Demarcated redness associated with increased vascular density/size: a useful marker of flat-type dysplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis

Background and study aims  Recent advances in endoscopic equipment and diagnostic techniques have improved the detection of dysplasia in the inflamed mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it remains difficult to endoscopically identify flat-type dysplasia which has been formerly recognized as invisible dysplasia. Patients and methods  In this retrospective, single-center study, we endoscopically identified 10 cases of flat-type-predominant dysplasia by targeted biopsy among 38 intramucosal dysplasia lesions from patients with UC who underwent surgical or endoscopic resection from 2007 to 2017. Their endoscopic and histological features were examined, including color changes, intramucosal vascular density/size, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Results  All flat-type-predominant dysplasias were endoscopically recognized as demarcated red-colored areas and histologically diagnosed as low- (LGDs) or high-grade dysplasias (HGDs). Immunohistochemical examination using resected specimens revealed that flat-type dysplasia was characterized by significantly increased CD34-positive vascular density (LGDs, 1.7-fold, P < 0.01; HGDs, 2.2-fold, P  < 0.01) and size (LGDs, 1.03-fold, P  < 0.01; HGDs, 1.11-fold, P  < 0.01) in the mucosa, compared to adjacent non-neoplastic areas. Increased numbers of vessels were observed at the base of the mucosa in LGDs, whereas HGDs contained increased/enlarged vessels throughout the mucosa. Moreover, VEGF expression was elevated in all dysplastic epithelia. Conclusions  Demarcated red-colored areas, histologically characterized by an increased vascular density/size in the mucosa, are an endoscopic sign of formerly invisible flat-type dysplasia in patients with UC and should be considered for targeted biopsy. Prospective studies focusing on the mucosal color change for their early detection would be desirable in the future.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for inflammatory bowel disease 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term for chronic or remitting/relapsing inflammatory diseases of the intestinal tract and generally refers to ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Since 1950, the number of patients with IBD in Japan has been increasing. The etiology of IBD remains unclear; however, recent research data indicate that the pathophysiology of IBD involves abnormalities in disease susceptibility genes, environmental factors and intestinal bacteria. The elucidation of the mechanism of IBD has facilitated therapeutic development. UC and CD display heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management depends on the understanding and tailoring of evidence-based interventions by physicians. In 2020, seventeen IBD experts of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology revised the previous guidelines for IBD management published in 2016. This English version was produced and modified based on the existing updated guidelines in Japanese. The Clinical Questions (CQs) of the previous guidelines were completely revised and categorized as follows: Background Questions (BQs), CQs, and Future Research Questions (FRQs). The guideline was composed of a total of 69 questions: 39 BQs, 15 CQs, and 15 FRQs. The overall quality of the evidence for each CQ was determined by assessing it with reference to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach, and the strength of the recommendation was determined by the Delphi consensus process. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance for on-site physicians is provided regarding indications for proceeding with the diagnosis and treatment.

Significance of endoscopic deep small bowel evaluation using balloon-assisted enteroscopy for Crohn's disease in clinical remission

BACKGROUND

Small bowel lesions of Crohn's disease (CD) are known to be associated with a poor prognosis; however, endoscopic healing leads to favorable patients' outcome. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical impact of assessing deep small bowel lesions (DSB) using balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) on CD patients in clinical remission.

METHODS

From January 2012 to July 2018, a total of 100 CD patients in clinical remission were enrolled to undergo trans-anal enteroscopy using single-balloon enteroscope. Endoscopic evaluations at the terminal ileum (TI) were performed using a partial Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (pSES-CD). Endoscopic evaluations at the DSB used a modified partial SES-CD (mpSES-CD). We evaluated the factors associated with relapse, and the correlation of endoscopic score between the TI and DSB. For this study, relapse was defined as hospitalization within a year from enteroscopy.

RESULTS

30 patients (30.0%) relapsed within a year from enteroscopy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.18-2.65; p = 0.003) and an mpSES-CD at DSB (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.86-5.15; p = 0.001) were independent predictors for relapse, whereas a SES-CD at the TI did not exhibit independence. There was a significant correlation trend between the relapse rate and greater than 5 points of an mpSES-CD at DSB; however, there was no correlation between the relapse rate and pSES-CD at the TI.

CONCLUSION

Even when Crohn's disease is in remission, it is important to evaluate DSB using BAE to assess endoscopic mucosal healing.

Mucosal concentrations of N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid related to endoscopic activity in ulcerative colitis patients with mesalamine

BACKGROUND AND AIM

5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is a fundamental treatment for mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC). 5-ASA is taken up into the colonic mucosa and metabolized to N-acetyl-5-ASA (Ac-5-ASA). Few studies have assessed whether mucosal 5-ASA and Ac-5-ASA concentrations are associated with endoscopic remission. This study aimed to investigate differences in 5-ASA and Ac-5-ASA concentrations according to endoscopic activity.

METHODS

This single-center, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2018 and February 2019. UC patients who were administered with 5-ASA medication for at least 8 weeks before sigmoidoscopy were enrolled. Mucosal 5-ASA and Ac-5-ASA concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The primary endpoint was defined as the difference in mucosal concentrations of 5-ASA and Ac-5-ASA, according to the Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES).

RESULTS

Mucosal concentrations were analyzed in 50 patients. In the sigmoid colon, the median 5-ASA concentration in patients with MES of 0 (17.3 ng/mg) was significantly higher than MES ≥ 1 (6.4 ng/mg) (P = 0.019). The median 5-ASA concentrations in patients with Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity ≤ 1 (16.4 ng/mg) were also significantly higher than in patients with Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity ≥ 2 (4.63 ng/mg) (P = 0.047). In the sigmoid colon, the concentration of Ac-5-ASA was higher in patients with MES of 0 (21.2 ng/mg) than in patients with MES ≥ 1 (5.81 ng/mg) (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that mucosal Ac-5-ASA concentrations, as well as 5-ASA concentrations, are higher in UC patients with endoscopic remission. Ac-5-ASA may be useful for a biomarker of 5-ASA efficacy.

Usefulness of half-covered metallic stent placement in preventing acute cholecystitis complication in pancreatic cancer-induced distal biliary stricture

Background and Aim

A self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) is commonly used for biliary stricture caused by pancreatic cancer. Covered SEMS may obstruct the cystic duct, causing acute cholecystitis. This study aimed to determine the outcomes of using a half-covered SEMS with an offset covered portion for preventing cystic duct obstruction.

Methods

Among 80 patients with half-covered SEMS placement for the treatment of pancreatic cancer-induced distal biliary stricture, 74 were followed up. The half-covered SEMS has a total length of 6 or 7 cm, and the offset covered part was 0.5-4.5 or 0.5-5.5 cm, respectively. Intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) were performed during the initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). IDUS findings and ENBD tube cholangiogram confirmed the cystic duct confluence. SEMS placement was performed on the second ERCP or several weeks after the initial tube stent placement.

Results

Half-covered SEMS placement was successful in all patients. However, four (5.4%) patients exhibited early complications, including acute cholecystitis in one patient and stent displacement in another. Over 30 days, cholangitis, tumor growth, and stent displacement occurred in nine (11.3%), five (6.3%), and two (2.5%) patients, respectively. The median stent patency was 71.1 weeks, and the median overall survival in patients with and without chemotherapy was 31.8 and 12.2 weeks, respectively.

Conclusions

With confirmation of the cystic duct confluence, half-covered SEMS placement may become a treatment option for distal biliary stricture caused by pancreatic cancer to prevent acute cholecystitis. Half-covered SEMS patency was comparable with that of covered SEMS.

Significance of Conducting 2 Types of Fecal Tests in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We compared the diagnostic accuracy of the fecal calprotectin (FCP) test vs the fecal immunochemical blood test (FIT) in determining the endoscopic severity and predicting outcomes of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

We performed a nationwide study of 879 patients with UC, enrolled at medical centers across Japan, from March 2015 to March 2017. We collected data on fecal biomarkers, endoscopic severities, and other clinical indices from Cohort 1 (n = 427) and assessed the diagnostic accuracy of FCP measurement and FIT results in determining clinical severity, based on Mayo score, and endoscopic remission, based on Mayo endoscopic sub-score (MES) or UC endoscopic index of severity. We also followed 452 patients in clinical remission from UC (Cohort 2) for 12 months and evaluated the associations of FCP levels and FIT results with clinical recurrence.

RESULTS

The levels of FCP and FIT each correlated with the MES and UC endoscopic index of severity. There were no significant differences in the areas under the curve of FCP vs FIT in distinguishing patients with MES≤1 from those with MES≥2 (P = .394) or in distinguishing patients with MES=0 from those with MES≥1 (P = .178). Among 405 patients in clinical remission at baseline, 38 (9.4%) had UC recurrences within 3 months and 90 (22.2%) had recurrences within 12 months. FCP≥146 mg/kg (hazard ratio [HR], 4.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.80-8.33) and FIT≥77 ng/mL (HR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.76-4.83) were independently associated with clinical recurrence within 12 months. UC recurred within 12 months in 69% of patients with levels of FCP≥146 mg/kg and FIT ≥77 ng/mL; this value was significantly higher than the rate of recurrence in patients with levels of FCP≥146 mg/kg and FIT <77 ng/mL (31.5%, P < .001) or patients with levels of FCP<146 mg/kg and FIT ≥77 ng/mL (30.0%, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

In a nationwide study of patients with UC in Japan, we found that the level of FCP and FIT could each identify patients with endoscopic markers of disease severity (MES≥2). The combination of FCP and FIT results can identify patients in remission who are at risk for disease recurrence. Clinical Trials Registry no: UMIN000017650 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/).

New classification of CD4+CD8a+ double positive cells in Crohn’s disease patients

The gastrointestinal tract absorbs nutrition while providing a defense response to foreign antigens including enteric bacteria or food. Once the antigen enter the intestine, inflammatory mononuclear cells are accumulated quickly, however some tissue resident T cells, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) block the excessive tissue damage. We previously demonstrated that mouse CD4+CD8a+ double expressing (DP)cells and Tregs complementary play an immuno-suppressive role in IE and LP, and a part of IE DP cells is originally developed from Tregs in LP. However, DP cells are not well characterized in human especially in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

We obtained human small intestinal tissue from 9 colon cancer patients as normal tissue, and 5 Crohn’s disease(CD) patients, dividing into inflamed and non-inflamed lesion, and analysed by Flow cytometry. We confirmed DP cells are located in both IE and LP in human. First, we demonstrated the ratio of DP cells in normal tissue was as same as in non-inflamed lesion of CD patients. As we expected, the ratio of DP cells in inflamed tissue of CD patients was significantly decreased compared to normal tissue and non-inflamed lesion of CD. Then, we analysed the surface marker of Human DP cells. Surface staining of CD27 and CD45RA showed distinct difference between DP cells and the other CD4 T cells. DP cells expressed more memory T cell marker (CD27−CD45RA−) and less effector T cell marker (CD27+CD45RA−) than the other CD4 subset. Futher more, the more fraction of IE DP cells expressed CD103 than LP DP cells. Conclusively, these data indicated that human DP cell reside both in IE and LP and that DP cells are not a single characterized population, and the DP cells were decreased in inflamed lesion in CD.

The herbal medicine ‘Indigo naturalis’ altered gut microbiota to accumulate IL-22+ ILC3s

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammation of the large intestine led by the dysregulation of adaptive and innate immune responses. Recently, specific microbiota has been reported to instruct the immune cells and immune response. We have recently proved the clinical efficacy of “indigo naturalis (IN)”, a Chinese herbal medicine, on patients with UC by the multicenter randomized-controlled trial (INDIGO study, Gastroenterology 2018).

4%IN-fed mice ameliorated DSS-colitis (IN-DSS mice) compared to the normal diet-fed mice (ctrl-DSS mice). The number of IL-22+ ILC3s in the colonic lamina propria in IN-DSS mice increased more than the one in ctrl-DSS mice. We also confirmed that IN-fed diet mice significantly altered gut microbiota composition compared to the normal diet-fed mice.

We next inoculated feces obtained from IN-fed mice or normal diet-fed mice to antibiotic treated mice (IN-FMT mice, ctrl-FMT mice respectively). Interestingly, IN-FMT mice significantly restored the pathology of DSS-induced colitis than ctrl-FMT mice with increased number of IL-22+ ILC3s. We showed IN induced specific microbiota which accumulated IL-22+ ILC3s in gut.

Efficacy of apheresis as maintenance therapy for patients with ulcerative colitis in an open-label prospective multicenter randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Apheresis therapy involves the selective removal of leukocytes and is used to induce remission in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of apheresis therapy for maintaining UC remission.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, prospective, randomised-control trial of patients with remitting UC induced by granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis or leukocytapheresis. Patients were randomly assigned to the apheresis group (twice per month for 12 months) or the control group (no apheresis treatment) using a 1:1 allocation ratio. The primary endpoint was the rate of cumulative clinical remission (Mayo score ≤ 2) at 12 months. The secondary endpoints were the rates of clinical remission, endoscopic remission, and complete endoscopic remission at 12 months.

RESULTS

Between March 2013 and March 2017, 164 patients were enrolled. The cumulative remission rate at 12 months was 46.6% in the apheresis group and 36.4% in the control group (p = 0.1621). The rate of endoscopic remission at 12 months was significantly higher in the apheresis group than in the control group (42.5% vs. 25.9%) p = 0.0480). The rate of clinical remission (47.5% vs.32.1%, p = 0.0540) and complete endoscopic remission (33.8% vs.19.8%, p = 0.0513) tended to be higher in the apheresis than in the control group; however, the difference was not significant. No severe adverse events were observed in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Apheresis was well tolerated as maintenance therapy for UC although the cumulative clinical remission rate at 12 months was comparable between the apheresis and control groups.

Clinical and Endoscopic Characteristics of Pyogenic Granuloma in the Small Intestine: A Case Series with Literature Review

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) generally appears in the skin or oral cavity, but rarely occurs in the small intestine, where it can cause bleeding. To date, only 35 cases of small intestinal PG have been reported in the English literature. We retrospectively collected information from the clinical records of seven cases of small intestinal PG that were managed in our hospital and summarized the characteristics. Further information on the clinical characteristics was obtained from the literature. Capsule endoscopy, useful for identifying the source of hemorrhage in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, can detect PGs. Treatment can often be accomplished with endoscopic mucosal resection.

Indigo naturalis is effective even in treatment-refractory patients with ulcerative colitis: a post hoc analysis from the INDIGO study

BACKGROUND

We recently reported the efficacy of indigo naturalis (IN) in patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC) in a randomized controlled trial (INDIGO study). However, few studies have been conducted to investigate whether IN is effective even in treatment-refractory cases, such as in those with steroid dependency and anti-TNF refractoriness.

METHODS

In the INDIGO study, 86 patients with active UC were randomly assigned to an IN group (0.5-2.0 g daily) or placebo group. The rate of clinical response (CR), mucosal healing (MH), and change in fecal calprotectin (FCP) levels was compared between refractory [patients with steroid-dependent disease, previous use of anti-TNF-α, and concomitant use of immunomodulators (IM)] and non-refractory patients. We also analyzed factors predicting CR and MH at week 8.

RESULTS

The rates of CR of IN group were significantly higher than placebo group, even in patients with steroid-dependent disease (p < 0.001), previous use of anti-TNF-α (p = 0.002), and concomitant use of IM (p = 0.013). The rates of MH in IN group were significantly higher than in placebo group in patients with steroid-dependent disease (p = 0.009). In the IN group, median FCP levels, at week 8, were significantly lower than baseline in patients with steroid-dependent disease and patients with the previous use of anti-TNF-α (p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that the previous use of anti-TNF-α was not a predictive factor for CR and MH at week 8.

CONCLUSIONS

In a sub-analysis of data from a randomized placebo-controlled trial, we found that IN may be useful even in patients with steroid-dependent disease and patients with the previous use of anti-TNF-α.

5-Aminosalicylic acid intolerance is associated with a risk of adverse clinical outcomes and dysbiosis in patients with ulcerative colitis

Background/Aims

5-Aminosalicylic acid (ASA) causes intolerance reactions in some patients. This study was performed to examine the prognosis of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 5-ASA intolerance, and to evaluate the potential interaction between 5-ASA intolerance and the intestinal microbiota.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with UC who visited participating hospitals. The primary endpoint was to compare the incidence of hospitalization within 12 months between the 5-ASA intolerance group and the 5-ASA tolerance group. The secondary endpoint was to compare the risk of adverse clinical outcomes after the start of biologics between the 2 groups. We also assessed the correlation between 5-ASA intolerance and microbial change in an independently recruited cohort of patients with UC.

Results

Of 793 patients, 59 (7.4%) were assigned to the 5-ASA intolerance group and 734 (92.5%) were assigned to the 5-ASA tolerance group. The admission rate and incidence of corticosteroid use were significantly higher in the intolerance than tolerance group (P< 0.001). In 108 patients undergoing treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor biologics, 5-ASA intolerance increased the incidence of additional induction therapy after starting biologics (P< 0.001). The 5-ASA intolerance group had a greater abundance of bacteria in the genera Faecalibacterium, Streptococcus, and Clostridium than the 5-ASA tolerance group (P< 0.05).

Conclusions

In patients with UC, 5-ASA intolerance is associated with a risk of adverse clinical outcomes and dysbiosis. Bacterial therapeutic optimization of 5-ASA administration may be important for improving the prognosis of patients with UC.

Endoscopic removal of foreign bodies: A retrospective study in Japan

BACKGROUND

The ingestion of foreign bodies (FBs) and food bolus impaction (FBI) in the digestive tract are commonly encountered clinical problems. Methods to handle such problems continue to evolve offering advantages, such as the avoidance of surgery, reduced cost, improved visualization, reduced morbidity, and high removal success rate. However, to date, no studies have evaluated the endoscopic management of FBs in Japan.

AIM

To elucidate level of safety and efficacy in the endoscopic management of FBs and FBI.

METHODS

A total of 215 procedures were performed at Keio University Hospital between November 2007 and August 2018. Data were collected from medical charts, and endoscopic details were collected from an endoscopic reporting system. Procedures performed with a flexible gastrointestinal endoscope were only taken into account. Patients who underwent a technique involving FB or FBI from the digestive tract were only included. Data on patient sex, patient age, outpatient, inpatient, FB type, FB location, procedure time, procedure type, removal device type, success, and technical complications were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Among the 215 procedures, 136 (63.3%) were performed in old adults (≥ 60 years), 180 (83.7%) procedures were performed in outpatients. The most common type of FBs were press-through-pack (PTP) medications [72 (33.5%) cases], FBI [47 (21.9%)], Anisakis parasite (AP) [41 (19.1%) cases]. Most FBs were located in the esophagus [130 (60.5%) cases] followed by the stomach [68 (31.6%) cases]. AP was commonly found in the stomach [39 (57.4%) cases], and it was removed using biopsy forceps in 97.5% of the cases. The most common FBs according to anatomical location were PTP medications (40%) and dental prostheses (DP) (40%) in the laryngopharynx, PTP (48.5%) in the esophagus, AP (57.4%) in the stomach, DP (37.5%) in the small intestine and video capsule endoscopy device (75%) in the colon. A transparent cap with grasping forceps was the most commonly used device [82 (38.1%) cases]. The success rate of the procedure was 100%, and complication were observed in only one case (0.5%).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic management of FBs and FBI in our Hospital is extremely safe and effective.

Predictive factors for achievement of mucosal healing by budesonide 2-mg foam in ulcerative colitis: a pooled analysis of data from two clinical trials

Background/Aims

Mucosal healing (MH) of distal lesions in ulcerative colitis (UC) has recently been confirmed with budesonide 2-mg foam (BF) treatment in 2 clinical trials; however, few studies have investigated the predictive factors for complete MH.

Methods

We conducted a post hoc analysis using pooled data from phase II and III clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of BF for UC. Additionally, we analyzed the relationships between complete MH and baseline factors and clinical symptoms from baseline to week 6.

Results

Among the 291 Japanese patients from the 2 pooled clinical studies, 119 patients in the BF twice a day group and 117 in the placebo group were included in the full analysis set. The proportion of patients with a rectal bleeding (RB) subscore of 0 was significantly higher in the BF group than in the placebo group after a 5-day treatment (P<0.05). After a 2-day treatment, significantly more patients in the BF group had a stool frequency (SF) subscore of 0 than patients in the placebo group (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that complete MH at week 6 was influenced by baseline SF subscore and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) enema or suppository use (P=0.0086 and P=0.0015, respectively). The relationship between complete MH at week 6 and RB subscore after week 2 was also confirmed.

Conclusions

Normal SF at baseline, history of 5-ASA topical product use, and elimination of RB after week 2 are suggested predictors of complete MH at week 6 with twice-daily BF treatment.

Dual red imaging: a novel endoscopic imaging technology visualizing thick blood vessels in the gastrointestinal wall

Background  Dual red imaging (DRI), a novel image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) technology, has the potential to improve the visibility of blood vessels in deeper tissue using 600 nm and 630 nm wavelength lights in the red band. Aim  To confirm the feasibility of DRI in visualization of vessels in deeper tissue and identify pathologically the features of blood vessels visualized by DRI. Methods  Study 1: visibility of blood vessels was assessed by five observers in 137 pairs of DRI and white light imaging (WLI) images. The scores for the visibility of thick blood vessels were measured for randomized images and compared with the scoring template as a reference. The difference in visibility score between DRI and WLI was compared in each pair of images. Study 2: blood vessels detected only by DRI were examined pathologically using two pig stomachs. Results  Study 1: The mean visibility scores of DRI and WLI for each observer were 1.69 - 2.26 and 1.31 - 1.67, respectively. The mean difference in visibility score and 95 % confidence interval for the five observers was 0.59 [0.46 - 0.72], 0.54 [0.40 - 0.68], 0.34 [0.18 - 0.49], 0.51 [0.36 - 0.66], and 0.71 [0.54 - 0.88]. The visibility was statistically significantly better in DRI than in WLI for all observers ( P  < 0.0001). Study 2: three blood vessels were observed only by DRI. All of these blood vessels were located at a depth of 1000 - 1500 µm from the mucosal surface. The diameter of these blood vessels exceeded 80 - 200 µm. Conclusions  DRI can feasibly detect thick blood vessels in the deep mucosa or submucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.

Intramucosal poorly differentiated and signet-ring cell components in patients with ulcerative colitis-associated high-grade dysplasia

Despite the rarity of colorectal poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (Por) and signet-ring cell carcinoma (Sig), they are more frequent in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, little is known about these components of early colitis-associated cancer due to the difficulty of detection at an early stage. Here, we reviewed colitis-associated high-grade dysplasia/cancer with Por/Sig components within the submucosa among 103 lesions of 79 UC patients who presented between 1997 and 2017. In total, one Sig in situ, three intramucosal and two submucosal carcinomas (8.7%) were identified among 69 lesions within the submucosa. Depressed appearance, loss of crypt architecture and amorphous surface pattern suggested the presence of Por/Sig, rather than submucosal infiltration. All lesions were located in the rectosigmoid colon and included high-grade dysplasia. While the surrounding noncancerous mucosa expressed E-cadherin and MUC5AC, the expression of E-cadherin was reduced and the expression of MUC5AC was negative in all of the carcinomas except for the Sig in situ. The gastric type metaplasia associated with altered MUC5AC profiles may be a sign of the stepwise accumulation of molecular alterations, including TP53 defects and a reduced expression level of E-cadherin.

Long-term effect of NUDT15 R139C on hematologic indices in inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with thiopurine

BACKGROUND AND AIM

A missense variant of the nucleoside diphosphate-linked moiety X-type motif 15 (NUDT15) gene (R139C) predisposes Asian patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to thiopurine-induced leukopenia. This study evaluates the long-term effect of NUDT15 R139C heterozygosity on hematological parameters during thiopurine administration.

METHODS

We enrolled 83 Japanese IBD patients who were on anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents and had used thiopurine. NUDT15 R139C was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. We retrospectively reviewed patient clinical charts to collect data on white blood cell (WBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hemoglobin, and platelet count during the 24 months following thiopurine initiation.

RESULTS

The included patients had either Crohn's disease (54; 65.1%) or ulcerative colitis (29; 34.9%). Genotyping of NUDT15 R139C identified 62 patients (74.7%) of genotype C/C and 21 (25.3%) of genotype C/T. The median dose of thiopurine was lower in the C/T group than in the C/C group after starting thiopurine. At 6 months, the mean WBC count of the C/T group became significantly lower than that of the C/C group (P = 0.008) and remained lower through the 24 months. The C/T group developed grade 2-4 leukopenia by 6 months, which persisted through 12-24 months. The mean MCV in the C/T group became higher than that of the C/C group after 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

NUDT15 R139C heterozygosity affected the WBC count and MCV for 24 months after thiopurine administration. Our results indicate that careful monitoring of leukopenia and dose adjustment are necessary throughout treatment in IBD patients heterozygous for the NUDT15 R139C.

Adverse events in patients with ulcerative colitis treated with indigo naturalis: a Japanese nationwide survey

BACKGROUND

Although indigo naturalis (IN) is effective for patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC), IN was associated with adverse events (AEs), including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Our aim was to evaluate the occurrence of IN-associated AEs and to evaluate any IN dose-effect on AEs.

METHODS

A nationwide survey, using questionnaires, was conducted by conducted by the research group funded by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, between June 2017 and September 2018. A first questionnaire determined the occurrence of AEs associated with the therapeutic use of IN or herbal medicines containing IN in patients with UC. A second survey identified the clinical characteristics of patients who developed IN-associated critical AEs, namely, liver dysfunction, PAH, and intussusception.

RESULTS

Across 337 participating institutions, 49,320 patients with UC were identified, with IN used in 877 (1.8%). AEs were reported in 91 patients (107 events), including liver dysfunction (n = 40), gastrointestinal symptoms (n = 21), headache (n = 13), and PAH (n = 11). No dose-effect relationship between IN and AEs was identified. Liver dysfunction tended to be mild and reversible. Ten cases of intussusception were reported, with 40% of these patients requiring surgical resection. IN-induced PAH was recovered in patients who discontinued to use IN. No IN-associated deaths were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

IN-associated AEs were identified among patients with UC, with liver dysfunction often being reversible, while surgical resection was required in a high proportion of patients who developed intussusception. Both healthcare workers and patients should adequately recognize the potential for AEs with the use of IN.

Difference in the clinical characteristic and prognosis of colitis-associated cancer and sporadic neoplasia in ulcerative colitis patients

BACKGROUND

Although various studies have been conducted on colitis-associated cancer (CAC), few have assessed the differences in the clinical and endoscopic features, treatment, and prognosis of CAC and sporadic neoplasia (SN) in the inflamed mucosa of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.

AIMS

To compare the characteristics of CAC and SN within the previously or currently inflamed mucosa.

METHODS

Between 1997 and 2017, we retrospectively analyzed the endoscopic chart data of 348 colonic lesions from 266 UC patients. Non-dysplastic lesions and lesions located outside the inflamed mucosa were excluded. The diagnosis of CAC or SN was confirmed by conventional histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of p53 and Ki67.

RESULTS

In total, 74 patients with CAC (97 lesions) and 46 with SN (58) were enrolled. The proportions of patients with a younger age of onset of UC, with chronic persistent UC, and with severe inflamed mucosa were significantly higher in the CAC group. In the SN group, no flat lesions were found, whereas 26% of the lesions in the CAC group were flat. Sixteen patients died during a median follow-up of 6.1 years (interquartile range (IQR) 1.8-11.1)in the CAC group, whereas 1 patient died during a median follow-up 3.2 years(IQR 1.4-4.6) in the SN group. Mortality from colorectal cancer was significantly higher (P = 0.015) in the CAC group (12/68; 17.6%) than in the SN group (1/44; 2.3%). The 5-year survival rate was 100% in the SN group and 97% in the CAC group for lesions located in the mucosa or submucosa.

CONCLUSION

Recognizing differences in the characteristics of CAC and SN within the inflamed mucosa is critical to avoid unnecessary total colectomy in patients with SN.

Middle-term prognosis in patients with ulcerative colitis who achieved clinical and endoscopic remission by budesonide rectal foam

BACKGROUND

Budesonide foam is effective in inducing clinical remission in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with active proctosigmoiditis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the duration of remission and predictors of relapse in UC patients who achieved clinical remission and mucosal healing by 6-week treatment with topical budesonide.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, observational, multicenter study with a 2-year follow-up period. UC patients who were treated with budesonide foam in phase 2 or phase 3 clinical trials and achieved both clinical remission and mucosal healing were enrolled.

RESULTS

Among 84 patients who met the eligibility criteria, 60 participated in the study. Eighteen of the 60 patients (30.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.9-43.2) experienced no relapse (i.e., maintenance of remission) during the 2-year follow-up period. The median relapse-free survival time was 0.82 years (95% CI: 0.51-1.52). Of 37 patients with a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0 after inducing remission with budesonide foam, 25 (67.6%) relapsed within 2 years. Patients with a disease duration of <1 year experienced a worse clinical outcome than patients with a disease duration of >5 years, and the hazard ratio was 2.38 (95% CI: 1.04-5.45).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to evaluate the short- to middle-term prognosis in UC patients who achieved mucosal healing with topical preparations. After inducing remission by budesonide foam, treatment for maintaining remissions and strict follow-up may be needed for patients with shorter disease duration.