Nutritional status and growth in pediatric Crohn's disease: a population-based study

Recurrent Crohn's disease

Although surgical management of the ileocolic segment in pediatric Crohn's disease is not curative, the main goal of therapy is to allow for growth, adequate nutrition, and age-appropriate development. Recurrent disease at the site of anastomosis presents as a major morbidity. Several factors have been implicated in the development of surgical recurrence though data in the literature is scarce. This review explores the epidemiology of recurrent ileocolic disease following primary surgery, indications for surgical intervention, and techniques reported in the literature. Pediatric data is scarce, and therefore, much of it is extrapolated from adult literature.

Diagnosis change in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to characterize pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients who change diagnosis and describe the characteristics of that change.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on pediatric IBD patients from the ImproveCareNow (ICN) multicenter international cohort from 2007 to January 2019. Primary outcome was change in diagnosis after the first four visits. Other variables included demographics, diagnostics, disease characteristics, and timing.

RESULTS

6.1% of 18,055 patients aged 1-20 years changed diagnosis. Median time between the baseline visit and first diagnosis change was 0.9 years. Change in diagnosis occurred in 257/12,178 (2.1%) patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 347/4758 (7.3%) patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 495/1119 (44.2%) patients with IBD-Unclassified (IBD-U). In multivariable analysis, initial diagnosis of IBD-U and longer follow-up times were associated with greater odds of a diagnosis change.

CONCLUSION

IBD-U initial diagnosis and longer follow-up were associated with increased diagnosis change risk. The most common change was reclassification to CD. Disease activity, moderate malnutrition, and presence of EIMs were not associated with change in diagnosis.

Analysis of the risk of future gastrointestinal surgery in Crohn's disease with stricture

BACKGROUND

Stricture in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) carries a high risk of CD-related surgery in the course of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess the rate of occurrence of CD-related surgery and to determine baseline risk factors predicting subsequent surgery in this patient group.

METHODS

Patients registered with stricturing CD were included. All baseline and follow-up data were collected retrospectively. Patients attended the clinic for follow-up at week 14 to assess their response to infliximab (IFX). CD-related surgery was the observational endpoint. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used.

RESULTS

A total of 123 patients with stricturing CD were included in this study. The cumulative risk of CD-related surgery for years 1-5 after diagnosis was 18.0%, 26.7%, 32.6%, 40.7%, and 46.4%, respectively. Prior gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, low body mass index (BMI), and high platelet count might be risk factors for future CD-related surgery. With 97 participants treated by IFX, prior GI surgery and primary non-response (PNR) to IFX correlated with future CD-related surgery.

CONCLUSION

Prior GI surgery, BMI, and platelet counts were related to future CD-related surgery. Patients who were PNR to IFX had a higher risk of CD-related surgery in the future.

Long-term effectiveness and safety of anti-TNF in pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel diseases: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Anti-TNF agents are the first biologic treatment option in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The long-term effectiveness of this strategy at the population level is poorly known, particularly in pediatric-onset IBD.

METHODS

All patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) before the age of 17 between 1988 and 2011 in the EPIMAD population-based registry were followed retrospectively until 2013. Among patients treated with anti-TNF, the cumulative probabilities of anti-TNF failure defined by primary failure, loss of response (LOR) or intolerance were evaluated. Factors associated with anti-TNF failure were investigated by a Cox model.

RESULTS

Among a total of 1,007 patients with CD and 337 patients with UC, respectively 481 (48%) and 81 (24%) were treated with anti-TNF. Median age at anti-TNF initiation was 17.4 years (IQR, 15.1-20.9). Median duration of anti-TNF therapy was 20.4 months (IQR, 6.0-59.9). In CD, the probability of failure of 1st line anti-TNF at 1, 3 and 5 years was respectively 30.7%, 51.3% and 61.9% for infliximab and 25.9%, 49.3% and 57.7% for adalimumab (p = 0.740). In UC, the probability of failure of 1st line anti-TNF therapy was respectively 38.4%, 52.3% and 72.7% for infliximab and 12.5% for these 3 timepoints for adalimumab (p = 0.091). The risk of failure was maximal in the first year of treatment and LOR was the main reason for discontinuation. Female gender was associated with LOR (HR, 1.48; 95%CI 1.02-2.14) and with anti-TNF withdrawal for intolerance in CD (HR, 2.31; 95%CI 1.30-4.11) and disease duration (≥ 2 y vs. < 2 y) was associated with LOR in UC (HR, 0.37; 95%CI 0.15-0.94) in multivariate analysis. Sixty-three (13.5%) patients observed adverse events leading to termination of treatment (p = 0.57). No death, cancer or tuberculosis was observed while the patients were under anti-TNF treatment.

CONCLUSION

In a population-based study of pediatric-onset IBD, about 60% in CD and 70% in UC experienced anti-TNF failure within 5 years. Loss of response account for around two-thirds of failure, both for CD and UC.

Enhancement of Non-Linear Deep Learning Model by Adjusting Confounding Variables for Bone Age Estimation in Pediatric Hand X-rays

In medicine, confounding variables in a generalized linear model are often adjusted; however, these variables have not yet been exploited in a non-linear deep learning model. Sex plays important role in bone age estimation, and non-linear deep learning model reported their performances comparable to human experts. Therefore, we investigate the properties of using confounding variables in a non-linear deep learning model for bone age estimation in pediatric hand X-rays. The RSNA Pediatric Bone Age Challenge (2017) dataset is used to train deep learning models. The RSNA test dataset is used for internal validation, and 227 pediatric hand X-ray images with bone age, chronological age, and sex information from Asan Medical Center (AMC) for external validation. U-Net based autoencoder, U-Net multi-task learning (MTL), and auxiliary-accelerated MTL (AA-MTL) models are chosen. Bone age estimations adjusted by input, output prediction, and without adjusting the confounding variables are compared. Additionally, ablation studies for model size, auxiliary task hierarchy, and multiple tasks are conducted. Correlation and Bland-Altman plots between ground truth and model-predicted bone ages are evaluated. Averaged saliency maps based on image registration are superimposed on representative images according to puberty stage. In the RSNA test dataset, adjusting by input shows the best performances regardless of model size, with mean average errors (MAEs) of 5.740, 5.478, and 5.434 months for the U-Net backbone, U-Net MTL, and AA-MTL models, respectively. However, in the AMC dataset, the AA-MTL model that adjusts the confounding variable by prediction shows the best performance with an MAE of 8.190 months, whereas the other models show the best performances by adjusting the confounding variables by input. Ablation studies of task hierarchy reveal no significant differences in the results of the RSNA dataset. However, predicting the confounding variable in the second encoder layer and estimating bone age in the bottleneck layer shows the best performance in the AMC dataset. Ablations studies of multiple tasks reveal that leveraging confounding variables plays an important role regardless of multiple tasks. To estimate bone age in pediatric X-rays, the clinical setting and balance between model size, task hierarchy, and confounding adjustment method play important roles in performance and generalizability; therefore, proper adjusting methods of confounding variables to train deep learning-based models are required for improved models.

Nutrition, Nutritional Status, Micronutrients Deficiency, and Disease Course of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

During the disease course, most Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients present a condition of malnutrition, undernutrition, or even overnutrition. These conditions are mainly due to suboptimal nutritional intake, alterations in nutrient requirements and metabolism, malabsorption, and excessive gastrointestinal losses. A suboptimal nutritional status and low micronutrient serum levels can have a negative impact on both induction and maintenance of remission and on the quality of life of Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients. We performed a systematic review including all the studies evaluating the connection between nutrition, nutrition status (including undernutrition and overnutrition), micronutrient deficiency, and both disease course and therapeutic response in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients. This systematic review was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus. Four main clinical settings concerning the effect of nutrition on disease course in adult Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients were analyzed (induction of remission, maintenance of remission, risk of surgery, post-operative recurrence, and surgery-related complications). Four authors independently reviewed abstracts and manuscripts for eligibility. 6077 articles were found; 762 duplicated studies were removed. Out of 412 full texts analyzed, 227 were included in the review. The evidence summarized in this review showed that many nutritional aspects could be potential targets to induce a better control of symptoms, a deeper remission, and overall improve the quality of life of Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients.

[Nutritional status and its influencing factors in children with newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease]

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the nutritional status and its influencing factors in children with newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of children who were diagnosed with IBD for the first time in Hunan Children's Hospital from January 2015 to December 2021. Diagnostic delay was defined as the time from the symptom onset to IBD diagnosis being in the upper quartile (P76-P100) of all IBD children in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the risk factors for emaciation and growth retardation.

RESULTS

A total of 125 children with newly diagnosed IBD were included, with Crohn's disease being the main type (91.2%). The rates of emaciation and growth retardation were 42.4% (53 cases) and 7.2% (9 cases), respectively, and the rate of anemia was 77.6% (97 cases). Diagnostic delay was noted in 31 children (24.8%), with the time from the symptom onset to IBD diagnosis of 366 to 7 211 days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that diagnostic delay was a risk factor for emaciation and growth retardation (OR=2.73 and OR=4.42, respectively; P<0.05) and that age was positively associated with emaciation (OR=1.30, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with newly diagnosed IBD have poor nutritional status, and the rates of anemia, emaciation, and growth retardation are high. Diagnostic delay is associated with malnutrition in children with IBD.

ESPEN guideline on Clinical Nutrition in inflammatory bowel disease

The present guideline is an update and extension of the ESPEN scientific guideline on Clinical Nutrition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease published first in 2017. The guideline has been rearranged according to the ESPEN practical guideline on Clinical Nutrition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease published in 2020. All recommendations have been checked and, if needed, revised based on new literature, before they underwent the ESPEN consensus procedure. Moreover, a new chapter on microbiota modulation as a new option in IBD treatment has been added. The number of recommendations has been increased to 71 recommendations in the guideline update. The guideline is aimed at professionals working in clinical practice, either in hospitals or in outpatient medicine, and treating patients with IBD. General aspects of care in patients with IBD, and specific aspects during active disease and in remission are addressed. All recommendations are equipped with evidence grades, consensus rates, short commentaries and links to cited literature.

Growth After Menarche in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

OBJECTIVES

Growth impairment in pediatric patients with pediatric onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is multifactorial. Reports on the effect of age at menarche on adult stature in this population are limited. This study investigated the impact of age at menarche, disease-associated factors, and mid-parental height on growth from menarche to final height (FHt) in pediatric patients with Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and IBD unclassified (IBD-U).

METHODS

Subjects were enrolled from a prospectively maintained pediatric IBD database when IBD preceded menarche and dates of menarche and FHt measurements were recorded.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-six patients: CD 112 and UC 30/IBD-U 4. Mean age (years) at diagnosis (10.9 vs 10.1), menarche (14.4 vs 14.0), and FHt (19.6 vs 19.7). CD and UC/IBD-U patients showed significant association between Chronological age (CA) at menarche and FHt (cm, P < 0.001) but not FHt z score (FHt-Z) < -1.0 (P = 0.42). FHt-Z < -2.0 occurred in only 5 patients. Growth impairment (FHt-Z < -1.0) was associated with surgery before menarche (P = 0.03), jejunal disease (P = 0.003), low mid-parental height z score (MPH-Z) (P < 0.001), hospitalization for CD (P = 0.03) but not UC, recurrent corticosteroid, or anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Early age of menarche was associated with greater potential for linear growth to FHt but not FHt-Z (P < 0.05). Surgery before menarche, jejunal disease, hospitalization for CD, low MPH, and weight z score were associated with FHt-Z < -1.0.

Predicting complications in pediatric Crohn's disease patients followed in CEDATA-GPGE registry

BACKGROUND

Complications of Crohn's disease (CD) often impair patients' quality of life. It is necessary to predict and prevent these complications (surgery, stricturing [B2]/penetrating [B3] disease behavior, perianal disease, growth retardation and hospitalization). Our study investigated previously suggested and additional predictors by analyzing data of the CEDATA-GPGE registry.

METHODS

Pediatric patients (< 18 years) diagnosed with CD with follow up data in the registry were included in the study. Potential risk factors for the selected complications were evaluated by performing Kaplan-Meier survival curves and cox regression models.

RESULTS

For the complication surgery, the potential risk factors older age, B3 disease, severe perianal disease and initial therapy with corticosteroids at the time of diagnosis were identified. Older age, initial therapy with corticosteroids, low weight-for-age, anemia and emesis predict B2 disease. Low weight-for-age and severe perianal disease were risk factors for B3 disease. Low weight-for-age, growth retardation, older age, nutritional therapy, and extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) of the skin were identified as risk factors for growth retardation during the disease course. High disease activity and treatment with biologicals were predictors for hospitalization. As risk factors for perianal disease, the factors male sex, corticosteroids, B3 disease, a positive family history and EIM of liver and skin were identified.

CONCLUSION

We confirmed previously suggested predictors of CD course and identified new ones in one of the largest registries of pediatric CD patients. This may help to better stratify patients' according to their individual risk profile and choose appropriate treatment strategies.

Characterization of serum polyunsaturated fatty acid profile in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Background:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. The aetiology and pathogenesis of IBD are complex, which may lead to metabolic disorders. As a kind of metabolite, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) is closely related to IBD.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between the serum PUFAs and the pathogenesis of IBD.

Design:

The study is a hospital-based case-control study.

Methods:

The serum free PUFAs of all participants, including 104 patients with IBD and 101 normal controls, were detected by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Results:

Compared with the normal control, the levels of C18:2, α-C18:3 (ALA), ɤ-C18:3, C20:4 (AA), C20:5 (EPA), ω-3 C22:5, ω-6 C22:5 and C22:6 (DHA) PUFAs in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) were obviously decreased. However, in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), the levels of AA, EPA, ω-3 C22:5, ω-6 C22:5 and DHA were downregulated. The concentrations of seven PUFAs were significantly downregulated in the active CD group. In addition, four PUFAs had comparatively higher levels in the remission UC group.

Conclusion:

The present study revealed substantial differences in the levels of serum fatty acids between normal controls and patients with IBD. In detail, patients with CD were deficient in PUFAs, including the essential fatty acids. Moreover, as the disease activity aggravated, some PUFAs decreased dramatically.

New Therapeutic Strategies Have Changed the Natural History of Pediatric Crohn's Disease: A Two-Decade Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We evaluated the impact of immunosuppressants (IS) and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) introduction on Crohn's disease (CD) long-term outcomes in a large population-based, pediatric-onset cohort.

METHODS

All patients included in the EPIMAD registry with a diagnosis of CD occurring when they were younger than age 17 years and between 1988 and 2011 were followed up retrospectively until 2013. Three diagnostic periods were defined: 1988 to 1993 (period [P]1; pre-IS era), 1994 to 2000 (P2; pre-anti-TNF era), and 2001 to 2011 (P3; anti-TNF era). Medication exposure and disease outcomes were compared between the 3 diagnostic periods.

RESULTS

A total of 1007 patients diagnosed with CD were followed up for a median duration of 8.8 years (interquartile range, 4.6-14.2 y). The IS and anti-TNF exposure rate at 5 years increased over time from 33.9% (in P1) to 76.5% (in P3) and from 0% (in P1) to 50.5% (in P3), respectively. In parallel, the risk for intestinal resection at 5 years decreased significantly over time (P1, 35%; P2, 31%; and P3, 22%; P = .0003, Ptrend &lt; .0001), and between the pre-anti-TNF era (P1 + P2, 32%) and the anti-TNF era (P3, 22%) (P = .0007). The risk for progression from inflammatory to stricturing behavior decreased significantly over time (P1, 27%; P2, 28%; and P3, 20%; P = .11, Ptrend = .041) and between the pre-anti-TNF era (P1 + P2, 28%) and the anti-TNF era (P3, 20%) (P = .040). The risk for a CD flare-related hospitalization at 5 years remained stable over time (P1, 31%; P2, 31%; and P3, 29%; P = .76, Ptrend = .53).

CONCLUSIONS

In parallel with the increased use of IS and anti-TNF, positive changes in the natural history of pediatric-onset CD were observed at the population level. A decreased risk of both intestinal resections and stricturing complications were observed during the anti-TNF era.

Adherence to the New Zealand Pediatric Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

New Zealand (NZ) guidelines for the approach to diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children were developed in 2014.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the application of the guidelines in a group of children diagnosed with IBD in regards to baseline investigations.

Methods

This retrospective observational study analyzed the application of recommended baseline investigations included in the NZ guidelines in a group of children aged <16 years diagnosed consecutively with IBD at the 2 NZ tertiary pediatric gastroenterology centers.

Results

Fifty children were included from each center. Seventy-two were diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD), 15 with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 13 were with IBD unclassified. The children with CD had a mean Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index score of 31 and almost half had ileocolonic involvement (47%). The 15 children with UC had a mean PUCAI score of 42, and 13 had pancolonic involvement. All 100 children underwent upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies, and 92% had magnetic resonance enterography at diagnosis. Iron studies, folate, and vitamin B12 were measured in >70 children. Serum zinc, magnesium, and phosphate were infrequently measured. Current anthropometry was recorded in all children but historical growth data were variably recorded. Vaccination status was also inconsistently recorded.

Conclusion

Most of this group of children diagnosed with IBD in 2 NZ centers underwent key recommended investigations at diagnosis including gastrointestinal endoscopy and small bowel imaging. Other baseline assessments, including measurement of micronutrient levels, were completed variably. Measures to enhance consistent baseline assessments are required.

Sex-Specific Pathways Lead to Statural Growth Impairment in Children with Crohn's Disease

OBJECTIVES

To examine the underlying mechanisms that lead growth impairment to occur more commonly in males than females with Crohn's disease (CD).

STUDY DESIGN

Children and adolescents with CD were enrolled in a prospective multicenter longitudinal cohort study. Height Z-score difference was computed as height Z-score based on chronological age (height chronological age-Z-score) minus height Z-score based on bone age (height bone age-Z-score) using longitudinal data. Specific serum cytokines were measured, hormone Z-scores were calculated based on bone age (bone age-Z), and their longitudinal associations were examined.

RESULTS

There were 122 children with CD (63% male) who completed 594 visits. The mean ± SD chronological age was 11.70 ± 1.79 years. The mean ± SD height chronological age-Z-score was -0.03 ± 0.99 in males and -0.49 ± 0.87 in females. The mean ± SD height bone age-Z-score was 0.23 ± 0.93 in males and 0.37 ± 0.96 in females. The magnitude of the mean height Z-score difference was greater in females (-0.87 ± 0.94) than males (-0.27 ± 0.90; P = .005), indicating growth was better in females than males. The following negative associations were identified: in females, interleukin (IL)-8 (P < .001) and IL-12p70 (P = .035) with gonadotropin-bone age-Z-scores; IL-8 (P = .010), IL-12p70 (P = .020), and interferon-γ (P = .004) with sex hormone-bone age-Z-scores, and IL-8 (P = .044) and interferon-γ (P < .001) with insulin-like growth factor 1-bone age-Z-scores; in males, IL-1 beta (P = .019) and IL-6 (P = .025) with insulin-like growth factor 1-bone age-Z-scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that sex-specific molecular pathways lead to growth impairment in children with CD (primarily growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis in males and primarily hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in females). Mapping these sex-specific molecular pathways may help in the development of sex-specific treatment approaches targeting the underlying inflammation characteristic of CD.

Phase Angle as a Comprehensive Tool for Nutritional Monitoring and Management in Patients with Crohn's Disease

Background and Aims: Crohn’s disease (CD) is usually accompanied by malnutrition. CD-related malnutrition can increase morbidity, disability, mortality, and hospitalization costs. The purpose of this study was to find a reliable indicator for evaluating CD patients’ nutritional status. Methods: All data were retrospectively collected from Xiangya Hospital, Central South University between May 2021 and February 2022. All patients were evaluated for nutritional status using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Body composition, resistance, and reactance were recorded by a body analyser, and the phase angle (PhA) was calculated simultaneously. The Mann−Whitney U test, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was built to evaluate the predictive value of differential variables for diagnosing malnutrition based on the GLIM criteria. Results: A total of 169 CD patients were enrolled, of which 74 (58.3%) males and 32 (76.2%) females were diagnosed with malnutrition; 34 (45.9%) males and 22 (68.8%) females were severely malnourished. Univariate analysis identified that as nutritional status deteriorated, body mass index, PhA, and levels of haemoglobin and albumin decreased, while platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen increased (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the PhA was significantly independently associated with malnutrition (p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis indicated that the optimal PhA cut-off levels of 6.11° and 5.55° could be used to predict malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria in males and females, respectively, with a PhA < 5.53° and < 5.12° indicating severe malnutrition in males and females, respectively. Conclusion: The PhA is a sensitive, noninvasive, portable, inexpensive tool that can be used to monitor and manage the nutritional status of CD patients.

Wasting condition as a marker for severe disease in pediatric Crohn's disease

Several studies have shown an association between sarcopenia and clinical outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). However, studies have shown different results, and the association between prognosis and wasting conditions in pediatric patients with CD is uncertain. In this study, we evaluated the clinical significance of wasting in pediatric CD patients.We retrospectively analyzed data on wasting syndrome in patients diagnosed with CD at the Pediatric Department of Gachon University Gil Medical Center between January 1995 and January 2018.Of 105 patients diagnosed with CD, 39.0% were classified into the wasting group (weight-for-age z-score ≤-1) and 61.0% into the nonwasting group (weight-for-age z-score >-1). Height-for-age and body mass index-for-age z-scores at the time of diagnosis were significantly associated with wasting (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). Additionally, wasting was significantly associated with low levels of hemoglobin (P < .001), high levels of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (P = .005) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = .04), and a smaller surface area of the gluteus maximus muscle (P < .001). Interestingly, since the site of CD involvement and other markers for nutrition did not correlate with wasting syndrome, wasting appears to be a marker for the severity of pediatric CD. Lastly, the wasting group tended to have a greater use of biologic therapy after first-line therapy failed to improve wasting syndrome.Wasting syndrome, including sarcopenia, can serve as a marker for the severity of pediatric CD.

[ESPEN guideline: Clinical nutrition in inflammatory bowel disease]

INTRODUCTION

the ESPEN guideline offers a multidisciplinary focus on clinical nutrition in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODOLOGY

the guideline is based on a extensive systematic review of the literature, but relies on expert opinion when objective data are lacking or inconclusive. The conclusions and 64 recommendations have been subject to full peer review and a Delphi process, in which uniformly positive responses (agree or strongly agree) were required.

RESULTS

IBD is increasingly common and potential dietary factors in its etiology are briefly reviewed. Malnutrition is highly prevalent in IBD - especially in Crohn's disease. Increased energy and protein requirements are observed in some patients. The management of malnutrition in IBD is considered within the general context of support for malnourished patients. Treatment of iron deficiency (parenterally, if necessary) is strongly recommended. Routine provision of a special diet in IBD is not, however, supported. Parenteral nutrition is indicated only when enteral nutrition has failed or is impossible. The recommended perioperative management of patients with IBD undergoing surgery accords with general ESPEN guidance for patients having abdominal surgery. Probiotics may be helpful in UC but not in Crohn's disease. Primary therapy using nutrition to treat IBD is not supported in ulcerative colitis but is moderately well supported in Crohn's disease, especially in children, where the adverse consequences of steroid therapy are proportionally greater. However, exclusion diets are generally not recommended and there is little evidence to support any particular formula feed when nutritional regimens are constructed.

CONCLUSIONS

available objective data to guide nutritional support and primary nutritional therapy in IBD are presented as 64 recommendations, of which 9 are very strong recommendations (grade A), 22 are strong recommendations (grade B), and 12 are based only on sparse evidence (grade 0); 21 recommendations are good practice points (GPP).

Oral exclusive enteral nutrition for induction of clinical remission, mucosal healing, and improvement of nutritional status and growth velocity in children with active Crohn's disease - a prospective multicentre trial

Introduction

Undernutrition and growth failure are common problems in paediatric patients with active Crohn's disease (CD).

Aim

The aim of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) commencement is not only to induce clinical remission and promote mucosal healing but also to initiate weight and growth gain, especially in patients with poor nutritional status. We assessed the effectiveness of treatment with EEN and its impact on nutritional status in children with active CD.

Material and methods

Twenty children (male/female: 14/6) in median age of 14 years with active CD had EEN with polymeric industrial diet (Modulen IBD) applied for 6 weeks. The daily caloric intake was established according to the age and nutritional status. In patients with undernutrition, it was increased to 120-150% relative to recommendations for the healthy peers. The Paediatric CD activity index (PCDAI) - a marker of clinical remission, faecal calprotectin (FCP) - a marker of mucosal healing (MH), and nutritional status were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks following the end of the therapy (week 10).

Results

In the studied group the mean decrease in PCDAI score was statistically significant (from 25.6 ±12 to 5.4 ±10, p < 0.05). Full remission (defined as PCDAI < 10) was achieved in 65% of patients, and clinical response in another 30% of them. Only 5% of children did not respond to the treatment. Mean decline in FCP level was statistically significant as well (from 3380 ±7746 to 1046.6 ±1219, p < 0.05). All patients, apart from one who was fed with a nasogastric tube, accepted oral intake of industrial formula. EEN was generally well tolerated. Initially, in 20% of patients the symptoms of intolerance to the industrial diet were observed, but they receded within the first days of the therapy. The recommended daily intake of the formula was achieved in 95% of children. Only one child was unable to intake the prescribed amount of the diet due to intolerance. At baseline, undernutrition was observed in 30% of patients, which was established by a body mass index (BMI) score below the third percentile according to the recommended charts for the Polish paediatric population. In all patients, improvement in BMI status was reported at the end of the treatment. The mean increase in BMI score was 0.91, and it was greater in the malnourished group compared to patients with normal nutritional status (1.19 vs. 0.62). After the treatment two-thirds of children with malnutrition achieved a BMI score within the normal range. In 25% of patients, growth deficit was observed (defined as growth below the third percentile according to the Polish charts) before the EEN introduction. An increase in body height was obtained generally in 55% of children and in 80% of those with initial growth failure. The mean increase in growth was 1 cm, and it was greater in the group with initial growth deficit relative to patients with baseline normal height (1.5 cm vs. 0.8 cm, respectively).

Conclusions

A 6-week course of oral EEN was an effective and well-tolerated method of treatment in children with active CD. Nutritional therapy not only induced full clinical remission and led to decline in FCP level (as a marker of MH) in the majority of patients, but also contributed to the improvement in their nutritional status and growth velocity. These are very important observations because proper development is crucial for paediatric CD patients.

"The Rest of my Childhood was Lost": Canadian Children and Adolescents' Experiences Navigating Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Children and adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) face significant and unique challenges related to their condition. The aim of this study was to better understand some of these challenges, and to explore how Canadian youth respond to them. We interviewed 25 pediatric patients with IBD, ranging in age from 10-17, to find out about their illness experiences. Using a thematic analysis, we discerned three themes: challenges related to diagnosis, making sense of change, and navigating sociability. Taken together, they paint a picture of young people facing great uncertainty prior to diagnosis, pronounced changes to selfhood as they make lifestyle adjustments, and facing difficulties with the implications of reduced sociability because of their disease. We conclude by providing recommendations for the development of resources aimed at helping newly diagnosed pediatric patients navigate these issues.

Outcomes of Primary Ileocolic Resection for Pediatric Crohn Disease in the Biologic Era

OBJECTIVES

Current clinical algorithms position surgery as the last option in pediatric Crohn disease (CD). Studies suggest improved outcomes with earlier surgery, but pediatric postoperative outcomes data in the biologic era are limited. We aimed to describe the preoperative management and postoperative outcomes in a pediatric CD cohort who underwent ileocolic resection (ICR) at a tertiary care inflammatory bowel disease center over the last decade.

METHODS

Single-center, retrospective study of pediatric (<18 years) CD patients who underwent ICR between 2008 and 2019 with primary outcome of rate of endoscopic recurrence (Rutgeerts' >i2) at 2 years post-ICR. Key secondary outcomes included endoscopic remission (Rutgeerts' i0), frequency of 30-day postoperative complications, anthropometric changes, and histologic recurrence. Uni- and multivariable analyses examined associations of clinical/laboratory characteristics with endoscopic recurrence. Factors predictive of 30-day complications were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight children underwent ICR a median of 17.8 months (interquartile range [IQR] 2.6-53.9) from diagnosis. Median age at diagnosis and surgery was 13.8 (11.1-16.7) and 16.8 years (15.1-17.8), respectively. In the 41 patients with >1 post-operative endoscopy, the rate of endoscopic recurrence was 46% at 2 years (median time to recurrence: 10 [7-20] months). Histologic recurrence was present in 44% in endoscopic remission (κ = 0.11, P = 0.53). Endoscopic recurrence was associated with younger age at diagnosis and longer disease duration. 30-day complications occurred at a rate of 18%; only 1% experienced severe complications. All anthropometric measures significantly improved after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the inherent risk of postoperative recurrence associated with age and disease duration, children would benefit from postoperative surveillance and effective prophylaxis.

Running Behind "POPO"-Impact of Predictors of Poor Outcome for Treatment Stratification in Pediatric Crohn's Disease

Background and Aims: Intensifying therapy for Paediatric Crohn's Disease (CD) by early use of immunomodulators and biologics has been proposed for cases in which predictors of poor outcome (POPO) were present. We investigated therapy stratifying potential comparing POPO-positive and -negative CD patients from CEDATA-GPGE®, a German-Austrian Registry for Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel disease.

Methods: CD patients (1–18 years) registered in CEDATA-GPGE® (2004–2018) within 3 months of diagnosis and at least two follow-up visits were included. Disease course and treatments over time were analysed regarding positivity of POPO criteria and test statistical properties.

Results: 709/1084 patients included had at least one POPO criterion (65.4%): 177 patients (16.3%) had persistent disease (POPO2), 581 (53.6%) extensive disease (POPO3), 21 (1.9%) severe growth retardation POPO4, 47 (4.3%) stricturing/penetrating disease (POPO6) and 122 (11.3%) perianal disease (POPO7). Patients with persistent disease differed significantly in lack of sustained remission >1 year (Odd Ratio (OR) 1.49 [1.07–2.07], p = 0.02), patients with initial growth failure in growth failure at end of observation (OR 51.16 [19.89–131.62], p < 0.0001), patients with stricturing and penetrating disease as well as perianal disease in need for surgery (OR 17.76 [9.39–33.58], p < 0.001; OR 2.56 [1.58–4.15], p < 0.001, respectively). Positive Predictive Value for lack of sustained remission was >60% for patients with initial growth failure, persistent or stricturing/penetrating disease.

Conclusion: Predictors of poor outcome with complicated courses of disease were common in CEDATA-GPGE®. An early intensified approach for paediatric CD patients with POPO-positivity (POPO2-4, 6-7) should be considered, because they have an increased risk to fare poorly.

Pathogenesis of Musculoskeletal Deficits in Children and Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Musculoskeletal deficits are among the most commonly reported extra-intestinal manifestations and complications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially in those with Crohn’s disease. The adverse effects of IBD on bone and muscle are multifactorial, including the direct effects of underlying inflammatory disease processes, nutritional deficits, and therapeutic effects. These factors also indirectly impact bone and muscle by interfering with regulatory pathways. Resultantly, individuals with IBD are at increased risk of osteoporosis and sarcopenia and associated musculoskeletal morbidity. In paediatric IBD, these factors may contribute to suboptimal bone and muscle accrual. This review evaluates the main pathogenic factors associated with musculoskeletal deficits in children and adults with IBD and summarises the current literature and understanding of the musculoskeletal phenotype in these patients.

Clinical Variables Associated With Statural Growth in Pediatric Crohn's Disease Differ by Sex (The Growth Study)

BACKGROUND

Statural growth impairment is more common in male patients with Crohn's disease (CD). We identified clinical variables associated with height z score differences by sex in children participating in the Growth Study, a prospective multicenter longitudinal study examining sex differences in growth impairment in pediatric CD.

METHODS

Patients with CD (female patients with bone age [BA] ≥4 years 2 months and ≤12 years; male patients with BA ≥5 years and ≤14 years at screening) who had completed study visit 1 qualified. The height z score difference was computed as height z score based on chronological age minus height z score based on BA.

RESULTS

One hundred thirteen patients with CD (36% female) qualified. The mean chronological age was 12.0 ± 1.8 (SD) years. The magnitude of the mean height z score difference was significantly greater in female patients (-0.9 ± 0.8) than in male patients (-0.5 ± 0.9; P = 0.021). An initial classification of inflammatory bowel disease as CD (P = 0.038) and perianal disease behavior at diagnosis (P = 0.009) were associated with higher standardized height gain with BA progression, and arthralgia at symptom onset (P = 0.016), azathioprine/6-merpcaptopurine (P = 0.041), and probiotics (P ≤ 0.021) were associated with lower standardized height gain with BA progression in female patients. Patient-reported poor growth at symptom onset (P = 0.001), infliximab (P ≤ 0.025), biologics (P ≤ 0.015), methotrexate (P = 0.042), and vitamin D (P ≤ 0.010) were associated with higher standardized height gain with BA progression, and initial classification as CD (P = 0.025) and anorexia (P = 0.005) or mouth sores (P = 0.004) at symptom onset were associated with lower standardized height gain with BA progression in male patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Different clinical variables were associated with statural growth in male patients vs female patients, suggesting that sex-specific molecular pathways lead to statural growth impairment in CD.

Dietary Management in Pediatric Patients with Crohn's Disease

It has been widely endorsed that a multifactorial etiology, including interaction between genetic and environmental factors, can contribute to Crohn's Disease (CD) pathogenesis. More specifically, diet has proven to be able to shape gut microbiota composition and thus is suspected to play a significant role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis. Moreover, poor nutritional status and growth retardation, arising from several factors such as reduced dietary intake or nutrient leakage from the gastrointestinal tract, represent the hallmarks of pediatric CD. For these reasons, multiple research lines have recently focused on the utilization of dietary therapies for the management of CD, aiming to target concurrently mucosal inflammation, intestinal dysbiosis and optimization of nutritional status. The forerunner of such interventions is represented by exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), a robustly supported nutritional therapy; however, it is burdened by monotony and low tolerance in the long term. Novel dietary interventions, such as Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet or Crohn's Disease treatment with eating, have shown their efficacy in the induction of remission in pediatric patients with CD. The aim of the present narrative review is to provide a synopsis of the available nutritional strategies in the management of pediatric CD and to discuss their application in the dietary management of these patients.

Growth failure is rare in a contemporary cohort of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients

AIM

We assessed growth in a paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) cohort.

METHODS

Paediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients were eligible if they were diagnosed at Southampton Children's Hospital from 2011 to 2018. Weight and height standard deviation scores (SDS) were retrieved. Mean SDS values, SDS change and anti-TNF status were analysed at diagnosis and during follow-up.

RESULTS

Four hundred and ninety patients were included, 313 with Crohn's disease (CD). CD patients presented with mean height SDS -0.13, -0.1 at 1-year, -0.11 at 2-years and -0.03 at 5 years, reflecting preserved linear growth. There was no significant height-SDS change from diagnosis to 5-year follow-up, +0.12, 95%-CI: 0.48 to -0.24. Mean weight-SDS at diagnosis was -0.39, driven by CD patients (-0.65). Mean weight-SDS approached 0 after 1 year and remained at the 50th centile throughout follow-up. Growth in ulcerative colitis was maintained. In multivariable regression males had worse height growth from diagnosis to transition (P = .036). Anti-TNF treatment (P = .013) and surgical resection (P = .005) were also associated with poorer linear growth. Patients treated with anti-TNF therapy had lower height-SDS compared to those never treated with anti-TNF at 1 year (-0.2 vs -0.01, P = .22), 2-years (-0.27 vs -0.01, P = .07) and 5 years (-0.21 vs 0.25, P = .051).

CONCLUSION

Height was generally maintained in Crohn's disease, and impaired linear growth was rare in this cohort.

Predicting Outcomes in Pediatric Crohn's Disease for Management Optimization: Systematic Review and Consensus Statements From the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Ahead Program

BACKGROUND & AIMS

A better understanding of prognostic factors within the heterogeneous spectrum of pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) should improve patient management and reduce complications. We aimed to identify evidence-based predictors of outcomes with the goal of optimizing individual patient management.

METHODS

A survey of 202 experts in pediatric CD identified and prioritized adverse outcomes to be avoided. A systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis, when possible, was performed to identify clinical studies that investigated predictors of these outcomes. Multiple national and international face-to-face meetings were held to draft consensus statements based on the published evidence.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on 27 statements regarding prognostic factors for surgery, complications, chronically active pediatric CD, and hospitalization. Prognostic factors for surgery included CD diagnosis during adolescence, growth impairment, NOD2/CARD15 polymorphisms, disease behavior, and positive anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody status. Isolated colonic disease was associated with fewer surgeries. Older age at presentation, small bowel disease, serology (anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody, antiflagellin, and OmpC), NOD2/CARD15 polymorphisms, perianal disease, and ethnicity were risk factors for penetrating (B3) and/or stenotic disease (B2). Male sex, young age at onset, small bowel disease, more active disease, and diagnostic delay may be associated with growth impairment. Malnutrition and higher disease activity were associated with reduced bone density.

CONCLUSIONS

These evidence-based consensus statements offer insight into predictors of poor outcomes in pediatric CD and are valuable when developing treatment algorithms and planning future studies. Targeted longitudinal studies are needed to further characterize prognostic factors in pediatric CD and to evaluate the impact of treatment algorithms tailored to individual patient risk.

Continued Statural Growth in Older Adolescents and Young Adults With Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Beyond the Time of Expected Growth Plate Closure

BACKGROUND

Cessation of statural growth occurs with radiographic closure of the growth plates, radiographically defined as bone age (BA) 15 years in females and 17 in males.

METHODS

We determined the frequency of continued growth and compared the total height gain beyond the time of expected growth plate closure and the chronological age at achievement of final adult height in Crohn's disease (CD) vs ulcerative colitis (UC) and described height velocity curves in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared with children in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We identified all females older than chronological age (CA) 15 years and males older than CA 17 years with CD or UC in the ImproveCareNow registry who had height documented at ≥3 visits ≥6 months apart.

RESULTS

Three thousand seven patients (48% female; 76% CD) qualified. Of these patients, 80% manifested continued growth, more commonly in CD (81%) than UC (75%; P = 0.0002) and in females with CD (83%) than males with CD (79%; P = 0.012). Median height gain was greater in males with CD (1.6 cm) than in males with UC (1.3 cm; P = 0.0004), and in females with CD (1.8 cm) than in females with UC (1.5 cm; P = 0.025). Height velocity curves were shifted to the right in patients with IBD vs NHANES.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric patients with IBD frequently continue to grow beyond the time of expected growth plate closure. Unexpectedly, a high proportion of patients with UC exhibited continued growth, indicating delayed BA is also common in UC. Growth, a dynamic marker of disease status, requires continued monitoring even after patients transition from pediatric to adult care.

Relations between disease status and body composition in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

To evaluate the effect of remission status on physical activity and body composition in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) and healthy peers. Single-center cohort study, including 54 PIBD patients and 33 healthy peers. During the initial study visit, a brief demographic questionnaire, physical activity questionnaire completed by participants, and instructions on recording dietary intake were given. Physicians completed the Physician Global Assessment (PGA) for disease severity. Medical chart abstraction was done to obtain disease variables of interest. DEXA scan completed 1 week later to obtain information on body composition. Variables of interest were compared between the three groups (IBD-Remission, IBD-Active, and healthy controls) using an ANOVA or Chi-square test as appropriate. IBD patients were older than controls, reported lower quality of life (73.9 vs. 80.9), and engaged in less MVPA (195.4 versus 361.1). The IBD-Active group had a significantly lower lean body mass, bone mineral density, and time spent in MVPA compared to the IBD-Remission group and healthy controls. IBD-Remission group had a significantly lower percentage of biologic use (55% vs. 87%) and comorbidities (26% vs. 44%) compared to IBD-active group. IBD-remission group also had a lower fat mass percentage. In this study, we report significantly favorable LBM, BMD, and time spent in MVPA in patients with IBD in remission compared to those not in remission with the former demonstrating a body composition resembling that of healthy peers.Conclusion: While an improvement in BMD was observed with remission, the scores were still lower than controls. What is Known: • Body composition deficits in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease are common and some persist despite achievement of remission leading to long term outcomes including osteopenia and osteoporosis. • Weight restoration in patients with pediatric IBD is primarily explained by gains in fat mass without similar gains in lean mass. What is New: • While an improvement in bone mineral density was observed, the achievement of remission significantly improves affects physical activity and body composition in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. • However, some parameters of body composition do not reach levels comparable to healthy peers.

Prevalence of nutritional disorders in Saudi children with inflammatory bowel disease based on the national growth reference

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

The prevalence of nutritional disorders in Saudi children with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) has been reported using the World Health Organization (WHO) reference. Our aim was to provide more accurate definition of the prevalence of nutritional impairment in Saudi children with IBDs based on the national growth reference and to demonstrate the effect of using a reference from other populations on the prevalence rates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Weight, height, and body mass index data, from the multicenter study of IBDs in Saudi children and adolescents, were plotted on the new Saudi national growth reference. Statistical analyses included frequency calculations and z-test for proportions to investigate the significance of the difference in prevalence. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Among a total of 374 patients, 119 (32%) had ulcerative colitis (UC) and 255 (68%) had Crohn's disease (CD). Compared with the WHO reference, the Saudi national reference produced a significantly lower prevalence of thinness in patients with UC (24% vs. 8%, p = 0.001), CD (35% vs. 20%, p = 0.002), and of short stature in patients with CD (28% vs. 11%, p < 0.001). The difference in the prevalence of overweight was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide more accurate prevalence estimate of nutritional disorders in Saudi children with IBDs based on national reference. The use of the WHO reference overestimated the prevalence of thinness and short stature in Saudi children. Prevalence estimates based on references from other populations should be interpreted with caution.

Extraintestinal Manifestations Are Associated With Disease Severity in Pediatric Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) and a more severe disease course in pediatric onset inflammatory bowel disease (pIBD).

METHODS

This study compares the disease course of pIBD patients (IBD diagnosis <15 years of age) with and without EIM in a population-based cohort from Denmark. Patients diagnosed with pIBD between 1998 and 2008 were included in the study and followed until December 31, 2014. Data on phenotype, treatment, relapses, and the temporal relationship between IBD relapses and activity of EIM were collected at end of follow-up by manual revision of patient charts.

RESULTS

Of 333 pIBD patients, 14 (4.2%) had EIM at time of diagnosis and 47 (14.1%) developed EIM during follow-up. Median follow-up time was 9.6 years for patients with EIM and 8.8 years for patients without. In ulcerative colitis, EIM were associated with an increased risk of biological treatment and surgery (hazard ratio: 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-5.5, P = 0.008 and 2.9 [95% CI: 1.1-7.7, P = 0.03], respectively). In Crohn disease, EIM were associated with an increased relapse rate (1.3 [95% CI: 1.1-1.5], P = 0.001). Lastly, we found a positive temporal relationship between relapse of IBD and EIM activity.

CONCLUSION

The presence of EIM is associated with a more severe disease course in pIBD. This should be considered when deciding treatment options, as a more aggressive treatment approach could be warranted in patients with EIM. However, prospective studies are needed to fully evaluate this.

Introduction to and Screening Visit Results of the Multicenter Pediatric Crohn's Disease Growth Study

BACKGROUND

Statural growth impairment is more common in males with Crohn's disease (CD). We assessed sex differences in height Z score differences and bone age (BA) Z scores and characterized age of menarche in a novel contemporary cohort of pediatric CD patients undergoing screening for enrollment in the multicenter longitudinal Growth Study.

METHODS

Crohn's disease patients (females with chronological age [CA] 5 years and older and younger than 14 years; males with CA 6 years and older and younger than 16 years) participated in a screening visit for the Growth Study. Height BA-Z scores are height Z scores calculated based on BA. Height CA-Z scores are height Z scores calculated based on CA. The height Z score difference equals height CA-Z score minus height BA-Z score.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-one patients (60% male) qualified for this analysis. Mean CA was 12.2 years. Mean height CA-Z score was -0.4, and mean height BA-Z score was 0.4 in females. Mean height CA-Z score was -0.1, and mean height BA-Z score was 0.2 in males. The absolute value of the mean height Z score difference was significantly greater in females (0.8) than males (0.3; P = 0.005). The mean BA-Z score in females (-1.0) was significantly lower than in males (-0.2; P = 0.002). The median CA at menarche was 13.6 (95% CI, 12.6-14.6) years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our screening visit data suggest that standardized height gain is lower in males with skeletal maturation and delayed puberty is common in females in CD. We are investigating these findings in the ongoing Growth Study.

ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in inflammatory bowel disease

The present guideline is the first of a new series of "practical guidelines" based on more detailed scientific guidelines produced by ESPEN during the last few years. The guidelines have been shortened and now include flow charts that connect the individual recommendations to logical care pathways and allow rapid navigation through the guideline. The purpose of the present practical guideline is to provide an easy-to-use tool to guide nutritional support and primary nutritional therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The guideline is aimed at professionals working in clinical practice, either in hospitals or in outpatient medicine, and treating patients with IBD. In 40 recommendations, general aspects of care in patients with IBD, and specific aspects during active disease and in remission are addressed. All recommendations are equipped with evidence grades, consensus rates, short commentaries and links to cited literature.

Protocol for a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study for assessing the feasibility and efficacy of faecal microbiota transplant in a paediatric Crohn's disease population: PediCRaFT Trial

INTRODUCTION

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition with transmural involvement of the gastrointestinal tract. Extraintestinal manifestations are common, and the disease burden on patients and the healthcare system is significant. While treatment options have expanded in recent years, they have mainly focused on dampening the immune response, thus carrying notable risks associated with long-term immunosuppression. Faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) targets inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by modifying intestinal dysbiosis. Limited adult and paediatric data have demonstrated a favourable response to FMT in IBD; however, no randomised controlled trial has yet been published in paediatrics. This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study will assess feasibility and efficacy outcomes of FMT in a paediatric CD population.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Forty-five patients between the ages of 3 and 17 years, with established CD or IBD unclassified, will be enrolled 2:1 to undergo FMT intervention or placebo control. Participants will undergo a colonoscopic infusion to the terminal ileum at baseline, followed by oral capsules two times per week for 6 weeks. Outcomes will be measured throughout the intervention period and 18 weeks of subsequent follow-up. Primary outcomes will assess feasibility, including patient recruitment, sample collection and rates of adverse events. Secondary outcomes will address clinical efficacy, including change in clinical response, change in urine metabolome and change in microbiome.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval from the local hospital research ethics board was obtained at the primary site (McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton), with ethics pending at the secondary site (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire-Sainte-Justine, Montréal). RBX7455 and RBX2660 are human donor-sourced, microbiota-based therapeutic formulations. Both RBX7455 and RBX2660 are currently undergoing clinical trials to support potential US Food and Drug Administration approval. Approval to conduct this paediatric clinical trial was obtained from Health Canada's Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate. The results of this trial will be published in peer-reviewed journals and will help inform a large, multicentre trial in the future.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03378167; pre-results.

Special clinical characteristics and outcomes in Chinese pediatric patients with early-onset Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical and nutritional characteristics of early-onset Crohn's disease (EO-CD) in China.

METHODS

Patients were defined as having EO-CD (age at diagnosis <10 y) or late-onset Crohn's disease (LO-CD; age at diagnosis of 10-17 y). Their characteristics, clinical, and nutritional data were collected at baseline and at each follow-up visit. Statistical analyses were used to compare differences in both groups.

RESULTS

From July 1993 to February 2017, of the 137 children enrolled, 68 (49.6%) had EO-CD and 69 (50.4%) had LO-CD. More patients with EO-CD than those with LO-CD presented with diarrhea, hematochezia, growth delay, anemia and skin disease, and had higher pediatric Crohn's disease activity index scores at diagnosis (all P < 0.05). Fewer patients with EO-CD achieved their first remission (42.6% vs 76.8%, P < 0.0001) during follow-up. Patients with EO-CD required a longer treatment time to reach remission (P = 0.0049) and had a higher mortality rate (P = 0.0133), as well as lower height and weight percentiles (P = 0.0200 and 0.0288, respectively), hemoglobin (P = 0.0185) and albumin levels (P = 0.0002), zinc (P = 0.0024) and iron (P = 0.0110) concentrations in blood at diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The EO-CD group had worse clinical outcomes and nutritional status than the LO-CD group.

Nutritional status and food intake in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease at diagnosis significantly differs from healthy controls

Nutritional status and dietary intake in pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease are complex and need to be further explored. Therefore, we have assessed anthropometric measures, body composition, and dietary intake of newly diagnosed pediatric patients, and compared them with healthy controls. This was a prospective cross-sectional study including newly diagnosed patients with inflammatory bowel disease (n = 89) and healthy controls (n = 159). Mean energy intake was significantly lower in healthy controls compared to patients with ulcerative colitis, but not in patients with Crohn's disease. Intake of all macronutrients, dietary fiber, and calcium was significantly lower in patients with ulcerative colitis, whereas the only intake of animal protein, fruit, and calcium differed significantly in patients with Crohn's disease. There were no significant differences in the body fat percentage between patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease vs. controls; however, lean mass-for-age z-scores were significantly lower in patients with both diseases in comparison to controls.Conclusion: Food intake of newly diagnosed pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease significantly differed from healthy controls. Altered anthropometry and body composition are present already at the time of diagnosis. What is Known: • Children with inflammatory bowel disease suffer from malnutrition, especially children with Crohn's disease in whom linear growth failure often precedes gastrointestinal symptoms. What is New: • This study showed significantly lower intake of energy, macronutrients, and various micronutrients in patients with ulcerative colitis compared to healthy controls, while patients with Crohn's disease have a lower intake of fruits, calcium, and animal protein at diagnosis. • Altered body composition is present in both groups of patients at the time of diagnosis.

Systematic Analysis of the Impact of Diagnostic Delay on Bowel Damage in Paediatric Versus Adult Onset Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Length of diagnostic delay is associated with bowel strictures and intestinal surgery in adult patients with Crohn's disease [CD]. Here we assessed whether diagnostic delay similarly impacts on the natural history of paediatric CD patients.

METHODS

Data from the Swiss IBD Cohort Study were analysed. Frequency of CD-related complications [bowel stenosis, perianal fistula, internal fistula, any fistula, resection surgery, fistula/abscess surgery, any complication] at diagnosis and in the long term [up to 30 years after CD diagnosis] was compared between paediatric patients [diagnosed <18 years] and adult patients [diagnosed ≥18 years] using multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression modelling.

RESULTS

From 2006 to 2016, 387 paediatric and 1163 adult CD patients were included. Median [interquartile range: IQR] diagnostic delay was 3 [1-9] for the paediatric and 6 [1-24] months for the adult group, respectively. Adult onset CD patients presented at diagnosis more frequently with bowel stenosis [p <0.001] and bowel surgery [p <0.001] compared with paediatric CD patients. In the long term, length of diagnostic delay was significantly associated with bowel stenosis [p = 0.001], internal fistula [p = 0.038], and any complication [p = 0.024] in the adult onset CD population. No significant association between length of diagnostic delay and CD-related outcomes in the long term was observed in the paediatric population.

CONCLUSIONS

Adult CD patients have longer diagnostic delay compared with paediatric CD patients and present at diagnosis more often with bowel stenosis and surgery. Length of diagnostic delay was found to be predictive for CD-related complications only in the adult but not in the paediatric CD population.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Malnutrition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Is There a Difference Based on Pediatric or Adult Age Grouping?

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition, commonly observed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and is attributed to multiple causes. The added energy costs of growth in the child and adolescent with IBD are an additional risk factor.

METHODS

The aim of the study was to perform a cross-sectional comparison of nutritional parameters in IBD between pediatric and adult cases.

RESULTS

We found that prevalence of undernutrition (low body mass index) and hypoalbuminemia was not different in pediatric, compared with adult patients. Anemia and iron deficiency were more often observed in pediatric subjects, compared with adults (59.1% vs 36.9%, respectively, P < 0.0001; and 37.9% vs 25.3%, P < 0.002). Vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly less common in the pediatric than in the adult group (5.4% vs 19.4%, P < 0.0001). Elevated C-reactive protein was more frequent in pediatric compared with adult cases (49.8% vs 38.4%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with active Crohn's disease were more likely to be undernourished in both pediatric and adult populations. In both groups, predicators of undernutrition included low albumin levels (odds ratio [OR], 2.53; P < 0.006) and active disease (OR, 1.99; P < 0.03). Our results call for close surveillance of nutritional status for IBD patients, regardless of age.

Use of Anti-TNF Alpha Blockers Can Reduce Operation Rate and Lead to Growth Gain in Pediatric Crohn's Disease

PURPOSE

Pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) is directly related to growth and has a high probability of requiring surgical intervention(s); therefore, more active treatment for CD is required for children. This study investigated the impact of biologics on growth and disease course associated with surgery.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study involving patients diagnosed with CD at the Seoul National University Children's Hospital (Seoul, Korea) between January 2006 and October 2017. The aim was to determine the characteristics of pediatric patients with CD and whether biologics affected growth and the surgical disease course.

RESULTS

Among patients who underwent surgery for CD, the mean number of operations per patient was 1.89. The mean time from initial diagnosis to surgery was 19.3 months. The most common procedure was fistulectomy (34%), followed by incision and drainage (25%). In all patients, the use of biologics increased the height (p=0.002) and body mass index (BMI) (p=0.005). Among patients who underwent surgery, height (p=0.004) and BMI (p=0.048) were increased in the group using biologics. Patients who used biologics exhibited a low operation rate only within 2 years after diagnosis, with no differences thereafter (p=0.027).

CONCLUSION

Although biologics could not mitigate the operation rate in pediatric patients who underwent surgery for CD, biological therapy delayed disease progression within 2 years of disease onset. Additionally, biologics conferred growth and BMI benefits in this window period. Therefore, it may be helpful to use biologics for optimal growth in pediatric patients with a high probability of undergoing future surgery.

Diet and inflammatory bowel disease: The Asian Working Group guidelines

INTRODUCTION

These Asian Working Group guidelines on diet in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) present a multidisciplinary focus on clinical nutrition in IBD in Asian countries.

METHODOLOGY

The guidelines are based on evidence from existing published literature; however, if objective data were lacking or inconclusive, expert opinion was considered. The conclusions and 38 recommendations have been subject to full peer review and a Delphi process in which uniformly positive responses (agree or strongly agree) were required.

RESULTS

Diet has an important role in IBD pathogenesis, and an increase in the incidence of IBD in Asian countries has paralleled changes in the dietary patterns. The present consensus endeavors to address the following topics in relation to IBD: (i) role of diet in the pathogenesis; (ii) diet as a therapy; (iii) malnutrition and nutritional assessment of the patients; (iv) dietary recommendations; (v) nutritional rehabilitation; and (vi) nutrition in special situations like surgery, pregnancy, and lactation.

CONCLUSIONS

Available objective data to guide nutritional support and primary nutritional therapy in IBD are presented as 38 recommendations.

Anthropometric Measures in Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Growth impairment is common in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Nevertheless, a controversy exists regarding disease impact on anthropometric measures in the long term. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of IBD on anthropometric measures, including weight, height, and body mass index (BMI), during late adolescence in a cross-sectional, population-based study.

METHODS

A total of 1,144,213 Jewish Israeli adolescents who underwent a general health examination from 2002 to 2016 at a median age (interquartile range) of 17.1 (16.9-17.3) years were included. Inflammatory bowel disease cases were stratified into Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Patients were also subgrouped based on age at IBD diagnosis.

RESULTS

Overall, 2372 cases of IBD were identified out of 1,144,213 persons examined (0.2%). Crohn's disease accounted for 68% of IBD cases. Males and females with CD (but not with UC) had significantly lower weight and BMI compared with controls. Differences in height at late adolescence were not statistically significant for either disease compared with controls (females: 162 cm vs 161.7 cm vs 161.5 cm; males: 174 cm vs 173.7 cm vs 173.6 cm for controls, UC, and CD, respectively). In a subgroup analysis, patients with CD diagnosed at age <14 years were significantly shorter than controls (males: 172.7 cm vs 174 cm; P = 0.001; females: 160.6 cm vs 162; P = 0.008). This pattern was not noted in UC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with CD were leaner compared with the general population. No overall difference was noted in height at late adolescence. Younger age at diagnosis was associated with reduced height in CD patients.

Long-term outcome of pediatric-onset Crohn's disease: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Pediatric-onset Crohn's disease (CD) may represent a more severe form of disease. The aim of this study was to describe long-term outcome and identify associated risk factors of complicated behavior in a large population-based pediatric-onset CD cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cases included all patients recorded in the EPIMAD registry diagnosed with definite or probable CD between January 1988 and December 2004, under the age of 17 years at the time of diagnosis, with at least two years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Five hundred and thirty-five patients were included. Median follow-up was 11.1 years [IQR, 7.3-15.0]. At the end of follow-up, 8% (n = 44) of patients had pure ileal disease (L1), 8% (n = 44) had pure colonic disease (L2), and 83% (n = 439) had ileocolonic disease (L3). L4 disease and perianal disease were observed in 42% (n = 227) and 16% (n = 85) of patients, respectively. At the end of follow-up, 58% (n = 308) of patients presented complicated disease behavior (B2, 39% and B3, 19%), and 42% (n = 163) of patients with inflammatory behavior at diagnosis had evolved to complicated behavior. During follow-up, 86% of patients (n = 466) received at least one course of corticosteroids, 67% (n = 357) of patients had been exposed to immunosuppressants and 35% (n = 187) of patients received at least one anti-TNF agent. Forty-three percent (n = 230) of patients underwent at least one intestinal resection. The overall mortality rate was 0.93% and the SMR was 1.6 [0.5-3.8] (p = 0.20). Five cancers were reported with a crude cancer incidence rate of 1.1% and an SIR of 3.3 [1.2-7.0] (p = 0.01). In a multivariate Cox model, ileal (HR, 1.87 [1.09-3.21], p = 0.022) or ileocolonic (HR, 1.54 [1.01-2.34], p = 0.042) and perianal lesions at diagnosis (HR, 1.81 [1.13- 2.89], p = 0.013) were significantly associated with complicated behavior.

CONCLUSION

About 80% of patients with pediatric-onset CD presented extensive ileocolonic disease during follow-up. The majority of patients evolved to complicated behavior. Surgery, cancer and mortality were observed in 43%, 0.9% and 0.9% of patients, respectively.

Trends in the epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease among Jewish Israeli adolescents: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

The incidence and prevalence trends of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) vary between developed and developing countries.

AIM

To investigate the prevalence and associated sociodemographic factors of IBD in Israeli Jewish adolescents METHODS: The files of the army medical corps were reviewed for adolescents recruited in 2002-2016 with confirmed IBD. Covariate data included birth date, patient and parental country of birth, number of children in the household, age at diagnosis, and socioeconomic status. Findings were compared with the remaining recruits without IBD.

RESULTS

Of the 1,144,213 adolescents recruited, 2372 (0.2%) had IBD (Crohn's disease, 68%). Median age of the cohort was 17.1 years (interquartile range, 16.9-17.3). Over the study period, the annual point prevalence per 100,000 examinees significantly increased: total IBD, 58 to 373; Crohn's disease, 42 to 425; ulcerative colitis, 16 to 128. Mean age at IBD diagnosis decreased from 15.0 ± 2.8 years in 2002-2008 to 14.3 ± 3.1 years in 2009-2016 (P < 0.0001). Significance was maintained on separate analyses of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both diseases were significantly less prevalent in subjects from families with at least one parent born in a developing country and ≥3 children. There was a significant association of lower socioeconomic status with lower prevalence of Crohn's disease (odds ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.54) and ulcerative colitis (odds ratio 0.25, 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.42).

CONCLUSIONS

The point prevalence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in Israeli Jewish adolescents increased six-fold and eight-fold, respectively, over 15 years along with a decrease in age at diagnosis.

Conceptual Model of Lean Body Mass in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Youth with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) demonstrate deficits in lean mass (LM) placing them at increased risk for future health problems, including reduction of bone mass and impaired bone architecture. Research suggests that deficits in LM are multifactorial, including influences from the disease and its treatment, and health behaviors such as diet and physical activity. Based on a systematic literature review examining factors related to LM deficits in IBD, this article presents a conceptual model to explain the development of LM in youth with IBD. The model considers predictors of LM across 4 domains: demographic; medical; diet; and physical activity. Much existing research is cross-sectional, but suggests multiple factors work together to promote or inhibit LM accrual in youth with IBD. The conceptual model, developed based on empirical findings to date, can be used to understand and further elucidate the process through which LM is developed and maintained, to inform the development of empirically supported clinical interventions, and to guide future research objectives and priorities.

Increased prevalence of anti-TNF therapy in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease is associated with a decline in surgical resections during childhood

BACKGROUND

Anti-tumour necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF) therapy use has risen in paediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD). Whether this has translated into preventing/delaying childhood surgery is uncertain. The Wessex PIBD cohort was analysed for trends in anti-TNF-therapy and surgery.

AIM

To assess patients diagnosed with PIBD within Wessex from 1997 to 2017. The prevalence of anti-TNF-therapy and yearly surgery rates (resection and perianal) during childhood (<18 years) were analysed (Pearson's correlation, multivariate regression, Fisher's exact).

RESULTS

Eight-hundred-and-twenty-five children were included (498 Crohn's disease, 272 ulcerative colitis, 55 IBD-unclassified), mean age at diagnosis 13.6 years (1.6-17.6), 39.6% female. The prevalence of anti-TNF-treated patients increased from 5.1% to 27.1% (2007-2017), P = 0.0001. Surgical resection-rate fell (7.1%-1.5%, P = 0.001), driven by a decrease in Crohn's disease resections (8.9%-2.3%, P = 0.001). Perianal surgery and ulcerative colitis resection-rates were unchanged. Time from diagnosis to resection increased (1.6-2.8 years, P = 0.028) but mean age at resection was unchanged. Patients undergoing resections during childhood were diagnosed at a younger age in the most recent 5 years (2007-2011 = 13.1 years, 2013-2017 = 11.9 years, P = 0.014). Resection-rate in anti-TNF-therapy treated (16.1%) or untreated (12.2%) was no different (P = 0.25). Patients started on anti-TNF-therapy <3 years post-diagnosis (11.6%) vs later (28.6%) had a reduction in resections, P = 0.047. Anti-TNF-therapy prevalence was the only significant predictor of resection-rate using multivariate regression (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of anti-TNF-therapy increased significantly, alongside a decrease in surgical resection-rate. Patients diagnosed at younger ages still underwent surgery during childhood. Anti-TNF-therapy may reduce the need for surgical intervention in childhood, thereby influencing the natural history of PIBD.

Impact of Education on School Nurses' Knowledge of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background/Aims

School nurses’ knowledge of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been evaluated. We aimed to investigate school nurses’ knowledge of IBD and determine whether education could improve this knowledge.

Methods

School nurses were invited to complete self-reported questionnaires on IBD. Then, IBD specialists from tertiary referral hospitals provided a 60-minute lecture with educational brochures on two occasions, with a 3-month interval. Within 6 months after the educational interventions, school nurses were asked to complete the same IBD questionnaire via e-mail.

Results

Among 101 school nurses who were invited to participate, 54 nurses (53.5%) who completed two consecutive questionnaires were included in this study (median age, 45 years; range, 25 to 59 years; 100% female); 11.1% and 7.4% of the study participants had no knowledge regarding ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively. They had heard of IBD most frequently from doctors (33.3%), followed by internet sources (25.9%). After 6 months, the number of nurses who could explain IBD to students with over 30% confidence increased from 24 (44.5%) to 42 (77.8%) (p<0.001). Most nurses (81.5%) reported that the educational intervention was helpful for managing students with abdominal pain or diarrhea. The number of students who received IBD-related welfare services from the Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education doubled when compared with the corresponding number during the prior educational year.

Conclusions

There is room for improvement in school nurses’ knowledge of IBD. A systematic educational program on IBD should be implemented for these nurses.

Growth failure in pediatric onset inflammatory bowel disease: mechanisms, epidemiology, and management

Impairment of growth is recognized as one of the most significant complications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in pediatric patients. The reported incidence of growth failure at diagnosis is 15-40% in pediatric onset Crohn's disease (CD) and 3-10% in ulcerative colitis (UC). Growth failure is associated with decreased appetite, abdominal symptoms, malabsorption due to mucosal inflammation, growth hormone (GH) resistance due to inflammation, and even genetic factors. Several population-based studies and cohort studies suggest that patients with pre-pubertal onset CD have a higher risk of growth failure at disease onset. Final adult height is still lower than that of healthy controls; however, its prevalence is generally lower than that at the disease onset. Several IBD treatments were reported to improve patients' growth. In addition to enteral nutrition therapy, treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents was reported to have favorable effects on growth of patients with pre-pubertal onset CD. Avoiding corticosteroids (CS) and achieving deep remission seems to be important to maintain optimal growth in patients with pediatric onset IBD.

Body height in paediatric inflammatory bowel diseases: A structural equation model analysis

BACKGROUND

Linear growth restriction is a unique feature of paediatric inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and reduced insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) is a major determinant of short stature. We aimed to assess factors influencing somatic height in children suffering from IBD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted after approval by Institutional authorities. Anthropometric data, disease-related factors, biochemical and clinical indices of inflammation and endocrine parameters were recorded and considered as explanatory covariates. A structural equation model analysis was utilized. Somatic height was the outcome of interest, and possible associations of explanatory covariates directly or through the mediation effect of IGF-1 were assessed.

RESULTS

Systemic inflammation, as expressed by high-sensitivity intereukin-6 (IL-6), and nutritional status described by body mass index (BMI) were the pathways that significantly affected stature through the mediation effect of IGF-1. Cortisol showed a direct, positive and independent of IGF-1 association with height.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin-like growth factor-1 is a key player in the process that results in impaired linear growth. Malnutrition and systemic inflammation have a restrictive action on growth by reducing circulating IGF-1. The positive relation of serum cortisol to height could correspond to suppressed pituitary-adrenal axis due to long-term use of glucocorticoids.