Rapid rise in incidence of Irish paediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Correlation of Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors With Incidence of Crohn Disease in Children and Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-Regression

BACKGROUND

The worldwide incidence of Crohn disease (CD) in childhood and adolescence has an increasing trend, with significant differences between different geographic regions and individual countries. This includes an increase in the incidence of CD in countries and geographic regions where CD was not previously prevalent. In response to the increasing incidence, the pediatric care landscape is facing growing challenges.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to comprehensively delineate the incidence rates of CD in pediatric populations across different countries and to explore potential influencing factors.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of PubMed and Embase (via Ovid) for studies from January 1, 1970, to December 31, 2019. In addition, a manual search was performed in relevant and previously published reviews. The results were evaluated quantitatively. For this purpose, random effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were performed to investigate the overall incidence rate and possible factors influencing the incidence.

RESULTS

A qualitative synthesis of 74 studies was performed, with 72 studies included in the meta-analyses and 52 in the meta-regressions. The results of our meta-analysis showed significant heterogeneity between the individual studies, which cannot be explained by a sample effect alone. Our findings showed geographical differences in incidence rates, which increased with increasing distance from the equator, although no global temporal trend was apparent. The meta-regression analysis also identified geographic location, UV index, and Human Development Index as significant moderators associated with CD incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that pediatric CD incidence has increased in many countries since 1970 but varies widely with geographic location, which may pose challenges to the respective health care systems. We identified geographic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors that contribute to the observed heterogeneity in incidence rates. These results can serve as a basis for future research. To this end, implementations of internationally standardized and interoperable registries combined with the dissemination of health data through federated networks based on a common data model, such as the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership, would be beneficial. This would deepen the understanding of CD and promote evidence-based approaches to preventive and interventional strategies as well as inform public health policies aimed at addressing the increasing burden of CD in children and adolescents.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews CRD42020168644; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=168644.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037669.

Disease course of ulcerative proctitis in children: A population-based study on behalf of the SIGENP IBD Group

BACKGROUND

The natural history of ulcerative proctitis (UP) has been poorly investigated in children.

AIMS

We aimed to compare the disease course of children with UP at diagnosis to the other locations and to identify extension predictors.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, observational study carried out from data prospectively entered in the SIGENP-IBD-Registry. Children with ulcerative colitis (UC) diagnosis and at least 1-year follow-up were included. On the basis of Paris classification UP patients were identified and compared with the other locations.

RESULTS

872 children were enrolled (median age at diagnosis: 11.2 years; M/F: 426/446), of whom 78 (9%) with UP. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated increased cumulative probabilities of disease extension in the E1 group [1 year: 20.3%; 5 years: 52.7%; 10 years: 72.4%] compared to E3 group [1 year: 8.5%; 5 years: 24.9% and 10 years: 60.1%, p=0.001]. No differences were observed comparing E1 and E2 groups [p=0.4]. Cumulative probabilities of surgery at 1, 5 and 10 years were 1.3, 2.8 and 2.8% in the E1 group and 2.5, 8 and 12.8% in the E2-E3-E4 group, respectively (p=0.1). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that PUCAI>35 at diagnosis was associated with endoscopic extension (HR=4.9; CI 95% 1.5-15.2, p=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

UP is associated with similar short and long-term outcomes compared to other locations.

The association between Helicobacter pylori infection and inflammatory bowel disease in children: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Available literature has reported the association of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in adults. However, only a few studies have addressed the disease in children.

AIM

To ascertain the correlation of H pylori infection with IBD among children.

METHODS

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the association between H pylori infection and IBD in children. We searched databases including Cochrane, EMBASE, Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science to select relevant studies. Ultimately, based on predetermined inclusion criteria, we included 6 studies that met the requirements. Review Manager and Stata software were used to extract and analyze the data from the relevant studies. In the methods, we employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches for comprehensive analysis. Qualitative analysis involved describing study designs, sample characteristics, and results, while quantitative analysis involved statistical tests such as calculating pooled risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the association between H pylori infection and IBD in children. Lastly, by combining the results of the individual studies, our objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between H pylori infection and IBD in children.

RESULTS

In totality, we involved 2236 participants that were recruited in 6 studies. We detected no significant difference in H pylori prevalence (9.8% vs 12.7%, P = .12) by comparing the children IBD group to controls. Among the IBD children, we estimated odds ratio (OR) of H pylori infection to 0.62 [(95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.34-1.12)]. In children suffering from ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD), the H pylori infection rates were higher than in those with IBD-unclassified (IBDU).When analyzed stratified by disease of study design, In CD group [OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.72-2.80)] (I2 = 0%, P = .64). but no significant difference in CD group.

CONCLUSIONS

No correlation was found between H pylori infection and the occurrence of IBD in children.

Current and projected incidence trends of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease in Germany based on the Saxon Pediatric IBD Registry 2000–2014 –a 15-year evaluation of trends

Aims

An increasing number of children and adolescents worldwide suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The present work aims to investigate the incidence, prevalence and future trends of IBD in children and adolescents in Saxony, Germany.

Methods

The Saxon Pediatric IBD Registry collected data on patients up to 15 years of age from all 31 pediatric hospitals and pediatric gastroenterologists in Saxony over a 15-year period (2000–2014). In 2019, an independent survey estimated a registry completeness of 95.7%. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) per 100,000 person-years (PY) and prevalence per 100,000 children and adolescents were calculated. Evaluation was also been performed in sex and age subgroups. Joinpoint and Poisson regression were used for trend analyses and projections.

Results

532 patients with confirmed IBD during 2000–2014 were included in the epidemiological evaluation. 63.5% (n = 338) patients had CD, 33.1% (n = 176) had UC and 3.4% (n = 18) had unclassified IBD (IBD-U). The 15-year IBD prevalence was 111.8 [95%-CI: 102.3–121.3] per 100,000. The incidence ASR of IBD per 100,000 PY over the whole observation period was 7.5 [6.9–8.1]. ASR for the subtypes were 4.8 [4.3–5.3] for CD, 2.5 [2.1–2.9] for UC and 0.3 [0.1–0.4] for IBD-U. The trend analysis of ASR using the joinpoint regression confirmed a significant increase for incidence of IBD as well as CD. For IBD, the ASR per 100,000 PY increased from 4.6 [2.8–6.3] in 2000 to 8.2 [7.5–13.6] in 2014; projected incidence rates for IBD in Germany are 12.9 [6.5–25.5] in the year 2025 and 14.9 [6.7–32.8] in 2030, respectively. Thus, the number of new IBD diagnoses in Germany would more than triple (325%) in 2030 compared to 2000. The increase is expected to be faster in CD than UC, and be more in males than in females. The expected number of newly diagnosed children with IBD in Germany is projected to rise to about 1,584 [1,512–1,655] in 2025, and to about 1,918 [1,807–2,29] in 2030.

Conclusion

The incidence of IBD in children and adolescents in Saxony increased at a similar rate as in other developed countries during the observation period. Given this trend, the health care system must provide adequate resources for the care of these young patients in the future.

Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease and its Relationship with the Microbiome

Paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the digestive tract, comprising of Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and, where classification is undetermined, inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU). Paediatric IBD incidence is increasing globally, with prevalence highest in the developed world. Though no specific causative agent has been identified for paediatric IBD, it is believed that a number of factors may contribute to the development of the disease, including genetics and the environment. Another potential component in the development of IBD is the microbiota in the digestive tract, particularly the gut. While the exact role that the microbiome plays in IBD is unclear, many studies acknowledge the complex relationship between the gut bacteria and pathogenesis of IBD. In this review, we look at the increasing number of studies investigating the role the microbiome and other biomes play in paediatric patients with IBD, particularly changes associated with IBD, varying disease states, and therapeutics. The paediatric IBD microbiome is significantly different to that of healthy children, with decreased diversity and differences in bacterial composition (such as a decrease in Firmicutes). Changes in the microbiome relating to various treatments of IBD and disease severity have also been observed in multiple studies. Changes in diversity and composition may also extend to other biomes in paediatric IBD, such as the virome and the mycobiome. Research into biome differences in IBD paediatric patients may help progress our understanding of the aetiology of the disease.

Incidence trends of pediatric onset inflammatory bowel disease in the years 2000-2009 in Saxony, Germany-first results of the Saxon Pediatric IBD Registry

Aims

In developed countries, the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the incidence rates and trends over time in the population of children and adolescents in one of the federal states of Germany, in Saxony.

Methods

Over the 10-year period 2000–2009 all 31 children’s hospitals and pediatric gastroenterologists, respectively in Saxony reported all IBD patients up to 15 years of age to the Saxon Pediatric IBD Registry. The completeness of the registry was estimated as 96.7% by independent surveys in the years 2005–2009. Incidence rates were presented as age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) regarding New European Standard Population 1990 per 100,000 person-years (PY) with 95% confidence intervals [CI]. Joinpoint and linear regression was used for trend analyses.

Results

344 patients with confirmed IBD between 2000–2009 were included in the epidemiological evaluation: 212 (61.6%) patients with CD, 122 (35.6%) with UC and 10 (2.9%) with unclassified IBD (IBD-U). The ASR per 100,000 PY over the whole observation period was 7.2 [6.4–7.9] for IBD, 4.4 [3.8–5.0] for CD, 2.6 [2.1–3.0] for UC and 0.2 [0.1–0.3] for IBD-U. For IBD, the ASR per 100,000 PY increased from 4.6 [2.8–6.3] in 2000 to 10.5 [7.5–13.6] in 2009. The incidence trend analysis of ASRs using the joinpoint regression confirmed a significant increase of IBD as well as UC. The mean age at first diagnosis decreased significantly during the observation period from 11.5 (11.0–13.4) in 2000 to 9.6 (5.1–13.5) years in 2009. The median of the diagnostic latency among IBD patients was 3 months.

Conclusion

The incidence of IBD in children and adolescents in Saxony was slightly higher than the average of other countries in the same time period and followed the trend towards a general increase of IBD. The age at diagnosis was subject to a very unfavorable downward trend.

Opportunities to Target T Cell Trafficking in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

T cell subsets are considered central orchestrators of inflammation and homeostasis in the intestine and are established targets for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. While approaches aimed at the neutralization of T cell effector cytokines have provided significant benefits for pediatric and adult patients, more recent strategies aimed at inhibiting the infiltration of pathogenic T cell subsets have also emerged. In this review, we describe current knowledge surrounding the function of T cell subsets in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and outline approaches aimed at targeting T cell trafficking to the intestine which may represent a new treatment option for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Incidence and Prevalence Across Europe

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is often one of the most devastating and debilitating chronic gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents. The main objectives here were to systematically review the incidence and prevalence of paediatric IBD across all 51 European states.

METHODS

We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis based on PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, searches of reference lists, grey literature and websites, covering the period from 1970 to 2018.

RESULTS

Incidence rates for both paediatric Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC] were higher in northern Europe than in other European regions. There have been large increases in the incidence of both paediatric CD and UC over the last 50 years, which appear widespread across Europe. The largest increases for CD have been reported from Sweden, Wales, England, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Hungary, and for UC from the Czech Republic, Ireland, Sweden and Hungary. Incidence rates for paediatric CD have increased up to 9 or 10 per 100 000 population in parts of Europe, including Scandinavia, while rates for paediatric UC are often slightly lower than for CD. Prevalence reported for CD ranged from 8.2 per 100 000 to approximately 60 and, for UC, from 8.3 to approximately 30.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of paediatric IBD continues to increase throughout Europe. There is stronger evidence of a north-south than an east-west gradient in incidence across Europe. Further prospective studies are needed, preferably multinational and based on IBD registries, using standardized definitions, methodology and timescales.

From Paris to Montreal: disease regression is common during long term follow-up of paediatric Crohn's disease

Introduction: Paediatric Crohn's disease (PCD) often presents with extensive and a frequent pan-enteric phenotype at onset. However, its long term evolution into adulthood, especially since the widespread use of biological agents, is not well characterised. We conducted a single centre cohort study of all PCD patients transitioned to adult care to assess the long term disease evolution in the era of biologic therapy.Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational, study of all PCD patients who were subsequently transferred to the care of an adult gastroenterology unit and had a minimum follow up of 2 years. We examined the case notes for evolution of disease location and behaviour. Disease location and behaviour was characterised using Paris classification at diagnosis and Montreal classification at last follow-up. In addition, we examined variables associated with complicated disease behaviour and the need for CD related intestinal resection.Results: In total, 132 patients were included with a median age at diagnosis of 13 (IQR 11-14) and a median follow up of 11 years (range 4-14). At diagnosis, 23 (17.4%), 39 (29.6%) and 70 (53%) patients had ileal, colonic and ileocolonic disease respectively. In addition, 31 (23.5%) patients had L4a or L4b disease at diagnosis (proximal or distal to the ligament of treitz respectively) and 13 patients (9.8%) had both whilst 27 (20.4%) patients had perianal disease. At diagnosis, 27 (20.4%) patients had complicated disease behaviour but 83 (62.9)% of patients had an extensive 'pan-enteric' phenotype. Of these patients only 55 (66.3%) retained the pan-enteric phenotype at last follow-up (p = .0002). Disease extension was noted in 25 (18.9%) of patients and regression was noted in 47 (35.6%) of patients, whereas upper GI disease was noted in significantly fewer patients at last follow-up (21, 15.9%) (p = .0001). More patients had complicated disease behaviour (46 patients, 34.9%, p = .0018) at last follow-up. There was a high exposure to both thiopurines 121 (91.7%) and biologics 84 (63.6%). The cumulative probability (95% CI) of surgery was 0.05 (0.02, 0.11) at 1 year, 0.17 (0.11, 0.24) at 3 years and 0.22 (0.15, 0.30) at 5 years. Neither disease location nor behaviour were associated with the need for intestinal resectional surgery.Conclusions: Over the course of an extended follow-up period, there appeared to be changes in both disease location and behaviour in PCD. Interestingly, a significant proportion of patients had disease involution which may be related to a high rate of exposure to thiopurines and biologics. We were unable to identify any variables associated with complicated disease course or the need for intestinal surgery.

Special clinical characteristics and outcomes in Chinese pediatric patients with early-onset Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical and nutritional characteristics of early-onset Crohn's disease (EO-CD) in China.

METHODS

Patients were defined as having EO-CD (age at diagnosis <10 y) or late-onset Crohn's disease (LO-CD; age at diagnosis of 10-17 y). Their characteristics, clinical, and nutritional data were collected at baseline and at each follow-up visit. Statistical analyses were used to compare differences in both groups.

RESULTS

From July 1993 to February 2017, of the 137 children enrolled, 68 (49.6%) had EO-CD and 69 (50.4%) had LO-CD. More patients with EO-CD than those with LO-CD presented with diarrhea, hematochezia, growth delay, anemia and skin disease, and had higher pediatric Crohn's disease activity index scores at diagnosis (all P < 0.05). Fewer patients with EO-CD achieved their first remission (42.6% vs 76.8%, P < 0.0001) during follow-up. Patients with EO-CD required a longer treatment time to reach remission (P = 0.0049) and had a higher mortality rate (P = 0.0133), as well as lower height and weight percentiles (P = 0.0200 and 0.0288, respectively), hemoglobin (P = 0.0185) and albumin levels (P = 0.0002), zinc (P = 0.0024) and iron (P = 0.0110) concentrations in blood at diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The EO-CD group had worse clinical outcomes and nutritional status than the LO-CD group.

Colectomies in children with inflammatory bowel disease: a national referral centre experience

OBJECTIVES

Few studies have reported on the utility and efficacy of laparoscopic colectomy in the paediatric population. We aim to compare the characteristics and outcomes of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who underwent open vs laparoscopic treatment at our centre.

METHODS

A 10-year retrospective review was performed. Collected data included demographics, indication for surgery, operative characteristics, histopathology results, post-operative course and peri-operative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 58 patients underwent subtotal colectomy for IBD, with 38 laparoscopic procedures. The cohort included 33 males and 25 females with a mean age at surgery of 12.9 ± 3.3 years. The pre-operative diagnosis was ulcerative colitis in n = 41, Crohn's disease in n = 5 and indeterminate colitis in n = 11. There was an 84.2% concordance between the pre-operative and the post-operative histological diagnoses. Overall, 34 (58.6%) patients had complications, of which 19 (32.7%) patients required return to theatre. The complication rate was significantly smaller for laparoscopic compared to open procedures (42.1% vs 75%) as well as for elective compared with emergency colectomies (38.4% vs 75%). Four patients (10.5%) required conversion to open approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic approach is feasible and safe in most paediatric patients with IBD and has a lower complication rate and better recovery than open procedures, especially when performed in an elective setting.

Trends in the epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease among Jewish Israeli adolescents: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

The incidence and prevalence trends of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) vary between developed and developing countries.

AIM

To investigate the prevalence and associated sociodemographic factors of IBD in Israeli Jewish adolescents METHODS: The files of the army medical corps were reviewed for adolescents recruited in 2002-2016 with confirmed IBD. Covariate data included birth date, patient and parental country of birth, number of children in the household, age at diagnosis, and socioeconomic status. Findings were compared with the remaining recruits without IBD.

RESULTS

Of the 1,144,213 adolescents recruited, 2372 (0.2%) had IBD (Crohn's disease, 68%). Median age of the cohort was 17.1 years (interquartile range, 16.9-17.3). Over the study period, the annual point prevalence per 100,000 examinees significantly increased: total IBD, 58 to 373; Crohn's disease, 42 to 425; ulcerative colitis, 16 to 128. Mean age at IBD diagnosis decreased from 15.0 ± 2.8 years in 2002-2008 to 14.3 ± 3.1 years in 2009-2016 (P < 0.0001). Significance was maintained on separate analyses of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both diseases were significantly less prevalent in subjects from families with at least one parent born in a developing country and ≥3 children. There was a significant association of lower socioeconomic status with lower prevalence of Crohn's disease (odds ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.54) and ulcerative colitis (odds ratio 0.25, 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.42).

CONCLUSIONS

The point prevalence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in Israeli Jewish adolescents increased six-fold and eight-fold, respectively, over 15 years along with a decrease in age at diagnosis.

Planned Transition of Adolescent Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Results in Higher Remission Rates

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of our current transition process on clinical outcomes in adolescent patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

DESIGN AND METHODS

Two groups of patients with IBD diagnosed in pediatric care were compared retrospectively: Group A patients did not attend the transition process, while Group B patients entered the planned transition service. Outcomes at 1-year after transfer to adult care were evaluated.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients with IBD diagnosed under the age of 18 years were identified of whom 35 had Crohn's disease and 10 had ulcerative colitis. Twenty-four patients were in Group A (without transition), and 21 patients in Group B (with at least one planned transition visit). Mean age at diagnosis was 15.1 ± 2.2 and 13.7 ± 3.0 years (p = 0.086), respectively. There were no significant differences in disease duration before transfer, Montreal classification at diagnosis, body mass index, anti-TNF therapy usage, and disease status at transfer between the two groups. A significantly higher number of Group B patients were in remission at 12 months after transfer when compared to patients in Group A (11 vs. 18, respectively, p = 0.037). There was a significant difference between groups regarding the number of scheduled visits within the examined period (9 vs. 16, p = 0.011, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Planned transition visits resulted in higher disease remission rate at 1-year follow-up after transfer from pediatric to adult health care system in adolescent patients with IBD.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION

Well-established transition programs in IBD are needed.

Paediatric inflammatory bowel disease: review with a focus on practice in low- to middle-income countries

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should be considered in any child with a persistently altered bowel habit. Growth failure may be a consequence and there may also be extra-intestinal manifestations. Oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy and conventional histopathology are the diagnostic tools of choice in IBD. The identification and management of children with IBD in resource-poor settings is difficult and there are few data on its prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. The main challenges are a lack of resources and infrastructure including trained personnel in settings where there are other priorities for maintaining the health and wellbeing of children. The identification and management of children with inflammatory bowel conditions often depends on the enthusiasm, skill and commitment of a few dedicated individuals. Abbreviations: ADA: Adalimumab; CD: Crohn disease; ECCO: European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation; EEN: exclusive enteral nutrition; ESPGHAN: European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition; FMT: faecal microbiota transplantation; GDP: gross domestic product; HIC: high-income countries; IBD: inflammatory bowel disease; IBDU: inflammatory bowel disease unclassified; IC: ileocolonoscopy; IFX: infliximab; IPAA: ileal pouch anal anastomosis; LMIC: low- and middle-income countries; MH: mucosal healing; OGD: oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy; PCDAI: Paediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index; PIBD: paediatric inflammatory bowel disease; PUCAI: Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index; UC: ulcerative colitis; UGIT: upper gastrointestinal tract; VEO-IBD: very early-onset IBD; WLE: white light endoscopy; 5-ASA: 5 aminosalicylic acid; 6-MP: 6-mercaptopurine.

Impact of Extra-Intestinal Manifestations at Diagnosis on Disease Outcome in Pediatric- and Elderly-Onset Crohn's Disease: A French Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) have been associated with more severe course of inflammatory bowel disease. The aim was to study the frequency of EIM in pediatric- and elderly-onset Crohn's disease (CD) and the factors associated with EIM and their impact on long-term disease outcome.

METHODS

Pediatric- (age at diagnosis younger than 17 years) and elderly-onset CD patients (age at diagnosis 60 years or older) from a prospective population-based registry (EPIMAD) were recruited. Data on EIM and clinical factors at diagnosis and at maximal follow-up were collected.

RESULTS

We included 535 pediatric- and 370 elderly-onset patients (median age 14.5 and 69.9 years; median follow-up 11.1 and 5.9 years). Extraintestinal manifestations presented in 23.5% of childhood-onset and 4.9% of elderly-onset individuals at diagnosis, while in 29.8% and 5.9% of patients, EIM developed newly during the follow-up (hazard ration [HR] 4.4, 95% CI, 2.7-7.0, P < 0.001). The most frequently involved organ in both age cohorts, either at diagnosis or during disease course, were joints (pediatric: 11.2% and 22.6%; elderly: 3.2% and 3.5%, respectively) followed by skin (pediatric: 15.9% and 13.6%; elderly: 2.7% and 2.7%, respectively). Extraintestinal manifestations at diagnosis were associated with increased risk for corticosteroids (HR 1.42, 95% CI, 1.14-1.78 and HR 3.38, 95% CI, 1.88-6.08) and immunosuppressive therapy (HR 1.30, 95% CI, 1.02-1.65 and HR 4.24, 95% CI, 1.91-9.42), in both age populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Extraintestinal manifestations occurred at lower frequency in elderly-onset compared with pediatric-onset patients. In both age populations, presence of EIM at diagnosis independently increased the need for corticosteroid and immunosuppressive treatment.

Changes in inflammatory bowel disease subtype during follow-up and over time in 44,302 patients

AIM

To investigate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) register-based subtype classifications over a patient's disease course and over time.

METHODS

We examined International Classification of Diseases coding in patients with ≥2 IBD diagnostic listings in the National Patient Register 2002-2014 (n = 44,302).

RESULTS

18% of the patients changed diagnosis (17% of adults, 29% of children) during a median follow-up of 3.8 years. Of visits with diagnoses of Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), 97% were followed by the same diagnosis, whereas 67% of visits with diagnosis IBD-unclassified (IBD-U) were followed by another IBD-U diagnosis. Patients with any diagnostic change changed mostly once (47%) or twice (31%), 39% from UC to CD, 33% from CD to UC and 30% to or from IBD-U. Using a classification algorithm based on the first two diagnoses ('incident classification'), suited for prospective cohort studies, the proportion adult patients with CD, UC, and IBD-U 2002-2014 were 29%, 62%, and 10% (43%, 45%, and 12% in children). A classification model incorporating additional information from surgeries and giving weight to the last 5 years of visits ('prevalent classification'), suited for description of a study population at end of follow-up, classified 31% of adult cases as CD, 58% as UC and 11% as IBD-U (44%, 38%, and 18% in children).

CONCLUSIONS

IBD subtype changed in 18% during follow-up. The proportion with CD increased and UC decreased from definition at start to end of follow-up. IBD-U was more common in children.

NAPDH Oxidases in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), categorized as ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD), or IBD-undetermined (IBDU), are increasing in incidence. IBD is understood to result from environmental factors interacting with a pre-existing genetic susceptibility. Approximately 1% of all patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are diagnosed before the age of 6 years, designated as very-early-onset IBD (VEOIBD). This cohort of patients is distinguished from other age groups by differences in disease phenotype and by a higher burden of genetic mutations. Recent studies have linked mutations in NADPH oxidase function to VEOIBD and even pediatric IBD. Loss-of-function NOX2 variants expressed in phagocytes and NOX1/DUOX2 variants expressed in intestinal epithelial cells have been associated with VEOIBD and pediatric and adult IBD in patients. Cell and animal studies suggest a protective role for these reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing enzymes in intestinal homeostasis-a paradigm that challenges the conventional concept that only increased ROS result in cell and tissue damage. Examining the role of NADPH oxidases in VEOIBD may improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease and will uncover new therapeutic possibilities.

Current global trends in the incidence of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease

AIM

To perform a comprehensive review and provide an up-to-date synopsis of the incidence and trends of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

We systematically searched the MEDLINE (source PubMed), EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (period: 1985-2018) to identify studies reporting population-based data on the incidence of pediatric-onset (< 19 years at diagnosis) IBD in full manuscripts. Two authors carried out screening and data extraction. Choropleth interactive maps and temporal trends were used to illustrate the international differences and incidences of and changes in IBD and subtypes.

RESULTS

In total, one hundred forty studies reporting data from 38 countries were considered in this review. The highest annual pediatric incidences of IBD were 23/100000 person-years in Europe, 15.2/100000 in North America, and 11.4/100000 in Asia/the Middle East and Oceania. The highest annual incidences of Crohn's disease (CD) were 13.9/100000 in North America and 12.3/100000 in Europe. The highest annual incidences of ulcerative colitis (UC) were 15.0/100000 in Europe and 10.6/100000 in North America. The highest annual incidences of IBD-unclassified (IBD-U) were 3.6/100000 in Europe and 2.1/100000 in North America. In the time-trend analyses, 67% of CD, 46% of UC and 11% of IBD-U studies reported an increasing incidence (P < 0.05). The risk of IBD is increasing among first-generation of migrant populations.

CONCLUSION

Globally, the incidence of IBD varies greatly by geographical areas. The steadily increasing incidence of pediatric IBD over time indicates its emergence as a global disease, suggesting that studies should investigate the environmental risk factors among pediatric cohorts.

Rapid rise in the incidence and clinical characteristics of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease in a South-East Asian cohort in Singapore, 1994-2015

OBJECTIVES

Epidemiological studies on pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) are scarce in South-East Asia (SEA). This study aimed to evaluate the incidence trend and clinical characteristics of PIBD in a SEA cohort in Singapore over 22 years (1994-2015).

METHODS

Case records of PIBD ≤18 years from the only two tertiary pediatric hospitals in Singapore were reviewed. The mean annual incidence (MAI) of PIBD was calculated based on Singapore's age-specific population data.

RESULTS

Overall MAI of PIBD was 1.26 per 100 000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-1.96). During the first decade (1994-2004) MAI was 0.23 per 100 000 (95% CI 0.08-0.39); this rose almost 10-fold to 2.28 per 100 000 (95% CI 1.15-3.41) during the second decade (2005-2015). Linear regression analysis showed significant increase in MAI over the 22-year period (r = 0.826, P < 0001). Of the 228 patients, 61.0% had Crohn's disease (CD), 30.3% ulcerative colitis and 8.7% IBD-unclassified, with a mdian age at diagnosis of 10.47 years and a male predominance (58.3%); 37.7% of them aged <10 years at diagnosis and 17.5% were very early-onset IBD. In CD, 27.3% had stricturing and/or penetrating disease and 21.6% were with perianal disease. Indians had a disproportionately high representation while positive family history was rare (1.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although PIBD is uncommon in Singapore, its incidence has risen dramatically over recent decades. A younger age of disease onset and higher proportions of perianal and stricturing/penetrating diseases suggest more aggressive disease than in Western data.

Prospective Incidence of Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in New Zealand in 2015: Results From the Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in New Zealand (PINZ) Study

BACKGROUND

The global incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing. Much of the evidence attesting to this has arisen from North America and Europe. There is a relative paucity of information on the epidemiology of paediatric IBD in the Southern Hemisphere. The present study aimed to document the prospectively collected incidence of paediatric IBD in New Zealand in 2015.

METHODS

All patients younger than 16 years of age and diagnosed with IBD in New Zealand between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015 were identified. Demographic and disease phenotypic details were collected and entered into a secure database. Age-specific population data for New Zealand were obtained and national incidence rates for IBD and its subtypes were calculated.

RESULTS

The prospectively calculated incidence of paediatric IBD, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), and IBD unclassified in New Zealand in 2015 were 5.2 (95% confidence interval 3.9-6.8), 3.5 (2.4-4.8), 1.0 (0.5-1.8), and 0.7 (0.3-1.4) per 100,000 children, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence rates of paediatric IBD in New Zealand are comparable to the highest rates published in the literature from Western Europe and North America. Ongoing prospective ascertainment of the incidence of paediatric IBD is required to better understand the environmental factors, which are accounting for this increase in disease burden.

Characteristics and Incidence Trends for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Daegu-Kyungpook Province in Korea: a Multi-Center Study

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a heterogeneous chronic disease of unknown etiology. Although it is an important disease that shows a rapid increase in pediatric population, there are no pediatric studies that represent a specific region in Korea. Therefore, we studied the epidemiological and phenotypic characteristics of pediatric IBD in Daegu-Kyungpook province, Korea.

METHODS

We included 122 children with pediatric IBD initially diagnosed at one of four university hospitals in Daegu-Kyungpook province between July 2010 and June 2016. We investigated the incidence trends, and the clinical characteristics at diagnosis were compared by Paris classification.

RESULTS

We included 122 children: 98 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 24 with ulcerative colitis (UC). The average age at diagnosis was 13.6 years for IBD. The incidence shows an increasing trend. CD showed a significant increase, whereas UC appears to be increasing slowly. In CD, there was a significant male predominance. For disease activity sites, the most common location was L3 (77.6%), indicating ileocolonic involvement as the major type. B1 (88.8%) was the most common disease behaviors type. Perianal disease was noted in 43 patients (43.9%) and weight loss in 60 (61.2%). In UC, E4 (58.4%) was the most common disease activity site, indicating pancolonic involvement as the major type.

CONCLUSION

We found that the number of pediatric patients with IBD is increasing rapidly in Daegu-Kyungpook province in Korea. Our study also revealed that the characteristics of pediatric IBD in our province differ somewhat from those of pediatric IBD in Western countries.

Editorial: Increasing Incidence of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in France: Implications for Etiology, Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment

The significant increase in pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease in recent decades appears to be a global phenomenon, with studies from multiple geographic areas noting an increase in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). In this large, population-based cohort from northern France, the rapid increase in pediatric CD and UC from 1988-2011 may be due to multiple potential etiologies including environmental factors and advancements in diagnostic capabilities. We should consider the clinical implications of this rise in incidence, including potential risk stratification approaches that may offer the ability to modify the disease course of patients with earlier diagnosis.

Rising Incidence of Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canterbury, New Zealand, 1996-2015

BACKGROUND

The incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) around the world is increasing. Canterbury, New Zealand, has one of the highest Crohn disease (CD) incidence rates published. The present study aimed to document the incidence of paediatric IBD in Canterbury between 1996 and 2015.

METHODS

All patients diagnosed with IBD in Canterbury, while younger than 16 years, between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2015 were identified. Demographic and disease phenotypic details were collected and entered into a secure database. Age-specific population data for Canterbury were obtained and annual incidence rates were then calculated.

RESULTS

The mean annual incidence rate over the 20-year period was 7.18/100,000 (95% confidence interval 5.55-8.81) children. There was a 4-fold increase in the incidence of paediatric IBD in Canterbury between 1996 and 2015. The ratio of CD to ulcerative colitis (UC) diagnosed was 8.4:1. Disease phenotype of CD and UC, based on the Paris classification, were comparable with other studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of paediatric IBD in Canterbury has increased dramatically during the last 2 decades. Some of the observed incidence rates are among the highest documented anywhere in the world. The preponderance of CD over UC in the present study is the highest published.

Dramatic Increase in Incidence of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease (1988-2011): A Population-Based Study of French Adolescents

OBJECTIVES

Few data are available to describe the changes in incidence of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to describe changes in incidence and phenotypic presentation of pediatric-onset IBD in northern France during a 24-year period.

METHODS

Pediatric-onset IBD (<17 years) was issued from a population-based IBD study in France between 1988 and 2011. Age groups and digestive location were defined according to the Paris classification.

RESULTS

1,350 incident cases were recorded (8.3% of all IBD) including 990 Crohn's disease (CD), 326 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 34 IBD unclassified (IBDU). Median age at diagnosis was similar in CD (14.4 years (Q1=11.8-Q3=16.0)) and UC (14.0 years (11.0-16.0)) and did not change over time. There were significantly more males with CD (females/males=0.82) than UC (females/males=1.25) (P=0.0042). Median time between onset of symptoms and IBD diagnosis was consistently 3 months (1-6). Mean incidence was 4.4/10⁵ for IBD overall (3.2 for CD, 1.1 for UC and 0.1 for IBDU). From 1988-1990 to 2009-2011, a dramatic increase in incidences of both CD and UC were observed in adolescents (10-16 years): for CD from 4.2 to 9.5/10⁵ (+126%; P<0.001) and for UC, from 1.6 to 4.1/10⁵ (+156%; P<0.001). No modification in age or location at diagnosis was observed in either CD or UC.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population-based study, CD and UC incidences increased dramatically in adolescents across a 24-year span, suggesting that one or more strong environmental factors may predispose this population to IBD.

Outcomes of a National Cohort of Children with Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis

AIM

All Irish children with ulcerative colitis (UC) attend the National Centre for Paediatric Gastroenterology at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of children with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASC) and the impact of infliximab on these outcomes following its introduction for this indication in 2011.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients admitted with ASC between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2015 was undertaken. Patients were identified from the departmental database cross-referenced with the hospital inpatient enquiry system. Inpatients with a paediatric ulcerative colitis activity index (PUCAI) of ≥65 were included. Data collected included baseline demographic and laboratory data, concomitant treatments, PUCAI scores on days 3 and 5, second-line treatments, surgery, and discharge outcomes. Infliximab dose, frequency, and available therapeutic drug monitoring results were recorded, along with clinical response outcomes (remission, primary, and secondary loss of response). The cohort was sub-analysed to determine if there was any era effect pre- and post-introduction of infliximab (2009-2010 and 2011-2015, respectively).

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients (M:F = 1.4:1) were treated for acute severe colitis over the study period (8 in the pre-infliximab and 47 in the post-infliximab era) and 46/55 (86%) had steroid-refractory disease. Of these, 7/8 (88%) required colectomy in the pre-infliximab era, compared with 15/47 (36%) in the post-infliximab era. The remission rate with second-line infliximab was 61% at maximal follow-up. There were no identifiable factors that predicted likely success or failure of infliximab, including gender, CRP, day-3 and day-5 PUCAI scores. Of the 33 patients treated with infliximab, dose increase was required in 23/33 (70%); 21/33 (64%) received an accelerated dose schedule, and 9/33 (27%) eventually needed colectomy. Primary and secondary loss of response to infliximab was seen in one and nine patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This is the first population-based study of the outcomes of severe UC in Irish children, and suggests a higher burden of steroid-refractory disease compared with previous international studies. While infliximab treatment has led to reduction in colectomy rates, a significant proportion of patients lose therapeutic effect.

Differentiation Between Crohn Disease and Intestinal Tuberculosis in Children

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical, endoscopic, radiologic, and histopathological features helpful in differentiating Crohn disease (CD) from intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) in children.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed to have CD or ITB based on standard recommended criteria were enrolled. Children with inflammatory bowel disease unclassified or suspected ITB or CD with incomplete work-up or lost to follow-up were excluded. The clinical and laboratory (radiology, endoscopy, and histology) details of children were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty cases of ITB (14 [3-17] years) and 23 of CD (11 [1-17] years) were enrolled. Presentation with chronic diarrhea (82% vs 40%; P = 0.006) and blood in stool (74% vs 10%; P = 0.001) favored CD, whereas subacute intestinal obstruction (20% vs 0%; P = 0.04) and ascites (30% vs 0%; P = 0.005) favored ITB. Presence of deep ulcers (61% vs 30%; P = 0.04), longitudinal ulcers (48% vs 15%; P = 0.02), involvement of multiple colonic segments (70% vs 35%; P = 0.02), left-sided colon (87% vs 40%; P = 0.003), extraintestinal manifestations (21.7% vs 0%; P = 0.02), and higher platelet count (3.9 vs 2.6 × 10/mm; P = 0.02) favored CD. Isolated ileocecal involvement (40% vs 8.7%; P = 0.03) was a feature of ITB. TB bacilli were demonstrated in 40% ITB cases (colon-6, ascites-1, abdominal lymph node-1). On multivariate analysis, presence of blood in stool (odds ratio: 37.5 [confidence interval: 3.85-365.72], P = 0.002) and left-sided colonic involvement (odds ratio: 16.2 [confidence interval: 1.63-161.98], P = 0.02) were independent predictors of CD.

CONCLUSIONS

Microbiologic confirmation of tuberculosis is possible in 40% ITB cases. Presence of blood in stool and left-sided colonic involvement are the most important features favoring CD.

Anorexia Nervosa Complicating Pediatric Crohn Disease-Case Report and Literature Review

Crohn disease and anorexia nervosa share common symptoms of weight loss and reduced oral intake. The prevalence of both disorders has increased over time. Symptoms of Crohn disease and anorexia nervosa can mimic each other leading to a delayed diagnosis and requiring complex, multidisciplinary management. Here we present a case of a 15 year old girl with Crohn disease who subsequently developed anorexia nervosa, and review the published literature on the occurrence of both diagnoses.

Clinical presentation of Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, and indeterminate colitis: Symptoms, extraintestinal manifestations, and disease phenotypes

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising with 25% of IBD diagnosed in children under 18 years of age. The clinical presentation of IBD in children is often vague leading to initial misdiagnosis as infectious colitis or irritable bowel syndrome. When IBD is identified, overlap in histologic and endoscopic features may lead to difficulty distinguishing Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis, resulting in a higher frequency of the diagnosis indeterminate colitis or IBD unspecified. Recognizing the common and the atypical presentation of pediatric IBD and extraintestinal manifestations will aid in expeditious referral and early diagnosis. Activity severity scoring tools and more specific classification systems for pediatric IBD direct therapeutic algorithms and allow for improved longitudinal assessment since disease severity and location have been shown to be associated with outcome.

Ulcerative proctitis is a frequent location of paediatric-onset UC and not a minor disease: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Natural history of paediatric-onset ulcerative proctitis (UP) is poorly described. Our aim was to describe the phenotype and disease course of incident UP in a population-based study of paediatric-onset UC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients with UC diagnosed <17 years from 1988 to 2004, and followed during >2 years have been extracted from a population-based registry. UC location was defined according to the Paris classification. Cumulative risks for use of immunosuppressants (IS), anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) therapy, colonic extension and colectomy were described using Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors for colonic extension were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

158 patients with paediatric-onset UC (91 females) with a median age at diagnosis of 14.5 years (Q1: 11.4-Q3: 16.1) have been identified and followed during a median of 11.4 years (8.2-15.8). Among them, 25% had UP (E1) at diagnosis and 49% of them presented a colonic extension at maximal follow-up. In these children, the cumulative risk for colonic extension was 10% at 1 year, 45% at 5 years and 52% at 10 years. No parameter at diagnosis was associated with colonic extension in the UP (E1 group). IS use was significantly lower in patients with UP than in those with E2, E3 or E4 location (p=0.049). For the UP cohort, the cumulative risk for colectomy was 3% at 1 year, 10% at 5 years, 13% at 10 years and 13% at 15 years. Risks for colonic extension, treatment with anti-TNF-α and colectomy did not differ between the E1 group and the E2-E3-E4 group.

CONCLUSIONS

UP is frequent in paediatric-onset UC and should not be considered as a minor disease. Compared with more extensive UC locations, risks for colonic extension, anti-TNF-α therapy and colectomy were similar in UP, whereas the risk for use of IM was lower.

Point Prevalence of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in New Zealand in 2015: Initial Results from the PINZ Study

BACKGROUND

The incidence of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) around the world is increasing. However, there is a scarcity of data on the epidemiology of pediatric IBD in the Southern Hemisphere. This study aimed to document the point prevalence of pediatric IBD in New Zealand on June 30, 2015.

METHODS

All patients in New Zealand, under 16 years of age, with a diagnosis of IBD on June 30, 2015 were identified. Demographic and disease phenotypic details were collected and entered into a secure database. Age-specific population data for New Zealand were obtained and national and regional prevalence rates were calculated.

RESULTS

The point prevalence of pediatric IBD, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease unclassified in New Zealand on June 30, 2015 was (95% confidence intervals) 21.7 (18.9-24.8), 16.5 (14.0-19.2), 3.3 (2.2-4.6), and 1.9 (1.2-3.0) per 100,000 children, respectively. There was a striking disparity between the prevalence rates in the North and South Islands.

CONCLUSIONS

The point prevalence of pediatric IBD in New Zealand represents the first-ever national, population-based prevalence rates of pediatric IBD published. Results from the Paediatric IBD in New Zealand (PINZ) study are also the first to show markedly higher prevalence rates of IBD in the southern part of a country compared with its northern counterpart. Ongoing prospective ascertainment of the incidence of pediatric IBD is required.

A rising incidence and poorer male outcomes characterise early onset paediatric inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

The incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease diagnosed before age 10 years is reportedly increasing, but national data are limited.

AIM

To characterise the epidemiology, phenotype and clinical outcomes of children diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease before age 10 years, and compare with data from children diagnosed aged 10-16 years.

METHODS

A review of all Irish cases of early onset inflammatory bowel disease (diagnosis <10 years, EO-IBD) presenting between January 2000 and December 2014 was undertaken and compared to a cohort of later onset paediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients (diagnosis between 10 and 16 years, LO-IBD). Diagnostic investigations, phenotype, treatments, and long-term clinical and surgical outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety children (99 male) with EO-IBD were identified; 92 (48%) CD, 77 (41%) UC and 21 (11%) IBDU. The incidence of EO-IBD increased by 0.6 per 100 000 per year (0.8-3.2 per 100 000 per year), with a significant increase in UC by 0.06 per 100 000 per year (P=.02). Males with CD had more upper GI disease (L4a; 48% vs 21%; P=.007), more extensive disease distribution (L3±L4; 31% vs 11%; P=.05) and more severe disease activity at presentation (52% vs 31%; P=.05) than females. Fewer patients with early onset than later onset Crohn's disease had ileocolonic disease (L3; 10% vs 20%; P<.001). More relapses were observed in the first year post-diagnosis in early onset than later onset IBD (1.02 vs 0.5 mean relapses; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

EO-IBD is increasing in incidence. Males have more extensive and severe disease phenotypes, and younger patients have higher relapse rates than older children. Further research to explain these findings is warranted.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Incidence is on the Continuous Rise Among All Paediatric Patients Except for the Very Young: A Nationwide Registry-based Study on 28-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The burden of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] in health care is high. We conducted research on the temporal changes in the incidence of paediatric IBD [PIBD] using nationwide registry-based data in Finland.

METHODS

All PIBD cases diagnosed at less than 20 years of age during 1987-2014 [in total, 5415 patients] were retrieved from a database documenting reimbursements for drug costs. Incidence rates were calculated by dividing the number of annual new PIBD cases by the size of the paediatric population at risk during each calendar year. Temporal trends in the incidences of PIBD and its subtypes, ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn's disease [CD], were estimated using Poisson regression analyses.

RESULTS

The mean annual incidence of PIBD increased from 7/100000 for the years 1987-1990 to 23/100000 for the years 2011-2014. The average rate of increase was 4.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.6-4.5) per annum. In the period 2000-2014, the increase rate in the annual incidence of UC [3.8%; 95% CI: 2.7-5.0], was steeper than for CD [2.5%; 95% CI: 1.0-3.8]. The most pronounced increase occurred in UC among adolescents aged 16-19 years [4.8%; 95% CI: 2.9-6.7]. For children less than 10 years of age, the rate of change remained low. Approximately 0.17% of the birth cohort for the years 1999-2000 was diagnosed with PIBD by the age of 14 years.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of PIBD is primarily increasing among adolescents, challenging the identification of the possible environmental triggers for the disease.

The natural history of Crohn's disease in children: a review of population-based studies

The incidence of Crohn's disease (CD) has been reported to increase. The aim of this review is to perform a comprehensive literature search of population-based studies focused on the natural history of paediatric-onset CD. A literature search of English and non-English language publications listed in the electronic database of MEDLINE (source PUBMED) and EMBASE from 1935 to 2016 was performed. Population-based studies or national cohorts reporting data on the short-term or long-term disease course of paediatric CD were included. Forty-nine paediatric and 15 nonpaediatric studies on CD have been identified. Up to one-third of children with inflammatory behaviour developed bowel complications more than 5 years after diagnosis. From 48 to 88% of children have experienced at least one corticosteroid course irrespective of the period of diagnosis and up to one-third became steroid dependent. Immunosuppressive preparations were used earlier and more frequently in newer than older cohorts (68 vs. 32% at 5 years) and more than one-third of children have received biological treatment early in the disease course. A decline in the surgery rate might be observed in more recent compared with older unselected populations. The relative risk of cancer in childhood-onset CD as well as the risk of death seem to have increased. Childhood-onset CD seems to be an aggressive phenotype of the disease. Compared with older cohorts, a trend towards decreasing surgical rate can be observed in newer cohorts paralleled by an increase in immunomodulator use and biologicals. Nevertheless, the causative role has yet to be investigated.

Crohn's Strictures-Moving Away from the Knife

Crohn's disease (CD) is a lifelong inflammatory bowel disease with a rapidly rising incidence in the pediatric population. A common complication of CD is the development of fibrotic strictures, which may be present at initial diagnosis or develop many years later. Clinical presentation depends on stricture location and degree of obstruction, and strictures frequently contain a mixture of inflammatory and fibrotic tissue. Histological examination of Crohn's strictures shows thickening of the muscular layers and the submucosa, where increased collagen deposition by activated myofibroblasts is concentrated around islands of smooth muscle cells and at the superficial margin of the muscularis propria. No antifibrotic therapies for Crohn's strictures exist. Profibrotic transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)/bone morphogenetic protein signaling stimulates myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix deposition. Understanding and targeting TGFβ1 downstream signaling is the main focus of current research, raising the possibility of specific antifibrotic therapy in CD becoming available in the future.

Growth Pattern in Paediatric Crohn Disease Is Related to Inflammatory Status

OBJECTIVES

The respective role of disease activity and steroid therapy in growth impairment in paediatric-onset Crohn disease (CD) is still debated. Our aim was to investigate whether the growth pattern of children with CD was correlated with the inflammatory status during the disease course, regardless the cumulative duration of steroid therapy.

METHODS

One hundred and seven patients with a diagnosis of CD <17 years, followed during ≥2 years and for whom ≥2 height measures were available during follow-up, were identified between 1998 and 2010. Height, C-reactive protein (CRP), orosomucoid, and steroid therapy duration were collected at each visit. The relationship between the evolution of growth velocity and inflammatory status during follow-up was investigated using a linear mixed model with random coefficients.

RESULTS

Median age at diagnosis was 11.7 years (Q1-Q3: 9.8-13.5). Mean height for age (H/A) z score was 0.14 ± 1.29 at diagnosis and 0.05 ± 1.23 among the 75 patients who had reached their final height at maximal follow-up (median: 4.9 years; Q1-Q3: 3.8-6.4). Growth failure (H/A z score <-2) was present in 7 (8%) patients at diagnosis and 5 (5%) at maximal follow-up. Growth velocity was negatively correlated with the evolution of CRP (P < 0.0001) and orosomucoid (P < 0.0001) during follow-up. After adjustment for the cumulative duration of steroid therapy, these 2 correlations remained significant (CRP: P = 0.0008; orosomucoid: P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with CD with uncontrolled inflammatory status have a lower growth velocity. The inflammatory status should be kept as close to normal as possible in paediatric-onset patients with CD to optimize their growth pattern.

IL-36α expression is elevated in ulcerative colitis and promotes colonic inflammation

A role for the IL-36 family of cytokines has been identified in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Although significant mechanistic overlap can exist between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), to date there have been no reports investigating the IL-36 family in gastrointestinal inflammation. Here we demonstrate that expression levels of IL-36α are specifically elevated in the colonic mucosa of ulcerative colitis patients. This elevated expression is mirrored in the inflamed colonic mucosa of mice, wherein IL-36 receptor deficiency confirmed this pathway as a mediator of mucosal inflammation. Il36r-/- mice exhibited reduced disease severity in an acute DSS-induced model of colitis in association with decreased innate inflammatory cell infiltration to the colon lamina propria. Consistent with these data, infection with the enteropathogenic bacteria Citrobacter rodentium, resulted in reduced innate inflammatory cell recruitment and increased bacterial colonization in the colons of il36r-/- mice. Il36r-/- mice also exhibited altered T helper cell responses in this model, with enhanced Th17 and reduced Th1 responses, demonstrating that IL-36R signaling also regulates intestinal mucosal T-cell responses. These data identify a novel role for IL-36 signaling in colonic inflammation and indicate that the IL-36R pathway may represent a novel target for therapeutic intervention in IBD.

Characteristics of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Korea: Comparison with EUROKIDS Data

Background/Aims

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been increasing worldwide. The characteristics of pediatric-onset IBD have mainly been reported in Western countries. We investigated the clinical characteristics of pediatric IBD in Korea and compared these with the data from the 5-year European multicenter study of children with new-onset IBD (EUROKIDS registry).

Methods

Children who were diagnosed with IBD between July 1987 and January 2012 were investigated at five Korean university hospitals. Their clinical characteristics were retrospectively evaluated by medical record review. The results were compared with the EUROKIDS data.

Results

A total of 30 children with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 33 children with ulcerative colitis (UC) were enrolled. In comparison with the EUROKIDS group, Korean pediatric IBD patients showed a male predominance (86.7% vs 59.2%, p=0.002 in CD; 75.8% vs 50%, p=0.003 in UC). Korean pediatric CD patients had a higher prevalence of terminal ileal disease (36.7% vs 16.3%, p=0.004) and perianal disease (33.3% vs 8.2%, p<0.001) than patients in the EUROKIDS group. Korean pediatric UC patients had a higher prevalence of proctitis than patients in the EUROKIDS group.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the characteristics of Korean pediatric IBD patients and European pediatric IBD patients may be different.

Colonic Mucosal Epigenome and Microbiome Development in Children and Adolescents

Epigenetic and microbiome changes during pediatric development have been implicated as important elements in the developmental origins of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), which are linked to early onset colorectal cancer (CRC). Colonic mucosal samples from 22 control children between 3.5 and 17.5 years of age were studied by Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChips and, in 10 cases, by 454 pyrosequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Intercalating age-specific DNA methylation and microbiome changes were identified, which may have significant translational relevance in the developmental origins of IBD and CRC.

Difference of clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease in different age groups of patients: A single-center analysis

AIM: To compare the characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in different age groups of patients to provide a vigorous basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

METHODS: Five hundred and sixty-seven IBD patients treated at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from January 2002 to December 2014 were divided into four groups according to the age at diagnosis: <17 years, 17-39 years, 40-59 years and >60 years. Gender, disease duration, clinical symptoms, extra-intestinal manifestations and complications were retrospectively compared in the four groups.

RESULTS: The hospitalization rate for each group showed an upward trend in recent years, and it was more common in men. The disease condition was more serious in the >60 age group than other groups, and most of the cases (85.39%) in the >60 age group belonged to the severe type. Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) scores for CD patients in each group were similar, and most CD patients had a disease in remission or with moderate activity. With regard to the lesion location, UC in the <17 and 17-39 age groups was characterized by proctitis (100% and 53.25%, respectively), ascending colitis was more prevalent in the 40-59 age group (57.69%), and the whole colon was often involved in the >60 age group (79.78%). For CD, the terminal ileum inflammation was more common in the <17 and >60 age groups (50% and 46.67%, respectively), while colitis dominated in the 17-39 and 40-59 age groups (51.52% and 46.67%, respectively).

CONCLUSION: The <17 and >60 age groups have different clinical features and disease characteristics from those in the 17-39 and 40-59 age groups.

Genetic disorders coupled to ROS deficiency

Maintaining the redox balance between generation and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is critical for health. Disturbances such as continuously elevated ROS levels will result in oxidative stress and development of disease, but likewise, insufficient ROS production will be detrimental to health. Reduced or even complete loss of ROS generation originates mainly from inactivating variants in genes encoding for NADPH oxidase complexes. In particular, deficiency in phagocyte Nox2 oxidase function due to genetic variants (CYBB, CYBA, NCF1, NCF2, NCF4) has been recognized as a direct cause of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an inherited immune disorder. More recently, additional diseases have been linked to functionally altered variants in genes encoding for other NADPH oxidases, such as for DUOX2/DUOXA2 in congenital hypothyroidism, or for the Nox2 complex, NOX1 and DUOX2 as risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease. A comprehensive overview of novel developments in terms of Nox/Duox-deficiency disorders is presented, combined with insights gained from structure-function studies that will aid in predicting functional defects of clinical variants.

Inflammatory bowel disease in Turkish children

BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to evaluate demographics, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and outcomes of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Turkey.

METHODS

We analyzed the medical records of 127 children diagnosed with IBD (under 18 years old) between January 2004 and January 2012 in 8 pediatric gastroenterology centers.

RESULTS

Of the 127 patients, 90 (70.9%) suffered from ulcerative colitis (UC), 29 (22.8%) from Crohn's disease (CD), and 8 (6.3%) from IBD unclassified. The mean age of the 127 patients was 11.6 ± 4.1 years, and 11.8% of the patients were below 5 years old. Of the patients, 49.6% were male, and males were more predominant in patients with CD than in those with UC (72.4% vs. 42.2%, P = 0.008; a male/female ratio of 2.62 in CD, P = 0.0016). Approximately one fifth of the patients had extra-intestinal manifestations and 13.3% of the patients had associated diseases. Extraintestinal manifestations and associated diseases were more common in early onset disease [P = 0.017, odds ratio (OR) = 4.02; P = 0.03, OR = 4.1]. Of the patients, 15% had normal laboratory parameters including anemia, high platelet count, hypoalbuminemia, hypoferritinemia, and high sedimentation rate. Area under receiver operation characteristics was used to predict pancolitis in patients with UC. The values of C-reactive protein, sedimentation rate and pediatric ulcerative colitis activity were 0.61 (P = 0.06), 0.66 (P = 0.01) and 0.76 (P = 0.0001), respectively. Four (4.4%) patients with UC underwent colectomy, and finally two (1.5%, 95% confidence interval: 0-3.7%) patients died from primary disease or complications.

CONCLUSIONS

IBD is an increasing clinical entity in Turkey. Features of IBD are similar to those in other populations, but prospective multicenter studies are needed to analyze the true incidence of IBD in Turkish children.

Pediatric IBD-unclassified Is Less Common than Previously Reported; Results of an 8-Year Audit of the EUROKIDS Registry

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease-unclassified (IBD-U) is diagnosed in ∼10% of pediatric and adolescent onset IBD patients. The EUROKIDS registry (2004) initiated by the Porto IBD working group of ESPGHAN prospectively monitors diagnostic workup of newly diagnosed pediatric and adolescent onset IBD patients. We aimed to describe diagnostic workup, phenotype, and change of diagnosis over time in pediatric IBD-U patients.

METHODS

Data were collected on children from 52 centers across 20 European countries and Israel, diagnosed with IBD from May 2005 through November 2013. Full endoscopy plus small bowel radiology was considered complete diagnostic workup. Participating centers reporting IBD-U patients were queried in 2014 for follow-up data.

RESULTS

IBD-U was the provisional first diagnosis in 265 of 3461 children (7.7%) (91/158 [58%] with pancolitis; 140 [53%] male), diagnosed more frequently under the age of 10 (median age 12.3 years, 89 [34%] under 10 years). Half (48%) had undergone complete diagnostic workup. Lack of small bowel radiology was the prevailing reason for incomplete workup. As a result of reinvestigations (endoscopy in 54%, radiology in 38%) during a median follow-up of 5.7 years (interquartile range, 2.5-7.8), a change in diagnosis from IBD-U to Crohn's disease (12%) or ulcerative colitis (20%) was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Only half of patients reported as IBD-U in EUROKIDS had undergone complete diagnostic workup. Follow-up with reinvestigations resulted in a reduction of IBD-U rate to 5.6%. A diagnosis of IBD-U becomes less likely in case of complete diagnostic workup. Implementation of clear diagnostic criteria will further reduce the rate of IBD-U in the future.

Presenting phenotype of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease in Wessex, Southern England 2010-2013

AIM

There has been at least a twofold increase in the incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) over the last 20 years; we report the presenting features from 2010 to 2013 and compare with previous data.

METHODS

All patients diagnosed with PIBD at University Hospitals Southampton from 2010 to 2013 were identified from an in-house database. Data were obtained from paper and electronic notes. Height, weight and BMI SDS are presented as median values (95% CI).

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-two patients were included (median age at diagnosis 13.5, 115 male); Crohn's disease (CD) - 107, UC - 50, inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU) - 15. The most common presenting features of CD were abdominal pain (86%), diarrhoea (78.5%) and weight loss (56.1%); 42.1% of patients had all three. In UC blood in stool (92%), diarrhoea (92%) and abdominal pain (88%) were the most common; all three in 76% of patients. CD presented with ileocolonic disease in 52.5%. UC presented with pancolitis in 64%. There was growth delay in CD: height -0.37 (-0.60 to -0.14); weight -1.09 (-1.35 to -0.83). Growth was maintained in UC: height 0.53 (0.19 to 0.87); weight 0.14 (-0.20 to 0.48).

CONCLUSION

Paediatric inflammatory bowel disease phenotype remains as extensive despite increasing incidence. Although the classical phenotype is common, a reasonable proportion present with atypical features, normal growth and normal blood markers.

A Saudi Gastroenterology association position statement on the use of tumor necrosis factor-alfa antagonists for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

The objective of this position statement from the Saudi Gastroenterology Association is to guide gastroenterologists on the use of tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α) antagonists for the treatment of the idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. In this article, we summarize the relevant literature regarding the safety and efficacy of TNF-α antagonists, highlight relevant safety concerns specific to the environment in Saudi Arabia, and provide specific recommendations for the use of these agents.

Presentation and progression of childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease in Northern Stockholm County

BACKGROUND

Some studies have suggested that childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by extensive intestinal involvement and rapid progression to complications. Here, we report the presentation and progression of patients diagnosed with IBD during childhood in a population-based cohort from northern Stockholm County.

METHODS

Medical records for all 280 patients diagnosed in the period 1990-2007 with childhood-onset IBD in northern Stockholm County were followed until 2011 (median follow-up time, 8.8 yr). Disease phenotypes were classified according to the Paris pediatric IBD classification.

RESULTS

Among the 74 patients with ulcerative colitis, 72% presented with pancolitis. Among the 200 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 75% presented with colitis. Complicated disease behavior was observed in 18% of patients with CD by end of follow-up. Extension of the disease territory was observed in 22% of patients with ulcerative colitis and 15% of patients with CD. The cumulative risk of intra-abdominal surgery after 10 years was 8% (95% confidence interval, 4%-20%) for ulcerative colitis and 22% (95% confidence interval, 15%-28%) for patients with CD. Nonmucosal healing at 1 year was associated with a complicated disease course in patients with CD (hazard ratio = 14.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.79-118.68; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with childhood-onset IBD were characterized by extensive colitis that was relatively stable over time and associated with a relatively low risk of complications and abdominal surgery. Our findings confirm the more extensive disease location in pediatric IBD but did not identify the proposed dynamic and aggressive nature of the childhood-onset phenotype. The association of nonmucosal healing with a complicated disease course suggests that endoscopy should guide treatment intensity in childhood-onset CD.

Variation in incidence of pediatric Crohn's disease in relation to latitude and ambient ultraviolet radiation: a systematic review and analysis

BACKGROUND

Pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) is a lifelong, debilitating, and costly disease. In previous studies, CD incidence increased with higher geographic latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. This may indicate a role for lower vitamin D status as a risk factor for CD. Analysis of worldwide incidence of pediatric CD has not been previously reported.

METHODS

We undertook a systematic review of population-based studies reporting incidence of pediatric CD and published between 2003 and 2013. Included studies had well-defined diagnostic criteria for CD, evidence of high case ascertainment, reported incidence according to age group, and provided a specific location. Average daily ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) for each location was derived from satellite data. Negative binomial regression was used to assess the association between pediatric CD incidence and latitude and ambient UVR, adjusting for the study year.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight articles provided 39 incidence data points. Incidence of pediatric CD increased with higher latitude, and in association with a greater number of months where the average daily UVR was lower than a previously published threshold of 1.488 kJ/m. Incidence of pediatric CD increased over calendar time.

CONCLUSIONS

After applying rigorous quality assessment criteria, and including only population-based studies, there was a modest increase in incidence of pediatric CD with higher latitude and greater number of months with low ambient UVR. Reporting using nonconsistent diagnostic criteria and age groups, with poorly defined geographic locations, makes it difficult to compare data across different studies.

Inflammatory bowel disease in children of Manitoba: 30 years' experience of a tertiary center

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children <17 years of age in 30 years from 1978 to 2007.

METHODS

From January 1, 1978, to December 31, 2007, the sex- and age-adjusted annual incidence and prevalence of pediatric IBD per 100,000 population were calculated based on the pediatric IBD database of the only pediatric tertiary center in the province. The annual health statistics records for the Province of Manitoba were used to calculate population estimates for the participants. To ensure validity of data, the University of Manitoba IBD Epidemiology Database was analyzed for patients <17 years of age from 1989 to 2000.

RESULTS

The sex- and age-adjusted incidence of pediatric Crohn disease has increased from 1.2/100,000 in 1978 to 4.68/100,000 in 2007 (P < 0.001). For ulcerative colitis, the incidence has increased from 0.47/100,000 in 1978 to 1.64/100,000 in 2007 (P < 0.001). During the same time period, the prevalence of Crohn disease has increased from 3.1 to 18.9/100,000 (P < 0.001) and from 0.7 to 12.7/100,000 for ulcerative colitis (P < 0.001). During the last 5 years of the study the average annual incidence of IBD in urban patients was 8.69/100,000 as compared with 4.75/100,000 for rural patients (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and prevalence of pediatric IBD are increasing. The majority of patients were residents of urban Manitoba, confirming the important role of environmental factors in the etiopathogenesis of IBD.