Effect of Overweight and Obesity on the Response to Anti-TNF Therapy and Disease Course in Children With IBD.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of overweight and obesity at the start of anti-TNF therapy on treatment response and relapse rate in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included 22 IBD centers in 14 countries. Children diagnosed with IBD in whom antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) was introduced were included; those who were overweight/obese were compared with children who were well/undernourished. RESULTS: Six hundred thirty-seven children (370 [58%] males; mean age 11.5 ±â€…3.5 years) were included; 140 (22%) were in the overweight/obese group (OG) and 497 (78%) had BMI ≤1 SD (CG). The mean follow-up time was 141 ±â€…78 weeks (median 117 weeks). There was no difference in the loss of response (LOR) to anti-TNF between groups throughout the follow-up. However, children in OG had more dose escalations than controls. Male sex and lack of concomitant immunomodulators at the start of anti-TNF were risk factors associated with the LOR. There was no difference in the relapse rate in the first year after anti-TNF introduction; however, at the end of the follow-up, the relapse rate was significantly higher in the OG compared with CG (89 [64%] vs 218 [44%], respectively, P < .001). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that being overweight/obese, having UC, or being of male sex were factors associated with a higher risk for relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight/obese children with IBD were not at a higher risk of LOR to anti-TNF. Relapse in the first year after anti-TNF was introduced, but risk for relapse was increased at the end of follow-up.

Overweight and obese children with inflammatory bowel disease required more frequent dose escalations, but overall loss of response to anti-TNF therapy was not increased. Furthermore, in the long term, they tend to have a higher risk for relapse.

Self-screening questionnaire for perianal fistulizing disease in patients with Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A poor prognostic factor for Crohn's disease (CD) includes perianal fistulizing disease, including perianal fistula and/or perianal abscess. Currently, a tool to assess perianal symptoms in patients with CD remains nonexistent. This study aimed to develop a perianal fistulizing disease self-screening questionnaire for patients with CD. METHODS: This prospective pilot study was conducted at three tertiary referral centers between January 2019 and May 2020. We formulated questions on perianal symptoms, including tenesmus, anal discharge, bleeding, pain, and heat. A 4-point Likert scale was used to rate each question. Patients with CD completed a questionnaire and underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: Overall, 93 patients were enrolled, with 51 (54.8%) diagnosed with perianal fistulizing disease, as determined by pelvic MRI. The Spearman correlation findings demonstrated that anal pain (p = 0.450, p < 0.001) and anal discharge (p = 0.556, p < 0.001) were the symptoms that most significantly correlated with perianal disease. For anal pain and discharge, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the scores was significantly higher than that of the combined score for all five symptoms (0.855 vs. 0.794, DeLong's test p = 0.04). For the two symptoms combined, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive and negative predictive values were 88.2, 73.8, 80.4, and 83.8%, respectively, with 81.7% accuracy for detecting perianal fistulizing disease. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that simple questions regarding anal pain and discharge can help accurately identify the presence of perianal fistulizing disease in patients with CD.

Comparison of endoscopic healing and durability between infliximab originator and CT-P13 in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background and aims: Favourable clinical data were published on the efficacy of CT-P13, the first biosimilar of infliximab (IFX), in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, few studies have compared the effect on endoscopic healing (EH) and drug retention rate between the IFX originator and CT-P13. Therefore, we aimed to compare EH and the drug retention rate between the IFX originator and CT-P13. Methods: Children with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC)/IBD-unclassified (IBD-U) at 22 medical centers were enrolled, with a retrospective review conducted at 1-year and last follow-up. Clinical remission, EH and drug retention rate were evaluated. Results: We studied 416 pediatric patients with IBD: 77.4% had CD and 22.6% had UC/IBD-U. Among them, 255 (61.3%) received the IFX originator and 161 (38.7%) received CT-P13. No statistically significant differences were found between the IFX originator and CT-P13 in terms of corticosteroid-free remission and adverse events. At 1-year follow-up, EH rates were comparable between them (CD: P=0.902, UC: P=0.860). The estimated cumulative cessation rates were not significantly different between the two groups. In patients with CD, the drug retention rates were 66.1% in the IFX originator and 71.6% in the CT-P13 group at the maximum follow-up period (P >0.05). In patients with UC, the drug retention rates were 49.8% in the IFX originator and 56.3% in the CT-P13 group at the maximum follow-up period (P >0.05). Conclusions: The IFX originator and CT-P13 demonstrated comparable therapeutic response including EH, clinical remission, drug retention rate and safety in pediatric IBD.

Efficacy and safety of oral sulfate tablet vs. polyethylene glycol and ascorbate for bowel preparation in children.

Background and aim: Bowel preparation for pediatric colonoscopy presents several challenges. However, no bowel preparation regimen is universally preferred for children. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of oral sulfate tablet (OST) in pediatric bowel preparation. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed data from children who received 2l of polyethylene glycol and ascorbate (PEG/Asc) or OST for bowel preparation between 2021 and 2023. A comparative analysis was conducted between the two groups. Results: A total of 146 patients were included (2l PEG/Asc: 115, 73.0% vs. OST: 31). No significant difference was observed in the total BBPS score (median 8.0 vs. 8.0, P = 0.152) and the total OBPS score (median 5.0 vs. 3.0, P = 0.152) between the two groups. No significant difference was noted in the ratio of a bubble score of 0 (73.0% vs. 93.5%, P = 0.132). The incidence of abdominal pain was significantly lower in the OST group (32.2% vs. 3.2%, P = 0.002). The VAS score for overall satisfaction was significantly higher in the OST group (4.0 vs. 7.0, P < 0.001). For the next colonoscopy bowel preparation, a higher proportion of patients in the OST group showed a willingness to use the same preparation regimen (33.9% vs. 83.9%, P < 0.001). Conclusion: OST was as efficacious and safe as 2 L of PEG/Asc for pediatric bowel preparation. The satisfaction level was higher with OST than with 2 L of PEG/Asc. OST may be considered a good alternative for children with poor compliance during bowel preparation.

Factors Associated with Reaching Mid-Parental Height in Patients Diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Childhood and Adolescent Period.

Background/Aims: The recent update on the Selecting Therapeutic Targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease initiative has added normal growth in children as an intermediate target in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. We aimed to investigate factors associated with reaching mid-parental height (MPH) in patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease in childhood and the adolescent period. Methods: This multicenter retrospective observational study included pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease that had reached adult height. Factors associated with reaching MPH were investigated by logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 166 patients were included in this study (128 Crohn's disease and 38 ulcerative colitis). Among them, 54.2% (90/166) had reached their MPH. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that height Z-score at diagnosis and MPH Z-score were independently associated with reaching MPH (odds ratio [OR], 8.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.44 to 17.90; p<0.001 and OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.24; p<0.001, respectively). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff level of "height Z-score at diagnosis minus MPH Z-score" that was associated with reaching MPH was -0.01 with an area under the curve of 0.889 (95% CI [0.835 to 0.944], sensitivity 88.9%, specificity 84.2%, positive predictive value 87.0%, negative predictive value 86.5%, p<0.001). Conclusions: Height Z-score at diagnosis and MPH Z-score were the only factors associated with reaching MPH. Efforts should be made to restore growth in pediatric patients who present with a negative "height Z-score at diagnosis minus MPH Z-score."

Dual Biologic or Small Molecule Therapy in Refractory Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (DOUBLE-PIBD): A Multicenter Study from the Pediatric IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN.

BACKGROUND: Current data on dual biologic therapy in children are limited. This multicenter study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dual therapy in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: A retrospective study from 14 centers affiliated with the Pediatric IBD Interest and Porto Groups of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Included were children with IBD who underwent combinations of biologic agents or biologic and small molecule therapy for at least 3 months. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, and imaging data were collected. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty-two children (35 Crohn's disease, 27 ulcerative colitis; median age 15.5 [interquartile range, 13.1-16.8] years) were included. They had all failed previous biologic therapies, and 47 (76%) failed at least 2 biologic agents. The dual therapy included an anti-tumor necrosis factor agent and vedolizumab in 30 children (48%), anti-tumor necrosis factor and ustekinumab in 21 (34%) children, vedolizumab and ustekinumab in 8 (13%) children, and tofacitinib with a biologic in 3 (5%) children. Clinical remission was observed in 21 (35%), 30 (50%), and 38 (63%) children at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Normalization of C-reactive protein and decrease in fecal calprotectin to <250 µg/g were achieved in 75% and 64%, respectively, at 12 months of follow-up. Twenty-nine (47%) children sustained adverse events, 8 of which were regarded as serious and led to discontinuation of therapy in 6. CONCLUSIONS: Dual biologic therapy may be effective in children with refractory IBD. The potential efficacy should be weighed against the risk of serious adverse events.

This multicenter study describes 62 children with refractory inflammatory bowel disease who received dual biologic therapy. Clinical remission was observed in 21 (35%), 30 (50%), and 38 (63%) children at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Several serious adverse events were reported.

A Report on a Nationwide Surveillance System for Pediatric Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Etiology in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Several cases of pediatric acute hepatitis of unknown etiology related to adenoviral infections have been reported in Europe since January 2022. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence, severity, possible etiology, and prognosis of the disease with those in the past in Korea. METHODS: The surveillance group collected data between May and November 2022 using a surveillance system. Acute hepatitis of unknown etiology was defined in patients aged < 16 years with a serum transaminase level > 500 IU/L, not due to hepatitis A-E or other underlying causes. For comparison, data from 18 university hospitals were retrospectively collected as a control group between January 2021 and April 2022. RESULTS: We enrolled 270 patients (mean age, 5 years). The most common symptom was fever. However, the incidence was similar between 2021 and 2022. Liver function test results, number of patients with acute liver failure (ALF), liver transplantation (LT), death, and adenovirus detection rates did not differ between the two groups. None of the adenovirus-positive patients in either group experienced ALF, LT, or death. In the surveillance group, adenovirus-associated virus-2 was detected in four patients, one of whom underwent LT. Patients with an unknown etiology showed significantly higher bilirubin levels, a lower platelet count, and a higher LT rate than patients with a possible etiology. CONCLUSION: The incidence of pediatric acute hepatitis of unknown etiology and adenovirus detection rate have not increased in Korea.

Efficacy of Combined Initial Treatment of Methotrexate with Infliximab in Pediatric Crohn's Disease: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The combination of antitumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) agents with immunomodulators (IMMs) is a common treatment for pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). Although methotrexate (MTX) can be a first-line medication as an IMM, most clinicians in real-life practice, especially in South Korea, are more familiar with thiopurines. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and immunogenicity of MTX and azathioprine (AZA) as concurrent therapies for pediatric CD. METHODS: In this pilot study, 29 newly diagnosed pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe CD were randomized to receive either MTX (n = 15) (15 mg/body surface area (BSA) per week) or oral AZA (n = 14) (0.5 mg/kg per day) in combination with Infliximab (IFX). The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients in endoscopic, biochemical, and transmural remission after 14 and 54 weeks of IFX therapy. The trough levels (TLs) of IFX and anti-drug antibody (ADA) levels were also compared. RESULTS: Among the 29 patients, there were no significant differences in the biochemical (p = 1.0 at week 14, p = 0.45 at week 54), endoscopic (p = 0.968 at week 14, p = 0.05 at week 54), or transmural (p = 0.103 at week 54) remission rates between the two medications during the concurrent therapy. Additionally, the trends in the IFX trough and ADA levels over time during the treatments were similar for both medications, with no significant differences (p = 0.686, p = 0.389, respectively). CONCLUSION: The MTX showed comparable efficacy to the AZA in pediatric CD patients with moderate-to-severe disease. This effectively maintained adequate IFX levels and reduced ADA production. Therefore, although additional large-scale clinical trials are needed, this study demonstrated that either MTX or AZA can be selected as IMMs in the concurrent treatment of pediatric CD, depending on individual medical institutions' circumstances.

Infliximab trough levels are associated with endoscopic healing but not with transmural healing at one year treatment with infliximab in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease.

Introduction: It is well known that infliximab (IFX) trough levels (TLs) are associated with endoscopic healing (EH) in Crohn's disease (CD). We investigated whether IFX TLs are associated with transmural healing (TH) in pediatric patients with CD following 1-year treatment. Methods: Pediatric patients with CD treated with IFX were included in this single-center prospective study. IFX TL tests, magnetic resonance enterography (MRE), and colonoscopies were simultaneously conducted after 1-year IFX treatment. TH was defined as a wall thickness of ≤3 mm without inflammatory signs evaluated using MRE. EH was defined as a Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's disease of <3 points on colonoscopy. Results: Fifty-six patients were included. EH and TH were observed in 60.7% (34/56) and 23.2% (13/56) of patients, respectively. IFX TLs were higher in patients with EH (median, 5.6 vs. 3.4 µg/mL, P = 0.002), whereas IFX TLs showed no significant difference in patients with and without TH (median, 5.4 vs. 4.7 µg/mL, P = 0.574). No significant difference was observed in EH and TH between patients whose intervals were shortened or not. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that IFX TLs and disease duration to IFX initiation were associated with EH (odds ratio [OR] = 1.82, P = 0.001, and OR = 0.43, P = 0.02, respectively). Discussion: In pediatric patients with CD, IFX TLs were associated with EH but not with TH. Further studies investigating long-term TH and proactive dosing based on therapeutic drug monitoring may clarify whether an association between IFX TLs and TH exists.

Infliximab vs adalimumab: Points to consider when selecting anti-tumor necrosis factor agents in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease.

Biologic agents with various mechanisms against Crohn's disease (CD) have been released and are widely used in clinical practice. However, two anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents, infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab (ADL), are the only biologic agents approved by the Food and Drug Administration for pediatric CD currently. Therefore, in pediatric CD, the choice of biologic agents should be made more carefully to achieve the therapeutic goal. There are currently no head-to-head trials of biologic agents in pediatric or adult CD. There is a lack of accumulated data for pediatric CD, which requires the extrapolation of adult data for the positioning of biologics in pediatric CD. From a pharmacokinetic point of view, IFX is more advantageous than ADL when the inflammatory burden is high, and ADL is expected to be advantageous over IFX in sustaining remission in the maintenance phase. Additionally, we reviewed the safety profile, immunogenicity, preference, and compliance between IFX and ADL and provide practical insights into the choice of anti-TNF therapy in pediatric CD. Careful evaluation of clinical indications and disease behavior is essential when prescribing anti-TNF agents. In addition, factors such as the efficacy of induction and maintenance of remission, safety profile, immunogenicity, patient preference, and compliance play an important role in evaluating and selecting treatment options.

Methionine consumption by cancer cells drives a progressive upregulation of PD-1 expression in CD4 T cells.

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), expressed on tumor-infiltrating T cells, is a T cell exhaustion marker. The mechanisms underlying PD-1 upregulation in CD4 T cells remain unknown. Here we develop nutrient-deprived media and a conditional knockout female mouse model to study the mechanism underlying PD-1 upregulation. Reduced methionine increases PD-1 expression on CD4 T cells. The genetic ablation of SLC43A2 in cancer cells restores methionine metabolism in CD4 T cells, increasing the intracellular levels of S-adenosylmethionine and yielding H3K79me2. Reduced H3K79me2 due to methionine deprivation downregulates AMPK, upregulates PD-1 expression and impairs antitumor immunity in CD4 T cells. Methionine supplementation restores H3K79 methylation and AMPK expression, lowering PD-1 levels. AMPK-deficient CD4 T cells exhibit increased endoplasmic reticulum stress and Xbp1s transcript levels. Our results demonstrate that AMPK is a methionine-dependent regulator of the epigenetic control of PD-1 expression in CD4 T cells, a metabolic checkpoint for CD4 T cell exhaustion.

A Nationwide Survey on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Practice Patterns among Pediatric Endoscopists in South Korea.

Purpose: Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is an important tool for diagnosing and treating GI diseases in children. This study aimed to analyze the current GI endoscopy practice patterns among South Korean pediatric endoscopists. Methods: Twelve members of the Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition developed a questionnaire. The questionnaire was emailed to pediatric gastroenterologists attending general and tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Results: The response rate was 86.7% (52/60), and 49 of the respondents (94.2%) were currently performing endoscopy. All respondents were performing esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and 43 (87.8%) were performing colonoscopy. Relatively rare procedures for children, such as double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) (4.1%), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (2.0%), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) (2.0%), were only performed by pediatric gastroenterologists at very few centers, but were performed by adult endoscopists in most of the centers; of all the respondents, 83.7% (41/49) performed emergency endoscopy. In most centers, the majority of the endoscopies were performed under sedation, with midazolam (100.0%) and ketamine (67.3%) as the most frequently used sedatives. Conclusion: While most pediatric GI endoscopists perform common GI endoscopic procedures, rare procedures, such as DBE, ERCP, and EUS, are only performed by pediatric gastroenterologists at very few centers, and by adult GI endoscopists at most of the centers. For such rare procedures, close communication and cooperation with adult GI endoscopists are required.

Practice Patterns of Colorectal Polypectomy in Pediatric Endoscopic Specialists in South Korea: A Nationwide Survey Study.

Purpose: Total colonoscopy is recommended if colorectal polyps are clinically suspected. This study aimed to investigate the performance status of pediatric colonoscopic polypectomy in Korea. Methods: We surveyed pediatric endoscopic specialists who perform colonoscopic polypectomy in Korea using a questionnaire of 13 questions on pediatric colonoscopic polypectomy performance status. Results: The survey was conducted at 45 institutions, and 32 specialists (71.1%) responded. Among the respondents, 31.2% (10/32) said colonoscopy was performed in all age groups, while 12.5% (4/32) said sigmoidoscopy was performed in all age groups. Meanwhile, 56.2% (18/32) said that sigmoidoscopy was performed in young children, while colonoscopy was performed in older children. Among them, 38.9% (7/18) believe that 4-6 years were young, and 44.5% (8/18) believe that 7-9 years were young. Regarding surveillance examinations, 21.9% (7/32) said they would perform a surveillance colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy in the future if less than five juvenile polyps were found in the colon. Meanwhile, if less than five adenomatous polyps were found in the colon, 93.8% (30/32) said they would perform surveillance colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy in the future. Conclusion: More than half of the pediatric endoscopic specialists in Korea choose between a colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy depending on the patient's age, contrary to the generally accepted recommendation of total colonoscopy if colorectal polyps are suspected in children and adolescents. In this survey, most pediatric endoscopists used the age range of 4-9 years as the reference age.

Fecal Calprotectin Levels Significantly Correlate with Polyp Size in Children and Adolescents with Juvenile Colorectal Polyps.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate factors that correlate with fecal calprotectin (FC) levels in children and adolescents with colorectal polyps. Methods: Pediatric patients aged <19 years who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy for a juvenile polyps (JPs) and FC tests were simultaneously conducted in a multicenter, retrospective study. Baseline demographics, colonoscopic and histological findings, and laboratory tests, including FC levels, were investigated. Correlations between the factors were investigated, and linear regression analysis revealed factors that correlated with FC levels. FC levels measured after polypectomies were investigated and the FC levels pre- and post-polypectomies were compared. Results: A total of 33 patients were included in the study. According to Pearson correlation analysis, the polyp size was the only factor that showed a statistically significant correlation with FC levels (r=0.75, p<0.001). Furthermore, according to the multivariate linear regression analysis, polyp size was the only factor that showed a statistically significant correlation with FC levels (adjusted R2 =0.5718, ß=73.62, p<0.001). The median FC level was 400 mg/kg (interquartile range [IQR], 141.6-1,000 mg/kg), and the median polyp size was 14 mm (IQR, 9-20 mm). Nineteen patients underwent post-polypectomy FC tests. FC levels showed a significant decrease after polypectomy from a median of 445.2 mg/kg (IQR, 225-1,000) to 26.5 mg/kg (11.5-51) (p<0.001). Conclusion: FC levels significantly correlated with polyp size in children and adolescents with JPs.

Associations of Polyp Characteristics in Children and Adolescents Presenting with Less Than Five Colorectal Polyps: A Full Colonoscopy Is Still Required.

Background/Aims: A full colonoscopy is currently required in children and adolescents with colorectal polyps, because of their potential of neoplastic transformation and complications such as intussusception. We aimed to analyze the associations of polyp characteristics in children and adolescents with colorectal polyps. Based on these findings, we also aimed to reevaluate the necessity of conducting a full colonoscopy. Methods: Pediatric patients <18 years of age who had undergone a colonoscopic polypectomy and those with <5 colorectal polyps were included in this multicenter, retrospective study. Baseline clinicodemographics, colonoscopic and histologic findings were investigated. Results: A total of 91 patients were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that polyp size was the only factor associated with the presence of any polyps located proximal to the splenic flexure (odds ratio [OR], 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28 to 4.28; p=0.007). Furthermore, polyp location proximal to the splenic flexure and sessile morphology were associated with the presence of any adenomatous polyp (OR, 8.51; 95% CI, 1.43 to 68.65; p=0.023; OR, 18.41; 95% CI, 3.45 to 173.81; p=0.002, respectively). Conclusions: In children and adolescents presenting with <5 colorectal polyps, polyp size and the presence of any adenomatous polyp were positively associated with polyp location proximal to the splenic flexure. This finding supports the necessity of a full colonoscopic exam in pediatric patients with colorectal polyps for the detection of polyps before the occurrence of complications such as intussusception or neoplastic transformation.

The Changes in Trends of Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Conducted in Children and Adolescents after the COVID-19 Outbreak in Korea.

Background and Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected medical practice in diverse ways. We aimed to investigate the change in trends of lower gastrointestinal (LGI) endoscopy conducted in children and adolescents after the COVID-19 outbreak in Korea. Material and Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective study conducted in Korea. We included children and adolescents aged <19 years who had undergone their first LGI endoscopy between 2016 and 2020. We compared clinicodemographic and endoscopic factors between groups divided according to the pre- and postCOVID-19 era in Korea. Results: We included 1307 patients in this study. Colonoscopies, instead of sigmoidoscopies, were conducted in most patients in the postCOVID-19 era compared to those in the preCOVID-19 era (86.9% vs. 78.5%, p = 0.007). The diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was also significantly higher in the postCOVID-19 era compared to the preCOVID-19 era (47.2% vs. 28.5%, p < 0.001). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, age at LGI endoscopy, LGI bleeding indication, and IBD diagnosis were independently associated with the use of a colonoscopy over a sigmoidoscopy (odds ratio (OR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12−1.27, p < 0.001; OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.37−0.83, p = 0.005; OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.20−2.77, p = 0.006, respectively). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed LGI endoscopy practice trends of pediatric gastroenterologists in Korea, who tended to perform lesser LGI endoscopies compared to previous years while conducting significantly more colonoscopies than sigmoidoscopies in the postCOVID-19 era. Furthermore, these colonoscopies were significantly associated with the diagnosis of IBD, as well as a significant increase in IBD diagnosis in the postCOVID-19 era.

Nationwide Survey for Pediatric Gastrostomy Tube Placement in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Various methods have been implemented for pediatric gastrostomy tube placement. We aimed to investigate the performance status of pediatric gastrostomy in South Korea and to present indications and appropriate methods for domestic situations. METHODS: A survey was conducted among pediatric endoscopists who performed upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in Korea. The questionnaire consisted of 16 questions on gastrostomy performance status. RESULTS: Among the 48 institutions where the survey was applied, 36 (75%) responded. Of the 36 institutions, gastrostomy was performed in 31 (86.1%). The departments in which gastrostomy was performed were pediatrics at 26 institutions (81.3%), surgery at 24 institutions (75.0%), internal medicine at 9 institutions (28.1%), and radiology at 7 institutions (21.9%). There were 18 institutions (66.7%) using the pull method for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and nine institutions (33.3%) using the push method. When performing gastrostomies, fundoplication procedures were performed in 19 institutions (61.3%), if deemed necessary. However, 12 institutions (38.7%) answered that gastrostomy was always implemented alone. Complications after gastrostomy included buried bumper syndrome, wound infection, leakage, tube migration, and incorrect opening site in the stomach, but the number of cases with complications was very small. CONCLUSION: In Korea, a pediatric gastrostomy is implemented in various ways depending on the institution. Clinicians are concerned about choosing the most effective methods with fewer complications after the procedure. In our study, we reported only a few complications. Korea has good accessibility for pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy, and this survey showed that it is a safe procedure that can be considered initially in pediatric gastrostomy. This study is expected to help to create optimal pediatric PEG guidelines in Korea.

Epidemiological Trends of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Korea: A Multicenter Study of the Last 3 Years Including the COVID-19 Era.

BACKGROUND: Studies on how the coronavirus pandemic has affected pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) are lacking. We aimed to investigate the trends in epidemiology, characteristics, initial management, and short-term outcomes of PIBD in South Korea over the recent three years including the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This multicenter study retrospectively investigated temporal trends in the epidemiology of PIBD in Korea. Annual occurrences, disease phenotypes, and initial management at diagnosis were analyzed from January 2018 to June 2021. RESULTS: A total of 486 patients from 17 institutions were included in this epidemiological evaluation. Analysis of the occurrence trend confirmed a significant increase in PIBD, regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Crohn's disease, patients with post-coronavirus outbreaks had significantly higher fecal calprotectin levels than those with previous onset (1,339.4 ± 717.04 vs. 1,595.5 ± 703.94, P = 0.001). Patients with post-coronavirus-onset ulcerative colitis had significantly higher Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index scores than those with previous outbreaks (48 ± 17 vs. 36 ± 15, P = 0.004). In the initial treatment of Crohn's disease, the use of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and steroids significantly decreased (P = 0.006 and 0.001, respectively), and enteral nutrition and the use of infliximab increased significantly (P = 0.045 and 0.009, respectively). There was a significant increase in azathioprine use during the initial treatment of ulcerative colitis (P = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients with PIBD is increasing significantly annually in Korea. The initial management trends for PIBD have also changed. More research is needed to establish appropriate treatment guidelines considering the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Korean PIBD.

Transmural healing evaluated by magnetic resonance enterography in paediatric patients with Crohn's disease receiving maintenance treatment with biologics.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment goal in Crohn's disease (CD) is endoscopic healing (EH). However, transmural healing (TH) facilitated by the development and increasing performance of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is emerging as a potential treatment goal. AIMS: To assess TH rates after 1 year of treatment by MRE and its relationship with EH in paediatric patients with CD receiving anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents, and to investigate factors associated with TH after 1 year of treatment. METHODS: This multi-centre, prospective, observational study included Korean paediatric patients with luminal CD diagnosed at age < 19 years who were naïve to anti-TNF treatment. They simultaneously underwent ileocolonoscopy and MRE at baseline and after 1 year of treatment with biologics. RESULTS: We included 116 patients. At 1 year, EH and TH were achieved in 59.5% (69/116) and 38.8% (45/116) of the patients, respectively. Both EH and TH was observed in 35.3% (41/116), EH without TH in 24.1% (28/116), TH without EH in 3.4% (4/116), and neither EH nor TH in 37.1% (43/116). Moreover, 59.4% (41/69) of patients who achieved EH at 1 year exhibited TH, and 91.1% (41/45) of patients who achieved TH exhibited EH. Baseline MaRIA score was associated with TH according to a multivariate analysis (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99, p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: TH is a more stringent goal than EH. Regular follow-up evaluation of transmural status, and efforts to achieve TH, may alter the natural course of CD in the era of treat-to-target.

Adalimumab in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The introduction of biological agents with strong anti-inflammatory action, such as antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents, has changed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment strategy and goals, and has contributed significantly to improve the long-term prognosis of patients. Moreover, several biological agents are being used or researched in pediatric populations. However, only two biological agents, infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab (ADL), are currently approved for children and adolescents. In pediatric IBD, there are limitations and burdens associated with facilitating mucosal healing (MH) when utilizing these two biological agents. ADL is effective in both naïve patients and those with previous experience with biologics. Beyond clinical remission, this drug is also effective for MH and histological remission. The use of therapeutic drug monitoring to further enhance the effectiveness of ADL treatment can be expected to reduce treatment failure of ADL and pave the way for appropriate treatment in the treat-to-target era. This review paper focuses on ADL, examine studies conducted in children, and determine the role this agent plays against pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.