[Interest of extrahospital multidisciplinary unit of neuro-psycho-geriatric intervened in nursing home: Analysis of 288 interventions]. / Intérêt d'une unité mobile multidisciplinaire extra-hospitalière de neuro-psychogériatrie intervenant en EHPAD : analyse de 288 interventions.

INTRODUCTION: Geriatrics Mobile Units are a new organisation operating in nursing homes. Their mission is to propose globally oriented neuro-psychiatric and geriatric care. The purpose of the study is to assess their activity and impact over a 21-month period. METHOD: A prospective single center study of UMNPG's data including intervention characteristics, patient characteristics, recommendations and reassessment after intervention. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home version (NPI-NH) was measured during intervention and reassessed after 30 days (Student's t-test). RESULTS: From March 2014 to December 2015, UMNPG conducted 288 interventions mainly for medical advices (81%), clinical assessments (54%) and health care team support (46%). The average age was 84.6±7.3years, 73.3% of whom were women. The patients were dependent (62% of GIR 1 or 2) with dementia (60%) and under several medications (83.7%). The symptoms were mainly agitation/aggression (76.4%), anxiety (75%), depression (66.7%), irritability (60.4%), aberrant motor behaviour (55.9%) and delusions (48.6%). The main proposals of UMNPG were a change in treatment (79.5%), a health care team support (85.4%) and hospitalization (8.4%). The rate of follow-up on recommendation was 83% on the 15th day and 80% on the 30th day. The rate of avoided hospitalizations was 16%. The average NPI-NH decreased (on day 0 NPI=50±19.2; on day 30 NPI=33.9±19.6, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: UMNPG-EHPAD intervenes for frail elderly residents with multiple disorders in crisis situations. Medical recommendations help to support people in nursing homes and decrease NPI-NH. UMNPG-EHPAD is part of geriatric network strengthening the city/hospital connection.

Inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases associated with PD-1 blockade antibodies.

BACKGROUND: Immune check-point blockade agents have shown clinical activity in cancer patients but are associated with immune-related adverse events that could limit their development. The aim of this study was to describe the gastrointestinal immune-related adverse events (GI-irAE) in patients with cancer treated with anti-PD-1. METHODS: this is a retrospective study of consecutive adult patients who had a suspected GI-irAE due to anti-PD-1 antibodies between 2013 and 2016. Patients were recruited through a pharmacovigilance registry. Patients' data were reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee that included gastroenterologists, oncologists and a pathologist. Quantitative variables are described by median (range), qualitative variable by frequency (percentage). RESULTS: Forty-four patients were addressed to a Gastroenterology unit for a suspected GI-IrAE. Twenty patients had a confirmed GI-irAE related to anti-PD-1, which occurred 4.2 months (0.2; 22.1) after the initiation of anti-PD-1. GI-IrAE incidence rate under anti-PD-1 treatment was estimated to be 1.5%. Among patients with GI-IrAE, main symptoms were diarrhoea (n = 16, 80%), abdominal pain (n = 13, 65%), nausea and vomiting (n = 11, 55%), intestinal obstruction (n = 1, 5%), and haematochezia (n = 2, 10%). No patient had colectomy. Four distinct categories of GI-irAE were observed: acute colitis (n = 8, 40%), microscopic colitis (n = 7, 35%), upper gastrointestinal tract inflammation (n = 4, 20%) and pseudo-obstruction (n = 1, 5%). Response rates to corticosteroids were 87.5% (7/8) in acute colitis, 57% (4/7) in microscopic colitis and 75% (3/4) in upper gastrointestinal tract inflammation. Median time to resolution was 36 days (6-172) in acute colitis, and 98 days (42-226) in microscopic colitis. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that GI-irAE are different and less frequent with anti PD-1 than with anti CTLA-4.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in ileocolonic Crohn's disease: validation of quantitative index of activity.

OBJECTIVES: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows accurate assessment of Crohn's disease (CD), but requires gadolinium injection. Diffusion-weighted (DW)-MRI yields comparable performances in small bowel CD. We compared the accuracy of DW-MR enterocolonography (MREC) and the magnetic resonance index of activity (MaRIA), and performed an external validation of the Clermont score in assessing inflammation in CD. METHODS: This was an observational prospective study of a single-center cohort. A total of 130 CD patients underwent consecutively MREC with gadolinium injection and DWI sequences between July 2011 and December 2012. RESULTS: Of the 848 evaluated segments (small bowel=352, colon/rectum=496), 175 (20.6%) were active (small bowel=111, colon/rectum=64) defined as MaRIA ≥7. Using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, we determined an apparent coefficient of diffusion (ADC) threshold of 1.9 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s that yielded a sensitivity and a specificity in discriminating active from nonactive CD of 96.9% and 98.1%, respectively, for the colon/rectum, and 85.9% and 81.6%, respectively, for the ileum. ADC was better correlated to MaRIA ≥7 than related contrast enhancement obtained with injected sequences (P<0.001). The Clermont score (=1.646 × bowel thickness-1.321 × ADC+5.613 × edema+8.306 × ulceration+5.039) was highly correlated with the MaRIA (rho=0.99) in ileal CD but not in colonic CD (rho <0.80). Interobserver agreement was high with regard to ADC measurement (correlation >0.9, P<0.001, and concordance >0.9, P<0001). CONCLUSIONS: DW-MREC is a reliable tool to assess inflammation in colonic (ADC) and ileal (Clermont score) CD and its use in daily practice would avoid gadolinium injection.

Long-term effectiveness and acceptability of switching from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with intensified doses: The REMSWITCH-LT study.

BACKGROUND: The long-term risk of relapse after switching from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SC) infliximab remains unknown in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). AIMS: To assess the long-term effectiveness and acceptability of switching from IV to SC infliximab in patients with IBD treated with or without an intensified IV regimen. METHODS: We extended the follow-up of the REMSWITCH study including patients with IBD in clinical remission who were switched from IV to SC infliximab (120 mg/2 weeks). Relapse was defined as clinical relapse or faecal calprotectin increase ≥150 µg/g compared to baseline. RESULTS: After median follow-up of 18 [15-20] months, among 128 patients, rates of relapse were 13.8% (8/58), 18.4% (7/38), 35.3% (6/17) and 86.7% (13/15) at last follow-up (p < 0.001), in those receiving 5 mg/kg/8 weeks, 10 mg/kg/8 weeks, 10 mg/kg/6 weeks and 10 mg/kg/4 weeks at baseline, respectively. Among relapsing patients, dose escalation led to clinical remission in 82.1% (23/28). In multivariable analyses, factors associated with higher risk of relapse were IV infliximab 10 mg/kg/4 weeks (OR = 61.0 [6.1-607.0], p < 0.001) or 10 mg/kg/6 weeks (OR = 4.7 [1.1-20.2], p = 0.017), and decreased (OR = 5.6 [1.5-20.3], p = 0.004) or stable (OR = 5.0 [1.6-15.0], p = 0.009) serum levels of infliximab between baseline and first post-switch visit. Acceptability was improved at 6 months and did not decrease over time (6.9 ± 1.6 before the switch vs. 8.8 ± 1.3 at 6 months and 8.8 ± 1.3 at last follow-up; p < 0.001). No severe adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Switching from IV to SC infliximab 120 mg every other week is safe and well accepted leading to low long-term risk of relapse. Tight monitoring and dose escalation should be recommended for patients receiving 10 mg/kg/6 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively.

Infliximab is an effective option in patients with ulcerative colitis previously exposed to full subcutaneous anti-TNF agent: Results from a real-world multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Data on infliximab efficacy in bio-exposed patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are limited. AIMS: To evaluate infliximab effectiveness and its predictors in UC patients with prior exposure to subcutaneous (SC) anti-TNF agent. METHODS: In this multicenter retrospective study (8 centers), we included all consecutive UC patients with prior exposure to subcutaneous anti-TNF, starting infliximab for symptomatic UC, excluding acute severe colitis. Corticosteroid-free clinical remission (CFREM) was assessed at week 14 (W14) and W52 while endoscopic improvement (CFREM + endoscopic Mayo score≤1) was evaluated at W14. RESULTS: Overall, 104 patients were included (pancolitis=54.8%, primary failure to subcutaneous anti-TNF=57.4%, concomitant immunosuppressant=53.8%, median partial Mayo score at baseline=7[5-8]). The rate of CFREM was 33.6% (35/104) at W14 and 40.4% (42/104) at W52. At W14, endoscopic improvement was achieved in 29.8%(31/104). In multivariable analysis, concomitant immunosuppressant was associated with higher rate of CFREM at W14(OR=2.83[1.06-7.54], p = 0.037) and W52(OR=2.68[1.16-6.22];p = 0.021), while primary failure to a previous subcutaneous anti-TNF agent led to lower rate of CFREM at W14 (OR=0.37[0.14-0.98], p = 0.046). After a median follow-up of 20.9 months[11.7-33.7]), 50.0%(52/104) patients had discontinued infliximab. CONCLUSION: Infliximab is an effective option in UC patients previously exposed to prior subcutaneous anti-TNF agent and should be used with concomitant immunosuppressant.

Risk of anti-TNF therapy on pregnancy, breastfeeding, live vaccines and related information in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Real-world data from a nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: Anti-TNF are usually maintained during pregnancy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but safety is still a concern for them. AIMS: To provide data on management of anti-TNF agents during pregnancy, safety of live vaccines (BCG-MMR-rotavirus) and breastfeeding in newborns and dedicated information delivered to IBD women. METHODS: We performed an observational study in 25 centers from 2016 to 2018. We administered questionnaires to women with IBD receiving anti-TNF during pregnancy with newborn follow-up ≥ one year. RESULTS: Of 153 patients, 52 % maintained anti-TNF during the third trimester. Anti-TNF was shortly resumed in 79 % (58/73) after delivery. The rate of breastfeeding was 44 % (68/153) without any complication; 38 % of the mothers denied to breastfeed based on physician's advice. 26 % (34/129) of the newborns received live vaccines before 6 months-old (BCG:30 %; MMR:63 %; Rotavirus:8 %) and only 3 complications occurred (local BCGitis=1, fever=2). Information concerning anti-TNF during pregnancy/post-partum was delivered to 92 % of the patients, mainly by a gastroenterologist (97 %) who discussed with the obstetrician or the paediatrician in only 48 % and 25 %. CONCLUSION: In IBD patients, maintaining anti-TNF during pregnancy and breastfeeding is safe. Accidental live vaccines before 6 months did not lead to significant adverse events. The communication about these questions remains to improve.

Real-world EGFR testing practices for non-small-cell lung cancer by thoracic pathology laboratories across Europe.

BACKGROUND: Testing for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations is an essential recommendation in guidelines for metastatic non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer, and is considered mandatory in European countries. However, in practice, challenges are often faced when carrying out routine biomarker testing, including access to testing, inadequate tissue samples and long turnaround times (TATs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the real-world EGFR testing practices of European pathology laboratories, an online survey was set up and validated by the Pulmonary Pathology Working Group of the European Society of Pathology and distributed to 64 expert testing laboratories. The retrospective survey focussed on laboratory organisation and daily EGFR testing practice of pathologists and molecular biologists between 2018 and 2021. RESULTS: TATs varied greatly both between and within countries. These discrepancies may be partly due to reflex testing practices, as 20.8% of laboratories carried out EGFR testing only at the request of the clinician. Many laboratories across Europe still favour single-test sequencing as a primary method of EGFR mutation identification; 32.7% indicated that they only used targeted techniques and 45.1% used single-gene testing followed by next-generation sequencing (NGS), depending on the case. Reported testing rates were consistent over time with no significant decrease in the number of EGFR tests carried out in 2020, despite the increased pressure faced by testing facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. ISO 15189 accreditation was reported by 42.0% of molecular biology laboratories for single-test sequencing, and by 42.3% for NGS. 92.5% of laboratories indicated they regularly participate in an external quality assessment scheme. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the strong heterogeneity of EGFR testing that still occurs within thoracic pathology and molecular biology laboratories across Europe. Even among expert testing facilities there is variability in testing capabilities, TAT, reflex testing practice and laboratory accreditation, stressing the need to harmonise reimbursement technologies and decision-making algorithms in Europe.

[Giant condyloma acuminatum in pregnancy]. / La tumeur de Buschke Lowenstein chez la femme enceinte.

Buschke Lownestein's tumour is a giant acuminate condyloma characterised by its degenerative potential, its invasive nature and its recurrence after treatment. It is a rare condition, transmitted mainly by sexual transmission and induced by to the human papillomavirus (HPV). The discussion will be illustrated by a clinical case The treatment is still under discussion but surgery seems to be the best option. Management during pregnancy is more complex since it must take into account the mother and her fetus. The delivery route is still debated. The post-treatment evolution was satisfactory and without recurrence until the delivery which, due to the antecedent of 3 caesarean sections, was carried out by cesarean section. HPV vaccination, sex education and early treatment of condyloma lesions should prevent and in any case improve the prognosis of this disease.

The proteolytic activity of tissue-plasminogen activator enhances NMDA receptor-mediated signaling.

Tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA) is now available for the treatment of thrombo-embolic stroke but adverse effects have been reported in some patients, particularly hemorrhaging. In contrast, the results of animal studies have indicated that t-PA could increase neuronal damage after focal cerebral ischemia. Here we report for the first time that t-PA potentiates signaling mediated by glutamatergic receptors by modifying the properties of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. When depolarized, cortical neurons release bio-active t-PA that interacts with and cleaves the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor. Moreover, the treatment with recombinant t-PA leads to a 37% increase in NMDA-stimulated fura-2 fluorescence, which may reflect an increased NMDA-receptor function. These results were confirmed in vivo by the intrastriatal injection of recombinant-PA, which potentiated the excitotoxic lesions induced by NMDA. These data provide insight into the regulation of NMDA-receptor-mediated signaling and could initiate therapeutic strategies to improve the efficacy of t-PA treatment in man.

Defining and Assessing the Reproducibility of Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Lesions: A Delphi-like Method from the GETAID.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Defining and assessing the reproducibility of Crohn's disease [CD] endoscopic lesions is essential in assessing endoscopic healing. METHODS: Twelve endoscopic CD experts from the GETAID defined aphthoid erosions [AE], superficial ulcerations [SU], deep ulcerations [DU], stenosis, and fistulas according to a Delphi-like method. Thirty different GETAID physicians declared if they found acceptable each definition. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were investigated using 100 videos with one tagged specific lesion [AE, SU, DU, or sham lesion] read by 15 independent endoscopists at baseline and 1 month later in a randomised order. Video quality was determined by an external reader. According to kappa estimate [κ ±standard error], intra or inter-observer agreement was qualified as 'moderate' [0.4-0.6], 'substantial' [0.6-0.8], or 'almost perfect' [0.8-1.0]. RESULTS: Among 30 different experts, 83% to 97% found acceptable the definitions retrieved from the Delphi-like method. Intra-observer κ was 0.717 [±0.019] for SU, 0.681 [±0.027] for AE, 0.856 [±0.014] for DU, showing 'substantial' agreement. It was 0.801 [±0.016] for any ulceration [DU or SU]. There was a high variability across readers from 'moderate' to 'almost perfect' agreement. Inter-observer κ was 0.548 [±0.042] for SU, 0.554 [±0.028] for AE 0.694 [±0.041] for DU, and 0.705 [±0.042] for any ulceration. Inter-observer agreement increased when reading the 53 high-quality videos: 0.787 [±0.064] [p = 0.001], 0.607 [±0.043] [p = 0.001], and 0.782 [±0.064][p = 0.001] for DU, AE, and any ulceration, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite variable intra-agreement level across readers, the GETAID definitions for CD endoscopic lesions provided 'substantial' inter-observer agreements, especially in case of high-quality videos.

Reverse glial glutamate uptake triggers neuronal cell death through extrasynaptic NMDA receptor activation.

Evidence have accumulated that reverse glutamate uptake plays a key role in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. Here, we investigated the effects of glial glutamate transporter dysfunction on neuronal survival using the substrate inhibitor of glutamate transporters, L-trans-pyrrolidine,2-4,dicarboxylate (PDC), that partly mimics reverse glutamate uptake. On mice primary cortical co-cultures of neurons and astrocytes, PDC treatment triggered an elevation of extracellular glutamate concentration, induced neuronal calcium influx and a massive NMDA receptor (NMDAR) mediated-neuronal death without having any direct agonist activity on NMDARs. We investigated the NMDAR subpopulation activated by PDC-induced glutamate release. PDC application led to the activation of both subtypes of NMDARs but the presence of astrocytes was required to activate NMDARs located extra-synaptically. Extrasynaptic NMDAR activation was also confirmed by the loss of neuronal mitochondrial membrane potential and the inhibition of pro-survival p-ERK signalling pathway. These data suggest that reverse glial glutamate uptake may trigger neuronal death through preferential activation of extrasynaptic NMDAR-related pathways.

Early Transmural Response Assessed Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Could Predict Sustained Clinical Remission and Prevent Bowel Damage in Patients with Crohn's Disease Treated with Anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] is a promising tool to evaluate therapeutic efficacy in ileocolonic Crohn's disease [CD]. AIMS: We aimed to assess the feasibility of early MRI evaluation (week 12 [W12]) to predict corticosteroid-free remission [CFREM] at W52 and prevent long-term bowel damage. METHODS: All patients with active CD needing anti-tumour necrosis factor [anti-TNF] therapy were consecutively enrolled in this multicentre prospective study. MRI was performed before starting therapy, at W12 and W52. CFREM was defined as Crohn's Disease Activity Index < 150, C-reactive protein < 5 mg/L and faecal calprotectin < 250 µg/g, with no switch of anti-TNF agents, no bowel resection and no therapeutic intensification between W12 and W52. RESULTS: Among 46 patients, 22 [47.8%] achieved CFREM at W52. Anti-TNF agents were able to heal almost all CD lesions as soon as W12 [p < 0.05]. Early transmural response defined as a 25% decrease of either Clermont score (odds ratio [OR] = 7.7 [1.7-34.0], p < 0.001) or Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity (OR = 4.2 [1.3-13.3], p = 0.015) was predictive of CFREM at W52. Achieving at least two items on W12-MRI among ulceration healing, disappearance of enlarged lymph nodes or sclerolipomatosis, ΔADC [apparent diffusion coefficient] > +10% or ΔRCE [relative contrast enhancement] > -30% was associated with a likelihood of CFREM at W52 of 84.6% vs 37.5% in patients without transmural response [p < 0.001]. Early transmural response could prevent bowel damage progression over time using Clermont score (hazard ratio = 0.21 [0.0-0.9]; p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Evaluation of early transmural response by MRI is feasible and is a promising end point to monitor therapeutic efficacy in patients with CD.

Neuronal viability is controlled by a functional relation between synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDA receptors.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are critical for synaptic plasticity that underlies learning and memory. But, they have also been described as a common source of neuronal damage during stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Several studies have suggested that cellular location of NMDARs (synaptic or extrasynaptic) is a key parameter controlling their effect on neuronal viability. The aim of the study was to understand the relation between these two pools of receptors and to determine their implication in both beneficial and/or deleterious events related to NMDAR activation. We demonstrated that selective extrasynaptic NMDAR activation, as well as NMDA bath application, does not activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways, but induces mitochondrial membrane potential breakdown and triggers cell body and dendrite damages, whereas synaptic NMDAR activation is innocuous and induces a sustained ERK activation. The functional dichotomy between these two NMDAR pools is tightly controlled by glutamate uptake systems. Finally, we demonstrated that the only clinically approved NMDAR antagonist, memantine, preferentially antagonizes extrasynaptic NMDARs. Together, these results suggest that extrasynaptic NMDAR activation contributes to excitotoxicity and that a selective targeting of the extrasynaptic NMDARs represents a promising therapeutic strategy for brain injuries.

Airway epithelial cell migration dynamics. MMP-9 role in cell-extracellular matrix remodeling.

Cell spreading and migration associated with the expression of the 92-kD gelatinase (matrix metalloproteinase 9 or MMP-9) are important mechanisms involved in the repair of the respiratory epithelium. We investigated the location of MMP-9 and its potential role in migrating human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC). In vivo and in vitro, MMP-9 accumulated in migrating HBEC located at the leading edge of a wound and MMP-9 expression paralleled cell migration speed. MMP-9 accumulated through an actin-dependent pathway in the advancing lamellipodia of migrating cells and was subsequently found active in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Lamellipodia became anchored through primordial contacts established with type IV collagen. MMP-9 became amassed behind collagen IV where there were fewer cell-ECM contacts. Both collagen IV and MMP-9 were involved in cell migration because when cell-collagen IV interaction was blocked, cells spread slightly but did not migrate; and when MMP-9 activation was prevented, cells remained fixed on primordial contacts and did not advance at all. These observations suggest that MMP-9 controls the migration of repairing HBEC by remodeling the provisional ECM implicated in primordial contacts.

Impact of a checklist used by pharmacists on hospital antimicrobial use: a patient-level interrupted time series study.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial misuse leading to drug resistance is a growing concern for clinicians. Improving antimicrobial stewardship programmes through development of new tools could be part of the solution. AIM: To evaluate antimicrobial use in hospitalized patients after implementation of an antimicrobial checklist for ward-based clinical pharmacists. METHODS: A checklist based on quality indicators of optimal antimicrobial use was implemented to standardize hospital pharmacists' assessments of antimicrobial therapy. Antimicrobial use metrics from adults hospitalized during the control and intervention periods were assessed in an interrupted time series analysis of individual patient data. The primary endpoint was days of therapy (DOT) for all antimicrobials per 1000 days present for included patients. Secondary endpoints were the DOT of extended-spectrum antimicrobials (DOT-ES), length of therapy of all antimicrobials (LOT) and the number of pharmacist interventions. FINDINGS: One-thousand six-hundred and nineteen patients were included: 800 and 819 in the pre- and post-checklist implementation periods, respectively. As indicated by the point estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), there were no changes in trend for DOT, DOT-ES or LOT. A change in level was not found for the DOT, while a change of -118 DOT-ES [-209,-28] and -51 LOT [-97,-4] was documented. Furthermore, pharmacists' interventions regarding antimicrobials increased by 18.7% (14.0, 23.5) and progress notes by 32.3% (27.8, 36.8). CONCLUSION: An antimicrobial checklist used by ward-based clinical pharmacists did not decrease DOT for all antimicrobials, but decreased DOT-ES and LOT upon its implementation.

Adalimumab for patients with Crohn's disease complicated by intra-abdominal abscess: a multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study.

doi:10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjy222 Abstract P528 from the 'Poster presentations' section of the main abstract book has been withdrawn and re-inserted as DOP63 in the 'Late-breaking abstracts' section.

Long-term efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in 122 refractory Crohn's disease patients: a multicentre experience.

BACKGROUND: Long-term outcome of ustekinumab in Crohn's disease (CD) has not been evaluated. AIM: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of ustekinumab and identify the predictive factors of ustekinumab failure-free persistence in a cohort of anti-TNF refractory CD patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective multicentre cohort study including all consecutive CD patients who began subcutaneous ustekinumab and presented a clinical response (defined as a significant improvement of CD-related clinical symptoms assessed by the patient's physician leading to continued ustekinumab) during the first year of treatment. Primary outcome was treatment failure defined as withdrawal of treatment due to loss of response, intolerance or need for surgery. RESULTS: Eighty-eight of the 122 (72%) CD patients beginning ustekinumab from March 2011 to December 2014, responded to ustekinumab and were followed up until November 2016. Median time on ustekinumab was 26.6 (13.4-34.4) months. Forty-seven patients (54%) continued ustekinumab with a clinical response and 38 (43%) stopped treatment (32 for failure, five for remission and one for pregnancy). Endoscopic response was observed in 82% of patients with endoscopic evaluation and mucosal healing in 39%. Ustekinumab failure-free persistence rates were 78% at 12 months, 66% at 24 months and 55% at 36 months. No predictive factor of ustekinumab failure-free persistence was identified. One severe adverse event was observed (anal adenocarcinoma). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of refractory CD patients receiving long-term ustekinumab therapy, more than 50% of patients continued ustekinumab treatment with no loss of response, intolerance or surgery and with a good safety profile.

Impact of vedolizumab therapy on extra-intestinal manifestations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a multicentre cohort study nested in the OBSERV-IBD cohort.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of vedolizumab as a treatment for extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) is questionable due to its gut-specificity. AIM: To assess effectiveness of vedolizumab for EIM in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a large real-life experience cohort. METHODS: Between June and December 2014, 173 patients with Crohn's disease and 121 with ulcerative colitis were treated with vedolizumab. Patients were followed until week 54. EIM activity was assessed at weeks 0, 6, 14, 22, 30 and 54 by using a 3-step scale: complete remission, partial response and no response. RESULTS: At baseline, 49 (16.7%) patients had EIMs of which 47 had inflammatory arthralgia/arthritis, four had cutaneous lesions and two had both rheumatologic and skin EIM. At week 54, 21 (44.7%) patients had complete remission for inflammatory arthralgia/arthritis and three (75%) for cutaneous EIM. In multivariate analysis, complete remission of inflammatory arthralgia/arthritis was associated with clinical remission of IBD (OR = 1.89, IC95% [1.05-3.41], P = .03) and recent onset of inflammatory arthralgia/arthritis (OR = 1.99, IC95% [1.12-3.52], P = .02). During the follow-up period, 34 (13.8%) patients without any EIM at baseline, developed incident cases of inflammatory arthralgia/arthritis consisting mostly of peripheral arthralgia without evidence of arthritis and 14 (4.8%) incident cases of paradoxical skin manifestation. CONCLUSION: Vedolizumab therapy is commonly associated with improvement in EIM. This was associated with quiescent IBD and recent EIM. However, paradoxical skin manifestation and inflammatory arthralgia/arthritis may occur upon vedolizumab therapy.

Comparison of the pharmacological properties of GK11 and MK801, two NMDA receptor antagonists: towards an explanation for the lack of intrinsic neurotoxicity of GK11.

Over-stimulation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) is involved in many neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, developing safe NMDAR antagonists is of high therapeutic interest. GK11 is a high affinity uncompetitive NMDAR antagonist with low intrinsic neurotoxicity, shown to be promising for treating CNS trauma. In the present study, we investigated the molecular basis of its interaction with NMDARs and compared this with the reference molecule MK801. We show, on primary cultures of hippocampal neurons, that GK11 exhibits neuroprotection properties similar to those of MK801, but in contrast with MK801, GK11 is not toxic to neurons. Using patch-clamp techniques, we also show that on NR1a/NR2B receptors, GK11 totally blocks the NMDA-mediated currents but has a six-fold lower IC(50) than MK801. On NR1a/NR2A receptors, it displays similar affinity but fails to totally prevent the currents. As NR2A is preferentially localized at synapses and NR2B at extrasynaptic sites, we investigated, using calcium imaging and patch-clamp approaches, the effects of GK11 on either synaptic or extrasynaptic NMDA-mediated responses. Here we demonstrate that in contrast with MK801, GK11 better preserve the synaptic NMDA-mediated currents. Our study supports that the selectivity of GK11 for NR2B containing receptors accounts contributes, at least partially, for its safer pharmacological profile.