Delays in Initiating Post-operative Prophylactic Biologic Therapy Are Common Among Crohn's Disease Patients

Prolonged time to treatment of biologics in inflammatory bowel disease: disparities from a retrospective study in a tertiary referral centre in the UK

BACKGROUND

Several disparities in healthcare utilisation and delivery are reported in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We examined disparities for delays in biologic administration.

METHODS

This is a tertiary centre, retrospective, cohort study of consecutive adult IBD outpatients referred to the biologics clinic (BC) for initiation of therapy over 2 years. We collected patient-, disease- and service-related data in addition to adverse clinical outcomes (primary non-response, corticosteroid prescription, IBD hospital admission and surgery) within 6 months of the first dose of therapy. The primary outcome was time-to-therapy (TTT): time interval from referral to the first drug dose. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses examined associations between variables and TTT.

RESULTS

240 patients started biologics: 87 (36%) ulcerative colitis (UC) and 153 (64%) Crohn's disease (CD). Median referral age was 43 years (IQR 34-56) and 128 (53%) were male. Charlson Comorbidity Index was ≤ 1 in 185 patients (77%) and 141 (59%) were biologic naïve. 91 (37.9%) were White British, 88 (36.7%) Asian (Indian or Pakistani), 61 (25.4%) were from other ethnic groups. Median TTT was 76 (IQR 56-97) days. In multivariable analysis, longer TTT was associated with CD, other ethnic groups and Adalimumab. Lack of funding at the time of BC and referral age were of borderline statistical significance. Adverse outcomes at 6 months was significantly associated with C-reactive protein level > 10 mg/L (OR 2.13; p = 0.03) but not with longer TTT.

CONCLUSIONS

Delays in initiating biologic therapy are significantly associated with IBD type, ethnicity and therapy type. Unwarranted variation in IBD care can be mitigated by concerted initiatives to address modifiable factors for timely access to effective therapies.

Inequalities in Healthcare Access, Experience and Outcomes in Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are incurable diseases that require lifelong access to health services. Accumulating evidence of inequalities in health care access, experience, and outcomes for individuals with IBD is apparent. This review aimed to describe the inequalities in healthcare access, experiences, and outcomes of care for adults with IBD, to identify research gaps, and to identify future research priorities in this area.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted to retrieve quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods evidence from 3 databases (EMBASE, Medline, and CINAHL) published between January 1, 2000, and September 27, 2023.

RESULTS

Fifty-one studies met the criteria for inclusion. The majority (42 of 51) focused on IBD health outcomes, followed by healthcare access (24 of 51). Significantly fewer investigated patient experiences of IBD healthcare (8 of 51). Most available studies reported on race/ethnic disparities of healthcare (33 of 51), followed by inequalities driven by socioeconomic differences (12 of 51), rurality (7 of 51), gender and sex (3 of 51), age (2 of 51), culture (2 of 51), literacy (1 of 51), and sexuality (1 of 51). Inflammatory bowel disease patients from Black, Asian, and Hispanic ethnic groups had significantly poorer health outcomes. A lack of research was found in the sexual and gender minority community (1 of 51). No research was found to investigate inequalities in IBD patients with learning disabilities or autism.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research, particularly utilizing qualitative methods, is needed to understand health experiences of underserved patient populations with IBD. Cultural humility in IBD care is required to better serve individuals with IBD of Black and Asian race/ethnicity. The lack of research amongst sexual and gender minority groups with IBD, and with learning disabilities, poses a risk of creating inequalities within inequalities.

Use of advanced systemic therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in the TARGET-DERM AD Registry

BACKGROUND

Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) significantly impacts quality of life. Advanced systemic therapeutics (AST) represent a new generation of medications targeting AD pathogenesis, but many who may benefit from these medications are AST-naïve. We compared patients in the United States who had started AST with those who had not started AST to evaluate associated characteristics.

METHODS

TARGET-DERM AD, (NCT03661866, "A Longitudinal Observational Study of Patients Undergoing Therapy for IMISC (TARGET-DERM)" launched in 2019, is an ongoing, longitudinal, observational study of patients managed at 37 United States sites. Patients were aged 12 years and above, had moderate-to-severe AD based on validated Investigator Global Assessment (vIGA) at enrollment, at least one follow-up visit post-enrollment, and treatment with any of the following: a topical/systemic corticosteroid, immunomodulator, or phototherapy. AST included dupilumab and upadacitinib. Variables of interest gathered at enrollment included demographics, vIGA and Body Surface Area (BSA), patient-reported outcomes, and all recorded therapeutics.

RESULTS

Of 3,076 patients, 436 qualified for inclusion, 52 were AST-treated adolescents and 141 AST-treated adults. Both groups had increased likelihood of AST initiation if they had private insurance and higher BSA, vIGAxBSA, or Patient-Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis scores. Adults were more likely to start AST based on minority/ethnicity, more severe vIGA, higher patient-reported outcomes, or if treated at a community clinic. Substantial numbers of adolescent and adult patients (47 and 58%, respectively) with severe disease were AST-naïve.

CONCLUSIONS

Disease severity and patient access to AST are major factors driving AST initiation. However, some patients are undertreated. This analysis supports AD patient advocacy for those inadequately managed with conventional therapies. Further investigations are necessary to delineate AST initiation barriers and relevant outcomes.

Challenges in IBD Research 2024: Pragmatic Clinical Research

Pragmatic clinical research is 1 of the 5 focus areas of the Challenges in IBD Research 2024, a multidisciplinary effort by scientists, clinicians, patients, and funders to identify priorities for patient-centric research. This summary provides a comprehensive overview of current gaps in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinical research and actionable approaches to address them. This review is focused on identifying research that is needed to achieve the best outcomes for patients in clinical practice. Research gaps include understanding the needs of understudied patient groups and addressing barriers to care so all patients receive optimal care, validating and using biomarkers to enable early diagnosis and result in better outcomes for adults and children with IBD, and determining the optimal sequencing of treatments (medical, surgical, adjunct) in children and adults. Inclusive pragmatic research is needed to address these gaps and lead to improvements in patient care and outcomes for all populations of patients with IBD.

Anti-TNF Agents and New Biological Agents (Vedolizumab and Ustekinumab) in the Prevention and Treatment of Postoperative Recurrence After Surgery in Crohn's Disease

Surgery for Crohn's disease (CD) is not curative, as postoperative recurrence (POR) after ileocolonic resection is the rule in the absence of prophylactic treatment. In the present article, we critically review available data on the role of anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents and new biologics (including vedolizumab and ustekinumab) in the prevention and treatment of POR after surgery in CD. Several studies (summarised in various meta-analyses) have confirmed the efficacy of anti-TNFs in the prevention of POR. We identified 37 studies, including 1863 CD patients, with mean endoscopic POR at 6-12 months of 29%. Only few randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have directly compared thiopurines and anti-TNFs, with controversial results, although the superiority of the latter is supported by several meta-analyses. Infliximab and adalimumab seem equally effective. The combination of anti-TNFs and immunosuppressives should be considered in patients previously exposed to anti-TNFs. Several studies have shown that anti-TNFs remain an effective option to prevent POR also in patients with anti-TNF failure before surgery. In fact, the use of the same anti-TNF before and after surgery might be effective for the prevention of POR. Prophylactic anti-TNF treatment, once started, should be continued long term. Anti-TNFs are also effective for the treatment of established POR. Retreatment with anti-TNFs for POR is a valid strategy even after their preoperative failure. In six studies (including 156 patients) evaluating vedolizumab, mean endoscopic POR at 6-12 months was 41%. The non-randomised comparison of anti-TNFs and vedolizumab has provided controversial results. One placebo-controlled RCT confirmed that vedolizumab is quite effective in preventing POR in CD patients with increased risk of recurrence. Seven studies (including 162 patients) evaluated ustekinumab, with a mean endoscopic POR at 6-12 months of 41%. The comparative efficacy of ustekinumab and anti-TNFs is still unclear. Ustekinumab and vedolizumab seem to be equally effective, although the experience is very limited. In conclusion, to date, anti-TNFs are the most effective agents in preventing and treating POR in CD. Anti-TNFs remain an effective option to prevent POR also in patients with anti-TNF failure before surgery. Vedolizumab seems to be quite effective in the prevention of POR in patients with increased risk of recurrence. Ustekinumab is probably also effective in the postoperative setting, although the comparative efficacy with anti-TNFs or vedolizumab is still unclear.

Towards Equitable Surgical Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review of Disparities in Surgery for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Existing evidence for disparities in inflammatory bowel disease is fragmented and heterogenous. Underlying mechanisms for differences in outcomes based on race and socioeconomic status remain undefined. We performed a systematic review of the literature to examine disparities in surgery for inflammatory bowel disease in the United States.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched from 2000 through June 11, 2021, to identify studies addressing disparities in surgical treatment for adults with inflammatory bowel disease. Eligible English-language publications comparing the use or outcomes of surgery by racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic, and/or institutional factors were included. Studies were grouped according to whether outcomes of surgery were reported or surgery itself was the relevant end point (utilization). Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies.

RESULTS

Forty-five studies were included. Twenty-four reported surgical outcomes and 21addressed utilization. Race/ethnicity was considered in 96% of studies, socioeconomic status in 44%, geographic factors in 27%, and hospital/surgeon factors in 22%. Although study populations and end points were heterogeneous, Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to undergo abdominal surgery when hospitalized; they were more likely to have a complication when they did have surgery. Differences based on race were correlated with socioeconomic factors but frequently remained significant after adjustments for insurance and baseline health.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical disparities based on sociologic and structural factors reflect unidentified differences in multidisciplinary disease management. A broad, multidimensional approach to disparities research with more granular and diverse data sources is needed to improve health care quality and equity for inflammatory bowel disease.

Surgical Management of Small Bowel Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease in the small bowel could present itself as an inflammatory stricture, a fibrotic stricture as penetrating disease or a combination of both. It is pertinent to differentiate the disease process as well as its extent to effectively manage the disease. Currently, a combination of medical and surgical therapies forms part of the treatment plan while the debate of which therapy is better continues. In managing the strictures, identification of the disease process through imaging plays a pivotal role as inflammatory strictures respond to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and biological agents, while fibrotic strictures require endoscopic or surgical intervention. Recent evidence suggests a larger role for surgical excision, particularly in ileocolic disease, while achieving a balance between disease clearance and bowel preservation. Several adaptations to the surgical technique, such as wide mesenteric excision, side to side or Kono-S anastomosis, and long-term metronidazole therapy, are being undertaken even though their absolute benefit is yet to be determined. Penetrating disease requires a broader multidisciplinary approach with a particular focus on nutrition, skincare, and intestinal failure management. The current guidance directs toward early surgical intervention for penetrating disease when feasible. Accurate preoperative imaging, medical management of active diseases, and surgical decision-making based on experience and evidence play a key role in success.

Variation in Provider Connectedness Associates With Outcomes of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in an Analysis of Data From a National Health System

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) often require multidisciplinary care with tight coordination among providers. Provider connectedness, a measure of the relationship among providers, is an important aspect of care coordination that has been linked to higher quality care. We aimed to assess variation in provider connectedness among medical centers, and to understand the association between this established measure of care coordination and outcomes of patients with IBD.

METHODS

We conducted a national cohort study of 32,949 IBD patients with IBD from 2005 to 2014. We used network analysis to examine provider connectedness, defined using network properties that measure the strength of the collaborative relationship, team cohesiveness, and between-facility collaborations. We used multilevel modeling to examine variations in provider connectedness and association with patient outcomes.

RESULTS

There was wide variation in provider connectedness among facilities in complexity, rural designation, and volume of patients with IBD. In a multivariable model, patients followed in a facility with team cohesiveness (odds ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.16-0.88) and where providers often collaborated with providers outside their facility (odds ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.31-0.75) were less likely to have clinically active disease, defined by a composite of outpatient flare, inpatient flare, and IBD-related surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

A national study found evidence for heterogeneity in patient-sharing among IBD care teams. Patients with IBD seen at health centers with higher provider connectedness appear to have better outcomes. Understanding provider connectedness is a step toward designing network-based interventions to improve coordination and quality of care.

Anti -TNFα agents in preventing the postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease: Do they still play a role in the biological era?

BACKGROUND

Approximately half of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) may inevitably receive surgical intervention as the disease progress. However, about 75% of CD patients will experience postoperative recurrence (POR). Biologics are appealing alternatives for the prevention of POR; however, it is still unclear which biological agents are more efficient. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy of biologics for POR prevention and to compare the superiority of different biologics.

METHODS

We conducted a thorough search of online databases and screened for studies on the efficacy of biologics in preventing POR (clinical, endoscopic, or histological) that were published until January 2021. The results were presented as forest plots and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

We included 26 studies with 2,136 participants. Overall, biologics were more efficient over non-biological treatments in preventing endoscopic, severe endoscopic, and clinical POR without increasing the frequency of adverse events. Among the various types of biologics, anti-TNFα agents were better than vedolizumab in preventing endoscopic POR. Moreover, infliximab had a similar curative effect to adalimumab in preventing endoscopic, severe endoscopic, and clinical recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Biologics, especially anti-TNFα agents, still play a vital role in preventing POR in the biological era.

Quantifying the rate of recurrence of postoperative Crohn's disease with biological therapy. A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Preventing the postoperative recurrence (POR) of Crohn's disease (CD) poses a significant challenge to clinicians. With the advent of biologics, various studies have observed a reduction of recurrence after surgery. Hence, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the rate of POR at different time points in the era of biologic use.

METHODS

We performed a literature search using Medline and Embase databases for studies investigating biologics in preventing the POR of CD. Data were extracted, and a single-arm meta-analysis with generalized linear mixed model and Clopper-Pearson method for confidence interval (CI) was performed to identify endoscopic, clinical and surgical recurrence rates at 6 months and 1, 2 and 5 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

Altogether 24 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The endoscopic, clinical and surgical POR rate with the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents at 1 year was 21.72% (95% CI 16.28%-28.37%), 13.06% (95% CI 8.18%-18.92%) and 3.76% (95% CI 1.37%-9.91%), respectively. The 5-year recurrence rate was 84.21% (95% CI 72.35%-91.57%) and 17.49% (95% CI 9.17%-30.80%) for endoscopic and surgical recurrence, respectively. Subgroup analyses at 1 year for the type of anti-TNF-α agent or the timing of initiation after surgery showed no significant difference in endoscopic, clinical and surgical recurrence rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-TNF-α agents are effective at preventing clinical, endoscopic and surgical POR of CD. The timing of initiating biological therapy after surgery has no significant effect on the rate of POR. The efficacy of infliximab and adalimumab for postoperative recurrence prevention is similar.

Treatment Pathways Leading to Biologic Therapies for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease in the United States

Biologic therapies have been available for inflammatory bowel disease for >20 years, but patient outcomes have not changed appreciably over this time period. To better understand medication utilization for this disease, we evaluated a novel technique for visualizing treatment pathways, including initial treatment, switching, and combination therapies.

Pharmacological Prevention and Management of Postoperative Relapse in Pediatric Crohn's Disease

Pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by an aggressive course that commonly requires more intensive pharmacological and surgical treatments. In spite of the therapeutic advances in monitoring and management, including the widespread use of biologic therapy, the cumulative incidence of surgery in children with CD is still high. However, surgery is usually not curative and disease recurrence after small bowel resection is common. Gastrointestinal endoscopy is currently the gold standard to evaluate disease progression after surgery, but other non-invasive methods have been suggested. Although the efficacy of several drugs as medical prophylaxis to reduce the rate of disease recurrence following intestinal resection has been evaluated, selecting the most appropriate preventive therapeutic intervention remains a challenge. The current recommendations, mostly based on adult studies due to limited pediatric data, state that treatment should be guided by risk for recurrence. Low-risk patients may be given no prophylaxis or only 5-ASA. Maintenance enteral nutrition may also be considered. Thiopurines may be used in moderate risk of CD recurrence. In high risk patients for postoperative recurrence (extensive disease, short disease duration from diagnosis to surgery, recurrent surgery, long resected segment, surgery for fistulizing disease, disease complications, perianal disease, smoking), prophylactic treatment with anti-TNFα is recommended. subsequently, therapy should be guided by repeated measurement of objective measures including endoscopic re-evaluation at 6-12 months following surgery.