Perianal Fistula Research Articles

The impact of adipose fat tissue on the pathogenesis of crypto-glandular anal fistula.

<b>Indroduction:</b> Cryptoglandular perianal fistula represents a prevalent benign anorectal condition, primarily addressed through surgical interventions, occasionally posing considerable therapeutic challenges. The associated decline in patient quality of life underscores the significance of effective management. However, the lack of a fully understood pathogenesis complicates the treatment approach. Recent research has proposed the involvement of adipose fat tissue in the inflammatory response and pathogenesis of cryptoglandular anal fistula.<b>Aim:</b> The study aims to characterize the role of adipose fat tissue in the pathogenesis of cryptoglandular anal fistula, with a specific focus on understanding the potential involvement of proinflammatory cytokines in the development of chronic inflammation.<b>Materials and methods:</b> This study involved the characterization of serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and adipose tissue hormones. A total of 35 samples from both simple and complex cryptoglandular perianal fistula cases were collected during surgical procedures.<b>Results:</b> Serum levels of leptin, resistin, IL-1β, and IL-8 were significantly elevated in patients operated on due to complex cryptoglandular perianal fistula when compared to patients with simple fistula. Adiponectin was significantly lowered in samples from complex perianal fistula in comparison to simple fistula.<b>Conclusions:</b> Complex perianal cryptoglandular fistula has a reduced level of anti-inflammatory adipokines i.e. adiponectin, and an increased level of proinflammatory resistin, leptin, IL-1β, and IL-8.

Traitement des fistules anales réfractaires à l’Infliximab au cours de la maladie de Crohn : Mise au point

Treatment of complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease remains a challenge especially after the failure of Infliximab. Update on the different therapeutic alternatives for anal fistula in Crohn's disease after failure of Infliximab. A research in the medical literature on PubMed and Google Scholar was carried out. We included cohort studies, reviews and randomized double-blinded therapeutic trials. Case reports and fundamental research studies have been excluded. Anti-TNF therapy, notably Infliximab remain the therapeutic option of choice. Since Infliximab efficacy has been estimated at 60%, with a significant loss-of response rate, new therapeutic strategies have been evaluated and may offer new opportunities for the management of anal fistulas: for example, Ustekinumab could be effective after failure of anti-TNF therapy, although further studies are required. Recent guidelines suggest that injection of mesenchymal stem cells is an effective and safe treatment for complex fistulas. Other surgical options have been proposed, such as endorectal advancement flap, fibrin glue injection, anal fistula plug and ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract, but all with limited and debatable efficacy. Given the failure rate of all these options, new strategies are currently being evaluated. Anal fistulas in Crohn's disease are a real therapeutic challenge. New medical and surgical therapies are currently being evaluated, with promising results.

LAPORAN KASUS INFEKSI/INFLAMASI TRAKTUS GASTROINTESTINAL BAWAH ABSES PERIANAL DENGAN FISTULA

Perianal abscess with perianal fistula is an infectious-inflammatory disease of the perianal region. This disorder has quite high morbidity and recurrence rates and is treated with surgery. Complete preoperative findings, including anatomy, the connection between the fistula and surrounding structures, and secondary fistulas and abscesses, can be obtained through radiological examination. In this case report, a painful lump that was actively producing pus was found in the perianal area, a perianal ultrasound (USG) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination was carried out and the diagnosis made was a perianal abscess with fistula. Fistulectomy and abscess drainage were performed.

Multimodal single-cell analyses reveal mechanisms of perianal fistula in diverse patients with Crohn’s disease

Crohn's disease complicated by perianal fistulae is more prevalent and severe in patients of African ancestry. We profiled single cells from diverse patients with Crohn's disease with perianal fistula from colorectal mucosa and fistulous tracts.Immunofluorescence was performed to validate predicted cell-cell interactions. Unstimulated monocytes were chronically cultured in diverse cohorts. A subset was analyzed by single-nucleus RNA+ ATAC sequencing. Fistulous tract cells from complete proctectomies demonstrated enrichment of myeloid cells compared to paired rectal tissues. Ligand-receptor analysis highlights myeloid-stromal cross-talk and cellular senescence, with cellular co-localization validated by immunofluorescence. Chitinase-3 like-protein-1 (CHI3L1) is a top upregulated gene in stromal cells from fistulae expressing both destructive and fibrotic gene signatures. Monocyte cultures from patients of African ancestry and controls demonstrated differences in CHI3L1 and oncostatin M (OSM) expression upon differentiation compared to individuals of European ancestry. Activating protein-1 footprints are present in ATAC-seq peaks in stress response genes, including CHI3L1 and OSM; genome-wide chromatin accessibility including JUN footprints was observed, consistent with reported mechanisms of inflammatory memory. Regulon analyses confirm known cell-specific transcription factor regulation and implicate novel ones in fibroblast subsets. All pseudo-bulked clusters demonstrate enrichment of genetic loci, establishing multicellular contributions. In the most significant African American Crohn's genetic locus, upstream of prostaglandin E receptor 4, lymphoid-predominant ATAC-seq peaks were observed, with predicted RORC footprints. Population differences in myeloid-stromal cross-talk implicate fibrotic and destructive fibroblasts, senescence, epigenetic memory, and cell-specific enhancers in perianal fistula pathogenesis. The transcriptomic and epigenetic data provided here may guide optimization of promising mesenchymal stem cell therapies for perianal fistula. This work was supported by grants U01DK062422, U24DK062429, and R01DK123758.

Compare the surgical outcome of Fistulectomy and Mucoal advancement flap in perianal fistula.

Objective: To compare the fistulectomy with mucosal advancement flap in treatment of perianal fistula in terms of mean hospital stay, frequency of anal incontinence and wound healing time. Study Design: Randomized Control Trial. Setting: Surgical OPD, DHQ and Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Period: 1st March 2019 to 28 February 2020. Methods: Conducted on 120 (60 in each group) patients with fistula in ano presenting. Sampling technique was Non probability consecutive sampling. All the Patient age ranges from 20-55 years of either gender having perianal fistula which are low lying fistulas and with single external opening are included in study. Patients having perianal abscess, pilonidal sinus, Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis) or with history of tuberculosis, HIV disease, Complex high lying fistulas with multiple external openings are excluded. Results: In our study, group A underwent fistulectomy while on group B we perform mucosal advancement flap. About 56.67%(n=34) in Group A and 50%(n=30) in Group B were between 20-40 years of age while 43.33%(n=26) in Group A and 50%(n=30) in Group B were between 41-55 years of age, mean+SD was calculated as 38.78+9.07 years and 40.12+8.89 years respectively. According to gender division 86.67%(n=52) in Group A and 78.33%(n=47) in Group B were male while 13.33%(n=8) in Group A and 21.67%(n=13) in Group B were females, mean hospital stay was calculated as 93.93+4.56 hours in Group A and 107.95+4.66 hours in Group B, p value was calculated as 0.0001 showing a significant difference between the two groups. Comparison of anal incontinence in both groups was done showing that 13.33% (n=8) in Group A and 23.33%(n=14) in Group B had anal incontinence, p value was calculated as 0.15. At one month postoperative follow-up only 4 patient (6.7%) in group A showed complete wound healing while in group B 28 patients out of 60(46.6%)showed complete wound healing, P value was calculated as 0.00167 showing a significant difference while there is no significant difference in incidence of early post-operative complications. Conclusion: We concluded that hospital stay was significantly decreased in cases with fistulectomy when compared with MAF while there was no significant difference regarding anal incontinence in both groups.

Evaluation of One Stage Lay Open Operation with Primary Sphincter Repair versus Staged Rerouting Operation in Case of High Transsphincteric Perianal Fistula

Evaluation of One Stage Lay Open Operation with Primary Sphincter Repair versus Staged Rerouting Operation in Case of High Transsphincteric Perianal Fistula

Long-term outcome of stem cell transplantation with and without anti-tumor necrotic factor therapy in perianal fistula with Crohn's disease.

Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic option for curing perianal fistula in Crohn's disease (CD). Anti-tumor necrotic factor (TNF) therapy combined with drainage procedure is effective as well. However, previous studies are limited to proving whether the combination treatment of biologics and stem cell transplantation improves the effect of fistula closure. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of stem cell transplantation and compare Crohn's perianal fistula (CPF) closure rates after stem cell transplantation with and without anti-TNF therapy, and to identify the factors affecting CPF closure and recurrence. The patients with CD who underwent stem cell transplantation for treating perianal fistula in our institution between Jun 2014 and December 2022 were enrolled. Clinical data were compared according to anti-TNF therapy and CPF closure. A total of 65 patients were included. The median age of females was 26 years (range: 21-31) and that of males was 29 (44.6%). The mean follow-up duration was 65.88 ± 32.65 months, and complete closure was observed in 50 (76.9%) patients. The closure rates were similar after stem cell transplantation with and without anti-TNF therapy (66.7% vs 81.6% at 3 year, P = 0.098). The patients with fistula closure had short fistulous tract and infrequent proctitis and anorectal stricture (P = 0.027, 0.002, and 0.008, respectively). Clinical factors such as complexity, number of fistulas, presence of concurrent abscess, and medication were not significant for closure. The cumulative 1-, 2-, and 3-year closure rates were 66.2%, 73.8%, and 75.4%, respectively. Anti-TNF therapy does not increase CPF closure rates in patients with stem cell transplantation. However, both refractory and non-refractory CPF have similar closure rates after additional anti-TNF therapy. Fistulous tract length, proctitis, and anal stricture are risk factors for non-closure in patients with CPF after stem cell transplantation.

Which magnetic resonance imaging feature is associated with treatment response in perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease?

Perianal fistulae are disabling complications of Crohn's Disease. Magnetic resonance imaging features could predict treatment response. This study aimed to determine which magnetic resonance imaging features were predictive of long-term clinical outcome in real life. Consecutive patients with magnetic resonance imaging performed in a tertiary center were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical outcome was defined as a need for surgical drainage of perianal fistulae or hospitalization. Clinical data and magnetic resonance imaging features (MAGNIFI-CD and Van Assche indices, degree of fibrosis) were studied. Fifty-two patients were included between 2016 and 2019 with a mean follow-up of 38months [29;48]. A higher MAGNIFI-CD index (17/25 versus 11/25; p < 0.01) was associated with an unfavorable long-term clinical outcome. The MAGNIFI-CD index showed an area under the curve of 0.74 (p = 0.006) to predict the clinical outcome of perianal Crohn's disease, compared to 0.67 (p < 0.05) for the Van Assche index. At a threshold of 13 for the MAGNIFI-CD index, sensitivity was 75% (CI95% [59%; 86%]) and specificity was 69% (CI95% [44%; 86%]). No association was found between the degree of fibrosis and clinical outcome, but the association of a high degree of fibrosis (≥ 80%) and of a low MAGNIFI-CD index (≤ 13) was predictive of clinical outcome (p < 0.01). The MAGNIFI-CD index could be used to predict clinical outcome in perianal Crohn's disease. In combination with a high degree of fibrosis, a low MAGNIFI-CD index, may help to identify patients with the best prognosis.

The Gracilis Muscle Flap Technique is an Aesthetic and Functional Option in Fournier's Gangrene: Clinical Case

Introduction. The scrotum is a covering of skin that covers and protects the testicles. Although it is not common, some bacterial infections of this skin can extend to deep tissues and produce a severe entity known as Fournier's gangrene. Clinical case. A 62-year-old male patient arrives at the Emergency Department due to increased scrotal volume with extension to the perineal region associated with purulent discharge and fever for one week. The patient has type 2 diabetes mellitus of 10 years duration, with poor control despite consuming oral hypoglycemic agents. He has also had high blood pressure for two years, managed with Losartan 50 mg/day. They observed secretion from perianal fistula drainage and uncomplicated external hemorrhoids. Laboratories: Glucose 260 mg/dL, BUN 23 mg/dL, Urea 49.5 mg/dL, Cr 1.50 mg/dL, Leukocytosis 33.39 x 109/L, Hb 9.9 g/dL, Hct. 30.3%. Discussion. The management of Fournier's gangrene includes both pharmacological measures, such as the use of antibiotic therapy and surgical management. Autologous partial skin graft is one of the most used techniques due to its safety and versatility and the extensive availability of donor areas. The process consists of obtaining a portion of skin taken from a donor area, preferably the thighs, which is obtained with a dermatome, after which the graft is meshed, increasing its extension and increasing the surface to be covered. As for negative aspects, there is possibly an unaesthetic result and possible retractions. Despite this, most authors point to a good result with this technique.

Gut Immunomodulation with Vedolizumab prior to Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are often associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IEI can be corrected by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); however, peritransplantation intestinal inflammation may increase the risk of gut graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Vedolizumab inhibits the homing of lymphocytes to the intestine and may attenuate gut GVHD, yet its role in preventing GVHD in pediatric patients with IEI-associated IBD has not been studied. Here we describe a cohort of pediatric patients with IEI-associated IBD treated with vedolizumab before and during allogeneic HSCT. The study involved a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with IEI-associated IBD treated with vedolizumab at 6 weeks, 4 weeks, and 1 week before undergoing HSCT. The conditioning regimen consisted of treosulfan, fludarabine, and cyclophosphamide with rabbit antithymocyte globulin, and GVHD prophylaxis included tacrolimus and steroids. Eleven patients (6 females) with a median age of 5 years (range, .4 to 14 years) with diverse IEI were included. IBD symptoms were characterized by abdominal pain, loose stools, and blood in stools. Four patients had developed a perianal fistula, and 1 patient had a rectal prolapse. One patient had both a gastrostomy tube and a jejunal tube in situ. Treatment of IBD before HSCT included steroids in 11 patients, anakinra in 2, infliximab in 4, sulfasalazine in 2, mesalazine in 2, and vedolizumab. IBD symptoms were considered controlled in the absence of abdominal pain, loose stools, or blood in stools. Graft sources for HSCT were unrelated donor cord in 5 patients (2 with a 5/8 HLA match, 2 with a 7/8 match, and 1 with a 6/8 match), peripheral blood stem cells in 5 patients (2 haploidentical, 1 with a 9/10 HLA match, and 2 with a 10/10 match), and bone marrow in 1 patient (10/10 matched sibling donor). The median number of vedolizumab infusions was 4 (range, 3 to 12) before HSCT and 1 (range, 1 to 3) after HSCT, and all were reported to be uneventful. All patients had engrafted. Acute GVHD occurred in 4 patients and was limited to grade I skin GVHD only. Chronic GVHD occurred in 1 patient and again was limited to the skin. There was no gut GVHD. Three patients experienced cytomegalovirus viremia, and 2 patients had Epstein-Barr virus viremia. At the time of this report, all patients were alive with no evidence of IBD at a median follow-up of 15 months (range, 3 to 39 months). Administration of vedolizumab pre- and post-HSCT in pediatric patients with IEI-associated IBD is well tolerated and associated with a low rate of gut GVHD. These findings provide a platform for the prospective study and use of vedolizumab for GVHD prophylaxis in pediatric patients with known intestinal inflammation as a pre-HSCT comorbidity.

Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) combined with ozonide oil dressing: standardization of technique in pediatric patients

BackgroundAnal fistula and perianal abscess are commonly acquired anorectal pathologies in children. Surgical treatment options commonly adopted are fistulotomy, fistulectomy, cutting seton placement, and more recently video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT). Optimal postoperative wound dressing remains debated. This study aimed to report our series of pediatric patients, who received VAAFT and postoperative wound dressing using ozonide oil.MethodsAll patients who underwent VAAFT between August 2018 and May 2023 were included in the study. Demographics, clinical features, pre-operative imaging, surgical details, outcome, and mid-term outcome data were retrospectively reviewed for each patient. All VAAFT procedures were performed under general anesthesia and using a 10-Ch fistuloscope.ResultsThirty-three VAAFT procedures were performed in 30 patients over the study period. The median patient age was 5.7 years (range 1.75–14). Anal fistula was idiopathic in 26/30 (86.6%), iatrogenic in 2/30 (6.7%), and secondary to Crohn’s disease in 2/30 (6.7%). The median duration of surgery was 23 min (range 18–40). All patients received ozonide oil dressing twice a day for 5 weeks postoperatively. The median hospital stay was 24 h (range 9–36). The median healing time was 28 days (range 17–39). With a median follow-up of 2 years (range 0.5–5), disease recurrence occurred in 3/30 (10%) patients with idiopathic fistula, who were re-operated using the same technique, with no further recurrence. No fecal incontinence or soiling was observed.ConclusionOur series confirmed that VAAFT is a safe and effective technique to treat children with perianal fistula. The technique is versatile, allowing to treat fistulae of different etiologies. Postoperative course was painless and fast. Future comparative prospective studies are needed to better establish these conclusions.

Prediction of Perianal Fistula in Crohn's Disease by Computed Tomography Enterography.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether computed tomography enterography can be used to predict the presence of perianal fistula in Crohn's disease patients. According to the presentation of perianal fistula or not, this study divided retrospectively included Crohn's disease patients into 2 groups. The disease duration, incidence of involved intestinal segments, and scoring of the activity of the lesions in all patients were statistically analyzed to explore significant factors between the 2 groups. The statistically significant findings identified in the univariate analysis were incorporated into the multivariate analysis. Logistic regression models were subsequently constructed to assess the predictive factors associated with the occurrence of perianal fistula in individuals with Crohn's disease.The contribution of each factor to the outcome variable was confirmed by the nomogram. The clinical utility of the nomogram was confirmed by calibration and decision curves. There were 40 cases with perianal Crohn's disease and 58 without perianal Crohn's disease. After univariate and multivariate analysis, disease duration (early stage of Crohn's disease), ascending colon, and rectum were identified as the independent predictive factors for perianal fistula in Crohn's disease patients. The clinical utility of the nomogram was effective, which implied potential benefits for Crohn's disease patients. Computed tomography enterography can be used to predict the presence of perianal fistula in Crohn's disease patients by analyzing the location and the stage of the disease.

Evaluation of unenhanced three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound scan in preoperative assessment of perianal sepsis

Background: Perianal sepsis which includes perianal fistula and abscess is a common clinical condition that requires thorough preoperative evaluation to decrease the recurrence rate and to plan relevant surgery according to the anatomy of the fistula. MRI and 3D EAUS are two important preoperative investigations that delineate the anatomy of simple and complex fistula tracts. Due to lower cost and easier use 3D EAUS is a safe and reliable first-line investigation in evaluating perianal abscess. Methods: This is a retrospective and prospective analysis of patients with perianal sepsis who underwent pre-operative unenhanced 3D-EAUS in the departments of Colorectal surgery, Gastrointestinal surgery, and General surgery in our hospital. A B-K medical 2052 transducer was used for the study and the surgical assessment was done by multiple surgeons from multiple departments. Results: A total of 255 patients were assessed. The accuracy for primary fistula tracts and internal opening was 83.53% and 88.62% respectively. The kappa coefficient of correlation was k=0.70 (substantial agreement) for the fistula tract and k=0.81 (near perfect agreement) for the internal opening. The sensitivity, and specificity of primary tracts and internal openings were calculated. Transphincteric fistulas were 57% in our study. Conclusions: Unenhanced 3D EAUS is a reliable first-line investigation in preoperative evaluation of perianal fistula and abscess. Transphincteric fistula is the most common type of fistula. There is a high chance of correlation for the primary tract if a non-colorectal specialist performs the fistula surgery after 3D-EAUS without blinding.

A Rare Complication of Perianal Fistula: Mucinous Adenocarcinoma Developing Three Years After Diagnosis

A Rare Complication of Perianal Fistula: Mucinous Adenocarcinoma Developing Three Years After Diagnosis

Defining Endoscopic Remission in Crohn’s Disease: MM-SES-CD and SES-CD Thresholds Associated With Low Risk of Disease Progression

ObjectiveWe assessed Modified Multiplier Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s disease (MM-SES-CD) and SES-CD thresholds that are best associated with low likelihood of long-term disease progression. DesignData from 61 patients with early CD who participated in the CALM long-term extension study were used as the derivation cohort and validated using the McMaster IBD database (n=99). The primary outcome was disease progression (new internal fistula/abscess, stricture, perianal fistula or abscess, CD-related hospitalization or surgery) since the end of the CALM trial. Optimal MM-SES-CD and SES-CD thresholds were determined using the maximum Youden index. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses compared threshold scores of remission definitions on disease progression. ResultsIn the derivation cohort, based on the maximum Youden index, the optimal thresholds associated with a low likelihood of disease progression were MM-SES-CD <22.5 and SES-CD <4. A significantly greater proportion of patients with a MM-SES-CD ≥22.5 had disease progression as compared to patients in the derivation cohort with MM-SES-CD <22.5 [10/17 (58.8%) vs. 3/44 (6.8%), p<0.001]. Similarly, a significantly greater number of patients with SES-CD ≥ 4 had disease progression compared to those with a SES-CD <4 [11/25 (44.0%) vs. 2/36 (5.6%), p<0.001]. Compared to other clinical or endoscopic remission definitions, which demonstrated poor to fair accuracy, MM-SES-CD <22.5 performed the best for predicting disease progression [AUC: 0.81 (95%CI: 0.68-0.94), p<0.001]. These thresholds were confirmed in the validation cohort. ConclusionsAchievement of MM-SES-CD <22.5 or SES-CD <4 in patients with ileocolonic or colonic CD is associated with low risk of disease progression and may be suitable targets in clinical trials and practice for endoscopic healing.

Efficacy and Safety of Filgotinib for the Treatment of Perianal Fistulising Crohn's Disease [DIVERGENCE 2]: A Phase 2, Randomised, Placebo-controlled Trial.

There is an unmet need in the treatment of perianal fistulising Crohn's disease [PFCD]. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the Janus kinase 1 preferential inhibitor, filgotinib, for the treatment of PFCD. This phase 2, double-blind, multicentre trial enrolled adults with PFCD and prior treatment failure. Participants were randomised [2:2:1] to receive filgotinib 200 mg, filgotinib 100 mg, or placebo, once daily orally for up to 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was combined fistula response (reduction from baseline of at least one draining external opening determined by physical assessment, and no fluid collections >1 cm on pelvic magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) at Week 24. Between April 2017 and July 2020, 106 individuals were screened and 57 were randomised. Discontinuations were lowest in the filgotinib 200 mg group (3/17 [17.6%] versus 13/25 [52.0%] for filgotinib 100 mg and 9/15 [60.0%] for placebo). The proportion of participants who achieved a combined fistula response at Week 24 was 47.1% (8/17; 90% confidence interval [CI] 26.0, 68.9%) in the filgotinib 200 mg group, 29.2% [7/24; 90% CI 14.6, 47.9%] in the filgotinib 100 mg group, and 25.0% [3/12; 90% CI 7.2, 52.7%] in the placebo group. Serious adverse events occurred more frequently with filgotinib 200 mg (5/17 [29.4%]) than with placebo (1/15 [6.7%]). There were no treatment-related serious adverse events or deaths. Filgotinib 200 mg was associated with numerical reductions in the number of draining perianal fistulas based on combined clinical and MRI findings compared with placebo, and was generally well tolerated [NCT03077412].

Efficacy of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid after surgical drainage of perianal abscess in the prevention of the development of anal fistula (PERIQxA study): study protocol for a multicenter randomized, double-blind clinical trial

BackgroundAnorectal fistula, which is a relatively common pathology, is the chronic manifestation of the acute perirectal process that forms an anal abscess. The development of a fistula after incision and drainage of an anal abscess is seen in approximately 26–37%. Its treatment is a relevant topic, and the role of the use of antibiotic therapy in its prevention remains controversial, after the publication of several studies with contradictory results and several methodological limitations. Our hypothesis is that the combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid will reduce the incidence of anal fistula.MethodThe aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotherapy after surgical drainage of perianal abscess in the development of perianal fistula. The PERIQxA study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind controlled trial. The study has been designed to include 286 adult patients who will be randomly (1:1) assigned to either the experimental (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 875/125 mg TDS for 7 days) or the control arm (placebo). The primary outcome measure is the percentage of patients that develop perianal fistula after surgery and during follow-up (6 months).DiscussionThis clinical trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of amoxicillin/clavulanic in the prevention of perianal fistula. The results of this study are expected to contribute to stablish the potential role of antibiotherapy in the therapeutics for anal abscess.Trial registrationEudraCT Number: 2021–003376-14. Registered on November 26, 2021.

Dermatologic manifestations in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Despite studies of dermatologic manifestations in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), little is known about the prevalence of IBD-associated skin lesions and their correlation with IBD severity in children. We aimed to address these knowledge gaps in our single-center cohort of children with IBD. Retrospective chart review of 528 children and adolescents (≤18 years old) with IBD and seen at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) between 1999 and 2017 was conducted. The Chi-Square/Fischer's exact test (with p ≤ .05 to signify statistical significance) was applied to compare categorical outcomes between Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. In total, 425 IBD patients (64.9% CD, 53% males) and ≥1 dermatologic diagnosis were included. Presence of ≥1 cutaneous infection was recorded in 42.8% of participants. Acne was the most common non-infectious dermatologic condition (30.8%), followed by eczema (15.8%) and perianal skin tags (14.6%). Angular cheilitis (p = .024), keratosis pilaris (KP, p = .003), and perianal skin complications (i.e., skin tags, fistula, and abscesses; all p < .001) were more frequently diagnosed among children with CD, while fungal skin infections (p = .017) were more frequently diagnosed in UC patients. Severity of IBD correlated with higher prevalence of perianal fistula (p = .003), perianal abscess (p = .041), psoriasis (p < .001), and pyoderma gangrenosum (PG, p = .003). Both IBD-specific and IBD-nonspecific dermatologic conditions are very prevalent in childhood IBD, the most common being infectious. Children with CD are more likely to experience angular cheilitis, KP, and perianal skin findings than those with UC. Perianal disease, psoriasis, and PGare associated with more severe IBD.

Comparing the Efficacy of a Combination of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and T2-STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery) Imaging With Contrast-Enhanced MRI in the Evaluation of Perianal Fistula.

Perianal fistula is clinically diagnosed and commonly characterized using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2-weighted imaging are emerging techniques that can obviate the need for contrast injection in cases where contrast administration is not feasible or contraindicated. The main objective of our study was to compare the efficacy of the combination of DWI and T2 STIR (short tau inversion recovery) imaging with contrast-enhanced MRI for the diagnosis and characterization of perianal fistula. Sixty-nine patients with clinical perianal fistula with at least one external opening were evaluated with DWI, T2 STIR, and contrast MRI. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India. The chi-square test was done to find the association between categorical variables. The Kappa test was done to estimate the agreement between two different tests in measuring the outcome. The validity of tests was measured using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy. The combination of DWI and T2 STIR is equivalent to contrast-enhanced MRI in the evaluation of primary and complicated perianal fistula. The combination of DWI and T2 STIR is superior to DWI alone in the classification and characterization of perianal fistula. However, DWI is superior to T2 STIR in differentiating perianal inflammation with abscess from perianal inflammation without abscess and can be used as an alternative to post-contrast fat-suppressed T1-WI in the detection of perianal abscesses and disease activity. DWI can be used as an adjunct to T2 STIR, and the combination of DWI and T2 STIR can replace the post-contrast fat-suppressed T1 MRI sequence in the classification and characterization of perianal fistula.

Evaluation surgical strategies in perianal fistulas treatment: Efficacy draining seton compared to other surgical approaches; a case-control study.

Perianal fistula is a prevalent anorectal condition originating from an infectious crypt extending to the external opening. Multiple surgical methods exist for treating perianal fistulas; however, selecting the appropriate options is still controversial. Our study aims to evaluate seton replacement versus other surgical methods in treating perianal fistula. This study recruited 72 patients presenting with perianal discharge and diagnosed with perianal fistula through intra-sphincteric, trans-sphincteric, and supra-sphincteric examinations at Imam Reza and Besat Hospitals from July 2022 up to March 2023. Regarding case-control design, patients were divided into two groups: the first group (n = 36) underwent seton insertion, while the control group (n = 36) received alternative surgical methods. Follow-up was conducted for 1 month post-discharge, with monthly visits for 6 months. Patients were evaluated for fistula tract healing, seton loosening, and daily secretion rate (based on infected pads) during each visit. Finally, the two groups were compared in terms of improvement rates. In the seton group, approximately 94.4% of patients showed improvement. However, the difference between the groups was insignificant (p = 0.494). Seton replacement was performed in 52% of patients, with the majority requiring replacement twice (61%). Improvement rates were highestamong cases with two seton replacements, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.073). Following seton replacement, the most common treatment methods were endoanal flap and fistulotomy, with observed improvement in 10 cases for each procedure. This study highlights that draining seton remains a primary choice for intermediate treatment due to its satisfactory improvement rate and lower requirement for replacement, especially up to two times.