Feagan, Brian G.

Abstract Background and Aims Over 10% of patients with Crohn’s disease require permanent ileostomy. We aimed to summarize the existing data on diagnosis, definitions of recurrence, and management of Crohn’s disease patients with permanent ileostomy. Methods MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception to February 6, 2024. Randomized controlled trials, cohort and cross-sectional studies, and case series of more than 5 patients reporting on postoperative recurrence or the need for surgery in patients with Crohn’s disease and permanent ileostomy were included. Search results were independently screened, and full text of all titles meeting eligibility criteria was obtained. Outcomes of interest included diagnostic techniques, recurrence definitions, and management approaches. We estimated pooled rates (with 95% confidence interval [CI]) of recurrence. Results Thirty cohort studies including 2055 Crohn’s patients with permanent ileostomy were included (53% female, median age at the time of ileostomy creation 32 years, the most common reason for ileostomy was refractory disease). The postoperative recurrence rate was 27% (95% CI, 21.3–33.3, 26 studies, 451/1805 patients). Modalities for diagnosis of Crohn’s disease recurrence were symptoms (15 studies), endoscopy (4 studies), histology from endoscopic biopsies (2 studies), imaging (5 studies), and surgery (22 studies). The reported definitions of recurrence for each modality were heterogeneous. Conclusions There is a lack of standardized monitoring tools and criteria for diagnosing recurrence in patients with Crohn’s disease and permanent ileostomy. The results of this systematic review will form the basis of a global expert recommendation exercise focused on developing management standards and trial endpoints for this condition.

Abstract Background Crohn’s disease (CD) treatment is associated with increased risks of infection and malignancies. Although the safety of certolizumab pegol (CZP) is well established, long-term data from community-based observational studies are lacking. Aim This study aimed to evaluate long-term safety outcomes of patients from the SECURE registry receiving CZP relative to other CD treatments, including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics. The primary outcome of this observational study was the evaluation of malignancies. Methods Adult patients with CD were prospectively monitored for up to 8 years. Pre-specified data were collected for all enrolled patients. Adverse events of interest (AEoIs) were reported per 100 patient-years (PY) of exposure. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated for AEoIs using multivariate regression analysis accounting for exposure to multiple treatments. Malignancies reported after any exposure to CZP were attributed to CZP. Post-hoc analyses were conducted to evaluate non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), lymphoma, and pregnancy outcomes. Results A total of 3072 patients were enrolled in the study. The risk of AEoIs was similar between patients with only CZP exposure versus comparator exposure. Among patients with any CZP exposure, there was a higher frequency of serious infections (IRR: 2.56 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.00, 3.29]) and hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reactions (IRR: 4.11 [95% CI: 1.80, 9.38]) versus patients with comparator exposure. Malignancy rates were similar across groups; however, concomitant use of thiopurines was associated with higher odds of NMSC (odds ratio: 2.30 [95% CI: 1.09, 4.89]). Most cases of lymphoma (5/7) occurred in patients with exposure to thiopurines. Pregnancy outcomes were similar across groups. Conclusions No new safety signals were identified for CZP; the use of thiopurines was identified as a risk factor for NMSC. Trial registration NCT00844285.

Abstract Background Histologic inflammation persists in up to 1/4 of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) despite endoscopic mucosal healing. Histologic and combined endoscopic-histologic endpoints are evolving measures of treatment efficacy in CD; however, the impact of histologic healing on long-term outcomes and disease progression is unknown. Week (W) 52 data comparing mirikizumab (Miri) vs placebo (PBO) in the randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, treat-through Phase 3 VIVID-1 trial in patients with moderately-to-severely active CD (NCT03926130) were reported previously.1 Methods The main objective was to evaluate the association of W12 histologic response and W12 histologic remission with W52 clinical and endoscopic outcomes in VIVID-1. Two biopsy specimens from each of 5 intestinal segments (1 ileal and 4 colonic) were obtained from the edge of the ulcers, or the most inflamed mucosa from randomized patients at screening, W12, and W52. All analyses were post hoc and among patients with active histologic disease (defined as a Robarts Histopathology Index >0 and a Global Histologic Disease Activity Score >0) at baseline. Results At W12, treatment with Miri resulted in statistically significantly higher rates of achieving histologic response and histologic remission vs. PBO (Figure). At W12, 62.1% of patients had agreement (k=0.27 [fair]) between histologic response and endoscopic response, with a greater percentage achieving histologic over endoscopic response (59.0% vs. 38.8%)*. Significantly greater proportions of patients who achieved histologic response at W12 also achieved histologic response, histologic remission, endoscopic response, endoscopic remission, combined CDAI (Crohn’s Disease Activity Index) remission and endoscopic response, and normalisation of faecal calprotectin levels ≤250 µg/g and ≤150 µg/g at W52 (Table). Similar associations were observed between W12 histologic remission and W52 outcomes. Conclusion Histologic response seems to be an early objective sign of anti-inflammatory response and was significantly associated with one-year endoscopic and histologic outcomes, as well as biomarker normalisation. *Observed data References 1.Jairath V, et al. Presented at: UEGW 2024. OP131.

Abstract Background and study aims There is limited consensus on the optimal method for measuring disease severity in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). We aimed to systematically review the operating properties of existing endoscopic severity indices for FAP. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to February 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that utilized endoscopic outcomes or studies that evaluated the operating properties of endoscopic disease severity indices in FAP. Results A total of 134 studies were included. We evaluated scoring indices and component items of scoring indices, such as polyp count, polyp size, and histology. Partial validation was observed for polyp count and size. The most commonly reported scoring index was the Spigelman classification system, which was used for assessing the severity of duodenal involvement. A single study reported almost perfect interobserver and intra-observer agreement for this system. The InSIGHT polyposis staging system, which was used for assessing colorectal polyp burden, has been partially validated. It showed substantial interobserver reliability; however, the intra-observer reliability was not assessed. Novel criteria for high-risk gastric polyps have been developed and assessed for interobserver reliability. However, these criteria showed a poor level of agreement. Other scoring indices assessing the anal transition zone, duodenal, and colorectal polyps have not undergone validation. Conclusions There are no fully validated endoscopic disease severity indices for FAP. Development and validation of a reliable and responsive endoscopic disease severity instrument will be informative for clinical care and RCTs of pharmacological therapies for FAP.

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)–associated peripheral spondyloarthritis (pSpA) decreases quality of life and remains poorly understood. Given the prevalence of this condition and its negative impact, it is surprising that evidence-based disease definitions and diagnostic strategies are lacking. This systematic review summarizes available data to facilitate development and validation of diagnostics, patient-reported outcomes, and imaging indices specific to this condition. Methods A literature search was conducted. Consensus or classification criteria, case series, cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials related to diagnosis were included. Results A total of 44 studies reporting data on approximately 1500 patients with pSpA were eligible for analysis. Data quality across studies was only graded as fair to good. Due to large heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not possible. The majority of studies incorporated patient-reported outcomes and a physical examination. A total of 13 studies proposed or validated screening tools, consensus, classification, or consensus criteria. A total of 28 studies assessed the role of laboratory tests, none of which were considered sufficiently accurate for use in diagnosis. A total of 17 studies assessed the role of imaging, with the available literature insufficient to fully endorse any imaging modality as a robust diagnostic tool. Conclusions This review highlights existing inconsistency and lack of a clear diagnostic approach for IBD-associated pSpA. Given the absence of an evidence-based approach, a combination of existing criteria and physician assessment should be utilized. To address this issue comprehensively, our future efforts will be directed toward pursuit of a multidisciplinary approach aimed at standardizing evaluation and diagnosis of IBD-associated pSpA.

Abstract Background Regulatory guidance for Crohn’s disease trials recommends coprimary efficacy end points that evaluate both symptoms and mucosal inflammation. We aimed to characterize the operating properties of commonly used disease activity assessments alone and in combination. Methods Endoscopic and clinical data were available for 129 participants from the Study of Biologic and Immunomodulator Naïve Patients in Crohn’s Disease trial. Readers scored the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease and the Crohn’s Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity using standardized conventions. Index reliability was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients. Index responsiveness was assessed using standardized effect sizes based upon treatment assignment. Outcomes were evaluated for optimal sensitivity to treatment effect. Results Substantial inter-rater reliability was observed when the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease and Crohn’s Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity were used as continuous measures (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50-0.73; and 0.62 95% CI, 0.36-0.77) compared with moderate reliability when dichotomized (0.46; 95% CI, 0.26-0.65; and 0.51; 95% CI, 0.00-0.78). The Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease, Crohn’s Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity, patient-reported outcome-2, and Crohn’s Disease Activity Index were similarly responsive (standardized effect size, 0.43, 95% CI, 0.05-0.81; 0.38, 95% CI, 0.0-0.76; 0.53, 95% CI, 0.15-0.91). A composite outcome of Crohn’s Disease Activity Index score <150 and Crohn’s Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity score <6 was most sensitive to treatment effect (28.9%; 95% CI, 11.0%-46.8%; P = .003). Conclusion Endoscopic indices were more reliable as continuous measures. Composite outcomes including endoscopy improved sensitivity to treatment effect.

Summary Background Stricturing Crohn's disease (CD) occurs most commonly in the terminal ileum and poses a clinical problem. Cross‐sectional imaging modalities such as intestinal ultrasound (IUS), computed tomography enterography (CTE), and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) allow for assessment of the entire bowel wall and associated peri‐enteric findings. Radiologic definitions of strictures have been developed for CTE and MRE; their reliability and responsiveness are being evaluated in index development programs. A comprehensive assessment strategy for strictures using IUS is needed. Aims To provide a detailed summary of definitions, diagnosis and monitoring of strictures on IUS as well as technical aspects of image acquisition. Methods We searched four databases up to 6 January 2024. Two‐stage screening was done in duplicate. We assessed risk of bias using QUADAS‐2. Results There were 56 studies eligible for inclusion. Definitions for strictures on IUS are heterogeneous, but the overall accuracy for diagnosis of strictures is high. The capability of IUS for characterising inflammation versus fibrosis in strictures is not accurate enough to be used in clinical practice or trials. We summarise definitions for improvement of strictures on IUS, and discuss parameters for image acquisition and standardisation. Conclusions This systematic review is the first step for a structured program to develop a stricture IUS index for CD.