Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Working Party guidelines on IBD management during the COVID-19 pandemic

Tofacitinib use in ulcerative colitis: An expert consensus for day-to-day clinical practice

Rising number of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases in developing countries necessitate clear guidance for clinicians for the appropriate use of advanced therapies. An expert consensus document was generated to guide the usage of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, in ulcerative colitis. Tofacitinib is a useful agent for the induction and maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis. It can be used in the setting of biological failure or even steroid-dependent and thiopurine refractory disease. Typically, the induction dose is 10 mg BD orally. Usually, clinical response is evident within eight weeks of therapy. In those with clinical response, the dose can be reduced from 10 mg BD to 5 mg BD. Tofacitinib should be avoided or used cautiously in the elderly, patients with cardiovascular co-morbidity, uncontrolled cardiac risk factors, previous thrombotic episodes and those at high risk for venous thrombosis or previous malignancy. Baseline evaluation should include testing for and management of hepatitis B infection and latent tuberculosis. Where feasible, it is prudent to ensure complete adult vaccination, including Herpes zoster, before starting tofacitinib. The use of tofacitinib may be associated with an increased risk of infections such as herpes zoster and tuberculosis reactivation. Maternal exposure to tofacitinib should be avoided during pre-conception, pregnancy, and lactation. There is emerging evidence of tofacitinib in acute severe colitis, although the exact positioning (first-line with steroids or second-line) is uncertain.

Thiopurine therapy in inflammatory bowel disease in the pandemic era: Safe or unsafe?

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease (CD) and Ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two major types affecting millions across the globe. Various immunomodulatory drugs consisting of small molecules (thiopurines, methotrexate and tofacitinib) and biologics are used to treat IBD. Thiopurines (TP) are widely used in the treatment of IBD and it plays an important role both alone and in combination with anti-TNF agents as IBD maintenance therapy. Although the advent of biologics therapy has significantly advanced the management of IBD, TP remains the mainstay of treatment in resource-limited and low economic settings. However, the recently commenced pandemic has raised uncertainty over the safety of the use of immunosuppressant drugs such as TP among healthcare care providers and patients, as there is a scarcity of data on whether IBD patients are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection or more prone to its severe outcomes.

AIM

This review aims to encapsulate evidence on the risk of COVID-19 infection and its severe prognosis in IBD patients on TP. Additionally, it also evaluates the role of TP in inhibiting the viral protease, a potential drug target, essential for the replication and pathogenesis of the virus.

CONCLUSION

Emerging evidence suggests that TP therapy is safe during the current pandemic and does not carry an elevated risk when used as monotherapy or in combination with other IBD drugs. In-vitro studies demonstrate that TP is a potential therapeutic for present and future betacoronavirus pandemics.

Weight of risk factors for mortality and short-term mortality displacement during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

We conducted a population-based cohort study to estimate mortality before, during and after the COVID-19 peak and to compare mortality in 2020 with rates reported in previous years, with a view to helping decision makers to apply containment measures for high-risk groups.

Methods

All deaths were collected between 2015 and 2020 from municipal registry database. In 2020, weeks 1-26 were stratified in three periods: before, during and after the COVID mortality peak. The Poisson Generalized Linear regression Model showed the "harvesting effect". Three logistic regressions for 8 dependent variables (age and comorbidities) and a t-test of differences described all-cause mortality risk factors in 2019 and 2020 and differences between COVID and non-COVID patients.

Results

A total of 47,876 deaths were collected. All-cause deaths increased by 38.5% during the COVID peak and decreased by 18% during the post-peak period in comparison with the average registered during the control period (2015-19), with significant mortality displacement in 2020. Except for chronic renal injuries in subjects aged 45-64 years, diabetes and chronic cardiovascular diseases in those aged 65-84 years, and neuropathies in those aged > 84 years, the weight of comorbidities in deaths was similar or lower in COVID subjects than in non-COVID subjects.

Discussions

Surprisingly, the weight of comorbidities in death, compared to weight in non-COVID subjects allows you to highlight some surprising results such as COPD, IBD and Cancer. The excess mortality that we observed in the entire period were modest in comparison with initial estimates during the peak, owing to the mild influenza season and the harvesting effect starting from the second half of May.

Effects of coronavirus disease 2019 on the digestive system and its nutritional implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There has been a deluge of scientific data since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported. The effects of COVID-19 on the digestive system are now increasingly well understood. This article aims to review the current data on the effects of COVID-19 on the digestive system with particular emphasis on preexisting digestive diseases and its implications on nutrition practices.

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence has shown that Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, pancreas and hepatobiliary system resulting in different GI manifestations. Several preexisting digestive diseases have been investigated. These studies have revealed that these special patient population groups are generally not at an increased risk to contract COVID-19, but are susceptible to develop increasing severity of disease. Aside from medical therapy, optimizing nutritional care has a beneficial role in this group of patients.

SUMMARY

GI manifestations of COVID-19 in addition to preexisting digestive diseases have an impact on patient's nutrition. Digestion, absorption and transport of nutrients may be impaired. To date, there are no existing guidelines on the nutritional management of patients for this particular at-risk group. Most nutrition practices are based only on observations and clinical experience. Basic prepandemic nutrition care principles are primarily followed but often individualized based on clinical judgment.

Risk, Course, and Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children and Adults with Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Susceptibility and disease course of COVID-19 among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are unclear and epidemiological data on the topic are still limited. There is some concern that patients with immuno-mediated diseases such as IBD, which are frequently treated with immunosuppressive therapies, may have an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection with its related serious adverse outcomes, including intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death. Corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologic drugs, which are commonly prescribed to these patients, have been associated with higher rates of severe viral and bacterial infections including influenza and pneumonia. It is not known whether these drugs can be so harmful as to justify their interruption during COVID-19 infection or if, on the contrary, patients with IBD can benefit from them. As shown by recent reports, it cannot be excluded that drugs that suppress the immune system can block the characteristic cytokine storm of severe forms of COVID-19 and consequently reduce mortality. Another cause for concern is the up-regulation of angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptors that has been noticed in these patients, which could facilitate the entry and replication of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this narrative review is to clarify the susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with IBD, the clinical characteristics of patients who contract the infection, and the relationship between the severity of COVID-19 and immunosuppressive treatment.

[KASID Guidance for Clinical Practice Management of Adult Inflammatory Bowel Disease during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Expert Consensus Statement]

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has reduced the ability to prevent or control chronic disease due to the concerns about safety in accessing health care. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition requiring long- term sustained treatment, which is difficult in the current panedemic situation. The Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases (KASID) has developed an expert consensus statement on the clinical practice management of adult inflammatory bowel disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. This expert consensus statement is based on guidelines and clinical reports from several countries around the world. It provides recommendations to deal with the risk of COVID-19 and medication use in IBD patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and emphasizes the importance of right treatment approach to avoid worsening of the disease condition in IBD patients.

Turkish IBD Organization's Position Statement on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management Recommendations During COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has resulted in high mortality and morbidity worldwide and is still a growing problem. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease for which a substantial number of patients are treated with immunosuppressive medications, either occasionally or long-term. Despite the accumulating evidence, there is still a lack of knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 on IBD patients, especially those who are under immunosuppressive treatment. Moreover, following the emergence of several COVID vaccines, there are concerns regarding vaccine effectiveness and possible side effects in such patients. In this context, we tried to briefly summarize the accumulating evidence and recommendations for the management of IBD in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Medication adherence and complementary therapy usage in inflammatory bowel disease patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Background and Aim

Medication nonadherence is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and has been associated with worse outcomes. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to significant consumer and medical concern regarding the possible risks of immunosuppressive medications during the pandemic. This study aimed to examine medication adherence and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) usage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

An online survey was sent to patients from two tertiary IBD units. The survey included medication nonadherence attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, complementary therapy, and IBD medication use. Validated measures of IBD disease activity, medication adherence, and beliefs about medicines were obtained.

Results

Of 262 respondents (median age of 46, 58% female) 14 (5%) patients reported self-initiated missed doses or dose reduction of IBD medications directly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Positive associations with medication nonadherence included current corticosteroid requirement (P = 0.022), higher disease activity scores (P = 0.026), and higher concern about medicines score (P = 0.04). CAM usage was common, aimed at treating mental health in most cases, and infrequently attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

Even in the setting of low COVID-19 prevalence, the pandemic reduced IBD medication adherence in 1 in 20 patients. This reduced adherence was co-associated with increased disease activity and corticosteroid use. Understanding the underlying beliefs driving suboptimal IBD medication adherence is critical to prevent avoidable adverse IBD outcomes.

Management of inflammatory bowel disease in the COVID-19 era

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many unpredictable changes have occurred in the medical field. Risk of COVID-19 does not seem to increase in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) considering based on current reports. Current medications for IBD do not increase this risk; on the contrary, some of these might be used as therapeutics against COVID-19 and are under clinical trial. Unless the patients have confirmed COVID-19 and severe pneumonia or a high oxygen demand, medical treatment should be continued during the pandemic, except for the use of high-dose corticosteroids. Adherence to general recommendations such as social distancing, wearing facial masks, and vaccination, especially for pneumococcal infections and influenza, is also required. Patients with COVID-19 need to be withhold immunomodulators or biologics for at least 2 weeks and treated based on both IBD and COVID-19 severity. Prevention of IBD relapse caused by sudden medication interruption is important because negative outcomes associated with disease flare up, such as corticosteroid use or hospitalization, are much riskier than medications. The outpatient clinic and infusion center for biologics need to be reserved safe spaces, and endoscopy or surgery should be considered in urgent cases only.

Vedolizumab in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: West versus East

Background

Vedolizumab is a humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody, which binds to α4β7 integrin on T lymphocytes, thus disturbing the interaction with mucosal vascular addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 on the intestinal endothelial cells to interfere with lymphocyte trafficking to the gut.

Summary

Vedolizumab is a safe and effective drug to induce and maintain clinical remission in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in both clinical trials and real-world data. Various guidelines recommend vedolizumab as a first- or second-line treatment regimen for steroid-dependent, steroid, or immunomodulator refractory cases of UC and CD; however, it is more effective in anti-TNF-naive patients. The first head-to-head trial (VARSITY trial) comparing the efficacy of vedolizumab to adalimumab has shown better clinical remission and mucosal healing with vedolizumab.

Key Messages

In this review, we have discussed guidelines recommendation of vedolizumab use, as well as its safety data, use in special population, in presence of extraintestinal complications, therapeutic drug monitoring, data from Asian patients, along with other evolving concepts. Because of its excellent safety data and low immunogenicity, vedolizumab is an impressive option for patients with prior malignancy and less chance of reactivation of tuberculosis; however, cost remains an issue.

COVID-19 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread world over causing morbidity and mortality in affected patients, especially elderly and those with co-morbidities. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients frequently require immunosuppressive therapy and are known to be at risk of opportunistic infections.

AREAS COVERED

We hereby review the available literature pertaining to COVID-19 in IBD based on published consensus guidelines, expert opinions, case series, registries and reports.

EXPERT OPINION

Preliminary data suggests no increase in incidence of COVID-19 in IBD patients as compared to general population. Morbidity and mortality rates attributable to COVID-19 are also similar in IBD patients as compared to general population. Though exact reason is unknown, some aspects of COVID-19 pathogenesis may explain this paradox. Medications for IBD need to be carefully reviewed during COVID-19 crisis. Steroids may need dose tapering or substitution to avoid complications based on anecdotal evidence. Endoscopic procedures for IBD maybe deferred unless absolutely necessary. General measures recommended for COVID-19 tailored to specific needs of IBD patients maybe the best way to prevent infection. Our understanding of the disease outcomes and optimal management protocols are likely to evolve as we move ahead in this pandemic.

Gastrointestinal manifestation as clinical predictor of severe COVID-19: A retrospective experience and literature review of COVID-19 in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Background and Aim

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has caused over 200 000 deaths worldwide. Thailand announced the first confirmed case outside mainland China in January 2020. The disease also spread widely across Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Gastrointestinal manifestations could be presenting symptoms of COVID-19. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 patients in Thailand and review important aspects of this disease in ASEAN.

Methods

Thai patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand, were evaluated between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2020. Patients' data, clinical presentation, exposure risk, past medical history, laboratory results, and treatment outcomes were extensively reviewed.

Results

A total of 352 COVID-19 tests were performed, and 40 patients with positive tests were studied. The mean age was 30.5 years, and 55% were female. Most (82.5%) had no underlying diseases. Comorbidities were associated with severe COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] 29.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.31-388.40, P = 0.009). Gastrointestinal symptoms were present in 12 patients (30%). The most common presenting symptoms were anorexia (17.5%) and diarrhea (15%). Gastrointestinal symptoms developed before (9.1%), concurrent with (63.6%), and after (27.3%) respiratory symptoms. Diarrhea was significantly associated with severe COVID-19 (OR 38.52; 95% CI 3.11-476.70, P = 0.004). Twenty-four patients (60%) received antiviral drugs; 40% had only supportive care. Only one patient required intensive care. No patient died.

Conclusions

Gastrointestinal manifestations in COVID-19 patients are common symptoms and can occur anytime during the disease course. Patients presenting with only gastrointestinal symptoms should raise clinical suspicion for COVID-19 in areas with high disease incidence. Clinically severe COVID-19 was associated with comorbidities and diarrhea.

Gastrointestinal Manifestations of COVID-19: Impact on Nutrition Practices

Although Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is primarily a respiratory disease, growing evidence shows that it can affect the digestive system and present with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Various nutrition societies have recently published their guidelines in context of the pandemic, and several points emphasize the impact of these GI manifestations on nutrition therapy. In patients with COVID‐19, the normal intestinal mucosa can be disrupted by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus, and this could result in GI symptoms and a compromise in nutrient absorption. Optimization of oral diet is still recommended. However, given the GI effects of COVID‐19, a fraction of infected patients have poor appetite and would not be able to meet their nutrition goals with oral diet alone. For this at‐risk group, which includes those who are critically ill, enteral nutrition is the preferred route to promote gut integrity and immune function. In carrying this out, nutrition support practices have been revised in such ways to mitigate viral transmission and adapt to the pandemic. All measures in the GI and nutrition care of patients are clustered to limit exposure of healthcare workers. Among patients admitted to intensive care units, a significant barrier is GI intolerance, and it appears to be exacerbated by significant GI involvement specific to the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Nevertheless, several countermeasures can be used to ease side effects. At the end of the spectrum in which intolerance persists, the threshold for switching to parenteral nutrition may need to be lowered.

Corona Virus Disease-19 pandemic: The gastroenterologists' perspective

The world is witnessing a serious public health threat in the wake of the third corona virus pandemic, a novel corona virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]). The Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is not limited to the respiratory system but has widespread involvement including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver, with evidence of prolonged fecal shedding and feco-oral transmission. This finding has stirred up a hornet's nest of not only a newer modality of the spread of the virus but also a risk of the unpredictable duration of the infective potential of the shedders. We reviewed the literature on fecal shedding and possible implications on prevention and surveillance strategies. The pandemic is changing the management of underlying chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other diseases. Moreover, for the gastroenterologist, doing endoscopic procedures in this COVID-19 era poses a high risk of contamination, as it is an aerosol-generating procedure. There is a daily influx of data on this disease, and multiple societies are coming up with various recommendations. We provide a comprehensive review of all the reported GI manifestations of COVID-19 infection and the side effects of confounding drugs. We have summarized the management recommendations for diseases such as IBD with COVID-19 and nutritional recommendations and provided a concise review of the endoscopy guidelines by the various societies. This review provides a comprehensive account and a lucid guide covering various aspects of gastroenterology practice during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Corona Virus Disease-19 pandemic: The gastroenterologists' perspective

The world is witnessing a serious public health threat in the wake of the third corona virus pandemic, a novel corona virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]). The Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is not limited to the respiratory system but has widespread involvement including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver, with evidence of prolonged fecal shedding and feco-oral transmission. This finding has stirred up a hornet's nest of not only a newer modality of the spread of the virus but also a risk of the unpredictable duration of the infective potential of the shedders. We reviewed the literature on fecal shedding and possible implications on prevention and surveillance strategies. The pandemic is changing the management of underlying chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other diseases. Moreover, for the gastroenterologist, doing endoscopic procedures in this COVID-19 era poses a high risk of contamination, as it is an aerosol-generating procedure. There is a daily influx of data on this disease, and multiple societies are coming up with various recommendations. We provide a comprehensive review of all the reported GI manifestations of COVID-19 infection and the side effects of confounding drugs. We have summarized the management recommendations for diseases such as IBD with COVID-19 and nutritional recommendations and provided a concise review of the endoscopy guidelines by the various societies. This review provides a comprehensive account and a lucid guide covering various aspects of gastroenterology practice during this COVID-19 pandemic.