Reliability of Intestinal Ultrasound for Evaluating Crohn's Disease Activity Using Point-of-care and Central Reading.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is increasingly used to assess Crohn's disease (CD) activity in clinical practice. However, application in clinical trials has been limited by heterogeneous scoring methods and concerns about reliability. We aimed to determine the inter- and intra-rater reliability of locally and centrally read IUS parameters for evaluating CD using prospectively performed scans. METHODS: Twenty-four participants with CD and 6 gastroenterologists participated in a 2-day workshop where each participant underwent 6 IUS scans in total. Eight IUS parameters (bowel wall thickness [BWT], bowel wall stratification [BWS], color Doppler signal [CDS], inflammatory mesenteric fat [i-fat], submucosal prominence, submucosal layer thickness, haustra coli/peristalsis, and affected segment length) and an overall measure of sonographic disease activity were blindly assessed by the 6 local readers and 4 central gastroenterologist-sonographers. Reliability was quantified using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Institutional review board approval was granted for this study (12938). RESULTS: Five IUS parameters demonstrated at least moderate (ICC ≥0.41) inter- and intra-rater reliability when local and central reading was performed (BWT, CDS, i-fat, submucosal prominence, and affected segment length). Reliability was generally better with central, in distinction to local, reading. ICCs for BWS and i-fat were highest when evaluated as binary outcomes. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that IUS parameters are most reliable when evaluated in the worst affected segment. Fair reliability was observed when local readers identified the worst affected segment. CONCLUSIONS: Local and central reading of IUS demonstrated at least moderate inter- and intra-rater reliability for several parameters. This study supports refining existing activity indices and incorporating IUS central reading into clinical trials.

Practical application of the Crohn's disease exclusion diet as therapy in an adult Australian population.

There is demand from patients and clinicians to use the Crohn's disease exclusion diet (CDED) with or without partial enteral nutrition (PEN). However, the therapeutic efficacy and nutritional adequacy of this therapy are rudimentary in an adult population. This review examines the evidence for the CDED in adults with active luminal Crohn's disease and aims to provide practical guidance on the use of the CDED in Australian adults. A working group of nine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) dietitians of DECCAN (Dietitians Crohn's and Colitis Australian Network) and an IBD gastroenterologist was established. A literature review was undertaken to examine (1) clinical indications, (2) monitoring, (3) dietary adequacy, (4) guidance for remission phase, and (5) diet reintroduction after therapy. Each diet phase was compared with Australian reference ranges for food groups and micronutrients. CDED with PEN is nutritionally adequate for adults containing sufficient energy and protein and meeting > 80% of the recommended daily intake of key micronutrients. An optimal care pathway for the clinical use of the CDED in an adult population was developed with accompanying consensus statements, clinician toolkit, and patient education brochure. Recommendations for weaning from the CDED to the Australian dietary guidelines were developed. The CDED + PEN provides an alternate partial food-based therapy for remission induction of active luminal Crohn's disease in an adult population. The CDED + PEN should be prioritized over CDED alone and prescribed by a specialist IBD dietitian. DECCAN cautions against using the maintenance diet beyond 12 weeks until further evidence becomes available.

Genomic analysis of Helicobacter pylori in Australia: Antimicrobial resistance, phylogenetic patterns, and virulence factors.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Rates of antimicrobial-resistant Helicobacter pylori infection are rising globally, but little is known about contemporary resistance patterns, virulence factors, and phylogenetic patterns of isolates within Australia. We aimed to characterize antimicrobial resistance and genetic mutations associated with adverse clinical outcomes. METHODS: Whole genome sequencing, culturing, and antibiotic sensitivity data for refractory H. pylori isolates at Australian centers were collected between 2013 and 2022. Phylogenetic origins, antibiotic resistance mutations, and virulence factors were examined with phenotypic resistance profiles. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five isolates underwent culture, with 109 of these undergoing whole genome sequencing. Forty-three isolates were isolated from patients in South Australia and 66 from Western Australia. Isolates originated primarily from hpEurope (59.6%), hpEastAsia (25.7%), and hpNEAfrica (6.4%). Antimicrobial resistance to clarithromycin was seen in 85% of isolates, metronidazole in 52%, levofloxacin in 18%, rifampicin in 14%, and amoxicillin in 9%. Most isolates (59%) were multi-drug resistant. Resistance concordance between genetically determined resistance and phenotypic resistance was 92% for clarithromycin and 94% for levofloxacin. Analysis of virulence factors demonstrated cag pathogenicity island (cagPAI) in 67% of isolates and cagA in 61%, correlating with isolate genetic origin. The most virulent s1m1 vacuolating cytotoxin A genotype was present in 26% of isolates. CONCLUSION: Refractory H. pylori isolates in Australia emanate from multiple global origins. Strong concordance between genetic and phenotypic antibiotic resistance profiles raises the possibility of utilizing genetic profiling in clinical practice. The dynamic landscape of H. pylori in Australia warrants the establishment of a national database to monitor H. pylori resistance and evolving virulence.

CORE-IBD: A Multidisciplinary International Consensus Initiative to Develop a Core Outcome Set for Randomized Controlled Trials in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: End points to determine the efficacy and safety of medical therapies for Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are evolving. Given the heterogeneity in current outcome measures, harmonizing end points in a core outcome set for randomized controlled trials is a priority for drug development in inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: Candidate outcome domains and outcome measures were generated from systematic literature reviews and patient engagement surveys and interviews. An iterative Delphi process was conducted to establish consensus: panelists anonymously voted on items using a 9-point Likert scale, and feedback was incorporated between rounds to refine statements. Consensus meetings were held to ratify the outcome domains and core outcome measures. Stakeholders were recruited internationally, and included gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, methodologists, and clinical trialists. RESULTS: A total of 235 patients and 53 experts participated. Patient-reported outcomes, quality of life, endoscopy, biomarkers, and safety were considered core domains; histopathology was an additional domain for UC. In CD, there was consensus to use the 2-item patient-reported outcome (ie, abdominal pain and stool frequency), Crohn's Disease Activity Index, Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease, C-reactive protein, fecal calprotectin, and co-primary end points of symptomatic remission and endoscopic response. In UC, there was consensus to use the 9-point Mayo Clinic Score, fecal urgency, Robarts Histopathology Index or Geboes Score, fecal calprotectin, and a composite primary end point including both symptomatic and endoscopic remission. Safety outcomes should be reported using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. CONCLUSIONS: This multidisciplinary collaboration involving patients and clinical experts has produced the first core outcome set that can be applied to randomized controlled trials of CD and UC.

Systematic review of therapies for refractory ulcerative proctitis.

Patients with ulcerative proctitis have favorable long-term outcomes but are typically excluded from ulcerative colitis clinical trials. Refractory proctitis presents a management conundrum for gastroenterologists, and there remains a lack of clarity as to the best therapeutic strategy. This study aimed to undertake a systematic review of studies assessing the clinical efficacy and safety of therapies for refractory proctitis. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE databases were searched without restriction from inception to October 27, 2022. Both interventional and noninterventional studies examining efficacy of therapeutic modalities for the induction and/or maintenance of remission in refractory proctitis were included. Included studies were grouped by therapeutic modalities as follows: (i) immunomodulators, (ii) monoclonal antibodies, (iii) topical calcineurin inhibitors, (iv) other topical therapies, and (v) appendicectomy. The search strategy identified 3301 studies, of which 13 met eligibility criteria for inclusion. Clinical remission rates for systemic therapies ranged from 20-26% for azathioprine to 50-69% for tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor therapies. The use of systemic therapies for proctitis raised safety concerns, with 22-37% of patients discontinuing therapies due to adverse effects across four retrospective cohort studies. Prospective clinical trials of topically applied tacrolimus demonstrated clinical remission rates of 42-46%, with a favorable safety profile. Substantial heterogeneity in study design precluded meta-analysis. Refractory ulcerative proctitis remains a neglected entity, with a dearth of prospective clinical trials to guide therapeutic decision-making. Current evidence supports a role for topically administered tacrolimus.

Refractory Helicobacter pylori infection in Australia: updated multicentre antimicrobial resistance.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Helicobacter pylori infection is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide and eradication rates are falling globally because of increasing antimicrobial resistance. However, there is a paucity of local data to guide the choice of eradication therapy in Australia. This study aimed to evaluate current Australian rates of H. pylori antibiotic resistance in patients who had failed prior eradication therapy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of routine culture and antibiotic susceptibility data from two pathology laboratories servicing multiple tertiary referral hospitals in Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA), between 2018 and 2022, was performed. Rates of antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of multiresistant isolates in both SA and WA were calculated and comparison of temporal trends and differences between the two states was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 796 H. pylori isolates revealed a clarithromycin resistance rate of 82%, metronidazole 68%, amoxicillin 4.4% and tetracycline 0.5%. Resistance to levofloxacin was observed in 22% and rifampicin 14%. Rates of resistance to clarithromycin were lower in SA compared with WA (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.69, P = 0.0001). Multiresistant isolates were discovered in 63% of patients, with lower rates in SA compared with WA (IRR: 0.74, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: This first multicentre, multistate study of H. pylori resistance in Australian patients exposed to prior therapy demonstrated high rates of antimicrobial resistance, including levofloxacin (>20%). This raises concern about recommending levofloxacin in empirical second-line therapies. Increased monitoring and awareness of current H. pylori resistance rates in Australia are needed to guide local eradication practices.

An International Consensus to Standardize Integration of Histopathology in Ulcerative Colitis Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Histopathology is an emerging treatment target in ulcerative colitis (UC) clinical trials. Our aim was to provide guidance on standardizing biopsy collection protocols, identifying optimal evaluative indices, and defining thresholds for histologic response and remission after treatment. METHODS: An international, interdisciplinary expert panel of 19 gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal pathologists was assembled. A modified RAND/University of California, Los Angeles appropriateness methodology was used to address relevant issues. A total of 138 statements were derived from a systematic review of the literature and expert opinion. Each statement was anonymously rated as appropriate, uncertain, or inappropriate using a 9-point scale. Survey results were reviewed and discussed before a second round of voting. RESULTS: Histologic measurements collected using a uniform biopsy strategy are important for assessing disease activity and determining therapeutic efficacy in UC clinical trials. Multiple biopsy strategies were deemed acceptable, including segmental biopsies collected according to the endoscopic appearance. Biopsies should be scored for architectural change, lamina propria chronic inflammation, basal plasmacytosis, lamina propria and epithelial neutrophils, epithelial damage, and erosions/ulcerations. The Geboes score, Robarts Histopathology Index, and Nancy Index were considered appropriate for assessing histologic activity; use of the modified Riley score and Harpaz Index were uncertain. Histologic activity at baseline should be required for enrollment, recognizing this carries operational implications. Achievement of histologic improvement or remission was considered an appropriate and realistic therapeutic target. Current histologic indices require validation for pediatric populations. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations provide a framework for standardized implementation of histopathology in UC trials. Additional work is required to address operational considerations and areas of uncertainty.

Therapeutic Potential of the 4 Strategies to SUlfide-REduction (4-SURE) Diet in Adults with Mild to Moderately Active Ulcerative Colitis: An Open-Label Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: Diet therapy may bridge the therapeutic gap in ulcerative colitis (UC). OBJECTIVES: The novel 4-SURE diet (4-strategies-to-SUlfide-REduction), designed to modulate colonic fermentation and influence production of excess hydrogen sulfide, was examined in a feasibility study for tolerability, clinical efficacy, and effects on microbial endpoints. METHODS: Adults aged ≥18 y old with mild to moderately active UC were advised to increase intake of fermentable fibers, restrict total and sulfur-containing proteins, and avoid specific food additives for 8 wk. The primary outcome was tolerability of diet [100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) with 100-mm being intolerable]. Secondary exploratory outcomes were self-reported adherence (always adherent ≥76-100%), clinical and endoscopic response (reduction in partial Mayo ≥2 and Mayo endoscopic subscore ≥1), modulation of fecal characteristics including markers of protein and carbohydrate fermentation, and food-related quality of life (IBD-FRQoL-29). Primary analysis was by intention to treat, performed using paired t and Wilcoxon signed-rank statistical tests. RESULTS: Twenty-eight adults with UC [mean (range) age: 42 (22-72) y, 15 females, 3 proctitis, 14 left-sided, and 11 extensive] were studied. Prescribed dietary targets were achieved overall. The diet was well tolerated (VAS: 19 mm; 95% CI: 7, 31 mm) with 95% frequently or always adherent. Clinical response occurred in 13 of 28 (46%) and endoscopic improvement in 10 of 28 participants (36%). Two participants (7%) worsened. Fecal excretion of SCFAs increased by 69% (P < 0.0001), whereas the proportion of branched-chain fatty acids to SCFAs was suppressed by 27% (-1.34%; 95% CI: -2.28%, -0.40%; P = 0.007). The FRQoL improved by 10 points (95% CI: 4, 16; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The 4-SURE dietary strategy is considered tolerable and an acceptable diet by adults with mild to moderately active UC. The dietary teachings achieved the prescribed dietary and fecal targets. Given signals of therapeutic efficacy, further evaluation of this diet is warranted in a placebo-controlled trial. This trial was registered at https://www.anzctr.org.au (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry) as ACTRN12619000063112.

Geospatial analysis of Helicobacter pylori infection in South Australia: Should location influence eradication therapy?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Rates of antimicrobial-resistant Helicobacter pylori infection are rising globally; however, geospatial location and its interaction with risk factors for infection have not been closely examined. METHODS: Gastric biopsy specimens were collected to detect H. pylori infection at multiple centers in Adelaide, South Australia, between 1998 and 2017. The geospatial distribution of antibiotic-resistant H. pylori in the Greater Adelaide region was plotted using choropleth maps. Moran's I was used to assess geospatial correlation, and multivariate linear regression (MLR) was used to examine associations between migration status, socioeconomic status, age, gender, and rates of H. pylori positivity and antibiotic resistance. Geographically weighted regression (GWR) was used to determine the extent to which the associations varied according to geospatial location. RESULTS: Of 20 108 biopsies across 136 postcodes within the Greater Adelaide region, 1901 (9.45%) were H. pylori positive. Of these, 797 (41.9%) displayed clarithromycin, tetracycline, metronidazole, or amoxicillin resistance. In MLR, migration status was associated with the rate of H. pylori positivity (ß = 3.85% per 10% increase in a postcode's migrant population; P < 0.001). H. pylori positivity and resistance to any antibiotic were geospatially clustered (Moran's I = 0.571 and 0.280, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). In GWR, there was significant geospatial variation in the strength of the migrant association for both H. pylori positivity and antibiotic resistance. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the heterogeneous geospatial distribution of H. pylori positivity and antibiotic resistance, as well as its interaction with migrant status. Geographic location and migrant status are important factors to consider for H. pylori eradication therapy.

The gut microbiota as a therapeutic target for obesity: a scoping review.

There is mounting evidence that microbiome composition is intimately and dynamically connected with host energy balance and metabolism. The gut microbiome is emerging as a novel target for counteracting the chronically positive energy balance in obesity, a disease of pandemic scale which contributes to >70 % of premature deaths. This scoping review explores the potential for therapeutic modulation of gut microbiota as a means of prevention and/or treatment of obesity and obesity-associated metabolic disorders. The evidence base for interventional approaches which have been shown to affect the composition and function of the intestinal microbiome is summarised, including dietary strategies, oral probiotic treatment, faecal microbiota transplantation and bariatric surgery. Evidence in this field is still largely derived from preclinical rodent models, but interventional studies in obese populations have demonstrated metabolic improvements effected by microbiome-modulating treatments such as faecal microbiota transplantation, as well as drawing attention to the unappreciated role of microbiome modulation in well-established anti-obesity interventions, such as dietary change or bariatric surgery. The complex relationship between microbiome composition and host metabolism will take time to unravel, but microbiome modulation is likely to provide a novel strategy in the limited armamentarium of effective treatments for obesity.

Attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

The majority of the Australian public are willing to have a Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. It is unclear whether people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have the same attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. A survey was performed to assess the attitude of patients with IBD towards COVID-19 vaccination in South Australia. Two-thirds of surveyed patients with IBD were willing to accept COVID-19 vaccine. Females and younger patients were less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine, as were those who had never had a discussion around vaccines.

Are we underutilising computer tomography colonography in Australia?

Computed tomography colonography (CTC) is a safe and accurate tool for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. CTC requires dedicated radiological expertise and demonstrates a high sensitivity and specificity in polyp detection, which is similar to optical colonoscopy (OC). Newer preparation techniques for CTC, such as faecal tagging without catharsis might further improve both the tolerability and accuracy of the test. While exposure to ionising radiation, lack of capacity for therapeutic intervention and potentially diminished sensitivity for flat serrated polyps are limitations of CTC, the technique has a role in select populations. CTC should be considered in frail or elderly patients at high anaesthetic risk for OC, patients with stricturing colonic lesions as well as incomplete colonoscopy, or in patients at risk of delayed access to timely OC. With an ever-growing demand for endoscopic services, increased utilisation of CTC could reduce waiting times for colonoscopy, thereby broadening access to timely and effective CRC screening. Further research is required to improve further the detection of flat lesions, including sessile serrated polyps.

Increasing Helicobacter pylori clarithromycin resistance in Australia over 20 years.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide, and eradication rates are falling in many countries, primarily due to clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance. AIMS: There is a paucity of contemporary Australian data, which we sought to address by evaluating local rates of resistance of H. pylori to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole and tetracycline over the past 20 years. METHODS: All gastric biopsy specimens collected at endoscopy to detect H. pylori infection at a single centre underwent routine culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing between 1998 and 2017. Specimens from 12 842 patients were cultured for H. pylori, of which 1473 positive cultures were tested for antibiotic susceptibility. RESULTS: Antibiotic resistance to clarithromycin increased by 3.7% per year (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.037; P = 0.014) over 20 years, with a corresponding 5.0% annual increase in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (odds ratio 1.050; P < 0.001). Since 2010, average clarithromycin resistance has exceeded 20%, with >25% of isolates resistant in the past 2 years of data capture. In contrast, rates of resistance to metronidazole (35.3%), amoxicillin (0.14%) and tetracycline (0.34%) and their MIC have remained stable. Review of a representative sample (n = 120; 8%) of these patients revealed that only 5% had documented prior H. pylori eradication therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Over the past 20 years there has been a substantial rise in clarithromycin resistance, with stable metronidazole resistance and low rates of resistance to amoxicillin and tetracycline. Current first-line H. pylori eradication therapy may fail to achieve adequate eradication rates, and optimal first-line therapy in Australia should be revisited.

Food-related quality of life in adults with inflammatory bowel disease is associated with restrictive eating behaviour, disease activity and surgery: A prospective multicentre observational study.

BACKGROUND: Measuring food-related quality of life (FRQoL) quantifies the psychosocial impact of eating and drinking. FRQoL and associated factors are not well explored in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), despite IBD being a chronic disease affecting the digestive tract. The present study aimed to characterise and identify any patient or disease-related predictors of FRQoL in individuals with IBD. METHODS: Adults with a formal diagnosis of IBD were recruited to a prospective multicentre cross-sectional study between April 2018 and December 2019. Participants completed questionnaires measuring FRQoL (FRQoL-29), clinical disease activity (Harvey Bradshaw Index and Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index), restrictive eating behaviour (Nine-Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Screen), mental health (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21) and other patient and disease-related variables. A multivariable regression was performed to identify factors associated with FRQoL. RESULTS: One hundred and eight participants completed the questionnaires (n = 39, Crohn's disease; n = 69, ulcerative colitis). The mean FRQoL was 79 (95% confidence interval = 75-84) (poor, 0; superior, 145). Poorer FRQoL was observed in those with restrictive eating behaviour associated with fear of a negative consequence from eating (p < 0.0001) and reduced appetite (p < 0.030). Greater FRQoL was observed in those with lower disease activity (p < 0.0001) and previous IBD surgery (p = 0.024). FRQoL was not associated either way by IBD phenotype, duration, or gender. The majority of participants obtained their dietary information from the internet (60%) or gastroenterologist (46%). CONCLUSIONS: FRQoL in people with IBD is poorer in those with restrictive eating behaviours and clinically active disease. Interestingly, it was greater in those with previous IBD surgery. Further research is required to validate these associations and explore longitudinal effects of poor FRQoL on patient outcomes and potential strategies for prevention or management of impaired FRQoL in IBD.

Understanding attitudes, concerns, and health behaviors of patients with inflammatory bowel disease during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a rapid shift in care delivery models for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, little is known about patient perceptions during this period. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the attitudes, concerns, and health behavior of IBD patients during COVID-19. METHODS: An online survey was sent to patients from a tertiary IBD Service. The survey included demographic information and questions about the impact of COVID-19, levels of concern caused by COVID-19, perceived risk of IBD medications, medication cessation, and care delivery preferences. RESULTS: Of 97 respondents (39%), 95 (98%) reported concern about the impact of COVID-19 on their health, and 43% felt their risk of contracting COVID-19 was above average; 62% reported concern about medication-induced COVID-19 risk, and 11% stopped medications because of COVID-19. Patients considered all medications to increase the risk of COVID-19 susceptibility and severity; 45% preferred telehealth while 16% preferred face-to-face clinic reviews. Preference for IBD monitoring tools in decreasing order was blood testing, stool collection, gastrointestinal ultrasound, magnetic resonance enterography, and then colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IBD are demonstrated to experience concern related to their diagnosis and medications. The insights provided by the survey are informative for a possible "second-wave" of COVID-19 and routine care, including acceptance of telemedicine, preference for non-invasive investigations, and a need for dissemination of information and education.

Antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori in Australia and New Zealand: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: While the global prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is increasing, there is much regional variation, and local data are required to guide eradication therapy. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine rates of H. pylori antibiotic resistance in Australia and New Zealand. STUDY DESIGN: Random effects meta-analysis of data from 15 published studies and three published abstracts reporting prevalence of primary or secondary H. pylori antibiotic resistance in Australasia. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PROSPERO, and the Cochrane Library were searched until August, 2020. DATA SYNTHESIS: Fifteen published studies and three published abstracts were identified; one study was excluded due to high risk of bias. Seventeen studies conducted between 1996 and 2013 were included in the final analysis, 12 reporting primary and five reporting secondary antibiotic resistance. Prevalence of primary resistance was clarithromycin 7.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.3-9.7%), metronidazole 50.0% (95%CI, 23.9-56.1%), fluoroquinolones 3.7% (95%CI, 0.004-14.8%), and both amoxicillin and tetracycline <0.5%. Subgroup analysis (last 20 years) showed doubling of clarithromycin resistance to 16.1% (95%CI 11.2-21.7%) with other resistance stable. Prevalence of secondary resistance was high for all antibiotics, particularly clarithromycin 78.7% (95%CI, 64.1-90.1%) and metronidazole 68.3% (95%CI, 59.9-76.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes reveal an increase in primary H. pylori clarithromycin resistance since the year 2000, while metronidazole resistance has remained stable and primary resistance to amoxicillin, tetracycline, and fluoroquinolones is low. Rates of secondary resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin are high. The results highlight the need for contemporary local data on antibiotic resistance in Australia and New Zealand.

Food avoidance, restrictive eating behaviour and association with quality of life in adults with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Dietary misconceptions and behaviours may worsen outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This scoping review aims to examine the dietary beliefs and behaviours of individuals with IBD and identify evidence of food avoidance, dietary restriction or disordered eating and any association with quality of life (QoL). METHODOLOGY: A systematic search of CINAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE was conducted. Primary, peer-reviewed studies in English examining dietary beliefs and dietary behaviours or diet and quality of life in adults with inflammatory bowel disease were included. Key dietary terminology was pre-defined. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. A range of quantitative self-reported questionnaires (16/29), qualitative interviews (1/29) and mixed methods (7/29) were used to measure dietary beliefs and dietary behaviours. A high prevalence of food avoidance (28-89%) and restrictive dietary behaviours (41-93%) were identified. Factors associated with these behaviours included a diagnosis of CD, perceived active disease, female sex, dietary misinformation, and fears of adverse bowel symptoms. Diet and QoL remains largely unexplored in IBD beyond two recent studies demonstrating impairment of food-related quality of life in IBD. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of self-reported food avoidance and restrictive dietary behaviour exists in people with IBD. The psychosocial impact of IBD-related dietary behaviour is poorly understood. Validated tools with predefined diet terminology and objective markers of disease activity are required to measure dietary behaviour in future prospective studies, using food-related quality of life as an outcome measure.

Practical management of inflammatory bowel disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: expert commentary from the Gastroenterological Society of Australia Inflammatory Bowel Disease faculty.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has emerged as a public health emergency and challenged healthcare systems globally. In a minority of patients, SARS-CoV-2 manifests with a severe acute respiratory illness and currently there is insufficient data regarding the virulence of COVID-19 in inflammatory bowel disease patients taking immunosuppressive therapy. This review aims to summarise the current literature and provide guidance on the management of inflammatory bowel disease patients in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Australasian setting.

Faecal microbiota transplantation: indications, evidence and safety.

The human gut contains many species of microorganisms, many of which have a role in maintaining good health. The gut microbiota can be affected by diet, diseases and drugs, especially antibiotics. Faecal microbiota transplantation involves transplanting faecal material from a healthy person to a patient, with the aim of treating disease. It is a recommended treatment option for patients with recurrent or refractory Clostridioides difficile as it has a cure rate over 90%. There is evidence that faecal microbiota transplantation can induce remission in ulcerative colitis, however maintenance of remission data are lacking. For other diseases it currently should not be used outside a clinical trial. Stool donors have to be healthy and are screened for a range of diseases. As faecal material is usually transplanted during colonoscopy, the recipient must have bowel preparation before the procedure. Adverse effects are mainly gastrointestinal and usually resolve in the week following transplantation. There are limited data on long-term safety.

Development, Validation, and Comparative Assessment of an International Scoring System to Determine Risk of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) and pre-endoscopy Rockall score (pRS) are used in determining prognoses of patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, but neither predicts outcomes of patients with a high level of accuracy. A scoring system is needed to identify patients at risk of adverse outcomes and patients at low risk of harm. METHODS: We pooled data from 5 data sets in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia on 12,711 patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The GBS and pRS were calculated for each patient. We performed multivariable logistic regression modeling of data from 10,639 cases to develop the new scoring system Canada - United Kingdom - Adelaide (CANUKA). We performed area under the receiver operating characteristic analyses to test the ability of CANUKA to identify patients who died or had rebleeding within 30 days, surgical or radiologic intervention to control bleeding, need for therapeutic endoscopy, and transfusion-a poor outcome was defined as 1 or more of these outcomes. Patients at low risk of a poor outcome (safe for management as an outpatient) were identified based on lack of transfusion, rebleeding, therapeutic endoscopy, interventional radiology or surgery, or death. We validated in 2072 patients from a separate cohort compiled from 2 datasets. RESULTS: In the development data set there was no difference between GBS and pRS in identifying patients who died without 30 days of bleeding (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.67; 95% CI, 0.62-0.72 for GBS; AUROC, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.66-0.74 for pRS; P = .21). The GBS was superior to the pRS in identifying patients with rebleeding, hemostatic interventions, and transfusions. In the validation data set, CANUKA had higher accuracy than the GBS in identifying patients who died within 30 days of bleeding (AUROC, 0.77 vs 0.74; P = .047), but there was no significant difference in the accuracy of these scoring systems in identifying patients who required hemostatic intervention. The GBS more accurately identified patients who required therapeutic endoscopy (AUROC, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.76-0.81 for GBS; AUROC, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.74-0.79 for CANUKA; P = .47). For patients classified as low-risk patients by CANUKA (score ≤1), 96.3% were safely discharged, whereas 16 patients with a GBS ≤1 had an adverse outcome (a 95.3% probability of safe discharge). CONCLUSIONS: In an international validation analysis of the GBS and pRS for patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, we found the GBS to more accurately identify those who later required hemostatic interventions and transfusions; the scoring systems identified 30-day mortality or rebleeding with equal levels of accuracy. We developed a scoring system (CANUKA) that had similar performance to the GBS in predicting patient outcomes and it more accurately identifies patients at low risk for adverse outcomes.