Treatment Strategy for Perianal Fistulas in Crohn Disease Patients: The Surgeon's Point of View

Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib for Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis of 3 Phase 3 Trials

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Efficacy of upadacitinib, an oral Janus kinase inhibitor, for moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease was demonstrated in phase 3 induction (U-EXCEL, U-EXCEED) and maintenance (U-ENDURE) trials; this post hoc analysis evaluated upadacitinib outcomes in patients with fistulizing disease in these studies.

METHODS

Patients were randomized (2:1) to once daily upadacitinib 45 mg or placebo for 12 weeks. Upadacitinib 45 mg clinical responders were rerandomized (1:1:1) to upadacitinib 15 mg, upadacitinib 30 mg, or placebo for 52 weeks. In patients with fistulas (any and perianal), resolution of drainage, closure of external openings, clinical remission, endoscopic response, and safety were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 1021 patients in U-EXCEL and U-EXCEED, 143 (14.0%) had any fistulas at baseline (66 draining); of these, most (n = 128) had perianal fistulas (56 draining). Greater proportions of patients receiving upadacitinib vs placebo achieved resolution of drainage of perianal fistulas at the end of induction (placebo: 5.6%, n/n = 1/18; upadacitinib 45 mg: 44.7%, n/n = 17/38; P = .003) and maintenance (placebo: 0%, n/n = 0/11; upadacitinib 15 mg: 28.6%, n/n = 4/14; P = .105; upadacitinib 30 mg: 23.1%, n/n = 3/13; P = .223) and closure of perianal fistula external openings (for induction, placebo: 4.8%, n/n = 2/42; upadacitinib 45 mg: 22.1%, n/n = 19/86; P = .013; for maintenance, placebo: 0%, n/n = 0/30; upadacitinib 15 mg: 18.8%, n/n = 6/32; P = .024; upadacitinib 30 mg: 16.0%, n/n = 4/25; P = .037).

CONCLUSION

Patients with fistulizing disease (primarily perianal) treated with upadacitinib achieved higher rates of resolution of drainage, closure of external openings, clinical remission, and endoscopic response vs placebo.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov, Numbers: NCT03345849 (U-EXCEL), NCT03345836 (U-EXCEED), NCT03345823 (U-ENDURE).

Lack of IFN-γ response of human uterine myometrium-derived MSCs significantly improve multiple IBD parameters compared to bone marrow MSCs: Implications for anti-TNFα-refractory patients

The clinical efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is inconsistent and often fails to match promising preclinical findings. To improve outcome, we compared MSCs isolated from human uterine myometrium (Ut), a readily-available tissue source from a unique immune niche, to bone marrow (BM) MSCs, the most common source, in a murine IBD model with mechanisms underlying differential effects. In this study, human BMMSCs and UtMSCs were intravenously administered to mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis and evaluated for disease activity, microbiome composition, and cellular immunity. Bioinformatics analyses including patient data were performed to further specify involved mechanisms with subsequent functional validation performed. We found that UtMSC but not BMMSC treatment significantly reversed disease parameters by improving microbiome and reducing mesenteric lymph node IFN-γ and IL-17A-secreting T cells. Transcriptomic analysis revealed UtMSCs had reduced MHC II pathway activation compared to BMMSCs. Functional validation confirmed UtMSCs compared to BMMSCs expressed lower IFN-γ receptors, prevent MHC II-mediated human unstimulated T cell activation, and modulated stimulated T helper (Th) cells away from effector phenotypes while increasing regulatory T cells (Tregs) and IL-10 levels. Bioinformatics from IBD patients resistant to non-T cell-specific therapies implicated persistent MHC II-mediated Th1/Th17 activation as key drivers of disease. Overall, UtMSCs outperformed BMMSCs in improving microbiota, avoiding IFN-γ responses, and modulating overall Th responses, suggesting this MSC source may offer more significant effectiveness for IBD and Th1/Th17-mediated conditions. Our findings also highlight that understanding MSC source-specific therapeutic mechanisms is crucial for optimizing clinical therapies.

Mucosal advancement flap versus ligation of the inter-sphincteric fistula tract for management of trans-sphincteric perianal fistulas in the elderly: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

There is no consensus on the standard approach for trans-sphincteric perianal fistulas (TPAF) in the elderly population. The most commonly used sphincter-saving procedures are ligation of the inter-sphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) and mucosal advancement flap (MAF). We aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for recurrence and incontinence in elderly patients with TPAF using both approaches.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 257 patients who underwent LIFT (136 patients) or MAF (121 patients) for de novo and cryptoglandular TPAF between July 2018 and July 2021. Recurrent fistulas were clinically and radiologically detected using MRI. Postoperative incontinence was evaluated using the Wexner score and anorectal manometry. Logistic regression analysis was used to detect the risks of recurrence and incontinence.

RESULTS

The median ages of the patients were 68 (64, 74) and 68 (65, 74) years in the LIFT and MAF groups, respectively. Higher recurrence rates were observed after LIFT (17 (12.5%)) than after MAF (13 (10.7%)), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.662). Postoperative incontinence was observed in 18 patients (13.2%) and seven patients (5.8%) in the LIFT and MAF groups, respectively (P = 0.044). The predictors for fistula recurrence were smoking (OR, 75.52; 95% CI, 1.02 to 5611.35; P = 0.049), length of tract (OR, 17.3; 95% CI, 1.49 to 201.13; P = 0.023), and CD classification (OR, 7.08; 95% CI, 1.51 to 33.14; P = 0.013). A low Charlson comorbidity index score (≤ 5) (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.99; P = 0.046) and high postoperative mean squeeze anal pressure (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95 to 0.99; P = 0.001) were significant factors associated with reduced risk of incontinence. In particular, LIFT was associated with a significantly higher risk of incontinence than MAF (OR, 2.089; 95% CI, 1.006 to 4.33; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The healing rates of MAF and LIFT procedures did not differ significantly; however, continence was significantly better after MAF. MAF should be added to the guidelines as a good option for the treatment of TPAF in elderly patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered as a clinical trial www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov (NCT06616662).

Optimizing Treatment Outcomes in Crohn's Disease: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Regenerative Therapies with Emphasis on Platelet-Rich Plasma

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that significantly affects patients' quality of life; conventional treatments often provide limited relief.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis explored the potential of regenerative therapies, particularly platelet-rich plasma (PRP), as an adjunctive treatment for CD. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024576683), and a comprehensive search was conducted across major databases, such as PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The search included terms related to CD and PRP. Studies assessing the efficacy of PRP in CD treatment were selected. Statistical analysis was conducted using the PICO framework with R software (version 4.3.2) and meta-package.

RESULTS

Of the 29 studies identified, 10 met the inclusion criteria, comprising pilot studies and controlled trials. Nine studies focused on Crohn's disease perianal fistulas (CDPF), and one focused on colonic CD. Among 138 patients with CDPF, 82.44% showed some fistula healing after PRP treatment, with 48.05% achieving complete resolution. In a sub-analysis, combining PRP with a stromal vascular fraction (SVF) resulted in a 58.62% complete healing rate, whereas combining PRP with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) showed even higher efficacy at 85.89%. PRP treatment alone resulted in a lower complete healing rate of 38.51%. PRP was well tolerated, with minor side effects such as localized pain.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that PRP, especially when combined with stem cells, offers a promising new approach for treating CD. However, larger trials are needed to confirm its long-term benefits and refine its clinical applications.

Management of Perianal Fistulas Associated with Crohn Disease: A Nurse's Perspective

Crohn disease perianal fistulas are associated with considerable morbidity and impaired quality of life. Nurses who specialize in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) play a vital role in the management of Crohn disease perianal fistulas from diagnosis to long-term care; however, there is little evidence available to inform Crohn associated perianal fistula management strategies for nurses. This narrative review aims to provide IBD nurses with an up-to-date overview of Crohn perianal fistulas. It discusses the vital role IBD nurses play within the multidisciplinary team; the physical, social, and psychological impacts of Crohn perianal fistulas on patients; available treatment options; and how IBD nurses can support patients in their perianal fistula journey to enable optimum outcomes for patients. It also reviews diagnostic techniques and IBD nurses' involvement in Crohn perianal fistula diagnosis. While this article is aimed at IBD nurses, it is relevant to all nurses irrespective of their role (unit, clinic, community, and stoma) who interact with patients with Crohn perianal fistulas because awareness of the signs and symptoms of this condition will enable timely referrals and diagnosis.

Real-World Long-Term Persistence and Surgical Procedure-Free Period Among Bio-naïve Patients with Crohn's Disease and Fistula Initiated on Ustekinumab

INTRODUCTION

Fistula is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD). Treatment with biologics has been associated with fistula healing. Long-term persistence is an important factor for a chronic inflammatory process such as fistula. This study described 24-month persistence and time-to-surgery endpoints among bio-naïve patients with CD and intestinal fistula who were initiated on ustekinumab.

METHODS

Adults with CD and any enteric or perianal fistula initiated on ustekinumab (index date) between September 23, 2016, and March 2, 2022, were selected from the IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus database and followed up to 24 months. Persistence on ustekinumab (no gaps in days of supply of > 120 days) and composite endpoints of being persistent while on monotherapy and persistent while corticosteroid free were also assessed. The date of surgery was defined as the date of first claim for any CD-related surgeries. Persistence and time-to-surgery endpoints were assessed from the index date until the earliest of discontinuation (event), immunomodulator or other biologic use (event), corticosteroid use (event), date of surgery (event), 24-month follow-up or data end (censoring) using Kaplan-Meier analyses.

RESULTS

The sample included 445 patients (mean age: 42.8 years; 56.6% female). The most common type of fistula was anal fistula (36.0%). At 24 months after ustekinumab initiation, 64.2% of patients remained persistent (95% confidence interval [CI] 55.8-71.4). Furthermore, 53.3% of patients were persistent while on monotherapy (95% CI 45.1-60.7), and 45.6% of patients were persistent while being corticosteroid free (95% CI 36.9-53.8). At 24 months, 22.8% (95% CI 17.0-30.3) of patients underwent any CD-related surgery.

CONCLUSION

This study quantified long-term persistence on ustekinumab among bio-naïve patients with CD and fistula. Over half of patients initiated on ustekinumab were persistent and persistent while on monotherapy 24 months after initiation. Time-to-surgery estimate was comparable to existing evidence. These findings support ustekinumab as a treatment option for long-term management of CD with fistula.

Insights into treatment of complex Crohn's perianal fistulas

Complex perianal fistula is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD) which leads to negative impact on patient's quality of life. Successful management of the disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, including a gastroenterologist and a colorectal surgeon, applying combined surgical and medical therapy. One of frequently practiced surgical procedures is seton placement in the fistula tract, which is used to control perianal sepsis and drain the fistula, while preventing recurrent abscess formation.Darvadstrocel, a suspension of expanded, allogeneic, adipose-derived, mesenchymal stem cells, is safe and effective for treatment-refractory complex perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease. Following approval of darvadstrocel, the INSPIRE registry is being conducted in order to evaluate long-term safety and effectiveness of the drug on a large, heterogenous population.An online expert meeting was held from March 20 to March 30, 2023, which provided relevant insights into the decision-making process regarding seton use and obtained feedback on the first experiences with darvadstrocel. The aim of this article is to present the perspectives from gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons practicing in Czechia, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, Serbia, and Slovenia in topics such as diagnosis and treatment options for patients with complex Crohn's perianal fistulas (CPF), specifically focusing on the use of setons and darvadstrocel.During this virtual session, unavailability of comprehensive data on safety and efficacy of available treatment procedures was emphasized as an important obstacle towards development of standardized recommendations and improvement of outcomes in treatment of (CPF). Furthermore, achieving consensus in seton use, duration of its placement, and frequency of change is recognized as one of CPF treatments major challenges. Despite these issues, it is important to promote better understanding and treatment of complex perianal fistulas in order to improve the quality of life of those affected by this condition.

A Prospective, Single-Arm Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of an Autologous Blood Clot Product in the Treatment of Anal Fistula

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of complex perianal fistula is technically challenging, associated with risk of failure, and may require multiple procedures. In recent years, several biologic agents have been developed for permanently eradicating anal fistulous disease with variable success. In this study, the treatment is an autologous whole-blood product created from the patients' blood. It forms a provisional matrix that was found to be safe and effective in healing acute and chronic cutaneous wounds.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of an autologous blood clot product as a treatment for transsphincteric perianal fistulas.

DESIGN

A prospective single-arm study.

SETTINGS

A single tertiary medical center.

PATIENTS

Patients with simple or complex transsphincteric fistulas confirmed by MRI were included in the study. Cause was either cryptoglandular or Crohn's disease related (in the absence of active luminal bowel disease).

INTERVENTION

The outpatient procedure was performed under general anesthesia and consisted of: 1) physical debridement and cleansing of the fistula tract; 2) suture closure of the internal opening; and 3) instillation of the autologous blood clot product into the entire tract.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Safety and efficacy at 6- and 12-months after surgery.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients (77% men) with a median age of 42 (20-72) years were included in the study. Three patients withdrew consent, and 1 patient was lost to follow-up. At the time of this interim analysis, 49 and 33 patients completed the 6- and 12-month follow-up period. Thirty-four of the 49 patients achieved complete healing (69%) at 6 months, but 20 of the 33 patients (60%) achieved healing after 1 year. All patients who achieved healing at 6 months remained healed at the 1-year mark. In a subgroup analysis of patients with Crohn's disease, 7 of 9 patients completed 1-year follow-up, with 5 patients (71%) achieving clinical remission. No major side effects or postoperative complications were noted, but 2 adverse events occurred (admission for pain control and coronavirus 2019 infection).

LIMITATIONS

Noncomparative single-arm pilot study.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with an autologous blood clot product in perianal fistular disease was found to be feasible and safe, with an acceptable healing rate in both cryptoglandular and Crohn's disease fistula-in-ano. Further comparative assessment is required to determine its potential role in the treatment paradigm of fistula-in-ano. See Video Abstract .

BRAZO PARA EVALUAR LA SEGURIDAD Y EFICACIA DE RDVER, UN COGULO DE SANGRE AUTLOGO, EN EL TRATAMIENTO DE LA FSTULA ANAL

ANTECEDENTES:El tratamiento quirúrgico de la fístula perianal compleja es técnicamente desafiante, se asocia con riesgo de fracaso y puede requerir múltiples procedimientos. En los últimos años, se han desarrollado varios agentes biológicos con el fin de erradicar permanentemente la enfermedad fistulosa anal con éxito variable. El tratamiento RD2-Ver.02 es un producto de sangre total autólogo creado a partir de la sangre de los pacientes, que forma una matriz provisional que resultó segura y eficaz para curar heridas cutáneas agudas y crónicas.OBJETIVO:Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de RD2-Ver.02 como tratamiento para las fístulas perianales transesfinterianas.DISEÑO:Un estudio prospectivo de un solo brazo.LUGARES:Un único centro médico terciario.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron en el estudio pacientes con fístulas transesfinterianas simples o complejas confirmadas mediante resonancia magnética. La etiología fue criptoglandular o relacionada con la enfermedad de Crohn (en ausencia de enfermedad intestinal luminal activa).INTERVENCIÓN:El procedimiento ambulatorio se realizó bajo anestesia general y consistió en: 1) desbridamiento físico y limpieza del trayecto fistuloso; 2) cierre con sutura de la abertura interna; y 3) instilación de RD2-Ver.02 en todo el tracto.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Seguridad y eficacia a los 6 y 12 meses después de la cirugía.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron en el estudio 53 pacientes (77% varones) con una mediana de edad de 42 (20-72) años. Tres pacientes retiraron su consentimiento y un paciente se perdió durante el seguimiento. En el momento de este análisis intermedio, 49 y 33 pacientes completaron el período de seguimiento de 6 y 12 meses, respectivamente. Treinta y cuatro (34) pacientes lograron una curación completa (69%) a los 6 meses, mientras que 20 de 33 pacientes (60%) lograron una curación después de un año. Todos los pacientes que lograron la curación a los 6 meses permanecieron curados al año. En un análisis de subgrupos de pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn, 7/9 pacientes completaron un seguimiento de un año y 5 pacientes (71%) alcanzaron la remisión clínica. No se observaron efectos secundarios importantes ni complicaciones postoperatorias, mientras que ocurrieron 2 eventos adversos (ingreso para control del dolor e infección por COVID-19).LIMITACIONES:Estudio piloto no comparativo de un solo brazo.CONCLUSIONES:Se encontró que el tratamiento con RD2-Ver.02 en la enfermedad fístula perianal es factible y seguro, con una tasa de curación aceptable tanto en la fístula criptoglandular como en la de Crohn en el ano. Se requiere una evaluación comparativa adicional para determinar su papel potencial en el paradigma de tratamiento de la fístula anal. (Pre-proofed version ).

Cell-assisted lipotransfer in treating uncontrollable sepsis associated perianal fistula: a pilot study

PURPOSE

Surgeons can treat debilitating conditions of uncontrollable complex anorectal fistulas with sepsis, even after repeated fistula surgeries, for curative intention. Adipose-derived stem cells have shown good outcomes for refractory Crohn fistula. Unfortunately, cell therapy has some limitations, including high costs. We have therefore attempted immediate cell-assisted lipotransfer (CAL) in treating refractory complex anal fistulas and observed its outcomes.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, CAL, using a mixture of freshly extracted autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and fat tissues, was used to treat 22 patients of refractory complex anal fistula from March 2018 to May 2021. Preoperative and postoperative assessments were performed with direct visual inspection, digital palpation, and endoanal ultrasonography. A fistula was considered completely healed if (1) the patient had no symptoms of discharge or inflammation; (2) there were no visible secondary openings of fistula tract inside and outside of the anorectal unit and even in the perineum; and (3) there was no primary opening in the anus. The endpoint of complete remission was wound healing without signs of inflammation 3 months after CAL treatment.

RESULTS

In a total of 22 patients who received CAL treatment, 19 patients showed complete remission, 1 patient showed partial improvement, and 2 patients showed no improvement. One of the 2 patients without improvement at primary endpoint showed complete remission 9 months after CAL. There were no significant adverse effects of the procedure.

CONCLUSION

We found that the immediately-collected CAL procedure for refractory complex anal fistula showed good outcomes without adverse side effects. It can be strongly recommended as an alternative surgical option for the treatment of complex anal fistula that is uncontrollable even after repeated surgical procedures. However, considering the unpredictable characteristics of SVF, long-term follow-up is necessary.

Risk of anorectal cancer in patients with Crohn's disease and perianal fistula: a nationwide Danish cohort study

AIM

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) often suffer from perianal fistulizing disease. Their risk of anorectal cancer remains uncertain. We aimed to examine the long-term risk of anorectal cancer in a population-based cohort of CD patients with anorectal fistula.

METHOD

Our study population covered all individuals (n = 7 987 520) aged 15+ years living in Denmark from 1978 to 2018. We identified all patients with CD and anorectal fistula in the Danish National Patient Register (NPR) and 50 matched noninflammatory bowel disease (IBD) individuals from the general population. Using Cox regression analyses, we examined the risk of anorectal cancer in CD fistula patients versus non-IBD individuals. All patients with CD were identified using codes from the International Classification of Diseases and their data extracted from the NPR. The main outcome measure was cases of anorectal cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 2786 CD patients with anorectal fistula and 139 300 non-IBD individuals were followed for 1 553 917 person-years. During follow-up, anorectal cancer was observed in 19 CD patients (0.68%) and 340 non-IBD individuals (0.24%), corresponding to a 2.9-fold increased hazard ratio (HR) of anorectal cancer in CD fistula patients (95% CI 1.80-4.53), with a particularly high risk of anal cancer (HR 15.13, 95% CI 6.88-33.31) and a mean time from CD fistula diagnosis to anorectal cancer of 6.7 (SD 6.5) years. The risk was slightly higher in women than men and had no apparent relation to treatment with tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors. Sensitivity analyses using CD nonfistula patients for comparison revealed similar results. Individual data on smoking and infection with human papilloma virus were not available.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CD and anorectal fistula have a three-fold increased risk of anorectal cancer compared with the general population. The number needed to surveil to detect one case of anorectal cancer in this patient population was 2160 patients per year in patients with long-standing fistula (>6 years).

The Impact of Crohn's Perianal Fistula on Quality of Life: Results of an International Patient Survey

Background

Crohn's perianal fistula is a disabling manifestation of Crohn's disease. However, the additional burden of perianal fistula on patients with only Crohn's disease remains to be addressed. This patient-reported survey considered outcomes of two domains: "diagnosis" (eg, symptoms) and "living with the disease" (eg, quality of life, well-being, and relationships).

Methods

Patients with perianal fistula and Crohn's disease completed an online, self-selective, anonymous, 46-item survey available in 11 languages hosted on the European Federation of Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis Associations and national patient association websites. The survey was conducted between July and December 2019 in Europe and other regions. Likert scales and closed questions were used to assess outcomes.

Results

Of the 820 respondents with Crohn's disease (67.2% women; median age, 40.0 years), 532 (64.9%) reported the presence of perianal fistula. Patients with perianal fistula reported a greater impact on overall quality of life (P < .001), well-being (P < .001), relationships (P < .001), social life (P = .001), and work life (P = .012) than patients with only Crohn's disease.

Conclusions

Perianal fistulas impact several domains of the life of patients with Crohn's disease. These results may help healthcare practitioners plan therapeutic strategies that address the symptomatic and psychological burden experienced by patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease.

Crohn disease: Identification, diagnosis, and clinical management

ABSTRACT

Crohn disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder affecting children and adults. With its increasing prevalence, healthcare providers need adequate resources to assist with diagnosis and management. This article discusses early diagnosis, disease severity and classification, familial predisposition and genomics, and clinical management in the primary care setting.