Differentiating ulcerative colitis from Crohn disease in children and young adults: report of a working group of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America

Fibrosis in ulcerative colitis: mechanisms, features, and consequences of a neglected problem

Chronic intestinal inflammation and impaired tissue repair leading to intestinal fibrosis are a commonly observed complication in inflammatory bowel disease. This is particularly true for small bowel Crohn's disease. However, the development of fibrosis in ulcerative colitis has remained largely unexplored. This is surprising, given knowledge about its prevalence for decades, well described histopathologic features of fibrotic and stricturing ulcerative colitis, the relevance of the extracellular matrix for intestinal inflammation and fibrosis, and the clinical impact of fibrosis on stricture formation, motility, and the necessary discrimination from colonic malignancy. This systematic review summarizes the current knowledge of ulcerative colitis-related fibrosis, including epidemiology, basic mechanisms, histopathology, and clinical implications.

Distinctive colonic mucosal cytokine signature in new-onset, untreated pediatric Crohn disease

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare the colonic mucosal immune response in children with new, untreated Crohn disease (CD-New), CD in remission (CD-Remission), and unaffected children (CTRL [controls]).

METHODS

We performed flow cytometry of mitogen-stimulated colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells isolated from colonic biopsies and 72-hour biopsy explant cultures, and analyzed the supernatant by an unbiased multiplex cytokine array of 45 analytes.

RESULTS

Thirty-six children were studied (mean age 14 ± 3 years, 14 girls): 12 CD-New, 11 CD-Remission, and 13 CTRL. We found that stimulation of lamina propria mononuclear cells isolated from colonic biopsies induced comparable intracellular cytokine levels of interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-17, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in T cells from CD-New, CD-Remission, and CTRL, suggesting that mucosal innate inflammation plays a larger role than activated T cells in CD-New. To measure factors released during the ongoing inflammatory response in CD-New, we cultured colonic biopsy explants and uncovered 13/45 factors that were significantly higher in CD-New versus CD-Remission, whereas 10 were increased in CD-New over CTRL. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software revealed the anticipated interconnectivity of TNF-α, IL-6, and CSF-2 in CD-New of the colon. A novel subnetwork of chemokines was, however, evident, whereas IL-17a appeared as a peripheral factor. Principal component analysis and hierarchal clustering showed that CD-New and CD-Remission separated into distinct subgroups based on the 13 factors.

CONCLUSIONS

At diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, the colonic cytokine response contains a predominance of innate immune factors, with chemoattractants and vascular adhesion molecules playing a central role.

Accuracy of abdominal ultrasound and MRI for detection of Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis in children

BACKGROUND

Endoscopy is currently the primary diagnostic technique for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the accuracy of US and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease and for distinguishing Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis in comparison to a reference standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive children with suspected IBD underwent diagnostic workup including ileocolonoscopy and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as the reference standard, abdominal US, and MR enterography and colonography at 3 T. The protocol included a dynamic contrast-enhanced 3-D sequence. Sensitivity, specificity and kappa values were calculated for one ultrasonographer and two MRI observers.

RESULTS

We included 28 children (15 boys) with mean age 14 years (range 10-17 years). The diagnosis was IBD in 23 children (72%), including 12 with Crohn disease, 10 with ulcerative colitis and 1 with indeterminate colitis. For the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease the sensitivity was 55% for US and 57% (both observers) for MR entero- and colonography, and the specificity was 100% for US and 100% (observer 1) and 75% (observer 2) for MR entero- and colonography. Combined MRI and US had sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 100% (observer 1) and 74% and 80% (observer 2), respectively. With the addition of a dynamic contrast-enhanced MR sequence, the sensitivity increased to 83% and 87%. US and MRI could only distinguish between Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis when terminal ileum lesions were present.

CONCLUSION

US and MR entero- and colonography have a high accuracy for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease in children but cannot be used to distinguish Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.

Maintenance of optimal vitamin D status in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease: a randomized clinical trial comparing two regimens

CONTEXT

Vitamin D promotes bone health and regulates the immune system, both important actions for pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The supplementation dose that would maintain optimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration (25OHD ≥ 32 ng/mL) is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to compare two supplementation regimens' efficacy and safety in maintaining optimal 25OHD in children with IBD.

DESIGN

This was a randomized, not blinded, controlled trial.

SETTING

The trial was conducted in the Boston Children's Hospital Clinical and Translational Study Unit.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-three patients, aged 8-18 years with IBD and baseline 25OHD greater than 20 ng/mL were enrolled; 48 completed the study, and one withdrew for adverse events.

INTERVENTION

Arm A received 400 IU of oral vitamin D2 daily (n = 32). Arm B received 1000 IU daily in the summer/fall and 2000 IU in the winter/spring (n = 31).

MAIN OUTCOME

The main outcome was the probability of maintaining 25OHD of 32 ng/mL or greater in all trimonthly visits for 12 months.

RESULTS

Three participants in arm A (9.4%) and three in arm B (9.7%) achieved the primary outcome (P = .97). The incidence of adverse events, all minor, did not differ. More participants in arm A developed C-reactive protein level of 1 mg/dL or greater (31% vs 10%, P = .04) and IL-6 greater than 3 pg/mL (54% vs 27%, P = .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Daily oral vitamin D2 doses up to 2000 IU were inadequate to maintain optimal 25OHD but were well tolerated. The finding of lower incidence of elevated inflammatory markers and cytokines among participants receiving higher vitamin D2 doses merits further study.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response are involved in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response have been recently associated with the development of inflammatory bowel diseases in adults. We aimed at assessing the involvement of these pathways also in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease by analysing the expression of the main genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress and correlating them with the degree of intestinal inflammation.

METHODS

Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis of the expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker HSPA5 and of selected genes representing the three pathways of unfolded protein response (IRE-XBP1, PERK-ATF4, ATF6p90-p50) in inflamed and uninflamed biopsies from 28 inflammatory bowel disease paediatric patients and 10 controls.

RESULTS

HSPA5, PDIA4, as well as unspliced and spliced XBP1 mRNAs were significantly increased in patients' inflamed colonic mucosa compared to uninflamed mucosa and controls. HSPA5, PDIA4, ATF6, and phospho-IRE proteins were also upregulated, indicating the activation of the IRE-XBP1 and ATF6p90-p50 branches of unfolded protein response. A positive significant correlation between interleukin-8 levels, as a marker of inflammation, and upregulated genes was found in the inflamed colonic mucosa.

CONCLUSION

A deregulation of the genes involved in the endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response pathways may be a key component of the inflammatory response in paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Implications of the colonic deposition of free hemoglobin-α chain: a previously unknown tissue by-product in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

We analyzed inflamed mucosal/submucosal layers of ulcerative colitis (UC = 63) and Crohn's colitis (CC = 50), and unexpectedly, we unveiled a pool of free hemoglobin alpha (Hb-α) chain. Patients with colitides have increased reactive oxidative stress (ROS), DNA oxidation products, free iron in mucosa, in preneoplastic, and in colitis-cancers and increased risks of developing colorectal cancer. All inflammatory bowel disease-related colorectal cancer lesions are found in segments with colitis. Linking this information, we investigated whether free Hb-α is key transformational stepping that increases colitis-related colorectal cancer vulnerability.

METHODS

UC/CC samples were profiled using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry; protein identification was made by liquid chromatography. Diverticulitis was used as control (Ctrl). The presence of Hb(n) (n = α, β, or hemin)/Hb was validated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. We tested for DNA damage (DNAD) by exposing normal colonic epithelial cell line, NCM460, to 10 μM and 100 μM of Hb(n)/Hb, individually for 2, 6, and 12 hours. Quantification of Hb-α staining was done by Nikon Elements Advance Research Analysis software. ROS was measured by the production of 8-OHdG. DNAD was assessed by Comet assay. Colonic tissue homogenate antioxidants Nrf2-, CAT-, SOD-, and GPx-expressions were analyzed densitometrically/normalized by β-actin.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry of CC/UC mucosal/submucosal compartments stained strongly positive for Hb-α and significantly higher versus Ctrl. NCM460 exposed to Hb(n)/Hb exhibited steadily increasing ROS and subsequent DNAD. DNAD was higher in 10 μM than 100 μM in Hb-β/hemin the first 2 hours then plateaued followed by DNAD repair. This may be likely due to apoptosis in the later concentration. Nrf2 enzyme activities among UC, CC, and ulcerative colitis-associated colon cancer (UCAC) were observed impaired in all inflammatory bowel disease subjects. Decreased levels of Nrf2 among patients with UC versus patients with CC with active disease were insignificant as well as versus Ctrls but significantly lower in UCAC versus Ctrl. SOD was decreased in UC and UCAC and GPx in CC but statistically not significant. Comparing CC versus UC, SOD was significantly lower in CC (P < 0.05). CAT was observed increased among patients with CC/UC/UCAC and GPx in UC and UCAC versus Ctrl, respectively, and significantly increased in CC versus Ctrl (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In the colitides, mucosal/submucosal tissue microenvironments demonstrated pool of free Hb-α chain. In vitro exposure of NCM460 cells to Hb(n)/Hb induced ROS and DNAD. Toxic effect of free Hb-α, in colonic epithelial cells, is therefore through production of ROS formation modulated by impairment of antioxidant effects. Targeting reduction-oxidation-sensitive pathways and transcription factors may offer options for inflammatory bowel disease-management and colitis-related cancer prevention.

Budesonide for maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroids are effective for induction, but not maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease. Significant concerns exist regarding the risk for adverse events, particularly when corticosteroids are used for long treatment courses. Budesonide is a glucocorticoid with limited systemic bioavailability due to extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism and is effective for induction of remission in Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral budesonide for maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease.

SEARCH METHODS

The following databases were searched from inception to 12 June 2014: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, the Cochrane IBD/FBD Group Specialised Trial Register, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Reference lists of articles, as well as conference proceedings were manually searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials comparing budesonide to a control treatment, or comparing two doses of budesonide, were included. The study population included patients of any age with quiescent Crohn's disease.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two independent investigators reviewed studies for eligibility, extracted data and assessed study quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcome was maintenance of remission at various reported follow-up times during the study. Secondary outcomes included: time to relapse, mean change in CDAI, clinical, histological, improvement in quality of life, adverse events and study withdrawal. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference (MD) and 95% CI for continuous outcomes. Data were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. The Chi(2) and I(2) statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. Random-effects models were used to allow for expected clinical and statistical heterogeneity. The overall quality of the evidence supporting the primary outcome was assessed using the GRADE criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

Twelve studies (n = 1273 patients) were included in the review: eight studies compared budesonide to placebo, one compared budesonide to 5-aminosalicylates, one compared budesonide to traditional systemic corticosteroids, one compared budesonide to azathioprine, and one compared two doses of budesonide. Nine studies used a controlled ileal release form of budesonide, while three used a pH-modified release formulation. Nine studies were judged to be at low risk of bias. Three studies were judged to be at high risk of bias due to blinding and one of these studies also had inadequate allocation concealment. Budesonide 6 mg daily was no more effective than placebo for maintenance of remission at 3 months, 6 months or 12 months. At three months 64% of budesonide 6 mg patients remained in remission compared to 52% of placebo patients (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.58; 6 studies, 540 patients). A GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence for this outcome was low due to moderate heterogeneity (I(2) = 56%) and sparse data (315 events). At six months 61% of budesonide 6 mg patients remained in remission compared to 52% of placebo patients (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.39; 5 studies, 420 patients). A GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence for this outcome was moderate due to sparse data (238 events). At 12 months 55% of budesonide 6 mg patients remained in remission compared to 48% of placebo patients (RR 1.13; 95% CI 0.94 to 1.35; 5 studies, 420 patients). A GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence for this outcome was moderate due to sparse data (215 events). Similarly, there was no significant benefit for budesonide 3 mg compared to placebo at 6 and 12 months. There was no statistically significant difference in continued remission at 12 months between budesonide and weaning doses of prednisolone (RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.55 to 1.13; 1 study, 90 patients). A GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence supporting this outcome was low due to sparse data (51 events) and high risk of bias (no blinding). Budesonide 6 mg was better than mesalamine 3 g/day at 12 months (RR 2.51, 95% CI 1.03 to 6.12; 1 study, 57 patients). A GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence supporting this outcome was very low due to very sparse data (18 events) and high risk of bias (no blinding). There was no statistically significant difference in continued remission at 12 months between budesonide and azathioprine (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.61 to 1.08; 1 study 77 patients). A GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence supporting this outcome was very low due to sparse data (55 events) and high risk of bias (single-blind and no allocation concealment). The use of budesonide 6 mg resulted in slight improvements in CDAI scores when assessed at 6 months (MD -24.30, 95% CI -46.31 to -2.29) and 12 months (MD -23.49, 95% CI -46.65 to -0.32) and mean time to relapse of disease (MD 59.93 days, 95% CI 19.02 to 100.84). Mean time to relapse was significantly shorter for patients receiving budesonide than for those receiving azathioprine (MD -58.00, 95% CI -96.68 to -19.32). Adverse events were not more common in patients treated with budesonide compared to placebo (6 mg: RR 1.51, 95% CI 0.90 to 2.52; 3 mg: RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.63 to 2.24). These events were relatively minor and did not result in increased rates of study withdrawal. Commonly reported treatment-related adverse effects included acne, moon facies, hirsutism, mood swings, insomnia, weight gain, striae, and hair loss. Abnormal adrenocorticoid stimulation tests were seen more frequently in patients receiving both 6 mg (RR 2.88, 95% CI 1.72 to 4.82) and 3 mg daily (RR 2.73, 95% CI 1.34 to 5.57) compared to placebo.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest budesonide is not effective for maintenance of remission in CD, particularly when used beyond three months following induction of remission. Budesonide does have minor benefits in terms of lower CDAI scores and longer time to relapse of disease. However, these benefits are offset by higher treatment-related adverse event rates and more frequent adrenocorticoid suppression in patients receiving budesonide.

Magnetic resonance enterography in evaluation and management of children with Crohn's disease

The role of radiologic evaluation in Crohn's disease (CD) has undergone a recent paradigm shift in which the radiologist adds value to the multidisciplinary team by longitudinally assessing therapeutic response and identifying treatment-modifying subtypes, such as fibrostenotic or fistulizing disease. Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) has become the primary imaging modality used. The combination of multiplanar, multiparametric, and multiphasic contrast-enhanced imaging with the high spatial resolution and very high tissue contrast of MR imaging allows for detailed evaluation of intra-abdominal pathology, without the risk of cumulative radiation exposure. MRE provides the benefit of a complete evaluation of mural, extramural, and even extraintestinal manifestations and complications of CD in a single examination. Cine motility sequences and diffusion-weighted imaging may further increase sensitivity and specificity. MRE represents an ideal imaging modality for initial evaluation, assessment of therapeutic response, and evaluation of complications in patients with CD.

Incidence of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease in Saudi Arabia: a multicenter national study

BACKGROUND

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasingly recognized in developing countries; however, the incidence and trend over time have not been reported.

METHODS

This retrospective study included children diagnosed with IBD in gastroenterology centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between 2003 and 2012. The date of birth, date and age at diagnosis, gender, and final diagnosis were collected on special forms. Clinical, laboratory, imaging, endoscopy, and histopathology results were reviewed to confirm the final diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were used to compare ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in different age groups, and significance was assessed by the chi-square test. Incidence rates and trend over time were analyzed with the assumption of Poisson distribution. The incidence rate over time was compared in 2 periods (2003-2007 and 2008-2012). A P value of <0.05 and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the significance and precision of the estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 340 Saudi Arabian children aged 0 to 14 years were diagnosed. The mean incidence rate per 100,000 individuals was 0.2, 0.27, and 0.47 for ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and IBD, respectively. Except for the 0- to 4-year age group, there was a significant increase in incidence over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the incidence of pediatric IBD in Saudi Arabian children is lower than suggested in the Western literature, there is a significantly increasing trend over time. However, decreased trend in the younger age group over time is identified. Prospective studies will be important to identify the risk factors for IBD in different age groups.

Good agreement between endoscopic findings and biopsy reports supports limited tissue sampling during pediatric colonoscopy

OBJECTIVES

Colonoscopy in children routinely includes the practice of obtaining multiple biopsy samples even in the absence of gross mucosal abnormalities. The aim of our investigation was to examine the level of agreement between endoscopic and histological findings during pediatric colonoscopy. We also investigated the predictors of agreement and abnormal histology.

METHODS

We performed an institutionally approved retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent diagnostic colonoscopy during a 6-month period. Descriptive analyses and regression models were used to determine agreement rates, as well as potential predictors of both agreement and abnormal histology.

RESULTS

Of 390 included colonoscopies, endoscopists (n = 26) reported abnormal gross findings in 218 (56%) and pathologists (n = 4) found histopathology in 195 (50%). Considering histology as the criterion standard, endoscopy had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 78%. Reports of grossly normal endoscopic findings were highly associated with agreement (odds ratio [OR] 1.9, P = 0.001). A known diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease was a strong predictor of abnormal histology (OR 6.4, P < 0.0001). Abdominal pain as a procedural indication was a strong predictor for normal histology (OR 0.4, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study suggest good agreement between endoscopic and histological findings, especially when an endoscopist reports normal-appearing colonic mucosa. We identified predictors of abnormal histology to include known inflammatory bowel disease, whereas abdominal pain was found to be a negative predictor. Future studies are needed to determine evidence-based protocols for obtaining biopsies during colonoscopy in children.

ESPGHAN revised porto criteria for the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) can be challenging in choosing the most informative diagnostic tests and correctly classifying PIBD into its different subtypes. Recent advances in our understanding of the natural history and phenotype of PIBD, increasing availability of serological and fecal biomarkers, and the emergence of novel endoscopic and imaging technologies taken together have made the previous Porto criteria for the diagnosis of PIBD obsolete.

METHODS

We aimed to revise the original Porto criteria using an evidence-based approach and consensus process to yield specific practice recommendations for the diagnosis of PIBD. These revised criteria are based on the Paris classification of PIBD and the original Porto criteria while incorporating novel data, such as for serum and fecal biomarkers. A consensus of at least 80% of participants was achieved for all recommendations and the summary algorithm.

RESULTS

The revised criteria depart from existing criteria by defining 2 categories of ulcerative colitis (UC, typical and atypical); atypical phenotypes of UC should be treated as UC. A novel approach based on multiple criteria for diagnosing IBD-unclassified (IBD-U) is proposed. Specifically, these revised criteria recommend upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and ileocolonscopy for all suspected patients with PIBD, with small bowel imaging (unless typical UC after endoscopy and histology) by magnetic resonance enterography or wireless capsule endoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

These revised Porto criteria for the diagnosis of PIBD have been developed to meet present challenges and developments in PIBD and provide up-to-date guidelines for the definition and diagnosis of the IBD spectrum.

Pediatric ulcerative colitis: a practical guide to management

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract of unknown etiology that frequently presents in the pediatric population. The evaluation of pediatric UC involves excluding infection, and a colonoscopy that documents the clinical and histologic features of chronic colitis. Initial management of mild UC is typically with mesalamine therapy for induction and maintenance. Moderate UC is often initially treated with oral prednisone. Depending on disease severity and response to prednisone, maintenance options include mesalamine, mercaptopurine, azathioprine, infliximab, or adalimumab. Severe UC is typically treated with intravenous corticosteroids. Corticosteroid nonresponders should either undergo a colectomy or be treated with second-line medical rescue therapy (infliximab or calcineurin inhibitors). The severe UC patients who respond to medical rescue therapy can be maintained on infliximab or thiopurine, but 1-year remission rates for such patients are under 50 %. These medications are discussed in detail along with the initial work-up and a treatment algorithm.

New serological markers in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease

The spectrum of serological markers associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rapidly growing. Due to frequently delayed or missed diagnoses, the application of non-invasive diagnostic tests for IBD, as well as differentiation between ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), would be useful in the pediatric population. In addition, the combination of pancreatic autoantibodies and antibodies against Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies/perinuclear cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA) improved the sensitivity of serological markers in pediatric patients with CD and UC. Some studies suggested that age-associated differences in the patterns of antibodies may be present, particularly in the youngest children. In CD, most patients develop stricturing or perforating complications, and a significant number of patients undergo surgery during the disease course. Based on recent knowledge, serum antibodies are qualitatively and quantitatively associated with complicated CD behavior and CD-related surgery. Pediatric UC is characterized by extensive colitis and a high rate of colectomy. In patients with UC, high levels of anti-CBir1 and pANCA are associated with the development of pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Thus, serologic markers for IBD can be applied to stratify IBD patients into more homogeneous subgroups with respect to disease progression. In conclusion, identification of patients at an increased risk of rapid disease progression is of great interest, as the application of early and more aggressive pharmaceutical intervention could have the potential to alter the natural history of IBD, and reduce complications and hospitalizations.

Nutritional status and growth in Korean children with Crohn's disease: a single-center study

Background/Aims

Malnutrition and growth retardation are important issues in treating pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD). Thus, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of various nutritional and growth parameters at the time of diagnosis in Korean children with CD.

Methods

Seventy-one children (<18 years) were enrolled. We analyzed the Z-scores of height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), body mass index for age (BMIZ), bone mineral density for age (BMDZ), and the biochemical markers measured at the time of diagnosis.

Results

At diagnosis, HAZ <−2 was observed in three patients (4%), WHZ <−2 in 20 patients (28%), BMIZ <−2 in 19 patients (27%), and BMDZ <−2 in 11 patients (18%). The HAZ was significantly lower in females and patients with extraintestinal manifestations, and the WHZ and BMIZ were significantly lower in patients with stricturing and penetrating disease. Subnormal serum levels were highly prevalent for hemoglobin, albumin, iron, ferritin, calcium, magnesium, folate, vitamin B₁₂, and zinc. There was a significant correlation between nutritional status, growth retardation, and disease activity.

Conclusions

Abnormal nutritional status was highly prevalent in Korean children with CD at the time of diagnosis and was associated with the extent, behavior, and activity of the disease.

Potential role of IGF-1 z score to predict permanent linear growth impairment in children with IBD

In this pilot study, we analyzed serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)- and IGF-binding protein-3-for-age z scores from 54 inflammatory bowel disease children with no, temporary, or permanent growth impairment. Although our findings did not reach statistical significance, patients with permanent linear growth impairment had lower IGF-1-for-age z scores (-1.76 [-2.25 to -0.43]) compared with those with no or temporary growth impairment (-0.84 [-1.49 to -0.3]) and -1.16 [-1.59 to -1.51], respectively). IGF-binding protein-3 levels were similar across the 3 groups. In the absence of significant inflammation and malnutrition, lower IGF-1-for-age z scores may help distinguish patients likely to have permanent growth impairment from those whose growth impairment is likely to be temporary.

Phenotype and disease course of early-onset pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Early-onset (EO) pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) seem to be more extensive than those with a later onset. To test this hypothesis, we examined the phenotype and disease course of patients with IBD diagnosis at 0 to 5 years, compared with the ranges 6 to 11 and 12 to 18 years.

METHODS

Anatomic locations and behaviors were assessed according to Paris classification in 506 consecutive patients: 224 Crohn's disease, 245 ulcerative colitis, and 37 IBD-unclassified.

RESULTS

Eleven percent of patients were in the range 0 to 5 years, 39% in 6 to 11 years, and 50% in 12 to 18 years. Ulcerative colitis was the most frequent diagnosis in EO-IBD and in 6- to 11-year-old group, whereas Crohn's disease was predominant in older children. A classification as IBD-unclassified was more common in the range 0 to 5 years compared with the other groups (P < 0.005). EO Crohn's disease showed a more frequent isolated colonic (P < 0.005) and upper gastrointestinal involvement than later-onset disease. Sixty-two percent of the patients in the 0 to 5 years range had pancolonic ulcerative colitis, compared with 38% of 6 to 11 years (P = 0.02) and 31% of 12-18 years (P = 0.002) range. No statistical difference for family history for IBD was found in the 3-year age groups. Therapies at the diagnosis were similar for all children. However, at latest follow-up, a significantly higher proportion of younger children were under steroids compared with older groups (P < 0.05). Surgical risk did not differ according to age.

CONCLUSIONS

EO-IBD exhibits an extensive phenotype and benefit from aggressive treatment strategies, although surgical risk is similar to later-onset disease. A family history for IBD is not common in EO disease.

Advances in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease: challenges and uncertainties

Over the past two decades, several advances have been made in the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from both evaluative and therapeutic perspectives. This review discusses the medical advancements that have recently been made as the standard of care for managing patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD) and to identify the challenges associated with implementing their use in clinical practice. A comprehensive literature search of the major databases (PubMed and Embase) was conducted for all recent scientific papers (1990-2013) giving the recent updates on the management of IBD and the data were extracted. The reported advancements in managing IBD range from diagnostic and evaluative tools, such as genetic tests, biochemical surrogate markers of activity, endoscopic techniques, and radiological modalities, to therapeutic advances, which encompass medical, endoscopic, and surgical interventions. There are limited studies addressing the cost-effectiveness and the impact that these advances have had on medical practice. The majority of the advances developed for managing IBD, while considered instrumental by some IBD experts in improving patient care, have questionable applications due to constraints of cost, lack of availability, and most importantly, insufficient evidence that supports their role in improving important long-term health-related outcomes.

Necroptosis is active in children with inflammatory bowel disease and contributes to heighten intestinal inflammation

OBJECTIVES

A new caspase-independent mode of programmed cell death, termed necroptosis, has recently been identified. Altered expression of molecules involved in the necroptosis pathway has been shown to trigger intestinal inflammation. The initiation of necroptosis is principally mediated by the release of receptor interacting protein 3 (RIP3) from suppression by caspase-8. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) factor is an interacting target of RIP3 in active necroptosis. This study aims at investigating the occurrence of necroptosis in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its contribution to human intestinal inflammation.

METHODS

Biopsy samples were collected from the ileum and colon of 33 children with Crohn's disease, 30 with ulcerative colitis, and 20 healthy controls. Ten children with allergic colitis (AC) were used as non-IBD comparators. RIP3, caspase-8, and MLKL protein expression levels were evaluated by western blotting. The adenocarcinoma cell line HT29 was used for in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

RIP3 and MLKL increased (P<0.01) in inflamed tissues of IBD and AC patients, whereas caspase-8 was reduced. No variations were observed in uninflamed tissues of patients. The relationship between RIP3 increase, active necroptosis, and intestinal inflammation was confirmed by in vitro analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

We show for the first time that necroptosis is strongly associated with intestinal inflammation in children with IBD and contributes to strengthen the inflammatory process. We believe that RIP3 and MLKL could represent attractive targets for the management of human IBD.

Diagnosis and classification of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterised by superficial mucosal ulceration, rectal bleeding, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. In contrast to Crohn's disease (CrD), UC is restricted to the colon and the inflammation is limited to the mucosal layer. Classic UC affects the colon in a retrograde and continuous fashion starting from the rectum and extending proximally. Dependent on the anatomic extent of involvement, UC can be classified as proctitis, left-sided colitis, or pancolitis. Inflammatory arthropathies and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are the most common and clinically most important extraintestinal manifestations of UC. The aetiopathogenesis of UC is incompletely understood, but immune-mediated mechanisms are responsible for dysregulated immune responses against intraluminal antigens in genetically predisposed individuals. The diagnosis is based on the history, as well as clinical, radiological, endoscopic and histological features. Autoantibodies, mainly antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and anti-goblet cell antibodies (GAB) may be helpful in the early diagnosis of UC and in differentiating it from CrD.

Presenting features and disease course of pediatric ulcerative colitis

Clinical variables and disease course of pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) have been poorly reported. The aim of this study was to retrospectively describe the phenotype and disease course of pediatric onset UC diagnosed at a tertiary referral Center for Pediatric Gastroenterology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

110 patients with a diagnosis of UC were identified at our Department database. Records were reviewed for disease location and behavior at the diagnosis, family history for inflammatory bowel disease, pattern changes at the follow-up, need of surgery and cumulative risk for colectomy.

RESULTS

Thirty-five % of patients had an early-onset disease (0-7 years). At the diagnosis, 29% had proctitis, 22% left-sided colitis, 15% extensive colitis and 34% pancolitis. Fifteen % presented with a rectal sparing, while a patchy colonic inflammation was reported in 18%. Rectal sparing was significantly related to the younger age (p: <0.05). Disease extension at the follow up was reported in 29% of pts. No clinical variables at the diagnosis were related to the subsequent extension of the disease. The cumulative rates of colectomy were 9% at 2 year and 14% at 5 years. An extensive disease as well as acute severe colitis and corticosteroid therapy at the diagnosis were significantly associated with an increased risk of colectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric UC is extensive and severe at the diagnosis, with an overall high rate of disease extension at the follow-up. Endoscopic atypical features are common in young children. The colectomy rate is related to the location and severity of the disease at the diagnosis.

Inflammatory bowel disease in Icelandic children 1951-2010. Population-based study involving one nation over six decades

AIM AND BACKGROUND. We describe the changes in incidence and disease location of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children in one country over six decades. Iceland is an island with centralized health information. Children with IBD are cared for in only two hospitals. Iceland is therefore well suited for nationwide epidemiologic studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS. All IBD patients 16 years and younger diagnosed in Iceland from 1950-2010 were included. Patients were identified retrospectively from 1950-1989, and prospectively from 1990-2010, by reviewing pathology and charts for all patients diagnosed with IBD. Criteria for the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) were history of blood in stools for >3 weeks, characteristic endoscopic appearance of continuous inflammation of the colon, and histologic appearance of acute and chronic inflammation of the colon without granulomata. Criteria of Crohn's disease (CD) were history of abdominal pain, blood in stools, and endoscopic, radiologic, and histologic features of CD. RESULTS. One hundred and ten children were diagnosed with IBD, 61 with UC, 44 with CD, and 5 with indeterminate disease. The median age was 13.7 ± 2.6, with sex distribution varying from decade to decade. From 1980 until 2000, there was a dramatic increase in the incidence of IBD from 1.2 per 100,000 children <16 years of age to 5.6 per 100,000. However, in the past decade, the incidence has plateaued. CONCLUSION. In this population-based pediatric study, we report an increase in the incidence of IBD from 1950-2000. Incidence in Icelandic children is lower than in published studies from other Northern European countries.

Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease? Pitfalls and problems

The interpretation of colorectal biopsies taken for the initial diagnosis of chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is challenging. Subclassification of IBD as ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease, which may be particularly difficult, is the subject of this review. Biopsies taken at first presentation are emphasised, partly because their features have not been modified by time or treatment. Aspects of longstanding disease and of resections are also mentioned. The first part of the review comprises background considerations and a summary of histological features that are discriminant, according to published evidence, between UC and Crohn's disease in initial biopsies. Pitfalls and problems associated with making the distinction between UC and Crohn's disease are then discussed. These include: mimics of IBD; inadequate clinical details; unreliable microscopic features; absence of histological changes in early IBD; discontinuity in UC; cryptolytic granulomas; differences between paediatric and adult UC; reliance on ileal and oesophagogastroduodenal histology; and atypical features in IBD resections. Avoidance by pathologists of known pitfalls should increase the likelihood of accurate and confident subclassification of IBD, which is important for optimum medical and surgical management.

European consensus on the histopathology of inflammatory bowel disease

The histologic examination of endoscopic biopsies or resection specimens remains a key step in the work-up of affected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and can be used for diagnosis and differential diagnosis, particularly in the differentiation of UC from CD and other non-IBD related colitides. The introduction of new treatment strategies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) interfering with the patients' immune system may result in mucosal healing, making the pathologists aware of the impact of treatment upon diagnostic features. The European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) jointly elaborated a consensus to establish standards for histopathology diagnosis in IBD. The consensus endeavors to address: (i) procedures required for a proper diagnosis, (ii) features which can be used for the analysis of endoscopic biopsies, (iii) features which can be used for the analysis of surgical samples, (iv) criteria for diagnosis and differential diagnosis, and (v) special situations including those inherent to therapy. Questions that were addressed include: how many features should be present for a firm diagnosis? What is the role of histology in patient management, including search for dysplasia? Which features if any, can be used for assessment of disease activity? The statements and general recommendations of this consensus are based on the highest level of evidence available, but significant gaps remain in certain areas.

The value of focally enhanced gastritis in the diagnosis of pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Focally enhanced gastritis (FEG) has been suggested as a diagnostic marker for patients with Crohn's disease. In this study we evaluated the prevalence of FEG in children with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and assessed the ability of FEG to distinguish IBD from non-IBD patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study of the children who underwent esophagogastroduodenal endoscopy (EGD) during 2004-2011 was performed, after excluding individuals with H. pylori infection and celiac disease. Two groups were studied: patients with IBD (IBD group, n=185) and non-IBD patients who underwent endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract for various abdominal complaints (non-IBD group, n=684). Relation of FEG to age and gender was also assessed.

RESULTS

FEG was found significantly more frequently among children with IBD (35.7% vs 3.4%, respectively, p<0.001). Children with FEG were 15.4 times more likely to have IBD than to belong in the non-IBD group. All types of IBD had significantly higher frequencies of FEG compared to non-IBD individuals (Crohn's disease: 54.1%, ulcerative colitis: 21.6%, IBD unclassified: 18.4%, all three comparisons with the non-IBD group: p-values<0.001). FEG positivity was more common in females compared to males with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and in children younger than 2 years in the IBD-unspecified group. FEG achieved a sensitivity of 35.7% and specificity of 96.6% in distinguishing between IBD from non-IBD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

FEG has significantly higher prevalence in children with IBD, particularly Crohn's disease and can be a valuable supporting finding in cases of indefinite diagnosis.

Challenging question: can we diagnose Crohn's disease without histology?

No single test is diagnostic of Crohn's disease (CD). In the presence of a compatible clinical presentation, diagnosis is by convention confirmed by a combination of imaging, serologic, endoscopic and histologic investigations. This diagnostic recommendation should be maintained, even though histology is often 'compatible with' rather than 'diagnostic of' suspected CD. The importance of histology varies depending on the specific sites of macroscopic disease. Histology is particularly important in distinguishing type of inflammatory bowel disease, when the colon predominantly is involved, and in confirming CD when macroscopic disease is atypically located.

Inflammatory bowel disease biopsies: updated British Society of Gastroenterology reporting guidelines

Accurate histopathological assessment of biopsies is important for the diagnosis, subclassification, and management of chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guidelines for the initial histopathological diagnosis of IBD were published in 1997. Changes since then include: more widespread use of full colonoscopy; greater recognition of the effects of time and treatment; improved documentation of variations in anatomical distribution; better understanding of the mimics of IBD; significant progress in clinical management; and modifications of terminology. Accordingly, an update is required. These revised guidelines aim to optimise the quality and consistency of reporting of biopsies taken for the initial diagnosis of IBD by summarising the literature and making recommendations based on the available evidence. Advice from existing clinical guidelines is also taken into account. Among the subjects discussed are: distinguishing IBD from other colitides, particularly infective colitis; subclassification of IBD (as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or IBD unclassified); the discriminant value of granulomas; aspects of disease distribution, including discontinuity in ulcerative colitis; time-related changes; differences between paediatric and adult IBD; the role of ileal and upper gastrointestinal biopsies; differential diagnoses such as diverticular colitis and diversion proctocolitis; and dysplasia. The need to correlate the histological features with clinical and endoscopic findings is emphasised. An approach to the conclusion of an IBD biopsy report based on the acronym Pattern, Activity, Interpretation, Dysplasia (PAID) is suggested. The key recommendations are listed at the end of the document.

Small intestine contrast ultrasonography in pediatric Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of small intestine contrast ultrasonography (SICUS) in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD).

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 51 consecutive patients (median age 15 years; range 3-20, 31 male patients), 21 with suspected and 30 with proven CD, were studied. All patients underwent standard ultrasonography (ie, transabdominal ultrasonography [TUS]), SICUS, small bowel follow-through, and upper and lower endoscopy. SICUS was performed in patients after they ingested an oral contrast solution. TUS and SICUS were compared with small bowel follow-through and endoscopy via use of the final diagnosis as reference standard.

RESULTS

In undiagnosed patients, the sensitivity and specificity of TUS and SICUS in detecting CD small bowel lesions were 75% and 100% and 100% and 100%, respectively. In patients with proven CD, the sensitivity and specificity of TUS and SICUS were 76% and 100% and 96% and 100%, respectively. The agreement (k) with radiology for site of lesions was almost perfect for SICUS (0.93), both for jejunal and ileal lesions, and it was fair (0.40) for jejunal and substantial (0.68) for ileal lesions for TUS. Compared with radiology SICUS correctly assessed the length of lesions, whereas TUS underestimated it (P = .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The radiation-free technique SICUS is comparable with radiology and more accurate than TUS in assessing small bowel lesions in pediatric CD, mainly in the detection of proximal small bowel disease.

Paediatric gastrointestinal conditions and their oral implications

OBJECTIVES

The paediatric dentist must be familiar with a range of medical problems which can affect the mouth or general health of children. Dental clinicians are ideally placed to help with the detection of a range of gastrointestinal issues and should know when to refer to the paediatric specialist for advice.

METHODS

This article reviews the common gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions that can affect children reviewing the conditions, their usual treatments, and how they can influence the mouth and the oral environment. This article will review how the different conditions may produce oral symptoms and signs. The management of the oral problems and appropriate photographs are covered well in other texts and will not be included here.

CONCLUSION

The mouth is a specialised part of the GIT and can be involved in or affected by many of the diseases encountered in other GIT regions.

Inflammatory bowel disease: an expanding global health problem

This review provides a summary of the global epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It is now clear that IBD is increasing worldwide and has become a global emergence disease. IBD, which includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), has been considered a problem in industrial-urbanized societies and attributed largely to a Westernized lifestyle and other associated environmental factors. Its incidence and prevalence in developing countries is steadily rising and has been attributed to the rapid modernization and Westernization of the population. There is a need to reconcile the most appropriate treatment for these patient populations from the perspectives of both disease presentation and cost. In the West, biological agents are the fastest-growing segment of the prescription drug market. These agents cost thousands of dollars per patient per year. The healthcare systems, and certainly the patients, in developing countries will struggle to afford such expensive treatments. The need for biological therapy will inevitably increase dramatically, and the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare providers, patient advocate groups, governments and non-governmental organizations should come to a consensus on how to handle this problem. The evidence that IBD is now affecting a much younger population presents an additional concern. Meta-analyses conducted in patients acquiring IBD at a young age also reveals a trend for their increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), since the cumulative incidence rates of CRC in IBD-patients diagnosed in childhood are higher than those observed in adults. In addition, IBD-associated CRC has a worse prognosis than sporadic CRC, even when the stage at diagnosis is taken into account. This is consistent with additional evidence that IBD negatively impacts CRC survival. A continuing increase in IBD incidence worldwide associated with childhood-onset of IBD coupled with the diseases' longevity and an increase in oncologic transformation suggest a rising disease burden, morbidity, and healthcare costs. IBD and its associated neoplastic transformation appear inevitable, which may significantly impact pediatric gastroenterology and adult CRC care. Due to an infrastructure gap in terms of access to care between developed vs. developing nations and the uneven representation of IBD across socioeconomic strata, a plan is needed in the developing world regarding how to address this emerging problem.

Serological markers of inflammatory bowel disease in children from the Western region of Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Serological markers including peri-nuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA) and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) have been reported in relation to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence and diagnostic accuracy of pANCA and ASCA antibodies in Saudi children with IBD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective case-control study of children with IBD seen at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, between September 2002 and February 2012.

RESULTS

The study included 131 patients with IBD (86 Crohn's disease (CD) and 45 ulcerative colitis (UC)) and 67 non-IBD control subjects. Females comprised 51% of CD, 60% of UC and 52% of non-IBD controls. The mean age was 10.7±5.2years for CD, 8.9±5years for UC, and 11.2±6.8years for the non-IBD controls. Positive ASCA-IgA and ASCA-IgG were detected in 35.8% and 35% of CD patients and in 5.8% and 3.7% of the non-IBD controls, respectively. The pANCA was detected in 28.9% of UC patients and in none of the non-IBD controls. The pANCA recognised the myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibody in 36.4% of the patients with UC. No significant difference in the frequency of pANCA between extensive disease and disease limited to the rectosigmoid colon (p=0.48), and no significant difference in the ASCAs antibodies in patients with or without involvement of the terminal ileum (p=0.81).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of ASCA and pANCA antibodies was low in Saudi children with IBD. Therefore, it may not be useful as a screening tool for IBD but it may be employed to aid the diagnosis in clinically suspected cases.

Increasing incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease in northern Stockholm County, 2002-2007

OBJECTIVES

A sharp increase in paediatric (younger than 16 years) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) incidence was observed in northern Stockholm County, Sweden, in 1990-2001. The increasing incidence was primarily explained by a rising incidence of Crohn disease (CD). Here, we present an update on the trends in incidence of paediatric IBD, 2002-2007.

METHOD

Medical records of all children diagnosed as having suspected IBD in northern Stockholm County, 2002-2007, were scrutinised using defined diagnostic criteria. Disease extension, localisation, and behaviour at diagnosis were classified within the framework of the Paris classification.

RESULT

A total of 133 children were diagnosed as having IBD 2002-2007 corresponding to a sex- and age-standardised incidence (per 10 person-years) for paediatric IBD of 12.8 (95% CI 10.8-15.2). The standardised incidence was 9.2 (95% CI 7.5-11.2) for CD and 2.8 (95% CI 1.9-4.0) for ulcerative colitis (UC). A significant increasing incidence of UC (P < 0.05) was observed during the study period. No temporal trend was observed for the incidence of CD.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence rate of paediatric IBD in northern Stockholm was significantly higher in 2002-2007 than that observed in our earlier study covering 1990-2001. The former sharp increase in incidence of paediatric CD seems, however, to have levelled out, although at a higher rate than reported from most other regions in the world. Although CD was still predominant, the observed increase in incidence of UC during the study period is notable.

Disease course and efficacy of medical therapy in stricturing paediatric Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Stricturing is the most common complicated phenotype in paediatric Crohn's disease, but only few studies have described its course, while data on the outcome of medical treatment are scanty.

AIM

To retrospectively describes the course of paediatric stricturing Crohn's disease and assess clinical and imaging response to medical therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-six patients with stricturing Crohn's disease were identified by our department database. Paediatric Crohn's disease activity index, need of surgery and magnetic resonance were evaluated as outcomes at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after detection of stenosis.

RESULTS

Strictures were ileal, ileocolonic and colonic in 61%, 28% and 11% of patients. Thirteen (36%) had stricturing disease at the diagnosis of Crohn's disease, while 64% developed it at the follow-up. At baseline, 89% had medical treatment, while 11% surgery. At 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, 53%, 50%, 42%, and 35% had complete response to medical treatment, respectively. Overall, 44% were unresponsive to medical therapy and required surgery at the follow-up. Responders and non-responders significantly differed for inflammatory imaging findings at the stenosis detection.

CONCLUSIONS

A stricturing phenotype is not uncommon at the diagnosis of Crohn's disease in children. Medical therapy seems poorly effective in avoiding intestinal resection. Magnetic resonance imaging is valuable in identifying patients who will benefit from medical therapy.

Distinct phenotypes of children with perianal perforating Crohn's disease

PURPOSE

Perianal perforating disease (PF) has been reported in approximately 15% of children with Crohn's disease (CD). It is unknown whether children who present with PF at the time of diagnosis have a different course than those that develop PF while on therapy.

METHODS

From a prospective, single institution observational registry of children diagnosed with CD, we identified children with perianal perforating CD, defined as perianal abscesses and/or fistulae. Patients who presented with perianal perforating CD (PF-CD0) were compared to those who developed perianal perforating CD (PF-CD1) after initial diagnosis.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight of 215 (18%) children with CD had PF-CD during a median follow up of 4.5 years. Patients with PF-CD0 (n=26) tended to be more likely male (81% vs. 50%, p=0.07) and younger (9.3 yrs vs. 12.5 yrs, p=0.02). PF-CD1 (n=12) patients were more likely to require diverting ileostomy (42% vs. 8%, p=0.02) and colectomy (33% vs. 4%, p=0.03). Multivariable analysis predicted increased rate of diverting ileostomy in the PF-CD1 group (p=0.007, OR 19.1, 95% CI 1.6-234.8).

CONCLUSION

Pediatric CD patients who develop PF while on therapy for CD have a more severe phenotype and are more likely to require diverting ileostomy or colectomy compared to those who present with PF-CD.

Short- and long-term efficacy of endoscopic balloon dilation in Crohn's disease strictures

AIM

To evaluate short- and long-term efficacy of endoscopic balloon dilation in a cohort of consecutive patients with symptomatic Crohn's disease (CD)-related strictures.

METHODS

Twenty-six CD patients (11 men; median age 36.8 year, range 11-65 years) with 27 symptomatic strictures underwent endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD). Both naive and post-operative strictures, of any length and diameter, with or without associated fistula were included. After a clinical and radiological assessment, EBD was performed with a Microvasive Rigiflex through the scope balloon system. The procedure was considered successful if no symptom reoccurred in the following 6 mo. The long-term clinical outcome was to avoid surgery.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 40.7 ± 5.7 mo (range 10-94 mo). In this period, forty-six EBD were performed with a technical success of 100%. No procedure-related complication was reported. Surgery was avoided in 92.6% of the patients during the entire follow-up. Two patients, both presenting ileocecal strictures associated with fistula, failed to respond to the treatment and underwent surgical strictures resection. Of the 24 patients who did not undergo surgery, 11 patients received 1 EBD, and 13 required further dilations over time for the treatment of relapsing strictures (7 patients underwent 2 dilations, 5 patients 3 dilations, and 1 patient 4 dilations). Overall, the EBD success rate after the first dilation was 81.5%. No difference was observed between the EBD success rate for naive (n = 12) and post-operative (n = 15) CD related strictures (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EBD appears to be a safe and effective procedure in the therapeutic management of CD-related strictures of any origin and dimension in order to prevent surgery.

The efficacy and safety of bisphosphonates for osteoporosis or osteopenia in Crohn's disease: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease impacts the bone health of patients and results in a high prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) disease such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. Bisphosphonates can reduce bone loss by inhibiting bone resorption.

AIM

To assess the effectiveness and safety of bisphosphonates for osteoporosis or osteopenia in Crohn's disease.

METHODS

A literature search included PubMed, EMBASE, the Science Citation Index, and the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify studies up to March, 2012. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing bisphosphonates with placebo or no intervention for osteoporosis or osteopenia in adult patients with Crohn's disease were analyzed.

RESULTS

Five RCTs involving 423 participants were included. All patients received daily calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Overall, bisphosphonates improved hip BMD at 12 months (n = 193, MD = 0.99, 95 % CI: 0.14-1.84) compared with placebos or no intervention. No significant differences of spine BMD at both 12 months (n = 193, MD = 1.78, 95 % CI: -0.99 to 4.55) and 24 months (n = 231, MD = 0.70 %, 95 % CI: -0.48 to 1.88), hip BMD at 24 months (n = 231, MD = 0.25 %, 95 % CI: -0.65 to 1.15), new vertebral fractures (n = 117, RD = -0.01, 95 % CI: -0.08 to 0.05) or adverse events (n = 422, RR = 1.03, 95 % CI: 0.71-1.49) between bisphosphonates groups and control groups were noted. Subgroup analyses of participants treated with corticosteroid in the preceding year found no difference between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no evidence to support the use of bisphosphonates for osteoporosis or osteopenia in Crohn's disease. More randomized controlled clinical trials assessing the effects of bisphosphonates are needed.

Long-term outcomes after surgery on pediatric patients with Crohn disease

OBJECTIVE

Of pediatric patients with Crohn disease, 20% to 30% undergo surgery within 10 years. Although disease relapses and reoperations are common, long-term functional outcomes and quality of life (QoL) are unclear.

METHODS

In 2010, we reviewed the hospital records of all pediatric patients with CD who had undergone intestinal resections during childhood in 2 major tertiary care hospitals between 1985 and 2008 and mailed out questionnaires that asked about health outcomes and QoL. We compared the QoL of the patients and a group of matched controls randomly chosen from the Population Register Centre.

RESULTS

In total, 36 children had undergone bowel resection a median of 10 years earlier and had at least 2 years of follow-up. Disease activation (verified at endoscopy) requiring medical or surgical treatment occurred in 94% (median 1.8 years after primary resection). At least 1 surgical complication occurred in 77%, and 54% underwent re-resection. The patients reported a median stool frequency of 3 stools during the day and zero at night, with 33% being totally continent. Overall, 96% were completely or moderately satisfied with the outcome of the surgery. The QoL was comparable between the patients and controls, but school or work absences diminished the QoL of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for pediatric-onset CD is risky even under expert care. Disease relapses and bowel re-resections are common during the first decade after primary surgery. In the long term, however, bowel function is acceptable and the QoL is comparable between patients and their peers.

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease with cytoplasmic staining of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies

Background. It is unusual for the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody with cytoplasmic pattern (cANCA) to present in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) without vasculitis. The purpose of this study was to describe the occurrence and characteristics of pediatrics IBD with cANCA. Methods. A retrospective review of pediatric IBD associated with cANCA serology in patients from King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Saudi Arabia, between September 2002 and February 2012. Results. Out of 131 patients with IBD screened for cANCAs, cANCA was positive in 7 (5.3%) patients of whom 4 had ulcerative colitis and 3 had Crohn's disease. The median age was 8.8 years (2–14.8 years). Six (86%) were males. Of the 7 patients, 5 (71%) were Saudi Arabians and 2 were of Indian ethnicity. The most common symptoms were diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. None had family history or clinical features suggestive of vasculitis involving renal and respiratory systems. No difference in the disease location or severity was observed between cANCA positive and cANCA negative patients apart from male preponderance in cANCA positive patients. Conclusion. The occurrence of cANCA in pediatric IBD is rare. Apart from male preponderance, there were no peculiar characteristics for the cANCA positive patients.

Fecal calprotectin in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease frequently begins during childhood or adolescence. Current tests and procedures for diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory bowel disease are invasive, uncomfortable and costly. Fecal calprotectin is an inflammatory marker tested in several studies including pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

A search for articles published up to October 2011 was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. We included original English-written articles referred to pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease and measured fecal calprotectin levels. We extracted data concerning fecal calprotectin levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and in the controls groups, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies were included. Fecal calprotectin levels of patients with inflammatory bowel disease are much higher than those of healthy controls or patients with functional disorders or other gastrointestinal diseases. The results vary greatly when taking all studies into consideration. Nevertheless, in cases of newly diagnosed and/or active inflammatory bowel disease, the results are more homogeneous, with high sensitivity and positive likelihood ratio, low negative likelihood ratio, but moderate specificity. Moreover, 50 μg/g seems to be the most proper cut-off point for the fecal calprotectin test.

CONCLUSIONS

The fecal calprotectin test could be used for supporting diagnosis or confirming relapse of inflammatory bowel disease in pediatric patients. A positive result could confirm the suspicion of either inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis or inflammatory bowel disease relapse, due to the high sensitivity of the test, but a negative result should not exclude these conditions, due to its moderate specificity.

Consanguinity and inflammatory bowel diseases: is there a relation?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between consanguinity and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

METHODS

Review of the medical records of children with a final diagnosis of IBD to determine age, sex, and type of IBD, supplemented by information on consanguinity and family history (FH) of IBD in relatives. There were 138 children, ages 1.4 to 19.3 years, and 50% were girls.

RESULTS

The prevalence of consanguinity was 50%, 53%, 39% and 60% in IBD, Crohn disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and controls, respectively. There was a significantly higher prevalence of consanguinity in controls than in patients with IBD and UC (P = 0.02 and 0.026, respectively), whereas the difference between CD patients and controls was not significant (P = 0.20). The prevalence of first cousin consanguinity was 71%, 73.2%, 61.5% and 70.5% in patients with IBD, CD, UC, and controls, respectively, indicating no significant difference between these conditions and controls (P = 0.95, P = 0.78, P = 0.33, respectively). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of consanguinity in the parents of children with or without a FH of either CD (P = 0.89) or UC (P = 0.32).

CONCLUSIONS

There is no significant relation between parental consanguinity and IBD in this population, especially when there is no FH of disease, suggesting reduced genetic susceptibility; however, further studies including larger sample size and details of FH of consanguinity and IBD in multiple generations are needed for further definitions of the role of consanguinity.

Atypical disease phenotypes in pediatric ulcerative colitis: 5-year analyses of the EUROKIDS Registry

BACKGROUND

Definitive diagnosis of pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) may be particularly challenging since isolated colitis with overlapping features is common in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD), while atypical phenotypes of UC are not uncommon. The Paris classification allows more accurate phenotyping of atypical inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Our aim was to identify the prevalence of atypical disease patterns in new-onset pediatric UC using the Paris classification.

METHODS

Information was collected from the EUROKIDS Registry, an inception cohort of untreated pediatric IBD patients undergoing evaluation at diagnosis. Patients with IBD-unclassified were excluded. Patients with isolated Crohn's colitis served as a control group.

RESULTS

Data from 898 pediatric patients (643 UC, 255 CD colitis) were included. Extensive or pancolitis was present in 77% of UC patients and macroscopic rectal sparing in 5%. Rectal sparing was inversely associated with age (mean age with rectal sparing 9.9 years vs. 11.8 without; P = 0.02). Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) involvement occurred in 4% of patients. Erosions in the stomach were present in 3.1% of children, but frank ulcerations in 0.4%; 0.8% of children had erosions or ulcerations limited to the esophagus or duodenum. The corresponding UGI involvement in Crohn's colitis was 22%. A cecal patch occurred in 2% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Extensive disease and rectal sparing are age-dependent phenotypes in pediatric UC. Rectal sparing, cecal patch, backwash ileitis, and gastric erosions are not uncommon at diagnosis, while gastric ulcerations and erosions in the duodenum or esophagus are. Recognition of atypical phenotypes in pediatric-onset UC is crucial to prevent misclassification of IBD.

S100A12: a noninvasive marker of inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases are incurable conditions that feature gut inflammation. Standard markers have inadequate sensitivity and specificity. S100A12 is a new fecal marker that has promise as a non-invasive indicator of gut inflammation. This article reviews recent studies focusing on S100A12 and highlights the current and potential roles of this biomarker.

Sixty-year study of incidence of childhood ulcerative colitis finds eleven-fold increase beginning in 1990s

BACKGROUND

We sought to define the point at which a recently noted marked increase in the incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) had occurred in children in Victoria, Australia.

METHODS

A 60-year retrospective review (1950-2009) of children age 16 years or less diagnosed with UC in the state's major pediatric centers was performed.

RESULTS

In all, 342 children were diagnosed with UC (male to female ratio of 1.25:1.0, median age 10.9 years, interquartile range [IQR] 7.0, 13.2). The overall median annual incidence of UC was 0.36/10(5) children ≤ 16 years of age (IQR 0.18, 0.66). The number of reported cases increased by 11-fold during the study period (P < 0.001). This marked increase appeared to occur from the early 1990s and has yet to plateau. Children diagnosed during the last two decades were older at diagnosis (median 10 years vs. 11.6, P < 0.0001), and had higher weight- and height-for-age z scores than those diagnosed during the first 40 years (mean weight-for-age [standard deviation] 1950-1989: -0.80 [1.56] vs. 1990-2009: -0.11 [1.17], P < 0.001; mean height-for-age 1950-1989: -0.50 [1.15] vs. 1990-2009: -0.13 [1.12], P < 0.05). More recently diagnosed children also had more extensive disease (1950-1989: 52% vs. 1990-2009: 71%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of UC has increased markedly in Victorian children since 1990. Although some of this change may be attributable to earlier diagnosis, it is unlikely that this can provide a complete explanation for this still-increasing condition.

Geographic distributions of microscopic colitis and inflammatory bowel disease in the United States

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are characterized by similar geographic distributions. We used a large database of pathology reports to analyze the geographic distribution of microscopic colitis (MC) and compare it with those of UC and CD.

METHODS

A population of 671,176 individual patients with colonic biopsies was studied stratified by gender and state of residence. The occurrence of each diagnosis MC, UC, or CD, was expressed as proportional rate per 1000 colonoscopies with biopsies from each individual state.

RESULTS

UC and CD tended to be common in states in the Northeast or North Central regions of the U.S. and relatively rare among several southern states. MC appeared to follow a somewhat inverse pattern, as it was most common among some states from the Southwest (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada) and other states of southern latitude, such as Florida, Georgia, California, but relatively uncommon among states in the Northeast. The geographic distributions of UC and CD were significantly correlated with each other (R = 0.60 and P = 0.0004). No significant correlation was observed between MC and UC or CD.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in epidemiologic behavior point at a dissimilar set of risk factors that shape the occurrence of MC as opposed to UC or CD.

History of and current issues affecting surgery for pediatric ulcerative colitis

Pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) is reportedly more extensive and progressive in its clinical course than adult UC. Therefore, more aggressive initial therapies and more frequent colectomies are needed. When physicians treat pediatric UC, they must consider the therapeutic outcome as well as the child's physical and psychological development. Mucosal proctocolectomy with ileal J-pouch anal anastomosis is currently recommended as a standard curative surgical procedure for UC in both children and adults worldwide. This procedure was developed 100 years after the first surgical therapy, which treated UC by colon irrigation through a temporary inguinal colostomy. Predecessors in the colorectal and pediatric surgical fields have struggled against several postoperative complications and have long sought a surgical procedure that is optimal for children. We herein describe the history of the development of surgical procedures and the current issues regarding the surgical indications for pediatric UC. These issues differ from those in adults, including the definition of toxic megacolon on plain X-rays, the incidence of colon carcinoma, preoperative and postoperative steroid complications, and future growth. Surgeons treating children with UC should consider the historical experiences of pioneer surgeons to take the most appropriate next step to improve the surgical outcomes and patients' quality of life.

Imaging of pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this review is to examine the current imaging literature and develop basic imaging guidelines for evaluation of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The three following typical clinical scenarios in the imaging evaluation of IBD are considered: patient with an initial diagnosis of suspected IBD, the goals being to determine disease extent and severity and to differentiate Crohn disease from ulcerative colitis; patient with known IBD presenting with new acute symptoms (fever, peritonitis, leukocytosis) requiring urgent evaluation; and patient with known IBD presenting with nonacute symptomatic recurrence (abdominal pain, diarrhea), the goals being to assess the efficacy of the current treatment and to evaluate the possible need for additional medical or surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

Imaging of pediatric patients with IBD must balance considerations of diagnostic accuracy against concerns about patient exposure to ionizing radiation and tolerance of the imaging technique. The imaging modality chosen depends on the clinical presentation and expected pathologic finding.

Histopathological changes in anatomical distribution of inflammatory bowel disease in children: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Anatomical progression of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease is under-reported. The aim of this work was to examine possible changes in the anatomical distribution of IBD in pediatric patients at diagnosis and at follow up.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, the medical records of children with inflammatory bowel disease were examined. Patients who had at least 2 endoscopic/colonoscopic examinations were included. Primary outcome was histopathological progression based on histopathological examination of biopsies taken during endoscopic and colonoscopic bowel examination. Factors predictive of disease progression were also examined.

Results

A total of 98 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria (49 female, 54 with ulcerative colitis, range 2 – 17 years, mean age at diagnosis was 10.6 years, SD ± 3.67), the mean duration of follow up was 32.9 months (range 0.1 – 60 months, SD ± 8.54). In the ulcerative colitis group, 41% had disease progression and none of the examined variables (age, gender, laboratory markers, growth and disease activity at diagnosis) appeared to effect disease progression. In the Crohn’s disease group, 75% had disease progression. Girls (OR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.02 – 0.79) and patients with high erythrocytic sedimentation rate (OR=0.942, 95% CI 0.894 – 0.99) were predictive for disease progression.

Conclusions

Despite maximum therapy, the majority of children with Crohn’s disease appeared to have histopathological disease progression. Female sex and high erythrocytic sedimentation rate seemed to be predictive for disease progression. None of the factors analyzed seemed predictive of disease progression in ulcerative colitis.

Premature subclinical atherosclerosis in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the risk for developing an early endothelial dysfunction based on increased intima media thickness (IMT) and reduced flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and to evaluate the role of traditional and nontraditional risk factors in determining premature atherosclerosis.

STUDY DESIGN

We studied 27 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 25 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) (mean age, 15.2 years; mean duration of disease, 48.05 months); 31 subjects served as controls. Demographic data (age, sex, family history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia), traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis (blood pressure, body mass index, active and passive smoking, dyslipidemia), and UC and CD activity indexes (Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index and Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index, respectively) were collected. The IMT of the carotid arteries was measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasound, and endothelial function was evaluated by FMD in the brachial artery in response to reactive hyperemia.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, patients with CD had significantly greater exposure to passive smoking and had lower body mass index and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol values. IMT was significantly higher in patients than controls (P < .0001), and the percentage of FMD was significantly lower in both patients with CD (P < .0001) and patients with UC (P < .01) versus controls. In multivariate analysis, diagnosis of IBD was an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.

CONCLUSION

Premature endothelial dysfunction occurs in pediatric IBD. This represents a new challenge in the management of pediatric IBD, leading to prevention strategies of cardiovascular disease.

Preoperative immunosuppression is not associated with increased postoperative complications following colectomy in children with colitis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to review postoperative complications of pediatric patients undergoing colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) or inflammatory bowel disease-unspecified (IBD-U) with a focus on preoperative immunosuppression including exposure to infliximab.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of all of the children with UC or IBD-U undergoing colectomy at our institution from 1996 to 2010. Data collected included indication for colectomy, immunosuppressive medications taken within 30 to 90 days of colectomy, surgical techniques and staging, and early and late postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients underwent colectomy (45 UC, 6 IBD-U) (55% male, 63% pancolitis at diagnosis, mean age at diagnosis 10.8 ± 3.8 years, mean age at colectomy 13.1 ± 3.8 years). Indications for colectomy were fulminant colitis in 26% and medically refractory chronic disease in 74%. Patient exposure to immunosuppression in the 30 days before colectomy included corticosteroids (88%), thiopurines (51%), and calcineurin inhibitors (4%). Within 90 days before colectomy, 65% of patients were exposed to infliximab. Small bowel obstruction was the most common postoperative complication, occurring in 19% (treated surgically in 30%), followed by wound infection in 8% and intraabdominal abscess in 6%. One patient developed postoperative sepsis. There was no increased incidence of early or late infectious or noninfectious complications in those patients taking or not taking thiopurines or calcineurin inhibitors (within 30 days), or infliximab (within 90 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative exposure to thiopurines or calcineurin inhibitors (within 30 days) or infliximab (within 90 days) was not associated with increased postoperative complications in our cohort undergoing colectomy for UC or IBD-U.