Identification and Evaluation of Mobile Applications for Self-Management of Diet and Lifestyle for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background: Mobile health applications (apps) providing diet and lifestyle self-management programs to patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are emerging. The objective of this study was to evaluate current apps available in the US and Canada based on app quality, perceived impact on diet and mental health and comprehensiveness to support self-management. Methods: The Apple iOS and Google Play app stores were searched for terms related to IBD. Apps were included if they targeted diet and lifestyle behaviours for patients living with IBD and were available to the general public. Apps were excluded if they were not specific to IBD, not available in English, did not target diet or lifestyle therapy, were not available in the US and Canada, or did not offer stand-alone self-management programs. The Mobile App Rating Scale was used to assess mobile app quality. Results: A total of 1,512 apps were identified through the app stores. Six apps met inclusion criteria. My IBD Care: Crohn's and Colitis received the highest quality rating and LyfeMD received the highest overall app rating. Only these two apps provided behaviour tracking over time, and three (50 percent) apps provided good-quality information. Conclusions: While many IBD-related apps exist, few support self-management of diet and lifestyle behaviours. The My IBD Care and LyfeMD apps had the highest ratings and can be used to track lifestyle behaviours. The effectiveness of these apps to improve behaviours, and subsequently impact the disease course and quality of life, should be explored in future studies.

Review article: Putting some muscle into sarcopenia-the pathogenesis, assessment and clinical impact of muscle loss in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia, a loss of skeletal muscle mass or function, affects up to 50% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is associated with poor clinical outcomes including increased hospitalizations, need for surgery and post-operative complications. Despite the high prevalence and clinical significance of sarcopenia in patients with IBD, few patients undergo routine muscle evaluation. AIM: The goal of this study was to review the mechanisms of sarcopenia in patients with IBD and understand novel modalities to assess and treat impaired muscle mass or function. METHODS: Pubmed and Cochrane databases were searched including articles published up to February 2023 utilizing the following keywords: "inflammatory bowel disease", "IBD", "Crohn's disease", "ulcerative colitis", "sarcopenia", "myosteatosis", "muscle health", and "frailty". RESULTS: The pathogenesis of sarcopenia in IBD is not well defined, however, there is evidence supporting the role of malabsorption, reduced protein intake, chronic inflammation, dysbiosis, decreased physical activity, medication effects and hormone signaling from visceral adiposity. Traditional sarcopenia assessment techniques include direct measurements on cross sectional imaging. However, given the time, cost and radiation exposure associated with cross sectional imaging, new bedside tools are now available to estimate muscle mass, including assessment of grip strength, mid upper arm circumference and body composition utilizing bioelectrical impedance analysis. In addition, novel biomarkers for assessing muscle mass and techniques utilizing point of care ultrasound have been proposed to make sarcopenia evaluation more streamlined in the IBD clinic. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is associated with poor clinical outcomes independent of IBD activity and therefore muscle health should be assessed in all IBD patients at routine intervals. Future studies to better our understanding of the pathophysiology as well as most effective management of sarcopenia in IBD will help guide clinical care and reduce disease related complications.

To Fiber or Not to Fiber: The Swinging Pendulum of Fiber Supplementation in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Evidence-based dietary guidance around dietary fiber in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been limited owing to insufficient reproducibility in intervention trials. However, the pendulum has swung because of our increased understanding of the importance of fibers in maintaining a health-associated microbiome. Preliminary evidence suggests that dietary fiber can alter the gut microbiome, improve IBD symptoms, balance inflammation, and enhance health-related quality of life. Therefore, it is now more vital than ever to examine how fiber could be used as a therapeutic strategy to manage and prevent disease relapse. At present, there is limited knowledge about which fibers are optimal and in what form and quantity they should be consumed to benefit patients with IBD. Additionally, individual microbiomes play a strong role in determining the outcomes and necessitate a more personalized nutritional approach to implementing dietary changes, as dietary fiber may not be as benign as once thought in a dysbiotic microbiome. This review describes dietary fibers and their mechanism of action within the microbiome, details novel fiber sources, including resistant starches and polyphenols, and concludes with potential future directions in fiber research, including the move toward precision nutrition.

High Prevalence of Malnutrition and Micronutrient Deficiencies in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Early in Disease Course.

BACKGROUND: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk of malnutrition. The goal of this study was to define the prevalence of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in recently diagnosed IBD patients and to compare the performance of existing malnutrition screening tools in identifying IBD patients at increased risk for malnutrition. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with recently diagnosed IBD (≤18 months disease duration). A diagnosis of malnutrition was made utilizing the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism malnutrition criteria. Serum micronutrient levels were included. The sensitivity of 5 malnutrition screening tools in identifying patients at moderate-high risk of malnutrition was determined based on the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism malnutrition definition. Descriptive statistics summarized the data and univariate analyses tested associations. RESULTS: A total of 182 patients were included for analysis; 65 (36%) met criteria for malnutrition. A total of 135 (74%) patients had ≥1 micronutrient level checked and 105 (78%) had ≥1 deficiency. Patients with prior surgery (odds ratio [OR], 4.5; P = .004), active Crohn's disease (OR, 2.8; P = .03), and diarrhea (OR, 2.1; P = .02) were more likely to be malnourished. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and Saskatchewan IBD Nutrition Risk Tool had the highest sensitivity (100%) in predicting those at moderate-high risk of malnutrition at the time of screening. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with recently diagnosed IBD have a high prevalence of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Both the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and Saskatchewan IBD Nutrition Risk Tool can be used to identify those at increased risk of malnutrition. Future studies and screening tool development are necessary to identify those at risk of developing malnutrition to facilitate timely referral for nutritional evaluation and prevent disease related complications.

This retrospective cohort study identified that patients with recently diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease have a high prevalence of malnutrition as well as micronutrient deficiencies and compared the utility of 5 available malnutrition screening tools in this population.

IBD Journal Editorial Fellowship: A Practical Guide for Future Fellows.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases offers an editorial fellowship for GI and IBD fellows with a background in clinical, translational, and basic research and who are interested to experience the editorial process. Herein, the inaugural fellows compile their experience as a guide for future applicants on the fellowship's responsibilities and highlights.

Feasibility and impact of a quality improvement initiative to screen for malnutrition in an Inflammatory Bowel Disease clinic.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that is associated with malnutrition. Malnutrition is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with IBD and therefore early identification of those at risk for malnutrition is crucial. We aimed to evaluate how frequently nutrition screening occurs in a large, tertiary care outpatient IBD center and to initiate an intervention to improve malnutrition screening for patients with IBD. METHODS: We used a traditional plan-do-study-act quality improvement technique to understand our current malnutrition screening practices and institute an intervention to improve screening. To do this, we utilized a modified Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (mMUST) and integrated this into the electronic health record. We then evaluated the intervention and the impact on IBD related clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Prior to the intervention, few patients with IBD were screened for malnutrition. However, the number of patients screened for malnutrition significantly improved with the study intervention and those who were identified as high-risk had increased nutrition follow up including serum micronutrient evaluations and referral to a dedicated registered dietician. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the feasibility and impact of a malnutrition screening program in ambulatory IBD patients. Those patients identified as high risk for malnutrition who engaged in nutrition care had improved clinical outcomes including reduced hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

Efficacy and Safety of Dual Biologic Therapy in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review of the Literature.

Using 2 or more treatment modalities to achieve a synergistic effect in patients with refractory inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been an area of focus for many years. This methodology, known as combination therapy, has been proposed for various therapeutic agents, most commonly biologics and immunomodulators. Although the mainstay of biologic therapy for IBD has traditionally focused on agents targeting tumor necrosis factor, the development of newer biologics with different targets, such as vedolizumab and ustekinumab, has introduced the possibility of concomitant dual biologic therapy. Dual biologic therapy has been proposed in the treatment algorithm for 2 types of patients with IBD: those with well-controlled luminal IBD and uncontrolled extraintestinal symptoms (secondary indications such as arthritis or psoriasis) and those with refractory, uncontrolled IBD. Thus far, the data on the efficacy and safety of dual biologic therapy as a treatment for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis remain quite limited. In fact, the overwhelming majority of the literature consists of case reports and case series. Given this paucity of high-level data, physicians have looked to larger studies on dual biologic therapy in other fields of medicine, such as rheumatology and dermatology. The goal of this article is to summarize the current literature on the use of dual biologics in IBD, address the potential adverse effects or risks associated with combination therapy, and highlight future directions in the use of this therapeutic modality.

Perianal Fistulas in Patients With Crohn's Disease, Part 1: Current Medical Management.

Despite significant advances in the treatment of luminal inflammatory bowel disease, the treatment of perianal fistulas remains a clinical challenge. Perianal fistulas are traditionally described using the Parks classification based on their relationship to the external and internal anal sphincters. Traditional therapy for perianal fistulas focuses on antibiotics such as metronidazole or ciprofloxacin. However, medical management has expanded over the years to include immunomodulators and, most recently, biologic agents. Newer techniques such as intrafistulous biologic injections are also being explored as potentially effective treatments for patients with fistulizing disease. Here, in the first of a 2-part series on perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease, we discuss the anatomy and classification of perianal fistulas as well as current medical therapies, including antibiotics, immunomodulators, biologic agents, and novel therapeutic agents. The second part of the series will focus on the surgical modalities that are available for patients with perianal fistulas in addition to novel endoscopic techniques and future therapies that are being investigated for the treatment of fistulizing Crohn's disease.

Perianal Fistulas in Patients With Crohn's Disease, Part 2: Surgical, Endoscopic, and Future Therapies.

The treatment of perianal fistulas remains a clinical challenge despite the significant advances that have been made in the management of luminal inflammatory bowel disease. In combination with medical therapies, surgical management of perianal fistulas is important for both infection control and definitive repair. Older surgical techniques include the placement of draining and cutting setons and endorectal advancement flaps. Newer surgical techniques that utilize lasers and video-assisted technology are being studied to help patients with chronic, refractory perianal fistulas. In addition to surgical management, less-invasive endoscopic techniques, including endoscopic fistulotomy and endoscopic clipping, are being investigated. Looking forward, allogeneic and autologous adult mesenchymal stem cells are being evaluated to induce fistula healing and improve rates of fistula closure. Here, in the second of a 2-part series on perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease, we discuss the current surgical management of perianal fistulas as well as newer endoscopic techniques and future therapies.

An Overt, Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleed Caused by a Primary Small Bowel Fibroblastic Reticular Cell Sarcoma.

Small bowel bleeding should be considered in patients who continue to bleed despite a negative upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. The differential diagnosis of small bowel bleeding can include infection, inflammatory conditions, vascular malformations, and, rarely, malignancy. This report demonstrates a rare, primary, small bowel, reticular cell sarcoma presenting as an overt gastrointestinal bleed. These tumors are difficult to diagnose because they are rarely seen on traditional cross-sectional imaging and can present with multiple synchronous lesions throughout the intestinal tract.

Premedication Use in Preventing Acute Infliximab Infusion Reactions in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Single Center Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Infliximab (IFX) is commonly used in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. One common side effect of IFX is an acute infusion reaction. Despite the lack of evidence supporting their use, clinicians use various premedications to prevent acute reactions. We evaluated the effectiveness of premedications in the prevention of acute IFX infusion reactions. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed identifying patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease who received IFX at our institution. Information about each IFX infusion was recorded, including the dose, infusion rate, use of premedications, and any reactions. Infusions were stratified into low and high risk. In the high- and low-risk groups, the relative risk was calculated for each premedication combination used in our institution. RESULTS: Seven hundred seventy-three patients were identified; 578 patients (7090 infusions) met inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. Nine hundred eighty-six high-risk infusions were isolated; 620 (62.8%) of these infusions were administered with premedications (diphenhydramine and/or hydrocortisone) and 53 (5.4%) reactions occurred. Six thousand one hundred four low-risk infusions were identified; 2253 (36.9%) of these infusions had premedications and 61 (1.0%) reactions occurred. In both groups, none of the premedications used resulted in a significantly lower reaction rate compared with no premedication use. CONCLUSIONS: In both the high- and low-risk cohorts in this study, premedication use was not effective in reducing the rate of acute IFX reactions. Given this, routine premedication use is not recommended without future randomized control trials to demonstrate efficacy.

MR Imaging of Adverse Local Tissue Reactions around Rejuvenate Modular Dual-Taper Stems.

PURPOSE: To describe the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics associated with adverse local tissue reactions and tissue damage around hip arthroplasties in which the recalled Rejuvenate modular dual-taper stem was used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The institutional review board of the Hospital for Special Surgery approved the study. All study patients provided informed consent. MR imaging studies were retrospectively reviewed in a cohort of 58 patients with 66 hip arthroplasties with Rejuvenate stems who had presented for imaging evaluation because of recall of the implant. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine MR imaging features, biomechanical factors, and metal ion levels as predictors of aseptic lymphocytic vasculitis-associated lesion (ALVAL) score at histologic assessment while adjusting for age and sex for 54 revised hips. RESULTS: Revision surgery was performed in 54 hips on the basis of clinical or imaging findings (24% of hips were completely asymptomatic). The median ALVAL score among the revised hips was 9 (range, 1-10). Imaging characteristics observed with high frequency in patients with ALVAL included synovitis, mixed- or solid-type synovitis, synovial thickening, and capsular dehiscence. CONCLUSION: MR imaging provides an effective noninvasive method for assessing the presence and severity of adverse local tissue reaction, as well as the degree of pre-existing tissue damage, thereby facilitating early and accurate identification of candidates for revision surgery.

High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of the lower extremity nerves.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the nerves, commonly known as MR neurography is increasingly being used as noninvasive means of diagnosing peripheral nerve disease. High-resolution imaging protocols aimed at imaging the nerves of the hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, and foot can demonstrate traumatic or iatrogenic injury, tumorlike lesions, or entrapment of the nerves, causing a potential loss of motor and sensory function in the affected area. A thorough understanding of normal MR imaging and gross anatomy, as well as MR findings in the presence of peripheral neuropathies will aid in accurate diagnosis and ultimately help guide clinical management.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in symptomatic versus asymptomatic subjects following metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although pseudotumors have been reported at the sites of well-functioning and painful metal-on-metal hip prostheses, there are no objective data on the magnitude of the adverse reaction. This observational study was performed to investigate the ability of modified magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect and quantify adverse synovial responses in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects following metal-on-metal hip resurfacing. We hypothesized that the magnitude of the synovial reactions would be greater in symptomatic patients. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients (seventy-four hips) with hip resurfacing were divided into three groups: asymptomatic (twenty-two hips), symptomatic with a mechanical cause (twenty), and unexplained pain (thirty-two). The volume of synovitis was calculated on MRI for all patients. RESULTS: Synovitis was detected in fifteen asymptomatic hips (68%), fifteen (75%) with symptoms with a mechanical causes, and twenty-five (78%) with unexplained pain. The mean volume (and standard deviation) of the synovitis in these groups was 5 ± 7 cm³, 10 ± 16 cm³, and 31 ± 47 cm³, respectively. The coefficient of repeatability between the examiners was 1.8 cm³ for measurement of synovitis. Of the thirteen subjects with revision arthroplasty, six had an adverse local tissue reaction. This subgroup had the highest volumes of synovitis on MRI. CONCLUSIONS: An adverse synovial reaction was detected on MRI in both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. We found a larger volume of synovitis in symptomatic patients; this increase reached significance only in the group with an adverse local tissue reaction. Synovial volume on MRI may be a valuable marker in the longitudinal assessment of asymptomatic patients with a metal-on-metal hip resurfacing and in identifying patients with adverse local tissue reaction.