A systematic review of factors that contribute to hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Personalizing therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs; e.g., Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC]) are chronic immunologically mediated diseases characterized by frequent relapses, often requiring hospitalization and surgery. There is substantial heterogeneity in the progressive natural history of disease with cumulative accrual of bowel damage and impairment of functioning. Recent advances in therapeutics have significantly improved our ability to achieve disease remission; yet therapies remain expensive and are associated with significant side effects precluding widespread use in all patients with IBD. Consequently, algorithms for the management of patients with IBD require a personalized approach incorporating an individual's projected likely natural history, the probability of response to a specific therapeutic agent and an informed approach to management of loss of response to current therapies.

Liver abnormalities in bowel diseases

Liver abnormalities are often seen in bowel diseases. Whether these represent aspects of two separate diseases, or if one is causing the other, is not always easy to decide. Extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or coeliac disease are frequently observed. Of these extraintestinal manifestations, hepatic disorders are among the most common. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cirrhosis are the most frequent hepatic disorders in IBD and coeliac disease, respectively. Genetic studies have lately elucidated the associations between IBD and PSC, but there is still a long way until we have complete understanding of the molecular aetiology and pathophysiology of these conditions. There is no curative treatment available for PSC, besides liver transplantation. Steatosis and cholelithiasis are also common in IBD, as are signs of hepatic injury due to IBD treatment. Less common liver abnormalities include liver abscesses, hepatic thromboembolic events, granulomatous liver disease and hepatic amyloidosis.

Opportunistic infections with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

Several anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) antibodies have demonstrated efficacy in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). These drugs carry the theoretical risk of opportunistic infection, but no systematic review and meta-analysis has examined this issue specifically.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials were searched (through to November 2012). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) recruiting adults with active or quiescent CD or UC comparing anti-TNFα therapy with placebo were eligible. Dichotomous data were pooled to obtain a relative risk (RR) of opportunistic infection, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The number needed to harm (NNH) was estimated from the reciprocal of the risk difference from the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The search strategy identified 20,563 citations, 21 of which were eligible, reporting 22 separate RCTs with between 2 and 56 weeks of follow-up. In total, there were 39 (0.9%) opportunistic infections among 4,135 patients allocated to anti-TNFα therapy, compared with 9 (0.3%) among 2,919 assigned to placebo. Among patients receiving active therapy these included eight cases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, eight cases of herpes simplex infection, six cases of oral or esophageal candidiasis, six cases of herpes zoster infection, two cases of varicella-zoster virus infection, two cases of cytomegalovirus or Epstein-Barr virus infection, and one case of Nocardia infection. The RR of developing an opportunistic infection was significantly higher with anti-TNFα therapy (2.05; 95% CI 1.10-3.85, NNH=500; 95% CI 200-1,567). The RR of tuberculosis infection was 2.52 (95% CI 0.62-10.21).

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-TNF therapy doubles the risk of opportunistic infections in inflammatory bowel disease patients. This underlines the importance of adherence to guidelines for their prevention and management.

Use of case reports and the Adverse Event Reporting System in systematic reviews: overcoming barriers to assess the link between Crohn's disease medications and hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

To identify demographic and clinical characteristics associated with cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) in patients with Crohn's disease, and to assess strength of evidence for a causal relationship between medications and HSTCL in Crohn's disease.

METHODS

We identified cases of HSTCL in Crohn's disease in studies included in a comparative effectiveness review of Crohn's disease medications, through a separate search of PubMed and Embase for published case reports, and from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS). We used three causality assessment tools to evaluate the relationship between medication exposure and HSTCL.

RESULTS

We found 37 unique cases of HSTCL in patients with Crohn's disease. Six cases were unique to the published literature and nine were unique to AERS. Cases were typically young (<40 years of age) and male (86%). The most commonly reported medications were anti-metabolites (97%) and anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFa) medications (76%). Dose and duration of therapy were not consistently reported. Use of aminosalicylates and corticosteroids were rarely reported, despite the high prevalence of these medications in routine treatment. Using the causality assessment tools, it could only be determined that anti-metabolite and anti-TNFa therapies were possible causes of HSTCL in Crohn's disease based on the data contained in the case reports.

CONCLUSION

Systematic reviews that incorporate case reports of rare lethal events should search both published literature and AERS, but consideration should be given to the limitations of case reports. In this study, establishing a causative effect other than 'possible' between anti-metabolite or anti-TNFa therapies and HSTCL was not feasible because case reports lacked data required by the causality assessments, and because of the limited applicability of causality assessment tools for rare irreversible events. We recommend minimum reporting requirements for case reports to improve causality assessment and routine reporting of rare life-threatening events, including their absence, in clinical trials to help clinicians determine whether rare adverse events are causally related to a medication.

Hepatosplenic alpha/beta T-cell lymphoma masquerading as cirrhosis

A 59-year-old man with diabetes mellitus, prior hepatitis B infection and recently diagnosed cirrhosis with prior Babesiosis presented to our institution from an outside hospital with six months of worsening abdominal pain, myalgias and fevers. On admission, physical examination revealed jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly and diffuse lymphadenopathy. Laboratory investigations demonstrated mild anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinemia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Tests for human immunodeficiency virus, and active Babesia microti infection were negative, however Epstein-Barr virus DNA by quantitative PCR was markedly elevated. CT scan revealed features suggestive of a cirrhotic liver without focal mass lesions as well as massive splenomegaly with axillary, retroperitoneal and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Bone marrow and lymph node biopsies were obtained which ultimately revealed hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma. The patient's initial liver biopsy from five months prior to presentation was re-evaluated by our institution's pathologists. Histologic analysis showed hepatic sinusoidal and portal infiltration of atypical lymphocytes morphologically identical to those present on the more recently excised lymph node tissue. The hepatic sinusoidal lymphoid cells were strongly positive for CD2, CD3 and CD5 whereas CD4, CD8 stained only minor subsets of the T cells. Subsequent flow cytometric immunophenotypying of peripheral blood identified T-cell receptor alpha/beta positive cells that lacked CD4 and CD8 (double negative alpha/beta T cells). Given the established bone marrow involvement, he was diagnosed with stage IV disease and treated with chemotherapy. His clinical course involved multiple hospitalizations complicated by hyponatremia, neutropenic fevers and pulmonary emboli. Following his fourth cycle of chemotherapy, he developed worsening liver failure and expired approximately three months after initial diagnosis of lymphoma. Hepatosplenic lymphoma of alpha/beta T cells is a rare malignancy with largely unclear risk factors and varied clinical presentations. Notably, diffuse infiltration of liver parenchyma is a prominent feature and the disease can mimic cirrhosis clinically as well as radiographically. Early recognition of this aggressive lymphoma is important and should be considered in the evaluation of patients in whom the etiology of cirrhosis remains in question.

Lymphoproliferative disorder that resembles heptosplenic lymphoma during maintenance treatment for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A 6-year-old male presented with a testicular mass, hepatosplenomegaly, and a pleural effusion while undergoing maintenance chemotherapy for treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). He was subsequently diagnosed with a lymphoproliferative disorder that resembled hepatosplenic lymphoma (HSL). While the extranodal presentation and the protracted yet aggressive clinical course are consistent with HSL, the findings of monosomy 8 and polymorphic cell populations are unique and have not been previously described in this type of lymphoma.

Systematic review: macrophage activation syndrome in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Recently, there have been increasingly frequent reports on the occurrence of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Clinically, MAS is characterized mainly by fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia, and elevated circulating ferritin and CD25. Mortality, even if diagnosed rapidly, is high.

AIM

To identify all reports on MAS in IBD and to establish data on triggering agents, immunosuppression leading to MAS, and mortality.

METHODS

A language unrestricted search on Pubmed and Scopus relating to the past 30 years was carried out by matching the following search-terms: h(a)emophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis OR h(a)emophagocytic lymphohistiocytic syndrome OR macrophage activation syndrome OR opportunistic infections OR cytomegalovirus OR Epstein-Barr virus AND Crohn's disease OR ulcerative colitis OR inflammatory bowel disease(s).

RESULTS

Fifty cases were identified with an overall mortality of 30%. Virus-related MAS associated with cytomegalovirus or Epstein-Barr virus infections represents the main type of MAS, but in isolated cases bacterial infections precipitated the syndrome. In four cases (8%), a lymphoma was present at the time of MAS diagnosis or developed shortly thereafter. Thiopurine monotherapy was given before MAS onset in 56% of the patients, whereas multiple immunosuppression, including biologics, was administered to 24%.

CONCLUSIONS

In IBD patients, the syndrome appears to be triggered by infections, but genetic susceptibility may contribute to its development. Since immunosuppressive therapy represents the backbone of therapeutic interventions in IBD, with the risk of new, or the reactivation of latent infections, even more frequent cases of macrophage activation syndrome may be expected.

Monitoring and safety of azathioprine therapy in inflammatory bowel disease

Azathioprine is the most common drug used to maintain clinical remission in inflammatory bowel disease. This drug is also important as a steroid-sparing agent in steroid-dependent and chronically active inflammatory bowel disease. Nevertheless, many questions remain concerning the optimal treatment regimens of azathioprine. The dose of azathioprine has to be reduced or the therapy has to be discontinued frequently because of drug-induced toxicity. In this review, we discuss monitoring of thiopurines, adverse events, malignant complications and how to use azathioprine safely and usefully.

First-line therapy in adult Crohn's disease: who should receive anti-TNF agents?

Therapy for Crohn's disease has long been based on a step-up approach, with monoclonal antibodies against TNF as a final option before surgery. Despite the introduction of these monoclonal antibodies, no major changes have occurred in the natural history of Crohn's disease, with half of all patients still requiring intestinal resection at 10 years. Labelling for anti-TNF agents does not take into account prognostic factors. In this Review, we propose that treatment of Crohn's disease be based on the following three disease stages: mild, moderate and severe. In patients with Crohn's disease who have complicated disease or bowel damage, and with poor prognostic factors and/or severe disease, anti-TNF treatment should be considered as first-line therapy. For patients living in areas of high risk of developing tuberculosis, as well as for patients with mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease without poor prognostic factors and with uncomplicated disease, steroids and thiopurine should be the first-line therapy. By treating patients with Crohn's disease in accordance with these disease stages, we might be able to alter disease course and reduce overtreatment. Upcoming disease-modification trials are expected to provide information to guide decision-making, ultimately changing the course of disease and improving patient quality of life.

Systemic causes of cholestasis

Systemic causes of cholestasis constitute a diverse group of diseases across organ systems. The pathophysiology of cholestasis in systemic disease can be a consequence of direct involvement of a disease process within the liver or extrahepatic biliary system or secondary to immune-mediated changes in bile flow. Evaluating a patient with cholestasis for a systemic cause requires an understanding of the patient's risk factors, clinical setting (eg, hospitalized or immunosuppressed patient), clinical features, and pattern of laboratory abnormalities.

Hydroxylases as therapeutic targets in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common and debilitating clinical disorder comprising ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. IBD occurs when inappropriate immunological activity in the intestinal mucosa results in epithelial barrier dysfunction leading to exposure of the mucosal immune system to luminal antigenic material. This in turn results in the cycles of inflammation and further barrier dysfunction which underlie disease progression. Although significant therapeutic advances have been made over the last decade, current immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory treatments for IBD have significant limitations due to lack of treatment response in some patients and adverse effects, including increased risk of infection and malignancy. Recent studies using experimental models of IBD have identified that intracellular hydroxylases, a group of enzymes responsible for oxygen sensing and activation of adaptive transcriptional responses to hypoxia may represent a new class of therapeutic targets in IBD. Hydroxylase inhibitors are effective in ameliorating symptoms of colitis at least in part through the promotion of intestinal epithelial barrier function. The mechanism of this protection is due to activation of hypoxia-sensitive transcription factors, including the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), which activate specific epithelial barrier-protective transcriptional programs. In this review, the mechanism(s) of action and the therapeutic potential of small molecule hydroxylase inhibitors for the treatment of IBD will be discussed.

Taking Crohn's disease personally

Crohn's disease (CD) is a heterogeneous disorder that can involve any segment of the gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenesis of CD is unknown but is thought to involve an uncontrolled immune response triggered by an environmental factor in a genetically susceptible host. The heterogeneity of disease pathogenesis and clinical course, combined with the variable response to treatment and its associated side effects, creates an environment of complex therapeutic decisions. Despite this complexity, significant progress has been made which allows physicians to start and predict disease behavior and natural course, response to therapy, and factors associated with significant side effects. In this manuscript the data pertaining to these variables including clinical, endoscopic and the various biological and genetic markers are reviewed, and the possibility of tailoring personal treatment is discussed.

Role of thiopurine metabolite testing and thiopurine methyltransferase determination in pediatric IBD

Thiopurines have been used in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) for >30 years, and measurements of both thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) and thiopurine (TP) metabolites, 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN) and 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP), have been readily available. The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) Committee on Inflammatory Bowel Disease thought it appropriate to review the present indications for use of TPMT and TP metabolite testing. Substantial evidence demonstrates that TP therapy is useful for both Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. Review of the existing data yielded the following recommendations. TPMT testing is recommended before initiation of TPs to identify individuals who are homozygote recessive or have extremely low TPMT activity, with the latter having more reliability than the former. Individuals who are homozygous recessive or have extremely low TPMT activity should avoid the use of TPs because of concerns for significant leukopenia. TMPT testing does not predict all cases of leukopenia and has no value to predict hypersensitivity adverse effects such as pancreatitis. Any potential value to reduce the risk of malignancy has not been studied. All individuals taking TPs should have routine monitoring with complete blood cell count and white blood cell count differential to evaluate for leukopenia regardless of TPMT testing results. Metabolite testing can be used to determine adherence with TP therapy. Metabolite testing can be used to guide dose increases or modifications in patients with active disease. Consideration would include either increasing the dose, changing therapy or for those with elevated transaminases or an elevated 6-MMP, using adjunctive allopurinol to help raise 6-thioguanine metabolites and suppress formation of 6-MMP. Routine and repetitive metabolite testing has little or no role in patients who are doing well and taking an acceptable dose of a TP.

Use of thiopurines in inflammatory bowel disease

The use of thiopurines as immunosuppression for the treatment of refractory or chronic active inflammatory bowel disease is established for both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Nevertheless, many questions remain concerning the optimal treatment regimens of azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and thioguanine. We will briefly summarize dose recommendations, indications for thiopurine therapy and side effects which are relevant in clinical practice. We discuss some currently debated topics, including the combination of azathioprine and allopurinol, switching of thiopurine therapy in case of side effects, the use of azathioprine in pregnancy, the infection risk using thiopurines and the evidence when to stop thiopurines. Excellent reviews have been published on the thiopurine metabolic pathway which will not be discussed here in detail.

Recent advances using immunomodulators for inflammatory bowel disease

Use of the immunomodulators thiopurines and methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), i.e., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), is considered to be good clinical practice. However, despite being administered to a considerable number of IBD patients over the years, questions remain about the most rational treatment regimens of azathioprine (AZA), 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), and MTX, and results from a range of recent studies necessitate increased attention to how to optimize the use of these immunomodulators. First and foremost, it is of utmost importance to define the subgroup of IBD patients in need of immunomodulators, including those in need of combination therapy with biologic agents, especially because some side effects may be rather severe. Second, colorectal cancer is observed more often in IBD patients than in the background population. However, a recent nationwide Dutch study pointed to a preventive effect of thiopurines. Finally, the need for an appropriate approach to the discontinuation of immunomodulators is emphasized. Since controversy continues regarding the most appropriate use of immunomodulators, this paper is focusing on pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics, and therapeutic blood testing, as well as the occurrence of adverse events, when using AZA, 6-MP, and MTX in an attempt to determine a more up-to-date and rational treatment regimen in IBD.

Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis: The Therapeutic Road to Infliximab

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that has significant morbidities in the pediatric population. Goals of medical therapy include induction and maintenance of remission while preserving the colon and it's function, while minimizing the risk of treatment related morbidities. For those children who do not respond to initial therapies and progress to develop moderately-to-severely active UC, there has been a dearth of available treatments to help induce remission, necessitating long-term corticosteroid usage, with associated comorbidities of chronic steroid treatment. Significant advances have been made in medical management, including the use of biologic therapies, specifically anti-tumor necrosis factor-α monoclonal antibodies. With the Food and Drug Administration's recent approval of the use of infliximab, a chimeric anti-tumor necrosis factor-α antibody, for children ≥6 years of age with moderately-to-severely active UC, care providers now have a new treatment regimen to offer this pediatric population.

T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas reported to the FDA AERS with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors: results of the REFURBISH study

OBJECTIVES

The risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors is unclear, whether related to concomitant thiopurines usage or due to the underlying inflammatory disease. We sought to review all cases of T-cell NHL reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in patients receiving TNF-α inhibitors for all approved indications and examine the risk of T-cell NHL with TNF-α inhibitors in comparison with the use of thiopurines in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) was queried for all lymphomas following treatment with the following TNF-α inhibitors: infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, and their trade names. Full reports for T-cell NHL cases were identified using the Freedom of Information Act. In addition, T-cell NHL reported in patients IBD with the use of the thiopurines-azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, and their trade names were also collected. A search of MEDLINE was performed for additional T-cell NHL with TNF-α inhibitors or thiopurines, not reported to the FDA but available in published literature. The histological subtypes of T-cell NHL reported with TNF-α inhibitors were compared with reported subtypes in Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) -17 registry. Reported risk of T-cell NHL in IBD with TNF-α inhibitors, thiopurines, or concomitant use was calculated using Fisher's exact test using 5-aminosalicylates as control drugs.

RESULTS

A total of 3,130,267 reports were downloaded from the FDA AERS (2003-2010). Ninety-one cases of T-cell NHL with TNF-α inhibitors were identified in the FDA AERS and nine additional cases were identified on MEDLINE search. A total of 38 patients had rheumatoid arthritis, 36 cases had Crohn's disease, 11 had psoriasis, 9 had ulcerative colitis, and 6 had ankylosing spondylitis. Sixty-eight of the cases (68%) involved exposure to both a TNF-α inhibitor and an immunomodulator (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate, leflunomide, or cyclosporine). Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) was the most common reported subtype, whereas mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome and HSTCL were identified as more common with TNF-α-inhibitor exposure compared with SEER-17 registry. Nineteen cases of T-cell NHL with thiopurines were identified in the FDA AERS and one additional case on MEDLINE. Reported risk of T-cell NHL was higher with TNF-α inhibitor use in combination with thiopurines (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.98-354.09; P<0.0001) and thiopurines alone (95% CI 8.32-945.38; P<0.0001) but not with TNF-α inhibitor use alone (95% CI 0.13-10.61; P=1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of T-cell NHL is increased with TNF-α inhibitor use in combination with thiopurines but not with TNF-α inhibitors alone.

Lymphoma and other lymphoproliferative disorders in inflammatory bowel disease: a review

The lymphoproliferative disorders (LDs) are a heterogeneous group of at least 70 conditions that result from the clonal proliferation of B, T, and NK cells. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated lymphomas are typically B-cell LD, while T-cell or Hodgkin's lymphomas are rare. In IBD patients not on immunosuppression, the risk of LD seems to be similar or slightly higher than the background population risk. Thiopurine therapy is associated with an increased risk: the relative risk is increased four- to sixfold and the absolute risk varies between 1 in 4000-5000 for those aged 20-29 to 1 in 300-400 in those over 70. It is difficult to quantify the risk of anti- tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy alone; however, it appears to be less than for thiopurines alone. There is particular concern regarding the development of post-transplant-like LD in those with latent epstein-barr virus (EBV) infection exposed to immunosuppressives, the occurrence of hepatosplenic T cell lymphoma in patients treated with combination anti-TNF and thiopurine therapy, and the development of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in those who acquire a primary EBV or other infections while on immunosuppressive medication. There are currently no guidelines for monitoring EBV (or other virus) status in patients on immunosuppression, although it could be used to monitor those who have a prior history of lymphoma and are about to start a thiopurine or anti-TNF agent. In discussing the risks of lymphoproliferative disorders associated with agents used for the treatment of IBD, patients can often be reassured that the benefits of such therapy still outweigh the small, but real, risks.

Strategies for the care of adults hospitalized for active ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon; as many as 25% of patients with this disease require hospitalization. The goals of hospitalization are to assess disease severity, exclude infection, administer rapidly acting and highly effective medication regimens, and determine response. During hospitalization, patients should be given venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and monitored for the development of toxic megacolon. Patients who do not respond to intravenous corticosteroids should be considered for rescue therapy with infliximab or cyclosporine. Patients who are refractory to medical therapies or who develop toxic megacolon should be evaluated promptly for colectomy. Patients who do respond to medical therapies should be discharged on an appropriate maintenance regimen when they meet discharge criteria. We review practical evidence-based management principles and propose a day-by-day algorithm for managing patients hospitalized for ulcerative colitis.

Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a relapsing systemic inflammatory disease, mainly affecting the gastrointestinal tract with extraintestinal manifestations and associated immune disorders. Genome wide association studies identified susceptibility loci that--triggered by environmental factors--result in a disturbed innate (ie, disturbed intestinal barrier, Paneth cell dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, defective unfolded protein response and autophagy, impaired recognition of microbes by pattern recognition receptors, such as nucleotide binding domain and Toll like receptors on dendritic cells and macrophages) and adaptive (ie, imbalance of effector and regulatory T cells and cytokines, migration and retention of leukocytes) immune response towards a diminished diversity of commensal microbiota. We discuss the epidemiology, immunobiology, amd natural history of Crohn's disease; describe new treatment goals and risk stratification of patients; and provide an evidence based rational approach to diagnosis (ie, work-up algorithm, new imaging methods [ie, enhanced endoscopy, ultrasound, MRI and CT] and biomarkers), management, evolving therapeutic targets (ie, integrins, chemokine receptors, cell-based and stem-cell-based therapies), prevention, and surveillance.

The use of biologic agents in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Therapeutic options and approaches in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continue to evolve. This review will summarize the recent studies of treatment strategies, efficacy, safety and outcome of biological agents in the treatment of children with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although there has been little recent change in the number of biologicals easily available for the treatment of children, usage has broadened in pediatric IBD and new treatment strategies have emerged. The use of biologicals in refractory pediatric ulcerative colitis is now accepted, with evidence supporting their potential for maintenance therapy. In pediatric Crohn's disease, scheduled treatment regimens have shown superiority to episodic treatment. Although the 'top-down' approach with early use of biologicals produces superior remission rates in adults, there is still little evidence in children. Concomitant immunosuppression appears to reduce immunogenicity and improve therapeutic control, but there are added risks for infection and malignancy.

SUMMARY

Biologicals now form an integral part of the treatment algorithm in childhood IBD and their use is likely to increase. Treatment regimens, particularly those involving concomitant immunosuppressants, need to take account of the perceptions of risk.

Management of pediatric ulcerative colitis: joint ECCO and ESPGHAN evidence-based consensus guidelines

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) shares many features with adult-onset disease but there are some unique considerations; therefore, therapeutic approaches have to be adapted to these particular needs. We aimed to formulate guidelines for managing UC in children based on a systematic review (SR) of the literature and a robust consensus process. The present article is a product of a joint effort of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) and the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).

METHODS

A group of 27 experts in pediatric IBD participated in an iterative consensus process including 2 face-to-face meetings, following an open call to ESPGHAN and ECCO members. A list of 23 predefined questions were addressed by working subgroups based on a SR of the literature.

RESULTS

A total of 40 formal recommendations and 68 practice points were endorsed with a consensus rate of at least 89% regarding initial evaluation, how to monitor disease activity, the role of endoscopic evaluation, medical and surgical therapy, timing and choice of each medication, the role of combined therapy, and when to stop medications. A management flowchart, based on the Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI), is presented.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines provide clinically useful points to guide the management of UC in children. Taken together, the recommendations offer a standardized protocol that allows effective, timely management and monitoring of the disease course, while acknowledging that each patient is unique.

Split-dose administration of thiopurine drugs: a novel and effective strategy for managing preferential 6-MMP metabolism

BACKGROUND

Mercaptopurine and azathioprine (AZA) are efficacious in treating IBD. 6-tioguanine (6-TGN) levels correlate with therapeutic efficacy, whereas high 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP) levels are associated with hepatotoxicity and myelotoxicity. Some IBD patients exhibit dose-limiting preferential 6-MMP production, which may lead to undesired side effects and impact efficacy.

AIM

To review the outcomes of thiopurine split-dosing in patients with preferential 6-MMP metabolism.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 179 IBD patients treated at the Cedars-Sinai IBD Center with AZA or mercaptopurine was performed. Preferential 6-MMP metabolisers with 6-MMP levels greater than 7000 pmol/8 × 10(8) erythrocytes who underwent split-dosing were identified and assessed for biochemical and clinical responses to these dose modifications.

RESULTS

A total of 20 of 179 patients met the criteria for preferential 6-MMP metabolism and underwent thiopurine split-dosing. Dividing the total daily thiopurine dose led to a reduction in 6-MMP levels (11785 vs. 5324 pmol/8 × 10(8) erythrocytes; P < 0.0001) without negatively affecting clinical disease activity or 6-TGN levels (239 vs. 216 pmol/8 × 10(8) erythrocytes; P = N.S.) and led to resolution of 6-MMP associated side effects (elevated transaminases, leucopenia and flu-like symptoms) in all but two patients. After mean follow-up of 36 months, 12 patients remained in clinical remission on split-dose mercaptopurine. Five of the remaining eight patients escalated to anti-TNF therapy, two progressed to surgery, and one switched to tioguanine therapy.

CONCLUSION

Split-dose administration of mercaptopurine/AZA represents an alternative option in IBD patients with preferential 6-MMP metabolism who might otherwise require steroid exposure or escalation of therapy.

Serious infection and mortality in patients with Crohn's disease: more than 5 years of follow-up in the TREAT™ registry

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to contribute long-term safety data for infliximab and other therapies in Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated CD patients enrolled in the large, observational Crohn's Therapy, Resource, Evaluation, and Assessment Tool registry, established to compare infliximab safety with conventional nonbiological medications in CD.

RESULTS

A total of 6,273 patients were enrolled and evaluated on or before 23 February 2010; 3,420 received infliximab (17,712 patient-years; 89.9% received ≥ 2 infusions) and 2,853 received other-treatments-only (13,251 patient-years). Mean length of patient follow-up was 5.2 years. More infliximab- than other-treatments-only-treated patients had moderate-to-severe (30.6% vs. 10.7%) or severe-to-fulminant (2.5% vs. 0.6%) disease severity (P < 0.001). In the year before enrollment, more infliximab- than other-treatments-only-treated patients required surgical intervention (17.4% vs. 13.6%), medical hospitalization (14.2% vs. 8.8%), prednisone (47.8% vs. 31.4%), immunomodulators (52.0% vs. 32.1%), and narcotic analgesics (17.3% vs. 9.1%). Patient mortality was similar for infliximab- and other-treatments-only-treated patients (0.58 vs. 0.59/100 patient-years). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, treatment with prednisone (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.55, 2.95; P < 0.001) or narcotic analgesics (HR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.29, 2.48; P < 0.001) and age (HR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.07, 1.09; P < 0.001) were associated with increased mortality risk. Neither infliximab nor immunomodulator treatment was associated with increased mortality risk. Factors independently associated with serious infections included moderate-to-severe disease activity (HR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.57, 3.19; P < 0.001), narcotic analgesic treatment (HR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.44, 2.73; P < 0.001), prednisone therapy (HR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.17, 2.10; P = 0.002), and infliximab treatment (HR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.84; P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality was similar between infliximab- and other-treatments-only-treated CD patients. An increased risk of serious infection with infliximab was observed, although CD severity and use of prednisone or narcotic analgesics carried higher risks.

Medical therapy for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease encompasses a spectrum of disease phenotype, severity, and responsiveness to treatment. Intestinal healing rather than merely symptom control is an especially important therapeutic goal in young patients, given the potential for growth impairment as a direct effect of persistent chronic inflammation and the long life ahead, during which other disease complications may occur. Corticosteroids achieve rapid symptom control, but alternate steroid-sparing strategies with greater potential to heal the intestine must be rapidly adopted. Exclusive enteral nutrition is an alternate short-term treatment in pediatric Crohn's disease. The results of multi-center pediatric clinical trials of both infliximab and adalimumab in Crohn's disease and of infliximab in ulcerative colitis (all in children with unsatisfactory responses to other therapies) have now been reported and guide treatment regimens in clinical practice. Optimal patient selection and timing of anti-TNF therapy requires clinical judgment. Attention must be paid to sustaining responsiveness safely.

Managing risks of neoplasia in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been linked with a variety of intestinal and extraintestinal cancers. This review summarizes the latest literature with regard to which cancers are truly linked with IBD and which are not, the absolute and relative risks of these cancers, how medications commonly prescribed for IBD affect this risk, and finally strategies for managing these risks. Physicians and health professionals may find this information useful for counseling and educating patients as well as for improving patient care.

Immunosuppression in inflammatory bowel disease: how much is too much?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Current treatment approaches favor the early introduction of immunomodulators and/or antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents. There is now strong evidence showing that combination therapy appears to be more effective than monotherapy in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. However, there are concerns associated with this strategy, and eventually the following questions will emerge when discussing therapeutic options with our patients: is it safe to maintain these therapies for the long-term?; how long should we maintain therapy?; and if we decide to stop or de-escalate therapy, what strategy should we use?

RECENT FINDINGS

During the past year new evidence regarding safety of long-term therapy with anti-TNF and immunomodulators, and predictors of relapse following therapy discontinuation have become available.

SUMMARY

In this review we aim to discuss some of the safety concerns related to the use of immunosuppressive drugs used in inflammatory bowel disease, as well as the possible strategy for de-escalation or discontinuation therapy. Eventually, choosing to stop either the anti-TNF or the immunomodulator is a case-by-case decision based on the estimated risk-benefit ratio. In addition to the identified predictors of relapse after therapy discontinuation, other considerations such as long-term safety, cost, and natural history of the disease must be brought into this discussion.

Fistulizing pattern in Crohn's disease and pancolitis in ulcerative colitis are independent risk factors for cancer: a single-center cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The combined role of immunomodulators (IMM) and clinical characteristics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in determining the cancer risk is undefined. The aim was to assess whether clinical characteristics of IBD are independent risk factors for cancer, when considering thiopurines and anti-TNFs use.

METHODS

In a single-center cohort study, clinical characteristics of IBD patients with IBD duration ≥1 year and ≥2 visits from 2000 to 2009 were considered. Tests for crude rates and survival analysis methods were used to assess differences of incidence of cancer between groups. The methods were adjusted for the time interval between diagnosis and immunomodulatory treatments.

RESULTS

IBD population included 1222 patients :615 Crohn's disease (CD), 607 ulcerative colitis (UC). Cancer was diagnosed in 51 patients (34 CD,17 UC), with an incidence rate of 4.3/1000 pt/year. The incidence rate of cancer was comparable between CD and UC (4.6/1000 pt/year vs 2.9/1000 pt/year ;p=n.s.). Cancer most frequently involved the breast, the GI tract, the skin. Lymphoma was diagnosed in CD (1HL, 1NHL,0 HSTCL). Risk factors for cancer included older age at diagnosis of IBD (CD: HR 1.25;95%CI 1.08-1.45; UC:HR 1.33;95%CI 1.15-1.55 for an increase by 5 years; p=0.0023; p=0.0002), fistulizing pattern in CD (HR 2.55; 95%CI 1.11-5.86,p=0.0275), pancolitis in UC (HR 2.79;95%CI 1.05-7.40 p=0.0396 vs distal). IMM and anti-TNFs did not increase the cancer risk in CD, neither IMM in UC (anti-TNFs risk in UC not feasible as no cases observed).

CONCLUSIONS

Fistulizing pattern in CD, pancolitis in UC and older age at diagnosis of IBD are independent risk factors for cancer.

Clinical experience with infliximab and adalimumab in a single-center cohort of patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) may need anti-inflammatory drugs for decades. Anti-TNF-α agents have good efficacy and adverse events similar to placebo in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), but there are still questions about long-term safety and efficacy. In this respect, reports from clinical practice may be useful. We currently report on the clinical experience with infliximab and adalimumab in a single-center cohort of patients with CD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with CD treated with infliximab or adalimumab from 2000 to 2010 were reviewed. Patient and disease characteristics at start, reason for discontinuation, and adverse events were recorded retrospectively. Corticosteroid use, the need for hospitalization, and surgeries before and during anti-TNF-α therapy were recorded.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients had received anti-TNF-α treatment against CD, median treatment duration was 11.4 months (0.2-99.5), and follow-up time 59 months (8-135). Eighteen of 43 patients using corticosteroids at treatment start discontinued corticosteroids during TNF-α therapy. Need for hospitalizations (6.13 vs. 3.28 days/year, p < 0.001) and surgeries (0.56 vs. 0.16 operations/year, p < 0.001) were lower during anti-TNF-α therapy than before treatment. Twenty-six percent discontinued therapy due to adverse events and 26% due to lack or loss of response. Two of four deaths observed during follow-up were believed to be related to anti-TNF-α treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-TNF-α therapy was beneficial in many patients with CD, but the majority of patients discontinued treatment during follow-up. Reports from clinical experience with anti-TNF-α treatment may be valuable for clinicians treating patients with CD.

Update on the management of Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by focal, asymmetric, transmural inflammation of any part of the luminal gastrointestinal tract of uncertain etiology and an unpredictable course. The available treatment options include aminosalicylates, budesonide and systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, immunomodulators,methotrexate and anti-TNF agents. This review discusses recent developments in the treatment of CD and provides a comprehensive update on management of patients with CD based on the data from randomized controlled trials.

Adalimumab for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, disabling condition with increasing prevalence throughout the world. Although the etiology of IBD is not well understood, it is characterized by a disproportionate inflammatory response in the gut that leads to tissue damage and clinical symptoms. Over the past decade, the development of biologic therapies that target the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α in the inflammatory cascade has markedly revolutionized the treatment of IBD. Adalimumab, one of the three available anti-TNF agents, has been shown to effectively induce and maintain remission in patients with Crohn's disease. More recently, data has been published demonstrating the efficacy of adalimumab in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Biologics in paediatric Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease affects increasing numbers of children worldwide. Generally, childhood-onset disease runs a more severe course than in adults and has a greater impact on quality of life. Therapy in children must take account of a different set of risks for toxicity compared to adults, but also to their longevity. Biologic drugs present remarkable advantages in terms of disease control for children, especially in those whose disease cannot be controlled with conventional therapies, but their long-term risks are still being assessed. Data regarding biologic use in children is limited and mostly amounts to case series, but results have been promising, both in terms of controlling disease activity and improving growth parameters. Adverse reactions are infrequent in the short term, but loss of response is a long-term problem, particularly in children. More information is needed about very long term risks. Infliximab and adalimumab are the most studied agents in children, while there is relatively limited data on certolizumab and natalizumab. Further collection of data on these agents is still needed, but this should not restrict access to these agents for children in whom no other agent is effective.

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in patients receiving TNF-α inhibitor therapy: expanding the groups at risk

BACKGROUND

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) is a rare, lethal disease generally seen in young male patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The study of biologic and immunomodulator naive patients in Crohn's disease (SONIC), advocates combining infliximab with an immunomodulator in moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease. Unfortunately, combined immunosuppression increases risk for HSTCL. We herein review all cases of HSTCL reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in patients receiving TNF-α inhibitors.

METHODS

Individual reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database for lymphomas from the biological agents - infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, natalizumab, and etanercept were downloaded and analyzed with Microsoft Access. Full reports for all identified HSTCL cases were obtained from the FDA.

RESULTS

Twenty-five cases of HSTCL were identified. Twenty-two (88%) patients had inflammatory bowel disease and three had rheumatoid arthritis. Four cases (16%) were in women and four patients were above 65 years of age. Twenty-four cases (96%) also received an immunomodulator (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or methotrexate). Two patients received adalimumab alone.

CONCLUSION

HSTCL is no longer restricted to the previously identified risk group of young male patients, but can also occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, females and older adults receiving TNF-α inhibitors and immunomodulators. Improved disease outcomes using combination therapy should be tempered by the risk of developing HSTCL.

[Inflammatory bowel disease and lymphoproliferative disorders]

The risk of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) has been reported to be increased in autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory diseases. Similar with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, there is a concern about the risk of LPDs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Generally, in IBD patients, the risk of LPDs appears to be similar with or very slightly higher, compared to the general population. The association of therapeutic agents with the risk of LPDs is difficult to evaluate due to multiple other potentially involved factors and co-treatment with other agents. To date, data show that thiopurine is associated with a moderately increased risk of LPDs in patients with IBD. Evidence regarding the risk of LPDs in IBD patients using methotrexate is not sufficient, but the risk of LPDs seems low. The responsibility of anti-TNF-a agents on the risk of LPDs is difficult to determine, because most of IBD patients receiving anti-TNF-a agents are co-treated with thiopurines. Attention should be given to the high risk of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in young male patients treated with anti-TNF-a agents together with thiopurines. The risk and benefit of immunosuppressive therapy for IBD should be carefully evaluated and individualized considering the risk of LPDs.

Update upon efficacy and safety of TNF-α inhibitors

The ongoing progresses in the knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms of various immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases as well as the availability of innovative biotechnological approaches have led to the development of new drugs that add to conventional treatments. Among these, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors, that is, infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, golimumab and certolizumab pegol, are now available for clinical use. This editorial discusses the recent indications of TNF-α inhibitors, the pretreatment considerations, the reported adverse events and, finally, the recommendations for its use in pregnancy.

Optimizing 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine therapy in the management of inflammatory bowel disease

The thiopurine drugs, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and azathioprine, are efficacious in the arsenal of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapy. Previous reports indicate that 6-thioguanine nucleotide (6-TGN) levels correlate with therapeutic efficacy, whereas high 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP) levels are associated with hepatotoxicity and myelotoxicity. Due to their complex metabolism, there is wide individual variation in patient response therein, both in achieving therapeutic drug levels as well as in developing adverse reactions. Several strategies to optimize 6-TGN while minimizing 6-MMP levels have been adopted to administer the thiopurine class of drugs to patients who otherwise would not tolerate these drugs due to side-effects. In this report, we will review different approaches to administer the thiopurine medications, including the administration of 6-mercaptopurine in those unsuccessfully treated with azathioprine; co-administration of thiopurine with allopurinol; co-administration of thiopurine with anti-tumor necrosis factor α; 6-TGN administration; desensitization trials; and split dosing of 6-MP.

A practical, evidence-based guide to the use of adalimumab in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents are important therapies for treating Crohn's disease (CD) because they may induce and maintain remission, reduce the need for corticosteroids, decrease hospitalizations and surgeries, and heal the mucosa. Here we provide a practical, evidence-based guide to help clinicians optimize the use of adalimumab in patients with CD.

SCOPE

A literature search in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and BIOSIS databases was performed for articles published between 1996 and 2010 describing adalimumab use in CD. Abstracts presented at the ACG, DDW, UEGW, ECCO, and SGNA congresses, references from review articles and published randomized clinical trials, and the manufacturer's prescribing information also were reviewed.

FINDINGS

When selecting an anti-TNF agent, factors such as efficacy, safety, immunogenicity, patient preference, and the timing and sequencing of therapies should be considered. Important considerations for patient management include dosage selection, use of combination therapy, timing of monitoring treatment response, and evaluation of recurrent CD symptoms in a previously responding patient. We recommend that patients initiating adalimumab receive a loading dose of 160/80 mg subcutaneously at Week 0/Week 2, followed by up to 8 weeks of 40 mg every-other-week maintenance therapy prior to determining if there is non-response. During therapy, recurrent or new symptoms should be fully evaluated to ensure that they are indeed related to underlying inflammation versus other causes (e.g., intercurrent infection, bile acid diarrhea, or irritable bowel). Patients experiencing attenuation of response or inflammatory-mediated symptoms during maintenance therapy may benefit from dosage intensification to weekly adalimumab.

CONCLUSION

Considerations for the use of anti-TNF agents in CD, with an emphasis on adalimumab, are reviewed and practical patient management recommendations are presented.