COVID-19 and Outcomes in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Regional Trends in Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Related Mortality in the US from 1999 to 2022

Purpose

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a grouping of chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that affects upwards of 2.4 million Americans. Despite its prevalence, the exact cause remains unknown. This study aims to identify geographical differences in IBD-related mortality.

Patients and Methods

We utilized Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database. IBD-related death and population size data over the span of 1999 to 2022 was extracted. Data was stratified by United States census regions, place of death, and gender. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) were calculated and trends in mortality were modeled using the Join-point Regression Program, with statistically significant outcomes (p-value ≤ 0.05) denoted via an asterisk (*).

Results

During the interval from 1999 to 2022, there were a total of 71,628 deaths due to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in the United States. All census regions showed an increase in AAMR over the study period. The Midwest had the highest AAMRs with 1.54 (95% CI 1.42 to 1.65) in 1999 and rising to 1.99 (95% CI 1.87 to 2.11) in 2022 with an AAPC of 1.57 (95% CI 0.75 to 2.14)* and an APC of 9.83 (95% CI 3.43 to 21.10)* from 2018 to 2022. More specifically, Midwestern males displayed the highest AAMR with 1.74 (95% CI 1.54 to 1.94) in 1999 and 2.09 (95% CI 1.9 to 2.27) in 2022, and an APC of 8.50 (95% CI 2.254 to 19.40)* between 2018 and 2022.

Conclusion

Persistent regional differences were seen in IBD mortality, with the Midwest having the highest AAMR and Southern states exhibiting the greatest regional increase in AAMR over the past two decades. IBD mortality worsened across all regions during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Incidence and Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 in Children With IBD During the Omicron Wave: A Single-Center Experience in China

Background and Aims: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had a major impact on the health of people worldwide, including the pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) patients. As no study has investigated the susceptibility and disease course of COVID-19 in PIBD patients after the end of zero-COVID policy in China, we conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study in our center. Methods: A cross-sectional survey enrolling PIBD patients has been completed by online survey, phone, and face-to-face assessment. The demographic data, epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis of the patients were analyzed. Results: PIBD patients represented 55.45% (56/101) of SARS-CoV-2-positive cases between December 1st 2022 and January 31st 2023; 67.86% were male; the mean age was 11.15 ± 3.92 years old. Among the SARS-CoV-2-positive cases, three patients (5.36%) were asymptomatic, and 53 patients (94.64%) had mild symptoms. The main symptoms were fever (92.86%), cough (69.64%), nasal congestion or running nose (35.71%), and sore throat (33.93%). No severe case or deaths were reported. All patients recovered from COVID-19 symptoms within 1 week. We found no significant association between the type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and unclassified) and SARS-CoV-2 infection rates, nor did we observe any correlation between different treatments and the risk of infection. Fifty-one patients were reported to be in close contact with persons confirmed with COVID-19 infection, and out of them, 36 patients test positive for SARS-CoV-2, which is significantly higher than that in patients without exposure to COVID-19 (70.59% vs. 33.33%, p = 0.002). A total of 10 patients were underweight, of which nine patients tested positive for COVID-19 (90% vs. 51.65%, p = 0.048). Meanwhile, unvaccinated patients were also found to be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 than vaccinated patients (70.97% vs. 48.48%, p = 0.049). The multivariable analysis showed that patients with moderate/severe activity of IBD were associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (odds ratio (OR), 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13-8.33, p = 0.028). Conclusions: The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in our center of PIBD patients during the Omicron pandemic was 55.45%. No severity or death case was observed. The incidence was higher in underweight and unvaccinated IBD children. Patients with moderate/severe activity of IBD were at a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 before and after the Third Vaccination in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

INTRODUCTION

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving immunosuppressive therapy might have an increased risk of developing a severe course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the development of antibodies in immunosuppressed patients with IBD compared to a healthy control group and to determine the effect of immunomodulators on the level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels before and after a third vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS

This is a single-center study with a retrospective observational design. Seventy-one IBD patients matched by propensity score to 71 healthy employees (control group) were included. Blood was taken from both groups at predetermined times before and after the third booster vaccination.

RESULTS

All patients with IBD (n = 71, 100%) received immunomodulatory therapy. The mean antibody level before the third vaccination was 1,352.88 U/mL (SD = 1,011.489) in the IBD group and was not lower compared to the control group (p = 0.088). Gender, age, and disease duration had no significant impact on the development of antibody levels. Patients with TNF-alpha blockers had significantly lower antibody titers (p = 0.011) compared to the control group. Patients with integrin inhibitor therapy had significantly higher antibody titers (p = 0.003) than the controls. After the third vaccination, an increase in antibody titers was recorded in all patients in the IBD group.

CONCLUSION

We recorded an antibody titer in all patients with IBD that was not significantly lower compared to healthy controls despite immunomodulatory therapy. The booster vaccination led to an increase in antibody levels in all patients with IBD.

The Challenges in Treating Inflammatory Bowel Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Opinion

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges in the treatment of chronic diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These challenges are multifaceted, encompassing difficulties in maintaining routine care, concerns about the safety of immunosuppressive therapies, disruptions in healthcare delivery, and the complexities of managing IBD in patients who contract COVID-19. This article explores the various obstacles faced in the treatment of IBD during the pandemic and discusses potential strategies to overcome these challenges.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Adverse Inflammatory Bowel Disease Outcomes Following Acute COVID-19

Background and Aims

Respiratory viral infections have been implicated in the exacerbation of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To understand the impact of early SARS-CoV-2 variants on the risk of adverse IBD outcomes, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis of high-quality studies.

Methods

Cohort studies investigating adverse IBD outcomes (IBD flares, change in disease activity, change in medication, IBD-related hospitalization, and surgery) following COVID-19 were retrieved from MEDLINE and Embase. The Risk Of Bias In Nonrandomized Studies-of Exposure tool was used to assess risk of bias. Random effects model meta-analysis was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) for risk of adverse outcomes. Subgroup analysis was performed to estimate risk of outcomes for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients. Metaregression was performed for sex and duration of follow-up.

Results

Of the 3119 identified studies, 5 were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 34,977 IBD patients with COVID-19 and 53,270 IBD patients without recorded COVID-19 infection were identified. Two of the studies showed a high risk of bias. The random effects model did not show a statistically significant increase in the risk of adverse IBD outcomes following COVID infection (HR:1.05 [0.75-1.46]). There was no significant difference in adverse outcomes between Crohn's disease (HR: 0.91 [0.82-1.02]) and ulcerative colitis patients (HR: 0.83 [0.76-0.90]). Neither the proportion of male participants nor the mean duration of follow-up were found to be significant predictors of effect size.

Conclusion

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we find that COVID-19 did not increase the risk of adverse IBD outcomes.

The trends and outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective propensity score-matched analysis from a multi-institutional research network

Background and Aims

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Elective operations and surveillance endoscopies were postponed for IBD patients to preserve healthcare resources and to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to describe the trends and outcomes of IBD surgery during the pandemic.

Methods

This was a retrospective propensity score-matched analysis using data extracted from TriNetX, a multi-institutional research database. IBD patients admitted for surgery were identified between March 2019 to February 2020 (prepandemic) and March 2020 to February 2023 (pandemic). The monthly volume of IBD surgical procedures was compared during the pandemic to the prepandemic period. After matching, the risk of adverse outcomes following IBD surgery was compared between the 3 years of the pandemic compared to the prepandemic cohort.

Results

There was a reduction in both elective and emergency IBD operations during the pandemic. These trends were not significant. After matching, the risks of returning to theaters and hospital readmission were comparable across the 3 years of the pandemic. In the first and second years of the pandemic, elective patients were at a greater risk of mortality (risk ratio [RR], 2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.160-3.448 and RR, 1.778; 95% CI, 1.003-3.150, respectively) and the emergency cohort had a higher risk of critical care admission (RR, 1.759; 95% CI, 1.126-2.747 and RR, 1.742; 95% CI, 1.131-2.682, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of IBD patients undergoing surgery. These results provide insights into the management of IBD surgery during times of crisis and can help guide decision-making and resource allocation for IBD patients requiring surgical intervention.

Incidence of Severe COVID-19 Outcomes and Immunization Rates in Apulian Individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The etiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is not fully understood but is believed to involve a dysregulated immune response to intestinal microbiota in genetically susceptible individuals. Individuals with IBD are at increased risk of infections due to immunosuppressive treatments, comorbidities, and advanced age. Current evidence indicates that IBD patients are not at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general population, though the risk of severe outcomes remains debated. A retrospective observational study was conducted using Apulian regional health data from 2020 to 2022. This study included 1029 IBD patients and 3075 controls, matched by age and sex. COVID-19 incidence, hospitalization, and case fatality rates were analyzed alongside vaccination coverage. No significant differences in COVID-19 incidence (IRR = 0.97), hospitalization (p = 0.218), or lethality (p = 0.271) were evidenced between IBD patients and the general population. Vaccination rates were high in both groups, with slightly higher uptake in IBD patients. Multivariate analysis identified age and male sex as risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes, while vaccination significantly reduced hospitalization and lethality risks. IBD patients in Apulia do not have an increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severe outcomes compared to the general population. Vaccination is crucial in protecting IBD patients, and ongoing efforts to promote vaccination within this population are essential. Future research should focus on the impact of specific IBD treatments on COVID-19 outcomes and the long-term effectiveness of vaccines.

Exacerbated gastrointestinal symptoms and long COVID in IBD patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: A multi-center study from taiwan

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Limited studies have addressed the exacerbation of symptoms and long COVID in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients following non-severe COVID-19 infection, particularly with post-COVID-19 vaccination. We aim to investigate factors associated with exacerbated gastrointestinal symptoms (EGS) and long COVID in IBD patients with non-severe COVID-19, which is most common situation in daily practice.

METHODS

This is an observational study by multiple centers in Taiwan from May 2020 to March 2023. We collected clinical manifestation, data, and medication information from IBD patients with non-severe COVID-19. EGS was defined as increased frequency of diarrhea, bloody stool, and abdomen pain within 14 days after SARS-COV-2 infection. Long COVID was defined following the guidelines of the World Health Organization.

RESULTS

Out of 90 patients, most of them (88.9%) received at least standard two doses of COVID-19 vaccination and the majority (87.8%) were mild diseases of COVID-19.30% of patients experienced EGS during COVID-19 with higher ESR levels serving as a predictive factor (Odds ratio: 3.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-10.5, P = 0.02). 38.1% of those patients developed long COVID. The patients who experienced EGS during COVID-19 and with a history of longer IBD duration showed a significant association with long COVID (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that EGS and long COVID occurred in one third of IBD patients with non-severe COVID-19, even though most of them had received the standard plus booster vaccination. We identified associated factors for EGS and long COVID, emphasizing the importance of post-COVID-19 follow-up in IBD patients.

Corticosteroids but not Anti-TNF Are Associated With Increased COVID-19 Complications in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Immunosuppressed individuals are at higher risk for COVID-19 complications, yet data in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are limited. We evaluated the risk of COVID-19- severe sequelae by medication utilization in a large cohort of patients with IBD.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing insurance claims data between August 31, 2019, and August 31, 2021.We included IBD patients identified by diagnosis and treatment codes. Use of IBD medications was defined in the 90 days prior to cohort entry. Study outcomes included COVID-19 hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and inpatient death. Patients were followed until the outcome of interest, outpatient death, disenrollment, or end of study period. Due to the aggregate nature of available data, we were unable to perform multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

We included 102 986 patients (48 728 CD, 47 592 UC) with a mean age of 53 years; 55% were female. Overall, 412 (0.4%) patients were hospitalized with COVID-19. The incidence of hospitalization was higher in those on corticosteroids (0.6% vs 0.3%; P < .0001; 13.6 per 1000 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.8-16.9) and lower in those receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy (0.2% vs 0.5%; P < .0001; 3.9 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI, 2.7-5.4). Older age was associated with increased hospitalization with COVID-19. Overall, 71 (0.07%) patients required mechanical ventilation and 52 (0.05%) died at the hospital with COVID-19. The proportion requiring mechanical ventilation (1.9% vs 0.05%; P < .0001; 3.9 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI, 2.5-5.9) was higher among users of corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with IBD, those on corticosteroids had more hospitalizations and mechanical ventilation with COVID-19. Anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy was associated with a decreased risk of hospitalization. These findings reinforce previous guidance to taper and/or discontinue corticosteroids in IBD.

Predictors of Hospital-related Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Early Pandemic Phase: A Nationwide Inpatient Database Survey

BACKGROUND

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection. However, most studies are single-center, and nationwide data in the United States are lacking. This study aimed to investigate hospital-related outcomes and predictors of these outcomes in patients with IBD and COVID-19 infection.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample and National Readmission database were queried for all the patient hospitalizations with IBD with concurrent COVID-19 in the study group and non-COVID-19 related hospitalizations in the control group. For patients under 18 years, elective and trauma-related hospitalizations were excluded. Primary outcomes included mortality, septic shock, mechanical ventilation, and intensive care utilization. Secondary outcomes included length of stay and total hospitalization costs.

RESULTS

From this query, 8865 adult patients with IBD and COVID-19 were identified. These patients were relatively older (62.8 vs 57.7 years, P < .01), and the majority were females (52.1% with COVID-19 vs 55.2% without COVID-19). Patients with IBD and COVID-19 had higher mortality (12.24% vs 2.55%; P < .01), increased incidence of septic shock (7.9% vs 4.4%; P < .01), mechanical ventilation (11.5% vs 3.7%; P < .01), and intensive care utilization (12% vs 4.6%; P < .01). These patients also had higher mean length of stay (8.28 days vs 5.47 days; P < .01) and total hospitalization costs ($21 390 vs $16 468; P < .01) than those without COVID-19 infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IBD and COVID-19 have worse outcomes, with a higher incidence of severe COVID-19 disease, leading to higher mortality rates, longer lengths of stay, and increased total hospitalization costs. Encouraging preventive health measures and treating promptly with advanced COVID-19 therapies may improve outcomes and decrease the healthcare burden.

Clinical characteristics and the risk factors for the exacerbation of symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

In 2023, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant caused a large-scale outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China. It is not clear the risk factors that lead to the exacerbation of symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) after COVID-19 infection. Our study aims to find out the risk factors for the exacerbation of IBD-related symptoms in IBD patients with COVID-19 infection and to provide guidance for the clinical management of IBD.

Methods

This is a retrospective, observational study. The online questionnaire was distributed to conduct a survey to collect demographic, clinical, and IBD related characteristics in IBD patients. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to assess the independent effects.

Results

In total, 534 cases of IBD patients were analyzed in our study. Among them, 466 (87.3%) cases diagnosed with COVID-19, 160 (34.3%) cases experienced exacerbation of IBD symptoms, and 84 (18.0%) patients opted for medication discontinuation. Male sex (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.34-3.49, p = 0.001), and the decrease in body mass index (BMI) (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-1.00, p = 0.035) were positively correlated with the exacerbation of IBD symptoms. Furthermore, the medication discontinuation (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.58-4.30, p < 0.001) was strongly positively correlated with the exacerbation of IBD symptoms. No significant association was seen between age, comorbidities, smoking, disease activity, vaccination, therapy for COVID-19 and the worsening of IBD symptoms.

Conclusion

This study confirms that the infection rate of COVID-19 in China IBD patients was comparable to the general population. Male sex, the decrease in BMI and medication discontinuation are significant risk factors for the exacerbation of IBD-related symptoms in IBD patients with COVID-19 infection.

Impact of COVID-19 Treatment on Real-World Outcomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

While there are multiple safe and effective agents for COVID-19 treatment, their impact in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains uncertain.

AIMS

Our objective was to assess the effects of these therapies on both IBD and COVID outcomes.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study of adult patients with IBD who contracted COVID-19 between 12/2020 and 11/2022 was performed. Patients were stratified by COVID-19 treatment (antivirals and/or intravenous antibodies) vs no therapy. The primary outcome was the development of severe COVID-19 infection, defined by need for supplemental oxygen, corticosteroids and/or antibiotics, or hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included rates of withholding advanced IBD therapy (defined as biologic agents or small molecules) and of post-COVID-19 IBD flare.

RESULTS

Of 127 patients with COVID-19 infection, 70% were on advanced therapies, 35% received COVID-19 treatment, and 15% developed severe COVID-19. Those treated for COVID-19 were more likely to be on corticosteroids [odds ratio (OR) 4.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.72-12.39, p = 0.002] or advanced IBD therapies (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.04-7.43, p = 0.041). After adjusting for age, race, sex, corticosteroid use, obesity, COVID-19 vaccination status, and severe COVID-19 infection, those treated for COVID-19 were more likely to have IBD therapy held (OR 6.95, 95% CI 1.72-28.15, p = 0.007). There was no significant difference in rates of post-COVID-19 IBD flares or severe COVID-19 infection. There were no COVID-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IBD on advanced therapies were frequently treated for acute COVID-19. Although COVID-19 treatment was associated with temporary withholding of IBD therapy, it did not result in increased IBD flares.

COVID-19 impact in Crohn’s disease patients submitted to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease that has been blamed for inducing or exacerbating symptoms in patients with autoimmune diseases. Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects genetically susceptible patients who develop an abnormal mucosal immune response to the intestinal microbiota. Patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are considered at risk for COVID-19.

AIM

To describe for the first time the impact of COVID-19 in CD patients who had undergone autologous, non-myeloablative HSCT.

METHODS

In this descriptive study a series of 19 patients were diagnosed with positive COVID-19. For two patients there were reports of the occurrence of two infectious episodes. Parameters related to HSCT, such as time elapsed since the procedure, vaccination status, CD status before and after infection, and clinical manifestations resulting from COVID-19, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among the patients with COVID-19, three, who underwent Auto HSCT less than six months ago, relapsed and one, in addition to the CD symptoms, started to present thyroid impairment with positive anti-TPO. Only one of the patients required hospitalization for five days to treat COVID-19 and remained in CD clinical remission. Nine patients reported late symptoms that may be related to COVID-19. There were no deaths, and a statistical evaluation of the series of COVID-19 patients compared to those who did not present any infectious episode did not identify significant differences regarding the analyzed parameters.

CONCLUSION

Despite the change in CD status in three patients and the presence of nine patients with late symptoms, we can conclude that there was no significant adverse impact concerning COVID-19 in the evaluated patients who underwent HSCT to treat CD.

Shared Immune Associations Between COVID-19 and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study in Shanghai, China

Purpose

The rapid global spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant introduces a novel complication: the emergence of IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)-like ulcers in certain patients. This research delves into this new challenge by juxtaposing the clinical manifestations and genetic expression patterns of individuals affected by the Omicron variant of COVID-19 with those diagnosed with IBD. It aims to decode the link between these conditions, potentially shedding light on previously unexplored facets of COVID-19 pathophysiology. This investigation emphasizes gene expression analysis as a key tool to identify wider disease correlations and innovative therapeutic avenues.

Patients and Methods

From March to December 2022, patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection and inflammatory bowel disease and healthy controls were recruited in Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai, China. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the patients were compared. Four RNA sequencing datasets (GSE205244, GSE201530, GSE174159, and GSE186507) were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to detect mutually differentially expressed genes and common pathways in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and inflammatory bowel disease.

Results

Compared to patients with active inflammatory bowel disease, patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to have elevated interferon-α levels and an increased lymphocyte count and less likely to have high interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein levels and an elevated neutrophil count. A total of 51 common differentially expressed genes were identified in the four RNA-sequencing datasets. Enrichment analysis suggested that these genes were related to inflammation and the immune response, especially the innate immune response and nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The inflammation and immune-response pathways in COVID-19 and inflammatory bowel disease have several similarities and some differences. The study identifies the NLR signaling pathway's key role in both COVID-19 and IBD, suggesting its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention and vaccine development.

Differential Gene Expression Profiles Involved in the Inflammations Due to COVID-19 and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and the Investigation of Predictive Biomarkers

Gastrointestinal manifestations in COVID-19 were attributed to 74-86% of the hospitalised patients due to severe or prolonged pathogenesis. Though it is a respiratory disease, the impact it elicits on the gastrointestinal tract and brain are intense. Inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are idiopathic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The intrinsic mechanisms involved in gut inflammations due to a respiratory viral disease can be deciphered when the gene expression profiles of COVID-19 and IBD are compared. The current study utilises an integrated bioinformatics approach to unravel them. The publicly available gene expression profiles of colon transcriptomes infected with COVID-19, Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis were retrieved, integrated and analysed for the identification of differentially expressed genes. The inter-relational analysis along with gene annotation and pathway enrichment detailed the functional and metabolic pathways of the genes during normal and diseased conditions. The protein-protein interactions deduced from the STRING database and the identified hub genes predicted potential biomarker candidates for COVID-19, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The inflammatory response pathways were upregulated and enrichment of chemokine signalling, altered lipid metabolism, coagulation and complement cascades were seen in all three conditions along with impaired transport mechanisms. CXCL11, MMP10, and CFB are predicted to be overexpressed biomarkers, whilst GUCA2A, SLC13A2, CEACAM, and IGSF9 as downregulated novel biomarker candidates for colon inflammations. The three miRNAs hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-miR-21-5p, and hsa-miR-27b-5p exhibited significant interactions with the upregulated hub genes and four long non-coding RNAs NEAT1, KCNQ1OT1, and LINC00852 capable of regulating miRNA were also predicted. This study offers significant information on the underlying molecular mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease with identification of potential biomarkers.

Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Ulcerative Colitis Patients: A Lifestyle Perspective

Background and Objectives: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 is the new coronavirus that caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Studies have increasingly reported the involvement of organs outside the respiratory system, including the gastrointestinal tract. Data on the association between COVID-19 and ulcerative colitis (UC) are lacking. Materials and Methods: In this one-centre cross-sectional study, 49 patients with UC from the Riga East Clinical University Hospital outpatient clinic were included from June 2021 to December 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to their history of a confirmed positive or negative COVID-19 status. Data on their lifestyle, diet, and medications and the food supplements used by the patients were collected during interviews and analysed using the R 4.2.1 software. Results: Out of 49 patients, 33 (63.3%) were male and 13 (36.7%) were female, with a mean age of 32.33 ± 8.6 years. Fourteen patients (28.6%) had a confirmed COVID-19 infection in the last year. The most common COVID-19-related symptoms were a fever and rhinorrhoea. A third of patients followed the inflammatory bowel disease diet (16; 32.7%); out of these patients, 12 (34.3%) did not contract COVID-19 (OR: 0.78 (0.18; 2.98), p > 0.05). In the COVID-19-positive group, the majority of patients did not use vitamin D (11; 79% vs. 3; 21%, (OR: 0.38 (0.07; 1.51), p = 0.28) or probiotics (11; 78.6% vs. 3; 21.4%, OR: 1.33 (0.23; 6.28), p = 0.7). In the COVID-19-positive group, most patients did not smoke (12; 85.7% vs. 2; 14.3%, p = 0.475) and did not use alcohol (9; 64.3% vs. 5; 35.7%, OR: 0.63 (0.16; 2.57), p = 0.5). Most of the patients who participated in sports activities were COVID-negative (18; 51.4% vs. 6; 42.9%, p = 0.82). Conclusions: There were no statistically significant differences in the use of food supplements, probiotics, or vitamins; the lifestyle habits; or the COVID-19 status in patients with UC.

The association between ulcerative colitis and COVID-19 severity: a systematic review and meta-analysis systematic review

PURPOSE

After the COVID-19 pandemic, many challenges arose regarding the impact of this disease on people with ulcerative colitis. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence, severity, and death consequences of COVID-19 in patients with ulcerative colitis using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

This study was conducted using a systematic review and meta-analysis method in the field of prevalence, severity, and clinical consequences of COVID-19 in people with ulcerative colitis worldwide. The search was conducted in international scientific databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, from the beginning of 2020 to October 2023. The quality of the eligible studies was assessed using the Strobe and Newcastle Ottawa checklists. The data were analyzed using a fixed-effects model in the meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed using STATA version 17.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies with a sample size of 224,520 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that, in COVID-19 patients with ulcerative colitis, the prevalence of hospitalization, death, COVID-19 severity, and mortality rate in severe patients was 54% (95% CI, 27-80%), 10% (95% CI, 4-16%), 20% (95% CI, 8-34%), 63% (95% CI, 46-80%), respectively. In comparison with the general population, the odds ratio (OR) of hospitalization in patients due to COVID-19 was OR = 1.28 (95% CI, 1.19-1.38, P < 0.001), and the chance of severe COVID-19 was OR = 1.30 (95% CI, 1.22-1.53, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The probability of contracting the severe type of COVID-19 and hospitalization in patients with ulcerative colitis was higher than in the general population.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases

Understanding the profound impact of a viral pandemic on the mental health of patients with autoimmune diseases undergoing biological treatment is crucial for future insights. This cross-sectional case-control study aimed to assess the mental health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Romania, spanning from November 2022 to March 2023. A specialized self-report questionnaire in the Romanian language was developed to measure the multifaceted effects of COVID-19 on the mental well-being of these patients. The findings revealed a significant decline in the mental health of patients with IBD during the pandemic compared to the control group. Patients with IBD exhibited elevated levels of anxiety and concern regarding the virus. Intriguingly, despite the challenges, the vaccination rate was notably higher among patients with IBD, indicating a proactive approach to safeguarding their health. The study also shed light on various coping mechanisms employed by patients with IBD to navigate the pandemic-related restrictions. Engaging in activities such as social media and computer games emerged as effective strategies for managing heightened stress and limitations. In conclusion, the emergence of a novel viral pathogen represents a significant distress factor for patients with autoimmune diseases. Recognizing and comprehending these consequences enhances our understanding of the intricate interplay between physical and mental health and equips authorities with valuable insights to better manage future epidemics or viral outbreaks. This study underscores the importance of tailored support systems and strategies for patients with autoimmune diseases during global health crises.

COVID-19 Outcomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Hospitalized Patients: A Comprehensive Analysis Using the National Inpatient Sample

Background

There is no uniformity in the available literature concerning the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) viral illness on people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

We conducted an analysis using the 2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to compare the outcomes of COVID-19 hospitalized patients with and without IBD.

Results

Of 1,050,040 patients admitted with COVID-19, 5,750 (0.5%) also had IBD. The group with COVID-19 and IBD had higher percentages of females and White individuals and a greater prevalence of chronic lung disease, peripheral vascular disease, and liver disease. However, after accounting for confounding variables, there was no significant difference in mortality rates, length of hospital stays, or hospitalization costs between the two groups.

Conclusion

According to our findings, the presence of IBD does not appear to elevate the risk of COVID-19 complications.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, the predominant forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), occur in approximately 1% of the population and are typically characterized by chronic diarrhea (with or without bleeding), abdominal pain, and weight loss. The diagnosis is based on history, physical examination, laboratory studies, and endoscopic evaluation. Extraintestinal manifestations may coincide with or precede IBD diagnosis. Treatments have markedly advanced in the past decade, resulting in improved outcomes. IBD, itself, as well as immunosuppressive therapy can increase rates of certain conditions, making collaboration between primary care and gastroenterology imperative for ensuring comprehensive patient care.

The risk of COVID-19 in IBD patients is increased by urban living and is not influenced by disease activity or intravenous biologics

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may have a modified immune response to SARS-CoV-2. The objectives were to evaluate the prevalence of COVID-19 in patients treated with infliximab or vedolizumab, to analyze the factors associated with the infection, the impact of treatments and trough levels.

Methods

Patients with IBD treated with intravenous biologics in 14 French centers were included between March and June 2020 and followed-up for 6 months. Blood samples were collected for serologies and trough levels. The analysis of factors associated with COVID-19 was conducted in a matched 1:1 case-control sub-study with positive patients.

Results

In total, 1026 patients were included (74.9% infliximab). Over the follow-up period, 420 patients reported the occurrence of COVID-19 symptoms; 342 had been tested of whom 18 were positive. At the end of follow-up, 38 patients had a positive serology. Considering both nasal tests and serologies together, 46 patients (4.5%) had been infected. The risk of COVID-19 was related neither to the use of treatments (whatever the trough levels) nor to disease activity. Infections were more frequent when using public transport or living in flats in urban areas.

Conclusions

The prevalence rate of COVID-19 in this IBD population treated with intravenous infliximab or vedolizumab was the same as the one in the French population before the start of the vaccination campaign. The risk was increased by urban living and was not influenced by disease activity or biologics. Sanitary barrier measures remain the best way to protect against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with IBD in biological therapy.

Impact of COVID-19 in individuals with and without pre-existent digestive disorders with a particular focus on elderly patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has several extrapulmonary symptoms. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are among the most frequent clinical manifestations of COVID-19, with severe consequences reported in elderly patients. Furthermore, the impact of COVID-19 on patients with pre-existing digestive diseases still needs to be fully elucidated, particularly in the older population. This review aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the GI tract, liver, and pancreas in individuals with and without previous digestive diseases, with a particular focus on the elderly, highlighting the distinctive characteristics observed in this population. Finally, the effectiveness and adverse events of the anti-COVID-19 vaccination in patients with digestive disorders and the peculiarities found in the elderly are discussed.

Microbiome and intestinal pathophysiology in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19

Long COVID, also known for post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, describes the people who have the signs and symptoms that continue or develop after the acute COVID-19 phase. Long COVID patients suffer from an inflammation or host responses towards the virus approximately 4 weeks after initial infection with the SARS CoV-2 virus and continue for an uncharacterized duration. Anyone infected with COVID-19 before could experience long-COVID conditions, including the patients who were infected with SARS CoV-2 virus confirmed by tests and those who never knew they had an infection early. People with long COVID may experience health problems from different types and combinations of symptoms over time, such as fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive impairments, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased or loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and dysgeusia). The critical role of the microbiome in these GI symptoms and long COVID were reported in clinical patients and experimental models. Here, we provide an overall view of the critical role of the GI tract and microbiome in the development of long COVID, including the clinical GI symptoms in patients, dysbiosis, viral-microbiome interactions, barrier function, and inflammatory bowel disease patients with long COVID. We highlight the potential mechanisms and possible treatment based on GI health and microbiome. Finally, we discuss challenges and future direction in the long COVID clinic and research.

Mendelian randomization analysis identified tumor necrosis factor as being associated with severe COVID-19

Background: Observational studies have shown that anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy may be beneficial for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nevertheless, because of the methodological restrictions of traditional observational studies, it is a challenge to make causal inferences. This study involved a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the causal link between nine TNFs and COVID-19 severity using publicly released genome-wide association study summary statistics. Methods: Summary statistics for nine TNFs (21,758 cases) were obtained from a large-scale genome-wide association study. Correlation data between single-nucleotide polymorphisms and severe COVID-19 (18,152 cases vs. 1,145,546 controls) were collected from the COVID-19 host genetics initiative. The causal estimate was calculated by inverse variance-weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods. Sensitivity tests were conducted to assess the validity of the causal relationship. Results: Genetically predicted TNF receptor superfamily member 6 (FAS) positively correlated with the severity of COVID-19 (IVW, odds ratio = 1.10, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.19, p = 0.026), whereas TNF receptor superfamily member 5 (CD40) was protective against severe COVID-19 (IVW, odds ratio = 0.92, 95% confidence interval = 0.87-0.97, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Genetic evidence from this study supports that the increased expression of FAS is associated with the risk of severe COVID-19 and that CD40 may have a potential protective effect against COVID-19.

Managing IBD in the COVID-19 era

Over the last 2 years the lives of millions have changed because of the emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represent a sizable population with their own sets of challenges to providers in the wake of so much uncertainty. The Centers for Disease Control considers immunocompromised individuals at higher risk of infection and complications from COVID-19. Early in the pandemic, the specific risks for IBD patients were unclear as guidance was based on expert opinion regarding the management of IBD during a COVID-19 era. Fortunately, after considerable work in the field, the overwhelming evidence suggests that IBD patients as a whole do not appear to be at increased risk for more severe disease from COVID-19. Certain risk factors such as age, steroids, comorbidities, combination immunomodulatory therapy, and IBD disease activity have been associated with worse outcomes. Most IBD medications are low risk, with the exception of immunomodulator monotherapy and combination therapy with thiopurine and anti-TNF. Vaccination remains safe and effective for all IBD patients, although additional booster doses may be necessary, particularly in patients taking anti-TNF agents.

COVID-19 Hospitalization Outcomes Among Patients With Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases in the United States

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the outcomes of COVID-19-related hospitalizations among patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) in the United States in 2020. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes included intubation rate, length of hospital stay (LOS), and total hospital charges (THCs).

METHODS

Data for the study were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample database and included patients who were hospitalized with a principal diagnosis of COVID-19. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to calculate odds ratios for the outcomes, adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Out of the 1,050,720 COVID-19 admissions, 30,775 had an ARD diagnosis. The unadjusted analysis showed higher mortality (12.21%) and intubation (9.2%) rates in the ARD group compared with the non-ARD group (mortality rate: 11.14%, P = 0.013; intubation rate: 8.5%, P = 0.048). However, this difference was not significant after adjusting for confounding factors. The mean LOS and THCs did not differ significantly between the two groups. Among all ARD subgroups, the vasculitis group had significantly higher intubation rate, LOS, and THC.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that ARD is not associated with an increased risk of mortality or worse outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 after adjusting for confounding factors. However, the vasculitis group had poorer outcomes during COVID-19 hospitalizations. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of ARD activity and immunosuppressants on outcomes. Additionally, more research is required to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 and vasculitis.

Immunosuppressants exert differential effects on pan-coronavirus infection and distinct combinatory antiviral activity with molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir

BACKGROUND

Immunocompromised populations, such as organ transplant recipients and patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory medications, may be more susceptible to coronavirus infections. However, little is known about how immunosuppressants affect coronavirus replication and their combinational effects with antiviral drugs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to profile the effects of immunosuppressants and the combination of immunosuppressants with oral antiviral drugs molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir on pan-coronavirus infection in cell and human airway organoids (hAOs) culture models.

METHODS

Different coronaviruses (including wild type, delta and omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, and NL63, 229E and OC43 seasonal coronaviruses) were used in lung cell lines and hAOs models. The effects of immunosuppressants were tested.

RESULTS

Dexamethasone and 5-aminosalicylic acid moderately stimulated the replication of different coronaviruses. Mycophenolic acid (MPA), 6-thioguanine (6-TG), tofacitinib and filgotinib treatment dose-dependently inhibited viral replication of all tested coronaviruses in both cell lines and hAOs. The half maximum effective concentration (EC50) of tofacitinib against SARS-CoV-2 was 0.62 μM and the half maximum cytotoxic concentration (CC50) was above 30 μM, which resulted in a selective index (SI) of about 50. The anti-coronavirus effect of the JAK inhibitors tofacitinib and filgotinib is dependent on the inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. Combinations of MPA, 6-TG, tofacitinib, and filgotinib with the oral antiviral drugs molnupiravir or nirmatrelvir exerted an additive or synergistic antiviral activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Different immunosuppressants have distinct effects on coronavirus replication, with 6-TG, MPA, tofacitinib and filgotinib possessing pan-coronavirus antiviral activity. The combinations of MPA, 6-TG, tofacitinib and filgotinib with antiviral drugs exerted an additive or synergistic antiviral activity. Thus, these findings provide an important reference for optimal management of immunocompromised patients infected with coronaviruses.

COVID-19 vaccination in adults with inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general population, and most are not at increased risk for severe disease. COVID-19 is nonetheless common, and vaccination is critical. Four safe and efficacious vaccines are now available for the prevention of COVID-19, with most data available for mRNA vaccines. Patients with IBD have a robust humoral response to vaccination with rates of seroconversion exceeding 95% following a two-dose mRNA vaccine series and 99% following a three-dose mRNA series, although those on certain therapies including anti-tumor necrosis factor α agents may have lower antibody concentrations and waning of antibodies over time. Additionally, rates of cell-mediated immune response, even in those patients with IBD who did not have evidence of humoral immunity, are high. Vaccines are safe and have not been associated with flares in disease activity. Gastroenterology providers should take an active role in ensuring patients with IBD are appropriately vaccinated against COVID-19.

Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy is associated with attenuated humoral response to SARS-COV-2 vaccines in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppressive therapy used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is known to reduce vaccine immunogenicity.

AIMS

This study aimed to 1) predict the humoral response elicited by SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in IBD patients based on their ongoing treatment and other relevant patient and vaccine characteristics and 2) assess the humoral response to a booster dose of mRNA vaccine.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study in adult IBD patients. Anti-spike (S) IgG antibodies were measured after initial vaccination and again after one booster dose. A multiple linear regression model was created to predict anti-S antibody titer following initial complete vaccination in different therapeutic groups (no immunosuppression, anti-TNF, immunomodulators and combination therapy). A two-tailed Wilcoxon test for two dependent groups was performed to compare anti-S values before and after the booster dose.

RESULTS

Our study included 198 IBD patients. The multiple linear regression identified anti-TNF and combination therapy (versus no immunosuppression), current smoking, viral vector (versus mRNA) vaccine and interval between vaccination and anti-S measurement as statistically significant predictors of the log anti-S antibody levels (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found between no immunosuppression and immunomodulators (p = 0.349) and between anti-TNF and combination therapy (p = 0.997). Statistically significant differences for anti-S antibody titer before and after the booster dose of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were found, both for non-anti-TNF and anti-TNF groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-TNF treatment (either alone or in combination therapy) is associated with lower anti-S antibody levels. Booster mRNA doses seem to increase anti-S both in non-anti-TNF and anti-TNF treated patients. Special attention should be paid to this group of patients when planning vaccination schemes.

The natural history of COVID-19 in vaccinated inflammatory bowel disease patients

AIM

Assess the characteristics of break through COVID-19 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients, despite complete vaccination.

METHODS

Patients who reported a COVID-19 at least 3 weeks after complete vaccination were asked to answer an on-line anonymous questionnaire which included patient and disease characteristics, vaccination history, and the evolution of COVID-19.

RESULTS

Among 3240 IBD patients who reported complete vaccination between 1st May 2021 and 30thJune 2022, 402 (12.4%) were infected by SARS Cov-2 [223 male, 216 Crohn's disease (CD), 186 Ulcerative Colitis (UC), mean (SD) age 42.3 (14.9) years, mean (SD) IBD duration 10.1 (9.7) years]. Three hundred and sixty-nine patients (91.8%) were infected once and 33 (8.2%) twice. The mean (SD) time between last vaccination and infection was 4.1 (1.6) months. Overall, 351 (87.3%) patients reported mild constitutional and/or respiratory symptoms, 34 (8.4%) were asymptomatic and only 17 patients (4.2%) required hospitalization. Of hospitalized patients, 2 UC patients died of COVID-19 pneumonia. The remaining hospitalized patients did not need high flow oxygen supply or ICU admission.

CONCLUSIONS

A minority of completely vaccinated IBD patients developed COVID-19 which evolved with mild symptoms and a favorable outcome. These results reinforce the importance of vaccination especially in vulnerable populations.

Hyperglycemia in COVID-19 infection without diabetes mellitus: Association with inflammatory markers

BACKGROUND

New onset hyperglycemia is common in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Cytokine storm due to COVID-19 infection is an essential etiology for new-onset hyperglycemia, but factors like direct severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced pancreatic β-cell failure have also been postulated to play a role.

AIM

We plan to investigate further the mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced hyperglycemia, particularly the rationale of the cytokine-induced hyperglycemia hypothesis, by evaluating the association between inflammatory markers and new onset hyperglycemia in non-diabetic patients with COVID-19 infection.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective case-control study on adults without diabetes mellitus hospitalized for COVID-19 infection. The serum levels of glucose and inflammatory markers at presentation before initiation of corticosteroid were collected. Hyperglycemia was defined as glucose levels ≥ 140 mg/dL. C-Reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 100 mg/L, ferritin ≥ 530 ng/mL, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥ 590 U/L, and D-dimer ≥ 0.5 mg/L were considered elevated. We used the χ² test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and calculated the logistic regression for hyperglycemia.

RESULTS

Of the 520 patients screened, 248 met the inclusion criteria. Baseline demographics were equally distributed between patients with hyperglycemia and those who were normoglycemic. Serum inflammatory markers in patients with or without new-onset hyperglycemia were elevated as follows: CRP (58.1% vs 65.6%, P = 0.29), ferritin (48.4% vs 34.9%, P = 0.14), D-dimer (37.1% vs 37.1%, P = 0.76) and LDH (19.4% vs 11.8%, P = 0.02). Logistic regression analysis showed LDH odds ratio (OR) = 1.623 (P = 0.256). We observed significantly higher mortality (24.2% vs 9.1%, P = 0.001; OR = 2.528, P = 0.024) and length of stay (8.89 vs 6.69, P = 0.026) in patients with hyperglycemia.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed no association between CRP, ferritin, LDH, D-dimer levels, and new-onset hyperglycemia in non-diabetic patients with COVID-19 infection. It also shows an increased mortality risk and length of stay in patients with hyperglycemia. With new-onset hyperglycemia being closely associated with poor prognostic indices, it becomes pivotal to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms behind the SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced hyperglycemia. We conclude that the stress hyperglycemia hypothesis is not the only mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced hyperglycemia but rather a multicausal pathogenesis leading to hyperglycemia that requires further research and understanding. This would help us improve not only the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 disease and inpatient hyperglycemia management but also understand the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and further management.

The Influence of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on the Diagnosis of Celiac Disease and Clinical Practice in Pediatric Gastroenterology

Celiac disease (CD) has a high prevalence but remains largely underdiagnosed. Although extensive studies have confirmed that children with CD do not have an increased risk of severe COVID-19, public health regulations associated with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may have exacerbated this problem. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the number of new-onset CD cases. Additionally, the role of SARS-CoV-2 in autoimmune diseases and its influence on clinical practice in pediatric gastroenterology were briefly reviewed. We described the data from the hospital electronic registry of new-onset CD, during the COVID-19 pandemic and 2 years before. A total of 423 children were diagnosed with CD between March 2018 and February 2022: 228 in the 2-year pre-COVID-19 period and 195 during the pandemic. The number of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic was 14.5% lower than in the previous years. The quarterly comparison of CD diagnoses showed a reduction in all quarters. A reduction in diagnoses during the lockdown and in the following months was evident and not compensated thereafter. This is the first study to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the diagnosis of CD in children. Further studies are necessary to improve the system of biopsy-sparing diagnosis and to evaluate the effect of the diagnostic delay. Special attention should be given to the implementation of telemedicine services.

Liver injury in COVID-19: Clinical features, potential mechanisms, risk factors and clinical treatments

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been a serious threat to global health for nearly 3 years. In addition to pulmonary complications, liver injury is not uncommon in patients with novel COVID-19. Although the prevalence of liver injury varies widely among COVID-19 patients, its incidence is significantly increased in severe cases. Hence, there is an urgent need to understand liver injury caused by COVID-19. Clinical features of liver injury include detectable liver function abnormalities and liver imaging changes. Liver function tests, computed tomography scans, and ultrasound can help evaluate liver injury. Risk factors for liver injury in patients with COVID-19 include male sex, preexisting liver disease including liver transplantation and chronic liver disease, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. To date, the mechanism of COVID-19-related liver injury is not fully understood. Its pathophysiological basis can generally be explained by systemic inflammatory response, hypoxic damage, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and drug side effects. In this review, we systematically summarize the existing literature on liver injury caused by COVID-19, including clinical features, underlying mechanisms, and potential risk factors. Finally, we discuss clinical management and provide recommendations for the care of patients with liver injury.

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers with inflammatory bowel disease: a case-control study

Background

Whether healthcare workers with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) due to occupational exposure is unknown.

Aim

To assess the risk of COVID-19 in healthcare workers with IBD.

Methods

A case control study enrolled 326 healthcare workers with IBD from 17 GETAID centres and matched non-healthcare workers with IBD controls (1:1) for gender, age, disease subtype and year of diagnosis. The study period was year 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Results

In total, 59 COVID-19 were recorded among cases (n = 32) and controls (n = 27), including 2 severe COVID-19 (requiring hospitalization, mechanic ventilation) but no death. No difference was observed between healthcare workers and controls regarding the overall incidence rates of COVID-19 4.9 ± 2.2 vs. 3.8 ± 1.9 per 100 patient-semesters, P = 0.34) and the overall incidence rates of severe COVID-19 (0.6 ± 7.8 vs. 0.3 ± 5.5 per 100 patient-semesters, P = 0.42). In multivariate analysis in the entire study population, COVID-19 was associated with patients with body mass index > 30 kg/m² (HR = 2.48, 95%CI [1.13-5.44], P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Healthcare workers with IBD do not have an increased risk of COVID-19 compared with other patients with IBD.

Inflammatory bowel disease and COVID-19 outcomes: a meta-analysis

There is conflicting evidence concerning the effect of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on COVID-19 incidence and outcome. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the published evidence through a systematic review process and perform a meta-analysis to assess the association between IBD and COVID-19. A compressive literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to July 2021. A snowball search in Google, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and MedRxiv; and bibliographic research were also performed to identify any other relevant articles. Quantitative observational studies such as cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies that assessed the incidence, risk, and outcomes of COVID-19 among the adult IBD patients published in the English language, were considered for this review. The incidence and risk of COVID-19, COVID-19 hospitalization, the severity of COVID-19, and mortality were considered as the outcomes of interest. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist was used for quality assessment. A subgroup and sensitivity analysis were performed to explore the heterogeneity and robustness of the results, respectively. A total of 86 studies out of 2828 non-duplicate records were considered for this meta-analysis. The studies were single or multicentric internationally from settings such as IBD centres, medical colleges, hospitals, or from the general public. Most of the studies were observed to be of good quality with an acceptable risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19, COVID-19 hospitalization, severe COVID-19, and mortality in the IBD population were 6.10%, 10.63%, 40.43%, and 1.94%, respectively. IBD was not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with the risk of COVID-19, COVID-19 hospitalization, severe COVID-19, and mortality. In contrast, ulcerative colitis was significantly associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 (OR 1.37; p = 0.01), COVID-19 hospitalization (OR 1.28; p < 0.00001), and severe COVID-19 (OR 2.45; p < 0.0007). Crohn's disease was significantly associated with a lesser risk of severe COVID-19 (OR 0.48; p = 0.02). Type of IBD was a potential factor that might have contributed to the higher level of heterogeneity. There was a significant association between ulcerative colitis and increased risk of COVID-19, COVID-19 hospitalization, and severe COVID-19 infection. This association was not observed in patients with Crohns' disease or in those diagnosed non-specifically as IBD.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Outcomes in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review

The impact of COVID-19 on pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) is still not clear and the knowledge acquired over the last 2 years is still evolving. This study aims to investigate the risk and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with PIBD. A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted to identify studies published up until September 2022. Out of the 475 articles screened, 14 studies were included in the review. Of the 4006 children with PIBD included, 390 (9.7%) tested positive for COVID-19. Among those with COVID-19, 5.9% (0-16.7%) needed hospitalization, 0.6% (0-1%) were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and no deaths were reported. Among the included studies, only four presented details regarding patients' symptoms, with 21% (0-25%) presenting gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. An association between PIBD activity or specific treatment and COVID-19 outcome could not be established. The prevalence of COVID-19 in patients with PIBD was low; therefore, the initial concerns regarding higher infection risk and worse prognosis in this population are not supported by the currently available data. Further research is needed to determine the natural history of the infection and the optimal treatment for these patients. Much is still unclear and additional studies should be performed in order to optimize prevention and care for this special group of patients.

COVID-19 and Gut Injury

COVID-19 induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently a pandemic and it has led to more than 620 million patients with 6.56 million deaths globally. Males are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection and associated with a higher chance to develop severe COVID-19 than females. Aged people are at a high risk of COVID-19 infection, while young children have also increased cases. COVID-19 patients typically develop respiratory system pathologies, however symptoms in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are also very common. Inflammatory cell recruitments and their secreted cytokines are found in the GI tract in COVID-19 patients. Microbiota changes are the key feature in COVID-19 patients with gut injury. Here, we review all current known mechanisms of COVID-19-induced gut injury, and the most acceptable one is that SARS-CoV-2 binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on host cells in the GI tract. Interestingly, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammatory disorder, but the patients with IBD do not have the increased risk to develop COVID-19. There is currently no cure for COVID-19, but anti-viruses and monoclonal antibodies reduce viral load and shorten the recovery time of the disease. We summarize current therapeutics that target symptoms in the GI tract, including probiotics, ACE2 inhibitors and nutrients. These are promising therapeutic options for COVID-19-induced gut injury.

IBD Flare in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Therapy Discontinuation Is to Blame

This prospective case-control study investigated the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection on inflammatory bowel disease course and looked for risk factors associated with flares. In the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic era, inflammatory bowel disease course is not influenced by infection, while therapy discontinuation is a risk factor for disease flare.

Recent advances in clinical practice: management of inflammatory bowel disease during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised considerable concerns that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly those treated with immunosuppressive therapies, may have an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 acquisition, develop worse outcomes following COVID-19, and have suboptimal vaccine response compared with the general population. In this review, we summarise data on the risk of COVID-19 and associated outcomes, and latest guidance on SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with IBD. Emerging evidence suggests that commonly used medications for IBD, such as corticosteroids but not biologicals, were associated with adverse outcomes to COVID-19. There has been no increased risk of de novo, or delayed, IBD diagnoses, however, an overall decrease in endoscopy procedures has led to a rise in the number of missed endoscopic-detected cancers during the pandemic. The impact of IBD medication on vaccine response has been a research priority recently. Data suggest that patients with IBD treated with antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) medications had attenuated humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and more rapid antibody decay, compared with non-anti-TNF-treated patients. Reassuringly, rates of breakthrough infections and hospitalisations in all patients who received vaccines, irrespective of IBD treatment, remained low. International guidelines recommend that all patients with IBD treated with immunosuppressive therapies should receive, at any point during their treatment cycle, three primary doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines with a further booster dose as soon as possible. Future research should focus on our understanding of the rate of antibody decay in biological-treated patients, which patients require additional doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, the long-term risks of COVID-19 on IBD disease course and activity, and the potential risk of long COVID-19 in patients with IBD.

Long COVID in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

SARS-CoV-2-infected patients can experience long-lasting symptoms even after the resolution of the acute infection. This condition, defined as Long COVID, is now recognized as a public health priority and its negative impact on the quality of life of the patients could be more relevant in individuals with debilitating pathologies. We here evaluated the frequency of Long COVID in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

METHODS

IBD patients afferent for scheduled visits to our tertiary referral center at the Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, were recruited from 7 September to 22 October 2021. During the visits, patients were investigated about previous COVID-19 infection and the possible development of Long COVID.

RESULTS

Fifty-three out of 528 IBD patients (10%) have had a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of these, 21 patients (40%) developed Long COVID, and asthenia was the more frequent symptom as it occurred in nearly two-thirds of patients. Patients with Long COVID were more frequently females, while other clinical and demographic characteristics did not differ between patients with Long COVID and those without Long COVID. In particular, the IBD relapses occurred with the same frequency in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Long COVID appears to be common in IBD patients even though it does not influence the IBD course.