Refractory Ulcerative Colitis Research Articles

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.

Vedolizumab as the First-Line of Biologicals for Pediatric Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

Vedolizumab (VDZ) was reported to be effective as a first-line biological in adult ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of VDZ as the first-line biological in pediatric refractory UC. We retrospectively extracted data from pediatric patients with UC who received first-line VDZ. The following were recorded: baseline characteristics; clinical activity of intestinal disease, levels of fecal calprotectin (FC), C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A; and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Clinical effectiveness, biochemical remission, and safety of VDZ were also investigated. Eight patients were identified (median age, 12 years). FC levels were abnormal in all cases and were remarkably elevated in 3 patients. C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values were abnormal in 2, 4, and 5 patients, respectively. According to the pediatric UC activity index score, 1, 5, and 2 patients had mild, moderate, and severe disease. Fourteen weeks after VDZ administration, 5 patients achieved remission, and 3 remained in remission until week 52. Of the 3 patients who did not reach remission in week 14, two achieved remission by week 52. In week 52, five of the eight patients continued receiving VDZ and maintained remission. All patients achieved clinical remission without corticosteroid use. No adverse events were observed in any patient. VDZ may serve as a safe and effective first-line biological option for treating pediatric patients with UC. FC levels before VDZ administration may be predictive of long-term remission.

Kaposi sarcoma-a complication of treatment refractory ulcerative colitis

Wir berichten über den Zufallsbefund eines Kaposi-Sarkoms des Kolons bei schwerer therapierefraktärer Colitis ulcerosa. Die Patientin war zuvor lange immunsuppressiv mit Infliximab, Vedolizumab und Prednisolon behandelt worden. Serologische Untersuchungen schlossen eine HIV(„human immunodeficiency virus“)-Infektion aus.

Proteomic Analysis of Potential Targets for Non-Response to Infliximab in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis.

Background: Infliximab (IFX) is a potent therapeutic agent used for the treatment of conventional refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the high non-response rate of IFX brings difficulties to clinical applications. In the context of proteomics research, our study of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) is essential for non-response to IFX in UC patients and provides powerful insights into underlying drug resistance mechanisms. Methods: A total of 12 UC patients were divided into responders to IFX (UCinfG), non-responders to IFX (UCinfL), severe UC (UCsevere) without an IFX treatment history, and mild UC (UCmild) without an IFX treatment history. Subsequently, DEPs were identified from intestinal biopsy tissue between responders and non-responders to IFX by a label-free proteomic quantitative approach, and the general principle of functional protein screening was followed to deduce the potential drug targets and predictors for non-response to IFX in UC patients. Meanwhile, these targets excluded DEPs caused by the severity of inflammation for the first time. The differential expressions of candidate protein targets were validated at the gene sequence level using GEO2R analysis of the GEO database and qRT-PCR in some independent cohorts. Results: A total of 257 DEPs were screened out by mass spectrometry between UCinfG and UCinfL groups, excluding 22 DEPs caused by the severity of inflammation, and compared and verified at the gene sequence level in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Finally, five DEPs, including ACTBL2 (Q562R1), MBL2 (P11226), BPI (P17213), EIF3D (O15371), and CR1 (P17927), were identified as novel drug targets and predictive biomarkers for non-response to IFX. The drug targets were confirmed in the GEO database of the microarray results from three independent cohorts of 70 human intestinal biopsies and validated in qPCR data from 17 colonic mucosal biopsies. Among them, CR1 might affect the activation of the lectin pathway via complement-coated bacteria to play an opsonizing role in inflammation-related pathways closely associated with non-responders to IFX. Conclusion: This is the first report of proteomics analysis for the identification of novel drug targets based on intestinal biopsy tissue, which is significant for hypotheses for mechanistic investigation that are responsible for non-response to IFX and the development of clinical new pharmaceutical drugs.

Uncommon Presentation of Autoimmune Pancreatitis With Refractory Ulcerative Colitis

Patients diagnosed with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) are at significantly higher risk for ulcerative colitis (UC), and the concurrent diagnoses continue to be a challenge to recognize. A previously healthy symptomatic 23-year-old man was diagnosed with type II AIP with UC and, despite aggressive treatment with steroids and infliximab, ultimately had a total colectomy. This patient case illustrates the association between AIP and UC and proposes that a concomitant diagnosis suggests a worse prognosis. Determining the relationship between these 2 pathologies and early diagnosis will allow physicians to escalate therapy more quickly and improve outcomes in patients.

Cyclosporine Therapy as a Rescue Treatment in Steroid Refractory Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A Real Life Data From a Tertiary Center.

Cyclosporine is a rescue treatment alternative to avoid colectomy in corticosteroid refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of cyclosporine therapy in acute severe ulcerative colitis patients. Acute severe ulcerative colitis (basal Lichtiger score > 10) patients who did not respond to 40 mg intravenous methylpredniso- lone therapy after 3-5 days were included in the study. The presence of clinical response and remission was assessed at 1st week, 1st, 6th, and 12th month according to the Lichtiger index. In this study, 40 patients, whose steroid refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis and basal Lichtiger score > 10 points were enrolled. The median disease duration was 49.3 months (2-204). All patients received cyclosporine for 132 ± 78 days (7-270). Clinical response was obtained on seventh day in 82.5%. The clinical response rates of the first and sixth months were 72.5% and 62.5%, respectively. A total of 17/40 (42.5%) patients underwent colectomy within 1 year. In the patients who underwent colectomy, the basal LS (14.2 ± 1.9 vs 12.3 ± 1.7) (P = .002) was higher and the basal hemoglobin value (11.8 ± 2.3 vs 10.1 ± 1.5) (P = .037) was lower than those who did not undergo colectomy. Our findings suggest that cyclosporine treatment may be successfully and safely used in steroid refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis patients. Cyclosporine is a drug that has recently started to come up again with the introduction of new maintenance treatments. Especially in patients who develop a loss of response to infliximab therapy, or where infliximab therapy is contraindicated, or who have azathioprine intolerance, or are unresponsive.

Superior Effectiveness of Tofacitinib Compared to Vedolizumab in Anti-TNF-experienced Ulcerative Colitis Patients: A Nationwide Dutch Registry Study

Clinicians face difficulty in when and in what order to position biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors in patients with anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). We aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab and tofacitinib in anti-TNF-exposed patients with UC in our prospective nationwide Initiative on Crohn and Colitis Registry. Patients with UC who failed anti-TNF treatment and initiated vedolizumab or tofacitinib treatment were identified in the Initiative on Crohn and Colitis Registry in the Netherlands. We selected patients with both clinical as well as biochemical or endoscopic disease activity at initiation of therapy. Patients previously treated with vedolizumab or tofacitinib were excluded. Corticosteroid-free clinical remission (Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index ≤2), biochemical remission (C-reactive protein ≤5 mg/L or fecal calprotectin ≤250 μg/g), and safety outcomes were compared after 52 weeks of treatment. Inverse propensity score-weighted comparison was used to adjust for confounding and selection bias. Overall, 83 vedolizumab- and 65 tofacitinib-treated patients were included. Propensity score-weighted analysis showed that tofacitinib-treated patients were more likely to achieve corticosteroid-free clinical remission and biochemical remission at weeks 12, 24, and 52 compared with vedolizumab-treated patients (odds ratio [OR], 6.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.81-10.50; P < .01; OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.89-4.84; P < .01; and OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.15-2.99; P= .01; and OR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.96-5.45; P < .01; OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.14-3.07; P= .01; and OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.06-3.09; P= .03, respectively). There was no difference in infection rate or severe adverse events. Tofacitinib was associated with superior effectiveness outcomes compared with vedolizumab in anti-TNF-experienced patients with UC along with comparable safety outcomes.

One-year clinical efficacy and safety of indigo naturalis for active ulcerative colitis: a real-world prospective study.

Background/Aims Recent studies suggested a favorable effect of indigo naturalis (IN) in inducing remission for refractory ulcerative colitis (UC), however, the maintenance effect of IN for patients with UC remains unknown. Therefore, we conducted a prospective uncontrolled open-label study to analyze the efficacy and safety of IN for patients with UC.Methods Patients with moderate to severe active UC (clinical activity index [CAI] ≥ 8) took 2 g/day of IN for 52 weeks. CAI at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 52 and Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) and Geboes score (GS) at weeks 0, 4, and 52 were assessed. Clinical remission (CAI ≤ 4), mucosal healing (MES ≤ 1), and histological healing (GS ≤ 1) rates at each assessment were evaluated. Overall adverse events (AEs) during study period were also evaluated. The impact of IN on mucosal microbial composition was assessed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences.Results Thirty-three patients were enrolled. The rates of clinical remission at weeks 4, 8, and 52 were 67%, 76%, and 73%, respectively. The rates of mucosal healing at weeks 4 and 52 were 48% and 70%, respectively. AEs occurred in 17 patients (51.5%) during follow-up. Four patients (12.1%) showed severe AEs, among whom 3 manifested acute colitis. No significant alteration in the mucosal microbial composition was observed with IN treatment.Conclusions One-year treatment of moderate to severe UC with IN was effective. IN might be a promising therapeutic option for maintaining remission in UC, although the relatively high rate of AEs should be considered.

Longitudinal monitoring of STAT3 phosphorylation and histologic outcome of tofacitinib therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Tofacitinib is the first in class, pan-JAK inhibitor approved for ulcerative colitis (UC). Clinical efficacy has been shown, but long-term real-life endoscopic and histologic data are lacking. To investigate the effects of tofacitinib in patients with refractory UC focussing on endoscopic, histologic and molecular outcomes, including STAT3 phosphorylation (pSTAT3) detection in the spatial context of mucosal inflammation METHODS: We prospectively monitored 59 highly refractory patients (96.7% anti-TNF exposure, 91.7% vedolizumab exposure) initiating tofacitinib at two IBD referral centres and assessed outcome at the end of induction and after 48 weeks of therapy. Endoscopic improvement was defined as a Mayo endoscopic subscore ≤1, endoscopic and histologic remission as Mayo endoscopic subscore 0 and Nancy histologic score 0. Multiplex immunohistochemistry with multispectral imaging was used to assess pSTAT3. Endoscopic improvement was achieved by 24.4% and 30.5% of patients at weeks 8 and 48, respectively. Endoscopic and histologic remission rates were 11.1%, 23.7 and 16.7%, 21.4%, respectively. Endoscopic improvement at week 8 was significantly associated with treatment continuation in the long-term (72.7% vs 20.6%, p= 0.003). Although we observed a gradual decrease of mucosal pSTAT3 levels in both remitters and non-remitters (p< 0.05), no association with treatment outcome could be demonstrated. However, lamina propria pSTAT3 was significantly associated with the Nancy Histologic index (p= 0.004). Tofacitinib can induce and maintain endoscopic and histologic remission in up to one-quarter of highly refractory UC patients. Longitudinal monitoring of nuclear pSTAT3 in mucosal tissue compartments reflects distinctive on-target effects, independently of long-term treatment outcomes.

Autologous regulatory T-cell transfer in refractory ulcerative colitis with concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis

ObjectiveUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, debilitating immune-mediated disease driven by disturbed mucosal homeostasis, with an excess of intestinal effector T cells and an insufficient expansion of mucosal regulatory T...

Anti-TNFα antibody versus non-anti-TNFα molecular agents for ulcerative colitis patients who failed initial anti-TNFα therapy.

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α antibody (ATA) and biologics/molecular targeted agents with other mechanisms (non-ATA) are currently available for refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the knowledge about optimal drug selection after the initial treatment with ATA failure is lacking. This study assessed whether the response to the initial ATA could be a basis for selecting subsequent agents in UC patients. Ulcerative colitis patients treated with ATA or non-ATA as the subsequent biologic after the failure of initial ATA were retrospectively analyzed. The efficacy at 14weeks was examined according to the response to initial ATA. Of 163 patients treated with the first ATA, the efficacy of subsequent ATA and non-ATA was evaluated in 63 and 36, respectively. Remission and response to subsequent-line therapy, regardless of ATA or non-ATA, were lower in patients with primary nonresponse (PNR) to initial ATA than in patients with efficacy to initial ATA (33.3% vs 69.2%, P<0.01). In patients with PNR to initial ATA, the remission rate with subsequent ATA was significantly lower than with subsequent non-ATA (4.3% vs 26.3%, P=0.04). In patients who showed efficacy to initial ATA, the remission rate with subsequent ATA was also lower than that with subsequent non-ATA (30.6% vs 56.3%, P=0.08). PNR with initial ATA was the predictor of PNR to subsequent ATA (odds ratio: 5.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.50-21.7). Non-ATA may be suitable in UC patients as the subsequent biologics regardless of the outcome of the first ATA.

Diagnosis and Treatment Difficulty in Early-Onset Peristomal Pyoderma Gangrenosum Associated With Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Report

Peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum (PPG) is a rare dermatological condition associated with gastroenterological disease. Most gastrointestinal surgeons find it difficult to suspect and treat PPG, especially at early onset. The patient was an 18-year-old female. The patient underwent three-stage restorative proctocolectomy for refractory ulcerative colitis. On postoperative day (POD) 9, the trocar wound near the ileostomy site dehisced. Because the wound culture was positive, the wound was treated with an antibacterial agent as an infection. However, the wound worsened. The patient was referred to a dermatologist for diagnosis. PPG was diagnosed on POD 37. Wound management was initiated using topical steroids. The wound caused difficulties in pain and dressing management. Although infliximab was administered as a systemic therapy, it was discontinued because of allergic symptoms. Sealing therapy with hydrofiber dressing and adequate stoma pouching with stoma paste provided good exudate absorption and a clean environment by protecting the wound from stoma excretion. Oral prednisone was initiated on POD 82. Improvement in the wound condition was observed with a prednisone dose of 30 mg/day. Complete remission was achieved seven months after onset. Twelve months after the surgery, stoma closure was performed. The local cutaneous condition remained in remission without exacerbation. Suspicion of PPG can be difficult when it develops early after stoma creation. We never forget that PPG should be suspected when a progressive ulcerative lesion is found around the stoma, even early after operation. If PPG is suspected, a multidisciplinary team plays an essential role in its diagnosis and management.

Efficacy and safety of low-dose thalidomide combined with mesalazine in the treatment of refractory ulcerative colitis in adults.

Efficacy and safety of low-dose thalidomide combined with mesalazine in the treatment of refractory ulcerative colitis in adults.

MASS CYTOMETRY ANALYSIS OF CROHN’S DISEASE-LIKE PHENOTYPE OF THE ILEOANAL POUCH FOLLOWING ILEAL POUCH-ANAL ANASTOMOSIS FOR ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Abstract BACKGROUNDS For patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis (UC), total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has been the definitive surgery of choice. Approximately 10% of patients who were initially diagnosed with UC and underwent an IPAA, subsequently develop a condition referred to as Crohn’s disease-like phenotype of ileoanal pouch (CDP). CDP is typified by ulcers in the pre-pouch ileum, stricture involving the pouch or pre-pouch ileum, and/or fistulas. The etiology of CDP remains unknown and remains difficult to diagnose and treat. To define the mucosal immunology of CDP, we analyzed ileal samples from patients with CDP and patients with a normal pouch and pre-pouch ileum using mass cytometry (CyTOF). METHODS Ileal mucosal biopsies from patients with a history of CDP with long-segmental pre-pouch ileitis (n=10) and those with a normal pouch and pre-pouch ileum after IPAA for UC (n=9) were collected during routine pouchoscopy, frozen in medium, and processed, barcoded and analyzed in one CyTOF experiment. Data were analyzed by using viSNE for dimensionality reduction and CITRUS for clustering in Cytobank. RESULTS Compared with patients with a normal pouch/ileum, we observed the following in ileal samples from CDP based on viSNE analysis (Figure 1): 1) A decreased abundance of CD8+CD103+ tissue-resident T cells (TRM). This result is similar to data from colonic mucosal samples in patients with UC (our internal data not shown here and others), but unlike data from prior studies derived from inflamed ileal mucosal specimens in patients with CD (native bowel anatomy without IPAA) which had increased CD8+ TRM. 2) An increase in CD4+CD103-CD161+ Th17 cells previously linked to an activated Th17 phenotype in Crohn’s disease specimens. 3) Increased CD4+CD103-CD45RA+ T cells associated with reduced IL-10/IL-4 and increased TNF-a in IBD. 4) A higher abundance of CD4+CD103-TIGIT+ T cells that were previously shown to predict severity of pediatric IBD. 5) A decrease in CD8+CD103+CD127+ TRM in CDP, although its role in IBD is unclear. The findings from viSNE were confirmed by CITRUS (Figure 2). Further analyses of pouch samples as well as ileal samples from UC and CD with native GI anatomy (for comparison) using CyTOF and scRNAseq are currently underway. CONCLUSIONS We used mass cytometry to identify immune cells specific to ileal mucosa from patients with CDP. Interestingly, immune cells from the inflamed pre-pouch ileum share some features of those from either UC or CD with native bowel anatomy. We also identified an altered immune cell population which appears to be specific to CDP. These data reveal a unique immune landscape of CDP which may serve as a foundation for identifying therapeutic approaches that target specific cell populations for medical management of CDP.

P324 Tacrolimus for induction of remission in refractory ulcerative colitis: a Cochrane systematic review

Abstract Background There is a limited number of treatment options for patients with corticosteroid refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). We aimed to evaluate tacrolimus for induction of remission in these patients. Methods MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Clinicaltrials.gov and ICTRP were searched up to October, 2021 to identify all relevant randomised contolled trials (RCTs). The authors independently reviewed potentially relevant studies to determine eligibility based on pre-specified criteria. A data extraction form was developed and used to extract data from included studies. Data were analysed using Review Manager. The primary outcomes were induction of remission and clinical improvement, as defined by the studies. Results Five RCTs were included with a total of, 347 participants with active UC. There is low certainty (oral and rectal) tacrolimus may be superior for clinical remission when compared to placebo (14/87 to, 1/61, RR, 3.76, 95% CI, 1.03 to, 13.73). There is low certainty (oral and rectal) tacrolimus may be superior for clinical improvement when compared to placebo (45/87 to, 7/61, RR, 4.47, 95% CI, 2.15 to, 9.29. The results on adverse events are of very low certainty and no conclusions can be drawn. There is low certainty there may be no difference in achievement of clinical remission when tacrolimus suppositories (16/44) were compared to beclomethasone (15/44) (RR, 1.07, 95% CI, 0.60 to, 1.88). There is low certainty there may be no difference in clinical improvement when tacrolimus suppositories (22/44) were compared to beclomethasone (22/44) (RR, 1.00, 95% CI, 0.66 to, 1.88). There is low cerainty there may be no difference in serious adverse events when tacrolimus suppositories (1/44) were compared to placebo suppositories (0/44) (RR, 1.00, 95% CI, 0.13 to, 71.70) and total adverse events (21/44 to, 14/44) (RR, 1.50, 95% CI, 0.88 to, 2.55). The evidence on the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus compared to cyclosporine is of very low quality and no conclusions can be drawn. Conclusion The cohorts studied are small, with missing data sets, short follow-up, and the clinical endpoints used are not in line with those suggested by regulatory bodies. No clinical practice conclusions can be made.This review highlights the need for further research that targets relevant clinical questions, uses appropriate trial methodology, and reports key findings in a systematic manner that facilitates future integration of findings with current evidence to better inform clinicians and patients. Future studies need to be adequately powered and of pertinent duration to capture the effectiveness of tacrolimus in the medium-to-long term. Well-structured efficacy studies need to be followed up by long-term phase, 4 extensions to provide key outputs and inform a real-world setting.

P472 Changes in colectomy for Ulcerative Colitis during the last two decades: an in-depth retrospective analysis

Abstract Background The management of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been improved due to progresses in medical and surgical practices during the past twenty years. Yet the impact of new therapies on the evolution of the three colectomy’s indications in UC (severe acute colitis, refractory ulcerative colitis and (pre-)neoplastic complication) is still not well established. The aim of this study was to compare the evolution of the surgical indications within the last two decades. Methods This was an observational retrospective study carried out in two tertiary hospitals. All patients with UC who underwent total or segmental colectomy between 2001 and 2020 were included, without age restriction. Two periods were compared: 2001–2010 and 2011–2020. Endpoints were to compare the colectomy indications, patients’ characteristics, surgical procedures, and rates of postoperative complication between the two cohorts. Results Among the 286 patients included (57% were men; median age of 40 years; 60.5% of extensive and 35.7% of distal colitis), 87 (30.4%) underwent colectomy in 2001–2010 and 199 patients (69.6%) in 2011–2020. Patients’ characteristics were similar between the two periods, including duration of UC and the severity according to the global Mayo score. Colectomy rate for refractory UC significantly decreased over time (n=119) (50.6% vs. 37.7%; p=0.042), while it increased for acute severe colitis (n=116) (36.8% vs. 42.2%; p=0.390) and (pre-)neoplastic indication (n=51) (12.6% vs. 20.1%; p=0.130) (Figure 1). Regarding surgery, there was an increased use of laparoscopic colectomy (47.7% vs. 81.4%; p&amp;lt;0.001) during the latter period and the median length of stay in hospital after surgery has decreased from 13 to 10 days (p=0,098). There were less early (12.6% vs. 5.5%; p=0.038) and late severe complications (1.6% vs. 0.8%; p&amp;lt; 0.001) and less surgical revisions (38.6% vs. 19.5%; p&amp;lt;0.001) without change on 30-day mortality rate (2.3% vs. 1%; p=0.391). The rate of extraintestinal postoperative infections (especially urinary, pulmonary and catheters infections) increased during the second period (27% vs; 45.7%; p=0.018). As expected, the mean number of past biotherapies was higher during the second period (1.2 versus 0.6; p&amp;lt;0.001), as well as the rate of pre-operative exposition to TNFα antagonists (68.4% vs. 50.6%; p=0.016). Conclusion The rate of surgery for refractory colitis has significantly decreased while the rate of colectomy for cancer and acute severe colitis has risen during the last twenty years. In the same time, surgical technics have changed with more laparoscopic surgeries associated with a reduction of postoperative morbidity despite the larger use of biotherapies.

P304 Intensified versus conventional infliximab induction in acute severe steroid-refractory Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract Background Infliximab is effective as salvage therapy in severe steroid-refractory Ulcerate Colitis. However, up to one third of patients do not respond to this treatment and require surgery. There is still insufficient evidence regarding the benefits of intensified infliximab induction regimens in this setting. Methods Retrospective study including, 51 patients meeting the Truelove and Witts criteria for severe acute Ulcerative Colitis with refractoriness to intravenous steroids requiring infliximab rescue therapy. We compared patients under conventional infliximab induction therapy (n=29) with patients performing an intensified infliximab induction regimen (n=22), defined as a higher dose/shorter interval of treatment during induction. Results There was no difference in respect to median age [IQR] (32.0 [27.0–43.0] vs, 42.0 [29.0–58.0], p=0.116), and male gender (69.0 % vs, 63.6%, p=, 0.458) between patients with conventional or intensified infliximab. Compared to patients with conventional induction, patients under optimized infliximab presented reduced admission to intermediary/intensive care unit (4.5% vs, 31.0%, p=, 0.019), and surgery (13.6% vs, 41.4%, p=, 0.031). There were no differences in deaths (3.4% vs, 9.1%, p=0.396), readmission rates (17.2% vs, 28.6%, p=, 0.270), and median duration [IQR] of hospitalization (19.0 [10.5–31.0] vs, 12.0 [8.0–15.5], p=0.094) between patients with conventional or intensified regimens. In a multivariate analysis, the use of an intensified infliximab induction regimen was associated with a lower risk of surgery (OR, 0.224, 95%CI [0.054–0.929], p=, 0.039). Conclusion In this small cohort, there was some suggestions that intensified infliximab induction may improve treatment outcomes in acute severe steroid refractory Ulcerative Colitis.

P383 Ustekinumab as an opportunity for refractory Ulcerative Colitis patients

Abstract Background There are limited data in real-life of ustekinumab (USK) used in ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety in clinical practice of USK in UC in the medium and long-term. Methods Observational study in UC patients who received USK at the recommended dose based on weight ~6 mg/kg IV week, 0.90 mg SC week, 8 and maintenance, 90 mg SC every, 8 or, 12 weeks and with, 1 year of follow-up. The partial Mayo score (PMS) was used to assess clinical remission (PMS≤, 2). The PMS, C-reactive protein (CRP) and faecal calprotectin (FC) values ​​were recorded at baseline and after, 8, 16, 24 and, 52 weeks. Dose adjustment was performed by the measure of UST trough levels by ELISA, when patient lost clinical and/or biochemical response and the levels were low (&amp;lt;1.3 µg/ml). Demographic, clinical, biochemical and endoscopic data, previous treatments, adverse events (AEs), surgeries and hospitalizations, were documented. Results Twenty-three patients with UC were analysed. (Table, 1). All patients had received previous biological treatment:, 52% ≥2 anti-TNF, 65% vedolizumab and, 30% JAK inhibitors. Treatment discontinuation occurred in, 3 patients (13%). The persistence was, 83% and, 79% at, 6 and, 12 months (Figure, 1). During follow-up, 12 patients (52%) maintained standard dose of USK. Dose adjustment was performed in, 13 patients (56%):, 3 (13%) required intravenous UST reinduction and, 10 (43%) required dose escalation (8 by shortening the interval between doses and, 2 by switching to intravenous USK administration). Clinical remission was reached in, 61%, 58%, 56%, 79% of the patients after, 8, 16, 24, 52 weeks, respectively. Normal CRP (&amp;lt;5mg/L) and FC (&amp;lt;150 µg/g) levels were achieved in, 76%, 93% and, 80% and in, 35%, 31% and, 40% of patients after, 8, 24, 52 weeks, respectively. Five of, 6 patients who had endoscopy before and after treatment showed endoscopic Mayo subscore ≤1. There were, 2 AEs, 1 hospitalization, and, 1 colectomy during follow-up. Conclusion This study demonstrates the safety as well as the clinical, biological and endoscopic effectiveness of USK adjusted by levels in real life in a highly refractory UC cohort.

P471 Real-world experience of using Tofacitinib in Ulcerative Colitis in biologic naïve and biologic exposed patients

Abstract Background Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule, which recently received NICE approval for the treatment of moderate to severe treatment refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). We present data on the regional experience for it use in relation to its efficacy in a cohort of patients with UC. Methods This study analysed a retrospective, cohort from a large IBD unit in the UK. Patients with UC commenced on tofacitinib between 2019 and 2021 for active disease were included. Clinical disease activity was assessed at baseline, week 8, week 16 and during follow up visits. We evaluated clinical response (&amp;gt;50% reduction in symptoms) at week 8, proportion of patients requiring extended of induction therapy to week 16 and need for re-escalation of maintenance dosing. Results A total of 55 patients were included (median age 34 years; IQR 15.75). Twenty six (47.3%) patients had pancolitis, 20 (36.4%) were biologic naïve and 18 (32.7%) were exposed to more than one biologic. Eighteen patients (32.7%) entered clinical response at week 8 and were able to de-escalate to 5mg BD maintenance therapy. Six patients (10.9%) had a primary non response and required a switch to an alternative biologic or a colectomy. Of the patients given an extended induction period (10mg BD for 16 weeks), 7/31 (22.6%) were able to de-escalate to 5mg BD, 15/31 (48.4%) continued on 10mg BD as maintenance and 9/31 (29.0%) discontinued treatment due to lack of clinical response. Of the patients on 5mg BD as maintenance 10/24 (41.6%) required re-escalation to 10mg BD maintenance dosing following a median duration of 10 weeks. Primary non response to tofacitinib were similar in biologic naïve patients compared to biologic exposed patients (25% vs 28.5% respectively). Biologic exposed patients were more likely to need 10mg BD as maintenance dosing compared to biologic naïve patients (72% vs 46.7% respectively). Conclusion Consistent with prior literature, our experience confirms the effectiveness of Tofacitinib in both biologic naive and biologic exposed patients with moderate to severe UC with similar clinical response between the two cohorts. Patients exposed to biologics however appear to have a greater likelihood of escalation to 10mg BD for maintenance therapy.

P407 A Phase IB/IIA study of remestemcel-L, an allogeneic bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell product, for the treatment of medically refractory ulcerative colitis: An interim analysis

Abstract Background Direct injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used for the treatment of perianal Crohn’s fistulizing disease. However, no studies have looked at the direct injection of MSCs for luminal ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods Following screening and informed consent, patients with medically refractory UC were randomized in a, 2:1 fashion to receive remestemcel-L, an ex vivo expanded allogeneic bone marrow derived MSC product, at a dose of, 150 or, 300 million MSCs versus placebo delivered via direct injection using a, 23 G sclerotherapy needle at the time of colonoscopy. Patients were included if they had medically refractory UC defined as an established diagnosis for at least, 6 months prior to study enrollment and had lost response to at least one monoclonal antibody in the past. Patients were evaluated with validated clinical and endoscopic scoring systems at, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and, 3 months post MSC delivery. Patients randomized to control crossed over at, 3 months to receive MSC treatment and followed the same schedule for post MSC evaluation. Results A total of six patients were enrolled and treated;, 4 were randomized to treatment and, 2 to placebo. All had been on prior anti-TNF or anti integrin-therapy. There were no adverse and serious adverse events related to investigational product. In the treatment group (n=4), the Mayo score and Mayo endoscopic severity score decreased in all patients by two weeks after MSC delivery. By six weeks post MSC treatment, all treated patients had achieved clinical and endoscopic remission as defined by the Mayo score and Mayo endoscopic severity score. Patient reported number of daily bowel movements decreased as did urgency and presence of blood in the stool. With regard to patient reported outcomes, at three months, based on the inflammatory bowel disease patient reported treatment impact (IBD-PRTI), all patients were extremely satisfied or satisfied with their MSC treatment. Treated response was described as excellent or good in all patients. In the control group (n=2), the Mayo score did not decrease. Patient reported number of daily bowel movements increased as did the number reporting blood in their stool; urgency remained unchanged. With regard to patient reported outcomes, at three months, based on the IBD-PRTI, one patient was neutral, and one patient was dissatisfied. Treated response was described as poor or unchanged in control patients. Conclusion MSCs offer a safe alternative therapeutic for the treatment of medically refractory UC. Early data suggests improved clinical and endoscopic scores by as early as two weeks following MSC delivery.