Gastrointestinal Cancers in Hospitalized Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: A Nationwide Study, 2010-2020.

BACKGROUND: As life expectancy in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients has increased, so has the incidence of cancers. We aimed to investigate and describe gastrointestinal cancers in CF hospitalized patients from 2010 to 2020. METHODS: Utilizing the National Inpatient Sample, we extracted cases of CF-associated hospitalizations and gastrointestinal cancers as well as demographic and clinical data. We compared our CF cohort to age, sex, and race/ethnicity-matched controls. Trends were analyzed by Poisson regression. RESULTS: We identified a total of 902 hospitalizations of CF with gastrointestinal cancer; among them, 539 (59.8%) were colorectal, 139 (15.4%) were liver, 105 (11.6%) were pancreatic, 54 (6.0%) were small bowel, 35 (3.9%) were gastric, and 30 (3.3%) were esophageal cancers. The median age of hospitalization for gastrointestinal cancers ranged from 39 years in liver cancer to 65 years in small bowel cancer. Mortality ranged from 9.5% in pancreatic to 0.0% in small bowel cancer. Colorectal cancer (IRR: 1.09; p = 0.005), pancreatic cancer (IRR: 1.17; p = 0.023), gastric cancer (IRR: 1.41; p = 0.003), and esophageal cancer (IRR: 1.50; p = 0.023) hospitalization rates have been increasing over time. Rates of colorectal (p = 0.037) cancer were significantly higher in our CF cohort compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal cancers are the major gastrointestinal cancers in CF patients, and the incidence of these hospitalizations is increasing.

Prognostic Indicators of Morbidity and Mortality in Children with Congestive Hepatopathy Presenting with Ascites.

Objectives: Congestive hepatopathy is a significant complication for children suffering from right-sided heart disease (RHD). We hypothesize that hospitalized pediatric patients with ascites will have congestive hepatopathy leading to advanced liver disease if their cardiac condition is RHD versus non-right-sided heart disease (NRHD). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients who presented with an ascites diagnosis (ICD-10 R18) and at least one cardiac diagnosis. Patient demographics, past medical history, laboratory values, imaging results, calculated clinical scores (e.g., APRI, FIB-4), treatment, length of stay (LOS), and death at hospital discharge were analyzed. Results: Of the 136 patients with ascites, 21 patients presented with a primary cardiac disease (12 in RHD and 9 in NRHD). Of these patients, eight (38%) were female, and nine (43%) were White, seven (33%) were Black, and five (24%) were unknown. The RHD group had a mean age of 5.1 Y (vs. 9.5 Y in NRHD). The mean APRI score in RHD patients was 2.87, and it was 0.85 in NRDH. Treatments were similar, with most patients requiring diuretics (11 RHD (92%) vs. 8 NRDH (89%)); 5 RHD (42%) vs. 4 NRDH (44%) required inotropic support. RHD patients had a longer LOS, with an average of 92 days vs. 52 days for NRDH patients. Overall, each group had one death at discharge (8% RHD vs. 11% NRDH). Conclusions: In the realm of children with ascites, the subset grappling with congestive heart disease paints a unique picture. In this context, ascites stands as an elusive predictor of liver decompensation, defying conventional diagnostic pathways.

Efficacy of Ultrasound for the Detection of Possible Fatty Liver Disease in Children.

Pediatric MASLD (previously referred to as NAFLD) incidence has continued to rise along with the obesity pandemic. Pediatric MASLD increases the risk of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in adulthood. Early detection and intervention can prevent and reduce complications. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis, although imaging modalities are increasingly being used. We performed a retrospective study of 202 children seen in a pediatric gastroenterology clinic with a complaint of abdominal pain, elevated liver enzymes or MASLD, or a combination of the three to evaluate screening methods for MASLD. A total of 134 of the 202 patients included in the study underwent laboratory testing and abdominal ultrasound. Ultrasound images were reviewed with attention to liver size and echotexture by a fellowship-trained pediatric radiologist for liver size and echotexture. Overall, 76.2% of the initial radiology reports correctly identified hepatomegaly based on age and 75.4% of the initial radiology reports correctly described hepatic echogenicity that was consistent with increased hepatic fat deposition. Use of screening ultrasound in concert with other clinical evaluations can be helpful to identify children at risk of MASLD. Utilizing ranges for liver span according to age can help to diagnose hepatomegaly, and understanding how to identify hepatic echogenicity is important for identifying possible hepatic steatosis.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Hepatitis E Virus-Associated Hospitalisations in the United States With a Focus on Pregnancy: A Nationwide Population Study, 1998-2020.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is typically asymptomatic in developed countries but can be more severe in certain populations. We aim to describe the epidemiology of HEV-associated hospitalisations from 1998 to 2020 in the United States, investigate risk factors for inpatient mortality and describe outcomes in pregnant women. We utilised the National Inpatient Sample and extracted cases of HEV-associated hospitalisations using ICD-9/10 diagnostic codes. Demographic, clinical and pregnancy data were extracted and analysed by chi-square and logistic regression. We identified 3354 cases of HEV-associated hospitalisations; 1689 (50.4%) were female and 1425 (42.5%) were non-Hispanic White. The median age was 50 (IQR: 37-59) years. Hospitalisation rates for HEV ranged from 2.5 per 10,000,000 in 2008 to a peak of 9.6 per 10,000,000 people in the general U.S. population in 2004. The mortality rate was 5.2%. Age ≥ 40 years (OR: 7.73; 95% CI: 1.57-38.09; p = 0.012), HIV infection (OR: 4.63; 95% CI: 1.26-16.97; p = 0.021), and coagulopathy (OR: 7.22; 95% CI: 2.81-18.57; p < 0.001) were associated with increased odds of mortality within the HEV cohort. There were 226 pregnant women with HEV. Rates of maternal death, stillbirth and preterm birth were similar between HEV and non-HEV pregnant cohorts. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C co-infection were significantly more common in the HEV pregnant cohort (p < 0.05). HEV-associated hospitalisations are uncommon in the United States, but likely underdiagnosed. Certain risk factors can be used to predict prognosis of these hospitalised patients. Pregnant women with HEV appear to have favourable maternal and fetal outcomes despite hepatitis B and C co-infection.

Exploring odevixibat's efficacy in alagille syndrome: insights from recent clinical trials and IBAT inhibitor experiences.

INTRODUCTION: Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is a rare, genetic, multisystem disorder commonly associated with cholestatic liver disease; patients with ALGS may experience elevated serum bile acids and severe pruritus with associated impaired sleep. The ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) is located on the luminal surface of enterocytes in the terminal ileum; this transport protein mediates resorption of conjugated bile acids for recirculation back to the liver. Inhibition of IBAT disrupts the enterohepatic circulation and leads to fecal elimination of bile acids. AREAS COVERED: Here, the role of odevixibat as a novel, nonsurgical approach to interrupting the enterohepatic circulation from the intestine by inhibition of IBAT is reviewed, specifically in reference to currently available data on pharmacologic IBAT inhibition. IBAT inhibition has been shown to reduce serum bile acids and pruritus in trials of cholestatic liver diseases in children including ALGS. EXPERT OPINION: Odevixibat or IBAT inhibitor should be considered as a first-line treatment for ALGS to improve pruritis, quality of life and liver-related outcomes including absence of liver transplant, surgical biliary diversion, hepatic decompensation, and death.

Hepatitis E Vaccines Updates.

The development of a hepatitis E vaccine is imperative given its prevalence and the heightened risk it poses to specific populations. Hepatitis E virus infection, though often self-limiting, poses a significant threat to pregnant individuals and immunocompromised populations. This review delves into the historical trajectory of hepatitis E vaccine development and explores its potential impact on at-risk populations. Historically, efforts to formulate an effective vaccine against hepatitis E have been underway to mitigate the severity of the disease, particularly in regions where the infection is commonplace. As a self-limiting disease, the necessity of a vaccine becomes more pronounced when considering vulnerable demographics. Pregnant individuals face heightened complications, with potential adverse outcomes for both mother and child. Similarly, immunocompromised individuals experience prolonged and severe manifestations of the infection, necessitating targeted preventive measures. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the milestones in hepatitis E vaccine development. By examining the historical progression, we aim to underscore the critical need for a vaccine to safeguard not only the general population but also those at elevated risk. The elucidation of the vaccine's journey will contribute valuable insights into its potential benefits, aiding in the formulation of informed public health strategies to combat hepatitis E effectively.

Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents in Prevention of Maternal-Fetal Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus in Pregnancy.

Prior to the Food and Drug Administration approval of ledipaspavir/sofosbuvir (Harvoni®) in 2014, the treatment of hepatitis C was interferon plus or minus ribavirin. This treatment had low cure rates for hepatitis C virus and was teratogenic and therefore avoided in pregnant patients. Vertical transmission is the most common transmission of hepatitis C in pediatric patients, whereas medical equipment that was not properly cleaned and sterilized, blood products which were not checked (historically), sharing and reusing syringes and needles, and dialysis are the most common forms of hepatitis C transmission in adults. The treatment of pregnant women with direct-acting antivirals is important because the treatment of pediatric patients cannot begin until three years of age and does not always occur prior to the symptom development of hepatitis C. This review article will include glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (Mayvret®), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (Epclusa®), and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir plus voxilaprevir (Vosevi®). We aim to review the teratogenic risk of direct-acting antivirals as well as currently published clinical trials and ongoing research on direct-acting antiviral hepatitis C treatment in pregnancy in this publication.

Efficacy and safety of odevixibat in patients with Alagille syndrome (ASSERT): a phase 3, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In patients with Alagille syndrome, cholestasis-associated clinical features can include high serum bile acids and severe pruritus that can necessitate liver transplantation. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor odevixibat versus placebo in patients with Alagille syndrome. METHODS: The ASSERT study was a phase 3, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled patients at 21 medical centres or hospitals in ten countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Poland, Türkiye, the UK, and the USA). Eligible patients had a genetically confirmed diagnosis of Alagille syndrome, a history of significant pruritus, and elevated serum bile acids. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive oral odevixibat 120 µg/kg per day or placebo for 24 weeks (in a block size of six and stratified by age: <10 years and ≥10 years to <18 years) via a web-based system. Patients, clinicians, study staff, and people analysing the data were masked to treatment allocation. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in caregiver-reported scratching score (on the PRUCISION instrument; range 0-4) from baseline to weeks 21-24. The prespecified key secondary efficacy endpoint was change in serum bile acid concentration from baseline to the average of weeks 20 and 24. Outcomes were analysed in patients who received at least one dose of study drug (the full analysis set for efficacy outcomes and the safety analysis set for safety outcomes). This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04674761) and EudraCT (2020-004011-28), and is completed. FINDINGS: Between Feb 26, 2021, and Sept 9, 2022, 52 patients were randomly assigned to receive odevixibat (n=35) or placebo (n=17), all of whom were included in the analysis sets. The median age was 5·5 years (IQR 3·2 to 8·9). 27 (52%) of 52 patients were male and 25 (48%) were female. The mean scratching score was elevated at baseline in both groups (2·8 [SD 0·5] for odevixibat vs 3·0 [0·6] for placebo). Mean scratching scores at weeks 21-24 were 1·1 (0·9) for odevixibat and 2·2 (1·0) for placebo, representing a least-squares (LS) mean change of -1·7 (95% CI -2·0 to -1·3) for odevixibat and -0·8 (-1·3 to -0·3) for placebo, which was significantly greater for odevixibat than for placebo (difference in LS mean change from baseline -0·9 [95% CI -1·4 to -0·3]; p=0·0024). Odevixibat also resulted in significantly greater reductions in mean serum bile acids from baseline versus placebo (237 µmol/L [SD 115] with odevixibat vs 246 µmol/L [121] with placebo) to the average of weeks 20 and 24 (149 µmol/L [102] vs 271 µmol/L [167]; LS mean change -90 µmol/L [95% CI -133 to -48] with odevixibat vs 22 µmol/L [-35 to 80] with placebo; difference in LS mean change -113 µmol/L [95% CI -179 to -47]; p=0·0012). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were diarrhoea (ten [29%] of 35 patients in the odevixibat group vs one [6%] of 17 in the placebo group) and pyrexia (eight [23%] vs four [24%]). Seven patients had serious treatment-emergent adverse events during the treatment period: five (14%) in the odevixibat group and two (12%) in the placebo group. No patients discontinued treatment and there were no deaths. INTERPRETATION: Odevixibat could be an efficacious non-surgical intervention to improve pruritus, reduce serum bile acids, and enhance the standard of care in patients with Alagille syndrome. Longer-term safety and efficacy data of odevixibat in this population are awaited from the ongoing, open-label ASSERT-EXT study. FUNDING: Albireo Pharma, an Ipsen company.

Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir in children 3-17 years old with hepatitis C virus infection.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir in children aged 3-17 years with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection of any genotype were evaluated. METHODS: In this Phase 2, multicenter, open-label study, patients received once daily for 12 weeks either sofosbuvir-velpatasvir 400/100 mg tablet (12-17 years), 200/50 mg low dose tablet or oral granules (3-11 years and ≥17 kg), or 150/37.5 mg oral granules (3-5 years and <17 kg). The efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after therapy (SVR12). Dose appropriateness was confirmed by intensive pharmacokinetics in each age group. FINDINGS: Among 216 patients treated, 76% had HCV genotype 1% and 12% had genotype 3. Rates of SVR12 were 83% (34/41) among 3-5-year-olds, 93% (68/73) among 6-11-year-olds, and 95% (97/102) among 12-17-year-olds. Only two patients experienced virologic failure. The most common adverse events were headache, fatigue, and nausea in 12-17-year-olds; vomiting, cough, and headache in 6-11-year-olds; and vomiting in 3-5-year-olds. Three patients discontinued treatment because of adverse events. Four patients had serious adverse events; all except auditory hallucination (n = 1) were considered unrelated to study drug. Exposures of sofosbuvir, its metabolite GS-331007, and velpatasvir were comparable to those in adults in prior Phase 2/3 studies. Population pharmacokinetic simulations supported weight-based dosing for children in this age range. INTERPRETATION: The pangenotypic regimen of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir is highly effective and safe in treating children 3-17 years with chronic HCV infection.

Hepatitis C Prevalence and Birth Outcomes among Pregnant Women in the United States: A 2010-2020 Population Study.

BACKGROUND: The rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have increased in the pregnant population. We aim to describe the age-stratified clinical outcomes and trends for inpatient pregnant women with HCV in the U.S. METHODS: We utilized hospitalization data from the 2010-2020 National Inpatient Sample. Pregnancy and HCV were identified according to their ICD-9/ICD-10 codes. Demographic and clinical data including cirrhosis, mortality, preterm birth, and stillbirth were extracted. The age groups were defined as ≤18, 19-25, 26-34, and ≥35 years. RESULTS: We identified 195,852 inpatient pregnant women with HCV, among whom 0.7% were ≤18, 26.7% were 19-25, 57.9% were 26-34, and 14.8% were ≥35 years of age. The hospitalization rates of pregnant women with HCV increased overall between 2010 and 2020, with the highest velocity in the 26-34 age group. The 26-34 age group had the highest HCV burden, with an age-standardized hospitalization rate of 660 per 100,000 in 2020. The rates of mortality and cirrhosis were significantly higher in the HCV cohort and increased further with age (p < 0.05). Among the HCV pregnant cohort, 151,017 (77.1%) delivered during hospitalization. Preterm births and stillbirths were significantly higher in the HCV pregnant cohort compared to the controls across multiple age groups (p < 0.05). Minority race/ethnicity was associated with increased mortality, cirrhosis, preterm birth, and stillbirth (p < 0.001). HIV co-infection, hepatitis B co-infection, and diabetes increased the odds of cirrhosis (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalizations of pregnant women with HCV are escalating, and these women are at increased risk of mortality, cirrhosis, preterm birth, and stillbirth with modifying factors, exacerbating risks further.

Live-Attenuated Vaccines in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant.

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and varicella incidence rates have increased due to the delayed vaccination schedules of children secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic. Decreased herd immunity creates a risk for immunocompetent children and immunocompromised individuals in the community. Historically, live-attenuated vaccines (MMR and varicella) were recommended before solid organ transplants. The amount of time before transplant when this is appropriate is often debated, as is the utility of vaccine titers. MMR and varicella vaccines previously were not recommended in immunocompromised patients post-solid organ transplant due to the undue risk of transmission and posed infection risk. The new literature on live-attenuated vaccines in post-transplant pediatric patients provides more insight into the vaccines' safety and efficacy. The present article aims to provide guidance on live-attenuated vaccines (MMR and varicella) in the pre-transplant and post-operative solid organ transplant phases of care in pediatric patients.

Updated Clinical Guidelines on the Management of Hepatitis C Infection in Children.

Children represent only a small proportion of those infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) compared to adults. Nevertheless, a substantial number of children have chronic HCV infection and are at risk of complications including cirrhosis, portal hypertension, hepatic decompensation with hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatocellular carcinoma in adulthood. The overall prevalence of the HCV in children was estimated to be 0.87% worldwide. The HCV spreads through the blood. Children born to women with chronic hepatitis C should be evaluated and tested for HCV due to the known risk of infection. The course of treatment for hepatitis C depends on the type of HCV. Currently, there are two pan-genotype HCV treatments (Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir and Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) for children. We aim to review the updated clinical guidelines on the management of HCV infection in children, including screening, diagnosis, and long-term monitoring, as well as currently published clinical trials and ongoing research on direct acting antiviral hepatitis C treatment in children.

A Composite Score for Predicting Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis C: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of the vertical transmission of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) presents an obstetric challenge. There are no approved antiviral medications for the treatment or prevention of HCV for pregnant patients. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to create a composite score to accurately identify a population of pregnant patients with HCV who have high potential for vertical transmission. STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective, multicenter cohort study, we identified pregnant patients with hepatitis C with linked data to their infants who have had HCV RNA or HCV antibody testing. Demographic data, including age and race/ethnicity, as well as clinical and laboratory data, including tobacco/alcohol use, infections, liver function tests, the HCV RNA titer, HCV antibody, HCV genotype, absolute lymphocyte count, and platelet count, were collected. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) and internally validated using the forward selection bootstrap method. RESULTS: We identified 157 pregnant patients and 163 corresponding infants. The median maternal delivery age was 29 (IQR: 25-33) years, and the majority (141, or 89.8%) were White. A high HCV RNA titer, high absolute lymphocyte count, and high platelet count were associated with vertical transmission. A high HCV RNA titer had an AUROC of 0.815 with sensitivity, specificity, a positive predictive value, and a negative predictive value of 100.0%, 59.1%, 17.6%, and 100.0%, respectively. A composite score combining the three risk factors had an AUROC of 0.902 (95% CI = 0.840-0.964) but with a risk of overfitting. CONCLUSIONS: An HCV RNA titer alone or a composite score combining the risk factors for HCV vertical transmission can potentially identify a population of pregnant patients where the rate of vertical transmission is high, allowing for potential interventions during antepartum care.

Hepatitis A hospitalisations in the United States and risk factors for inpatient mortality: A nationwide population study, 1998-2020.

Hepatitis A virus infections in the United States have been declining; however, recent widespread outbreaks have brought the disease back into the spotlight. We aim to describe the epidemiology of hepatitis A hospitalisations from 1998 to 2020 in the United States and investigate risk factors for inpatient mortality. We utilised the National Inpatient Sample database and identified hepatitis A-related hospitalisations using ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Demographic and clinical data including death, coinfections, comorbidities and pregnancy status were extracted. Data were analysed by logistic and Poisson regression. We identified a total of 213,681 hepatitis A-related hospitalisations between 1998 and 2020, with hospitalisation rates ranging between 22.4 per 1,000,000 and 62.9 per 1,000,000. Between 1998 and 2015, the hospitalisation rate for hepatitis A was decreasing (IRR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97-0.98; p < .001); however, between 2015 and 2020, it increased overall (IRR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.21-1.23; p < .001). The overall inpatient mortality rate was 2.7%. Age ≥55 years (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.41-2.40; p < .001), alcoholic cirrhosis (OR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.64-3.90; p < .001), ascites (OR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.86-3.78; p < .001), hepatorenal syndrome (OR = 9.04; 95% CI: 5.93-13.80; p < .001), heart failure (OR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.29-2.39; p < .001), pulmonary hypertension (OR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.28-3.19; p = .003) and malignant neoplasm (OR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.25-2.45; p = .001) were associated with increased odds of mortality. Tobacco use disorder (OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.38-0.70; p < .001) was associated with decreased odds of mortality. None of the hepatitis A-associated hospitalisations involving pregnant women resulted in death. Hepatitis A hospitalisations initially declined but increased rapidly after 2015. Certain risk factors can be used to predict prognosis of hospitalised patients.

Prospective study of quantitative liver MRI in cystic fibrosis: feasibility and comparison to PUSH cohort ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric radiologists can identify a liver ultrasound (US) pattern predictive of progression to advanced liver disease. However, reliably discriminating these US patterns remains difficult. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide an objective measure of liver disease in cystic fibrosis (CF). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if quantitative MRI, including MR elastography, is feasible in children with CF and to determine how quantitative MRI-derived metrics compared to a research US. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, multi-institutional trial was performed evaluating CF participants who underwent a standardized MRI. At central review, liver stiffness, fat fraction, liver volume, and spleen volume were obtained. Participants whose MRI was performed within 1 year of US were classified by US pattern as normal, homogeneous hyperechoic, heterogeneous, or nodular. Each MRI measure was compared among US grade groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Ninety-three participants (51 females [54.8%]; mean 15.6 years [range 8.1-21.7 years]) underwent MRI. MR elastography was feasible in 87 participants (93.5%). Fifty-eight participants had an US within 1 year of MRI. In these participants, a nodular liver had significantly higher stiffness (P<0.01) than normal or homogeneous hyperechoic livers. Participants with a homogeneous hyperechoic liver had a higher fat fraction (P<0.005) than others. CONCLUSION: MR elastography is feasible in children with CF. Participants with a nodular pattern had higher liver stiffness supporting the US determination of advanced liver disease. Participants with a homogeneous hyperechoic pattern had higher fat fractions supporting the diagnosis of steatosis.

Cholestatic Pruritus in Children: Conventional Therapies and Beyond.

Pruritus in the setting of cholestatic liver disease is difficult to treat and occurs in patients ranging in age from infancy to adulthood. Likely multifactorial in etiology, this symptom often involves multimodal therapy targeting several pathways and mechanisms proposed in the underlying etiology of cholestatic pruritus. Many patients in both the pediatric and adult populations continue to experience unrelenting pruritus despite maximal conventional therapy. Options are further limited in treating pediatric patients due to sparse data regarding medication safety and efficacy in younger patients. Conventional therapies for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus in children include ursodeoxycholic acid, cholestyramine, hydroxyzine, and rifampin. Certain therapies are more routinely used in the adult populations but with limited data available for use in child and adolescent patients, including opioid antagonists and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Recently, ileal bile acid transport inhibitors have been shown to alleviate pruritus in many children with Alagille syndrome and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis and is an additional therapy available for consideration for these patients. Ultimately, surgical options such as biliary diversion or liver transplantation are considered in specific circumstances when medical therapies have been exhausted and pruritus remains debilitating. While further investigation regarding underlying etiologies and effective therapies are needed to better understand itch pathogenesis and treatment in pediatric cholestasis, current considerations beyond conventional management include the use of opioid antagonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, ileal bile acid transport inhibitors, and surgical intervention.

Correction: Sakulsaengprapha et al. Applicability of International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) Scoring System for Autoimmune Hepatitis in Pediatrics. Biology 2023, 12, 479.

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Heterogeneous liver on research ultrasound identifies children with cystic fibrosis at high risk of advanced liver disease.

BACKGROUND: This study examines whether heterogeneous (HTG) pattern on liver ultrasound (US) identifies children at risk for advanced cystic fibrosis liver disease (aCFLD). METHODS: Prospective 6-year multicenter case-controlled cohort study. Children with pancreatic insufficient cystic fibrosis (CF) aged 3-12 years without known cirrhosis underwent screening US. Participants with HTG were matched (by age, Pseudomonas infection status and center) 1:2 with participants with normal (NL) US pattern. Clinical status and laboratory data were obtained annually and US bi-annually for 6 years. Primary endpoint was development of nodular (NOD) US pattern consistent with aCFLD. RESULTS: 722 participants underwent screening US, with 65 HTG and 592 NL. Final cohort included 55 HTG and 116 NL with ≥ 1 follow-up US. ALT, AST, GGTP, FIB-4, GPR and APRI were higher, and platelets were lower in HTG compared to NL. HTG had a 9.5-fold increased incidence (95% confidence interval [CI]:3.4, 26.7, p<0.0001, 32.7% vs 3.4%) of NOD versus NL. HTG had a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 75% for subsequent NOD. Negative predictive value of a NL US for subsequent NOD was 96%. Multivariate logistic prediction model that included baseline US, age, and log(GPR) improved the C-index to 0.90 compared to only baseline US (C-index 0.78). Based on survival analysis, 50% of HTG develop NOD after 8 years. CONCLUSIONS: Research US finding of HTG identifies children with CF with a 30-50% risk for aCFLD. A score based on US pattern, age and GPR may refine the identification of individuals at high risk for aCFLD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospective Study of Ultrasound to Predict Hepatic Cirrhosis in CF: NCT 01,144,507 (observational study, no consort checklist).

Applicability of International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIGH) Scoring System for Autoimmune Hepatitis in Pediatrics.

INTRODUCTION: Many hepatologic pathologies mimic autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Researchers developed the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) scoring system to compensate for the lack of specific diagnostic tests for AIH. The scoring system was not designed with pediatric patients in mind, so there are limits to its pediatric use. Additionally, there is limited information on the value of a liver biopsy in conjunction with its use. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the effect of liver biopsy scores on the IAIHG scoring system in patients that were 0-18 years old with suspected AIH. We also analyzed demographic data and laboratory values associated with a final AIH diagnosis. RESULTS: We found that interface hepatitis and predominant plasma cells found during the biopsy were significantly associated with a final AIH diagnosis. We also found that abnormal laboratory values were associated with an AIH diagnosis. We found that IAIHG scores calculated post-liver biopsy showed a greater area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.95, which was compared to 0.88 for the scores calculated before a liver biopsy. Including biopsy metrics lowered the optimized cutoff score and test specificity. CONCLUSION: Incorporating liver histopathological features improved the performance of the IAIHG scoring system. Further studies to identify other potential elements in liver histology may improve the performance metrics of the IAIHG test in the pediatric population.

Risk factors associated with Hepatitis E virus infection in kidney transplant recipients in a single tertiary Center in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus (HEV), the causative agent of hepatitis E, is a common but self-limiting disease. However, in immunosuppressed kidney transplant 47 recipients (KTRs), HEV infection can become chronic. We investigated risk factors associated with HEV infection among 271 KTRs at the Johns Hopkins Hospital transplanted between 1988 and 2012. METHODS: HEV infection was defined as having positive anti-HEV IgM, anti-HEV IgG, or HEV RNA. The risk factors included: age at transplant, sex, hemodialysis/peritoneal dialysis, plasmapheresis, transfusions, community urbanization, and other socioeconomic factors. Logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors associated with HEV infection. RESULTS: Out of 271 KTRs, 43 (16%) had HEV infection though not active disease. HEV infection in KTRs was associated with older age (≥45 years; OR = 4.04; 95% CI = 1.81-57 10.03; p = 0.001) and living in communities with low proportions of minorities (OR = 0.22; 95% 58 CI = 0.04-0.90; p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: KTRs who had HEV infection may be at an increased risk of developing chronic HEV.