Beyond endoscopic mucosal healing in UC: histological remission better predicts corticosteroid use and hospitalisation over 6 years of follow-up

A Treat-to-Target Update in Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

In 2015, the Selecting Therapeutic Targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (STRIDE) program proposed shifting the therapeutic focus on ulcerative colitis (UC) toward altering the natural history of the disease course by regularly monitoring objective measurements of disease activity and tailoring treatment accordingly. The therapeutic paradigm shift was well received in the research community and is often cited. However, new evidence on optimal UC treatment targets continues to accumulate since the time of the STRIDE guidelines. This systematic review summarizes the evidence accrued since the STRIDE UC recommendations, discusses the barriers for adoption of treat-to-target approaches in clinical practice in UC, and suggests directions for future research.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed MEDLINE for studies from the time of the STRIDE systematic review up to March 31, 2018, that assessed the potential treatment targets identified by the STRIDE recommendations.

RESULTS

Each potential treatment target literature search returned > 200 articles, which were then reviewed by 2 independent investigators for relevant studies. Selected studies of clinical factors, patient-reported outcomes, endoscopy, histology, imaging, and biomarkers and implications on treatment targets are summarized.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that the relative weight given to different therapeutic targets in the development and improvement of UC treatments could be optimized, with an increased emphasis on endoscopic and histological targets over clinical or symptomatic targets. For this evolution to occur, however, new research has to demonstrate that the treat-to-target approach will deliver on the promise of better long-term outcomes compared with current approaches.

Histologic Healing Rates of Medical Therapies for Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVES

Histologic remission is a potentially valuable means of assessing disease activity and treatment response in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the efficacy of existing therapies to achieve this outcome is unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of histologic outcomes in UC randomized controlled trials and examined the relationship between histologic and endoscopic outcomes.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and the Cochrane IBD Register were searched for randomized controlled trials of aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressives, biologics, and small molecules. Histologic and endoscopic remission and response data were independently extracted and pooled using binomial-normal random-effect or fixed-effect models. Pooled efficacy estimates were calculated as risk ratios (RRs) using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Univariable and multivariable random-effect meta-regression models examined factors associated with histologic remission.

RESULTS

Seventy-four studies (68 induction and 7 maintenance) were identified. Topical aminosalicylate enemas [37.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 29.0-46.3] and suppositories (44.9%, 95% CI, 28.9-62.3) had the highest induction of histologic remission rates. Aminosalicylate enemas (RR = 4.14, 95% CI, 2.35-7.31), aminosalicylate suppositories (RR = 3.94, 95% CI, 1.26-12.32), and budesonide multimatrix (RR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.08-1.99) had higher histologic remission rates than placebo. Data were lacking for biologics and immunosuppressives. The pooled histologic remission rate for placebo in induction studies was 10.4% (95% CI, 7.1-15.2). Histologic and endoscopic remission correlated strongly (r = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.50-0.78). In multivariate analysis of placebo-arm data, less severe clinical disease activity and corticosteroid use were associated with higher histologic remission rates. Similarly, mild clinical disease activity was associated with higher histologic remission rates when active-arm data were analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS

Histologic remission rates for current UC treatments ranged from 15.0% to 44.9% according to drug class and patient population with the highest rates observed for topical aminosalicylates. Placebo remission rates were low with relatively narrow CIs. These data provide benchmarks to inform future trial design. Histologic remission is a potential treatment target in clinical practice.

Validation and Investigation of the Operating Characteristics of the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity

BACKGROUND

The Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) is a novel instrument to evaluate endoscopic disease activity. It has been demonstrated to outperform the more widely used Mayo endoscopic score (MES) in predicting long-term prognosis, including the need for colectomy. Despite its potential benefits, many clinicians still prefer to use MES because its operating characteristics are better defined and its grades are more readily applicable to clinical decision-making. The aims of our study were to quantify the UCEIS cutoff most closely associated with the need for treatment escalation and to perform a validation exercise using MES and clinical, biochemical, and histological measures of disease activity.

METHODS

Endoscopies performed in UC patients between November 2016 and January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Agreement between the UCEIS and MES was quantified using Kappa (κ) statistics. A UCEIS cutoff for treatment escalation was calculated using chi-square, receiver operating characteristic curve, and area under the curve (AUC) analyses. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to compare linear relationships between UCEIS and clinical (Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index [SCCAI]), biochemical (C-reactive protein [CRP]), and histological (Nancy Histological Index [NHI]) activity.

RESULTS

Two hundred one (56%) procedures documented both UCEIS and MES, demonstrating substantial agreement (κ = 0.713; P < 0.001). Treatment was escalated after 199 (56%) procedures. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of need for treatment escalation showed the highest sensitivity and specificity for UCEIS ≥4 (0.80 and 0.93, respectively; AUC, 0.93). Of 170 patients with a UCEIS ≥4, treatment was escalated in 159 (94%), but not for 11 (6%). Of 185 patients with a UCEIS ≤3, 40 (22%) were escalated, whereas 145 (78%) were not (P < 0.001). UCEIS correlated strongly with NHI (0.723; P < 0.001), moderately with SCCAI (0.671; P < 0.001), and weakly with CRP (0.279; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A UCEIS ≥4 was significantly associated with treatment escalation. This cutoff could therefore be used to support clinical decision-making based on endoscopic findings. Strong and moderate correlations were found between UCEIS and histological and clinical disease activity, respectively, whereas a weak correlation was found with CRP.

10.1093/ibd/izy325_Video_1 izy325.video1 5849933952001.

Relationship between endoscopic mucosal healing and histologic inflammation during remission maintenance phase in ulcerative colitis: a retrospective study

Background and study aims  Recently, histological inflammation has been suggested to be an important predictor of sustained remission or relapse of ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study, we retrospectively compared severity of histological inflammation with endoscopic findings in UC patients with mucosal healing (MH) in the remission maintenance phase, and investigated whether histological healing could be a predictor of sustained remission. Patients and methods  This study included 166 patients with MH in the remission maintenance phase. Endoscopic evaluation was based on the Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES), and MH was defined as MES 0 or 1. Severity of histological inflammation was graded according to the Matts classification. Patients with Matts 1 and 2 were included in the histological healing (HH) group, and those with Matts 3, 4, and 5, in the non-histological healing (NHH) group. In patients with MH, incidence of relapse was compared and analyzed according to severity of histological inflammation. Results  The remission maintenance rate was significantly higher in the MES 0 group than in the MES 1 group ( P  = 0.004). The rate was significantly higher in the HH group than in the NHH group ( P  = 0.003). Within the MES 1 group, the rate was significantly higher in the HH subgroup than in the NHH subgroup ( P  = 0.030). Conclusions  This retrospective study suggests that histological healing can be a predictor of sustained remission in UC patients, and examination of histological inflammation provides useful information for long-term management of UC, particularly in patients with MES 1.

Second-Look Endoscopy in Hospitalized Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a serious complication of ulcerative colitis (UC). Management of partial responders to steroids or rescue therapy remains challenging. Whether there is a role for re-look sigmoidoscopic evaluation in disease management is unknown.

METHODS

Our study cohort consisted of patients who underwent 2 sigmoidoscopic procedures during the same index hospitalization for ASUC at our center. Reasons for repeat endoscopic evaluation and endoscopic and histologic severity of inflammation during both procedures were noted. Multivariable regression models were performed to identify predictors of improvement at the second endoscopic assessment and to determine the independent effect of such an improvement on in-hospital colectomy and at 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

Our study included 49 patients (mean age, 42 years; 52% women). Just under one-third of patients (30%) were noted to have improved endoscopic appearance at the second sigmoidoscopy, at a median of 9 days after initial exam. None of the patients who had improvement on the second endoscopy underwent in-hospital colectomy, compared with 46% of those with worsening or persistent disease (P = 0.002). Similar differences in the improved group persisted at 3 months (P = 0.007) and 6 months (P = 0.027). Histologic severity at the first endoscopy was associated with increased risk of colectomy in-hospital (odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-14.21) and at 3 and 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

After a median interval of 9 days, endoscopic improvement was noted in 30% of patients with ASUC undergoing a second sigmoidoscopy, which predicted lower rates of colectomy in-hospital and at 3 and 6 months.

Defining Faecal Calprotectin Thresholds as a Surrogate for Endoscopic and Histological Disease Activity in Ulcerative Colitis-a Prospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

Faecal calprotectin [FCal] levels are used as a surrogate marker for mucosal inflammation, but thresholds for defining endoscopic or histological disease activity in ulcerative colitis [UC] remain unclear.

METHODS

Using validated indices, prospective measurements of FCal, symptoms [Simple Colitis Clinical Activity Index, SCCAI], endoscopic [Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity, UCEIS] and histological activity [Nancy index] were made over 6 months in patients enrolled into the TrueColours UC web-based monitoring programme. Repeated measurements correlation was performed between FCal and SCCAI, UCEIS, and Nancy indices using definitions for remission and active disease [UCEIS: remission ≤1, active ≥4; Nancy: remission ≤1, active ≥2; combined criteria: remission UCEIS ≤1 and Nancy ≤1, active UCEIS ≥4 and Nancy ≥2]. Receiver operating characteristic curves investigated FCal thresholds after maximising sensitivity for active disease.

RESULTS

In 39 patients followed prospectively for 6 months, correlation coefficients between FCal and SCCAI, UCEIS, and Nancy indices were 0.271 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.114-0.415), 0.741 [95% CI 0.289-0.922], and 0.876 [95% CI 0.605-0.965], respectively. Median FCal thresholds for remission using endoscopic, histological, or combined criteria were 71 μg/g [range 8-624], 91 μg/g [range 8-858], and 67 μg/g [range 8-479], respectively. The FCal threshold above which active disease was confirmed was 187 μg/g for UCEIS (area under the curve [AUC] 0.915), 72 μg/g for Nancy [AUC 0.824], and 187 μg/g for combined endoscopic and histological criteria [AUC 0.936].

CONCLUSIONS

Correlation between FCal and symptoms in UC is weak. In contrast, the correlation between FCal and endoscopic or histological activity is strong. An FCal ≥72 μg/g indicates histological inflammation [Nancy ≥2] and ≥187 μg/g indicates endoscopically active disease [UCEIS ≥4], whether combined with histopathology or not.

What is the role of histopathology in the evaluation of disease activity in Crohn's disease?

Assessment of disease activity is essential for developing and determining appropriate therapy in patients with Crohn's disease. Currently, clinical and endoscopic treatment targets have been proposed, whereas histologic assessment of disease activity is not recommended in expert guidelines. Histologic assessment of disease activity has emerged as an important tool in ulcerative colitis as persistent histological inflammation is associated with clinical relapse, corticosteroid use, hospitalisation, and development of dysplasia. Similar data for Crohn's disease is limited but emerging literature suggests that histologic evaluation of disease activity may have value. This review summarizes the recent literature regarding histologic evaluation of disease activity in Crohn's disease. Correlation between histologic, endoscopic, and other markers of disease activity are discussed. Histologic scoring systems in Crohn's disease are described and practical guidance is provided to gastroenterologists and pathologists on how to report and interpret histologic data.

Deep Remission With Vedolizumab in Patients With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis: A GEMINI 1 post hoc Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This GEMINI 1 post hoc analysis evaluated vedolizumab efficacy for inducing deep remission in patients with ulcerative colitis and correlation between vedolizumab trough concentrations and deep remission rates.

METHODS

Week 6 vedolizumab responders were re-randomized to placebo or vedolizumab every 8 or 4 weeks. Deep remission at Week 52 was measured using four different definitions [from most to least stringent]: [1] Mayo Clinic endoscopic score = 0, rectal bleeding score = 0 and decrease or no change from baseline in stool frequency score; [2] endoscopic score ≤1, rectal bleeding score = 0 and stool frequency score = 0; [3] endoscopic score ≤1, rectal bleeding score = 0, decrease or no change from baseline stool frequency score, and total score [endoscopic score + rectal bleeding score + stool frequency score] ≤1; and [4] endoscopic score ≤1, rectal bleeding score = 0 and stool frequency score ≤1. Steady-state trough vedolizumab serum concentrations were evaluated.

RESULTS

At Week 6, 373 vedolizumab responders were re-randomized to maintenance placebo [n = 126] or vedolizumab every 8 [n = 122] or 4 [n = 125] weeks. Significantly more vedolizumab patients achieved deep remission at Week 52 for the most (placebo 8.7%, every 8 weeks 27.0% [p = 0.0001], every 4 weeks 28.0% [p < 0.0001]) and least (placebo 15.9%, every 8 weeks 43.4% [p < 0.0001], every 4 weeks 43.2% [p < 0.0001]) stringent definitions. Patients with higher vedolizumab trough concentration quartiles had higher deep remission rates [all definitions] compared with those with the lowest quartile or who received placebo.

CONCLUSION

Vedolizumab was associated with significantly higher deep remission rates than placebo at Week 52, regardless of deep remission definition [NCT00783718].

Fully automated diagnostic system with artificial intelligence using endocytoscopy to identify the presence of histologic inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), an incremental benefit of achieving histologic healing beyond that of endoscopic mucosal healing has been suggested; persistent histologic inflammation increases the risk of exacerbation and dysplasia. However, identification of persistent histologic inflammation is extremely difficult using conventional endoscopy. Furthermore, the reproducibility of endoscopic disease activity is poor. We developed and evaluated a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system to predict persistent histologic inflammation using endocytoscopy (EC; 520-fold ultra-magnifying endoscope).

METHODS

We evaluated the accuracy of the CAD system using test image sets. First, we retrospectively reviewed the data of 187 patients with UC from whom biopsy samples were obtained after endocytoscopic observation. EC images and biopsy samples of each patient were collected from 6 colorectal segments: cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum. All EC images were tagged with reference to the biopsy sample's histologic activity. For validation samples, 525 validation sets of 525 independent segments were collected from 100 patients, and 12,900 EC images from the remaining 87 patients were used for machine learning to construct CAD. The primary outcome measure was the diagnostic ability of CAD to predict persistent histologic inflammation. Its reproducibility for all test images was also assessed.

RESULTS

CAD provided diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy as follows: 74% (95% confidence interval, 65%-81%), 97% (95% confidence interval, 95%-99%), and 91% (95% confidence interval, 83%-95%), respectively. Its reproducibility was perfect (κ = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Our CAD system potentially allows fully automated identification of persistent histologic inflammation associated with UC.

Neutrophil-derived microRNAs put the (DNA) breaks on intestinal mucosal healing

A predominant feature of intestinal inflammation is the accumulation of neutrophils, which dictates a fine balance between epithelial repair or progression to chronic inflammation. While the processes of mucosal healing are well studied, how neutrophils advance an inflammatory insult towards epithelial neoplasia is less understood. In this issue of the JCI, Butin-Israeli et al. outline a mechanism whereby neutrophils control epithelial fitness and genomic instability via delivery of miR-23a-and miR-155-containing microparticles. Localized delivery of antisense oligonucleotides targeting miR-23a and miR-155 reversed this genomic instability and accelerated mucosal healing. This mechanism of neutrophil-derived microRNA shuttling opens up new therapeutic potential to enhance epithelial healing and limit mucosal injury.

NLRP3-Dependent and -Independent Processing of Interleukin (IL)-1β in Active Ulcerative Colitis

A contributing factor in the development of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) is the disruption of innate and adaptive signaling pathways due to aberrant cytokine production. The cytokine, interleukin (IL)-1β, is highly inflammatory and its production is tightly regulated through transcriptional control and both inflammasome-dependent and inflammasome- independent proteolytic cleavage. In this study, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence confocal microscopy were used to (1) assess the mRNA expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, CASP1 and ASC in paired biopsies from UC and CD patient, and (2) the colonic localization and spatial relationship of NLRP3 and IL-1β in active and quiescent disease. NLRP3 and IL-1β were found to be upregulated in active UC and CD. During active disease, IL-1β was localized to the infiltrate of lamina propria immune cells, which contrasts with the near-exclusive epithelial cell layer expression during non-inflammatory conditions. In active disease, NLRP3 was consistently expressed within the neutrophils and other immune cells of the lamina propria and absent from the epithelial cell layer. The disparity in spatial localization of IL-1β and NLRP3, observed only in active UC, which is characterized by a neutrophil-dominated lamina propria cell population, implies inflammasome-independent processing of IL-1β. Consistent with other acute inflammatory conditions, these results suggest that blocking both caspase-1 and neutrophil-derived serine proteases may provide an additional therapeutic option for treating active UC.

[Evolving Therapeutic Strategies in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease]

It is important to have effective therapeutic strategies and goals in clinical practice and research of inflammatory bowel disease. Conventional end points for clinical trials in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis have been based on composite indices, such as the Crohn's Disease Activity Index and the Mayo Clinic Score. Although these indices have been shown to reduce the intestinal injury to some extent, satisfactory results have not been obtained in improving the quality of life of patients. Recently, alternative measures of outcome and definitions of response are being developed beyond symptoms. Mucosal healing as a clinical response and treatment goal has showed better long-term outcomes. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are emerging instrument directly created by patient to quantify symptoms. Coprimary realistic treatment 'target', comprising mucosal healing and PROs, can offer a clinically valid endpoint and can be readily applied in practice compare to existing composite indices. 'Treat-to-target' algorithm based on mucosal healing and PROs, in which therapy is progressively intensified until a specific personal treatment goal is reached, could improve quality of life of patient by reducing disease-related disability. Furthermore, histologic remission is an area of increased research focus and has the potential to guide treatment decisions in the future.

The emerging role of histologic disease activity assessment in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Assessment of disease activity is essential for developing and determining appropriate therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Validated clinical and endoscopic scoring systems have been established to accurately define disease activity. Clinical and endoscopic treatment targets have also been proposed, with gastroenterologists encouraged to optimize medical therapy to achieve these targets. Recently, histology has been recognized as an important prognostic factor and potential treatment target in patients with UC.

METHODS

This review summarizes the recent literature regarding histologic scoring indices in UC and offers practical guidance to gastroenterologists on how to interpret histologic data.

RESULTS

Substantial evidence indicates that histology accurately predicts clinical relapse, hospitalization, corticosteroid use, and development of dysplasia. Furthermore, compared with endoscopy, findings suggest that histology may be more predictive of these outcomes. Because microscopic disease activity can persist in the absence of clinical or endoscopic disease activity, histology may be the ideal marker of inflammation. Standardized definitions of histologic response and remission and a biopsy procurement protocol are needed to guide clinical decision making. It is recommended that overall assessment of disease severity be determined according to the worst affected biopsy fragment. Crypt architectural distortion, basal plasmacytosis, and neutrophilic activity should be reported. A 5-category classification system based on disease chronicity/activity and basal plasmacytosis is proposed. It is not yet necessary to report on the degree of mucosal eosinophilia or use a validated scoring system, although the latter may aid in determining therapeutic response.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rarely used to measure inflammation and guide therapy, histologic disease activity is predictive of important clinical outcomes in UC. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether histology should function as a treatment target.

Correlation Between Endoscopic and Histological Activity in Ulcerative Colitis Using Validated Indices

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopy and histopathology are pivotal for evaluating disease activity in ulcerative colitis [UC]; correlation between validated endoscopic and histological indices has not been examined. We aim to correlate the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity [UCEIS] with two new validated histological indices in patients with established UC.

METHODS

This was a single-centre cohort of patients with established UC, who underwent flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy by a single endoscopist. The UCEIS was scored at the worst affected area in the distal colon, which was biopsied; histological disease activity using Nancy [NI] and Robarts' Histological [RHI] indices was scored by a pathologist blinded to the endoscopy. Spearman correlation between the UCEIS, NI, and RHI, and between NI and RHI, was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 125 patients, median age 37 years [range 16-81 years], with UCEIS scores [scale 0-8]: 0, n = 21; 1-3, n = 48; 4-6, n = 51; and 7-8, n = 5, were included. Correlation coefficients between UCEIS and NI [scale 0-4] were r = 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-0.89, p < 0.001) and between UCEIS and RHI [scale 0-33] r = 0.86 [95% CI 0.80-0.90, p < 0.001]. The difference in correlation was not significant [p = 0.57]. There was excellent correlation between the two histological indices [r = 0.92, 95% CI 0.87-0.95, p < 0.001]. Quiescent disease activity defined as the absence of neutrophils [Nancy 0-1, Robarts 0-3] was most closely correlated with UCEIS = 0.

CONCLUSIONS

The UCEIS strongly correlates with both NI and RHI. Complete mucosal healing is best defined as a UCEIS = 0/8, since this correlates with the absence of microscopic disease activity.

The sensitivity of fecal calprotectin in predicting deep remission in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Mucosal healing is proposed as treat-to-target in ulcerative colitis (UC), even though the definition of mucosal healing remains contested as it has been suggested to be assessed by either endoscopy, histology or both. However, all definitions require an endoscopic evaluation of the mucosa. As endoscopies are invasive and uncomfortable to the patient we aimed to calibrate noninvasive predictors of mucosal inflammatory status defined by both endoscopy and histology.

METHODS

UC patients (n = 106) undergoing a sigmoid-/colonoscopy were prospectively included. Feces (fecal calprotectin, FC), blood samples (hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, orosomucoid, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, albumin) and symptom scores (Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index, SSCAI) were collected and analyzed. The colonic mucosa was assessed by the Mayo endoscopic sub score and biopsies were obtained for a histologic grading by Geboes score. Predictive cutoff values were analyzed by receiver operating characteristics (ROC). A combined endoscopic and histologic assessment defined deep remission (Mayo =0 and Geboes ≤1) and activity (Mayo ≥2 and Geboes >3).

RESULTS

Only FC showed a significant ROC curve (p < .05). We suggest FC (mg/kg) cutoffs for detection of following: Deep remission: FC ≤25; Indeterminate: FC 25-230 - an endoscopy is recommended if a comprehensive status of both endoscopic and histologic assessed activity is needed; Active disease: FC >230. The complete ROC data is presented, enabling extraction of an FC cutoff value's sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

FC predicts endoscopic and histologic assessed deep remission and inflammatory activity of colon mucosa. Neither the markers in blood nor the SCCAI performed significant ROC results.

An Elevated Platelet Count Increases the Risk of Relapse in Ulcerative Colitis Patients with Mucosal Healing

Background/Aims

Although mucosal healing (MH) has been considered a treatment goal for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), the risk factors predictive of relapse in patients who achieve MH are unknown. Because the platelet count has been shown to be a marker of inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases, this study aimed to assess whether the platelet count could predict relapse in UC patients with MH.

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed. UC patients with MH were consecutively enrolled in the study and monitored for at least 2 years or until relapse. The correlation between the incidence of relapse and the platelet count at the time of study enrollment was examined.

Results

In total, 43 patients were enrolled, and 14 patients (33%) relapsed. The median platelet count at the time of enrollment in the patients who relapsed significantly differed from that in the patients who did not relapse (27.2×10⁴/μL vs 23.8×10⁴/μL, respectively; p=0.016). A platelet count >25.0×10⁴/μL was a significant risk factor for relapse based on a multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 4.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 25.28), and according to the Kaplan-Meier analysis, this cutoff could identify patients susceptible to relapse (p=0.041, log-rank test).

Conclusions

The platelet count could be used as a predictor of relapse in UC patients with MH.

Does Medical Acceleration Improve Outcomes in Ulcerative Colitis Patients Who Are in Clinical Remission but Have Endoscopic Inflammation?

BACKGROUND

Discrepancies between clinical symptoms and mucosal inflammation have been reported in up to 50% of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, there are no guidelines and only limited information for appropriate treatment manipulation.

AIM

We aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes according to treatment strategies and determine predictive factors for disease relapse in UC patients who are in clinical remission (CR) but still have endoscopic inflammation.

METHODS

A total of 204 patients who were confirmed as achieving CR but still had mucosal inflammation were included. CR was defined as "partial Mayo score ≤ 1" with no changes in medications or use of any corticosteroids during the past 3 months. An active mucosal lesion was defined as "endoscopic Mayo subscore > 0."

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 43.5 years, and 53.9% were male. The mean disease duration was 89.9 months. During a mean follow-up of 34 months, 90 patients (44%) experienced disease relapse. The cumulative relapse-free rate did not differ by treatment strategy (maintenance of current therapy vs. dose elevation or step-up therapy). Multivariate analysis revealed that left-side colitis or pancolitis at diagnosis (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.04-4.27; P = 0.040) and number of extraintestinal manifestations ≥ 2 (OR 5.62; 95% CI 1.10-28.68; P = 0.038) were independent predictive factors for disease relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

The current medical acceleration treatment strategy did not have a significant influence on the long-term outcomes of UC patients in CR but with active mucosal inflammation. Disease extent at diagnosis and extraintestinal manifestations were independently predictive of disease relapse.

Practical fecal calprotectin cut-off value for Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis

AIM

To determine appropriate fecal calprotectin cut-off values for the prediction of endoscopic and histologic remission in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional observational study of 131 Japanese patients with UC and measured fecal calprotectin levels by fluorescence enzyme immunoassay. The clinical activity of UC was assessed with the partial Mayo score (PMS). Relapse was defined as increase of PMS by 2 points or more in stool frequency or rectal bleeding subscore. The endoscopic and histologic activities of UC were evaluated in 50 patients within a 2-mo period from fecal sampling. Endoscopic activity was determined by Mayo endoscopic subscore, Rachmilewitz endoscopic index, and ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity. The histologic grade of inflammation was evaluated with biopsy specimens obtained from the endoscopically most severely inflamed site, according to the scheme by Matts grade and Riley’s score.

RESULTS

Fecal calprotectin levels varied from 1-20783 μg/g. There was a significant correlation between the partial Mayo score and fecal calprotectin levels (r = 0.548, P < 0.001). In 50 patients who underwent colonoscopy with biopsy, levels were significantly correlated with the Mayo endoscopic subscore (r = 0.574, P < 0.001), Rachmilewitz endoscopic index (r = 0.628, P < 0.001), ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity (r = 0.613, P < 0.001), Riley’s histologic score (r = 0.400, P = 0.006), and Matts grade (r = 0.586, P < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic analyses identified the best cut-off value for the prediction of endoscopic remission as 288 μg/g, with an area under the curve of 0.777 or 0.823, while that for histologic remission was 123 or 125 μg/g, with an AUC of 0.881 or 0918, respectively. Of the 131 study patients, 88 patients in clinical remission were followed up 6 mo. During the follow-up period, 19 patients relapsed. The best fecal calprotectin cut-off value for predicting relapse was 175 μg/g.

CONCLUSION

Fecal calprotectin is a predictive biomarker for endoscopic and histologic remission in Japanese patients with UC.

Immune Stimulation Using a Gut Microbe-Based Immunotherapy Reduces Disease Pathology and Improves Barrier Function in Ulcerative Colitis

Background: Current ulcerative colitis (UC) treatments are focused on symptom management primarily via immune suppression. Despite the current arsenal of immunosuppressant treatments, the majority of patients with UC still experience disease progression. Importantly, aggressive long-term inhibition of immune function comes with consequent risk, such as serious infections and malignancy. There is thus a recognized need for new, safe and effective treatment strategies for people living with UC that work upstream of managing the symptoms of the disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate a microbial-based treatment, QBECO, that functions to productively activate rather than suppress mucosal immune function as a novel approach to treat UC. Methods: Two established models of experimental colitis, namely chemically-induced DSS colitis and the spontaneous colitis that develops in Muc2 deficient mice, were used to assess whether QBECO treatment could ameliorate gastrointestinal disease. A small exploratory 16-week QBECO open-label trial was subsequently conducted to test the safety and tolerability of this approach and also to determine whether similar improvements in clinical disease and histopathology could be demonstrated in patients with moderate-to-severe UC. Results: QBECO treatment successfully reduced inflammation and promoted mucosal and histological healing in both experimental models and in UC patients. The preclinical models of colitis showed that QBECO ameliorated mucosal pathology, in part by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, primarily that induced by neutrophils and inflammatory T cells. The most rapid and noticeable change observed in QBECO treated UC patients was a marked reduction in rectal bleeding. Conclusion: Collectively, this work demonstrates for the first time that strategically activating immune function rather than suppressing it, not only does not worsen colitis induced-damage, but may lead to an objective reduction in UC disease pathology.

Colon capsule endoscopy for inflammatory bowel disease

Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is designed for direct visualization of the colonic mucosa through passive propulsion. The role of CCE in the detection of colonic polyps has been extensively evaluated. As mucosal healing has emerged as a pivotal target for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), there is increasing data to suggest that CCE can also be used in the monitoring of mucosal inflammation in patients with active IBD, particularly in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Despite advantages such as its non-invasive nature, patient's comfort, safety, and access to anatomical regions not easily reached by conventional endoscopy, CE has limitations including the lack of ability to obtain biopsies or therapeutic capabilities and no control over movement. In this review, the role and diagnostic value of CCE on diagnosis and monitoring of UC and CD patients, its safety and limitations are discussed.

The Paddington International Virtual Chromoendoscopy Score in ulcerative colitis exhibits very good inter-rater agreement after computerized module training: a multicenter study across academic and community practice (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Electronic virtual chromoendoscopy (EVC) can demonstrate ongoing disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC), even when Mayo subscores suggest healing. However, applicability of EVC technology outside the expert setting has yet to be determined.

METHODS

Fifteen participants across 5 centers reviewed a computerized training module outlining high-definition and EVC (iScan) colonoscopy modes. Interobserver agreement was then tested (Mayo score, Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity [UCEIS], and the Paddington International Virtual Chromoendoscopy Score [PICaSSO] for UC), using a colonoscopy video library (30 cases reviewed pretraining and 30 post-training). Knowledge sustainability was retested in a second round (42 cases; 9/15 participants), 6 months after training provision.

RESULTS

Pretraining intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were good for the Mayo endoscopic subscore (ICC, .775), UCEIS scoring erosions/ulcers (ICC, .770), and UCEIS overall (ICC, .786) and for mucosal (ICC, .754) and vascular components of PICaSSO (ICC, .622). For the vascular components of UCEIS, agreement was only moderate (ICC, .429) and did not enhance post-training (ICC, .417); conversely, use of PICaSSO improved post-training (mucosal ICC, .848; vascular, .746). Histologic correlation using the New York Mt. Sinai System was strong for both PICaSSO components (Spearman's ρ for mucosal: .925; vascular, .873; P < .001 for both). Moreover, accuracy in specifically discriminating quiescent from mild histologic strata was strongest for PICaSSO (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] for mucosal, .781; vascular, .715) compared with Mayo (AUROC, .708) and UCEIS (AUROC for UCEIS overall, .705; vascular, .562; bleeding, .645; erosions/ulcers, .696). Inter-rater reliability for PICaSSO was sustained by round 2 participants (round 1 and 2 ICC for mucosal, .873 and .869, respectively; vascular, .715 and .783, respectively), together with histologic correlation (ρ mucosal, .934; vascular, .938; P < .001 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

PICaSSO demonstrates good interobserver agreement across all levels of experience, providing excellent correlation with histology. Given the ability to discriminate subtle endoscopic features, PICaSSO may be applied to refine stratified treatment paradigms for UC patients.

Can we move directly from 5-ASA to a biologic agent in ulcerative colitis?

European consensus guidelines and reimbursement policies position biologic drugs for ulcerative colitis (UC) as a third-line treatment, after failure of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and corticosteroids/thiopurines. While 5-ASA have a very favorable safety profile, (prolonged) use of corticosteroids and thiopurines is associated with potentially serious adverse events. The therapeutic landscape of UC is rapidly evolving and selective biologic drugs with improved safety are being introduced. The first biosimilars have entered the market, leading to improved cost-effectiveness of older biologic drugs. In addition, new insights have been gained in the importance of stringent therapeutic targets such as mucosal and histological healing to improve the long-term outcome of UC patients, and in the role of therapeutic drug monitoring and treatment optimization in this regard. In this manuscript we tackle the question of whether we should move directly from 5-ASA treatment to biologic drugs to offer better and/or safer care to UC patients.

Management of Crohn's Disease and Complications in Patients With Ostomies

Fecal diversion with ostomy construction can be a temporary or definitive surgical measure for the treatment of refractory inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the fecal diversion surgery is associated with various stoma, peristomal complications, and recurrence or occurrence of de novo small bowel Crohn's disease (CD). Stoma complications often need enterostomal therapy or surgical revision. Peristomal cutaneous lesions, such as pyoderma gangrenosum, usually require immunomodulator or biological therapy. Routine monitoring for occurrence or recurrence of CD with endoscopy or imaging should be performed, and prophylaxis with mesalamines, antibiotics, immunomodulators, or anti-TNFα or anti-integrin agents is needed for patients at risk. Those agents, along with corticosteroids, may also be used for the treatment of CD of the neo-small intestine, particularly inflammatory and fistulizing phenotypes. Endoscopic balloon dilation or endoscopic stricturotomy via stoma is safe and feasible to treat short (<4-5 cm), straight strictures in the neo-small intestine. Medically or endoscopically refractory fibrostenotic disease usually requires surgical intervention, with bowel-sparing stricturoplasty being the surgical treatment of choice.

Colorectal cancer prevention in patients with ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is characterized by chronic inflammation, which may lead to the accumulation of high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines within the colonic mucosa, and thus to dysplastic lesions and cancer. Although the trend is decreasing, ulcerative colitis patients still have a 2.4 fold higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to the general population. The key task is to control colonic inflammation, and a rapid step-up approach while closely monitoring intestinal inflammation are recommented. Surveillance colonoscopy program demonstrated its efficacy for reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer in ulcerative colitis. The impact of medication on the reduction of colorectal cancer risk was hardly investigated and it remains unclear whether they have intrinsic anti-neoplastic properties or only downregulate inflammatory pathways. Several studies showed a decreased risk of colorectal cancer in ulcerative colitis patients treated with 5-aminosalicylic acid and chemoprevention with mesalamine compounds is currently recommended. The current level of evidence is too low for thiopurines and anti-TNFα agents. Large, prospective cohort studies are ongoing and are likely to bring new findings about the impact of drugs on colorectal cancer risk in the current era of biologics.

Which evidence for a treat to target strategy in ulcerative colitis?

The main therapeutic goal of in ulcerative colitis is to maintain disease remission. The new concept of deep remission implies also a complete mucosal healing. Histological assessment of disease in UC seems to be an important prognostic factor to predict disease outcome. In this article we review current definitions of mucosal healing, histological healing, histological remission and available histological scores assessing histological activity of disease in ulcerative colitis. Comparison between mucosal healing and histological remission shows that histological remission is a better prognostic factor than mucosal healing to predict outcome in ulcerative colitis and could be a new therapeutic goal in ulcerative colitis but actually histology is not a target due to lack of evidence of clinical utility. Some investigations are needed to clearly defined histological remission and to determine its role in therapeutic strategy. Futhermore histological assessment remains an invasive exploration and other alternative as faecal markers are discuss to predict ulcerative outcome.

Narrow band imaging efficiency in evaluation of mucosal healing/relapse of ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

 Mucosal healing is a current treatment target in ulcerative colitis (UC), while histological remission is another target. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of magnified narrow band imaging (NBI) findings of mucosal healing and their relationship with histological activity and prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

 Patients with UC who underwent total colonoscopy between January 2010 and December 2012 with left-sided or total-colitis type UC and achieved clinical remission with an endoscopic Mayo score of 0 or 1 were included. Each colon section was observed with white light and magnified NBI, with the colonoscopy being repeated at 1-year follow-up. We assessed the relationships of magnified NBI with histological disease activity and prognosis. Magnified NBI findings were divided into three categories; honeycomb-like blood vessels (BV-H), blood vessels shaped like bare branches (BV-BB), and blood vessels shaped like vines (BV-V).

RESULTS

 Fifty-two patients were included. The percentage of remitted mucosa with BV-BB was 37 %, while that of mucosa with scars with BV-H was 35 %. BV-H and BV-BB did not show pathological activity (12/292 and 8/299, respectively), while BV-V showed high pathological activity (27/33, 81 %). There was a correlation between magnified NBI findings and pathological findings ( P  < 0.01). The odds ratio for inflammation activity at 1-year follow-up was 14.2 for BV-BB (95 % CI, 3.3 - 60.9).

CONCLUSION

 Magnified NBI findings showed a good relationship with histological activity. This suggests that we could estimate histological activity without biopsy, and also the possibility of predicting relapse over the following year.

Gastrointestinal ultrasound in inflammatory bowel disease: an underused resource with potential paradigm-changing application

Evolution of treatment targets in IBD has increased the need for objective monitoring of disease activity to guide therapeutic strategy. Although mucosal healing is the current target of therapy in IBD, endoscopy is invasive, expensive and unappealing to patients. GI ultrasound (GIUS) represents a non-invasive modality to assess disease activity in IBD. It is accurate, cost-effective and reproducible. GIUS can be performed at the point of care without specific patient preparation so as to facilitate clinical decision-making. As compared with ileocolonoscopy and other imaging modalities (CT and MRI), GIUS is accurate in diagnosing IBD, detecting complications of disease including fistulae, strictures and abscesses, monitoring disease activity and detecting postoperative disease recurrence. International groups increasingly recognise GIUS as a valuable tool with paradigm-changing application in the management of IBD; however, uptake outside parts of continental Europe has been slow and GIUS is underused in many countries. The aim of this review is to present a pragmatic guide to the positioning of GIUS in IBD clinical practice, providing evidence for use, algorithms for integration into practice, training pathways and a strategic implementation framework.

Assessment of Histological Remission in Ulcerative Colitis: Discrepancies Between Daily Practice and Expert Opinion

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Histological remission [HR] is a potential treatment target in ulcerative colitis [UC]. Limited 'real world' data are available on the reliability of histological scoring when assessing minimal histological inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of UC histological scores in colonic biopsies showing mucosal healing [MH] and limited histological inflammation, and to compare the 'daily practice' histological assessment with expert reviews by gastrointestinal [GI] pathologists.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective single-centre study. Colonic biopsies from UC patients with MH [Mayo score ≤ 1] were included. All biopsies assessed in daily practice were reassessed by three blinded GI pathologists using three histological scores (Geboes score [GS], Riley score [RS], Harpaz [Gupta] Index [HGI]) and a global visual scale [GVS]. We evaluated inter- and intra-observer variation between GI pathologists and correlations between scores including the initial histological assessment using Cronbach's alpha and Spearman rho analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 270 biopsies from 39 UC patients were included. The inter-observer concordance for all histological indexes was substantial to almost perfect [GS 0.84; HGI 0.61; GVS 0.74, RS 0.91]. Correlation between the RS and GS was almost perfect [R = 0.86], but we found no correlation between the primary histological assessment and reassessment by GI pathologists.

CONCLUSIONS

Current UC histological scores reliably assess limited histological inflammation in UC patients. The discrepancy between the initial histological assessment and the reassessment by dedicated GI pathologists suggests a gap between daily practice and academic expertise. This issue may limit the implementation of HR as a treatment target for UC in daily practice.

Adalimumab for Induction of Histological Remission in Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Histological remission represents a target distinct from endoscopic healing in ulcerative colitis (UC) and seems a better predictor of clinical outcomes.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of adalimumab to achieve histological remission in UC patients.

METHODS

Single-center, retrospective, open-label study of patients treated with adalimumab. Eligible patients were anti-TNF naïve adults with moderately to severely active UC. The Mayo score including endoscopy was performed at baseline and weeks 8 and 52. Histological activity was scored using the Geboes Index. The primary endpoint was histological remission, defined as a Geboes grade ≤ 3.0, at week 52.

RESULTS

We included 34 patients. At week 8, 6 of 34 patients (17.6%) achieved histological remission. At week 52, 9 patients (26.5%, intention to treat; 31%, per protocol) had histological remission. Patients had a significant and progressive reduction in the most severe subgrades of Geboes Index from baseline at weeks 8 and 52. At weeks 8 and 52, 50 and 61.8% of patients achieved mucosal healing (Mayo endoscopic subscore 0-1). All patients who achieved histological remission also had mucosal healing. At week 8, 85.3 and 20.6% of patients achieved clinical response (decrease in Mayo score ≤ 3 points) or remission (Mayo score ≤ 2), respectively. At week 52, the corresponding values were 67.6 and 52.9%, respectively. At week 52, agreement between histological remission and mucosal healing was fair (kappa 0.293). Agreement between histological remission and Mayo endoscopic subscore 0 was good (kappa 0.71).

CONCLUSIONS

Adalimumab was able to achieve histological remission in anti-TNF naïve patients with moderately to severely active UC.

Association of endoscopic and histological remission with clinical course in patients of ulcerative colitis

Background/Aims

The therapeutic goal for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) patients has shifted to achieving mucosal healing over the past few years. However, at present, limited data is available on the correlation between endoscopic findings and histological remission in patients with endoscopic mucosal healing.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study conducted over a period of 18 months (January 2014 to June 2015) at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Patients diagnosed with UC who had been in clinical remission (n=76) for at least 6 months were evaluated for endoscopic remission. Those in endoscopic remission (Mayo score ≤1; 46/76, 60.5%) were subjected to multiple biopsies from the rectosigmoid region and histological remission, which was then defined as grade 0/1 as per the Geboes criteria.

Results

Of the 46 patients in endoscopic remission (age, 18–73 years; male:female=1.5:1.0), majority had E1 (proctitis) disease (21/46, 45.6%) followed by E2 (left sided colitis) (18/46, 39.1%) and E3 disease (pancolitis) (7/46, 15.2%) at baseline. Histological remission was noted in 67.3% (31/46) of the patients, while 32.7% (15/46) still retained the histologically active disease in the form of infiltration of the lamina propria by eosinophils and neutrophils (13/15, 86.6%), cryptitis (14/15, 93.3%), and crypt abscesses (8/15, 53.3%). On follow-up, after 1 year, 87.1% (27/31) of the patients who had been in histological remission remained clinically asymptomatic, while 12.9% (4/31) had relapsed. Among the 15 histologically active patients, 46.6% (7/15) remained in clinical remission, while 53.3% (8/15) had relapsed.

Conclusions

Histological remission, rather than endoscopic remission, predicts a sustained clinical remission and allows monitoring of therapy for the subsequent disease course in patients with UC.

Prognostic value of histological activity in patients with ulcerative colitis in deep remission: A prospective multicenter study

Background

Histological remission has been proposed as a new treatment goal in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) although no universal definition for microscopic activity exists.

Aim

We evaluated the accuracy of histological activity to predict clinical relapse in UC patients with both clinical and endoscopic remission.

Methods

Asymptomatic UC patients in endoscopic remission (Mayo endoscopic sub-score 0 or 1) undergoing surveillance colonoscopy in two referral hospitals were prospectively recruited. All colonic biopsies were analyzed according to the Geboes' score (GS) and the presence of basal plasmacytosis (BP).

Results

Ninety-six patients were included (38% women, median (interquartile range) age 50.0 (39.0-58.5) years, median disease duration 12.0 (6.5-19.5) years). Histological activity defined as GS ≥ 2B.1, GS ≥ 3.1, or BP was present in, respectively, 26%, 23% and 12%. Within 12 months from index endoscopy, 23% of the patients presented with clinical relapse. In multivariate analysis, active histological disease was the only risk factor predicting clinical relapse (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 4.29 (1.55-11.87); p = 0.005 for GS ≥ 2B.1 and 4.31 (1.52-12.21); p = 0.006 for GS ≥ 3.1).

Conclusions

In patients with UC in clinical and endoscopic remission, histological activity is an independent risk factor for clinical relapse. Further prospective studies need to clarify whether treatment optimization is justified in this context.

Simultaneous Measurements of Faecal Calprotectin and the Faecal Immunochemical Test in Quiescent Ulcerative Colitis Patients Can Stratify Risk of Relapse

BACKGROUND

Both faecal calprotectin [Fcal] and the faecal immunochemical test [FIT] are useful to predict clinical relapse of ulcerative colitis [UC]. However, the difference between Fcal and FIT in ability to predict relapse has scarcely been reported. Whether the combined use of these two faecal markers increases the predictability is also unknown.

METHODS

UC patients in clinical remission who underwent colonoscopy were enrolled prospectively, and the Fcal and FIT values were examined at enrolment. Their clinical course was observed for 2 years or until relapse. The correlation between the incidence of relapse and the values of the two markers was examined.

RESULTS

A total of 113 patients were enrolled, and 48 [42%] relapsed. Fcal ≥ 75 μg/g and FIT ≥ 110 ng/mL were defined as Fcal-positive and FIT-positive, respectively, according to the receiver operating characteristic curves. Both Fcal-positive and FIT-positive statuses were independent predictive factors of clinical relapse (hazard ratio [HR] 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-4.49; p = 0.0086, and HR 2.91; 95% CI, 1.49-5.50; p = 0.0022, respectively). Categorisation of patients into three groups according to the faecal marker status [FIT-positive, FIT-negative and Fcal-positive, and both negative] can efficiently stratify the risk of relapse with graded increases in risk [FIT-negative and Fcal-positive: HR 2.05; 95% CI, 1.02-4.43; p = 0.0045, and FIT-positive: HR 5.43; 95% CI, 2.57-11.76; p < 0.0001, compared with both negative].

CONCLUSIONS

Fcal vs FIT showed distinct properties regarding the prediction of relapse in UC. A risk assessment using both faecal markers could increase the predictability for relapse.

European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation Topical Review on Treatment Withdrawal ['Exit Strategies'] in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Clinically effective therapies now exist for remission maintenance in both ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn's Disease [CD]. For each major class of IBD medications [5-aminosalicyclates, immunomodulators, and biologic agents], used alone or in combination, there is a risk of relapse following reduction or cessation of treatment. A consensus expert panel convened by the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] reviewed the published literature and agreed a series of consensus practice points. The objective of the expert consensus is to provide evidence-based guidance for clinical practice so that physicians can make informed decisions in partnership with their patients. The likelihood of relapse with stopping each class of IBD medication is reviewed. Factors associated with an altered risk of relapse with withdrawal are evaluated, and strategies to monitor and allow early identification of relapse are considered. In general, patients in clinical, biochemical, and endoscopic remission are more likely to remain well when treatments are stopped. Reintroduction of the same treatment is usually, but not always, successful. The decision to stop a treatment needs to be individualized, and shared decision making with the patient should take place.

Changing treatment paradigms for the management of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and progressive inf lammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract causing bowel damage, hospitalizations, surgeries, and disability. Although there has been much progress in the management of IBD with established and evolving therapies, most current approaches have failed to change the natural course. Therefore, the treatment approach and follow-up of patients with IBD have undergone a significant change. Usage of immunosuppressants and/or biologics early during the course of the disease, known as top-down or accelerated step-up approach, was shown to be superior to conventional management in patients who had been recently diagnosed with IBD. This approach can be applied to selected groups based on prognostic factors to control disease activity and prevent progressive disease. Therapeutic targets have been shifted from clinical remission mainly based on symptoms to objective parameters such as endoscopic healing due to the discrepancies observed between symptoms, objectively evaluated inf lammatory activity, and intestinal damage. The concept of treat-to-target in IBD has been supported by population-based cohort studies, post hoc analysis of clinical trials, and meta-analysis, but more evidence is needed to support this concept to be applied to the clinical practice. In addition, individualized approach with tight monitoring of non-invasive biomarker such as C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin and drug concentration has shown to improve clinical and endoscopic outcomes. An appropriate de-escalation strategy is considered based on patient demographics, disease features, current disease status, and patients' preferences.

Disease activity indices in coeliac disease: systematic review and recommendations for clinical trials

OBJECTIVE

Although several pharmacological agents have emerged as potential adjunctive therapies to a gluten-free diet for coeliac disease, there is currently no widely accepted measure of disease activity used in clinical trials. We conducted a systematic review of coeliac disease activity indices to evaluate their operating properties and potential as outcome measures in registration trials.

DESIGN

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane central library were searched from 1966 to 2015 for eligible studies in adult and/or paediatric patients with coeliac disease that included coeliac disease activity markers in their outcome measures. The operating characteristics of histological indices, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and endoscopic indices were evaluated for content and construct validity, reliability, responsiveness and feasibility using guidelines proposed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

RESULTS

Of 19 123 citations, 286 studies were eligible, including 24 randomised-controlled trials. Three of five PROs identified met most key evaluative criteria but only the Celiac Disease Symptom Diary (CDSD) and the Celiac Disease Patient-Reported Outcome (CeD PRO) have been approved by the FDA. All histological and endoscopic scores identified lacked content validity. Quantitative morphometric histological analysis had better reliability and responsiveness compared with qualitative scales. Endoscopic indices were infrequently used, and only one index demonstrated responsiveness to effective therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Current best evidence suggests that the CDSD and the CeD PRO are appropriate for use in the definition of primary end points in coeliac disease registration trials. Morphometric histology should be included as a key secondary or co-primary end point. Further work is needed to optimise end point configuration to inform efficient drug development.

Development and Validation of a Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy-Based Score for In Vivo Assessment of Mucosal Healing in Ulcerative Colitis Patients

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic monitoring is fundamental for evaluating the therapeutic response in IBD, but a validated endomicroscopic mucosal healing (MH) score is not available to date. However, confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) might define MH more precisely than conventional endoscopy. The major aim was to establish and validate an MH score for ulcerative colitis (UC), based on CLE.

METHODS

In an initial pilot study (n = 10), various CLE changes were analyzed for identification of reproducible criteria for establishing a CLE score. Four reproducible CLE criteria were implemented in a following validation study. Subsequently, active UC patients (n = 23, Mayo score ≥6) were prospectively included and underwent colonoscopy with CLE before and after 3 anti-TNF applications. Patients were clinically followed over a period of 3 years. The endomicroscopic MH score (eMHs; range, 0-4) was compared with histopathology and endoscopy scores from the same colonic location.

RESULTS

The eMHs showed high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values (100% with 95% confidence interval [CI] of 15.81%-100%; 93.75% with 95% CI of 69.77%-99.84%, and 94.44%, respectively). The eMHs showed a good correlation with the histological Gupta score (rs = 0.82, P < 0.0001) and the endoscopic Mayo subscore (rs = 0.81%, P < 0.0001). Sixty percent of therapy responders presented an eMHs <1, which translated into long-lasting clinical remission and reduced hospitalization, steroid, and surgery need.

CONCLUSIONS

CLE can accurately assess MH based on the newly developed and statistically validated eMHs in UC, and it is superior in predicting the long-lasting clinical outcome based on both descriptive and functional barrier imaging (NCT01417728).

Acute histological inflammatory activity is associated with clinical relapse in patients with ulcerative colitis in clinical and endoscopic remission

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that acute histological activity has a prognostic value in the outcome of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in clinical and endoscopic remission. Our aim was to assess the role of histology as a risk factor for clinical relapse (CR) in patients in both clinical and endoscopic remission.

METHODS

Patients with left-sided or extensive UC in clinical and endoscopic remission (Mayo endoscopic subscore ≤1) undergoing colonoscopy for dysplasia surveillance with random colonic biopsies between 2005-2015 were included. Basal plasmacytosis, acute (AHA), and the chronic (CHA) histological inflammatory activity of all biopsy sets were evaluated.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirteen patients were included. Median time in clinical remission at inclusion was 27 months (IQR 15-56). Eight percent of patients relapsed within the first year and 33% during the whole follow-up period. In the univariate analysis, the presence of AHA, alone (P=0.048) or together with a past flare within the previous 12 months (P=0.01), was associated with CR within the first year of follow-up. In the multivariate analysis, AHA, together with a flare within the previous 12 months, remained the only risk factor for relapse (RR=7.5; IC95%; 1.8-29.9; P=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

In UC patients in clinical and endoscopic remission, the presence of AHA is a risk factor for clinical relapse.

Reliability of EUS indices to detect inflammation in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

EUS is a potentially useful modality to assess severity of inflammation in ulcerative colitis (UC). We assessed the reliability of existing EUS indices and correlated them with endoscopic and histologic scores.

METHODS

Four blinded endosonographers assessed 58 endoscopic and EUS videos in triplicate, from patients with UC. Intrarater and interrater reliability of the hyperemia and Tsuga scores were estimated by using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). Correlation with the Mayo endoscopy score, modified Baron score (MBS), Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS), and Geboes histopathology score (GHS) were calculated by using bootstrapping methods. A RAND consensus process led to development of standardized definitions and a revised EUS-UC score.

RESULTS

ICCs for intrarater reliability were 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-0.80) for the hyperemia score and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.79-0.89) for the Tsuga score. Corresponding values for interrater reliability were 0.34 (95% CI, 0.25-0.42) and 0.36 (95% CI, 0.24-0.46). Correlation between hyperemia and Tsuga scores to Mayo scoring system, MBS, UCEIS, and the GHS were 0.39 (95% CI, 0.15-0.61) and 0.28 (95% CI, 0.04-0.51), 0.38 (95% CI, 0.16-0.57) and 0.25 (95% CI, -0.01-0.48), 0.41 (95% CI, 0.16-0.62) and 0.27 (95% CI, 0.01-0.50), 0.37 (95% CI, -0.01-0.48) and 0.24 (95% CI, 0.13-0.57), respectively. The revised EUS-UC score included bowel wall thickening, depth of inflammation, and hyperemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Although substantial to almost perfect intrarater agreement existed for EUS indices in UC, interrater agreement was fair. Standardization of item definitions with development of a revised evaluative instrument has potential application as an evaluative and prognostic tool for UC. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01852760.).

A prospective study on second-generation colon capsule endoscopy to detect mucosal lesions and disease activity in ulcerative colitis (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Mucosal healing is the goal for ulcerative colitis (UC) therapy, but it needs to be confirmed via colonoscopy. Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is a noninvasive technique for colon investigation. Our study investigated the accuracy of second-generation CCE (CCE-2) in assessing mucosal lesions and disease activity in UC.

METHODS

In this prospective study, CCE-2 and conventional colonoscopy were performed on the same day. CCE-2 reviewers and colonoscopists used the Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) and the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) to assess disease activity, and they were blinded to each other's findings. Diagnostic parameters of CCE-2 for identifying mucosal lesions were evaluated by using colonoscopy as the reference.

RESULTS

A total of 150 patients were enrolled. Of the 150 patients, 108 were included for per-patient analysis. CCE-2 and colonoscopy showed substantial agreement in measuring MES (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-0.81; P < .001) and UCEIS (ICC 0.64; 95% CI, 0.38-0.78; P < .001). CCE-2 had a sensitivity of 97% and 94% to detect mucosal inflammation (MES >0) and moderate to severe inflammation (MES >1), respectively. In per-segment analysis, the negative predictive values of CCE-2 to detect mucosal inflammation, including vascular pattern loss, bleeding, and erosions reached 94% to 95%. Interobserver agreement between 2 independent CCE-2 readers for both scoring systems was good (ICC > .80). The sensitivity and specificity of CCE-2 in detecting postinflammatory polyps were 100% and 91%, respectively. CCE-2 was better tolerated and preferred by patients than was colonoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

CCE-2 yields high accuracy in detecting mucosal lesions and determining disease severity in UC. It represents a well-tolerated and reliable tool for disease monitoring in UC. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02469103.).

Clinical, endoscopic and histological correlation and measures of association in ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the correlation between clinical, fecal, endoscopic and histological activity in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

A correlational cross-sectional analysis was performed in patients with UC who underwent colonoscopy between February and December 2016. Clinical, endoscopic, fecal and histological activities were determined using the partial Mayo subscore, Mayo endoscopic subscore and modified Mayo endoscopic subscore, fecal calprotectin and Geboes score and the presence of basal plasmacytosis, respectively. Scores were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation test. To determine the association between scores and some clinical variables and active UC, univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used.

RESULTS

Altogether 105 procedures (93 patients) were included. In 64.8% of the procedures, the mucosa was inflamed; however, 14.7% did not show histological inflammation. Endoscopic remission was observed in the other 35.2% of procedures; however, in biopsies 21.6% exhibited histological inflammation. Mayo endoscopic subscore and modified Mayo endoscopic score were well correlated but were only moderately correlated with clinical and histological scores. Furthermore, there was a moderate correlation between Mayo endoscopic score and Geboes score. Conversely, histological scores were poorly correlated with partial Mayo score. In multivariate analysis, Geboes score and basal plasmacytosis were predictive of active disease (OR 3.505, 95% CI 1.544-7.959 and OR 3.240, 95% CI 1.123-9.349, respectively), whereas biological therapy was found to be protective against UC (OR 0.021, 95% CI 0.000-0.641).

CONCLUSION

Clinical, endoscopic and histological activities were moderately correlated, while Geboes score and basal plasmacytosis were predictive of endoscopically active UC.

Histologic Normalization Occurs in Ulcerative Colitis and Is Associated With Improved Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Mucosal healing, determined by histologic analysis, is a potential therapeutic target for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the histologic features of tissue normalization, as an outcome of treatment, have not been well described. We examined the prevalence and predictive values of normalization of the colonic mucosa, based on histologic analysis (histologic normalization) in patients with UC, and determined its association with risk of clinical relapse, compared with histologic disease quiescence and endoscopic mucosal healing.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of 646 patients with confirmed UC who underwent colonoscopy at a tertiary medical center from August 2005 through October 2013. We reviewed reports from pathology analyses of random mucosal biopsies from each colon segment, and categorized them into 3 groups based on histology findings: (1) normalization (completely normal mucosa with no features of chronicity present), (2) quiescence (crypt atrophy or branching without signs of active inflammation including erosions, abscesses, or focal neutrophil infiltration), or (3) active disease (epithelial infiltration by neutrophils, crypt abscesses, erosions, or ulceration). Histology findings were compared with clinical and endoscopic findings. We assessed variables associated with histology findings and, in patients in clinical remission (Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index score ≤2 and subscore of ≤1 for stool frequency or rectal bleeding), predictive values for clinical relapse at follow-up evaluations 6 months later or more were calculated.

RESULTS

Of the 646 patients included in the study, 60% had endoscopic mucosal healing, 40% had histologic quiescence, and 10% had histologic normalization. The level of agreement between mucosal and histologic activity was moderate (agreement for 68% of samples; κ = 0.50; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, only proctitis associated with histologic normalization (P = .002). Of 310 patients in clinical remission at initial review, 25% had a clinical relapse, after a median time of 16 months (interquartile range, 10-23 months). Histologic normalization was independently associated with increased odds of relapse-free survival compared with histologic quiescence (hazard ratio, 4.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-12.46; P = .007) and histologic activity (hazard ratio, 6.69; 95% confidence interval, 2.16-20.62; P = .001); mucosal healing was not associated with increased odds of relapse-free survival compared with no mucosal healing (hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-1.85; P = .954).

CONCLUSIONS

Histologic normalization of colonic mucosa can be used as a clinical endpoint for patients with UC. We associated histologic normalization with increased odds of relapse-free survival compared with endoscopic healing or histologic quiescence. Further studies are needed to determine whether histologic normalization should be a goal of treatment for patients with UC.

The prognostic value of histology in ulcerative colitis in clinical remission with mesalazine

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to compare the prognostic value of histological and endoscopic activity in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

Patients in clinical remission for 1 year under treatment with mesalazine underwent a planned colonoscopy with biopsies. Histological activity was scored using the histological activity index (HAI). Endoscopic activity was scored using the Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES). The clinical course was evaluated measuring relapses needing steroids during a follow up of 3 years.

RESULTS

A total of 52 patients were enrolled into the study and followed up for 3 years. At baseline 29 patients (55.77%) had no endoscopic lesions, and 17 patients (32.69%) showed no histological alteration. At 3 years of follow up, overall, 26 patients (50%) were still in steroid-free remission. Using univariate logistic regression analysis, both histological (HAI ⩾ 1) and endoscopic activity (MES ⩾ 1) were significantly associated with outcome, showing, respectively, a relapse risk (odds ratio [OR]) 16.4 times higher than histological remission (HAI 0) (96% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2-84.3) and 6.3 times higher with respect to endoscopic remission (MES 0) (96% CI: 1.9-21.3). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, histological activity was the only factor significantly associated with outcome (OR 10.2; 95% CI: 1.7-59.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Histological activity has the most powerful prognostic value in predicting the need for steroids in patients with UC in stable clinical remission on mesalazine. It could be considered as a target of therapy in UC.

Evaluating clinical, dietary, and psychological risk factors for relapse of ulcerative colitis in clinical, endoscopic, and histological remission

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The literature on possible factors that could trigger a relapse in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical, endoscopic, and histological remission on long-term follow up is scarce. To determine the relapse rate in patients with UC in clinical, endoscopic, and histological remission and identify factors that may influence the risk of relapse.

METHODS

Patients with UC in clinical, endoscopic, and histological remission were enrolled between January and July 2010 and followed up for 1 year to determine the effect of clinical, dietary, and psychological factors on relapse. Information regarding factors that may affect relapse such as infection, antibiotic, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use and any other factor that the patient felt important and compliance with medications was obtained.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven patients (59 males, mean age 39 ± 11.9 years) were followed up for a mean duration of 9 ± 2.3 months. Eighteen (18.6%) relapsed with the median time to relapse being 3.5 months. On univariate analysis, more relapsers had significantly higher NSAIDs use within 15 days of relapse, respiratory tract infection within 4 weeks, use of steroids more than once in past, higher consumption of calcium, riboflavin, and vitamin A, and lower consumption of sugars. On multivariate analysis, NSAIDs use (HR [95% CI]: 6.41 [1.88-21.9]) and intake of vitamin A (HR [95% CI]: 1.008 [1.000-1.016]) were statistically significant predictors of relapse.

CONCLUSION

With a relapse rate of 18.6% over a follow up of 9 months in patients with UC in clinical, endoscopic, and histological remission, independent predictors of relapse were history of NSAIDs use within 15 days of relapse and higher intake of vitamin A.

Accuracy of Faecal Immunochemical Test to Predict Endoscopic and Histological Healing in Ulcerative Colitis: A Prospective Study Based on Validated Histological Scores

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic and histological healing are associated with improved clinical outcomes in ulcerative colitis [UC]. We aimed to investigate the predictive value of faecal immunochemical test [FIT] for endoscopic and histological healing in UC.

METHODS

We measured quantitative FIT and faecal calprotectin [FC] in 140 consecutive UC patients who underwent colonoscopy. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of FIT for predicting endoscopic healing using the Mayo endoscopic subscore [MES 0/1] and for histological healing using the Geboes score [< 2.0] and Nancy index [grade ≤ 1]. The predictive abilities of FIT were compared with those of FC.

RESULTS

FIT had an area under the curve [AUC] of 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67-0.86, p < 0.001) for endoscopic healing, an AUC of 0.77 [95% CI 0.67-0.86, p < 0.001] using the Geboes score, and 0.77 [95% CI 0.66-0.85, p < 0.001] using the Nancy Index for histological healing. The AUC of FIT was comparable to that of FC for endoscopic healing [p = 0.773] and histological healing [p = 0.767-0.960], and was comparable to colonoscopy for histological healing [p = 0.384-0.673]. FIT < 50 ng/ml predicted endoscopic healing with a sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value [PPV] of 72%, 68%, and 82%, respectively, and for histological healing with a sensitivity, specificity, and PPV of 73-75%, 67%, and 78-80%, respectively. Combining FIT with FC led to a higher specificity [90%] for histological healing. Over 85% of patients with FIT < 50 ng/ml and FC < 50 μg/g achieved histological healing.

CONCLUSIONS

FIT is highly sensitive and accurate to predict endoscopic and histological healing in UC. It represents a promising non-invasive tool for monitoring mucosal healing in UC.