Faecal volatile organic compounds differ according to inflammatory bowel disease sub-type, severity, and response to treatment in paediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Faecal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) differ with disease sub-type and activity in adults with established inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) taking therapy. OBJECTIVE: To describe patterns of faecal VOCs in children newly presented with IBD according to disease sub-type, severity, and response to treatment. METHODS: Children presenting with suspected IBD were recruited from three UK hospitals. Children in whom IBD was diagnosed were matched with a non-IBD child for age, sex, and recruitment site. Faecal VOCs were characterised by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry at presentation and 3 months later in children with IBD. RESULTS: In 132 case/control pairs, median (inter-quartile range) age in IBD was 13.3 years (10.2-14.7) and 38.6% were female. Compared with controls, the mean abundance of 27/62 (43.6%) faecal VOCs was statistically significantly decreased in Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) or both especially amongst ketones/diketones, fatty acids, and alcohols (p < 0.05). Short-chain, medium chain, and branched chain fatty acids were markedly reduced in severe colitis (p < 0.05). Despite clinical improvement in many children with IBD, the number and abundance of almost all VOCs did not increase following treatment, suggesting persistent dysbiosis. Oct-1-en-3-ol was increased in CD (p = 0.001) and UC (p = 0.012) compared with controls and decreased following treatment in UC (p = 0.01). In CD, propan-1-ol was significantly greater than controls (p < 0.001) and extensive colitis (p = 0.001) and fell with treatment (p = 0.05). Phenol was significantly greater in CD (p < 0.001) and fell with treatment in both CD (p = 0.02) and UC (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Characterisation of faecal VOCs in an inception cohort of children with IBD reveals patterns associated with diagnosis, disease activity, and extent. Further work should investigate the relationship between VOCs and the microbiome in IBD and their role in diagnosis and disease monitoring.

Sustained Increase in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Incidence Across the South West United Kingdom Over the Last 10 Years.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (pIBD) incidence has increased over the last 25 years. We aim to report contemporaneous trends across the South West United Kingdom. METHODS: Data were provided from centers covering the South West United Kingdom (Bristol, Oxford, Cardiff, Exeter, and Southampton), with a total area at-risk population (<18 years of age) of 2 947 534. Cases were retrieved from 2013 to 2022. Incident rates were reported per 100 000 at-risk population, with temporal trends analyzed through correlation. Subgroup analysis was undertaken for age groups (0-6, 6-11, and 12-17 years of age), sex, and disease subtype. Choropleth maps were created for local districts. RESULTS: In total, 2497 pIBD cases were diagnosed between 2013 and 2022, with a mean age of 12.6 years (38.7% female). Diagnosis numbers increased from 187 to 376, with corresponding incidence rates of 6.0 per 100 000 population per year (2013) to 12.4 per 100 000 population per year (2022) (b = 0.918, P < .01). Female rates increased from 5.1 per 100 000 population per year in 2013 to 11.0 per 100 000 population per year in 2022 (b = 0.865, P = .01). Male rates increased from 5.7 per 100 000 population per year to 14.4 per 100 000 population per year (b = 0.832, P = .03). Crohn's disease incidence increased from 3.1 per 100 000 population per year to 6.3 per 100 000 population per year (b = 0.897, P < .01). Ulcerative colitis increased from 2.3 per 100 000 population per year to 4.3 per 100 000 population per year (b = 0.813, P = .04). Inflammatory bowel disease unclassified also increased, from 0.6 per 100 000 population per year to 1.8 per 100 000 population per year (b = 0.851, P = .02). Statistically significant increases were seen in those ≥12 to 17 years of age, from 11.2 per 100 000 population per year to 24.6 per 100 000 population per year (b = 0.912, P < .01), and the 7- to 11-year-old age group, with incidence rising from 4.4 per 100 000 population per year to 7.6 per 100 000 population per year (b = 0.878, P = .01). There was no statistically significant increase in very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (≤6 years of age) (b = 0.417, P = .231). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate significant increases in pIBD incidence across a large geographical area including multiple referral centers. Increasing incidence has implications for service provision for services managing pIBD.

Incidence of inflammatory bowel disease continues to increase in childhood, particularly in older children. This is demonstrated in a contemporary dataset collected over a 10-year period, and covering an at-risk population of nearly 3 000 000. These data have significant implications for service provision.

Evidence supporting safe diagnosis of coeliac disease in children with antitissue transglutaminase titre ≥5 times upper limit of normal.

OBJECTIVE: European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines on coeliac disease (CD) recommend that children who have IgA-based antitissue transglutaminase (TGA-IgA) titre ≥10× upper limit of normal (ULN) and positive antiendomysial antibody, can be reliably diagnosed with CD via the no-biopsy pathway. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between TGA-IgA ≥5×ULN and histologically confirmed diagnosis of CD. METHODS: Data including TGA-IgA levels at upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and histological findings from children diagnosed with CD following endoscopy from 2006 to 2021 were analysed. CD was confirmed by Marsh-Oberhuber histological grading 2 to 3 c. Statistical analysis was performed using χ² analysis (p<0.05= significant). RESULTS: 722 of 758 children had histological confirmation of CD. 457 children had TGA-IgA ≥5×ULN and 455 (99.5%) of these had histological confirmation for CD; the two that did not had eventual diagnosis of CD based on clinicopathological features. 114 of 457 had between TGA-IgA ≥5×ULN and <10×ULN, all had confirmed CD. The likelihood of a positive biopsy with TGA-IgA ≥5×ULN (455/457) compared with TGA-IgA <5×ULN (267/301) has strong statistical significance (p<0.00001). The optimal TGA-IgA cut-off from receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was determined to be below 5×ULN for the two assays used. CONCLUSION: 99.5% of children with TGA-IgA ≥5×ULN had histological confirmation of CD, suggesting that CD diagnosis can be made securely in children with TGA-IgA ≥5×ULN. If other studies confirm this finding, there is a case to be made to modify the ESPGHAN guidelines to a lower threshold of TGA-IgA for serological diagnosis of CD.

Change in Incidence and Epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in 2- to 9-Year-olds in Southwest England.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to characterize epidemiology, phenotype, and clinical outcome of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) diagnosed ages 2 to 9 years, and compare age groups 2 to 5 and 6 to 9 years. METHODS: A population-based retrospective cohort study of all <10-year-olds diagnosed with IBD between 2004 and 2017 in Southwest England was performed. Patients were divided into age groups at diagnosis. Demographics, investigations, and phenotype at diagnosis were collected. Treatments and outcomes were analysed at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years follow-up. Poisson regression was used for IBD incidence rate ratios; Wald test for variation by age group; parametric/nonparametric tests for phenotype. RESULTS: There were 666 new paediatric IBD (pIBD) patients ages ≤16 years, from which 136 were 2 to 9 (2-5 years: 32; 6-9 years: 104). Incidence of pIBD increased from 4 to 6 cases per 100,000 whereas in A1a group was stable around 2 cases per 100,000. Crohn Disease (CD) children were majority boys, 2- to 5-year-olds were more likely to have ileal sparing than 6 to 9-year group but had similar rates of surgery and anti-TNF therapy. Two- to 5-year-olds with ulcerative colitis were more likely to have surgery but rates for anti-TNF therapy were similar. Sixteen percent of 2- to 5-year-olds and 10% of 6- to 9-year-olds had IBD-unclassified. No significant differences in symptoms or time to diagnosis were found. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty percent of pIBD in Southwest England are 2 to 9 years old. pIBD incidence has increased but is stable in that group. In terms of phenotypic differences, ileal sparing in CD and pancolitis and surgery in UC, are more likely in 2- to 5-year-olds.

Transition Services for Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multicentre Study of Practice in the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) constitute one of the largest cohorts requiring transition from paediatric to adult services. Standardised transition care improves short and long-term patient outcomes. This study aimed to detail the current state of transition services for IBD in the United Kingdom (UK). METHODS: We performed a nationwide study to ascertain current practice, facilities and resources for children and young people with IBD. Specialist paediatric IBD centres were invited to contribute data on: timing of transition/transfer of care; transition resources available including clinics, staff and patient information; planning for future improvement. RESULTS: Twenty of 21 (95%) of invited centres responded. Over 90% of centres began the transition process below 16 years of age and all had completed transfer to adult care at 18 years of age. The proportion of patients in the transition process at individual centres varied from 10% to 50%.Joint clinics were held in every centre, with a mean of 12.9 clinics per year. Adult and paediatric gastroenterologists attended at all sites. Availability of additional team members was patchy across the UK, with dietetic, psychological and surgical attendance available in <50% centres. A structured transition tool was used in 75% of centres. Sexual health, contraception and pregnancy were discussed by <60% of teams. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides real-world clinical data on UK-wide transition services. These data can be used to develop a national strategy to complement current transition guidelines, focused on standardising services whilst allowing for local implementation.

Adaptations to the current ECCO/ESPGHAN guidelines on the management of paediatric acute severe colitis in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a RAND appropriateness panel.

OBJECTIVE: Paediatric acute severe colitis (ASC) management during the novel SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic is challenging due to reliance on immunosuppression and the potential for surgery. We aimed to provide COVID-19-specific guidance using the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation/European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines for comparison. DESIGN: We convened a RAND appropriateness panel comprising 14 paediatric gastroenterologists and paediatric experts in surgery, rheumatology, respiratory and infectious diseases. Panellists rated the appropriateness of interventions for ASC in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results were discussed at a moderated meeting prior to a second survey. RESULTS: Panellists recommended patients with ASC have a SARS-CoV-2 swab and expedited biological screening on admission and should be isolated. A positive swab should trigger discussion with a COVID-19 specialist. Sigmoidoscopy was recommended prior to escalation to second-line therapy or colectomy. Methylprednisolone was considered appropriate first-line management in all, including those with symptomatic COVID-19. Thromboprophylaxis was also recommended in all. In patients requiring second-line therapy, infliximab was considered appropriate irrespective of SARS-CoV-2 status. Delaying colectomy due to SARS-CoV-2 infection was considered inappropriate. Corticosteroid tapering over 8-10 weeks was deemed appropriate for all. After successful corticosteroid rescue, thiopurine maintenance was rated appropriate in patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 swab and asymptomatic patients with positive swab but uncertain in symptomatic COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Our COVID-19-specific adaptations to paediatric ASC guidelines using a RAND panel generally support existing recommendations, particularly the use of corticosteroids and escalation to infliximab, irrespective of SARS-CoV-2 status. Consideration of routine prophylactic anticoagulation was recommended.

Impact of COVID-19 on diagnosis and management of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease during lockdown: a UK nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has impacted on healthcare provision. Anecdotally, investigations for children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been restricted, resulting in diagnosis with no histological confirmation and potential secondary morbidity. In this study, we detail practice across the UK to assess impact on services and document the impact of the pandemic. METHODS: For the month of April 2020, 20 tertiary paediatric IBD centres were invited to contribute data detailing: (1) diagnosis/management of suspected new patients with IBD; (2) facilities available; (3) ongoing management of IBD; and (4) direct impact of COVID-19 on patients with IBD. RESULTS: All centres contributed. Two centres retained routine endoscopy, with three unable to perform even urgent IBD endoscopy. 122 patients were diagnosed with IBD, and 53.3% (n=65) were presumed diagnoses and had not undergone endoscopy with histological confirmation. The most common induction was exclusive enteral nutrition (44.6%). No patients with a presumed rather than confirmed diagnosis were started on anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy.Most IBD follow-up appointments were able to occur using phone/webcam or face to face. No biologics/immunomodulators were stopped. All centres were able to continue IBD surgery if required, with 14 procedures occurring across seven centres. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic IBD practice has been hugely impacted by COVID-19, with >50% of new diagnoses not having endoscopy. To date, therapy and review of known paediatric patients with IBD has continued. Planning and resourcing for recovery is crucial to minimise continued secondary morbidity.

Improved Medical Treatment and Surgical Surveillance of Children and Adolescents with Ulcerative Colitis in the United Kingdom.

Background: Pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) presents at an earlier age and increasing prevalence. Our aim was to examine morbidity, steroid sparing strategies, and surgical outcome in children with active UC. Methods: A national prospective audit was conducted for the inpatient period of all children with UC for medical or surgical treatment in the United Kingdom (UK) over 1 year. Thirty-two participating centers recruited 224 children in 298 admissions, comparisons over 6 years were made with previous audits. Results: Over 6 years, recording of Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) score (median 65)(23% to 55%, P < 0.001), guidelines for acute severe colitis (43% to 77%, P < 0.04), and ileal pouch surgery registration (4% to 56%, P < 0.001) have increased. Corticosteroids were given in 183/298 episodes (61%) with 61/183 (33%) not responding and requiring second line therapy or surgery. Of those treated with anti-TNFalpha (16/61, 26%), 3/16 (18.8%) failed to respond and required colectomy. Prescription of rescue therapy (26% to 49%, P = 0.04) and proportion of anti-TNFalpha (20% to 53%, P = 0.03) had increased, colectomy rate (23.7% to 15%) was not significantly reduced (P = 0.5). Subtotal colectomy was the most common surgery performed (n = 40), and surgical complications from all procedures occurred in 33%. In 215/224 (96%) iron deficiency anemia was detected and in 51% treated, orally (50.2%) or intravenously (49.8%). Conclusions: A third of children were not responsive to steroids, and a quarter of these were treated with anti-TNFalpha. Colectomy was required in 41/298 (13.7%) of all admissions. Our national audit program indicates effectiveness of actions taken to reduce steroid dependency, surgery, and iron deficiency. 10.1093/ibd/izy042_video1izy042.video15769503407001.

Evidence Supporting Serology-based Pathway for Diagnosing Celiac Disease in Asymptomatic Children From High-risk Groups.

OBJECTIVE: The European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines for diagnosing celiac disease (CD) in children were modified in 2012. They recommend that in symptomatic children with anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (anti-tTG) titer of >10 times upper limit of normal (>10× ULN) and who have positive anti-endomysial antibody and HLA-DQ2/DQ8 haplotype, the diagnosis of CD can be based on serology. The aim of this study is to establish whether serology-based pathway of the ESPGHAN guidelines could also be reliably applied to asymptomatic children from high-risk groups. METHODS: From March 2007 to February 2017, prospective data on anti-tTG titer, age, sex, and reason for screening were collected at diagnostic endoscopy on all asymptomatic children being diagnosed as having CD. The relationship between modified Marsh-Oberhuber classification histological grading and contemporaneous anti-tTG titers was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 157 asymptomatic children were diagnosed as having CD. Eighty-four of 157 (53.5%) had antitTG >10× ULN (normal <10 IU/mL) and 75 of 84 were from high-risk groups. All 75 had definitive histological evidence (Marsh-Oberhuber 3a-3c) of small bowel enteropathy. Fifty-three of 84 children had anti-tTG >200 IU/mL and total villous atrophy was present in 29 of 53 (55%). Main reasons for serological screening were: type-1 diabetes mellitus (n = 36) and first-degree relatives with CD (n = 24). Mean age at diagnosis was 8.8 years. Serology-based diagnosis is cost-beneficial by around £1275 per child in the United Kingdom. CONCLUSIONS: All 75 asymptomatic children from high-risk groups with anti-tTG >10× ULN had histology-proven CD. This study provides further evidence that the guidelines for diagnosing CD by the serology-based pathway should be extended to these children.

How Secure Is the Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis in Children, Even After Colectomy?

OBJECTIVES: We reviewed all children who have undergone a colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) in our tertiary referral centre in a 12-year period to assess the rate of reclassification as Crohn disease (CD). In contrast to CD, a colectomy is considered to be definitive treatment for patients with UC. Distinguishing between the 2 can be challenging when disease is manifest only within the colon-even histological examination of a colectomy specimen may be inconclusive. Historically, the recognised "rediagnosis" rate (post-colectomy) was reported at approximately 3% to 7%. A recent study suggested that a higher rate of 13% should be expected in children. This has implications in terms of pre-operative counselling and surgical decision making. METHODS: A retrospective case-note review of all patients who underwent a colectomy for UC between 2003 and 2014 in a single paediatric tertiary referral centre was performed. RESULTS: Of the 570 children diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease in this period, 190 were diagnosed as UC. Of these 190 cases, 29 underwent a colectomy. None of these was re-classified following histological examination of the colectomy sample. Seven out of the 29 patients (24%) were subsequently diagnosed with CD (median follow-up 7.6 years). This is significantly higher than previously reported rates (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that later manifestation of CD is more common than previously thought (24%). Therefore, a diagnosis of UC in children should be regarded as provisional and a potential later diagnosis of CD taken into account when considering colectomy and J-pouch formation.

Surgical Management of Crohn Disease in Children: Guidelines From the Paediatric IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN.

The incidence of Crohn disease (CD) has been increasing and surgery needs to be contemplated in a substantial number of cases. The relevant advent of biological treatment has changed but not eliminated the need for surgery in many patients. Despite previous publications on the indications for surgery in CD, there was a need for a comprehensive review of existing evidence on the role of elective surgery and options in pediatric patients affected with CD. We present an expert opinion and critical review of the literature to provide evidence-based guidance to manage these patients. Indications, surgical options, risk factors, and medications in pre- and perioperative period are reviewed in the light of available evidence. Risks and benefits of surgical options are addressed. An algorithm is proposed for the management of postsurgery monitoring, timing for follow-up endoscopy, and treatment options.

pANCA and ASCA in Children with IBD-Unclassified, Crohn's Colitis, and Ulcerative Colitis-A Longitudinal Report from the IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN.

INTRODUCTION: No study to date has evaluated perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA) and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease-unclassified (IBDU) as compared with Crohn's colitis (CC) and ulcerative colitis (UC), which represent the diagnostic challenge. We aimed to explore the diagnostic utility of serology and to assess whether serology can predict disease severity in these subgroups. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective longitudinal study including 406 children with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) from 23 centers affiliated with the Porto group of European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (mean age 10.5 ± 3.9, 54% males); 117 (29%) with CC, 143 (35%) with UC, and 146 (36%) with IBDU. Median follow-up period was 2.8 years (interquartile range, 1.6-4.2). RESULTS: The most prevalent serologic profile in IBDU was pANCA-/ASCA- (41%), followed by pANCA+/ASCA- (34%) and pANCA-/ASCA+ (17%). pANCA-/ASCA+ differentiated well between CC versus IBDU (83% specificity, 96% positive predictive value [PPV]) and UC (97% specificity, 90% PPV) patients, albeit with a low negative predictive value (13% and 40%, respectively). pANCA+/ASCA- did not differentiate as well between IBD subgroups, but UC children with pANCA+/ASCA- had more often severe disease at diagnosis (36 [62%] versus 22 [38%], P = 0.033) and needed more often calcineurin inhibitors, biologics, or colectomy (25 [80%] versus 6 [20%], P = 0.026). In CC, double positivity for ASCA and not pANCA-/ASCA+ profile was associated with disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Serology may have some role in predicting disease course and outcomes in colonic IBD, but its routine use needs to be supported by more studies. Serology cannot routinely be recommended for differentiating between IBDU versus CC or UC as a sole diagnostic criterion given its low diagnostic utility.

Applicability of the New ESPGHAN Guidelines for Diagnosing Coeliac Disease in Children from Resource Limited Countries.

Coeliac Disease (CD) is an immune-mediated systemic disorder elicited by the ingestion of gluten. Small-bowel biopsies and histology has been the gold standard for diagnosing CD. The modified ESPGHAN guidelines recommend that in symptomatic children with anti-tissue-Transglutaminase (tTG) titre of > 10 times Upper-Limit-of-Normal (ULN), diagnosis of CD can be made without small-bowel biopsies. However, positive HLA-DQ2/DQ8 serotype and anti-Endomysial Antibodies (EMA) are necessary. Studies from resource-limited countries have demonstrated applicability of the ESPGHAN guidelines for serological diagnosis of CD. CD should not be diagnosed on the basis of a single high tTG-titre. Small-bowel biopsies are necessary for diagnosing CD in asymptomatic children and those with tTG-titre < 10 x ULN. Management of CD needs lifelong gluten free diet.

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) has been reported in association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mostly in children. We describe the UK paediatric experience of CRMO and IBD and review the global literature. Three cases of CRMO and IBD were identified in UK children during the last 10 years. This adds to the previously published 24 cases worldwide (15 children). We provide further evidence for the true association of CRMO and IBD, and a greater understanding of disease course. CRMO may be considered a rare extraintestinal complication of IBD.

Diagnosing coeliac disease in children.

Small bowel biopsies and histology had been the gold standard for diagnosis of coeliac disease, an immune-mediated systemic disorder. European guidelines recommend that in certain symptomatic patients, coeliac disease can be diagnosed without small bowel biopsies. A gluten-free diet is the only method of managing coeliac disease.

Malignancy and mortality in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a multinational study from the porto pediatric IBD group.

BACKGROUND: The combination of the severity of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) phenotypes and the need for intense medical treatment may increase the risk of malignancy and mortality, but evidence regarding the extent of the problem is scarce. Therefore, the Porto Pediatric IBD working group of ESPGHAN conducted a multinational-based survey of cancer and mortality in pediatric IBD. METHODS: A survey among pediatric gastroenterologists of 20 European countries and Israel on cancer and/or mortality in the pediatric patient population with IBD was undertaken. One representative from each country repeatedly contacted all pediatric gastroenterologists from each country for reporting retrospectively cancer and/or mortality of pediatric patients with IBD after IBD onset, during 2006-2011. RESULTS: We identified 18 cases of cancers and/or 31 deaths in 44 children (26 males) who were diagnosed with IBD (ulcerative colitis, n = 21) at a median age of 10.0 years (inter quartile range, 3.0-14.0). Causes of mortality were infectious (n = 14), cancer (n = 5), uncontrolled disease activity of IBD (n = 4), procedure-related (n = 3), other non-IBD related diseases (n = 3), and unknown (n = 2). The most common malignancies were hematopoietic tumors (n = 11), of which 3 were hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma and 3 Ebstein-Barr virus-associated lymphomas. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer and mortality in pediatric IBD are rare, but cumulative rates are not insignificant. Mortality is primarily related to infections, particularly in patients with 2 or more immunosuppressive agents, followed by cancer and uncontrolled disease. At least 6 lymphomas were likely treatment-associated by virtue of their phenotype.

Contemporary outcomes for ulcerative colitis inpatients admitted to pediatric hospitals in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) care is variable with a lack of appropriate guidelines to guide practice until recently. METHODS: UC inpatients <17 years old admitted to 23 U.K. pediatric hospitals had clinical details collected between September 2010 and 2011. Comparative data for 248 patients were available from a previous audit in 2008. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-six patients (98 males) of median age 13 years (interquartile range, 10-13) were analyzed; 23 were elective surgical admissions, 47 new diagnoses, and 106 needed acute medical care for established UC. Median length of stay was 6 days (interquartile range, 3-10) with no deaths. Eighty-eight of 126 patients (70%) with active disease had standard stool cultures performed (3 [2%] were positive), and 57 (45%) had Clostridium difficile toxin tested (none positive). Twenty-five of 66 (38%) emergency admissions had an abdominal x-ray on admission, and 13 of 66 patients (20%) had a Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index score. There were 3 cases of toxic megacolon and 2 thromboses. Eighty-one of 116 patients (71%) responded to steroids. Nineteen patients who did not respond adequately to steroids received rescue therapy (7 infliximab, 11 ciclosporin, and 1 both) with overall response rate of 90%; 7 patients needed surgery acutely, 5 without previous rescue therapy. Compared with the 2008 data, stool culture rates improved significantly (86 of 121 [71%] versus 76 of 147 [52%], P = 0.001) as did heparinization rates (15 of 150 [10%] versus 5 of 215 [2%], P = 0.002) and rescue therapy usage (17 of 33 [52%] versus 10 of 38 [26%], P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: There were signs of improving UC care with significantly increased rates of stool culture and rescue therapy. The majority of sites, however, did not use Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index scores.

Feasibility of video capsule endoscopy in the management of children with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: a blinded comparison with barium enterography for the detection of small bowel polyps.

OBJECTIVES: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) in children may present with anaemia, intussusception, or obstruction from an early age and surgery is common. Prophylactic polypectomy may reduce subsequent complications. Traditional barium enterography (BE) has poor sensitivity and requires significant radiation. We compared the performance of capsule endoscopy (CE) with BE in children with PJS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children with PJS (ages 6.0-16.5 years) were prospectively recruited and underwent BE followed by CE, each reported by expert reviewers blinded to the alternate modality. Number of "significant" (>10 mm) and total number of polyps were recorded. Child preference was assessed using a visual analogue questionnaire. Definitive findings were assessed at laparotomy or enteroscopy, when performed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference for >10 mm polyp detection. Six polyps were found in 3 children by both modalities: 3 polyps in 2 children at CE, 3 polyps in 1 child at BE (P=0.50). Re-review of 1 CE identified 3 polyps that were missed in 1 child at initial reading. Significantly more <10 mm polyps were identified by CE than BE: 61 vs 6 (P=0.02). CE was significantly more comfortable than BE (median score CE 76 [interquartile range 69-87] vs BE 37 [interquartile range 31-68], P=0.03) and was the preferred investigation in 90% (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: CE is a feasible, safe, and sensitive test for small bowel polyp surveillance in children with PJS. It is significantly more comfortable than BE and is the preferred test of most children for future surveillance. There is a learning curve for reporting CE studies in PJS and appropriate training is essential.