons learned.

Evaluation for liver transplant candidacy is a multidisciplinary effort that involves all aspects of clinical care including social work, nutrition, and a multitude of medical specialties. The prognosis of a pretransplant clinical condition is integrated into the decision to list a patient. Herein, we report a successful liver transplant and recovery of a 3-month-old male following a large right hemispheric subdural hematoma related to acute coagulopathy secondary to undiagnosed end-stage liver disease. On presentation with jaundice, lethargy, and unequal pupils, a CT scan was obtained which demonstrated a large right subdural hematoma with herniation. Once his coagulopathy was corrected, he went for decompressive craniectomy. He survived with medically controlled seizures and improving L-sided neglect and extremity weakness. Six weeks later, given his continued neurologic recovery and worsening liver function, the decision was made to list him for liver transplantation. One month later, he underwent orthotopic liver transplant. His post-operative hospital course was complicated by DVTs and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, but no neurologic decline, and he was eventually discharged from the hospital on post-op day 26. Three years later, he has a well-functioning allograft and no clinically evident neurologic deficits. The prognosis following pediatric neurologic trauma remains somewhat unclear as recovery and neurologic examinations can be influenced by numerous extrinsic factors. This is one of the first reports of near full neurologic recovery of a pediatric liver transplant recipient following a large subdural hematoma with herniation.

Vedolizumab Therapy in Children With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Data From the Pediatric Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Consortium.

OBJECTIVES: Most patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) also have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The liver and colon express MAdCAM-1, a target of lymphocyte homing integrins. Vedolizumab (VDZ) is an α4ß7 integrin antibody used to treat IBD. We investigated liver outcomes in children with PSC-IBD treated with VDZ. METHODS: Patients were identified within the Pediatric PSC Consortium, a multicenter research registry. Retrospective demographic, phenotypic, biochemical, radiological, histopathologic and IBD data for up to 1 year of VDZ therapy were collected. Liver biochemical and IBD responses were defined as: a 75% or greater reduction in initial γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), or a GGT that fell to <50 IU/L and improved Mayo endoscopy grade or IBD activity scores after 9 to 12 months. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were identified from 19 centers. VDZ was initiated at median age of 16 years [IQR 15-18], 69% were male, 65% had large duct involvement, 19% had (Metavir F3/F4) fibrosis and 59% had ulcerative colitis. Of 32 patients with abnormal GGT at baseline, 22% had a liver biochemical response after 9 to 12 months. For IBD, 32% achieved remission, 30% had a clinical response, and 38% had no response. Final GGT after 9 to 12 months was 51 [IQR 28-71] in IBD patients in remission versus 127 [IQR 63-226] in those with active IBD, (P = 0.066). CONCLUSIONS: Liver biochemistry worsened over time in IBD unresponsive to VDZ but remained unchanged in IBD patients in remission. VDZ did not improve liver biochemistry in pediatric PSC-IBD. Progressive liver disease may be more common in patients with medically refractory IBD.

Factors Associated With Frequent Opioid Use in Children With Acute Recurrent and Chronic Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to understand the association of frequent opioid use with disease phenotype and pain pattern and burden in children and adolescents with acute recurrent (ARP) or chronic pancreatitis (CP). METHODS: Cross-sectional study of children <19 years with ARP or CP, at enrollment into the INSPPIRE cohort. We categorized patients as opioid "frequent use" (daily/weekly) or "nonfrequent use" (monthly or less, or no opioids), based on patient and parent self-report. RESULTS: Of 427 children with ARP or CP, 17% reported frequent opioid use. More children with CP (65%) reported frequent opioid use than with ARP (41%, P = 0.0002). In multivariate analysis, frequent opioid use was associated with older age at diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 1.67 per 5 years, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-2.47, P = 0.01), exocrine insufficiency (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.13-5.24, P = 0.02), constant/severe pain (OR 4.14, 95% CI 2.06-8.34, P < 0.0001), and higher average pain impact score across all 6 functional domains (OR 1.62 per 1-point increase, 95% CI 1.28-2.06, P < 0.0001). Children with frequent opioid use also reported more missed school days, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits in the past year than children with no frequent use (P < 0.0002 for each). Participants in the US West and Midwest accounted for 83% of frequent opioid users but only 56% of the total cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In children with CP or ARP, frequent opioid use is associated with constant pain, more healthcare use, and higher levels of pain interference with functioning. Longitudinal and prospective research is needed to identify risk factors for frequent opioid use and to evaluate nonopioid interventions for reducing pain and disability in these children.

Clinical and Practice Variations in Pediatric Acute Recurrent or Chronic Pancreatitis: Report From the INSPPIRE Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine whether clinical characteristics and management of pediatric acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) differ across INSPPIRE (INternational Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In Search for a cuRE) sites. STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected from INSPPIRE and analyzed per US regions and "non-US" sites. Between-group differences were compared by Pearson chi-square test. Differences in disease burden were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Out of the 479 subjects, 121 (25%) were enrolled in West, 151 (32%) Midwest, 45 Northeast (9%), 78 (16%) South, and 84 (18%) at non-US sites. Hispanic ethnicity was more common in South (P < 0.0001); white race in Northeast (P = 0.009). CP was less common and time from diagnosis of first acute pancreatitis to CP was longer in children at non-US sites (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.011, respectively). Genetic mutations were most common among all groups; PRSS1 variants predominated in Midwest (P = 0.002). Gallstones were more frequent in South (P = 0.002). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and computed tomography (CT) imaging were more commonly utilized in United States compared with non-United States (P < 0.0001), but there were no differences in the use of MRI/MRCP. Disease burden was highest in the West and Midwest, possibly as total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) referral sites were located in these regions. All therapies were less commonly administered in non-US sites (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to describe geographical variations in the INSPPIRE cohort, which possibly reflect variations in practice and referral patterns. The underlying reason behind the lower frequency of CP and fewer treatments in non-United States sites need to be further explored.

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

OBJECTIVE: To investigate patient factors predictive of gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) normalization following ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy in children with primary sclerosing cholangitis. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed patient records at 46 centers. We included patients with a baseline serum GGT level ≥50 IU/L at diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis who initiated UDCA therapy within 1 month and continued therapy for at least 1 year. We defined "normalization" as a GGT level <50 IU/L without experiencing portal hypertensive or dominant stricture events, liver transplantation, or death during the first year. RESULTS: We identified 263 patients, median age 12.1 years at diagnosis, treated with UDCA at a median dose of 15 mg/kg/d. Normalization occurred in 46%. Patients with normalization had a lower prevalence of Crohn's disease, lower total bilirubin level, lower aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, greater platelet count, and greater serum albumin level at diagnosis. The 5-year survival with native liver was 99% in those patients who achieved normalization vs 77% in those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Less than one-half of the patients treated with UDCA have a complete GGT normalization in the first year after diagnosis, but this subset of patients has a favorable 5-year outcome. Normalization is less likely in patients with a Crohn's disease phenotype or a laboratory profile suggestive of more advanced hepatobiliary fibrosis. Patients who do not achieve normalization could reasonably stop UDCA, as they are likely not receiving clinical benefit. Alternative treatments with improved efficacy are needed, particularly for patients with already-advanced disease.

Pancreas Divisum in Pediatric Acute Recurrent and Chronic Pancreatitis: Report From INSPPIRE.

INTRODUCTION: The significance of pancreas divisum (PD) as a risk factor for pancreatitis is controversial. We analyzed the characteristics of children with PD associated with acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis to better understand its impact. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared children with or without PD in the well-phenotyped INSPPIRE (INternational Study group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE) cohort. Differences were analyzed using 2-sample t test or Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables, Pearson χ or Fisher exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: PD was found in 52 of 359 (14.5%) subjects, a higher prevalence than the general population (∼7%). Females more commonly had PD (71% vs. 55%; P=0.02). Children with PD did not have a higher incidence of mutations in SPINK1, CFTR, CTRC compared with children with no PD. Children with PD were less likely to have PRSS1 mutations (10% vs. 34%; P<0.01) or a family history of pancreatitis (P<0.05), and more likely to have hypertriglyceridemia (11% vs. 3%; P=0.03). Children with PD underwent significantly more endoscopic procedures and pancreatic sphincterotomy. Patients with PD had fewer attacks of acute pancreatitis (P=0.03) and were less likely to develop exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (P=0.01). Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was considered most helpful if pancreatic duct was impacted with stones (83% helpful). CONCLUSIONS: PD is likely a risk factor for acute recurrent pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis in children that appears to act independently of genetic risk factors. Patients with PD and stones obstructing the pancreatic duct benefit most from therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Diabetes Mellitus in Children with Acute Recurrent and Chronic Pancreatitis: Data From the INternational Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In Search for a CuRE Cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Adults with chronic pancreatitis (CP) have a high risk for developing pancreatogenic diabetes mellitus (DM), but little is known regarding potential risk factors for DM in children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) or CP. We compared demographic and clinical features of children with ARP or CP, with and without DM, in the INternational Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In Search for a CuRE (INSPPIRE) registry. METHODS: We reviewed the INSPPIRE database for the presence or absence of physician-diagnosed DM in 397 children, excluding those with total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation, enrolled from August 2012 to August 2017. Patient demographics, BMI percentile, age at disease onset, disease risk factors, disease burden, and treatments were compared between children with DM (n = 24) and without DM (n = 373). RESULTS: Twenty-four children (6% of the cohort) had a diagnosis of DM. Five of 13 tested were positive for beta cell autoantibodies. The DM group was 4.2 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 3-5.4] older at first episode of acute pancreatitis, and tended to more often have hypertriglyceridemia [odds ratio (OR) 5.21 (1.33-17.05)], coexisting autoimmune disease [OR 3.94 (0.88-13.65)] or pancreatic atrophy [OR 3.64 (1.13, 11.59)]. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic atrophy may be more common among children with DM, suggesting more advanced exocrine disease. However, data in this exploratory cohort also suggest increased autoimmunity and hypertriglyceridemia in children with DM, suggesting that risk factors for type 1 and type 2 DM, respectively may play a role in mediating DM development in children with pancreatitis.

Risk Factors for Rapid Progression From Acute Recurrent to Chronic Pancreatitis in Children: Report From INSPPIRE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the rate of progression from acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) to chronic pancreatitis (CP) in children and assess risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected from the INternational Study group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE (INSPPIRE) cohort. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to calculate duration of progression from initial attack of acute pancreatitis (AP) to CP. Log-rank test was used to compare survival (nonprogression) probability distribution between groups. Cox proportional hazard regression models were fitted to obtain hazard ratio (with 95% confidence interval [CI]) of progression for each risk variable. RESULTS: Of 442 children, 251 had ARP and 191 had CP. The median time of progression from initial attack of AP to CP was 3.79 years. The progression was faster in those ages 6 years or older at the first episode of AP compared to those younger than 6 years (median time to CP: 2.91 vs 4.92 years; P = 0.01). Children with pathogenic PRSS1 variants progressed more rapidly to CP compared to children without PRSS1 variants (median time to CP: 2.52 vs 4.48 years; P = 0.003). Within 6 years after the initial AP attack, cumulative proportion with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency was 18.0% (95% CI: 12.4%, 25.6%); diabetes mellitus was 7.7% (95% CI: 4.2%, 14.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Children with ARP rapidly progress to CP, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and diabetes. The progression to CP is faster in children who were 6 years or older at the first episode of AP or with pathogenic PRSS1 variants. The factors that affect the aggressive disease course in childhood warrant further investigation.

Chronic Pancreatitis: Pediatric and Adult Cohorts Show Similarities in Disease Progress Despite Different Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the natural history of chronic pancreatitis (CP); patients in the North American Pancreatitis Study2 (NAPS2, adults) and INternational Study group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE (INSPPIRE, pediatric) were compared. METHODS: Demographics, risk factors, disease duration, management and outcomes of 224 children and 1063 adults were compared using appropriate statistical tests for categorical and continuous variables. RESULTS: Alcohol was a risk in 53% of adults and 1% of children (P < 0.0001); tobacco in 50% of adults and 7% of children (P < 0.0001). Obstructive factors were more common in children (29% vs 19% in adults, P = 0.001). Genetic risk factors were found more often in children. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency was similar (children 26% vs adult 33%, P = 0.107). Diabetes was more common in adults than children (36% vs 4% respectively, P < 0.0001). Median emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and missed days of work/school were similar across the cohorts. As a secondary analysis, NAPS2 subjects with childhood onset (NAPS2-CO) were compared with INSPPIRE subjects. These 2 cohorts were more similar than the total INSPPIRE and NAPS2 cohorts, including for genetic risk factors. The only risk factor significantly more common in the NAPS2-CO cohort compared with the INSPPIRE cohort was alcohol (9% NAPS2-CO vs 1% INSPPIRE cohorts, P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Despite disparity in age of onset, children and adults with CP exhibit similarity in demographics, CP treatment, and pain. Differences between groups in radiographic findings and diabetes prevalence may be related to differences in risk factors associated with disease and length of time of CP.

Recommendations for Diagnosis and Management of Autoimmune Pancreatitis in Childhood: Consensus From INSPPIRE.

OBJECTIVES: Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) represents a complex immune-mediated pancreas disorder. Pediatric AIP (P-AIP) is rare. We have recently summarized the characteristic features of P-AIP. We now aim to develop recommendation statements to standardize the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to P-AIP and facilitate future research in the field. METHODS: A panel of pediatric gastroenterologists participating in the International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE was formed to discuss and then vote on 15 recommendation statements. A consensus of at least 80% was obtained following 3 voting rounds and revision of the statements. RESULTS: We have now generated 15 statements to help standardize the approach to diagnosis and management of P-AIP. CONCLUSIONS: The first P-AIP recommendation statements developed by the International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE group are intended to bring standardization to the diagnosis and treatment of this rare childhood disorder. These statements may help guide a uniform approach to patient care and facilitate future research studies.

Bioefficacy potential of different genotypes of walnut Juglans regia L.

The purpose of investigation was to assess the phytochemical and nutraceutical of walnut in leaf extracts through diverse quantitative and qualitative phytochemical tests followed by array of assays. The screening of 50 elite walnut genotypes which exhibited wide range of discrepancy in terms of phytochemicals as well as their anti-oxidant potential was done. Walnut genotypes displayed maximum divergence in quercetin content (2.86-5.78 mg/100 g) as represented by cluster analysis. The phenolic rich genotypes exhibiting total phenols (37.61-46.47 mg/g GAE) having higher DPPH potential (IP of 32.82-73.50) where as genotypes that accumulate flavonoids/flavanols (5.52-28.48 mg/g QE and 4.11-21.76 mg/g QE showed immense FRAP activity (418.92-1067.94 µM Fe2+/g FW). There was positive correlation between the phenolics content and anti-oxidant potential. The results showed oil content of 50.1-85.08% and kernel percentage 25.21-81.92% of all walnut genotypes. To evaluate the anti-proliferative potential of walnut genotypes, Trypan blue exclusion test, MTT assay and Griess assay was used. Each assay was repeated with different positive controls against a panel of human cancer cell lines viz THP-1, U2OS, IMR-32 and HBL-100 and then compared with the walnut extracts for their efficiency in anti-proliferative activity. The SPS 1 walnut extract at concentration of 500 µg/ml exhibited 10% cell viability and with 1000 µg/ml walnut extract there was consequent decline towards (6.25%) viability. The results indicated that walnut leaf constitutes an excellent source of effective natural antioxidants and chemo-preventive agents that can act as anti cancer agents.

Autoimmune Pancreatitis in Children: Characteristic Features, Diagnosis, and Management.

OBJECTIVES: Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an increasingly recognized disease entity, but data in children are limited. AIP presentation and outcome in children might differ from the adult experience. We aim to determine the characteristic features of AIP in children. METHODS: Data about clinical symptoms, imaging, histology, and treatment were collected using two sources: (i) a systematic literature search and (ii) the INSPPIRE database, the largest international multicenter study of pancreatitis in children and the Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc (CUSL) registry. RESULTS: We identified 48 AIP cases: 30 from literature review, 14 from INSPPIRE, and 4 from CUSL. The median age at diagnosis was 13 years (range 2-17 years). Abdominal pain (43/47, 91%) and/or obstructive jaundice (20/47, 42%) were the most common symptoms at diagnosis. Elevated serum IgG4 levels were only observed in 9/40 (22%) children. Cross-sectional imaging studies were abnormal in all children including hypointense global or focal gland enlargement (39/47, 83%), main pancreatic duct irregularity (30/47, 64%), and common bile duct stricture (26/47, 55%). A combination of lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, pancreatic fibrosis, and ductal granulocyte infiltration were the main histological findings (18/25, 72%). Children with AIP had a prompt clinical response to steroids. Complications of AIP included failure of exocrine (4/25, 16%) and endocrine (3/27, 11%) pancreas function. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric AIP has a distinct presentation with features similar to type 2 AIP in adults. This comprehensive report on the largest group of children with AIP to date is expected to help with the diagnosis and management of this disease and pave the way for future research studies.