Clear liquid diet before bowel preparation predicts successful chromoendoscopy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

DECIDE: Delphi Expert Consensus Statement on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Dysplasia Shared Management Decision-Making

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Inflammatory bowel disease colitis-associated dysplasia is managed with either enhanced surveillance and endoscopic resection or prophylactic surgery. The rate of progression to cancer after a dysplasia diagnosis remains uncertain in many cases and patients have high thresholds for accepting proctocolectomy. Individualised discussion of management options is encouraged to take place between patients and their multidisciplinary teams for best outcomes. We aimed to develop a toolkit to support a structured, multidisciplinary and shared decision-making approach to discussions about dysplasia management options between clinicians and their patients.

METHODS

Evidence from systematic literature reviews, mixed-methods studies conducted with key stakeholders, and decision-making expert recommendations were consolidated to draft consensus statements by the DECIDE steering group. These were then subjected to an international, multidisciplinary modified electronic Delphi process until an a priori threshold of 80% agreement was achieved to establish consensus for each statement.

RESULTS

In all, 31 members [15 gastroenterologists, 14 colorectal surgeons and two nurse specialists] from nine countries formed the Delphi panel. We present the 18 consensus statements generated after two iterative rounds of anonymous voting.

CONCLUSIONS

By consolidating evidence for best practice using literature review and key stakeholder and decision-making expert consultation, we have developed international consensus recommendations to support health care professionals counselling patients on the management of high cancer risk colitis-associated dysplasia. The final toolkit includes clinician and patient decision aids to facilitate shared decision-making.

Update on Endoscopic Dysplasia Surveillance in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

As medical management of inflammatory bowel disease makes great advances, most patients with inflammatory bowel disease will have long life expectancies without need for total colectomy. With prolonged disease duration, however, there is increased risk of dysplasia leading to colorectal cancer. Multiple consensus and guideline documents have been published over the last decade with recommendations to optimize early detection and management of dysplastic lesions. Endoscopic technology has improved tremendously, even over the past few years. Previously invisible dysplasia has become visible in most cases with advanced imaging technologies that now allow for much clearer and more detailed mucosal inspection. New tools to facilitate endoscopic resection of visible lesions have also enabled patients to avoid colectomy, with resulting need to continue colon surveillance. There are limited or conflicting data leading to inconsistent recommendations regarding the need for random biopsies, the preferred endoscopic imaging technique, and surveillance intervals after resection of dysplasia. Similarly, there remains significant variability in the application of guidelines into daily practice and availability of and training with advanced imaging technologies. Here, we present a narrative review of which patients are at highest risk for dysplasia, the current guidelines on surveillance colonoscopy, factors affecting optimal mucosal visualization, enhanced imaging techniques, standardized reporting terminologies for surveillance colonoscopy, endoscopic management of dysplasia, indications for colectomy, and briefly on future potential technologies to assist in dysplasia detection.

Next-Generation Endoscopy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Endoscopic healing is recognized as a primary treatment goal in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). However, endoscopic remission may not reflect histological remission, which is crucial to achieving favorable long-term outcomes. The development of new advanced techniques has revolutionized the field of IBD assessment and management. These tools can accurately assess vascular and mucosal features, drawing endoscopy closer to histology. Moreover, they can enhance the detection and characterization of IBD-related dysplasia. Given the persistent challenge of interobserver variability, a more standardized approach to endoscopy is warranted, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise for addressing this limitation. Additionally, although molecular endoscopy is still in its infancy, it is a promising tool to forecast response to therapy. This review provides an overview of advanced endoscopic techniques, including dye-based and dye-less chromoendoscopy, and in vivo histological examinations with probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy and endocytoscopy. The remarkable contribution of these tools to IBD management, especially when integrated with AI, is discussed. Specific attention is given to their role in improving disease assessment, detection, and characterization of IBD-associated lesions, and predicting disease-related outcomes.

Risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation before colonoscopy: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Colonoscopy is the standard and most effective screening tool for colonic diseases and the accuracy of colonoscopy depends on the quality of bowel preparation. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation before colonoscopy.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, patients who underwent colonoscopy in 2018 and received 3 L of Polyethylene Glycol Electrolytes powder were included. They were instructed to drink 1.5 L the night before the colonoscopy and 1.5 L 4-6 h before the procedure given in doses of 250 ml every 10 min with 30 ml of simethicone given 4-6 h before the colonoscopy. Patient- and procedure-related parameters were recorded. An adequate bowel preparation was defined as all 3 segments rated 2 or 3 on the Boston Bowel Preparation scale. Risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 6720 patients were included in the present study. The mean age of these patients was 49.7 ± 13.0 years old. Inadequate bowel preparation was found in 233 (12.4%), 139 (6.4%), 131 (7%), 68 (8.6%) patients in spring, summer, autumn and winter respectively. On the multivariate analysis, male gender (OR: 1.295; 95% CI: 1.088-1.542; P = 0.005), inpatient status (OR: 1.377; 95% CI: 1.040-1.822; P = 0.025) and season (spring vs. winter, OR: 1.514; 95% CI: 1.139-2.012; P = 0.004) were the independent risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation.

CONCLUSIONS

Male gender, inpatient status and spring season were the independent risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation. For patients with risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation, enhanced bowel preparation and instructions may help to optimize the quality of bowel preparation.

Quality of bowel preparation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease undergoing colonoscopy: What factors to consider?

An adequate bowel preparation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a prerequisite for successful colonoscopy for screening, diagnosis, and surveillance. Several bowel preparation formulations are available, both high- and low-volume based on polyethylene glycol. Generally, low-volume formulations are also based on several compounds such as magnesium citrate preparations with sodium picosulphate, oral sulphate solution, and oral sodium phosphate-based solutions. Targeted studies on the quality of bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy in the IBD population are still required, with current evidence from existing studies being inconclusive. New frontiers are also moving towards the use of alternatives to anterograde ones, using preparations based on retrograde colonic lavage.

Randomized clinical trial evaluating three low-volume preparations for colonoscopy in outpatients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: the EII-PREP trial

BACKGROUND

Data regarding bowel preparation in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are scarce.

AIM

To compare efficacy, safety, and tolerability of low-volume preparations in patients with IBD.

METHODS

Single-center, randomized, prescriber, and colonoscopist-blinded clinical trial. IBD outpatients undergoing colonoscopy were randomized 1:1:1 to receive 1 Liter-polyethylene glycol-ascorbate (1L-PEG), 2 Liters-PEG, or sodium picosulfate (SP). The primary endpoint was percentage of quality cleansing assessed via the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS ≥6, segments ≥2). Secondary endpoints were total high quality cleansing (BBPS 8 or 9), high-quality segmental BBPS (≥2), and patients' tolerability, symptoms, and satisfaction, assessed by questionnaires. Safety was monitored by adverse event reporting, laboratory evaluation at colonoscopy, and telephonic follow-up.

RESULTS

Ninety-two patients were included (33 1L-PEG, 28 2L-PEG, and 31 SP). No significant differences between preparations were observed in quality or high-quality total BBPS or high-quality segmental BBPS. Complete intake of the solution was higher for SP (p = 0.006) and lower for 1L-PEG (p = 0.02) compared to 2L-PEG intake (p = 0.55). Clinically irrelevant hyponatremia was higher in the SP group (p < 0.0001). SP instructions were easier to understand from patient's point of view (p = 0.01). Willingness to retake was higher with SP (p < 0.0001) and less for 1L-PEG (p < 0.0001). No serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed no differences in efficacy between low-volume preparations in patients with IBD. Complete intake was higher for SP and lower for 1L-PEG. SP and 2L-PEG instructions were better understood and graded, and SP was more likely to be retaken. Willingness to retake was lower for 1L-PEG. No serious adverse events were reported.

SUMMARY

No differences in terms of efficacy were regarded in this clinical trial comparing low-volume preparations for colonoscopy in patients with IBD: however, Sodium Pisoculfate is better tolerated and accepted from patient's point of view. No serious adverse events were reported.

Endoscopic Disease Activity and Biologic Therapy Are Independent Predictors of Suboptimal Bowel Preparation in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Undergoing Colonoscopy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Optimal bowel preparation (BP) is critical for endoscopic assessment of inflammation and dysplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Comorbidities and patient-related factors have been associated with suboptimal BP (SOBP) in the general population. We sought to identify disease-specific characteristics that may impact the quality of BP in patients with IBD.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of adult IBD patients who underwent outpatient colonoscopies between January 2014 and September 2020 at a large academic medical center. Quality of BP was documented using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) or the Aronchick scale and dichotomized into "suboptimal" (BBPS 0-5 or Aronchick "fair," "poor," unsatisfactory") and "optimal" (BBPS 6-9 or Aronchick "excellent," "good"). IBD-specific and other factors associated with SOBP were evaluated using logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Among a total of 395 IBD patients [54% males, mean age 40 years, 63% with Crohn's disease (CD), 35% with ulcerative colitis (UC)], 24.8% had SOBP. On multivariable analysis, moderate-to-severe endoscopic disease vs mild or inactive disease was associated with a higher odds of SOBP [adjusted OR 2.7(95% CI 1.52-4.94)], whereas baseline biologic use was associated with a lower odds of SOBP [aOR 0.24(0.09-0.65)] among the overall IBD cohort. Additionally, age > 65 years [aOR 2.99(1.19-7.54)] and single-dose vs split-dose BP [aOR 2.37(1.43-3.95)] were predictors of SOBP. In the subgroup analysis by IBD type, moderate-to-severe endoscopic disease predicted SOBP among both CD and UC cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic disease activity was predictive of SOBP, and biologic therapy was protective against SOBP among IBD patients.

Performance measures for colonoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease patients: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Quality Improvement Initiative

The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) presents a short list of performance measures for colonoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Current performance measures for colonoscopy mainly focus on detecting (pre)malignant lesions. However, these performance measures are not relevant for all colonoscopy indications in IBD patients. Therefore, our aim was to provide endoscopy services across Europe and other interested countries with a tool for quality monitoring and improvement in IBD colonoscopy. Eight key performance measures and one minor performance measure were recommended for measurement and evaluation in daily endoscopy practice.

Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Epidemiology and Prevention: A Review

Simple Summary

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most serious potential complications of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). The aging of patients affected by IBDs makes this issue a challenge that will increasingly be faced by clinicians in clinical practice, especially in light of the poorer prognosis for CRC in this group of people when compared with the general population. In this review, we summarize the current epidemiology, risk factors and various prevention strategies proposed for CRC in patients with IBDs.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the third most frequent form of malignancy and the second in terms of mortality. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are recognized risk factors for this type of cancer. Despite a worldwide increase in the incidence of CRC, the risk of CRC-related death in IBD patients has declined over time, probably because of successful surveillance strategies, the use of more effective drugs in the management of remission and improved indications to colectomy. This notwithstanding, CRC 5-year survival in patients with IBD is poorer than in the general population. This review provides a summary of the epidemiological features, risk factors and various prevention strategies proposed for CRC in IBD patients. Moreover, there is a special focus on reporting and highlighting the various prevention strategies proposed by the most important international scientific societies, both in terms of chemoprevention and endoscopic surveillance. Indeed, in conducting the analysis, we have given attention to the current primary, secondary and tertiary prevention guidelines, attempting to emphasize unresolved research and clinical problems related to this topic in order to improve diagnostic strategies and management.

Endoscopic Surveillance in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Selecting a Suitable Technology

In the treat-to-target era, endoscopy has become the backbone of the assessment of remission, defined as mucosal healing, in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Current recommendations indicate that endoscopic procedures should be performed with high-definition white-light endoscopy (HD-WLE), as it guarantees the best possible visualization of the mucosa. With respect to endoscopic surveillance, the preventive strategy for dysplasia and colorectal cancer (CRC) in long-standing IBD, is the use of dye-chromoendoscopy (DCE), which enhances the mucosal pattern of the colonic walls. DCE has been established as the gold standard for dysplasia detection and is at present incorporated in all international guidelines. Over the past years, novel technologies, such as high-definition endoscopic imaging, and optical and digital enhancement tools have revolutionized the quality and level of fine details of vascular and mucosal patterns. These endoscopic images have the ambition to reflect histological changes for suspected neoplastic lesions and inflammation or healing and are emerging as potential alternatives to DCE. Indeed, the comparison of DCE with high-definition imaging is an open issue that deserves further investigation. We aimed to examine and summarize the technical aspects and the current evidence on endoscopic technologies with a specific focus on the surveillance in IBD patients.

Endoscopic colorectal cancer surveillance in inflammatory bowel disease: Considerations that we must not forget

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by periods of activity and remission. The inflammatory activity of the disease involving the colon and rectum increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) over the years. Although prevention strategies are evolving, regular surveillance for early detection of neoplasia as a secondary prevention strategy is paramount in the care of IBD patients. In this review article, we discuss the current evidence of the risks of developing CRC and evaluate the best available strategies for screening and surveillance, as well as future opportunities for cancer prevention.

Colorectal Cancer Surveillance in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Chromoendoscopy or Non-Chromoendoscopy, That Is the Question

Subjects affected by ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease with colonic localization have an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Surveillance colonoscopy is recommended by international guidelines as it can detect early-stage CRC. Based on previous evidence, in 2015 the Surveillance for Colorectal Endoscopic Neoplasia Detection and Management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients International Consensus indicated dye chromoendoscopy (DCE) as the most effective technique for detecting dysplasia. However, advances in endoscopic technology such as high-definition colonoscopes and dye-less virtual chromoendoscopy (VCE) may change future practice. In this review, we summarize the available evidence on CRC surveillance in IBD, focusing on the emerging role of high-definition white light endoscopy (HD-WLE) and VCE over the standard DCE, and the current role of random biopsies.

Evolving role of endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease: Going beyond diagnosis

Inflammatory bowel disease, encompassing Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis, are chronic immune-mediated inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that primarily affect the gastrointestinal tract with periods of activity and remission. Large body of evidence exist to strengthen the prognostic role of endoscopic evaluation for both disease activity and severity and it remains the gold standard for the assessment of mucosal healing. Mucosal healing has been associated with improved clinical outcomes with prolonged remission, decreased hospitalization, IBD-related surgeries and colorectal cancer risk. Therefore, endoscopic objectives in IBD have been incorporated as part of standard care. With the known increased risk of colorectal cancer in IBD, although prevention strategies continue to develop, regular surveillance for early detection of neoplasia continue to be paramount in IBD patients’ care. It is thanks to evolving technology and visualization techniques that surveillance strategies are continuously advancing. Therapeutic endoscopic options in IBD have also been expanding, from surgery sparing therapies such as balloon dilation of fibrostenotic strictures in CD to endoscopic mucosal resection of neoplastic lesions. In this review article, we discuss the current evidence on the use of endoscopy as part of standard of care of IBD, its role in surveillance of neoplasia, and the role of interventional endoscopic therapies.

Opioid Use Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Despite reported adverse effects of opioids in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the burden of opioid use in this population appears to be high. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of prior studies to determine the prevalence of opioid use among patients with IBD as well as risk factors and outcomes associated with opioid use in this population.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library through November of 2019. Primary outcomes included the prevalence of opioid use and demographic and clinical variables associated with opioid use in patients with IBD. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. We used random-effect meta-analysis to estimate pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Of 780 citations identified, 31 were included in our study. The prevalence of opioid use was 21% (95% CI, 13%-30%) in the outpatient setting. Likewise, 62% (95% CI, 25%-92%) of patients received opioids while hospitalized for IBD. Opioid use was associated with female sex (RR 1.20; 95% CI 1.03-1.40), depression (1.99; 95% CI 1.80-2.19), substance abuse (4.67; 95% CI 2.87-7.60), prior gastrointestinal surgery (2.33; 95% CI 1.66-3.26), biologic use (1.36; 95% CI 1.06-1.74), and steroid use (1.41; 95% CI 1.04-1.91). Based on the systematic review, opioid use also appeared to be associated with increased IBD activity, healthcare use, infection, and mortality.

CONCLUSION

In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we found that 21% of outpatients with IBD (and 62% of hospitalized patients) are opioid users; use is associated with more severe IBD and increased healthcare use. Further studies are required to determine whether opioids are the cause or an effect of these associations. Nonetheless, urgent interventions are needed to reduce opioid use, improve disease-related outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Improving quality of care in endoscopy of inflammatory bowel disease: can we do better?

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopy plays a key role in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is an increased need for quality assurance programs that evaluate the quality, safety and patient experiences of endoscopy, by assessing procedural and clinical outcomes.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims to summarize the most important quality indicators of endoscopy in IBD patients and could serve as the basis to improve quality endoscopic procedures and patients' perception of endoscopy in the future. However, further studies and consensus reports are necessary to standardize the quality of care in the endoscopy unit of all IBD centers.

EXPERT COMMENTARY

Developing an understanding of the patient-reported perception is important for both clinicians and patients, as it facilitates patient engagement with their care. Moreover, implementing education in reporting is crucial f and the use of verifiable databases, generated from electronic reporting systems, should be encouraged rather than unverified self-reporting, to have greater validity for documenting and to formally evaluate endoscopic practice data with audits. The use of artificial intelligence may improve the quality of endoscopy, by increasing the adenoma detection rate and helping endoscopists in the challenging differentiation between inflammatory and neoplastic lesions.

Improving the quality of surveillance colonoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease

Several recommendations have addressed the topic of improving the quality of surveillance colonoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease. However, there is variation between these recommendations, in part due to the absence of well-defined quality indicators, suggesting that these quality indicators should be studied and developed. We did a systematic review of evidence related to surveillance colonoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease to look at the different variables in this practice and offer a critique of the quality control measures before, during, and after the procedure. We identified several key quality measures that could be adopted in clinical practice, including control of inflammation, optimal bowel preparation, ideal time allocation, training, sedation, detection and characterisation of lesions, therapeutic management of the lesions, and colonoscopic reports. However, further primary research and consensus reports are needed to continue developing roadmaps at a global level.

Performance measures in inflammatory bowel disease surveillance colonoscopy: Implementing changes to practice improves performance

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Dye-based chromoendoscopy (DCE) with targeted biopsies is recommended for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surveillance. However, DCE has not yet been widely adopted into clinical practice. We evaluated quality indicators in IBD surveillance following introduction of structured changes in service delivery.

METHODS

In August 2016, we introduced a number of changes to IBD surveillance practice in our endoscopy unit. These included training using interactive videos/images in a structured module, DCE as standard by using a foot-pedal operated pump jet, allocation of 45-minute procedure timeslots, targeted biopsies (except in high-risk patients), scoring of endoscopic disease activity, and lesion detection/morphology characterization. All IBD surveillance colonoscopies were allocated to a small team of four DCE-trained endoscopists. We compared quality measures for surveillance procedures carried out pre- and post-August 2016. The two groups were compared using chi-squared statistics RESULTS: A total of 598 IBD surveillance procedures (277 pre-August 2016 and 321 post-August 2016) were done and included in the study. Use of DCE increased (54.2% vs 76.0% P < 0.0005) whereas random biopsy surveillance decreased (12.3% vs 3.1% P < 0.0005). Use of Paris classification (26.1% vs 57.0% P < 0.0005) and Kudo pit pattern increased (21.7% vs 59.0% P < 0.0005). There was also an increase in lesion detection rate (24.9% vs 33.1% P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of extensive changes in practice of surveillance colonoscopy resulted in significant improvement in quality indicators within a short period of time. Training, education and audit may continue to facilitate the adoption of DCE and further improve quality of performance in IBD surveillance.

Can a 1-day clear liquid diet with a split -dose polyethylene glycol overcome conventional practice patterns during the preparation for screening colonoscopy?

BACKGROUND/AIMS

A successful screening colonoscopy is closely linked to the quality of a bowel preparation. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of a 1-day clear liquid diet (CLD) compared to a 3-day combined diet (CMD) accompanied by a split-dose regimen of polyethylene glycol and electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) for screening colonoscopy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized, endoscopist-blinded study. Patients referred for screening colonoscopy were randomized to four groups as a 1-day CLD+PEG-ELS vs. a 1-day CLD+sulfate free (SF)-PEG-ELS and a 3-day CMD+PEG-ELS vs. a 3-day CMD+SF-PEG-ELS. An assessment of the quality of colon cleaning, tolerability to the preparation, and symptoms related to the preparation were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 506 patients were enrolled in this study. The quality of bowel preparation was significantly inferior in the CMD+PEG-ELS group than CLD+PEG-ELS (p=0.004) and CMD+SF-PEG-ELS groups (p=0.007). There were no statistical differences among the groups in terms of the polyp detection rate. With respect to an easy rating of diet following and the consumption of laxative, there were no significant differences among the four groups. Gastric fullness and nausea/vomiting were pointed out much more, especially in the SF-PEG-ELS users (p=0.008 and p=0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSION

A 1-day CLD was not inferior to a 3-day CMD for colonoscopy preparation in terms of bowel cleaning, the polyp detection rate, and patient tolerance.