ACG Clinical Guideline: Ulcerative Colitis in Adults

Emerging Insights on the Interaction Between Anticancer and Immunosuppressant Drugs and Intestinal Microbiota in Pediatric Patients

Diseases affecting the immune system, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), are pathological conditions affecting the pediatric population and are often associated with alterations in the intestinal microbiota, such as a decrease in bacterial diversity. Growing evidence suggests that gut microbiota can interfere with chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressant drugs, used in the treatment of these diseases, reducing or facilitating drug efficacy. In particular, the effect of intestinal microflora through translocation, immunomodulation, metabolism, enzymatic degradation, and reduction of bacterial diversity seems to be one of the reasons of interindividual variability in the therapeutic response. Although the extent of the role of intestinal microflora in chemotherapy and immunosuppression remains still unresolved, current evidence on bacterial compositional shifts will be taken in consideration together with clinical response to drugs for a better and personalized therapy. This review is focused on the effect of the intestinal microbiota on the efficacy of pharmacological therapy of agents used to treat IBD, JIA, and ALL.

Ulcerative Colitis: Disease Burden, Impact on Daily Life, and Reluctance to Consult Medical Professionals: Results from a Japanese Internet Survey

Background and Aim

The prevalence of ulcerative colitis has increased in Asian populations in recent years. This Japanese internet survey investigated the symptoms, impact, and treatment of ulcerative colitis, and communication between patients and medical professionals.

Methods

This was a non-interventional analysis of responses from participants with ulcerative colitis who had regularly visited medical providers for their disease in the past year.

Results

In 501 evaluable participants, the mean age was 39.8 years and mean disease duration was 7.6 years. Ulcerative colitis had a "significant impact" on daily life in 43.5% of participants who experienced bowel urgency and 48.6% who experienced bowel incontinence. Although the prevalence of bowel urgency and bowel incontinence was associated with higher stool frequency and rectal bleeding scores (p value for trend <0.0001), they still existed even in patients without frequent stools or rectal bleeding. Around 30% of participants hesitated to discuss symptoms such as bowel incontinence with a medical professional. Approximately three-quarters preferred to use websites for medical information. Most participants (78.0%) had used topical treatments. However, 25.7% were hesitant to use such treatments due to concerns about discomfort (48.1%) and administration difficulty (47.3%).

Conclusions

Ulcerative colitis significantly affects daily life, largely due to symptoms such as bowel urgency and bowel incontinence. Despite desiring to improve bowel incontinence, patients are embarrassed to consult physicians or nurses. Therefore, medical professionals should make an active effort to draw out patients' individual concerns, including symptoms that patients may not initially feel able to talk about openly.

UK National Survey of Gastroenterologists' attitudes and barriers toward therapeutic drug monitoring of anti-TNF therapy in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Evidence supports use of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in improving efficacy and cost-effectiveness of anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our objective was to assess attitudes and barriers towards TDM use with anti-TNF's in the UK.

METHODS

A 17-question survey was distributed to members of the British Society of Gastroenterology by email.

RESULTS

Of 243 respondents (51.6% male), 237 respondents met inclusion criteria. Of these, 46% were consultants (gastroenterologist, GI), 39.2% IBD nurse specialists (clinical nurse specialists, CNS), 14.8% registrars. TDM is used by 96.9% for secondary loss of response; 72.5% for primary non-response and 54.1% used TDM proactively. Barriers were time lag in receiving results (49.8%), lack of awareness of guidelines (46.4%) and cost (29.9%). Clinicians working at a teaching hospital (OR 2.6, 95% CI 0.71 to 9.8), IBD CNS and GI registrars (OR 2.6, 95% CI 0.7 to 10 and OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.3 to 7.2, respectively) were more likely to use TDM. Clinicians practising for >20 years (OR 4.1, 95% CI 0.4 to 41.8) and a large volume IBD practice (>50% IBD patients per month) were more likely to use TDM (OR 45.7, 95% CI 7.5 to 275). Proactive TDM, was more likely to be used in tertiary care (OR 2.25, 95% CI 0.84 to 6.1), IBD CNS (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.7 to 2.1) and clinicians managing >50% IBD patients per month (OR 10.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 90.3). Clinicians with 5-9 years of experience in practice were more likely to use proactive TDM (OR 2.6 and CI 1.04 to 6.4).

CONCLUSION

Validation of point of care and lower cost assays, reduced time lag from test to result, lower cost of testing and dissemination of current recommendations may further optimise treatment strategies.

Treatment patterns among patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis in the United States and Europe

Objective

The aim of the present study is to examine how moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) is currently managed in real-world clinical practice across the United States (US) and European Union Five (EU5; France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom).

Methods

Data from the 2017 Adelphi Inflammatory Bowel-Disease Specific Programme (IBD-DSP) were used. The IBD-DSP is a database of patient chart information abstracted by selected gastroenterologists across the US and EU5. Eligible gastroenterologists who agreed to participate were asked to complete patient record forms for the next seven consecutive eligible adult patients with UC. Only charts from patients with moderate-to-severe UC were included in the analysis (defined as those with documented administration of either an immunosuppressant [IM] or a biologic). Treatment patterns were reported descriptively.

Results

411 and 1191 patient charts were included in the US and EU5 (mean ages 44.2 and 39.6 years; 53.0% and 43.5% female), respectively. For those with complete treatment history, 40.7% and 52.9% used either an IM or biologic as their first treatment (with or without steroids). Usage of these therapies increased in subsequent lines. The percentage of patients treated with combination therapy (i.e., biologic therapy with a concomitant IM) in first line generally varied between 10–20% (e.g., US: adalimumab (ADA), 10.8%; infliximab (IFX), 18.2%; EU5: ADA, 12.5%; IFX, 19.9%), though increased in later lines in the EU5. Among patients currently using a biologic therapy, between 10–40% of patients used a higher than indicated dose or greater than indicated dosing frequency during maintenance (e.g., US: IFX, 37.1%; ADA, 13.4%; EU5: IFX, 39.1%; ADA, 36.1%). In both the US and EU5, the primary reason for switching therapy was efficacy-related.

Conclusions

In this analysis, many patients with moderate-to-severe UC use an IM or biologic as their first therapy after diagnosis. Combination therapy and dose escalation are also common, and underscore the challenges with managing this patient population.

Biosimilars to Antitumor Necrosis Factor Agents in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Anti- tumor Necrosis Factor (anti-TNF) agents are the backbone treatment of moderate to severe cases of inflammatory bowel disease. One of the main drawbacks of these agents is the high cost. The introduction of biosimilar products to anti-TNF agents is expected to lower the cost. Health care providers ought to be aware of the available data that addresses the safety and efficacy of biosimilars in IBD patients. This article outlines the current evidence-based data regarding the available biosimilar products, their safety, efficacy and how to deal with patients’ concerns.

Solving the questions regarding 5-aminosalitylate formulation in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

5-aminosalicylate is a fundamental treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis with mild-to-moderate disease; however, evidence for 5-aminosalicylate treatment is unclear in some situations. This review discusses the clinical guidelines and previous studies, and highlights the following points: (1) Although rectal 5-aminosalicylate is effective for proctitis, physicians should endeavor to reduce patient's distress when administering suppositories or enema as the first-line therapy. It should be clarified whether oral 5-aminosalicylate alone with a drug delivery system that allows higher 5-aminosalicylate concentrations to reach the distal colon would be as effective as rectal 5-aminosalicylate therapy. (2) There has been no direct evidence demonstrating the clinical efficacy of switching the 5-aminosalicylate treatment to other 5-aminosalicylate formulations. However, switching to a different 5-aminosalicylate formulation may be indicated if clinical symptoms are not progressive. (3) Several studies have shown that colonic mucosal 5-aminosalicylate concentration correlates with clinical and endoscopic severity; however, it is unclear whether a high 5-aminosalicylate concentration has therapeutic efficacy. (4) The maximum dose of 5-aminosalicylate is necessary for patients with risk factors for recurrence or hospitalization. (5) Optimization of 5-aminosalicylate dosage may be indicated even for quiescent patients with ulcerative colitis if mucosal healing is not obtained, and if patients have multiple risk factors for recurrence. (6) Furthermore, the discontinuation of 5-aminosalicylate is acceptable when biologics are used. Because there are many "old studies" providing evidence for 5-aminosalicylate formulations, more clinical studies are needed to establish new evidence.

Is there a role for therapeutic sphingolipids in inflammatory bowel disease?

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are lifetime chronic inflammatory disorders. Over the past few decades, new therapeutic approaches, including early and more effective intervention with immunomodulators and biological agents, increased the possibility of a favorable modification of the natural history of IBD. Despite this progress, there is still a need to explore new therapeutic options.Area covered: Here, we review the literature about the role of therapeutic sphingolipids in inflammatory bowel disease patients.Expert opinion: Despite the great increase of treatment options in the last 20 years, many patients still do not respond to the induction therapy (primary non-responders) or lose response over time (secondary responders). Small-molecule drugs are a promising group of drugs with low molecular weight, an oral route of administration, and low immunogenicity offering several advantages when compared to biologics such as anti-TNFs and anti-integrins. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators are some among the new small molecules currently under clinical investigation for the treatment of IBD.

Treatment of Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection Using Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Iranian Patients with Underlying Inflammatory Bowel Disease

PURPOSE

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective treatment option for patients with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI). However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding its efficacy and safety in patients with rCDI and concurrent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we present a single-center experience of FMT for treatment of rCDI in Iranian patients with IBD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eight patients with established IBD (7 with ulcerative colitis and 1 with Crohn's disease) who underwent at least one FMT via colonoscopy for treatment of rCDI were enrolled in this study. Demographics, pre-FMT and post-FMT IBD activity, efficacy for rCDI and adverse events (AEs) were assessed during a 6-month follow-up period. All patients had experienced 3 episodes of rCDI and were refractory to conventional therapies with metronidazole and vancomycin. Primary cure and secondary cure rates were assessed after FMT treatments.

RESULTS

A total of 10 FMTs were performed via colonoscopy in 8 patients (6/8; 75% men) with a median age of 35 years (range: 22-60). Two patients received a second FMT. Overall, the primary and secondary cure rates were 75% and 100%, respectively. Two patients developed CPE-producing C. perfringens diagnoses after second FMTs. There were no other AEs, and no patient experienced IBD flare.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that FMT appears to be an effective, safe and rational therapeutic alternative for resolution of rCDI in patients with underlying IBD. Furthermore, we suggest implementing the CPE-producing C. perfringens testing in the screening of FMT donors.

Long-term deep remission during maintenance therapy with biological agents in inflammatory bowel diseases

Background and aims: A multicentre, retrospective, non-interventional, patient chart review study was conducted to investigate deep (DR) and histological remission rates during maintenance therapy with biological agents in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Methods: We reviewed clinical, endoscopic, and histological findings, and laboratory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and faecal calprotectin (FC) on average of nine years after the initiation of anti-TNF-therapy. DR was defined as no clinical symptoms (The physicians' global assessment scores; PGA = 0) with endoscopic remission (the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease [SES-CD] ≤ 2 or Mayo endoscopic subscore ≤1). Histological activity was defined as normal if only architectural alterations without cellularity changes occurred.Results: Of 117 IBD patients on maintenance therapy, 72 (62%; CD n = 55 [56%], UC n = 17 [85%]) patients were in DR. Of patients in DR, 76% were also in histological remission. 77% of patients remained on initiated biological treatment. UC patients achieved DR significantly more often than CD patients (p = .016). Both median CRP and FC levels were significantly lower in patients with DR.Conclusion: Reassuringly, almost two thirds of the IBD patients on maintenance therapy with biological agents maintained DR in the long-term, and more than two thirds of patients in DR achieved also histological remission. CD patients in DR had fewer surgical operations due to CD than patients not achieving DR.

Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib dose de-escalation and dose escalation for patients with ulcerative colitis: results from OCTAVE Open

BACKGROUND

For patients with UC, flexible maintenance dosing therapy may confer advantages for safety, efficacy, costs and patient preference. Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule JAK inhibitor for the treatment of UC.

AIM

To assess the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib dose de-escalation and escalation in patients with UC.

METHODS

We evaluated data (November 2017 data cut-off) from OCTAVE Open, an ongoing, open-label, long-term extension study. The dose de-escalation group comprised 66 tofacitinib induction responders in remission following 52 weeks' tofacitinib 10 mg b.d. maintenance therapy, subsequently de-escalated to 5 mg b.d. in OCTAVE Open. The dose escalation group comprised 57 tofacitinib induction responders who experienced treatment failure while receiving 5 mg b.d. maintenance therapy, subsequently escalated to 10 mg b.d. in OCTAVE Open.

RESULTS

After tofacitinib de-escalation, 92.4% (61/66) and 84.1% (53/63) of patients maintained clinical response and 80.3% (53/66) and 74.6% (47/63) maintained remission, at months 2 and 12, respectively. After dose escalation, 57.9% (33/57) and 64.9% (37/57) of patients recaptured clinical response and 35.1% (20/57) and 49.1% (28/57) were in remission, at months 2 and 12, respectively. The incidence rate of herpes zoster with dose escalation (7.6 patients with events/100 patient-years) was numerically higher than in the overall tofacitinib UC programme.

CONCLUSIONS

Following tofacitinib de-escalation in patients already in remission on 10 mg b.d., most maintained remission, although 25.4% lost remission, at month 12. For induction responders who dose-escalated following treatment failure on 5 mg b.d. maintenance therapy, 49.1% achieved remission by month 12. (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01470612).

Ulcerative Colitis: Current and Emerging Treatment Strategies

Historically, medical therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC) was limited to corticosteroids. Excitingly, over the past just 1-2 decades, the options for medical therapy have expanded and include biologics and small molecules, with more agents actively being developed. In this article, we review the current and emerging treatment strategies for UC stratified according to disease severity.

Is there room for immunomodulators in ulcerative colitis?

Introduction: The management of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) has evolved over the past few decades. While aminosalicylates remain the mainstay of induction and maintenance therapy in patients with mild-to-moderate UC, the advent of biologic agents and novel oral small molecules has substantively changed the treatment landscape for patients with moderate-to-severe disease and confounded the role of traditional immunomodulators (IMMs) such as thiopurines and methotrexate in the UC management algorithm.Areas covered: We summarize the mechanism of action of thiopurines and methotrexate, identify clinical parameters for their use, and appraise the evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of IMMs in UC as both monotherapy and in combination with other therapies, emphasizing on prospective, controlled data.Expert opinion: With the advent of several classes of highly effective treatments for UC, emergence of data demonstrating no benefit of IMMs over placebo, and concerns about the relative safety profile of long-term IMM exposure, we propose that the role of thiopurines or methotrexate be restricted to patients with milder disease failing to maintain corticosteroid-free remission on aminosalicylates alone or in combination therapy with tumor necrosis factor antagonists in patients with moderate-to-severe UC.

Profile of Tofacitinib in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: An Evidence-Based Review of Recent Data

Recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis (UC) have led to the expansion of our therapeutic arsenal. Conventional treatment options, including aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, thiopurines, and calcineurin inhibitors, fail to control the disease in a significant proportion of patients. Approximately 25-50% of the patients treated with tumor necrosis factor antibodies (anti-TNFα) are primary and secondary non-responders to therapy. Tofacitinib is a novel orally administered small synthetic molecule that inhibits a homologous family of enzymes, termed Janus kinases that modulate multiple key cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of UC. Phase II and III trials showed promising results in UC, leading the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to approve its administration for the induction and maintenance of remission in moderate-to-severe UC. Herein, we review tofacitinib for the management of UC, its mechanism of action pharmacokinetic properties, efficacy, and safety.

Clinical Implications of the CMV-Specific T-Cell Response and Local or Systemic CMV Viral Replication in Patients With Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

The precise role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in ulcerative colitis (UC) remains disputed. We evaluated the association of CMV-specific host immune responses and systemic or local viral replication with responses to systemic steroids in patients with moderate to severe UC.

METHODS

Patients who were hospitalized for moderate to severe UC between April 2015 and June 2016 were enrolled. At baseline, all enrolled patients underwent CMV-specific enzyme-linked immunospot assays, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis of blood and colonic tissue for CMV viral load, histopathological testing for CMV in colonic tissue by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. Clinical responses to steroid therapy based on the Oxford index were assessed on day 3.

RESULTS

Of the 80 patients evaluated, 28 (35.0%) had poor responses to steroid therapy on day 3 of intensive treatment. The presence of inclusion bodies (32.1%) and high-grade (≥3) positivity on IHC (50.0%), as well as colonic (mean 1440.4 copies/mg) and blood (mean, 3692.6 copies/mL) CMV viral load, were higher in steroid-refractory UC patients than the control group (13.5%, 1.9%, mean 429.2 copies/mg, and mean 231.2 copies/mL, respectively; P = .046, .009, .017, and .002, respectively). However, CMV-specific T-cell responses were not associated with steroid-refractory UC. Multivariate analysis revealed that a higher Mayo score (odds ratio [OR], 2.00; P = .002) and higher blood CMV viral load via qPCR analysis (OR, 3.58; P = .044) were independent risk factors for steroid-refractory UC.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with moderate to severe UC, higher Mayo score and blood CMV expression determined by qPCR are independently associated with steroid refractoriness.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02439372.

Biotin Supplementation Ameliorates Murine Colitis by Preventing NF-κB Activation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is indispensable for human health. Biotin deficiency can cause failure-to-thrive, immunodeficiency, alopecia, dermatitis, and conjunctivitis. We previously reported that biotin deficiency also can lead to severe colitis in mice, which is completely reversed with supplementation. Our aim in this study was to determine if high-dose biotin supplementation can provide a therapeutic benefit in a preclinical model for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to identify the molecular mechanism by which this occurs.

METHODS

Mice were challenged with dextran sodium sulfate to induce colitis and were treated with 1 mmol/L biotin to induce or maintain remission. Clinical response was monitored by the Disease Activity Index and fecal calprotectin levels. The colon tissue was investigated for histology, length, as well as expression of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 1β), intestinal permeability, tight junctions (zonula occludens-1 and claudin-2), and the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB).

RESULTS

Biotin therapy led to delayed onset and severity of colitis as well as accelerated healing. There was improvement in the Disease Activity Index, fecal calprotectin levels, colon length, and histology. In addition, biotin-treated mice had reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines, reduced intestinal permeability, and reduced activation of NF-κB.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral supplementation with biotin provides benefit for maintenance and induction of remission in the dextran sodium sulfate preclinical model for IBD. Biotin does this by reducing the activation of NF-κB, which prevents the production of inflammatory cytokines and helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Clinically, the NF-κB pathway is important in the development of IBD and this finding suggests that biotin may have therapeutic potential for patients with IBD.

IBD in the Elderly: Management Challenges and Therapeutic Considerations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Elderly patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are increasing in prevalence as our population ages and the incidence of IBD increases. The purpose of this review is to describe the management challenges in elderly IBD patients, including comorbid conditions and therapeutic considerations unique to the elderly population.

RECENT FINDINGS

The elderly experience coexisting comorbidities that complicate IBD management. The disease course and potential side effects of treatments can impact the elderly IBD patient differently than younger IBD patients. The duration for colorectal cancer surveillance (CRC) also remains controversial and should be individualized to determine when discontinuation is appropriate. Given greater safety considerations in the elderly IBD population, treatment targets and management goals require a more personalized approach in the elderly, taking into account coexisting comorbidities, inflammatory burden, and functional limitations.

Tofacitinib as Induction and Maintenance Therapy in Japanese Patients with Active Ulcerative Colitis

Background

Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule Janus kinase inhibitor approved in Japan for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Differences in the safety profile of tofacitinib in Japanese patients versus the global population, such as a higher risk of herpes zoster, have been reported.

Objectives

We conducted post hoc analyses of tofacitinib treatment in Japanese patients with moderate-to-severe UC in two global phase III studies.

Methods

In OCTAVE Induction 1 (NCT01465763), 62 patients were randomized to placebo or tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily (b.i.d.). In OCTAVE Sustain (NCT01458574), 39 patients with clinical response in OCTAVE Induction 1 were re-randomized to placebo, tofacitinib 5 mg, or 10 mg b.i.d. Efficacy endpoints included: remission (primary endpoint; total Mayo score ≤2; no individual subscore >1; rectal bleeding subscore 0); mucosal healing (Mayo endoscopic subscore ≤1); clinical response (≥30% and ≥3-point decrease from induction study baseline total Mayo score; decrease in rectal bleeding subscore ≥1 or absolute subscore ≤1). Adverse events (AEs) and clinical laboratory parameters were recorded.

Results

At week 8 of OCTAVE Induction 1, 22.4% of patients achieved remission with tofacitinib (placebo, 7.7%). At week 52 of OCTAVE Sustain, 31.3% and 66.7% of patients receiving tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg b.i.d., respectively, achieved remission (placebo, 9.1%). The occurrence of AEs or serious AEs in Japanese patients was generally similar to that in the global study population, with no new or unexpected safety risks observed.

Conclusions

Although patient numbers were small, tofacitinib demonstrated numerically greater efficacy versus placebo among Japanese patients in OCTAVE Induction 1 and OCTAVE Sustain, with a safety profile consistent with that of the global study population.

Popular Diet Trends for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Claims and Evidence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently look to diet to improve symptoms. Although regularly asked for dietary guidance, gastroenterologists are often unprepared to provide evidence-based recommendations. This review will summarize popular diets claiming benefits in IBD, as well as current data evaluating their efficacies.

RECENT FINDINGS

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet has demonstrated symptom improvement and even mucosal healing; however, large trials and prospective data are lacking. The low FODMAP diet has shown benefit for functional symptoms in IBD, yet efficacy regarding inflammation is lacking. Large studies for the gluten-free diet yielded mixed results in IBD outcomes, while suggesting a negative impact on psychological well-being. Data on an "anti-inflammatory" diet were positive but remain severely limited. A currently planned large trial for the Mediterranean diet in IBD may provide much needed clinical data. We provide an overview of frequently utilized diets in IBD. The body of evidence does not currently support clear dietary recommendations in IBD, as larger, prospective studies are needed.

The Clinical Accuracy of the BÜHLMANN fCAL ELISA in the Differentiation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease From Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Multicenter Prospective Case–Control Study

Background

Fecal calprotectin (fCAL) is a noninvasive biomarker used to differentiate between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods

A multicenter prospective case–control study evaluating the BÜHLMANN fCAL enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted in 478 subjects. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and area under the receiver operator characteristic (AuROC) curve are reported and compared to another device.

Results

In differentiating IBD from IBS, the BÜHLMANN fCAL ELISA is very sensitive (93.3%) at a cutoff &lt;80 μg/g and balanced sensitivity (84.4%) and specificity (85.4%) at a cutoff &gt;160 μg/g (AuROC 0.933).

Conclusions

The BÜHLMANN fCAL ELISA demonstrates excellent discriminating between IBD and IBS.

High-Definition Chromoendoscopy Versus High-Definition White Light Colonoscopy for Neoplasia Surveillance in Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

Although chromoendoscopy is currently the recommended mode of surveillance in patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis, it is technically challenging and requires a long procedure time. The aim of this study was to compare the dysplasia detection rate of high-definition white light endoscopy with random biopsy (HDWL-R) vs high-definition chromoendoscopy with targeted biopsy (HDCE-T).

METHODS

This was a multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial involving 9 tertiary teaching hospitals in South Korea. A total of 210 patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis were randomized to undergo either the HDWL-R group (n = 102) or HDCE-T group (n = 108). The detection rates of colitis-associated dysplasia (CAD) or all colorectal neoplasia from each trial arm were compared.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the CAD detection rate between HDCE-T and HDWL-R groups (4/102, 3.9% vs 6/108, 5.6%, P = 0.749). However, HDCE-T showed a trend toward improved colorectal neoplasia detection compared with HDWL-R (21/102, 20.6% vs 13/108, 12.0%, P = 0.093). The median (range) time for colonoscopy withdrawal between the 2 groups was similar (17.6 [7.0-43.3] minutes vs 16.5 [6.3-38.1] minutes; P=0.212; for HDWL-R and HDCE-T, respectively). The total number of biopsies was significantly larger in the HDWL-R group (34 [12-72]) compared with the HDCE-T group (9 [1-20]; P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

On the basis of our prospective randomized controlled trial, HDCE-T was not superior to HDWL-R for detecting CADs.

Inhibitors of the Janus Kinases: A New Oral Treatment Option for Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

The treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) is based on conventional therapies (aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants) and when these are ineffective, biologic drugs. However, in a substantial portion of patients undergoing treatment with biologic agents there is primary or secondary loss of response. Thus, new therapeutic options are been actively explored; among these, there is interest in the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, small molecules that can be administered orally.

METHODS

We carried out an extensive literature search concerning the effects of JAK inhibitors for the treatment of patients with UC.

RESULTS

Tofacitinib is the drug more extensively studied in this setting, and it was recently approved in Europe for the treatment of moderate to severe UC. The available data suggest that this drug can be effective in obtaining clinical and endoscopic remission in UC patients unresponsive to other treatments, even in those previously treated with biologic drugs. In addition, the drug was able to improve significantly the quality of life of these patients. There are still few data available for the treatment of UC with other JAK inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

The JAK inhibitors, in particular tofacitinib, are a new class of orally administered drugs effective for the treatment of UC. However, more studies are needed to ascertain the safety of tofacitinib in the long term and whether other compounds of this class may be equally effective.

Vedolizumab versus Adalimumab for Moderate-to-Severe Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Biologic therapies are widely used in patients with ulcerative colitis. Head-to-head trials of these therapies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease are lacking.

METHODS

In a phase 3b, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized trial conducted at 245 centers in 34 countries, we compared vedolizumab with adalimumab in adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis to determine whether vedolizumab was superior. Previous exposure to a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor other than adalimumab was allowed in up to 25% of patients. The patients were assigned to receive infusions of 300 mg of vedolizumab on day 1 and at weeks 2, 6, 14, 22, 30, 38, and 46 (plus injections of placebo) or subcutaneous injections of 40 mg of adalimumab, with a total dose of 160 mg at week 1, 80 mg at week 2, and 40 mg every 2 weeks thereafter until week 50 (plus infusions of placebo). Dose escalation was not permitted in either group. The primary outcome was clinical remission at week 52 (defined as a total score of ≤2 on the Mayo scale [range, 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating more severe disease] and no subscore >1 [range, 0 to 3] on any of the four Mayo scale components). To control for type I error, efficacy outcomes were analyzed with a hierarchical testing procedure, with the variables in the following order: clinical remission, endoscopic improvement (subscore of 0 to 1 on the Mayo endoscopic component), and corticosteroid-free remission at week 52.

RESULTS

A total of 769 patients underwent randomization and received at least one dose of vedolizumab (383 patients) or adalimumab (386 patients). At week 52, clinical remission was observed in a higher percentage of patients in the vedolizumab group than in the adalimumab group (31.3% vs. 22.5%; difference, 8.8 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5 to 15.0; P = 0.006), as was endoscopic improvement (39.7% vs. 27.7%; difference, 11.9 percentage points; 95% CI, 5.3 to 18.5; P<0.001). Corticosteroid-free clinical remission occurred in 12.6% of the patients in the vedolizumab group and in 21.8% in the adalimumab group (difference, -9.3 percentage points; 95% CI, -18.9 to 0.4). Exposure-adjusted incidence rates of infection were 23.4 and 34.6 events per 100 patient-years with vedolizumab and adalimumab, respectively, and the corresponding rates for serious infection were 1.6 and 2.2 events per 100 patient-years.

CONCLUSIONS

In this trial involving patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis, vedolizumab was superior to adalimumab with respect to achievement of clinical remission and endoscopic improvement, but not corticosteroid-free clinical remission. (Funded by Takeda; VARSITY ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02497469; EudraCT number, 2015-000939-33.).

Use of Tofacitinib for the Treatment of Arthritis Associated With Ulcerative Colitis

Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase 1–3 inhibitor initially approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and now approved for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). We present the case of a patient with UC and seronegative inflammatory arthritis in whom arthritis progressed while on vedolizumab and was successfully treated with tofacitinib. This case provides insight into the use of tofacitinib for the treatment of UC and a concomitant extraintestinal manifestation of joint involvement.

Maneuvering Clinical Pathways for Ulcerative Colitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recent years have brought about several advances in the treatment of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Here, we discuss salient recommendations of recent treatment guidelines; review the efficacy, safety, and real-world data of vedolizumab and tofacitinib; appraise their place vis-à-vis established agents; and consider the newly proposed approaches of risk-stratified and treat-to-target therapy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Once daily oral mesalamine dosing is equivalent to split dosing in mild-moderate UC. Real-world data are accumulating on the effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab for moderate to severe UC, while there are few such data on the most recently approved agent, tofacitinib. High-dose infliximab is being investigated for severe UC. New approaches are challenging the established paradigm of selecting therapy based on current disease activity. The risk-stratified approach incorporates long-term risk as well as the current burden of inflammation. The treat-to-target approach aims at improved long-term outcomes by adjusting therapy to resolve intestinal inflammation. The therapeutic options for UC are continually expanding. Risk-stratified therapy and the treat-to-target approach represent paradigm shifts in UC management. Optimal disease control requires an individualized approach that takes into consideration current inflammatory burden, long-term risk, patient preferences, and ongoing assessment of response to treatment.

Digital Health Apps in the Clinical Care of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Scoping Review

Background

Digital health is poised to transform health care and redefine personalized health. As Internet and mobile phone usage increases, as technology develops new ways to collect data, and as clinical guidelines change, all areas of medicine face new challenges and opportunities. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of many chronic diseases that may benefit from these advances in digital health. This review intends to lay a foundation for clinicians and technologists to understand future directions and opportunities together.

Objective

This review covers mobile health apps that have been used in IBD, how they have fit into a clinical care framework, and the challenges that clinicians and technologists face in approaching future opportunities.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify mobile apps that have been studied and were published in the literature from January 1, 2010, to April 19, 2019. The search terms were (“mobile health” OR “eHealth” OR “digital health” OR “smart phone” OR “mobile app” OR “mobile applications” OR “mHealth” OR “smartphones”) AND (“IBD” OR “Inflammatory bowel disease” OR “Crohn's Disease” (CD) OR “Ulcerative Colitis” (UC) OR “UC” OR “CD”), followed by further analysis of citations from the results. We searched the Apple iTunes app store to identify a limited selection of commercial apps to include for discussion.

Results

A total of 68 articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 11 digital health apps were identified in the literature and 4 commercial apps were selected to be described in this review. While most apps have some educational component, the majority of apps focus on eliciting patient-reported outcomes related to disease activity, and a few are for treatment management. Significant benefits have been seen in trials relating to education, quality of life, quality of care, treatment adherence, and medication management. No studies have reported a negative impact on any of the above. There are mixed results in terms of effects on office visits and follow-up.

Conclusions

While studies have shown that digital health can fit into, complement, and improve the standard clinical care of patients with IBD, there is a need for further validation and improvement, from both a clinical and patient perspective. Exploring new research methods, like microrandomized trials, may allow for more implementation of technology and rapid advancement of knowledge. New technologies that can objectively and seamlessly capture remote data, as well as complement the clinical shift from symptom-based to inflammation-based care, will help the clinical and health technology communities to understand the full potential of digital health in the care of IBD and other chronic illnesses.

Practice pattern variability in the management of acute severe colitis: a UK provider survey

INTRODUCTION

Lack of comparative trial data on dosing regimens of infliximab in patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) failing intravenous corticosteroids has resulted in variability of rescue regimes in ASUC with potential impact on clinical outcomes. We aimed to evaluate practice variability and physician perspectives in decision-making with rescue therapy.

METHODOLOGY

An internet-based survey of members of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) section of the British Society of Gastroenterology was conducted. The survey evaluated provider characteristics and general practice in the setting of ASUC, followed by a vignette with linked questions.

RESULTS

The response rate of the survey was 31% (209/682 IBD section members). 134 (78%) reported they would use standard infliximab dose (5 mg/kg) while 37 (22%) favoured a higher front-loading dose of 10 mg/kg citing low albumin, high C-reactive protein as their reason for their preference. IBD specialists chose the higher front-loading dose more often compared with other gastroenterologists (p=0.01) In the specific case vignette, accelerated induction (AI) was favoured by 51% of the respondents while 25% used the standard induction regime and 19% favoured colectomy. IBD specialists more often favoured AI compared with other gastroenterologists (p=0.03) with the main reason being presence of predictors of low infliximab levels (74%). The reasons cited for favouring standard induction (n=57) included lack of evidence for AI (18), their usual practice (11), unlicensed regime (7), and safety concerns (4).

CONCLUSIONS

There are significant variations in practice in the use of infliximab rescue therapies with an urgent need for development of care pathways to standardise practice.

Colorectal cancer surveillance in inflammatory bowel disease: Practice guidelines and recent developments

Patients with long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involving at least 1/3 of the colon are at increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). Advancements in CRC screening and surveillance and improved treatment of IBD has reduced CRC incidence in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s colitis. Most cases of CRC are thought to arise from dysplasia, and recent evidence suggests that the majority of dysplastic lesions in patients with IBD are visible, in part thanks to advancements in high definition colonoscopy and chromoendoscopy. Recent practice guidelines have supported the use of chromoendoscopy with targeted biopsies of visible lesions rather than traditional random biopsies. Endoscopists are encouraged to endoscopically resect visible dysplasia and only recommend surgery when a complete resection is not possible. New technologies such as virtual chromoendoscopy are emerging as potential tools in CRC screening. Patients with IBD at increased risk for developing CRC should undergo surveillance colonoscopy using new approaches and techniques.

Predictors of Inadequate Response to Budesonide Multimatrix in Real-World Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Budesonide multimatrix (MMX) system has been approved for the induction of remission in patients with active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC), and offers potential safety benefits over more commonly utilized corticosteroid therapies.

OBJECTIVES

In a real-world setting we aimed to evaluate the proportion of UC patients treated with budesonide MMX who had an inadequate clinical response, defined as requiring transition to prednisone, and to identify any predictors of inadequate response.

METHODS

We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study evaluating adult patients with UC, ≥18 years of age, who were treated with budesonide MMX. We used bivariate and multivariable analyses to identify predictors of inadequate response to budesonide MMX.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients were treated with budesonide MMX. Before initiation of budesonide MMX 55, 35, and 8% were on aminosalicylate, immunomodulator, and/or biologic therapy or no therapy for UC respectively. While 54% (52/96) of patients responded to budesonide MMX, 46% (44/96) required a transition to prednisone. Patients who required transition to prednisone were more likely to be male (39 vs. 19%, p = 0.035) and younger at the time of diagnosis (median age 23.5 vs. 29.0 years, p = 0.034). Age ≤29 years at diagnosis (adjusted OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.21-7.95) and male sex (adjusted OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.12-7.77) but not concomitant therapy with biologics and/or immunomodulators or disease extent were associated with increased odds of requiring transition to prednisone.

CONCLUSIONS

Budesonide MMX is effective in more than half of patients with mild-to-moderate UC. Predictors of budesonide non-response and need to transition to prednisone include male sex and younger age at diagnosis.

The Evolving Role of Thiopurines in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With the advent of biologic therapies for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, the roles of thiopurines have continued to evolve. This review will focus on recent advances in pharmacology and the safety and efficacy of thiopurines as maintenance therapies for steroid-induced remissions and post-surgical maintenance of remission and as combination therapies to reduce immunogenicities of biologic agents.

RECENT FINDINGS

Due to pharmacogenetics of thiopurine S-methyltransferase, thiopurine dosing is more effectively based on monitoring of thiopurine metabolites rather than weight-based dosing. Thiopurines continue to have a role as maintenance therapy after steroid-induced remissions and in combination with biologics to induce and maintain remission. Safety monitoring includes measurements of blood counts, liver chemistries, and dermatologic evaluations and protection from sun exposure. Thiopurines appear to be safe during pregnancies and while very uncommon, lymphomas (including hepatosplenic T cell lymphomas) remain a recognized risk, particularly in younger and older males.

Inflammatory bowel disease during pregnancy: management of a disease flare or remission

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Roughly half of the nearly 1.6 million people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are women of reproductive age. Caring for women with IBD who are also pregnant can be challenging, particularly if with a disease flare or in remission, as there are special considerations needed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite older studies concluding potential risks associated with IBD medical therapies, more recent literature reports healthier maternal and birth outcomes associated with disease control and reduction in the inflammatory burden. Most IBD therapies should generally be continued throughout all three trimesters without interruption as this is associated with better outcomes.

SUMMARY

Active IBD increases risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Most medications have a favorable safety profile for use during pregnancy, regardless if in disease flare or remission. Short course corticosteroids for induction and management of flare is permitted. Thiopurines should not be started during pregnancy for a disease flare, but may be continued during pregnancy if previously on monotherapy. Biologics should be continued throughout pregnancy without interruption and timing of third trimester dosing made based on drug levels and estimated date of delivery. Risks/benefit assessment of therapies and disease control is important and should be individualized.

Patient and physician preferences for ulcerative colitis treatments in the United States

Purpose: This study aimed to elicit patient and physician preferences for ulcerative colitis (UC) treatments in the United States (US).

Patients and methods: The following UC treatment attributes included in the discrete-choice experiment (DCE) were identified during qualitative interviews with both patients and physicians: time to symptom improvement, chance of long-term symptom control, risks of serious infection and malignancy, mode and frequency of administration, and need for steroids. The DCE survey instruments were developed and administered to patients and physicians. A random-parameters logit model was used to estimate preference weights and conditional relative importance for these attributes.

Results: A total of 200 patients with moderate to severe UC (status determined using self-reported medication history) and 200 gastroenterologists completed the survey. Patients’ average age was 42 years; most (59%) were female. Patients considered symptom control 2.5 times as important as time to symptom improvement and 5-year risk of malignancy almost as important as long-term symptom control (relative importance, 0.79 vs 0.96 for long-term symptom control); they preferred oral to subcutaneous or intravenous administration (relative importance, 0.47 vs 0.11 and 0.18, respectively). For physicians, symptom control was the most important attribute and was five times as important as the risk of malignancy.

Conclusion: Both patients and physicians considered long-term symptom control the most important attribute relative to others; however, risk of malignancy was of almost-equal importance to patients but not physicians. Differences between patients’ and physicians’ preferences highlight the need for improved communication about the relevant benefits and risks of different UC treatments to improve therapeutic decision-making.

The Role of Vitamin D in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Mechanism to Management

Vitamin D has been linked to human health benefits that extend far beyond its established actions on calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. One of the most well studied facets of extra-skeletal vitamin D is its activity as an immuno-modulator, in particular its potent anti-inflammatory effects. As a consequence, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Low serum levels of the major circulating form of vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) are significantly more prevalent in patients with IBD, particularly in the winter and spring months when UV-induced synthesis of vitamin D is lower. Dietary malabsorption of vitamin D may also contribute to low serum 25(OH)D in IBD. The benefits of supplementation with vitamin D for IBD patients are still unclear, and improved vitamin D status may help to prevent the onset of IBD as well as ameliorating disease severity. Beneficial effects of vitamin D in IBD are supported by pre-clinical studies, notably with mouse models, where the active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH)2D) has been shown to regulate gastrointestinal microbiota function, and promote anti-inflammatory, tolerogenic immune responses. The current narrative review aims to summarise the different strands of data linking vitamin D and IBD, whilst also outlining the possible beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation in managing IBD in humans.

Histologic Remission in Ulcerative Colitis: Are We There Yet?

As the field of inflammatory bowel disease moves toward treating to a "target" that includes mucosal healing, better outcome definitions are needed. One important question is whether the definition of mucosal healing should include "histologic" remission. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors describe histologic healing rates of medical therapies for ulcerative colitis in randomized controlled trials. Although observational data demonstrate that histologic remission has consistently been associated with improved outcomes, we argue that there is a great deal of work left to be done before we can embrace a histologic endpoint of management in ulcerative colitis.