Inflammatory Bowel Disease Specialists Research Articles

Knowledge and perspectives towards the use of histology in inflammatory bowel disease by gastroenterologists across the Asia-Pacific region.

Recently, histological mucosal assessment has gained momentum as a potential new treatment target for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the Asia-Pacific region. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the knowledge and acceptability of histological assessment among gastroenterologists across the region. A cross-sectional survey among gastroenterologists in the Asia-Pacific region was conducted and compared against a previous Australian survey. The questionnaire assessed knowledge and attitude towards the role and application of histology in IBD practice. Statistical analyses were employed to compare scores and identify predictors. A total of 221 gastroenterologists from 12 countries, including 77 (34.8%) from Australia, responded to questionnaire, with 185 (83.7%) completing the survey. The mean knowledge score was 9.8 ± 3.3 (51.6%). There was no significant difference in the average score among countries (P= 0.53). IBD specialist (P< 0.01), doctoral degree (P= 0.02), and regular participation in IBD multidisciplinary meetings (P= 0.01) were associated with higher scores. Most respondents (90.7%) agreed on the importance of histology in IBD. While 54.6% of Australians perceived the role of histology as established, only 37.0% of Asians respondents considered this similarly (P= 0.02). Histological activity alone minimally influences treatment escalation in patients with endoscopic remission, but achieving combined histo-endoscopic remission often leads to therapy de-escalation. Although gastroenterologists in the Asia-Pacific region are aware of the role of histology in IBD, their knowledge remains limited, and its clinical utility is not widely adopted. There is a need to promote the routine use of standardized histological assessment in IBD practice.

What do women want from their inflammatory bowel disease team during pregnancy?

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can increase the risk of pregnancy-related complications such as preterm birth, small for gestational age babies, gestational diabetes and caesarean section. Severe disease activity during pregnancy can further increase said complications. Pregnancy care pathways for women living with IBD may vary depending on the service provision available. While some women can have established relationships with IBD teams, others may have not. Aims and methods: This study aimed to understand the factors and influences that have shaped women's experiences of pregnancy when living with IBD, as well as explore components of maternity care pathways. Women's experiences were obtained through an online survey and a series of one-to-one interviews. Results: This mixed-methods study provides original first-hand insights into what women want from their IBD team during pregnancy, with novel themes identified regarding a need for information about what to expect about their disease activity during pregnancy and reassurance about medication use. Discussion: Without discussion of such possible disease activity in pregnancy, women may make assumptions based upon ‘hearsay’ or have expectations that may not be accurate within the context of their personal experience of disease severity. Women with IBD may also experience additional unnecessary negative psychological or physical effects if evidence-based information is not given about medication. Woman may stop taking medication, risking increased disease activity, or experience additional anxiety about the perceived effects that medication may have on their baby. Conclusions: The provision of specialist IBD care during pregnancy may vary according to service provider; however the IBD multidisciplinary team can be central to ensuring women receive optimal evidence-based care in a timely manner during pregnancy. This will help ensure women feel able to make informed decisions about their care, and avoid experiencing additional psychological and physical effects.

When Perfect Is the Enemy of Good: Results of a RAND Appropriateness Panel on Treat to Target in Asymptomatic Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

A treat-to-target strategy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) recommends iterative treatment adjustments to achieve clinical and endoscopic remission. In asymptomatic patients with ongoing endoscopic activity, the risk/benefit balance of this approach is unclear, particularly with prior exposure to advanced therapies. Using the RAND/University of California Los Angeles Appropriateness Method, 9 IBD specialists rated appropriateness of changing therapy in 126 scenarios of asymptomatic patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and active endoscopic disease. Disease extent and behavior, prior treatment, prior complications, and recent disease progression were considered, as were factors that might influence decision-making, including age and pregnancy. Ratings were collected through anonymous survey, discussed at an in-person meeting, and finalized in a second anonymous survey. Panelists rated change in therapy as appropriate (i.e., expected benefit sufficiently outweighs potential harms from continuing therapy) in 96/126 scenarios, generally in patients with progressive, complicated, and/or extensive disease, while changing therapy was rated uncertain in 27 scenarios of mild and/or stable disease. Changing therapy was rated inappropriate in ulcerative colitis patients with mild and stable disease previously exposed to ≥3 therapies or with improved endoscopic activity, and in Crohn's disease patients with only scattered aphthous ulcers. The validated threshold for disagreement was not crossed for any scenario. Patient age older than 65 years and a plan for pregnancy in the next year might influence decision-making in some settings. Appropriateness ratings can help guide clinical decision-making about changing therapy to achieve endoscopic remission in asymptomatic patients with IBD until data from ongoing randomized studies are available.

Unexpected variation in outcomes following total (procto)colectomies for ulcerative colitis in New South Wales, Australia: a population-based 19-year linked-data study.

Total (procto)colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with significant morbidity, which is increased in the emergency setting. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes following total (procto)colectomies at a population level within New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and identify case mix and hospital factors associated with these outcomes. A retrospective data linkage study of patients undergoing total (procto)colectomy for UC in NSW over a 19-year period (2001-2020) was performed. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality. The influence of hospital level factors (including annual volume) and patient demographic variables on outcomes was assessed using logistic regression. Temporal trends in annual volume and evidence for centralization were assessed. In all, 1418 patients (mean 47.0 years [SD 18.7], 58.7% male) underwent total (procto)colectomy during the study period. The overall 90-day mortality rate was 3.2% (emergency 8.6% and elective 0.8%). After adjusting for confounding, increasing age at total (procto)colectomy, higher comorbidity burden, public health insurance (Medicare) status, emergency operation and living outside a major city were significantly associated with increased mortality. Hospital volume was significantly associated with mortality at a univariate level, but this did not persist on multivariate modelling. Outcomes of UC patients undergoing total (procto)colectomy in NSW Australia are comparable to international experience. Whilst higher mortality rates are observed in low volume and public hospitals, this appears attributable to case mix and acuity rather than surgical volume alone. However, as inflammatory bowel disease surgery is not centralized in Australia, only one NSW hospital performed >10 UC total (procto)colectomies annually. Variation in mortality according to insurance status and across regional/remote areas may indicate inequality in the availability of specialist inflammatory bowel disease treatment, which warrants further research.

Recommendations for Broadening Eligibility Criteria in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Trials.

Clinical trial recruitment for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become more challenging over time. We aimed to develop recommendations for broadening IBD clinical trial eligibility to improve the inclusion of a more representative patient population in a more efficient timeline. We applied the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method focused on broadening IBD clinical trial eligibility. A literature review was performed for 7 domains, each representing a different area related to trial recruitment. Based on these domains, 32 statements were developed. A questionnaire was sent to IBD specialists to anonymously vote on each statement with regards to its appropriateness and feasibility. After the first round of voting, participants met for a moderated discussion to review all statements. At the end of the discussion a second round of anonymous voting led to the final recommendations. The final round of voting resulted in 26 statements. All were rated as feasible and 25 of 26 rated as appropriate. Recommendations generally are to be more inclusive of complicated disease phenotypes, more liberal around safety criteria, to recognize the importance of non-invasive imaging and biomarkers, to minimize the washout period and to not enforce a minimum or maximum number of prior medications, to allow a recently recorded colonoscopy to count as a baseline study, and to be less restrictive of age. Recommendations to broaden clinical trial eligibility were found to be both appropriate and feasible with a high degree of agreement amongst an international group of IBD specialists.

Bone health in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are prone to reduced bone mineral density and elevated overall fracture risk. Osteopenia affects up to 40% of patients with IBD (high regional variability). Besides disease activity, IBD specialists must consider possible side effects of medication and the presence of associated diseases and extraintestinal manifestations. Osteopenia and osteoporosis remain frequent problems in patients with IBD and are often underestimated because of widely differing screening and treatment practices. Malnutrition, chronic intestinal inflammation and corticosteroid intake are the major pathophysiological factors contributing to osteoporosis. Patients with IBD are screened for osteoporosis using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which is recommended for all patients with a prolonged disease course of more than three months, with repeated corticosteroid administration, aged >40 years with a high FRAX risk score or aged <40 years with multiple risk factors. From a therapeutic perspective, besides good disease control, vitamin D supplementation and glucocorticoid sparing, several specific osteological options are available: bisphosphonates, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) inhibitors (denosumab), parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogues and selective estrogen receptor modulators. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of IBD-associated bone loss.

Comparative evaluation of a language model and human specialists in the application of European guidelines for the management of inflammatory bowel diseases and malignancies.

Society guidelines on colorectal dysplasia screening, surveillance, and endoscopic management in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are complex, and physician adherence to them is suboptimal. We aimed to evaluate the use of ChatGPT, a large language model, in generating accurate guideline-based recommendations for colorectal dysplasia screening, surveillance, and endoscopic management in IBD in line with European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) guidelines. 30 clinical scenarios in the form of free text were prepared and presented to three separate sessions of ChatGPT and to eight gastroenterologists (four IBD specialists and four non-IBD gastroenterologists). Two additional IBD specialists subsequently assessed all responses provided by ChatGPT and the eight gastroenterologists, judging their accuracy according to ECCO guidelines. ChatGPT had a mean correct response rate of 87.8%. Among the eight gastroenterologists, the mean correct response rates were 85.8% for IBD experts and 89.2% for non-IBD experts. No statistically significant differences in accuracy were observed between ChatGPT and all gastroenterologists (P=0.95), or between ChatGPT and the IBD experts and non-IBD expert gastroenterologists, respectively (P=0.82). This study highlights the potential of language models in enhancing guideline adherence regarding colorectal dysplasia in IBD. Further investigation of additional resources and prospective evaluation in real-world settings are warranted.

Diagnostic Performance of a Fecal Calprotectin Assay as a Biomarker for Mayo Endoscopic Subscore in Ulcerative Colitis: Result From a Tertiary Referral Center.

Fecal calprotectin (FC) is a promising biomarker for assessing ulcerative colitis (UC) endoscopic activity. However, the optimal FC cutoff to identify each Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) remains inconclusive. The electronic medical records of 177 adult UC patients evaluated at Mayo Clinic Rochester from January 2017 to March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed, obtaining clinical data and US-based Werfen Diagnostics FC levels collected within 30 days before colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. Three independent inflammatory bowel disease specialist endoscopists blindly reviewed the most severe endoscopic images for grading MES. The median interval between FC collection and endoscopy was 2 days. Fecal calprotectin showed strong positive correlations with MES (Spearman's r = 0.709; P < .01) and other clinical parameters. Fecal calprotectin cutoff of 60 mcg/g effectively distinguished MES 0 from MES 1-3 (sensitivity, 0.78; specificity, 0.97; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.901) and predicted clinical remission (Total Mayo Score ≤2 and no subscore >1; sensitivity, 0.83; specificity, 0.98; AUC, 0.921). Fecal calprotectin cutoff of 110 mcg/g effectively differentiated MES 0-1 from MES 2-3 (sensitivity, 0.86; specificity, 0.87; AUC, 0.915), while a cutoff of 310 mcg/g distinguished MES 0-2 from MES 3 (sensitivity, 0.80; specificity, 0.76; AUC, 0.820). This study supports the reliability and applicability of FC as a valuable marker of endoscopic inflammation, particularly in distinguishing MES 0 from MES 1-3 using the FC cutoff of 60 mcg/g. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated robust results.

CHANGING THERAPY TO ACHIEVE ENDOSCOPIC HEALING IN ASYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS WITH IBD: WHEN IS PERFECT THE ENEMY OF GOOD?

Abstract INTRODUCTION The treat-to-target strategy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) recommends optimizing or changing therapy in patients who have not achieved clinical remission and endoscopic healing. In asymptomatic patients, the potential benefit of changing therapy to achieve endoscopic healing is less clear, particularly since &amp;lt;40% typically achieve endoscopic healing with current therapy. We sought to define appropriateness of changing therapy in asymptomatic IBD patients with active endoscopic inflammation. METHODS Using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, a panel of 9 IBD specialists considered appropriateness of changing therapy in 16 scenarios of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 96 scenarios of Crohn’s disease (CD), rating them on a 9-point Likert scale as inappropriate (1-3), uncertain (4-6), or appropriate (7-9). Patients in all scenarios were asymptomatic with active endoscopic disease; variables included disease extent, behavior, prior treatment, recent disease progression, and prior disease complications. Current therapy was assumed to be optimized, so the only options were changing therapy or continuing current therapy. An additional 14 scenarios explored whether age &amp;gt;65 years and the possibility of pregnancy within the next year influenced treatment decision-making. Initial ratings were collected via online anonymous survey, discussed at an in-person meeting, and collected as final ratings in a second anonymous survey using a modified Delphi approach. Disagreement was assessed using a validated index. RESULTS Panelists rated it appropriate to change therapy (i.e., expected benefit sufficiently exceeds expected negative consequences) in 96/126 scenarios, generally those with progressive, complicated, and/or extensive disease; 27 scenarios of patients with mild and/or stable disease were rated uncertain, particularly in those with prior exposure to ≥3 drug classes (Table). Changing therapy in asymptomatic patients was rated inappropriate in three scenarios: in patients with UC Mayo 1 disease previously treated with ≥3 therapy classes with no endoscopic progression in the last year; in any patient who showed endoscopic improvement over the last year; and in any patient with CD who had only scattered aphthous ulcers. Patient age &amp;gt;65 years influenced a decision to change therapy specifically for anti-TNFs and JAK inhibitors; the possibility of pregnancy also influenced decision-making. Despite variability in ratings, the threshold for disagreement was not crossed for any scenario. CONCLUSIONS Our panel of IBD specialists rated appropriateness of changing therapy to achieve endoscopic healing in asymptomatic patients with UC and CD in a variety of scenarios. Our findings can be used to help guide clinical decision-making in this population until data from ongoing randomized studies are available (NCT05230173).

P814 Empowering IBD communities worldwide: The global impact of www.ibd-eii.com in disseminating evidence-based information and educational support

Abstract Background In recent decades, the volume of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research has surged, presenting a challenge for health care professionals to be updated. This is even more complicated for professionals in countries with low IBD prevalence and for registrars, fellows and other healthcare professionals. Methods IBD-EII website was launched the 8th February 2023 and serves as a comprehensive, unfunded and free platform offering up-to-date IBD evidence-based data. To highlight the impact, analyzing its first 8 months (data extracted via Google Analytics as of October 26, 2023) and using a google form questionnaire that was sent to subscribers in August 2023. Results The website encompasses over 300 trials and study summaries, along with 22 evidence-corner summaries, 102 guidelines from 12 scientific societies, 19 infographics featuring classifications and scores, 65 Cochrane meta-analyses and 13 network meta-analysis. Over the study period, there were 151,736 visits from 139 countries, with an average of 8.29 visits per user. The top-engaged countries were the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Russia, and India (Figure 1). The site garnered 1058 subscriptions, with 10 (0.9%) individuals unsubscribing during the study period. Of the 850 invited users, 81 (9.5%) filled the questionnaire. Of them 53 (65.4%) were female. There were 49 (60.5%) healthcare professionals, 35 (43.2%) patients/family members of a patient, 4 (6%) were IBD researchers/ pharma industry workers, working for patients organization or both doctor and patient. Among healthcare professionals, 22 (44%) were IBD specialists, 14 (28%) general gastroenterologists, 4 (8%) trainees/ med school, 12 (24%) were IBD nurses/dieticians or pharmacists, 3 (6%) others. Most people have heard of the website in social media 66 (81.5%), by colleagues recommendation 8 (9.9%), congresses 7 (8.6%), or other 5 (6%). Website impact: 80 (98.8%) thought it was useful, 80 (98.8%) recommended to be subscribed. The most valuable sections were "evidence corner" 56 (69.1%) followed by guidelines 48 (59.3%) and timeline 35 (43.2%). Conclusion The data highlights the significant global impact of www.ibd-eii.com in disseminating evidence-based information to a diverse international community of healthcare professionals and patients. The website stands as a novel resource, fostering collaboration and empowerment within the global IBD community.

P978 Changing therapy to achieve endoscopic healing in asymptomatic patients with IBD: When is perfect the enemy of good?

Abstract Background The treat-to-target strategy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) recommends optimising or changing therapy in patients who have not achieved clinical remission and endoscopic healing. In asymptomatic patients, the potential benefit of changing therapy to achieve endoscopic healing is less clear, particularly since &amp;lt;40% typically achieve endoscopic healing with current therapy. We sought to define appropriateness of changing therapy in asymptomatic IBD patients with active endoscopic inflammation. Methods Using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, a panel of 9 IBD specialists considered appropriateness of changing therapy in 16 scenarios of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 96 scenarios of Crohn’s disease (CD), rated on a 9-point Likert scale as inappropriate (1-3), uncertain (4-6), or appropriate (7-9). Patients in all scenarios were asymptomatic with active endoscopic disease; variables included disease extent, behaviour, prior treatment, recent disease progression, and prior disease complications. Current therapy was assumed to be optimised, so the only options were changing therapy or continuing current therapy. An additional 14 scenarios explored patient factors that might influence treatment decision-making. Ratings were collected via online anonymous survey, discussed at an in-person meeting, then finalised in a second anonymous survey using a modified Delphi approach. Disagreement was assessed using a validated index. Results Panelists rated it appropriate to change therapy (i.e., expected benefit sufficiently exceeds expected negative consequences) in 96/126 scenarios, generally those with progressive, complicated, and/or extensive disease; 27 scenarios of mild and/or stable disease were rated uncertain, particularly with prior exposure to ≥3 drug classes. Changing therapy in asymptomatic patients was rated inappropriate in 3 scenarios: in Mayo 1 UC previously treated with ≥3 therapy classes with no endoscopic progression in the last year; in any patient who showed endoscopic improvement over the last year; and in any patient with CD who had only scattered aphthous ulcers. Patient age &amp;gt;65 years influenced a decision to change therapy specifically for anti-TNFs and JAK inhibitors; the possibility of pregnancy also influenced decision-making. Despite variability in ratings, the threshold for disagreement was not crossed for any scenario. Conclusion Our panel of IBD specialists rated appropriateness of changing therapy to achieve endoscopic healing in asymptomatic patients with UC and CD in a variety of scenarios. Our findings can be used to help guide clinical decision-making in this population until data from ongoing randomised studies are available (NCT05230173).

P1141 Global perspectives on managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) during pregnancy and lactation: current state and the necessity for enhancements

Abstract Background Reproduction is an essential part of life. Our aim was to obtain a global perspective on IBD management by gastroenterologists (GIs) during preconception, pregnancy, lactation and neonatal period. Methods An anonymous survey (75 questions) was developed to investigate different aspects of clinical practice concerning the management of pregnancy and breastfeeding in patients with IBD. A national representative from each European country, USA, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand was selected to distribute the survey among their GI colleagues who treat patients with IBD (irrespectively of their experience). Results A total of 856 GIs from 36 countries participated in the survey. Among the participants, 63% had over a decade of experience as GIs, and 61% identified themselves as IBD specialist (IBDologists). The most relevant survey results and sub-analyses based on expertise are presented in tables 1 and 2. In the management of pregnant patients in remission, treatment discontinuation occurred either consistently or occasionally as follows: 20% thiopurines, 37% vedolizumab, 31% ustekinumab, and 96% small molecules. Notably, 13% did not always discontinue small molecules in patients contemplating pregnancy. Safety was the main reason for discontinuing IBD therapy during pregnancy. Contrary to the recommendations in clinical practice guidelines, many GIs avoid starting oral or rectal budesonide, anti-TNF, vedolizumab or ustekinumab during a disease flare. Further, a third of GIs would start thiopurines for a flare during pregnancy. Moreover, 13% will never perform a colonoscopy in a pregnant patient to guide decision making. Half of GIs implemented a dedicated outpatient follow-up program for pregnant patients in remission, with 87% enrolling all pregnant patients in this program. Concerning breastfeeding, 14% believed that all drugs can be used while breastfeeding. Regarding offspring’s vaccination, about 20% recommend against the administration of non-live vaccines and only 50% recommended avoiding live vaccines during the first 12 months for children exposed to anti-TNF in-utero. Among those GIs who recommended delaying vaccines in such cases, only 41% recommended testing the infant for detectable anti-TNF levels if live vaccines were required. Among the surveyed GIs, only a minority had a referral obstetrician, and only 35% referred patients with active or complicated IBD, while 45% had a referral paediatrician with expertise in IBD. Conclusion The management of IBD during pregnancy, lactation, and neonatal period is notably suboptimal, even among GIs specifically dedicated to IBD. It is crucial to address this current need and implement urgent educational measures in this area.

Increasing Exposure to Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Education in Gastroenterology Fellowship: The Pilot IBD 101 Experience.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management has become increasingly complex, and education varies across fellowship programs. IBD 101 was designed to introduce first-year gastroenterology (GI) fellows to IBD care and training. In 2019, a cohort of fellows participated in a 1-day course with small group learning and group observed structured clinical examinations. Pre- and postcourse surveys were administered to evaluate the course. To assess the long-term impact, surveys were emailed in May 2022 to all third-year fellows from previously participating programs. The primary outcome was comfort managing IBD scenarios and information regarding each fellow's exposure to IBD education. Fifty-five fellows from 32 programs participated. A total of 49 (89%) of 55 completed pre- and postcourse surveys. All fellows agreed that the course content was appropriate. In the postcourse survey, all fellows reported increased comfort managing IBD patients. Ninety-six percent of attendees stated that they would strongly recommend this course. Thirty-six fellows completed surveys in 2022, 21 (58%) attendees and 15 (42%) nonattendees. Attendees reported equivalent or higher levels of comfort compared with nonattendees. Higher global competence was noted among attendees (odds ratio, 5.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-29.9; P = .06) after adjusting for presence of a local IBD specialist, number of IBD patients seen monthly (≤5 vs >5), and rotation through an IBD service. IBD 101, an introductory course for first-year GI trainees, was associated with increased comfort managing IBD with a durable benefit independent of individual access to IBD education. Continuation of this program will further enhance the IBD education of future GI fellows.

STRUCTURAL EVALUATION OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE COMPREHENSIVE CARE UNITS IN BRAZIL.

The most efficient way to prevent complications from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is to provide patients with optimized care. Nonetheless, in Brazil, there is no validated methodology for evaluating health services recognized as comprehensive care units (CCU), making it difficult to assess the quality of care provided. To understand the current scenario, map the distribution of centers and identify strengths and weaknesses, considering local and regional characteristics. The study was carried out in three phases. Initially, the Brazilian Organization for Crohn's disease and colitis (GEDIIB) developed 22 questions to characterize CCU in Brazil. In the second phase, all GEDIIB members were invited to respond to the survey with the 11 questions considered most relevant. In the last phase, an interim analysis of the results was performed, using the IBM SPSS Statistics v 29.0.1.0 software. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the center's profile. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. There were 53 responses from public centers (11 excluded). Most centers were concentrated in the Southeastern (n=22/52.4%) and only 1 (2.4%) in the Northern region of Brazil. Thirty-nine centers (92.9%) perform endoscopic procedures, but only 9 (21.4%) have access to enteroscopy and/or small bowel capsule endoscopy. Thirty-three centers (78.6%) offer infusion therapy locally, 26 (61.9%) maintain IBD patient records, 13 (31.0%) reported having an IBD nurse, 34 (81.0%) have specific evidence-based protocols and only 7 (16.7%) have a patient satisfaction methodology. In the private scenario there were 56 responses (10 excluded). There is also a concentration in the Southeastern and Southern regions. Thirty-nine centers (84.8%) have access to endoscopic procedures and 19 perform enteroscopy and/or small bowel capsule endoscopy, more than what is observed in the public environment. Infusion therapy is available in 24 centers (52.2%). Thirty-nine centers (84.8%) maintain a specific IBD patient database, 17 (37%) have an IBD nurse, 36 (78.3%) have specific evidence-based protocols, and 22 (47. 8%) apply a patient satisfaction methodology. IBD CCU in Brazil were mainly located in the Southeastern and Southern regions of the country. Most centers have dedicated multidisciplinary teams and IBD specialists. There is still a current need to improve the proportion of IBD nurses in IBD care in Brazil. •In Brazil, there is no validated methodology for evaluating health services recognized as comprehensive care units (CCU), making it difficult to assess the quality of care provided. •Most CCU were concentrated in the Southeast region and only one (2.4%) in the Northeast region of Brazil. This pattern follows the epidemiological trends of IBD in the country. •There is still difficulty in accessing enteroscopy and/or small bowel capsule endoscopy in the public health system. •Most centers have dedicated multidisciplinary teams and IBD specialist doctors. •There is still a current need to improve the proportion of nurses treating IBD in Brazil.

Discordance Between Inflammatory Bowel Disease Specialists and Insurance Authorization Denials-A Survey of Specific Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment Scenarios.

Prior authorizations are generally required by insurers for gastroenterologists to prescribe biologics and small-molecule drugs to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Authorization denials occur in a wide variety of clinical scenarios, including denials of standard and nonstandard medication dosing. We performed a national cross-sectional survey on a broad variety of specific clinical scenarios to assess experience and opinions on whether or not insurance authorization denials are in accordance with clinical expertise. Eighty-four gastroenterologists completed the survey. Denial experience was common for infliximab dose modifications, vedolizumab dose modifications, ustekinumab first-time therapy, and maintenance dosing. The bulk of disagreement with authorization denials involved scenarios of dose escalation and re-induction guided by both loss of clinical response and/or therapeutic drug monitoring, denial of re-authorizations of stable dosing, and use of non-anti-TNFs in specific patient populations including the elderly and patients with multiple comorbidities. Respondents unanimously agreed that insurance companies do not play an adequate role in helping patients obtain PA. Furthermore, most of the respondents agree that to decrease the burden of the PA process, peer-peer processes should be between other IBD-trained providers who understand these complex treatment strategies. Our cross-sectional survey highlights the degree of discordance in clinical decision-making between insurers and gastroenterologists. Further engagement between gastroenterologists and insurers is needed to foster common understanding on these discordant authorization denials in these real-world clinical IBD scenarios.

Practical application of the Crohn's disease exclusion diet as therapy in an adult Australian population.

There is demand from patients and clinicians to use the Crohn's disease exclusion diet (CDED) with or without partial enteral nutrition (PEN). However, the therapeutic efficacy and nutritional adequacy of this therapy are rudimentary in an adult population. This review examines the evidence for the CDED in adults with active luminal Crohn's disease and aims to provide practical guidance on the use of the CDED in Australian adults. A working group of nine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) dietitians of DECCAN (Dietitians Crohn's and Colitis Australian Network) and an IBD gastroenterologist was established. A literature review was undertaken to examine (1) clinical indications, (2) monitoring, (3) dietary adequacy, (4) guidance for remission phase, and (5) diet reintroduction after therapy. Each diet phase was compared with Australian reference ranges for food groups and micronutrients. CDED with PEN is nutritionally adequate for adults containing sufficient energy and protein and meeting >80% of the recommended daily intake of key micronutrients. An optimal care pathway for the clinical use of the CDED in an adult population was developed with accompanying consensus statements, clinician toolkit, and patient education brochure. Recommendations for weaning from the CDED to the Australian dietary guidelines were developed. The CDED+PEN provides an alternate partial food-based therapy for remission induction of active luminal Crohn's disease in an adult population. The CDED+PEN should be prioritized over CDED alone and prescribed by a specialist IBD dietitian. DECCAN cautions against using the maintenance diet beyond 12weeks until further evidence becomes available.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Online Survey.

Data regarding care access and outcomes in Black/Indigenous/People of Color/Hispanic (BIPOC/H) individuals is limited. This study evaluated care barriers, disease status, and outcomes among a diverse population of White/non-Hispanic (W/NH) and BIPOC/H inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients at a large U.S. health system. An anonymous online survey was administered to adult IBD patients at Ochsner Health treated between Aug 2019 and Dec 2021. Collected data included symptoms, the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems and Barriers to Care surveys, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) via the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, the Medication Adherence Rating Scale-4, and the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire. Medical record data examined healthcare resource utilization. Analyses compared W/NH and BIPOC/H via chi-square and t tests. Compared with their W/NH counterparts, BIPOC/H patients reported more difficulties accessing IBD specialists (26% vs 11%; P = .03), poor symptom control (35% vs 18%; P = .02), lower mean HRQOL (41 ± 14 vs 49 ± 13; P < .001), more negative impact on employment (50% vs 33%; P = .029), worse financial stability (53% vs 32%; P = .006), and more problems finding social/emotional support for IBD (64% vs 37%; P < .001). BIPOC/H patients utilized emergency department services more often (42% vs 22%; P = .004), reported higher concern scores related to IBD medication (17.1 vs 14.9; P = .001), and worried more about medication harm (19.5% vs 17.7%; P = .002). The survey response rate was 14%. BIPOC/H patients with IBD had worse clinical disease, lower HRQOL scores, had more medication concerns, had less access to specialists, had less social and emotional support, and used emergency department services more often than W/NH patients.

The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada: The Influence of Sex and Gender on Canadians Living With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Sex (the physical and physiologic effects resulting from having specific combinations of sex chromosomes) and gender (sex-associated behaviours, expectations, identities, and roles) significantly affect the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the experience of living with IBD. Sex-influenced physiologic states, like puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and andropause/menopause may also impact and be impacted by IBD. While neither Crohn's disease nor ulcerative colitis is commonly considered sex-determined illnesses, the relative incidence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis between males and females varies over the life cycle. In terms of gender, women tend to use healthcare resources at slightly higher rates than men and are more likely to have fragmented care. Women are more commonly prescribed opioid medications and are less likely than men to undergo colectomy. Women tend to report lower quality of life and have higher indirect costs due to higher rates of disability. Women are also more likely to take on caregiver roles for children with IBD. Women with IBD are more commonly burdened with adverse mental health concerns and having poor mental health has a more profound impact on women than men. Pregnant people with active IBD have higher rates of adverse outcomes in pregnancy, made worse in regions with poor access to IBD specialist care. The majority of individuals with IBD in Canada do not have access to a pregnancy-in-IBD specialist; access to this type of care has been shown to allay fears and increase knowledge among pregnant people with IBD.

Outcomes of a Comprehensive Specialist Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nursing Service.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is best managed by a multidisciplinary team within a dedicated IBD service. IBD nurses play an important role within this team. We aimed to evaluate the contribution of our comprehensive outpatient IBD nursing service on patient outcomes, quality of care, and healthcare costs. We performed a retrospective review of all IBD nurse encounters with patients over a 12-month period from October 2020 to September 2021 at a tertiary IBD referral center. Each nurse encounter was classified with respect to its clinical context, activities, and outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize these encounters and an economic analysis was performed to estimate the cost savings to the hospital. A total of 2537 nurse encounters occurred with 682 patients; 41% of encounters were nurse-initiated contacts with patients and 34% were patient-initiated contacts with the nurse helpline (26% via email, 8% via telephone). Most encounters involved clinical assessments (66%), providing education, counseling or updates (47%), and reviewing investigation results (38%). A gastroenterologist was consulted for advice in 35% of contacts. An estimated 29 emergency department visits, 1925 outpatient clinic visits, and 137 general practitioner visits were avoided. After deducting costs incurred, a net estimated annual saving of up to AUD $570 838 was achieved. Nurses commonly facilitated faster access to investigations (29%), education provision (28%), delivery of biologic services (25%), and medication changes (19%). A comprehensive IBD nursing service is associated with improved patient outcomes and quality of care, and reduced healthcare costs. This study supports the expanding role of IBD nurses in a modern multidisciplinary IBD service and the need for greater funding and integration of IBD nurses into IBD services.

Inflammatory bowel disease meets fertility: A physician and patient survey.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can affect patients during their childbearing years. Literature evidence is scarce regarding the level of knowledge among health care professionals (HCPs) and patients about the impact of IBD on fertility. The aim of this survey was to investigate HCPs' and patients' knowledge on fertility, pregnancy, and sexual function, to evaluate how HCPs approach this topic and to report patients' reproductive outcomes. Subjects were invited to anonymously complete an online questionnaire collecting data on demographics, patients' disease characteristics, Crohn's and colitis pregnancy-specific disease-related knowledge (CCPKnow), family planning, reason of childlessness, pregnancy outcomes, need for assisted reproductive technology, impact on sexual function, and availability of patients' information regarding IBD and pregnancy. A total of 257 HCPs from 40 countries and 793 patients (615 females, 176 males and 2 who preferred not to disclose their gender; 396 (50%) with ulcerative colitis, 381 (48%) with Crohn's disease, 14 (1.8%) with undetermined IBD) from 4 countries completed the survey. In total, 98.4% of HCPs had good or very good pregnancy-specific knowledge according to CCPKnow score, compared to only 29.3% of patients. Of the women surveyed, 56.3% had no children (14.1% due to a voluntary choice). A total of 427 pregnancies and 401 live births were reported in 266 women. Twenty-four pregnancies (5.6%) in 22 women required assisted reproductive technologies (ART). There were no more complications in pregnancies resulting from ART compared with spontaneous conception (5/24; 20.8% vs 81/401; 20.2%). Three quarters of IBD patients (75.6%) had breastfed. An impaired sexual function was found in one-fifth (21.9%) of men with IBD, while two-thirds (66.1%) of the women reported sexual function impairment. Surprisingly, 63% of patients reported not having received any information about IBD and pregnancy, and only 10% of patients had received information from their IBD specialist. In addition, 42.1% and 36% of HCPs had already referred a patients to a medically assisted reproduction center to receive general information about their reproductive health and about options of fertility preservation (e.g., cryopreservation), respectively. IBD patients have a poor knowledge about the impact of IBD on fertility and pregnancy and HCPs do not sufficiently inform their patients. More information on these topics is needed for IBD patients.