Cystic Fibrosis Flashcards

1
Q

What is cystic fibrosis (CF)?

A

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive multisystem disease, characterised by the build-up of mucus in the organs.

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2
Q

What is the epidemiology of cystic fibrosis?

A

CF is the most common inherited fatal disease and is included in newborn screening. It is mostly diagnosed before 2 years old, but mild CF can present and be diagnosed in adolescence and adulthood.

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3
Q

What is the prevalence of cystic fibrosis among different ethnic groups?

A

CF is most prevalent in Caucasian individuals, especially those with Australian, North-European, or North-American ancestry. The prevalence from most to least is: Caucasian, black, Asian newborns.

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4
Q

What is the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis?

A

CF is caused by a mutation of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene on the long arm of chromosome 7, which codes for the CFTR protein.

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5
Q

What is the function of the CFTR protein?

A

The CFTR protein is a chloride ion channel in the epithelial membrane that maintains hydration levels, preventing mucus from becoming dehydrated.

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6
Q

What is the most common mutation associated with cystic fibrosis?

A

The most common mutation is Delta F508/Phe508, which results in the absence of phenylamine amino acid at the 508 position.

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7
Q

What are the consequences of the CFTR mutation?

A

The mutation codes for an abnormal CFTR protein that causes dehydrated mucus with high viscosity, obstructing multi-system glands and ducts.

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8
Q

What are the respiratory manifestations of cystic fibrosis?

A

Respiratory manifestations include airway obstruction and impaired mucociliary transport, commonly presenting with chronic respiratory infections, which is a hallmark feature.

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9
Q

What are common symptoms of cystic fibrosis in older children?

A

Common symptoms include persistent cough with sputum, haemoptysis (minor due to airway infection, major due to chronic lung damage), pneumothorax (collapsed lung), and nasal polyps.

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10
Q

What causes exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?

A

Blocked pancreatic ducts prevent enzyme secretion into the intestine.

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11
Q

What is the hallmark feature of fat malabsorption?

A

Steatorrhea: large, foul-smelling stool with excess fat.

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12
Q

What deficiencies are associated with fat malabsorption?

A

Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency (A, D, E, K).

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13
Q

What are the consequences of protein malabsorption?

A

Hypoproteinemia and peripheral edema.

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14
Q

What is meconium ileus?

A

Very thick meconium blocks the ileum in newborns.

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15
Q

What gastrointestinal condition is very common?

A

GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).

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16
Q

What is cholestatic jaundice?

A

A condition associated with liver and bile duct issues.

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17
Q

What bone condition is highly associated with this condition?

A

Osteoporosis.

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18
Q

What reproductive issue is common in males?

A

Congenital Bilateral Absence of Vas Deferens (CBAVD).

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19
Q

How does CBAVD affect male fertility?

A

It obstructs the sperm canal, causing infertility, but sperm is still produced.

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20
Q

What reproductive issues are common in females?

A

Amenorrhoea or dysmenorrhoea due to malnutrition and chronic illness.

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21
Q

Can females with reproductive issues still conceive?

A

Yes, they can still conceive.

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22
Q

What is the treatment for infective manifestations in respiratory conditions?

A

Treated immediately with very high-dose antibiotics that can be administered PO (2 weeks-1 month), IV (2-3 weeks) or NEB, covering known organisms and Pseudomonas.

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23
Q

How is Staphylococcus aureus infection treated in younger children?

A

Treated with flucloxacillin or co-amoxiclav.

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24
Q

What is the significance of the first growth in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection?

A

First growth is most significant, treated with 3 weeks oral ciprofloxacin then 3 weeks NEB colomycin.

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25
Q

What characterizes Aspergillus fumigatus infection?

A

Acute fungal infection characterized by wheezing and can progress to Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA).

Treated with steroids and antifungals.

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26
Q

What is notable about Burkholderia infection?

A

Very hard to treat as it is highly transmissible.

27
Q

What is the treatment duration for Nontuberculous Mycobacterial infection?

A

18-24 month antibiotic course due to slow but detrimental growth.

28
Q

What is the impact of M. abscessus infection on lung transplant eligibility?

A

Patient no longer can receive lung transplant.

29
Q

How is cross-infection risk reduced in CF patients?

A

CF patients have inpatient and outpatient segregation with regular microbiology surveillance.

30
Q

What disorders are included in the newborn screen for CF?

A

The newborn screen is for 9 disorders: SCD, CF, congenital hypothyroidism, PKU, MCADD, maple syrup urine disease, isovaleric acidaemia, glutaric aciduria type 1, and homocystinuria.

31
Q

How is the blood spot sample collected for CF screening?

A

A blood sample is collected from pricking the baby’s heel and is screened for inherited conditions.

Performed when the baby is 5 days old.

32
Q

What does the Immunoreactive Trypsinogen (IRT) test measure?

A

The IRT test measures the level of IRT in the blood, which is an inactive precursor of trypsin.

33
Q

How does CF affect trypsinogen levels?

A

CF causes obstructed pancreatic ducts, preventing trypsinogen from reaching the small intestines and converting to trypsin, resulting in elevated IRT levels.

34
Q

What can also cause elevated IRT levels?

A

Elevated IRT levels can also be caused by chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

35
Q

What is done if the IRT level is sufficiently high?

A

If the IRT level is sufficiently high, DNA testing is done to find CF mutations.

36
Q

What does the sweat test measure?

A

The sweat test measures the chloride level in a sweat sample.

37
Q

What chloride levels are considered diagnostic for CF?

A

An elevated chloride level is diagnostic for CF: Over 60 is abnormal, under 30 is normal.

38
Q

What does spirometry measure?

A

Spirometry measures the amount and/or speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled.

39
Q

What are the typical findings of a chest X-ray in CF?

A

Chest X-ray has 4 typical findings: bronchiectasis, hyperinflation, collapse, and reticulonodular shadowing.

40
Q

Why is chest X-ray considered insensitive for early-stage CF?

A

Chest X-ray is insensitive as it is normal for early-stage CF (at birth) and only shows abnormalities in late-stage CF.

41
Q

What is the advantage of High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT)?

A

HRCT is sensitive as it shows early local changes in the lungs.

42
Q

When is HRCT indicated?

A

HRCT is indicated for severe/unresponsive lung disease and nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease due to its use of high-dose radiation.

43
Q

What is the primary aim of CF management?

A

To prevent/delay serious lung problems and to maintain lung function and clinical stability.

44
Q

Who are the members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in CF management?

A

CF consultants, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, dieticians, pharmacists, and specialist nurses.

45
Q

What is the purpose of progressive chest physiotherapy?

A

Techniques for airway secretion clearance.

46
Q

At what age do patients start regular respiratory appointments?

A

From 5-6 years old.

47
Q

Who is offered a lung transplant?

A

Any patient with lung disease not caused by lung cancer.

48
Q

What is Dornase Alfa?

A

A recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (DNAse) used as a mucolytic agent, e.g., Pulmozyme.

49
Q

How does Dornase Alfa work?

A

It cleaves neutrophil derived DNA in mucus, causing the mucus to thin and allowing CF airway clearance.

50
Q

What is a mucolytic?

A

A drug that loosens/thins mucus.

51
Q

How is Dornase Alfa administered?

A

Inhaled with a nebulizer, a machine that turns liquid medicine into mist.

52
Q

What is the effect of Dornase Alfa on lung function?

A

It improves lung function regardless of severity, but long-term maintenance is needed as effects stop with treatment cessation.

53
Q

When is Dornase Alfa usually started?

A

When the child is 6 years old.

54
Q

What is hypertonic saline?

A

A concentrated sodium chloride solution.

55
Q

What is the function of hypertonic saline?

A

It acts as an expectorant, increasing bronchial secretions and promoting coughing.

56
Q

How does hypertonic saline work?

A

Sodium chloride settles on the airway surface layer and attracts water into CF airways, thinning mucus and promoting coughing out mucus.

57
Q

How is hypertonic saline administered?

A

Inhaled with a nebulizer.

58
Q

What is Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT)?

A

Lifelong treatment with creon microcapsules containing pancreatic enzymes.

59
Q

What supplementation do patients on PERT receive?

A

Vitamin A, D, E, and K supplementation.

60
Q

What is CFTR modulator therapy?

A

Small Molecular Interventions (SMIs) that target genotype-specific functional defects of the CFTR protein.

61
Q

What is Kaftrio?

A

A combination drug of tezacaftor, ivacaftor, and elexacaftor.

62
Q

What is the minimum age requirement for Kaftrio?

A

Patient must be over 2 years old.

63
Q

What are the mutation requirements for Kaftrio?

A

Patient must have either 2 copies of F508del mutation OR one F508del mutation and another mutation.

64
Q

What is the expected improvement in lung function for Kaftrio patients?

A

Patient must be expected to achieve over 10% improvement in lung function.