The impact of inflammatory bowel disease post-liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis

The Natural History of Patients With Pre-Existing and De Novo Inflammatory Bowel Disease After Solid Organ Transplantation: EITOS Study of GETECCU

BACKGROUND

Limited data are available on the outcome of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in patients with solid organ transplantation (SOT). We describe the natural history of pre-existing IBD and de novo IBD after SOT.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, multicenter study that included patients with pre-existing IBD at the time of SOT and patients with de novo IBD after SOT. The primary outcome was IBD progression, defined by escalation of medical treatment, surgical therapy, or hospitalization due to refractory IBD. Risk factors were identified using multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 177 patients (106 pre-existing IBD and 71 de novo IBD) were included. Most patients with pre-existing IBD (92.5%) were in remission before SOT. During follow-up, 32% of patients with pre-existing IBD had disease progression, with a median time between SOT and IBD progression of 2.2 (interquartile range, 1.3-4.6) years. In the de novo cohort, 55% of patients had disease progression with a median time to flare of 1.9 (interquartile range, 0.8-3.9) years after diagnosis. In the pre-existing IBD cohort, active IBD at the time of SOT (hazard ratio, 1.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-2.84; P = .012) and the presence of extraintestinal manifestations (hazard ratio, 3.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.47-6.54; P = .003) were predictive factors for IBD progression.

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of patients with pre-existing IBD and about half of patients with de novo IBD have disease progression after SOT. Active IBD at the time of SOT and the presence of extraintestinal manifestations were identified as risk factors for IBD progression.

Immunopathogenesis of Primary Biliary Cholangitis, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Autoimmune Hepatitis: Themes and Concepts

Autoimmune liver diseases include primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis, a family of chronic immune-mediated disorders that target hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Treatments remain nonspecific, variably effective, and noncurative, and the need for liver transplantation is disproportionate to their rarity. Development of effective therapies requires better knowledge of pathogenic mechanisms, including the roles of genetic risk, and how the environment and gut dysbiosis cause immune cell dysfunction and aberrant bile acid signaling. This review summarizes key etiologic and pathogenic concepts and themes relevant for clinical practice and how such learning can guide the development of new therapies for people living with autoimmune liver diseases.

Post-Transplant Management and Complications of Autoimmune Hepatitis, Primary Biliary Cholangitis, and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis including Disease Recurrence

Autoimmune liver diseases have unique post-transplant considerations. These recipients are at increased risk of rejection, and recurrent disease may also develop, which can progress to graft loss and increase mortality. Monitoring for and managing these complications is therefore important, though data on associated risk factors and immunosuppression strategies has in most cases been mixed. There are also other disease-specific complications that require management and may impact these decisions, including inflammatory bowel disease in PSC. Further work to better understand the optimal management strategies for these patients post-transplant is needed.

Treatment of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Including Transplantation

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a progressive cholestatic liver disease that causes stricturing of the intra and extrahepatic bile ducts that can lead to cirrhosis and end stage liver disease. Effective medical therapy has been elusive, but a course of ursodeoxycholic acid may be prescribed at doses of 17-23 mg/kg/day for up to a year to determine if a reduction in serum alkaline phosphatase is observed. A number of drugs are under investigation, including FXR agonists with choleretic and antimicrobial properties. Liver transplantation for PSC has one of the highest survival rates, but recurrent PSC is seen in up to 25% of recipients.

Inflammatory bowel disease and primary sclerosing cholangitis: One disease or two?

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) was declared one of the biggest unmet needs in hepatology during International Liver Congress 2016 in Berlin. Since then, not much has changed unfortunately, largely due to the still elusive pathophysiology of the disease. One of the most striking features of PSC is its association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with the majority of patients with PSC being diagnosed with extensive colitis. This review describes the epidemiology of IBD in PSC, its specific phenotype, complications and potential pathophysiological mechanisms connecting the two diseases. Whether PSC is merely an extra-intestinal manifestation of IBD or if PSC and IBD are two distinct diseases that happen to share a common susceptibility that leads to a dual phenotype is debated. Implications for the management of the two diseases together are also discussed. Overall, this review summarises the available data in PSC-IBD and discusses whether PSC and IBD are one or two disease(s).

Treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis combined with inflammatory bowel disease

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive cholestatic, inflammatory, and fibrotic disease that is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PSC-IBD represents a unique disease entity and patients with this disease have an increased risk of malignancy development, such as colorectal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. The pathogenesis of PSC-IBD involves genetic and environmental factors such as gut dysbiosis and bile acids alteration. However, despite the advancement of disease characteristics, no effective medical therapy has proven to have a significant impact on the prognosis of PSC. The treatment options for patients with PSC-IBD do not differ from those for patients with PSC alone. Potential candidate drugs have been developed based on the pathogenesis of PSC-IBD, such as those that target modulation of bile acids, inflammation, fibrosis, and gut dysbiosis. In this review, we summarize the current medical treatments for PSC-IBD and the status of new emerging therapeutic agents.

Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Subtypes on the Post-liver Transplant Outcomes of Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Liver transplant patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis often present with concurrent inflammatory bowel disease. The effect of comorbid conditions on post-transplant prognosis was evaluated.

METHODS

The 2005-2019 United Network of Organ Sharing Standard Transplant Analysis and Research database was used to identify patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Patients were categorized as having Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, unclassified inflammatory bowel disease, or no inflammatory bowel disease. Baseline characteristics were assessed between cohorts, and outcomes were examined using Cox regression. Outcomes included all-cause mortality, graft failure, infection-induced mortality, and organ system-delineated mortality. Supplementary analyses with unique exclusion and stratification criteria were also performed.

RESULTS

Among 2829 patients undergoing transplant, 1360 were considered to have ulcerative colitis, 372 were considered to have Crohn's Disease, and 69 were considered to have an unclassified form of inflammatory bowel disease. Primary sclerosing cholangitis patients with some form of inflammatory bowel disease had no increased risk for any outcomes. However, patients with ulcerative colitis had lower risks of general infectious (aHR 0.65 95%CI 0.44-0.95) and sepsis-induced (aHR 0.56 95%CI 0.35-0.91) mortality, whereas patients with Crohn's Disease had higher risks of sepsis-induced mortality (aHR 2.13 95%CI 1.22-3.70). Supplementary analyses showed effect modification by abdominal surgery history and era.

CONCLUSION

The type of inflammatory bowel disease in liver transplant patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis was found to portend risk difference for infection-induced mortality, with ulcerative colitis found to be protective and Crohn's Disease predictive of increased mortality secondary to infectious etiologies. These associations warrant further investigation.

Main factors influencing long-term outcomes of liver transplantation in 2022

Liver transplant (LT) outcomes have markedly improved in the recent decades, even if long-term morbidity and mortality are still considerable. Most of late deaths are independent from graft function and different comorbidities, including complications of metabolic syndrome and de novo neoplasms, seem to play a key role in determining long-term outcomes in LT recipients. This review discusses the main factors associated with late mortality and suggests possible strategies to improve long-term management and follow-up after liver transplantation. In particular, the reduction of drug toxicity, the use of tools to identify high-risk patients, and setting up a multidisciplinary team also for long-term management of LT recipients may further improve survival after liver transplantation.

Post-Transplant Immunosuppression in Autoimmune Liver Disease

Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) are a group of conditions where immune-mediated liver damage can lead to the need for transplantation. Collectively, they account for almost a quarter of all liver transplants. Outcomes in terms of graft and patient survival for all liver transplants have improved markedly over decades with improvements in patient selection, surgical techniques and longer-term care and this is also seen in patients with AILDs. The current five- and ten-year survival rates post-transplant in autoimmune disease are excellent, at 88% and 78%, respectively. A key factor in maintaining good outcomes post liver transplant for these autoimmune conditions is the immunosuppression strategy. These patients have increased the rates of rejection, and autoimmune conditions can all recur in the graft ranging from 12 to 60% depending on the population studied. Immunosuppressive regimens are centred on calcineurin inhibitors, often combined with low dose corticosteroids, with or without the addition of antimetabolite therapy. There is no clear evidence-based immunosuppressive regimen for these conditions, and a tailored approach balancing the individuals' immunological profile against the risks of immunosuppression is often used. There are disease-specific considerations to optimised graft function including the role of ursodeoxycholic acid in both primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis and the role and timing of colectomy in primary sclerosing cholangitis in inflammatory bowel disease patients. However, unmet needs still exist in the management of AILDs post liver transplantation particularly in building the evidence base for optimal immunosuppression as well as mitigating the risk of recurrent disease.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis: review for radiologists

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a rare chronic inflammatory disease affecting the bile ducts, which can eventually result in bile duct strictures, cholestasis and cirrhosis. Patients are often asymptomatic but may present with clinical features of cholestasis. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management. This review covers the pathophysiology, clinical features, imaging findings as well as methods of surveillance and post-transplant appearance.

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on sclerosing cholangitis

Management of primary or secondary sclerosing cholangitis is challenging. These Clinical Practice Guidelines have been developed to provide practical guidance on debated topics including diagnostic methods, prognostic assessment, early detection of complications, optimal care pathways and therapeutic (pharmacological, endoscopic or surgical) options both in adults and children.

Alterations in the Course of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Following Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to systematically review and pool data regarding the alterations in the clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) following liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

Relevant prospective and retrospective observational studies were identified by searching databases and gray literature through December 2020. Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled frequency of IBD patients with disease course alterations ("improved," "unchanged," or "aggravated") after LT and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies met our inclusion criteria, reporting the outcomes in 2 or 3 categories. In the analysis of studies with 3-category outcomes (n = 13), the pooled frequencies of patients with improved, unchanged, or aggravated IBD course after LT were 29.4% (95% CI, 16.9% to 41.9%), 51.4% (95% CI, 45.5% to 57.3%), and 25.2% (95% CI, 15.6% to 34.8%), respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed that patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), younger age at LT, or shorter duration of follow-up were more likely to have an improved disease course. Moreover, higher IBD exacerbation estimates were observed in studies with a low risk of bias. In the analysis of studies with 2-category outcomes (n = 12), the pooled frequencies of patients with improved/unchanged or aggravated IBD course were 73.6% (95% CI, 62.2% to 85.0%) and 24.1% (95% CI, 15.1% to 33.2%), respectively. The cumulative incidence of an exacerbated IBD course following LT was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.16-0.29; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that IBD activity remains unchanged (or improved/unchanged) in most IBD patients following LT. Furthermore, IBD type, age, and follow-up length can influence the IBD course after LT.

Recurrent Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Current Understanding, Management, and Future Directions

Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) constitute 5 to 15% of patients listed for liver transplantation worldwide. Although post-transplant outcomes are favorable, recurrent PSC (rPSC) occurs in an important subset of patients, with higher prevalence rates reported with increasing time from transplant. Given its association with poor graft outcomes and risk of retransplant, effort has been made to understand rPSC, its pathophysiology, and risk factors. This review covers these facets of rPSC and focuses on implicated risk factors including pretransplant recipient characteristics, inflammatory bowel-disease-related factors, and donor-specific and transplant-specific factors. Confirming a diagnosis of rPSC requires thoughtful consideration of alternative etiologies so as to ensure confidence in diagnosis, management, subsequent risk assessment, and counseling for patients. Unfortunately, no cure exists for rPSC; however, future large-scale efforts are underway to better characterize the natural history of rPSC and its associated risk factors with hopes of identifying potential key targets for novel therapies.

Inflammatory bowel disease and solid organ transplantation

The population of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and solid organ transplant (SOT) is increasing. Two clinical scenarios exist, recurrence of pre-existing IBD, which is more common, and de novo development of IBD, with a much higher incidence than in the general population. Their clinical course differs and may have a negative impact on the graft in both cases. The pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown and no specific treatment recommendations are available. The combined effect of biologic therapy against IBD and immunosuppressive therapy against a potential rejection means that close monitoring is mandatory to identify infection, autoimmune events and malignancies. The colorectal cancer (CRC) rate is higher in this population. The group at greatest risk are patients with IBD undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

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.

The Course of Ulcerative Colitis After Pediatric Liver Transplantation for Sclerosing Cholangitis

BACKGROUND

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC) are often associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). The impact on the course of UC remains unclear, and up-to-date evidence in pediatric populations is scarce. The aim of the study was to analyze the course of UC in pediatric patients transplanted owing to PSC or ASC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data from children with PSC/ASC and UC who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). In all patients UC diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, endoscopy, and histology.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients (9 female) with PSC or ASC underwent OLT from deceased donors at a median age of 16.8 years (range = 11.5-18.2 years). In 15 patients, UC was diagnosed before OLT (median age of diagnosis = 10.6 years; range = 6.6-18.0 years), and 2 patients developed UC after OLT. Ten patients (59%) presented with pancolitis on initial endoscopy. Disease activity was severe in 9 patients (53%) and most patients improved after initial treatment with steroids. Before OLT only 2 patients (13%) had severe disease activity. After OLT, 4 patients developed flares of the disease. These patients were successfully treated and remained in remission at the end of the posttransplant follow-up period (median = 3.76 years; range = 0.4-15.5 years). None of the patients developed colorectal cancer or underwent colectomy during 3.7 years of post-OLT follow-up.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, the course of UC was not aggravated by OLT for PSC, and UC did not adversely affect patient or graft survival.

Impact of Preexisting Inflammatory Bowel Disease on the Outcome of Liver Transplantation for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Approximately 80% of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) also have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and its effect on the outcomes of liver transplantation (LT) for PSC is unclear. We retrospectively collected data from adults who underwent LT for PSC from 1989 to January 2018 in 4 French LT centers. We compared the rates of patient and graft survivals and of complications after LT. Among 87 patients, 52 (60%) had preexisting IBD. Excluding those who died within the first 3 months, the 10-year patient survival and graft survival rates were 92.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84.3%-100%) and 77.1% (53.8%-85.3%), respectively, in the PSC with IBD (PSC-IBD) group and 97.1% (91.4%-100%; P = 0.44) and 83.2% (69.6%-96.9%; P = 0.43) in the isolated PSC group, respectively. Exposure to azathioprine after LT was significantly associated with mortality (odds ratio [OR], 15.55; 1.31-184.0; P = 0.03), whereas exposure to mycophenolate mofetil was associated with improved survival (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04-0.82; P = 0.03), possibly an era effect. The rate of recurrent PSC was 21% in the PSC-IBD group and 11% in the isolated PSC group (P = 0.24). Severe infections occurred in 125 per 1000 person-years in both groups. Exposure to mycophenolate mofetil was associated with a lower risk of infection (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.08-0.85; P = 0.03). The presence of IBD was associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (OR, 3.24; 95% CI, 1.05-9.98; P = 0.04). IBD prior to LT for PSC may not affect patient or transplant survival but may increase the risk of CMV infection.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis associated colitis: Characterization of clinical, histologic features, and their associations with liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) associated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a unique form of IBD (PSC-IBD) with distinct clinical and histologic features from ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD). In patients with PSC and IBD, the severity of the two disease processes may depend on each other.

AIM

To study the histologic and clinical features of PSC patients with and without IBD.

METHODS

We assessed specimens from patients with UC (n = 28), CD (n = 10), PSC and UC (PSC-UC; n = 26); PSC and CD (PSC-CD; n = 6); and PSC and no IBD (PSC-no IBD; n = 4) between years 1999-2013. PSC-IBD patients were matched to IBD patients without PSC by age and colitis duration. Clinical data including age, gender, age at IBD and PSC diagnoses, IBD duration, treatment, follow-up, orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) were noted.

RESULTS

PSC-UC patients had more isolated right-sided disease (P = 0.03), and less active inflammation in left colon, rectum (P = 0.03 and P = 0.0006), and overall (P = 0.0005) compared to UC. They required less steroids (P = 0.01) and fewer colectomies (P = 0.03) than UC patients. The PSC-CD patients had more ileitis and less rectal involvement compared to PSC-UC and CD. No PSC-CD patients required OLT compared to 38% of PSC-UC (P = 0.1). PSC-IBD (PSC-UC and PSC-CD) patients with OLT had severe disease in the left colon and rectum (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

PSC-UC represents a distinct form of IBD. The different disease phenotype in PSC-IBD patients with OLT may support liver-gut axis interaction, however warrants clinical attention and further research.

The search for the Holy Grail: autoantigenic targets in primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with disease phenotype and neoplasia

Unlike in other autoimmune liver diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis, the role and nature of autoantigenic targets in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a progressive, chronic, immune-mediated, life threatening, genetically predisposed, cholestatic liver illness, is poorly elucidated. Although anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) have been associated with the occurrence of PSC, their corresponding targets have not yet been identified entirely. Genome-wide association studies revealed a significant number of immune-related and even disease-modifying susceptibility loci for PSC. However, these loci did not allow discerning a clear autoimmune pattern nor do the therapy options and the male gender preponderance in PSC support a pathogenic role of autoimmune responses. Nevertheless, PSC is characterized by the co-occurrence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) demonstrating autoimmune responses. The identification of novel autoantigenic targets in IBD such as the major zymogen granule membrane glycoprotein 2 (GP2) or the appearance of proteinase 3 (PR3) autoantibodies (autoAbs) have refocused the interest on a putative association of loss of tolerance with the IBD phenotype and consequently with the PSC phenotype. Not surprisingly, the report of an association between GP2 IgA autoAbs and disease severity in patients with PSC gave a new impetus to autoAb research for autoimmune liver diseases. It might usher in a new era of serological research in this field. The mucosal loss of tolerance against the microbiota-sensing GP2 modulating innate and adaptive intestinal immunity and its putative role in the pathogenesis of PSC will be elaborated in this review. Furthermore, other potential PSC-related autoantigenic targets such as the neutrophil PR3 will be discussed. GP2 IgA may represent a group of new pathogenic antibodies, which share characteristics of both type 2 and 3 of antibody-mediated hypersensitive reactions according to Coombs and Gell.

Guideline review: British Society of Gastroenterology/UK-PSC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of primary sclerosing cholangitis

New British Society of Gastroenterology/UK-PSC guidelines have recently discussed the current state-of-the-art on primary sclerosing cholangitis and outlined key elements for the management of this disease. The current lack of effective pharmacological treatments to prevent progression of liver fibrosis to cirrhosis limits our ability to modify the natural history of the disease. However, a personalised approach and structured follow-up could allow earlier diagnosis and management of complications and favour access to liver transplantation, which remains the only available treatment. Our commentary overviews the updates and summarises the key recommendations of the recent guidelines for the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Impact of Having a Planned Additional Operation at Time of Liver Transplant on Graft and Patient Outcomes

Advances in liver transplantation (LT) have allowed for expanded indications and increased surgical complexity. In select cases, additional surgery may be performed at time of LT rather than prior to LT due to the significant risks associated with advanced liver disease. We retrospectively studied the characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent an additional planned abdominal or cardiac operation at time of LT between 2011–2019. An additional operation (LT+) was defined as a planned operation performed under the same anesthetic as the LT but not directly related to the LT. In total, 547 patients were included in the study, of which 20 underwent LT+ (4%). Additional operations included 10 gastrointestinal, 5 splenic, 3 cardiac, and 2 other abdominal operations. Baseline characteristics between LT and LT+ groups were similar. The median total operating time was significantly longer in LT+ compared to LT only (451 vs. 355 min, p = 0.002). Graft and patient survival, intraoperative blood loss, transfusion of blood products, length of hospital stay, and post-operative complications were not significantly different between groups. In carefully selected patients undergoing LT, certain additional operations performed at the same time appear to be safe with equivalent short-term outcomes and liver graft survival as those undergoing LT alone

British Society of Gastroenterology and UK-PSC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of primary sclerosing cholangitis

These guidelines on the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) were commissioned by the British Society of Gastroenterology liver section. The guideline writing committee included medical representatives from hepatology and gastroenterology groups as well as patient representatives from PSC Support. The guidelines aim to support general physicians, gastroenterologists and surgeons in managing adults with PSC or those presenting with similar cholangiopathies which may mimic PSC, such as IgG4 sclerosing cholangitis. It also acts as a reference for patients with PSC to help them understand their own management. Quality of evidence is presented using the AGREE II format. Guidance is meant to be used as a reference rather than for rigid protocol-based care as we understand that management of patients often requires individual patient-centred considerations.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease: Intestine-liver interrelation

The association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and primary sclerosing cholangitis should be considered a distinct clinical entity. This association involves genetic abnormalities, epidemiological factors (more common in men, with no a geographical pattern) and, commonly, subclinical inflammation, predominance of the right colon (endoscopic and histological), backwash ileitis and rectal sparing. Furthermore, there is an increased risk of colorectal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of this review is to show how IBD influences the progression of this entity, transplantation requirements and recurrence. We also discuss the current evidence on the use of biological therapy in this group of patients.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: risk factors for recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

After liver transplantation primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), the condition returns in the transplanted liver in a subset of patients (recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis, rPSC).

AIM

To define risk factors for rPSC.

METHODS

We searched Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane library for articles published until March 2018. Studies addressing risk factors for developing rPSC were eligible for inclusion. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted using hazard ratios (HR) as effect measure. Study quality was evaluated with the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Cochrane Review Manager.

RESULTS

The electronic database search yielded 449 results. Twenty-one retrospective cohort studies met the inclusion criteria for the review; 14 were included in the meta-analysis. The final cohort included 2159 patients (age range 31-49 years, 68.8% male), of whom 17.7% developed rPSC. Colectomy before liver transplantation, HR 0.65 (95% CI: 0.42-0.99), cholangiocarcinoma before liver transplantation, HR 2.42 (95% CI: 1.20-4.86), inflammatory bowel disease, HR 1.73 (95% CI: 1.17-2.54), donor age, HR 1.24 (95% CI 1.0-1.45) per ten years, MELD score, HR 1.05 (95% CI: 1.02-1.08) per point and acute cellular rejection, HR of 1.94 (95% CI: 1.32-2.83) were associated with the risk of rPSC.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple risk factors for rPSC were identified. Colectomy before liver transplantation reduced the risk of rPSC.

Incidence and outcome of colorectal cancer in liver transplant recipients: A national, multicentre analysis on 8115 patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

De novo malignancies after liver transplantation represent one of the leading causes of death in the long-term. It remains unclear whether liver transplant recipients have an increased risk of colorectal cancer and whether this negatively impacts on survival, particularly in those patients affected by primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

In this national multicentre cohort retrospective study, the incidence of colorectal cancer in 8115 evaluable adult patients undergoing a liver transplantation between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2010 was compared to the incidence in the general population through standardised incidence ratios.

RESULTS

Fifty-two (0.6%) cases of colorectal cancer were identified at a median of 5.6 years postliver transplantation, predominantly grade 2 (76.9%) and stage T3 (50%) at diagnosis. The incidence rate of colorectal cancer in the whole liver transplant population was similar to the general UK population (SIR: 0.92), but significantly higher (SIR: 7.0) in the group of patients affected by primary sclerosing cholangitis/ulcerative colitis. One-, five- and ten-year survival rates from colorectal cancer diagnosis were 71%, 48% and 31%, respectively, and the majority of colorectal cancer patients died of cancer-specific causes.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver transplantation alone is not associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer development. The primary sclerosing cholangitis/ulcerative colitis liver transplant population showed a significantly higher risk of colorectal cancer development than the general population, with a high proportion of advanced stage at diagnosis and a reduced patient survival.

Specific Features of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic and progressive disease of the biliary tract. PSC is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mainly with ulcerative colitis, and most PSC patients have underlying IBD. The pathophysiological interactions between IBD and PSC are unclear, although it seems that the patients with IBD and PSC have a distinct phenotype. IBD with coexisting PSC is more extensive and is characterized by milder activity compared to IBD alone. The coexistence of PSC increases the risk for colorectal cancer in IBD patients and lifelong annual surveillance colonoscopy is recommended. Also, liver transplantation (LT) for PSC may affect the course of IBD. In addition, the management of IBD after LT includes many specific problems. On the other hand, the effect of IBD on the natural history of PSC appears to be milder. However, IBD may increase the risk of postsurgical complications after LT and is a risk factor for recurrent PSC after LT. Overall, the coexistence of IBD with PSC changes the management, natural history and prognosis of both diseases.

Risk of recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis after liver transplantation is associated with de novo inflammatory bowel disease

AIM

To evaluate risk factors for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) recurrence (rPSC) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with well-preserved colons.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of all patients transplanted for PSC in our center between July 1994 and May 2015 and selected 47 with follow-up of at least 60 mo for further analysis based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. rPSC was confirmed by magnetic resonance or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and liver biopsy. All patients were evaluated by protocolary pre-OLT colonoscopy with randomized mucosal biopsies. Colonoscopy was repeated annually after OLT. Both organ donors and recipients were human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typed by serological and/or DNA methods. All input data were thoroughly analyzed employing relevant statistical methods.

RESULTS

Altogether, 31 men and 16 women with a median (range) age of 36 (15-68) years at the time of OLT and a median follow-up of 122 (60-249) mo were included. rPSC was confirmed in 21/47 (44.7%) of patients, a median 63 (12-180) mo after transplantation. De novo colitis [rPSC in 11/12, P ≤ 0.05, hazard ratio (HR): 4.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58-10.98] and history of acute cellular rejection (rPSC in 14/25, P ≤ 0.05; HR: 2.66, 95%CI: 1.03-7.86) showed strong positive associations with rPSC. According to the univariate analysis, overlapping features of autoimmune hepatitis (rPSC in 5/5, P ≤ 0.05) and HLA-DRB1*07 in the donor (rPSC in 10/15, P ≤ 0.05) represent other potential risk factors for rPSC, while the HLA-DRB1*04 (rPSC in 0/6, P ≤ 0.05), HLA-DQB1*03 (rPSC in 1/11, P ≤ 0.05), and HLA-DQB1*07 (rPSC in 0/7, P ≤ 0.05) recipient alleles may have protective roles.

CONCLUSION

De novo colitis and acute cellular rejection are clinical conditions significantly predisposed towards recurrence of PSC after liver transplantation.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Review of the Phenotype and Associated Specific Features

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, progressive cholestatic disease that is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in approximately 70% of cases. Although the pathogenesis is still unknown for both diseases, there is increasing evidence to indicate that they share a common underlying predisposition. Herein, we review the epidemiology, diagnosis, disease pathogenesis, and specific clinical features of the PSC-IBD phenotype. Patients with PSC-IBD have a distinct IBD phenotype with an increased incidence of pancolitis, backwash ileitis, and rectal sparing. Despite often having extensive colonic involvement, these patients present with mild intestinal symptoms or are even asymptomatic, which can delay the diagnosis of IBD. Although the IBD phenotype has been well characterized in PSC patients, the natural history and disease behavior of PSC in PSC-IBD patients is less well defined. There is conflicting evidence regarding the course of IBD in PSC-IBD patients who receive liver transplantation and their risk of recurrent PSC. IBD may also be associated with an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma in PSC patients. Overall, the PSC-IBD population has an increased risk of developing colorectal neoplasia compared to the conventional IBD population. Lifelong annual surveillance colonoscopy is currently recommended.

The impact of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis on graft survival following liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation is the only life-extending intervention for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Given the co-existence with colitis, patients may also require colectomy; a factor potentially conferring improved post-transplant outcomes.

AIM

To determine the impact of restorative surgery via ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) vs retaining an end ileostomy on liver-related outcomes post-transplantation.

METHODS

Graft survival was evaluated across a prospectively accrued transplant database, stratified according to colectomy status and type.

RESULTS

Between 1990 and 2016, 240 individuals with PSC/colitis underwent transplantation (cumulative 1870 patient-years until first graft loss or last follow-up date), of whom 75 also required colectomy. A heightened incidence of graft loss was observed for the IPAA group vs those retaining an end ileostomy (2.8 vs 0.4 per 100 patient-years, log-rank P = 0.005), whereas rates between IPAA vs no colectomy groups were not significantly different (2.8 vs 1.7, P = 0.1). In addition, the ileostomy group experienced significantly lower graft loss rates vs. patients retaining an intact colon (P = 0.044). The risks conferred by IPAA persisted when taking into account timing of colectomy as related to liver transplantation via time-dependent Cox regression analysis. Hepatic artery thrombosis and biliary strictures were the principal aetiologies of graft loss overall. Incidence rates for both were not significantly different between IPAA and no colectomy groups (P = 0.092 and P = 0.358); however, end ileostomy appeared protective (P = 0.007 and 0.031, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In PSC, liver transplantation, colectomy + IPAA is associated with similar incidence rates of hepatic artery thrombosis, recurrent biliary strictures and re-transplantation compared with no colectomy. Colectomy + end ileostomy confers more favourable graft outcomes.

Role of colectomy in preventing recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis in liver transplant recipients

AIM

To study the published evidence on the impact of colectomy in preventing recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis (rPSC).

METHODS

An unrestricted systematic literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, Medline OvidSP, ISI Web of Science, Lista (EBSCO) and the Cochrane library was performed on clinical studies investigating colectomy in liver transplantation (LT) recipients with and without rPSC in the liver allograft. Study quality was evaluated according to a modification of the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) criteria. Primary endpoints were the impact of presence, timing and type of colectomy on rPSC. Overall presence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), time of IBD diagnosis, posttransplant IBD and immunosuppressive regimen were investigated as secondary outcome.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded a total of 180 publications. No randomized controlled trial was identified. Six retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria of which 5 studies were graded as high quality articles. Reporting of IBD was heterogenous but in four publications, either inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis or in particular active colitis post-LT significantly increased the risk of rPSC. The presence of an intact (i.e., retained) colon at LT was identified as risk factor for rPSC in two of the high quality studies while four studies found no effect. Type of colectomy was not associated with rPSC but this endpoint was underreported (only in 33% of included studies). Neither tacrolimus nor cyclosporine A yielded a significant benefit in disease recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

CONCLUSION

The data favours a protective role of pre-/peri-LT colectomy in rPSC but the current evidence is not strong enough to recommend routine colectomy for rPSC prevention.

The IBD and PSC Phenotypes of PSC-IBD

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the characteristics of IBD and PSC that occur in association, as well as their reciprocal influences on disease evolution, in adult and pediatric populations.

RECENT FINDINGS

IBD co-existing with PSC is genetically and clinically distinct from IBD alone. It is frequently characterized by pancolitis, rectal sparing, and possibly backwash ileitis, as well as a threefold increased risk of colorectal dysplasia. Adults and children with colitis and PSC appear to be at increased risk of active endoscopic and histologic disease in the absence of symptoms compared to individuals without PSC. PSC occurring with Crohn's disease has been observed to be less severe than PSC co-existing with ulcerative colitis, independent of its association with small duct disease. Recent studies suggest that colectomy is associated with a decreased risk of recurrent PSC after liver transplantation, challenging the traditional teaching that PSC and IBD evolve independently. While much about the gut-liver axis in PSC-IBD remains poorly understood, the IBD associated with PSC has a unique phenotype, of which subclinical inflammation is an important component. Additional research is needed to characterize further the potentially protective role of colectomy against recurrent PSC post-liver transplantation and to investigate the influence of IBD control and/or colectomy on PSC progression.

Reviewing the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease After Liver Transplantation for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

The presence of concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a distinct disease phenotype that carries a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) than the average IBD patient. Given that liver transplantation (LT) is the only treatment that offers a survival benefit in PSC patients with hepatic dysfunction, management decisions in IBD patients' post-LT for PSC are frequently encountered. One such consideration is the risk of CRC in this immunosuppressed cohort. With most studies showing an increased risk of CRC post-LT in these IBD patients, a closer look at the associated risk factors of CRC and the adopted surveillance strategies in this subset of patients is warranted. Low-dose ursodeoxycholic acid has shown a potential chemopreventive effect in PSC-IBD patients pre-LT; however, a favorable effect remains to be seen in post-LT group. Also, further studies are necessary to assess the benefit of 5 aminosalicylate therapy. Annual surveillance colonoscopy in the post-LT period is recommended for PSC-IBD patients subset given their high risk for CRC.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis - a comprehensive review

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare disorder characterised by multi-focal bile duct strictures and progressive liver disease. Inflammatory bowel disease is usually present and there is a high risk of cholangiocarcinoma and colorectal cancer. Most patients ultimately require liver transplantation, after which disease recurrence may occur. With limited therapeutic options and a lack of proven surveillance strategies, patients currently have significant unmet needs. In the present seminar, we provide a comprehensive review of the status of the field. We emphasise developments related to patient stratification and disease behaviour, and provide an overview of management options from a practical, patient-centered perspective. We survey advances made in the understanding of PSC pathogenesis and summarise the ongoing efforts to develop an effective therapy based on these insights.

Interactions between primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease: implications in the adult liver transplant setting

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease which is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in most cases. As there is currently no medical therapy which alters the natural history of PSC, liver transplantation may be required. Areas covered: We searched for articles in PubMed and critically reviewed current literature on the interrelationship between PSC and IBD with a specific focus on considerations for patients in the liver transplant setting. Expert commentary: PSC is an uncommon disease which limits available studies to be either retrospective or contain relatively small numbers of patients. Based on observations from these studies, the behavior and complications of PSC and IBD impact on each other both before and after a liver transplant. Both these autoimmune conditions and their associated cancer risk also influence patient selection for transplantation and may be impacted by immunosuppression use post-transplant. Hence, a complex interplay exists between PSC, IBD and liver transplantation which requires clarification with ongoing research.

Gut barrier failure biomarkers are associated with poor disease outcome in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

AIM

To assess the prevalence of a panel of serologic markers that reflect gut barrier dysfunction in a mixed cohort of pediatric and adult primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients.

METHODS

Sera of 67 PSC patients [median age (range): 32 (5-79) years, concomitant IBD: 67% and cirrhosis: 20%] were assayed for the presence of antibodies against to F-actin (AAA IgA/IgG) and gliadin (AGA IgA/IgG)] and for serum level of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) by ELISA. Markers of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure [LPS binding protein (LBP)] and various anti-microbial antibodies [anti-OMP Plus IgA and endotoxin core IgA antibody (EndoCAb)] were also determined. Poor disease outcome was defined as orthotopic liver transplantation and/or liver-related death during the follow-up [median: 99 (14-106) mo]. One hundred and fifty-three healthy subjects (HCONT) and 172 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients were the controls.

RESULTS

A total of 28.4%, 28.0%, 9% and 20.9% of PSC patients were positive for AAA IgA, AAA IgG, AGA IgA and AGA IgG, respectively. Frequencies of AAA IgA and AAA IgG (P < 0.001, for both) and AGA IgG (P = 0.01, for both) but not AGA IgA were significantly higher compared to both of the HCONT and the UC groups. In survival analysis, AAA IgA-positivity was revealed as an independent predictor of poor disease outcome after adjusting either for the presence of cirrhosis [HR = 5.15 (1.27-20.86), P = 0.022 or for the Mayo risk score (HR = 4.24 (0.99-18.21), P = 0.052]. AAA IgA-positivity was significantly associated with higher frequency of anti-microbial antibodies (P < 0.001 for EndoCab IgA and P = 0.012 for anti-OMP Plus IgA) and higher level of the enterocyte damage marker (median I-FABP_{AAA IgA posvsneg}: 365 vs 166 pg/mL, P = 0.011), but not with serum LBP level.

CONCLUSION

Presence of IgA type AAA identified PSC patients with progressive disease. Moreover, it is associated with enhanced mucosal immune response to various microbial antigens and enterocyte damage further highlighting the importance of the gut-liver interaction in PSC.

Clinical Course of Ulcerative Colitis After Liver Transplantation in Patients with Concomitant Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

The natural history of ulcerative colitis (UC) after liver transplantation (LT) for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remains ill defined. This study aimed to evaluate the course of UC after LT for PSC.

METHODS

The course of UC, including the clinical colitis severity index, was evaluated in patients with concomitant PSC and UC who received LT for PSC-induced end-stage liver disease. A total of 167 (55.4%) patients with PSC had concurrent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Of 159 cases of IBD that started before LT, 152 (95.5%) had UC and 7 (4.5%) had Crohn's disease.

RESULTS

The mean duration of patient follow-up after LT was 47.7 ± 33.5 months. The simple clinical colitis activity index scores after LT showed no change in 15.8% of patients, decreased in 78.3%, and increased in 5.9%. Seventy-one (46.7%) patients required no change in their specific UC treatment after LT, whereas 12 (7.9%) had to use more aggressive treatments after LT. In 69 (45.4%) patients, treatment could be tapered although not discontinued. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the duration of LT (odds ratio = 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.05, P = 0.03) was significantly associated with aggravation in the clinical course of UC after LT. Posttransplant cyclosporine exposure (odds ratio = 0.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.015-0.79, P = 0.028) and pretransplant body weight (odds ratio = 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.93, P = 0.003) demonstrated a protective effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the clinical course of UC remains unchanged or even improves in the majority of patients after LT, some may experience an aggressive course. The type of immunosuppression after transplantation can affect UC activity after LT. Cyclosporine may have some protective effects post-LT.

Inflammatory bowel disease in liver transplanted patients

Most common hepatobiliary manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and autoimmune hepatitis, ranking them as the main cause of liver transplantation (LT) in IBD setting. Course of pre-existing IBD after LT differs depending on many transplant related factors. Potential risk factors related to IBD deterioration after LT are tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimens, active IBD and cessation of 5-aminosalicylates at the time of LT. About 30% patients experience improvement of IBD after LT, while approximately the same percentage of patients worsens. Occurrence of de novo IBD may develop in 14%-30% of patients with PSC. Recommended IBD therapy after LT is equivalent to recommendations to overall IBD patients. Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha appears to be efficient for refractory IBD. Due to potential side effects it needs to be applied with caution. In average 9% of patients require proctocolectomy due to medically refractory IBD or colorectal carcinoma. The most frequent complication in patients who undergo proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis is pouchitis. It is still undeterminable if LT adds to risk of developing pouchitis in PSC patients. Annual colonoscopies are recommended as surveillance and precaution of colonic malignancies.

Alcohol use and smoking after liver transplantation; complications and prevention

The last thirty years have been very prosperous in the field of liver transplantation (LT), with great advances in organ conservation, surgical techniques, peri-operative management and long-term immunosuppression, resulting in improved patient and graft survival rates as well as quality of life. However, substance addiction after LT, namely alcohol and tobacco, results in short term morbidity together with medium and long-term mortality. The main consequences can be vascular (increased risk of hepatic artery thrombosis in smokers), hepatic (recurrent alcoholic cirrhosis in alcohol relapsers) and oncological (increased risk of malignancy in patients consuming tobacco and/or alcohol after LT). This issue has thus drawn attention in the field of LT research. The management of these two at-risk behaviors addictions need the implication of hepatologists and addiction specialists, before and after LT. This review will summarize our current knowledge in alcohol use and cigarette smoking in the setting of LT, give practical tools for identification of high risk patients and treatment options.

Hepatic Issues and Complications Associated With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Clinical Report From the NASPGHAN Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Hepatology Committees

Hepatobiliary disorders are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and persistent abnormal liver function tests are found in approximately 20% to 30% of individuals with IBD. In most cases, the cause of these elevations will fall into 1 of 3 main categories. They can be as a result of extraintestinal manifestations of the disease process, related to medication toxicity, or the result of an underlying primary hepatic disorder unrelated to IBD. This latter possibility is beyond the scope of this review article, but does need to be considered in anyone with elevated liver function tests. This review is provided as a clinical summary of some of the major hepatic issues that may occur in patients with IBD.

Liver Transplantation for Children With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Autoimmune Hepatitis: UNOS Database Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are progressive immune-mediated inflammatory diseases that may require liver transplant (LT). Outcomes in children undergoing LT for these diseases are poorly studied in the pediatric end-stage liver disease era. We aimed to characterize the outcome of LT in children with AIH and PSC.

METHODS

Children 18 years or younger with PSC or AIH who had a first, isolated LT from 2002 to 2012 were identified from the United Network for Organ Sharing database. Graft and patient outcomes were studied.

RESULTS

A total of 174 children with AIH and 113 with PSC were transplanted in the study period. One-year patient survival was 95.4% for AIH and 97.3% for PSC. Five-year patient survival was 91.4% for AIH and 92.9% for PSC. Patient survival was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Forty-four (25.2%) children with AIH were listed as status 1 for transplant (fulminant hepatic failure at presentation or acute-on-chronic disease). Patients transplanted as status 1 had significantly lower patient survival compared with patients transplanted with AIH and end-stage liver disease. The one- and five-year graft survival rates were not significantly different between patients with AIH and PSC.

CONCLUSION

Children with AIH transplanted as status 1 had significantly lower patient survival rates but similar graft survival rates to children with chronic AIH. Children transplanted for AIH versus PSC showed no significant differences in patient or graft survival at both 1 and 5 years.

Systematic review: recurrent autoimmune liver diseases after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) constitute the third most common indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. Outcomes post LT are generally good but recurrent disease is frequently observed.

AIMS

To describe the frequency and risk factors associated with recurrent AILD post-LT and provide recommendations to reduce the incidence of recurrence based on levels of evidence.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed for full-text papers published in English-language journals, using the keywords 'autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)', 'primary biliary cholangitis and/or cirrhosis (PBC)', 'primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)', 'liver transplantation' and 'recurrent disease'. Management strategies to reduce recurrence after LT were classified according to grade and level of evidence.

RESULTS

Survival rates post-LT are approximately 90% and 70% at 1 and 5 years and recurrent disease occurs in a range of 10-50% of patients with AILD. Recurrent AIH is associated with elevated liver enzymes and IgG before LT, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in the explants and lack of steroids after LT (Grade B). Tacrolimus use is associated with increased risk; use of ciclosporin and preventive ursodeoxycholic acid with reduced risk of PBC recurrence (all Grade B). Intact colon, active ulcerative colitis and early cholestasis are associated with recurrent PSC (Grade B).

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations based on grade A level of evidence are lacking. The need for further study and management includes active immunosuppression before liver transplantation and steroid use after liver transplantation in autoimmune hepatitis; selective immunosuppression with ciclosporin and preventive ursodeoxycholic acid treatment for primary biliary cholangitis; and improved control of inflammatory bowel disease or even colectomy in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Impact of De Novo and Preexisting Inflammatory Bowel Disease on the Outcome of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Diarrhea is a common problem in the setting of solid-organ transplantation, especially orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). De novo or preexisting inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the differential diagnoses. The aims of our study were to evaluate the frequency of de novo IBD in patients with OLT and to assess the impact of de novo IBD and preexisting IBD on the outcome of OLT.

METHODS

This case-control study included all eligible patients who had OLT from January 2001 to December 2009. The study group included all patients who had a biopsy-proven diagnosis of IBD after their OLT (the de novo IBD group). The control groups included patients with existing IBD before OLT and those without IBD before and after OLT. The groups were matched based on their underlying diagnoses of end-stage liver disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 66 subjects were included in the study. The mean age was 45.4 ± 13.4 years, with 44 (66.7%) being male. Fifteen patients (23%) had de novo IBD, 21 (32%) had existing IBD before OLT, and 30 (45%) had no underlying IBD before or after OLT. There were no significant differences between the 2 IBD groups in any of the IBD characteristics, including IBD medications. Subjects without IBD were more likely to receive mycophenolate mofetil within 1 week of OLT than those in the de novo or preexisting IBD (70% versus 23% P = 0.018). Episodes of graft rejection were more commonly observed in subjects with preexisting IBD (52%) than de novo IBD (27%) or no IBD (20%) (P = 0.045). The rate of retransplantation was highest in the de novo IBD group followed by the preexisting IBD group and non-IBD group (20% versus 14% versus 0%; P = 0.029). Combined together, patients with IBD in the setting of OLT were more likely to be retransplanted than those without IBD (16.7% versus 0%, P = 0.045). In multivariate analysis, we found that patients with IBD were 6.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.9-23.9) times more likely to have an adverse outcome after liver transplant (P = 0.004), after adjusting for primary sclerosing cholangitis.

CONCLUSIONS

De novo IBD can occur in patients after OLT. De novo IBD and preexisting IBD were found to be associated with a higher risk for graft failure, suggesting that early diagnosis and closer monitoring of the patients at risk are critical.

Liver Transplantation for Cholestatic Liver Diseases in Adults

Liver transplantation (LT) is an established lifesaving therapy for patients with cholestatic liver diseases, including primary cholestatic diseases, namely primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis, as well as secondary forms of cholestatic liver disease, including those with cholestatic complications of LT needing a retransplant. Patients with cholestatic liver diseases can be transplanted for complications of end-stage liver disease or for disease-specific symptoms before the onset of end-stage liver disease. These patients should be regularly assessed. Patient survival after LT for cholestatic liver diseases is generally better than for other indications.

The Gut-Liver Axis in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Dysregulation of the key genetic, immunologic, and microbiome compounds of the gut-liver axis is the basis for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This creates opportunities to accelerate therapies that have been traditionally developed for IBD to be used in PSC to the benefit of both diseases. Shared genetic susceptibility loci has yielded important clues into the pathogenesis of PSC-IBD. Understanding of the critical links between PSC and IBD are essential in designing clinical care pathways for these complex patients.

Autoimmunity in Crohn's Disease-A Putative Stratification Factor of the Clinical Phenotype

Inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has been linked to a loss of tolerance to self-antigens suggesting the existence of autoantibodies in specific disease phenotypes. However, the lack of clearly defined autoantigenic targets has slowed down research. Genome-wide association studies have identified an impressive number of immune-related susceptibility loci for IBD with no clearly discernible pattern among them. Growing evidence supports the hypothesis that innate immune responses to a low-diversity and impaired gut microbiota may be of key importance in initiating and perpetuating chronic inflammation in IBD. Increasing evidence suggests that reduced microbial diversity and microbial-mucosal epithelium interaction (including adhesion and clearance) are critically involved in IBD pathogenesis. Along these lines the discovery of autoantigenic targets in Crohn's disease (CD) has refocused research in IBD on the possible role of autoimmune responses. The identification of the major zymogen granule membrane glycoprotein 2 (GP2) as an autoantigen in CD patients and its proposed role in the sensing of the microbiota lends credence to this trend. Loss of tolerance to GP2 occurs in up to 40% of patients with CD. Corresponding autoantibodies appear to be associated with distinct disease courses (types or phenotypes) in CD. Here, we critically review autoantibodies in CD for their impact on clinical practice and future IBD research. The immunomodulatory role of GP2 in innate and adaptive intestinal immunity is also discussed.

Systematic review: bile acids and intestinal inflammation-luminal aggressors or regulators of mucosal defence?

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), comprising Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic conditions attributed to an aberrant immune response to luminal triggers. Recently, published work suggests a pathogenic role for bile acids in this context.

AIM

To perform a systematic review of studies investigating the role of bile acids in intestinal inflammation and present potentially relevant clinical implications.

METHODS

Pubmed search for English language articles published up to May 2015. Terms used were: 'bile', 'bile acid', 'barrier', 'small bowel injury', 'Crohn's' and 'colitis'.

RESULTS

Experimental studies support a variable role for bile acids in intestinal barrier homoeostasis. This may be attributed to different physicochemical properties, variable effects on epithelia and immune cells via bile acids-specific receptors, or through a cross-talk with the gut microbiome. A reduction in the bile acids pool, with lower concentrations of secondary forms, has been recognised for some time in Crohn's disease and associated to ileal dysfunction and bile acids malabsorption. Recent work suggests that these changes, including an increase in sulphated forms, are related to inflammatory activity in both Crohn's disease and UC. The detrimental effects of 'western diet' elements such as emulsifiers and fat, which have been implicated in the development of the current IBD and obesity epidemics, may also be bile acid-mediated.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there are only a few observational clinical studies to support an interaction, in vivo human and animal studies support an association between bile acids metabolism, the gut microbiome and intestinal inflammation. This may well prove to have significant diagnostic and therapeutic implications.