Abdominal X-ray in Pediatric Acute Severe Colitis and Radiographic Predictors of Response to Intravenous Steroids

The pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index (PUCAI) predicts steroid-failure in adults with acute severe colitis

BACKGROUND

One-third of patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASC) fail to respond to intravenous corticosteroids (IVCS) and require second-line therapy or colectomy. We aimed to explore the performance of the Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI), for predicting response to IVCS in adults with ASC, and to base a two-step decision-making process for guiding the introduction of second-line therapy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study of adult patients with ASC. PUCAI score, Oxford criteria, and Swedish index were determined at baseline, day three and five of hospitalization, and discharge when outcomes were ascertained.

RESULTS

153 patients were included (mean age 34.7 ± 14.6, median disease duration 7.8 years [IQR 0-17.4]), of whom 51 (33%) required second-line therapy, and 23 (15%) eventually underwent colectomy by discharge. At days three and five, the median PUCAI scores were higher in non-responders compared with responders (55 [45-69] vs. 38 [25-55] at day 3, and 55 [36-65] vs. 20 [5-30] at day 5; both p < .001). The negative and positive predictive values (NPV and PPV) of IVCS failure were 76/63% for the Oxford criteria, 83/52% for the Swedish index as determined on day 3, and 73/100% for PUCAI ≥ 65 points on day five. The corresponding figures for PUCAI ≥ 45 at day 3 were 83/54%.

CONCLUSION

The PUCAI is a highly predictive tool for IVCS failure. PUCAI ≥ 45 on day 3 has an excellent NPV for IVCS failure indicating preparation for second-line therapy, and PUCAI ≥ 65 on day 5 has a high PPV to initiate the therapy.

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

BACKGROUND & AIMS

A better understanding of prognostic factors in ulcerative colitis (UC) could improve patient management and reduce complications. We aimed to identify evidence-based predictors for outcomes in pediatric UC, which may be used to optimize treatment algorithms.

METHODS

Potential outcomes worthy of prediction in UC were determined by surveying 202 experts in pediatric UC. A systematic review of the literature, with selected meta-analysis, was performed to identify studies that investigated predictors for these outcomes. Multiple national and international meetings were held to reach consensus on evidence-based statements.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on 31 statements regarding predictors of colectomy, acute severe colitis (ASC), chronically active pediatric UC, cancer and mortality. At diagnosis, disease extent (6 studies, N = 627; P = .035), Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index score (4 studies, n = 318; P < .001), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and albumin may predict colectomy. In addition, family history of UC (2 studies, n = 557; P = .0004), extraintestinal manifestations (4 studies, n = 526; P = .048), and disease extension over time may predict colectomy, whereas primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) may be protective. Acute severe colitis may be predicted by disease severity at onset and hypoalbuminemia. Higher Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index score and C-reactive protein on days 3 and 5 of hospital admission predict failure of intravenous steroids. Risk factors for malignancy included concomitant diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis, longstanding colitis (>10 years), male sex, and younger age at diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These evidence-based consensus statements offer predictions to be considered for a personalized medicine approach in treating pediatric UC.

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.