Real-world Evidence Comparing Tofacitinib and Vedolizumab in Anti-TNF-experienced Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) inhibitors are first-line treatment among patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). With time, patients tend to lose response or become intolerant, necessitating switching to small cell biologics such as tofacitinib or vedolizumab. In this real-world study of a large, geographically diverse US population of TNF-experienced patients with UC, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of newly initiating treatment with tofacitinib vs vedolizumab.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study using secondary data from a large US insurer (Anthem, Inc.). Our cohort included patients with UC newly initiating treatment with tofacitinib or vedolizumab. Patients were required to have evidence of treatment with anti-TNF inhibitors in the 6 months prior to cohort entry. The primary outcome was treatment persistence >52 weeks. Additionally, we evaluated the following secondary outcomes as additional measures of effectiveness and safety: (1) all-cause hospitalization; (2) total abdominal colectomy; (3) hospitalization for infection; (4) hospitalization for malignancy; (5) hospitalization for cardiac events; and (6) hospitalization for thromboembolic events. We used fine stratification by propensity scores to control for confounding by demographics, clinical factors, and treatment history at baseline.

RESULTS

Our primary cohort included 168 new users of tofacitinib and 568 new users of vedolizumab. Tofacitinib was associated with lower treatment persistence (adjusted risked ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60 -0.99). Differences in secondary measures of effectiveness or safety between tofacitinib initiators vs vedolizumab initiators were not statistically significant (all-cause hospitalization, adjusted hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.83-1.84; total abdominal colectomy, adjusted HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 0.93-3.44;and hospitalization for any infection, adjusted HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 0.83-4.52).

DISCUSSION

Ulcerative colitis patients with prior anti-TNF experience initiating tofacitinib demonstrated lower treatment persistence compared with those initiating vedolizumab. This finding is in contrast to other recent studies suggesting superior effectiveness of tofacitinib. Ultimately, head-to-head randomized, controlled trials that focus on directly measured end points may be needed to best inform clinical practice.

Humoral immune response and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in very early onset inflammatory bowel disease

Children with very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) may respond differently to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) immunization compared to healthy children or other patients with IBD. We recruited children with VEO-IBD <6 years of age and younger following receipt of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine. Demographics, IBD characteristics, medication use, adverse events (AEs) and IBD exacerbations were collected. Blood draws (optional) were obtained for measurement of antireceptor binding domain (RBD) IgG antibodies following vaccination. Of 41 participants, none required emergency department visit or hospitalization due to AE, and only one experienced IBD exacerbation. Detectable antibody was present in 19/19 participants who provided blood sample; 6/7 participants (86%) had durable humoral response 12 months postvaccination. Children with VEO-IBD experience robust humoral immune response to COVID-19 immunization. Severe AEs were rare. These findings provide reassurance that children with VEO-IBD respond well and safely to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

High Body Mass Index and Response to Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy in Pediatric Crohn's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is common among patients with pediatric Crohn's disease (PCD). Some adult studies suggest obese patients respond less well to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment. This study sought compares anti-TNF response and anti-TNF levels between pediatric patients with normal and high body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

The COMBINE trial compared anti-TNF monotherapy with combination therapy with methotrexate in patients with PCD. In this secondary analysis, a comparison of time-to-treatment failure among patients with normal BMI vs BMI Z -score >1, adjusting for prescribed anti-TNF (infliximab [IFX] or adalimumab [ADA]), trial treatment assignment (combination vs monotherapy), and relevant covariates. Median anti-TNF levels across BMI category was also examined.

RESULTS

Of 224 participants (162 IFX initiators and 62 ADA initiators), 111 (81%) had a normal BMI and 43 (19%) had a high BMI. High BMI was associated with treatment failure among ADA initiators (7/10 [70%] vs 12/52 [23%], hazard ratio 0.29, P = 0.007) but not IFX initiators. In addition, ADA-treated patients with a high BMI had lower ADA levels compared with those with normal BMI (median 5.8 vs 12.8 μg/mL, P = 0.02). IFX trough levels did not differ between BMI groups.

DISCUSSION

Overweight and obese patients with PCD are more likely to experience ADA treatment failure than those with normal BMI. Higher BMI was associated with lower drug trough levels. Standard ADA dosing may be insufficient for overweight children with PCD. Among IFX initiators, there was no observed difference in clinical outcomes or drug levels, perhaps due to weight-based dosing and/or greater use of proactive drug monitoring.

Adolescent and caregiver perceptions of addressing mental health in inflammatory bowel disease

Adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk of anxiety and depression compared to peers, but availability of mental health services in IBD clinics does not meet patients' needs, and use of primary care services for mental health screening and care is low. This study provides qualitative data regarding adolescent and caregiver perspectives on addressing mental health in IBD. Interviews were conducted with adolescents with IBD and caregivers of adolescents with IBD. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed for prominent themes. Thirteen adolescents and fourteen caregivers were interviewed. Three primary themes emerged: mental health stigma makes discussing it more difficult, physician-adolescent trust makes conversations about mental health easier, and asking about mental health directly can help adolescents feel comfortable. Adolescents and caregivers highlighted the importance of considering each patient and their family individually when choosing how to discuss mental health. Fostering trust with adolescents with IBD is vital to addressing mental health. While encouraging standardized screening is important, the most patient-centered approach to mental health involves considering families individually to identify and address mental health challenges. Given the increased risk of anxiety and depression in pediatric patients with IBD, all providers encountering these patients should be equipped to discuss mental health non-judgmentally.

Long-Term Effectiveness and Durability of COVID-19 Vaccination Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

COVID-19 vaccination prevents severe disease in most patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but immunosuppressive medications can blunt serologic response. We followed adults with IBD for >1 year post-COVID-19 vaccination to describe factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, evaluate for a protective SARS-CoV-2 antibody level, characterize SARS-CoV-2 antibody persistence, and identify factors associated with humoral immune response durability.

METHODS

Using a prospective cohort of COVID-19 immunized adults with IBD, we analyzed factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination. We evaluated for an association between SARS-CoV-2 antibody level 12 weeks postvaccination and subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection and assessed for a threshold of protection using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. We then conducted a separate analysis evaluating factors associated with persistence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 52 weeks postimmunization.

RESULTS

Almost half (43%) of 1869 participants developed COVID-19 after vaccination, but most infections were mild, and <1% required hospitalization. Older age and corticosteroid use were associated with a decreased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection postvaccination (50-59 years of age vs 18-29 years of age: adjusted hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.74; steroid users vs nonusers: adjusted hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.87). Most (98%) participants had detectable antibody levels at 52 weeks postvaccination. Antibody levels at 12 weeks and number of vaccine doses were positively associated with higher antibody levels at 52 weeks, while anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy was negatively associated.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 vaccination generates an effective and durable protective response for the vast majority of adults with IBD, including vulnerable populations such as corticosteroid users and older individuals. Patients with IBD benefit from COVID-19 booster vaccination.

Racial and ethnic differences in the degree of participation and retention in a decentralized cohort study of COVID-19 immunization in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

Introduction

Disparities in the recruitment of minority populations in research are well-documented. However, the degree of participation and retention of minorities following enrollment is less known, particularly in decentralized studies. Although decentralized clinical research methods may allow researchers to engage broader study populations with less participation burden, they may present different retention challenges. To evaluate racial and ethnic differences in the degree of participation after enrollment in a decentralized study, we analyzed data from a cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases following COVID-19 immunization.

Methods

We compared by race and ethnicity the following post-enrollment participation metrics: response to > 50% of follow-up surveys, donation of a blood sample for antibody testing, consent to use of bio samples for future research, and withdrawal prior to study completion.

Results

Overall, we observed higher levels of post-enrollment study participation among non-Hispanic White (NHW) participants as compared to Black or Hispanic participants: 95% of NHW participants completed follow-up versus 87% of Black participants and 91% of Hispanic participants, 73% of NHW participants provided bio samples versus 64% Black participants and 67% Hispanic participants, and 65% of NHW participants provided consent for future research versus 62% of Black participants and 52% of Hispanic participants.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the degree of study participation after enrollment in this decentralized study differed by race and ethnicity, indicating that attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion is needed not only in clinical research recruitment but also throughout study administration.

The Comorbidity of Patient-Reported Crohn's Disease Activity and Depression: The Role of Health Behavior Mediators

Background

Longitudinal research reveals a unidirectional relationship between a nonsomatic symptom of depression, a negative view of the self, and later reported Crohn's disease (CD) activity. We evaluated whether health behaviors mediated this association using a longitudinal design.

Methods

We studied 3304 adult volunteers with a self-reported diagnosis of CD who completed a baseline survey that included demographics, CD activity, a symptom-specific index of depression, and measures of physical activity, smoking, and sleep quality. Crohn's disease status and the cognitive index of depression were also measured 6 and 12 months after the baseline evaluation. We specified single-mediator and multiple-mediator models to elucidate the depression-disease activity relationship.

Results

Among 2395 females and 909 males, we found a significant mediation effect for activity level (P < .001) after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index. There was no evidence that sleep quality and smoking are significant single mediators. When we considered multiple mediation models, smoking and less activity partially mediate the depression-CD association.

Conclusions

Smoking and lower levels of physical activity are potential mediators of the unidirectional association between a nonsomatic symptom of depression-a negative view of the self-and patient-reported CD activity. Evaluating and treating specific symptoms of depression may reduce the frequency of CD exacerbations.

Impact of Holding Immunosuppressive Therapy in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Around mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Administration on Humoral Immune Response and Development of COVID-19 Infection

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccines are efficacious in patients with inflammatory bowel disease; but there is a lack of data examining if holding immunosuppressive therapy around vaccination improves immune response. We studied the effect of holding IBD medications around the time of vaccination on antibody response and breakthrough COVID-19 infection.

METHODS

Partnership to Report Effectiveness of Vaccination in populations Excluded from iNitial Trials of COVID is a prospective cohort of individuals with IBD receiving COVID-19 vaccination. Quantitative measurement of anti-receptor binding domain IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 was performed 8 weeks after completing a vaccination series.

RESULTS

A total of 1854 patients were included; 59% were on anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] [10% of these on combination therapy], 11% on vedolizumab, and 14% on ustekinumab; 11% of participants held therapy before or after vaccine administration for at least 2 weeks. Antibody levels were similar in participants continuing versus holding anti-TNF monotherapy before or after the second vaccine [BNT162b2: 10 μg/mL vs 8.9 μg/mL; mRNA-1273: 17.5 μg/mL vs 14.5 μg/mL]. Comparable results were seen in those on combination therapy. Antibody titres in those on ustekinumab or vedolizumab were higher compared with anti-TNF users, but there was no significant difference if the drug was held or continued [BNT162b2: 22.5 μg/mL vs 23 μg/mL; mRNA-1273: 88 μg/mL vs 51 μg/mL]. Holding therapy was not associated with decreased rate of COVID-19 infection compared with those not holding therapy [BNT162b2: 28% vs 29%; mRNA-1273: 19% vs 31%].

CONCLUSION

We recommend continuing IBD medications while receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccination without interruption.

Association Between Hypertension and Diabetes Control and COVID-19 Severity: National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network, United States, March 2020 to February 2022

Background Hypertension and diabetes are associated with increased COVID-19 severity. The association between level of control of these conditions and COVID-19 severity is less well understood. Methods and Results This retrospective cohort study identified adults with COVID-19, March 2020 to February 2022, in 43 US health systems in the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network. Hypertension control was categorized as blood pressure (BP) <130/80, 130 to 139/80 to 89, 140 to 159/90 to 99, or ≥160/100 mm Hg, and diabetes control as glycated hemoglobin <7%, 7% to <9%, ≥9%. Adjusted, pooled logistic regression assessed associations between hypertension and diabetes control and severe COVID-19 outcomes. Among 1 494 837 adults with COVID-19, 43% had hypertension and 12% had diabetes. Among patients with hypertension, the highest baseline BP was associated with greater odds of hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.30 [95% CI, 1.23-1.37] for BP ≥160/100 versus BP <130/80), critical care (aOR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.21-1.40]), and mechanical ventilation (aOR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.17-1.50]) but not mortality (aOR, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.98-1.12]). Among patients with diabetes, the highest glycated hemoglobin was associated with greater odds of hospitalization (aOR, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.47-1.76] for glycated hemoglobin ≥9% versus <7%), critical care (aOR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.31-1.54]), mechanical ventilation (aOR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.02-1.23]), and mortality (aOR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.09-1.27]). Black and Hispanic adults were more likely than White adults to experience severe COVID-19 outcomes, independent of comorbidity score and control of hypertension or diabetes. Conclusions Among 1.5 million patients with COVID-19, higher BP and glycated hemoglobin were associated with more severe COVID-19 outcomes. Findings suggest that adults with poorest control of hypertension or diabetes might benefit from efforts to prevent and initiate early treatment of COVID-19.

Patient-reported symptoms and interest in symptom monitoring in HCC treated with locoregional therapies: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measures relevant to domains most important to patients with HCC who received locoregional therapies are needed to advance patient-centered research. Furthermore, electronic PRO monitoring in clinical care has been shown to reduce hospitalizations and deaths in patients with other cancers. We conducted a qualitative study among patients with HCC who recently received locoregional therapies to (1) identify common and distressing posttreatment symptoms to prioritize PRO domain selection and (2) gauge interest in an electronic PRO symptom monitoring system.

METHODS

We performed semi-structured telephone interviews among adult patients who received locoregional therapies (median of 26 days after treatment) for treatment-naïve HCC at a single tertiary care center. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was reached. Qualitative content analysis was conducted to identify emerging themes and sub-themes.

RESULTS

Ten of 26 patients (38%) reported at least 1 symptom before treatment. In contrast, all participants (n = 26) with recently treated HCC reported at least 1 posttreatment physical symptom, with the most common being appetite loss (73%), fatigue (58%), abdominal pain (46%), and nausea (35%). Most participants (77%) stated they saw potential benefits in posttreatment ePRO symptom monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

Posttreatment symptoms after HCC locoregional therapies are common and often severe. These data can inform and prioritize PRO domain selection. Patients are interested in ePRO monitoring to monitor and proactively address posttreatment symptoms. Given the clinical benefits in patients with metastatic cancers, ePRO monitoring warrants investigation in patients with HCC.

Racial and Ethnic Distribution of Rheumatic Diseases in Health Systems of the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relative prevalence of 8 rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) across racial and ethnic groups within the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet).

METHODS

Electronic health records from participating PCORnet institutions and systems from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018, were used to identify adult patients with ≥ 2 diagnosis codes for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), osteoporosis (OP), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), giant cell arteritis (GCA), and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Among those with race and ethnicity data available, we compared prevalence of RMDs by race and ethnicity.

RESULTS

Data from 28,059,546 patients were available for analysis. RA was more common in patients who were American Indian or Alaska Native vs White, with a prevalence of 11.57 vs 10.11/1000 (odds ratio [OR] 1.15, 95% CI 1.09-1.22). SLE was more common in patients who were Black or African American (6.73/1000), American Indian or Alaska Native (3.82/1000), and Asian (3.39/1000) vs White (2.80/1000; OR 2.43, 95% CI 2.39-2.46; OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.25-1.53; OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.21-1.31, respectively). SLE was more common in patients who were Hispanic vs non-Hispanic (prevalence 3.93 vs 3.45/1000, OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.12-1.16). TAK was more common in patients who were Asian vs White (prevalence 0.05 vs 0.04/1000, OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.00-2.03). OP, RA, and the vasculitides were all more common in patients who were White vs Black or African American.

CONCLUSION

These data provide important information on the prevalence of RMDs by race and ethnicity in the United States. PCORnet can be used as a reliable data source to study RMDs within a large representative population.

Rate of Colectomy Increases Within 12 Months of Sequential Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis

INTRODUCTION

Patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis who previously would have undergone surgery can now elect for subsequent medical therapy.

METHODS

In a commercially insured population, we evaluated the proportion of patients initiating second-line, third-line, or fourth-line treatment who underwent colectomy in the following 12 months.

RESULTS

Among 3,325 patients with ulcerative colitis, the colectomy rate within 12 months of a switch in therapy increased from 12% with the first switch to 17% and 19% with the second and third switches, respectively ( P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Treatment effectiveness declines with successive switching; however, even after initiating fourth-line therapy, most patients remain surgery-free.

Utilization of Treat-to-Target Monitoring Colonoscopy After Treatment Initiation in the US-Based Study of a Prospective Adult Research Cohort With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic healing has been associated with improved long-term clinical outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is a recommended target for treatment. Evidence is limited regarding real-world uptake and patterns of treat-to-target monitoring to assess endoscopic healing after treatment initiation. We aimed to estimate the proportion of patients in the Study of a Prospective Adult Research Cohort with IBD (SPARC IBD) who received colonoscopy in the 3-15 months after starting a new IBD treatment.

METHODS

We identified SPARC IBD patients who initiated a new biologic (infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, golimumab, vedolizumab, and ustekinumab) or tofacitinib. We estimated the proportion of patients who received colonoscopies in the 3-15 months after IBD treatment initiation and described use by patient subgroups.

RESULTS

Among 1,708 eligible initiations from 2017 to 2022, the most common medications were ustekinumab (32%), infliximab (22%), vedolizumab (20%), and adalimumab (16%). The median patient age was 38 years, with 66% Crohn's disease; 55% were female, and 12% were non-White. In the 3-15 months after medication initiation, 49.3% (95% confidence interval 46.2%-52.5%) of initiations were followed by a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy use was similar between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, but was higher among male patients, those older than 40 years, and those who received colonoscopy within 3 months of initiation. Colonoscopy use varied between study sites, from 26.6% (15.0%-38.3%) to 63.2% (54.5%-72.0%).

DISCUSSION

Approximately half of SPARC IBD patients received colonoscopy in the 3-15 months after initiation to a new IBD treatment, suggesting a low uptake of treat-to-target colonoscopy for the assessment of mucosal healing in real-world clinical practice. The variation in colonoscopy use between study sites suggests a lack of consensus and a need for more robust evidence around whether or not the practice of routine monitoring colonoscopy is associated with improved patient outcomes.

Using pooled electronic health records data to conduct pharmacoepidemiology safety studies: Challenges and lessons learned

PURPOSE

We assessed the suitability of pooled electronic health record (EHR) data from clinical research networks (CRNs) of the patient-centered outcomes research network to conduct studies of the association between tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and infections.

METHODS

EHR data from patients with one of seven autoimmune diseases were obtained from three CRNs and pooled. Person-level linkage of CRN data and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) fee-for-service claims data was performed where possible. Using filled prescriptions from CMS claims data as the gold standard, we assessed the misclassification of EHR-based new (incident) user definitions. Among new users of TNFi, we assessed subsequent rates of hospitalized infection in EHR and CMS data.

RESULTS

The study included 45 483 new users of TNFi, of whom 1416 were successfully linked to their CMS claims. Overall, 44% of new EHR TNFi prescriptions were not associated with medication claims. Our most specific new user definition had a misclassification rate of 3.5%-16.4% for prevalent use, depending on the medication. Greater than 80% of CRN prescriptions had either zero refills or missing refill data. Compared to using EHR data alone, there was a 2- to 8-fold increase in hospitalized infection rates when CMS claims data were added to the analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

EHR data substantially misclassified TNFi exposure and underestimated the incidence of hospitalized infections compared to claims data. EHR-based new user definitions were reasonably accurate. Overall, using CRN data for pharmacoepidemiology studies is challenging, especially for biologics, and would benefit from supplementation by other sources.

Corticosteroids but not Anti-TNF Are Associated With Increased COVID-19 Complications in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Immunosuppressed individuals are at higher risk for COVID-19 complications, yet data in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are limited. We evaluated the risk of COVID-19- severe sequelae by medication utilization in a large cohort of patients with IBD.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing insurance claims data between August 31, 2019, and August 31, 2021.We included IBD patients identified by diagnosis and treatment codes. Use of IBD medications was defined in the 90 days prior to cohort entry. Study outcomes included COVID-19 hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and inpatient death. Patients were followed until the outcome of interest, outpatient death, disenrollment, or end of study period. Due to the aggregate nature of available data, we were unable to perform multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

We included 102 986 patients (48 728 CD, 47 592 UC) with a mean age of 53 years; 55% were female. Overall, 412 (0.4%) patients were hospitalized with COVID-19. The incidence of hospitalization was higher in those on corticosteroids (0.6% vs 0.3%; P < .0001; 13.6 per 1000 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.8-16.9) and lower in those receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy (0.2% vs 0.5%; P < .0001; 3.9 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI, 2.7-5.4). Older age was associated with increased hospitalization with COVID-19. Overall, 71 (0.07%) patients required mechanical ventilation and 52 (0.05%) died at the hospital with COVID-19. The proportion requiring mechanical ventilation (1.9% vs 0.05%; P < .0001; 3.9 per 1000 person-years; 95% CI, 2.5-5.9) was higher among users of corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with IBD, those on corticosteroids had more hospitalizations and mechanical ventilation with COVID-19. Anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy was associated with a decreased risk of hospitalization. These findings reinforce previous guidance to taper and/or discontinue corticosteroids in IBD.

Patient Reported Outcome Assessments Used in the Evaluation of Patients after Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There is a paucity of validated measures to evaluate how patients feel and function after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis. We performed a systematic review to evaluate all published patient reported outcomes (PROs) to assess symptom burden, functional status, and quality of life (QoL) after IPAA.

METHODS

An electronic literature search on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed from inception through October 12, 2021. Eligible full texts were further characterized by the type of assessment as well as the individual domains assessed by questions in the PRO measure.

RESULTS

Among the 129 full texts analyzed, 51 specific PRO measures were utilized. In the evaluation of all PRO measures, 46% included an assessment of disease-specific QoL with 27% evaluating more general QoL, and 15% assessing symptoms related to pouch function. Among the studies using disease-specific instruments, the Cleveland Clinic Global Quality of Life (42%) and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (21%) were the most commonly used PRO measures. PRO questions were mapped to individual domains using binning methodology, with the greatest number of questions from individual PRO measures mapped to the bowel function domain (122).

CONCLUSION

In our assessment of PRO measures among patients after IPAA, the studies and individual measures varied widely in both the patient populations being evaluated as well as outcomes and specific domains being assessed. A valid measure that assesses the range of outcomes after IPAA could standardize assessment and advance the study of patients after IPAA.

Comparing Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Anti-TNF Experienced Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Initiating Vedolizumab Versus Tofacitinib

Background

Primary and secondary nonresponse to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy is common in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), yet limited research has compared the effectiveness of subsequent biological therapy.

Objective

We sought to compare the effectiveness of vedolizumab and tofacitinib in anti-TNF experienced patients with UC, focusing on patient-prioritized patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study nested within the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's IBD Partners and SPARC IBD initiatives. We identified anti-TNF experienced patients with UC initiating vedolizumab or tofacitinib and analyzed PROs reported approximately 6 months later (minimum 4 months, maximum 10 months). Co-primary outcomes were Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) domains of Fatigue and Pain Interference. Secondary outcomes included PRO2, treatment persistence, and need for colectomy.

Results

We compared 72 vedolizumab initiators and 33 tofacitinib initiators. At follow-up, Pain Interference (P = .04), but not Fatigue (P = .53) was lower among tofacitinib initiators. A trend toward higher Social Role Satisfaction was not significant. The remainder of secondary outcomes (PRO2, treatment persistence, colectomy) did not differ between treatment groups.

Conclusions

Among anti-TNF experienced patients with UC, Pain Interference 4-10 months after treatment initiation was lower among tofacitinib users as compared with vedolizumab users. Many, but not all, secondary endpoints and subanalyses also favored tofacitinib. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further evaluate these findings.

Assessment of Real-World Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients Initiating Biologic Agents for the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases: An Observational Study in Four Patient-Powered Research Networks

Background

The most reliable and meaningful approach for inclusion of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in the evaluation of real-world clinical effectiveness of biologics in the treatment of autoimmune diseases is u ncertain. This study aimed to assess and compare the proportions of patients who had abnormalities in PROs measuring important general health domains at the initiation of treatment with biologics, as well as the effects of baseline abnormalities on subsequent improvement.

Methods

PROs were collected for patient participants with inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and vasculitis using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System instruments. Scores were reported as T-scores normalized to the general population in the United States. Baseline PROs scores were collected near the time of biologic initiation, and follow-up scores were collected 3 to 8 months later. In addition to summary statistics, the proportion of patients with PROs abnormalities (scores ≥5 units worse than the population norm) was determined. Baseline and follow-up scores were compared, and an improvement of ≥5 units was considered significant.

Results

There was wide variation across autoimmune diseases in baseline PROs scores for all domains. For example, the proportion of participants with abnormal baseline pain interference scores ranged from 52% to 93%. When restricted to participants with baseline PROs abnormalities, the proportion of participants experiencing an improvement of ≥5 units was substantially higher.

Conclusion

As expected, many patients experienced improvement in PROs following initiation of treatment with biologics for autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of participants did not exhibit abnormalities in all PROs domains at baseline, and these participants appear less likely to experience improvement. For PROs to be reliably and meaningfully included in the evaluation of real-world medication effectiveness, more knowledge and careful consideration are needed to select the most appropriate patient populations and subgroups for inclusion and evaluation in studies measuring change in PROs.

Engaging Multistakeholder Perspectives to Identify Patient-Centered Research Priorities Regarding Vaccine Uptake Among Adults With Autoimmune Conditions

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to prioritize topics for future patient-centered research to increase uptake of common vaccines, such as for pneumococcal pneumonia, influenza, herpes zoster, human papillomavirus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, among adults living with autoimmune conditions.

METHODS

A steering committee (SC) was formed that included clinicians, patients, patient advocates, and researchers associated with rheumatic diseases (psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis), inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis. Through a scoping review and discussions, SC members identified research topics regarding vaccine uptake and/or hesitancy for prioritization. A larger multistakeholder alliance that included patients and patient advocates, clinicians, researchers, policy makers, regulators, and vaccine manufacturers conducted a modified Delphi exercise online with three rating rounds and one ranking round. Frequency analysis and comparisons across stakeholder groups were conducted. A weighted ranking score was generated for each item in the ranking round for final prioritization.

RESULTS

Through the Delphi process, 33 research topics were identified, of which 13 topics were rated as critical by more than 70% of all stakeholders (n = 31). The two highest ranked critical topics per the full stakeholder group were "How well a vaccine works for adults with autoimmune conditions" and "How beliefs about vaccine safety affect vaccine uptake."

CONCLUSION

A multistakeholder group identified key topics as critically important priorities for future research to decrease vaccine hesitancy and improve uptake of vaccines for adults with autoimmune conditions.

Utilization of Colonoscopy Following Treatment Initiation in U.S. Commercially Insured Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease, 2013-2019

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of mucosal healing with colonoscopy is recommended for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management; however, little is known about real-world use of treat-to-target monitoring following IBD treatment initiation. We aimed to estimate the proportion of U.S. commercially insured IBD patients who receive colonoscopy in the 3 to 15 months after initiating treatment.

METHODS

We identified IBD patients, 18 to 64 years of age, in the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database as those with ≥3 IBD diagnoses prior to initiation of biologic, small molecule, or immunomodulatory treatment. We excluded patients with prior colectomy and with rheumatologic and other indications for these therapies. Colonoscopies were identified using International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision, International Classification of Diseases-Tenth Revision, and Current Procedural Terminology procedure codes. We used Kaplan-Meier methods to estimate the proportion of newly treated IBD patients who received colonoscopy in the 3 to 6 months, 3 to 12 months, and 3 to 15 months following treatment initiation, and stratified trends by year, patient age and sex, and region.

RESULTS

From 2013 to 2019, we identified 39 734 initiators of IBD medications (51.9% female, mean age 39.4 years). We observed similar colonoscopy incidence among ulcerative colitis patients (3-6 months: 14.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 13.6%-14.8%]; 3-12 months: 37.7% [95% CI, 36.8%-38.6%]; 3-15 months: 46.1% [95% CI, 45.2%-47.1%]) and Crohn's disease patients (3-6 months: 11.2% [95% CI, 10.8%-11.6%]; 3-12 months: 32.2% [95% CI, 31.5%-32.9%]; 3-15 months: CD: 40.1% [95% CI, 39.3%-40.8%]). Overall colonoscopy use was slightly higher among women, patients in the Northeast, and those initiating newer biologic therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Fewer than half of newly treated IBD patients underwent colonoscopy within 3 to 15 months of initiating new treatment, suggesting low uptake of treat-to-target endoscopic disease monitoring in real-world practice.

A Systematic Review of Epidemiology and Outcomes Associated with Local Surgical and Intersphincteric Ligation Procedures for Complex Cryptoglandular Fistulas

INTRODUCTION

This systematic literature review (SLR) assessed incidence/prevalence of cryptoglandular fistulas (CCF) and outcomes associated with local surgical and intersphincteric ligation procedures for CCFs.

METHODS

Two trained reviewers searched PubMed and Embase for observational studies evaluating the incidence/prevalence of cryptoglandular fistula and clinical outcomes of treatments for CCF after local surgical and intersphincteric ligation procedures for CCF.

RESULTS

In total 148 studies met a priori eligibility criteria for all cryptoglandular fistulas and all intervention types. Of those, two assessed incidence/prevalence of cryptoglandular fistulas. Eighteen reported clinical outcomes of surgeries of interest in CCF and were published in the past 5 years. Prevalence was reported as 1.35/10,000 non-Crohn's patients, and 52.6% of non-IBD patients were found to progress from anorectal abscess to fistula over 12 months. Primary healing rates ranged from 57.1% to 100%; recurrence occurred in a range of 4.9-60.7% and failure in 2.8-18.0% of patients. Limited published evidence suggests postoperative fecal incontinence and long-term postoperative pain were rare. Several of the studies were limited by single-center design with small sample sizes and short follow-up durations.

DISCUSSION

This SLR summarizes outcomes from specific surgical procedures for the treatment of CCF. Healing rates vary according to procedure and clinical factors. Differences in study design, outcome definition, and length of follow-up prevent direct comparison. Overall, published studies offer a wide range of findings with respect to recurrence. Postsurgical incontinence and long-term postoperative pain were rare in the included studies, but more research is needed to confirm rates of these conditions following CCF treatments.

CONCLUSION

Published studies on the epidemiology of CCF are rare and limited. Outcomes of local surgical and intersphincteric ligation procedures show differing success and failure rates, and more research is needed to compare outcomes across various procedures. (PROSPERO; registration number CRD42020177732).

Comparing Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Anti-TNF-Experienced Patients with Crohn's Disease Initiating Vedolizumab Versus Ustekinumab

BACKGROUND

Primary and secondary non-response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy is common in patients with Crohn's disease (CD), yet limited research has compared the effectiveness of subsequent biological therapy.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare the effectiveness of vedolizumab and ustekinumab in anti-TNF-experienced patients with CD, focusing on patient-prioritized patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, internet-based cohort study nested within IBD Partners. We identified anti-TNF-experienced patients initiating with CD vedolizumab or ustekinumab and analyzed PROs reported approximately 6 months later (minimum 4 months, maximum 10 months). Co-primary outcomes were Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) domains of Fatigue and Pain Interference. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported short Crohn's disease activity index (sCDAI), treatment persistence, and corticosteroid use. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to control for a number of potential confounders and incorporated into linear and logistic regression models for continuous and categorical outcomes, respectively.

RESULTS

Overall, 141 vedolizumab and 219 ustekinumab initiators were included in our analysis. After adjustment, we found no differences between treatment groups in our primary outcomes of Pain Interference or Fatigue or the secondary outcome of sCDAI. However, vedolizumab was associated with lower treatment persistence (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.6) and higher corticosteroid use at follow-up assessment (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.6).

DISCUSSION

Among anti-TNF experienced patients with CD, Pain Interference or Fatigue was not significantly different 4-10 months after starting ustekinumab or vedolizumab. However, reduced steroid use and increased persistence suggest superiority of ustekinumab for non-PRO outcomes.

Computerized-adaptive testing versus short forms for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease patient-reported outcome assessment

Introduction

Computerized-adaptive testing (CAT) may increase reliability or reduce respondent burden for assessing patient-reported outcomes compared with static short forms (SFs). We compared CAT versus SF administration of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) Pediatric measures in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

Participants completed 4-item CAT, 5- or 6-item CAT, and 4-item SF versions of the PROMIS Pediatric measures. We compared average T-scores, intra-class correlations (ICCs), floor and ceiling effects, and standard error of measurement (SEM) across forms, along with mean effect sizes between active versus quiescent IBD disease activity groups.

Results

Average PROMIS T-scores across forms were <3 points (minimally important difference) of each other. All forms correlated highly with each other (ICCs ≥0.90) and had similar ceiling effects, but the CAT-5/6 had lower floor effects. The CAT-5/6 had lower SEM than the CAT-4 and SF-4, and the CAT-4 had a lower SEM than the SF-4. Mean effect sizes were similar across forms when contrasting disease activity groups.

Conclusions

The CAT and SF forms produced similar score results, but the CAT had better precision and lower floor effects. Researchers should consider PROMIS pediatric CAT if they anticipate that their sample will skew toward symptom extremes.

Development and Validation of the TUMMY-UC: A Patient-Reported Outcome for Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The TUMMY-UC is a patient-reported outcome measure for pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) with an observer-reported outcome version for children aged <8 years. It includes eight items selected by concept elicitation interviews. We aimed to finalize the TUMMY-UC by cognitive interviews (stage 2) and to evaluate the index for its psychometric properties (stage 3).

METHODS

The TUMMY-UC items were first finalized during 129 cognitive debriefing interviews. Then, in a prospective, multicenter validation study, 84 children who underwent colonoscopy or provided stool for calprotectin completed the TUMMY-UC and various measures of disease activity. Assessments were repeated after 7 and 21 days for evaluating reliability and responsiveness.

RESULTS

During stage 2, the items were formatted with identical structure to ensure conceptual equivalence and weighted based on ranking of importance. In stage 3, the TUMMY-UC total score had excellent reliability in repeated assessments (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.94). It also had moderate to strong correlations with all constructs of disease activity: r = 0.70 with UC endoscopic index of severity, r = 0.63 with the IMPACT-III questionnaire, r = 0.43 with calprotectin, r = 0.80 with the Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index, r = 0.75 with global assessment of disease activity, and r = 0.46 with C-reactive protein (all P < .015). The index had excellent discrimination of disease activity, with a score of <9 defining remission (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.99). The ΔTUMMY-UC showed high responsiveness and differentiated well between children who experienced changed from those with no change.

CONCLUSIONS

The TUMMY-UC, constructed from patient-reported outcome and observer-reported outcome versions, is a reliable, valid and responsive index that can be now used in practice and clinical trials.

Using multiple imputation of real-world data to estimate clinical remission in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Aim: To evaluate the performance of the multiple imputation (MI) method for estimating clinical effectiveness in pediatric Crohn's disease in the ImproveCareNow registry; to address the analytical challenge of missing data. Materials & methods: Simulation studies were performed by creating missing datasets based on fully observed data from patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease treated with non-ustekinumab biologics. MI was used to impute sPCDAI remission statuses in each simulated dataset. Results: The true remission rate (75.1% [95% CI: 72.6%, 77.5%]) was underestimated without imputation (72.6% [71.8%, 73.3%]). With MI, the estimate was 74.8% (74.4%, 75.2%). Conclusion: MI reduced nonresponse bias and improved the validity, reliability, and efficiency of real-world registry data to estimate remission rate in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease.

Comparative Effectiveness of Anti-TNF in Combination with Low Dose Methotrexate vs Anti-TNF Monotherapy in Pediatric Crohn's Disease: a Pragmatic Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Tumor Necrosis Factor inhibitors (TNFi), including infliximab and adalimumab, are a mainstay of pediatric Crohn's disease (PCD) therapy; however, non-response and loss of response is common. As combination therapy with methotrexate may improve response, we performed a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pragmatic trial to compare TNFi with oral methotrexate to TNFi monotherapy.

METHODS

PCD patients initiating infliximab or adalimumab were randomized in 1:1 allocation to methotrexate or placebo and followed for 12-36 months. The primary outcome was a composite indicator of treatment failure. Secondary outcomes included anti-drug antibodies (ADA) and patient reported outcomes (PROs) of pain interference and fatigue. Adverse events (AEs) and Serious AEs (SAEs) were collected.

RESULTS

Of 297 participants (mean age 13.9 years, 35% female), 156 were assigned to methotrexate (110 infliximab initiators and 46 adalimumab initiators) and 141 to placebo (102 infliximab initiators and 39 adalimumab initiators). In the overall population, time to treatment failure did not differ by study arm (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.45-1.05). Among infliximab initiators, there were no differences between combination and monotherapy (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.55-1.56). Among adalimumab initiators, combination therapy was associated with longer time to treatment failure (HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.19-0.81). A trend towards lower ADA development in the combination therapy arm was not significant. [(infliximab OR 0.72 (0.49-1.07); adalimumab OR 0.71 (0.24-2.07)]. No differences in PROs were observed. Combination therapy resulted in more AEs but fewer SAEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Among adalimumab but not infliximab initiators, PCD patients treated with methotrexate combination therapy experienced a 2-fold reduction in treatment failure with a tolerable safety profile.

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.

Low Rates of Breakthrough COVID-19 Infection After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

We demonstrate low rates of breakthrough coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and mild course of illness following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination in a large cohort of inflammatory bowel disease patients. Residence in southern United States and lower median anti-receptor binding antibody level were associated with development of COVID-19.

Trends in Surgical Recurrence Among Pediatric Crohn's Disease Patients Using Administrative Claims Data

Background

Despite the growing armamentarium of medical therapies for Crohn's disease (CD), well over half of patients with CD will require surgical intervention. We estimated the surgical recurrence risk and characterized postoperative treatment and colonoscopy use in pediatric CD patients using a large, geographically diverse administrative claims database.

Methods

We analyzed postresection pediatric (≤18 years) CD patients identified in the 2007-2018 IQVIA Legacy PharMetrics administrative claims database using diagnosis and procedural codes. We estimated the surgical recurrence risk over time, characterized postoperative treatments, and reported the frequency of colonoscopy 6-15 months postoperatively.

Results

Among 434 pediatric CD patients who underwent intestinal resection (median age 16 years, 46% female), risk of surgical recurrence was 3.5%, 4.6%, and 5.3% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Patients were most commonly prescribed an immune modulator (33%), anti-tumor necrosis factor agent (32%), or antibiotic (27%) postoperatively. Among 281 patients with ≥15 months of follow-up, 24% underwent colonoscopy 6-15 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

Surgical recurrence risk increases over time and the low colonoscopy rates and treatment variation postoperatively represent an opportunity for practice improvement.

Higher mortality rates associated with Clostridioides difficile infection in hospitalized children with cystic fibrosis

OBJECTIVE(S)

To determine the association of Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI) with in-hospital mortality, Length of Stay (LOS), and hospital charges among pediatric Cystic Fibrosis (CF) hospitalizations using a large nationally representative pediatric hospital database.

STUDY DESIGN

We identified Cystic Fibrosis-related hospitalizations during the years 1997 to 2016 in the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) and compared in-hospital mortality, LOS, and hospital charges among hospitalizations with and without a coexisting diagnosis of C. difficile using logistic regression models for mortality and general linear models with gamma distribution and logarithmic transformation for LOS and hospital charges. We also evaluated temporal trends in the proportion of CF hospitalizations with concomitant CDI using data published triennially RESULTS: We analyzed 21,616 pediatric CF hospitalizations between the years 1997 to 2016 and found a total of 240 (1.1%) hospitalizations with concurrent CDI diagnosis. Adjusted analyses demonstrated an association of CDI with increased mortality (OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.5-10.7), longer LOS (46.5% increment, 95% CI 36.0-57.1), and higher charges (65.8% increment, 95% CI 53.5-78.1) for all comparisons. The proportion of CF hospitalizations with CDI increased over time from 0.64% in 1997 to 1.73% in 2016 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION(S)

As CDI is associated with excess mortality, LOS, and cost in children hospitalized for CF, a healthy level of suspicion for CDI may be needed in patients with CF in the appropriate clinical context. Efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat CDI may improve hospital outcomes among children with CF.

Low Risk of Lymphoma in Pediatric Patients Treated for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

INTRODUCTION

Despite the effectiveness of immune-suppressing therapies in treating pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), concerns of lymphoma may limit their use. We used a large administrative claims database to evaluate the risk of lymphoma in pediatric IBD and conducted a case series analysis of medication exposure in children diagnosed with lymphoma.

METHODS

We analyzed administrative claims from the 2007 to 2018 IQVIA database and identified pediatric (≤18 years) patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis using International Classification of Diseases, 9th or 10th Revision codes and pharmacy claims. Lymphoma cases were identified by diagnosis codes and confirmed by independent claim-by-claim review by a pediatric oncologist and gastroenterologist. We calculated incidence rates for lymphoma among patients with and without pharmacy claims for treatment followed by treatment description among those who developed lymphoma during follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 10,777 pediatric patients with IBD received ≥1 IBD therapy (median age 15 years [12-17], 45% female and 61% diagnosed with Crohn's disease) during 28,292 patient-years of follow-up. Among treated patients, 5 lymphoma cases were identified (incidence rate 17.7/100,000 patient-years; 95% confidence interval 6.5-39.2). Of these, 4 were treated with a thiopurine before lymphoma diagnosis, and none received anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF) monotherapy.

DISCUSSION

The overall lymphoma incidence was low among our cohort of treated pediatric patients with IBD. We observed no cases of lymphoma among patients prescribed anti-TNF monotherapy. These findings reinforce the relative safety of anti-TNF monotherapy for the treatment of pediatric IBD.

Development of an Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Specific Medication Adherence Instrument and Reasons for Non-adherence

BACKGROUND

Medication adherence impacts disease control in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Existing adherence measures such as the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale 8^© are often costly, non-medication-specific, and time-consuming.

AIMS

We aimed to develop a non-proprietary, IBD-specific medication adherence instrument and to assess reasons for suboptimal medication adherence.

METHODS

We developed the IBD Medication Adherence Tool to assess frequency of adherence and indications for missed or delayed medication doses. We co-administered the IBD Medication Adherence Tool and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale 8^© (licensed for use) to participants enrolled in an internet-based cohort of adults with IBD and taking least one daily, oral IBD medication. We used Spearman's correlation to evaluate associations between the IBD Medication Adherence Tool and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale 8^©. We then categorized patients as sub-optimally adherent (IBD Medication Adherence Tool score 1-4) and highly adherent (score 5) and evaluated factors associated with and reasons for suboptimal adherence using multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

We evaluated 514 patients (73% female, mean age 49), of whom 21.4% had suboptimal adherence. IBD Medication Adherence Tool scores were moderately correlated with Morisky Medication Adherence Scale 8^© (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). The most commonly reported reasons for suboptimal adherence were forgetting, feeling well, and cost. Younger age and current smoking were associated with suboptimal adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a non-proprietary, IBD-specific tool to assess adherence to IBD medications, validated in a cohort of patients with IBD on daily, oral medications. Common reasons for suboptimal IBD medication adherence include forgetting, feeling well, and cost.

Patients With Pouchitis Demonstrate a Significant Cost Burden in the First Two Years After Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis

Pouchitis, the most common long-term complication after colectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC), can lead to increased health care costs and diminished quality of life.1 In this study, we aimed to compare the total costs among patients diagnosed with pouchitis in the first 2 years after an IPAA with those among patients who were not diagnosed with pouchitis, using a large administrative claims database. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the specific drivers of cost among patients with an IPAA during the 2-year study period, including inpatient hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and pharmacy-related costs.

A systematic review of epidemiology and outcomes of Crohn's disease-related enterocutaneous fistulas

BACKGROUND

Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) are rare sequelae of Crohn's disease (CD) that occur either postoperatively or spontaneously. ECFs are associated with high morbidity and mortality. This systematic literature review assesses the disease burden of CD-related ECF and identifies knowledge gaps around incidence/prevalence, treatment patterns, clinical outcomes, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

METHODS

English language articles published in PubMed and Embase in the past 10 years that provided data and insight into the disease burden of CD-related ECF (PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42020177732) were identified. Prespecified search and eligibility criteria guided the identification of studies by two reviewers who also assessed risk of bias.

RESULTS

In total, 582 records were identified; 316 full-text articles were assessed. Of those, eight studies met a priori eligibility criteria and underwent synthesis for this review. Limited epidemiologic data estimated a prevalence of 3265 persons with ECF in the USA in 2017. Clinical response to interventions varied, with closure of ECF achieved in 10% to 62.5% of patients and recurrence reported in 0% to 50% of patients. Very little information on HCRU is available, and no studies of PROs in this specific population were identified.

CONCLUSION

The frequency, natural history, and outcomes of ECF are poorly described in the literature. The limited number of studies included in this review suggest a high treatment burden and risk of substantial complications. More robust, population-based research is needed to better understand the epidemiology, natural history, and overall disease burden of this rare and debilitating complication of CD.

The Multiple Waves of COVID-19 in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Temporal Trend Analysis

BACKGROUND

Cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have emerged in discrete waves. We explored temporal trends in the reporting of COVID-19 in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

METHODS

The Surveillance Epidemiology of Coronavirus Under Research Exclusion for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SECURE-IBD) is an international registry of IBD patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The average percent changes (APCs) were calculated in weekly reported cases of COVID-19 during the periods of March 22 to September 12, September 13 to December 12, 2020, and December 13 to July 31, 2021.

RESULTS

Across 73 countries, 6404 cases of COVID-19 were reported in IBD patients. COVID-19 reporting decreased globally by 4.2% per week (95% CI, -5.3% to -3.0%) from March 22 to September 12, 2020, then climbed by 10.2% per week (95% CI, 8.1%-12.3%) from September 13 to December 12, 2020, and then declined by 6.3% per week (95% CI, -7.8% to -4.7%). In the fall of 2020, weekly reporting climbed in North America (APC, 11.3%; 95% CI, 8.8-13.8) and Europe (APC, 17.7%; 95% CI, 12.1%-23.5%), whereas reporting was stable in Asia (APC, -8.1%; 95% CI, -15.6-0.1). From December 13, 2020, to July 31, 2021, reporting of COVID-19 in those with IBD declined in North America (APC, -8.5%; 95% CI, -10.2 to -6.7) and Europe (APC, -5.4%; 95% CI, -7.2 to -3.6) and was stable in Latin America (APC, -1.5%; 95% CI, -3.5% to 0.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Temporal trends in reporting of COVID-19 in those with IBD are consistent with the epidemiological patterns COVID-19 globally.

Interpreting Patient-Reported Outcome Scores: Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease as a Use Case

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate how to interpret Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pediatric patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) scores for patients with pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

Using data from a prospective cohort study of patients ages 8 to 23 years with IBD (n = 1049), we established disease-specific percentiles and computed the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) change score for 6 pediatric PROMs. We applied these results, general population percentiles, and the reliable change index to interpret PROM scores in a clinical trial sample of patients ages 8 to 20 years with IBD (n = 294) in which PROMIS PROMs were obtained at baseline and 3 months later.

RESULTS

Application of general population percentiles showed that the clinical trial sample at baseline had moderately worse self-reported health than the general population (22% of patients at or above the 95th percentile on Fatigue; 21% on Pain Interference). IBD-specific percentiles showed that the sample was somewhat worse than the reference IBD sample (8% of patients at or above the 95th percentile on Fatigue; 11% on Pain Interference). Application of the MCID threshold indicated that among the subgroup of patients that improved by 15 or more on the short Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (n = 38), 45% also improved on IBD Symptoms, 47% for Fatigue, and 65% for Pain Interference.

CONCLUSION

This study established IBD-specific percentiles for 6 pediatric PROMIS measures and demonstrated the application of percentiles and other methods for interpreting PROM scores.

The Cumulative Incidence of Pouchitis in Pediatric Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Despite highly effective therapies, many children develop medically refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) and undergo proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). We sought to determine the incidence, risk, and burden of pouchitis in the first 2 years following the final stage of IPAA in pediatric UC patients.

METHODS

Within the IQVIA Legacy PharMetrics Adjudicated Claims Database, we identified pediatric patients with UC who underwent proctocolectomy with IPAA between January 1, 2007, and June 30, 2015. We utilized International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision-Clinical Modification or International Classification of Diseases-Tenth Revision-Clinical Modification codes to identify patients with UC and Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify colectomy and IPAA. Continuous variables were compared using t tests and Wilcoxon rank sum testing, while categorical variables were compared using chi-square testing.

RESULTS

A total of 68 patients with an IPAA were identified. In the first 2 years following IPAA, the cumulative incidence of pouchitis was 54%. Patients with pouchitis required more outpatient visits in the first 2 years after IPAA (mean 21.8 vs 10.2; P = .006) and were more likely to be hospitalized compared with patients without pouchitis (46% vs 23%; P = .045). Patients with pouchitis also demonstrated higher mean total costs in year 1 and year 2 ($27 489 vs $8032 [P = .001] and $27 699 vs $6058 [P = .003], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm the high incidence of pouchitis demonstrated in earlier single-center studies of pediatric patients undergoing proctocolectomy with IPAA for UC. Identification of risk factors for pouchitis would be useful to optimize early intervention.

COVID-19 Outcomes Stratified by Control Status of Hypertension and Diabetes: Preliminary Findings From PCORnet, U.S

Introduction

Hypertension and diabetes are associated with increased COVID-19 severity, yet less is known about COVID-19 outcomes across levels of disease control for these conditions.

Methods

All adults aged ≥20 years with COVID-19 between March 1, 2020 and March 15, 2021 in 42 healthcare systems in National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network were identified.

Results

Among 656,049 adults with COVID-19, 41% had hypertension, and 13% had diabetes. Of patients with classifiable hypertension, 35% had blood pressure <130/80 mmHg, 40% had blood pressure of 130‒139/80‒89 mmHg, 21% had blood pressure of 140‒159/90‒99 mmHg, and 6% had blood pressure ≥160/100 mmHg. Severe COVID-19 outcomes were more prevalent among those with blood pressure of ≥160/100 than among those with blood pressure of 130-139/80-89, including hospitalization (23.7% [95% CI=23.0, 24.4] vs 11.7% [95% CI=11.5, 11.9]), receipt of critical care (5.5% [95% CI=5.0, 5.8] vs 2.4% [95% CI=2.3, 2.5]), receipt of mechanical ventilation (3.0% [95% CI=2.7, 3.3] vs 1.2% [95% CI=1.1, 1.3]), and 60-day mortality (4.6% [95% CI=4.2, 4.9] vs 1.8% [95% CI=1.7, 1.9]). Of patients with classifiable diabetes, 44% had HbA1c <7%, 35% had HbA1c 7% to <9%, and 21% had HbA1c ≥9%. Hospitalization prevalence was 31.3% (95% CI=30.7, 31.9) among those with HbA1c <7% vs 40.2% (95% CI=39.4, 41.1) among those with HbA1c ≥9%; other outcomes did not differ substantially by HbA1c.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of appropriate management of hypertension and diabetes, including during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strong Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Additional Doses Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has disrupted health care and has resulted in high mortality rates.¹ Vaccination is an international priority to mitigate the risks of SARS-CoV-2. The initial trials for development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines excluded individuals with immunocompromising conditions.².

Primary Care Professionals' Attitudes Towards Vaccination Recommendation for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Immunization among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is suboptimal. We sought to characterize attitudes of US primary care professionals (PCPs) towards immunization practices for patients with IBD.

METHODS

Using a web-based opt-in panel of PCPs (DocStyles survey, spring 2021, cross-sectional study), we assessed likelihood of PCPs' recommending influenza, pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster, and human papilloma virus vaccinations for IBD patients by PCP characteristics and availability of clinical tools. Reasons for unlikelihood of recommending vaccines and approaches to improve vaccine recommendation were examined.

RESULTS

Among 1503 PCPs, 64% recommended all vaccines. Herpes zoster vaccine was most likely to be recommended (89.8%) and pneumococcal vaccine was least likely (74.0%). Clinical tools including decision support based on electronic health records (EHRs; 48.9%) and staff tracking of patients' vaccine needs (36.3%) were significantly associated with likelihood of recommending vaccines (P < .001). A greater likelihood of vaccine recommendation was observed for pediatricians vs other medical specialties, group outpatient clinic vs other worksites, and seeing >50 patients/week (P < .05). One-third of PCPs were unlikely to recommend ≥1 vaccine, and the top reason reported was unfamiliarity with vaccine guidelines for patients with IBD (48.0%). A review of guidelines or continued medical education (63.0%) and decision support from EHRs (51.2%) were the most frequently selected approaches identified to improve certainty of vaccine recommendation.

CONCLUSIONS

There is room for improvement of vaccination recommendations by PCPs. Promoting continuing education and use of clinical tools may help support PCP immunization practices for patients with IBD.

Self-Reported Health Outcomes of Children and Youth with 10 Chronic Diseases

OBJECTIVES

To identify pediatric patient-reported outcomes (PROs) that are associated with chronic conditions and to evaluate the effects of chronic disease activity on PROs.

STUDY DESIGN

Participants (8-24 years old) and their parents were enrolled into 14 studies that evaluated Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System PROs across 10 chronic conditions-asthma, atopic dermatitis, cancer, cancer survivors, chronic kidney disease, Crohn's disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, lupus, sickle cell disease, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. PRO scores were contrasted with the US general population of children using nationally representative percentiles. PRO-specific coefficients of variation were computed to illustrate the degree of variation in scores within vs between conditions. Condition-specific measures of disease severity and Cohen d effect sizes were used to examine PRO scores by disease activity.

RESULTS

Participants included 2975 child respondents and 2392 parent respondents who provided data for 3409 unique children: 52% were 5-12 years old, 52% female, 25% African American/Black, and 14% Hispanic. Across all 10 chronic conditions, children reported more anxiety, fatigue, pain, and mobility restrictions than the general pediatric population. Variation in PRO scores within chronic disease cohorts was equivalent to variation within the general population, exceeding between-cohort variation by factors of 1.9 (mobility) to 5.7 (anxiety). Disease activity was consistently associated with poorer self-reported health, and these effects were weakest for peer relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic conditions are associated with symptoms and functional status in children and adolescents across 10 different disorders. These findings highlight the need to complement conventional clinical evaluations with those obtained directly from patients themselves using PROs.

Utilization of Antitumor Necrosis Factor Biologics in Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study From North America

BACKGROUND

Research on the utilization and effectiveness of antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) biologics in children with very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEOIBD) is urgently needed. Here we describe anti-TNF use and durability in a multicenter cohort.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with VEOIBD (<6 years) between 2008 and 2013 at 25 North American centers. We performed chart abstraction at diagnosis and 1, 3, and 5 years after diagnosis. We examined the rate of initiation and durability of infliximab and adalimumab and evaluated associations between treatment durability and the following covariates with multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression: age at diagnosis, sex, disease duration, disease classification, and presence of combined immunomodulatory treatment versus monotherapy.

RESULTS

Of 294 children with VEOIBD, 120 initiated treatment with anti-TNF therapy and 101 had follow-up data recorded [50% Crohn disease (CD), 31% ulcerative colitis (UC), and 19% IBD unclassified (IBD-U)]. The cumulative probability of anti-TNF treatment was 15% at 1 year, 30% at 3 years, and 45% at 5 years from diagnosis; 56 (55%) were treated between 0 and 6 years old. Anti-TNF durability was 90% at 1 year, 75% at 3 years, and 55% at 5 years. The most common reason for discontinuation of anti-TNF were loss of response in 24 (57%) children. Children with UC/IBD-U had lower durability than those with CD (hazard ratio [HR] 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06-0.51; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Utilization and durability of anti-TNF in VEOIBD is relatively high and comparable with older children. Having Crohn disease (compared with UC/IBD-U) is associated with greater durability.

Racial and Ethnic Distribution of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the United States

BACKGROUND

The current burden of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in minority populations is largely unknown. We sought to evaluate the relative prevalence of CD and UC across racial and ethnic groups within the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet).

METHODS

We queried electronic health records from 337 centers from January 2013 to December 2018. We compared the relative prevalence of CD and UC across racial/ethnic groups to the general PCORnet populations using χ 2 and univariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 39,864,077 patients, 114,168 had CD, and 98,225 had UC. Relative to the overall PCORnet population, Black adult patients were significantly less likely than White patients to have a diagnosis of CD (odds ratio [OR], 0.53; 95% CI, 0.52-0.54) or UC (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.40-0.43). Pediatric Black patients were also less likely to have a diagnosis of CD (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.39-0.43) or UC (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.35-0.41). Adult Hispanic patients were less likely to have a diagnosis of CD (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.32-0.34) or UC (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.44-0.46) compared with non-Hispanic patients. Similarly, pediatric Hispanic patients were less likely to have a diagnosis of CD (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.32-0.36) or UC (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.47-0.53).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the United States, these data suggest that CD and UC are modestly less prevalent among patients of non-White races and Hispanic ethnicity.

COVID-19 Vaccination Among Individuals With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Perception, Efficacy, and Safety

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARSCoV-2, has been the most significant global health crisis of the past century. The development of safe and effective vaccines has led to a reduction in COVID19-related hospitalizations and deaths; however, the clinical trials that led to US Food and Drug Administration Emergency Use Authorization and/or approval of the vaccines in the United States did not include individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Because individuals with IBD are commonly treated with immunosuppressive medications, there had been concern for reduced vaccine efficacy in this population. This article provides an overview of the peer-reviewed literature addressing COVID-19 vaccination in individuals with IBD; details the perceptions of patients with IBD of COVID-19 vaccines, including how gastroenterologists can help to reduce vaccine hesitancy; and describes the humoral immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, with a majority of patients with IBD seroconverting following complete vaccination regardless of medication exposure. Additionally, low rates of IBD flare and similar rates of vaccine-related adverse events to those in the general population are described. Finally, the article provides current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for COVID-19 vaccination in individuals with IBD.

Patient-Reported Outcomes and Risk of Hospitalization and Readmission in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide a wholesome view of patient well-being. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate whether PROMs inform risk of unplanned healthcare utilization in patients with IBD.

METHODS

We identified adult patients with IBD who completed at least two surveys in a large Internet-based cohort within 1 year. We evaluated the association between baseline patient characteristics, disease activity indices, medication use, and PROMs, assessed using NIH Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and subsequent risk of incident hospitalization (at time of first follow-up) within 1 year, and readmission within 1 year (in patients with hospitalization at first follow-up), using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 7902 patients with IBD (45.5 year, 72% females, 63% Crohn's disease), 1377 (17.4%) were hospitalized within 1 year. Among PROMs, pain interference (adjusted OR per 5-point increase in PROMIS, 1.09; 95% CI 1.05-1.14), but not depression, anxiety, fatigue or sleep disturbance, was predictive of higher risk of hospitalization. Prior surgery or hospitalization, symptomatic disease, biologic, and corticosteroid use were also associated with higher risk of hospitalization. Of 521 patients hospitalized with IBD, 133 (25.5%) were readmitted within 1 year. Anxiety and pain interference were predictive of higher risk of readmission, whereas depression was associated with lower risk of readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large Internet-based cohort study, PROMs may have a modest effect on modifying risk of unplanned healthcare utilization in patients with IBD, with pain interference being most consistently associated with increased risk of hospitalization and readmission.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Activity is Associated with COVID-19 Severity Especially in Younger Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Age is a major prognostic factor for COVID-19 outcomes. The effect of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] activity on COVID-19 is unclear. We examined the relationship between IBD activity and COVID-19 severity according to age.

METHODS

We included IBD patients diagnosed with COVID-19, reported to SECURE-IBD between March 13, 2020 and August 3, 2021. Clinical IBD activity was measured by physician global assessment [PGA]. COVID-19-related outcomes were [1] intensive care unit [ICU] admission, ventilation or death, and [2] hospitalization. Using generalized estimating equations, we determined adjusted odds ratios [aOR, 95% confidence interval] for moderate and severe PGA vs clinical remission/mild PGA, controlling for demographics, medications and COVID-19 diagnosis period. We performed stratified analyses by age [≤50 vs >50 years].

RESULTS

Among 6078 patients, adverse COVID-19 outcomes were more common with active IBD: ICU/ventilation/death in 3.6% [175/4898] of remission/mild, 4.9% [45/920] of moderate and 8.8% [23/260] of severe [p < 0.001]; and hospitalization in 13% [649/4898] of remission/mild, 19% [178/920] of moderate and 38% [100/260] of severe [p < 0.001]. Stratified by decade, effect sizes were larger for younger patients. In patients ≤50 years, severe PGA was independently associated with ICU/ventilation/death (aOR 3.27 [1.15-9.30]) and hospitalization (aOR 4.62 [2.83-7.55]). In contrast, severe PGA was not independently associated with COVID-19 outcomes in those older than 50 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically active IBD may be a risk factor for severe COVID-19, particularly in younger patients. IBD disease control, including through medication compliance, and strategies to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infection amongst patients with active IBD [e.g. distancing, immunization] are key to limit adverse COVID-19 outcomes.