Performance of the Montreal classification for inflammatory bowel diseases

Efficacy and Safety of Adalimumab Biosimilar GP2017 in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

(1) Background: GP2017 is one of the biosimilar drugs of adalimumab, one of the anti-TNF agents used for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To date, there is little real-world data about the use of GP2017 in IBD patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this biosimilar in an IBD population. (2) Methods: This is an observational retrospective study including patients that were all treated with GP2017 as a first step or as a switch from the originator or other biosimilars. The clinical activity was evaluated at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of therapy. The therapy discontinuation and side effects were also evaluated. (3) Results: a total of 72 patients were included (65 with Crohn's disease and 7 with ulcerative colitis). Of the 29 patients starting GP2017 as a first adalimumab therapy, clinical remission was achieved in 58.6%. Of the patients starting GP2017 as a switch from the originator (33 patients) or other biosimilars (10 patients), clinical remission was maintained in 78.8% and in 70%, respectively. Regarding the safety, only 11 patients experienced non-serious side effects. During the follow-up, nine patients suspended treatment mainly due to side effects or secondary failure. (4) Conclusions: GP2017 is an effective and safe therapy for IBD patients.

Lifestyle Can Exert a Significant Impact on the Development of Metabolic Complications and Quality Life in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are associated with an increased risk of metabolic comorbidities. There is a lack of data regarding the relationship between lifestyle and metabolic diseases in IBD patients. A cross-sectional study on consecutive IBD outpatients was conducted. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) was assessed using a 14-item questionnaire from the PREDIMED study, and physical activity was evaluated using the GODIN-Leisure score. Body composition was studied based on body mass index and waist-hip ratio (WHR), while quality of life was assessed using a nine-item short questionnaire. Among the 688 evaluated IBD patients, 66% were overweight or obese, 72.7% did not lead an active lifestyle and 70.1% did not adhere to the MD. Metabolic syndrome was associated with age (OR = 1.07, p = 0.019), overweight/obesity (OR = 12.987, p < 0.001) and the inflammatory behavior of Crohn's disease (OR = 6.172, p = 0.001). Type 2 diabetes mellitus or prediabetes was associated with age (OR = 1.063 p = 0.016), overweight/obesity (OR = 3.861, p < 0.001) and the inflammatory behavior of Crohn's disease (OR = 4.716, p = 0.001). Overweight /obesity (OR = 5.494, p < 0.001), a high WHR (OR = 2.564, p = 0.005) and a non-active lifestyle (OR = 2.202, p = 0.0003) were associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Lifestyle, body composition and not solely systemic inflammation might exert a significant influence on the emergence of metabolic comorbidities such as MASLD, type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome in patients with IBD.

Are We Ready to Reclassify Crohn's Disease Using Molecular Classification?

Crohn's disease (CD) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. The number of IBD cases worldwide was estimated to be 4.9 million in 2019. CD exhibits heterogeneity in clinical presentation, anatomical involvement, disease behaviour, clinical course and response to treatment. The classical description of CD involves transmural inflammation with skip lesions anywhere along the entire gastrointestinal tract. The complexity and heterogeneity of Crohn's disease is not currently reflected in the conventional classification system. Though the knowledge of Crohn's pathophysiology remains far from understood, the established complex interplay of the omics-genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics, metagenomics, metabolomics, lipidomics and immunophenomics-provides numerous targets for potential molecular markers of disease. Advancing technology has enabled identification of small molecules within these omics, which can be extrapolated to differentiate types of Crohn's disease. The multi-omic future of Crohn's disease is promising, with potential for advancements in understanding of its pathogenesis and implementation of personalised medicine.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Associated Colorectal Cancer: Translational and Transformational Risks Posed by Exogenous Free Hemoglobin Alpha Chain, A By-Product of Extravasated Erythrocyte Macrophage Erythrophagocytosis

Colonic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's colitis (CC). Patients with IBD are at increased risk for colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CACRC) compared to the general population. CACRC is preceded by IBD, characterized by highly heterogenous, pharmacologically incurable, pertinacious, worsening, and immune-mediated inflammatory pathologies of the colon and rectum. The molecular and immunological basis of CACRC is highly correlated with the duration and severity of inflammation, which is influenced by the exogenous free hemoglobin alpha chain (HbαC), a byproduct of infiltrating immune cells; extravasated erythrocytes; and macrophage erythrophagocytosis. The exogenous free HbαC prompts oxygen free radical-arbitrated DNA damage (DNAD) through increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is exacerbated by decreased tissue antioxidant defenses. Mitigation of the Fenton Reaction via pharmaceutical therapy would attenuate ROS, promote apoptosis and DNAD repair, and subsequently prevent the incidence of CACRC. Three pharmaceutical options that attenuate hemoglobin toxicity include haptoglobin, deferoxamine, and flavonoids (vitamins C/E). Haptoglobin's clearance rate from plasma is inversely correlated with its size; the smaller the size, the faster the clearance. Thus, the administration of Hp1-1 may prove to be beneficial. Further, deferoxamine's hydrophilic structure limits its ability to cross cell membranes. Finally, the effectiveness of flavonoids, natural herb antioxidants, is associated with the high reactivity of hydroxyl substituents. Multiple analyses are currently underway to assess the clinical context of CACRC and outline the molecular basis of HbαC-induced ROS pathogenesis by exposing colonocytes and/or colonoids to HbαC. The molecular immunopathogenesis pathways of CACRC herein reviewed are broadly still not well understood. Therefore, this timely review outlines the molecular and immunological basis of disease pathogenesis and pharmaceutical intervention as a protective measure for CACRC.

Long-term effectiveness and safety of ustekinumab in Crohn's disease: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Real-world data showed that ustekinumab is an effective treatment for Crohn's disease for up to 52 weeks. Yet, long-term effectiveness and safety outcomes beyond 52 weeks are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the corticosteroid-free clinical remission for up to 104 weeks. Secondary aims were focused on biochemical disease, dosing adjustments and safety outcomes.

METHODS

This multicentre prospective cohort study enrolled Crohn's disease patients who started ustekinumab between May 2016 and September 2019. Participants had scheduled outpatient visits at week 0, 13, 26, 52 and 104. Data on clinical disease [Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI) = 4 points = remission], biochemical disease (faecal calprotectin = 200 µg/g or C-reactive protein = 10 mg/l = remission), dose adjustments and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were recorded.

RESULTS

We included 101 Crohn's disease patients. In all patients, the proportion of patients in corticosteroid-free clinical remission was 35 and 36% at week 52 and 104. Of patients achieving corticosteroid-free remission at week 52, more than half maintained corticosteroid-free remission throughout week 104. Biochemical remission rates were 25 and 30% at week 52 and 104, respectively. In the first year of treatment, 33% required their first dose escalation, and 15% in the second year. Overall, 7% of patients discontinued ustekinumab due to ADRs. Ustekinumab persistency rates were 68% at week 52 and 59% at week 104.

CONCLUSION

Ustekinumab is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for Crohn's disease. More than half of all patients continued ustekinumab treatment after 104 weeks whereas one-third achieved corticosteroid-free remission.

The value of 7 peripheral blood serum ratios in diagnosis and prediction of disease activity of patients within inflammatory bowel disease individuals

Objective

In recent years, a number of studies have suggested that inflammation-based biomarkers can be applied in the diagnostics and prognostic testing of disease. However, the association between these ratios and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the role of these inflammation-based ratios in patients with IBD.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 362 patients with IBD and 100 healthy individuals from January 2016 and December 2021. The receiver operating characteristic curve and logistic regression analysis was applied to explore the diagnostic and predictive performance of the seven ratio markers [neutrophil- to-albumin ratio (NAR), neutrophil-to-pre-albumin ratio (NPAR), albumin-to-alkaline-phosphatase ratio (AAPR), albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR), albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio (AFR), fibrinogen-to-pre-albumin ratio (FPR), and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI)] regarding to disease activity in IBD individuals.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) exhibited higher levels of NAR, NPAR, FPR (P < 0.001), lower levels of AAPR, and PNI (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the level of NPAR (OR = 1.12, 95%CI: 1.02-1.23, P = 0.016) and AGR (OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.01-1.12, P < 0.001) was an independent risk factor of IBD. Then, we found the level of NPAR (OR = 1.10, 95%CI: 1.01-1.20, P = 0.02) and PNI (OR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.71-0.96, P = 0.01) was independently associated with disease activity. Besides, a positive association was observed between the level of NPAR and two clinical scores [Harvey Bradshaw index (HBI) in patients with CD, Mayo score in patients with UC]. Finally, the level of NPAR (P = 0.002) and PNI (P = 0.003) showed a significant difference in the IBD-associated neoplasia group and IBD without neoplasia group.

Conclusion

Our data first suggests NPAR as a putative biomarker for diagnosing and predicting disease activity in patients with IBD. Investigations involving a larger number of IBD individuals are necessary to validate its use as an easily obtained peripheral blood biomarker of IBD.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Clinical Diagnosis and Pharmaceutical Management

Inflammatory bowel disease has an enormous impact on public health, medical systems, economies, and social conditions. Biologic therapy has ameliorated the treatment and clinical course of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The efficacy and safety profiles of currently available therapies are still less that optimal in numerous ways, highlighting the requirement for new therapeutic targets. A bunch of new drug studies are underway in inflammatory bowel disease with promising results. This is an outlined guideline of clinical diagnosis and pharmaceutical therapy of inflammatory bowel disease. Outline delineates the overall recommendations on the modern principles of desirable practice to bolster the adoption of best implementations and exploration as well as inflammatory bowel disease patient, gastroenterologist, and other healthcare provider education. Inflammatory bowel disease encompasses Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two unsolved medical inflammatory bowel disease-subtypes condition with no drug for cure. The signs and symptoms on first presentation relate to the anatomical localization and severity of the disease and less with the resulting diagnosis that can clinically and histologically be non-definitive to interpret and establish criteria, specifically in colonic inflammatory bowel disease when the establishment is inconclusive is classified as indeterminate colitis. Conservative pharmaceuticals and accessible avenues do not depend on the disease phenotype. The first line management is to manage symptoms and stabilize active disease; at the same time maintenance therapy is indicated. Nutrition and diet do not play a primary therapeutic role but is warranted as supportive care. There is need of special guideline that explore solution of groundwork gap in terms of access limitations to inflammatory bowel disease care, particularly in developing countries and the irregular representation of socioeconomic stratification with a strategic plan, for the unanswered questions and perspective for the future, especially during the surfaced global COVID-19 pandemic caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV2 impacting on both the patient's psychological functioning and endoscopy services. Establishment of a global registry system and accumulated experiences have led to consensus for inflammatory bowel disease management under the COVID-19 pandemic. Painstakingly, the pandemic has influenced medical care systems for these patients. I briefly herein viewpoint summarize among other updates the telemedicine roles during the pandemic and how operationally inflammatory bowel disease centers managed patients and ensured quality of care. In conclusion: inflammatory bowel disease has become a global emergent disease. Serious medical errors are public health problem observed in developing nations i.e., to distinguish inflammatory bowel disease and infectious and parasitic diseases. Refractory inflammatory bowel disease is a still significant challenge in the management of patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. There are gaps in knowledge and future research directions on the recent newly registered pharmaceuticals. The main clinical outcomes for inflammatory bowel disease were maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Saudi Arabia consensus guidance for the diagnosis and management of adults with inflammatory bowel disease

Optimal management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) relies on a clear understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This article provides concise guidelines for the management of IBD in adults, based on the most up-to-date information at the time of writing and will be regularly updated. These guidelines were developed by the Saudi Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Saudi Gastroenterology Association and the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy. After an extensive literature review, 78 evidence-and expert opinion-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in adults were proposed and further refined by a voting process. The consensus guidelines include the finally agreed on statements with their level of evidence covering different aspects of IBD diagnosis and treatment.

Endoscopic Stenting in Crohn's Disease-related Strictures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic progressive condition that is complicated by intestinal or colonic stricture in nearly 30% of cases within 10 years of the initial diagnosis. Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is associated with a risk of perforations and recurrence rates of up to 60% at 5 years. Endoscopic stenting has been used as an alternative to EBD, but data on its safety and efficacy are limited. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the outcomes of endoscopic stenting in CD-related strictures.

METHODS

A systematic and detailed search was run in January 2022 with the assistance of a medical librarian for studies reporting on outcomes of endoscopic stenting in CD-related strictures. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects model, and results were expressed in terms of pooled proportions along with relevant 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Nine studies with 163 patients were included in the final analysis. Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) including both partial and fully covered were used in 7 studies, whereas biodegradable stents were used in 2 studies. Pooled rate of clinical success and technical success was 60.9% (95% CI, 51.6-69.5; I2 = 13%) and 93% (95% CI, 87.3-96.3; I2 = 0%), respectively. Repeat stenting was needed in 9.6% of patients (95% CI, 5.3-16.7; I2 = 0%), whereas pooled rate of spontaneous stent migration was 43.9% (95% CI, 11.4-82.7; I2 = 88%). Pooled incidence of overall adverse events, proximal stent migration, perforation, and abdominal pain were 15.7%, 6.4%, 2.7%, and 17.9%, respectively. Mean follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 69 months.

DISCUSSION

Endoscopic stenting in CD-related strictures is a safe technique that can be performed with technical ease, albeit with a limited clinical success. Postprocedure abdominal pain and proximal stent migration are some of the common adverse events reported.

Modern Metaproteomics: A Unique Tool to Characterize the Active Microbiome in Health and Diseases, and Pave the Road towards New Biomarkers—Example of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Ups

Thanks to the latest developments in mass spectrometry, software and standards, metaproteomics is emerging as the vital complement of metagenomics, to make headway in understanding the actual functioning of living and active microbial communities. Modern metaproteomics offers new possibilities in the area of clinical diagnosis. This is illustrated here, for the still highly challenging diagnosis of intestinal bowel diseases (IBDs). Using bottom-up proteomics, we analyzed the gut metaproteomes of the same twenty faecal specimens processed either fresh or after a two-month freezing period. We focused on metaproteomes of microbial cell envelopes since it is an outstanding way of capturing host and host–microbe interaction signals. The protein profiles of pairs of fresh and frozen-thawed samples were closely related, making feasible deferred analysis in a distant diagnosis centre. The taxonomic and functional landscape of microbes in diverse IBD phenotypes—active ulcerative colitis, or active Crohn’s disease either with ileo-colonic or exclusive colonic localization—differed from each other and from the controls. Based on their specific peptides, we could identify proteins that were either strictly overrepresented or underrepresented in all samples of one clinical group compared to all samples of another group, paving the road for promising additional diagnostic tool for IBDs.

Insights into the role of gastrointestinal ultrasound in ulcerative colitis

Endoscopic evaluation with histological sampling is the gold standard for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but in the past few years, gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) has been gaining ground. Due to the transmural nature of inflammation in Crohn's disease, GIUS has been mainly applied in this context. However, GIUS is now being reported to be accurate also for ulcerative colitis (UC). This review summarizes current knowledge on the use of GIUS in UC, with a focus on clinical practice. The review covers topics such as GIUS parameters, especially bowel wall thickness; the use of GIUS in assessing disease extent and in monitoring disease activity; GIUS indexes and scores; and the combination of GIUS with transperineal ultrasound for a better assessment of the rectum. With the always growing body of evidence supporting the accuracy of GIUS in UC, this diagnostic imaging modality can be expected to play a bigger role in disease flare evaluation, early treatment monitoring, and acute severe disease management.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio: A Systematic Scoping Review

Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a biomarker of the systemic inflammatory response. The objective of this systematic scoping review was to examine the literature on NLR and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Specialized Register, DOAJ, PDQT, Biosis Citation Index, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched. A total of 2621 citations yielding 62 primary studies were synthesized under four categories: distinguishing patients with IBD from controls, disease activity differentiation, clinical outcome prediction, and association of NLR with other IBD biomarkers. Thirty-eight studies employed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to generate optimal NLR cutpoints for applications including disease activity differentiation and prediction of response to treatment. Among the most promising findings, NLR may have utility for clinical and endoscopic disease activity differentiation and prediction of loss of response to infliximab (IFX). Overall findings suggest NLR may be a promising IBD biomarker. Assessment of NLR is non-invasive, low cost, and widely accessible given NLR is easily calculated from blood count data routinely and serially monitored in patients with IBD. Further research is justified to elucidate how evaluation of NLR in research and clinical practice would directly impact the quality and cost of care for patients living with IBD.

Real-life burden of adverse reactions to biological therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: a single-centre prospective case series

Background/aim

Biologics represent a key therapeutic option in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but are associated with several side effects. Post-marketing surveillance, through a spontaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs) monitoring system, is essential to assess the safety profile of biologics. The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the occurrence of ADRs in IBD patients treated with biologics from a single centre in Southern Italy.

Methods

Data from patients with Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) who underwent biological therapy were prospectively collected. ADRs were classified according to the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA®).

Results

Overall, 68 (54% male, 68% with UC and 32% with CD) biologic-naïve IBD patients underwent biological therapy. Mean follow-up was 11.7 ± 6.2 months. As a results of switches, for 68 patients we obtained 96 biologic prescriptions. Overall, 45 ADRs occurred in 36 (53%) patients, distributed as follows (ADRs/prescriptions): 19/37 with IFX-Remicade, 5/12 with IFX-Remsima, 8/9 with GOL, 11/26 with ADA, and 2/12 with VDZ. Mild ADRs were 29 (64%), moderate 15 (34%) and 1 (2%) severe. General disorders and administration related reactions were the most frequent ADRs (35%), followed by skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (20%), infections (15%), musculoskeletal (11%), respiratory (6%) blood (4%), gastrointestinal (4%), and vascular disorders (2%). In 9 cases (20%) the ADRs resulted in definitive discontinuation of biologic therapy.

Conclusion

In a prospective cohort of IBD patients, more than half experienced ADRs during biologic therapy. General disorders and administration related reactions were the most common ADRs, while infections were less common and rarely led to discontinuation of therapy. Findings underline the importance of surveillance in management of IBD patients during biologic therapy and implementing safety protocols with data from real-life settings.

Identification of Risk Factors for Coexisting Sinusitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background

This study aimed to analyze the association of coexisting sinusitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), establish significant factors involved in their development, and enable further biological correlation between these 2 diseases.

Methods

The IBD and Sinusitis Study at UChicago Medicine (TISSUe) is a retrospective, single-center study. We reviewed patients to confirm IBD and chronic sinusitis diagnoses. Case-control propensity score matching was performed using matched controls with IBD only or sinusitis only. Statistical methods included chi-squared test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Logistic regression analysis was performed, and factors were considered significant if P &lt; .05.

Results

Stratifying 214 patients with coexisting IBD and sinusitis, 176 patients had IBD first and 38 patients had sinusitis first. Multivariable analysis of factors associated with subsequent disease with matched controls determined that duration of disease, UC, steroid exposure ever, and younger age of IBD diagnosis were associated with subsequent sinusitis in patients with IBD; steroid exposure ever and duration of sinusitis were significantly associated with subsequent IBD in patients with sinusitis.

Conclusion

This study suggests that IBD maintenance therapies are not associated with increased risk of sinusitis, as proposed by adverse events in clinical trial data; rather, UC diagnosis and duration of disease may be more influential in sinusitis development. While further studies are necessary, this study also demonstrates that sinusitis precedes IBD in some patients, probing its biological association with IBD and possible classification as an extraintestinal manifestation.

Linking bacterial enterotoxins and alpha defensin 5 expansion in the Crohn's colitis: A new insight into the etiopathogenetic and differentiation triggers driving colonic inflammatory bowel disease

Evidence link bacterial enterotoxins to apparent crypt-cell like cells (CCLCs), and Alpha Defensin 5 (DEFA5) expansion in the colonic mucosa of Crohn's colitis disease (CC) patients. These areas of ectopic ileal metaplasia, positive for Paneth cell (PC) markers are consistent with diagnosis of CC. Retrospectively, we: 1. Identified 21 patients with indeterminate colitis (IC) between 2000-2007 and were reevaluation their final clinical diagnosis in 2014 after a followed-up for mean 8.7±3.7 (range, 4-14) years. Their initial biopsies were analyzed by DEFA5 bioassay. 2. Differentiated ulcer-associated cell lineage (UACL) analysis by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of the CC patients, stained for Mucin 6 (MUC6) and DEFA5. 3. Treated human immortalized colonic epithelial cells (NCM460) and colonoids with pure DEFA5 on the secretion of signatures after 24hr. The control colonoids were not treated. 4. Treated colonoids with/without enterotoxins for 14 days and the spent medium were collected and determined by quantitative expression of DEFA5, CCLCs and other biologic signatures. The experiments were repeated twice. Three statistical methods were used: (i) Univariate analysis; (ii) LASSO; and (iii) Elastic net. DEFA5 bioassay discriminated CC and ulcerative colitis (UC) in a cohort of IC patients with accuracy. A fit logistic model with group CC and UC as the outcome and the DEFA5 as independent variable differentiator with a positive predictive value of 96 percent. IHC staining of CC for MUC6 and DEFA5 stained in different locations indicating that DEFA5 is not co-expressed in UACL and is therefore NOT the genesis of CC, rather a secretagogue for specific signature(s) that underlie the distinct crypt pathobiology of CC. Notably, we observed expansion of signatures after DEFA5 treatment on NCM460 and colonoids cells expressed at different times, intervals, and intensity. These factors are key stem cell niche regulators leading to DEFA5 secreting CCLCs differentiation 'the colonic ectopy ileal metaplasia formation' conspicuously of pathogenic importance in CC.

Ulcerative Colitis: Making the Diagnosis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory condition of the colon. The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is based on clinical presentation, endoscopic evaluation, and histologic parameters in the absence of demonstrable alternate etiology. The differential diagnosis remains broad, and infection in particular must be considered and excluded. Although laboratory and radiographic findings can aid in the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, endoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis. A correct diagnosis and disease staging are imperative because these factors affect treatment options and prognosis.

First United Arab Emirates consensus on diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel diseases: A 2020 Delphi consensus

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the main entities of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic remittent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The incidence and prevalence are on the rise worldwide, and the heterogeneity between patients and within individuals over time is striking. The progressive advance in our understanding of the etiopathogenesis coupled with an unprecedented increase in therapeutic options have changed the management towards evidence-based interventions by clinicians with patients. This guideline was stimulated and supported by the Emirates Gastroenterology and Hepatology Society following a systematic review and a Delphi consensus process that provided evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding diagnosis, evaluation of disease severity, appropriate and timely use of different investigations, choice of appropriate therapy for induction and remission phase according to disease severity, and management of main complications.

Activity of Inflammatory Bowel Disease After Liver Transplantation for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Predicts Poorer Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity on long-term outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is unknown. We examined the impact of post-LT IBD activity on clinically significant outcomes.

METHODS

One hundred twelve patients undergoing LT for PSC from 2 centers were studied for a median of 7 years. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to their IBD activity after LT: no IBD, mild IBD, and moderate to severe IBD. Patients were classified as having moderate to severe IBD if they met at least 1 of 3 criteria: (i) Mayo 2 or 3 colitis or Simple Endoscopic Score-Crohn's Disease ≥7 on endoscopy; (ii) acute flare of IBD necessitating steroid rescue therapy; or (iii) post-LT colectomy for medically refractory IBD.

RESULTS

Moderate to severe IBD at any time post-transplant was associated with a higher risk of Clostridium difficile infection (27% vs 8% mild IBD vs 8% no IBD; P = 0.02), colorectal cancer/high-grade dysplasia (21% vs 3% both groups; P = 0.004), post-LT colectomy (33% vs 3% vs 0%) and rPSC (64% vs 18% vs 20%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that moderate to severe IBD increased the risk of both rPSC (relative risk [RR], 8.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.81-27.59; P < 0.001) and colorectal cancer/high-grade dysplasia (RR, 10.45; 95% CI, 3.55-22.74; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate to severe IBD at any time post-LT is associated with a higher risk of rPSC and colorectal neoplasia compared with mild IBD and no IBD. Patients with no IBD and mild IBD have similar post-LT outcomes. Future prospective studies are needed to determine if more intensive treatment of moderate to severe IBD improves long-term outcomes in patients undergoing LT for PSC.

MiR-155-Mediated Deregulation of GPER1 Plays an Important Role in the Gender Differences Related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Aim

The incidence and clinical manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are thought to have gender differences, which suggests that the estrogen signaling pathway and intestinal flora may play key roles in the pathogenesis of IBD. In IBD, microRNA-155 (miR-155) is upregulated and regulates G protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER1), which affects the intestinal flora. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of the estrogen receptors and miR-155 in the pathogenesis of IBD.

Methods

From July 2018 to July 2019, in the Department of Gastroenterology at Daping Hospital, Army Military Medical University, a total of 50 patients with IBD were included in this study, and 24 healthy examinees were randomly selected as the control group. Colonoscopies were performed, and clinical characteristics and blood samples were collected from all of the subjects. The serum cytokine levels in the patients with IBD and the health donors were detected by ELISA, and the estrogen receptor level measurements for all of the participants were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The miR-155 levels were detected by qPCR in all of the participants, and miR-155^−/− mice were used to investigate the mechanism of miR-155 in the pathogenesis of IBD.

Results

The clinical characteristics and medications were different for the IBD patients when gender was considered. The male patients produced more proinflammatory cytokines, and while GPER1 expression was downregulated, miR-155 was upregulated in the patients with IBD. MiR-155 showed proinflammatory activity, while GPER1 showed an anti-inflammatory response during the pathogenesis of IBD. The miR-155^−/− mice showed improvements in weight loss, survival, rectal bleeding, colon length, and histopathological changes compared with the wild-type mice. Furthermore, the male miR-155^−/− mice showed increased inflammation compared to the female miR-155^−/− mice in the above aspects.

Conclusion

This study presents evidence indicating that miR-155 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of IBD for the different genders. MiR-155 was upregulated and showed proinflammatory activity, whereas GPER1 showed an anti-inflammatory response during the pathogenesis of IBD. The results demonstrated that more proinflammatory cytokines and reduced GPER1 levels were observed in the male IBD patients. Thus, miR-155 was involved in the regulation of GPER1 and induced gender differences in IBD patients. MiR-155 may be a potential marker for IBD-targeted therapy.

A new treatment for ulcerative colitis: Intracolonic Bifidobacterium and xyloglucan application

Ulcerative colitis (UC) pathogenesis includes the altered gut microbiota, environmental factors, and human immune and genetic predisposition. Recently, its association with reduced bifidobacteria quantity in the microbiota is reported. Xyloglucan, a plant-based prebiotic oligosaccharide, causes increase in bifidobacteria quantity. In this article, we share the results of our UC cases treated by intracolonic single-dose administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and xyloglucan combination. Intracolonic single-dose administration of 200 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of B. animalis subsp. lactis and 4 g of xyloglucan combination was administrated to 10 severe UC patients, who were either unresponsive or had inadequate response to treatment. All patients continued treatment after the procedure. Treatment responses were evaluated by colonoscopic, laboratory, and clinical examination after 6 weeks. Intracolonic single-dose administration of B. animalis subsp. lactis and xyloglucan was found effective in the mucosal healing and resolution of colonic symptoms in UC patients. Intracolonic administration of B. animalis subsp. lactis and xyloglucan in UC is a new single-strain and strain-specific prebiotic combination method. It is easy to apply and has no observable side effect. Its effectiveness on mucosal healing could be attributed to the enhancement of non-stimulatory status and biodiversity in colonic mucosa. Nonetheless, it is still necessary to develop diagnostic strategies to determine the patients to whom this method would be the most applicable.

Medical Management of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, sparing the rectum. The goal of medical therapy is to induce remission with medications, followed by the administration of maintenance medications to prevent a relapse of the disease. The concept of induction of remission and maintenance of remission is very important, as there is an overlap of medications used to induce and maintain remission. Physicians first direct treatment to induce a remission that involves relief of symptoms and mucosal healing of the lining of the colon and then provide long-term treatment to maintain the remission. Standard treatment for CD depends on the extent of involvement and disease severity, for example, mild, moderate, severe, and fulminant.

Combination of procedure for ultra rapid extraction (PURE) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for rapid detection of Mycoplasma bovis in milk

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is typically used for the early detection of mycoplasma in bovine milk; it requires 3 days to obtain results because of the necessary enrichment process. A more rapid, simple, and accurate detection method is required to directly detect the Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) gene in milk. In this study, we assess the utility of combining the following two methods to achieve this goal: the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), which is more sensitive than PCR, and the procedure for ultra rapid extraction (PURE), which adsorbs and filters components that inhibit DNA amplification/detection. LAMP was examined using DNA extracts obtained by four methods. This showed that PURE had the highest sensitivity and specificity and that the combination of PURE and LAMP was able to detect M. bovis in milk. We then showed that the detection limit of M. bovis was 10² colony-forming units per milliliter of milk using the PURE–LAMP. Finally, the respective sensitivities of the PURE–LAMP and PCR were 57% and 86% for bulk tank milk, 89% and 74% for mature milk, 85% and 92% for colostrum/transitional milk, and 97% and 95% for mastitis milk. The specificity was 100% for all milk samples in both LAMP and PCR. We conclude that PCR was suitable for detecting mycoplasma in bulk tank milk and that the PURE–LAMP could detect mycoplasma within 2 hr and was also effective for mature and mastitis milk.

Prevalence and Associations of Avascular Necrosis of the Hip in a Large Well-characterized Cohort of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

OBJECTIVES

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is associated with significant morbidity potentially causing severe pain and disability; patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher prevalence of AVN compared with non-IBD populations. The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of AVN in our IBD population and to evaluate these subjects for the presence of clinical characteristics associated with AVN on computed tomography (CT) imaging.

METHODS

In 1313 IBD patients with abdomen/pelvis CT scans, we identified 27 patients (2.1%) with CT findings consistent with AVN. Through historical chart review, we confirmed that most patients had prior exposure to steroids, although 2 patients had no documented steroid exposure at all.

RESULTS

We found that 59% of the concurrent radiology reports did not comment on the presence of AVN, suggesting that incidental CT findings of AVN among IBD patients are likely underreported. Notably, we found that 63% of these cases had documented complaints of low-back and/or hip pain. Using logistic regression, we found an association between anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive status across IBD (p = 0.007) and a smoking history in Crohn disease (p = 0.03) with the presence of AVN.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that a significant proportion of IBD patients with AVN are reported in their records as having hip or low-back pain, and review of CT imaging under dedicated bone windows may identify AVN among this population. Our findings also suggest that additional etiological factors, beyond corticosteroids, contribute to the development of AVN in IBD. Further investigation is warranted regarding the mechanisms associated with AVN in IBD.

British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn's and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, including patients, their families and friends.

British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn's and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, including patients, their families and friends.

Lemann Index for Assessment of Crohn's Disease: Correlation with the Quality of Life, Endoscopic Disease Activity, Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity and C- Reactive Protein

Aim

Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by continuing inflammation and progressive gut damage. Despite many scoring indices of CD, there is a lack of more global assessment tools for the evaluation of the total disease impact on the gut.

Methods

Fift y-three adult patients with proven CD underwent magnetic resonance enterocolonography (MR-EC), colonoscopy, and clinical activity assessment, including CRP. Quality of life was assessed using IBDQ. MR-EC was used to evaluate the Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity (MaRIA- global (G)) and the Lemann Index (LI). The CD Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS) was used to score the endoscopic activity of the disease.

Results

A signifi cant correlation between the LI and IBDQ was found (r=-0.812, P<0.01). LI and MaRIA-G correlated moderately, while the LI did not correlate significantly with CRP and CDEIS. For the detection of endoscopically active CD, MaRIA-G was more sensitive and specific (83.3%; 73.3%) compared to the LI (66.7%; 60.0%). There was a moderate correlation between CRP and MaRIA-G, as well as CRP and CDEIS (r=0.496; r=0.527,<0.01).

Conclusion

A signifi cant negative correlation between the LI and quality of life, measured by IBDQ, was found in our study, suggesting that the LI could resemble more global features of the disease, besides inflammatory activity of the gut.

A four-decade analysis of the incidence trends, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease patients at single tertiary centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was once considered as a Western disease. However, recent epidemiological data showed an emerging trend of IBD cases in the Eastern Asia countries. Clinico-epidemiological data of IBD in Malaysia is scarce. This study aimed to address this issue.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), diagnosed from January 1980 till June 2018 was conducted at our centre.

RESULTS

A total of 413 IBD patients (281 UC, 132 CD) were identified. Mean crude incidence of IBD has increased steadily over the first three decades: 0.36 (1980-1989), 0.48 (1990-1999) and 0.63 per 100,000 person-years (2000-2009). In the 2010 to 2018 period, the mean crude incidence has doubled to 1.46 per 100,000 person-years. There was a significant rise in the incidence of CD, as depicted by reducing UC:CD ratio: 5:1 (1980-1989), 5:1 (1990-1999), 1.9:1 (2000-2009) and 1.7:1 (2010-2018). The prevalence rate of IBD, UC and CD, respectively were 23.0, 15.67 and 7.36 per 100,000 persons. Of all IBD patients, 61.5% (n = 254) were males. When stratified according to ethnic group, the highest prevalence of IBD was among the Indians: 73.4 per 100,000 persons, followed by Malays: 24.8 per 100,000 persons and Chinese: 14.6 per 100,000 persons. The mean age of diagnosis was 41.2 years for UC and 27.4 years for CD. Majority were non-smokers (UC: 76.9%, CD: 70.5%). The diseases were classified as follows: UC; proctitis (9.2%), left-sided colitis (50.2%) and extensive colitis (40.6%), CD; isolated ileal (22.7%), colonic (28.8%), ileocolonic (47.7%) and upper gastrointestinal (0.8%). 12.9% of CD patients had concurrent perianal disease. Extra intestinal manifestations were observed more in CD (53.8%) as compared to UC (12%). Dysplasia and malignancy, on the other hand, occurred more in UC (4.3%, n = 12) than in CD (0.8%, n = 1). Over one quarter (27.3%) of CD patients and 3.6% of UC patients received biologic therapy.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of IBD is rising in Malaysia, especially in the last one decade. This might be associated with the urbanization and changing diets. Public and clinicians' awareness of this emerging disease in Malaysia is important for the timely detection and management.

Molecular Profiling of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Is It Ready for Use in Clinical Decision-Making?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a heterogeneous disorder in terms of age at onset, clinical phenotypes, severity, disease course, and response to therapy. This underlines the need for predictive and precision medicine that can optimize diagnosis and disease management, provide more cost-effective strategies, and minimize the risk of adverse events. Ideally, we can leverage molecular profiling to predict the risk to develop IBD and disease progression. Despite substantial successes of genome-wide association studies in the identification of genetic variants affecting IBD susceptibility, molecular profiling of disease onset and progression as well as of treatment responses has lagged behind. Still, thanks to technological advances and good study designs, predicting phenotypes using genomics and transcriptomics in IBD has been rapidly evolving. In this review, we summarize the current status of prediction of disease risk, clinical course, and response to therapy based on clinical case presentations. We also discuss the potential and limitations of the currently used approaches.

Inflammatory bowel diseases: time of diagnosis, environmental factors, clinical course, and management - a follow-up study in a private inflammatory bowel disease center (2003-2017)

BACKGROUND

The governmental program of Brazilian Unified National Health System has already published studies on the incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), but up until now, there have been no epidemiological studies in private centers in Brazil. However, these diseases tend to affect people from a higher socioeconomic class, mainly in the capital of MS state that has the third highest GDP in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to analyze an observational, descriptive study of an IBD database in a private center including: the side, behavior of the disease and medical management, the association of extra-intestinal manifestations, and the main clinical symptoms which led to the investigation and diagnosis of IBD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cohort study was developed in which data of all patients with IBD were analyzed with SPSS software in a constructed electronic database.

RESULTS

Of 329 patients, 212 (64.4%) had Crohn's disease (CD) and 117 (35.6%) had ulcerative colitis (UC). Average age at diagnosis of CD was 36.19 (±14.33) and of UC was 41.61 (±15.37). An amount of 50.05% of the patients with CD and 72.7% (P<0.001) with UC were female. We have observed that concerning the first symptoms, diahrrea and blood feces corresponded to 70% in UC while in CD 50% of the patients presented diahrrea with blood feces, loss of weight corresponded to 50% and only diahrrea 25%. (P<0.001). Anti-TNFs corresponded to 56.2% being more frequent in CD 0.001%. CD patients used biologic therapy and antibiotics more frequently than those with UC. In conclusion, IBD is also frequent in private health care centers in Brazil; women are most affected. Symptoms such as diarrhea and bleeding, as well as diarrhea and weight loss, must be taken as warning signs to investigate for inflammatory disease. The use of biologic therapies is frequent in referral centers when patients have severe disease.

Clinical course in Crohn's disease: factors associated with behaviour change and surgery

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic and progressive disease that changes its behaviour over time. Transmural inflammation in CD leads to stricturing and/or penetrating complications.

AIM

To evaluate the frequency of long-term progression of CD phenotypes, the need of abdominal surgery, and the main factors associated with these outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted with a prospective follow-up. Montreal classification was assessed at the moment of the diagnosis and at the end of the follow-up period.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ninety patients were included, with mean follow-up duration of nine years. A change in behaviour was observed in 46 patients (15.9%). Ileocolic location (60.9% vs. 45.1%; p = .049), age at diagnosis <16 years (8.7% vs. 2.0%; p = .017), the use of steroids at diagnosis (43.2% vs. 27.0%; p = .031) and shorter exposure time to biological therapy (15.9 months vs 41.3 months; p < .001) were identified as risk factors for phenotype change. Regarding surgery, 70 patients (24.1%) were submitted to abdominal surgery. Smoking habits (41.3% vs. 26.9%; p = .048), stricturing behaviour (50% vs. 18.4%; p < .001), penetrating behaviour 34.8% vs. 7.8%; p < .001), hospitalisations in the first year of diagnosis (52.3% vs. 12.4%; p < .001), and use of steroids at diagnosis (61.4% vs. 23.6%; p < .001) were more frequently seen in patients subjected to surgery. Patients subjected to surgery were less frequently treated with biological therapy (8.7% vs. 23.4%; p < .025).

CONCLUSIONS

A behaviour progression was observed in about one-sixth of the patients. Progression to a stricturing pattern was the most frequent change in behaviour. Stricturing and penetrating behaviour, higher number of hospitalisations in the first year of diagnosis, use of steroids at diagnosis, smoking status, age at diagnosis <16 years and ileocolic disease location were associated with an unfavourable clinical evolution.

The 1000IBD project: multi-omics data of 1000 inflammatory bowel disease patients; data release 1

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic complex disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with IBD can experience a wide range of symptoms, but the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause these individual differences in clinical presentation remain largely unknown. In consequence, IBD is currently classified into subtypes using clinical characteristics. If we are to develop a more targeted treatment approach, molecular subtypes of IBD need to be discovered that can be used as new drug targets. To achieve this, we need multiple layers of molecular data generated from the same IBD patients.

CONSTRUCTION AND CONTENT

We initiated the 1000IBD project ( https://1000ibd.org ) to prospectively follow more than 1000 IBD patients from the Northern provinces of the Netherlands. For these patients, we have collected a uniquely large number of phenotypes and generated multi-omics profiles. To date, 1215 participants have been enrolled in the project and enrolment is on-going. Phenotype data collected for these participants includes information on dietary and environmental factors, drug responses and adverse drug events. Genome information has been generated using genotyping (ImmunoChip, Global Screening Array and HumanExomeChip) and sequencing (whole exome sequencing and targeted resequencing of IBD susceptibility loci), transcriptome information generated using RNA-sequencing of intestinal biopsies and microbiome information generated using both sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and whole genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing.

UTILITY AND DISCUSSION

All molecular data generated within the 1000IBD project will be shared on the European Genome-Phenome Archive ( https://ega-archive.org , accession no: EGAS00001002702). The first data release, detailed in this announcement and released simultaneously with this publication, will contain basic phenotypes for 1215 participants, genotypes of 314 participants and gut microbiome data from stool samples (315 participants) and biopsies (107 participants) generated by tag sequencing the 16S gene. Future releases will comprise many more additional phenotypes and -omics data layers. 1000IBD data can be used by other researchers as a replication cohort, a dataset to test new software tools, or a dataset for applying new statistical models.

CONCLUSIONS

We report on the establishment and future development of the 1000IBD project: the first comprehensive multi-omics dataset aimed at discovering IBD biomarker profiles and treatment targets.

Serological markers and inflammatory bowel disease: Prevalence of serum markers and their diagnostic value in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic nonspecific disease of the digestive tract that is caused by genetic and environmental factors, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and unclassified IBD. At present, the diagnosis of IBD depends mainly on clinical manifestations, imaging changes, colonoscopy, and pathological biopsy, but there exist some limitations. The advantages of serological markers in IBD diagnosis are prominent, and a large number of relevant studies have been reported. This paper reviews the diagnostic and therapeutic value of serological markers in IBD, with an aim to clarify their role in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.

Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Head and Neck Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Nationwide Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppressed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are at increased risk to develop extra-intestinal malignancies. Immunosuppressed transplant patients show increased incidence of head and neck cancer with impaired survival. This study aims to identify risk factors for oral cavity (OCC) and pharyngeal carcinoma (PC) development in IBD, to compare clinical characteristics in IBD with the general population, and to assess the influence of immunosuppressive medication on survival.

METHODS

We retrospectively searched the Dutch Pathology Database to identify all IBD patients with OCC and PC between 1993 and 2011. Two case-control studies were performed: We compared cases with the general IBD population to identify risk factors, and we compared cases with non-IBD cancer patients for outcome analyses.

RESULTS

We included 66 IBD patients and 2141 controls with OCC, 31 IBD patients and 1552 controls with PC, and 1800 IBD controls. Age at IBD diagnosis was a risk factor for OCC development, Crohn's disease (CD; odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.07), and ulcerative colitis (UC; OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06). For PC, this applied to UC (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06). IBD OCC cases showed impaired survival (P = 0.018); in PC, survival was similar. There was no effect of immunosuppression on survival. Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing of IBD cases revealed 52.2% (12/23) HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinomas (OPCs).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that IBD is associated with impaired OCC survival. Higher age at IBD diagnosis is a risk factor for OCC development. We found no influence of immunosuppression on survival; 52.2% of OPC in IBD contained HPV.

Cohort profile: design and first results of the Dutch IBD Biobank: a prospective, nationwide biobank of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

PURPOSE

The Dutch IBD Biobank aims to facilitate the discovery of predictors for individual disease course and treatment response in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this paper, we aim to describe the establishment of the Dutch IBD Biobank, including the facilitators and barriers to establishment. Moreover, we aim to provide a complete overview of the content of the Dutch IBD Biobank.

PARTICIPANTS

Since 2007, every patient with IBD treated in one of the eight Dutch university medical centres is asked to participate in the Dutch IBD Biobank in which 225 standardised IBD-related data items and biomaterials, such as serum, DNA, biopsies and a stool sample, are collected.

FINDINGS TO DATE

As of June 2014, the Dutch IBD Biobank had enrolled 3388 patients with IBD: 2118 Crohn's disease (62.5%), 1190 ulcerative colitis (35.1%), 74 IBD-unclassified (2.2%) and 6 IBD-indeterminate (0.2%). The inclusion of patients with IBD is ongoing. The quality of the biomaterials is good and serum, DNA and biopsies have been used in newly published studies.

FUTURE PLANS

The genotyping (750 000 genetic variants) of all participants of the Dutch IBD Biobank is currently ongoing, enabling more genetic research. In addition, all participants will start reporting disease activity and outcome measures using an online platform and mobile app.

Efficacy, Safety and Mucosal Healing of Methotrexate in a Large Longitudinal Cohort of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Evidence for the effectiveness of methotrexate (MTX) in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is still incomplete. This study assessed the effectiveness, safety and mucosal healing in IBD patients treated with MTX in the Swiss IBD Cohort.

METHODS

Efficacy was defined by physician assessment or by CD activity index <150 points for Crohn's disease (CD) or Modified Truelove and Witts activity index <4 points for ulcerative colitis (UC), measured at least after 3 months of MTX therapy. Mucosal healing was evaluated after 3 months or more of therapy.

RESULTS

MTX was administered to 341 patients (262 CD; 79 UC) out of 2,660 patients. MTX effectiveness was 59.5% (128/215) in CD and 40.0% (24/60) in UC (chi2 = 7.2409, p = 0.007). Among patients on MTX therapy at the time of analysis, remission was obtained in 87.4% (76/87) and 69.2% (9/13) for CD and UC patients respectively. The median duration of MTX therapy was 40 months for CD and 15 months for UC. Occurrence of adverse events was the first reason for treatment discontinuation (39.4% of all cases). The rate of mucosal healing with MTX was 9.5% for CD and 25% for UC patients respectively.

CONCLUSION

MTX therapy was effective for the induction and maintenance therapy in IBD patients, with only a modest mucosal healing ability.

A comprehensive review and update on Crohn's disease

The term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers principally to two major categories of chronic relapsing inflammatory intestinal disorders: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). In the United States, it is currently estimated that about 1.5 million people suffer from IBD, causing considerable suffering, mortality and economic loss every year. Yet the cause of IBD is unknown, and until we understand more, prevention or cure will not be possible. There is a lot of variation in the incidence and prevalence of CD based on geographic region, environment, immigrant population, and ethnic groups. The annual incidence of CD in North America is reported to be 3.1-20.2 per 100,000 with a prevalence of 201 per 100,000 population. Based on the epidemiological, genetic and immunological data, CD is considered to be a heterogeneous disorder with multifactorial etiology in which genetics and environment interact to manifest the disease. Several genes have been studied so for with respect to CD, but thus far the strong and replicated associations have been identified with NOD2, IL23R and ATG16L1 genes. The risk factors implicated with CD include smoking, low fiber- high carbohydrate diet, altered microbiome and medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. CD is typically characterized by transmural inflammation of the intestine and could affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to perianal area. In terms of distribution of the disease 25% of the patients have colitis only, 25% is ileitis only and 50% have ileocolitis. The Montreal classification is based on the age at diagnosis (<16, 17-40, > 40), disease location (Ileal, colonic, Ileocolonic) and the disease behavior (nonstricturing/nonpenetrating, stricturing, penetrating). The key features for diagnosing CD comprises a combination of radiographic, endoscopic and pathological findings demonstrating focal, asymmetric, transmural or granulomatous features. Abdominal Computed tomography (CT) enterography is the most preferred first-line radiologic study used in the assessment of small bowel CD. The diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance enterography/enteroclysis is similar to that of CT scans and also prevents exposure to ionizing radiation. Endoscopic scores are considered to be the gold standard tool to measure the activity of CD and they are used more commonly in the clinical trials to measure the efficacy of various drugs on inducing and maintaining mucosal healing. The most common scoring systems used to measure clinical disease activity include Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), HBI- Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBI), short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (SIBDQ) and Lehmann score. Management of Crohn's disease has been seen as an evolving challenge owing to its widely heterogeneous manifestations, overlapping characteristics with other inflammatory disorders, often elusive extraintestinal manifestations and uncertain etiology. Therapeutic interventions are tailored to address symptomatic response and subsequent tolerance of the intervention. Chronology of treatment should favor treatment dose acute disease or "induction therapy", followed by maintenance of adequate response or remission, i.e. "maintenance therapy". The medications which are highly effective in inducing remission include steroids and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) inhibitors. Medications used to maintain remission include 5-aminosalicyclic acid products, immunomodulators (Azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate) and TNF inhibitors (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab and golimumab). Surgical interventions like bowel resection, stricturoplasty or drainage of abscess is required in up to two thirds of CD patients during their lifetime. The most common indications for surgical resection are medically refractory disease, perforation, persisting or recurrent obstruction, abscess not amenable to percutaneous drainage, intractable hemorrhage, dysplasia or cancer. Endoscopic recurrence in postoperative CD patients, as defined by Rutgeers score i2-i4 occur in 30-90% of the patients at the neoterminal ileum within 12 months of surgery and almost universally by 5 years. Treating CD requires a comprehensive care team including the patient, primary care provider, and gastroenterologist. In summary CD is a chronic inflammatory condition with a remitting and relapsing course primarily affecting relatively younger population with significant socioeconomic effects.

Comparison of ultrasonography and radiography in diagnosis of rib fractures

PURPOSE

Rib fractures are the most common skeletal thoracic injuries resulting from blunt chest trauma. Half of the rib fractures are not detected upon a precise physical evaluation and radiographs. Recently ultrasonography (USG) has been investigated to detect rib fractures. But based on literature the usefulness of USG varies widely. This study was conducted to investigate the role of USG in the detection of possible rib fractures in comparison with radiography.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, consecutive patients with minor blunt chest trauma and suspected rib fractures presenting in Imam Reza Hospital located in Mashhad-Iran, between April 2013 and October 2013 were assessed by USG and radiography. The radiography was performed in a posteroanterior (PA) chest projection and oblique rib view centered over the area of trauma. The time duration spent in taking USG and radiography were recorded. The prevalence and location of fractures revealed by USG and radiography were compared.

RESULTS

Sixty-one suspected patients were assessed. The male to female ratio was 2.4:1 (43 men and 18 women) with a mean ± SD age of (44.3 ± 19.7) years. There were totally 59 rib fractures in 38 (62.3%) patients based on radiography and USG, while 23 (37.7%) patients had no diagnostic evidence of rib lesions. USG revealed 58 rib fractures in 33 (54.1%) of 61 suspected patients and radiographs revealed 32 rib fractures in 20 (32.8%) of 61 patients. A total of 58 (98.3%) rib fractures were detected by USG, whereas oblique rib view and PA chest radiography showed 27 (45.8%) and 24 (40.7%) rib fractures, respectively. The average duration of USG was (12 ± 3) min (range 7-17 min), whereas the duration of radiography was (27 ± 6) min (range 15-37 min). The kappa coefficient showed a low level of agreement between both USG and PA chest radiography (kappa coefficient = 0.28), and between USG and oblique rib view (kappa coefficient = 0.32).

CONCLUSION

USG discloses more fractures than radiography in most patients presenting with suspected rib fractures. Moreover USG requires significantly less time than radiography.

Do Thiopurines Reduce the Risk of Surgery in Elderly Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease? A 20-Year National Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Evidence that thiopurines impact on the risk of surgery in elderly onset inflammatory bowel disease (EO-IBD) is lacking. We aimed to compare the rates of surgery in EO-IBD (>60 years at diagnosis) with adult-onset IBD (18-59 yrs), and examine the impact of thiopurines on surgical risk in EO-IBD.

METHODS

Using a U.K. database between 1990 and 2010, we compared rates of surgery between adult-onset IBD and EO-IBD using survival analysis. Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) were analyzed separately. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to determine the adjusted relative risk of surgery. We further assessed the impact of duration of thiopurine treatment on risk of surgery.

RESULTS

We identified 2758 of 9515 patients with UC and 1349 of 6490 patients with CD, with EO-IBD. Cumulative 1, 5, and 10 years risk of colectomy was similar in EO-UC (2.2, 4.5, and 5.8%, respectively) and AO-UC (2.2, 5.0, and 7.3%, respectively; P = 0.15). Cumulative 1, 5, and 10 years risk of first intestinal surgery was lower in EO-CD (9.5, 14.6, and 17.9%, respectively) than AO-CD (12.2, 19.0, and 24.4%, respectively; P < 0.001). Early steroid use, steroid dependency, and thiopurine use was associated with higher risk of colectomy in EO-UC. Among EO-UC receiving thiopurines for >12 months, there was a 70% reduction in risk of colectomy (hazard ratio. 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.58). Thiopurines were not associated with a reduced risk of surgery in EO-CD.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of colectomy in EO-UC does not differ from AO-UC, but the risk of surgery in EO-CD is significantly lower than in AO-CD. Sustained thiopurine use of 12 months or more duration in EO-UC reduces the risk colectomy, but does not impact on the risk of surgery in EO-CD. These findings are important given the greater risk of thiopurine-associated lymphoma in the elderly.

Potential model for differential diagnosis between Crohn's disease and primary intestinal lymphoma

AIM

To evaluate the usefulness of different parameters to differentiate Crohn’s disease (CD) from primary intestinal lymphoma (PIL).

METHODS

The medical records of 85 patients with CD and 56 patients with PIL were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, and computed tomographic enterography (CTE) parameters were collected. The univariate value of each parameter was analyzed. A differentiation model was established by pooling all the valuable parameters. Diagnostic efficacy was analyzed, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted.

RESULTS

The demographic and clinical parameters that showed significant values for differentiating CD from PIL included age of onset, symptom duration, presence of diarrhea, abdominal mass, and perianal lesions (P < 0.05). Elevated lactate dehydrogenase and serum β2-microglobulin levels suggested a PIL diagnosis (P < 0.05). The endoscopic parameters that showed significant values for differentiating CD from PIL included multiple-site lesions, longitudinal ulcer, irregular ulcer, and intraluminal proliferative mass (P < 0.05). The CTE parameters that were useful in the identification of the two conditions included involvement of ≤ 3 segments, circular thickening of the bowel wall, wall thickness > 8 mm, aneurysmal dilation, stricture with proximal dilation, “comb sign”, mass showing the “sandwich sign”, and intussusceptions (P < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the differentiation model were 91.8%, 96.4%, 93.6%, 97.5%, and 88.5%, respectively. The cutoff value was 0.5. The area under the ROC curve was 0.989.

CONCLUSION

The differentiation model that integrated the various parameters together may yield a high diagnostic efficacy in the differential diagnosis between CD and PIL.

The First Endoscopy in Suspected Inflammatory Bowel Disease

In a patient presenting with suspected inflammatory bowel disease, the initial endoscopic evaluation is a valuable tool for determining the correct disease diagnosis and the extent and severity of disease. A full colonoscopy and ileoscopy should be performed when possible, with systematic biopsies from each segment. When a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease is established, it is possible to distinguish between Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, and specific endoscopic features may assist in this categorization. Because patchy healing can occur with treatment, it is important to obtain a thorough and accurate assessment of disease characteristics and distribution before initiating therapy.

An improved loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the detection of Mycoplasma bovis

We improved a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay permitting sensitive and rapid Mycoplasma bovis detection. A total of 55 bacterial strains were examined in this study, including 33 M. bovis strains, 14 non-M. bovis mycoplasmas and eight non-mycoplasma bacterial strains. M. bovis was successfully detected by the LAMP assay within 60 min without cross-reaction to any other bacteria. Furthermore, a total of 135 nasal swab samples were tested directly using our LAMP assays, the previously reported LAMP assay, conventional PCR assay without pre-culture and comparing standard culture methods. The improved LAMP assay showed sensitivity and specificity of 97.2% and 90.9%, respectively (with a kappa coefficient of 0.8231), and the sensitivity of our revised LAMP assay was increased compared to existing methods.

Identification of Clinical and Genetic Parameters Associated with Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has recently been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of HS in IBD and to identify clinical and genetic parameters associated with HS in IBD.

METHODS

A questionnaire, validated for HS, was sent to 1969 patients suffering from IBD.

RESULTS

The prevalence of HS in our IBD cohort (1260 participating patients) was significantly higher than in the general population (6.8%-10.6% versus 1%-2%). IBD patients with HS were affected by IBD significantly earlier and more often treated with anti-TNF-α therapy and surgical resection compared to IBD without HS. Female gender, smoking, a higher body mass index, and younger age were independent associated parameters for HS. Within cases allelic association analysis was performed for 59 cases (IBD with HS) and 293 controls (IBD without HS). We observed 2 promising new associations in genomic regions harboring ELOVL7 (rsnumber 10057395 P = 7.15 × 10, odds ratio = 0.4), and in the intergenic region between SULT1B1 and SULT1E1 (rsnumber 2014777 P = 7.48 × 10, odds ratio = 2.3).

CONCLUSIONS

HS is present in 6.8% to 10.6% of IBD patients. Co-morbid HS is associated with an early onset of IBD in which anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy and surgical resections are often needed. We identified a suggestive protective association with ELOVL7 and suggestive risk association with the genes SULT1B1 and SULT1E1 for HS, in the context of IBD. These genetic associations need further exploration and replication in additional independent cohorts.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Overview of Immune Mechanisms and Biological Treatments

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract associated with an imbalance of the intestinal microbiota. Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the most widely known types of IBD and have been the focus of attention due to their increasing incidence. Recent studies have pointed out genes associated with IBD susceptibility that, together with environment factors, may contribute to the outcome of the disease. In ulcerative colitis, there are several therapies available, depending on the stage of the disease. Aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and cyclosporine are used to treat mild, moderate, and severe disease, respectively. In Crohn's disease, drug choices are dependent on both location and behavior of the disease. Nowadays, advances in treatments for IBD have included biological therapies, based mainly on monoclonal antibodies or fusion proteins, such as anti-TNF drugs. Notwithstanding the high cost involved, these biological therapies show a high index of remission, enabling a significant reduction in cases of surgery and hospitalization. Furthermore, migration inhibitors and new cytokine blockers are also a promising alternative for treating patients with IBD. In this review, an analysis of literature data on biological treatments for IBD is approached, with the main focus on therapies based on emerging recombinant biomolecules.