Surgery in the age of biologics

Frailty in inflammatory bowel disease: analysis of the National Inpatient Sample 2015-2019

AIM

Preoperative frailty has been associated with adverse postoperative outcomes in various populations, but of its use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains sparse. The present study aimed to characterize the impact of frailty, as measured by the modified frailty index (mFI), on postoperative clinical and resource utilization outcomes in patients with IBD.

METHODS

This retrospective population-based cohort study assessed patients from the National Inpatient Sample database from 1 September 2015 to 31 December 2019. Corresponding International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision Clinical Modification codes were used to identify adult patients (>18 years of age) with IBD, undergoing either small bowel resection, colectomy or proctectomy. Patient demographics and institutional data were collected for each patient to calculate the 11-point mFI. Patients were categorized as either frail or robust using a cut-off of 0.27. Primary outcomes were postoperative in-hospital morbidity and mortality, whilst secondary outcomes included system-specific morbidity, length of stay, in-hospital healthcare costs and discharge disposition. Logistic and linear regression models were used for primary and secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 7144 patients with IBD undergoing small bowel resection, colectomy or proctectomy were identified, 337 of whom were classified as frail (i.e., mFI < 0.27). Frail patients were more likely to be women, older, have lower income and a greater number of comorbidities. After adjusting for relevant covariates, frail patients were at greater odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.42, 95% CI 2.31-12.77, P < 0.001), overall morbidity (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.30-2.28, P < 0.001), increased length of stay (adjusted mean difference 1.3 days, 95% CI 0.09-2.50, P = 0.035) and less likely to be discharged to home (aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.45-0.77, P < 0.001) compared to their robust counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Frail IBD patients are at greater risk of postoperative mortality and morbidity, and reduced likelihood of discharge to home, following surgery. This has implications for clinicians designing care pathways for IBD patients following surgery.

Safety and Efficacy of Inpatient Infliximab Rescue Therapy for Acute Crohn's Disease Flares

PURPOSE

Describe the safety, complications, and need for urgent surgery in patients requiring inpatient rescue infliximab for acute Crohn's disease (CD) flare.

BACKGROUND

Infliximab is increasingly used for patients hospitalized with acute severe ulcerative colitis as rescue therapy; however, optimal management for patients hospitalized for CD flares remains unclear.

METHODS

A single-institution retrospective study of patients aged 18+ admitted from 2008 to 2020 with acute Crohn's flare requiring induction of rescue infliximab therapy. Outcomes included postoperative and medication-related complications and need for urgent surgery.

RESULTS

52 patients were included in analysis; 8% required surgery on index admission, and 19% required surgery within 90 days of infliximab. Postoperative complications included 1 anastomotic leak, 3 superficial wound infections, 3 prolonged ileus, and 1 urinary infection. There were no adverse reactions to infliximab infusion, and medical complication rates were low. Patients with penetrating disease were more likely to undergo surgery within 90 days of infliximab (43% vs 8%; P = .01). Mean LOS was longer for patients undergoing surgery within 90 days of therapy compared to those who did not (13.4 vs 8.3 days, P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Inpatient rescue infliximab is safe for treating acute Crohn's disease flare in addition to standard steroid therapy. The majority of patients hospitalized with Crohn's flare requiring rescue infliximab avoided surgery with low postoperative and medication-related complications. More research is needed to clarify the optimal rescue infliximab therapy dosage.

Krill Oil and Its Bioactive Components as a Potential Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Insights from In Vivo and In Vitro Studies

Krill oil is extracted from krill, a small crustacean in the Antarctic Ocean. It has received growing attention because of krill oil's unique properties and diverse health benefits. Recent experimental and clinical studies suggest that it has potential therapeutic benefits in preventing the development of a range of chronic conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Krill oil is enriched with long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, and the potent antioxidant astaxanthin, contributing to its therapeutic properties. The possible underlying mechanisms of krill oil's health benefits include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, maintaining intestinal barrier functions, and modulating gut microbiota. This review aims to provide an overview of the beneficial effects of krill oil and its bioactive components on intestinal inflammation and to discuss the findings on the molecular mechanisms associated with the role of krill oil in IBD prevention and treatment.

Evolution of laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: impact of enhanced recovery program, medication changes, and staged approaches on outcomes

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopic Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become the gold standard in restorative proctocolectomy, surgical techniques have experienced minimal changes. In contrast, substantial shifts in perioperative care, marked by the enhanced recovery program (ERP), modifications in steroid use, and a shift to a 3-staged approach, have taken center stage.

METHODS

Data extracted from our prospective IPAA database focused on the first 100 laparoscopic IPAA cases (historic group) and the latest 100 cases (modern group), aiming to measure the effect of these evolutions on postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

The historic IPAA group had more 2-staged procedures (92% proctocolectomy), whereas the modern group had a higher number of 3-staged procedures (86% proctectomy) (P < .001). Compared with patients in the modern group, patients in the historic group were more likely to be on steroids (5% vs 67%, respectively; P < .001) or immunomodulators (0% vs 31%, respectively; P < .001) at surgery. Compared with the historic group, the modern group had a shorter operative time (335.5 ± 78.4 vs 233.8 ± 81.6, respectively; P < .001) and length of stay (LOS; 5.4 ± 3.1 vs 4.2 ± 1.6 days, respectively; P < .001). Compared with the modern group, the historic group exhibited a higher 30-day morbidity rate (20% vs 33%, respectively; P = .04) and an elevated 30-day readmission rate (9% vs 21%, respectively; P = .02). Preoperative steroids use increased complications (odds ratio [OR], 3.4; P = .01), whereas 3-staged IPAA reduced complications (OR, 0.3; P = .03). ERP was identified as a factor that predicted shorter stays.

CONCLUSION

Although ERP effectively reduced the LOS in IPAA surgery, it failed to reduce complications. Conversely, adopting a 3-staged IPAA approach proved beneficial in reducing morbidity, whereas preoperative steroid use increased complications.

Perioperative Considerations for the Surgical Treatment of Crohn's Disease with Discussion on Surgical Antibiotics Practices and Impact on the Gut Microbiome

Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory process of the gastrointestinal tract defined by flares and periods of remission, is increasing in incidence. Despite advances in multimodal medical therapy, disease progression often necessitates multiple operations with high morbidity. The inability to treat Crohn's disease successfully is likely in part because the etiopathogenesis is not completely understood; however, recent research suggests the gut microbiome plays a critical role. How traditional perioperative management, including bowel preparation and preoperative antibiotics, further changes the microbiome and affects outcomes is not well described, especially in Crohn's patients, who are unique given their immunosuppression and baseline dysbiosis. This paper aims to outline current knowledge regarding perioperative management of Crohn's disease, the evolving role of gut dysbiosis, and how the microbiome can guide perioperative considerations with special attention to perioperative antibiotics as well as treatment of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis. In conclusion, dysbiosis is common in Crohn's patients and may be exacerbated by malnutrition, steroids, narcotic use, diarrhea, and perioperative antibiotics. Dysbiosis is also a major risk factor for anastomotic leak, and special consideration should be given to limiting factors that further perturb the gut microbiota in the perioperative period.

Extended versus limited mesenteric excision for operative Crohn's disease: 30-Day outcomes from the ACS-NSQIP database

PURPOSE

Recent studies have suggested that extended mesenteric excision (ME) may reduce surgical reintervention in Crohn's Disease (CD), but there remains clinical concerns regarding potential peri-operative morbidity. This retrospective study compares 30-day perioperative morbidity between limited and extended ME in segmental colectomies for CD.

METHODS

Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement (ACS-NSQIP) colectomy-specific database, all patients with CD undergoing segmental colectomy for non-malignant indications between 2014-2019 were included. A lymph node harvest of 12 or more nodes was used as a surrogate for extended ME. The primary outcome was NSQIP major morbidity. Secondary outcomes included abdominal complications and perioperative bleeding.

RESULTS

Of 3,709 patients included from the ACS-NSQIP database, 3,087 underwent limited ME and 622 underwent extended ME. On univariate analysis, those with limited mesenteric excision were less likely to be anemic (46.1% vs 55.0%, p < 0.001) and have undergone an open surgery (44.7% vs 34.7%, p < 0.001). On univariate comparison of limited and extended ME, there was no significant difference in major morbidity. On multiple logistic regression, controlling for age, sex, BMI, smoking, preoperative sepsis, preoperative anemia, surgical approach, emergency surgery, stoma creation, bowel preparation, and immunosuppression, the extent of ME was not an independent predictor of NSQIP major morbidity (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.84-1.44). Likewise, the extent of ME was not associated with an increase in abdominal complications (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.76-1.19) or post-operative bleeding (OR 1.89, 95% CI 0.75-1.53).

CONCLUSION

Extended ME for CD was not associated with an increase in 30-day perioperative major morbidity.

Surgical outcomes and stoma-related complications in inflammatory bowel disease in Saudi Arabia: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's (C) and ulcerative colitis (UC) has increased in Saudi Arabia during the past decade. Even though medical treatment is first-line therapy, most patients require surgery during the course of the disease. Stoma creation complications in IBD are underreported in the literature of the Middle East and especially in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES

Report the postoperative, stoma and peristomal complications following stoma creation in (C) versus UC.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS

Tertiary care center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with IBD who underwent stoma creation for either UC or CD between August 2015 and July 2020 were included. The diseases were compared to assess their characteristics and association to postoperative, stoma and peristomal complications. All complications were reported over a 90-day duration from the surgery. Patients younger than 14 years of age were excluded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postoperative complications, stoma and peristomal complications in IBD patients who underwent stoma creation.

SAMPLE SIZE

50.

RESULTS

Of 50 IBD patients underwent stoma creation, 32 patients (64%) were diagnosed with CD and 18 patients (36%) with UC. Most of the procedures in both groups were laparoscopic and elective. Low BMI and serum albumin were more prevalent in the CD group. Postoperative complications were higher in the CD patients compared to the UC patients (CD 40.6% vs UC 11.1%, P=.028) with the most common complication being abdominal collection[a]. Stoma complications were comparable between the two groups (UC 16.7% vs CD 15.6%). However, peristomal complications were higher clinically in UC patients in comparison with the CD patients (UC 61.1% vs CD 37.5% P=.095) with the most common complication being skin excoriation (UC 44.4% vs CD 37.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

CD has significantly higher postoperative complications compared to UC. Peristomal complications were high in both groups and had a negative impact on quality of life. Therefore, comprehensive stoma education and regular outpatient follow ups are recommended to improve the overall outcomes.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective and conducted in one academic institution with a small sample size.

Long-term risk of arrhythmias in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A population-based, sibling-controlled cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although previous evidence has suggested an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), its association with arrhythmias is inconclusive. In this study, we aimed to explore the long-term risk of arrhythmias in patients with IBD.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Through a nationwide histopathology cohort, we identified patients with biopsy-confirmed IBD in Sweden during 1969 to 2017, including Crohn's disease (CD: n = 24,954; median age at diagnosis: 38.4 years; female: 52.2%), ulcerative colitis (UC: n = 46,856; 42.1 years; 46.3%), and IBD-unclassified (IBD-U: n = 12,067; 43.8 years; 49.6%), as well as their matched reference individuals and IBD-free full siblings. Outcomes included overall and specific arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation/flutter, bradyarrhythmias, other supraventricular arrhythmias, and ventricular arrhythmias/cardiac arrest). Flexible parametric survival models estimated hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), after adjustment for birth year, sex, county of residence, calendar year, country of birth, educational attainment, number of healthcare visits, and cardiovascular-related comorbidities. Over a median of approximately 10 years of follow-up, 1,904 (7.6%) patients with CD, 4,154 (8.9%) patients with UC, and 990 (8.2%) patients with IBD-U developed arrhythmias, compared with 6.7%, 7.5%, and 6.0% in reference individuals, respectively. Compared with reference individuals, overall arrhythmias were increased in patients with CD [54.6 versus 46.1 per 10,000 person-years; aHR = 1.15 (95% CI [1.09, 1.21], P < 0.001)], patients with UC [64.7 versus 53.3 per 10,000 person-years; aHR = 1.14 (95% CI [1.10, 1.18], P < 0.001)], and patients with IBD-U [78.1 versus 53.5 per 10,000 person-years; aHR = 1.30 (95% CI [1.20, 1.41], P < 0.001)]. The increased risk persisted 25 years after diagnosis, corresponding to 1 extra arrhythmia case per 80 CD, 58 UC, and 29 IBD-U cases over the same period. Patients with IBD also had a significantly increased risk of specific arrhythmias, except for bradyarrhythmias. Sibling comparison analyses confirmed the main findings. Study limitations include lack of clinical data to define IBD activity, not considering the potential role of IBD medications and disease activity, and the potential residual confounding from unmeasured factors for arrhythmias.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we observed that patients with IBD were at an increased risk of developing arrhythmias. The excess risk persisted even 25 years after IBD diagnosis. Our findings indicate a need for awareness of this excess risk among healthcare professionals.

Recent Advances in Nanozyme-Based Materials for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a type of chronic inflammatory disorder that interferes with the patient's lifestyle and, in extreme situations, can be deadly. Fortunately, with the ever-deepening understanding of the pathological cause of IBD, recent studies using nanozyme-based materials have indicated the potential toward effective IBD treatment. In this review, the recent advancement of nanozymes for the treatment of enteritis is summarized from the perspectives of the structural design of nanozyme-based materials and therapeutic strategies, intending to serve as a reference to produce effective nanozymes for moderating inflammation in the future. Last but not least, the potential and current restrictions for using nanozymes in IBD will also be discussed. In short, this review may provide a guidance for the development of innovative enzyme-mimetic nanomaterials that offer a novel and efficient approach toward the effective treatment of IBD.

Management of the Rectal Stump after Subtotal Colectomy Operations for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Era of Immunologic Therapy: A Two-Centre Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often requires surgical resection, such as subtotal colectomy operations to alleviate symptoms. However, IBD also has an inherently increased risk of colorectal dysplasia and cancer. Despite the well-accepted surveillance guidelines for IBD patients with an intact colon, contemporaneous decision-making models on rectal stump surveillance is sparse. This study looks at the fate of rectal stumps in IBD patients following subtotal colectomy.

METHODS

This is a two-centre retrospective observational cohort study. Patients were identified from NHS Grampian and NHS Highland surgical IBD databases. Patients that had subtotal colectomy between January 01, 2010 and December 31, 2017 were included with the follow-up end date on April 1, 2021. Socio-demographics, diagnosis, medical and surgical management data were collected from electronic records.

RESULTS

Of 250 patients who had subtotal colectomy procedures, only one developed a cancer in their rectal stump (0.4%) over a median follow-up of 80 months. A higher than expected 72% of patients had ongoing symptoms from their rectal stumps. Surveillance was varied and inconsistent. However, no surveillance, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or MRI identified dysplastic or neoplastic disease.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, we estimate that the prevalence of rectal cancer is lower than previously reported. Surveillance strategy of rectal stump varied as no current guidelines exist and hence is an important area for future study. Given the relatively low frequency of rectal cancer in these patients, and the low level of evidence available in this field, we would propose a registry-based approach to answering this important clinical question.

Perioperative Assessment and Optimization in Major Colorectal Surgery: Medication Management

The colorectal surgeon is often faced with medications that can be challenging to manage in the perioperative period. In the era of novel agents for anticoagulation and immunotherapies for inflammatory bowel disease and malignancy, understanding how to advise patients about these medications has become increasingly complex. Here, we aim to provide clarity regarding the use of these agents and their perioperative management, with a particular focus on when to stop and restart them perioperatively. This review will begin with the management of both nonbiologic and biologic therapies used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and malignancy. Then, discussion will shift to anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, including their associated reversal agents. Upon finishing this review, the reader will have gained an increased familiarity with the management of common medications requiring modification by colorectal surgeons in the perioperative period.

Association Between Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Viral Infections

Chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are known as inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD). Patients with inflammatory bowel illnesses are more susceptible to viral infections. In people with IBD, viral infections have emerged as a significant issue. Viral infections are often difficult to identify and have a high morbidity and fatality rate. We reviewed studies on viral infections and IBD, concentrating on Cytomegalovirus (CMV), SARS-CoV-2, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), enteric viruses, and hepatitis B virus (HBV). Also, the effect of IBD on these viral infections is discussed. These data suggest that patients with IBD are more likely to get viral infections. As a result, practitioners should be aware of the increased risk of viral infections in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Impact on direct and indirect costs of switching patients with inflammatory bowel disease from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab (CT-P13)

BACKGROUND

We aim to compare the real-life direct and indirect costs of switching patients from intravenous to subcutaneous (SC) CT-P13, an infliximab biosimilar, in a tertiary UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) centre.

METHODS

All adult patients with IBD on standard dosing CT-P13 (5 mg/kg 8 weekly) were eligible to switch. Of 169 patients eligible to switch to SC CT-P13, 98 (58%) switched within 3 months and one moved out of area.

RESULTS

Total annual intravenous cost for 168 patients was £689 507.04 (direct=£653 671.20, indirect=£35 835.84). After the switch, as-treated analysis demonstrated total annual cost for 168 patients (70 intravenous and 98 SC) was £674 922.83 (direct = £654 563, indirect = £20 359.83) resulting in £891.80 higher cost to healthcare providers. Intention to treat analysis showed a total annual cost of £665 961.01 (direct = £655 200, indirect = £10 761.01) resulting in £1528.80 higher cost to healthcare providers. However, in each scenario, the significant decrease in indirect costs resulted in lower total costs after switching to SC CT-P13.

CONCLUSIONS

Our real-world analysis demonstrates switching from intravenous to SC CT-P13 is broadly cost neutral to healthcare providers. SC preparations have marginally higher direct costs, switching allows for efficient use of intravenous infusion units and reduces costs to patients.

Surgery for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Era of Biologic Therapy: A Multicenter Experience from Romania

Background and Objectives: Biologic therapy has fundamentally changed the opportunity of medical treatment to induce and maintain remission in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nevertheless, the rate of surgery is still at a very high rate, profoundly affecting the quality of life. We aimed to analyze surgical cases at three major IBD units in order to identify the main risk factors and the impact of biologic therapy on pre- and postsurgical outcomes. Material and Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study that included 56 patients with IBD-related surgical interventions from 3 tertiary care hospitals in Bucharest, Romania. The study was conducted between January 2017 and June 2021. All data were retrospectively collected from the medical records of the patients and included the age at diagnosis, age at the time of surgery, IBD type and phenotype, biologic therapy before or/and after surgery, timing of biologic therapy initiation, extraintestinal manifestations, type of surgery (elective/emergency), early and long-term postoperative complications and a history of smoking. Results: A low rate of surgical interventions was noted in our cohort (10.3%), but half of these occurred in the first year after the IBD diagnosis. A total of 48% of the surgical interventions had been performed in an emergency setting, which seemed to be associated with a high rate of long-term postoperative complications. We found no statistically significant differences between IBD patients undergoing treatments with biologics before surgery and patients who did not receive biologics before the surgical intervention in terms of the IBD phenotype, type of surgery and postoperative complications. Conclusion: Our study showed that biologics initiated before the surgical intervention did not influence the postoperative complications. Moreover, we demonstrated that patients with Crohn's disease and no biologics were the most susceptible to having to undergo surgery. Conclusion: In conclusion, the management of patients with IBD requires a multidisciplinary approach that considers an unpredictable evolution.

Effect of Biologics on the Risk of Advanced-Stage Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Associated Intestinal Cancer: A Nationwide Study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of biologics on the risk of advanced-stage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated intestinal cancer from a nationwide multicenter data set.

METHODS

The medical records of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) diagnosed with IBD-associated intestinal neoplasia (dysplasia or cancer) from 1983 to 2020 were included in this study. Therapeutic agents were classified into 3 types: biologics, 5-aminosalicylic acid, and immunomodulators. The pathological cancer stage was compared based on the drug used in both patients with CD and UC.

RESULTS

In total, 1,042 patients (214 CD and 828 UC patients) were included. None of the drugs were significantly associated with cancer stage in the patients with CD. In the patients with UC, an advanced cancer stage was significantly associated with less use of biologics (early stage: 7.7% vs advanced stage: 2.0%, P < 0.001), 5-aminosalicylic acid, and immunomodulators. Biologic use was associated with a lower incidence of advanced-stage cancer in patients diagnosed by regular surveillance (biologics [-] 24.5% vs. [+] 9.1%, P = 0.043), but this was not the case for the other drugs. Multivariate analysis showed that biologic use was significantly associated with a lower risk of advanced-stage disease (odds ratio = 0.111 [95% CI, 0.034-0.356], P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Biologic use was associated with a lower risk of advanced IBD-associated cancer in patients with UC but not with CD. The mechanism of cancer progression between UC and CD may be different and needs to be further investigated.

The risk of subsequent surgery following bowel resection for Crohn's disease in a national cohort of 19 207 patients

AIM

Surgery is required for most patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and further surgery may be necessary if medical treatment fails to control disease activity. The aim of this study was to characterize the risk of, and factors associated with, further surgery following a first resection for Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Hospital Episode Statistics from England were examined to identify patients with CD and a first recorded bowel resection between 2007 and 2016. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine risk factors for further resectional surgery within 5 years. Prevalence-adjusted surgical rates for index CD surgery over the study period were calculated.

RESULTS

In total, 19 207 patients (median age 39 years, interquartile range 27-53 years; 55% women) with CD underwent a first recorded resection during the study period. 3141 (16%) underwent a further operation during the study period. The median time to further surgery was 2.4 (interquartile range 1.2-4.6) years. 3% of CD patients had further surgery within 1 year, 14% by 5 years and 23% by 10 years. Older age (≥58), index laparoscopic surgery and index elective surgery (adjusted OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.54-0.77; 0.77, 0.67-0.88; and 0.77, 0.69-0.85; respectively) were associated with a reduced risk of further surgery by 5 years. Prior surgery for perianal disease (1.60, 1.37-1.87), an extraintestinal manifestation of CD (1.51, 1.22-1.86) and index surgery in a high-volume centre for CD surgery (1.20, 1.02-1.40) were associated with an increased risk of further surgery by 5 years. A 25% relative and 0.3% absolute reduction in prevalence-adjusted index surgery rates for CD was observed over the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Further surgery following an index operation is common in CD. This risk was particularly seen in patients with perianal disease, extraintestinal manifestations and those who underwent index surgery in a high-volume centre.

Low Adherence is Associated with Chronic Active Disease in Ulcerative Colitis: A Retrospective Study from a Single Referral Center

PURPOSE

New therapeutic approaches for ulcerative colitis (UC) are now available, but there is still no robust evidence for predictors of poor outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the factors associated with a chronic active UC disease course.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data of all UC outpatients followed for at least 3 years after diagnosis between 2005 and 2018 were retrospectively collected. The primary aim was to identify risk factors for chronic active disease 3 years after diagnosis. Moreover, the following variables were investigated: proximal disease extension or disease regression, proctocolectomy, early use of biologics (BIO) or immunomodulators (IMM), hospitalization, colorectal cancer, and adherence. We defined adherence as both, taking the prescribed therapy and constancy in scheduled follow-up visits.

RESULTS

A total of 345 UC patients followed for a median period of 82 months were included. Patients with extensive colitis at diagnosis had a higher rate of chronic active disease 3 years after diagnosis (p<0.012) together with a higher rate of surgery (p<0.001) at maximum follow-up. Patients with pancolitis showed significant disease regression over time (51%) without differences in treatment. The only factor associated with chronic active disease was non-adherence (p < 0.03; OR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.26-0.95). Adherent patients developed chronic active disease (p<0.025) less frequently but did receive more frequent IMM (p<0.045) or BIO (p<0.009) therapy.

CONCLUSION

Patients diagnosed with pancolitis were more likely to have chronic active disease and to undergo colectomy. The only predictor for developing chronically active UC regardless of disease extension was the lack of adherence to therapy within the first 3 years after diagnosis, underlining the importance of tight control of UC patients and the need to timely identify potential risk factors for non-adherence.

Long-term Colectomy rates of Ulcerative Colitis over 40-year of Different Therapeutic eras - Results from Western Hungarian Population-based Inception Cohort between 1977-2020

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Few population-based studies have investigated the long-term colectomy rates of ulcerative colitis (UC). We aimed to assess the colectomy rates over 40 years of different therapeutic eras in a prospective population-based inception cohort from Veszprem Province, Western Hungary.

METHODS

Patient inclusion lasted between January1,1977, and December31, 2018. Patient follow-up ended December 31,2020. Colectomy rates and disease course were examined in three different eras based on the time of UC diagnosis; cohort-A(1977-1995),cohort-B(1996-2008), and cohort C(2009-2018).

RESULTS

A total of 1,370 incident UC patients were included (male 51.2%,median age at diagnosis:37 years). Median follow-up was 17 years (IQR 9-24); 87 patients(6.4%) underwent colectomy. The cumulative probability of colectomy in the total population was 2.6%(95%CI 2.2-3.0), 4.2%(95%CI 3.6-4.8), 7.0%(95%CI 6.2-7.8), and 10.4%(95%CI 9.1-11.7) after 5, 10, 20, and 30 years, respectively. The proportion of extensive colitis at diagnosis increased over time (24.2%/24.3%/34.9% in cohorts A/B/C,p=0.001). Overall exposure to immunomodulators (11.3%/20.9%/34.4% in cohorts A/B/C,p<0.001), as well as the probability for biological therapy initiation increased over time; 0%/ 3.3%(95%CI 2.6-4.0)/ 13.9%(95%CI 12.1-15.7), p<0.001. There were no statistically significant differences in the cumulative probability of colectomies between cohorts A/B/C; 1.7% (95%CI 1.0-2.4), 2.5%(95%CI 1.9-3.1), and 3.7%(95%CI 2.7-4.7) after 5 years; 3.5%(95%CI 2.5-4.5), 4.2%(95%CI 3.4-5.0), and 4.5%(95%CI 3.3-5.7) after 10 years; and 7.5% (95%CI 6.1-8.9) and 6.3% (95%CI 5.2-7.4) in cohorts A/B after 20 years (Log-rank=0.588). Extensive colitis (HR;2.24:95%CI 1.55-3.23) and continuous active disease activity (HR;6.36:95%CI 3.46-11.67) were independent predictors for colectomy.

CONCLUSION

No differences in colectomy rates have been observed in the incident UC patients over 40 years despite increasing use of immunomodulators and biological therapies.

Perioperative Management of Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Patients with ulcerative colitis may require colectomy for severe disease unresponsive or refractory to pharmacological therapy. Managing ulcerative colitis is complicated because there are many factors at play, including patient optimization and treatment, as the guidance varies on the ideal perioperative use of corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics, and small molecule agents.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic literature review was performed to describe the current status of perioperative management of ulcerative colitis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and Cochrane databases were used.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies published between January 2000 and January 2022, in any language, were included. Articles regarding pediatric or endoscopic management were excluded.

INTERVENTIONS

Perioperative management of ulcerative colitis was included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Successful management, including reducing surgical complication rates, was measured.

RESULTS

A total of 121 studies were included in this review, including 23 meta-analyses or systematic reviews, 25 reviews, and 51 cohort studies.

LIMITATIONS

Qualitative review including all study types. The varied nature of study types precludes quantitative comparison.

CONCLUSION

Indications for colectomy in ulcerative colitis include severe disease unresponsive to medical treatment and colitis-associated neoplasia. Urgent colectomy has a higher mortality rate than elective colectomy. Corticosteroids are associated with postsurgical infectious complications and should be stopped or weaned before surgery. Biologics are not associated with adverse postoperative effects and do not necessarily need to be stopped preoperatively. Additionally, the clinician must assess individuals' comorbidities, nutrition status, and risk of venous thromboembolism. Nutritional imbalance should be corrected, ideally at the preoperative period. Postoperatively, corticosteroids can be tapered on the basis of the length of preoperative corticosteroid use.

The Effect of Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Therapy within 12 Weeks Prior to Surgery on Postoperative Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The rate of abdominal surgical interventions and associated postoperative complications in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is still substantially high. There is an ongoing debate as to whether or not patients who undergo treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) agents may have an increased risk for general and surgical postoperative complications. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in order to assess the effect of anti-TNF-α treatment within 12 weeks (washout period) prior to abdominal surgery on 30-day postoperative complications in patients with IBD. The results of previously published meta-analyses examining the effect of preoperative anti-TNF-α treatment on postoperative complications reported conflicting findings which is why we specifically focus on the effect of anti-TNF-α treatment within 12 weeks prior to surgery. PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, World Health Organization Trial Registry, ClinicalTrials.gov and reference lists were searched (June 1995−February 2022) to identify studies, investigating effects of anti-TNF-α treatment prior to abdominal surgery on postoperative complications in IBD patients. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and subgroup analyses were performed. In this case, 55 cohort studies (22,714 patients) were included. Overall, postoperative complications (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.04−1.45; p = 0.02), readmission (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.11−1.73; p = 0.004), and intra-abdominal septic complications (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.44−2.49; p < 0.00001) were significantly higher for anti-TNF-α-treated patients. Significantly higher intra-abdominal abscesses and readmission were found for anti-TNF-α-treated CD patients (p = 0.05; p = 0.002). Concomitant treatment with immunosuppressives in <50% of anti-TNF-α-treated patients was associated with significantly lower mortality rates (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.12−0.83; p = 0.02). Anti-TNF-α treatment within 12 weeks prior to surgery is associated with higher short-term postoperative complication rates (general and surgical) for patients with IBD, especially CD.

Less prevalent use of biologics for inflammatory bowel disease in patients from Non-Academic hospitals - a Danish register-based study of a region with 580,000 citizens

INTRODUCTION

Biologic therapy is widely used for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may decrease surgery rates. However, it remains uncertain if there is unwarranted geographic variation in access to biologic therapy. The aim of the study was to explore if all patients had equal access to biologic therapy in the North Denmark Region.

METHODS

A cross-sectional register-based study of use of biologics, hospital contacts and surgery among all IBD patients having a hospital contact in the geographically well-defined North Denmark Region during 2016-2018. ICD-10 diagnosis codes, hospital contacts and procedure codes were retrieved from the region's hospital registry. The population is served by an Academic Hospital and two Non-Academic Hospitals constituting three referral areas (according to postal codes).

RESULTS

In total, 2371 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 1383 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) had a hospital contact in the region during 2016-2018. Compared to patients from the Academic Hospital, patients from the Non-Academic Hospitals experienced a lower incidence of biologic therapy for UC IRR 0.786 (0.621: 0.994), as well as for CD IRR 0.912 (0.781: 1.065). The incidence of bowel related hospital contacts were higher in patients from Non-Academic hospitals for both UC IRR 1.318 (1.207: 1.438) and CD IRR 1.165 (0.915: 1.483).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IBD living in a referral area to a Non-Academic Hospital in the North Denmark Region are less likely to receive biologics. This was associated with an increased prevalence of IBD related surgical procedures.

Perioperative optimization of Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease mainly affecting the gastrointestinal tract. With the increased availability of modalities in the last two decades, the treatment of CD has advanced remarkably. Although medical treatment is the mainstay of therapy, most patients require surgery during the course of their illness, especially those who experience complications. Nutritional optimization and ERAS implementation are crucial for patients with CD who require surgical intervention to reduce postoperative complications. The increased surgical risk was found to be associated with the use of corticosteroids, but the association of surgical risk with immunomodulators, biologic therapy, such as anti-TNF mediations, anti-integrin medications, and anti-IL 12/23 was low in certainty. Decisions about preoperative medication must be made on an individual case-dependent basis. Preoperative imaging studies can assist in the planning of appropriate surgical strategies and approaches. However, patients must be informed of any alterations to their treatment. In summary, the management of perioperative medications and surgery-related decision-making should be individualized and patient-centered based on a multidisciplinary approach.

Investigation on the Inhibitory Effect of Wnt-5a on Colonic Mucosal Inflammation in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Recent progress in ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment has been remarkable, and various medications have been applied. However, some patients with UC are refractory to treatment and convert to surgery.

AIM

To investigate the role of colonic mucosal Wnt-5a expression in the pathogenesis of UC and the effect of bioactive Wnt-5a peptide on colitis in mice.

METHODS

Wnt-5a peptide was intraperitoneally administered to mice every day from the beginning of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment. The severity of colitis was evaluated based on body weight change, colonic length, and histological scores. Colonic mucosal TNF-α and KC mRNA expression levels were measured. This study included 70 patients with UC in clinical remission. Wnt-5a, TNFα, and IL-8 mRNA expression in the rectal mucosa were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using biopsy materials. Wnt-5a mRNA expression levels were compared between patients who relapsed and those in remission. We examined the correlation of Wnt-5a expression with TNF-α and IL-8 expression.

RESULTS

Wnt-5a peptide significantly attenuated the severity of DSS-induced colitis. Moreover, mucosal TNF-α and KC mRNA expression were significantly suppressed by Wnt-5a peptide treatment. Wnt-5a mRNA levels were significantly lower in patients with subsequent relapse than in those who remained in remission. Mucosal Wnt-5a was inversely correlated with TNF α and IL-8 expression.

CONCLUSION

Wnt-5a peptide suppressed colitis in mice, and decreased Wnt-5a expression was strongly associated with relapse in patients with UC. Wnt-5a may have an inhibitory effect on mucosal inflammation in UC, and Wnt-5a peptide could be a new therapeutic strategy.

Incidence and impact of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Beside higher VTE risk, data on impact of VTE on survival and risk factors for the occurrence of VTE in CD are sparse.

METHODS

The German nationwide inpatient sample was screened for patients admitted due to CD (ICD-code K50). CD hospitalizations were stratified for VTE and risk-factors for VTE and impact of VTE on in-hospital case-fatality rate were investigated.

RESULTS

Overall, 333,975 hospitalizations of patients due to CD were counted in Germany (median age 38.0 [IQR 24.0-52.0] years, 56.0 % females) during the observational period 2005-2018. VTE rate increased slightly from 0.6 % (2005) to 0.7 % (2018) (β 0.000097 [95%CI 0.000027 to 0.000167], P = 0.007) 2005-2018 and with age-decade (β 0.0017 [95%CI 0.0016 to 0.0019], P < 0.001). In total, 0.7 % (2295) of the CD inpatients had a VTE event. Patients with VTE were in median 12 years older (49.0 [34.0-62.0] vs. 37.0 [24.0-52.0] years, P < 0.001) and colon-involvement was in those patients more prevalent (32.0 % vs.27.7 %, P < 0.001). Age ≥ 70 years, obesity, colon-involvement, cancer, surgery, thrombophilia, and heart failure were strongly associated with higher risk of VTE in CD patients. In-hospital death occurred 15-times more often in CD with VTE than without (4.5 % vs. 0.3 %, P < 0.001). VTE was independently associated with increased in-hospital case-fatality rate (OR 9.31 [95%CI 7.54-11.50], P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

VTE is a life-threatening event in hospitalized CD patients associated with 9.3-fold increased case-fatality rate. Older age, obesity, colon involvement, cancer, surgery, thrombophilia and heart failure were strong risk factors for VTE in CD.

Evidence-based pathogenesis and treatment of ulcerative colitis: A causal role for colonic epithelial hydrogen peroxide

In this comprehensive evidence-based analysis of ulcerative colitis (UC), a causal role is identified for colonic epithelial hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in both the pathogenesis and relapse of this debilitating inflammatory bowel disease. Studies have shown that H₂O₂ production is significantly increased in the non-inflamed colonic epithelium of individuals with UC. H₂O₂ is a powerful neutrophilic chemotactic agent that can diffuse through colonic epithelial cell membranes creating an interstitial chemotactic molecular “trail” that attracts adjacent intravascular neutrophils into the colonic epithelium leading to mucosal inflammation and UC. A novel therapy aimed at removing the inappropriate H₂O₂ mediated chemotactic signal has been highly effective in achieving complete histologic resolution of colitis in patients experiencing refractory disease with at least one (biopsy-proven) histologic remission lasting 14 years to date. The evidence implies that therapeutic intervention to prevent the re-establishment of a pathologic H₂O₂ mediated chemotactic signaling gradient will indefinitely preclude neutrophilic migration into the colonic epithelium constituting a functional cure for this disease. Cumulative data indicate that individuals with UC have normal immune systems and current treatment guidelines calling for the suppression of the immune response based on the belief that UC is caused by an underlying immune dysfunction are not supported by the evidence and may cause serious adverse effects. It is the aim of this paper to present experimental and clinical evidence that identifies H₂O₂ produced by the colonic epithelium as the causal agent in the pathogenesis of UC. A detailed explanation of a novel therapeutic intervention to normalize colonic H₂O₂, its rationale, components, and formulation is also provided.

Postoperative Use of Biologics was Less Common among Patients with Crohn's Disease With Emergent/Urgent Versus Elective Intestinal Resection

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Given the risk of intestinal resection for Crohn's disease, postoperative treatment may be informed by several risk factors, including resection type. We compared postoperative treatment strategies for Crohn's disease between emergent/urgent versus elective resection.

METHODS

We identified patients with intestinal resection for Crohn's disease between 2002-2018 using the MarketScan databases. We classified emergent/urgent resections as those occurring after emergency department admission or after the second day of admission. We estimated adjusted risk differences for the association between resection type (emergent/urgent versus elective) and 6-month postoperative medication strategy (biologic monotherapy, biologic combination therapy with an immunomodulator, immunomodulator monotherapy, other non-biologic medication for Crohn's [5-aminosalicylates, antibiotics, corticosteroids], or no medications for Crohn's).

RESULTS

During 6 months after resection among 4,187 patients, 23% received biologic monotherapy, 6% received combination therapy, 16% received immunomodulator monotherapy, and 36% received other non-biologics. Compared to elective resection, emergent/urgent resection was associated with more common use of "other non-biologic" medications (risk difference 6.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8%, 10.0%), but less common use of biologic monotherapy (risk difference -3.2%; 95% CI -6.2%, -0.1%) and no medications (risk difference -3.6%; 95% CI -6.6%, -0.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients with emergent/urgent resection may benefit from more aggressive postoperative therapy, there was evidence that emergent/urgent resection was more associated than elective resection with postoperative use of non-biologics for Crohn's disease. Future studies of treatment patterns and comparative effectiveness of postoperative treatment strategies for Crohn's patients should consider these differences between resection types, which may be important drivers of longer-term outcomes.

A contemporary series of surgical outcomes following subtotal colectomy and/or completion proctectomy for management of inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

The main indications for emergency subtotal colectomy (SC) include management of toxic colitis, refractory haemorrhage and/or perforation. Alternatively, elective surgery is performed for those refractory to medical therapy or with evidence of multifocal dysplasia. Overall, the annual incidence of SC has fallen since the introduction of biologic therapies and we aimed to review our current practices.

METHODS

A retrospective review of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients undergoing subtotal colectomy between 2013 and 2020 was performed. Medical records, operative notes, discharge summaries, histopathology reports and other supporting documents were reviewed. Indication for surgery, management of the rectum (i.e. maintenance of rectal stump, progression to completion proctectomy or IPAA formation) associated morbidity (Clavien-Dindo classification) and length of hospital stay were examined.

RESULTS

Fifty-six IBD patients underwent a subtotal colectomy. Twenty-five patients (UC 14, Crohn's 11) had an elective procedure, and 31 patients (UC 19 Crohn's 12) had an emergency/semi-urgent procedure. Interestingly, 80% (n = 25) of the emergency cohort and 68% (n = 17) of the elective cohort had a laparoscopic resection. Major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo > 2) was higher among the emergency group (39% vs. 24%). Deep surgical site infection was the commonest morbidity (13%) in the emergency group, while superficial surgical site infection was commonest in the elective cohort (20%). Overall, there was no difference in surgical re-intervention rate (13% vs 12%), and there were no perioperative mortalities. Median post-operative length of stay was shorter in the elective cohort (9 versus 13 days).

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of IBD patients still require semi-urgent/emergency colectomy, which is associated with considerable length of stay and morbidity. The results of our study provide real-world outcomes to help counsel patients on expected outcomes.

Improved outcomes for patients undergoing colectomy for acute severe inflammatory colitis by adopting a multi-disciplinary care bundle

PURPOSE

Severe inflammatory colitis as a consequence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may not be amenable to medical management, and surgery is often required. The optimal timing of surgery and perioperative therapeutic care requires a formal link between surgical department and gastroenterology which is often lacking. In this study, we assess the impact of adopting a multidisciplinary care bundle on complication rates of subtotal colectomy in IBD patients.

METHODS

This is a single-centre retrospective observational study. Patients were identified through clinical discharge ICD10 codes. Clinical notes of patients who underwent subtotal colectomies from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2019 were analysed. Socio-demographics, diagnosis, and medical and surgical management data were collected. A multimodule bundle, including weekly MDT discussions, was started in our unit on 1 April 2014. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed on these data.

RESULTS

A total of 296 patients were identified with 113 patients of these (38.2%) experiencing a complication post operation. The overall complication rate improved over time (p = 0.023). Those patients treated after the initiation of the MDT bundle had reduced complication rates (44.6% versus 33.7%, p = 0.045). On multivariate analysis, increasing age (1.023 OR; 95% CI 1.004, 1.041) and procedure performed before MDT bundle (3.1 OR; 95% CI 1.689, 5.723) were independent predictors for post-operative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Closer links between gastroenterology and colorectal specialties have improved patient outcomes in our unit. Whilst IBD MDTs have previously been shown to improve outcomes for patients managed medically, we demonstrate that this interaction, implemented as a multidisciplinary care bundle, also improves surgical outcomes.

Surgery for inflammatory bowel disease in the era of biologics

Therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has changed dramatically in recent years with the wide use of biologics. Despite these advances in medical therapy, surgery still plays an indispensable role in the management of IBD. And with more and more patients receiving biologics, surgeons also need to adapt to the impact of biologics on the disease. The purpose of this article is to review the role of surgery in the treatment of IBD in the era of biologics and the impact of these medications on perioperative outcomes.

Novel Genetic Variant Predicts Surgical Recurrence Risk in Crohn's Disease Patients

BACKGROUND

We aimed to identify a model of clinical and genetic risk factors through hypothesis-free search across genome that can predict the surgical recurrence risk after the first abdominal surgery in CD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two independent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cohort studies were used to derive and validate the genetic risk profile. The study subjects were genotyped using Illumina Immunochip custom genotyping array. Surgical recurrence was defined as having the second or more abdominal bowel resections after the first abdominal surgery at the time of study enrollment; nonsurgical recurrence was defined as having no further abdominal resection after the first abdominal surgery.

RESULTS

Among 372 CD patients who had at least 1 abdominal surgery at the study enrollment, 132 (35.5%) had subsequent surgical recurrence after their first abdominal surgery, and 240 (64.5%) required no subsequent abdominal surgery at the end of follow up. Among clinical factors, multivariable analysis showed that history of immunomodulatory use (odds ratio [OR], 3.96; P = 0.002) and early era of CD first surgery (OR, 1.12; P = 1.01E-04) remained significant. Genotypic association tests identified a genome-wide significant locus rs2060886 in TCF4 at chr18q21.2 associated with surgical recurrence risk (OR, dom, 4.10 [2.37-7.11]; P = 4.58E-08).

CONCLUSIONS

Novel genetic locus rs2060886 in TCF4 was associated with surgical recurrence risk at genome-wide significance level among CD patients after their first abdominal surgery. Early era of CD first intestinal surgery predicts higher surgical recurrence risk. These results suggest that genetic variants may help guide the CD management strategy in patients at the highest risk of repeated abdominal surgeries.

Short-term and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic vs open ileocolic resection in patients with Crohn's disease: Propensity-score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic ileocolic resection (LICR) is the preferred surgical approach for primary ileocolic Crohn’s disease (CD) because it has greater recovery benefits than open ICR (OICR).

AIM

To compare short- and long-term outcomes in patients who underwent LICR and OICR.

METHODS

Patients who underwent ICR for primary CD from 2006 to 2017 at a single tertiary center specializing in CD were included. Patients who underwent LICR and OICR were subjected to propensity-score matching analysis. Patients were propensity-score matched 1:1 by factors potentially associated with 30-d perioperative morbidity. These included demographic characteristics and disease- and treatment-related variables. Factors were compared using univariate and multivariate analyses. Long-term surgical recurrence-free survival (SRFS) in the two groups was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test.

RESULTS

During the study period, 348 patients underwent ICR, 211 by the open approach and 137 laparoscopically. Propensity-score matching yielded 102 pairs of patients. The rate of postoperative complication was significantly lower (14% versus 32%, P = 0.003), postoperative hospital stay significantly shorter (8 d versus 13 d, P = 0.003), and postoperative pain on day 7 significantly lower (1.4 versus 2.3, P < 0.001) in propensity-score matched patients who underwent LICR than in those who underwent OICR. Multivariate analysis showed that postoperative complications were significantly associated with preoperative treatment with biologics [odds ratio (OR): 3.14, P = 0.01] and an open approach to surgery (OR: 2.86, P = 0.005). The 5- and 10-year SRFS rates in the matched pairs were 92.9% and 83.3%, respectively, with SRFS rates not differing significantly between the OICR and LICR groups. The performance of additional procedures was an independent risk factor for surgical recurrence [hazard ratio (HR): 3.28, P = 0.02].

CONCLUSION

LICR yielded better short-term outcomes and postoperative recovery than OICR, with no differences in long-term outcomes. LICR may provide greater benefits in selected patients with primary CD.

Cut-off value of ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS) score for predicting the need for pouch construction in ulcerative colitis: results of a multicenter study with long-term follow-up

Background

Total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) was the first choice for the surgical treatment of the ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. The data on the predictive value of the ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS) for the need for IPAA in UC patients is scarce. We aimed to establish the UCEIS cut-off value to further analyse whether the UCEIS cut-off was suitable for predicting the need for IPAA in UC patients.

Methods

The clinical data of UC patients from June 1986 to March 2020 at our institute were retrospectively assessed. The UCEIS scores recorded at the time of the first colonoscopy after hospitalization were used in the study. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the UCEIS cut-off value for predicting the need for IPAA.

Results

A total of 283 UC patients were included in the study, with a median UCEIS of 4. During a median follow-up of 13 years, 80 patients (28.3%) received surgery invention, among whom 75 (93.8%) underwent IPAA surgery and 5 (6.2%) received subtotal colectomy with permanent ostomy. A UCEIS cut-off of 6 had the most significant area under the curve of 0.769 for predicting the need for IPAA (P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 72.0% and specificity of 81.8%. UCEIS ≥6 was an independent predictive factor for the need for IPAA (P < 0.001) and malignant transformation (P = 0.010). Patients with UCEIS ≥6 had a significantly shorter IPAA-free survival time than those with UCEIS <6 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

UCEIS ≥6 may be a threshold value for decision-making for IPAA and should be recommended for UC patients for reducing the incidence of malignant transformation.

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

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

Systematic review and meta-analysis: risks of postoperative complications with preoperative use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha biologics in inflammatory bowel disease patients

OBJECTIVE

The preoperative use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients undergoing surgery has been controversial due to concern for increased risks of postoperative complications. We aimed to determine the effect of preoperative anti-TNF therapy on postoperative complications in IBD patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

METHODS

A literature search of Google Scholar, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and CINAHL was performed through October 2019. Studies reporting postoperative complication rates of Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and IBD-unspecified patients with preoperative anti-TNF treatment undergoing abdominal surgery compared to controls without preoperative anti-TNF treatment were included. The main outcomes measured were overall, infectious, and noninfectious postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Forty-one studies totaling 20 274 patients were included. There was a significant increase in overall complications in all patients treated with anti-TNF vs. controls [odds ratio (OR) = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.25, P = 0.03, I2 = 6%] with an absolute risk increase (ARI) of 5.5% and a number needed to harm (NNH) of 18. There was also a significant increase in infectious complications in CD patients (OR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.02-2.03, P = 0.04, I2 = 49%, ARI = 5.5%, NNH = 20) only. Contrastingly, there was a significant increase in noninfectious complications in all patients (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.13-1.85, P = 0.003, I2 = 8%, ARI = 6.4%, NNH = 16) and UC patients (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.15-2.14, P = 0.005, I2 = 25%, ARI = 8.5%, NNH = 12) only.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative use of anti-TNF agents in IBD patients undergoing abdominal surgery is associated with increases in overall postoperative complications in all patients, infectious postoperative complications in CD patients, and noninfectious postoperative complications in UC patients.

Sexual Dysfunction in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: What the Specialist Should Know and Ask

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that globally affects the health of people who suffer from it, deteriorating their quality of life (QoL). An aspect rarely explored by healthcare providers is the influence of the disease on the sexual functioning of individuals. This discretion is mainly due to an unconscious resistance when asking our patients about their sexual functioning because of a lack of knowledge and skills to tackle this topic or disinterest on the part of professionals, and fear or shame on the part of patients. Sexual function is a constant concern in IBD patients that has been reflected in several studies, especially if we consider that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in IBD is higher than that reported in the general population. The etiology of SD in patients with IBD remains unclear but is likely to be multifactorial, where biological, psychosocial, and disease-specific factors are involved. Currently, there are no formal recommendations in the IBD clinical guidelines on how to manage SD in these patients. The use of validated clinical scales could improve the detection of SD and allow the treatment of the underlying causes in order to improve the QoL of patients with IBD. This review aims to illustrate the different aspects involved in SD in IBD patients and the importance of the participation of a multidisciplinary team in the early detection and treatment of SD at different stages of the disease.

Understanding patient journey in ulcerative colitis prior to biologic initiation: a 5-year exploration

BACKGROUND

There has been a more pronounced shift toward earlier, more aggressive therapies in Crohn's disease than in ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to describe the pre-biologic treatment and health care experience, including co-morbidities and overall health care utilization, for UC patients who initiated biologic therapies, in the 5 years prior to the initiation of the first biologic agent.

METHODS

UC patients who initiated a biologic agent approved for UC between 9/15/2005 and 1/30/2018 were identified from the IBM® MarketScan® Commercial Database, a large US database. The date of the first recorded UC biologic exposure was defined as the index date, and ≥ 5 years of pre-index records were required to evaluate patients' treatment, disease progression and overall health care utilization prior to initiating biologic agents.

RESULTS

Among the 1891 eligible patients, treatment with oral corticosteroids, 5-aminosalicylates, and other non-biologic immunomodulators, all increased progressively across the 5 years prior to the index. From within year-five to within year-one prior to the index, the median duration of oral corticosteroid treatment increased from 34 to 88 days per year and the proportion of patients who experienced more extensive/pancolitis disease increased from 16 to 59%. Overall, the frequency of all-cause health care visits also increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with UC experienced increasing morbidity and treatment burden in the 5 years prior to initiating biologic therapy. To achieve reduced corticosteroids in UC management, better risk stratification is needed to help identify patients for more timely biologic treatment.

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

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

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

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

Description of the inflammatory bowel disease natural history in Tehran province, Iran: Mixed panel approaches

AIM

Description of the inflammatory bowel disease natural history in Tehran province.

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a non-homogeneous disorder with an unpredictable natural history that impairs a patient's quality of life over the course of their life. As a result, providing evidence for efficient patient management is critical.

METHODS

In this case series study, 198 IBD patients who were visited in our clinic at least three times routinely from Oct 2015 to May 2020 were included. Then, two panel-based approaches, the Multi-State Model (MSM) and random-effect ordered logistic, were used to deduce the clinical course of IBD, which included remission, mild, moderate to severe, and surgical states.

RESULTS

For ulcerative colitis (UC), women had a slightly poorer condition for remission but better for moderate to severe and a faster transition from moderate to severe to mild (HR=1.490, 95% CI: 1.02-2.16) compared to men. For Crohn's disease (CD), they had a better condition for remission but a slightly poorer condition for the severe state and higher transition from mild to moderate to severe (HR=1.221, 95% CI: 0.471-3.22) than men. Oral 5-ASA had better efficacy in people with remission and/or mild states but not for those with moderate to severe states, especially in CD (mild to moderate to serve, HR=1.526, 95% CI: 0.59-3.89). Immunosuppressive drugs were better for patients with lower disease severity, especially with UC (mild to remission, HR=1.258, 95% CI: 0.75-2.09).

CONCLUSION

Panel approaches have the potential efficacy to tackle the unpredictable clinical course of IBD (UC/CD). Hence, we highly recommend that our findings be included into the Iranian routine clinical environment of IBD and/or that related studies be conducted in Iran and other regions to gain a better understanding of the natural history of IBD.

Unexplained systemic inflammatory response following ileostomy closure after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a deeper dive into a rare entity

AIM

The purpose of this study is to shed light on a rare complication following ileostomy closure after 3-stage IPAA for further study and discussion.

METHODS

Our department IPAA database was queried for all patients who underwent 3-stage IPAA creation from 2011 through 2018. Data was reviewed and analyzed using the SPSS application. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for categorical variables. t test or ANOVA was used for continuous variables. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Three hundred seventy-eight charts were queried. Sixty-eight complications (18.0%) were identified after ileostomy closure. Thirty-seven were small bowel obstruction or partial small bowel obstruction (SBO or pSBO, 9.79%), 5 cases of leak from ileoileostomy anastomosis (7.4%), and 4 cases of leak from pouch (5.9%). There was no significant difference in time between restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA and loop ileostomy closure with cases where a complication occurred and where one did not (p = 0.28). Eight patients developed a SIRS response in the first 5 days after surgery without an identified intraabdominal source after extensive work-up. Of these patients, 87.5% also had negative re-explorations (both open and laparoscopic). None required re-diversion, and all recovered well.

CONCLUSIONS

While SBO remains the most common complication following ileostomy closure, a surprisingly large number of presents present with a SIRS response with no identifiable source. All of these patients recovered with supportive care, and none required further intervention or diversion. This is a poorly understood phenomenon which is unique to ileostomy closure after IPAA, and further study is required.

Treatment persistence and colectomy-free outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis receiving golimumab or adalimumab: a UK experience

Objective

To examine real-world treatment persistence, colectomy-free survival and treatment switching patterns in UK patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) prescribed golimumab or adalimumab.

Design

This was a retrospective chart review study in adult patients diagnosed with UC using data from 16 National Health Service sites in the UK. Patient records were included in the study if they had initiated first or second-line adalimumab or golimumab between 1 March 2016 and 30 September 2017 (index date). Subjects were required for ≥6 months post treatment initiation. Demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment-related data and colectomy data were extracted over a follow-up period of 6–12 months. Treatment persistence rate was the primary outcome. Colectomy-free survival and treatment switching were secondary outcomes. Outcomes were compared between treatments using χ² tests and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. The t-tests were used for continuous variables. Time-to-event variables were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests.

Results

The study included a total of 183 patients (96 (52.5%) prescribed adalimumab; 87 (47.5%) golimumab), and patients were mostly first line (79.8%). Demographic and clinical characteristics were generally similar between treatment groups. Persistence rates within 12 months were 64.6% for adalimumab and 64.4% for golimumab (p=0.681). Overall, 20.2% switched to other therapy within 1 year, with 8.2% golimumab and 12.0% adalimumab switching to another biologic. Of patients prescribed adalimumab, 14.6% had ≥1 dose change, mainly dose escalations. In the 12 months post treatment initiation, 8.2% of patients underwent colectomy, with no significant difference in colectomy-free survival by treatment, p=0.73.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of clinical outcomes and real-world persistence for adalimumab and golimumab in UC. The persistence rates of both therapies were above 64.0% at 12 months following treatment initiation. In addition, the 1-year colectomy-free survival was relatively similar between the two treatments.

Infliximab Does Not Promote the Presence of Collagenolytic Bacteria in a Mouse Model of Colorectal Anastomosis

BACKGROUND

Previous work from our group has suggested a pivotal role for collagenolytic bacteria in the development of anastomotic complications. Tumor necrosis factor antagonists are a mainstay of treatment for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The reported impact of these agents on key surgical outcomes such as anastomotic leak has been inconsistent. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of infliximab on the anastomotic microbiome in a mouse model of colon resection.

DESIGN

BALB/c mice underwent colon resection with primary anastomosis. Mice were randomly assigned to receive either an intraperitoneal dose of saline (control) or 10 mg/kg of infliximab for 8 weeks prior to surgery. On postoperative day 7, the animals were sacrificed. Anastomotic tissues were analyzed by histology with TUNNEL staining as a marker of epithelial apoptosis. In order to assess compositional and functional changes of the local microbiome, anastomotic tissues were further analyzed by 16S rRNA V4 region sequencing and for the presence of collagenolytic strains that may impair anastomotic healing. The main outcome measures were microbiome community structure and the presence of collagenolytic bacteria.

RESULTS

Infliximab-treated mice demonstrated an increase in epithelial apoptosis, consistent with the expected drug effect. Although infliximab modified the perianastomotic microbiome, no increase in the presence of collagenolytic bacteria was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Infliximab did not promote the emergence of collagenolytic bacteria or demonstrably impair anastomotic healing in a mouse model of colon resection and anastomosis.

Abdominal Surgery in Crohn's Disease: Risk Factors for Complications

Introduction

Abdominal surgery in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) is challenging, especially in the biologic era. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors associated with increased risk for postoperative complications in CD.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted with consecutive patients who underwent abdominal surgery for CD from January 2012 to January 2018.

Results

Of 103 patients, 32% had postoperative complications. Gender, age, disease location and phenotype, hemoglobin and albumin levels, previous abdominal surgery, and preoperative optimization did not differ between the groups with or without complications. Thirty-five percent of the patients were under anti-TNF therapy, and this medication was not associated with increased risk for postoperative complications. Time since the onset of the disease was significantly higher in patients with complications (12.9 vs. 9.4, p = 0.04). In multivariate analysis, creation of ostomy and urgent surgery were the only variables independently associated with increased risk for complications (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.12-9.46 and OR 2.94, 95% CI 0.98-9.09, respectively).

Conclusion

Urgent surgery for CD should preferably be performed in specialized centers, and creation of stoma is not necessarily associated with lower rate of postoperative complications but rather less severe complications.

Living with Ulcerative Colitis Study (LUCY) in England: a retrospective study evaluating healthcare resource utilisation and direct healthcare costs of postoperative care in ulcerative colitis

Objective

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a lifelong, relapsing-remitting disease. Patients non-responsive to pharmacological treatment may require a colectomy. We estimated pre-colectomy and post-colectomy healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) and costs in England.

Design/Method

A retrospective, longitudinal cohort study indexing adult patients with UC undergoing colectomy (2009–2015), using linked Clinical Practice Research Datalink/Hospital Episode Statistics data, was conducted. HCRU, healthcare costs and pharmacological treatments were evaluated during 12 months prior to and including colectomy (baseline) and 24 months post-colectomy (follow-up; F-U), comparing baseline/F-U, emergency/elective colectomy and subtotal/full colectomy using descriptive statistics and paired/unpaired tests.

Results

249 patients from 26 165 identified were analysed including 145 (58%) elective and 184 (74%) full colectomies. Number/cost of general practitioner consultations increased post-colectomy (p<0.001), and then decreased at 13–24 months (p<0.05). From baseline to F-U, the number of outpatient visits, number/cost of hospitalisations and total direct healthcare costs decreased (all p<0.01). Postoperative HCRU was similar between elective and emergency colectomies, except for the costs of colectomy-related hospitalisations and medication, which were lower in the elective group (p<0.05). Postoperative costs were higher for subtotal versus full colectomies (p<0.001). At 1–12 month F-U, 30%, 19% and 5% of patients received aminosalicylates, steroids and immunosuppressants, respectively.

Conclusion

HCRU/costs increased for primary care in the first year post-colectomy but decreased for secondary care, and varied according to the colectomy type. Ongoing and potentially unnecessary pharmacological therapy was seen in up to 30% of patients. These findings can inform patients and decision-makers of potential benefits and burdens of colectomy in UC.

Kono-S anastomosis for Crohn's disease: a systemic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

The Kono-S anastomosis was introduced in 2011 as an alternative anastomosis in Crohn's disease (CD) surgery. Since then, prevailing evidence of the favorable results of the Kono-S anastomosis has been published from around the world. We conducted this study to analyze the effectiveness of the Kono-S anastomosis, by searching Medline, Embase, CNKI, and google scholar. Binominal data were analyzed after Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation. Comparative data were analyzed using the Mantel-Haenszel model for dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference for continuous outcomes. We identified 676 patients who underwent surgery with a Kono-S anastomosis. Surgical recurrence was pooled at an average of 0% (CI: 0.00-0.01) and a reduced mean Rutgeerts score of 1.375 (CI: 0.727-2.023) after Kono-S anastomosis. Endoscopic recurrence after sensitivity analysis was 5% (CI: 0.00-0.15). Complications were rare, with a 3% incidence of ileus (CI: 0.01-0.05), a 4% incidence of small bowel obstruction (CI: 0.01-0.10), a 1% incidence of an anastomotic leak incidence (CI: 0.00-0.03), and a 10% incidence of postoperative infection (CI: 0.03-0.20). Evidence from this meta-analysis favors the Kono-S anastomosis for CD patients, especially for ileocolic anastomosis. Thus, clinicians should consider the applicability of Kono-S anastomosis in respective institutions.

Trends in Colectomies for Colorectal Neoplasms in Ulcerative Colitis: a National Inpatient Sample Database Analysis over Two Decades

BACKGROUND

Rates of colectomy for ulcerative colitis have been decreasing, particularly since the advent of biologics, but the subsequent impact of reduced colectomy rates on the development of neoplasms in chronically treated ulcerative colitis colons is unknown.

PURPOSE

To determine trends in colectomy for colorectal neoplasms in adult patients with ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

Adult admissions with ulcerative colitis were identified from the National Inpatient Sample from 1993 to 2015. The rate of colectomy with concurrent colorectal neoplasm served as the primary outcome and was evaluated using time trend linear and multivariable regression.

RESULTS

There were 366,286 admissions with ulcerative colitis including 16,556 (4.5%) total colectomies. Of those undergoing colectomy, 2018 (12.2%) had a concurrent diagnosis of colorectal neoplasm. The proportion of colectomies for ulcerative colitis with concurrent colorectal neoplasm increased from 10.3 to 12.5% (p_Trend = 0.004). Specifically, the proportion of colectomies performed for dysplasia/benign neoplasm and rectal cancer increased from 3.5 to 5.6% (p_Trend < 0.001) and from 2.6 to 3.0% (p_Trend = 0.028) respectively, and those for colon cancer remained stable (4.5 to 3.9%, p_Trend = 0.423). On multivariate regression, year of colectomy was a significant predictor of colectomy for colorectal neoplasm (OR = 1.044, 95% CI = 1.025-1.062).

DISCUSSION

Operative management of ulcerative colitis appears to be slowly increasing in oncological indications. The rising proportions of colectomies performed for colorectal neoplasms suggest the need for continued screening in these patients, including rectal surveillance.

Differential regulation of JAK/STAT-signaling in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease

In 2018, the pan-Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor tofacitinib was launched for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Although tofacitinib has proven efficacious in patients with active UC, it failed in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). This finding strongly hints at a different contribution of JAK signaling in both entities. Here, we review the current knowledge on the interplay between the JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In particular, we provide a detailed overview of the differences and similarities of JAK/STAT-signaling in UC and CD, highlight the impact of the JAK/STAT pathway in experimental colitis models and summarize the published evidence on JAK/STAT-signaling in immune cells of IBD as well as the genetic association between the JAK/STAT pathway and IBD. Finally, we describe novel treatment strategies targeting JAK/STAT inhibition in UC and CD and comment on the limitations and challenges of the new drug class.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Non-biological treatment

Nowadays, non-biological treatments remain valuable approaches among the therapeutic armamentarium of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mesalamine is the core treatment of mild‑to‑moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) and corticosteroids are crucial for the induction of remission of moderate‑to‑severe flares in both UC and Crohn's disease (CD). Even approaches as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, azathioprine, methotrexate, and surgery still have a nuclear position as strategies to induce and/or maintain remission in IBD. Due to their particularities and to the accumulated evidence, each of these strategies conquered peculiar roles in the overall IBD strategy, all of them contributing to better outcomes. This review emphasizes the particular roles that non-biological treatments gained over time: recent mesalamine formulations to increase adhesion rates, higher doses of 5-ASA for high-risk patients, MMX technology to improve drug release and attain higher bowel concentrations, cyclosporine as a bridge to vedolizumab, tacrolimus as a potential alternative to thiopurines or infliximab, azathioprine in combination therapy with infliximab and dubious in monotherapy, and surgery as a mean to a "better end".

A Challenging Colectomy for Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis Complicated by COVID-19

We present the case of a patient with acute severe ulcerative colitis and concomitant COVID-19-related pneumonia who required a colectomy after a prolonged and complicated hospitalization during the initial stages of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, before the establishment of official procedures.