Contemporary Imaging Assessment of Strictures and Fibrosis in Crohn Disease, With Focus on Quantitative Biomarkers: From the AJR Special Series on Imaging of Fibrosis

Patients with Crohn disease commonly have bowel strictures develop, which exhibit varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis. Differentiation of the distinct inflammatory and fibrotic components of strictures is key for the optimization of therapeutic management and for the development of antifibrotic drugs. Cross-sectional imaging techniques, including ultrasound, CT, and MRI, allow evaluation of the full thickness of the bowel wall as well as extramural complications and associated mesenteric abnormalities. Although promising data have been reported for a range of novel imaging biomarkers for detection of fibrosis and quantification of the degree of fibrosis, these biomarkers lack sufficient validation and standardization for clinical use. Additional methods, including PET with emerging radiotracers, artificial intelligence, and radiomics, are also under investigation for stricture characterization. In this review, we highlight the clinical relevance of identifying fibrosis in Crohn disease, review the histopathologic aspects of strictures in Crohn disease, summarize the morphologic imaging findings of strictures, and explore contemporary developments in the use of cross-sectional imaging techniques for detecting and characterizing intestinal strictures, with attention given to emerging quantitative biomarkers.

Histological Outcomes And Jak-Stat Signalling In Ulcerative Colitis Patients Treated With Tofacitinib

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Histological outcomes and JAK-STAT signaling were assessed in a prospective ulcerative colitis (UC) patient cohort after 8 weeks treatment with tofacitinib, an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor.

METHODS

Forty UC patients received tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily for 8 weeks. Treatment response was defined as histo-endoscopic mucosal improvement (HEMI). Histological remission was defined as a Robarts Histopathology Index (RHI) ≤3 points and histological response as 50% decrease in RHI. Mucosal expression of JAK1-3, Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) and total signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1-6 were assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS

At baseline, the median RHI was 14 (interquartile range (IQR) 10-19). Twenty-six of 40 (65%) patients had severe endoscopic disease (endoscopic Mayo score 3) and 31/40 (78%) failed prior anti-TNF treatment. At week 8, 15 patients (38%) had HEMI, 23 patients (58%) histological remission and 34 (85%) histological response. RHI decreased by a median of 14 points (IQR 9-21) in responders (p<0.001) and by 6 points (IQR 0-13) in non-responders (p=0.002). STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 expression levels decreased significantly in the whole cohort. Responders had lower week 8 STAT1 expression levels compared to non-responders (0.2%, IQR 0.1-2.8 vs 4.3%, IQR 1.2-11.9, p=0.001), suggesting more profound STAT1 blockade. A trend of higher baseline JAK2 expression was observed in tofacitinib non-responders (2.7%, IQR 0.1-7.7) compared to responders (0.4%, IQR 0.1-2.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Tofacitinib treatment resulted in histological improvement in the majority of UC patients and a substantial decrease of STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 expression. HEMI was associated with more profound suppression of STAT1.

Subcutaneous vedolizumab interval extension in inflammatory bowel disease patients: a case series

Subcutaneous vedolizumab has demonstrated efficacy as a maintenance therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, data on the extension of subcutaneous vedolizumab injection intervals are lacking. Here, we present the first real-world data on subcutaneous vedolizumab interval extension in IBD patients. Nine patients (eight Crohn's disease patients and one ulcerative colitis patient) were included in the study. At interval extension (at baseline), all patients were in clinical and biochemical remission and requested an extension of their 2-weekly injection intervals due to side effects potentially related to subcutaneous vedolizumab. Patients increased their intervals to 3, 4, or 5 weeks. During a median follow-up of 10.0 months (IQR 6.5-19.5), no flare-ups were observed. After 6 months, median biochemical parameters remained stable compared to baseline levels (fecal calprotectin 24.0 µg/g [IQR 10.0-43.0] versus 28.0 µg/g [IQR 15.0-54.0], p = 0.553; C-reactive protein 3.4 mg/L [IQR 1.4-4.2] versus 3.1 mg/L [IQR 0.7-4.9], p = 0.172), while vedolizumab serum concentrations significantly decreased (22.0 µg/mL [IQR 20.0-33.0] versus 40.0 µg/mL [IQR 28.3-45.0], p = 0.018). After interval extension, almost all suspected vedolizumab-induced side effects disappeared within 6 months. Lengthening subcutaneous vedolizumab intervals in IBD patients in clinical and biochemical remission appears to be both effective and safe, potentially leading to substantial reductions in healthcare expenses.

Efficacy and Safety of Filgotinib for the Treatment of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease [DIVERGENCE 2]: a Phase 2, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There is an unmet need for the treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease [PFCD]. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the Janus kinase 1 preferential inhibitor filgotinib, for the treatment of PFCD.

METHODS

This phase 2, double-blind, multicentre trial enrolled adults with PFCD and prior treatment failure. Participants were randomized [2:2:1] to receive filgotinib 200 mg, filgotinib 100 mg, or placebo once-daily orally for up to 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was combined fistula response [reduction from baseline of at least one draining external opening determined by physical assessment, and no fluid collections >1 cm on pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] at week 24.

RESULTS

Between April 2017 and July 2020, 106 individuals were screened and 57 were randomized. Discontinuations were lowest in the filgotinib 200 mg group [3/17 (17.6%) versus 13/25 (52.0%) for filgotinib 100 mg and 9/15 (60.0%) for placebo]. The proportion of participants who achieved a combined fistula response at week 24 was 47.1% [8/17; 90% confidence interval (CI) 26.0, 68.9%] in the filgotinib 200 mg group, 29.2% [7/24; 90% CI 14.6, 47.9%] in the filgotinib 100 mg group, and 25.0% [3/12; 90% CI 7.2, 52.7%] in the placebo group. Serious adverse events occurred more frequently with filgotinib 200 mg [5/17 (29.4%)] than with placebo [1/15 (6.7%)]. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events or deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Filgotinib 200 mg was associated with numerical reductions in the number of draining perianal fistulas based on combined clinical and MRI findings compared with placebo, and was generally well tolerated. [NCT03077412].

Early recapture of response with tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily in patients with ulcerative colitis in OCTAVE Open following dose reduction or treatment interruption in OCTAVE Sustain

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. These post hoc analyses evaluated early improvement in patient-reported outcomes with tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily (BID) in OCTAVE Open among patients with ulcerative colitis who experienced treatment failure with placebo (retreatment subpopulation) or tofacitinib 5 mg BID (dose escalation subpopulation) during maintenance.

METHODS

Endpoints based on Mayo subscores (rectal bleeding improvement, stool frequency improvement, and symptomatic [both rectal bleeding and stool frequency] improvement) were analyzed overall and by prior tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) failure status from month (M)1-M6 in OCTAVE Open. Changes from baseline in partial Mayo score, rectal bleeding subscore, and stool frequency subscore at M1 were also analyzed, by M2 clinical response status.

RESULTS

At M1 of OCTAVE Open, 83.2%, 70.3%, and 64.4% of patients in the retreatment subpopulation (n = 101) had rectal bleeding improvement, stool frequency improvement, and symptomatic improvement, respectively. Corresponding values in the dose escalation subpopulation (n = 57) were 59.6%, 50.9%, and 38.6%. For both subpopulations, results were generally consistent regardless of prior TNFi failure. In the dose escalation subpopulation, mean decrease from baseline in partial Mayo score and stool frequency subscore at M1 was greater in patients with versus without a clinical response at M2.

CONCLUSIONS

Rectal bleeding improvement and stool frequency improvement were achieved by M1 in many patients receiving tofacitinib 10 mg BID in both subpopulations, with no apparent difference by prior TNFi failure. Analyses were limited by small sample sizes for some subgroups.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF INTESTINAL ULTRASOUND IN THE DETECTION OF INTRA-ABDOMINAL COMPLICATIONS IN CROHN'S DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is frequently associated with the development of strictures and penetrating complications. Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is a non-invasive imaging modality ideal for point-of-care assessment. In this systematic review and meta-analysis we provide a current overview on the diagnostic accuracy of IUS and its advanced modalities in the detection of intra-abdominal complications in CD compared to endoscopy, cross-sectional imaging, surgery and pathology.

METHOD

We conducted a literature search for studies describing diagnostic accuracy of IUS in adult patients with CD related intra-abdominal complications. Quality of the included studies was assessed with the QUADAS-2 tool. Meta-analysis was performed for both conventional IUS (B-mode) and oral contrast IUS (SICUS).

RESULTS

Of the 1498 studies we identified, 68 were included in this review and 23 studies (3863 patients) were used for the meta-analysis. Pooled sensitivities and specificities for strictures, inflammatory masses and fistulas by B-mode IUS were 0.81 and 0.90, 0.87 (sensitivities) and 0.95, and 0.67 and 0.97 (specificities), respectively. Pooled overall log diagnostic odds ratios were 3.56, 3.97 and 3.84 respectively. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of SICUS were 0.94 and 0.95, 0.91 and 0.97 (sensitivities), and 0.90 and 0.94 (specificities), respectively. Pooled overall log diagnostic odds ratio of SICUS were 4.51, 5.46 and 4.80, respectively.

CONCLUSION

IUS is accurate for the diagnosis of intra-abdominal complications in CD. As a non-invasive, point-of-care modality, IUS is recommended as the first-line imaging tool if there is a suspicion of CD-related intra-abdominal complications.

Anti-drug antibodies against anti-TNF in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: an evaluation of possible strategies

OBJECTIVE

Immunogenicity against anti-TNF antibodies usually leads to loss of response. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of clinical strategies to improve clinical remission and pharmacokinetics upon detection of anti-drug antibodies (ADA).

METHODS

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with ADA against infliximab or adalimumab were identified through a single centre database search covering 2004-2022. Criteria for successful intervention upon ADA detection (baseline) were clinical remission after 1 year without further change in strategy.

RESULTS

Two-hundred-and-fifty-five IBD patients (206 Crohn's disease) were identified. At baseline, median ADA level was 77 AU/ml; 50.2% of patients were in clinical remission. Implemented strategies were: (1) 81/255 (32%) conservative management, (2) 102/255 (40%) anti-TNF optimisation, (3) 72/255 (28%) switch within or out of class. Switching was the most successful strategy for clinical remission (from 19% at baseline to 69% at 1 year, p < 0.001). Patients that continued the same dose anti-TNF or discontinued biological therapy were often in clinical remission, but deteriorated significantly (-22.7%, p = 0.004). Anti-TNF dose intensification with immunomodulator optimisation was the fastest (median 3.0 months, p = 0.009) and most effective (65% ADA suppression, p < 0.001) strategy to suppress ADA compared to solely anti-TNF or immunomodulator optimisation.

CONCLUSIONS

Switching therapy, within or out of class, is the most successful strategy to regain and maintain clinical remission upon immunogenicity. When switching to another anti-TNF, concomitant immunomodulatory therapy should be started or continued to prevent repeated immunogenic loss of response. Anti-TNF dose escalation with concomitant immunomodulator optimisation is the fastest and most effective strategy to suppress ADA.

Early Intestinal Ultrasound Predicts Clinical and Endoscopic Treatment Response and Demonstrates Drug-Specific Kinetics in Moderate-to-Severe Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is an emerging modality in monitoring disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC). Here, we aimed to identify early IUS predictors of treatment response as evaluated by endoscopy and assessed the kinetics of IUS changes.

METHODS

This prospective, longitudinal study included UC patients with endoscopic disease activity (endoscopic Mayo score [EMS] ≥2) starting anti-inflammatory treatment. Clinical scores, biochemical parameters and IUS were assessed at baseline (W0), at week 2 (W2), at W6(W6), and at the time of second endoscopy (W8-W26). Per colonic segment, endoscopic remission (EMS = 0), improvement (EMS ≤1), response (decrease in EMS ≥1), and clinical remission (Lichtiger score ≤3) were assessed and correlated with common IUS parameters. Additionally, drug-specific responsiveness of bowel wall thickness (BWT) was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients were included and followed, and 33 patients underwent second endoscopy. BWT was lower from W6 onward for patients reaching endoscopic improvement (3.0 ± 1.2 mm vs 4.1 ± 1.3 mm; P = .026), remission (2.5 ± 1.2 mm vs 4.1 ± 1.1 mm; P = .002), and clinical remission (3.01 ± 1.34 mm vs 3.85 ± 1.20 mm; P = .035). Decrease in BWT was more pronounced in endoscopic responders (-40 ± 25% vs -4 ± 28%; P = .001) at W8 to W26. At W6, BWT ≤3.0 mm (odds ratio [OR], 25.13; 95% confidence interval, 2.01-3.14; P = .012) and color Doppler signal (OR, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.88; P = .026) predicted endoscopic remission and improvement, respectively. Submucosal layer thickness at W6 predicted endoscopic remission (OR, 0.09; P = .018) and improvement (OR, 0.14; P = .02). Furthermore, BWT decreased significantly at W2 for infliximab and tofacitinib and at W6 for vedolizumab.

CONCLUSIONS

BWT and color Doppler signal predicted endoscopic targets already after 6 weeks of treatment and response was drug specific. IUS allows close monitoring of treatment in UC and is a surrogate marker of endoscopy.

Short-term anti-TNF therapy with surgical closure versus anti-TNF therapy alone for Crohn's perianal fistulas (PISA-II): long-term outcomes of an international, multicentre patient preference, randomised controlled trial

Background

The PISA-II trial showed that short-term anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy followed by surgical closure induces radiological healing of perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease more frequently than anti-TNF therapy alone after 18 months. This study aimed to compare long-term outcomes of both treatment arms.

Methods

Follow-up data were collected from patients who participated in the PISA-II trial, an international patient preference randomised controlled trial. This multicentre trial was performed in nine hospitals in the Netherlands and one hospital in Italy. Patients with Crohn's disease above the age of 18 years with an active high perianal fistula and a single internal opening were asked to participate. Patients were allocated to anti-TNF therapy (intravenous infliximab, or subcutaneous adalimumab, at the discretion of the gastroenterologist) for one year, or surgical closure combined with 4-months anti-TNF therapy. Patients without a treatment preference were randomised (1:1) using random block randomisation (block sizes of six without stratification), and patients with a treatment preference were treated according to their preferred treatment arm. For the current follow-up study, data were collected until May 2022. Primary outcome was radiological healing on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including all participants with a MRI made less than 6 months ago at the time of data collection. Analysis was based on observed data.

Findings

Between September 14, 2013, and December 7, 2019, 94 patients were enrolled in the trial. Long-term follow-up data were available in 91 patients (36/38 (95%) anti-TNF + surgical closure, 55/56 (98%) anti-TNF). A total of 14/36 (39%) patients in the surgical closure arm were randomly assigned, which was not significantly different in the anti-TNF treatment arm (16/55 (29%) randomly assigned). Median follow-up was 5.7 years (interquartile range (IQR) 5-7). Radiological healing occurred significantly more often after anti-TNF + surgical closure (15/36 = 42% versus 10/55 = 18%; P = 0.014). Clinical closure was comparable (26/36 = 72% versus 34/55 = 62%; P = 0.18) in both groups. However, clinical closure in the surgical group was achieved with less re-interventions 4/26 (= 15%) versus 18/34 (= 53%), including (redo-)surgical closure procedures. Recurrences occurred in 0/25 (0%) patients with radiological healing versus 27/76 (36%) patients with clinical closure, sometime during follow-up. Anti-TNF trough levels were higher in patients with long-term clinical closure in both groups (P = 0.031 and P = 0.014). In 6/11 (55%) patients in the anti-TNF group with available trough levels, recurrences were diagnosed within three months of a drop under 3.5ug/ml. 36 patients stopped anti-TNF, after which 0/14 (0%) patients with radiological healing developed a recurrence and 9/22 (41%) with clinical closure. Self-rated (in)continence was comparable between groups, and 79% (60/76) of patients indicated comparable/improved continence after treatment. Decision-regret analysis showed that all (30/30) anti-TNF + surgical closure patients agreed or strongly agreed that surgery was the right decision versus 78% (36/46) in the anti-TNF arm. All surgical closure patients would go for the same treatment again, whereas this was 89% (41/46) in the anti-TNF arm.

Interpretation

This study confirmed that surgical closure should be considered in amenable patients with perianal fistulas and Crohn's disease as long-term outcomes were favourable, and that radiological healing should be the aim of treatment as recurrences only occurred in patients without radiological healing. In patients with complete MRI closure, anti-TNF could be safely stopped.

Funding

None.

Tofacitinib as a maintenance therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis stratified by OCTAVE Sustain baseline Mayo endoscopic subscore

BACKGROUND

Tofacitinib is an oral small molecule Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. We evaluated tofacitinib efficacy and safety in the 52-week maintenance study, OCTAVE Sustain, by baseline Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) following 8-week induction.

METHODS

The proportion of patients achieving efficacy endpoints at Week 24 or 52 of OCTAVE Sustain was evaluated by baseline MES following 8-week induction. Using logistic regression, the difference in treatment effect (tofacitinib vs. placebo) between baseline MES (0 vs. 1) for each endpoint was assessed. Adverse events were evaluated.

RESULTS

At Week 52 of OCTAVE Sustain, a numerically higher proportion of tofacitinib-treated patients achieved remission with OCTAVE Sustain baseline MES of 0 versus 1 (61.9% vs. 36.5% for tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily [BID] and 75.0% vs. 54.2% for tofacitinib 10 mg BID). Similar trends were observed for endoscopic remission and endoscopic improvement. Logistic regression analyses showed a larger treatment effect at Week 52 in patients with baseline MES of 0 versus 1 for clinical response (p = 0.0306) in the tofacitinib 5 mg BID group (other endpoints all p > 0.05); differences were not significant for any endpoint in the 10 mg BID group (all p > 0.05). Infection adverse events were less frequent among patients with baseline MES 0 versus 1.

CONCLUSIONS

MES may be important in predicting long-term efficacy outcomes for tofacitinib maintenance treatment. Aiming for endoscopic remission during induction with tofacitinib 10 mg BID may allow successful maintenance with tofacitinib 5 mg BID. Safety was consistent with the known tofacitinib safety profile. Trial registration NCT01458574.

Improvements in disease activity partially mediate the effect of tofacitinib treatment on generic and disease-specific health-related quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis: data from the OCTAVE program

BACKGROUND

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) often report impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Tofacitinib is an oral small molecule Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of UC. In addition to previous demonstrations of improved clinical measures (e.g., Mayo score), tofacitinib has been shown to improve HRQoL in patients with UC. This analysis explored the interrelationships among tofacitinib treatment, HRQoL, and disease activity (measured using Mayo subscores) using mediation modeling.

METHODS

Data were collected from two 8-week induction studies (OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2) in patients with moderate to severe UC treated with tofacitinib or placebo. Two mediation models were specified. First, Mayo subscores were mediators between the binary treatment variable (tofacitinib vs placebo) and the eight Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF 36) domain scores as outcomes. Second, the four Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) domain scores served as outcomes. Both models used data collected at Week 8.

RESULTS

Overall, 1073 and 1079 patients were included in the SF-36- and IBDQ-based models, respectively. For all SF-36 domains, improvements in Mayo subscores were estimated to explain 65.6% (bodily pain) to 92.9% (mental health) of the total treatment effect on SF-36 domain scores (all p<0.05). For all IBDQ domains, improvements in Mayo subscores explained 71.6% (systemic symptoms) to 84.7% (emotional function) of the total treatment effect (all p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Mayo scores and Mayo subscores are significant but incomplete contributors to tofacitinib's effect on HRQoL in patients with moderate to severe UC.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov: NCT01465763; NCT01458951.

Intestinal ultrasound detects an increased diameter and submucosal layer thickness in the appendix of patients with ulcerative colitis compared to healthy controls - a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence suggests that appendicectomy as alternative treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC), especially in patients with histopathological appendiceal inflammation. Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is a non-invasive diagnostic modality to characterise appendiceal inflammation.

AIMS

To assess appendiceal IUS characteristics in UC patients and compare findings to healthy controls (HC).

METHODS

In this prospective study, appendiceal IUS was performed in consecutive UC patients with active (A; n = 35) or quiescent (Q; n = 30) disease and in HC (n = 30). Transverse appendiceal diameter (TAD) and additional IUS parameters (bowel wall thickness, submucosal layer thickness and colour Doppler signal) were assessed.

RESULTS

The appendix was visualised in 41/65 UC patients (63.1%; A vs. Q: 23/35 vs. 18/30, p = 0.67) and 18/30 (60%) HC. UC patients had a higher TAD (A: 5.5 mm, Q: 5.0 mm, HC: 4.3 mm; A-HC p < 0.01; Q-HC p = 0.01, A-Q p = ns) and submucosal layer thickness (A: 1.0 mm, Q: 1.0 mm, HC: 0.7 mm; A-HC p < 0.01, Q-HC: p = 0.01, A-Q: p = ns) when compared to HC. A TAD ≥6 mm corresponding to an ultrasonographic suspicion of acute appendicitis was mainly reported in A-UC patients (A: 43%; Q: 6%; HC: 0%, p = 0.01) and occurred irrespective of disease extent. However, none of the patients had a clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis.

CONCLUSION

A TAD ≥6 mm was predominantly seen in A-UC. TAD was higher in UC patients compared to HC irrespective of disease activity and was characterised by an increased submucosal layer thickness. IUS therefore has the potential to identify UC patients with appendiceal inflammation.

Intestinal Ultrasound Is Accurate to Determine Endoscopic Response and Remission in Patients With Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A Longitudinal Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is noninvasive, cost-effective, and accurate to determine disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study, we prospectively evaluated IUS for treatment response in a longitudinal cohort by using endoscopy and histology as gold standards.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with moderate to severe UC (endoscopic Mayo score [EMS] ≥2) starting tofacitinib treatment were included. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks of tofacitinib induction by means of clinical, biochemical, endoscopic (EMS and UC endoscopic index for severity), histologic (Robarts Histopathologic Index) and IUS assessments. Readers of IUS, endoscopy, and histology were blinded for all other outcomes. The primary outcome was difference in bowel wall thickness (BWT) for endoscopic improvement vs no endoscopic improvement. Endoscopic remission was defined as EMS = 0, improvement as EMS ≤1, and response as a decrease of EMS ≥1.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were included, with 27 patients completing follow-up. BWT correlated with EMS (ρ = 0.68, P < .0001), UC endoscopic index for severity (ρ = 0.73, P < .0001) and Robarts Histopathologic Index (ρ = 0.49, P = .002) at both time points. BWT in the sigmoid was lower in patients with endoscopic remission (1.4 mm vs 4.0 mm, P = .016), endoscopic improvement (1.8 mm vs 4.5 mm, P < .0001) and decrease in BWT was more pronounced in patients with endoscopic response (-58.1% vs -13.4%, P = .018). The most accurate cutoff values for BWT were 2.8 mm (area under the curve [AUC] 0.87) for endoscopic remission, 3.9 mm (AUC 0.92) for improvement, and decrease of 32% (AUC 0.87) for response. The submucosa was the most responsive wall layer.

CONCLUSION

IUS, importantly BWT as the single most important parameter, is highly accurate to detect treatment response when evaluated against endoscopic outcomes.

Intestinal Ultrasound to Assess Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity in Children: External Validation and Comparison of 2 Intestinal Ultrasound Activity Indices

BACKGROUND

There is currently no consensus on the definition of an abnormal intestinal ultrasound (IUS) for children with ulcerative colitis (UC). This cross-sectional study aimed to externally validate and compare 2 existing IUS indices in children with UC.

METHODS

Children undergoing colonoscopy for UC assessment underwent IUS the day before colonoscopy, assessed with the Mayo endoscopic subscore. The UC-IUS index and the Civitelli index were compared with the Mayo endoscopic score in the ascending, transverse, and descending colon. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for detecting a Mayo endoscopic score ≥2 of both scores was compared and sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 35 UC patients were included (median age 15 years, 39% female). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was higher for the UC-IUS index in the ascending colon (0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.67-0.97] vs 0.76 [95% CI, 0.59-0.93]; P = .046) and transverse colon (0.88 [95% CI, 0.76-1.00] vs 0.77 [95% CI, 0.60-0.93]; P = .01). In the descending colon, there was no difference (0.84 [95% CI, 0.70-0.99] vs 0.84 [95% CI, 0.70-0.98]). The optimal cutoff for the UC-IUS was <1 point to rule out a Mayo endoscopic score ≥2 (sensitivity: 88%, 100%, and 90% in the ascending, transverse, and descending colon, respectively) and a Mayo endoscopic score ≥2 could be detected using a cutoff of >1 (specificity: 84%, 83%, and 87%, respectively). For the Civitelli index, in our cohort, the optimal cutoff was <1 to rule out a Mayo endoscopic score ≥2 (sensitivity 75%, 65%, and 80%, respectively) and a cutoff >1 to detect a Mayo endoscopic score ≥2 (specificity 89%, 89%, and 93%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, the UC-IUS index performed better than the Civitelli index. The UC-IUS index had both a high sensitivity and specificity in this cohort, when using 1 point as cutoff for a Mayo endoscopic score ≥2.

Positioning intestinal ultrasound in a UK tertiary centre: significant estimated clinical role and cost savings

OBJECTIVE

Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is an inexpensive, non-invasive method of diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to establish the proportion of lower gastrointestinal endoscopies (LGIEs) and magnetic resonance enterographies (MREs) that could have been performed as IUS, the potential pathology miss-rates if IUS was used and the associated cost savings.

METHODS

All MREs and LGIEs performed for either assessment of IBD activity or investigation of possible IBD, performed at a single UK tertiary centre in January 2018, were retrospectively reviewed against predetermined criteria for IUS suitability. Case outcomes were recorded and cost of investigation if IUS was performed instead was calculated.

RESULTS

73 of 260 LGIEs (28.1%) and 58 of 105 MREs (55.2%) met the criteria for IUS suitability. Among potential IUS-suitable endoscopy patients, one case each of a <5 mm adenoma and sessile serrated lesion were found; no other significant pathology that would be expected to be missed with IUS was encountered. Among IUS-suitable MRE patients, no cases of isolated upper gastrointestinal inflammation likely to be missed by IUS were found, and extraintestinal findings not expected to be seen on IUS were of limited clinical significance. The predicted cost saving over 1 month if IUS was used instead was £8642, £25 866 and £5437 for MRE, colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant role for IUS, with annual projected cost savings of up to almost £500 000 at our centre. Non-inflammatory or non-gastrointestinal pathology predicted to be missed in this cohort was of limited clinical significance.

Short-term anti-TNF therapy with surgical closure versus anti-TNF therapy in the treatment of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease (PISA-II): a patient preference randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Guidelines on Crohn's perianal fistulas recommend anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) treatment and suggest considering surgical closure for patients with surgically amenable disease. However, long-term outcomes following these two strategies have not been directly compared. The aim of this study was to assess radiological healing in patients who received short-term anti-TNF treatment and surgical closure compared with those who received anti-TNF treatment alone.

METHODS

The PISA-II trial was a multicentre, patient preference study done in nine hospitals in the Netherlands and one hospital in Italy. Adult patients with Crohn's disease and an active high perianal fistula with a single internal opening were eligible for inclusion. After counselling, patients with no treatment preference were randomly assigned (1:1) using random block randomisation (block sizes of six without statification), to 4-month anti-TNF therapy and surgical closure or anti-TNF therapy for 1 year, after seton insertion. Patients with a treatment preference received their preferred therapy. The primary outcome was radiological healing assessed by MRI at 18 months, defined as a complete fibrotic tract or a MAGNIFI-CD (Magnetic Resonance Index for Fistula Imaging in Crohn's Disease) score of 0, assessed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Secondary outcomes included clinical closure, number of patients undergoing surgical reintervention and number of reinterventions, recurrences, and impact on quality of life measured by the Perianal Disease Activity Index (PDAI). Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis and additionally an as-treated analysis for radiological healing and clinical closure. This study was registered at the Dutch Trial Registry, NL7625, and with EudraCT, 2018-002064-15, and is closed to accrual due to completion.

FINDINGS

Between Sept 14, 2013, and Dec 7, 2019, 94 patients were enrolled onto the trial, of whom 32 (34%) were randomly assigned and 62 (66%) chose a specific treatment. 38 (40%) patients were assigned to the surgical closure group and 56 (60%) patients to the anti-TNF group. At 18 months, radiological healing was significantly more common in the surgical closure group (12 [32%] patients) than in the anti-TNF group (five [9%] patients; p=0·005). By contrast, clinical closure was not significantly different between the two treatment groups (26 [68%] patients in the surgical closure group vs 29 [52%] patients in the anti-TNF group; p=0·076). Significantly fewer patients required a reintervention in the surgical closure group than in the anti-TNF therapy group (five [13%] patients in the surgical closure group, median one reintervention [IQR one to three] vs 24 [43%] patients in the anti-TNF group, median two reinterventions [one to two]; p=0·005). Among patients who reached clinical closure during follow-up, four (14%) of 29 in the surgical closure group and five (16%) of 31 in the anti-TNF therapy group had a recurrence, which occurred only in patients without radiological healing. PDAI was significantly lower in the surgical closure group than in the anti-TNF group after 18 months (p=0·031). Adverse events and serious adverse events were similar in both treatment groups and mostly entailed reinterventions. Ten (11%) patients had side-effects associated with anti-TNF treatment. Two serious adverse events unrelated to study treatment occurred (appendicitis and myocardial infarction). One patient died from a tongue base carcinoma, unrelated to study treatment.

INTERPRETATION

Short-term anti-TNF treatment combined with surgical closure induces long-term MRI healing more frequently than anti-TNF therapy in patients with Crohn's perianal fistulas. These data suggest that patients with Crohn's perianal fistula amenable for surgical closure should be counselled for this therapeutic approach.

FUNDING

Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development and Broad Medical Research Program.

Disc‐like lesions in the intestinal tract after renal transplantation

We report a case of intestinal lesions in a patient with a history of lupus nephritis and renal transplantation. Biopsy revealed an EBV‐driven post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). An EBV‐driven PTLD is a major complication after renal transplantation and is an important differential diagnostic consideration in the follow‐up of renal transplant recipients.

Optimizing Therapies Using Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Current Strategies and Future Perspectives

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) has emerged as a strategy for treatment optimization in inflammatory bowel diseases to maximize benefit and to reach more stringent, objective end points. Optimal drug concentrations in inflammatory bowel disease vary according to treatment target, disease phenotype, inflammatory burden, and timing of sampling during the treatment cycle. This review provides an update on TDM with biologic and oral small molecules, evaluates the role of reactive vs proactive TDM, and identifies the gaps in current evidence. In the future, adaptations to how we use TDM may contribute further to the goal of personalized treatment in patients with IBD.

Multiple Switches From the Originator Infliximab to Biosimilars Is Effective and Safe in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Though a single nonmedical switch from the originator infliximab (IFX) to a biosimilar is considered effective and safe for most patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), very limited data are available on multiple successive switches.

METHODS

We performed a prospective multicenter cohort study of adult IBD patients who underwent 2 switches from the originator IFX to CT-P13 to SB2 (group 1), 1 switch from CT-P13 to SB2 (group 2), and 1 switch from the originator IFX to CT-P13 (group 3). Patients were assessed at 4 and 12 months since the most recent switch for remission using clinical (physician's assessment) and biochemical (C-reactive protein [CRP], and fecal calprotectin [FC]) measures. Patients discontinuing treatment for ineffectiveness or adverse events before month 12 were imputed as nonremitters.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-six patients (Crohn's disease 71%, ulcerative colitis 27.8%, IBD unclassified 1.2%; group 1, 69; group 2, 80; group 3, 27) were included. At 12 months after the most recent switch 76.9% (40 of 52, group 1), 65.7% (46 of 70, group 2) and 76.9% (20 of 26, group 3) of patients were in clinical remission. Treatment persistence at 12 months was 85.0%, 87.0%, and 70.1%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the rate of clinical, CRP, FC remission, or treatment persistence at 12 months between the 3 groups. Infusion reactions occurred in 1.7% of patients (3/176), all in patients with antidrug antibodies from group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple successive switching and switching between biosimilars of IFX seemed to be effective and safe.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of perianal fistulas in 20 patients with Crohn's disease: Results of the HOT-TOPIC trial after 1-year follow-up

Background

Previously published short‐term results (week 16) of this trial showed a significant improvement in clinical, radiologic and biochemical outcomes in Crohn's disease patients with therapy‐refractory perianal fistulas after treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Objective

To assess the long‐term (week 60) efficacy, safety and feasibility of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in perianal fistula in Crohn's disease.

Methods

Crohn's disease patients with high perianal fistula(s) failing conventional treatment >6 months were included. Exclusion criteria were presence of a stoma, rectovaginal fistula(s) and recent changes in treatment regimens. Patients received 40 hyperbaric oxygen sessions and outcomes were assessed at week 16 and week 60.

Results

Twenty patients were included (median age 34 years). At week 16, median scores of the perianal disease activity index and modified Van Assche index (co‐primary outcomes) decreased from 7.5 (95% CI 6–9) to 4 (95% CI 3–6, p < 0.001) and 9.2 (95% CI 7.3–11.2) to 7.3 (95% CI 6.9–9.7, p = 0.004), respectively. At week 60, the respective scores remained significantly lower than baseline: 4 (95% CI 3–7, p < 0.001) and 7.7 (95% CI 5.2–10.2, p = 0.003). Perianal disease activity index score of 4 or less (representing inactive perianal disease) was observed in 13 patients at week 16 and 12 patients at week 60. Using fistula drainage assessment, 12 and 13 patients showed a clinical response at week 16 and 60, respectively, and clinical remission was achieved in four patients for both time points. At week 16, a statistically significant biochemical improvement (C‐reactive protein and faecal calprotectin levels) was found, but this effect was no longer significant at week 60.

Conclusions

The clinical and radiologic improvement of perianal fistula in Crohn's disease, that was found at week 16 after treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, is maintained at 1‐year follow‐up.

OP18 Efficacy and safety of filgotinib for the treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s Disease: Results from the phase 2 DIVERGENCE 2 study

Background

Treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (PFCD) is a major unmet need. Filgotinib (FIL) is a once-daily, oral, preferential Janus kinase 1 inhibitor in development for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. The efficacy and safety of FIL for the treatment of PFCD was evaluated in the phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo (PBO)-controlled DIVERGENCE 2 study (NCT03077412).

Methods

Patients (18–75 years old) with PFCD (documented diagnosis of CD for at least 3 months and 1–3 external openings [EOs] with drainage [spontaneous or on compression] for ≥ 4 weeks before screening) previously treated with antibiotics, immunomodulators and/or tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) were randomized (2:2:1) to receive FIL 200 mg, FIL 100 mg or PBO once daily for up to 24 weeks. Active luminal CD was permitted providing that the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index score was ≤ 300 at screening. The primary endpoint was combined fistula response (reduction of ≥ 1 from baseline in the number of draining EOs determined by investigator assessment and no fluid collections > 1 cm on centrally read pelvic magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) at Week 24. Combined fistula remission (closure of all draining EOs present at baseline and no fluid collections > 1 cm) at Week 24 was a key secondary endpoint. The study was not powered for statistical comparisons and was prematurely terminated owing to low recruitment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Baseline characteristics were broadly similar across the treatment groups (Table 1). Overall, 91.2% of patients had complex perianal fistulae and TNFi treatment had previously failed in 64.9% of patients. A lower proportion of patients randomized to receive FIL 200 mg discontinued the study compared with those who received PBO (Table 2). The proportion of patients who achieved a combined fistula response at Week 24 was numerically higher in the FIL 200 mg group (47.1%; 90% confidence interval [CI]: 26.0–68.9) than in the PBO group (25.0%; 90% CI: 7.2–52.7) (Figure 1), with similar results observed for combined fistula remission (FIL 200 mg [47.1%; CI: 26.0–68.9] versus PBO [16.7%; CI: 3.0–43.8]) (Figure 2). Treatment-emergent severe adverse events were highest in the FIL 200 mg group (Table 2). Adverse event rates were otherwise similar across treatment groups.

Conclusion

In this phase 2 study, numerically higher fistula response and remission rates were observed after 24 weeks of treatment with FIL 200 mg versus PBO in patients with active PFCD and a history of multiple medical treatment failures. FIL was well tolerated overall. Further studies of FIL for the treatment of PFCD are warranted.

Endoscopic tissue sampling - Part 2: Lower gastrointestinal tract. European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline

1: ESGE suggests performing segmental biopsies (at least two from each segment), which should be placed in different specimen containers (ileum, cecum, ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon, and rectum) in patients with clinical and endoscopic signs of colitis.Weak recommendation, low quality of evidence. 2: ESGE recommends taking two biopsies from the right hemicolon (ascending and transverse colon) and, in a separate container, two biopsies from the left hemicolon (descending and sigmoid colon) when microscopic colitis is suspected.Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence. 3: ESGE recommends pancolonic dye-based chromoendoscopy or virtual chromoendoscopy with targeted biopsies of any visible lesions during surveillance endoscopy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence. 4: ESGE suggests that, in high risk patients with a history of colonic neoplasia, tubular-appearing colon, strictures, ongoing therapy-refractory inflammation, or primary sclerosing cholangitis, chromoendoscopy with targeted biopsies can be combined with four-quadrant non-targeted biopsies every 10 cm along the colon. Weak recommendation, low quality of evidence. 5: ESGE recommends that, if pouch surveillance for dysplasia is performed, visible abnormalities should be biopsied, with at least two biopsies systematically taken from each of the afferent ileal loop, the efferent blind loop, the pouch, and the anorectal cuff.Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence. 6: ESGE recommends that, in patients with known ulcerative colitis and endoscopic signs of inflammation, at least two biopsies be obtained from the worst affected areas for the assessment of activity or the presence of cytomegalovirus; for those with no evident endoscopic signs of inflammation, advanced imaging technologies may be useful in identifying areas for targeted biopsies to assess histologic remission if this would have therapeutic consequences. Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence. 7: ESGE suggests not biopsying endoscopically visible inflammation or normal-appearing mucosa to assess disease activity in known Crohn's disease.Weak recommendation, low quality of evidence. 8: ESGE recommends that adequately assessed colorectal polyps that are judged to be premalignant should be fully excised rather than biopsied.Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence. 9: ESGE recommends that, where endoscopically feasible, potentially malignant colorectal polyps should be excised en bloc rather than being biopsied. If the endoscopist cannot confidently perform en bloc excision at that time, careful representative images (rather than biopsies) should be taken of the potential focus of cancer, and the patient should be rescheduled or referred to an expert center.Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence. 10: ESGE recommends that, in malignant lesions not amenable to endoscopic excision owing to deep invasion, six carefully targeted biopsies should be taken from the potential focus of cancer.Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence.

Endoscopic tissue sampling - Part 1: Upper gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary tracts. European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline

1: ESGE recommends that, where there is a suspicion of eosinophilic esophagitis, at least six biopsies should be taken, two to four biopsies from the distal esophagus and two to four biopsies from the proximal esophagus, targeting areas with endoscopic mucosal abnormalities. Distal and proximal biopsies should be placed in separate containers.Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence. 2: ESGE recommends obtaining six biopsies, including from the base and edge of the esophageal ulcers, for histologic analysis in patients with suspected viral esophagitis.Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence. 3: ESGE recommends at least six biopsies are taken in cases of suspected advanced esophageal cancer and suspected advanced gastric cancer.Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence. 4: ESGE recommends taking only one to two targeted biopsies for lesions in the esophagus or stomach that are potentially amenable to endoscopic resection (Paris classification 0-I, 0-II) in order to confirm the diagnosis and not compromise subsequent endoscopic resection.Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence. 5: ESGE recommends obtaining two biopsies from the antrum and two from the corpus in patients with suspected Helicobacter pylori infection and for gastritis staging.Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence. 6: ESGE recommends biopsies from or, if endoscopically resectable, resection of gastric adenomas.Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence. 7: ESGE recommends fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and fine-needle biopsy (FNB) needles equally for sampling of solid pancreatic masses.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 8: ESGE suggests performing peroral cholangioscopy (POC) and/or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition in indeterminate biliary strictures. For proximal and intrinsic strictures, POC is preferred. For distal and extrinsic strictures, EUS-guided sampling is preferred, with POC where this is not diagnostic.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 9: ESGE suggests obtaining possible non-neoplastic biopsies before sampling suspected malignant lesions to prevent intraluminal spread of malignant disease.Weak recommendation, low quality of evidence. 10: ESGE suggests dividing EUS-FNA material into smears (two per pass) and liquid-based cytology (LBC), or the whole of the EUS-FNA material can be processed as LBC, depending on local experience.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.

Population pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous infliximab CT-P13 in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against tumour necrosis factor-alpha for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Recently, a subcutaneous formulation of CT-P13, an infliximab biosimilar, was approved for clinical use.

AIMS

To characterise CT-P13 pharmacokinetics (PK) and its clinically relevant determinants after subcutaneous administration through population PK modelling.

METHODS

Data from a two-part Phase I study with intravenous (5 mg/kg) and variable maintenance subcutaneous dosing of CT-P13 with frequent PK sampling in patients with CD or UC were used. Population PK analysis was conducted by non-linear mixed effects modelling. Covariates affecting PK parameters were chosen based on their clinical relevance (effect size of ≥20%) using a full fixed-effect modelling approach.

RESULTS

CT-P13 PK was described by a two-compartment model with linear elimination. The half-life in a typical 70 kg patient with serum albumin of 44 g/L was 10.8 days. The typical value for clearance was 0.355 L/d, absorption constant 0.273/d, bioavailability 79.1%, central volume of distribution 3.10 L and peripheral volume of distribution 1.93 L. Clinically relevant covariates affecting clearance were body weight (+43.2% from 70 to 120 kg), the presence of anti-drug antibodies (+39%) and serum albumin concentration (+30.1% from 44 to 32 g/L). Simulated drug exposure was comparable between routes of administration for patients weighing 50 or 70 kg, but lower with subcutaneous dosing in patients weighing 120 kg.

CONCLUSIONS

This first population PK model for subcutaneous CT-P13 supports fixed subcutaneous maintenance dosing, although heavy patients had lower cumulative drug exposure.

Point-of-care Intestinal Ultrasound in IBD Patients: Disease Management and Diagnostic Yield in a Real-world Cohort and Proposal of a Point-of-care Algorithm

INTRODUCTION

Intestinal ultrasound [IUS] is useful for assessment of inflammation, complications, and treatment follow-up in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] patients. We aimed to study outcomes and impact on disease management for point-of-care [POC] IUS in IBD patients.

METHODS

Two patient cohorts undergoing POC IUS [January 2016-July 2018 and October 2019-December 2019] were included retrospectively. Disease management after IUS was analysed and IUS outcomes were compared with symptoms, biomarkers, and additional imaging within 8 weeks from IUS. To study differences in use of IUS over time, cohorts were compared.

RESULTS

In total, 345 examinations (280 in Crohn's disease [CD]/65 in ulcerative colitis [UC]) were performed. Present inflammation on IUS was comparable between symptomatic and asymptomatic CD [67.6% vs 60.5%; p = 0.291]. In 60%, IUS had impact on disease management with change in medication in 47.8%. Additional endoscopy/magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] was planned after 32.8% examinations, showing good correlation with IUS in 86.3% [ρ = 0.70, p <0.0001] and 80.0% [ρ = 0.75, p <0.0001] of cases, respectively. Faecal calprotectin was higher in active versus inactive disease on IUS [664 µg/g vs 79 µg/g; p <0.001]. Over the years, IUS was performed more frequently to monitor treatment response and the use of MRI was reduced within the cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

POC IUS affects clinical decision making and could detect preclinical relapse in CD patients, with potential to reduce additional endoscopy or MRI. In addition, the paradigm expands towards monitoring treatment and close follow-up for IUS. Based on our results, we propose a POC IUS algorithm for follow-up of IBD patients.

Defining Transabdominal Intestinal Ultrasound Treatment Response and Remission in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Systematic Review and Expert Consensus Statement

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

No consensus exists on defining intestinal ultrasound response, transmural healing, or transmural remission in inflammatory bowel disease, nor clear guidance for optimal timing of assessment during treatment. This systematic review and expert consensus study aimed to define such recommendations, along with key parameters included in response reporting.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched from inception to July 26, 2021, using pre-defined terms. Studies were eligible if at least two intestinal ultrasound [IUS] assessments at different time points during treatment were reported, along with an appropriate reference standard. The QUADAS-2 tool was used to examine study-level risk of bias. An international panel of experts [n = 18] rated an initial 196 statements [RAND/UCLA process, scale 1-9]. Two videoconferences were conducted, resulting in additional ratings of 149 and 13 statements, respectively.

RESULTS

Out of 5826 records, 31 full-text articles, 16 abstracts, and one research letter were included; 83% [40/48] of included studies showed a low concern of applicability, and 96% [46/48] had a high risk of bias. A consensus was reached on 41 statements, with clear definitions of IUS treatment response, transmural healing, transmural remission, timing of assessment, and general considerations when using intestinal ultrasound in inflammatory bowel disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Response criteria and time points of response assessment varied between studies, complicating direct comparison of parameter changes and their relation to treatment outcomes. To ensure a unified approach in routine care and clinical trials, we provide recommendations and definitions for key parameters for intestinal ultrasound response, to incorporate into future prospective studies.

Fibrosis and MAGNIFI-CD Activity Index at Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Predict Treatment Outcome in Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Characteristic magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] features associated with long-term perianal fistula closure are still being discussed. This study evaluated the predictive value of degree of fibrosis and disease activity (MAGNIFI-CD index) at MRI for long-term clinical closure of Crohn's perianal fistulas.

METHODS

Crohn's disease [CD] patients treated with surgical closure following anti-tumour necrosis factor [anti-TNF] induction or anti-TNF alone for high perianal fistulas as part of a patient preference randomized controlled trial [PISA-II] between 2013 and 2020 with a post-treatment MRI and long-term clinical follow-up data were retrospectively included. Two radiologists scored the degree of fibrosis and MAGNIFI-CD index at pre- and post-treatment MRI. The accuracy of post-treatment MRI findings in predicting long-term clinical closure [12 months after the MRI] was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics [ROC] analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were included: 31 female, median age 33 years (interquartile range [IQR] 26-45). Fourteen patients showed a 100% fibrotic fistula at post-treatment MRI, all of which had long-term clinical closure. Median MAGNIFI-CD index at post-treatment MRI was 0 [IQR 0-5] in 25 patients with long-term clinical closure and 16 [IQR 10-20] in 25 patients without. ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82-0.99) for degree of fibrosis and 0.95 [95% CI 0.89-1.00] for the MAGNIFI-CD index, with a Youden cut-off point of 6 [91% specificity, 87% sensitivity].

CONCLUSIONS

Degree of fibrosis and MAGNIFI-CD index at post-treatment MRI are accurate in predicting long-term clinical closure and seem valuable in follow-up of perianal CD. A completely fibrotic tract at MRI is a robust indicator for long-term fistula closure.

EUDRACT

2013-002932-25 and 2018-002064-15.

Real-world clinical and endoscopic outcomes after one year tofacitinib treatment in ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE

Tofacitinib, an oral Janus kinase inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC). We evaluated clinical and endoscopic efficacy, safety and drug survival of tofacitinib up to one year in a real-world cohort.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 36 UC patients were included who received tofacitinib. The primary outcome was combined with steroid-free clinical remission [Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) ≤2] and endoscopic improvement (Mayo score ≤1) at 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes included clinical (SCCAI drop ≥3) and endoscopic response (Mayo score drop ≥1), biochemical remission [fecal calprotectin (FC) ≤150 mg/kg and C-reactive protein ≤5 mg/L), safety and drug survival.

RESULTS

Median disease duration was 7 (3-14) years and 89 and 42% of patients failed prior anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) and vedolizumab treatment, respectively. Combined corticosteroid-free clinical remission and endoscopic improvement were observed in 8/36 patients (22%), 6/35 (17%) and 12/31 (39%), at 16, 36 and 52 weeks, respectively. Corresponding combined clinical and endoscopic response rates were 15/36 (42%), 12/35 (34%), 15/31 (48%) and biochemical remission rates were 11/33 (33%), 10/32 (31%) and 10/29 (34%). Nine infections (two herpes zoster) led to dose reduction or (temporary) drug withdrawal. Permanent withdrawal occurred in 14/36 patients (33%) after a median duration of 9 (5-30) weeks. Drug survival at 1 year was 60%. Patients that failed anti-TNF were less likely to discontinue tofacitinib treatment early compared to patients without prior anti-TNF use (hazard ratio 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.06-0.65).

CONCLUSION

In a refractory UC population, combined steroid-free clinical remission and endoscopic improvement were found in 39% of patients at 1 year.

Impaired Quality of Working Life in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

BACKGROUND

Work-related aspects are important determinants of health for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

AIMS

We aimed to describe quality of working life (QWL) in IBD patients and to assess variables that are associated with QWL.

METHODS

Employed IBD patients of two tertiary and two secondary referral hospitals were included. QWL (range 0-100) was measured using the Quality of Working Life Questionnaire (QWLQ). Work productivity (WP), fatigue, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) were assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, and Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, respectively. Active disease was defined as a score > 4 for the patient-reported Harvey-Bradshaw index in Crohn's disease (CD) or Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index in ulcerative colitis patients.

RESULTS

In total, 510 IBD patients were included (59% female, 53% CD, mean age 43 (SD 12) years). The mean QWLQ score was 78 (SD 11). The lowest subscore (54 (SD 26)) was observed for "problems due to the health situation": 63% reported fatigue-related problems at work, 48% agreed being hampered at work, 46% had limited confidence in their body, and 48% felt insecure about the future due to their health situation. Intermediate/strong associations were found between QWL and fatigue (r = - 0.543, p < 0.001), HRQL (r = 0.527, p < 0.001), WP loss (r = - 0.453, p < 0.001) and disease activity (r = - 0.331, p < 0.001). Independent predictors of impaired QWL in hierarchical regression analyses were fatigue (B = - 0.204, p < 0.001), WP loss (B = - 0.070, p < 0.001), and impaired HRQL (B = 0.248, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

IBD-related problems at work negatively influence QWL. Fatigue, reduced HRQL, and WP loss were independent predictors of impaired QWL in IBD.

Patients Undergoing Ileoanal Pouch Surgery Experience a Constellation of Symptoms and Consequences Representing a Unique Syndrome: A Report From the Patient-Reported Outcomes After Pouch Surgery (PROPS) Delphi Consensus Study

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim was to create a patient-centered definition of core symptoms that should be included in future studies of pouch function.

BACKGROUND

Functional outcomes after ileoanal pouch creation have been studied; however, there is great variability in how relevant outcomes are defined and reported. More importantly, the perspective of patients has not been represented in deciding which outcomes should be the focus of research.

METHODS

Expert stakeholders were chosen to correlate with the clinical scenario of the multidisciplinary team that cares for pouch patients: patients, colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists/other clinicians. Three rounds of surveys were employed to select high-priority items. Survey voting was followed by a series of online patient consultation meetings used to clarify voting trends. A final online consensus meeting with representation from all 3 expert panels was held to finalize a consensus statement.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-five patients, 62 colorectal surgeons, and 48 gastroenterologists/nurse specialists completed all 3 Delphi rounds. Fifty-three patients participated in online focus groups. One hundred sixty-one stakeholders participated in the final consensus meeting. On conclusion of the consensus meeting, 7 bowel symptoms and 7 consequences of undergoing ileoanal pouch surgery were included in the final consensus statement.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to identify key functional outcomes after pouch surgery with direct input from a large panel of ileoanal pouch patients. The inclusion of patients in all stages of the consensus process allowed for a true patient-centered approach in defining the core domains that should be focused on in future studies of pouch function.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of rectovaginal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease: results of the HOT-REVA pilot study

Background

Positive effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease (CD) have been described, but the effect on rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) has not yet been studied. The aim was to investigate the efficacy, safety and feasibility of HBO in patients with RVF in CD.

Methods

In this prospective study, consecutive CD patients between November 2018 and February 2020 presenting with RVF at the outpatient fistula clinic of the Amsterdam University Medical Centre were included and selected to receive treatment with 30 daily HBO sessions, if fistulas were actively draining and any concomitant treatment regimen was stable at least 6 weeks prior to start of HBO. Patients with a stoma were excluded. The primary endpoint was clinical closure at 3-month follow-up, defined as cessation of complaints and/or closure of the external orifice if visible at baseline. Secondary outcomes were improvement of concomitant perianal fistulas as measured by the perianal disease activity index (PDAI) and fistula drainage assessment (FDA), as well as improvement in patient-reported outcomes (visual analogue scale (VAS), inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ), faecal incontinence quality of life scale (FIQL) and female sexual functioning index (FSFI)) at 3-month follow-up.

Results

Out of 14 eligible patients, nine patients (median age 50 years) were treated, all of whom had previously had one or more unsuccessful medical and/or surgical treatments for their RVF. Clinical closure occurred in none of the patients at 3-month follow-up. There was no improvement in PDAI and patient-reported outcomes (VAS, IBDQ, FIQL and FSFI). Two patients had concomitant perianal fistulas; using FDA, one patient had a clinical response and one patient was in clinical remission 3 months after HBO. There were two treatment-related adverse events during HBO concerning claustrophobia and fatigue. Furthermore, two patients had a surgical intervention due to RVF and two patients were treated with antibiotics for a urinary tract infection during follow-up. One patient had a dose reduction of ustekinumab because of decreased luminal complaints.

Conclusion

Treatment with HBO was feasible, but in this therapy-refractory cohort without deviating ostomy no clinical closure of RVF or improvement in quality of life was seen 3 months after HBO. Treatment with HBO alone in this specific group of patients therefore appears to be ineffective.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of perianal fistulas in 20 patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Positive effects of hyperbaric oxygen on perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease have been reported.

AIM

To assess efficacy, safety and feasibility of hyperbaric oxygen in Crohn's disease patients with therapy-refractory perianal fistulas.

METHODS

Twenty consecutive patients were recruited at the out-patient fistula clinic of the Amsterdam UMC. Crohn's disease patients with high perianal fistula(s) failing conventional treatment for over 6 months were included. Exclusion criteria were presence of a stoma, rectovaginal fistula(s) and recent changes in treatment regimens. Patients received treatment with 40 hyperbaric oxygen sessions and outcome parameters were assessed at Week 16.

RESULTS

Seven women and 13 men were included (median age 34 years). At Week 16, median scores of perianal disease activity index and modified van Assche index (co-primary outcome parameters) decreased from 7.5 (95% CI 6-9) to 4 (95% CI 3-6, P < 0.001), and from 9.2 (95% CI 7.3-11.2) to 7.3 (95% CI 6.9-9.7, P = 0.004) respectively. Perianal disease activity index scores ≤4 (representing inactive perianal disease) were observed in 13/20 patients (65%). Twelve patients showed a clinical response (60%) and four (20%) clinical remission, assessed with fistula drainage assessment. Median C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin levels decreased from 4.2 mg/mL (95% CI 1.6-8) to 2.2 (95% CI 0.9-4.3, P = 0.003) and from 399 µg/g (95% CI 52-922) to 31 (95% CI 16-245, P = 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We found significant clinical, radiological and biochemical improvement in Crohn's disease patients with therapy-refractory perianal fistulas after treatment with hyperbaric oxygen.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.trialregister.nl/trial/6489.

High Disease Burden Drives Indirect Costs in Employed Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: The WORK-IBD Study

BACKGROUND

Work productivity (WP) loss includes absence from work (absenteeism) and productivity loss while working (presenteeism), which leads to high indirect costs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Prior health economic analyses predominantly focused on absenteeism. Here we focus on presenteeism and assess predictors of WP loss, fatigue, and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQL).

METHODS

Employed IBD patients completed the following surveys: Work Productivity and Activity Impairment, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, and Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire. Predictors were assessed using uni- and multivariable regression analyses. Annual costs were calculated using percentages of WP loss, hourly wages, and contract hours.

RESULTS

Out of 1590 invited patients, 768 (48%) responded and 510 (32%) were included. Absenteeism, presenteeism, and overall WP loss were reported by 94 (18%), 257 (50%), and 269 (53%) patients, respectively, resulting in mean (SD) annual costs of €1738 (5505), €5478 (8629), and €6597 (9987), respectively. Disease activity and active perianal disease were predictors of WP loss (odds ratio [OR] = 6.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6-12.1); OR = 3.7; 95% CI, 1.5-8.7). Disease activity and arthralgia were associated with fatigue (OR = 3.6; 95% CI, 1.9-6.8; OR = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0-3.3)) and reduced HRQL (OR = 10.3; 95% CI, 5.9-17.9; OR = 2.3; 95 % CI, 1.4-3.8). Fatigue was the main reason for absenteeism (56%) and presenteeism (70%). Fatigue and reduced HRQL led to increased costs compared with absence of fatigue and normal HRQL (mean difference = €6630; 95% CI, €4977-€8283, P < 0.01; mean difference = €9575; 95% CI, €7767-€11,384, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Disease activity and disease burden lead to WP loss in approximately half of the employed IBD population, driving indirect costs. Fatigue is the most important reason for WP loss.

Efficacy of dashboard driven dosing of infliximab in inflammatory bowel disease patients; a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Loss of response (LOR) to infliximab (IFX) remains a challenge in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Proactive dosing strategies to achieve and maintain predefined IFX trough levels (TL) may prevent LOR. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of dashboard driven IFX dosing compared to standard dosing in a prospective trial in IBD patients.

METHODS

In this multicentre 1:1 'PRECISION' trial, we randomized IBD patients in clinical remission (Harvey Bradshaw Index ≤4 for Crohn's disease (CD) or a partial Mayo score ≤2 for ulcerative colitis (UC)) receiving IFX maintenance treatment. The precision group (PG) received IFX dosing guided by a Bayesian pharmacokinetic model, aiming to achieve and maintain a TL of 3 µg/ml by treatment (de)escalation as indicated by the dashboard. Patients in the control group (CG) continued treatment without dose adaptations. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients in sustained clinical remission after 1 year.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were enrolled (66 CD, 14 UC), and the median [interquartile range] age was 37 years [27-51]). After one year, 28/32 (88%) of patients in the PG were in sustained clinical remission versus 25/39 (64%) in the CG (p = .017). PG patients had lower median faecal calprotectin levels after 1 year (p = .031), whereas no significant differences in median CRP levels were found.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that the use of a Bayesian dashboard for IFX dosing in maintenance treatment for IBD reduced the incidence of LOR compared to standard dosing. Precision dosing also resulted in lower FCP levels.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV NUMBER

NCT02453776.

Implication of Medical Treatment for Surgical Strategies in IBD

Despite changing medical paradigm, still a significant proportion of patients with IBD require surgery. The patient's general condition, including nutritional status and the use of immunosuppressive medications is of great importance with regard to surgical complications, as well as the choice of optimal surgical strategy. The indication and the timing of surgery are key factors for the multidisciplinary management of IBD patients. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview on the impact of medical treatment on surgical strategies in IBD.

Reliability of Endoscopic Evaluation of Postoperative Recurrent Crohn's Disease

Endoscopic evaluation for postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease (CD) is routinely integrated into clinical practice. The Rutgeerts score (RS) was developed to grade the severity of endoscopic postoperative CD recurrence and has been integrated into clinical practice guidelines and utilized as an endpoint in interventional trials.^1,2 However, the operating properties of the RS have not been fully assessed. Furthermore, the RS i2 grade groups purely anastomotic ulcerations with those in the neoterminal ileum, whereas the modified Endoscopic Postoperative Recurrence Score (mEPRS) distinguishes lesions limited to the ileocolic anastomosis (i2a) from those in the neoterminal ileum (i2b). Accurate characterization of endoscopic recurrence is an important determinant for initiating postoperative medical therapy. Therefore, variability in endoscopic scoring may result in inappropriate therapeutic decisions.³ We evaluated the reliability of endoscopic assessment of postoperative CD recurrence among independent blinded central readers.

Systematic Review: Histological Scoring of Strictures in Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In Crohn's disease, many patients develop a stricture, which can due to inflammation, fibrosis and muscular changes or all at the same time. Determining the predominant component has therapeutic consequences but remains challenging. To develop imaging techniques that assess the nature of a stricture, a gold standard is needed and histopathology is considered as such. This paper provides an overview of published histological scoring systems for strictures in Crohn's disease.

METHODS

A systematic literature review according to PRISMA guidelines was performed of histological scoring indices that assessed whether a stricture was inflammation-predominant or fibrosis-predominant. Multiple libraries were searched from inception to December 2018. Two reviewers independently assessed abstracts and full-texts.

RESULTS

Sixteen articles were identified as suitable for this systematic review. A large number of parameters were reported. Extent of neutrophil infiltration and extent of fibrosis in the bowel wall were most frequently described to reflect severity of inflammation and fibrosis, respectively. Among the 16 studies, only two described a numerical scoring system for the inflammatory and fibrotic component separately. Smooth muscle changes were scored in a minority of studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple scoring systems have been developed. There was large heterogeneity in scoring per parameter and construction of numerical scoring systems. Therefore, we feel that none of the systems is suitable to be used as gold standard. We offer an overview of histological parameters that could be incorporated in a future histological scoring index for strictures.

Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract and Endorectal Advancement Flap for High Perianal Fistulas in Crohn's Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract [LIFT] and advancement flap [AF] procedures are well-established, sphincter-preserving procedures for closure of high perianal fistulas. As surgical fistula closure is not commonly offered in Crohn's disease patients, long-term data are limited. This study aims to evaluate outcomes after LIFT and AF in Crohn's high perianal fistulas.

METHODS

All consecutive Crohn's disease patients ≥18 years old treated with LIFT or AF between January 2007 and February 2018 were included. The primary outcome was clinical healing and secondary outcomes included radiological healing, recurrence, postoperative incontinence and Vaizey Incontinence Score.

RESULTS

Forty procedures in 37 patients [LIFT: 19, AF: 21, 35.1% male] were included. A non-significant trend was seen towards higher clinical healing percentages after LIFT compared to AF [89.5% vs 60.0%; p = 0.065]. Overall radiological healing rates were lower for both approaches [LIFT 52.6% and AF 47.6%]. Recurrence rates were comparable: 21.1% and 19.0%, respectively. In AF a trend was seen towards higher clinical healing percentages when treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor/immunomodulators [75.0% vs 37.5%; p = 0.104]. Newly developed postoperative incontinence occurred in 15.8% after LIFT and 21.4% after AF. Interestingly, 47.4% of patients had a postoperatively improved Vaizey Score [LIFT: 52.9% and AF: 42.9%]. The mean Vaizey Score decreased from 6.8 [SD 4.8] preoperatively to 5.3 [SD 5.0] postoperatively [p = 0.067].

CONCLUSIONS

Both LIFT and AF resulted in satisfactory closure rates in Crohn's high perianal fistulas. However, a discrepancy between clinical and radiological healing rates was found. Furthermore, almost half of the patients benefitted from surgical intervention with respect to continence.

Wound healing of metastatic perineal Crohn's disease using hyperbaric oxygen therapy: A case series

Background

Metastatic Crohn’s disease (CD) is a rare manifestation of CD. It involves inflammatory skin lesions with histopathological findings (granulomas) similar to CD, without connection to the gastrointestinal tract. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has been suggested as a possible treatment option.

Objective

This study aimed to identify and treat a consecutive series of patients with biopsy-proven metastatic CD and monitor wound healing using prospectively acquired outcomes.

Methods

Pathology results of all patients with ongoing perineal wound-healing problems after proctectomy between 2005 and 2018 at the Amsterdam University Medical Centre were assessed for metastatic CD. Patients with a biopsy-proven diagnosis of perineal metastatic CD were offered HBO (40 daily sessions of 100% oxygen at 2.4 atmosphere absolute). Wound healing was monitored using photographs and standardised questionnaires (the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale and the Female Sexual Function Index) at baseline and 1 and 3 months after HBO.

Results

Out of 13 patients in the cohort with persisting perineal wounds after proctectomy, six (46%) had biopsy results consistent with metastatic CD. Of these, three accepted treatment with HBO. All three patients were female. One patient had complete healing of her perineal wound; another patient showed initial improvement but had a flare of luminal and perineal disease at the 3-month follow-up. The third patient showed improvement solely in the questionnaires, with higher scores on all three questionnaires.

Conclusion

A high rate of metastatic CD was found in patients with ongoing wound-healing problems after proctectomy, implying that the disease might not be as rare in these selected patients as previously thought. HBO might be beneficial in the treatment of metastatic CD.

Treatment of Perianal Fistulas in Crohn's Disease, Seton Versus Anti-TNF Versus Surgical Closure Following Anti-TNF [PISA]: A Randomised Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Most patients with perianal Crohn's fistula receive medical treatment with anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF], but the results of anti-TNF treatment have not been directly compared with chronic seton drainage or surgical closure. The aim of this study was to assess if chronic seton drainage for patients with perianal Crohn's disease fistulas would result in less re-interventions, compared with anti-TNF and compared with surgical closure.

METHODS

This randomised trial was performed in 19 European centres. Patients with high perianal Crohn's fistulas with a single internal opening were randomly assigned to: i] chronic seton drainage for 1 year; ii] anti-TNF therapy for 1 year; and iii] surgical closure after 2 months under a short course anti-TNF. The primary outcome was the cumulative number of patients with fistula-related re-intervention[s] at 1.5 years. Patients declining randomisation due to a specific treatment preference were included in a parallel prospective PISA registry cohort.

RESULTS

Between September 14, 2013 and November 20, 2017, 44 of the 126 planned patients were randomised. The study was stopped by the data safety monitoring board because of futility. Seton treatment was associated with the highest re-intervention rate [10/15, versus 6/15 anti-TNF and 3/14 surgical closure patients, p = 0.02]. No substantial differences in perianal disease activity and quality of life between the three treatment groups were observed. Interestingly, in the PISA prospective registry, inferiority of chronic seton treatment was not observed for any outcome measure.

CONCLUSIONS

The results imply that chronic seton treatment should not be recommended as the sole treatment for perianal Crohn's fistulas.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Transabdominal Ultrasound in Detecting Intestinal Inflammation in Paediatric IBD Patients-a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Currently used non-invasive tools for monitoring children with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], such as faecal calprotectin, do not accurately reflect the degree of intestinal inflammation and do not provide information on disease location. Ultrasound [US] might be of added value. This systematic review aimed to assess the diagnostic test accuracy of transabdominal US in detecting intestinal inflammation in children with IBD in both diagnostic and follow-up settings.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase [Ovid], Cochrane Library, and CINAHL [EBSCO] databases for studies assessing diagnostic accuracy of transabdominal US for detection of intestinal inflammation in patients diagnosed or suspected of IBD, aged 0-18 years, with ileo-colonoscopy and/or magnetic resonance enterography [MRE] as reference standards. Studies using US contrast were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed with QUADAS-2.

RESULTS

The search yielded 276 records of which 14 were included. No meta-analysis was performed, because of heterogeneity in study design and methodological quality. Only four studies gave a clear description of their definition for an abnormal US result. The sensitivity and specificity of US ranged from 39-93% and 90-100% for diagnosing de novo IBD, and 48-93% and 83-93% for detecting active disease during follow-up, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic accuracy of US in detecting intestinal inflammation as seen on MRE and/or ileo-colonoscopy in paediatric IBD patients remains inconclusive, and there is currently no consensus on defining an US result as abnormal. Prospective studies with adequate sample size and methodology are needed before US can be used in the diagnostics and monitoring of paediatric IBD.

Higher anti-TNF serum levels are associated with perianal fistula closure in Crohn's disease patients

Objectives: Anti-TNF agents are effective to treat perianal Crohn's disease (CD). Evidence suggests that Crohn's disease patients with perianal fistulas need higher infliximab (IFX) serum concentrations compared to patients without perianal CD to achieve complete disease control. Our aim was to compare anti-TNF serum concentrations between patients with actively draining and closed perianal fistulas. Methods: A retrospective survey was performed in CD patients with perianal disease treated with IFX or adalimumab (ADL). Fistula closure was defined as absence of active drainage at gentle finger compression and/or fistula healing on magnetic resonance imaging. Results: We identified 66 CD patients with a history of perianal fistulas treated with IFX (n = 47) and ADL (n = 19). Median IFX serum trough concentrations ([interquartile range]) were higher in patients with closed fistulas (n = 32) compared to patients with actively draining fistulas (n = 15): 6.0 µg/ml [5.4-6.9] versus 2.3 µg/ml [1.1-4.0], respectively (p < .001)). A similar difference was seen in patients treated with ADL: median serum concentrations were 7.4 µg/ml [6.5-10.8] in 13 patients with closed fistulas versus 4.8 µg/ml [1.7-6.2] in 6 patients with producing fistulas (p = .003). Serum concentrations of ≥5.0 µg/ml for IFX (area under the curve of 0.92; 95% CI: 0.82-1.00)) and 5.9 µg/ml for ADL (area under the curve of 0.89; 95% CI 0.71-1.00) were associated with fistula closure. Conclusion: Cut-off serum concentrations ≥5.0 µg/ml for IFX and ≥5.9 µg/ml for ADL were associated with perianal fistula closure. Hence, patients with producing perianal fistulas may benefit from anti-TNF dose intensification to achieve fistula closure.