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Summary Background Aims Methods Results Conclusions Previous studies highlighted a more extensive phenotype for paediatric‐onset than adult‐onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, most lacked long‐term follow‐up, and some were conducted before the era of biologics.The aim of this study is to compare disease characteristics and treatment exposures between paediatric‐onset and adult‐onset IBD.From a registry that periodically and uniformly retrieves demographics, disease characteristics/phenotype, and treatments, we compared the characteristics of paediatric‐onset (diagnosed at ≥6 and <18 years) and adult‐onset IBD, diagnosed during 2000–2022 and with ≥12 months follow‐up.Of the 2837 patients with Crohn's disease and 1332 with ulcerative colitis, 3316 had adult‐onset and 853 paediatric‐onset IBD. The median follow‐up was 6 years. Patients with paediatric‐onset presented with more extensive disease and received more intensified therapies, including biologics and JAK inhibitors than those with adult‐onset IBD. Paediatric‐onset ulcerative colitis showed a higher prevalence of E3 extensive colitis including pancolitis and a greater requirement for systemic steroids, immunomodulators, and biologics than adult‐onset ulcerative colitis. Paediatric‐onset versus adult‐onset Crohn's disease exhibited greater L3 ileocolonic involvement and perianal disease phenotype, and higher exposure to immunomodulators and biologics. Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox proportional hazards analyses showed significantly lower 15‐year biologic‐free survival from diagnosis among those with paediatric‐onset IBD than with adult‐onset IBD (p = <0.001), indicating greater and earlier use of biologics in the former.Paediatric‐onset presents with more extensive disease with higher exposures to immunomodulators and biologic therapies than adult‐onset IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Patency capsule (PC) is a recommended procedure to rule out small bowel stenosis before video capsule endoscopy (VCE). We examined future clinical outcomes among patients with a failed PC vs patients in whom the PC had passed (passed PC). METHODS: A post hoc analysis of 2 prospective cohort studies of adult patients with quiescent small bowel Crohn’s disease (CD) who underwent PC between 2013 and 2020. The primary composite outcome was the need for intestinal surgery or endoscopic dilation during follow-up in patients with or without a failed PC. RESULTS: A total of 190 patients were included (47: failed PC and 143: passed PC, median follow-up 34.12 months). Patients with a failed PC had higher rates of the primary composite outcome (21.3% vs 1.4%, hazard ratio [HR] 20.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4–93.7, P < 0.001) and also secondary outcomes including intestinal surgery (14.9% vs 0.70%, P < 0.001), endoscopic dilation (14.9% vs 0.70%, P < 0.001), admissions (23.3% vs 5.7%, P < 0.001), and clinical flares (43.9% vs 27.7%, P 5 0.005) during follow-up compared with controls. Failed PC was the only statistically significant factor for surgery and/or endoscopic dilation, regardless of a B2/B3 phenotype at baseline. In sensitivity analyses restricted only to patients with a stricturing phenotype (n 5 73), a failed PC still predicted the long-term composite outcome (HR 8.68, 95% CI 1.72–43.68, P 5 0.002). Of the 190 patients ingesting a PC, only 1 patient with a failed PC had 48 hours of self-limiting mild symptoms. DISCUSSION: Patients with clinically stable CD with a failed PC have worse long-term clinical outcomes than those without, independently of the CD phenotype. Standalone PC may serve as a novel, safe, and affordable prognostic examination to identify patients with quiescent CD who have a higher risk for future worse clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is part of a spectrum of inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). The disease is complex, characterized by significant inter and intra-individual heterogeneity, which contributes to a diverse and multifaceted portrayal of the disease. Consequently, applying specific and accurate treatment is challenging, and therapeutic success rates remain disappointing and insufficient. In recent years, significant advances in the therapeutic potential of CD have been made. Hope has been provided by these developments in the form of an expanding treatment toolkit. However, even with these beneficial adjustments, patients are frequently treated using an ineffective "one size fits all" treatment protocol, ultimately leading to a plateau in drug effectiveness and a decline in overall treatment success rates. Furthermore, with the advancement in the genome-wide association study, in combination with significant bioinformatic developments, the world of medicine has moved in the direction of personalized, tailored-treatment medicine, and this trend has not escaped the world of IBDs. Prediction models, novel biomarkers, and complex algorithms are emerging and inspiring optimism that CD patients will be treated with "precision medicine" in the near future, meaning that their treatments will be selected based on the patient's various unique features. In this review, we will outline the current diagnostic and therapeutic limitations that lead to a glass ceiling effect and thus send us in pursuit of discovering novel biomarkers. We will illustrate the challenges and difficulties in discovering relevant and innovative biomarkers and implementing them into everyday clinical practice. We will also heighten the progress made in practicing personalized medicine for CD patients and shed light on future directions and horizons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin was shown in placebo-controlled trials to induce remission in mild-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC). QingDai (QD, Indigo), another herbal extract, showed efficacy in two UC trials from Japan, but evidence in the Western population is scant. We report on the use of curcumin-QingDai combination (CurQD) for the treatment of moderate-severe UC. Patient 1 was a 24-year-old male with severe UC refractory to cyclosporine and corticosteroids. He partially responded to infliximab but later lost response to an optimized dose of infliximab in combination with 6-mercaptopurine, presenting with worsening symptoms and severe Mayo 3 mucosal inflammation. Initiation of CurQD 2.5 g/day resulted in rapid cessation of blood per rectum. Complete clinical remission ensued within few weeks. Follow-up endoscopies performed 12 weeks later showed only minimal residual inflammation. Infliximab was later stopped due to reimbursement issues, and the patient was successfully maintained on lower doses of CurQD and 6-mercaptopurine for 31 months. Two flares have responded to a temporary increase in QD component dose. Patient 2 was a 59-year-old female with extensive UC not responding to maximal oral + topical 5-ASA and corticosteroids. Despite severe mucosal ulceration (Mayo 3) found on endoscopy, she refused the recommendation for biologics and opted for a short-term limited trial of CurQD. This was initiated at 2,000 mg/day and induced rapid clinical remission. Lower endoscopies performed after 2 and 5 months on CurQD showed complete mucosal healing, and the patient maintained her clinical remission on low-dose CurQD for 49 months. No adverse events were noted in the 2 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosed VTE rates were similar between patients with an IBD-related and a non IBD-related hospitalization. In the last 20 years, the treatment and management of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) have been revolutionized by the introduction of biological therapies and small molecules. Interestingly, in patients with UC, the dose intensification's requirement rate was significantly higher compared to CD perhaps due to disease severity and accelerated anti-TNF clearance in active UC, warranting higher drug concentrations. Overall, the studies in this Special Issue provide a comprehensive view on novel therapeutic strategies in IBD and will assist physicians in improving IBD care and attempt to tailor the right treatment for each patient. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: Background: Ustekinumab is effective in Crohn's disease. However, a substantial proportion of patients will not respond or lose response to ustekinumab. The current evidence to support the effectiveness of dose‐optimisation for ustekinumab nonresponse is limited. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of dose escalation of ustekinumab. Methods: This was a multicentre retrospective cohort study. We included active Crohn's disease patients who received a standard‐dose intravenous induction and at least one subcutaneous ustekinumab 90 mg dose. All enrolled patients received dose escalation by either shortening the interval between the doses to every 4 or 6 weeks, intravenous reinduction or a combination of strategies. The primary outcome of the study was clinical response at week 16 after dose escalation. Results: A total of 142 patients (22 centres/14 countries) were included. The patients were dose‐escalated after a median treatment duration of 30 weeks. At week 16 from escalation, 73/142 (51.4%) responded to treatment, including 55/142 (38.7%) in clinical remission. Corticosteroid‐free remission was achieved in 6/34 (17.6%) patients on corticosteroids at the time of escalation; 118/142 (83%) continued treatment beyond week 16. Follow‐up data beyond week 16 were available for 74/118 (62.7%) patients. On the last follow‐up, 51/98 (52%) patients with available data responded to treatment, including 41/98 (42%) in clinical remission. Conclusions: Intensification of ustekinumab maintenance dosage was effective in over 50% of the patients. This strategy should be considered in patients who are nonresponsive to every 8 weeks ustekinumab maintenance dosing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Evaluate the ability of MR diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to predict patency capsule retention in Crohn's disease (CD).Methods: Clinical and imaging data were prospectively reviewed for 80 CD patients following patency capsule administration and MR-DWI under institutional review board (IRB) approval with informed consent. Two radiologists separately assessed the presence/absence of restricted diffusion in the distal ileum. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) from three regions of interest on the ileal wall were averaged. The association between restricted diffusion and retention, and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. Ability of ADC to predict retention was assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results: Restricted diffusion in the distal ileum was associated with capsule retention (p = 0.001, p < 0.0001). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of restricted diffusion for capsule retention were 100.0%, 46.2%, 30.0%, 100% and 100.0%, 56.9%, 34.9%, 100%, respectively, for two radiologists. Accuracy of ADC to predict retention was high (area under the curve = 0.851, p < 0.0001). An ADC of 1.47 mm2/s showed 90.0% sensitivity and 50.0% specificity for retention.Conclusions: Sensitivity and NPV of restricted diffusion for patency capsule retention were 100%, suggesting that DWI may predict gastrointestinal tract capability to pass video camera endoscopy.Key Points: • Capsule endoscopy enables assessment of the gastrointestinal mucosa in Crohn's disease • Prior patency capsule administration is recommended to evaluate gastrointestinal tract patency • MR diffusion-weighted imaging may detect pathological constriction of the ileum • Restricted diffusion in the distal ileum was associated with capsule retention • MR-DWI may predict gastrointestinal tract capability to pass capsule endoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the potential of OpenAI's ChatGPT as a decision support tool for acute ulcerative colitis presentations in the setting of an emergency department. We assessed ChatGPT's performance in determining disease severity using TrueLove and Witts criteria and the necessity of hospitalization for patients with ulcerative colitis, comparing results with those of expert gastroenterologists. Of 20 cases, ChatGPT's assessments were found to be 80% consistent with gastroenterologist evaluations and indicated a high degree of reliability. This suggests that ChatGPT could provide as a clinical decision support tool in assessing acute ulcerative colitis, serving as an adjunct to clinical judgment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is present in about 50% of the global population, and is associated with chronic gastritis, peptic disease and gastric malignancies. HP prevalence in Crohn's disease (CD) patients was shown to be low compared to the general population, and its influence on disease activity is yet to be determined. Our aims were to determine the prevalence of HP in a selected group of CD patients with quiescent disease, and to assess the influence of its eradication on disease activity and endoscopic and laboratory activity measures.Methods: Consecutive CD patients with quiescent disease underwent meticulous disease evaluation with MR enterography (MRE), video capsule endoscopy (VCE), CRP, fecal calprotectin and CDAI. All patients were tested for the presence of HP using stool antigen detection kit. Patients infected with HP were offered eradication treatment with sequential therapy. HP eradication was confirmed using urease breath test and stool antigen test. The influence of HP eradication on disease activity was assessed.Results: Out of 56 patients enrolled, six patients (10.7%) had HP infection. Of them, five patients had gastro- duodenitis per VCE. All HP positive patients were offered eradication treatment and underwent successful eradication. Notably, 23 (50%) of patients had proximal disease per VCE, most of them (78%) were HP negative. CDAI, CRP, fecal calprotectin and VCE Lewis inflammatory score did not change significantly following HP eradication, Gastric findings on VCE were not impacted by HP eradication.Conclusions: The prevalence of HP infection in patients with quiescent CD is relatively low. Eradication of the bacteria did not significantly change neither disease activity measures nor the presence of gastro- duodenitis per VCE, suggesting it might be part of proximal CD. The influence of HP on CD activity merits further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biologics have revolutionized the therapeutic approach in infl ammatory bowel disease (IBD). Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents infl iximab and adalimumab currently constitute the major biological therapy in IBD. Additional anti-TNFs such as golimumab and other new biologics are currently being developed for both anti-TNF-naive and -resistant patients. these include anti-integrins (vedolizumab and etrolizumab), a JAK inhibitor (tofacitinib) and an anti-anti-interleukin (IL)-23 and IL-12 antibody (ustekinumab), among additional drugs in development. the following review discusses the indications, effi cacy and safety issues for these novel medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite differences in the information obtained by capsule endoscopy (CE) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE), one of these modalities is usually needed when evaluating disease activity. There are no data on patients' preference that would help guide the choice between these two modalities in these instances. Aim: To compare patients' tolerance and preference to MRE versus CE. Patients and methods: Patients with known small bowel Crohn's disease (CD) in clinical remission (Crohn's disease activity index [CDAI] ,150) or with mild symptoms (CDAI ,220) were prospectively recruited. All patients underwent MRE followed by CE. Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire addressing specific points regarding inconvenience during the preparation for the procedures, the procedures, and postprocedures. Side effects and procedure preference were addressed. Questionnaires were included for analysis only when more than 95% of the items were addressed. Results: Fifty-six patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Pre-exam discomfort, during-exam discomfort , nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain were all significantly more prominent in MRE as compared to CE (P,0.0001, P,0.0001, P,0.0001, P=0.009, P=0.0002, P,0.0001, respectively). MRE was perceived as a more difficult procedure (P,0.0001). Furthermore, MRE was associated with a specific adverse event - claustrophobia. Seventy-eight percent of patients (44 patients) preferred to repeat CE as compared to 22% (P,0.0001) who preferred MRE. Conclusion: CE was better tolerated by CD patients compared to MRE and was preferred by 78% of patients. The superior tolerability of CE should be considered along with the diagnostic features, and more data sought when choosing between these two modalities for CD patients for long-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Study Aims: Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is invaluable in the diagnosis of small-bowel pathology. Capsule retention is a major concern in patients with Crohn's disease. The patency capsule was designed to evaluate small-bowel patency before VCE. However, the actual benefit of the patency capsule test in Crohn's disease remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of patency capsule use on the risk of video capsule retention in patients with established Crohn's disease.Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter study of patients with established Crohn's disease who underwent VCE for clinical need. The utilization strategy for the patency capsule was classified as selective (only in patients with obstructive symptoms, history of intestinal obstruction or surgery, or per treating physician's request) or nonselective (all patients with Crohn's disease). The main outcome was video capsule retention in the entire cohort and within each utilization strategy.Results: A total of 406 patients who were referred for VCE were included in the study. VCE was performed in 132 /406 patients (32.5 %) without a prior patency capsule test. The patency capsule test was performed in 274 /406 patients (67.5 %) and was negative in 193 patients. Overall, VCE was performed in 343 patients and was retained in the small bowel in 8 (2.3 %). In this cohort, the risk of video capsule retention in the small bowel was 1.5 % without use of a prior patency capsule and 2.1 % after a negative patency test (P = 0.9). A total of 18 patients underwent VCE after a positive patency capsule test, with a retention rate of 11.1 % (P = 0.01). Patency capsule administration strategy (selective vs. nonselective) was not associated with the risk of video capsule retention.Conclusions: Capsule retention is a rare event in patients with established Crohn's disease undergoing VCE. The risk of video capsule retention was not reduced by the nonselective use of the patency capsule. Furthermore, VCE after a positive patency capsule test in patients with Crohn's disease was associated with a high risk of video capsule retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:Mucosal healing (MH) and deep remission (DR) are associated with improved outcomes in Crohn's disease (CD). However, most of the current data pertain to colonic MH and DR, whereas the evidence regarding the prevalence and impact of small bowel (SB) MH is scarce. The aim of this study was to to evaluate the prevalence of SBMH and DR in quiescent SBCD.Methods:Patients with known SBCD in clinical remission (CDAI<150) or with mild symptoms (CDAI<220) were prospectively recruited and underwent video capsule endoscopy after verification of SB patency. Inflammation was quantified using the Lewis score (LS). SBMH was defined as LS<135, whereas a significant inflammation was defined as LS>790. Clinico-biomarker remission was defined as a combination of clinical remission and normal biomarkers. DR was defined as a combination of clinico-biomarker remission and MH.Results:Fifty-six patients with proven SB patency were enrolled; 52 (92.9%) patients were in clinical remission and 21 (40.4%) in clinico-biomarker remission. SBMH was demonstrated in 8/52 (15.4%) of patients in clinical remission. Moderate-to-severe SB inflammation was demonstrated in 11/52 (21.1%) of patients in clinical remission and in 1/21 (4.7%) of patients in clinical and biomarker remission. Only 7/52 (13.5%) patients were in DR.Conclusions:SB inflammation is detected in the majority of CD patients in clinical and biomarker remission. SBMH and DR were rare and were independent of treatment modality. Our findings represent the true inflammatory burden in quiescent patients with SBCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical efficacy and risk of complications are associated with intracellular levels of thiopurine metabolites 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN) and 6-methylmercaptopurines (6-MMP) in patients with Crohn's disease. Therapeutic monitoring of thiopurine metabolites is not widely available. Surrogate markers such as hematologic indices (MCV, leukopenia) have been proposed. Aims: To evaluate accuracy of hematologic indices for prediction of therapeutic levels of thiopurine metabolites. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study. We included patients treated with thiopurines for IBD between February 2008 and November 2013. Hematologic indices were correlated with thiopurine metabolites and compared to pre-treatment levels. Results: A total of 168 patients with 608 measurements were included. Macrocytosis was observed in 4.5 % of the patients. On multivariate analysis, macrocytosis was associated with 6-TGN levels >235 pmol/8 × 10 erythrocytes and 6-mmp levels >5,700 pmol/8 × 10 erythrocytes. Therapeutic 6-TGN levels were associated with MCV, ΔMCV, macrocytosis and lymphocyte count. Sensitivity and Spearman's r correlation for prediction of therapeutic metabolite levels were poor for all hematologic indices. Conclusion: Although macrocytosis and an elevated MCV are associated with therapeutic 6-TGN levels, the correlation is weak. None of the evaluated hematologic indices is a reliable surrogate marker for thiopurine metabolite levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors and thiopurines are among the most important classes of medications utilized in the clinical management of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A significant proportion of patients loses response to these agents or develops adverse effects during the course of the treatment. Monitoring of drug levels and anti-drug antibodies (for TNF-α inhibitors) and metabolite levels (for thiopurines) can provide valuable insight into the possible etiology of unfavorable outcomes and allow for an appropriate management strategy for these patients. Th is review summarizes the current knowledge on the clinical implications of therapeutic drug monitoring in inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with TNF-α inhibitors and thiopurines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluation of pregnant women with known or suspected Crohn’s disease (CD) remains a challenge. Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE) is a promising diagnostic tool in these patients; however, the clinical data on MRE utilization in pregnancy is scarce. The aim of the study was to describe the experience with MRE in pregnant CD patients in a tertiary referral center. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed MRE studies performed in pregnant women with known or suspected CD that were performed between January 2007 and November 2012. Imaging findings, clinical management and outcome were extracted from patient’s file and electronic records. Image quality was evaluated. Results: Ten studies of 9 patients were included. MRE protocol was modified to maximize maternal and fetal safety, and intravenous gadolinium was not used. In 7 patients, CD diagnosis was previously established; six were admitted with clinical symptoms consistent with CD exacerbation, and an additional patient with a recurrent groin abscess without apparent luminal symptoms. In all seven patients, imaging features consistent with active CD were detected; new penetrating complications were detected in 4 patients. Two patients underwent MRE for suspected CD which was not comforted by study results. The clinical management was significantly impacted by MRE results in all positive cases. The image quality of the fast MRE sequences obtained without gadolinium was satisfactory and allowed meaningful interpretation. Conclusion: MRE with an adapted protocol for pregnancy is a reliable imaging modality to manage in pregnant women with known or suspected CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Failure of anti-TNF treatment in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients can take on several forms, each posing distinct etio-pathogenic considerations and management dilemmas. Aim: The aim of this study is to review the mechanisms responsible for the various forms of anti-TNF failures in IBD and to elucidate strategies for optimizing clinical efficacy. Results: Primary failures of anti-TNF induction therapy occur in up to 40% of patients in clinical trials and in 10–20% in clinical series. Longer disease duration, smoking and several genetic mutations are predisposing factors for primary failures. Curiously, primary non-response is probably not a class-effect phenomenon since switching to another anti-TNF is effective in over 50% of such patients. Secondary loss of response is also a common clinical problem with incidence ranging between 23 and 46% at 12months after anti-TNF initiation. Underlying mechanisms are often related to increased anti-TNF clearance by anti-drug antibodies, but may also include other causes for recalcitrant IBD activity as well as disorders that are unrelated to IBD itself. Astute management begins with verifying the presence of uncontrolled inflammatory IBD activity as a cause for patient's symptoms. Next, it is prudent to consider a trial of wait-and-see approach, since in some patients with mild-moderate symptoms, loss of response may resolve without alteration of therapy. If it does not, measuring anti-TNF trough levels and anti-drug antibodies may clarify the underlying mechanism in individual patients although there are still limited and conflicting data regarding the role of these measurements in guiding the choice between dose-intensification, switch to another anti-TNF or to another immuno-modulator, and the addition of an immuno-modulator as a combination therapy with the failing anti-TNF. Anti-TNF re-induction after prior drug-holiday is a distinct clinical scenario and scarce evidence suggests re-induction outcome to be dependent on the circumstances when drug-holiday was commenced. Finally, discontinuation of anti-TNF in patients with stable deep clinico-biologic and mucosal remission may be a viable option, as in these carefully selected patients the majority may enjoy long-term remission without the need for continued anti-TNF treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) is frequently associated with weight loss and malnutrition. However, as the prevalence of obesity increases worldwide, it may become a clinical problem even in CD. Aim: To assess the prevalence of severe/morbid obesity in CD patients and to compare their disease characteristics to nonobese CD patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a computerized CD patient database was performed to identify severely/morbidly obese patients (BMI >35). Prevalence was compared to data of the general population. Severely/morbidly obese CD patients were then compared to randomly selected nonobese CD patients (BMI <30) in a 1:3 ratio. Results: Thirteen severely/morbidly obese patients out of 560 CD patients were found (2.3%), which is significantly lower than the prevalence in the general population (5.6%, p = 0.001). When compared to 39 nonobese CD patients, colonic disease was significantly more common among severely/morbidly obese CD patients (odds ratio: 6, 95% CI: 1.35-26.3, p = 0.02), while there was no difference in other disease parameters. Interestingly, 4 morbidly obese CD patients had undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for treatment of morbid obesity with a favorable surgical course. Conclusion: CD in severely/morbidly obese patients is more often colonic, but otherwise no different than CD in nonobese patients. Sleeve gastrectomy is a viable therapeutic option for morbidly obese CD patients. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Colonic diverticulosis is a common condition with obscure pathogenesis. Obesity, hyperlipidemia and hypertension have been demonstrated to increase the risk of complicated diverticular disease, but the impact of metabolic risk factors on the prevalence of uncomplicated diverticulosis has not been clearly determined. Aims: The aim of the study was to examine the impact of obesity and metabolic syndrome on the prevalence of colonic diverticulosis. Methods: This retrospective case-control study included patients aged 40-85 years who were followed up by the Institute of Medical Screening in Israel and underwent colonoscopy in 2006-2011 for indication of colorectal cancer screening. Patients with diverticulosis as detected by colonoscopy were compared to patients without diverticulosis. The comparison parameters included medical history, biometric parameters, biochemical and lipid profile. Results: The study included 3,175 patients. Diverticulosis was diagnosed in 17.4% of the cohort. On univariate analysis, age, male gender, BMI (continuous variable), obesity, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, history of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, hypothyroidism, and absence of diabetes mellitus were associated with an increased risk of colonic diverticulosis. On multivariate analysis, advanced age, male gender, obesity (BMI >30), history of hypothyroidism and absence of diabetes mellitus were associated with an increased risk of diverticulosis. Prevalence of colonic polyps was similar in patients with and without diverticulosis. Conclusion: Colonic diverticulosis was associated with age, male gender, obesity and hypothyroidism. Diabetes mellitus was associated with a decreased risk of colonic diverticulosis. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is a rare and frequently underdiagnosed complicationof Crohn''s disease (CD). This study describes the clinical and radiological characteristics of CD /patients with superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) diagnosed by CT/MRI. Patients and methods: The database of Crohn''s disease patients treated in Sheba Medical Center between 2005-2010 was searched for MVT diagnosis. Imaging studies of identified patients were retrieved and reviewed by an experienced abdominal radiologist. MVT was defined by superior mesenteric vein obliteration and/or thrombus in the vessel lumen on abdominal imaging. The clinical and radiologic data of these patients were collected from the medical records. Results: MVT was demonstrated in 6/460 CD patients. Five patients had stricturing disease, and one patient had a combined fistulizing and stricturing disease phenotype. All patients had small bowel disease, but 3/6 also had colonic involvement. No patient had a prior thromboembolic history or demonstrable hypercoagulability. One patient had an acute SMV thrombus demonstrable on CT scanning, the remaining patients showed an obliteration of superior mesenteric vein. Two patients received anticoagulation upon diagnosis of thrombosis. No subsequent thromboembolic events were recorded. Conclusions: The incidence of mesenteric vein thrombosis is likely to be underestimated in patients with Crohn’s disease. Both CT and MRI imaging demonstrate the extent of enteric disease and coincident SMV thrombosis. In our cohort, thrombosis was associated with stricturing disease of the small bowel. The clinical impact of SMV thrombosis and whether anticoagulation is mandatory for all of these patients remains to be determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aims: The diagnostic accuracy of capsule endoscopy has been suggested to be influenced by the direction of the passage in the intestine. It is currently unknown if a head-first or a tail-first orientation are equally common during the descent through the small bowel. The aim of the study was to identify the orientation of the capsule along the migration through the small bowel. Methods: Thirty capsule endoscopies were reviewed by an experienced observer. The direction of the passage through the pylorus and the ileoceccal valve was recorded for all the examinations. In addition, detailed review of the passage of the capsule in different segments of the small bowel was undertaken for all the capsules. Results: The capsule was significantly more likely to pass the pylorus head-first compared to tail-first (25 and 5 out of 30, respectively, OR 5, 95% CI 65-94%, P < 0.001). In 28/30 studies, the capsule exited the ileoceccal valve head-first (OR-14, 95% CI 77-99%, P < 0.001). In an immersion experiment, uneven distribution of weight of the capsule body was demonstrated with the head part (camera tip) being lighter than the tail part. Conclusions: The capsule endoscope usually passes through the pylorus and subsequent segments of the small bowel head-first. This observation suggests that the intestinal peristaltic physiology drives symmetrical bodies with their light part first. The principle of intestinal orientation by weight distribution may bear implications for capsules' design in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite widespread azithromycin use, no audit has targeted this drug to date. Azithromycin was audited in primary military clinics between July 1, 2003 and December 31, 2003 (period I). Consumption (defined dally doses/1000 visits) and economic expenditure of penicillin V, amoxicillin, erythromycin, and azithromycin were evaluated. An educational intervention was performed (dissemination of local guideline regarding indications for azithromycin use) and its impact was assessed between July 1, 2004 and December 31, 2004 (period 2). During periods 1 and 2, 105 and 31 patients were prescribed azithromycin. Azithromycin was appropriately chosen in 5.7% vs. 70.9% of cases (p < 0.0001), but unnecessary in 90.5% vs. 16.2 (p < 0.0001). Azithromycin prescription during period 1 resulted in extrapolated excess expenditure of 420,000 New Israeli shekels/year (1 U.S. dollar = 4.5 New Israeli shekels). There was an attributable decrease of 82.1% in azithromycin consumption (adjusted attributable cost reduction 38.1%), but an increase in amoxicillin consumption (20.2%}. Intervention decreased azithromycin consumption and expenditure but its effect was offset by increased consumption of other agents, mainly amoxicillin. Interventions in primary care settings should target prescribing behavior through a multifaceted approach to increase efficacy while preventing a trade-off effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LINKED CONTENT This article is linked to Kopylov et al and Srinivansan papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15784 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15883. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LINKED CONTENT This article is linked to Chapuis‐Biron et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15665. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient activation refers to patients' independence in daily activities, involvement in the therapeutic process, and ability to manage their health. This study examined the association between the activation of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its effect on health indices. Objectives: To evaluate the association between the activation of patients with IBD measured by patient activation measure (PAM-13) questionnaire with disease activity and quality of life in IBD. Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: This study included patients with Crohn's Disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) followed at a large medical center in Israel, who were recruited during routine visits. They answered weekly questionnaires using a mobile smartphone application that included clinical and emotional disease parameters, including IBD control, quality of life [short IBD quality of life questionnaire (SIBDQ)], patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS-10) and PAM-13. Additional clinical parameters were collected from electronic medical records. Results: Among 201 patients (113 females) who responded to the questionnaires, 152 (75.6%) had CD and 49 (24.4%) UC. For PAM-13, 158 (79%) patients were at PAM-13 levels 3–4 (mean score: 68.5, range: 60.0–73.1) and 43 (21%) were at levels 1–2 (mean score: 45.2, range: 40.9–49.9). PAM-13 levels were correlated with IBD control (r = 0.19, p = 0.023), SIBDQ (r = 0.20, p = 0.010), and PROMIS-10 score (r = 0.24, p = 0.017). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the importance of patient activation and engagement in IBD. Knowledge of patient activation may enable caregivers to predict levels of self-care and the likelihood of compliance with health behavior recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Complicated perianal disease (cPD) may be the sole presentation of Crohn's disease (CD). The role of small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) in the diagnostic algorithm of cPD is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the role of SBCE as a diagnostic tool, in patients with cPD, after a negative standard workup for CD. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study, in patients with cPD, and negative standard workup for CD (ileocolonoscopy and cross-sectional imaging), who underwent SBCE for suspected CD. Demographics, biomarkers, and the Lewis Score (LS) were recorded and analyzed. An LS ≥ 135 was considered a positive SBCE for diagnosing CD. Results: Ninety-one patients were included: 65 (71.4%) males; median age: 37 (29–51) years; cPD duration: 25.1 (12.5–66.1) months. Positive SBCE: 24/91 (26.4%) patients. Fecal calprotectin (FC) positively correlated with LS (r = 0.81; p < 0.001). FC levels of 100 µg/g and 50 µg/g had a sensitivity of only 40% and 55% to rule out small-bowel CD, with a negative predictive value (NPV) of only 76% and 80%, respectively. Conclusions: SBCE contributed to CD diagnosis in a quarter of patients with cPD after a negative standard workup. FC levels correlated with the degree of inflammation defined by the LS. However, the NPV of FC was low, suggesting that SBCE should be considered for patients with cPD even after a negative standard workup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnosis of proximal small bowel involvement in Crohn's disease (CD) can be challenging at magnetic resonance enterography (MRE). The inflammatory process in CD can be associated with peri-intestinal inflammatory reactions, including the presence of inflamed mesenteric lymph nodes. Objectives: To evaluate the significance of inflamed mesenteric lymph nodes adjacent to the jejunum at MRE in CD and the association with proximal bowel disease as detected by video capsule endoscopy (VCE). Design: This retrospective study was performed in two tertiary medical centres, and included 64 patients with CD who underwent MRE as well as VCE within 1 year. Methods: Data were collected for examinations performed between August 2013 and February 2021. MRE images were independently reviewed by radiologists who were blinded to the clinical data. Association between the presence of mesenteric lymph nodes adjacent to jejunum at MRE and disease activity according to VCE Lewis scores of proximal small bowel was examined. Results: VCE detected proximal disease in 24/64 patients (37.5%). Presence of regional lymph nodes in the jejunal mesentery was significantly associated with jejunal disease as seen on VCE (p < 0.001). Of the 20 patients who had proximal mesenteric lymph nodes at MRE, 15 (75%) had jejunal disease at VCE (sensitivity, 62.5%; specificity, 87.5%; and negative and positive predictive values, 79.5 and 75%, respectively). The number of regional lymph nodes was positively correlated with jejunal disease (mean: 2.63 ± 2.90 versus 0.78 ± 2.60, p = 0.01). Other MRE features of lymph nodes were not significantly predictive of jejunal CD. Conclusion: In patients with CD, inflamed regional lymph nodes in the jejunal mesentery at MRE can be valuable to suggest proximal small bowel disease, even when bowel wall features at imaging do not suggest disease involvement. Plain language summary: The diagnosis of proximal small bowel involvement in Crohn's disease (CD) can be challenging at magnetic resonance enterography (MRE). We analysed MRE examinations in patients with CD for the presence of lymph nodes adjacent to the proximal small bowel. We included 64 patients with CD who had MRE examinations and video capsule endoscopy (VCE) examinations within 1 year. Of 64 patients, 24 had proximal small bowel disease according to VCE. We found that of 20 patients who had regional mesenteric lymph nodes in the jejunal mesentery at MRE, 15 had proximal bowel disease involvement. We also found that patients with jejunal disease had a larger number of regional lymph nodes compared to patients without jejunal disease. All but one patient had normal appearing bowel at MRE. But, using regional mesenteric lymphadenopathy at MRE as an indicator for disease, 15/24 (62.5%) patients with proximal small bowel disease were detected. We therefore conclude that regional mesenteric lymph nodes assessment at MRE can aid diagnose proximal bowel disease, even when the proximal bowel looks normal at imaging. Presence of proximal mesenteric lymph nodes at MRE in patients with CD possibly warrant further investigation of the proximal small bowel by endoscopic measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LINKED CONTENT This article is linked to Kopylov et al and Hudson et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15784 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15961 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a novel marker of intestinal inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess if serum MMP-9 levels predict clinical flare in patients with quiescent Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: This study was a post hoc analysis of a prospective observational study in which quiescent CD patients were included and followed until clinical relapse or the end of a 2-year follow-up period. Serial C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin (FC) levels were measured, and the patients underwent repeated capsule endoscopies (CEs) every 6 months. Small bowel inflammation was quantified by Lewis score (LS) for CE. A baseline magnetic resonance enterography was also performed, and MaRIA score was calculated. Serum MMP-9 levels in baseline blood samples were quantified by ELISA. Results: Out of 58 eligible enrolled patients, 16 had a flare. Higher levels of baseline MMP-9 were found in patients who developed subsequent symptomatic flare compared with patients who did not [median 661 ng/ml, 25–75 interquartile range (IQR; 478.2–1441.3) versus 525.5 ng/ ml (339–662.7), respectively, p = 0.01]. Patients with serum MMP-9 levels of 945 ng/ ml or higher were at increased risk for relapse within 24 months [area under the curve (AUC) of 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56–0.88]; hazard ratio 8.1 (95% CI 3.0–21.9, p < 0.001)]. Serum MMP-9 concentrations showed weak and moderate correlation to baseline LS and FC, respectively (r = 0.31, p = 0.02; r = 0.46, p < 0.001). No correlation was found between serum MMP-9 to CRP and MaRIA score. Conclusions: Serum MMP-9 may be a promising biomarker for prediction of clinical flare in CD patients with quiescent disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence regarding the risk of immunogenicity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who switched anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) therapies to a subsequent anti-TNFα (either infliximab or adalimumab) is conflicting. We aimed to assess the risk of consecutive immunogenicity to anti-TNFα in a large cohort of patients. Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective study. Medical records of adult and pediatric IBD switchers who had pharmacokinetic data for both agents between 2014 and 2020 were retrieved. Data including age, sex, disease type, duration of therapies, and concomitant use of immunomodulators (IMMs) were recorded. Results: Overall, 164 patients were included [52% female; 88% Crohn's disease; mean age = 24.4 ± 14.6 years; 108 (66%) switched from infliximab to adalimumab and 56 (34%) vice versa]; 120 (73.1%) patients switched due to an immunogenic failure. Among patients switching therapy from infliximab to adalimumab due to an immunogenic failure immunogenicity to infliximab was significantly associated with consecutive immunogenicity to adalimumab (p = 0.026). Forthy four out of 120 patients (36.6%) with an immunogenic failure to the first anti-TNFα started an IMM with the second anti-TNFα. This combination with IMM was not associated with reduction of consecutive immunogenicity (p = 0.31), but it was associated with longer drug retention (p = 0.007). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that older age at second anti-TNFα, adjusted to the chronology of therapy and sex, was associated with increased immunogenicity to the second anti-TNFα. Conclusion: Patients with IBD who switch from infliximab to adalimumab following an immunogenic failure are at increased risk for consecutive immunogenicity to adalimumab. IMM use after a switch prolongs drug retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The link between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is well-established, with concurrent prevalence estimates ranging from 5–10%. However, there are still significant gaps in our understanding, and a comprehensive treatment guideline for these co-diagnosed patients has yet to be established. Our objective was to explore patterns of treatment alterations following the diagnosis of AS in patients previously diagnosed with IBD, and vice versa. Additionally, we sought to determine how these modifications influence clinical outcomes in both conditions. Methods: This retrospective data-based cohort study included patients with coexisting IBD and AS that were diagnosed between the years 2009–2022 and were followed by the gastroenterology and the rheumatology units of the Sheba Medical Center, Israel. The data were extracted from the electronic health record and included demographic information, medication history, treatment modification at the time of second diagnosis, and the characteristics and activity of both IBD and AS at the index time and at the 3-month mark. Results: The study included a total of 68 patients, with a male predominance (40 patients, 59%). The median age was 43 years (IQR 31–55) and 78% had Crohn's disease (CD). The median duration between the diagnosis of the first disease to the second one was 4 years (IQR 1–9.5). A significant proportion of patients (85%) underwent treatment modification at their second diagnosis. Out of the total cohort, 28% initiated biological therapy, 17.6% switched their biologic regimen, and 16.2% discontinued NSAIDS. Patients who underwent biologic modifications at time of the second diagnosis (the initiation/switch/augmentation of a concurrent regimen) experienced significantly higher rates of clinical improvement in either IBD or AS at the 90-day follow-up compared to patients who did not (68% vs. 32%, p = 0.004), and biologic modification was found to be an independent predictor for clinical improvement (OR 3.69, CI 1.08–12.58, p = 0.037). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that biologic therapy modification at the time of the second diagnosis was associated with a higher rate of improvement in AS/IBD at the 90-day follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) has been proven to accurately diagnose small-bowel inflammation and predict flares among patients with quiescent Crohn's disease (CD). However, data regarding its predictive role in this population over an extended follow-up are scarce. Objectives: To predict clinical exacerbation and to assess the yield of Lewis score in identifying CD patients with future clinical exacerbation during an extended follow-up (>24 months). Design: A post hoc analysis study. Methods: Adult patients with quiescent small-bowel CD who were followed with VCE, inflammatory biomarkers and magnetic resonance enterography in a prospective study (between 2013 and 2018). We extracted extended clinical data (up to April 2022). The primary composite outcome (i.e. clinical exacerbation) was defined as intestinal surgery, endoscopic dilation, CD-related admission, corticosteroid administration, or biological/immunomodulator treatment change during follow-up. Results: Of the 61 patients in the study [median age 29 (24–37) years, male 57.4%, biologic treatment 46.7%], 18 patients met the primary outcome during an extended follow-up [median 58.0 (34.5–93.0) months]. On univariable analysis, complicated [hazard ratio (HR) 7.348, p = 0.002] and stricturing disease phenotype (HR 5.305, p = 0.001) were associated with higher risk for clinical exacerbation during follow-up. A baseline VCE middle small-bowel segment Lewis score (midLS) ⩾ 135 identified patients with future exacerbation [AUC (area under the curve) 0.767, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.633–0.902, p = 0.001, HR 6.317, 93% negative predictive value], whereas the AUC of the conventional Lewis score was 0.734 (95% CI: 0.589–0.879, p = 0.004). Sensitivity analysis restricted to patients with either complicated (n = 34) or stricturing (n = 26) disease phenotype revealed that midLS still predicted clinical exacerbation during follow-up (AUC 0.747/0.753, respectively), in these patients. Conclusion: MidLS predicts treatment failure in quiescent CD patients (median follow-up of 5 years) independently of disease phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Curcumin and QingDai (QD, Indigo) have been shown to be effective for treating active ulcerative colitis (UC). Aim: To evaluate the real‐world experience with the Curcumin–QingDai (CurQD) herbal combination to induce remission in active UC. Methods: A retrospec‑tive multicentre adult cohort study from five tertiary academic centres (2018–2022). Active UC was defined as a Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) ≥ 3. Patients were induced by CurQD. The primary outcome was clinical remission at weeks 8–12, defined as SCCAI ≤2 and a decrease ≥3 points from baseline. Secondary outcomes were clinical response (SCCAI decrease ≥3 points), corticosteroid‐free remission, faecal calprotectin (FC) response (reduction ≥50%), FC normalisation (FC ≤100 μg/g for patients with FC ≥300 μg/g at baseline), and safety. All outcomes were analysed for patients who were maintaining stable treatment. Results: Eighty‐eight patients were included; 50% were biologics/small molecules experienced, and 36.5% received ≥2 biologics/small molecules. Clinical remission was achieved in 41 (46.5%), and clinical response in 53 (60.2%). Median SCCAI decreased from 7 (IQR:5–9) to 2 (IQR:1–3); p < 0.0001. Of the 26 patients on corticosteroids at baseline, seven achieved corticosteroid‐free remission. Among 43 biologics/small molecules experienced patients, clinical remission was achieved in 39.5% and clinical response in 58.1%. FC normalisation and response were achieved in 17/29 and 27/33, respectively. Median FC decreased from 1000 μg/g (IQR:392–2772) at baseline to 75 μg/g (IQR:12–136) at the end of inductions (n = 30 patients with paired samples); p < 0.0001. No overt safety signals emerged. Conclusion: In this real‐world cohort, CurQD effectively induced clinical and biomarker remission in patients with active UC, including patients who were biologics/small molecules experienced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment options, such as anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents and thiopurines, are associated with an increased risk of certain malignancies. However, the management of IBD patients with prior malignancy is not well defined and the literature is scarce. The main aim of this study was to describe the outcome of IBD patients with prior malignancy, or malignancy before first exposure to IBD-related biologic or immunosuppressive treatment. Methods The study cohort included adult IBD patients followed in a tertiary academic center, with at least one malignancy diagnosed before IBD diagnosis or before initiation of IBD-related treatment. The main outcome of interest was a relapse of the previous malignancy or development of a second malignancy. Results Our database included 1112 patients with both IBD and malignancy. Of these, 86 (9%) who had their malignancy diagnosed before IBD-related treatment initiation were identified, while 10/86 patients (9%) were further diagnosed with a second primary malignancy. Twenty patients, (20/86, 23%) had recurrence of a previous malignancy, most commonly non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), found in 9/20 patients (45%). Treatment with infliximab was found to be significantly associated with recurrence of NMSC (P=0.003). Conclusions Anti-TNF treatment may be associated with an increased risk of NMSC recurrence. This underscores the importance of rigorous dermatological follow up in IBD patients with previous NMSC treated with anti-TNFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) of the small-bowel has been proven to accurately diagnose small-bowel inflammation and to predict future clinical flares among patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). In 2017, the panenteric capsule (PillCam Crohn’s system) was introduced for the first time, enabling a reliable evaluation of the whole small and large intestines. The great advantage of visualization of both parts of the gastrointestinal tract in a feasible and single procedure, holds a significant promise for patients with CD, enabling determination of the disease extent and severity, and potentially optimize disease management. In recent years, applications of machine learning, for VCE have been well studied, demonstrating impressive performance and high accuracy for the detection of various gastrointestinal pathologies, among them inflammatory bowel disease lesions. The use of artificial neural network models has been proven to accurately detect/classify and grade CD lesions, and shorten the VCE reading time, resulting in a less tedious process with a potential to minimize missed diagnosis and better predict clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, prospective, and real-world studies are essential to precisely examine artificial intelligence applications in real-life inflammatory bowel disease practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a challenging task. The aim of preoperative optimization (PO) is to decrease the risk of complications and reduce the length of postoperative stay. The aim of this study was to review and grade the available evidence, attain clear recommendations, and point out potential future research. Methods: Studies were identified from electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) and scanning reference lists in relevant papers. English-written studies examining PO in adult patients with IBD were included. Eight PO factors were investigated. Results: Management of IBD is a multidisciplinary task. Steroid withdrawal is recommended while steroid stress dose is not recommended. Thiopurines appear to be safe, but it may be prudent to plan the procedure remotely from the last dose of an anti-TNF agent. Nutritional risk screening is recommended to unveil and correct any malnutrition. Thrombosis prophylaxis prior to surgery is well supported by evidence while extended 4-week prophylaxis needs further research. Percutaneous ultrasound or CT-guided drainage for intra-abdominal abscesses is recommended, but it is unclear for how long supplementary antibiotics (ABs) should be used. Oral AB 24 h prior to open surgery might improve outcome if given as complementary to IV perioperative AB. Mechanical bowel preparation is not supported by evidence. Comorbidities must be treated accordingly prior to surgical intervention. Smoking cessation can be beneficial for wound healing. Conclusion: Multimodel PO intervention in IBD patients is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluation of pregnant women with known or suspected Crohn's disease (CD) remains a challenge. Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE) is a promising diagnostic tool in these patients; however, the clinical data on MRE utilization in pregnancy is scarce. The aim of the study was to describe the experience with MRE in pregnant CD patients in a tertiary referral center.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed MRE studies performed in pregnant women with known or suspected CD that were performed between January 2007 and November 2012. Imaging findings, clinical management and outcome were extracted from patient's file and electronic records. Image quality was evaluated.Results: Ten studies of 9 patients were included. MRE protocol was modified to maximize maternal and fetal safety, and intravenous gadolinium was not used. In 7 patients, CD diagnosis was previously established; six were admitted with clinical symptoms consistent with CD exacerbation, and an additional patient with a recurrent groin abscess without apparent luminal symptoms. In all seven patients, imaging features consistent with active CD were detected; new penetrating complications were detected in 4 patients. Two patients underwent MRE for suspected CD which was not comforted by study results. The clinical management was significantly impacted by MRE results in all positive cases. The image quality of the fast MRE sequences obtained without gadolinium was satisfactory and allowed meaningful interpretation.Conclusion: MRE with an adapted protocol for pregnancy is a reliable imaging modality to manage in pregnant women with known or suspected CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Deep learning techniques can accurately detect and grade inflammatory findings on images from capsule endoscopy (CE) in Crohn's disease (CD). However, the predictive utility of deep learning of CE in CD for disease outcomes has not been examined. Objectives: We aimed to develop a deep learning model that can predict the need for biological therapy based on complete CE videos of newly-diagnosed CD patients. Design: This was a retrospective cohort study. The study cohort included treatment-naïve CD patients that have performed CE (SB3, Medtronic) within 6 months of diagnosis. Complete small bowel videos were extracted using the RAPID Reader software. Methods: CE videos were scored using the Lewis score (LS). Clinical, endoscopic, and laboratory data were extracted from electronic medical records. Machine learning analysis was performed using the TimeSformer computer vision algorithm developed to capture spatiotemporal characteristics for video analysis. Results: The patient cohort included 101 patients. The median duration of follow-up was 902 (354–1626) days. Biological therapy was initiated by 37 (36.6%) out of 101 patients. TimeSformer algorithm achieved training and testing accuracy of 82% and 81%, respectively, with an Area under the ROC Curve (AUC) of 0.86 to predict the need for biological therapy. In comparison, the AUC for LS was 0.70 and for fecal calprotectin 0.74. Conclusion: Spatiotemporal analysis of complete CE videos of newly-diagnosed CD patients achieved accurate prediction of the need for biological therapy. The accuracy was superior to that of the human reader index or fecal calprotectin. Following future validation studies, this approach will allow for fast and accurate personalization of treatment decisions in CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Guidelines recommend a colonoscopy after an episode of complicated diverticulitis and after a first episode of uncomplicated diverticulitis. The influence of a previous colonoscopy on postdiverticulitis colonoscopic findings has not been studied. The aim of this work was to examine the incidence of adenoma detection rate (ADR), advanced adenoma (AA) and colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with diverticulitis with and without previous colonoscopy. Method: This was a retrospective case–control study of subjects with acute diverticulitis. Subsequent and previous colonoscopies were abstracted for ADR, AA and CRC diagnoses. The incidence of neoplasia was compared between patients with and without previous colonoscopy and also with that of a screening population. Results: Compared with a healthy control group (n = 975), diverticulitis patients without prior colonoscopy (n = 325) had a significantly higher ADR (26.8% vs. 20.5%, p = 0.019) and invasive CRC rate (0.9% vs. 0%, p = 0.016). Risk factors for advanced neoplasia included age ≥ 70 years and complicated diverticulitis. Among subjects with diverticulitis and previous colonoscopy (n = 124), only one patient developed AA and there were no cancer cases. Conclusions: A previous normal colonoscopy within 5 years before diverticulitis probably overshadows other risk factors for findings of advanced neoplasia and should be considered in the decision to repeat a colonoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effectiveness of anti-TNF or ustekinumab (UST) as a second-line biologic after vedolizumab (VDZ) failure has not yet been described. Aims and Methods: In this retrospective multicenter cohort study, We aim to investigate the effectiveness of anti-TNF and UST as second-line therapy in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) who failed VDZ as a first-line treatment. The primary outcome was clinical response at week 16–22. Secondary outcomes included the rates of clinical remission, steroid-free clinical remission, CRP normalization, and adverse events. Results: Fifty-nine patients who failed on VDZ as a first-line treatment for CD were included; 52.8% patients received anti-TNF and 47.2% UST as a second-line therapy. In initial period (Week 16–22), the clinical response and remission rate was similar between both groups: 61.2% vs. 68%, p = 0.8 and 48.3% vs. 56%, p = 0.8 on anti-TNF and UST therapy, respectively. Furthermore, in the maintenance period the rate was similar: 75% vs. 82.3%, p = 0.8 and 62.5% vs. 70.5%, p = 0.8, respectively. Of the patients, 12 out of the 59 stopped the therapy, without a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.6). Conclusion: Second-line biological therapy after VDZ failure therapy was effective in >60% of the patients with CD. No differences in effectiveness were detected between the use of anti-TNF and UST as a second line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the prevalence, etiology, risk factors, and outcomes of liver abnormality in pregnancy, in a tertiary medical center, and to study the potential impact of artificial reproduction techniques (ART) on the incidence and the outcome of pregnancy-related liver abnormality. Design: A retrospective case-control study using an electronic database and patients’ files. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patient(s): Women in the third trimester of pregnancy who were hospitalized for delivery. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Development of significant elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT ≥100 IU/L). Secondary outcomes included development of maternal and fetal complications. Result(s): The upper limit of normal of ALT was ≥1.5 times and it occurred in 440 (1.6%) pregnancies; of those, 228 (0.8%) had ALT ≥100 IU/L. The etiology of significant liver test abnormality was idiopathic in 47% of patients. Compared with spontaneous pregnancies (295/23,793), ART was significantly associated with liver test abnormality (145/4, 520). The presence of ALT ≥100 IU/L in the third trimester was associated with higher rates of cesarean sections, prematurity, low birthweight, and fetal complications. Conclusion(s): A definite etiology was not determined in about half of pregnancy-associated liver test abnormality. The ART was significantly associated with liver test elevation. Significant liver test abnormality in the third trimester may have an impact on maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between diverticular disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has been demonstrated previously, mainly in symptomatic subjects. Aims: To evaluate 10 years cardiovascular risk, exercise performance and association to ASCVD among subjects with asymptomatic diverticulosis. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional cohort of self-referred participants in a medical screening program, who underwent a screening colonoscopy. Demographics, clinical and laboratory variables, ASCVD score, and metabolic equivalents (METs) during treadmill stress test were compared between subjects with and without diverticulosis as diagnosed on screening colonoscopy. Results: 4586 participants underwent screening colonoscopy; 799 (17.4%) had diverticulosis. Among 50–69 yo participants, diverticulosis subjects had a higher ASCVD score compared to non-diverticulosis subjects. Exercise performance was comparable between the groups, across all age groups. Using logistic regression analysis, advanced age group (50–59 yo Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] 2.57 (1.52–4.34), p < 0.001; 60–69 yo, AOR 2.87 (2.09–3.95), p < 0.001; ≥ 70 yo AOR 4.81 (3.23–7.15), p < 0.001; compared to < 50 yo age group), smoking [AOR 1.27 (1.05–1.55), p = 0.016], HTN [AOR 1.27 (1.03–1.56), p = 0.022], obesity [AOR 1.36 (1.06–1.74), p = 0.014] and male sex [AOR 1.29 (1.02–1.64), p = 0.036] were associated with diverticular detection during screening colonoscopy. Among males, achieving METs score ≥ 10 was inversely associated with diverticular detection during screening colonoscopy [AOR 0.64 (0.43–0.95), p = 0.027]. Conclusions: Ten years probability for ASCVD estimated by the ASCVD score is higher among subjects with asymptomatic diverticulosis compared to subjects without diverticulosis. Improved exercise performance is demonstrated for the first time to correlate with decreased probability for diverticular disease in screening colonoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) has been proven to accurately diagnose small-bowel inflammation and predict flares among patients with quiescent Crohn’s disease (CD). However, data regarding its predictive role in this population over an extended follow-up are scarce. Objectives: To predict clinical exacerbation and to assess the yield of Lewis score in identifying CD patients with future clinical exacerbation during an extended follow-up (>24 months). Design: A post hoc analysis study. Methods: Adult patients with quiescent small-bowel CD who were followed with VCE, inflammatory biomarkers and magnetic resonance enterography in a prospective study (between 2013 and 2018). We extracted extended clinical data (up to April 2022). The primary composite outcome (i.e. clinical exacerbation) was defined as intestinal surgery, endoscopic dilation, CD-related admission, corticosteroid administration, or biological/immunomodulator treatment change during follow-up. Results: Of the 61 patients in the study [median age 29 (24-37) years, male 57.4%, biologic treatment 46.7%], 18 patients met the primary outcome during an extended follow-up [median 58.0 (34.5-93.0) months]. On univariable analysis, complicated [hazard ratio (HR) 7.348, 푝 = 0.002] and stricturing disease phenotype (HR 5.305, 푝 = 0.001) were associated with higher risk for clinical exacerbation during follow-up. A baseline VCE middle small-bowel segment Lewis score (midLS) ⩾ 135 identified patients with future exacerbation [AUC (area under the curve) 0.767, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.633-0.902, 푝 = 0.001, HR 6.317, 93% negative predictive value], whereas the AUC of the conventional Lewis score was 0.734 (95% CI: 0.589- 0.879, 푝 = 0.004). Sensitivity analysis restricted to patients with either complicated (푛 = 34) or stricturing (푛 = 26) disease phenotype revealed that midLS still predicted clinical exacerbation during follow-up (AUC 0.747/0.753, respectively), in these patients. Conclusion: MidLS predicts treatment failure in quiescent CD patients (median follow-up of 5 years) independently of disease phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Deep learning techniques can accurately detect and grade inflammatory findings on images from capsule endoscopy (CE) in Crohn’s disease (CD). However, the predictive utility of deep learning of CE in CD for disease outcomes has not been examined. Objectives: We aimed to develop a deep learning model that can predict the need for biological therapy based on complete CE videos of newly-diagnosed CD patients. Design: This was a retrospective cohort study. The study cohort included treatment-naïve CD patients that have performed CE (SB3, Medtronic) within 6 months of diagnosis. Complete small bowel videos were extracted using the RAPID Reader software. Methods: CE videos were scored using the Lewis score (LS). Clinical, endoscopic, and laboratory data were extracted from electronic medical records. Machine learning analysis was performed using the TimeSformer computer vision algorithm developed to capture spatiotemporal characteristics for video analysis. Results: The patient cohort included 101 patients. The median duration of follow-up was 902 (354–1626) days. Biological therapy was initiated by 37 (36.6%) out of 101 patients. TimeSformer algorithm achieved training and testing accuracy of 82% and 81%, respectively, with an Area under the ROC Curve (AUC) of 0.86 to predict the need for biological therapy. In comparison, the AUC for LS was 0.70 and for fecal calprotectin 0.74. Conclusion: Spatiotemporal analysis of complete CE videos of newly-diagnosed CD patients achieved accurate prediction of the need for biological therapy. The accuracy was superior to that of the human reader index or fecal calprotectin. Following future validation studies, this approach will allow for fast and accurate personalization of treatment decisions in CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Women with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) often receive biologics to maintain remission during pregnancy. Aims: To assess maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with IBD treated with ustekinumab (UST) during pregnancy Methods: In a multicentre, prospective cohort study, we recruited women with IBD treated with UST during pregnancy between 2019 and 2021. Outcomes were compared among patients treated with UST, anti‐tumour necrosis factor α, (anti‐TNF) and non‐UST, non‐anti‐TNF therapies. UST‐treated patients were matched 1:2 to controls according to age, body mass index and parity. Newborns were followed up to 12 months. Results: We recruited 129 pregnant patients: UST 27; anti‐TNF 52; non‐UST, non‐anti‐TNF 50 (thiopurine or mesalazine 30, no therapy 20); Crohn's disease 25 (96.9%). Overall, pregnancy, neonatal and newborn outcomes were satisfactory, with no significant differences among patients treated with UST, anti‐TNF and non‐UST non‐anti‐TNF agents for obstetrical maternal complications [UST 3 (11.5%), anti TNF 12 (23.1%), non UST, non‐anti‐TNF 4 (8.2%), p = 0.095], pre‐term delivery [1 (4.3%), 9 (18.4%), 4 (5.7%), p = 0.133], low birth weight [1 (4.2%), 5 (10.2%), 4 (8.3%), p = 0.679], or first year newborn hospitalisation [2 (9.1%), 4 (8.2%), 3 (6.1%), p = 0.885]. Conclusion: Pregnant patients with IBD treated with UST demonstrated favourable pregnancy and neonatal outcomes that were comparable with those in patients treated with anti‐TNF or other therapy. Data are reassuring for patients with IBD and their physicians when considering UST during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Predicting which patients with upper gastro-intestinal bleeding (UGIB) will receive intervention during urgent endoscopy can allow for better triaging and resource utilization but remains sub-optimal. Using machine learning modelling we aimed to devise an improved endoscopic intervention predicting tool. (2) Methods: A retrospective cohort study of adult patients diagnosed with UGIB between 2012–2018 who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) during hospitalization. We assessed the correlation between various parameters with endoscopic intervention and examined the prediction performance of the Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) and the pre-endoscopic Rockall score for endoscopic intervention. We also trained and tested a new machine learning-based model for the prediction of endoscopic intervention. (3) Results: A total of 883 patients were included. Risk factors for endoscopic intervention included cirrhosis (9.0% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.01), syncope at presentation (19.3% vs. 5.4%, p < 0.01), early EGD (6.8 h vs. 17.0 h, p < 0.01), pre-endoscopic administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) (43.4% vs. 31.0%, p < 0.01) and erythromycin (17.2% vs. 5.6%, p < 0.01). Higher GBS (11 vs. 9, p < 0.01) and pre-endoscopy Rockall score (4.7 vs. 4.1, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with endoscopic intervention; however, the predictive performance of the scores was low (AUC of 0.54, and 0.56, respectively). A combined machine learning-developed model demonstrated improved predictive ability (AUC 0.68) using parameters not included in standard GBS. (4) Conclusions: The GBS and pre-endoscopic Rockall score performed poorly in endoscopic intervention prediction. An improved predictive tool has been proposed here. Further studies are needed to examine if predicting this important triaging decision can be further optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The aim of our study was to create an accurate patient-level combined algorithm for the identification of ulcers on CE images from two different capsules. Methods: We retrospectively collected CE images from PillCam-SB3′s capsule and PillCam-Crohn's capsule. ML algorithms were trained to classify small bowel CE images into either normal or ulcerated mucosa: a separate model for each capsule type, a cross-domain model (training the model on one capsule type and testing on the other), and a combined model. Results: The dataset included 33,100 CE images: 20,621 PillCam-SB3 images and 12,479 PillCam-Crohn's images, of which 3582 were colonic images. There were 15,684 normal mucosa images and 17,416 ulcerated mucosa images. While the separate model for each capsule type achieved excellent accuracy (average AUC 0.95 and 0.98, respectively), the cross-domain model achieved a wide range of accuracies (0.569–0.88) with an AUC of 0.93. The combined model achieved the best results with an average AUC of 0.99 and average mean patient accuracy of 0.974. Conclusions: A combined model for two different capsules provided high and consistent diagnostic accuracy. Creating a holistic AI model for automated capsule reading is an essential part of the refinement required in ML models on the way to adapting them to clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Episodes of acute ileitis or colitis have been associated with future development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Nevertheless, the rate of future IBD among patients diagnosed with signs or symptoms of acute bowel inflammation is unknown. We aimed to assess the risk of IBD development among patients presenting with signs or symptoms of ileitis or colitis. We searched for all patients that visited the emergency department (ED) and underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) who were eventually diagnosed with IBD during gastroenterology follow-ups within 9 years from the index admission. Multivariable models identified possible predictors of patients to develop IBD. Overall, 488 patients visited the ED and underwent abdominal imaging with abnormal findings, and 23 patients (4.7%) were eventually diagnosed with IBD (19 Crohn's, 4 ulcerative colitis). Patients with a future IBD diagnosis were significantly younger (28 vs. 56 years, p < 0.001) with higher rates of diarrhea as a presenting symptom (17.4% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.015) compared to non-IBD patients. On multivariable analysis, age (p < 0.001), colitis (p = 0.004) or enteritis (p < 0.001) on imaging and a diagnosis of diarrhea in the ED (p = 0.02) were associated with development of IBD. Although alarming to patients and families, ED admission with intestinal inflammatory symptoms leads to eventual diagnosis of IBD in <5% of patients during long-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Villous atrophy is an indication for small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE). However, SBCE findings are not described uniformly and atrophic features are sometimes not recognized; (2) Methods: The Delphi technique was employed to reach agreement among a panel of SBCE experts. The nomenclature and definitions of SBCE lesions suggesting the presence of atrophy were decided in a core group of 10 experts. Four images of each lesion were chosen from a large SBCE database and agreement on the correspondence between the picture and the definition was evaluated using the Delphi method in a broadened group of 36 experts. All images corresponded to histologically proven mucosal atrophy; (3) Results: Four types of atrophic lesions were identified: mosaicism, scalloping, folds reduction, and granular mucosa. The core group succeeded in reaching agreement on the nomenclature and the descriptions of these items. Consensus in matching the agreed definitions for the proposed set of images was met for mosaicism (88.9% in the first round), scalloping (97.2% in the first round), and folds reduction (94.4% in the first round), but granular mucosa failed to achieve consensus (75.0% in the third round); (4) Conclusions: Consensus among SBCE experts on atrophic lesions was met for the first time. Mosaicism, scalloping, and folds reduction are the most reliable signs, while the description of granular mucosa remains uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]