Update on inflammatory bowel disease in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

A retrospective study to investigate the efficacy and safety of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Primary sclerosing cholangitis has a poor prognosis and can be accompanied by ulcerative colitis. Infection control is essential, so immunosuppressive drugs should ideally be preferably. Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis does not suppress the immune system and is used to treat ulcerative colitis. Therefore, this study investigated the efficacy and safety of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated data from patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis with ulcerative colitis who visited our hospital from April 2000 to December 2022 and underwent granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (n = 10, number of treatment cycles = 15). Study endpoints were remission induction rate and safety, assessed as changes in liver functions and adverse events.

RESULTS

Seven of the 10 patients were male. The median (min-max) age was 23 (18-77) years. The most common disease type was right-dominant pancolitis. Remission occurred after 86.6% of cycles (13/15). Serum alkaline phosphatase and Aspartate transaminase were significantly lower after treatment (P = .0124, P = .002), and no negative effects on liver function were seen. The only adverse events were headache (n = 1) and decreased blood pressure (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis has high efficacy for intestinal lesions and improves alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase levels (high levels are a poor prognosis factor). It appears to be a treatment option in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with ulcerative colitis.

IL-6-Dependent STAT3 Activation and Induction of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

INTRODUCTION

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare cholestatic liver disease with periductal inflammation and fibrosis. Genetic studies suggest inflammatory cytokines and IL-6-dependent activation of transcription factor STAT3 as pivotal steps in PSC pathogenesis. However, details of inflammatory regulation remain unclear.

METHODS

We recruited 50 patients with PSC (36 with inflammatory bowel disease, 14 without inflammatory bowel disease), 12 patients with autoimmune hepatitis, and 36 healthy controls to measure cytokines in the serum, bile, and immune cell supernatant using bead-based immunoassays and flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry to analyze phosphorylation of STATs in immune cells. Finally, we analyzed cytokines and STAT3 phosphorylation of T cells in the presence of JAK1/2 inhibitors.

RESULTS

In PSC, IL-6 specifically triggered phosphorylation of STAT3 in CD4 + T cells and lead to enhanced production of interferon (IFN) gamma and interleukin (IL)-17A. Phospho-STAT3-positive CD4 + T cells correlated with systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein serum levels). Combination of immunohistology and flow cytometry indicated that phospho-STAT3-positive cells were enriched in the peribiliary liver stroma and represented CD4 + T cells with prominent production of IFN gamma and IL-17A. JAK1/2 inhibitors blocked STAT3 phosphorylation and production of IFN gamma and IL-6, whereas IL-17A was apparently resistant to this inhibition.

DISCUSSION

Our results demonstrate systemic and local activation of the IL-6/STAT3 pathway in PSC. Resistance of IL-17A to STAT3-targeted inhibition points to a more complex immune dysregulation beyond STAT3 activation.

Causal effect of autoimmune liver diseases on cancer: Meta-analyses of cohort studies and Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Prior studies suggested that patients with autoimmune liver diseases (AiLDs) had an increased risk of cancer, whereas the causal effect remained unclear.

METHODS

Meta-analyses concerning the relationship between AiLD and cancer risk were performed to calculate the pooled relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Then, the associations with a p value of <.05 were further validated by two-sample Mendelian randomization studies.

RESULTS

A total of 37 cohort studies covering more than 34 558 patients were included, and we observed an increased risk of overall cancers (pooled RR = 3.64, 95% CI: 2.64-5.03, p < .001) and cancer-related death (pooled RR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.73-3.53, p < .001) for patients with AiLD. Besides, overall and several site-specific cancers risk were found in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (p < .05). However, associations between genetically predisposed AIH, PBC, and PSC and the risk of specific cancers did not reach a significant level, except for PBC and gastric cancer (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99; p = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to hepatobiliary cancer, results from the meta-analyses suggest that patients with AiLD might have an increased risk of several extrahepatobiliary cancers. However, the causal role of AiLD in cancer development needs to be further investigated.

Choledochoscopy: An update

Choledochoscopy, or cholangioscopy, is an endoscopic procedure for direct visualization within the biliary tract for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Since its conception in 1879, many variations and improvements are made to ensure relevance in diagnosing and managing a range of intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary pathologies. This ranges from improved visual impression and optical guided biopsies of indeterminate biliary strictures and clinically indistinguishable pathologies to therapeutic uses in stone fragmentation and other ablative therapies. Furthermore, with the evolving understanding of biliary disorders, there are significant innovative ideas and techniques to fill this void, such as nuanced instances of biliary stenting and retrieving migrated ductal stents. With this in mind, we present a review of the current advancements in choledo-choscopy with new supporting evidence that further delineates the role of choledochoscopy in various diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, complications, limitations and put forth areas for further study.

Liver involvement in inflammatory bowel disease: What should the clinician know?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may show a wide range of extraintestinal manifestations. In this context, liver involvement is a focal point for both an adequate management of the disease and its prognosis, due to possible serious comorbidity. The association between IBD and primary sclerosing cholangitis is the most known example. This association is relevant because it implies an increased risk of both colorectal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. Additionally, drugs such as thiopurines or biologic agents can cause drug-induced liver damage; therefore, this event should be considered when planning IBD treatment. Additionally, particular consideration should be given to the evidence that IBD patients may have concomitant chronic viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Chronic immunosuppressive regimens may cause a hepatitis flare or reactivation of a healthy carrier state, therefore careful monitoring of these patients is necessary. Finally, the spread of obesity has involved even IBD patients, thus increasing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which has already proven to be more common in IBD patients than in the non-IBD population. This phenomenon is considered an emerging issue, as it will become the leading cause of liver cirrhosis.

Adherence to Recommendations and Quality of Endoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surveillance in Long-Standing Ulcerative Colitis

Background

Long-standing ulcerative colitis has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Current guidelines recommend endoscopic CRC screening after 8 years of disease duration. The objectives of our study were to assess the adherence to recommendations and the quality of endoscopic procedure in long-standing ulcerative colitis.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study. We selected patients included in the Swiss IBD cohort with a disease duration of ≥8 years and an extension above the rectosigmoid junction. The complementary medical chart review focused on endoscopy and associated histological reports in 8 Swiss centers. Descriptive analyses focused on patients and their colonoscopies.

Results

309 colonoscopies were conducted among 116 patients with the following characteristics: women 47%, mean age at diagnosis 31 years, and pancolitis disease extent in 65.5% of cases; 38.8% of patients had a first screening colonoscopy <8 years, 13.8% between 8 and 10 years, and 47.4% >10 years. Cecal intubation was performed in 94.5% of cases, and bowel preparation was good to excellent in 61.5% of endoscopies. Chromoendoscopy was used in 7.4% of cases, and the mean withdrawal time was 16.4 min. Dysplasia was found in 6.2% of cases.

Conclusion

Despite current international recommendations, a significant number of patients did not receive a proper endoscopic surveillance. An increased use of chromoendoscopy, monitoring of withdrawal time, and appropriate bowel preparation would increase the quality of CRC screening. The adherence to screening guidelines and endoscopic quality should be promoted and standardized.

Autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Sequential overlap syndrome: a twist to the mosaic of autoimmunity

Autoimmune liver diseases can overlap resulting in a new entity, phenotypically different from those pathologies that converge, and that demonstrates the complexity of our immune system. Sequential overlap syndrome is the consecutive presentation, separated by a variable period of time, of two liver autoimmune diseases, mostly autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis. This syndrome constitutes a challenge both in its diagnosis and in its treatment given the exceptional nature of its presentation. The theory of a mosaic of autoimmunity is proposed to describe this phenomenon.

Targeting the Gut Microbiome as a Treatment for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Conceptional Framework

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare, immune-mediated, chronic cholestatic liver disease associated with a unique phenotype of inflammatory bowel disease that frequently manifests as pancolitis with right-sided predominance. Available data suggest a bidirectional interplay of the gut-liver axis with critical roles for the gastrointestinal microbiome and circulating bile acids (BAs) in the pathophysiology of PSC. BAs shape the gut microbiome, whereas gut microbes have the potential to alter BAs, and there are emerging data that alterations of BAs and the microbiome are not simply a consequence but the cause of PSC. Clustering of PSC in families may suggest that PSC occurs in genetically susceptible individuals. After exposure to an environmental trigger (e.g., microbial byproducts or BAs), an aberrant or exaggerated cholangiocyte-induced immune cascade occurs, ultimately leading to bile duct damage and progressive fibrosis. The pathophysiology can be conceptualized as a triad of (1) gut dysbiosis, (2) altered BA metabolism, and (3) immune-mediated biliary injury. Immune activation seems to be central to the disease process, but immunosuppression does not improve clinical outcomes or alter the natural history of PSC. Currently, orthoptic liver transplantation is the only established life-saving treatment, whereas antimicrobial therapy or fecal transplantation is an emerging therapeutic option for PSC. The beneficial effects of these microbiome-based therapies are likely mediated by a shift of the gut microbiome with favorable effects on BA metabolism. In the future, personalized approaches will allow to better target the interdependence between microbiome, immune function, and BA metabolism and potentially cure patients with PSC.

Hepatobiliary manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease in children

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosis and therapy is challenging for every pediatrician, especially when complicated with extraintestinal manifestations. The article reviews current literature on the hepatobiliary manifestations associated with inflammatory bowel disease in the pediatric population.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Pilot Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a cholestatic liver disease with no effective medical therapies. A perturbation of the gut microbiota has been described in association with PSC, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been reported to restore the microbiome in other disease states. Accordingly, we aimed at evaluating the safety, change in liver enzymes, microbiota, and metabolomic profiles in patients with PSC after FMT.

METHODS

An open-label pilot study of patients with PSC with concurrent inflammatory bowel disease and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) > 1.5× the upper limit of normal was conducted. The patients underwent a single FMT by colonoscopy. Liver enzyme profiles and stool microbiome and metabolomic analysis were conducted at baseline and weeks 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 post-FMT. The primary outcome was safety, and the secondary outcome was a decrease in ALP levels ≥50% from baseline by week 24 post-FMT; stool microbiota (by 16S rRNA gene profiling) and metabonomic dynamics were assessed.

RESULTS

Ten patients underwent FMT. Nine patients had ulcerative colitis, and 1 had Crohn's colitis. The mean baseline ALP level was 489 U/L. There were no related adverse events. Overall, 30% (3/10) experienced a ≥50% decrease in ALP levels. The diversity increased in all patients post-FMT, as early as week 1 (P < 0.01). Importantly, abundance of engrafter operational taxonomic units in patients post-FMT correlated with decreased ALP levels (P = 0.02).

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that FMT in PSC is safe. In addition, increases in bacterial diversity and engraftment may correlate with an improvement in ALP among patients with PSC.

Preventative care in cholestatic liver disease: Pearls for the specialist and subspecialist

Cholestatic liver diseases (CLDs) encompass a variety of disorders of abnormal bile formation and/or flow. CLDs often lead to progressive hepatic insult and injury and following the development of cirrhosis and associated complications. Many such complications are clinically silent until they manifest with severe sequelae, including but not limited to life-altering symptoms, metabolic disturbances, cirrhosis, and hepatobiliary diseases as well as other malignancies. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are the most common CLDs, and both relate to mutual as well as unique complications. This review provides an overview of PSC and PBC, with a focus on preventive measures aimed to reduce the incidence and severity of disease-related complications.

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic manifestations in inflammatory bowel diseases: a referral center study

Background

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic manifestations have been reported in patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Our aim was to describe the prevalence of hepatobiliary and pancreatic manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease and their association with the disease itself and the medications used.

Methods

Data were retrospectively extracted from the clinical records of patients followed up at our tertiary IBD referral Center.

Results

Our study included 602 IBD patients, with liver function tests at regular intervals. The mean follow-up was 5.8 years (Std. Dev.: 6.72). Abdominal imaging examinations were present in 220 patients and revealed findings from the liver, biliary tract and pancreas in 55% of examined patients (120/220). The most frequent findings or manifestations from the liver, biliary tract and pancreas were fatty liver (20%, 44/220), cholelithiasis (14.5%, 32/220) and acute pancreatitis (0.6%, 4/602), respectively. There were 7 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Regarding hepatitis viruses, one-third of the patients had been tested for hepatitis B and C. 5% (12/225) of them had positive hepatitis B surface antigen and 13.4% had past infection with hepatitis B virus (positive anti-HBcore). In addition, most of the patients were not immune against hepatitis B (negative anti-HBs), while 3% of patients were anti-HCV positive and only one patient had active hepatitis C. Furthermore, 24 patients had drug-related side effects from the liver and pancreas. The side effects included 21 cases of hepatotoxicity and 3 cases of acute pancreatitis. Moreover, there were two cases of HBV reactivation and one case of chronic hepatitis C, which were successfully treated.

Conclusion

In our study, approximately one out of four patients had some kind by a hepatobiliary or pancreatic manifestation. Therefore, it is essential to monitor liver function at regular intervals and differential diagnosis should range from benign diseases and various drug related side effects to severe disorders, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Cancer risk in primary sclerosing cholangitis: Epidemiology, prevention, and surveillance strategies

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive fibroinflammatory destruction of the intra- and/or extrahepatic biliary ducts. While its features and disease course can be variable, most patients with PSC have concurrent inflammatory bowel disease and will eventually develop liver cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, with liver transplantation representing the only potentially curative option. Importantly, PSC is associated with a significantly increased risk of malignancy compared to the general population, mainly cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and colorectal cancer, with nearly 50% of deaths in patients with PSC being due to cancer. Therefore, robust surveillance strategies are needed, though uncertainty remains regarding how to best do so. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, prevention, and surveillance of cancers in patients with PSC. Where evidence is limited, we present pragmatic approaches based on currently available data and expert opinion.

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.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease comorbidity: an update of the evidence

Comorbid primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represent a unique disease phenotype with a different risk profile than PSC or IBD alone. While the pathogenetic mechanisms behind both diseases remain unclear, recent studies have targeted several immune-mediated pathways in an attempt to find a potential therapeutic target. Patients with PSC-associated IBD typically exhibit pancolitis with a right-to-left intestinal inflammatory gradient associated with a greater incidence of backwash ileitis and rectal sparing. Although there is an increased incidence of pancolitis in this population, bowel symptoms tend to be less significant than in IBD alone. Likewise, the degree of inflammation and symptoms of PSC-associated IBD are characteristically less clinically significant. Despite the relatively quiescent clinical presentation of PSC-associated IBD, there is an increased risk for colorectal and hepatobiliary malignancy making vigilance for malignancy essential.

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.

Evolving Practice and Changing Phenotype in Pediatric Autoimmune Liver Disease: Outcomes From an Australian Center

OBJECTIVES

Autoimmune liver disease (AILD) incorporates primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC). ASC is a condition that includes overlap of AIH and PSC. We investigate changes in practice in relation to diagnosis and phenotype over 2 time periods.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was conducted from January 2000 to 2016. Data were divided into two 8-year cohorts, CI and C2.

RESULTS

Data were collected in 75 children, 29 in 2000-2007 (C1) and 46 in 2008-2016 (C2). Presenting AILD type was AIH in 59%, ASC in 10%, and PSC in 31%. Final AILD type was AIH in 53%, ASC in 16%, and PSC in 31%. When comparing C1 to C2, those with AIH decreased (65% vs 45%) and those with ASC increased (14% vs 18%). Use of magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography increased from 34% in C1 to 65% in C2. Advanced liver disease on biopsy was noted in 53% of all children at presentation. Only 5 female children progressed to liver transplant (3 ASC-IBD [inflammatory bowel disease]; 1 PSC-IBD; 1 AIH). Colonoscopy performance increased from 48% in C1 to 63% in C2 with diagnosis of AILD-IBD increasing from 31% to 52%. Right-sided disease was present in 46% and macroscopic rectal sparing in 36% of those with ulcerative colitis (UC). Colectomy was required in 3 children with large duct PSC-IBD.

CONCLUSIONS

PSC and ASC are increasing in relevance along with IBD and reflect increasing performance of magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography and colonoscopy. Large duct PSC and ASC with IBD are risk factors for colectomy and along with female gender, for liver transplant.

A promising medium-term follow-up of pediatric sclerosing cholangitis: Mild phenotype or early diagnosis?

AIM

Sclerosing cholangitis (SC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that is being increasingly diagnosed in childhood. The long-term course and prognosis of pediatric SC are poorly described.

METHODS

We reviewed data of pediatric SC patients, followed in two referral centers, during a period of up to 20 years. We aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes according to SC phenotype.

RESULTS

Among 45 patients (median age, 10.4 years; male patients, 73.4%) 29 (64.4%) were asymptomatic at presentation. Twenty patients (44%) had a concomitant inflammatory bowel disease (SC/IBD). Autoimmune features were found in 20 patients (44%). Liver biopsy showed severe fibrosis or cirrhosis in 32% of cases. Patients with SC alone had a higher rate of interface hepatitis at liver biopsy than SC/IBD patients. All children received ursodeoxycholic acid at diagnosis, and 17 received steroids and/or azathioprine. After a mean follow-up of 8.7 ± 5.6 years, all patients were alive and seven developed at least one liver-related complication. At the end of follow-up, 10 patients stopped immunosuppressants and two had no therapy. Only two patients underwent liver transplantation. Complication-free survival did not differ between SC/IBD and SC patients, but survival was longer in patients without autoimmune features.

CONCLUSIONS

In our early diagnosed cohort, the 9-year survival with native liver was better than that reported in other studies. Approximately 15% of patients developed liver-related disease complications, less than previously reported. The long-term course of SC was negatively influenced by the presence of autoimmune features, but not by concomitant IBD.

Reproductive factors and gallbladder/bile duct cancer: a population-based cohort study in Japan

Reproductive/menstrual factors may be involved in the etiology of gallbladder cancer (GBC) and bile duct cancer (BDC). However, the results from previous epidemiological studies have been inconsistent. We investigated the association of reproductive/menstrual factors with the risk for GBC and BDC in a population-based prospective cohort study in Japan. Data on reproductive/menstrual factors were collected through a self-administered questionnaire at baseline. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model. A total of 55 786 women enrolled between 1990 and 1994 were included in the analysis, and 115 GBC and 113 BDC cases were identified, with 944 861 person-years follow-up until 2010. For GBC, irregular and longer cycles were moderately associated with an increased risk [HR=2.12 (95% CI: 1.30-3.47) and HR=1.76 (95% CI: 1.08-2.89), respectively]. This effect tended to be greater in premenopausal than in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, older age at first pregnancy tended to be associated with an increased risk [HR=1.84 (95% CI: 1.03-3.29), P-trend=0.036], whereas increased duration of fertility tended to be associated with a decreased risk [HR=0.59 (95% CI: 0.35-1.01), P-trend=0.055] of GBC. No clear association with BDC was observed. This finding suggests that women with irregular or longer cycles may have an increased risk for GBC and female hormones may play an important role in the etiology of GBC.

Therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy for nonresectable cholangiocarcinoma: Protocol for a meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant neoplasia that originates in the bile ducts. Most patients with cholangiocarcinoma are inoperable at the time of diagnosis. photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a fairly well accepted treatment in clinical practice for nonresectable cholangiocarcinoma (NCC) but lack of quantitatively assessment. Herein, we present a protocol for a systematic review to identify the efficacy of PDT in patients with NCC.

METHODS

We will search PUBMED, SpringerLink, Cochrane Library, the Chinese Biomedical database (CBM), WanFang data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) up to December 2017. Studies will be screened by title, abstract, and full text independently and in duplicate. Studies that report PDT in patients with nonresectable cholangiocarcinoma will be eligible for inclusion. Outcome variables will be assessed included survival benefit, health status and quality of life, and adverse events with photodynamic therapy. Assessment of risk of bias and data synthesis will be performed using Revman software. The hazard ratios will be extracted from the survival curves using Tierney Method. Heterogeneity among studies will be assessed using the I statistic.

RESULTS

This study will review randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, or retrospective studies and quantitatively assess the efficacy of PDT in patients with NCC for the latest evidence-based recommendation.

CONCLUSION

This study will evaluate therapeutic effect of PDT in patients with NCC systematically. We expect that the results from this systematic review for clinical trials will help inform clinical practice in NCC.

Role of endoscopy in primary sclerosing cholangitis: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Clinical Guideline

This guideline is an official statement of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) on the role of endoscopy in primary sclerosing cholangitis. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was adopted to define the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. Main recommendations.

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 molecular landscape of colitis-associated carcinogenesis

In spite of the well-established histopathological phenotyping of IBD-associated preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions, their molecular landscape remains to be fully elucidated. Several studies have pinpointed the initiating role of longstanding/relapsing inflammatory insult on the intestinal mucosa, with the activation of different pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ), chemokines and metabolites of arachidonic acid resulting in the activation of key transcription factors such as NF-κB. Longstanding inflammation may also modify the intestinal microbiota, prompting the overgrowth of genotoxic microorganisms, which may act as further cancer promoters. Most of the molecular dysregulation occurring in sporadic colorectal carcinogenesis is documented in colitis-associated adenocarcinoma too, but marked differences have been established in both their timing and prevalence. Unlike sporadic cancers, TP53 alterations occur early in IBD-related carcinogenesis, while APC dysregulation emerges mainly in the most advanced stages of the oncogenic cascade. From the therapeutic standpoint, colitis-associated cancers are associated with a lower prevalence of KRAS mutations than the sporadic variant. Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs, are significantly involved in colitis-associated cancer development and progression. The focus now is on identifying diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, with a view to ultimately designing patient-tailored therapies.

The Natural History of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in Children: A Large Single-Center Longitudinal Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Data regarding pediatric primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) natural history are limited. We describe a large pediatric PSC cohort with longitudinal follow-up.

METHODS

The present study records review of pediatric patients with PSC diagnosed between 1984 and 2014.

RESULTS

N = 120 (63% M) ages 1 to 21 years (median 14 years) at diagnosis. 27% (31/113) had autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC), 24% had exclusive small duct PSC, METAVIR stage was F3-F4 in 41%. Eighty-one percent of patients with PSC had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); most had ulcerative/indeterminate colitis (72/97), typically pancolitis (40/72). PSC-IBD was more common than ASC-IBD (85% vs 68%, P = 0.03). Median follow-up was 3.7 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.5, 6.9). Median gamma glutamyl transferase decreased from baseline of 221 U/L (IQR 110, 425) to 104 U/L by 1 year postdiagnosis ([IQR 18,229], P < 0.0001), and then changed little. Mean fibrosis stage at diagnosis was 2.3 ± 1.4 (N = 91), and at 1 to 5 years was 2.6 ± 1.3 (N = 20). Transplant-free survival at 10 year was 89%; there were 6 liver transplants, 2 in patients with small duct PSC and 4 with diffuse large duct PSC. Although the cirrhosis rate was not significantly different in PSC with IBD versus without (22% vs 41%, P = 0.06), the former had a lower rate of liver transplantation (2% vs 18%, P = 0.01). The rate of cirrhosis was lower in patients diagnosed with IBD before PSC (15% vs 31%, P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this largest reported pediatric PSC cohort, liver transplantation rate at 10 years was lower than that reported in adults. ASC and PSC had similar biochemical abnormalities and degree of fibrosis at diagnosis. PSC that developed after IBD diagnosis had a milder course, possibly reflecting earlier disease detection or milder phenotype.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma prognostic determination using pre-operative serum C-reactive protein levels

Background

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute inflammatory response biomarker, has been recognized as an indicator of malignant disease progression. However, the prognostic significance of CRP levels collected before tumor removal in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma requires further investigation.

Methods

We sampled the CRP levels in 140 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who underwent hepatectomies with regional lymphadenectomies between 2006 and 2013. A retrospective analysis of the clinicopathological data was performed. We focused on the impact of serum CRP on the patients’ cancer-specific survival and recurrence-free survival rates.

Results

High levels of preoperative serum CRP were significantly associated with well-established clinicopathologic features, including gender, advanced tumor stage, and elevated carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between high levels of serum CRP and adverse cancer-specific survival (P = 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (P < 0.001). In patients with stage I/II intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, the serum CRP level was a prognostic indicator for cancer-specific survival. In patients with stage I/II or stage III/IV, the serum CRP level was a prognostic indicator for recurrence-free survival (P < 0.05). Additionally, multivariate analysis identified serum CRP level in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma as an independent prognostic factor (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

We confirmed a significant association of elevated pre-operative CRP levels with poor clinical outcomes for the tested patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Our results indicate that the serum CRP level may represent a useful factor for patient stratification in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma management.

Psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease: links and risks

Psoriasis and the spectrum of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic, inflammatory, organotropic conditions. The epidemiologic coexistence of these diseases is corroborated by findings at the level of disease, biogeography, and intrafamilial and intrapatient coincidence. The identification of shared susceptibility loci and DNA polymorphisms has confirmed this correlation at a genetic level. The pathogenesis of both diseases implicates the innate and adaptive segments of the immune system. Increased permeability of the epidermal barrier in skin and intestine underlies the augmented interaction of allergens and pathogens with inflammatory receptors of immune cells. The immune response between psoriasis and IBD is similar and comprises phagocytic, dendritic, and natural killer cell, along with a milieu of cytokines and antimicrobial peptides that stimulate T-cells. The interplay between dendritic cells and Th17 cells appears to be the core dysregulated immune pathway in all these conditions. The distinct similarities in the pathogenesis are also reflected in the wide overlapping of their therapeutic approaches. Small-molecule pharmacologic immunomodulators have been applied, and more recently, biologic treatments that target proinflammatory interleukins have been introduced or are currently being evaluated. However, the fact that some treatments are quite selective for either skin or gut conditions also highlights their crucial pathophysiologic differences. In the present review, a comprehensive comparison of risk factors, pathogenesis links, and therapeutic strategies for psoriasis and IBD is presented. Specific emphasis is placed on the role of the immune cell species and inflammatory mediators participating in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Association between green tea/coffee consumption and biliary tract cancer: A population-based cohort study in Japan

Green tea and coffee consumption may decrease the risk of some types of cancers. However, their effects on biliary tract cancer (BTC) have been poorly understood. In this population‐based prospective cohort study in Japan, we investigated the association of green tea (total green tea, Sencha, and Bancha/Genmaicha) and coffee consumption with the risk for BTC and its subtypes, gallbladder cancer, and extrahepatic bile duct cancer. The hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model. A total of 89 555 people aged 45–74 years were enrolled between 1995 and 1999 and followed up for 1 138 623 person‐years until 2010, during which 284 cases of BTC were identified. Consumption of >720 mL/day green tea was significantly associated with decreased risk compared with consumption of ≤120 mL/day (hazard ratio = 0.67 [95% confidence interval, 0.46–0.97]), and a non‐significant trend of decreased risk associated with increased consumption was observed (P‐trend = 0.095). In the analysis according to the location of the primary tumor, consuming >120 mL green tea tended to be associated with decreased risk of gallbladder cancer and extrahepatic bile duct cancer. When Sencha and Bancha/Genmaicha were analyzed separately, we observed a non‐significant trend of decreased risk of BTC associated with Sencha but no association with Bancha/Genmaicha. For coffee, there was no clear association with biliary tract, gallbladder, or extrahepatic bile duct cancer. Our findings suggest that high green tea consumption may lower the risk of BTC, and the effect may be attributable to Sencha consumption.

Risk of Colorectal Cancer After Solid Organ Transplantation in the United States

Solid organ transplant recipients have increased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. We assessed CRC risk among transplant recipients and identified factors contributing to this association. The US transplant registry was linked to 15 population-based cancer registries (1987-2010). We compared CRC risk in recipients to the general population by using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and identified CRC risk factors by using Poisson regression. Based on 790 cases of CRC among 224 098 transplant recipients, the recipients had elevated CRC risk (SIR 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04 to 1.20). The increase was driven by an excess of proximal colon cancer (SIR 1.69, 95% CI 1.53 to 1.87), while distal colon cancer was not increased (SIR 0.93, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.07), and rectal cancer was reduced (SIR 0.64, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.76). In multivariate analyses, CRC was increased markedly in lung recipients with cystic fibrosis (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 12.3, 95% CI 6.94 to 21.9, vs. kidney recipients). Liver recipients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease also had elevated CRC risk (IRR 5.32, 95% CI 3.73 to 7.58). Maintenance therapy with cyclosporine and azathioprine was associated with proximal colon cancer (IRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.23). Incidence was not elevated in a subgroup of kidney recipients treated with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, pointing to the relevance of the identified risk factors. Transplant recipients have increased proximal colon cancer risk, likely related to underlying medical conditions (cystic fibrosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis) and specific immunosuppressive regimens.

Controversies in the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remains a rare but significant disease, which affects mainly young males in association with inflammatory bowel disease. There have been few advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of the condition and no therapeutics with proven mortality benefit aside from liver transplantation. There remain areas of controversy in the management of PSC which include the differentiation from other cholangiopathies, in particular immunoglobulin G4 related sclerosing cholangitis, the management of dominant biliary strictures, and the role of ursodeoxycholic acid. In addition, the timing of liver transplantation in PSC remains difficult to predict with standard liver severity scores. In this review, we address these controversies and highlight the latest evidence base in the management of PSC.

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.

Molecular Alterations of Colorectal Cancer with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an important etiologic factor in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). The risk of CRC begins to increase 8 or 10 years after the diagnosis of IBD. This type of cancer is called colitis-associated CRC (CA-CRC). The molecular pathogenesis of inflammatory epithelium might play a critical role in the development of CA-CRC. Genetic alterations detected in CA-CRC such as genetic mutations, microsatellite instability, and DNA hypermethylation are also recognized in sporadic CRC; however, there are differences in the timing and frequency of molecular events between CA-CRC and sporadic CRC. Interaction between gene-environmental factors, including inflammation, lifestyle, psychological stress, and prior appendectomy, might be associated with the etiopathology of IBD. The mucosal inflammatory mediators, such as oxidant stress, free radicals, and chemokines, may cause the genetic alterations. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of CA-CRC might be important to develop clinical efficacies for patients with IBD. This review discusses the molecular characteristics of CA-CRC, especially ulcerative colitis-associated CRC, including clinical features, signaling pathways, and interactions between genetic alterations and environment involved in inflammatory carcinogenesis.

ACG Clinical Guideline: Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that can shorten life and may require liver transplantation. The cause is unknown, although it is commonly associated with colitis. There is no approved or proven therapy, although ursodeoxycholic acid is used by many on an empiric basis. Complications including portal hypertension, fat-soluble vitamin deficiency, metabolic bone diseases, and development of cancers of the bile duct or colon can occur.

Gain of Function Mutations of PIK3CD as a Cause of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Gain of function (GOF) mutation in the p110δ catalytic subunit of the phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PIK3CD) is the cause of a primary immunodeficiency (PID) characterized by recurrent sinopulmonary infections and lymphoproliferation. We describe a family of two adults and three children with GOF mutation in PIK3CD, all with recurrent sinopulmonary infections and varied infectious and non-infectious complications. The two adults have Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) without evidence of Cryptosporidium parvum infection and have required liver transplantation. PSC is a novel phenotype of GOF mutation in PIK3CD.

Progress in pharmaceutical therapy of autoimmune liver diseases

Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) include autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and overlap syndrome (OS). AILDs are the new research hotspot in the field of liver diseases nowadays. The advances in research of AILDs have led to a new understanding of pharmaceutical treatment of this disease. This article reviews the progress in the pharmaceutical therapy of AILDs.