Hashash, Jana G.

Abstract Background An increasing incidence of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) has been reported in many countries. However, the global burden and distribution of this disease remain less understood. We aimed to examine the global epidemiology and trends of PIBD from 1990 to 2019. Methods Data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study, covering 204 countries, were analyzed. We assessed key measures like incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) using linear regression to calculate annual percentage changes and assess trends. Results Between 1990 and 2019, the PIBD incidence rate increased and the DALY rate and mortality rate declined. The incidence rate was notably elevated in the high Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile, reaching 6.3 per 100 000 person-years, corresponding to 13 914 new cases in 2019. Incidence and prevalence of PIBD positively correlated with the SDI, while higher death and DALY burdens were observed in lower-SDI countries. In 2019, the top 5 countries with the highest PIBD incidence rates were Canada (19.9 per 100 000 population), Denmark (12.4 per 100 000 population), Hungary (8.5 per 100 000 population), Austria (8.1 per 100 000 population), and the United States (7.4 per 100 000 population). Several countries experienced significant increases in incidence rates from 1990 to 2019, led by Taiwan (annual percent change 4.2%), followed by China (2.8%), Japan (2.1%), Australia (1.8%), and Hungary (1.6%). Discussion PIBD incidence has significantly increased since 1990. High-SDI countries face higher incidence, while lower-SDI countries experience higher mortality and DALY burdens. The study underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and research to address this emerging public health issue.

Abstract Background Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has shown sustained and clinically significant weight loss in the general population. There are limited data on outcomes of its use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted between June 4, 2021, and December 11, 2023, using TriNetX, a U.S. multi-institutional database in patients with obesity who had IBD compared with patients without IBD. The primary aim was to assess the mean total body weight (TBW) change between 6 and 15 months from initiation of semaglutide compared with baseline between the 2 cohorts. One-to-one (1:1) propensity score matching was performed for demographics, comorbid conditions, smoking status, and mean body mass index. A 2-sample t test was performed to assess mean TBW change from baseline, with a P value <.05 considered to be statistically significant. We also compared the risk of IBD-specific outcomes with and without semaglutide use in patients with IBD. Results Out of 47 424 patients with IBD and obesity, 150 (0.3%) patients were prescribed semaglutide (mean age 47.4 ± 12.2 years; mean TBW 237 ± 54.8 pounds; mean body mass index 36.9 ± 6.5 kg/m2; 66% Crohn’s disease). There was no difference in mean TBW change after initiation of semaglutide in the IBD and non-IBD cohorts (−16 ± 13.4 pounds vs −18 ± 12.7 pounds; P = .24). There was no difference in mean TBW change between 6 and 12 months (−16 ± 13 pounds vs −15 ± 11.2 pounds; P = .24) and 12 and 15 months (−20 ± 13.2 pounds vs −21 ± 15.3 pounds; P = .49) between the 2 cohorts. There was no difference in the risk of oral or intravenous steroid use and any-cause hospitalization in the semaglutide group compared with the group without semaglutide use in patients with IBD. Conclusion Semaglutide use is effective in patients with IBD and obesity similar to patients without IBD, with >5% mean weight loss. There was no increased risk of IBD-specific adverse events with semaglutide use.

Abstract Background Endoscopy scoring is a key component in the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Variability in endoscopic scoring can impact patient trial eligibility and treatment effect measurement. In this study, we examine inter- and intraobserver variability of inflammatory bowel disease endoscopic scoring systems in a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods We included observational studies that evaluated the inter- and intraobserver variability using UC (endoscopic Mayo Score [eMS], Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity [UCEIS]) or CD (Crohn’s Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity [CDEIS], Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease [SES-CD]) systems among adults (≥18 years of age) and were published in English. The strength of agreement was categorized as fair, moderate, good, and very good. Results A total of 6003 records were identified. After screening, 13 studies were included in our analysis. The overall interobserver agreement rates were 0.58 for eMS, 0.66 for UCEIS, 0.80 for CDEIS, and 0.78 for SES-CD. The overall heterogeneity (I2) for these systems ranged from 93.2% to 99.2%. A few studies assessed the intraobserver agreement rate. The overall effect sizes were 0.75 for eMS, 0.87 for UCEIS, 0.89 for CDEIS, and 0.91 for SES-CD. Conclusions The interobserver agreement rates for eMS, UCEIS, CDEIS, and SES-CD ranged from moderate to good. The intraobserver agreement rates for eMS, UCEIS, CDEIS, and SES-CD ranged from good to very good. Solutions to improve interobserver agreement could allow for more accurate patient assessment, leading to richer, more accurate clinical management and clinical trial data.

ABSTRACT Nintedanib is a medication that has been increasingly used for treatment of idiopathic and progressive pulmonary fibrosis. In this case series, we describe 3 patients with colitis symptoms associated with nintedanib use. Nintedanib discontinuation resulted in symptomatic resolution in all patients. Budesonide decreased symptoms in 1 patient. Clinicians should be vigilant in taking a thorough medication history and include nintedanib as a cause for gastrointestinal symptoms including colitis.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of developing respiratory infections. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus with adverse outcomes in older adults. This study aimed to determine whether patients with IBD are at increased risk of a serious infection due to RSV. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study using the multi-institutional research network TriNetX to assess the risk of hospitalization in a cohort of patients with IBD compared with that in a non-IBD control cohort with RSV infection from January 1, 2007, to February 27, 2023. One-to-one (1:1) propensity score matching was performed for demographic variables and RSV risk factors between the 2 cohorts. Risk was expressed as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: There were 794 patients in the IBD-RSV cohort and 93,074 patients in the non–IBD-RSV cohort. The mean age of the IBD-RSV cohort was 55.6 ± 20 years, 59% were female, 80% were White, and 56.9% had Crohn's disease. The IBD-RSV cohort was at an increased risk of hospitalization (aOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.06–1.59). There was no difference in the risk (aOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.58–1.19) of a composite outcome of hospitalization-related complications between the 2 cohorts. Recent systemic corticosteroid use (<3 months) was associated with an increased risk of hospitalization (aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.30–2.59) in the IBD-RSV cohort. DISCUSSION: We found that adult patients with IBD and RSV infection are at an increased risk of hospitalization and may benefit from the new RSV vaccine recommended for adults aged 60 years and older.

Abstract Background Colorectal surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and cirrhosis is associated with high morbidity related to portal hypertension. Thought to reduce surgical risk, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) may be used to decrease portal pressures. In this study, we aimed to characterize surgical outcomes of patients with IBD and cirrhosis who underwent preoperative TIPS at a large tertiary care center. Methods We retrospectively identified patients with IBD and cirrhosis who had undergone TIPS between 2010-2023 for portal decompression prior to colorectal surgery. All other indications for TIPS led to patient exclusion. Demographic and medical data was collected, including surgical indication and portal pressure measurement. Data on surgical outcomes were compiled through chart review. Results We identified 10 patients (60% male) with IBD and history of decompensated cirrhosis who underwent preoperative TIPS for portal decompression (Table 1). Surgical indications were colonic dysplasia (50%), refractory IBD (50%), and stenosis or stricture (30%). All patients were deemed nonsurgical candidates due to significant surgical risk from portal hypertension. Following multidisciplinary coordination, patients underwent TIPS for portal decompression at a median of 47 days (IQR 34-80) prior to colorectal surgery. TIPS was associated with significant reduction in portal pressure (22.5 vs 18.5mmHg, p&lt;0.01) and portosystemic gradient (12.5 vs 5.5mmHg, p&lt;0.01) in all patients. Of 10 patients, 30% had TIPS-related complications (transient fluid overload and encephalopathy). In terms of surgical complications, 40% of patients required intraoperative blood transfusion (range: 1-4 units). Postoperatively, 30% of patients had surgical site bleeding and 10% had wound dehiscence, although none required reoperation. Systemic complications occurred in 30% of patients, with systemic signs of infection being the most common. Transaminitis (50%) and coagulopathy (40%) were also common. Median hospital stay was 7 days (IQR 5.5-9.3), with 40% of patients being readmitted within 30 days. Most common cause of readmission was systemic infection (75%), abdominal abscess (50%), or electrolyte abnormality (50%), with one patient requiring reoperation for wound dehiscence. Ninety-day and 1-year survival was 100% and 90% respectively. Conclusion In our series of patients with IBD and cirrhosis requiring surgery but deemed nonsurgical candidates, preoperative TIPS lead to portal decompression and facilitated successful surgical intervention despite heightened risk. Nevertheless, significant operative and postoperative complications were noted. Future studies are needed to determine optimal surgical timing following TIPS placement.

Abstract Introduction Crohn’s disease (CD) with short bowel syndrome (SBS) can present as chronic intestinal failure (CIF) often requiring nutritional support. Teduglutide is a treatment option for these patients. We investigated clinical outcomes of CD-CIF patients with SBS treated with teduglutide. Methods Adults with CD-CIF and SBS who received teduglutide were identified at a tertiary care academic center between 2012 and 2023. Data was collected retrospectively. Primary outcome measured was reduction in parenteral support (PS) by ≥20% volume, with PS defined as utilization of parenteral nutrition (PN) or intravenous fluids (IVF). Several secondary outcomes included immunosuppressive medication changes, subjective symptom improvement, and stool output. Results We identified 32 patients with CD-CIF and SBS receiving teduglutide. Comparing clinical outcomes before and after teduglutide, 26 of 32 patients achieved the primary outcome of ≥20% PS reduction. A decrease was seen in patients requiring PN + IVF, with corresponding increases in patients requiring PN only and IVF only. Among all 3 groups, a total of 23 patients received PN prior to teduglutide, which decreased to 14 following teduglutide. Weekly PN volume reduced from 7.00 to 3.55 L and weekly frequency decreased from 7.00 to 3.00 instances (P &lt; .01). Reductions in weekly volume and frequency were observed among all patients receiving IVF support (25 vs 15). Secondary outcomes showed improvement in patient reported subjective symptoms (84.4%), stool output (90.6%), patients meeting criteria for diarrhea/high ostomy output (27 vs 14), and use of unique antidiarrheal medications (3.0 vs 2.0). Conclusions This retrospective case series demonstrated improved clinical outcomes in patients with CD-CIF and SBS treated with teduglutide resulting in decreased PS requirements, antidiarrheal medications requirement, and stool output without significant effects on immunosuppressive therapy.

Abstract Background Recombinant zoster vaccine [RZV] reduces the short-term risk of herpes zoster [HZ] in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. However, there is lack of data regarding the long-term effectiveness in this population. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in adults ≥50 years old using TriNetX database between patients with IBD who received two doses of RZV [IBD-RZV cohort] and patients who did not receive RZV [IBD control cohort]. The primary outcome was risk of incident HZ. One-to-one propensity score matching was performed for demographic parameters, comorbid conditions, and IBD medications. Risk was expressed as adjusted odds ratio [aOR] with 95% confidence intervals [CI]. Results The IBD-RZV cohort [n = 5489; mean age 63.2 ± 9.1 years; 57.2% females] was identified with a mean follow-up of 900.9 days. IBD-RZV cohort had a lower risk of HZ [aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32-0.62] compared with IBD control cohort. The risk of HZ was lower in patients aged 50–65 years [aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.25-0.68] and patients &gt;65 years [aOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42-0.96]. There was a lower risk of HZ in patients with ulcerative colitis [aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.27-0.63] and Crohn’s disease [aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.74] in the IBD-RZV cohort compared with IBD control cohort. Conclusion RZV is associated with a lower long-term risk of HZ in patients ≥50 years old with IBD. Given the widespread availability and safety of RZV, more effective vaccination strategies are needed to improve RZV use in this high-risk population.