So sad to hear that Jim Heubi has passed away. Jim Heubi was the person I interviewed with when I was considering where to do my pediatric residency and he helped convince me to come to Cincinnati. During my fellowship, I came to admire how he was so good at everything though it was always unassuming. He was such a kind person in addition to being a mentor and role model.
Here is a link from Cincinnati Children’s: In Memoriam: James E. Heubi, MD 1948-2021
More from Aspen Webinars. This blog entry has abbreviated/summarized several presentations. Though not intentional, some important material is likely to have been omitted; in addition, transcription errors are possible as well.
Dr. Mieli-Vergani presented case report of a boy with autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis and associated colitis who presented with minimal symptoms.
This case report highlights the evaluation and management of autoimmune liver disease hepatitis. Workup included autoimmune serology, GGT, celiac serology, calprotectin, and ultrasonography. EGD-Colonoscopy was prompted by elevated calprotectin. MRCP was prompted by elevated GGT (GGT were normal at the time of biopsy and MRCP) and liver biopsy findings.
“My message is that MRCP and colonoscopy should be done in all cases of autoimmune liver disease in children and adolescents, irrespective of calprotectin levels or elevated GGT and biliary changes on histology, as both IBD and sclerosing cholangitis can be present without any of the classical symptoms and signs. Only by doing this it is possible to reach an early diagnosis which is essential for early treatment and for a good outcome.”
Outcome data indicate that 11 of 83 (13%, 5 AIH, 6 ASC)) required transplantation. “I have shown our long-term outcome data not to stress the number of patients who have required transplantation, but the number of patients who are well and have a normal life after over 14 years of follow-up. This can be only achieved if one thinks of autoimmune liver disease even if the child appears to have something non-specific, initiating correct treatment for the liver, and the gut if there is bowel disease, as soon as possible. At the beginning, treatment should be monitored very closely (at least weekly), to be able to decrease the dose of steroids swiftly, introduce azathioprine if needed, and avoid side affects.”
Key points:
Some slides:
Key points:
Some of the slides:
Milo Rezvani -case report
Child with FTT, elevated LFTs, sporadic mild hypoglycemia, and neurologic symptoms. DDx: congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), mitochondrial d/o, peroxisomal d/o, urea cycle d/o and lysosomal d/o. Diagnosis was made after liver biopsy and whole exome sequencing (which showed PMM2 mutations). Diagnosis of most CDG can be made by serum transferrin isoforms. Discussion among many participants noted that liver biopsy often not needed in age of genetic testing.
Twitter link: Doctor: Please Get Vaccinated
Link: YouTube: Unruly Airline Passenger
Twitter: Mask safety & Carbon Dioxide
More from Aspen Webinar 2021. This blog entry has abbreviated/summarized several presentations. Though not intentional, some important material is likely to have been omitted; in addition, transcription errors are possible as well. An excellent review from Dr. Sokol.
What’s New with IFALD Ronald Sokol
Key points:
Some of the slides:
IBAT Inhibitors Frederick Suchy
Key points:
Case report: Alejandro Velez Lopez
3 yo presented with fatigue and jaundice, 3 weeks after COVID-19 infection. She was not taking any medications. Labs: ALT 939, AST 1321, T bili 5.5, D bili 0.9, INR 2, Plts 174, Hgb 12.8, LDH 1297. remained positive for SARS-CoV2 by PCR. Acetaminophen -no exposure. Evaluation: LKM 1:1280. Neg ANA, NL Ferritin, NL sIL2r, Other viral studies negative, NL IgG. Developed encephalopathy with NH4 317, INR peaked at 2.8. Treated with steroids, rifaximin and lactulose. Liver biopsy showed sub-massive necrosis and fibrosis (indicative of autoimmune hepatitis, likely triggered or exacerbated by COVID-19). Patient responded to medical therapy and did not require liver transplantation.
This blog entry has abbreviated/summarized this presentation. Though not intentional, some important material is likely to have been omitted; in addition, transcription errors are possible as well. Another great lecture from Dr. Suchy.
IBAT Inhibitors Frederick Suchy
Key points:
Related blog posts:
Case report: Alejandro Velez Lopez
3 yo presented with fatigue and jaundice, 3 weeks after COVID-19 infection. She was not taking any medications. Labs: ALT 939, AST 1321, T bili 5.5, D bili 0.9, INR 2, Plts 174, Hgb 12.8, LDH 1297. remained positive for SARS-CoV2 by PCR. Acetaminophen -no exposure. Evaluation: LKM 1:1280. Neg ANA, NL Ferritin, NL sIL2r, Other viral studies negative, NL IgG. Developed encephalopathy with NH4 317, INR peaked at 2.8. Treated with steroids, rifaximin and lactulose. Liver biopsy showed sub-massive necrosis and fibrosis (indicative of autoimmune hepatitis, likely triggered or exacerbated by COVID-19). Patient responded to medical therapy and did not require liver transplantation.
From the 2nd lecture of the Aspen Webinar. This blog entry has abbreviated/summarized this presentation. Though not intentional, some important material is likely to have been omitted; in addition, transcription errors are possible as well. This was a terrific lecture!
NASH Update Stavra Xanthakos
Key points:
. Related blog posts:
Notes from this year’s Aspen Webinar 2021. This blog entry has abbreviated/summarized some of these presentations. Though not intentional, some important material is likely to have been omitted; in addition, transcription errors are possible as well. The first talk was excellent.
What’s Hot -COVID-19 and the Liver William Balistreri
This lecture covered a ton of information and publications with regard to COVID-19 and the liver.
Key points:
Some of the slides:
Pediatric Data:
D Patel et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19: 1314-26. Full text: Untangling Nonerosive Reflux Disease From Functional Heartburn. This is an excellent review.
Key points:
Related blog posts:
J Fritsch et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19: 1189-1199. Full text: Low-Fat, High-Fiber Diet Reduces Markers of Inflammation and Dysbiosis and Improves Quality of Life in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis
Background: “A high-fat diet has been associated with an increased risk of ulcerative colitis (UC). We studied the effects of a low-fat, high-fiber diet (LFD) vs an improved standard American diet (iSAD, included higher quantities of fruits, vegetables, and fiber than a typical SAD)”
Key findings:
My take: While dietary intervention is recognized as a more effective intervention in Crohn’s disease, this study shows that a low-fat high fiber diet for patients with ulcerative colitis may be beneficial.
According to a recent Cochrane review, heparin use is NOT more effective than saline flushes. Thanks to Ben Gold for providing this reference.
Bradford NK, Edwards RM, Chan RJ. Link: Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) versus heparin intermittent flushing for the prevention of occlusion in long-term central venous catheters in infants and children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;4(4):CD010996. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010996.pub3.
Key findings:
My take: This review found there was not enough evidence to determine which solution, saline or heparin, is more effective for reducing complications.
Related blog posts:
gutsandgrowth 