Review article: colorectal neoplasia in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease

Colorectal Cancer and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease accounts for ∼5% of all cases of CRC. Although it only accounts for a fraction of CRC cases, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-related CRC is a serious consequence of chronic inflammation that needs attention. There is a better understanding today about the pathogenesis contributing to IBD-CRC and the role of genetics and gut microbiota. Guidelines recommend timely screening and surveillance of UC and Crohn's patients, and it is usually timed from the initial diagnosis. This helps with early detection of dysplasia and CRC in this subset of patients, thus allowing for earlier intervention. However, dysplasia is not always easy to discern and management of CRC in each patient may differ. A multidisciplinary approach should be adopted in managing CRC in IBD. Although the oncologic principles of managing sporadic CRC and IBD-CRC are the same, surgical resection should be tailored to each patient.

Increased Active Inflammation in the Colon is Not a Reliable Predictor of an Elevated Risk of Dysplasia in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Ulcerative Colitis

Although the increased risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with both primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and ulcerative colitis (UC; termed PSC-UC) is well documented, the mechanism through which concomitant PSC increases the risk of colorectal neoplasia remains unclear. Given that the risk of colorectal neoplasia in UC is positively correlated with increased histologic inflammation, this study sought to investigate whether increased histologic inflammation could be used to stratify the risk of dysplasia development in patients with PSC-UC. Twenty patients with PSC-UC and dysplasia were compared with 30 control patients with PSC-UC who had no history of neoplasia. For each patient, all surveillance biopsies were scored using a 4-point scoring system: (1) no epithelial neutrophils = 0, (2) cryptitis only = 1, (3) cryptitis plus crypt abscess in <50% of crypts = 2, and (4) crypt abscess in ≥50% of crypts, erosion, neutrophilic exudate, and/or ulceration = 3. A score was designated for each biopsy, and both mean and maximum inflammation scores were calculated from all biopsies taken during each colonoscopy. The inflammation burden score was calculated for each surveillance interval by multiplying the average maximum score between each pair of surveillance episodes by the length of the surveillance interval in years. The average scores derived from all colonoscopies for each patient were used to determine the patient's overall mean, maximum, and inflammation burden scores. In both the dysplasia and control groups, the 3 summative inflammation scores were calculated independently for the entire colon, right colon, and left colon. The dysplasia group consisted of 14 (70%) men and 6 (30%) women, with a mean age of 27 years at UC diagnosis and a long history of pancolitis (mean duration: 17 y). A total of 49 dysplastic lesions were detected in the dysplasia group, and 8 (40%) of the 20 patients had multifocal dysplasia. The majority of dysplastic lesions belonged to nonconventional subtypes (n = 28; 57%) and were located in the right colon (n = 37; 76%). Irrespective of the colon segment, there was no significant difference in the 3 summative inflammation scores between the dysplasia and control groups ( P > 0.05). However, in each group, the 3 summative inflammation scores were significantly higher in the right colon than in the left colon ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, patients with PSC-UC exhibit increased histologic inflammation in the right colon compared with the left colon, regardless of the presence of dysplasia. Although this may provide an explanation for the predominance of right-sided colorectal neoplasia in patients with PSC-UC, increased histologic inflammation does not reliably predict an elevated risk of dysplasia in patients with PSC-UC. These findings reinforce the current recommendation for annual endoscopic surveillance for all patients with PSC-UC, irrespective of the extent and severity of inflammation.

Long-Term Neoplastic Risk Associated With Colorectal Strictures in Crohn's Disease: A Multicenter Study

Background and Aims

While the occurrence of colonic stricture in Crohn's disease (CD) always raises concerns about the risk of cancer, the neoplastic risk associated with its stricture remains poorly known.

Methods

All consecutive patients with colorectal stricture complicating CD in 3 academic centers between 1993 and 2022 were included in a retrospective cohort. We collected clinical, endoscopic, surgical, and pathology data and information on outcomes. Factors associated with neoplastic stricture were investigated by logistic regression.

Results

A total of 88 patients (median age, 25 [interquartile range {IQR}, 19-37] years and median disease duration 12 [4-19] years) with 96 colorectal strictures were included. Strictures were nonpassable by the scope in 61.4% (n = 54) of cases, 70.5% (n = 62) were ulcerated, and 62.5% (n = 55) were symptomatic. Colonic resection and endoscopic balloon dilatation were needed in 47.7% (n = 42) and 28.6% (n = 12) of patients, respectively. After a median follow-up of 21.5 months (IQR [5.5-46.5]), 7 (8%) patients were diagnosed with neoplasia at the colonic stricture site (colonic adenocarcinoma, n = 5; neuroendocrine carcinoma, n = 1; and B-cell lymphoproliferative neoplasia, n = 1), with a median stricture duration at colorectal neoplasia diagnosis of 0 month (IQR [0.0-5.5]). While neoplastic strictures were diagnosed in older patients (58 vs 39 years), with longer disease duration (18 vs 11 years) and frequent obstructive symptoms (57.1% vs 11.1%), no patient-related or stricture-related factor was associated with neoplastic stricture in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Eight percent of patients with colonic stricture complicating CD developed colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer and stricture were often diagnosed at the same time and we did not report malignant stricture after 1 year of follow-up.

Characteristics, Reporting, and Potential Clinical Significance of Nonconventional Dysplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The term nonconventional dysplasia has been coined to describe several underrecognized morphologic patterns of epithelial dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but to date, the full recognition of these newly characterized lesions by pathologists is uneven. The identification of nonconventional dysplastic subtypes is becoming increasingly important, as they often present as invisible/flat dysplasia and are more frequently associated with advanced neoplasia than conventional dysplasia on follow-up. This review describes the morphologic, clinicopathologic, and molecular characteristics of seven nonconventional subtypes known to date, as well as their potential significance in the clinical management of IBD patients.

A Current State of Proteomics in Adult and Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Search and Review

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are systemic immune-mediated conditions with predilection for the gastrointestinal tract and include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Despite the advances in the fields of basic and applied research, the etiopathogenesis remains largely unknown. As a result, only one third of the patients achieve endoscopic remission. A substantial portion of the patients also develop severe clinical complications or neoplasia. The need for novel biomarkers that can enhance diagnostic accuracy, more precisely reflect disease activity, and predict a complicated disease course, thus, remains high. Genomic and transcriptomic studies contributed substantially to our understanding of the immunopathological pathways involved in disease initiation and progression. However, eventual genomic alterations do not necessarily translate into the final clinical picture. Proteomics may represent a missing link between the genome, transcriptome, and phenotypical presentation of the disease. Based on the analysis of a large spectrum of proteins in tissues, it seems to be a promising method for the identification of new biomarkers. This systematic search and review summarize the current state of proteomics in human IBD. It comments on the utility of proteomics in research, describes the basic proteomic techniques, and provides an up-to-date overview of available studies in both adult and pediatric IBD.

Risk factors for the postoperative recurrence of ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Although ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer (UC-CRC) has been described, there are few reports regarding recurrent cases of UC-CRC. In this study, we investigated the risk factors for UC-CRC recurrence.

METHODS

Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was determined for 144 stage I to III cancer patients among 210 UC-CRC patients from August 2002 to August 2019. The Kaplan‒Meier method was used to obtain the cumulative RFS rate, and the Cox proportional hazard model was used to extract recurrence risk factors. The interaction term between cancer stage and prognostic factors specific to UC-CRC was evaluated using the Cox model. The Kaplan‒Meier method was applied by cancer stage to the UC-CRC-specific prognostic factors for which interaction effects were indicated.

RESULTS

There were 18 cases of recurrence involving patients with stage I to III cancer, and the recurrence rate was 12.5%. The cumulative 5-year RFS rate was 87.5%. Multivariable analysis showed that age at surgery (hazard ratio (HR): 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91-0.99, p = 0.02), undifferentiated carcinoma (HR: 4.42, 95% CI: 1.13-17.24, p = 0.03), lymph node metastasis (HR: 4.11, 95% CI: 1.08-15.69, p = 0.03), and vascular invasion (HR: 8.01, 95% CI: 1.54-41.65, p = 0.01) were significant risk factors for recurrence. Patients with stage III CRC in the young adult (age < 50 years) group had a significantly worse prognosis than those in the adult (age ≥ 50 years) group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Age at surgery was identified as a risk factor for UC-CRC recurrence. Young adult patients with stage III cancer may have a poor prognosis.

Possible role of nutrition in the prevention of inflammatory bowel disease-related colorectal cancer: A focus on human studies

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at substantially high risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). IBD-associated CRC accounts for roughly 10% to 15% of the annual mortality in patients with IBD. IBD-related CRC also affects younger patients compared with sporadic CRC, with a 5-y survival rate of 50%. Regardless of medical therapies, the persistent inflammatory state characterizing IBD raises the risk for precancerous changes and CRC, with additional input from several elements, including genetic and environmental risk factors, IBD-associated comorbidities, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and gut microbiota modifications. It is well known that nutritional habits and dietary bioactive compounds can influence IBD-associated inflammation, microbiome abundance and composition, oxidative stress balance, and gut permeability. Additionally, in recent years, results from broad epidemiologic and experimental studies have associated certain foods or nutritional patterns with the risk for colorectal neoplasia. The present study aimed to review the possible role of nutrition in preventing IBD-related CRC, focusing specifically on human studies. It emerges that nutritional interventions based on healthy, nutrient-dense dietary patterns characterized by a high intake of fiber, vegetables, fruit, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and a low amount of animal proteins, processed foods, and alcohol, combined with probiotic supplementation have the potential of reducing IBD-activity and preventing the risk of IBD-related CRC through different mechanisms, suggesting that targeted nutritional interventions may represent a novel promising approach for the prevention and management of IBD-associated CRC.

Increased Risk of Non-conventional and Invisible Dysplasias in Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease [termed PSC-IBD] have a higher risk of developing colorectal neoplasia than those with IBD alone. The mechanism by which concomitant PSC increases the risk of colorectal neoplasia remains unknown. Seven distinct non-conventional dysplastic subtypes have been recently described in IBD, including crypt cell dysplasia, hypermucinous dysplasia, goblet cell-deficient dysplasia, dysplasia with increased Paneth cell differentiation [DPD], sessile serrated lesion [SSL]-like dysplasia, traditional serrated adenoma [TSA]-like dysplasia, and serrated dysplasia, not otherwise specified [NOS]. Despite the lack of high-grade morphological features, crypt cell, hypermucinous, and goblet cell-deficient dysplasias often show molecular features characteristic of advanced neoplasia [i.e. aneuploidy and KRAS mutations] and are more frequently associated with advanced neoplasia than conventional dysplasia on follow-up. We aimed to characterise clinicopathological features of dysplasia found in PSC-IBD patients.

METHODS

A cohort of 173 PSC-IBD patients were analysed. All dysplastic lesions were subtyped as either conventional or non-conventional dysplasia. The clinicopathological features of PSC-IBD patients with neoplasia were also compared with those of non-PSC IBD patients with neoplasia.

RESULTS

There were 109 [63%] men and 64 [37%] women, with a mean age of 26 years at IBD diagnosis and a long history of IBD [mean duration: 14 years]. Ulcerative colitis was the most common IBD subtype [80%], and the majority of patients [92%] had a history of pancolitis. A total of 153 dysplastic lesions were detected in 54 [31%] patients, 35 [65%] of whom had multifocal dysplasia. One additional patient presented with colorectal cancer [CRC] without a history of dysplasia. Dysplasia was often non-conventional [n = 93; 61%], endoscopically/grossly invisible [n = 101; 66%], and right/proximal-sided [n = 90; 59%]. All seven non-conventional subtypes were identified, including 46 [30%] crypt cell dysplasia, 23 [15%] hypermucinous dysplasia, 12 [8%] goblet cell-deficient dysplasia, seven [5%] DPD, three [2%] TSA-like dysplasia, one [1%] SSL-like dysplasia, and one [1%] serrated dysplasia NOS. Follow-up information was available for 86 lesions, of which 32 [37%] were associated with subsequent detection of advanced neoplasia [high-grade dysplasia or CRC] within a mean follow-up time of 55 months. PSC-IBD patients with neoplasia were more likely to have pancolitis [98%, p = 0.039] and a longer IBD duration [mean: 17 years, p = 0.021] than those without neoplasia [89% and 12 years, respectively]. When compared with a cohort of non-PSC IBD patients with neoplasia, the PSC-IBD group with neoplasia was more often associated with non-conventional [61%, p <0.001], invisible [66%, p <0.001], and right/proximal-sided [59%, p = 0.045] dysplasias [vs 25%, 21%, and 47%, respectively, for the non-PSC IBD group]. The rate of advanced neoplasia was nearly 2-fold higher in the PSC-IBD group [37%] compared with the non-PSC IBD group [22%] [p = 0.035].

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly a third of PSC-IBD patients developed dysplasia, which is often associated with non-conventional dysplastic features, invisible endoscopic/gross appearance, right/proximal-sided colon, multifocality, and advanced neoplasia on follow-up. These findings underscore the importance of recognising these non-conventional subtypes by practising pathologists and the need for careful and frequent endoscopic surveillance, with random biopsies, in PSC-IBD patients.

Clinicopathologic Features of Undetected Dysplasia Found in Total Colectomy or Proctocolectomy Specimens of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

AIMS

It remains controversial as to whether targeted biopsies should completely replace random biopsies for dysplasia surveillance in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Several histologic patterns of non-conventional dysplasia have been described in IBD. This study aimed to investigate the rate and clinicopathologic features of dysplastic lesions found in total colectomy or proctocolectomy specimens that were undetected on prior colonoscopy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study analyzed 207 consecutive IBD patients who underwent a total colectomy or proctocolectomy and had at least one high definition colonoscopy prior to colectomy. Dysplasia found in the colectomy specimens was classified as undetected, only when there was no corresponding site of dysplasia detected on previous colonoscopic biopsies. Twenty-seven (13%) patients had 49 undetected dysplastic lesions found only at colectomy, while 22 (11%) had 31 previously detected dysplastic lesions only. The remaining 158 (76%) patients had no dysplasia. A greater proportion of the undetected (19%) or previously detected (23%) dysplasia group had concurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis compared with only 3% in the group without dysplasia (p < 0.001). The undetected dysplastic lesions were more likely to have non-conventional dysplastic features (76%), low-grade dysplasia (94%), and a flat/invisible gross appearance (73%) compared with the previously detected dysplastic lesions (13%, 68%, and 48%, respectively) (p < 0.05). Almost all patients with undetected dysplasia (93%) had a colonoscopy within 1 year of colectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of undetected dysplasia is not insignificant (13%), suggesting that increased random biopsies may improve the rate of dysplasia detection, including non-conventional dysplasia.

Modulation of Mismatch Repair and the SOCS1/p53 Axis by microRNA-155 in the Colon of Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Deficient mismatch repair (MMR) proteins may lead to DNA damage and microsatellite instability. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a risk factor for colitis-associated colon cancer. MiR-155 is suggested to act as a key regulating node, linking inflammation and tumorigenesis. However, its involvement in the chronic colitis of PSC-UC patients has not been examined. We investigated the involvement of miR-155 in the dysregulation of MMR genes and colitis in PSC patients. Colon tissue biopsies were obtained from patients with PSC, PSC with concomitant ulcerative colitis (PSC-UC), uncomplicated UC, and healthy controls (n = 10 per group). In the ascending colon of PSC and PSC-UC patients, upregulated miR-155 promoted high microsatellite instability and induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) expression via the inhibition of suppressors of cytokine signalling 1 (SOCS1). In contrast, the absence of miR-155 overexpression in the sigmoid colon of PSC-UC patients activated the Il-6/S1PR1 signalling pathway and imbalanced the IL17/FOXP3 ratio, which reinforces chronic colitis. Functional studies on human intestinal epithelial cells (HT-29 and NCM460D) confirmed the role of miR-155 over-expression in the inhibition of MMR genes and the modulation of p53. Moreover, those cells produced more TNFα upon a lipopolysaccharide challenge, which led to the suppression of miR-155. Additionally, exposure to bile acids induced upregulation of miR-155 in Caco-2 cell lines. Thus, under different conditions, miR-155 is involved in either neoplastic transformation in the ascending colon or chronic colitis in the sigmoid colon of patients with PSC. New insight into local modulation of microRNAs, that may alter the course of the disease, could be used for further research on potential therapeutic applications.

Prevalence of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although the association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is well recognized, uncertainties remain about the magnitude of this problem. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing prevalence of PSC in IBD to investigate whether type of IBD, how presence of PSC was defined, sex, disease extent or location, time period, or geographic location influenced prevalence.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and Embase Classic were searched (from inception to April 10, 2021) to identify observational studies recruiting ≥50 adult patients with IBD and reporting prevalence of PSC. Data were extracted, and pooled prevalence, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated.

RESULTS

Of 1204 citations, 64 studies were eligible, containing 776,700 patients. Overall, pooled prevalence of PSC in IBD was 2.16%; it was highest in South America and lowest in Southeast Asia. Pooled prevalences in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD), and IBD-unclassified were 2.47%, 0.96%, and 5.01%, respectively. Pooled prevalence was significantly higher in UC versus CD (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.24-2.29). In subgroup analyses according to method used to define presence of PSC, the highest prevalence was 2.88% in studies performing both liver biochemistry and endoscopic retrograde/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and the lowest was 1.79% in studies using a clinical diagnosis. Prevalence was generally higher in men, patients with more extensive, compared with left-side, UC or ileocolonic or colonic, compared with ileal, CD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide the first pooled estimates of the burden of PSC in IBD, as well as potential risk factors, which may be important in establishing a prompt diagnosis and initiating appropriate surveillance for relevant gastrointestinal malignancies.

Characteristic features of ulcerative colitis with concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of the colon. The most frequent symptoms include bloody diarrhoea with rectal urgency and tenesmus. It is often complicated by the presence of primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic, cholestatic liver disease, characterised by the inflammation and fibrosis of bile ducts. The presence of primary sclerosing cholangitis seems to alter the course of ulcerative colitis, changing its natural course.

Critical roles of bile acids in regulating intestinal mucosal immune responses

Bile acids are a class of cholesterol derivatives that have been known for a long time for their critical roles in facilitating the digestion and absorption of lipid from the daily diet. The transformation of primary bile acids produced by the liver to secondary bile acids appears under the action of microbiota in the intestine, greatly expanding the molecular diversity of the intestinal environment. With the discovery of several new receptors of bile acids and signaling pathways, bile acids are considered as a family of important metabolites that play pleiotropic roles in regulating many aspects of human overall health, especially in the maintenance of the microbiota homeostasis and the balance of the mucosal immune system in the intestine. Accordingly, disruption of the process involved in the metabolism or circulation of bile acids is implicated in many disorders that mainly affect the intestine, such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. In this review, we discuss the different metabolism profiles in diseases associated with the intestinal mucosa and the diverse roles of bile acids in regulating the intestinal immune system. Furthermore, we also summarize recent advances in the field of new drugs that target bile acid signaling and highlight the importance of bile acids as a new target for disease intervention.

Management of Autoimmune Liver Diseases after Liver Transplantation

Autoimmune liver diseases are characterized by immune-mediated inflammation and eventual destruction of the hepatocytes and the biliary epithelial cells. They can progress to irreversible liver damage requiring liver transplantation. The post-liver transplant goals of treatment include improving the recipient’s survival, preventing liver graft-failure, and decreasing the recurrence of the disease. The keystone in post-liver transplant management for autoimmune liver diseases relies on identifying which would be the most appropriate immunosuppressive maintenance therapy. The combination of a steroid and a calcineurin inhibitor is the current immunosuppressive regimen of choice for autoimmune hepatitis. A gradual withdrawal of glucocorticoids is also recommended. On the other hand, ursodeoxycholic acid should be initiated soon after liver transplant to prevent recurrence and improve graft and patient survival in primary biliary cholangitis recipients. Unlike the previously mentioned autoimmune diseases, there are not immunosuppressive or disease-modifying agents available for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. However, colectomy and annual colonoscopy are key components during the post-liver transplant period.

Endoscopic surveillance of colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel diseases: a review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

The risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is higher compared to the general population and it is related to the type, severity, duration, and extension of the disease.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims to highlight current evidence from the literature supporting the role of endoscopic surveillance of CRC in patients with IBD.

EXPERT OPINION

Even in the absence of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), evidence from the literature supports the effectiveness of endoscopic surveillance in reducing IBD-related CRC incidence and mortality. As a consequence, current guidelines recommend colonoscopy 8-10 years after disease or symptom onset in all patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) involving at least one-third of the colon and agree on the necessity of annual surveillance in high-risk patients. Nevertheless, an overall agreement on the optimal intervals for surveillance of low-intermediate risk patients is absent and 2-5 year intervals have been proposed. In the near future, further studies are needed to assess the most effective intervals and tailor the surveillance based on the personal risk profile. Additionally, further efforts should be made to evaluate the role of noninvasive tests as primary screening, thus avoiding unnecessary colonoscopies.

Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the incidence has declined over the past 30 years, which is probably attributed to raise awareness, successful CRC surveillance programs and improved control of mucosal inflammation through chemoprevention. The risk factors for IBD-related CRC include more severe disease (as reflected by the extent of disease and the duration of poorly controlled disease), family history of CRC, pseudo polyps, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and male sex. The molecular pathogenesis of inflammatory epithelium might play a critical role in the development of CRC. IBD-related CRC is characterized by fewer rectal tumors, more synchronous and poorly differentiated tumors compared with sporadic cancers. There is no significant difference in sex distribution, stage at presentation, or survival. Surveillance is vital for the detection and subsequently management of dysplasia. Most guidelines recommend initiation of surveillance colonoscopy at 8 to 10 years after IBD diagnosis, followed by subsequent surveillance of 1 to 2 yearly intervals. Traditionally, surveillance colonoscopies with random colonic biopsies were used. However, recent data suggest that high definition and chromoendoscopy are better methods of surveillance by improving sensitivity to previously "invisible" flat dysplastic lesions. Management of dysplasia, timing of surveillance, chemoprevention, and the surgical approaches are all areas that stimulate various discussions. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date focus on CRC in IBD, from laboratory to bedside.

Is Ulcerative Colitis Associated With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis an Undertreated Condition?

Wang et al. report that ulcereative colitis–primary sclerosing cholangitis (UC-PSC) patients less commonly receive corticosteroids and anti-TNFα therapy, despite having more pancolonic involvement compared with UC. Whether UC-PSC is an undertreated condition will be discussed in this editorial.

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

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

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

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

Vedolizumab Therapy is Ineffective for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A GETAID Multicentre Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Whether vedolizumab may be effective as a treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis [PSC] in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] remains controversial.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective observational study of consecutive patients with IBD and PSC, treated with vedolizumab for at least 30 weeks in 22 centres of GETAID from January 2015 to June 2016. The outcomes included a decrease in the serum alkaline phosphatase [ALP] concentration of at least 50% from baseline to Week 30 or 54, a change in any serum liver enzymes concentrations, and an assessment of the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab in IBD.

RESULTS

Among 75 patients with active IBD and PSC treated with vedolizumab, 21 patients discontinued vedolizumab before Week 30 [due to lack of efficacy in 19 and malignancy in two patients]. In the remaining 54 patients, a decrease in the serum ALP concentration of at least 50% from baseline to Weeks 30 and 54 was observed in four [7%] and four [11%] patients, respectively. No significant change was observed in serum liver enzyme concentrations at week 30 or 54. After a median follow-up period of 19.4 [14.0-29.9] months, nine cases of digestive neoplasia [colorectal neoplasia in seven and cholangiocarcinoma in two] were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with IBD and PSC, vedolizumab did not improve serum liver enzyme concentrations at week 30 or 54. Nine cases of digestive cancer occurred during the follow-up period, confirming the need for a tight surveillance programme in this population.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease: Intestine-liver interrelation

The association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and primary sclerosing cholangitis should be considered a distinct clinical entity. This association involves genetic abnormalities, epidemiological factors (more common in men, with no a geographical pattern) and, commonly, subclinical inflammation, predominance of the right colon (endoscopic and histological), backwash ileitis and rectal sparing. Furthermore, there is an increased risk of colorectal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of this review is to show how IBD influences the progression of this entity, transplantation requirements and recurrence. We also discuss the current evidence on the use of biological therapy in this group of patients.

Consecutive negative findings on colonoscopy during surveillance predict a low risk of advanced neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease with long-standing colitis: results of a 15-year multicentre, multinational cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Surveillance colonoscopy is thought to prevent colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with long-standing colonic IBD, but data regarding the frequency of surveillance and the findings thereof are lacking. Our aim was to determine whether consecutive negative surveillance colonoscopies adequately predict low neoplastic risk.

DESIGN

A multicentre, multinational database of patients with long-standing IBD colitis without high-risk features and undergoing regular CRC surveillance was constructed. A 'negative' surveillance colonoscopy was predefined as a technically adequate procedure having no postinflammatory polyps, no strictures, no endoscopic disease activity and no evidence of neoplasia; a 'positive' colonoscopy was a technically adequate procedure that included at least one of these criteria. The primary endpoint was advanced colorectal neoplasia (aCRN), defined as high-grade dysplasia or CRC.

RESULTS

Of 775 patients with long-standing IBD colitis, 44% (n=340) had >1 negative colonoscopy. Patients with consecutive negative surveillance colonoscopies were compared with those who had at least one positive colonoscopy. Both groups had similar demographics, disease-related characteristics, number of surveillance colonoscopies and time intervals between colonoscopies. No aCRN occurred in those with consecutive negative surveillance, compared with an incidence rate of 0.29 to 0.76/100 patient-years (P=0.02) in those having >1 positive colonoscopy on follow-up of 6.1 (P25-P75: 4.6-8.2) years after the index procedure.

CONCLUSION

Within this large surveillance cohort of patients with colonic IBD and no additional high-risk features, having two consecutive negative colonoscopies predicted a very low risk of aCRN occurrence on follow-up. Our findings suggest that longer surveillance intervals in this selected population may be safe.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Concise Review of Diagnosis and Management

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a rare, chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive idiopathic stricturing of the biliary system, typically leading to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and colonic or hepatobiliary malignancy. Its presentation is often that of asymptomatic alkaline phosphatase elevation. When symptoms are present, they typically include fatigue, pruritus, or jaundice. The diagnosis can be confirmed via cholangiography, either magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRCP) or endoscopic retrograde cholangiography if the former is inconclusive. The clinical course is marked by progressive liver disease leading to cirrhosis with its attendant complications of portal hypertension, often including recurrent episodes of cholangitis. Greater elevation in alkaline phosphatase or liver stiffness is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Management includes endoscopic treatment of symptomatic biliary strictures and evaluation of dominant strictures as no adequate medical treatment is available. Multiple medical therapies are under evaluation. Ultimately, liver transplantation may be necessary for management of decompensated cirrhosis or disabling symptoms. There is also a markedly increased risk of cancer, notably including cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder and colorectal cancers (particularly in patients with colitis). Cancer screening can be done with semi-annual liver imaging (MRCP or ultrasound) and colonoscopy every 1-2 years in those with colitis.

Risk factors for colorectal neoplasia in patients with underlying inflammatory bowel disease: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

This study sought to evaluate the risk factors for the development of colitis-associated neoplasia (CAN) in Chinese patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

IBD patients who developed CAN between 1999 and 2016 were identified from eight medical centers. In addition to initial pathology evaluation, a CAN diagnosis was confirmed by two expert pathologists. Patients with CAN (n = 29) were compared with non-CAN controls (n = 87). Matching was performed for gender and IBD type with a ratio of three controls to one subject.

RESULTS

Of the 29 patients with CAN, 8 (27.6%) had colorectal cancer (CRC), 20 (69.0%) had a final diagnosis of low-grade dysplasia and 1 (3.4%) had high-grade dysplasia. Multivariate analysis revealed that an older age at the time of IBD diagnosis and a longer IBD duration were independent risk factors for the development of CAN, with odds ratios of 1.09 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.14, P < 0.001] and 1.14 (95% CI: 1.03-1.27, P = 0.013), respectively. Comparison between IBD patients with CRC and those with dysplasia indicated that the former were older at the time of IBD diagnosis (P = 0.012) and had longer IBD durations (P = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Older age at the time of IBD diagnosis and longer IBD duration were found to be associated with the development of CAN in IBD patients.

Incidence and outcome of colorectal cancer in liver transplant recipients: A national, multicentre analysis on 8115 patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

De novo malignancies after liver transplantation represent one of the leading causes of death in the long-term. It remains unclear whether liver transplant recipients have an increased risk of colorectal cancer and whether this negatively impacts on survival, particularly in those patients affected by primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

In this national multicentre cohort retrospective study, the incidence of colorectal cancer in 8115 evaluable adult patients undergoing a liver transplantation between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2010 was compared to the incidence in the general population through standardised incidence ratios.

RESULTS

Fifty-two (0.6%) cases of colorectal cancer were identified at a median of 5.6 years postliver transplantation, predominantly grade 2 (76.9%) and stage T3 (50%) at diagnosis. The incidence rate of colorectal cancer in the whole liver transplant population was similar to the general UK population (SIR: 0.92), but significantly higher (SIR: 7.0) in the group of patients affected by primary sclerosing cholangitis/ulcerative colitis. One-, five- and ten-year survival rates from colorectal cancer diagnosis were 71%, 48% and 31%, respectively, and the majority of colorectal cancer patients died of cancer-specific causes.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver transplantation alone is not associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer development. The primary sclerosing cholangitis/ulcerative colitis liver transplant population showed a significantly higher risk of colorectal cancer development than the general population, with a high proportion of advanced stage at diagnosis and a reduced patient survival.

A pilot study of fecal bile acid and microbiota profiles in inflammatory bowel disease and primary sclerosing cholangitis

Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is thought to arise from an abnormal immune response to the gut microbiota. IBD is associated with altered intestinal microbial community structure and functionality, which may contribute to inflammation and complications such as colon cancer and liver disease. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is associated with IBD and markedly increases the risk of colon cancer. We hypothesized that secondary bile acids, which are products of microbial metabolism, are increased in PSC patients.

Aim

Here, we profiled the fecal bile acid composition and gut microbiota of participants with IBD and PSC, as well as healthy participants. Additionally, we tested the effects of vancomycin, a proposed treatment for PSC, on gut microbiota and fecal bile acid composition in participants with IBD and PSC.

Methods

Fecal samples were collected from patients with IBD, IBD/PSC and healthy controls and fecal bile acids and DNA for microbiota analysis were extracted. Fecal bile acids were averaged over a seven-day period. For subjects with IBD/PSC, oral vancomycin 500mg twice a day was administered and fecal samples were collected for up to eleven weeks.

Results

Participants with IBD and PSC had less fecal microbial diversity at baseline relative to controls. While there was some evidence of altered conversion of cholic acid to deoxycholic acid, no substantial differences were found in the fecal bile acid profiles of patients with IBD and PSC (n=7) compared to IBD alone (n=8) or healthy controls (n=8). Oral vancomycin was a potent inhibitor of secondary bile acid production in participants with IBD and PSC, particularly deoxycholic acid, although no changes in liver biochemistry patterns were noted over a two week period.

Conclusion

In this pilot study, bile acid profiles were overall similar among patients with IBD and PSC, IBD alone, and healthy controls. Microbiota diversity was reduced in those with PSC and IBD compared to IBD alone or healthy controls.

Clinicopathological and Molecular Specificities of Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Related Colorectal Neoplastic Lesions: The Role of Inflammation

Compared with the general population, patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Molecular mechanisms underlying colorectal carcinogenesis in the setting of IBD are not well understood. However, modern molecular investigative tools have facilitated the identification of features that help distinguish IBD-related carcinoma from sporadic carcinoma. Moreover, with advances in endoscopic technology and improved understanding of the natural history, the management of colorectal neoplastic lesions in IBD patients has evolved. This review discusses the clinicopathological and molecular features of colorectal neoplastic lesions complicating IBD. Chronic inflammation is believed to promote the development of neoplasia, partly by producing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species [ROS and NOS], which may interact with genes involved in carcinogenetic pathways. Furthermore, alterations in microbiota and in the innate and adaptive immune responses might contribute to this process, particularly by initiating, regulating, and sustaining chronic inflammation. Earlier detection and better characterization of neoplastic colorectal lesions complicating IBD and a better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis in this setting should facilitate improvements in the risk stratification of patients with longstanding IBD and in the management of dysplastic and malignant colorectal lesions that arise in this setting.

Systematic screening for primary sclerosing cholangitis with magnetic resonance cholangiography in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a major concern in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

AIMS

Evaluating the use of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) as a screening tool for PSC in IBD patients.

METHODS

A single-center cohort study investigating systematic MRC to assess PSC in IBD patients with (cohort 1) and without (cohort 2) liver function tests (LFTs) abnormality, combined with a retrospective analysis of MRCs in a control group of non-IBD patients with abnormal LFTs (cohort 3).

RESULTS

In total, 420 patients (cohort 1: n = 203, cohort 2: n = 30, cohort 3: n = 187) underwent imaging. MRC was classified 'abnormal' in 49/203 (24.1%) patients in cohort 1, in 1/30 (3.3%) patients in cohort 2, and in 66/187 (35.3%) patients in cohort 3 (p < 0.004 for all comparisons). PSC was diagnosed in 20/203 (9.9%) patients in cohort 1, in 1/30 (3.3%) patients in cohort 2, and in 13/187 (7.0%) patients in cohort 3 (p = 0.44). Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase was the only independent factor predicting the diagnosis of PSC in IBD (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.5, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MRC revealed PSC in one tenth of IBD patients with abnormal LFTs and should be systematically performed in IBD patients with abnormal LFTs, especially if gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase level is elevated.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Review of the Phenotype and Associated Specific Features

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, progressive cholestatic disease that is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in approximately 70% of cases. Although the pathogenesis is still unknown for both diseases, there is increasing evidence to indicate that they share a common underlying predisposition. Herein, we review the epidemiology, diagnosis, disease pathogenesis, and specific clinical features of the PSC-IBD phenotype. Patients with PSC-IBD have a distinct IBD phenotype with an increased incidence of pancolitis, backwash ileitis, and rectal sparing. Despite often having extensive colonic involvement, these patients present with mild intestinal symptoms or are even asymptomatic, which can delay the diagnosis of IBD. Although the IBD phenotype has been well characterized in PSC patients, the natural history and disease behavior of PSC in PSC-IBD patients is less well defined. There is conflicting evidence regarding the course of IBD in PSC-IBD patients who receive liver transplantation and their risk of recurrent PSC. IBD may also be associated with an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma in PSC patients. Overall, the PSC-IBD population has an increased risk of developing colorectal neoplasia compared to the conventional IBD population. Lifelong annual surveillance colonoscopy is currently recommended.

High Risk of Advanced Colorectal Neoplasia in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Associated With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC, termed PSC-IBD) are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, but their risk following a diagnosis of low-grade dysplasia (LGD) is not well described. We aimed to determine the rate of advanced colorectal neoplasia (aCRN), defined as high-grade dysplasia and/or colorectal cancer, following a diagnosis of indefinite dysplasia or LGD in this population.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, longitudinal study of 1911 patients with colonic IBD (293 with PSC and 1618 without PSC) who underwent more than 2 surveillance colonoscopies from 2000 through 2015 in The Netherlands or the United States (9265 patient-years of follow-up evaluation). We collected data on clinical and demographic features of patients, as well as data from each surveillance colonoscopy and histologic report. For each surveillance colonoscopy, the severity of active inflammation was documented. The primary outcome was a diagnosis of aCRN during follow-up evaluation. We also investigated factors associated with aCRN in patients with or without a prior diagnosis of indefinite dysplasia or LGD.

RESULTS

Patients with PSC-IBD had a 2-fold higher risk of developing aCRN than patients with non-PSC IBD. Mean inflammation scores did not differ significantly between patients with PSC-IBD (0.55) vs patients with non-PSC IBD (0.56) (P = .89), nor did proportions of patients with LGD (21% of patients with PSC-IBD vs 18% of patients with non-PSC IBD) differ significantly (P = .37). However, the rate of aCRN following a diagnosis of LGD was significantly higher in patients with PSC-IBD (8.4 per 100 patient-years) than patients with non-PSC IBD (3.0 per 100 patient-years; P = .01). PSC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.01; 95% CI, 1.09-3.71), increasing age (aHR 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05), and active inflammation (aHR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.63-3.49) were independent risk factors for aCRN. Dysplasia was more often endoscopically invisible in patients with PSC-IBD than in patients with non-PSC IBD.

CONCLUSIONS

In a longitudinal study of almost 2000 patients with colonic IBD, PSC remained a strong independent risk factor for aCRN. Once LGD is detected, aCRN develops at a higher rate in patients with PSC and is more often endoscopically invisible than in patients with only IBD. Our findings support recommendations for careful annual colonoscopic surveillance for patients with IBD and PSC, and consideration of colectomy once LGD is detected.

The IBD and PSC Phenotypes of PSC-IBD

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the characteristics of IBD and PSC that occur in association, as well as their reciprocal influences on disease evolution, in adult and pediatric populations.

RECENT FINDINGS

IBD co-existing with PSC is genetically and clinically distinct from IBD alone. It is frequently characterized by pancolitis, rectal sparing, and possibly backwash ileitis, as well as a threefold increased risk of colorectal dysplasia. Adults and children with colitis and PSC appear to be at increased risk of active endoscopic and histologic disease in the absence of symptoms compared to individuals without PSC. PSC occurring with Crohn's disease has been observed to be less severe than PSC co-existing with ulcerative colitis, independent of its association with small duct disease. Recent studies suggest that colectomy is associated with a decreased risk of recurrent PSC after liver transplantation, challenging the traditional teaching that PSC and IBD evolve independently. While much about the gut-liver axis in PSC-IBD remains poorly understood, the IBD associated with PSC has a unique phenotype, of which subclinical inflammation is an important component. Additional research is needed to characterize further the potentially protective role of colectomy against recurrent PSC post-liver transplantation and to investigate the influence of IBD control and/or colectomy on PSC progression.

Patients With Ulcerative Colitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Frequently Have Subclinical Inflammation in the Proximal Colon

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and ulcerative colitis (UC) have a high risk of colonic neoplasia. Neoplasia frequently develops in the proximal colon in patients with PSC. Histologic inflammation is an independent risk factor for the development of neoplasia; we investigated whether patients with UC and PSC have more subclinical disease activity than patients with UC alone.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of data from 143 patients (205 examinations) with ulcerative pancolitis who were in clinical remission and treated at a tertiary medical center from May 2011 through May 2016. Endoscopic and histologic activity were compared between patients with PSC (from 36 examinations) and without PSC (from 169 examinations). Disease activity was scored per colonic segment using a modified Mayo endoscopic subscore and histologic assessment. In each colonic segment, differences in disease activity and the degree of discordance between endoscopic and histologic inflammation among UC patients with and without PSC were compared.

RESULTS

Patients with UC-PSC had significantly more subclinical endoscopic (odds ratio [OR], 4.21; 95% CI, 1.67-10.63) and histologic activity (OR, 5.13; 95% CI, 2.25-11.68) in the right colon, as well as greater degree of histologic than endoscopic inflammation in the proximal colon (OR, 3.14, 95% CI, 1.24-7.97), compared with patients without PSC. Patients with UC-PSC had significantly less histologic activity in the rectum on multivariate analysis (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.08-0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with UC and PSC who are in clinical remission are significantly more likely to have endoscopic and histologic inflammation in the right colon than patients with UC without PSC. Our findings provide insight into cause of colorectal cancer in UC patients with PSC.

MTG16 is a tumor suppressor in colitis-associated carcinoma

MTG16 is a member of the myeloid translocation gene (MTG) family of transcriptional corepressors. While MTGs were originally identified in chromosomal translocations in acute myeloid leukemia, recent studies have uncovered a role in intestinal biology. For example, Mtg16-/- mice have increased intestinal proliferation and are more sensitive to intestinal injury in colitis models. MTG16 is also underexpressed in patients with moderate/severe ulcerative colitis. Based on these findings, we postulated that MTG16 might protect against colitis-associated carcinogenesis. MTG16 was downregulated at the protein and RNA levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and in those with colitis-associated carcinoma. Mtg16-/- mice subjected to inflammatory carcinogenesis modeling exhibited worse colitis and increased tumor multiplicity and size. Loss of MTG16 also increased severity of dysplasia, apoptosis, proliferation, DNA damage, and WNT signaling. Moreover, transplantation of WT marrow into Mtg16-/- mice failed to rescue the Mtg16-/- protumorigenic phenotypes, indicating an epithelium-specific role for MTG16. While MTG dysfunction is widely appreciated in hematopoietic malignancies, the role of this gene family in epithelial homeostasis, and in colon cancer, was unrealized. This report identifies MTG16 as an important modulator of colitis and tumor development in inflammatory carcinogenesis.

Rectal-sparing type of ulcerative colitis predicts lack of response to pharmacotherapies

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is known as an immune disorder of the colon that generally involves the rectum, but an atypical distribution of inflamed mucosa has previously been noted in certain subtypes of UC, such as the rectal-sparing type (RST). As noted in a previous report, patients with the RST may be at elevated risk for disease refractoriness, but the clinical significance of RST remains unknown.

Methods

UC patients who underwent surgery between January 2010 and April 2015 were included. Patients were classified as having the RST or a non-RST based on colectomy specimens or a pre-operative endoscopy. Possible risk factors for urgent/emergent surgery were analyzed. We specifically determined whether the RST is a significant predictor for urgent/emergent surgery.

Results

In total, 46/482 patients were classified as having the RST. Disease severity was significantly worse in patients with the RST than in other patients (p = 0.02). Urgent/emergent surgery was required for 24/46 patients with the RST, compared with 107/436 non-RST patients (p < 0.01). The overall incidence of urgent/emergent surgery was 131/482. Disease duration < 70.2 months [odds ratio (OR) 2.45], severe disease (OR 87.1), total administered steroid dose < 5000 mg (OR 3.02), daily pre-operative steroid dose ≥ 9 mg (OR 2.59), and the RST (OR 5.59) were identified as independent risk factors for urgent/emergent surgery.

Conclusion

The RST was an independent risk factor for urgent/emergent surgery in our analysis of surgically treated patients with UC.

The gut microbiota, bile acids and their correlation in primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Background

Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease (PSC-IBD) have a very high risk of developing colorectal neoplasia. Alterations in the gut microbiota and/or gut bile acids could account for the increase in this risk. However, no studies have yet investigated the net result of cholestasis and a potentially altered bile acid pool interacting with a dysbiotic gut flora in the inflamed colon of PSC-IBD.

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the gut microbiota and stool bile acid profiles, as well as and their correlation in patients with PSC-IBD and inflammatory bowel disease alone.

Methods

Thirty patients with extensive colitis (15 with concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis) were prospectively recruited and fresh stool samples were collected. The microbiota composition in stool was profiled using bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing. Stool bile acids were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

The total stool bile acid pool was significantly reduced in PSC-IBD. Although no major differences were observed in the individual bile acid species in stool, their overall combination allowed a good separation between PSC-IBD and inflammatory bowel disease. Compared with inflammatory bowel disease alone, PSC-IBD patients demonstrated a different gut microbiota composition with enrichment in Ruminococcus and Fusobacterium genus compared with inflammatory bowel disease. At the operational taxonomic unit level major shifts were observed within the Firmicutes (73%) and Bacteroidetes phyla (17%). Specific microbiota-bile acid correlations were observed in PSC-IBD, where 12% of the operational taxonomic units strongly correlated with stool bile acids, compared with only 0.4% in non-PSC-IBD.

Conclusions

Patients with PSC-IBD had distinct microbiota and microbiota-stool bile acid correlations as compared with inflammatory bowel disease. Whether these changes are associated with, or may predispose to, an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia needs to be further clarified.

Clonal evolution of colorectal cancer in IBD

Optimizing the management of colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in IBD requires a fundamental understanding of the evolutionary process underpinning tumorigenesis. In IBD, clonal evolution begins long before the development of overt neoplasia, and is probably accelerated by the repeated cycles of epithelial wounding and repair that are characteristic of the condition. Here, we review the biological drivers of mutant clone selection in IBD with particular reference to the unique histological architecture of the intestinal epithelium coupled with the inflammatory microenvironment in IBD, and the unique mutation patterns seen in IBD-driven neoplasia when compared with sporadic adenomas and CRC. How these data can be leveraged as evolutionary-based biomarkers to predict cancer risk is discussed, as well as how the efficacy of CRC surveillance programmes and the management of dysplasia can be improved. From a research perspective, the longitudinal surveillance of patients with IBD provides an under-exploited opportunity to investigate the biology of the human gastrointestinal tract over space and time.

Clinical Aspects of Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review for Pathologists

CONTEXT

-Idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease manifests with different clinical phenotypes showing varying behavior and risk for neoplasia. The clinical questions that are posed to pathologists differ depending on phase of the disease and the clinical circumstances. Understanding the clinical aspects of the dynamic disease process will enhance the role of pathology in optimizing the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE

-To review clinical and surgical aspects of inflammatory bowel disease that are relevant to practicing pathologists.

DATA SOURCES

-The literature was reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

-Diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease require an integrated evaluation of clinical, endoscopic, radiologic, and pathologic features. Therefore, close interaction between clinicians and pathologists is crucial. Having this team approach improves understanding of the pertinent clinical and surgical aspects of the disease and assists in the recognition of unusual presentation of variants, as well as mimics of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease, by pathologists.

Prevalence of Sclerosing Cholangitis Detected by Magnetic Resonance Cholangiography in Patients With Long-term Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The prevalence of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unclear. Patients with IBD might be screened for PSC using magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC). We aimed to estimate the frequency and distribution of MRC-detected lesions that indicate PSC in patients with IBD 20 years after their initial diagnosis and to identify clinical characteristics associated with these findings.

METHODS

We performed a follow-up analysis of a population-based cohort of 756 patients in South-Eastern Norway diagnosed with IBD from January 1, 1990 through December 31, 1993. Of these subjects, 470 attended a follow-up evaluation 20 years later in which they were offered routine clinical blood testing and ileocolonoscopy; 322 were screened by MRC (222 with ulcerative colitis and 100 with Crohn's disease). Two radiologists independently evaluated results from the MRC examinations.

RESULTS

In the MRC examination, 24 patients (7.5%) were found to have PSC-like lesions; only 7 of these patients (2.2%) were known to have PSC. One patient was initially missed and 1 had small-duct PSC, so the final prevalence of PSC was 8.1%. Extensive colitis, a high prevalence of colectomy, and chronic and continuous symptoms of IBD occurred in significantly more patients with suspected PSC than without PSC (P = .029, P = .002, and P = .012, respectively). Among patients with subclinical features of PSC, the MRC progression score for PSC increased when they were re-examined after a median 3.2 years (P = .046).

CONCLUSIONS

Using MRC analysis of patients with long-term IBD, we found the prevalence of PSC to be around 3-fold higher than that detected based on symptoms. Sixty-five percent of patients had subclinical PSC associated with progressive IBD, with no biochemical abnormalities and mild disease, based on radiology findings. PSC appears to progress in patients with subclinical disease, but long-term outcomes are not known.

Colorectal Cancer and Dysplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review of Disease Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Management

Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) characterized by recurrent episodes of mucosal inflammation. This chronic mucosal inflammation has several potential consequences, one of which is the occurrence of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Over the past decade, our understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and overall approach to diagnosing and managing colitis-associated colorectal cancer has grown considerably. In the current review article, we outline these advancements and highlight areas in need of further research. Cancer Prev Res; 9(12); 887-94. ©2016 AACR.

Histomorphological features and prognosis of colitis-associated colorectal cancer in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND

Histomorphology of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remains to be systemically characterized and prognosis in these patient needs to be further defined.

AIM

To examine the impact of PSC on histomorphology and to assess prognosis of CAC-PSC patients.

METHODS

A cohort of CAC patients were identified from the Pathology Database (1994-2010) at Cleveland Clinic; histomorphological features and other relevant data were collected by retrospective review of pathology slides and medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 87 CAC patients were included, with 11 patients having PSC (the study group) and 76 patients without PSC (the control group). The overall median follow up was 6 (range: 0-20) years. The patients in the study group had a longer median duration of inflammatory bowel disease prior to CAC diagnosis (p = 0.046). In study group, seven (63.6%) patients had right-sided CAC (vs. 36.8% in the control group, p = 0.11). Background high-grade dysplasia was noted less (9.1% vs. 44.7%), while low-grade dysplasia was detected more in the study group (72.7% vs. 28.9%) (p = 0.02). All histomorphological features were comparable between groups. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) showed no statistical difference between CAC patients with or without PSC. After excluding TNM stage IV patients, patients with PSC showed a trend toward shorter OS and PFS (p = 0.07 and p = 0.1).

CONCLUSION

In CAC, histomorphology appeared to be independent of PSC. PSC is associated with a trend toward shorter OS and PFS in CAC patients with stage I-III diseases.

Duration of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Associated With Increased Risk of Cholangiocarcinoma in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and IBD

OBJECTIVES

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) often coexists with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and can be complicated by cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a lethal malignancy for which reliable predictors remain unknown. We aimed to characterize the influence of colectomy and IBD duration on risk of CCA in patients with PSC-IBD.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with PSC-IBD seen at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, between January 2005 and May 2013 was performed. The primary outcome was time to development of CCA and our goal was to determine whether the risk differed between patients with and without colectomy. Risk factors were assessed using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models where colectomy, IBD disease duration, and development of advanced liver disease were treated as time-dependent covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 399 patients with PSC-IBD were included in the study, of whom 137 had a colectomy and 123 patients developed CCA. Age-adjusted univariate Cox proportional hazard models demonstrated that colectomy (hazard ratio (HR) 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-2.22, P=0.02) and duration of IBD (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.15-1.63, P<0.01) were associated with an increased risk of CCA, and colonic neoplasia (HR 1.52, 95% CI 0.97-2.37, P=0.06) and colectomy for colonic neoplasia (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.01-2.61, P=0.05) approached significance. Among patients with a history of colectomy, colonic neoplasia as the indication for surgery was associated with a particularly increased risk of CCA (HR 2.91, 95% CI 1.24-6.84, P=0.01) compared with medically refractory disease. On multivariate analysis, duration of IBD remained significantly associated with CCA (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.11-1.60, P<0.01). The influence of IBD duration on CCA risk was not modified after colectomy (P=0.69).

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged duration of IBD is associated with an increased risk of CCA in patients with PSC-IBD, and colectomy itself does not modify this risk. These findings identify a subset of patients who are at high risk of this lethal complication and in need of close surveillance.

Status of colitis-associated cancer in ulcerative colitis

Surgical therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC) depends on the medical therapy administered for the patient’s condition. UC is a benign disease. However, it has been reported that the rare cases of cancer in UC patients are increasing, and such cases have a worse prognosis. Recently, surgical therapy has greatly changed, there has been quite an increase in the number of UC patients with high-grade dysplasia and/or cancer. These lesions are known as colitis-associated cancer (CAC). The relationship between inflammation and tumorigenesis is well-established, and in the last decade, a great deal of supporting evidence has been obtained from genetic, pharmacological, and epidemiological studies. Inflammatory bowel disease, especially UC, is an important risk factor for the development of colon cancer. We should determine the risk factors for UC patients with cancer based on a large body of data, and we should attempt to prevent the increase in the number of such patients using these newly identified risk factors in the near future. Actively introducing the surgical treatment in addition to medical treatment should be considered. Several physicians should analyze UC from their unique perspectives in order to establish new clinically relevant diagnostic and treatment methods in the future. This article discusses CAC, including its etiology, mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment in UC patients.

The features of mucosa-associated microbiota in primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the role of the microbiome in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

AIM

To explore the mucosa-associated microbiota in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients across different locations in the gut, and to compare it with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-only patients and healthy controls.

METHODS

Biopsies from the terminal ileum, right colon, and left colon were collected from patients and healthy controls undergoing colonoscopy. Microbiota profiling using bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on all biopsies.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were recruited: 20 with PSC (19 with PSC-IBD and one with PSC-only), 15 with IBD-only and nine healthy controls. The overall microbiome profile was similar throughout different locations in the gut. No differences in the global microbiome profile were found. However, we observed significant PSC-associated enrichment in Barnesiellaceae at the family level, and in Blautia and an unidentified Barnesiellaceae at the genus level. At the operational taxa unit level, most shifts in PSC were observed in Clostridiales and Bacteroidales orders, with approximately 86% of shifts occurring within the former order.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall microbiota profile was similar across multiple locations in the gut from the same individual regardless of disease status. In this study, the mucosa associated-microbiota of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis was characterised by enrichment of Blautia and Barnesiellaceae and by major shifts in operational taxa units within Clostridiales order.

Colorectal Cancer Screening in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's colitis are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Given that most cases of CRC are thought to arise from dysplasia, previous guidelines have recommended endoscopic surveillance with random biopsies obtained from all segments of the colon involved by endoscopic or microscopic inflammation. However, recent evidence has suggested that the majority of dysplastic lesions in patients with inflammatory disease (IBD) are visible, and data have been supportive of chromoendoscopy with targeted biopsies of visible lesions versus traditional random biopsies. This review article will discuss the risk of colon cancer in patients with IBD, as well as current recommendations for CRC screening and surveillance in patients with UC or Crohn's colitis.

Ulcerative Colitis with and without Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Two Different Diseases?

Background

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease of unknown origin and an important hepatobiliary complication of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), especially ulcerative colitis (UC). When further differentiated, about 3-8% of UC patients suffer from PSC, whereas among Crohn's disease patients the reported prevalence of PSC is probably between 1 and 3.5%. Although it was reported from Japan that the frequency of PSC in UC was only 34%, the same registry data indicated that the prevalence was up to 57% among young patients with PSC even in Japan, which is comparable to the 60-80% in Europe and the US. Additionally, the clinical features of UC in patients with PSC are different from those in patients without PSC, for instance, rectal sparing and right-sided dominance.

Summary

The strong link between atypical IBD and PSC suggests that the pathogenesis of PSC involves pathology of the gut, including abnormal gut microbiota and aberrant activation of mucosal lymphocytes. These seem to be different in UC PSC as compared to the pathology of typical UC.

Key Messages

The key to solving the question 'Is there a difference between East and West?' are genetic studies, genome-wide association studies of PSC in particular, which have already been performed in the West and are strongly warranted in the East.

Patients with large-duct primary sclerosing cholangitis and Crohn's disease have a better outcome than those with ulcerative colitis, or without IBD

BACKGROUND

Approximately 20% of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients with concomitant inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have Crohn's disease (CD).

AIM

To compare PSC/CD with other PSC patients.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 240 PSC patients diagnosed between 1975 and 2012 (median follow-up 12 years). Activity of PSC at diagnosis was assessed by liver biopsy, Mayo risk and ERC scores. Survival without liver transplantation, number of transplantations and liver-related death were endpoints.

RESULTS

Sixty-three per cent of patients had IBD: 105 UC, 32 CD and 14 IBD unclassified (IBDu). IBD was diagnosed before PSC in 50%. The yearly development of PSC after diagnosing IBD was similar in UC, CD or IBDu. Small-duct PSC was present in 28% of PSC/CD compared to 3% of PSC/UC. Small-duct PSC had a markedly better survival than large-duct PSC: no patient developed cholangiocarcinoma or liver-related death, but colorectal cancer occurred in three patients. In large-duct PSC, a more favourable outcome was evident in patients with CD. The liver disease was less progressive: one patient underwent liver transplantation compared to 28% and liver-related deaths were absent compared to 7% in the other PSC groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of PSC with concomitant Crohn's disease is relatively rare, but the outcome is more benign than PSC with UC or without IBD. Approximately one-fourth has small-duct PSC. In large-duct PSC/CD, liver disease is less aggressive and the outcome is much better. The outcome of PSC patients with UC resembled that of PSC without IBD.

Colorectal Cancer in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Need for a Real Surveillance Program

The association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) has been widely shown. This association is responsible for 10% to 15% of deaths in patients with IBD, even if according to some studies, the risk of developing CRC seems to be decreased. An adequate surveillance of patients identified as at-risk patients, might improve the management of IBD-CRC risk. In this article we review the literature data related to IBD-CRC, analyze potential risk factors such as severity of inflammation, duration, and extent of IBD, age at diagnosis, sex, family history of sporadic CRC, and coexistent primary sclerosing cholangitis, and update epidemiology on the basis of new studies. Confirmed risk factors for IBD-CRC are severity, extent, and duration of colitis, the presence of coexistent primary sclerosing cholangitis, and a family history of CRC. Current evidence-based guidelines recommend surveillance colonoscopy for patients with colitis 8 to 10 years after diagnosis, further surveillance is decided on the basis of patient risk factors. The classic white light endoscopy, with random biopsies, is now considered unsatisfactory. The evolution of technology has led to the development of new techniques that promise to increase the effectiveness of the monitoring programs. Chromoendoscopy has already proved highly effective and several guidelines suggest its use with a target biopsy. Confocal endomicroscopy and autofluorescence imaging are currently being tested and for this reason they have not yet been considered as useful in surveillance programs.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease: an update

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic progressive disease, usually associated with underlying inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), with a prevalence of 60-80% in western countries. Herein, we review the current knowledge about the association between PSC and IBD in terms of clinical approach and long-term patient management. A PubMed search was conducted for English-language publications from 2000 through 2015 using the following keywords: primary sclerosing cholangitis, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diagnosis, therapy, follow-up, and epidemiology. In terms of diagnosis, liver function tests and histology are currently used. The medical treatment options for PSC associated with IBD do not differ from the cases of PSC alone, and include ursodeoxycholic acid and immunosuppressive agents. These treatments do not seem to improve survival, even if ursodeoxycholic acid given at low doses may be chemopreventive against colorectal cancer (CRC). Liver transplantation is the only potential curative therapy for PSC with reported survival rates of 85 and 70% at 5 and 10 years after transplant; however, there is a risk for PSC recurrence, worsening of IBD activity, and de-novo IBD occurrence after liver transplantation. PSC-IBD represents an important public health concern, especially in view of the increased risk for malignancy, including CRC. Long-life annual surveillance colonoscopy is usually recommended, although the exact timescale is still unclear. Further studies are required both to clarify whether annual colonoscopy is cost-effective, especially in younger patients, and to identify potential pharmaceutical agents and genetic targets that may retard disease progression and protect against CRC.

Multiyear Patterns of Serum Inflammatory Biomarkers and Risk of Colorectal Neoplasia in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are at increased risk of colorectal neoplasia (CRN) presumably because of chronic inflammation. Data on the relationship between long-term serum inflammatory biomarkers and the development of CRN in UC are limited.

METHODS

We performed a 5-year study (2009-2013) of demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data of patients with UC from an inflammatory bowel disease registry in relation to the development of CRN. Disease activity was evaluated by UC activity index and by serum biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin, platelets, and albumin levels. A score based on the combination of median CRP and median albumin levels (0: both normal, 1: one of them abnormal, 2: both abnormal) was also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 773 patients with UC (median age 46 yr, 46.4% women) were included. Fifty-five patients (7.1%) developed CRN. Patients with UC and CRN had significantly higher median CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and platelets and lower hemoglobin and albumin levels compared with those without CRN. The prevalence of a CRP-albumin score (1 or 2) was significantly higher in the CRN group (40.0% or 30.9% versus 14.2% or 6.0%, respectively, P < 0.0001). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, CRN was associated with male gender (P = 0.01), disease duration (P = 0.04), extensive colitis (P = 0.03), concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis (P = 0.0003), median albumin levels (P = 0.03), and an increased CRP-albumin score (score 1 or 2) (P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term serum inflammatory markers including the CRP-albumin score are associated with increased risk of CRN in patients with UC.

Knowledge and predictors of dysplasia surveillance performance in inflammatory bowel diseases in Australia

BACKGROUND

Dysplasia surveillance is recognized as an integral component in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). The adherence to surveillance guidelines is variable, and understanding of quality indicators and predictors of behavior is currently limited.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a nationwide evaluation of the quality of IBD surveillance practiced by Australian endoscopists and to determine the predictors of quality practice.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional nationwide survey.

SETTING

Survey distributed through the gastroenterology and colorectal surgery societies covering knowledge and practice of IBD surveillance.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Adherence to indicators of high-quality surveillance and median score of IBD surveillance guideline knowledge.

RESULTS

A total of 264 responses were received, comprising 240 respondents who perform surveillance screening (218 gastroenterologists, 46 colorectal surgeons). Gastroenterologists were significantly more likely to undertake surveillance (P < .001), adhere to guidelines (P = .02), use advanced imaging modalities (P = .04), and have greater surveillance knowledge than colorectal surgeons (P < .001). Knowledge score and gastroenterologists were independent predictors of dysplasia screening (odds ratio [OR] 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-1.96 and OR 11.2; 95% CI, 4.53-27.87), guideline adherence (OR 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01-1.31 and OR 2.42; 95% CI, 1.11-5.30), and advanced endoscopic imaging technique use (OR 1.19; 95% CI, 1.05-1.35 and OR 2.2; 95% CI, 1.02-4.74).

LIMITATIONS

Potential responder bias results appear, however, aligned with those of previous studies.

CONCLUSIONS

IBD dysplasia surveillance in Australia is being performed at a high standard. Gastroenterology specialization and knowledge score have been demonstrated to be strong predictors of high-quality surveillance practice. This is the first study to determine predictors of screening behavior and quantify surveillance quality. These results further emphasize that gastroenterologists should play a key role in IBD surveillance.