A population-based study of fatigue and sleep difficulties in inflammatory bowel disease

British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn's and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, including patients, their families and friends.

British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn's and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, including patients, their families and friends.

Circadian Rhythm Disruption Aggravates DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice with Fecal Calprotectin as a Marker of Colitis Severity

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immunologically mediated pathology that remains a major health burden. Circadian rhythm disruption leads to a deregulation in the immune system which is a major risk factor for IBD.

AIMS

Since fecal calprotectin (FC) has been a useful tool for monitoring IBD, we aimed to evaluate the effect of circadian rhythm alteration on gut inflammation status and whether FC is associated with the severity of colitis.

METHODS

C57BL/6J mice were exposed to circadian shifts for 3 months, and then colitis was induced by 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Colitis was evaluated according to clinical symptoms and histological scoring. Plasma and intestinal inflammatory and permeability markers as well as fecal and intestinal calprotectin were assessed.

RESULTS

Circadian shifts aggravated DSS-induced colitis with increased diarrhea, flatulence, and fecal blood associated with decreased colon length. In addition, intestinal cryptic architecture was lost with the presence of increased inflammation, mucosal muscle thickening, and cryptic abscesses. Plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, and C-reactive protein upregulations were paralleled by the deterioration of intestinal permeability. Calprotectin expression and distribution increased in the intestines and feces of shifted animals, and levels highly correlated with the increases in intestinal inflammation and permeability.

CONCLUSIONS

Circadian rhythm disruption aggravates DSS-induced colitis, whereas fecal and intestinal calprotectin associates with the severity of disease. Calprotectin might be a useful marker and tool for assessing patients at risk of IBD due to lifestyles with disruptive sleep patterns.

Polypharmacy is a risk factor for disease flare in adult patients with ulcerative colitis: a retrospective cohort study

Background/Aims

Polypharmacy is a common clinical problem with chronic diseases that can be associated with adverse patient outcomes. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and patient-specific characteristics associated with polypharmacy in an ulcerative colitis (UC) population and to assess the impact of polypharmacy on disease outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients with UC who visited a tertiary medical center outpatient clinic between 2006 and 2011 was performed. Polypharmacy was defined as major ( ≥ 5 non-UC medications) or minor (2–4 non-UC medications). UC medications were excluded in the polypharmacy grouping to minimize the confounding between disease severity and polypharmacy. Outcomes of interest include disease flare, therapy escalation, UC-related hospitalization, and surgery within 5 years of the initial visit.

Results

A total of 457 patients with UC were eligible for baseline analysis. Major polypharmacy was identified in 29.8% of patients, and minor polypharmacy was identified in 40.9% of the population. Polypharmacy at baseline was associated with advanced age (P< 0.001), female sex (P= 0.019), functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (P< 0.001), and psychiatric disease (P< 0.001). Over 5 years of follow-up, 265 patients remained eligible for analysis. After adjusting for age, sex, functional GI disorders, and psychiatric disease, major polypharmacy was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of disease flare (odds ratio, 4.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.66–9.62). However, major polypharmacy was not associated with the risk of therapy escalation, hospitalization, or surgery.

Conclusions

Polypharmacy from non-inflammatory bowel disease medications was present in a substantial proportion of adult patients with UC and was associated with an increased risk of disease flare.

Simplification of Validated Patient-Reported Outcome Instruments in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Objectives

Improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a major treatment goal for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Tools to measure HRQoL, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Short Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Questionnaire, are lengthy and rely on recall. This prospective, proof-of-concept pilot study assessed the feasibility, reliability, and validity of daily, simplified HRQoL and sleep quality data collection using mobile technologies in patients with IBD.

Methods

Adult IBD patients were recruited from our center. Daily HRQoL and sleep quality were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) surveys, and pain was assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBS). HRQoL and sleep were assessed on days 1, 14, and 28 of the study using the short IBD Questionnaire (SIBDQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Correlation between the daily instruments and the biweekly validated instruments were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

One hundred patients were enrolled. The correlation between mean global assessment VAS score over 2 weeks and PSQI score taken at 14 days was moderate (r = 0.62, P &lt; 0.0001). The correlation over the same time interval between mean WBS score and SIBDQ score was strong (r = −0.71, P &lt; 0.0001), and the correlation between mean sleep VAS score and PSQI score was moderate (r = −0.55, P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the potential for electronic quality of life, sleep quality, and pain assessments as feasible, reliable, and valid tools in IBD patients. Intermittent administration of these simplified electronic assessments may be useful in further reducing patient survey burden without significantly compromising their utility.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Fatigue in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multicentre Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of fatigue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], to identify the factors associated with fatigue and its severity, to assess the impact of fatigue on quality of life [QoL], and to evaluate the relationship between fatigue and sleep disorders.

METHODS

This was a prospective multicentre study conducted at 22 Spanish centres. Consecutive patients followed at IBD Units were included. Fatigue was evaluated with the Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS] and the Fatigue Impact Scale [FIS]. Quality of life and sleep quality were assessed using the IBD Questionnaire-Short Form [IBDQ-9] and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 544 consecutive adult IBD patients were included [50% women, mean age 44 years, 61% Crohn's disease]. The prevalence of fatigue was 41% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 37-45%). The variables associated with an increased risk of fatigue were: anxiety [OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.6-3.7], depression [OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.4-3.8], presence of extraintestinal manifestations [EIMs] [OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1-2.6], and treatment with systemic steroids [OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.4-5.7]. The presence of EIMs [regression coefficient, RC = 8.2, 95% CI = 2.3-14.2], anxiety [RC = 25.8, 95% CI = 20.0-31.5], depression [RC = 30.6, 95% CI = 24.3-37.0], and sleep disturbances [RC = 15.0, 95% CI = 9.3-20.8] were associated with severity of fatigue. Patients with fatigue had a significantly decreased IBDQ-9 score [p < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of fatigue in IBD patients is remarkably high and has a negative impact on QoL. Therapy with systemic steroids is associated with an increased risk of fatigue. The severity of fatigue is associated with anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and the presence of EIMs. Fatigue was not associated with anaemia, disease activity or anti-TNF therapy.

Psychological distress is highly prevalent in inflammatory bowel disease: A survey of psychological needs and attitudes

Background and Aim

Data on patient needs and access to psychological services in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are scarce. This study aimed to describe the levels of distress and the needs, attitudes, and access to psychological services for people within Australia against established Australian IBD Standards.

Methods

An online cross‐sectional survey was conducted with Australians ≥16 years old recruited via Crohn's & Colitis Australia membership, public and private clinics, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. K10 was used to measure psychological distress. The Chi‐square test was used to compare those with and without distress on key variables.

Results

Overall, 731 respondents provided complete data (71.5% female, mean age 46.5 years). Overall, 50% of respondents reported distress; only 15.2% were currently seeing a mental health practitioner; only 16.1% were asked about their mental health by their IBD specialist or IBD nurse; and only 12.2% reported access to a mental health practitioner as part of their IBD service. Those with psychological distress were significantly less satisfied with their IBD care; more commonly hospitalized; had an active disease, fistula or perianal disease, pain, or fatigue; and were receiving steroids, opioids, or antidepressants (all P < 0.05). As many as 68.2% of those with severe distress were not seeing a mental health practitioner.

Conclusions

The integrated biopsychosocial model of health care, with regular mental health screening and good access to mental health professionals, is requested by people living with IBD to improve their outcomes.

Improving Anemia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Impact of the Anemia Care Pathway

BACKGROUND

Anemia is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Despite existing guidelines for anemia in IBD, it is frequently under-treated and the prevalence of anemia has remained high. To address this gap, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation developed the Anemia Care Pathway (ACP).

AIMS

To implement the ACP in a managed care setting and identify where it improves practice habits and where barriers remain.

METHODS

The ACP was implemented from July 2016 through June 2017 and retrospectively studied. Run charts were used to identify shifts in iron deficiency screening and treatment as well as anemia prevalence. Results were compared to those of other providers in the same center not using the ACP.

RESULTS

640 IBD encounters were studied. In the ACP clinic (n = 213), anemics received iron therapy in only 30% of encounters at baseline but improved to 80%. Concurrently, anemia prevalence decreased from 48 to 25%. Screening for iron deficiency, however, did not improve. No shifts were seen in the non-ACP clinics (n = 427) across the same period despite awareness of the ACP and other guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Across 1 year, we observed gaps in the screening and treatment of anemia in IBD. Although screening rates did not improve, the ACP appeared to reduce missed opportunities for iron therapy by about half. Most importantly, this was associated with an overall decrease in anemia prevalence. Future refinements to the ACP should be focused on enhanced screening and follow-up.

European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation Topical Review on Complementary Medicine and Psychotherapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] increasingly use alternative and complementary therapies, for which appropriate evidence is often lacking. It is estimated that up to half of all patients with IBD use various forms of complementary and alternative medicine during some point in their disease course. Considering the frequent use of such therapies, it is crucial that physicians and patients are informed about their efficacy and safety in order to provide guidance and evidence-based advice. Additionally, increasing evidence suggests that some psychotherapies and mind-body interventions may be beneficial in the management of IBD, but their best use remains a matter of research. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of some of the most commonly used complementary, alternative and psychotherapy interventions in IBD.

The Use of Actigraphy Differentiates Sleep Disturbances in Active and Inactive Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbances (SDs) are commonly reported in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Several survey instruments assessing subjective measures of insufficient sleep have identified SDs in subjects with CD. However, there are limited data on objective measures of SDs in these patients as they relate to disease activity. In this prospective cross-sectional study, we compared objective estimates of sleep obtained using multiday wrist actigraphy in individuals with CD with varying disease activity.

METHODS

Eighty patients with a diagnosis of CD were recruited to take part in the study. Participants were stratified by disease activity into remission, mild disease, and moderate to severe disease groups using the Harvey-Bradshaw Index and C-reactive protein levels. Participants were excluded on the basis of significant comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3), a known history of a sleep disorder, or the concomitant use of systemic corticosteroids. Participants completed surveys, including the PROMIS-SD Short Form 8a, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Women's Health Initiative Insomnia Rating scale, and were provided with an accelerometer that estimated sleep-wake patterns over 7 days. Comparisons of actigraphic sleep parameters were performed between disease activity groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using covariates determined a priori to have an association with sleep disturbance in CD through a review of the literature.

RESULTS

Of the 80 participants enrolled in the study, 72 completed 5 days of actigraphy data: 28 subjects in remission, 22 subjects with mild disease activity, and 22 subjects with moderate to severe disease activity. Self-reported sleep characteristics assessed by questionnaires were similar between groups. By actigraphy, individuals with moderate to severe CD spent a significantly longer time awake after falling asleep compared with subjects with remissive disease or compared with subjects with mild disease (65.8 minutes vs 44.3 minutes and 49.1 minutes, respectively; each P < 0.05). Individuals with moderate to severe CD had significantly lower sleep efficiency compared with those with remissive CD (86.6% vs 89.9%; P = 0.03). In the multivariate analyses, moderate to severe CD disease activity was significantly associated with an increased amount of fragmented sleep (odds ratio [OR], 3.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-11.32; P = 0.02; WASO ≥ 60 minutes). Moreover, the use of controlled substances was associated with poor sleep efficiency (OR, 3.86; 95% CI, 1.01-14.7; P = 0.04; SE ≤ 85.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to objectively quantify disturbed sleep using wrist actigraphy in adults with CD with varying disease activity. Wrist actigraphy may serve as a useful modality for discerning SD in subjects with active vs remissive disease that is not evident with questionnaires alone. Although we determined that disease severity is a significant factor that leads to SDs in CD, larger studies using these objective measures may help determine the contribution of other factors.

Sleep and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Important Bi-Directional Relationship

Sleep deprivation and lack of sleep are a significant public health concern. Several studies have suggested an intricate relationship between sleep, inflammation, and the immune system. Poor sleep has been described well in subjects with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and has been linked to disease activity and shown as a predictor for subclinical inflammation and a risk factor for relapse and poorer outcomes. This review describes the relationship between poor sleep, inflammation, and the immune system. Furthermore, the relationship between sleep and IBD are reviewed. The causes of poor sleep in inflammatory bowel disease patient is discussed. Potential therapeutic interventions for the management of common sleep disturbances are provided.

Fatigue in IBD: epidemiology, pathophysiology and management

Fatigue is an important clinical problem in patients with IBD, affecting nearly 50% of patients in clinical remission and > 80% of those with active disease. The resulting decrease in quality of life and impaired work productivity and functioning contribute markedly to the societal costs of fatigue. However, despite the burden and effects of fatigue, little is known about its aetiology and pathophysiology, which impairs our ability to effectively treat this symptom. Here, we review the theories behind the development of fatigue in IBD and the role of contributing factors, including nutritional deficiency, inflammation and altered metabolism. We also explore the potential role of the gut microbiome in mediating fatigue and other psychological symptoms through the gut-brain axis. We discuss the efficacy of nutrient repletion and various psychological and pharmacological interventions on relieving fatigue in patients with IBD and expand the discussion to non-IBD-related fatigue when evidence exists. Finally, we present a therapeutic strategy for the management of fatigue in IBD and call for further mechanistic and clinical research into this poorly studied symptom.

The connection of circadian rhythm to inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises a group of chronic, immune system-mediated inflammatory diseases that primarily affect the gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenesis of the intestinal lesions in IBD remains elusive, but the inflammation process could be the result of dysfunction of the innate and adaptive immune systems induced by genetic and environmental factors. In recent years, research has demonstrated a connection between environmental stressors that can influence day-night variations, also called circadian rhythms, and digestive health. In this review, we focus on alterations in the complex interactions between intestinal mucosa, microbial factors, and the immune response in the intestinal milieu. We introduce the mechanisms that establish circadian rhythms and their regulation by the circadian rhythm genes. Evidence of circadian variation in the defense mechanisms of the intestine and its implication in the maintenance of a healthy microbiota are presented. Disruption of the circadian system can increase the activity of the gut immune system and the release of inflammatory factors. The link between chronodisruption or circadian rhythm impairment and IBD demonstrated by experimental and clinical studies illustrates the potential impact of circadian rhythms on treatment of these diseases. Future studies that investigate aspects of this subject are warranted.

Detailed Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Fatigue in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background

Fatigue is a symptom commonly reported by patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Treating any underlying inflammation in active disease improves the health outcomes and decreases fatigue, but fatigue still persists in remission, negatively affecting patients' quality of life and posing a challenge for the treating physician. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of fatigue in patients with IBD and investigate possible contributing factors.

Methods

Recruited IBD patients from the Otago region in southern New Zealand were asked to complete demographic, physical activity (IPAQ) and fatigue questionnaires (Brief Fatigue Inventory, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory). Disease activity and factors contributing to fatigue were assessed through self-reporting and laboratory biomarkers.

Results

One hundred and thirteen of the contacted 469 IBD patients participated in the study. Depending on the questionnaire used, the prevalence of fatigue in IBD was high in remission (39.5-44.2%) but significantly higher (p < 0.001) in active disease (80.0-82.9%). Several factors such as age, disease duration, level of physical activity, gender and diet were found to be associated with increased fatigue and were attributed to either mental or physical fatigue categories. Multifactorial Fatigue Inventory provided insights into different types of fatigue, and revealed a significant mental fatigue component in both active and remission disease patients. Iron deficiency was not associated with fatigue levels.

Conclusions

Fatigue in IBD is multi-faceted and highly prevalent in both active and remission IBD. Further investigations, addressing the complexity of the symptom and its reporting are needed.

Depressive symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease: an extraintestinal manifestation of inflammation?

Depressive symptoms are reported by more than 20% of people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), while sleep difficulties and fatigue are even more common. Co-morbid depressive symptoms predict a poor IBD course, including increased risk of relapse and surgery, which is inconsistently improved by psychological treatments. Rather than being distinct systems, there is compelling evidence for bidirectional communication between gut and brain, driven by neural, metabolic, endocrine and inflammatory mediators. An emerging concept is that depressive symptoms may be mechanistically linked to excess inflammation and dysregulation of the gut-brain axis. Given the close link between the intestinal microbiota and host immune responses, patients prone to shifts in their intestinal microbiome, including smokers, those with poor diet and early life stress, may be exposed to exaggerated immune responses. Excess inflammation is associated with brain changes (depressive symptoms, fatigue, sleep difficulties) and worsening gastrointestinal symptoms, which are exacerbated by psychological distress. Equally, treatments both for depressive symptoms and IBD provide opportunities to break this cycle by reducing the causes and effects of inflammation. As well as addressing potential risk factors such as smoking and diet, treatments to alter the microbiome may reduce depressive symptoms. Observational evidence suggests that anti-inflammatory treatments for IBD may improve co-morbid depressive symptoms correlating with reduction in inflammation. With a growing range of treatments targeting inflammation centrally, peripherally and in the gut, IBD provides a unique model to understand the interplay between brain and gut in the pathogenesis of depressive symptoms, both in IBD and in the whole population.

Unmet Needs in IBD: the Case of Fatigue

Fatigue is a highly prevalent but relatively ignored problem in IBD patients. It is one of the most burdensome symptoms to the patient with an important impact on the quality of life. Therefore, fatigue is a highly relevant patient-reported outcome that should be included not only in disease activity measurement but also in the endpoints of clinical trials in IBD. However, most of the currently available scoring systems to quantify fatigue are not specifically designed for patients with IBD and none of them has undergone a complete validation process for IBD-related fatigue. Fatigue is more prevalent in patients with active disease and may improve or disappear when remission is reached. Far more complex is the persistence or onset of fatigue in quiescent IBD which presents in up to 40% of the patients. In this subgroup of patients, fatigue can be related to smoldering systemic inflammation, a poor sleep quality, anemia, nutritional deficiencies, or comorbidities. In most cases, however, no direct cause can be identified. The lack of knowledge on the mechanisms that drive fatigue in IBD hamper the development of specific drugs to treat the condition and only psychological support can be offered to the patient. Rodent models are indispensable to increase our understanding of the molecular pathways that lead to fatigue in chronic intestinal inflammation, and to develop novel therapies.

The Relationship Between Sleep Disturbance and Disease Activity in Pediatric Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this prospective cross sectional study was to assess the prevalence of sleep disturbance in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including the relationships between sleep, inflammatory markers, and disease activity of pediatric patients with IBD.

METHODS

Pediatric patients with IBD and parents were enrolled in the study. Patients completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale, and the Adolescent Sleep Wake Scale (ASWS) surveys. Parents completed the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Disease activity for Crohn disease (CD) was determined by the Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index and the Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index was used to define disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC)/indeterminate colitis patients.

RESULTS

Fifty-three pediatric patients with IBD (38 CD, 12 UC, and 3 indeterminate colitis) participated in the study. The significant correlations between the CSHQ and Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (P = 0.002) and the PSQI and Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (P = 0.04) were found. Youth with UC and indeterminate colitis significantly reported more sleep disturbance than patients with CD, (P = 0.03, 0.05, and 0.04; PSQI, Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale, ASWS, respectively). Patients self-reported significantly more sleep disturbance than was observed by parents (P < 0.0001). This study showed the significant correlations between CSHQ score compared to erythrocyte sedimentation rate and albumin (P = 0.001 and 0.03, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that increased disease activity is associated with adverse effects on sleep quality. Based on the results of this study, pediatric patients with IBD should be screened for sleep disturbance.

Increased Burden of Psychiatric Disorders in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric comorbidity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is well known; however, data from a truly representative sample are sparse. We aimed to estimate the incidence and prevalence of psychiatric disorders in an IBD cohort compared with a matched cohort without IBD.

METHODS

Using population-based administrative health data from Manitoba, Canada, we identified all persons with incident IBD from 1989 to 2012 and a general population matched cohort (5:1). We applied validated algorithms for IBD, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia to determine the annual incidence of these conditions post-IBD diagnosis and their lifetime and current prevalence.

RESULTS

There were 6119 incident cases of IBD and 30,573 matched individuals. After adjustment for age, sex, socioeconomic status, region of residence, and year, there was a higher incidence in the IBD cohort compared with controls for depression (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-1.76), anxiety disorder (IRR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.26-1.53), bipolar disorder (IRR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.44-2.30), and schizophrenia (IRR, 1.64; 95% CI, 0.95-2.84). Incidence rate ratios were similar for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis between males and females and were stable over time. However, within the IBD cohort, the incidence rates of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders were higher among females, those aged 18-24 years vs those older than 44 years, urbanites, and those of lower socioeconomic status. The lifetime and current prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders were also higher in the IBD than the matched cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and prevalence of psychiatric disorders are elevated in the IBD population.

Sleep Quality in Ulcerative Colitis: Associations with Inflammation, Psychological Distress, and Quality of Life

PURPOSE

Treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), given its chronicity and its associated disruptive and often distressing symptoms, is increasingly focusing on maximizing patient quality of life. Poorer quality of life has been found among patients with poor sleep quality, which is much more common in patients with UC than in the general population and may be associated with inflammation and psychological distress.

METHOD

Forty-seven patients with UC (n = 11 flaring) completed measures of sleep quality, depression, state anxiety, gastrointestinal-related anxiety, perceived stress, and quality of life. Measures of inflammation were also obtained.

RESULTS

Patients endorsed high rates of poor sleep quality, which was highly correlated with depression and poorer inflammatory bowel disease-related quality of life, but was generally not related to other areas of psychological functioning or inflammation. Sleep quality was significantly independently associated with depression and female gender.

CONCLUSION

Poor sleep quality is prevalent in patients with UC and is strongly related to depression, suggesting that sleep and mood are important areas to assess in patients with UC in order to inform tailored treatment to improve quality of life.

Sleep Disturbances Are Commonly Reported Among Patients Presenting to a Gastroenterology Clinic

BACKGROUND

Poor sleep quality is common among patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. However, few studies have assessed the presence of insomnia or reported circadian preferences and none have directly compared sleep between common GI conditions.

AIMS

To compare clinical sleep characteristics in patients presenting to a tertiary care GI clinic for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia (FD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and celiac disease (CD).

METHODS

Validated sleep measures were administered to consecutive patients if they were diagnosed with IBS, IBD in clinical remission, CD, FD, or GERD. Healthy Controls (HCs) with no reported GI diagnoses or symptoms were also recruited.

RESULTS

A total of 212 eligible respondents completed this survey, 161 GI clinic patients (IBS (n = 48), GERD (n = 29), IBD in clinical remission (n = 44), CD (n = 40)), and 41 HCs. Only, 10 respondents had a diagnosis of FD, and these were excluded. The IBS group had the highest frequency of poor sleep (72%) followed by CD (61%), GERD (60%), IBD (54%), and HC (39%). IBS patients also had the highest frequency of clinical insomnia (51%), followed by GERD (37%), CD (35%), IBD (27%), and HC (18%). 40% of IBS patients reported taking sleep medications at least once per week, compared to 32% of GERD, 23% IBD, 13% CD, and 15% HC.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients presenting to a tertiary care GI clinic report poorer sleep than healthy controls. In general, patients with IBS report the highest rates of sleep difficulties compared to patients with other diagnoses.

Inflammatory bowel disease-related fatigue is correlated with depression and gender

OBJECTIVES

Fatigue is a common and disabling problem in inflammatory bowel disease. We sought to explore the possible determinants of inflammatory bowel disease-associated fatigue including demographic, psychological and disease variables.

METHODS

Surveys were distributed to 100 patients undergoing infliximab infusion for inflammatory bowel disease in an infusion lounge, assessing attachment style (Experiences in Close Relationships Revised scale), fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue - Fatigue Subscore), and depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Disease severity was assessed via file review through an independent gastroenterologist rating (Harvey-Bradshaw Index).

RESULTS

There were 67 responses. Depression, as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, was found to be highly correlated with fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue - Fatigue Subscore). Anxiety, insecure attachment, disease severity and female gender were moderately correlated with fatigue. In a hierarchical regression model, depression and female gender emerged as significant predictors of variance in fatigue scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression was the strongest predictor of variance in fatigue scores. Gender as a cause of fatigue in inflammatory bowel disease requires further exploration. Attachment style, however, may still help clinicians to conceptualise help-seeking behaviour and clinician-patient relationships in medically unexplained symptoms.

Fatigue and its associated factors in microscopic colitis

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is a well-recognized symptom in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and has been associated with psychological comorbidity and impaired quality of life in both. However, features associated with fatigue in patients with microscopic colitis (MC) are less clear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of patients with a new diagnosis of MC including levels of anxiety, depression, somatization, quality of life, and IBS-type symptoms. Levels and impact of fatigue were assessed using the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Fatigue self-assessment scale. Mean scores were compared against various patient characteristics, and were also correlated with anxiety, depression, somatization, and quality-of-life scores.

RESULTS

In total, 129 patients with MC diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 returned completed postal questionnaires. Common histological subtypes were collagenous colitis (53.5%, n = 69) and lymphocytic colitis (38.8%, n = 50). Higher mean fatigue severity and impact scores were associated with the presence of irritable-bowel-syndrome-type symptoms, abnormal levels of anxiety and depression, and high levels of somatization (p < 0.0001 for all), but those reporting ongoing symptoms attributable to MC did not report significantly higher scores. There were significant positive correlations between total anxiety, depression, or somatization scores and fatigue severity and impact scores, and significant negative correlations with quality-of-life measures (p < 0.001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue in MC appears to be associated with reporting IBS-type symptoms, psychological comorbidity and impaired quality of life. It may therefore represent an important target for treatment.

Fatigue is not associated with vitamin D deficiency in inflammatory bowel disease patients

AIM

To investigate if vitamin D deficiency is associated with fatigue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

IBD patients were recruited from nine hospitals in the southeastern and western regions of Norway to participate in a multicenter cross-sectional study lasting from March 2013 to April 2014. Data were collected by interviews, from medical records and laboratory tests. The Fatigue Questionnaire (FQ) was used to measure fatigue. Linear and logistic regression models were applied to explore the possible association between vitamin D deficiency and total fatigue scores and chronic fatigue, respectively. The analyses were adjusted for age, gender, disease activity, depressive symptoms and sleep disturbance.

RESULTS

In total, 405 patients were included in the analyses, of which 227 (56%) had Crohn’s disease (CD) and 178 (44%) had ulcerative colitis (UC). Vitamin D deficiency (< 50 nmol/L) was present in half (203/405) of the patients. Chronic fatigue was reported by 116 (29%) of all included patients with substantial fatigue reported by 194 (48%). Vitamin D levels were neither associated with total fatigue nor with chronic fatigue. Higher total fatigue scores and chronic fatigue were both associated with increased disease activity scores in patients with UC and CD, but not with increased CRP or fecal calprotectin. In UC patients, female gender was associated with fatigue in the univariate analysis, but no such difference was found when adjusted for elevated disease activity scores. Sleep disturbance and more depressive symptoms were associated with total fatigue scores in both UC and CD patients, but with chronic fatigue only in CD patients.

CONCLUSION

In this study, no significant association between fatigue and vitamin D deficiency in IBD patients was revealed.

Associations between chronotype, sleep disturbances and seasonality with fatigue and inflammatory bowel disease symptoms

Growing number of studies suggests link between circadian rhythms and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) manifestation. We hypothesize that: 1) IBD are associated with increased eveningness and sleep disturbances; 2) eveningness and sleep disturbances are related to more severe IBD symptoms. In total, 129 participants were enrolled to this study, divided into three groups: 34 Crohn's disease (CD) patients, 38 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and 57 healthy controls (HC) group. They all fulfilled a questionnaire, consisting of the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM), Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI). Multiple regression models controlled for age and sex revealed that in CD group higher eveningness measured with CSM was associated with higher general fatigue, physical fatigue, mental fatigue and reduced motivation measured by MFI. Lower CSM morning affect is associated with greater general fatigue, physical fatigue and more reduced activity. Greater seasonality scores are associated with increased physical fatigue and more reduced activity and motivation. Lower sleep quality measured with PSQI is associated with higher physical fatigue and more reduced activity. Correlational analysis revealed that higher seasonality and lower sleep quality are associated with increased systemic and bowel symptoms and decreased emotional and social functions measured with IBDQ. In UC group, eveningness is associated with greater general fatigue, physical fatigue and more reduced activity. Higher CSM morning affect is associated with decreased general fatigue, physical fatigue and less reduced activity. Higher CSM circadian preference scores are associated with decreased general and physical fatigue, and less reduced activity. Increased seasonality is associated with more physical fatigue. Lower sleep quality is associated with greater general and physical fatigue. To our best knowledge this is the first study evaluating associations between chronotype and sleep disturbances with IBD symptoms. We have found that chronotype preferences, whose role in IBD has been until now overlooked, may be one of the important factors contributing to fatigue in this clinical group.

Quality of Sleep and Coexistent Psychopathology Have Significant Impact on Fatigue Burden in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and is associated with factors such as psychopathology, sleep quality, and disease activity.

GOAL

To investigate the combined role of all the above factors in the burden of fatigue among IBD patients.

STUDY

We conducted an observational study of adult patients enrolled in an IBD clinical research registry at a tertiary care clinic. Fatigue burden was defined by Item 1 of the Short-form IBD Questionnaire (SIBDQ), which is scored on a 7-point Likert scale. Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) disease activity were measured with the Harvey-Bradshaw Index or the UC Activity Index, respectively. Labs were obtained to assess anemia, vitamin deficiencies, and inflammatory markers. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Use of psychotropic medications and narcotics was used as proxy measure of psychopathology and pain.

RESULTS

Among 685 IBD patients enrolled in the registry, 631 (238 UC, 393 CD) had a complete SIBDQ. High fatigue burden was found in 57.5% of patients (64.4% CD, 46.2% UC). Fatigue burden was significantly associated with sleep disturbance (PSQI), SIBDQ, and disease activity. CD patients had more fatigue burden than UC patients. Multivariate regression showed that poor quality of life, sleep disturbance, and being on a psychotropic medication are significantly associated with fatigue burden for both UC and CD.

CONCLUSION

Because fatigue is common in IBD patients, these findings suggest that attention to quality of sleep and psychopathology is as important as medical disease management.

Altered Brain Excitability and Increased Anxiety in Mice With Experimental Colitis: Consideration of Hyperalgesia and Sex Differences

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are incurable lifelong inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) with a rising worldwide incidence. IBD is characterized by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, severe cramping and weight loss. However, there is a growing evidence that IBD is also associated with anxiety- and depression-related disorders, which further increase the societal burden of these diseases. Given the limited knowledge of central nervous system (CNS) changes in IBD, we investigated CNS-related comorbidities in a mouse model of experimental colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration in drinking water for 5 days. In male and female C57BL6J mice, DSS treatment caused increased brain excitability, revealed by a decrease in seizure onset times after intraperitoneal administration of kainic acid. Moreover, both sexes showed increased anxiety-related behavior in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and open field (OF) paradigms. We assessed somatic pain levels, because they may influence behavioral responses. Only male mice were hyperalgesic when tested with calibrated von Frey hairs and on the hotplate for mechanical and thermal pain sensitivity respectively. Administration of diazepam (DZP; ip, 1 mg/kg) 30 min before EPM rescued the anxious phenotype and improved locomotion, even though it significantly increased thermal sensitivity in both sexes. This indicates that the altered behavioral response is unlikely attributable to an interference with movement due to somatic pain in females. We show that experimental colitis increases CNS excitability in response to administration of kainic acid, and increases anxiety-related behavior as revealed using the EPM and OF tests.

Natural History of Adult Ulcerative Colitis in Population-based Cohorts: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

A comprehensive knowledge of the natural history of ulcerative colitis (UC) helps understand disease evolution, identify poor prognostic markers and impact of treatment strategies, and facilitates shared decision-making. We systematically reviewed the natural history of UC in adult population-based cohort studies with long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Through a systematic literature review of MEDLINE through March 31, 2016, we identified 60 studies performed in 17 population-based inception cohorts reporting the long-term course and outcomes of adult-onset UC (n = 15,316 UC patients).

RESULTS

Left-sided colitis is the most frequent location, and disease extension is observed in 10%-30% of patients. Majority of patients have a mild-moderate course, which is most active at diagnosis and then in varying periods of remission or mild activity; about 10%-15% of patients experience an aggressive course, and the cumulative risk of relapse is 70%-80% at 10 years. Almost 50% of patients require UC-related hospitalization, and 5-year risk of re-hospitalization is ∼50%. The 5-year and 10-year cumulative risk of colectomy is 10%-15%; achieving mucosal healing is associated with lower risk of colectomy. About 50% of patients receive corticosteroids, although this proportion has decreased over time, with a corresponding increase in the use of immunomodulators (20%) and anti-tumor necrosis factor (5%-10%). Although UC is not associated with an increased risk of mortality, it is associated with high morbidity and work disability, comparable to Crohn's disease.

CONCLUSIONS

UC is a disabling condition over time. Prospective cohorts are needed to evaluate the impact of recent strategies of early use of disease-modifying therapies and treat-to-target approach with immunomodulators and biologics. Long-term studies from low-incidence areas are also needed.

Association of sleep quality and mucosal healing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in clinical remission

Background

The interaction between sleep and the immune system has been increasingly studied over the last decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between sleep quality and mucosal healing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) currently in clinical remission.

Methods

Ninety patients with IBD in clinical remission were studied: 54 (60%) with Crohn’s disease and 36 (40%) with ulcerative colitis. All completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and mucosal healing was estimated with ileocolonoscopy. A subgroup analysis was also performed in order to investigate these associations in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis separately.

Results

Of the 90 patients, 45.56% had poor sleep quality. Patients without mucosal healing expressed higher absolute values of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (P<0.001), while absence of mucosal healing and poor sleep quality were statistically associated (P<0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that the same pattern was present in patients with Crohn’s disease: patients without mucosal healing expressed higher absolute values of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (P<0.001) and the absence of mucosal healing was statistically associated with poor sleep quality (P<0.05). However, these associations were not observed in the subgroup of patients with ulcerative colitis (P>0.05).

Conclusion

In patients with IBD in clinical remission, absence of mucosal healing seems to be associated with poor sleep quality, especially in patients with Crohn’s disease.

Sleep and Circadian Hygiene and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

There is increasing evidence that sleep and circadian disruption can worsen the disease course in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Sleep and circadian disruption are prevalent in society and are associated with worse outcomes in IBD. Emerging research suggests sleep and circadian disruption can impact key components in IBD disease flares, including intestinal permeability, translocation of bacterial endotoxins, intestinal dysbiosis, and proinflammatory cytokines. Much of this research has been conducted in animal models. There is a clear need for large randomized controlled trials in human patients with IBD, where the potential for chronotherapeutic strategies to improve disease course can be tested.

Psychological Considerations and Interventions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient Care

The presence of psychological comorbidities, specifically anxiety and depression, is well documented in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The drivers of these conditions typically reflect 4 areas of concern: disease impact, treatment concerns, intimacy, and stigma. Various demographic and disease characteristics increase risk for psychological distress. However, the risk for anxiety and depression is consistent throughout IBD course and is independent of disease activity. Early intervention before psychological distress becomes uncontrolled is ideal, but mental health often is unaddressed during patient visits. Understanding available psychological treatments and establishing referral resources is an important part of the evolution of IBD patient care.

Psychological Considerations and Interventions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient Care

The presence of psychological comorbidities, specifically anxiety and depression, is well documented in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The drivers of these conditions typically reflect 4 areas of concern: disease impact, treatment concerns, intimacy, and stigma. Various demographic and disease characteristics increase risk for psychological distress. However, the risk for anxiety and depression is consistent throughout IBD course and is independent of disease activity. Early intervention before psychological distress becomes uncontrolled is ideal, but mental health often is unaddressed during patient visits. Understanding available psychological treatments and establishing referral resources is an important part of the evolution of IBD patient care.

Preventing disability in inflammatory bowel disease

Disability is a common worldwide health challenge and it has been increasing over the past 3 decades. The treatment paradigm has changed dramatically in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) from control of symptoms towards full control of disease (clinical and endoscopic remission) with the goal of preventing organ damage and disability. These aims are broadly similar to rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Since the 1990s, our attention has focused on quality of life in IBD, which is a subjective measure. However, as an objective end-point in clinical trials and population studies, measures of disability in IBD have been proposed. Disability is defined as '…any restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.' Recently, after 10 years of an international collaborative effort with the World Health Organization (WHO), a disability index was developed and validated. This index ideally would assist with the assessment of disease progression in IBD. In this review, we will provide the evidence to support the use of disability in IBD patients, including experience from rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. New treatment strategies, and validation studies that have underpinned the interest and quantification of disability in IBD, will be discussed.

Symptom clusters in adults with inflammatory bowel disease

Symptoms (pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are associated with reduced quality of life. Understanding how IBD symptoms cluster and the clinical and demographic factors associated with symptom clusters will enable focused development of symptom management interventions. The study purposes were to (i) identify symptom cluster membership among adults with IBD and (ii) examine associations between demographic (age, gender, race/ethnicity, and education) and clinical factors (smoking status, time since diagnosis, medication type, IBD type, disease activity), and membership in specific symptom cluster groups. We conducted a retrospective study of data from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America's (CCFA) Partners Cohort and used Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures to measure pain interference, fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression. The sample included 5,296 participants with IBD (mean age 44, 72% female). In latent class analysis (LCA), four groups of participants were identified based on symptoms: "low symptom burden" (26% of sample), "high symptom burden" (38%), "physical symptoms" (22%), and "psychological symptoms" (14%). In multinomial regression, female gender, smoking, corticosteroids, Crohn's disease, and active disease state were associated with membership in the high symptom burden group. Additional research is needed to test interventions that may be effective at reducing symptom burden for individuals with IBD.

Quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease patients: A cross-sectional study

Background:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study aims to investigate the variables which can be attributed to HRQOL in IBD patients.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-one patients filled in IBD questionnaire (IBDQ-32), Pittsburgh sleep quality index questionnaire, and sociodemographic questionnaire. Disease activity was assessed by Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) and ulcerative colitis activity index (UCAI). The correlations of sleep quality, sociodemographic variables, and disease characteristics with IBDQ were investigated.

Results:

IBDQ-32 mean score was lower in patients who had hospitalization (P = 0.01), poor sleep quality (P < 0.001), anemia (P = 0.03), more severe disease (P = 0.01), and those who had not consumed folic acid (P = 0.01) relative to their counterparts. A multivariate regression analysis identified the predictors of decreased HRQOL as not consuming folic acid (P = 0.008), poor sleep quality (P = 0.014), and disease severity (P = 0.043).

Conclusion:

Impaired HRQOL was significantly associated with poor sleep quality, lack of folic acid consumption, and disease severity in IBD patients. Therefore, evaluation of folic acid level and efficacy of its supplementation in prospective studies is recommended. Treatment of sleep disturbance with pharmacological agents and nonpharmacological methods should be kept in mind as well.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Review of Known Environmental Protective and Risk Factors Involved

Inflammatory bowel diseases consisting of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to genetic susceptibility and disturbances of the microbiome, environmental exposures forming the exposome play an important role. Starting at birth, the cumulative effect of different environmental exposures combined with a predetermined genetic susceptibility is thought to cause inflammatory bowel disease. All these environmental factors are part of a Western lifestyle, suiting the high incidence rates in Europe and the United States. Whereas receiving breastfeeding, evidence of a Helicobacter pylori infection and vitamin D are important protective factors in Crohn's disease as well as ulcerative colitis, increased hygiene, experiencing a bacterial gastroenteritis in the past, urban living surroundings, air pollution, the use of antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and oral contraceptives are likely to be the most important risk factors for both diseases. Current cigarette smoking yields a divergent effect by protecting against ulcerative colitis but increasing risk of Crohn's disease, whereas former smoking increases chances of both diseases. This review gives a clear overview of the current state of knowledge concerning the exposome. Future studies should focus on measuring this exposome yielding the possibility of combining all involved factors to one exposome risk score and our knowledge on genetic susceptibility.

Fatigue in out-patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Prevalence and predictive factors

Background and Aim

Fatigue is a common and bothersome symptom in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. The study was aimed to determine the relationship of biological and psychological factors with IBD-related fatigue.

Methods

Consecutive clinically inactive IBD outpatients receiving immunosuppressants or biological drugs were enrolled between January and December 2013. Patients completed a Fatigue score (FACIT-F), various psychological, quality of life (IBDQ-9), and IBD activity scores. Biological parameters were assessed, including levels of interleukins (IL-5, IL-8 and IL-12) and micronutrients.

Results

We prospectively recruited 202 patients (28% ulcerative colitis and 72% Crohn’s disease) for the study. Fatigue measured by FACIT-F score was prevalent in the studied population (54%, 96/177) and higher than in the general population. In the univariate analysis no relation was found between IL levels or micronutrient deficiencies and fatigue. Fatigue was significantly related to female sex, Crohn’s disease, joint disorders, body mass index (BMI), psychological tests, thiopurine use, and anti-TNF treatment. All these variables were included in the multivariate analysis. Female sex (OR: 4.8), high BMI (OR:1.2) and higher depression rates (OR:1.2) were predictors of increased fatigue. High IBDQ-9 score (OR: 0.82) was significantly related to lower degrees of fatigue.

Conclusion

Fatigue was prevalent in quiescent IBD patients with moderate-to-severe disease. It was associated with high levels of depression, low quality of life, and female sex. No association was found with the other biological and psychological factors evaluated.

Circadian rhythm disruption impairs tissue homeostasis and exacerbates chronic inflammation in the intestine

Endogenous circadian clocks regulate 24-h rhythms of physiology and behavior. Circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) is suggested as a risk factor for inflammatory bowel disease. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Intestinal biopsies from Per1/2 mutant and wild-type (WT) mice were investigated by electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and bromodeoxyuridine pulse-chase experiments. TNF-α was injected intraperitoneally, with or without necrostatin-1, into Per1/2 mice or rhythmic and externally desynchronized WT mice to study intestinal epithelial cell death. Experimental chronic colitis was induced by oral administration of dextran sodium sulfate. In vitro, caspase activity was assayed in Per1/2-specific small interfering RNA-transfected cells. Wee1 was overexpressed to study antiapoptosis and the cell cycle. Genetic ablation of circadian clock function or environmental CRD in mice increased susceptibility to severe intestinal inflammation and epithelial dysregulation, accompanied by excessive necroptotic cell death and a reduced number of secretory epithelial cells. Receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase (RIP)-3-mediated intestinal necroptosis was linked to increased mitotic cell cycle arrest via Per1/2-controlled Wee1, resulting in increased antiapoptosis via cellular inhibitor of apoptosis-2. Together, our data suggest that circadian rhythm stability is pivotal for the maintenance of mucosal barrier function. CRD increases intestinal necroptosis, thus rendering the gut epithelium more susceptible to inflammatory processes.-Pagel, R., Bär, F., Schröder, T., Sünderhauf, A., Künstner, A., Ibrahim, S. M., Autenrieth, S. E., Kalies, K., König, P., Tsang, A. H., Bettenworth, D., Divanovic, S., Lehnert, H., Fellermann, K., Oster, H., Derer, S., Sina, C. Circadian rhythm disruption impairs tissue homeostasis and exacerbates chronic inflammation in the intestine.

White Paper AGA: The Impact of Mental and Psychosocial Factors on the Care of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with chronic medically complex disorders like inflammatory bowel diseases (BD) often have mental health and psychosocial comorbid conditions. There is growing recognition that factors other than disease pathophysiology impact patients' health and wellbeing. Provision of care that encompasses medical care plus psychosocial, environmental and behavioral interventions to improve health has been termed "whole person care" and may result in achieving highest health value. There now are multiple methods to survey patients and stratify their psychosocial, mental health and environmental risk. Such survey methods are applicable to all types of IBD programs including those at academic medical centers, independent health systems and those based within independent community practice. Once a practice determines that a patient has psychosocial needs, a variety of resources are available for referral or co-management as outlined in this paper. Included in this white paper are examples of psychosocial care that is integrated into IBD practices plus innovative methods that provide remote patient management.

Oral Iron Treatment Response and Predictors in Anaemic Adolescents and Adults with IBD: A Prospective Controlled Open-Label Trial

BACKGROUND

Because of previous concerns about the efficacy and safety of oral iron for treating iron deficiency anaemia in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], particularly in young people, we compared the effects of ferrous sulphate on haemoglobin response, disease activity and psychometric scores in adolescents and adults with IBD. We also assessed the relation of baseline serum hepcidin to haemoglobin response.

METHODS

We undertook a prospective, open-label, 6-week non-inferiority trial of the effects of ferrous sulphate 200 mg twice daily on haemoglobin, iron status, hepcidin, disease activity (Harvey-Bradshaw Index, Simple Colitis Clinical Activity Index, C-reactive protein [CRP]), faecal calprotectin and psychometric scores in 45 adolescents [age 13-18 years] and 43 adults [>18 years].

RESULTS

On intention-to-treat analysis, ferrous sulphate produced similar rises in haemoglobin in adolescents {before treatment 10.3 g/dl [0.18] (mean [SEM]), after 11.7 [0.23]: p < 0.0001} and adults (10.9 g/dl [0.14], 11.9 [0.19]: p < 0.0001); transferrin saturation, ferritin [in adolescents] and hepcidin [in adults] also increased significantly. On per-protocol univariate analysis, the haemoglobin response was inversely related to baseline haemoglobin, CRP and hepcidin. Oral iron did not alter disease activity; it improved Short IBDQ and Perceived Stress Questionnaire scores in adults.

CONCLUSION

Oral ferrous sulphate was no less effective or well-tolerated in adolescents than adults, and did not increase disease activity in this short-term study. The inverse relation between baseline CRP and hepcidin levels and the haemoglobin response suggests that CRP or hepcidin measurements could influence decisions on whether iron should be given orally or intravenously. [ClinTrials.gov registration number NCT01991314].

Antifatigue Effect of Luteolin-6-C-Neohesperidoside on Oxidative Stress Injury Induced by Forced Swimming of Rats through Modulation of Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathways

Luteolin-6-C-neohesperidoside (LN) is a flavonoid isolated from moso bamboo leaf. This study was performed to evaluate the antifatigue effect of LN on a rat model undergoing the weight-loaded forced swimming test (FST). Briefly, male Sprague-Dawley rats (20-22 weeks old) were forced to undertake exhaustive swimming every other day for 3 weeks. Each swimming session was followed by the administration of distilled water, LN (25-75 mg/kg), or ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg) 1 h later. Oral administration of LN significantly improved exercise endurance; normalized alterations in energy metabolic markers; and decreased serum lactic acid, lactate dehydrogenase, and blood urea nitrogen levels of rats that underwent FST. Moreover, LN enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant capacity, as measured by enzyme activity assays, RT-PCR, and Western blotting, as well as decreasing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 and increasing the level of anti-inflammatory (IL-10) in the liver and skeletal muscle. These results suggested that LN reduces both physical and mental effects of chronic fatigue, probably by attenuating oxidative stress injury and inflammatory responses in the liver and skeletal muscle. This study thus supports the use of LN in functional foods for antifatigue and antioxidant effects.

Fatigue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease is associated with distinct differences in immune parameters

Background

Although it is well recognized that fatigue is an important problem in many of the quiescent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, it is unknown whether the immune status is different in fatigued versus non-fatigued patients. In this study, we contrasted various characteristics of the immune system in fatigued against non-fatigued patients with IBD in clinical remission.

Patients and methods

Patients with IBD in clinical remission were phenotyped according to the Montreal classification, and the checklist individual strength-fatigue (CIS-fatigue) was used to assess fatigue (CIS-fatigue ≥ 35). Flow cytometry on peripheral blood samples was used to investigate differences in leukocyte subsets. The expression of various cytokines was determined in stimulated whole blood and serum samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Differences between fatigued and non-fatigued patients with IBD were assessed.

Results

In total, 55 patients were included in the fatigue group (FG) and 29 patients in the non-fatigue group (NFG). No differences in demographic and clinical characteristics were observed between the groups. Flow cytometry data showed a significantly lower percentage of monocytes (p = 0.011) and a higher percentage of memory T-cells (p = 0.005) and neutrophils (p = 0.033) in the FG compared with the NFG. Whole blood stimulation showed increased TNF-α (p = 0.022) and IFN-γ (p = 0.047) in the FG. The median serum level was significantly higher for IL-12 (p < 0.001) and IL-10 (p = 0.005) and lower for IL-6 (p = 0.002) in the FG compared with NFG.

Conclusion

Significant differences in immune profile between fatigued and non-fatigued patients with IBD in clinical remission were found, which point out to a chronically active and Th1-skewed immune system in patients with fatigue. Whether these immune differences are directly involved in the fatigue complaints via immune-to-brain communication pathways remains to be determined. As such, further exploration of the underlying immune effects associated with fatigue is warranted to determine potential treatment options.

Psychological distress, iron deficiency, active disease and female gender are independent risk factors for fatigue in patients with ulcerative colitis

Background

Patients with ulcerative colitis often report fatigue.

Objectives

To investigate prevalence of and risk factors for fatigue in patients with ulcerative colitis with active disease and during deep remission.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, disease activity was evaluated with endoscopy and calprotectin, and patients were classified as having active disease (n = 133) or being in deep remission (n = 155). Blood samples were analysed to assess anaemia, iron deficiency and systemic immune activity. Patients completed questionnaires to assess fatigue, psychological distress, gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life.

Results

The prevalence of high fatigue (general fatigue ≥ 13, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory) was 40% in the full study population. Among patients with high fatigue, female gender and iron deficiency were more prevalent, and these patients had more severe disease activity and reported higher levels of anxiety, depression and decreased quality of life compared with patients with no/mild fatigue. A logistic regression analysis identified probable psychiatric disorder (odds ratio (OR) (confidence interval) 6.1 (3.1-12.2)), iron deficiency (OR 2.5 (1.2-5.1)), active disease (OR 2.2 (1.2-3.9)) and female gender (OR 2.1 (1.1-3.7)) as independent risk factors for high fatigue. Similar results were found concerning psychological distress, gender and quality of life, but immune markers did not differ in patients in deep remission with high vs. no/mild fatigue.

Conclusions

Probable psychiatric disorder, iron deficiency, active disease and female gender are independent risk factors for high fatigue in patients with ulcerative colitis. Low-grade immune activity does not seem to be the cause of fatigue among patients in deep remission.

Fatigue in a population-based cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease 20 years after diagnosis: The IBSEN study

OBJECTIVE

Fatigue is a major concern for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), but evidence from population-based studies regarding fatigue in long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is scarce. Our aims were to assess fatigue scores and the prevalence of chronic fatigue in IBD patients 20 years after diagnosis and to identify variables associated with fatigue in this cohort.

METHODS

Twenty years after diagnosis, patients from a cohort with incident IBD were invited to a follow-up visit that included a structured interview, a clinical examination, laboratory tests and the Fatigue Questionnaire (FQ). Fatigue scores were obtained, and factors associated with fatigue were assessed via linear and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of the 599 invited patients, 440 (73.5%) completed the FQ. Among those with active disease, we found significantly higher fatigue scores than among those with quiescent disease (fatigue scores: UC 17.1 versus 12.4, p < .001, and CD 17.5 versus 13.3, p < .001). The fatigue scores of those with quiescent disease were comparable with those of the reference population. Chronic fatigue was more frequent among IBD patients than in the reference population. Factors associated with fatigue included self-perceived disease activity, poor sleep quality, anxiety and depression.

CONCLUSION

At 20 years after IBD diagnosis, fatigue scores were higher and chronic fatigue was more frequent among IBD patients with active disease than in the reference population and among those with quiescent IBD. Subjectively perceived disease activity, sleep quality, anxiety and depression were associated with fatigue in IBD patients.

Etiology and Treatment of Pain and Psychosocial Issues in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

There is increasing evidence that brain-gut interactions are altered during development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Understanding the relationship between the neurobiology, psychological symptoms, and social ramifications of IBD can guide comprehensive care for the whole patient. The most common psychological conditions in patients with IBD are chronic abdominal pain, anxiety, and depression. We review the evidence-based data and rates of these conditions and their respective relationship to IBD and the diagnostic approaches to identify patients with these conditions. Different treatment options for pain and psychosocial conditions are discussed, and new models of team-based IBD care are introduced. Providing the health care provider with tools to diagnose and manage psychological conditions in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis is necessary for their total care and should be part of quality-improvement initiatives.

Impact of restless legs syndrome in patients with inflammatory bowel disease on sleep, fatigue, and quality of life

PURPOSE

Inflammatory bowel disease has been associated with neurological symptoms including restless legs syndrome. Here, we investigated the impact of restless legs syndrome in patients with inflammatory bowel disease on sleep, fatigue, mood, cognition, and quality of life.

METHODS

Two groups of inflammatory bowel disease patients, with and without restless legs syndrome, were prospectively evaluated for sleep disorders, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, depression, anxiety, and health-related quality of life. Furthermore, global cognitive function, executive function, attention, and concentration were assessed in both groups. Disease activity and duration of inflammatory bowel disease as well as current medication were assessed by interview. Inflammatory bowel disease patients with and without restless legs syndrome were matched for age, education, severity, and duration of their inflammatory bowel disease.

RESULTS

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and clinically relevant restless leg syndrome suffered significantly more frequent from sleep disturbances including sleep latency and duration, more fatigue, and worse health-related quality of life as compared to inflammatory bowel disease patients without restless legs syndrome. Affect and cognitive function including cognitive flexibility, attention, and concentration showed no significant differences among groups, indicating to be not related to restless legs syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep disorders including longer sleep latency, shorter sleep duration, and fatigue are characteristic symptoms of restless legs syndrome in inflammatory bowel disease patients, resulting in worse health-related quality of life. Therefore, clinicians treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease should be alert for restless legs syndrome.

Assessment of Gaps in Care and the Development of a Care Pathway for Anemia in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

BACKGROUND

Anemia is a common complication among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and is associated with high rates of IBD-related complications, resource utilization, and impaired quality of life. Despite practice guidelines for anemia in patients with IBD, gaps remain in the perceptions of anemia among health care providers. The aims of this study were to identify gaps in care and to develop a care pathway for anemia in patients with IBD.

METHODS

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America anemia care pathway was developed by a committee using principles of cognitive task analysis. Focus groups of providers of patients with IBD were performed to identify domains of perceptions and management decisions for anemia and IBD. Knowledge elicitation from subject experts in anemia was conducted using case-based scenarios of patients with IBD and anemia to determine decision-making branch points. The care pathway was modified in an iterative fashion to encompass clinical presentations of anemia in IBD and potential barriers to the recognition, management, and follow-up of anemia.

RESULTS

Variations were observed in how providers define iron deficiency, thresholds for treatment of anemia, and route of iron therapy. A care pathway for anemia incorporating the World Health Organization definition of anemia, universal hemoglobin and ferritin screening, evaluation of iron stores using ferritin and transferrin saturation, management of anemia based on adequacy of iron stores, and follow-up was developed.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors identified domains of how providers perceive and manage patients with IBD and anemia, and developed a care pathway to align clinical practices with guideline recommendations.

Vedolizumab Therapy Is Associated with an Improvement in Sleep Quality and Mood in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

INTRODUCTION

Poor sleep, depression, and anxiety are common in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and associated with increased risk of relapse and poor outcomes. The effectiveness of therapies in improving such psychosocial outcomes is unclear but is an important question to examine with increasing selectivity of therapeutic agents.

METHODS

This prospective cohort enrolled patients with moderate-to-severe CD or UC starting biologic therapy with vedolizumab or anti-tumor necrosis factor α agents (anti-TNF). Sleep quality, depression, and anxiety were measured using validated short-form NIH PROMIS questionnaires assessing sleep and mood quality over the past 7 days. Disease activity was assessed using validated indices. Improvement in sleep and mood scores from baseline was assessed, and regression models were used to identify determinants of sleep quality.

RESULTS

Our study included 160 patients with IBD (49 anti-TNF, 111 Vedolizumab) among whom half were women and the mean age was 40.2 years. In the combined cohort, we observed a statistically significant and meaningful decrease in mean scores from baseline (52.8) by week 6 (49.8, p = 0.002). Among vedolizumab users, sleep T-score improved from baseline (53.6) by week 6 (50.7) and persisted through week 54 (46.5, p = 0.009). Parallel reductions in depression and anxiety were also noted (p < 0.05 by week 6). We observed no difference in improvement in sleep, depression, and anxiety between vedolizumab and anti-TNF use at week 6.

CONCLUSIONS

Both vedolizumab and anti-TNF biologic therapies were associated with improvement in sleep and mood quality in IBD.

Fatigue Measures in Noncancer Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Critical Review

Fatigue is commonly reported by patients with noncancer gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as organic and functional GI disorders. This critical review was conducted to evaluate fatigue measures that have been used in these patients. A systematic search using six databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Cochrane Review) was conducted from January 2000 to June 2014, and evaluations and reviews of fatigue instruments were performed by two independent reviewers (author and medical librarian). Fourteen instruments from 25 studies were identified. Ten instruments were solely focused on fatigue and four were multisymptom instruments. The average quality score of the 14 instruments was 10.7 (range, 6-14) out of 14. There were five instruments with high overall scores based on usability/feasibility, clinical/research utility, and psychometric properties (3 fatigue-specific and 2 multisymptom). There are valid and reliable measures that are currently available to assess fatigue in noncancer GI patients. Utilization of these common measures may assist clinicians (GI healthcare providers) and researchers to better understand the impact of fatigue in these patients. The instruments with low-quality scores cannot be chosen for routine use without further validation.

Physical Activity Habits, Limitations, and Predictors in People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Large Cross-sectional Online Survey

BACKGROUND

Limited evidence suggests that physical activity has beneficial effects in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to determine the physical activity habits of adults with IBD, the limitations to physical activity they experience because of their disease, and the extent to which their physical activity is affected by various demographic, clinical, and psychological factors.

METHODS

Data were collected on 859 adult participants (52% with Crohn's disease, 75% women) through an online survey conducted between May and June 2016. Measures included physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), psychological symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), fatigue (subitems of IBD fatigue scale), exercise perceptions (Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale), and disease activity. Regression analyses were used to identify predictors of physical activity.

RESULTS

Only 17% of respondents were categorized as "high active." Self-reported physical activity levels decreased, and fatigue and psychological scores increased, with increasing disease activity. Walking was the most common activity performed (57% of respondents) and running/jogging the most commonly avoided (34%). Many participants (n = 677) reported that IBD limited their physical activity, for reasons including abdominal/joint pain (70%), fatigue/tiredness (69%), disease flare-up (63%), and increased toilet urgency (61%). Physical activity was independently associated with depression, disease activity, and perceived barriers to exercise in people with Crohn's disease, and depression and age in people with ulcerative or indeterminate colitis (all P ≤ 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

This survey highlights several important factors that should be considered by designers of future physical activity interventions for people with IBD.