Real-world experience of vedolizumab use in Colombian patients with inflammatory bowel disease-EXVEDOCOL.

BACKGROUND: Real-world studies about the effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab (VDZ) in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Latin America are scarce. Our study describes the effectiveness and safety of VDZ in Colombian patients with IBD. METHODS: EXVEDOCOL (EXperience of VEDOlizumab in COLombia) was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study. Adults with IBD receiving a first dose of VDZ between July 2016 and October 2018 were included. The co-primary outcomes clinical response, and remission, were determined at week 14 and last visit during the maintenance phase (LVMP). The secondary outcomes, deep remission and loss of response were recorded at LVMP. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (25 ulcerative colitis (UC), 6 Crohn's disease (CD)) were included. At week 14, clinical response was achieved by 87.1% (27/31) of the patients treated with VDZ, while loss of response was reported in 6.7% (2/30). The remission rate at week 14 was 65.5% (19/29) and 75.9% (22/29) at LVMP. Prior anti-TNF exposure was reported in 61.3% (19 patients) of whom 84.2% (16/19) achieved clinical response at week 14 and 89.5% (17/19) at LVMP. For anti-TNF naïve patients, clinical response was recorded in 91.7% (11/12) at week 14 and 100% (12/12) at LVMP. CONCLUSIONS: High clinical remission rates and safety profile highlight VDZ as a valuable treatment option for IBD patients. Anti-TNF naïve patients may derive greater benefit from therapy. Studies with larger cohorts could confirm these findings.

ITPA polymorphisms do not predict additional risk beyond TPMT and NUDT15 for thiopurine-induced cytopenia in inflammatory bowel disease.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Thiopurine-related leukopenia is associated with polymorphisms in the thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) and nucleoside diphosphate-linked moiety X type motif 15 (NUDT15) genes. However, those polymorphisms explain only a fraction of thiopurine-related leukopenia. Our aim was to study the role of an inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) polymorphism in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and thiopurine-related leukopenia that was unexplained by the TPMT and NUDT15 polymorphisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled consecutive IBD patients on thiopurines (azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine) from January 2019-March 2020, at a tertiary care center in North India. The presence of the ITPA (C.94C > A) polymorphism was evaluated in all patients, along with its association with thiopurine-related leukopenia. RESULTS: Of the 33 patients (from a total of 119 patients) that developed leukopenia, 8 had the TPMT (n = 1) or NUDT15 (n = 7) polymorphism. Of the remaining 111 patients, their mean age was 36.36 ±â€¯13.54 years and 57 (51.3%) were males. Twenty-five (21.01%) had unexplained leukopenia. The ITPA polymorphism was detected in 4 (16%) patients in the unexplained leukopenia group and 24 (27.9%) patients in the non-leukopenia group (p = 0.228). The odds ratio for predicting leukopenia with the ITPA polymorphism was 0.4921 (95% CI 0.1520-1.5830, p = 0.234). CONCLUSION: The ITPA (C.94C > A) polymorphism was frequently detected in the study population but was not predictive for leukopenia in patients with IBD on thiopurine therapy.

Ecografía digestiva de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal en pediatría

La enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal es un problema de salud que actualmente genera alta morbilidad en el paciente pediátrico. Existen múltiples métodos diagnósticos que permiten su evaluación, entre los cuales y de creciente uso, está la ecografía digestiva. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue mostrar una panorámica actualizada de la utilidad e idoneidad de esta técnica en el seguimiento de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal en pacientes pediátricos. Se hizo una recopilación y revisión de la literatura nacional e internacional de mayor novedad y profundidad en el tratamiento del tema, en un período de 4 meses (febrero de 2022 a mayo de 2022). La estrategia de búsqueda adoptada fue el uso de las palabras clave o descriptores en español e inglés como: enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, pediatría, enfermedad de Crohn, colitis ulcerosa, ultrasonido, ecografía digestiva. En total se utilizaron 50 artículos, de diferentes bases de datos como:Scielo, PubMed/Medline, Ebesco, Clinical Key y Springer. Se escogieron 30 citas para realizar la revisión, donde se analizó la importancia de la técnica en la descripción de las características ecográficas intestinales en pacientes pediátricos, confirmándose el papel que tiene en la identificación e intervención temprana de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a health problem that currently causes high morbidity in pediatric patients. There are several diagnostic methods that allow its evaluation, among which gastrointestinal ultrasound is increasingly used. The aim of this research was to provide an updated review of the usefulness and suitability of this technique in the follow-up of inflammatory bowel disease in pediatric patients. A compilation and review of the national and international literature of greater novelty and depth in the treatment of the subject was made over a period of 4 months (February 2022 to May 2022). The search strategy adopted was the use of keywords or descriptors in Spanish and English such as: inflammatory bowel disease; pediatrics; Crohn's disease; ulcerative colitis; ultrasound; digestive ultrasound. A total of 50 articles were used from different databases such as: Scielo, PubMed/Medline, Ebesco, Clinical Key and Springer. Thirty citations were selected for review, analyzing the importance of the technique in the description of intestinal ultrasound characteristics in pediatric patients, confirming its role in the identification and early intervention of inflammatory bowel disease.

A doença inflamatória intestinal é um problema de saúde que atualmente causa elevada morbilidade no doente pediátrico. Existem vários métodos de diagnóstico que permitem a sua avaliação, entre os quais a ecografia gastrointestinal é cada vez mais utilizada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi fazer uma revisão actualizada da utilidade e adequação desta técnica no seguimento da doença inflamatória intestinal em idade pediátrica. Foi feita uma compilação e revisão da literatura nacional e internacional de maior novidade e profundidade no tratamento do tema, durante um período de 4 meses (fevereiro de 2022 a maio de 2022). A estratégia de busca adotada foi o uso de palavras-chave ou descritores em espanhol e inglês, tais como: doença inflamatória intestinal; pediatria; doença de Crohn; colite ulcerativa; ultrassom; ultrassom digestivo. Foram utilizados 50 artigos de diferentes bases de dados, como: Scielo, PubMed/Medline, Ebesco, Clinical Key e Springer. Foram selecionadas 30 citações para revisão, analisando a importância da técnica na descrição das características ultra-sonográficas intestinais em pacientes pediátricos, confirmando seu papel na identificação e intervenção precoce da doença inflamatória intestinal.

Brechas de acceso en el manejo y tratamiento en Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal / Access gaps in the management and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Social determinants of health can mean difficulties in access to diagnosis, management and adequate treatment of IBD. Income, educational level, age, sex, and rurality, among other factors, can influence the health outcomes of specific populations, such as IBD patients. It is essential to be aware of these gaps and advocate for public policies that address socioeconomic disparities and promote a healthy environment for all people. This includes providing equitable access to quality healthcare and supporting patients in managing their disease.

Los determinantes sociales de la salud pueden significar dificultades en el acceso a diagnóstico, manejo y trata- miento adecuado de la EII. El ingreso, el nivel educacional, la edad, el sexo y la ruralidad, entre otros factores pueden influir en los resultados en salud de poblaciones determinadas, como los pacientes con EII. Es fundamental, conocer estas brechas y abogar por políticas públicas que aborden las disparidades socioeconómicas y promuevan un entorno saludable para todos. Esto incluye brindar acceso equitativo a la atención médica de calidad y apoyar a los pacientes en la gestión de su enfermedad.

Using High-Resolution Anoscopy to Detect Anal Dysplasia Due to Papillomavirus in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Introduction: Anal squamous cell carcinoma is rare, but its incidence and mortality have been increasing globally; 90% of cases are related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection(1,2). Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of infection with this virus; an incidence of 5.5 per 100,000 patients has been identified in the IBD group compared to 1.8 in the non-IBD group(3). Materials and methods: A descriptive case series study was conducted with 21 patients with IBD and no perianal symptoms between January and July 2022 at the Institute of Coloproctology in Medellín. They underwent anal cytology, HPV genotyping, and high-resolution anoscopy after explanation and acceptance of the procedure. If lesions were found, ablative treatment was performed. Results: 23% of this cohort had low-grade squamous lesions, while 14.2% had high-grade lesions with dysplasia changes during anoscopy. Besides, 90.4% had positive HPV genotyping, of which 76.1% were high-grade. Conclusions: Our study suggests that this series of patients with IBD behaves as a high-risk group for developing premalignant lesions in association with HPV. High-resolution anoscopy is a cost-effective, painless, and affordable method that, in expert hands, may impact the diagnosis and management of premalignant lesions and decrease the incidence of anal cancer in patients with IBD.

Introducción: El carcinoma anal de células escamosas es raro, pero su incidencia y mortalidad han ido en aumento globalmente. El 90% de los casos están relacionados con la infección por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH)1,2 y los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) tienen un mayor riesgo de infección por este virus; se ha identificado una incidencia de 5,5 por 100.000 pacientes en el grupo de EII frente a 1,8 en el grupo sin EII3. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de serie de casos en el que se incluyó a 21 pacientes con EII, sin síntomas perianales, entre enero y julio de 2022 en el Instituto de Coloproctología de Medellín, a quienes se les realizó citología anal, genotipificación del VPH y anoscopia de alta resolución, previa explicación y aceptación del procedimiento. Si se encontraban lesiones, se realizaba tratamiento ablativo. Resultados: El 23% de esta cohorte tenía lesiones escamosas de bajo grado, mientras que el 14,2% presentaba lesiones de alto grado con cambios de displasia al momento de la anoscopia. El 90,4% tenían genotipificación positiva para VPH, de los cuales el 76,1% eran de alto grado. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio sugiere que esta serie de pacientes con EII se comporta como un grupo de alto riesgo para desarrollar lesiones premalignas en asociación con el VPH. La anoscopia de alta resolución es un método rentable, indoloro y asequible que, en manos expertas, puede impactar el diagnóstico y manejo de lesiones premalignas y disminuir la incidencia de cáncer anal en pacientes con EII.

Diagnostic Efficacy of Fecal Calprotectin in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Systematic Literature Review

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of pathologies that include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which have similar manifestations. Currently, the diagnosis and monitoring of this disease rely mainly on endoscopic studies. Still, this method can hardly be applied to periodic disease monitoring as it is expensive, invasive, and not readily available. Fecal calprotectin is widely known, easy to use, and affordable, and it is currently the best-characterized biomarker for this pathology. Materials and methods: The research design is a systematic diagnostic test validation literature review. A search was conducted in different databases using the QUADAS-2 checklist to evaluate the methodological quality. Results: The initial search yielded 352,843 articles published chiefly in PubMed, followed by Scopus and Science Direct. After multiple filters, 221 papers were selected and wholly reviewed. They were evaluated with inclusion and exclusion criteria, with 18 articles being chosen. Conclusions: Fecal calprotectin is a reliable surrogate marker of endoscopic activity in IBD. However, there is a lack of consensus on delimiting a cut-off point and improving applicability and diagnostic accuracy. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard in all studies.

Introducción: La enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal es un conjunto de patologías entre las que están incluidas la colitis ulcerativa y la enfermedad de Crohn, las cuales tienen presentación similar. En la actualidad, el diagnóstico y seguimiento de dicha enfermedad se basa principalmente en estudios endoscópicos, pero este método difícilmente puede aplicarse a la monitorización periódica de la enfermedad al ser costoso, invasivo y con disponibilidad limitada. La calprotectina fecal cumple con ser ampliamente disponible, fácil de usar y de precio asequible, y actualmente es el biomarcador mejor caracterizado para el uso en esta patología. Metodología: Diseño de investigación tipo revisión sistemática de la literatura de validación de prueba diagnóstica. Se realizó una búsqueda en diferentes bases de datos y para la evaluación de la calidad metodológica se empleó la lista verificación QUADAS-2. Resultados: La búsqueda inicial para la selección de los artículos arrojó un total de 352.843 artículos publicados principalmente en PubMed seguido de Scopus y Science Direct. Después de múltiples filtros se logró elegir 221 artículos, los cuales se llevaron a revisión completa. Se valoraron con criterios de inclusión y exclusión, lo que determinó la elección final de 18 artículos. Conclusiones: La calprotectina fecal es un marcador sustituto fiable de la actividad endoscópica en la EII. Se evidencia la falta de consenso para delimitar un punto de corte y mejorar la aplicabilidad y la precisión diagnóstica. La colonoscopia sigue siendo en todos los estudios el estándar de oro.

Relation between histopathological findings, clinical severity, and the need of surgery in patients with Crohn's disease. / Relación entre los hallazgos histopatológicos, la severidad clínica y la necesidad de cirugía en pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn.

INTRODUCTION: Defining histological variables that make it possible to establish the activity of Crohn's disease (CD) and predict the patients who may present a higher risk of clinical complications and surgical interventions could lead to timely adjustments in medical therapy and elective surgeries that represent a lower risk of complications. The purpose of the study is to determine the relation between the histopathological findings using the Naini and Cortina (N&C) score, the clinical severity, and the indication for surgery in a group of patients with CD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study of 44 patients diagnosed with CD, treated at the San Vicente Fundación University Hospital in Medellín, Colombia, between 2010 and 2022. RESULTS: Of the 44 patients, 36 ileum samples and 34 colon samples were obtained. Of the patients with inflammatory behavior, 87.5% did not have surgical intervention (P=.022), a value that remained significant in the ileum subgroup (P=.0058). 91.3% of the patients with ileal involvement did not develop perianal disease (P=.01). Granulomas only occurred in two patients with a colon sample (5.8%). In the histological score of N&C both in the ileum and in the colon, no statistically significant differences were obtained in relation to the surgical outcome (P=.34 and P=.054, respectively). CONCLUSION: The histological index of N&C was not a predictor in Crohn's disease (CD) related to the surgical outcome.

Incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases in a population from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) incidence and prevalence in Latin America have experienced a significant shift in the last decades. There is paucity of IBD epidemiologic data in Argentina. AIM: To determine the incidence and prevalence of IBD between 2018 and 2022 of a population from the city of Buenos Aires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1st, 2018 to December 31st, 2022, the total population of two healthcare insurances were studied. 'Possible' IBD cases were identified using the following information sources: IBD-unit patient databases; electronic medical record; central laboratory electronic database; histopathology electronic database; pharmacy electronic database. Age-adjusted incidence and prevalence rates for Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and IBD were estimated based on the number of patients compared with the at-risk population and expressed per 100,000 subjects. Trends in IBD incidence and prevalence were estimated as annual percentage changes; we used Poisson regression modeling to calculate significance in these trends over time. RESULTS: Information source analysis rendered 172 possible cases, of which 82 cases of IBD were finally confirmed: 27.16% were CD and 72.84% were UC. Mean age-standardized incidence across the study period for IBD, CD and UC was 11.93 (11.28-12.55), 2.88 (2.65-3.07) and 9.05 (8.83-9.2) respectively. Point prevalence on December 31st, 2022 for IBD, UC and CD was 134 (95%CI 132.3-135.6), 98 (96.95-99.52) and 36 (35.69-36.4) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We found an incidence and prevalence of IBD in a population from Buenos Aires higher than those previously published in epidemiological studies in Argentina.

Consenso colombiano de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal pediátrica

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Introduction: Pediatric ulcerative colitis (CUP), pediatric Crohn's disease (PCD), and pediatric inflammatory bowel disease not classifiable (PIDNCID) have clinical and psychosocial particularities that differentiate them from those of adults and may condition different therapeutic approaches due to possible nutritional, growth and developmental repercussions, representing a challenge for the pediatrician and gastroenterologist. Objective: Develop expert consensus evidence-based recommendations for the timely and safe diagnosis and treatment of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (PID) in children under 18 years of age for professionals caring for these patients and healthcare payers. Methodology: Through a panel of experts from the Colombian College of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (COLGAHNP) and a multidisciplinary group, 35 questions were asked regarding the clinical picture, diagnosis, and treatment of PID. Through a critical review and analysis of the literature with particular emphasis on the main clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and meta-analyses of the last ten years, from which the experts made 77 recommendations that responded to each of the research questions with their respective practical points. Subsequently, each of the statements was voted on within the developer group, including the statements that achieved > 80%. Results: All statements scored > 80%. PID has greater extension, severity, and evolution towards stenosis, perianal disease, extraintestinal manifestations, and growth retardation compared to adult patients, so its management should be performed by multidisciplinary groups led by pediatric gastroenterologists and prepare them for a transition to adulthood. Porto's criteria allow a practical classification of PID. In CPE, we should use the Paris classification and perform ileocolonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, since 50% have upper involvement, using the SES-CD (UCEIS/Mayo in CUP) and taking multiple biopsies. Initial labs should include inflammatory markers and fecal calprotectin and rule out intestinal infections. Treatment, induction, and maintenance of PID should be individualized and decided according to risk stratification. Follow-up should use PCDAI and PUCAI for the last 48 hours. Immunologists and geneticists should evaluate patients with early and infantile PID. Conclusion: A consensus guideline is provided with evidence-based recommendations on timely and safe diagnosis and treatments in patients with ILD.

De-escalating therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: Results from an observational study in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Combination therapy with an immunomodulator (IMM) and an anti-TNF is commonly recommended in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. However, little is known about relapse rates after therapeutic de-escalation. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of relapse in a cohort of UC and CD patients with long-standing clinical remission after discontinuation of IMM or anti-TNF and to identify predictive factors for relapse. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with UC or CD on combination therapy and clinical remission for at least 6 months. IMM or anti-TNF was stopped upon physician decision. Primary objective was to evaluate the relapse rates after discontinuation of IMM or anti-TNF and to analyze predictors of relapse. RESULTS: The study included 88 patients, 48 patients (54.5%) discontinued IMM and 40 (45.5%) anti-TNF. During follow-up, relapse rates were 16.7% and 52.5% in the IMM discontinuation group and anti-TNF discontinuation group, respectively (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that anti-TNF discontinuation (HR=3.01; 95% CI=1.22-7.43) and ileal CD location (HR=2.36; 95% CI=1.02-5.47) were predictive factors for relapse while inflammatory CD phenotype was a protective factor (HR=0.32; 95% CI=0.11-0.90). Reintroduction of anti-TNF upon relapse was effective and safe. CONCLUSION: Anti-TNF discontinuation led to significantly higher relapse rates compared to IMM discontinuation in UC and CD patients on combination therapy. Anti-TNF discontinuation and ileal CD location were identified as predictive factors for relapse while inflammatory CD phenotype was a protective factor. Retreatment after anti-TNF discontinuation was effective and safe.

Frequency of use and cost of biologic treatment for inflammatory bowel disease and inflammatory bowel disease-associated arthropathy in Colombia in 2019.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a high economic burden due to its chronicity. Treatment has evolved, thanks to the understanding of IBD pathogenesis and the advent of biologic therapy, albeit the latter increases direct costs. The aim of the present study was to calculate the total cost and cost per patient/year of biologic therapy for IBD and IBD-associated arthropathy in Colombia. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted. The data were obtained from the Comprehensive Social Protection Information System of the Department of Health for the year 2019, utilizing the medical diagnosis codes of the International Classification of Diseases related to IBD and IBD-associated arthropathy as keywords. RESULTS: The prevalence of IBD and IBD-associated arthropathy was 61 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.5:1. Joint involvement was 3%, and 6.3% of the persons with IBD and IBD-associated arthropathy received biologic therapy. Adalimumab was the most widely prescribed biologic drug (49.2%). Biologic therapy had a cost of $15,926,302 USD and the mean cost per patient/year was $18,428 USD. Adalimumab had the highest impact on healthcare resource utilization, with a total cost of $7,672,320 USD. According to subtype, ulcerative colitis had the highest cost ($10,932,489 USD). CONCLUSION: Biologic therapy is expensive, but its annual cost in Colombia is lower than that of other countries due to the government's regulation of high-cost medications.

Lower Digestive Tract Bleeding in a Patient with Behçet's Disease: A Case Report

Behçet's disease is a chronic, multisystemic, and relapsing inflammatory pathology that frequently manifests with oral and genital ulcers and ocular and skin lesions. It rarely exhibits gastrointestinal involvement, which varies depending on the affected gastrointestinal segment; these have in common the predominance of ulcerated lesions and, consequently, a greater risk of bleeding from the digestive tract. A clinical case of a 28-year-old female patient who consulted for a clinical picture of melenic stools and oral ulcers is described. As a crucial clinical history, she had been diagnosed with Behçet's disease since adolescence, associated with severe gastrointestinal complications. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed with findings of antral erythematous gastropathy and a colonoscopy with a report of ulcerated ileitis. Treatment with azathioprine and corticosteroids was indicated, significantly improving the clinical picture.

La enfermedad de Behçet es una patología inflamatoria crónica, multisistémica y recidivante que se manifiesta frecuentemente con úlceras orales y genitales, y lesiones oculares y cutáneas. En raras ocasiones presenta compromiso gastrointestinal y este varía dependiendo del segmento gastrointestinal afectado; estas enfermedades tienen en común el predominio de lesiones ulceradas y, consecuentemente, un mayor riesgo de sangrado de las vías digestivas. Se describe un caso clínico de una paciente femenina de 28 años que consultó por un cuadro clínico de deposiciones melénicas y úlceras orales. Como antecedente clínico de importancia presentó diagnóstico de enfermedad de Behçet desde la adolescencia asociado a complicaciones gastrointestinales graves. Se realizó una esofagogastroduodenoscopia con hallazgos de gastropatía eritematosa antral y una colonoscopia con reporte de ileítis ulcerada. Se indicó el tratamiento con azatioprina y corticoides con una mejoría significativa del cuadro clínico.

The interrelation between anxiety and quality of life among patients with ulcerative colitis in remission.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if anxiety and depression are associated with a lower QoL in patients with UC in remission. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included consecutive patients with a previously confirmed diagnosis of UC in remission for at least 12 months and who answered complete questionnaires: IBDQ-32, HAD. Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were obtained. We performed non-parametric tests, and correlations between HADS and IBDQ-32 were analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient (r). A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Among 124 patients, 65% were men, with a median evolution of UC of 10 years (IQR: 5-79 years). Prevalence for anxiety was 15.3% and 2.4% for depression. Global QoL was 192 (IQR: 175-208). Lower QoL was associated with anxiety (p=0.002) and depression (p=0.013). Depression represented lower QoL at the digestive level than no depression (p=0.04). Anxiety negatively correlated with QoL (r=-0.54; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety is frequent in patients with UC in remission; therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment must be implemented to improve QoL.

Corticosteroids in inflammatory bowel disease: Are they still a therapeutic option? / Corticoides en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: ¿siguen siendo una opción terapéutica?

Despite the development and incorporation of new therapeutic strategies, such as biologic therapy and small molecules, corticosteroids still play an important role in inducting inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) remission. Variables like indicating the right doses at the right time, in adequate intervals, the security of these drugs and the pharmacological alternatives available must be considered by the providers when they are indicated to patients with IBD. Although the use of corticosteroids is considered as a marker of quality of care in patients with IBD, the use of these drugs in the clinical practice of IBD is far from being the correct one. This review article is not intended to be just a classic review of the indications for corticosteroids. Here we explain the scenarios in which, in our opinion, steroids would not be an appropriate option for our patients, as well as the most frequent mistakes we make in our daily practice when using them.

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.

A descriptive study of inflammatory bowel disease at an Egyptian tertiary care center.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic intestinal disorders that trigger prolonged inflammation of the digestive tract. Its incidence and prevalence appear to be increasing in the African population and in Egypt. The present study aims to highlight the pattern and management of IBD in Egyptian patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred patients with IBD were assessed for ulcerative colitis (UC), through the Mayo score, and for Crohn's disease (CD), with the Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI). RESULTS: Median patient age was 35 years, with a predominance of females. UC was more common than CD (88% and 12%, respectively) and severity was moderate, in the majority of cases. Most UC patients had left-sided lesions, whereas ileitis was the most common finding (37.5%) in the CD patients. Proctitis was the least common finding in both diseases and Crohn's fistulizing disease was detected in 4.1% of the patients. Interestingly, peripheral arthropathy was the most common extraintestinal manifestation in the IBD patients (70%) and axial arthropathy was the least common (6%). Severe ocular or mucocutaneous involvement was very rare. Finally, biologic treatment was prescribed to 15.4% of the UC patients and 20.8% of the CD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although the clinical presentation of IBD in Egypt is comparable to that reported worldwide, diagnoses were found to be delayed. There were fewer cases of CD than UC, but more mild-to-moderate disease severity. The surveillance of patients with IBD must continue and awareness of the disease in the Egyptian medical community needs to increase. A national registry must be established, multicenter studies need to be conducted, and molecular diagnostics is recommended.

Enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal en el embarazo: peculiaridades y tratamiento. Revisión bibliográfica / Inflammatory bowel disease in pregnancy: peculiarities and treatment. Review

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: La prevalencia de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal en países occidentales se estima en 0.7%. Su relación con el embarazo está en constante estudio y actualización. Esta enfermedad se relaciona con diferentes afecciones obstétricas: prematurez y aumento de teratogenia. La atención médica y el tratamiento suponen un reto durante el embarazo. OBJETIVO: Actualizar los conocimientos acerca de cómo el embarazo modifica el curso de la enfermedad y cómo la enfermedad modifica el curso de aquél, mencionar la seguridad de los tratamientos a las embarazadas y los consensos obstétricos vigentes. METODOLOGÍA: Revisión bibliográfica efectuada en dos bases de datos (PubMed y Embase) con los siguientes criterios de búsqueda (MeSH): "inflammatory bowel disease'' y "pregnancy'' de artículos publicados entre el 2015 y diciembre del 2022, escritos en todas las lenguas: metanálisis, ensayos clínicos, revisiones sistemáticas, narrativas, estudios prospectivos y retrospectivos. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 345 registros, que luego de la eliminación de los duplicados y otras causas se seleccionaron 30 artículos por su relevancia y novedad. CONCLUSIÓN: La paciente con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, en estado de embarazo, debe considerarse de alto riesgo y requerimiento de seguimiento estrecho. La planificación del embarazo es decisiva a fin de optimizar el grado de actividad de la enfermedad y aminorar sus complicaciones. Si bien la mayor parte de los fármacos para su tratamiento se consideran seguros es necesario conocerlos en profundidad.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease is estimated to be 0.7% in western countries. Its association with pregnancy is constantly being studied and updated. This disease is associated with several obstetric conditions: prematurity or increased teratogenicity. Medical care and treatment during pregnancy is a challenge. OBJECTIVE: To update the knowledge on how pregnancy modifies the course of the disease and how the disease modifies the course of the disease, to mention the safety of treatments for pregnant women and the current obstetric consensus. METHOD: Literature search in two databases (PubMed and Embase) with the following search criteria (MeSH): "inflammatory bowel disease" and "pregnancy" of articles published between 2015 and December 2022, written in all languages: meta-analyses, clinical trials, systematic reviews, narratives, prospective and retrospective studies. RESULTS: 345 records were identified and, after elimination of duplicates and other causes, 30 articles were selected for relevance and novelty. CONCLUSION: The pregnant patient with inflammatory bowel disease should be considered high risk and require close follow-up. Pregnancy planning is essential to optimise disease activity and minimise complications. Although most drugs used to treat inflammatory bowel disease.

Actinomicosis orofaríngea complicada secundaria al tratamiento farmacológico / Complicated oropharyngeal actinomycosis secondary to pharmacotherapy

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α treatment is an effective therapeutic option in intestinal inflammatory chronic disease in cases of the ineffectiveness of other drugs, but it promotes the development of opportunistic infections in their severe forms, due to the profound suppression of T-cell mediated immunity it produces. Among the most frequent are bacterial granulomatous infections, such as mycobacteria (especially tuberculosis), and fungal infections. Actinomycosis is a rare suppurative granulomatous chronic opportunistic infection, which in states of immunosuppression, such as the one caused after treatment with TNF blockers, is complicated by more severe clinical pictures.We present the clinical case, not previously described, of cervicofacial actinomycosis complicated with pneumonia, secondary to treatment with adalimumab in a patient with Crohn's disease.

El tratamiento con anticuerpos anti-factor de necrosis tumoral (TNF) es una opción terapéutica efectiva en la enfermedad inflamatoria crónica intestinal, en casos de ineficacia a otros fármacos, pero favorece la aparición de infecciones oportunistas en sus formas graves, debido a la gran inmunodepresión de células T que produce. Entre las más frecuentes se encuentran las infecciones granulomatosas bacterianas, como las causadas por micobacterias (en la que se destaca la tuberculosis), y las fúngicas. La actinomicosis es una infección oportunista crónica, granulomatosa, supurativa e infrecuente que, en estados de inmunosupresión, como el provocado tras el tratamiento con anticuerpos monoclonales anti-TNF, puede complicarse con cuadros clínicos más graves. Se presenta el caso clínico, no descrito anteriormente, de actinomicosis cervicofacial complicada con neumonía, secundaria al tratamiento con adalimumab, en una paciente con enfermedad de Crohn.

Manifestaciones bucales de la enfermedad de Crohn y colitis ulcerosa en adultos mayores / Oral manifestations of Crohn´s disease and ulcerative colitis in of elderly adults

Objetivo: identificar las manifestaciones clínicas bucales de la enfermedad de Crohn y colitis ulcerosa en pacientes adultos mayores. Métodos: se efectuó un estudio descriptivo transversal con un universo de 50 adultos mayores, previamente diagnosticados por los especialistas gastroenterólogos, y prescritos con enfermedad de Crohn y colitis ulcerosa. Estos, confirmados por los hallazgos clínicos, histopatológicos y endoscópicos, remitidos a consulta estomatológica del Policlínico de Especialidades del Hospital Clinicoquirúrgico Universitario "Saturnino Lora Torres" de Santiago de Cuba, entre marzo de 2019 y marzo de 2020, practicándose el examen intrabucal, descripción de las lesiones bucales y su diagnóstico clínico. Para la recolección del dato primario se confeccionó un modelo con las variables: edad, sexo, enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, localización anatómica, signos y síntomas clínicos orales en ambas patologías. Se creó una base de datos en SPSS versión 22.0 en Windows para el procesamiento y análisis de la información, usándose la técnica estadística descriptiva y agrupándose los datos en frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: en la serie resaltaron las personas de sexo femenino y el grupo de edades de 60 a 74 años, la pioestomatitis vegetante fue el signo bucal específico más común y la úlcera aftosa recurrente la lesión inespecífica de mayor predominio en ambas patologías. El dolor, el síntoma clínico de mayor afectación y el dorso de lengua el sitio de mayor predilección para su instalación. Conclusiones: las expresiones clínicas bucales más relevantes en pacientes adultos mayores con enfermedad de Crohn y colitis ulcerosa fueron la pioestomatitis vegetante y la úlcera aftosa recurrente.

Objective: Identify the oral clinical manifestations of Crohn´s disease and ulcerative colitis in elderly adults' patients. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out with a universe of 50 older adults previously diagnosed by gastroenterologist specialists, prescribing the presence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, confirmed by clinical, histopathologica and endoscopic findings, referred to the stomatological consultation of the Specialities Policlinic of the "Saturnino Lora Torres" University Clinical Surgical Hospital of Santiago de Cuba, from March 2019 to the same month of 2020, performing intraoral examination, description of oral lesions and their clinical diagnosis. For the collection of the primary data, a model was made with the variables: age, sex, inflammatory bowel disease, anatomical location, oral clinical signs and symptoms in both pathologies. A database was created in SPSS version 22.0 in Windows for the processing and analysis of the information, using the descriptive statistical technique and grouping the data in absolute and relative frequencies. Results: in the casuistry, females and the age group of 60 to 74 years prevailed, vegetative pyostomatitis was the most common specific oral sign and recurrent aphthous ulcer was the most prevalent non-specific lesion in both pathologies, pain being the most affecting clinical symptom and the back of the tongue is the most preferred site for its installation. Conclusions: the most relevant oral clinical expressions in elderly patients adults with Crohn´s disease and ulcerative colitis were pyostomatitis vegetative and recurrent aphthous ulcer.

Evaluación de actividad física como coadyuvante terapéutico para pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: una revisión / Evaluation of physical activity as a therapeutic adjuvant for patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review

Resumen La enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) incluye la enfermedad de Crohn (EC) y la colitis ulcerosa (CU). El tratamiento farmacológico en la EII presenta pérdida de eficacia y efectos secundarios, por esta razón es necesario el planteamiento de estrategias alternativas, como la práctica de actividad física (AF), como coadyuvante terapéutico. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar la efectividad de las intervenciones de AF como herramienta para aumentar la condición física, la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) y mejorar la sintomatología en pacientes con EC y CU, identificando el componente de AF óptimo. Se realizó una revisión mediante una búsqueda en las bases electrónicas de datos Medline (PubMed), SciELO y Cochrane Library Plus, que incluyó ensayos controlados aleatorios de los últimos 10 años que relacionaran la EII y la AF, hasta el 31 de enero de 2022. Se incluyeron 4 estudios con un total de 133 pacientes. La realización de AF de pacientes con EII (CU y EC) aumentó (p>0.05) la capacidad física, la masa muscular esquelética, la densidad mineral ósea y la CVRS, incrementando significativamente (p<0,05) el estado de ánimo. Además, disminuyó significativamente (p<0,05) la inflamación intestinal y las manifestaciones extraintestinales. Se observó una tendencia de reducción (p>0,05) de la fatiga, la tensión arterial y la restauración de la microbiota. La AF moderada y realizada regularmente durante un mínimo de 8 semanas, favorece la mejoría del paciente con EII a nivel físico, psicológico, la CVRS y la sintomatología.

Abstract Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Pharmacological treatment in IBD presents a loss of efficacy and side effects, inviting to consider alternative strategies, such as the practice of physical activity (PA), as a therapeutic adjuvant. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of PA interventions as a tool to increase physical fitness, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and improve the symptomatology in patients with CD and UC, identifying the optimal PA component. The review was performed, by searching the electronic databases Medline (PubMed), SciELO, and Cochrane Library Plus, including randomized controlled trials from the last 10 years that related to IBD and PA, until January 31, 2022. We found four studies with a total of 133 patients. The performance of PA in patients with IBD (UC and CD) increases (p>0.05) physical capacity, skeletal muscle mass, bone mineral density, and HRQoL, significantly (p<0.05) increasing mood. In addition, it significantly (p<0.05) decreases intestinal inflammation and extraintestinal manifestations. A trend of reduction (p>0.05) of fatigue, blood pressure, and microbiota restoration was observed. Moderate PA and performed regularly for a minimum of eight weeks, favors the improvement of the IBD patient at the physical, psychological, HRQoL, and symptomatology levels.