Pediatric Crohn's disease from onset to adulthood: granulomas are associated with an early need for immunomodulation

[Inflammatory bowel diseases: Scoring and pathological reports optimization]

The two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Both diseases have inflammatory flare-ups that alternate with periods of remission. The pathologist may examine biopsies of the digestive tract from IBD patients in different contexts: at the time of the initial diagnosis, in the event of a disease flare-up in order to differentiate a flare of the disease from another cause, particularly an infectious one, and during the long term follow-up of the disease in order to detect the occurrence of dysplastic lesions. Pathologists are increasingly involved in the evaluation of inflammatory activity during the follow-up of IBD patients. The therapeutic management of IBD has evolved significantly and the emergence of new treatments allows a global approach targeting endoscopic mucosal healing. However, mucosal healing is not always correlated with histological healing. Numerous studies have shown the value of histological evaluation during follow-up. A higher score for histological activity in ulcerative colitis predicts a higher likelihood of neoplasia. Histological activity is a better predictor than endoscopic inflammation of the risk. In UC, histological remission may be a long-term therapeutic goal but its role in CD remains unclear. Different scores have been developed to quantify the inflammatory activity of IBD patients and the response to treatment. The aim of this review is to present the main activity scores used in the follow-up of IBD, their interest, their evaluation and their limitations.

The detection rate of granulomas differs between intestinal segments and lesions in Chinese patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by non-caseating intestinal granulomas. However, the reported detection rate of granulomas on endoscopy is low. This study aimed to analyze the differences in the detection rate of granulomas in different intestinal segments and lesions in Chinese patients with CD to improve the detection rate of granulomas in clinical practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

113 patients with CD were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: those with (n = 51) and without granulomas (n = 62) on endoscopic biopsies. Clinical information was collected from the medical records, including age; erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels; platelet count; disease course; sex; smoking history; related operation history; Montreal classification; and lesion location, size, and shape.

RESULTS

The detection rates of granulomas in different lesion shapes were significantly different (P < 0.001), with those of longitudinal ulcers and circular ulcers being higher than those of erosion and irregular ulcers. We also found that the detection rates of granulomas in ascending colon and sigmoid colon were relatively higher than other segments of the intestine, however, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.716). Additionally, age, sex, smoking history, Montreal classification, related surgical history, disease course, and serum biochemical indicators (ESR; platelet count; and CRP, albumin, and Hb levels) were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection rate of granulomas in patients with CD is related to the morphology of the intestinal lesions. Meanwhile, lesion location may be correlated with the detection rate of granulomas.

Frequent Occurrence of Perianal Disease and Granuloma Formation in Patients with Crohn's Disease and Coexistent Orofacial Granulomatosis

BACKGROUND

Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is an inflammatory disorder of the perioral region and oral cavity. Crohn's disease (CD) in conjunction with OFG (CD-OFG), has been suggested to constitute a phenotype of CD with distinct features at diagnosis.

AIMS

The aim of this project was to investigate whether the distinct phenotypic features of CD-OFG persist in the years following the initial diagnosis of CD.

METHODS

Clinical data were extracted from medical records covering the first 5 years post-diagnosis for a cohort of patients with CD-OFG, and were compared to those of references with CD without OFG.

RESULTS

The clinical characteristics of our cohort of patients with CD-OFG (N = 25) were evaluated in comparison to references with CD without OFG (ratio 1:2). Five years post-diagnosis, more patients with CD-OFG had a phenotype with perianal disease (cumulative incidence: 16/25, 64% vs 13/50, 26%, P = 0.002) and intestinal granulomas (cumulative incidence: 22/25, 88% vs 24/50, 48%, P = 0.0009) than patients in the CD reference group. The patients with CD-OFG were also more likely to have undergone perianal surgery (12/25, 48% vs 4/50, 8%, P = 0.0002). At the end of the observation period, more of the patients with CD-OFG were receiving combination therapy, i.e., immunomodulators and tumor necrosis factor antagonists, than those in the CD reference group (9/25, 36% vs 5/50, 10%, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The results support the notion that CD in conjunction with OFG represents a specific phenotype of CD that is characterized by frequent perianal disease, pronounced intestinal granuloma formation and a need for extensive therapy.

Granulomas in Diagnostic Biopsies Associated With High Risk of Crohn's Complications-But May Be Preventable

BACKGROUND

Granulomatous intestinal inflammation may be associated with aggressive Crohn's disease (CD) behavior. However, this has not been confirmed, and it is unknown if associated disease complications are preventable.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort of patients younger than 21 years at CD diagnosis (November 1, 2005 to November 11, 2015). Clinical information was abstracted, including dates of starting medications and the timing of perianal fistula or stricture development, if any. Diagnostic pathology reports were reviewed, and a subset of biopsy slides were evaluated by a blinded pathologist. Patients were excluded if perianal fistula or stricture developed within 30 days after CD diagnosis. Medications were included in analyses only if started >90 days before development of perianal fistula or stricture.

RESULTS

In total, 198 patients were included. Half (54%) had granulomas at diagnosis. Granulomas were associated with a greater than 3-fold increased risk of perianal fistula (hazard ration [HR] = 3.24; 95% confidence interval CI], 1.40-7.48). Immunomodulator and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF) therapy were associated with 90% (HR, = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.42) and 98% (HR, = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01-0.10) reduced risk of perianal fistula, respectively. Patients with granulomatous inflammation preferentially responded to anti-TNF therapy with reduced risk of perianal fistula. The presence of granulomas was not associated with risk of stricture. Immunomodulator and anti-TNF therapy were associated with 96% (HR, = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01-0.22) and 94% (HR, = 0.06; 95% CI, 0.02-0.20) reduced risk of stricture, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Granulomas are associated with increased risk of perianal fistula but not stricture. Steroid sparing therapies seem to reduce the risk of both perianal fistula and stricture. For those with granulomas, anti-TNF-α therapy greatly reduced the risk of perianal fistula development, whereas immunomodulators did not.

Measuring Histologic Activity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Why and How

Histology is used to confirm the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, exclude superimposed infections, and to evaluate for dysplasia. Histology has rarely been used to measure disease activity and guide therapy despite evidence that histologic measurements have value in predicting important clinical outcomes. More recently, there have been numerous studies supporting a role for histologic disease activity measurements in predicting a variety of outcomes including relapse, hospitalizations, steroid use, and dysplasia. The histologic assessment was superior to endoscopic measurements in many of these studies. This review will summarize the recent literature regarding histologic disease activity measurements in ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease. A detailed description of histologic scoring systems will also be provided to provide pathologists with the necessary tools to accurately measure disease activity.

Predicting Outcomes in Pediatric Crohn's Disease for Management Optimization: Systematic Review and Consensus Statements From the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Ahead Program

BACKGROUND & AIMS

A better understanding of prognostic factors within the heterogeneous spectrum of pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) should improve patient management and reduce complications. We aimed to identify evidence-based predictors of outcomes with the goal of optimizing individual patient management.

METHODS

A survey of 202 experts in pediatric CD identified and prioritized adverse outcomes to be avoided. A systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis, when possible, was performed to identify clinical studies that investigated predictors of these outcomes. Multiple national and international face-to-face meetings were held to draft consensus statements based on the published evidence.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on 27 statements regarding prognostic factors for surgery, complications, chronically active pediatric CD, and hospitalization. Prognostic factors for surgery included CD diagnosis during adolescence, growth impairment, NOD2/CARD15 polymorphisms, disease behavior, and positive anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody status. Isolated colonic disease was associated with fewer surgeries. Older age at presentation, small bowel disease, serology (anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody, antiflagellin, and OmpC), NOD2/CARD15 polymorphisms, perianal disease, and ethnicity were risk factors for penetrating (B3) and/or stenotic disease (B2). Male sex, young age at onset, small bowel disease, more active disease, and diagnostic delay may be associated with growth impairment. Malnutrition and higher disease activity were associated with reduced bone density.

CONCLUSIONS

These evidence-based consensus statements offer insight into predictors of poor outcomes in pediatric CD and are valuable when developing treatment algorithms and planning future studies. Targeted longitudinal studies are needed to further characterize prognostic factors in pediatric CD and to evaluate the impact of treatment algorithms tailored to individual patient risk.

Clinical significance of granulomas in Crohn's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Epithelioid granuloma is one hallmark used to histologically diagnose Crohn's disease (CD). However, the clinical significance of granulomas in CD is unclear. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to compare the clinical features with CD according to the presence of granulomas.

METHODS

A literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was performed on manuscripts published until October 2018. We included studies that met the following inclusion criteria: (i) patient: patients with CD; (ii) exposure: granulomas on the pathology; (iii) comparator: no granulomas; and (iv) outcomes: disease location, disease behavior, perianal disease, disease activity, use of biologics, and CD-associated hospitalization, surgery.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Granulomas in CD patients were associated with a higher proportion of ileocolonic disease (odds ratio [OR]: 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-1.83), a higher proportion of upper gastrointestinal disease (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.28-3.95), a higher proportion of penetrating behavior (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09-2.01), a higher prevalence of perianal disease (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.48-3.11), and a higher severity index at presentation (standardized mean difference: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.09-0.32). In addition, the use of biologics was significantly higher in CD patients with granulomas compared with without granulomas (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.07-2.59). The presence of granulomas was significantly associated with CD-associated hospitalization (OR: 3.88, 95% CI: 1.44-10.49), but not with CD-associated surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical features in CD patients were significantly different according to the presence of granulomas. It may indicate a more aggressive phenotype of CD.

What is the role of histopathology in the evaluation of disease activity in Crohn's disease?

Assessment of disease activity is essential for developing and determining appropriate therapy in patients with Crohn's disease. Currently, clinical and endoscopic treatment targets have been proposed, whereas histologic assessment of disease activity is not recommended in expert guidelines. Histologic assessment of disease activity has emerged as an important tool in ulcerative colitis as persistent histological inflammation is associated with clinical relapse, corticosteroid use, hospitalisation, and development of dysplasia. Similar data for Crohn's disease is limited but emerging literature suggests that histologic evaluation of disease activity may have value. This review summarizes the recent literature regarding histologic evaluation of disease activity in Crohn's disease. Correlation between histologic, endoscopic, and other markers of disease activity are discussed. Histologic scoring systems in Crohn's disease are described and practical guidance is provided to gastroenterologists and pathologists on how to report and interpret histologic data.

Long-Term Outcomes After Primary Bowel Resection in Pediatric-Onset Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence on the long-term outcome of intestinal resection in pediatric-onset Crohn's disease (POCD) with no established predictors of adverse outcomes. We aimed to investigate clinical outcomes and predictors for adverse outcome following intestinal resection in POCD.

METHODS

The medical records of patients with POCD who underwent at least 1 intestinal resection between 1990 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Main outcome measures included time to first flare, hospitalization, second intestinal resection, and response to nonprophylactic biologic therapy.

RESULTS

Overall, 121 patients were included. Median follow-up was 6 years (range 1-23.6). One hundred and seven (88%) patients experienced at least 1 postsurgical exacerbation, 52 (43%) were hospitalized, and 17 (14%) underwent second intestinal resection. Of 91 patients who underwent surgery after the year 2000, 37 (41%) were treated with antitumor necrosis factor ɑ (anti-TNFɑ) (nonprophylactic) following intestinal resection. Time to hospitalization and to second intestinal resection were shorter among patients with extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) (HR 2.7, P = 0.006 and HR = 3.1, P = 0.03, respectively). Time to initiation of biologic treatment was shorter in patients with granulomas (HR 2.1, P = 0.038), whereas being naïve to anti-TNFɑ treatment before surgery was a protective factor for biologic treatment following surgery (HR 0.3, P = 0.005). Undergoing intestinal resection beyond the year 2000 was associated with shorter time to first flare (HR 1.9, P = 0.019) and hospitalization (HR 2.6, P = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

Long-term risk for flares, hospitalization, or biologic treatment is significant in POCD following bowel resection. EIMs increase the risk for hospitalization and second intestinal resection.

Prognostic significance of granulomas in children with Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVES

Granulomas have long been considered the histological hallmark of Crohn's disease (CD). Currently, there is considerable dispute with regards to their prognostic implications. We aimed to determine the effect of granulomas on phenotypic features and disease's long-term outcomes in a large cohort of pediatric CD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of pediatric CD patients diagnosed at the Schneider Children's Medical Center were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of granulomas at diagnosis. Baseline characteristics included anthropometric, clinical, laboratory, radiological and endoscopic data. Outcome measures included flares, hospitalizations, biological therapy and surgery.

RESULTS

Of 289 CD patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2015, 99 patients (34%) had granulomas. Median age of the entire cohort at diagnosis was 14.2 years (females, 42.6%), with a median follow-up of 8.5 years. Patients with granulomas had a significantly higher percentage (47.5% vs. 23.7%, p = .001) of upper gastrointestinal involvement and ileo-colonic disease (64.9% vs. 49.5%, p = .01). Extraintestinal manifestations were twice as common in patients without granulomas (16.3% vs. 8.1%, p = .05). Patients with granulomas were more likely to be hospitalized (HR =1.43, 95% CI: 1.0-2.0) and to receive biologic therapy (HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.1-2.11). Additionally, both of these disease outcomes occurred significantly earlier (p = .013 and p = .027, respectively). In contrast, patients with granulomas did not exhibit increased risk of flares or bowel resection.

CONCLUSION

Patients with granulomas exhibited a distinct phenotype at diagnosis and demonstrated a more severe disease course.

Genetic and environmental factors significant for the presentation and development of inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate associations between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presentation and variants in NOD2, TLR4, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-RN genes in order to identify possible environmental factors that may affect IBD occurrence, investigate potential predictors for surgical treatment of IBD, and correlate the presence of granulomas in biopsy specimens with clinical characteristics of Crohn's disease (CD) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We genotyped 167 IBD patients using PCR-based methodology and tested for disease genotype-phenotype associations.

RESULTS

In CD patients ileal localization of disease was more frequent in NOD2 variant carriers. Ileal CD was associated with IL-6 GC+CC genotypes, identifying C allele as a possible marker of increased risk for ileal CD. In CD patients a positive family history for IBD was related to earlier onset of disease, higher risk for CD-related surgery, and appendectomy. CD patients who are TLR4 299Gly carriers are at higher risk for surgery at onset of the disease compared with TLR4 299Asp variant carriers. The presence of granuloma in biopsy specimens was more frequent in patients in whom a diagnosis of CD was made during emergency surgery. Multivariate analysis showed that CD carriers of the 299Gly allele had a 4.6-fold higher risk for emergency surgery before CD diagnosis is established compared with noncarriers, suggesting an aggressive disease course. Granuloma in endoscopic biopsies is detected 5.4-fold more frequently in patients treated surgically at the time of diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Genetic variants together with epidemiological and clinical data of IBD patients could potentially be used as predictors of the disease course.

Does Crohn's Disease with Concomitant Orofacial Granulomatosis Represent a Distinctive Disease Subtype?

BACKGROUND

Although orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) may present as a separate clinical entity, it often seems in conjunction with various systemic diseases, of which Crohn's disease (CD) is one of the most common. The aim of this study was to investigate whether CD with concomitant OFG represents a distinctive disease subtype.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients with CD and concomitant OFG (CD+OFG group) were included in the study. As the reference group, a cohort of 39 patients with CD but without OFG (CD-R group) was used. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were recorded at the time of diagnosis. The 2 groups were compared using multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients with intestinal inflammation in the upper gastrointestinal tract was significantly higher in the CD+OFG group, as compared with the CD-R group (81% versus 33%; P < 0.001). Furthermore, ileocolonic inflammation was significantly more common in the CD+OFG patients (81% versus 46%; P = 0.013). In addition, perianal disease was more frequently observed in the CD+OFG group (48% versus 18%; P = 0.033). Significantly more patients showed evidence of granulomas in the primary endoscopy in the CD+OFG group than in the CD-R group (81% versus 38%; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

The data from this study suggest that the presence of CD in conjunction with OFG represents a distinctive subphenotype of CD that is characterized by extensive inflammation, perianal disease, and pronounced granuloma formation in the intestine.