Airway microbiota correlated with pulmonary exacerbation in primary ciliary dyskinesia patients.

IMPORTANCE: PCD is a rare disease characterized by productive cough, rhinitis, and recurrent infections of the upper and lower airways. Because the diagnosis of PCD is often delayed, patients receive more antibiotics, experience a heavier financial burden, and have a worse prognosis; thus, it is very important to identify the pathogeny and use the correct antibiotic. In this large single-center study of PCD microbiota, we identified an outline of the bacterial microbes from the respiratory tract; furthermore, we found that the microbiota diversity in pediatric sputum was richer than that in pediatric BALF through sequencing, indicating a heterogeneous community structure. The microbiota diversity and richness were lower during pulmonary exacerbation than during pulmonary stabilization. A significantly higher abundance of Pseudomonas had a moderate distinguishing effect for lung exacerbation, which attracted more attention for the study of Pseudomonas therapy in pediatric patients with PCD.

Inhaled delivery of a lipid nanoparticle encapsulated messenger RNA encoding a ciliary protein for the treatment of primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a respiratory disease caused by dysfunction of the cilia with currently no approved treatments. This predominantly autosomal recessive disease is caused by mutations in any one of over 50 genes involved in cilia function; DNAI1 is one of the more frequently mutated genes, accounting for approximately 5-10% of diagnosed PCD cases. A codon-optimized mRNA encoding DNAI1 and encapsulated in a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) was administered to mice via aerosolized inhalation resulting in the expression human DNAI1 in the multiciliated cells of the pseudostratified columnar epithelia. The spatial localization of DNAI1 expression in the bronchioles indicate that delivery of the DNAI1 mRNA transpires the lower airways. In a PCD disease model, exposure to the LNP-encapsulated DNAI1 mRNA resulted in increased ciliary beat frequency using high speed videomicroscopy showing the potential for an mRNA therapeutic to correct cilia function in patients with PCD due to DNAI1 mutations.

Higher throughput drug screening for rare respiratory diseases: readthrough therapy in primary ciliary dyskinesia.

BACKGROUND: Development of therapeutic approaches for rare respiratory diseases is hampered by the lack of systems that allow medium-to-high-throughput screening of fully differentiated respiratory epithelium from affected patients. This is a particular problem for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in genes that adversely affect ciliary movement and consequently mucociliary transport. Primary cell culture of basal epithelial cells from nasal brush biopsies followed by ciliated differentiation at the air-liquid interface (ALI) has proven to be a useful tool in PCD diagnostics but the technique's broader utility, including in pre-clinical PCD research, has been restricted by the limited number of basal cells that can be expanded from such biopsies. METHODS: We describe an immunofluorescence screening method, enabled by extensive expansion of basal cells from PCD patients and the directed differentiation of these cells into ciliated epithelium in miniaturised 96-well transwell format ALI cultures. As proof-of-principle, we performed a personalised investigation in a patient with a rare and severe form of PCD (reduced generation of motile cilia), in this case caused by a homozygous nonsense mutation in the MCIDAS gene. RESULTS: Initial analyses of ciliary ultrastructure, beat pattern and beat frequency in the 96-well transwell format ALI cultures indicate that a range of different PCD defects can be retained in these cultures. The screening system in our proof-of-principal investigation allowed drugs that induce translational readthrough to be evaluated alone or in combination with nonsense-mediated decay inhibitors. We observed restoration of basal body formation but not the generation of cilia in the patient's nasal epithelial cells in vitro. CONCLUSION: Our study provides a platform for higher throughput analyses of airway epithelia that is applicable in a range of settings and suggests novel avenues for drug evaluation and development in PCD caused by nonsense mutations.

A randomised controlled trial on the effect of inhaled hypertonic saline on quality of life in primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Hypertonic saline inhalation lowers airway mucous viscosity. Increased cough transportability may improve quality of life (QoL) in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).In this randomised controlled trial (RCT), PCD patients received twice-daily inhalations of hypertonic (7%) saline or isotonic (0.9%) saline for 12 weeks, with 4 weeks washout during crossover. Primary outcome was change in QoL measured by the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score. Secondary outcomes were SGRQ subscores, Quality of Life Questionnaire-Bronchiectasis (QoL-B) scores, lower respiratory tract infection symptoms, exacerbations, spirometry, systemic and sputum inflammatory markers, adherence, and adverse events.There was no significant change in median (interquartile range) SGRQ total score between hypertonic saline (-2.6 (-9.0-1.5)) and isotonic saline (-0.3 (-8.1-6.1)) in 22 patients (age range 22-73 years) (p=0.38). QoL-B Health Perception scale improved with hypertonic saline (p=0.03). Adverse events occurred more frequently with hypertonic saline, but were mild.12 weeks of inhaled hypertonic saline did not improve SGRQ total score in adult PCD patients in this RCT, but the sample size was small. On the secondary and more disease-specific end-point of the QoL-B, a significant improvement was observed in the Health Perception scale. This study found little evidence to support the hypothesis that hypertonic saline improves QoL in PCD patients. We advise the use of disease-specific outcome measures in future trials.

Sinus surgery can improve quality of life, lung infections, and lung function in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and bacterial sinusitis are ubiquitous in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). From the sinuses, Pseudomonas aeruginosa can infect the lungs. METHODS: We studied the effect of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on symptoms of CRS and lower airway infections in PCD patients in a prospective single-arm intervention study of ESS with adjuvant therapy using nasal irrigation with saline, topical nasal steroids, and 2 weeks of systemic antibiotics. Additional treatment with local colistin for 6 months was instigated when P. aeruginosa was cultured at ESS. RESULTS: Twenty-four PCD patients underwent ESS to search for an infectious focus (n = 10), due to severe symptoms of CRS (n = 8), or both (n = 6). Bacteria were cultured from sinus samples in 21 patients (88%), and simultaneous sinus and lung colonization with identical pathogens were observed in 13 patients (62%). Four patients with preoperative P. aeruginosa lung colonization (25%) had no regrowth during follow-up; 2 of these had P. aeruginosa sinusitis. Sinonasal symptoms were improved 12 months after ESS and we observed a trend toward better lung function after ESS. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated an improvement in CRS-related symptoms after ESS and adjuvant therapy. In selected PCD patients, the suggested regimen may postpone chronic lung infection with P. aeruginosa and stabilize lung function.

Study protocol, rationale and recruitment in a European multi-centre randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of azithromycin maintenance therapy for 6 months in primary ciliary dyskinesia.

BACKGROUND: Clinical management of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) respiratory disease is currently based on improving mucociliary clearance and controlling respiratory infections, through the administration of antibiotics. Treatment practices in PCD are largely extrapolated from more common chronic respiratory disorders, particularly cystic fibrosis, but no randomized controlled trials (RCT) have ever evaluated efficacy and safety of any pharmacotherapeutics used in the treatment of PCD. Maintenance therapy, with the macrolide antibiotic azithromycin, is currently widely used in chronic respiratory diseases including PCD. In addition to its antibacterial properties, azithromycin is considered to have beneficial anti-inflammatory and anti-quorum-sensing properties. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of azithromycin maintenance therapy for 6 months on respiratory exacerbations in PCD. The secondary objectives are to evaluate the efficacy of azithromycin on lung function, ventilation inhomogeneity, hearing impairment, and symptoms (respiratory, sinus, ears and hearing) measured on a PCD-specific health-related quality of life instrument, and to assess the safety of azithromycin maintenance therapy in PCD. METHODS: The BESTCILIA trial is a European multi-centre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group study. The intervention is tablets of azithromycin 250/500 mg according to body weight or placebo administered three times a week for 6 months. Subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of PCD, age 7-50 years, are eligible for inclusion. Chronic pulmonary infections with Gram-negative bacteria or any recent occurrence of non-tuberculous mycobacteria are exclusion criteria. The planned number of subjects to be included is 125. The trial has been approved by the Research Ethics Committees of the participating institutions. DISCUSSION: We present a study protocol of an ongoing RCT, evaluating for the first time, the efficacy and safety of a pharmacotherapeutic treatment for patients with PCD. The RCT evaluates azithromycin maintenance therapy, a drug already commonly prescribed in other chronic respiratory disorders. Furthermore, the trial will utilize the Lung clearance index and new, PCD-specific quality of life instruments as outcome measures for PCD. Recruitment is hampered by frequent occurrence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, exacerbations at enrolment, and the patients' perception of disease severity and necessity of additional management and treatment during trial participation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT 2013-004664-58 (date of registration: 2014-04-08).

Recovery of baseline lung function after pulmonary exacerbation in children with primary ciliary dyskinesia.

RATIONALE: Spirometry in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) frequently fails to return to baseline after treatment for a pulmonary exacerbation. It is unclear whether the same is true for children with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). OBJECTIVES: To determine in children with PCD treated with intravenous antibiotics for a pulmonary exacerbation: (1) the proportion who recover to baseline forced expiratory volume at 1 sec (FEV1 ) within 3 months after treatment and (2) to try to identify factors which are associated with failure to regain pre-exacerbation FEV1 . METHODS: Cohort study using the PCD database for children at the Royal Brompton Hospital, 2003-2013. We selected the first pulmonary exacerbation treated with intravenous antibiotics. The best FEV1 within 3 months after treatment was compared to the best FEV1 in the 12 months before treatment (baseline). Recovery to baseline was defined as any FEV1 after treatment that was greater than or equal to 90% of the baseline FEV1 . RESULTS: 32/150 children (21%) had at least one pulmonary exacerbation. 23/30 (77%) regained baseline spirometry within 3 months of treatment. There was no difference between responders and non-responders in any baseline characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Around 25% of children with PCD fail to recover to baseline lung function within 3 months following treatment for a pulmonary exacerbation, similar to CF. Better treatment strategies are needed, and the results also suggest that prevention of exacerbations would be a useful end-point in clinical trials. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1362-1366. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Kartagener's syndrome: A case report.

Introduction: Kartagener's syndrome is a recessive autosomal disease which is mainly seen to affect ciliary movement. The symptoms of the syndrome are the consequence of the defective motility of the cilia found in the respiratory tract and that results with recurrent lung infections caused by mucus stasis in the bronchi. Case report: A 37-year-old married, male father of one child, presented with a history of productive cough, wheezing, dispnea, headache, temporary fever. In his 9th year of age, 1986, situs inversus, sinusitis and pectus excavatum were diagnosed. In 1994 he was operated for correction of pectus excavatum. Bronchial asthma was diagnosed in 2008 when he was 31. In the last 2 years he had episodes of breathlessness, wheezing, cough, expectoration, headache, fever and fast declining lung function. The patient was treated with combination of inhaled bronchodilatators (inhaled corticosteroids + long-acting ß-2 agonist), and occasional administration of antibiotics, oral prednisolone, mucolytics in episodes of exacerbations of disease over a period of 7−14 days. Conclusion: Treatment for patients with this syndrome has not been established yet, but it is important to control chronic lung infections and prevent declining of lung function.

Mannose-binding lectin 2 gene polymorphism and lung damage in primary ciliary dyskinesia.

BACKGROUND: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays an important role in innate immunity and has been reported to be associated with the age-related decline in lung function in cystic fibrosis. HYPOTHESIS: MBL polymorphisms are associated with lung function decline in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD). METHODS: We performed sputum microbiology, spirometry pre- and post-administration of salbutamol, ciliary motion analysis, ultrastructural assessment of cilia, ciliogenesis in culture, and chest high resolution computed tomography in children with a clinical history of respiratory tract infections and/or presence of bronchiectasis suggestive of PCD or secondary ciliary dyskinesia (SCD). All subjects were evaluated for single nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene encoding MBL-2. RESULTS: The diagnosis of PCD was established in 45 subjects, while in the remaining 53 the diagnosis was SCD. A significant bronchodilator response was observed only in PCD associated with the MBL2-3 genotype, which is known to be associated with low/undetectable MBL serum levels. Also, bronchiectasis severity was significantly greater in subjects with MBL2-3 in both PCD and SCD. No other association was found between MBL genotypes and clinical findings. CONCLUSIONS: MBL plays a relatively minor role as a disease modifier in PCD. A similar finding in SCD supports the likely significance of this result.

An unusual regression of the symptoms of Kartagener syndrome.

Kartagener's syndrome is a rare autosomal-recessive genetic disease with progressive damage of the respiratory system and situs inversus. Although the management of patients with Kartagener's syndrome remains uncertain and evidence is limited, it is important to follow up these patients with an adequate and shared care system. This report presents a clinical case of Kartagener's syndrome in a 25-year-old woman. Computed tomography showed dextrocardia and bronchiectasis. Abdominal X-ray and ultrasound confirmed situs inversus totalis. After 7 years, good treatment results were achieved: lung function improved and radiological findings showed no changes. The present case discusses the complex interrelationship between the genetic variation and a proper nonspecific management of Kartagener's syndrome.

Two cases of primary ciliary dyskinesia with different responses to macrolide treatment.

We herein report two cases of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) with different responses to macrolides. Case 1: a 17-year-old Japanese man with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and combined defect of both inner and outer dynein arms in the cilia was unsuccessfully treated with long-term macrolides (clarithromycin, erythromycin, and azithromycin). Case 2: a 70-year-old Japanese man with deficiency of only the inner dynein arm was successfully treated with clarithromycin. Though the reasons for the different responses to macrolides are unclear, differences of ultrastructural abnormalities of the cilia might be one of the predictive factors in PCD just as in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

Síndrome de Kartagener: reporte de un caso / Kartagener syndrome: a case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: El Síndrome de Kartagener es una enfermedad hereditaria autosómica recesiva, caracterizada por dextrocardia, bronquiectasias, sinusitis crónica e infertilidad; causada por una mutación en el cromosoma 5p, locus de la proteína dineína, componente de cilios de tracto respiratorio y reproductor, lo que resulta en bajo clearance mucociliar y discinesia primaria. La prevalencia es aproximadamente de 1:10.000 individuos. El diagnóstico es clínico con confirmación mediante exámenes de función y estructura ciliar. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Paciente sexo masculino, 35 años, con antecedente de Síndrome de Kartagener en tratamiento; consulta en Julio de 2011 en Hospital de Lirquén por dolor en la región mamaria izquierda, irradiado a región infraescapular del mismo lado, punzante, intensidad 7/10, comienzo insidioso y tres días de evolución, acompañado de sensación febril, tercianas, diaforesis y tos húmeda con expectoración mucopurulenta. Examen físico: situs inverso en tórax y abdomen. Examen pulmonar: crépitos bilaterales intensificados en base izquierda, estertores difusos y roncus en ambas bases. Examen de extremidades: acropaquia. A través de radiografía de tórax se diagnostica neumonía. Es hospitalizado en el Servicio de Medicina Hombres para manejo con ceftriaxona endovenosa, inmunosupresores y monitoreo. El paciente evolucionó con buena respuesta, por lo que es dado de alta para continuar con antibióticos orales en domicilio. DISCUSIÓN: Las patologías de inmovilidad ciliar afectan el tracto respiratorio y esperma de estos pacientes. Es útil conocer este diagnóstico ya que permitirá buscar y tratar directamente sus complicaciones, además de ayudar al paciente en las consecuencias psicológicas de la infertilidad.

INTRODUCTION: Kartagener Syndrome is an autosomal recessive inherited disease characterized by dextrocardia, bronchiectasias, chronic sinusitis and infertility, caused by a mutation onchoromosome 5p, locus of dynein protein, component of respiratory cilia and reproductive system, resulting in low mucociliar clearance and primary discinesia. The prevalence is 1:10,000. The clinical diagnosis is confirmed by examination of ciliary structure and function. CASE REPORT: Male patient, 35 years old with a history of Kartagener Syndrome in treatment consults in July at Lirquen Hospital for pain in the left breast area, radiating to infrascapular region of the same side, lancing, intensity 7/10, insidious onset and three days duration, accompanied by feeling feverish, diaphoresis, and productive wet cough. Physical exam: situs inversus in the thorax and abdomen. Pulmonary exam: bilateral crepitus intensified in left base, diffuse rales and rhonchi in both bases; Limbs exam: clubbing. Through chest radiograph was diagnosed with pneumonia. Is hospitalized in Men Medicine Service for intravenous ceftriaxone management, inmunosuppresants, and monitoring. The patient has good response to treatment, so it is discharged to continue with oral antibiotics at home. DISCUSSION: The immotile ciliar diseases affect the respiratory tract and sperm of these patients. It helps to know the diagnosis because it will allow search and efficiently treat complications, besides helping the patient in the psychological consequences of infertility. Spirometry is necessary and chest radiography is warranted in this case for evaluation and study of the infectious respiratory disease that the patient debut.

An unusual presentation of Kartagener's syndrome.

Kartagener's syndrome is a rare disorder which is seen in nearly half of the cases of primary ciliary dyskinesia. We report an unusual case of Kartagener's syndrome where the patient had associated ventricular septal defect, pectus excavatum and was fertile.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia that responded to long-term, low-dose clarithromycin.

A 46-year-old man was referred to our hospital with hemoptysis. He had been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis since childhood, but had received no treatment. Chest CT showed a diffuse centrilobular granular shadow and thickened bronchial walls. Otitis media and decreased spermatic motor ability were identified. In addition, electron microscopy of a biopsy specimen of the nasal mucosa showed a deficiency of inner dynein. Based on these clinical findings, primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) was diagnosed and successfully treated with long-term, low-dose clarithromycin. Although the effects of macrolide therapy remain controversial, long-term treatment with low-dose clarithromycin might confer clinical benefits upon patients with PCD.

[Recombinant human DNase in conditions other than cystic fibrosis]. / Rekombinant humant deoxyribonuklease til andet end cystisk fibrose.

Recombinant human DNase (rhDNase) reduces viscosity of sputum. Effect has been documented in cystic fibrosis and postoperatively in paediatric heart disease. Single dose treatment with rhDNase in paediatric asthma has no effect. In respiratory syncytial virus infection, treatment with rhDNase may be associated with increased need for supplemental oxygen. In adults with idiopathic bronchiectasis, treatment with rhDNase leads to more pulmonary exacerbations and a greater decline in pulmonary function tests. There are no controlled studies on rhDNase in primary ciliary dyskinesia or atelectasis.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia: prospects for new therapies, building on the experience in cystic fibrosis.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic disease associated with abnormal ciliary structure and function, leading to impaired mucociliary clearance, an important primary innate defense mechanism that protects the lungs. Drugs that can effectively treat PCD should overcome the defect in ciliary function and increase the mucociliary clearance. However, there are currently no therapeutic strategies that correct the inborn error of ciliary dysfunction to restore mucociliary clearance. It is unclear if osmolar agents like hypertonic saline or mannitol, therapies that increase the respiratory surface hydration like ion-channel regulators, or therapies aimed at reducing inflammation or mucus production, or softening the mucus will be effective in PCD. Many of these modalities are used in cystic fibrosis, yet no evidence exists to support their routine use in PCD. Newer genetic modifiers show an exciting potential for personalized medication, combining selection of patients with a common genetic mutation and a drug treatment that has been specifically designed to overcome that mutation, and will greatly enhance the therapeutic arsenal for PCD. This review summarizes current and future prospects for these therapeutic options.

Long-term use of nebulized human recombinant DNase1 in two siblings with primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is characterized by ultra-structural defects of the cilia. In this report, we describe the long-term use of nebulized dornase alfa in two siblings with PCD. This is the first report of long-term use of dornase alfa in PCD.

Diagnosis of common variable immunodeficiency in a patient with primary ciliary dyskinesia.

In this case report we describe the first account in the literature of a patient with primary ciliary dyskinesia and common variable immunodeficiency. A 17-year-old boy with previously diagnosed Kartagener syndrome and stable lung disease developed a deteriorating clinical course that prompted the search for a secondary diagnosis. Although both of these rare conditions can result in similar lung pathology, they require different management strategies, which illustrates the need to consider associated diagnoses in complicated clinical situations.