Inflammatory bowel disease in African American children compared with other racial/ethnic groups in a multicenter registry

Antibiotics, passive smoking, high socioeconomic status and sweetened foods contribute to the risk of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Genetic and environmental factors influence pathogenesis and rising incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD). The aim was to meta-analyse evidence of diet and environmental factors in PIBD.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted to identify diet and environmental factors with comparable risk outcome measures and had been reported in two or more PIBD studies for inclusion in meta-analyses. Those with ≥2 PIBD risk estimates were combined to provide pooled risk estimates.

RESULTS

Of 4763 studies identified, 36 studies were included. PIBD was associated with higher risk with exposure to ≥/=4 antibiotic courses (includes prescriptions/purchases/courses), passive smoking, not being breastfed, sugary drink intake, being a non-Caucasian child living in a high-income country and infection history (odds ratio [OR] range: 2-3.8). Paediatric Crohn's disease (CD) was associated with higher risk with exposure to antibiotics during early childhood, ≥/=4 antibiotic courses, high socioeconomic status (SES), maternal smoking, history of atopic conditions and infection history (OR range: 1.6-4.4). A history of infection was also associated with higher risk of paediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) (OR: 3.73). Having a higher number of siblings (≥2) was associated with lower risk of paediatric CD (OR: 0.6) and paediatric UC (OR: 0.7). Pet exposure was associated with lower risk of paediatric UC (OR: 0.5).

CONCLUSION

Several factors associated with PIBD risk were identified that could potentially be used to develop a disease screening tool. Future research is needed to address risk reduction in PIBD.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health-Related Outcomes in Crohn's Disease: Results From the National Health and Wellness Survey

Background

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the entire gastrointestinal tract that is associated with significant humanistic, clinical, and economic burdens. Few studies have assessed the association between CD severity and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and medical costs; even fewer have examined differences in disease outcomes among patients of various racial/ethnic groups.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, sociodemographic data, PROs, and economic outcomes for participants with self-reported CD were collected from the National Health and Wellness Survey (2018-2020). Multivariable analyses were used to assess the association of CD severity and race/ethnicity with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI), HCRU, and medical costs.

Results

Analyses included 1077 participants with CD (818 non-Hispanic White, 109 non-Hispanic Black, and 150 Hispanic). Participants with self-reported moderate/severe CD reported significantly worse HRQoL and WPAI, greater HCRU, and higher medical costs than those with self-reported mild CD. Non-Hispanic Black participants reported better HRQoL and fewer healthcare provider visits than non-Hispanic White participants. There were no significant differences in PROs between non-Hispanic White and Hispanic groups. Interactions between race/ethnicity and CD severity emerged for some, but not all groups: Specifically, non-Hispanic Black participants with moderate/severe CD reported greater absenteeism and more gastroenterologist visits than non-Hispanic Black participants with mild CD.

Conclusions

Participants with moderate/severe CD reported worse PROs, greater HCRU, and higher medical costs than those with mild CD. Additionally, racial/ethnic differences were found across several HCRU and economic outcomes. Further research is needed to better understand factors contributing to burden among patients with varying CD severity across racial/ethnic groups.

Diagnosis and management of anemia in pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases: Clinical practice guidelines on behalf of the SIGENP IBD Working group

Anemia is one of the most frequent extra-intestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. Insidious onset, variability of symptoms and lack of standardized screening practices may increase the risk of underestimating its burden in children with IBD. Despite its relevance and peculiarity in everyday clinical practice, this topic is only dealt with in a few documents specifically for the pediatric field. The aim of the current guidelines is therefore to provide pediatric gastroenterologists with a practical update to support the clinical and therapeutic management of children with IBD and anemia. A panel of 19 pediatric gastroenterologists and 1 pediatric hematologist with experience in the field of pediatric IBD was agreed by IBD Working group of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) to produce the present article outlining practical clinical approaches to the pediatric patient with IBD and anemia. The levels of evidence and recommendations have been defined for each part of the statement according to the GRADE system.

Racial and ethnic differences in diagnosis age and blood biomarkers in a pediatric inflammatory bowel disease cohort

OBJECTIVE

Prompt diagnosis of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is crucial for preventing a complicated disease course; however, it is not well understood how social determinants of health might affect pediatric IBD diagnosis. This study examined differences in diagnosis age, biomarkers of disease severity, and anthropometrics with sociodemographic factors in a pediatric IBD cohort.

METHODS

Pediatric IBD patients (n = 114) and their parents/caregivers were enrolled from the Children's of Alabama Pediatric IBD Clinic in Birmingham, Alabama. Primary analyses examined associations of child race and ethnicity, parental income, parental education, single-parent household status, insurance type, and distance to a tertiary pediatric gastroenterology referral center with diagnosis age. Secondary analyses examined differences in biomarker levels, height, and body mass index at the time of diagnosis.

RESULTS

Racial and ethnic minority children were diagnosed at an older age compared to Non-Hispanic White children (14.4 ± 0.40 vs. 11.7 ± 0.38 years; p < 0.001), and this trend was robust to adjustment with other sociodemographic variables. Parental attainment of a college education attenuated the link between minority race and ethnicity and the likelihood of older age at diagnosis, while other sociodemographic variables had no moderating effect. Racial and ethnic minority children were 5.7 times more likely to have clinically elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate at diagnosis compared to Non-Hispanic White children (p = .024).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that child race and ethnicity may exert a primary effect on the age at diagnosis with pediatric-onset IBD. This study highlights the need for further research on racial and ethnic disparities to promote health equity in pediatric-onset IBD.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Among Canadian Children: Comparison Between Children of Non-European Descent and Children of European Descent

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) phenotypes may differ between countries and ancestral groups. The study aim was to examine ancestry and subtype variations of children newly diagnosed with IBD.

METHODS

Children newly diagnosed with IBD enrolled into the Canadian Children Inflammatory Bowel Disease Network inception cohort study were categorized into 8 ancestral groups. Prospectively collected data at diagnosis and follow-up were compared between ancestral groups.

RESULTS

Among 1447 children (63.2% Crohn's disease, 30.7% ulcerative colitis), 67.8% were European, 9.4% were South Asian, 3.8% were West Central Asian and Middle Eastern, 2.3% were African, 2.2% were East/South East Asian, 2.0% were Caribbean/Latin/Central/South American, 9.9% were mixed, and 2.6% were other. Children of African descent with ulcerative colitis had an older age of diagnosis compared with children of European descent (median 15.6 years vs 13.3 years; P = .02). Children of European descent had a higher proportion of positive family history with IBD (19.3% vs 12.1%; P = .001) compared with children of non-European descent. Children of European descent also had a lower proportion of immigrants and children of immigrants compared with children of non-European descent (9.8% vs 35.9%; P < .0001; and 3.6% vs 27.2%; P < .0001, respectively) .

CONCLUSIONS

Important differences exist between different ancestral groups in pediatric patients with IBD with regard to age of diagnosis, family history, and immigrant status. Our study adds to the knowledge of the impact of ancestry on IBD pathogenesis.

Racial Disparities in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Care: Differences in Outcomes and Health Service Utilization Between Black and White Children

OBJECTIVE

To describe racial inequities in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease care and explore potential drivers.

METHODS

We undertook a single-center, comparative cohort study of newly diagnosed Black and non-Hispanic White patients with inflammatory bowel disease, aged <21 years, from January 2013 through 2020. Primary outcome was corticosteroid-free remission (CSFR) at 1 year. Other longitudinal outcomes included sustained CSFR, time to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, and evaluation of health service utilization.

RESULTS

Among 519 children (89% White, 11% Black), 73% presented with Crohn's disease and 27% with ulcerative colitis. Disease phenotype did not differ by race. More patients from Black families had public insurance (58% vs 30%, P < .001). Black patients were less likely to achieve CSFR 1-year post diagnosis (OR: 0.52, 95% CI:0.3-0.9) and less likely to achieve sustained CSFR (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25-0.92). When adjusted by insurance type, differences by race to 1-year CSFR were no longer significant (aOR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.33, 1.04; P = .07). Black patients were more likely to transition from remission to a worsened state, and less likely to transition to remission. We found no differences in biologic therapy utilization or surgical outcomes by race. Black patients had fewer gastroenterology clinic visits and 2-fold increased odds for emergency department visits.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed no differences by race in phenotypic presentation and medication usage. Black patients had half the odds of achieving clinical remission, but a degree of this was mediated by insurance status. Understanding the cause of such differences will require further exploration of social determinants of health.

The Current State of Care for Black and Hispanic Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Research on the care of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients has been primarily in populations of European ancestry. However, the incidence of IBD, which comprises Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is increasing in different populations around the world. In this comprehensive review, we examine the epidemiology, clinical presentations, disease phenotypes, treatment outcomes, social determinants of health, and genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of IBD in Black and Hispanic patients in the United States. To improve health equity of underserved minorities with IBD, we identified the following priority areas: access to care, accurate assessment of treatment outcomes, incorporation of Black and Hispanic patients in therapeutic clinical trials, and investigation of environmental factors that lead to the increase in disease incidence.

Racial and Ethnic Variation in Presentation, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome of Pediatric Crohn Disease: A Single Center Study

OBJECTIVES

Disparities in health care for racial/ethnic minority children in the United States who are burdened by pediatric Crohn's disease (PCD) are not well understood.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the Texas Children's Hospital ImproveCareNow database from 2007 to 2015 was performed. CD patients with a minimum of 2-year follow-up were included if the onset of symptoms attributable to inflammatory bowel disease was clearly documented. We primarily aimed to identify race and ethnicity associations in diagnostic delay, presentation, treatment, and 2-year outcomes. We also examined early versus late diagnosis (ie, over 6 months from disease onset) associations with these variables unrelated to race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-six PCD patients [57.8% non-Hispanic White (NH-White), 18.1% African American (AA), and 15.7% Hispanic] met selection criteria. Time to diagnosis was shorter in Hispanic patients ( P < 0.01) and they were older at diagnosis than NH-White patients ( P = 0.0164). AA patients (33%, P < 0.01) and Hispanic patients (35%, P < 0.05) had lower rates of granuloma detection than NH-White patients (63%). AA patients had lower rates of steroid-free remission (SFR) at 2 years than NH-White patients ( P < 0.05). Higher ESR and lower hemoglobin levels were associated with early diagnosis ( P < 0.01). Early diagnosis was associated with higher rates of surgery within 2 years of diagnosis ( P < 0.05). Diagnostic fecal calprotectin levels inversely associated with SFR at 2 years ( P < 0.05). Early use of biologics positively, and early use of corticosteroids negatively correlated with 2-year SFR ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Race and ethnicity may influence the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of PCD. This recognition presents a nidus toward establishing equity in PCD care.

Inflammatory bowel disease in underserved populations: lessons for practice

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in minority groups across the USA. There are racial and ethnic disparities in IBD care and outcomes that are rooted in historical injustice and inequities in the social determinants of health.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current literature has identified racial, ethnic and sociodemographic disparities in therapeutics and outcomes for IBD, including disease severity, morbidity and mortality.

SUMMARY

Strategies to achieve equity in IBD include tackling structural racism as a driver of health disparities and making actionable changes against multilevel barriers to care.

Effects of Race and Ethnicity on Diagnosis and Management of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Although Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) have been considered as disorders that affect individuals of European ancestry, the epidemiology of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) is changing. Coupled with the increasing incidence of IBD in previously low-incidence areas, the population demographics of IBD in the United States are also changing, with increases among non-White races and ethnicities. It is therefore important to fully understand the epidemiology and progression of IBD in different racial and ethnic groups, and the effects of race and ethnicity on access to care, use of resources, and disease-related outcomes. We review differences in IBD development and progression among patients of different races and ethnicities, discussing the effects of factors such as access to care, delays in diagnosis, and health and disease perception on disparities in IBD care and outcomes. We identify research priorities for improving health equity among minority patients with IBD.

Anemia in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Position Paper by the IBD Committee of the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Anemia is one of the most common extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can be asymptomatic or associated with nonspecific symptoms, such as irritability, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and anorexia. In IBD patients, the etiology of anemia is often multifactorial. Various causes include iron deficiency, anemia of inflammation and chronic disease, vitamin deficiencies, hemolysis, or myelosuppressive effect of drugs. Anemia and iron deficiency in these patients may be underestimated because of their insidious onset, lack of standardized screening practices, and possibly underappreciation that treatment of anemia is also required when treating IBD. Practitioners may hesitate to use oral preparations because of their intolerance whereas intravenous preparations are underutilized because of fear of adverse events, availability, and cost. Several publications in recent years have documented the safety and comparative efficacy of various intravenous preparations. This article reviews management of anemia in children with IBD, including diagnosis, etiopathogenesis, evaluation of a patient, protocol to screen and monitor patients for early detection and response to therapy, treatment including parenteral iron therapy, and newer approaches in management of anemia of chronic disease. This report has been compiled by a group of pediatric gastroenterologists serving on the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) IBD committee, in collaboration with a pediatric hematologist, pharmacist, and a registered dietician who specializes in pediatric IBD (IBD Anemia Working Group), after an extensive review of the current literature. The purpose of this review is to raise awareness of under-diagnosis of anemia in children with IBD and make recommendations for screening, testing, and treatment in this population.

Phenotypic characteristics of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease in Japan: results from a multicenter registry

BACKGROUND/AIMS

There are few published registry studies from Asia on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Registry network data enable comparisons among ethnic groups. This study examined the characteristics of IBD in Japanese children and compared them with those in European children.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional multicenter registry study of newly diagnosed Japanese pediatric IBD patients. The Paris classification was used to categorize IBD features, and results were compared with published EUROKIDS data.

RESULTS

A total of 265 pediatric IBD patients were initially registered, with 22 later excluded for having incomplete demographic data. For the analysis, 91 Crohn's disease (CD), 146 ulcerative colitis (UC), and 6 IBD-unclassified cases were eligible. For age at diagnosis, 20.9% of CD, 21.9% of UC, and 83.3% of IBD-unclassified cases were diagnosed before age 10 years. For CD location, 18.7%, 13.2%, 64.8%, 47.3%, and 20.9% were classified as involving L1 (ileocecum), L2 (colon), L3 (ileocolon), L4a (esophagus/stomach/duodenum), and L4b (jejunum/proximal ileum), respectively. For UC extent, 76% were classified as E4 (pancolitis). For CD behavior, B1 (non-stricturing/non-penetrating), B2 (stricturing), B3 (penetrating), and B2B3 were seen in 83.5%, 11.0%, 3.3%, and 2.2%, respectively. A comparison between Japanese and European children showed less L2 involvement (13.2% vs. 27.3%, P< 0.01) but more L4a (47.3% vs. 29.6%, P< 0.01) and L3 (64.8% vs. 52.7%, P< 0.05) involvement in Japanese CD children. Pediatric perianal CD was more prevalent in Japanese children (34.1% vs. 9.7%, P< 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Upper gastrointestinal and perianal CD lesions are more common in Japanese children than in European children.

Parental Education May Differentially Impact Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Phenotype Risk

BACKGROUND

The incidence of pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases (PIBDs: Crohn's disease [CD], ulcerative colitis [UC]) is on the rise around the world. Yet, the critical risk factors for this rising incidence are not well understood. Demographic characteristics of PIBD may improve our understanding of their developmental origins and aid in prevention.

METHODS

Four hundred eighty-eight consecutive PIBD patients diagnosed at Texas Children's Hospital from 13 counties around Houston were studied. An annual incidence map was created by ZIP code of residence at diagnosis by using ArcGIS and the American Community Survey from the US Census Bureau. Correlation between demographic variables and PIBD incidence was examined. A model to explain incidence from different health factors was created in R.

RESULTS

Hispanic children were more likely to be diagnosed with UC (P < 0.01) and unclassified IBD (IBD-U) (P < 0.03) compared with other races/ethnicities. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.35, P < 0.0001) between median household income and PIBD incidence was observed (UC: r = 0.23, P < 0.0001; CD: r = 0.22, P = 0.0004). ZIP codes with majority college-educated adults had a higher incidence of PIBD than ZIP codes with majority high school-educated adults (P < 0.0001). Pediatric cases with CD were more common in ZIP codes where the majority of adults were college educated (P < 0.0001). Pediatric cases with UC, however, were more common in ZIP codes where the majority of adults were high school educated (P = 0.0036).

CONCLUSIONS

Hispanic children more commonly present with UC and IBD-U in southern USA. Household income and/or adult education-related environmental/dietary differences may be important in the developmental origins of PIBD in large metro areas, such as Houston.

Inflammatory polyps occur more frequently in inflammatory bowel disease than other colitis patients

BACKGROUND

Colitis is generally considered a risk factor for colon neoplasia. However, not all types of colitis seem to have equal neoplastic transformation potential.

AIM

To determine the prevalence of colorectal polyps in a predominantly African American population with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Non-IBD/Non-Infectious Colitis (NIC).

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated medical records of 1060 patients previously identified with colitis at Howard University Hospital, based on ICD-10 code. Among these, 485 patients were included in the study: 70 IBD and 415 NIC based on a thorough review of colonoscopy, pathology and clinical reports. Logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the risk of polyps in patients with IBD compared to those with NIC after adjusting for age and sex. A subgroup analysis within the IBD group was performed.

RESULTS

Of the 485 patients, 415 were NIC and 70 were IBD. Seventy-three percent of the NIC patients and 81% of the IBD patients were African Americans. Forty six percent of IBD and 41% of NIC cases were male. IBD patients were younger than NIC patients (median age of 38 years vs. 50, P < 0.001). The prevalence of all types of polyps was 15.7 and 8.2% in the IBD and NIC groups, respectively (P = 0.045). Among patients with polyps, the prevalence of inflammatory polyps was higher in the IBD group (55%) compared to the NIC group (12%). After adjusting for age, sex and race, odds ratio of inflammatory polyps in IBD patients was 6.0 (P = 0.016). Adenoma prevalence was 4.3% (3/70) in IBD patients and 3.9% (16/415) in the NIC patients (p = 0.75). The anatomic distribution of lesions and colitis shows that polyps occur predominantly in the colitis field regardless of colitis type. More polyps were present in the ulcerative colitis patients when compared to Crohn's disease patients (27% vs. 5%, P < 0.001) within the IBD group.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that inflammatory polyps are more common in IBD patients when compared to NIC patients. Most polyps were in the same location as the colitis.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children: Experience and Constraints in a Resource-limited Setting

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), though well described in the Caucasian population, is rarely encountered in the black African children. The aim of this study was to increase the awareness of this emerging condition in African children and highlight the constraints of management in a resource-limited setting like Nigeria.

Methods: This study included an audit of children with IBD who were seen between January 2015 and February 2020 at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). The clinical records of children aged one to 16 years who presented with recurrent abdominal pain, weight loss, and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding with clinical suspicion of IBD were reviewed. Clinical features, endoscopic findings, histopathologic findings, and treatment were documented.

Results: Eight children with IBD were seen during the study period. The median age was 12.0 years (range: five to 15 years). The most common reported concerns in the children were chronic abdominal pain [seen in four patients (50%)] and bloody diarrhea [seen in three patients (42.30%)]. Weight loss and arthritis were seen in three (37.5%) and one (12.5%) children, respectively. Endoscopy confirmed two cases of Crohn’s disease (CD), three cases of ulcerative colitis (UC), and three cases of indeterminate colitis (IC). The children with CD were treated with steroids and exclusive enteral nutrition, with one patient receiving methotrexate, while the UC and IC patients received 5-aminosalicylate therapy.

Conclusion: Although IBD is uncommon in Nigeria, a high index of suspicion is vital to enable early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Management in the African setting is severely constrained by limited access to endoscopy facilities and nonavailability of other effective treatment options such as biologic agents.

Anemia Screening, Prevalence, and Treatment in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the United States, 2010-2014

PURPOSE

We examined the prevalence of anemia, annual screening for anemia, and treatment of anemia with iron among children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

A retrospective study of U.S. pediatric patients with IBD was performed in the MarketScan commercial claims database from 2010-2014. Children (ages 1-21) with at least two inpatient or outpatient encounters for IBD who had available lab and pharmacy data were included in the cohort. Anemia was defined using World Health Organization criteria. We used logistic regression to determine differences in screening, incident anemia, and treatment based on age at first IBD encounter and sex.

RESULTS

The cohort (n=2,446) included 1,560 Crohn's disease (CD) and 886 ulcerative colitis (UC). Approximately, 85% of CD and 81% of UC were screened for anemia. Among those screened, 51% with CD and 43% with UC had anemia. Only 24% of anemia patients with CD and 20% with UC were tested for iron deficiency; 85% were iron deficient. Intravenous (IV) iron was used to treat 4% of CD and 4% UC patients overall and 8% of those with anemia.

CONCLUSION

At least 80% of children with IBD were screened for anemia, although most did not receive follow-up tests for iron deficiency. The 43%-50% prevalence of anemia was consistent with prior studies. Under-treatment with IV iron points to a potential target for quality improvement.

Ocular Manifestations of Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Ocular extraintestinal manifestations [O-EIMs] are known complications of Crohn's disease [CD], ulcerative colitis [UC], and inflammatory bowel disease unclassified [IBD-U]. However, data on their prevalence in children are scarce and there are no clear recommendations on what follow-up should be offered. We aimed to review available data on O-EIMs in children.

METHODS

In January 2018, we performed a systematic review of published English literature using PubMed and EMBASE databases and disease-specific queries.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies [7467 patients] reported data on O-EIMs prevalence in children. Overall prevalence of O-EIMs was 0.62-1.82%. Uveitis was the most common O-EIM. Meta-analysis showed that children with CD are at increased risk of O-EIMs as compared with children with UC and IBD-U (odds ratio [OR] 2.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51-4.83). Five studies [357 patients] reported data on ophthalmological screening in asymptomatic children: mild asymptomatic uveitis was identified in a variable proportion of patients [1.06-23.1%], more frequently in male patients with CD and colonic involvement. No evidence of ocular complications from untreated uveitis was detected. A total of 23 case reports [24 patients] were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Data on O-EIMs in children are scarce. Prevalence of O-EIMs is lower than in adults but may be underestimated because of the possibility of asymptomatic uveitis; however, the long-term significance of this condition is unknown. Children with CD may be at increased risk of O-EIMs. No recommendations on routine ophthalmological examination can be made, but a low threshold for ophthalmological referral should be maintained. Larger studies in paediatric IBD populations are needed.

Race Differences in Initial Presentation, Early Treatment, and 1-year Outcomes of Pediatric Crohn's Disease: Results from the ImproveCareNow Network

BACKGROUND

Racially disparate care has been shown to contribute to suboptimal health care outcomes for minorities. Using the ImproveCareNow network, we investigated differences in management and outcomes of pediatric patients with Crohn's disease at diagnosis and 1-year postdiagnosis.

METHODS

ImproveCareNow is a learning health network for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. It contains prospective, longitudinal data from outpatient encounters. This retrospective study included all patients with Crohn's disease ≤21 years, September 2006 to October 2014, with the first recorded encounter ≤90 days from date of diagnosis and an encounter 1 year ±60 days. We examined the effect of race on remission rate and treatment at diagnosis and 1 year from diagnosis using t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, χ statistic, and Fisher's exact tests, where appropriate, followed by univariate regression models.

RESULTS

Nine hundred seventy-six patients (Black = 118 (12%), White = 858 (88%), mean age = 13 years, 63% male) from 39 sites were included. Black children had a higher percentage of Medicaid insurance (44% versus 11%, P < 0.001). At diagnosis, Black children had more active disease according to physician global assessment (P = 0.027), but not by short Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (P = 0.67). Race differences in treatment were not identified. Black children had lower hematocrit (34.8 versus 36.7, P < 0.001) and albumin levels (3.6 versus 3.9, P = 0.001). At 1 year, Black children had more active disease according to physician global assessment (P = 0.016), but not by short Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Black children with Crohn's disease may have more severe disease than White children based on physician global assessment. Neither disease phenotype differences at diagnosis nor treatment differences at 1-year follow-up were identified.

Phenotypic Characterization of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in African American Children

OBJECTIVE

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) affects children of all races. Prior studies suggest that phenotypic features of JIA in African American (AA) children differ from those of non-Hispanic white (NHW) children. We evaluated the phenotypic differences at presentation between AA and NHW children enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry, and replicated the findings in a JIA cohort from a large center in the southeastern United States.

METHODS

Children with JIA enrolled in the multicenter CARRA Registry and from Emory University formed the study and replication cohorts. Phenotypic data on non-Hispanic AA children were compared with NHW children with JIA using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

In all, 4177 NHW and 292 AA JIA cases from the CARRA Registry and 212 NHW and 71 AA cases from Emory were analyzed. AA subjects more often had rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive polyarthritis in both the CARRA (13.4% vs 4.7%, p = 5.3 × 10(-7)) and the Emory (26.8% vs 6.1%, p = 1.1 × 10(-5)) cohorts. AA children had positive tests for RF and cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (CCP) more frequently, but oligoarticular or early onset antinuclear antibody (ANA)-positive JIA less frequently in both cohorts. AA children were older at onset in both cohorts and this difference persisted after excluding RF-positive polyarthritis in the CARRA Registry (median age 8.5 vs 5.0 yrs, p = 1.4 × 10(-8)).

CONCLUSION

Compared with NHW children, AA children with JIA are more likely to have RF/CCP-positive polyarthritis, are older at disease onset, and less likely to have oligoarticular or ANA-positive, early-onset JIA, suggesting that the JIA phenotype is different in AA children.

Smoking increases the risk of extraintestinal manifestations in Crohn's disease

AIM: To demonstrate a high prevalence of extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) in a prospective population-based cohort of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients at first diagnosis as well as during the early course of the disease.

METHODS: EIMs are common in patients with IBD. Data on the frequency of EIMs have mostly been assessed in patients from tertiary centers; however, data about the prevalence of EIMs at first diagnosis as well as factors influencing their incidence during the early course of disease from prospective population-based cohorts are scarce. We present data of patients of our population-based “Oberpfalz cohort” (Bavaria, Germany) from first diagnosis (up to 3 mo after first diagnosis) as well as during the early course of the disease. Possible risk factors were assessed by calculating the relative risk (RR) as well as using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: In total, data of 257 newly diagnosed patients with IBD were evaluated [161 Crohn’s disease (CD), 96 ulcerative colitis (UC)]. Median duration of follow-up was 50 mo after first diagnosis. In 63.4% of all patients (n = 163), an EIM was diagnosed at any point during the observation period. At first diagnosis, patients with CD had a significantly increased risk of an EIM [n = 69 (42.9%)] compared with UC patients [n = 21 (21.9%); P < 0.001; RR = 1.96; 95%CI: 1.30-2.98]. Active smoking increased the risk of CD patients developing an EIM during the early course of the disease, but notably not of UC patients (P = 0.046; RR = 1.96; 95%CI: 1.01-3.79). In addition, using logistic regression analysis, the need for IBD-related surgery and a young age at first diagnosis were identified as risk factors for the development of an EIM in CD patients. No association with EIMs was found for the factors sex, localization of the disease and positive family history of IBD. In contrast, no key factors which increased the risk of development of an EIM could be identified in UC patients.

CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of EIM in this cohort at first diagnosis and during the early course of the disease. In patients with CD, smoking, need for surgery and younger age at first diagnosis were risk factors for the development of an EIM.

Clinical presentation and disease course of inflammatory bowel disease differs by race in a large tertiary care hospital

BACKGROUND

While the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among African-Americans (AAs) is increasing, there is limited understanding of phenotypic differences and outcomes by race.

AIM

To describe disease characteristics of AA patients compared to Caucasian (Ca) patients in a tertiary care population.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional review of the IBD registry at the University of Chicago from January 2008 to January 2013. Data regarding race, phenotype, disease onset, disease duration, medical therapy, and surgical treatment were abstracted from the database, then compared via Pearson's chi-square analysis, Kruskal-Wallis analysis, and logistic regression with a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 1,235 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 541 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) included 108 AA CD patients and 28 AA UC patients. AA CD patients had an increased rate of IBD-related arthralgias (36.5 vs. 23.9 %, p < 0.01) and surgery (p < 0.01), less ileal involvement (57.8 vs. 71.0 %, p < 0.01), and no differences for other extraintestinal manifestations or disease locations compared to Ca CD patients. AA UC patients were older at diagnosis, had an increased rate of arthralgias (28.6 vs. 14.6 %, p = 0.047) and ankylosing spondylitis/sacroiliitis (7.1 vs. 1.6 %, p = 0.035), with no differences for disease extent or rate of IBD-related surgeries compared to Ca UC patients. There were no differences in medication usage by race for CD and UC patients.

CONCLUSION

We identified significant differences in disease characteristics and extraintestinal manifestations between AA and Ca IBD patients in a large tertiary care population. These results have implications for future genotype-phenotype studies.

Inflammatory bowel disease in a child with sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a chronic haemoglobinopathy that can affect many organs in the body including gastrointestinal tract. However, colonic involvement is very rare and usually in the form of ischemic colitis. We are reporting an 11-year-old Saudi girl with SCA who presented with persistent diarrhea and was found to have inflammaftory bowel disease.

A comparison of abdominal surgical outcomes between African-American and Caucasian Crohn's patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Whether race affects the natural history of Crohn's disease is a matter of debate. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the differences in surgical outcomes between African-American (AA) and Caucasian (C) Crohn's patients undergoing surgery at a tertiary care referral center.

METHODS

With Institutional Review Board approval, the medical records of our institution were queried to identify consecutive AA and C patients who underwent surgery for Crohn's disease from December 1, 2009 to December 15, 2011. A retrospective chart review was performed using electronic medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 77 patients were included in this study, including 32 AA (41 %) and 45 C (59 %). No significant differences were seen with respect to age, gender, type of insurance, preoperative exposure to immunosuppressives, body mass index, or smoking history between the two populations (p > 0.05). There was a trend toward lower albumin in AAs (p = 0.09). AA and C patients who underwent their first Crohn's disease (CD)-related surgery had similar lag periods between diagnosis and surgery. No significant differences were seen in location of disease, indication for operation, and need for open laparotomy over laparoscopy. No significant differences were seen in need for a repeat operation within 90 days of the original surgery or major postoperative complications. There was a trend toward higher rate of minor complications in the AA group (p = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

No significant differences were noted in the current study in several preoperative variables and surgical outcomes between AA and C.

The epidemiology of anemia in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: prevalence and associated factors at diagnosis and follow-up and the impact of exclusive enteral nutrition

BACKGROUND

Anemia is poorly studied in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. This study explored the epidemiology and associated factors of anemia at diagnosis, after 1 year, and during treatment with exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN).

METHODS

Three cohorts were included: (1) a representative population of newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease children (n = 184); (2) patients currently receiving care with data available at diagnosis (n = 179) and after 1 year (n = 139); and (3) 84 children treated with EEN.

RESULTS

At diagnosis, 72% were anemic. Abnormal inflammatory markers were more common in Crohn's disease with severe anemia (severe versus no anemia [%]: raised C-reactive protein; 89% versus 48%; suboptimal albumin; 97% versus 29%; P < 0.002). Anemic children with Crohn's disease had shorter diagnosis delay and lower BMI than nonanemic patients (severe versus mild versus no anemia, median [interquartile range]; diagnosis delay [months]: 3 [3.9] versus 6 [10] versus 8 [18], P < 0.001; BMI z score [SD]: -1.4 [1.4] versus -1.3 [1.5] versus -0.2 [1.4], P = 0.003). Extensive colitis was associated with severe anemia in ulcerative colitis. The proportion of severely anemic patients decreased from 34% to 9% and mild anemia doubled at 1 year. After EEN, severe anemia decreased (32% to 9%; P < 0.001) and the hemoglobin concentration increased by 0.75 g/dL. This was observed only after 8 weeks of treatment. Disease improvement and low hemoglobin at EEN initiation but not weight gain were associated with hemoglobin improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Anemia is high at diagnosis and follow-up and should receive more attention from the clinical team; however, the focus should remain suppression of inflammatory process in active disease.

The natural course of inflammatory bowel disease-indeterminate from childhood to adulthood: within a 25 year period

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-indeterminate is a subgroup of IBD that has features of both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD).

Aims

To determine the clinical course of IBD-indeterminate in children over a 25 year period.

Methods

We performed a retrospective investigation on children diagnosed with IBD. Diagnosis and disease distribution of IBD was based on clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, and histologic examinations.

Results

Four hundred and twenty children diagnosed with IBD between 1986 and 2003 were identified from the IBD registry, 78 (22%) of whom were diagnosed with IBD-indeterminate. The mean age at diagnosis was 9.2 ± 4 years and the mean follow-up period was 4.1 ± 2 years. In 2003, 18 of 78 children (23%) were reclassified by the same physician based on the endoscopic and pathologic findings as follows: eight children with CD, five children with UC, and five children with non-IBD (eg, eosinophilic colitis). During 2011, 20 of the 60 patients who had maintained an IBD-indeterminate diagnosis were located and contacted, and detailed telephone interviews were conducted by the corresponding author. Two patients were reclassified as having CD (10%), one patient was reclassified as having eosinophilic colitis (5%), six patients remained with IBD-indeterminate (30%), and eleven patients (55%) reported a complete resolution of their symptoms. The follow-up period ranged from 10–18 years (mean 12.5 ± 3 years). Children who were reclassified as having CD were significantly younger than those who maintained an IBD-indeterminate diagnosis (6.4 ± 4 years versus11.2 ± 3 years, respectively, P = 0.05).

Conclusion

Children with IBD-indeterminate remain classified as IBD-indeterminate, or were clinically reclassified as CD or non-IBD, or became asymptomatic as they transitioned into adulthood. The need for IBD-indeterminate classification is of importance, especially when deciding on management and treatment.

The natural history of ulcerative colitis in a pediatric population: a follow-up population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

The natural history of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been poorly studied in children.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study in children diagnosed with UC with a follow-up. The diagnosis of UC was based on clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, and histologic examinations. We estimated the occurrence of colectomy, proctitis, and extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) at the onset of the diagnosis and at the end of the study period.

RESULTS

We identified 115 UC patients between 1986 and 2003 with a mean age at diagnosis of 10.6 ± 5.1 years. The cumulative rate of colectomy was 4.1% at 1 year, and 16% at 10 years. EIMs were experienced by 20% of the children; 48% had arthritis, 35% had sclerosing cholangitis, and 17% had aphthous stomatitis. Proctitis was noted in 29 patients and it was not associated with an increased risk of colectomy (relative risk = 1.4; 95% CI = 0.7-4.5), and girls were twice more likely to develop proctitis. The pathologic reading for disease extensions was recorded for all children at entry and only 62 children had pathological results at maximum follow-up. At entry, 25% of the children only had ulcerative proctitis (E1) localization, 40% had left-sided UC (E2), and 35% had extensive UC (E3). Among the patients with E1 localization, 20% had progressed to E2 and 80% had progressed to E3; among the patients with E2 localization, 40% had progressed to E3. Age, gender, and EIMs at time of diagnosis were not associated with extension of disease at maximal follow-up. The Z score of body mass index (BMI) of children was significantly higher at the end of the study. At diagnosis, 85% of patients received 5-aminosalicyclic acid, 60% received steroids, and 11% received an immunomodulator. The majority of patients were still using systemic steroids at and after 5 years from their entry date. Only 32 of the 91 children on steroids did not receive an immunomodulator.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric UC is associated with high rates of EIMs and colectomy that are not dependent on age, gender, or race, but is associated with a high rate of proctitis among girls. Understanding the clinical course of UC can optimize therapeutic interventions.

The phenotype and course of inflammatory bowel disease in UK patients of Bangladeshi descent

BACKGROUND

We have tested the hypotheses that compared with local white Caucasians, UK-resident patients of Bangladeshi descent develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at a younger age; more often have Crohn's disease than ulcerative colitis (UC); and have a more aggressive disease course.

AIM

To test the hypotheses that compared to white Caucasian patients of English, Scottish or Welsh descent, patients of Bangladeshi descent develop IBD at a younger age; more often have Crohn's disease; and have a more aggressive disease course by screening case-records of these patients.

METHODS

We screened the case-records of 132 Bangladeshi and 623 white Caucasian consecutive out-patients. We then matched each Bangladeshi to a patient of white Caucasian descent for age at diagnosis and disease duration. Data on migration status, phenotype, disease course, treatments and extra-intestinal manifestations and complications were obtained.

RESULTS

No differences were seen in the adjusted age at diagnosis of IBD between Bangladeshi and white Caucasian patients. More Bangladeshis than white Caucasian patients (P < 0.01) were diagnosed with Crohn's disease than UC. Crohn's phenotype at diagnosis was similar in both groups. However, multivariate Cox logistic regression analyses showed that Bangladeshis developed perianal complications (HR [95% confidence interval CI] 8.6 [1.4, 53.1], P = 0.02), and received anti-TNFs (HR [95% CI] 3.0 [1.2, 7.7], P = 0.02) earlier and underwent surgery later (HR [95% CI] 0.4 [0.2, 0.9], P = 0.03) than white Caucasians. More Bangladeshis with UC had extensive disease (24/40 [60%]) than white Caucasians (16/49 [33%], P = 0.02). Overall, more Bangladeshis were anaemic and vitamin D deficient.

CONCLUSIONS

Bangladeshi patients with IBD more frequently have Crohn's than UC. Bangladeshis with Crohn's more frequently develop perianal disease, have earlier medication escalation and undergo surgery later than white Caucasians. Bangladeshis have more extensive UC than white Caucasians. The relative contributions of genotype and environmental factors, including vitamin D, to these phenotypic differences require additional study.

Prevalence and management of anemia in children, adolescents, and adults with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more likely to have Crohn's disease (CD) than ulcerative colitis (UC) and their disease tends to be more extensive and severe than in adults. We hypothesized that the prevalence of anemia would therefore be greater in children and adolescents than in adults attending IBD outpatient clinics.

METHODS

Using the WHO age-adjusted definitions of anemia we assessed the prevalence, severity, type, and response to treatment of anemia in patients attending pediatric, adolescent, and adult IBD clinics at our hospital.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anemia was 70% (41/59) in children, 42% (24/54) in adolescents, and 40% (49/124) in adults (P < 0.01). Overall, children (88% [36/41]) and adolescents (83% [20/24]) were more often iron-deficient than adults (55% [27/49]) (P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression showed that both active disease (odds ratio [OR], 4.7 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5, 8.8) and attending the pediatric clinic (OR 3.7; 95% CI, 1.6, 8.4) but not the adolescent clinic predicted iron deficiency anemia. Fewer iron-deficient children (13% [5/36]) than adolescents (30% [6/20]) or adults (48% [13/27]) had been given oral iron (P < 0.05); none had received intravenous iron compared with 30% (6/20) adolescents and 41% (11/27) adults (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Anemia is even more common in children than in older IBD patients. Oral iron was given to half of adolescents and adults but, despite similar tolerance and efficacy, only a quarter of children with iron-deficient anemia. Reasons for the apparent underutilization of iron therapy include a perceived lack of benefit and concerns about side effects, including worsening of IBD activity.

Inflammatory bowel disease characteristics in Hispanic children in Texas

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a wide spectrum and variability among different ethnic groups. We aimed to evaluate disease characteristics in the pediatric Hispanic population, which has not been well studied.

METHODS

We identified patients <18 years old seen at Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) and diagnosed with IBD between 2004 and 2009. We compared them with their White, African American, and "other" counterparts with regard to their demographics, disease characteristics, and initial therapy.

RESULTS

There were a total of 399 patients with IBD: 211 (52.9%) White, 67 (16.8%) African American, 53 (13.3%) Hispanic, and 68 (17%) "other." Crohn's disease (CD) was the most common IBD type among all groups; however, Hispanics had the highest proportion of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and IBD-unclassified (IBD-U). There was male predominance in all groups except African Americans. Hispanics had the highest percentage of Medicaid coverage (P < 0.01) and none of the Hispanics had a first-degree relative with IBD. They had a younger age at diagnosis but a similar duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis. Hispanics had less failure to thrive and a higher body mass index (BMI) Z-score. Hispanics with CD more often received systemic steroids while those with UC and IBD-U were more often treated with local steroids (P < 0.01), oral 5-aminosalicylate (P < 0.01), and less often received immunomodulators or biologics (P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate differences in disease characteristics between Hispanics and other ethnicities with IBD. Further epidemiologic studies are needed, including longer-term follow-up, to better define the burden of illness in Hispanics.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Hispanics: The University of Puerto Rico IBD Registry

A registry of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), was created at the University of Puerto Rico in 1995. Subjects with a documented diagnosis of IBD by clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, and/or pathologic criteria were recruited from the IBD clinics, support groups, and community practices, and demographic and medical data was collected. All entries from 1995 to 2009 were analyzed for demographics, family history, disease extent, extraintestinal manifestations, surgery, and smoking history. Results were described using summary statistics. 635 Hispanics living in Puerto Rico, 299 with UC and 336 with CD, were included. Mean ages were 40.3 for UC and 30.9 for CD. Over half (56%) of UC and 41% of CD were females. Family history was present in 19.3% of UC and 17.5% of CD. Surgery for IBD had been performed in 31.9% of UC and 51.2% of the CD patients. Over one-fourth of the patients reported extraintestinal manifestations, most frequently arthropathies. Our findings contribute to the limited epidemiologic and clinical data on Hispanics with IBD.

Diagnostic medical radiation in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVES

Certain diagnostic radiology procedures may expose patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to radiation and increase the risk for cancer. In the present study, we quantify the acute and cumulative effective dose of diagnostic radiation received by a cohort of pediatric patients with IBD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with IBD were identified from the medical records of a pediatric tertiary care center. The number and type of radiology procedures for each patient were determined from medical record review. Cumulative effective radiation dose was calculated using radiation effective dose estimates.

RESULTS

One hundred five patients with IBD underwent radiation-associated abdominopelvic diagnostic radiology procedures with an average cumulative radiation exposure dose of 15 (18) [mean (SD)] mSv. Forty-two percent of the patients were exposed to acute radiation doses ≥10 mSv, and 6 patients (6%) were exposed to levels of cumulative radiation exposure ≥50 mSv, which has been associated with an increased risk of cancer development. Patients with Crohn disease, an increased number of hospital admissions, and a history of surgery were more likely to have been exposed to higher levels of cumulative radiation than their clinical counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

A majority of patients with IBD are exposed to radiation from typical diagnostic radiology procedures. Radiation-sparing procedures should be strongly considered in certain pediatric patients with IBD to reduce their risk for cancer given an already present increased lifetime malignancy potential.

Environmental factors in infancy and ulcerative colitis in the Central South of Chile: a case-control study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Evidence for the role of the hygiene hypothesis and the development of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is unclear. We aimed to explore the association between environmental factors in infancy and UC.

METHODS

A hospital-based case-control study (52 UC cases, response: 77%, 174 age- , sex and place of living matched controls, response: 62%) was carried out in the Central South of Chile in 2009/2010. Patients or parents underwent a personal interview about early life experiences.

RESULTS

High paternal education (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0-4.5) as proxy for socioeconomic status was positively associated with case status in the final multivariate logistic regression model. Likewise, having older siblings was a risk factor for UC (aOR: 2.2; 95%CI: 1.1.-4.4).

CONCLUSIONS

The importance for some early life environmental factors in the development of UC was established. However, the role of the hygiene hypothesis could not be confirmed for all environmental factors.

African-American inflammatory bowel disease in a Southern U.S. health center

Background

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) remain significant health problems in the US and worldwide. IBD is most often associated with eastern European ancestry, and is less frequently reported in other populations of African origin e.g. African Americans ('AAs'). Whether AAs represent an important population with IBD in the US remains unclear since few studies have investigated IBD in communities with a majority representation of AA patients. The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport (LSUHSC-S) is a tertiary care medical center, with a patient base composed of 58% AA and 39% Caucasian (W), ideal for evaluating racial (AA vs. W) as well and gender (M vs. F) influences on IBD.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we evaluated 951 visits to LSUHSC-S for IBD (between 2000 to 2008) using non-identified patient information based on ICD-9 medical record coding (Crohn's disease 'CD'-555.0- 555.9 and ulcerative colitis 'UC'-556.0-556.9).

Results

Overall, there were more cases of CD seen than UC. UC and CD affected similar ratios of AA and Caucasian males (M) and females (F) with a rank order of WF > WM > AAF > AAM. Interestingly, in CD, we found that annual visits per person was the highest in AA M (10.7 ± 1.7); significantly higher (* -p < 0.05) than in WM (6.3 ± 1.0). Further, in CD, the female to male (F: M) ratio in AA was significantly higher (*- p < 0.05) (1.9 ± 0.2) than in Caucasians (F:M = 1.3 ± 0.1) suggesting a female dominance in AACD; no differences were seen in UC F: M ratios.

Conclusion

Although Caucasians still represent the greatest fraction of IBD (~64%), AAs with IBD made up >1/3 (36.4%) of annual IBD cases from 2000-2008 at LSUHSC-S. Further studies on genetic and environments risks for IBD risk in AAs are needed to understand differences in presentation and progression in AAs and other 'non-traditional' populations.

Comprehensive sequence analysis of the human IL23A gene defines new variation content and high rate of evolutionary conservation

A newly described heterodimeric cytokine, interleukin-23 (IL-23) is emerging as a key player in both the innate and the adaptive T helper (Th)17 driven immune response as well as an initiator of several autoimmune diseases. The rate-limiting element of IL-23 production is believed to be driven by expression of the unique p19 subunit encoded by IL23A. We set out to perform comprehensive DNA sequencing of this previously under-studied gene in 96 individuals from two evolutionary distinct human population groups, Southern African Bantu and European. We observed a total of 33 different DNA variants within these two groups, 22 (67%) of which are currently not reported in any available database. We further demonstrate both inter-population and intra-species sequence conservation within the coding and known regulatory regions of IL23A, supporting a critical physiological role for IL-23. We conclude that IL23A may have undergone positive selection pressure directed towards conservation, suggesting that functional genetic variants within IL23A will have a significant impact on the host immune response.

The geoepidemiology of autoimmune intestinal diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic diseases of the intestinal tract which principally are composed of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). The prevalence and incidence of both forms of IBD have historically been higher in developed countries with decreasing North-South gradient. However, more recent evidence demonstrate changing demographics as countries become more developed and immigration increases from underdeveloped countries to developed countries. Typically these changes are marked by an increase in ulcerative colitis followed by an increase in CD. Thus, most if not all human populations appear to be susceptible to IBD under certain environmental influences. Several hypothesis have been advanced to explain these changing demographics including alterations in the bowel microflora, but direct experimental evidence is lacking in most cases. Celiac disease or gluten-sensitive enteropathy is a related inflammatory condition which is induced in susceptible individuals when exposed to gluten-containing foods. Similarly, the prevalence of celiac disease is increasing as the consumption of gluten-containing foods is increasing worldwide.

The evolving epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Epidemiologic studies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) include assessments of disease burden and evolving patterns of disease presentation. Although it is hoped that sound epidemiologic studies provide aetiological clues, traditional risk factor-based epidemiology has provided limited insights into either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis etiopathogenesis. In this update, we will summarize how the changing epidemiology of IBD associated with modernization can be reconciled with current concepts of disease mechanisms and will discuss studies of clinically significant comorbidity in IBD.

RECENT FINDINGS

The increased frequency of IBD, which has been consistently observed as society becomes developed or modernized, may be linked with changes in the gastrointestinal microbiota which, in turn, may affect the development of the immune system and influence the risk of inflammatory diseases. Although extra-intestinal disease associations have long been recognized to be linked to IBD, there is a disturbing increase in comorbidity with Clostridium difficile-associated disease, arterial and venous thromboembolism and abnormalities of cervical cytology. These have important implications in an era of increased use of immunomodulatory drugs.

SUMMARY

Advances in understanding the basic biology of IBD with rapidly emerging therapeutic strategies have prompted a shift in traditional epidemiologic approaches away from risk factor anthologies toward rapprochement with disease mechanisms and pursuit of changing patterns of comorbidity of clinical relevance.