Refractory Pouchitis Research Articles

Diagnosis and Medical Treatment of Acute and Chronic Idiopathic Pouchitis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Despite the decreased rates in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) colectomies due to high advances in therapeutic options, a significant number of patients still require proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPPA) for ulcerative colitis (UC). Pouchitis is the most common complication in these patients, where up to 60% develop one episode of pouchitis in the first two years after UC surgery with IPAA with severe negative impact on their quality of life. Acute cases usually respond well to antibiotics, but 15% of patients will still develop a refractory disease that requires the initiation of advanced immunosuppressive therapies. For chronic idiopathic pouchitis, current recommendations suggest using the same therapeutic options as for IBD in terms of biologics and small molecules. However, the available data are limited regarding the effectiveness of different biologics or small molecules for the management of this condition, and all evidences arise from case series and small studies. Vedolizumab is the only biologic agent that has received approval for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active chronic refractory pouchitis. Despite the fact that IBD treatment is rapidly evolving with the development of novel molecules, the presence of pouchitis represents an exclusion criterion in these trials. Recommendations for the approach of these conditions range from low to very low certainty of evidence, resulting from small randomized controlled trials and case series studies. The current review focuses on the therapeutic management of idiopathic pouchitis.

Evidence-Based Approach to Chronic Antibiotic Refractory Pouchitis: A Review.

Chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis after restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA, characterized by at least 4 weeks of pouchitis symptoms that have not responded to standard antibiotic therapy, presents a therapeutic challenge for patients and health care providers. The aim of this narrative review was to summarize the current evidence regarding the management of chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis. Studies were identified through a search of the PubMed database from the National Library of Medicine. We included case series, cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews with meta-analyses that addressed chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis management, with prioritization of data published within the past 3 to 5 years. Studies examining pharmacologic and select nonpharmacologic interventions were included. Outcomes measures included clinical, endoscopic, and histologic end points. Mesalamine has demonstrated efficacy in symptom improvement but no improvement in quality of life. Budesonide has demonstrated high rates of clinical remission that have mostly been sustained in a small number of patients. Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies have demonstrated efficacy in reaching clinical and even endoscopic end points, although rates of treatment discontinuation were not insignificant. Limited evidence is encouraging for the use of ustekinumab in achieving clinical response. Data for vedolizumab are favorable across clinical, endoscopic, and histologic end points, including one of the only randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Nonmedication therapies, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy and fecal microbiota transplant, have undergone limited evaluation, and concerns about the ultimate accessibility of these therapies remain. Overall, studies assessing therapeutic options for chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis are mostly limited to case series and retrospective studies with small sample sizes. Biologic therapies have demonstrated efficacy in the management of chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis and offer a steroid-sparing option for refractory disease. Nonpharmacologic therapies, including hyperbaric oxygen and fecal microbiota transplant, require further exploration. See video from symposium .

EPITHELIAL MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION IN CHRONIC POUCHITIS

Abstract BACKGROUND Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical procedure of choice for patients with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). However, patients with IPAA are at risk of pouch-related disorders like “pouchitis” with an incidence rate range from 20-50%. The underlying etiopathogenesis of pouchitis has been unclear, which makes management and treatment of active pouchitis difficult. Mitochondrial (Mito) dysfunction is commonly associated with pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We posit the reduced Mito function contributes to chronic pouchitis in IPAA patients. In this study we performed comparative analysis of Mito complex levels in pouchitis patients compared to normal controls. METHODS Biopsies collected from ileal pouches +/- inflammation (n=6), and normal (n=3) and inflamed ileum (CD Ileitis; n=3 mean SES=5.2) were preserved in Allprotect® or formalin. Total RNA was extracted, cDNA synthesized and analyzed by RT-qPCR for genes specific for Mito biogenesis and complexes, cytokines and cellular antioxidant machinery. Formalin-fixed tissues were processed for IHC staining of Mito complex-I (NDUFB6) and complex-IV (MTCO1). RESULTS Transcriptomic analysis of active pouchitis tissue showed significant (**p<0.01) reduction of Mito biogenesis genes (PGC1α: 69.5±13.9%, TFAM: 48.7±14.5%, NRF1:48.9±17.7%) compared to normal pouch. Similar mRNA analysis in CD-ileitis showed 90.6±15.2% reduction in PGC1α gene (**p<0.01) and more than 62% reduction in TFAM and NRF1 genes compared normal ileum. We also observed 21.6±9.8% reduction in Mito complex I (Ndufa1, Ndufa4, Ndufb2, Ndufb6), 33.6±8.7% reduction in complex-IV (Cox5a Cox6a1, Cox5e) and 38.8±11.8% reduction in complex-V (ATP5a, ATP5b, ATP5e) in chronic pouchitis compared to normal controls. In contrast, CD-ileitis showed 59.5±10.2% reduction in Mito complexes at mRNA level compared to normal ileum. Altogether, CD-ileitis showed 26.3% and 23.8% reduction in Mito complexes and biogenesis genes, respectively, compared to pouchitis. At protein level, tissues from chronic pouchitis showed significantly reduced expression of NDUFB6 and MTCO1 compared to normal controls. However, the decreased expression of NDUFB6 and MTCO1 was more pronounced in active CD-ileitis patients. Concertedly, suppression of Mito biogenesis and complex genes correlated with upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1β and IL-6) and concomitant reduction of anti-oxidant genes (Sod1, Sod2, Gpx, Prdx-2,3,4,6). CONCLUSION These data indicate decreased levels of Mito complexes in pouchitis, although reductions are less prominent in active CD. We postulate that Mito dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of chronic pouchitis after IPAA surgery in IBD patients. Furthermore, we posit mitochondria-targeted therapy may deliver therapeutic benefits in refractory pouchitis.

CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE AFTER ORTHOTOPIC HEART TRANSPLANT

Abstract BACKGROUND Limited data are available on outcomes of patients with pre-existing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who undergo orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) or develop de novo IBD post-OHT. We aimed to assess the incidence and disease outcomes of pre-existing and de novo IBD in OHT patients while evaluating the effect of IBD on OHT outcomes. METHODS A retrospective review of records was performed from a tri-site tertiary care system between July 2000 and July 2022. A total of 83 OHT receipients were concomitantly diagnosed with colitis of infectious or inflammatory etiology. Only patients with a diagnosis of IBD were included. Sub-analyses of the outcomes and immunosuppressive regimens of OHT recepients were done relative to those with pre-existing or de novo IBD. RESULTS A total of 8 OHT patients with concomitant IBD were identified. The median patient age (IQR) was 54 (23) with OHT and IBD onset at 50 (21.2) and 32.5 (15.7), respectively. Six patients were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 2 were diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Five of the patients were female. All patients developed IBD within 11.5 (8) years within OHT. Only 1 patient developed de novo IBD 15 years after the first OHT and 7 years prior to a second OHT. OHT immunosuppressive regimens included a combination of tacrolimus (TAC) and prednisone (n=2), TAC and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (n=2), TAC, MMF, and sirolimus (n=2), TAC and sirolimus (n=1), and MMF with sirolimus (n=1). Therapy for pre-existing IBD included maintenance of 5-aminosalicylic (5-ASA) (n=3), escalation to vedolizumab (VD) (n=2), and discontinuation of IBD therapy (5-ASA and azathioprine) (n=3). De novo IBD consistent with UC (15 years post-OHT) was managed with 5-ASA (n=1). Six patients (including de novo IBD case) maintained clinical and endoscopic remission of IBD with no flares post-OHT while 2 patients (1 UC and 1 CD) with active disease flares responded clinically and endoscopically to VD escalation from 5-ASA and azathioprine. Among two UC patients with ileal J-pouch pre-OHT, 1 developed refractory pouchitis requiring diverting ileostomy (while on TAC and prednisone) with no pouchitis in the other (maintained on TAC and MMF). Good graft tolerance limited to mild acute cellular rejection episodes was noted in 6 patients, while multiple or no rejection episodes were noted in the remaining two. None of the patients developed CMV or MMF-induced colitis. One patient died due to progressive functional decline unrelated to graft failure or IBD. DISCUSSION The clinical course and treatment of IBD preceding OHT or de novo (though rare) is not significantly worsened or altered post-OHT. The majority of patients achieve clinical and endoscopic remission while on heart transplant-related immunosuppression. Biologic therapy escalation to VD resulted in clinical remission with no effect on graft tolerance. Table 1 Clinical outcomes of OHT patients with concomitant IBD

P710 Prevalence, Characteristics and Management of Patients with Difficult-To-Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study From a Tertiary Referral Center

Abstract Background Difficult-to-treat (D2T) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is defined by lack or loss of response to advanced treatments with 2 or more mechanisms of action (MoA), Crohn’s (CD) recurrence after 2 resections, chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis, complex perianal CD or by the presence of psychiatric comorbidities impairing IBD management.1 We aimed to assess the prevalence, characteristics, management, and outcomes of D2T-IBD. Methods We retrospectively searched the electronic medical records of patients with IBD followed at San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, Italy) as of October 1st, 2023. Patients enrolled in clinical trials altering disease management were excluded. Results In total 679 patients with moderate-to-severe IBD were included (350 CD, 326 UC, 3 IBD-U). 163 patients (24%) met at least one criterion of D2T (25% CD, 23% UC). Of these, 75% did not respond or lost response to 2 or more biologics/small molecules with different MoA, 18% had complex perianal CD, 17% had CD recurrence after 2 or more resections for active CD, the remaining had antibiotic refractory pouchitis or psychiatric comorbidities impairing IBD management. Multiple criteria can coexist. Figure 1. Drug-wise, 54% of patients with D2T-IBD failed 2 MoA, 26% 3 MoA, and 3% 4 MoA, the remaining had other causes of D2T-IBD. Prevalence of D2T varied across phenotypes of CD. The presence of perianal disease doubled the probability of D2T-CD (48 vs 24%); stricturing (B2), fistulizing (B3), and upper gastrointestinal involvement (L4) also increased risk. In UC, 22% of left-sided colitis (E2) and 27% of pancolitis (E3) were D2T, no proctitis was D2T. Patients with D2T-CD had a longer mean disease duration (14 vs 8.7 years; p<0.05) and time on advanced treatments (78 vs 63 months; p<0.05). The same two analyses showed no significant difference for UC (11.6 vs 11.2 years; and 41 vs 50 months; both p>0.05). Differently from bio-naive patients (Figure 2A), patients with D2T-IBD were mostly on ustekinumab, followed by infliximab and adalimumab in CD, and by upadacitinib, infliximab and tofacitinib in UC. Notably, 11 patients with D2T-CD received a combination of advanced therapies. Figure 2B Overall, 61% of patients with D2T-IBD were in clinical remission, 43% in biochemical remission (calprotectin <150 μg/g), and 13% in endoscopic remission (Mayo≤1; or SES-CD≤3 or Rutgeerts i0-i1). Conclusion D2T-IBD is heterogeneous but most commonly due to multidrug failure and associated with certain phenotypes of IBD. Ustekinumab was the most common treatment choice for D2T-IBD. The majority of patients with D2T-IBD achieved clinical remission but failed to achieve biochemical or endoscopic remission. 1. Parigi et al. Lancet Gastroenterol. & Hep. 2023

Treatment of Antibiotic Refractory Chronic Pouchitis With JAK Inhibitors and S1P Receptor Modulators: An ECCO CONFER Multicentre Case Series.

Data regarding the effectiveness and safety of Janus kinase [JAK] inhibitors and sphingosine-1-phosphate [S1P] receptor modulators in antibiotic refractory chronic pouchitis [CARP] are lacking. This ECCO-CONFER project retrospectively collected data for JAK inhibitor or S1P receptor modulator treatments for CARP with at least 3 months of follow-up. The outcomes included corticosteroid- and antibiotic-free clinical response and remission at 3 and 12 months, and trends in modified pouchitis disease activity index [mPDAI], endoscopic PDAI, C-reactive protein, and calprotectin. Seventeen treatments in 15 patients were evaluated. Previous pouchitis treatments included infliximab [5/15], adalimumab [4/15], vedolizumab [9/15], and ustekinumab [5/15]. Pooling data on JAK inhibitors [eight tofacitinib, one filgotinib, and six upadacitinib] after 3 months [T3], steroid- and antibiotic-free clinical response was achieved in 53.3% [8/15], and steroid- and antibiotic-free clinical remission was achieved in 40% [6/15]. Of the patients with at least 12 months of follow-up, steroid- and antibiotic-free clinical response was achieved in 50% [3/6] and remission in one patient [16.7%], endoscopic response in 50% [3/6], and endoscopic remission in 50% [3/6]. Of the two ozanimod treatments at T3, steroid- and antibiotic-free clinical response was achieved in one patient, without remission; both discontinued ozanimod before T12. No side effects were reported. Small molecules may represent a suitable option for CARP refractory to multiple biologics, deserving further investigation.

Ileal Pouch-anal Anastomosis in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis-inflammatory Bowel Disease (PSC-IBD): Long-term Pouch and Liver Transplant Outcomes.

To compare the effect of liver transplantation (LT) on ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) outcomes in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease (PSC-IBD). Patients with PSC-IBD may require both IPAA for colitis and LT for PSC. Patients with PSC-IBD from out institutional pouch registry (1985-2022) were divided according to LT status and timing of LT (before and after IPAA) and their outcomes analyzed. A total of 160 patients were included: 112 (70%) nontransplanted at last follow-up; 48 (30%) transplanted, of which 23 (14%) before IPAA and 25 (16%) after. Nontransplanted patients at IPAA had more laparoscopic procedures [37 (46%) vs 8 (18%), P =0.002] and less blood loss (median 250 vs 400mL, P =0.006). Morbidity and mortality at 90 days were similar. Chronic pouchitis was higher in transplanted compared with nontransplanted patients [32 (67%) vs 51 (45.5%), P =0.03], but nontransplanted patients had a higher rate of chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis. Overall survival was similar, but nontransplanted patients had more PSC-related deaths (12.5% vs 2%, P =0.002). Pouch survival at 10 years was 90% for nontransplanted patients and 100% for transplanted patients (log-rank P =0.052). Timing of LT had no impact on chronic pouchitis, pouch failure, or overall survival. PSC recurrence was 6% at 10 years. For transplanted patients, graft survival was similar regardless of IPAA timing. In patients with PSC-IBD and IPAA, LT is linked to an increased pouchitis rate but does not affect overall and pouch survival. Timing of LT does not influence short-term and long-term pouch outcomes.

Faecal Microbiota Transplantation [FMT] in the Treatment of Chronic Refractory Pouchitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy and safety of faecal microbiota transplantation [FMT] in the treatment of chronic pouchitis. A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using the following databases and clinical trial registers: Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews [CENTRAL], clinical trials.gov, ScienceDirect, and VHL [virtual health library]. The primary outcome was clinical response/remission in patients treated with FMT. Secondary outcomes included safety profile, quality of life, and changes in the gut microbiome. Seven observational cohort studies/case series and two randomised, controlled trials with a total of 103 patients were included. The route, preparation, and quantity of FMT administered varied among the included studies. Clinical response rate of 42.6% with a remission rate of 29.8% was estimated in our cohort following FMT therapy. Minor, self-limiting, adverse events were reported, and the treatment was well tolerated with good short- and long-term safety profiles. Successful FMT engraftment in recipients varied and, on average, microbial richness and diversity was lower in patients with pouchitis. In some instances, shifts with specific changes towards abundance of species, suggestive of a 'healthier' pouch microbiota, were observed following treatment with FMT. The evidence for FMT in the treatment of chronic pouchitis is sparse, which limits any recommendations being made for its use in clinical practice. Current evidence from low-quality studies suggests a variable clinical response and remission rate, but the treatment is well tolerated, with a good safety profile. This review emphasises the need for rationally designed, well-powered, randomised, placebo-controlled trials to understand the efficacy of FMT for the treatment of pouchitis.

Dietary Patterns Are Not Associated With Disease Activity Among Patients With Inflammatory Conditions of the Pouch in a Prospective Cohort.

Evidence-based recommendations regarding the influence of diet on inflammatory conditions of the pouch after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) are limited. We analyzed dietary patterns at enrollment in a prospective registry of patients with 1 of 4 inflammatory conditions of the pouch (acute pouchitis, chronic antibiotic-dependent pouchitis, chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis, and Crohn's disease of the pouch). We analyzed dietary intake by disease activity at enrollment and then compared dietary patterns among patients who remained in remission throughout the 12-month follow-up to those patients who experienced a disease relapse. We also compared dietary patterns among patients with inflammatory conditions of the pouch to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommended daily goals. Among 308 patients, there were no differences in dietary patterns among patients with 1 of the 4 disease states at enrollment. Additionally, among the 102 patients in remission at baseline, there were no significant differences noted among patients who went on to experience a disease flare in the 12 months after enrollment compared to those patients who remained in remission. However, patients with inflammatory conditions of the pouch demonstrated decreased intake of several food groups and macronutrients including dairy, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber when compared to USDA recommendations. In a prospective cohort, we demonstrated no impact of dietary patterns on disease activity. The relative deficiencies in several food groups and macronutrients among patients after IPAA indicate the potential role of targeted nutritional counseling in this population.

Gut microbiome–based therapeutics in inflammatory bowel disease

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract that is thought to arise from a combination of environmental, genetic and immunological factors. The gut microbiome, a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract, has been proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of IBD. There is an unmet clinical need for microbiome‐based therapies. This review will discuss the landscape of microbiome‐based therapeutics in IBD. Microbiome‐targeted therapeutics, such as antibiotics, pre‐/probiotics and faecal microbiota transplant (FMT), are based on the premise that restoring a healthy gut microbiome can attenuate mucosal inflammation. Antibiotics work directly to impede growth or eradicate specific gut microorganisms. Antibiotics may play a role in inducing clinical remission and treating refractory pouchitis and may be associated with immunogenicity to anti‐TNF biologics in IBD. Prebiotics are the molecular metabolic building blocks for commensal gut bacteria. Probiotics artificially introduce gut microorganisms thought to be beneficial to the local microenvironment and maybe be associated with symptom relief in IBD. FMT similarly introduces bacteria found in higher proportions of healthy persons, though in a more direct manner than probiotics. FMT has been associated with increased rates of clinical remission in IBD, but heterogeneity in FMT response may be influenced by IBD subtype, FMT donor selection and delivery protocols. Current evidence suggests that microbiome‐targeted therapeutics may have some benefit for IBD. Several studies are underway exploring the targeting of specific gut microbes or microbial pathways as therapy in IBD.

Application of the green analytical procedure index to the simultaneous analysis of co-formulated tinidazole and ciprofloxacin in pure form, tablet dosage form, and human plasma using an environmentally friendly micellar high-performance thin-layer chromatographic technology

In individuals with chronic refractory pouchitis and other gastrointestinal disorders, the combination of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and tinidazole (TIN) is beneficial and safe. As a result, a green micellar high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) approach for the immediate analysis of TIN and CIP in pure, spiked human plasma, and co-formulated tablet dosage form has been developed. It is rapid, extremely easy, sensitive, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. The stationary phase was Merck aluminum HPTLC plates covered with silica gel 60 F254, while the mobile phase was acetone–ethanol–2% watery sodium dodecyl sulfate (3:4:2, V/V). For quantification of both medications, the densitometric scanner was set at 310 nm. For TIN and CIP, this chromatographic separation yielded symmetric, compact peaks with RF values of (0.22 ± 0.009) and (0.42 ± 0.007), respectively. At 310 nm, the separated spots were densitometrically scanned. For TIN and CIP, the detection thresholds were 6.7 ng/band and 25.03 ng/band, respectively. For TIN and CIP, the quantification limits were 20.3 ng/band and 75.25 ng/band, respectively. The approach was validated according to International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) principles and then used to determine the researched medicines in their various pharmaceutical dosage forms, and human plasma yielding an exceptional percent of recovery. In terms of precision and accuracy, the results were in great accordance with the published approach. This method is suitable for the sequential analysis of the two drugs in pure form, tablet dosage forms, and spiked human plasma due to its simplicity, speed, greenness, robustness, and low cost.

P521 Effectiveness of ustekinumab as therapy for chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis

Abstract Background Up to 10% of patients with ulcerative colitis who undergo a proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, will develop chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis (CARP). As there is a large unmet need in the management of these patients, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of induction and maintenance therapy with ustekinumab (UST). Methods We performed a prospective, multicentre, open-label study of patients with CARP (mPDAI ≥5 with an endoscopic subscore ≥2) . Patients received a weight-range-based infusion of UST at baseline (~6mg/kg) and subcutaneous injections of 90mg UST every 8 weeks thereafter until week 48. Patients underwent a pouchoscopy at baseline, week 16 and week 48, with assessment of the modified pouchitis disease activity index (mPDAI). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving steroid-free remission (mPDAI <5 and reduction by ≥2 points from baseline) at week 16. For this abstract we focus on the secondary endpoints at week 48 including the proportion of patients achieving steroid-free remission and response (reduction of mPDAI by ≥2 points from baseline) using a non-responder imputation. For patients still continuing UST at week 48, we evaluated the change in symptomatic and endoscopic mPDAI subscore, C-reactive protein (CRP) and faecal calprotectin levels compared to baseline. Descriptive statistics and paired nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank) of changes from baseline were performed. Results We enrolled 22 patients (59% male, median age 42.2 years, median time after surgery 8.2 years). Twelve (54.5%) patients had previously been treated with biologics for CARP (table 1). At week 16, steroid-free remission was achieved in 27.3% of patients. At week 48, steroid-free remission was achieved in 36.4% and response in 54.5% of patients. In the 14 patients continuing UST at week 48, a significant decrease in total mPDAI (4 (1.8-7.3) vs. 8 (8-10), p<0.001), clinical subscore (1 (0-2.3) vs. 3 (2-4), p=0.001), and endoscopic subscore (3 (1.8-4.3) vs. 6 (4.8-6), p=0.001) was observed compared to baseline (figure 1). Faecal calprotectin (129 (80-344) vs. 229 (139-541) mg/kg, p=0.17) and CRP (2.5 (1.3-4.4) vs. 3.8 (1.6-9.3) mg/L, p=0.09) levels did however not decrease significantly (figure 2 and 3). Three serious adverse events (hospitalization for subobstruction, worsening pouchitis and choledocholithiasis) were recorded, but were not considered related to UST. Conclusion In this open-label pilot study in patients with CARP, maintenance therapy with UST showed a clinical and endoscopic effect in half of the patients, but was not associated with changes in inflammatory biomarkers. These promising results warrant confirmation in a placebo-controlled study with UST for the treatment of CARP.

Safety and Efficacy of Fecal Microbiota Transplant in Chronic Pouchitis-A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

Pouchitis is the most common long-term complication after ileal-pouch anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the safety and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) in chronic antibiotic dependent and refractory pouchitis. Multiple databases were searched through April 2022 for studies that reported the efficacy and safety of FMT in patients with chronic pouchitis. Meta-analysis using random effects model was performed to calculate pooled rates. Eight studies with a total of 89 patients were included in our review, with 74 patients having received FMT and 15 patients having received placebo. The mean age ranged from 32.6 to 51.5 years. In patients that received FMT, the pooled rates of overall remission was (Pouchitis Disease Activity Index score < 7) 22% (95% CI, 9%-43%; I2, 29%), clinical remission was 20% (95% CI, 6%-49%; I2, 25%), clinical response rate was 42% (95% CI, 30%-54%; I2, 7%), and the relapse rate 60% (95% CI, 40%-77%, I2 16%) over the mean follow up of 4.67 months (range 1-12 months). The pooled proportion of patients with adverse events was 54% (95% CI, 21%-84%; I2, 73%). There were no serious adverse events or deaths. In patients with chronic pouchitis, FMT is safe though there are mixed results in terms of its long-term efficacy. Future Randomized Controlled Trials with larger sample sizes and greater standardization in terms of preparation, delivery, and length of treatment of FMT are needed to determine efficacy.

S763 Twenty Percent of Patients With Inflammatory Conditions of the Pouch Demonstrate a More Refractory Disease State Within Twelve Months of Enrollment in a Multicenter Prospective Registry

Introduction: Up to 80% of patients will develop pouchitis after proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis, and approximately 10% will develop Crohn’s disease (CD) of the pouch. We designed a geographically diverse, eight-center, prospective registry to study the disease course among patients with one of four inflammatory conditions of the pouch. The aim of this study was to evaluate patterns of changes in diagnosis during the first 12 months after enrollment. Methods: We enrolled patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acute pouchitis, chronic antibiotic dependent pouchitis (CADP), chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis (CARP), or CD of the pouch. Diagnoses were based on standardized criteria and we obtained detailed clinical and demographic data at the time of enrollment. Patients completed follow-up assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months after enrollment, with treating physicians confirming their respective diagnoses at each time point. Associations between clinical and demographic data at baseline and a switch in diagnosis to a more refractory disease state were analyzed using chi-square testing. Results: We enrolled 318 patients (10% acute pouchitis, 27% CADP, 12% CARP, and 51% CD of the pouch). During the first 12 months after enrollment, 31 of the 157 patients (20%) without CD of the pouch at enrollment switched diagnosis to a more refractory disease state, with 20 of 31 (65%) patients ultimately being diagnosed with CD of the pouch. Among 7 patients with acute pouchitis who switched diagnoses, 5 were diagnosed with CADP, 1 with CARP, and 1 with CD of the pouch. Among 19 patients with CADP who switched diagnoses, 4 were diagnosed with CARP and 15 were diagnosed with CD of the pouch. Four patients with CARP had a change in diagnosis to CD of the pouch during the study period. Patients who experienced a change in diagnosis were significantly more likely to be current smokers when compared to patients with no change in diagnosis during the study period (23% vs. 5%, p=0.001, Table). Conclusion: In a prospective registry of 318 patients from eight centers in the United States, 20% of patients without CD of the pouch at enrollment experienced a change in diagnosis to a more refractory inflammatory condition of the pouch during the first 12 months after enrollment. Patients who were current smokers were more likely to change diagnoses, and may represent a high risk group for earlier intervention and targeted smoking cessation efforts after IPAA. Table 1. - Comparison of Baseline Demographics and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with an Inflammatory Condition of the Pouch and a Change in Diagnosis to those with No Change in Diagnosis Change in Diagnosis within 12 Months of Enrollment n=31 No Change in Diagnosis within 12 Months of Enrollment n=287 p-value Median IQR Median IQR Current Age 50 44-59 52 38-62 0.873 n % n % Female Sex 12 39 129 45 0.636 Race >0.999 White 29 94 263 92 Black 1 3 16 6 Other 1 3 8 3 Hispanic ethnicity 3 10 7 2 0.063 BMI 0.271 Normal 17 55 114 40 Overweight 7 23 99 34 Obese 7 23 71 25 Disease extent prior to surgery 0.447 Proctitis 2 6 19 7 Left-sided colitis 5 16 22 8 Extensive colitis 19 31 151 61 Unknown 4 13 52 18 Indication for surgery >0.999 Medically-refractory colitis 29 94 256 89 Dysplasia/colorectal cancer 1 3 13 5 Medically refractory + dysplasia/colorectal cancer 0 0 8 3 Other 1 3 9 3 Number of stages in surgery 0.590 1 2 6 35 12 2 10 32 114 40 Modified 2 3 10 19 7 3 15 48 103 36 IPAA surgery performed at current medical center 20 65 181 63 >0.999 Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis 2 6 23 8 >0.999 Clostridiodes difficile infection prior to IPAA 4 13 42 15 >0.999 Smoker at the time of colectomy 2 6 15 5 0.678 Current smoker 7 23 13 5 0.001 NSAIDs in the prior two weeks 12 39 104 36 0.846

Is biologic therapy effective for antibiotic-refractory pouchitis?

Main text introduction The use of biologic therapy for antibiotic-refractory pouchitis is controversial, due to few studies on the subject and lack of convincing results. Objectives To study the efficacy of biologic therapy for refractory pouchitis. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, patient records at the Medical and Surgical departments in our hospital during an eleven-year period were scrutinized. 25 patients treated with biologics for refractory pouchitis were identified. Results The majority of these patients (n = 19, 76%) had either good or partial effect of biologic therapy for refractory pouchitis. Six of these patients did not respond until the second or third-line treatment. All naïve patients (n = 14) had good or partial response regardless if the diagnosis was idiopathic or Crohn’s-like pouchitis. In comparison, only 45% (n = 5) of the patients with prior exposure to biologics (n = 11) had a positive response. Six of ten patients treated with second or third-line therapy had a good or partial response. All not naïve patients who had previously been treated with Infliximab (n = 9) had adverse reactions when the same drug was given for pouchitis. Conclusions This retrospective study suggests that biologic therapy may be effective for both idiopathic and Crohn’s-like refractory pouchitis. Naïve patients seem to respond more successfully than not naïve patients. In cases without response on first-line treatment should second-line treatment be considered. Due to the high risk of adverse reactions Infliximab should be avoided to not naïve patients.

Management of Acute and Chronic Pouchitis.

Restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA is the procedure of choice when colectomy is needed for medically refractory ulcerative colitis. Pouchitis is one of the most common complications among patients who have undergone IPAA and represents a spectrum of disease varying in both phenotype and clinical course. This study aimed to assist clinicians and surgeons in the treatment of both acute and chronic pouchitis, including newer therapies and future directions. Diagnosis is made by endoscopy of the pouch with biopsy because other conditions may produce similar symptoms such as increased stool frequency, abdominal cramps, and urgency. Pouchitis is classified by duration (acute versus chronic), disease pattern (infrequent, relapsing, and continuous), and response to antibiotics (responsive, dependent, and refractory). The Pouchitis Disease Activity Index may be used to measure disease activity. The management of pouchitis is guided by the disease phenotype. Acute episodes are treated with an initial 2-week course of antibiotics (typically ciprofloxacin or metronidazole), although patients with relapsing or chronic pouchitis may require long-term antibiotic treatment or the cycling of different antibiotics. Certain probiotics may also be used for maintenance therapy in those with chronic symptoms. For patients with chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis, oral budesonide, immunosuppressive agents (azathioprine), or biologic therapy (infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, and ustekinumab) may be required for both induction and maintenance with close monitoring for potential side effects. In rare cases, diverting ileostomy or pouch excision may be required. Pouchitis represents a spectrum of disease phenotypes, ranging from acute antibiotic responsive pouchitis to chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis. The management of pouchitis is primarily directed by the disease phenotype.

Treatment Patterns and Standardized Outcome Assessments Among Patients With Inflammatory Conditions of the Pouch in a Prospective Multicenter Registry.

BackgroundMuch of our understanding about the natural history of pouch-related disorders has been generated from selected populations. We designed a geographically diverse, prospective registry to study the disease course among patients with 1 of 4 inflammatory conditions of the pouch. The primary objectives in this study were to demonstrate the feasibility of a prospective pouch registry and to evaluate the predominant treatment patterns for pouch-related disorders.MethodsWe used standardized diagnostic criteria to prospectively enroll patients with acute pouchitis, chronic antibiotic-dependent pouchitis (CADP), chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis (CARP), or Crohn’s disease (CD) of the pouch. We obtained detailed clinical and demographic data at the time of enrollment, along with patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures.ResultsWe enrolled 318 patients (10% acute pouchitis, 27% CADP, 12% CARP, and 51% CD of the pouch). Among all patients, 55% were on a biologic or small molecule therapy. Patients with CD of the pouch were more likely to use several classes of therapy (P < .001). Among patients with active disease at the time of enrollment, 23% with CARP and 40% with CD of the pouch were in clinical remission at 6 months after enrollment.ConclusionsIn a population where most patients had refractory inflammatory conditions of the pouch, we established a framework to evaluate PROs and clinical effectiveness. This infrastructure will be valuable for long-term studies of real-world effectiveness for pouch-related disorders.

DOP36 Efficacy and safety of vedolizumab in patients with chronic active pouchitis refractory to anti-TNF therapy: Results of a retrospective multicenter study

Abstract Background Total coloproctectomy with ileoanal anastomosis (IAA) is the procedure of choice for patients with treatment-resistant ulcerative colitis (UC). It is most often curative, but can be complicated by pouchitis in 30% of cases, which becomes chronic in 10% of patients. Its treatment is not codified after failure of conventional treatments and a first line of anti-TNF. The objective of our study was to determine the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab (VDZ) in patients with anti-TNF refractory chronic pouchitis. Methods This was a retrospective, multicenter study conducted in 17 hospital centers. Patients were selected from July 2019 to January 2021. All patients had chronic pouchitis refractory to a first line of anti-TNF. We evaluated clinical, endoscopic and biological characteristics at initiation of VDZ therapy, at week (W) 10 as well as at W52. The primary objective of the study was to assess clinical response (improvement ≥ 50% in stool frequency and rectal bleeding) at W52. Secondary objectives were to assess clinical response and remission (absence of symptom) at W10, endoscopic response (improvement ≥ 50% of endoscopic lesions) and remission (mucosal healing) at W10 and 52. Adverse events were also collected. Results Forty-nine patients were included in the study (23 women, 26 men, mean age 48 years). Thirty-one patients (63%) had received only one line of biologic. Forty-four (90%) patients had endoscopic evaluation before initiation of VDZ, and 25 (51%) patients at W10 and 52. CRP was assessed in all patients at baseline, 43 (88%) patients at W10, and 33 (67%) patients at W52.At W10, 17 (34%) patients were clinically responders without corticosteroids, of whom 3 (6%) were in remission; among the 25 patients evaluated, endoscopic response was obtanine in 5 (20%) patients and endoscopic remission in 11 (44%) patients. At W52, 22 (44%) patients were clinically responders, 12 (24%) of whom were in remission; endoscopic response was obtained in 15 (60%) patients and endoscopic remission in 5 (20%) patients. Although there was a trend for CRP to decrease during follow-up (17.3 mg/L at inclusion vs. 7.9 mg/L at W52) in the responder group, there was no significant difference between this subgroup and the non-responder patients at W52. Eight patients (16%) had adverse events, leading to discontinuation of treatment in three of them. Optimization of VDZ at W10 was the only factor predicting nonresponse at W52: 40% in the non-responder group vs 8% in the responder group (p=0.05). At 1 year, 69% of patients were continuing treatment. Conclusion This retrospective multicenter study shows that VDZ is a therapeutic option that may be considered in the treatment of chronic pouchitis refractory to anti-TNF.

P496 Efficacy and safety of ustekinumab for chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis: A Belgian open-label multicentre pilot study

Abstract Background Up to 10% of ulcerative colitis patients who undergo a proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, will develop chronic antibiotic refractory pouchitis (CARP). As there is a large unmet need in the management of these patients, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of induction therapy with ustekinumab (UST) for this indication. Methods We performed a prospective, Belgian, multicentre, open-label study of patients with CARP. Patients received a weight-range-based infusion of UST at baseline (6mg/kg) and one subcutaneous injection of 90mg UST at week 8. The first 4 weeks, ciprofloxacin 500mg BID was added as bridging therapy, but need of antibiotics thereafter was regarded as treatment failure. Patients underwent pouchoscopy at baseline and week 16, with assessment of the modified pouchitis disease activity index (mPDAI). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving clinically relevant steroid-free remission (mPDAI &amp;lt;5 and reduction by ≥2 points from baseline) at week 16. Secondary endpoints at week 16 were the proportion of patients achieving response (reduction of mPDAI by ≥2 points from baseline), change in symptomatic and endoscopic mPDAI subscore, and change in C-reactive protein (CRP) and faecal calprotectin levels compared to baseline. Descriptive statistics and paired nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank) of changes from baseline were performed. Results We report the first 18 patients (56% male, median age 41.5 years, median time after surgery 11.2 years) who reached the primary endpoint assessment. Eleven (61.1%) patients had previously been treated with biologics (anti-TNF, n=8; vedolizumab, n=6; tofacitinib, n=1) for CARP (table 1). At week 16, clinically relevant steroid-free remission was reached in 27.8% and response in 50.0% of patients. A significant decrease in total mPDAI (8.0 (7.0–8.3) vs. 6.5 (3.8–9.0), p=0.04) and clinical subscore (3.0 (2.0–4.0) vs. 2.0 (1.0–3.3), p=0.04) but not endoscopic subscore (5.0 (4.0–6.0) vs. 4.0 (3.0–6.0), p=0.1) was observed at week 16 (figure 1). Faecal calprotectin (288.0 (154.8–634.8) vs. 145 (88.3–749.3) mg/kg, p=0.47) and CRP (4.8 (1.9–7.2) vs. 3.9 (1.9–8.9) mg/L, p=0.63) levels did however not decrease significantly (figure 2). Three serious adverse events (hospitalization for subobstruction, worsening pouchitis and choledocholithiasis) were recorded, but were not considered related to UST. Conclusion In this open-label pilot study in patients with CARP, induction therapy with UST showed a clinical effect in half of the patients, but was not associated with endoscopic improvement or changes in inflammatory biomarkers. Placebo-controlled studies are needed for further positioning UST in the treatment algorithm of CARP.

P054 IBD Associated Surveillance Dysplasia Program: New Integrated Model: Audit, Summary, Future Directions and Literature Review.

The recommended commencement of screening for dysplasia in IBD cases is after 8-year duration with at least E2 disease, that is proximal to the rectosigmoid junction (∼15cm) or L2 or L3 Crohn's disease involving at least one-third of the colon. At this time, the risk of colonic IBD patients having CRC approaches 1%. Exceptions: (Early starters) people with a diagnosis of PSC with concurrent IBD suggest surveillance starts annually from the date of PSC diagnosis. Those with an FDR with CRC should commence screening 10 years prior to the age of diagnosis of the affected relative. Surveillance of the ileoanal pouch following restorative proctectomy is not commented on in the new guidelines. It is usually not recommended in the absence of high-risk features (ASGE, ECCO and BSG Guidelines): PSC diagnosis, CRC or dysplasia in the resected colon, Type C pouch mucosa or Refractory pouchitis. The aim of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) is to improve the pathway for surveillance procedures, allocate resources appropriately and identify patients for research and trials. Cases were mainly referred from the prospective months booking database. Each case that is included in the monthly MDT meeting is discussed to ensure it is appropriate/consistent with guidelines with the assistance of administrative and data managers. We collate the cases with IBD database and risk calculator, assess and prescribe bowel prep, record outcome and communicate any changes, identify patients for studies and ensure we allocate patients to appropriate endoscopy lists. Over a course of 12 meetings conducted monthly, a total of 356 cases were screened with 91 cases eligible of which 62 cases were considered suitable in meeting inclusion criteria. The majority of these cases were UC (E3/E2) (n = 56), Crohn's (n = 27), colonic IBD (n = 7) and IBD-U (n = 1). The majority of cases were deemed in the high-risk category for colorectal cancer (43/62). Previous known dysplasia cases were limited (two cases with adenoma). There were 17 cases with PSC (seven were large duct). Family history of dysplasia was not strongly represented. Ten new cases of PSC being investigated were identified early prior to hepatology review or critical investigations. There were ten pouchscopy cases. There were a significant number of deferrals, cancellations and reassignments identified (n = 16). Four procedures were cancelled, eight cases reassigned due to extensive pseudo polyps and 17 were placed on PSC annual surveillance. We also identified significant bowel prep deficiencies in 18 cases requiring prescriptions. IE or chromoendoscopy was identified as a potential area of improvement. A three-point specified allocation to colonoscopy lists was lacking, possibly mainly due to COVID 19 backlog of cases. The areas of improvement included attracting referrals from other settings other than the monthly booking file data (e.g hepatology clinic) and improving long-term attendance. The IBD surveillance MDT is a clinically useful tool that demonstrates significant improvement in quality and procedure reallocation. Although resource allocation is required, this clinical model can ensure that all IBD dysplasia surveillance cases including those with challenging risk factors or those outside the evidence based guidelines are appropriately monitored.