A268 RESOLUTION RATES IN OPEN-LABEL VERSUS RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS FOR MICROBIOTA RESTORATION FOR RECURRENT CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE INFECTION: AN UPDATED META-ANALYSIS

Background

Microbiota restoration is highly effective to treat recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in observational studies (cure rates >90%) but efficacy in controlled clinical trials appears lower.

Purpose

We performed an updated meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of microbiota restoration for recurrent CDI in open-label registered prospective clinical trials compared to randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Method

A systematic search of Embase, Web of Science and Scopus was performed up to June 2022 to identify studies of interest. Clinical trials of microbiota restoration for recurrent CDI with clinical resolution with one dose as the primary outcome were included. We calculated both unweighted and weighted pooled resolution rates (UPR and WPR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Result(s)

Eighteen studies (9 RCTs and 9 open-label trials) with 1149 CDI patients were included. Of the patients treated with microbiota restoration, 881 experienced symptom resolution (UPR 77%%; WPR 79%, 95% CI, 72%-85%). There was significant heterogeneity among studies with an I²of 86%. Analysis of trials with a control arm (non-microbiota restoration) revealed CDI resolution in 357 of 496 patients (UPR 72%; WPR 73%, 95% CI 63%-82%) with microbiota restoration. Among the 9 open-label clinical trials, CDI resolution was seen in 524 of 653 patients after initial microbiota restoration (UPR 80%; WPR 84%, 95% CI 74%-92%). Comparison of resolution rates between RCTs and open-label trials revealed a lower cure rate in RCTs compared to open-label trials (WPR 73% vs 84%, p<0.0001).

Analysis of the 10 trials with non-microbiota restoration revealed CDI resolution in 201 of 397 patients with antibiotics (WPR 52%, 95% CI 43%-60%). There was significant heterogeneity among the included studies with an I²of 61%. Comparison of cure rates with microbiota restoration vs antibiotics showed higher cure rate with microbiota restoration (WPR 73%, [95% CI 63%-82%] vs 52% [95% CI, 43%-60%]; p<0.0001). There were no serious adverse events reported.

Conclusion(s)

Microbiota restoration in a randomized controlled setting leads to lower resolution rates compared to open label and observational settings, likely due to stricter definitions and inclusion criteria. Resolution rates in open label studies were similar to observational studies.

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Faecal microbiota transplantation for eradicating carriage of multidrug-resistant organisms: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganism development in the gut is frequently the result of inappropriate antibiotic use. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) restores normal gut microbiota in patients with Clostridium difficile infection. We hypothesized that it may help in decolonizing MDR organisms (MDROs) and in preventing recurrent MDR infections.

OBJECTIVES

To assess FMT efficacy (eradication rate) for decolonizing MDROs and preventing recurrent MDR infections.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase and Web of Science (inception through 11 February 2019).

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Clinical trials, retrospective studies, case reports and case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with MDR infections or MDRO colonization treated with FMT.

INTERVENTIONS

FMT.

METHODS

Systematic review.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies (one randomized clinical trial, seven uncontrolled clinical trials, two retrospective cohort studies, two case series, nine case reports) assessing 192 patients were included. Three studies assessed FMT efficacy in preventing MDR infections; 16 assessed its effect on MDRO colonization; two assessed both. Data from 151 patients were included in the final analyses. In studies with low to moderate risk of bias, the eradication rate was 37.5% to 87.5%. Efficacy was similar in studies looking at infection or colonization and did not differ by length of follow-up. No serious adverse events from FMT were reported. Seven patients died of other causes.

CONCLUSIONS

FMT could be used as a treatment for eradicating MDR colonization and possibly preventing recurrent MDR infections, once more supporting efficacy and safety data are available. Larger well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to further explore this therapy.

Immune modulator therapy for microscopic colitis in a case series of 73 patients

BACKGROUND

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a common cause of chronic diarrhoea. Various treatment options have been described, but there are limited data describing outcomes of corticosteroid-sparing treatments.

AIM

To evaluate the outcomes of patients with active MC treated with immune modulators.

METHODS

All patients seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester between January 1, 1997 and November 30, 2016 with a histological diagnosis of MC were identified. Patients treated with an immune modulator of interest were selected and clinical outcomes recorded.

RESULTS

Seventy-three MC patients (50 collagenous colitis and 23 lymphocytic colitis) with a median disease duration of 24 months (range, 7-60) were included. The indications for treatment were budesonide-refractoriness in 66%, budesonide dependence in 29%, and budesonide intolerance in 5%. Median age was 51.8 years (range, 43.4-63.1) and 61 (84%) were female. Thiopurines were used in 49 patients (67%) for a median of 4 months (range, 1.5-15). Complete and partial response occurred in 43% and 22% respectively. Adverse effects resulting in therapy cessation occurred in 17 patients (35%). Twelve patients (16%) were treated with methotrexate for a median of 14 months (3-18.8). Complete and partial response occurred in 58% and 17%, respectively. Anti-TNF therapy was used in 10 patients (14%) for a median of 4 months (range, 2.3-5.5). Complete response occurred in four patients and partial response in four patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with active MC responded to thiopurines, methotrexate, or anti-TNF therapy. Larger controlled studies are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of these medications in MC.

Clostridium difficile infection after restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis

AIM

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) of the ileal pouch following restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) is becoming increasingly recognized. We aimed to understand better (i) the associated risk factors, (ii) treatment practices and (iii) the pouch diversion and failure rate in patients who developed CDI of the pouch after RPC for ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHOD

Patients who tested positive for C. difficile of the pouch between 2007 and 2010 were included in the analysis. Data collected included patient demographics, time from RPC to documented CDI, the treatment of CDI and rate of excision of the pouch.

RESULTS

Of 2785 patients recorded in the hospital CDI database, 15 had had an RPC with ileal pouch anal anastomosis. The median age was 44 years and the median interval from RPC to first documented episode of CDI was 3 years. Thirteen (81%) patients had had multiple episodes of pouchitis before and after CDI infection, and all were symptomatic at the time of testing for CDI. Within 30 days of the diagnosis of CDI, six (40%) patients were taking immunosuppressive medication, seven (47%) were taking a proton pump inhibitor and 12 (80%) had received antibiotics. Five patients required hospitalization for CDI and four had severe infections characterized by a serum creatinine more than 1.5 times baseline (n = 3) and a white cell count above 15 000 (n = 1). Six patients who underwent endoscopy had severe inflammation of the pouch including the presence of a pseudomembrane in one case. Ten patients were treated with metronidazole alone and five with vancomycin. Two patients had recurrent CDI of the pouch during a median follow-up period of 2.9 years and one had CDI refractory to medical management. This patient required diversion of the pouch with an ileostomy for refractory CDI but no patient required excision of the pouch.

CONCLUSION

All 15 patients developing CDI of the pouch were successfully treated with antibiotics and only one required surgery in the form of an ileostomy.

The fate of indefinite and low-grade dysplasia in ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis colitis before and after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are at an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia, but it is unknown if liver transplantation (LT) alters neoplasia progression.

AIM

To examine the natural history of indefinite dysplasia (IND) and low-grade dysplasia (LGD) that develop in patients with PSC-UC with and without LT.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients with PSC and UC evaluated at our institution between 1993 and 2011 who were diagnosed with IND or LGD before or after LT for PSC. The primary end point was neoplasia progression or persistent LGD.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients (non-LT n = 63, LT n = 33) were examined. For the IND group, multifocal lesions were significantly associated with time to neoplasia progression [hazard ratio (HR), 3.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3-9.7], while 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) use was protective (HR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.6). For patients with LGD, multifocal lesions were significantly associated with the primary end point (HR, 7.1; 95% CI, 1.7-28.3), while LT was protective (HR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.9).

CONCLUSIONS

In PSC-UC patients with IND, 5-ASA use was associated with a decreased the risk of neoplasia progression, regardless of transplant status. In contrast, multifocal IND and LGD were associated with neoplasia progression or persistent LGD. Patients who developed LGD following LT for PSC were less likely to have progressive neoplasia or persistent LGD, compared with those who had not been transplanted.

Meta-analysis: serological markers and the risk of acute and chronic pouchitis

BACKGROUND

Serological markers such as anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) may be associated with pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA).

AIM

To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies evaluating the association of ANCA and ASCA status with risk of acute and chronic pouchitis after IPAA.

METHODS

We searched multiple databases (upto September 2012) for studies reporting ANCA and/or ASCA status along with risk of acute or chronic pouchitis after IPAA in adults with ulcerative colitis (UC). We abstracted odds ratio (OR) or raw data from the individual studies to calculate summary OR estimates with 95% CIs using random-effects model.

RESULTS

Eight studies reporting 184 cases of acute pouchitis and six studies reporting 151 cases of chronic pouchitis were included. The odds of chronic pouchitis were 76% higher in ANCA-positive patients than ANCA-negative (six studies; OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.19-2.61; P < 0.01). ASCA-positivity was not associated with the risk of chronic pouchitis (three studies; OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.49-1.59; P = 0.68). Neither ANCA (eight studies; OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 0.79-3.02; P = 0.21) nor ASCA-positivity (two studies; OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.25-6.54; P = 0.77) were associated with the risk of acute pouchitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of chronic pouchitis after IPAA is higher in ANCA-positive patients, but the risk of acute pouchitis is unaffected by ANCA status. ASCA status was not associated with the risk of acute or chronic pouchitis. This information may be used to counsel UC patients regarding their risk of pouchitis after IPAA.

Natalizumab for moderate to severe Crohn's disease in clinical practice: the Mayo Clinic Rochester experience

BACKGROUND

Not all patients with Crohn's disease (CD) respond or maintain response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents and alternative treatment is necessary. Natalizumab, a monoclonal antibody to alpha-4 integrin approved for CD, has demonstrated efficacy in randomized clinical trials. We describe our experience with natalizumab in clinical practice at Mayo Clinic Rochester.

METHODS

Consecutive patients prescribed natalizumab for active CD were invited to participate and were followed prospectively. Incidence of infection, hospitalization, neoplasm, or other adverse events were recorded. Clinical activity was assessed using the Harvey-Bradshaw Index at each 30-day infusion visit.

RESULTS

Between April 2008 and September 2010, 36 patients were prescribed natalizumab and 30 (83.3%) agreed to participate. Median disease duration was 9 years (range, 3-43). Twenty-three patients had prior exposure to two anti-TNF agents, seven to one agent. All patients experienced at least one adverse event; none of the 13 patients in whom natalizumab was stopped (43%) discontinued due to adverse events. Five patients had infusions held for infection. No patient developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Fourteen patients (46%) had clinical response. The cumulative probability of achieving complete response within 1 year was 56% (28%-73%). Four of seven patients were weaned off corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience with natalizumab in clinical practice, adverse events were manageable and did not result in treatment cessation. No PML cases were seen and clinical response was similar to that in clinical trials. Natalizumab results in clinical benefit in patients who have active disease and have failed anti-TNF therapy.

Review article: Microscopic colitis--lymphocytic, collagenous and 'mast cell' colitis

BACKGROUND

Microscopic colitis is a relatively common cause of chronic diarrhoea in predominantly older adults, traditionally termed lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis. Increased mast cells found in the colonic biopsies of some patients with chronic diarrhoea may represent a distinct type of microscopic colitis.

AIM

To provide an updated review of the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of microscopic colitis, and to discuss the role of mast cells in the gastrointestinal tract and their potential role in cases of functional diarrhoea.

METHOD

A MEDLINE literature search was performed to identify pertinent articles. Relevant clinical abstracts were also reviewed.

RESULTS

Incidence rates of microscopic colitis (lymphocytic and collagenous colitis) have increased over time, to levels comparable with other forms of inflammatory bowel disease. The possibility of drug-induced microscopic colitis and concomitant coeliac sprue are important considerations when evaluating these patients. There are few controlled treatment trials in microscopic colitis, with much of the data on treatment coming from retrospective studies. Mast cells have been implicated in functional bowel disorders, with increased mast cells possibly contributing to cases of otherwise unexplained chronic diarrhoea, although this concept requires further investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with microscopic colitis, a systematic approach to therapy often leads to satisfactory control of symptoms. The role of mast cells in chronic diarrhoea represents an evolving field, with the potential to offer alternative treatment pathways in patients with otherwise unexplained functional diarrhoea.

What do gastroenterology trainees want: recognition, remuneration or recreation?

BACKGROUND

Occupational psychologists have identified three factors important in motivating physicians: financial reward, academic recognition, time off.

AIM

To assess motivators among gastroenterology (GI) trainees.

METHODS

A questionnaire was distributed to GI trainees to assess their motivators: (1) work fewer hours for less lucrative rate, (2) reduction in salary/increase in hours for academic protected time, and (3) work longer hours for higher total salary, but less lucrative hourly rate.

RESULTS

Overall, 61 trainees responded; 52% of trainees would work shorter hours for less lucrative rate; 60% would accept a disproportionate reduction in salary/increase in hours for academic protected time; 54% would work longer hours for more money but less lucrative rate. Most trainees (93%) accepted at least one scenario.

CONCLUSIONS

Most GI trainees are willing to modify their job description to align with their personal values. Tailoring job descriptions according to these values can yield economic benefits to GI Divisions.

Endoscopy in the management of patients after ileal pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis

Pouchitis is the most common complication following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis. However, there are several other inflammatory and noninflammatory conditions that can mimic pouchitis, and endoscopy with biopsies is essential for distinguishing these various conditions. This paper will review the differential diagnosis of pouchitis and the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis and management of disorders of the ileal pouch.

Age at onset of inflammatory bowel disease and the risk of surgery for non-neoplastic bowel disease

BACKGROUND

There is conflicting data regarding the response to medical and surgical therapy for inflammatory bowel disease with respect to age at disease onset.

AIM

To determine if the age at onset of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is a risk factor for surgery for non-neoplastic bowel disease.

METHODS

This was a case-control study of patients evaluated between 1998 and 2001. Cases had undergone an initial operation for bowel disease. Controls were matched 1:1 for gender, disease subtype, date of first visit (+/-2 years), time from diagnosis prior to first visit (+/-3 years) and duration of follow-up. Association with age, disease extent, smoking history, medication use and co-morbidities vs. case/control status was assessed using multiple variable conditional logistic regression to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for undergoing surgery.

RESULTS

Among 132 Crohn's patients, older patients had lower odds for surgery (OR per 5 years, 0.86; 95% CI: 0.75-0.98). The rate of surgery for non-neoplastic bowel disease was not significantly associated with disease distribution, co-morbidities or cigarette smoking. Among 234 ulcerative colitis patients, the rate of surgery was unrelated to age, disease extent, co-morbidities or cigarette smoking,

CONCLUSIONS

For Crohn's disease, but not ulcerative colitis, the risk of surgery for non-neoplastic bowel disease decreases with increasing age at diagnosis, irrespective of disease distribution and history of cigarette smoking.

Systematic review: the management of pouchitis

Pouchitis is the most common complication following proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis. We aim at discussing relevant information on epidemiology, clinical features, risk factors, diagnostic testing, differential diagnosis and treatment of this idiopathic inflammatory condition. A computerized search of PubMed was performed with the search term 'pouchitis', limited to English papers on humans. This strategy identified 514 references. Relevant articles were selected from this list. In addition, the reference list for each of the selected articles was reviewed to identify any additional references. Pouchitis occurs in up to 60% of patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis, and has characteristic clinical, endoscopic and histological features. The most important test for diagnosis is pouch endoscopy with biopsy. Antibiotics remain the mainstay of treatment, and other options are discussed for those patients who are refractory to antibiotic therapy.

Review article: drug-induced microscopic colitis - proposal for a scoring system and review of the literature

The pathophysiology of microscopic colitis is unknown, although it is thought to be because of an abnormal immune reaction to luminal antigens in predisposed hosts. Specific antigens have not been proved, although various infectious triggers and drugs have been proposed. The responsibility of several drugs has been questioned, some with strong clinical and/or histological evidence suggesting causality. The issue of drug-induced microscopic colitis is important because of the burden of this disease. Thus, any case that can be cured by withdrawal of a drug must be identified. In this report, we propose a scoring system for drug-induced microscopic colitis, adapting existing criteria of drug causality, and review the literature using this framework. Based on this review, several drugs are identified with intermediate or high likelihood of inducing microscopic colitis. Finally, we suggest how to treat individual patients suspected of having drug-induced colitis according to the level of evidence for that particular drug.

Gender-related differences in slowing colonic transit by a 5-HT3 antagonist in subjects with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of gender on the effect of a 5-HT3 antagonist, alosetron, 1 mg b.i.d., on GI and colonic transit in D-IBS.

METHODS

Thirty patients (15 male, 15 female) with D-IBS received 1 mg b.i.d. alosetron for 6 wk. Transit was measured by scintigraphy at baseline and at the end of treatment.

RESULTS

Alosetron, 1 mg b.i.d., significantly retarded small bowel and, proximal and overall colonic transit in the 30 patients with D-IBS. The effect of alosetron on the primary endpoint, colonic geometric center at 24 h, was significantly greater in females than in males (p < 0.05). However, two females showed no slowing of colonic transit on treatment. Among male patients, two of 15 had a slowing of colonic transit at 24 h that was greater than the mean change in female patients, suggesting responsiveness to alosetron among a subgroup of males.

CONCLUSION

A 5-HT3 antagonist, alosetron, significantly retards small intestinal and colonic transit in diarrhea-predominant IBS patients, with significantly greater female to male responsiveness. Gender partly contributes to differences in the serotonergic control of intestinal and colonic transit in patients with D-IBS.

Use of montelukast as steroid-sparing agent for recurrent eosinophilic gastroenteritis

Patients with eosinophilic gastroenteritis generally respond well to corticosteroids but relapses are common. Patients with relapsing disease are usually placed on long-term low-dose prednisone or immunosuppressive therapy. Here we reported on a patient with severe steroid-dependent eosinophilic gastroenteritis who was able to successfully taper off steroids and maintain remission after starting montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist. To our knowledge, this is the first use of montelukast as a steroid sparing agent for eosinophilic gastroenteritis.

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and colitis

Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming toxigenic bacterium that causes diarrhea and colitis, typically after the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The clinical presentation ranges from self-limited diarrhea to fulminant colitis and toxic megacolon. The incidence of this disease is increasing, resulting in major medical and economic consequences. Although most cases respond quickly to medical treatment, C difficile colitis may be serious, especially if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Recurrent disease represents a particularly challenging problem. Prevention is best accomplished by limiting the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and following good hygienic techniques and universal precautions to limit the transmission of bacteria. A high index of suspicion results in early diagnosis and treatment and potentially reduces the incidence of complications.

Iliac arteriovenous fistula with renal insufficiency, ascites, hepatomegaly, and abnormal liver test results

Arteriovenous fistula presents rarely with liver involvement. A 73-year-old man had new-onset ascites, hepatomegaly, and abnormal liver and renal function test results. An abdominal computed tomogram revealed a 7.6-cm internal iliac aneurysm but no other abnormality to account for his ascites. An aortogram demonstrated a 1.5-cm internal iliac arteriovenous fistula that subsequently was repaired, leading to resolution of his symptoms and laboratory abnormalities. High-output cardiac failure should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with new-onset massive ascites, hepatomegaly, and liver test abnormalities.

Treatment of refractory microscopic colitis with azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine

Many patients with microscopic colitis will respond to antidiarrheal medications or to anti-inflammatory therapy with 5-aminosalicylates, although a few require corticosteroids. Some patients do not tolerate corticosteroid side effects, and a small subset are dependent on or refractory to corticosteroids. We report our experience with azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine in patients with microscopic colitis.

Early measles virus infection is associated with the development of inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

The measles virus has been implicated as a possible etiological agent in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Measles infection at an early age is associated with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a degenerative neurological condition caused by persistent measles infection of the central nervous system. We sought to determine whether infection with measles virus at an early age was also associated with an increased risk of developing IBD.

METHODS

Patients with measles infection diagnosed before the age of 5 yr were identified through the diagnostic indices of the Mayo Clinic and the Rochester Epidemiology Project. A questionnaire was used to ascertain a subsequent history of IBD, which was confirmed by records from the subjects' physicians. The risks of developing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis were calculated relative to expected rates for these conditions in the Olmsted County, Minnesota population.

RESULTS

Of 1164 eligible cases, 662 (57%) completed the questionnaire. There were six confirmed cases of Crohn's disease and six of ulcerative colitis. The expected number of cases was 1.9 for Crohn's disease (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-6.8) and 2.0 for ulcerative colitis (SIR 3.0, CI 1.1-6.5). There was a trend towards a higher risk of developing IBD with an earlier age of infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Early measles infection is associated with an increased risk of developing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The risk may be higher with earlier infection.

Perinatal exposure to measles virus is not associated with the development of inflammatory bowel disease

It has been suggested that early exposure to measles virus, including perinatal exposure via maternal infection, may lead to persistent measles virus infection and the subsequent development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We sought to examine this association in our patient population. Maternal measles infection was identified through the Mayo Clinic diagnostic index, and cases were verified by chart review. Cases were included if infection occurred between the second trimester and 6 months postpartum. The offspring, or a first degree family member, were then interviewed regarding a history of IBD or symptoms which might suggest IBD. Seven cases of maternal infection were identified out of 67,912 pregnancies between 1935 and 1985. One offspring was lost to follow-up through adoption, and the remaining six have no evidence of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis after a mean of 38 years of follow-up (range 12-62 years). Evidence for an association between perinatal exposure to measles virus via maternal infection and the subsequent development of IBD was not found in our patient population.

Acute major gastrointestinal hemorrhage in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Acute major gastrointestinal hemorrhage is uncommon in inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

We characterized the clinical features and course of such hemorrhage in patients at our institution from 1989 to 1996.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients had acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding from inflammatory bowel disease and one had upper gastrointestinal bleeding from duodenal Crohn's disease. Three patients had ulcerative colitis and 28 had Crohn's disease, representing 0.1% of admissions for ulcerative colitis and 1.2% for Crohn's disease. In addition, another patient bled from an ileal J-pouch. In patients with Crohn's disease, the site of bleeding was duodenal in 1, small intestinal in 9, ileocolonic in 8, and colonic in 10. All ulcerative colitis patients had pancolitis. Medical therapy was initiated in 27 patients, including endoscopic therapy in 3. Five patients underwent surgery immediately, and 7 medically treated patients eventually required surgery for ongoing or recurrent bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute major gastrointestinal bleeding is uncommon in inflammatory bowel disease. Most cases are due to Crohn's disease, without a predilection for site of involvement. The presence of an endoscopically treatable lesion is uncommon, and surgery is required in less than half of cases during the initial hospitalization. Recurrent hemorrhage is not rare, and for these cases surgery may be the most appropriate treatment.

Renal and urologic complications of inflammatory bowel disease

Renal and urologic complications are not uncommon in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and can be directly or indirectly related to the underlying disease process or its treatment. Many of these patients have asymptomatic disease, or the urinary symptoms are nonspecific or overshadowed by bowel symptoms. By the time a urinary complication is considered, significant disease progression or renal damage may have occurred. These risks necessitate a high degree of diligence and periodic urologic evaluation as part of the long-term management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Melanosis coli in inflammatory bowel disease

Melanosis coli is a relatively common condition in which pigment is deposited in macrophages in the colonic lamina propria. The association with anthraquinone laxatives is well described, but melanosis coli has also been described in patients not using these agents. We report 25 patients with inflammatory bowel disease and melanosis coli, 5 (20%) of whom had documented laxative use. Most patients had ulcerative colitis (72%) or Crohn's colitis (24%), and the mean duration of inflammatory bowel disease was more than 7 years. These data raise the possibility that chronic colitis could cause melanosis coli even in the absence of laxative use.

Hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia and acute parvovirus B19 infection: a report of two cases and a review of the literature

Hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia is rare in general, but occurs in up to 28% of patients receiving liver transplantation for fulminant non-A, non-B hepatitis. Cases are commonly young men with mild hepatitis but severe aplastic anemia. Although cases have been reported in association with hepatitis A, B, and C, most appear to be due to a non-A-B-C virus. We report two cases of acute hepatitis subsequently complicated by marrow hypoplasia in patients with acute parvovirus B19 infection. Hepatic manifestations of parvovirus B19 infection range from liver chemistry abnormalities to fulminant hepatic failure and aplastic anemia. Our cases demonstrate a less severe form of hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia, and together with other data, suggest that parvovirus B19 is at least one cause of hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia, and may be a heretofore underrecognized hepatotrophic virus.