Clinical impacts of immunomodulator withdrawal from anti-tumor necrosis factor combination therapy in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVES: Combination therapy consists of both anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) and an immunomodulator (IMM) and has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study assesses the impacts of IMM withdrawal from combination therapy to anti-TNF monotherapy in children with IBD. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study included children with IBD initiated on combination therapy between 2014 and 2019 who discontinued the IMM. We evaluated whether IMM withdrawal impacts laboratory values and disease activity. Linear mixed effects models with random intercepts were used to compare differences between groups. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons between patients who did and did not require subsequent escalation of therapy. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-two patients discontinued the IMM which did not significantly affect disease activity. However, 18% of patients escalated therapy after IMM withdrawal, primarily due to low anti-TNF levels. Lower anti-TNF and higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels before IMM withdrawal were associated with subsequent escalation of therapy. Overall, there was no statistically significant effect on anti-TNF drug levels. Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) on infliximab (IFX) and methotrexate (MTX) who discontinued the IMM had an increase in mean ESR and CRP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IMM withdrawal from anti-TNF combination therapy may be considered safe in the setting of higher anti-TNF levels and normal serum inflammatory markers. Clinicians should consider assessing anti-TNF levels and inflammatory markers after IMM withdrawal, especially in patients with CD receiving IFX who discontinued MTX.

Proactive therapeutic drug monitoring and vedolizumab dose optimization in children with inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVES: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and dose optimization have been shown to improve clinical outcomes with antitumor necrosis factor and recent studies in adults suggest an exposure-response relationship with drug levels associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, these levels are not universally recognized as therapeutic targets for vedolizumab dosing. We aimed to assess the impact of a TDM quality improvement (QI) initiative on 52-week clinical outcomes and describe proactively obtained vedolizumab levels during the induction period in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: A QI initiative to proactively obtain TDM levels at Week 6 was implemented in 2019. A retrospective review of pediatric patients with IBD treated with vedolizumab from 2018 to 2022 was performed. Baseline demographic data, medication dosing details, disease characteristics, lab results, and 12-month clinical outcomes were recorded. For this study, we defined therapeutic target levels (>20 µg/mL at Week 6 and >12 µg/mL during maintenance) based on existing data correlating these levels with improved clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients (31 Crohn disease [CD], 28 ulcerative colitis [UC]/indeterminate colitis [IC]) were included in the study. In total, 68% (40/59) of patients had vedolizumab levels at Week 6 and 90% (53/59) had levels drawn at Week 6 or 14. Thirty-five percent of Week 6 trough levels were below our defined target of 20 µg/mL. Fifty-two of 59 patients had available data at 52 weeks. Over 80% (42/52) of patients remained on vedolizumab 52 weeks after initiation (CD 79% [23/29], UC/IC 83% [19/23]). Sixty-two percent (26/42) of patients that remained on vedolizumab at 52 weeks were treated with an intensified dosing interval of <8 weeks. Thirty-one of these 42 (74%) were in clinical remission (CR) rate at 52 weeks with 29/42 (69%) in corticosteroid-free remission. The CR rate for the entire cohort including those who discontinued therapy due to a lack of efficacy before 52 weeks was 60% (31/52). CONCLUSION: Proactive TDM and early dose optimization with vedolizumab may improve drug durability and clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with IBD.

Clinical outcomes and cost savings of a nonmedical switch to a biosimilar in children/young adults with inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVES: The safety, efficacy, and cost savings associated with biosimilar medications are well established. However, a lack of pediatric data exists surrounding clinical outcomes when switching from an originator to a biosimilar. Our primary aim is to evaluate clinical outcomes following a nonmedical switch from the infliximab originator to a biosimilar in children and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our secondary aim is to estimate cost savings associated with this switch. METHODS: A quality improvement project was implemented to establish safe switching protocols, then those patients who underwent a nonmedical switch from the infliximab originator to the biosimilar were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, physician global assessments (PGAs), and laboratory values were recorded 1 year pre- and post-switch. Continuation rates on the biosimilar were reported at 6 and 12 months. Cost savings were estimated using two different pricing models. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients underwent a nonmedical switch. Laboratory values including inflammatory markers, infliximab levels, and PGA scores remained similar when assessed pre- and post-switch. No infusion reactions or antidrug antibody development occurred. Two patients reported psoriasis-like rashes. Five patients switched back to the originator during the study period. There were 379 biosimilar infusions completed with an estimated total cost savings of $11,260 (average sales price) and $566,223 (wholesale acquisition cost). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical remission rates, inflammatory laboratory markers, serious adverse events, infliximab levels, and antidrug antibodies remained similar after a one-time nonmedical switch to an infliximab biosimilar. Nonmedical switching to biosimilars resulted in significant cost savings.

Outcomes for Standardized Home and Hospital-Based Infusions of Infliximab for Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is commonly treated with infliximab in a hospital setting. Utilization of home infusions (HI) is increasing due to insurance mandates, travel time savings, and convenience. We evaluated adverse outcomes (AOs) of infliximab infusions in children with IBD receiving HI compared to hospital-based infusions. METHODS: Children receiving HI between September 2016 and September 2018 were retrospectively matched based on age, race, ethnicity, sex, and disease type to a cohort receiving infliximab at a hospital-based center. A survival analysis evaluated the hazard ratio for AOs in HI relative to hospital-infused children over 2 years. AOs were defined as discontinuation of therapy for clinically relevant reasons, IBD-related hospitalizations, and emergency department visits. RESULTS: We included 102 children (51 pairs) (63% male, 91% White, 92% Crohn disease). Disease location, behavior, growth status, and disease severity were similar between the 2 cohorts. Quiescent disease increased from 3% to 93% after 2 years without cohort differences. At baseline, 94% of HI patients and 88% of controls were on 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks as standard maintenance therapy. Within 2 years, only 19% remained on 5 mg/kg and the remainder required increased dosing or decreased interval. The HI cohort had fewer labs obtained ( P < 0.001), though laboratory values, number of clinic visits, and frequency of AOs were similar. CONCLUSION: Drug durability, AOs, and laboratory values were similar between HI and hospital-based infusions. These findings suggest HI may be as effective as hospital-based infusions, provided a standardized care approach is utilized.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Youth With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Iron deficiency (ID) with and without anemia is prevalent in children and adults diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but often goes unrecognized. We hypothesized, quality improvement (QI) methodology could increase the screening for and treatment of ID in children newly diagnosed with IBD. METHODS: We developed and implemented an easy-to-follow algorithm to facilitate screening for and treatment of ID for patients diagnosed with IBD. Through a series of Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, the approach was modified to increase screening and treatment of ID. Data between January 2019 and July 2021 were assessed using statistical process control. RESULTS: Among patients newly diagnosed with IBD, 298 patients were included (67% Crohn disease, 29% ulcerative colitis, 4% indeterminate colitis, and 56% males). Rates of ID screening increased significantly from a baseline of 20% to >90%. Of the 232 patients screened for ID during the improvement period, 205 (88%) met criteria for either iron deficiency anemia (IDA) or ID at diagnosis, specifically, 151 (65%) met criteria for IDA and 54 (23%) met criteria for ID. CONCLUSIONS: Use of QI methodology to standardize screening assessments for ID among children newly diagnosed with IBD improved screening rates from a baseline of 20% to >90%, with 88% of patients found to have IDA or ID.

Impact of Telemedicine on Delivery of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Care.

OBJECTIVES: Outpatient inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care shifted from office visits (OVs) to a model with integrated telemedicine during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. We describe the impact of this shift on delivery of pediatric IBD care. METHODS: We collected electronic medical record data from office and telemedicine visits for pediatric patients with IBD at a single center from April 2019 to December 2020. We compared visit volume, duration, and test ordering between 2019 and 2020, and between OV and telemedicine, and assessed for differences in telemedicine adoption by sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: Visit volume was maintained between 2019 and 2020. Median overall appointment time was shorter for telemedicine versus OV [46 (interquartile range, IQR 35-72) vs 62 (IQR 51-80) minutes; P < 0.001] with no significant difference in time spent with provider [28 (IQR 21-41) vs OV 30 (IQR 24-39) minutes; P = 0.08]. Accounting for drive time, telemedicine visits were 2.6 times shorter than office visits in 2020 ( P < 0.001). In univariate analyses, there was no difference in telemedicine utilization by race or gender. Variables significantly associated with telemedicine were older age, English as primary language, being non-Hispanic, commercial insurance, living in an area of very high opportunity, and having a longer drive time to the office ( P < 0.05 for all comparisons). In multivariate analyses, visits among patients with commercial insurance were significantly more likely to be conducted via telemedicine ( P = 0.02). Among those with a telemedicine visit, multivariate analyses demonstrated multiracial patients were significantly more likely to have video visits (vs audio-only; P = 0.02), while patients with public insurance, no or missing insurance, and whose primary language was Arabic were significantly less likely to have video visits ( P < 0.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Integrated telemedicine allowed for continued delivery of pediatric IBD care and significantly decreased appointment time. While telemedicine may improve access for those who live further from the office, concerns remain about the introduction of disparities.

Risk of Post-Resection Recurrence in Pediatric Crohn Disease.

BACKGROUND: Ileocecectomy related to stricturing, fistula formation, or medically refractory disease is commonly required in patients with Crohn disease (CD). Limited research exists in endoscopic recurrence (ER) in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we sought to determine ER rates and the impact of therapy duration before surgery in pediatric patients with CD. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective review of patients with CD between the ages of 2 to 20 years who required ileocecectomy between January 2015 and December 2019 at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Follow-up endoscopies, laboratory values, medications, and sPCDAI scores were recorded at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months post-resection wherever available. Modified Rutgeert scores (mRS) were independently assigned to post-resection colonoscopy images by 3 trained investigators. Post-resection outcomes were compared between patients on CD therapy >30 days before resection (late surgery) to those started on CD therapy <30 days before resection (early surgery). RESULTS: A total of 48 patients underwent ileocecectomy, with a mean age at time of resection of 17 years (+/-2.3). In total, 88% of patients had a post-resection endoscopy and 57% had an endoscopy within 12 months of resection. Twenty-nine percentage had ER with a mRS ≥i2. There was no statistical difference in endoscopic and clinical outcomes after resection between the early and late surgery groups. CONCLUSIONS: Post-resection endoscopic recurrence after ileocecectomy was found in 29% of our center's pediatric CD population based on mRS. Post-resection outcomes were not affected by therapy duration before resection.

Patient and Caregivers' Perspectives on Biosimilar Use in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND: Studies assessing adult inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patient perspectives on biosimilar use revealed that most were unfamiliar with biosimilars and had a negative perception. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perspectives of pediatric patients with IBD and their caregivers regarding biosimilar use and non-medical switches. METHODS: A survey was given to a cross section of patients with IBD ages 11-21 years receiving the intravenous anti-tumor necrosis factor originator and caregivers of patients with IBD ages 3-21 years receiving the originator. Recruitment occurred via mail, during clinic visits, and infusions. Fisher exact tests were used to test for statistically significant differences. RESULTS: Response rate amongst caregivers was 49% (n = 98) and among patients was 35% (n = 67). Sixty-four percent of caregivers and 79% of patients had never heard of biosimilars. There was increased discomfort surrounding the use of biosimilars and switching to a biosimilar amongst caregivers who had previously heard of biosimilars compared to caregivers who had not previously heard of biosimilars ( P < 0.05). Similar concerns were not seen in patient respondents. The length of time on the originator had no effect on patient or caregiver concerns related to biosimilar efficacy, adverse effects, or switches. CONCLUSION: The majority of pediatric patients and caregivers had never heard of biosimilars. Caregivers that had heard of biosimilars before the study were more likely to have a negative perception of them. This study highlights the importance of providing thorough and accurate education to pediatric patients and families regarding the safety and efficacy of biosimilars.

6- and 12-Month Outcomes after 90:10 Enteral Nutrition Induction Therapy in Pediatric Crohn's Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Studies describing longer-term outcomes after EEN induction are limited. We describe clinical outcomes during 90:10 EN induction, and 6- and 12- month outcomes among patients that successfully completed EN induction and then continued either EN or immunomodulator (IM) maintenance therapy. METHODS: All children with CD treated with 90:10 EN induction protocol (90% formula:10% regular diet) at our IBD Center from 2013 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded at baseline, 6, and 12 months (± 3 months at each timepoint). Therapy changes after initiation of EN induction through 12 months were recorded. Among patients that successfully completed 90:10 induction, outcomes between EN and IM maintenance groups were compared. RESULTS: In total, 44/105 (42%) patients completed 8-12 weeks of 90:10 EN induction. Sixty-one patients had incomplete EN induction, with 52% requiring corticosteroids and 25% anti-TNF therapy as alternate induction approaches. Forty-four patients completed EN induction (18 continued EN maintenance and 26 IM maintenance therapy). Twenty-seven of these 44 (61%) remained on initial maintenance therapy at 6 months (10/18 (56%) EN and 17/26 (65%) IM). In total, 16/44 (36%) remained on their initial maintenance therapy at 12 months. By 12 months, 10 patients required anti-TNF and 11 corticosteroids after successful completion of induction. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study of short and longer-term outcomes after 90:10 EN induction, the need for an alternate induction therapy was common, most frequently to anti-TNF or corticosteroid therapy. Future studies are needed to evaluate for predictors of long-term success after EN induction.

Pediatric Subspecialists' Practices and Attitudes Regarding Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare for Adolescent and Young Adult Women Prescribed Teratogenic Medications.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pediatric subspecialists' practices and attitudes regarding sexual and reproductive healthcare for adolescent and young adult women for whom they prescribe teratogens. STUDY DESIGN: We surveyed pediatric subspecialists at 1 tertiary care pediatric hospital. Items assessed attitudes and practices related to sexual and reproductive healthcare for adolescent and young adult women prescribed teratogens, and barriers and facilitators to sexual and reproductive healthcare provision. We used descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, and logistic regression to analyze results. RESULTS: There were 200 subspecialists from 17 subspecialties who completed the survey; 77% reported prescribing teratogens to adolescent and young adult women and 18% reported caring for a patient who became pregnant while taking a teratogen. Overall, 99% indicated that it is important to address sexual and reproductive healthcare. Respondents endorsed confidence in sexual and reproductive healthcare skills, including contraceptive counseling (71%), although 29% never or rarely discuss sexual and reproductive healthcare, and one-third never speak privately to this population. Of providers who discuss sexual and reproductive healthcare, 26% never assess reproductive intentions and 36% do so less often than annually. Nearly one-half never or rarely ask about sexual activity, and 68% never or rarely assess contraceptive knowledge. Barriers to sexual and reproductive healthcare provision included available time (80%) and the presence of family or partners at clinic visits (61%). Facilitators included a quick referral process to sexual and reproductive healthcare providers (92%) and access to lists of local sexual and reproductive healthcare providers (90%). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric subspecialists from a single institution report suboptimal sexual and reproductive healthcare provision for adolescent and young adult women prescribed teratogens. Identified barriers and facilitators may guide intervention development to improve sexual and reproductive healthcare for this population.

Predicting Suboptimal Transitions in Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are at risk for disease exacerbations and increased health care utilization around the time of transition to adult care. Our aim was to identify risk factors predictive of a suboptimal transition for AYA with inflammatory bowel disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with pediatric inflammatory bowel disease transferred to adult care from our institution in 2016 and 2017, recording demographic, psychosocial, and disease-specific data. Post-transfer data were obtained via the health care information exchange from the adult provider within our electronic medical record. We defined suboptimal transition as either a return to pediatric care or requiring care escalation within 1 year of transfer. RESULTS: Out of 104 subjects 37 (36%) were found to have had a suboptimal transition. Our models suggest that a suboptimal transition is associated with several risk factors including any mental health diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 4.15; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.18-14.59), history of medication nonadherence (OR = 5.15 [95% CI: 1.52-17.42]), public insurance (OR = 6.60 [95% CI: 1.25-34.96]), higher Physician Global Assessment score at time of transition (OR = 6.64 [95% CI: 1.60-27.58], and short Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index scores (OR = 1.17 [95% CI: 1.03-1.33]). Higher hemoglobin levels at transition were protective (OR = 0.69 [95% CI: 0.48-0.98]). Age at time of transition, disease duration, and medication type at transition were not found to be associated with transition outcomes. CONCLUSION: AYA with public insurance, a mental health history, medication nonadherence, and evidence of active disease may be at greater risk for suboptimal and poor health outcomes at transition.

Gaps Exist in the Comprehensive Care of Children with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To describe patterns of primary and specialty care delivery in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), delineate which members of the healthcare team provided services, and identify gaps in care. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of parents of children (2-17 years) with IBD and adolescents with IBD (13-17 years) at a free-standing, quaternary children's hospital regarding healthcare receipt. RESULTS: There were 161 parents and 84 adolescents who responded to the survey (75% and 60% response, respectively). The mean patient age was 14 ± 3 years, 51% were male, 80% had Crohn's disease, 16% ulcerative colitis, and 4% IBD-unspecified. Most parents were white (94%), living in a suburban setting (57%). Sixty-nine percent of households had ≥1 parent with a bachelor's degree or higher. Most had private insurance (43%) or private primary with public secondary insurance (34%). Most patients received annual check-ups (70%), vaccinations (78%), and care for minor illnesses (74%) from their primary care provider. Check-ups for gastrointestinal symptoms, IBD monitoring, and changes in type/dosing of IBD treatment were provided by their gastroenterology provider (77%, 93%, and 86% of patients, respectively). Discussions about family/peer relationships, school/extracurricular activities, and mood were not addressed in 30%-40% of participants. Adolescents frequently reported that no one had talked to them about substance use (40%), sexual health (50%), or body image (60%); 75% of adolescents and 76% of their parents reported that no one had discussed transitioning to an adult provider. CONCLUSIONS: There were gaps in the psychosocial care of pediatric patients with IBD. Coordinated, comprehensive care delivery models are needed.

Patterns of Primary, Specialty, Urgent Care, and Emergency Department Care in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) require treatment, monitoring, and health maintenance services. We described patterns of primary, specialty, emergency department (ED) and urgent care delivery, and explored patient- and system-related variables that impact ED/urgent care utilization. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional survey of parents of children with IBD at a large tertiary children's hospital. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-one parents completed the survey (75% response). Mean patient age 13.9 years (51% boys); 80% Crohn disease, 16% ulcerative colitis, 4% IBD-unspecified. Mean disease duration 4 years (standard deviation [SD] 2.7). Thirty percent had at least 1 other chronic disease, 31% had a history of IBD-related surgery. Parents were predominantly Caucasian (94%), well-educated (61% bachelor's degree/higher), part of a 2-parent household (79%) living in a suburban setting (57%). Seventy-seven percent of patients had private insurance. In the past year, most children had 1 to 2 IBD-related office visits (54%) with their gastroenterology (GI) doctor and no IBD-related hospitalizations (79%). Eighty-eight percent (N = 141) had a primary care provider (PCP), and most (70%) saw their PCP 1 to 2 times. Even so, 86% (N = 139) received medical care from places other than their PCP or GI doctor; 27% in the ED and 45% at urgent care. Children of parents with less than a bachelor's degree, families that lived further from their GI doctor, and children who saw their PCP more often were more likely to utilize ED/urgent care. CONCLUSIONS: ED/urgent care utilization in pediatric patients with IBD was greater than expected, potentially contributing to fragmented, costly care and worse outcomes.

Shared Decision Making About Starting Anti-TNFs: A Pediatric Perspective.

Shared decision making (SDM) is central to patient-centered medicine and has the potential to improve outcomes for pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. We surveyed specialists about their use of SDM in the decision to start a tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor in pediatric patients. Results were compared between those who reported using SDM and those who did not. Of 209 respondents, 157 (75%) reported using SDM. Physician/practice characteristics were similar between users and nonusers. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in the components deemed important to the decision-making process nor the number of barriers or facilitators to SDM. Exploratory analyses suggested that physicians using SDM were more accepting of adolescent involvement in the decision-making process. Our results question the effectiveness of using reported barriers and facilitators to guide interventions to improve use of SDM, and suggest further work is needed to understand the adolescent role in decision making.

Training Pearl: Welcome to the CC360 Fellow's Corner.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation has grown to appreciate the needs of gastroenterology trainees with numerous initiatives designed to provide education, academic opportunities, and mentoring in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in recent years. The editors and staff at Crohn's and Colitis 360 (CC360) have launched 2 new initiatives, the Fellow's Corner and the CC360 Editorial Fellowship, to support trainees in gaining knowledge and skills regarding peer review and publication as well as offering guidance on training in IBD and an opportunity for publication in this peer-reviewed, open access, quarterly online journal. These opportunities are described in this manuscript.

Pediatric GI Health Care Professionals' Perceptions of and Engagement With Psychosocial Providers in Pediatric IBD Care.

Multidisciplinary care is recommended for optimal pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care, including psychosocial providers (eg, psychologists). However, health care professionals' (HCPs) perceptions of and engagement with psychosocial providers in pediatric IBD is lacking. Methods: Cross-sectional REDCap surveys were completed by HCPs (eg, gastroenterologists) across American ImproveCareNow (ICN) centers. Demographics and self-reported perceptions of and engagement with psychosocial providers were collected. Data were analyzed at participant and site levels through descriptives, frequencies, an independent t test, and exploratory analyses of variance. Results: A total of 101 participants from 52% of ICN sites participated. Participants were 88% gastrointestinal physicians, 49% identifying as female, 94% non-Hispanic, and 76% Caucasian. Of ICN sites, 75% and 94% of sites reported outpatient and inpatient psychosocial care, respectively. Participants referred for various clinical reasons to psychosocial providers (eg, illness adjustment). At the participant level, 92% of HCPs reported psychosocial care was very important and 64% reported their clinical thresholds shifted to engage psychosocial providers earlier in care. Barriers to psychosocial care included limited psychosocial providers (92%), psychosocial providers availability (87%), and IBD patients' lack of openness to psychosocial care (85%). One-way analyses of variance by HCP length of experiences were not statistically significant on perceived understanding of psychosocial providers or perceived changes in clinical threshold over time. Conclusion: HCPs overall reported positive perceptions of and frequent engagement with psychosocial providers in pediatric IBD. Limited psychosocial providers and other notable barriers are discussed. Future work should continue interprofessional education of HCPs and trainees and efforts to improve access to psychosocial care in pediatric IBD.

Significant Temporal Association of Esophageal Air Events (Supragastric Belches, Air Swallows, and Gastric Belches) With Hiccups: A Case Study in an Adolescent.

We previously reported our ability to objectively assess the strength of temporal relationships between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease-like symptoms with esophageal air events (EAEs) (air swallows, gastric belching, and supragastric belching) using impedance-pH monitoring. Recently, we similarly evaluated an adolescent female who presented to our clinic with symptoms of recurrent hiccups and with what appeared to be numerous EAEs. Hiccups were associated with GER (symptom association probability [SAP] = 100%), air swallows (SAP = 99.7%), supragastric belches (SAP = 100%), and gastric belches (SAP = 100%), with almost twice as many of the supragastric belches preceding a hiccup than any of the other 3 esophageal disturbance types (EDs) (P < 0.00001). Our data showing a significant temporal association between EAEs and hiccups support a previous report in which belching was suspected of being associated with hiccups in an adult male. Reports such as this underscore the importance of considering the assessment of temporal relationships between extra-esophageal symptoms and EDs that include not only GER, but also EAEs, such as air swallows, gastric belches and supragastric belches, when devising strategies for clinical management of patients with hiccups.

Postcolectomy Enteritis in a Pediatric Patient With Ulcerative Colitis.

Postcolectomy enteritis is characterized by diffuse small bowel inflammatory changes following colectomy for medically refractory ulcerative colitis. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, massive intestinal bleeding, intestinal perforation, and high stoma output. While the exact pathogenesis is unknown, immune dysregulation with increased cytokine and inflammatory cell response is suspected to lead to the inflammatory response. Therefore, immunosuppressive medications are the mainstay for treatment. All cases to date have been described in adult patients. We present a case of postcolectomy enteritis in a pediatric patient who improved without significant intervention.