Inflammatory bowel disease after liver transplantation: a role for cytomegalovirus infection

Post-Transplant Immunosuppression in Autoimmune Liver Disease

Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) are a group of conditions where immune-mediated liver damage can lead to the need for transplantation. Collectively, they account for almost a quarter of all liver transplants. Outcomes in terms of graft and patient survival for all liver transplants have improved markedly over decades with improvements in patient selection, surgical techniques and longer-term care and this is also seen in patients with AILDs. The current five- and ten-year survival rates post-transplant in autoimmune disease are excellent, at 88% and 78%, respectively. A key factor in maintaining good outcomes post liver transplant for these autoimmune conditions is the immunosuppression strategy. These patients have increased the rates of rejection, and autoimmune conditions can all recur in the graft ranging from 12 to 60% depending on the population studied. Immunosuppressive regimens are centred on calcineurin inhibitors, often combined with low dose corticosteroids, with or without the addition of antimetabolite therapy. There is no clear evidence-based immunosuppressive regimen for these conditions, and a tailored approach balancing the individuals' immunological profile against the risks of immunosuppression is often used. There are disease-specific considerations to optimised graft function including the role of ursodeoxycholic acid in both primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis and the role and timing of colectomy in primary sclerosing cholangitis in inflammatory bowel disease patients. However, unmet needs still exist in the management of AILDs post liver transplantation particularly in building the evidence base for optimal immunosuppression as well as mitigating the risk of recurrent disease.

Alterations in the Course of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Following Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to systematically review and pool data regarding the alterations in the clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) following liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

Relevant prospective and retrospective observational studies were identified by searching databases and gray literature through December 2020. Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled frequency of IBD patients with disease course alterations ("improved," "unchanged," or "aggravated") after LT and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies met our inclusion criteria, reporting the outcomes in 2 or 3 categories. In the analysis of studies with 3-category outcomes (n = 13), the pooled frequencies of patients with improved, unchanged, or aggravated IBD course after LT were 29.4% (95% CI, 16.9% to 41.9%), 51.4% (95% CI, 45.5% to 57.3%), and 25.2% (95% CI, 15.6% to 34.8%), respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed that patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), younger age at LT, or shorter duration of follow-up were more likely to have an improved disease course. Moreover, higher IBD exacerbation estimates were observed in studies with a low risk of bias. In the analysis of studies with 2-category outcomes (n = 12), the pooled frequencies of patients with improved/unchanged or aggravated IBD course were 73.6% (95% CI, 62.2% to 85.0%) and 24.1% (95% CI, 15.1% to 33.2%), respectively. The cumulative incidence of an exacerbated IBD course following LT was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.16-0.29; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that IBD activity remains unchanged (or improved/unchanged) in most IBD patients following LT. Furthermore, IBD type, age, and follow-up length can influence the IBD course after LT.

Cytomegalovirus enterocolitis with subsequent diagnosis of coexisting new-onset inflammatory bowel disease: Two case reports and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal (GI) cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection coexisting with or followed by a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is infrequently reported. Not recognizing this condition may delay IBD diagnosis in patients with GI-CMV disease who do not or partially respond to antiviral agents, which could consequently result in unsatisfied treatment outcomes.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Two immunocompetent patients with no known underlying GI conditions presented with acute bloody diarrhea. The first patient developed diarrhea and hematochezia after admission to intensive care unit (ICU) because of severe alcoholic pancreatitis for 10 days duration. Computed tomography abdomen showed segmental jejunal thickening. The other patient presented with a 1-week history of severe bloody diarrhea which required ICU admission. Colonoscopy showed multiple ulcers along terminal ileum and colon.

DIAGNOSIS

These 2 patients were initially diagnosed with CMV jejunitis and ileocolitis, respectively, based on endoscopic and histopathologic findings. Both had partial response to treatment with 3 weeks of intravenous ganciclovir. Crohn disease was suspected because of persistent ulcerations on the follow-up endoscopy with the presence of pathological features of chronic inflammation and disappearance of previously detected CMV-infected cells.

INTERVENTION

Both patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids and azathioprine.

OUTCOMES

Both patients had complete clinical improvement. Prednisolone could be tapered off in 6 months. Follow-up video capsule endoscopy (VCE) at 6 months showed improvement of mucosal inflammation and ulcers, but neither were completely healed in the first patient. Follow-up colonoscopy at 6 months showed complete resolution of ulcers and inflammation in the second patient.

LESSONS

IBD should be suspected in patients with a diagnosis of GI-CMV disease who are immunocompetent and have a partial response to antiviral agents. This clinical scenario could be caused by either CMV infection activating immune response resulting in IBD onset, or CMV infection superimposed on pre-existing latent IBD.

Specific Features of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic and progressive disease of the biliary tract. PSC is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mainly with ulcerative colitis, and most PSC patients have underlying IBD. The pathophysiological interactions between IBD and PSC are unclear, although it seems that the patients with IBD and PSC have a distinct phenotype. IBD with coexisting PSC is more extensive and is characterized by milder activity compared to IBD alone. The coexistence of PSC increases the risk for colorectal cancer in IBD patients and lifelong annual surveillance colonoscopy is recommended. Also, liver transplantation (LT) for PSC may affect the course of IBD. In addition, the management of IBD after LT includes many specific problems. On the other hand, the effect of IBD on the natural history of PSC appears to be milder. However, IBD may increase the risk of postsurgical complications after LT and is a risk factor for recurrent PSC after LT. Overall, the coexistence of IBD with PSC changes the management, natural history and prognosis of both diseases.

Reviewing the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease After Liver Transplantation for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

The presence of concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a distinct disease phenotype that carries a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) than the average IBD patient. Given that liver transplantation (LT) is the only treatment that offers a survival benefit in PSC patients with hepatic dysfunction, management decisions in IBD patients' post-LT for PSC are frequently encountered. One such consideration is the risk of CRC in this immunosuppressed cohort. With most studies showing an increased risk of CRC post-LT in these IBD patients, a closer look at the associated risk factors of CRC and the adopted surveillance strategies in this subset of patients is warranted. Low-dose ursodeoxycholic acid has shown a potential chemopreventive effect in PSC-IBD patients pre-LT; however, a favorable effect remains to be seen in post-LT group. Also, further studies are necessary to assess the benefit of 5 aminosalicylate therapy. Annual surveillance colonoscopy in the post-LT period is recommended for PSC-IBD patients subset given their high risk for CRC.

Is cytomegalovirus infection related to inflammatory bowel disease, especially steroid-resistant inflammatory bowel disease? A meta-analysis

Background

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Numerous studies have been conducted to analyze the association between HCMV infection and risk of IBD and steroid-resistant IBD, but no clear consensus had been reached.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to confirm this relationship precisely by doing a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Study design

We identified relevant studies through a search of PubMed and Embase. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they 1) evaluated the association between HCMV infection and IBD disease; 2) evaluated the association between HCMV infection and steroid-resistant IBD disease; 3) were case–control studies or nested case–control studies; 4) provided the numbers (or percentage) of positivity for HCMV infection in cases and controls, respectively. Data were extracted and analyzed independently by two investigators.

Results and conclusion

A total of 18 studies including 1,168 patients and 951 health groups was identified, and HCMV infection was distinctly confirmed as a risk factor for the occurrence and development of IBD. When involving 17 studies including 1,306 IBD patients, a total of 52.9% of patients in the cytomegalovirus (CMV)-positive groups were observed to have steroid resistance, compared with 30.2% of patients in the CMV-negative groups. There was a significant difference in the risk of steroid resistance between people exposed to HCMV infection and those not exposed HCMV infection in IBD patients. This meta-analysis suggested that HCMV infection is associated with an increased risk for IBD and steroid-resistant IBD.

Interactions between primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease: implications in the adult liver transplant setting

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease which is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in most cases. As there is currently no medical therapy which alters the natural history of PSC, liver transplantation may be required. Areas covered: We searched for articles in PubMed and critically reviewed current literature on the interrelationship between PSC and IBD with a specific focus on considerations for patients in the liver transplant setting. Expert commentary: PSC is an uncommon disease which limits available studies to be either retrospective or contain relatively small numbers of patients. Based on observations from these studies, the behavior and complications of PSC and IBD impact on each other both before and after a liver transplant. Both these autoimmune conditions and their associated cancer risk also influence patient selection for transplantation and may be impacted by immunosuppression use post-transplant. Hence, a complex interplay exists between PSC, IBD and liver transplantation which requires clarification with ongoing research.

Inflammatory bowel disease in liver transplanted patients

Most common hepatobiliary manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and autoimmune hepatitis, ranking them as the main cause of liver transplantation (LT) in IBD setting. Course of pre-existing IBD after LT differs depending on many transplant related factors. Potential risk factors related to IBD deterioration after LT are tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimens, active IBD and cessation of 5-aminosalicylates at the time of LT. About 30% patients experience improvement of IBD after LT, while approximately the same percentage of patients worsens. Occurrence of de novo IBD may develop in 14%-30% of patients with PSC. Recommended IBD therapy after LT is equivalent to recommendations to overall IBD patients. Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha appears to be efficient for refractory IBD. Due to potential side effects it needs to be applied with caution. In average 9% of patients require proctocolectomy due to medically refractory IBD or colorectal carcinoma. The most frequent complication in patients who undergo proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis is pouchitis. It is still undeterminable if LT adds to risk of developing pouchitis in PSC patients. Annual colonoscopies are recommended as surveillance and precaution of colonic malignancies.

Hepatic Issues and Complications Associated With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Clinical Report From the NASPGHAN Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Hepatology Committees

Hepatobiliary disorders are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and persistent abnormal liver function tests are found in approximately 20% to 30% of individuals with IBD. In most cases, the cause of these elevations will fall into 1 of 3 main categories. They can be as a result of extraintestinal manifestations of the disease process, related to medication toxicity, or the result of an underlying primary hepatic disorder unrelated to IBD. This latter possibility is beyond the scope of this review article, but does need to be considered in anyone with elevated liver function tests. This review is provided as a clinical summary of some of the major hepatic issues that may occur in patients with IBD.

Recurrence of autoimmune liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease after pediatric liver transplantation

Approximately 10% of children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and 30% of those with sclerosing cholangitis (SC) require liver transplantation (LT). LT is indicated in patients who present with fulminant hepatic failure (ie, with encephalopathy) and in those who develop end-stage liver disease despite treatment. After LT, recurrent AIH is reported in approximately 30% of patients and recurrent SC in up to 50%. Diagnosis of recurrence is based on biochemical abnormalities, seropositivity for autoantibodies, interface hepatitis on histology, steroid dependence, and, for SC, presence of cholangiopathy. Recurrence of SC after LT is often associated with poorly controlled inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recurrence may even appear years after LT; therefore, steroid-based immunosuppression should be maintained at a higher dose than that used for patients transplanted for nonautoimmune liver diseases. Although the impact of recurrent disease on graft function is controversial, it seems that in pediatric LT recipients recurrence of AIH or SC is associated with compromised graft survival. Exacerbation of preexistent IBD may be observed after LT for SC or AIH, and IBD appears to have a more aggressive course than before LT. In addition, IBD can develop de novo following LT. Liver Transplantation 22 1275-1283 2016 AASLD.

Asymptomatic De Novo Inflammatory Bowel Disease Late After Liver Transplantation for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Case Report

Guidelines recommend colonoscopy screening for possible asymptomatic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in all patients diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). PSC-IBD warrants regular dysplasia-surveillance colonoscopy. However, no consensus exists regarding follow-up colonoscopy in PSC patients without IBD who remain asymptomatic. We describe a 43-year-old female who had undergone liver transplantation (LT) due to advanced PSC. Previous colonoscopies had been normal. The post-transplantation course was uneventful, with no rejections and signs of PSC recurrence. Immunosuppression was by tacrolimus monotherapy. She was asymptomatic with normal inflammation markers. A protocol colonoscopy, performed as general dysplasia surveillance 8 years post-transplantation, revealed mucopurulent-covered small superficial ulcerations and erythema diffusely distributed from the cecal to sigmoid colon with intervening normal mucosa and rectal sparing. Histologic examination showed patchy chronic colitis with crypt architectural distortion and mild-moderate inflammation activity. Infection samples were negative. Findings complied with de novo IBD, type unclassified. In conclusion, the link between PSC and clinically silent IBD may manifest after the PSC diagnosis and even several years after LT. Given the increased colorectal cancer risk associated with PSC, IBD, and LT, repeat colonoscopy might be warranted in PSC patients without IBD at initial assessment, and also after LT.

The viral dsRNA analogue poly (I:C) induces necrotizing enterocolitis in neonatal mice

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening gastrointestinal disease in premature infants with high mortality and morbidity with uncertain pathogenesis. Recent research focused on the role of intraluminal bacteria and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, an additional role of viral agents in the pathogenesis of NEC has recently been postulated. We assessed the role of polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (pIC) mimicking viral dsRNA in contributing to the development of NEC in neonatal mice.

METHODS

Four-d-old C57BL/6J pups were stressed by asphyxia and hypothermia twice daily. Animals were either fed by formula only (FO), formula containing LPS or pIC. After 72 h, mice were euthanized, intestines harvested, and the severity of NEC was assessed.

RESULTS

Breastfed mice showed no evidence of NEC. Very mild NEC-like lesions were observed in mice fed by FO. Supplementation of LPS or pIC to the formula led to increased intestinal tissue damage and inflammation compared with FO in a similar manner.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates the ability of viral factors to induce NEC in neonatal mice even in the absence of LPS. Furthermore, we present a new mouse model of pIC-induced NEC which may be used to obtain further mechanistic insights in the pathogenesis of this disease.

De novo Crohn's disease following orthotopic liver transplantation: a case report and literature review

The development of de novo Crohn's disease (CD) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is rare, possibly due to the continuous use of immunosuppressive treatment. Although several cases of CD following OLT have been reported worldwide, there are currently so such cases in Japan. We herein report the case of a patient who newly developed CD after undergoing OLT for congenital biliary atresia. The patient subsequently underwent ileocecal resection and has since maintained clinical remission. This is the first report of this condition in Japan. We also review the literature concerning cases of de novo inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) developing after OLT, and discuss the causes of and role of immunosuppressive agents in treating IBD.

Clinical management of inflammatory bowel disease in the organ recipient

There was estimated a higher incidence of de novo inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) after solid organ transplantation than in the general population. The onset of IBD in the organ transplant recipient population is an important clinical situation which is associated to higher morbidity and difficulty in the medical therapeutic management because of possible interaction between anti-reject therapy and IBD therapy. IBD course after liver transplantation (LT) is variable, but about one third of patients may worsen, needing an increase in medical therapy or a colectomy. Active IBD at the time of LT, discontinuation of 5-aminosalicylic acid or azathioprine at the time of LT and use of tacrolimus-based immunosuppression may be associated with an unfavorable outcome of IBD after LT. Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) therapy for refractory IBD may be an effective and safe therapeutic option after LT. The little experience of the use of biological therapy in transplanted patients, with concomitant anti-rejection therapy, suggests there be a higher more careful surveillance regarding the risk of infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and neoplasms. An increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) is present also after LT in IBD patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). An annual program of endoscopic surveillance with serial biopsies for CRC is recommended. A prophylactic colectomy in selected IBD/PSC patients with CRC risk factors could be a good management strategy in the CRC prevention, but it is used infrequently in the majority of LT centers. About 30% of patients develop multiple IBD recurrence and 20% of patients require a colectomy after renal transplantation. Like in the liver transplantation, anti-TNFα therapy could be an effective treatment in IBD patients with conventional refractory therapy after renal or heart transplantation. A large number of patients are needed to confirm the preliminary observations. Regarding the higher clinical complexity of this subgroup of IBD patients, a close multidisciplinary approach between an IBD dedicated gastroenterologist and surgeon and an organ transplantation specialist is necessary in order to have the best clinical management of IBD after transplantation.

Liver transplantation and autoimmune liver diseases

Liver transplantation (LT) is an effective treatment for patients with end-stage autoimmune liver diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis. Indications for LT for these diseases do not differ substantially from those used for other acute or chronic liver diseases. Despite the good outcomes reported, the recurrence of autoimmune liver disease is relatively common in the allograft. In addition, it has become apparent that autoimmunity and autoimmune liver disease can arise de novo after transplantation for nonautoimmune liver disorders. An awareness of the existence of recurrent autoimmune liver diseases and de novo autoimmune hepatitis after LT has important clinical implications because their management differs from the standard antirejection treatment and is similar to the management of classic autoimmune liver diseases in the native liver.

Inflammatory bowel disease after liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis

The course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) after liver transplantation (LT) for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is complex, with several IBD-, PSC-, and transplant-related factors interplaying with each other. Approximately one-third of patients with known IBD improve, and one-third paradoxically worsen, after LT for PSC. Active IBD, discontinuation of 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) at time of LT and tacrolimus-based immunosuppression may be associated with an unfavorable course of IBD after LT. Approximately 14-30% patients with PSC may develop de novo IBD 10 years after LT. LT confers a high risk of pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, although it may not be higher than baseline rates for PSC patients. The risk of colorectal cancer continues to be high after LT for PSC, and is higher in this cohort of patients with PSC-IBD, compared with patients undergoing LT for other indications. IBD does not adversely affect patient survival after LT, although the risk of recurrent PSC in the allograft may be higher in patients with IBD and an intact colon at time of LT. Standard therapy with 5-ASA and/or azathioprine may be appropriate for treatment of active IBD after LT and maintenance of remission. Anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents are effective, but should be used with caution because of high risk of adverse events. The management of IBD after LT requires close coordination between transplant hepatologists and IBD experts.

Cytomegalovirus infection associated with onset of ulcerative colitis

Background

In 2009, a trigger role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) was shown in the development of ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Fifteen cases of synchronous onset of CMV colitis and UC have been reported in literature. A careful prospective and retrospective survey identified CMV colitis in newly diagnosed UC patients at 4.5% (3/65 cases) and 8.2% (5/61 cases), respectively. This means that a majority of synchronous CMV colitis may be missed in newly diagnosed UC patients in routine practice. Such a case is presented.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old woman, with a history of right partial mastectomy two years ago, had a persistent high fever for 9 days, after which a thickness of the colonic wall was detected on abdominal ultrasonography. Laboratory data showed inflammation and 2% atypical lymphocytes with the normal number of white blood cells. Although there was no bloody stool, fecal occult blood was over 1000 ng/ml. Colonoscopy showed diffuse inflammation in the entire large bowel and pseudomembranes in the sigmoid colon. The diagnosis was UC with antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis. Metronidazole followed by sulfasalazine resulted in defervescence and improvement in laboratory data of inflammation. It took one month for normalization of fecal occult blood. Endoscopic remission was simultaneously confirmed. Later, it was found that a report of positive CMV antigenaemia (2/150,000) had been missed. Reevaluation of biopsy specimens using a monoclonal antibody against CMV identified positive cells, although inclusion bodies were not found in hematoxylin and eosin sections. Finally, the case was concluded to be synchronous onset of CMV colitis and UC.

Conclusion

Synchronous CMV colitis is not routinely investigated in newly diagnosed UC patients. Together with a recent observation in animal studies, it is plausible that a subset (a few to several per cent) of UC patients develop synchronous CMV infection. Further studies are needed to elucidate the plausibility.

Necrotizing enterocolitis and cytomegalovirus infection in a premature infant

Necrotizing enterocolitis is the most common gastrointestinal emergency in neonates. The etiology is considered multifactorial. Risk factors include prematurity, enteral feeding, hypoxia, and bacterial colonization. The etiologic role of viruses is unclear. We present a case of necrotizing enterocolitis associated with cytomegalovirus and Proteobacteria in a 48-day-old, ex-premature infant and discuss the effects of potential viral-bacterial interactions on host susceptibility to this disease.

Management of cytomegalovirus infection in inflammatory bowel diseases

Cytomegalovirus is a deoxyribonucleic acid virus that infects a large part of the human population; after primary infection, it develops a latent state and can be reactivated, notably after a decrease in host immune defences. In patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, cytomegalovirus is frequently involved, either as an agent of colitis or through local asymptomatic reactivation. Due to the immune context of inflammatory bowel diseases and to the immunosuppressive therapies that are used to treat them, cytomegalovirus entertains complex relationships with these diseases. Whereas Crohn's disease seems little impacted by cytomegalovirus, this agent interferes strongly with the natural progression of ulcerative colitis. While immune treatments have a clear influence on the occurrence of cytomegalovirus colitis in ulcerative colitis (favourable for steroids and cyclosporine and rather inhibitory for infliximab), the role of cytomegalovirus infection on ulcerative colitis is more debated with roles ranging from innocent bystander to key pathogen suggested. There is however growing evidence for a participation of intestinal cytomegalovirus infection in the resistance of ulcerative colitis to steroids and the investigation of cytomegalovirus infection in intestinal biopsies by immunohistochemistry or quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay is strongly recommended. In several studies, treatment of cytomegalovirus infection by ganciclovir was shown to restore the response to immunomodulatory therapies and even to prevent the need for colectomy. All of these recently acquired data need to be validated by randomised clinical trials conducted on a large panel of ulcerative colitis patients.

Update on cytomegalovirus infections of the gastrointestinal system in solid organ transplant recipients

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the gastrointestinal tract is the most common manifestation of tissue-invasive CMV disease, and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipient. In addition to the direct effects of the infection, its indirect effects on allograft function, risk for other opportunistic infections, and mortality are significant in this population. The most common clinical syndromes are esophagitis, colitis, and hepatitis; however, infection can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Diagnosis is usually by histopathology or viral culture of tissue specimens; molecular assays also often have a role. Antivirals are the cornerstone of therapy for gastrointestinal tract CMV disease and complications such as recurrent infection and antiviral resistance are not uncommon. Prevention with antiviral prophylaxis or preemptive therapy is important. This review summarizes recent data regarding the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gastrointestinal tract CMV infection in the SOT population.

Cytomegalovirus infection increases the risk for inflammatory bowel disease

This letter discusses the paper by Onyeagocha et al published in the November 2009 issue of the AJP.

CMV infection, diagnosis and antiviral strategies after liver transplantation

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant pathogen complicating the post-transplant course of organ recipients. In liver transplant patients, the febrile clinical illness caused by CMV may be associated with end-organ disease, such as hepatitis or infection of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to direct effects, CMV may have indirect effects including the risk of other infections or graft rejection. Recently, major advances in the management of CMV infection have been achieved through the development of new diagnostic techniques and antiviral strategies to prevent CMV disease. Quantitative nucleic acid testing to monitor viral load is now commonly used to diagnose and guide the treatment of CMV infections. The standardization of the testing, however, needs to be improved. There are two main strategies to prevent CMV disease after liver transplantation: prophylaxis and pre-emptive therapy. Both strategies are effective, but also have disadvantages. The disadvantages of prophylaxis include prolonged drug exposure, the development of resistance and, most of all, the development of delayed and late-onset CMV disease. On the other hand, the pre-emptive strategy is based on frequent laboratory monitoring of viral loads, and some patients may develop symptomatic infection before the diagnosis of CMV. This overview summarizes the current status of CMV in liver transplantation.

Impact of orthotopic liver transplant for primary sclerosing cholangitis on chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and post-OLT immunosuppression on the disease course of pouchitis is not clear. The aims of this study were to compare the frequency of chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis (CARP) in PSC patients with or without OLT and to assess potential risk factors for CARP in these patients.

METHODS

Ulcerative colitis patients with PSC and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) with or without OLT identified from our prospectively maintained pouch database were analyzed. CARP was diagnosed based on persistent symptomatic pouchitis after a 4-week single- or dual-antibiotic therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 63 PSC/IPAA patients were studied, including 19 patients with OLT and 44 patients without OLT. Fifty patients (79.4%) had CARP. In both univariable and multivariable analyses (adjusting for OLT status), none of the variables studied was associated significantly with CARP (P > .20). All 7 patients (100%) with IPAA-then-OLT were diagnosed as having CARP, of whom 4 developed CARP before OLT, which persisted after OLT, and 3 had CARP after OLT. Of 12 patients with OLT-then-IPAA, 7 (58.3%) developed CARP. The frequency of CARP in OLT-then-IPAA was statistically significantly lower than that in IPAA-then-OLT (58.3% vs 100%; P = .047).

CONCLUSIONS

CARP is common in patients with ulcerative colitis and PSC. OLT in these patients may not affect the frequency of CARP in general and appears not to alter the disease course of pre-existing CARP. However, in a subset of patients, OLT might reduce the risk for the development of de novo CARP.

Activation of toll-like receptor 3 protects against DSS-induced acute colitis

BACKGROUND

Mimetics of bacterial DNA, given orally or subcutaneously, protect mice from experimental colitis via a toll-like receptor (TLR)-9-dependent mechanism. The goal of the study was to define whether synthetic viral RNA, polyinosinic acid:cytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], which is also a potent immunomodulator, might also affect murine colitis and, if so, define whether such effects were mediated by TLR3, which is one of at least 4 known receptors for this viral RNA analog.

METHODS

Mice (C57BL6, IL-10KO, or TLR3 KO) were administered 1.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days. Two hours before treatment with DSS, mice were given phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or poly(I:C) 20 mug subcutaneously (s.c.), or 100 mug intragastrically (i.g.).

RESULTS

In wildtype mice s.c. administration of poly(I:C) dramatically protected against DSS-induced colitis as assessed by every parameter analyzed, which included body weight, rectal bleeding, colonic myeloperoxidase, histopathology, serum keratinocyte-derived chemokine, serum amyloid A, and lipocalin-2. In contrast, i.g. administration of poly(I:C) offered no protection in this colitis model nor did its administration activate the innate immune system as assessed by serologic parameters. Subcutaneous poly(I:C) protected against DSS-induced colitis equally well in C57BL6 and IL-10KO mice, indicating that this antiinflammatory cytokine is not required for such protection. Protection against colitis given by poly(I:C) treatment was ablated in TLR3 KO, indicating that the protective action of this viral RNA analog was mediated by this receptor.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of TLR3 on cells that are accessible by systemic, but not oral, administration of synthetic viral RNA results in protection against the acute inflammation that can ensue upon damage of the gut epithelium. Thus, this viral RNA analog, which is under clinical trials for other inflammatory disorders (e.g., lupus), may also have therapeutic value for inflammatory bowel disease.

Combined HLA-DR and -DQ disparity is associated with a stable course of ulcerative colitis after liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis

Combined disparity of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR and -DQ between mother and fetus is associated with less severe ulcerative colitis (UC) during pregnancy. We evaluated whether donor-recipient HLA disparity after liver transplantation (LT) affects UC in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Sixty-nine consecutive patients with PSC underwent LT; all underwent colonoscopy before LT; 48 had UC before and 3 had de novo UC after LT. Clinical and laboratory data, activity and treatment of UC, post-LT cytomegalovirus infection, and disparity of HLA-A, -B, -DR, and -DQ for each donor-recipient pair were evaluated. Pre-LT quiescent UC was present in 26 patients. Post-LT UC activity was evaluated in 36 of 51 patients with UC who had not undergone pre-LT colectomy and who had >12 months' post-LT survival. Of these, 16 were stable, 17 had worsened, and 3 had de novo UC. Seven required colectomy (4 for dysplasia or cancer) after LT. Post-LT cytomegalovirus viremia was neither associated with worse UC activity (P = 0.58) nor de novo UC. Disparity with respect to HLA-A, -B, -DR, and -DQ was found in 58%, 27%, 44%, and 39% donor-recipient pairs, respectively. Post-LT UC course was similar with respect to single HLA disparity. However, disparity in none or only one HLA-DR or -DQ was significantly associated with worse activity compared with patients with disparity at both (65% vs. 0%, P = 0.009). Logistic regression found that the disparity for both -DR and -DQ was the only factor statistically significantly associated with post-LT UC activity. We conclude that disparity in both HLA-DR and -DQ between donor and recipient is associated with stable UC activity after LT.

Cytomegalovirus infection in severe ulcerative colitis patients undergoing continuous intravenous cyclosporine treatment in Japan

AIM: To investigate active cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection following the cyclosporine A (CyA) treatment of steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS: Twenty-three patients with severe UC not responding to steroid therapy (male 14, and female 9) enrolled at Nagoya University Hospital from 1999 to 2005. They received continuous intravenous infusion of CyA (average 4 mg/kg per day) for 1 mo. Serum and colonic biopsy samples were collected before CyA treatment and 4 d, 10 d, 20 d, and 30 d after treatment. Patients were evaluated for CMV by using serology (IgM antibody by ELISA), quantitative real-time PCR for CMV DNA, and histopathological assessment of hematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained colonic biopsies. CMV infection was indicated by positive results in any test.

RESULTS: No patients had active CMV infection before CyA treatment. Eighteen of 23 UC patients treated with CyA were infected with active CMV (IgM antibody in 16/23 patients, 69.6%; CMV DNA in 18/23 patients, 78.2%; and inclusion bodies in 4/23 patients, 17.3%). There was no difference in the active CMV-infection rate between males and females. Active CMV infection was observed after approximately 8 d of CyA treatment, leading to an exacerbation of colitis. Fifteen of these 18 patients with active CMV infection (83.3%) required surgical treatment because of severe deteriorating colitis. Treatment with ganciclovir rendered surgery avoidable in three patients.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that active CMV infection in severe UC patients treated with CyA is associated with poor outcome. Further, ganciclovir is useful for treatment of CMV-associated UC after immuno-suppressive therapy.