Exabis Library

Educational Objectives:

1. Reminder: why nutrition in IBD?
2. How to best deliver nutritional care in IBD: MDT
3. Seeing this through the lens of an adult IBD dietitian
4. Lessons learned from treating adults/elderly with IBD
5. Psychological challenged with nutritional therapy
6. MDT from both our points of view
7. D-ECCO – who we are and what’s in it for you?
    

Summary:

As PIBD specialists we are all aware of the importance and potential of nutritional therapy in IBD, but how is this best delivered?

This presentation, by a dietitian and physician, who are members of the Dietitians of ECCO (D-ECCO) committee, will include our views and experience with managing nutrition in IBD, through a multidisciplinary team. We will mention how to advocate and setup a successful team and highlight some specific settings where an MDT is especially critical, such as peri-surgical care. Lessons learned from treating the elderly IBD population, and the interesting parallels to paediatrics, will be discussed. Finally, we will explain why and how you should get your team involved in D-ECCO activities.

Although respiratory failure is the hallmark of severe disease, it is increasingly clear that Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multi-system disorder. The presence of gastrointestinal (Gl) involvement by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been suggested by epidemiological, clinical, non-human primate, in-vitro (enteroid) and ex-vivo (human biopsy) studies. Having recently documented persistence of SAR-CoV-2 within the intestinal epithelium 7 months after infection, here we aimed to study mucosal immune cell abnormalities in individuals with prior history of COVID-19.

Individuals with previous COVID-19 diagnosis (by either RT–PCR or seroconversion) and controls (without RT-PCR or serological evidence of prior COVID-19 infection) undergoing endoscopic evaluation were recruited into the study (Table 1,2). Colonic and small intestinal (duodenal and ileal) biopsies were analyzed by multiparameter flow cytometry for mucosal immune cell populations including myeloid cells (classical and non-classical monocytes, dendritic cell subsets), T cells (subsets and activation state), B cells (including plasma cells). Persistence of viral antigens was determined by immunofluorescence microscopy (n=30) using a previously published anti-nucleocapsid (NP) antibody.

Thirty subjects with a previous history of COVID-19 (post-COVID), median of 4 months from diagnosis (range 1-10 months), were recruited and compared with 40 normal volunteer (NV) controls. Relative to controls, post-COVID subjects displayed higher frequencies of classical (CD14⁺) monocytes in both, the colon and the small bowel, while significantly higher frequencies of conventional dendritic cells (cDC) 1 (lin^-HLA-DR^hiCD14^-CD11c⁺CD141⁺) and cDC2 (lin-HLA^-DR^hiCD14^--CD11c⁺CD1c⁺) were noted in the colon only. Among T cell subsets, CD8⁺ tissue resident memory T cells (CD8⁺CD69⁺CD103⁺) were significantly increased in colon of post-COVID subjects compared to NV. Among B cell subsets, plasma cells (CD3^-CD27⁺CD38^hi) trended higher (p=0.06), while mucosal B cells (CD3^-CD19⁺) were significantly lower in the terminal ileum of post-COVID subjects compared to NV. Finally, with IF, we detected SARS-CoV-2 NP in 10 out of 30 (33%) of post-COVID subjects (Figure 1).  There were no significant correlations of these cell populations with either time after the infection or IF positivity.

Innate and adaptive immune cell abnormalities persist in the intestinal mucosa of post-COVID subjects for up to 10 months and may reflect viral persistence or immune cell dysregulation in the intestines. These findings have major implications for understanding the pathogenesis of long term sequela of COVID-19, including long-haul COVID. 

Although respiratory failure is the hallmark of severe disease, it is increasingly clear that Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multi-system disorder. The presence of gastrointestinal (Gl) involvement by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been suggested by epidemiological, clinical, non-human primate, in-vitro (enteroid) and ex-vivo (human biopsy) studies. Having recently documented persistence of SAR-CoV-2 within the intestinal epithelium 7 months after infection, here we aimed to study mucosal immune cell abnormalities in individuals with prior history of COVID-19.

Individuals with previous COVID-19 diagnosis (by either RT–PCR or seroconversion) and controls (without RT-PCR or serological evidence of prior COVID-19 infection) undergoing endoscopic evaluation were recruited into the study (Table 1,2). Colonic and small intestinal (duodenal and ileal) biopsies were analyzed by multiparameter flow cytometry for mucosal immune cell populations including myeloid cells (classical and non-classical monocytes, dendritic cell subsets), T cells (subsets and activation state), B cells (including plasma cells). Persistence of viral antigens was determined by immunofluorescence microscopy (n=30) using a previously published anti-nucleocapsid (NP) antibody.

Thirty subjects with a previous history of COVID-19 (post-COVID), median of 4 months from diagnosis (range 1-10 months), were recruited and compared with 40 normal volunteer (NV) controls. Relative to controls, post-COVID subjects displayed higher frequencies of classical (CD14⁺) monocytes in both, the colon and the small bowel, while significantly higher frequencies of conventional dendritic cells (cDC) 1 (lin^-HLA-DR^hiCD14^-CD11c⁺CD141⁺) and cDC2 (lin-HLA^-DR^hiCD14^--CD11c⁺CD1c⁺) were noted in the colon only. Among T cell subsets, CD8⁺ tissue resident memory T cells (CD8⁺CD69⁺CD103⁺) were significantly increased in colon of post-COVID subjects compared to NV. Among B cell subsets, plasma cells (CD3^-CD27⁺CD38^hi) trended higher (p=0.06), while mucosal B cells (CD3^-CD19⁺) were significantly lower in the terminal ileum of post-COVID subjects compared to NV. Finally, with IF, we detected SARS-CoV-2 NP in 10 out of 30 (33%) of post-COVID subjects (Figure 1).  There were no significant correlations of these cell populations with either time after the infection or IF positivity.

Innate and adaptive immune cell abnormalities persist in the intestinal mucosa of post-COVID subjects for up to 10 months and may reflect viral persistence or immune cell dysregulation in the intestines. These findings have major implications for understanding the pathogenesis of long term sequela of COVID-19, including long-haul COVID. 

Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) often experience the problematic and burdensome symptom of fatigue, both during periods of relapse and remission. The optimal management of fatigue in IBD is uncertain, however there is evidence suggesting that physical activity is likely to be a beneficial way of managing the symptom. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between fatigue and objective measurements of both physical activity metrics and varying intensities of physical activity for individuals with IBD.

A multi-centred, European, cross-sectional, correlational study was employed. A consecutive sample of 187 patients with Crohn’s disease (59%) or ulcerative colitis (41%) were recruited from six IBD centres in the Republic of Ireland (42%), United Kingdom (40%) and Denmark (18%). Fatigue was measured using the IBD-Fatigue (IBD-F) scale, including both the level of fatigue (IBD-F, Section 1) and impact of fatigue (IBD-F, Section 2). Physical activity was objectively measured using scientifically validated triaxial accelerometers (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT) during seven consecutive days.

A moderate level of fatigue (IBD-F Section 1 Md (IQR) = 10 (6 – 13)), predominantly intermittent in nature (72%) was reported by participants (57.4% female; 59% Crohn’s disease; 43% active disease). Participants self-reported sleeping an average of 8.7 hours over the seven nights. During the week, the intensity of activity was predominantly sedentary (Md 5 days, 22 hours, 20 minutes) or light (Md 19 hours, 35 minutes). The median moderate-to-vigorous intensity of physical activity per day was 32.2 minutes and step count over the week was 47052 steps. There was no evidence of a unique linear or non-linear relationship between each of the objective measurements of physical activity with IBD-related fatigue. This lack of evidence extended separately to patients in remission and to patients with active disease. These findings are in the context of a statistically significant moderately-strong relationship between disease activity (measured using both HBI and SCCAI) and level of fatigue for both patients of Crohn’s disease (r_s = .327, p = .001, n = 96) and ulcerative colitis (r_s = .353, p = .003, n = 71).

This large multi-centred study shows no association between objective measurements of physical activity and IBD-fatigue. These findings suggest that engaging or not engaging in physical activity has no differential impact on self-assessment of fatigue.

Subcutaneous (SC) formulations were recently approved for CT-P13 and vedolizumab (VED). No insights in the willingness of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) to switch from intravenous (IV) to SC maintenance therapy with CT-P13 and VED are available. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the percentage of patients with IBD in favour of switching to SC formulations, (2) to define the factors influencing this decision, and (3) to explore the role of the IBD nurse in the process of switching.

This was a monocentric study in patients with IBD on maintenance IV CT-P13 or VED. All patients attending the infusion unit were invited to complete a survey exploring the willingness to switch to SC formulations. Prior to completing the survey, patients were informed on the new SC formulations and the accompanying care pathway. The survey was performed prior to the market introduction of SC CT-P13 and VED. Demographics, patient reported outcomes, willingness to switch and reason for IV vs. SC preferences were captured.

In total, 183 (91%) patients completed the survey (m/f: 84/99; CD/UC/IBD-U: 120/57/6; median age 45 IQR 34-59; remission CD/UC: 67%/75%). The majority of patients preferred switching to SC (56% yes, 12% no, 32% doubt). The main driver to switch was an anticipated decrease in hospital visits (90%); the main reason to continue IV was fear of change (61%). Patients doubting to switch had a lower stool frequency compared with patients making a definite decision (p=0.012). Factors significantly associated with the willingness to switch in the univariate analysis were younger age (p<0.0001), experience with SC therapy (p=0.03), full time work occupancy (p=0.001), younger age at start IV therapy (p=0.001), shorter disease duration (p=0.012), and compliance level (p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis retained younger age as the only independent factor. For patients doubting to switch, an electronic alert (71%), an information brochure (69%), and a personal teaching moment (60%) were recognised as valuable support. An information package should cover patient-focused efficacy and safety data of SC therapy, therapeutic options in case of disease worsening, and practical concerns including information about administrative issues and travelling.

This is the first study exploring the willingness to switch from IV to SC maintenance therapy with CT-P13 and VED in patients with IBD. The majority prefers to switch to a SC formulation, with willingness to switch being most likely in younger patients. Further studies are required to investigate the impact of nurse led interventions on the willingness to switch, patient satisfaction, and treatment compliance.

During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, several patients contacted members of the IBD team with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related questions. Some patients intended to cancel scheduled IBD clinic outpatient visits or endoscopic examinations and/or stop or postpone their medication. We surveyed the need for information by IBD patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the role of the IBD team in this regard.

We performed an anonymous survey at the IBD department of our tertiary referral center. The questionnaire contained 15 closed questions, including on basic demographic data, medication use, testing for COVID-19, information sources, and intention to stop or postpone medication or follow-up. The questionnaire was available to all adult patients attending the IBD outpatient clinic and infusion unit from July 1^st until October 30^th 2020. All questionnaires were collected before the second COVID-19 wave. Patients on subcutaneous medication that did not attend the IBD clinic during these months were contacted via e-mail.

We collected 965 questionnaires. The majority of patients (44.3%) was 18-40 years old. There were more patients with Crohn’s disease (66%) than ulcerative colitis (32%) and IBD unclassified (2%). Demographics and medication use are presented in table 1. A third of the patients (31.7%) was tested for SARS-CoV-2, of whom 8.3% tested positive. Twenty-six percent of patients considered they had higher need for information about COVID-19 than the general population. News websites were a source of information about COVID-19 for 52.5% of patients, followed by hospital websites (43.8%), direct contact with the IBD physician (24.6%), direct contact with the IBD nurse (23.1%), and state sponsored websites (20.9%). In fact, 35.9% of patients contacted the IBD nurse since the start of the pandemic. The majority of patients reported they were satisfied by the information (80.5%) and/or reassured (85%) by the IBD nurse. Ten percent of patients had considered to stop IBD medication due to the pandemic, and 80% of these refrained to do so following the advice of the IBD nurses. Finally, 12.5% of the patients expressed true fear of hospital visits due to the pandemic, which was associated with female gender and higher need for information.

Treatment cessation and anxiety could be avoided by direct interaction with the IBD nurses and in particular with the IBD nurse as first point of contact for the patient. Patients with IBD may profit from an optimized information platform with scientifically correct information addressing the concerns of this specific population.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Nurse Specialists (IBD-CNSs) provide essential therapeutic and emotional support services to patients with often complex disease. The ever-increasing role expectations, treatment modalities and rising patient population places significant demands on IBD-CNSs (Stansfield, 2019), many of whom enter the role soon after qualifying. Posts in the UK-based RCN IBD Nurse Facebook© page suggest stress is high amongst members. Sustaining IBD-CNSs wellbeing is essential for ensuring sustainability of services. Our aim was to explore experiences of being an IBD-CNS in the UK, in order to inform the wider dialogue around workforce and the wellbeing of specialist nurses.    

This hermeneutic phenomenological study used purposive sampling with maximum variation to recruit Band 6-8 IBD-CNSs who currently, or until recently, worked in NHS Trusts across the UK. Data were collected between July and September 2020, via online or telephone interviews. Focussing on personal perceptions, participants were invited to ‘Tell me what it means to be an IBD-CNS’ with follow-up prompts and probes as needed. Diekelmann et al’s (1989) team analysis method was used.  

Twenty-five IBD-CNSs participated [92% Female; Band 6 (n=3), Band 7 (n=10), Band 8 (n=13); 0.5–19 (mean 5.8) years in post; ex-NHS (n=4)]. Two constitutive patterns: 'Giving and receiving support', and 'Developing potential' were revealed, informed by relational themes addressing patients’ needs, service design/delivery challenges, workload, professional development opportunities, and peer support. Junior IBD-CNSs worried more about workload and learning the role, whilst senior nurses often struggled with the shift towards management responsibilities which they were expected to take on often without any managerial skills or training. The IBD-CNS role was often poorly understood by senior service managers, whose level of support varied widely. Some participants had techniques to mitigate against stressors, but there were also limited professional development opportunities especially in senior roles. 

IBD-CNSs are committed to patients, despite an often-burdensome workload. Structural, institutional, and hierarchical issues undermine confidence. Many IBD-CNSs are stressed by mixed messages of delivering an excellent service yet being criticised/under-appreciated by the system. Robust senior support structures lead to better experiences for IBD-CNSs. This work contributes to the UK and global data evidencing the need to pursue strategies which promote wellbeing of all specialist nurses. 

Anal ulcerations are frequently observed in Crohn's disease (CD). Their natural history remains poorly known, especially in pediatric-onset CD. The aims of this study were: to determine in a population-based study the risk of anal ulcerations in pediatric onset CD; to identify risk factors for anal ulcerations; to evaluate the risk of progression towards suppurative lesions; to evaluate the risk factors of progression towards suppurative lesions.

All patients with a diagnosis of CD before the age of 17 years between 1988 and 2011 within the population-based registry EPIMAD were followed retrospectively until 2013. A specific collection of additional data was performed in patients with anal ulcerations at diagnosis or during follow-up. The variables collected included: proctological examination, diagnostic management (perineal MRI, endoscopic ultrasound, examination under general anaesthesia) and treatment (medical or surgical). Multivariate Cox models were used to identify factors associated with anal ulcerations and factors of progression towards suppurative lesions. An adjusted time-dependent Cox model was used to evaluate the risk of progression of anal ulcerations towards suppurative lesions.

1005 patients were included (females, 450 (44.8%); median age at diagnosis 14.4 years (IQR, 12.0-16.1)). 257 (25.6%) had anal ulceration at diagnosis. Cumulative incidence of anal ulceration at 5 and 10 years from diagnosis was 38.4% (CI95%, 35.2-41.4) and 44.0% (CI95%, 40.5-47.2).

The presence of extra-intestinal manifestations (HR 1.46, CI95% 1.19-1.80, p=0.0003) and upper digestive location (HR 1.51, CI95% 1.23-1.86, p<0.0001) at diagnosis were associated with the occurrence of anal ulceration. Conversely, ileal location at diagnosis was associated with a lower risk of anal ulceration (L2 vs L1 HR 1.51, CI95% 1.11-2.06, p=0.0087; L3 vs L1 HR 1.42, CI95% 1.08-1.85, p=0.0116). Among the 352 patients with at least one episode of anal ulceration, 82 (23.3%) developed perianal suppuration after a median follow-up of 5.7 years (IQR, 2.8-10.6). The risk of perianal suppuration was doubled in patients with anal ulceration compared to those who did not have any ulceration (HR 2.0, CI95% 1.45-2.74, p<0.0001).

In patients with anal ulceration, the diagnostic period (before or since the “biologic era”), exposure to immunosuppressants and/or anti-TNF did not influence the risk of perianal suppuration.

Anal ulceration is frequent in pediatric-onset CD, with nearly half of patients presenting with at least one episode after 10 years of evolution. Perianal suppurations are twice as frequent in patients with present or past anal ulceration. These results plead for a proactive therapeutic approach in case of anal ulcerations.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s are both chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, associated with an increased risk of colitis-associated cancer secondary to the longstanding and severe intestinal inflammation. To reduce this risk patients are treated with drugs such as immunomodulators and biologicals. Studies however have shown that these therapies may be associated with an increased risk of extra-intestinal cancers as e.g. haematological malignancies, skin cancer, cervix cancer. Different types of drugs are associated with different types of cancer, e.g. patients treated with thiopurines are at risk of haematological malignancies, such as lymphomas, and non-melanoma skin cancer, whereas a relationship between melanoma and biologicals has been described. Therefore, the benefits and harms must be considered in treatment decision. To reduce the risks of malignancy it is advised temporarily interrupt treatment or restrict the use of certain drugs to a limited time. To avoid skin cancer sun protection and skin surveillance is recommended.

Many neoplastic complications are described in IBD these could be due to the desease or to the treatment. In this presentation we will focus on a case of multiple neuroendocrine tumors in a patient with Crhon's disease.
Educational objectives:
- to know the main neoplastic complications in IBD
- to understand the possible etiology.

1. To review the literature concerning neuroendocrine proliferations in IBD

2. To look at some examples of cases of neuroendocrine tumours

3. To discuss neuroendocrine micronests/microcarcinoids

To understand neuromuscular complications in IBD including secondary / medication induced changes and extraintestinal involvement of neuromuscular system.

In the last week of February 2020 hit Stockholm with increasing number of cases starting to appear at hospitals in the region. This prompted a rapid mobilisation of large scale biobanking and immediate immunological analysis at the Karolinska Institutet with the aim to understand COVID-19 disease pathogenesis. Fairly soon the Karolinska COVID-19 Immune Atlas was launched as an online resource providing scientists rapid access to biological data. In this talk, the research response to the pandemic will be discussed.

Educational objective:
To undertand the role human translational immunological research have in shedding light on disease mechanisms

1) Description of immune pathways that drive inflammation in IBD
2) Discussion of the pathways targeted by current and future therapies
3) review of clinical evidence supporting use of novel therapies (selective Jaki, Sphingosine modulators, anti p19 therapies)
4) Highlight the data on adverse effects of new therapies
5) Stem cell therapies for perianal fistulae
6) Discuss novel formulations of existing agents (low systemic bioavailable steroids)

1. To understand the role of advanced endoscopic technologies for  disease activity and  mucosal healing  assessment  in UC.
2. To review  the new Virtual Electronic Chromoendoscopy 'The PICaSSO''score  in UC and its correlation with histology 
3. To review  the new PICaSSO Histological Remission index in UC and its practicality 
3. To emphasise the implementation  of the  PICaSSO endoscopic  and histological scores into Artificial Intelligence  

Several surgical techniques have been described aiming perianal fistula healing in CD.
In this lecture, we will discuss evidence of the following approaches: advancement flaps, LIFT, anal plug, fibrin glue injection, VAAFS, stem cells, vaccum assisted dressing among others.
There is still no superior technique aiming healing of perianal fistulas in CD.
Treatment should be individualized.

1. Diagnosis of the uncommon mimickers of IBD, which should be morphologically distinguished as treatment is totally different from IBD. The mimickers discussed are infection, drugs, vascular disorders and immune-related disorders.

The characteristic histological features of inflammatory bowel disease are a disturbed crypt architecture, basal plasmocytosis and granulomas. Numerous diseases may clinically as well morphologically mimic IBD. Hence to make a diagnosis of IBD close communication between clinicians and pathologists is essential. Mimics of IBD include SCAD (segmental colitis associated with diverticulitis), diversion colitis, infections, drugs, vascular disorders and immune disorders, of which the latter are less common. In order that the pathologist can make a distinction between these mimics, information about the clinical  history, endoscopy, imaging, microbiology, serology is required. This information as well as subtle histological features may help in this differential diagnostic process. Exclusion of these mimickers is essential as they most commonly require a totally different treatment.