Utilization and perspectives of weight loss medications in pediatric metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasing globally in pediatric populations. Currently, MASLD management primarily relies on lifestyle interventions, which pose challenges in sustaining long-term weight loss. This study investigated the use of weight loss medications in MASLD care through an international survey of 166 pediatric gastroenterologists and hepatologists. The results indicated a notable interest in weight loss medications, with 38% of practitioners considering or using them, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. However, the survey also revealed a tendency among clinicians to refer patients to specialists, emphasizing the potential gap between acknowledgment and prescription practices. Challenges include the lack of guidelines and uncertainty regarding side effects. The study highlights a pressing need for education, with over 90% of the respondents expressing an interest. Our study highlights the current management of MASLD, the potential role of pharmacotherapy, and highlights avenues for improved care and education in this dynamic field.

AST-to-platelet ratio index in non-invasive assessment of long-term graft fibrosis following pediatric liver transplantation.

Long-term graft fibrosis occurs in the majority of pediatric liver transplant recipients. Serial biopsies to monitor graft health are impractical and invasive. The APRI has been evaluated in pediatric liver disease, but not in the context of post-transplantation fibrosis. We aimed to investigate the validity of APRI as a predictor of long-term graft fibrosis in pediatric liver transplant recipients. This was a retrospective, observational study of a cohort of children who underwent liver transplantation at King's College Hospital between 1989 and 2003, with a relevant dataset available. Protocol liver biopsies were performed at 10-yr follow-up and fibrosis was graded using the Ishak scoring system, with S3-6 denoting "significant fibrosis." APRI was calculated concurrently with biopsy. A total of 39 asymptomatic patients (20 males; median age at transplant, 1.43 yr) underwent protocol liver biopsies at a median of 10.39 yr post-transplantation. APRI was associated with significant fibrosis (p = 0.012). AUROC for APRI as a predictor of significant fibrosis was 0.74 (p = 0.013). The optimal cutoff APRI value for significant fibrosis was 0.45 (sensitivity = 0.67; specificity = 0.79; PPV = 0.67; NPV = 0.79). APRI appears to be a useful non-invasive adjunct in the assessment of significant graft fibrosis in the long-term follow-up of pediatric liver transplant survivors.

A Unique Mutation in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) Gene Causing Cystic Fibrosis in a Pakistani Child: A Case Highlighting the Need for More Awareness.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a recessively inherited disease most commonly seen in Caucasians. The mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene are responsible for the condition, and to date, more than 2000 mutations have been published in the literature. The most common mutation worldwide is F508del. Here, we reported a five-year-old child who presented to the clinic with a chronic cough. Her newborn screening for CF was negative, including 139 mutation panels done in India. The sweat chloride test was positive, and CF gene sequencing was reported as c.2489dup p. (Glu831GLYFS *5) homozygotes mutation in the CFTR gene (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) *602421). To the best of our knowledge, this gene was first described and published in the literature.

Abernethy malformation: Single-center experience from India with review of literature.

Abernethy malformation is a rare congenital anomaly in which there is direct communication between the portal and systemic venous circulation. The clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic with incidental detection on imaging to secondary complications of disease or related to associate anomalies. This is a retrospective analysis of data from nine patients with Abernethy malformation at a single center. This is a referral center for Pediatric Cardiology and for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery. The patients presented to the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic/the Hepatobiliary Surgery Clinic. Out of nine patients, four were male. Type II Abernethy malformation was present in five patients whereas three patients had type I malformation. One of the patients had communication between inferior mesenteric vein and internal iliac vein. Five out of nine patients were erroneously diagnosed as idiopathic primary pulmonary hypertension and were treated with vasodilators. One patient required living donor liver transplant. One patient was managed with surgical shunt closure whereas two patients required transcatheter shunt closure. The rest of the patients were managed conservatively. Abernethy malformation is more common than previously thought and the diagnosis is often missed. There are various management options for Abernethy malformation, which includes surgical or transcatheter shunt closure and liver transplant. Management of Abernethy malformation depends upon type, presentation, and size of shunt.