Improved Outcomes Associated With Teduglutide Use in Patients With Both Short Bowel Syndrome and Crohn's Disease

Introduction

Crohn's disease (CD) with short bowel syndrome (SBS) can present as chronic intestinal failure (CIF) often requiring nutritional support. Teduglutide is a treatment option for these patients. We investigated clinical outcomes of CD-CIF patients with SBS treated with teduglutide.

Methods

Adults with CD-CIF and SBS who received teduglutide were identified at a tertiary care academic center between 2012 and 2023. Data was collected retrospectively. Primary outcome measured was reduction in parenteral support (PS) by ≥20% volume, with PS defined as utilization of parenteral nutrition (PN) or intravenous fluids (IVF). Several secondary outcomes included immunosuppressive medication changes, subjective symptom improvement, and stool output.

Results

We identified 32 patients with CD-CIF and SBS receiving teduglutide. Comparing clinical outcomes before and after teduglutide, 26 of 32 patients achieved the primary outcome of ≥20% PS reduction. A decrease was seen in patients requiring PN + IVF, with corresponding increases in patients requiring PN only and IVF only. Among all 3 groups, a total of 23 patients received PN prior to teduglutide, which decreased to 14 following teduglutide. Weekly PN volume reduced from 7.00 to 3.55 L and weekly frequency decreased from 7.00 to 3.00 instances (P < .01). Reductions in weekly volume and frequency were observed among all patients receiving IVF support (25 vs 15). Secondary outcomes showed improvement in patient reported subjective symptoms (84.4%), stool output (90.6%), patients meeting criteria for diarrhea/high ostomy output (27 vs 14), and use of unique antidiarrheal medications (3.0 vs 2.0).

Conclusions

This retrospective case series demonstrated improved clinical outcomes in patients with CD-CIF and SBS treated with teduglutide resulting in decreased PS requirements, antidiarrheal medications requirement, and stool output without significant effects on immunosuppressive therapy.

The Role of a Colon-in-Continuity in Short Bowel Syndrome

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a rare gastrointestinal condition that is defined as having less than 200 cm of remaining small intestine. SBS results from extensive surgical resection and is associated with a high risk for intestinal failure (IF) with a need for parenteral support (PS). Depending on the region of intestinal resection, three different main anatomy types can be distinguished from each other. In this review, we synthesize the current knowledge on the role of the colon in the setting of SBS-IF with a colon-in-continuity (SBS-IF-CiC), e.g., by enhancing the degree of intestinal adaptation, energy salvage, and the role of the microbiota. In addition, the effect of the disease-modifying treatment with glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogs in SBS-IF-CiC and how it differs from patients without a colon will be discussed. Overall, the findings explained in this review highlight the importance of preservation of the colon in SBS-IF.

Characteristics of Chronic Intestinal Failure in the USA Based on Analysis of Claims Data

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the prevalence, characteristics, and management of patients with chronic intestinal failure (CIF) in the USA in 2012-2020, based on parenteral support (PS) prescription claims and healthcare utilization.

METHODS

Patients with CIF were identified from the Integrated DataVerse® claims database if they had at least two PS prescriptions within six months and a relevant diagnosis. Analysis included prevalence and characteristics of patients with CIF, their travel distance to receive PS prescriptions, and the distribution of PS providers and their prescribing history.

RESULTS

Up to 24,048 patients with CIF were identified, equivalent to 75 patients per million. CIF affected people of all ages, being more prevalent in women than in men. Many providers signed PS orders for small patient groups over short time periods, whereas few providers signed PS orders for large patient groups long term, indicating a lack of centralization. The distribution of PS providers suggested a disparity in healthcare coverage in rural vs urban areas, leading to patients traveling considerable distances to receive PS prescriptions. This may be exacerbated by a decline of providers with expertise in CIF and nutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare disparities for patients with CIF have likely been obscured by the lack of CIF-specific diagnostic and procedure codes, obliging providers to code for their patients under other codes. Effective policy changes, including centralized care, revision of reimbursement models, and expansion of nutrition-focused education in addition to the newly introduced International Classification of Diseases codes, are needed to provide the best care for patients.

CLINICAL RELEVANCY STATEMENT

CIF affects people of all ages and is more prevalent in women than in men. Healthcare coverage for patients with CIF is largely decentralized. Disparities are evident in rural compared to urban areas, leading to patients traveling considerable distances to receive PS prescriptions, which may be exacerbated by a decline of providers with expertise in CIF and nutrition. These healthcare inequalities necessitate effective policy changes, including introduction of CIF-specific diagnostic and procedure codes, such as the ongoing introduction of unique ICD codes for CIF and associated diseases, revision of reimbursement models and assurance of the continuity of providers with expertise in CIF and nutrition (eg, by expansion of nutrition-focused education in medical schools). Importantly, improvements in healthcare centralization are required to secure management of patients by highly experienced multidisciplinary teams throughout the USA. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Efficacy of Teduglutide for Parenteral Support Reduction in Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Teduglutide has been described as an effective treatment for parenteral support (PS) reduction in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS). However, a quantitative summary of the available evidence is still lacking. PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane library, OVID, and CINAHL databases were systematically searched up to July 2021 for studies reporting the rate of response (defined as a ≥20% reduction in PS) to teduglutide among PS-dependent adult patients. The rate of weaning (defined as the achievement of PS independence) was also evaluated as a secondary end-point. Ten studies were finally considered in the meta-analysis. Pooled data show a response rate of 64% at 6 months, 77% at 1 year and, 82% at ≥2 years; on the other hand, the weaning rate could be estimated as 11% at 6 months, 17% at 1 year, and 21% at ≥2 years. The presence of colon in continuity reduced the response rate (-17%, 95%CI: (-31%, -3%)), but was associated with a higher weaning rate (+16%, 95%CI: (+6%, +25%)). SBS etiology, on the contrary, was not found to be a significant predictor of these outcomes, although a nonsignificant trend towards both higher response rates (+9%, 95%CI: (-8%, +27%)) and higher weaning rates (+7%, 95%CI: (-14%, +28%)) could be observed in patients with Crohn's disease. This was the first meta-analysis that specifically assessed the efficacy of teduglutide in adult patients with SBS. Our results provide pooled estimates of response and weaning rates over time and identify intestinal anatomy as a significant predictor of these outcomes.

Impact on caregivers of adult patients receiving parenteral support for short-bowel syndrome with intestinal failure: A multinational, cross-sectional survey

Background

Patients with short‐bowel syndrome and intestinal failure (SBS‐IF) require parenteral support (PS) and may need long‐term home‐care support. This survey assessed the impact of care provision on adult caregivers of adult patients receiving PS for SBS‐IF.

Methods

An online, cross‐sectional survey of caregivers of adults with a self‐reported physician diagnosis of SBS‐IF was conducted in France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and USA. Impact on caregivers was evaluated using the 18‐item Caregiver Strain Index (CSI), the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: Specific Health Problem (WPAI:SHP), and self‐reporting impact questionnaires.

Results

Caregivers (N = 121; aged 51 ± 13.7 years; 59% women) provided assistance for a mean of 9.9 ± 12.53 years; 77% were providing care 7 days per week. Patients (51 ± 16.4 years; 56% women) of caregivers were typically family members: spouse/partner (61%), adult son/daughter (19%), or parent (10%). Caregivers reported experiencing some strain (CSI score 4 ± 3.4). Among 71 of 73 employed caregivers, the WPAI:SHP assessment showed that caregivers missed 7% ± 12.7% of work hours in the preceding week and were present but not productive at work 37% ± 23.1% of the time; 28% of caregivers reported a reduced number of working hours because of caregiving. Many caregivers reported limitations in recreational activities (53%), and ≥30% had difficulty spending time with family and friends. Caregivers (87%) also reported worrying about the patient's health.

Conclusions

Caregivers of adult patients with SBS‐IF experience negative daily personal impacts and loss of productivity arising from their caregiving responsibilities.

Apraglutide, a novel glucagon-like peptide-2 analog, improves fluid absorption in patients with short bowel syndrome intestinal failure: Findings from a placebo-controlled, randomized phase 2 trial

Background

Treatment with glucagon‐like peptide‐2 (GLP‐2) analogs improve intestinal adaptation in patients with short bowel syndrome–associated intestinal failure (SBS‐IF) and may reduce parenteral support requirements. Apraglutide is a novel, long‐acting GLP‐2 analog designed for once‐weekly dosing. This trial investigated the safety and efficacy of apraglutide in patients with SBS‐IF.

Methods

In this placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized, crossover phase 2 trial, eight adults with SBS‐IF were treated with once‐weekly 5‐mg apraglutide doses and placebo for 4 weeks, followed by once‐weekly 10‐mg apraglutide doses for 4 weeks, with a washout period of 6–10 weeks between treatments. Safety was the primary end point. Secondary end points included changes from baseline in urine volume output compared with placebo, collected for 48 h before and after each treatment period.

Results

Common treatment‐related adverse events (AEs) were mild to moderate and included polyuria, decreased stoma output, stoma complications, decreased thirst, and edema. No serious AEs were considered to be related to apraglutide treatment. The safety profile was comparable for the lower and higher doses. Treatment with once‐weekly 5‐ and 10‐mg apraglutide doses significantly increased urine volume output by an adjusted mean of 714 ml/day (95% CI, 490–939; P < .05) and 795 ml/day (95% CI, 195–1394; P < .05), respectively, compared with placebo, with no significant differences between doses.

Conclusions

Once‐weekly apraglutide was well tolerated at both tested doses and significantly increased urine volume output, providing evidence for increased intestinal fluid absorption. A phase 3 trial is underway in adults with SBS‐IF.

Renal function in patients with intestinal failure receiving home parenteral support

BACKGROUND

Progressive renal impairment, given by an annual decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), has been described in patients with intestinal failure (IF) receiving home parenteral support (HPS). The objective of this study was to examine changes in eGFR over 5 years following initiation of HPS treatment and to identify potential risk factors for loss of renal function.

METHOD

This retrospective database study investigates eGFR changes in nonmalignant IF patients discharged with HPS from Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, in an 8-year period.

RESULTS

One year after HPS initiation, mean eGFR decreased by 15.3 ml/min/1.73 m² . Paired t-test showed a decline of 15.0 ml/min/1.73 m² (95% CI, -18.3 to -11.6; P < .0001). Over the following years, eGFR continued to decrease but at insignificant lower rates. Decreased eGFR was associated with increasing age, female sex, increasing body weight, diabetes at HPS initiation, and a high requirement of HPS volume.

CONCLUSION

In nonmalignant IF patients, the decrease of eGFR was mainly seen during the first year of HPS. This may be due to a higher risk of dehydration and possibly secondary hyperaldosteronism leading to renal damage following the onset of IF. However, the decrease in eGFR may also represent a higher production of creatinine due to a beneficial increase of muscle mass in the initial recovery phase. In general, once the patients were stabilized, the eGFR decline followed a physiological course resembling the background population. Patients with diabetes or high HPS volume needs seem to be more vulnerable and may require special attention.

Dynamic Adjustments of Parenteral Support in Early Adult Intestinal Failure-Essential Role of Sodium

Intestinal failure (IF) requires parenteral support (PS) substituting energy, water, and electrolytes to compensate intestinal losses and replenish deficits. Convalescence, adaptation, and reconstructive surgery facilitate PS reduction. We analyzed the effect of changes of PS on body mass index (BMI) in early adult IF. Energy, volume, and sodium content of PS and BMI were collected at the initial contact (FIRST), the time of maximal PS and BMI (MAX) and the last contact (LAST). Patients were categorized based on functional anatomy: small bowel enterostomy-group 1, jejuno-colic anastomosis-group 2. Analysis of variance was used to test the relative impact of changes in energy, volume, or sodium. Total of 50 patients were followed for 596 days. Although energy, volume, and sodium support were already high at FIRST, we increased PS to MAX, which was accompanied by a significant BMI increase. Thereafter PS could be reduced significantly, leading to a small BMI decrease in group 1, but not in group 2. Increased sodium support had a stronger impact on BMI than energy or volume. Total of 13 patients were weaned. Dynamic PS adjustments are required in the early phase of adult IF. Vigorous sodium support acts as an independent factor.