The increasing weight of Crohn's disease subjects in clinical trials: a hypothesis-generatings time-trend analysis

Reviewing the impact of obesity on inflammatory bowel disease and considerations for optimizing management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review examines the complex relationship between obesity and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing their potentially shared pathogenesis, the impact of obesity on the natural history and treatment outcomes of IBD, and the management of obesity in the patient with IBD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Obesity represents a state of chronic inflammation that may not only contribute to IBD pathogenesis, but also influence disease progression, complications, and response to treatment. Increased visceral adiposity may carry negative prognostic implications for disease and treatment-specific outcomes. Antiobesity medications, endoscopic bariatric therapies, and even bariatric surgery may be effective and well tolerated in selected patients with IBD.

SUMMARY

The intersection of obesity and IBD presents a significant clinical challenge, with obesity influencing the natural history of IBD and potentially affecting treatment efficacy. As obesity prevalence among IBD patients rises, a tailored approach to management is crucial, taking into account the individualized risks and benefits of various treatment strategies, including lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, endoscopic procedures, and bariatric surgery.

Heavy arch: from inflammatory bowel diseases to metabolic disorders

BACKGROUND

Metabolic disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have captured the globe during Westernisation of lifestyle and related dietary habits over the last decades. Both disease entities are characterised by complex and heterogeneous clinical spectra linked to distinct symptoms and organ systems which, on a first glimpse, do not have many commonalities in clinical practice. However, experimental studies indicate a common backbone of inflammatory mechanisms in metabolic diseases and gut inflammation, and emerging clinical evidence suggests an intricate interplay between metabolic disorders and IBD.

OBJECTIVE

We depict parallels of IBD and metabolic diseases, easily overlooked in clinical routine.

DESIGN

We provide an overview of the recent literature and discuss implications of metabolic morbidity in patients with IBD for researchers, clinicians and healthcare providers.

CONCLUSION

The Western lifestyle and diet and related gut microbial perturbation serve as a fuel for metabolic inflammation in and beyond the gut. Metabolic disorders and the metabolic syndrome increasingly affect patients with IBD, with an expected negative impact for both disease entities and risk for complications. This concept implies that tackling the obesity pandemic exerts beneficial effects beyond metabolic health.

Prevalence and Impact of Obesity in a Population-Based Cohort of Patients With Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Obesity is on the rise within the inflammatory bowel disease population. The impact obesity has on the natural history of Crohn's disease (CD) is not well-understood. We aimed to describe the prevalence of obesity in a population-based cohort of newly diagnosed patients with CD, and the impact obesity had on disease phenotype and outcomes of corticosteroid use, hospitalization, intestinal resection, and development of fistulizing or penetrating disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A chart review was performed on Olmsted County, Minnesota residents diagnosed with CD between 1970 and 2010. Data were collected on demographics, body mass index, CD location and behavior, CD-related hospitalizations, corticosteroid use, and intestinal resection. The proportion of individuals considered obese at the time of CD diagnosis was evaluated over time, and CD-associated complications were assessed with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 334 individuals diagnosed with CD between 1970 and 2010, of whom 156 (46.7%) were either overweight (27.8%) or obese (18.9%) at the time of diagnosis. The proportion of patients considered obese at the time of their diagnosis of CD increased 2-3 fold over the course of the study period. However, obesity did not have a significant impact on the future risk of corticosteroid use, hospitalization, intestinal resection, or development of penetrating and stricturing complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity is on the rise in patients with CD, although in this cohort, there did not appear to be any negative association with future CD-related outcomes. Further prospective studies, ideally including obesity measures such as visceral adipose tissue assessment, are warranted to understand the implications of the rising prevalence of obesity on CD outcomes.

The value of whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in assessing body composition in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective study

OBJECTIVES

Low skeletal muscle index (SMI) is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but has an uncertain relationship with active intestinal inflammation. This study evaluated body composition by whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in patients with IBD and healthy controls to enable the value of formal body composition analysis to be judged.

METHODS

Patients with IBD and sex/age-matched controls prospectively underwent full body composition assessment by DXA, assessment by BMI, eating questionnaires and handgrip strength. Disease activity was assessed by faecal calprotectin (active ≥150 µg/g). A cohort undergoing biologic induction therapy were assessed at baseline and after ≥13 weeks.

RESULTS

Total fat mass was higher in 54 patients with IBD (56% Crohn's disease, 61% male) than in 30 controls (median 25.1 vs. 18.7 kg, P  = 0.042). DXA offered little more than BMI. Low SMI was more common than in controls (15% vs. 0%, P  = 0.027). A normal BMI was seen in many patients with low SMI and handgrip strength was a poor marker of change in SMI. Body composition was similar in 28 patients with active vs. 22 with inactive disease. However, SMI increased specifically by 9.7% ( P  = 0.004) and BMI by 6.4% ( P  = 0.012) in 9 responders to therapy.

CONCLUSION

DXA identifies many patients with reduced SMI who are not detected by standard methodologies. While disease activity is not associated with low SMI, resolution of inflammation leads to improved SMI. The potential for recognition of such patients to influence therapeutic decisions underlines the need for DXA assessment in clinical practice.

Does cardiovascular risk matter in IBD patients?

Cardiovascular and thromboembolic risks are increasing in the population as a whole and therefore also in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Obesity is a worldwide challenge also affecting the IBD population, and a causal association with Crohn's disease may exist. IBD itself, particularly when active, is also associated with a significant risk of thromboembolic and cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Cardiovascular risk is also a significant consideration when using Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators to treat IBD. JAK inhibitors - such as tofacitinib - are associated with several cardiovascular and venous thromboembolic risks, including hypertension and alterations in lipid profiles - specifically, increased LDL cholesterol and triglycerides - which may contribute to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. S1P receptor modulators pose a slightly different set of cardiovascular risks. Initially, these drugs can cause transient bradycardia and atrioventricular (AV) block, leading to bradycardia. Moreover, they may induce QT interval prolongation, which increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. Some patients may also experience hypertension as a side effect. In this context, IBD healthcare providers need to be alert to the assessment of cardiovascular risk - particularly as cardiovascular events appear to be confined to specific patient groups with pre-existing risk factors. In addition, the potential for S1P modulator drug interactions requires a higher level of vigilance in patients with polypharmacy compared to biologics. Cardiovascular risk is not static, and updated assessment will need to become part of the routine in many IBD units.

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

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

The Bidirectional Link between Nutritional Factors and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Dietary Deficits, Habits, and Recommended Interventions-A Narrative Review

Inflammatory bowel diseases comprise Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, two chronic inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract that develop in adolescence and early adulthood and show a rising pattern in industrialized societies, as well as in developing countries, being strongly influenced by environmental pressures such as nutrition, pollution and lifestyle behaviors. Here, we provide a narrative review of the bidirectional link between nutritional factors and IBD, of dietary deficits observed in IBD patients due to both the disease itself and dietary habits, and of the suggested nutritional interventions. Research of the literature was conducted. Clinical and basic research studies consistently demonstrate that diet could alter the risk of developing IBD in predisposed individuals. On the other hand, dietary interventions represent a valid tool in support of conventional therapies to control IBD symptoms, rebalance states of malnutrition, promote/maintain clinical remission and improve patients' quality of life. Although there are no official dietary guidelines for patients with IBD, they should receive nutritional advice and undergo oral, enteral, or parenteral nutritional supplementation if needed. However, the dietary management of malnutrition in IBD patients is complex; future clinical studies are required to standardize its management.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Obese Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: from Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Considerations and Practical Recommendations for Safe and Effective Use

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss current literature and provide practical recommendations for the safe and effective use of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or obesity. The molecular mechanisms that justify the potential benefits of GLP-1 RA in IBD and the links between IBD, obesity, and cardiovascular disease are also discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Preliminary data suggest that GLP-1 RA can modulate crucial pathways in the pathogenesis of IBD, such as chronic inflammation circuits, intestinal tight junctions, and gut microbiome dysbiosis, setting the stage for human trials to investigate the role of these agents in the treatment of IBD among people with or without diabetes and obesity. However, gastrointestinal side effects related to GLP-1 RA need appropriate clinical management to mitigate risks and maximize the benefits of therapy in people with IBD. GLP-1 RA originally emerged as drugs for the treatment of hyperglycemia and are currently licensed for the management of T2D and/or overweight/obesity. However, their wealth of pleiotropic actions soon raised expectations that they might confer benefits on non-metabolic disorders. Future studies are expected to clarify whether GLP-1 RA deserve an adjunct place in the arsenal of drugs against IBD.

Obesity and novel management of inflammatory bowel disease

Obesity is prevalent within the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) population, particularly in newly developed countries. Several epidemiological studies have suggested that 15%-40% of IBD patients are obese, and there is a potential role of obesity in the pathogenesis of IBD. The dysfunction of mesenteric fat worsens the inflammatory course of Crohn’s disease and may induce formation of strictures or fistulas. Furthermore, obesity may affect the disease course or treatment response of IBD. Given the increasing data supporting the pathophysiologic and epidemiologic relationship between obesity and IBD, obesity control is being suggested as a novel management for IBD. Therefore, this review aimed to describe the influence of obesity on the outcomes of IBD treatment and to present the current status of pharmacologic or surgical anti-obesity treatments in IBD patients.

Influence of biologic therapy on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

INTRODUCTION

Chronic immune-mediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), present an increased risk of developing early atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events (CVE) at early age.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the baseline and 1-year cardiovascular profile of patients with IBD according to the biologic treatment received, taking into account the inflammatory activity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

It is a retrospective, observational study that included 374 patients. Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and CVE were collected at the baseline visit and at one-year follow-up to describe the cardiovascular risk according to the biological treatment received, also assessing clinical and biological remission.

RESULTS

A total of 374 patients were included: 146 (38.73%) were treated with Infliximab, 128 (33.95%) with adalimumab, 61 (16.18%) with ustekinumab and 42 (11.14%) with vedolizumab. The changes in blood glucose levels are [86.31mg/dL (84.57-88.06) vs. 89.25mg/dL (87.54-90.96), P=.001] for those treated with antiTNFα and [86.52mg/dL (83.48-89.55) vs. 89.44mg/dL (85.77-93.11), P=.11] in the other group. In the group treated with antiTNFα total cholesterol values at baseline visit are [169.40mg/dL (164.97-173.83) vs. 177.40mg/dL (172.75-182.05) at one year of treatment, P=<.001], those of HDL [50.22mg/dL (48.39-52.04) vs. 54.26mg/dL (52.46-56.07), P=<.001] and those of triglycerides [114.77mg/dL (106.36-123.18) vs. 121.83mg/dL (112.11-131.54), P=.054]. Regarding weight, an increase was observed, both in those patients treated with antiTNFα [71.39kg (69.53-73.25) vs. 72.87kg (71.05-74.70), P<.001], and in the group treated with ustekinumab and vedolizumab [67.59kg (64.10-71.08) vs. 69.43kg (65.65-73.04), P=.003]. Concerning CVE, no significant differences were observed neither according to the drug used (p=0.36), nor according to personal history of CVE (P=.23) nor according to inflammatory activity (P=.46).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results on a real cohort of patients with IBD treated with biologic drugs show a better control of certain cardiovascular parameters such as CRP or HDL, but a worsening of others such as total cholesterol or triglycerides, regardless of the treatment. Therefore, it is possibly the disease control and not the therapeutic target used, the one that affect the cardiovascular risk of these patients.

Impact of tumor necrosis factor antagonist combination and anti-integrin therapies on body mass index in inflammatory bowel disease: A cross-sectional study

Background

The impact of biologic therapies on body mass index (BMI) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unclear. This study investigates any associations between BMI, type of IBD, and the type of medications taken among patients with IBD with varying weight categories.

Methods

A cross sectional study was performed in an IBD tertiary care center. Data was obtained from patients with IBD attending outpatient clinics from January 1st, 2021 until November 1st, 2021. Adult patients, older than 18 years, with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) were recruited. The primary outcome was the association between BMI and medication used in IBD. The secondary outcome was the association between BMI and disease type and location in patients with IBD.

Results

The study included a total of 528 patients of which, 66.5% have CD. Patients with normal weight comprises 55.9% of the participants, while those who are underweight, overweight or obese are 3.4, 28.2, and 12.5%, respectively. None of the underweight patients had UC. Among the normal weight, overweight and obese BMI categories, 34.6% vs. 36.2% vs. 31.8% had UC, respectively. Patients who are on tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (anti-TNF) with an immunomodulator (anti-TNF combination), are more likely to be overweight or obese than patients who are not on anti-TNF combination (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.739-4.711, p < 0.001). Patients on vedolizumab are twice as likely to be overweight or obese than patients not on vedolizumab (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.086-4.584, p < 0.05). Patients with ileocolonic CD are more likely to be overweight or obese compared to other subtypes of CD (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.14-2.77, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Many patients with IBD are either obese or overweight. Patients with IBD who are on anti-TNF combination therapy or vedolizumab monotherapy are more likely to be obese and overweight. In addition, patients will ileocolonic CD are more likely to be obese or overweight.

Effect of Obesity on Risk of Hospitalization, Surgery, and Serious Infection in Biologic-Treated Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A CA-IBD Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is variably associated with treatment response in biologic-treated patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We evaluated the association between obesity and risk of hospitalization, surgery, or serious infections in patients with IBD in new users of biologic agents in a large, multicenter, electronic health record (EHR)-based cohort (CA-IBD).

METHODS

We created an EHR-based cohort of adult patients with IBD who were new users of biologic agents (tumor necrosis factor [TNF-α] antagonists, ustekinumab, and vedolizumab) between January 1, 2010, and June 30, 2017, from 5 health systems in California. Patients were classified as those with normal body mass index (BMI), overweight, or obese based on the World Health Organization classification. We compared the risk of all-cause hospitalization, IBD-related surgery, or serious infections among patients with obesity vs those overweight vs those with normal BMI, using Cox proportional hazard analyses, adjusting for baseline demographic, disease, and treatment characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 3,038 biologic-treated patients with IBD (69% with Crohn's disease and 76% on TNF-α antagonists), 28.2% (n = 858) were overweight, and 13.7% (n = 416) were obese. On a follow-up after biologic initiation, obesity was not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] vs normal BMI, 0.90; [95% confidence interval, 0.72-1.13]); IBD-related surgery (aHR, 0.62 [0.31-1.22]); or serious infection (aHR, 1.11 [0.73-1.71]). Similar results were observed on stratified analysis by disease phenotype (Crohn's disease vs ulcerative colitis) and index biologic therapy (TNF-α antagonists vs non-TNF-α antagonists).

DISCUSSION

In a multicenter, EHR-based cohort of biologic-treated patients with IBD, obesity was not associated with hospitalization, surgery, or serious infections. Further studies examining the effect of visceral obesity on patient-reported and endoscopic outcomes are needed.

The Role of Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in Obesity-Associated Chronic Gastrointestinal Disorders

The gut microbiota is a complex community of microorganisms that has become a new focus of attention due to its association with numerous human diseases. Research over the last few decades has shown that the gut microbiota plays a considerable role in regulating intestinal homeostasis, and disruption to the microbial community has been linked to chronic disease conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer (CRC), and obesity. Obesity has become a global pandemic, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide mostly in Western countries due to a sedentary lifestyle and consumption of high-fat/high-sugar diets. Obesity-mediated gut microbiota alterations have been associated with the development of IBD and IBD-induced CRC. This review highlights how obesity-associated dysbiosis can lead to the pathogenesis of IBD and CRC with a special focus on mechanisms of altered absorption of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)

Magnetic resonance imaging-based body composition is associated with nutritional and inflammatory status: a longitudinal study in patients with Crohn's disease

Objective

To evaluate the changes in magnetic resonance imaging-based body composition parameters during follow-ups in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods

Between November 1, 2017, and June 30, 2021, patients diagnosed with CD, who underwent two or more magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) scans at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. The baseline and one subsequent follow-up scan for each patient were paired to form longitudinal comparisons. Skeletal muscle, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) indexes were calculated from tissue areas measured at the third lumbar vertebra level per scan, standardized by dividing the height² and lumbar height² (height_L1–L5). We also assessed the correlation between changes in VAT to total adipose tissue ratio (VA/TA index) and CD activity scores (5-point MRE classification) using Spearman’s correlation analysis. A multivariate linear regression model was used to adjust for the follow-up duration and treatment type.

Results

Overall, 49 patients (with 49 paired scans) were enrolled. VA/TA index changes were negatively correlated with changes in skeletal muscle index (SMI; r =  − 0.339, p < 0.05). The VA/TA index (52.69 ± 10.66% vs. 49.18 ± 10.80%, p < 0.001) and the total MRE score (8.0 ± 3.9 vs. 5.7 ± 3.4, p < 0.001) decreased significantly during follow-up, regardless of follow-up duration and treatment type (both p > 0.05). Changes in total MRE score were negatively correlated with SMI changes (r =  − 0.408, p < 0.01) but positively correlated with VA/TA index changes (r = 0.479, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

An increase in SMI and a decrease in VA/TA index could reflect improved nutritional and inflammatory status.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13244-021-01121-3.

Obesity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Associated with Early Readmissions Characterised by an Increased Systems and Patient-level Burden

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Rates of obesity are rising in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. We conducted a US population-based study to determine the effects of obesity on outcomes in hospitalised patients with IBD.

METHODS

We searched the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2016-2017 to identify all adult patients hospitalised for IBD, using ICD-10 codes. We compared obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30) vs non-obese [BMI < 30] patients with IBD to evaluate the independent effects of obesity on readmission, mortality, and other hospital outcomes. Multivariate regression and propensity matching were performed.

RESULTS

We identified 143 190 patients with IBD, of whom 9.1% were obese. Obesity was independently associated with higher all-cause readmission at 30 days {18% vs 13% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.16, p = 0.005)} and 90 days (29% vs 21% [aOR 1.27, p < 0.0001]), as compared with non-obese patients, with similar findings upon a propensity-matched sensitivity analysis. Obese and non-obese patients had similar risks of mortality on index admission [0.24% vs 0.31%, p = 0.18] and readmission [1.5% vs 1.8% p = 0.3]. Obese patients had longer [5.3 vs 4.9 days] and more expensive [USD12,195 vs USD11,154] hospitalisations on index admission. Obesity did not affect the risk of intestinal surgery or bowel obstruction. Compared with index admissions, readmissions were characterised by increased mortality [6-fold], health care use, and bowel obstruction [3-fold] [all p < 0.0001].

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity in IBD appears to be associated with increased early readmission, characterised by a higher burden, despite the introduction of weight-based therapeutics. Prevention of obesity should be a focus in the treatment of IBD to decrease readmission and health care burden.

Diet in Intestinal Fibrosis: A Double-Edged Sword

The natural history of inflammatory bowel diseases, especially Crohn’s disease, is frequently complicated by intestinal fibrosis. Because of the lack of effective treatments for intestinal fibrosis, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies. Factors promoting intestinal fibrosis are currently unclear, but diet is a potential culprit. Diet may influence predisposition to develop intestinal fibrosis or alter its natural history by modification of both the host immune response and intestinal microbial composition. Few studies have documented the effects of dietary factors in modulating IBD-induced intestinal fibrosis. As the mechanisms behind fibrogenesis in the gut are believed to be broadly similar to those from extra-intestinal organs, it may be relevant to investigate which dietary components can inhibit or promote fibrosis factors such as myofibroblasts progenitor activation in other fibrotic diseases.

Rising Rate of Obesity in Patients Admitted for Crohn's Disease Increases Costs But Not Mortality

GOAL

The goal of this study was to compare outcomes and trends for inpatients with Crohn's disease (CD) and obesity.

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a growing concern in the United States. Current data on the effect of obesity on the course of the CD are conflicted.

METHODS

Data from the 2016 to 2017 National Inpatient Sample were compared for obese, normal weight, and malnourished patients. After adjustment for comorbidities, demographics and disease type/inpatient surgery, outcomes including mortality, length of stay, hospitalization charges, and rates of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in obese and malnourished patients were compared with those with normal body mass index using multivariable regression. For trend analysis, rates of obesity were compared from 2002 to 2017.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients with CD and obesity increased from 1.8% in 2002 to 9.5% in 2017 (0.5% per year, P<0.001). Rates of death were similar in obese versus normal-weight CD patients [odds ratio (OR)=1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85-1.73, P=0.288]. In contrast, obese CD patients had increased length of stay (1.0 d, 95% CI: 0.81-1.26, P<0.001), cost ($8323, 95% CI: 5565-11,082, P<0.001), and DVT rate (OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.13-2.46, P=0.01). Malnourished CD patients had OR for death of 2.15 (95% CI: 1.71-2.70, P<0.001) compared with normal-weight cohort. Similarly, length of stay, cost, and DVT rate were all increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of hospitalized CD patients with obesity are increasing. Patients with obesity and CD have increased length of stay and costs, with no mortality difference. Malnourished CD patients continue to have higher mortality, length of stay, and cost. Obesity is a risk factor for adverse hospitalization outcomes.

The Clinical Features of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Patients with Obesity

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of IBD patients who visited Asan Medical center. We used a large, well-characterized referral center-based cohort. The clinical features of IBD patients with body mass index (BMI) over 30 and matched controls with BMI under 30 were compared.

RESULTS

Among the 6,803 IBD patients enrolled in the Asan IBD Registry between June 1989 and December 2016, we identified 16 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 27 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) whose BMI was over 30 at the time of diagnosis. Their clinical characteristics and course were compared with those of 64 and 108 matched patients with CD and UC, respectively. There were no significant differences in the risk of using steroids (hazards ratio (HR) = 0.633 and P=0.254), immunomodulators (HR = 0.831 and P=0.517), and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy (HR = 1.539 and P=0.351) and risk of bowel resections (HR = 1.858 and P=0.231) between CD patients with BMI over 30 and those with BMI under 30; similarly, UC patients did not show significant differences in the risk of using steroids (HR = 0.613 and P=0.145), immunomodulators (HR = 0.492 and P=0.111), anti-TNF therapy (HR = 0.385 and P=0.095), and risk of colectomy (HR = 0.262 and P=0.104). In the subgroup analysis, under-weight UC patients had a higher cumulative probability of needing steroids (HR = 0.2510 and P=0.042), needing immunomodulators (HR = 0.097 and P=0.014), and a higher risk of receiving colectomy (HR = 0.024 and P=0.019) than obese UC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Obese IBD patients with CD or UC did not show significantly different clinical features from nonobese IBD patients.

Review article: The aetiology of fatigue in inflammatory bowel disease and potential therapeutic management strategies

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is the inability to achieve or maintain an expected work output resulting from central or peripheral mechanisms. The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) fatigue can reach 86% in active disease, persisting in 50%-52% of patients with mild to inactive disease. Fatigue is the commonest reason for work absence in IBD, and patients often report fatigue burden to be greater than that of primary disease symptoms. Relatively few evidence-based treatment options exist, and the aetiology is poorly understood.

AIM

To review the available data and suggest a possible aetiology of IBD fatigue and to consider the efficacy of existing management strategies and highlight potential future interventions.

METHODS

We reviewed fatigue-related literature in IBD using PubMed database.

RESULTS

Disease related factors such as inflammation and pharmacological treatments negatively impact skeletal muscle and brain physiology, likely contributing to fatigue symptoms. Secondary factors such as malnutrition, anaemia, sleep disturbance and psychological comorbidity are potential determinants. Immune profile, faecal microbiota composition and physical fitness differ significantly between fatigued and non-fatigued patients, suggesting these may be aetiological factors. Solution-focused therapy, high-dosage thiamine supplementation and biological therapy may reduce fatigue perception in IBD. The effect of physical activity interventions is inconclusive.

CONCLUSIONS

A multimodal approach is likely required to treat IBD fatigue. Established reversible factors like anaemia, micronutrient deficiencies and active disease should initially be resolved. Psychosocial intervention shows potential efficacy in reducing fatigue perception in quiescent disease. Restoring physical deconditioning by exercise training intervention may further improve fatigue burden.

Impact of obesity on disease activity and disease outcome in inflammatory bowel disease: Results from the Swiss inflammatory bowel disease cohort

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of obesity on disease activity and disease outcome in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The impact of obesity on inflammatory bowel disease disease activity and outcome was retrospectively assessed in 3075 patients enrolled in the prospective nation-wide Swiss inflammatory bowel disease cohort between July 2006 and September 2018. Baseline characteristics, disease activity and disease course in 325 obese inflammatory bowel disease patients (body mass index ≥30 kg/m²) were compared to 1725 normal weight inflammatory bowel disease individuals (body mass index 18.5-24.9).

RESULTS

Among 3075 patients in the prospective Swiss inflammatory bowel disease cohort, 325 patients (10.6%) were obese, namely, 194 Crohn's disease patients, 131 ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease-unclassified patients. Disease activity scores were elevated in obese Crohn's disease (Crohn's Disease Activity Index 33 vs 20, p = 0.001), but not ulcerative colitis patients. Obese Crohn's disease, but not ulcerative colitis patients were less likely to be in remission based on a Crohn's Disease Activity Index less than 100 and a calprotectin less than 100 ug/g. In a multivariate regression model, obesity was negatively associated with disease remission in Crohn's disease (odds ratio 0.610, 95% confidence interval 0.402-0.926, p = 0.020), but not ulcerative colitis. Increased soft stool frequency was observed in both obese Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients. Adjusted Cox regression models revealed increased risk of complicated disease course in obese Crohn's disease patients (hazard ratio 1.197, 95% confidence interval 1.046-1.370, p = 0.009). No association between obesity and disease progression, index treatment failure was seen neither in Crohn's disease nor ulcerative colitis.

CONCLUSION

Obesity is associated with decreased rates of disease remission and increased risk of complicated disease course in Crohn's disease over a six-year follow-up period. No effects were seen on disease progression and index treatment failure neither in Crohn's disease nor ulcerative colitis.

Morbidly Obese Patients with Ileocolic Crohn's Disease May Benefit from Robotic Surgery

Background and Objectives:

Obesity is increasing as a comorbid condition for patients requiring surgery for Crohn’s disease. Minimally invasive colectomy is ideal for a patient with combined obesity and Crohn’s disease. However laparoscopic colon resection is associated with high operative conversion rates in these cases. Data examining the use of robotic surgery in the obese patient with Crohn’s disease is sparse.

Methods:

We examined the feasibility and outcomes of performing a minimally invasive colectomy using the Da Vinci robot in a prospective case series of morbidly obese patients with ileal Crohn’s disease.

Results:

A robotic ileocolectomy was performed in four morbidly obese patients with Crohn’s disease. There were no operative conversions or complications with a median length of stay of 3 days.

Conclusion:

A robotic approach is a promising minimally invasive surgical alternative to laparoscopic surgery for these complex patients.

Prevalence and Impact of Obesity on Disease-specific Outcomes in a Population-based Cohort of Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There remains a historical misconception that inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] patients are underweight. However, recent data suggest rates of obesity in IBD parallel to those of the general population. The impact obesity has on the natural history of IBD is unclear. We aimed to determine obesity rates at the time of IBD diagnosis in a population-based cohort of ulcerative colitis [UC] patients.

METHODS

Chart review was performed on patients diagnosed with UC over 1970-2010. Data were collected on demographics, body mass index [BMI], disease characteristics, IBD-specific hospitalisations, intestinal resection, and corticosteroid use. The proportion of patients who were obese at the time of their diagnosis was evaluated over time, and survival free of IBD-related complications was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 417 adults were diagnosed with UC over 1970-2010, 55.4% of whom were classified as either overweight [34.8%] or obese [20.6%]. The prevalence of obesity increased 2-3-fold over the 40-year study period. Obese patients had a 72% increased risk of hospitalisation (hazard ratio [HR],1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-2.71; p = 0.018) when compared with normal weight patients. Additionally, with each incremental increase in BMI by 1 kg/m2, the risk of hospitalisation increased by 5% [HR,1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08; p = 0.008] and risk of corticosteroid use increased by 2.6% [HR,1.026; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05; p = 0.05].

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of obesity in the UC population is increasing and may have negative prognostic implications, specifically regarding risk of future hospitalisation and corticosteroid use. Additional prospective studies are necessary to more clearly define these associations.

Changes in Anthropometric Parameters After Anti-TNFα Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors have been widely used for the treatment of moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). TNFα also plays an important role in the regulation of weight homeostasis and metabolism and has been linked to variations in anthropometric responses. This relationship in patients with IBD has yet to be determined.

Objectives

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of TNFα inhibitors on changes in anthropometric measures in both adults and children with IBD through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Multiple database searches identified studies involving children and adults with IBD and treated with TNFα inhibitors and reporting at least one primary outcome measure. Where possible, data were combined for meta-analysis. The primary outcomes included weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, height, height/velocity, and fat and lean mass. Secondary outcomes included surrogate markers of disease activity. A random-effects model was used to estimate the standardised mean difference (SMD).

Results

In total, 23 cohort studies (total 1167 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed on 13 of these studies. In children, 6–29.3 months of anti-TNFα therapy had a small but statistically significant effect on weight (SMD 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12–0.49; P = 0.001) with a mean gain in z score of 0.30 (standard error [SE] 0.12). In adults, 2–22.4 months of treatment had a moderate effect on BMI (SMD 0.72; 95% CI 0.17–1.26; P = 0.010; mean gain 1.23 kg/m²; SE 0.21). A small but statistically significant increase in BMI z score was found in children (SMD 0.28; 95% CI 0.03–0.53; P = 0.026; mean change 0.31 ± standard deviation [SD] 0.14) after 12–29.3 months of therapy. A meta-analysis of four studies found a negligible but statistically significant increase in height (SMD 0.16; 95% CI 0.06–0.26; P = 0.002; mean change 0.17 z score [SE 0.05]). A negligible effect on fat mass (SMD 0.24; 95% CI −0.19–0.66; P = 0.272) was found in a meta-analysis of five studies. Of note, despite the high heterogeneity among the studies that addressed the issue, these results were also consistently supported by findings from studies not included in the meta-analysis and reviewed in the systematic review. Unfortunately, a lack of data meant we were unable to perform moderator analysis on observed heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Anti-TNFα treatment appears to be associated with an increase in body weight, BMI, and other anthropometric parameters. Given the differing courses of IBD between children and adults, this association should be considered before initiating biologics for undernourished, overweight, and obese patients.

Registration: PROSPERO registration number CRD42020163079.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40259-020-00444-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Bariatric Surgery and Risk of New-onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Nationwide Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this study was to examine the risk of new-onset inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] following bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide population-based prospective cohort study of the entire Danish population 18 to 60 years of age, alive, and residing in Denmark, from 1996 to 2018. Bariatric surgery was included as a time-dependent variable, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios [HRs] of IBD. We used a model adjusting for age, sex, and birth cohort and a multifactor-adjusted model additionally including educational status and number of obesity-related comorbidities.

RESULTS

We followed 3 917 843 individuals of whom 15 347 had a bariatric surgery, for development of new-onset IBD. During 106 420 person-years following bariatric surgery, 100 IBD events occurred [incidence rate 0.940/1000 person-years]. During 55 553 785 person-years without bariatric surgery, 35 294 events of IBD occurred [incidence rate 0.635/1000 person-years]. This corresponded to a multifactor-adjusted hazard ratio [HR] of 1.15 (95% confidence interval[CI], 0.94-1.40) for IBD. Multifactor-adjusted HRs of Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC] were 1.85 [95% CI, 1.40-2.44] and 0.81 [95% CI, 0.61-1.08], respectively. Among women, the multifactor-adjusted HR for CD was 2.18 [95% CI, 1.64-2.90]. When limiting the study population to individuals with a diagnosis of overweight/obesity, bariatric surgery remained associated with increased risk of CD, multifactor-adjusted HR 1.59 [95% CI, 1.18-2.13].

CONCLUSIONS

This nationwide cohort study shows that bariatric surgery is associated with increased risk of development of new-onset CD, but not of UC. The underlying mechanisms remain elusive.

Global associations of national economic wealth are more robust with inflammatory bowel diseases than with obesity

The inflammatory bowel diseases consisting of Crohn's and ulcerative colitis have expanded into previously low incidence areas of the world. The spread follows the relatively recent pandemic of global obesity. Pathological relations have been proposed between these two diseases. Both inflammatory bowel diseases and obesity originated in wealthier western societies marked by high gross domestic product per capita. The pathogenic influence of national wealth on the inflammatory bowel diseases has been recognized but are less clear with obesity. Parallel correlations of national wealth with obesity would further strengthen relations between these two diseases. Alternatively, diverging relations could suggest that obesity is less dependent on wealth. As such it would supports another earlier hypothesis that obesity depends on adoption of western diet which precedes national acquisition of wealth. Previously ecological modifiers of global disease patterns, including latitude and lactose digestion status have shown different influences on IBD compared with obesity. We evaluate. the influence of the Gross Domestic Product on these two diseases taking into consideration the former's relationship with ecological markers. Patterns of correlations could suggest contributing mechanisms how these ecological parameters influence some disease distributions. The literature and internet were searched for national rates of obesity, inflammatory bowel diseases, national gross domestic product per capita and national lactase distribution rates. National average latitudes were calculated previously. Pearson correlations were used to compare variables in three regions; global, European and Asian theaters. SAS statistical package was used and statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Globally and in Europe correlations of gross domestic product were moderate and significant r = 0.55 and r = 0.6 respectively with Crohn's disease but weaker with ulcerative colitis. The results were negligible in Asia. Obesity was weakly correlated with gross domestic product globally r = 0.32 and negligible in Europe and Asia. In addition, gross domestic product was moderately correlated with latitude r = 0.6, and inversely with lactase non persistence r = -0.6 both globally and in Europe. This relationship is similar to that with inflammatory bowel diseases, but less related to obesity. Overall results suggest unequal effect of national wealth and industrialization on obesity and inflammatory bowel diseases. It has been suggested that western type diet precedes full industrialization and this could promote obesity.

Safety of bariatric surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The efficacy of bariatric surgery in achieving weight loss and preventing long-term comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis is well established. Data regarding safety of bariatric surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is scarce. We attempted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the complications following bariatric surgery in patients with IBD. The primary outcomes evaluated were wound infection, Clavien-Dindo grade > II complications and IBD exacerbation (within 1 year). Secondary outcomes evaluated included overall mortality, stricture, small bowel obstruction, acute kidney injury (AKI) and thromboembolism. Pooled outcomes (event rate) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random effects model. A total of 14 studies (all observational) with 2608 patients were included. The rates of primary outcomes were: wound infection (4.1%, 95% CI: 0.9-7.2), Clavien-Dindo grade > II complications (2.0%, 95%: CI 0.6-3.5) and IBD exacerbation (4.3%, 95% CI: 0.7-7.9). The pooled rate for other outcomes was: mortality 0.1%, stricture 6.5%, small bowel obstruction 6.7%, AKI 2.2% and thromboembolism 0.1%. Bariatric surgery is relatively safe in patients with IBD and should be pursued to reduce comorbidities associated with obesity. Future comparative studies are needed to further assess the safety of bariatric surgery in population with and without IBD.

Inflammatory bowel disease and the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which are well recognised as chronic systemic and immune-mediated conditions that frequently involve extraintestinal manifestations. Although comorbidities have long been the subject of research in other chronic inflammatory diseases, this concept is also emerging in IBD. Many pathologies have been linked to IBD, including cardiovascular disease, which is the main cause of death in developed countries. IBD patients are at increased risk of conditions such as early atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction or venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism. The aim of this review is to make an approximation of the physiopathology of the different manifestations of cardiovascular disease in patients with IBD and how to prevent them.

Bariatric Surgery and Its Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Recent data have suggested that bariatric procedures, especially laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), are safe and effective weight loss measures in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). But most of the studies have looked at short-term outcomes, and there is a general lack of awareness of underlying disease processes and baseline comorbidities in IBD patients undergoing bariatric procedures. Postbariatric issues in IBD patients including diarrhea from dumping syndrome, choleretic diarrhea, a high prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus, stomal ulcerations, stenosis, and renal and gallstones can complicate the natural history of IBD. This could lead to unnecessary hospitalizations, change of medical therapy, and poor surgical and quality of life outcomes. In this review, we will discuss major complications after common bariatric procedures (SG, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and gastric banding) and suggest possible management strategies.

Changing Patterns of Relationships Between Geographic Markers and IBD: Possible Intrusion of Obesity

Background

Latitude and lactase digestion status influence incidence and prevalence rates of some noncommunicable diseases. Latitudinal correlations helped define beneficial roles of vitamin D in many diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In view of recent global expansion of IBD and population migrations, we reexamine relations with these markers. As these changes also paralleled the pandemic of obesity, we explore possible interactions with IBD.

Methods

We undertook a literature review to compare rates of obesity, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis with the geographic markers of lactase digestion status, average population-weighted national latitude, and national yearly sunshine exposure. Pearson correlations were used throughout to determine r correlation factors. Statistical significance was accepted at P <0.05 using 2-tailed tests.

Results

Forty-seven countries were matched with various data sets that could be analyzed (range of availability was 49%-85%). While global correlations of IBD with latitude and lactase status remain similar to previous analyses, in Europe and Asia, outcomes were different. Global outcome contains a statistical paradox related to combining countries from Europe and Asia. Obesity showed moderate global correlations with IBD but weak and negligible correlations in Europe and Asia. There was also a weak global correlation with latitude.

Conclusions

It is suggested that global correlations point to parallel geographic spread of IBD and obesity. The lack of latitudinal relations with obesity suggests reduced vitamin D effect. The paradox supports epidemiological differences in western and eastern IBD. Obesity combined with IBD may contribute to different relations, partly due to variable vitamin D effects.

Cardiovascular Risk in Individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients present a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases due to the presence of chronic inflammation, which plays an essential role in atherogenesis. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the cardiovascular risk between patients with IBD and healthy control individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 52 consecutive IBD outpatients from a tertiary hospital and 37 healthy controls were enrolled. Data collected included age, sex, smoking status, presence of comorbidities, disease activity, ongoing medical treatment, body mass index, arterial blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk. The cardiovascular risk was based on the Framingham risk score and ultrasonography variables, such as the carotid intima-media thickness and the presence of atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid. Multivariate logistic regression or multiple linear regression analysis was performed at a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS

No differences were observed between groups with regard to age, sex, smoking status, comorbidities, blood pressure, body mass index, lipid profile, and Framingham risk score. In the IBD group, fasting glucose [95 (86.2-107.3) mg/dL vs 86 (79-100) mg/dL, p=0.041], carotid intima-media thickness (0.69±0.12 mm vs 0.63±0.12 mm, p=0.031), and atherosclerotic carotid plaque (25% vs 5.4%, p=0.032) were higher compared with those in the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients with IBD presented a 6.45-fold higher risk of carotid atherosclerotic plaque (odds ratio: 6.45; 95% confidence interval: 1.035-40.216; p<0.046).

CONCLUSION

Patients with IBD are at an increased risk of atherosclerosis and, consequently, an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Taste Changes in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Associations with PROP Phenotypes and polymorphisms in the salivary protein, Gustin and CD36 Receptor Genes

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract resulting from interactions among various factors with diet being one of the most significant. IBD-related dietary behaviors are not clearly related to taste dysfunctions. We analyzed body mass index (BMI) and perception of six taste qualities and assessed effects of specific taste genes in IBD patients and healthy subjects (HC). BMI in IBD patients was higher than in HC subjects. Taste sensitivity to taste qualities was reduced in IBD patients, except for sour taste, which was higher than in HC subjects. Genetic variations were related to some taste responses in HC subjects, but not in IBD patients. Frequencies of genotype AA and allele A in CD36 polymorphism (rs1761667) were significantly higher in IBD patients than in HC subjects. The taste changes observed could be explained by the oral pathologies and microbiome variations known for IBD patients and can justify their typical dietary behaviors. The lack of genetic effects on taste in IBD patients indicates that IBD might compromise taste so severely that gene effects cannot be observed. However, the high frequency of the non-tasting form of CD36 substantiates the fact that IBD-associated fat taste impairment may represent a risk factor for IBD.

Derivation and Internal Validation of a Clinical Prediction Tool to Predict Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients With Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) patients have more than double the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) compared with the general population after considering traditional risk factors. NAFLD remains underappreciated because routine imaging and liver biochemistries are neither sensitive nor specific for the diagnosis. Here we developed a Clinical Prediction Tool for NAFLD in CD (CPN-CD) using readily accessible parameters to diagnose NAFLD, as determined by magnetic resonance proton density fat fraction (PDFF).

METHODS

A total of 311 consecutive CD patients who underwent magnetic resonance enterography from June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018, were screened for NAFLD, defined as a PDFF >5.5% after excluding other liver diagnoses. CPN-CD was derived using binary multivariate logistic regression and internally validated with a 10-fold cross-validation. CPN-CD was compared with the Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) by the C-statistic and categorical Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI).

RESULTS

CPN-CD included age, sex, ethnicity/race, serum alanine aminotransferase, body mass index, known cardiometabolic diagnoses, CD duration, and current use of azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine. At <20% risk, NAFLD could be excluded with a sensitivity of 86% (negative predictive value, 86%). At ≥50% risk, NAFLD was diagnosed with a specificity of 87% (positive predictive value, 75%). CPN-CD exhibited good discrimination (C-statistic 0.85) compared with fair discrimination of the HSI (C-statistic, 0.76). CPN-CD was superior to the HSI by net reclassification improvement (+0.20; P < 0.001) and decision curve analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

CPN-CD outperforms HSI in detecting NAFLD in patients with CD. Future directions include external validation, outcome validation, and testing generalizability to patients with ulcerative colitis.

Role of Obesity, Mesenteric Adipose Tissue, and Adipokines in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a group of disorders which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Obesity is becoming increasingly more common among patients with inflammatory bowel disease and plays a role in the development and course of the disease. This is especially true in the case of Crohn's disease. The recent results indicate a special role of visceral adipose tissue and particularly mesenteric adipose tissue, also known as "creeping fat", in pathomechanism, leading to intestinal inflammation. The involvement of altered adipocyte function and the deregulated production of adipokines, such as leptin and adiponectin, has been suggested in pathogenesis of IBD. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology and pathophysiology of obesity in IBD, the influence of a Western diet on the course of Crohn's disease and colitis in IBD patients and animal's models, and the potential role of adipokines in these disorders. Since altered body composition, decrease of skeletal muscle mass, and development of pathologically changed mesenteric white adipose tissue are well-known features of IBD and especially of Crohn's disease, we discuss the possible crosstalk between adipokines and myokines released from skeletal muscle during exercise with moderate or forced intensity. The emerging role of microbiota and the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory enzymes such as intestinal alkaline phosphatase is also discussed, in order to open new avenues for the therapy against intestinal perturbations associated with IBD.

Inflammatory bowel disease and the risk for cardiovascular disease: Does all inflammation lead to heart disease?

Inflammation has a strong role in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Several systemic inflammatory conditions have been linked to an increased risk of ASCVD; however, this has not been well established in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). IBD is comprised of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease, both of which involve chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, often with evidence of systemic involvement. Several ASCVD risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, poor diet and the presence of obesity may increase the risk of ASCVD in patients suffering from IBD, despite a lower prevalence of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Medications used to treat IBD and target inflammation, such as steroids, may also accelerate the risk of the risk for ASCVD heart failure while exacerbating ASCVD risk factors. Several studies have demonstrated an elevated risk of acute myocardial infarction and stroke in these patients, most notably in women and in younger patients. Some cohort studies have also suggested a link between IBD and both atrial fibrillation and heart failure, particularly during periods of active flares. All IBD patients, particularly younger individuals, should be screened for ASCVD risk factors with aggressive risk factor modification to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Further research is needed to identify how to prevent and treat cardiovascular events that occur in patients with IBD, particularly during active flares.

Crohn Disease and Fracture Risk Assessment With FRAX

Background

Studies are inconsistent whether people with Crohn disease (CD) have an increased fracture risk.

This study showed that patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) had a higher ten year probability of fracture, assessed by the fracture assessment tool FRAX, and more fractures, but the proportion of CD patients with a fracture was not significantly higher than that of controls.

Methods

Forty-nine CD and 49 controls participated. All 98 completed a health questionnaire. A score with the fracture assessment tool FRAX &gt; 15% was considered risk factor for fracture.

Results

Mean FRAX score for 49 CD was 10.1 ± 10.3% and for 49 controls 5.0 ± 3.9% (P = 0.002). The variables correlated with fracture were being female (P = 0.04) and having a fractured mother (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

The CD group had significantly higher FRAX scores and more fractures, but the proportion of CD subjects with a fracture was not significantly higher than that of controls.

The Role of Adipose Tissue in the Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Outcomes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Though historically regarded as an inert energy store, adipose tissue is a complex endocrine organ, which is increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Accumulating evidence points to visceral adipose tissue and specifically to its mesenteric component, or “creeping fat” as impacting on the disease course through its immunomodulatory properties. On the one hand, mesenteric fat acts as a physical barrier to inflammation and is involved in controlling host immune response to translocation of gut bacteria. On the other hand, however, there exists a strong link between visceral fat and complicated course of the disease with unfavorable therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, “creeping fat” appears to play different roles in different IBD phenotypes, with the greatest pathogenetic contribution probably to an ileal form of Crohn’s disease. In this review, we summarize and discuss the existing literature on the subject and identify high-priority areas for future research. It may be that a better understanding of the role of mesenteric fat in IBD will determine new therapeutic targets and translate into improved clinical outcomes.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Food Additives: To Add Fuel on the Flames!

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) develop in genetically predisposed individuals in response to environmental factors. IBDs are concomitant conditions of industrialized societies, and diet is a potential culprit. Consumption of ultra-processed food has increased over the last decade in industrialized countries, and epidemiological studies have found associations between ultra-processed food consumption and chronic diseases. Further studies are now required to identify the potential culprit in ultra-processed food, such as a poor nutritional composition or the presence of food additives. In our review, we will focus on food additives, i.e., substances from packaging in contact with food, and compounds formed during production, processing, and storage. A literature search using PubMed from inception to January 2019 was performed to identify relevant studies on diet and/or food additive and their role in IBDs. Manuscripts published in English from basic science, epidemiological studies, or clinical trials were selected and reviewed. We found numerous experimental studies highlighting the key role of food additives in IBD exacerbation but epidemiological studies on food additives on IBD risk are still limited. As diet is a modifiable environmental risk factor, this may offer a scientific rationale for providing dietary advice for IBD patients.

Review article: the relationship between obesity, bariatric surgery, and inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

The convoluted relationship between obesity, bariatric surgery and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is of increasing interest.

AIM

To analyse evidence regarding the role of bariatric surgery in the development of de novo IBD and its impact on clinical outcomes and safety in patients with established IBD.

METHODS

A PubMed/Medline search was performed to identify studies reporting the development of IBD after bariatric surgery and the outcomes of IBD patients after bariatric surgery.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were reported to have developed de novo IBD after bariatric surgery (21% ulcerative colitis [UC], 75% Crohn's disease [CD]), mostly females. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was the most frequent bariatric technique (80%). Symptoms related to IBD occurred within 1 month and 16 years after surgery. Regarding patients with known IBD undergoing bariatric surgery, 60 patients (35 CD, 24 UC, and 1 unclassified colitis) have been reported. Sleeve gastrectomy was the most frequent bariatric procedure, particularly in CD patients. Acute flares after surgery were observed in only four UC patients. In addition, two retrospective population-based studies described perioperative outcomes of bariatric surgery on IBD patients, demonstrating only a significant increase in small bowel obstruction in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery in carefully selected patients with established IBD is technically feasible and probably safe. Development of de novo IBD should be taken into account in individuals with previous bariatric surgery who develop diarrhoea, anaemia or excessive weight loss.

VISCERAL FAT IS INCREASED IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CROHN'S DISEASE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITH HEALTHY CONTROLS

BACKGROUND

It is known that obesity is associated with a chronic inflammatory state, but few studies have evaluated visceral fat (VF) content and its role in individuals with Crohn's disease (CD).

OBJETIVE

To compare the nutritional status, body composition and proportion of VF between CD individuals and healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study that enrolled individuals with Crohn's disease and healthy controls. The stratification according to nutritional status was carried out by means of BMI. The percentage of body fat percentage (%BF) and VF were estimated by means of DEXA. VF proportion was evaluated by means of the VF/BMI and VF/%BF ratios.

RESULTS

A total of 78 individuals were included. The control group was comprised of 28 healthy subjects aged 35.39±10 years old (60.7% women); mean BMI=23.94±3.34 kg/m2; mean VF=511.82±448.68 g; mean CRP=0.81±1.78 ng/mL. The CD group was comprised of 50 patients; 11 (22%) were underweight (BMI=18.20±1.97 kg/ m2; %BF=24.46±10.01; VF=217.18±218.95 g; CRP=4.12±4.84 ng/mL); 18 (36%) presented normal weight (BMI=22.43±1.48 kg/m2; %BF=30.92±6.63; VF=542.00±425.47 g and CRP=4.40±1.78 ng/mL); 21 (42%) were overweight or obese (BMI=29.48±3.78 kg/m2; %BF=39.91±7.33; VF=1525.23±672.7 g and CRP=1.33±2.06 ng/mL). The VF/BMI ratio was higher in the CD group when compared to controls (32.41±24.63 vs 20.01±16.23 g per BMI point; P=0.02). Likewise, the VF/%BF was also higher in the CD group (35.21±23.33 vs 15.60±12.55 g per percentage point; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Among individuals with Crohn's disease, BMI presents a direct correlation with visceral fat content. These results indicate the presence of an adiposopathy in Crohn's disease subjects, which is evidenced by a higher visceral fat.

Outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in Crohn's disease patients: an initial Australian experience

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) in association with obesity is becoming an increasing issue in Australia and worldwide. This report looks at outcomes for patients with CD undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of our database of patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy from 2007 to 2016. Patients with concurrent CD were included.

RESULTS

Eight patients with CD underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with a mean preoperative body mass index of 43.8. There were no identified intraoperative or post-operative complications. The mean excess weight loss was 55.7% and 56.5% at 6 months and 1 year, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can be achieved in CD patients. No complications and effective weight loss was observed in the eight reported patients.

Obesity and inflammatory bowel disease: diagnostic and therapeutic implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The review summarizes our current understanding of how obesity impacts diagnostic studies and therapies used in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as the safety and efficacy of medical and surgical weight loss therapies in the obese IBD patient.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many of the diagnostic tools we rely on in the identification and monitoring of IBD can be altered by obesity. Obesity is associated with increased acute phase proteins and fecal calprotectin. It can be more difficult to obtain and interpret cross sectional imaging of obese patients. Recent studies have also shown that common therapies used to treat IBD may be less effective in the obese population and may impact comorbid disease. Our understanding of how best to measure obesity is evolving. In addition to BMI, studies now include measures of visceral adiposity and subcutaneous to visceral adiposity ratios. An emerging area of interest is the safety and efficacy of obesity treatment including bariatric surgery in patients with IBD. A remaining question is how weight loss may alter the course of IBD.

SUMMARY

The proportion of obese IBD patients is on the rise. Caring for this population requires a better understanding of how obesity impacts diagnostic testing and therapeutic strategies. The approach to weight loss in this population is complex and future studies are needed to determine the safety of medical or surgical weight loss and its impact on the course of disease.

Body mass index influences infliximab post-infusion levels and correlates with prospective loss of response to the drug in a cohort of inflammatory bowel disease patients under maintenance therapy with Infliximab

Introduction

Infliximab is an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Studies differ regarding the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the response to infliximab, with the majority of studies indicating that increased BMI may be associated with a poorer response to Infliximab. However, the pharmacokinetic mechanisms causing this have not yet been reported.

Aims

Examine the correlation between BMI/immunosuppressant use with clinical response, trough and post-infusion levels of infliximab, tumour necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and anti-drug antibodies(ATI), and determine if these factors can predict future response.

Methods

We collected serum from 24 patients receiving Infliximab before and 30 minutes following infusion. Clinical parameters were collected retrospectively and prospectively. ELISA measurements of infliximab, TNF-α and ATI were performed.

Results

We confirmed that patients with higher infliximab trough levels have a better response rate and that patients with an elevated BMI display a higher rate of loss of response (20%). Patients with a higher BMI had elevated post-infusion levels of infliximab. Additionally, the ratio of IFX/TNF-α trough levels correlated with clinical response to the following infusion.

Conclusion

This study confirms that an elevated BMI is associated with a poorer response to infliximab. For the first time, we describe that a higher BMI correlates with higher post-infusion levels, however this does not correlate with a higher rate of response to the drug, suggesting that circulating drug levels do not correlate with tissue levels. Furthermore, in our small cohort of patients, we identified a possible predictive marker of future response to treatment which may be used to guide dose escalation and predict non-response to infliximab.

Patients with Crohn's Disease with High Body Mass Index Present More Frequent and Rapid Loss of Response to Infliximab

BACKGROUND

Infliximab (IFX) is effective in inducing and maintaining remission in patients with luminal and anoperineal Crohn's disease (CD). However, treatment failure within 12 months after initiating IFX is observed in a significant proportion of patients. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the body mass index (BMI) affects response to IFX during the first year of treatment in patients with CD.

METHODS

All patients with luminal CD who began IFX between January 2010 and May 2014 were prospectively included. BMI was calculated before IFX treatment was begun, and patients were divided into 3 groups: normal BMI (BMI < 25 kg/m), overweight patients (BMI of 25.0-30 kg/m), and obese patients (BMI > 30.0 kg/m). The primary outcome was to evaluate the rate and delay of IFX optimization during the first year of treatment among normal weight, overweight, and obese patients.

RESULTS

One hundred forty patients were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics at IFX initiation were comparable among the 3 groups. Within 12 months after the initiation of IFX, the rate of IFX optimization was significantly higher in overweight and obese patients than in the normal BMI group: 52%, 56%, and 20%, respectively (P = 0.0002). The median time until optimization of IFX was significantly shorter in overweight and obese patients than in the normal BMI group: 7, 7, and 10 months, respectively (P = 0.03). A BMI >25 kg/m was significantly associated with IFX optimization within 12 months on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to show that optimization of IFX is more frequent and faster in obese and overweight patients with CD and occurs within 12 months after beginning IFX, suggesting that an induction regimen with higher doses of IFX and a tight control of IFX concentrations may be needed in these patients.

Extraintestinal Manifestations Are Common in Obese Patients with Crohn's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic condition associated with the risk of malabsorption. The incidence of obesity worldwide is increasing, and the effect of obesity on patients with CD is unknown. We aim to identify traits related to obesity in a cohort of patients with CD.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 209 adult patients with CD. Age, Montreal disease classification, sex, race, duration of disease, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein levels, physician global assessment, endoscopic appearance, histologic activity, medication use, and body mass index (BMI) were collected about each patient.

RESULTS

The mean age was 43.4 ± 14.9 years; 68.9% were white, and 51.7% were male. The mean duration of disease was 11.0 ± 10.6 years. The mean BMI was 26.8 ± 5.7: underweight 7.7%; normal weight 29.3%; overweight 38.0%; and obese 25%. Patients with higher BMI were more likely to have extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) (P = 0.005) and more likely to have nonarthralgia extraintestinal manifestations (P = 0.047). There was a linear association between proximal CD and decreasing BMI (underweight 31.3%, normal weight 14.8%, overweight 15.0%, obese 7.7%; P = 0.046). There was no difference in BMI between patients with and without perianal disease (P = 0.216).

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients were overweight or obese, which correlates with national population trends. Our data suggest disease location plays a role in weight modulation in patients with CD. Increased extraintestinal manifestations in patients with high BMI suggests that the chronic inflammation associated with obesity may play a role in extraintestinal inflammation.

Colonic Phenotypes Are Associated with Poorer Response to Anti-TNF Therapies in Patients with IBD

BACKGROUND

Although anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents are effective in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), many patients either do not respond to anti-TNF treatment or lose response over time. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with response to anti-TNF therapy in IBD.

METHODS

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis who had consented to participate in a genetics registry and been treated with anti-TNF agents were evaluated retrospectively and categorized as primary nonresponders or secondary nonresponders. We evaluated clinical, serological, and genetic characteristics associated with primary nonresponse or time to loss of response to anti-TNF agents.

RESULTS

We included 314 CD (51 [16.2%] primary nonresponders and 179 [57.0%] secondary nonresponders) and 145 subjects with ulcerative colitis (43 [29.7%] primary nonresponders and 74 [51.0%] secondary nonresponders). Colonic involvement (P = 0.017; odds ratio = 8.0) and anti-TNF monotherapy (P = 0.017; odds ratio = 4.9) were associated in a multivariate analysis with primary nonresponse to anti-TNF agents in CD. In addition, higher anti-nuclear cytoplasmic antibody levels (P = 0.019; hazard ratio = 1.01) in CD, anti-nuclear cytoplasmic antibody positivity (P = 0.038; hazard ratio = 1.6) in ulcerative colitis, and a positive family history of IBD (P = 0.044; hazard ratio = 1.3) in all patients with IBD were associated with time to loss of response to anti-TNF agents. Furthermore, various known IBD susceptibility single-nucleotide polymorphisms and additional variants in immune-mediated genes were shown to be associated with primary nonresponse or time to loss of response.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results may help to optimize the use of anti-TNF agents in clinical practice and position these therapies appropriately as clinicians strive for a more personalized approach to managing IBD.