Are we ready to use new endoscopic scores for ulcerative colitis?

For ulcerative colitis (UC), the variability in inflammatory activity along the colon poses a challenge in management. The focus on achieving endoscopic healing in UC is evident, where the UC Endoscopic Index of Severity and Mayo Endoscopic Subscore are commonly used for evaluation. However, these indices primarily consider the most severely affected region. Liu et al recent study validates the Toronto Inflammatory Bowel Disease Global Endoscopic Reporting (TIGER) score offering a comprehensive assessment of inflammatory activity across diverse segments of the colon and rectum and a reliable index correlating strongly with UC Endoscopic Index of Severity and moderately with Mayo Endoscopic Subscore (MES). Despite recommendation, certain aspects warrant further investigation. Fecal calprotectin, an intermediate target, correlates with TIGER and should be explored. Determining TIGER scores defining endoscopic remission and response, evaluating agreement with histological activity, and assessing inter-endoscopist agreement for TIGER require scrutiny. Exploring the correlation between TIGER and intestinal ultrasound, akin to MES, adds value.

Current perspectives on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease focusing on transitional care management. What should we consider?

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to rise around the globe. Although the percentage of pediatric IBD patients seems to be increasing, rates are surprisingly heterogeneous among different populations. Although the pathogenesis of IBD is believed to be multifactorial, a genetic predisposition may be especially relevant in pediatric-onset IBD. Phenotypic characteristics can also be significantly different when comparing pediatric and adult-onset IBD. Patients that develop the disease at a younger age usually present with more extensive and more aggressive disease and develop complications faster when compared to those that develop it during adulthood. Children with IBD are found to have frequent mood disorders and have a higher risk of developing socio-economic hardship, failing to meet development milestones. Therefore, IBD management should always involve a multidisciplinary team that is not limited to medical providers. Most institutions do not have an established transition protocol and lack the resources and training for transition care. Although there is no consensus on an optimal timing to transition the patient's care to an adult team, it is usually accepted they should be eligible for adult care when most of the key transition points have been met. Management strategies should be tailored to each patient's developmental level and environment. A successful transition can improve the long-term outcomes such as sustained remission, medication adherence, mental health and social and academic performance, while decreasing healthcare utilization. Every institution that manages pediatric IBD patients should have a well-established transition protocol in order to make sure to maintain continuity of care.

Hepatobiliary manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease: A practical approach.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are associated with various hepatobiliary disorders. They can occur at any moment in the course of the disease or associated with the treatment. The prevalence of liver dysfunction can reach up to 50% in different studies. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is considered the most common hepatobiliary complication in IBD, while primary sclerosing cholangitis is the most specific. Management of hepatic manifestations in IBD involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes a high index of suspicion and joint management with hepatologists. The medical confrontation with abnormal liver tests must include an exhaustive study to determine if these patterns can be related to IBD, associated diseases or to the therapies used.

Endoscopic colorectal cancer surveillance in inflammatory bowel disease: Considerations that we must not forget.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by periods of activity and remission. The inflammatory activity of the disease involving the colon and rectum increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) over the years. Although prevention strategies are evolving, regular surveillance for early detection of neoplasia as a secondary prevention strategy is paramount in the care of IBD patients. In this review article, we discuss the current evidence of the risks of developing CRC and evaluate the best available strategies for screening and surveillance, as well as future opportunities for cancer prevention.

Drug-Induced Liver Injury Used in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Therapeutic options for the management of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] have been expanding in recent decades. New biological and small molecule therapies have been incorporated into the pharmacological arsenal, allowing a more personalized management, and seeking increasingly strict remission goals. However, the fear of developing adverse events represents one of the most important limitations in deciding its use by patients and by a multidisciplinary team. Despite the risk of hepatotoxicity of thiopurines and methotrexate, these drugs are still used either as monotherapy or as combined therapy with anti-tumour necrosis factor [anti-TNF] biological agents. Although drug-induced liver injury [DILI] appears to be less frequent with anti-TNF agents, newer biologics and small molecules, liver tests should be considered in the follow-up of these patients, especially regarding future combined therapy of biologics or of these drugs with small molecules. The objective of this review is to show data on the risk of developing DILI in patients with IBD who are undergoing treatment with traditional therapy or new drugs, whether biological or small molecules.

Caracterización clínica e imagenológica de una serie de pacientes con disección de arterias cervicales e intracraneales / Cervicocranial arterial dissection: experience in 57 patients

Background: Cervicocranial arterial dissection (CIAD) is an important cause of stroke. Aim: To describe the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with CIAD. Material and Methods: An anonymous registry was made including all patients admitted to a private hospital with a diagnosis of CIAD. Patients were subdivided as having an anterior or posterior circulation dissection (ACD or PCD, respectively). Results: Fifty-seven patients aged 40 ± 8 years (60% women) were included in the study, 39 with PCD and 18 with ACD. Cervical pain was the most common symptom. CIAD was diagnosed with no clinical or imaging signs of stroke in 49% of patients. Fifty one percent of patients had focal neurological deficits and 72% had a NIH stroke score below five. No significant differences between patients with ACD or PCD were found. Fifty patients received antiplatelet therapy (simple or dual), seven patients were anticoagulated and 13 were subjected to stenting due to progression of stenosis with hemodynamic involvement or bilateral dissection with scarce collaterals. The lesion was located in V3 segment in 27 patients and cervical segment of the internal carotid in 16 cases. A favorable Modified Rankin Scale (0-2) was achieved in 85.9%, with a trend towards achieving better functional prognosis in PCD. Conclusions: Due to the greater availability of non-invasive imaging methods, 50% of these patients with CIAD did not have a stroke. Thus, an earlier and more timely management is feasible.

Evolving role of endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease: Going beyond diagnosis.

Inflammatory bowel disease, encompassing Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis, are chronic immune-mediated inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that primarily affect the gastrointestinal tract with periods of activity and remission. Large body of evidence exist to strengthen the prognostic role of endoscopic evaluation for both disease activity and severity and it remains the gold standard for the assessment of mucosal healing. Mucosal healing has been associated with improved clinical outcomes with prolonged remission, decreased hospitalization, IBD-related surgeries and colorectal cancer risk. Therefore, endoscopic objectives in IBD have been incorporated as part of standard care. With the known increased risk of colorectal cancer in IBD, although prevention strategies continue to develop, regular surveillance for early detection of neoplasia continue to be paramount in IBD patients' care. It is thanks to evolving technology and visualization techniques that surveillance strategies are continuously advancing. Therapeutic endoscopic options in IBD have also been expanding, from surgery sparing therapies such as balloon dilation of fibrostenotic strictures in CD to endoscopic mucosal resection of neoplastic lesions. In this review article, we discuss the current evidence on the use of endoscopy as part of standard of care of IBD, its role in surveillance of neoplasia, and the role of interventional endoscopic therapies.

Pregnancy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Experience of a Chilean cohort. / Embarazo en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: experiencia en una cohorte chilena.

BACKGROUND: In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) a high percentage of women are diagnosed during their reproductive age. IBD in remission is the ideal scenario when planning a pregnancy. AIMS: To describe the clinical characteristics of pregnancy/newborn and assess disease activity at the time of conception and throughout the pregnancy in patients with IBD treated at a tertiary centre in Chile. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed women diagnosed with IBD who were pregnant or delivered between 2017 and 2020. Demographic, clinical, obstetric and delivery data were obtained from the IBD registry, approved by the local IRB. Descriptive statistics and association tests were performed (χ2, p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Sixty women with IBD were included. At the beginning of pregnancy, 21 (35%) had active disease and 39 (65%) were in remission. Of those with active disease, 16 (66%) remained active and 6 had spontaneous abortions. In those who were in remission, 26 (69%) remained in this condition. Nine patients (15%) discontinued treatment, and 6 of these had inflammatory activity during pregnancy. Preconception counselling was performed in 23 of the 60 patients, being higher in the group that remained in remission during pregnancy (65% vs. 35%, p = 0.02). Patients who had a flare during pregnancy had more probability of preterm birth (<37 weeks) and newborn with lower weight compared with the group that always remained in remission (89% vs. 74%, p = 0.161) and (2.885 vs 3.370 g; p = 0.0014). CONCLUSION: Remission presents better outcomes in pregnancy and preconception counselling would allow a better IBD control during pregnancy.

Infliximab in inflammatory bowel disease. Is premedication necessary? / Infliximab en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. ¿Es necesario premedicar?

BACKGROUND: The use of infliximab (IFX) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been associated with a 1-6% risk of infusion reactions. The usefulness of premedication with corticosteroids, paracetamol and /or antihistamines is controversial. AIM: The aim of this study is to assess, in IBD patients on IFX, whether there are differences in secondary reactions to the infusion between those who use premedication or not. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed identifying patients with a diagnosis of IBD who received IFX at our institution between January 2009 and July 2019. Acute reactions were defined as those that occurred in the first 24 hours postinfusion and late reactions for more than 24 hours. Infusion reactions were classified as mild, moderate and severe. Descriptive and association statistics were used (χ2; p < 0.05). RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were included with 1,263 infusions in total, 52% men. Median infusions per patient was 22 (2-66). All induction infusions were administered with premedication, and in maintenance in 57% of them. Premedication was given with hydrocortisone, chlorphenamine and paracetamol. Most of reactions were acute, mild or moderate in severity and no patient needed to discontinue IFX. In the maintenance group, there were 9/718 (1.2%) infusion reactions with premedication and 4/358 (1.1%) without it (p = 0.606). In the induction group, there were 8/187 (4.3%) infusion reactions, significantly higher when compared with both maintenance groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this group, premedication use during maintenance was not effective at reducing the rate of infusion reactions. These results suggest that premedication would not be necessary.

[Cervicocranial arterial dissection. Experience in 57 patients]. / Caracterización clínica e imagenológica de una serie de pacientes con disección de arterias cervicales e intracraneales.

BACKGROUND: Cervicocranial arterial dissection (CIAD) is an important cause of stroke. AIM: To describe the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with CIAD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An anonymous registry was made including all patients admitted to a private hospital with a diagnosis of CIAD. Patients were subdivided as having an anterior or posterior circulation dissection (ACD or PCD, respectively). RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients aged 40 ± 8 years (60% women) were included in the study, 39 with PCD and 18 with ACD. Cervical pain was the most common symptom. CIAD was diagnosed with no clinical or imaging signs of stroke in 49% of patients. Fifty one percent of patients had focal neurological deficits and 72% had a NIH stroke score below five. No significant differences between patients with ACD or PCD were found. Fifty patients received antiplatelet therapy (simple or dual), seven patients were anticoagulated and 13 were subjected to stenting due to progression of stenosis with hemodynamic involvement or bilateral dissection with scarce collaterals. The lesion was located in V3 segment in 27 patients and cervical segment of the internal carotid in 16 cases. A favorable Modified Rankin Scale (0-2) was achieved in 85.9%, with a trend towards achieving better functional prognosis in PCD. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the greater availability of non-invasive imaging methods, 50% of these patients with CIAD did not have a stroke. Thus, an earlier and more timely management is feasible.

Embarazo en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: no solo 9 meses de cuidado

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increased in the last decades. Thus, the number of pregnant women with the condition is also increasing. Given that active disease itself is the main risk factor for complications during pregnancy, it is necessary to achieve a complete remission before planning a pregnancy. Also, pregnant women with IBD must be monitored noninvasively and be treated proactively, including escalated therapies, if needed, to prevent potential flares during pregnancy. Patients can undergo vaginal delivery in most forms of IBD. However, cesarean delivery is still preferable in women with a history of ileal pouch-anal anastomoses (IPAA) or active perianal disease.

[Inflammatory bowel disease during pregnancy]. / Embarazo en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: no solo 9 meses de cuidado.

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increased in the last decades. Thus, the number of pregnant women with the condition is also increasing. Given that active disease itself is the main risk factor for complications during pregnancy, it is necessary to achieve a complete remission before planning a pregnancy. Also, pregnant women with IBD must be monitored noninvasively and be treated proactively, including escalated therapies, if needed, to prevent potential flares during pregnancy. Patients can undergo vaginal delivery in most forms of IBD. However, cesarean delivery is still preferable in women with a history of ileal pouch-anal anastomoses (IPAA) or active perianal disease.

Cuidados médicos en EII: más allá de la terapia convencional / Medical care in IBD: more than conventional therapy

The management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease has progressed over the years largely due to better therapeutic options. These current management is guided by the primary goal in achieving clinical and endoscopic remission (deep remission), thus improving the quality of life of patients. In order to achieve these objectives however, there are risks associated which must always be considered. It is important to recognize that IBD patients are at risk of infection and neoplastic lesions for the natural history of the disease or the therapies that we used. Prevention of possible complications must be carried out. Options in therapeutic management not only include pharmacological therapy, but also include an adequate nutritional setting and an optimal correction of nutritional deficits. These alternative nutritional strategies can and should be considered as an effective therapeutic strategy aimed at improving the quality of life of IBD patients.

El manejo de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal ha progresado con el paso de los años dado a mayores opciones terapéuticas. El manejo actual se guía por objetivos para lograr remisión clínica y endoscópica (remisión profunda) mejorando así la calidad de vida de estos pacientes. Sin embargo, para lograr estos objetivos, se debe considerar siempre los riesgos asociados a las nuevas terapias. Es importante reconocer que los pacientes con EII son personas en riesgo tanto de infecciones como de lesiones neoplásicas por la historia natural de la enfermedad y/o por las terapias utilizadas, por lo tanto, la prevención de posibles complicaciones debe ser realizada en forma periódica. Por otro parte, el manejo terapéutico, no solo incluye la terapia farmacológica, sino también una adecuada optimización nutricional y una adecuada corrección de los déficit nutricionales secundarios. En este mismo sentido terapias alternativas, pueden ser consideradas como estrategia terapéuticas complementarias destinadas a mejorar la calidad de vida de estos pacientes.

Estrongiloidiasis gastrointestinal en paciente inmunocompetente: a propósito de un caso / Gastrointestinal strongyloidosis in an immunocompetent patient: a case report

Intestinal parasitic infections cause a not insignificant number of chronic diarrhea in children, however, with the sociodemographic change that our country has experienced, the number of cases and new parasites (immigration from tropical endemic areas) could increase. We report the case of an immunocompetent patient who presents with chronic diarrhea associated with Strongyloides stercoralis infection. The patient migrated two years ago from an endemic area for this helminth. The diagnosis is challenging, and the chances of a successful outcome depend on the administration of the antiparasitic.

Las infecciones parasitarias intestinales provocan un número no despreciable de causas de diarrea crónica en niños, sin embargo, con el cambio sociodemográfico que ha vivido nuestro país se podría incrementar el número de casos y de nuevos parásitos (inmigración de áreas endémicas tropicales). Reportamos el caso de un paciente inmunocompetente, que presenta cuadro de diarrea crónica asociada a infección por Strongyloides stercoralis. El paciente habría migrado hace dos años desde zona endémica para este helminto. El diagnóstico es desafiante y las posibilidades de un resultado exitoso dependen de la administración del antiparasitario.

Biosimilares en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: ¿será una alternativa útil en Chile? / Biosimilars for Inflammatory Bowel disease: would be an option in Chile?

Biological therapies have been essential for the management of inflammatory bowel disease; however, their high cost results in many patients being unable to access them. With time, commercial patents of many "original" biologics are reaching or almost in the point of reaching the expiration date of their licenses, which has allowed for the development of new agents known as biosimilars leading to a reduction of the cost of these therapies. The objective of this review is to explain what biosimilars are and show evidence of their effectiveness and safety.

Las terapias biológicas son parte fundamental en el manejo de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, sin embargo los costos de éstas han hecho que muchos de los pacientes que tienen indicación de su uso, no puedan utilizarlas. Con el paso del tiempo, muchos biológicos "originales" están alcanzando o a punto de alcanzar el vencimiento de sus patentes, lo que ha llevado al desarrollo de nuevos agentes conocidos como biosimilares, determinando una disminución en los costos de estas terapias. Esta revisión tiene como objetivo explicar en qué consisten los biosimilares y la evidencia actual con respecto a su eficacia y seguridad.

Terapia combinada en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: ¿una asociación necesaria? / Combination therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: a necessary association?

The management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is constantly changing due to the arrival of new therapeutic agents. Combined therapy (biological associated with immunosuppressive therapy) has proven to be effective, reducing immunogenicity (antibody formation), optimizing the pharmacokinetics of biological therapy with anti-TNF. This therapeutic strategy has associated risks (neoplasia and intercurrent infections) that are not only explained by the use of drugs but also by the increase of cases in older ages. It is essential for the medical team to be familiar with the optimization and personalization of the therapy to achieve clear therapeutic objectives with the lowest possible risks.

El manejo de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) está en constante cambio, debido a la llegada de nuevos agentes terapéuticos. La terapia combinada (terapia biológica asociada a inmunosupresores) ha demostrado ser efectiva al disminuir la inmunogenicidad (formación de anticuerpos) permitiendo la optimización farmacocinética. Esta estrategia terapéutica tiene riesgos asociados (neoplasias e infecciones intercurrentes) que no sólo se explican por el uso de fármacos sino también por el aumento de casos en edades más avanzadas. Es fundamental que el equipo tratante este familiarizado con la optimización y personalización de la terapia para así lograr objetivos terapéuticos claros con los menores riesgos posibles.

Factores de Virulencia en Cepas de Aeromonas spp / Virulence Factors of Aeromonas spp

Algunas especies de Aeromonas han emergido como patógenos importantes, asociadas al desarrollo de infecciones gastrointestinales y extraintestinales. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el potencial de virulencia de cepas de Aeromonas procedentes de vegetales. Se analizó los factores de virulencia: DNAsa, lecitinasa, caseinasa, gelatinasa, β-hemolisinas y hemaglutininas, en 59 cepas de A. hydrophila y 61 de A. caviae, aisladas de cilantro, perejil y lechuga, comercializados en Maracaibo. Los resultados fueron analizados mediante el estadístico χ². Los factores de virulencia estudiados fueron expresados por más del 80% de las cepas. Cuatro de los 6 factores fueron expresados en mayor proporción por las cepas de A. hydrophila, aunque la diferencia entre las especies sólo resultó significativa para la expresión de caseinasa (94,9% vs 72,1% p 0,05). Se evidenció una diferencia significativa en el número de factores de virulencia expresado por las dos especies, siendo mayor para A. hydrophila (p < 0,05). La expresión de un número elevado de factores de virulencia por las cepas de Aeromonas analizadas, permite atribuirles un potencial de patogenicidad similar al descrito en las cepas procedentes de infecciones humanas.

Some species of Aeromonas have emerged as important pathogens associated with the development of gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential virulence of Aeromonas strains from vegetables. Virulence factors were analyzed: DNase, lecitinasa, caseinase, gelatinase, hemolysines and hemaglutinies, in 59 strains of A. hydrophila and 61 of A. caviae, isolated from coriander, parsley and lettuce obtained in establishments in Maracaibo city. The results were analyzed through statistics χ2. The virulence factors studied were expressed for more of the 80% of the strains. Four of the 6 factors were expressed in greater proportion in Aeromonas hydrophila strains, although the difference between the species only significant in for caseinase expression (94.9% vs 72.1%, p 0.05). A significant difference was evident in the number of virulence factors expressed by the two species, being higher for A. hydrophila (p <0.05). The expression of a large number of virulence factors the analyzed Aeromonas strains, allow to attribute a potential of pathogenicity to the strain of human infections.