Diagnosis and management of pouchitis and ileoanal pouch dysfunction

Are Small Molecules Effective in Treating Inflammatory Pouch Disorders Following Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis? Here Is Where We Stand

Ulcerative colitis (UC) management encompasses conventional and advanced treatments, including biological therapy and small molecules. Surgery, particularly in the form of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), is indicated in cases of refractory/severe disease. IPAA can lead to acute complications (e.g., acute pouchitis) as well as late complications, including chronic inflammatory disorders of the pouch. Chronic pouchitis, including the antibiotic-dependent (CADP) and antibiotic-refractory (CARP) forms, represents a significant and current therapeutic challenge due to the substantial need for evidence regarding viable treatment options. Biological therapies have shown promising results, with infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab, and vedolizumab demonstrating some efficacy in chronic pouchitis; however, robust randomized clinical trials are only available for vedolizumab. This narrative review focuses on the evidence concerning small molecules in chronic pouchitis, specifically Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1P-R) modulators. According to the preliminary studies and reports, Tofacitinib shows a potential effectiveness in CARP. Upadacitinib presents variable outcomes from the case series, necessitating further evaluation. Filgotinib and ozanimod demonstrate anecdotal efficacy. This review underscores the need for high-quality studies and real-world registries to develop robust guidelines for advanced therapies in post-IPAA inflammatory disorders, supported by vigilant clinical monitoring and ongoing education from international IBD specialist societies.

Ileoanal pouch revision and excision surgery in a newly established pouch center: requirements and costs for service provision

Complications of ileoanal pouch surgery affecting function and quality of life may require surgical correction or pouch excision. The management of patients with pouch dysfunction requires a multidisciplinary approach and demand for service provision include multiple healthcare professionals and resources. The aim of this study is to present the service requirements, and surgical outcomes for redo pouch surgery and pouch excision, with cost analysis of the required resources. All patients undergoing surgery for revision or excision of the ileoanal pouch from June 2021 to May 2023 were prospectively included. Patient undergoing only diagnostic procedures, or perineal procedures were excluded. Outcomes within 30 days of surgery were collected, including readmissions and re-operations. Cost analysis of all investigations, outpatient appointments and procedures prior to pouch revision or pouch excision was conducted. Twenty patients were included during the 24 months study period: 13 underwent abdominal revisional pouch surgery, 7 had ileoanal pouch excision. 15 patients (75%) were tertiary referrals from other hospitals in the UK. The median interval between index IPAA surgery and revision was 113 months. Three multidisciplinary clinical appointments, two imaging modalities, and at least one invasive day-surgery procedure were required for each patient prior to surgery. Expertise and infrastructure are needed for indication and peri-operative management of patients with pouch dysfunction requiring pouch revision or pouch excision. We estimated a starting cost of £22.605 ($29.589) for provision of pouch revision or excision surgery for investigations and treatments from referral to the pouch unit to surgery. This likely represents an underestimate as only accounts for procedures performed since referral with pouch dysfunction.

Functional Disorders of the Ileal-Anal Pouch: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The IPAA is a boon to patients needing proctocolectomy but maintains per anal function through anatomic and physiologic compromises. The state of pouch function is hard to define because pouch anatomy is not normal and pouch physiology is a distortion of normal defecation. Patients with pouches develop multiple symptoms: some are expected, some are disease related, and some are the result of surgical complications. It is important to understand the cause of pouch-related symptoms so that appropriate management is offered.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to review pouch symptoms and discuss their likely cause, review the literature on pouch function and dysfunction, and provide clarity to clear the confusion.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched using the terms "ileoanal pouch function" and "ileoanal pouch dysfunction."

STUDY SELECTION

From 1983 to 2023, 553 articles related to "ileoanal pouch function" and 178 related to "ileoanal pouch dysfunction" were reviewed. Nine studies appeared under both headings. Case studies, duplicate publications, and articles concerning pouch diseases were excluded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Definitions of pouch function and dysfunction, methods of describing and scoring symptoms, and understanding of expected changes in pouch function given the nature of the surgery.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies were reviewed from the ileoanal pouch dysfunction search and 38 from ileoanal pouch function. Three studies tried to define normal pouch function, 10 attempted to measure pouch function, and 4 aimed to score pouch function. Only 3 studies addressed pouch physiology.

LIMITATIONS

A full discussion of pouch dysfunction is limited by the lack of studies focussing on the anatomic and physiologic consequences of turning the terminal ileum into an organ of storage.

CONCLUSIONS

Most studies of pouch function and dysfunction do not consider expected changes in the physiology of defecation that follow restorative proctocolectomy. Thus, most studies of pouch function produce conclusions that lack an important dimension. See video from symposium.

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.

When pouches cannot empty: a cohort study of the symptoms this causes, the reasons it's happening, and the treatments needed

BACKGROUND

Patients with an ileal pouch have a new system of defecation. The expulsive peristalsis of the rectum is replaced by the inertia of the pouch. Defecation becomes dependent on gravity and patients are prone to inefficient pouch-emptying. Several factors can impact pouch emptying and here we review a series of patients to illustrate these factors and their variable presentations.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, descriptive study of a series of patients who had undergone total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis and presented with pouch dysfunction. Patients underwent investigations including, pouchoscopy, pouchography and anorectal physiology testing.

RESULTS

There were 34 patients, 18 men, mean age 48.4 years. Thirty-one had a J-pouch and 3 an S-pouch. Twenty-eight had a stapled and 6 a hand-sewn anastomosis. Presenting complaints included difficulty emptying the pouch (n = 17), high stool frequency (n = 8), clinical bowel obstruction (n = 7), and nocturnal incontinence (n = 3). Diagnoses were anal stenosis (11), afferent-limb syndrome (n = 7), pouch twist (n = 4), paradoxical puborectalis contraction (n = 7), efferent-limb spasm/stenosis (n = 2), mega-pouch (n = 3), pouch prolapse (n = 1), and pouch-rectal anastomosis (n = 1). Treatments included anal dilation (n = 11), disimpaction (n = 2), biofeedback (n = 2), pouch excision (n = 2), laparotomy with lysis of adhesions (n = 6), Botox injection into puborectalis (n = 6), catheter drainage (3), and miralax (n = 11). All patients with a stenosis had some improvement after dilation, and surgery restored pouch function.

CONCLUSIONS

Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of pouch dysfunction is based on an appreciation of pouch physiology, correction of anatomic abnormalities that impair emptying, and management of stool consistency.

The pouch behaving badly: management of morbidity after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

AIM

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), or a 'pouch', allows restoration of intestinal continuity after proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis. Most patients have a good long-term outcome after IPAA, but in a significant proportion the functional outcome and quality of life are unsatisfactory. We term this outcome 'the pouch behaving badly'. Managing this, especially one is when unfamiliar with the possible underlying pathologies, is a challenge for both patient and clinician. We aim to outline the clinical approach to the pouch behaving badly, highlighting key aspects of investigation and management.

METHOD

This is a narrative review of the literature covering the investigation and management of postoperative complications and morbidity after IPAA.

RESULTS

Management of the pouch behaving badly requires a careful clinical assessment. The patient may present with multiple symptoms and a clear picture of the symptomatology and past history should be constructed before thorough examination and specialist investigation. We divide the pathology that underlies this clinical scenario into surgical, inflammatory, mechanical, functional and dysplastic causes and outline the investigation and management of each one.

CONCLUSION

The pouch behaving badly is a challenging problem for both patient and clinician. A detailed clinical assessment with careful specialist investigation is key to diagnosing the underlying pathology. We stress the importance of patient-centred care - the aim is to improve quality of life.

An Update on the Medical Management of Inflammatory Pouch Complications

Total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the surgical procedure of choice for patients with medically-refractory ulcerative colitis or ulcerative colitis with associated dysplasia. Although most patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis experience good functional outcomes, a number of complications may develop. Of the long-term complications, pouchitis is most common. Although most respond to antibiotic treatment, some patients develop chronic pouchitis, leading to substantial morbidity and occasionally pouch failure. In patients with pouchitis who are not responsive to conventional antimicrobial therapy, secondary causes of chronic pouchitis need to be considered, including Crohn's disease of the pouch. In recent years, more literature has become available regarding the medical management of chronic pouchitis and Crohn's disease of the pouch, including the use of newer biologic agents. We herein provide a concise review on inflammatory complications involving the ileal pouch, including a focused approach to diagnosis and medical management.

DIAGNOSTIC AND MANAGEMENT APPROACH TO POUCHITIS IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

In patients with ulcerative colitis refractory to medical therapy, total proctocolectomy and posterior ileal-anal pouch anastomosis is the standard surgical therapy. One of the possible complications is pouchitis. Depending on the duration of the symptoms, it can be classified as acute, recurrent, or chronic. The latter, according to the response to therapy, can be defined as antibiotic-dependent or refractory. The treatment of pouchitis is based on the use of antibiotics and probiotics. Thiopurine and biological therapy have been suggested in patients with refractory pouchitis. Special care should be taken in the endoscopic surveillance of these patients, especially if they present risk factors such as dysplasia or previous colorectal cancer, primary sclerosing cholangitis or ulcerative colitis for more than 10 years.

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

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

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

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

A Comprehensive Approach to Pouch Disorders

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical procedure of choice for patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) or indeterminate colitis, UC with colonic dysplasia or neoplasia, and familial adenomatous polyposis. In general, patients experience good function outcomes and quality of life with an IPAA. Although pouchitis is the most well-recognized and frequent complication after IPAA, a number of additional inflammatory, postsurgical, structural, neoplastic, and functional complications may occur, resulting in pouch dysfunction. We herein provide a comprehensive review of pouch function and an approach to diagnosis and management of pouch complications.

Are radiologic pouchogram and pouchoscopy useful before ileostomy closure in asymptomatic patients operated for ulcerative colitis?

OBJECTIVES

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the "gold standard" procedure for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) requiring surgical intervention. A de-functioning ileostomy is usually performed, as a step for the IPAA procedure. The aim of this study is to present the methodology and results of the routine double assessment of IPAA integrity in asymptomatic patients prior to the ileostomy reversal and evaluate its necessity.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 61 UC patients, who underwent IPAA construction, in 2010-2016. A diverting ileostomy was created after IPAA construction, which was reversed at least 3 months later. A double assessment, with pouchogram and pouchoscopy, of IPAA integrity was performed, before stoma closure. Post-operative symptoms and signs of complications, imaging studies, and endoscopic findings were recorded during follow-up.

RESULTS

Prior to the ileostomy reversal, both pouchoscopy and pouchogram identified no patient with evidence of anastomotic leakage. During a mean follow-up of 3.67 years after ileostomy reversal, 11 patients developed complications but only one had signs of leakage, which presented as a pouch-vaginal fistula. The specificity of both the pouchogram and pouchoscopy reached 100% and the negative predictive value ranged between 98.4 and 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

The specificity of pouchoscopy and pouchogram prior to ileostomy closure, in asymptomatic patients with IPAA for UC, is very high in recognizing an intact anastomosis, but their combination did not alter the diagnostic accuracy or had any effect in further management. At least, pouchogram could be selectively performed only in patients with high-risk clinical indicators.

KEY POINTS

• The double assessment of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with pouchogram and pouchoscopy, prior to ileostomy closure, specifically in patients with ulcerative colitis has not been evaluated before. • The specificity of pouchoscopy and pouchogram prior to ileostomy closure, in asymptomatic patients with IPAA for UC, is very high in recognizing an intact anastomosis. • However, their combination did not alter the diagnostic accuracy or had any effect in further management, in asymptomatic patients.

Pouchitis Is a Common Complication in Patients With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Following Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical procedure most commonly selected for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or ulcerative colitis that is refractive to medical treatment. Pouchitis is the most common complication in patients with ulcerative colitis after IPAA, but is thought to rarely occur in patients with FAP. We investigated the frequency of pouchitis and other pouch-related complications in patients with FAP after IPAA.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients with FAP who underwent IPAA at a single tertiary institution from 1992 through 2015 (n = 113). Patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases-9 diagnostic and current procedural terminology codes. We obtained relevant demographic and clinical data from patients' electronic medical records. The frequencies of pouchitis and pouch-related complications were determined.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (22.1%) developed pouchitis (mean time to pouchitis, 4.1 years) and 88 did not (77.9%). Patients with pouchitis showed a trend toward developing late (>90 days after IPAA) pouch-related complications (56.0% of patients with pouchitis developed late complications, compared with 36.4% without). In patients who developed pouchitis, the disease course was acute in 72.0% and chronic in 28.0%. Of those treated, 69.6% responded to antibiotics, 13.0% became dependent on antibiotics, and 13.0% developed antibiotic resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Pouchitis is more prevalent in patients with FAP than previously believed. Although pouchitis seems to occur later in patients with FAP than in patients with ulcerative colitis, and have a milder course, it should be considered a common complication among patients with FAP following IPAA.

The Failed J Pouch

The development and refinement of proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) since its introduction in the 1970s has made it the optimal procedure of choice in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. However, it is a procedure that can be associated with significant morbidity. Pouch failure due to infection, mechanical, or functional disability represents a challenge to both surgeon and patient. Practicing surgeons who deal with revisional pouch surgery face a variety of intraoperative, postoperative, and reoperative challenges. Success requires a strategy that includes critical planning, preparation, specialized surgical techniques, and experience to achieve long-term success, minimize the adverse consequences of IPAA-related complications, and ensure solutions and hope to patients.

Inflammatory pouch disease: The spectrum of pouchitis

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the operation of choice for medically refractory ulcerative colitis (UC), for UC with dysplasia, and for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). IPAA can be a treatment option for selected patients with Crohn’s colitis without perianal and/or small bowel disease. The term “pouchitis” refers to nonspecific inflammation of the pouch and is a common complication in patients with IPAA; it occurs more often in UC patients than in FAP patients. This suggests that the pathogenetic background of UC may contribute significantly to the development of pouchitis. The symptoms of pouchitis are many, and can include increased bowel frequency, urgency, tenesmus, incontinence, nocturnal seepage, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps, and pelvic discomfort. The diagnosis of pouchitis is based on the presence of symptoms together with endoscopic and histological evidence of inflammation of the pouch. However, “pouchitis” is a general term representing a wide spectrum of diseases and conditions, which can emerge in the pouch. Based on the etiology we can sub-divide pouchitis into 2 groups: idiopathic and secondary. In idiopathic pouchitis the etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear, while in secondary pouchitis there is an association with a specific causative or pathogenetic factor. Secondary pouchitis can occur in up to 30% of cases and can be classified as infectious, ischemic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-induced, collagenous, autoimmune-associated, or Crohn’s disease. Sometimes, cuffitis or irritable pouch syndrome can be misdiagnosed as pouchitis. Furthermore, idiopathic pouchitis itself can be sub-classified into types based on the clinical pattern, presentation, and responsiveness to antibiotic treatment. Treatment differs among the various forms of pouchitis. Therefore, it is important to establish the correct diagnosis in order to select the appropriate treatment and further management. In this editorial, we present the spectrum of pouchitis and the specific features related to the diagnosis and treatment of the various forms.

Chronic pouchitis is associated with pouch polyp formation in patients with underlying ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Polypoid lesions can develop in ileal pouches. The risk factors associated with the development of pouch polyps have not been studied.

AIM

To characterize clinical features, risk factors, and disease course of pouch polyp in a cohort of patients with underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from a subspecialty clinic.

METHOD

A total of 1094 patients with restorative proctocolectomy and IPAA for IBD presenting to our Pouchitis Clinic from 2002 to 2010 were included. Demographic, clinical, and endoscopic variables were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median durations from UC diagnosis to colectomy and from pouch creation to the last follow-up for the whole cohort were 6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3-13) and 9years (IQR: 5-14), respectively. A total of 2472 surveillance and/or diagnostic pouchoscopies were performed for the cohort with a median follow-up of 5 (IQR: 2-6) years in the Pouchitis Clinic. The median number of pouchoscopies per patient was 2 (IQR: 1-3). Of the 1094 patients, 96 (8.8%) were found to have pouch polyps. The median size of the polyps was 1.2 (IQR: 1.0-2.0) cm. On histology, 93 patients (96.9%) had inflammatory-type polyps and 3 (3.1%) had polyps with low-grade dysplasia or indefinite for dysplasia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that chronic pouch inflammatory change was a risk factor for the development of pouch polyp with an odds ratio of 2.26 (95% confidence interval: 1.35-3.79; P=0.002).

CONCLUSION

The majority of pouch polyps in patients with underlying UC were benign. Patients with concomitant chronic pouch inflammatory changes had an increased risk for developing pouch polyps.

Suppurative granulomatous inflammation in the ileo-anal pouch

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is commonly performed for medically refractory ulcerative colitis (UC), however with multiple possible complications, most notably pouchitis, cuffitis, Crohn's disease of the pouch and irritable pouch syndrome. We present a unique case of suppurative granulomatous inflammation in the ileal pouch mucosa, most likely infective in nature, that is unrelated to recognised causes of such pathology, especially yersiniosis.

Evaluating pouch problems

IPAA is a technically demanding procedure that requires appropriate skills and expertise. Adverse sequelae of IPAA are common. Accurate diagnosis and classification of pouch disorders and associated complications are important for proper management and prognosis. Based on presenting symptoms, appropriate and combined diagnostic modalities should apply. A multidisciplinary approach involving gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, gastrointestinal pathologists, and gastrointestinal radiologists is advocated for diagnosis and treatment of pouch disorders.

Intraoperative, postoperative and reoperative problems with ileoanal pouches

BACKGROUND

Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has been developed and refined since its introduction in the late 1970s. Nonetheless, it is a procedure associated with significant morbidity. The aim of this review was to provide a structured approach to the challenges that surgeons and physicians encounter in the management of intraoperative, postoperative and reoperative problems associated with ileoanal pouches.

METHODS

The review was based on relevant studies identified from an electronic search of MEDLINE, Embase and PubMed databases from 1975 to April 2011. There were no language or publication year restrictions. Original references in published articles were reviewed.

RESULTS

Although the majority of patients experience long-term success with an ileoanal pouch, significant morbidity surrounds IPAA. Surgical intervention is often critical to achieve optimal control of the situation.

CONCLUSION

A structured management plan will minimize the adverse consequences of the problems associated with pouches.

Tissue infiltration of IgG4+ plasma cells in symptomatic patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is reported to be associated with autoimmune pancreatitis. The aim of the study was to investigate serum IgG4 and tissue infiltration of IgG4+ plasma cells in symptomatic patients with ileal pouches.

METHODS

Ninety-seven consecutive persistent symptomatic patients with ileal pouches from our subspecialty Pouchitis Clinic from January to December 2010 were included in the study. Serum IgG4 was measured at the time of presentation. All patients underwent pouchoscopy with pouch biopsies immunostained for IgG4+ plasma cells. Patients with ≥10 per high-power field of IgG4+ plasma cells were considered positive for the stain.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight (28.9%) patients had positive IgG4 immunostaining of pouch and/or afferent limb biopsy, while the remaining 69 patients (71.1%) were IgG4 negative. Demographic and symptoms were similar between the two groups. The median serum IgG4 in the IgG4 positive group was 21.3 (interquartile range 0-41.3) mg/dL vs. 0 (interquartile range 0-18) in the IgG4 negative group. (p=0.04). On multivariate analysis, the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI) endoscopy score in the pouch (odds ratio [OR] 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-2.29, p=0.002) and number of concomitant autoimmune disorders (OR 3.04, 95% CI: 1.22-7.53, p=0.017) were independent risk factors for the presence of IgG4+ plasma cell infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased IgG4+ plasma cells were found in 1/4 of IPAA patients with persistent symptoms. The presence of tissue infiltration of IgG4+ plasma cells appeared to be associated with chronic pouch inflammation and concurrent autoimmune disorders.

Influence of ileal pouch anal anastomosis on bone loss in ulcerative colitis patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are at an increased risk for low bone mineral density (BMD). It is unclear whether proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for UC alters the risk of bone loss. The aim of this study was to compare BMD in UC patients with and without IPAA.

METHODS

A total of 267 patients with UC and IPAA (study group) were compared to 119 UC patients without IPAA (control group) in this cross-sectional study. The demographic and clinical variables including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan results were compared. Patients were classified as having normal or low BMD, based on the criteria by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess risk factors associated with low BMD. Age, gender, race, smoking status, steroid use, alcohol use, body mass index, years of absent estrogen protection, use of calcium, vitamin D supplements and disease duration were selected as covariates.

RESULTS

83 (31.1%) had low BMD in the study group vs. 18 (15.1%) in the control group (p=0.001). 2/13 (15.4%) had low BMD before surgery. The mean age of patients in the study and control groups were 44.7 ± 14.1 vs. 52.4 ± 17.7 years, respectively (p<0.001). The hip BMD was lower in the study group (0.93 ± 0.17 g/cm2) than that in the control group (0.98 ± 0.17 g/cm2) (p=0.038). Fragility fracture was documented in 23 (8.6%) patients in the study group vs. 3 (2.5%) in the control group (p=0.038) Sixty-four (24.0%) of the study group patients were using corticosteroids after surgery in contrast to 93 (78.2%) in the control group (p<0.001). On multivariable analyses, covariate adjusted factors associated with a low BMD in UC patients were advanced age [odds ratio (OR) 1.51 per 5 years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34-1.71], low body mass index (OR=2.37 per 5 kg/m(2) decrease; 95% CI, 1.68-3.36), and the presence of IPAA (OR=6.02; 95% CI, 2.46-14.70). For the 13 IPAA patients who had information available, BMD before IPAA was low. After a median of 46 (Range 7-84) months after IPAA, BMD improved in 7/13 patients (53.8%), while it continued to be low in 6/13 (46.2%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Low BMD is common in patients with UC. The risk appears to persist even after colectomy and IPAA surgery suggesting that these patients need to be monitored for bone loss.

Elevated serum IgG4 is associated with chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We recently reported mucosal infiltration of IgG4-expressing plasma cells in a patient with chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis (CARP). The role of serum IgG4 in the pathogenesis and clinical course of ileal pouch disorders has not been investigated. We hypothesized that IgG4-mediated autoimmunity may be a contributing factor in for CARP. The aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of elevated serum IgG4 in symptomatic patients with ileal pouches and to characterize clinical features of pouch disorders in these patients.

METHODS

A total of 124 consecutive symptomatic patients with ileal pouches from our subspecialty Pouchitis Clinic were enrolled in the study from January to October 2010. Serum IgG4 was measured at the time of presentation. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics were compared between the study (with serum IgG4 ≥112 mg/dl) and control (with serum IgG4 <112 mg/dl) groups.

RESULTS

There were ten patients (8.0%) with high serum IgG4 in the study group, while the remaining 114 (92%) patients were in the control group. The prevalence of elevated serum IgG4 in this series was 8%. None of the patients had a confirmed diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis. The median serum IgG4 in the study group was 144.5 vs. 14 mg/dl in the control group. The mean age of patients in the study and control groups was 35.5 ± 14.5 and 42.0 ± 13.2 years, respectively (p = 0.137). Two patients in the study group (20.0%) had concurrent autoimmune disorders as compared to 19 patients (16.7%) in the control group (p = 0.788). Three (30.0%) patients in the study group had coexisting primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in contrast to 15 (13.2%) in the control group (p = 0.147). Among the study group patients, five (50.0%) had CARP and one (10%) had Crohn's disease (CD) of the pouch, while in the control group, 23 (20.2%) had CARP and 24 (21.1%) patients had CD of the pouch (p = 0.273). CARP was more commonly seen in patients with high serum IgG4 than patients with a normal IgG4 (50.0% vs. 20.2%, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 8% of pouch patients presenting with symptoms of pouch dysfunction to our clinic had elevated serum IgG4. Patients with elevated serum IgG4 were more likely to have CARP.

Prevalence and clinical implications of positive serum anti-microsomal antibodies in symptomatic patients with ileal pouches

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Autoimmune disorders (AID) have been shown to be associated with chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis (CARP). The role of anti-microsomal antibodies in ileal pouch disorders has not been investigated. The aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of positive anti-microsomal antibody in symptomatic patients with ileal pouches and to investigate its clinical implications.

METHODS

A total of 118 consecutive symptomatic patients with ileal pouches were included between January and October 2010. Anti-microsomal antibodies were measured at the time of presentation. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics were compared between patients with positive and negative anti-microsomal antibody.

RESULTS

There were 14 patients (11.9%) with positive serum anti-microsomal antibody. The mean age of patients in the antibody positive and negative groups were 41.8 ± 14.4 and 42.0 ± 14.0 years, respectively (p = 0.189). All 14 patients in the antibody positive group (100%) had some form of AID, as compared to 20 patients (19.2%) in the antibody negative group (p < 0.001). Four (28.6%) patients in the antibody positive group had at least one AID in addition to Hashimoto's thyroiditis in contrast to four (3.8%) in the antibody negative group (p = 0.003). In addition, five (35.7%) patients had associated primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in the antibody positive group compared to nine (8.7%) in the antibody negative group (p = 0.012). Eleven patients (78.6%) in the antibody positive group required steroids for treatment of pouch related symptoms in contrast to 26/104 (25%) patients in the antibody negative group (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-microsomal antibodies were common in pouch patients presenting with symptoms. Patients with positive anti-microsomal antibodies were much more likely to have concurrent AID and PSC. These patients were more likely to require therapy with steroids.