The who-when-why triangle of CAM use among Portuguese IBD patients.

BACKGROUND: The use of complementary and alternative medicines is increasing among chronic patients, particularly those afflicted with inflammatory bowel diseases. AIM: This study aimed to address the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicines use among Portuguese inflammatory bowel diseases' patients. METHODS: Patients were invited to fill an anonymous questionnaire concerning the use of complementary and alternative medicines. RESULTS: Thirty-one per cent of the patients reported having used complementary and alternative medicines in the past, whereas 12% were using them by the time the questionnaire was administered. Fifty-nine per cent of the users did not share this information with their physician, whereas 14% and 8% discontinued their medication and periodical examination, respectively. Steroids prescription (OR=2.880) and a higher instruction level (OR=3.669) were predictors of complementary and alternative medicines use in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Roughly a third of Portuguese IBD patients had used CAM. Steroid treatment and an academic degree are associated with CAM use. Given the potential side effects and interactions, patient information about the benefits and limitations of conventional and complementary treatments should be reinforced.

[Portuguese Consensus on the Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Anaemia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease]. / Consenso Português sobre o Diagnóstico, Prevenção e Tratamento da Anemia na Doença Inflamatória Intestinal.

INTRODUCTION: Anaemia can be considered the most common extra-intestinal manifestation in inflammatory bowel disease. Nevertheless, anaemia is often under-diagnosed and under-treated both in adults and children with inflammatory bowel disease. Herein, we report the consensus statements on the management of anaemia in inflammatory bowel disease developed by the Portuguese Working Group on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (known as Grupo de Estudo da Doença Inflamatória Intestinal - GEDII) to aid clinicians in daily management of inflammatory bowel disease patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted in order to prepare consensus statements on the following topics: (1) prevalence and diagnosis of anaemia in inflammatory bowel disease, (2) iron supplementation for the prevention of anaemia in inflammatory bowel disease and (3) treatment of anaemia in inflammatory bowel disease. The final statements for each topic were discussed at a consensus meeting and rated according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence. CONSENSUS: It was concluded that anaemia has a high incidence and prevalence in inflammatory bowel disease, particularly in those with active disease and hospitalised. Patients with anaemia had decreased quality of life and frequently complained of fatigue. Absolute indications for intravenous therapy should be considered: (1) moderate to severe anaemia (haemoglobin < 10.5 g/dL) or clearly symptomatic anaemia; (2) previous intolerance to oral iron supplements; (3) inappropriate response to oral iron; (4) active severe intestinal disease; (5) need for a quick therapeutic response (e.g. surgery in the short term); (6) concomitant therapy with erythropoiesis-stimulating agent; and (7) patient's preference.

Introdução: A anemia pode ser considerada a manifestação extra-intestinal mais comum na doença inflamatória intestinal. Ainda assim, a anemia é subdiagnosticada e subtratada tanto em adultos como em crianças com doença inflamatória intestinal. Assim, apresentamos o consenso alcançado pelo Grupo de Estudo da Doença Inflamatória Intestinal - GEDII relativamente à gestão da anemia na doença inflamatória intestinal, com o objetivo de facilitar o acompanhamento clínico dos doentes com doença inflamatória intestinal. Material e Métodos: Foi conduzida uma revisão exaustiva da literatura, por forma a preparar statements de consenso nos seguintes tópicos: (1) prevalência e diagnóstico de anemia na doença inflamatória intestinal, (2) ferro da prevenção da anemia na doença inflamatória intestinal e (3) tratamento da anemia na doença inflamatória intestinal. Os statements finais para cada tópico foram discutidos na reunião de consenso e classificados de acordo com os níveis de evidência definidos em 2011 pelo Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Consensos: Concluiu-se que a anemia tem elevada incidência e prevalência na doença inflamatória intestinal, particularmente entre pacientes com doença ativa e hospitalizados. Indicações absolutas para terapia intravenosa devem ser consideradas quando existe: (1) anemia moderada a severa (hemoglobina < 10,5 g/dL) ou anemia claramente sintomática; (2) intoler'ncia prévia à terapêutica com ferro por via oral; (3) resposta inadequada à terapêutica com ferro por via oral; (4) doença intestinal ativa severa; (5) necessidade de resposta terapêutica rápida (e.g. cirurgia a curto prazo); (6) terapêutica concomitante com agente estimulante da eritropoiese; e (7) preferência do paciente.

Histological Outcomes and Predictive Value of Faecal Markers in Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis Patients Receiving Infliximab.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Histological healing has emerged as a promising therapeutic goal in ulcerative colitis. This is especially important in the context of biological therapies. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the ability of infliximab to induce histological remission in ulcerative colitis [UC] patients and to explore the utility of faecal calprotectin and lactoferrin in predicting histological activity. METHODS: Multi-centre, single-cohort, open-label, 52-week trial including moderately to severely biological-naïve UC patients receiving intravenous infliximab [5mg/kg]. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with histological remission [Geboes index ≤ 3.0] after 8 weeks of treatment, scored by two independent pathologists. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included. The rate of histological remission increased from 5% at baseline to 15% and 35% at Week 8 and Week 52, respectively. At Week 8, 40% of patients were in clinical remission [Mayo ≤ 2] and 45% achieved mucosal healing [Mayo endoscopy subscore 0-1]. At Week 52, 25% of patients had clinical, endoscopic and histological remission. Faecal calprotectin and lactoferrin showed the highest correlation with histological activity at Week 8 (area under the curve [AUC] 94%, p = 0.017; and 96%, p = 0.013, respectively) and both markers revealed an excellent positive predictive value for this outcome at this time point [100%, p = 0.017; and 94%, p = 0.013, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab was able to induce histological remission. There was a good agreement between histology and faecal biomarkers. Faecal calprotectin and lactoferrin were good predictors of histological remission. Our data support inclusion of histology as a treatment target complementary to endoscopy in clinical trials when evaluating therapeutic response in UC.