Prospective Population-based Inception Cohort Research Articles

Peripheral joint and enthesis involvement in patients with newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease: symptoms, clinical and ultrasound findings - a population-based cohort study.

Musculoskeletal manifestations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are common and associated with poorer outcomes. Hence, early detection is important to optimally tailor treatment. We aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of inflammatory lesions in peripheral joints and entheses in newly diagnosed IBD patients. Patients with newly diagnosed IBD from a prospective population-based inception cohort were consecutively included. Data on musculoskeletal symptoms were collected by questionnaires and by structured rheumatological interview. Peripheral joints and entheses were assessed clinically and by ultrasound (US), using standardized definitions. Of 110 included patients (mean age: 42 years, 40% male, 70 with ulcerative colitis (UC), 40 with Crohn's disease (CD)), history of ≥1 musculoskeletal symptoms was reported by 49%. Clinical examination revealed peripheral musculoskeletal manifestations in 56 (52.3%) patients; 29 (27.1%) had ≥1 tender and/or swollen joints and 49 (45.8%) ≥1 tender entheses. Small peripheral joints were predominantly affected. US found inflammation in ≥1 joint or enthesis in 52 (49.5 %) patients; 29 (27.4 %) had US synovitis in ≥1 joint, while 36 (34%) US enthesitis. Fibromyalgia classification criteria were fulfilled in seven (7.9%) patients. There was no difference in clinical or US findings between patients with UC and CD, nor between patients with active and inactive IBD. Half of patients with newly diagnosed IBD had inflammation in their peripheral joints and/or entheses, documented by rheumatological clinical and ultrasound evaluations. This indicates a need for multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure an optimal therapeutic strategy for suppressing inflammation in all disease domains.

P194 Health-related quality of life and fatigue in newly-diagnosed inflammatory bowel diseases: findings from a prospective population-based inception cohort, IBD Prognosis Study

Abstract Background Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) often experience impaired quality of life (QoL) and fatigue. In the current study, we aimed to investigate QoL and fatigue at the time of IBD diagnosis and determine their association with the disease presentation. Methods Incident adult patients (≥18 years old) with newly diagnosed ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) according to the Copenhagen IBD Criteria were included in the IBD Prognosis Study, a prospective, population-based, inception cohort representing approximately 20% of the Danish population (1.1 million). QoL was assessed using EQ-5D-5L and Short inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaires (SIBDQ), while fatigue was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) scale. A severe disease presentation was defined by the need for glucocorticoids, immunomodulators, biologics, or surgery within three months of disease. Multivariable logistical regression analyses were conducted by adjusting for gender, age, and disease phenotype. Results Out of the original cohort, 203 (65.9%) and 116 (57.7%) patients with incident UC and CD, respectively, responded to the questionnaires without differences between responders and non-responders. The mean EQ-5D-5L index values were significantly lower in patients with UC (0.82, SD 0.17) and CD (0.79, SD 0.23), compared to the Danish background population (both p<0.001). The difference between UC and CD was also statistically significant (p<0.001). Further, more than every third of patients reported severely reduced SIBDQ (UC 29.6%, CD 43.1%, p=0.04). Severe fatigue was experienced frequently at the diagnosis (UC 26.1%, CD 30.2%, p=0.43), and was more common compared to the control group (means: UC 37.2 (SD 12.0), CD 35.3 (SD 11.5), control group: p<0.001). Female gender and extensive UC were independently associated with severely impaired SIBDQ and fatigue in patients with UC, while EIMs were associated with both outcomes in UC and CD (Table 1). Finally, severely reduced SIBDQ and severe fatigue were independently associated with a severe disease presentation, as well as IBD-related hospitalization specifically, in both UC and CD (Figure 1). Conclusion In this prospective population-based inception cohort of newly diagnosed IBD, we found a high proportion of patients with severely impaired generic QoL, SIBDQ, and fatigue compared to healthy controls. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing these negative symptoms in patients with IBD and their prognostic impact on the disease presentation. Ref: 1. Jensen MB et al., Scand J Public Health. 2023. doi: 10.1177/14034948211058060. 2. Montan I et al., Value Health. 2018. doi: 10.1016/j.jval.2018.03.013.

P1172 Epidemiology and initial presentation of newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel diseases in a Danish population-based inception cohort – results from the IBD Prognosis Study

Abstract Background It is unclear whether the incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), continues to increase. In this study, we aimed to investigate the occurrence and initial disease presentation of IBD in a population-based setting. In addition, we aimed to identify predictors of an early severe disease presentation. Methods The study was conducted as part of IBD Prognosis Study, an ongoing Danish prospective population-based inception cohort study that includes incident patients with IBD according to the Copenhagen Diagnostic Criteria since May 2021, covering the catchment areas of approximately 20% of the Danish population (1.1 million). In this analysis, cutoff for data analysis was in May 2023. Crude incidence rates and European Standard Population (ESP)-adjusted rates were calculated. A multivariable logistical regression model was constructed to identify predictors of a severe disease presentation, defined as the composite need for systemic steroids, immunomodulators, biologics, or IBD-related surgery within three months of disease. Results In total, 554 patients (UC: 344, CD: 210) fulfilled the inclusion criteria, resulting in the following crude incidence rates per 100,000 person-years: IBD 23.4 (95% CI 21.5-25.4), UC 14.0 (12.6-15.6), and CD 8.6 (7.4-9.8). ESP-adjusted rates were: IBD 20.4 (18.2-22.9), UC 11.8 (10.2-13.0), and CD 7.9 (6.5-9.9) (Figure 1). Among patients with UC, 81 (26.3%) and 95 (30.8%) had left-sided or extensive colitis at disease onset, respectively, while 61 (30.3%) and 62 (30.8%) patients with CD had ileal or ileocolonic disease. Stricturing or penetrating CD behaviour was observed in 24 (11.9%) and 11 (5.5%) patients, respectively. A high proportion of patients needed hospitalization (CD: 68 (33.8%), UC: 60 (19.5%), p=0.001) and IBD-related surgery (CD: 21 (10.4%), UC: 10 (3.2%), p=0.004) at the time of diagnosis. In multivariable analysis, a severe disease presentation of UC at the time of diagnosis was associated with left-sided or extensive disease distribution, thrombocytosis, and increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) (Table 1). In patients with CD, stricturing, or perianal disease, as well as anemia, levels of albumin, CRP, and calprotectin were predictive of this endpoint (Table 1). Conclusion The incidence of UC and CD in Denmark appears stable compared to historical data from the previous decades.1 The study identified clinical predictors of a severe disease presentation from the time of diagnosis, emphasizing the critical need for early risk stratification and intervention strategies. Reference: 1 Dorn-Rasmussen M et al., J Crohns Colitis. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjac138.

Symptoms and symptom clusters in patients newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease: results from the IBSEN III Study

BackgroundPatients with inflammatory bowel disease report multiple symptoms, but the relationships among co-occurring symptoms are poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of symptoms and explore symptom clusters and possible associations between symptom clusters and socio-demographic and clinical variables in patients newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.MethodsThe IBSEN III study is a prospective population-based inception cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This study used patient data from the three largest hospitals in the study catchment area. The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale was used to assess the prevalence of symptoms. Symptom clusters were identified using principal component analysis. Possible associations between socio-demographic and clinical variables and symptom cluster membership were estimated using regression analysis.ResultsOf the 573 patients (age, ≥18 years) diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, 350 (61.1%) completed the questionnaire (responders). Eleven symptoms were reported by >50% of the responders. The three most prevalent symptoms were bloating (84%), drowsiness (81%), and lack of energy (81%). Three symptom clusters were identified: psychological (56% of the patients), impaired energy (28%), and physical (16%) clusters. Multinomial regression analysis revealed that vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with the impaired energy cluster (odds ratio=2.49, 95% confidence interval [1.00-6.2],p=0.05).ConclusionsWe found high symptom prevalence in patients newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. Three distinct symptom clusters were identified, and the psychological cluster includes >50% of the patients. Vitamin D deficiency is the only factor associated with cluster membership, namely the impaired energy cluster.

Long-term disease course, cost and prognosis of inflammatory bowel disease: epidemiological studies of a European and a Danish inception cohort.

Long-term disease course, cost and prognosis of inflammatory bowel disease: epidemiological studies of a European and a Danish inception cohort.

OP09 Long-term Colectomy rates of Ulcerative Colitis over 40-year of Different Therapeutic eras – Results from a Western Hungarian Population-based Inception Cohort between 1977–2020

Abstract Background Few population-based studies have investigated the long-term colectomy rates of ulcerative colitis (UC). The present study is a continuation of the Veszprem IBD population based cohort with a follow-up of the incidence and disease course for over 40 years. We aimed to assess the colectomy rates over 40 years of different therapeutic eras in a prospective population-based inception cohort from Veszprem Province, Western Hungary. Methods Patient inclusion lasted between January1,1977 and December31, 2018. Patient follow-up ended December 31,2020. Both in-hospital and outpatient records were collected and comprehensively reviewed at diagnosis and during clinical follow-up. Disease extension was evaluated based on the Montreal classification. Colectomy rates and disease course were examined in three different eras based on the time of UC diagnosis; cohort-A(1977-1995),cohort-B(1996-2008), and cohort C(2009-2018). Results Data of 1,370 incident UC patients were analyzed (male/female: 702/668; median age at diagnosis: 37 years(y) [IQR: 26-51]), with a median of 17y (IQR 9-24) follow-up. Table 1. The overall colectomy rate was 76/1,370 patients during the total follow-up. The proportion of extensive colitis at diagnosis increased over time (24.2% / 24.3% / 34.9% in cohorts A/B/C; p=0.001). Overall immunosuppressive therapy exposure was increasing in the cohorts (11.3% / 20.9% / 34.4%; p<0.001), as well as the probability of biological therapy initiation within 5 years of diagnosis (0.0±0% / 3.3±0.7% / 13.9±1.8%; pLogRank<0.001). Figure 1. There was no significant difference in the cumulative probability of proximal disease progression from proctitis (E1) to left-sided colitis/extensive colitis (E2/E3) or from left-sided colitis (E2) to extensive colitis (E3) over time in cohorts A, B, and C (Long-rank=0.482). Figure 2. The cumulative probability of colectomy in the total population was 4.1±0.6% after 10 years, 6.3±0.8% after 20 years, and 8.8±1.2% after 30 years. There were no statistically significant differences in the cumulative probability of colectomies between cohorts A/B/C: 1.7±0.7% / 2.2±0.6% / 3.7±1.0% after 5 years; 3.5±1.0% / 3.9±0.8% / 4.5±1.2% after 10 years; and 6.9±1.4% / 5.3±1.0% (cohorts A/B) after 20 years [pLogRank=0.447]. Figure 3. Extensive disease (HR 2.3;95%CI 21.60-3.37) and continuous uncontrolled disease activity (HR 6.89;95%CI 4.15-11.46) were independent predictors for colectomy. Table 2. Conclusion No differences in proximal disease progression and colectomy rates have been observed in the incident UC patients over 40 years despite increasing use of immunomodulators and biological therapies.

P829 The Burden of Colorectal Cancer in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis – Incidence and Risk factors from a Population-based Inception Cohort from Veszprem county, Western Hungary, from 1977–2020

Abstract Background Limited data are available on the incidence and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in ulcerative colitis (UC) from population-based studies in Eastern Europe. We aimed to identify the long-term incidence trends and predictors of CRC in a prospective population-based inception cohort from Veszprem, Western Hungary. Methods Patient inclusion for the inception cohort was between January 1,1977 and December 31,2018, and follow-up ended December 31,2020. The risk of CRC was estimated using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). Age-and gender-specific CRC rates of the background population were derived from the National Cancer Registry. Results A total of 1,370 incident UC patients were included [male:51.2%, median age at diagnosis:37years). During a median follow-up of 17 years(IQR9-24), CRC was diagnosed in 41 UC patients(2.99%), equaling 1.76/1000 person-year(py).Median age at CRC diagnosis was 59(IQR:50.0-67.5) years. Overall SIR of CRC was 2.02(CI95%:10.1-12.1). SIRs were higher in extensive colitis (SIR:3.77, CI95%:2.41-5.91). The cumulative probability of CRC at 10-,20 and 30 years was 0.9% (95%CI0.6-1.2), 3.5%(95%CI2.8-4.2), and 6.5%(95%CI5.4-7.6), and there was no difference in the risk of CRC over different decades of UC diagnosis in a Kaplan Meier analysis(Log-rank=0.693). In multivariate analyses, co-existing PSC(HR4.19;95%CI1.72-10.20), colonic dysplasia(3.42;95%CI1.04-11.26), and extensive colitis (HR2.15;95%CI1.29-3.60) were identified as a significant predictor for CRC. Conclusion We report an increased CRC risk in UC patients with a standardized incidence ratio of approximately 2 folds, with a stable CRC risk over four decades. Disease extent, co-existing PSC and dysplasia were identified as predictors of CRC.

DOP63 Time Trends of Environmental and Socio-economical Factors in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease over 40-year of Different Therapeutic Eras; results from a Population-based Cohort from Western Hungarian between 1977-2020, The Hygiene hypothesis revisited.

Abstract Background Data from population-based studies investigating the time trends in environmental and socio-economical factors associated with IBD is lacking. We aimed to assess time trends in environmental and socio-economical factors over 40 years of different therapeutic eras in patients with IBD from a prospective population-based inception cohort from Veszprem County, Western Hungary. Methods Patients from the incident IBD cohort were included between January 1,1977 and December 31,2020. Environmental and socio-economical factors, including an area of living, educational and type of employment, smoking status, appendectomy, and contraceptive drug use, were evaluated in three eras based on the different therapeutic strategies in IBD:cohort-A, 1977-1995 (pre-biologic/pre-immunomodulators era); cohort-B,1996-2008 (immunomodulator era); and cohort-C,2009-2020 (biological era). Results A total of 2,240 incident patients diagnosed with IBD were included [UC 61.2%, male 51.2%, the median age at diagnosis: 35 years (IQR 29-49)]. There was a significant increase in IBD incidence over time in both CD and UC1-2. A higher proportion of patients with active smoking in CD compared to UC, and the rates of smoking significantly decreased over time in CD; 60.2%, 49.9%, and 38.6% in cohorts A, B and C (p<0.001). In UC patients, the rates were lower and stable; 15.4%, 15.4%, and 14.5% in cohort A,B and C, respectively (p=0.981). The use of the contraceptive drug was more common in CD than UC, and the rates were stable; 23.7%,26.6%, and 23.7% in cohorts A, B and C (p=0.950). In UC patients, the appendectomy rates before diagnosis decreased over time; 6.4%, 5.5%, and 2.3% in cohorts A, B and C (p=0.013). No significant changes in the distribution of IBD population between geographic areas [municipal area: UC; 59.8%/64.8%/62.5% (p=0.309) vs. CD; 62.5%/62.0%/59.0% (p=0.636), in cohort A/B/C]. However, fewer percentages of IBD patients who achieved primary school as maximal education level (32.2%,21.9% and 11.7% in cohorts A,B, and C, p <0.001) as well as less physical work employment (53.4%,51.3%, and 42.3% in cohorts A,B and C, p=0.001) were observed in both UC and CD. (Reference 1.Gonczi L et al. Colitis. 2022 Sep 10:jjac132 Ref 2. Kurti Z et al. Crohns Colitis. 2022 Sep 19:jjac142) Conclusion This is one of the first long-term, prospective population-based cohorts investigating the time trends of socio-economical and environmental factors associated with IBD over 4 decades, including less primary school as maximal education level and less physical work employment. Results from this study highlight that the association between time trends of known environmental/socio-economic factors and IBD incidence is complex.

DOP19 Incidence and initial disease presentation of inflammatory bowel diseases in Denmark: findings from a Copenhagen IBD Inception Cohort Study (IBD Prognosis Study)

Abstract Background The increasing incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), encompassing ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease (CD), and unclassified IBD (IBD-U), in Denmark requires close surveillance. Therefore, we aimed to investigate their current incidence and initial disease presentation in a population-based inception cohort. Methods IBD Prognosis Study is an ongoing prospective population-based inception cohort of patients diagnosed with UC, CD, or IBD-U between May 1st, 2021, and May 1st, 2023, according to the Copenhagen IBD Criteria within the well-defined geographical uptake area of Hvidovre University Hospital and Herlev University Hospital. This area has a catchment population of 1,050,000, corresponding to ~20% of the Danish population. The incidence rate is defined as the number of new cases between May 1st, 2021, and October 31st, 2022, divided by the total number of 100,000 inhabitants covered in included sites per year during the same period. For the incidence calculations, pediatric-onset of IBD was defined as age < 19 years at diagnosis. However, for the clinical description, for the clinical presentation, the cut-off was <18 years. Results As of October 31, 2022, a total of 219, 134, and 24 patients with adult-onset UC, CD, and unclassified IBD (IBD-U), respectively, has been included, corresponding to incidence rates of 13.9, 8.5, and 1.5 per 100,000 adults per year. Further, 11, 16, and two patients with pediatric-onset UC, CD, and IBD-U were included, corresponding to 3.6, 6.3, and 0.7 per 100,000 pediatric cases per year. Demographics and initial disease presentation are presented in Tables 1-2, initial disease burden and treatment patterns in Tables 3-4. Conclusion: The preliminary data from the ongoing prospective population-based cohort, IBD Prognosis Study, indicate that the incidence rates of adult-onset IBD appear stabilized, while that of pediatric-onset CD is increasing, when compared with data from before 2010.1,2 The study is ongoing and includes extensive and continuous examinations, including endoscopy, intestinal ultrasound investigations, magnetic resonance imaging of the small intestine and biliary and pancreatic ducts, patient-reported measures, and biobanking. As such, the cohort is expected to deliver essential knowledge on the mechanisms for the unpredictable course of IBD.3

P293 Correlation between clinical measures to capture disease burden and prediction of the initial course of Crohn’s disease - findings from a Copenhagen IBD Inception Cohort Study (IBD Prognosis Study)

Abstract Background The initial disease burden of Crohn’s disease (CD) is dissimilar across patients; however, the ability to capture and predict the disease burden at diagnosis is scarcely investigated. The aim of the current study was to describe the initial disease burden of Crohn’s disease. Methods IBD Prognosis Study is an ongoing prospective population-based inception cohort of newly diagnosed patients with CD between May 1st, 2021, and November 1st, 2022, according to the Copenhagen IBD Criteria.1 We defined an indolent disease presentation as no need for CD-related surgery, hospitalization, nor initiation of steroid, immunomodulatory, or biologic therapies within the first 30 days after diagnosis, while a complicated course was defined as the opposite. Results The study included 134 patients with adult-onset CD, of whom approximately one-third (44/134, 33%) had an early indolent course, with 26 patients (19%) not requiring any medication (Tables 1-2). In demographic factor adjusted analyses, a colonic phenotype (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =4.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-15) and a low symptom load measured with Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) <5 (aOR = 3.1 (CI 1.0-10) were independently associated with an indolent course. In contrast, a C-reactive protein (CRP) level higher than 10 mg/L was the only parameter associated with a complicated onset of CD (aOR = 4.7 (CI 2.1-12)). Pearson’s correlation analyses demonstrated a significant, moderate correlation between fecal (F-) calprotectin, CRP, and endoscopic lesions, measured with Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (SES-CD) (Table 3). HBI and the International Bowel Ultrasound Segmental Activity Score (IBUS-SAS) exhibited a significant but weak correlation with CRP. In a sensitivity analysis allowing exposure to anti-inflammatory therapy for only up to seven days, the platelet count, F-calprotectin, and bowel wall thickness measured in IBUS-SAS demonstrated a significant and moderate correlation with SES-CD. The total IBUS-SAS and CRP showed a significant but weak correlation, and other measures included in the IBUS-SAS did not yield significant correlations. Conclusion Preliminary data from the ongoing population-based cohort indicate that one-third of patients with newly diagnosed CD have an early indolent course. This study identified colonic disease location and CRP levels to be associated with the early course, while platelet count, bowel wall thickness, and CRP were correlated with endoscopic lesions at the onset of CD.

Long-term Colectomy Rates of Ulcerative Colitis over 40 Years of Different Therapeutic Eras-Results from a Western Hungarian Population-based Inception Cohort Between 1977 and 2020.

Few populaion-based studies have investigated the long-term colectomy rates of ulcerative colitis [UC]. We aimed to assess the colectomy rates over 40 years of different therapeutic eras in a prospective population-based inception cohort from Veszprem Province, Western Hungary. Patient inclusion lasted between January1, 1977, and December31, 2018. Patient follow-up ended December 31, 2020. Colectomy rates and disease course were examined in three different eras based on the time of UC diagnosis; cohort A [1977-1995], cohort B [1996-2008], and cohort C [2009-2018]. A total of 1370 incident UC patients were included [male 51.2%, median age at diagnosis 37 years]. Median follow-up was 17 years (interquartile range [IQR] 9-24); 87 patients [6.4%] underwent colectomy. The cumulative probability of colectomy in the total population was 2.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2-3.0), 4.2% [95% CI 3.6-4.8], 7.0% [95% CI 6.2-7.8], and 10.4% [95% CI 9.1-11.7] after 5, 10, 20, and 30 years, respectively. The proportion of extensive colitis at diagnosis increased over time [24.2%/24.3%/34.9% in cohorts A/B/C, respectively, p = 0.001]. Overall exposure to immunomodulators [11.3%/20.9%/34.4% in cohorts A/B/C, respectively, p <0.001], as well as the probability for biologic therapy initiation increased over time (0%/3.3% [95% CI 2.6-4.0]/13.9% [95% CI 12.1-15.7], p <0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the cumulative probability of colectomies between cohorts A/B/C: 1.7% [95% CI 1.0-2.4], 2.5% [95% CI 1.9-3.1], and 3.7% [95% CI 2.7-4.7] after 5 years; 3.5% [95% CI 2.5-4.5], 4.2% [95% CI 3.4-5.0], and 4.5% [95% CI 3.3-5.7] after 10 years; and 7.5% [95% CI 6.1-8.9] and 6.3% [95% CI 5.2-7.4] in cohorts A/B after 20 years [log-rank = 0.588]. Extensive colitis (hazard ratio [HR] 2.24, 95% CI 1.55-3.23) and continuous active disease activity [HR 6.36, 95% CI 3.46-11.67] were independent predictors for colectomy. No differences in colectomy rates have been observed in the incident UC patients over 40 years despite increasing use of immunomodulators and biologic therapies.

Epidemiology, Treatment Strategy, Natural Disease Course and Surgical Outcomes of Patients with Ulcerative Colitis in Western Hungary - A Population-based Study Between 2007 and 2018: Data from the Veszprem County Cohort.

The number of population-based studies in ulcerative colitis [UC] from Eastern Europe is limited. Our aim here was to analyse the incidence, prevalence, disease phenotype, treatment strategy, disease course and colectomy rates in a prospective population-based inception cohort including UC patients diagnosed between 2007 and 2018. The present study is a continuation of the Veszprem IBD cohort since 1977. In total, 467 UC patients were included [male/female: 236/231; median age at diagnosis: 36 years, IQR: 25-54 years]. Both in-hospital and outpatient records were collected and comprehensively reviewed. The mean length of follow-up was 8.34 ± 3.6 years. Demographic data were derived from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office. The mean incidence rate was 11.02/105 person-years in this 12-year period. Prevalence was 317.79/105 persons in 2015. Disease extent at diagnosis was proctitis [E1] in 22.3%, left-sided colitis [E2] in 43.9% and extensive colitis [E3] in 33.8%. The probability of disease extent progression was 11.6% [SE: 1.8] after 5 years. The distribution of maximal therapeutic steps was 5-ASA in 46.9%, corticosteroids in 16.3%, immunosuppressives in 19.3% and biologicals in 16.5%. The probability of receiving biological therapy after diagnosis was 9.9% [SE: 1.4] at 3 years. The overall colectomy rate was 4.1% in the population. The probability of colectomy was 1.5% [SE: 0.6] at 1 year, 3.6% [SE: 0.9] at 5 years and 4.4% [SE: 1.0] at 10 years. The incidence of UC was high in Hungary, similar to high-incidence areas in Western Europe. Treatment strategies are in line with the biological era. The probability of progressing to proximal disease, and the medium- and long-term colectomy rates were both lower compared with data from Western European centres.

Incidence, Prevalence, Disease Course, and Treatment Strategy of Crohn's Disease Patients from the Veszprem Cohort, Western Hungary: A Population-based Inception Cohort Study Between 2007 and 2018.

The number of prospective population-based studies on Crohn's disease[CD] is still limited from Eastern Europe. The present study is a continuation of the Veszprem IBD cohort. Our aim was to analyse incidence, prevalence, disease phenotype, treatment strategy, disease course, and surgical outcomes in a prospective population-based inception cohort including CD patients diagnosed between 2007 and 2018. A total of 421 consecutive inception patients were included [male/female:237/184; mean age at diagnosis: 33.3 ± 16.2years]. Both in-hospital and outpatient records were collected and comprehensively reviewed. Demographic data were derived from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office. Mean incidence rate was 9.9 [95% CI: 9.0-10.9]/105 person-years in this 12-year period. Prevalence rate was 236.8 [95% CI: 220.8-252.8] in 2015; 17.6% and 20.0% of the patients had stenosing[B2] and penetrating[B3] disease behavior at diagnosis,respectively. The probability of disease behaviour progression from luminal to B2/B3 phenotype was 14.7% (standard error [SE]: 2.2) at 5 years after diagnosis. Distribution of maximal therapeutic steps during the total follow-up (8.5 years [8.5y], standard deviation [SD]: 3.3) was 5-aminosalicylic acid [5-ASA] in 15.7%, corticosteroids in 14.3%, immunosuppressives in 42.5%, and biologic therapy in 26.2%. The probability of receiving biologictherapy after diagnosis was 20.9% [SE: 2.0] at 5 years. The probability of first resective surgery was 20.7% [SE: 2.0] at 1 year, 26.1% [SE: 2.2] at 5 years, and 30.7% [SE: 2.4] at 10 years. The perianal surgery rate was 31.3% among patients with perianal involvement. The incidence of CD in Hungary was high, similar to high-incidence areas in Western Europe. Treatment strategies are reflecting the biologic era. Disease behaviour progression was lower, as well as long-term [10y] surgery rates decreasing compared with data from previous decades.

P238 Symptom burden and indolent disease in newly diagnosed patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease - a Copenhagen IBD Inception Cohort Study

Abstract Background The early course of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) is difficult to predict, particularly regarding identifying patients for whom an indolent course might be expected. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the initial course of UC and CD and clinical predictors hereof in a generalizable population-based inception cohort. Methods We initiated a prospective population-based inception cohort of newly diagnosed patients with UC and CD between May 1st, 2021 and November 1st, 2021, according to the Copenhagen IBD Criteria within the geographical uptake area of Hvidovre University Hospital and Herlev University Hospital. All patients were examined systematically by IBD specialists at diagnosis using endoscopy, magnetic resonance (MR) enterography, and patient-reported measures including Simple Clinical Colitis Index (SCCAI) and Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) for UC and CD, respectively. Indolent disease presentation was defined as the absence of UC or CD-related hospitalization, surgery, or decision to start steroid, immunomodulator, or biologic therapy within three months of follow-up. In addition, well-recognized predictors of long-term disease course of UC and CD were a priori defined and implemented in a univariate logistic model, and factors with a p-value smaller than 0.10 were included in the multivariate model. Results The study included 63 adult patients with UC and 50 with CD. At diagnosis, 23 (36.5%) and 13 (26.0%) patients with UC and CD were in clinical remission according to their SCCAI or HBI score, respectively (Table 1). The symptomatic disease burden is outlined in Table 2–3. Interestingly, well-recognized risk factors for the long-term disease course of UC and CD, including disease extent, behavior, baseline endoscopy, MR enterography, and serologic data, did not predict the initial disease course in a multivariable analysis (Table 4). However, C-reactive protein &amp;lt;10 mg/L were associated with an indolent course of UC (adjusted odds ratio=6.2 (95% confidence interval 1.3–38.9), p=0.03). Conclusion The preliminary data from the ongoing prospective population-based cohort study indicate that very heterogenous disease course patterns might be experienced very early. As initial disease control is considered critical for long-term outcomes, this study highlights the inapplicability of long-term predictors for the short-term disease course. It emphasizes the need for further development of simple clinical tools or biomarkers for early patient stratification.

Outcome of Ulcerative Colitis 20 Years after Diagnosis in a Prospective Population-based Inception Cohort from South-Eastern Norway, the IBSEN Study.

Background and AimsThe long-term course of ulcerative colitis [UC] is difficult to predict. Mortality, colectomy, cancer, and hospitalisation represent hard outcomes of disease. Moreover, knowledge on the risk of relapses and need for potent medication add important information about living with UC. We aimed to evaluate the course and prognosis of UC during the first 20 years after diagnosis, and to identify early prognostic risk factors.MethodsFrom 1990 to 1994, a population-based inception cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease was enrolled in South-Eastern Norway. A systematic follow-up [FU] was conducted at 1,5, 10, and 20 years after diagnosis. Clinical outcomes were recorded continuously, and possible relationships between early disease characteristics and outcomes were analysed using multiple regression analysis.ResultsAmong 519 UC patients, 119 died, 60 were lost to FU, and 340 were included in the FU cohort. The 20-year cumulative risk of colectomy was 13.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] [11.4‐14.6]). Extensive colitis at diagnosis was independently associated with an increased risk of colectomy compared with proctitis (hazard ratio [HR] = 2].8, 95% CI [1.3–6.1]). In contrast, mucosal healing at 1-year FU was independently associated with reduced risk of colectomy [HR = 0.4, 95% CI [0.2–0.8]), and inversely associated with subsequent risk of relapse [adjusted HR = 0.5, 95% CI [0.3–0.7]).ConclusionsThe overall risk of colectomy in our cohort was lower than expected from previous studies, although considerable for patients with extensive colitis at diagnosis. Early mucosal healing was associated with better disease outcomes 20 years after diagnosis.

Incidence, Risk Factors and Evaluation of Osteoporosis in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Danish Population-Based Inception Cohort With 10 Years of Follow-Up.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] including Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC] are at risk of developing metabolic bone disease. The aims here were to investigate the screening strategy, incidence and risk factors of osteoporosis in a prospective population-based inception cohort. Between 2003 and 2004 all incident patients diagnosed with CD and UC in a well-defined Copenhagen area were included and followed until 2015. Data were compared with a control population [at a ratio of 1:20]. Regression models were performed with several covariates. The sensitivity of the Danish registries for osteoporosis was also assessed. A total of 513 patients were included [213 CD, 300 UC]. Overall, 338 (66%, CD: 164 [77%], UC: 174 [58%], p < 0.001] patients received ≥ 500 mg corticosteroid within a year, resulting in 781 patient-years at risk of osteoporosis. Of those, only 83 [10.6%] patient-years were followed by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan within the same or the following 2 years.Overall, 73 [14.2%] IBD patients (CD: 31 [14.6%], UC: 42 [14%]) and 680 [6.6%, p < 0.001] controls were diagnosed with osteoporosis during follow-up. The risk of osteoporosis was increased compared to the control population (odds ratio: CD: 2.9 [95% confidence interval: 2.0-4.1], UC: 2.8 [2.1-3.9]). In this population-based inception cohort, the incidence of osteoporosis was significantly higher compared to a control population. Measurement of bone mineral density is infrequent, especially in patients at high risk of developing osteoporosis. These results demonstrate the need of further awareness of the risk of osteoporosis among IBD patients, and prospective population-based studies are warranted.

A 10-Year Follow-up Study of the Natural History of Perianal Crohn's Disease in a Danish Population-Based Inception Cohort.

Perianal complications in patients with Crohn's disease are common and have a negative impact on the patients' quality of life. Data about the long-term disease course of perianal Crohn's disease in the era of biological treatment are limited. In this population-based cohort study, we sought to investigate the occurrence, clinical risk factors, and disease course of perianal disease. A total of 213 Crohn's disease patients were included in a prospective population-based inception cohort. Data were retrieved from medical records and national health administrative databases. Perianal disease was defined as a perianal fistula and/or abscess. Associations between outcomes and covariates were analyzed by Cox regression analysis. A total of 48 (22.5%) patients developed perianal disease after 10 years. Colonic disease location (hazard ratio [HR], 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-3.92) and penetrating behavior (HR, 5.65; 95% CI, 2.65-12.03) were associated with the development of perianal disease. The cumulative risk of undergoing abdominal surgery was 51% after 10 years. Patients with perianal disease had a higher rate of resection (HR, 3.92; 95% CI, 1.86-8.67) and hospitalization (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01). There was no significant difference in the rate of sick leave, unemployment, or disability pension between patients with and without perianal disease. Patients with perianal disease carry a higher risk of surgery and hospitalization, and this suggests a more severe disease course and poorer prognosis among these patients, even in the era of biological treatment. These findings underline the importance of optimizing treatment strategies for patients with perianal disease.

Natural disease course of Crohn’s disease during the first 5 years after diagnosis in a European population-based inception cohort: an Epi-IBD study

ObjectiveThe Epi-IBD cohort is a prospective population-based inception cohort of unselected patients with inflammatory bowel disease from 29 European centres covering a background population of almost 10 million people. The...

CT scanning to diagnose CAA: back to the future?

CT scanning to diagnose CAA: back to the future?

Prevalence and predictors of hospitalization in Crohn's disease in a prospective population-based inception cohort from 2000-2012.

To analyze the prevalence, length and predictors of hospitalization in the biological era in the population-based inception cohort from Veszprem province. Data of 331 incident Crohn's disease (CD) patients diagnosed between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2010 were analyzed (median age at diagnosis: 28; IQR: 21-40 years). Both in- and outpatient records were collected and comprehensively reviewed. Probabilities of first CD-related hospitalization and re-hospitalization were 32.3%, 45.5%, 53.7% and 13.6%, 23.9%, 29.8%, respectively after one, three and five years of follow-up in Kaplan-Meier analysis. First-year hospitalizations were related to diagnostic procedures (37%), surgery or disease activity (27% and 21%). Non-inflammatory disease behavior at diagnosis (HR = 1.32, P = 0.001) and perianal disease (HR = 1.47, P = 0.04) were associated with time to first CD-related hospitalization, while disease behavior change (HR = 2.38, P = 0.002) and need for steroids (HR = 3.14, P = 0.003) were associated with time to first re-hospitalization in multivariate analyses. Early CD-related hospitalization (within the year of diagnosis) was independently associated with need for immunosuppressives (OR = 2.08, P = 0.001) and need for surgeries (OR = 7.25, P < 0.001) during the disease course. Hospitalization and re-hospitalization rates are still high in this cohort, especially during the first-year after the diagnosis. Non-inflammatory disease behavior at diagnosis was identified as the pivotal predictive factor of both hospitalization and re-hospitalization.