National trends and inpatient outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease patients with concomitant chronic liver disease

Ultrasound Prevalence and Clinical Features of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Real-Life Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation. We can identify two major forms: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). One of the extraintestinal manifestations of IBD is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). IBD and NAFLD share common pathogenetic mechanisms. Ultrasound (US) examination is the most commonly used imaging method for the diagnosis of NAFLD. This cross-sectional observational retrospective study aimed to evaluate the US prevalence of NAFLD in IBD patients and their clinical features. Materials and Methods: A total of 143 patients with IBD underwent hepatic US and were divided into two different groups according to the presence or absence of NAFLD. Subsequently, new exclusion criteria for dysmetabolic comorbidities (defined as plus) were applied. Results: The US prevalence of NAFLD was 23% (21% in CD and 24% in UC, respectively). Most IBD-NAFLD patients were male and older and showed significantly higher values for body mass index, waist circumference, disease duration, and age at onset than those without NAFLD. IBD-NAFLD patients showed a significantly higher percentage of stenosing phenotype and left-side colitis. Regarding metabolic features, IBD-NAFLD patients showed a significantly higher percentage of hypertension and IBD plus dysmetabolic criteria. Also, higher values of alanine aminotransferase and triglycerides and lower levels of high-density lipoproteins are reported in these patients. Conclusions: We suggest performing liver US screening in subjects affected by IBD to detect NAFLD earlier. Also, patients with NAFLD present several metabolic comorbidities that would fall within the new definition of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. Finally, we encourage larger longitudinal studies, including healthy controls, to provide further confirmation of our preliminary data.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common concomitant condition in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aim to assess the magnitude of this association.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus libraries for the period up to February 2023 to identify studies reporting cohorts of IBD patients in which NALFLD was evaluated.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine studies were analyzed. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 24.4% (95%CI, 19.3-29.8) in IBD, 20.2% (18.3-22.3) in Crohn's disease and 18.5% (16.4-20.8) for ulcerative colitis. Higher prevalence was found in male compared to female patients, in full papers compared to abstracts, and in cross-sectional studies compared to prospective and retrospective ones. The prevalence of NAFLD in IBD has increased in studies published from 2015 onwards: 23.2% (21.5-24.9) vs. 17.8% (13.2-22.9). Diagnostic methods for NAFLD determined prevalence figures, being highest in patients assessed by controlled attenuation parameter (38.8%; 33.1-44.7) compared to ultrasonography (28.5%; 23.1-34.2) or other methods. The overall prevalence of fibrosis was 16.7% (12.2-21.7) but varied greatly according to the measurement method.

CONCLUSION

One-quarter of patients with IBD might present with NAFLD worldwide. This proportion was higher in recent studies and in those that used current diagnostic methods.

The impact of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on inflammatory bowel disease-related hospitalization outcomes: a systematic review

Evidence suggests that patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there is limited information currently available on how NAFLD may affect the clinical course of IBD. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the impact of NAFLD on IBD-related hospitalization outcomes. All observational studies assessing IBD-related hospitalization outcomes in patients with NAFLD were included. Exclusion criteria were studies published in languages other than English or French, or those involving pediatric population. Outcomes included IBD-related hospitalization and readmission rates, need for surgery, length of stay, inpatient mortality, and costs. Overall, 3252 citations were retrieved and seven studies met the inclusion criteria (1 574 937 patients); all were observational, of high quality, and originated in the United States. Measurable outcomes reported in these studies were few and with insufficient similarity across studies to complete a quantitative assessment. Only one study reports NAFLD severity. Two studies suggested a higher rate of hospitalization for patients with both NAFLD and IBD compared to IBD alone (incidence rate ratio of 1.54; 95% confidence interval: 1.33-1.79). This is the first systematic review to date that evaluates any possible association of NAFLD with IBD-related hospitalization outcomes. Despite the paucity and low quality of available data, our findings indicate that NAFLD may be associated with worse outcomes amongst IBD patients (especially Crohn's disease). Further and higher certainty of evidence is needed for better characterization of such clinical impact.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease-associated Fatty Liver Disease: the Potential Effect of Biologic Agents

Inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] exhibit intestinal and systemic manifestations. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] is a common co-existing condition, possibly contributing to the cardio-metabolic burden and overall morbidity. Εmerging therapeutic choices of biologic agents have modified the clinical course of IBD; however, their impact on IBD-associated NAFLD has not been extensively evaluated. The prevalence of NAFLD varies among IBD patients, but it appears higher than in the general population in the majority of quality studies. In terms of pathogenetic and risk factors of NAFLD, they may vary with IBD activity. Dysbiosis, mucosal damage, and cytokine release have been implicated in the pathogenesis during the relapses, whereas metabolic risk factors seem to play a dominant role during the remissions of IBD. Considering biologics, although quality data are scarce, agents suppressing tumour necrosis factor may offer potential benefits in IBD-associated NAFLD, whereas anti-integrins do not appear to confer any therapeutic advantage. In conclusion, IBD-associated NAFLD possibly follows two different patterns, one manifested during the relapses and one during the remissions of IBD. Some, but not all, biologics may benefit NAFLD in patients with IBD. Further mechanistic and prospective cohort studies are warranted to illuminate the effects of various biologics on NAFLD.

The Impact of NAFLD on Hospitalization Outcomes in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Nationwide Analysis

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Yet, the impact of NAFLD on outcomes, along with the contribution of nonmetabolic factors to NAFLD development, is unclear. To investigate these topics, we conducted a nationwide study examining the impact of NAFLD on hospitalization outcomes in IBD patients after adjusting for metabolic factors.

METHODS

Patients with IBD-related hospitalizations were identified using the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2016 to 2018. Inflammatory bowel disease patients with and without NAFLD were matched based on IBD type, age, sex, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. Primary outcomes were IBD-related readmission, IBD-related surgery, and death. Secondary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and cost of care (COC). The primary multivariable model adjusted for obesity, dyslipidemia, Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index, hospital characteristics, payer, patient income, and elective status of admissions.

RESULTS

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was associated with a higher risk of IBD-related readmission (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.90; P < .01) and death (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.73; P < .01), 0.71-day longer LOS (P < .01), and $7312 higher COC (P < .01) in those with Crohn's disease. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was also associated with a higher risk of IBD-related readmission (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.65; P < .01), 0.64-day longer LOS (P < .01), and $9392 (P < .01) higher COC, but there was no difference in death in those with UC. No differences in risk of IBD-related surgery were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with worse hospitalization outcomes in IBD patients after adjusting for metabolic factors. These data suggest nonmetabolic factors may be implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in IBD patients and may contribute to worsened clinical outcomes.

Hepatobiliary manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease: A practical approach

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are associated with various hepatobiliary disorders. They can occur at any moment in the course of the disease or associated with the treatment. The prevalence of liver dysfunction can reach up to 50% in different studies. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is considered the most common hepatobiliary complication in IBD, while primary sclerosing cholangitis is the most specific. Management of hepatic manifestations in IBD involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes a high index of suspicion and joint management with hepatologists. The medical confrontation with abnormal liver tests must include an exhaustive study to determine if these patterns can be related to IBD, associated diseases or to the therapies used.

The Other Side of Malnutrition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Steatohepatitis and hepatobiliary manifestations constitute some of the most common extra-intestinal manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). On the other hand, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects around 25% of the world’s population and is attracting ever more attention in liver transplant programs. To outline the specific pathways linking these two conditions is a pressing task for 21st-century researchers. We are accustomed to expecting the occurrence of fatty liver disease in obese people, but current evidence suggests that there are several different pathways also occurring in underweight patients. Genetic factors, inflammatory signals and microbiota are key players that could help in understanding the entire pathogenesis of NAFLD, with the aim of defining the multiple expressions of malnutrition. In the current review, we summarize the most recent literature regarding the epidemiology, pathogenesis and future directions for the management of NAFLD in patients affected by IBD.

Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant public health burden, with up to 30% of the US population affected. The prevalence of NAFLD among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is unknown. Understanding risk factors for NAFLD in IBD patients has implications in the treatment of these patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of NAFLD among IBD patients and to identify risk factors associated with NAFLD development.

METHODS

Embase and MEDLINE databases were searched using Medical Subject Headlines to find studies that assessed the prevalence of NAFLD among IBD patients. Twenty-seven English-language research abstracts/articles were identified between January 2005 and April 2018. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models. Prevalence of NAFLD among IBD patients was compared with prevalence of NAFLD in the general population.

RESULTS

Based on data pooled from all 27 studies, the prevalence of NAFLD among IBD patients was 32% (95% CI, 24%-40%) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 98%). The prevalence of NAFLD among IBD patients (32%) is statistically significantly higher than the prevalence of NAFLD in the general population (25.2%; P < 0.001). Factors associated with the development of NAFLD among IBD patients included age, BMI, diabetes, IBD duration, and prior history of bowel resection.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a higher prevalence of NAFLD among IBD patients compared with the general population. Previous treatment regimens may be a risk factor for the development of NAFLD. Future studies are needed to further clarify these risk factors and determine screening recommendations.

Systematic Review With Meta-analysis: Epidemiology of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly identified in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but there are few systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the studies of NAFLD in IBD patients.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched (until August 2018) to identify observational studies that reported the prevalence and risk factors for NAFLD in IBD patients. Pooled prevalence, odds ratios (OR), mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Study quality was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

RESULTS

Of the 662 citations evaluated, 19 studies (including 5620 subjects) reported the prevalence of NAFLD in IBD population and were included for the analysis. The overall pooled prevalence was 27.5% (95% CI, 20.7%-34.2%). The prevalence was higher in older patients (MD = 8.22; 95% CI, 6.22-10.22), type 2 diabetes (OR = 3.85; 95% CI, 2.49-5.95), hypertension (OR = 3.18; 95% CI, 2.36-4.28), obesity (OR = 2.79; 95% CI, 1.73-4.50), insulin resistance (OR = 6.66; 95% CI, 1.28-34.77), metabolic syndrome (OR = 4.96; 95% CI, 3.05-8.05), chronic kidney disease (OR = 4.83; 95% CI, 1.79-13.04), methotrexate use (OR = 1.76; 95% CI, 1.02-3.06), surgery for IBD (OR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.02-1.62), and longer duration of IBD (MD = 5.60; 95% CI, 2.24-8.97).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that NAFLD was not uncommon in the IBD population. Older age, metabolic risk factors, methotrexate use, prior surgery, and longer duration of IBD are predictors for the presence of NAFLD in IBD. Screening of NAFLD might be recommended among IBD patients with the aforementioned factors.

Weight Gain and Liver Steatosis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Background and Aim: Most studies focused on the benefits of weight loss on hepatic steatosis and no studies have been specifically designed to assess the role of weight gain on the development of liver steatosis in patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases. The aim of this study was to analyse the relation between weight change over time and liver steatosis in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated a population of 89 ambulatory patients in clinical remission or affected by mild disease, as determined from disease activity indices, with at least one follow-up visit. Transient elastography was used to quantify liver steatosis. Results: A total of 49 individuals (55%) were overweight/obese at baseline. A significant difference in weight change was found between participants that improved, were stable and worsened, over a mean follow-up of four years. (−1.0 kg ± 4; 2.5 kg ± 6; and 5.4 kg ± 5; respectively, p = 0.009). We found a greater probability of worsening in the hepatic fat content in individuals who gained more than 6% of body weight than in those gaining less than this value (log–rank (Mantel–Cox) χ² test = 9.85; df = 1; p = 0.002). Conclusions: A body weight gain of 6% increases the probability of deterioration in liver steatosis over a period of four years in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. Weight gain prevention with lifestyle interventions may be the cornerstone treatment of these patients.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Prevalence and Risk Factors

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Herein, NAFLD prevalence and risk factors in a large IBD cohort were evaluated and compared to that of a non-IBD sample.

METHODS

Crohn's disease/ulcerative colitis outpatients referred to IBD service of our Gastroenterology Unit were enrolled. Subjects affected by functional and motor gastrointestinal disorders, in whom IBD was ruled out, referred to general outpatient service in the same area, were considered as nonIBD group. Exclusion criteria were based on previous diagnosis of nonNAFLD chronic liver diseases and secondary causes of fat liver overload. Characteristics of IBD and liver status were collected. Risk factors for metabolic syndrome were analyzed. Ultrasonographic presence and degree of steatosis were assessed. Data were examined by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

For this study 465 IBD and 189 non-IBD subjects were consecutively enrolled. NAFLD was found in 28.0% and 20.1% in IBD and non-IBD subjects, respectively (P = 0.04). IBD patients with NAFLD were younger than non-IBD ones. There was no significant difference in steatosis grade and association between NAFLD and IBD behavior, extension, activity, and drugs. In the IBD group, multivariate analysis demonstrated that NAFLD was independently associated to metabolic syndrome (OR=2.24, 95%CI 1.77-28.81), diabetes (OR=1.71, 95%CI 1.43-12.25), fasting blood glucose (OR=1.36, 95%CI 1.13-1.68), and abdominal circumference (OR=1.68, 95%CI 1.15-14.52).

CONCLUSIONS

NAFLD is more common and occurs at a younger age in IBD than in nonIBD subjects. However, further investigation is required to ascertain possible NAFLD pathogenic IBD-related factors other than conventional/metabolic ones. 10.1093/ibd/izy051_video1izy051.video15774874877001.

Cirrhosis Is Associated with Increased Mortality in Patients with Diverticulitis: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Diverticulitis in patients with cirrhosis has been associated with higher surgical mortality, but no prior studies evaluate non-surgical treatment results.

AIMS

Our aim was to compare the outcomes of hospitalization for diverticulitis in patients with and without cirrhosis.

METHODS

We utilized the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2007-2013) for patients with and without cirrhosis hospitalized for diverticulitis. Patients were further stratified by the presence of compensated versus decompensated cirrhosis. Validated ICD-9 codes captured patients and surgical procedures. Multivariate logistic regression models were fit. The primary outcomes of interest were mortality and surgical intervention rates.

RESULTS

There were 1,555,469 patients hospitalized for diverticulitis without cirrhosis, and 7523 patients hospitalized for diverticulitis with cirrhosis. On multivariate analysis, patients with cirrhosis had an increased mortality rate (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.48-3.5). There were no significant differences in surgical interventions. Subgroup multivariate analyses of compensated cirrhosis (n = 6170) and decompensated cirrhosis (n = 1353) revealed that decompensated cirrhosis had an increased mortality rate (OR 4.99; 95% CI 2.48-10.03) when compared to patients without cirrhosis, whereas those with compensated cirrhosis did not (OR 1.67; 95% CI 0.96-2.91). Those with compensated cirrhosis underwent less surgical interventions (OR 0.82; 95% CI 0.67-0.99) compared to those without cirrhosis. Patients with diverticulitis and cirrhosis had increased costs and lengths of hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

Presence of cirrhosis in patients hospitalized for diverticulitis is associated with an increased mortality rate. These are novel findings, and future clinical studies should focus on improving diverticulitis outcomes in this group.

The Changing Phenotype of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

It is widely known that there have been improvements in patient care and an increased incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) worldwide in recent decades. However, less well known are the phenotypic changes that have occurred; these are discussed in this review. Namely, we discuss the emergence of obesity in patients with IBD, elderly onset disease, mortality rates, colorectal cancer risk, the burden of medications and comorbidities, and the improvement in surgical treatment with a decrease in surgical rates in recent decades.