Review article: Infliximab therapy for inflammatory bowel disease--seven years on

An update on efficacy and safety comparison of biologics in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease targeting TNF-α, interleukins, leukocyte trafficking, Janus-kinase, and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor

INTRODUCTION

Along with the rising prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC)], biological therapies need an update/insight.

AREA COVERED

This review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from PubMed database (2000-October 2022) of approved biologics and small molecules with primary outcome analysis on efficacy (clinical response/remission/mucosal healing) and/or adverse events (AEs). Considered for this review under biologics classes are TNF-α inhibitors, leukocyte trafficking inhibitors, and anti IL-12/IL-23; and under small molecules are Janus-kinase inhibitors, and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators.

EXPERT OPINION

In CD, clinical response and remission were better with tofacitinib (61.23%) and infliximab (44.86%), respectively, in the induction phase, and these were better with ustekinumab in the maintenance phase. In UC, the maximum rate of response, remission, and mucosal healing were obtained with infliximab during the induction phase (67.49%, 35.99%, and 60.25%, respectively). During the maintenance phase, response rate was better with ustekinumab, but remission and mucosal healing were better with vedolizumab. The combined percentage of AEs was highest with infliximab (174.45%) and least with ozanimod (23.04%), and most commonly belonged to the 'infection and infestation system organ class (SOC).' These efficacy and safety analyses will help in the optimization of biologic treatment in IBD.

The Lactobacillus gasseri G098 Strain Mitigates Symptoms of DSS-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a recurring inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract with unclear etiology, but it is thought to be related to factors like immune abnormalities and gut microbial dysbiosis. Probiotics can regulate host immunity and gut microbiota; thus, we investigated the alleviation effect and mechanism of the strain Lactobacillus gasseri G098 (G098) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Three groups of mice (n = 8 per group) were included: normal control (NC), DSS-induced colitis mice (DSS), and colitis mice given strain (G098). Our results showed that administering G098 effectively reversed DSS-induced colitis-associated symptoms (mitigating weight loss, reducing disease activity index and pathology scores; p < 0.05 in all cases) and prevented DSS-induced mortality (62.5% in DSS group; 100% in G098 group). The mortality rate and symptom improvement by G098 administration was accompanied by a healthier serum cytokine balance (significant decreases in serum pro-inflammatory factors, interleukin (IL)-6 [p < 0.05], IL-1β [p < 0.01], and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α [p < 0.001], and significant increase in the serum anti-inflammatory factor IL-13 [p < 0.01], compared with DSS group) and gut microbiome modulation (characterized by a higher gut microbiota diversity [p < 0.05], significantly more Firmicutes and Lachnoclostridium [p < 0.05], significantly fewer Bacteroidetes [p < 0.05], and significant higher gene abundances of sugar degradation-related pathways [p < 0.05], compared with DSS-treated group). Taken altogether, our results suggested that G098 intake could mitigate DSS-induced colitis through modulating host immunity and gut microbiome, and strain treatment is a promising strategy for managing IBD.

Comparative efficacy and safety of infliximab and vedolizumab therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims

There are limited comparative data for infliximab and vedolizumab in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of infliximab and vedolizumab in adult patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Results

We identified six eligible Crohn’s disease and seven eligible ulcerative colitis trials that randomised over 1900 participants per disease cohort to infliximab or vedolizumab. In the Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cohorts, infliximab yielded better efficacy than vedolizumab for all analysed outcomes (CDAI-70, CDAI-100 responses, and clinical remission for Crohn’s disease and clinical response and clinical remission for ulcerative colitis) during the induction phase, with non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals. In the maintenance phase, similar proportions of infliximab- or vedolizumab-treated patients achieved clinical response, clinical remission, or mucosal healing in both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. For the safety outcomes, rates of adverse events, serious adverse events, and discontinuations due to adverse events were similar in infliximab- and vedolizumab-treated patients in both diseases. The infection rate was higher in infliximab for Crohn’s disease and higher in vedolizumab when treating patients with ulcerative colitis. There was no difference between the treatments in the proportions of patients who reported serious infections in both indications.

Conclusions

Indirect comparison of infliximab and vedolizumab trials in adult patients with moderate-to severe Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis demonstrated that infliximab has better efficacy in the induction phase and comparable efficacy during the maintenance phase and overall safety profile compared to vedolizumab.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-022-02347-1.

Stringent screening strategy significantly reduces reactivation rates of tuberculosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease on anti-TNF therapy in tuberculosis endemic region

BACKGROUND

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) leads to an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation despite latent tuberculosis (LTB) screening, especially in TB endemic regions.

AIM

We evaluated the effect of stringent screening strategy and LTB prophylaxis on TB reactivation.

METHODS

We performed an ambispective comparison between patients who received anti-TNF therapy after January 2019 (late cohort) and between Jan 2005 and Jan 2019 (early cohort). Late cohort patients were subjected to stringent screening criteria which included all: history of past TB/recent contact with active TB, chest X-ray, CT (computed tomography) chest, IGRA (interferon-gamma release assay), TST (tuberculin skin test), and if any positive were given chemoprophylaxis. A cohort comparison was done to evaluate for risk reduction of TB following the stringent screening strategy.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-one patients (63: ulcerative colitis/108: Crohn's disease, mean age diagnosis: 28.5 ± 13.4 years, 60% males, median follow-up duration after anti-TNF: 33 months [interquartile range: 23-57 months]) were included. Among the 112 in the early cohort, 29 (26%) underwent complete TB screening, 22 (19.6%) had LTB, 10 (9%) received chemoprophylaxis, and 19 (17%) developed TB. In comparison, in the late cohort, 100% of patients underwent complete TB screening, 26 (44%) had LTB, 23 (39%) received chemoprophylaxis, and only 1(1.7%) developed TB (p < 0.01). On survival analysis, patients in early cohort had a higher probability of TB reactivation compared with the late cohort (HR: 14.52 (95% CI: 1.90-110.61 [p = 0.01]) after adjusting for gender, age at anti-TNF initiation, concomitant immunosuppression, anti-TNF doses, and therapy escalation.

CONCLUSION

The high risk of TB reactivation with anti-TNF therapy in TB endemic regions can be significantly mitigated with stringent LTB screening and chemoprophylaxis.

Site-selective oral delivery of therapeutic antibodies to the inflamed colon via a folic acid-grafted organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposite system

This study aimed to develop a pH-responsive folic acid-grafted organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposite system for site-selective oral delivery of therapeutic antibodies. A folic acid-grafted aminoclay (FA-AC) was prepared via an in situ sol‒gel method. Then, a drug-loaded nanocomplex was prepared via the electrostatic interaction of FA-AC with infliximab (IFX), a model antibody, and coated with Eudragit® S100 (EFA-AC-IFX). FA-AC exhibited favorable profiles as a drug carrier including low cytotoxicity, good target selectivity, and capability to form a nanocomplex with negatively charged macromolecules. A pH-responsive FA-AC-based nanocomplex containing IFX (EFA-AC-IFX) was also obtained in a narrow size distribution with high entrapment efficiency (>87%). The conformational stability of IFX entrapped in EFA-AC-IFX was well maintained in the presence of proteolytic enzymes. EFA-AC-IFX exhibited pH-dependent drug release, minimizing premature drug release in gastric conditions and the upper intestine. Accordingly, oral administration of EFA-AC-IFX to colitis-induced mice was effective in alleviating the progression of ulcerative colitis, while oral IFX solution had no efficacy. These results suggest that a pH-responsive FA-AC-based nanocomposite system can be a new platform for the site-selective oral delivery of therapeutic antibodies.

MRI-Based Radiomic Signature Identifying Secondary Loss of Response to Infliximab in Crohn's Disease

Up to 50% of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) experience secondary loss of response (SLR) to infliximab. Patients with SLR may show clinical signs of iron deficiency as a result of inflammation despite being iron-replete. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomic index, R2^*, can detect changes in iron metabolism. Therefore, the R2^* parameter has considerable potential for detection of SLR to infliximab. The aims of this study were to explore the correlation between R2^* and inflammation and to develop a non-invasive nomogram based on R2^* to identify SLR to infliximab in patients with CD. Three hundred and twenty-two infliximab-treated patients with CD who underwent magnetic resonance enterography within 2 weeks before or after 54 weeks of infliximab therapy were divided into training and validation datasets at a ratio of 8:2. Point-biserial analysis was conducted to confirm the relationship between R2^* and inflammation. A multivariate logistic regression model was created using R2^*, CRP and hemoglobin (OR, 1.10, 1.04 and 0.98; P < 0.05). Receiver-operating characteristic curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to assess the performance of the model. A correlation between R2^* and inflammation was identified. Different trends in R2^* and iron status indices were observed between patients with responsive and non-responsive CD, which is worthy of further study. The model was converted to a visualized nomogram that had a good ability to discriminate the outcomes of infliximab therapy with an area under the curve of 0.723 (95% CI, 0.661-0.785) in the training dataset and 0.715 (95% CI, 0.587-0.843) in the validation dataset. We confirmed a correlation between R2^* and inflammation in patients with CD. Based on the MRI-based radiomic signature, a novel nomogram was established and validated to facilitate individualized identification of SLR to infliximab in patients with CD.

Comparison of performances of infliximab biosimilars CT-P13 versus SB2 in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases: a real-life multicenter, observational study in Italy

BACKGROUND

To compare the performances of Infliximab (IFX) biosimilar CT-P13 and SB2 in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) outpatients in Italy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Three hundred and eighty IBD outpatients were retrospectively evaluated. The primary endpoint was to compare the two IFX biosimilars in terms of reaching and maintenance of remission at any timepoint.

RESULTS

197 patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and 183 patients with Crohn's Disease (CD) treated with CT-P13 or SB2 and having a median (IQR) follow-up of 12 (6-36) months were compared: 230 (60.5%) were naïve to anti-TNFα, 20 (5.26%) were switched from IFX originator or from IFX CT-P13 to IFX SB2. Clinical remission was achieved in 133 (67.5%) UC patients and in 164 (89.6%) CD patients (p < 0.000), with no differences between CT-P13 and SB2 in the rate of remission in UC (p = 0.667) and CD (p = 0.286). Clinical response, steroid-free remission, rate of surgery, mucosal healing (MH) in UC, switching from IFX originator or from other biosimilar, and safety were similar. Higher MH rate was obtained in CD patients treated with CT-P13 (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

This first comparative study found that both IFX biosimilars CT-P13 and SB2 are effective and safe in managing IBD outpatients.

Epidemiological profile and clinical characteristics of patients with intestinal inflammatory disease

According to several epidemiological studies, there is a significant increase in cases of inflammatory disease in developing countries.

Objective To describe epidemiological data and clinical features of patients with inflammatory bowel disease in patients enrolled in Campo Grande, MS.

Method A retrospective descriptive study with a database analysis of patients who were enrolled and renewed their process in the Exceptional Medications Program of the Health Department from January 2008 to December 2016.

Results 423 patients participated in the study, 260 women and 163 men. Of these, 238 patients had Crohn's disease and 185 had ulcerative rectocolitis. The patients’ mean age was 46 years. The most commonly used medication for both diseases was mesalazine and 34.3% of the patients needed to switch their medication during the treatment, most of them with Crohn's disease. In Crohn's patients, the most affected segment was the colon (40.6%) and in patients with ulcerative rectocolitis the entire large intestine was involved (78.8%) was more common. Of the total number of patients, 10.8% of the women and 18.4% of the men needed to use an anti-TNF.

Conclusion Most people on treatment for IBD are female, with a mean age of 46 years and suffering from Crohn's disease. The most affected segments were the entire large intestine in URC cases and the colon in Crohn's disease cases. Mesalazine was the most used drug in both diseases. There was more drug replacement in Crohn's disease patients. In Crohn's disease, younger patients used infliximab more frequently.

Switching From Reference Infliximab to Biosimilar CT-P13 Did Not Change Quality of Life in Stable Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Background

Quality of life (QoL) data for patients with inflammatory bowel disease switched from the reference infliximab to biosimilar CT-P13 is lacking. This study aims to demonstrate noninferiority for QoL and efficacy after switching.

Methods

OoL and clinical efficacy were measured prior to and after 2, 4, and 6 CT-P13 infusions.

Results

One hundred seventy-eight patients were included. Noninferiority was established for QoL [ratio 97.95% (95% confidence interval 95.93 to 100.01)] and efficacy [difference -0.02 (95% confidence interval -0.68 to 0.64)]. Five patients reported 6 nonrelated, serious adverse events.

Conclusions

Switching from reference infliximab to CT-P13 did not affect the QoL or disease activity and was well tolerated.

Comparative analysis of adverse events between infliximab and adalimumab in Crohn's disease management: a Brazilian single-centre experience

Introduction Data is scarce regarding adverse events (AE) of biological therapy used in the management of Crohn's Disease (CD) among Brazilian patients.

Objectives To analyse AE prevalence and profile in patients with CD treated with Infliximab (IFX) or Adalimumab (ADA) and to verify whether there are differences between the two drugs.

Method Retrospective observational single-centre study of CD patients on biological therapy. Variables analysed: Demographic data, Montreal classification, biological agent adminis- tered, treatment duration, presence and type of AE and the need for treatment interruption.

Results Forty-nine patients were analysed, 25 treated with ADA and 24 with IFX. The groups were homogeneous in relation to the variables studied. The average follow-up period for the group treated with ADA was 19.3 months and 21.8 months for the IFX group (p = 0.585). Overall, 40% (n = 10) of patients taking ADA had AE compared with 50% (n = 12) of IFX users (p = 0.571). There was a tendency towards higher incidence of cutaneous and infusion reac- tions in the IFX group and higher incidence of infections in the ADA treated group, although without significant difference.

Conclusions No difference was found in the AE prevalence and profile between ADA and IFX CD patients in the population studied.

Hepatotoxicty of Agents Used in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: a 2020 Update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As treatment options for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continue to expand, the opportunity for hepatotoxicity remains a clinical concern. This review looks to update the current literature on drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and liver-related complications from current and emerging treatments for Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

RECENT FINDINGS

An extensive literature review on currently used medications to treat IBD and their liver-related side effects that includes mesalamine, thiopurines, certain antibiotics, methotrexate, anti-TNF agents including recently introduced biosimilars, anti-integrin therapy, anti-IL 12/IL 23 therapy, and small molecule JAK inhibitors. Hepatotoxicity remains an important clinical issue when managing patients with IBD. Clinicians need to remain aware of the potential for liver-related adverse events with various medication classes and adjust their clinical monitoring as appropriate based on the agents being used.

A Quality Improvement Approach to External Infliximab Infusions in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

OBJECTIVES

We used a quality improvement (QI) approach to improve access and reduce barriers to care by increasing the number of external infliximab infusions at our pediatric inflammatory bowel disease center.

METHODS

Using an iterative QI strategy, pediatric patients ≥12 years of age with inflammatory bowel disease were offered the opportunity to receive infliximab infusions at home/an external infusion center. They were required to first have >5 infusions at the hospital without any significant infusion reactions. Data were collected and tracked monthly using P-charts. Comparisons between control chart centerlines were analyzed using the Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients received external infusions, 87% had Crohn disease, 63% boys, average age 17.6 ± 2.9 years, and 89% with private insurance. From September 2016 to January 2018, the percentage of eligible patients receiving external infusions was approximately 7%, increasing to approximately 30% by January 2018. A centerline shift, representing a statistically significant change, occurred in October 2016 and June 2017 (P < 0.001). No serious safety concerns have occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Through a multidisciplinary team of stakeholders using QI strategies, we now offer external infusion service options to all appropriate patients as routine practice. Home infusions are a viable option to reduce barriers to care, and our patients did not experience any safety events.

An updated systematic review and meta-analysis about the safety and efficacy of infliximab biosimilar, CT-P13, for patients with inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of infliximab biosimilar, CT-P13, for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, and Web of Science for relevant clinical trials discussing CT-P31 administration for IBD patients either naïve to biological therapy or switched from IFX therapy. Data of the rates of clinical response, clinical remission, and adverse events were extracted and pooled in a random effect model meta-analysis using CMA version 2.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies with a total of 3464 IBD patients treated with CT-P13 were identified. The pooled rates of clinical response among Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) at 8-14 weeks were 0.81 (95% CI = 0.72 to 0.87) and 0.68 (95% CI = 0.63 to 0.72), respectively, and at 48-63 weeks were 0.69 (95% CI = 0.48 to 0.85) and 0.54 (95% CI = 0.45 to 0.63) respectively. After switching from IFX to CT-P13, the pooled rates of sustained clinical response among CD and UC at 30-32 weeks were 0.84 (95% CI = 0.57 to 0.96) and 0.96 (95% CI = 0.58 to 0.99), respectively, and at 48-63 weeks were 0.51 (95% CI = 0.22 to 0.79) and 0.83 (95% CI = 0.19 to 0.99) respectively. Moreover, adverse events were reported (CD = 0.10, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.22; UC = 0.18, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.15).

CONCLUSION

CT-P13 is effective and well tolerated in short and long-term periods. Switching to CT-P13 is recommended for the management of IBD.

Infliximab biosimilar CT-P13 is effective and safe in treating inflammatory bowel diseases: a real-life multicenter, observational study in Italian primary inflammatory bowel disease centers

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of biosimilar infliximab (IFX) CT-P13 in treating outpatients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Italian primary gastroenterology centers.

Methods

Consecutive IBD outpatients who completed the induction treatment were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical activity was scored according to the Mayo score for ulcerative colitis (UC) and to the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) for Crohn’s disease (CD). The primary endpoint was the achievement of clinical remission (Mayo score ≤2 in UC and HBI ≤5 in CD). Secondary endpoints were clinical response to treatment, achievement of mucosal healing, and safety.

Results

One hundred forty-one patients (96 UC and 45 CD) were enrolled. Previous treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α had been provided to 26% of UC patients and 28.9% of CD patients. Remission was achieved in 57.3% UC patients and in 75.6% CD patients during a median (interquartile range) follow up of 24 (6-24) months. Clinical response and mucosal healing were achieved in 87.5% and 75.0% of UC patients and in 84.4% and 84.2% of CD patients, respectively. By both univariate and multivariate analysis, age >40 years, presence of comorbidities, and naivety to anti-TNFα were significantly related to remission. Only one (0.7%) adverse event was reported in the CD group. Surgery was performed in 2.1% of UC patients and 6.7% of CD patients. Switching from IFX originator to biosimilar did not influence the maintenance of the clinical remission.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the long-term efficacy and safety of CT-P13 therapy in IBD, in both naïve patients and those switching from IFX originator.

Profile of Consecutive Fecal Calprotectin Levels in the Perioperative Period and Its Predictive Capacity for Early Endoscopic Recurrence in Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

The perioperative behavior of fecal calprotectin and whether it predicts early postoperative endoscopic recurrence of Crohn's disease are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the perioperative profiles of fecal calprotectin between patients with Crohn's disease and patients without Crohn's disease undergoing intestinal resection and to identify the association between consecutive fecal calprotectin levels and endoscopic recurrence 3 months after surgery in patients with Crohn's disease.

DESIGN

This was a prospective observational study.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred fourteen consecutive patients (90 Crohn's disease, 24 non-Crohn's disease) who underwent resection were recruited.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variations and risk factors. The predictive accuracy of the possible predictors was assessed by using receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

The fecal calprotectin levels on preoperative day 14 and postoperative days 14, 21, 28, 60, and 90 were higher in the Crohn's disease group than they were in non-Crohn's disease group (p < 0.05). Twenty patients (22.2%) developed endoscopic recurrence 3 months after resection. The trend for fecal calprotectin change (Δfecal calprotectin) from preoperative day 14 to postoperative day 14 was opposite in the recurrence and nonrecurrence groups. Multivariate analysis showed that this change was a predictive factor of early endoscopic recurrence (p < 0.05). ΔFecal calprotectin was more accurate at predicting early endoscopic recurrence than was fecal calprotectin at single time points with a cutoff value of 240 μg/g.

LIMITATIONS

This is a single-center trial with a limited cohort of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The perioperative fecal calprotectin levels were higher in patients with Crohn's disease than they were in the control group. The change in fecal calprotectin levels from preoperative day 14 to postoperative day 14 could serve as a practical predictive index for early postoperative endoscopic recurrence. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A796.

Infliximab trough levels are decreasing over time in patients with inflammatory bowel disease on maintenance treatment with infliximab

BACKGROUND

Infliximab trough levels (IFX-TLs) and antibodies to infliximab (ATIs) have been suggested as useful markers for the optimization of treatment in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to estimate the patterns over time of IFX-TLs and ATIs in IBD patients on maintenance treatment with IFX.

METHODS

Two different measurements of IFX-TLs and ATIs were performed (ELISA; Eagle BioSciences) at a 10-month interval using serum samples of consecutive patients on maintenance treatment with IFX. Certain biomarkers [hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), platelets, albumin] measured at the same time as well as clinical disease activity and quality of life were assessed.

RESULTS

Among a total of 86 IBD patients under maintenance treatment with IFX, 64 [49 Crohn's disease, 15 ulcerative colitis (UC), 42 men, mean age 44.2±15.2 years, 41 in combination therapy with immunomodulator, six in intensified dose], with two available measurements of IFX-TLs and ATIs (A and B), were included in the study. The median levels of IF-TLs were 5.07 (interquartiles range: 1.60-12.73) μg/ml in measurement A and 4.68 (1.19-7.83) μg/ml in measurement B (P<0.0001). Patients whose dose was intensified after the first measurement showed an increase in their median IFX-TLs from 1.47 to 8.5 μg/ml, whereas patients with stable IFX dose showed a significant reduction in the median IFX-TLs from 5.65 to 3.8 μg/ml (P<0.0001). In the logistic regression analysis, the decrease in IFX-TL was correlated significantly and independently with the increase in CRP [odds ratio 5.2 (1.4-19.0), P=0.01].

CONCLUSION

IBD patients on maintenance treatment with IFX show decreasing patterns of IFX-TLs over time associated with increasing patterns of CRP levels.

Loss of response to scheduled infliximab therapy for Crohn's disease in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the potential predictors of loss of response (LOR) to infliximab (IFX) maintenance therapy for adult patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

We searched for English-language articles published between 1990 and March 2017 in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. After identifying eligible studies, data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. The potential prognostic variables were identified and dichotomized for meta-analysis. Based on the heterogeneity among study variables, random-effects models was used in our meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies met our eligibility criteria and consolidated drug response data were obtained from 3212 patients. The pooled rate of LOR to IFX maintenance therapy with a median follow-up of 1.1 years was 34%. The incidence of LOR to IFX therapy was increased in CD patients with perianal lesions (odds ratio [OR] 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-2.75, P = 0.03), colon involvement (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.20-5.50, P = 0.02) and younger age at CD onset (standardized mean difference -0.79, 95% CI -1.41 to -0.18, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis estimates the incidence of LOR among adult CD patients undergoing IFX therapy is 34%. The presence of perianal lesions, younger age at CD onset, and involvement of the colon are relative risk factors of LOR in CD patients received scheduled IFX maintenance therapy.

Outcomes of Treatment for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Receiving Biologic Therapy

BACKGROUND

Treatment for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is of particular concern in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) initiating biologic therapies to prevent tuberculosis (TB) reactivation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of LTBI treatment in IBD patients receiving biologic therapy.

METHODS

There was a retrospective review of all IBD patients diagnosed with LTBI following a tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) and who received biologic therapy between 2002 and 2016. The primary outcome was tuberculosis reactivation after completion of LTBI treatment.

RESULTS

Three-hundred twenty-nine IBD patients were identified, and 35 (27 Crohn's disease; 8 ulcerative colitis) met the study inclusion criteria. The mean age was 38.3 years, and 68.6% were male. The most common LTBI treatment regimen was isoniazid (INH) for 9 months (74%). Biologic therapies used were infliximab (40%), adalimumab (29%), vedolizumab (20%), and certolizumab pegol (11%). Combination therapy with an immunomodulator was administered in 57% of cases. The median time from initiation of LTBI treatment to biologics was 43 days. The mean duration of follow-up was 2.9 years. The estimated median annual risk of TB reactivation without treatment was 0.52% by a prediction formula. Only 1 patient taking adalimumab monotherapy developed reactivation of TB several years after completing 6 months of isoniazid therapy. The estimated TB reactivation rate was 0.98 cases per 100 patient-years of follow-up in our cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment for LTBI in patients with IBD treated with biologics is effective but does not eliminate the risk of reactivation. 10.1093/ibd/izy133_video1izy133.video15776720675001.

Physalin B Suppresses Inflammatory Response to Lipopolysaccharide in RAW264.7 Cells by Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling

Physalin B from Physalis angulata L. (Solanaceae) is a naturally occurring secosteroid with multiple biological activities. But its anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism remain unclear. Physalin B effects on RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were observed in this study. The expression and secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) induced by LPS were significantly inhibited by physalin B. Meanwhile, the NF-κB nuclear translocation induced by LPS was inhibited by physalin B. The anti-inflammatory effects of physalin B could not be inhibited by mifepristone (RU486), the blocker of glucocorticoid receptor. In conclusion, physalin B can suppress inflammatory response to LPS in macrophages by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines via NF-κB signaling.

Role of biologics and biosimilars in inflammatory bowel disease: current trends and future perspectives

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal system. The spectrum is of predominantly two types, namely, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The incidence of IBD has been increasing steadily since 1990, and so the number of agents used in their treatment. Biologics that are derived partly or completely from living biological sources such as animals and humans have become widely available, which provide therapeutic benefits to the IBD patients. Currently, monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, and golimumab), integrins (vedolizumab and natalizumab), and interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 antagonists (ustekinumab) are approved for use in IBD. Biosimilars of infliximab and adalimumab are also available for the treatment of IBD. This review summarizes the clinical pharmacology, studies leading to their approval, overall indications and their use in IBD, usage in pregnancy and lactation, and the adverse effects of these agents. This review also summarizes the recent advances and future perspectives specific to biologics and biosimilars in IBD.

Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis and Asia Pacific Association of Gastroenterology consensus on tuberculosis infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor treatment. Part 1: risk assessment

Because anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy has become increasingly popular in many Asian countries, the risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB) among anti-TNF users may raise serious health problems in this region. Thus, the Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis and the Asia Pacific Association of Gastroenterology have developed a set of consensus statements about risk assessment, detection and prevention of latent TB infection, and management of active TB infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving anti-TNF treatment. Twenty-three consensus statements were initially drafted and then discussed by the committee members. The quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations were assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. Web-based consensus voting was performed by 211 IBD specialists from 9 Asian countries concerning each statement. A consensus statement was accepted if at least 75% of the participants agreed. Part 1 of the statements comprised 2 parts: risk of TB infection Recommendaduring anti-TNF therapy, and screening for TB infection prior to commencing anti-TNF therapy. These consensus statements will help clinicians optimize patient outcomes by reducing the morbidity and mortality related to TB infections in patients with IBD receiving anti-TNF treatment.

Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis and Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology consensus on tuberculosis infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor treatment. Part 1: Risk assessment

Because anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy has become increasingly popular in many Asian countries, the risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB) among anti-TNF users may raise serious health problems in this region. Thus, the Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis and the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology have developed a set of consensus statements about risk assessment, detection, and prevention of latent TB infection and management of active TB infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving anti-TNF treatment. Twenty-three consensus statements were initially drafted and then discussed by the committee members. The quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations were assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. Web-based consensus voting was performed by 211 IBD specialists from nine Asian countries concerning each statement. A consensus statement was accepted if at least 75% of the participants agreed. Part 1 of the statements comprised two parts: (i) risk of TB infection during anti-TNF therapy and (ii) screening for TB infection prior to commencing anti-TNF therapy. These consensus statements will help clinicians optimize patient outcomes by reducing the morbidity and mortality related to TB infections in patients with IBD receiving anti-TNF treatment.

Intravitreal Infliximab Injection to Treat Experimental Endophthalmitis

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the use of an intravitreal injection of infliximab and of dexamethasone combined with vancomycin to treat experimental endophthalmitis induced by Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted between March 25 and April 13, 2012. Twenty-five six-month-old healthy rabbits were used, each weighing 2.5-3 kg. The rabbits were randomized into five groups with five animals per group. Endophthalmitis was induced by 0.1 mL (103 colony-forming units) S. epidermidis in all groups. In group 1, injection was not implemented after the occurrence of endophthalmitis. In groups 2, 3, and 4, the following intravitreal injections were given 24 h after the occurrence of endophthalmitis: group 2, 0.1 mg/0.1 mL vancomycin; group 3, 1 mg/0.1 mL vancomycin and 1 mg/0.1 mL dexamethasone; and group 4, 1 mg/0.1 mL vancomycin and 2 mg/0.1 mL infliximab. Group 5 was the control/uninfected group. The rabbits were clinically assessed each day for seven days. On day 9, a histopathologic evaluation was performed after enucleation.

Results

After a clinical evaluation, no statistically significant difference was found between the vancomycin+infliximab and vancomycin+dexamethasone groups (p>0.05). The difference was significant when both groups were compared with the vancomycin group (p<0.001). After the histopathologic evaluation, no statistically significant difference was found among the three groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion

An intravitreal injection of infliximab and of dexamethasone combined with vancomycin have similar clinical and histopathologic effects. To supplement the antibiotic treatment of endophthalmitis, infliximab in a safe dose range can be used as an alternative to dexamethasone to suppress inflammation and prevent ocular damage.

Eldelumab [anti-interferon-γ-inducible protein-10 antibody] Induction Therapy for Active Crohn's Disease: a Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Phase IIa Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This 11-week Phase IIa induction study evaluated the efficacy and safety of eldelumab in patients with active Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Adults with Crohn's Disease Activity Index 220-450 were randomised 1:1:1 to placebo or eldelumab 10 or 20 mg/kg intravenously on Days 1 and 8, and alternate weeks thereafter. All patients underwent ileocolonoscopy at baseline. Patients with active inflammation according to the Simplified Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease criteria [the originally planned endoscopy cohort] underwent another ileocolonoscopy at Week 11 at the investigator's discretion. All ileocolonoscopies were centrally read. The primary objective was identification of the eldelumab target exposure for induction of remission [absolute Crohn's Disease Activity Index score < 150]. Rates of clinical response [reduction of ≥ 100 from baseline or absolute score < 150 Crohn's Disease Activity Index], remission, and endoscopic improvements were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients were randomised. The eldelumab exposure-remission relationship was not significant at Week 11. Numerically higher remission and response rates were reported with eldelumab 20 mg/kg [29.3% and 41.5%, respectively] and 10 mg/kg [22.5% and 47.5%] versus placebo [20.0% and 35.0%]. A higher proportion of patients with a baseline Simplified Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease > 2 who received eldelumab achieved a 50% improvement in score and greater reductions from baseline endoscopy scores overall versus placebo. Adverse events were comparable across treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

No exposure-remission relationship was seen with eldelumab. Eldelumab induction treatment demonstrated trends towards clinical and endoscopic efficacy. Safety was consistent with that reported previously. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01466374.

Effects of Education and Information on Vaccination Behavior in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Despite the existence of international guidelines, vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been integrated optimally. We developed a thorough education program, and compared its influence on vaccination rates with routine clinical practice in a tertiary IBD center.

METHODS

Between December 2014 and March 2015, we included 505 consecutive patients with IBD visiting our outpatient clinic (53% men, 72% Crohn's disease, median age 44 years). Vaccination data, including hepatitis B, influenza, pneumococcus, tetanus, and varicella zoster virus, as well as demographic data, were collected by a fellow in training or a certified gastroenterologist. Thereafter, patients were randomly assigned to group A receiving routine clinical practice or intervention group B receiving additional education by the IBD nurse with help of an information brochure and vaccination card. Vaccination status was reassessed 8 months later.

RESULTS

At baseline, 32% of patients were vaccinated according to the guidelines. The remaining 346 patients were randomized to group A (n = 206) or intervention group B (n = 140). Eight months after randomization, 33% of intervention group B versus 6% of group A followed vaccination recommendations and differences were significant for each vaccine (all P < 0.001). A higher educational level was independently associated with better compliance to pneumococcal vaccination (P = 0.008) and to the guidelines overall (P < 0.001). However, the educational intervention was the only consistent factor independently associated with improved compliance to each individual vaccination recommendation (all P ≤ 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

Introduction of thorough vaccination education significantly increased compliance to vaccination guidelines. However, further education of patients and health care providers remains necessary.

Applications of Genetically Modified Immunobiotics with High Immunoregulatory Capacity for Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, are chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by dysregulated immune responses of the gastrointestinal tract. In recent years, the incidence of IBDs has increased in developed nations, but their prophylaxis/treatment is not yet established. Site-directed delivery of molecules showing anti-inflammatory properties using genetically modified (gm)-probiotics shows promise as a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of IBD. Advantages of gm-probiotics include (1) the ability to use bacteria as a delivery vehicle, enabling safe and long-term use by humans, (2) decreased risks of side effects, and (3) reduced costs. The intestinal delivery of anti-inflammatory proteins such as cytokines and enzymes using Lactococcus lactis has been shown to regulate host intestinal homeostasis depending on the delivered protein-specific machinery. Additionally, clinical experience using interleukin 10-secreting Lc. lactis has been shown to be safe and to facilitate biological containment in IBD therapy. On the other hand, some preclinical studies have demonstrated that gm-strains of immunobiotics (probiotic strains able to beneficially regulate the mucosal immunity) provide beneficial effects on intestinal inflammation as a result of the synergy between the immunoregulatory effects of the bacterium itself and the anti-inflammatory effects of the delivered recombinant proteins. In this review, we discuss the rapid progression in the development of strategies for the prophylaxis and treatment of IBD using gm-probiotics that exhibit immune regulation effects (gm-immunobiotics). In particular, we discuss the type of strains used as delivery agents.

Clinical monitoring: infliximab biosimilar CT-P13 in the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE

The infliximab biosimilar CT-P13 (Remsima(®), Inflectra(®)) was approved in Europe for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) based on extrapolation of data from patients with rheumatic disease. Because there are limited published reports on clinical outcomes for IBD patients treated with CT-P13, we monitored responses to induction treatment with this biosimilar in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) in centres across the Czech Republic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-two patients with CD (n = 30) or UC (n = 22) were treated with 5 mg/kg CT-P13 for up to 14 weeks. Effectiveness of therapy was evaluated with the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) or the Mayo Scoring System (MSS) in patients with CD or UC, respectively, before and after 14 weeks. Additional goals were to evaluate weight changes, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and complications/adverse events.

RESULTS

In patients with CD, remission (CDAI <150) was achieved in 50.0% of cases, and partial response (≥70-point decrease in CDAI score from baseline) in the remaining 50.0%. In patients with UC, remission (total score on partial Mayo index ≤2 points) was achieved in 40.9% of cases, partial response (≥2-point decrease in partial Mayo score from baseline) in 54.5%, and no response in 4.5%. There were statistically significant improvements in CDAI, MSS and CRP serum levels after 14 weeks of therapy, and body weight increased. Four adverse events were identified (n = 1 each): lower-extremity phlebothrombosis, herpes labialis, pneumonia and allergic reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective observational study provides evidence of the effectiveness of CT-P13 in IBD.

Antibody-Based Targeted Delivery of Interleukin-22 Promotes Rapid Clinical Recovery in Mice With DSS-Induced Colitis

BACKGROUND

We have recently described the potential of the alternatively spliced extradomain A of fibronectin as a target for antibody-based pharmacodelivery applications in ulcerative colitis. Here, we report on the cloning and therapeutic properties of novel antibody-based fusion proteins, comprising the F8 antibody specific to extradomain A and murine interleukin (IL)-22, a globular cytokine belonging to the IL10 family. A protective function for IL22 in colitis has previously been described, as this cytokine induces antimicrobial, proliferative, and antiapoptotic pathways, preventing tissue damage and promoting epithelial repair.

METHODS

Two fusion proteins comprising IL22, fused at the N- or at the C-terminus of the F8 antibody in diabody format, were expressed in mammalian cells. The ability of radiolabeled preparations of the 2 fusion proteins to localize at sites of disease was assessed by autoradiography in a murine model of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis and by quantitative biodistribution analysis in a syngeneic mouse teratocarcinoma model. Therapeutic activity was assessed in mice with dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis, which received intravenous injections of antibody-cytokine fusion proteins.

RESULTS

Both fusion proteins were able to selectively accumulate at the site of disease. The fusion protein with the cytokine moiety at the N-terminal extremity (IL22-F8) exhibited better results than the C-terminal fusion, both in terms of targeting selectivity and therapeutic efficacy. Mice treated with IL22-F8 showed a more rapid recovery from clinical symptoms compared with controls and improved macroscopic and microscopic morphology of the colon.

CONCLUSIONS

IL22-F8 is a promising biopharmaceutical drug candidate for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

A dermatologist guide to immunogenicity

Dermatologists should be aware that autoantibody formation may occur after the initiation of biologic therapy. This phenomenon has been referred to as immunogenicity and biologic fatigue. Because of this, patients may experience loss of clinical efficacy to a particular drug. To combat this phenomenon, low-dose immunomodulators may be used in hopes of preventing autoantibodies. We review the current literature and provide a basic treatment algorithm for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Biosimilar infliximab (CT-P13) in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: A Norwegian observational study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of CT-P13 (Remsima(®)) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study performed in a single center in Norway. Patients with CD (n = 46) or UC (n = 32) received CT-P13 (5 mg/kg) by intravenous infusion at weeks 0, 2, and 6. Efficacy end points included remission at week 14, measured by a Harvey-Bradshaw Index score of ≤4 or partial Mayo score of ≤2. Levels of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and calprotectin were measured. Adverse events up to week 14 were also recorded.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine percent of CD and 56% of UC patients achieved remission at week 14. Significant reductions in C-reactive protein and calprotectin occurred between baseline and week 14. There were no unexpected adverse events reported during the study.

CONCLUSION

CT-P13 is efficacious and well tolerated in patients with CD or UC.

Chronic immunosuppression does not potentiate the malignant progression of mucinous pancreatic cystic lesions

BACKGROUND

Premalignant mucinous pancreatic cystic lesions (mPCLs) are increasingly identified.

AIMS

In this study, we aim to assess the effect of selected immunosuppressive therapies on the progression of mPCLs, including side-branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with mPCLs diagnosed over a 24-year period who received chronic immunosuppression. Controls were matched on age at cyst diagnosis (±11 yrs) and cyst size (±8 mm). Measured outcomes included increase in cyst size, development of "worrisome features" as defined by consensus guidelines, progression to malignancy, and rate of surgical resection.

RESULTS

39 patients (mean age 60 yrs) with mPCLs were on immunosuppression. Leading indications for immunosuppression were solid organ transplant (n = 14), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 6), and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 5). 33% were on biologics, 77% on antimetabolites and 79% on multiple medications. Mean cyst size increased from 12.6 mm to 17.8 mm over a median of 16.5 months. 6 patients elected for surgical resection, and none ultimately developed malignancy. 26 cases with follow-up were matched to control subjects, with no significant differences among cases and controls in initial cyst size (12.8 mm vs 11.9 mm, P = 0.69), mean size increase (6.9 mm vs 5 mm, P = 0.47), follow-up interval (24.3 months vs 21.5 months, P = 0.44). No significant differences in the rate of worrisome features, malignancy, or surgical resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with mPCLs exposed to immunosuppressive medications did not have higher rates of malignancy or development worrisome features in the short term. This suggests that patients with mPCLs can be initiated or maintained on these agents without changes to surveillance practices.

Clinical efficacy maintains patients' positive attitudes toward fecal microbiota transplantation

Few studies have been conducted on the attitudes of patients seeking fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). This study aimed to investigate the reasons for patients with Crohn's disease (CD) seeking FMT and their attitude changes after FMT.In this prospective study, all included patients were diagnosed with CD for at least 6 months and intended to receive FMT. A questionnaire was designed to investigate the history of medical visits and patients' attitudes toward FMT. Only refractory patients who failed to clinically respond to previous treatment were selected for undergoing FMT. Three months after the first FMT, patients were required to complete the second questionnaire on attitudes toward the first FMT.A total of 207 patients with CD were included for questionnaire survey. In 118 refractory patients, 94.07% sought FMT because they had no other choice. In 89 nonrefractory patients, 78.65% sought FMT for the reason that they wanted to achieve better clinical results or even a cure, although the current treatment was effective for them. In all, 118 refractory patients received FMT. Three months after the first FMT, 88.98% (105/118) patients completed the questionnaire on patients' attitudes toward FMT. Of these 105 patients, 56.19% reported to have satisfactory clinical efficacy and 74.29% were willing to receive the second FMT. Moreover, 89.52% (94/105) showed their willingness to recommend FMT to other patients.In conclusion, this study at least first time demonstrated that patients with CD were willing to accept FMT due to its efficacy.

Re-Induction as a Possible Alternative Modality of Dose Escalation of Infliximab: A Prospective Evaluation in a Small Series of Psoriatic Patients

Infliximab is an anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha chimeric monoclonal antibody which is highly effective in psoriasis, as well as in other indications. In clinical practice, some patients may require dose escalation to overcome a reduction of the extent and/or duration of response during regular maintenance treatment, possibly due to the loss of stable serum concentrations of the drug. Common strategies of dose escalation are the increase of dose per infusion and the decrease of interval between infusions. Here we report the results of re-induction therapy with infliximab used as a dose escalation strategy in 9 patients whose psoriasis relapsed during maintenance treatment with infliximab 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks. Re-induction was well tolerated and capable of restoring response in 8 of these patients.

Magnetic resonance enterography changes after antibody to tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) alpha therapy in Crohn's disease: correlation with SES-CD and clinical-biological markers

Background

In recent years, the use of MRI in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) has increased. However, few data are available on how MRI parameters of active disease change during treatment with anti-TNF and whether these changes correspond to symptoms, serum biomarkers, or endoscopic appearance. The aim of this study was to determine the changes over time in MRI parameters during treatment with anti-TNF in patients with CD, and to verify the correlation between MRI score, endoscopic appearance and clinical-biological markers.

Methods

We performed a prospective single centre study of 27 patients with active CD (18 males and 9 females; median age of 27,4 ys; age range, 19–49). All patients underwent ileocolonoscopy and MRI at baseline and 26 weeks after anti-TNF therapy. Endoscopic severity was graded according to the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease (SES-CD) and Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity (MaRIA) was calculated. Patients underwent clinical evaluation (CDAI) and the C-reactive protein (CRP) level was measured. The associations between variables were assessed with Pearson’s bivariate correlation analysis.

Results

A total of 135 intestinal segments were studied. The median patient age was 27,4 years, 67 % were male and the mean disease duration was 6,1 years. For induction of remission, 18 patients were treated with infliximab and 9 with adalimumab. The mean SES-CD and MaRIA scores significantly changed at week 26 (SES-CD: 14,7 ± 8,9 at baseline vs. 4,4 ± 4,6 at 26 weeks - p < 0.001; MaRIA: 41,1 ± 14,8 at baseline vs. 32,8 ± 11,7 at 26 weeks - p < 0.001). Also the CDAI and serum levels of CRP decreased significantly following treatment (p < 0.001). The overall MaRIA correlated with endoscopic score and with clinical activity (CDAI) both at baseline and at week 26 (p < 0.05). The correlation between overall MaRIA and CRP was significant only at week 26 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The MaRIA has a good correlation with SES-CD, a high accuracy for prediction of endoscopic mucosal healing and is a reliable indicator to monitor the use of TNF antagonists in patients with CD.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Infliximab or Cyclosporine as Rescue Therapy in Patients With Severe Ulcerative Colitis Refractory to Steroids

OBJECTIVES

Acute severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) carries a poor prognosis and requires optimal management. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess cyclosporine and infliximab (IFX) as rescue agents in patients with steroid-refractory UC.

METHODS

A literature search identified studies that investigated IFX and cyclosporine in steroid-refractory UC patients. The primary outcome was short-term response to treatment. Secondary outcomes included the rates of colectomy at 3 months and 12 months, adverse drug reactions, post-operative complications in those who received rescue therapy but underwent colectomy subsequently, and mortality. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported.

RESULTS

Overall, 16 studies with 1,473 participants were eligible for inclusion. Among three randomized controlled trials, no significant difference was seen with IFX compared with cyclosporine with regard to treatment response and 3- or 12-month colectomy. Among 13 non-randomized studies, IFX was associated with significantly higher rates of treatment response (OR 2.96 (95% CI 2.12-4.14, χ(2)=6.50, I(2)=0%)) and a lower 12-month colectomy rate (OR 0.42 (95% CI 0.22-0.83, χ(2)=30.94, I(2)=71%)), with no significant difference seen in the 3-month colectomy rate (OR 0.53 (95% CI 0.22-1.28, χ(2)=22.73, I(2)=69%)) compared with cyclosporine. There were no significant differences between IFX and cyclosporine in adverse drug-related events, post-operative complications, or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In the management of steroid-refractory severe UC, no definitive difference between IFX and cyclosporine is demonstrated by randomized trials, but non-randomized studies suggest that IFX is associated with better treatment response and lower risk of colectomy at 12 months. Prospective studies comparing dose-optimized IFX with cyclosporine are needed.

Economic implications of biological therapy for Crohn's disease

In the early 90s American authors estimated that if a theoretical new drug was introduced that was capable of changing the natural course of the disease and reducing direct non-drug medical costs (including hospitalisation and surgery) by 20%, despite doubling the overall drugs bill, there would still be a reduction in total direct medical costs of Crohn's disease by 13%. Infliximab proved to be efficacious in reducing and maintaining remission in moderate to severe active Crohn's disease and/or fistulising Crohn's disease. A higher acquisition cost still remains its major limitation. Currently only the use of infliximab in case of treatment for flares seems to be cost-effective. However, this statement may be modified in the near future.

Misdiagnosis and Mistherapy of Crohn's Disease as Intestinal Tuberculosis: Case Report and Literature Review

The differential diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) remains difficult as the clinical symptoms of the 2 digestive diseases are so similar. Here we report a case where a patient was initially misdiagnosed with ITB prior to the correct CD diagnosis. The 46-year-old male patient was hospitalized elsewhere for pain in the right lower abdomen and underwent an appendectomy. The pathological diagnosis was ITB and the patient was administered antituberculosis therapy for 1 year. Afterward, the patient was readmitted to the hospital for a right lower abdominal mass. A computed tomography scan revealed intestinal gas, fistula, and abdominal mass. We performed a right hemicolectomy on the patient. Postoperatively, we diagnosed the patient with CD, based on patient history and pathological examination. According to the CD active index (CDAI), the patient was at high risk and began treatment with infliximab. The patient has remained in complete remission and made a good recovery after 8-months follow-up. We compared this case with the results of a literature review on the misdiagnosis between CD and ITB (26 previously reported cases) to determine the characteristics of misdiagnosed cases. We found that distinguishing between ITB and CD is difficult because of their varied clinical presentation, nonspecific investigative tools, and profound similarities even in pathological specimens. Although a CT scan to determine the morphology of the bowel wall is a key for correct diagnosis, each case still poses challenges for diagnosis and administrating the appropriate treatment.

New Insights into the Mechanisms of Action of Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Monoclonal Antibodies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) has been widely accepted as a therapeutic target for inflammatory disorders including inflammatory bowel disease. Anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) including infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, and certolizumab pegol have revolutionized therapy for these chronic inflammatory disorders. These agents are potent inhibitors of TNF-α, but significant evidence points to the fact that their actions extend beyond simple neutralization of the cytokine. Recent advances in understanding the mechanism of action of anti-TNF-α mAbs has discovered a number of previously unrecognized actions that are likely to be relevant in mediating their anti-inflammatory effects. Many of those actions are mediated by the binding of the antibodies to transmembrane TNF-α (tmTNF-α) and involve complex interactions with other molecular factors and cells. In this review, we have highlighted new information on the mechanism of actions of anti-TNF-α mAbs, from in vitro and in vivo studies. Despite obvious benefits in many patients, the clinical use of these antibodies are hampered by the fact that some patients do not respond to them, and among patients who do respond, many will develop recurrent disease despite continued dosing. Although pharmacokinetic factors explain some of the observed cases of partial or complete resistance to the effects of anti-TNF-α mAbs, other nonresponder patients may be resistant to those agents mechanism of action. A more thorough understanding of the mechanism of action of anti-TNF-α mAbs may allow the development of strategies to individualize therapy and to overcome resistance.

Optimal management of steroid-dependent ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition that is variable in both extent and severity of disease as well as response to therapy. Corticosteroids (CSs) were the first drugs used in the management of UC and are still used for induction of remission. However, because of their extensive side-effect profile, they are not utilized for maintenance of remission. In view of this, CS-free remission has become an important end point while evaluating therapeutic agents used in the management of UC. This review highlights the results of various studies conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different medications to attain CS-free remission in the setting of active UC. The drugs reviewed include established agents such as thiopurines, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, golimumab, and newer experimental agents, and if all else fails, colectomy will be performed. The efficacy of these drugs is evaluated individually. Our aim is to provide a synopsis of the work done in this field to date.

Management of IBD Patients with Current Immunosuppressive Therapy and Concurrent Infections

In an era of increasing use of immunomodulator therapy and biologics, opportunistic infections (OI) have emerged as a pivotal safety issue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Clinical studies, registries and case reports warn about the increased risk for infections, particularly OIs. Today, the challenge for a physician is not only to manage IBD, but also to recognize, prevent and treat common and uncommon infections. The 2014 European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) guidelines on the management and prevention of OIs in patients with IBD provide clinicians with guidance on the prevention, detection and management of OIs. Proposals may appear radical, potentially changing the current practice, but we believe that the recommendations will help optimize patient outcomes by reducing the morbidity and mortality related to OIs. In this ongoing process, prevention is by far the first and most important step. Prevention of OIs relies on recognition of risk factors for infection, the use of primary or secondary chemoprophylaxis, careful monitoring (clinical and laboratory work-up) before and during the use of immunomodulators, vaccination and education of the patient. Special recommendations should also be given to patients before and after travel.

Circulating Interleukin 6 and Albumin, and Infliximab Levels Are Good Predictors of Recovering Efficacy After Dose Escalation Infliximab Therapy in Patients with Loss of Response to Treatment for Crohn's Disease: A Prospective Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

We aimed to clarify the efficacy, safety, and factors associated with remission on dose escalation in patients with Crohn's disease showing loss of response (LOR) to infliximab treatment of 5 mg/kg at 8-week intervals in a clinical trial.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with LOR to 5 mg/kg infliximab therapy started treatment with 10 mg/kg per 8 weeks. LOR was defined as both a Crohn's Disease Activity Index of ≥175 at 8 weeks after infusion of 5 mg/kg infliximab and a Crohn's Disease Activity Index increase of ≥50 from 4 to 8 weeks after infusion.

RESULTS

At week 8 after the first infusion of 10 mg/kg, median (95% confidence interval) reduction in Crohn's Disease Activity Index of 33 patients evaluated was 95.0 (70.0-134.0), meeting the primary endpoint. Remission rate at week 40 was 41% (16 of 39), with correlation noted between remission achievement and serum infliximab level (P = 0.036). Univariate analysis revealed that "infliximab trough level ≥1 µg/mL," "interleukin 6 level ≤2.41 pg/mL," and "albumin level ≥3.8 g/dL" before dose escalation were significantly associated with remission at week 40 (P = 0.017, P = 0.011, and P = 0.019, respectively), and these variables were correlated with each other (all: P < 0.001). The cutoff infliximab level for remission was 0.42 µg/mL in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. No adverse events related to dose escalation were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Doubling the infliximab dose safely led to remission in patients with Crohn's disease with LOR to 5 mg/kg treatment. Remission was associated with pre-escalation levels of infliximab, interleukin 6, and albumin. Our findings suggest that dose escalation while maintaining a certain level of infliximab is important in achieving remission.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Overview of Immune Mechanisms and Biological Treatments

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract associated with an imbalance of the intestinal microbiota. Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the most widely known types of IBD and have been the focus of attention due to their increasing incidence. Recent studies have pointed out genes associated with IBD susceptibility that, together with environment factors, may contribute to the outcome of the disease. In ulcerative colitis, there are several therapies available, depending on the stage of the disease. Aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and cyclosporine are used to treat mild, moderate, and severe disease, respectively. In Crohn's disease, drug choices are dependent on both location and behavior of the disease. Nowadays, advances in treatments for IBD have included biological therapies, based mainly on monoclonal antibodies or fusion proteins, such as anti-TNF drugs. Notwithstanding the high cost involved, these biological therapies show a high index of remission, enabling a significant reduction in cases of surgery and hospitalization. Furthermore, migration inhibitors and new cytokine blockers are also a promising alternative for treating patients with IBD. In this review, an analysis of literature data on biological treatments for IBD is approached, with the main focus on therapies based on emerging recombinant biomolecules.

Safety of anti-TNF therapy in inflammatory bowel disease during pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

The highest incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is seen between the second and fourth decades of life, which is the most fertile age for women. Increased disease activity has been shown to effect female fertility and pregnancy outcomes, stressing the need for drugs that can safely induce and maintain clinical remission without harming either the mother or fetus.

AREAS COVERED

Anti-TNF-α agents have been shown to be effective in both inducing and maintaining remission among IBD patients. This review highlights the results of previous studies conducted on pregnant women who were exposed to anti-TNF-α agents during the course of their pregnancy. The drugs reviewed include infliximab (IFX), adalimumab (ADA), certolizumab pegol (CZP) and golimumab (GMB). Of > 200 articles reviewed, 105 were included in the manuscript based on relevance. The keywords used were anti-TNF, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, golimumab, biologics, pregnancy and inflammatory bowel disease.

EXPERT OPINION

Anti-TNF agents have been studied extensively during pregnancy from the early case reports to the more recent prospective Pregnancy in IBD and Neonatal Outcomes study. A comprehensive review of the literature has shown that biologics can be safely used during pregnancy. In view of this safety data, it is recommended to maintain therapy during pregnancy.

Anti-TNF-alpha loss of response is associated with a decreased percentage of FoxP3+ T cells and a variant NOD2 genotype in patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Anti-TNF-α therapies interact with the tolerogenic response in patients with Crohn's disease, modulating inflammation. However, drug levels and the genetic background may affect this interaction.

METHODS

Patients with Crohn's disease in remission on biologic monotherapy were enrolled in this study. FoxP3+ lymphocytes, NOD2 genotype, serum cytokine, anti-TNF-α levels, and anti-drug antibodies were evaluated. Regulatory T cell response to infliximab was evaluated in vitro.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients were included. Thirty-nine patients (68.4%) were receiving non-intensified biologic therapy whereas 18 patients (31.6%) were under an intensified biologic schedule due to loss of response. Eleven intensified patients (61.1%) showed a variant NOD2 genotype vs 9 on non-intensified biologics (23%, p < 0.01). Percentage of FoxP3+ T cells and serum free anti-TNF-α levels were significantly higher in patients with a wild-type vs variant NOD2 genotype, either under non-intensified or intensified schedule. Increasing amounts of infliximab significantly increased the expression of FoxP3+ T cells and anti-TNF-α levels in the supernatant from wild-type NOD2 patients cultured cells whereas the induction of FoxP3+ T cells and anti-TNF-α levels in the supernatant from variant NOD2 patients cultured cells were significantly lower. TNF-α and IL-10 showed a correlation with the FoxP3+ T cell population percentage and serum levels of anti-TNF-α, irrespective of NOD2 genotype. Eight variant NOD2 patients (66.6%) vs 4 wild-type NOD2 patients (8.8%) showed a perianal phenotype (p = 0.01). A significant reduction of the percentage of FoxP3+ T cells and serum levels of anti-TNF-α was observed in patients with the associated perianal disease.

CONCLUSION

Anti-TNF-α loss of response is associated with a decreased percentage of FoxP3+ T cells and a variant NOD2 genotype in patients with CD.

A review of the impact of biologics on surgical complications in Crohn's disease

Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy has revolutionized the treatment of Crohn's disease. Despite the increased use in the past decade and a half, a majority of patients with Crohn's disease with ultimately require operative management of their disease. No clear consensus has been made in the literature regarding the surgical outcomes in patients who have been exposed to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. This review highlights the most recent and relevant literature regarding the safety and effects of anti-tumor necrosis factor use in the perioperative period.

Review article: The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs used in inflammatory bowel disease treatment

BACKGROUND

The following review is a compilation of the recent advances and knowledge on the behaviour of the most frequently used compounds to treat inflammatory bowel disease in an organism.

RESULTS

It considers clinical aspects of each entity and the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship supported by the use of plasma monitoring, tissue concentrations, and certain aspects derived from pharmacogenetics.

Inflammatory bowel disease of the lung: The role of infliximab?

Pulmonary extra-intestinal manifestations (EIM) of inflammatory bowel disease are well described with a variable incidence. We present a case of Crohn's disease with pulmonary EIM including chronic bronchitis with non-resolving bilateral cavitary pulmonary nodules and mediastinal lymphadenopathy successfully treated with infliximab. Additionally, we present a case summary from a literature review on pulmonary EIM successfully treated with infliximab. Current treatment recommendations include an inhaled and/or systemic corticosteroid regimen which is largely based on case reports and expert opinion. We offer infliximab as an adjunctive therapy or alternative to corticosteroids for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease related pulmonary EIM.