High-sensitivity C-reactive protein for identification of disease phenotype, active disease, and clinical relapses in Crohn's disease: a marker for patient classification?

Assessment of IBD disease activity by Interleukin-6 and serum amyloid A in relation with fecal calprotectin and endoscopic indices

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Close monitoring of disease activity in IBD patients is essential to avoid long term complications. Although endoscopic assessment is the ideal monitoring tool, the usage of noninvasive biomarkers is more practical and patient friendly. We aimed to study the performance of Interleukin-6(IL-6) and Serum Amyloid A(SAA) as serum biomarkers in assessment of the disease activity of IBD patients in correlation to C-reactive protein (CRP), Fecal Calprotectin (FC) and endoscopic indices.

METHODS

83 IBD (26 CD and 57 UC) patients on stable treatment regimen were recruited. Serum markers included CRP, CBC, IL-6, SAA were analyzed, together with FC. These markers were compared with the endoscopic and clinical disease parameters. Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) and the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) were used to assess clinical activity in CD and UC patients, respectively. Endoscopic activity was recorded using the Simple Endoscopic Score (SES) for Crohn's disease or the Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES) for ulcerative colitis.

RESULTS

In prediction of disease activity, IL-6, SAA and CRP demonstrated good area under receiver operating characteristics (AUC) (>0.7), with FC being the best (0.94) for endoscopically active disease (P < 0.01). Combining FC and IL-6 or SAA improved its discriminative accuracy with an AUC (∼0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

FC most accurately predicts endoscopic disease activity in IBD patients, in comparison to other studied serological biomarkers. The serum IL-6 and SAA are potential predictors of endoscopic disease activity, and they might be valuable for assessment of disease activity. Finally, a composite score of FC and SAA or IL-6 can increased its diagnostic accuracy.

[Value of different endoscopic scoring methods in assessing disease activity in pediatric Crohn's disease]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the value of different endoscopic scoring methods in assessing disease activity in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

A total of 70 children diagnosed with CD at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2018 to January 2023 were included. Clinical disease activity was assessed using the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI), while different endoscopic scores were assigned based on endoscopic findings. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between each endoscopic scoring method and PCDAI as well as laboratory indicators. Kappa test was used to assess the consistency between colonoscopy/capsule endoscopy scoring methods and PCDAI in determining CD activity. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic efficacy of laboratory indicators in predicting endoscopic activity.

RESULTS

The PCDAI score showed a moderate positive correlation with the scores of Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS) (rs=0.696, P<0.01), Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease (SES-CD) (rs=0.680, P<0.01), Lewis Score (rs=0.540, P<0.01), and Capsule Endoscopy-Crohn's Disease Index (CE-CD) (rs=0.502, P<0.01). The consistency between all endoscopic scoring methods and PCDAI in determining CD activity was poor (Kappa=0.069-0.226). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), hematocrit (HCT), and serum albumin (ALB) levels showed a moderate correlation with the PCDAI score and the scores of colonoscopy scoring methods (CDEIS and SES-CD) (|rs|=0.581-0.725, P<0.01), but a weak correlation with the scores of capsule scoring methods (P<0.05). ESR and CRP had higher area under the curve (AUC) values in predicting disease activity based on PCDAI, CDEIS, SES-CD, and Lewis Score compared to HCT and ALB (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

CDEIS, SES-CD, Lewis Score, and CE-CD can be used to evaluate disease activity in pediatric CD, but they do not fully correspond with disease activity assessed by PCDAI. Elevated levels of ESR and CRP can predict clinical and endoscopic disease activity in children with CD.

C-reactive Protein: An Inflammatory Biomarker and a Predictor of Neurodegenerative Disease in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two chronic conditions of the digestive tract: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), representing a progressive inflammatory process that mainly occurs in the gut, with frequent extra-intestinal manifestations. Even if remission is periodically obtained for some patients, the histological activity and digestive symptoms may continue, maintaining a persistent systemic inflammation that could induce further extra-intestinal complications and contribute to the development of neurodegenerative disease. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant that is widely accepted as a dominant serum biomarker in IBD. CRP consequently activates the complement cascade, supports the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the clearance of microbial pathogens. All these processes facilitate further processes, including atherosclerosis and hypercoagulability, alteration of the intestinal microbiota, and the increased permeability of the intestinal barrier for neurotoxic substances produced by gut microorganisms, due to the presence of a high level of lipopolysaccharides. For IBD, the connection between intestinal inflammation and central nervous system inflammation could be explained through the activity of the vagus nerve, a carrier of cytokines, CRP, and toxic materials to the brain, potentially inducing vascular lesions and damage of the glial vascular unit, with further risk for degeneration within the central nervous system. CRP is a key marker for IBD pathogenesis and is able to dissociate into its monomeric form, mCRP, on contact with activated cell and tissue components via the systemic circulation. We hypothesize that the chronic inflammatory process within IBD could initiate neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, and therefore, further investigation of the significance of chronically raised plasma of CRP and mCRP in patients with IBD is warranted, as it may represent a critical predictive factor associated with a later neurodegenerative risk. Any future initiative aimed at pharmacologic modulation of CRP (e.g., blocking CRP-mCRP dissociation), could represent a new therapeutic approach protecting against intestinal inflammation and concomitantly reducing the risk of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline.

Comparison of Fecal Calprotectin and Myeloperoxidase in Predicting Outcomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Biomarkers have been proposed as surrogate treatment targets for the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, their relationship with IBD-related complications remains unclear. This study investigated the utility of neutrophil biomarkers fecal calprotectin (fCal) and fecal myeloperoxidase (fMPO) in predicting a complicated IBD course.

METHODS

Participants with IBD were followed for 24 months to assess for a complicated IBD course (incident corticosteroid use, medication escalation for clinical disease relapse, IBD-related hospitalizations/surgeries). Clinically active IBD was defined as Harvey-Bradshaw index >4 for Crohn's disease (CD) and simple clinical colitis activity index >5 for ulcerative colitis (UC). Area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curves (AUROC) and multivariable logistic regression assessed the performance of baseline symptom indices, fCal, and fMPO in predicting a complicated disease IBD course at 24 months.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-one participants were included (CD, n = 99; female, n = 90; median disease duration 13 years [interquartile range, 5-22]). Baseline fCal (250 μg/g; AUROC = 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.84) and fMPO (12 μg/g; AUROC = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.70-0.84) predicted a complicated IBD course. Fecal calprotectin (adjusted OR = 7.85; 95% CI, 3.38-18.26) and fMPO (adjusted OR = 4.43; 95% CI, 2.03-9.64) were associated with this end point after adjustment for other baseline variables including clinical disease activity. C-reactive protein (CRP) was inferior to fecal biomarkers and clinical symptoms (pdifference < .05) at predicting a complicated IBD course. A combination of baseline CRP, fCal/fMPO, and clinical symptoms provided the greatest precision at identifying a complicated IBD course.

CONCLUSIONS

Fecal biomarkers are independent predictors of IBD-related outcomes and are useful adjuncts to routine clinical care.

Role of Oncostatin M in the prognosis of inflammatory bowel disease: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine which is implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

AIM

To evaluate the prognostic role of OSM in IBD patients.

METHODS

Literature search was conducted in electronic databases (Google Scholar, Embase, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, and Wiley). Studies were selected if they reported prognostic information about OSM in IBD patients. Outcome data were synthesized, and meta-analyses were performed to estimate standardized mean differences (SMDs) in OSM levels between treatment responders and non-responders and to seek overall correlations of OSM with other inflammatory biomarkers.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies (818 Crohn's disease and 686 ulcerative colitis patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor-based therapies) were included. OSM levels were associated with IBD severity. A meta-analysis found significantly higher OSM levels in non-responders than in responders to therapy [SMD 0.80 (0.33, 1.27); P = 0.001], in non-remitters than in remitters [SMD 0.75 (95%CI: 0.35 to 1.16); P < 0.0001] and in patients with no mucosal healing than in those with mucosal healing [SMD 0.63 (0.30, 0.95); P < 0.0001]. Area under receiver operator curve values showed considerable variability between studies but in general higher OSM levels were associated with poor prognosis. OSM had significant correlations with Simple Endoscopic Score of Crohn's disease [r = 0.47 (95%CI: 0.25 to 0.64); P < 0.0001], Mayo Endoscopic Score [r = 0.35 (95%CI: 0.28 to 0.41); P < 0.0001], fecal calprotectin [r = 0.19 (95%CI: 0.08 to 0.3); P = 0.001], C-reactive protein [r = 0.25 (95%CI: 0.11 to 0.39); P < 0.0001], and platelet count [r = 0.28 (95%CI: 0.17 to 0.39); P < 0.0001].

CONCLUSION

OSM is a potential candidate for determining the severity of disease and predicting the outcomes of anti-tumor necrosis factor-based therapies in IBD patients.

Impact of Baseline Disease Activity and Trial Duration on Efficacy of Biologics in Active Crohn's Disease: Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Timings of assessment of efficacy and criteria used to define Crohn's disease (CD) activity at baseline may affect therapeutic gain of active drug over placebo in induction of remission trials in CD, but these issues have not been assessed systematically. We examined these issues in a meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched the literature to June 2022 for randomized controlled trials of biologics vs placebo in active CD. We extracted clinical remission and response rates according to criteria used to define CD activity and time point of assessment, pooling them in a meta-analysis for all patients according to previous biologic exposure. We calculated the number needed to treat (NNT), with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess therapeutic gain of active drug over placebo according to these characteristics of trial design.

RESULTS

We identified 20 induction of remission trials (6754 patients). Rates of clinical remission were highest (42.6% with active drug vs 21.0% with placebo) and NNT lowest (5; 95% CI, 3-7.5) in trials using clinical and endoscopic activity to define active CD. Rates of remission were lower (26.5% with active drug, vs 18.6% with placebo) and NNT highest (12; 95% CI, 6-61) in trials using clinical activity alone. Results were similar according to previous biologic exposure. Time point of assessment seemed to have less of an effect, although the NNT was lowest in trials assessing remission rates at 9 to 12 weeks (NNT = 5.5; 95% CI, 4-8). Again, results were similar according to previous biologic exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the criteria used to define CD activity at study entry and the time point used to confirm efficacy may be important in maximizing therapeutic gain of active drug over placebo.

Clinical implication of radiologic complete remission on Crohn's Disease: Compared with endoscopic remission

OBJECTIVES

To determine the clinical implications of radiologic complete remission (CR) in Crohn's disease (CD) evaluated by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in comparison with endoscopic CR.

METHODS

Twenty-five CD patients who achieved endoscopic CR after medical treatment were retrospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent ileocolonoscopy, CT, or MRE at baseline, at the time of endoscopic CR, and during follow-up. Two radiologists assessed the mural and perienteric abnormalities on pre- and post-treatment CT or MRE in consensus. Patients were divided into radiologic CR and non-CR groups at the time of endoscopic CR. CD recurrence during subsequent follow-up periods was evaluated using clinical, laboratory, and CT/MRI findings. Statistical analysis was performed to assess whether there were significant differences in patient outcomes between the groups.

RESULTS

At the time of endoscopic CR, nine patients (mean age, 36.6 years) showed normalization of all radiologic features and were designated as the radiologic CR group. However, 16 patients (mean age: 32.9 years) showed residual CT/MRE abnormalities, suggesting persistent active inflammation, and were designated as the radiologic non-CR group. During follow-up, there was a significant difference between the groups regarding clinical outcomes (deep CR, 8/9 vs 5/16, P = 0.011; CD recurrence, 1/9 vs 14/16, P < 0.001). The mean fecal calprotectin level was significantly lower in the radiologic CR group (287.5 ug/g) than in the non-CR group (652.4 ug/g) (P = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiologic CR can represent a better therapeutic endpoint in CD, showing superiority over endoscopic CR in predicting both clinical and biochemical outcomes.

Poor Concordance Between Clinical Activity and Endoscopic Severity in Pediatric Crohn's Disease: Before and After Induction Therapy

OBJECTIVES AND STUDY

Endoscopic assessments of disease activity are important to diagnose and evaluate treatment responses in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). However, the invasiveness of endoscopy limits the application of this technique in routine examination. Thus, interest has been increasing in identifying noninvasive surrogate markers to predict endoscopic CD activity.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed pediatric patients with new-onset CD from January 2013 to December 2018 at Zhejiang University Affiliated Children's Hospital. The disease severity was scored according to the Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS). Routine blood tests were determined individually. Clinical activity was assessed based on the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI).

RESULTS

A total of 91 patients with CD had undergone one or more ileocolonoscopies (n = 146), the mean CDEIS for all the pediatric patients with CD was 7.0 (95% CI 5.7-8.2), and the mean PCDAI was 20.9 (95% CI 18.3-23.5). Pearson's linear analysis of the CDEIS and PCDAI in pediatric patients with CD showed a moderate correlation (r = 0.508, P < 0.001). Weak correlations were found between the PCDAI and CDEIS at the first diagnosis (r = 0.408, P < 0.001) and after completing induction therapy (r = 0.286, P < 0.05). Routine blood tests also did not correlate well with the CDEIS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified weak correlations between the PCDAI and CDEIS in assessing pediatric patients with CD severity both at first diagnosis and after induction therapy. A comprehensive assessment of PCDAI, CDEIS and multiple laboratory factors should be performed at diagnosis and during the follow-up of patients with CD.

Gut Microbiota Is a Potential Biomarker in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is characterized by relapse and remission alternately. It remains a great challenge to diagnose and assess disease activity during IBD due to the lack of specific markers. While traditional biomarkers from plasma and stool, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), fecal calprotectin (FC), and S100A12, can be used to measure inflammation, they are not specific to IBD and difficult to determine an effective cut-off value. There is consensus that gut microbiota is crucial for intestinal dysbiosis is closely associated with IBD etiopathology and pathogenesis. Multiple studies have documented differences in the composition of gut microbiota between patients with IBD and healthy individuals, particularly regarding microbial diversity and relative abundance of specific bacteria. Patients with IBD have higher levels of Proteobacteria and lower amounts of Bacteroides, Eubacterium, and Faecalibacterium than healthy individuals. This review summarizes the pros and cons of using traditional and microbiota biomarkers to assess disease severity and treatment outcomes and addresses the possibility of using microbiota-focused interventions during IBD treatment. Understanding the role of microbial biomarkers in the assessment of disease activity and treatment outcomes has the potential to change clinical practice and lead to the development of more personalized therapies.

A Role for CXCR3 Ligands as Biomarkers of Post-Operative Crohn's Disease Recurrence

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Crohn's disease [CD] recurrence following ileocolic resection [ICR] is common. We sought to identify blood-based biomarkers associated with CD recurrence.

METHODS

CD patients undergoing ICR were recruited across six centres. Serum samples were obtained at post-operative colonoscopy. A multiplex immunoassay was used to analyse 92 inflammation-related proteins [Olink Proteomics]. Bayesian analysis was used to identify proteins associated with increasing Rutgeerts score. Identified proteins were used in receiver operating characteristic [ROC] analysis to examine the ability to identify CD recurrence [Rutgeerts score ≥i2]. Existing single cell data were interrogated to further elucidate the role of the identified proteins.

RESULTS

Data from 276 colonoscopies in 213 patients were available. Median time from surgery to first and second colonoscopy was 7 (interquartile range [IQR] 6-9) and 19 [IQR 16-23] months, respectively. Disease recurrence was evident at 60 [30%] first and 36 [49%] second colonoscopies. Of 14 proteins significantly associated with Rutgeerts score, the strongest signal was seen for CXCL9 and MMP1. Among patients on anti-tumour necrosis factor drugs, CXCL9 and CXCL11 were most strongly associated with Rutgeerts score. Both are CXCR3 ligands. Incorporation of identified proteins into ROC analysis improved the ability to identify disease recurrence as compared to C-reactive protein alone: area under the curve [AUC] 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66-0.82] vs 0.64 [95% CI 0.56-0.72], p = 0.012. Single cell transcriptomic data provide evidence that innate immune cells are the primary source of the identified proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

CXCR3 ligands are associated with CD recurrence following ICR. Incorporation of novel blood-based candidate biomarkers may aid in identification of CD recurrence.

The Effect of Early vs Delayed Initiation of Adalimumab on Remission Rates in Patients With Crohn's Disease With Poor Prognostic Factors: The MODIFY Study

Background

Data on the effectiveness of anti-tumor necrosis factor medications in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) with poor prognostic factors (PPFs) are scarce. This study aimed to generate real-world evidence on the effect of early (≤24 months after diagnosis) vs delayed (>24 months) initiation of adalimumab (ADL) on the 26-week remission rate (Harvey-Bradshaw Index ≤4) in these patients.

Methods

This multicentre, retrospective, chart review study performed in 10 Greek hospitals enrolled adult patients with moderate to severe CD (Harvey-Bradshaw Index ≥8) with ≥3 PPFs who were initiated on ADL ≥12 months before enrollment. A sample size of 164 patients (early:delayed cohort allocation ratio, 30:70) was required to address the primary endpoint.

Results

Eligible patients (n = 171) were consecutively enrolled. In the early vs delayed cohorts, the 26-week remission rates (off-steroids) using the last-observation-carried-forward imputation method were 60.7% (37/61) vs 47.2% (50/106), respectively (Δ = 13.5%, P = .044). The respective remission rates were 61.2% vs 42.4% among anti-tumor necrosis factor-naive patients (P = .023) and 58.3% vs 53.2% among anti-tumor necrosis factor-experienced patients (P = .374). The 52-week remission rates using as-observed data were 78.8% and 60.3%, and the intestinal resection rates were 6.5% and 11.9% in the early vs delayed ADL cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with CD with PPFs who received early vs delayed treatment with ADL achieved higher clinical response and remission rates. This effect was more pronounced in those patients who were bio-naive and steroid-dependent/refractory with concurrent extraintestinal manifestations than those who were not.

Association of Serum Neuron-Specific Enolase and C-Reactive Protein With Disease Location and Endoscopic Inflammation Degree in Patients With Crohn's Disease

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the association between serum markers neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and C-reactive protein (CRP) with intestinal lesion location and degree of inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Design: The levels of serum NSE, CRP, and fecal calprotectin (FC) in patients with CD were analyzed retrospectively. The severity of inflammatory lesions in the intestinal wall was accessed using the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD). Results: The levels of NSE in patients with CD were higher than those of healthy individuals (14.87 vs. 12.68 ng/ml, P < 0.001). The levels of CRP in patients with CD were higher than those of healthy individuals (12.30 vs. 3.40 mg/l, P < 0.001). The FC levels in patients with CD were higher than those of patients with non-inflammatory bowel disease (1,143.90 vs. 114.21 μg/g, P < 0.05). The levels of NSE in CD with ileal lesions and simultaneous ileal and colon lesions were significantly higher than those in patients with CD with colonic lesions. However, the CRP was higher in patients with colonic lesions than those with ileal lesions. The levels of NSE in patients with severe inflammation were higher than those in patients with moderate inflammation (15.95 vs. 13.89 ng/ml, P < 0.05). Similarly, the NSE levels in patients with CD with severe inflammation were higher than those in patients with CD with mild inflammation (15.95 vs. 13.53 ng/mL, P < 0.05). The levels of CRP in severe inflammation were higher than those in moderate inflammation (29.80 vs. 19.60 mg/l, P < 0.05). In addition, the CRP levels in severe inflammation were higher than those in mild inflammation (29.80 vs. 5.86 mg/l, P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that when NSE was combined with CRP for distinguishing between patients with CD and those without CD, sensitivity increased to 80.41%, specificity increased to 74.66%, and a highest AUC was equal to 0.843. Conclusion: Our study shows that serum NSE and CRP can be used to assess the severity of CD as well as the location of intestinal involvement. Therefore, NSE and CRP could be used as the non-invasive tests in detecting the location and severity of disease in patients with CD in daily routine practice.

Dietary patterns, food groups and nutrients in Crohn's disease: associations with gut and systemic inflammation

This study examined associations between dietary intake and gut and systemic inflammation assessed by fecal calprotectin ≤ or > 100 μg/mg (FCP), C-reactive protein ≤ or > 5 mg/L (CRP) and serum cytokine profiles in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients in clinical remission. A 3-month observational study was conducted at the University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, Canada between 2016 and 2018 in 66 outpatients with CD in clinical remission. FCP was obtained from stool samples at baseline and 3-months and serum CRP and serum cytokines were assessed at 3-months only (n = 41). Dietary intakes were collected using 3-day food records at baseline and 3-months and categorized as: PREDIMED Mediterranean diet scores (pMDS) total and individual components, the dietary inflammatory index (DII), food groups, and common micro- and macro-nutrients. Statistical models were developed to identify relationships between dietary factors and FCP, CRP and cytokine levels. Daily intake of leafy green vegetables was associated with FCP ≤ 100 μg/mg (p < 0.05). Increasing omega 6:3 ratio was associated with CRP ≤ 5 mg/L (p = 0.02). Different cytokines were significantly associated with various dietary variables. Future studies in patients with greater disease activity should be undertaken to explore these relationships.

Peroxiredoxin 1 as an inflammatory marker in diarrhea-predominant and postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

Low-grade inflammation occurs in some patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the exact inflammatory markers of IBS and the relationship of these markers with IBS subtypes and symptoms are poorly defined. Peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) plays an important role in inflammatory responses, including intestinal inflammation. We investigated whether PRDX1 is associated with the diagnosis, subtypes, and symptom severity of IBS.

METHODS

A total of 177 IBS patients and 174 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. The PRDX1 levels in the sera and colonic mucosa of the participants were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunohistochemistry. The severity of IBS symptoms was assessed using the IBS Severity Scoring System (SSS) questionnaire.

RESULTS

The PRDX1 levels in the sera (F = 71.81, P < .001) and colonic mucosa (F = 5.359, P < .001) of postinfectious (PI-IBS) and diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) groups were significantly higher than those of the other three IBS subtypes and HC group. The PRDX1 level in the serum and colonic mucosa of IBS-D (serum, P < .01, mucosa, P < .001) and PI-IBS (serum, P < .05, mucosa, P < .001) groups with the most severe symptoms was significantly higher than that in the groups with mild and moderate symptoms. Correlation analysis revealed that in patients with IBS-D (P < .001) and PI-IBS (P < .05), the levels of PRDX1 and TNF-α in sera had a significant positive correlation with IBS-SSS.

CONCLUSION

Elevated PRDX1 in the serum and colon mucosa may be closely related to the progression of IBS (especially IBS-D and PI-IBS) and the expression of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Objective evaluation for treat to target in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic and destructive bowel disease; continued disease activity can lead to penetrating complications. With the recent advent of effective medications, the importance of using a treat-to-target approach to guide therapy is becoming important.

METHODS

In this review, we reviewed the previous evidence for evaluating CD lesions.

RESULTS

We describe ileocolonoscopy's role in assessing disease activity, as well as recent progress in modalities, such as balloon-assisted endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, magnetic resonance enterography, computed tomography enterography, and ultrasonography. Advances in modalities have changed CD assessment, with small-bowel involvement becoming more important.

CONCLUSIONS

Proper optimization is necessary in clinical practice.

Transcribed ultraconserved region (T-UCR) uc.261 expression is closely correlated with disease activity and intestinal permeability in Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVES

Transcribed ultraconserved region (T-UCR) uc.261 is reported to participate in intestinal mucosa barrier damage in Crohn's disease (CD). The aim of this study was to determine the association with disease activity and intestinal permeability.

METHODS

Uc.261 level in colon mucosa and Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) were evaluated in 20 active CD patients. Uc.261 expression and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) were determined in Caco2 and T84 cells treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), respectively. Body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, histological index (HI), intestinal permeability to FITC-dextran, uc.261, and tight junction proteins (TJPs) levels were evaluated in BALB/C mice treated with saline enema, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)/ethanol enema, and anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody injection, respectively.

RESULTS

Uc.261 expression was overexpressed in CD patients, TNF-α treated cells, and colitis mice. Uc.261 expression was positively correlated with HBI (r = 0.582, p = 0.007) in CD patients, and positively correlated with TNF-α concentration and negatively correlated TEER in Caco2 and T84 cells (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, uc.261 was positively correlated with DAI (r = 0.824, p = 0.008), HI (r = 0.672, p = 0.021), and intestinal permeability (r = 0.636, p = 0.012), while negatively correlated with body weight (r = -0.574, p = 0.035), colon length (r = -0.866, p = 0.017), and TJP expression (all p < 0.05) in colitis mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Uc.261 expression was closely correlated with disease activity and intestinal permeability in CD. Anti-TNF-α treatment may play its role through suppressing uc.261 expression in colitis mice.

Predictive parameters for the clinical course of Crohn's disease: development of a simple and reliable risk model

PURPOSE

The aim of our study was to identify clinical parameters in recently diagnosed Crohn's disease (CD) patients for prediction of their disease course.

METHODS

EPIC (Early Predictive parameters of Immunosuppressive therapy in Crohn's disease) is a prospective, observational study in 341 patients with a recent CD diagnosis (≤ 6 months), and naïve to immunosuppressants (IS) and anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) agents. Patient characteristics were documented up to 2 years. In line with national and international guidelines, a complicated disease course was defined as need for immunosuppressants and/or anti-TNF agents, and CD-related hospitalization with or without immunosuppressants and/or anti-TNF agents.

RESULTS

A total of 212 CD patients were analyzed of whom 57 (27%) had an uncomplicated disease within 24 months, while 155 (73%) had a complicated disease course: need for IS and/or anti-TNF agents (N = 115), CD-related hospitalization with or without IS/anti-TNF agents (N = 40). Identified risk predictors for a complicated disease were as follows: age at onset < 40 years (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.2-4.5), anemia (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.1-4.2), and treatment with systemic corticosteroids at first flare (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1-4.7). These three parameters were used to develop a risk model allowing prediction of the future disease course.

CONCLUSION

Our three-parameter model enables an assessment of each CD patient's risk to develop a complicated disease course. Due to the easy accessibility of these parameters, this model can be utilized in daily clinical care to assist selecting the initial treatment for each individual patient.

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Luminal Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Crohn's disease (CD) is a lifelong illness with substantial morbidity, although new therapies and treatment paradigms have been developed. We provide guidance for treatment of ambulatory patients with mild to severe active luminal CD.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review to identify published studies of the management of CD. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Statements were developed through an iterative online platform and then finalized and voted on by a group of specialists.

RESULTS

The consensus includes 41 statements focused on 6 main drug classes: antibiotics, 5-aminosalicylate, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologic therapies, and other therapies. The group suggested against the use of antibiotics or 5-aminosalicylate as induction or maintenance therapies. Corticosteroid therapies (including budesonide) can be used as induction, but not maintenance therapies. Among immunosuppressants, thiopurines should not be used for induction, but can be used for maintenance therapy for selected low-risk patients. Parenteral methotrexate was proposed for induction and maintenance therapy in patients with corticosteroid-dependent CD. Biologic agents, including tumor necrosis factor antagonists, vedolizumab, and ustekinumab, were recommended for patients failed by conventional induction therapies and as maintenance therapy. The consensus group was unable to clearly define the role of concomitant immunosuppressant therapies in initiation of treatment with a biologic agent.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal management of CD requires careful patient assessment, acknowledgement of patient preferences, evidence-based use of existing therapies, and thorough assessment to define treatment success.

Targeting mucosal healing in Crohn's disease: what the clinician needs to know

In recent years, mucosal healing has emerged as a key therapeutic goal in the clinical management of patients with Crohn's disease, as it has been associated with improved long-term clinical outcomes. With the vast improvements in endoscopic imaging techniques and the increase in available treatment options, which reportedly are able to induce mucosal healing, the practising physician is left to wonder: how is endoscopic mucosal healing exactly defined in Crohn's disease, and how can it effectively be achieved and monitored in daily clinical practice? Within this review, we will give an overview of the ongoing debate about the definition of mucosal healing and the modalities to monitor inflammation, and finally present available therapies with the capacity to induce mucosal healing.

Update on C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin: are they accurate measures of disease activity in Crohn's disease?

'Treat-to-target' paradigms in Crohn's disease (CD) directed at suppressing intestinal inflammation require accurate and reliable measures of disease activity. Although endoscopy has traditionally been considered a gold standard, cost, complexity, resource limitations, and invasiveness are important limitations. Hence, substantial interest exists for non-invasive serum and fecal biomarkers, namely C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin (FC), in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of CD. Areas covered: We review the evidence for using serum CRP and FC in distinguishing patients with CD from those with irritable bowel syndrome, categorizing disease activity among patients with an established diagnosis of CD, predicting the likelihood of treatment response, identifying asymptomatic patients in medically or surgically induced remission who are at risk for disease relapse, and as treatment targets. Expert commentary: Accurate interpretation of CRP and FC is dependent on several factors including the clinical context, the performance characteristics of the assay, the specified test cut-offs, and the pre-test probability of disease. Emerging evidence indicates that CRP and FC are valuable adjuncts for the management of CD in specific circumstances described in this review.

Evolution of treatment targets in Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, associated with significantly morbidity due to both symptoms and complications that have a considerable detrimental impact on a patient's quality of life. An early treat to target approach with disease modifying agents has been shown to significantly improve long term outcomes, demonstrated by a number of therapeutic targets in a number of modalities. This review will outline the current treatment targets and measures of disease burden in Crohn's disease.

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Medical Management of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: The Toronto Consensus

BACKGROUND

Fistulas occur in about 25% of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and can be difficult to treat. The aim of this consensus was to provide guidance for the management of patients with perianal fistulizing CD.

METHODS

A systematic literature search identified studies on the management of fistulizing CD. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Statements were developed through an iterative online platform using a modified Delphi process, then finalized, and voted on by a group of specialists.

RESULTS

The quality of evidence for treatment of fistulizing CD was generally of very low quality, and because of the scarcity of good randomized controlled trials (RCTs), these consensus statements generally provide conditional suggestions (5 of 7 statements). Imaging and surgical consultations were recommended in the initial assessment of patients with active fistulizing CD, particularly those with complicated disease. Antibiotic therapy is useful for initial symptom control. Antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy was recommended to induce symptomatic response, and continued use was suggested to achieve and maintain complete remission. The use of concomitant immunosuppressant therapies may be useful to optimize pharmacokinetic parameters when initiating anti-TNF therapy. When there has been an inadequate symptomatic response to medical management strategies, surgical therapy may provide effective fistula healing for some patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal management of perianal fistulizing CD requires a collaborative effort between gastroenterologists and surgeons and may include the evidence-based use of existing therapies, as well as surgical assessments and interventions when needed. 10.1093/ibd/izy247_video1izy247.video15978518763001.

Investigation of novel biomarkers for predicting the clinical course in patients with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

The clinical course of ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by repeated episodes of relapse and remission. We hypothesized that biomarkers that help distinguish refractory UC patients who are in remission using strong anti-immunotherapy could contribute in preventing the overuse of corticosteroids for treatment. Here, we clarified novel autoantibodies for UC patients in remission as clinical indicators to distinguish between refractory and non-refractory UC.

METHODS

Antigen proteins recognized by serum antibodies of patients with UC in remission were screened using the protein array method. To validate the results, AlphaLISA was used to analyze the serum antibody titers with candidate protein antigens. Serum samples from 101 healthy controls, 121 patients with UC, and 39 patients with Crohn's disease were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 66 candidate protein antigens screened by ProtoArray™, six were selected for this study. The serum titers of anti-poly ADP-ribose glycohydrolase (PARG), anti-transcription elongation factor A protein-like 1, and anti-proline-rich 13 (PRR13) antibodies were significantly higher in patients with UC than in healthy controls. Anti-PARG and anti-PRR13 antibody titers were significantly higher in patients with refractory UC than in patients with non-refractory UC. There were no significant differences in any antibody titer between the active and remission phases.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum titers of anti-PARG, anti-transcription elongation factor A protein-like 1, and anti-PRR13 antibodies were elevated in patients with UC. Anti-PARG and anti-PRR13 antibody titers may be novel clinical indicators for detecting refractory UC in patients in remission.

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Medical Management of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: The Toronto Consensus

Background

Fistulas occur in about 25% of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and can be difficult to treat. The aim of this consensus was to provide guidance for the management of patients with perianal fistulizing CD.

Methods

A systematic literature search identified studies on the management of fistulizing CD. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Statements were developed through an iterative online platform using a modified Delphi process, then finalized, and voted on by a group of specialists.

Results

The quality of evidence for treatment of fistulizing CD was generally of very low quality, and because of the scarcity of good randomized controlled trials (RCTs), these consensus statements generally provide conditional suggestions (5 of 7 statements). Imaging and surgical consultations were recommended in the initial assessment of patients with active fistulizing CD, particularly those with complicated disease. Antibiotic therapy is useful for initial symptom control. Antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy was recommended to induce symptomatic response, and continued use was suggested to achieve and maintain complete remission. The use of concomitant immunosuppressant therapies may be useful to optimize pharmacokinetic parameters when initiating anti-TNF therapy. When there has been an inadequate symptomatic response to medical management strategies, surgical therapy may provide effective fistula healing for some patients.

Conclusions

Optimal management of perianal fistulizing CD requires a collaborative effort between gastroenterologists and surgeons and may include the evidence-based use of existing therapies, as well as surgical assessments and interventions when needed.

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Luminal Crohn's Disease

Background & Aims

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a lifelong illness with substantial morbidity, although new therapies and treatment paradigms have been developed. We provide guidance for treatment of ambulatory patients with mild to severe active luminal CD.

Methods

We performed a systematic review to identify published studies of the management of CD. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Statements were developed through an iterative online platform and then finalized and voted on by a group of specialists.

Results

The consensus includes 41 statements focused on 6 main drug classes: antibiotics, 5-aminosalicylate, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologic therapies, and other therapies. The group suggested against the use of antibiotics or 5-aminosalicylate as induction or maintenance therapies. Corticosteroid therapies (including budesonide) can be used as induction, but not maintenance therapies. Among immunosuppressants, thiopurines should not be used for induction, but can be used for maintenance therapy for selected low-risk patients. Parenteral methotrexate was proposed for induction and maintenance therapy in patients with corticosteroid-dependent CD. Biologic agents, including tumor necrosis factor antagonists, vedolizumab, and ustekinumab, were recommended for patients failed by conventional induction therapies and as maintenance therapy. The consensus group was unable to clearly define the role of concomitant immunosuppressant therapies in initiation of treatment with a biologic agent.

Conclusions

Optimal management of CD requires careful patient assessment, acknowledgement of patient preferences, evidence-based use of existing therapies, and thorough assessment to define treatment success.

[Monitoring Disease Activity: How and When?]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, idiopathic inflammatory disease of gastrointestinal tract with waxing and waning clinical course, which may lead to irreversible bowel damage and a loss of bowel function. Cumulative intestinal damage results in complications such as stricture or fistulae, and eventually a large number of IBD patients undergo surgery. Notably, even during remission period (no clinical symptoms), subclinical inflammation often persists and the disease continues to progress. Therefore, the therapeutic target of IBD has been evolving from symptomatic control to mucosal healing to prevent structural intestinal damage. To achieve therapeutic goals in IBD, it is important to optimize therapy according to disease severity and response to treatment. Therefore, monitoring disease activity is recommended throughout the disease course of IBD. Especially strategies to monitor disease beyond symptoms through endoscopy, laboratory markers, and imaging is required.

Predicting and explaining inflammation in Crohn's disease patients using predictive analytics methods and electronic medical record data

Crohn's disease is among the chronic inflammatory bowel diseases that impact the gastrointestinal tract. Understanding and predicting the severity of inflammation in real-time settings is critical to disease management. Extant literature has primarily focused on studies that are conducted in clinical trial settings to investigate the impact of a drug treatment on the remission status of the disease. This research proposes an analytics methodology where three different types of prediction models are developed to predict and to explain the severity of inflammation in patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease. The results show that machine-learning-based analytic methods such as gradient boosting machines can predict the inflammation severity with a very high accuracy (area under the curve = 92.82%), followed by regularized regression and logistic regression. According to the findings, a combination of baseline laboratory parameters, patient demographic characteristics, and disease location are among the strongest predictors of inflammation severity in Crohn's disease patients.

Fecal calprotectin measurement is a marker of short-term clinical outcome and presence of mucosal healing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

AIM

To evaluate the utility of fecal calprotectin (FC) in predicting relapse and endoscopic activity during follow-up in an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cohort.

METHODS

All FC measurements that were obtained during a 3-year period from patients with inflammatory bowel disease in clinical remission were identified. Data regarding the short-term (6 mo) course of the disease were extracted from the medical files. Exclusion criteria were defined as: (1) An established flare of the disease at the time of FC measurement, (2) Loss to follow up within 6 mo from baseline FC measurement, and, (3) Insufficient data on file. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate whether baseline FC measurement could predict the short term clinical relapse and/or the presence of mucosal healing.

RESULTS

We included 149 [Crohn’s disease (CD) = 113, Ulcerative colitis (UC) = 36, male = 77] IBD patients in our study. Within the determined 6-month period post-FC measurement, 47 (31.5%) had a disease flare. Among 76 patients who underwent endoscopy, 39 (51.3%) had mucosal healing. Baseline FC concentrations were significantly higher in those who had clinical relapse compared to those who remained in remission during follow up (481.0 μg/g, 286.0-600.0 vs 89.0, 36.0-180.8, P < 0.001). The significant predictive value of baseline median with IQR FC for clinical relapse was confirmed by multivariate Cox analysis [HR for 100μg/g: 1.75 (95%CI: 1.28-2.39), P = 0.001]. Furthermore, lower FC baseline values significantly correlated to the presence of mucosal healing in endoscopy (69.0 μg/g, 30.0-128.0 vs 481.0, 278.0-600.0, in those with mucosal inflammation, median with IQR, P < 0.001). We were able to extract cut-off values for FC concentration with a high sensitivity and specificity for predicting clinical relapse (261 μg/g with AUC = 0.901, sensitivity 87.2%, specificity 85.3%, P < 0.001) or mucosal healing (174 μg/g with AUC = 0.956, sensitivity 91.9%, specificity 87.2%, P < 0.001). FC was better than CRP in predicting either outcome; nevertheless, having a pathological CRP (> 5 mg/L) in addition to the cut-offs for FC, significantly enhanced the specificity for predicting clinical relapse (95.1% from 85.3%) or endoscopic activity (100% from 87.2%).

CONCLUSION

Serial FC measurements may be useful in monitoring IBD patients in remission, as FC appears to be a reliable predictor of short-term relapse and endoscopic activity.

Disease Phenotype, Activity and Clinical Course Prediction Based on C-Reactive Protein Levels at Diagnosis in Patients with Crohn's Disease: Results from the CONNECT Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an easily measured index of disease activity, but its ability to predict clinical course is controversial. We therefore designed a study to determine whether the CRP level at Crohn's disease (CD) diagnosis is a valuable indicator of the disease phenotype, activity, and clinical course.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 705 CD patients from 32 institutions. The patients were classified into two groups according to CRP level. The patients' demographic and clinical characteristics and their use of immunosuppressive or biological agents were recorded. Disease location and behavior, hospitalization, and surgery were analyzed.

RESULTS

A high CRP was associated with younger age, steroid use, colonic or ileocolonic location, high CD activity index, and active inflammation at colonoscopy (p<0.001). As the disease progressed, patients with high CRP were more likely to exhibit strictures (p=0.027). There were significant differences in the use of 5-aminosalicylic acid, antibiotics, corticosteroids, azathioprine, and infliximab (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.023, respectively). Hospitalization was also more frequent in patients with high CRP.

CONCLUSIONS

The CRP level at diagnosis is useful for evaluating the phenotype, activity, and clinical course of CD. Closer follow-up strategies, with early aggressive treatment, could be considered for patients with high CRP.

Elevated C-reactive protein level during clinical remission can predict poor outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease

Intestinal inflammation and mucosal damage in Crohn’s disease (CD) are believed to progress even during clinical remission. We investigated the long-term prognosis of CD patients in clinical remission according to serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. This study included 339 CD patients in clinical remission (Crohn’s disease activity index < 150) for more than 6 months between January 2008 and December 2010. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients with normal and elevated CRP levels during clinical remission. During clinical remission, 150 patients had normal CRP consistently and 189 had elevated CRP at least once. During follow-up (median, 7.9 years [interquartile range, 6.8–8.0]), the Kaplan–Meier analysis with the log-rank test showed that normal CRP group had a longer CD-related hospitalization-free survival (P = 0.007) and a longer CD-related intestinal resection-free survival (P = 0.046) than elevated CRP group. In multivariate analysis, elevated CRP was significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of subsequent CD-related hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.787, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.245–2.565, P = 0.002) and of subsequent CD-related intestinal resection (aHR 1.726, 95% CI: 1.003–2.969, P = 0.049). The most common reason for CD-related hospitalization was penetrating complications (35.6%). Even when CD patients are in clinical remission, elevated CRP is significantly associated with subsequent CD-related hospitalization and CD-related intestinal resection during follow-up. CD patients in clinical remission but elevated CRP should receive more careful attention and timely interventions to improve long-term outcomes.

Management of Crohn's disease in Taiwan: consensus guideline of the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. CD is rare in Taiwan and other Asian countries, but its prevalence and incidence have been steadily increasing. A steering committee was established by the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease to formulate statements on the diagnosis and management of CD taking into account currently available evidence and the expert opinion of the committee. Thorough clinical, endoscopic, and histological assessments are required for accurate diagnosis of CD. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are complementary to endoscopic evaluation for disease staging and detecting complications. The goals of CD management are to induce and maintain remission, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life. Corticosteroids are the mainstay for inducing re-mission. Immunomodulating and biologic therapies should be used to maintain remission. Patients should be evaluated for hepatitis B virus and tuberculosis infection prior to treatment and receive regular surveillance for cancer. These consensus statements are based on current local evidence with consideration of factors, and could be serve as concise and practical guidelines for supporting clinicians in the management of patients with CD in Taiwan.

Prediction of Short- and Medium-term Efficacy of Biosimilar Infliximab Therapy. Do Trough Levels and Antidrug Antibody Levels or Clinical And Biochemical Markers Play the More Important Role?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Biosimilar infliximab CT-P13 received European Medicines Agency [EMA] approval in June 2013 for all indications of the originator product. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the predictors of short- and medium-term clinical outcome in patients treated with the biosimilar infliximab at the participating inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] centres in Hungary.

METHODS

Demographic data were collected and a harmonised monitoring strategy was applied. Clinical and biochemical activities were evaluated at Weeks 14, 30, and 54. Trough level [TL] and anti-drug antibody [ADA] concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] [LT-005, Theradiag, France] at baseline at 14, 30 and 54 weeks and in two centres at Weeks 2 and 6.

RESULTS

A total of 291 consecutive IBD patients (184 Crohn's disease [CD] and 107 ulcerative colitis [UC]) were included. In UC, TLs at Week 2 predicted both clinical response and remission at Weeks 14 and 30 (clinical response/remission at Week 14: area under the curve [AUC] = 0.81, p < 0.001, cut-off: 11.5 μg/ml/AUC = 0.79, p < 0.001, cut-off: 15.3μg/ml; clinical response/remission at Week 30: AUC = 0.79, p = 0.002, cut-off: 11.5 μg/ml/AUC = 0.74, p = 0.006, cut-off: 14.5 μg/ml), whereas ADA positivity at Week 14 was inversely associated with clinical response at Week 30 [58.3% vs 84.8% ,p = 0.04]. Previous anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] exposure was inversely associated with short-term clinical remission [Week 2: 18.8% vs 47.8%, p = 0.03, at Week 6: 38.9% vs 69.7%, p = 0.013, at Week 14: 37.5% vs 2.5%, p = 0.06]. In CD, TLs at Week 2 predicted short-term [Week 14 response/remission, AUCTLweek2 = 0.715-0.721, p = 0.05/0.005] but not medium-term clinical efficacy. In addition, early ADA status by Week 14 [p = 0.04-0.05 for Weeks 14 and 30], early clinical response [p < 0.001 for Weeks 30/54] and normal C-reactive protein [CRP] at Week 14 [p = 0.005-0.0001] and previous anti-TNF exposure [p = 0.03-0.0001 for Weeks 14, 30, and 54] were associated with short-and medium-term clinical response and remission.

CONCLUSIONS

In UC, early TLs were predictive for short- and medium-term clinical efficacy, whereas in CD, Week 2 TLs were associated only with short-term clinical outcomes.

Clinical Utility of Fecal Calprotectin Monitoring in Asymptomatic Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Practical Guide

BACKGROUND

In asymptomatic patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), "monitoring" involves repeated testing aimed at early recognition of disease exacerbation. We aimed to determine the usefulness of repeated fecal calprotectin (FC) measurements to predict IBD relapses by a systematic literature review.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane from inception to April 2016. Inclusion criteria were prospective studies that followed patients with IBD in remission at baseline and had at least 2 consecutive FC measurements with a test interval of 2 weeks to 6 months. Methodological assessment was based on the second Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) checklist.

RESULTS

A total of 1719 articles were identified; 193 were retrieved for full text review. Six studies met eligibility for inclusion. The time interval between FC tests varied between 1 and 3 months. Asymptomatic patients with IBD who had repeated FC measurements above the study's cutoff level had a 53% to 83% probability of developing disease relapse within the next 2 to 3 months. Patients with repeated normal FC values had a 67% to 94% probability to remain in remission in the next 2 to 3 months. The ideal FC cutoff for monitoring could not be identified because of the limited number studies meeting inclusion criteria and heterogeneity between selected studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Two consecutively elevated FC values are highly associated with disease relapse, indicating a consideration to proactively optimize IBD therapy plans. More prospective data are necessary to assess whether FC monitoring improves health outcomes.

Raised faecal calprotectin is associated with subsequent symptomatic relapse, in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease in clinical remission

BACKGROUND

Reliable data on inflammatory biomarkers for predicting relapse of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are lacking.

AIM

To investigate the predictive value of faecal calprotectin (FC) and CRP for symptomatic relapse in pediatric IBD in clinical remission.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional cohort study, patients <18 years with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in clinical remission ≥3 months were included. At baseline, clinical and biochemical disease activity were assessed using the abbreviated-Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index or Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index, and FC and CRP respectively. Disease course over the subsequent 12 months was retrospectively assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 114 patients (56% males; median age 14.9 years) were included. Baseline FC was higher in patients that developed symptomatic relapse [median (IQR), relapse 370 μg/g (86-1100) vs. remission 122 μg/g (40-344), P = 0.003]. Baseline FC was predictive of symptomatic relapse within 6 months [HR per 250 μg/g (95% CI): 1.46 (1.21-1.77), P < 0.001], with good predictive accuracy (AUC: 0.82). Optimal FC cut-off was 350 μg/g, with positive and negative predictive value of 41% and 96%. Baseline CRP was higher in patients that developed symptomatic relapse [median (IQR), relapse 1.0 μg/g (0.6-5.0) vs. remission 1.0 μg/g (0.4-2.0), P = 0.033]. Baseline CRP was predictive of symptomatic relapse within 6 months from baseline [HR per 1 mg/L (95% CI): 1.10 (1.02-1.19), P = 0.011], with fair predictive accuracy (AUC: 0.72). Optimal CRP cut-off was 1.0 mg/L, with positive and negative predictive value of 21% and 94%.

CONCLUSIONS

Faecal calprotectin and CRP are predictive of symptomatic relapse and may be valuable in management of paediatric IBD in clinical remission.

Level of Fecal Calprotectin Correlates With Severity of Small Bowel Crohn's Disease, Measured by Balloon-assisted Enteroscopy and Computed Tomography Enterography

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Previous studies have not found a correlation between fecal level of calprotectin and small bowel Crohn's disease (CD). However, these studies evaluated patients mainly by ileocolonoscopy, which views up to only the terminal ileum rather than entire small intestine. We investigated whether level of fecal calprotectin (FC) is a marker of active CD of the small bowel, identified by balloon-assisted enteroscopy and computed tomography enterography (CTE).

METHODS

We performed a prospective study of 123 patients with CD (35 with ileitis, 72 with ileocolitis, and 16 with colitis) evaluated by balloon-assisted enteroscopy from May 2012 through July 2015 at Toho University Sakura Medical Centre in Japan. Patients with strictures detected by balloon-assisted enteroscopy were evaluated by CTE (n = 17). Fecal samples were collected from each patient, and levels of calprotectin were measured; patient demographic variables and medical history were also collected. We developed a CTE scoring system for disease severity that was based on bowel wall thickness, mural hyperenhancement, and engorged vasa recta. The association between level of FC and simple endoscopic index for CD score or CTE was evaluated by using Spearman rank correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Level of FC correlated with the simple endoscopic index for CD score (r = 0.6362, P < .0001), even in patients with only active disease of the small intestine (r = 0.6594, P = .0005). In the 17 patients with strictures that could not be passed with the enteroscope, CTE detected all lesions beyond the strictures as well as areas in the distal side of the strictures. Level of FC correlated with CTE score in these patients (r = 0.4018, P = .0011, n = 63). In receiver operating characteristic analyses, the FC cutoff value for mucosal healing was 215 μg/g; this cutoff value identified patients with healing with 82.8% sensitivity, 71.4% specificity, positive predictive value of 74.3%, negative predictive value of 80.6%, odds ratio of 12.0, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 0.81.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of measurement of level of FC and CTE appears to be effective for monitoring CD activity in patients with small intestinal CD, including patients with strictures that cannot be passed by conventional endoscopy.

Serum Calprotectin: A Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

OBJECTIVES

There is an unmet need for novel blood-based biomarkers that offer timely and accurate diagnostic and prognostic testing in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We aimed to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of serum calprotectin (SC) in IBD.

METHODS

A total of 171 patients (n=96 IBD, n=75 non-IBD) were prospectively recruited. A multi-biomarker model was derived using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Cox proportional hazards model was derived to assess the contribution of each variable to disease outcomes.

RESULTS

SC correlated strongly with current biomarkers, including fecal calprotectin (FC) (n=50, ρ=0.50, P=1.6 × 10-4). SC was the strongest individual predictor of IBD diagnosis (odds ratio (OR): 9.37 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.82-34.68), P=4.00 × 10-4) compared with other markers (C-reactive protein (CRP): OR 8.52 (95% CI: 2.75-28.63), P=2.80 × 10-4); albumin: OR 6.12 (95% CI: 1.82-22.16), P=0.004). In a subset of 50 patients with paired SC and FC, the area under receiver operating characteristic discriminating IBD from controls was better for FC than for SC (0.99, (95% CI 0.87-1.00) and 0.87 (95% CI:0.78-0.97), respectively; P=0.01). At follow-up (median 342 days; interquartile range: 88-563), SC predicted treatment escalation and/or surgery in IBD (hazard ratio (HR) 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1-4.9), in particular Crohn's disease (CD) (HR 4.2, 95% CI 1.2-15.3). A model incorporating SC and either CRP or albumin has a positive likelihood ratio of 24.14 for IBD. At 1 year, our prognostic model can predict treatment escalation in IBD in 65% of cases (95% CI: 43-79%) and 80% (95% CI: 31-94%) in CD if ≥2 blood marker criteria are met.

CONCLUSIONS

A diagnostic and prognostic model that combines SC and other blood-based biomarkers accurately predicts the inflammatory burden in IBD and has the potential to predict disease and its outcomes. Our data warrant further detailed exploration and validation in large multicenter cohorts.

Predicting Outcomes to Optimize Disease Management in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Efforts to slow or prevent the progressive course of inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] include early and intensive monitoring and treatment of patients at higher risk for complications. It is therefore essential to identify high-risk patients - both at diagnosis and throughout disease course.

METHODS

As a part of an IBD Ahead initiative, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify predictors of long-term IBD prognosis and generate draft expert summary statements. Statements were refined at national meetings of IBD experts in 32 countries and were finalized at an international meeting in November 2014.

RESULTS

Patients with Crohn's disease presenting at a young age or with extensive anatomical involvement, deep ulcerations, ileal/ileocolonic involvement, perianal and/or severe rectal disease or penetrating/stenosing behaviour should be regarded as high risk for complications. Patients with ulcerative colitis presenting at young age, with extensive colitis and frequent flare-ups needing steroids or hospitalization present increased risk for colectomy or future hospitalization. Smoking status, concurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis and concurrent infections may impact the course of disease. Current genetic and serological markers lack accuracy for clinical use.

CONCLUSIONS

Simple demographic and clinical features can guide the clinician in identifying patients at higher risk for disease complications at diagnosis and throughout disease course. However, many of these risk factors have been identified retrospectively and lack validation. Appropriately powered prospective studies are required to inform algorithms that can truly predict the risk for disease progression in the individual patient.

Role of biomarkers in diagnosis and evaluation of disease activity of Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a group of chronic, relapsing inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases with unknown etiology. The goals of treatment are to induce the transition from active stage into inactive stage and to maintain remission. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and assess disease activity in patients with CD. Recently, noninvasive markers for intestinal inflammation have been wildly adopted in clinical practice in order to differentiate CD from other diseases, to grade inflammation, to assess the response to therapy, and to demonstrate recurrent inflammation after medical or surgically-induced remission. Fecal and serum calprotectins are among the best-studied noninvasive biomarkers of inflammation in CD which have attracted clinicians' attention. This paper gives an overview of the clinical implications of biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring disease activity of CD.

Current best practice for disease activity assessment in IBD

Therapeutic advances in the management of IBD have led to a paradigm shift in the assessment of IBD disease activity. Beyond clinical remission, objective assessment of inflammation is now critical to guiding subsequent therapy as part of a 'treat to target' strategy. Multiple domains of disease activity assessment in IBD exist, each of which has its merits, although none are perfect. The aim of this Review is to comprehensively evaluate measures of disease activity in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, including clinical, endoscopic, histological and radiological assessment tools, as well as the use of biomarkers and quality of life evaluation. A subjective appraisal of the best indices for use in clinical practice is provided, based on index validation, responsiveness and experience in clinical trials, international specialist opinion, and practicality and suitability for use in clinical practice. This Review aims to enable the reader to gain confidence in IBD disease activity assessment and to give ready access to the necessary tools.

Clinical Activity and Quality of Life Indices Are Valid Across Ulcerative Colitis But Not Crohn's Disease Phenotypes

BACKGROUND

Clinical activity and quality of life (QOL) indices assess disease activity in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). However, a paucity of data exists on the validity of these indices according to disease characteristics.

AIMS

To examine the correlation between QOL and clinical activity indices and endoscopic disease activity according to disease characteristics.

METHODS

We used a prospective registry to identify CD and UC patients ≥18 years old with available information on Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire scores (SIBDQ), Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) and simple endoscopic scores for CD (SES-CD), and Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) and Mayo endoscopic score for UC. We used Spearman rank correlations to calculate correlations between indices and Fisher transformation to compare correlations across disease characteristics.

RESULTS

Among 282 CD patients, we observed poor correlation between clinical activity and QOL indices to SES-CD with no differences in correlation according to disease characteristics. Conversely, among 226 UC patients, clinical activity and QOL had good correlation to Mayo endoscopic score (r = 0.55 and -0.56, respectively) with better correlations observed with left-sided versus extensive colitis (r = 0.73 vs. 0.45, p = 0.005) and shorter duration of disease (r = 0.61 vs. 0.37, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest good correlation between SCCAI and endoscopic disease activity in UC, particularly in left-sided disease. Poor correlations between HBI or SIBDQ and SES-CD appear to be consistent across different disease phenotypes.

The Role of Laboratory Tests in Crohn's Disease

In the past, laboratory tests were considered of limited value in Crohn's disease (CD). In the era of biologics, laboratory tests have become essential to evaluate the inflammatory burden of the disease (C-reactive protein, fecal calprotectin) since symptoms-based scores are subjective, to predict the response to pharmacological options and the risk of relapse, to discriminate CD from ulcerative colitis, to select candidates to anti-tumor necrosis factors [screening tests looking for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus status and latent tuberculosis], to assess the risk of adverse events (testing for thiopurine metabolites and thiopurine-methyltransferase activity), and to personalize and optimize therapy (therapeutic drug monitoring). Pharmacogenetics, though presently confined to the assessment of thiopurineme methyltransferase polymorphisms and hematological toxicity associated with thiopurine treatment, is a promising field that will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the variability in response to the drugs used in CD with the attempt to expand personalized care and precision medicine strategies.

Endoscopy and cross-sectional imaging for assessing Crohn׳s disease activity

Crohn's disease (CD) is principally characterized by chronic and recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly found in the ileo-colonic region. The chronicity and severity of intestinal inflammation together contribute to progressive, cumulative, deep, transmural intestinal damage, including stricturing, obstruction, abscesses, and fistulae. Both intestinal inflammation and its chronic complications result in a range of symptoms subsequently leading to patient presentations with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and anemia related to intestinal blood loss. Measuring disease activity and severity are essential for decision of treatment intensity early in the disease course and longitudinal monitoring of therapeutic efficacy. This review will summarize the transition from subjective symptoms driving disease activity indices, into increasingly objective and quantitative measures of intestinal injury by direct mucosal assessment (endoscopy), cross-sectional imaging, and surrogate biomarkers. Specific commentary on intestinal stricture and perianal fistula assessment and management are presented in accompanying sections of this series.

Utility of surrogate markers for the prediction of relapses in inflammatory bowel diseases

Patients with diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) will commonly experience a clinical relapse in spite of a prolonged therapy-induced period of clinical remission. The current methods of assessing subclinical levels of low-grade inflammation which predispose patients to relapse are not optimal when considering both cost and patient comfort. Over the past few decades, much investigation has discovered that proteins such as calprotectin that are released from inflammatory cells are capable of indicating disease activity. Along with C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, calprotectin has now become part of the current methodology for assessing IBD activity. More recently, research has identified that other fecal and serum biomarkers such as lactoferrin, S100A12, GM-CSF autoantibodies, α1-antitrypsin, eosinophil-derived proteins, and cytokine concentrations have variable degrees of utility in monitoring gastrointestinal tract inflammation. In order to provide direction toward novel methods of predicting relapse in IBD, we provide an up-to-date review of these biomarkers and their potential utility in the prediction of clinical relapse, given their observed activities during various stages of clinical remission.

C-reactive protein levels in the perioperative period as a predictive marker of endoscopic recurrence after ileo-colonic resection for Crohn's disease

The aim of this study was to determine the perioperative behavior of C-reactive protein (CRP) in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients undergoing elective ileo-cecal (IC) resection and to identify association between perioperative CRP levels and endoscopic recurrence at 1 year. Study hypothesis was that perioperative CRP changes are disease specific and could detect subset of patients with more aggressive pathopysiology. Seventy-five patients undergoing IC resection for CD were prospectively enrolled. Serial CRP levels were assessed: preoperative, postoperative day 1 (POD1) and day 5 (POD5). CD patients’ values were compared against same interval assessments of control groups undergoing right colectomy and appendicectomy. At POD1, the serum concentration increase was significantly higher in CD patients than in controls. Comparing with control groups, CRP levels remained remarkably high and showed a lower reduction in CD at POD5. Difference between groups was statistically significant. Optimal cutoff levels have been identified: serum CRP concentrations of >39.8 mg/l at POD1 and of >23.2 mg/l at POD5 have shown a significant association to endoscopic recurrence when using bivariate correlation. In this preliminary series, binary logistic regression could not demonstrate statistical relationship between endoscopic recurrence and any of the variables evaluated as prognostic factor. This is the only study so far that investigates and confirms a disease-specific upregulation of CRP response in the perioperative period for CD patients undergoing surgery. The postoperative CRP levels and kinetics seem to be related to the grade of mucosal inflammation and recurrence rate according to our 12 months endoscopic evaluation.

Comorbidity between depression and inflammatory bowel disease explained by immune-inflammatory, oxidative, and nitrosative stress; tryptophan catabolite; and gut-brain pathways

The nature of depression has recently been reconceptualized, being conceived as the clinical expression of activated immune-inflammatory, oxidative, and nitrosative stress (IO&NS) pathways, including tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT), autoimmune, and gut-brain pathways. IO&NS pathways are similarly integral to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The increased depression prevalence in IBD associates with a lower quality of life and increased morbidity in IBD, highlighting the role of depression in modulating the pathophysiology of IBD.This review covers data within such a wider conceptualization that better explains the heightened co-occurrence of IBD and depression. Common IO&NS underpinning between both disorders is evidenced by increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, eg, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6 trans-signalling; Th-1- and Th-17-like responses; neopterin and soluble IL-2 receptor levels; positive acute phase reactants (haptoglobin and C-reactive protein); lowered levels of negative acute phase reactants (albumin, transferrin, zinc) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β); increased O&NS with damage to lipids, proteinsm and DNA; increased production of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible NO synthase; lowered plasma tryptophan but increased TRYCAT levels; autoimmune responses; and increased bacterial translocation. As such, heightened IO&NS processes in depression overlap with the biological underpinnings of IBD, potentially explaining their increased co-occurrence. This supports the perspective that there is a spectrum of IO&NS disorders that includes depression, both as an emergent comorbidity and as a contributor to IO&NS processes. Such a frame of reference has treatment implications for IBD when "comorbid" with depression.

Correlation between serological biomarkers and endoscopic activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Endoscopy is the gold standard for assessing disease severity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), although it is an invasive procedure. Biological markers have been routinely used as a non-invasive means of determining disease activity. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between common biological markers and endoscopic activity in IBD.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with IBD were included. Serum concentrations of different biomarkers (C-reactive protein [CRP], orosomucoid [ORM], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], fibrinogen, platelets, leukocytes, neutrophils and hemoglobin [Hb]) were measured, and their accuracy in detecting endoscopic activity was determined.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were included (mean age 46 years, 53% Crohn's disease), 70% with endoscopic activity. Among Crohn's disease patients, 24% had mild endoscopic activity, 12% moderate activity and 39% severe activity. Among ulcerative colitis patients, 35% had an endoscopic Mayo score of 0-1 points, 30% 2 points and 35% 3 points. None of the biomarkers included had a good correlation with endoscopic activity (Area Under the ROC curve [AUC]<0.70) in ulcerative colitis. ORM, fibrinogen and platelets had the best accuracy to detect endoscopic activity in Crohn's disease (AUC: 0.80-0.085). A sub-analysis in postoperative Crohn's disease patients found no correlation between endoscopic recurrence and biomarkers (AUC<0.70).

CONCLUSION

Serological biomarkers, including CRP, have low accuracy to detect endoscopic activity in ulcerative colitis and postoperative Crohn's disease. ORM, fibrinogen and platelets have the best accuracy to detect endoscopic activity in Crohn's disease.

Treat to Target in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

OPINION STATEMENT

With the expanding armamentarium in IBD the current treatment targets can be reached. By optimally using our drugs we can avoid long-term complications in IBD. For this the therapeutic strategy has to be changed from a clinically driven approach to a target-driven strategy. Currently mucosal healing, normalization of biomarkers, histological healing, and healing on abdominal imaging are proposed targets. Correct phenotyping of the patient before initiation of therapy is mandatory. Once treatment is initiated a continuous re-evaluation with consequent adaptation of the treatment when goals are not (yet) reached is needed. Both escalation and de-escalation should be considered. Drug levels can be used as a guidance to reach these targets.

Defining Disease Severity in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Current and Future Directions

Although most treatment algorithms in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) begin with classifying patients according to disease severity, no formal validated or consensus definitions of mild, moderate, or severe IBD currently exist. There are 3 main domains relevant to the evaluation of disease severity in IBD: impact of the disease on the patient, disease burden, and disease course. These measures are not mutually exclusive and the correlations and interactions between them are not necessarily proportionate. A comprehensive literature search was performed regarding current definitions of disease severity in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and the ability to categorize disease severity in a particular patient. Although numerous assessment tools for symptoms, quality of life, patient-reported outcomes, fatigue, endoscopy, cross-sectional imaging, and histology (in ulcerative colitis) were identified, few have validated thresholds for categorizing disease activity or severity. Moving forward, we propose a preliminary set of criteria that could be used to classify IBD disease severity. These are grouped by the 3 domains of disease severity: impact of the disease on the patient (clinical symptoms, quality of life, fatigue, and disability); measurable inflammatory burden (C-reactive protein, mucosal lesions, upper gastrointestinal involvement, and disease extent), and disease course (including structural damage, history/extension of intestinal resection, perianal disease, number of flares, and extraintestinal manifestations). We further suggest that a disease severity classification should be developed and validated by an international group to develop a pragmatic means of identifying patients with severe disease. This is increasingly important to guide current therapeutic strategies for IBD and to develop treatment algorithms for clinical practice.