Duration Of Colitis Research Articles

Effects of cytomegalovirus infection on the prognosis of inflammatory bowel disease patients.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection on the prognosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Various databases were searched using a combination of keywords associated with CMV infection and IBD. Subsequent to the selection of relevant studies in line with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, a meta-analysis was conducted using the Stata 12.0 software. A total of 195 studies were initially retrieved, including 28 studies in Chinese and 167 in English. Following the exclusion of unsuitable studies, 7 cohort studies with 374 IBD patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the present study identified significant differences between patients with and without CMV infection regarding the disease duration of IBD [standardized mean difference, −0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI), −1.19 to −0.43; P<0.001], the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy [relative risk (RR), 1.24; 95% CI, 1.02–1.49; P=0.029], the colectomy rate (RR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.03–4.40; P=0.042) and the incidence of severe IBD (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.04–1.67; P=0.022). Considering the IBD onset area, patients with CMV infection may have higher susceptibility to pancolitis (RR, 1.31; 95% CI; 1.01–1.72; P=0.045); however, no difference in susceptibility to left-sided IBD was observed between patients with or without CMV infection (RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.72–1.30; P=0.828). In conclusion, CMV infection may be associated with the disease duration, efficacy of corticosteroid therapy, colectomy rate, severe IBD incidence and disease location of IBD; thus, the presence of CMV infection may be considered as an important biomarker for determining the prognosis of IBD.

5-ASA and Chemoprevention in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Population-Based Analysis

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a chronic, relapsing and remitting inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a well-documented complication of IBD and is associated with IBD severity, extent and duration. Treatment with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) reduces the risk of CRC in IBD. Our objective was to test the association of cumulative exposure to 5-ASA on CRC risk. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using a population-based IBD cohort derived from administrative health data in Saskatchewan, Canada. Data were from 1979 to 2011. Exposure to 5-ASA and CRC diagnosis during the study period were examined. CRC rates were compared between 5-ASA exposed and non-exposed groups using chi-square tests. Exposure to 5-ASA was evaluated using survival analysis. To account for differences in 5-ASA exposure, propensity scores (PS) based on IBD duration, immunomodulator (IM) and anti-TNF exposure, number of endoscopies, and decade of IBD diagnosis were used to match non-exposed to exposed patients. The Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to describe the time-to-event data and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to test the association of exposure with CRC diagnosis. Analyses were stratified by type of IBD (UC, CD). Results: A total of 8821 IBD patients were included in the study, of which 289 (3.3%) developed CRC. In the CRC-free group, 73.9% (n = 6307) of patients had exposure to 5-ASA, whereas 61.9% (n = 179) had exposure in the CRC group. Figure 1 contains a Kaplan Meier curve for time-to-diagnosis of CRC for the exposure groups. In the PS-matched cohort, the hazard ratio (HR) was 2.56 (95% CI: [1.9, 3.5]) while controlling for gender, location (urban/sub-urban/rural), diagnosis and previous corticosteroid use. The risk of CRC diagnosis was higher in the UC sub-group (HR=3.54, 95% CI: [2.3, 5.5]) when compared to the CD sub-group (1.73, 95% CI: [1.1, 2.6]), controlling for gender, location and decade of diagnosis. A dose response survival model was developed to attempt to control for the duration of 5-ASA exposure on CRC rates, and the HRs were similar.Figure 1Conclusion: This population-based cohort study suggests a chemoprotective effect of 5-ASA exposure for CRC diagnosis amongst patients with IBD. A larger protective effect was observed amongst UC patients than CD patients.

A Survey on Migraine Prevalence in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease - A Single Centre Experience.

BACKGROUNDIt is hypothesized that migraine may be related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), therefore in this cross-sectional study we evaluated the prevalence of migraine in patients with IBD.METHODSIn this cross-sectional study 80 patients with IBD and 80 patients without IBD referring to a private gastroenterology clinic from May to January 2014 were evaluated regarding the prevalence of migraine, severity of migraine based on Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), and habits related to headache.RESULTS 160 participants with the mean age of 35 years were evaluated. The prevalence of migraine in the case group was significantly higher than the control (21.3% vs. 8.8%, p=0.027). Moreover, duration of each attack (hours) in IBD group was significantly higher than the control group (p<0.001) while the duration of migraine involvement (months) and number of attacks was higher in the control group (p=0.019 and 0.048, respectively). Headache other than migraine in the control group was significantly higher than the IBD group(p<0.001). Disability in the case group was more than the control group but the difference was not significant. The correlation between the severity of disability related to migraine (based on HIT-6) and severity of IBD (based on May oscore & Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI)) was not significant (r=0.16, p=0.58). Moreover the correlation between the duration of IBD and migraineprevalence was not significant (r=-0.14, p=0.19). CONCLUSIONWe found that the prevalence of migraine in patients with IBD is significantly more than normal population. More studies are needed to highlight the correlation between migraine and IBD.

Incidence and Predictors of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Serum Biomarkers in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at high risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Longitudinal data on incident NAFLD are lacking. We employed non-invasive methods to study incidence and predictors of NAFLD. This was a retrospective study of IBD patients without known liver disease followed at IBD clinic of McGill University. NAFLD was defined as Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) ≥36 and absence of alcohol intake. Advanced liver fibrosis was diagnosed by FIB-4 ≥2.67. Active IBD was defined as partial Mayo score ≥3 for ulcerative colitis, Harvey Bradshaw Index ≥ 5 or flare during follow-up. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to investigate incidence and predictors of NAFLD development. Three hundred twenty-one consecutive patients (median age 33.7 yr, 47% males) were observed for a median of 3.2 years (interquartile range 1.5-6). Over 1181.2 persons-year (PY), 108 (33.6%) patients developed NAFLD, accounting for an incidence rate of 9.1/100 PY (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.4-10.9). 7 (2.2%) patients developed advanced liver fibrosis, accounting for an incidence rate of 0.5/100 PY (95% CI, 0.2-1.1). Development of NAFLD was predicted by disease activity (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.08-2.33, P = 0.02), disease duration (aHR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.23, P = 0.01), and prior surgery for IBD (aHR = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.04-1.74, P = 0.02). NAFLD is a frequent comorbidity in patients with IBD. These patients can also develop advanced liver fibrosis. Disease activity, duration of IBD and prior surgery are predictors of NAFLD development. This should represent one more incentive to achieve and maintain early clinical remission. Further prospective studies are of interest.

Understanding Work Experiences of People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk for unemployment and work absenteeism over the course of their adult lives. However, little is known about the firsthand experiences of people living with the disease regarding perceived barriers, facilitators, and strategies for navigating work roles. In this qualitative study, participants were purposefully recruited from 2 existing IBD cohort study samples. Recruitment strategies aimed for diversity in age, sex, and disease type, duration, and symptom activity. In-depth interviews sought perspectives of living with IBD. Data were analyzed using inductive qualitative methods. Forty-five people currently or previously in the workforce participated; 51% were female. The mean age was 45.4 years (SD = 16.1; range = 21-73 years). Mean IBD duration was 10.9 years (SD = 6.3). Participants had a broad range of experiences in adapting to work roles. IBD symptoms and treatments interacted with other personal and environmental factors to shape the experiences of work. Experiences were shaped by: (1) personal health and well-being, (2) personal values, beliefs, and knowledge, (3) job characteristics, (4) workplace physical environment, (5) workplace culture, and (6) financial factors. Participants identified personal strategies and environmental supports that assisted them to navigate their work roles. The perspectives of people with IBD provided in-depth understanding of contextual factors that influence work roles. They identified personal strategies to manage health and choices about work, environmental supports that promote timely workplace accommodations, and appropriate social insurance benefits as facilitators of work retention for people with IBD.

Recurrence and survival rates of inflammatory bowel disease-associated colorectal cancer following postoperative chemotherapy: a comparative study.

Background and Aim: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Studies have shown tumorigenetic and histomorphological differences between IBD-associated CRC and non-IBD CRC, suggesting differences in tumor behavior and response to treatment. We aimed to compare tumor recurrence and survival rates following postoperative chemotherapy in CRC patients with and without IBD.Methods: Search of the Cleveland Clinic’s CRC database revealed 65 patients who had IBD-associated CRC and received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy between 1994 and 2010. Twenty-one patients were excluded due to incomplete clinical data. Propensity score-matching based on age, surgery intent, CRC site, tumor grade, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage and T stage was used to match IBD and non-IBD patients (1:4). Competing risk and Cox regression models were used to analyze differences in disease-free survival and overall survival, respectively.Results: Forty-four patients with IBD-associated CRC were matched to 176 patients with non-IBD CRC. Among IBD patients, 29 (66%) had ulcerative colitis, 14 (32%) had Crohn’s disease, and one (2%) had indeterminate colitis. Mean IBD diagnosis age was 28.1 ± 14.5 years, and mean IBD duration at time of CRC treatment was 21.5 ± 12.6 years. Ten (23%) IBD patients had tumor recurrence compared with 34 (19%) non-IBD patients (P = .074). There was no significant difference in disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.35–1.05; P = 0.074) or overall survival (HR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.54–1.4; P = 0.58) between IBD and non-IBD patients.Conclusion: Patients with IBD-associated CRC have comparable rates of tumor recurrence and survival following postoperative chemotherapy as CRC patients without IBD. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and guide therapeutic decisions.

Associations between markers of colorectal cancer stem cells, mutation, microRNA and the clinical features of ulcerative colitis.

Several factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). We investigated markers of cancer cell pluripotency, including CD44 and CD166, microRNA-21 (miR-21) and microRNA-215 (miR-215), and APC, K-ras and DCC mutations in biopsy specimens from patients with UC to evaluate any correlations with clinical risk factors. We observed 18 patients with UC and collected two biopsy specimens from each patient at diagnosis and at a follow-up end-point. We examined the expression of CD44, CD166, miR-21 and miR-215, and APC, K-ras and DCC mutations. We compared these markers at the two time points and assessed their associations with clinical characteristics, including the duration of colitis, histological alterations and the age of the patient at the onset of UC. Most (16/18) patients had alleviation of mucosal inflammation or remained stable during follow-up; one patient developed dysplasia and one had severe aggravation of the lesion during follow-up. Enhanced expression of CD44, CD166 and miR-21 with miR-215 was found in the specimens obtained at follow-up, despite alleviation of mucosal lesions. Coherence of cancer stem cell markers and miRNAs was seen in patients who had significant worsening of inflammation, dysplasia and a long duration of colitis. APC mutation occurred in only one patient; this patient had the longest duration of UC (23years). Enhanced markers of CRC in follow-up colonic mucosal samples support the conclusion that the duration of UC plays the most important role in UC-related carcinogenesis.

Heart Rate Recovery Is Impaired in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Objective: In this study we aimed to investigate heart rate recovery (HRR) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Subjects and Methods: A total of 40 patients with IBD and 30 healthy controls were included in this study. A treadmill stress test was performed in all the patients to calculate the HRR index based on the age-specific maximum heart rate. The HRR indices were calculated as follows: HRR_{1, 2, 3, 4, 5} = heart rate at peak exercise - heart rate at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 min. The independent samples t test was used to compare HRR indices between the patient and control groups. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the association between the duration of IBD and the HRR indices. Multivariate regression analysis was carried out to identify predictors of impaired HRR in patients with IBD. Results: HRR indices at various time intervals were significantly lower in the patients with IBD than in the controls: HRR₁ (1.18 ± 8 vs. 31 ± 7, p < 0.001), HRR₂ (36 ± 12 vs. 51 ± 8, p < 0.001), HRR₃ (46 ± 12 vs. 62 ± 11, p < 0.001), HRR₄ (54 ± 7 vs. 65 ± 8, p < 0.001), and HRR₅ (55 ± 13 vs. 71 ± 15, p < 0.001). Mean duration of IBD was 7.8 ± 3.6 years. In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between disease duration and HRR at the first minute (r = -0.704, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that symptom duration (OR: 1.742, 95% CI: 1.148-2.636, p = 0.009) was an independent predictor of impaired HRR in patients with IBD. Conclusion: In this study, the data showed that the HRR was impaired in patients with IBDs. Hence, given the prognostic value of the test, patients with IBD should be monitored for future cardiovascular events.

Duration of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Associated With Increased Risk of Cholangiocarcinoma in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and IBD.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) often coexists with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and can be complicated by cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a lethal malignancy for which reliable predictors remain unknown. We aimed to characterize the influence of colectomy and IBD duration on risk of CCA in patients with PSC-IBD. A retrospective review of patients with PSC-IBD seen at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, between January 2005 and May 2013 was performed. The primary outcome was time to development of CCA and our goal was to determine whether the risk differed between patients with and without colectomy. Risk factors were assessed using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models where colectomy, IBD disease duration, and development of advanced liver disease were treated as time-dependent covariates. A total of 399 patients with PSC-IBD were included in the study, of whom 137 had a colectomy and 123 patients developed CCA. Age-adjusted univariate Cox proportional hazard models demonstrated that colectomy (hazard ratio (HR) 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-2.22, P=0.02) and duration of IBD (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.15-1.63, P<0.01) were associated with an increased risk of CCA, and colonic neoplasia (HR 1.52, 95% CI 0.97-2.37, P=0.06) and colectomy for colonic neoplasia (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.01-2.61, P=0.05) approached significance. Among patients with a history of colectomy, colonic neoplasia as the indication for surgery was associated with a particularly increased risk of CCA (HR 2.91, 95% CI 1.24-6.84, P=0.01) compared with medically refractory disease. On multivariate analysis, duration of IBD remained significantly associated with CCA (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.11-1.60, P<0.01). The influence of IBD duration on CCA risk was not modified after colectomy (P=0.69). Prolonged duration of IBD is associated with an increased risk of CCA in patients with PSC-IBD, and colectomy itself does not modify this risk. These findings identify a subset of patients who are at high risk of this lethal complication and in need of close surveillance.

Factors that Influence Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an incurable, cholestatic liver disease often coincident with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To evaluate the impact of liver disease and IBD on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in PSC. A mixed-methods, cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary center. Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores were compared between PSC, Canadian normative data, and disease controls. Disease-specific instruments scores [PBC-40, Short IBD questionnaire, Liver Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (LDQOL)] were compared between PSC and disease controls. Multivariable regression identified factors independently associated with final SF-36 component scores. Qualitative evaluation of patient questionnaires was performed using a content analysis framework. One hundred and sixty-two surveys were completed (99 PSC, 26 primary biliary cirrhosis, 16 non-autoimmune cholestatic liver disease, and 21 IBD). PSC patients had significantly lower SF-36 scores than Canadian controls, but similar scores to disease controls. LDQOL most accurately predicted HRQoL. Factors negatively associated with physical HRQoL included shorter IBD duration, liver disease symptoms, and decompensated cirrhosis. Mental HRQoL was influenced by liver disease and IBD symptoms, pruritus, social isolation, and depression. Nearly 75% expressed existential anxiety regarding disease progression and diminished life expectancy, with 25% disclosing social isolation. Patients with PSC have significantly lower HRQoL than healthy controls. Both symptoms of IBD and chronic liver disease impact HRQoL in patients with PSC, which lead to significant psychologic burden that is expressed by existential anxieties and social isolation. A PSC-specific HRQoL tool is critical to adequately quantify the distinct impact of IBD and cholestatic liver disease.

Whole-Exome Sequencing Analyses of Inflammatory Bowel Disease−Associated Colorectal Cancers

A long duration of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk for colorectal cancer. Mutation analysis of limited numbers of genes has indicated that colorectal tumors that develop in patients with IBD differ from those of patients without IBD. We performed whole-exome sequencing analyses to characterize the genetic landscape of these tumors. We collected colorectal tumor and non-neoplastic tissues from 31 patients with IBD and colorectal cancer (15 with ulcerative colitis, 14 with Crohn's disease, and 2 with indeterminate colitis) and performed whole-exome sequencing analyses of the microdissected tumor and matched nontumor tissues. We identified somatic alterations by comparing matched specimens. The prevalence of mutations in sporadic colorectal tumors was obtained from previously published exome-sequencing studies. Two specimens had somatic mutations in the DNA proofreading or mismatch repair genes POLE, MLH1, and MSH6 and the tumor cells had a hypermutable phenotype. The remaining tumors had, on average, 71 alterations per sample. TP53 was the most commonly mutated gene, with prevalence similar to that of sporadic colorectal tumors (63% of cases). However, tumors from the patients with IBD had a different mutation spectrum. APC and KRAS were mutated at significantly lower rates in tumors from patients with IBD than in sporadic colorectal tumors (13% and 20% of cases, respectively). Several genes were mutated more frequently or uniquely in tumors from patients with IBD, including SOX9 and EP300 (which encode proteins in the WNT pathway), NRG1 (which encodes an ERBB ligand), and IL16 (which encodes a cytokine). Our study also revealed recurrent mutations in components of the Rho and Rac GTPase network, indicating a role for noncanonical WNT signaling in development of colorectal tumors in patients with IBD. Colorectal tumors that develop in patients with IBD have distinct genetic features from sporadic colorectal tumors. These findings could be used to develop disease-specific markers for diagnosis and treatment of patients with IBD and colorectal cancer.

Associations between Markers of Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells, Mutations, Mirna, and Clinical Characteristics of Ulcerative Colitis

Background: Several factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). We investigated markers of cancer cell pluripotency, including CD44 and CD166, microRNA-21 (miR-21) and microRNA-215 (miR-215), and APC, K-ras and DCC mutations in biopsy specimens from patients with UC to evaluate any correlations with clinical risk factors. Methods: We observed 18 patients with UC and collected two biopsy specimens from each patient at diagnosis and at a follow-up endpoint. We examined the expression of CD44, CD166, miR-21 and miR-215 as well as APCKras and DCC mutations. We compared these markers from the two points in time and assessed their associations with clinical characteristics, including colitis duration, histological alterations, and patient age at UC onset. Results: Most patients (16/18) had attenuated colonic lesions or remained stable during follow-up, except one patient who developed dysplasia, and one who had severe lesion aggravation during follow-up. Enhanced expression of CD44, CD166 and miR-21 with miR-215 was found in the specimens obtained at follow-up, despite attenuation of mucosal lesions. Coherence of cancer stem cell markers and microRNAs was seen in patients who had significant aggravation of mucosal alteration, dysplasia, and long duration of colitis. APC mutation occurred in only one patient, who had the longest duration of UC (23 years). Conclusion: Enhanced markers of CRC in the follow-up colon samples support our conclusion that UC duration plays the most important role in UC-related carcinogenesis.

Association between serrated epithelial changes and colorectal dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease

Serrated epithelial change (SEC) is a histologic finding in longstanding colitis that maybe associated with dysplasia. Our primary aim was to determine the incidence of dysplasia and colorectal cancer (CRC) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with SEC. Secondary aims were to determine the rate of location concordance between SEC and dysplasia/CRC and to identify other risk factors associated with dysplasia in IBD patients with SEC. A retrospective, descriptive, observational study was performed by searching the Pathology Data System at a single tertiary referral center for a histologic finding of "serrated epithelial change." The patient's first pathology specimen with SEC was designated the index SEC. All subsequent pathology reports were evaluated for the occurrence and location of dysplasia or CRC. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify predictors of dysplasia. There were 187 patients with confirmed IBD and 1 or more histologic findings of SEC without prior dysplasia. Mean IBD duration was 16 years, and median follow-up time was 28 months. The rate of high-grade dysplasia or CRC was 17 per 1000 patient-years. Thirty-nine of 187 patients (21%) had synchronous or metachronous dysplasia or CRC. Location concordance was 68%. Multivariable analysis found SEC on follow-up examinations, older age at IBD diagnosis, male gender, and a first-degree relative with CRC were associated with dysplasia in IBD patients with SEC. This uncontrolled study describes a high frequency of dysplasia in patients with a histologic finding of SEC. SEC seen on successive endoscopic examinations further increased the risk of dysplasia. Further controlled studies are needed to determine if SEC is a precancerous lesion in IBD patients and if SEC can be endoscopically identified.

Period of U.S. Immigration Affects Inflammatory Bowel Disease Onset in Cuban Immigrants

Introduction: South Florida has received waves of immigrants from Latin America providing the unique opportunity to identify risk factors responsible for the rising inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) incidence among immigrant Hispanics. Cubans comprise the largest immigrant group in Miami and have arrived in the US in distinct waves. We sought to determine whether IBD onset differed within Cubans in Miami stratified by period of immigration into the US. Methods: We performed a prospective study on adult patients who had IBD and were followed in our GI clinic. Cuban patients were identified and demographic information including year of immigration and age of immigration was obtained. We recorded information on age of IBD symptom onset and duration of disease. Age of IBD onset was compared among Cubans according to categorical periods of immigration using ANOVA and Student's t-test. Categorical periods of immigration reflected socio-political waves of migration into the US (before 1959, 1960s-1979s, 1980-1994, 1995 to present). Linear regression analysis with duration in the US as an independent variable was performed to analyze for onset of IBD from time of immigration. Results: A total of 234 patients were analyzed: 172 foreign-born Cubans and 62 US born first generation Cubans. A total of 138 foreign-born Cubans developed IBD symptoms after US immigration. Of these, age of IBD symptom onset was younger in Cubans immigrating after 1980 than before 1979, despite adjusting for age of immigration (45 yrs vs 29.75 yrs, respectively; p < 0.00001). US born Cubans had a similar younger age of onset as later periods of immigration compared to patients who immigrated prior to 1980 (19.50 yrs US born Cubans vs 31 foreign-born Cubans immigrating after 1980 vs 45 yrs foreign-born Cubans immigrating prior to 1975, p < 0.001). There was no difference in age of IBD onset by period of immigration in patients who developed IBD symptoms in Cuba. Conclusion: There is a temporal relationship between IBD development and immigration period in immigrant Hispanics coming to the US. IBD occurs within a shorter period of time from immigration in later waves of Cuban immigrants. This finding may be explained by changing environmental exposures present within the US. The study of IBD in migrant Hispanic populations may further our understanding of evolving environmental triggers responsible for the rise in IBD in developing countries.Figure 1

Prognostic Significance of Concurrent Mental Health Diagnosis in Southwestern Ohio Veteran IBD Population

Introduction: Psychological stress has been implicated in the etiopathogenesis and exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Anxiety and depression are more common in patients with IBD and available evidence suggests that IBD disease course is worse in depressed patients. The aim of this study is to describe the effect of concurrent mental health diagnosis (MHD) on IBD disease course, severity and prognosis in our local veteran IBD population. Methods: This was a retrospective study of all Veterans with IBD seen at Dayton VA Medical Center between January 2004 and June 2011. MHD, IBD related emergency room visits, hospitalizations and medication use were recorded. Relevant demographic and clinical data was obtained from electronic chart review. Results: 231 patients, 123 Crohn's disease (CD) and 108 ulcerative colitis (UC), were included in this study. 38 (35%) UC and 53 (43%) CD patients had a MHD. Average duration of IBD was 18.4 years (SD= 12.6) in CD and 16.8 years (SD= 11.3) in UC patients. Sixty percent of the CD patients with MHD had at least one IBD related ED visit compared to 28% patients without MHD (p= 0.0003). Seventy percent of CD patients with MHD had at least one hospitalization compared to 42% without MHD (p=0.002). Anti-TNF use was higher in the CD patients with MHD compared to those without MHD (40% vs. 30%; p=0.29) There was no difference in CD related bowel surgeries in CD patients with and without MHD (43% vs. 43%; p=0.992). Forty two percent of the UC patients with MHD had at least one IBD related ED visit compared to 19% without MHD (p= 0.008). Fifty seven percent of UC patients with MHD had at least one hospitalization compared to 47% without MHD (p=0.038). Anti-TNF use was higher in the UC patients with MHD compared to those without MHD (11% vs. 3%; p=0.1). There was no difference in UC related bowel surgeries in patients with and without MHD (42% vs. 33%; p=0.337). Conclusion: Concurrent MHD in local veteran IBD population is associated with more frequent IBDspecific emergency department visits and increased hospitalizations but not with an increase in anti-TNF use and bowel related surgeries. These findings suggest that maladaptive disease coping strategies in veteran IBD patients with MHD result in increased health care utilization, but concurrent MHD does not necessarily indicate more aggressive IBD disease course.

Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Obesity has become prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Bariatric surgery can be considered to be contraindicated in IBD patients. We aimed to evaluate feasibility, safety, and efficacy of bariatric surgery in IBD patients. We retrospectively identified all morbidly obese patients with a known diagnosis of IBD, who underwent bariatric surgery between January 2005 and December 2012. Postoperative outcomes and status of IBD in patients on maintenance therapy for their disease were assessed. We identified 20 IBD patients including 13 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 7 Crohn's disease (CD) patients with a mean age of 54.0 ± 10.5years, BMI of 50.1 ± 9.0kg/m(2), and duration of IBD of 11.3 ± 5.2years. Eleven patients were on medication for IBD at baseline. Bariatric procedures included sleeve gastrectomy (N = 9), gastric bypass (N = 7), gastric banding (N = 3), and one conversion of band to gastric bypass. There were no intraoperative complications, but two conversions to laparotomy due to adhesions. Mean BMI change and excess weight loss at 1year was 14.3 ± 5.7kg/m(2) and 58.9 ± 21.1%, respectively. Seven early postoperative complications occurred including dehydration (N = 5), pulmonary embolism (N = 1), and wound infection (N = 1). During a mean follow-up of 34.6 ± 21.7months, five patients developed complications including pancreatitis (N = 2), ventral hernia (N = 2), and marginal ulcer (N = 1). Nine out of ten eligible patients experienced improvement in their IBD status. Bariatric surgery is feasible and safe in morbidly obese patients suffering from IBD. In addition to being an effective weight loss procedure, bariatric surgery may help mitigate symptoms in this patient population.

Incremental diagnostic yield of chromoendoscopy and outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease patients with a history of colorectal dysplasia on white-light endoscopy

Chromoendoscopy (CE) identifies dysplastic lesions with a higher sensitivity than white-light endoscopy (WLE). The role of CE in the management of dysplasia on surveillance WLE in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear. A retrospective cohort of IBD patients with colorectal dysplasia on WLE who subsequently underwent CE between January 1, 2006 and August 31, 2013 was identified. Endoscopic and histologic findings were compared among the index WLE, first CE, and subsequent CE. Outcomes assessed included endoscopic lesion removal, surgery or repeat CE, and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Ninety-five index cases were identified. The median duration of IBD was 18 years (interquartile range 9.3-29.8); 78 patients had ulcerative colitis. Dysplasia was identified in 55 patients during the index WLE with targeted biopsies of 72 lesions. The first CE visualized dysplastic lesions in 50 patients, including 34 new lesions (not visualized on the index examination). Endoscopic resection was performed successfully of 43 lesions, most in the cecum/ascending colon (n = 20) with sessile morphology (n = 33). After the first CE, 14 patients underwent surgery that revealed 2 cases of colorectal cancer and 3 cases of high-grade dysplasia. Multiple CEs were performed in 44 patients. Of these, 20 patients had 34 visualized lesions, 26 of which were new findings. Initial and subsequent CE performed in IBD patients with a history of colorectal dysplasia on WLE frequently identified new lesions, most of which were amenable to endoscopic treatment. These data support the use of serial CEs in this high-risk population.

Frequency and risk factors of primary sclerosing cholangitis among patients with inflammatory bowel disease in North-East of Iran.

To identify primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) predisposing factors in order to prevent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) progression to PSC. IBD is commonly associated with PSC and there is no effective therapy for PSC except for liver transplantation. This retrospective study was conducted on 447 IBD patients from IBD Clinics of Ghaem and Emam Reza Hospitals. Data were collected by interview and through a review of the patients' medical records. Patients were divided into two groups: those with IBD and PSC (IBD-PSC) and those without PSC. Variables were compared between two groups and those with statistically significant differences in IBD-PSC group were considered as predictive factors for the development of PSC. The frequency of PSC in IBDs was 4.3% and all were ulcerative colitis. The mean age of patients with PSC was 39.1±11.33 years. The male to female proportion in PSCs was 3.8:1 and in IBDs was 0.9:1. There were statistically significant associations between PSC and gender, IBD duration and UC extension, mucocutaneous involvement, oral contraceptive pills (OCP) consumption, history of surgery and history of PSC in the first- degree relatives. PSC frequency among IBD patients in North-East of Iran was 4.3%. It is recommended to limit OCP consumption in IBD patients. Identification and modification of probable predisposing risk factors, as well as early diagnosis of PSC are necessary.

Cogan's Syndrome in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease--A Case Series.

Cogan's syndrome (CSy) is a very rare autoimmune disorder, mainly affecting the inner ear and the eye, and is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This was a European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) retrospective observational study, performed as part of the CONFER project. A call to all ECCO members was made to report concomitant CSy and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases. Clinical data were recorded in a standardized questionnaire. This international case series reports on 22 concomitant CSy-IBD cases from 14 large medical centres. Mean duration of IBD until diagnosis of CSy was 8.7 years (range 0.0-38.0) and mean age at CSy diagnosis was 44.6 years (range 9.0-67.0). Six patients had underlying ulcerative colitis (UC) and 16 had Crohn's disease. Eleven patients (50%) had active disease at CSy diagnosis. Sixteen patients were under IBD treatment at the time of CSy diagnosis, of whom 6 (37.5%) were on anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Seven out of 10 patients, who were treated for CSy with immunomodulators (mostly with corticosteroids), demonstrated at least partial response. This is the largest CSy-IBD case series so far. Although CSy is considered to be an autoimmune disease and is associated with IBD, immunomodulatory IBD maintenance treatment and even anti-TNF therapy do not seem to prevent disease onset. Moreover, IBD disease activity does not seem to trigger CSy. However, vigilance may prompt early diagnosis and directed intervention with corticosteroids at inception may potentially hinder audiovestibular deterioration. Finally, vigilance and awareness may also offer a better setting to study the pathophysiological mechanisms of this rare but debilitating phenomenon.

Association between vitamin D deficiency and anemia in inflammatory bowel disease patients with ileostomy

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency is commonly seen in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Vitamin D deficiency in IBD patients with ileostomy has not been systemically studied. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and risk factors associated with low 25(OH) D3 levels in those patients. Methods112 eligible IBD patients with ileostomy were studied. Demographic, clinical, and endoscopic variables were analyzed. Vitamin D levels before and after ileostomy were compared when available. Levels of serum 25(OH)D3 <20ng/mL were classed as being deficient. Results112 eligible ileostomy patients were included. The mean vitamin D level was 21.47±1.08ng/dl. Low levels of vitamin D (<30ng/dl) were present in 92 patients (82%). Vitamin D deficiency (<20ng/dL) was seen in 55 patients (49%). There was no difference between patients with or without vitamin D deficiency regarding demographic variables, medication use and duration of ileostomy. Neo-ileal inflammation on endoscopy was not associated with vitamin D deficiency (p=0.155). Lower levels of phosphorus (p=0.020) or hemoglobin (p=0.019) and shorter duration of IBD (p=0.047) were found in patients with vitamin D deficiency. In multivariate analysis, lower levels of phosphorus (odds ratio [OR]: 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–2.89, p=0.009) and hemoglobin (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08–1.60, p=0.006) remained significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency. ConclusionVitamin D deficiency is common in IBD patients with ileostomy and is associated with low hemoglobin levels. Further studies are needed to evaluate vitamin D supplementation as a possible adjuvant in the treatment of anemia of chronic disease in IBD patients.