Cystic Fibrosis-related Liver Disease: Research Challenges and Future Perspectives

Dominique Debray1, Michael R Narkewicz, Frank A J A Bodewes

  • 1*Pediatric Hepatology Unit, APHP-Hôpital Necker and UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France †Digestive Health Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado and Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine Aurora, CO ‡Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital/University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands §CF Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy ||Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire & Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares des Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires, Service d'Hépatologie, Paris, France ¶Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam #Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands **The Liver Unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK ††Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada ‡‡Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire & Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière §§Paris-Descartes, Sorbonne Paris-Cité University, INSERM U-1223 - Pasteur Institute, and Hepatology Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France ||||Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria ¶¶Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium ##Department of Paediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany ***Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.

Insights

Hepatobiliary complications in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are a major concern. This review highlights the need for consensus on cystic fibrosis-related liver disease (CFLD) definition, biomarkers, and pathophysiology to improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Medicine

Background:

  • Hepatobiliary complications are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.
  • Current knowledge regarding the pathological aspects and clinical management of CF-related liver disease (CFLD) is limited.
  • Liver disease in CF patients requires further investigation to improve patient care.

Framework:

  • The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) convened a conference to address CFLD.
  • The conference aimed to summarize current knowledge, identify research gaps, and propose actions for CFLD.
  • Discussions focused on understanding disease mechanisms and optimizing therapeutic strategies.

Implementation:

  • A key outcome was the emphasis on establishing a universal consensus for CFLD definition.
  • The need for reliable biomarkers to accurately assess CFLD severity was highlighted.
  • Understanding CFLD pathophysiology and prognostic factors is crucial for advancing treatment.

Implications:

  • Further research into CFLD pathophysiology and prognostic factors is essential.
  • Novel experimental models and emerging treatment options offer future therapeutic hope.
  • Improved understanding and management of CFLD can significantly enhance the quality of life for CF patients.
Abstract

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