Clostridium difficile and pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective, comparative, multicenter, ESPGHAN study

Changing epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising worldwide, but epidemiological data on children and adolescents are lacking. Understanding the global burden of IBD among children and adolescents is essential for global standardization of methodology and treatment options.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study based on aggregated data. We estimated the prevalence and incidence of IBD in children and adolescents between 1990 and 2019 according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019). Age-standardized rates (ASRs) and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were used to compare the burden and trends between different regions and countries.

RESULTS

In 2019, there were 25,659 new cases and 88,829 prevalent cases of IBD among children and adolescents globally, representing an increase of 22.8% and 18.5%, respectively, compared to 1990. Over the past 30 years, the incidence and prevalence of IBD among children and adolescents have been highest in high SDI regions, with the most significant increases in East Asia and high-income Asia Pacific. At the age level, incidence and prevalence were significantly higher in the 15-19-year-old age group, while the < 5-year-old group showed the most significant increase in incidence and prevalence.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of IBD in children and adolescents is significantly on the rise in some countries and regions, and IBD will remain an important public health issue with extensive healthcare and economic costs in the future. The reported IBD burden in children and adolescents at the global, regional, and national levels will assist in the development of more precise health policies.

Clostridioides difficile Infection in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of C. difficile infection (CDI) and experience worse outcomes associated with an infection. In this article, we review recent research on the incidence, diagnosis, complications, and treatment options for CDI in children with IBD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Children with IBD have an elevated incidence of CDI, but their CDI risk does not associate with established risk factors in adults with IBD. Existing testing methodologies are inadequate at differentiating CDI from C. difficile colonization in children with IBD. Fecal microbiota transplantation offers a durable cure for recurrent CDI. CDI remains a frequent occurrence in children with IBD. Careful clinical monitoring should be used to diagnose CDI and patients with co-occurring IBD and CDI require careful surveillance for worse outcomes. Future research should explore the optimal diagnosis and treatment modalities in this unique patient population.

A Multifaced Aspect of Clostridium difficile Infection in Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Case Series and Literature Review

Children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased susceptibility to Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), with a rising incidence over time. Differentiating between CDI and IBD exacerbation is challenging due to overlapping symptoms. In our cohort of 55 pediatric IBD patients, 6 were diagnosed with CDI. Upon conducting a thorough patient evaluation and subsequent data analysis, an exhaustive review of the existing literature was undertaken. CDI is more prevalent in ulcerative colitis (UC) than Crohn's disease (CD) patients, as seen in our patients and in the existing literature. The management of a pediatric patient with IBD is itself a challenge for a clinician because of the chronic, possibly relapsing course, and substantial long-term morbidity. When CDI is added, it becomes even more demanding, since CDI leads to more severe disease in children with IBD. A multidisciplinary approach and intensive treatment for possible sepsis, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hydro-electrolytic and acid-base imbalances are frequently mandatory in patients with CDI and IBD, which leads to a significant health care burden in hospitalized children with IBD. After the infection is treated with antibiotic therapy, important considerations regarding the future treatment for the underlying IBD are also necessary; in most cases, a treatment escalation is required, as also seen in our study group.

Longitudinal Bile Acid Composition Changes Following Faecal Microbiota Transplantation for Clostridioides difficile Infection in Children With and Without Underlying Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Faecal microbiota transplant [FMT] is effective in treating recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection [CDI] and restores gut microbiota composition. This is unlikely to account for its entire mechanism of efficacy, as studies have shown that factors such as bile acids influence the risk of infection by affecting Clostridioides difficile germination. We therefore aimed to investigate longitudinal changes in the gut bile acid composition after FMT performed for recurrent CDI, in children with and without inflammatory bowel disease [IBD].

METHODS

Eight children received FMT; five had underlying IBD. Primary and secondary faecal bile acids were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in recipients [pre-FMT and longitudinally post-FMT for up to 6 months] and donors.

RESULTS

Pre-FMT, recipients had higher primary and lower secondary bile acid proportions compared with donors. Post-FMT, there was a gradual increase of secondary and decrease of primary bile acids. Whereas gut bacterial diversity had been shown to be restored in all children shortly after FMT, normalisation of bile acids to donor levels occurred only by 6 months. In children with IBD, although microbiota diversity returned to pre-FMT levels within 6 months, secondary bile acids remained at donor levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in bile acid profiles compared with gut bacterial diversity post-FMT suggests that interactions between the two may be more complex than previously appreciated and may contribute to FMT efficacy in different ways. This initial finding demonstrates the need to further investigate gut metabolites in larger cohorts, with longitudinal sampling to understand the mechanisms of FMT effectiveness.

Frequency of Diarrhea, Stool Specimen Collection and Testing, and Detection of Clostridioides Difficile Infection Among Hospitalized Adults in the Muenster/Coesfeld Area, Germany

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) often manifests as diarrhea, particularly in adults of older age or with underlying comorbidities. However, only severe cases are notifiable in Germany. Moreover, failure to collect a stool specimen from inpatients with diarrhea or incomplete testing may lead to underdiagnosis and underreporting of CDI. We assessed the frequency of diarrhea, stool specimen collection, and CDI testing to estimate CDI underdiagnosis and underreporting among hospitalized adults. In a ten-day point-prevalence study (2019-2021) of nine hospitals in a defined area (Muenster/Coesfeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany), all diarrhea cases (≥ 3 loose stools in 24 h) among adult inpatients were captured via medical record screening and nurse interviews. Patient characteristics, symptom onset, putative origin, antibiotic consumption, and diagnostic stool sampling were collected in a case report form (CRF). Diagnostic results were retrieved from the respective hospital laboratories. Among 6998 patients screened, 476 (7%) diarrhea patients were identified, yielding a hospital-based incidence of 201 cases per 10,000 patient-days. Of the diarrheal patients, 186 (39%) had a stool sample collected, of which 160 (86%) were tested for CDI, meaning that the overall CDI testing rate among diarrhea patients was 34%. Toxigenic C. difficile was detected in 18 (11%) of the tested samples. The frequency of stool specimen collection and CDI testing among hospitalized diarrhea patients was suboptimal. Thus, CDI incidence in Germany is likely underestimated. To assess the complete burden of CDI in German hospitals, further investigations are needed.

Metagenomic and bile acid metabolomic analysis of fecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent Clostridiodes difficile and/or inflammatory bowel diseases

BACKGROUND

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (rCDI), but has more limited efficacy in treating either ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD), two major forms of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We hypothesize that FMT recipients with rCDI and/or IBD have baseline fecal bile acid (BA) compositions that differ significantly from that of their healthy donors and that FMT will normalize the BA compositions.

AIM

To study the effect of single colonoscopic FMT on microbial composition and function in four recipient groups: 1.) rCDI patients without IBD (rCDI-IBD); 2.) rCDI with IBD (rCDI+IBD); 3.) UC patients without rCDI (UC-rCDI); 4.) CD patients without rCDI (CD-rCDI).

METHODS

We performed 16S rRNA gene sequence, shotgun DNA sequence and quantitative bile acid metabolomic analyses on stools collected from 55 pairs of subjects and donors enrolled in two prospective single arm FMT clinical trials (Clinical Trials.gov ID NCT03268213, 479696, UC no rCDI ≥ 2x IND 1564 and NCT03267238, IND 16795). Fitted linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of four recipient groups, FMT status (Donor, pre-FMT, 1-week post-FMT, 3-months post-FMT) and first order Group*FMT interactions on microbial diversity and composition, bile acid metabolites and bile acid metabolizing enzyme gene abundance.

RESULTS

The pre-FMT stools collected from rCDI ± IBD recipients had reduced α-diversity compared to the healthy donor stools and was restored post-FMT. The α-diversity in the pre-FMT stools collected from UC-rCDI or CD-rCDI recipients did not differ significantly from donor stools. FMT normalized some recipient/donor ratios of genus level taxa abundance in the four groups. Fecal secondary BA levels, including some of the secondary BA epimers that exhibit in vitro immunomodulatory activities, were lower in rCDI±IBD and CD-rCDI but not UC-rCDI recipients compared to donors. FMT restored secondary BA levels. Metagenomic baiE gene and some of the eight bile salt hydrolase (BSH) phylotype abundances were significantly correlated with fecal BA levels.

CONCLUSION

Restoration of multiple secondary BA levels, including BA epimers implicated in immunoregulation, are associated with restoration of fecal baiE gene counts, suggesting that the 7-α-dehydroxylation step is rate-limiting.

Clostridioides difficile Infection in a Japanese Tertiary Children's Hospital

PURPOSE

Toxins produced by Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) can cause enteritis and diarrhea. Although the number of pediatric CDI cases is increasing, the clinical management of pediatric CDI, including patient characteristics and prognosis, remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the background and clinical course of patients with CDI and evaluate the reliability of diagnostic tests in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Japan.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of children diagnosed with CDI between 2011 and 2021 at the Saitama Children's Medical Center in Saitama, Japan.

RESULTS

During the study period, 1,252 C. difficile antigen/toxin tests were performed, and 37 patients were diagnosed with CDI. The main underlying diseases among the patients were hematological and malignant disorders and gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (59.4%). Two patients (5.4%) had an unremarkable medical history. Among the 37 patients, 27 (73.0%) were immunocompromised, 25 (67.6%) had a history of antibiotic use within the past two months, and 6 (16.2%) were negative on the initial test but were positive on the second test. Finally, 28 patients (75.7%) required primary antibiotic therapy only, and two patients with IBD required additional antibiotic therapy as secondary treatment.

CONCLUSION

The number of pediatric patients with CDI is increasing. Both a comprehensive interview, including underlying diseases and history of antibiotic use, and an understanding of the features of clinical examinations should be emphasized to appropriately diagnose and treat CDI.

Efficacy and Outcomes of Faecal Microbiota Transplantation for Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Children with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] are disproportionally affected by recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection [rCDI]. Although faecal microbiota transplantation [FMT] has been used with good efficacy in adults with IBD, little is known about outcomes associated with FMT in paediatric IBD.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of FMT at 20 paediatric centres in the USA from March 2012 to March 2020. Children with and without IBD were compared with determined differences in the efficacy of FMT for rCDI. In addition, children with IBD with and without a successful outcome were compared with determined predictors of success. Safety data and IBD-specific outcomes were obtained.

RESULTS

A total of 396 paediatric patients, including 148 with IBD, were included. Children with IBD were no less likely to have a successful first FMT then the non-IBD affected cohort [76% vs 81%, p = 0.17]. Among children with IBD, patients were more likely to have a successful FMT if they received FMT with fresh stool [p = 0.03], were without diarrhoea prior to FMT [p = 0.03], or had a shorter time from rCDI diagnosis until FMT [p = 0.04]. Children with a failed FMT were more likely to have clinically active IBD post-FMT [p = 0.002] and 19 [13%] patients had an IBD-related hospitalisation in the 3-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings from this large US multicentre cohort, the efficacy of FMT for the treatment of rCDI did not differ in children with IBD. Failed FMT among children with IBD was possibly related to the presence of clinically active IBD.

Frequency of stool specimen collection and testing for Clostridioides difficile of hospitalized adults and long-term care facility residents with new-onset diarrhea in Louisville, Kentucky

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the stool specimen collection and Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) testing frequency from inpatients and long-term care facility (LTCF) residents with new-onset diarrhea.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in all wards of 9 adult hospitals (3532 beds) and 14 LTCFs (1205 beds) in Louisville, Kentucky to identify new-onset diarrhea (≥3 loose stools in the past 24 h and not present in the preceding 24 h) among Louisville adults via electronic medical record review, nurse interviews, and patient interviews during a 1-2 week observation period in 2018-2019.

RESULTS

Among Louisville-resident inpatients, 167 patients with 9731 inpatient-days had new-onset diarrhea (1.7/100 inpatient-days). Stool specimens were collected from 32% (53/167); 12 (23%) specimens were laboratory-confirmed for C. difficile infection (CDI) (12.3 cases/10,000 inpatient-days). Among LTCF residents, 63 with 10,402 LTCF resident-days had new-onset diarrhea (0.6/100 LTCF resident-days). Stool specimens were collected from 32% (20/63); 9 (45%) specimens were laboratory-confirmed for CDI (8.6 cases/10,000 LTCF resident-days).

CONCLUSIONS

New-onset diarrhea was common among inpatients and LTCF residents. Only one-third of patients with new-onset diarrhea had a stool specimen collected and tested for C. difficile-indicative of a potential CDI underdiagnosis-although, further studies are needed to confirm the extent of CDI underdiagnosis.

Core indicators of an evaluation and guidance system for quality of care in inflammatory bowel disease centers: A critical review

The mission of the IBD Quality Care Evaluation Center (IBDQCC) is to establish indicators of quality of care (QoC), certify IBD units to generate a network of IBD quality care, and eventually improve the national level of IBD healthcare. The final list of 28 core and 13 secondary IBD QoC indicators suitable for the healthcare system in China were selected using a Delphi consensus methodology. Units that met all core indicators were qualified as "regional"; units that met all core indicators together with more than 50% of the secondary indicators received a rating of "excellence." Using the selected QoC core indicators for certifying IBD units, a network of IBD quality care units covering the majority of IBD patients in China was established.

FUNDING

This work was financially supported by Cultivation Funding for Clinical Scientific Research Innovation, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University (RJPY-LX-004), National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81,770,545), Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Initiative (21SQBS02302), and Cultivated Funding for Clinical Research Innovation, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University (RJPY-LX-004).

Risk factors for Clostridioides difficile infection in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Risk factors and consequences associated with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are still uncertain. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess risk factors and outcomes associated with CDI in children and adolescents with IBD.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to 24th February, 2021. Studies investigating risk factors, bowel surgery rate in pediatric IBD patients with and without CDI were included. Random-effects model was used for calculating summary estimates. Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used for quality assessment.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies, comprising 17,114 patients, were included. There was a significant association between 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) use and CDI [odds ratio (OR) = 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-3.03], with minimal heterogeneity (I² = 0.00%). Increased risk of active disease (OR = 4.66, 95% CI 2.16-10.07) were associated with CDI in those studies performed in high quality score (NOS > 6) and significantly higher CDI rates in studies conducted outside USA (OR = 2.94, 95% CI 1.57-5.58). The bowel surgery rate in IBD with CDI was 3.8-57.1%, compared to that in IBD without CDI (0-21.3%). All studies were of moderate to high quality.

CONCLUSIONS

5-ASA use and active disease might be risk factors associated with CDI in children and adolescents with IBD. Bowel surgery rates associated with CDI in IBD patients varied greatly. Large-scale clinical studies on CDI in children and adolescents with IBD are still needed to verify risk factors and outcomes.

Updates and Opinions in Diagnosis and Treatment of Clostridiodes difficile in Pediatrics

Purpose of review

Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI) has unique challenges for diagnosis and treatment in pediatrics. Though new antibiotics and biologics are being approved or developed for adults, most of the pediatric therapies still rely on multiple or extended antibiotic courses. This review aims to highlight emerging evidence and our clinical experience with CDI in children and can help inform readers' approach to pediatric CDI.

Recent findings

Use of fidaxomicin for CDI in pediatrics has been shown to be to be non-inferior to vancomycin and is associated with higher global cure rates and decreased risk of recurrence. Fecal microbiota transplant is a successful emerging therapy with cure rates of up to 90%, though safety alerts should be noted. Diagnostic laboratory testing for C. difficile remains a challenge as it still cannot definitively distinguish between colonization and true infection, and this is particularly relevant to pediatric patients as they have the highest rates of colonization.

Summary

The diagnosis and treatment of C. difficile infection in pediatrics remain challenging and recommendations lag behind advances made in the adult field. Recent data suggests that use of fidaxomicin both as treatment of first episode or recurrences may be beneficial in pediatrics just as in adults. At an experienced center, FMT is associated with high cure rates. Bezlotuxumab a monoclonal antibody to toxin B that is already recommended for use in adults is being studied in children and should be available for clinical use soon. Oral vancomycin prophylaxis is also an emerging strategy for high-risk patients. Finally, a possible vaccine may be on the horizon for pediatrics.

Prevalence of Detection of Clostridioides difficile Among Asymptomatic Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Detection of Clostridioides difficile has frequently been described in asymptomatic infants and children, but accurate estimates across the age spectrum are unavailable.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of C difficile detection among asymptomatic children across the age spectrum.

DATA SOURCES

This systematic review and meta-analysis included a search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2020. Search terms included Clostridium difficile, Peptoclostridium difficile, Clostridioides difficile, CDF OR CDI OR c diff OR c difficile, Clostridium infections OR cd positive diarrhea OR cd positive diarrhea OR Clostridium difficile OR Peptoclostridium difficile OR pseudomembranous colitis OR pseudomembranous enterocolitis, enterocolitis, and pseudomembranous. These were combined with the following terms: bacterial colonization and colonization OR colonized OR colonizing OR epidemiology OR prevalence OR seroprevalence.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were screened independently by 2 authors. Studies were included if they reported testing for C difficile among asymptomatic children (ie, children without diarrhea) younger than 18 years.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data were extracted independently and in duplicate by 2 reviewers. Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Data were pooled using a random-effects model.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was prevalence of C difficile detection among asymptomatic children. Secondary outcomes included prevalence of toxigenic vs nontoxigenic strains of C difficile and prevalence of C difficile detection stratified by geographic region, income status, testing method, and year of testing.

RESULTS

A total of 95 studies with 19 186 participants were included. Rates of detection of toxigenic or nontoxigenic C difficile were greatest among infants aged 6 to 12 months (41%; 95% CI, 32%-50%) and decreased to 12% (95% CI, 7%-18%) among children aged 5 to 18 years. The prevalence of toxigenic C difficile colonization was lower, peaking at 14% (95% CI, 8%-21%) among infants aged 6 to 12 months and decreasing to 6% (95% CI, 2%-11%) among children older than 5 years. Although prevalence differed by geographic region (ie, North and South America vs Europe: β, -0.151, P = .001; North and South America vs Western Pacific: β, 0.136, P = .007), there was no difference by testing method (ie, culture vs polymerase chain reaction: β, 0.069, P = .052; culture vs enzyme immunoassay: β, -0.178, P = .051), income class (low-middle income vs high income: β, -0.144, P = .23; upper-middle vs high income: β, -0.020, P = .64), or period (before 1990 vs 2010-2020: β, -0.125, P = .19; 1990-1999 vs 2010-2020: β, -0.037, P = .42; 2000-2009 vs 2010-2020: β, -0.006, P = .86).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, C difficile colonization rates among children were greatest at 6 to 12 months of age and decreased thereafter. These estimates may provide context for interpreting C difficile test results among young children.

Clostridioides difficile Infection in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Clinician's Dilemma

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can present and manifest differently from the general population with CDI, and it can worsen the underlying disease course. Furthermore, current clinical assays used to test for CDI do not accurately distinguish between true CDI or colonization. This uncertainty leads to difficulty in identifying the etiology and therapy for symptomatic patients with IBD. Improved diagnostic tests, biomarkers, and safe and effective treatment options are greatly needed for this vulnerable population.

Laxative Use Does Not Preclude Diagnosis or Reduce Disease Severity in Clostridiodes difficile Infection

BACKGROUND

To optimize utility of laboratory testing for Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI), the 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America-Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (IDSA-SHEA) clinical practice guidelines recommend excluding patients from stool testing for C. difficile if they have received laxatives within the preceding 48 hours. Sparse data support this recommendation.

METHODS

Patients with new-onset diarrhea (≥3 bowel movements in any 24-hour period in the 48 hours before stool collection) and a positive stool C. difficile nucleic acid amplification test were enrolled. Laxative use within 48 hours before stool testing, severity of illness (defined by 4 distinct scoring methods), and clinical outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

209 patients with CDI were studied, 65 of whom had received laxatives. There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients meeting severe CDI criteria by 4 severity scoring methods in patients receiving versus not receiving laxatives (66.2% vs 56.3%, respectively; P = .224) by IDSA-SHEA, the primary scoring system. Similar rates of serious outcomes attributable to CDI, including death, intensive care unit admission, and colectomy, were observed in the laxative and no laxative groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found similar rates of severe CDI and serious CDI-attributable clinical outcomes in CDI-diagnosed patients who did or did not receive laxatives. Precluding recent laxative users from CDI testing, as proposed by the IDSA-SHEA guideline, carries a potential for harm due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Acute Infectious Gastroenteritis in Infancy and Childhood

BACKGROUND

Despite the introduction of vaccination against rotavirus, and even though it can often be treated on an outpatient basis, acute infectious gastroenteritis is nevertheless the second most common non-traumatic cause of emergency hospitaliza - tion in children aged 1 to 5 years, accounting for approximately 9% of cases (39 410 cases in 2017). The most common path - ogens are viruses (47% rotavirus, 29% norovirus, and 14% adenovirus).

METHODS

This review is based on publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed employing the terms "acute gastro - enteritis children" AND "dehydration" OR "rehydration" OR "prevention," and by manual searching (based, for example, on reference lists and expert knowledge), with subsequent evaluation including consideration of the relevant guidelines.

RESULTS

The degree of dehydration can be judged from weight loss and other clinical findings. In 17 randomized controlled trials conducted on a total of 1811 children with mild or moderate dehydration, oral rehydration with oral rehydration solution was just as effective as intravenous rehydration with respect to weight gain, duration of diarrhea, and fluid administration, and was associated with shorter hospital stays (weighted mean difference, -1.2 days; 95% confidence interval [-2.38; -0.02]). Oral rehydration therapy failed in 4% of patients [1; 7]. In children who are vomiting or who refuse oral rehydration solution, continuous nasogastric application is just as effective as intravenous rehydration and is the treatment of first choice.

CONCLUSION

In Germany, children with mild or moderate dehydration are often hospitalized for intravenous rehydration therapy, despite the good evidence supporting ambulatory oral rehydration. Obstacles to intersectoral care, the nursing shortage, and inadequate reimbursement must all be overcome in order to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and thereby lessen the risk of nosocomial infection.

Microbial Shifts and Shorter Time to Bowel Resection Surgery Associated with C. difficile in Pediatric Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Clostridioides difficile infection and colonization are common in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). Our aims were to test the relationship between C. difficile positivity and bowel resection surgery and to characterize microbial shifts associated with C. difficile carriage and surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study of 75 pediatric CD patients tested for association between C. difficile carriage and bowel resection surgery. A prospective single-center study of 70 CD patients utilized C. difficile testing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples to define microbiota variation stratified by C. difficile carriage or history of surgery.

RESULTS

The rate of bowel resection surgery increased from 21% in those without C. difficile to 67% in those with (P = 0.003). From a Kaplan-Meier survival model, the hazard ratio for time to first surgery was 4.4 (95% CI, 1.2-16.2; P = 0.00) in patients with positive C. difficile testing in the first year after diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed this association (odds ratio 16.2; 95% CI, 2.2-120; P = 0.006). Larger differences in microbial abundance and metabolic pathways were observed in patients with prior surgery than in those with C. difficile carriage. Depletion of Alistipes and Ruminococcus species and reduction in methionine biosynthesis were noted in patients with both C. difficile carriage and past surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

A positive C. difficile test during the first year after diagnosis is associated with decreased time to first bowel resection surgery in pediatric Crohn's disease. Depletion of beneficial commensals and methionine biosynthesis in patients with C. difficile carriage may contribute to increased risk for surgery.

British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn's and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, including patients, their families and friends.

British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn's and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, including patients, their families and friends.

Identification of genes and functional coexpression modules closely related to ulcerative colitis by gene datasets analysis

Background

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease posing a great threat to the public health worldwide. Previously, gene expression studies of mucosal colonic biopsies have provided some insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms in ulcerative colitis; however, the exact pathogenesis is unclear. The purpose of this study is to identify the most related genes and pathways of UC by bioinformatics, so as to reveal the core of the pathogenesis.

Methods

Genome-wide gene expression datasets involving ulcerative colitis patients were collected from gene expression omnibus database. To identify most close genes, an integrated analysis of gene expression signature was performed by employing robust rank aggregation method. We used weighted gene co-expression network analysis to explore the functional modules involved in ulcerative colitis pathogenesis. Besides, biological process and pathways analysis of co-expression modules were figured out by gene ontology enrichment analysis using Metascape.

Results

A total of 328 ulcerative colitis patients and 138 healthy controls were from 14 datasets. The 150 most significant differentially expressed genes are likely to include causative genes of disease, and further studies are needed to demonstrate this. Seven main functional modules were identified, which pathway enrichment analysis indicated were associated with many biological processes. Pathways such as ‘extracellular matrix, immune inflammatory response, cell cycle, material metabolism’ are consistent with the core mechanism of ulcerative colitis. However, ‘defense response to virus’ and ‘herpes simplex infection’ suggest that viral infection is one of the aetiological agents. Besides, ‘Signaling by Receptor Tyrosine Kinases’ and ‘pathway in cancer’ provide new clues for the study of the risk and process of ulcerative colitis cancerization.

Risk Factors for Recurrent Community-associated Clostridiodes Difficile Infection in Children

BACKGROUND

Recurrence of community-associated (CA) Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI) approaches 30%. Studies on risk factors and treatment of choice for pediatric CA-CDI are scarce with variable recommendations.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of the electronic health records of children 1-17 years with stool specimens sent for C. difficile at Kaiser Permanente Northern California from January 01, 2012 to December 31, 2016. Children with (1) CA disease, (2) confirmatory C. difficile laboratory testing with no other identified causes of diarrhea and (3) clinical symptoms consistent with CDI were defined as cases. Recurrent CA-CDI was defined using the above-described case criteria and onset of diarrhea within 8 weeks of primary CA-CDI.

RESULTS

Of the 7350 children with stool samples sent for C. difficile testing, 408 had primary CA-CDI. Forty-five (11%) experienced a recurrence. Using multivariable logistic regression, inflammatory bowel disease [odds ratio (OR) 7.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.6-21.1] and cancer (OR 6.3; 95% CI: 1.6-24.1) diagnoses were risk factors for recurrent disease. Compared with children of Caucasian race, those with multi/other/unknown race had an OR of 3.03 (95% CI: 1.04-8.82) of recurrence. There was no statistically significant difference in the type or duration of therapy as a predictor for recurrent CA CDI. Six percent of children who received metronidazole were switched to vancomycin due to subjective metronidazole allergy or intolerance or metronidazole treatment failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent CA-CDI in children in our population is less common than previously reported. This study supports first-line treatment with the standard, short course metronidazole in most cases of primary CA-CDI.

Constitutive STAT5 activation regulates Paneth and Paneth-like cells to control Clostridium difficile colitis

Clostridium difficile impairs Paneth cells, driving intestinal inflammation that exaggerates colitis. Besides secreting bactericidal products to restrain C. difficile, Paneth cells act as guardians that constitute a niche for intestinal epithelial stem cell (IESC) regeneration. However, how IESCs are sustained to specify Paneth-like cells as their niche remains unclear. Cytokine-JAK-STATs are required for IESC regeneration. We investigated how constitutive STAT5 activation (Ca-pYSTAT5) restricts IESC differentiation towards niche cells to restrain C. difficile infection. We generated inducible transgenic mice and organoids to determine the effects of Ca-pYSTAT5-induced IESC lineages on C. difficile colitis. We found that STAT5 absence reduced Paneth cells and predisposed mice to C. difficile ileocolitis. In contrast, Ca-pYSTAT5 enhanced Paneth cell lineage tracing and restricted Lgr5 IESC differentiation towards pYSTAT5+Lgr5-CD24+Lyso+ or cKit+ niche cells, which imprinted Lgr5hiKi67+ IESCs. Mechanistically, pYSTAT5 activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling to determine Paneth cell fate. In conclusion, Ca-pYSTAT5 gradients control niche differentiation. Lack of pYSTAT5 reduces the niche cells to sustain IESC regeneration and induces C. difficile ileocolitis. STAT5 may be a transcription factor that regulates Paneth cells to maintain niche regeneration.

Fecal Microbiota Transplant for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

OBJECTIVES

Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (RCDI) increases morbidity and mortality in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is known to be very effective for RCDI in non-IBD patients with cure rates up to 91%. The same success rates of FMT have not been reported in patients with IBD with RCDI, and the data in pediatrics are limited. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of FMT for RCDI in established pediatric patients with IBD.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with IBD and RCDI (≥3 episodes) who underwent FMT via colonoscopy at a tertiary care IBD center. The primary outcome was the rate of RCDI within 60 days post-FMT. The secondary outcomes were recurrence rate by 6 months, rate of colectomy, and time to recurrence.

RESULTS

Of the 8 eligible patients, 6 had ulcerative colitis, 1 had IBD-unspecified, and 1 had Crohn disease. Median (interquartile range) age was 13 (11-14) years. All patients were on vancomycin at FMT. Two patients (25%) had RCDI by 60 days post-FMT and another 3 patients had RCDI between 60 days and 6 months. The median time to recurrence was 101 (40-139) days. Two patients (25%) who developed recurrence went to colectomy after FMT.

CONCLUSIONS

With a cure rate of 75% at 60 days, FMT administered for the treatment of RCDI may be an effective treatment option in pediatric IBD. However, there appears to be a significant rate of late recurrence of C difficile infection after 60 days in these patients.

Management of Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis, Part 2: Acute Severe Colitis-An Evidence-based Consensus Guideline From the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization and the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Acute severe colitis (ASC) is one of the few emergencies in pediatric gastroenterology. Tight monitoring and timely medical and surgical interventions may improve outcomes and minimize morbidity and mortality. We aimed to standardize daily treatment of ASC in children through detailed recommendations and practice points which are based on a systematic review of the literature and consensus of experts.

METHODS

These guidelines are a joint effort of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) and the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). Fifteen predefined questions were addressed by working subgroups. An iterative consensus process, including 2 face-to-face meetings, was followed by voting of the national representatives of ECCO and all members of the Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Porto group of ESPGHAN (43 voting experts).

RESULTS

A total of 24 recommendations and 43 practice points were endorsed with a consensus rate of at least 91% regarding diagnosis, monitoring, and management of ASC in children. A summary flowchart is presented based on daily scoring of the Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index. Several topics have been altered since the previous 2011 guidelines and from those published in adults.

DISCUSSION

These guidelines standardize the management of ASC in children in an attempt to optimize outcomes of this intensive clinical scenario.

Pharmacological treatments and infectious diseases in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

The incidence of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising, as is the employment of immunosuppressive and biological drugs. Most patients with IBD receive immunosuppressive therapies during the course of the disease. These molecules are a double-edged sword; while they can help control disease activity, they also increase the risk of infections. Therefore, it is important that pediatricians involved in primary care, pediatric gastroenterologists, and infectious disease physicians have a thorough knowledge of the infections that can affect patients with IBD. Areas covered: A broad review of the major infectious diseases that have been reported in children and adolescents with IBD was performed, and information regarding surveillance, diagnosis and management were updated. The possible correlations with IBD pharmacological tools are discussed. Expert commentary: Opportunistic infections are possible in pediatric IBD, and immunosuppressive and immunomodulator therapy seems to play a causative role. Heightened awareness and vigilant surveillance leading to prompt diagnosis and treatment are important for optimal management.

Antibiotic treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children

Antibiotic therapy is not necessary for acute diarrhea in children, as rehydration is the key treatment and symptoms resolve generally without specific therapy. Searching for the etiology of gastroenteritis is not usually needed; however, it may be necessary if antimicrobial treatment is considered. The latter is left to the physician evaluation in the absence of clear indications. Antimicrobial treatment should be considered in severely sick children, in those who have chronic conditions or specific risk factors or in specific settings. Traveler’s diarrhea, prolonged diarrhea, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea may also require antibiotic therapy. Depending on the severity of symptoms or based on risk of spreading, empiric therapy may be started while awaiting the results of microbiological investigations. The choice of antibiotic depends on suspected agents, host conditions, and local epidemiology. In most cases, empiric therapy should be started while awaiting such results. Empiric therapy may be started with oral co-trimoxazole or metronidazole, but in severe cases parenteral treatment with ceftriaxone or ciprofloxacin might be considered.

Clostridium difficile Infection at Diagnosis and during the Disease Course of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

PURPOSE

Clostridium difficile colonization and infection are commonly associated with poor outcomes in patients with pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of C. difficile colonization and infection at the time of diagnosis and to evaluate risk factors associated with the development of C. difficile infection during the course of PIBD treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled a total of 59 children who were newly diagnosed with PIBD at the tertiary medical center. All patients underwent C. difficile toxin assays and cultures initially and at every follow-up during the disease course. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Initial cultures for C. difficile were positive in 13 (22.0%) of 59 PIBD patients, whereas initial toxin assays were positive in 3 patients (5.1%). During treatment, C. difficile cultures converted to positive in 28 (47.5%) in addition to 13 patients who were initially culture-positive, and C. difficile toxins converted to positive in 13 (22.0%) in addition to 3 originally toxin-positive patients. Antibiotic usage alone was significantly associated with the development of C. difficile colonization (p=0.011), and the length of hospitalization was associated with the development of C. difficile infection (p=0.032).

CONCLUSION

C. difficile colonization and infection occur frequently during the disease course of PIBD. Antibiotic usage and longer hospital stay were significant risks factors for the conversion of C. difficile status in PIBD patients undergoing treatment.

Management of acute severe ulcerative colitis in children

The incidence of pediatric-onset ulcerative colitis (UC) is rising. Children often present with a more severe disease phenotype as compared to adults with over a third requiring hospitalization for the management of acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC). Further, in pediatric patients presenting with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) limited to the colon, a definitive diagnosis of UC vs. Crohn's disease is often unclear. Here, we review the unique aspects of pediatric ASUC including the epidemiology, diagnosis, medical, and surgical management of this disease.

Metronidazole or Rifaximin for Treatment of Clostridium difficile in Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Interestingly, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) worsens the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, there is a paucity of data regarding the treatment of CDI in this group of patients.

METHODS

This was a prospective, single-blind trial. Children with flare of IBD and CDI were randomly assigned to receive metronidazole or rifaximin orally for 14 days. CDI was diagnosed based on a positive well-type enzyme immunoassay (EIA) toxins A/B stool test for C. difficile toxins A and/or B. The cure rate was defined as the percentage of patients with a negative EIA stool test for C. difficile toxins A/B measured 4 weeks after the end of treatment. Recurrence was defined as a repeat CDI within 2 to 8 weeks.

RESULTS

In total, we included 31 patients with IBD including 12 patients with Crohn's disease and 19 with ulcerative colitis. Of them, 17 received metronidazole and 14 received rifaximin. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 study groups including age, type of treatment, and disease activity. There was no statistically significant difference in the cure rate between patients treated with metronidazole and rifaximin (70.6% versus 78.6%, respectively, P = 0.5). We found no difference in recurrence rate between the 2 study treatment types (17% versus 0%, respectively, P = 0.3). We did not find an association between immunosuppressive therapy and CDI cure rate or CDI recurrence rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Metronidazole and rifaximin were similarly effective treatments for CDI in pediatric patients with IBD.

Risk of Clostridium difficile Infection in Patients With Celiac Disease: A Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVES

Patients with celiac disease are at increased risk for infections such as tuberculosis, influenza, and pneumococcal pneumonia. However, little is known about the incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in patients with celiac disease.

METHODS

We identified patients with celiac disease based on intestinal biopsies submitted to all pathology departments in Sweden over a 39-year period (from July 1969 through February 2008). We compared risk of CDI (based on stratified Cox proportional hazards models) among patients with celiac disease vs. without celiac disease (controls) matched by age, sex, and calendar period.

RESULTS

We identified 28,339 patients with celiac disease and 141,588 controls; neither group had a history of CDI. The incidence of CDI was 56/100,000 person-years among patients with celiac disease and 26/100,000 person-years among controls, yielding an overall hazard ratio (HR) of 2.01 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.64-2.47; P<0.0001). The risk of CDI was highest in the first 12 months after diagnosis of celiac disease (HR, 5.20; 95% CI, 2.81-9.62; P<0.0001), but remained high, compared to that of controls, 1-5 years after diagnosis (HR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.22-2.81; P=0.004). Among 493 patients with CDI, antibiotic data were available for 251; there were no significant differences in prior exposures to antibiotics between patients with celiac disease and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large population-based cohort study, patients with celiac disease had significantly higher incidence of CDI than controls. This finding is consistent with prior findings of higher rates of other infections in patients with celiac disease, and suggests the possibility of altered gut immunity and/or microbial composition in patients with celiac disease.

Differentiating Clostridium difficile Colitis from Clostridium difficile Colonization in Ulcerative Colitis: A Role for Procalcitonin

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) frequently complicates ulcerative colitis (UC) and can mimic disease flare. Differentiating UC flare from CDI remains a clinical challenge, particularly due to C. difficile colonization. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a serum biomarker for bacterial infections. We hypothesized that PCT would differentiate acute CDI from UC flare and C. difficile colonization.

METHODS

A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted from 2013 to 2016. All UC patients with a stool sample for C. difficile testing were eligible. A total of 117 patients were enrolled, while 20 were excluded. Chart review was performed.

RESULTS

Among 27 patients with CDI, median PCT was 60.7 (range 26-560.6) pg/mL, while among 90 patients without CDI, median PCT was 56.7 (range 25.1-2,252) pg/mL (p = 0.9). It was found that 14 patients with CDI responded completely to C. difficile treatment (CDI-R), while 8 patients did not and were diagnosed with UC flare (CDI-NR). For CDI-R, median PCT was 104.5 (range 26.3-560.6), compared to 40.3 (range 26.0-116.3) for CDI-NR (p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

In UC patients presenting with diarrhea, serum PCT was not significantly higher in UC patients with positive C. difficile testing. However, PCT was significantly elevated in CDI-R versus CDI-NR, suggesting that PCT may have utility in making this discrimination.

Management of inflammatory bowel disease with Clostridium difficile infection

AIM

To address the management of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI) in the setting of suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-flare.

METHODS

A systematic search of the Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases by independent reviewers identified 70 articles including a total of 932141 IBD patients or IBD-related hospitalizations.

RESULTS

In those with IBD, CDI is associated with increased morbidity, including subsequent escalation in IBD medical therapy, urgent colectomy and increased hospitalization, as well as excess mortality. Vancomycin-containing regimens are effective first-line therapies for CDI in IBD inpatients. No prospective data exists with regards to the safety or efficacy of initiating or maintaining corticosteroid, immunomodulator, or biologic therapy to treat IBD in the setting of CDI. Corticosteroid use is a risk factor for the development of CDI, while immunomodulators and biologics are not.

CONCLUSION

Strong recommendations regarding when to initiate IBD specific therapy in those with CDI are precluded by a lack of evidence. However, based on expert opinion and observational data, initiation or resumption of immunosuppressive therapy after 48-72 h of targeted antibiotic treatment for CDI may be considered.

Special situations in inflammatory bowel disease: First Latin American consensus of the Pan American Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (PANCCO) (Second part)

This is the first Latin American Consensus of the Pan American Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (PANCCO) regarding special situations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this consensus is to raise awareness in the medical community in all Latin American countries with respect to pregnancy, vaccinations, infections, neoplasms, including colorectal cancer, and pediatric issues in patients with IBD.

Clostridium difficile infection in inflammatory bowel disease: challenges in diagnosis and treatment

The problem of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has reached epidemic proportions, particularly in industrialized nations. The pathophysiology, disease course and the potential complications are well appreciated in the general hospitalized patient. However, when CDI occurs in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a number of distinct differences in the diagnosis and clinical management of the infection in this population should be appreciated by gastroenterologists, hospitalists and other care providers. This review highlights the unique aspects of CDI when it occurs in IBD patients with an emphasis on the challenge of distinguishing persistent infection from exacerbation of underlying chronic colitis. An understanding of how CDI may differ in presentation and how management should be altered can prevent serious and life-threatening complications.

Clostridium Difficile Infection in Children: A Review

Clostridium difficile is a sporogenic, anaerobic, Gram-positive, emerging enteric pathogen. It represents the most common cause of health care-associated diarrhoea in the United States, with significantly associated morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Historically regarded as a little more than an innocent coloniser bystander of the gastrointestinal tract of children, C difficile has increasingly demonstrated its behaviour as a true pathogen in the paediatric age groups. This organism may be responsible for a broad spectrum of diseases in children, ranging from self-limiting secretory diarrhoea to life-threatening conditions, such as pseudomembranous colitis, toxic megacolon, intestinal perforation, and septic shock. The incidence and severity of C difficile infection are, however, not completely understood in this population. In particular, although asymptomatic carriage remains high among infants, the clinical significance of detecting C difficile in children aged 1 to 3 years is not fully understood. Moreover, recent epidemiological surveillance has demonstrated a rise in the incidence of C difficile infection, particularly in the community and in low-risk settings. Interestingly, such cases may not show the disease pattern to be associated with typical risk factors, such as recent exposure to antimicrobial drugs or on-going contacts with the health care system.The purpose of the present review is to present the features of C difficile infection that are unique to paediatric patients and to update paediatricians on information and recommendations regarding C difficile infection in children.

Fecal microbiota transplantation for severe clostridium difficile infection after left ventricular assist device implantation: a case control study and concise review on the local and regional therapies

Background

We report herein a case of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) used for severe Clostridium difficile infection for a 65-year-old Lebanese man who underwent left ventricular assist device implantation. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report from Lebanon and the region presenting such technique.

Case presentation

The patient experienced diarrhea and rectal bleeding and was diagnosed of pseudomembranous colitis (PMC). His condition failed to improve on maximal pharmacological therapy. Protocolectomy, an invasive operation consisting in resection of the entire colon and rectum seemed to be the last resort before the patient responded to FMT given through gastroscopy.

Conclusion

Despite the increasing experience with FMT for C. difficile infection, published evidence in severe related cases from this region is very limited. Hence, we promote adjunctive FMT, an effective noninvasive method, to be considered as a promising early treatment option in severe C. difficile infection.

Clostridium difficile Infection in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are disproportionately susceptible to Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and the incidence is increasing. There has also been growing recognition of asymptomatic C. difficile colonization in pediatric IBD, which can sometimes be very difficult to distinguish from symptomatic C. difficile-associated disease in this population. In this study, we discuss the current knowledge of C. difficile infection in children with IBD, reviewing epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes that often differ from the adult IBD population, and discuss the complexities and dilemmas of diagnosing and treating CDI in pediatric IBD.

Microbiota in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Pathogenesis and Therapy: Is It All About Diet?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and unclassified IBD, continues to cause significant morbidity. While its incidence is increasing, no clear etiology and no cure have yet been discovered. Recent findings suggest that IBD may have a multifactorial etiology, where complex interactions between genetics, epigenetics, environmental factors (including diet but also infections, antibiotics, and sanitation), and host immune system lead to abnormal immune responses and chronic inflammation. Over the past years, the role of altered gut microbiota (in both composition and function) in IBD pathogenesis has emerged as an outstanding area of interest. According to new findings, gut dysbiosis may appear as a key element in initiation of inflammation in IBD and its complications. Moreover, complex metagenomic studies provide possibilities to distinguish between IBD types and appreciate severity and prognosis of the disease, as well as response to therapy. This review provides an updated knowledge of recent findings linking altered bacterial composition and functions, viruses, and fungi to IBD pathogenesis. It also highlights the complex genetic, epigenetic, immune, and microbial interactions in relation to environmental factors (including diet). We overview the actual options to manipulate the altered microbiota, such as modified diet, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, antibiotics, and fecal transplantation. Future possible therapies are also included. Targeting altered microbiota could be the next therapeutic personalized approach, but more research and well-designed comparative prospective studies are required to formulate adequate directions for prevention and therapy.

Microbiome changes associated with sustained eradication of Clostridium difficile after single faecal microbiota transplantation in children with and without inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Little data are available regarding the effectiveness and associated microbiome changes of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in children, especially in those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with presumed underlying dysbiosis.

AIM

To investigate C. difficile eradication and microbiome changes with FMT in children with and without IBD.

METHODS

Children with a history of recurrent CDI (≥3 recurrences) underwent FMT via colonoscopy. Stool samples were collected pre-FMT and post-FMT at 2-10 weeks, 10-20 weeks and 6 months. The v4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. C. difficile toxin B gene polymerase chain reaction was performed.

RESULTS

Eight children underwent FMT for CDI; five had IBD. All had resolution of CDI symptoms. All tested had eradication of C. difficile at 10-20 weeks and 6 months post-FMT. Pre-FMT patient samples had significantly decreased bacterial richness compared with donors (P = 0.01), in those with IBD (P = 0.02) and without IBD (P = 0.01). Post-FMT, bacterial diversity in patients increased. Six months post-FMT, there was no significant difference between bacterial diversity of donors and patients without IBD; however, bacterial diversity in those with IBD returned to pre-FMT baseline. Microbiome composition at 6 months in IBD-negative patients more closely approximated donor composition compared to IBD-positive patients.

CONCLUSIONS

FMT gives sustained C. difficile eradication in children with and without IBD. FMT-restored diversity is sustained in children without IBD. In those with IBD, bacterial diversity returns to pre-FMT baseline by 6 months, suggesting IBD host-related mechanisms modify faecal microbiome diversity.

Symptom management in inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease can present with a wide variety of symptoms. Most are related to disease activity and should be managed with appropriate medical therapy for inflammatory bowel disease. However, some patients may develop symptoms due to the side effects of the medications, or due to immunosuppression. In these cases, the offending medications should be discontinued until resolution of the symptoms and a few may be able to restart therapy. Symptoms can also occur as an extraintestinal manifestation of the disease or due to concomitant autoimmune-mediated disorders. Regardless of the etiology, symptoms should be addressed promptly with immediate evaluation and appropriate therapy, as a delay may lead to permanent sequela.