Update in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

A Review of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Children-Exploring Its Role in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Background and Objectives: There is an increasing use of fecal matter transplantation (FMT) worldwide as research into the impact of the gut microbiome in various disease states is growing. FMT is the transfer of stool from a healthy human donor to a patient for the purpose of restoring intestinal dysbiosis. This review will assess the efficacy and safety of FMT in the treatment of pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and explore the future directions of the use of FMT in children. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was performed where a literature search of publications published prior to 15 September 2023 was performed. Efficacy outcomes and safety data as well as microbiome analysis were reviewed from the studies where applicable. Results: Nine studies on UC and two studies on CD satisfied eligibility criteria and individually analysed. Most of the studies provided microbiome analyses. Conclusions: FMT is a safe treatment for paediatric IBD, and is shown to be effective in inducing clinical response by some studies. However the lack of randomized controlled trials limited the results of our study.

Evaluation of Growth in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate changes in growth parameters in children diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

The data of children with IBD between 2010 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, and BMI [body mass index]), and clinical and laboratory data were evaluated at diagnosis and follow-up (1st and 2nd year). Patients' growth was assessed by calculating weight-for-age, height-for-age, BMI-for-age, and growth velocity z-scores.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients (46.2%) had Crohn's disease (CD), and 42 (53.8%) had ulcerative colitis (UC). Weight-for-age, height-for-age, and BMI-for-age z-scores significantly increased over the follow-up period in the CD patients (p < 0.05). Growth velocity z-scores were also significantly higher in the second year compared to the first year in the CD patients (p < 0.001). Improvements in weight-for-age, height-for-age, and BMI-for-age z-scores were not significant over the two-year follow-up in the UC patients (p > 0.05). Growth velocity z-scores in the UC patients were higher in the second year compared to the first year, but this difference was not significant (p = 0.115).

CONCLUSIONS

The growth parameters showed improvement after a two-year follow-up. Regular anthropometric measurements, along with clinical and laboratory markers, should be used to monitor treatment response, which can help achieve optimal growth in children with IBD.

Chronic Mucosal Inflammation in Pediatric Intestinal Failure Patients-A Unique Phenomenon

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES

As intestinal failure (IF) management improves and long-term survival rate increases, its physiological complications have become more apparent. The development of chronic intestinal inflammation resembling inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in this population has been reported, but the literature describing it in detail is sparse. The present study was designed to characterize children with IF who developed chronic intestinal inflammation and identify the potential predisposing clinical factors.

METHODS

This retrospective study was based on the electronic medical records of pediatric patients seen at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center between January 2000 and July 2022. Demographic and medical history data were collected and compared between children with IF that developed chronic intestinal inflammation and children with IF that did not develop chronic intestinal inflammation.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, 23 children were diagnosed with chronic intestinal inflammation. Of these, 12 (52%) were males, with a median age of 4.5 (3-7) years at diagnosis. Nearly one-third of the patients had gastroschisis (31%), followed by necrotizing enterocolitis (26%), and malrotation and volvulus (21.7%). More children in the chronic intestinal inflammation group lacked an ileocecal valve (ICV) and adjoining distal ileum as compared to the short bowel syndrome (SBS)-IF control group (15 patients, 65% vs 8 patients, 33%). Moreover, more children in the chronic intestinal inflammation group had undergone a prior lengthening procedure than the SBS-IF control group (5 patients, 21.7% vs. 0, respectively).

DISCUSSION

SBS patients are at risk of relatively early onset chronic intestinal inflammation. The absence of an ICV (and adjoin ileum) and prior lengthening procedures emerge as factors associated with the risk of IBD in these patients.

Pediatric GI Health Care Professionals' Perceptions of and Engagement With Psychosocial Providers in Pediatric IBD Care

Multidisciplinary care is recommended for optimal pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care, including psychosocial providers (eg, psychologists). However, health care professionals' (HCPs) perceptions of and engagement with psychosocial providers in pediatric IBD is lacking.

Methods

Cross-sectional REDCap surveys were completed by HCPs (eg, gastroenterologists) across American ImproveCareNow (ICN) centers. Demographics and self-reported perceptions of and engagement with psychosocial providers were collected. Data were analyzed at participant and site levels through descriptives, frequencies, an independent t test, and exploratory analyses of variance.

Results

A total of 101 participants from 52% of ICN sites participated. Participants were 88% gastrointestinal physicians, 49% identifying as female, 94% non-Hispanic, and 76% Caucasian. Of ICN sites, 75% and 94% of sites reported outpatient and inpatient psychosocial care, respectively. Participants referred for various clinical reasons to psychosocial providers (eg, illness adjustment). At the participant level, 92% of HCPs reported psychosocial care was very important and 64% reported their clinical thresholds shifted to engage psychosocial providers earlier in care. Barriers to psychosocial care included limited psychosocial providers (92%), psychosocial providers availability (87%), and IBD patients' lack of openness to psychosocial care (85%). One-way analyses of variance by HCP length of experiences were not statistically significant on perceived understanding of psychosocial providers or perceived changes in clinical threshold over time.

Conclusion

HCPs overall reported positive perceptions of and frequent engagement with psychosocial providers in pediatric IBD. Limited psychosocial providers and other notable barriers are discussed. Future work should continue interprofessional education of HCPs and trainees and efforts to improve access to psychosocial care in pediatric IBD.

Hirschsprung-associated inflammatory bowel disease: A multicenter study from the APSA Hirschsprung disease interest group

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

A small number of Hirschsprung disease (HD) patients develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like symptoms after pullthrough surgery. The etiology and pathophysiology of Hirschsprung-associated IBD (HD-IBD) remains unknown. This study aims to further characterize HD-IBD, to identify potential risk factors and to evaluate response to treatment in a large group of patients.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with IBD after pullthrough surgery between 2000 and 2021 at 17 institutions. Data regarding clinical presentation and course of HD and IBD were reviewed. Effectiveness of medical therapy for IBD was recorded using a Likert scale.

RESULTS

There were 55 patients (78% male). 50% (n = 28) had long segment disease. Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) was reported in 68% (n = 36). Ten patients (18%) had Trisomy 21. IBD was diagnosed after age 5 in 63% (n = 34). IBD presentation consisted of colonic or small bowel inflammation resembling IBD in 69% (n = 38), unexplained or persistent fistula in 18% (n = 10) and unexplained HAEC >5 years old or unresponsive to standard treatment in 13% (n = 7). Biological agents were the most effective (80%) medications. A third of patients required a surgical procedure for IBD.

CONCLUSION

More than half of the patients were diagnosed with HD-IBD after 5 years old. Long segment disease, HAEC after pull through operation and trisomy 21 may represent risk factors for this condition. Investigation for possible IBD should be considered in children with unexplained fistulae, HAEC beyond the age of 5 or unresponsive to standard therapy, and symptoms suggestive of IBD. Biological agents were the most effective medical treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

Magnetic resonance enterography and bowel ultrasonography in Saudi Arabian patients with Crohn's disease: A correlation study

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is a complex autoimmune disease that results in chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. CD activity is determined through clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, and radiological evaluations. Studies that examine the data of radiological modalities of evaluation are lacking, particularly in Saudi Arabia. This study compares magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and ultrasonography (US) findings among patients diagnosed with CD, to uncover a possible correlation between these techniques.

METHODS

All patients were assessed for disease activity using MRE and US.

RESULTS

A total of 376 patients with CD were recruited. The mean age was 14.9 ± 4.3 years (range, 8-27 years), and males constituted 64% (n = 239) of the cohort. Overall, a strong positive correlation was found between US and MRE evaluations of disease activity (r = 0.83, P < 0.001). US activity correlated positively with MRE findings of enlarged lymph nodes (P < 0.001), bowel wall enhancement (P < 0.001), distal jejunal thickness (P < 0.001), and distal ileal thickness (P < 0.001). The mean difference in wall thickness was significant based on gender (P < 0.001), age in proximal jejunal thickness (P < 0.001), and distal ileal thickness (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

MRE and US correlate significantly as imaging techniques for the assessment of CD activity.

Diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance enterography and ultrasound in children with inflammatory bowel diseases: a diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and ultrasound (US) can be used to diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in children. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of MRE and US in pediatric patients with IBD.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies published up to June 1, 2020. The outcomes were the performances of MRE and US at the segment and patient levels. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves value (SROC) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eight studies (340 children) were included. Compared with the reference standard, MRE showed pooled sensitivity of 93.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 90.0-95.4%), specificity of 94.6% (95% CI: 92.1-96.5%), PLR of 11.146 (95% CI: 5.027-24.713), NLR of 0.094 (95% CI: 0.057-0.155), and DOR of 134.21 (95% CI: 40.72-442.29), with a SROC of 0.9721. Similar results were observed at the patient and segment levels. Compared with the reference standard, US had pooled sensitivity of 84.1% (95% CI: 69.9-93.4%), specificity of 82.9% (95% CI: 66.4-93.4%), PLR of 4.924 (95% CI: 2.351-10.310), NLR of 0.207 (95% CI: 0.103-0.413), and DOR of 25.919 (95% CI: 7.63-88.07), but only two studies were included. US (reader 1) had a similar diagnostic value to US (reader 2).

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis shows that MRE has good performance in detecting IBD in pediatric patients. Only two studies used US, and additional studies are necessary to confirm the diagnostic performance of US for IBD in children.

KEY POINTS

• MRE has good performance in the detection of IBD in pediatric patients. • Similar results were observed at the patient and segment levels for MRE. • Only two studies were included for US, without differentiating patient/segment.

Inflammatory bowel disease and the lung in paediatric patients

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased over the past 20 years. Pulmonary involvement in paediatric IBD is rare but may be missed since the spectrum of symptoms is broad and mimics other diseases. The most important differential diagnoses of pulmonary manifestations of IBD are infections and therapy-related side-effects. There is no gold standard to diagnose respiratory manifestations in children with IBD. Diagnostic tests should be chosen according to history and clinical presentation. Treatment of respiratory manifestations of IBD includes inhaled or oral corticosteroids and initiation or step-up of immunomodulatory IBD therapies.

Pulmonary involvement in paediatric IBD is rare but may be underdiagnosed. The spectrum of symptoms is broad and mimics other diseases. The differentiation between IBD-related and drug-induced pulmonary manifestation can be challenging.https://bit.ly/3uZBvpA

Undergoing colonoscopy as experienced by adolescents

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to describe the phenomenon of undergoing colonoscopy as experienced by adolescents.

DESIGN

This study was a qualitative study in which data were collected and analyzed in accordance with the methodological principles of Reflective Lifeworld Research with a phenomenological approach.

METHODS

Face-to-face interviews were performed with 17 adolescents after undergoing the first colonoscopy.

RESULTS

The phenomenon of undergoing colonoscopy as experienced by adolescents can be described as a collision between emotions and a desire to obtain answers to questions about the examination, as well as concerns about its result and the meaning of undergoing colonoscopy. The essential meaning is additionally described through its constituents: a sense of vulnerability, an opportunity for symptom explanation, and sensibility regarding information.

CONCLUSIONS

The results can be concluded in terms of the knowledge that for adolescents a colonoscopy means more than an examination. Although colonoscopy is not experienced as painful, it evokes different emotions that affect adolescents. Therefore, a psychological preparation, on an individual level, is required before the colonoscopy. Our results showed that adolescents need to understand the connection between their symptoms, their body, and the colonoscopy.

The experience of polyethylene glycol (PEG) bowel preparation in adolescents undergoing colonoscopy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the experience of polyethylene glycol (PEG) bowel preparation in adolescents undergoing colonoscopy.

RESULTS

32 adolescents, 10-18 years of age self-reported a minimum of complications 1 week after colonoscopy when PEG was used for bowel preparation. 17 adolescents, 10-18 years were also interviewed about bowel preparation with PEG. Using qualitative content analysis, two categories were extracted from the data: "Being decisive makes it manageable" and "Be prepared for a horrible experience." The adolescents reported PEG intake difficulty; the intake was, however, manageable if they received appropriate information.

Illness Perceptions and Depression Are Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life in Youth with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

In youth with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been shown to be affected by individual disease factors and specific psychological factors. The innovative aim of this study is to examine the combined impact of psychological factors (illness perceptions, cognitive coping, anxiety, and depression) on HRQOL, over and above the associations of demographic and disease factors with HRQOL in youth with IBD.

METHOD

Data on clinical disease activity, illness perceptions, cognitive coping, anxiety, depression, and HRQOL were prospectively collected in 262 consecutive youth (age 10-20, 46.6% male) with confirmed IBD. Multiple linear regression analyses tested the associations of demographic, disease, and psychological variables with HRQOL in separate groups for Crohn's disease (CD; N = 147) and ulcerative colitis and IBD unclassified (UC/IBD-U; N = 115), using age-specific validated instruments.

RESULTS

In both disease groups, more negative illness perceptions (ß = - .412; ß = - .438, p < .001) and more depression (ß = - .454; ß = - .279, p < .001) were related to lower HRQOL. In the UC/IBD-U group, more anxiety was related to lower HRQOL (ß = - .201, p = .001). The model with the psychological variables explained a large and significant amount of variance in both groups: 74% and 83%, respectively (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

In 10-20-year-old IBD patients, negative illness perceptions and depression were significantly and more strongly associated with lower HRQOL than demographic and disease factors. Thus, it is important to integrate psychological factors in the treatment for IBD patients. To improve HRQOL in young IBD patients, psychological interventions should be targeted at negative illness perceptions and depression.

Pediatric Crohn's Disease in Bahrain

OBJECTIVES

Our study aimed to report the epidemiology, clinical presentations, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and outcomes of Crohn's disease (CD) in pediatric patients in Bahrain.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of patients with CD diagnosed in the pediatric department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain, between 1984 and 2017. We used the data to calculate the annual incidence and cumulative prevalence. Data about gender, nationality, clinical presentation, age at presentation and diagnosis, duration of illness, consanguinity, family history, contact with smokers, and comorbidities were gathered. Results of hematological, biochemical, and serological tests were also collected. All radiological, endoscopic, and histopathological findings were reviewed. Data about medical therapy, relapse episodes, hospital admissions, complications, and outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

Of 108 pediatric patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 51 (47.2%) patients had CD. The annual incidence was 1 in 100 000 per year (range = 0-5 patients/year) with significant rise on comparing the three decades (p = 0.0001). Prevalence was 9.32 patients per 100 000 pediatric populations. Thirty-four patients (66.7%) were males, and the median age was 18.5 years (range = 6.4-35.0). Common clinical presentations were recurrent abdominal pain and weight loss. Family history of IBD was found in 10 patients. One patient had positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody. The terminal ileum was involved in 68.1%, colon in 63.8%, and perianal area in 17.0% patients. Biological therapy was used in five patients. Surgical intervention was required in six patients. The mean follow-up period was 9.2±5.6 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical characteristics of our population are comparable to that reported in neighboring countries and worldwide.

Psychological wellbeing and physical activity in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease compared to healthy controls

BACKGROUND

Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) report impairments in daily activities, social interactions and coping. Findings regarding psychological functioning are inconsistent, while limited information is available on objectively assessed physical activity (PA). The aims of the present study were therefore to compare anthropometric dimensions, blood values, psychological functioning and PA of children and adolescents with IBD with healthy controls.

METHODS

Forty-seven children and adolescents took part in the study. Of these, 23 were diagnosed with IBD (mean age: 13.88 years, 44% females). The IBD group was divided into a medically well adjusted "remission-group" (n = 14; IBD-RE) and a group with an "active state" of disease (n = 8; IBD-AD). Healthy controls (n = 24; HC) were age- and gender-matched. Participants' anthropometric data, blood values and objective PA were assessed. Further, participants completed questionnaires covering socio-demographic data and psychological functioning.

RESULTS

Participants with IBD-AD showed higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) values, haemoglobin, and leukocyte values. IBD-AD had poorer psychological functioning and lower PA (average steps per day) compared to IBD-RE and HC. No mean differences were found between IBD-RE and HC.

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of results suggests that effective medical treatment of IBD in children and adolescents is associated with favorable physiological parameters, psychological dimensions and PA. Psychological counselling of children and adolescents in an active state of IBD seem to be advised in addition to standard treatment schedules.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT NCT02264275 ; Registered 8 October 2014.

Impaired objective and subjective sleep in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease compared to healthy controls

OBJECTIVE

Poor sleep and higher inflammation markers are associated, and impaired sleep quality is common among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, information on sleep among children and adolescents with IBD is currently lacking. The aims of the present study were to compare subjective and objective sleep of children and adolescents with IBD with healthy controls and to shed more light on the relationship between sleep and inflammation. We expected that poor sleep, as assessed via sleep electroencephalography recordings, would be observed among participants with IBD, but particularly among participants in an active state of disease. Furthermore, we expected that poor sleep and higher inflammatory markers would be associated.

METHODS

A total of 47 children and adolescents participated in the study; 23 were diagnosed with IBD (mean age: 13.88 years, 44% female). The IBD group was divided into a medically well adjusted "remission-group" (IBD-RE; n = 14) and a group with an "active state of disease" (IBD-AD; n = 8). Healthy controls (HC; n = 24) were age and gender matched. Participants completed self-rating questionnaires for subjective sleep disturbances. Anthropometric data, acute and chronic inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) and objective sleep were considered.

RESULTS

Compared to HC and IBD-RE, IBD-AD patients showed impaired objective sleep patterns (eg, more awakenings, longer sleep latency, and reduced stage 3 sleep). Linear relationships described the correlation between higher ESR and more stage 4 (minutes, percentage) sleep. Nonlinear relationships described the relation between ESR and subjective sleep quality (inverse U-shaped) and between CRP and sleep latency (U-shaped).

CONCLUSION

In children and adolescents with an active IBD, objective sleep was impaired and overall sleep quality and inflammation indices were associated in a complex manner. It seems advisable to include assessment of subjective sleep quality in the care of pediatric IBD patients as an additional indicator for objective sleep disturbances and inflammation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02264275.

Vitamin D Status Is Associated with Hepcidin and Hemoglobin Concentrations in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Anemia, iron deficiency, and hypovitaminosis D are well-known comorbidities in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Epidemiologic studies have linked vitamin D deficiency with increased risk of anemia, and in vitro studies suggest that vitamin D may improve iron recycling through downregulatory effects on hepcidin and proinflammatory cytokines.

METHODS

We aimed to investigate the association of vitamin D status with inflammation, iron biomarkers, and anemia in pediatric IBD. Cross-sectional data were obtained from N = 69 patients with IBD aged 5 to <19 years. Iron biomarkers (ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein and α-1-acid glycoprotein), hepcidin, and hemoglobin were collected. Iron biomarkers were regression corrected for inflammation. Multivariable logistic/linear models were used to examine the associations of 25(OH)D with inflammation, iron status, hepcidin, and anemia.

RESULTS

Approximately 50% of subjects were inflamed (C-reactive protein >5 mg/L or α-1-acid glycoprotein >1 g/L). Iron deficiency prevalence (inflammation-corrected ferritin <15 μg/L or soluble transferrin receptor >8.3 mg/L) was 67%; anemia was 36%, and vitamin D insufficiency (25(OH)D <30 ng/mL) was 77%. In linear regression models, vitamin D insufficiency was associated with increased hepcidin levels (β [SE] = 0.6 [0.2], P = 0.01) and reduced hemoglobin (β [SE] = -0.9 [0.5], P = 0.046), controlling for age, sex, race, insurance status, body mass index for age, inflammation, disease diagnosis (ulcerative colitis versus Crohn's disease), and disease duration, compared with 25(OH)D ≥30 ng/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that concentrations of 25(OH)D ≥30 ng/mL are associated with lower hepcidin and higher hemoglobin levels. Further research is needed to clarify the association of vitamin D with inflammation, iron status, and anemia in pediatric IBD.

Crohn's Disease and Gynecologic Manifestations in Young Women

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe the reproductive and gynecological concerns of young women with Crohn's disease.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective chart review of young women with Crohn's disease and gynecologic concerns at a large, urban tertiary children's hospital.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Documentation of abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, genital fistula, ulcer, or abscess.

RESULTS

Most of the patients (85.7%) had menstrual concerns reported as abnormal bleeding patterns or chronic pelvic pain. Genital complaints (fistula, ulcer, or abscess) were present in 75% of patients who ultimately required immune modulators or antibiotics to control their Crohn's disease. Genital complaints were present in only 1 of 3 patients who did not have a history of immune modulator use for Crohn's disease related flare.

CONCLUSION

There is a paucity of information available on gynecological concerns occurring in patients with Crohn's disease. Providers should be aware of gynecological manifestations that might appear concurrently with Crohn's colitis, including vulvovaginal pain, vulvar infections, rectovaginal or rectovestibular fistulas, pelvic pain, and menstrual irregularities.

Health Care Maintenance for the Pediatric Patient With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Nearly one-quarter of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are younger than 20 years of age at diagnosis. Furthermore, the incidence of IBD in children continues to increase. Nevertheless, variation in management exists within the care of patients with IBD with regards to disease screening and preventive care. A multidisciplinary approach that involves the general practitioner and pediatric gastroenterologist is needed to routinely monitor growth, bone health, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, vaccination status, and endoscopic surveillance. It is also important to monitor for extraintestinal manifestations of IBD that may affect the liver, joints, skin, and eyes. The purpose of this article is to provide an updated overview of comprehensive care for pediatric patients with IBD.

Diagnostic Test Accuracy of a 2-Transcript Host RNA Signature for Discriminating Bacterial vs Viral Infection in Febrile Children

IMPORTANCE

Because clinical features do not reliably distinguish bacterial from viral infection, many children worldwide receive unnecessary antibiotic treatment, while bacterial infection is missed in others.

OBJECTIVE

To identify a blood RNA expression signature that distinguishes bacterial from viral infection in febrile children.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Febrile children presenting to participating hospitals in the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United States between 2009-2013 were prospectively recruited, comprising a discovery group and validation group. Each group was classified after microbiological investigation as having definite bacterial infection, definite viral infection, or indeterminate infection. RNA expression signatures distinguishing definite bacterial from viral infection were identified in the discovery group and diagnostic performance assessed in the validation group. Additional validation was undertaken in separate studies of children with meningococcal disease (n = 24) and inflammatory diseases (n = 48) and on published gene expression datasets.

EXPOSURES

A 2-transcript RNA expression signature distinguishing bacterial infection from viral infection was evaluated against clinical and microbiological diagnosis.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Definite bacterial and viral infection was confirmed by culture or molecular detection of the pathogens. Performance of the RNA signature was evaluated in the definite bacterial and viral group and in the indeterminate infection group.

RESULTS

The discovery group of 240 children (median age, 19 months; 62% male) included 52 with definite bacterial infection, of whom 36 (69%) required intensive care, and 92 with definite viral infection, of whom 32 (35%) required intensive care. Ninety-six children had indeterminate infection. Analysis of RNA expression data identified a 38-transcript signature distinguishing bacterial from viral infection. A smaller (2-transcript) signature (FAM89A and IFI44L) was identified by removing highly correlated transcripts. When this 2-transcript signature was implemented as a disease risk score in the validation group (130 children, with 23 definite bacterial, 28 definite viral, and 79 indeterminate infections; median age, 17 months; 57% male), all 23 patients with microbiologically confirmed definite bacterial infection were classified as bacterial (sensitivity, 100% [95% CI, 100%-100%]) and 27 of 28 patients with definite viral infection were classified as viral (specificity, 96.4% [95% CI, 89.3%-100%]). When applied to additional validation datasets from patients with meningococcal and inflammatory diseases, bacterial infection was identified with a sensitivity of 91.7% (95% CI, 79.2%-100%) and 90.0% (95% CI, 70.0%-100%), respectively, and with specificity of 96.0% (95% CI, 88.0%-100%) and 95.8% (95% CI, 89.6%-100%). Of the children in the indeterminate groups, 46.3% (63/136) were classified as having bacterial infection, although 94.9% (129/136) received antibiotic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study provides preliminary data regarding test accuracy of a 2-transcript host RNA signature discriminating bacterial from viral infection in febrile children. Further studies are needed in diverse groups of patients to assess accuracy and clinical utility of this test in different clinical settings.

Serum Infliximab, Antidrug Antibodies, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Predict Sustained Response in Pediatric Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Serum infliximab (s-IFX) levels, antibodies to IFX (ATI), and inflammatory markers are important in predicting clinical outcomes in adults, but their roles in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) require further study. The primary aim of this study was to determine the association between serologic parameters during induction and ongoing IFX therapy at 12 months in pediatric CD.

METHODS

S-IFX, ATI, serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (s-TNF-α), and C-reactive protein were measured at IFX initiation, 10 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months in a prospective cohort study of children with CD at a single tertiary care center.

RESULTS

At 12 months, 60 of 77 participants (78%) remained on IFX. Participants who completed 12 months of IFX had higher 10-week median s-IFX levels (20.40 μg/mL; interquartile range [IQR], 11.20-35.00] versus 8.70 μg/mL; IQR 0.90-16.90; P = 0.01), a greater proportion with undetectable 10-week ATI (P = 0.008), and a greater median change in s-TNF-α between baseline and week 10 (-5.96 pg/mL; IQR, -8.73 to -4.17 versus -1.76 pg/mL; IQR, -5.60 to 0.30; P = 0.006). Receiver operating characteristic analysis to predict ongoing IFX at 12 months showed area under the curve (95% confidence interval) for 10-week s-IFX and change in s-TNF-α from baseline to 10 weeks to be 0.71 (0.54-0.88) and 0.74 (0.58-0.91), respectively. C-reactive protein was not associated with ongoing therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

ATI, s-IFX, and s-TNF-α during IFX induction are associated with 12-month clinical outcomes in pediatric CD. Future studies are needed to further define the clinical role of s-TNF-α measurement and to compare the clinical utility of 10 and 14-week ATI and s-IFX levels.

Effectiveness of disease-specific cognitive-behavioural therapy on depression, anxiety, quality of life and the clinical course of disease in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease: study protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial (HAPPY-IBD)

Introduction

Adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) show a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety, compared to youth with other chronic diseases. The inflammation-depression hypothesis might explain this association, and implies that treating depression can decrease intestinal inflammation and improve disease course. The present multicentre randomised controlled trial aims to test the effectiveness of an IBD-specific cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) protocol in reducing symptoms of subclinical depression and anxiety, while improving quality of life and disease course in adolescents with IBD.

Methods and analysis

Adolescents with IBD (10–20 years) from 7 hospitals undergo screening (online questionnaires) for symptoms of depression and anxiety. Those with elevated scores of depression (Child Depression Inventory (CDI) ≥13 or Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) II ≥14) and/or anxiety (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders: boys ≥26, girls ≥30) receive a psychiatric interview. Patients meeting criteria for depressive/anxiety disorders are referred for psychotherapy outside the trial. Patients with elevated (subclinical) symptoms are randomly assigned to medical care-as-usual (CAU; n=50) or CAU plus IBD-specific CBT (n=50). Main outcomes: (1) reduction in depressive and/or anxiety symptoms after 3 months and (2) sustained remission for 12 months. Secondary outcomes: quality of life, psychosocial functioning, treatment adherence. In addition, we will assess inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and whole blood RNA expression profiles. For analysis, multilevel linear models and generalised estimating equations will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

The Medical Ethics Committee of the Erasmus MC approved this study. If we prove that this CBT improves emotional well-being as well as disease course, implementation is recommended.

Trial registration number

NCT02265588.

Minimally invasive surgery for paediatric inflammatory bowel disease: Personal experience and literature review

The incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) has dramatically increased in the last 20 years. Although first reported in mid 1970s’, diagnostic laparoscopy has started to be routinely adopted in paediatric surgical practice since late 1990s’. Minimally invasive surgery was first limited to diagnostic purposes. After 2002 it was also applied to the radical treatment of PIBD, either Crohn’s disease (CD) or Ulcerative colitis. During the last decade minimally invasive approaches to PIBD have gained popularity and have recently became the “gold standard” for the treatment of such invalidating and troublesome chronic diseases. The authors describe and track the historical evolution of minimally invasive surgery for PIBD and address all available opportunities, including most recent advancements such as robotic surgery, single port approaches and minimally invasive treatment of perianal fistulising CD. A systematic review of all series of PIBD treated with minimally invasive approaches published so far is provided in order to determine the incidence and type of patients’ complications reported up to present days. The authors also describe their experience with minimally invasive surgery for PIBD and will report the results of 104 laparoscopic procedures performed in a series of 61 patients between January 2006 and December 2014.

Pediatric Small Bowel Crohn Disease: Correlation of US and MR Enterography

Small bowel Crohn disease is commonly diagnosed during the pediatric period, and recent investigations show that its incidence is increasing in this age group. Diagnosis and follow-up of this condition are commonly based on a combination of patient history and physical examination, disease activity surveys, laboratory assessment, and endoscopy with biopsy, but imaging also plays a central role. Ultrasonography (US) is an underutilized well-tolerated imaging modality for screening and follow-up of small bowel Crohn disease in children and adolescents. US has numerous advantages over computed tomographic (CT) enterography and magnetic resonance (MR) enterography, including low cost and no required use of oral or intravenous contrast material. US also has the potential to provide images with higher spatial resolution than those obtained at CT enterography and MR enterography, allows faster examination than does MR enterography, does not involve ionizing radiation, and does not require sedation or general anesthesia. US accurately depicts small bowel and mesenteric changes related to pediatric Crohn disease, and US findings show a high correlation with MR imaging findings in this patient population.

Parents' experiences when their child is undergoing an elective colonoscopy

PURPOSE

The purpose was to illuminate parents' experiences when their children are undergoing an elective colonoscopy performed using polyethylene glycol-based regimes for bowel preparation.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Individual interviews with 12 parents were performed and analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

The parents' experiences were structured into one theme: "Charged with conflicting emotions" with three categories: "Being forced to force," "Losing one's sense of being a parent" and "Standing without guidance."

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Understanding parents' experiences can help healthcare staff guide parents in helping their children undergo a colonoscopy.

Mesalamine-induced myopericarditis in a paediatric patient with Crohn's disease

Mesalamine-containing products are considered first-line treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. Myocarditis is recognised as a very rare possible side effect of these medications, but has not often been described in the paediatric population. We present a case of an adolescent with Crohn's disease who presented with myopericarditis after recent initiation of Pentasa. Once identified as the causative agent, the drug was discontinued, with subsequent normalisation of troponin and improvement of function. This case identifies the importance of prompt evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of paediatric patients receiving mesalamine-containing medications that present with significant cardiovascular symptoms.

Anti-TNF-α treatment for post-anastomotic ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease with Crohn's-like pathologic changes following intestinal surgery in pediatric patients

PURPOSE

To report a previously poorly recognized process of secondary formation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like process, specifically Crohn's-like changes in pediatric surgery patients who underwent major small bowel and colorectal surgery. We describe potential etiologies, presenting symptoms and treatment approaches.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients with history of either chronic, partial gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction or Hirschsprung disease (HD) and subsequent histopathologic findings similar to IBD. Pathology and case histories were reviewed and treatments were compared.

RESULTS

Over the last 20 years, a total of nine patients were identified that had the diagnoses of either HD (n = 3) or chronic GI partial obstruction (n = 6) with subsequent development of histopathologic changes similar to those seen in IBD. Overall meantime to diagnosis of IBD-like changes after intestinal resection was 7.70 ± 5.6 years. Half of the patients were also being managed for short bowel syndrome (SBS), and associated GI symptoms may have prolonged the time to identifying these IBD-like changes. When SBS patients were excluded, mean time to IBD changes after pull through for HD was 2.4 ± 0.24 years and after chronic GI partial obstruction was 6.3 ± 2.1 years. Two of the nine patients who underwent a resection of this IBD-like lesion developed a recurrence of this lesion. Anti-TNF-α treatment was used in three of the GI partial obstruction cases: two with complete relief and one with partial response that was supplemented with steroids. Two HD patients were treated with anti-TNF-α and both had marked improvement of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

We describe IBD-like intestinal changes following intestinal resection in the pediatric age group. We also present the novel finding that these lesions are responsive to anti-IBD treatment, including anti-TNF-α, and recommend it as part of the medical treatment regiment offered for such patients.

Curcumin and inflammatory bowel disease: potential and limits of innovative treatments

Curcumin belongs to the family of natural compounds collectively called curcuminoids and it possesses remarkable beneficial anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective properties. Moreover it is commonly assumed that curcumin has also been suggested as a remedy for digestive diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), a chronic immune disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract and that can be divided in two major subgroups: Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), depending mainly on the intestine tract affected by the inflammatory events. The chronic and intermittent nature of IBD imposes, where applicable, long-term treatments conducted in most of the cases combining different types of drugs. In more severe cases and where there has been no good response to the drugs, a surgery therapy is carried out. Currently, IBD-pharmacological treatments are generally not curative and often present serious side effects; for this reason, being known the relationship between nutrition and IBD, it is worthy of interesting the study and the development of new dietary strategy. The curcumin principal mechanism is the suppression of IBD inflammatory compounds (NF-κB) modulating immune response. This review summarizes literature data of curcumin as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant in IBD, trying to understand the different effects in CD e UC.