Depression and the Aberrant Intestinal Microbiome

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders affecting adults in the United States. The current treatment is the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Recently, the evidence linking gut microbiome dysregulation to the development of depression has grown. The pathophysiology is currently poorly understood, although leading hypotheses include involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system, and production of signaling molecules by the gut microbiome. Available and emerging treatments of the aberrant microbiome include antidepressants, antibiotics, diet modification, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplant. This article explores the interconnectivity of gut microbiota and depression and treatments targeted toward the gut, reviews the gastroenterologist's potential role in managing gut dysbiosis in patients with depression, and highlights research topics to be addressed to create evidence-based guidelines.

Improving sessile serrated adenoma detection rates with high definition colonoscopy: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs) are important premalignant lesions that are difficult to detect during colonoscopy due to poor definition, concealment by mucous caps, and flat appearance. High definition (HD) colonoscopy may uniquely aid in the detection of these inconspicuous lesions compared to standard definition (SD) colonoscopes. In the absence of existing clinical guidelines to obligate the use of HD colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening in average-risk patients, demonstrating the benefit of HD colonoscopy on SSA detection rate (SSADR) may help strengthen the evidence to recommend its use in all settings.

AIM

To evaluate the benefit of HD colonoscopy compared to SD colonoscopy on SSADR in average-risk patients undergoing screening colonoscopy.

METHODS

Data from screening colonoscopies for patients aged 50-76 years two years before and two years after the transition from SD colonoscopy to HD colonoscopy at our large, academic teaching center were collected. Patients with symptoms of colorectal disease, positive occult blood test, history of colon polyps, cancer, polyposis syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or family history of colon cancer or polyps were excluded. Patients whose endoscopists did not perform colonoscopies both before and after scope definition change were also excluded. Differences in individual endoscopist SSADR, average SSADR, and overall SSADR with SD colonoscopy vs HD colonoscopy were also evaluated for significance.

RESULTS

A total of 3657 colonoscopies met eligibility criteria with 2012 colonoscopies from the SD colonoscopy period and 1645 colonoscopies from the HD colonoscopy period from a pool of 11 endoscopists. Statistically significant improvements of 2.30% in mean SSADR and 2.53% in overall SSADR were noted with HD colonoscopy (P = 0.00028 and P = 0.00849, respectively). On the individual level, three endoscopists experienced statistically significant benefit with HD colonoscopy (+5.74%, P = 0.0056; +4.50%, P = 0.0278; +4.84%, P = 0.03486).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that HD colonoscopy statistically significantly improves sessile serrated adenoma detection rate in the screening of average risk patients during screening colonoscopy. By improving the detection and removal of these lesions, adoption of HD colonoscopy may reduce the significant premalignant burden of sessile serrated adenomas.

Improving sessile serrated adenoma detection rates with high definition colonoscopy: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs) are important premalignant lesions that are difficult to detect during colonoscopy due to poor definition, concealment by mucous caps, and flat appearance. High definition (HD) colonoscopy may uniquely aid in the detection of these inconspicuous lesions compared to standard definition (SD) colonoscopes. In the absence of existing clinical guidelines to obligate the use of HD colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening in average-risk patients, demonstrating the benefit of HD colonoscopy on SSA detection rate (SSADR) may help strengthen the evidence to recommend its use in all settings.

AIM

To evaluate the benefit of HD colonoscopy compared to SD colonoscopy on SSADR in average-risk patients undergoing screening colonoscopy.

METHODS

Data from screening colonoscopies for patients aged 50-76 years two years before and two years after the transition from SD colonoscopy to HD colonoscopy at our large, academic teaching center were collected. Patients with symptoms of colorectal disease, positive occult blood test, history of colon polyps, cancer, polyposis syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or family history of colon cancer or polyps were excluded. Patients whose endoscopists did not perform colonoscopies both before and after scope definition change were also excluded. Differences in individual endoscopist SSADR, average SSADR, and overall SSADR with SD colonoscopy vs HD colonoscopy were also evaluated for significance.

RESULTS

A total of 3657 colonoscopies met eligibility criteria with 2012 colonoscopies from the SD colonoscopy period and 1645 colonoscopies from the HD colonoscopy period from a pool of 11 endoscopists. Statistically significant improvements of 2.30% in mean SSADR and 2.53% in overall SSADR were noted with HD colonoscopy (P = 0.00028 and P = 0.00849, respectively). On the individual level, three endoscopists experienced statistically significant benefit with HD colonoscopy (+5.74%, P = 0.0056; +4.50%, P = 0.0278; +4.84%, P = 0.03486).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that HD colonoscopy statistically significantly improves sessile serrated adenoma detection rate in the screening of average risk patients during screening colonoscopy. By improving the detection and removal of these lesions, adoption of HD colonoscopy may reduce the significant premalignant burden of sessile serrated adenomas.

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the setting of gastrointestinal cancer: Anatomical prevalence, predictors, and interventions

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage (GIH) is a common complication with gastrointestinal cancers (GIC). There is no comprehensive research that examines GIH in different types of GIC.

AIM

To study the prevalence, predictors, and interventions of GIH based on the anatomical location of GIC.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of the 2016-2018 National Inpatient Sample database, the largest inpatient care database in the United States. All adult inpatients (≥ 18-year-old) were included. ICD-10-CM codes were used to identify patients with GIH and GIC. Prevalence of GIH was obtained based on the anatomical location of GIC. Predictors of GIH in the GIC population were studied using multivariate analysis. Interventions including endoscopy were compared to the non-intervention group to determine the differences in inpatient mortality.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 18173885 inpatients, 321622 (1.77%) cases had a diagnosis of GIC. Within GIC patients, 30507 (9.5%) inpatients had GIH, which was significantly (P < 0.001) more than the prevalence of GIH in patients without GIC (3.4%). The highest to lowest GIH rates are listed in the following order: Stomach cancer (15.7%), liver cancer (13.0%), small bowel cancer (12.7%), esophageal cancer (9.1%), colorectal cancer (9.1%), pancreatic cancer (7.2%), bile duct cancer (6.0%), and gallbladder cancer (5.1%). Within gastric cancer, the GIH rate ranged from 14.8% in cardia cancer to 25.5% in fundus cancer. Within small bowel cancers, duodenal cancers had a higher GIH rate (15.6%) than jejunal (11.1%) and ileal cancers (5.7%). Within esophageal cancers, lower third cancers had higher GIH (10.7%) than the middle third (8.0%) or upper third cancers (6.2%). When studying the predictors of GIH in GIC, socioeconomic factors such as minority race and less favorable insurances (Medicaid and self-pay) were associated with significantly higher GIH on multivariate analysis (P < 0.01). Chemotherapy and immunotherapy were also identified to have a lower risk for GIH [odds ratios (OR) = 0.74 (0.72-0.77), P < 0.001]. Out of 30507 GIC inpatients who also had GIH, 16267 (53.3%) underwent an endoscopic procedure, i.e., upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. Inpatient mortality was significantly lower in patients who underwent endoscopy compared to no endoscopy [5.5% vs 14.9%, OR = 0.42 (0.38-0.46), P < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of GIH in patients with GIC varies significantly based on the tumor’s anatomical location. Endoscopy, which appears to be associated with a substantial reduction in inpatient mortality, should be offered to GIC patients with GIH. Nevertheless, the decision on intervention in the GIC population should be tailored to individual patient's goals of care, the benefit on overall care, and long-term survival.

Artificial intelligence in inflammatory bowel disease endoscopy: current landscape and the road ahead

Inflammatory bowel disease is a complex chronic inflammatory disorder with challenges in diagnosis, choosing appropriate therapy, determining individual responsiveness, and prediction of future disease course to guide appropriate management. Artificial intelligence has been examined in the field of inflammatory bowel disease endoscopy with promising data in different domains of inflammatory bowel disease, including diagnosis, assessment of mucosal activity, and prediction of recurrence and complications. Artificial intelligence use during endoscopy could be a step toward precision medicine in inflammatory bowel disease care pathways. We reviewed available data on use of artificial intelligence for diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, grading of severity, prediction of recurrence, and dysplasia detection. We examined the potential role of artificial intelligence enhanced endoscopy in various aspects of inflammatory bowel disease care and future perspectives in this review.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Is Highly Effective in Real-World Practice: Initial Results From the FMT National Registry

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is used commonly for treatment of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs), although prospective safety data are limited and real-world FMT practice and outcomes are not well described. The FMT National Registry was designed to assess FMT methods and both safety and effectiveness outcomes from North American FMT providers.

METHODS

Patients undergoing FMT in clinical practices across North America were eligible. Participating investigators enter de-identified data into an online platform, including FMT protocol, baseline patient characteristics, CDI cure and recurrence, and short and long-term safety outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the first 259 participants enrolled at 20 sites, 222 had completed short-term follow-up at 1 month and 123 had follow-up to 6 months; 171 (66%) were female. All FMTs were done for CDI and 249 (96%) used an unknown donor (eg, stool bank). One-month cure occurred in 200 patients (90%); of these, 197 (98%) received only 1 FMT. Among 112 patients with initial cure who were followed to 6 months, 4 (4%) had CDI recurrence. Severe symptoms reported within 1-month of FMT included diarrhea (n = 5 [2%]) and abdominal pain (n = 4 [2%]); 3 patients (1%) had hospitalizations possibly related to FMT. At 6 months, new diagnoses of irritable bowel syndrome were made in 2 patients (1%) and inflammatory bowel disease in 2 patients (1%).

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective real-world study demonstrated high effectiveness of FMT for CDI with a good safety profile. Assessment of new conditions at long-term follow-up is planned as this registry grows and will be important for determining the full safety profile of FMT.

Tofacitinib for the treatment of ulcerative colitis: A review of the literature

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory condition affecting the colon. Recently, tofacitinib, an oral small molecule that is an inhibitor of the Janus kinase signal transduction pathway, was proven efficacious for inducing and maintaining remission in adult patients with moderate to severe UC in three global Phase III studies. The purpose of this review is to summarize existing data on the efficacy, safety, and quality of life issues related to use tofacitinib as well as highlight recent real-world experience with this drug among patients with UC.

Safety and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplant in 9 critically ill patients with severe and complicated Clostridium difficile infection with impending colectomy

OBJECTIVE

Significant data support the efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) in recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The objective of our study was to determine the success rate of FMT in patients diagnosed with severe and complicated CDI with impending colectomy in the intensive care setting.

METHODS

This was a 2-center study of 9 patients who met the criteria for severe and complicated CDI and had an impending colectomy. All 9 patients had failed conventional antibiotic therapy and were deemed too unstable to undergo a colectomy. Hence, FMT was considered to be the next step in managing their condition.

RESULTS

Following FMT there was marked improvement in the patients' clinical status, with the resolution of diarrhea, reduced requirement for vasopressor, and the reduction in abdominal distention and pain. The primary cure rate of our study after a single round of FMT was 78% (7/9). Of the 9 patients 8 (88.88%) avoided a colectomy during the same hospital admission. the CDI-related death rate was 12.5% (1/9) and that of non-CDI was 12.5% (1/9).

CONCLUSION

Our success with FMT in fulminant CDI shows that this therapeutic modality is a promising alternative to a colectomy and could be a potential bowel-saving intervention.

Improving immunization strategies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are susceptible to varieties of opportunistic infections due to immunological changes in the setting of their disease and drug-induced immunosuppression. Even though numerous infections can be prevented by vaccine, vaccination in IBD patients is inadequate. Data showed only 9% were vaccinated against pneumococcal infection and 28% described commonly receiving influenza vaccine. This review article discusses the recent immunizations against influenza virus; pneumococcal infection; human papilloma virus; tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis; measles, mumps and rubella; varicella zoster; and herpes zoster for individuals diagnosed with IBD and those patients with drug-related immunosuppression. In addition, this review discusses concerns about IBD patients planning to travel abroad. Immunization status and screening for opportunistic infection need to be addressed in IBD patients at the time of diagnosis and they should be vaccinated accordingly. Generally, standard vaccination strategies should be pursued in IBD patients, although live vaccines should be avoided while they are not immunocompetent.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced colitis: A comprehensive review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies that target down-regulators of the anti-cancer immune response: Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4, programmed cell death protein-1, and its ligand programmed death-ligand 1. ICIs have revolutionized the treatment of a variety of malignancies. However, many immune-related adverse events have also been described which mainly occurs as the immune system becomes less suppressed, affecting various organs including the gastrointestinal tract and causing diarrhea and colitis. The incidence of immune-mediated colitis (IMC) ranges from 1%-25% depending on the type of ICI and if used in combination. Endoscopically and histologically there is a significant overlap between IMC and inflammatory bowel disease, however more neutrophilic inflammation without chronic inflammation is usually present in IMC. Corticosteroids are recommended for grade 2 or more severe colitis while holding the immunotherapy. About one third to two thirds of patients are steroid refractory and benefit from infliximab. Recently vedolizumab has been found to be efficacious in steroid and infliximab refractory cases. While in grade 4 colitis, the immunotherapy is permanently discontinued, the decision is controversial in grade 3 colitis.

Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in the Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infection in Patients With and Without Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Tertiary Care Center's Experience

BACKGROUND

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) carries a large burden on the national public health with its high morbidity and mortality rates. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are generally at higher risk of infection, recurrence and complications. Therefore, the need for more reliable and safe therapy is necessary. Our study aims to evaluate long-term fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) outcomes in the general population compared to patients with IBD.

METHODS

A single center long-term follow-up study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of FMT in patients with and without IBD. Prior to FMT data including demographics, prior treatment of CDI and severity of symptoms were gathered via chart review. Post FMT, all patients were surveyed after 2 days, 30 days and > 1 year to assess clinical and laboratory response. Our study outcomes included primary cure rate (negative CDI testing > 1 year after single FMT), and secondary cure rate (negative CDI testing > 1 year after repeat FMT or after an additional course of antibiotic with or without repeat FMT).

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patients with recurrent or refractory CDI and subsequent FMT treatment were included. Mean age was 57 years, and 69% were females and twenty-one (27%) had IBD. Primary cure rate was achieved in 77% of the cases while secondary cure rate reached 100% at the end of the study. IBD patients were younger with an average age of 47 years, and had more complains of abdominal pain (71%), and required escalation of therapy in 50% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

FMT was effective in the eradication of CDI in patients with and without IBD, but with no significant symptoms improvement in patients with IBD. Future randomized control studies are needed to examine the long-term progression of IBD and quality of life in patients treated with FMT compared to standard therapy of antibiotics for recurrent CDI.

Monitoring inflammatory bowel disease during pregnancy: Current literature and future challenges

Inflammatory bowel disease has a high prevalence in women of childbearing age and can have a significant impact on pregnancy, from conceiving to carrying the pregnancy. Active disease during pregnancy is known to have negative effects on pregnancy outcomes; therefore, careful monitoring during this period is an important but challenging aspect of care and is crucial as it affects important management decisions. Recent data seems to suggest that endoscopy is a relatively safe procedure during all trimesters of pregnancy. Serum biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin are helpful non-invasive markers, but have shown conflicting results for correlation with disease activity in some initial studies. Further work is necessary to establish standard of care monitoring during pregnancy.

Post-endoscopic procedure satisfaction scores: Can we improve?

AIM

To organize post-procedure satisfaction data into a useful reference and analyze patient-centered parameters to find trends that influence patient satisfaction.

METHODS

A robust database of two cohorts of outpatients that underwent an endoscopic procedure at Georgetown University Hospital at two separate three-month intervals ranging from November 2012 to January 2013 and November 2015 to January 2016 was compiled. Time of year was identical to control for weather/seasonal issues that may have contributed to the patient experience. The variables recorded included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), type of procedure, indication for procedure, time of the procedure, length of the procedure, type of prep used, endoscopist, satisfactory score, and comments/reasons for score. For continuous variables, differences in averages were tested by two sample t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and ANOVA as appropriate. For categorical variables, differences in proportions between two groups were tested by χ² test. Correlation test and linear regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships between length of procedure and continuous predictors. A P value < 0.05 used to indicate statistically significant relationship.

RESULTS

The primary outcome of this study was to assess if telephone outreach after an endoscopic intervention was a satisfactory method of obtaining post-procedure satisfaction scores from patients at a tertiary care center. With the addition of post-procedure calls, instilled in January 2014, the response rate was 40.5% (508/1256 patients) from a prior completion rate of 3.4% (31/918) with the mail out survey initially. There was a statistically significant improved response rate pre and post intervention with P < 0001. The secondary outcome of this study was to assess if we could use predictive analytics to identify independent predictors of procedure length, such as gender, age, type of procedure, time of procedure, or BMI. The combined pre and post intervention data was used in order to optimize the power to identify independent predictors of procedure length. The total number of patient’s data analyzed was 2174. There was no statistically significant difference in procedure length between males and females with P value 0.5282. However, there was a small (1 min), but statistically significant difference (P = 0.0185) in procedure length based on the time of day the procedure took place, with afternoon procedures having a longer duration than morning procedures. The type of procedure was an independent predictor of procedure length as demonstrated with P value < 0.0001. There is a statistically significant correlation between age and procedure length, although it is only a weak relationship with a correlation coefficient < 0.3. Contrary to patient age, BMI did not have a statistically significant correlation with procedure length (P = 0.9993), which was also confirmed by linear regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our study proves calling patients after endoscopy improves post-procedure satisfaction response rates and changing procedural time allotment based on patient characteristics would not change endoscopic workflow.

Ipilimumab associated colitis: An IpiColitis case series at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

Although ipilimumab has been shown to improve survival in patients with metastatic melanoma and cause regression of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, the associated immune-related toxicities are of concern. The resultant T cell activation by this monoclonal antibody causes an increased immune response, which has been associated with many immune-regulated adverse effects. One of the most concerning effects is the development of colitis. Upwards to 8% of patients have been reported to develop colitis, with 5% being severe (Grades 3-4). While initial treatment of such adverse effects is generally comprised of supportive and symptomatic treatment, more severe cases warrant the use of high dose steroids. Furthermore, use of anti-TNF agents is usually reserved for those cases that prove to be refractory to steroids. We describe a systematic case review of seven patients who developed gastrointestinal symptoms following initiation of ipilimumab immunotherapy, and present the steps in their evaluation, treatment and outcomes at our institution.

Current management of inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES (IBDS) CAN BE DIVIDED INTO TWO MAJOR DISORDERS: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although IBD-associated colorectal cancer (IBD-CRC) accounts for only 1-2% of all cases of colorectal cancer, IBD with colon involvement is among the top three high-risk conditions for colorectal cancer. Today, colorectal cancer accounts for approximately 10-15% of all deaths among IBD patients. Indeed, patients with IBD colitis are six times more likely to develop colorectal cancer than the general population and have a higher frequency of multiple synchronous colorectal cancers. Since IBD-CRC was first described in 1925, the colon remains the primary site of neoplasms in IBD patients today. Ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer is most common in the rectum and sigmoid colon, whereas Crohn's disease-associated colorectal cancer is evenly distributed between the different colon segments. Chemoprevention of colorectal cancer remains an important goal, and colonoscopy surveillance programs are critical to early detection in these patients. Newer methods, such as chromoendoscopy, are currently being investigated as complementary techniques to enhance early detection of dysplasia and cancer in this high-risk population. We present a comprehensive review of the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Major themes covered include risk factors for IBD-CRC and the molecular pathobiology of progression from dysplasia to cancer, endoscopic surveillance and new methods for early detection of dysplasia, approaches to prevention of IBD-CRC, and current recommendations and controversies regarding the treatment of dysplasia. In particular, disagreement has arisen over optimal management of low-grade dysplasia, with some IBD experts now advocating close colonoscopic surveillance of patients with low-grade dysplasia rather then total colectomy.