Role of viable but non culturable cells in patients with cystic fibrosis in the era of highly effective modulator therapy.

BACKGROUND: Lung infections antibiotic treatment in Cystic Fibrosis patients (pwCF) is often complicated by bacterial persisters, including the so-called Viable but Non Culturable (VBNC) forms, live cells undetected by the routine cultural microbiological methods. This study investigated the occurrence of VBNC cells of five CF bacterial pathogens in 94 pwCF over one year and the possible associations with the patients' clinical features. METHODS: Sputum samples, recovered at routine visits and during exacerbation episodes, were analyzed for the presence of the five pathogens by both routine culture-based assays and species-specific qPCR. VBNC cells were estimated as the difference between molecular and cultural counts and their presence was matched with the clinical data in particular the therapeutic regimens. RESULTS: All but ten pwCF showed the presence of VBNC cells at least once during the study. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus were the species most frequently found in the VBNC state. Only the former showed a significant association between chronic infection and VBNC cells presence; VBNC-MSSA positive patients significantly increased overtime. The presence of non culturable bacteria was generally concurrent with poor lung functionality and more frequent pulmonary exacerbations. No significant association with modulator treatment was evidenced. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained data demonstrated the overwhelming occurrence of bacterial VBNC cells in CF lung infections, warranting a constant monitoring of pwCF and underlining the need of implementing the routine culture-based assays with culture-independent techniques. This is pivotal to understand the CF bacterial population dynamics and to efficiently contrast the lung infection progression and worsening.

The impact of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor therapy on the pulmonary management of adults with cystic fibrosis: An expert-based Delphi consensus.

BACKGROUND: The advent of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) resulted in unprecedented clinical benefits for eligible adults with CF. As a result, the question of whether chronic treatments can be safely stopped or adapted to this new situation has become a matter of great interest. Our objective was to derive a consensus among Italian experts on the impact of ETI on the current clinical management of CF lung disease. METHODS: From December 2021 to April 2022 a panel of Italian experts endorsed by the national CF scientific society derived and graded a set of statements on the pulmonary management of adults with cystic fibrosis through a modified Delphi methodology. RESULTS: The panel produced 13 statements exploring possible modifications in the fields of inhaled antibiotics and mucoactives; airway clearance and physical activity; chronic macrolides and bronchodilators; and lung transplant referral. The areas that the experts considered most urgent to explore were the impact of ETI on the role of inhaled antibiotics and lung transplant. CONCLUSIONS: The list of priorities that emerged from this study could be useful to guide and inform clinical research on the most urgent area of impact of ETI on CF lung disease and its clinical management.

A Multicentre Italian Study on the Psychological Impact of an Inconclusive Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis after Positive Neonatal Screening.

BACKGROUND: An inconclusive diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) after positive newborn screening (NBS) may cause parental distress. We compared the psychological impact of CF transmembrane conductance regulator-related metabolic syndrome (CRMS)/CF screen-positive, inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID), and clear CF diagnosis, on parents. METHODS: The participants were administered the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Italian version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised as quantitative tools and semi-structured interviews as qualitative tools. Parental experience, child representation, relationships, future information, and perception of health status were investigated. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim maintaining anonymity. RESULTS: Thirty-two families were enrolled: sixteen with CF and CRMS/CFSPID, respectively. Anxiety and depression values were high in both groups, as were the measurement of traumatic impact subscales: avoidance, intrusiveness, and hyperarousal. The children's health was evaluated by respective parents as being nearly healthy. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight negative psychological impacts, including emotional and affective representations, on parents of children with inconclusive CF diagnosis compared with those with clear diagnosis.

Different management approaches and outcome for infants with an inconclusive diagnosis following newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CRMS/CFSPID) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolation.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence is currently lacking to guide the management of cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator-related metabolic syndrome CF screen-positive inconclusive diagnosis (CRMS/CFSPID) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa)-positive respiratory culture. This study assessed the clinical data, management, and outcomes of an Italian cohort of CRMS/CFSPID infants with Pa isolated from their airways. METHODS: Data of Pa-positive CRMS/CFSPID infants born between January 2011 and August 2018 and followed at five CF Italian centres were retrospectively extracted. Further data were collected until June 2021 to assess outcomes, prevalence of subjects treated with antimicrobials, and treatment type and duration. RESULTS: Forty-three asymptomatic CRMS/CFSPID patients (median age on 30 June 2021, 82 months; interquartile range [IQR], 63-98 months) with at least one positive airway culture for non-mucoid Pa (median age at first isolation, 18.7 months; IQR, 7-25 months) were enrolled. Of them, 24 (55.8%) underwent anti-Pa therapy. Pa clearance occurred in 22 (91.6%) of 24 patients versus spontaneous clearance in 16 of 19 (84.2%) untreated patients (chi-square, 0.5737; p = 0.44878). After a median follow-up of 6.2 years (IQR, 3.0-9.9), 7 (16.3%) were diagnosed with CF after a pathological sweat test (median age, 43 months; IQR, 28-77 months), 3 (7%) developed recurrent pancreatitis or isolated bronchiectasis consistent with CFTR-related disorder, and the CRMS/CFSPID classification remained in 33 (76.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Pa detection frequently occurs in asymptomatic infants with CRMS/CFSPID but tends to clear spontaneously. More studies are needed to determine if Pa isolation can predict evolution.

Role of Bronchial Artery Embolization as Early Treatment Option in Stable Cystic Fibrosis Patients with Sub-Massive Hemoptysis: Personal Experience and Literature Review.

(1) Background: We describe our experience with cystic fibrosis (CF) patients treated with bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for sub-massive hemoptysis to understand if early treatment of sub-massive hemoptysis can reduce the volume of any subsequent bleedings. (2) Materials: We performed a retrospective study including CF patients who underwent angiographic procedures for BAE following sub-massive hemoptysis, from March 2016 to December 2021. All patients underwent an initial chest angio-CT study. BAE was realized with microspheres or coils. (3) Results: Thirteen patients were included, subjected to at least one BAE after sub-massive hemoptysis, for a total of 19 procedures. Technical success was 94.7%; in a single case, the catheterization of the bronchial arterial feeder was not achievable and the procedure was repeated. Primary clinical success was 92.3%; secondary clinical success was 69.2%. Relative clinical success was 85%. A higher incidence of recurrent hemoptysis following treatment with coils was observed (100% of cases) compared to treatment with microspheres (54.5% of cases) χ2 = 5.43 (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: BAE is a safe and effective method for the treatment of hemoptysis in CF patients; it should be practiced not only after massive or recurrent hemoptysis but also in patients with sub-massive bleeding to improve their life expectancy and quality of life.

Clinical outcomes of a large cohort of individuals with the F508del/5T;TG12 CFTR genotype.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) conductance regulator (CFTR) variant poly(T) sequences have been increasingly reported with a wide spectrum of clinical severity. We describe the long-term clinical outcomes and progression to a CF diagnosis over time in a large Italian cohort of patients carrying the CFTR F508del/5T;TG12 genotype. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of subjects from 10 CF centres in Italy with the F508del/5T;TG12 genotype was performed. Demographic, clinical, microbiological, and biochemical data, as well as information about the follow-ups and complications of the enroled patients, were collected. RESULTS: A total of 129 subjects (54 females; median age: 15.0 years, range: 0-58 years; 59 older than 18 years) were included. In terms of initial diagnoses, 30 were CF (23.3%), 41 were CFTR-related disorder (CFTR-RD) (31.7%), and 58 were CF transmembrane conductance regulator-related metabolic syndrome/cystic fibrosis screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis (CRMS/CFSPID) (45.0%). After a median follow-up of 6.7 years (range 0.2-25 years), 15 patients progressed to CF, bringing the total number of CF diagnoses to 45/129 (34.9%). Most of these patients had mild lung diseases with pancreatic sufficiency and a low prevalence of CF-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: At the end of the study, 34.9% of subjects with the CFTR F508del/5T;TG12 genotype were diagnosed with CF. We suggest including patients with the F508del/5T;TG12 genotype in long-term follow-ups.

Role of bronchoscopy in critically ill patients managed in intermediate care units - indications and complications: A narrative review.

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) has become a standard of care for the triad of inspection, sampling, and treatment in critical care patients. It is an invaluable tool for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICU). Less is known about its role outside the ICU, particularly in the intermediate care unit (IMCU), a specialized environment, where an intermediate grade of intensive care and monitoring between standard care unit and ICU is provided. In the IMCU, the leading indications for a diagnostic work-up are: To visualize airway system/obstructions, perform investigations to detect respiratory infections, and identify potential sources of hemoptysis. The main procedures for therapeutic purposes are secretion aspiration, mucus plug removal to solve atelectasis (total or lobar), and blood aspiration during hemoptysis. The decision to perform FB might depend on the balance between potential benefits and risks due to frailty of critically ill patients. Serious adverse events related to FB are relatively uncommon, but they may be due to lack of expertise or appropriate precautions. Finally, nowadays, during dramatic recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the exact role of FB in COVID-19 patients admitted to IMCU has yet to be clearly defined. Hence, we provide a concise review on the role of FB in an IMCU setting, focusing on its indications, technical aspects and complications.

Outcomes of early repeat sweat testing in infants with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-related metabolic syndrome/CF screen-positive, inconclusive diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Reaching early and definitive diagnosis in infants with cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator-related metabolic syndrome (CRMS)/CF screen-positive, inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID) is a priority of all CF newborn screening programs. Currently, sweat testing (ST) is the gold standard for CF diagnosis or exclusion. We assessed outcomes in a cohort of Italian CRMS/CFSPID infants who underwent repeat ST in the 1st year of life. METHODS: This multicentre, prospective study analysed clinical data and outcomes in CRMS/CFSPID infants born between September 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, and followed until June 30, 2020. All subjects underwent CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene sequencing and the search for CFTR macrodeletions/macroduplications, and repeat ST in the 1st year of life. RESULTS: Fifty subjects (median age at end of follow-up, 16 months [range, 7-21 months]) were enrolled. Forty-one (82%) had the first sweat chloride (SC) in the intermediate range. During follow up, 150 STs were performed (range, 1-7/infant). After a median follow-up of 8.5 months (range, 1-16.2 months), 11 (22%) subjects were definitively diagnosed as follows: CF (n = 2 [4%]) at 2 and 5 months, respectively; healthy carrier (n = 8 [16%]), at a median age of 4 months (range, 2-8 months); and healthy (n = 1 [2%]) at 2 months of age. Inconclusive diagnosis remained in 39 (78%) infants. CONCLUSIONS: Early repeat ST in the 1st year of life can shorten the time to definitive diagnosis in screening positive subjects with initial SC levels in the intermediate range.

Theratyping cystic fibrosis in vitro in ALI culture and organoid models generated from patient-derived nasal epithelial conditionally reprogrammed stem cells.

QUESTION: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is due to pathogenic variants in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Recent improvements have enabled pharmacological therapy aiming at restoring mutated CFTR expression and function. CFTR "modulators" have revolutionised the CF therapeutic landscape, particularly the last approved, Trikafta. This drug combination is indicated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and very recently by the European Medicines Agency for genotypes carrying at least one copy of CFTR with the F508del pathogenic variant. However, several genotypes are not yet eligible for Trikafta treatment. MATERIALS/PATIENTS AND METHODS: We exploited an innovative cellular approach allowing highly efficient in vitro expansion of airway epithelial stem cells (AESCs) through conditional reprogramming from nasal brushing of CF patients. This approach, coupled to the development of AESC-derived personalised disease models, as organoids and air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures, revealed highly suitable for CFTR pharmacological testing. RESULTS AND ANSWER TO THE QUESTION: We fully validated the experimental models and implemented the CFTR functional assays and biochemical CFTR protein characterisation, which allowed the evaluation of the efficacy of clinically available modulators in restoring CFTR maturation and function of each patient-derived "avatar" (theratyping). F508del homozygous genotypes, used as controls, confirmed the higher clinical activity of Trikafta in comparison with older modulators. In addition, Trikafta showed its efficacy on three rare genotypes previously not eligible for treatment with modulators, opening the way to clinical translation. Finally, encouraging results for innovative drug combinations were obtained.

A survey of the prevalence, management and outcome of infants with an inconclusive diagnosis following newborn bloodspot screening for cystic fibrosis (CRMS/CFSPID) in six Italian centres.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the prevalence, Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene profile, clinical data, management and outcome for infants with a CFTR-related metabolic syndrome/CF Screen Positive, Inconclusive Diagnosis (CRMS/CFSPID) designation from six Italian centres. METHODS: All newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) positive infants born from January 2011 to August 2018 with a CF diagnosis or a CRMS/CFSPID designation were enrolled. Data on sweat testing, genetics, clinical course and management were collected. RESULTS: We enrolled 257 CF patientsand 336 infants with a CRMS/CFSPID designation (CF: CRMS/CFSPID ratio of 1:1.30).Blood immuno-reactive trypsinogen (IRT) was significantly lower in CRMS/CFSPID infants and the F508del variant accounted for only 20% of alleles. Children with CRMS/CFSPID showed a milder clinical course, pancreatic sufficiency compared to CF infants. Varied practice across centres was identified regarding sweat testing, chest radiograph (8-100%) and salt supplementation (11-90%). Eighteen (5.3%) CRMS/CFSPID infants converted or were reclassified to diagnosis of CF. Four infants (1.3%) developed a clinical feature consistent with a CFTR-related disorder (1.2%). Twenty-seven were re-classified as healthy carriers (8.0%) and 16 as healthy infants (4.8%). CONCLUSIONS: We have identified considerable variability in the evaluation and management of infants with an inconclusive diagnosis following NBS across six Italian centres. CRMS/CFSPID is more regularly seen in this population compared to countries with higher prevalence of F508del.Conversion to a CF diagnosis was recorded in 18 (5.3%) of CRMS/CFSPID infants and in 16 was as a result of increasing sweat chloride concentration.

CRMS/CFSPID Subjects Carrying D1152H CFTR Variant: Can the Second Variant Be a Predictor of Disease Development?

BACKGROUND: There are no predictive factors of evolution of cystic fibrosis (CF) screen positive inconclusive diagnosis subjects (CFSPIDs). AIM: to define the role of the second CFTR variant as a predictive factor of disease evolution in CFSPIDs carrying the D1152H variant. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated clinical characteristics and outcome of CFSPIDs carrying the D1152H variant followed at five Italian CF centers. CFSPIDs were divided in two groups: Group A: compound heterozygous for D1152H and a CF-causing variant; Group B: compound heterozygous for D1152H and a: (i) non CF-causing variant, (ii) variant with varying clinical consequences, or (iii) variant with unknown significance. The variants were classified according to CFTR2 mutation database. RESULTS: We enrolled 43 CFSPIDs with at least one D1152H variant: 28 (65.1%) were classified in the group A, and 15 (34.9%) in the Group B. CFSPIDs of group A had the first IRT significantly higher compared to those of group B (p < 0.05) and had a more severe clinical outcome during the follow-up. At the end of the study period, after a mean follow-up of 40.6 months (range 6-91.6), 4 (9.3%) out of 43 CFSPIDs progressed to CFTR-RD or CF. All these subjects were in the group A. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic profile could help predict the risk of disease evolution in CFSPIDs carrying D1152H, revealing the subjects that need a more frequent follow-up.

Nonsense Suppression Therapy: New Hypothesis for the Treatment of Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.

Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) are a group of cancer-prone genetic diseases characterized by hypocellular bone marrow with impairment in one or more hematopoietic lineages. The pathogenesis of IBMFS involves mutations in several genes which encode for proteins involved in DNA repair, telomere biology and ribosome biogenesis. The classical IBMFS include Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS), Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), Fanconi anemia (FA), dyskeratosis congenita (DC), and severe congenital neutropenia (SCN). IBMFS are associated with high risk of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and solid tumors. Unfortunately, no specific pharmacological therapies have been highly effective for IBMFS. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation provides a cure for aplastic or myeloid neoplastic complications. However, it does not affect the risk of solid tumors. Since approximately 28% of FA, 24% of SCN, 21% of DBA, 20% of SDS, and 17% of DC patients harbor nonsense mutations in the respective IBMFS-related genes, we discuss the use of the nonsense suppression therapy in these diseases. We recently described the beneficial effect of ataluren, a nonsense suppressor drug, in SDS bone marrow hematopoietic cells ex vivo. A similar approach could be therefore designed for treating other IBMFS. In this review we explain in detail the new generation of nonsense suppressor molecules and their mechanistic roles. Furthermore, we will discuss strengths and limitations of these molecules which are emerging from preclinical and clinical studies. Finally we discuss the state-of-the-art of preclinical and clinical therapeutic studies carried out for IBMFS.

mTOR and STAT3 Pathway Hyper-Activation is Associated with Elevated Interleukin-6 Levels in Patients with Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome: Further Evidence of Lymphoid Lineage Impairment.

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a rare inherited bone marrow failure syndrome, resulting in neutropenia and a risk of myeloid neoplasia. A mutation in a ribosome maturation factor accounts for almost all of the cases. Lymphoid involvement in SDS has not been well characterized. We recently reported that lymphocyte subpopulations are reduced in SDS patients. We have also shown that the mTOR-STAT3 pathway is hyper-activated in SDS myeloid cell populations. Here we show that mTOR-STAT3 signaling is markedly upregulated in the lymphoid compartment of SDS patients. Furthermore, our data reveal elevated IL-6 levels in cellular supernatants obtained from lymphoblasts, bone marrow mononuclear and mesenchymal stromal cells, and plasma samples obtained from a cohort of 10 patients. Of note, everolimus-mediated inhibition of mTOR signaling is associated with basal state of phosphorylated STAT3. Finally, inhibition of mTOR-STAT3 pathway activation leads to normalization of IL-6 expression in SDS cells. Altogether, our data strengthen the hypothesis that SDS affects both lymphoid and myeloid blood compartment and suggest everolimus as a potential therapeutic agent to reduce excessive mTOR-STAT3 activation in SDS.

Two novel and correlated CF-causing insertions in the (TG)mTn tract of the CFTR gene.

Two novel and related pathogenic variants of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene were structurally and functionally characterized. These alterations have not been previously described in literature. Two patients with diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) based on the presence of one mutated allele, p.Phe508del, pathological sweat test and clinical symptoms were studied. To complete the genotypes of both patients, an extensive genetic and functional analysis of the CFTR gene was performed. Extensive genetic characterization confirmed the presence of p.Phe508del pathogenic variant and revealed, in both patients, the presence of an insertion of part of intron 10 in intron 9 of the CFTR gene, within the (TG)m repeat, with a variable poly-T stretch. The molecular lesions resulted to be very similar in both patients, with only a difference in the number of T in the poly-T stretch. The functional characterization at RNA level revealed a complete anomalous splicing, without exon 10, from the allele with the insertion of both patients. Consequently, the alleles with the insertions are expected not to contribute to the formation of a functional CFTR protein. Molecular and functional features of these alterations are compatible with the definition of novel CF-causing variants of the CFTR gene. This also allowed the completion of the genetic characterization of both patients.

Peripheral blood immunophenotyping in a large cohort of patients with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome.

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is one of the more common inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, characterized by neutropenia, occasional thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Bone marrow evaluation reveals an increased number of monocytes and mature B cells along with decreased granulocytes. However, little is known about the subpopulations of peripheral blood cells, and few previous publications have been based on a small number of patients. Here, we report a comprehensive immunophenotypic analysis from a cohort of 37 SDS patients who display impairment mostly in the myeloid compartment with a deficiency also in the number of B cells and CD4/CD8 double-negative T cells.

Optimal position of a long-term central venous catheter tip in a pediatric patient with congenital diseases.

Progress in medical and scientific research has increased the chances of survival for young patients with congenital diseases, children who, in the past, would not have had any chance of survival. Nowadays, congenital diseases can be treated with appropriate replacement therapies. These treatments can be difficult to administer in young patients because of the high frequency of administration (sometimes more than a dose per week), the use of intravenous infusion and the long-term or life-term requirement.