Clinical courses of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and inflammatory bowel disease in patients with both diseases

High Rates of Seroprotection to Hepatitis B After a Hepatitis B Challenge Dose in Previously Vaccinated Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease on Immunosuppressive Therapy

BACKGROUND

Healthy populations have high rates of sustained vaccine-induced seroprotection to hepatitis B virus, but previous studies in immunosuppressed patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have shown suboptimal seroprotection rates. A challenge dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) is recommended in previously vaccinated individuals who are seronegative to elicit an anamnestic response and determine if they are seroprotected. The aim of our study was to determine sustained seroprotection rates to hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) in patients with IBD.

METHODS

This was a single-center prospective study of patients with IBD previously vaccinated with a three dose HepB series. Patients had a hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) drawn; if it was below 10 mIU/mL, they received a challenge dose of the HepB vaccine to assess for anamnestic response and sustained seroprotection. The primary outcome was to determine the rate of sustained seroprotection (anti-HBs ≥ 10).

RESULTS

A total of 168 patients met inclusion criteria, mean age 35.7 years ± 13.6 standard deviation (SD). Initially 120 (71.4%) had anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/mL, with median anti-HBs of 37 mIU/mL (interquartile range 0-234); 48 (28.6%) needed a challenge dose, of which 34 responded with anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/mL. In total, 154 (91.7%) demonstrated sustained seroprotection to HepB. Those not seroprotected were more likely to have been vaccinated on immunosuppressive therapy or after their diagnosis of IBD.

CONCLUSIONS

Most vaccinated patients with IBD maintain sustained seroprotection to HepB despite prolonged exposure to immunosuppression. This contradicts prior studies and shows that immunosuppression does not lead to loss of seroprotection.

Management of ulcerative colitis in Taiwan: consensus guideline of the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease updated in 2023

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by alternating periods of inflammation and remission. Although UC incidence is lower in Taiwan than in Western countries, its impact remains considerable, demanding updated guidelines for addressing local healthcare challenges and patient needs. The revised guidelines employ international standards and recent research, emphasizing practical implementation within the Taiwanese healthcare system. Since the inception of the guidelines in 2017, the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease has acknowledged the need for ongoing revisions to incorporate emerging therapeutic options and evolving disease management practices. This updated guideline aims to align UC management with local contexts, ensuring comprehensive and context-specific recommendations, thereby raising the standard of care for UC patients in Taiwan. By adapting and optimizing international protocols for local relevance, these efforts seek to enhance health outcomes for patients with UC.

Management of Crohn's disease in Taiwan: consensus guideline of the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease updated in 2023

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic, fluctuating inflammatory condition that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. Although the incidence of CD in Taiwan is lower than that in Western countries, the severity of CD presentation appears to be similar between Asia and the West. This observation indicates the urgency for devising revised guidelines tailored to the unique reimbursement system, and patient requirements in Taiwan. The core objectives of these updated guidelines include the updated treatment choices and the integration of the treat-to-target strategy into CD management, promoting the achievement of deep remission to mitigate complications and enhance the overall quality of life. Given the diversity in disease prevalence, severity, insurance policies, and access to medical treatments in Taiwan, a customized approach is imperative for formulating these guidelines. Such tailored strategies ensure that international standards are not only adapted but also optimized to local contexts. Since the inception of its initial guidelines in 2017, the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (TSIBD) has acknowledged the importance of continuous revisions for incorporating new therapeutic options and evolving disease management practices. The latest update leverages international standards and recent research findings focused on practical implementation within the Taiwanese healthcare system.

Effectiveness of Hepatitis B Vaccination for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel and Celiac Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Guidelines recommend measuring antibody (Ab) titers to hepatitis B virus (HBV) after vaccination for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or celiac disease (CD) ("patients with IBD/CD") and revaccinating when titers are low. Few data, however, support this recommendation. We aimed to compare effectiveness of HBV vaccination (immunity and infection rates) for patients with IBD/CD vs matched referents.

METHODS

Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, we performed a retrospective cohort study of patients first diagnosed with IBD/CD (index date) while residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota, from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2019. HBV screening results were obtained from health records.

RESULTS

In 1264 incident cases of IBD/CD, only 6 HBV infections were diagnosed before the index date. A total of 351 IBD/CD cases had documented receipt of 2 or more HBV vaccines before their index date and had hepatitis B surface antigen Ab (anti-HBs) titers measured after their index date. The proportion of patients with HBV-protective titers (≥10 mIU/mL) decreased with time before plateauing, with protective titer rates of 45% at 5 up to 10 years and 41% at 15 up to 20 years after the last HBV vaccination. The proportion of referents with protective titers also decreased with time and was consistently higher than the levels of patients with IBD/CD within 15 years after the last HBV vaccination. However, no new HBV infection developed in any of 1258 patients with IBD/CD during a median follow-up of 9.4 years (interquartile range, 5.0-14.1 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Routine testing of anti-HBs titers may not be indicated for fully vaccinated patients with IBD/CD. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings in other settings and populations.

Efficacy of Hepatitis B Vaccination with a Novel Immunostimulatory Sequence Adjuvant (Heplisav-B) in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Owing to the use of immunosuppressive agents, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of vaccine preventable diseases, including infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Heplisav-B, an FDA-approved vaccine, is more effective (90% to 100%) than Engerix-B (70.5% to 90.2%) at inducing immunity to HBV in clinical studies. Available data on efficacy of Heplisav-B vaccine in patients with IBD are limited.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included patients age 18 years and older with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) who received 1 or 2 doses of Heplisav-B vaccine and had postvaccination serologic testing. Prior to immunization, all participants were seronegative for HBsAb antibodies (HBsAb) measured as <10 IU/mL. Postvaccination HBsAb of ≥10 IU/mL was considered successful vaccination. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, and medications were abstracted.

RESULTS

One hundred six patients were included in the analysis. Median age was 43 years, and 44 (42%) were female. Thirty-nine patients (37%) had UC, whereas 67 (63%) had CD. Eighty-three patients (78.3%) had active immunity after vaccination with Heplisav-B, with median postvaccination HBsAb levels of 114 IU/L. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, immunomodulator use, or those on 2 or more of immunosuppressive medications were less likely to respond to Heplisav-B, though these findings were not statistically significant on a multivariate analysis aside from chronic kidney disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Heplisav-B, a 2-dose vaccine, is an effective vaccine for HBV in patients with IBD. In our study, its overall efficacy (78.3%) is greater than that reported for the presently available 3-dose vaccination (Engerix) in patients with IBD.

Expert consensus on vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Japan

Immunosuppressive therapies can affect the immune response to or safety of vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The appropriateness of vaccination should be assessed prior to the initiation of IBD treatment because patients with IBD frequently undergo continuous treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. This consensus was developed to support the decision-making process regarding appropriate vaccination for pediatric and adult patients with IBD and physicians by providing critical information according to the published literature and expert consensus about vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) [excluding cervical cancer and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)] in Japan. This consensus includes 19 important clinical questions (CQs) on the following 4 topics: VPDs (6 CQs), live attenuated vaccines (2 CQs), inactivated vaccines (6 CQs), and vaccination for pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding (5 CQs). These topics and CQs were selected under unified consensus by the members of a committee on intractable diseases with support by a Health and Labour Sciences Research Grant. Physicians should provide necessary information on VPDs to their patients with IBD and carefully manage these patients' IBD if various risk factors for the development or worsening of VPDs are present. This consensus will facilitate informed and shared decision-making in daily IBD clinical practice.

Meta-analysis: hepatitis B reactivation in patients receiving biological therapy

BACKGROUND

The use of biologics poses a moderate to high risk for hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) in chronic carriers.

AIM

To determine the prevalence of HBVr with TNF alpha inhibitors, ustekinumab and vedolizumab METHOD: We followed the MOOSE guidelines and conducted a comprehensive literature search. We conducted a systematic search of EMBASE (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid) and PubMed. The studies included patients who were chronic and occult HBV carriers with various rheumatological, dermatological or gastroenterological conditions. We used a random effects model using pooled estimates (prevalence of HBVr with 95% confidence intervals (CI)).

RESULTS

We included 29 studies with 1409 patients infected with HBV. The prevalence of HBVr in chronic carriers of HBV was 17.1% (95% CI: 7.0-35.9, n = 5), 16.6% (95% CI: 9.5-27.5%, n = 6), 40.5% (95% CI: 20.3-64.5%, n = 4) and 19.1% (95% CI: 7.3-41.2%, n = 2), respectively, for adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and ustekinumab. The respective prevalence for reactivation in patients with occult HBV infection was 5.0% (95% CI: 2.8-8.7%, number of studies: n = 18), 2.6% (95% CI: 1.4-4.7%, n = 18), 4.4% (95% CI: 2.2-8.7%, n = 12) and 6.4% (95% CI: 2.2-16.8, n = 5). There were 39 HBVr (26 in chronic HBV and 13 in the occult group) without any hepatic failure or death. In the chronic HBVr group, only three of 24 patients received antiviral prophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

HBVr prevalence rates differ between the chronic carrier state and the occult carrier state. The uptake of prophylactic antiviral therapy in high-risk groups was low, contrary to clinical practice guidelines.

Inflammatory bowel disease in Korea: epidemiology and pathophysiology

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of disorders, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, that exhibit similar but distinct manifestations. These diseases are characterized by refractory and chronic inflammation of the bowel. IBD is usually accompanied by severe symptoms. When a patient presents with suspected IBD, physicians encounter various challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment. In addition, given such characteristics, the associated medical expenses gradually increase. Although IBD was formerly known as a disease of Western countries, the incidence and prevalence are increasing in Korea. Korean investigators have accumulated a great deal of knowledge about the regional characteristics and epidemiology of the disease, especially via well-organized, joint cohort studies. Against this background, this article describes the epidemiology of IBD in Korea compared to that in the West. In addition, an overview of the pathophysiology of the disease is provided, focusing on the latest results.

[Viral Hepatitis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease]

There has been a rise in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in developing countries, including South Korea. Consequently, the use of immunosuppressive agents such as immunomodulators or biologics has also increased. Due to immunosuppression, patients on these agents are at increased risk of various opportunistic infections during treatment, which may sometimes lead to serious adverse outcomes. Viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B, is one of the infectious conditions that can be reactivated during immunosuppressive therapy, and adequate strategies for monitoring and prophylaxis are needed to prevent it. South Korea is one of the countries with intermediate endemicity for hepatitis A and B. Thus, taking adequate precautions against viral hepatitis could prevent new infections or reactivation of these conditions in patients with IBD on immunosuppressive therapy. In this review article, we have summarized the latest evidence on viral hepatitis in patients with IBD that would be of assistance in clinical practice.

Core indicators of an evaluation and guidance system for quality of care in inflammatory bowel disease centers: A critical review

The mission of the IBD Quality Care Evaluation Center (IBDQCC) is to establish indicators of quality of care (QoC), certify IBD units to generate a network of IBD quality care, and eventually improve the national level of IBD healthcare. The final list of 28 core and 13 secondary IBD QoC indicators suitable for the healthcare system in China were selected using a Delphi consensus methodology. Units that met all core indicators were qualified as "regional"; units that met all core indicators together with more than 50% of the secondary indicators received a rating of "excellence." Using the selected QoC core indicators for certifying IBD units, a network of IBD quality care units covering the majority of IBD patients in China was established.

Funding

This work was financially supported by Cultivation Funding for Clinical Scientific Research Innovation, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University (RJPY-LX-004), National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81,770,545), Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Initiative (21SQBS02302), and Cultivated Funding for Clinical Research Innovation, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University (RJPY-LX-004).

Clinical Course of Hepatitis B Viral Infection in Patients Undergoing Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor α Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background/Aims

Little is known about the clinical course of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients undergoing anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to investigate the clinical course of HBV infection and IBD and to analyze liver dysfunction risks in patients undergoing anti-TNF-α therapy.

Methods

This retrospective multinational study involved multiple centers in Korea, China, Taiwan, and Japan. We enrolled IBD patients with chronic or resolved HBV infection, who received anti-TNF-α therapy. The patients’ medical records were reviewed, and data were collected using a web-based case report form.

Results

Overall, 191 patients (77 ulcerative colitis and 114 Crohn’s disease) were included, 28.3% of whom received prophylactic antivirals. During a median follow-up duration of 32.4 months, 7.3% of patients experienced liver dysfunction due to HBV reactivation. Among patients with chronic HBV infection, the proportion experiencing liver dysfunction was significantly higher in the non-prophylaxis group (26% vs 8%, p=0.02). Liver dysfunction occurred in one patient with resolved HBV infection. Antiviral prophylaxis was independently associated with an 84% reduction in liver dysfunction risk in patients with chronic HBV infection (odds ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.04 to 0.66; p=0.01). The clinical course of IBD was not associated with liver dysfunction or the administration of antiviral prophylaxis.

Conclusions

Liver dysfunction due to HBV reactivation can occur in HBV-infected IBD patients treated with anti-TNF-α agents. Careful monitoring is needed in these patients, and antivirals should be administered, especially to those with chronic HBV infection.

Current status of inflammatory bowel diseases in Korea

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a disease of unknown origin that causes chronic inflammation of the intestines and is classified as either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. The incidence and prevalence of IBD in Korea have been rapidly increasing during the past three decades. This paper describes the current status of IBD in Korea.Current Concepts: Compared with western countries, genotypes and phenotypes of IBD in Korea demonstrate some distinct features, which may have an impact on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of IBD. We continue to experience some difficulties in making early and accurate diagnoses of IBD in Korea due to a low awareness of the disease and the high prevalence of infectious enterocolitis, such as intestinal tuberculosis, which needs to be differentiated from IBD. The treatment of IBD can be influenced by differences in genetic, environmental, and social factors. NUDT15 variants limit the use of thiopurines. Infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and cytomegalovirus colitis, are usually more common in Asia than in western countries and can adversely influence the management of IBD. Biologic agents, which have changed the treatment paradigm of IBD, are equally efficacious in Asian patients as in Western patients. However, their use is limited due to a strict Korean government health insurance reimbursement policy. The prognosis of ulcerative colitis in Korea may be better than that in western countries, as indicated by a lower colectomy rate. However, this difference is less distinct in Crohn’s disease.Discussion and Conclusion: IBD in Korea differs from that in western countries in many respects. With rapid increase in the prevalence of IBD in Korea, medical costs for IBD are expected to become a significant financial burden. Koreans need to be prepared for this eventuality.

Viral infections in inflammatory bowel disease: Tips and tricks for correct management

Over the past decades, the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has become more targeted, anticipating the use of immune-modifying therapies at an earlier stage. This top-down approach has been correlated with favorable short and long-term outcomes, but it has also brought with it concerns regarding potential infectious complications. This large IBD population treated with immune-modifying therapies, especially if combined, has an increased risk of severe infections, including opportunistic infections that are sustained by viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal agents. Viral infections have emerged as a focal safety concern in patients with IBD, representing a challenge for the clinician: they are often difficult to diagnose and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The first step is to improve effective preventive strategies, such as applying vaccination protocols, adopt adequate prophylaxis and educate patients about potential risk factors. Since viral infections in immunosuppressed patients may present atypical signs and symptoms, the challenges for the gastroenterologist are to suspect, recognize and diagnose such complications. Appropriate treatment of common viral infections allows us to minimize their impact on disease outcomes and patients’ lives. This practical review supports this standard of care to improve knowledge in this subject area.

Management of hepatitis B virus infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease under immunosuppressive treatment

Hepatitis B remains a significant global clinical problem, despite the implementation of safe and effective vaccination programs. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) largely follows the regional epidemiologic status. Serological screening with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and antibodies to hepatitis B surface (anti-HBs) and core (anti-HBc) proteins is a key element in the management of IBD patients and, ideally, should be performed at IBD diagnosis. Stratification of individual cases should be done according to the serologic profile and the IBD-specific treatment, with particular emphasis in patients receiving immunosuppressive regimens. In patients who have not contracted HBV, vaccination is indicated to accomplish protective immunity. Vaccination in immunosuppressed patients, however, is a challenging issue and several strategies for primary and revaccination have been proposed. The risk of HBV reactivation in patients with IBD should be considered in both HBsAg-positive and HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive patients, when immunosuppressive therapies are administered. HBV reactivation is preventable via the administration of prophylactic nucleot(s)ide analogues and should be the standard approach in HBsAg-positive patients. HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive patients represent a non-homogeneous group and bear a significantly lower risk of HBV reactivation. Biochemical, serological and molecular monitoring is currently the recommended approach for anti-HBc patients. Acute HBV infection is rarely reported in IBD patients. In the present review, we outline the problems associated with HBV infection in patients with IBD and present updated evidence for their management.

Prevalence of serological markers of hepatitis B in inflammatory bowel disease - Experience from a tertiary care centre in South India

Inflammatory bowel disease patients are at risk of hepatitis B infection. Data on this prevalence from South Asia are limited. We conducted a prospective study comprising of 76 inflammatory bowel disease patients between October 2013 and August 2014. Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients were 2.6%, 2.4% and 3% respectively and that of markers of hepatitis B exposure (hepatitis B surface antigen /hepatitis B core antibody) were 11.8%, 14.3% and 9.1% respectively. Risk factors found significantly more common in those positive for viral markers compared to those negative were age, non-inflammatory bowel disease related surgery and hospital admission. Only 7(9.2%) had completed hepatitis B vaccination. There is a need to create awareness among physicians regarding the importance of hepatitis B screening and vaccination in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Challenges in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease in resource-limited settings in Asia

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in prevalence in resource-limited settings in Asia. Although the prevalence of IBD is lower in these settings than in high-income countries, the high disease burden due to large population size is projected to overtake that of high-income countries in the near future. Unique challenges exist for diagnosing and managing IBD in Asia. On one hand, the inadequate disease awareness in physicians and the general population, the scarcity of diagnostic services, the infectious mimics of IBD (specifically intestinal tuberculosis), and the widespread use of empirical antibiotics and antitubercular therapy pose diagnostic challenges. On the other hand, the absence of a centralised health-care delivery system or universal health insurance, the high cost of therapy, limited access to biologics, and the high risk of opportunistic infections with immunosuppressive therapy present therapeutic challenges. The high probability of tuberculosis reactivation often precludes biological therapy because Asia is highly endemic for tuberculosis and has a high prevalence of latent tuberculosis. Current screening strategies are often ineffective in ruling out latent tuberculosis. Hence, management strategies are often modified according to these challenges. This Series paper discusses the challenges in the diagnosis and management of IBD in resource-limited settings in Asia.

Chronic Viral Hepatitis in a Cohort of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients from Southern Italy: A Case-Control Study

We performed an epidemiologic study to assess the prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to detect their possible relationships. Methods: It was a single centre cohort cross-sectional study, during October 2016 and October 2017. Consecutive IBD adult patients and a control group of non-IBD subjects were recruited. All patients underwent laboratory investigations to detect chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infection. Parameters of liver function, elastography and IBD features were collected. Univariate analysis was performed by Student's t or chi-square test. Multivariate analysis was performed by binomial logistic regression and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. We enrolled 807 IBD patients and 189 controls. Thirty-five (4.3%) had chronic viral hepatitis: 28 HCV (3.4%, versus 5.3% in controls, p = 0.24) and 7 HBV (0.9% versus 0.5% in controls, p = 0.64). More men were observed in the IBD-hepatitis group (71.2% versus 58.2%, p < 0.001). Patients with IBD and chronic viral hepatitis had a higher mean age and showed a higher frequency of diabetes, hypertension and wider waist circumference. They suffered more frequently from ulcerative colitis. Liver stiffness was greater in subjects with IBD and chronic viral hepatitis (7.0 ± 4.4 versus 5.0 ± 1.2 KPa; p < 0.001). At multivariate analysis, only old age directly correlated with viral hepatitis risk (OR = 1.05, 95%CI 1.02-1.08, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the prevalence of HBV/HCV in IBD is low in our region. Age may be the only independent factor of viral hepatitis-IBD association. Finally, this study firstly measured liver stiffness in a large scale, showing higher values in subjects with both diseases.

Vaccination in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Utility and Future Perspective

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated disease, which often require lifetime treatment with immunomodulators and immunosuppressive drugs. Both IBD and its treatments are associated with an increased risk of infectious disease and mortality. Several of these diseases are vaccine preventable and could be avoided, reducing morbidity and mortality. However, vaccination rates among patients with IBD are lower than in the general population and both patients and doctors are not fully aware of the problem. Education campaigns and well planned vaccination schemes are necessary to improve vaccination coverage in patients with IBD. Immunomodulators and immunosuppressive drugs may reduce the seroprotection levels. For this reason, new vaccination schemes are being studied in patients with IBD. It is therefore important to understand which and when vaccines can be administrated based on immunocompetence or immunosuppression of patients. Usually, live-attenuated vaccines should be avoided in immunosuppressed patients, so assessing vaccination status and planning vaccination before immunosuppressive treatments are pivotal to reduce infection risk. The aim of this review is to increase the awareness of the problem and provide a quick reference for vaccination plan tailoring, especially for gastroenterologists and primary care physicians, who have the skills and knowledge to implement vaccination strategies.

Incidence and risk factors of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in Korean patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Little is known whether routine prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is needed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on immunosuppression, especially in Asian populations. We, therefore, sought to investigate the incidence and risk factors of PJP in patients with IBD in Korea.

METHODS

We investigated the incidence of PJP in patients with IBD and compared the characteristics of IBD patients with PJP episodes (IBD-PJP group) with those of matched controls (IBD-only group) using a large, well-characterized referral center-based cohort.

RESULTS

Among the 6803 IBD patients (3171 with Crohn's disease and 3632 with ulcerative colitis) enrolled in the Asan IBD Registry between June 1989 and December 2016, six patients (0.09%) were diagnosed with PJP. During the 57 776.0 patient-years of follow-up (median 7.2 years per patient), the incidence of PJP was 10.4 cases per 100 000 person-years, and none of these patients had received PJP prophylaxis. In case-control analysis, the IBD-PJP group (n = 6) showed significantly higher C-reactive protein level at diagnosis of IBD (P = 0.006), as well as higher exposure to corticosteroids (P = 0.017), than did controls (n = 24). In addition, the IBD-PJP group showed higher rates of double (50% vs 12.5%) or triple (33.3% vs 4.2%) immunosuppression than did controls, although these are not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the incidence of PJP in Korean patients with IBD is low, careful monitoring is necessary for the early detection of PJP. In addition to the patients receiving double or triple immunosuppression, PJP prophylaxis should be considered especially in patients with severe disease activities requiring corticosteroids.

Prevention and management of viral hepatitis in inflammatory bowel disease: a clinical practice guideline by the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases

The treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been revolutionized for the last 10 years by the increasing use of immunomodulators and biologics. With immunosuppression of this kind, opportunistic infection is an important safety concern for patients with IBD. In particular, viral hepatitis is determined by the interaction between the virus and the host's immunity, and the risk of reactivation increases if immunity is compromised by immunosuppression therapy. Parts of Asia, including Korea, still show intermediate endemicity for the hepatitis A virus and hepatitis B virus compared with the United States and Western Europe. Thus, members of IBD research group of the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases have produced a guideline on the prevention and management of viral hepatitis in IBD.

Infection risk in patients undergoing treatment for inflammatory arthritis: non-biologics versus biologics

Introduction: Despite the therapeutic effectiveness of biologics targeting immune cells or cytokines in patients with inflammatory arthritis, which reflects their pathogenic roles, an increased infection risk is observed in those undergoing biological treatment. However, there are limited data regarding the comparison of infection risks in inflammatory arthritis patients treated with non-biologics (csDMARDs), biologics (bDMARDs), including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and non-TNF inhibitors, or targeted synthetic (ts)DMARDs.Areas covered: Through a review of English-language literature as of 30 June 2019, we focus on the existing evidence on the risk of infections caused by bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and hepatitis virus in inflammatory arthritis patients undergoing treatment with csDMARDs, bDMARDs, or tsDMARDs.Expert opinion: While the risks of bacterial and mycobacterial infection are increased in arthritis patients treated with csDMARDs, the risks are further higher in those receiving bDMARDs therapy, particularly TNF inhibitors. Regarding HBV infection, antiviral therapy may effectively prevent HBV reactivation in patients receiving bDMARDs, especially rituximab. However, more data are needed to establish effective preventive strategies for HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-positive patients. It seems safe to use cyclosporine and TNF inhibitors in patients with HCV infection, while those undergoing rituximab therapies should be frequently monitored for HCV activity.Abbreviations: ABT: abatacept; ADA: adalimumab; AS: ankylosing spondylitis; bDMARDs: biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs; CKD: chronic kidney disease; COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CS: corticosteroids; CsA: cyclosporine A; csDMARDs: conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs; CZP: certolizumab; DAAs: direct-acting antiviral agents; DM: diabetes mellitus; DOT: directly observed therapy; EIN: Emerging Infections Network; ETN: etanercept; GOL: golimumab; GPRD: General Practice Research Database; HBV: hepatitis B virus; HBVr: HBV reactivation; HBsAg+: HBsAg-positive; HBsAg-/anti-HBc+: HBsAg-negative anti-HBc antibodies-positive; HCV: hepatitis C virus; HCQ: hydroxychloroquine: IFX: infliximab; IL-6: interleukin-6; JAK: Janus kinase; LEF: leflunomide; LTBI: latent tuberculosis infection; mAb: monoclonal antibody; MTX: methotrexate; OR: odds ratio; PsA: psoriatic arthritis; PMS: post-marketing surveillance; RA: rheumatoid arthritis; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; TNFi: tumor necrosis factor inhibitor; SCK: secukinumab; SSZ: sulfasalazine; TOZ: tocilizumab; RCT: randomized controlled trial; RR: relative risk; RTX: rituximab; 3HP: 3-month once-weekly isoniazid plus rifapentine; TB: tuberculosis; tsDMARDs: targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs; UTK: ustekinumab; WHO: World Health Organization.

Best practices on immunomodulators and biologic agents for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in Asia

The Asia-Pacific Working Group on Inflammatory Bowel Disease was established in Cebu, Philippines, under the auspices of the Asia-Pacific Association of Gastroenterology with the goal of improving inflammatory bowel disease care in Asia. This consensus is carried out in collaboration with Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis. With biologic agents and biosimilars becoming more established, it is necessary to conduct a review on existing literature and establish a consensus on when and how to introduce biologic agents and biosimilars in conjunction with conventional treatments for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in Asia. These statements also address how pharmacogenetics influences the treatments of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and provides guidance on response monitoring and strategies to restore loss of response. Finally, the review includes statements on how to manage treatment alongside possible hepatitis B and tuberculosis infections, both common in Asia. These statements have been prepared and voted upon by members of inflammatory bowel disease workgroup employing the modified Delphi process. These statements do not intend to be all-encompassing, and future revisions are likely as new data continue to emerge.

Practical clinical approach to the evaluation of hepatobiliary disorders in inflammatory bowel disease

Hepatobiliary disorders are frequent extraintestinal manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may appear at any time point during the natural course of the disease. Conceptually, these manifestations can be categorised as: (1) disorders that have an association with IBD; (2) diseases directly and structurally related to intestinal inflammation; (3) diseases related to the adverse effects of IBD treatment; and (4) disorders stemming from the metabolic derangements caused by IBD. The clinical presentations of these disorders range from a mild transient elevation of liver enzymes to liver failure and death. Given this wide differential diagnosis and spectrum of severity, it is understandable that the evaluation of patients with IBD with a hepatobiliary abnormality is often challenging. In this review, we present a concise summary of the common hepatic manifestations seen in patients with IBD and focus on the relevant practical issues encountered by gastroenterologists caring for patients with IBD. A practical clinical approach to the evaluation of liver enzyme abnormalities in patients with IBD is provided based on the predominant enzyme elevation pattern (hepatocellular vs cholestatic), before presenting a working scheme for the prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients with IBD receiving immunosuppressive medications. Finally, we specify several laboratory alterations seen in patients with IBD that can potentially interfere with the interpretation of liver function tests, before defining the specific circumstances when a referral for a hepatological consultation is required for further assessment.

Best practices on immunomodulators and biologic agents for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in Asia

The Asia-Pacific Working Group on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was established in Cebu, Philippines, under the auspices of the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology with the goal of improving IBD care in Asia. This consensus is carried out in collaboration with Asian Organization for Crohn’s and Colitis. With biologic agents and biosimilars becoming more established, it is necessary to conduct a review on existing literature and establish a consensus on when and how to introduce biologic agents and biosimilars in the conjunction with conventional treatments for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) in Asia. These statements also address how pharmacogenetics influence the treatments of UC and CD and provide guidance on response monitoring and strategies to restore loss of response. Finally, the review includes statements on how to manage treatment alongside possible hepatitis B and tuberculosis infections, both common in Asia. These statements have been prepared and voted upon by members of IBD workgroup employing the modified Delphi process. These statements do not intend to be all-encompassing and future revisions are likely as new data continue to emerge.

Nonimmunity against hepatitis B virus infection in patients newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease

Background/Aims

This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serologic markers in Korean patients newly diagnosed with, but not yet treated for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 210 patients newly diagnosed with IBD (109 with ulcerative colitis and 101 with Crohn's disease). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) levels were measured and compared with those of 1,100 sex- and age-matched controls.

Results

The prevalence of chronic HBV infection (positive HBsAg, positive anti-HBc, and negative anti-HBs results) and past infection (negative HBsAg, positive anti-HBc, and positive or negative anti-HBs results) were not significantly different between the patients and controls (chronic HBV infection: IBD, 3.8% vs. control, 4.9%, P=0.596; past infection: IBD, 26.2% vs. control, 28.8%, P=0.625). The patients with IBD aged <20 years were at a higher susceptibility risk (nonimmune) for HBV infection than the controls (IBD, 41.5% vs. control, 22.4%; P=0.018). In the multivariate analysis, an age of <20 years (P=0.024) and symptom duration of ≥12 months before diagnosis (P=0.027) were identified as independent risk factors for nonimmunity against HBV infection.

Conclusions

The patients newly diagnosed with IBD were susceptible to HBV infection. The frequency of nonimmunity was high, especially in the patients aged <20 years and those with a longer duration of symptoms before diagnosis. Therefore, it is necessary to screen for HBV serologic markers and generate a detailed vaccination plan for patients newly diagnosed with IBD.

Management of ulcerative colitis in Taiwan: consensus guideline of the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic mucosal inflammation of the colon, and the prevalence and incidence of UC have been steadily increasing in Taiwan. A steering committee was established by the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease to formulate statements on the diagnosis and management of UC taking into account currently available evidence and the expert opinion of the committee. Accurate diagnosis of UC requires thorough clinical, endoscopic, and histological assessment and careful exclusion of differential diagnoses, particularly infectious colitis. The goals of UC therapy are to induce and maintain remission, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life. As outlined in the recommended treatment algorithm, choice of treatment is dictated by severity, extent, and course of disease. Patients should be evaluated for hepatitis B virus and tuberculosis infection prior to immunosuppressive treatment, especially with steroids and biologic agents, and should be regularly monitored for reactivation of latent infection. These consensus statements are also based on current local evidence with consideration of factors, and could be serve as concise and practical guidelines for supporting clinicians in the management of UC in Taiwan.

Management of Crohn's disease in Taiwan: consensus guideline of the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. CD is rare in Taiwan and other Asian countries, but its prevalence and incidence have been steadily increasing. A steering committee was established by the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease to formulate statements on the diagnosis and management of CD taking into account currently available evidence and the expert opinion of the committee. Thorough clinical, endoscopic, and histological assessments are required for accurate diagnosis of CD. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are complementary to endoscopic evaluation for disease staging and detecting complications. The goals of CD management are to induce and maintain remission, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life. Corticosteroids are the mainstay for inducing re-mission. Immunomodulating and biologic therapies should be used to maintain remission. Patients should be evaluated for hepatitis B virus and tuberculosis infection prior to treatment and receive regular surveillance for cancer. These consensus statements are based on current local evidence with consideration of factors, and could be serve as concise and practical guidelines for supporting clinicians in the management of patients with CD in Taiwan.

Understanding the complications of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in East Asian patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Remarkable advances have been made in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease since the introduction of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents, especially for patients who are refractory to or cannot tolerate conventional therapies. Currently, infliximab, adalimumab, and golimumab are available in the East Asian medical market, and these agents have been shown to be effective for inducing and maintaining long-term remission of inflammatory bowel disease. Despite their clinical benefits, anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy can also lead to increased vulnerability to infections, development of autoimmune diseases and malignancy, and decreased immunogenicity of vaccinations. Because infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, and influenza, remain major health problems in East Asia, more cautious use of biologics is needed. To further improve treatment efficacy and safety, close monitoring of inflammation, regular surveillance for malignancy, and regularly scheduled vaccinations are needed. Treatment strategies for biologics should be customized to meet the needs of different patients.

Diagnostic and vaccine strategies to prevent infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVES

The treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been revolutionized by the use of immunomodulatory agents. Although these potent drugs are effective in controlling disease activity, they also cause an increased risk of new infections or reactivation of latent infections. On these premises, we aimed to provide guidance on the definitions of immunocompromised patients, opportunistic infections and the risk factors associated with their occurrence in an IBD context, and to suggest the proper screening tests for infectious diseases and the vaccination schedules to perform before and/or during therapy with immunomodulators.

METHODS

All the most recent evidences - filtered by the combined work of gastroenterologists and infectious disease experts - were summarized with the aim to provide a practical standpoint for the physician.

RESULTS

A systematic screening of all infections which may arise during therapy with immunomodulator drugs is necessary in all patients with IBD.

CONCLUSIONS

The ideal timing to perform screening tests and vaccinations is at the diagnosis of the disease, regardless of its severity at onset, because the course of IBD and its treatment may vary over time, and an immunocompromised status may hamper efficacy and/or possibility to perform all necessary vaccines.

Infections in inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease constitute a population with a special predisposition to develop bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Iatrogenic immunosuppression, frequent contact with healthcare facilities and surgical interventions are some of the risk factors that explain why these infections are one of the main causes of morbi-mortality in this disease. Some of these infections follow a subtle and paucisymptomatic evolution; their diagnosis and management may become a real challenge for the attending physician if their screening is not systematized or they are not considered in the differential diagnosis. The objective of this review is to provide an update from a practical and concise perspective on the knowledge regarding the epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the most common infections.

Prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency viral infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in north India

Background/Aims

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often require immunosuppressive therapy and blood transfusions and therefore are at a high risk of contracting infections due to hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In the present study, we assessed the prevalence of these infections in patients with IBD.

Methods

This retrospective study included 908 consecutive patients with IBD (ulcerative colitis [UC], n=581; Crohn's disease [CD], n=327) who were receiving care at a tertiary care center. Ninety-five patients with intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) were recruited as disease controls. Prospectively maintained patient databases were reviewed for the prevalence of HBV surface antigen, anti-HCV antibodies, and HIV (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method). HCV RNA was examined in patients who tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies. Prevalence data of the study were compared with that of the general Indian population (HBV, 3.7%; HCV, 1%; HIV, 0.3%).

Results

The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV was 2.4%, 1.4%, and 0.1%, respectively, in the 908 patients with IBD. Among the 581 patients with UC, 2.2% (12/541) had HBV, 1.7% (9/517) had HCV, and 0.2% (1/499) had HIV. Among the 327 patients with CD, 2.8% (8/288) had HBV, 0.7% (2/273) had HCV, and 0% (0/277) had HIV. One patient with CD had HBV and HCV coinfection. The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV in patients with ITB was 5.9% (4/67), 1.8% (1/57), and 1.2% (1/84), respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV in north Indian patients with IBD is similar to the prevalence of these viruses in the general community. Nonetheless, the high risk of flare after immunosuppressive therapy mandates routine screening of patients with IBD for viral markers.

How Does the Epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Differ between East and West? A Korean Perspective

Background

Though low compared with those in Western countries, the incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are rapidly increasing in Asia. If we could understand the differences in IBD epidemiology between Asian and Western countries, we might gain insights into the etiopathogenesis of IBD as well as guidance for personalized therapy.

Summary

In Asia, unlike in the West, Crohn's disease (CD) predominantly occurs in men and involves a high prevalence of perianal fistulas. Moreover, in Korean CD patients, ileocolonic involvement is predominant, whereas isolated colonic involvement is very uncommon. In both ulcerative colitis (UC) and CD, extraintestinal manifestations, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, as well as a positive family history of IBD are less frequent in Asian patients. However, as the prevalence of IBD rises in Korea, so does the frequency of a positive family history. While the colectomy rate among Korean UC patients is lower, the intestinal resection rate in CD patients is similar in Korea and in the West. Infectious problems that can adversely influence IBD management are usually more common in Asia.

Key Messages

IBD in Asians differs from that in Westerners in many aspects, including demographic and clinical characteristics, prognosis, and associated problems.

Second Korean guidelines for the management of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by a relapsing and remitting course. The direct and indirect costs of the treatment of UC are high, and the quality of life of patients is reduced, especially during exacerbation of the disease. The incidence and prevalence of UC in Korea are still lower than those of Western countries, but have been rapidly increasing during the past decades. Various medical and surgical therapies, including biologics, are currently used for the management of UC. However, many challenging issues exist, which sometimes lead to differences in practice between clinicians. Therefore, the IBD study group of the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases established the first Korean guidelines for the management of UC in 2012. This is an update of the first guidelines. It was generally made by the adaptation of several foreign guidelines as was the first edition, and encompasses treatment of active colitis, maintenance of remission, and indication of surgery for UC. The specific recommendations are presented with the quality of evidence and classification of recommendations.

Challenges in treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease and concurrent viral hepatitis infection

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) require long-term administration of immunomodulatory treatments to maintain disease remission. Due to the high worldwide prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) or C (HCV) virus infections, presence of concurrent hepatitis can be a relevant clinical issue to manage when treating IBD. Areas covered: The paper summarizes epidemiological data about IBD and HBV/HCV infection and reviews current knowledge about the natural history of HBV and HCV in the IBD setting, concentrating on risk of hepatitis reactivation during immunosuppressive treatment. Most updated recommendations for management of HBV and HCV infections in IBD patients are discussed. Expert commentary: The development of new drugs for IBD with different molecular targets and the availability of potent and efficacious antiviral drugs for HBV and HCV will simplify management of hepatitis infection in IBD patients in the near future.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and clinical outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease patients in a viral-endemic region

Background

Little is known of the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its effect on choice of therapy and disease course in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We assessed the prevalence of HBV in Hong Kong as well as determinants of altered transaminases, effects of HBV infection on therapeutic strategy and clinical course in IBD.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), liver function tests, and IBD disease characteristics were recorded. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with altered transaminases.

Results

Four hundred six IBD patients were recruited. HBV infection was found in 5.7 % patients in Hong Kong. The use of steroids (OR, 2.52; p = 0.010) and a previous history of surgery (OR 2.33; p = 0.026) were associated with altered transaminases in IBD. There was no significant difference in disease control and use of IBD medication between HBsAg-positive and HBsAg-negative IBD patients.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HBV among patients with IBD in Hong Kong (5.7 %) is similar to that of general population (~7 %). There was no difference in disease control and use of IBD medication between subjects with or without HBV.

Long-Term Outcomes of Infliximab Treatment in 582 Korean Patients with Crohn's Disease: A Hospital-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To date, no large-scale studies have evaluated long-term outcomes of infliximab (IFX) treatment in Korean patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

We analyzed long-term clinical responses to IFX in 582 Korean CD patients who received scheduled IFX treatments at Asan Medical Center. Clinical responses were defined as maintaining IFX without major abdominal surgery (MAS) or dose intensification.

RESULTS

Between February 2002 and July 2015, a total of 11,990 IFX infusions were administered to 582 Korean patients with CD over a median period of 36 months. At the end of follow-up, 316 (54.3 %) were still receiving IFX without MAS (71 patients, 12.2 %) or dose intensification (86 patients, 14.8 %). IFX was stopped in 109 (18.7 %) patients because of a loss of response (48 patients, 8.2 %), adverse events (30 patients, 5.2 %), or patient preferences or problems with reimbursement (31 patients, 5.3 %). The cumulative survival for maintenance of IFX without MAS or dose intensification was 89.0, 75.9, 68.3, and 50.8 % at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis identified older age at the initiation of IFX (≥40 years, P = 0.006) and a longer disease duration (≥3 years, P = 0.020) as independent positive predictors of a poorer response to IFX.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term efficacy of IFX in a large, real-life cohort of Korean patients with CD appears to be similar to that in previously published Western studies. Our findings support the early use of IFX to obtain better clinical outcomes.

Computerized physician order entry-based system to prevent HBV reactivation in patients treated with biologic agents: the PRESCRIB project

Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) applications are widely used to prevent medical errors. In our center, a CPOE system has been in use since 2009 on both the inpatient and outpatient levels. A new and simple alert was introduced in the CPOE system to notify healthcare providers of the potential risk of viral reactivation when prescribing biological therapies, thereby facilitating the request for a serological profile (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], anti-HBc, and anti-HBs) in patients who have not had these tests. Between May 2012 and May 2013, a total of 1,076 patients undergoing biological treatment were included in the implementation of the CPOE in our hospital, resulting in the identification of 4 HBsAg-positive and 69 anti-HBc-positive/HBsAg-negative patients, two of them with positive viral loads. Since the implementation of this alert system, over 90% of patients who were prescribed a biological drug (BD) have undergone serological screening to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The use of the alert system has increased the screening rate from less than 50% to 94% for HBsAg and from less than 30% to 85% for anti-HBc in patients for whom a BD is prescribed. Six patients received prophylactic antiviral therapy. No patient had HBV reactivation.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a CPOE system that has allowed our hospital to increase the rate of HBV screening. Its use has facilitated the identification of patients at high risk for HBV reactivation and permitted physicians to prescribe prophylactic measures according to current guidelines.

Crohn's disease complicated by hepatitis B virus successfully treated with the use of adsorptive depletion of myeloid lineage leucocytes to suppress inflammatory cytokine profile

BACKGROUND AIMS

In patients with inflammatory bowel disease infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), immunosuppressive therapy required to suppress active inflammatory bowel disease may promote HBV reactivation.

METHODS

A 27-year-old corticosteroid-naive woman with Crohn's disease (CD) activity index of 249.8 complicated by HBV infection was offered Entecavir to control HBV reactivation during immunosuppressive therapy for CD. The patient refused Entecavir, fearing that it might adversely affect her pregnancy outcome. Instead, we applied intensive granulocyte/monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) at two sessions per week to deplete inflammatory cytokine-producing leucocytes as an immunosuppressive therapy in this case.

RESULTS

GMA induced stable remission (CD activity index, I 105) and endoscopic improvement without HBV reactivation or safety concern. Furthermore, CD remission was paralleled by suppression of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin as measured in serum samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunosuppressive therapy required to treat an active CD potentially can promote HBV reactivation and worsen liver function. In this study involving a CD case complicated by chronic HBV infection, intensive GMA as a non-pharmacologic treatment intervention was associated with clinical remission and endoscopic improvement without HBV reactivation. Furthermore, GMA was well-tolerated and was without any safety concern. However, suppression of tumor necrosis and interleukin-6by GMA in this clinical setting is potentially very interesting.

Efficacy of hepatitis A vaccination and factors impacting on seroconversion in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the immune response to hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccinations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We therefore assessed the immunogenicity of HAV vaccine in patients with IBD and evaluated the impact on vaccination efficacy of immunosuppressants, including corticosteroids, thiopurines, and anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents.

METHODS

This open prospective study evaluated the efficacy of HAV vaccination in 419 anti-HAV-negative adult patients with IBD. Patients were vaccinated against HAV at 0 and 6 to 12 months, with seroconversion (anti-HAV immunoglobulin G) measured 1 to 3 months after the second dose.

RESULTS

Of the 419 vaccinated patients who finished the study protocol (mean age, 26.9 yr), 355 (84.7%) had Crohn's disease and 64 (15.3%) had ulcerative colitis. The overall seroconversion rate was 97.6% (409/419) but was significantly lower in patients treated with the anti-TNF monoclonal antibody infliximab or adalimumab than in those not treated (92.4% [85/92] versus 99.1% [324/327], P = 0.001). In addition, the seroconversion rate was significantly lower in patients treated with ≥2 than with <2 immunosuppressants (92.6% [50/54] versus 98.4% [359/365], P = 0.03). When comparing anti-TNF alone with anti-TNF and other immunosuppressants, there was no significant difference in seroconversion rates (odds ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-5.6; P = 0.83). The sample/cutoff ratio was significantly lower in patients who did receive anti-TNF therapy than in those who did not (5.5 versus 9.6; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although HAV vaccination is generally effective in patients with IBD, the seroconversion rate is lower in patients receiving anti-TNF agents (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT01341808).

Hepatitis B and inflammatory bowel disease: Role of antiviral prophylaxis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a very common infection worldwide. Its reactivation in patients receiving immunosuppression has been widely described as being associated with significant morbidity and mortality unless anti-viral prophylaxis is administered. Treatment in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients has changed in recent years and immunosuppression and biological therapies are now used more frequently than before. Although current studies have reported an incidence of hepatitis B in inflammatory bowel disease patients similar to that in the general population, associated liver damage remains an important concern in this setting. Liver dysfunction may manifest in several ways, from a subtle change in serum aminotransferase levels to fulminant liver failure and death. Patients undergoing double immunosuppression are at a higher risk, and reactivation usually occurs after more than one year of treatment. As preventive measures, all IBD patients should be screened for HBV markers at diagnosis and those who are positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen should receive antiviral prophylaxis before undergoing immunosuppression in order to avoid HBV reactivation. Tenofovir/entecavir are preferred to lamivudine as nucleos(t)ide analogues due to their better resistance profile. In patients with occult or resolved HBV, viral reactivation does not appear to be a relevant issue and regular DNA determination is recommended during immunosuppression therapy. Consensus guidelines on this topic have been published in recent years. The prevention and management of HBV infection in IBD patients is addressed in this review in order to address practical recommendations