Preoperative Use of Multiple Advanced Therapies Is Not Associated With Endoscopic Inflammatory Pouch Diseases

BACKGROUND

Patients with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) can experience pouch inflammation postoperatively. The use of antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) biologics may be associated with pouch inflammation, but limited data exist on the impact of multiple advanced therapies on development of subsequent pouch inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess for an association between preoperative use of multiple advanced therapies and risk of endoscopically detected inflammatory pouch diseases (EIPDs).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and indeterminate colitis (IBDU) patients who underwent an IPAA at a quaternary care center from January 2015 to December 2019. Patients were grouped based on number and type of preoperative drug exposures. The primary outcome was EIPD within 5 years of IPAA.

RESULTS

Two hundred ninety-eight patients were included in this analysis. Most of these patients had UC (95.0%) and demonstrated pancolonic disease distribution (86.1%). The majority of patients were male (57.4%) and underwent surgery for medically refractory disease (79.2%). The overall median age at surgery was 38.6 years. Preoperatively, 68 patients were biologic/small molecule-naïve, 125 received anti-TNF agents only, and 105 received non-anti-TNF agents only or multiple classes. Ninety-one patients developed EIPD. There was no significant association between type (P = .38) or number (P = .58) of exposures and EIPD, but older individuals had a lower risk of EIPD (P = .001; hazard ratio, 0.972; 95% confidence interval, 0.956-0.989).

CONCLUSION

Development of EIPD was not associated with number or type of preoperative advanced therapies.

Crohn's disease shared decision making intervention leads to more patients choosing combination therapy: a cluster randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease requires effective patient-clinician communication for successful illness and medication management. Shared decision making (SDM) has been suggested to improve communication around early intensive therapy. However, effective evidence-based SDM interventions for Crohn's disease are lacking, and the impact of SDM on Crohn's disease decision making and choice of therapy is unclear.

AIM

To test the impact of SDM on choice of therapy, quality of the decision and provider trust compared to standard Crohn's disease care.

METHODS

We conducted a multi-site cluster randomised controlled trial in 14 diverse gastroenterology practices in the US.

RESULTS

A total of 158 adult patients with Crohn's disease within 15 years of their diagnosis, with no prior Crohn's disease complications, and who were candidates to receive immunomodulators or biologics, participated in the study. Among these, 99 received the intervention and 59 received standard care. Demographics were similar between groups, although there were more women assigned to standard care, and a slightly shorter disease duration among those in the intervention group. Participants in the intervention group more frequently chose combination therapy (25% versus 5% control, p < 0.001), had a significantly lower decisional conflict (p < 0.05) and had greater trust in their provider (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

With rapidly expanding medication choices for Crohn's disease and slow uptake of early intensive therapy, SDM can personalise treatment strategies and has the potential to move the field of Crohn's disease management forward with an ultimate goal of consistently treating this disease early and intensively in appropriate patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Evaluating a Shared Decision Making Program for Crohn's Disease, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02084290 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02084290.

Risk Prediction and Comparative Efficacy of Anti-TNF vs Thiopurines, for Preventing Postoperative Recurrence in Crohn's Disease: A Pooled Analysis of 6 Trials

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The superiority of anti-TNF-α agents to thiopurines for the prevention of postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease (CD) after ileocolonic resection remains controversial. In this meta-analysis of individual participant data (IPD), the effect of both strategies was compared and assessed after risk stratification.

METHODS

After a systematic literature search, IPD were requested from randomized controlled trials investigating thiopurines and/or anti-TNF-α agents after ileocolonic resection. Primary outcome was endoscopic recurrence (ER) (Rutgeerts score ≥i2) and secondary outcomes were clinical recurrence (Harvey-Bradshaw Index/Crohn's Disease Activity Index score) and severe ER (Rutgeerts score ≥i3). A fixed effect network meta-analysis was performed. Subgroup effects were assessed and a prediction model was established using Poisson regression models, including sex, smoking, Montreal classification, CD duration, history of prior resection and previous exposure to anti-TNF-α or thiopurines.

RESULTS

In the meta-analysis of IPD, 645 participants from 6 studies were included. In the total population, a superior effect was demonstrated for anti-TNF-α compared with thiopurine prophylaxis for ER (relative risk [RR], 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.80), clinical recurrence (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26-0.96), and severe ER (RR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.21-0.79). No differential subgroup effects were found for ER. In Poisson regression analysis, previous exposure to anti-TNF-α and penetrating disease behavior were associated with ER risk. The advantage of anti-TNF-α agents as compared with thiopurines was observed in low- and high-risk groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-TNF-α is superior to thiopurine prophylaxis for the prevention of endoscopic and clinical postoperative CD recurrence after ileocolonic resection. The advantage of anti-TNF-α agents was confirmed in subgroup analysis and after risk stratification.

Older Adult Patients Use More Aminosalicylate Monotherapy Compared With Younger Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: TARGET-IBD

GOAL

The goal of this study was to describe medication utilization patterns in older inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

BACKGROUND

Despite a growing population of older patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), questions remain regarding medication utilization patterns in comparison to younger populations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We collected data from the 34 sites in TARGET-IBD, a multicenter, observational cohort. The primary outcome in this study was the IBD-specific therapy utilized among older patients with IBD compared with younger age groups. Therapy use was analyzed using pairwise comparisons and then the odds of IBD-specific therapy use among patients older than age 65 were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

We identified 2980 patients with IBD (61% CD). In multivariable analysis, younger patients with UC were significantly less likely to utilize aminosalicylate monotherapy when compared with patients above 65 years [age 18 to 29: adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33-0.78]. In patients with CD, younger patients were significantly less likely to use aminosalicylate monotherapy when compared with patients above 65 (greatest difference age 18 to 29: aOR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.18-0.52). Younger patients with CD and UC were significantly more likely to use anti-tumor necrosis factor monotherapy than patients above 65 years (age 18 to 29: aOR=3.87, 95% CI: 2.47-6.06 and aOR=2.68, 95% CI: 1.29-5.58, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients with IBD demonstrate significant differences in medication utilization, including more aminosalicylate monotherapy and less anti-tumor necrosis factor monotherapy compared with younger age groups. Given the aging population in the United States, these utilization patterns may have long-term implications for disease control.

Optimal inflammatory bowel disease management during the global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the risks and implications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and discuss optimal management of IBD during this pandemic.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients with IBD are not at increased risk of COVID-19 but several risk factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 infection) have been identified, such as active IBD, obesity, and corticosteroid use. COVID-19 outcomes are similar among patients with IBD and the overall population. Although biologics have not been shown to increase the risk of severe COVID-19 complications, several risk factors have been associated with negative COVID-19 outcomes in patients with IBD, including older age, obesity, the presence of comorbidities, active disease, and corticosteroid use. IBD therapy should, therefore, be continued with the aim of attaining or maintaining remission, except for corticosteroids, which should be held or reduced to the minimal effective dose. Although it has been recommended that immunosuppressive therapy be held during a case of COVID-19, the half-lives of these drugs and data on the timing of restarting therapy limit the strength of these recommendations. We recommend COVID-19 vaccination for IBD patients whenever available, as benefits to the individual and to society outweigh the risks.

SUMMARY

As our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 continues to evolve, we are learning more about its impact in patients with IBD and how to better manage patients in this setting. Managing IBD during this pandemic has also highlighted the importance of restructuring services in order to adapt to current and potential future outbreaks. The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed IBD care through the expansion of telemedicine and development of novel approaches to remote monitoring.

Altered Expression of the Epithelial Mucin MUC1 Accompanies Endoscopic Recurrence of Postoperative Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

MUC1-glycoprotein is expressed at low levels and in fully glycosylated form on epithelial cells. Inflammation causes MUC1 overexpression and hypoglycosylation. We hypothesized that overexpression of hypoglycosylated MUC1 would be found in postoperative Crohn's disease (CD) recurrence and could be considered an additional biomarker of recurrence severity.

METHODS

We examined archived neo-terminal ileum biopsies from patients with prior ileocecal resection who had postoperative endoscopic assessment of CD recurrence and given a Rutgeerts ileal recurrence score. Consecutive tissue sections were stained using 2 different anti-MUC1 antibodies, HMPV that recognizes all forms of MUC1 and 4H5 that recognizes only inflammation-associated hypoglycosylated MUC1.

RESULTS

A total of 71 postoperative CD patients were evaluated. There was significant increase in MUC1 expression of both glycosylated/normal (P<0.0001) and hypoglycosylated/abnormal (P<0.0001) forms in patients with severe endoscopic CD recurrence (i3+i4), ileal score i2, compared with patients in endoscopic remission (i0+i1). Results were similar regardless of anti-TNF-α use. Although MUC1 expression and Rutgeerts scores were in agreement when characterizing the majority of cases, there were a few exceptions where MUC1 expression was characteristic of more severe recurrence than implied by Rutgeerts score.

CONCLUSIONS

MUC1 is overexpressed and hypoglycosylated in neo-terminal ileum tissue of patients with postoperative CD recurrence. Increased levels are associated with more severe endoscopic recurrence scores, and this is not influenced by anti-TNF-α use. Discrepancies found between Rutgeerts scores and MUC1 expression suggest that addition of MUC1 as a biomarker of severity of postoperative CD recurrence may improve categorization of recurrence status and consequently treatment decisions.

Hypoalbuminaemia, Not Biologic Exposure, Is Associated with Postoperative Complications in Crohn's Disease Patients Undergoing Ileocolic Resection

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on the postoperative outcomes in Crohn's disease patients exposed to preoperative ustekinumab or vedolizumab. We hypothesised that preoperative biologic use in Crohn's disease is not associated with postoperative complications after ileocolic resection.

METHODS

Crohn's disease patients who underwent ileocolic resection over 2009-2019 were identified at a large regional health system. Preoperative biologic use within 12 weeks of surgery was categorised as no biologic, anti-tumour necrosis factor, vedolizumab, or ustekinumab. The primary endpoint was 90-day intra-abdominal septic complication. Risk factors included preoperative medical therapies, demographics, disease characteristics, laboratory values, and surgical approach. Regression models assessed the association of biologic use with intra-abdominal septic complication.

RESULTS

A total of 815 Crohn's disease patients who underwent an ileocolic resection were included [62% no biologic, 31.4% anti-tumour necrosis factor, 3.9% vedolizumab, 2.6% ustekinumab]. Primary anastomosis was performed in 85.9% of patients [side-to-side 48.8%, end-to-side 26%, end-to-end 25%] in primarily a stapled [77.2%] manner. Minimally invasive approach was used in 41.4%. The 90-day postoperative intra-abdominal sepsis rate of 810 patients was 12%, abscess rate was 9.6%, and anastomotic leak rate was 3.2%. Multivariable regression modelling controlling for confounding variables demonstrated that preoperative biologic use with anti-tumour necrosis factor [p = 0.21], vedolizumab [p = 0.17], or ustekinumab [p = 0.52] was not significantly associated with intra-abdominal septic complication. Preoperative albumin < 3.5 g/dl was independently associated with intra-abdominal septic complication (odds ratio [OR] 1.76 [1.03, 3.01]).

CONCLUSIONS

In Crohn's disease patients undergoing ileocolic resection, preoperative biologics are not associated with 90-day postoperative intra-abdominal septic complication. Preoperative biologic exposure should not delay necessary surgery.

Approach to Latent Tuberculosis Infection Screening Before Biologic Therapy in IBD Patients: PPD or IGRA?

The use of biological agents for the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has been on the rise.1,2 Current biological therapies include antitumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α), anti-interleukin-12/23, and anti-integrin agents. Before initiation of biological drugs, screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is required to avoid reactivation or worsening of disease after immunosuppression. It has been shown that anti-TNF-α treated patients have a 14-fold increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection/reactivation compared with healthy controls.3 The methods for screening for TB have evolved over time and vary from region to region.

Distinct Histopathologic and Molecular Alterations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Associated Intestinal Adenocarcinoma: c-MYC Amplification is Common and Associated with Mucinous/Signet Ring Cell Differentiation

BACKGROUND

Chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a significant risk factor for the development of intestinal adenocarcinoma. The underlying molecular alterations in IBD-associated intestinal adenocarcinoma remain largely unknown.

METHODS

We compared the clinicopathologic and molecular features of 35 patients with 47 IBD-associated intestinal adenocarcinomas with a consecutive series of 451 patients with sporadic colorectal carcinoma identified at our institution and published data on sporadic colorectal carcinoma.

RESULTS

c-MYC amplification was the most frequent molecular alteration identified in 33% of IBD-associated intestinal adenocarcinoma that is a significantly higher frequency than in sporadic colorectal carcinoma (8%) (P = 0.0001). Compared to sporadic colorectal carcinoma, IBD-associated intestinal adenocarcinomas more frequently demonstrated mucinous differentiation (60% vs 25%, P < 0.001) and signet ring cell differentiation (28% vs 4%, P < 0.001). Mucinous and signet ring cell differentiation were significantly associated with the presence of c-MYC amplification (both with P < 0.05). HER2 positivity (11%), KRAS exon 2 or 3 mutation (10%), and IDH1 mutation (7%) were less commonly observed in IBD-associated intestinal adenocarcinoma. There was an association between poor survival and HER2 status with 3 of 4 patients having HER2-positive adenocarcinoma dead of disease at last clinical follow-up; however, no statistically significant survival effect was identified for any of the molecular alterations identified.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that IBD-associated intestinal adenocarcinomas have a high frequency of c-MYC amplification that is associated with mucinous and signet ring cell differentiation. Many of the identified molecular alterations have potential therapeutic relevance, including HER2 amplification, IDH1 mutation, and low frequency KRAS mutation.

Correction: ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Crohn's Disease in Adults

Since the publication of these Guidelines, the authors have noticed an error in the text on page 15. The incorrect statement is.

ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Crohn's Disease in Adults

Crohn's disease is an idiopathic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology with genetic, immunologic, and environmental influences. The incidence of Crohn's disease has steadily increased over the past several decades. The diagnosis and treatment of patients with Crohn's disease has evolved since the last practice guideline was published. These guidelines represent the official practice recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology and were developed under the auspices of the Practice Parameters Committee for the management of adult patients with Crohn's disease. These guidelines are established for clinical practice with the intent of suggesting preferable approaches to particular medical problems as established by interpretation and collation of scientifically valid research, derived from extensive review of published literature. When exercising clinical judgment, health-care providers should incorporate this guideline along with patient's needs, desires, and their values in order to fully and appropriately care for patients with Crohn's disease. This guideline is intended to be flexible, not necessarily indicating the only acceptable approach, and should be distinguished from standards of care that are inflexible and rarely violated. To evaluate the level of evidence and strength of recommendations, we used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The Committee reviews guidelines in depth, with participation from experienced clinicians and others in related fields. The final recommendations are based on the data available at the time of the production of the document and may be updated with pertinent scientific developments at a later time.

Appendectomy does not decrease the risk of future colectomy in UC: results from a large cohort and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Early appendectomy is inversely associated with the development of UC. However, the impact of appendectomy on the clinical course of UC is controversial, generally favouring a milder disease course. We aim to describe the effect appendectomy has on the disease course of UC with focus on the timing of appendectomy in relation to UC diagnosis.

DESIGN

Using the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium database of patients with UC, the risk of colectomy was compared between patients who did and did not undergo appendectomy. In addition, we performed a meta-analysis of studies that examined the association between appendectomy and colectomy.

RESULTS

2980 patients with UC were initially included. 111 (4.4%) patients with UC had an appendectomy; of which 63 were performed prior to UC diagnosis and 48 after diagnosis. In multivariable analysis, appendectomy performed at any time was an independent risk factor for colectomy (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.1), with appendectomy performed after UC diagnosis most strongly associated with colectomy (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.5). An updated meta-analysis showed appendectomy performed either prior to or after UC diagnosis had no effect on colectomy rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Appendectomy performed at any time in relation to UC diagnosis was not associated with a decrease in severity of disease. In fact, appendectomy after UC diagnosis may be associated with a higher risk of colectomy. These findings question the proposed use of appendectomy as treatment for UC.

Environmental risk factors for inflammatory bowel diseases: a review

Inflammatory bowel diseases comprising Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic immunologically mediated diseases. The key mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of these diseases is a dysregulated immune response to commensal flora in a genetically susceptible host. Thus intestinal microbial dysbiosis, host genetics, and the external environment all play an important role in the development of incident disease and in determining subsequent disease behavior and outcomes. There are several well-defined or putative environmental risk factors including cigarette smoking, appendectomy, diet, stress and depression, vitamin D as well as hormonal influence. The effect of some of the risk factors appears to differ between CD and UC suggesting that despite shared genetic and immunologic mechanisms, distinct pathways of pathogenesis exist. There is a growing body of literature identifying risk factors for incident disease. There is less rigorous literature defining triggers of relapse, and few controlled clinical trials examining if modification of such risk factors results in an improvement in patient outcomes. This is an area of considerable patient, physician, and scientific interest, and there is an important unmet need for rigorous studies of the external environment in disease pathogenesis and subsequent course.

Decreased neuromuscular function in Crohn's disease patients is not associated with low serum vitamin D levels

BACKGROUND

Neuromuscular fatigue is a common complaint in Crohn's disease (CD) patients. A correlation between serum vitamin D concentrations and neuromuscular function has been found in the elderly or non-ambulant populations.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine whether CD patients exhibit impaired neuromuscular function and if so, is there a link between vitamin D and neuromuscular function.

METHODS

Crohn's disease patients (n = 19) with at least one prior small bowel resection and matched controls (n = 19) underwent muscle strength and endurance testing, vitamin D, and nerve function analysis.

RESULTS

Knee extension and flexion peak torque (Nm/kg) were greater in the control group than in the CD patients (P = 0.04 and 0.014, respectively. A significant difference was found between fatigue rates of the rectus femoris (P = 0.015) between CD patients and controls, but no difference was found in serum vitamin D levels between groups (P = 0.317). Knee extension and flexion torque measurements, with age as a covariate, were compared with high and low vitamin D levels. Those subjects with high serum vitamin D levels had a significantly greater extension peak torque (P = 0.045) and extension average torque (Nm/kg) (P = 0.014) than those with low levels.

CONCLUSION

Crohn's disease patients with sufficient vitamin D levels experienced a 43 % greater extension peak torque. Although vitamin D deficiency has been associated with neuromuscular dysfunction, there were no differences in serum vitamin D levels between the CD and healthy controls to explain the decreased muscle strength.

The evolving management of postoperative Crohn's disease

Two-thirds to three-quarters of Crohn's disease patients require intestinal surgery for medically refractory disease or complications. Surgery is not a cure and most patients develop recurrent Crohn's disease and require additional intestinal resections. There are a number of medications that have been investigated for preventing and treating recurrence. Risk factors for postoperative disease recurrence help guide the physician in determining the appropriate treatment strategy after Crohn's disease surgery. The approach to Crohn's disease treatment has evolved over the years. No longer should surgery be considered a failure of treatment, rather an important intervention to correct irreversible disease. In combination with a better understanding of postoperative medication strategies, patients with Crohn's disease may achieve longer term remission than previously realized. This review elucidates current understanding of the natural course of postoperative Crohn's disease, monitoring for recurrence, the risk factors for recurrence, and provides insight into an evolving new paradigm for postoperative Crohn's disease treatment.

PUMA-mediated intestinal epithelial apoptosis contributes to ulcerative colitis in humans and mice

Intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosis contributes to the development of ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the colon and rectum. Therapies that target the inflammatory cytokine TNF have been found to inhibit IEC apoptosis in patients with IBD, although the mechanism of IEC apoptosis remains unclear. We therefore investigated the role of p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), a p53 target and proapoptotic BH3-only protein, in colitis and IEC apoptosis, using patient samples and mouse models of UC. In UC patient samples, PUMA expression was elevated in colitis tissues relative to that in uninvolved tissues, and the degree of elevation of PUMA expression correlated with the severity of colitis and the degree of apoptosis induction. In mice, PUMA was markedly induced in colonic epithelial cells following induction of colitis by either dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The induction of PUMA was p53-independent but required NF-κB. Absence of PUMA, but neither absence of p53 nor that of another BH3-only protein (Bid), relieved DSS- and TNBS-induced colitis and inhibited IEC apoptosis. Furthermore, treating mice with infliximab (Remicade), a clinically used TNF-specific antibody, suppressed DSS- and TNBS-induced PUMA expression and colitis. These results indicate that PUMA induction contributes to the pathogenesis of colitis by promoting IEC apoptosis and suggest that PUMA inhibition may be an effective strategy to promote mucosal healing in patients with UC.

PUMA-mediated intestinal epithelial apoptosis contributes to ulcerative colitis in humans and mice

Intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosis contributes to the development of ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the colon and rectum. Therapies that target the inflammatory cytokine TNF have been found to inhibit IEC apoptosis in patients with IBD, although the mechanism of IEC apoptosis remains unclear. We therefore investigated the role of p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), a p53 target and proapoptotic BH3-only protein, in colitis and IEC apoptosis, using patient samples and mouse models of UC. In UC patient samples, PUMA expression was elevated in colitis tissues relative to that in uninvolved tissues, and the degree of elevation of PUMA expression correlated with the severity of colitis and the degree of apoptosis induction. In mice, PUMA was markedly induced in colonic epithelial cells following induction of colitis by either dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The induction of PUMA was p53-independent but required NF-κB. Absence of PUMA, but neither absence of p53 nor that of another BH3-only protein (Bid), relieved DSS- and TNBS-induced colitis and inhibited IEC apoptosis. Furthermore, treating mice with infliximab (Remicade), a clinically used TNF-specific antibody, suppressed DSS- and TNBS-induced PUMA expression and colitis. These results indicate that PUMA induction contributes to the pathogenesis of colitis by promoting IEC apoptosis and suggest that PUMA inhibition may be an effective strategy to promote mucosal healing in patients with UC.

Common variants at five new loci associated with early-onset inflammatory bowel disease

The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are common causes of morbidity in children and young adults in the western world. Here we report the results of a genome-wide association study in early-onset IBD involving 3,426 affected individuals and 11,963 genetically matched controls recruited through international collaborations in Europe and North America, thereby extending the results from a previous study of 1,011 individuals with early-onset IBD. We have identified five new regions associated with early-onset IBD susceptibility, including 16p11 near the cytokine gene IL27 (rs8049439, P = 2.41 x 10(-9)), 22q12 (rs2412973, P = 1.55 x 10(-9)), 10q22 (rs1250550, P = 5.63 x 10(-9)), 2q37 (rs4676410, P = 3.64 x 10(-8)) and 19q13.11 (rs10500264, P = 4.26 x 10(-10)). Our scan also detected associations at 23 of 32 loci previously implicated in adult-onset Crohn's disease and at 8 of 17 loci implicated in adult-onset ulcerative colitis, highlighting the close pathogenetic relationship between early- and adult-onset IBD.

Genome-wide association defines more than 30 distinct susceptibility loci for Crohn's disease

Several risk factors for Crohn's disease have been identified in recent genome-wide association studies. To advance gene discovery further, we combined data from three studies on Crohn's disease (a total of 3,230 cases and 4,829 controls) and carried out replication in 3,664 independent cases with a mixture of population-based and family-based controls. The results strongly confirm 11 previously reported loci and provide genome-wide significant evidence for 21 additional loci, including the regions containing STAT3, JAK2, ICOSLG, CDKAL1 and ITLN1. The expanded molecular understanding of the basis of this disease offers promise for informed therapeutic development.

Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase Sigma Is Associated with Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a relatively common chronic debilitating intestinal illness, is composed of two broadly defined groups, Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Although several susceptibility genes for CD have been recently described, susceptibility genes exclusive for UC have not been forthcoming. Here, we show that receptor protein-tyrosine phosphatase sigma (PTPRS-encoding PTPsigma) knockout mice spontaneously develop mild colitis that becomes severe when challenged with two known inducers of colitis. We also demonstrate that E-cadherin and beta-catenin, two important adherens junction proteins involved in maintenance of barrier defense in the colon, act as colonic substrates for PTPsigma. Furthermore, we show that three SNPs (rs886936, rs17130, and rs8100586) that flank exon 8 in the human PTPRS gene are associated with UC. The presence of these SNPs is associated with novel splicing that removes the third immunoglobulin-like domain (exon 9) from the extracellular portion of PTPsigma, possibly altering dimerization or ligand recognition. We propose that polymorphisms in the human PTPRS gene lead to ulcerative colitis.

Diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative proctitis

Proctitis refers to inflammation of the rectum, a diagnosis made by endoscopic evaluation. Symptoms of proctitis include rectal bleeding, urgency, tenesmus, diarrhea or constipation, and occasionally rectal pain. The causes of proctitis include infection, medication, ischemia, radiation, and ulcerative proctitis. Ulcerative proctitis is an important and increasingly common subcategory of ulcerative colitis (UC) in which inflammation is limited to the rectum. Historically, oral aminosalicylates have been the mainstay of acute and maintenance therapy. A growing body of data, however, indicates that topical aminosalicylates are effective first line agents in ulcerative proctitis and distal UC. Topical aminosalicylates act more effectively and rapidly to induce and maintain remission compared with their oral counterparts or topical steroids. Rarely ulcerative proctitis is refractory to topical therapy and in these instances systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, immunomodulators, or surgery is required. This review highlights the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of ulcerative proctitis.

Metabolic bone disease in inflammatory bowel disease

Osteoporosis is associated with a high morbidity rate and is a risk factor for fractures. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at increased risk of developing osteopenia and osteoporosis. Corticosteroid use, malnutrition, and proinflammatory cytokines are unique risk factors for bone loss in ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease. Bone mineral density is assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and reported as a T score or number of standard deviations away from the mean. A T score < 1 SD below the mean is normal, 1 to 2.5 SD below the mean is consistent with osteopenia, and greater than 2.5 SD below the mean is defined as osteoporosis. Treatment includes a combination of basic preventative measures, for example, weight-bearing exercise, calcium, vitamin D, and pharmacologic agents, (e.g., bisphosphonates).

Inflammatory bowel disease emergencies

Emergency complications of IBD are rare, but may be life-threatening, require surgery, and result in permanent end organ damage. The most common complications associated with UC are fulminant colitis, toxic megacolon, and bleeding. Each of these complications may resolve with aggressive medical therapy but often result in a total proctocolectomy. The most common complications associated with CD are abscesses and intestinal obstruction. Although initial treatment includes medical treatment, these Crohn's-related complications usually require a surgical intervention and intestinal resection. Finally, the most common extraintestinal manifestations that present as an emergency include thromboembolic events, ocular complications, and hepatobiliary disease. Some of these complications may parallel the course of the underlying disease and respond to IBD treatment, but thromboemboli, uveitis, and PSC do not. In the last decade there has been an explosion of knowledge and discovery into the pathogenesis of IBD. These findings have led to better and earlier treatment of IBD that it is hoped will alter the natural course of disease and prevent many of the complications outlined in this article.

Pregnancy and nursing in inflammatory bowel disease

The peak age of onset for IBD coincides with the peak age for conception and pregnancy. Women with inactive IBD who become pregnant do not have increased complications compared with age-matched controls. Most medications for IBD are safe in pregnancy. The greatest danger to a normal conception and pregnancy is active disease, not the medicine used to treat it. This article outlines fertility in IBD, the effect of IBD on pregnancy, the effect of pregnancy on IBD, and the medical therapy available.

Medical therapy for ulcerative colitis

Although newer therapeutic agents are being developed for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, aminosalicylates and corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment for UC (Tables 2-5). Patients who do not respond to these agents or become steroid dependent require immunomodulatory therapy or curative surgery. Cyclosporine represents the greatest treatment advance for UC in 10 years. The role of nicotine, heparin, antibiotics, probiotics, and SCFA in the treatment of UC is less clear, but these agents may offer an alternative therapeutic approach for patients intolerant or nonresponsive to standard therapy.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of a pancreatic cyst in a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. A case report

BACKGROUND

Solitary cysts occur in approximately 10% of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can be beneficial in evaluating complications related to the cysts and in excluding malignancies and other cystic lesions that can occur in these patients.

CASE

FNAC was performed on a benign epithelial cyst in a symptomatic, 25-year-old, white female with ADPKD. The aspirate consisted of scattered small, flat groups of uniform epithelial cells arranged in a honey-comb fashion.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first FNAC report of a pancreatic cyst in ADPKD.

Update in medical treatment of Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder that has no known cause. The goal of medical treatment is to control active disease, induce and maintain clinical remission, and treat complications. Anti-inflammatory medications and immunomodulatory therapies are the primary treatment modalities for Crohn's disease. The categories of standard treatment include the 5-aminosalicylic acid compounds, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and immunomodulators. New biologic therapy has been developed to better target the immune mediators that are active in Crohn's disease. Infliximab is the first of the biologic agents approved for the treatment of fistulizing and active Crohn's disease. Despite medical advances in treatment, there is still no cure for Crohn's disease.