Clinical Features and Natural History of Paediatric Patients with Ulcerative Proctitis: A Multicentre Study from the Paediatric IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Ulcerative proctitis [UP] is an uncommon presentation in paediatric patients with ulcerative colitis. We aimed to characterize the clinical features and natural history of UP in children, and to identify predictors of poor outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study involving 37 sites affiliated with the IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN. Data were collected from patients aged <18 years diagnosed with UP between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020.

RESULTS

We identified 196 patients with UP (median age at diagnosis 14.6 years [interquartile range, IQR 12.5-16.0]), with a median follow-up of 2.7 years [IQR 1.7-3.8]. The most common presenting symptoms were bloody stools [95%], abdominal pain [61%] and diarrhoea [47%]. At diagnosis, the median paediatric ulcerative colitis activity index [PUCAI] score was 25 [IQR 20-35], but most patients exhibited moderate-severe endoscopic inflammation. By the end of induction, 5-aminosalicylic acid administration orally, topically or both resulted in clinical remission rates of 48%, 48%, and 73%, respectively. The rates of treatment escalation to biologics at 1, 3, and 5 years were 10%, 22%, and 43%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the PUCAI score at diagnosis was significantly associated with initiation of systemic steroids, or biologics, and subsequent acute severe colitis events and inflammatory bowel disease-associated admission, with a score ≥35 providing an increased risk for poor outcomes. By the end of follow-up, 3.1% of patients underwent colectomy. Patients with UP that experienced proximal disease progression during follow-up [48%] had significantly higher rates of a caecal patch at diagnosis and higher PUCAI score by the end of induction, compared to those without progression.

CONCLUSION

Paediatric patients with UP exhibit high rates of treatment escalation and proximal disease extension.

[Paediatric gastroenterological and hepatological care in Germany: results of a nationwide survey]

Einleitung Kinder und Jugendliche mit chronischen Magen-, Darm-, Pankreas-, und Lebererkrankungen benötigen eine altersgerechte und qualifizierte Behandlung. Anhand einer repräsentativen Umfrage wird die strukturelle und personelle ambulante und stationäre Versorgung von Kindern mit chronischen Magen-, Darm-, Pankreas- und Lebererkrankungen in Deutschland analysiert.

Methodik 319 Kliniken für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin sowie 50 kindergastroenterologische Praxen in Deutschland wurden eingeladen, an der anonymen Online-Umfrage über EFS Survey teilzunehmen. Es wurden die Struktur der Einrichtungen, Weiterbildungsbefugnisse, Kooperationen, Behandlungs- bzw. Betreuungsdaten und eine Einschätzung des Versorgungsbedarfs systematisch erfasst und deskriptiv ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse An der Umfrage haben 81 Kliniken und 10 Praxen teilgenommen. Fast zwei Drittel der Kliniken (n=52) erbringen ambulante kindergastroenterologische Leistungen. Meist bis zu 10 (25,4%) oder 20 Stunden/Woche (33,8%). Ein Viertel der Kliniken bietet keine Sprechstunden an. Der ambulante Versorgungsbedarf kann von zwei Dritteln der Institutionen nicht gedeckt werden. Die Hälfte aller Kliniken gab an, dass der stationäre kindergastroenterologische Versorgungsbedarf gedeckt werden kann. Ein Drittel kann diesen jedoch nicht abdecken und nur selten gibt es ungenutzte Kapazitäten. 35 Kliniken (43,2%) verfügen über eine Weiterbildungsbefugnis gemäß Landesärztekammer (n=33) und/oder sind Weiterbildungszentrum der Gesellschaft für pädiatrische Gastroenterologie und Ernährung (GPGE) (n=18).

Schlussfolgerung Es besteht sowohl ein ambulantes als auch stationäres Versorgungsdefizit in der Kinder- und Jugendgastroenterologie. Dieses resultiert unter anderem aus den ökonomischen Rahmenbedingungen und Personalmangel. Gut ausgebildete Fachärzt*innen mit Spezialisierung in Kinder- und Jugendgastroenterologie werden für eine flächendeckende qualifizierte Versorgung weiterhin benötigt. Zukünftige Studien sollten auch den kindergastroenterologischen Versorgungsbedarf aus Sicht anderer Gruppen einbeziehen, wie betroffener Patienten*innen, internistischer Gastroenterolog*innen und niedergelassener Kinder- und Jugendärzt*innen.

mTOR inhibitors reduce enteropathy, intestinal bleeding and colectomy rate in patients with juvenile polyposis of infancy with PTEN-BMPR1A deletion

Ultra-rare genetic disorders can provide proof of concept for efficacy of targeted therapeutics and reveal pathogenic mechanisms relevant to more common conditions. Juvenile polyposis of infancy (JPI) is caused by microdeletions in chromosome 10 that result in haploinsufficiency of two tumor suppressor genes: phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and bone morphogenetic protein receptor type IA (BMPR1A). Loss of PTEN and BMPR1A results in a much more severe phenotype than deletion of either gene alone, with infantile onset pan-enteric polyposis and a high mortality rate. No effective pharmacological therapy exists. A multi-center cohort analysis was performed to characterize phenotype and investigate the therapeutic effect of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition (adverse events, disease progression, time to colectomy and mortality) in patients with JPI. Among 25 JPI patients identified (mean age of onset 13 months), seven received mTOR inhibitors (everolimus, n = 2; or sirolimus, n = 5). Treatment with an mTOR inhibitor reduced the risk of colectomy (hazard ratio = 0.27, 95% confidence interval = 0.07-0.954, P = 0.042) and resulted in significant improvements in the serum albumin level (mean increase = 16.3 g/l, P = 0.0003) and hemoglobin (mean increase = 2.68 g/dl, P = 0.0077). Long-term mTOR inhibitor treatment was well tolerated over an accumulated follow-up time of 29.8 patient years. No serious adverse events were reported. Early therapy with mTOR inhibitors offers effective, pathway-specific and personalized treatment for patients with JPI. Inhibition of the phosphoinositol-3-kinase-AKT-mTOR pathway mitigates the detrimental synergistic effects of combined PTEN-BMPR1A deletion. This is the first effective pharmacological treatment identified for a hamartomatous polyposis syndrome.

Acute Infectious Gastroenteritis in Infancy and Childhood

BACKGROUND

Despite the introduction of vaccination against rotavirus, and even though it can often be treated on an outpatient basis, acute infectious gastroenteritis is nevertheless the second most common non-traumatic cause of emergency hospitaliza - tion in children aged 1 to 5 years, accounting for approximately 9% of cases (39 410 cases in 2017). The most common path - ogens are viruses (47% rotavirus, 29% norovirus, and 14% adenovirus).

METHODS

This review is based on publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed employing the terms "acute gastro - enteritis children" AND "dehydration" OR "rehydration" OR "prevention," and by manual searching (based, for example, on reference lists and expert knowledge), with subsequent evaluation including consideration of the relevant guidelines.

RESULTS

The degree of dehydration can be judged from weight loss and other clinical findings. In 17 randomized controlled trials conducted on a total of 1811 children with mild or moderate dehydration, oral rehydration with oral rehydration solution was just as effective as intravenous rehydration with respect to weight gain, duration of diarrhea, and fluid administration, and was associated with shorter hospital stays (weighted mean difference, -1.2 days; 95% confidence interval [-2.38; -0.02]). Oral rehydration therapy failed in 4% of patients [1; 7]. In children who are vomiting or who refuse oral rehydration solution, continuous nasogastric application is just as effective as intravenous rehydration and is the treatment of first choice.

CONCLUSION

In Germany, children with mild or moderate dehydration are often hospitalized for intravenous rehydration therapy, despite the good evidence supporting ambulatory oral rehydration. Obstacles to intersectoral care, the nursing shortage, and inadequate reimbursement must all be overcome in order to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and thereby lessen the risk of nosocomial infection.

Endoscopy in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Position Paper on Behalf of the Porto IBD Group of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Endoscopy is a central tool for the evaluation and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In the last few decades, gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy has undergone significant technological developments including availability of pediatric-size equipment, enabling comprehensive investigation of the GI tract in children. Simultaneously, professional organization of GI experts have developed guidelines and training programs in pediatric GI endoscopy. This prompted the Porto Group on Pediatric IBD of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition to develop updated guidelines on the role of GI endoscopy in pediatric IBD, specifically taking into considerations of recent advances in the diagnosis, disease stratification, and novel therapeutic targets in these patients.

Diagnostic Yield of Next-generation Sequencing in Very Early-onset Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Multicentre Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

An expanding number of monogenic defects have been identified as causative of severe forms of very early-onset inflammatory bowel diseases [VEO-IBD]. The present study aimed at defining how next-generation sequencing [NGS] methods can be used to improve identification of known molecular diagnosis and to adapt treatment.

METHODS

A total of 207 children were recruited in 45 paediatric centres through an international collaborative network [ESPGHAN GENIUS working group] with a clinical presentation of severe VEO-IBD [n = 185] or an anamnesis suggestive of a monogenic disorder [n = 22]. Patients were divided at inclusion into three phenotypic subsets: predominantly small bowel inflammation, colitis with perianal lesions, and colitis only. Methods to obtain molecular diagnosis included functional tests followed by specific Sanger sequencing, custom-made targeted NGS, and in selected cases whole exome sequencing [WES] of parents-child trios. Genetic findings were validated clinically and/or functionally.

RESULTS

Molecular diagnosis was achieved in 66/207 children [32%]: 61% with small bowel inflammation, 39% with colitis and perianal lesions, and 18% with colitis only. Targeted NGS pinpointed gene mutations causative of atypical presentations, and identified large exonic copy number variations previously missed by WES.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results lead us to propose an optimised diagnostic strategy to identify known monogenic causes of severe IBD.

Development and Validation of Diagnostic Criteria for IBD Subtypes Including IBD-unclassified in Children: a Multicentre Study From the Pediatric IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN

BACKGROUND

The revised Porto criteria identify subtypes of paediatric inflammatory bowel diseases: ulcerative colitis [UC], atypical UC, inflammatory bowel disease unclassified [IBDU], and Crohn's disease [CD]. Others have proposed another subclassifiction of Crohn's colitis. In continuation of the Porto criteria, we aimed to derive and validate criteria, termed "PIBD-classes," for standardising the classification of the different IBD subtypes.

METHODS

This was a multicentre retrospective longitudinal study from 23 centres affiliated with the Port -group of ESPGHAN. Both a hypothesis-driven judgmental approach and mathematical classification and regression tree [CART] modelling were used for creating a diagnostic algorithm. Since small bowel inflammation is easily recognised as CD, we focused here primarily on the phenotype of colitis.

RESULTS

In all, 749 IBD children were enrolled: 236 [32%] Crohn's colitis, 272 [36%] UC and 241 [32%] IBDU [age 10.9 ± 3.6 years] with a median follow-up of 2.8 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.7-4.3). A total of 23 features were clustered in three classes according to their prevalence in UC: six class-1 features [0% prevalence in UC], 12 class-2 features [< 5% prevalence], and five class-3 features [5-10% prevalence]. According to the algorithm, the disease should be classified as UC if no features exist in any of the classes. When at least one feature exists, different combinations classify the disease into atypical UC, IBDU or CD. The algorithm differentiated UC from CD and IBDU with 80% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI] 71-88%) and 84% specificity [77-89%], and CD from IBDU and UC with 78% sensitivity [67-87%] and 94% specificity [89-97%].

CONCLUSIONS

The validated PIBD-classes algorithm can adequately classify children with IBD into small bowel CD, colonic CD, IBDU, atypical UC, and UC.

Treatment Options and Outcomes of Pediatric IBDU Compared with Other IBD Subtypes: A Retrospective Multicenter Study from the IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU) is the rarest IBD subtype with treatment based on extrapolation from ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) studies. We compared IBDU treatment choices with other colonic IBDs and explored long-term outcomes.

METHODS

This was a multicenter retrospective longitudinal study of 23 centers of pediatric IBD with isolated colitis, including a mild ileitis consistent with backwash.

RESULTS

Of note, 797 children (median age: 11.6 years, range: 2-18.4) were included: 250 with CD, 287 with UC, and 260 with IBDU (median follow-up: 2.8 [interquartile range: 1.6-4.2] years). IBDU differed from UC with lower corticosteroid (154 [59%] versus 204 [71%]; P = 0.004) and higher exclusive enteral nutrition use (26 [10%] versus 2 [0.6%]; P < 0.0001). Compared to patients with CD, patients with IBDU received less exclusive enteral nutrition and immunomodulators (26 [10%] versus 93 [37%]; P < 0.0001 and 67 [26%] versus 129 [52%]; P < 0.0001, respectively) but more aminosalicylates (228 [88%] versus 159 [64%]; P < 0.0001). Biological treatment was significantly higher in CD (82 [34%]) than in IBDU and UC (24 [12%] and 47 [17%], respectively; P < 0.0001). At last follow-up, 135 (69%) patients with IBDU had remission/mild disease activity compared with 100 (46%; P < 0.0001) patients with CD and 174 (64%; P = 0.3) patients with UC. Four (2%) of 194 patients with IBDU underwent surgery compared with 22 (8%) of 270 patients with UC (P = 0.009) and 20 (8%) of 238 patients with CD (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with IBDU have a lower medication burden and lower surgery rates than other IBD subtypes. The disease course at follow-up is generally mild, supporting an initial trial with 5-ASA before using more aggressive therapies.

[S2k-guideline Helicobacter pylori and gastroduodenal ulcer disease]

In the line "bismuth-containing quadruple therapy" of Table 7 (p 342), in the column "dosage" incorrectly at the three antibiotics respectively 1-1-1-1. The correct is: 3-3-3-3.

Inflammatory bowel disease in pediatric patients: Characteristics of newly diagnosed patients from the CEDATA-GPGE Registry

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can arise at any age, with peak incidence in adolescence and young adulthood. A registry of pediatric cases of IBD offers the opportunity to document their diagnosis and treatment, with the ultimate aim of improving diagnosis and treatment in the future.

METHODS

In the German-language CEDATA-GPGE registry, 3991 cases of IBD in patients less than 18 years of age were documented from 2004 to 2014. The 1257 patients who were prospectively included in the registry upon diagnosis and whose further course was documented for at least three months were analyzed in two separate groups--under 10 years old, and 10 years and above--with respect to the type and duration of their symptoms until diagnosis, the completeness of the diagnostic evaluation, the disease phenotype, and the initial treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 958 patients for whom full documentation was available, 616 (64.3%) had Crohn's disease (CD), 278 (29%) had ulcerative colitis (UC), 64 (6.7%) had an unclassified IBD, and 23.2% were under 10 years old. The latency to diagnosis was longer for CD than for UC (0.5 versus 0.3 years), regardless of age. 62.5% of the CD patients had ileocolonic involvement, and more than half had involvement of the upper gastrointestinal tract. 71% of the patients with UC had subtotal colitis or pancolitis. Continuous improvement was seen in diagnostic assessment according to published guidelines. For example, in 2004/2005, 69% of patients were evaluated endoscopically with ileocolonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy; this fraction had risen to nearly 100% by 2013/2014. Similarly, the percentage of patients who underwent a diagnostic evaluation of the small intestine, as recommended, rose from 41.2% to 60.9% over the same period. The most common initial treatments were 5- amino - salicylates (86.8% CD, 100% UC) and glucocorticoids (60.6% CD, 65.6% UC). 32% of the patients with CD received exclusive enteral nutrition therapy.

CONCLUSION

Most of these pediatric patients with IBD, whether in the younger or the older age group, had extensive bowel involvement at the time of diagnosis. The registry data imply that improvement in clinical course may be achieved by shortening the time to diagnosis and by closer adherence to the diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines.

Consensus guidelines of ECCO/ESPGHAN on the medical management of pediatric Crohn's disease

Children and adolescents with Crohn's disease (CD) present often with a more complicated disease course compared to adult patients. In addition, the potential impact of CD on growth, pubertal and emotional development of patients underlines the need for a specific management strategy of pediatric-onset CD. To develop the first evidenced based and consensus driven guidelines for pediatric-onset CD an expert panel of 33 IBD specialists was formed after an open call within the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation and the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterolog, Hepatology and Nutrition. The aim was to base on a thorough review of existing evidence a state of the art guidance on the medical treatment and long term management of children and adolescents with CD, with individualized treatment algorithms based on a benefit-risk analysis according to different clinical scenarios. In children and adolescents who did not have finished their growth, exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is the induction therapy of first choice due to its excellent safety profile, preferable over corticosteroids, which are equipotential to induce remission. The majority of patients with pediatric-onset CD require immunomodulator based maintenance therapy. The experts discuss several factors potentially predictive for poor disease outcome (such as severe perianal fistulizing disease, severe stricturing/penetrating disease, severe growth retardation, panenteric disease, persistent severe disease despite adequate induction therapy), which may incite to an anti-TNF-based top down approach. These guidelines are intended to give practical (whenever possible evidence-based) answers to (pediatric) gastroenterologists who take care of children and adolescents with CD; they are not meant to be a rule or legal standard, since many different clinical scenario exist requiring treatment strategies not covered by or different from these guidelines.

ESPGHAN revised porto criteria for the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) can be challenging in choosing the most informative diagnostic tests and correctly classifying PIBD into its different subtypes. Recent advances in our understanding of the natural history and phenotype of PIBD, increasing availability of serological and fecal biomarkers, and the emergence of novel endoscopic and imaging technologies taken together have made the previous Porto criteria for the diagnosis of PIBD obsolete.

METHODS

We aimed to revise the original Porto criteria using an evidence-based approach and consensus process to yield specific practice recommendations for the diagnosis of PIBD. These revised criteria are based on the Paris classification of PIBD and the original Porto criteria while incorporating novel data, such as for serum and fecal biomarkers. A consensus of at least 80% of participants was achieved for all recommendations and the summary algorithm.

RESULTS

The revised criteria depart from existing criteria by defining 2 categories of ulcerative colitis (UC, typical and atypical); atypical phenotypes of UC should be treated as UC. A novel approach based on multiple criteria for diagnosing IBD-unclassified (IBD-U) is proposed. Specifically, these revised criteria recommend upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and ileocolonscopy for all suspected patients with PIBD, with small bowel imaging (unless typical UC after endoscopy and histology) by magnetic resonance enterography or wireless capsule endoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

These revised Porto criteria for the diagnosis of PIBD have been developed to meet present challenges and developments in PIBD and provide up-to-date guidelines for the definition and diagnosis of the IBD spectrum.

Pharmakologische Aspekte

Kortikosteroide waren die ersten Therapeutika zur Kontrolle von Abstoßungsreaktionen nach Transplantation. Sie sind seit Langem und immer noch wichtiger Bestandteil vieler immunsuppressiver Therapiekonzepte. Kortikosteroide besitzen zahlreiche antiinflammatorische und immunsuppressive Effekte. Sie beeinflussen über die Bindung spezifischer zytoplasmatischer Rezeptoren die Gentranskriptionsrate für zentrale, immunregulatorische Proteine wie Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, Tumor-Nekrose-Faktor α (TNF-α) mit resultierender Suppression der Makrophagenfunktion und konsekutiver T-Zell-Aktivierung. Sie inhibieren auch die IL-2-Synthese, hemmen damit die T-Zell-Proliferation und reduzieren die IL- 2-Rezeptorbindungsfähigkeit. Andererseits stimulieren sie die Synthese des inhibierenden Zytokins „transforming growth factor β“ (TGF-β), was in einem „antiinflammatorisch“ geprägten T-Helfer-Zell-2-artigen Zytokinprofil resultiert. Über die Inhibition der Expression von interferonabhängigen Adhäsionsmolekülen (einschließlich MHC-Klasse-II-Moleküle) bewirken Kortikosteroide darüber hinaus die Alteration von Leukozytenverkehr und -transmigration sowie eine Induktion der Lymphozytenapoptose.

Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy in children and adolescents with cancer

Chemotherapy regimes in children with cancer often cause gastrointestinal side effects. Only limited data exist on the use of endoscopy in this group of patients.

METHODS

Retrospective review over a time period of 8.5 years identified 57 endoscopies (49 upper endoscopies, four colonoscopies, three sigmoidoscopies, one rectoscopy) in 38 patients (mean age 12.8 years). Seventeen children (45%) had hematological malignancies and 21 (55%) had solid tumors. In 12 children, platelet count was <50 × 10(9)/L and 10 children were neutropenic (ANC < 1 × 10(9)/L; absolute neutrophil count).

RESULTS

Forty diagnostic endoscopies, seven follow-up endoscopies, and 10 therapeutic endoscopies were performed. Biopsies were taken in 30 (75%) of 40 diagnostic endoscopies and microbiology samples in 17 (42.5%). Pathological findings identified in 33 (82.5%) diagnostic endoscopies: esophagitis 15 (37.5%)-two of them infections: 1 candida, 1 HSV (herpes simplex virus); Mallory-Weiss tears 5 (12.5%); gastritis 18 (45%; four Helicobacter pylori positive); ulcer 1 (2.5%); duodenitis 11 (27.5%); neoplasia 3 (7.5%); and colitis 5 (12.5%). Therapeutic endoscopies: Four PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) tube placements, one tube removal, two sclerotherapies for esophageal varices, three nasojejunal tubes for enteral nutrition (EN), and three additional tubes in primary diagnostic endoscopies.

COMPLICATIONS

One episode of fever (>38.5°C) after colonoscopy, one localized infection after PEG tube placement, and two episodes of temporary desaturation. No association of neutropenia with more infections was observed. No bleeding in thrombocytopenic patients was observed.

CONCLUSION

The data show that endoscopy in high-risk pediatric patients with malignant diseases is a safe procedure. Endoscopy reveals relevant information and have therapeutic impact with high probability. Tube placement techniques can help to maintain EN.

Loss of interleukin-10 signaling and infantile inflammatory bowel disease: implications for diagnosis and therapy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Homozygous loss of function mutations in interleukin-10 (IL10) and interleukin-10 receptors (IL10R) cause severe infantile (very early onset) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was reported to induce sustained remission in 1 patient with IL-10R deficiency. We investigated heterogeneity among patients with very early onset IBD, its mechanisms, and the use of allogeneic HSCT to treat this disorder.

METHODS

We analyzed 66 patients with early onset IBD (younger than 5 years of age) for mutations in the genes encoding IL-10, IL-10R1, and IL-10R2. IL-10R deficiency was confirmed by functional assays on patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (immunoblot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyses). We assessed the therapeutic effects of standardized allogeneic HSCT.

RESULTS

Using a candidate gene sequencing approach, we identified 16 patients with IL-10 or IL-10R deficiency: 3 patients had mutations in IL-10, 5 had mutations in IL-10R1, and 8 had mutations in IL-10R2. Refractory colitis became manifest in all patients within the first 3 months of life and was associated with perianal disease (16 of 16 patients). Extraintestinal symptoms included folliculitis (11 of 16) and arthritis (4 of 16). Allogeneic HSCT was performed in 5 patients and induced sustained clinical remission with a median follow-up time of 2 years. In vitro experiments confirmed reconstitution of IL-10R-mediated signaling in all patients who received the transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified loss of function mutations in IL-10 and IL-10R in patients with very early onset IBD. These findings indicate that infantile IBD patients with perianal disease should be screened for IL-10 and IL-10R deficiency and that allogeneic HSCT can induce remission in those with IL-10R deficiency.

Enteric hyperoxaluria, recurrent urolithiasis, and systemic oxalosis in patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Prevalence of recurrent calcium-oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis (UL) is up to fivefold higher in Crohn's disease than in the general population. Treatment options are scarce and the risk of recurrent UL or progressive renal CaOx deposition, (oxalosis) based early end-stage renal failure (ESRF), subsequent systemic oxalosis, and recurrence in the kidney graft is pronounced. We aimed to find proof that secondary hyperoxaluria is the main risk factor for the devastating course and correlates with intestinal oxalate absorption.

METHODS

24-h urines were collected and analyzed for urinary oxalate (Uox) in 27 pediatric (6-18 years) and 19 adult patients (20-62 years). In the 21 patients (8 adults and 13 children) with hyperoxaluria a [(13)C(2)]oxalate absorption test was performed under standardized dietary conditions.

RESULTS

Mean Uox was significantly higher in patients with UL or oxalosis (0.92 ± 0.57) compared with those without (0.53 ± 0.13 mmol/1.73 m(2)/24 h, p<0.05, normal < 0.5). Hyperoxaluria then significantly correlated with intestinal oxalate absorption (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

As UL/oxalosis has major implications for the general health in patients with Crohn's disease (ESRF and systemic oxalosis), new medication, e.g. to reduce intestinal oxalate absorption, is definitely needed.

Diagnostic workup of paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Europe: results of a 5-year audit of the EUROKIDS registry

OBJECTIVE

In 2005, the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Working Group of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition published consensus guidelines on the diagnostic workup of paediatric IBD, the Porto criteria. According to these guidelines, children suspected of having IBD should undergo an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), ileocolonoscopy, and (except in cases of definitive ulcerative colitis) adequate imaging of the small bowel. To audit and evaluate the diagnostic workup of paediatric patients with IBD in Europe, the Working Group created EUROKIDS, a prospective, Web-based registry of newly diagnosed paediatric patients with IBD.

METHODS

Patients with IBD (ages 0-18 years) were registered in 44 centres in 18 countries. Data on diagnostic workup were analysed according to the year of diagnosis, type of IBD, and centre size. Diagnostic yield of OGD and ileal intubation were evaluated.

RESULTS

Between 2004 and 2009, 2087 newly diagnosed patients were correctly registered. Both OGD and ileocolonoscopy had been performed in 64% of all of the patients and increased significantly from year 1 (52 %) to 5 (71%, P  <  0.001). Small-bowel follow-through use decreased during the years (year 1 n = 213, year 5 n = 108; P < 0.001), whereas magnetic resonance imaging use increased (year 1 n  = 25, year 5 n  = 171; P < 0.001). Patients diagnosed as having Crohn disease (CD, 59%) and ulcerative colitis (58%) were more likely to have had a complete diagnostic workup than patients diagnosed as having IBD unclassified (45%). In CD, the diagnostic yield of OGD was 7.5% and the yield of ileal intubation was 13%.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of diagnostic workup in paediatric patients with IBD increased steadily between 2004 and 2009. Small-bowel imaging by magnetic resonance imaging superseded the use of small-bowel follow-through. OGD and ileal intubation contributed to a definitive diagnosis of CD.

Loss of enteroendocrine cells in autoimmune-polyendocrine-candidiasis-ectodermal-dystrophy (APECED) syndrome with gastrointestinal dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Enteroendocrine (EE) cells are necessary for the regulation of gastrointestinal function. The lack of intestinal enteroendocrine cells in enteroendocrine cell dysgenesis causes severe malabsorptive diarrhea. Autoimmune-polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal-dystrophy (APECED) is often accompanied by gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.

AIMS

We hypothesized that an autoimmune attack against the cells of the GI-associated diffuse endocrine system may be a specific feature of GI dysfunction in APECED disorders.

METHODS

Biopsies were obtained during routine diagnostic endoscopy from 35 pediatric patients with gastrointestinal symptoms as well as from five healthy controls; biopsies were immunostained for chromogranin A and serotonin. Four patients were classified as APECED syndrome on molecular and clinical grounds.

RESULTS

Immunohistological analysis of biopsies along the GI tract (stomach, duodenum, colon) immunostained with chromogranin A and serotonin revealed a widespread reduction or complete loss of EE cells in all four patients with APECED syndrome suffering from severe diarrhea, vomiting, malabsorption, or constipation. In contrast, EE cells were present in pediatric patients with similar gastrointestinal symptoms caused by inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, lymphocytic colitis, and autoimmune disorders without endocrinopathy or graft vs. host disease of the gut.

CONCLUSIONS

The reduction of EE cells is a specific and important early event in the pathogenesis of APECED with GI dysfunction. We propose a diagnostic algorithm integrating clinics, genetics and immunohistology.

Childhood onset inflammatory bowel disease: predictors of delayed diagnosis from the CEDATA German-language pediatric inflammatory bowel disease registry

OBJECTIVES

To examine predictors of delayed diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease in children and adolescents.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 2,436 patients (age 0-18 years) with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or unclassified colitis were included from 53 pediatric gastroenterologists. Predictors were examined with the proportional hazards model, presented as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals. HR < 1.0 represent factors associated with late diagnosis.

RESULTS

Median time to diagnosis was 4 (2-8) months. Crohn's disease (HR 0.62; 0.56-0.68), and within Crohn's disease, ileal disease (HR 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.67 to 0.89) were associated with delayed diagnosis. Chances for early diagnosis increased with increasing age (HR 1.07 per year of age; 1.06 to 1.08). There was also an effect by center (HR 0.63, 0.52 to 0.67), but not by sex or country (Austria vs Germany). Growth failure was more common in those cases with delayed diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

There is still concern about delays in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease in the very young and in children with small bowel disease. Inequalities of care by region require further investigation.

Inflammatory bowel disease and mutations affecting the interleukin-10 receptor

BACKGROUND

The molecular cause of inflammatory bowel disease is largely unknown.

METHODS

We performed genetic-linkage analysis and candidate-gene sequencing on samples from two unrelated consanguineous families with children who were affected by early-onset inflammatory bowel disease. We screened six additional patients with early-onset colitis for mutations in two candidate genes and carried out functional assays in patients' peripheral-blood mononuclear cells. We performed an allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in one patient.

RESULTS

In four of nine patients with early-onset colitis, we identified three distinct homozygous mutations in genes IL10RA and IL10RB, encoding the IL10R1 and IL10R2 proteins, respectively, which form a heterotetramer to make up the interleukin-10 receptor. The mutations abrogate interleukin-10-induced signaling, as shown by deficient STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) phosphorylation on stimulation with interleukin-10. Consistent with this observation was the increased secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha and other proinflammatory cytokines from peripheral-blood mononuclear cells from patients who were deficient in IL10R subunit proteins, suggesting that interleukin-10-dependent "negative feedback" regulation is disrupted in these cells. The allogeneic stem-cell transplantation performed in one patient was successful.

CONCLUSIONS

Mutations in genes encoding the IL10R subunit proteins were found in patients with early-onset enterocolitis, involving hyperinflammatory immune responses in the intestine. Allogeneic stem-cell transplantation resulted in disease remission in one patient.

Dysphagia due to Triple A Syndrome: Successful Treatment of Achalasia by Balloon Dilatation

Triple A syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder which is characterized by alacrima, adrenal insufficiency, and achalasia. We report on a 14-year old girl with dysphagia, regurgitation, and vomiting since 5 years. At the age of five years an Addison crisis was diagnosed and cortisone substitution was initiated. In addition, the patient had episodes of conjunctivitis. Severe esophagitis and candida infection were diagnosed by esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy and treated with omeprazole and fluconazole. The esophageal barium swallow was typical for achalasia. Medical treatment of achalasia with oral nifedipine resulted only in a partial and temporal improvement. But after seven balloon dilatations dysphagia and nocturnal coughing improved clearly and a remarkable gain of weight could be seen. Direct sequencing showed a homozygous nonsense mutation in exon 11 of the AAAS gene leading to truncation at position 342 of the 546 amino acid protein.

CONCLUSION

Triple A syndrome has to be considered in patients with dysphagia. In our patient, the absence of tears since birth followed by adrenal insufficiency were early signs of the triple A syndrome. Balloon dilatation of the esophago-gastric junction is an effective treatment, which can avoid surgical interventions.

Norovirus outbreak in a pediatric oncology unit

OBJECTIVE

Norovirus (NV) is an etiologic agent of outstanding importance that can cause severe epidemic gastroenteritis in day-care centers, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. Therefore NV requires foremost attention as a pathogen responsible for epidemics of gastroenteritis in immunocompromised inpatients. In this study, a NV outbreak in a pediatric oncology unit is described and the consequences for this high-risk population are discussed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Stool and vomitus samples from 11 patients were tested for NV and other relevant viruses during the outbreak by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (whenever an appropriate ELISA was available). Norwalk virus PCR amplifications were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The index patient and the chain of infection were identified. Follow-up investigation surprisingly demonstrated viral shedding for a maximum of 140 days (median 23 days). Three patients experienced severe or life-threatening symptoms, probably related to NV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

In the event of an outbreak of gastroenteritis (involving two or more symptomatic patients) in a pediatric oncology unit, the search for NV in stool or vomitus specimens should be initiated in good time. As long as the data are limited regarding whether a detectable viral antigen or RNA in stools represents an infectious virus, patients have to be isolated as long as the diagnostic assays remain positive. During the acute phase of the illness, health-care workers should wear masks in addition to practicing meticulous hand hygiene with a disinfectant of proven activity against NV. Pediatric oncology patients must be closely monitored during follow-up investigations as they may shed the virus for months. There is some evidence from the outbreak described here that those patients face a greater risk of severe NV-related complications.

Enteraler Eiweißverlust: Pathophysiologie, Ursachen, Diagnostik und Therapie mit Fallbeispielen

The protein-loosing enteropathy (PLE) may result from a broad variety of underlying diseases. These conditions are of systemic nature or locally affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Major symptoms are oedema due to low plasma protein levels. Gastrointestinal symptoms are not necessarily present. The diagnosis is confirmed by the finding of increased faecal concentrations of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (> 320 mg/L). In the majority of cases, in which underlying diseases are present, the etiology is obvious. In unclear cases the differentiation into inflammatory or circulatory disturbances or alterations of the architecture of the basal membrane is helpful. An economic, staged approach is presented. To localize the site of protein loss imaging is required (abdominal ultrasound, CT-scan, endoscopy and Technetium-Scan). If a circumscribed intestinal source of protein loss is suspected which may be amenable to surgery, intraoperative enteroscopy should be considered. If causal treatment is impossible; intravenous replacement of albumin and immunoglobulines in intervals from 1 to 4 weeks will be necessary. The prognosis in patients with isolated PLE is good. Otherwise it depends on the underlying disease.

Fecal lactoferrin: a new parameter to monitor infliximab therapy

The glycoprotein lactoferrin is found in many body fluids but also in the granules of neutrophilic granulocytes. Fecal lactoferrin levels increase quickly with the influx of leukocytes into the intestinal lumen during inflammation. This biomarker has recently been shown to be a sensitive and specific marker of disease activity in chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Our aim was the determination of fecal lactoferrin as a marker of intestinal inflammation and therapeutic response following infliximab therapy in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease (CD). A total of five patients (ages 10-15 years) with severe Crohn's disease as defined by the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) was enrolled in the study. The fecal lactoferrin levels were determined before and after therapy with infliximab by a quantitative lactoferrin ELISA (IBD-SCAN; TechLab, Inc.). Of the five patients on infliximab therapy, three received a single infusion and the remaining two underwent a regime with three maintenance infusions. All five patients responded to infliximab clinically after the first infusion, and in all patients, fecal lactoferrin levels significantly and rapidly decreased from elevated to near baseline in parallel to clinical assessment and the PCDAI. The reduction in fecal lactoferrin at days 7-10 was 93.43 +/- 4.49%, in comparison with the level before infliximab therapy, and correlated with a mean decrease in the PCDAI from 48.50 to 14.0. For the patients followed during multiple infusions, one remained with mild disease and the other reached remission (subjective and PCDAI). Fecal lactoferrin is a sensitive and specific biomarker representing intestinal inflammation and response to therapy in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease. It may be a helpful noninvasive diagnostic tool for monitoring therapeutic efficiency in pediatric IBD patients. Future studies are needed to further establish the relationship between endoscopic changes and the level of fecal lactoferrin as well as the possible role of lactoferrin as being an early and preclinical indicator of relapse.

Gender-based differences in children with sepsis and ARDS: the ESPNIC ARDS Database Group

Male gender predisposes to severe sepsis and septic shock. This effect has been ascribed to higher levels of testosterone. The ESPNIC ARDS database was searched, to determine if there was evidence of a similar male preponderance in severe sepsis in prepubertal patients in spite of low levels of male sex hormones at this age. A total of 72 patients beyond neonatal age up to 8 years of age with sepsis were identified. The male/female (M/F) ratio was 1.7 (1.0;2.7) and differed significantly from non-septic ARDS patients in this age group [n = 209; M/F = 1.0 (0.8;1.3)]. The highest M/F-ratio was observed in the first year of life. The gender-ratio was the same as reported in adult patients with sepsis. In infants between 1 month and 12 months of age, the ratio was 2.8 (1.2;6.1) (Chi2= 5.6; P< 0.01), in children from 1 year to 8 years of age it was 1.2 (0.7;2.2) (n.s.). In a subgroup of patients with severe sepsis or septic shock, caused by other bacteria than Neisseria meningitidis, the M/F-ratio was 2.1 (1.2;3.6) (Chi2= 4.9; P<0.05), while in patients with meningococcal sepsis (n=20) the M/F-ratio was 1.0 (0.4;2.3). In prepubertal ARDS patients with sepsis an increased frequency of male patients is found, comparable to adults. No male preponderance exists in patients with ARDS due to meningococcal septic shock. Since levels of testosterone and other sex hormones are extremely low at this age, we conclude that factors others than testosterone are involved in the male preponderance in severe sepsis.

Cardiomyopathy in congenital disorders of glycosylation

Congenital disorders of glycosylation are a group of inherited metabolic multisystem disorders characterized by defects in the glycosylation of proteins and lipids. In most cases, neuromuscular disease is present. The purpose of this study was to characterize the cardiological aspects in this disorder. From the literature, we identified six children with congenital disorders of glycosylation associated with cardiac disease. We then screened for cardiovascular manifestations 20 patients diagnosed with congenital disorders of glycosylation at our own institution. Of the 6 patients identified in the literature, 4 had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, while in the other 2 the cardiac diagnosis was unclear. The mean age at cardiac diagnosis was 5 months, with a range from 34 weeks to 24 months. Of the patients, five had died at a mean age of 3.5 months, with a range from 1.5 to 6 months, with one documented cardiac death. Three of our 20 patients (15%) had coexistent cardiomyopathy, and in three additional patients presenting with cardiomyopathy we made the diagnosis of a congenital disorder of glycosylation. In our cohort, dilated cardiomyopathy was found in two-thirds of the patients, with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the other third. The mean age at cardiac diagnosis was 19 months, with a range from 0.5 to 84 months. Of these patients, two died in infancy at a mean age of 4 months, specifically at 1.5 and 7 months, due to cardiac disease, with one dying suddenly. The remaining four patients are alive with minor to severe cardiac dysfunction. We conclude that congenital disorders of glycosylation have to be considered in the differential diagnosis of children presenting with cardiomyopathy, and that all patients with congenital disorders of glycosylation should be screened for an associated cardiomyopathy. Cardiac involvement contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality, and probably to sudden cardiac death in this disorder.

Prevalence and specificity of antigastric autoantibodies in adolescents infected with Helicobacter pylori

OBJECTIVES

Antigastric autoantibodies (AGA) can be detected in as many as 50% of adults infected with Helicobacter pylori. We investigated H pylori -associated antigastric autoimmunity in children and adolescents.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients with dyspepsia (n = 78; mean age 10.9 years, range 2-21 years, SE 0.46 years) underwent gastroscopy. H pylori infection was determined by serologic and histologic features and breath tests. AGA were detected by immunohistochemistry and were characterized by immunoprecipitation with the gastric hydrogen ion, potassium ion, adenosine triphosphatase (H(+),K(+)-ATPase). In absorption assays, antibodies against H pylori were removed to determine the role of molecular mimicry.

RESULTS

AGA were detected in 9 (18%) of the 51 infected patients and in 1 (4 %) of the 27 noninfected patients (P =.08; nonsignificant) and could not be absorbed to H pylori. Children with AGA were significantly older (P =.01). AGA in H pylori gastritis reacted against the gastric H(+),K(+)-ATPase in 3 (33%) of the 9 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The age of the patient or the duration of gastritis seem to be relevant factors for the formation of antigastric autoimmunity. The gastric H(+),K(+)-ATPase represents an autoantigen as early as childhood. No evidence for a role of molecular mimicry between H pylori and the host at this young age could be found.

Prolonged awakening and pulmonary edema after general anesthesia and naphazoline application in an infant

IMPLICATIONS

Naphazoline intoxication by intrabronchial overdose caused prolonged unconsciousness of an 18-mo-old child after general anesthesia for tracheal rigid bronchoscopy. The leading symptoms were side effects involving the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and central nervous systems. Intensive care unit admission with the need for mechanical ventilation was necessary. Recovery was uneventful.

Cisapride reduces postoperative gastrocaecal transit time after cardiac surgery in children

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of the prokinetic drug cisapride on gastrocaecal transit time (GCTT) in children after open heart surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized and controlled study.

SETTING

Interdisciplinary paediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary-care children's hospital.

PATIENT

Twenty-one children with a median age of 6.2 years on day 1 after uncomplicated open heart surgery for isolated septal defects, acquired mitral or aortic valve disease or tetralogy of Fallot. Control group consisting of 10 healthy children with a median age of 8.1 years.

INTERVENTIONS

Ten children were randomized to receive cisapride 0.2 mg/kg body weight, 30 min prior to measurement of GCTT.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

GCTT was measured using hydrogen breath testing with a test solution containing lactulose and mannitol (0.4 g/kg and 0.1 g/kg body weight respectively). GCTT was markedly delayed in all patients compared to the control group. Within 8 h 8/10 patients in the treatment group versus 4/11 patients in the non-cisapride group achieved gastrocaecal transit. No adverse side-effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Cisapride accelerates gastrocaecal transit after open heart surgery in children. In intensive care patients on inotropic support or opioid medication, it may facilitate the earlier reintroduction of enteral feeding.

Resistance of endothelial cells to anoxia-reoxygenation in isolated guinea pig hearts

The release of cytosolic enzymes from myocardial and endothelial cells in the anoxic-reoxygenated guinea pig heart was investigated. Isolated hearts were perfused with Tyrode solution in the Langendorff mode. Sixty-minute anoxic perfusion with or without glucose (5 mM) was followed by 15-min normoxic perfusion with glucose. The losses of purine-nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) from endothelial cells and of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) from the mass of myocardial cells were determined. After 30-min anoxia, the release of LDH and CK but not of PNP increased. Reoxygenation after 60-min anoxia with glucose caused a partial recovery of tissue ATP but also an increase in leakage of LDH (11% of total in 15 min) and CK (10%) and a sudden rise in coronary resistance, indicating contracture development ("oxygen paradox"). PNP release remained low (0.5%). In hearts subjected to glucose-free anoxia, ATP levels did not rise during 15-min reoxygenation, contracture development was delayed, and the release of LDH and CK was diminished (3.1 and 2.7%, respectively). Leakage of PNP was again low (0.5%). The results indicate that cardiomyocytes are more severely injured by anoxia-reoxygenation than the coronary endothelium. The rapidly developing reoxygenation-induced injury of cardiomyocytes seems to be an energy-dependent phenomenon, since it was attenuated in hearts deprived of substrate in anoxia.