Safety and effectiveness of direct-acting antiviral drugs in the treatment of hepatitis C in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is uncertain. The ECCO guidelines 2021 recommended HCV treatment but warn about the risk of IBD reactivation. We aimed to evaluate 1) the effectiveness and safety of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in IBD; 2) the interaction of DAAs with IBD drugs. METHODS: Multicentre study of IBD patients and HCV treated with DAAs. Variables related to liver diseases and IBD, as well as adverse events (AEs) and drug interactions, were recorded. McNemar's test was used to assess differences in the proportion of active IBD during the study period. RESULTS: We included 79 patients with IBD and HCV treated with DAAs from 25,998 IBD patients of the ENEIDA registry. Thirty-one (39.2 %) received immunomodulators/biologics. There were no significant differences in the percentage of active IBD at the beginning (n = 11, 13.9 %) or at the 12-week follow-up after DAAs (n = 15, 19 %) (p = 0.424). Sustained viral response occurred in 96.2 % (n = 76). A total of 8 (10.1 %) AEs occurred and these were unrelated to activity, type of IBD, liver fibrosis, immunosuppressants/biologics, and DAAs. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a high efficacy and safety of DAAs in patients with IBD and HCV irrespective of activity and treatment of IBD.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Fatigue in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multicentre Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of fatigue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], to identify the factors associated with fatigue and its severity, to assess the impact of fatigue on quality of life [QoL], and to evaluate the relationship between fatigue and sleep disorders. METHODS: This was a prospective multicentre study conducted at 22 Spanish centres. Consecutive patients followed at IBD Units were included. Fatigue was evaluated with the Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS] and the Fatigue Impact Scale [FIS]. Quality of life and sleep quality were assessed using the IBD Questionnaire-Short Form [IBDQ-9] and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], respectively. RESULTS: A total of 544 consecutive adult IBD patients were included [50% women, mean age 44 years, 61% Crohn's disease]. The prevalence of fatigue was 41% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 37-45%). The variables associated with an increased risk of fatigue were: anxiety [OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.6-3.7], depression [OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.4-3.8], presence of extraintestinal manifestations [EIMs] [OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1-2.6], and treatment with systemic steroids [OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.4-5.7]. The presence of EIMs [regression coefficient, RC = 8.2, 95% CI = 2.3-14.2], anxiety [RC = 25.8, 95% CI = 20.0-31.5], depression [RC = 30.6, 95% CI = 24.3-37.0], and sleep disturbances [RC = 15.0, 95% CI = 9.3-20.8] were associated with severity of fatigue. Patients with fatigue had a significantly decreased IBDQ-9 score [p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of fatigue in IBD patients is remarkably high and has a negative impact on QoL. Therapy with systemic steroids is associated with an increased risk of fatigue. The severity of fatigue is associated with anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and the presence of EIMs. Fatigue was not associated with anaemia, disease activity or anti-TNF therapy.

Long-Term Safety of In Utero Exposure to Anti-TNFα Drugs for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results from the Multicenter European TEDDY Study.

OBJECTIVES: The long-term safety of exposure to anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNFα) drugs during pregnancy has received little attention. We aimed to compare the relative risk of severe infections in children of mothers with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who were exposed to anti-TNFα drugs in utero with that of children who were not exposed to the drugs. METHODS: Retrospective multicenter cohort study. Exposed cohort: children from mothers with IBD receiving anti-TNFα medication (with or without thiopurines) at any time during pregnancy or during the 3 months before conception. Non-exposed cohort: children from mothers with IBD not treated with anti-TNFα agents or thiopurines at any time during pregnancy or the 3 months before conception. The cumulative incidence of severe infections after birth was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves, which were compared using the log-rank test. Cox-regression analysis was performed to identify potential predictive factors for severe infections in the offspring. RESULTS: The study population comprised 841 children, of whom 388 (46%) had been exposed to anti-TNFα agents. Median follow-up after delivery was 47 months in the exposed group and 68 months in the non-exposed group. Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed the incidence rate of severe infections to be similar in non-exposed and exposed children (1.6% vs. 2.8% per person-year, hazard ratio 1.2 (95% confidence interval 0.8-1.8)). In the multivariate analysis, preterm delivery was the only variable associated with a higher risk of severe infection (2.5% (1.5-4.3)). CONCLUSIONS: In utero exposure to anti-TNFα drugs does not seem to be associated with increased short-term or long-term risk of severe infections in children.

Phenotype and natural history of elderly onset inflammatory bowel disease: a multicentre, case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Onset during old age has been reported in upto 10% of total cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). AIM: To evaluate phenotypic characteristics and the use of therapeutic resources in patients with elderly onset IBD. METHODS: Case-control study including all those patients diagnosed with IBD over the age of 60 years since 2000 who were followed-up for >12 months, identified from the IBD databases. Elderly onset cases were compared with IBD patients aged 18 to 40 years at diagnosis, matched by year of diagnosis, gender and type of IBD (adult-onset). RESULTS: One thousand three hundred and seventy-four elderly onset and 1374 adult-onset cases were included (62% ulcerative colitis (UC), 38% Crohn's disease (CD)). Among UC patients, elderly onset cases had a lower proportion of extensive disease (33% vs 39%; P < 0.0001). In CD, elderly onset cases showed an increased rate of stenosing pattern (24% vs 13%; P < 0.0001) and exclusive colonic location (28% vs 16%; P < 0.0001), whereas penetrating pattern (12% vs 19%; P < 0.0001) was significantly less frequent. Regarding the use of therapeutic resources, there was a significantly lower use of corticosteroids (P < 0.0001), immunosuppressants (P < 0.0001) and anti-TNFs agents (P < 0.0001) in elderly onset cases. Regarding surgery, we found a significantly higher surgery rate among elderly onset UC cases (8.3% vs 5.1%; P < 0.009). Finally, elderly onset cases were characterised by a higher rate of hospitalisations (66% vs 49%; P < 0.0001) and neoplasms (14% vs 0.5%; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly onset IBD shows specific characteristics and they are managed differently, with a lower use of immunosuppressants and a higher rate of surgery in UC.

Evolution After Anti-TNF Discontinuation in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multicenter Long-Term Follow-Up Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to assess the risk of relapse after discontinuation of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), to identify the factors associated with relapse, and to evaluate the overcome after retreatment with the same anti-TNF in those who relapsed. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational, multicenter study. IBD patients who had been treated with anti-TNFs and in whom these drugs were discontinued after clinical remission was achieved were included. RESULTS: A total of 1,055 patients were included. The incidence rate of relapse was 19% and 17% per patient-year in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients, respectively. In both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients in deep remission, the incidence rate of relapse was 19% per patient-year. The treatment with adalimumab vs. infliximab (hazard ratio (HR)=1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01-1.66), elective discontinuation of anti-TNFs (HR=1.90; 95% CI=1.07-3.37) or discontinuation because of adverse events (HR=2.33; 95% CI=1.27-2.02) vs. a top-down strategy, colonic localization (HR=1.51; 95% CI=1.13-2.02) vs. ileal, and stricturing behavior (HR=1.5; 95% CI=1.09-2.05) vs. inflammatory were associated with a higher risk of relapse in Crohn's disease patients, whereas treatment with immunomodulators after discontinuation (HR=0.67; 95% CI=0.51-0.87) and age (HR=0.98; 95% CI=0.97-0.99) were protective factors. None of the factors were predictive in ulcerative colitis patients. Retreatment of relapse with the same anti-TNF was effective (80% responded) and safe. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rate of inflammatory bowel disease relapse after anti-TNF discontinuation is relevant. Some predictive factors of relapse after anti-TNF withdrawal have been identified. Retreatment with the same anti-TNF drug was effective and safe.

Current concepts on microscopic colitis: evidence-based statements and recommendations of the Spanish Microscopic Colitis Group.

BACKGROUND: Microscopic colitis (MC) is an underdiagnosed inflammatory bowel disease. AIM: To develop an evidence-based clinical practice guide on MC current concepts. METHODS: Literature search was done on the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and MEDLINE electronic databases, which were consulted covering the period up until March 2015. Work groups were selected for each of the reviewed topics, with the purpose of drafting the initial statements and recommendations. They subsequently underwent a voting process based on the Delphi method. Each statement/recommendation was accompanied by the result of the vote the level of evidence, and discussion of the corresponding evidence. The grade of recommendation (GR) using the GRADE approach was established for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. RESULTS: Some key statements and recommendations are: advancing age increases the risk of developing MC, mainly in females. The symptoms of MC and IBS-D may be similar. If MC is suspected, colonoscopy taking biopsies is mandatory. Treatment with oral budesonide is recommended to induce clinical remission in patients with MC. Oral mesalazine is not recommended in patients with collagenous colitis for the induction of clinical remission. The use of anti-TNF-alpha drugs (infliximab, adalimumab) is recommended for the induction of remission in severe cases of MC that fail to respond to corticosteroids or immunomodulators, as an alternative to colectomy. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first consensus paper on MC based on GRADE methodology. This initiative may help physicians involved in care of these patients in taking decisions based on evidence.

Safety of thiopurines and anti-TNF-α drugs during pregnancy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVES: The safety of thiopurines and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) drugs during pregnancy remains controversial, as the experience with these drugs in this situation is limited. Our aim is to assess the safety of thiopurines and anti-TNF-α drugs for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during pregnancy. METHODS: Retrospective, multicenter study in IBD patients. Pregnancies were classified according to the therapeutic regimens during pregnancy or during the 3 months before the conception: non-exposed group, pregnancies exposed to thiopurines alone (group A), and pregnancies exposed to anti-TNF-α drugs (group B). An unfavorable Global Pregnancy Outcome (GPO) was considered if pregnancy developed with obstetric complications in the mother and in the newborn. RESULTS: A total of 187 pregnancies in the group A, 66 pregnancies in the group B, and 318 pregnancies in the non-exposed group were included. The rate of unfavorable GPO was different among the three groups (31.8% in non-exposed group, 21.9% in group A, and 34.8% in group B), being lower in pregnancies under thiopurines than among non-exposed (P = 0.01). The rate of pregnancy complications was similar among the three groups (27.7% in non-exposed, 20.9% in group A, and 30.3% in group B). The rate of neonatal complications was different among the three groups (23.3% in non-exposed group, 13.9% in group A, and 21.2% in group B), being lower in pregnancies under thiopurines than among non-exposed (P = 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, the treatment with thiopurines (odds ratio = 0.6; 95% confidence interval = 0.4-0.9, P = 0.02) was the only predictor of favorable GPO, whereas maternal age >35 years at conception was the only predictor of unfavorable GPO. The treatment with anti-TNF-α drugs was not associated with an unfavorable GPO. CONCLUSION: The treatment with thiopurines and anti-TNF-α drugs does not seem to increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and does seem to be safe for the newborn.

Severe adalimumab-induced thrombocytopenia in a patient with Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease is a chronic transmural inflammatory disorder characterized by inflammation of the intestine. Anti-TNF-α drugs are used for induction and maintenance of remission in patients with this condition. Thrombocytopenia is an uncommon side effect of treatment with anti-TNF-α drugs. We report the case of a 71-year-old woman diagnosed with Crohn's disease who developed severe adalimumab-induced thrombocytopenia and who did not respond to standard therapy for thrombocytopenia.

Efecto de la educación sanitaria en la demanda de anticoncepción de urgencias / Effect of a health education intervention on the demand for emergency contraception

Introducción: La anticoncepción de urgencia (ACU) pretende prevenir el embarazo después de una relación sexual de riesgo. Sin embargo, aunque debe de ser un método excepcional, los estudios publicados muestran una utilización del método elevada.El objetivo de este estudio es valorar si una intervención educacional logra reducir el porcentaje de reincidencias en la utilización de este método. Método: Estudio prospectivo, comparativo y de intención durante el periodo de10/2006 a 10/2007. En todas las solicitudes de ACU realizadas en nuestro centro de urgencias de atención primaria (CUAP) se registró la edad, el número de ACU solicitadas previamente, así como el tiempo transcurrido desde la última. Se les informó sobre sus efectos, su no idoneidad como método anticonceptivo habitual y la conveniencia de acudir al ginecólogo para valorar el resultado. Así mismo, se les solicitaba autorización para contactar telefónicamente pasado un tiempo para realizarles una encuesta. La comparación estadística entre los grupos se realizó mediante test de ji al cuadrado y el efecto de la intervención se cuantificó mediante la comparación del porcentaje de ACU, referida previamente por el grupo intervención y la registrada en el seguimiento mediante la determinación de la reducción de riesgo absoluto y relativo. Resultados: Hubo 374 ACU. La edad fue (media ± desviación estándar) 24,5 ± 6,8años, la reincidencia en los primeros 6 meses fue de 34,0%. No participaron 47 mujeres y 115 aceptaron participar, pero no contestaron la encuesta. De las 212 pacientes encuestadas, 192 (90,6%) recordaban haber recibido información; 187 (88,2%) leyeronel folleto entregado; 79 (37,3%) acudieron al ginecólogo; 19 (9%) solicitaron una ACU los seis meses posteriores a la asistencia. Hubo una reducción total del 25,0% y relativa del 73,5% en la solicitud de nuevas ACU (AU)

Background and objective: Emergency contraception seeks to prevent pregnancy after high-risk sexual intercourse. Although intended only for exceptional cases, there is evidence that emergency contraception is being used often. This study aimed to evaluate an educational intervention to reduce the percentage of reuse of emergency contraception. Methods: Prospective comparative study carried out from October 2006 to October 2007. For all patients visiting ourprimary care emergency clinic asking for emergency contraception, we recorded age, number of such requests madepreviously, and time elapsed between requests. The women were informed about the effects of emergency contraception,told that it was not an ideal method of regular contraception, and instructed to see a gynecologist for evaluation of theresults. We also asked permission to telephone the women so they could respond to a survey questionnaire. The ji2 testwas used to compare data between groups; the effect of the intervention was assessed by comparing the percentage ofthe intervention group reporting use of emergency contraception previously to the percentage making new requestsduring the follow-up period, so as to determine the reduction in absolute and relative risk.Results: A total of 374 emergency contraception requests were processed. The mean (SD) age was 24.5 (6.8) years; therate of repeat requests in the first 6 months was 34.0%. Forty-seven women refused to participate; 115 agreed to(..) (AU)

Presentación clínica del tromboembolismo pulmonar en urgencias: comparación con estudios previos / Clinical presentation of pulmonary thromboembolism in an emergency department: comparison with previous studies

Objetivo: Analizar las características clínicas, electrocardiográficas, radiológicas y analíticas de los pacientes que fueron diagnosticados de tromboembolismo pulmonar(TEP)para ver si se ajustan a los referidos en la literatura previa. Metodología: Se revisaron de manera retrospectiva los informes de alta hospitalaria delos pacientes que ingresaron con la sospecha diagnóstica de TEP, del 1 de enero del2004 al 31 de diciembre del 2006. Los datos fueron analizados con el paquete estadístico SPSS 14,0.Resultados: Se confirmó el diagnóstico en 83 pacientes. La edad media fue 70,8 ± 15años. Tenían historia previa de TEP o trombosis venosa profunda (TVP) 18,1%, de neoplasia activa previa el 15,7%, de inmovilización el 45,8%, de dolor torácico el 31,3%,de síncope el 16,9%. En ningún caso se registró hemoptisis. En la exploración se encontraron signos de TVP en el 28,9%, insuficiencia venosa en extremidades inferiores en el20,5%, taquipnea en el 89,8%, taquicardia en 54,4%. En el ECG se encontró S1Q3T3 en el 23,1%, bloqueo de rama derecha en el 16,7%, ondas T negativas en precordiales enel 15,4%. En la radiografía de tórax se observó elevación del hemidiafragma en el 22,8%, atelectasias basales en el 4,8%, derrame pleural en el 16,9%. En la gasometría existía PaO2 60 en el 30,9%, PaCO2 35 en el 48,1%. En la angiotomografía presentaron afectación de los vasos pulmonares centrales un 51,8% y en un 45,8% la localización fue bilateral y múltiple. La mortalidad global a los 30 días fue del 7,2%.(..) (AU)

Objective: To analyze the clinical, electrocardiographic, radiologic, and analytic characteristics of patients diagnosed with pulmonary thromboembolism and to compare them with previously published data. Methods: Retrospective review of the hospital records of patients admitted with a presumptive diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2006. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 14.0.Results: The diagnosis was confirmed in 83 patients. The patients mean (SD) age was 70.8 (15) years and 18.1% had aprior history of pulmonary thromboembolism or deep vein thrombosis. Active neoplastic disease was present in 15.7%of cases, a history of immobilization in 45.8%, chest pain in 31.3%, and syncope in 16.9%. No patient had hemoptysis. Signs of deep vein thrombosis were noted in 28.9%, venous insufficiency in the lower limbs in 20.5%, tachypnea in89.8%, tachycardia in 54.4%, S1Q3T3 in 23.1%, right bundle-branch block in 16.7%, negative precordial T waves in15.4%, raised hemidiaphragm in 22.8%, basal atelectasis in 4.8%, pleural effusion in 16.9%, PaO2 60 mmHg in30.9%, and PaCO2 35 mmHg in 48.1%. Computed tomography angiography showed involvement of the central pulmonary vessels in 51.8% and bilateral and multiple involvement in 45.8%. Overall, 30-day mortality was 7.2%.Conclusions: Our patients presented characteristics that were different from those of other published series. They were older, had a higher rate of syncope, absence of hemoptysis, a low rate of massive pulmonary thromboembolism, and low mortality at 30 days. These data suggest the need for prospective multicenter studies that would allow us to validate new pretest scales of diagnostic probability for the Spanish population (AU)

[Echocardiographic study of chronic aortic insufficiency. Hemodynamic, angiographic and total clinical correlates. II. Evaluation of left ventricular function]. / Estudio ecocardiográfico de la insuficiencia aortica crónica. Correlacion hemodinámica, angiográfica y clínica integral. Segunda parte: evaluación de la funcion ventricular izquierda.

An important point in the evolution of chronic aortic insufficiency (CAI) is the degree of disturbance of left ventricular performance (LVP), from which the surgical risk and the prognosis depend. Is possible by M mode Echocardiography (M-Echo) to evaluate the different elements that regulate the LVP, with the known measurements and by ratios of integral appraisal that are described here. We studied 14 patients with pure CAI at the National Institute of Cardiology, all of them had left catherization, ventriculography aortography, M-Echo, Chest X ray and EKG. The end systolic diameter (ESD) of the left ventricle (LV) and the fractional shortening (FS) showed good correlation with the end diastolic pressure (EDP) of the LV (r = 0.86 and -0.74 respectively). The percentage of aortic regurgitation (%AR) did not show significative correlation with the parameters of LV function. The ratios of integral appraisal showed good correlation with the EDP of the LV, the left atrium diameter over ejection fraction ratio (LAD/EF) was r = 0.764; the E point-septum separation over the fractional shortening ratio (E-S/FE) was r = 0.776, and for the ESD over the normalized velocity of the posterior wall of the LV ratio (ESD/NVPW) was r = 0.85. The relationship of the ESD/NVPW ratio with the EF was good (r = 0.95), with the mean velocity of circunferential shortening (r = -0.94) and with the cardiothoracic index (r = 0.88). We did not find a relationship between the functional class (NYHA) and the LVP, evaluated hemodynamic and echocardiographic methods used here. The M-Echo is an useful procedure for the sequential study of CAI, that permits recognition of the initiation and severity of the LV dysfunction, and it is of great help to signal the right moment for the surgical treatment.

[New echocardiographic (M-mode) index for evaluation of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in chronic aortic regurgitation (author's transl)]. / Nuevo índice for ecocardiografía modo-m para la evaluación de la presión diastólica final del ventrículo izquierdo en la insuficiencia aórtica crónica.

The clinical evaluation of the best time for the surgical treatment of chronic aortic insufficiency is difficult to be assessed. Several invasive and non invasive procedures had been used, but there is no definitive solution yet. At the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez, 13 patients wih pure, chronic and isolated cortic regurgitation (AR) were studied by echocardiography M mode (Echo M) to determine the state of left ventricular performance and the correlation with the valves of the end diastolic pressure of left ventricle (LVEDP). Besides catheterism of the left side, aortography and ventriculography were performed to all the patients. Catheterism, X-nay and electrocardiogram were done within a period no longer than 24 hours after the Echo M record. The function of the left ventricle (LV) was evaluated by measures and calculations published by other authors. With the purpose of integrating the functional characteristics of the LV in one expression, the indices left ventricle and systolic diameter divided by left ventricular normalized velocity of posterior wall (LVESD/LVPWNV) was created. It showed good correlation with LVEDP (r = 0.92). The index also had good correlation with the cardiothoracic ratio (r = 0.86) and the mean velocity of circumferential shortening of the LV by Echo M (r = 0.91). We consider important the LVESD/LVPWNV index proposed here, to determine the LVEDP of these patients; together with the whole clinical information, it makes easier the identification of the most appropriate time for surgical treatment making possible to evade the phase of myocardial damage which is risky to patients with chronic aortic insufficiency.