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Singh A, Midha V, Kochhar GS, Shen B, Sood A. Management of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2024; 30:1579-1603. [PMID: 37672347 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izad195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (CD) represents a severe phenotype of CD that is associated with significant morbidity and reduction in quality of life. Perianal fistulizing CD is caused by a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and various unknown physiological and mechanical factors. A multidisciplinary approach is hence required for optimal management . A detailed anatomical description and classification of perianal fistula, including comprehensive clinical, endoscopic, and radiological diagnostic workup, is an important prerequisite to treatment. For simple perianal fistulas, use of antibiotics and immunomodulators, with or without fistulotomy, are appropriate measures. The medical management of complex perianal fistula, on the other hand, requires adequate control of infection before initiation of therapy with immunomodulators. In active complex perianal fistula, anti-tumor necrosis factors remain the most accepted therapy, with concomitant use of antibiotics or immunomodulators enhancing the efficacy. For patients refractory to anti-tumor necrosis factors, treatment with anti-integrins, anti-interleukins, and small molecules is being evaluated. Mesenchymal stem cells, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and exclusive enteral nutrition have also been investigated as adjunct therapies. Despite the expansion of the medical armamentarium, a large proportion of the patients require surgical interventions. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and medical management of perianal fistulizing CD. A brief overview of the surgical management of perianal fistulizing CD is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshdeep Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Vandana Midha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
| | - Gursimran Singh Kochhar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bo Shen
- Center for Interventional Inflammatory Bowel Disease, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ajit Sood
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, India
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Shehab M, De Marco D, Lakatos PL, Bessissow T. The potential for medical therapies to address fistulizing Crohn's disease: a state-of-the-art review. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024; 24:733-746. [PMID: 39045643 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2383882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic, relapsing immune mediated disease, which is one of the two major types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Fistulizing CD poses a significant clinical challenge for physicians. Effective management of CD requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving a gastroenterologist and a GI surgeon while tailoring treatment to each patient's unique risk factors, clinical representations, and preferences. AREAS COVERED This comprehensive review explores the intricacies of fistulizing CD including its manifestations, types, impact on quality of life, management strategies, and novel therapies under investigation. EXPERT OPINION Antibiotics are often used as first-line therapy to treat symptoms. Biologics that selectively target TNF-α, such infliximab (IFX), have shown high efficacy in randomized controlled trials. However, more than 50% of patients lose response to IFX, prompting them to explore alternative strategies. Current options include adalimumab and certolizumab pegol combination therapies, as well as small-molecule drugs targeting Janus kinases such as Upadacitinib. Furthermore, a promising treatment for complex fistulas is mesenchymal stem cells such as Darvadstrocel (Alofisel), an allogeneic stem cell-based therapy. However, surgical interventions are necessary for complex cases or intra-abdominal complications. Setons and LIFT procedures are the most common surgical options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shehab
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mubarak Al-Kabeer University Hospital, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Davide De Marco
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Peter L Lakatos
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
- 1st Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Talat Bessissow
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
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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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Huguet JM, García-Lorenzo V, Martí L, Paredes JM, Ramírez JJ, Pastor M, Ruiz L, Sanahuja A, Timoneda P, Sanchís L, Pérez GA, Boscá-Watts MM. Subcutaneous Infliximab [CT-P13], a True Biologic 2.0. Real Clinical Practice Multicentre Study. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092130. [PMID: 36140230 PMCID: PMC9495964 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic relapsing intestinal inflammation. There are few data on the efficacy and safety in clinical practice of infliximab (CT-P13) in subcutaneous formulation (SC) for the treatment of patients with IBD. Methods: Multicenter, prospective study of patients with IBD in clinical remission, who had their treatment changed from intravenous (IV) infliximab to SC. Two groups of patients were evaluated according to whether they were on IV infliximab treatment at standard or intensified doses before the switch. Results: A total of 30 patients were on standard dosing and another 30 in intensified therapy. Treatment persistence in both groups at 6 months was greater than 95%. In both groups after the change, neither the biomarkers of inflammation nor the activity indices underwent significant changes at 3 and 6 months compared to the baseline value. Similarly, in both groups, infliximab trough levels showed a significant increase 3 and 6 months after the change to SC. No serious adverse events were registered. Conclusions: The CT-P13 SC brings a new anti-TNF era. Achieving much higher drug levels that are constant over time opens new paths to explore the management of patients with IBD: less immunogenicity, better perianal disease control and higher achievement of mucosal healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M. Huguet
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Victor García-Lorenzo
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Lidia Martí
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Francesc de Borja de Gandia, 46702 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose María Paredes
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, 46017 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Joaquin Ramírez
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Lluis Alcanyis de Xativa, 46800 Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Pastor
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Lluis Alcanyis de Xativa, 46800 Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucia Ruiz
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Sanahuja
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Pilar Timoneda
- Clinical Analysis Department, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Sanchís
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital de Sagunto, 46520 Valencia, Spain
| | - Gloria Alemany Pérez
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Francesc de Borja de Gandia, 46702 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Maia Boscá-Watts
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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