Applicability of the Barcelona scale to assess the quality of cleanliness of mucosa at esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are few scales with prospective validation for the assessment of the upper gastrointestinal mucosal cleanliness during an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reproducible cleanliness scale for use during an EGD. METHODS: We developed a cleanliness scale (Barcelona scale) with a score (0-2 points) of five segments of the upper gastrointestinal tract with thorough cleaning techniques (esophagus, fundus, body, antrum, and duodenum). First, 125 photos (25 of each area) were assessed, and a score was assigned to each image by consensus among 7 experts endoscopists. Subsequently, 100 of the 125 images were selected and the inter- and intra-observer variability of 15 previously trained endoscopists was evaluated using the same images at two different times. RESULTS: In total, 1500 assessments were performed. In 1336/1500 observations (89%) there was agreement with the consensus score, with a mean kappa value of 0.83 (0.45-0.96). In the second evaluation, in 1330/1500 observations (89%) there was agreement with the consensus score, with a mean kappa value of 0.82 (0.45-0.93). The intra-observer variability was 0.89 (0.76-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: The Barcelona cleanliness scale is a valid measure and reproducible with minimal training. Its application in clinical practice is a significant step to standardize the quality of the EGD.

Long-Term Outcomes of Biological Therapy in Crohn's Disease Complicated With Internal Fistulizing Disease: BIOSCOPE Study From GETECCU.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of penetrating complications in Crohn's disease (CD) increases progressively over time, but evidence on the medical treatment in this setting is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of biologic agents in CD complicated with internal fistulizing disease. METHODS: Adult patients with CD-related fistulae who received at least 1 biologic agent for this condition from the prospectively maintained ENEIDA registry were included. Exclusion criteria involved those receiving biologics for perianal disease, enterocutaneous, rectovaginal, anastomotic, or peristomal fistulae. The primary end point was fistula-related surgery. Predictive factors associated with surgery and fistula closure were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression and survival analyses. RESULTS: A total of 760 patients from 53 hospitals (673 receiving anti-tumor necrosis factors, 69 ustekinumab, and 18 vedolizumab) were included. After a median follow-up of 56 months (interquartile range, 26-102 months), 240 patients required surgery, with surgery rates of 32%, 41%, and 24% among those under anti-tumor necrosis factor, vedolizumab, or ustekinumab, respectively. Fistula closure was observed in 24% of patients. Older patients, ileocolonic disease, entero-urinary fistulae, or an intestinal stricture distal to the origin of the fistula were associated with a higher risk of surgery, whereas nonsmokers and combination therapy with an immunomodulator reduced this risk. DISCUSSION: Biologic therapy is beneficial in approximately three-quarters of patients with fistulizing CD, achieving fistula closure in 24%. However, around one-third still undergo surgery due to refractory disease. Some patient- and lesion-related factors can identify patients who will obtain more benefit from these drugs.

The EPAGE guidelines are not an effective strategy for managing colonoscopies during the COVID-19 pandemic. / EPAGE no es una estrategia eficaz para la gestión de colonoscopias durante la pandemia por COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has had a serious impact on the functioning of gastrointestinal endoscopy Units. The Asociación Española de Gastroenterología (AEG) and the Sociedad Española de Endoscopia Digestiva (SEED) have proposed the EPAGE guidelines for managing postponed colonoscopies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the EPAGE guidelines as a management tool compared to the immunologic faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) and compared to risk score (RS) that combines age, sex and the iFOBT for the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) and significant bowel disease (SBD). METHODS: A prospective, single-centre study enrolling 743 symptomatic patients referred for a diagnostic colonoscopy. Each order was classified according to the EPAGE guidelines as appropriate, indeterminate or inappropriate. Patients underwent an iFOBT and had their RS calculated. RESULTS: The iFOBT (p<0.001), but not the EPAGE guidelines (p = 0.742), was an independent predictive factor of risk of CRC. The ROC AUCs for the EPAGE guidelines, the iFOBT and the RS were 0.61 (95% CI 0.49-0.75), 0.95 (0.93-0.97) and 0.90 (0.87-0.93) for CRC, and 0.55 (0.49-0.61), 0.75 (0.69-0.813) and 0.78 (0.73-0.83) for SBD, respectively. The numbers of colonoscopies needed to detect a case of CRC and a case of SBD were 38 and seven for the EPAGE guidelines, seven and two for the iFOBT, and 19 and four for a RS ≥5 points, respectively. CONCLUSION: The EPAGE guidelines, unlike the iFOBT, is not suitable for screening candidate patients for a diagnostic colonoscopy to detect CRC. The iFOBT, in combination with age and sex, is the most suitable strategy for managing demand for endoscopy in a restricted-access situation.

Clinical and treatment outcomes of a second subcutaneous or intravenous anti-TNF in patients with ulcerative colitis treated with two consecutive anti-TNF agents: data from the ENEIDA registry.

Background: Infliximab seems to be the most efficacious of the three available anti-TNF agents for ulcerative colitis (UC) but little is known when it is used as the second anti-TNF. Objectives: To compare the clinical and treatment outcomes of a second subcutaneous or intravenous anti-TNF in UC patients. Design: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Patients from the ENEIDA registry treated consecutively with infliximab and a subcutaneous anti-TNF (or vice versa), naïve to other biological agents, were identified and grouped according to the administration route of the first anti-TNF into IVi (intravenous initially) or SCi (subcutaneous initially). Results: Overall, 473 UC patients were included (330 IVi and 143 SCi). Clinical response at week 14 was 42.7% and 48.3% in the IVi and SCi groups (non-statistically significant), respectively. Clinical remission rates at week 52 were 32.8% and 31.4% in the IVi and SCi groups (nonsignificant differences), respectively. A propensity-matched score analysis showed a higher clinical response rate at week 14 in the SCi group and higher treatment persistence in the IVi group. Regarding long-term outcomes, dose escalation and discontinuation due to the primary failure of the first anti-TNF and more severe disease activity at the beginning of the second anti-TNF were inversely associated with clinical remission. Conclusion: The use of a second anti-TNF for UC seems to be reasonable in terms of efficacy, although it is particularly reduced in the case of the primary failure of the first anti-TNF. Whether the second anti-TNF is infliximab or subcutaneous does not seem to affect efficacy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical and treatment outcomes of a second subcutaneous or intravenous anti-TNF in UC patients. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: Patients from the ENEIDA registry treated consecutively with infliximab and a subcutaneous anti-TNF (or vice versa), naïve to other biological agents, were identified and grouped according to the administration route of the first anti-TNF into IVi (intravenous initially) or SCi (subcutaneous initially). RESULTS: Overall, 473 UC patients were included (330 IVi, 143 SCi). Clinical response at week 14 was 42.7% and 48.3% in the IVi and SCi groups (non-statistically significant), respectively. Clinical remission rates at week 52 were 32.8% and 31.4%, in the IVi and SCi groups (nonsignificant differences), respectively. A propensity-matched score analysis showed a higher clinical response rate at week 14 in the SCi group and higher treatment persistence in the IVi group. Regarding long-term outcomes, dose escalation and discontinuation due to the primary failure of the first anti-TNF and more severe disease activity at the beginning of the second anti-TNF were inversely associated with clinical remission. CONCLUSION: The use of a second anti-TNF for UC seems to be reasonable in terms of efficacy, although it is particularly reduced in the case of the primary failure of the first anti-TNF. Whether the second anti-TNF is infliximab or subcutaneous does not seem to affect efficacy.

Clinical and treatment outcomes of a second subcutaneous or intravenous anti-TNF in patients with ulcerative colitis treated with two consecutive anti-TNF agents. Data from the ENEIDA registry Background: Infliximab seems to be the most efficacious of the three available anti-TNF agents for ulcerative colitis (UC), but little is known when it is used as the second anti-TNF.

Effectiveness and safety of azathioprine for inflammatory pouch disorders: results from the RESERVO study of GETECCU.

Background: The usefulness of thiopurines has been poorly explored in pouchitis and other pouch disorders. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of azathioprine as maintenance therapy in inflammatory pouch disorders. Design: This was a retrospective and multicentre study. Methods: We included patients diagnosed with inflammatory pouch disorders treated with azathioprine in monotherapy. Effectiveness was evaluated at 1 year and in the long term based on normalization of stool frequency, absence of pain, faecal urgency or fistula discharge (clinical remission), or any improvement in these symptoms (clinical response). Endoscopic response was evaluated using the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI). Results: In all, 63 patients were included [54% males; median age, 49 (28-77) years]. The therapy was used to treat pouchitis (n = 37) or Crohn's disease of the pouch (n = 26). The rate of clinical response, remission and non-response at 12 months were 52%, 30% and 18%, respectively. After a median follow-up of 23 months (interquartile range 11-55), 19 patients (30%) were in clinical remission, and 45 (66%) stopped therapy. Endoscopic changes were evaluated in 19 cases. PDAI score decreased from 3 (range 2-4) to 1 (range 0-3). In all, 21 patients (33%) presented adverse events and 16 (25%) needed to stop therapy. Conclusion: Azathioprine may be effective in the long term for the treatment of inflammatory pouch disorders and could be included as a therapeutic option.

Management and Long-term Outcomes of Crohn's Disease Complicated with Enterocutaneous Fistula: ECUFIT Study from GETECCU.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Crohn's disease [CD] can develop penetrating complications at any time during the disease course. Enterocutaneous fistulae [ECF] are disease-related complications with an important impact on quality of life. Our aim was to describe the outcomes of this complication, including its medical and/or surgical management and their temporal trends. The primary endpoint was fistula closure, defined as the absence of drainage, with no new abscess or surgery, over the preceding 6 months. METHODS: Clinical information from all adult patients with CD and at least one ECF-excluding perianal fistulae-were identified from the prospectively-maintained ENEIDA registry. All additional information regarding treatment for this complication was retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 301 ECF in 286 patients [January 1970-September 2020] were analysed out of 30 088 records. These lesions were mostly located in the ileum [67%] and they had a median of one external opening [range 1-10]. After a median follow-up of 146 months (interquartile range [IQR], 69-233), 69% of patients underwent surgery. Fistula closure was achieved in 84%, mostly after surgery, and fistula recurrence was uncommon [13%]. Spontaneous and low-output fistulae were associated with higher closure rates (hazard ratio [HR] 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-1.93, p = 0.001, and HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.07-2.06, p = 0.03, respectively); this was obtained more frequently with medical therapy since biologics have been available. CONCLUSIONS: ECF complicating CD are rare but entail a high burden of medical and surgical resources. Closure rates are high, usually after surgery, and fistula recurrence is uncommon. A significant proportion of patients receiving medical therapy can achieve fistula closure.

Nationwide COVID-19-EII Study: Incidence, Environmental Risk Factors and Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and COVID-19 of the ENEIDA Registry.

We aim to describe the incidence and source of contagion of COVID-19 in patients with IBD, as well as the risk factors for a severe course and long-term sequelae. This is a prospective observational study of IBD and COVID-19 included in the ENEIDA registry (53,682 from 73 centres) between March-July 2020 followed-up for 12 months. Results were compared with data of the general population (National Centre of Epidemiology and Catalonia). A total of 482 patients with COVID-19 were identified. Twenty-eight percent were infected in the work environment, and 48% were infected by intrafamilial transmission, despite having good adherence to lockdown. Thirty-five percent required hospitalization, 7.9% had severe COVID-19 and 3.7% died. Similar data were reported in the general population (hospitalisation 19.5%, ICU 2.1% and mortality 4.6%). Factors related to death and severe COVID-19 were being aged ≥ 60 years (OR 7.1, 95% CI: 1.8-27 and 4.5, 95% CI: 1.3-15.9), while having ≥2 comorbidities increased mortality (OR 3.9, 95% CI: 1.3-11.6). None of the drugs for IBD were related to severe COVID-19. Immunosuppression was definitively stopped in 1% of patients at 12 months. The prognosis of COVID-19 in IBD, even in immunosuppressed patients, is similar to that in the general population. Thus, there is no need for more strict protection measures in IBD.

Risk Factors for COVID-19 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A National, ENEIDA-Based Case-Control Study (COVID-19-EII).

(1) Scant information is available concerning the characteristics that may favour the acquisition of COVID-19 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess these differences between infected and noninfected patients with IBD. (2) This nationwide case−control study evaluated patients with inflammatory bowel disease with COVID-19 (cases) and without COVID-19 (controls) during the period March−July 2020 included in the ENEIDA of GETECCU. (3) A total of 496 cases and 964 controls from 73 Spanish centres were included. No differences were found in the basal characteristics between cases and controls. Cases had higher comorbidity Charlson scores (24% vs. 19%; p = 0.02) and occupational risk (28% vs. 10.5%; p < 0.0001) more frequently than did controls. Lockdown was the only protective measure against COVID-19 (50% vs. 70%; p < 0.0001). No differences were found in the use of systemic steroids, immunosuppressants or biologics between cases and controls. Cases were more often treated with 5-aminosalicylates (42% vs. 34%; p = 0.003). Having a moderate Charlson score (OR: 2.7; 95%CI: 1.3−5.9), occupational risk (OR: 2.9; 95%CI: 1.8−4.4) and the use of 5-aminosalicylates (OR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.2−2.5) were factors for COVID-19. The strict lockdown was the only protective factor (OR: 0.1; 95%CI: 0.09−0.2). (4) Comorbidities and occupational exposure are the most relevant factors for COVID-19 in patients with IBD. The risk of COVID-19 seems not to be increased by immunosuppressants or biologics, with a potential effect of 5-aminosalicylates, which should be investigated further and interpreted with caution.

Effectiveness of Third-Class Biologic Treatment in Crohn's Disease: A Multi-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have described the effectiveness of ustekinumab (UST) and vedolizumab (VDZ) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) failing anti- Tumor necrosis factors (TNFs); however, the effectiveness of VDZ or UST as a third-class biologic has not yet been described. AIMS AND METHODS: In this retrospective multicenter cohort study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of VDZ and UST as a third-class biologic in patients with CD. RESULTS: Two-hundred and four patients were included; 156/204 (76%) patients received VDZ as a second- and UST as a third-class therapy (group A); the remaining 48/204 (24%) patients received UST as a second- and VDZ as a third-class therapy (group B). At week 16-22, 87/156 (55.5%) patients and 27/48 (56.2%) in groups A and B, respectively, responded to treatment (p = 0.9); 41/156 (26.2%) and 15/48 (31.2%) were in clinical remission (p = 0.5). At week 52; 89/103 (86%) patients and 25/29 (86.2%) of the patients with available data had responded to third-class treatment in groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.9); 31/103 (30%) and 47/29 (24.1%) were in clinical remission (p = 0.5). CONCLUSION: Third-class biological therapy was effective in more than half of the patients with CD. No differences in effectiveness were detected between the use of VDZ and UST as a third-class agent.

Tofacitinib in Ulcerative Colitis: Real-world Evidence From the ENEIDA Registry.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tofacitinib in ulcerative colitis [UC] in real life. METHODS: Patients from the prospectively maintained ENEIDA registry and treated with tofacitinib due to active UC were included. Clinical activity and effectiveness were defined based on Partial Mayo Score [PMS]. Short-term response/remission was assessed at Weeks 4, 8, and 16. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were included. They were exposed to tofacitinib for a median time of 44 weeks. Response and remission at Week 8 were 60% and 31%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, higher PMS at Week 4 (odds ratio [OR] = 0].2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0].1-0.4) was the only variable associated with lower likelihood of achieving remission at Week 8. Higher PMS at Week 4 [OR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.3-0.7] and higher PMS at Week 8 [OR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.1-0.5] were associated with lower probability of achieving remission at Week 16. A total of 45 patients [40%] discontinued tofacitinib over time. Higher PMS at Week 8 was the only factor associated with higher tofacitinib discontinuation [hazard ratio = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.3-1.6]. A total of 34 patients had remission at Week 8; of these, 65% had relapsed 52 weeks after achieving remission; the dose was increased to 10 mg/12 h in nine patients, and five of them reached remission again. Seventeen patients had adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Tofacitinib is effective and safe in UC patients in real practice, even in a highly refractory cohort. A relevant proportion of patients discontinue the drug over time, mainly due to primary failure.

Real-world long-term effectiveness of ustekinumab in Crohn's disease: results from the ENEIDA registry.

BACKGROUND: Data on the long-term administration of ustekinumab in recommended doses are limited. AIM: To assess the real-world, long-term effectiveness of ustekinumab in refractory Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: Multi-centre study of CD patients starting ustekinumab at the recommended dose, followed for 1 year. Values for the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI), endoscopic activity, C-reactive protein (CRP), and faecal calprotectin (FC) were recorded at baseline and at weeks 26 and 52. Demographic and clinical data, previous treatments, adverse events (AEs) and hospitalisations were documented. Potential predictors of remission were examined. RESULTS: A total of 407 patients were analysed. The initial maintenance dose of 90 mg SC was administered every 12, 8 and 4 weeks in 56 (14%), 347 (85%) and 4 (1%) patients, respectively. After 52 weeks, treatment was discontinued in 112 patients (27.5%). At baseline, 295 (72%) had an HBI >4 points. Of these, 169 (57%) and 190 (64%) achieved clinical remission at weeks 26 and 52, respectively. FC levels returned to normal in 44% and 54% of patients at weeks 26 and 52, and CRP returned to normal in 36% and 37% of patients at weeks 26 and 52, respectively. AEs were recorded in 60 patients. The use of fewer previous anti-TNFα agents and ileal localisation were associated with clinical remission, and endoscopic severity was associated with poor response. No factors correlated with endoscopic remission. CONCLUSION: After 52 weeks, ustekinumab demonstrated effectiveness in inducing clinical and endoscopic remission in patients with refractory CD.