Association Between Sense of Coherence, Disease-Specific Symptoms, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Japanese Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

We examined the associations among disease-related symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and sense of coherence (SOC) in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey involved patients and physicians at 23 hospitals specializing in UC treatment in Japan (December 2019-December 2020). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed using scores on the Mental Health and General Health subscales of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey as outcomes and SOC as the main independent variable. Scores on the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL) were used to measure the effect of disease-related symptoms. The moderating effect of symptoms on the association between HRQOL and SOC was also tested.

RESULTS

SOC was positively and independently associated with HRQOL (Mental Health: β = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.24-0.61, P < 0.001; General Health: β = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.23-0.59, P < 0.001). The association of SOC with Mental Health scores did not differ by symptoms, whereas its association with General Health was attenuated by symptoms (interaction term of IBDQ by SOC: β = -0.0082, 95% CI = -0.017 to 0.00064, P = 0.07; that of FIQL by SOC: β = -0.0052, 95% CI = -0.011 to 0.0010, P = 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

SOC affected mental health independently, and its protective association with general health perception was affected by symptoms. Further research is required to determine the most effective use of SOC in interventions to improve HRQOL in patients with UC.

Endoscopic Lesions of Postoperative Anastomotic Area in Patients With Crohn's Disease in the Biologic Era: A Japanese Multi-Centre Nationwide Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Many patients have endoscopic evidence of recurrent Crohn's disease [CD] at 1 year after intestinal resection. These lesions predict future clinical recurrence. We endoscopically evaluated postoperative anastomotic lesions in CD patients from a large cohort of postoperative CD patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled CD patients who underwent surgical resection between 2008 and 2013 at 19 inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]-specialist institutions. The initial analyses included patients who underwent ileocolonoscopy ~1 year after intestinal resection. Follow-up analyses assessed any changes in the endoscopic findings over time. We evaluated the postoperative endoscopic findings, which were classified into four categories [no lesion, mild, intermediate, severe] at the sites of the anastomotic line and peri-anastomosis.

RESULTS

In total, 267 CD patients underwent postoperative ileocolonoscopy. Postoperative anastomotic lesions were widely detected in index ileocolonoscopy [61.0%] and were more frequently detected in follow-up ileocolonoscopy [74.9%]. Endoscopic severity also increased. Patients with intermediate or severe peri-anastomotic or anastomotic line lesions at the index ileocolonoscopy required significantly more interventions, including endoscopic dilatation or surgery, than patients with mild lesions or no lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Frequent anastomotic lesions were observed at the postoperative index ileocolonoscopy. These gradually increased for subsequent ileocolonoscopy, even in the biologic era. Regarding lesions on the anastomotic line, intermediate lesions on the anastomotic line [e.g. irregular or deep ulcers] might be considered recurrent disease, and mild lesions [e.g. linear superficial ulcers] might be considered non-recurrent disease. Prospective studies are needed to resolve this issue, including treatment enhancement.

[A case of ulcerative colitis complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation that improved markedly after surgery]

A 57-year-old man presenting with severe ulcerative colitis (UC) complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was referred to our hospital. Since it was difficult to improve DIC immediately with any medical treatment, total proctocolectomy, ileoanal canal anastomosis, and ileostomy were performed on the patient. Soon after the surgery, his platelet count and coagulability improved, and he recovered from DIC. Thus, when the cause of DIC is probably UC itself, and medical treatment has limited efficacy in improving the DIC, surgery should be performed as soon as possible to eliminate the cause of DIC, considering the general condition of the patient.

Postoperative results and complications of fecal diversion for anorectal Crohn's disease

PURPOSE

Fecal diversion is a less-invasive technique that can alleviate symptoms in patients with refractory anorectal Crohn's disease. However, complications, including recurrence of residual anorectal Crohn's disease, may develop. We aimed to evaluate the postoperative results and complications associated with fecal diversion in patients with refractory anorectal Crohn's disease.

METHODS

We enrolled 1218 Crohn's disease patients who underwent laparotomy at our institute. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features of 174 patients who underwent fecal diversion for refractory anorectal Crohn's disease, complications of the diverted colorectum, and the incidence and risk factors for proctectomy after fecal diversion.

RESULTS

After fecal diversion, 74% of patients showed improved symptoms. However, bowel continuity restoration was successful in four patients (2.2%), and anorectal Crohn's disease recurred in all patients. Seventeen patients developed cancer with a poor prognosis. The rate of conversion to proctectomy after fecal diversion was 41.3%, and the risk factors included rectal involvement (p = 0.02), loop-type stoma (p < 0.01), and the absence of treatment with biologics after fecal diversion (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Fecal diversion for refractory anorectal Crohn's disease can improve clinical symptoms. Patients with rectal involvement or loop-type stoma have a greater risk of requiring proctectomy following fecal diversion. The administration of biologic may decrease the rate of proctectomy.

Management of pouch neoplasia: consensus guidelines from the International Ileal Pouch Consortium

Surveillance pouchoscopy is recommended for patients with restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis, with the surveillance interval depending on the risk of neoplasia. Neoplasia in patients with ileal pouches mainly have a glandular source and less often are of squamous cell origin. Various grades of neoplasia can occur in the prepouch ileum, pouch body, rectal cuff, anal transition zone, anus, or perianal skin. The main treatment modalities are endoscopic polypectomy, endoscopic ablation, endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, surgical local excision, surgical circumferential resection and re-anastomosis, and pouch excision. The choice of the treatment modality is determined by the grade, location, size, and features of neoplastic lesions, along with patients' risk of neoplasia and comorbidities, and local endoscopic and surgical expertise.

Postoperative complications, bowel function, and prognosis in restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis-a single-center observational study of 320 patients

PURPOSE

To determine the selection criteria, postoperative complications, bowel function, and prognosis of stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) and hand-sewn IPAA for ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

We defined our surgical indications and strategy, and compared the postoperative complications, bowel function, and prognoses between patients who underwent stapled and hand-sewn IPAA for UC at the Yokohama City University Medical Center between 2004 and 2017.

RESULTS

Among 320 patients enrolled, 298 patients underwent stapled IPAA while 22 underwent hand-sewn IPAA. There was no significant difference in the postoperative complications between the two groups. Regarding postoperative bowel function, stapled IPAA caused significantly less soiling (stapled vs hand-sewn: 9.1% vs 41.0%, odds ratio (OR) = 0.14, p < 0.0002), spotting (stapled vs hand-sewn: 23.2% vs 63.6%, OR = 0.17, p < 0.0001), and difficulty in distinguishing feces from flatus (stapled vs hand-sewn: 39.9% vs 63.6%, OR = 0.36, p < 0.026). No postoperative neoplasia was observed at the final follow-up in all patients.

CONCLUSION

In this study, there was no clear difference in the postoperative complications between stapled and hand-sewn IPAA, but stapled IPAA resulted in better postoperative bowel function. Postoperative oncogenesis from the residual mucosa is rare. However, future cancer risk remains; thus, careful follow-up is required.

Treatment of pouchitis, Crohn's disease, cuffitis, and other inflammatory disorders of the pouch: consensus guidelines from the International Ileal Pouch Consortium

Pouchitis, Crohn's disease of the pouch, cuffitis, polyps, and extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease are common inflammatory disorders of the ileal pouch. Acute pouchitis is treated with oral antibiotics and chronic pouchitis often requires anti-inflammatory therapy, including the use of biologics. Aetiological factors for secondary pouchitis should be evaluated and managed accordingly. Crohn's disease of the pouch is usually treated with biologics and its stricturing and fistulising complications can be treated with endoscopy or surgery. The underlying cause of cuffitis determines treatment strategies. Endoscopic polypectomy is recommended for large, symptomatic inflammatory polyps and polyps in the cuff. The management principles of extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease in patients with pouches are similar to those in patients without pouches.

A review on the current status and definitions of activity indices in inflammatory bowel disease: how to use indices for precise evaluation

Many clinical trials have been conducted for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), so various clinical indices (CIs) and endoscopic indices (EIs) have also been evaluated. However, recently, with the progress of IBD management, review of established indices from previous studies, and establishment of new indices, the landscape of the use of indices in clinical trials have changed. We investigated the number and frequency of the indices adapted in recent clinical trials for ulcerative colitis (CI and EI) and Crohn's disease (CI, EI, index related to magnetic resonance imaging, index for evaluating patient-reported outcomes, and health-related quality of life). Based on the results, we selected representative indices and further reviewed their content and characteristics. Moreover, various definitions, including clinical and endoscopic response or remission, have been described by means of representative indices in clinical trials.

[A case of a patient with Crohn's disease who had vaginal delivery after abdominoperineal resection for severe anorectal complications]

We report the case of a young female patient with Crohn's disease case who had vaginal delivery after abdominoperineal resection for severe perianal disease. The patient had Crohn's disease with anorectal complications for 13 years and underwent abdominoperineal resection for anorectal stenosis, complex anal fistula, and rectovaginal fistula in her early twenties. Seven years later, she got pregnant and gave birth to a healthy boy by vaginal delivery. No recurrence of Crohn's disease was observed during the perinatal period. There is no curative treatment for severe anorectal complications, which may be necessary for young patients to undergo abdominoperineal resection. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of Crohn's disease with anorectal complications on pregnancy and childbirth in affected patients.

Diagnosis and classification of ileal pouch disorders: consensus guidelines from the International Ileal Pouch Consortium

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is an option for most patients with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis who require colectomy. Although the construction of an ileal pouch substantially improves patients' health-related quality of life, the surgery is, directly or indirectly, associated with various structural, inflammatory, and functional adverse sequelae. Furthermore, the surgical procedure does not completely abolish the risk for neoplasia. Patients with ileal pouches often present with extraintestinal, systemic inflammatory conditions. The International Ileal Pouch Consortium was established to create this consensus document on the diagnosis and classification of ileal pouch disorders using available evidence and the panellists' expertise. In a given individual, the condition of the pouch can change over time. Therefore, close monitoring of the activity and progression of the disease is essential to make accurate modifications in the diagnosis and classification in a timely manner.

[Pregnancy and delivery in patients with Crohn's disease who had a history of abdominal surgery]

OBJECTIVE

A few studies have focused on pregnancy and childbirth in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) who had a history of abdominal surgery. The objective of this study is to analyze the problems of pregnant patients with CD with a history of abdominal surgery.

METHODS

The rates of pregnancy-related complications and adverse birth outcomes were retrospectively analyzed in 29 patients with CD (45 pregnancies) with previous intestinal surgery.

RESULTS

In this study, the following outcomes were observed:normal births occurred in 55.6% of the pregnancies, preterm births in 13.3%, and spontaneous abortions in 20.0%. The vaginal birth and cesarean section rates were 45.7% and 40.0%, respectively. The rate of low-birth weight infants was 14.3%.

CONCLUSION

Overall, patients with CD with previous abdominal surgery can conceive and give birth. However, care needs to be taken to avoid preterm birth, spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, and cesarean delivery.

Perioperative Venous Thromboembolism in Ulcerative Colitis: A Multicenter Prospective Study in Japan

Background

Recently, the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Asian patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is gradually increasing. IBD surgery is a well-recognized risk factor for VTE. However, there are no prospective studies about VTE after surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC) in Asia. This multicenter prospective study aimed to clarify the prevalence and risk factors for perioperative VTE in UC surgery in Japan.

Methods

A total of 134 patients with UC were included from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014. Preoperative screening was performed in all patients. In the perioperative period, standard VTE prophylaxis based on risk assessment was administered. The prevalence of pre- and postoperative VTE, its risk factors, and mortality rates were investigated.

Results

Perioperative deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were diagnosed in 15 (11.1%) and 1 patient (0.7%), respectively. All patients were asymptomatic. No surgery-related deaths were found (mortality rate 0%). Seven patients (5.2%) were diagnosed, and 8 (6.4%) during postoperative follow-up by ultrasonography or computed tomography. Forty-seven percent of VTE cases was developed preoperatively. A preoperative hospital length stay of over 5 days was a significant risk factor [P = 0.04; odds ratio: 8.26 (1.06-64.60)] for preoperative VTE. Postoperative deep vein thrombosis occurred in 8 of the 127 patients (6.4%). Six out of these 8 (75.0%) occurred after postoperative day 14. Perioperative blood transfusion was a significant risk factor [P = 0.04; odds ratio: 8.26 (1.06-64.60)] for postoperative VTE.

Conclusion

A VTE-conscious perioperative management is as necessary in Asia as in Western countries.

Postoperative Survival in Colitis-associated Colorectal Cancer With Ulcerative Colitis in Japan: A Multicenter Analysis

BACKGROUND/AIM

The aim of the study was to analyze the postoperative survival of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) with ulcerative colitis (UC), and the risk factors affecting it.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A questionnaire including postoperative survival was sent to 88 hospitals that reported CAC patients in the literature up until January, 2006 and to members of the Research Group of Intractable Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

RESULTS

The 5-year postoperative overall survival (OS) of 170 CAC patients was 74.2% which was similar to sporadic colorectal cancer in Japan (72.1%). Pathologic TNM stage, histological type, type of surgical procedure (proctocolectomy, segmental resection), and preoperative cancer surveillance were statistically significant factors for OS. By Cox regression analysis, pathologic TNM stage and proctocolectomy were statistically significant prognostic factors for OS.

CONCLUSION

In CAC with UC, the postoperative OS was similar to sporadic colorectal cancer. Pathologic TNM stage and proctocolectomy were confirmed as important prognostic factors.

Clinicopathological and prognostic evaluations of anorectal cancer after fecal diversion for patients with Crohn's disease

PURPOSE

Colorectum diversion with a proximal stoma is often the preferred surgical approach in patients with Crohn's disease-related anorectal lesions or refractory colitis. To date, few studies have assessed the incidence and prognosis of cancer in the diverted anorectal segments. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of anorectal cancer associated with Crohn's disease following fecal diversion.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study based on medical records of patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease between 1999 and 2020. It was conducted at Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital. Patients diagnosed with anorectal cancer following fecal diversion were identified, and their prognosis was the primary outcome measure.

RESULTS

Among 1615 patients, 232 patients (14%) underwent colorectum diversion. Of those 232 patients, 11 were diagnosed with anorectal cancer following fecal diversion, ten were diagnosed with advanced cancer, 10 underwent abdominoperineal resection, and eight died. 1 could not undergo resection due to multiple lung metastasis and died. The overall five-year survival rate in patients diagnosed with anorectal cancer following fecal diversion was 20%.

CONCLUSION

Crohn's disease-associated anorectal cancer following fecal diversion was challenging to diagnose early, and patients had a poor prognosis even after curative resection. Early abdominoperineal resection may be considered for patients with Crohn's disease who cannot benefit from cancer screening and surveillance due to difficulty accessing the anorectal stricture via endoscopy.

Ulcerative colitis-related severe enteritis: an infrequent but serious complication after colectomy

BACKGROUND AND AIM

After colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC), very severe and sometimes lethal enteritis can develop. However, the clinical features remain uncertain because of the low incidence, diversity of symptoms, and undefined diagnostic criteria. The aim of this study was to define postoperative ulcerative colitis-related severe enteritis (UCRSE) and to investigate its clinical features.

METHODS

A retrospective multicenter study was performed as a survey of major medical facilities utilizing surgical supplies for inflammatory bowel disease in Japan from 2001 to 2014. UCRSE was defined as a case with massive intestinal bleeding, intestinal perforation, high-output stoma, and/or a requirement for medications, such as steroids and biologics. Patients with gastroduodenal lesions or pouchitis alone were excluded. The incidence, symptoms, involvement of bacteria, cytomegalovirus reactivation, treatment, and prognosis were examined for patients with UCRSE after colectomy.

RESULTS

Forty-two (0.8%) out of 5284 cases met the criteria for UCRSE. Major symptoms were massive intestinal bleeding (76.2%), which required a median of 3850 (560-18900) mL blood transfusion; high-output stoma (38.1%) with excretion of fluid of 5000 (2000-7800) mL/day; and intestinal perforation (7.1%). Hypovolemic shock (35.7%) and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation (31.0%) developed as serious complications. Tests for cytomegalovirus reactivation were positive in 26.2% of cases. The presence of pathogenic bacteria was confirmed in only 5 cases. Corticosteroids or infliximabs were effective in half of the patients. Thirteen cases (31.0%) were treated surgically and 22 cases (56.4%) required maintenance therapy. The mortality rate was 11.9%.

CONCLUSION

UCRSE is a rare but serious complication after colectomy and is sometimes life-threatening.

[Preoperative diagnosis of small intestinal cancer associated with Crohn's disease: a case report]

The patient was a 46-year-old woman with a history of Crohn's disease for several years. At 45 years of age, a colonoscopy was performed, and a protruding lesion in the terminal ileum was detected. Pathological analysis of a biopsy specimen noted high suspicion for a well differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent ileocecal resection, and histological examination of the specimen revealed that infiltration of the well differentiated adenocarcinoma was limited to the mucosa. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known case of early small intestinal cancer associated with Crohn's disease in Japan. Both endoscopy and a biopsy of any protruding lesions may be useful for making a preoperative diagnosis of small intestinal cancer associated with Crohn's disease.

Transitional care for inflammatory bowel disease: A survey of Japanese pediatric gastroenterologists

BACKGROUND

In 2019 we reported the results of a Japanese national survey designed to explore the views of adult gastroenterologists regarding transitional care for patients with childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For the present study, we conducted a similar survey of pediatric gastroenterologists to compare the views of the two sets of specialists.

METHODS

The survey conducted in 2019 involved 48 representative members of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. They were contacted by conventional mail and their answers were not anonymized. Respondents who had already referred patients with IBD to adult gastroenterologists were asked in a questionnaire to rank the importance of specific statements on a Likert scale.

RESULTS

The response rate was 79% and 29 (60%) of the respondents had experienced transitional care for patients with IBD. Transfer to adult care was considered by 90% of the respondents to be the ideal form of medical care for adolescents/young adults with IBD. However, 59% of the respondents had experienced some degree of difficulty when making referrals for such care. The majority of pediatric gastroenterologists considered that the ideal age for transfer was 18-22 years. Among the respondents, physicians at municipal hospitals considered that the presence of diseases other than IBD and a shortage of manpower were significantly more important issues than other practice settings.

CONCLUSIONS

The present survey revealed that the general views regarding transitional care for IBD between pediatric and adult gastroenterologists were similar, except for the appropriate time for transfer. The results underline the importance of preparing a transition program appropriate to practice settings.

[Familial adenomatous polyposis with papillary thyroid cancer:a case report]

The patient is 36-year-old woman who complained of proptosis and was diagnosed as thyroid cancer. The pathologic diagnosis of her resected specimen was papillary thyroid cancer, cribriform morular variant (CMV). Subsequently, she was suspected of having familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), although she had no family history of it. The diagnosis of FAP was confirmed following colonoscopy, which showed multiple polyps, and the biopsies that revealed multiple adenomas and cancers with APC gene mutation. She underwent restorative proctocolectomy, rectal mucosectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis, and ileostomy in our department. Cancer in the adenomas was found in four polyps on histopathological examination. CMV is known to be complicated with FAP. However, the number of reported cases remains few. This case was relatively rare, with an initial diagnosis of FAP because of the coexistence of CMV. In patients with papillary thyroid cancer (CMV type), colonoscopy should be considered because of the possibility of FAP.

[A case of ulcerative colitis complicated by internal fistula between the transverse colon and stomach]

A case of ulcerative colitis (UC) with an internal fistula was reported;the patient, a 42-year-old male, was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of refractory UC. The preoperative examination revealed an internal fistula between the transverse colon and the stomach. UC was diagnosed preoperatively with an internal fistula, but the possibility of Crohn's disease could not be ruled out at that time. The patient underwent subtotal colectomy with end ileostomy, sigmoid colon mucous fistula, and partial gastrectomy. UC was diagnosed histopathologically, and an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis was performed. An internal fistula can complicate UC;a split surgery is recommended with the possibility of Crohn's disease in the patient.

[A case of ulcerative colitis in an 86-year-old woman undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal canal anastomosis]

An 86-year-old woman was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) in the 1970s. A colonoscopy performed 40 years thereafter revealed a 0-Is lesion in the upper rectum, and pathological examination showed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. The lesion was diagnosed as colitic cancer based on the pathological findings and the 40-year interval since the diagnosis of total colitis type of UC. The patient was in good overall health with good anal function, based on the clinical examination and manometric study;she wished to undergo sphincter-preserving operation. Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal canal anastomosis that preserved the anal canal mucosa was performed. The postoperative course was good, with a defecation frequency of 4-5 times/day without fecal incontinence, and the patient resumed her preoperative lifestyle with very few alterations. Even in elderly patients aged >80 years who have UC, restorative proctocolectomy is feasible for those in good general health and with relatively good anal function, determined based on the daily defecation activity and anal manometry.

Two cases of esophageal ulcer after surgical treatment for ulcerative colitis

The incidence of postoperative esophageal ulcers has been rarely reported associated with severe ulcerative colitis (UC). We report two cases of esophageal ulcers accompanied by acute necrotizing esophagitis after undergoing surgery for severe UC. Both patients, 47- and 53-year-old, were diagnosed with severe UC and underwent subtotal colectomy with sigmoid mucous fistula and ileostomy. In both cases, they had epigastralgia or digestive track bleeding and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed an esophageal ulcer with acute necrotizing esophagitis accompanied by a black degeneration of mucosa after surgery. Conservative treatments improved the lesions. Esophageal stricture requiring endoscopic dilatation occurred in both cases. An acute UC requiring surgery seems to warrant caution in the merger of esophageal ulcer and acute necrotizing esophagitis.

Adult gastroenterologists' views on transitional care: Results from a survey

BACKGROUND

In 2018, Japanese guidelines for autonomy support of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the transitional period were published. These guidelines, however, were prepared mainly by pediatric gastroenterologists. In order to improve such supportive guidelines, it is necessary for pediatric gastroenterologists to be aware of the attitudes and expectations of adult gastroenterologists. Accordingly, the first Japanese national survey designed to explore the views of adult gastroenterologists regarding successful transitional care was conducted.

METHODS

The survey involved institutions at which adult gastroenterologists in the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan's Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Study Group, were working. Physicians were contacted by conventional mail, and their answers were not anonymized. A total of 100 eligible adult institutions were identified. Further specific subgroup analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

A response rate of 34% was achieved. Seventy-six percent of the respondents had experienced some degree of difficulty when accepting patients with childhood-onset IBD referred from pediatric gastroenterologists. With regard to the ideal form of medical care for adolescent patients with IBD, transfer to adult care was supported by 94% of the respondents. Only 27% of respondents, however, stated they would have no hesitation in accepting patients referred from pediatric care centers. Two crucial areas requiring improvement were identified: inadequate clinical summaries and lack of patient independence from their parents/caregivers.

CONCLUSIONS

The present survey results reinforce the importance of a transitional program of education for childhood-onset IBD patients and the need to improve communication between adult and pediatric gastroenterologists.

Postoperative functional outcomes and complications of partially intraanal canal anastomosis in stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis

AIM

For ulcerative colitis (UC), stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) reportedly results in better bowel function than does IPAA with mucosectomy. However, a potential cancer risk in the remnant mucosa has been observed. The clinical results of IPAA by double stapling technique (DS-IPAA) in which the anastomotic line was on the dentate line at posterior wall and the top of anal canal at anterior wall ("Partially intraanal canal anastomosis": PICA) to reduce the remnant mucosa were evaluated.

METHODS

Clinical results of PICA were retrospectively compared with those by DS-IPAA with anastomosis at above the anal canal on 1 year after open surgery. Of 211 UC cases that underwent DS-IPAA, 146 cases (69%) with PICA who were confirmed by the squamous epithelium on the posterior part of the distal donuts were included. Sixty-five cases with anastomosis above the anal canal were evaluated as the control. One stage surgery underwent in 95% of PICA and 93% of control.

RESULTS

One year after surgery, each group had six bowel movements daily. Nighttime evacuation was found in 16% of PICA and in 20% of control. Soiling was found in 1% of PICA and 4.8% of control. After one stage operation, anastomotic leakage that needed ileostomy was observed in 0.7% of PICA and 3% of control.

CONCLUSION

Partially intraanal canal anastomosis (PICA) can reduce anal canal mucosa with the same postoperative bowel function and complication rate as DS-IPAA above the anal canal. This procedure may be feasible for UC patients who can tolerate this procedure in terms of decreasing postoperative cancer risk.

[A case of Crohn's disease complicated by Guillain-Barrè syndrome during ustekinumab therapy]

We herein report a case involving a 23-year-old male patient with active Crohn's disease complicated by Guillain-Barrè syndrome during ustekinumab therapy. At age 11, the patient developed an anal fistula and was found to have multiple aphthae on the rectosigmoid colon, for which he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. At age 12, he underwent gastrojejunal anastomosis for pyrolic stenosis. At age 20, a longitudinal ulcer was found on the ascending colon, and at age 21, aphthae were found on the stomach and efferent jejunum. At age 22, adalimumab was started, but the patient noted abdominal pain and diarrhea 4 months later. Hence, adalimumab was switched to ustekinumab (2017 June). Though ustekinumab was effective, the patient noted anorexia, weakness, and bilateral lower extremity numbness 1 year later (2018 June) and was admitted to the hospital. He was then diagnosed with Guillain-Barrè syndrome after spinal tap, neurological, and hematological examinations. Immunoglobulin therapy was provided but was less effective. The patient has since been receiving physical therapy. This has been the first report regarding Guillain-Barrè syndrome as a complication during ustekinumab therapy.

Acute iliac arterial thrombosis during laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection

Background

Acute iliac arterial thrombosis during surgery is very rare complication. There were few reports on this complication relative to gastroenterological surgery, and the risk has not been recognized.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old man, diagnosed with a rectal cancer (adenocarcinoma of rectum) with known history heavy cigarette smoking with no known history of peripheral vascular disease underwent a laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection. He presented severe pain in the left leg in the recovery room. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed the complete obstruction of the left common iliac artery. A successful revasculization was achieved through a thrombotectomy and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with a stent immediately after the diagnosis. The pain in the left leg disappeared immediately after the revasculization.

Conclusion

An acute arterial thrombosis is a potential complication of the laparoscopic colorectal surgery with the lithotomy position.

Correction to: Management of elderly ulcerative colitis in Japan

Management of elderly ulcerative colitis in Japan.

Management of elderly ulcerative colitis in Japan

Japan has the largest aging society, where many elderly people have intractable diseases including ulcerative colitis (UC). Along with the increasing total number of UC patients, the number of elderly UC patients has also been increasing and will continue to do so in the future. Although the clinical features and natural history of UC in the elderly have many similarities with UC in the non-elderly population, age-specific concerns including comorbidities, immunological dysfunction, and polypharmacy make the diagnosis and management of elderly UC challenging compared to UC in non-elderly patients. Based on increasing data related to elderly UC patients from Japan, as well as other countries, we reviewed the epidemiology, clinical course, differential diagnosis, management of comorbidities, surveillance, medical therapy, and surgery of UC in the elderly.

Crohn's disease manifesting as ileo-urachal fistula: Two cases reports and review of literatures

•

Urachal tumor or umbilical discharge in Crohn’s disease are examined for internal fistula from diseased ileum to urachus.

•

En broc resection with intestinal lesion and urachus is performed with successful outcome.

•

Partial cystectomy is sometimes performed with urinary bladder inflamed.

Introduction: A fistula involving a patent urachus in a patient with Crohn’s disease is rare. Here we report ileourachal fistula formation in two patients with Crohn’ disease.

Case presentations: The first patient was a 29-year-old man with Crohn’s disease and ileitis, and the second patient was a 43-year-old man with Crohn’s disease and ileitis. One of the patients showed pus/fecal discharge via the umbilicus. Both patients were eventually diagnosed with an ileourachal fistula associated with Crohn’s disease. In the first patient, the urachal remnant was connected to the urinary bladder and a Crohn’s disease-related intestinal lesion had formed a fistula to the urachus. In the second patient, a periumbilical inflammatory lesion extended to the bladder through the urachal remnant and to a longitudinal ulcer of the ileal lesion. The first patients underwent partial ileal resection, and partial cystectomy, while the second patient underwent urachal curettage, partial ileal resection, and partial cystectomy. In both.

Conclusion: In cases of Crohn’s disease with an enterocutaneous fistula or pus discharge via the umbilicus, an examination to detect an urachal remnant with a fistula from the diseased intestine should be performed.

Long-term outcomes following restorative proctocolectomy ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in pediatric ulcerative colitis patients: Multicenter national study in Japan

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated surgical outcomes following a colectomy in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine long-term outcomes in a large cohort of pediatric patients who underwent proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for UC.

METHODS

Pediatric patients (<17 years old) who underwent surgery at 12 different hospitals in Japan between May 1979 and March 2015 were included in this study. Information was obtained by the use of a questionnaire survey.

RESULTS

There were 113 (53.3%) male and 99 (46.7%) female pediatric patients. The most common indication for elective surgery was failure of medical management, whereas emergency surgery was carried out for fulminant cases. A hand-sewn IPAA was used with a mucosectomy in 112 (52.8%), stapled anastomosis in 93 (43.9%), and not specified in 7 (3.3%) patients. Small bowel obstruction and surgical site infection were the most frequent early postoperative complications (POC), whereas pouchitis, small bowel obstruction, and perianal fistula were frequent late POC. The most common late POC was pouchitis, found in 38 (17.9%) of the patients, whereas pouch failure was noted in 11 patients at the latest follow-up examination. Cumulative pouch survival rate after 10 years was 91.7%. There were no significant differences regarding gender or anastomotic procedure in relation to cumulative pouch survival rate.

CONCLUSION

To avoid pouch failure following an IPAA procedure, it is important to recognize that pouchitis or an anal fistula may lead to this condition in pediatric UC patients.

β-(1,3)-Glucan derived from Candida albicans induces inflammatory cytokines from macrophages and lamina propria mononuclear cells derived from patients with Crohn's disease

Background/Aims

Recent research has highlighted the importance of interactions between commensal fungi and intestinal inflammation. However, there are few studies investigating whether commensal fungi contribute to inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). The aim of this study is to investigate reveal interactions between commensal fungi and host immune cells in CD.

Methods

CD14-positive monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy human volunteers and then differentiated in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) (referred to as M-macrophages, M-Mϕs) or M-CSF and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (referred to as M-gamma macrophages, Mγ-Mϕs). Cytokine production by these in vitro differentiated macrophages in response to β-(1,3)-glucan was analyzed by flow cytometry. Expression of Dectin-1 was examined using flow cytometry, western blotting, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Cytokine production by in vitro differentiated macrophages in response to β-(1,3)-glucan was measured in the presence of an anti-Dectin-1 receptor antagonist, anti-Syr, or an anti-Fas-1 antibody. Cytokine production by lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) derived from CD patients in response to β-(1,3)-glucan was also analyzed.

Results

Mγ-Mϕs produced a large amount of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 in response to β-(1,3)-glucan. Dectin-1 expression was significantly higher in Mγ-Mϕs than in M-Mϕs. The increase in TNF-α production by Mγ-Mϕs stimulated with glucan was reversed by blocking Dectin-1, Syr or Fas-1. LPMCs derived from CD patients stimulated with β-(1,3)-glucan produced significantly higher amount of TNF-α than LPMCs derived from UC patients.

Conclusions

These results suggest that commensal fungal microbiota may contribute to the pathogenesis of CD by inducing macrophages-derived pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Pouch functional outcomes after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch reconstruction in patients with ulcerative colitis: Japanese multi-center nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although several complications capable of causing pouch failure may develop after restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) for ulcerative colitis (UC), the incidences and causes are conflicting and vary according to country, race and institution. To avoid pouch failure, this study aimed to evaluate the rate of pouch failure and its risk factors in UC patients over the past decade via a nationwide cohort study.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, observational, multicenter study that included 13 institutions in Japan. Patients who underwent RPC between January 2005 and December 2014 were included. The characteristics and backgrounds of the patients before and during surgery and their postoperative courses and complications were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 2376 patients were evaluated over 6.7 ± 3.5 years of follow-up. Twenty-seven non-functional pouches were observed, and the functional pouch rate was 98.9% after RPC. Anastomotic leakage (odds ratio, 9.1) was selected as a risk factor for a non-functional pouch. The cumulative pouch failure rate was 4.2%/10 years. A change in diagnosis to Crohn's disease/indeterminate colitis (hazard ratio, 13.2) was identified as an independent risk factor for pouch failure.

CONCLUSION

The significant risk factor for a non-functional pouch was anastomotic leakage. The optimal staged surgical procedure should be selected according to a patient's condition to avoid anastomotic failure during RPC. Changes in diagnosis after RPC confer a substantial risk of pouch failure. Additional cohort studies are needed to obtain an understanding of the long-standing clinical course of and proper treatment for pouch failure.

[Diagnosis and treatment of six patients with Crohn's disease complicated by recto-perineal-urethral fistula]

Recto-perineal-urethral fistula caused by Crohn's disease is a rare, for which fundamental treatment has not been established yet. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of six male patients with anorectal lesions caused by Crohn's disease. Three patients were treated with abdominoperineal resection and the other three with rectal excision without anastomosis. Excluding one case, which presented worsening immediately after surgery, symptoms of urethral fistula improved without urethral stenosis, dysuria, or sexual dysfunction. Recto-perineal-urethral fistula is currently treated with various treatment modalities, including colostomy and drug therapy. Although the evaluation of these modalities is required, abdominoperineal resection or rectal excision without anastomosis may be a valuable treatment option because these approaches improve the urethral fistula while sparing the urethra without any significant complications.

Surveillance for dysplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis: Discrepancy between guidelines and practice

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The risk of developing colorectal cancer is higher in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) than in the general population. Guidelines recommend surveillance colonoscopy (SCS) to reduce mortality; however, few studies have assessed physicians' adherence to guidelines. This study was aimed to clarify the current status of SCS and adherence to guidelines through the characteristics of cancer/dysplasia surveillance for UC patients in Japan.

METHODS

A questionnaire was mailed to 541 physicians who attended meetings on inflammatory bowel disease.

RESULTS

The respondents encountered a median of 100 UC cases. Thirty percent of the respondents had never managed a UC patient with cancer. Fifty-one percent of the respondents had never diagnosed colorectal cancer with UC. Forty-seven percent of the respondents considered extensive colitis and left-sided colitis as indications for SCS, and 38% carried out SCS regardless of the disease extent. Sixty-three percent of the respondents started SCS at 7-10 years after UC onset, whereas 20% started SCS at 3 years or less. Fifty-two percent of the respondents obtained targeted biopsies only, and chromoendoscopy was used by 49% of the respondents as a special technique for surveillance. Median number of biopsies at SCS was five per patient; it was three among patients whose biopsy was carried out by physicians who obtained targeted biopsies only and seven among those carried out by physicians who obtained step biopsies and targeted biopsies (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

A considerable proportion of the respondents did not follow the guidelines when selecting patients for surveillance and carrying out SCS.

Risk factors of small bowel obstruction following total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis with diverting loop-ileostomy for ulcerative colitis

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) often occurs after total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis with diverting loop‐ileostomy for ulcerative colitis. Little is known about the association between SBO and surgical procedures for diverting loop‐ileostomy. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective questionnaire survey. Unlinkable anonymized data on ileostomy procedures and ileostomy‐related complications including SBO were collected from institutions specializing in surgery for inflammatory bowel disease. In total, 515 patients undergoing total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis with loop‐ileostomy among 1022 patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing surgery during a 3‐year period between 2012 and 2014 were analyzed. Twenty‐nine patients without information on complications were excluded. Incidence of ileostomy‐related complications and factors associated with the development of small bowel obstruction were determined in 486 patients. The most common complications were parastomal dermatitis (n=169, 34.8%), SBO (n=111, 22.8%), mucocutaneous dehiscence (n=59, 12.1%), stoma prolapse (n=21, 4.3%), parastomal hernia (n=12, 2.5%), and stoma retraction (n=11, 2.3%). Incidence of small bowel obstruction was significantly higher in patients with distance from the ileal pouch to the ileostomy of less than 30 cm and in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Procedures for diverting loop‐ileostomy after surgery for ulcerative colitis varied among institutions. Incidence of small bowel obstruction was high after total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis with diverting loop‐ileostomy. Shorter distance between the pouch and the stoma and the laparoscopic surgery were risk factors for SBO in univariate analysis.

A case of Crohn's disease complicated with simultaneous double cancers of the small bowel

A case of Crohn's disease complicated with simultaneous double cancers of the small bowel is reported. The patient is a 66-year-old man who had suffered from Crohn's disease for 20 years. He underwent surgery to identify the source of repeated episodes of intestinal obstruction. Two short segments of strictures and proximal dilatations were found in the distal ileum. Therefore, we performed an en bloc resection of the two stenotic sections instead of strictureplasty. Histological examination of the resected specimen revealed not only Crohn's disease but also a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma within each of the two strictures. One had invaded to the muscular layer and the other to the subserosal layer. In cases of Crohn's disease with longstanding stenosis, the probability of carcinoma should be considered.

[Epidemiology of colitis complicating cancer-postoperative cancer in ulcerative colitis and anorectal cancer in Crohn's disease]

Colitis complicating inflammatory bowel disease is gradually increasing in Japan. Although the postoperative cancer in ulcerative colitis is rare, careful postoperative follow up is nec- essary. Anorectal cancer including cancer of anal fistulae in Crohn's disease is the most common cancer in Japan and our original cancer surveillance program in which biopsy for anorectal lesion is performed for longstanding anal lesion (more than 10 years) is suggested to be effective for the detection of early cancer.

[Maternal Crohn's disease-related vitamin B12 deficient megaloblastic anemia in an infant]

We report an 11-month-old breast-fed boy with feeding difficulties, lethargy, and developmental delay. Blood examination showed pancytopenia and decreased serum levels of vitamin B12. Anisocytosis and poikilocytes were detected in his peripheral blood, and increased megaloblastosis without leukemic cells was detected in his bone marrow. After the diagnosis of megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency, symptoms were improved by vitamin B12 administration. Further investigation of the mother identified Crohn's disease and suggested that the supply of vitamin B12 from the mother to the infant, via the placenta during pregnancy and via breast milk after birth, was decreased due to impaired absorption of vitamin B12 in the mother's small intestine. Magnetic resonance imaging of the boy's brain on admission showed cerebral cortex atrophy which had improved by the age of 1 year and 10 months after vitamin B12 treatment, though developmental delay was still evident at the age of 3 years. Infantile vitamin B12 deficiency often presents with nonspecific manifestations, such as developmental delay and failure to thrive, in addition to anemia and is thus not easily diagnosed. To prevent severe neurological sequelae, this condition must be rapidly diagnosed, because a prolonged duration increases the risk of permanent disabilities.

Current State of and Problems Related to Cancer of the Intestinal Tract Associated with Crohn's Disease in Japan

BACKGROUND/AIM

Cancer of the intestinal tract (small and large intestine) associated with Crohn's disease has a low incidence but can be fatal if it develops. Thus, the key question is how to deal with this type of cancer. The current study surveyed major medical facilities that treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgically in Japan in order to examine the clinical features of cancer of the intestinal tract associated with Crohn's disease and explore ways to deal with this cancer in the future.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixteen major medical facilities that treat IBD surgically were surveyed regarding cancer of the intestinal tract associated with Crohn's disease. The medical facilities had treated 3,454 patients with Crohn's disease, 122 of whom had developed intestinal cancer. The medical facilities were surveyed regarding those 122 patients.

RESULTS

The incidence of intestinal cancer associated with Crohn's disease has increased yearly. Cancer most often developed in the left side of the colon and, particularly, in the rectum and anal canal. Seventy-six percent of cases were diagnosed preoperatively, 4% were diagnosed intraoperatively, while the remaining 20% were diagnosed pathologically after surgery. The most prevalent histological type of cancer was mucinous carcinoma (50%). Forty-two percent of cancers were differentiated, with 4% being poorly differentiated. The surgical procedure performed most often (67%) was abdominoperineal resection. The 5-year survival rate by stage was 88% for Stage I, 68% for Stage II, 71% for Stage IIIa, 25% for Stage IIIb and 0% for Stage IV. Overall, the 5-year survival rate was 52%.

CONCLUSION

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer associated with Crohn's disease had an incidence of 3.5%, but also involved a poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of 52%. Early detection through surveillance is crucial to improving the prognosis for patients. However, surveillance of the intestinal tract with endoscopy or contrast studies is technically and diagnostically hampered by Crohn's disease and intestinal strictures. A biopsy of the anal canal, a common site of cancer, can readily be performed and constitutes the first step in surveillance.

Retrospective Analysis of Growth Speed of 54 Lesions of Colitis-associated Colorectal Neoplasia

AIM

This study used a multicenter questionnaire survey to evaluate the morphology and progression of the initial lesion in cases of colitis-associated colorectal neoplasia (CRN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Endoscopic images of lesions that had been definitively diagnosed as CRN by pathological examination were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

This resulted in the identification of 54 initial lesions in 49 patients. The 54 initial lesions fell into the following categories: 22 endoscopically visible localized lesions consisting of 18 elevated lesions and 4 depressed lesions, as well as 32 lesions that were not endoscopically visible as localized and consisted of 20 active-phase mucosal lesions and 12 remission-phase mucosal lesions. Nineteen of the lesions eventually became advanced cancers, while 35 lesions eventually became early-stage cancers. The final lesions were 40 elevated lesions, 5 flat or depressed lesions and 9 stenotic lesions. The form of growth of the advanced cancers was progressive stenosis or increased elevation. For approximately 69% of the early-stage cancers, the growth form was increasing elevation or development of elevation. For 73.6% of the advanced cancers, the initial lesion underwent rapid growth and became advanced cancer within 3 years; they accounted for 25.9% of the total cancers. Approximately 40% of the initial lesions of CRN were endoscopically visible as localized lesions, while approximately 60% were judged to be inflammatory mucosal lesions.

CONCLUSION

It will be necessary to proactively take biopsy inflammatory mucosal lesions in order to discover tumors early and periodic surveillance should be performed with the knowledge that tumors may grow very quickly.

Prolonged Medical Therapy Increases the Risk of Surgical Complications in Patients with Severe Ulcerative Colitis

AIMS

To determine the risk factors of surgical complications and the optimal timing of surgery for patients with severe ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

One hundred one UC patients who had undergone surgery for a severe indication were retrospectively reviewed. Indications included severe disease unresponsive to medical therapy, massive bleeding, toxic megacolon, and colon perforation. Outcomes were compared based on the occurrence or absence of surgical complications. Patients with severe disease unresponsive to medical therapy were investigated separately to determine the optimal timing of surgery.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference regarding the use of rescue therapy. The duration of all medical therapy for a severe attack was the only significant factor associated with a surgical complication (p = 0.032). In patients with severe disease unresponsive to medical therapy, the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that 30.5 days was the length of medical therapy after which the risk of surgical complications significantly increased.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with severe UC, rescue therapy itself was not related to an increased risk of surgical complications. However, prolonged medical therapy increased the risk of surgical complications. Patients should undergo surgery within 30 days from the institution of medical therapy for a severe attack.

JGES guidelines for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection/endoscopic mucosal resection

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become common in recent years. Suitable lesions for endoscopic treatment include not only early colorectal carcinomas but also many types of precarcinomatous adenomas. It is important to establish practical guidelines in which the preoperative diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia and the selection of endoscopic treatment procedures are properly outlined, and to ensure that the actual endoscopic treatment is useful and safe in general hospitals when carried out in accordance with the guidelines. In cooperation with the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum, the Japanese Society of Coloproctology, and the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology, the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society has recently compiled a set of colorectal ESD/endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) guidelines using evidence-based methods. The guidelines focus on the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and caveat before, during, and after ESD/EMR and, in this regard, exclude the specific procedures, types and proper use of instruments, devices, and drugs. Although eight areas, ranging from indication to pathology, were originally planned for inclusion in these guidelines, evidence was scarce in each area. Therefore, grades of recommendation were determined largely through expert consensus in these areas.

[Recent advances in medical and surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis]

Recent advances in both medical and surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis have been remarkable. Changes in medical treatment are mainly good results of therapy with the anti-TNF-α antibody, tacrolimus, and those in surgical treatment are an expansion of the surgical indications to include patients with intractable disease, such as treatment refractoriness and chronic corticosteroid dependence, by a better postoperative clinical course after pouch surgery, improred selection of surgical procedures and the timing of surgery in elderly patients. To offer the optimal treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis, new medical therapies should be analyzed from the standpoint of the efficacy and limitations of effect. Long postoperative clinical course of surgical patients including colitic cancer, prevention of postoperative complications should be also analyzed.

Cross-talk between RORγt+ innate lymphoid cells and intestinal macrophages induces mucosal IL-22 production in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (IL)-22-producing RORγt innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play a pivotal role in intestinal immunity. Recent reports demonstrated that ILCs contribute to mucosal protection and intestinal inflammation in mice. In humans, numbers of RORγt ILCs are significantly increased in the intestine of patients with Crohn's disease (CD), suggesting that ILCs may be associated with intestinal inflammation in CD. However, the mechanism by which ILCs are regulated in the intestine of patients with CD is poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the activation mechanism of intestinal ILCs in patients with CD.

METHODS

CD45 lineage marker ILCs were isolated from intestinal lamina propria of patients with CD. ILCs were then subdivided into 4 distinct populations based on the expression of CD56 and CD127. Purified ILC subsets were cocultured with intestinal CD14 macrophages, and IL-22 production was evaluated.

RESULTS

CD127CD56 and CD127CD56 ILC, but not CD127CD56 or CD127CD56 ILC, subsets expressed RORγt and produced IL-22. IL-22 production by these ILC subsets was enhanced when ILCs were cocultured with intestinal macrophages. IL-23 or cell-to-cell contact was required for macrophage-mediated activation of ILCs. IL-22 production by ILCs was perturbed in inflamed mucosa compared with noninflamed mucosa. IL-22 induced the expression of Reg1α and Claudin-1 in human intestinal epithelial organoids.

CONCLUSIONS

RORγt ILCs might enhance mucosal barrier function through the upregulation of Reg1α through production of IL-22. Although CD14 macrophages augment intestinal inflammation in patients with CD, macrophages also promote a negative feedback pathway through the activation of IL-22 production by RORγt ILCs.

Long-term incidence and characteristics of intestinal failure in Crohn's disease: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to clarify the risk and characteristics of intestinal failure (IF) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

The present study was a retrospective study in 12 hospitals. CD patients who underwent initial surgery at any of the 12 hospitals between 1970 and 2009 were collected (n = 1,703). Those who developed IF were reviewed (n = 68), and the cumulative risk of IF was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. In addition, IF patients who underwent initial surgery at other hospitals and were then treated at any of the 12 hospitals were also reviewed (n = 33). Thus, a total of 101 IF patients were collected, and the cumulative risk of IF-related death was analyzed.

RESULTS

The cumulative risk of IF after the initial surgery was 0.8 % (5 years), 3.6 % (10 years), 6.1 % (15 years), and 8.5 % (20 years). In CD patients with IF, mean age at initial surgery, IF occurrence, and present age at the time of the study were 28.2, 38.2, and 46.1 years, respectively. The mean number of surgeries per patient was 3.3. The mean length of the remnant small bowel was 163 cm. Twelve IF patients (12 %) had died and the cumulative risk of IF-related death by the time from the occurrence of IF was 1.1 % (3 years), 3.7 % (5 years), 6.5 % (7 years), and 8.9 % (10 years).

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of IF and IF-related death in CD patients is not rare over the long term. There is a pressing need to develop strategies for the prevention and management of IF.

Mucosal CXCR4+ IgG plasma cells contribute to the pathogenesis of human ulcerative colitis through FcγR-mediated CD14 macrophage activation

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation characterised by IgG-producing plasma cell infiltration of colonic mucosa is a histological hallmark of ulcerative colitis (UC); however, whether its function is pathogenic or protective remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the contribution of intestinal IgG plasma cells to UC pathogenesis.

METHODS

We isolated lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) from intestinal mucosa of UC patients and analysed the characteristics of intestinal plasma cells (expression profiles of differentiation molecules and chemokine receptors). We investigated the involvement of IgG-immune complex (IC)-Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) signalling in intestinal inflammation by examining the cytokine production by LPMCs in response to IgG-IC stimulation.

RESULTS

IgG plasma cells that were markedly increased in number in the inflamed mucosa of UC patients showed a distinct expression profile (CD19(+)CD27(low), CCR10(low)CXCR4(high)) compared with IgA plasma cells (CD19(+/-)CD27(high), CCR10(high)CXCR4(-/low)). In vitro IgG-IC stimulation activated intestinal CD14 macrophages that were increased in number in the inflamed mucosa of UC patients via FcγRI and FcγRII, and induced the extensive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), comparable to the effect of commensal bacteria stimulation. Co-stimulation with IgG-IC and commensal bacteria increased TNF and IL-1β production more than stimulation with the latter alone. Furthermore, IgG-IC notably up-regulated the expression of TL1A, whereas commensal bacteria specifically induced IL-23.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these results demonstrate a novel aspect of UC pathogenesis in which unique IgG plasma cells infiltrate the inflamed mucosa via CXCR4, and critically influence UC pathogenesis by exacerbating mucosal inflammation through the activation of 'pathogenic' intestinal CD14 macrophages via IgG-IC-FcγR signalling.

[Long-term outcomes of ileal pouch-anal canal anastomosis in children with ulcerative colitis]

The present study investigated the long-term outcomes of restorative proctocolectomy in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). We report a series of 25 patients who underwent total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal canal anastomosis (IACA). Surgery was performed for medically intractable colitis and severe colitis in 14 and 11 patients, respectively. Early and late complications were observed in 6 (24%) and 14 (56%) patients, respectively. The long-term quality of life outcomes were satisfactory, including both bowel function and social function. Growth retardation was observed in 6 patients. Five patients exhibited catch-up growth and 3 patients overcame growth retardation. Patients with growth retardation tended to have a younger onset and longer duration of UC, as well as a longer duration and higher total dose of steroid use. In conclusion, the long-term outcomes of pediatric patients with UC undergoing IACA are satisfactory. Furthermore, to minimize the risk of growth retardation, surgery should be performed without delay.