Clinical course of Crohn's disease first diagnosed at surgery for acute abdomen

Inflammation accelerating intestinal fibrosis: from mechanism to clinic

Intestinal fibrosis is a prevalent complication of IBD that that can frequently be triggered by prolonged inflammation. Fibrosis in the gut can cause a number of issues, which continue as an ongoing challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. The primary causes of intestinal fibrosis are soluble molecules, G protein-coupled receptors, epithelial-to-mesenchymal or endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and the gut microbiota. Fresh perspectives coming from in vivo and in vitro experimental models demonstrate that fibrogenic pathways might be different, at least to some extent, independent of the ones that influence inflammation. Understanding the distinctive procedures of intestinal fibrogenesis should provide a realistic foundation for targeting and blocking specific fibrogenic pathways, estimating the risk of fibrotic consequences, detecting early fibrotic alterations, and eventually allowing therapy development. Here, we first summarize the inflammatory and non-inflammatory components of fibrosis, and then we elaborate on the underlying mechanism associated with multiple cytokines in fibrosis, providing the framework for future clinical practice. Following that, we discuss the relationship between modernization and disease, as well as the shortcomings of current studies. We outline fibrosis diagnosis and therapy, as well as our recommendations for the future treatment of intestinal fibrosis. We anticipate that the global review will provides a wealth of fresh knowledge and suggestions for future fibrosis clinical practice.

Crohn's disease after surgery: Changes in post-operative management strategies over time and their impact on long-term re-operation rate-A retrospective multicentre real-world study

BACKGROUND

Few data are available addressing the impact of post-operative management of Crohn's disease (CD) on long-term clinical course.

AIM

To assess the evolution of post-operative management strategies over the last 40 years and their impact on the re-operation rate of CD.

METHODS

We included 657 patients with CD who had undergone their first radical ileo-caecal resection between 1980 and 2020. Three cohorts were defined according to year of surgery: cohort 1 (1980-1998; n = 198), cohort 2 (1999-2009; n = 218) and cohort 3 (2010-2020; n = 241). We estimated exposure to immunomodulators and anti-TNFα agents after surgery and rates of re-operation using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the association of clinical variables with time to re-operation.

RESULTS

Immunosuppressants, (IMMs) and anti-TNFα exposure within 5 years after surgery increased significantly from cohort 1 to cohort 2 and cohort 3 (IMMs: 1.6%, 38.2% and 28.0%, respectively, p < 0.001; anti-TNFα: 0.0%, 20.7% and 52.0%, respectively, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference across cohorts regarding the cumulative probability of re-operation within 5 and 10 years. Multivariate analysis identified IMMs/anti-TNFα exposure before the first surgery (HR 9.15; 95% CI 2.77-30.21) and post-operatively (HR: 0.24; 95% CI 0.07-0.74) as variables associated with the risk of re-operation. However, these associations had a time-varying effect and become non-significant after 5 and 2 years after surgery, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Despite increased post-operative use of IMMs and anti-TNFα agents in the last two decades, the impact of these strategies on the risk of long-term re-operation rate has been modest.

Stricturing Crohn's disease: what is the role of endoscopic stenting? A systematic review

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Endoscopic stenting for stricturing Crohn's disease (CD) is an emerging treatment that achieves more persistent dilatation of the stricture over time than endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD). We aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of stenting for the treatment of CD strictures.

METHODS

A systematic electronic literature search was performed (PROSPERO; no. CRD42022308033). The primary outcomes were technical success, efficacy, complication rate, and the need for further interventions due to reobstruction. The outcomes of partially covered self-expanding metal stents (PCSEMS) with scheduled retrieval after seven days were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Eleven eligible studies were included in the review. Overall, 173 patients with CD were included in this study. Mean percentage of technical success was 95% (range, 80%-100%), short-term efficacy was 100% in all studies, and long-term efficacy was 56% (range, 25%-90%). In patients with a scheduled PCSEMS retrieval, the long-term efficacy was 76% (range, 59%-90%), the mean complication rate was 35% (range, 15%-57%), and the major complication rate was 11% (range, 0%-29%).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic stenting with scheduled PCSEMS retrieval may be considered a feasible second-line treatment for short CD strictures to postpone surgery. However, larger head-to-head prospective studies are needed to understand the role of stenting as an alternative or additional treatment to EBD in CD.

Fibro-Stenosing Crohn's Disease: What Is New and What Is Next?

Fibro-stenosing Crohn's disease (CD) is a common disease presentation that leads to impaired quality of life and often requires endoscopic treatments or surgery. From a pathobiology perspective, the conventional view that intestinal fibro-stenosis is an irreversible condition has been disproved. Currently, there are no existing imaging techniques that can accurately quantify the amount of fibrosis within a stricture, and managing patients is challenging, requiring a multidisciplinary team. Novel therapies targeting different molecular components of the fibrotic pathways are increasing regarding other diseases outside the gut. However, a large gap between clinical need and the lack of anti-fibrotic agents in CD remains. This paper reviews the current state of pathobiology behind fibro-stenosing CD, provides an updated diagnostic and therapeutic approach, and finally, focuses on clinical trial endpoints and possible targets of anti-fibrotic therapies.

Is early bowel resection better than medical therapy for ileocolonic Crohn's disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

There is emerging evidence supporting early bowel resection (EBR) for ileocaecal Crohn's disease (CD) as an alternative to conventional escalation of medical therapy (MT). Here, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing the outcomes of EBR with those of MT in ileocolonic CD, with a focus on ileocaecal disease.

METHODOLOGY

The MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for studies reporting the outcomes of EBR versus MT for ileocolonic CD. The Cochrane tools for assessment of risk of bias were used to assess the methodological quality of studies.

RESULTS

Nine records (from 8 studies, with a total of 1867 patients) were included in the analysis. Six studies were observational and two were randomised controlled trials. There was a reduced need for drug therapy in the EBR arm. The rate of intestinal resection at 5 years was 7.8% in the EBR arm and 25.4% in the MT group with a pooled OR of 0.32 (95% CI 0.19, 0.54; p < 0.0001). The EBR group had a longer resection-free survival (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38, 0.83; p = 0.004). These outcomes were consistent in a subgroup analysis of patients with ileocaecal disease. Morbidity and quality of life scores were similar across the two groups.

CONCLUSION

EBR is associated with a more stable remission compared to initial MT for ileocolonic Crohn's disease. There is enough evidence to support EBR as an alternative to escalation of MT in selected patients with limited ileocaecal disease.

Surgery for Crohn’s disease: upfront or last resort?

Crohn’s disease (CD) can involve the entire gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus and can lead to a constellation of symptoms. With the advancement of effective medical treatments for CD, a tendency has emerged to consider surgical treatment as a last resort. This potentially has the disadvantage of delaying surgery and if it fails might leave patients sicker, less well nourished, and with more severe complications. As with most non-malignant diseases, the choice of surgery vs medical treatment is a patient’s personal preference under the guidance of the treating physician, except in extreme situations where surgery might be the only option. In this article, we will discuss the available evidence regarding the optimal timing of surgery in CD, focusing on whether early surgery can bring benefits in terms of disease control, symptom relief, and quality of life.

Revisiting fibrosis in inflammatory bowel disease: the gut thickens

Intestinal fibrosis, which is usually the consequence of chronic inflammation, is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. In the past few years, substantial advances have been made in the areas of pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of intestinal fibrosis. Of particular interest have been inflammation-independent mechanisms behind the gut fibrotic process, genetic and environmental risk factors (such as the role of the microbiota), and the generation of new in vitro and in vivo systems to study fibrogenesis in the gut. A huge amount of work has also been done in the area of biomarkers to predict or detect intestinal fibrosis, including novel cross-sectional imaging techniques. In parallel, researchers are embarking on developing and validating clinical trial end points and protocols to test novel antifibrotic agents, although no antifibrotic therapies are currently available. This Review presents the state of the art on the most recently identified pathogenic mechanisms of this serious IBD-related complication, focusing on possible targets of antifibrotic therapies, management strategies, and factors that might predict fibrosis progression or response to treatment.

The Pathogenesis and Clinical Management of Stricturing Crohn Disease

Stricturing of the gastrointestinal tract is a common complication in Crohn disease and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among this population. The inflammatory process initiates fibrosis, leading to aberrant wound healing and excess deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Our understanding of this process has grown and encompasses cellular mechanisms, epigenetic modifications, and inherent genetic predisposition toward fibrosis. Although medications can improve inflammation, there is still no drug to attenuate scar formation. As such, management of stricturing disease requires a multidisciplinary and individualized approach including medical management, therapeutic endoscopy, and surgery. This review details the current understanding regarding the pathogenesis, detection, and management of stricturing Crohn disease.

The Revival of Surgery in Crohn's Disease-Early Intestinal Resection as a Reasonable Alternative in Localized Ileitis

Crohn's disease (CD) represents a heterogeneous and complex disease with no curative therapeutic option available to date. Current therapy is mainly antibody-based focusing on the immune system while other treatment alternatives such as surgery are considered to be "last options". However, medical therapy for CD results in mild to severe side effects in a relevant amount of patients and some patients do not respond to the medication. Following that, quality of life is often significantly reduced in this patient cohort, thus, therapeutic alternatives are urgently needed. Updated evidence has revealed that surgery such as ileocecal resection (ICR) might be a potential therapeutic option in case of localized terminal ileitis since resection at early time points improves quality of life and significantly reduces the postoperative need for immunosuppressive medication with low rates of morbidity. In addition, new surgical approaches such as Kono-S anastomosis or inclusion of the mesentery result in significantly reduced rates of disease recurrence and reoperation. Based on the new evidence, the goal of this review is to provide an update on the role of surgery as a reasonable alternative to medical therapy in the interdisciplinary treatment of patients with CD.

Long-term Disease Course of Crohn's Disease: Changes in Disease Location, Phenotype, Activities, and Predictive Factors

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic destructive inflammatory bowel disease that affects young people and is associated with significant morbidity. The clinical spectrum and disease course of CD are heterogeneous and often difficult to predict based on the initial presentation. In this article, changes in the disease location, behavior, clinical course during long-term follow-up, and predictive factors are reviewed. Generally, four different patterns of clinical course are discussed: remission, stable disease, chronic relapsing disease, and chronic refractory disease. Understanding the long-term disease course of CD is mandatory to reveal the underlying pathophysiology of the disease and to move toward a more optimistic disease course, such as remission or stability, and less adverse outcomes or devastating sequelae.

Prevention and Treatment of Stricturing Crohn's Disease - Perspectives and Challenges

Introduction: Fibrostenosis is a hallmark of Crohn's disease (CD), remains a challenge in today's clinical management of inflammatory bowel disease patients and represents a key event in the disease course necessitating improved preventative strategies and a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management. With the advent of anti-fibrotic therapies and well-defined clinical endpoints for stricturing CD, there is promise to impact the natural history of disease.Areas covered: This review summarizes current evidence in the natural history of stricturing Crohn's disease, discusses management approaches as well as future perspectives on intestinal fibrosis.Expert opinion: Currently, there are no specific therapies to prevent progression to fibrosis or to treat it after it becomes clinically apparent. In addition to the international effort by the Stenosis Therapy and Anti-Fibrotic Research (STAR) consortium to standardize definitions and propose endpoints in the management of stricturing CD, further research to improve our understanding of mechanisms of intestinal fibrosis will help pave the way for the development of future anti-fibrotic therapies.

Early Ileocecal Resection Is an Effective Therapy in Isolated Crohn's Disease

Despite the increasing incidence and prevalence of Crohn's Disease (CD), no curative options exist and treatment remains complex. While therapy has mainly focused on medical approaches in the past, growing evidence reveals that in cases of limited inflammation, surgery can suffice as an alternative primary treatment. We retrospectively assessed the disease course and outcomes of 103 patients with terminal Ileitis who underwent primary surgery (n = 29) or received primary medical treatment followed by surgery (n = 74). Primary endpoint was the need for immunosuppressive medication after surgical treatment (ileocecal resection, ICR) during a two-years follow-up. Rates for laparoscopic ICR were enhanced in case of early surgery, but no differences were seen for postoperative complications. In case of immunosuppressive medication, patients with ICR at an early state of disease needed significantly less anti-inflammatory medication during the two-year postoperative follow-up compared to patients who were primarily treated medically. Furthermore, in a subgroup analysis for patients with localized ileocecal disease manifestation, early surgery consistently resulted in a decreased amount of medical therapy postoperatively. In conclusion primary ICR is safe and effective in patients with limited CD, and the need for immunosuppressive medication during the postoperative follow-up is low compared to patients receiving surgery at a later stage of disease.

[Terminal ileitis in Crohn's disease-Is primary surgery the better treatment?]

Despite the development and introduction of new pharmaceutical approaches for Crohn's disease, the treatment of these patients still remains a major clinical challenge due to the heterogeneity in the course, degree of inflammation and localization. Over the last decade surgery was mainly reserved for the treatment of complications during the long course of Crohn's disease; however, due to new evidence-based knowledge, primary surgical resection in patients suffering from isolated Crohn's disease of the terminal ileum represents an equally effective alternative to medicinal antibody-based treatment. Even if further randomized and controlled trials are necessary, the currently available follow-up studies show promising data regarding disease progression with a significant reduction in the need for immunosuppression, which is usually necessary in these patients primarily treated by medication. Therefore, in the interdisciplinary decision on treatment early/primary surgical treatment should be considered as an equally effective alternative for a suitable patient collective.

Early Surgery Versus Biologic Therapy in Limited Nonstricturing Ileocecal Crohn's Disease-A Decision-making Analysis

BACKGROUND

Surgery is the preferred option for patients with symptomatic localized fibrostenotic ileocecal Crohn's disease (CD) but not for those with predominantly active inflammation without obstruction. The benefit of early surgery in patients with a limited nonstricturing ileocecal CD over biologic treatment is still a debate.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective is to formulate a decision analysis model based on recently published data to explore whether early surgery in patients with limited nonstricturing CD is preferred over biologic treatment.

METHODS

We constructed a Markov model comparing 2 strategies of treatment: (1) early surgery vs (2) biologic treatment. To estimate the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and the costs in each strategy, we simulated 10,000 virtual patients with the Markov model using a Monte Carlo simulation 100 times. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the model and address uncertainties in the estimation of model parameters.

RESULTS

The costs were $29,457 ± $407 and $50,382 ± $525 (mean ± SD) for early surgery strategy and biologic treatment strategy, respectively. The QALY was 6.24 ± 0.01 and 5.81 ± 0.01 for early surgery strategy and biologic treatment strategy, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The strategy of early surgery dominates (higher QALY value [efficacy] and less cost) compared with the strategy of biologic treatment in patients with limited ileocecal CD.

Disease Activity Patterns of Crohn's Disease in the First Ten Years After Diagnosis in the Population-based IBD South Limburg Cohort

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Real-life data on long-term disease activity in Crohn's disease [CD] are scarce. Most studies describe disease course by using proxies, such as drug exposure, need for surgery or hospitalisations, and disease progression. We aimed to describe disease course by long-term disease activity and to identify distinctive disease activity patterns in the population-based IBD South Limburg cohort [IBDSL].

METHODS

All CD patients in IBDSL with ≥10 years follow-up [n = 432] were included. Disease activity was defined for each yearly quarter by mucosal inflammation on endoscopy or imaging, hospitalisation, surgery, or treatment adjustment for increased symptoms. Six distinct disease activity clusters were defined. Subsequently, the associations between clinical characteristics and the patterns were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

On average, patients experienced 5.44 (standard deviation [SD] 3.96) quarters of disease activity during the first 10 years after diagnosis. Notably, 28.2% of the patients were classified to a quiescent pattern [≤2 active quarters in 10 years], and 89.8% of those never received immunomodulators nor biologics. Surgery at diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 2.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-8.34) and higher age [OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.06] were positively associated with the quiescent pattern, whereas inverse associations were observed for ileocolonic location [OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.19-1.00], smoking [OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.24-0.76] and need for steroids <6 months [OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.11-0.52].

CONCLUSIONS

Considering long-term disease activity, 28.2% of CD patients were classified to a quiescent cluster. Given the complex risk-benefit balance of immunosuppressive drugs, our findings underline the importance of identifying better predictive markers to prevent both over-treatment and under-treatment.

Fibrostenotic strictures in Crohn's disease

The use of biologic agents including anti-tumor necrosis factor monoclonal antibodies followed by anti-integrins and anti-interleukins has drastically changed the treatment paradigm of Crohn’s disease (CD) by improving clinical symptoms and mucosal healing. However, up to 70% of CD patients still eventually undergo surgery mainly due to fibrostenotic strictures. There are no specific anti-fibrotic drugs yet. This review comprehensively addresses the mechanism, prediction, diagnosis and treatment of the fibrostenotic strictures in CD. We also introduce promising anti-fibrotic agents which may be available in the near future and summarize challenges in developing novel therapies to treat fibrostenotic strictures in CD.

Strictureplasty versus bowel resection for the surgical management of fibrostenotic Crohn's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Strictureplasty (SPX) conserves bowel length and minimizes the risk of developing short bowel syndrome in patients undergoing surgery for Crohn's disease (CD). However, SPX may be associated with a higher risk of recurrence compared with bowel resection (BR).

AIM

We sought to compare morbidity and recurrence following SPX and BR in patients with fibrostenotic CD.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Observational studies that compared outcomes of CD patients undergoing either SPX or BR were identified. Log hazard ratios (InHR) for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and their standard errors were calculated from Kaplan-Meier plots or Cox regression models and pooled using the inverse variance method. Dichotomous variables were pooled as odds ratios (OR) using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Continuous variables were pooled as weighted mean differences.

RESULTS

Twelve studies of 1026 CD patients (SPX n = 444, 43.27%; BR with or without SPX n = 582, 56.72%) were eligible for inclusion. There was an increased likelihood of disease recurrence with SPX than with BR (OR 1.61; 95% CI, 1.03, 2.52; p = 0.04; I² = 0%). Patients who had a SPX alone had a significantly reduced RFS than those who underwent BR (HR 1.47; 95% CI, 1.08, 2.01; p = 0.02; I² = 0%). There was no difference in morbidity between the groups (OR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.26, 1.28; p = 0.18; I² = 0%).

CONCLUSION

SPX should only be performed in those patients with Crohn's strictures that are at high risk for short bowel syndrome and intestinal failure; otherwise, BR is the favored surgical technique for the management of fibrostenotic CD.

Meta-analysis of early bowel resection versus initial medical therapy in patient's with ileocolonic Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Early bowel resection (EBR) in ileocolonic Crohn's disease (CD) may be associated with more durable remission compared with initial medical therapy (IMT) even when biologic therapy is included.

AIM

To compare the efficacy of EBR versus IMT for ileocolonic CD METHODS: A systematic search was performed to identify studies that compared EBR (performed < 1 year from initial diagnosis) or IMT for the management of ileocolonic CD. Log hazard ratios (InHR) for relapse-free survival (RFS) and their standard errors were calculated from Kaplan-Meier plots and pooled using the inverse-variance method. Dichotomous variables were pooled as odds ratios (OR). Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa (NOS) and Jadad scales.

RESULTS

A total of 7 studies with 1863 CD patients (EBR n = 581, 31.2%; IMT n = 1282, 68.8%) were eligible for inclusion. There was a moderate-to-high risk of bias. The median NOS was 8 (range 7-9). There was a reduced likelihood of overall (OR, 0.53; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.34, 0.83; p = 0.005) and surgical (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24, 0.91; p = 0.03) relapse with EBR. There was also a less requirement for maintenance biologic therapy (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.14, 0.42; p < 0.0001). Patients who underwent EBR had a significantly improved RFS than those who underwent IMT (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.52, 0.73; p < 0.001). There was no difference in morbidity (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 0.44, 6.36; p = 0.45) between the groups.

CONCLUSION

EBR may be associated with less relapse and need for maintenance biologic therapy than IMT. 'Upfront' or early resection may represent a reasonable and cost-effective alternative to biologic therapy, especially in biologic-resistant subpopulations.

Natural history, diagnosis and treatment approach to fibrostenosing Crohn's disease

Stricturing Crohn's disease (CD) is a significant clinical problem. The presence of a stricture may be suggested by clinical symptoms. Cross-sectional imaging using computed tomography or magnetic resonance enterography is essential in diagnosing strictures as it allows further characterization and evaluation for complications such as abscess, fistulizing disease or malignancy. Managing small bowel stricturing CD should be approached in a multidisciplinary fashion. Medical therapy can be considered in strictures which are not associated with complications, with most of the data supporting anti-TNF strategies in this setting. If the disease is refractory to medical therapy, endoscopic therapy or surgery should be performed. Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is an option for short, uncomplicated and straight strictures that are within reach of a colonoscope. Although EBD has good short-term outcomes, repeat dilation is often required. Surgical options mainly include resection and strictureplasty. Strictures refractory to medical therapy, not amenable or refractory to EBD, or associated with complications or malignancy should be managed surgically. However, surgery may also be considered at an earlier stage depending on disease characteristics and patient preference. Postoperative recurrence is common, highlighting the importance of careful monitoring of the patient postoperatively and optimization of medical management accordingly. There is a pressing need to develop anti-fibrotics for the treatment of stricturing CD. This requires the development of standardized diagnostic criteria, patient-reported outcome measures and validation of endpoints in fibrostenotic CD. The STAR consortium is pioneering this effort in order to allow development and testing of anti-fibrotics in future clinical trials.

Early Surgery in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Is a Better Option than Prolonged Conservative Treatment

Early surgery is a very important aspect of treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. In Crohn's disease, early surgery should be performed in emergencies, in refractory courses, and in special cases at the beginning of the disease if there is a stenosis limited to the terminal ileum. In ulcerative colitis, prolonged therapy with extended application of all available substances should be avoided. Every therapy with more than 2 biologicals endangers the patient. Low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN) should also be resected earlier due to a 23% risk of synchronous and metachronous high-grade IEN or cancer.

Targeting anti-fibrotic pathways in Crohn's disease - The final frontier?

Intestinal fibrosis with stricture formation affects up to half of patients with Crohn's disease (CD), resulting in impaired quality of life, increased risk of surgical intervention, and associated patient morbidity. The underlying pathophysiologic mechansisms responsible for initiating and perpetuating intestinal fibrosis are complex, dynamic, and implicate both inflammation-dependent and independent pathways. Previously thought to be an irreversible complication of long-standing inflammation unresponsive to medical therapy, fibrostenotic CD has been traditionally managed with endoscopic or surgical approaches. However, recent advances in our understanding of the humoral, cellular, and environmental pathways driving intestinal fibrosis has the potential to fundamentally change these management paradigms for CD-related strictures. Furthermore, the promise of fibrosis treatments in other organ systems has encouraged hope that anti-fibrotic treatment approaches for CD may be within reach. Here, we summarize the key breakthroughs in our molecular understanding of intestinal fibrosis, review current medical, endoscopic, and surgical treatment approaches to CD-related strictures, propose future directions for anti-fibrotic therapy in CD, and identify crucial research questions in this field that require additional investigation.

Initial medical and surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease in the biologic era: A comparison between the United States and China

Background and Aims

We compared the initial medical and surgical management of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) between the United States and China, with aims to better characterize the global variation in the treatment patterns of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

Participants from the United States and China completed a questionnaire on demographic and clinical characteristics, medications (biologics, immunomodulators, aminosalicylates, steroids), and IBD‐related surgical history. Patients diagnosed in 2006 and later were eligible. Analysis was restricted to treatment patterns within 1 year of diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regressions examined differences by country.

Results

We recruited 202 CD (US: 49%, China: 51%) and 133 UC (US: 63%, China: 37%) participants. Median age at survey was 31 years (range: 18–76) and at diagnosis was 28 years (range: 12–70). Biologics were commonly used in the United States for CD (66%) and UC (28%) and less commonly in China for CD (19%) and UC (0%). On regression, US CD participants were more likely to receive biologics (odds ratio [OR] 23.82 [95% confidence interval [CI] 8.98–63.14]), aminosalicylates (OR 4.93 [2.00–12.15]), and steroids (OR 4.36 [1.87–10.16]). US UC participants were more likely to receive immunomodulators (OR 3.45 [1.09–10.90]) and steroids (OR 3.31 [1.55–7.06]). There existed minimal differences regarding undergoing surgery for CD (US: 16%, China: 16%) and UC (US: 5%, China: 2%). A proportion (US: 12%, China: 19%) underwent IBD‐related surgery prior to diagnosis (median: 5 years; range: 1–39).

Conclusion

US, relative to Chinese, participants were more likely to report early biologic use. There were no differences between countries in undergoing early surgery. Evaluating global practice variation is integral to optimizing early pharmacological therapy and timing of surgery for patients with IBD.

Postoperative course of Crohn disease according to timing of bowel resection: Results from the CONNECT Study

Previous studies have demonstrated that early surgery in Crohn disease (CD) can result in a better clinical course than late surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical course of CD following bowel resection performed at the time of diagnosis (early surgery) and during the course of the disease (late surgery).We reviewed medical records from a hospital-based cohort database that includes Korean CD patients diagnosed before 2009. Patients who underwent bowel resection were included. Age, sex, disease phenotype, time of surgery, medication history including use of corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics, and further surgical history were assessed.In all, 243 CD patients who had undergone bowel resection were included, and 120 patients underwent surgery at the time of diagnosis, while 123 underwent surgery after diagnosis (median 105 months, range 2-277). The use of biologics was significantly higher in the late surgery group than in the early surgery group (P = .020). The use of immunomodulators and reoperation rates did not differ between the groups. Early surgery was associated with less use of biologics (Kaplan-Meier curve analysis P = .015). Multivariate analysis indicated that early surgery and old age at surgery were independent variables associated with less use of biologics.CD patients who underwent bowel resection at the time of diagnosis have a more favorable disease course, represented by less use of biologics. Early surgery might be a treatment option in a subset of CD patients.

Lémann Index at Diagnosis Predicts the Risk of Early Surgery in Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Identifying patients with Crohn's disease with rapid disease progress or high risk of early surgery is crucial to clinical decision making.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to evaluate the correlation between the Lémann index at diagnosis and abdominal surgery in the first year after Crohn's disease diagnosis and to find the risk factors for early surgery.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at a single tertiary hospital.

PATIENTS

Patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease between 2013 and 2015 in our center were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcome of interest was the need for an abdominal surgery within 1 year after the Lémann index evaluation at diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of 212 eligible patients, 48 patients underwent abdominal surgery during follow-up. Lémann index was much higher in the surgery group (5.3 vs 2.6; p < 0.001). On tertiles of the Lémann index, the frequency of surgery grew (2.8%, 9.9%, and 55.7%; p < 0.001) as the Lémann index increased. The receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed taking into account the Lémann index for selecting patients with a high risk of surgery. Specificity, sensitivity, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve were 84.8%, 81.3%, and 0.89 of the Lémann Index at a cutoff level of 3.7. Patients with Lémann index ≥3.7 carried a higher risk of abdominal surgery (OR = 18.6; p < 0.001). Stricturing and penetrating disease were predictors for abdominal surgery, whereas antitumor necrosis factor treatment was associated with a significant reduction of surgical requirements.

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its retrospective design. The ability of the Lémann index to predict the long-term risk of surgery was unknown.

CONCLUSIONS

Lémann index at diagnosis is a reliable index to predict the risk of abdominal surgery in the first year after diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Patients with a high Lémann index might need closer follow-up or aggressive medical therapy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A518.

Montreal classification of patient operated for Crohn's disease and identification of surgical recurrence predictors

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate Crohn's disease recurrence and its possible predictors in patients undergoing surgical treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study with Crohn's disease (CD) patients undergoing surgical treatment between January 1992 and January 2012, and regularly monitored at the Bowel Clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas of the UFMG.

RESULTS

we evaluated 125 patients, 50.4% female, with a mean age of 46.12 years, the majority (63.2%) diagnosed between 17 and 40 years of age. The ileum was involved in 58.4%, whereas stenotic behavior was observed in 44.8%, and penetrating, in 45.6%. We observed perianal disease in 26.4% of cases. The follow-up average was 152.40 months. Surgical relapse occurred in 29.6%, with a median time of 68 months from the first operation.

CONCLUSION

The ileocolic location, penetrating behavior and perianal involvement (L3B3p) were associated with increased risk of surgical recurrence.

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

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

Mechanisms, Management, and Treatment of Fibrosis in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

In the last 10 years, we have learned much about the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of intestinal fibrosis in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. Just a decade ago, intestinal strictures were considered to be an inevitable consequence of long-term inflammation in patients who did not respond to anti-inflammatory therapies. Inflammatory bowel diseases-associated fibrosis was seen as an irreversible process that frequently led to intestinal obstructions requiring surgical intervention. This paradigm has changed rapidly, due to the antifibrotic approaches that may become available. We review the mechanisms and diagnosis of this serious complication of inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as factors that predict its progression and management strategies.

Clinical predictors of Crohn's disease course

A modern approach to Crohn's disease (CD) should be influenced by the patient's underlying prognosis. Here, I analyse the clinical factors predicting CD course on the basis of information obtained at diagnosis and in the year following diagnosis. Perianal disease at diagnosis appears to be a strong predictor of unfavourable outcome and has been associated with a more frequent use of immunosuppressive treatment. Early age at diagnosis, ileocolonic disease and extraintestinal manifestations are characteristics of patients at risk for more complicated disease. Otherwise, patients subjected to surgery at diagnosis or during the first year of follow-up appear to have a relatively benign outcome. Disease activity in the year after diagnosis appears to be a good predictor of future disease activity as about two-third of the patients who remain in remission tend to remain unchanged thereafter, whereas those patients treated with steroids have, manifestly, an unfavourable subsequent clinical course. Moreover, there is consistent evidence that active smoking is associated with a complicated disease course. The results of the studies reviewed suggest that the combination of 'phenotype at diagnosis' and 'comportment follow-up classification' in the year following diagnosis can be potentially useful prognostic factors in clinical practice. With the development of newer therapies in CD, there is a growing need to predict disease outcome, despite the difficult challenge in anticipating the future clinical course in a given patient.

European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation Topical Review on Prediction, Diagnosis and Management of Fibrostenosing Crohn's Disease

This ECCO topical review of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] focused on prediction, diagnosis, and management of fibrostenosing Crohn's disease [CD]. The objective was to achieve evidence-supported, expert consensus that provides guidance for clinical practice.

Early surgery in Crohn’s disease a benefit in selected cases

AIM: To compare the outcomes of a cohort of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients undergoing early surgery (ES) to those undergoing initial medical therapy (IMT).

METHODS: We performed a review of a prospective database CD patients managed at a single tertiary institution. Inclusion criteria were all patients with ileal or ileocolonic CD between 1995-2014. Patients with incomplete data, isolated colonic or perianal CD were excluded. Primary endpoints included the need for, and time to subsequent surgery. Secondary endpoints included the number and duration of hospital admissions, and medical therapy.

RESULTS: Forty-two patients underwent ES and 115 underwent IMT. The operative intervention rate at 5 years in the ES group was 14.2% vs IMT 31.3% (HR = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.23-0.72, P = 0.041). The ES group had fewer hospital admissions per patient [median 1 vs 3 (P = 0.012)] and fewer patients required anti-TNF therapy than IMT (33.3% vs 57%, P = 0.003). A subgroup analysis of 62 IMT patients who had undergone surgery were compared to ES patients, and showed similar 5 year (from index surgery) re-operation rates 16.1% vs 14.3%. In this subset, a significant difference was still found in median number of hospital admissions favouring ES, 1 vs 2 (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION: Our data supports other recent studies suggesting that patients with ileocolonic CD may have a more benign disease course if undergoing early surgical intervention, with fewer admissions to hospital and a trend to reduced overall operation rates.

Surgical Treatment and Outcomes in Patients With Intestinal Behçet Disease: Long-term Experience of a Single Large-Volume Center

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined the surgical treatment of intestinal Behçet disease. Consequently, there is currently no standard surgical treatment for intestinal Behçet disease. Instead, treatment is empirical and symptom based.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate the clinical course after surgery and determine the appropriate surgical options for intestinal Behçet disease.

DESIGN

Medical charts of patients who underwent surgery for intestinal Behçet were retrospectively reviewed.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at a tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Ninety-one patients who underwent surgical treatment for intestinal Behçet disease between January 1995 and December 2012 were included in this study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes measured were patient demographics, clinical characteristics, operative and postoperative outcomes, and long-term follow-up data.

RESULTS

Surgical treatment was mainly in response to intractability to medical treatment (56.0%), and 19.8% of patients underwent an emergency operation. Surgery was performed laparoscopically in 33.0% of the patients. Most patients received an ileocecectomy (39.6%) or a right hemicolectomy (34.1%). Twenty-eight patients (30.8%) experienced postoperative morbidities, and 8 patients (8.8%) required reoperations. There were 3 deaths. Reoperation was required for recurrent disease in 32 patients during the long-term follow-up, and the 5-year cumulative reoperation rate was 31.2% (95% CI, 20.4%-42.0%). Among those requiring a second operation, 53.1% were segmental colonic resections that included the previous anastomosis. From multivariable Cox regression analysis, independent predictors of surgical recurrence included postoperative use of steroids (HR = 2.85 (95% CI, 1.21-6.75); p = 0.02), postoperative complications (HR = 2.42 (95% CI, 1.12-5.22); p = 0.03), and BMI (HR per 1-kg/m increase in BMI = 0.90 (95% CI, 0.82-0.99); p = 0.04).

LIMITATIONS

This study was designed retrospectively and had a small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients treated surgically for intestinal Behçet disease frequently have postoperative complications and the need for a stoma and have a high risk of recurrence.

The surgical intervention: earlier or never?

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic and progressive disease characterized by the presence of inflammation in different segments of the digestive tract, resulting in damages of the entire wall. Untreated or treated inappropriately, this eventually might result in stricturing and/or penetrating complications. Traditionally, the first line of treatment is medical, and surgery reserved for those who failed medical therapy. Considerable progresses have been made in the surgical therapy of CD over the past two decades. Some surgical interventions such as those consisting in the resection of long segments or leading to a definitive stoma should be avoided and performed only in case of treatment failure. On the other side, well-indicated and minimal invasive surgery can be considered as an alternative to long-term medical therapy for certain indications. The decision of performing early surgery should take in account the strategy that will be applied post-operatively. Decision making in multidisciplinary teams is paramount.

Inflammatory bowel disease course in Crohn’s disease: Is the natural history changing?

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a multifactorial potentially debilitating disease. It has a variable disease course, but the majority of patients eventually develop penetrating or stricturing complications leading to repeated surgeries and disability. Studies on the natural history of CD provide invaluable data on its course and clinical predictors, and may help to identify patient subsets based on clinical phenotype. Most data are available from referral centers, however these outcomes may be different from those in population-based cohorts. New data suggest the possibility of a change in the natural history in Crohn’s disease, with an increasing percentage of patients diagnosed with inflammatory disease behavior. Hospitalization rates remain high, while surgery rates seem to have decreased in the last decade. In addition, mortality rates still exceed that of the general population. The impact of changes in treatment strategy, including increased, earlier use of immunosuppressives, biological therapy, and patient monitoring on the natural history of the disease are still conflictive. In this review article, the authors summarize the available evidence on the natural history, current trends, and predictive factors for evaluating the disease course of CD.

Is early limited surgery associated with a more benign disease course in Crohn's disease?

AIM

To analyze the difference in disease course and need for surgery in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

Data of 506 patients with incident CD were analyzed (age at diagnosis: 31.5 ± 13.8 years). Both hospital and outpatient records were collected prospectively with a complete clinical follow-up and comprehensively reviewed in the population-based Veszprem province database, which includes incident CD patients diagnosed between January 1, 1977 and December 31, 2008. Follow-up data were collected until December 31, 2009. All patients included had at least 1 year of follow-up available. Patients with indeterminate colitis at diagnosis were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 73 patients (14.4%) required resective surgery within 1 year of diagnosis. Steroid exposure and need for biological therapy were lower in patients with early limited surgery (P < 0.001 and P = 0.09). In addition, surgery rates during follow-up in patients with and without early surgery differed significantly after matching on propensity scores (P < 0.001, HR = 0.23). The need for reoperation was also lower in patients with early limited resective surgery (P = 0.038, HR = 0.42) in a Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression (P = 0.04) analysis. However, this advantage was not observed after matching on propensity scores (P(Logrank) = 0.656, P(Breslow) = 0.498).

CONCLUSION

Long-term surgery rates and overall exposure to steroids and biological agents were lower in patients with early limited resective surgery, but reoperation rates did not differ.

Surgery and diagnostic imaging in abdominal Crohn's disease

Surgery is well-established option for the treatment of Crohn's disease that is refractory to medical therapy and for complications of the disease, including strictures, fistulas, abscesses, bleeding that cannot be controlled endoscopically, and neoplastic degeneration. For a condition like Crohn's disease, where medical management is the rule, other indications for surgery are considered controversial, because the therapeutic effects of surgery are limited to the resolution of complications and the rate of recurrence is high, especially at sites of the surgical anastomosis. In the authors' opinion, however, surgery should not be considered a last-resort treatment: in a variety of situations, it should be regarded as an appropriate solution for managing this disease. Based on a review of the literature and their own experience, the authors examine some of the possibilities for surgical interventions in Crohn's disease and the roles played in these cases by diagnostic imaging modalities.

[The effect of early immunosuppressive therapy on the rate of resections performed in patients with Chron's disease, in Veszprém county, Hungary, a population-based cohort study]

Medical therapy for Crohn's disease has changed significantly over the past 20 years with the increasing use of immunosuppressants. In contrast, surgery rates are still high and evidence about the the changes in the outcome of Crohn's disease over the past decades is scarce.

AIMS

The objective of this study was to analyze the evolution of the surgical rates and medical therapy in the population-based Veszprém county database.

METHODS

Data of 506 Crohn's disease patients were analyzed (age at diagnosis: 31.5 years, SD: 13.8 years). Both hospital and outpatient records were collected and comprehensively reviewed. The study population was divided into three groups based on the year of diagnosis (cohort A: 1977-1989, cohort B: 1990-1998 and cohort C: 1999-2008).

RESULTS

Overall azathioprine, systemic steroid, and biological (only available after 1998) exposure was 45.8, 68.6, and 9.5%, respectively. The 1 and 5-year probabilities of azathioprine use were 3.2 and 6.2% in cohort A, 11.4 and 29.9% in cohort B, and 34.8 and 46.2% in cohort C. In multivariate analysis, decade of diagnosis (P<0.001), age at onset (P = 0.008), disease behavior at diagnosis (P<0.001), and need for systemic steroids (P<0.001) were significantly associated with the time to initiation of azathioprine therapy. Early azathioprine use was significantly associated with the time to intestinal surgery in Crohn's disease patients; in a multivariate Cox analysis (HR: 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28-0.65) and after matching on propensity scores for azathioprine use (HR: 0.42,95% CI:0.26-0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

This population-based inception cohort showed that reduction in surgical rates was independently associated with increased and earlier azathioprine use.

Has there been a change in the natural history of Crohn's disease? Surgical rates and medical management in a population-based inception cohort from Western Hungary between 1977-2009

OBJECTIVES

Medical therapy for Crohn's disease (CD) has changed significantly over the past 20 years with increasing use of immunosuppressives. In contrast, surgery rates are still high and there is little evidence that disease outcomes for CD have changed over the past decades. The objective of this study was to analyze the evolution of the surgical rates and medical therapy in the population-based Veszprem province database.

METHODS

Data of 506 incident CD patients were analyzed (age at diagnosis: 31.5 years, s.d. 13.8 years). Both hospital and outpatient records were collected and comprehensively reviewed. The study population was divided into three groups by the year of diagnosis (cohort A: 1977-1989, cohort B: 1990-1998 and cohort C: 1999-2008).

RESULTS

Overall, azathioprine (AZA), systemic steroid, and biological (only available after 1998) exposure was 45.8, 68.6, and 9.5%, respectively. The 1- and 5-year probability of AZA use were 3.2 and 6.2% in cohort A, 11.4 and 29.9% in cohort B, and 34.8 and 46.2% in cohort C. In a multivariate Cox-regression analysis, decade of diagnosis (P < 0.001, hazard ratio (HR)(cohorts B-C): 2.88-6.53), age at onset (P = 0.008, HR: 1.76), disease behavior at diagnosis (P < 0.001, HR(complicated): 1.76-2.07), and need for systemic steroids (P < 0.001, HR: 2.71) were significantly associated with the time to initiation of AZA therapy. Early AZA use was significantly associated with the time to intestinal surgery in CD patients; in a multivariate Cox analysis (HR: 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28-0.65) and after matching on propensity scores for AZA use (HR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.26-0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

This population-based inception cohort has shown that the recent reduction in surgical rates was independently associated with increased and earlier AZA use.

Early versus late surgery in patients with intestinal Behçet disease

BACKGROUND

To date, no studies have been conducted to evaluate the potential benefits of early surgery in patients with intestinal Behçet disease.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the long-term clinical outcomes in patients with intestinal Behçet disease first diagnosed at surgery ("early surgery") compared with those requiring surgical resection during the course of the disease ("late surgery").

DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a single tertiary academic medical center.

PATIENTS

We reviewed the medical records of 272 consecutive patients with intestinal Behçet disease between March 1986 and August 2010.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The cumulative probabilities of clinical recurrence and reoperation after operation were the main outcomes measures.

RESULTS

Forty of 272 patients were first diagnosed with intestinal Behçet disease at surgery (early surgery); the remaining 232 were diagnosed clinically, with 62 undergoing surgery during their follow-up after clinical diagnosis (late surgery). The cumulative probabilities of postoperative clinical recurrence and reoperation were significantly lower in the early-surgery group than in the late-surgery group (p = 0.045 and p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, early surgery was the only independent factor significantly associated with a reduced probability of reoperation (HR 0.26; 95% CI 0.10-0.71; p = 0.008). However, when we analyzed only the patients who underwent surgery because of chronic symptoms, early surgery was not associated with lower cumulative clinical recurrence and reoperation rates (p = 0.896 and p = 0.492).

LIMITATIONS

We analyzed the clinical characteristics retrospectively, and the number of patients was insufficient to reach a decisive conclusion.

CONCLUSIONS

: According to the current study, the patients with intestinal Behçet disease undergoing early surgery showed better prognoses in comparison with those undergoing late surgery. Early surgery may represent a valid approach in the initial management of the patients with intestinal Behçet disease, at least in the subset of the patients with acute symptoms.

Natural history and complications of IBD

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), mainly ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are chronic, heterogenic, lifelong illnesses with young age of onset and a great potential for disability. The natural history of these diseases is influenced by multiple factors of environmental and genetic origin. Multidisciplinary research has increased our knowledge of the mechanisms involved during the development and outcome of the diseases, including disease complications. Immunomodulatory treatment has demonstrated greatly improved efficacy in moderate to severe disease activity. The long-term effect on the natural course of disease and sustained reduced burden on society over many years require study. This article summarizes recent knowledge on factors influencing the natural history of IBD, including the impact of treatment. Increased understanding of disease mechanisms is needed as a basis for new treatment strategies in the future.