Unfavourable outcome for women in a study of health-related quality of life, social factors and work disability in Crohn's disease

The Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases on Patients' Quality of Life and Work Functionality: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the employment status, quality of life, and work functionality in patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).

METHODS

Patients (N = 216) were enrolled between June 2020 and October 2021. Personal, clinical, and occupational features were investigated. The Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire were administered.

RESULTS

Among the enrolled patients, 114 (53%) were employed. The mean absenteeism and presenteeism percentages of 10% and 37% were determined, with 44% and 39% of daily and work activity impairment, respectively. A poor Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was retrieved (47 ± 12). Extraintestinal manifestations, disease activity, and HRQoL were associated with occupational outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

IBD can impact patients' work functionality. The association between clinical, psychological, and occupational issues suggests the relevance for a multidisciplinary management of the disease.

Work Productivity Impairment in Persons with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The impact of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] on work productivity remains unclear. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we quantify work-related outcomes and employment data among persons with IBD.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, Scopus, ProQuest, and clinicaltrials.gov from inception to February 2023, to identify studies on work productivity in persons with IBD aged > 18 years. Work productivity was defined primarily by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment [WPAI] questionnaire which includes absenteeism, presenteeism, overall work impairment, and non-work activity impairment. In addition, we included data on employment, sick leaves, disability pensions, and indirect costs due to productivity loss. Pooled effect analysis was conducted using a random-effects model for pooled estimates of continuous and proportional data with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Among all patients with IBD, the pooled estimates were 16.4% for absenteeism, 35.9% for presenteeism, 39.4% for overall work impairment, and 46.0% for non-work activity impairment. Indirect costs from overall work impairment were 5131.09 euros/patient/year. Only two-thirds of IBD patients were employed, and one in three lost their jobs due to IBD. Among those employed, 39.5% report sick days, 21.3% report work disability, and 12.3% receive disability pensions. Most studies demonstrate clinically meaningful improvements in work productivity with medical and/or surgical therapies.

CONCLUSION

Persons with IBD experience significant work impairment and associated indirect costs. This highlights the need for appropriate workplace accommodations and timely medical therapy to alleviate the burden of disease and improve work outcomes.

Patient-reported outcome measures and surgery for Crohn's disease: systematic review

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease with up to 50 per cent of patients requiring surgery within 10 years of diagnosis. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are vital to monitor and assess patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This systematic review aims to evaluate PROMs within studies for perioperative Crohn's disease patients.

METHODS

Articles from MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare and CINAHL databases were searched to find studies relating to the assessment of HRQoL in perioperative Crohn's disease patients using PROMs and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) from 1st January 2015 to 22nd October 2023. Bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool was used for non-randomized interventional studies and the Cochrane RoB2 tool was used for randomized trials.

RESULTS

1714 journal articles were filtered down to eight studies. Six studies focused on ileocaecal resection, one on perianal fistulas and one on the effects of cholecystectomy on patients with Crohn's disease. Within these articles, ten different PROM tools were identified (8 measures of HRQoL and 2 measures of functional outcome). Overall improvements in patient HRQoL pre- to postoperative for ileocaecal Crohn's disease were found in both paediatric and adult patients. Outcomes were comparable in patients in remission, with or without stoma, but were worse in patients with a stoma and active disease.

CONCLUSION

There are significant variations in how PROMs are used to evaluate perioperative Crohn's disease outcomes and a need for consensus on how tools are used. Routine assessments using an internationally accepted online platform can be used to monitor patients and support areas of treatment pathways that require further support to ensure high standards of care. They also enable future statistical comparisons in quantitative reviews and meta-analyses.

Earnings during adulthood in patients with childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease: a nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

IBD with onset during childhood seems to represent a severe disease phenotype with increased morbidity. We have previously demonstrated that children with IBD have significantly lower final grades in compulsory school compared to healthy peers.

AIM

To evaluate the association of childhood-onset IBD with a later professional career and subsequent earnings METHODS: We identified 5404 individuals diagnosed with childhood-onset (<18 years) IBD between 1990 and 2014 (2818 with ulcerative colitis and 2328 with Crohn's disease) in the Swedish National Patient Register. Patients were matched with 10 general population reference individuals by sex, birth year, and place of residence (n = 51,295). Data on earnings during 1992-2017 were obtained through the longitudinal integration database for health insurance and labour market studies. Earnings were converted into Euros (inflation-adjusted to 2019). The differences in earnings between patients and general population reference individuals were calculated through quantile regression.

RESULTS

Patients with childhood-onset IBD had significantly lower annual taxable earnings from ages 20 to 30 (adjusted median annual income difference (AMAID) at age 30: -5.4% [95% CI -9.1% to -1.8%]). In particular, annual taxable earnings through early adult age were lower in patients who, during childhood, had had surgery or long-term inpatient treatment for IBD (AMAID at age 30: -16.3% [95% CI -24.7% to -7.9%]).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the negative influence of disease on earnings in early adult age was modest for patients with childhood-onset IBD. The markedly larger negative income gap from ages 20 to 30 in patients with more severe IBD during childhood should be recognised.

Measuring the impact of gastrointestinal inconvenience and symptoms on perceived health in the general population - validation of the Short Health Scale for gastrointestinal symptoms (SHS-GI)

OBJECTIVES

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are intimately related to our wellbeing. The Short Health Scale for GI symptoms (SHS-GI) is a simple questionnaire to measure the impact of GI inconvenience and symptoms on quality of life. The aim was to validate the SHS-GI in a general population sample and to compare it with SHS-data across different patient groups.

METHOD

A subsample of 170 participants from a population-based colonoscopy study completed the Rome II questionnaire, GI diaries, psychological questionnaire (hospital anxiety and depression scale) and SHS-GI at follow-up investigation. Psychometric properties of SHS-GI as an overall score were determined by performing a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Spearman correlation between SHS total score and symptoms was calculated in the general population sample. SHS-GI data was compared with SHS data from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and fecal incontinence (FI).

RESULTS

As expected, the general population rated their impact of GI inconvenience on quality of life as better than the patient populations in terms of all aspects of the SHS-GI. The CFA showed a good model fit meeting all fit criteria in the general population. Cronbach's alpha for the total scale was 0.80 in the general population sample and ranged from 0.72 in the FI sample to 0.88 and 0.89 in the IBD samples.

CONCLUSIONS

SHS-GI demonstrated appropriate psychometric properties in a sample of the normal population. We suggest that SHS-GI is a valid simple questionnaire suitable for measuring the impact of GI symptoms and inconvenience on quality of life in both general and patient populations.

Prevalence, Indirect Costs, and Risk Factors for Work Disability in Patients with Crohn's Disease at a Tertiary Care Center in Rio de Janeiro

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Crohn's disease (CD) can lead to work disability with social and economic impacts worldwide. In Brazil, where its prevalence is increasing, we assessed the indirect costs, prevalence, and risk factors for work disability in the state of Rio de Janeiro and in a tertiary care referral center of the state.

METHODS

Data were retrieved from the database of the Single System of Social Security Benefits Information, with a cross-check for aid pension and disability retirement. A subanalysis was performed with CD patients followed up at the tertiary care referral center using a prospective CD database, including clinical variables assessed as possible risk factors for work disability.

RESULTS

From 2010 to 2018, the estimated prevalence of CD was 26.05 per 100,000 inhabitants, while the associated work disability was 16.6%, with indirect costs of US$ 8,562,195.86. Permanent disability occurred more frequently in those aged 40 to 49 years. In the referral center, the prevalence of work disability was 16.7%, with a mean interval of 3 years between diagnosis and the first benefit. Risk factors for absence from work were predominantly abdominal surgery, anovaginal fistulas, disease duration, and the A2 profile of the Montreal classification.

CONCLUSIONS

In Rio de Janeiro, work disability affects one-sixth of CD patients, and risk factors are associated with disease duration and complications. In the context of increasing prevalence, as this disability compromises young patients after a relatively short period of disease, the socioeconomic burden of CD is expected to increase in the future.

Work and School Absenteeism in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which can have a considerable effect on quality of life, productivity and performance, is typically diagnosed during periods of life in which patients have academic and career-related responsibilities.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of IBD symptoms on work and school absenteeism in patients from Saudi Arabia.

Patients and Methods:

This cross-sectional survey included patients diagnosed with IBD, aged >8–60 years, at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The validated 32-question IBD quality-of-life questionnaire was used to elicit information regarding quality of life and another 9-question validated questionnaire was used to assess work and school absenteeism. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify possible determinants of absenteeism.

Results:

A total of 123 IBD patients were included, with a 1:1 male-to-female ratio. The median age at presentation was 26 years (range: 8–59 years), 56.9% had Crohn's disease, and 43.1% had ulcerative colitis. Further, 58 (47.2%) were employed, 49 (39.8%) were students and 16 (13%) were unemployed. Forty-seven (43.9%) participants reported absenteeism: 26 were employees (55.3%) and 21 were students (44.7%). A binary logistic regression analysis identified IBD subtype (P = 0.006) and the presence of perianal disease (P = 0.028) as clinical predictors for absenteeism from school or work. A feeling of abdominal pain (P = 0.015), fatigue (P = 0.015) and difficulty taking part in social engagements (P < 0.001) were also significantly associated with absenteeism.

Conclusions:

A sizeable proportion of the participants reported absenteeism owing to the effects of IBD. IBD subtype, perianal disease, presence of ongoing abdominal pain, fatigue and difficulty in social engagement were strongly associated with nonattendance.

Sex matters: impact on pathogenesis, presentation and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as do most chronic inflammatory disorders, displays unique features and confers different risk factors in male and female patients. Importantly, sex-based differences in IBD exist for epidemiological incidence and prevalence among different age groups, with men and women developing distinct clinical symptoms and disparity in severity of disease. In addition, the presentation of comorbidities in IBD displays strong sex differences. Notably, particular issues exclusive to women's health, including pregnancy and childbirth, require specific considerations in female patients with IBD of childbearing age that can have a substantial influence on clinical outcomes. This Review summarizes the latest findings regarding sex-based differences in the epidemiology, clinical course, comorbidities and response to current therapies in patients with IBD. Importantly, the latest basic science discoveries in this area of investigation are evaluated to provide insight into potential mechanisms underlying the influence of sex on disease pathogenesis, as well as to design more personalized and efficacious care, in patients with IBD.

Women's Earnings are more Affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease than Men's: A Register-Based Swedish Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] are subject to more work disability than the general population. We aimed to estimate the monetary cost of IBD for the individual through assessment of earnings in relation to diagnosis.

METHODS

Through linkage of national registers, we identified patients aged 30-55 years at first IBD diagnosis in Sweden in 2002-2011, and same-sex IBD-free siblings. We estimated taxable earnings and disposable income from 5 years before to 5 years after diagnosis.

RESULTS

The 5961 patients [27% Crohn's disease, 68% ulcerative colitis, 4.3% IBD unclassified] had similar taxable earnings to their 7810 siblings until the year of diagnosis, when earnings decreased and remained lower than for siblings during follow-up. The adjusted difference in earnings over the entire 5-year period after diagnosis was -5% [-8212€; 95% confidence interval: -11 458 to -4967€]. The difference was greater in women than in men, and greater in Crohn's disease than in ulcerative colitis. When stratifying for sex and IBD subtype and comparing earnings during each year of follow-up, median annual earnings were lower in women with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis than in their sisters during all years of follow-up, whereas the men had similar annual taxable earnings to their brothers. Disposable income was similar between patients and siblings during the investigated time period.

CONCLUSION

From the year of diagnosis and at least 5 years onwards, patients with IBD had 5% lower earnings than siblings, mainly explained by differences between women with IBD and their sisters. However, there were no differences in disposable income.

Is QUOTE-IBD a valid questionnaire for measurement of quality of care in IBD? A validation study of the Swedish version

Background: Quality of care has gained increased attention in IBD. The questionnaire Quality of Care Through the Patient's Eyes - Inflammatory Bowel Disease (QUOTE-IBD) was the first published validated IBD-specific quality of care questionnaire. The aim of this study was to validate the Swedish version of the QUOTE-IBD.Methods: Adult outpatients (n = 400) at a gastroenterology clinic in the south-east of Sweden were asked to fill in the questionnaire. For evaluation of construct validity, patients also responded to one global item for each health care dimension in the QUOTE-IBD, as well as for their overall experience of quality of health care.Results: All quality of care dimensions (QI) correlated significantly (p < .05) with their respective global dimensional item (r = 0.016-0.43), except for accommodation (r = -0.02. Test-retest (n = 32) gave significant results for all the dimensions r = 0.31-0.80 (p < .05), except for accommodation (-0.15, p = ns).Conclusions: The construct validity of the Swedish version of QUOTE-IBD is moderate. This indicates that the QUOTE-IBD may not fully cover the health care aspects important to patients. The high number of item non-response for Performance may be related to the questions being too specific, which may also contribute to the moderate level of construct validity. The reliability is moderate and the internal consistency is good.

Work Loss Before and After Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine work loss in patients with Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Using nationwide registers, we identified incident patients with Crohn's disease (2007-2010) and population comparator subjects without inflammatory bowel disease, matched by age, sex, calendar year, health care region, and education level. We assessed the number of lost workdays due to sick leave and disability pension from 5 years before to 5 years after first diagnosis of Crohn's disease or end of follow-up (September 30, 2015).

RESULTS

Among the 2015 incident Crohn's disease patients (median age, 35 years; 50% women), both the proportion with work loss and the mean annual number of lost workdays were larger 5 years before diagnosis (25%; mean, 45 days) than in the 10,067 comparators (17%; mean, 29 days). Increased work loss was seen during the year of diagnosis, after which it declined to levels similar to before diagnosis. Of all patients, 75% had no work loss 24-12 months before diagnosis. Of them, 84% had full work ability also 12-24 months after diagnosis. In patients with total work loss (8.3% of all) before diagnosis, 83% did not work after. Among those with full work ability before diagnosis, the absolute risk of having total work loss after diagnosis was 1.4% (0.43% in the comparators). Our results were consistent across several sensitivity analyses using alternative definitions for date of diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Crohn's disease had increased work loss several years before diagnosis, possibly explained by comorbidity or by diagnostic delay.

Sick Leave and Disability Pension in Prevalent Patients With Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Crohn's disease may affect the ability to work and lead to permanent disability. We aimed to investigate work loss in prevalent patients.

METHODS

We identified patients with Crohn's disease and general population comparators matched by sex, birth year, healthcare region and education. We assessed days of sick leave and disability pension retrieved from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency and estimated the absolute and relative risk of receiving disability pension [minimum 25% work impairment].

RESULTS

In 2014, the 20638 Crohn's disease patients [median age 44 years] had more than twice as many mean lost workdays [disability pension: 44; sick leave: 19] as the 102038 comparators [disability pension: 20; sick leave: 8], mean difference 35 days [95% confidence interval 33-37]. However, the majority had no lost workdays [68% of patients and 85% of comparators]. The proportion of patients receiving disability pension was 15% (6.5% in the comparators, risk ratio 2.34 [2.25-2.43]) and was higher in all subgroups, especially in female patients [28% vs 13% in the comparators], in those with ≤9 years of education [41% vs 23%] and in ages 60-64 years [46% vs 25%]. The relative risk of disability pension within the patient cohort [adjusted for age, sex, region and education] was higher in patients with complicated disease behaviour, extraintestinal manifestations, need of surgery or treatment with biologics. The differences between patients and comparators remained when comparing other calendar years [2006-2013].

CONCLUSION

Work loss was found in approximately one-third of patients. The mean number of lost workdays was twice as high as in the comparators.

The socio-economic impact of work disability due to inflammatory bowel disease in Brazil

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) might have economic and social impacts in Brazil, where its prevalence has increased recently. This study aimed to assess disability due to IBD in the Brazilian population and demographic factors potentially associated with absence from work.

METHODS

Analysis was performed using the computerized Single System of Social Security Benefits Information, with a cross-check for aid pension and disability retirement, for Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Additional data were obtained from the platform, including the average values, benefit duration, age, gender and region of the country.

RESULTS

Temporary disability occurred more frequently with UC, whereas permanent disability was more frequent with CD. Temporary disability affected more younger patients with CD than patients with UC. Temporary work absences due to UC and CD were greater in the South, and the lowest absence rates due to CD were noted in the North and Northeast. Absence from work was longer (extending for nearly a year) in patients with CD compared to those with UC. The rates of temporary and permanent disability were greater among women. Permanent disability rates were higher in the South (UC) and Southeast (CD). The value of benefits paid for IBD represented approximately 1% of all social security benefits. The benefits paid for CD were higher than for UC, whereas both tended to decrease from 2010 to 2014.

CONCLUSIONS

In Brazil, IBD frequently causes disability for prolonged periods and contributes to early retirement. Reduction trends may reflect improvements in access to health care and medication. Vocational rehabilitation programs may positively impact social security and the patients' quality of life.

Prevalence of- and risk factors for work disability in Dutch patients with inflammatory bowel disease

AIM

To determine the prevalence of work disability in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and to assess risk factors associated with work disability.

METHODS

For this retrospective cohort study, we retrieved clinical data from the Dutch IBD Biobank on July 2014, containing electronic patient records of 3388 IBD patients treated in the eight University Medical Centers in the Netherlands. Prevalence of work disability was assessed in 2794 IBD patients and compared with the general Dutch population. Multivariate analyses were performed for work disability (sick leave, partial and full disability) and long-term full work disability (> 80% work disability for > 2 years).

RESULTS

Prevalence of work disability was higher in Crohn’s disease (CD) (29%) and ulcerative colitis (UC) (19%) patients compared to the general Dutch population (7%). In all IBD patients, female sex, a lower education level, and extra-intestinal manifestations, were associated with work disability. In CD patients, an age > 40 years at diagnosis, disease duration > 15 years, smoking, surgical interventions, and anti-TNFα use were associated with work disability. In UC patients, an age > 55 years, and immunomodulator use were associated with work disability. In CD patients, a lower education level (OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.02-2.58), and in UC patients, disease complications (OR = 3.39, 95%CI: 1.09-10.58) were associated with long-term full work disability.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of work disability in IBD patients is higher than in the general Dutch population. Early assessment of risk factors for work disability is necessary, as work disability is substantial among IBD patients.

The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Associated with Reduced Health-Related Quality of Life

Background and Aims. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is common. The aim of this study was to explore associations between CAM use and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as well as identifying whether sociodemographic factors, disease activity, and personal resources (self-efficacy) influence HRQoL scores in users and nonusers of CAM. Methods. Measures included sociodemographic and disease-related data, the International-CAM Questionnaire, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. A univariate analysis of variance was used to assess the association between CAM use and HRQoL. The associations between clinical, demographic, and personal factors and HRQoL were examined through linear regression analyses. Results. CAM users had statistically significant lower SF-36 scores compared to nonusers and the background population. Nonusers scored significantly lower compared to the background population in two out of the eight SF-36 dimensions. Independent of CAM use, disease activity had a negative impact and self-efficacy had a positive impact on HRQoL. Conclusions. HRQoL in CAM users with IBD was significantly lower compared to nonusers and the background population. Independent of CAM use, disease activity was negatively associated with HRQoL. Self-efficacy had a positive impact on the mental health dimensions in both CAM users and nonusers.

Health-related Quality of Life in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease 20 Years After Diagnosis: Results from the IBSEN Study

BACKGROUND

Data on the long-term observation of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis are scarce. Our aim was to determine HRQoL in a population-based cohort of patients with IBD 20 years after diagnosis and its association with demographic and clinical factors and to compare HRQoL of the cohort with that of the background population.

METHODS

Patients with IBD from a large population-based inception cohort (the IBSEN cohort) were invited to a prescheduled 20-year follow-up visit with a structured interview, a clinical examination, and laboratory tests. They completed the Short-Form 36 and the Norwegian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire. The association between demographic and clinical factors and HRQoL was assessed with a linear regression analysis. Standardized scores were used to compare HRQoL in patients with that of the background population.

RESULTS

Of the still-living patients with IBD, 438 (73.1%) completed the HRQoL questionnaires. There were no differences in HRQoL scores between the patients with ulcerative colitis and those with CD. Women with CD obtained scores lower than those of men and women with CD in the background population. Current symptoms, increased disease activity, and not working were identified as factors associated with reduced HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population-based IBD cohort, the overall HRQoL scores obtained 20 years after diagnosis were relatively unaffected compared with the background population. However, women with CD had lower HRQoL scores than men with CD and women in the background population. Active disease and not working were the main factors associated with impaired HRQoL scores.

Understanding Work Experiences of People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk for unemployment and work absenteeism over the course of their adult lives. However, little is known about the firsthand experiences of people living with the disease regarding perceived barriers, facilitators, and strategies for navigating work roles.

METHODS

In this qualitative study, participants were purposefully recruited from 2 existing IBD cohort study samples. Recruitment strategies aimed for diversity in age, sex, and disease type, duration, and symptom activity. In-depth interviews sought perspectives of living with IBD. Data were analyzed using inductive qualitative methods.

RESULTS

Forty-five people currently or previously in the workforce participated; 51% were female. The mean age was 45.4 years (SD = 16.1; range = 21-73 years). Mean IBD duration was 10.9 years (SD = 6.3). Participants had a broad range of experiences in adapting to work roles. IBD symptoms and treatments interacted with other personal and environmental factors to shape the experiences of work. Experiences were shaped by: (1) personal health and well-being, (2) personal values, beliefs, and knowledge, (3) job characteristics, (4) workplace physical environment, (5) workplace culture, and (6) financial factors. Participants identified personal strategies and environmental supports that assisted them to navigate their work roles.

CONCLUSIONS

The perspectives of people with IBD provided in-depth understanding of contextual factors that influence work roles. They identified personal strategies to manage health and choices about work, environmental supports that promote timely workplace accommodations, and appropriate social insurance benefits as facilitators of work retention for people with IBD.

Caring for Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease are chronic inflammatory diseases with typical onset in early adulthood. These diseases, therefore, can affect a woman throughout the many stages of her life, including menstruation, sexuality, pregnancy, and menopause. Unique health issues face women during these stages and can affect the course of their inflammatory bowel disease as well as treatment strategies and health maintenance. This article covers the non-pregnancy-related issues that are important in caring for women with inflammatory bowel disease. The topics of pregnancy and fertility are covered in a separate review.

The emerging global epidemic of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease--causes and consequences

Two decades ago, paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) drew only modest interest from the international paediatric community. Since then, dramatically globally increasing incidence rates have made childhood-onset IBD a priority for most paediatric gastroenterologists. The emerging pandemia of paediatric IBD has fuelled a quest to identify the recent changes in early life exposures that could explain the increasing risk for IBD amongst today's children. Treatment of children with IBD should aim for symptom control but should also target restoration of growth and prevention of pubertal delay. The paediatric IBD phenotype seems to be characterized by more extensive disease location, and some comparative studies have suggested that childhood-onset IBD also represents a more severe phenotype than the adult-onset IBD form. In this review, we analyse recent global incidence trends of paediatric IBD. We present an update on the known and suggested risk factors that could explain the emerging global epidemia of paediatric IBD. We also draw attention to differences in treatment between children and adults with IBD. Finally, we highlight latest follow-up studies that question the proposed dynamic and aggressive nature of childhood-onset IBD.

Health-Related Utility Weights in a Cohort of Real-World Crohn's Disease Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Estimating health-related utility weights in Crohn's Disease [CD] patients is crucial for assessing the cost-effectiveness of new pharmaceutical interventions. Values used in most analyses are based on secondary data and vary substantially among studies. We estimated utility weights in a consecutive sample of real-world CD patients.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in an ongoing socioeconomic study of CD in the Israeli adult patient population completed a self-administered Short Form 36 health survey [SF-36] and Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease [SIBDQ] questionnaires and were assessed for their current clinical status, including the Harvey-Bradshaw Index [HBI] of disease severity. For each patient enrolled we calculated a utility weight using the SF-6D scoring system.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 425 patients [40% male] with mean age of 39.1 [± 14.0] years. The average HBI was 6.1 [± 5.4]; 198 [47%] patients were in remission state [HBI < 5], 99 [23%] had mild disease [HBI 5-7], 102 [25%] moderate [HBI 8-16], and 26 [6%] severe disease [HBI > 16]. Mean utility weights were: 0.667 in all patients, 0.744 in patients with disease remission, 0.638 in mild disease, 0.587 in moderate disease, and 0.505 in severe disease. The significant predictors of utility weights in a multivariable regression analysis were the HBI [β = -0.494; p < 0.001], economic status [β = 0.198; p < 0.001], time since diagnosis [β = 0.106; p < 0.001], male [compared with female] gender [β = 0.099; p = 0.009], hospital admission in the past year for any cause [β = -0.086; p = 0.027], and treatment with steroids [β = -0.100; p = 0.012] where β denotes the standardised regression coefficients; model adjusted R(2) = 0.428.

CONCLUSIONS

Utility weights for patients in the remission and mild disease states were generally lower as compared with values used in published cost-effectiveness analyses. These values should be considered when assessing the value for money of future interventions for CD.

Low Risk of Unemployment, Sick Leave, and Work Disability Among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A 7-year Follow-up Study of a Danish Inception Cohort

BACKGROUND

To assess the occurrence and risk of unemployment (UE), sick leave (SL), and work disability (WD) in incident patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) after 7 years of follow-up compared with the background population and to determine outcome predictors.

METHODS

The study population consisted of patients aged 18 to 67 years (N = 379) from an IBD inception cohort registered January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2004 in the Copenhagen area. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from medical records. Data on UE, SL, and WD were retrieved from national registries. A random subset of the general population (n = 1435) were matched with IBD cases based on sex, age, and residency. The cumulative probabilities of UE, SL, and WD were calculated. A Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to identify possible outcome predictors.

RESULTS

There was no difference in UE rates between patients with IBD and controls (P = 0.23). The risk of SL was significantly increased in patients with IBD (hazard ratio 2.0; 95% confidence interval 1.7-2.4). Patients with IBD showed a higher risk of WD (hazard ratio 2.1; 95% confidence interval 1.2-3.8), particularly male patients older than 55 years. The rate of WD in CD (5.8%) was markedly lowered compared with previous studies. Within the IBD population, sex, educational level, disease behavior, smoking status, and surgery were predictors of UE, SL, and WD.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed increased risk of SL and WD in patients with IBD underscores the need for the early identification of risk factors. A multidisciplinary approach to secure IBD patients' participation in the labor market is recommended.

IBD-related work disability in the community: Prevalence, severity and predictive factors. A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Data on the prevalence of work disability in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are heterogeneous. As most studies have been performed in selected, often severe, IBD patients, the true prevalence of disability in the community remains controversial. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of disability and its predictive factors in a community-based IBD population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients recorded in the community-based IBD register at the Hospital Universitario de Burgos were contacted. After informed consent they completed a set of questionnaires including demographic, clinical, disability and quality of life data. The statistical study was performed using SPSS 21.

RESULTS

A total of 293 patients were included - 151 Crohn's disease (CD), 142 ulcerative colitis (UC), 137 female, mean age: 45 ± 11 years, mean time since diagnosis: 10.6 ± 11 years. Twelve patients (4.1%) had a work-disability pension. In addition, 93 (32%) of all patients had an officially recognized disability degree, which was generally moderate (n = 73, 25%) or severe (N = 16, 5%). Age, time since IBD diagnosis, CD, perianal disease, incontinence, active disease, the need for anti-TNF or psychological treatment, previous surgeries and the number of diagnostic tests and medical visits in the previous year were predictors of disability. Major predictors of qualifying for a disability pension were age, IBD activity, incontinence, need for biological drugs and ostomy.

CONCLUSION

Mild to moderate work disability is frequent in IBD. However, only a minority of patients develop severe disability qualifying them for a pension.

Self-Care Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Interview Study

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of unknown etiology. The disease occurs early in life and the burden of symptoms is significant. Patients need to perform self-care to handle their symptoms, but knowledge about what kind of self-care patients do is limited and these individuals need to learn how to manage the symptoms that arise. The aim of this study was to explore self-care among patients with IBD. Twenty adult patients with IBD, 25–66 years of age, were interviewed. Data were analyzed by performing a qualitative content analysis. Four categories with 10 subcategories emerged from the analysis of the interviews. The self-care patients perform consists of symptom recognition (subcategories: physiological sensations and psychological sensations), handling of symptoms (subcategories: adapting the diet, using medical treatment, stress management, and using complementary alternative medicine), planning life (subcategories: planning for when to do activities and when to refrain from activities), and seeking new options (subcategories: seeking knowledge and personal contacts). Self-care consists of symptom recognition, handling life through planning, and accommodating the existing situation with the ultimate goal of maintaining well-being. Being one step ahead facilitates living with IBD. A decision to actively participate in care of a chronic illness is a prerequisite for self-care. Healthcare professionals must consider patients' potential for and desire for self-care when giving advice on self-care activities. Doing so may help people better cope with IBD.

Effect of intestinal resection on quality of life in Crohn's disease

INTRODUCTION

Patients with Crohn's disease have poorer health-related quality of life [HRQoL] than healthy individuals, even when in remission. Although HRQoL improves in patients who achieve drug-induced or surgically induced remission, the effects of surgery overall have not been well characterised.

METHODS

In a randomised trial, patients undergoing intestinal resection of all macroscopically diseased bowel were treated with postoperative drug therapy to prevent disease recurrence. All patients were followed prospectively for 18 months. C-reactive protein [CRP], Crohn's Disease Activity Index [CDAI], and faecal calprotectin [FC] were measured preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 18 months. HRQoL was assessed with a general [SF36] and disease-specific [IBDQ] questionnaires at the same time points.

RESULTS

A total of 174 patients were included. HRQoL was poor preoperatively but improved significantly [p < 0.001] at 6 months postoperatively. This improvement was sustained at 18 months. Females and smokers had a poorer HRQoL when compared with males and non-smokers, respectively. Persistent endoscopic remission, intensification of drug treatment at 6 months, and anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy were not associated with HRQoL outcomes different from those when these factors were not present. There was a significant inverse correlation between CDAI, [but not endoscopic recurrence, CRP, or FC] on HRQoL.

CONCLUSION

Intestinal resection of all macroscopic Crohn's disease in patients treated with postoperative prophylactic drug therapy is associated with significant and sustained improvement in HRQoL irrespective of type of drug treatment or endoscopic recurrence. HRQoL is lower in female patients and smokers. A higher CDAI, but not direct measures of active disease or type of drug therapy, is associated with a lower HRQoL.

Impact of inflammatory bowel disease on disability

Inflammatory bowel disease can impact individuals at a young age, thus compromising their work productivity. Besides the inability to engage in gainful work, the concept of disability also relates to the patients' diminished ability to undertake household and social activities. A literature search was performed of recent literature, and all articles containing information about the impact of inflammatory bowel disease on disability or any work-related outcomes were included. Recent studies suggest that 9 to 19% of inflammatory bowel disease patients suffer from short-term absences from work and 19 to 22% are on long-term disability. Crohn's disease patients reported being more affected by their disease than ulcerative colitis patients. A comparison of results from different studies is difficult due to the lack of consensus on how to define and measure disability. Additional research is needed to better quantify disability in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Impact of drug therapy and surgery on quality of life in Crohn's disease: a systematic review

Crohn's disease is associated with substantially impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Even in the absence of active disease, patients with Crohn's disease report lower HRQoL, poorer function, and greater concerns, than those without disease. Achievement of disease remission in Crohn's disease, whether by pharmacological or surgical means, is associated with improved HRQoL, although the durability of the improvement seen after intestinal resection is uncertain because of the high rate of postoperative disease recurrence. This review focuses on the available literature on HRQoL in patients with Crohn's disease with an emphasis on the effects of intestinal resection and immunomodulatory therapy.

Sick leave and disability pension in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Inflammatory bowel disease has considerable effects on work-related outcomes and leads to high societal costs due to sick leave and disability pension. The aims of this study were to systematically review evidence on work-related outcomes that are relevant to productivity losses and to evaluate whether medical or surgical interventions have a positive impact on patients' work ability.

METHODS

A systematic literature search in PubMed was conducted in June 2013. Abstracts were screened by two independent reviewers, and full-text articles describing the frequency of work-related outcomes were retrieved. Two independent reviewers extracted data according to the PRISMA Statement for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Findings were organized by study design (non-interventional/interventional). Non-interventional studies were structured according to whether they presented data in comparison to control groups or not and interventional studies were summarized according to type of intervention.

RESULTS

This review included 30 non-interventional (15 with comparison groups and 15 without comparison group) and 17 interventional studies (9 surgical and 8 medical). The majority of the studies reported a high burden of work-related outcomes among inflammatory bowel disease patients regardless of the methodology used. While biologic agents showed positive effect on work absenteeism and presenteeism in randomized clinical trials, the impact of surgical interventions needs further evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammatory bowel disease patients experience a high burden in work-related outcomes. Additional data on productivity losses and the long-term impact of interventions is needed to help inform decision-makers about treatment options and their benefits in reducing productivity losses in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Patient-reported outcomes as primary end points in clinical trials of inflammatory bowel disease

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is moving from the Crohn's Disease Activity Index to patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and objective measures of disease, such as findings from endoscopy. PROs will become an important aspect of assessing activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and for labeling specific drugs for this disease. PROs always have been considered in the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, and have included measurements of quality of life, disability, or fatigue. Several disease-specific scales have been developed to assess these PROs and commonly are used in clinical trials. Outcomes reported by patients in clinical trials of IBD initially focused on quality of life, measured by the Short-Form 36 questionnaire or disease-specific scales such as the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire or its shorter version. Recently considered factors include fatigue, depression and anxiety, and work productivity, as measured by the Functional Assessment Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue, the Hospital Anxiety Depression, and the Work Productivity Activity Impairment Questionnaire, respectively. However, few data are available on how treatment affects these factors in patients with IBD. Although disability generally is recognized in patients with IBD, it is not measured. The international IBD disability index currently is being validated. None of the PROs currently used in IBD were developed according to FDA guidance for PRO development. PROs will be a major primary end point of future trials. FDA guidance is needed to develop additional PROs for IBD that can be incorporated into trials, to better compare patients' experience with different therapies.

Quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: importance of clinical, demographic and psychosocial factors

CONTEXT

Inflammatory bowel disease causes physical and psychosocial consequences that can affect the health related quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the relationship between clinical and sociodemographic factors and quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

METHODS

Ninety two patients with Crohn's disease and 58 with ulcerative colitis, filled in the inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ-32) and a questionnaire to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. The association between categorical variables and IBDQ-32 scores was determined using Student t test. Factors statistically significant in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate regression model.

RESULTS

IBDQ-32 scores were significantly lower in female patients (P<0.001), patients with an individual perception of a lower co-workers support (P<0.001) and career fulfillment (P<0.001), patients requiring psychological support (P = 0.010) and pharmacological treatment for anxiety or depression (P = 0.002). A multivariate regression analysis identified as predictors of impaired HRQOL the female gender (P<0.001) and the perception of a lower co-workers support (P = 0.025) and career fulfillment (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The decrease in HRQQL was significantly related with female gender and personal perception of disease impact in success and social relations. These factors deserve a special attention, so timely measures can be implemented to improve the quality of life of patients.

Work disability and productivity loss in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases in Hungary in the era of biologics

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To assess work disability (WD) rates in an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cohort involving patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) cohort and to identify possible clinical or demographic factors associated with WD. To our knowledge, this is the first study from Eastern Europe that has estimated indirect costs in IBD.

METHODS

Data from 443 (M/F: 202/241, CD/UC: 260/183, mean age: 35.5 (CD) and 40.5 (UC) years, biological drug exposure 31.2/11.5%) consecutive patients were included. WD data were collected by questionnaire and the work productivity and activity impairment instrument. Disability pension (DP) rates in the general population were retrieved from public databases.

RESULTS

The overall DP rate in this IBD population was 32.3%, with partial disability in 24.2%. Of all DP events, 88.8% were directly related to IBD. Overall, full DP was more prevalent in IBD (RR: 1.51, p < 0.001) and CD (RR: 1.74, p < 0.001) but not in UC compared to the general population and also in CD compared to UC (OR 1.57, p = 0.03). RR for full DP was increased only in young CD patients (RR<35 year olds: 9.4; RR36-40 year olds: 9.4 and 5.6, p < 0.01 for both). In CD, age group, previous surgery, disease duration, frequent relapses, and the presence of arthritis/arthralgia were associated with an increased risk for DP. Among employed patients, absenteeism and presenteeism was reported in of 25.9 and 60.3% patients, respectively, leading to a 28% loss of work productivity and a 32% activity loss, and was associated with disease activity and age group. Average cost of productivity loss due to disability and sick leave with a human capital approach was 1,450 and 430 €/patient/year in IBD, respectively (total productivity loss 1,880 €/patient/year), the costs of presenteeism were 2,605 (SD = 2,770) and 2,410 (SD = 2,970) €/patient/year in CD and UC, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Risk of DP was highly increased in young CD patients (sixfold to ninefold). Previous surgery and presence of arthritis/arthralgia was identified as risk factors for DP. Work productivity is significantly impaired in IBD and is associated with high productivity loss.

Determinants of health-related quality of life in Crohn's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Understanding the determinants of Crohn's disease (CD) patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) may facilitate interventions that improve HRQOL. Therefore, we systematically assessed determinants of HRQOL in adult CD patients.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched for English abstracts, related to socio-demographic, psychological, clinical and treatment-related determinants of HRQOL in CD disease. Two independent reviewers extracted study characteristics and assessed the methodological quality according the criteria of Hayden et al. The main outcome was the number of studies showing a statistically significant association between the above-mentioned determinants and HRQOL. A meta-analysis was performed to quantify the relationship between disease activity and HRQOL.

RESULTS

Of the 2060 articles identified, 29 eligible studies were included. The majority of studies were cross-sectional and had a moderate to high quality. Data on psychological determinants were scarce. Work disability, increased disease activity, number of relapses, corticosteroid treatment and hospitalization rate were significantly associated with a lower HRQOL in the majority of included studies. Biological treatment positively influenced HRQOL. The pooled data on the association between disease activity and HRQOL resulted in a weighed mean correlation coefficient of -0.61 (CI -0.65 to -0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

HRQOL of adult CD patients is consistently determined by markers of active disease, including work disability, increased disease activity, number of relapses, biological treatment and hospitalization rate. As disease activity contributed to only 37% of HRQOL, there remains a need for additional, possibly modifiable, determinants. These determinants may refine possibilities to improve HRQOL.

Analysis of quality of life in 176 patients with ulcerative colitis

AIM: To investigate the quality of life (QoL) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS: The inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ) and the short form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) were used to assess QoL in patients with UC. Clinical characteristics including sex, age, smoking, course of disease, extent of disease, clinical type, colonoscopic grade, clinical stage, and severity of disease were analyzed.

RESULTS: The mean IBDQ score was 164.1 ± 29.7 and mean SF-36 score was 61.1 ± 18.2 in patients with UC. QoL in patients with UC was significantly associated with sex, clinical stage and severity of disease (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: IBDQ and SF-36 scores decrease in patients with UC. Bowel symptoms and body pain are main factors affecting QoL, which can influence the physical, mental health and social function. There are close associations between QoL and sex, clinical stage, and severity of disease.

The role of Klebsiella in Crohn's disease with a potential for the use of antimicrobial measures

There is a general consensus that Crohn's disease (CD) develops as the result of immune-mediated tissue damage triggered by infections with intestinal microbial agents. Based on the results of existing microbiological, molecular, and immunological studies, Klebsiella microbe seems to have a key role in the initiation and perpetuation of the pathological damage involving the gut and joint tissues in patients with CD. Six different gastroenterology centres in the UK have reported elevated levels of antibodies to Klebsiella in CD patients. There is a relationship between high intake of starch-containing diet, enhanced growth of gut microbes, and the production of pullulanases by Klebsiella. It is proposed that eradication of these microbes by the use of antibiotics and low starch diet, in addition to the currently used treatment, could help in alleviating or halting the disease process in CD.

The link between ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, Klebsiella, and starch consumption

Both ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and Crohn's disease (CD) are chronic and potentially disabling interrelated conditions, which have been included under the group of spondyloarthropathies. The results of a large number of studies support the idea that an enteropathic pathogen, Klebsiella pneumoniae, is the most likely triggering factor involved in the initiation and development of these diseases. Increased starch consumptions by genetically susceptible individuals such as those possessing HLA-B27 allelotypes could trigger the disease in both AS and CD by enhancing the growth and perpetuation of the Klebsiella microbes in the bowel. Exposure to increased levels of these microbes will lead to the production of elevated levels of anti-Klebsiella antibodies as well as autoantibodies against cross-reactive self-antigens with resultant pathological lesions in the bowel and joints. Hence, a decrease of starch-containing products in the daily dietary intake could have a beneficial therapeutic effect on the disease especially when used in conjunction with the currently available medical therapies in the treatment of patients with AS and CD.

The burden of inflammatory bowel disease in Europe

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic disabling gastrointestinal disorders impacting every aspect of the affected individual's life and account for substantial costs to the health care system and society. New epidemiological data suggest that the incidence and prevalence of the diseases are increasing and medical therapy and disease management have changed significantly in the last decade. An estimated 2.5-3 million people in Europe are affected by IBD, with a direct healthcare cost of 4.6-5.6 bn Euros/year. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe the burden of IBD in Europe by discussing the latest epidemiological data, the disease course and risk for surgery and hospitalization, mortality and cancer risks, as well as the economic aspects, patients' disability and work impairment.

Similar risk of depression and anxiety following surgery or hospitalization for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVES

Psychiatric comorbidity is common in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-related surgery or hospitalizations represent major events in the natural history of the disease. The objective of this study is to examine whether there is a difference in the risk of psychiatric comorbidity following surgery in CD and UC.

METHODS

We used a multi-institution cohort of IBD patients without a diagnosis code for anxiety or depression preceding their IBD-related surgery or hospitalization. Demographic-, disease-, and treatment-related variables were retrieved. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to individually identify risk factors for depression and anxiety.

RESULTS

Our study included a total of 707 CD and 530 UC patients who underwent bowel resection surgery and did not have depression before surgery. The risk of depression 5 years after surgery was 16% and 11% in CD and UC patients, respectively. We found no difference in the risk of depression following surgery in the CD and UC patients (adjusted odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-1.47). Female gender, comorbidity, immunosuppressant use, perianal disease, stoma surgery, and early surgery within 3 years of care predicted depression after CD surgery; only the female gender and comorbidity predicted depression in UC patients. Only 12% of the CD cohort had ≥4 risk factors for depression, but among them nearly 44% subsequently received a diagnosis code for depression.

CONCLUSIONS

IBD-related surgery or hospitalization is associated with a significant risk for depression and anxiety, with a similar magnitude of risk in both diseases.

Changing Crohn's disease management: need for new goals and indices to prevent disability and improve quality of life

Crohn's disease is a destructive, inflammatory condition. The recent IMPACT survey showed that it has a major impact on quality of life including fatigue, relationships and employment. Although patients are generally satisfied with healthcare services, improvements are needed in the timeliness of diagnosis and in communication between patients and healthcare professionals. Evidence is lacking about what constitutes quality of care and value to patients. Moving forward, value should become the primary goal of healthcare delivery, which is likely to require new treatment goals. Indeed, goals are already evolving beyond symptom control towards deep remission, which encompasses clinical remission together with mucosal healing. The ultimate goals are to prevent bowel damage, reduce long-term disability and maintain normal quality of life. A new treat-to-target approach, with increased monitoring and tighter control of symptoms and inflammation, will be needed. This approach will be enabled by use of biomarkers and new indices such as the Lémann score, which assesses the extent and severity of bowel damage at a specific time-point and over time, and a new disability index for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. These principles have been adopted for managing rheumatoid arthritis where there is now a focus on treat-to-target to achieve early remission. Lessons from rheumatoid arthritis can be translated to Crohn's disease.