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Environmental and lifestyle factors play an important role in the natural history of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A group of international experts from the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases voted on a series of consensus statements to inform the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The recommendations include avoiding traditional cigarette smoking in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, screening for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychosocial stressors at diagnosis and during flares (with referral to mental health professionals when appropriate), and encouraging regular physical activity as tolerated. Patients using dietary approaches for treatment of their IBD should be encouraged to adopt diets that are best supported by evidence and involve monitoring for the objective resolution of inflammation. We recommend formal assessment for obesity and nutritional deficiencies, and patients should be encouraged to maintain a normal body-mass index. A shared decision-making approach to contraception should include the consideration of IBD-related factors, and risk factors for venous thromboembolism. Long-term or frequent use of high-dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided. For primary prevention of disease in the offspring of patients with IBD, we recommend avoiding passive exposure to tobacco, using antibiotics judiciously, and considering breastfeeding when able.

Extraintestinal manifestations occur frequently in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and remain a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The aim of the Endpoints for Extraintestinal Manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Trials (EXTRA) initiative was to achieve international expert consensus on how to assess these manifestations in IBD trials. A systematic literature review was done to identify methods to diagnose extraintestinal manifestations in patients with IBD and measure treatment outcomes. A consensus meeting involving a panel of 41 attendees, including gastroenterologists and referral specialists, was held on March 31, 2021, as part of an International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases initiative. The panel agreed that a specialist's expertise is needed to confirm the diagnosis of extraintestinal manifestations before the inclusion of a patient in IBD trials, except for axial spondyloarthritis, for which typical symptoms and MRI can be sufficient. Easy-to-measure endpoints were identified to assess the response of extraintestinal manifestations to treatment without needing specialist involvement. For uveitis, peripheral spondyloarthritis, and arthralgia, endpoint measurements need specialist expertise. The timing of endpoint measurements was discussed for individual extraintestinal manifestations. The EXTRA consensus proposes guidelines on how to thoroughly evaluate extraintestinal manifestations within IBD trials, and recommends that these guidelines are implemented in future trials to enable prospective assessment of these manifestations and comparison between studies.

Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease which affects the colorectal mucosa with a relapsing–remitting pattern. The therapeutic options currently available for the medical management of UC include many options. Tofacitinib is an oral small molecule, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, more selective for JAK1 and JAK3, which reduces the inflammatory process involved in the pathogenesis of UC. Methods Retrospective observational multicentric study of patients with UC who used tofacitinib in any phase of their treatment. Clinical remission and response (according to Mayo score), mucosal healing, primary and secondary loss of response, discontinuation of the drug with possible causes, and the need for dose optimization or switching to biologicals, need for surgery and adverse events were evaluated. Results From a total of 56 included patients, clinical remission was observed in 43.6% at week 12, 54.5% at week 26, 57.9% at week 52, and 40% at the last follow-up visit. Clinical response was observed in 71.4%, 81.8%, 89.5%, and 61.8% at the same time periods, respectively. Mucosal healing rates were 50% and 17.8% needed colectomy. Conclusions Tofacitinib was effective in induction and maintenance of clinical response and remission rates, compatible to other international real-word studies and meta-analyses.

Background Tofacitinib is an oral small molecule Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis [UC]. We evaluated the relationship between Mayo/Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire [IBDQ] scores and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-UC [WPAI-UC] components in patients with UC. Methods All available pooled data from three Phase 3 tofacitinib studies [OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 and OCTAVE Sustain] were included. Relationships were estimated using repeated measures regression models with Mayo score/subscores or IBDQ total/domain scores as a separate anchor predictor and WPAI-UC components as the outcome. Results Evidence for linear relationships was confirmed between Mayo/IBDQ scores and WPAI-UC components. Robust relationships between total Mayo score/IBDQ total score and WPAI-UC presenteeism, work productivity loss, and activity impairment were observed; relationships with absenteeism were weak. Total Mayo scores of 0 and 12 corresponded, on average, to WPAI-UC component scores of Conclusion Robust relationships between Mayo/IBDQ scores with WPAI-UC presenteeism, work productivity loss, and activity impairment suggest that patient productivity and non-work activities are strongly associated with disease activity and HRQoL. The weak relationships with absenteeism suggest that patients attend work regardless of their disease activity/poor HRQoL. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01465763;NCT01458951;NCT01458574.

Clinical trials evaluating biologics and small molecules in patients with ulcerative colitis are predominantly excluding ulcerative proctitis. The objective of the Definition and endpoints for ulcerative PROCtitis in clinical TRIALs initiative was to develop consensus statements for definitions, inclusion criteria, and endpoints for the evaluation of ulcerative proctitis in adults.Thirty-five international experts held a consensus meeting to define ulcerative proctitis, and the endpoints to use in clinical trials. Based on a systematic review of the literature, statements were generated, discussed, and approved by the working group participants using a modified Delphi method. Consensus was defined as at least 75% agreement among voters.The group agreed that the diagnosis of ulcerative proctitis should be made by ileocolonoscopy and confirmed by histopathology, with the exclusion of infections, drug-induced causes, radiation, trauma, and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative proctitis was defined as macroscopic extent of lesions limited to 15 cm distance from the anal verge in adults. Primary and secondary endpoints were identified to capture response of ulcerative proctitis to therapy. A combined clinical and endoscopic primary endpoint for the evaluation of ulcerative proctitis disease activity was proposed. Secondary endpoints that should be evaluated include endoscopic remission, histologic remission, mucosal healing, histologic endoscopic mucosal improvement, disability, fecal incontinence, urgency, constipation, and health-related quality of life.In response to the need for guidance on the design of clinical trials in patients with ulcerative proctitis, the Definition and end points for ulcerative PROCtitis in clinical TRIALs consensus provides recommendations on the definition and endpoints for ulcerative proctitis clinical trials.

Background Cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have emerged in discrete waves. We explored temporal trends in the reporting of COVID-19 in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Methods The Surveillance Epidemiology of Coronavirus Under Research Exclusion for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SECURE-IBD) is an international registry of IBD patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The average percent changes (APCs) were calculated in weekly reported cases of COVID-19 during the periods of March 22 to September 12, September 13 to December 12, 2020, and December 13 to July 31, 2021. Results Across 73 countries, 6404 cases of COVID-19 were reported in IBD patients. COVID-19 reporting decreased globally by 4.2% per week (95% CI, −5.3% to −3.0%) from March 22 to September 12, 2020, then climbed by 10.2% per week (95% CI, 8.1%-12.3%) from September 13 to December 12, 2020, and then declined by 6.3% per week (95% CI, −7.8% to −4.7%). In the fall of 2020, weekly reporting climbed in North America (APC, 11.3%; 95% CI, 8.8-13.8) and Europe (APC, 17.7%; 95% CI, 12.1%-23.5%), whereas reporting was stable in Asia (APC, −8.1%; 95% CI, −15.6-0.1). From December 13, 2020, to July 31, 2021, reporting of COVID-19 in those with IBD declined in North America (APC, −8.5%; 95% CI, −10.2 to −6.7) and Europe (APC, −5.4%; 95% CI, −7.2 to −3.6) and was stable in Latin America (APC, −1.5%; 95% CI, −3.5% to 0.6%). Conclusions Temporal trends in reporting of COVID-19 in those with IBD are consistent with the epidemiological patterns COVID-19 globally.

Background Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule JAK inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). These post hoc analyses assessed associations between C-reactive protein (CRP), partial Mayo score (PMS), and efficacy outcomes during tofacitinib induction in UC. Methods Patients received tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily (BID) in an 8-week, phase 2 induction study and 2 identical, 8-week, phase 3 induction studies (OCTAVE Induction 1&2); induction nonresponders (IndNR) received an additional 8 weeks of tofacitinib 10 mg BID in an open-label, long-term extension study. Associations between CRP and PMS, and efficacy outcomes (clinical response, clinical remission, endoscopic improvement, and endoscopic remission) were analyzed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves. Results Changes from baseline in the logarithm of CRP ([log]CRP) and PMS at week 4 were associated with clinical response at week 8 (univariate: per unit, odds ratio [OR], 0.55 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.48-0.62]; and 0.42 [0.37-0.47], respectively). Among IndNR, change from baseline in PMS at week 8 was associated with clinical response at week 16 (univariate: per unit, OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.46-0.75). C-reactive protein at week 4 (area under the curve [AUC] > 0.6) and PMS at weeks 2 and 4 (AUC, > 0.7) generally exhibited predictive value for week 8 efficacy outcomes. Conclusions Patients who achieved clinical response at week 8 had larger decreases in CRP and PMS at week 4 than patients who did not. IndNR who achieved clinical response at week 16 with extended tofacitinib induction had a larger decrease in PMS at week 8 vs those who did not. ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT00787202;NCT01465763;NCT01458951;NCT01470612.

Background: Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Here, we report steroid-free efficacy and safety with tofacitinib among patients with UC who received corticosteroids at baseline of the maintenance study (OCTAVE Sustain). Methods: This analysis included patients with clinical response following OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 who were re-randomized to receive placebo, or tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily (b.d.), in OCTAVE Sustain for 52 weeks and were receiving corticosteroids at OCTAVE Sustain baseline. Corticosteroid tapering was mandatory during OCTAVE Sustain. Rates of steroid-free remission, endoscopic improvement, and clinical response were assessed, stratified by baseline characteristics. Adverse events (AEs) were stratified by treatment and steroid-free remission status. Results: Overall, 289/593 patients had corticosteroid use at OCTAVE Sustain baseline. At week 52, steroid-free remission, endoscopic improvement, and clinical response rates were 10.9%, 11.9%, and 17.8% among patients receiving placebo, 27.7%, 29.7%, and 40.6% among patients receiving tofacitinib 5 mg b.d., and 27.6%, 29.9%, and 43.7% among patients receiving tofacitinib 10 mg b.d., respectively (non-responder imputation; all p Conclusion: For patients with baseline corticosteroid use in OCTAVE Sustain, the odds of achieving steroid-free efficacy endpoints were significantly higher for tofacitinib versus placebo, irrespective of tofacitinib dose. There were no apparent differences in AEs of special interest by steroid-free remission status. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01458574

Background The effectiveness of ustekinumab (UST) in the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) has been demonstrated in the pivotal Phase 3 UNITI 1 and 2 and IM-UNITI studies in both anti-TNF-naïve and anti-TNF-exposed patients. Given the selective nature of pivotal trial designs, real-world effectiveness and safety studies are warranted. We report our experience with UST treatment in a large, real-world multicenter cohort of Brazilian patients with CD. Methods We performed a retrospective multicenter study including patients with CD, predominantly biologically refractory CD, who received UST. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients in clinical remission at weeks 8, 24 and 56. Possible predictors of clinical and biological response/remission and safety outcomes were also assessed. Results Overall, 245 CD (mean age 39.9 [15–87]) patients were enrolled. Most patients (86.5%) had been previously exposed to biologics. According to nonresponder imputation analysis, the proportions of patients in clinical remission at weeks 8, 24 and 56 were 41.0% (n = 98/239), 64.0% (n = 153/239) and 39.3% (n = 94/239), respectively. A biological response was achieved in 55.4% of patients at week 8, and 59.3% were in steroid-free remission at the end of follow-up. No significant differences in either clinical or biological remission were noted between bio-naïve and bio-experienced patients. Forty-eight patients (19.6%) presented 60 adverse events during the follow-up, of which 8 (13.3%) were considered serious adverse events (3.2% of 245 patients). Overall, a proximal disease location, younger age, perianal involvement, and smoking were associated with lower rates of clinical remission over time. Conclusions UST therapy was effective and safe in the long term in this large real-life cohort of Brazilian patients with refractory CD, regardless of previous exposure to other biological agents.

Background Tofacitinib is an oral, small-molecule JAK inhibitor for the treatment of UC. In data analysed from a large, ongoing (data cut-off February 2019 [a]; database unlocked; data may be subject to change), post-authorisation safety study in patients with RA (≥50 years; ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor; enrolled on a stable dose of MTX), the incidence rate (IRs; unique patients with events per 100 pt-years [PY]) of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients treated with tofacitinib 10mg BID (0.54 [95% CI] 0.32, 0.87]) was numerically higher compared with 5 mg BID (0.27 [0.12, 0.52]) and statistically different from TNFi (0.09 [0.02, 0.26]). Corresponding IRs for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were 0.38 (0.20, 0.67), 0.30 (0.14, 0.55) and 0.18 (0.07, 0.39).1 UC is a known risk factor for DVT and PE. Subsequently, updates to the tofacitinib prescribing information have been made, with venous thromboembolism added as a warning and adverse drug reaction. Here, we provide an update on the incidence of DVT and PE in the tofacitinib UC clinical development programme, as of May 2019.2 Methods DVT and PE events were evaluated from 4 randomised placebo-controlled studies (Phase [P]2/P3 induction studies and P3 maintenance study) and an ongoing, open-label, long-term extension (OLE) study.3,4 Three cohorts were analysed: Induction, Maintenance and Overall (patients receiving tofacitinib 5 or 10mg BID in P2/P3/OLE studies; patients were categorised based on the average daily dose: predominant dose [PD] 5 or 10 mg BID). Results 1157 patients were evaluated for DVT and PE, with 2581 PY of tofacitinib exposure and up to 6.8 years’ treatment. In the Induction and Maintenance Cohorts, 2 patients had DVT and 2 had PE; all were receiving placebo at the time of the event (tables). In the Overall Cohort, DVT occurred in 1 pt and PE in 4 patients during the OLE study, after ≥7 months of treatment; all patients had received PD 10 mg BID (83% of Overall Cohort received PD 10 mg BID) and had other (non-UC) risk factors for venous thrombosis (tables). Conclusion IRs in the Overall Cohort have remained stable since the previously reported data cut.2 All of the events in tofacitinib patients (PD 10 mg BID) occurred during the OLE study and all had other (non-UC) risk factors for thromboembolic events. This analysis is limited by sample size and duration of drug exposure; further study is needed. [a] The tofacitinib 10mg BID arm of the study was discontinued in February 2019 and patients who re-consented and chose to remain in the study were switched to the 5 mg BID arm. References

Background and Aim One of the most impacted regions by the pandemic globally, Latin America is facing socioeconomic and health‐care challenges that can potentially affect disease outcomes. Recent data suggest that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients do not have an increased risk of the development of COVID‐19 complications. However, the impact of COVID‐19 on IBD patients living in least developed areas remains to be fully elucidated. This study aims to describe the outcomes of IBD patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 in countries from Latin America based on data from the SECURE‐IBD registry. Methods Patients from Latin America enrolled in the SECURE‐IBD registry were included. Descriptive analyses were used to summarize clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. The studied outcomes were (i) a composite of need for intensive care unit admission, ventilator use, and/or death (primary outcome) and (ii) a composite of any hospitalization and/or death (secondary outcome). Multivariable regression was used to identify risk factors of severe COVID‐19. Results During the study period, 230 cases (Crohn's disease: n = 115, ulcerative colitis: n = 114, IBD‐unclassified [IBD‐U]: n = 1) were reported to the SECURE‐IBD database from 13 different countries. Primary outcome was observed in 17 (7.4%) patients, and the case fatality rate was 1.7%. In the adjusted multivariable model, the use of systemic corticosteroids (odds ratio [OR] 10.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.44–34.99) was significantly associated with the primary outcome. Older age (OR 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00–1.05), systemic corticosteroids (OR 9.33; 95% CI: 3.84–22.63), and the concomitant presence of one (OR 2.14; 95% CI: 0.89–5.15) or two (OR 10.67; 95% CI: 1.74–65.72) comorbidities were associated with the outcome of hospitalization or death. Conclusion Inflammatory bowel disease patients with COVID‐19 in Latin America appear to have similar outcomes to the overall global data. Risk factors of severe COVID‐19 are similar to prior reports.

ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate COVID-19 clinical course in patients with IBD treated with different medication classes and combinations.DesignSurveillance Epidemiology of Coronavirus Under Research Exclusion for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SECURE-IBD) is a large, international registry created to monitor outcomes of IBD patients with confirmed COVID-19. We used multivariable regression with a generalised estimating equation accounting for country as a random effect to analyse the association of different medication classes with severe COVID-19, defined as intensive care unit admission, ventilator use and/or death.Results1439 cases from 47 countries were included (mean age 44.1 years, 51.4% men) of whom 112 patients (7.8%) had severe COVID-19. Compared with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist monotherapy, thiopurine monotherapy (adjusted OR (aOR) 4.08, 95% CI 1.73 to 9.61) and combination therapy with TNF antagonist and thiopurine (aOR 4.01, 95% CI 1.65 to 9.78) were associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19. Any mesalamine/sulfasalazine compared with no mesalamine/sulfasalazine use was associated with an increased risk (aOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.29). This risk estimate increased when using TNF antagonist monotherapy as a reference group (aOR 3.52, 95% CI 1.93 to 6.45). Interleukin-12/23 and integrin antagonists were not associated with significantly different risk than TNF antagonist monotherapy (aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.12 to 8.06 and aOR 2.42, 95% CI 0.59 to 9.96, respectively).ConclusionCombination therapy and thiopurines may be associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19. No significant differences were observed when comparing classes of biologicals. These findings warrant confirmation in large population-based cohorts.MKH should be changed to MDK for co-last author line

Background and Aims: As inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) becomes more prevalent, the challenges that gastroenterologists face in managing these patients evolve. We aimed to describe the most important challenges facing gastroenterologists from around the world and compare these between those working in developed and developing countries. Methods: An online questionnaire was developed, and a link distributed to gastroenterologists. Data were analyzed descriptively using Friedman and Wilcoxon matched-pair signed rank tests to compare rankings for responses. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare rankings between responses from gastroenterologists from developed and developing countries. Lower scores reflected greater challenges. Results: Of 872 who started, 397 gastroenterologists (45.5%) completed the survey. Respondents represented 65 countries (226 [56.9%] from developed countries). Overall, the challenge ranked most important (smallest number) was increasing IBD prevalence (13.6%). There were significant differences in mean ranking scores for many simple aspects of care for those from developing countries compared to providers from developed countries, such as access to simple IBD treatments (5.52 vs. 6.02, p = 0.01), access to anti-TNF drugs including dose escalation (3.33 vs. 3.93, p < 0.01), access to good stoma care (2.57 vs. 3.03, p < 0.001), access to therapeutic drug monitoring (1.47 vs. 1.84, p < 0.001), and access to care for people from low socioeconomic status (2.77 vs. 3.37, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Increasing IBD prevalence is seen by gastroenterologists as the greatest challenge facing them. There are significant differences between the IBD challenges facing gastroenterologists from developed and developing countries that reflect inequities in access to health care.

The incidence and prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been reported to be rising in newly industrialised regions, such as Latin America. Here, we review data from published studies reporting demographics and clinical aspects of UC in Latin America to further understand epidemiology and disease burden. The incidence and prevalence of UC in Latin America varied between regions and studies, ranging between 0.04 to 8.00/100,000 and 0.23 to 76.1/100,000, respectively, and generally increased over the period from 1986 to 2015. The majority of patients with UC were female (53.6–72.6%) and urban residents (77.8–97.4%). Extraintestinal manifestations were reported in approximately 26–89.4% of patients. Use of biologic therapies was generally low (0.8–16.2%), with the exception of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, with a greater proportion of patients tending to receive 5-aminosalicylates, immunosuppressants or corticosteroids; colectomy rates varied between studies (1.5–22%). A high proportion of patients had moderate to severe UC (45.9–73.0%) and, in 11 of 19 studies, the greatest proportion of patients had extensive disease (pancolitis). Colorectal cancer (0–1.7%) and mortality rates (0–7.6%) were low. This evaluation of published studies may influence therapeutic approaches and the development of strategies to improve healthcare access and patient outcomes, although further high-quality studies are required in patients with UC in Latin America.

International audience; Background and aims: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic and disabling disorders. Prospective disease-modification trials to prevent disease progression are eagerly awaited. However, disease progression is not clearly defined. The objective of the Selecting End PoInts foR Disease-ModIfication Trials (SPIRIT) initiative was to achieve international expert consensus on the endpoints to be used in future IBD-disease modification trials.Methods: This initiative under the auspices of the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IOIBD) began with a systematic literature search to evaluate the current evidence on the definition of disease progression in IBD. On October 22, 2019, a consensus meeting took place during the United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW) Congress in Barcelona, during which predefined proposed statements were discussed in a plenary session and voted on anonymously. Agreement was defined as at least 75% of participants voting for any one statement.Results: The group agreed that the ultimate therapeutic goal in both CD and UC is to prevent disease impact on patient's life (health-related quality of life, disability, fecal incontinence), midterm complications (encompass bowel damage in CD, IBD-related surgery and hospitalizations, disease extension in UC, extraintestinal manifestations, permanent stoma, short bowel syndrome), and long-term complications (gastrointestinal and extraintestinal dysplasia or cancer, mortality).Conclusions: Recommendations on which goals to achieve in disease-modification trials for preventing disease progression in patients with IBD are proposed by the SPIRIT consensus. However, these recommendations will require validation in actual clinical studies before implementation in disease-modification trials.

Background Prior data have suggested that 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) may be associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. We aimed to evaluate the association of 5-ASA with severe COVID-19 in a large cohort of IBD patients. Methods We analyzed data from the Surveillance Epidemiology of Coronavirus Under Research Exclusion for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SECURE-IBD) registry, a large, international database of IBD patients with confirmed COVID-19. The primary outcome was severe COVID-19, defined as intensive care unit admission, ventilator use, and/or death. Hospitalization due to COVID-19 was a secondary outcome. We performed multivariable regression modeling with a generalized estimating equation accounting for country as a random effect to analyze the association of 5-ASA with severe COVID-19. Models a priori included age, sex, race, disease phenotype (CD or UC/IBD-U), corticosteroid use, azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine use, TNF antagonist use, disease activity by physician global assessment, number of comorbidities, and days from SECURE-IBD inception to reporting. We constructed three models examining 5-ASA use as binary covariate using 1) all patients, 2) only patients on any biologic, and 3) only patients on TNF antagonists. Results 5,174 patients were included with 212 (4.1%) severe COVID-19 events. At the time of COVID-19 infection, 1,504 patients were taking 5-ASA. 5-ASA patients were older (mean age 44 vs. 38.3 years, p Conclusion In an analysis of updated data from the SECURE-IBD registry, 5-ASA use was not associated with worse outcomes among IBD patients with COVID-19.

Background Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule JAK inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in patients (pts) with UC were evaluated in two 8-week, Phase 3 induction studies (OCTAVE Induction 1&2), a 52-week, Phase 3 maintenance study (OCTAVE Sustain), and an open-label, long-term extension study. Here, we evaluate tofacitinib efficacy in OCTAVE Sustain (NCT01458574) by baseline Mayo endoscopic subscore (ES). Methods Pts with an OCTAVE Sustain baseline ES of 0 or 1 were included. Proportion of pts achieving efficacy endpoints at Week 52 of OCTAVE Sustain (responders from OCTAVE Induction 1&2; tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily [BID] or placebo [PBO]) was evaluated in relation to OCTAVE Sustain baseline ES. Using logistic regression, the difference in treatment effect (tofacitinib vs PBO) between baseline ES (0 vs 1) for each efficacy endpoint was assessed. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to model the difference in treatment effect between baseline ES (0 vs 1) for time to treatment failure and loss of response. Results At Week 52 of OCTAVE Sustain, a numerically higher proportion of pts with a baseline ES of 0 achieved remission and endoscopic improvement vs pts with a baseline ES of 1, regardless of tofacitinib dose (Table). Logistic regression analyses showed a larger treatment effect of tofacitinib 5 mg BID at Week 52 in pts with a baseline ES of 0 vs 1 (p=0.0306) for clinical response (Table). Treatment effect of tofacitinib 10 mg BID was not significantly different between baseline ES 0 vs 1 for any endpoint (Table). In tofacitinib 5 mg BID-treated pts, Cox proportional hazards regression showed difference in risk vs PBO to be larger in pts with a baseline ES of 0 vs 1 for treatment failure (p=0.0231) and loss of response (p=0.0209); corresponding differences for 10 mg BID-treated pts were not significant (p=0.9239 and p=0.9613, respectively). Conclusion In general, at Week 52 of OCTAVE Sustain, a higher proportion of tofacitinib-treated pts achieved endpoints with a baseline ES of 0 vs 1. Based on proportions, the treatment effect of tofacitinib 5 mg BID was more evident in pts with a baseline ES of 0 vs 1. This difference in treatment effect related to baseline ES was not observed with tofacitinib 10 mg BID. Baseline ES may be an important factor in predicting outcomes, and suggests that aiming for a deeper remission after induction may allow successful maintenance with tofacitinib 5 mg BID. These analyses were post hoc and limited by the small sample sizes.

Background Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule JAK inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Here, we report corticosteroid-free efficacy and safety among patients (pts) who received oral corticosteroids at baseline of the maintenance study (OCTAVE Sustain). Methods Pts with clinical response following OCTAVE Induction 1&2 who were re-randomised to receive placebo or tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily (BID) in OCTAVE Sustain, and who were receiving oral corticosteroids at baseline of OCTAVE Sustain, were included. Corticosteroid tapering was mandatory at the beginning of OCTAVE Sustain. Steroid-free (not requiring any treatment with corticosteroids for ≥4 weeks prior to the visit) rates of remission, endoscopic improvement and clinical response were assessed at Week 24 and/or Week 52. The association between baseline characteristics and steroid-free efficacy outcomes was evaluated using logistic regression. Safety outcomes were stratified by tofacitinib dose and steroid-free remission status. Results Of 593 pts entering OCTAVE Sustain, 289 had oral corticosteroid use at baseline. Of these, 101 (34.9%) received placebo and 188 received tofacitinib (101 [34.9%] 5 mg BID; 87 [30.1%] 10 mg BID) in OCTAVE Sustain. Among pts receiving oral corticosteroids on Day 1 of OCTAVE Sustain, the mean dose (mg/day [standard deviation], prednisone equivalent) received was 15.8 (6.2), 14.9 (6.2) and 14.4 (6.0) in the placebo, tofacitinib 5 mg BID and tofacitinib 10 mg BID groups, respectively. At Week 24 or Week 52 of OCTAVE Sustain, there was a significant treatment effect for tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg BID vs placebo for steroid-free efficacy endpoints (Table 1). Prior immunosuppressant failure was associated with lower odds of achieving steroid-free remission at Week 52 of OCTAVE Sustain (odds ratio [OR] 0.47 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23, 0.95]), while prior tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) failure status only had a limited effect, which was not statistically significant (OR 0.53 [95% CI 0.27, 1.02]). Oral corticosteroid dose received at baseline of OCTAVE Sustain did not affect the likelihood of achieving steroid-free remission at Week 52. Adverse events of special interest were infrequent (Table 2). Discontinuations were numerically higher among pts without steroid-free remission (Table 2). Conclusion For pts with baseline oral corticosteroid use in OCTAVE Sustain, the odds of achieving steroid-free efficacy endpoints were significantly higher for tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg BID compared with placebo. Prior TNFi failure was not associated with lower odds of achieving steroid-free remission at Week 52. There were no apparent differences in safety by steroid-free remission status. Data interpretation is limited by small pt numbers.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected more than 29 million people and led to more than 542,000 deaths in the United States.1 Older age, comorbidities, and racial and ethnic minority status are associated with severe COVID-19.2 Among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), racial and ethnic minorities have worse outcomes, mediated in part by inequitable health care access.3 Racial and ethnic minority patients with IBD and COVID-19 may be an especially vulnerable population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among IBD patients and the impact of non-IBD comorbidities on observed disparities.

Background Tofacitinib is an oral, small-molecule JAK inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). In a Phase 2 study, changes from baseline in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as early as Week 4 and partial Mayo scores (PMS) as early as Week 2 were shown to correlate with clinical and endoscopic outcomes at Week 8 in patients with UC receiving tofacitinib.1 We aimed to determine whether CRP levels and/or PMS can be early predictors of clinical or endoscopic outcomes at Week 8 in OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 (NCT01465763; NCT01458951).2 Methods In OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2, patients received placebo or tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily (BID) for 8 weeks. Mean CRP levels at baseline and Week 4, and PMS at baseline and Weeks 2 and 4, were analysed by secondary endpoint (clinical response, clinical remission, mucosal healing and endoscopic remission) status at Week 8. Univariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate if CRP levels (log-transformed) or PMS were associated with these endpoints. Results In patients treated with tofacitinib 10 mg BID, numerically greater decreases from baseline were observed in CRP levels at Week 4 in patients who achieved a clinical response at Week 8 vs. those who did not achieve a clinical response (Table). Similarly, numerically greater decreases from baseline were observed in PMS at Weeks 2 and 4 in patients who achieved clinical response, clinical remission, mucosal healing and endoscopic remission at Week 8 vs. those who did not achieve these endpoints (Table). Logistic regression results showed that PMS at Weeks 2 and 4, and CRP levels at Week 4, were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with a clinical response at Week 8 (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 0.578 [0.529, 0.631]; 0.483 [0.437, 0.533]; 0.631 [0.572, 0.695], respectively). This was also true for clinical remission (0.523 [0.467, 0.587]; 0.426 [0.367, 0.495]; 0.582 [0.508, 0.666]), mucosal healing (0.650 [0.600, 0.705]; 0.599 [0.548, 0.655]; 0.576 [0.515, 0.643]) and endoscopic remission (0.659 [0.574, 0.756]; 0.604 [0.513, 0.712]; 0.663 [0.549, 0.802]) at Week 8. Conclusion These post hoc analyses showed that PMS as early as Week 2 and CRP levels as early as Week 4 may be predictors of improved clinical and endoscopic outcomes in patients with moderately to severely active UC treated with tofacitinib 10 mg BID. These results are in alignment with the findings reported from the Phase 2 trial.1 References

Background and Aims The impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unknown. We sought to characterize the clinical course of COVID-19 among patients with IBD and evaluate the association among demographics, clinical characteristics, and immunosuppressant treatments on COVID-19 outcomes. Methods Surveillance Epidemiology of Coronavirus Under Research Exclusion for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SECURE-IBD) is a large, international registry created to monitor outcomes of patients with IBD with confirmed COVID-19. We calculated age-standardized mortality ratios and used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with severe COVID-19, defined as intensive care unit admission, ventilator use, and/or death. Results 525 cases from 33 countries were reported (median age 43 years, 53% men). Thirty-seven patients (7%) had severe COVID-19, 161 (31%) were hospitalized, and 16 patients died (3% case fatality rate). Standardized mortality ratios for patients with IBD were 1.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9–2.6), 1.5 (95% CI, 0.7–2.2), and 1.7 (95% CI, 0.9–2.5) relative to data from China, Italy, and the United States, respectively. Risk factors for severe COVID-19 among patients with IBD included increasing age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.02), ≥2 comorbidities (aOR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.1–7.8), systemic corticosteroids (aOR, 6.9; 95% CI, 2.3–20.5), and sulfasalazine or 5-aminosalicylate use (aOR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.3–7.7). Tumor necrosis factor antagonist treatment was not associated with severe COVID-19 (aOR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.4–2.2). Conclusions Increasing age, comorbidities, and corticosteroids are associated with severe COVID-19 among patients with IBD, although a causal relationship cannot be definitively established. Notably, tumor necrosis factor antagonists do not appear to be associated with severe COVID-19.

The International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IOIBD) is the only global organization devoted to the study of and management of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), namely, Crohn?s disease and ulcerative colitis. Membership is composed of physician-scientists who have established expertise in these diseases. The organization hosts an annual meeting and a number of working groups addressing issues of the epidemiology of IBD, diet and nutrition, and the development and use of treatments for IBD. There are currently 89 members of IOIBD representing 26 different countries. The organization has taken particular interest in the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and how it may affect the IBD patient population. This document summarizes the results of 2 recent virtual meetings of the group and subsequent expert guidance for patients and providers.

Introduction Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule JAK inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Safety and efficacy of tofacitinib were evaluated in 2 Phase 3 induction studies (OCTAVE Induction 1 & 2, NCT01465763 & NCT01458951), a 52-week (wk), Phase 3 maintenance study (OCTAVE Sustain, NCT01458574),1 and an ongoing open-label, long-term extension study (NCT01470612).2 In these trials, endpoint definitions were based on the conventional Mayo score comprising 4 subscores (stool frequency, rectal bleeding, endoscopic findings, Physician Global Assessment [PGA]). The FDA recommend the use of a modified Mayo (mMayo) score in which the PGA subscore is omitted (a subjective measure, and a recognized Mayo score limitation) as an endpoint measure for UC clinical trials.3 In this post hoc analysis, we assessed the efficacy of tofacitinib using endpoint definitions based on mMayo score. Methods In OCTAVE Induction 1 & 2, patients received placebo or tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily (BID) for 8 wks; clinical responders were re-randomized into OCTAVE Sustain for 52 wks and received placebo, tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg BID. Trial endpoints included remission, symptomatic remission, and clinical remission (Table), assessed at Wk 8 in OCTAVE Induction 1 & 2 and Wk 52 in OCTAVE Sustain. Treatment effects (ie difference from placebo) using mMayo and Mayo scores were evaluated and compared. Results In OCTAVE Induction 1 & 2, numerically more patients achieved remission using the mMayo score (7.7% placebo; 24.8% tofacitinib 10 mg BID) compared with the Mayo score (6.0% placebo; 17.6% tofacitinib 10 mg BID), with a greater difference from placebo with mMayo scores (Table). Likewise, the proportion of patients achieving clinical remission was numerically greater with mMayo scores (7.7% placebo; 25.0% tofacitinib 10 mg BID) compared with Mayo scores (6.0% placebo; 17.7% tofacitinib 10 mg BID), whereas the same proportion of patients achieved symptomatic remission with both scores. The same trends were noted in OCTAVE Sustain, with numerically more patients in placebo and tofacitinib groups achieving remission and clinical remission using mMayo scores compared with Mayo scores (Table), and symptomatic remission achieved by the same proportion of patients with both scores. Conclusion In this post hoc analysis, a statistically significant effect of tofacitinib treatment vs placebo was demonstrated across endpoints based on the mMayo score, agreeing with previously reported data based on the Mayo score.1 Treatment effect sizes for endpoints based on the mMayo score without PGA were the same or numerically greater than corresponding endpoints based on the Mayo score. References

Background Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory and relapsing disease that can affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract. A significant percentage of these patients suffer an aggressive disease course, refractory to conventional clinical therapy . Surgery may be required, however the disease tends to recur after the resection. Aim Describe the potential clinical benefit of autologous hematopoietic stem cell with T-lymphocyte-depletion as a treatment for aggressive and refractory CD patients. Evaluate its efficacy, safety, toxicity and adverse events and primary and secondary clinical outcomes of follow up after 1year and 3 years. Methods We evaluated 6 patients submitted to an autologous HSCT. All patients were mobilized with cyclophosphamide (Cy) and G-CSF at the dose of 10mcg/kg/dia, The collection of HSC was initiated when the CD34+ count in the peripheral blood was greater than 15cels/mm3. The harvested product was enriched with CD34 + cells through a CliniMacs (Miltenyi Biotec) with a target CD34 + cells above 2.0 × 10E6/kg and less than 1 × 10E4Tcells/kg. The conditioning regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide 50mg/kg for 4 consecutive days, thymoglobulin 1.5mg/kg and methylprednisolone 1g/day from d-5 to d-2. Results Five patients refractory CD, between 43y and 19y (median age 38y), were included and follow the autologous HSCT. Corporal index mass 20 Kg/m2, median course of illness 14y, all negative for X-linked inhibitor apoptosis protein (XIAP). Four patients had penetrating disease and two patients had nonstricturing nonpenetrating phenotipe. Five patients had 2 to 3 previous intestinal surgeries. All patients used aminosalicylates steroids, thiopurines, metotrexate and more than one immunobiological therapies (IFX, ADA, VDZ). All six patients completed the mobilization, conditioning and transplantation phases, during a median time of hospitalization of 35 days. The median of CD34+ cels infused was 7.7 × 10e6/kg. All patients achieved engraftment, with a sustained median neutrophil count of 0.5 × 109/L at a median of 11 days and platelet grafting was 10 days. All patients had life-threatening complications as infectious (KPC, Staphylococcus aureus and septic by E. coli), febrile neutropenia and non-infectious complications as anemia mucositis and red cell transfusion was required. After 1y HSCT, all patients achieved the 1ary and 2nd outcomes: clinical and endoscopic remission (fig) and were steroid and immunosuppressive free remission (CDAI Conclusion HSCT is a complex treatment strategy for severe CD associated with mortality and serious adverse events. Due to its high complexity, risk of infections and death the balance between risks and benefits becomes significantly important in this therapy.