Clinical and treatment outcomes of a second subcutaneous or intravenous anti-TNF in patients with ulcerative colitis treated with two consecutive anti-TNF agents: data from the ENEIDA registry.

Background: Infliximab seems to be the most efficacious of the three available anti-TNF agents for ulcerative colitis (UC) but little is known when it is used as the second anti-TNF. Objectives: To compare the clinical and treatment outcomes of a second subcutaneous or intravenous anti-TNF in UC patients. Design: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Patients from the ENEIDA registry treated consecutively with infliximab and a subcutaneous anti-TNF (or vice versa), naïve to other biological agents, were identified and grouped according to the administration route of the first anti-TNF into IVi (intravenous initially) or SCi (subcutaneous initially). Results: Overall, 473 UC patients were included (330 IVi and 143 SCi). Clinical response at week 14 was 42.7% and 48.3% in the IVi and SCi groups (non-statistically significant), respectively. Clinical remission rates at week 52 were 32.8% and 31.4% in the IVi and SCi groups (nonsignificant differences), respectively. A propensity-matched score analysis showed a higher clinical response rate at week 14 in the SCi group and higher treatment persistence in the IVi group. Regarding long-term outcomes, dose escalation and discontinuation due to the primary failure of the first anti-TNF and more severe disease activity at the beginning of the second anti-TNF were inversely associated with clinical remission. Conclusion: The use of a second anti-TNF for UC seems to be reasonable in terms of efficacy, although it is particularly reduced in the case of the primary failure of the first anti-TNF. Whether the second anti-TNF is infliximab or subcutaneous does not seem to affect efficacy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical and treatment outcomes of a second subcutaneous or intravenous anti-TNF in UC patients. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: Patients from the ENEIDA registry treated consecutively with infliximab and a subcutaneous anti-TNF (or vice versa), naïve to other biological agents, were identified and grouped according to the administration route of the first anti-TNF into IVi (intravenous initially) or SCi (subcutaneous initially). RESULTS: Overall, 473 UC patients were included (330 IVi, 143 SCi). Clinical response at week 14 was 42.7% and 48.3% in the IVi and SCi groups (non-statistically significant), respectively. Clinical remission rates at week 52 were 32.8% and 31.4%, in the IVi and SCi groups (nonsignificant differences), respectively. A propensity-matched score analysis showed a higher clinical response rate at week 14 in the SCi group and higher treatment persistence in the IVi group. Regarding long-term outcomes, dose escalation and discontinuation due to the primary failure of the first anti-TNF and more severe disease activity at the beginning of the second anti-TNF were inversely associated with clinical remission. CONCLUSION: The use of a second anti-TNF for UC seems to be reasonable in terms of efficacy, although it is particularly reduced in the case of the primary failure of the first anti-TNF. Whether the second anti-TNF is infliximab or subcutaneous does not seem to affect efficacy.

Clinical and treatment outcomes of a second subcutaneous or intravenous anti-TNF in patients with ulcerative colitis treated with two consecutive anti-TNF agents. Data from the ENEIDA registry Background: Infliximab seems to be the most efficacious of the three available anti-TNF agents for ulcerative colitis (UC), but little is known when it is used as the second anti-TNF.

Hematological Composite Scores in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and the systemic immune-inflammatory index (SIRI, neutrophils × monocytes/lymphocytes) have been identified as potential inflammatory biomarkers. In this work we aimed to analyze whether the hematological composite scores differ between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and healthy controls, and if they are related to disease activity. A total of 197 IBD patients-130 Crohn's (CD) disease and 67 ulcerative colitis (UC)-and 208 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin were assessed. Multivariable linear regression analysis was executed. After adjustment, NLR and PLR, but not SIRI and MLR, were significantly higher in IBD patients compared to controls. C-reactive protein and SIRI and NLR were correlated in IBD patients. However, fecal calprotectin was not related to any of these blood scores. Furthermore, disease activity parameters were not associated with any of the blood composite scores in both CD and UC patients. In conclusion, NLR and PLR, but not SIRI and MLR, are independently higher in IBD patients compared to controls. However, the four hematological scores are not related to disease activity in either CD or UC patients. Based on these results, blood-based inflammatory scores may not serve as subrogated biomarkers of disease activity in IBD.

Correction: Chaparro et al. Incidence, Clinical Characteristics and Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Spain: Large-Scale Epidemiological Study. J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10, 2885.

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...].

Automedicación y uso de plantas medicinales en estudiantes universitarios de la Amazonía Peruana durante la primera ola por COVID-19

Introducción: La expansión acelerada del SARS-CoV-2 trajo consigo una crisis mundial, y una serie de estudios y recomendaciones para manejarlo; mientras que estudios previos a la pandemia, evidencia elevada prevalencia de automedicación en estudiantes universitarios. Objetivo: Identificar la frecuencia y características de automedicación contra la COVID-19 con fármacos y/o plantas medicinales en los estudiantes de la Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana (UNAP), Iquitos, Loreto-Perú, durante la primera ola por COVID-19. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en 338 estudiantes mediante una encuesta semiestructurada ad-hoc con preguntas distribuidas en 3 dimensiones: características sociodemográficas, características de COVID-19 y características del uso de fármacos/plantas medicinales. Resultados: El promedio de la edad fue 22,39 años (DE ± 5,59), predomino el sexo femenino con 61,2 % (n=207), el 55,3% (n=187) presentaron síntomas sugestivos de COVID-19. Además, el 76,9% (n=260) utilizaron medicación, distribuido de mayor a menor 65,4 % (n=170) fármacos y plantas, 25,8 % (n=67) solo plantas, y 8,8 % (n=23) solo fármacos; incurrieron en automedicación el 79,2% (n=206). Los principales fármacos empleados fueron dexametasona, paracetamol, azitromicina, e ivermectina. Las plantas medicinales principalmente empleadas fueron eucalipto, kion, manzanilla y matico. Se presentó probable asociación a la automedicación con antecedente de síntomas sugestivos de COVID-19 (p=0.001, IC 95%), y contacto de COVID-19 (p=0,011, IC 95%). Conclusión: Entre los estudiantes de una universidad de la Amazonía Peruana, se identificó elevada prevalencia y los factores asociados a la automedicación con fármacos y plantas medicinales.

Introduction: The accelerated spread of SARS-CoV-2 brought about a worldwide crisis, and a series of studies and recommendations to manage it. Before the pandemic, studies evidence a high prevalence of self-medication in university students. Objective: To identify the frequency and characteristics of self-medication against COVID-19 with drugs and/or medicinal plants in students of the National University of the Peruvian Amazon (UNAP), Iquitos, Loreto-Peru, during the first wave of COVID-19. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 338 students using a semi-structured ad-hoc survey with questions distributed in 3 dimensions: sociodemographic characteristics, characteristics of COVID-19, and characteristics of the use of drugs/medicinal plants. Results: The mean age was 22.39 years (SD ± 5.59), female sex predominated with 61.2 % (n=207), and 55.3 % (n=187) presented symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. In addition, 76.9% (n=260) used medication, distributed from highest to lowest 65.4% (n=170) drugs and plants, 25.8% (n=67) only plants, and 8.8% (n=23) only drugs; 79.2% (n=206) used self-medication. The main drugs used were dexamethasone, paracetamol, azithromycin, and ivermectin. The main medicinal plants used were eucalyptus, kion, chamomile, and matico. There was a probable association between self-medication and a history of symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 (p=0.001, 95% CI), and COVID-19 contact (p=0.011, 95% CI). Conclusion: Among students of a university in the Peruvian Amazon, a high prevalence and factors associated with self-medication with drugs and medicinal plants were identified.

Apolipoprotein C3 Is Downregulated in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been associated with an abnormal lipid profile. Apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC3) is a key molecule of triglyceride metabolism that is known to be related to inflammation and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aim to study whether ApoC3 serum levels differ between patients with IBD and controls and whether the hypothetical disturbance of ApoC3 can be explained by IBD characteristics. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that included 405 individuals, 197 patients with IBD and 208 age-matched and sex-matched controls. ApoC3 and standard lipid profiles were assessed in patients and controls. A multivariable analysis was performed to analyze whether ApoC3 serum levels were altered in IBD and to study their relationship to IBD characteristics. RESULTS: After fully multivariable analysis including cardiovascular risk factors, use of statins, and changes in lipid profile caused by the disease itself, patients with IBD showed significant lower serum levels of ApoC3 (beta coef. -1.6 [95% confidence interval -2.5 to -0.7] mg/dL, P = 0.001). Despite this, inflammatory markers, disease phenotypes, or disease activity of IBD was not found to be responsible for this downregulation. DISCUSSION: Apolipoprotein C3 is downregulated in patients with IBD.

Immigrant IBD Patients in Spain Are Younger, Have More Extraintestinal Manifestations and Use More Biologics Than Native Patients.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies comparing immigrant ethnic groups and native patients with IBD have yielded clinical and phenotypic differences. To date, no study has focused on the immigrant IBD population in Spain. METHODS: Prospective, observational, multicenter study comparing cohorts of IBD patients from ENEIDA-registry who were born outside Spain with a cohort of native patients. RESULTS: We included 13,524 patients (1,864 immigrant and 11,660 native). The immigrants were younger (45 ± 12 vs. 54 ± 16 years, p < 0.001), had been diagnosed younger (31 ± 12 vs. 36 ± 15 years, p < 0.001), and had a shorter disease duration (14 ± 7 vs. 18 ± 8 years, p < 0.001) than native patients. Family history of IBD (9 vs. 14%, p < 0.001) and smoking (30 vs. 40%, p < 0.001) were more frequent among native patients. The most prevalent ethnic groups among immigrants were Caucasian (41.5%), followed by Latin American (30.8%), Arab (18.3%), and Asian (6.7%). Extraintestinal manifestations, mainly musculoskeletal affections, were more frequent in immigrants (19 vs. 11%, p < 0.001). Use of biologics, mainly anti-TNF, was greater in immigrants (36 vs. 29%, p < 0.001). The risk of having extraintestinal manifestations [OR: 2.23 (1.92-2.58, p < 0.001)] and using biologics [OR: 1.13 (1.0-1.26, p = 0.042)] was independently associated with immigrant status in the multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with native-born patients, first-generation-immigrant IBD patients in Spain were younger at disease onset and showed an increased risk of having extraintestinal manifestations and using biologics. Our study suggests a featured phenotype of immigrant IBD patients in Spain, and constitutes a new landmark in the epidemiological characterization of immigrant IBD populations in Southern Europe.

Management and Long-term Outcomes of Crohn's Disease Complicated with Enterocutaneous Fistula: ECUFIT Study from GETECCU.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Crohn's disease [CD] can develop penetrating complications at any time during the disease course. Enterocutaneous fistulae [ECF] are disease-related complications with an important impact on quality of life. Our aim was to describe the outcomes of this complication, including its medical and/or surgical management and their temporal trends. The primary endpoint was fistula closure, defined as the absence of drainage, with no new abscess or surgery, over the preceding 6 months. METHODS: Clinical information from all adult patients with CD and at least one ECF-excluding perianal fistulae-were identified from the prospectively-maintained ENEIDA registry. All additional information regarding treatment for this complication was retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 301 ECF in 286 patients [January 1970-September 2020] were analysed out of 30 088 records. These lesions were mostly located in the ileum [67%] and they had a median of one external opening [range 1-10]. After a median follow-up of 146 months (interquartile range [IQR], 69-233), 69% of patients underwent surgery. Fistula closure was achieved in 84%, mostly after surgery, and fistula recurrence was uncommon [13%]. Spontaneous and low-output fistulae were associated with higher closure rates (hazard ratio [HR] 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-1.93, p = 0.001, and HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.07-2.06, p = 0.03, respectively); this was obtained more frequently with medical therapy since biologics have been available. CONCLUSIONS: ECF complicating CD are rare but entail a high burden of medical and surgical resources. Closure rates are high, usually after surgery, and fistula recurrence is uncommon. A significant proportion of patients receiving medical therapy can achieve fistula closure.

Adherence to endoscopic surveillance for advanced lesions and colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel disease: an AEG and GETECCU collaborative cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with colonic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Current guidelines recommend endoscopic surveillance, yet epidemiological studies show poor compliance. The aims of our study were to analyse adherence to endoscopic surveillance, its impact on advanced colorectal lesions, and risk factors of non-adherence. METHODS: A retrospective multicentre study of IBD patients with criteria for CRC surveillance, diagnosed between 2005 and 2008 and followed up to 2020, was performed. Following European guidelines, patients were stratified into risk groups and adherence was considered when surveillance was performed according to the recommendations (±1 year). Cox-proportional regression analyses were used to compare the risk of lesions. p-values below 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 1031 patients (732 ulcerative colitis, 259 Crohn's disease and 40 indeterminate colitis; mean age of 36 ± 15 years) were recruited from 25 Spanish centres. Endoscopic screening was performed in 86% of cases. Adherence to guidelines was 27% (95% confidence interval, CI = 24-29). Advanced lesions and CRC were detected in 38 (4%) and 7 (0.7%) patients respectively. Adherence was associated with increased detection of advanced lesions (HR = 3.59; 95% CI = 1.3-10.1; p = 0.016). Risk of delay or non-performance of endoscopic follow-up was higher as risk groups increased (OR = 3.524; 95% CI = 2.462-5.044; p < 0.001 and OR = 4.291; 95%CI = 2.409-7.644; p < 0.001 for intermediate- and high- vs low-risk groups). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to endoscopic surveillance allows earlier detection of advanced lesions but is low. Groups at higher risk of CRC are associated with lower adherence.

Re-induction With Intravenous Ustekinumab in Patients With Crohn's Disease and a Loss of Response to This Therapy.

BACKGROUND: A significant percentage of patients treated with ustekinumab may lose response. Our aim was to evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of intravenous re-induction with ustekinumab in patients with Crohn's disease who have lost the response to the treatment. METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational, multicenter study. Treatment efficacy was measured at week 8 and 16; clinical remission was defined when the Harvey-Bradshaw Index was ≤4 points, and clinical response was defined as a decrease of ≥3 points in the index compared with the baseline. Adverse events and treatment decisions after re-induction were also collected. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients from 13 centers were included. Forty-nine percent had previously failed to respond to 2 biological treatments, and 24.5% had failed to respond to 3. The average exposure time to ustekinumab before re-induction was 17.7 ± 12.8 months. In 56.6% of patients, the administration interval had been shortened to every 4 to 6 weeks before re-induction. At week 8 and 16 after re-induction, 49.0% (n = 26) and 43.3% (n = 23), respectively, were in remission, whereas 64.1% (n = 34) and 52.8% (n = 28) had a clinical response. Patients who achieved remission at week 16 had lower C-reactive protein levels than those who did not respond (2.8 ± 1.6 vs 12.5 ± 9.5 mg/dL; P = 0.001). No serious adverse events related to re-induction were observed. CONCLUSION: Intravenous re-induction with ustekinumab is an effective and safe strategy that recovers the response in approximately half of the patients with refractory Crohn's disease who experience a loss of response. Re-induction can be attempted before switching out of the therapy class.

QRISK3 Performance in the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been described as an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Since the QRESEARCH risk estimator version 3 (QRISK3) calculator was recently proposed to assess CV in the general population, our objective was to compare the predictive ability of QRISK3 with that of a well-established European CV risk calculator, the Systematic Coronary Risk Assessment (SCORE), to identify the presence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in patients with IBD. In all, 186 patients with IBD and 178 controls were recruited. The presence of subclinical atherosclerosis was evaluated by carotid ultrasound to identify carotid plaque and the thickness of the carotid intima-media (cIMT). QRISK3 and SCORE were calculated. The relationship of QRISK3 and SCORE with each other and with the presence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis (both carotid plaque and cIMT) was studied in patients and controls. SCORE (0.2 (interquartile range 0.1-0.9) vs. 0.4 (0.1-1.4), p = 0.55) and QRISK3 1.7 ((0.6-4.6) vs. 3.0 (1.0-7.8), p = 0.16) absolute values did not differ between patients and controls. QRISK3 and SCORE correlated equally with cIMT within both populations. However, SCORE correlation with cIMT was found to be significantly lower in patients with IBD when compared to controls (Spearman's Rho 0.715 vs. 0.587, p = 0.034). Discrimination analysis of both calculators with carotid plaque was similar within both populations. Nevertheless, in patients with IBD, QRISK3 showed a trend toward a higher discrimination (QRISK3 area under the curve 0.812 (95%CI 0.748-0.875) vs. SCORE 0.790 (95%CI 0.723-0.856), p = 0.051). In conclusion, QRISK3 discrimination for subclinical atherosclerosis is optimal and equivalent to that of SCORE in IBD patients. However, our findings highlight the role of QRISK3 as an appropriate tool for the assessment of CV risk in patients with IBD.

Insulin Resistance Is Not Increased in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients but Is Related to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) has been linked to inflammatory states. The aim of this study was to determine whether IR is increased in a cohort of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with low disease activity. We additionally intended to establish which factors were the determinants of IR in this population, including the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: Cross-sectional study encompassing 151 IBD patients and 174 non-diabetic controls. Insulin and C-peptide serum levels and IR and beta cell function (%B) indices based on homoeostatic model assessment (HOMA2) were assessed in patients and controls. Liver stiffness as measured by transient elastography, and the presence of NAFLD detected via ultrasound were additionally assessed. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to evaluate the differences in IR indexes between patients and controls, and to determine which predictor factors were associated with IR in IBD patients. RESULTS: Neither HOMA2-IR (beta coef. -0.26 {95%CI -0.64-0.13}, p = 0.19) nor HOMA2-%B (beta coef. 15 {95%CI -14-44}, p = 0.31) indexes differed between patients and controls after fully multivariable analysis. Among classic IR risk factors, obesity, abdominal circumference, and triglycerides significantly and positively correlated with IR indexes in IBD patients. However, most features related to IBD, such as disease patterns, disease activity, and inflammatory markers, were not associated with IR. The presence of NAFLD was independently and significantly associated with beta cell dysfunction in patients with IBD (HOMA2-B grade 4, 251 ± 40 vs. grade 1, 107 ± 37, p = <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: IR is not increased in IBD patients with low disease activity compared to controls. However, the presence of NAFLD favors the development of IR in patients with IBD.

Incidence, Clinical Characteristics and Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Spain: Large-Scale Epidemiological Study.

(1) Aims: To assess the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Spain, to describe the main epidemiological and clinical characteristics at diagnosis and the evolution of the disease, and to explore the use of drug treatments. (2) Methods: Prospective, population-based nationwide registry. Adult patients diagnosed with IBD-Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) or IBD unclassified (IBD-U)-during 2017 in Spain were included and were followed-up for 1 year. (3) Results: We identified 3611 incident cases of IBD diagnosed during 2017 in 108 hospitals covering over 22 million inhabitants. The overall incidence (cases/100,000 person-years) was 16 for IBD, 7.5 for CD, 8 for UC, and 0.5 for IBD-U; 53% of patients were male and median age was 43 years (interquartile range = 31-56 years). During a median 12-month follow-up, 34% of patients were treated with systemic steroids, 25% with immunomodulators, 15% with biologics and 5.6% underwent surgery. The percentage of patients under these treatments was significantly higher in CD than UC and IBD-U. Use of systemic steroids and biologics was significantly higher in hospitals with high resources. In total, 28% of patients were hospitalized (35% CD and 22% UC patients, p < 0.01). (4) Conclusion: The incidence of IBD in Spain is rather high and similar to that reported in Northern Europe. IBD patients require substantial therapeutic resources, which are greater in CD and in hospitals with high resources, and much higher than previously reported. One third of patients are hospitalized in the first year after diagnosis and a relevant proportion undergo surgery.

Carotid Plaque Assessment Reclassifies Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease into Very-High Cardiovascular Risk.

The addition of carotid ultrasound into cardiovascular (CV) risk scores has been found to be effective in identifying patients with chronic inflammatory diseases at high-CV risk. We aimed to determine if its use would facilitate the reclassification of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) into the very high-CV-risk category and whether this may be related to disease features. In this cross-sectional study encompassing 186 IBD patients and 175 controls, Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), disease activity measurements, and the presence of carotid plaques by ultrasonography were assessed. Reclassification was compared between patients and controls. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to evaluate if the risk of reclassification could be explained by disease-related features and to assess the influence of traditional CV risk factors on this reclassification. After evaluation of carotid ultrasound, a significantly higher frequency of reclassification was found in patients with IBD compared to controls (35% vs. 24%, p = 0.030). When this analysis was performed only on subjects included in the SCORE low-CV-risk category, 21% IBD patients compared to 11% controls (p = 0.034) were reclassified into the very high-CV-risk category. Disease-related data, including disease activity, were not associated with reclassification after fully multivariable regression analysis. Traditional CV risk factors showed a similar influence over reclassification in patients and controls. However, LDL-cholesterol disclosed a higher effect in controls compared to patients (beta coef. 1.03 (95%CI 1.02-1.04) vs. 1.01 (95%CI 1.00-1.02), interaction p = 0.035) after adjustment for confounders. In conclusion, carotid plaque assessment is useful to identify high-CV risk IBD patients.

Usefulness of magnetic resonance enterography in the clinical decision-making process for patients with inflammatory bowel disease / Utilidad de la enterografía por resonancia magnética en la toma de decisiones clínicas en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) diagnosis on clinical decision-making regarding treatment choice and maintenance of treatment over time in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: A cohort of patients who underwent MRE for IBD assessment between 2011 and 2014 was analyzed. From clinical records, we retrospectively retrieved their demographic data and clinical data on their IBD at the time of MRE, the results of MRE and the patient's clinical course. Medical management decisions made during the three months following MRE and at the 15-month follow-up were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 474 MREs were reviewed. In the first three-month period, MRE results led to changes in the medical management of 266 patients (56.1%). Of those, maintenance therapy was altered in 140 patients (68.3%) (90.7% step-up and 9.3% top-down strategy), 65 (24.4%) were prescribed a course of steroids and 61 (22.9%) underwent surgery. MRE confirmed a CD diagnosis in 14/41 patients (34.1%) previously diagnosed with indeterminate colitis or ulcerative colitis and in 4/18 patients (22.2%) with suspected IBD. At the 15-month follow-up, treatment remained unchanged in 289 patients (65.8%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MRE is a diagnostic tool that provides valid information for the clinical-decision making process for patients with CD

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto del diagnóstico de la enterografía por resonancia magnética (ERM) en la toma de decisiones clínicas con respecto a la elección del tratamiento y el mantenimiento del mismo a lo largo del tiempo en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII). MÉTODOS: Se analizó una cohorte de pacientes que se sometieron a ERM para la evaluación de EII entre 2011 y 2014. De los registros clínicos recuperamos retrospectivamente sus datos demográficos y datos clínicos sobre su EII en el momento de la ERM, los resultados de la ERM y la evolución clínica del paciente. Se evaluaron las decisiones de manejo médico tomadas durante los 3 meses posteriores a la ERM y a los 15 meses de seguimiento. RESULTADOS: Se revisaron 474 ERM. En el primer período de 3 meses, los resultados de la ERM llevaron a cambios en el manejo médico en 266 pacientes (56,1%). De ellos, se modificó el tratamiento de mantenimiento en 140 (68,3%) pacientes (se escaló en el 90,7% y top-down en el 9,3%), 65 (24,4%) recibieron un curso de esteroides y 61 (22,9%) se sometieron a cirugía. La ERM confirmó un diagnóstico de enfermedad de Crohn (EC) en 14/41 pacientes (34,1%) diagnosticados previamente con colitis indeterminada o colitis ulcerosa y en 4/18 pacientes (22,2%) con sospecha de EII. A los 15 meses de seguimiento, el tratamiento se mantuvo sin cambios en 289 (65,8%) pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: Estos resultados sugieren que la ERM es una herramienta de diagnóstico que proporciona información válida para el proceso de toma de decisiones clínicas para pacientes con EC

Factores predictores de la respuesta clínica al tratamiento con anti-TNF en colitis ulcerosa: ¿qué hemos aprendido de nuestros pacientes? / No disponible

INTRODUCCIÓN: los inhibidores del factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (anti-TNF) son fármacos eficaces en el tratamiento de la colitis ulcerosa (CU) moderada-grave. Sin embargo, muchos pacientes no responden o tienen una pérdida de respuesta terapéutica durante el seguimiento. OBJETIVO: analizar los factores que determinan la respuesta clínica a los anti-TNF en la CU. MÉTODOS: estudio multicéntrico retrospectivo en 79 pacientes con CU que iniciaron tratamiento con anti-TNF entre 2009 y 2015. El criterio de valoración principal fue la remisión clínica (índice pMayo ≤ 1) a los 12 meses. Asimismo, se analizaron la remisión y respuesta clínica (índice pMayo final ≤ 3) y la retirada de corticoides a los tres, seis y 12 meses. Se realizó análisis para identificar las variables predictoras de respuesta clínica. RESULTADOS: a los 12 meses, presentó remisión y respuesta clínica el 59,2 % y el 77,8 % de los pacientes, respectivamente. Se consiguió retirar los corticoides en el 82,4 % de los pacientes. A los 12 meses, la retirada de corticoides (< 3 meses) (OR 0,06; IC 95 %: 0,01-0,24) y la respuesta clínica a los seis meses (OR 0,008; IC 95 %: 0,001-0,053) fueron factores predictivos independientes de remisión clínica. CONCLUSIÓN: en pacientes con CU activa tratados con anti-TNF, la retirada de los corticoides en los primeros tres meses y la respuesta clínica a los seis meses de iniciado el tratamiento predicen la remisión clínica de la enfermedad

No disponible

Predictive factors of clinical response to treatment with anti-TNF agents in ulcerative colitis: what have we learned from our patients?

INTRODUCTION: inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFs) are effective drugs for the treatment of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC). However, many patients do not respond or lose therapeutic response during follow-up. OBJECTIVES: to analyze the determining factors of clinical response to anti-TNFs in UC. METHODS: a multicenter retrospective study was performed in 79 patients with UC who started treatment with anti-TNFs between 2009 and 2015. The primary endpoint was clinical remission (pMayo index ≤ 1) at 12 months. Furthermore, remission and clinical response (final pMayo score ≤ 3) and corticoids discontinuation were assessed at three, six and 12 months. An analysis was performed to identify variables predictive of clinical response. RESULTS: at 12 months, remission and clinical response were seen in 59.2 % and 77.8 % of patients, respectively. Corticoids could be discontinued in 82.4 % of patients. At 12 months, corticoids discontinuation (< 3 months) (OR 0.06; 95 % CI: 0.01-0.24) and clinical response at six months (OR 0.008; 95 % CI: 0.001-0.053) were independent factors predictive of clinical remission. CONCLUSION: in patients with active UC on anti-TNFs, corticoid discontinuation within three months and clinical response at six months after treatment onset are predictive of clinical disease remission.

Usefulness of magnetic resonance enterography in the clinical decision-making process for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) diagnosis on clinical decision-making regarding treatment choice and maintenance of treatment over time in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: A cohort of patients who underwent MRE for IBD assessment between 2011 and 2014 was analyzed. From clinical records, we retrospectively retrieved their demographic data and clinical data on their IBD at the time of MRE, the results of MRE and the patient's clinical course. Medical management decisions made during the three months following MRE and at the 15-month follow-up were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 474 MREs were reviewed. In the first three-month period, MRE results led to changes in the medical management of 266 patients (56.1%). Of those, maintenance therapy was altered in 140 patients (68.3%) (90.7% step-up and 9.3% top-down strategy), 65 (24.4%) were prescribed a course of steroids and 61 (22.9%) underwent surgery. MRE confirmed a CD diagnosis in 14/41 patients (34.1%) previously diagnosed with indeterminate colitis or ulcerative colitis and in 4/18 patients (22.2%) with suspected IBD. At the 15-month follow-up, treatment remained unchanged in 289 patients (65.8%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MRE is a diagnostic tool that provides valid information for the clinical-decision making process for patients with CD.

Atención espiritual en cuidados paliativos. Valoración y vivencia de los usuarios / Spiritual needs in palliative care. Users assesment and experience

Introducción Es importante la atención de las necesidades espirituales de pacientes y familiares para vivir un proceso de final de la vida de calidad. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar cómo perciben los pacientes y los cuidadores principales de una unidad de cuidados paliativos la atención espiritual recibida y compararla entre grupos: paciente, cuidador durante ingreso y cuidador en seguimiento. Método Descriptivo comparativo de corte transversal mediante cuestionario ad hoc (ítems sobre estado emocional, medida de atención espiritual recibida y otros recursos), sobre una población de 219 usuarios de una unidad de cuidados paliativos donde existe servicio de atención espiritual. Criterios de entrada: al menos 2 días de ingreso y un primer contacto con el agente espiritual, sin deterioro cognitivo, que aceptara participar y que pudiera responder. Participantes Se preseleccionaron 145 usuarios, la muestra final fue de 66 usuarios (tasa de respuesta 45,5%), 56 (84,8%) pacientes oncológicos; 38 (57,6%) mujeres y 28 (42,4%) hombres. Media de edad 76 años (desviación típica 9). Tasa de respuesta; pacientes 36,7% (11), cuidadores de ingresados 44,9% (22) y cuidadores en seguimiento 50% (33). Razones de rechazo: 83,5% (66) negativa a participar, 8,9% (10) no contactados y 3,8% (3) el familiar no lo permite. Resultados La atención espiritual ayuda al 88% a sentirse esperanzado, al 83% confortado, al 79,1% a encontrar significado y al 73,4% a comprender el sentido. El 95,2% valora la atención espiritual necesaria en la enfermedad. Conclusión Aunque el intento de cuantificar la atención espiritual reduce sustancialmente su valor nuestros datos apoyan la hipótesis de que una atención espiritual adecuada mejora la calidad de la vivencia de la fase terminal de la vida y el afrontamiento de la muerte influyendo positivamente sobre el paciente y los familiares (AU)

Introduction Attention to the spiritual needs of patients and caregivers is important in the end of life quality care process. This study aims to assess perception of spiritual care received by patients and main caregivers in a palliative care unit, and to compare this between groups: patient, caregiver during admission, and caregiver in follow-up. Method A descriptive comparative cross-sectional study, using an ad hoc questionnaire (items on emotional state, received spiritual attention and other resources), on a population of 219 users of a palliative care unit with a spiritual care service. Entry criteria: at least two days of admission, a first contact with the spiritual care provider, without cognitive impairment, agreement to participate, and able to respond. Participants A total 145 users were preselected, with a final sample of 66 people (45.5% response rate); 56 (84.8%) were oncology patients; 38 (57.6%) women and 28 (42.4%) men. The mean age was 76 years (standard deviation, 9). Response rate; 36.7% patients (11), caregivers of admitted patients, 44.9% (22) and caregivers of follow up patients, 50% (33). Reasons for rejection: 83.5% (66) refusal to participate, 8.9% (10) not contacted, and 3.8% (3) family did not allow it. Results Spiritual care helped 88% to feel hopeful, 83% comforted, 79.1% to find meaning, and 73.4% to understand the meaning. Al most all (95.2%) valued spiritual care in disease as necessary. Conclusion Although the attempt to quantify the spiritual care substantially reduces its value, our data support the hypothesis that appropriate spiritual care improves the quality of the end of life stage experience and coping with death, and positively influences patient and family members (AU)

Seguimiento a largo plazo de pacientes con ectasia vascular del antro gástrico tratados mediante coagulación con argón plasma / Long-term follow-up of patients with gastric antral vascular ectasia treated with argon plasma coagulation

Fundamento y objetivo: La APC (argon plasma coagulation coagulación con argón plasma ) es actualmente el método más utilizado para tratamiento endoscópico de la GAVE (gastric antral vascular ectasia ectasia vascular antral gástrica ) por su fácil uso y sus bajas tasas de complicaciones. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la efectividad y la seguridad de la APC en el tratamiento de la GAVE. Material y método: Se revisaron retrospectivamente los pacientes con GAVE tratados con APC y con seguimiento superior a 24 meses. Resultados: Se incluyó a 18 pacientes (edad media de 67,16 DE: 13,53 años), 11 de éstos eran mujeres. Cinco pacientes se presentaron como hemorragias agudas y 13 como anemia crónica. La eliminación de la GAVE se consiguió en una media de 3,38 de 1 a 4 sesiones por paciente. No hubo complicaciones mayores. Hubo 5 hemorragias leves y 11 epigastralgias autolimitadas durante el tratamiento. En 2 pacientes con hipergastrinemia basal se desarrollaron pólipos hiperplásicos. Siete pacientes (39%) recidivaron: 3 hemorragias antes de 12 meses y 4 anemias después de 12 meses. No se encontraron diferencias entre los pacientes que presentaron recidivas y los que no presentaron recidivas. Conclusión: La APC es una técnica efectiva y segura en el tratamiento de la GAVE. Las recidivas clínicas y endoscópicas aumentan con el paso del tiempo, por lo que es necesaria la monitorización clínica y analítica de estos pacientes (AU)

Background and objective. Due to its easy use and low complication rates, argon plasma coagulation (APC) it is most common method of endoscopic treatment for gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). We analyze both the long term effectiveness of APC for the treatment of GAVE and its side effects. Material and methods: A retrospective review of GAVE patients treated with APC and followed up for a minimum of 24 months was done. Results: Eighteen patients (mean age 67,16±13,53; 11 women) were included. Five initially presented with acute bleeding and 13 with anemia. GAVE eradication was achieved over 3.38±1,4 sessions per patient. There were no major complications. Five patients had mild bleeding and 11 complained of abdominal pain, that was self-limited during treatment. Seven patients relapsed (39%); 3 of them with melenae and 4 with anemia. Two patients with hypergastrinemia developed hyperplastic polyps. No differences were found between relapsers and non-relapsers. Conclusions: APC is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of GAVE. The recurrence rates increase gradually over time. Early action on recurrence would require improved clinical follow-up and blood test monitoring (AU)