ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with metastatic, treatment-refractory, and relapsed hepatoblastoma (HB) have survival rates of less than 50% due to limited treatment options. To develop new therapeutic strategies for these patients, our laboratory has developed a preclinical testing pipeline. Given that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition has been proposed for HB, we hypothesized that we could find an effective combination treatment strategy utilizing HDAC inhibition. METHODS: RNA sequencing, microarray, NanoString, and immunohistochemistry data of patient HB samples were analyzed for HDAC class expression. Patient-derived spheroids (PDSp) were used to screen combination chemotherapy with an HDAC inhibitor, panobinostat. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models were developed and treated with the combination therapy that showed the highest efficacy in the PDSp drug screen. RESULTS: HDAC RNA and protein expression were elevated in HB tumors compared to normal livers. Panobinostat (IC50 of 0.013-0.059 µM) showed strong in vitro effects and was associated with lower cell viability than other HDAC inhibitors. PDSp demonstrated the highest level of cell death with combination treatment of vincristine/irinotecan/panobinostat (VIP). All four models responded to VIP therapy with a decrease in tumor size compared to placebo. After 6 weeks of treatment, two models demonstrated necrotic cell death, with lower Ki67 expression, decreased serum alpha fetoprotein and reduced tumor burden compared to paired VI- and placebo-treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing a preclinical HB pipeline, we demonstrate that panobinostat in combination with VI chemotherapy can induce an effective tumor response in models developed from patients with high-risk, relapsed, and treatment-refractory HB. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: Patients with treatment-refractory hepatoblastoma have limited treatment options with survival rates of less than 50%. Our manuscript demonstrates that combination therapy with vincristine, irinotecan, and panobinostat reduces the size of high-risk, relapsed, and treatment-refractory tumors. With this work we provide preclinical evidence to support utilizing this combination therapy as an arm in future clinical trials.
Subject(s)
Hepatoblastoma , Liver Neoplasms , Humans , Mice , Animals , Panobinostat/pharmacology , Panobinostat/therapeutic use , Hepatoblastoma/drug therapy , Irinotecan/therapeutic use , Vincristine/therapeutic use , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/chemically induced , Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Hydroxamic Acids/pharmacologyABSTRACT
It is increasingly recognised that diverse genetic respiratory disorders present as severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) in the neonate and young infant, but many controversies and uncertainties persist regarding optimal strategies for diagnosis and management to maximize long-term outcomes. To better define the nature of PH in the setting of developmental lung disorders (DEVLD), in addition to the common diagnoses of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and congenital diaphragmatic hernia, we established a multidisciplinary group of expert clinicians from stakeholder paediatric specialties to highlight current challenges and recommendations for clinical approaches, as well as counselling and support of families. In this review, we characterise clinical features of infants with DEVLD/DEVLD-PH and identify decision-making challenges including genetic evaluations, the role of lung biopsies, the use of imaging modalities, and treatment approaches. The importance of working with team members from multiple disciplines, enhancing communication and providing sufficient counselling services for families is emphasized to create an interdisciplinary consensus.
ABSTRACT
Investigation into a recent cluster of acute hepatitis in children from the southeastern United States identified human adenovirus (HAdV) DNAemia in all 9 cases. Molecular genotyping in 5 of 9 (56%) children identified HAdV type 41 in all cases (100%). Importantly, 2 children from this cluster progressed rapidly to pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) and required liver transplantation. HAdV type 41, a known cause of self-limited gastroenteritis, has not previously been associated with severe cholestatic hepatitis and liver failure in healthy children. Adenovirus polymerase chain reaction assay and sequencing of amplicons performed on DNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver tissue also identified adenovirus species F (HAdV type 40 or 41) in these 2 children with PALF. Transplant considerations and successful liver transplantation in such situations remain scarce. In this report, we describe the clinical course, laboratory results, liver pathology, and treatment of 2 children with PALF associated with HAdV type 41, one of whom developed secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Their successful posttransplant outcomes demonstrate the importance of early multidisciplinary medical management and the feasibility of liver transplantation in some children with PALF and HAdV DNAemia.
Subject(s)
Adenovirus Infections, Human , Gastroenteritis , Liver Failure, Acute , Liver Transplantation , Child , Humans , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Adenoviridae , Liver Failure, Acute/etiology , Liver Failure, Acute/surgeryABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Pathologic characterization of pulmonary complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is limited. We describe lung findings in pediatric patients who died following HSCT and attempt to identify potential clinical associations. METHODS: Pathology databases at Texas Children's Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia were queried (2013-2018 CHOP and 2017-2018 TCH). Electronic medical records and slides were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 29 patients, 19 received HSCT for hematologic malignancy, 8 for non-malignant hematologic disorders, and 2 for metastatic solid tumors. Twenty-five patients (86%) showed 1 or more patterns of acute and organizing lung injury. Sixty-two percent had microvascular sclerosis, with venous involvement noted in most cases and not correlating with clinical history of pulmonary hypertension, clinical transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy, irradiation, or graft-versus-host disease. Features suggestive of graft-versus-host-disease were uncommon: 6 patients had lymphocytic bronchiolitis, and only 2 patients had evidence of bronchiolitis obliterans (both clinically unexpected), both with a mismatched unrelated donor transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Acute and subacute alveolar injury (diffuse alveolar damage or organizing pneumonia) is common in pediatric patients who died following HSCT and is difficult to assign to a specific etiology. Microvascular sclerosis was frequent and did not correlate with a single distinct clinical feature.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatoblastoma (HB) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the predominant liver cancers in children, though their respective treatment options and associated outcomes differ dramatically. Risk stratification using a combination of clinical, histological, and molecular parameters can improve treatment selection, but it is particularly challenging for tumors with mixed histological features, including those in the recently created hepatocellular neoplasm not otherwise specified (HCN NOS) provisional category. We aimed to perform the first molecular characterization of clinically annotated cases of HCN NOS. METHODS: We tested whether these histological features are associated with genetic alterations, cancer gene dysregulation, and outcomes. Namely, we compared the molecular features of HCN NOS, including copy number alterations, mutations, and gene expression profiles, with those in other pediatric hepatocellular neoplasms, including HBs and HCCs, as well as HBs demonstrating focal atypia or pleomorphism (HB FPAs), and HBs diagnosed in older children (>8). RESULTS: Molecular profiles of HCN NOS and HB FPAs revealed common underlying biological features that were previously observed in HCCs. Consequently, we designated these tumor types collectively as HBs with HCC features (HBCs). These tumors were associated with high mutation rates (â¼3 somatic mutations/Mb) and were enriched with mutations and alterations in key cancer genes and pathways. In addition, recurrent large-scale chromosomal gains, including gains of chromosomal arms 2q (80%), 6p (70%), and 20p (70%), were observed. Overall, HBCs were associated with poor clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that histological features seen in HBCs are associated with combined molecular features of HB and HCC, that HBCs are associated with poor outcomes irrespective of patient age, and that transplanted patients are more likely to have good outcomes than those treated with chemotherapy and surgery alone. These findings highlight the importance of molecular testing and early therapeutic intervention for aggressive childhood hepatocellular neoplasms. LAY SUMMARY: We molecularly characterized a class of histologically aggressive childhood liver cancers and showed that these tumors are clinically aggressive and that their observed histological features are associated with underlying recurrent molecular features. We proposed a diagnostic algorithm to identify these cancers using a combination of histological and molecular features, and our analysis suggested that these cancers may benefit from specialized treatment strategies that may differ from treatment guidelines for other childhood liver cancers.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Hepatoblastoma , Liver Neoplasms , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Child , Chromosome Aberrations , Hepatoblastoma/metabolism , Humans , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Mutation , Young AdultABSTRACT
Pancreatic angiosarcoma is an exceedingly rare malignancy accounting for <1% of pancreatic neoplasms. A very limited number of pancreatic angiosarcomas have been reported in the literature without any cases described in children. We present the case of a 17-year-old female diagnosed with angiosarcoma of the pancreas following pancreaticoduodenectomy for a pancreatic mass, initially presumed to be a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas. The angiosarcoma was found to have a novel activating internal tandem duplication in the KDR gene (KDR-internal tandem duplication). We discuss the current literature on this disease process. This is the first reported case of pancreatic angiosarcoma in a pediatric patient and the first with an activating KDR-internal tandem duplication.
Subject(s)
Hemangiosarcoma , Pancreatic Neoplasms , Adolescent , Female , Hemangiosarcoma/genetics , Hemangiosarcoma/pathology , Hemangiosarcoma/surgery , Humans , Pancreas/pathology , Pancreas/surgery , Pancreatectomy , Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics , Pancreatic Neoplasms/surgery , Pancreaticoduodenectomy , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2ABSTRACT
We report a newborn who presented with multiple limb and facial anomalies, endocrine disorders, and progressively worsening low-GGT cholestasis. A liver biopsy revealed hepatocellular cholestasis with giant cell transformation. Immunohistochemical staining revealed complete absence of BSEP protein compared to control liver. A large 2q24-32.2 deletion leading to loss of 78 OMIM genes. Multiple structural anomalies, epilepsy and endocrine anomalies have been described with hemizygous loss of these genes. This deletion also resulted in complete heterozygous deletion of ABCB11, which encodes the bile salt export pump (BSEP). Genetic analysis did not reveal any pathogenic variants, deletions, or duplications in the other ABCB11 allele. A heterozygous variant in NR1H4, which causes the autosomal recessive progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 5, was also detected. The possible explanations for the PFIC type 2 phenotype in heterozygous loss of ABCB11 include genetic modifiers or di-genic disease with a compound ABCB11 deletion and an NR1H4 missense variant; or undetected pathogenic variants in the other ABCB11 or NR1H4 alleles.
Subject(s)
ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 11 , Cholestasis, Intrahepatic , Drug Resistant Epilepsy , ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 11/genetics , Cholestasis, Intrahepatic/diagnosis , Cholestasis, Intrahepatic/genetics , Cholestasis, Intrahepatic/pathology , Humans , Infant, Newborn , MutationABSTRACT
As the number of childhood cancer survivors increases, a heightened awareness and recognition of therapy-related late effects is becoming more important. Pulmonary complications are the third leading cause of late mortality in cancer survivors. Diagnosis of these complications on chest imaging helps facilitate prompt treatment to mitigate adverse outcomes. In this review, we summarize the imaging of late pulmonary complications of cancer therapy in children and highlight characteristic findings that should be recognized by radiologists.
Subject(s)
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Neoplasms , Child , Diagnostic Imaging , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects , Humans , Neoplasms/complications , Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Neoplasms/therapy , SurvivorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Children with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) using Yttrium-90 (Y90) has emerged as a potential bridge therapy to hepatic resection or transplantation for HCC with very limited studies in children. OBSERVATIONS: Here we present the clinical course of 2 children successfully treated with TARE Y90 for initially unresectable fibrolamellar HCC (FL-HCC) and bridged to partial hemihepatectomy with >1-year overall survival post-TARE. CONCLUSION: Although there have been prior published reports of pediatric patients with HCC being treated with TARE Y90 and some being able to undergo subsequent orthotopic liver transplantation, this is the first report of pediatric HCC patients treated with TARE Y90 as a bridge to nontransplant resections and going on to have >1-year overall survival.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy , Embolization, Therapeutic/methods , Liver Neoplasms/therapy , Yttrium Radioisotopes/therapeutic use , Adolescent , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Child , Humans , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Male , PrognosisABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Multiorgan autoimmunity and interstitial lung disease (ILD) are reported in patients with STAT3 GOF syndrome. RESULTS: We present lung histopathology findings in 3 such children, two of whom underwent wedge biopsies with adequate diagnostic material. Wedge biopsies showed interstitial cellular expansion with linear and nodular aggregates of CD8 positive T lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes; consistent with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia pattern (LIP). CD4+ T cells and CD20+ B cells were present but infrequent in the interstitium. FOXP3 cells ranged from 0-5%. Focal interstitial and intraalveolar histiocytes were also seen. Neutrophils and eosinophils were rare/absent. Non-occlusive peribronchial lymphoid aggregates showed equal T and B cells; likely reactive in nature. Pulmonary vessels appeared normal without vasculitis or hypertensive change. There was no interstitial or subepithelial fibrosis or organizing pneumonia. Interlobular septa and visceral pleura were unremarkable. CONCLUSION: Children with multi-system autoimmune disorders with ILD should be investigated for STAT3 GOF syndrome. Lung wedge biopsies are more informative than transbronchial biopsies, if a tissue sampling is indicated. CD8 dominant T cell inflammation seems to be a key driver of ILD. Although interstitial fibrosis was not seen in our small sample, longer follow up is needed to understand the natural history.
Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases/genetics , Lung Diseases, Interstitial/pathology , Lung/pathology , STAT3 Transcription Factor/genetics , Child, Preschool , Female , Gain of Function Mutation , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Lung Diseases, Interstitial/genetics , MaleABSTRACT
Multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia (MLT) is a recently recognized disorder characterized by vascular lesions marked by distinct endothelial proliferation. Lesions affect multiple tissues, and MLT can be associated with refractory thrombocytopenia resulting in life-threatening bleeding. Diagnosing MLT may be challenging given its rarity and phenotypic variability. There is no consensus on the optimal management or treatment duration. We report a 4-month-old male who presented with multiple vascular malformations involving the gastrointestinal tract, lung, bones, choroid plexus, and spleen, with minimal cutaneous involvement and no thrombocytopenia. Wedge resection of a pulmonary nodule was strongly positive for lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 favoring MLT despite the lack of thrombocytopenia. The patient's clinical symptoms and vascular lesions improved on sirolimus therapy. We review the literature to highlight the clinical variability of MLT and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic options for MLT.
Subject(s)
Angiomatosis/drug therapy , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Lymphatic Vessels/pathology , Sirolimus/therapeutic use , Thrombocytopenia/drug therapy , Angiomatosis/complications , Angiomatosis/pathology , Endothelium, Lymphatic/drug effects , Endothelium, Lymphatic/pathology , Humans , Infant , Lymphatic Vessels/drug effects , Male , Thrombocytopenia/complications , Thrombocytopenia/pathologyABSTRACT
HMG-CoA reductase (Hmgcr) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the mevalonate pathway and is inhibited by statins. In addition to cholesterol, Hmgcr activity is also required for synthesizing nonsterol isoprenoids, such as dolichol, ubiquinone, and farnesylated and geranylgeranylated proteins. Here, we investigated the effects of Hmgcr inhibition on nonsterol isoprenoids in the liver. We have generated new genetic models to acutely delete genes in the mevalonate pathway in the liver using AAV-mediated delivery of Cre-recombinase (AAV-Cre) or CRISPR/Cas9 (AAV-CRISPR). The genetic deletion of Hmgcr by AAV-Cre resulted in extensive hepatocyte apoptosis and compensatory liver regeneration. At the biochemical level, we observed decreased levels of sterols and depletion of the nonsterol isoprenoids, dolichol and ubiquinone. At the cellular level, Hmgcr-null hepatocytes showed ER stress and impaired N-glycosylation. We further hypothesized that the depletion of dolichol, essential for N-glycosylation, could be responsible for ER stress. Using AAV-CRISPR, we somatically disrupted dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthase subunit (Dhdds), encoding a branch point enzyme required for dolichol biosynthesis. Dhdds-null livers showed ER stress and impaired N-glycosylation, along with apoptosis and regeneration. Finally, the combined deletion of Hmgcr and Dhdds synergistically exacerbated hepatocyte ER stress. Our data show a critical role for mevalonate-derived dolichol in the liver and suggest that dolichol depletion is at least partially responsible for ER stress and apoptosis upon potent Hmgcr inhibition.
Subject(s)
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/genetics , Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases/deficiency , Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases/genetics , Liver/metabolism , Terpenes/metabolism , Gene DeletionABSTRACT
Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK) is the second most common malignant pediatric renal tumor. Two of the recurrent somatic alterations reported in CCSK are BCL-6 corepressor (BCOR) internal tandem duplication (ITD) and YWHAE-NUTM2B/E gene fusion. A minority of patients with CCSKs have other rare somatic alterations. We report two patients with CCSK showing BCOR-CCNB3 (where CCNB3 is cyclin B3) fusion, who had similar clinical presentation of a large renal mass with tumor thrombus extending through the inferior vena cava into the right atrium and a favorable response to chemotherapy. We recommend BCOR-CCNB3 fusion testing for all patients with CCSK who lack BCOR-ITD or YWHAE-NUTM2B/E gene fusions.
Subject(s)
Cyclin B/genetics , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics , Repressor Proteins/genetics , Sarcoma, Clear Cell/pathology , Adolescent , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Child , Combined Modality Therapy , Humans , Kidney Neoplasms/genetics , Kidney Neoplasms/therapy , Male , Nephrectomy , Prognosis , Sarcoma, Clear Cell/genetics , Sarcoma, Clear Cell/therapyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Study of liver explants of biliary atresia (BA) patients with successful Kasai portoenterostomy (KP). METHODS: Pathology and medical records of BA liver explants from January 2009 to June 2018 with successful KP were reviewed along with appropriate controls. RESULTS: Fourteen out of 68 (20.6%) BA patients with LT had a successful KP. Median age at BA diagnosis, KP and LT was 60.5 days, 61 days, and 10 years, respectively, with conjugated bilirubin (c-bil) normalizing at 12.5 weeks after KP. Advanced fibrosis was diffuse in 2/14 (14.3%) explants, limited to periphery in 11/14 (78.6%) and absent in 1. Hilar partial nodular transformation (PNT) was seen in 11 explants (78.6%) and diffuse nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) in 2 (14.3%). Areas of PNT and NRH showed diffuse portal sclerosis (100%), complete and incomplete portal vein (PV) stenosis (100%), PV herniation (100%), hypervascular portal tracts (20%), periportal abnormal vessels (100%), abundant lymphatic collaterals (100%), mild medial hepatic arterial hypertrophy (100%), and delicate fibrous septae (100%). Extrahepatic PVs showed variable luminal occlusion with mean PV intima to full thickness ratio of 0.6 +/- 0.11; significantly higher than age-matched noncirrhotic (nâ=â27, 0.08 +/- 0.09; Pâ<â0.0001) and cirrhotic controls (nâ=â19, 0.34 +/- 0.2; Pâ=â0.0015); and comparable to BA patients with failed KP (Pâ=â0.82) and without KP (Pâ=â0.04). CONCLUSIONS: BA patients with successful KP can present with obliterative portal venopathy (OPV). In the context of optimal bile drainage, portal hypertension may not be because of advanced parenchymal fibrosis but possibly because of OPV. Vascular abnormalities of the PV system should be investigated in BA patients.
Subject(s)
Biliary Atresia , Hypertension, Portal , Liver Transplantation , Biliary Atresia/complications , Biliary Atresia/surgery , Humans , Hypertension, Portal/etiology , Hypertension, Portal/surgery , Infant , Portoenterostomy, HepaticABSTRACT
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a mesenchymal neoplasm, commonly seen in the lung and abdominopelvic region of children. The authors present an 8-month-old female with a 2-month history of left-sided proptosis. Examination was significant for left-sided proptosis, a left exotropia and hypotropia, left supraduction and adduction deficits, and left optic disc elevation. MRI imaging revealed an extraconal left superomedial orbital mass with globe displacement and proptosis. Left anterior orbitotomy with excisional biopsy showed a solid mass composed of an infiltrative proliferation of bland spindle cells in a variably myxoid background with associated perivascular lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Immunohistochemistry was positive for ALK-1 and CD34 and demonstrated focal positivity for S100. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization showed an additional copy of the 3'ALK gene (46%) in interphase cells examined. Next generation targeted sequencing found a DCTN1/ALK fusion. Findings were consistent with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. To the authors' knowledge, this is one of the largest primary orbital inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors in the youngest reported patient.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue/diagnosis , Orbit , Biomarkers, Tumor , Child , Female , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence , Infant , Orbit/pathologyABSTRACT
Resorbable surgical materials are often used in the pediatric population to provide fixation in the growing skeleton. Although foreign body reactions to poly-D-L-lactic acid (PDLLA) plates and screws have been previously reported in other fields, to date PDLLA polymers have been well-tolerated in the setting of craniofacial surgery. The authors report a case of a previously healthy 4-month-old patient with Crouzon syndrome who underwent a frontal-orbital advancement with resorbable PDLLA plates and screws and subsequently experienced extensive foreign body reactions and wound healing complications.
Subject(s)
Absorbable Implants/adverse effects , Bone Plates/adverse effects , Foreign-Body Reaction/etiology , Polyesters/adverse effects , Skull/surgery , Humans , Infant , MaleABSTRACT
Cystic fibrosis liver disease (CFLD) has long been postulated to be secondary to dysfunctional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in the apical biliary epithelium, leading to bile stasis and eventually cirrhosis with portal hypertension. However, pathologic changes in the cystic fibrosis (CF) liver are distinct from the pancreas and lungs in that fibrocystic changes are absent.1,2 Furthermore, the lack of clinically evident biliary obstruction and liver dysfunction suggest there may be alternative mechanisms that contribute to CFLD. Two recent studies in young adults described obliterative portal venopathy (OPV) and noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) as the predominant pathophysiology in young adults (median, 22 y) with CFLD.3,4 It is unknown if OPV develops early in childhood. Herein, we report the clinical features and liver pathology in 17 explants from children and adolescents with CF, representing 13.6% (17 of 125) of the CF liver transplant population in the United States according to the United Network for Organ Sharing and Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.
Subject(s)
Cystic Fibrosis/pathology , Hypertension, Portal/pathology , Liver Diseases/pathology , Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology , Portal Vein/pathology , Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Hyperplasia , Hypertension, Portal/surgery , Liver Cirrhosis/pathology , Liver Diseases/surgery , Liver Transplantation , Male , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Systematic study of allograft liver histology in children undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) for cystic fibrosis-related liver disease (CFLD). METHODS: Retrospective clinicopathologic review of explants and allograft liver biopsies from 13 children and adolescents with CFLD. RESULTS: In this study, the median age at LT for CFLD was 15.7 years. Notably, 10 of 13 (77%) CF explants had >5% steatosis and 8 of 13 (61.5%) demonstrated variable fibrosis. The median age, sex, type of transplant (liver vs liver-lung), pancreatic insufficiency status, body mass index (BMI) percentile, genotype, and prevalence of diabetes were comparable in those with and without explant steatosis. More than half of allograft biopsies showed significant steatosis (17/31, 54.8%) and lobular inflammation (16/31, 51.6%). Hepatocyte ballooning was less frequent (5/31, 16.1%). Overall, 6 patients (46.2%) had allograft steatosis that worsened over time in 2 patients (33%). None had advanced fibrosis (≥stage 3). Patients with allograft steatosis had significantly more biopsies, were more likely to be "liver only" recipients, had a shorter interval since transplant and higher body mass index percentile (although <85). Patients without explant steatosis never demonstrated allograft steatosis, whereas 60% of patients with explant steatosis (nâ=â6) developed varying degrees of allograft steatosis. The degree of explant steatosis did not predict its severity in allografts (Pâ=â0.3). CONCLUSION: This is the first study highlighting the development of allograft steatosis in CF patients. Our findings suggest that allograft steatosis in patients with CF may be related to pre-existing steatosis in native livers, regardless of other risk factors and may have implications on patient management and long-term graft/patient survival.
Subject(s)
Cystic Fibrosis/complications , Fatty Liver/epidemiology , Liver Diseases/surgery , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Adolescent , Allografts/pathology , Biopsy , Child , Child, Preschool , Cystic Fibrosis/pathology , Fatty Liver/etiology , Female , Humans , Liver/pathology , Liver Diseases/etiology , Liver Diseases/pathology , Liver Transplantation/methods , Male , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Severity of Illness Index , Transplantation, HomologousABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been linked to chronic viral or metabolic liver disease and other conditions. The characteristics of children with HCC have not been fully elucidated and outcomes in children with predisposing liver disease are not well defined. METHODS: Patients ≤21 years old with HCC managed at our institution and through external consultation between 1996 and 2016 were included. Demographics, clinical history, and pathology were tabulated. Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon test were employed for subgroup comparison, and survival differences were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Sixty-one cases of HCC were identified. Seven of 16 patients (44%) at our institution and 18 of 45 consult patients (40%) had a predisposing condition: cryptogenic cirrhosis/steatosis (9), genetic (7), biliary pathology (4), viral hepatitis (1), and other (4). Thirteen of 27 patients with de novo HCC had fibrolamellar HCC. Clinical characteristics were grouped by presence or absence of predisposing conditions: age at diagnosis (7.2 vs 10.2 years, Pâ<â0.05), metastatic disease at presentation (15% vs 44%, Pâ=ân.s), and tumor size >4âcm (20% vs 100%, Pâ<â0.05). In patients treated at our institution, 5 of 7 with predisposing conditions received liver transplant and achieved complete remission, whereas only 3 of 9 patients with de novo HCC received curative surgery and this group had decreased median overall survival (Pâ<â0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of children with HCC did not have predisposing liver or associated disease. These patients were diagnosed later with more advanced stage disease and had significantly decreased overall survival.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/etiology , Liver Diseases/epidemiology , Liver Neoplasms/etiology , Adolescent , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy , Child , Female , Humans , Liver/pathology , Liver Diseases/complications , Liver Neoplasms/mortality , Liver Neoplasms/therapy , Liver Transplantation/mortality , Male , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
Autopsy reports of 78 stillbirths and early infant deaths (up to age 8 weeks) were reviewed to investigate the prevalence of extrahepatic nonreticuloendothelial siderosis (EHNRS) in the context of neonatal liver failure. Of these, 10 liveborns (12.8%), M:F 3:2, with mean gestational age 37.6 weeks (range: 35-39) and mean age at the time of demise 19.1 days (range: 7-42), showed significant liver injury: infection (n = 7, viral > fungal), congenital malformations (n = 2), and ischemia (n = 1). None had maternal history of gestational alloimmune liver disease (GALD) or previous fetal/neonatal death due to liver failure. Seven of 10 cases (70%) showed EHNRS: pancreas (n = 6), kidneys (n = 4), thyroid and adrenal glands (n = 3), and bronchial glands and heart (n = 2). Iron deposition was most frequent in the pancreas (60%), most diffuse in the kidneys, and seen in at least 2 organs, with pancreas and kidney being the most frequent combination. Hepatic C5b-9 expression was variable (1+ to 4+) except 1 case (100% necrosis). The duration of illness and the mean age at the time of demise tended to be higher in those with EHNRS. In summary, hepatic and EHNRS, with or without C5b-9 expression, are not specific for GALD. Other causes of liver failure should be investigated as clinically and pathologically appropriate.