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Devi J, Ballard DH, Aswani-Omprakash T, Parian AM, Deepak P. Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease: Current perspectives on diagnosis, monitoring and management with a focus on emerging therapies. Indian J Gastroenterol 2024; 43:48-63. [PMID: 38308773 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-024-01524-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Crohn's disease (CD), a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder, manifests in various phenotypes, with fistulizing perianal CD (CD-PAF) being one of its most severe phenotypes. Characterized by fistula formation and abscesses, CD-PAF impacts 17% to 34% of all CD cases and with a significantly deleterious impact on patient's quality of life, while increasing the risk for anorectal cancers. The pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic, immunological and environmental factors, with cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) playing pivotal roles. Diagnostic protocols require a multi-disciplinary approach including colonoscopy, examination under anesthesia and magnetic resonance imaging. In terms of treatment, biologics alone often prove inadequate, making surgical interventions such as setons and fistula surgeries essential. Emerging therapies such as mesenchymal stem cells are under study. The South Asian context adds layers of complexity, including diagnostic ambiguities related to high tuberculosis prevalence, healthcare access limitations and cultural stigma toward perianal Crohn's disease and ostomy surgery. Effective management necessitates an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach, especially in resource-constrained settings. Despite advances, there remain significant gaps in understanding the disease's pathophysiology and a dearth of standardized outcome measures, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalpa Devi
- Division of Gastroenterology, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8124, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - David H Ballard
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Alyssa M Parian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Parakkal Deepak
- Division of Gastroenterology, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8124, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Parian AM, Obi M, Fleshner P, Schwartz DA. Management of Perianal Crohn's Disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:1323-1331. [PMID: 37207318 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Perianal Crohn's disease affects 25%-35% of patients with Crohn's disease and has proven to be one of the most difficult complications of the disease to treat. Patients with perianal Crohn's disease have lower health-related quality of life scores typically related to pain and fecal incontinence. In addition, patients with perianal Crohn's disease have higher rates of hospitalizations, surgeries, and overall healthcare costs. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the successful management of Crohn's disease with perianal fistula. Medical management is required to treat the underlying immune dysregulation to heal the luminal inflammation and the inflammation within the fistula tracts. Current options for medical therapy include biologics, dual therapy with thiopurines, therapeutic drug monitoring, and a close follow-up. Surgical management is critical to drain abscesses before immunosuppressive therapy and place setons when appropriate. Once the patient's inflammatory burden is well managed, definitive surgical therapies including fistulotomies, advancement flaps, and ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedures can be considered. Most recently, the use of stem cell therapy in the treatment of perianal fistula has given new hope to the cure of perianal fistula in Crohn's disease. This review will outline the most current data in the medical and surgical management of perianal Crohn's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa M Parian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Megan Obi
- Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease Surgical Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Phillip Fleshner
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David A Schwartz
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Badla O, Goit R, Saddik SE, Dawood S, Rabih AM, Mohammed A, Raman A, Uprety M, Calero M, Villanueva MRB, Joshaghani N, Villa N, Mohammed L. The Multidisciplinary Management of Perianal Fistulas in Crohn’s Disease: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e29347. [PMID: 36284816 PMCID: PMC9582904 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease (CD) are often recurring and challenging to treat. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the medical, surgical, and combination treatment options and provide an overview of their efficacy. We performed this systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Our group searched PubMed, Medline, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for articles within the last ten years using different terms and criteria mentioned in detail in the search strategy and eligibility criteria sections. Initially, 739 records were retrieved, out of which we excluded 731 records for various reasons, such as irrelevant titles and abstracts and low scores on quality assessment tools. The evidence for combination (surgical and medical) therapy is superior to that for medical and surgical treatments individually. In contrast, the studies on medical and surgical treatments individually reported varied evidence and efficacy for their respective options.
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Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Perianal Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11071813. [PMID: 35407421 PMCID: PMC8999746 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Perianal fistulas are a common complication of Crohn’s disease (CD) that has, historically, been challenging to manage. Despite the strong available evidence that anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents are useful in the treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (PFCD), a significant number of these patients do not respond to therapy. The use of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in patients with CD receiving biologic agents has evolved and is currently positioned as an important tool to optimize and guide biologic treatment. Considering the treatment of PFCD can represent a challenge; identifying novel tools to improve the efficacy of current treatments is an important unmet need. Given its emerging role in other phenotypes of Crohn’s disease, the use of TDM could also offer an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of available therapies and improve outcomes in the subset of patients with PFCD receiving biologics. Overall, there is mounting evidence that higher anti-TNF drug levels are associated with better rates of “fistula healing”. However, studies have been limited by their use of subjective outcomes and observational designs. Ultimately, further interventional, randomized controlled trials looking into the relationship between drug exposure and fistula outcomes are needed.
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Sirmai L, Pelletier AL, Gault N, Zallot C, Bouguen G, Bouchard D, Roland Nicaise P, Peyneau M, Sironneau S, Bittencourt MDC, Petitcollin A, Fernandez P, Roblin X, Siproudhis L, Abramowitz L. Relationship between clinical remission of perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease and serum adalimumab concentrations: A multi-center cross-sectional study. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:961-972. [PMID: 35317057 PMCID: PMC8908286 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i9.961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crohn’s disease (CD) is complicated by perianal fistulas in approximately 20% of patients. Achieving permanent fistula closure remains a challenge for physicians. An association between serum anti-tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations and clinical outcomes in patients with CD has been demonstrated; however, little information is available on serum adalimumab (ADA) concentrations and remission of perianal fistulas in such patients.
AIM To study the relationship between serum ADA concentrations and clinical remission of CD-associated perianal fistulas.
METHODS This cross-sectional study of patients with CD-associated perianal fistulas treated with ADA was performed at four French hospitals between December 2013 and March 2018. At the time of each serum ADA concentration measurement, we collected information about the patients and their fistulas. The primary study endpoint was clinical remission of fistulas defined as the absence of drainage (in accordance with Present’s criteria), with a PDAI ≤ 4, absence of a seton and assessment of the overall evaluation as favorable by the proctologist at the relevant center. We also assessed fistula healing [defined as being in clinical and radiological (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) remission] and adverse events.
RESULTS The study cohort comprised 34 patients who underwent 56 evaluations (patients had between one and four evaluations). Fifteen patients had clinical remissions (44%), four of whom had healed fistulas on MRI. Serum ADA concentrations were significantly higher at evaluations in which clinical remission was identified than at evaluations in which it was not [14 (10-16) vs 10 (2-15) μg/mL, P = 0.01]. Serum ADA concentrations were comparable at the times of evaluation of patients with and without healed fistulas [11 (7-14) vs 10 (4-16) μg/mL, P = 0.69]. The adverse event rate did not differ between different serum ADA concentrations.
CONCLUSION We found a significant association between high serum ADA concentrations and clinical remission of CD-associated perianal fistulas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sirmai
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Bichat Claude Bernard University Hospital, Paris 75018, France
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Hospital Croix Saint Simon, Paris 75020, France
| | - Anne-Laure Pelletier
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Bichat Claude Bernard University Hospital, Paris 75018, France
| | - Nathalie Gault
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University Hospital Center Bichat, Paris 75018, France
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research CIC-EC1425, University Hospital Center Bichat, Paris 75018, France
| | - Camille Zallot
- Division of Gastroenterology, Nancy Regional and University Hospital Center, Nancy 54035, France
| | - Guillaume Bouguen
- Imphy CIC 1414 Group and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Rennes, Pontchaillou, Rennes 35033, France
| | | | | | - Marine Peyneau
- Division of Immunology, University Hospital Center Bichat, Paris 75018, France
- Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry 92290, France
| | | | - Marcelo De Carvalho Bittencourt
- Division of Immunology, Nancy Regional and University Hospital Center, Nancy 54000, France
- University of Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7365, IMoPA, Nancy 54000, France
| | - Antoine Petitcollin
- Department of Clinical and Biological Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Information Center, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes 35700, France
| | - Pedro Fernandez
- Division of Radiology, University Hospital Center Bichat, Paris 75018, France
- Orangerie Center, Le Perreux-sur-Marne 94170, France
| | - Xavier Roblin
- Division of Gastroenterology, CHU Saint Etienne, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez 42270, France
| | - Laurent Siproudhis
- Imphy CIC 1414 Group and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Rennes, Pontchaillou, Rennes 35033, France
| | - Laurent Abramowitz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Proctology, University Hospital Center Bichat, Paris 75018, France
- Ramsay GDS Clinique Blomet, Paris 75018, France
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Miranda EF, Nones RB, Kotze PG. Correlation of serum levels of anti-tumor necrosis factor agents with perianal fistula healing in Crohn's disease: a narrative review. Intest Res 2020; 19:255-264. [PMID: 33147899 PMCID: PMC8322024 DOI: 10.5217/ir.2020.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With the overspread use of measurement of serum levels of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents (therapeutic drug monitoring, TDM), new therapeutic strategies have been used in the management of Crohn’s disease (CD). Different targets are correlated with increased levels of circulating drugs. Recent evidence demonstrated that higher serum levels of anti-TNF agents may be associated to better outcomes in perianal fistulizing CD (PFCD). Overall, patients with healed fistulas had higher serum levels of infliximab and adalimumab as compared to those with active drainage. This was demonstrated in some cohort studies, in induction and maintenance, in adults and children with PFCD. In this narrative review, authors summarize current evidence on the use of serum level measurement of anti-TNF agents and its correlation with perianal fistula healing in CD patients. Data on the use of TDM in PFCD is discussed in detail. The retrospective design of the studies and the lack of objective parameters to measure fistula healing are the main limitations of published data. Prospective studies, with central reading of objective radiological parameters, such as pelvic magnetic resonance imaging scores, can improve the level of evidence on the possible advantages of TDM in perianal fistula in CD and are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eron Fabio Miranda
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, IBD Outpatient Clinics, Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Gustavo Kotze
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, IBD Outpatient Clinics, Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Brazil
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Lightner AL, Ashburn JH, Brar MS, Carvello M, Chandrasinghe P, van Overstraeten ADB, Fleshner PR, Gallo G, Kotze PG, Holubar SD, Reza LM, Spinelli A, Strong SA, Tozer PJ, Truong A, Warusavitarne J, Yamamoto T, Zaghiyan K. Fistulizing Crohn's disease. Curr Probl Surg 2020; 57:100808. [PMID: 33187597 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpsurg.2020.100808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Tandon P, Rhee GG, Schwartz D, McCurdy JD. Strategies to Optimize Anti-tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy for Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review. Dig Dis Sci 2019; 64:3066-3077. [PMID: 31030304 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-05635-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists are considered the cornerstone therapy for fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease (PCD), yet a substantial proportion of patients fail to achieve healing. Therefore, we reviewed the evidence for strategies to enhance the efficacy of TNF antagonists for PCD. A systematic search of electronic databases through July 2018 was performed to identify studies that assessed the effectiveness of TNF antagonists combined with another medical or surgical intervention for PCD; or assessed the association between anti-TNF serum concentrations and fistula healing. Twelve studies compared anti-TNF therapy alone versus a combined approach: four with surgery, three with antibiotics, and five with immunomodulators. Only two studies, both with antibiotics, were rated high quality. The addition of antibiotics to anti-TNF therapy resulted in significantly higher rates of fistula response and healing in one study, and a trend toward reduction in fistula drainage in the other. Three of four studies found higher rates of fistula healing when surgery was combined with TNF antagonists. In contrast, one of five studies found a trend toward higher rates of fistula healing in patients treated concomitantly with immunomodulators. Five observational studies assessed the association between anti-TNF concentration and fistula healing. Higher infliximab serum concentrations were consistently associated with fistula healing. In conclusion, few high-quality studies assessing strategies to optimize anti-TNF therapy for PCD exist. Although antibiotics, possibly surgery, and higher serum infliximab concentrations appear to improve fistula healing, future prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Tandon
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Glara Gaeun Rhee
- Division of Gastroenterology, The Ottawa Hospital, 737 Parkdale Ave. Suite 468, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 1J8, Canada
| | - David Schwartz
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeffrey D McCurdy
- Division of Gastroenterology, The Ottawa Hospital, 737 Parkdale Ave. Suite 468, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 1J8, Canada. .,The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Crohn's disease management has changed significantly with increasing use of biologics. We review the recent literature on the clinical management of Crohn's disease and new approaches in selecting and optimizing therapy. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have addressed the efficacy of proactive anti-TNFα trough level monitoring, the efficacy of biosimilars, and the efficacy and immunogenicity of newer biologics including anti-integrin therapy and anti-IL12/23 therapy. Optimizing anti-TNFα therapy according to trough concentrations correlates with improved remission rates. Patients can be switched from the reference drug to a biosimilar, or vice versa, without a measurable change in efficacy, safety, or immunogenicity. Immunomodulators are effective in decreasing immunogenicity and boosting anti-TNFα drug level. The anti-integrin and anti-IL12/23 therapies are effective as induction and maintenance therapy with low immunogenicity and excellent safety profiles. Patients at high risk for post-operative recurrence should be started on a biologic therapy within 4 weeks post-op. Multiple biologic therapies are currently available for treatment of Crohn's disease including anti-TNFα therapy, anti-integrin therapy, and anti-IL12/23 therapy. The choice of first-line therapy should be based on individual risk-benefit analysis, route of administration, and patient preference. Patient with inadequate response should have their trough level checked and therapy optimized. Therapeutic prophylaxis for post-operative recurrence should be based on patient's risk factors for recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas X Lu
- Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Russell D Cohen
- Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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