Inflammatory bowel disease in the pediatric and adolescent patient

Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio at 1 Year after Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor α Therapy Can Serve as a Prognostic Biomarker in Pediatric Crohn's Disease Patients

Background/Aims

The efficacy of biologics for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) is affected by the drug concentrations. We aimed to evaluate the importance of albumin and globulin which are known to be associated with drug concentrations as prognostic biomarkers in CD.

Methods

In total, 121 pediatric patients with CD who had received anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapy were retrospectively examined between January 2010 and February 2019.

Results

Relapse was observed in 48.8% of patients (59/121). The level of calprotectin (odds ratio, 2.13; p=0.03) and the albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) at 1 year after anti-TNF-α therapy (odds ratio, 0.0002; p=0.003) were associated with relapse. The AGR at 1 year after anti-TNF-α therapy was the only factor associated with the time-to-relapse (hazard ratio, 0.02; p<0.001). The optimal AGR cutoff value for the prediction of relapse was 1.47 (area under the curve, 0.916; p<0.001). The median infliximab trough level (TL) was lower in patients with AGRs <1.47 than in those with AGRs ≥1.47. Anti-drug antibody (ADA) concentrations were negatively correlated with the AGR at 1 year of anti-TNF-α therapy (r=-0.413, p=0.032).

Conclusions

AGR can be used to predict relapse. Patients with AGRs <1.47 at 1 year after anti-TNF-α therapy are more likely to have low drug TLs and develop ADAs, which increase the possibility of relapse than those with AGRs ≥1.47. Therefore, if the AGR at 1 year after anti-TNF-α therapy is less than 1.47, clinicians should monitor disease activity, assess the TLs of the anti-TNF-α agents, test for ADAs and determine the appropriate therapeutic strategies.

Upper gastrointestinal tract involvement is more prevalent in Korean patients with pediatric Crohn's disease than in European patients

In pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD) patients, it is important to define the disease phenotype at diagnosis for stratifying risk. In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess the disease phenotype compared to EUROKIDS registry and analyze disease outcome of pediatric CD patients according to upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract involvement. A total of 312 patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 13.7 years and 232 patients (74.4%) were identified to have upper GI involvement at diagnosis. In Korean pediatric CD patients, there were significant differences in male predominance (72.8% vs. 59.2, p < 0.001), proportion of upper GI involvement (74.4% vs. 46.2%, p < 0.001), and perianal disease (62.1% vs. 8.2%, p < 0.001) compared to data in the EUROKIDS registry. Younger age (OR 2.594, p = 0.0139) and ileal involvement (OR 2.293, p = 0.0176) at diagnosis were associated with upper GI involvement. There were no significant differences in disease outcomes between patients with and without upper GI tract involvement. This study revealed that upper GI involvement is more prevalent in Korean patients with pediatric Crohn’s disease than in European patients, and the disease outcome did not appear to differ according to upper GI tract involvement.

Comparison of small intestinal contrast ultrasound with magnetic resonance enterography in pediatric Crohn's disease

Aim

To compare the diagnostic yield of small intestinal contrast ultrasonography (SICUS) with magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in routine clinical practice in a cohort of pediatric patients investigated for Crohn's disease (CD) attending a UK tertiary center.

Methods and Results

Patients with suspected or established CD who underwent SICUS were identified retrospectively. SICUS was compared to conventional transabdominal ultrasound (TUS), ileocolonoscopy (IC), and MRE. The accuracy and agreement of SICUS in detecting small bowel lesions and CD-related complications were assessed using kappa (κ) coefficient statistics. A total of 93 patients (median age 15 years, range 2-17, 49 male) underwent SICUS; 58 had suspected and 35 had established CD. In suspected CD, sensitivity and specificity of SICUS in detecting CD small bowel lesions were 81.8 and 100% and for TUS 85.7 and 87.5%, respectively. In established CD, sensitivity and specificity of SICUS were 98.7 and 100% and TUS 80 and 100%, respectively. Agreement between SICUS and IC was substantial for the presence of lesions (κ = 0.73) but fair in TUS (κ = 0.31). Agreement between SICUS and IC was almost perfect for detecting strictures (κ = 0.84), with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97.6%. When comparing SICUS and TUS with MRE, agreement for the presence of lesions was substantial (κ = 0.63) and moderate (κ = 0.53), respectively. Agreement between SICUS and MRE was substantial for detecting strictures (κ = 0.77) and dilatation (κ = 0.68).

Conclusions

SICUS offers a radiation-free alternative for assessing pediatric small bowel CD, with diagnostic accuracy that is comparable to MRE and IC, supporting its wider use in routine practice.

Reversal of Immunogenicity in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Receiving Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Medications

Loss of response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a major consideration to maintain sustained response. Reversal of immunogenicity can re-establish response and increase the durability of these agents. Strategies to reverse immunogenicity include dose-intensification and/or the addition of an immunomodulator. However, there is a relative paucity of data on the efficacy of such interventions in pediatric IBD patients. Available reports have not strictly utilized homogenous mobility shift assay, which reports on anti-drug antibodies even in the presence of detectable drug, whereas prior studies have been confounded by the use of drug sensitive assays. We report four pediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients with successful reversal of immunogenicity on an anti-TNF agent using dose intensification and/or addition of an immunomodulator.

Particularities of Crohn's disease in pediatric patients: current status and perspectives regarding imaging modalities

A consensus on the best imaging modality evaluating inflammatory bowel disease in the pediatric population is lacking and it is often unclear which modality to choose in specific clinical circumstances. Children with inflammatory bowel disease are exposed to ionizing radiation from multiple imaging studies performed at initial diagnosis, throughout treatment and during the follow-up period. This paper discusses the value of different imaging techniques in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease and gives a review of the literature. In addition, particular features of inflammatory bowel disease in children including the predilection of affected segments in the gastrointestinal tract are highlighted. Based on current literature knowledge, we encourage an integrative approach to the interpretation of clinical and imaging data for diagnosis and follow-up in daily clinical settings.

Small intestine contrast ultrasonography in pediatric Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVE

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

STUDY DESIGN

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Enteroscopy in paediatric Crohn's disease

Small bowel evaluation is crucial in children with suspected inflammatory bowel disease to differentiate Crohn's disease from other enteropathies, in making therapeutic decisions and planning the follow-up. Endoscopic investigation of small bowel has historically been difficult due to the length and tortuosity of the organ itself. New technology, introduced over the past decade, allows minimally invasive and detailed endoscopic evaluation of the entire small bowel mucosa. While understudied in the paediatric population, literature is emerging supporting the use of these techniques in children. In this review we will provide an overview on the currently available technology, on its feasibility in paediatric age and on the available literature concerning the use of enteroscopy in paediatric Crohn's disease.

Investigation of small bowel in pediatric Crohn's disease

Investigation of the small bowel has been traditionally a challenge for pediatric gastroenterologists due to its location, anatomical tortuosity, and invasiveness of the available techniques. Recently, there has been a remarkable improvement in imaging and endoscopic tools aimed at exploring successfully the small intestine in inflammatory bowel disease. The former are represented by ultrasonography (either alone or with administration of oral contrast agents) and by magnetic resonance: both have provided accurate methods to detect structural bowel changes, diminishing patient discomfort and precluding radiation hazard. The use of traditional radiologic techniques such as fluoroscopy have been markedly reduced due to radiation exposure and inability to depict transmural inflammation or extraluminal complications. Among the novel endoscopic tools, capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy have tremendously opened new diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives, by allowing the direct visualization of small intestinal mucosa and, through enteroscopy, histological diagnosis as well as therapeutic interventions such as stricture dilation and bleeding treatment. These endoscopic techniques should always be preceded by imaging of the intestine in order to identify strictures. This review describes the most recent progress with the employment of novel imaging and endoscopic methodologies for investigating the small bowel in children with suspected or established Crohn's disease.

Magnetic resonance enterography guiding treatment in children with Crohn's jejunoileitis

AIM

To determine the usefulness of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in treatment for paediatric patients with Crohn's disease.

METHODS

To evaluate small bowel involvement, 45 children with Crohn's disease were scheduled for MRE. Two radiologists blinded to the patient data independently re-evaluated the images. Findings in images were compared to macroscopic findings at surgery or endoscopy.

RESULTS

The terminal ileum was visualized in all with a completed procedure (43/45). The treatment remained conservative in 74% after imaging. In all 13 patients who underwent ileocolonoscopy within 3 months of MRE, the MRE findings were comparable with the macroscopic findings or revealed a more extensive disease. Bowel resection was performed in 26% after imaging. The macroscopic findings in the bowel corresponded to the MRE findings in 73%. In three MRE suggested a more severe disease than was verified intraoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic resonance enterography identifies disease involvement in the small bowel in young patients with Crohn's disease and may guide decisions on the need for intestinal surgery or adjustment of medication.

Magnetic resonance enterography for suspected inflammatory bowel disease in a pediatric population

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in diagnosing and differentiating pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The secondary aims were to determine the accuracy of MRE in grading disease activity and determine the interobserver agreement for individual MRE parameters.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Pediatric patients scheduled to undergo esophagogastroduodenoscopy, ileocolonoscopy with biopsies, and barium enteroclysis for suspected IBD were included and underwent MRE. MRE images were evaluated by 3 observers. The accuracy of MRE was calculated using the clinical diagnosis based on endoscopic, histopathological, and barium enteroclysis examinations as reference standard.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were available for analysis. IBD was correctly diagnosed in, respectively, 61%, 61%, and 91% of the patients by the 3 observers, with a specificity of 80%, 90%, and 60%. Differentiation between Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) was accurately done in, respectively, 67%, 53%, and 80% of patients with CD and 0%, 14%, and 43% of patients with UC. Disease activity was understaged on MRE in the majority of patients. Intraclass correlation coefficients for measurements of bowel thickness were 0.52 (observer 1-2; observer 1-3) and 0.34 (observer 2-3). Interobserver agreement on bowel wall enhancement and stenosis was moderate to good (κ 0.59, 0.56, and 0.56 and κ 0.62, 0.32, 0.30, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Sensitivity and specificity values of MRE for diagnosing pediatric IBD were moderate to good. CD, but not UC, was accurately diagnosed by MRE in a large proportion of patients. Activity was understaged in a large proportion of patients. Interobserver agreement for individual MRE parameters was fair to good.

Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract and is an important cause of morbidity in children and adolescents. In India Crohn's disease (CD) was considered a rare disease, however, during the last 10 years CD in adults is being reported from several centers especially in Southern India. CD is characterized by transmural granulomatous inflammation involving any part of the gastrointestinal tract in a discontinuous manner. The peak incidence of Crohn's disease occurs during the adolescent and young adult years. The clinical presentation and complications are varied and several extraintestinal manifestations have been recognized. The understanding of the pathophysiology has opened new avenues in the management. The recognition of this problem in children and adolescents by pediatricians is necessary for proper diagnosis and management.

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is an important cause of gastrointestinal pathology in children and adolescents. The incidence of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease is increasing; therefore, it is important for the clinician to be aware of the presentation of this disease in the pediatric population. Laboratory tests, radiology studies, and endoscopic procedures are helpful in diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease and differentiating between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Once diagnosed, the goal of medical management is to induce remission of disease while minimizing the side effects of the medication. Specific attention needs to be paid to achieving normal growth in this susceptible population. Surgical management is usually indicated for failure of medical management, complication, or malignancy. Algorithms for diagnostic evaluation and treatment of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease are presented. The specific psychosocial issues facing these patients are also discussed in this review as are the future goals of research in the complex problem of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

Crohn's disease presenting as palatal ulcer

Crohn's disease (CD) in children younger than 5 years of age is termed as early onset inflammatory bowel disease (EO-IBD). We report a 4 yr 6 mo-old child with EO-IBD, who presented with palatal ulcer, an extra intestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease as the dominant feature.

Educate, communicate, anticipate-practical recommendations for transitioning adolescents with IBD to adult health care

The cyclical nature of chronic illness requires that children with inflammatory bowel disease be transitioned to the adult medical system with as much continuity of care as possible. Transition from pediatric to adult medical care continues to present significant barriers. The philosophy of transition centers on a process, with the actual transfer to adult care as a point along this clinical pathway. Concrete steps can be taken to help patients prepare for new responsibilities. The aim of this review is to propose a clinical and developmental timeline for both patients and their medical team, including specific responsibilities for both, so that the partnership can best promote a successful transition.

Crohn's jejunoileitis: the pediatrician's perspective on diagnosis and management

Although uncommon, diffuse jejunoilietis is one of the most difficult areas in Crohn's disease (CD) to treat. Although the exact frequency is unknown, most gastroenterologists believe that its prevalence has been underestimated and that it may have an increased incidence among children and young adolescents. The clinical importance of this clinical disease phenotype is the impact diffuse small bowel disease is expected to have on a child's growth and development. Moreover, patients with jejunoileitis are more likely to experience complications, including fistulization, and most commonly, intestinal obstruction. The associated morbidity and frequent need for surgical intervention renders these patients at risk for intestinal insufficiency. Although stricturoplasty has reduced the incidence of short bowel syndrome, most patients with proximal small bowel CD still require repeated surgical intervention. Jejunoileitis represents a distinct clinical phenotype within the heterogenous family of disease phenotypes considered as CD. Whether a specific genotype will be found to associate with jejunoileitis remains to be determined. Through the development of novel diagnostic techniques, including gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (GMRI), enteroscopy, and capsule endoscopy, the mean age at diagnosis is expected to decrease. Coupled with an increase in clinical suspicion, early diagnosis may allow physicians to consider implementing aggressive immunomodulatory therapy. Future studies are needed to determine if the early detection and use of immune modulators in patients with proximal small bowel disease will improve overall quality of life and decrease the risk of nutritional and surgical comorbidity.