Indications, Postoperative Management, and Long-term Prognosis of Crohn's Disease After Ileocecal Resection: A Multicenter Study Comparing the East and West

Background The Crohn's disease (CD) phenotype differs between Asian and Western countries and may affect disease management, including decisions on surgery. This study aimed to compare the indications, postoperative management, and long-term prognosis after ileocecal resection (ICR) in Hong Kong (HK) and the Netherlands (NL). Methods CD patients with primary ICR between 2000 and 2019 were included. The endpoints were endoscopic (Rutgeerts score >= i2b and/or radiologic recurrence), clinical (start or switch of inflammatory bowel disease medication), and surgical recurrences. Cumulative incidences of recurrence were estimated with a Bayesian multivariable proportional hazards model. Results Eighty HK and 822 NL patients were included. The most common indication for ICR was penetrating disease (HK: 32.5%, NL: 22.5%) in HK vs stricturing disease (HK: 32.5%, NL: 48.8%) in the NL (P < .001). Postoperative prophylaxis was prescribed to 65 (81.3%) HK patients (28 [35.0%] aminosalicylates [5-aminosalicylic acid]; 30 [37.5%] immunomodulators; 0 biologicals) vs 388 (47.1%) NL patients (67 [8.2%] 5-aminosalicylic acid; 187 [22.8%] immunomodulators; 69 [8.4%] biologicals; 50 [6.1%] combination therapy) (P < .001). Endoscopic or radiologic evaluation within 18 months was performed in 36.3% HK vs 64.1% NL (P < .001) patients. No differences between both populations were observed for endoscopic (hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-1.21), clinical (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.62-1.32), or surgical (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.31-1.13) recurrence risks. Conclusion The main indication for ICR in CD patients is penetrating disease in HK patients and stricturing disease in NL patients. Although considerable pre- and postoperative management differences were observed between the two geographical areas, the long-term prognosis after ICR is similar.Lay Summary This is the first study reporting similar long-term prognoses after ileocecal resection in Crohn's disease in low- and high-incidence countries despite differences in Crohn's disease phenotype at diagnosis, surgical approach, indications, and pre- and postoperative management including prophylactic medication.Cellular mechanisms in basic and clinical gastroenterology and hepatolog

Effectiveness and safety of tofacitinib for ulcerative colitis: two-year results of the ICC Registry

Background Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor and is registered for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The effectiveness of tofacitinib has been evaluated up to 12 months of treatment. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of 24 months of tofacitinib use in UC patients in the Netherlands. Methods Patients initiating tofacitinib treatment were included in the ICC Registry, a nationwide, observational registry. Patients were prospectively evaluated for up to 24 months. The primary outcome was corticosteroid-free clinical remission (CSFR, Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index [SCCAI] <= 2) at week 104. Secondary outcomes included biochemical remission (C-reactive protein (CRP) <= 5 mg/L and faecal calprotectin (FC) <= 250 mu g/g), safety, and discontinuation rate. Results We included 110 patients of whom 104 (94.5%) were anti-TNF experienced. After 104 weeks of tofacitinib, 31.8% (34/107) were in CSFR, 23.4% (25/107) in biochemical remission and 18.7% (20/107) in combined clinical and biochemical remission. Of the patients in CSFR at week 52, 76.5% (26/34) remained so after 104 weeks of treatment. Sixty-one patients (55.5%) discontinued tofacitinib after a median duration of 13 weeks (IQR 7-34). The main reasons for discontinuation were non-response (59%), loss of response (14.8%), and adverse events (18%). There were 33.9 possible tofacitinib-related adverse events per 100 patient-years during follow-up. Adverse events most probably related to tofacitinib were skin reactions and headaches. There were 6.4 herpes zoster infections per 100 patient-years. Conclusion Tofacitinib was effective in 31.8% of patients after 24 months of treatment.Cellular mechanisms in basic and clinical gastroenterology and hepatolog

Analysis of biomarkers and composite scores in IBD patients using probabilistic fuzzy systems

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising worldwide. Preventing disease progression by tight monitoring of disease activity using non-invasive procedures is important to prevent disease progression. In literature composite scores, combining biomarkers and clinical activity scores, have been described which aim to detect disease activity.In this paper we analyze the components of these composite scores in a data-driven manner using probabilistic fuzzy system (PFS). In this paper, we define a specific PFS for the analysis of the relationship between the biomarker fecal calprotectin (FC), with biomarkers erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and clinical activity scores for two disease phenotypes, namely Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.We report the relations between these biomarkers and clinical activity scores using the proposed PFS, and show how the statistical properties of FC indicator relates to the remaining biomarkers and clinical activity scores. Furthermore, we related the findings on the clinical activity scores to the conventional thresholds used in the literature to define susceptibility of disease activity to support clinical interpretation of results. The results show that analyzing the recently available data using PFS lead to valuable information for detecting IBD disease activity where most conventional thresholds for disease indicators are in line with the data-based findings

Analysis of biomarkers and composite scores in IBD patients using probabilistic fuzzy systems

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising worldwide. Preventing disease progression by tight monitoring of disease activity using non-invasive procedures is important to prevent disease progression. In literature composite scores, combining biomarkers and clinical activity scores, have been described which aim to detect disease activity.In this paper we analyze the components of these composite scores in a data-driven manner using probabilistic fuzzy system (PFS). In this paper, we define a specific PFS for the analysis of the relationship between the biomarker fecal calprotectin (FC), with biomarkers erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and clinical activity scores for two disease phenotypes, namely Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.We report the relations between these biomarkers and clinical activity scores using the proposed PFS, and show how the statistical properties of FC indicator relates to the remaining biomarkers and clinical activity scores. Furthermore, we related the findings on the clinical activity scores to the conventional thresholds used in the literature to define susceptibility of disease activity to support clinical interpretation of results. The results show that analyzing the recently available data using PFS lead to valuable information for detecting IBD disease activity where most conventional thresholds for disease indicators are in line with the data-based findings

Comorbidity, not patient age, is associated with impaired safety outcomes in vedolizumab- and ustekinumab-treated patients with inflammatory bowel disease-a prospective multicentre cohort study

Contains fulltext : 229387.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: Few data are available on the effects of age and comorbidity on treatment outcomes of vedolizumab and ustekinumab in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). AIMS: To evaluate the association between age and comorbidity with safety and effectiveness outcomes of vedolizumab and ustekinumab in IBD. METHODS: IBD patients initiating vedolizumab or ustekinumab in regular care were enrolled prospectively. Comorbidity prevalence was assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Association between age and CCI, both continuously assessed, with safety outcomes (any infection, hospitalisation, adverse events) during treatment, and effectiveness outcomes (clinical response and remission, corticosteroid-free remission, clinical remission combined with biochemical remission) after 52 weeks of treatment were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders. RESULTS: We included 203 vedolizumab- and 207 ustekinumab-treated IBD patients, mean age 42.2 (SD 16.0) and 41.6 (SD 14.4). Median treatment duration 54.0 (IQR 19.9-104.0) and 48.4 (IQR 24.4-55.1) weeks, median follow-up time 104.0 (IQR 103.1-104.0) and 52.0 weeks (IQR 49.3-100.4). On vedolizumab, CCI associated independently with any infection (OR 1.387, 95% CI 1.022-1.883, P = 0.036) and hospitalisation (OR 1.586, 95% CI 1.127-2.231, P = 0.008). On ustekinumab, CCI associated independently with hospitalisation (OR 1.621, 95% CI 1.034-2.541, P = 0.035). CCI was not associated with effectiveness, and age was not associated with any outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidity - but not age - is associated with an increased risk of hospitalisations on either treatment, and with any infection on vedolizumab. This underlines the importance of comorbidity assessment and safety monitoring of IBD patients

Retreatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in combination with an immunomodulator for recurrence of Crohn's disease after ileocecal resection results in prolonged continuation as compared to anti-tumor necrosis factor monotherapy

Background: A considerable proportion of Crohn's disease patients that undergo ileocecal resection (ICR) have failed anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy preoperatively. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of retreatment of anti-TNF therapy in patients with postoperative recurrence. Methods: A real-world cohort study was performed on Crohn's disease patients who underwent primary ICR after anti-TNF therapy failure, and who were retreated with anti-TNF therapy for postoperative symptomatic Crohn's disease. The primary outcome was treatment failure (the need for (re)introduction of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologicals or the need for re-resection). Sub-analyses were performed on the nature of preoperative anti-TNF failure (primary non-response, secondary loss of response, intolerance), indication for ICR (refractory, stricturing, penetrating disease), combination therapy with immunomodulators, retreatment with the same anti-TNF agent and preoperative exposure to 1 vs. >1 anti-TNF agents. Results: In total, 66 of 364 patients retreated with anti-TNF therapy following ICR. Cumulative rates of treatment failure at 1 and 2 years were 28% and 47%. Treatment failure rate at 2 years was significantly lower in patients receiving combination therapy as compared to anti-TNF monotherapy (30% vs. 49%, P = 0.02). No difference in treatment failure was found with regards to the nature of preoperative anti-TNF failure (P = 0.76), indication for ICR (P = 0.88) switch of anti-TNF agent (P = 0.55) agent, and preoperative exposure to 1 vs. >1 anti-TNF agents (P = 0.88). Conclusion: Retreatment with anti-TNF therapy for postoperative Crohn's disease recurrence is a valid strategy after preoperative failure. Combination therapy is associated with a lower rate of treatment failure.</p

Ustekinuma b for Crohn's Disease: Two-Year Results of the Initiative on Crohn and Colitis (ICC) Registry, a Nationwide Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Aims: Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody that selectively targets p40, a shared subunit of the cytokines interleukin [IL]-12 and IL-23. It is registered for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. We assessed the 2-year effectiveness and safety of ustekinumab in a real world, prospective cohort of patients with Crohn's disease [CD].Methods: Patients who started ustekinumab were prospectively enrolled in the nationwide Initiative on Crohn and Colitis [ICC] Registry. At weeks 0, 12, 24, 52 and 104, clinical remission Harvey Bradshaw Index <= 4 points], biochemical remission (faecal calprotectin <= 200 mu g/g and/or C-reactive protein <= 5 mg/L], perianal fistula remission, extra-intestinal manifestations, ustekinumab dosage and safety outcomes were determined. The primary outcome was corticosteroid-free clinical remission at week 104.Results; In total, 252 CD patients with at least 2 years of follow-up were included. Of all included patients, the proportion of patients in corticosteroid-free clinical remission was 32.3% [81/251], 41.4% [104/251], 39% [97/249] and 34.0% [84/247] at weeks 12, 24, 52 and 104, respectively. In patients with combined clinical and biochemical disease activity at baseline [n = 122], the corticosteroid-free clinical remission rates were 23.8% [29/122], 35.2% [43/122], 40.0% [48/120] and 32.8% [39/119] at weeks 12, 24, 52 and 104, respectively. The probability of remaining on ustekinumab treatment after 52 and 104 weeks in all patients was 64.3% and 54.8%, respectively. The main reason for discontinuing treatment after 52 weeks was loss of response [66.7%]. No new safety issues were observed.Conclusion: After 104 weeks of ustekinumab treatment, one-third of CD patients were in corticosteroid-free clinical remission.Cellular mechanisms in basic and clinical gastroenterology and hepatolog

Ustekinuma b for Crohn's Disease: Two-Year Results of the Initiative on Crohn and Colitis (ICC) Registry, a Nationwide Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Aims: Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody that selectively targets p40, a shared subunit of the cytokines interleukin [IL]-12 and IL-23. It is registered for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. We assessed the 2-year effectiveness and safety of ustekinumab in a real world, prospective cohort of patients with Crohn's disease [CD].Methods: Patients who started ustekinumab were prospectively enrolled in the nationwide Initiative on Crohn and Colitis [ICC] Registry. At weeks 0, 12, 24, 52 and 104, clinical remission Harvey Bradshaw Index <= 4 points], biochemical remission (faecal calprotectin <= 200 mu g/g and/or C-reactive protein <= 5 mg/L], perianal fistula remission, extra-intestinal manifestations, ustekinumab dosage and safety outcomes were determined. The primary outcome was corticosteroid-free clinical remission at week 104.Results; In total, 252 CD patients with at least 2 years of follow-up were included. Of all included patients, the proportion of patients in corticosteroid-free clinical remission was 32.3% [81/251], 41.4% [104/251], 39% [97/249] and 34.0% [84/247] at weeks 12, 24, 52 and 104, respectively. In patients with combined clinical and biochemical disease activity at baseline [n = 122], the corticosteroid-free clinical remission rates were 23.8% [29/122], 35.2% [43/122], 40.0% [48/120] and 32.8% [39/119] at weeks 12, 24, 52 and 104, respectively. The probability of remaining on ustekinumab treatment after 52 and 104 weeks in all patients was 64.3% and 54.8%, respectively. The main reason for discontinuing treatment after 52 weeks was loss of response [66.7%]. No new safety issues were observed.Conclusion: After 104 weeks of ustekinumab treatment, one-third of CD patients were in corticosteroid-free clinical remission

Effectiveness and safety of tofacitinib for ulcerative colitis: two-year results of the ICC Registry

Background: Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor and is registered for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The effectiveness of tofacitinib has been evaluated up to 12 months of treatment. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of 24 months of tofacitinib use in UC patients in the Netherlands. Methods: Patients initiating tofacitinib treatment were included in the ICC Registry, a nationwide, observational registry. Patients were prospectively evaluated for up to 24 months. The primary outcome was corticosteroid-free clinical remission (CSFR, Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index [SCCAI] <= 2) at week 104. Secondary outcomes included biochemical remission (C-reactive protein (CRP) <= 5 mg/L and faecal calprotectin (FC) <= 250 mu g/g), safety, and discontinuation rate. Results: We included 110 patients of whom 104 (94.5%) were anti-TNF experienced. After 104 weeks of tofacitinib, 31.8% (34/107) were in CSFR, 23.4% (25/107) in biochemical remission and 18.7% (20/107) in combined clinical and biochemical remission. Of the patients in CSFR at week 52, 76.5% (26/34) remained so after 104 weeks of treatment. Sixty-one patients (55.5%) discontinued tofacitinib after a median duration of 13 weeks (IQR 7-34). The main reasons for discontinuation were non-response (59%), loss of response (14.8%), and adverse events (18%). There were 33.9 possible tofacitinib-related adverse events per 100 patient-years during follow-up. Adverse events most probably related to tofacitinib were skin reactions and headaches. There were 6.4 herpes zoster infections per 100 patient-years. Conclusion: Tofacitinib was effective in 31.8% of patients after 24 months of treatment.</p

Effectiveness and safety of tofacitinib for ulcerative colitis: two-year results of the ICC Registry.

BACKGROUND: Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor and is registered for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The effectiveness of tofacitinib has been evaluated up to 12 months of treatment. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of 24 months of tofacitinib use in UC patients in the Netherlands. METHODS: Patients initiating tofacitinib treatment were included in the ICC Registry, a nationwide, observational registry. Patients were prospectively evaluated for up to 24 months. The primary outcome was corticosteroid-free clinical remission (CSFR, Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index [SCCAI] ≤2) at week 104. Secondary outcomes included biochemical remission (C-reactive protein (CRP) ≤5 mg/L and faecal calprotectin (FC) ≤250 μg/g), safety, and discontinuation rate. RESULTS: We included 110 patients of whom 104 (94.5%) were anti-TNF experienced. After 104 weeks of tofacitinib, 31.8% (34/107) were in CSFR, 23.4% (25/107) in biochemical remission and 18.7% (20/107) in combined clinical and biochemical remission. Of the patients in CSFR at week 52, 76.5% (26/34) remained so after 104 weeks of treatment. Sixty-one patients (55.5%) discontinued tofacitinib after a median duration of 13 weeks (IQR 7-34). The main reasons for discontinuation were non-response (59%), loss of response (14.8%), and adverse events (18%). There were 33.9 possible tofacitinib-related adverse events per 100 patient-years during follow-up. Adverse events most probably related to tofacitinib were skin reactions and headaches. There were 6.4 herpes zoster infections per 100 patient-years. CONCLUSION: Tofacitinib was effective in 31.8% of patients after 24 months of treatment