Mucosal Healing Is Associated With Improved Long-term Outcomes of Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Modulation of stem cell fate in intestinal homeostasis, injury and repair

The mammalian intestinal epithelium constitutes the largest barrier against the external environment and makes flexible responses to various types of stimuli. Epithelial cells are fast-renewed to counteract constant damage and disrupted barrier function to maintain their integrity. The homeostatic repair and regeneration of the intestinal epithelium are governed by the Lgr5⁺ intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of crypts, which fuel rapid renewal and give rise to the different epithelial cell types. Protracted biological and physicochemical stress may challenge epithelial integrity and the function of ISCs. The field of ISCs is thus of interest for complete mucosal healing, given its relevance to diseases of intestinal injury and inflammation such as inflammatory bowel diseases. Here, we review the current understanding of the signals and mechanisms that control homeostasis and regeneration of the intestinal epithelium. We focus on recent insights into the intrinsic and extrinsic elements involved in the process of intestinal homeostasis, injury, and repair, which fine-tune the balance between self-renewal and cell fate specification in ISCs. Deciphering the regulatory machinery that modulates stem cell fate would aid in the development of novel therapeutics that facilitate mucosal healing and restore epithelial barrier function.

Utilization of Colonoscopy Following Treatment Initiation in U.S. Commercially Insured Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease, 2013-2019

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of mucosal healing with colonoscopy is recommended for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management; however, little is known about real-world use of treat-to-target monitoring following IBD treatment initiation. We aimed to estimate the proportion of U.S. commercially insured IBD patients who receive colonoscopy in the 3 to 15 months after initiating treatment.

METHODS

We identified IBD patients, 18 to 64 years of age, in the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database as those with ≥3 IBD diagnoses prior to initiation of biologic, small molecule, or immunomodulatory treatment. We excluded patients with prior colectomy and with rheumatologic and other indications for these therapies. Colonoscopies were identified using International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision, International Classification of Diseases-Tenth Revision, and Current Procedural Terminology procedure codes. We used Kaplan-Meier methods to estimate the proportion of newly treated IBD patients who received colonoscopy in the 3 to 6 months, 3 to 12 months, and 3 to 15 months following treatment initiation, and stratified trends by year, patient age and sex, and region.

RESULTS

From 2013 to 2019, we identified 39 734 initiators of IBD medications (51.9% female, mean age 39.4 years). We observed similar colonoscopy incidence among ulcerative colitis patients (3-6 months: 14.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 13.6%-14.8%]; 3-12 months: 37.7% [95% CI, 36.8%-38.6%]; 3-15 months: 46.1% [95% CI, 45.2%-47.1%]) and Crohn's disease patients (3-6 months: 11.2% [95% CI, 10.8%-11.6%]; 3-12 months: 32.2% [95% CI, 31.5%-32.9%]; 3-15 months: CD: 40.1% [95% CI, 39.3%-40.8%]). Overall colonoscopy use was slightly higher among women, patients in the Northeast, and those initiating newer biologic therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Fewer than half of newly treated IBD patients underwent colonoscopy within 3 to 15 months of initiating new treatment, suggesting low uptake of treat-to-target endoscopic disease monitoring in real-world practice.

Biosimilars for Pediatric Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Survey

BACKGROUND

Biosimilars are biological agents that have been demonstrated to have similar safety and efficacy profiles as the originator. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perspectives of pediatric gastroenterologists in the United States (U.S.) toward biosimilar use and to explore factors that impact their comfort level with prescribing infliximab biosimilars.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was developed and distributed to pediatric gastroenterology physicians from the U.S. via a listserv (Pediatric gastroenterology Bulletin Board). Respondent's demographics were recorded. Using a 6-point Likert scale, the survey assessed the respondent's perceptions toward biosimilars and initiating switches from the originator to biosimilar agent along with factors impacting provider's comfort level. Fischer exact tests were used to detect statistically significant differences in responses for hypotheses of interest.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-nine pediatric gastroenterologists completed the online survey (response rate 5.4%). Eighty-seven percent of respondents reported being comfortable prescribing infliximab biosimilars to anti-tumor necrosis factor naive patients, and 69% reported being comfortable doing a one-time switch if the patient was in clinical remission. Factors that negatively impacted a respondent's comfort level included respondents not practicing at an ImproveCareNow (ICN) center and managing less than 50 patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly 90% of pediatric gastroenterologists felt comfortable prescribing an infliximab biosimilar, and 70% felt comfortable with a one-time switch to the biosimilar if the patient was in clinical remission. Involvement in ICN a learning health system and caring for higher numbers of patients with IBD was associated with increased provider comfort with biosimilar use.

Advances in Endoscopy for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Endoscopic characterization of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has developed in accordance with advances in treatment and improved understanding of disease progression and complications. Reliable and consistent endoscopic reporting practices and tools continue to evolve. The roles of endoscopic ultrasonography, capsule endoscopy, and deep enteroscopy in the care of children and adolescents with IBD are beginning to be clarified. Opportunities for therapeutic intervention with endoscopy in pediatric IBD, including endoscopic balloon dilation and electroincision therapy, require further study. This review discusses the current utility of endoscopic assessment in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease, as well as emerging and evolving techniques to improve patient care.

Gegen Qinlian decoction activates AhR/IL-22 to repair intestinal barrier by modulating gut microbiota-related tryptophan metabolism in ulcerative colitis mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) is a traditional Chinese medicine derived from Treatise on febrile diseases and is clinically used for the treatment of acute ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the potential mechanism of GQD treatment for UC remains elusive.

AIM OF STUDY

In this study, we aimed to explore the involvement of gut microbiota-related tryptophan metabolism in mediating protective effects of GQD against intestinal barrier damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice with colitis were treated with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 6 days. The therapeutic effects of GQD in UC mice were examined based on body weight, disease activity index (DAI), organ index, length and pathological changes in the colon. The distribution of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-dextran) in the intestinal tract was observed using small animal imaging, while concentration of FITC-dextran in serum was detected using a fluorescein microplate analyser. Bacterial infiltration in colon tissues was observed by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), and the bacterial load in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) was further examined through bacterial culture. Subsequently, colonic goblet cells were detected using Alcian blue staining. The tight junctions of the colonic epithelium were observed using transmission electron microscopy, and the expression of tight junction proteins was detected by immunofluorescence (IF) and western blot. In addition, flow cytometry was used to analyse the proportion of interleukin-22-positive (IL-22⁺) ILC3 cells in lamina propria lymphocytes, and the content of IL-22 in colon homogenates was determined using an ELISA kit. In addition, targeted tryptophan metabolomics was used to detect the concentration of indole derivatives produced by tryptophan metabolism in faeces, and 16S rDNA was used to investigate the composition and abundance of gut microbiota-related tryptophan metabolism.

RESULTS

Administration of GQD significantly alleviated the pathological symptoms, including weight loss, increased DAI score, changes in organ index, colon shortening, and colon pathological injury in UC mice. In addition, GQD reduced the diffusion of FITC-dextran in the intestinal tract, the content of FITC-dextran in serum, and bacterial infiltration in MLNs and colon tissues. Additionally, GQD significantly increased the number of colonic goblet cells, repaired the structure of epithelial tight junctions and increased the expression of tight junction proteins. Furthermore, GQD significantly increased the proportion of IL-22⁺ ILC3 in the lamina propria, the expression of CYP1A1 protein in colon tissue, and the level of IL-22 in colon homogenates. However, the above protective effects of GQD were inhibited by co-administration of GQD and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonist. Additionally, GQD restored the content of indole derivatives generated by tryptophan metabolism, regulated the diversity of the gut microbiota, and significantly increased the abundance of genes related to tryptophan metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirmed that GQD repaired the damaged intestinal barrier in UC mice by regulating gut microbiota-related tryptophan metabolism and restoring the generation of indole derivatives to activate AhR-mediated IL-22 production.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Intestinal Barrier Healing Is Superior to Endoscopic and Histologic Remission for Predicting Major Adverse Outcomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Prospective ERIca Trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Endoscopic and histologic remission have emerged as key therapeutic goals in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that are associated with favorable long-term disease outcomes. Here, we prospectively compared the predictive value of barrier healing with endoscopic and histologic remission for predicting long-term disease behavior in a large cohort of patients with IBD in clinical remission.

METHODS

At baseline, patients with IBD in clinical remission underwent ileocolonoscopy with assessment of intestinal barrier function by confocal endomicroscopy. Endoscopic and histologic disease activity, as well as barrier healing, was prospectively assessed along established scores. During subsequent follow-up, patients were closely monitored for clinical disease activity and the occurrence of major adverse outcomes (MAOs): disease flares, IBD-related hospitalization or surgery, and initiation or dose escalation of systemic steroids, immunosuppressants, small molecules, or biological therapy.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 181 patients, 100 with Crohn's disease [CD] and 81 with ulcerative colitis (UC). During a mean follow-up of 35 (CD) and 25 (UC) months, 73% of patients with CD and 69% of patients with UC experienced at least 1 MAO. The probability of MAO-free survival was significantly higher in patients with IBD with endoscopic remission compared with endoscopically active disease. In addition, histologic remission predicted MAO-free survival in patients with UC but not CD. Barrier healing on endomicroscopy was superior to endoscopic and histologic remission for predicting MAO-free survival in both UC and CD.

CONCLUSIONS

Barrier healing is associated with decreased risk of disease progression in patients with clinically remittent IBD, with superior predictive performance compared with endoscopic and histologic remission. Analysis of barrier function might be considered as a future treatment target in clinical trials.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov number, NCT05157750.

Nr4a1-dependent non-classical monocytes are important for macrophage-mediated wound healing in the large intestine

Introduction

Macrophages play an important role in intestinal wound healing. However, the trajectories from circulating monocytes to gut macrophages are incompletely understood.

Methods

Taking advantage of mice depleted for non-classical monocytes due to deficiency for the transcription factor Nr4a1, we addressed the relevance of non-classical monocytes for large intestinal wound healing using flow cytometry, in vivo wound healing assays and immunofluorescence.

Results

We show that wound healing in Nr4a1-deficient mice is substantially delayed and associated with reduced peri-lesional presence of macrophages with a wound healing phenotype.

Discussion

Our data suggest that non-classical monocytes are biased towards wound healing macrophages. These insights might help to understand, how targeting monocyte recruitment to the intestine can be used to modulate intestinal macrophage functions.

Aging is Associated With Constipation in Japanese Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: A Post Hoc Analysis

Aim: Age is a risk factor for constipation. Constipation is common in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and has been positively associated with disease activity, but evidence is limited. This study aimed to assess the association between disease activity and constipation in patients with UC. Methods: The study subjects consisted of 290 Japanese UC patients. The definition of constipation was based on Rome I criteria and/or medication for constipation. Information on and lifestyle habits was obtained from a self-administered questionnaire. Mucosal healing (MH) was defined as Mayo endoscopic subscore 0. Clinical remission (CR) was defined as both the absence of rectal bleeding and no abnormally high stool frequency (<3 times per day). Results: The prevalence of constipation is not associated with MH, CR, duration of UC and disease extent of UC. The prevalence of constipation among age groups, <40, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, and >70 years was 10.0%, 5.8%, 15.7%, 11.8%, and 25.6%, respectively. >70 years was independently and positively associated with the prevalence of constipation (adjusted odds ratio 3.64 [95% confidence interval 1.26, 10.95], p for trend: .001). Conclusions: Aging was independently and positively associated with the prevalence of constipation in UC.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio may predict clinical relapse in ulcerative colitis patients with mucosal healing

Endoscopic mucosal healing (MH) is an important treatment goal for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) reflects systemic inflammation and has been reported to be a useful predictive marker for UC. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of the NLR for predicting clinical relapse in UC patients with MH. We retrospectively enrolled patients with UC who underwent colonoscopy at the Osaka City University Hospital between January 2010 and December 2010, whose Mayo Endoscopic Subscore was 0 or 1. The correlation between the incidence of relapse and demographic factors, including the NLR, was analyzed. We included 129 patients in the present study. The median NLR at the time of endoscopy was 1.98, and differences in the high NLR group and the low NLR group were compared. During a median follow-up period of 46.4 months, 58 patients (45.0%) experienced relapse. The cumulative relapse-free rate was significantly higher in the low NLR group than in the high NLR group (P = 0.03, log-rank test). Multivariate analysis identified high NLR as an independent prognostic factor for clinical relapse (hazard ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.98; P = 0.04). NLR is a novel and useful predictor of clinical relapse in UC patients with MH, and it can potentially be a strong indicator to determine the appropriate treatment strategy and decision-making in clinical practice.

Platelet, Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Distribution Width Levels Might Be a Promising Marker for the Prediction of Disease Severity, Mucosal Healing and Steroid Dependence in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

In this study, we aimed to determine the value of mean platelet (PLT) volume (MPV), PLT and PLT distribution width (PDW) levels as a marker in the prediction of mucosal healing (MH), steroid resistance (SR) and steroid dependence (SD) in newly diagnosed moderate and severely active patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), who did not receive medical treatment before.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Two hundred forty-nine patients with severely or moderately active UC and 50 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study after retrospective analysis. Disease severity and MH of UC were determined according to the Mayo Score. According to the results of remission induction therapy, the patients were divided into two groups: Group 1; MH positive and Group 2; MH negative. UC patients with clinical remission (CR) but without MH were divided into two subgroups SD and non-SD during their follow-up. These two groups and subgroups were compared for variables.

RESULTS

42.6% of patients with UC had severe disease activation. 44.6% of patients with UC had pancolitis. After remission induction therapy, CR was observed in 84.3% of patients with UC. MH rate was 53.0%. SR rate was 15.7% and the SD rate was 16.1%. A strong positive correlation was observed between C reactive protein (CRP), PLT and Mayo score in the activation period (r=0.835 and p<0.001; r=0.883 and p<0.001; respectively). A strong negative correlation was observed between mean PLT volume (MPV), PDW levels and Mayo score (r=-0.905 and p<0.001; r=-0.805 and p<0.001; respectively). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, PLT had a sensitivity of 42.4% and a specificity of 22.7% in the prediction of MH at a cut-off value of 266.5x10³/µL. MPV had a sensitivity of 83.5% and a specificity of 73.5% in the prediction of MH at a cut-off value of 8.05 fL. PDW had a sensitivity of 88.6% and a specificity of 84.5% in the prediction of MH at a cut-off value of 2.95 fL. PLT was determined with 92.5% sensitivity and 86.8% specificity in the prediction of SD at a cut-off value of 287.0x10³/µL. MPV had a sensitivity of 86.8% and a specificity of 67.5% in the prediction of SD at a cut-off value of 7.95 fL. PDW had a sensitivity of 73.7% and a specificity of 72.5% in the prediction of SD at a cut-off value of 12.55 fL.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a positive correlation between PLT levels and Mayo score, and a negative correlation between Mayo score and MPV or PDW levels. We think that PLT, MPV and PDW levels may be promising markers in the evaluation of disease activation/remission and severity. We believe that PLT, MPV and PDW levels will be determinative especially in the exclusion of SD, for UC patients with CR but without MH.

Endocytoscopy for assessing histologic inflammation in ulcerative colitis: development and prospective validation of the ELECT (ErLangen Endocytoscopy in ColiTis) score (with videos)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Apart from endoscopic healing as an established treatment goal in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), histologic remission is an emerging endpoint that might even better predict disease outcome, especially in ulcerative colitis (UC). Within this study, we aimed to evaluate whether endocytoscopy (EC) as an in vivo contact microscopy technology can accurately assess histologic inflammation and predict the further course of disease in UC patients.

METHODS

Initially, a new and intuitive EC score reflecting the entire spectrum of microscopic disease activity in UC was consensually developed. Subsequently, this score was independently validated in 46 patients with UC who underwent close-meshed follow-up during which major adverse outcomes (MAOs; defined as disease flare, IBD-related hospitalization, IBD-related surgery, necessity for initiation or escalation therapy) were recorded. Results of EC grading of inflammatory activity were compared against 2 validated histologic scores in UC. Diagnostic performance of endoscopic remission under white-light endoscopy (Mayo Endoscopic Score and Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity), EC, and histology were compared for the prediction of MAOs.

RESULTS

Endocytoscopic assessment of inflammatory activity in UC based on the newly developed ErLangen Endocytoscopy in ColiTis score showed strong correlation with histopathologic scoring (Robarts Histopathology Index, r = .70; Nancy Histologic Index, r = .73) and was superior to white-light endoscopy for grading of microscopic disease activity, with a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 95.2%, and area under the curve of .916. Furthermore, EC exhibited a high interobserver agreement for in vivo grading of microscopic inflammation and was comparably accurate as histopathology for forecasting the occurrence of MAOs in UC.

CONCLUSIONS

Endocytoscopic grading of inflammatory activity along a newly developed scoring system enabled real-time histology in UC patients and better predicted clinical outcome in UC patients than endoscopic remission.

Predictive models for endoscopic disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis: Practical machine learning-based modeling and interpretation

Background

Endoscopic disease activity monitoring is important for the long-term management of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), there is currently no widely accepted non-invasive method that can effectively predict endoscopic disease activity. We aimed to develop and validate machine learning (ML) models for predicting it, which are desired to reduce the frequency of endoscopic examinations and related costs.

Methods

The patients with a diagnosis of UC in two hospitals from January 2016 to January 2021 were enrolled in this study. Thirty nine clinical and laboratory variables were collected. All patients were divided into four groups based on MES or UCEIS scores. Logistic regression (LR) and four ML algorithms were applied to construct the prediction models. The performance of models was evaluated in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, precision, F1 score, and area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC). Then Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) was applied to determine the importance of the selected variables and interpret the ML models.

Results

A total of 420 patients were entered into the study. Twenty four variables showed statistical differences among the groups. After synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) oversampling and RFE variables selection, the random forests (RF) model with 23 variables in MES and the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model with 21 variables in USEIS, had the greatest discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.8192 in MES and 0.8006 in UCEIS in the test set). The results obtained from SHAP showed that albumin, rectal bleeding, and CRP/ALB contributed the most to the overall model. In addition, the above three variables had a more balanced contribution to each classification under the MES than the UCEIS according to the SHAP values.

Conclusion

This proof-of-concept study demonstrated that the ML model could serve as an effective non-invasive approach to predicting endoscopic disease activity for patients with UC. RF and XGBoost, which were first introduced into data-based endoscopic disease activity prediction, are suitable for the present prediction modeling.

Histologic healing and factors associated with complete remission following conventional treatment in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic and histological activity scores in ulcerative colitis (UC) are associated with clinical outcomes and have become important targets of clinical trials. However, these endpoints have been scarcely investigated in patients receiving only conventional treatment.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the deep and complete remission rates after 3 months of conventional treatment in patients with newly diagnosed UC with moderate to severe endoscopic activity. We also aimed to investigate whether selected clinical and biochemical variables at baseline were associated with complete remission status after 3 months.

DESIGN

This was a prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Newly diagnosed patients with active UC commencing 5-aminosalicylate, corticosteroid, and/or azathioprine treatment were consecutively included. Clinical, biochemical, endoscopic, and histological data were collected at baseline and after 3 months. Rates of clinical remission (Partial Mayo Score ⩽ 2), mucosal healing (Mayo Endoscopic Score ⩽ 1), and histologic healing (Nancy Index ⩽ 1) were determined. Deep remission was assessed as clinical remission plus mucosal healing and complete remission as deep remission plus histologic healing. Predictors of complete remission were identified by logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 180 patients were included in the study. Deep remission and complete remission occurred in 62.8% and 42.2% of patients, respectively. Thus, of patients in deep remission one-third had persistent histologic activity. Histologic activity in mucosally healed patients was associated with higher symptom scores and faecal calprotectin levels. Of baseline variables, less endoscopic distribution and disease activity showed strongest association with achieving complete remission, and limited distribution in combination with moderate activity gave highest odds for complete remission (odds ratio: 4.1, 95% confidence interval: 7.69-2.18).

CONCLUSION

In patients with mucosal healing, persistent histologic activity was a common finding and was associated with increased disease activity. Pancolitis and severe inflammatory activity at baseline were associated with lower complete remission rates.

Artificial intelligence and colon capsule endoscopy: Automatic detection of ulcers and erosions using a convolutional neural network

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) has become a minimally invasive alternative for conventional colonoscopy. Nevertheless, each CCE exam produces between 50 000 and 100 000 frames, making its analysis time-consuming and prone to errors. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are a type of artificial intelligence (AI) architecture with high performance in image analysis. This study aims to develop a CNN model for the identification of colonic ulcers and erosions in CCE images.

METHODS

A CNN model was designed using a database of CCE images. A total of 124 CCE exams performed between 2010 and 2020 in two centers were reviewed. For CNN development, a total of 37 319 images were extracted, 33 749 showing normal colonic mucosa and 3570 showing colonic ulcers and erosions. Datasets for CNN training, validation, and testing were created. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated regarding its sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, and area under the curve.

RESULTS

The network had a sensitivity of 96.9% and a specificity of 99.9% specific for the detection of colonic ulcers and erosions. The algorithm had an overall accuracy of 99.6%. The area under the curve was 1.00. The CNN had an image processing capacity of 90 frames per second.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed algorithm is the first CNN-based model to accurately detect ulcers and erosions in CCE images, also providing a good image processing performance. The development of these AI systems may contribute to improve both the diagnostic and time efficiency of CCE exams, facilitating CCE adoption to routine clinical practice.

Saudi Arabia consensus guidance for the diagnosis and management of adults with inflammatory bowel disease

Optimal management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) relies on a clear understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This article provides concise guidelines for the management of IBD in adults, based on the most up-to-date information at the time of writing and will be regularly updated. These guidelines were developed by the Saudi Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Saudi Gastroenterology Association and the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy. After an extensive literature review, 78 evidence-and expert opinion-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in adults were proposed and further refined by a voting process. The consensus guidelines include the finally agreed on statements with their level of evidence covering different aspects of IBD diagnosis and treatment.

Usefulness of the Optimal Cutoff Value and Delta Value of Leucine-Rich Alpha 2 Glycoprotein in Ulcerative Colitis

Background

Leucine-rich alpha 2 glycoprotein (LRG) is a novel serum biomarker used to determine disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease. We investigated the association between endoscopic scores based on the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) and LRG in ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

A total of 1019 LRG measurements were obtained from 358 patients with UC. This study included 190 patients (199 measurements) who underwent colonoscopy within 3 months before and after LRG measurement with unchanged disease status or treatment during the same period. The patients were divided into those with and without UC relapse. We evaluated the correlation between LRG levels and UCEIS scores and performed a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to determine the optimal LRG cutoff value. Delta values of LRG were then analyzed.

Results

LRG levels were positively correlated with UCEIS scores (correlation coefficient: 0.638; 95% CI: 0.548-0.714; P < .0001) in all disease types. The LRG cutoff value for mucosal healing was 12.6 µg mL^-1 (area under the curve: 0.736; 95% CI: 0.651-0.821); this value had a sensitivity of 0.72 and a specificity of 0.66. In patients with UC relapse, the median delta value of LRG before and after relapse was 5 µg mL^-1.

Conclusions

LRG levels were positively correlated with the UCEIS scores. The optimal LRG cutoff value for determining mucosal healing was 12.6 µg mL^-1. The median delta value of LRG before and after relapse was 5 µg mL^-1.

Histologic Evaluation Using the Robarts Histopathology Index in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis in Deep Remission and the Association of Histologic Remission With Risk of Relapse

BACKGROUND

This study prospectively evaluated the risk of relapse according to the status of histologic activity in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who achieved deep remission.

METHODS

Patients with UC in clinical remission (partial Mayo score ≤1) and endoscopic remission (ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity ≤1) were enrolled. Rectal biopsies were performed in patients, and histologic remission was defined as a Robarts histopathology index of ≤3. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to determine fecal calprotectin cutoff values for histologic remission. The cumulative risk of relapse was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Among the 187 patients enrolled, 82 (43.9%) achieved histologic remission. The best cutoff value of fecal calprotectin for predicting histologic remission was 80 mg/kg (area under the curve of 0.646, sensitivity of 74%, and specificity of 61%). Among 142 patients who were followed up for >3 months, 56 (39.4%) showed clinical relapse during a median of 42 weeks. The risk of relapse was lower in patients with histologic remission than in those with histologic activity (P = .026). In multivariable analysis, histologic remission (hazard ratio [HR], 0.551; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.316-0.958; P = .035), elevated C-reactive protein levels (HR, 3.652; 95% CI, 1.400-9.526; P = .008), and history of steroid use (HR, 2.398; 95% CI, 1.196-4.808; P = .014) were significantly associated with clinical relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with UC who achieved clinical and endoscopic remission, histologic remission was independently associated with a lower risk of clinical relapse.

Diagnosis and Monitoring of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is one of the two main subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease, along with Crohn's disease. Understanding the clinical and endoscopic features of ulcerative colitis is critical in achieving a timely diagnosis. An initial evaluation includes assessing clinical symptoms, inflammatory markers, endoscopic findings, and determination of the presence or absence of extraintestinal manifestations. Initial disease management should consider disease severity at the time of diagnosis as well as prognostication, or the determination of risk factors present with a high likelihood of severe disease in the future. Once appropriate therapy has been initiated, ongoing monitoring is crucial, which may include repeated clinical assessments over time, measuring noninvasive markers of inflammation, and endoscopic and histologic reevaluation. An important aspect of disease monitoring in ulcerative colitis is dysplasia surveillance; there are many patient-specific risk factors which influence surveillance strategies. Utilizing appropriate surveillance techniques is necessary for early detection of dysplasia and colorectal neoplasia.

Association between socioeconomic status and mucosal healing in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis: a cross-sectional study

Objective

Socioeconomic status is a risk factor for worse outcomes in many diseases. However, evidence on the association between socioeconomic status and clinical outcome in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is limited. In the clinical setting, the therapeutic goal for UC is to achieve mucosal healing (MH). Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the association between socioeconomic status and MH in patients with UC.

Methods

The study population consisted of 298 patients with UC. Education status and household income were divided into three groups based on a self-administered questionnaire. MH and complete MH were defined as a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0–1 and 0, respectively. The association of socioeconomic status with MH and complete MH was assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Patients with UC were divided into a younger group (<51 years old) and an older group (≥51 years old) based on median age.

Results

The percentage of MH and complete MH was 62.4% and 25.2%, respectively. In all patients, socioeconomic status was not associated with MH and complete MH, respectively. In the older group, education but not household income was independently positively associated with MH and complete MH. In contrast, in the younger group, no association between socioeconomic status and MH and complete MH was found.

Conclusion

In older Japanese patients with UC, education status but not household income was independently positively associated with MH and complete MH.

Endo-histologic Normalization Is Achievable with Tofacitinib and Is Associated with Improved Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Recent real-world effectiveness studies investigating tofacitinib have been encouraging. Questions remain regarding the long-term effectiveness and safety of tofacitinib, effect on endoscopic remission rates, histologic changes, and alterations in fecal calprotectin levels.

METHODS

This retrospective study includes consecutive patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who initiated tofacitinib therapy. We reviewed electronic medical records for demographic and clinical data, as well as all adverse events and hospitalizations. All patients receiving tofacitinib were included in the safety analysis and only patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) were included in the effectiveness analysis.

RESULTS

119 patients with IBD (97 UC, 12 CD, and 10 pouchitis) seen at our center between 2014 and 2020 were included in this study. Median follow-up was 32 weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 3-252). Clinical response and remission were observed in 70% and 21%, 59% and 33%, and 49%, and 37% at weeks 8, 24, and 52, respectively. Endo-histologic healing was achieved by 11%, 25%, and 37.5% of patients at weeks 8, 24, and 52, respectively. Histologic normalization occurred as early as 24 weeks in this cohort and was achieved by 26% of patients in endoscopic remission. Overall, there were 27 (25%) adverse events with 6 (5%) resulting in treatment discontinuation. There were 11 (10%) infections, none required treatment discontinuation. Ten (10.3%) patients underwent colectomy during the follow-up period. There were no cardiovascular adverse events in the cohort during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the effectiveness and long-term safety of tofacitinib in patients with UC. Importantly, we show that the endpoint of endo-histologic healing is achievable with tofacitinib and can occur as early as week 8 of therapy.

Week 2 Adalimumab Levels Predict Short-term Clinical Remission in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND AND GOALS

The role of early proactive therapeutic drug level monitoring for anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies is unclear. We aimed to determine whether a week 2 serum trough level in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using adalimumab may predict clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of consecutive IBD patients with a week 2 serum adalimumab level available. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to determine an optimal week 2 threshold level for adalimumab. Patients above the threshold were compared for the primary outcome of week 12 clinical remission (CR) and the secondary outcome of short-term endoscopic healing. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between week 2 adalimumab level and CR.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients had a week 2 adalimumab level performed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested an optimal adalimumab level of 11.9 mcg/mL based on the area under the curve. Patients with week 2 adalimumab levels >11.9 mcg/mL had higher odds of week 12 CR than those with levels below or equal to this threshold (odds ratio=3.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-12.11, P =0.04). Other covariates were not found to have a significant association with the primary outcome. The rate of short-term endoscopic healing was numerically higher in patients with adalimumab week 2 levels above 11.9 mcg/mL; however, was not statistically significant (71.4% vs. 28.5%, P =0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum adalimumab levels at week 2 appears to be a predictor of short-term CR. Further research should explore whether patients with a week 2 adalimumab level equal to or below 11.9 mcg/mL benefit from early dose optimization.

A Literature Review of Ozanimod Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From Concept to Practical Application

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), namely Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD), is believed to be due to a dysregulation of the innate immune response. The complexity of the immune cascade offers both a challenge and an opportunity to researchers seeking out new treatments for IBD, as various points along the inflammatory pathways can be targeted for interruption. Sphinogosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a phospholipid molecule with wide ranging biological effects caused by binding five known S1P receptor subtypes. Ozanimod is a small molecule drug that selectively targets S1P receptors 1 and 5 which play a crucial role in lymphocyte trafficking. In clinical trials for both UC and CD, it has been shown to induce a reversible lymphopenia which correlates with response to therapy. Reported adverse events include infection, anemia, and elevated liver enzymes. Rare instances of bradycardia, heart block, and macular edema were also reported. As a newly available therapy approved for UC patients, we aim to summarize ozanimod's novel mechanism of action, pre-clinical and clinical trial results, and to give context to this newly available drug that gastroenterologists may utilize in their treatment algorithm.

Ulcerative colitis: Impact of early disease clearance on long‐term outcomes ‐ A multicenter cohort study

Background

Clinical remission and endoscopic mucosal healing are the main treatment targets in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Recently, the concept of disease clearance has been proposed as a potential target in UC.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the impact of disease clearance on long‐term outcomes in UC patients.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Humanitas Research Hospital‐IRCCS (Italy) and at the Nancy University Hospital (France) between 2014 and 2021. Disease clearance in UC was defined as simultaneous clinical (partial‐Mayo score ≤2), endoscopic (endoscopic‐Mayo score = 0), and histological (Nancy index = 0) remission, and patients were monitored over a long‐time follow‐up (≥12 months), to compare the occurrence of negative outcomes.

Results

A total of 494 patients with UC was included in the study (269, 54.4% males). Disease clearance was present in 109 patients (22.1%) at baseline. Median follow up was 24 months. Patients with disease clearance were associated to a significantly lower risk of UC‐related hospitalization compared with the control group (5.5% vs. 23.1%; p < 0.001) at last observation. Similarly, a lower rate of surgeries was detected in patients with disease clearance at baseline compared with those without (1.8% vs. 10.9%; p = 0.003). The Kaplan Meier curves confirmed that patients with disease clearance at baseline had a lower risk of hospitalization (log‐rank p < 0.0001) and surgery (log‐rank p < 0.00095).

Conclusion

In UC patients with early disease clearance are at significant lower risk for hospitalization and surgery. Disease clearance should be considered as a new composite outcome.

Treat to transmural healing: how to incorporate intestinal ultrasound into the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is emerging as a key tool to achieving the therapeutic target of transmural healing in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IUS is a non-invasive, radiation-free, imaging modality comparable to MRI, CT and ileocolonoscopy (IC). With the appropriate training and equipment, IUS can be an easily repeatable bedside test for IBD diagnosis and disease monitoring, including treatment response. Core to successful high quality IUS employment are appropriate training and expert techniques; however, the training pathway will not be explored in this review. Given the increasing shift towards objective assessment for tight disease control, gastroenterologist-led IUS should be incorporated into the armamentarium of imaging modalities alongside radiologists, to enhance our diagnostic and monitoring toolbox. This comprehensive review aims to outline the current literature around IUS and propose the placement of IUS in a treat-to-target algorithm in IBD. Ultimately, IUS facilitates timely management decisions to optimise patient care with potential to revolutionise patient outcomes, moving towards transmural healing as the holy grail of therapy in IBD.

Endoscopic mucosal healing and histologic remission in ulcerative colitis: a systematic literature review of clinical, quality-of-life and economic outcomes

OBJECTIVE

This systematic literature review (SLR) assessed the effects of endoscopic mucosal healing and histologic remission on clinical, quality-of-life (QoL), and economic outcomes in adults with ulcerative colitis (UC) in the real-world setting.

METHODS

Literature searches of Embase and MEDLINE (6 July 2020) and conference proceedings (2017-2020) were performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Eligible studies included adults with UC with documented endoscopic mucosal healing or histologic remission. Clinical, QoL, and economic outcomes were extracted and narratively synthesized.

RESULTS

Of 1603 studies screened, 25 met eligibility criteria and collectively included 2813 patients (mean age: 34-60 years). The most commonly reported indices were Mayo endoscopic score (MES) for endoscopic mucosal healing (n = 22, 88%) and Geboes score (n = 5, 20%) for histologic outcomes. The most frequently reported clinical outcome was relapse-free survival (n = 15, 60%). Less commonly reported outcomes were avoidance of colectomy (n = 5, 20%), hospitalization (n = 4, 16%), clinical remission (n = 4, 16%), and steroid-free clinical remission (n = 3, 12%). Most studies reported relapse-free survival rates up to 50% over 6-48 months of follow-up in endoscopic mucosal healing cohorts. Studies reporting results by MES demonstrated higher relapse-free survival rates among patients with MES 0 than with MES 1 (32%-100% vs 26%-86%, respectively). Similarly, patients with histologic remission had better relapse-free survival rates over 12-24 months of follow-up compared with those without histologic remission (72%-91% vs 40%-63%, respectively). Rates of clinical remission, steroid-free remission, hospitalization, and colectomy avoidance were also better among patients with endoscopic mucosal healing and histologic remission. Two studies examining QoL reported endoscopic mucosal healing was associated with improved QoL. No study reported economic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This SLR demonstrated consistent evidence of improved clinical outcomes among UC patients with endoscopic mucosal healing and histologic remission.

Shared decision-making in the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

The rapid progress of research into inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has resulted in increasingly more treatment options. Different options have different advantages and disadvantages, and the preferences of patients may also differ. If patients can be invited to the formulation of medical decision-making, their compliance and satisfaction would be improved, thus possibly achieving better therapeutic results. The present review aims to summarize the current literature on shared decision-making (SDM) in the management of IBD, with the goal of promoting the application of SDM.

Comparative Efficacy for Infliximab Vs Vedolizumab in Biologic Naive Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Comparative effectiveness studies are needed to help position therapies for ulcerative colitis (UC). We compared the efficacy of infliximab vs vedolizumab for moderate to severe biologic-naïve UC using patient-level data from clinical trial program data sets.

METHODS

This was a post hoc analysis of 3 UC clinical trial programs that included data on 795 biologic-naïve UC patients. Differences in proportions of patients achieving week 6 clinical remission (CR) and response, and 1-year CR, corticosteroid-free CR, and endoscopic remission (ER), are reported. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. As a sensitivity analysis, propensity scores were calculated and a cohort of matched participants with similar distribution of baseline covariates was created. All analyses were intention-to-treat.

RESULTS

At week 6, comparable proportions of patients achieved clinical response and CR with infliximab vs vedolizumab (clinical response, 60.5% [138 of 228] vs 60.0% [340 of 567]; P = .884; and CR, 39.9% [91 of 228] vs 38.6% [219 of 567]; P = .736). Similar proportions of patients achieved 1-year CR with infliximab vs vedolizumab (39.9% [91 of 228] vs 38.6% [219 of 567]; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.02; 95% CI, 0.74-1.40). Infliximab-treated patients had significantly higher rates of 1-year ER (36.0% [82 of 228] vs 25.6% [145 of 567]; aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.12-2.28) and corticosteroid-free CR (29.5% [23 of 78] vs 15.0% [38 of 254]; aOR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.27-4.39). Similar results were observed in the propensity score matched cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Although infliximab and vedolizumab have similar efficacy in clinical symptom improvement, infliximab had higher rates of 1-year corticosteroid-free CR and ER in treatment of biologic-naïve UC.

Endoscopic activity in inflammatory bowel disease: clinical significance and application in practice

Endoscopy is vital for diagnosing, assessing treatment response, and monitoring surveillance in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With the growing importance of mucosal healing as a treatment target, the assessment of disease activity by endoscopy has been accepted as the standard of care for IBD. There are many endoscopic activity indices for facilitating standardized reporting of the gastrointestinal mucosal appearance in IBD, and each index has its strengths and weaknesses. Although most endoscopic indices do not have a clear-cut validated definition, endoscopic remission or mucosal healing is associated with favorable outcomes, such as a decreased risk of relapse. Therefore, experts suggest utilizing endoscopic indices for monitoring disease activity and optimizing treatment to achieve remission. However, the regular monitoring of endoscopic activity is limited in practice owing to several factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, time consumption, inter-observer variability, and lack of a clear-cut, validated definition of endoscopic response or remission. Although experts have recently suggested consensus-based definitions, further studies are needed to define the values that can predict long-term outcomes.

Targeting IL12/23 in ulcerative colitis: update on the role of ustekinumab

As our comprehension of the pathogenic mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases, the therapeutic armamentarium for its treatment can expand, and novel target therapies join the treatment pipeline. Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL23 are two key cytokines responsible for promoting and perpetuating bowel inflammation in IBD. Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the shared p40 subunit of both cytokines, and it was recently approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). In the pivotal phase III UNIFI trial, ustekinumab showed a superiority over placebo in both clinical and endoscopic outcomes; furthermore, it was characterized by a favorable safety profile, with a similar rate of adverse events as compared with placebo. Recent evidence from real-life experiences have started accumulating, generally confirming the effectiveness and safety figures emerged from the registration studies. However, most of these observational studies enrolled multirefractory patients; moreover, comparative data with other target therapies are lacking, leaving physicians without clear indications about the appropriate positioning of ustekinumab in the therapeutic pipeline for UC. This review examines the basis of targeting IL12-23 in UC therapy and summarizes the data from both clinical trials and real-life studies, to highlight the main evidence already available and the research gaps that need to be filled for the optimal usage of ustekinumab in UC.

Appendiceal Orifice Inflammation Is Associated with Lower Rate of Complete Endoscopic Remission in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Appendiceal orifice inflammation (AOI) is commonly considered a skip lesion in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the clinical significance of AOI in UC patients remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical feature and long-term outcomes of AOI by comparing UC patients with and without AOI. This study was conducted as a retrospective design of patients who were newly diagnosed or referred within 3 months after diagnosis at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2020. All patients underwent index and follow-up colonoscopies. The long-term outcomes involved achieving complete endoscopic remission (ER), use of biologics, hospitalization, and proximal disease extension. Complete ER was defined as Mayo endoscopic subscore 0. In total, 318 UC patients were included, of which 140 had AOI. The baseline characteristics were not significantly different between AOI and non-AOI groups. The cumulative risk of complete ER was a significant difference between AOI and non-AOI groups (p = 0.041). The other cumulative risks of disease outcomes were not significantly different between AOI and non-AOI groups (use of biologics, p = 0.542; hospitalization, p = 0.795; proximal disease extension, p = 0.403). The multivariate Cox regression analysis also revealed that AOI was the significant factor of complete ER (hazard ratio, 0.656; 95% confidence interval, 0.462-0.932; p = 0.019) in UC patients. AOI shows a significant association with lower rate of complete ER in UC patients. Therefore, a meticulous treatment strategy may be recommended to achieve complete ER in UC patients with AOI.

Early Change in Epithelial Neutrophilic Infiltrate Predicts Long-Term Response to Biologics in Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The prognostic value of histologic scores, grades, and individual histologic subcomponents, alone or in combination with endoscopy, for predicting endoscopic improvement (EI) and histoendoscopic mucosal improvement (HEMI) during maintenance therapy in ulcerative colitis remains uncertain.

METHODS

We performed a post hoc analysis of participants from the VARSITY trial (n = 734 with histology). Receiver operating characteristic and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess whether baseline and/or week 14 assessments for the Robarts Histopathology Index, Geboes score, individual histologic subcomponents, and baseline disease characteristics, including endoscopic severity and biomarkers, could predict the achievement of EI and HEMI at week 52.

RESULTS

Changes in epithelial neutrophil involvement from baseline to week 14 had the best performance for predicting week 52 EI (area under the curve, 0.83; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.74-0.91) and HEMI (area under the curve, 0.85; 95 % CI, 0.76-0.94). On multivariate analyses, improvement of neutrophils in the epithelium was the only histologic parameter associated with increased odds of week 52 EI (odds ratio, 3.63; 95 % CI, 1.45-9.08; P = .0059) and HEMI (odds ratio, 6.88; 95 % CI, 3.29-14.36; P < .0001). Patients with more than 50 % of crypts involved with neutrophils at week 14 were significantly less likely to achieve week 52 HEMI irrespective of week 14 Mayo endoscopic scores (week 14 Mayo endoscopic score of 2-3: 9.9 % vs 22.4 %; P = .001; week 14 Mayo endoscopic score of 0-1: 33 % vs 62.4 %; P = .044).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results on epithelial neutrophilic infiltrate after induction therapy as the only independent predictor for achievement of maintenance EI or HEMI helps clarify the clinical relevance of measuring histologic disease activity in ulcerative colitis. Epithelial neutrophilic infiltrate poses a means to stratify patients according to their likelihood of response to biologic treatment.

Advanced endoscopy for the management of inflammatory digestive diseases: Review of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society core session

A series of workshops entitled "Advanced endoscopy in the management of inflammatory digestive disease" was held at the 97^th to 100^th biannual meeting of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society. During these core sessions, research findings concerning various endoscopic practices in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were presented, and meaningful discussions were shared on the evolving role and future challenges of endoscopy in IBD. This article reviews these core sessions and discusses current topics on the role of endoscopy, focusing on the diagnosis, disease monitoring, mucosal healing assessments, cancer surveillance, and therapeutic interventions in IBD.

An Update on Current Pharmacotherapeutic Options for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

The main goals of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) treatment are to both induce and maintain the clinical and endoscopic remission of disease, reduce the incidence of complications such as dysplasia and colorectal carcinoma and improve quality of life. Although a curative medical treatment for UC has not yet been found, new therapeutic strategies addressing specific pathogenetic mechanisms of disease are emerging. Notwithstanding these novel therapies, non-biological conventional drugs remain a mainstay of treatment. The aim of this review is to summarize current therapeutic strategies used as treatment for ulcerative colitis and to briefly focus on emerging therapeutic strategies, including novel biologic therapies and small molecules. To date, multiple therapeutic approaches can be adopted in UC and the range of available compounds is constantly increasing. In this era, the realization of well-designed comparative clinical trials, as well as the definition of specific therapeutic models, would be strongly suggested in order to achieve personalized management for UC patients.

Disease Monitoring in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Evolving Principles and Possibilities

Inflammatory bowel disease is a progressive and debilitating condition. Early and effective treatment using a treat-to-target approach is key to improving patient outcomes. Therefore, proactive monitoring is essential to ensure that treatment strategies are working and targets are being met. In this review we discuss the current monitoring tools available to us and how they can be used. We also discuss the importance of monitoring during key phases of the disease and propose an optimum treat-to-target monitoring strategy for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Regarding the advent of new technology, we discuss how this may improve our monitoring capabilities and how we envisage future monitoring strategies of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Evolving Short- and Long-Term Goals of Management of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Getting It Right, Making It Last

Short- and long-term treatment targets in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) evolved during the last decade, shifting from symptom control to endoscopic healing and patient-centered parameters. The STRIDE-II consensus placed these targets on a timeline from initiating treatment and introduced additional targets, normalization of serum and fecal biomarkers, restoration of quality of life, prevention of disability, and, in children, restoration of growth. Transmural healing in Crohn's disease and histologic healing in ulcerative colitis currently serve as adjunct measures to gauge remission depth. However, whether early treatment according to a treat-to-target paradigm affects the natural course of IBD remains unclear, leading to the need for prospective disease-modification trials. The SPIRIT consensus defined the targets for these trials to assess the long-term impact of early treatment on quality of life, disability, disease complications, risk of neoplastic lesions, and mortality. As further data emerge about the risk-benefit balance of aiming toward deeper healing, the targets in treating IBDs may continue to shift.

Endoscopic Surveillance in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Selecting a Suitable Technology

In the treat-to-target era, endoscopy has become the backbone of the assessment of remission, defined as mucosal healing, in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Current recommendations indicate that endoscopic procedures should be performed with high-definition white-light endoscopy (HD-WLE), as it guarantees the best possible visualization of the mucosa. With respect to endoscopic surveillance, the preventive strategy for dysplasia and colorectal cancer (CRC) in long-standing IBD, is the use of dye-chromoendoscopy (DCE), which enhances the mucosal pattern of the colonic walls. DCE has been established as the gold standard for dysplasia detection and is at present incorporated in all international guidelines. Over the past years, novel technologies, such as high-definition endoscopic imaging, and optical and digital enhancement tools have revolutionized the quality and level of fine details of vascular and mucosal patterns. These endoscopic images have the ambition to reflect histological changes for suspected neoplastic lesions and inflammation or healing and are emerging as potential alternatives to DCE. Indeed, the comparison of DCE with high-definition imaging is an open issue that deserves further investigation. We aimed to examine and summarize the technical aspects and the current evidence on endoscopic technologies with a specific focus on the surveillance in IBD patients.

Long-Term Risk of Colectomy in Patients with Severe Ulcerative Colitis Responding to Intravenous Corticosteroids or Infliximab

Background and aims: Intravenous corticosteroids (IVCS) and rescue therapy with infliximab (IFX) are useful for managing patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC). However, nearly one fifth of responders undergo colectomy. Predictive factors of colectomy in this subset of patients are not fully known. We retrospectively examined the long-term risk and the predictors of colectomy in ASUC patients achieving clinical remission following treatment with IVCS or IFX. Patients and methods: Clinical and demographic characteristics were evaluated in consecutive ASUC patients who were admitted to the “Tor Vergata University” hospital between 2010 and 2020 and responded to IVCS or IFX. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to identify independent predictors of colectomy. Results: A total of 116 ASUC patients responding to IVCS (98 patients) or IFX (18 patients) were followed up for a median of 46 months. After discharge, 29 patients (25%) underwent colectomy. Multivariate analysis showed that a serum albumin level <3 g/dL and colonic dilation >5.5 cm on admission were independent predictors of colectomy (OR: 6.9, 95% CI: 2.08−22.8, and OR 8.5, 95% CI: 1.23−58.3, respectively). Patients with both these factors had a risk of colectomy 13 times greater than those with no risk factor. Conclusions: A low serum albumin level and colonic dilation are risk factors of long-term colectomy in ASUC patients responding to IVCS or IFX.

Systematic review and meta-analysis: the advantage of endoscopic Mayo score 0 over 1 in patients with ulcerative colitis

Background

Mucosal healing (MH) evaluated by endoscopy is a novel target of therapy in UC as it is associated with improved long-term outcomes. It is defined based on the Mayo endoscopic score (MES), but it is still to define whether a value of MES 0 or 1 should be the target. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a systematic review with meta-analysis which compares long-term outcomes of patients in steroid-free clinical remission with MES 0 with those with MES 1.

Methods

A systematic electronic search of the literature was performed using Medline, Scopus, and CENTRAL through December 2020 (PROSPERO n:CRD42020179333). The studies concerned UC patients, in steroid-free clinical remission, with MES of 0 or 1, and with at least 12-months of follow-up.

Results

Out of 4611 citations, 15 eligible studies were identified. Increases in clinical relapse among patients with MES 1 were observed in all the studies included in this review, suggesting that MES of 1 have a higher risk of relapse than a score of 0. MES 0 patients displayed a lower risk of clinical relapse (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.26–0.43; I² 13%) irrespective of the follow-up time (12-months or longer). On the other hand, no differences were found comparing MES 0 versus MES 1 about the risk of hospitalization or colectomy.

Conclusions

MES 0 is associated with a lower rate of clinical relapse than is MES 1. For this reason, MES 0, rather than MES 0–1, should be considered the therapeutic target for patients with UC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-022-02157-5.

Endoscopic remission assessed with PICaSSO virtual electronic chromendoscopy accurately predicts clinical outcomes in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A composite endoscopic-histologic remission is increasingly explored as an important endpoint in ulcerative colitis (UC). We investigated combined endoscopic-histologic remission for predicting clinical outcomes at 12 months compared with endoscopic remission alone using the high definition virtual chromoendoscopy (VCE) Paddington International virtual ChromoendoScopy ScOre (PICaSSO) and histology scores.

METHODS

Ulcerative colitis patients, prospectively enrolled from 11 international centres, underwent VCE with targeted biopsies and followed up for 12 months. Endoscopic activity was assessed by Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES), Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index Severity (UCEIS) followed by VCE-PICaSSO. Robarts Histopathological Index|Robarts Histological index≤3 without neutrophils in mucosa, and Nancy Histological index (NHI)≤ 1 were used to define histologic remission. Combined endoscopic-histologic remission was compared with endoscopic remission alone by Cox proportional hazards model and by two- and three-proportion analysis using pre-specified clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

307 patients were recruited and 302 analysed. There was no difference in survival without specified clinical outcomes between PICaSSO defined endoscopic remission alone and endoscopic plus histologic remission in the rectum (HR 0.42, 95%CI 0.16-1.11 and HR 1.03, 95%CI 0.42-2.52 for Robarts Histological index and NHI respectively) at 12 months. There was however a significant survival advantage without specified clinical outcome events for UCEIS combined with histology compared with UCEIS alone (HR 0.30, 95%CI 0.12-0.75, p = 0.02) at 12 months (but not combined with NHI). For MES there was no advantage for predicting specified clinical outcomes at 12 months for endoscopy alone versus endoscopy plus histology, but there were differences in two and three proportion analysis at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic remission by VCE-PICaSSO alone was similar to combined endoscopic and histologic remission for predicting specified clinical outcomes at 12 months. Larger studies with specific therapeutic interventions are required to further confirm the findings.

Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Withdrawal in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Endoscopic and Histologic Remission

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate outcomes of anti-TNF-alpha (ATA) withdrawal in selected pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease who achieved clinical remission and mucosal and histological healing (MH and HH).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on children and adolescents affected by Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) who were followed up at 2 tertiary referral centers from 2008 through 2018. The main outcome measure was clinical relapse rates after ATA withdrawal.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy patients received scheduled ATA treatment; 78 patients with CD and 56 patients with UC underwent endoscopic reassessment. We found that MH was achieved by 32 patients with CD (41%) and 30 patients with UC (53.6%); 26 patients with CD (33.3%) and 22 patients with UC (39.3%) achieved HH. The ATA treatment was suspended in 45 patients, 24 affected by CD and 21 by UC, who all achieved concurrently complete MH (Simplified Endoscopic Score for CD, 0; Mayo score, 0, respectively) and HH. All the patients who suspended ATA shifted to an immunomodulatory agent or mesalazine. In contrast, 17 patients, 8 with CD and 9 with UC, continued ATA because of growth needs, the persistence of slight endoscopic lesions, and/or microscopic inflammation. Thirteen out of 24 patients with CD who suspended ATA experienced disease relapse after a median follow-up time of 29 months, whereas no recurrence was observed among the 9 patients with CD who continued treatment (P = 0.05). Among the patients with UC, there were no significant differences in relapse-free survival among those who discontinued ATA and those who did not suspend treatment (P = 0.718).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the application of rigid selection criteria, ATA cessation remains inadvisable in CD. In contrast, in UC, the concurrent achievement of MH and HH may represent promising selection criteria to identify patients in whom treatment withdrawal is feasible.

Patient Perspectives and Expectations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

In this systematic review, our objective was to assess inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patient preferences and perspectives relating to their disease diagnosis, treatment, knowledge needs and telemedicine.

METHODS

This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Four databases and conference proceedings were searched between January 1, 1980, and May 1, 2020. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Standards for reporting qualitative research checklist.

RESULTS

Our search identified 240 citations and 52 studies met the inclusion criteria. The major expectations of the patients are symptomatic and pain control, quality of life and normal endoscopy. Patients' main concerns are access to information and healthcare, and shared decision making. At the time of diagnosis, patients expressed a greater need for knowledge about their IBD, preferentially by their treating gastroenterologist. The main treatment expectations in active disease are efficacy, safety and convenience. Patients are willing to accept relatively high risks of complications from medical therapy to avoid a permanent ostomy and to achieve durable remission. Patients are more interested in disease monitoring, research and development during the time of remission. Telemedicine and self-management with supervised e-health tools are feasible and acceptable amongst patients with IBD.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review demonstrates that patients with IBD expect more information about their disease process, shared decision making and symptom control. Further research is needed to help align patient and physician expectations in order to improve the quality of care provided to patients with IBD.

Serum Globulin Is Associated with Endoscopic Findings and Mucosal Healing in Japanese Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Serum globulin is an inflammation marker. To date, no evidence regarding the association between serum globulin and disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis has been reported.

AIMS

We evaluated the association between serum globulin and endoscopic activity in patients with ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

Serum globulin was divided into tertiles based on the distribution of study subjects (low globulin, ≤ 2.7 g/dl (reference); moderate globulin, 2.7-3.1 g/dl; and high globulin, > 3.1 g/dl). A single endoscopic specialist evaluated the endoscopic findings, and mucosal healing was based on Mayo endoscopic subscore.

RESULTS

A total of 277 patients with ulcerative colitis were included in the study. Serum globulin was independently positively associated with diminished or absent vascular markings [moderate: adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.70 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.82-7.88) and high: adjusted OR 2.40 (95%CI: 1.20-4.94), p for trend = 0.005]. A similar positive association between globulin and erosion was found [high: adjusted OR 2.00 (95%CI: 1.05-3.86)]. Serum globulin was independently inversely associated with mucosal healing [moderate: adjusted OR 0.37 (95%CI: 0.18-0.73) and high: adjusted OR 0.31 (95%CI: 0.14-0.64), p for trend = 0.001] and adjusted partial mucosal healing [moderate: OR 0.51 (95%CI: 0.26-0.98), p for trend = 0.048]. The inverse association between globulin and mucosal healing was significant in the low but not the high C-reactive protein group.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ulcerative colitis, serum globulin was significantly positively associated with endoscopic activity, and was significantly inversely associated with mucosal healing, especially in the low C-reactive protein group.

Histological inflammatory activity can predict endoscopic relapse in patients with ulcerative colitis who have achieved mucosal healing

BACKGROUND AIMS

Current therapeutic goals in ulcerative colitis (UC) include clinical and endoscopic remission, named mucosal healing (MH). Despite MH, a proportion of patients suffer a clinical relapse, which has been related to histological inflammation. We aimed to identify which histopathological features or histopathological index cut-off was associated with endoscopic relapse (ER) in UC patients with MH.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of UC patients who underwent surveillance colonoscopy showing complete MH (endoscopic Mayo subscore=0) with random biopsies, and at least one more endoscopy along the follow-up. After a consensus meeting, expert pathologist performed histological assessment according to Simplified Geboes Score (SGS), Nancy Index (NI) and Robarts Histopathological Index (RHI). Other histopathological features were also evaluated. Patients were followed until ER or last endoscopy performed showing persistence of MH.

RESULTS

A total of 95 patients (150 colonoscopies) were included. After mean follow-up of 31.2 months (SD 21.7), 33 patients (34.7%) suffered ER. Neutrophils in lamina propria (OR 2.6; P = 0.037), within the epithelium (OR 2.6; P = 0.03), SGS ≥3.1 (OR 2.6; P = 0.037), NI ≥2 (OR 2.6; P = 0.03) and RHI ≥5 (OR 2.6; P = 0.037) were associated with ER in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, eosinophils in the lamina propria (HR 2.5; P = 0.01) and clinical remission<12 months (HR 3.2; P = 0.002) were associated with ER.

CONCLUSIONS

Histopathological findings in UC patients who have achieved endoscopic MH may predict ER. Standardized histopathology reports according to the presence of neutrophils, eosinophils or to defined cut-off of validated histopathologic indexes may represent a useful tool to predict ER and should be considered at therapeutic and surveillance decision process.

Treatment Targets in Ulcerative Colitis: Is It Time for All In, including Histology?

The main therapeutic goal of ulcerative colitis (UC) is to induce and maintain remission to prevent long-term disease progression. Treat-to-target strategies, first introduced by the STRIDE consensus and updated in 2021, have shifted focus from symptomatic control toward more stringent objective endpoints. Today, patient monitoring should be based on a combination of biomarkers and clinical scores, while patient-reported outcomes could be used as short-term targets in monitoring disease activity and therapeutic response. In addition, endoscopic healing was the preferred long-term goal in UC. A Mayo endoscopic score (MES) ≤ 1 can be recommended as a minimum target. However, recent evidence suggests that more stringent endoscopic goals (MES of 0) are associated with superior outcomes. Recently, emerging data support that histological remission (HR) is a superior prognostic factor to endoscopic healing in predicting long-term remission. Despite not yet being recommended as a target, HR may become an important potential therapeutic goal in UC. However, it remains questionable if histological healing should be used as a routine assessment in addition to clinical, biomarker, and endoscopic targets in all patients. Therefore, in this review, our aim was to discuss the current evidence for the different treatment targets and their value in everyday clinical practice.

Time spent per day in strenuous activity and total physical activity are inversely associated with mucosal healing but not with clinical remission in patients with ulcerative colitis

Background

Epidemiological evidence on the association between physical activity (PA) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is limited, and the effect of PA on the prognosis of UC is currently unknown. We evaluated the association between PA and clinical outcomes, including clinical remission and mucosal healing (MH), in Japanese patients with UC.

Methods

The study subjects were 327 Japanese patients with UC. Subjects were asked about the average time spent per day on 4 types of PA (sedentary, standing, walking, and strenuous activity) and metabolic equivalents (METs) using a validated questionnaire. Clinical outcomes were complete MH, MH, and clinical remission. The association between PA, including hours spent on each type of PA and average daily METs, and clinical outcomes was assessed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Plentiful strenuous activity was significantly inversely associated with MH and complete MH after adjustment (MH: adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.89; complete MH: adjusted OR 0.24, 95%CI 0.07-0.62; P for trend=0.008). A very high daily MET total was significantly inversely associated with complete MH after adjustment (adjusted OR 0.37, 95%CI 0.16-0.80; P for trend=0.010). In contrast, no association between PA and clinical remission was found (plentiful strenuous activity: adjusted OR 1.10, 95%CI 0.55-2.23; very high daily total METs: adjusted OR 0.74, 95%CI 0.37-1.46).

Conclusion

In Japanese patients with UC, time spent per day on strenuous activity and total PA per day may be significantly inversely associated with complete MH, but not with clinical remission.

Intestinal Ultrasound in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Valuable and Increasingly Important Tool

Background

Intestinal ultrasound is emerging as a non-invasive tool for monitoring disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease patients due to its low cost, excellent safety profile, and availability. Herein, we comprehensively review the role of intestinal ultrasound in the management of these patients.

Summary

Intestinal ultrasound has a good accuracy in the diagnosis of Crohn's disease, as well as in the assessment of disease activity, extent, and evaluating disease-related complications, namely strictures, fistulae, and abscesses. Even though not fully validated, several scores have been developed to assess disease activity using ultrasound. Importantly, intestinal ultrasound can also be used to assess response to treatment. Changes in ultrasonographic parameters are observed as early as 4 weeks after treatment initiation and persist during short- and long-term follow-up. Additionally, Crohn's disease patients with no ultrasound improvement seem to be at a higher risk of therapy intensification, need for steroids, hospitalisation, or even surgery. Similarly to Crohn's disease, intestinal ultrasound has a good performance in the diagnosis, activity, and disease extent assessment in ulcerative colitis patients. In fact, in patients with severe acute colitis, higher bowel wall thickness at admission is associated with the need for salvage therapy and the absence of a significant decrease in this parameter may predict the need for colectomy. Short-term data also evidence the role of intestinal ultrasound in evaluating therapy response, with ultrasound changes observed after 2 weeks of treatment and significant improvement after 12 weeks of follow-up in ulcerative colitis.

Key Messages

Intestinal ultrasound is a valuable tool to assess disease activity and complications, and to monitor response to therapy. Even though longer prospective data are warranted, intestinal ultrasound may lead to a change in the paradigm of inflammatory bowel disease management as it can be used in a point-of-care setting, enabling earlier intervention if needed.

Association Between Peripheral Blood Monocyte Count and Mucosal Healing in Japanese Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

INTRODUCTION

Monocytes play an important role in innate immunity. Some epidemiological evidence indicates an association between peripheral blood monocytes and ulcerative colitis (UC). The association between peripheral blood monocytes and mucosal healing (MH), however, remains unclear. We evaluated this issue in patients with UC.

METHODS

Study subjects consisted of 272 Japanese patients with UC. Monocyte counts were taken in the morning after overnight fasting. Monocyte count was divided into tertiles based on the distribution of values among all study subjects. Information on clinical remission was obtained from medical records. MH was assessed using the Mayo endoscopic subscore.

RESULTS

The mean monocyte count was 360.1 ± 155.3/mm3. Rates of clinical remission, MH, and complete MH were 61.0%, 66.2%, and 27.9%, respectively. High monocyte count was significantly inversely associated with clinical remission, MH, and complete MH (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.45 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.23-0.89], OR 0.45 [95% CI: 0.23-0.89], and OR 0.48 [95% CI: 0.23-0.97], respectively). Patients were also classified according to C-reactive protein (CRP) levels; in the low CRP group (<0.1 mg/dL), high monocyte count was independently inversely associated with complete MH but not with clinical remission or MH (OR 0.33 [95% CI: 0.10-0.92], P for trend = 0.027). In the high CRP group, there was no association between monocyte count and clinical outcomes.

DISCUSSION

Our findings suggest that peripheral blood monocyte count can be used as a serum supplemental marker for MH in UC patients with low CRP levels.

Clinical Outcomes and Response Predictors of Vedolizumab Induction Treatment for Korean Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Who Failed Anti-TNF Therapy: A KASID Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

We investigated the real-life effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab (VDZ) induction therapy among Korean patients with Crohn disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) for whom anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy previously failed.

METHODS

Adult patients who started VDZ induction therapy at 16 centers were prospectively enrolled in the Korean VDZ nationwide registry. The coprimary outcomes were clinical remission, defined as a Crohn's Disease Activity Index score <150 points and a partial Mayo score ≤2 points with a combined rectal bleeding and stool frequency subscore ≤1 point at week 14 and endoscopic remission defined as a Mayo endoscopic subscore ≤1 point. We also analyzed predictors of clinical remission.

RESULTS

Between August 2017 and November 2019, a total of 158 patients (80 with CD and 78 with UC) received VDZ induction therapy. Clinical remission rates among patients with CD and patients with UC were 44.1% and 44.0%, respectively. Among patients with UC, the endoscopic remission rate was 32.4%. Clinical response and remission rates showed increasing trends during induction therapy. Multivariable analysis revealed that clinical response at week 6 was the only predictor of clinical remission at week 14 for both patients with CD and patients with UC. Among patients who experienced 1 or more adverse events (n = 71; 44.9%), disease exacerbation (n = 28; 17.7%) was the most common adverse event.

CONCLUSIONS

Among Korean patients with CD or UC for whom anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy failed, VDZ induction therapy was effective and safe. The early clinical response was associated with clinical remission after VDZ induction therapy.