Crohn's disease and indeterminate colitis and the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: outcomes and patterns of failure

The Pouch Corner: Perianal Fistulas and Ileal Pouches: Examining Fistulas Before and After Pouch Creation

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) proctocolitis are candidates for an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), provided they do not suffer from complex perianal fistulas or small bowel inflammation. UC patients who develop a simple perianal fistula may still be candidates for an IPAA; however, patients with complex perianal fistulas are precluded from having an ileal pouch. After an IPAA, patients may develop perianal fistulas that arise acutely from a technical complication or an anastomotic leak, or as late-onset fistulas as a result of CD-like inflammation of the pouch.

The Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis: Identifying Structural Disorders

Chronic disorders of a pelvic pouch may result from structural complications secondary to postoperative surgical complications which manifest as a variety of symptoms. Knowing the crucial pitfalls of pouch construction can guide treatment options in patients suffering from signs of pouch failure.

Ouch, my pouch! a clinician's guide to pouchitis

Pouchitis is defined as inflammation of the ileal pouch created during a restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Although the incidence of this inflammatory condition is high, the exact etiology often remains unclear and the management challenging. In this review, we summarize the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of this common complication.

Cannabis Improves Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Pouchitis

Many patients with ulcerative colitis after ileoanal pouch anastomosis report improvement of pouchitis with the use of cannabis. Nine patients with chronic pouchitis used 1 g/d of cannabis: 7 patients were male with average age 51 ± 16 years. Average partial pouchitis disease activity index were 11 (range 8-17), 6 (range 5-8), and 5 (range 4-8); endoscopic subscores were 7 .3 ± 2.3, 6 ± 1.1, and 4.4 ± 0.9; average bowel movements per day were 14 (range 8-20), 8 (range 2-13), and 10 (range 13-8); and quality of life increased from 72 ± 1 to 90 ± 16 and 97 ± 10 (P = 0.001) before cannabis treatment and after 8-12 and 52 weeks, respectively. No adverse events were reported.

Long-term Outcomes and Factors Predicting Outcome of IPAA When Used Intentionally for Well-Defined Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease is considered a contraindication for IPAA. In our prior study, when IPAA was used intentionally for well-defined Crohn's disease, we found a high incidence of recurrent disease with a low incidence of pouch failure.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to replicate these findings in a larger cohort over a longer period.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of a prospective IBD registry.

SETTINGS

Large IBD referral center.

PATIENTS

Patients with preoperative colorectal Crohn's disease requiring surgery were included in the study.

INTERVENTION

IPAA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Long-term Crohn's disease recurrence, pouch failure, and pouch function.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients were identified. Crohn's disease was diagnosed on the basis of perianal disease (n = 18; 39%), small-bowel disease (n = 16; 35%), noncaseating granuloma (n = 10; 22%), and discontinuous inflammation (colorectal skip lesions) (n = 11; 24%). After a median follow-up of 93 (7-291) months, 22 patients (48%) developed recurrent Crohn's disease based on afferent limb disease (n = 14; 30%) or pouch fistulizing disease (n = 8; 18%). Only 4 patients (9%) developed pouch failure. No clinical factor was associated with Crohn's disease recurrence. Young age at the time of surgery and short duration of disease before IPAA were associated with pouch fistula recurrence ( p = 0.003 and p = 0.03, respectively). Most patients (86%) reported excellent continence, with no urgency (67%) and median stool frequency of 6 (range, 3-9) per day.

LIMITATION

Retrospective nature and relatively small sample size.

CONCLUSION

This largest reported series examining the intentional use of IPAA in Crohn's disease showed a high (48%) incidence of postoperative Crohn's disease with a low (9%) incidence of pouch failure. Young age and short disease course before surgery were risk factors for poor outcomes. Highly motivated patients with colorectal Crohn's disease may consider IPAA and avoid a definitive ileostomy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C171 .

RESULTADOS A LARGO PLAZO Y FACTORES PREDICTORES DE RESULTADOS DE LA ANASTOMOSIS ILEOANAL CON RESERVORIO CUANDO SE USA INTENCIONALMENTE PARA LA ENFERMEDAD DE CROHN BIEN DEFINIDA

ANTECEDENTES: La enfermedad de Crohn (EC) se considera una contraindicación para la anastomosis ileoanal con reservorio (IPAA). Nuestro estudio previo de IPAA cuando fue usada intencionalmente para EC bien definida mostró una alta incidencia de enfermedad recurrente con una baja incidencia de falla del reservorio.OBJETIVO: Replicar estos hallazgos en una cohorte más grande durante un período más largo.DISEÑO: Revisión retrospectiva de una base de datos prospectiva de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.ESCENARIO: Un centro grande de referencia de EII.PACIENTES: EC colorrectal preoperatoria con necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico.INTERVENCIÓN: Anastomosis ileoanal con reservorio.RESULTADOS PRINCIPALES: Recurrencia de EC a largo plazo, falla del reservorio y función del reservorio.RESULTADOS: Cuarenta y seis pacientes fueron identificados. El diagnóstico de EC se basó en enfermedad perianal (n = 18; 39%), enfermedad del intestino delgado (n = 16; 35%), granuloma no caseificante (n = 10; 22%) e inflamación discontinua (lesiones salteadas colorrectales) (n = 11; 24%). Después de una mediana de seguimiento de 93 (7-291) meses, 22 (48 %) pacientes desarrollaron EC recurrente debido a enfermedad del asa aferente (n = 14; 30%) o enfermedad fistulizante del reservorio (n = 8; 18%). Solo 4 (9%) pacientes desarrollaron falla del reservorio. Ningún factor clínico se asoció con la recurrencia de EC. La edad joven en el momento de la cirugía y la corta duración de la enfermedad antes de IPAA se asociaron con la recurrencia de la fístula del reservorio ( p = 0.003 y p = 0.03, respectivamente). El recuento de plaquetas preoperatorio más alto fue la única característica clínica significativamente asociada con el fracaso del reservorio ( p = 0.02). La mayoría de los pacientes (86%) reportaron una continencia excelente, sin urgencia (67%) y una mediana de frecuencia evacuatoria de 6 (rango, 3-9) por día.LIMITACIONES: Naturaleza retrospectiva y tamaño de muestra relativamente pequeño.CONCLUSIÓN: Esta serie, la más grande reportada que examina el uso intencional de IPAA en la EC mostró una incidencia alta (48Rectal Cancer: Clinical and Molecular Predictors of a Complete Response to Total Neoadjuvant Therapy%) de EC posoperatoria con una incidencia baja (9%) de falla del reservorio. La edad joven y el curso corto de la enfermedad antes de la cirugía fueron factores de riesgo para pobres resultados. Pacientes altamente motivados con EC colorrectal pueden considerar una IPAA y evitar una ileostomía permanente. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C171 . (Traducción-Dr. Jorge Silva Velazco ).

Crohn's of the Pouch: Now What?

Total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the gold standard surgical treatment for the majority (∼90%) of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. In cases of carefully selected Crohn's colitis patients without small bowel or perianal involvement an "intentional IPAA" may be a viable option for disease resection and restoration of intestinal continuity. More commonly, Crohn's is incidentally found either in the resection specimen or, more commonly, when inflammatory complications subsequently arise after pouch construction for UC or indeterminate colitis. These incidental Crohn's pouches may be diagnosed early or late period post-IPAA. Crohn's may manifest within the pouch, in the proximal small bowel, and/or distally in the rectal cuff or anus. Like intestinal Crohn's, Crohn's disease of the pouch may be of an inflammatory, fibrostenosing, or fistulizing phenotype. Treatment depends on the phenotype and includes medical treatment, most commonly in the form of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor medications; however, the newer small molecules offer a potential treatment for these patients. Surgery first entails treating the sequelae of Crohn's and is typically staged. In up to 60% of Crohn's pouches, particularly in fistulizing disease and/or recalcitrant perianal disease, the pouch fails and must be defunctioned or excised. In patients with Crohn's pouches in situ long term, outcomes including quality of life are comparable to patients who underwent IPAA for UC.

Endoscopic Evaluation and Management of Perianal Disease

Perianal Crohn's disease is associated with decreased quality of life, high morbidity, and high health care use. Treatment goals are to provide infection control, stop fistula drainage, and heal fistula tracts while preserving the anorectal sphincter. Treatment includes a combination of medical and surgical intervention, but new techniques are using interventional endoscopy to act as either a bridge to surgery or to decrease the need for surgical intervention. The decision on which approach to pursue requires knowledge of prior surgery, altered anatomy, prior fistula treatment, and imaging and endoscopic evaluation of fistula complexity, mucosal involvement, and associated stricture or abscess.

Validation of the Padova Prognostic Score for Colitis in Predicting Long-Term Outcome After Restorative Proctocolectomy

Background

In 10%–20% of cases it is impossible to make a differential diagnosis between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colitis. A 50% failure rate of J pouch ilea-anal anastomosis is observed in Crohn's colitis. In 2009, we created the Padua Prognostic Score for Colitis (PPSC) to predict the long-term clinical and functional outcome and quality of life of patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with J pouch. The aim of the present study is to establish and validate the accuracy of a prognostic score for chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Patient population and methods

The PPSC was created in 2009 by integrating clinical and histological information of patients undergoing RPC. It included preoperative perianal abscess or fistula, rectal sparing, terminal ileum involvement, skip lesions and histological diagnosis of indeterminate colitis or Crohn's colitis on the operative specimen. The validity of this score was tested in predicting postoperative abscess or fistula, anal canal disease, pouchitis, pouch failure and new diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Correlation analysis, ROC curve analysis and survival analysis were used to validate the PPSC in a different cohort from the previous one.

Results

We retrospectively enrolled in this study 138 consecutive patients undergoing CPR for ulcerative colitis (n = 127) or indeterminate colitis (n = 11) in our institution since 2005 to 2020. In this period, we observed 11 patients with postoperative abscess or fistula, 3 with anal canal disease, 40 with pouchitis, 6 with pouch failure and 6 with new diagnosis of Crohn's disease. In the new validation cohort, the PPSC confirmed to have a good accuracy in predicting the onset of postoperative CD (AUC = 74.5%, p = 0.018). Kaplan Meier curves demonstrate how a PPSC over 1 can reliably predicts the long-term onset of, pouchitis (p = 0.002) and anal abscess or fistulae (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

In this validation study we confirmed the accuracy of the PPSC in predicting postoperative fistulas or abscesses and pouchitis. Therefore, we believe that in clinical practice patients with a PPSC score greater than 1 should be warned of this risk of possible Crohn’s disease diagnosis and pouch failure.

What Can an Aging Pouch Tell Us? Outcomes of Ileoanal Pouches Over 20 Years Old

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the long-term functional outcomes of restorative proctocolectomy.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine ileoanal pouch outcomes 20 and 30 years postoperatively.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective case series.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a tertiary care referral center.

PATIENTS

Patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy between 1980 and 1994 were identified. Those with ≥20 years of in-person follow-up were included.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Pouch function, pouchitis, anal stricture, and pouch failure rates were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 203 patients had ≥20 years of follow-up. Of those, 71 had ≥30 years of follow-up. Initial diagnoses included ulcerative colitis (83%), indeterminate colitis (9%), familial adenomatous polyposis (4%), and Crohn's disease (3%). Twenty-one percent of those with ulcerative or indeterminate colitis later transitioned to Crohn's disease. Mean daily stool frequency was 7 (IQR 6-8), 38% experienced seepage, 31% had anal stenosis, 47% experienced pouchitis, and 18% had pouch failure. Over time, stool frequency increased in 41% of patients, stayed the same in 43%, and decreased in 16%. Patients older than 50 years at the time of construction had more daily bowel movements (median 8 vs 6; p = 0.02) and more seepage (77% vs 35%; p = 0.005) than those younger than 50 years. Patients with Crohn's disease had higher stool frequency (median 8 vs 6; p < 0.001) and higher rates of anal stenosis (44% vs 26%; p = 0.02), pouchitis (70% vs 40%; p < 0.001), and pouch failure (38% vs 12%; p < 0.001) compared to non-Crohn's patients. Patients with ≥30 years of follow-up had similar function as those with 20-30 years of follow-up.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective, single-institution study. Only 35% of pouches created during the study period had >20 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients maintain reasonably good function and retain their pouches after 20 years. Over time, stool frequency and seepage increase. Older age and Crohn's disease are associated with worse outcomes. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B801.

QU NOS DICE UN RESERVORIO A LARGO PLAZO RESULTADOS DE LOS RESERVORIOS ILEOANALES MAYORES DE AOS

ANTECEDENTES:se sabe poco sobre los resultados funcionales a largo plazo de la proctocolectomía restauradora.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar los resultados del reservorio ileoanal 20 y 30 años después de la operación.DISEÑO:Serie de casos retrospectiva.ENTORNO CLÍNICO:Centro de referencia de atención terciariaPACIENTES:Se identificaron pacientes que se sometieron a proctocolectomía restauradora entre 1980 y 1994. Se incluyeron aquellos con ≥20 años de seguimiento en persona.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Se analizaron la función, inflamación, tasas de falla del reservorio y estenosis anal.RESULTADOS:Un total de 203 pacientes tuvieron ≥20 años de seguimiento. De ellos, 71 tenían ≥30 años de seguimiento. Los diagnósticos iniciales incluyeron colitis ulcerosa (83%), colitis indeterminada (9%), poliposis adenomatosa familiar (4%) y enfermedad de Crohn (3%). El 21% de las personas con colitis ulcerosa o indeterminada pasaron posteriormente a la enfermedad de Crohn. La frecuencia promedio de las deposiciones diarias fue de 7 (rango intercuartil 6-8), el 38% experimentó filtración, el 31% tuvo estenosis anal, el 47% experimentó pouchitis y el 18% tuvo falla del reservorio. Con el tiempo, la frecuencia de las deposiciones aumentó en el 41% de los pacientes, se mantuvo igual en el 43% y disminuyó en el 16%. Los pacientes mayores de 50 años en el momento de la construcción tenían más evacuaciones intestinales diarias (media 8 vs 6, p = 0,02) y más filtraciones (77% vs 35%, p = 0,005) que los menores de 50 años. Los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn tenían mayor frecuencia de deposiciones (media 8 vs 6, p < 0,001) y tasas más altas de estenosis anal (44% vs 26%, p = 0,02), inflamacion (70% vs 40%, p <0,001) y falla del reservorio (38% frente a 12%, p <0,001) en comparación con pacientes que tenian enfermedad de Crohn. Los pacientes con ≥30 años de seguimiento tuvieron una función similar a aquellos con 20-30 años de seguimiento.LIMITACIONES:Este fue un estudio retrospectivo de una sola institución. Solo el 35% de los reservorios creados durante el período de estudio tuvieron más de 20 años de seguimiento.CONCLUSIONES:La mayoría de los pacientes mantienen una función razonablemente buena y conservan el reservorio después de 20 años. Con el tiempo, la frecuencia de las deposiciones y la filtración aumentan. La vejez y la enfermedad de Crohn se asocian con peores resultados. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B801. (Traducción - Dr. Ingrid Melo).

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Clinical Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment-Overview

This article is an overview of guidelines for the clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment of predominantly colonic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This overview describes the systematically and comprehensively multidisciplinary recommendations based on the updated principles of evidence-based literature to promote the adoption of best surgical practices and research as well as patient and specialized healthcare provider education. Colonic IBD represents idiopathic, chronic, inflammatory disorders encompassing Crohn's colitis (CC) and ulcerative colitis (UC), the two unsolved medical subtypes of this condition, which present similarity in their clinical and histopathological characteristics. The standard state-of-the-art classification diagnostic steps are disease evaluation and assessment according to the Montreal classification to enable explicit communication with professionals. The signs and symptoms on first presentation are mainly connected with the anatomical localization and severity of the disease and less with the resulting diagnosis "CC" or "UC". This can clinically and histologically be non-definitive to interpret to establish criteria and is classified as indeterminate colitis (IC). Conservative surgical intervention varies depending on the disease phenotype and accessible avenues. The World Gastroenterology Organizations has, for this reason, recommended guidelines for clinical diagnosis and management. Surgical intervention is indicated when conservative treatment is ineffective (refractory), during intractable gastrointestinal hemorrhage, in obstructive gastrointestinal luminal stenosis (due to fibrotic scar tissue), or in the case of abscesses, peritonitis, or complicated fistula formation. The risk of colitis-associated colorectal cancer is realizable in IBD patients before and after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Therefore, endoscopic surveillance strategies, aimed at the early detection of dysplasia, are recommended. During the COVID-19 pandemic, IBD patients continued to be admitted for IBD-related surgical interventions. Virtual and phone call follow-ups reinforcing the continuity of care are recommended. There is a need for special guidelines that explore solutions to the groundwork gap in terms of access limitations to IBD care in developing countries, and the irregular representation of socioeconomic stratification needs a strategic plan for how to address this serious emerging challenge in the global pandemic.

IPAA in Known Preoperative Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease is a relative contraindication to IPAA due to perceived increased rates of pouch failure.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine pouch functional outcomes and failure rates in patients with a known preoperative diagnosis of Crohn's disease.

DATA SOURCES

A database search was performed in Ovid Medline In-Process & Other NonIndexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

STUDY SELECTION

The published human studies that reported short-term postoperative outcomes and/or long-term outcomes following IPAA in adult (≥18 years of age) Crohn's disease populations were selected.

INTERVENTION

Ileal pouch anal anastomoses were constructed in patients who had Crohn's disease diagnosed preoperatively or through proctocolectomy pathology.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

The primary outcomes measured were long-term functional outcomes (to maximal date of follow-up) and the pouch failure rate.

RESULTS

Of 7019 records reviewed, 6 full articles were included in the analysis. Rates of pelvic sepsis, small-bowel obstruction, pouchitis, anal stricture, and chronic sinus tract were 13%, 3%, 31%, 18%, and 28%. Rates of incontinence, urgency, pad usage in the day, pad usage at night, and need for antidiarrheals were 24%, 21%, 19%, 20%, and 28%, and mean 24-hour stool frequency was 6.3 bowel movements at a mean 69 months of follow-up. The overall pouch failure rate was 15%; no risk factors for pouch failure were identified.

LIMITATIONS

This investigation was limited by the small number of studies with significant study heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

In patients with known preoperative Crohn's disease, IPAA construction is feasible with functional outcomes equivalent to patients with ulcerative colitis, but, even in highly selected patients with Crohn's disease, pouch failure rates remain higher than in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Pyloric gland metaplasia: Potential histologic predictor of severe pouch disease including Crohn's disease of the pouch in ulcerative colitis

Crohn's disease of the pouch (CDP) is seen in a subset of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Histologic or clinical predictors of CDP are unknown. UC patients with subsequent CDP diagnosis were identified. The rationales for the diagnosis, the interval from the initial signs of CDP to the diagnosis, family history and smoking history were reviewed. Archived pathology materials were reviewed for the presence of pyloric gland metaplasia (PGM) and compared with those from UC with similar severity of pouchitis with CDP (matched UC controls), random UC controls, and ileocolectomies from primary CD patients. CDP diagnosis was made in 26 (18.1%) of 144 patients; all of them met commonly used diagnostic criteria for CDP. The diagnosis was rendered on average 15 months after the initial CD-like signs. PGM was found in 58% of CDP, more common than random UC controls but no different from primary CD and matched UC controls. PGM preceded first signs of CD in a subset. Patients with a family history of CD were more likely to develop CDP than those without a family history of any type of inflammatory bowel disease. Smoking status did not affect the likelihood of developing CDP. Finding PGM in proctocolectomy, ileostomy and follow-up biopsies in UC patients post IPAA may warrant close follow up for the potential development of pouchitis. Some of these patients, especially those with family history of CD, may further progress and develop severe disease meeting the clinical diagnostic criteria for CDP.

Discriminant equation using mucosally expressed cytokines and transcription factor for making definite diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease unclassified

Background

The pathological conditions of UC and CD involved in inflammatory bowel disease-unclassified (IBD-U), UC with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC-UC), and UC with autoimmune pancreatitis type 2 (AIP-UC) remain unclear. Therefore, it is difficult to decide the appropriate treatments for these subtypes of UC. Our aim was to examine whether the discriminant equation using the mucosally expressed mediators designed as our previous study for IBD, could characterize IBD-U, PSC-UC, or AIP-UC.

Methods

A total of 56 patients including UC (n = 24), CD (n = 15), IBD-U (n = 10), PSC-UC (n = 4), and AIP-UC (n = 3), along with 9 control patients were enrolled in this study. Mucosally expressed inflammatory mediators related to Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg were measured using quantitative PCR in endoscopic biopsies from the inflamed intestines of the patients. The IBD-U, PSC-UC or AIP-UC were characterized using discriminant analysis and principle component analysis.

Results

Through discriminant analyses, combinations of 3 to 7 inflammatory mediators were used to discriminate between UC and CD. Moreover, the identified 3 markers could diagnose patients with IBD-U as UC or CD with high accuracy. The distribution graph of inflammatory mediators using the principal component analysis revealed that PSC-UC and AIP-UC exhibited CD-like and UC-like features, respectively.

Conclusions

The discriminant equation using mucosally expressed mediators of IL-13, IL-21 and T-bet can be used as a universal diagnostic tool not only for IBD-U but also to assess pathological conditions in PSC-UC and AIP-UC.

Squamous cell carcinoma at the site of ileo-anal pouch in Crohn's disease

Few cases of pouch-related cancers have been reported in inflammatory bowel disease, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is very rare. We have reviewed the published literature searching the online databases PubMed and Medline. Since 1979, there have been eight cases of SCC developing after restorative proctocolectomy in ulcerative colitis. To date, there have been no reported cases of SCC of the ileo-anal pouch in Crohn's disease. We present the case of a 59-year-old woman who underwent colectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for Crohn's disease during the 1990s. The patient was noted to be anaemic and was experiencing significant weight loss with poor pouch function in 2019. Endoscopy with histology and radiological investigation revealed the presence of SCC of the pouch. This was subsequently treated with surgical therapy and chemoradiotherapy.

Challenges in Crohn's Disease Management after Gastrointestinal Cancer Diagnosis

Simple Summary

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting both young and elderly patients, involving the entire gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to anus. The chronic transmural inflammation can lead to several complications, among which gastrointestinal cancers represent one of the most life-threatening, with a higher risk of onset as compared to the general population. Moreover, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in this subset of patients still represent a significant challenge for physicians. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence for an adequate diagnostic pathway and medical and surgical management of CD patients after gastrointestinal cancer onset.

Abstract

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a progressive course, potentially affecting the entire gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. Several studies have shown an increased risk of both intestinal and extra-intestinal cancer in patients with CD, due to long-standing transmural inflammation and damage accumulation. The similarity of symptoms among CD, its related complications and the de novo onset of gastrointestinal cancer raises difficulties in the differential diagnosis. In addition, once a cancer diagnosis in CD patients is made, selecting the appropriate treatment can be particularly challenging. Indeed, both surgical and oncological treatments are not always the same as that of the general population, due to the inflammatory context of the gastrointestinal tract and the potential exacerbation of gastrointestinal symptoms of patients with CD; moreover, the overlap of the neoplastic disease could lead to adjustments in the pharmacological treatment of the underlying CD, especially with regard to immunosuppressive drugs. For these reasons, a case-by-case analysis in a multidisciplinary approach is often appropriate for the best diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of patients with CD after gastrointestinal cancer onset.

Crohn's Disease after Proctocolectomy and IPAA for Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Proctocolectomy with IPAA is considered curative for ulcerative colitis. However, signs of Crohn's disease can develop postoperatively in some cases.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to document the postoperative diagnosis of Crohn's disease, to identify potential preoperative predictive factors, and to review the evolution of patients on treatment.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Montreal, Canada.

PATIENTS

A total of 301 patients underwent an IPAA for ulcerative colitis between 1985 and 2014.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence of the postoperative diagnosis of Crohn's disease.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 68 months, Crohn's disease was diagnosed at a median time of 77 months (8-270) in 38 patients (12.6%). The cumulative incidence of Crohn's disease was 7.5% at 5 years postoperatively and gradually increased to 17.7% and 33.0% at 10 and 20 years. The following predictive factors for Crohn's disease were observed on univariate analysis: current tobacco smoking at surgery (HR 3.56 (95% CI, 1.54-8.22)), suspicion of indeterminate colitis (HR 3.50 (95% CI, 1.69-7.24)), presence of mouth ulcers before surgery (HR 2.16 (95% CI, 1.03-4.53)), and age at diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (HR 0.94 (95% CI, 0.90-0.97)). Suspicion of indeterminate colitis (HR 3.18 (95% CI 1.46-6.93); p = 0.004) and age at diagnosis (HR 0.95 (95% CI, 0.91-0.99); p = 0.018) remained statistically significant on multivariate analysis. Postoperative inflammatory disease was controlled by medical therapy in most patients. Removal of the pouch was necessary in 16% of patients with Crohn's disease.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective single-center study.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis of Crohn's disease can occur at a distance from surgery with an increasing cumulative incidence over time. Preoperative predictive factors are few and should not determine candidacy for surgery. Therapeutic options are identical to those available for treatment of typical Crohn's disease and allow a favorable evolution in most patients. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B372.

BROTE DE CROHN DESPUS DE UNA PROCTOCOLECTOMA CON ANASTOMOSIS DE RESERVORIO LEOANAL EN CASOS DE COLITIS ULCEROSA

ANTECEDENTES:La proctocolectomía con reservorio ileo-anal se considera curativa para la colitis ulcerosa. Sin embargo, signos de enfermedad de Crohn pueden desarrollarse después de la operación en algunos casos.OBJETIVO:Nuestro objetivo fue documentar el diagnóstico postoperatorio de la enfermedad de Crohn, identificar posibles factores predictivos preoperatorios y revisar la evolución de los pacientes con tratamiento.DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo de cohortes.AJUSTES:Centro de atención terciaria en Montreal, Canadá.PACIENTES:301 pacientes portadores de un reservorio íleo-anal realizados por colitis ulcerosa entre 1985 y 2014.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Acumulación de la incidencia en el diagnóstico postoperatorio de enfermedad de Crohn.RESULTADOS:Durante una media de 68 meses de seguimiento, la enfermedad de Crohn fué diagnosticada en un tiempo medio de 77 meses (8-270) en 38 pacientes (12,6%). La acumulación de incidencia de la enfermedad de Crohn fue del 7,5% a los 5 años después de la operación y aumentó gradualmente a 17,7 y 33,0% a los 10 y 20 años. Los siguientes factores predictivos para la enfermedad de Crohn se observaron en el análisis univariado: tabaquismo activo al momento de la cirugía (cociente de riesgo (HR) 3.56 (intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC) 1.54-8.22)), sospecha de colitis indeterminada (HR 3.50 (IC del 95% 1.69-7.24)), presencia de úlceras en la boca antes de la cirugía (HR 2.16 (IC 95% 1.03-4.53)) y edad al diagnóstico de colitis ulcerosa (HR 0.94 (IC 95% 0.90-0.97)). La sospecha de colitis indeterminada (HR 3.18 (IC 95% 1.46-6.93), p = 0.004) y la edad al momento del diagnóstico (HR 0.95 (IC 95% 0.91-0.99), p = 0.018) permanecieron estadísticamente significativos en el análisis multivariado. La reacción inflamatoria intestinal postoperatoria fue controlada con tratamiento médico en la mayoría de los pacientes. El retiro del reservorio íleo-anal fue necesario en 16% de los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn.LIMITACIONES:Estudio retrospectivo de centro único.CONCLUSIONES:El diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Crohn puede ocurrir a distancia de la cirugía con la acumulación de incidencia creciente con el tiempo. Los factores predictivos preo-peratorios son pocos y no pueden determinar la candidatura para la cirugía. Las opciones terapéuticas son idénticas a las disponibles para el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Crohn típica y permiten una evolución favorable en la mayoría de los pacientes. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B372. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo).

Indeterminate Colitis - Update on Treatment Options

Indeterminate colitis (IC) is described in approximately 5-15% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It usually reflects a difficulty or lack of clarity in distinguishing between ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) on biopsy or colectomy specimens. The diagnostic difficulty may explain the variability in the reported prevalence and incidence of IC. Clinically, most IC patients tend to evolve over time to a definite diagnosis of either UC or CD. IC has also been interchangeably described as inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU). This review offers an overview of the available limited literature on the conventional medical and surgical treatments for IC. In contrast to the numerous studies on the medical management of UC and CD, there are very few data from dedicated controlled trials on the treatment of IC. The natural evolution of IC more closely mimics UC. Regarding medical options for treatment, most patients diagnosed with IC are treated similarly to UC, and treatment choices are based on disease severity. Others are managed similarly to CD if there are features suggestive of CD, including fissures, skin tags, or rectal sparing. In medically refractory IC, surgical treatment options are limited and include total proctocolectomy (TPC) and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), with its associated risk factors and complications. Post-surgical complications and pouch failure rates were historically thought to be more common in IC patients, but recent meta-analyses reveal similar rates between UC and IC patients. Future therapies in IBD are focused on known mechanisms in the disease pathways of UC and CD. Owing to the lack of IC-specific studies, clinicians have traditionally and historically extrapolated the data to IC patients based on their symptomatology, clinical course, and endoscopic findings.

Racial disparities exist in surgical outcomes for patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities in surgical outcomes exist for Black patients with IBD compared to White patients. However, previous studies fail to include other racial/ethnic populations. We hypothesized these disparities exist for Hispanic and Asian patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing surgery for IBD using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS- NSQIP) database (2005-2017). Bivariate comparisons and adjusted multivariable regressions were performed to evaluate associations between race and outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 23,901 patients with IBD, the racial/ethnic makeup were: 88.7% White, 7.6% Black, 2.4% Hispanic and 1.4% Asian. Overall mean LOS was 8 days (SD 8.2) and significantly varied between groups (8d for White, 10d for Black, 8.5d for Hispanic, and 11.1d for Asian; p < 0.001). Hispanic patients had the highest odds of readmission (OR: 1.4; 95% CI 1.1-1.8). Black patients had increased odds of renal insufficiency (OR: 1.8; 95% CI 1.1-2.9), bleeding requiring transfusions (OR: 1.7; 95% CI 1.4-1.9), and sepsis (OR: 1.7; 95% CI 1.4-2.02) compared to White patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Racial disparities exist among IBD patients undergoing surgery. Black, Hispanic and Asian IBD patients experience major disparities in post-operative complications, readmissions and LOS, respectively, when compared to White patients with IBD. Future research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of these disparities including evaluation of social determinants of health.

Outcome of Ileal Pouch-anal Anastomosis in Patients With Indeterminate Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Indeterminate colitis [IC] is type of inflammatory bowel disease that exhibits features of both ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn's disease [CD]. The present meta-analysis aimed to assess the outcomes of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis [IPAA] in patients with IC in comparison with patients with UC.

METHODS

A PRISMA-compliant systematic review of the outcome of IPAA in patients with IC was conducted. Electronic databases were searched, and full-text articles were reviewed to extract essential data. Main outcome measures were pouch failure and pouch-related complications.

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies were included in this meta-analysis. There were 1057 patients with IC and 6511 patients with UC. The weighted mean pouch failure rate in patients with IC was 7.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.8-10.2) and the weighted mean complication rate was 67 [95% CI: 53.5-80.5]. As compared with patients with UC, patients with IC had significantly higher odds of developing complications after IPAA (odds ratio [OR]: 2.6, p <0.001): pouch fistula [OR:4.98, p <0.001], pelvic sepsis [OR:3.98, p =0.002], pelvic or cuff abscess [OR: 4.5, p <0.001], perineal complications [OR: 5.13, p <0.001], and ultimate diagnosis of CD [OR: 2.57, p <0.001]. Patients with IC and UC had similar odds of pouch failure, pouchitis, anastomotic leak, stricture, and small bowel obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IC had similar pouch failure rates, yet higher overall complication rates than patients with UC. Complications that tend to be higher after IPAA for patients with IC include pouch fistula, pelvic sepsis, abscess, perineal complications, and ultimate diagnosis of Crohn's disease.

Long-Term Bowel Function and Fate of the Ileal Pouch After Restorative Proctocolectomy in Patients With Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Metaregression

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Debate exists on whether ileal pouch anal anastomosis [IPAA] can be safely offered to patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease [CD]. Our aim was to assess the outcome of IPAA for CD vs ulcerative colitis [UC].

METHODS

We used a PRISMA/MOOSE-compliant meta-analysis. Studies published between 1993 and 2018 were retrieved. Primary end points included complications. Secondary endpoints included functional outcome. The time of CD diagnosis was considered [intentional vs incidental IPAA].

RESULTS

Eleven studies comprising 6770 patients [CD = 352, UC = 6418] were included, with 44-120 months of follow-up. Pouch fistulae were more common in CD (CD vs UC; odds ratio (OR) 6.08; p = 0.0003, GRADE+++), as were strictures [OR 1.82; p = 0.02, GRADE+++] and failure [OR 5.27; p < 0.0001, GRADE++++]. Compared with UC, postoperative CD diagnosis was associated with a much higher risk of fistulae [OR 6.23; p = 0.006, GRADE+++] and failure [OR 8.53; p < 0.0001, GRADE++++] than intentional IPAA in CD [fistula: OR 4.17; p = 0.04, GRADE+++; failure: OR 2.48; p = 0.009, GRADE++++]. Age at surgery was positively associated with failure in CD [p = 0.007]. Obstruction was more common after intentional IPAA for CD. The risk of pouchitis did not differ between CD and UC [OR 1.07, p = 0.76, GRADE+++]. CD patients were at a higher risk of seepage [OR 2.27; p = 0.010, GRADE++].

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CD have 5-fold higher risk of failure, and a 2-fold risk of strictures after IPAA compared with UC. The risk is much higher if diagnosis is performed after IPAA. Function in those who retain the pouch seemed similar to that of patients with UC. CD does not increase the risk of pouchitis. IPAA could be offered to a selected population of CD patients after proper preoperative counselling.[PROSPERO registry 116811].

Differentiation of Colonic Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Re-examination of Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Classes Algorithm With Resected Colon As the Criterion Standard

OBJECTIVES

Differentiation of Crohn disease (CD) from ulcerative colitis (UC) is challenging when inflammation is predominantly colonic. The paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) classes algorithm was developed to bring consistency to labelling, but used physician-assigned diagnosis as the criterion standard. We aimed to reassess the PIBD classes using pathology of subsequently resected colon as the criterion standard.

METHOD

Single-centre study of patients diagnosed with colonic IBD between 2002 and 2017 and subsequently treated with colectomy. Baseline pretreatment data were reviewed and the PIBD classes algorithm was independently applied by 2 reviewers to assign a label of UC/IBD-unclassified (IBD-U)/colonic-CD. Concordance between the algorithm-based, precolectomy clinical, and pathologic examination of resected colon diagnosis were assessed. Changes in diagnosis during postcolectomy follow-up were recorded.

RESULTS

Sixty-two children underwent colectomy for medically refractory colonic IBD. Diagnosis based on pathologic review of resected colon CD:4;UC:56;IBDU:2. The clinical, PIBD classes algorithm, and colectomy diagnoses were concordant in 51 of 62 patients (81%, Fleiss kappa 0.48). Precolectomy clinical diagnosis was concordant with colectomy diagnosis in 58 of 62 patients (94%, weighted-kappa 0.65). The PIBD classes label was concordant with colectomy diagnosis in 51 of 62 patients (82%, weighted-kappa 0.38); resected colon pathology was typical of UC in 6 patients with PIBD classes label of IBD-U based on single class 2 feature and in 3 with PIBD classes label of CD based on single class 1 feature.

CONCLUSIONS

Concordance of PIBD classes algorithm diagnosis applied before colectomy with a diagnostic label based on pathologic examination of a subsequently resected colon is only fair. Caution is needed in stringent application of colonic CD and IBD-U labels based on presence of single feature.

Is There a Role for Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis in Crohn's Disease?

Traditionally, surgical interventions for colonic Crohn's disease (CD) have been limited to total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis, or total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy if there is rectal involvement. However, improved understandings of the biology of CD, as well as the development of biologic therapies, have enabled more limited resections. Here, we review the indications for, and limitations of, specific procedures aiming to preserve intestinal continuity in colonic CD.

Judging the J pouch: a pictorial review

Restorative total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the surgery of choice for patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis, ulcerative colitis with high-grade dysplasia or multi-focal low-grade dysplasia, and for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. The natural history of the surgery is favorable, and patients generally experience improved quality of life and acceptable long-term functional outcome. However, some patients experience significant long-term morbidity from early and/or late pouch-related complications. When complications arise, radiologists must understand the advantages and disadvantages of the various imaging modalities that can be used to assess the pouch. Radiologist familiarity with the surgical technique, pouch anatomy, and imaging appearance of the various potential early and late complications will help facilitate appropriate clinical and surgical decision-making. This review provides an anatomic-based imaging review of the pouch and pouch-related complications, including numerous illustrative fluoroscopic and cross-sectional imaging examples.

Comparison of Small Bowel Lesions Using Capsule Endoscopy in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

Capsule endoscopy (CE) has allowed the characterization of small bowel lesions. However, small bowel lesions in ulcerative colitis (UC) have not been elucidated and no studies have compared between UC and Crohn's disease (CD).

AIM

The objective of this study was to investigate the small bowel lesions in UC, and to characterize UC lesions by comparison with CD.

METHODS

Subjects comprised 54 UC patients and 39 CD patients who underwent CE. We retrospectively investigated characteristics of small bowel lesions in UC. We also compared endoscopic findings and degree of inflammation between UC and CD.

RESULTS

The incidence of small bowel lesions in UC was 27.8%. The group with small bowel lesions exhibited higher endoscopic activity in the colon than without small bowel lesions (p = 0.002). Comparing small bowel lesions between UC and CD, significantly more ulcerative lesions, notched appearance, longitudinal tendency of lesions, and cobblestone appearance were seen in CD. The Lewis score was significantly higher in CD than UC in the second and third tertiles (205 ± 379 vs. 73 ± 223, p = 0.01; 358 ± 449 vs. 105 ± 333, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Small bowel lesions in UC were linked to colonic activity. UC and CD differ in terms of the morphology and distribution of small bowel lesions.

Racial disparities in surgical outcomes of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has not historically been a focus of racial health disparities research. IBD has been increasing in the black community. We hypothesized that outcomes following surgery would be worse for black patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of death and serious morbidity (DSM) of patients undergoing surgery for IBD was performed using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP 2011-2014). Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to evaluate associations between race and outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 14,679 IBD patients, the overall rate of DSM was 20.3% (white: 19.3%, black 27.0%, other 23.8%, p < 0.001). After adjustment, black patients remained at increased risk of DSM compared white patients (OR: 1.37; 95% CI 1.14-1.64).

CONCLUSIONS

Black patients are at increased risk of post-operative DSM following surgery for IBD. The elevated rates of DSM are not explained by traditional risk factors like obesity, ASA class, emergent surgery, or stoma creation.

Plasma microRNA Profile Differentiates Crohn's Colitis From Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is commonly divided into 2 entities: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Differentiating between these entities when dealing with IBD confined to the colon is important, especially when planning surgical treatment. Due to ambiguous histological or endoscopic findings, accurate diagnosis is not possible in up to 15% of cases. The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) can help differentiate Crohn's colitis (CC) from ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

Patients with isolated CC and with UC were enrolled in our study from January 2010 to May 2016. Peripheral blood was collected, and total RNA was isolated from plasma. Screening was performed for 380 common miRNAs. miRNAs that were differentially expressed between these 2 groups were chosen, and their differential expression was confirmed using single miRNA assays in a larger sample size. A predictive model was generated using these data. Significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were then validated utilizing the predictive model to assess blinded data from the single assays.

RESULTS

Screening was performed on 8 patients from each group. Seven differentially expressed miRNAs were chosen for single assay confirmation. Two miRNAs (miR-598, miR-642) were consistently different between the patient groups (P = 0.013, P = 0.005). Using blinded data, these 2 miRNAs were validated using the predictive model, achieving an overall accuracy of 75% (95% confidence interval, 40.7-92.9).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified 2 plasma miRNAs that differentiated CC from UC. Our data indicate the promise and feasibility of a plasma miRNA-based assay to distinguish between these 2 conditions.

Crohn's Disease of the Pouch: A True Diagnosis or an Oversubscribed Diagnosis of Exclusion?

BACKGROUND

After IPAA, 8% of patients with ulcerative colitis are later diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the pouch, associated with an increased rate of pouch failure. No study has reported on how often the clinical diagnosis is correlated with histologic findings of Crohn's disease in the excised pouch.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the clinical diagnosis is consistent with pathologic confirmation at pouch excision.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at a tertiary IBD referral center.

PATIENTS

Patients with chronic ulcerative colitis who underwent pouch excision for presumed Crohn's disease of the pouch were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Preoperative evaluation and pathologic variables at the time of pouch excision were measured.

RESULTS

A total of 35 patients underwent pouch excision for Crohn's disease of the pouch based on a combination of clinical, radiographic, and endoscopic findings. Seven (20%) had surgical pathology consistent with Crohn's disease at pouch excision. There were no differences in those 7 patients and the remaining 28 in terms of diagnosis at colectomy, primary pouch symptoms, prepouch inflammation, ulceration, or granulomas at endoscopy. In the nonpathology-confirmed Crohn's disease, 40% (n = 11) had an anastomotic leak at time of IPAA versus 0% in the Crohn's disease group, and 86% (n = 24) had symptoms of pouch dysfunction within 5 months of ileostomy reversal versus 13 months in the Crohn's disease group. Of 28 without pathology-confirmed Crohn's disease, 100% (n = 28) were treated with antibiotics, 68% (n = 19) with steroids, 59% (n = 16) with immunomodulators, and 57% (n = 15) with biologic therapy for Crohn's disease of the pouch.

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited by its single-center scope and lack of an established definition for Crohn's disease of the pouch.

CONCLUSIONS

Pathologic confirmation of Crohn's disease was given to only one fifth of patients who underwent pouch excision for Crohn's disease of the pouch. Given the histologic variability in Crohn's disease, it may be unreasonable to expect histologic confirmation in every case; still, the diagnosis of Crohn's disease of the pouch may be overly ascribed, resulting in unnecessary immunosuppressive medications and exclusion from consideration for pouch reconstructive surgery. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCRA432.

Surgical Management of Crohn Disease in Children: Guidelines From the Paediatric IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN

The incidence of Crohn disease (CD) has been increasing and surgery needs to be contemplated in a substantial number of cases. The relevant advent of biological treatment has changed but not eliminated the need for surgery in many patients. Despite previous publications on the indications for surgery in CD, there was a need for a comprehensive review of existing evidence on the role of elective surgery and options in pediatric patients affected with CD. We present an expert opinion and critical review of the literature to provide evidence-based guidance to manage these patients. Indications, surgical options, risk factors, and medications in pre- and perioperative period are reviewed in the light of available evidence. Risks and benefits of surgical options are addressed. An algorithm is proposed for the management of postsurgery monitoring, timing for follow-up endoscopy, and treatment options.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Unclassified in Children: Diagnosis and Pharmacological Management

Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that include Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and inflammatory bowel disease-unclassified (IBDU). The latter defines a subgroup of patients with clinical and endoscopic evidence of chronic colitis, without specific features of either CD or UC. These patients will possibly be re-classified as having UC or CD during the follow-up, although a significant percentage of them will keep the diagnosis of IBDU. IBDU is the rarest subtype of IBD, both in children and in adults, although it is twice as common among the pediatric population, especially in the younger ages. The diagnosis can only be made after a comprehensive diagnostic work-up, combining clinical history, physical and laboratory examination, upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, with histology and imaging of the small bowel. The therapeutic strategy is borrowed from that of UC and CD, although recent data suggest that IBDU has a lower therapeutic burden with a generally mild disease course and a good response to mesalamine. Since there are only few published data on pediatric IBDU, and no guidelines on its management are available, this review aims at summarizing the most recent evidence for the diagnostic work-up with a specific focus on medical and surgical options in the treatment of IBDU.

Long-Term Outcomes in Indeterminate Colitis Patients Undergoing Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis: Function, Quality of Life, and Complications

INTRODUCTION

It is uncertain whether the outcomes of patients with indeterminate colitis (IC) undergoing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) deteriorate over time. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term pouch function, quality of life, complications, and incidence of Crohn's disease after IPAA for patients with IC compared to ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

A case matched analysis was performed on patients undergoing IPAA for pathologically confirmed IC or UC, between 1985 and 2014. Patients were case matched for age ± 5 years, gender, date of surgery ± 3 years, type of anastomosis and presence of a diverting loop ileostomy. All patients were followed up for greater than six months.

RESULTS

448 patients were case matched, the average age was 36.8 year old and 52.7 % of patients were male. Mean follow-up was 122.06 months (+/- 80.77 months). There were statistically and clinically comparable number of daytime bowel movements (5.7 v 5.5, p = 0.45), rates of incontinence (26.1 % v 18.3 %, p = 0.09) and nighttime seepage in patients (23.1 % v 28.4 %, p = 0.28) with IC and UC. Quality of life markers and patient restrictions were comparable between the two groups. Rates of pelvic sepsis (IC 8.5 %, UC 8.5 %, p = 0.99) and anastomotic leak (IC 3.1 %, UC 4.0 %, p = 0.61) were similar but fistula formation (IC 15.6 %, UC 8.0 %, p = 0.01) and IPAA Crohn's disease rates (IC 6.7 %, UC 2.7 %, p = 0.04) were significantly increased in IC patients. There was no statistically significant difference in pouch failure rates for IC and UC (5.8 % vs.4.9 %, p = 0.58).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing IPAA for IC have a higher risk of post-operative fistulae and development of Crohn's disease, but comparable morbidity, functional outcomes, quality of life scores and pouch failure rates when compared to UC patients. Long-term data confirms that IPAA is a good surgical option in patients with IC.

Long-term Outcomes of Sphincter-Saving Procedures for Diffuse Crohn's Disease of the Large Bowel

BACKGROUND

Total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for Crohn's colitis is acceptable in the presence of a suitable rectum. Intentional IPAA has been proposed for diffuse Crohn's proctocolitis without enteric or anoperineal disease.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of sphincter-saving procedures for large-bowel Crohn's disease.

DESIGN

Patients with preoperative Crohn's disease diagnosis undergoing intentional IPAA and ileorectal anastomosis were included.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at a tertiary care research center.

PATIENTS

Ileorectal anastomosis was performed in 75 patients with Crohn's disease, whereas 32 patients underwent intentional IPAA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Long-term functional results and permanent stoma requirement of sphincter-saving operations were assessed. Quality of life and postoperative medication use were also compared with a control group of patients undergoing total proctocolectomy and end ileostomy.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing ileorectal anastomosis were older and had longer disease duration, higher prevalence of perianal and penetrating disease, and history of small-bowel resection than those receiving IPAA. Indications for surgery, preoperative use of immunomodulators, and postoperative use of biologics were also significantly different. Although functional defecatory outcomes were comparable, reported quality of life 3 years after surgery was significantly better in patients who underwent IPAA than in patients with ileorectal anastomosis. Patients with IPAA were associated with significantly lower cumulative rates of surgical recurrence (HR = 0.28 (95% CI, 0.09-0.84); p = 0.017), indefinite stoma diversion (HR = 0.35 (95% CI, 0.13-0.99); p = 0.039), and proctectomy with end ileostomy (HR = 0.27 (95% CI, 0.07-0.96); p = 0.030) than those with ileorectal anastomosis.

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited by its retrospective nature and small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Contemporary patients selected to have intentional IPAA for Crohn's colitis have disease characteristics very different from those selected to have ileorectal anastomosis. Long-term follow-up confirms intentional IPAA as an acceptable option in selected patients with Crohn's colitis.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis 20 years later: is it still a good surgical option for patients with ulcerative colitis?

PURPOSE

Short-term results after ileo-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) are well established; data are conflicting in long-standing patients. We retrospectively evaluated long-term complications and functional results after follow-up longer than 20 years.

METHODS

Two hundred five patients with follow-up longer than 20 years have been identified out of 1112 IPAA performed in our institution; of these, 20 cases were lost at follow-up or decline to take part at the study. We evaluated long-term complications and failure rate also according to changes in histological diagnosis. Changes in functional results and quality of life (QoL) were analyzed at 5 and 20 years after IPAA.

RESULTS

Pouch failure rate was 10.8 % (35 % due to misdiagnosed Crohn). Incidences of fistulas, anastomotic stenosis, chronic pouchitis, and pre-pouch ileitis were 17.3, 12.9, 28.6, and 7.6 %, respectively. Most of the patients reported good functional outcomes. Day-time evacuations at 5 and after 20 years were 4.3 and 4.8 (p = n.s.) while during night-time were 0.8 and 1.2 (p < 0.05). Urgency was 6 and 9.4 % (p = n.s.), respectively; need of antimotility drugs was 16 and 35 % (p < 0.001). Dietary limitations and work restrictions were similar over time. Only sexuality got worse during follow-up. Satisfaction for surgery was always high and it did not change over time.

CONCLUSION

IPAA is still an excellent surgical option for UC with a low rate of pouch failure even after more than 20 years. Despite a slight worsening of functional results over time, the QoL remained high and most patients expressed satisfaction with the procedure and were willing to recommend it to others.

De novo Crohn's Disease after Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unclassified: Long-Term Follow-Up of a Prospective Inflammatory Bowel Disease Registry

The risk of de novo Crohn's disease (CD) after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC) versus inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU) or indeterminate colitis (IC) remains debatable. Here, we present updated results after long-term follow-up of a previously studied cohort of 334 patients with UC, IBDU, or IC who underwent IPAA during a 10-year period ending 2007. Of 334 study patients, 56 per cent were male and median age was 38 years (range: 8–81). Patients were classified as UC (n = 237) or IBDU (n = 97) preoperatively and UC (n = 236) or IC (n = 98) postoperatively. After a median follow-up of 76 months (range: 3–236), 63 patients (19%) developed CD within a median of 22 months (range: 1–213) from ileostomy closure compared with the previously published 40 patients (12%) with 26-month follow-up ( P = 0.01). The development of de novo CD was similar for patients undergoing IPAA for UC (n = 40; 17%), IBDU (n = 21; 22%) or those classified as having UC (n = 42; 18%) or IC (n = 19; 19%) postoperatively; P > 0.05. Thus, patients with IBDU and IC can expect equivalent long-term outcome to patients with UC after IPAA. Pouch failure occurred in 13 (4%) study patients and was equal among all four groups.

Early postoperative complications have long-term impact on quality of life after restorative proctocolectomy

INTRODUCTION

Early postoperative complications graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system have not previously been correlated with long-term quality of life outcomes in patients who have had restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. This study aimed to assess the severity of early postoperative complications and compared these in terms of the long-term quality of life after restorative proctocolectomy in a population-based cohort of patients (operated on from 1984 to 2013). It was hypothesized that those who experienced grade 3 or 4 Clavien-Dindo complications would have worse quality of life at follow-up.

METHODS

This population-based study used a combination of a retrospective note review and a cross-sectional questionnaire. All patients with a restorative proctocolectomy performed in 1984-2013 in the Canterbury region were recruited using multiple sources. Early (≤30 days) and late (>30 days) complication rates were obtained via patient records. Early postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Quality of life was measured using the inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-six people were identified with a median follow-up of 12 years. Data were available for 121 patients for early complications and 112 for late complications. Eighty-one eligible participants had their quality of life assessed (86% response rate). Early complications occurred in 26% and 76% had late complications. Those who had Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or 4 early complications had lower quality of life scores (P = 0.001) as did females (P = 0.004) and those with a stricture (P = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

This population-based study with long-term follow-up demonstrates that Clavien-Dindo grade 3 and 4 postoperative complications are important in determining quality of life in the long term. The reduction in these complications should be a focus of patient management, as it should improve long-term quality of life.

Crohn's Disease of the Ileoanal Pouch

Crohn's disease (CD) of the pouch is an increasingly recognized diagnosis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. This post-ileal pouch-anal anastomosis diagnosis in conjunction with pouchitis remains the leading reason for pouch excision. Unfortunately, CD of the pouch remains a difficult diagnosis with lack of a uniform definition largely because of its similarity to common postoperative pouch complications, including pouchitis, abscess formation, or stricture at the anastomosis. Once diagnosed, treatment algorithms largely include multimodal therapy including biologics. This review focuses on the definition, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment for CD of the pouch, a postoperative de novo diagnosis of CD.

Nonbloody Diarrhea but Not Significant Weight Loss at Diagnosis Is Associated with the Development of Denovo Crohn's Disease After Ileal Pouch-anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Denovo Crohn's disease (CD) develops in 5% to 10% of patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC) leading to increased morbidity and rates of pouch failure. Initial nonbloody diarrhea and weight loss at diagnosis are independent risk factors for a change in diagnosis from UC to CD in nonsurgical patients. We investigated whether these features were risk factors for denovo CD in a longitudinal cohort of patients with UC undergoing IPAA.

METHODS

Prospective profiles of patients with UC undergoing IPAA followed over a 22-year period by 1 surgeon were analyzed. Denovo CD was diagnosed when mucosal inflammation (5 or more ulcers) involved the small bowel mucosa proximal to the ileal pouch any time after surgery and/or when a pouch fistula or other perianal complication developed more than 3 months after ileostomy closure. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease unclassified, acute pouchitis, chronic pouchitis, and those lost to follow-up were excluded from analysis. Cox regression analysis was performed for statistical significance.

RESULTS

Of the 199 study patients included in the analysis, denovo CD developed in 42 patients (21%). Patients who developed denovo CD had an increased incidence of nonbloody diarrhea (n = 12; 29%) compared with patients who had no evidence of pouch inflammation (n = 25; 16%) (P = 0.03). In contrast, the incidence of weight loss was not significantly increased in patients with denovo CD (n = 7; 17%) compared with patients who never had pouch inflammation (n = 16; 10%) (P = 0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

Initial nonbloody diarrhea is associated with denovo CD after IPAA. This association warrants close consideration before surgery.

Crohn's Disease of the Colon, Rectum, and Anus

There is no cure for Crohn disease. Newer treatments, such as biological therapy, have led to an improved quality of life. This article focuses on the surgical management of Crohn disease of the colon, rectum, and anus. Restorative and nonrestorative surgical options for colonic Crohn disease are discussed. Treatment options for perianal Crohn disease are also reviewed.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy biopsy derived proteomic patterns predict indeterminate colitis into ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s colitis

Patients with indeterminate colitis (IC) are significantly younger at diagnosis with onset of symptoms before the age of 18 years with significant morbidity in the interim. The successful care of IC is based on microscopic visual predict precision of eventual ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s colitis (CC) which is not offered in 15%-30% of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients even after a combined state-of-the-art classification system of clinical, visual endoscopic, radiologic and histologic examination. These figures have not changed over the past 3 decades despite the introduction of newer diagnostic modalities. The patient outcomes after restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis may be painstaking if IC turns into CC. Our approach is aiming at developing a single sensitive and absolute accurate diagnostic test tool during the first clinic visit through endoscopic biopsy derived proteomic patterns. Matrix-assisted-laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MS) and/or imaging MS technologies permit a histology-directed cellular test of endoscopy biopsy which identifies phenotype specific proteins, as biomarker that would assist clinicians more accurately delineate IC as being either a UC or CC or a non-IBD condition. These novel studies are underway on larger cohorts and are highly innovative with significances in differentiating a UC from CC in patients with IC and could lend mechanistic insights into IBD pathogenesis.

Characterization of Serum Cytokine Profile in Predominantly Colonic Inflammatory Bowel Disease to Delineate Ulcerative and Crohn's Colitides

BACKGROUND

As accessible diagnostic approaches fail to differentiate between ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s colitis (CC) in one-third of patients with predominantly colonic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leading to inappropriate therapy, we aim to investigate the serum cytokine levels in these patients in search of molecular biometric markers delineating UC from CC.

METHODS

We measured 38 cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors using magnetic-bead-based multiplex immunoassay in 25 UC patients, 28 CC patients, and 30 controls. Our results are compared with those from a review of current literature regarding advances in serum cytokine profiles and associated challenges preventing their use for diagnostic/prognostic purposes.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed statistically significant increases of eotaxin, GRO, and TNF-α in UC patients compared to controls (Ctrl); interferon γ, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-7 in CC group compared to Ctrl; and IL-8 in both UC and CC versus Ctrl. No cytokines were found to be different between UC and CC. A generalized linear model identified combinations of cytokines, allowing the identification of UC and CC patients, with area under the curve (AUC) = 0.936, as determined with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The current knowledge available about circulating cytokines in IBD is often contradictory. The development of an evidence-based tool using cytokines for diagnostic accuracy is still preliminary.

A contemporary and critical appraisal of 'indeterminate colitis'

Distinguishing ulcerative colitis (UC) from Crohn's disease (CD) is normally based on evaluation of a variety of clinical, radiologic, serologic and pathologic findings, the latter in biopsy and/or resection specimens. Unfortunately, some patients with IBD show overlapping pathologic features of UC and CD, which makes definite distinction between these two disorders difficult or even impossible. In most instances of uncertainty, the patient shows clinical and pathologic features of UC, but in addition, the patient's colon resection specimen reveals one or more CD-like features. In this setting, a diagnosis of indeterminate colitis (IC) is often rendered. IC is not a distinct disease entity, and, thus, it has no diagnostic criteria. The most common causes of uncertainty in IBD pathology that may lead to a diagnosis of IC in a colon resection specimen includes the presence of fulminant (severe and toxic) colitis, insufficient radiologic, endoscopic, or pathologic information (including analysis of prior biopsies) on the patient, failure to utilize major diagnostic criteria as hard evidence in favor of CD, failure to recognize unusual variants of UC and CD that may mimic each other, failure to recognize non-IBD mimics and other superimposed diseases that cause unusual pathologic features in a resection specimen, an attempt to distinguish UC from CD in mucosal biopsies of the colon and ileum, or an attempt to change the patients diagnosis (of UC or CD) based on pouch or diversion-related complications. Details of each of these causes of uncertainty are discussed, in detail, in this review article. A diagnosis of IC should never be made clinically or by pathologists based on evaluation of pre-resection colonic mucosal biopsies. Ultimately, the majority of indeterminate cases represent UC, and, thus, most of these patient can be treated safely with a colectomy combined with an ileal pouch anal anastomosis procedure.

Proctocolectomy for colorectal cancer--is the ileal pouch anal anastomosis a safe alternative to permanent ileostomy?

PURPOSE

Ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the procedure of choice in patients requiring surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). There are few data on reconstruction with the IPAA in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). This study assessed the outcomes of the IPAA compared to proctocolectomy and permanent ileostomy (PI) on these patients.

METHODS

Between 1983 and 2013, over 2800 patients with CRC have been treated at the Mount Sinai Hospital (MSH). Demographic, surgical, pathological, and outcome data for all patients have been maintained in a database-73 patients were treated for CRC with proctocolectomy: 39 patients with IPAA and 34 patients with PI. Clinical features, pathologic findings, and survival outcomes were compared between these groups.

RESULTS

Each group was similar with respect to gender, stage, and histologic grade. Patients undergoing IPAA were significantly younger. The diagnosis leading to proctocolectomy was more commonly UC or FAP in patients treated with IPAA (39/39 vs. 23/34, p = 0.001). Rectal cancer subgroups were similar in age, sex, TNM stage, T-stage, height of tumor, and histologic grade. There was no significant difference in overall or disease free survival between groups for colon or rectal primaries. Analysis using the Cochran-Armitage trend test suggests that utilization of IPAA has increased over time (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The IPAA is a viable and safe option to select for patients who would otherwise require PI. Increased experience and improved outcomes following IPAA has led to its more liberal use in selected patients.

Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease: Potential role of molecular biometrics

Accurate diagnosis of predominantly colonic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not possible in 30% of patients. For decades, scientists have worked to find a solution to improve diagnostic accuracy for IBD, encompassing Crohn's colitis and ulcerative colitis. Evaluating protein patterns in surgical pathology colectomy specimens of colonic mucosal and submucosal compartments, individually, has potential for diagnostic medicine by identifying integrally independent, phenotype-specific cellular and molecular characteristics. Mass spectrometry (MS) and imaging (I) MS are analytical technologies that directly measure molecular species in clinical specimens, contributing to the in-depth understanding of biological molecules. The biometric-system complexity and functional diversity is well suited to proteomic and diagnostic studies. The direct analysis of cells and tissues by Matrix-Assisted-Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) MS/IMS has relevant medical diagnostic potential. MALDI-MS/IMS detection generates molecular signatures obtained from specific cell types within tissue sections. Herein discussed is a perspective on the use of MALDI-MS/IMS and bioinformatics technologies for detection of molecular-biometric patterns and identification of differentiating proteins. I also discuss a perspective on the global challenge of transferring technologies to clinical laboratories dealing with IBD issues. The significance of serologic-immunometric advances is also discussed.

Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease: Potential role of molecular biometrics

Accurate diagnosis of predominantly colonic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not possible in 30% of patients. For decades, scientists have worked to find a solution to improve diagnostic accuracy for IBD, encompassing Crohn’s colitis and ulcerative colitis. Evaluating protein patterns in surgical pathology colectomy specimens of colonic mucosal and submucosal compartments, individually, has potential for diagnostic medicine by identifying integrally independent, phenotype-specific cellular and molecular characteristics. Mass spectrometry (MS) and imaging (I) MS are analytical technologies that directly measure molecular species in clinical specimens, contributing to the in-depth understanding of biological molecules. The biometric-system complexity and functional diversity is well suited to proteomic and diagnostic studies. The direct analysis of cells and tissues by Matrix-Assisted-Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) MS/IMS has relevant medical diagnostic potential. MALDI-MS/IMS detection generates molecular signatures obtained from specific cell types within tissue sections. Herein discussed is a perspective on the use of MALDI-MS/IMS and bioinformatics technologies for detection of molecular-biometric patterns and identification of differentiating proteins. I also discuss a perspective on the global challenge of transferring technologies to clinical laboratories dealing with IBD issues. The significance of serologic-immunometric advances is also discussed.

Identification of pathologic features associated with “ulcerative colitis-like” Crohn’s disease

AIM: To identify pathologic features associated with this “ulcerative colitis (UC)-like” subgroup of Crohn’s disease (CD).

METHODS: Seventeen subjects diagnosed as having UC who underwent proctocolectomy (RPC) from 2003-2007 and subsequently developed CD of the ileal pouch were identified. UC was diagnosed based on pre-operative clinical, endoscopic, and pathologic studies. Eighteen patients who underwent RPC for UC within the same time period without subsequently developing CD were randomly selected and used as controls. Pathology reports and histological slides were reviewed for a wide range of gross and microscopic pathological features, as well as extent of disease. The demographics, gross description and histopathology of the resection specimens were reviewed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: Patients with “UC-like” CD were on average 13 years younger than those with “true” UC (P < 0.01). More severe disease in the proximal involved region and active ileitis with/without architectural distortion were observed in 6 of 17 (35%) and 7 of 17 (41%) “UC-like” CD cases, respectively, but in none of the “true” UC cases (P < 0.05). Active appendicitis occurred in 8 of 16 (50%) “UC-like” CD cases but in only two (11%) “true” UC cases (P < 0.05). Conspicuous lamina propria neutrophils were more specific for “UC-like” CD (76% vs 22%, P < 0.05). In addition, prominent lymphoid aggregates tended to be more common in “UC-like” CD (P = 0.07). The “true” UC group contained a greater number of cases with severe activity (78% vs 47%). Therefore, the features more commonly seen in “UC-like” CD were not due to a more severe disease process. Crohn’s granulomas and transmural inflammation in non-ulcerated areas were absent in both groups.

CONCLUSION: More severe disease in the proximal involved region, terminal ileum involvement, active appendicitis, and prominent lamina propria neutrophils may be morphological factors associated with “UC-like” CD.