Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children and Adolescents

Swedish Children's Lived Experience of Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in children. When this lifelong illness is diagnosed in childhood, especially during adolescence, it may have a negative impact on children's quality of life. The aim of the present study was to illuminate the meaning of children's lived experience of ulcerative colitis. Seven children aged between 10 and 18 years were recruited from University Hospital South Sweden and interviewed about the phenomenon under scrutiny. Data were analyzed by means of a phenomenological hermeneutical method. The meaning of the children's lived experience of ulcerative colitis was summed up as a main theme. A daily struggle to adapt and be perceived as normal consisted of 4 subthemes: being healthy despite the symptoms, being healthy despite being afraid, being healthy despite a sense of being different, and being healthy despite needing support. The children strove to perceive themselves as healthy, and they needed to be perceived as healthy, especially when experiencing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Children with inflammatory bowel disease confront various problems, such as ambitions and goals that are hard to achieve, due to reduced abilities as a result of the illness or an insufficiently adapted environment.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome: differential diagnosis with the onset of inflammatory bowel diseases

BACKGROUND

Shiga-toxin Escherichia coli productor (STEC) provokes frequently an important intestinal damage that may be considered in differential diagnosis with the onset of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The aim of this work is to review in the current literature about Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) and IBD symptoms at the onset, comparing the clinical presentation and symptoms, as the timing of diagnosis and of the correct treatment of both these conditions is a fundamental prognostic factor. A focus is made about the association between typical or atypical HUS and IBD and a possible renal involvement in patient with IBD (IgA-nephropathy).

METHODS

A systematic review of scientific articles was performed consulting the databases PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and consulting most recent textbooks of Pediatric Nephrology.

RESULTS

In STEC-associated HUS, that accounts for 90% of cases of HUS in children, the microangiopathic manifestations are usually preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms. Initial presentation may be considered in differential diagnosis with IBD onset. The transverse and ascending colon are the segments most commonly affected, but any area from the esophagus to the perianal area can be involved. The more serious manifestations include severe hemorrhagic colitis, bowel necrosis and perforation, rectal prolapse, peritonitis and intussusception. Severe gastrointestinal involvement may result in life-threatening complications as toxic megacolon and transmural necrosis of the colon with perforation, as in Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Transmural necrosis of the colon may lead to subsequent colonic stricture, as in Crohn Disease (CD). Perianal lesions and strictures are described. In some studies, intestinal biopsies were performed to exclude IBD. Elevation of pancreatic enzymes is common. Liver damage and cholecystitis are other described complications. There is no specific form of therapy for STEC HUS, but appropriate fluid and electrolyte management (better hyperhydration when possible), avoiding antidiarrheal drugs, and possibly avoiding antibiotic therapy, are recommended as the best practice. In atypical HUS (aHUS) gastrointestinal manifestation are rare, but recently a study evidenced that gastrointestinal complications are common in aHUS in presence of factor-H autoantibodies. Some report of patients with IBD and contemporary atypical-HUS were found, both for CD and UC. The authors conclude that deregulation of the alternative complement pathway may manifest in other organs besides the kidney. Finally, searching for STEC-infection, or broadly for Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection, and IBD onset, some reviews suggest a possible role of adherent invasive E. coli (AIEC) on the pathogenesis of IBD.

CONCLUSIONS

The current literature shows that gastrointestinal complications of HUS are quite exclusive of STEC-associated HUS, whereas aHUS have usually mild or absent intestinal involvement. Severe presentation as toxic megacolon, perforation, ulcerative colitis, peritonitis is similar to IBD at the onset. Moreover, some types of E. coli (AIEC) have been considered a risk factor for IBD. Recent literature on aHUS shows that intestinal complications are more common than described before, particularly for patients with anti-H factor antibodies. Moreover, we found some report of patient with both aHUS and IBD, who benefit from anti-C5 antibodies injection (Eculizumab).

Clinical Pharmacology in Adult and Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This review describes the clinical pharmacology of the major drugs used for the treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety profile are discussed. Some small molecules were developed to act systemically (eg, ozanimod) or locally (eg, aminosalicylates) and thus have disparate pharmacokinetic properties. In addition, locally acting compounds have been optimized to mitigate systemic exposure-eg, budesonide, which undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism-thereby reducing systemic bioavailability and side effects. Other small molecules such as thiopurines are precursors of their active metabolites and differences in genotype or phenotype of metabolizing enzymes may affect efficacy and safety, requiring therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Monoclonal antibodies (MAs) are large molecules administered parenterally, and their pharmacokinetics may be influenced not only by the general immunoglobulin (Ig) G metabolism and recycling pathways but also by antigen properties such as antigen distribution and antigen concentration. In addition, antibody structure, host factors, concurrent medications, and immunogenicity may contribute to the substantial inter- and intrapatient variability in drug exposure and response observed for MAs. Current guidelines recommend reactive TDM of tumor necrosis factor antagonists at the time of loss of response. Evidence for proactive TDM and for the role of TDM for biologics with a different mechanism of action is emerging. Although small molecules offer potential benefits over biologics with oral administration and lack of immunogenicity, there may be risk for more systemic side effects due to off-target binding. Understanding drug metabolism, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and mechanism of action are important in selecting the right drug at the right time at the right dose for patients with IBD.10.1093/ibd/izy189_video1izy189.video15786062223001.

School-related experience and performance with inflammatory bowel disease: results from a cross-sectional survey in 675 children and their parents

Objective

We describe school performance and experience in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) across Germany and Austria. Predictors of compromised performance and satisfaction were evaluated to identify subgroups of increased risk.

Design

This cross-sectional analysis was based on a postal survey in children aged 10-15 with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or unclassified IBD and their families. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess influential factors on parental satisfaction with school, attending advanced secondary education (ASE), having good marks and having to repeat a class. Satisfaction was assessed based on the Child Healthcare-Satisfaction, Utilisation and Needs instrument (possible range 1.00-5.00).

Results

Of 1367 families contacted, 675 participated in the study (49.4%). Sixty-eight participants (10.2%) had repeated a year, 312 (46.2%) attended ASE. The median school satisfaction score was 2.67 (IQR 2.00-3.33). High socioeconomic status (SES) and region within Germany were predictive for ASE (OR high SES 8.2, 95% CI 4.7 to 14.2). SES, female sex and region of residence predicted good marks. Grade retention was associated with an active disease course (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4 to 5.3) and prolonged periods off school due to IBD (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.8 to 8.6).

Conclusions

A severe disease course impacted on the risk of grade retention, but not on type of school attended and school marks. Low satisfaction of parents of chronically ill children with the school situation underlines the need for a more interdisciplinary approach in health services and health services research in young people.

Successful transition from pediatric to adult care in inflammatory bowel disease: what is the key?

The incidence of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is on the rise, accounting for up to 25% of IBD cases. Pediatric IBD often has extensive bowel involvement with aggressive and rapidly progressing behavior compared to adult IBD. Because IBD has a high morbidity rate and can have a lifelong impact, successful transition from pediatric to adult care is important to maintain the continuity of care. Furthermore, successful transition facilitates appropriate development and psychosocial well-being among patients, as well as comprehensive and harmonious healthcare delivery amongst stakeholders. However, there are various obstacles related to patients, family, providers, and organizations that interfere with successful transition. Successful transition requires a flexible and tailored plan that is made according to the patient’s developmental abilities and situation. This plan should be established through periodic interviews with the patient and family and through close collaboration with other care providers. Through a stepwise approach to the transition process, patients’ knowledge and self-management skills can be improved. After preparation for the transition is completed and the obstacles are overcome, patients can be gradually moved to adult care. Finally, successful transition can increase patients’ adherence to therapy, maintain the appropriate health status, improve patients’ self-management, and promote self-reliance among patients.

CCR6–CCL20 Axis in IBD: What Have We Learnt in the Last 20 Years?

CC chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) and its specific partner CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) are known to play a pivotal role in intestinal inflammation. CCR6-associated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is already at the forefront of experimental inflammatory disease models, being the subject of numerous analytical studies. IBD is associated with two sub phenotypes, Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Both these disease entities produce potent immune dysregulation followed by intense tissue damage within the gut mucosal system, initiating symptoms that are severely debilitating. Multiple causative factors are said to be responsible for IBD, but direct immune dysfunction is kindled by overplay of innate and adaptive immune responses produced against the luminal contents through the weakened or leaky gut epithelial barrier. Once immune homeostasis is not achieved by endogenous protective mechanisms, the self-assertive adaptive immunity mobilizes its various T and B cell cohorts, initializing their immune mechanisms by deploying the immune cells towards the site of infection. CCR6 and its unique solitary ligand CCL20 are small protein molecules that are abundantly expressed by T and B lymphocytes and act as chemotactic immune-modulatory envoys that help in the deployment of the effector lymphocyte arm of the immune system and produce two directly opposing outcomes in IBD. This dichotomous immunity consists of either immune tolerance or inflammation which then develops into a chronic state, remaining unresponsive to inherent immunity or targeted clinical therapy. In this review, we have identified large numbers of experimental studies that have employed both mouse models and clinical subjects spanning a period of nearly two decades and we have clustered these into 13 different groups. This review will provide greater understanding of the CCR6–CCL20 axis in IBD and identify gaps in the literature that can be filled in the future.

Microbiota-sensitive epigenetic signature predicts inflammation in Crohn's disease

Altered response to the intestinal microbiota strongly associates with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, how commensal microbial cues are integrated by the host during the pathogenesis of IBD is not understood. Epigenetics represents a potential mechanism that could enable intestinal microbes to modulate transcriptional output during the development of IBD. Here, we reveal a histone methylation signature of intestinal epithelial cells isolated from the terminal ilea of newly diagnosed pediatric IBD patients. Genes characterized by significant alterations in histone H3-lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) showed differential enrichment in pathways involving immunoregulation, cell survival and signaling, and metabolism. Interestingly, a large subset of these genes was epigenetically regulated by microbiota in mice and several microbiota-sensitive epigenetic targets demonstrated altered expression in IBD patients. Remarkably though, a substantial proportion of these genes exhibited H3K4me3 levels that correlated with the severity of intestinal inflammation in IBD, despite lacking significant differential expression. Collectively, these data uncover a previously unrecognized epigenetic profile of IBD that can be primed by commensal microbes and indicate sensitive targets in the epithelium that may underlie how microbiota predispose to subsequent intestinal inflammation and disease.

Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Applications of PET/Computed Tomography and PET/MR Imaging

This article discusses the role of PET/CT and PET/MR imaging in the evaluation of inflammatory and malignant disorders of the lower gastrointestinal tract. This includes a review of the current literature and a discussion of new and emerging research.

CCR6–CCL20-Mediated Immunologic Pathways in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has evoked significant interest in human immunobiology given its tactical immune evasion methodologies resulting in acute immune destabilization. IBD comprising Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis manifests as chronic inflammation in the gut mucosa, leading to complexities involving immune dysregulation in the T helper lymphocyte arm, effecting disease pathogenicity. The mucosa of the alimentary canal is constantly exposed to a myriad of food antigens and luminal microorganisms for which a consistent host-protective mechanism is operative in healthy people. Lowered mucosal immune expression which allows penetration of the epithelial barrier by infective pathogenic microbes elicits both innate and adaptive immune responses in the gut, culminating in aberrant intestinal inflammation. Interestingly, the IBD leukocyte repertoire is significantly entwined with chemokine-assisted chemotactic navigation into the sites of inflammation, which is also thought to generate favorable immune-suppressive responses. The functions of the cognate chemokine receptor, CCR6, which binds with its unique ligand CCL20, are expected to tilt the balance between upregulation of homeostatic tolerance and inflammatory pathophysiology. This review aims to critically examine the CCR6-driven immune pathways: TH1/TH2, TH1/TH17, TH17/Treg, IL-23/IL-17, Akt/ERK-1/2, ILC3, and TH9/TH2 for systematic investigation of its underlying mechanisms in the future and to underpin its importance in resolving IBD pathology. Thus, CCR6 occupies an exclusive position in gut immunology which renders it an invaluable therapeutic tool for the production of novel medicaments to treat IBD.

Advances in Imaging Specific Mediators of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic remitting and relapsing inflammation of the lower gastrointestinal tract. The etiology underlying IBD remains unknown, but it is thought to involve a hypersensitive immune response to environmental antigens, including the microbiota. Diagnosis and monitoring of IBD is heavily reliant on endoscopy, which is invasive and does not provide information regarding specific mediators. This review describes recent developments in imaging of IBD with a focus on positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of inflammatory mediators, and how these developments may be applied to the microbiota.

Early Disruption of the Microbiome Leading to Decreased Antioxidant Capacity and Epigenetic Changes: Implications for the Rise in Autism

Currently, 1 out of every 59 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism. While initial research to find the possible causes for autism were mostly focused on the genome, more recent studies indicate a significant role for epigenetic regulation of gene expression and the microbiome. In this review article, we examine the connections between early disruption of the developing microbiome and gastrointestinal tract function, with particular regard to susceptibility to autism. The biological mechanisms that accompany individuals with autism are reviewed in this manuscript including immune system dysregulation, inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic and methylation abnormalities as well as gastrointestinal distress. We propose that these autism-associated biological mechanisms may be caused and/or sustained by dysbiosis, an alteration to the composition of resident commensal communities relative to the community found in healthy individuals and its redox and epigenetic consequences, changes that in part can be due to early use and over-use of antibiotics across generations. Further studies are warranted to clarify the contribution of oxidative stress and gut microbiome in the pathophysiology of autism. A better understanding of the microbiome and gastrointestinal tract in relation to autism will provide promising new opportunities to develop novel treatment modalities.

In situ fabrication of radiopaque microcapsules for oral delivery and real-time gastrointestinal tracking of Bifidobacterium

INTRODUCTION

Although oral administration of Bifidobacterium is a promising approach for diseases, lack of resistance to harsh conditions and real-time tracking in gastrointestinal system in vivo are still major challenges in basic research and clinical applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we fabricated a chitosan-coated alginate microcapsule loaded with in situ synthesized barium sulfate (CA/BaSO4 microcapsule) for oral Bifidobacterium delivery and real-time X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging. CA/BaSO4 microcapsules containing the Bifidobacterium were prepared in situ by one-step electrostatic spraying method, and then coated with chitosan.

RESULTS

The results indicated that CA/BaSO4 microcapsules with an average diameter of approximately 200 μm possessed favorable mechanical stability and X-ray attenuation capacity. Encapsulation of Bifidobacteria in the CA/BaSO4 microcapsules exhibited superior resistance to cryopreservation and gastric acid environment in vitro. After oral administration in mice, these CA/BaSO4 microcapsules could be real-time visualized by CT imaging and readily reached the intestine to release Bifidobacteria.

CONCLUSION

The radiopaque CA/BaSO4 microcapsules provide a novel platform for efficient protection, non-invasive real-time monitoring and intestinal-targeted Bifidobacterium delivery.

The Changing Face of Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis: A Population-based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this retrospective study were to describe ulcerative colitis (UC) phenotype at diagnosis and follow-up and to identify possible predictors of severe disease course.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, single-center study. We reviewed the charts of patients with UC diagnosed between 2 and 18 years at our referral center from January 2007 to January 2016. Laboratory and clinical features at diagnosis, such as disease extent, atypical phenotypes, extraintestinal manifestations, and therapies, and pattern changes during the follow-up, including relapse rate, disease extension, and the cumulative risk for colectomy were collected.

RESULTS

One hundred eleven patients were enrolled. Atypical phenotypes were identified at diagnosis in 55 out of 111 patients (49.5%). Extraintestinal manifestations were detected in 16 out of 111 (14.4%) at the diagnosis. During the follow-up 60 out of 111 (54%) patients needed to start azathioprine, 9 out of 111 (8.1%) patients started biologic therapy and 10 out of 111 (patients underwent surgery, resulting in a cumulative risk of 8% at 5 years and 16% at 10 years. Steroid refractoriness (hazard ratio: 13.9) and starting of biologic therapy (hazard ratio: 25.3) represented the best predictors for surgery. The cumulative probability of first relapse was 47% at 6 months and 63% at 1 year. Disease extension was reported in 21 out of 70 patients (30%).

CONCLUSION

Pediatric UC is associated with a severe phenotype and a high percentage of atypical features. Surgery rate seems to be decreased from early reports.

Does Azathioprine induce endoscopic and histologic healing in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease? A prospective, observational study

BACKGROUND

The new concept of disease remission for pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) implies the achievement of mucosal healing.

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate endoscopic and histologic healing in children with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) in clinical remission after 52 weeks of Azathioprine.

METHODS

From December 2012 to July 2015 we prospectively enrolled IBD children starting Azathioprine. Enrolled patients in clinical remission underwent colonoscopy after 52 weeks. Macroscopic assessment was described with Mayo score and the simplified endoscopic score for UC and CD, respectively. For microscopic assessment, an average histology score was used. Data on inflammatory markers and fecal calprotectin were also collected.

RESULTS

Fourty-seven patients were included in the analysis. Endoscopic healing was detected in 20/26 (76.9%) UC children and 10/21 (47.6%) CD patients. Median Mayo score and simplified endoscopic score were significantly decreased at week 52 (p<0.001; p=0.005). Median average histology score was not significantly different at week 52 in both diseases. Fecal calprotectin was directly correlated with simplified endoscopic score (T0: r=0.4, p=0.05; T52: r=0.5, p=0.01), but not with Mayo score. No correlation was found between endoscopic and histologic scores.

CONCLUSIONS

IBD children under Azathioprine reach endoscopic healing, but not histological remission.

Long-term Outcomes After Switching to CT-P13 in Pediatric-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Single-Center Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

The relatively high cost and patent expiry of infliximab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor monoclonal antibody used in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), has led to the development of biosimilar versions of the reference product (RP). This study investigated the long-term efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity of CT-P13 after switching from infliximab RP in pediatric-onset IBD patients.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, patients with pediatric-onset IBD receiving maintenance infliximab RP were followed for 1 year after continuing infliximab RP (RP maintenance group) or switching to CT-P13 (CT-P13 switch group). Primary end points were the proportion of patients continuously receiving infliximab and the proportion achieving persistent remission-corticosteroid-free sustained clinical remission without dose intensification-at 1 year.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients were recruited to the RP maintenance group and 38 to the CT-P13 switch group. At 1 year in the RP maintenance group and CT-P13 switch group, 86.1% (31/36) and 92.1% (35/38) patients had continuously received infliximab (P = 0.649), and 77.8% (28/36) and 78.9% (30/38) patients experienced persistent remission (P = 1.000), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in any measures of disease activity, pharmacokinetics, or immunogenicity between the time of switch and 1-year postswitch in the CT-P13 switch group. Twenty-seven adverse events occurred in the maintenance group and 30 in the switch group.

CONCLUSIONS

Switching from maintenance infliximab RP to CT-P13 did not result in any significant differences in efficacy, pharmacokinetics, or immunogenicity in patients with pediatric-onset IBD, and no unexpected safety issues occurred, supporting findings from randomized controlled trials.

Early Biologic Treatment in Pediatric Crohn's Disease: Catching the Therapeutic Window of Opportunity in Early Disease by Treat-to-Target

The emergence of mucosal healing as a treatment goal that could modify the natural course of Crohn's disease and the accumulating evidence showing that biologics are most effective in achieving mucosal healing, along with the success of early treatment regimens for rheumatoid arthritis, have led to the identification of early Crohn's disease and development of the concept of catching the therapeutic window during the early disease course. Thus, an increasing number of pediatric gastroenterologists are adopting an early biologic treatment strategy with or without an immunomodulator. Although early biologic treatment is effective, cost and overtreatment are issues that limit its early use. Currently, there are insufficient data on who will benefit most from early biologics, as well as on who will not need early or even any biologics. For now, top-down biologics should be considered for patients with currently known high-risk factors of poor outcomes. For other patients, close, objective monitoring and accelerating the step-up process by means of a treat-to-target approach seems the best way to catch the therapeutic window in early pediatric Crohn's disease. The individual benefits of immunomodulator addition during early biologic treatment should be weighed against its risks and decision on early combination treatment should be made after comprehensive discussion with each patient and guardian.

Associations between inflammatory bowel diseases and vitamin D

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are increasing sharply, and the common medications are not effective for most patients. Vitamin D (VD) has been considerate to reduce inflammatory processes and may be helpful in IBD. The aim of this review was to perform an update on the potential role of VD in the IBD. We performed a search for articles associating VD and IBD published in MEDLINE-PubMed and EMBASE. The focused question used for the search was "What is the association between Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Vitamin D?" The exclusion criteria for this search were studies not in English, editorials, case reports, or poster presentations. VD prevents the inflammatory process such as negatively interfering with the release of Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α; enhancing the function of the intestinal epithelial barrier; decreasing the occurrence of apoptosis; stimulating Toll-Like Receptor-4; inducing the production of an antimicrobial peptide in Paneth cells. Furthermore, deficiency of VD is related to the severity of the symptoms and increased the risk of cancer and surgery. In conclusion, VD shows a potential role in the management of IBD, the supplementation is inexpensive, safe, and leads to improvement of the quality of life.

Psychological wellbeing and physical activity in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease compared to healthy controls

BACKGROUND

Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) report impairments in daily activities, social interactions and coping. Findings regarding psychological functioning are inconsistent, while limited information is available on objectively assessed physical activity (PA). The aims of the present study were therefore to compare anthropometric dimensions, blood values, psychological functioning and PA of children and adolescents with IBD with healthy controls.

METHODS

Forty-seven children and adolescents took part in the study. Of these, 23 were diagnosed with IBD (mean age: 13.88 years, 44% females). The IBD group was divided into a medically well adjusted "remission-group" (n = 14; IBD-RE) and a group with an "active state" of disease (n = 8; IBD-AD). Healthy controls (n = 24; HC) were age- and gender-matched. Participants' anthropometric data, blood values and objective PA were assessed. Further, participants completed questionnaires covering socio-demographic data and psychological functioning.

RESULTS

Participants with IBD-AD showed higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) values, haemoglobin, and leukocyte values. IBD-AD had poorer psychological functioning and lower PA (average steps per day) compared to IBD-RE and HC. No mean differences were found between IBD-RE and HC.

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of results suggests that effective medical treatment of IBD in children and adolescents is associated with favorable physiological parameters, psychological dimensions and PA. Psychological counselling of children and adolescents in an active state of IBD seem to be advised in addition to standard treatment schedules.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT NCT02264275 ; Registered 8 October 2014.

Activation of TGF-β activated kinase 1 promotes colon mucosal pathogenesis in inflammatory bowel disease

The etiology and mechanisms for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are incompletely known. Determination of new, clinically important mechanisms for intestinal inflammation is imperative for developing effective therapies to treat IBD. We sought to define a widespread mechanism for colon mucosal inflammation via the activation of TGF‐β activated Kinase 1 (TAK1), a central regulator of cellular inflammatory actions. Activation of TAK1 and the downstream inflammatory signaling mediators was determined in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) as well as in DSS‐induced and spontaneous IBD in mice. The role of TAK1 in facilitating intestinal inflammation in murine models of IBD was investigated by using (5Z)‐7‐Oxozeaenol, a highly selective pharmacological inhibitor of TAK1. We found hyper‐activation of TAK1 in patients with UC or CD and in murine models of IBD. Pharmacological inhibition of TAK1 prevented loss in body weight, disease activity, microscopic histopathology, infiltration of inflammatory cells in the colon mucosa, and elevated proinflammatory cytokine production in two murine models of IBD. We demonstrated that at the early phase of the disease activation of TAK1 is restricted in the epithelial cells. However, at a more advanced stage of the disease, TAK1 activation predominantly occurs in nonepithelial cells, especially in macrophages. These findings elucidate the activation of TAK1 as crucial in promoting intestinal inflammation. Thus, the TAK1 activation pathway may represent a suitable target to design new therapies for treating IBD in humans.

Increased bone matrix mineralization in treatment-naïve children with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects many organ systems including the skeleton. In children with IBD, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover are frequently low. Disturbances in bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) are linked to alterations in bone material strength; however, BMDD has not previously been reported in children with chronic inflammatory disorders. The aim of this study was to characterize BMDD based on quantitative backscatter electron imaging in cancellous (Cn.) and cortical (Ct.) compartments from trans-iliac biopsy samples from a cohort of 20 treatment-naïve children at the time of their IBD diagnosis (12 males, mean age 14.5±2.3years). The outcomes were compared to pediatric reference BMDD data and correlation with revisited biochemical and histomorphometric outcomes was analyzed. BMDD in treatment-naïve children with IBD was shifted toward higher calcium concentrations compared to reference: (i) In cancellous bone, the most frequent calcium concentration (Cn.CaPeak+2.8%, p=0.004) and the portion of highly mineralized bone (Cn.CaHigh+52%, p=0.009) were increased. (ii) In cortical bone, the mineralization heterogeneity (Ct.CaWidth+17.0%, p=0.001) and Ct.CaHigh (+30.4%, p=0.006) were increased. (iii) Furthermore, significant correlations with serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bsALP), and urinary crosslinked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (uNTX) were observed: the higher CaMean (the average calcium concentration), CaPeak and CaHigh, the lower were ALP, bsALP, and uNTX (p-value from <0.001 to 0.05). Children with treatment-naïve IBD have decreased bone turnover leading to a higher bone matrix mineralization density, findings which may contribute to compromised bone strength.

Radionuclide Imaging of Infection and Inflammation in Children: a Review

With the exception of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments and radiolabeled peptides which have seen little application in the pediatric population, the nuclear medicine imaging procedures used in the evaluation of infection and inflammation are the same for both adults and children. These procedures include (1) either a two- or a three-phase bone scan using technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate; (2) Gallium 67-citrate; (3) in vitro radiolabeled white blood cell imaging (using ¹¹¹Indium-oxine or ^99mTechnetium hexamethyl-propylene-amine-oxime-labeled white blood cells); and (4) hybrid imaging with ¹⁸F-FDG. But children are not just small adults. Not only are the disease processes encountered in children different from those in adults, but there are developmental variants that can mimic, but should not be confused with, pathology. This article discusses some of the differences between adults and children with osteomyelitis, illustrates several of the common developmental variants that can mimic disease, and, finally, focuses on the increasing use of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis and response monitoring of children with infectious and inflammatory processes. The value of and need for pediatric specific imaging protocols are reviewed.

Current health status and medical therapy of patients with pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease: a survey-based analysis on 1280 patients aged 10-25 years focusing on differences by age of onset

OBJECTIVE

There are inconsistent reports on age-related differences in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). On the basis of patient information, we describe the clinical presentation and therapy in relation to age at diagnosis in longstanding pediatric IBD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two surveys were conducted in children and young adults (age: 10-25 years) by pretested postal questionnaires. The main analyses are descriptive, showing proportions and distributions per grouped age of diagnosis. Exploratory logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic and disease-related factors associated with prognosis. Recent disease course, use of biological therapy, and resecting surgery were chosen as indicators of disease severity. Patients with a diagnosis in infancy (<2 years of age) are presented as a case series.

RESULTS

Information of 1280 cases was available [804 Crohn's disease (CD), 382 ulcerative colitis (UC), 94 IBD not specified] (response: 44.6 and 49.6%). Stable remission during the preceding year was reported by 675 (56.7%) patients; 825 (60.9%) patients reported feeling currenty well. Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy was reported by 33% of CD patients and 9.3% of UC patients, immunomodulation in 82.1 and 63.2%, and corticosteroids by 78.4 and 76.1%, respectively (ever use). Age at diagnosis was not associated with indicators of severe disease. Diagnosis in infancy was reported by 37 patients.

CONCLUSION

Our data do not support age at diagnosis-related differences in prognosis in pediatric-onset IBD.

An Update on Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes 2 chronic idiopathic inflammatory diseases: ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease. The incidence and prevalence of IBD is increasing worldwide. It can affect people of all ages, including children and geriatric populations, and can impact all aspects of life. In this article, diagnosis and treatment of IBD in adults, pediatric, pregnant, and elderly populations are explored from the perspective of a primary care physician.

Results from a retrospective analysis of colonoscopies for Inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer in a Lebanese tertiary care centre

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and colorectal cancer have an increased impact on the Lebanese population's morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the situation of IBD and colorectal cancer at a tertiary hospital centre in Lebanon.

METHODS

1007 patients underwent colonoscopy over a period of 12 months by qualified physicians. 91 patients were excluded from the study. Biopsy results were divided into normal versus abnormal colonic tissue. The abnormal section was further subdivided into number of polyps, IBD, dysplasia and cancer.

RESULTS

Out of 916 individuals included, 61 cases of Crohn's colitis (CC) (6.7%) and 24 cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) (2.7%) were identified. A total of 92 cases of colorectal cancer (10.04%) were also identified. There was a slight male predominance in both groups of IBD without any statistical significance. One statistical significance was reported in favour to age<50 years in both IBD groups with a mean age of 37.9±9.7 years and 34.4±6.4 years for CC and UC, respectively. The incidence of granuloma in the CC group was 8.9% without any correlation compared with age or gender. No correlation was made between colorectal cancer and the existence of any IBD type. The data showed that age >50 years and male gender significantly correlate with an increased incidence of precancerous and cancerous polyps in the colon. They significantly correlate with adenocarcinoma. The estimated incidence of colorectal cancer, CC and UC was 54.1, 35.8 and 14.1 per 100 000, respectively, with a denominator of 169 959 patients per year.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, the incidence of colorectal cancer and IBD falls in the high range compared with similar European and American studies. Our data are biased because of the tertiary centre setting but they can be considered as base for further investigations.

C4B gene influences intestinal microbiota through complement activation in patients with paediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease

Complement C4 genes are linked to paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD), but the mechanisms have remained unclear. We examined the influence of C4B gene number on intestinal microbiota and in-vitro serum complement activation by intestinal microbes in PIBD patients. Complement C4A and C4B gene numbers were determined by genomic reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from 64 patients with PIBD (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). The severity of the disease course was determined from faecal calprotectin levels. Intestinal microbiota was assessed using the HITChip microarray. Complement reactivity in patients was analysed by incubating their sera with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Akkermansia muciniphila and determining the levels of C3a and soluble terminal complement complex (SC5b-9) using enzyme immunoassays. The microbiota diversity was wider in patients with no C4B genes than in those with one or two C4B genes, irrespective of intestinal inflammation. C4B and total C4 gene numbers correlated positively with soluble terminal complement complex (TCC, SC5b-9) levels when patient serum samples were stimulated with bacteria. Our results suggest that the C4B gene number associates positively with inflammation in patients with PIBD. Multiple copies of the C4B gene may thus aggravate the IBD-associated dysbiosis through escalated complement reactivity towards the microbiota.

Impaired objective and subjective sleep in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease compared to healthy controls

OBJECTIVE

Poor sleep and higher inflammation markers are associated, and impaired sleep quality is common among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, information on sleep among children and adolescents with IBD is currently lacking. The aims of the present study were to compare subjective and objective sleep of children and adolescents with IBD with healthy controls and to shed more light on the relationship between sleep and inflammation. We expected that poor sleep, as assessed via sleep electroencephalography recordings, would be observed among participants with IBD, but particularly among participants in an active state of disease. Furthermore, we expected that poor sleep and higher inflammatory markers would be associated.

METHODS

A total of 47 children and adolescents participated in the study; 23 were diagnosed with IBD (mean age: 13.88 years, 44% female). The IBD group was divided into a medically well adjusted "remission-group" (IBD-RE; n = 14) and a group with an "active state of disease" (IBD-AD; n = 8). Healthy controls (HC; n = 24) were age and gender matched. Participants completed self-rating questionnaires for subjective sleep disturbances. Anthropometric data, acute and chronic inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) and objective sleep were considered.

RESULTS

Compared to HC and IBD-RE, IBD-AD patients showed impaired objective sleep patterns (eg, more awakenings, longer sleep latency, and reduced stage 3 sleep). Linear relationships described the correlation between higher ESR and more stage 4 (minutes, percentage) sleep. Nonlinear relationships described the relation between ESR and subjective sleep quality (inverse U-shaped) and between CRP and sleep latency (U-shaped).

CONCLUSION

In children and adolescents with an active IBD, objective sleep was impaired and overall sleep quality and inflammation indices were associated in a complex manner. It seems advisable to include assessment of subjective sleep quality in the care of pediatric IBD patients as an additional indicator for objective sleep disturbances and inflammation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02264275.

Inflammatory Diseases and Growth: Effects on the GH-IGF Axis and on Growth Plate

This review briefly describes the most common chronic inflammatory diseases in childhood, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) that can be considered, as such, for the changes reported in the placenta and cord blood of these subjects. Changes in growth hormone (GH) secretion, GH resistance, and changes in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system are described mainly in relationship with the increase in nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Changes in the growth plate are also reported as well as a potential role for microRNAs (miRNAs) and thus epigenetic changes in chronic inflammation. Many mechanisms leading to growth failure are currently known; however, it is clear that further research in the field is still warranted.

Evaluation of Infliximab Therapy in Children with Crohn's Disease Using Trough Levels Predictors

BACKGROUND

In adults, infliximab (IFX) levels correlate with disease activity, and antibodies to IFX (ATIs) predict treatment failure. We aimed to determine the association of IFX levels and ATIs with disease activity in a paediatric population. We prospectively collected blood, stool, and clinical data from 65 patients (age 10.5-15.1 years) with Crohn's disease (CD) before IFX administration, and measured IFX trough levels, ATIs, and faecal calprotectin levels (CPT). Samples were collected during maintenance therapy. We used multivariate analysis to identify the predictors of IFX levels.

SUMMARY

Lower levels of IFX were associated with ATIs positivity (OR 0.027, 95% CI 0.009-0.077). Higher C-reactive protein (CRP) level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and CPT levels were found in patients with lower IFX levels. The optimal combination of sensitivity (0.5) and specificity (0.74) for disease activity was calculated for IFX levels ≥1.1 µg/mL using CRP level <5 mg/L as a marker of laboratory remission. In a model that used CPT ≤100 µg/g as the definition of remission, the optimal IFX trough level was 3.5 µg/mL. No independent association between remission and ATIs was found in our study population. However, we found an independentz association between IFX levels and serum albumin levels (OR 1.364, 95% CI 1.169-1.593), p < 0.001. Key Messages: The paediatric population was similar to adult populations in terms of the association between IFX and ATIs as well as between IFX and disease activity.

Can ultrasound be used as the primary imaging in children with suspected Crohn disease?

BACKGROUND

There is growing literature on the use of ultrasound (US) for evaluation of Crohn disease in adults, but few studies have been conducted on children. Several studies demonstrated high accuracy of US in the diagnosis of Crohn disease. Using US as the primary screening imaging modality for Crohn disease can reduce health care costs, the need for sedation and ionizing radiation exposure.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study is to determine if US can be used for screening evaluation of pediatric Crohn disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective cohort study of pediatric patients undergoing MR enterography (MRE) for suspected or known history of Crohn disease was performed, with gray-scale and Doppler US of the terminal ileum done immediately before or after MRE. US images were interpreted by two radiologists (Reader 1 and Reader 2) not involved in image acquisition, in blinded and randomized fashion. US findings of Crohn disease including bowel wall thickening, wall stratification, increased vascularity on Doppler, lymphadenopathy, fat infiltration and extraintestinal complications were evaluated. MRE findings of terminal ileitis were considered the reference standard. Demographic data, body mass index (BMI), symptoms, and laboratory, endoscopic and histopathological data were obtained from electronic medical records.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients (mean age: 13.7 years: 4.6-18.9 years) were evaluated. Mean BMI was 21.2 (range: 13-40.2); 10 patients (24.3%) were either overweight or obese. Final diagnoses were Crohn disease (n=24), ulcerative colitis (n=4) and normal/non-inflammatory bowel disease-related diagnoses (n=13). US demonstrated sensitivity of 67% and 78% and specificity of 78% and 83%, by Reader 1 and Reader 2, respectively. MRE sensitivity and specificity were 75% and 100%, respectively, compared to final clinicopathological diagnosis. Interobserver agreement between Reader 1 and Reader 2 was good (0.6< kappa <0.8).

CONCLUSION

In screening for Crohn disease in children, US has limited sensitivity for detecting terminal ileitis.

Diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease in children

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are lifelong conditions that often begin in childhood. The implications of IBD are of particular importance in children because of the potential negative effects on growth, development, psychosocial function, and overall wellbeing. The key management strategy is to achieve sustained control of intestinal inflammation and monitor for potential complications of the disease and side effects of therapies. Overall, the evidence on the management of IBD in children is less extensive than in adults, but good quality multicenter studies and various guidelines and society consensus statements are available. This review summarizes the evidence on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and approaches to management of children and adolescents with IBD.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Childhood and Adolescence

BACKGROUND

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in childhood and adolescence is 5-11 cases per 100 000 persons per year, corresponding to a new diagnosis of IBD in 800-1470 patients in Germany each year.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed, including guidelines from Germany and abroad.

RESULTS

Children and adolescents with IBD often have extensive involvement and an aggressive course of disease. Nonetheless, infliximab and adalimumab are the only biological agents that have been approved for this group of patients. In Crohn's disease, exclusive enteral nutrition is the treatment of first choice for inducing a remission. Patients with (peri-)anal fistulae are treated primarily with infliximab. Corticosteroids and aminosalicylates should be used with caution. In contrast, children and adolescents with ulcerative colitis are treated with either aminosalicylates or prednisolone to induce a remission. As a rule, maintenance pharmacotherapy with thiopurines in Crohn's disease and severe ulcerative colitis, or with aminosalicylates in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, is indicated for several years, at least until the end of puberty. Patients with refractory disease courses are treated with methylprednisolone, anti-TNF-α-antibodies, and/or calcineurin inhibitors. The spectrum of surgical interventions is the same as for adults. Specific aspects of the treatment of children and adolescents with IBD include adverse drug effects, the areas of nutrition, growth, and development, and the structured transition to adult medicine.

CONCLUSION

Children and adolescents with IBD or suspected IBD should be cared for by pediatric gastroenterologists in a center where such care is provided. Individualized treatment with multidisciplinary, family-oriented longterm care is particularly important. Drug trials in children and adolescents are needed so that the off-label use of drugs to patients in this age group can be reduced.

Can Contrast-Enhanced Sonography Detect Bowel Wall Fibrosis in Mixed Inflammatory and Fibrotic Crohn Disease Lesions in an Animal Model?

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether contrast-enhanced sonographic quantitative perfusion parameters can detect bowel wall fibrosis in the setting of mixed inflammatory and fibrotic lesions in a Crohn disease animal model.

METHODS

This study was approved by the institutional Committee on the Use and Care of Animals. Multiple (range, 1-5) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-ethanol enemas were used to create intestinal inflammatory lesions with variable fibrosis in female Lewis rats. Low-mechanical index contrast-enhanced sonography was performed 3 days after the final enema using a 0.2-mL bolus of sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles injected through a tail vein. Contrast-enhanced sonographic data were analyzed with software that converts video data into echo-power (linearized) data. Colorectal lesions were scored for histopathologic inflammation and fibrosis; bowel wall collagen was quantified by Western blotting. The Spearman correlation was used to assess associations between contrast-enhanced sonographic quantitative parameters and bowel wall collagen; the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare continuous results between histopathologic groups.

RESULTS

Thirty-one animals were included in our analysis. Animals were placed into 3 histopathologic cohorts: (1) severe bowel wall inflammation/minimal or no fibrosis (n = 11); (2) severe bowel wall inflammation/moderate fibrosis (n = 9); and (3) severe bowel wall inflammation/severe fibrosis (n = 11). Western blotting showed a significant difference in bowel wall collagen between histopathologic cohorts (P = .0001). There was no correlation between any contrast-enhanced sonographic quantitative parameter and bowel wall collagen (P > .05). There was no difference between histopathologic cohorts for any contrast-enhanced sonographic quantitative parameter (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Contrast-enhanced sonographic quantitative perfusion parameters failed to effectively detect bowel wall fibrosis in the setting of superimposed inflammation in a Crohn disease animal model.

Nuclear Medicine Imaging in Pediatric Infection or Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

In this review article, we focus on the most recent applications of nuclear medicine techniques (mainly ^99mTc/¹¹¹In white blood cells (WBC) scan, [¹⁸F]-FDG-PET/CT, [¹⁸F]-FDG-PET/MRI, and ^99mTc-IL-2 scintigraphy) in the study of children affected by peripheral bone osteomyelitis, fungal infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, and type 1 diabetes, owing to recent important published evidences of their role in the management of these diseases. For osteomyelitis in children, both bone scintigraphy and [¹⁸F]-FDG-PET have a major advantage of assessing the whole body in one imaging session to confirm or exclude multifocal involvement, whereas WBC scan has a limited role. In children with fungal infections, [¹⁸F]-FDG-PET can help in defining the best location for biopsy and can help in evaluating the extent of the infection and organs involved (also sites that were not yet clinically apparent), although its main role is for therapy monitoring. In inflammatory bowel diseases, and Crohn disease in particular, WBC scan has been successfully used for many years, but it is now used only in case of doubtful magnetic resonance (MR) or when MR cannot be performed and endoscopy is inconclusive. By contrast, there is an accumulating evidence of the role of [¹⁸F]-FDG-PET in management of children with Crohn disease, and PET/MR could be a versatile and innovative hybrid imaging technique that combines the metabolic information of PET with the high soft tissue resolution of MR, particularly for distinguishing fibrotic from active strictures. Finally, there are several new radiopharmaceuticals that specifically target inflammatory cells involved in the pathogenesis of insulitis aiming at developing new specific immunotherapies and to select children candidates to these treatments for improving their quality of life.

Neurological Complications of Gastrointestinal Disease

There is a growing interest in the extraintestinal manifestations of common pediatric gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease. This article specifically focuses on the neurological symptoms that manifest because of these disorders and their treatments. Many neurological symptoms have been reported in association with these diseases, including neuropathy, myopathy, ataxia, headache, and seizures, among others. It is currently believed that these neurological symptoms are largely overlooked by practitioners and could be a red flag for earlier diagnosis. However, additional research, especially in the pediatric population, is warranted to further elaborate on the causality and pathophysiology of these neurological symptoms.

Biological Therapy in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased steadily worldwide, both in adult and in children; approximately 25% of IBD patients are diagnosed before the age of 18. The natural history of IBD is usually more severe in children than in adults, and can be associated with linear growth impairment, delayed puberty onset, reduced bone mass index, malnutrition, and the need for surgery. Biological therapies, especially blocking tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), have radically modified the treatment strategies and disease course of IBD in children. In particular, drugs such as Infliximab and Adalimumab are routinely used in the treatment of pediatric IBD. The role of Infliximab and Adalimumab in the management of pediatric IBD has been recently updated in the Consensus guidelines of ECCO/ESPGHAN. Data regarding short-term and long-term efficacy and safety of these drugs in children, and the effects of "top-down" and "step-up" strategies, are lacking. In this paper, the authors will review current indications, efficacy, and safety of biological therapy in pediatric IBD patients, evaluating all articles published after ECCO/ESPGHAN guidelines publication. The authors carried out a systematic search through MEDLINE through PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/) Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and gray literature, from January 2013 to January 2016. Anti-TNFα has been shown to be effective and safe to maintain remission and to achieve mucosal healing. Multicenter trials based on large sample size cohorts are needed to better clarify long-term efficacy of anti-TNFα and the real incidence of treatment-related complications in pediatric IBD.

How I treat my inflammatory bowel disease-patients with thiopurines?

Thiopurines are essential drugs to maintain remission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Thiopurines used in IBD are azathioprine (2.0-2.5 mg/kg), mercaptopurine (1.0-1.5 mg/kg) and thioguanine (0.2-0.3 mg/kg). However, mainly due to numerous adverse events associated with thiopurine use, almost 50% of the patients have to discontinue conventional thiopurine treatment. Extensive monitoring and the application of several treatment strategies, such as split-dose administration, co-administration with allopurinol or dose reduction/increase, may increase the chance of successful therapy. With this review, we provide practical information on how thiopurines are initiated and maintained in two thiopurine research centers in The Netherlands. We provide clinical information concerning safety issues, indications and management of therapy that may serve as a guide for the administration of thiopurines in IBD patients in daily practice.

Intestinal inflammation without weight loss decreases bone density and growth

Increasing evidence indicates a strong link between intestinal health and bone health. For example, inflammatory bowel disease can cause systemic inflammation, weight loss, and extra-intestinal manifestations, such as decreased bone growth and density. However, the effects of moderate intestinal inflammation without weight loss on bone health have never been directly examined; yet this condition is relevant not only to IBD but to conditions of increased intestinal permeability and inflammation, as seen with ingestion of high-fat diets, intestinal dysbiosis, irritable bowel syndrome, metabolic syndrome, and food allergies. Here, we induced moderate intestinal inflammation without weight loss in young male mice by treating with a low dose of dextran sodium sulfate (1%) for 15 days. The mice displayed systemic changes marked by significant bone loss and a redistribution of fat from subcutaneous to visceral fat pad stores. Bone loss was caused by reduced osteoblast activity, characterized by decreased expression of osteoblast markers (runx2, osteocalcin), histomorphometry, and dynamic measures of bone formation. In addition, we observed a reduction in growth plate thickness and hypertrophic chondrocyte matrix components (collagen X). Correlation analyses indicate a link between gut inflammation and disease score, but more importantly, we observed that bone density measures negatively correlated with intestinal disease score, as well as colon and bone TNF-α levels. These studies demonstrate that colitis-induced bone loss is not dependent upon weight loss and support a role for inflammation in the link between gut and bone health, an important area for future therapeutic development.

Systematic review: psychological morbidity in young people with inflammatory bowel disease - risk factors and impacts

BACKGROUND

Psychological morbidity in young people aged 10-24 years, with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increased, but risk factors for and impacts of this are unclear.

AIM

To undertake a systematic literature review of the risk factors for and impact of psychological morbidity in young people with IBD.

METHODS

Electronic searches for English-language articles were performed with keywords relating to psychological morbidity according to DSM-IV and subsequent criteria; young people; and IBD in the MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Web of Science and CINAHL databases for studies published from 1994 to September 2014.

RESULTS

One thousand four hundred and forty-four studies were identified, of which 30 met the inclusion criteria. The majority measured depression and anxiety symptoms, with a small proportion examining externalising behaviours. Identifiable risk factors for psychological morbidity included: increased disease severity (r(2) = 0.152, P < 0.001), lower socioeconomic status (r(2) = 0.046, P < 0.001), corticosteroids (P ≤ 0.001), parental stress (r = 0.35, P < 0.001) and older age at diagnosis (r = 0.28, P = 0.0006). Impacts of psychological morbidity in young people with IBD were wide-ranging and included abdominal pain (r = 0.33; P < 0.001), sleep dysfunction (P < 0.05), psychotropic drug use (HR 4.16, 95% CI 2.76-6.27), non-adherence to medication (12.6% reduction) and negative illness perceptions (r = -0.43).

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological morbidity affects young people with IBD in a range of ways, highlighting the need for psychological interventions to improve outcomes. Identified risk factors provide an opportunity to develop targeted therapies for a vulnerable group. Further research is required to examine groups under-represented in this review, such as those with severe IBD and those from ethnic minorities.

Recurrent Fever in Children

Children presenting with recurrent fever may represent a diagnostic challenge. After excluding the most common etiologies, which include the consecutive occurrence of independent uncomplicated infections, a wide range of possible causes are considered. This article summarizes infectious and noninfectious causes of recurrent fever in pediatric patients. We highlight that, when investigating recurrent fever, it is important to consider age at onset, family history, duration of febrile episodes, length of interval between episodes, associated symptoms and response to treatment. Additionally, information regarding travel history and exposure to animals is helpful, especially with regard to infections. With the exclusion of repeated independent uncomplicated infections, many infective causes of recurrent fever are relatively rare in Western countries; therefore, clinicians should be attuned to suggestive case history data. It is important to rule out the possibility of an infectious process or a malignancy, in particular, if steroid therapy is being considered. After excluding an infectious or neoplastic etiology, immune-mediated and autoinflammatory diseases should be taken into consideration. Together with case history data, a careful physical exam during and between febrile episodes may give useful clues and guide laboratory investigations. However, despite a thorough evaluation, a recurrent fever may remain unexplained. A watchful follow-up is thus mandatory because new signs and symptoms may appear over time.