Perianal Crohn's Disease

Management of Complications in Crohn's Disease

Complications of Crohn's disease reach far beyond postsurgical leak, infection, and enterocutaneous fistula. Malnutrition, intestinal failure, and recurrent disease all will require ongoing attentions. The management of these patients may further be complicated by the need for chronic immunosuppression. The underlying principles continue to include optimization of nutritional status, and preservation of bowel length when possible. However, there have been several recent advances in both the medical and surgical management of the disease. Understanding the contribution of the mesentery to inflammation, new surgical techniques such as the Kono-S anastomosis and extended mesenteric resection is decreasing the need for repeated resections.

Leukocyte dysfunction and reduced CTLA-4 expression are associated with perianal Crohn's disease

Although perianal Crohn's disease (PCD) is highly associated with the exacerbated inflammation, the molecular basis and immunological signature that distinguish patients who present a history of perianal lesions are still unclear. This paper aims to define immunological characteristics related to PCD. In this cross-sectional observational study, we enrolled 20 healthy controls and 39 CD patients. Blood samples were obtained for the detection of plasma cytokines and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were phenotyped by flow cytometry. Leukocytes were stimulated with LPS or anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies. Our results show that CD patients had augmented plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and LPS. However, their PBMC was characterized by decreased IL-6 production, while patients with a history of PCD produced higher IL-6, IL-8, and interferon-γ, along with decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF). CD patients had augmented FoxP3 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) regulatory markers, though the PCD subjects presented a significant reduction in CTLA-4 expression. CTLA-4 as well as IL-6 and TNF responses were able to distinguish the PCD patients from those who did not present perianal complications. In conclusion, IL-6, TNF, and CTLA-4 exhibit a distinct expression pattern in CD patients with a history of PCD, regardless of disease activity. These findings clarify some mechanisms involved in the development of the perianal manifestations and may have a great impact on the disease management.

Pleasurable and problematic receptive anal intercourse and diseases of the colon, rectum and anus

The ability to experience pleasurable sexual activity is important for human health. Receptive anal intercourse (RAI) is a common, though frequently stigmatized, pleasurable sexual activity. Little is known about how diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus and their treatments affect RAI. Engaging in RAI with gastrointestinal disease can be difficult due to the unpredictability of symptoms and treatment-related toxic effects. Patients might experience sphincter hypertonicity, gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety, altered pelvic blood flow from structural disorders, decreased sensation from cancer-directed therapies or body image issues from stoma creation. These can result in problematic RAI - encompassing anodyspareunia (painful RAI), arousal dysfunction, orgasm dysfunction and decreased sexual desire. Therapeutic strategies for problematic RAI in patients living with gastrointestinal diseases and/or treatment-related dysfunction include pelvic floor muscle strengthening and stretching, psychological interventions, and restorative devices. Providing health-care professionals with a framework to discuss pleasurable RAI and diagnose problematic RAI can help improve patient outcomes. Normalizing RAI, affirming pleasure from RAI and acknowledging that the gastrointestinal system is involved in sexual pleasure, sexual function and sexual health will help transform the scientific paradigm of sexual health to one that is more just and equitable.

Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis Infection Suppresses Vitamin D Activation and Cathelicidin Production in Macrophages through Modulation of the TLR2-Dependent p38/MAPK-CYP27B1-VDR-CAMP Axis

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D plays a vital role in modulating both innate and adaptive immune systems. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with higher levels of autoimmune response and increased susceptibility to infections. CYP27B1 encodes a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes. It is instrumental in the conversion of circulating vitamin D (calcifediol) to active vitamin D (calcitriol). This is a crucial step for macrophages to express Cathelicidin Anti-microbial Peptide (CAMP), an anti-bacterial factor released during the immune response. Our recent study indicated that a Crohn's disease (CD)-associated pathogen known as Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) decreases vitamin D activation in macrophages, thereby impeding cathelicidin production and MAP infection clearance. The mechanism by which MAP infection exerts these effects on the vitamin D metabolic axis remains elusive.

METHODS

We used two cell culture models of THP-1 macrophages and Caco-2 monolayers to establish the effects of MAP infection on the vitamin D metabolic axis. We also tested the effects of Calcifediol, Calcitriol, and SB203580 treatments on the relative expression of the vitamin D metabolic genes, oxidative stress biomarkers, and inflammatory cytokines profile.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that MAP infection interferes with vitamin D activation inside THP-1 macrophages by reducing levels of CYP27B1 and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene expression via interaction with the TLR2-dependent p38/MAPK pathway. MAP infection exerts its effects in a time-dependent manner, with the maximal inhibition observed at 24 h post-infection. We also demonstrated the necessity to have toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) for MAP infection to influence CYP27B1 and CAMP expression, as TLR2 gene knockdown resulted in an average increase of 7.78 ± 0.88 and 13.90 ± 3.5 folds in their expression, respectively. MAP infection also clearly decreased the levels of p38 phosphorylation and showed dependency on the p38/MAPK pathway to influence the expression of CYP27B1, VDR, and CAMP which was evident by the average fold increase of 1.93 ± 0.28, 1.86 ± 0.27, and 6.34 ± 0.51 in their expression, respectively, following p38 antagonism. Finally, we showed that calcitriol treatment and p38/MAPK blockade reduce cellular oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in Caco-2 monolayers following macrophage-mediated MAP infection.

CONCLUSIONS

This study characterized the primary mechanism by which MAP infection leads to diminished levels of active vitamin D and cathelicidin in CD patients, which may explain the exacerbated vitamin D deficiency state in these cases.

Ultrasound in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease-A Review of the State of the Art and Future Perspectives

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises a group of relapsing, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that, in addition to adults, can affect children and adolescents. To detect relapses of inflammation, these patients require close observation, frequent follow-up, and therapeutic adjustments. While reference standard diagnostics include anamnestic factors, laboratory and stool sample assessment, performing specific imaging in children and adolescents is much more challenging than in adults. Endoscopic and classic cross-sectional imaging modalities may be invasive and often require sedation for younger patients. For this reason, intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is becoming increasingly important for the non-invasive assessment of the intestine and its inflammatory affection. In this review, we would like to shed light on the current state of the art and provide an outlook on developments in this field that could potentially spare these patients more invasive follow-up procedures.

Typical MR features and interpretation of perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease

Perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease (CD) are a poor prognostic phenotype requiring a combination of medical and surgical management. Perianal fistulas in CD are characterized by more complex and multi-branched fistulas, association with skin tags, and frequent presence of proctitis. A comprehensive approach with clinical examination, endoscopic and MR assessment is required, and in particular, MR interpretation provides detailed information on the type of fistula with its internal component and activity, secondary tracts and extension, internal, external openings, associated abscess, and presence of proctitis. Structured reporting of these items would be recommended for further discussion and management planning both at initial diagnosis and for disease monitoring during treatment follow-up. Management strategy would be individualized for each patient, and control of luminal disease activity could be an important determinant in the selection of treatment options. In this review, we provide an overview of the MRI evaluation of perianal fistulas in CD with a proposed structured MR report.

Study on the factors influencing the prognosis after perianal abscess surgery

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of clinical characteristics and diagnosis and treatment methods of perianal abscess on postoperative recurrence or formation of anal fistula to provide a basis for selecting appropriate surgical and inspection methods for clinical treatment of perianal abscess in the future.

METHODS

The clinical data of 394 patients with perianal abscesses were collected, the influencing factors were investigated, and univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to further determine the risk factors affecting the prognosis of perianal abscess.

RESULTS

The results showed that the rate of preoperative blood routine results in the uncured group was higher (51.16%) than in the cured group (35.61%); the rate of high abscess space in the uncured group (23.26%) was higher than in the cured group (9.11%); the proportion of patients in the uncured group who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgery (27.90%) was lower than in the cured group (45.30%); the proportion of patients in the uncured group who underwent simple drainage (51.16%) was higher than in the cured group (28.49%). The two groups had significant differences in perineal MRI examination, surgical method, preoperative blood routine, and abscess space (p = 0.030, p = 0.002, p = 0.047 and p = 0.010, respectively). Based on the results of univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis, the extent of the abscess cavity (OR = 2.544, 95%CI = 1.087-5.954, p = 0.031) and the surgical method (OR = 2.180, 95%CI = 1.091-4.357, p = 0.027) were independent influencing factors for postoperative recurrence of perianal abscess or anal fistula.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative assessment of the abscess range and precise intraoperative methods to resolve the infection of the abscess glands in the internal mouth can effectively improve the cure rate.

Management of Perianal Crohn's Disease

Perianal Crohn's disease affects 25%-35% of patients with Crohn's disease and has proven to be one of the most difficult complications of the disease to treat. Patients with perianal Crohn's disease have lower health-related quality of life scores typically related to pain and fecal incontinence. In addition, patients with perianal Crohn's disease have higher rates of hospitalizations, surgeries, and overall healthcare costs. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the successful management of Crohn's disease with perianal fistula. Medical management is required to treat the underlying immune dysregulation to heal the luminal inflammation and the inflammation within the fistula tracts. Current options for medical therapy include biologics, dual therapy with thiopurines, therapeutic drug monitoring, and a close follow-up. Surgical management is critical to drain abscesses before immunosuppressive therapy and place setons when appropriate. Once the patient's inflammatory burden is well managed, definitive surgical therapies including fistulotomies, advancement flaps, and ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedures can be considered. Most recently, the use of stem cell therapy in the treatment of perianal fistula has given new hope to the cure of perianal fistula in Crohn's disease. This review will outline the most current data in the medical and surgical management of perianal Crohn's disease.

A complex presentation and successful management of fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease extending to the mid-back

Fistulizing perianal disease is a debilitating complication present in nearly half of all patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease. The majority of anal fistulas arising in these patients are complex. Treatment can be challenging with therapy often requiring both medical and surgical interventions with differing levels of symptomatic relief. Fecal diversion is an option after medical and surgical modalities have been exhausted but demonstrates limited efficacy. Complex perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is inherently morbid and can be difficult to manage. We present a case of a young male with Crohn's, severe malnutrition and multiple perianal abscess with extensive fistula tracts up to his back; a planned fecal diversion was instituted to control sepsis and allow for wound healing and optimize medical therapy.

Perianal Skin Tags Revealing Asymptomatic Crohn's Disease in a 12-Year-Old Child With Growth Impairment: A Case Report

Pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease considered to impair the growth of children and adolescents. Since CD commonly presents perianal manifestations, general surgeons may play a crucial role in its diagnosis and treatment. Detailed history, along with a thorough clinical examination, is mandatory for the management of CD perianal lesions. However, surgical intervention is only indicated in selected patients since it may lead to poor wound healing and recurrence. The article reports a case of a 12-year-old girl, presenting perianal skin tags and growth impairment as the first signs of asymptomatic CD.

Management of Pelvic Pain in Patients with Crohn's Disease-Current Overview

Crohn's disease (CD) is a subtype of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) with characteristic skip lesions and transmural inflammation that may affect the entire gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Persistent pain is one of the main symptoms of CD. This pain has multifactorial pathogenesis, but most often arises from intestinal inflammation itself, as well as from gut distention or partial intestinal obstruction. Some current evidence also suggests sensitization of sensory pathways, as well as modulation of those signals by the central nervous system, which highlights the impact of biopsychosocial factors. To date, most studies have focused only on the pain located in the abdomen, while pelvic pain has rarely been explored, despite it being a common symptom. The aim of this study is to provide an abbreviated summary of the current state of knowledge on the origins and treatment of pelvic pain in CD.

Clinical nursing visual health education pathway for patients with perianal abscess†

Objective: To investigate the effect of a clinical nursing pathway and visual health education on patients with perianal abscesses was the objective of this study.

Methods: Eighty patients with perianal abscesses undergoing in-patient surgical treatment (blinded for review) between December 2019 and November 2020 were divided randomly and evenly into a control group and an experimental group. The control group received routine nursing care, and the experimental group received visual health education nursing care. Digital pain scores, patient satisfaction scores, nursing quality scores, and scores measuring knowledge of perianal abscess disease for the two groups before and after nursing care were compared and analyzed.

Results: The experimental group had visual analog scale (VAS) scores significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). For total nursing satisfaction, the experimental group demonstrated a higher satisfaction rate (P < 0.05). Clinical nursing quality scores were significantly higher in the experimental group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The perianal abscess disease-related knowledge scores after intervention were significantly higher in the experimental group than those in the control group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Visual health education nursing can help patients better understand and deal with perianal abscess disease.

The Intersection of Human and Veterinary Medicine-A Possible Direction towards the Improvement of Cell Therapy Protocols in the Treatment of Perianal Fistulas

The effective treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is still a challenge. Local administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is becoming a part of accepted treatment options. However, as a fledgling technique, it still can be optimized. A new trend in translational research, which is in line with "One Health" approach, bases on exploiting parallels between naturally occurring diseases affecting humans and companion animals. Canine anal furunculosis (AF) has been indicated as condition analogous to human perianal Crohn's disease (pCD). This narrative review provides the first comprehensive comparative analysis of these two diseases based on the published data. The paper also outlines the molecular mechanisms of action of MSCs which are likely to have a role in modulating the perianal fistula niche in humans, and refers them to the current knowledge on the immunomodulatory properties of canine MSCs. Generally, the pathogenesis of both diseases shares main determinants such as the presence of genetic predispositions, dysregulation of immune response and the relation to intestine microbiota. However, we also identified many aspects which should be further specified, such as determining the frequency of true fistulas formation in AF patients, elucidating the role of TNF and Th17 pathway in the pathogenesis of AF, or clarifying the role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenomenon in the formation of canine fistulae. Nevertheless, the available data support the hypothesis that the results from testing cell therapies in dogs with anal furunculosis have a significant translational value in optimizing MSC transplants procedures in pCD patients.

Hidradenitis suppurativa and inflammatory bowel disease in a nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

Association between Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has been suggested.

AIMS

To assess characteristics of HS and IBD in patients with or without concomitant IBD.

METHODS

In a prospective, nested case-control study, each IBD patient with concomitant HS (Case) was retrospectively matched with 4 patients with HS and no IBD (Controls) for gender and age (±5 years).HS was classified according to the Hurley score and the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4). Data were expressed as mean (Standard Deviation). Statistical analysis included Student-t Test or Mann-Whitney Test, χ2 test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The study population included 125 patients with HS: 25 with IBD, 100 matched Controls with no IBD. IBD group included 19 (76%) Crohn's disease and 6 (24%) Ulcerative Colitis patients. Obesity, familial HS and perianal HS were less frequent in Cases than in Controls (1[4%] vs 25(25%];p = 0.02; 1[4%] vs 21(21%];p = 0.04; 1[4%] vs 31(31%];p = 0.005, respectively).HS was less severe in Cases when assessed by the IHS4 (5.9 ± 4 vs 9 ± 6.7;p = 0.04).Complete drug-induced response for HS was more frequent in IBD (13[53%] vs28 (28%]; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Clinical characteristics of HS and of patients differed between Cases and Controls. Present findings suggest the need to appropriately search and assess skin lesions compatible with HS in IBD.

Urinary tract diversion with gastric conduit after total pelvic exenteration for Crohn's disease-related anorectal cancer: a case report

Background

In Japan, Crohn’s disease (CD)-related cancers occur most frequently in the anal canal. Many patients with advanced CD-related cancer require total pelvic exenteration (TPE) based on their medical history, and choosing the most effective method for urinary diversion is a major concern. We herein report the first case of CD-related cancer treatment with urinary diversion using a gastric conduit after TPE in Japan.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old man with a 25 year history of CD was referred to our institution after having been diagnosed with fistulae between the rectum and urethra. Sigmoidoscopy revealed stenosis of the anal canal, and histological examination of this lesion led to a diagnosis of mucinous adenocarcinoma. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the tumor had invaded the prostate and left internal obturator muscle, and TPE with left internal obturator muscle resection was planned. Urinary diversion was performed with a gastric conduit. The gastric conduit was created by trimming a gastric tube to a 1.5 cm width via stapled resection of the greater curvature, and the branches of the right gastroepiploic artery were preserved as feeding vessels. The ureters were raised from the mesentery on the right side of the ligament of Treitz. Ureterogastric anastomosis was performed using the Wallace technique, and the entire anastomosis was then retroperitonealized. The anastomotic site had a bleeding tendency, but hemostasis was obtained by proton pump inhibitor administration and discontinuation of enoxaparin, which had been administered to prevent venous thrombosis. No other major complications occurred, and the patient’s quality of life was recovered 6 months after surgery.

Conclusion

Urinary diversion using a gastric conduit is a feasible treatment option for patients with CD-related anorectal cancer requiring TPE.

Therapeutic strategies in Crohn’s disease in an emergency surgical setting

Crohn’s disease (CD) remains a chronic, incurable disorder that presents unique challenges to the surgeon. Multiple factors must be considered to allow development of an appropriate treatment plan. Medical therapy often precedes or complements the surgical management. The indications for operative management of CD include acute and chronic disease complications and failed medical therapy. Elective surgery comes into play when patients are refractory to medical treatment if they have an obstructive phenotype. Toxic colitis, acute obstruction, perforation, acute abscess, or massive hemorrhage represent indications for emergency surgery. These patients are generally in critical conditions and present with intra-abdominal sepsis and a preoperative status of immunosuppression and malnutrition that exposes them to a higher risk of complications and mortality. A multidisciplinary team including surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, nutritional support services, and enterostomal therapists are required for optimal patient care and decision making. Management of each emergency should be individualized based on patient age, disease type and duration, and patient goals of care. Moreover, the recurrent nature of disease mandates that we continue searching for innovative medical therapies and operative techniques that reduce the need to repeat surgical operations. In this review, we aimed to discuss the acute complications of CD and their treatment.

Role of surgery in the management of Crohn's disease: a case series

Inflammatory bowel disease is fast becoming a disease of the East. Of all its entities, Crohn's disease is the most diverse and debilitating due to its nature of transmural granulomatous inflammation. The clinical picture varies according to the disease location and severity. This translates to tailoring the treatment according to individual disease. The management should be predominantly medical since recurrence rates post-surgery are objectionable. But surgery, as a measure to tackle complications under cover of adequate medical and nutritional therapy, can be lifesaving. Herein, we describe a series of seven cases where surgery was crucial in the management of Crohn's disease.

A Pain in the Butt: Hemorrhoids, Fissures, Fistulas, and Other Anorectal Syndromes

Painful and bothersome anorectal syndromes can be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians because structural and functional abnormalities may often coexist and require a multidisciplinary approach to management. Although it is often difficult to attribute all of a patient's anorectal symptoms to a singular disorder with definitive intervention and cure, improving quality of life, treating coexistent conditions such as functional constipation and/or defecation disorders, addressing psychological comorbidities if present, and confirming there is no evidence of inflammatory or malignant conditions are top priorities.

Current Overview on the Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Perianal Fistula Treatment in Patients with Crohn's Disease

Perianal fistula in patients with Crohn’s disease is an extremely challenging condition. The disease tends to reoccur, and with current treatment options, a large number of patients are left with active ailment and experience major morbidity. In recent years, hopeful results regarding local use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in perianal Crohn’s disease have been published. Although to this day there are no clear guidelines determining optimal dosage, injections frequency and culture conditions, their efficiency has proven to be much higher than conventionally used methods. According to studies, they can effectively induce as well as maintain fistula closure. This approach also avoids common side effects related to conventional surgical treatment.

Intra-abdominal and Anorectal Abscesses

Intra-abdominal and anorectal abscesses are common pathologies seen in both inpatient and outpatient settings. To decrease morbidity and mortality, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. After adequate drainage via a percutaneous or incisional approach, patients need to be monitored for worsening symptoms or recurrence and evaluated for the underlying condition that may have contributed to abscess formation.

Allogeneic expanded adipose-derived stem cells in the treatment of rectovaginal fistulas in Crohn's disease

AIM

Crohn's disease (CD)-related rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) are rare, challenging to treat and associated with a high morbidity. Due to a significant lack of data, we aimed to analyse the safety and feasibility of allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in the treatment of CD-related RVF.

METHOD

Four consecutive patients with CD-related RVF underwent treatment with expanded allogeneic ASCs extracted from a healthy donor in a tertiary referral centre in 2019. None of the patients had an intestinal diversion at the time of the treatment. Follow-up was performed 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The median operation time was 45 min with a median hospital stay of 3 days. No intra-operative complications occurred. Three patients (75%) developed recurrent RVF after a median follow-up of 19 days. Two patients required surgical treatment including loose seton drainage due to discharge and pain. One patient developed recurrence of symptoms after 10 days, but refused further surgical therapy. Only one patient (25%) showed healing of the RVF, with re-epithelialization of both the vaginal and rectal opening and absence of clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Expanded allogeneic ASC therapy represents a novel safe treatment option for CD-associated RVF. Although efficacy appears limited, further controlled studies are required to draw robust conclusions.

Can the risk of anal fistula development after perianal abscess drainage be reduced?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Perianal abscesses are frequently seen in clinical practice, and perianal fistulas develop in 30%–50% of cases after treatment. This study investigated whether the type of dressing applied after abscess drainage is correlated with fistula development. Prevention of fistula formation would reduce both the loss of work and healthcare costs. METHODS The records of patients who underwent drainage of perianal abscesses between January 2015 and January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with postoperative dressings changed with washing of the area in the hospital were included as Group 1. Patients with dressings changed at home and the area bathed in 10% povidone-iodine sitz bath were included as Group 2. The frequency and time of fistula formation, age, sex, cost, and workdays lost in the two groups were compared. RESULTS Between-group differences in age, sex, body mass index, and type of fistula that developed after months and 1 year of the abscess drainage were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). During follow-up, fistula development was significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.001). The risk of perianal fistula development was significantly increased in those with a body mass index (BMI) > 30 (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS After perianal abscess drainage, in-hospital washing and dressing of the abscess area until abscess closure reduced the risk of perianal fistula, lost work time, and cost. The risk of perianal fistula development appeared to increase with BMI. A large, prospective study is needed for confirmation.