Lower incidence of COVID-19 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with non-gut selective biologic therapy

Predictors of Hospital-related Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Early Pandemic Phase: A Nationwide Inpatient Database Survey

BACKGROUND

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection. However, most studies are single-center, and nationwide data in the United States are lacking. This study aimed to investigate hospital-related outcomes and predictors of these outcomes in patients with IBD and COVID-19 infection.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample and National Readmission database were queried for all the patient hospitalizations with IBD with concurrent COVID-19 in the study group and non-COVID-19 related hospitalizations in the control group. For patients under 18 years, elective and trauma-related hospitalizations were excluded. Primary outcomes included mortality, septic shock, mechanical ventilation, and intensive care utilization. Secondary outcomes included length of stay and total hospitalization costs.

RESULTS

From this query, 8865 adult patients with IBD and COVID-19 were identified. These patients were relatively older (62.8 vs 57.7 years, P < .01), and the majority were females (52.1% with COVID-19 vs 55.2% without COVID-19). Patients with IBD and COVID-19 had higher mortality (12.24% vs 2.55%; P < .01), increased incidence of septic shock (7.9% vs 4.4%; P < .01), mechanical ventilation (11.5% vs 3.7%; P < .01), and intensive care utilization (12% vs 4.6%; P < .01). These patients also had higher mean length of stay (8.28 days vs 5.47 days; P < .01) and total hospitalization costs ($21 390 vs $16 468; P < .01) than those without COVID-19 infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IBD and COVID-19 have worse outcomes, with a higher incidence of severe COVID-19 disease, leading to higher mortality rates, longer lengths of stay, and increased total hospitalization costs. Encouraging preventive health measures and treating promptly with advanced COVID-19 therapies may improve outcomes and decrease the healthcare burden.

Safety and Monitoring of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Advanced Therapies

The recent approval of new medications with novel mechanisms of action and emergence of updated safety information for existing therapies has changed the treatment landscape of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These advances led to unique adverse effect profiles and identification of new safety signals, resulting in the evolution of the safety, monitoring, and positioning of IBD therapies. In this updated review, we (1) examine the existing and updated safety data of monoclonal antibodies and small molecules for IBD, with a focus on recently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies, and (2) propose risk stratification and assessment considerations prior to and during IBD treatment.

The association between ulcerative colitis and COVID-19 severity: a systematic review and meta-analysis systematic review

PURPOSE

After the COVID-19 pandemic, many challenges arose regarding the impact of this disease on people with ulcerative colitis. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence, severity, and death consequences of COVID-19 in patients with ulcerative colitis using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

This study was conducted using a systematic review and meta-analysis method in the field of prevalence, severity, and clinical consequences of COVID-19 in people with ulcerative colitis worldwide. The search was conducted in international scientific databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, from the beginning of 2020 to October 2023. The quality of the eligible studies was assessed using the Strobe and Newcastle Ottawa checklists. The data were analyzed using a fixed-effects model in the meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed using STATA version 17.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies with a sample size of 224,520 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that, in COVID-19 patients with ulcerative colitis, the prevalence of hospitalization, death, COVID-19 severity, and mortality rate in severe patients was 54% (95% CI, 27-80%), 10% (95% CI, 4-16%), 20% (95% CI, 8-34%), 63% (95% CI, 46-80%), respectively. In comparison with the general population, the odds ratio (OR) of hospitalization in patients due to COVID-19 was OR = 1.28 (95% CI, 1.19-1.38, P < 0.001), and the chance of severe COVID-19 was OR = 1.30 (95% CI, 1.22-1.53, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The probability of contracting the severe type of COVID-19 and hospitalization in patients with ulcerative colitis was higher than in the general population.

Managing IBD in the COVID-19 era

Over the last 2 years the lives of millions have changed because of the emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represent a sizable population with their own sets of challenges to providers in the wake of so much uncertainty. The Centers for Disease Control considers immunocompromised individuals at higher risk of infection and complications from COVID-19. Early in the pandemic, the specific risks for IBD patients were unclear as guidance was based on expert opinion regarding the management of IBD during a COVID-19 era. Fortunately, after considerable work in the field, the overwhelming evidence suggests that IBD patients as a whole do not appear to be at increased risk for more severe disease from COVID-19. Certain risk factors such as age, steroids, comorbidities, combination immunomodulatory therapy, and IBD disease activity have been associated with worse outcomes. Most IBD medications are low risk, with the exception of immunomodulator monotherapy and combination therapy with thiopurine and anti-TNF. Vaccination remains safe and effective for all IBD patients, although additional booster doses may be necessary, particularly in patients taking anti-TNF agents.

Inflammatory bowel disease and COVID-19 outcomes: a meta-analysis

There is conflicting evidence concerning the effect of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on COVID-19 incidence and outcome. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the published evidence through a systematic review process and perform a meta-analysis to assess the association between IBD and COVID-19. A compressive literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to July 2021. A snowball search in Google, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and MedRxiv; and bibliographic research were also performed to identify any other relevant articles. Quantitative observational studies such as cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies that assessed the incidence, risk, and outcomes of COVID-19 among the adult IBD patients published in the English language, were considered for this review. The incidence and risk of COVID-19, COVID-19 hospitalization, the severity of COVID-19, and mortality were considered as the outcomes of interest. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist was used for quality assessment. A subgroup and sensitivity analysis were performed to explore the heterogeneity and robustness of the results, respectively. A total of 86 studies out of 2828 non-duplicate records were considered for this meta-analysis. The studies were single or multicentric internationally from settings such as IBD centres, medical colleges, hospitals, or from the general public. Most of the studies were observed to be of good quality with an acceptable risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19, COVID-19 hospitalization, severe COVID-19, and mortality in the IBD population were 6.10%, 10.63%, 40.43%, and 1.94%, respectively. IBD was not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with the risk of COVID-19, COVID-19 hospitalization, severe COVID-19, and mortality. In contrast, ulcerative colitis was significantly associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 (OR 1.37; p = 0.01), COVID-19 hospitalization (OR 1.28; p < 0.00001), and severe COVID-19 (OR 2.45; p < 0.0007). Crohn's disease was significantly associated with a lesser risk of severe COVID-19 (OR 0.48; p = 0.02). Type of IBD was a potential factor that might have contributed to the higher level of heterogeneity. There was a significant association between ulcerative colitis and increased risk of COVID-19, COVID-19 hospitalization, and severe COVID-19 infection. This association was not observed in patients with Crohns' disease or in those diagnosed non-specifically as IBD.

Recent advances in clinical practice: management of inflammatory bowel disease during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised considerable concerns that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly those treated with immunosuppressive therapies, may have an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 acquisition, develop worse outcomes following COVID-19, and have suboptimal vaccine response compared with the general population. In this review, we summarise data on the risk of COVID-19 and associated outcomes, and latest guidance on SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with IBD. Emerging evidence suggests that commonly used medications for IBD, such as corticosteroids but not biologicals, were associated with adverse outcomes to COVID-19. There has been no increased risk of de novo, or delayed, IBD diagnoses, however, an overall decrease in endoscopy procedures has led to a rise in the number of missed endoscopic-detected cancers during the pandemic. The impact of IBD medication on vaccine response has been a research priority recently. Data suggest that patients with IBD treated with antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) medications had attenuated humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and more rapid antibody decay, compared with non-anti-TNF-treated patients. Reassuringly, rates of breakthrough infections and hospitalisations in all patients who received vaccines, irrespective of IBD treatment, remained low. International guidelines recommend that all patients with IBD treated with immunosuppressive therapies should receive, at any point during their treatment cycle, three primary doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines with a further booster dose as soon as possible. Future research should focus on our understanding of the rate of antibody decay in biological-treated patients, which patients require additional doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, the long-term risks of COVID-19 on IBD disease course and activity, and the potential risk of long COVID-19 in patients with IBD.

Perspectives on Subcutaneous Infliximab for Rheumatic Diseases and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Era

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted significant changes in patient care in rheumatology and gastroenterology, with clinical guidance issued to manage ongoing therapy while minimising the risk of nosocomial infection for patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Subcutaneous (SC) formulations of biologics enable patients to self-administer treatments at home; however, switching between agents may be undesirable. CT-P13 SC is the first SC formulation of infliximab that received regulatory approval and may be termed a biobetter as it offers significant clinical advantages over intravenous (IV) infliximab, including improved pharmacokinetics and a convenient mode of delivery. Potential benefits in terms of reduced immunogenicity have also been suggested. With a new SC formulation, infliximab provides an additional option for dual formulation, which enables patients to transition from IV to SC administration route without changing agent. Before COVID-19, clinical trials supported the efficacy and safety of switching from IV to SC infliximab for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and SC infliximab may have been selected on the basis of patient and HCP preferences for SC agents. During the pandemic, patients with rheumatic diseases and IBD have successfully switched from IV to SC infliximab, with some clinical benefits and high levels of patient satisfaction. As patients switched to SC therapeutics, the reduction in resource requirements for IV infusion services may have been particularly welcome given the pandemic, facilitating reorganisation and redeployment in overstretched healthcare systems, alongside pharmacoeconomic benefits and a reduction in exposure to nosocomial infection. Telemedicine and contactless healthcare have been pushed to the forefront during the pandemic, and a lasting shift towards remote patient management and community/home-based drug administration is anticipated. SC infliximab supports the implementation of this paradigm for future improvements of healthcare value delivered. The accumulation of real-world data during the pandemic supports the high level of confidence, with patients, physicians, and healthcare systems benefitting from its uptake.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and COVID-19: How Microbiomics and Metabolomics Depict Two Sides of the Same Coin

The integrity of the gastrointestinal tract structure and function is seriously compromised by two pathological conditions sharing, at least in part, several pathogenetic mechanisms: inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. IBD and COVID-19 are marked by gut inflammation, intestinal barrier breakdown, resulting in mucosal hyperpermeability, gut bacterial overgrowth, and dysbiosis together with perturbations in microbial and human metabolic pathways originating changes in the blood and fecal metabolome. This review compared the most relevant metabolic and microbial alterations reported from the literature in patients with IBD with those in patients with COVID-19. In both diseases, gut dysbiosis is marked by the prevalence of pro-inflammatory bacterial species and the shortfall of anti-inflammatory species; most studies reported the decrease in Firmicutes, with a specific decrease in obligately anaerobic producers short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. In addition, Escherichia coli overgrowth has been observed in IBD and COVID-19, while Akkermansia muciniphila is depleted in IBD and overexpressed in COVID-19. In patients with COVID-19, gut dysbiosis continues after the clearance of the viral RNA from the upper respiratory tract and the resolution of clinical symptoms. Finally, we presented and discussed the impact of gut dysbiosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and increased energy demand on metabolic pathways involving key metabolites, such as tryptophan, phenylalanine, histidine, glutamine, succinate, citrate, and lipids.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a global pandemic. Since its start, widespread safety measures have been adopted by nations worldwide. Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis are two forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a common inflammatory illness with a high worldwide incidence. Its clinical symptoms include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss. Genetics, microbes, cigarette smoking, appendectomy, lack of personal hygiene, using anti-inflammatory agents, vitamin D deficiency, and stress are the main risk factors for IBD. COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about the exacerbation of COVID clinical manifestations in patients with IBD and increasing the risk of mortality. During COVID-19 pandemic, intestinal inflammation, and promoting adherence need to be controlled using medications and vaccinations as a primary goal. In this review, we reviewed unique concerns about IBD risk in the population as well as management of the disease, and the effectiveness of vaccination during COVID-19 pandemic.

Nationwide COVID-19-EII Study: Incidence, Environmental Risk Factors and Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and COVID-19 of the ENEIDA Registry

We aim to describe the incidence and source of contagion of COVID-19 in patients with IBD, as well as the risk factors for a severe course and long-term sequelae. This is a prospective observational study of IBD and COVID-19 included in the ENEIDA registry (53,682 from 73 centres) between March-July 2020 followed-up for 12 months. Results were compared with data of the general population (National Centre of Epidemiology and Catalonia). A total of 482 patients with COVID-19 were identified. Twenty-eight percent were infected in the work environment, and 48% were infected by intrafamilial transmission, despite having good adherence to lockdown. Thirty-five percent required hospitalization, 7.9% had severe COVID-19 and 3.7% died. Similar data were reported in the general population (hospitalisation 19.5%, ICU 2.1% and mortality 4.6%). Factors related to death and severe COVID-19 were being aged ≥ 60 years (OR 7.1, 95% CI: 1.8-27 and 4.5, 95% CI: 1.3-15.9), while having ≥2 comorbidities increased mortality (OR 3.9, 95% CI: 1.3-11.6). None of the drugs for IBD were related to severe COVID-19. Immunosuppression was definitively stopped in 1% of patients at 12 months. The prognosis of COVID-19 in IBD, even in immunosuppressed patients, is similar to that in the general population. Thus, there is no need for more strict protection measures in IBD.

Risk of adverse outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease patients infected with SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Between people with and without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), there was no statistically significant difference in the probability of contracting the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, the risk of adverse outcomes in IBD patients after virus infection remains unclear.

METHODS

Eligible studies conducted from January 1, 2020 to March 17, 2022 were obtained by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Information was collected in tables from the included studies. Random-effects and fixed-effects models were used as measures for the pooled estimates. All data were estimated by R version 4.1.3.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies were included. The risk ratio (RR) of adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients with IBD increased by 32% (RR 1.32; 95% CI 1.06-1.66) relative to COVID-19 patients without IBD. The RR of mortality was higher in COVID-19 patients with IBD from Europe (RR 1.72; 95% CI 1.11-2.67) than in those that were not from Europe (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.79-1.26; χ² = 4.67; P = 0.03). Patients with ulcerative colitis were at higher risk of adverse outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection than patients with Crohn's disease patients (RR1.38; 95% CI 1.27-1.50). The IBD drugs treatment was associated with the risk of adverse outcomes, the pooled odds ratio (OR) of mesalazine (1.79; 95% CI 1.59-2.02), immunomodulators (1.30; 95% CI 1.10-1.53), and anti-TNF (0.47; 95% CI 0.41-0.53) were assessed.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 patients with IBD had an increased risk of adverse outcomes than those without IBD, whereas anti-TNF treatment might reduce the risk.

Predictors of Covid-19 vaccination acceptance in IBD patients: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Adherence to vaccinations is unsatisfactory in the inflammatory diseases (IBD) population because of concerns regarding adverse events or low perception of infectious risk. The aim of this study was to maximise adherence to anti-Covid-19 vaccination in IBD patients.

METHODS

In the third trimester of 2020, all IBD patients were informed concerning the need for anti-Covid-19 vaccination and family physicians were advised to proceed with anti-Influenza and anti-pneumococcus vaccinations. Demographic data, disease-related data together with acceptance of vaccinations were recorded. From May 2021, vaccinations of IBD patients were directly arranged at our hospital. We registered performance, procrastination or denial of anti-Covid-19 vaccination, type of vaccine and adverse events.

RESULTS

Five hundred and twenty-three patients were included (Crohn's: 266, ulcerative colitis: 257; M/F 289/234; mean age 48 ± 17 years); 53 patients were excluded from analysis as they became infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the study period; overall adherence to vaccination was 400/470 (85%), procrastinators 44 (9%) and 27 patients (6%) refused. Compared with influenza (58%) and pneumococcus (65%) vaccinations, acceptance was higher for anti-Covid-19 vaccination (P < 0.0001, both). Mild adverse events occurred in 31% and two (0.5%) needed precautionary but uneventful hospitalization. On multiple stepwise regression analysis, factors positively associated with adherence to vaccination were age (P < 0.039; OR, 1.016, 95% CI: 1.001-1.031) and previous anti-influenza vaccination (P < 0.008; OR, 2.071, 95% CI: 1.210-3.545).

CONCLUSIONS

Direct counselling and on-site administration were associated with a satisfactory acceptance of anti-Covid-19 vaccination, whereas vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcus remained below expected levels. Increased risk perception may account for the observed differences.

Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 and Impact on Disease Course in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The impact of COVID-19 has been of great concern in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) worldwide, including an increased risk of severe outcomes and/or possible flare of IBD. This study aims to evaluate prevalence, outcomes, the impact of COVID-19 in patients with IBD, and risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 or flare of IBD activity.

METHODS

A consecutive cohort of IBD patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection and followed up at the McGill University Health Care Centre was obtained between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021. Demographics, comorbidities, IBD (type, treatments, pre- and post-COVID-19 clinical activity, biomarkers, and endoscopic activity), and COVID-19-related outcomes (pneumonia, hospitalization, death, and flare of IBD disease) were analyzed.

RESULTS

A cohort of 3,516 IBD patients was included. 82 patients (2.3%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection (median age: 39.0 (IQR 27.8-48.0), 77% with Crohn's disease, 50% were female). The prevalence of COVID-19 infection in IBD patients was significantly lower compared to the general population in Canada and Quebec (3.5% versus 4.3%, p < 0.001). Severe COVID-19 occurred in 6 patients (7.3%); 2 patients (2.4%) died. A flare of IBD post-COVID-19 infection was reported in 8 patients (9.8%) within 3 months. Biologic therapy was held during active COVID-19 infection in 37% of patients. Age ≥55 years (odds ratio (OR): 11.1, 95% CI: 1.8-68.0), systemic corticosteroid use (OR: 4.6, 95% CI: 0.7-30.1), active IBD (OR: 3.8, 95% CI: 0.7-20.8), and comorbidity (OR: 4.9, 95% CI: 0.8-28.6) were factors associated with severe COVID-19. After initial infection, 61% of IBD patients received COVID-19 vaccinations.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of COVID-19 infection among patients with IBD was lower than that in the general population in Canada. Severe COVID-19, mortality, and flare of IBD were relatively rare, while a large proportion of patients received COVID-19 vaccination. Older age, comorbidities, active IBD disease, and systemic corticosteroid, but not immunosuppressive or biological therapy, were associated with severe COVID-19 infection.