When Should I Get My Next COVID Vaccine? Data from the SUrveillance of responses to COVID-19 vaCcines in systEmic immunE mediated inflammatory Diseases (SUCCEED)study

OBJECTIVE

To determine how serologic responses to COVID vaccination/infection in immunemediated inflammatory disease (IMID) are affected by time since last vaccination and other factors.

METHODS

Post-COVID-19 vaccination, data and dried blood spots/sera were collected from adults with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus, ankylosing spondylitis/spondylarthritis and psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis. First sample was at enrolment and then 2-4 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after latest vaccine dose. Multivariate generalized estimating equation regressions (including medications, demographics, and vaccination history) evaluated serologic response, based on log-transformed anti-RBD IgG titres; we also measured anti-nucleocapsid IgG.

RESULTS

Positive associations for log-transformed anti-RBD titres were seen with female sex, number of doses, and self-reported COVID infections in 2021-2023. Negative associations were seen with prednisone, anti-TNF agents, and rituximab.Over 2021-2023, most (94%) of anti-nucleocapsid positivity was associated with a self-reported infection in the 3 months prior. From March 2021 to Feb 2022, anti-nucleocapsid positivity was present in 5-15% of samples and was highest in the post-Omicron era, with anti-nucleocapsid positivity trending to 30-35% or higher as of March 2023. Anti-nucleocapsid positivity in IMID remained lower than Canada's general population seroprevalence (>50% in 2022 and >75% in 2023).Time since last vaccination was negatively associated with log-transformed anti-RBD titres, particularly after 210 days.

CONCLUSION

Ours is the first pan-Canadian IMID assessment of how vaccine history and other factors affect serologic COVID-19 vaccine responses. These findings may help individuals personalize vaccination decisions, including consideration of additional vaccination when >6 months has elapsed since last COVID vaccination/infection.

Forecasting the Incidence and Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Canadian Nationwide Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Canada has a high burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Historical trends of IBD incidence and prevalence were analyzed to forecast the Canadian burden over the next decade.

METHODS

Population-based surveillance cohorts in 8 provinces derived from health administrative data assessed the national incidence (2007-2014) and prevalence (2002-2014) of IBD. Autoregressive integrated moving average models were used to forecast incidence and prevalence, stratified by age, with 95% prediction intervals (PI), to 2035. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the forecasted incidence and prevalence.

RESULTS

The national incidence of IBD is estimated to be 29.9 per 100,000 (95% PI 28.3-31.5) in 2023. With a stable AAPC of 0.36% (95% CI -0.05 to 0.72), the incidence of IBD is forecasted to be 31.2 per 100,000 (95% PI 28.1-34.3) in 2035. The incidence in pediatric patients (younger than 18 years) is increasing (AAPC 1.27%; 95% CI 0.82-1.67), but it is stable in adults (AAPC 0.26%; 95% CI -0.42 to 0.82). The prevalence of IBD in Canada was 843 per 100,000 (95% PI 716-735) in 2023 and is expected to steadily climb (AAPC 2.43%; 95% CI 2.32-2.54) to 1,098 per 100,000 (95% PI 1,068-1,127) by 2035. The highest prevalence is in seniors with IBD (1,174 per 100,000 in 2023; AAPC 2.78%; 95% CI 2.75-2.81).

DISCUSSION

Over the next decade, the Canadian health care systems will contend with the juxtaposition of rising incidence of pediatric IBD and a rising prevalence of overall IBD driven by the aging population.

Challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in Latin America

The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), namely Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, have increased in Latin America over the past few decades. Although incidence is accelerating in some countries in the region, other areas in Latin America are already transitioning into the next epidemiological stage-ie, compounding prevalence-with a similar epidemiological profile to the western world. Consequently, more attention must be given to the diagnosis and management of IBD in Latin America. In this Review, we provide an overview of epidemiology, potential local environmental risk factors, challenges in the management of IBD, and limitations due to the heterogenity of health-care systems, both public and private, in Latin America. Unresolved issues in the region include inadequate access to diagnostic resources, biological therapies, tight disease monitoring (including treat to target therapy, surveillance and prevention of complications, drug monitoring), and specialised IBD surgery. Local guidelines are an important effort to overcome barriers in IBD management. Advancements in long-term health-care policies will be important to promote early diagnosis, access to new treatments, and improvements in research in Latin America. These improvements will not only affect overall health care but will also lead to optimal prioritisation of IBD-related costs and resources and enhance the quality of life of people with IBD in Latin America.

Health Services Utilization and Specialist Care in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multiprovince Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Patterns of health services utilization among children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are important to understand as the number of children with IBD continues to increase. We compared health services utilization and surgery among children diagnosed <10 years of age (Paris classification: A1a) and between 10 and <16 years of age (A1b).

METHODS

Incident cases of IBD diagnosed <16 years of age were identified using validated algorithms from deterministically linked health administrative data in 5 Canadian provinces (Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec) to conduct a retrospective cohort study. We compared the frequency of IBD-specific outpatient visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations across age groups (A1a vs A1b [reference]) using negative binomial regression. The risk of surgery was compared across age groups using Cox proportional hazards models. Models were adjusted for sex, rural/urban residence location, and mean neighborhood income quintile. Province-specific estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 1165 (65.7% Crohn's) children with IBD included in our study, there were no age differences in the frequency of hospitalizations (rate ratio [RR], 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-1.06) or outpatient visits (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.78-1.16). A1a children had fewer emergency department visits (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50-0.97) and were less likely to require a Crohn's-related surgery (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.26-0.92). The risk of colectomy was similar among children with ulcerative colitis in both age groups (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.49-1.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patterns of health services utilization are generally similar when comparing children diagnosed across age groups.

Variation in the Care of Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Within and Across Canadian Provinces: A Multi-Province Population-Based Cohort Study

Purpose

The incidence of childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising. We described variation in health services utilization and need for surgery among children with IBD between six and 60 months following IBD diagnosis across Canadian pediatric centers and evaluated the associations between care provided at diagnosis at each center and the variation in these outcomes.

Patients and Methods

Using population-based deterministically-linked health administrative data from four Canadian provinces (Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario) we identified children diagnosed with IBD <16 years of age using validated algorithms. Children were assigned to a pediatric center of care using a hierarchical approach based on where they received their initial care. Outcomes included IBD-related hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, and IBD-related abdominal surgery occurring between 6 and sixty months after diagnosis. Mixed-effects meta-analysis was used to pool results and examine the association between center-level care provision and outcomes.

Results

We identified 3784 incident cases of pediatric IBD, of whom 2937 (77.6%) were treated at pediatric centers. Almost a third (31.4%) of children had ≥1 IBD-related hospitalization and there were 0.66 hospitalizations per person during follow-up. More than half (55.8%) of children had ≥1 ED visit and there were 1.64 ED visits per person. Between-center heterogeneity was high for both outcomes; centers where more children visited the ED at diagnosis had more IBD-related hospitalizations and more ED visits during follow-up. Between-center heterogeneity was high for intestinal resection in Crohn's disease but not colectomy in ulcerative colitis.

Conclusion

There is variation in health services utilization among children with IBD and risk of undergoing intestinal resection in those with Crohn's disease, but not colectomy among children with ulcerative colitis, across Canadian pediatric tertiary-care centers. Improvements in clinical care pathways are needed to ensure all children have equitable and timely access to high quality care.

Economic impact of inflammatory bowel disease in Catalonia: a population-based analysis

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a major economic impact on healthcare costs.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current healthcare expenditure associated with IBD in a population-wide study in Catalonia.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Methods

All patients with IBD included in the Catalan Health Surveillance System (CHSS) were considered eligible. The CHSS compiles data on more than 7 million individuals in 2020 (34,823 with IBD). Data on the use of healthcare resources and its economic impact were extracted applying the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, Clinical Modification codes (ICD-10-CM codes). Health expenditure, comorbidities, and hospitalization were calculated according to the standard costs of each service provided by the Department of Health of the Catalan government. The data on the IBD population were compared with non-IBD population adjusted for age, sex, and income level. IBD costs were recorded separately for Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Results

Prevalence of comorbidities was higher in patients with IBD than in those without. The risk of hospitalization was twice as high in the IBD population. The overall healthcare expenditure on IBD patients amounted to 164M€. The pharmacy cost represents the 60%. The average annual per capita expenditure on IBD patients was more than 3.4-fold higher (IBD 4200€, non-IBD 1200€). Average costs of UC were 3400€ and 5700€ for CD.

Conclusion

The risk of comorbidities was twice as high in patients with IBD and their use of healthcare resources was also higher than that of their non-IBD counterparts. Per capita healthcare expenditure was approximately 3.4 times higher in the population with IBD.

Trial registration

The study was not previously registered.

Multiple Sclerosis Risk Among Anti-tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Users: A Methodological Review of Observational Studies Based on Real-world Data

Epidemiologic studies on the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) or demyelinating events associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) use among patients with rheumatic diseases or inflammatory bowel diseases have shown conflicting results. Causal directed acyclic graphs (cDAGs) are useful tools for understanding the differing results and identifying the structure of potential contributing biases. Most of the available literature on cDAGs uses language that might be unfamiliar to clinicians. This article demonstrates how cDAGs can be used to determine whether there is a confounder, a mediator or collider-stratification bias and when to adjust for them appropriately. We also use a case study to show how to control for potential biases by drawing a cDAG depicting anti-TNFα use and its potential to contribute to MS onset. Finally, we describe potential biases that might have led to contradictory results in previous studies that examined the effect of anti-TNFα and MS, including confounding, confounding by contraindication, and bias due to measurement error. Clinicians and researchers should be cognizant of confounding, confounding by contraindication, and bias due to measurement error when reviewing future studies on the risk of MS or demyelinating events associated with anti-TNFα use. cDAGs are a useful tool for selecting variables and identifying the structure of different biases that can affect the validity of observational studies.

The Epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Oceania: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Incidence and Prevalence

BACKGROUND

Past studies have shown high rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Australia and New Zealand (NZ). We aimed to describe the epidemiology of IBD in Australia, NZ, and the surrounding region (collectively termed Oceania) by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched from inception to April 2023 for studies reporting incidence or prevalence rates of IBD, Crohn's disease (CD), or ulcerative colitis (UC) in Oceania. All study designs were included. A meta-analysis calculated pooled estimates of incidence and prevalence, and a sensitivity analysis compared the pooled population-based studies with the non-population-based studies and the Australian and NZ studies separately.

RESULTS

Nineteen incidence and 11 prevalence studies were included; 2 studies were from the Pacific Islands, with the rest coming from Australia and NZ. Pooled estimates showed high incidence rates of 19.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.8-23.7) for IBD, 8.3 (95% CI, 6.9-9.8) for CD, and 7.4 (95% CI, 5.7-9.1) for CD per 100 000 person-years. CD was more common than UC in most studies. The pooled estimates for the prevalence studies were 303.3 (95% CI, 128.1-478.4) for IBD, 149.8 (95% CI, 71.0-228.5) for CD, and 142.2 (95% CI, 63.1-221.4) for UC per 100 000 persons. Studies using population-based data collection methods showed higher pooled rates for both incidence and prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and prevalence of IBD in Oceania is high. The studies were heterogeneous and there were several geographic areas with no information, highlighting the need for more epidemiological studies of IBD.

Incidence and Prevalence of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Meta-analysis of Population-based Studies

BACKGROUND

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic liver disease associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilization. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies of the incidence and prevalence of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

METHODS

Medline and Embase were systematically searched to identify population-based studies of a defined geographic area and reported the incidence or prevalence of primary sclerosing cholangitis in the general population. Meta-analyses, using random-effects, were performed to calculate overall and country-specific incidence (per 100 000 persons/year) and prevalence rates (per 100 000 persons) with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

The 14 studies on incidence and the 12 for prevalence originated from North America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Incidence and prevalence rates of primary sclerosing cholangitis were 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.59-1.29) and 13.53 (95% confidence interval, 10.20-17.94) per 100 000 persons, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the prevalence and incidence of primary sclerosing cholangitis is low in the general population. Future studies on the incidence and prevalence of primary sclerosing cholangitis in the general population should be directed at Asia, Africa, and Latin America to allow for a more robust assessment of the global epidemiology of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Among Canadian Children: Comparison Between Children of Non-European Descent and Children of European Descent

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) phenotypes may differ between countries and ancestral groups. The study aim was to examine ancestry and subtype variations of children newly diagnosed with IBD.

METHODS

Children newly diagnosed with IBD enrolled into the Canadian Children Inflammatory Bowel Disease Network inception cohort study were categorized into 8 ancestral groups. Prospectively collected data at diagnosis and follow-up were compared between ancestral groups.

RESULTS

Among 1447 children (63.2% Crohn's disease, 30.7% ulcerative colitis), 67.8% were European, 9.4% were South Asian, 3.8% were West Central Asian and Middle Eastern, 2.3% were African, 2.2% were East/South East Asian, 2.0% were Caribbean/Latin/Central/South American, 9.9% were mixed, and 2.6% were other. Children of African descent with ulcerative colitis had an older age of diagnosis compared with children of European descent (median 15.6 years vs 13.3 years; P = .02). Children of European descent had a higher proportion of positive family history with IBD (19.3% vs 12.1%; P = .001) compared with children of non-European descent. Children of European descent also had a lower proportion of immigrants and children of immigrants compared with children of non-European descent (9.8% vs 35.9%; P < .0001; and 3.6% vs 27.2%; P < .0001, respectively) .

CONCLUSIONS

Important differences exist between different ancestral groups in pediatric patients with IBD with regard to age of diagnosis, family history, and immigrant status. Our study adds to the knowledge of the impact of ancestry on IBD pathogenesis.

Epidemiologic Burden and Projections for Eosinophilic Esophagitis-Associated Emergency Department Visits in the United States: 2009-2030

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with poorly controlled eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) may require unplanned emergency department (ED) visits for the management of dysphagia or food impactions. We evaluated the epidemiologic burden of EoE on ED utilization in the United States.

METHODS

Data from the US Nationwide Emergency Department Sample were used to estimate weighted annual EoE-associated ED visits from 2009 to 2019. Temporal trends in population-adjusted rates of EoE visits were assessed using joinpoint regression. Autoregressive integrated moving average models were used to project EoE-associated ED visits to 2030. We also evaluated endoscopic utilization, requirement for hospitalization, and ED-related charges in patients with EoE presenting to the ED.

RESULTS

A total of 11,125 unweighted (49,507 weighted) ED visits for EoE were included (69.0% male; mean age, 32.4 y). The annual volume of EoE-associated ED visits increased from 2934 (95% CI, 2437-3431) in 2009 to 8765 (95% CI, 7514-10,015) in 2019, and is projected to reach 15,445 (95% prediction interval, 14,672-16,218) by 2030. From 2009 to 2019, the number of EoE-associated ED visits increased by an average of 11.5% per year (95% CI, 10.3%-12.7%). The proportion of patients admitted to the hospital from the ED decreased from 25.6% in 2009 to 2011 to 14.0% in 2017 to 2019. Half of EoE patients presenting to the ED required an endoscopy, and nearly 40% required an esophageal foreign body removal. Total mean inflation-adjusted charges for an EoE-associated ED visit were $9025 US dollars in 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

The volume of EoE-associated ED visits tripled between 2009 and 2019 and is projected to further double by 2030. This represents a substantial burden of unanticipated health care resource utilization and highlights a potential opportunity to optimize outpatient EoE care.

Hospitalization Rates for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Are Decreasing Over Time: A Population-based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) striving for new treatment targets may have decreased rates of hospitalization for flares. We compared all-cause, IBD-related, and non-IBD-related hospitalizations while accounting for the rising prevalence of IBD.

METHODS

Population-based, administrative health care databases identified all individuals living with IBD in Alberta between fiscal year 2002 and 2018. Hospitalization rates (all-cause, IBD-related, and non-IBD-related) were calculated using the prevalent Alberta IBD population. Hospitalizations were stratified by disease type, age, sex, and metropolitan status. Data were age and sex standardized to the 2019 Canadian population. Log-linear models calculated Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) in hospitalization rates with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

From 2002-2003 to 2018-2019, all-cause hospitalization rates decreased from 36.57 to 16.72 per 100 IBD patients (AAPC, -4.18%; 95% CI, -4.69 to -3.66). Inflammatory bowel disease-related hospitalization rate decreased from 26.44 to 9.24 per 100 IBD patients (AAPC, -5.54%; 95% CI, -6.19 to -4.88). Non-IBD-related hospitalization rate decreased from 10.13 to 7.48 per 100 IBD patients (AAPC, -1.82%; 95% CI, -2.14 to -1.49). Those over 80 years old had the greatest all-cause and non-IBD-related hospitalization rates. Temporal trends showing decreasing hospitalization rates were observed across age, sex, IBD type, and metropolitan status.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalization rates are decreasing for all-cause, IBD-related, and non-IBD-related hospitalizations. Over the past 20 years, the care of IBD has transitioned from hospital-based care to ambulatory-centric IBD management.

Venous Thromboembolism After COVID-19 Infection Among People With and Without Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases

Importance

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) and COVID-19 are independently associated with venous thromboembolisms (VTEs).

Objective

To determine if individuals with IMIDs are at higher risk of VTE following COVID-19 infection compared with individuals without IMIDs.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Population-based matched cohort study using multiple deterministically linked health administrative databases from Ontario, Canada, and including patients testing positive for COVID-19 between January 1, 2020, and December 30, 2021, and followed up until March 31, 2022. Individuals with IMIDs (n = 28 440) who tested positive for COVID-19 were matched with up to 5 individuals without an IMID (n = 126 437) who tested positive for COVID-19. Matching was based on year of birth, sex, neighborhood income, and rural/urban residence. Data analysis was performed from August 6, 2022, to August 21, 2023.

Exposure

Diagnosis of an IMID, identified using algorithms based on diagnostic codes, procedures, and specialist visits.

Main Outcome and Measure

The main outcome was estimated age- and sex-standardized incidence of VTE. Proportional cause-specific hazard models compared the risk of VTE in people with and without IMIDs. Death was a competing risk. Models adjusted for history of VTE, 2 or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine 14 or more days prior to COVID-19 diagnosis, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Routinely collected health data were used, so the hypothesis tested was formulated after data collection but prior to being granted access to data.

Results

The study included 28 440 individuals (16 741 [58.9%] female; 11 699 [41.1%] male) with an IMID diagnosed prior to first COVID-19 diagnosis, with a mean (SD) age of 52.1 (18.8) years at COVID-19 diagnosis. These individuals were matched to 126 437 controls without IMIDs. The incidence of VTE within 6 months of COVID-19 diagnosis among 28 440 individuals with an IMID was 2.64 (95% CI, 2.23-3.10) per 100 000 person-days compared with 2.18 (95% CI, 1.99-2.38) per 100 000 person-days among 126 437 matched individuals without IMIDs. The VTE risk was not statistically significantly different among those with vs without IMIDs (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.95-1.32).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this retrospective population-based cohort study of individuals with IMIDs following COVID-19, individuals with IMIDs did not have a higher risk of VTE compared with individuals without an IMID. These data provide reassurance to clinicians caring for individuals with IMIDs and COVID-19.

Ulcerative Colitis in Adults: A Review

Importance

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon, with a prevalence exceeding 400 per 100 000 in North America. Individuals with UC have a lower life expectancy and are at increased risk for colectomy and colorectal cancer.

Observations

UC impairs quality of life secondary to inflammation of the colon causing chronic diarrhea and rectal bleeding. Extraintestinal manifestations, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, occur in approximately 27% of patients with UC. People with UC require monitoring of symptoms and biomarkers of inflammation (eg, fecal calprotectin), and require colonoscopy at 8 years from diagnosis for surveillance of dysplasia. Risk stratification by disease location (eg, Montreal Classification) and disease activity (eg, Mayo Score) can guide management of UC. First-line therapy for induction and maintenance of remission of mild to moderate UC is 5-aminosalicylic acid. Moderate to severe UC may require oral corticosteroids for induction of remission as a bridge to medications that sustain remission (biologic monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor [eg, infliximab], α4β7 integrins [vedolizumab], and interleukin [IL] 12 and IL-23 [ustekinumab]) and oral small molecules that inhibit janus kinase (eg, tofacitinib) or modulate sphingosine-1-phosphate (ozanimod). Despite advances in medical therapies, the highest response to these treatments ranges from 30% to 60% in clinical trials. Within 5 years of diagnosis, approximately 20% of patients with UC are hospitalized and approximately 7% undergo colectomy. The risk of colorectal cancer after 20 years of disease duration is 4.5%, and people with UC have a 1.7-fold higher risk for colorectal cancer compared with the general population. Life expectancy in people with UC is approximately 80.5 years for females and 76.7 years for males, which is approximately 5 years shorter than people without UC.

Conclusions and Relevance

UC affects approximately 400 of every 100 000 people in North America. An effective treatment for mild to moderate UC is 5-aminosalicylic acid, whereas moderate to severe UC can be treated with advanced therapies that target specific inflammation pathways, including monoclonal antibodies to tumor necrosis factor, α4β7 integrins, and IL-12 and IL-23 cytokines, as well as oral small molecule therapies targeting janus kinase or sphingosine-1-phosphate.

The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada: Access to and Models of Care

Rising compounding prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Kaplan GG, Windsor JW. The four epidemiological stages in the global evolution of inflammatory bowel disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;18:56-66.) and pandemic-exacerbated health system resource limitations have resulted in significant variability in access to high-quality, evidence-based, person-centered specialty care for Canadians living with IBD. Individuals with IBD have identified long wait times, gaps in biopsychosocial care, treatment and travel expenses, and geographic and provider variation in IBD specialty care and knowledge as some of the key barriers to access. Care delivered within integrated models of care (IMC) has shown promise related to impact on disease-related outcomes and quality of life. However, access to these models is limited within the Canadian healthcare systems and much remains to be learned about the most appropriate IMC team composition and roles. Although eHealth technologies have been leveraged to overcome some access challenges since COVID-19, more research is needed to understand how best to integrate eHealth modalities (i.e., video or telephone visits) into routine IBD care. Many individuals with IBD are satisfied with these eHealth modalities. However, not all disease assessment and monitoring can be achieved through virtual modalities. The need for access to person-centered, objective disease monitoring strategies, inclusive of point of care intestinal ultrasound, is more pressing than ever given pandemic-exacerbated restrictions in access to endoscopy and cross-sectional imaging. Supporting learning healthcare systems for IBD and research relating to the strategic use of innovative and integrative implementation strategies for evidence-based IBD care interventions are greatly needed. Data derived from this research will be essential to appropriately allocating scarce resources aimed at improving person-centred access to cost-effective IBD care.

The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada: Epidemiology of IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), consisting of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is recognized across the world, though Canada has among the highest burdens of IBD in the world. The Canadian Gastro-Intestinal Epidemiology Consortium (CanGIEC) led a six-province study that demonstrated the compounding prevalence of IBD in Canada from 400 per 100,000 in 2002 to 636 per 100,000 in 2014. The prevalence in 2023 is estimated at 825 per 100,000, meaning that over 320,000 people in Canada are living with IBD. Prevalence is forecasted to rise by 2.44% per year such that 1.1% of the population, 470,000 Canadians, will live with IBD by 2035. The overall incidence of IBD in 2023 is 30 per 100,000 person-years, indicating that over 11,000 Canadians will be newly diagnosed with IBD in 2023. Incidence is forecasted to rise by 0.58% per year up to 32.1 per 100,000 by 2035. The rising incidence of IBD is propelled by pediatric-onset IBD, which is rising by 1.23% per year from 15.6 per 100,000 in 2023 to 18.0 per 100,000 in 2035. In contrast, incidence rates among adults and seniors are relatively stable. Understanding the determinates of IBD has expanded through prospective cohort studies such as the Crohn's and Colitis Canada Genetic, Environmental, Microbial (CCC-GEM) project. Consensus recommendations towards diet, lifestyle, behavioural and environmental modifications have been proposed by international organizations with the goal of optimizing disease control and ultimately preventing the development of IBD. Despite these efforts, Canadian healthcare systems will need to prepare for the rising number of people living with IBD.

Incidence, Management, and Outcomes of Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Infantile-Onset Disease: An Epi-IIRN Study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In this nationwide study from the Israeli Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Nucleus, we aimed to describe the incidence of very early onset inflammatory bowel diseases (VEOIBDs) with a focus on infantile-onset disease and to compare management and disease course with older children.

METHODS

Data were retrieved from the 4 Israeli Health Maintenance Organizations covering 98% of the population. Pediatric-onset IBD was categorized as follows: adolescent onset (10 to <18 y), early onset (6 to <10 y), VEOIBD (0 to <6 y), toddler onset (2 to <6 y), and infantile onset (<2 y).

RESULTS

A total of 5243 children with 35,469 person-years of follow-up evaluation, were diagnosed with IBD during 2005 to 2020: 4444 (85%) with adolescent onset, 548 (10%) with early onset, and 251 (4.8%) with VEOIBD, of whom 81 (1.5%) had infantile onset. The incidence of pediatric-onset IBD increased from 10.8 per 100,000 in 2005 to 15.3 per 100,000 in 2019 (average annual percentage change, 2.8%; 95% CI, 2.2%-3.4%), but that of VEOIBD remained stable (average annual percentage change, 0%; 95% CI, -2.5% to 2.6%). The infantile-onset and toddler-onset groups were treated less often with biologics (36% and 35%, respectively) vs the early onset (57%) and adolescent-onset groups (53%; P < .001). The time to steroid dependency was shorter in infantile-onset (hazard ratio [HR], 2.1; 95% CI, 1.5-2.9) and toddler-onset disease (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.0) vs early onset and adolescent-onset disease, but time to hospitalizations, time to surgery, and growth delay were worse only in infantile-onset disease. In a multivariable model, infantile-onset patients had a higher risk for surgery (HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9) and hospitalization (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4) than the toddler-onset group.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of VEOIBD remained stable. Infantile-onset IBD had worse outcomes than older children, while toddler onset had mostly similar outcomes, despite less frequent use of biologics.

Adverse Events and Serological Responses After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Individuals With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

INTRODUCTION

We determined adverse events after 4 doses of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine in those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), associations between antibodies and injection site reactions (ISR), and risk of IBD flare.

METHODS

Individuals with IBD were interviewed for adverse events to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Multivariable linear regression assessed the association between antibody titers and ISR.

RESULTS

Severe adverse events occurred in 0.03%. ISR were significantly associated with antibody levels after the fourth dose (geometric mean ratio = 2.56; 95% confidence interval 1.18-5.57). No cases of IBD flare occurred.

DISCUSSION

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are safe for those with IBD. ISR after the fourth dose may indicate increased antibodies.

The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada: Executive Summary

The burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (i.e., associated direct and indirect costs, prevalence of disease, personal impact to the individual and to caregivers) continues to increase in Canada. The prevalence of IBD has increased since Crohn's and Colitis Canada's 2018 Impact of IBD report from an estimated 270,000 Canadians living with IBD in 2018 to an estimated 322,600 Canadians living with IBD today in 2023. Consequently, associated costs of IBD have also dramatically increased from an estimated $2.57 billion in 2018 to an estimated $5.38 billion in 2023; this increase is due to multiple factors including increased prevalence of disease, inflation, and additional identified factors (e.g., presenteeism, costs of childcare). Beyond the economic impact of IBD, these diseases have a significant impact on people living with the disease and their caregivers, including different presentations of disease, different commonly associated extra-intestinal manifestations or comorbid conditions, and different barriers to accessing care. In this supplementary issue, we review: Evolving trends in the epidemiology of IBD; updated estimates of indirect and direct costs (including out-of-pocket costs) associated with IBD; information specific to IBD in children, adolescents, and seniors; issues related to IBD pertaining to sex and gender; information specific to risks associated with COVID-19 and cancer related to IBD; an overview of current treatments for IBD; and evolving care models, including access to care.

The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada: Special Populations-Children and Adolescents with IBD

Rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Canadian children and adolescents are among the highest in the world, and the incidence is rising most rapidly in children under five years of age. These young children may have either a typical form of IBD with multi-factorial aetiology, or they may have a monogenic form. Despite the growing number of children in Canada living with this important chronic disease, there are few available medical therapies approved by Health Canada due to the omission of children from most clinical trials of newly developed biologics. As a result, off-label use of medications is common, and physicians have learned to use existing therapies more effectively. In addition, most Canadian children are treated in multidisciplinary, specialty clinics by physicians with extra training or experience in IBD, as well as specialist nurses, dietitians, mental health care providers and other allied health professionals. This specialized clinic approach has facilitated cutting edge research, led by Canadian clinicians and scientists, to understand the causes of IBD, the optimal use of therapies, and the best ways to treat children from a biopsychosocial perspective. Canadians are engaged in work to understand the monogenic causes of IBD; the interaction between genes, the environment, and the microbiome; and how to address the mental health concerns and medical needs of adolescents and young adults transitioning from paediatric to adult care.

The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada: The Influence of Sex and Gender on Canadians Living With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Sex (the physical and physiologic effects resulting from having specific combinations of sex chromosomes) and gender (sex-associated behaviours, expectations, identities, and roles) significantly affect the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the experience of living with IBD. Sex-influenced physiologic states, like puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and andropause/menopause may also impact and be impacted by IBD. While neither Crohn's disease nor ulcerative colitis is commonly considered sex-determined illnesses, the relative incidence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis between males and females varies over the life cycle. In terms of gender, women tend to use healthcare resources at slightly higher rates than men and are more likely to have fragmented care. Women are more commonly prescribed opioid medications and are less likely than men to undergo colectomy. Women tend to report lower quality of life and have higher indirect costs due to higher rates of disability. Women are also more likely to take on caregiver roles for children with IBD. Women with IBD are more commonly burdened with adverse mental health concerns and having poor mental health has a more profound impact on women than men. Pregnant people with active IBD have higher rates of adverse outcomes in pregnancy, made worse in regions with poor access to IBD specialist care. The majority of individuals with IBD in Canada do not have access to a pregnancy-in-IBD specialist; access to this type of care has been shown to allay fears and increase knowledge among pregnant people with IBD.

The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada: Indirect (Individual and Societal) and Direct Out-of-Pocket Costs

People living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and their caregivers are faced with indirect and out-of-pocket costs that they would not otherwise experience. These costs impact one's ability to contribute to the economy to their fullest potential. The indirect costs of IBD in Canada are estimated to be at least $1.51 billion in 2023 and include costs associated with lost productivity resulting from a combination of missed work (absenteeism), decreased workplace productivity (presenteeism), unemployment, premature mortality, and caregiving costs. Unemployment is the largest contributor to indirect costs ($1.14 billion), followed by costs of absenteeism and presenteeism ($285 million). Caregiving costs for children with IBD are estimated to be nearly $58 million. Canadians with IBD also pay $536 million every year for care that is not covered by universal or supplemental private health insurance; this includes allied healthcare (e.g., care provided by psychologists), medication, and other supportive therapy. Combined, the indirect and out-of-pocket costs of IBD in Canada are estimated at more than $2 billion CAD in 2023. This is substantially higher than the estimate of $1.29 billion in Crohn's and Colitis Canada's 2018 Impact of IBD report with differences attributable to a combination of rising prevalence, inflation, and the addition of presenteeism and caregiving costs to the total indirect costs.

The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada: COVID-19 and IBD

The COVID-19 pandemic had a monumental impact on the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) community. At the beginning of the pandemic, knowledge on the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on IBD was lacking, especially in those with medication-suppressed immune systems. Throughout the pandemic, scientific literature exponentially expanded, resulting in clinical guidance and vaccine recommendations for individuals with IBD. Crohn's and Colitis Canada established the COVID-19 and IBD Taskforce to process and communicate rapidly transforming knowledge into guidance for individuals with IBD and their caregivers, healthcare providers, and policy makers. Recommendations at the onset of the pandemic were based on conjecture from experience of prior viruses, with a precautionary principle in mind. We now know that the risk of acquiring COVID-19 in those with IBD is the same as the general population. As with healthy populations, advanced age and comorbidities increase the risk for severe COVID-19. Individuals with IBD who are actively flaring and/or who require high doses of prednisone are susceptible to severe COVID-19 outcomes. Consequently, sustaining maintenance therapies (e.g., biologics) is recommended. A three-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine regimen in those with IBD produces a robust antibody response with a similar adverse event profile as the general population. Breakthrough infections following vaccine have been observed, particularly as the virus continues to evolve, which supports receiving a bivalent vaccine booster. Limited data exist on the impact of IBD and its therapies on long-term outcomes following COVID-19. Ongoing research is necessary to address new concerns manifesting in those with IBD throughout the evolving pandemic.

The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada: Treatment Landscape

The therapeutic landscape for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has changed considerably over the past two decades, owing to the development and widespread penetration of targeted therapies, including biologics and small molecules. While some conventional treatments continue to have an important role in the management of IBD, treatment of IBD is increasingly moving towards targeted therapies given their greater efficacy and safety in comparison to conventional agents. Early introduction of these therapies-particularly in persons with Crohn's disease-combining targeted therapies with traditional anti-metabolite immunomodulators and targeting objective markers of disease activity (in addition to symptoms), have been shown to improve health outcomes and will be increasingly adopted over time. The substantially increased costs associated with targeted therapies has led to a ballooning of healthcare expenditure to treat IBD over the past 15 years. The introduction of less expensive biosimilar anti-tumour necrosis factor therapies may bend this cost curve downwards, potentially allowing for more widespread access to these medications. Newer therapies targeting different inflammatory pathways and complementary and alternative therapies (including novel diets) will continue to shape the IBD treatment landscape. More precise use of a growing number of targeted therapies in the right individuals at the right time will help minimize the development of expensive and disabling complications, which has the potential to further reduce costs and improve outcomes.

The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada: Cancer and IBD

Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Intestinal cancers may arise as a complication of IBD itself, while extra-intestinal cancers may arise due to some of the immunosuppressive therapies used to treat IBD. Colorectal cancer (CRC) and small bowel cancer risks remain elevated among persons with IBD as compared to age-and sex-matched members of the general population, and the lifetime risk of these cancers is strongly correlated to cumulative intestinal inflammatory burden. However, the cumulative risk of cancer, even among those with IBD is still low. Some studies suggest that IBD-CRC incidence has declined over the years, possibly owing to improved treatment standards and improved detection and management of early neoplastic lesions. Across studies of extra-intestinal cancers, there are generally higher incidences of melanoma, hepatobiliary cancer, and lung cancer and no higher incidences of breast cancer or prostate cancer, with equivocal risk of cervical cancer, among persons with IBD. While the relative risks of some extra-intestinal cancers are increased with treatment, the absolute risks of these cancers remain low and the decision to forego treatment in light of these risks should be carefully weighed against the increased risks of intestinal cancers and other disease-related complications with undertreated inflammatory disease. Quality improvement efforts should focus on optimized surveillance of cancers for which surveillance strategies exist (colorectal cancer, hepatobiliary cancer, cervical cancers, and skin cancers) and the development of cost-effective surveillance strategies for less common cancers associated with IBD.

The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada: Direct Health System and Medication Costs

Healthcare utilization among people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Canada has shifted from inpatient management to outpatient management; fewer people with IBD are admitted to hospitals or undergo surgery, but outpatient visits have become more frequent. Although the frequency of emergency department (ED) visits among adults and seniors with IBD decreased, the frequency of ED visits among children with IBD increased. Additionally, there is variation in the utilization of IBD health services within and between provinces and across ethnocultural and sociodemographic groups. For example, First Nations individuals with IBD are more likely to be hospitalized than the general IBD population. South Asian children with Crohn's disease are hospitalized more often than their Caucasian peers at diagnosis, but not during follow-up. Immigrants to Canada who develop IBD have higher health services utilization, but a lower risk of surgery compared to individuals born in Canada. The total direct healthcare costs of IBD, including the cost of hospitalizations, ED visits, outpatient visits, endoscopy, cross-sectional imaging, and medications are rising rapidly. The direct health system and medication costs of IBD in Canada are estimated to be $3.33 billion in 2023, potentially ranging from $2.19 billion to $4.47 billion. This is an increase from an estimated $1.28 billion in 2018, likely due to sharp increases in the use of biologic therapy over the past two decades. In 2017, 50% of total direct healthcare costs can be attributed to biologic therapies; the proportion of total direct healthcare costs attributed to biologic therapies today is likely even greater.

The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada: Mental Health and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Psychiatric disorders are 1.5 to 2 times more prevalent in persons with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in the general population, with pooled prevalence estimates of 21% for clinical anxiety and 15% for depression. Rates are even higher when considering mental health symptoms, as nearly one-third of persons with IBD experience elevated anxiety symptoms and one-quarter experience depression symptoms. Rates of these symptoms were much higher during periods of disease activity, more common in women than men, and more common in Crohn's disease than ulcerative colitis. There is robust evidence of the detrimental effects of comorbid depression and anxiety on the subsequent course of IBD based on longitudinal studies tracking outcomes over time. However, psychiatric disorders and IBD have bidirectional effects, with each affecting risk of the other. Elevated mental health concerns have been consistently associated with greater healthcare utilization and costs related to IBD. There is some signal that low resilience in adolescence could be a risk factor for developing IBD and that enhancing resilience may improve mental health and intestinal disease outcomes in IBD. Psychological therapies used to treat anxiety and depression occurring in the context of IBD have been shown to significantly improve the quality of life for persons with IBD and reduce anxiety and depression. There is less evidence in regard to the impact of psychotropic medications on mental health or disease outcomes in persons with IBD. There is consensus, however, that mental health must be addressed as part of comprehensive IBD care for children and adults.

The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada: Special Populations-IBD in Seniors

Approximately one out of every 88 seniors has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and this is expected to increase in the future. They are more likely to have left-sided disease in ulcerative colitis, and isolated colonic disease in Crohn's disease; perianal disease is less common. Other common diagnoses in the elderly must also be considered when they initially present to a healthcare provider. Treatment of the elderly is similar to younger persons with IBD, though considerations of the increased risk of infections and malignancy must be considered when using immune modulating drugs. Whether anti-TNF therapies increase the risk of infections is not definitive, though newer biologics, including vedolizumab and ustekinumab, are thought to be safer with lower risk of adverse events. Polypharmacy and frailty are other considerations in the elderly when choosing a treatment, as frailty is associated with worse outcomes. Costs for IBD-related hospitalizations are higher in the elderly compared with younger persons. When elderly persons with IBD are cared for by a gastroenterologist, their outcomes tend to be better. However, as elderly persons with IBD continue to age, they may not have access to the same care as younger people with IBD due to deficiencies in their ability to use or access technology.

Despite Increased Disease Activity, Women who Attended a Dedicated Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Pregnancy Clinic Had Infants With Higher Apgar Scores: A Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Attendance at a subspecialty pregnancy clinic for women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) improves disease-specific pregnancy knowledge. We examined the impact of attendance at a dedicated IBD-pregnancy clinic on IBD and perinatal outcomes.

METHODS

Using linked administrative databases in Alberta, Canada (2012-2019), we identified 1061 pregnant women with IBD who delivered singleton liveborn infants in-hospital who did (n = 314) and did not attend (n = 747) the clinic. Propensity score weighted multivariable log-binomial and multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine the risk of IBD and perinatal outcomes.

RESULTS

The median number of clinic visits was 3 (Q1-Q3, 3-5), with 34.7% completing a preconception consultation. A greater proportion of women who attended lived near the clinic, were nulliparous, had a disease flare prior to pregnancy, and were on maintenance IBD medication (P < .05). Women who attended had increased risks of a disease flare during pregnancy (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 2.02; 95% CI, 1.45-2.82), an IBD-related emergency department visit during pregnancy (aRR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.92-3.68), and cesarean delivery (aRR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.23-2.57). Despite this, clinic attendees had a decreased risk of delivering an infant with a low Apgar score at 1 minute (risk ratio [RR], 0.49; 95% CI, 0.32-0.76) and 5 minutes (RR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.12-0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

Women who attended a dedicated IBD-pregnancy clinic were more likely to have a disease flare prior to pregnancy, reflecting a more severe disease phenotype, but had similar perinatal outcomes and infants with better Apgar scores at birth. Our study suggests the value of these subspecialty clinics in providing enhanced IBD-specific prenatal care.

Development of the global inflammatory bowel disease visualization of epidemiology studies in the 21st century (GIVES-21)

BACKGROUND

There is a rapid increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in newly industrialized countries, yet epidemiological data is incomplete. We herein report the methodology adopted to study the incidence of IBD in newly industrialized countries and to evaluate the effect of environmental factors including diet on IBD development.

METHODS

Global IBD Visualization of Epidemiology Studies in the 21st Century (GIVES-21) is a population-based cohort of newly diagnosed persons with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to be followed prospectively for 12 months. New cases were ascertained from multiple sources and were entered into a secured online system. Cases were confirmed using standard diagnostic criteria. In addition, endoscopy, pathology and pharmacy records from each local site were searched to ensure completeness of case capture. Validated environmental and dietary questionnaires were used to determine exposure in incident cases prior to diagnosis.

RESULTS

Through November 2022, 106 hospitals from 24 regions (16 Asia; 6 Latin America; 2 Africa) have joined the GIVES-21 Consortium. To date, over 290 incident cases have been reported. All patients have demographic data, clinical disease characteristics, and disease course data including healthcare utilization, medication history and environmental and dietary exposures data collected. We have established a comprehensive platform and infrastructure required to examine disease incidence, risk factors and disease course of IBD in the real-world setting.

CONCLUSIONS

The GIVES-21 consortium offers a unique opportunity to investigate the epidemiology of IBD and explores new clinical research questions on the association between environmental and dietary factors and IBD development in newly industrialized countries.

Variation in Testing for and Incidence of Celiac Autoimmunity in Canada: A Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The incidence of biopsy-confirmed celiac disease has increased. However, few studies have explored the incidence of celiac autoimmunity based on positive serology results.

METHODS

A population-based cohort study assessed testing of tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG-IgA) in Alberta from 2012 to 2020. After excluding prevalent cases, incident celiac autoimmunity was defined as the first positive tTG-IgA result between 2015 and 2020. Testing and incidence rates for celiac autoimmunity were calculated per 1000 and 100,000 person-years, respectively. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated to identify differences by demographic and regional factors. Average annual percent changes (AAPCs) assessed trends over time.

RESULTS

The testing rate of tTG-IgA was 20.2 per 1000 person-years and remained stable from 2012 to 2020 (AAPC, 1.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.5 to 2.9). Testing was higher in female patients (IRR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.65-1.66), those living in metropolitan areas (IRR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.38-1.40), and in areas of lower socioeconomic deprivation (lowest compared to highest IRR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.23-1.25). Incidence of celiac autoimmunity was 33.8 per 100,000 person-years and increased from 2015 to 2020 (AAPC, 6.2%; 95% CI, 3.1-9.5). Among those with tTG-IgA results ≥10 times the upper limit of normal, the incidence was 12.9 per 100,000 person-years. The incidence of celiac autoimmunity was higher in metropolitan settings (IRR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.21-1.35) and in the least socioeconomically deprived areas compared to the highest (IRR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.14-1.32).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of celiac autoimmunity is high and increasing, despite stable testing rates. Variation in testing patterns may lead to underreporting the incidence of celiac autoimmunity in nonmetropolitan areas and more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods.

Meta-analysis: Placebo rates in microscopic colitis randomised trials and applications for future drug development using a historical control arm

BACKGROUND

Effective medical therapies for patients with microscopic colitis (MC) who fail budesonide are lacking. However, conducting randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in MC has been challenging due to small sample sizes. Understanding placebo responses can help inform more efficient future trials.

AIMS

The aim of this study is to estimate clinical and histologic placebo response rates and to determine factors associated with placebo response in MC.

METHODS

EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL were searched until 7 January 2022, to identify placebo-controlled RCTs in adult patients with MC. Clinical and histologic response in the placebo arms were pooled using random-effects models. Stratified analyses based on disease- and trial-level characteristics, leave-one-out meta-analysis, and cumulative meta-analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Twelve RCTs enrolling a total of 391 patients (placebo n = 163) with MC were included. Pooled clinical and histologic placebo response rates were 24.4% (95% CI: 12.4%-38.4%), I²  = 60.8%, p < 0.01, and 19.9% (95% CI: 5.3%-39.0%), I²  = 66.4%, p = 0.01 (tests for heterogeneity), respectively. Clinical response to placebo was numerically higher in patients with lymphocytic compared to collagenous colitis (39.9% vs. 19.8%, p = 0.08). Heterogeneity in clinical response to placebo was significantly reduced when the Miehlke 2014 RCT was excluded in the leave-one-out meta-analysis or when a more stringent secondary definition of response based on the Hjortswang criteria was applied.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one-quarter of patients in MC trials respond to placebo, although with substantial heterogeneity, reflecting the need for standardised outcome definitions and study designs for MC. This analysis also serves to inform future MC trials that may consider incorporating an external, historical placebo control arm, rather than directly randomising patients to placebo.

The Incidence and Prevalence of Paediatric- and Adult-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Denmark During a 37-Year Period: A Nationwide Cohort Study (1980-2017)

BACKGROUND

Incidence rates of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] reported from developed countries are rising, with some levelling out. The aim of this study was to assess the disease burden of IBD by estimating the incidence and prevalence across age groups and projecting these to 2030 in a high-incidence country.

METHODS

Using an algorithm [incorporating ICD codes, medications and histopathology], patients [n = 69 862] diagnosed with Crohn's disease [CD] or ulcerative colitis [UC] between 1980 and 2017 were identified in the Danish National Patient Registry and included in a nationwide cohort.

RESULTS

From 1980 to 2017 the overall incidence of CD increased from 5.1 [95% CI: 4.5-5.8] to 15.6 [95% CI: 14.6-16.6] per 100 000, while the incidence of UC increased from 6.2 [95% CI: 5.5-6.9] to 27.2 [95% CI: 25.9-28.6] per 100 000. For paediatric-onset CD [pCD], the incidence increased from 1.9 [95% CI: 1.2-2.8] to 9.9 [95% CI: 8.1-11.8] per 100 000 and from 1.8 [95% CI: 1.2-2.8] to 8.7 [95% CI: 7.1- 10.5] per 100 000 for paediatric-onset UC [pUC]. In 2017, the prevalence of CD and UC was 293 [95% CI: 288-297] and 523 [95% CI: 517-528] per 100 000. For pCD and pUC, the prevalence was 35 [95% CI: 31-38] and 28 [95% CI: 26-32] per 100 000.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of paediatric- and adult-onset IBD in Denmark continues to increase and is among the highest in the world.

A183 VARIATION IN HEALTH SERVICES UTILIZATION AND RISK OF SURGERY ACROSS CHILDREN WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: A MULTIPROVINCE COHORT STUDY

Background

Marked variation in access to care and health services utilization is a marker of variation in quality of care. With the rising incidence of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we must understand variation in access to and outcomes of care to improve quality.

Purpose

Describe variation in care for pediatric IBD treated in 4 Canadian provinces.

Method

Incident cases of IBD diagnosed in children <16y were identified from health administrative data in Alberta (AB), Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Ontario (ON) using validated algorithms. Children were assigned to one of 8 centres of care using a hierarchical assessment of health services use within 6 months of diagnosis. Children treated by adult gastroenterologists or community-based pediatric gastroenterologists were excluded due to small sample size. Outcomes included IBD-related hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits (AB/ON only), and IBD-related abdominal surgery. Hospitalizations and ED visits were counted cumulatively from 6-60 months after diagnosis. The risk of first surgery was defined during the same 6-60 month period. Mixed-effects meta-analysis was used to pool results across centres. Heterogeneity among centres was quantified using I² (variation in pooled event rates between centres) and τ (standard deviation of the true event rates). R² quantified the residual heterogeneity in outcomes not attributable to among-province variation.

Result(s)

We identified 3777 incident cases of pediatric IBD, 2936 (78%) of which were treated at 8 pediatric centres. The number of hospitalizations was 0.67 (95% CI 0.56-0.79) per person with high between-centre heterogeneity (I² 84%, τ 0.1556). Provincial differences accounted for 93% of heterogeneity across centres (residual heterogeneity: I² 29%, τ 0.0412). Hospitalizations were less frequent in AB than other provinces (0.43 vs. 0.72-0.78). Children averaged 1.94 IBD-related ED visits, with significant heterogeneity (I² 99%, τ 1.33) with 99.7% of heterogeneity attributable to among-province differences (residual heterogeneity: I² 32%; τ 0.074). Mean ED visits were 1.1 visits in ON (I² 39%) and 3.7 in AB (I² 0%). Intestinal resection was required by 12% (95% CI 0.08-0.15) of Crohn’s patients with high among-centre heterogeneity (I² 81%, τ 0.042), and low (19%) heterogeneity due to provincial differences (residual heterogeneity: I² 76%; τ 0.039). Colectomy was required by 12% (95% CI 10-14) of children with ulcerative colitis (UC) with no between-centre heterogeneity (I² 0%, τ 0).

Conclusion(s)

There is a high degree of between-province (but not between-centre, within province) variability in health services utilization among children with IBD. There was significant between-centre variability in surgery rates for Crohn’s, but not colectomy for UC. Differences in patient characteristics or provincial health systems may be more important predictors of variation in care. Surgery for Crohn’s disease may be a target for inter-centre quality improvement efforts.

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CCC

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

A170 ADVERSE EVENTS & SEROLOGICAL RESPONSES FOLLOWING SARS-COV-2 VACCINATION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Background

The rapid development and distribution of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines has raised concerns surrounding vaccine safety in immunocompromised populations, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Purpose

We described adverse events (AEs) following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in those with IBD and determined relationships between AEs to post-vaccination antibody titres.

Method

Individuals with IBD from a prospective cohort in Calgary, Canada (n=670) who received a 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and/or 4^th dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and/or AstraZeneca) were interviewed via telephone for AEs using the Adverse Events Following Immunization form. Subsequently, we assessed injection site reaction as a specific AE outcome. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody (anti-S) levels within 1–12 weeks of vaccination and injection site reaction following 1st, 2nd, and 3rd dose vaccination. Models were adjusted for age, sex, IBD type, IBD medications, vaccine type, and prior COVID-19 infection. Additionally, we evaluated the risk of flare of IBD within 30 days of vaccination via chart review.

Result(s)

Table 1 describes AEs in individuals with IBD following 1^st dose (n=331), 2^nd dose (n=331), 3^rd dose (n=195), and 4^th dose (n=100) of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. AEs were reported in 83.3% of participants after 1^st dose, 79.1% after 2^nd dose, 77.4% after 3^rd dose, and 67.0% after 4^th dose. Injection site reaction (pain, redness, etc.) was the most common AE (50.8% of AEs), with fatigue and malaise (18.1%), headache and migraine (8.6%), musculoskeletal discomfort (8.2%), and fever and chills (6.5%) also commonly reported. Multivariable logistic regression determined no associations between anti-S concentration and injection site reaction for all doses. Age above 65 years was associated with decreased injection site reaction following 1^st and 3^rd doses, while female sex and mRNA vaccine type were associated with increased injection site reaction following 1^st and 2^nd doses. Prior COVID-19 infection, IBD type, and medication class were not associated with injection site reaction with any dose. Only one participant was diagnosed with a severe AE requiring hospitalization: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) following 2^nd dose of a Pfizer vaccination. No cases of IBD flare occurred within 30 days of vaccination.

Image

Conclusion(s)

AEs following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are generally mild and become less common with each consecutive dose. Antibody levels following each dose of the vaccine were not associated with injection site reactions. Females, those under 65 years of age, and those administered mRNA vaccines were more likely to experience an injection site reaction. Prior COVID-19 infection, IBD type, and IBD medication class did not predict injection site reactions. Vaccination was not associated with IBD flare within 30 days of vaccination.

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Helmsley

Disclosure of Interest

A. Markovinovic: None Declared, M. Herauf: None Declared, J. Quan: None Declared, L. Hracs: None Declared, J. Windsor: None Declared, N. Sharifi: None Declared, S. Coward: None Declared, L. Caplan: None Declared, J. Gorospe: None Declared, C. Ma Grant / Research support from: Ferring, Pfizer, , Consultant of: AbbVie, Alimentiv, Amgen, Ferring, Pfizer, Takeda, , Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Alimentiv, Amgen, Ferring, Pfizer, Takeda, R. Panaccione Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, Ferring, Janssen, Pfizer, Takeda, Consultant of: Abbott, AbbVie, Alimentiv, Amgen, Arena, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Celltrion, Cosmos Pharmaceuticals, Eisai, Elan, Eli Lilly, Ferring, Galapagos, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Merck, Mylan, Oppilan Pharma, Pandion Therapeutics, Pandion Pharma, Pfizer, Progenity, Protagonist, Roche, Sandoz, Satisfai Health, Schering-Plough, Shire, Sublimity Therapeutics, Takeda, Theravance, UCB, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Arena, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Ferring, Gilead Sciences, Janssen, Merck, Pfizer, Roche, Sandoz, Shire, Takeda, R. Ingram: None Declared, J. Kanji: None Declared, G. Tipples: None Declared, J. Holodinsky: None Declared, C. Berstein Grant / Research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Janssen, Pfizer, Takeda, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, Takeda, D. Mahoney: None Declared, S. Bernatsky: None Declared, E. Benchimol: None Declared, G. Kaplan Grant / Research support from: Ferring, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer

A182 PREDICTING HIGH DIRECT HEALTHCARE COSTS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN THE FIRST YEAR FOLLOWING DIAGNOSIS

Background

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to rise rapidly among Canadian children. The care of children results in higher direct healthcare costs than adults with IBD. It is imperative that we identify individuals who will become the highest-cost users of the health system in order to intervene early and decrease the individual- and system-level burden of IBD.

Purpose

To develop a predictive-model for high-cost health system users and (2) identify factors associated with high-cost healthcare use.

Method

Incident cases of IBD diagnosed ≤17y residing in Ontario and enrolled in the Canadian Children IBD Network (CIDsCaNN) between Dec 31 2013 and Jan 31 2019 were linked deterministically using health card number to health administrative data. Using a validated algorithm, direct healthcare costs accumulated between the 31^st and 365^th day after diagnosis were calculated using data from CIDsCaNN (medications) and health administrative data (health system encounters, including surgery). A predictive model was created to determine high-cost (≤25^th percentile) and medium-cost (26^th to 75^th) users, compared to low-cost users (>75th) using ordinal logistic regression. Potential predictive variables were determined a priori based on clinical significance and magnitude of univariable association, based on sample size-informed degrees of freedom. Variables from CIDsCaNN data included: IBD type, age at diagnosis, sex, first line of therapy (steroids, aminosalicylates, exclusive enteral nutrition; yes or no, not mutually exclusive), disease activity (severe vs. moderate vs. none/mild based on PUCAI [UC] or wPCDAI [Crohn’s]). Predictive variables from the health administrative data included: rural/urban residence, hospitalization at diagnosis, intestinal resection or colectomy within 3 months of diagnosis, emergency department visit ±1 month of diagnosis, and a mental health encounter within the first year following diagnosis. Anti-TNF treatment was excluded from models due to the strong correlation with the outcome (direct costs). Overall model fit was estimated with a c-statistic.

Result(s)

Among the 487 (57% Crohn’s) children included in the study, the mean (sd) direct costs accumulated between the 31^st and 365^th days following IBD diagnosis was $14,451 (14,665). The mean cost among high-cost users was $33,533 (16,530); medium-cost users, $11,038 (5322); low-cost users, $2530 (831). The predictive model identified high-cost users of the health system with acceptable model fit (c-statistic 0.69). The relative contribution of individual variables, as measured by odds ratio (OR), is reported in the Table.

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Conclusion(s)

The direct healthcare costs of pediatric IBD are substantial. Children with IBD who become high-cost users of the health system were identifiable using characteristics at diagnosis (e.g., need for mental health care, emergency visits, older age). Further research should assess whether interventions in patients at-risk for becoming high-cost users may help to reduce costs.

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Other

Please indicate your source of funding;

Ontario Academic Health Sciences Centres Alternate Funding Plan Innovation Fund

Disclosure of Interest

E. Kuenzig: None Declared, R. Duchen: None Declared, T. Walters Grant / Research support from: Janssen, Abbvie, Psfizer, Ferring, Amgen, Consultant of: Janssen, Abbvie, Psfizer, Ferring, Amgen, D. Mack: None Declared, A. Griffiths Grant / Research support from: Abbvie, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, BristolMyersSquibb, Janssen, Lilly, Takeda, Speakers bureau of: Abbvie, Janssen, Takeda, C. Bernstein Grant / Research support from: Research grants from Abbvie Canada, Amgen Canada, Pfizer Canada, and Sandoz Canada and contract grants from Janssen, Abbvie and Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie Canada, Amgen Canada, Bristol Myers Squibb Canada, JAMP Pharmaceuticals, Janssen Canada, Pfizer Canada, Sandoz Canada, Takeda, Speakers bureau of: Abbvie Canada, Janssen Canada, Pfizer Canada and Takeda Canada, G. Kaplan Grant / Research support from: Ferring, Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, Amgen, Sandoz, Pendophram, and Takeda, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, Amgen, Sandoz, Pendophram, and Takeda, A. Otley Grant / Research support from: Research support: AbbVie Global. Research site: AbbVie, Pfizer, Eli-Lily, Janssen, Consultant of: AbbVie Canada, W. Yu: None Declared, X. Wang: None Declared, J. Guan: None Declared, S. Fung: None Declared, E. Benchimol Consultant of: McKesson Canada, Dairy Farmers of Ontario (unrelated to medications used to treat inflammatory bowel disease)

A193 DEMOGRAPHIC, SOCIAL AND OCCUPATIONAL FACTORS THAT PREVENTED EXPOSURE TO SARS-COV-2 IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE PATIENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a rapidly evolving public health emergency in which mundane behaviors such as grocery shopping or restaurant dining are considered high-risk for some, such as persons with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who are often immunodeficient due to medications. Research on the behavioral exposures experienced by populations with IBD during the COVID-19 pandemic are lacking.

Purpose

We aim to better understand how the behaviors of persons with IBD are associated with COVID-19 diagnoses.

Method

We conducted a prospective serosurveillance cohort study in Calgary to assess exposure to SARS-CoV-2 from Nov. 1, 2020 to Aug. 8, 2022 in 485 individuals with IBD. A diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 was defined as a molecular-confirmed PCR test, a self-report home antigen test, or a positive nucleocapsid antibody level. Participants completed a self-report electronic questionnaire on social and occupational risk activities stratified across two time periods: Jan. 2020 to Mar. 2020 (before lockdown) and post-Jun. 2020 (post lockdown). Univariate analyses (χ² and Fischer’s exact if n≤5) were performed on social activities that occurred following the lockdown among those with IBD who were and were not diagnosed with COVID-19. Occupational exposures were compared across essential workers (EW) (i.e., frontline workers at high risk of COVID) and non-EWs.

Result(s)

Overall, 37.5% (n=182) of our cohort was diagnosed with COVID-19. Seniors were less likely to be infected with COVID-19 (22.7%) compared to those under the age of 65 (40.8%) (p=0.002). A greater proportion of females (42.6 %) compared to males (32.5%) were COVID positive (p=0.02). Those with Crohn’s disease (38.3%) were as likely to test positive for COVID-19 as those with ulcerative colitis (36%) (p=0.65). COVID positive patients were less likely to have 4 vaccine doses (28.5%) compared to those who tested negative (71.5%) (p=0.4).

Statistically significant decreases (p<0.001) in engagement post-Jun. 2020 were observed for: bar use (11.6% to 2.1%), visiting a friend (44.5% to 15.2%), having visitors over (38.7% to 12.1%), restaurant dining (38% to 9%), indoor fitness (31.9% to 8.4%), and transit use (11% to 1.3%). There was an increase in regular use of outdoor fitness (31.9% to 67.1%, p<0.003).

Persons with IBD who tested positive for COVID-19 were more likely to regularly dine in a restaurant (16.8% vs. 4.7% for COVID negative, p<0.001), engage in indoor fitness activities (14% vs. 5.1%, p<0.001), and travel outside Calgary (21% vs. 11.2%, p=0.004) post-lockdown.

Post-lockdown, a greater proportion of EW were COVID positive (50.4%) compared to non-EW (38.6%) (p=0.04).

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Conclusion(s)

Over a two-year period, two-thirds of our cohort did not test positive for COVID-19. Those with IBD who avoided COVID tended to be older, male, have 4 doses of vaccine, and reduce their risk of exposure through social and occupational modifications, perhaps in response to public health guidance.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

A189 EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT UTILIZATION AND RISK OF INTESTINAL RESECTION IS LOWER AMONG CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE BEFORE 10 YEARS OF AGE: A MULTIPROVINCE POPULATION-BASED COHORT STUDY

Background

In Canada, the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing faster among those <10 years (y) of age than in any other age group. Understanding the health services burden of IBD in this population is important for health system planning.

Purpose

To compare healthcare utilization and risk of surgery among children diagnosed with IBD across age groups defined by the Paris Classification (A1a: <10y; A1b: 10 to <16y) across 5 Canadian provinces.

Method

Children diagnosed with IBD <16 years of age were identified from health administrative data using validated algorithms in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Québec. Negative binomial regression models were used to compare (1) the pre-diagnosis frequency of health services utilization (outpatient, emergency department (ED), and hospitalization) using diagnostic codes suggestive of future IBD and (2) the annual post-diagnosis frequency of IBD-specific and IBD-related (signs, symptoms, and extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD) visits among children diagnosed <10y (A1a) and 10 to <16y (A1b). Cox proportional hazard models compared the risk of surgery (identified with validated procedure codes) across age groups. All regression models were adjusted for sex, rural/urban residence, and mean neighbourhood income quintile. Province-specific event counts (all ages combined) and models (comparing age groups; reference: A1b [10 to <16y]) were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.

Result(s)

Among 5124 children with IBD (1165 [23%] were <10y at diagnosis), the mean number of pre-diagnosis healthcare encounters was 1.0 (95% CI 0.38 to 1.68, I²=99.6%). The mean annual post-diagnosis number of IBD-specific outpatient visits was 3.2 (95% CI 1.9-4.4, I²=99.6%); hospitalizations, 0.19 (95% CI 0.17-0.21, I²=74%); ED visits, 0.17 (95% CI 0.19-0.39, I²=99%). The mean annual post-diagnosis number of IBD-related outpatient visits was 3.9 (95% CI 2.3-5.5, I²=99.7%); hospitalizations, 0.21 (95% CI 0.19-0.23, I²=79%); ED visits, 0.29 (95% CI 0.19-0.39, I²=97%). Intestinal resection or colectomy within 5y of diagnosis occurred in 13% (95%CI 8-22, I²=93%) with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 16% (95% CI 14-18, I²=40%) with ulcerative colitis. IBD-specific ED visits (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50-0.97, I²=80) and the risk of intestinal resection in CD (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.92, I²=40%) were significantly lower among children diagnosed <10y. There were no age-related differences in pre-diagnosis health services utilization or other post-diagnosis outcomes, including frequency of outpatient visits to a gastroenterologist.

Conclusion(s)

Health services utilization was generally similar for children diagnosed with IBD at <10y and between 10 and <16y, except for lower rates of IBD-specific ED visits and intestinal resection in children with CD. Further exploration of between-province differences, represented by the high statistical heterogeneity (I²) in the meta-analyses, is needed to understand sources of variation in care.

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CCC

Disclosure of Interest

E. Kuenzig: None Declared, H. Singh Consultant of: Amgen Canada, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada, Sandoz Canada, Roche Canada, Takeda Canada and Guardant Health, A. Bitton: None Declared, G. Kaplan Grant / Research support from: Ferring, Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, Amgen, Sandoz, Pendophram, and Takeda, Speakers bureau of: AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, Amgen, Sandoz, Pendophram, and Takeda, M. Carroll: None Declared, A. Otley Grant / Research support from: Research support: AbbVie Global. Research site: AbbVie, Pfizer, Eli-Lily, Janssen, Consultant of: AbbVie Canada, T. Stukel: None Declared, S. Spruin: None Declared, A. Griffiths Grant / Research support from: Abbvie, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, BristolMyersSquibb, Janssen, Lilly, Takeda, Speakers bureau of: Abbvie, Janssen, Takeda, D. Mack: None Declared, K. Jacobson Grant / Research support from: Abbvie Canada and Janssen Canada, Consultant of: Abbvie Canada, Janssen Canada, Merck Canada and Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Speakers bureau of: Abbvie Canada and Janssen Canada, G. Nguyen: None Declared, L. Targownik Grant / Research support from: Janssen Canada, Consultant of: AbbVie Canada, Sandoz Canada, Takeda Canada, Merck Canada, Pfizer Canada, Janssen Canada, and Roche Canada, W. El-Matary Consultant of: Abbvie and MERCK, Speakers bureau of: Abbvie and MERCK, E. Benchimol Consultant of: McKesson Canada, Dairy Farmers of Ontario (unrelated to medications used to treat inflammatory bowel disease)

A188 INFORMING IMMUNOCOMPROMISED POPULATIONS: AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT COVID-19 KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION STRATEGY

Background

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the major challenges was conveying expert health information, which was evolving rapidly, to confer population-level advice; this was especially relevant to at risk groups, such as those who are immunocompromised due to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or medications to manage disease.

Purpose

To provide sufficient information to those with IBD (>0.75% of the Canadian population or roughly 300,000 individuals) and their carers to allow self assessment of personal risks related to COVID-19.

Method

On March 17, 2020, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada (CCC) convened the COVID-19 & IBD Taskforce comprised of adult and pediatric gastroenterologists, IBD nurses, infectious disease experts, scientists, public health officials, communication and government relations experts, and patient advisors. The taskforce met weekly (later monthly) to synthesize rapidly evolving information on COVID-19 and personal risk assessment. Expert reviews of population-level recommendations were tailored to the IBD community and communicated through website FAQs and infographics; a public-oriented burden report with foci on additional special populations (e.g., pregnant people, pediatrics, seniors), IBD medications, and mental health and access to care during the pandemic; and through a moderated, online webinar series. The 1- to 2-hour webinar recordings were then curated into 3- to 5-minute video clips to answer specific questions and uploaded to CCC’s YouTube page. YouTube and website metrics show the continued efficacy of this strategy.

Result(s)

More than 24,778 households registered for the first 23 webinars, with more than one third registering for more than one webinar. As of April 1, 2021 (just after the 23^rd webinar), there have been 54,136 views of the archived full (1- to 2-hour) webinars and a further 78,862 views of individual webinar segments (3- to 5-minute curated clips), for a total of 126,187 views. Additionally, traffic to the CCC website increased exponentially with 484,755 unique views to the COVID-19 web pages, viewed for up to 28.29 minutes. Since April 2021, after an additional seven webinars, these numbers have continued to swell to 33,243 (registrants), 81,370 (webinar views), 92,862 (segment views), and 810,156 (unique website views); this is demonstrative of the continued impact of the electronic knowledge translation strategy.

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Conclusion(s)

While many within the IBD community were secluded during the early portions of the pandemic due to lockdown restrictions and public health advice not tailored to immunocompromised individuals, advice tailored to this community and presented through electronic methods proved to be an effective and efficient knowledge translation strategy.

Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below

CCC

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

A220 ONTARIO POPULATION TRENDS IN INTESTINAL AND EXTRA-INTESTINAL CANCERS OVER 25 YEARS AMONG PERSONS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES AND MATCHED CONTROLS

NOT PUBLISHED AT AUTHOR’S REQUEST

The cost of inflammatory bowel disease in high-income settings: a Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology Commission

The cost of caring for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to increase worldwide. The cause is not only a steady increase in the prevalence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in both developed and newly industrialised countries, but also the chronic nature of the diseases, the need for long-term, often expensive treatments, the use of more intensive disease monitoring strategies, and the effect of the diseases on economic productivity. This Commission draws together a wide range of expertise to discuss the current costs of IBD care, the drivers of increasing costs, and how to deliver affordable care for IBD in the future. The key conclusions are that (1) increases in health-care costs must be evaluated against improved disease management and reductions in indirect costs, and (2) that overarching systems for data interoperability, registries, and big data approaches must be established for continuous assessment of effectiveness, costs, and the cost-effectiveness of care. International collaborations should be sought out to evaluate novel models of care (eg, value-based health care, including integrated health care, and participatory health-care models), as well as to improve the education and training of clinicians, patients, and policy makers.

Impact of depression and antidepressant use on clinical outcomes of hepatitis B and C: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Depression is common in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. We evaluated the impact of major depressive disorder (MDD) and antidepressant use on survival among patients with HBV and HCV.

METHODS

We used The Health Improvement Network database, the largest medical database in the UK, to identify incident HBV (n=1401) and HCV (n=1635) in patients between 1986 and 2017. Our primary composite outcome was the development of decompensated cirrhosis or death. MDD and each class of antidepressants were assessed in multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and clinical comorbidities.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MDD among HCV patients was higher compared with HBV patients (23.5% vs. 9.0%, p<0.001, respectively). Similarly, HCV patients were more likely to use antidepressants (59.6%) compared with HBV patients (27.1%), p>0.001. MDD was not an independent predictor for decompensated cirrhosis-free survival or mortality. However, the use of tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) was associated with poor decompensated cirrhosis-free survival in HBV and HCV cohorts (adjusted HR: 1.80, 95% CI, 1.00-3.26 and 1.56, 95% CI, 1.13-2.14, respectively). Both TCAs in the HBV cohort and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors among the HCV cohort were associated with poor overall survival (adjusted HR: 2.18, 95% CI, 1.16-4.10; 1.48, 95% CI, 1.02-2.16, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Although prevalent among viral hepatitis patients, MDD did not affect disease progression or survival in either HBV or HCV cohorts. TCA use was associated with poor decompensated cirrhosis-free survival. Therefore, its use should be further studied among viral hepatitis patients.

Multimodal Brain MRI of Deep Gray Matter Changes Associated With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Behavioral symptoms, including mood disorders, substantially impact the quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), even when clinical remission is achieved. Here, we used multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine if IBD is associated with changes in the structure and function of deep gray matter brain regions that regulate and integrate emotional, cognitive, and stress responses.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) and 32 healthy controls underwent 3 Tesla MRIs to assess volume, neural activity, functional connection strength (connectivity), inflammation, and neurodegeneration of key deep gray matter brain regions (thalamus, caudate, pallidum, putamen, amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus) involved in emotional, cognitive and stress processing. Associations with sex, presence of pain, disease activity, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration were examined.

RESULTS

Significantly increased activity and functional connectivity were observed in cognitive and emotional processing brain regions, including parts of the limbic system, basal ganglia, and hypothalamus of IBD patients compared with healthy controls. Inflammatory bowel disease patients exhibited significantly increased volumes of the amygdala and hypothalamus, as well as evidence of neurodegeneration in the putamen and pallidum. Hippocampal neural activity was increased in IBD patients with active disease. The volume of the thalamus was positively correlated with CRP concentration and was increased in females experiencing pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IBD exhibit functional and structural changes in the limbic and striatal systems. These changes may be targets for assessing or predicting the response to therapeutic interventions aimed at improving comorbid emotional and cognitive symptoms.

Nutritional interventions in adult fibrostenotic Crohn's disease: A systematic review

Background

Management of Crohn's disease (CD) using dietary interventions has become an area of increased research interest. There is a lack of specific research exploring if diet and nutrition interventions are beneficial in patients with strictures, as current dietary recommendations in fibrostenotic CD are often based on clinical judgment. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the impact of dietary interventions in fibrostenotic CD on medical and surgical outcomes.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Ovid) was conducted. Studies reporting dietary interventions or nutritional factors in fibrostenotic CD were included. Outcomes for studies assessing dietary interventions such as enteral nutrition were evaluated as changes in (1) CD symptoms (CD Activity Index), (2) stricture parameters on diagnostic imaging, and (3) rates of surgical or medical intervention following dietary interventions.

Results

Five studies were included in this review. Three studies assessed exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), one evaluated total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and one studied a liquid diet. All included studies evaluated symptoms as an outcome, while diagnostic imaging parameters and surgical outcomes in the studies were either absent or too heterogeneous to appraise improvement post dietary intervention. Included EEN studies displayed similar efficacy, with approximately 60% of patients having symptom improvement. The included TPN study also reported 75% of patients with symptom improvement, while the liquid diet did not.

Conclusion

Exclusive enteral nutrition and total parental nutrition may provide benefit for use as a dietary intervention for fibrostenotic CD. There remains a need for high-quality controlled trials which utilize standardized definitions of strictures.

Risk of Multiple Sclerosis Among Users of Antitumor Necrosis Factor α in 4 Canadian Provinces: A Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Antitumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) agents are a class of biologic drugs used for the treatment of several immune-mediated conditions. An increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) with their use has been suggested, but studies have been limited. Relevant population-based epidemiologic data linking anti-TNFα to MS are scarce. The objective was to compare the risk of MS in anti-TNFα users with nonusers among patients with rheumatic disease (RD) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

A nested case-control study was conducted. Population-based health care-linked databases from 4 Canadian provinces were used. All patients with RD or IBD residing within a participating province between January 2000 and March 2018 were identified by validated case definitions. Any anti-TNFα dispensation in the 2 years before the index date (MS onset) was identified. Incident onset MS cases were ascertained using a validated algorithm. Up to 5 controls were matched to each MS case based on birth year ±3 years, disease duration, and health authority (based on region of residence). Conditional logistic regressions were used to calculate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) after adjusting for potential confounders. A meta-analysis was conducted to provide pooled estimates across provinces using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Among 296,918 patients with RD patients, 462 MS cases (80.1% female, mean [SD] age, 47.4 [14.6] years) were matched with 2,296 controls (59.5% female, mean [SD] age, 47.4 [14.5] years). Exposure to anti-TNFα occurred in 18 MS cases and 42 controls. After adjusting for matching variables, sex, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index, the pooled IRR was 2.05 (95% CI, 1.13-3.72). Among 84,458 patients with IBD, 190 MS cases (69.5% female, mean [SD] age, 44.3 [12.3] years) were matched with 943 controls (54.1% female, mean [SD] age, 44.2 [12.2] years). Exposure to anti-TNFα occurred in 23 MS cases and 98 controls. The pooled adjusted IRR was 1.35 (95% CI, 0.70-2.59).

DISCUSSION

The use of anti-TNFα was associated with an increased risk of MS compared with nonusers, especially among patients with RD. These findings could help clinicians and patients with RD to make more informed treatment decisions. Further studies are needed to validate these results for patients with IBD.

The Current State of Care for Black and Hispanic Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Research on the care of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients has been primarily in populations of European ancestry. However, the incidence of IBD, which comprises Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is increasing in different populations around the world. In this comprehensive review, we examine the epidemiology, clinical presentations, disease phenotypes, treatment outcomes, social determinants of health, and genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of IBD in Black and Hispanic patients in the United States. To improve health equity of underserved minorities with IBD, we identified the following priority areas: access to care, accurate assessment of treatment outcomes, incorporation of Black and Hispanic patients in therapeutic clinical trials, and investigation of environmental factors that lead to the increase in disease incidence.