The interleukin 1 receptor antagonist gene allele 2 as a predictor of pouchitis following colectomy and IPAA in ulcerative colitis

The aetiology of pouchitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is a treatment option for patients with refractory ulcerative colitis. Pouchitis is the most common complication, representing a spectrum of diseases ranging from acute antibiotic-responsive type to chronic antibiotic-refractory. Early accurate diagnosis using a combined assessment of symptoms, endoscopy and histology is important for both treatment and prognostication. Most patients respond well to antibiotic therapy; however, management of chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis remains a challenge, and treatment options are based on small studies. Pouchitis is thought to be driven by the interaction between genetics, the immune system and the environment but as yet a causal relationship has yet to be identified. Further longitudinal assessment of the pouch integrating new technologies may help us understand the factors driving pouchitis. This review outlines the currently understood risk factors and aetiology of pouchitis.

Microbiota DNA Translocation Into Mesentery Lymph Nodes Is Associated With Early Development of Pouchitis After IPAA for Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

The role of bacterial translocation in Crohn's disease has been extensively studied. However, data regarding bacterial translocation into the mesentery in patients with ulcerative colitis were scarce.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the relationship between bacterial translocation and postoperative outcome by comparing the microbiome profile of different anatomical sites in patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent proctocolectomy and IPAA.

DESIGN

A prospective study.

SETTING

This study was conducted at the Jinling Hospital from August 2017 to May 2018.

PATIENTS

Samples of 27 patients with ulcerative colitis who had IPAA and 15 healthy controls who underwent routine colonoscopy were collected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The microbiome profile of different tissue sites and short- and long-term outcomes after IPAA in patients with ulcerative colitis.

RESULTS

Bacterial DNA was detected in mesenteric lymph nodes of 51.9% of patients with ulcerative colitis (14/27) and in mesenteric adipose tissue of 66.7% of patients (18/27). The microbiome in mesenteric lymph nodes and mesenteric adipose tissue resembled the mucosal microbiome to a greater extent than the fecal microbiome. Positive bacterial DNA in mesenteric lymph nodes (8/14 vs 0/13; p = 0.002) was associated with pouchitis within 12 months after IPAA, whereas Bray-Curtis distance in mesenteric lymph nodes was significantly different between patients with pouchitis and without ( p = 0.009).

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its small sample size and lacked situ experiment to confirm the true bacterial translation.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacterial translocation was highly prevalent in patients with ulcerative colitis. The translocated bacteria DNA in mesenteric adipose tissue and mesenteric lymph nodes was highly correlated and more likely to originate from mucosal than fecal microbiome. Also, the extent of bacterial translocation and translocation of certain bacteria might be associated with the early development of pouchitis after IPAA. This might represent an unprecedented technique to predict pouchitis using mesenteric lymph node bacterial profiles. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C119 .

LA TRANSLOCACIN DEL ADN DE LA MICROBIOTA EN LOS GANGLIOS LINFTICOS DEL MESENTERIO SE ASOCIA CON EL DESARROLLO TEMPRANO DE POUCHITIS DESPUS DE IPAA PARA LA COLITIS ULCEROSA

ANTECEDENTES:El papel de la translocación bacteriana en la enfermedad de Crohn se ha estudiado ampliamente en los últimos años. Sin embargo, los datos sobre la translocación bacteriana en el mesenterio en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa fueron escasos.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la relación entre la translocación bacteriana y el resultado postoperatorio comparando el perfil del microbioma de diferentes sitios anatómicos en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa que se sometieron a proctocolectomía y anastomosis ileoanal con bolsa.DISEÑO:Estudio prospectivo.AJUSTE:Este estudio se realizó en el Hospital Jinling desde agosto de 2017 hasta mayo de 2018.PACIENTES:Se recogieron muestras de 27 pacientes con colitis ulcerosa que tenían anastomosis de bolsa ileoanal y 15 controles sanos que se sometieron a una colonoscopia de rutina.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El perfil del microbioma de diferentes sitios de tejido y los resultados a corto y largo plazo después de la anastomosis ileoanal con bolsa en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa.RESULTADOS:Se detectó ADN bacteriano en los ganglios linfáticos mesentéricos del 51,9 % (14/27) de los pacientes con colitis ulcerosa y en el tejido adiposo mesentérico del 66,7 % (18/27) de los pacientes, respectivamente. El microbioma en los ganglios linfáticos mesentéricos y el tejido adiposo mesentérico se parecía más al microbioma de la mucosa que al microbioma fecal. El ADN bacteriano translocado en los ganglios linfáticos mesentéricos y el tejido adiposo mesentérico estaban altamente correlacionados. El ADN bacteriano positivo en los ganglios linfáticos mesentéricos (8/14 frente a 0/13, p = 0,002) se asoció con reservoritis dentro de los 12 meses posteriores a la anastomosis ileoanal con reservorio, mientras que la distancia de Bray-Curtis en los ganglios linfáticos mesentéricos fue significativamente diferente entre reservoritis y no reservorios. -pacientes con reservorio (p = 0,009). Ruminococcus, Bacteroides y Clostridiales se encontraron exclusivamente en los ganglios linfáticos mesentéricos de pacientes con reservoritis.LIMITACIÓN:Este estudio estuvo limitado por el pequeño tamaño de la muestra y la falta de un experimento in situ para confirmar la verdadera traducción bacteriana.CONCLUSIÓN:La translocación bacteriana fue altamente prevalente en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa. El ADN bacteriano translocado en el tejido adiposo mesentérico y los ganglios linfáticos mesentéricos estaba altamente correlacionado y era más probable que se originara en el microbioma de la mucosa que en el fecal. Además, la extensión de la translocación bacteriana y la translocación de ciertas bacterias podría estar asociada con el desarrollo temprano de reservoritis después de la anastomosis del reservorio ileoanal. Esto podría representar una técnica sin precedentes para predecir la reservoritis utilizando perfiles bacterianos de los ganglios linfáticos mesentéricos. Consulte Video Resumen en. http://links.lww.com/DCR/C119(Traducción-Dr. Felipe Bellolio ).

Histologic Activity in an Endoscopically Normal-Appearing Pouch Predicts Future Risk of Pouchitis in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

INTRODUCTION

The impact of histologic inflammation on subsequent risk of acute pouchitis in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been robustly examined.

METHODS

We examined the association between histologic inflammation in endoscopically normal-appearing ileal pouches in patients with UC with subsequent risk of antibiotic-responsive acute pouchitis.

RESULTS

Among 163 study patients, 53% had histologic inflammation in an endoscopically normal-appearing ileal pouch. Histologic inflammation in the pouch was associated with an increased risk of pouchitis (24.1% vs 6.8%, adjusted odds ratio 4.41, 95% confidence interval 1.48-13.20).

DISCUSSION

Histologic inflammation in an endoscopically normal pouch was associated with an increased risk of acute pouchitis.

Disease Monitoring of the Ileoanal Pouch: How to Utilize Biomarkers, Imaging, and Pouchoscopy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis has been associated with multiple short- and long-term complications. In this review, we examine the role of biomarkers, imaging, and pouchoscopy in the assessment of patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, with a particular focus on the emergence of novel biomarkers and techniques for evaluating and risk stratifying patients after this procedure in the hopes of improving outcomes in this specific population.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are indications that that the incidence of pouchitis may be increasing in recent decades. Calprotectin and other non-invasive imaging tests such as ultrasound may offer advantages in distinguishing patients with inflammatory conditions of the pouch from other etiologies. In the search for other biomarkers that may identify patients at risk for inflammatory conditions of the pouch, the stool microbiota and metabolomics may play a key role in identifying those patients at greatest risk for complications. Advances in biomarkers, imaging, and standardized pouchoscopy scoring offer immediate improvements in clinical care and will prompt future research efforts.

Microbiome Analysis of Mucosal Ileoanal Pouch in Ulcerative Colitis Patients Revealed Impairment of the Pouches Immunometabolites

The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) is unknown, although genetic loci and altered gut microbiota have been implicated. Up to a third of patients with moderate to severe UC require proctocolectomy with ileal pouch ano-anastomosis (IPAA). We aimed to explore the mucosal microbiota of UC patients who underwent IPAA.

METHODS

For microbiome analysis, mucosal specimens were collected from 34 IPAA individuals. Endoscopic and histological examinations of IPAA were normal in 21 cases, while pouchitis was in 13 patients. 19 specimens from the healthy control (10 from colonic and 9 from ileum) were also analyzed. Data were analyzed using an ensemble of software packages: QIIME2, coda-lasso, clr-lasso, PICRUSt2, and ALDEx2.

RESULTS

IPAA specimens had significantly lower bacterial diversity as compared to normal. The microbial composition of the normal pouch was also decreased also when compared to pouchitis. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Gemmiger formicilis, Blautia obeum, Ruminococcus torques, Dorea formicigenerans, and an unknown species from Roseburia were the most uncommon in pouch/pouchitis, while an unknown species from Enterobacteriaceae was over-represented. Propionibacterium acnes and Enterobacteriaceae were the species most abundant in the pouchitis and in the normal pouch, respectively. Predicted metabolic pathways among the IPAA bacterial communities revealed an important role of immunometabolites such as SCFA, butyrate, and amino acids.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed specific bacterial signature hallmarks of dysbiosis and could represent bacterial biomarkers in IPAA patients useful to develop novel treatments in the future by modulating the gut microbiota through the administration of probiotic immunometabolites-producing bacterial strains and the addition of specific prebiotics and the faecal microbiota transplantation.

Pouchitis: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Procto-colectomy with an ileal pouch anal anastomosis is the procedure of choice for ulcerative colitis patients that require colectomy. Pouchitis is a non-specific inflammation of the ileal reservoir, and the most common, inflammatory and long-term, complication after pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis. The aetiology is still unknown, but many risk factors have been individuated. Pouchitis can be classified based on aetiology, duration, clinical course, and response to antibiotic therapy. Accurate diagnosis and classification is the key factor for an adequate management, and exclusion of secondary causes of pouchitis is pivotal. Most of the patients consistently respond to antibiotic therapy, but management of the subgroup of patients with chronic-antibiotic-resistant-pouchitis is still challenging, being this entity one of the major causes of pouch failure.

Medical treatment of pouchitis: a guide for the clinician

Pouchitis is the most common complication in patients who have undergone restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Up to 81% of IPAA patients experience pouchitis, with 40% of patients presenting within the first year of surgery. Common risk factors include genetic mutations, extensive colitis, rheumatologic disorders, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Currently, there are no medications with approved indications for pouchitis. As such, the conventional treatment of pouchitis is entirely off-label. This paper is intended to be a practical and up-to-date review of available therapies used for the management of pouchitis. The mainstay of treatment for acute pouchitis remains antibiotics, but newer therapeutics have also shown promise in the treatment of chronic pouchitis. Common lifestyle considerations that may play a role in pouchitis are also reviewed.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Medical treatment of pouchitis: a guide for the clinician The ileal pouch-anal anastomosis ("pouch") is the most common way patients who require surgery to remove their colon are able to avoid a permanent ileostomy ("ostomy"). This pouch, created from the small intestines, serves as a reservoir to hold stool. The most common complication after pouch surgery is pouchitis. Pouchitis symptoms include more frequent bowel movements, urgency to defecate, blood in the stool, incontinence, and abdominal pain. This paper is intended to be a practical review of available therapies including medications and lifestyle changes that can be considered for the management of acute pouchitis, chronic pouchitis, and cuffitis.

Ileal Pouchitis With Endoscopic Pictures

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disorder, and almost one-third of UC patients ultimately undergo surgical interventions because of complications or refractory disease. Current restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the standard intervention for severe chronic UC with refractory disease. Several complications associated with this procedure can occur, including anastomotic leak, sepsis, and pouch ischemia. The most frequent long-term complication is pouchitis, an idiopathic inflammatory condition involving the ileal pouch. Presentations may vary but include stool frequency, urgency, incontinence, fatigue, malaise, and fever, less commonly bloody stools. We report a case of ileal pouchitis in a young patient, two years after proctocolectomy with IPAA responsive to antibiotic treatment. Our case supports that imaging studies like flexible sigmoidoscopy are necessary to rule out other disorders in patients with pouchitis.

A case of refractory pouchitis complicated by cytomegalovirus infection requiring administration of ganciclovir and infliximab

Pouchitis is a frequent complication of surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), and is typically treated using antimicrobials. If pouchitis is refractory to antimicrobials, screening for complications, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, is necessary. However, the optimal approach to management of pouchitis complicated by CMV infection is unclear. We report the case of a 41-year-old female patient with UC presenting with pouchitis associated with CMV infection; she had received subtotal colectomy/ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). She was admitted to hospital with persistent fever, epigastric discomfort, and watery diarrhea despite receiving antibiotics. Laboratory findings showed inflammation and reactivation of CMV infection accompanied by liver injury. The endoscopic findings showed inflammation of the pouch and ileal mucosa on the oral side with extensive and deep punched-out ulcers. Immunohistological staining of biopsy specimens from an ulcerated lesion demonstrated CMV infection. Therefore, we diagnosed the patient with pouchitis complicated by CMV infection. The patient was treated with ganciclovir and infliximab, which resolved her symptoms and led to the disappearance of CMV-positive cells. There has been no recurrence of pouchitis. CMV infection should be considered in patients with UC who develop refractory pouchitis.

Novel prognostic biomarkers of pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio

OBJECTIVES

Pouchitis is a major complication after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Although there have been many investigations of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in various diseases, its role in predicting the development of pouchitis remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of the NLR for predicting the development of pouchitis after IPAA in UC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UC patients who underwent IPAA at Osaka City University Hospital between May 2006 and March 2019 were included. The incidence of pouchitis was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Potential preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative predictors for pouchitis, including various demographic and clinical variables, were analyzed. The combined impact of the NLR and other known prognostic factors were investigated using Cox proportional hazard regression with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients with UC who underwent IPAA were included. The median follow-up period was 18.3 months (interquartile range: 10.7-47.2 months). Eighteen patients (36.7%) developed pouchitis. The incidence of pouchitis was 19.2%, 32.6%, and 45.9% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. NLR was significantly associated with the development of pouchitis in the univariate Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio (HR), 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.28; P = 0.03). The NLR cutoff value of 2.15 was predictive of the development of pouchitis according to receiver operating characteristic analysis (specificity: 67.7%, sensitivity: 72.2%). The incidence of pouchitis was significantly lower in the low NLR group than that in the high NLR group (P = 0.01, log-rank test). Cox regression analyses using IPTW also identified NLR as a prognostic factor for the development of pouchitis by statistically adjusting for background factors (HR, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.31-9.89; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

NLR may be a novel and useful indicator for predicting the development of pouchitis after IPAA in UC and should be introduced in clinical practice.

Prevention and Medical Treatment of Pouchitis In Ulcerative Colitis

Approximately 50% of patients who have undergone IPAA surgery for Ulcerative Colitis (UC) develop at least 1 episode of pouchitis. Patients with pouchitis have a wide range of symptoms, endoscopic and histologic features, disease course, and prognosis. To date, there are no universally accepted diagnostic criteria in terms of endoscopy and histology; though, semi-objective assessments to diagnose pouchitis in patients with ileal pouch- anal anastomosis (IPAA) have been proposed using composite scores such as the Pouchitis Triad, Heidelberg Pouchitis Activity Score and Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI). In a systematic review that included four randomized trials evaluating five agents for the treatment of acute pouchitis, ciprofloxacin was more effective at inducing remission as compared with metronidazole. Rifaximin was not more effective than placebo, while budesonide enemas and metronidazole were similarly effective for inducing remission of acute pouchitis. Patients with pouchitis relapsing more than three times per year are advised maintenance therapy, and guidelines recommend ciprofloxacin or the probiotic VSL#3. In patients with antibiotic-refractory pouchitis, secondary factors associated with an antibiotic-refractory course should be sought and treated. In this review, we will discuss the prevention and management of pouchitis in Ulcerative Colitis patients.

Pouchitis in pediatric ulcerative colitis: A multicenter study on behalf of Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

BACKGROUND

Data on the epidemiology and risk factors for pouchitis following restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are scarce.

AIMS

To determine incidence, risk factors and clinical outcome of pouchitis following IPAA in children.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective cohort study, included all pediatric UC patients who underwent colectomy and IPAA from January 2010 to December 2016.

RESULTS

Eighty-five patients were enrolled. During a median post-surgical period of 24.8 (range: 1.0-72.0) months following IPAA, 38 (44.7%) patients developed pouchitis, including 6 (15.8%) who developed chronic pouchitis. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates of the cumulative probability for pouchitis were 14.6% at 1 year and 27.3% and 51.5% at 2 and 5 years, respectively. Multiple Cox regression model showed that older age at colectomy (hazard ratio, HR: 0.89, p = 0.008) was a protective factor, whereas chronic active colitis as indication for surgery (HR: 4.45, p < 0.001), and a 3-stage IPAA (HR: 2.86, p = 0.028) increased the risk for pouchitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term risk for pouchitis is significantly high in pediatric-onset UC after IPAA. Younger age at colectomy, chronic active colitis as indication for surgery and 3-stage IPAA may increase the risk for pouchitis.

Recommendations of the Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU) on pouchitis in ulcerative colitis. Part 1: Epidemiology, diagnosis and prognosis

Pouchitis is a common complication in ulcerative colitis patients after total proctocolectomy. This is an unspecific inflammation of the ileo-anal pouch, the aetiology of which is not fully known. This inflammation induces the onset of symptoms such as urgency, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. Many patients suffering from pouchitis have a lower quality of life. In addition to symptoms, an endoscopy with biopsies is mandatory in order to establish a definite diagnosis. The recommended index to assess its activity is the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI), but its modified version (PDAIm) can be used in clinical practice. In accordance with the duration of symptoms, pouchitis can be classified as acute (<4 weeks) or chronic (>4 weeks), and, regarding its course, pouchitis can be infrequent (<4 episodes per year), recurrent (>4 episodes per year) or continuous.

The efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation for patients with chronic pouchitis: A case series

Pouchitis is one of the most common complications that develop after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis. Single fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) by colonoscopy was performed safely on three patients with pouchitis. However, the efficacy of FMT on pouchitis was limited.

Predictors for Pouchitis After Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis for Pediatric-Onset Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

The predictive factors for the development of pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in pediatric-onset ulcerative colitis (UC) have not been well investigated. The present study aimed to determine the predictive factors for the development of pouchitis after IPAA in the pediatric UC population.

METHODS

The data from 54 patients with pediatric-onset UC who underwent IPAA in Mie University Hospital between 2000 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. A modified pouchitis disease activity index of ≥5 was defined as pouchitis. Potential preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative predictors for pouchitis including various demographic and clinical variables were analyzed using Cox regression analysis, Students' t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Kaplan-Meier curves. The optimal cutoff value for continuous variables was determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

Pouchitis was identified in 17 (31.5%) patients within 5 y of follow-up. In multivariable analysis, the independent predictors for pouchitis were preoperative cumulative steroid dose of >10,000 mg (P = 0.0056) and >65% neutrophils just before IPAA (P = 0.032). Multivariate analysis revealed that the independent predictors of pouchitis were a total steroid dose of >10,000 mg (P = 0.0002) and a neutrophil percentage of >65% (P = 0.0078). No patient for whom both of these independent predictors were negative developed pouchitis, whereas >40% of patients who had one or both predictors developed pouchitis.

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric patients with UC, the predictive factors for pouchitis development are a greater cumulative total dose of steroids and a greater percentage of neutrophils before IPAA.

Management of Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis, Part 1: Ambulatory Care-An Evidence-based Guideline From European Crohn's and Colitis Organization and European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

BACKGROUND

The contemporary management of ambulatory ulcerative colitis (UC) continues to be challenging with ∼20% of children needing a colectomy within childhood years. We thus aimed to standardize daily treatment of pediatric UC and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)-unclassified through detailed recommendations and practice points.

METHODS

These guidelines are a joint effort of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) and the Paediatric IBD Porto group of European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). An extensive literature search with subsequent evidence appraisal using robust methodology was performed before 2 face-to-face meetings. All 40 included recommendations and 86 practice points were endorsed by 43 experts in Paediatric IBD with at least an 88% consensus rate.

RESULTS

These guidelines discuss how to optimize the use of mesalamine (including topical), systemic and locally active steroids, thiopurines and, for more severe disease, biologics. The use of other emerging therapies and the role of surgery are also covered. Algorithms are provided to aid therapeutic decision-making based on clinical assessment and the Paediatric UC Activity Index (PUCAI). Advice on contemporary therapeutic targets incorporating the use of calprotectin and the role of therapeutic drug monitoring are presented, as well as other management considerations around pouchitis, extraintestinal manifestations, nutrition, growth, psychology, and transition. A brief section on disease classification using the PIBD-classes criteria and IBD-unclassified is also part of these guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines provide a guide to clinicians managing children with UC and IBD-unclassified management to provide modern management strategies while maintaining vigilance around appropriate outcomes and safety issues.

Alicaforsen in the treatment of pouchitis

Alicaforsen is a 20-base antisense oligonucleotide inhibiting ICAM-1 production, which is an important adhesion molecule involved in leukocyte migration and trafficking to the site of inflammation. Hitherto, alicaforsen has been granted orphan drug designation and is prescribed as an unlicensed medicine in accordance with international regulation for the treatment of pouchitis and left-sided ulcerative colitis. Given the positive results evolving from one open-label trial and one case series in patients with chronic refractory pouchitis, US FDA has agreed to a rolling submission for a license application for the treatment of pouchitis, which has been recently initiated. Whether alicaforsen leads to higher endoscopic and clinical remission rates as placebo and whether the response can be maintained in the long-term in larger studies is yet unknown. An ongoing multicenter international Phase III trial will definitely address these unanswered questions.

Review article: the pathogenesis of pouchitis

BACKGROUND

A total proctocolectomy followed by ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is a potentially curative surgery for ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis. About 5-35% of patients with ulcerative colitis and 0-11% of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis develop subsequent inflammation of the ileal pouch termed pouchitis.

AIM

To provide a comprehensive analysis of the research studying the possible pathogenesis of pouchitis. The goals were to identify promising areas of investigation, to help focus clinicians, researchers and patients on how to better understand and then potentially manage ileal pouchitis, and to provide avenues for future research investigations.

METHODS

This review examined manuscripts from 1981 to 2015 that discussed and/or proposed hypotheses with supportive evidence for the potential underlying pathogenic mechanism for pouchitis.

RESULTS

The pathogenesis of pouchitis is not definitively understood, but various hypotheses have been proposed, including (i) recurrence of ulcerative colitis, (ii) dysbiosis of the ileal pouch microbiota, (iii) deprivation of nutritional short-chain fatty acids, (iv) mucosal ischaemia and oxygen-free radical injury, (v) host genetic susceptibility and (vi) immune dysregulation. However, none of these alone are able to fully explain pouchitis pathogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Pouchitis, similar to inflammatory bowel disease, is a complex disorder that is not caused by any one single factor. More likely, pouchitis occurs through a combination of both dysregulated host inflammatory mechanisms and interaction with luminal microbiota.

Predictors of Pouchitis After Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis in Children

OBJECTIVES

Predictive factors for the development of pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in children have not been well studied. In this retrospective study, the incidence and risk factors that predict pouchitis in children with IPAA will be identified.

METHODS

The records of patients who underwent IPAA surgery at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin between January 2000 and December 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with clinical, endoscopic, and histological findings consistent with pouchitis were identified. The groups of patients with and without pouchitis or chronic pouchitis were compared to determine which demographic, pathological, or disease characteristics may serve as predictive factors for the development of pouchitis or chronic pouchitis.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 60 patients who underwent IPAA, preoperative diagnosis was ulcerative colitis (UC) in 43 and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) in 17. Pouchitis was identified in 24 (56%) patients with UC and 2 (12%) patients with FAP. Subgroup analysis of patients with UC revealed that chronic pouchitis occurred in 15 (35%) patients. The median follow-up period from construction of the IPAA was 35 months (range 4.59-104.26 months). The study analysis revealed that a higher Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index score at the time of diagnosis was a significant predictive factor for both pouchitis (P = 0.001) and chronic pouchitis (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with UC and a higher PUCAI score at the time of diagnosis have a higher risk for developing pouchitis.

The therapeutic potential of antibiotics and probiotics in the treatment of pouchitis

Pouchitis is the most frequent long-term complication of pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis. There is consistent evidence on the implication of bacterial flora in the pathogenesis of pouchitis, and there is evidence for a therapeutic role of antibiotics and probiotics in therapy of this disease. Antibiotics, particularly ciprofloxacin and metronidazole, are the mainstay of treatment for acute pouchitis. In chronic refractory pouchitis, after having excluded other diagnoses (infections, Crohn's disease of the pouch, ischemia and irritable pouch), antibiotic combination therapy is the treatment of choice. The highly concentrated probiotic mixture VSL#3 has been shown to be effective in prevention of pouchitis onset and in maintaining antibiotic-induced remission.

The current place of probiotics and prebiotics in the treatment of pouchitis

Pouchitis is a common complication in patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. Therapeutic attempts include manipulations of pouch flora composition. In this review, we bring together the evidence supporting the use of probiotics and prebiotics in pouchitis patients, to clarify the place of these treatments in current therapeutic regimens.

Significance of IL-1RA Polymorphism in Iranian Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Interleukin (IL)-1 family members play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are conflicting results regarding the association of IL-1 gene cluster single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with IBD and its clinical features. The aim of this study was to examine IL-1α -889 C/T, IL-1β -511 C/T, IL-1β +3962 C/T, IL-1R Pst-I1970 C/T, and IL-1RA Mspa-I11100 C/T SNPs in Iranian patients.

METHODS

In this study, SNPs of IL-1 family members were investigated in 75 patients with IBD (40 CD and 35 UC), using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers method.

RESULTS

IL-1β -511 CC genotype was significantly less present in UC compared to controls, while IL-1RA Mspa-I11100 CC was significantly associated with both Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). IL-1α -889 TT genotype was more frequently associated with extraintestinal manifestations. A significant association was observed between IL-1β +3962 TT genotype and the disease activity in IBD. IL-1RA Mspa-I11100 CC was significantly less frequent in CD patients who need immunosuppressive therapy. IL-1RA Mspa-I11100 CT was associated with earlier age of onset in IBD, while TT genotype was associated with higher age of onset in IBD.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-1 SNPs seem to be associated with IBD and could affect the disease severity as well.

Male issues of the ileal pouch

: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the standard surgical treatment modality for patients with ulcerative colitis who require colectomy. There are special issues related to male gender. We performed systemic literature review on the topic, incorporating the experience in our specialized Center for Ileal Pouch Disorders, and provide recommendations for the identification and management for the gender-specific issues in male patients with ileal pouches. Chronic pouchitis, particularly ischemic pouchitis, anastomotic leak, and presacral sinus are more common in male patients than their female counterparts. Sexual dysfunction can occur after pouch surgery, particularly in those with pouch failure. Diagnosis and management of benign and malignant prostate diseases can be challenging due to the altered pelvic anatomy from the surgery. Digital rectal examination for prostate cancer screening is not reliable. Transpouch biopsy of prostate may lead to pouch fistula or abscess. Pelvic radiation therapy may have an adverse impact on the pouch function. In conclusion, sexual dysfunction and enlarged prostate can occur in patients with the ileal pouch. The measurement of serum prostate-specific antigen is a preferred method for the screening of prostate cancer. If biopsy of the prostate is needed, the perineal route is recommended. The risk for pouch dysfunction and the benefit for oncologic survival of pelvic radiation for prostate cancer should be carefully balanced.

Comparison of long-term outcomes of S and J pouches and continent ileostomies in ulcerative colitis patients with restorative proctocolectomy-experience in subspecialty pouch center

BACKGROUND

There are no published studies comparing pouch configurations and long-term adverse outcomes.

AIM

To evaluate outcomes of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with S-, J- pouches or continent ileostomy (CI).

METHODS

We conducted a historical cohort study from the prospectively maintained Pouch Registry. Demographic and clinical variables were evaluated with univariate and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Fourty-five patients with S pouches and 36 with CI (33 K pouches and 3 Barnett continent ileal reservoirs) were compared with 215 J pouches serving as controls (ratio 1:2.5). In multivariable analysis, patients with S pouches were 93% less likely to develop chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis (CARP) than subjects with J pouches (odds ratio [OR]=0.07; 95% confidence interval: <0.001, 0.54; p<0.001). However, no significant difference in the frequency of CARP was found between the CI and J pouch groups (OR=0.68; 95% confidence interval: 0.17, 2.00, p=0.40). Patients with S pouches were 8 times more likely (95% confidence interval: 3.7, 17.5; p<0.001) and patients with CI 5.6 had times more likely (95% confidence interval: 2.4, 13.3; p<0.001) to have pouch surgery-related complications than those with J pouches. There was no difference in the rate of CD of the pouch, pouch-associated hospitalization and pouch failure between the S- pouch, CI and J- pouch groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with J pouches appeared to have a greater risk for chronic pouchitis than those with S-pouches and but had a lower risk for developing pouch surgery-related complications than those with S pouches or CI.

The extent of inflammation is a predictor for pouch-related complications in ileal pouches in patients with ulcerative or indeterminate colitis

AIM

Limited data are available on the relationship between the histological features of the resected specimens in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or indeterminate colitis (IC) and the outcome of restorative proctocolectomy. The aim of our study was to determine if the histological features of the resected specimen in patients with UC and IC can predict ileal-pouch-related outcome.

METHOD

A review of all patients who had a restorative proctocolectomy created following completion proctectomy or proctocolectomy for UC and IC was performed.

RESULTS

Between 1992 and 2011, 142 patients (132 with UC and 10 with IC) were reviewed. After a median follow-up of 36 (3-149) months, 51 (35.9%) developed a pouch-related complication. Forty-two (29.7%) developed pouchitis while three (2.1%) developed a pouch-cutaneous fistula. Four (2.8%) had pouch failure, while stricture of the anastomosis was seen in three (2.1%) patients. The presence of extension of the inflammation into the muscularis propria of the resected specimen was associated with an increased risk of pouch-related complications (P = 0.01). The presence of submucosal oedema was also a significant risk factor (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

The extension of inflammation into the muscularis propria appears to predict pouch-related complications following restorative proctocolectomy for UC or IC.

Role of intestinal bacteria in the pathogenesis of pouchitis

Pouchitis is a common complication seen in patients with ulcerative colitis who undergo total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis. Bacteria seem to play an important role in the development of pouchitis, although this role is not well defined. Because technology has advanced, we are able to apply molecular techniques to describe the structure and function of the pouch microbial community. In recent years, several studies have been performed comparing the pouch microbiota in patients with ulcerative colitis with healthy pouches and pouchitis. Many of these studies have suggested that pouchitis is characterized by dysbiosis and/or decreased microbial diversity. There has not been a clear pattern identifying a pathogenic organism or a group of organisms responsible for pouchitis. This review summarizes recent studies exploring the pouch microbiota in health and disease, the relationship of bacterial metabolites and pouchitis, and the role of antibiotics and probiotics for the treatment and prevention of pouchitis.

Managing intractable proctitis and the problematic pouch

Proctitis accounts for a significant proportion of cases of ulcerative colitis (UC), and some patients subsequently develop more extensive disease. However, most patients continue to have limited inflammation, although the changes in the distal colon and rectum can occasionally be severe, and symptoms of increased frequency, rectal bleeding and urgency can be as disabling as they are for patients with more extensive colitis. Furthermore, although symptoms are typically well controlled with standard medications, medically refractory proctitis poses particular problems. Patients generally are not systemically unwell, and there is no added fear of cancer. Therefore, the prospect of colectomy for such limited disease is resisted by patients, physicians and surgeons alike. Unusual therapies, often delivered locally by enema or suppository, have been tested in small case series without definitive outcomes. The pathogenesis of such limited, yet intractable inflammation remains unclear, and the differential diagnosis should be carefully reviewed to ensure that local disease, whether it is infectious, vascular, or a result of injury or degeneration, is not overlooked. Ileo-anal pouch formation is the surgery of choice for about 20% of patients with UC who undergo colectomy. In the majority of cases, this surgery results in an acceptable quality of life and freedom from a stoma. However, in a sizeable minority of cases, pouch dysfunction can cause intractable problems. The causes of pouch dysfunction are varied and must all be considered carefully, particularly in refractory cases. Pouchitis is a common issue and is usually transient and easily treated. However, refractory and chronic pouchitis can be challenging. Ischaemia, injury, infection and Crohn's disease can all cause refractory pouch dysfunction. In a minority of cases, there appears to be no apparent organic pathology, and the presumptive diagnosis is that of a functional pouch disorder. Although it is much rarer, neoplastic changes in the pouch must also be considered, and the risk managed appropriately. The management of both intractable proctitis and the problematic pouch is made more challenging by the wide differential diagnosis that must be considered and by the paucity of high-quality clinical trials to support any one therapy. Key strategies to overcoming these limitations include methodical and systematic investigation and review, and a willingness to tailor therapy to the individual patient. Clinical trials of new treatments should be supported, and data from the experience with small cohorts of patients should be meticulously collected, critically analysed and widely disseminated.

The association between autoimmunity and pouchitis

: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is commonly used in the management of ulcerative colitis. Inflammation of the ileal pouch reservoir, or pouchitis, is a common complication of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis that is incompletely understood. Risk factors including nonsmoker status and primary sclerosing cholangitis have been linked with pouchitis development, but the etiopathogenesis of pouchitis remains poorly defined. Pouchitis is more commonly a complication of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis performed in patients with ulcerative colitis, and similar to ulcerative colitis, chronic pouchitis is associated with extraintestinal manifestations and other diseases of immune origin, suggesting overlap in the disease pathogenesis. It is becoming apparent that pouchitis encompasses clinically distinct subtypes based on the response or lack of response to antibiotic therapy. There is also emerging evidence of the role of autoimmunity in a subgroup of patients with pouchitis, including patients with concurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis, seropositivity for immunoglobulin G4, or infiltration of immunoglobulin G4-expressing plasma cells in the pouch mucosa. The identification of underlying autoimmunity may have important clinical implications in the diagnosis, subclassification, and management of pouchitis.

Pouchitis: what every gastroenterologist needs to know

Pouchitis is the most common complication among patients with ulcerative colitis who have undergone restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Pouchitis is actually a spectrum of diseases that vary in etiology, pathogenesis, phenotype, and clinical course. Although initial acute episodes typically respond to antibiotic therapy, patients can become dependent on antibiotics or develop refractory disease. Many factors contribute to the course of refractory pouchitis, such as the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, infection with Clostridium difficile, pouch ischemia, or concurrent immune-mediated disorders. Identification of these secondary factors can help direct therapy.

The effects of probiotics on barrier function and mucosal pouch microbiota during maintenance treatment for severe pouchitis in patients with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

A total of 10-15% of patients with an ileoanal pouch develop severe pouchitis necessitating long-term use of antibiotics or pouch excision. Probiotics reduce the risk of recurrence of pouchitis, but mechanisms behind these effects are not fully understood.

AIM

To examine mucosal barrier function in pouchitis, before and after probiotic supplementation and to assess composition of mucosal pouch microbiota.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with severe pouchitis underwent endoscopy with biopsies of the pouch on three occasions: during active pouchitis; clinical remission by 4 weeks of antibiotics; after 8 weeks of subsequent probiotic supplementation (Ecologic 825, Winclove, Amsterdam, the Netherlands). Thirteen individuals with a healthy ileoanal pouch were sampled once as controls. Ussing chambers were used to assess transmucosal passage of Escherichia coli K12, permeability to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and ⁵¹Cr-EDTA. Composition and diversity of the microbiota was analysed using Human Intestinal Tract Chip.

RESULTS

Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI) was significantly improved after antibiotic and probiotic supplementation. Escherichia coli K12 passage during active pouchitis [3.7 (3.4-8.5); median (IQR)] was significantly higher than in controls [1.7 (1.0-2.4); P < 0.01], did not change after antibiotic treatment [5.0 (3.3-7.1); P = ns], but was significantly reduced after subsequent probiotic supplementation [2.2 (1.7-3.3); P < 0.05]. No significant effects of antibiotics or probiotics were observed on composition of mucosal pouch microbiota; however, E. coli passage correlated with bacterial diversity (r = -0.40; P = 0.018). Microbial groups belonging to Bacteroidetes and Clostridium clusters IX, XI and XIVa were associated with healthy pouches.

CONCLUSIONS

Probiotics restored the mucosal barrier to E. coli and HRP in patients with pouchitis, a feasible factor in prevention of recurrence during maintenance treatment. Restored barrier function did not translate into significant changes in mucosal microbiota composition, but bacterial diversity correlated with barrier function.

The NOD2insC polymorphism is associated with worse outcome following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory complications after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC) are common.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether genetic factors are associated with adverse pouch outcomes such as chronic pouchitis (CP) and a Crohn's disease-like (CDL) phenotype.

DESIGN

866 patients were recruited from three centres in North America: Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), the Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, Ohio, USA) and Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center (Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA). DNA and clinical and demographic information were collected. Subjects were classified into post-surgical outcome groups: no chronic pouchitis (NCP), CP and CDL phenotype.

RESULTS

Clinical and genetic data were available on 714 individuals. 487 (68.2%) were classified as NCP, 118 (16.5%) CP and 109 (15.3%) CDL. The presence of arthritis or arthropathy (p=0.02), primary sclerosing cholangitis (p=0.009) and duration of time from ileostomy closure to recruitment (p=0.001) were significantly associated with outcome. The NOD2insC (rs2066847) risk variant was the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) most significantly associated with pouch outcome (p=7.4×10(-5)). Specifically, it was associated with both CP and CDL in comparison with NCP (OR=3.2 and 4.3, respectively). Additionally, SNPs in NOX3 (rs6557421, rs12661812), DAGLB (rs836518) and NCF4 (rs8137602) were shown to be associated with pouch outcome with slightly weaker effects. A multivariable risk model combining previously identified clinical (smoking status, family history of inflammatory bowel disease), serological (anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody IgG, perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and anti-CBir1) and genetic markers was constructed and resulted in an OR of 2.72 (p=8.89×10(-7)) for NCP versus CP/CDL and 3.22 (p=4.11×10(-8)) for NCP versus CDL, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Genetic polymorphisms, in particular, the NOD2insC risk allele, are associated with chronic inflammatory pouch outcomes among patients with UC and IPAA.

Evaluating pouch problems

IPAA is a technically demanding procedure that requires appropriate skills and expertise. Adverse sequelae of IPAA are common. Accurate diagnosis and classification of pouch disorders and associated complications are important for proper management and prognosis. Based on presenting symptoms, appropriate and combined diagnostic modalities should apply. A multidisciplinary approach involving gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, gastrointestinal pathologists, and gastrointestinal radiologists is advocated for diagnosis and treatment of pouch disorders.

Etiology of pouchitis

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (RPC) is the operation of choice for ulcerative colitis (UC) patients requiring surgery. It is also used for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Pouchitis accounts for 10% of pouch failures. It is an idiopathic inflammatory condition that may occur in up to 50% of patients after RPC for UC. It is rarely seen in FAP patients after RPC. The etiology of pouchitis remains unclear. An overlap with UC is suggested by the frequency with which pouchitis affects patients with UC compared with FAP patients. There is significant clinical evidence implicating bacteria in the pathogenesis of pouchitis. Studies using culture and molecular methods demonstrate a dysbiosis of the pouch microbiota in pouchitis. Risk factors, genetic associations, and serological markers of pouchitis suggest that the interactions between the host immune responses and the pouch microbiota underlie the etiology of this idiopathic inflammatory condition. Here we present a detailed review of the data focusing on the pouch microbiota and the immune responses that support this hypothesis. We also discuss the contribution of luminal metabolic factors and the epithelial membrane in the etiology of this inflammatory process. The ileoanal pouch offers a unique opportunity to study the inter-relationships between the gut microbiota and host immune responses from before the onset of disease. For this reason the study of pouchitis could serve as a human model that significantly enhances our understanding of inflammatory bowel diseases in general.

Diagnosis and management of postoperative ileal pouch disorders

Although restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become the surgical treatment of choice for patients with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) or UC with dysplasia, surgical, inflammatory, and noninflammatory adverse sequelae are common. Pouchitis, representing a spectrum of disease phenotypes, is the most common long-term complication of IPAA. De novo Crohn disease (CD) of the pouch can occur in patients with a preoperative diagnosis of UC. Differential diagnosis between fibrostenotic or fistulizing CD and surgery-associated strictures, sinuses, and fistulas often requires a combined assessment of symptom, endoscopy, histology, radiography, and examination under anesthesia. There is a role for endoscopic therapy for stricturing complications of IPAA. Chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis, refractory cuffitis, as well as fibrostenotic or fistulizing CD of the pouch are the leading late-onset causes for pouch failure.

Acute and chronic pouchitis--pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has become the procedure of choice for the majority of patients with ulcerative colitis who require surgical treatment. Pouchitis, the most common long-term complication of the procedure, involves a spectrum of disease processes with heterogeneous risk factors, clinical features, disease courses and prognoses. In addition, clinical symptoms of pouchitis are not specific and often overlap with those of other inflammatory and functional pouch disorders, such as Crohn's disease of the pouch and irritable pouch syndrome. Pouchoscopy and biopsy, along with laboratory and radiographic evaluations, are often required for accurate diagnosis in patients with symptoms indicative of pouchitis. Dysbiosis has been implicated as a triggering factor for pouchitis, and concurrent infection with pathogens, such as Clostridium difficile, might contribute to disease relapse and exacerbation. Antibiotic therapy is the main treatment modality. However, the management of antibiotic-dependent and antibiotic-refractory pouchitis remains challenging. Secondary causes of pouchitis, such as ischaemia, NSAID use, the presence of concurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis and other systemic immune-mediated disorders, should be evaluated and properly managed.

Evaluation of upper and lower gastrointestinal histology in patients with ileal pouches

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory complications of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), including pouchitis and Crohn's disease (CD) of the pouch, are common in patients with restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. It is not clear whether these inflammatory conditions can affect upper GI tract. The aim of the study was to evaluate correlation between duodenal and pouch histology in patients with healthy and diseased pouches.

METHODS

All IPAA patients who had esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy after colectomy (N = 96) were included. H&E slides of gastric, duodenal, neo-terminal ileum, and pouch body biopsies were blindly re-reviewed by an expert GI pathologist for acute and chronic inflammation. Demographic and clinical variables and pouch outcome were analyzed.

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation between acute inflammation in the duodenum as measured by neutrophil infiltration score and the presence of chronic pouchitis (kappa coefficient = 0.21, P < 0.05). Intraepithelial lymphocytosis of the duodenum, though uncommon, only occurred in patients with irritable pouch syndrome, chronic pouchitis, or CD of the pouch. Crypt distortion of duodenal epithelium was only seen in patients with inflammatory or structural diseases of the pouch, including acute (18.2%) and chronic (5%) pouchitis, CD of the pouch (14.3%), and surgical complications of the pouch (14.4%).

CONCLUSION

Histologic evaluation of duodenal biopsy may provide additional information in patients with ileal pouches, as patients with normal histology of the pouch may have an abnormal duodenal histology.

Pouchitis and pouch dysfunction

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has become the surgical treatment of choice for most patients with ulcerative colitis who require surgery. Although the surgical procedure offers a cure in some patients, postoperative inflammatory and noninflammatory complications are common. Pouchitis is the most common long-term complication of the procedure. Pouchitis represents a spectrum of disease processes with heterogeneous risk factors, clinical phenotypes, natural history, and prognosis. Accurate diagnosis and classification are important for proper treatment and prognosis.

Pouchitis and pouch dysfunction

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has become the surgical treatment of choice for most patients with ulcerative colitis who require surgery. Although the surgical procedure offers a cure in some patients, postoperative inflammatory and noninflammatory complications are common. Pouchitis is the most common long-term complication of the procedure. Pouchitis represents a spectrum of disease processes with heterogeneous risk factors, clinical phenotypes, natural history, and prognosis. Accurate diagnosis and classification are important for proper treatment and prognosis.

Restorative proctocolectomy. Does ethnicity affect outcome?

OBJECTIVE

Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is well-established in the management of ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). We review outcome of pouch surgery from a single centre, comparing non-South Asian and South Asian Caucasian populations.

METHOD

Patients undergoing RPC for UC and FAP during a 10-year period between January 1997 and January 2007 were identified from hospital records. Data were collected retrospectively from case notes on early and long-term results.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients underwent pouch formation for UC (94%) or FAP (6%) and 22 (21%) were from the Asian subcontinent. Eighty-seven (81%) underwent a three-stage procedure and 20 (19%) a two-stage procedure. Postoperative complications occurred in 40 (37%) patients, being major in 11 (10%) patients with relaparotomy required in 9 (8%) with no difference between South Asian and non-South Asian Caucasian patients. Long-term pouch function, with a median of five times over 24 h (range 2-15), was similar between the two groups. The incidence of pouchitis was 57 (53%) and this was significantly greater in the South Asian population [17/21 (77%); 39/86 (46%); P = 0.006].

CONCLUSION

Surgical results were similar in South Asian and non-South Asian Caucasian patients, but the incidence of pouchitis was greater in the former group.

Laboratory tests for patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: clinical utility in predicting, diagnosing, and monitoring pouch disorders

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical treatment of choice for patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) or UC-associated dysplasia, and for the majority of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Pouchitis and other complications of IPAA are common. There are scant data on laboratory markers for the evaluation and diagnosis of pouch disorders. The presence of immunogenotypic markers such as genetic polymorphisms of interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist, NOD2/CARD15, Toll-like receptor, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha has been reported to be associated with pouchitis. Immunophenotypic/serologic markers such as perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and anti-CBir1 have been investigated as possible markers for predicting and diagnosing pouchitis. Fecal markers including lactoferrin and calprotectin seem to be useful in distinguishing inflammatory from noninflammatory pouch disorders. In our practice, we have encountered a large number of pouch patients with Clostridium difficile infection. Laboratory evaluation provides information on the etiology and pathogenesis of pouchitis, and it also helps practicing clinicians with accurate diagnosis, differential diagnosis, disease stratification, and management of ileal pouch disorders.

Clinical guidelines for the management of pouchitis

When surgery is necessary in patients with ulcerative colitis, total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the procedure of choice. Several inflammatory and noninflammatory complications can occur after IPAA. Pouchitis is the most common, occurring in approximately 50% of patients. Whereas "acute" pouchitis can be treated rapidly and successfully in the majority of patients, "refractory" and "chronic pouchitis" remain therapeutic challenges to patients and physicians. This article reviews the literature and offers consensus guidelines on issues related to the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, risk factors, and treatment of pouchitis.