Pre-operative use of anti-TNF-α agents and the risk of post-operative complications in patients with Crohn's disease--a nationwide cohort study

Postoperative Mortality Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Population-Based Studies

BACKGROUND & AIMS

There have been varying reports of mortality after intestinal resection for the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies to determine postoperative mortality after intestinal resection in patients with IBD.

METHODS

We searched Medline, EMBASE, and PubMed, from 1990 through 2015, to identify 18 articles and 3 abstracts reporting postoperative mortality among patients with IBD. The studies included 67,057 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 75,971 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), from 15 countries. Mortality estimates stratified by emergent and elective surgeries were pooled separately for CD and UC using a random-effects model. To assess changes over time, the start year of the study was included as a continuous variable in a meta-regression model.

RESULTS

In patients with UC, postoperative mortality was significantly lower among patients who underwent elective (0.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6%-0.9%) vs emergent surgery (5.3%; 95% CI, 3.8%-7.4%). In patients with CD, postoperative mortality was significantly lower among patients who underwent elective (0.6%; 95% CI, 0.2%-1.7%) vs emergent surgery (3.6%; 95% CI, 1.8%-6.9%). Postoperative mortality did not differ for elective (P = .78) or emergent (P = .31) surgeries when patients with UC were compared with patients with CD. Postoperative mortality decreased significantly over time for patients with CD (P < .05) but not UC (P = .21).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis, postoperative mortality was high after emergent, but not elective, intestinal resection in patients with UC or CD. Optimization of management strategies and more effective therapies are necessary to avoid emergent surgeries.

Indications and Specific Surgical Techniques in Crohn's Disease

Background

Crohn's disease (CD) as one of the major entities of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases can affect all segments of the gastrointestinal tract but occurs most often in the small bowel, the terminal ileum, the colon, and the rectum. Typical symptoms include tiredness, lower abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea, which are initially treated by conservative measures. Most patients will eventually develop complications such as fistulas, abscesses, or strictures. Surgery is often unavoidable in these cases.

Methods

This review considers studies on the treatment of CD, published from 1979 up to now. The literature regarding the course, complications, and surgical therapy of CD was reviewed. Searches were performed in PubMed, using the following key words: CD, surgery, immunosuppression, guidelines, malnutrition as well as appropriate sub-items. In most cases the literature is limited to detailed information on specific therapeutic or diagnostic topics. Moreover, many studies are designed retrospectively and with a small number of patients. Additionally, our long-standing experience with patients suffering from CD is taken into consideration in this review.

Results

There is a wide variety of indications for surgery in CD which includes complications like strictures, fistulas and abscess formation, neoplasia, or refractoriness to medical therapy. The risk of developing complications is about 33% after 5 years, and 50% after 20 years. Furthermore, one-third of CD patients need surgical therapy within the first 5 years of diagnosis. The treatment requires close cooperation between gastroenterologists and surgeons. When indicated, surgery should be performed in a ‘conservative’ fashion, i.e. as limited as possible, in order to achieve the required result and to avoid small bowel syndrome.

Conclusion

This article provides a complete overview of indications and specific surgical treatment in patients with CD. Surgery is typically indicated when complications of CD occur. An interdisciplinary collaboration is necessary in order to ensure optimal indications and timing of surgery. This is of paramount importance to achieve the ultimate goal, i.e. a good quality of life of the patients.

Risk factors for complications after ileocolonic resection for Crohn's disease with a major focus on the impact of preoperative immunosuppressive and biologic therapy: A retrospective international multicentre study

BACKGROUND

Author note: TY, AS, YS, FVT and PGK designed the study. All authors did data collection and gave scientific contribution to the study design and discussion. TY, AS and PGK drafted the article. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.In the era of biologic agents, risk factors for complications following resection for Crohn's disease have not been fully identified. In particular, the association of preoperative use of immunosuppressive and biologic agents with the incidence of complications after resection remains to be elucidated.

AIM

This retrospective multicentre study aimed to identify risk factors for complications after ileocolonic resection for Crohn's disease, with a major focus on the impact of preoperative immunosuppressive and biologic therapy.

METHODS

A total of 231 consecutive patients who underwent ileocolonic resections for active Crohn's disease in seven inflammatory bowel disease referral centres from three countries (Japan, Brazil and Italy) were included. The following variables were investigated as potential risk factors: age at surgery, gender, behaviour of Crohn's disease (perforating vs. non-perforating disease), smoking, preoperative use (within eight weeks before surgery) of steroids, immunosuppressants and biologic agents, previous resection, blood transfusion, surgical procedure (open vs. laparoscopic approach), and type of anastomosis (side-to-side vs. end-to-end). Postoperative complications occurring within 30 days after surgery were recorded.

RESULTS

The rates of overall complications, intra-abdominal sepsis, and anastomotic leak were 24%, 12% and 8%, respectively. Neither immunosuppressive nor biologic therapy prior to surgery was significantly associated with the incidence of overall complications, intra-abdominal sepsis or anastomotic leak. In multivariate analysis, blood transfusion, perforating disease and previous resection were significant risk factors for overall complications (odds ratio [OR] 3.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-7.52; P = 0.02), intra-abdominal sepsis (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.04-6.86; P = 0.04) and anastomotic leak (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.01-8.18; P = 0.048), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood transfusion, perforating disease and previous resection were significant risk factors for overall complications, intra-abdominal sepsis and anastomotic leak after ileocolonic resection for Crohn's disease, respectively. Preoperative immunosuppressive or biologic therapy did not increase the risk of postoperative complications.

A review of the impact of biologics on surgical complications in Crohn's disease

Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy has revolutionized the treatment of Crohn's disease. Despite the increased use in the past decade and a half, a majority of patients with Crohn's disease with ultimately require operative management of their disease. No clear consensus has been made in the literature regarding the surgical outcomes in patients who have been exposed to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. This review highlights the most recent and relevant literature regarding the safety and effects of anti-tumor necrosis factor use in the perioperative period.

Determining Predictors for Intra-abdominal Septic Complications Following Ileocolonic Resection for Crohn's Disease-Considerations in Pre-operative and Peri-operative Optimisation Techniques to Improve Outcome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Intra-abdominal septic complications [IASC] following ileocolonic resection for Crohn's disease are common. Determining risk factors for these complications can aid pre-operative and peri-operative strategies to reduced morbidity. This study aims to determine the incidence and predictors of intra-abdominal septic complications following ileocolonic resection for Crohn's disease.

METHODS

A single-centre, retrospective study was conducted. The clinical case notes of patients with histopathologically proven Crohn's disease, who underwent an ileocolonic resection as a one-stage or two-stage procedure, were reviewed. The primary endpoint was the formation of intra-abdominal septic complications within a 30-day post-operative time frame.

RESULTS

Overall 163 patients underwent 175 ileocolonic procedures. Post-operative intra-abdominal septic complications were demonstrated in 9% [13/142] of one-stage procedures and 12% [4/33] of two-stage procedures [p = 0.2]. Post-operative IASCs following a one-stage procedure demonstrated associations with smokers [p = 0.004], intraoperative abdominal sepsis [p = 0.005], concomitant upper gastrointestinal Crohn's [p = 0.015], the presence of peri-operative anaemia [p = 0.037], hypoalbuminaemia [< 25g/l] [p = 0.04], and histologically involved margins [p = 0.001]. Multivariate analysis demonstrated the presence of intra-abdominal sepsis (hazard ratio [HR] 8.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2 60.1] and the use of peri-operative biologicals [HR 24.6, 95% CI: 2.0-298] as independent predictors of post-operative intra-abdominal septic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights specific variables that may be contributory to poor outcome. These findings may be important when optimising patients for surgery, as well as planning an appropriate operative strategy. Further prospective studies and a larger sample size are required to validate these findings.

Risk factors for postoperative intra-abdominal septic complications after surgery in Crohn's disease: A meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Postoperative intra-abdominal septic complications [IASCs] are the most feared risks of surgery for Crohn's disease[CD]. The risk factors for IASCs still remain controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors for IASCs in CD patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched to identify observational studies reporting the risk factors for IASCs in CD patients. A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the impact of various risk factors on IASCs in CD. The GRADE [Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation] approach was used for quality assessment of evidence on outcome levels.

RESULTS

This review included 15 studies evaluating 3807 patients undergoing 4189 operations. The meta-analyses found that low albumin levels (odds ratio [OR]: 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.362.75), preoperative steroids use [OR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.54-2.57], a preoperative abscess [OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.263.0], previous surgery history [OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.151.97] may be risk factors for IASCs. There were no associations between anastomosis methods [OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.58-1.53], biologics therapy [OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 0.792.11], and immunomodulator use [OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.661.73] with the risk of IASCs. Due to observational design, the quality of evidence was regarded low or moderate for these risk factors by the GRADE approach.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis provides some evidence that steroids use, previous surgical history, a preoperative abscess, and low albumin levels may be associated with higher rates of IASCs in CD. Knowledge about those risk factors may influence treatment and procedure-related decisions, and possibly reduce the ss rate.

Surgical treatment of complex small bowel Crohn disease

INTRODUCTION

The clinical presentations of Crohn disease of the small bowel vary from low to high complexity. Understanding the complexity of Crohn disease of the small bowel is important for the surgeon and the gastroenterologist caring for the patient and may be relevant for clinical research as a way to compare outcomes. Here, we present a categorization of complex small bowel Crohn disease and review its surgical treatment as a potential initial step toward the establishment of a definition of complex disease.

RESULTS

The complexity of small bowel Crohn disease can be sorted into several categories: technical challenges, namely, fistulae, abscesses, bowel or ureteral obstruction, hemorrhage, cancer and thickened mesentery; extensive disease; the presence of short gut; a history of prolonged use of medications, particularly steroids, immunomodulators, and biological agents; and a high risk of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the principles of modern surgical treatment of Crohn disease have evolved to bowel conservation such as strictureplasty techniques and limited resection margins, such practices by themselves are often not sufficient for the management of complex small bowel Crohn disease. This manuscript reviews each category of complex small bowel Crohn disease, with special emphasis on appropriate surgical strategy.

Review article: optimal preparation for surgery in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

One-third of Crohn's disease (CD) patients will undergo abdominal surgery within the first 5 years of diagnosis.

AIM

To review the available evidence on pre-operative optimisation of CD patients.

METHODS

The literature regarding psychological support, radiological imaging, abdominal abscess management, nutritional support, thromboembolic prophylaxis and immunosuppression in the perioperative setting was reviewed.

RESULTS

For diagnosis of fistulas, abscesses and stenosis, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have a high diagnostic accuracy. Under either CT or US guidance, it is possible to perform abscess percutaneous drainage (PD), which, with systemic antibiotic therapy, should be the first-line approach to intra-abdominal abscesses. CD patients with weight loss <10% within the last 3-6 months, body mass index < 18.5 kg/m(2) and/or albumin levels <30 g/L, are at an increased risk of post-operative complications. Pre-operative nutritional support should be used in these patients. IBD patients undergoing surgery have a higher risk of venous thromboembolic disease than patients with colorectal cancer, and current guidelines recommend that they should receive prophylaxis with heparin. Whether the use of anti-TNF agents before surgery increases the likelihood of post-operative complications, is the subject of much debate. To date, cumulative evidence from most studies (all retrospective) suggests that there is no such risk increment. Prospective studies are necessary to firmly establish this conclusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Preparation for surgery requires close interaction between surgeons, gastroenterologist, radiologists, psychologists and the patient. Correct pre-operative planning of surgical treatment has a major impact on the outcome of such treatment.

Organ space infection following ileocolectomy for Crohn's disease: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Project study

BACKGROUND

Organ space infection (OSI) rates post ileocolectomy for Crohn's disease are relatively high. The aim of this study was to determine which factors predispose to OSI in this patient cohort.

METHODS

Data for 2,618 Crohn's patients undergoing ileocolectomy between 2005 and 2011 were obtained from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database. Primary outcome was an OSI within 30 days of discharge. Univariate analysis using chi-square and Student t tests and a logistic multivariate analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Preoperative weight loss (odds ratio [OR] 2.11, P = .002), extended operating time (OR 1.57, P = .016), open procedures (OR 1.47, P = .043), and contaminated/dirty wounds (OR 1.95, P = .008) conferred an increased risk for OSI on multivariate analysis. Rates of stoma creation and steroid use were not significantly different between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight loss is a preoperative, potentially modifiable variable associated with OSI in Crohn's patients undergoing ileocolectomy and OSI-associated operative factors which may be noted to identify high-risk patients include extended operating time and open procedures.

The impact of peri-operative anti-TNF treatment on anastomosis-related complications in Crohn's disease patients. A critical review

INTRODUCTION

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α is a cytokine exerting pleiotropic effects on critical cell functions and, most importantly, is the main regulator of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and a key player in the pathophysiology of numerous autoimmune diseases, including Crohn's disease.

METHODS

TNFα became a therapeutic target and TNFα blocking agents are currently used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Beyond the therapeutic benefits deriving from TNFα neutralization, amendments in the cellular functions of the immune system may as well induce potent immunosuppressive effects. An attenuated immune response may compromise the intestinal healing ability, thus leading to weaker anastomosis and increased risk of anastomotic leak and septic complications.

RESULTS

This hypothesis raises great concerns about the safety of perioperative administration of anti-TNF and has been the endpoint of numerous studies.

CONCLUSION

The aim of this review is to critically evaluate the evidence regarding the role of TNFα in anastomosis related complications after abdominal surgery in Crohn's disease patients.

Preoperative infliximab use and postoperative complications in Crohn's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Infliximab revolutionized the treatment paradigm of Crohn's disease (CD), but did not reduce the need for surgery. The impact of biologic agents on surgical complication rates remains debated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of preoperative infliximab use on early postoperative complications in patients with CD undergoing abdominal surgery.

METHOD

PubMed and Embase databases were searched to identify comparative studies that investigated postsurgical morbidity in CD patients receiving infliximab preoperatively with those not on infliximab. We used meta-analysis with random-effects model to calculate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for total complication rate as well as major, minor, infectious, and non-infectious complications.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies involving 5769 patients included in this systematic review. There was significant association between infliximab therapy prior to surgery and total (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.04-2.02; 13 studies, 2538 patients), infectious (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.08-1.99; 10 studies, 2116 patients) and non-infectious (OR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.14-4.61; 3 studies, 729 patients) postoperative complications respectively. There was no significant disparity in the major (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 0.85-2.27; 9 studies, 3696 patients) and minor (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 0.57-3.40; 5 studies, 753 patients) complication rates between infliximab and control groups. No publication bias was detected.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative infliximab use modestly increases the risk of total early postoperative complications, and particularly infectious complications in CD patients.

Positioning therapy for Crohn's disease

The therapy of Crohn's disease is constantly evolving. It is widely recognized that clinical assessment does not stage disease activity accurately and that endoscopic healing is associated with improved long-term outcomes. Disease management is therefore transitioning to a new paradigm that includes direct assessment of disease severity (endoscopically in most patients), followed by assessment of mucosal healing. New approaches have helped optimize the use of the thiopurines, methotrexate and anti-TNF agents. Novel agents with different mechanisms of action are expanding our therapeutic armamentarium. The major challenge of the future will be to identify patient subgroups best suited to particular therapeutic approaches. In the meantime, studies of comparative effectiveness will be crucial in positioning therapies relative to each other.