bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A188 COMPARING THE PERFORMANCE OF FIBROSIS-4 (FIB-4) AND NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE FIBROSIS SCORE (NFS) WITH FIBROSCAN SCORES IN NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE
Authors: Cox B D , Trasolini R , Galts C , Yoshida E M , Marquez V
Published: February 2020

Background

With the rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on the rise, the necessity of identifying patients at risk of cirrhosis and its complications is becoming ever more important. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for assessing fibrosis, although the costs, risks, and availability prohibit its widespread use for at-risk patients. Fibroscan has proven to be a non-invasive and accurate way of assessing fibrosis, although the availability of this modality is often limited in the primary care setting. The Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Fibrosis Score (NFS) are scoring systems which incorporate commonly measured lab parameters and BMI to predict fibrosis. In this study, we compared FIB-4 and NFS values to fibroscan scores to assess the accuracy of these inexpensive and readily available scoring systems for detecting fibrosis.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine if non-invasive and inexpensive scoring systems (FIB-4 and NFS) can be used to rule out fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with comparable efficacy to fibroscan. Ultimately, we aim to demonstrate that these scoring systems can be used as an alternative to fibroscan in some patients.

Methods

Data was collected from 317 patient charts from the Vancouver General Hepatology Clinic. 93 patients were removed from the study due to insufficient data (missing Fibroscan score or lab work necessary for FIB-4/NFS). For the remaining 224 patients, FIB-4 and NFS were calculated and compared to fibrosis scores both independently and in combination.

Results:

Using a NFS score cut-off of -1.455 and a fibroscan score cut-off of ≥8.7kPa, the NFS had a sensitivity of 71.9%, a specificity of 75%, and a negative predictive value of 94.1%. For a fibroscan score cut-off of ≥8.0kPa, the NFS had a sensitivity of 66.7%, a specificity of 75.7%, and a negative predictive value of 91.5%.

Using a fibroscan score cut-off of ≥8.7kPa, the FIB-4 score had a sensitivity of 53.1%, specificity of 84.9%, and a negative predictive value of 91.6%. For a cut-off of ≥8.0kPa, it had a sensitivity of 51.3%, and 85.9%, and a negative predictive value of 89.3%.

Conclusions:

The NFS and FIB-4 are non-invasive scoring systems that have high sensitivity and negative predictive value for fibrosis when compared to fibroscan scores. These findings suggest that the NFS and FIB-4 can provide adequate reassurance to rule-out fibrosis in select patients, and has promising use in the primary care setting where fibroscan access is often limited.

Funding Agencies

None
A193 GLUTEN-FREE DIET IMPROVES DYSPEPSIA-LIKE SYMPTOMS IN A PILOT STUDY OF PATIENTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Miranda P M , Rueda G H , Calo N , Seiler C , Punthakee Z , Pinto-Sanchez M I , Bercik P
Published: February 2020

Background

Patients with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) often suffer with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, early satiety, nausea and vomiting. T1DM patients are at a higher risk to develop celiac disease, and those patient with both disorders benefit from a gluten-free diet (GFD). However, it is unknown whether GFD has any benefit in patients with T1DM without celiac disease who present with upper GI symptoms.

Aims

To investigate the role of GFD in the management of moderate to severe dyspeptic symptoms in non-celiac patients with T1DM.

Methods

We enrolled adult T1DM patients, in whom celiac disease was ruled out by serology and/or endoscopy, suffering with two or more of upper GI symptoms. The patients were instructed to undergo a strict GFD for a period of 1 month, under supervision of a dietitian. Glycemic levels were monitored by a continuous glucose monitoring device (CGM) for 2 weeks before, and for 2 weeks at the end of the GFD period. Upper GI symptoms, general quality of life, anxiety and depression were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Blood samples were collected to assess glycaemia (Hb1Ac) and lipid profiles. Scintigraphy and videofluoroscopy were used to assess gastric emptying.

Results

Seven patients finished the study so far. They reported a significant improvement in nausea (p<0.05), sensation of fullness (p<0.01), bloating (p<0.01), feeling of excessive fullness after meals (p<0.01) and having stomach visibly larger after meals (p<0.01). 5 out of the 7 patients reported an improvement in general quality of life, based on PAGI-QOL (Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders – Quality of Life), and decreased anxiety levels (HADS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score). There was no significant change in mean glucose level, time in target, glucose variance and HbA1c levels after GFD. However, there was a trend for less time spent in hypoglycemia, namely in those patients who experienced frequent hypoglycemia prior to GFD. Overall, there was no change in serum lipid profile or gastric emptying.

Conclusions

One month of GFD improved dyspepsia-like symptoms, general quality of life and anxiety levels in T1D patients without concomitant celiac disease. GFD also improved the blood glucose management of patients with frequent hypoglycemia. Thus, this dietary intervention appears to improve upper GI symptoms in T1D patients but the results need to be replicated in a larger patient cohort.

Funding Agencies

CIHR
A195 THE CANADIAN POEM EXPERIENCE. THE FIRST 50 PATIENTS
Authors: Rai M , Woo M , Bechara R
Published: February 2020

Background

Achalasia is a disorder of esophageal motility characterized by a loss of enteric neurons resulting in impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and absence of esophageal peristalsis. There are no current treatments that allow for regeneration of the enteric neurons. Interventions focus primarily on lowering the LES pressure to provide symptom relief and improve quality of life. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as a less invasive technique for performing myotomy in patients with achalasia.

Aims

This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of POEM in a Canadian tertiary care center.

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent POEM between March 2016 and May 2018 at a tertiary center were included. The primary outcome of the study was clinical success rate of POEM defined as a post-POEM Eckardt score ≤ 3 at ≥ 3 months. Adverse events were recorded according to the Clavien-Dindo grading system.

Results

A total of 50 consecutive patients underwent 51 POEM procedures with a mean procedure length of 85.6±29.6 minutes. Post-POEM Eckardt scores of ≤ 3 at ≥ 3 months was achieved in 98% of patients. The incidence of pathologic reflux post-poem was 23%. The median length of hospital stay was 1 day (range 1–2 days). No major adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

POEM is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of achalasia. At a median follow up of 19.5 months, 98% of patients had sustained clinical response (Eckardt score ≤ 3).

Stages of POEM. a) Injection and mucosal incision, b) submucosal tunneling c) completed tunnel, view from just above the lower esophageal sphincter (main), gastric side (right upper) and esophageal side (right lower) d) myotomy e[i]) completed myotomy f) closure with hemostatic clips.

Funding Agencies

None
A197 MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS IN EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS (EOE): A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS (RCTS)
Authors: Someili A , Alshammari K , Yuan Y , Alhazzani W
Published: February 2020

Background

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, allergic/immune condition of esophagus characterized clinically by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and histologically by eosinophil-predominant inflammation.

Aims

Despite different drugs were studied for the treatment of EoE, there is no consensus on what the most effective medical interventions. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to compare the efficacy of medical interventions in patients with EoE.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane CENTRAL (via OvidSP) published from inception to November 01, 2018, to identify RCTs assessing the efficacy of medications (PPIs, steroids, anti-IL5 agents, anti-IL13 agents, anti-IL-4Rα agents and mast cell stabilizers) in patients with EoE. Outcomes were symptoms improvement and histology improvement. Studies that only reported continuous scores were excluded. Pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), using a random effects model, were calculated.

Results

Among 1311 citations, 19 RCTs (n=1239 EoE cases) were included. 11 RCTs compared steroids vs placebo, two compared PPIs vs steroids, two compared anti- IL-13 vs placebo, two compared anti-IL-5 vs placebo, one compared anti-IL-4Rα vs placebo, and one compared mast cell stabilizer vs placebo. Steroids demonstrated significant improved in histology (63.3% vs 2.9%; RR 10.12, 95% CI 4.56–22.46) and improved EOE symptoms (39.6% vs 20.0%; RR =1.91, 1.16,3.14) compared to placebo. No difference was seen between oral and inhale steroids. No significant difference was seen between PPI vs prednisone either in symptom (RR 1.33, 0.36, 4.97) or in histology improvement (RR 1.83,0.76,4.40). Limited data suggest there is no significant difference between anti-IL-13 vs placebo; and anti-IL5 vs placebo; anti-IL-4Rα dupilumab but not mast cell stabilizer cromolyn may significantly improve histology compared to placebo. No substantial heterogeneity was seen in all analyses.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests steroids significantly improve histology as well as symptoms in patients with EoE in compared to placebo. There is no significant difference between steroids and PPI. Data relate to other newer agents are limited. This meta-analysis highlights the variability in the interventions of EoE and the need for further studies to determine the optimal intervention.

Funding Agencies

None
A218 LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES MENINGITIS IN A NEWLY DIAGNOSED PATIENT WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Ayoub M , Walters T
Published: February 2020

Background

Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is a frequently utilized therapy in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Opportunistic infections are a known but an infrequently encountered complication. Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is an aerobic gram-positive intracellular bacillus. Clinical presentation of infection is host dependent, ranging from self-limited illnesses in immunocompetent individuals to life-threatening sepsis and meningitis in the immunocompromised. TNF plays a crucial role in host’s defense against LM. Although published in adults, few case reports have documented invasive LM in children receiving infliximab (IFX), an anti-TNF agent used in IBD therapy.

Aims

Describe an adolescent with IBD-unclassified (IBD-U) in whom LM sepsis and meningitis was diagnosed after induction therapy with intravenous (IV) IFX.

Methods

Case report and literature review.

Results

A 15-year-old girl presented with 2-week history of progressive abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, urgency, nocturnal stooling, tenesmus, and weight loss. She had been afebrile, with no history of exposures. Examination revealed pallor and tenderness in the right and left lower quadrants. Investigations showed elevated white cell count (WBC), platelets, inflammatory markers, and low albumin. Abdominal ultrasound showed thickening of the descending and sigmoid colon. Stool multiplex PCR was negative. Colonoscopy showed Mayo 3 pancolitis. The terminal ileum was not intubated and endoscopy was normal. She was diagnosed with IBD-U. Due to poor response to high dose IV steroids, IV IFX (after documenting normal vaccination titers) was given with good clinical response and no adverse effects; she was discharged on tapering prednisone. She re-presented 3 days later with fever, severe headaches, photophobia, and neck stiffness. Her IBD remained quiescent. She had consumed a cold meat sandwich 10 days prior. Antibiotics were started as investigations showed leukocytosis and very high inflammatory markers. Brain MRI showed pus in the lateral ventricles. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed WBC 1832 x106/L, low glucose, and high protein. Blood and CSF cultures detected LM. She defervesced within 24 hours and completed a 21-day course of Ampicillin monotherapy. 2-month follow up showed IBD in continuous remission on IFX with no neurological sequalae, and a normal brain MRI.

Conclusions

This is the youngest patient with IBD reported with invasive listeriosis secondary to IFX and adds to 3 cases in children. It highlights the importance of vigilance when evaluating IBD patients with fever during IFX-based therapy. Physicians should be reminded of such patients’ immunocompromised state and their high risk of acquiring opportunistic infections. It is unclear if listeriosis avoidance precautions, currently recommended in pregnant women, should be adopted in patients receiving anti-TNF therapy.

Funding Agencies

None
A220 A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF THE RISK OF ADVERSE NEONATAL OUTCOME IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE AND PREGNANCY
Authors: Leung K , Tandon P , Govardhanam V , Maxwell C , Huang V
Published: February 2020

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often affects women in their child-bearing years. These women may be at an increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of these outcomes in this population of patients, with an emphasis of determining risk factors for development of these conditions.

Methods

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched through to May 2019 for studies reporting adverse neonatal outcomes in IBD patients. Weighted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess the risk of these outcomes in patients with IBD compared to healthy controls, with risk factors such as disease activity and medication exposure also being assessed.

Results

Sixty studies were included (8194 pregnancies with inflammatory bowel disease and 3253 healthy pregnancies). Compared to healthy controls, patients with inflammatory bowel disease were more likely to deliver infants with low birth weight (LBW) (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.16–6.66) and infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.83–6.05). Patients with Crohn’s disease had an increased risk of infants born with congenital anomalies (OR 3.03, 95% CI, 1.43–6.42), whereas patients with ulcerative colitis had an increased risk of preterm delivery (OR 2.68, 95% CI, 1.12–6.43). Active disease increased the risk of preterm birth (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.21–3.51), LBW (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.54–5.70), and small for gestation age (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.18–5.83) compared to disease in remission. Tumor necrosis factor antagonists was associated with increased risk of NICU admission (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.31–4.45) and LBW (OR 1.54, 95% CI, 1.01–2.35).

Conclusions

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at an increased risk of developing adverse neonatal outcomes such as preterm birth, LBW, congenital anomalies, and NICU admissions. Patients with clinically active disease and those exposed to anti-TNF therapy may be at higher risk of developing these adverse outcomes. The findings of this study are important to communicate to patients and healthcare providers alike. Furthermore, this information may help to mitigate these risks through collaborative specialized care during pregnancy in order to reduce the overall morbidity and mortality for both mother and baby.

Funding Agencies

None
A226 CHILD AND PARENT PERCEPTIONS OF FAECAL MICROBIOTA TRANSPLANT (FMT): QUALITATIVE PERSPECTIVES FROM PARTICIPANTS IN A TRIAL OF FMT FOR PEDIATRIC ULCERATIVE COLITIS
Authors: Popov J , Hartung E , Hill L , Pai N
Published: February 2020

Background

Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is being increasingly studied across a range of therapeutic indications, including ulcerative colitis (UC). Pediatric patients may have unique responses to microbiome-based therapeutics, given their younger age, fewer comorbidities, and greater susceptibility to medication-related side effects.

Aims

We recently conducted the first pilot RCT of FMT in Canada for the treatment of pediatric ulcerative colitis (PediFETCh Trial) and conducted qualitative interviews post-study of participants and their parents. This study aims to describe the experience and perceptions of children who received FMT, and their parents.

Methods

Patients enrolled in the PediFETCh Trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02487238) and their parents were invited to participate in face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using open coding (NVivo 12 Pro).

Results

8 patients and 8 parents were interviewed. Our data has been summarized into 4 domains and 11 composite themes (Table 1). Most patients and parents saw FMT as a natural treatment. Pre-treatment, patients were concerned with receiving “someone else’s poo” and physical discomfort, while parents were concerned with transmission of enteric infections or psychiatric diseases. Both felt their decision to pursue FMT was influenced by frustration with previous lack of response to medications and a fear of medication side effects. Post-treatment, most patients and families expressed no concerns over potential future side effects as a result of the FMT, and all patients reported feeling “completely normal”. Patients were split between preferring FMT or medication, with convenience of medication being an important factor, while others favored FMT for its perceived naturality and symptomatic improvements. For most families, natural therapies and diet played an important role in influencing their decision to pursue FMT; however, several parents reported that alternative healthcare practitioners did not support their desire to pursue FMT.

Conclusions

The study offers valuable insights into pediatric patients’ and parents’ experiences receiving FMT across several themes. Our results suggest a high rate of acceptance and interest in FMT research by pediatric patients and their parents. These findings suggest strategies to improve future delivery of FMT in clinical trials, and should support inclusion of children in FMT-based studies.

Funding Agencies

Hamilton Health Sciences New Investigator Fund (2015, Spring); Innovation Fund of the Alternative Funding Plan for the Academic Health Sciences Centres of Ontario (HAH-17-002)
A234 CLINICAL, ENDOSCOPIC AND HISTOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENT IN COMMON VARIABLE IMMUNODEFICIENCY DISEASE ASSOCIATED ENTEROPATHY WITH VEDOLIZUMAB
Authors: Akhtar H , Markandey B , Ma C , Nguyen T , Jairath V
Published: February 2020

Background

Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) can be associated with autoimmune manifestations including enteric inflammation and diarrhea. Systemic immunosuppression used in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be associated with increased risk of infection in CVID.

Aims

We report a patient with CVID associated intestinal enteropathy who underwent clinical, endoscopic and histological improvement after treatment with vedolizumab (IgG1 monoclonal antibody to α4β7 integrin), as well as a concurrent systematic review (SR) of the literature.

Methods

Case report and systematic literature review. We searched EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane CENTRAL, clinialtrials.gov, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform without language restriction using key words to identify patients with CVID associated enteropathy treated with vedolizumab. Clinical, endoscopic and histological outcomes were extracted and safety data.

Results

A 32-year-old male presented with weight loss, anemia and hypoalbuminemia on a background of chronic diarrhea and recurrent sinus infections. Serology and genetic testing was not consistent with celiac disease. Pan-endoscopy showed complete villous atrophy in the duodenum and biopsies showed and intraepithelial lymphocytosis (IEL) in the duodenum and terminal ileum. CT abdomen showed pan-enteritis with extensive mesenteric lymphadenopathy which were reactive on lymph node excision, as well as bronchiectasis. Pneumococcal vaccination challenge to assess humoral response confirmed CVID. After suboptimal response with steroids and mercaptopurine, treatment was initiated with vedolizumab 300mg IV at weeks 0, 2, and 6, then 8 weekly. This led to normalization of stool frequency, weight gain as well as endoscopic and histological resolution within 6 months of treatment. The SR yielded 101 studies of which 3 case series were identified reporting a total of 7 patients with CVID. In 5 cases there was clinical improvement, 4 reported endoscopic improvement and 3 patients had histologic improvement. No safety concerns associated with vedolizumab were reported.

Conclusions

Vedolizumab, a selective leucocyte inhibitor to the gut, was able to induce either clinical, endoscopic or histological improvement in 8 published cases in the worldwide literature. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether this treatment could be included in the therapeutic armamentarium for this orphan indication.

Funding Agencies

None
A238 FECAL CALPROTECTIN AND CLINICAL ASSESSMENT TOOLS MAY CORRELATE WITH POOR PREGNANCY-RELATED OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Authors: Tandon P , Lee E , Hitz L , Maxwell C , Huang V
Published: February 2020

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at risk of developing adverse pregnancy-related outcomes. Though active disease has been associated with these outcomes, the optimal method of disease assessment in these patients remains unknown.

Aims

To determine whether clinical and/or objective disease activity correlates with poor maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with IBD.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the University of Alberta and University of Toronto pregnancy databases to identify patients (age > 18) who underwent routine assessment by a gastroenterologist during any gestational period (first trimester (T1), second trimester (T2), and third trimester (T3). Those with at least one fecal calprotectin (FCP) level during pregnancy were included. Active disease was defined clinically (modified Harvey-Bradshaw Index score ≥ 5 or partial Mayo score ≥ 2) or objectively using stool markeres (FCP ≥ 250 ug/g). Pregnancy-related outcomes (maternal, obstetrical, and neonatal) were recorded from obstetrical records. Low-birth weight (LBW) was defined as an infant weight < 2500g at birth. Continuous variables were reported as medians with interquartile ranges (IQR) and compared with nonparametric Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis tests. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square (x2) test.

Results

A total of 85 patients were included. The median FCP in T1 was significantly higher in patients who underwent emergency C-section (503, IQR 1554.3) compared to those who did not (130, IQR 482) (p=0.03). Similarly, the median FCP in T1 was significantly higher in mothers who delivered an infant with LBW (1511, IQR 579) compared to those whose did not (145, IQR 413) (p=0.049). When active disease was defined only by clinical scores, 25% of those with active disease in T1 had a failed vaginal delivery compared to only 2.9% in remission (p=0.027). Similarly, 12.5% of patients with clinically active disease in T1 delivered an infant with congenital anomalies compared to none in clinical remission (p=0.034). When disease activity was defined objectively, those with a FCP > 250 ug/g in T3 were more likely to have an induced vaginal delivery (43.8%) compared to only 14.3% in those in remission (p=0.03). Finally, when disease activity was defined as a combination of clinical scores and FCP > 250 ug/g, those with active disease in T3 had a trend towards an increased risk of induced vaginal delivery (active: 40.0% vs. remission: 17.0%, p=0.064), chorioamnionitis (active: 6.3% vs. remission: 0%, p=0.081) and congenital anomalies (active: 6.3% vs. remission: 0%, p=0.081).

Conclusions

IBD assessment during pregnancy likely requires a combination of clinical scores and objective markers in order to identify patients at high-risk of developing poor peripartum outcomes.

Funding Agencies

None
A242 EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PEDIATRIC INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Authors: Hill L , Faraz M , Hartung E , Popov J , Pai N
Published: February 2020

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic life-long condition affecting 0.25% of the North American population. Childhood onset IBD is particularly aggressive, with disease often characterised by poor growth, severe unpredictable abdominal pain and frequent school absences. Treatment involves lifelong medications, which do not always resolve symptoms and carry increased cumulative risks of infections, malignancy, or other adverse effects. Exercise has been suggested as a method of ameliorating some of the symptoms associated with IBD. To date, few studies have investigated the role of exercise and physical activity in paediatric IBD patients.

Aims

We conducted a systematic review assessing the role of exercise and physical activity in paediatric IBD.

Methods

This Level III systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. An electronic database search of Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane used the search terms “(physical activity or exercise), (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), and (children or paediatric)”. Of the 1458 articles identified during the two rounds of review, only 21 articles met final inclusion criteria.

Results

Three main themes emerged from the review: 1) prescriptive exercise and physical activity ameliorated symptoms IBD and improved physical well-being, 2) patients who actively engage in exercise and physical activity show improved markers of inflammation and decreased future risk of disease, 3) exercise and physical activity improves the mental health and well-being of paediatric IBD patients. The results recommended 30–60 minutes, 6 times per week of mild to moderate aerobic exercise activity. It was noted that vigorous and high intensity exercise was well-tolerated by most IBD patients. Further, exercise prescription should be tailored to individual needs.

Conclusions

Exercise and physical activity improves mental and physical health and well-being of paediatric IBD patients, including decreasing the risk of future disease exacerbation in patients with mild to moderate disease activity. Clinicians and practitioners should consider actively prescribing exercise and physical activity to IBD patients as part of a standard treatment algorithm.

Funding Agencies

None
A243 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH POOR QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN CLINICAL REMISSION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Nazarian A , Bishay K , Gholami R , Scaffidi M A , Khan R , Cohen-Lyons D , Griller N , Satchwell J B , Baker J , Irvine E J , Grover S C
Published: February 2020

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with a substantial burden on quality of life (QoL). Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as depression and anxiety are more common in patients with IBD as compared with the general population. Although poorer QoL is correlated with IBS, depression and anxiety in individuals with IBD at times of IBD diagnosis and disease activity, it is unclear what, if any, impact these may have on overall quality of life at times of disease remission.

Aims

We aimed to identify factors associated with poor QoL among Canadian patients with IBD in clinical remission.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study to determine whether fatigue, depression, anxiety and IBS were associated with lower QoL in patients with IBD in clinical remission. We enrolled patients at a single academic tertiary care center with inactive IBD. All eligible patients completed a series of questionnaires that included questions on demographics, disease activity, anxiety, depression, and the presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Stool samples for fecal calprotectin (FC) were also collected to assess for subclinical inflammation. The primary outcome measure was QoL assessed by the short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (SIBDQ), with planned subgroup comparisons for fatigue, anxiety, depression and IBS symptoms.

Results

Ninety-three patients were eligible for inclusion in this study. The median SIBDQ scores were lower in patients with anxiety (P<0.001), depression (P=0.004), IBS symptoms (P<0.001), and fatigue (P=0.018).

Conclusions

In this cross-sectional study, we found that anxiety, depression, fatigue, and IBS-like symptoms were all independently associated with lower QoL among patients with inactive IBD. Importantly, subclinical inflammation as defined by a positive fecal calprotectin in the absence of clinical symptoms did not have an adverse effect on QoL. The findings of this study suggest that patients with IBD would likely benefit from screening for depression, anxiety, fatigue and IBS. Further research is warranted to determine if targeted treatment of these conditions, specifically in patients with quiescent IBD would lead to improved outcomes.

Funding Agencies

None
A249 FREQUENCY AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS
Authors: Lytvyak E , Dieleman L A , Montano-Loza A J
Published: February 2020

Background

Previous studies suggested that patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have poorer outcomes; however, the significance of this association is limited.

Aims

To describe the phenotype of AIH-associated IBD and assess the impact of IBD on the response to treatment and risk of adverse liver outcomes in patients with AIH.

Methods

In our retrospective cohorts, we identified patients with concomitant diagnoses of IBD and a definite AIH. The comparison cohort consisted of AIH patients matched by gender, age at diagnosis, ethnicity, and time to follow-up. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used to assess differences. Univariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

We identified a total of 16 patients (9 males, 56.3%) with AIH-associated IBD from a cohort of 6006 IBD patients (0.27%) and 357 AIH patients (4.5%). All patients were Caucasians. Twelve patients (75.0%) had ulcerative colitis with a pancolonic extent; 4 (25.0%) – Crohn’s disease: one patient had ileitis, three – ileocolitis with one having stricturing and fistulising gastroduodenal, ileocolonic and perianal disease. The median age at IBD diagnosis was 26.5 years old and varied from 2 to 53. The age at AIH diagnosis ranged from 7 to 59 years old (median 21.1) and median follow-up time was 11.1 years ranging from 11 days to 35.2 years.

The matching cohort of 113 AIH-IBD- patients was comparable to the AIH-IBD+ cohort by gender (44 males, 38.9%; p=0.188), age at diagnosis (median 28.4, IQR 32; p=0.442), ethnicity, and the follow-up time (median 8.7 years, IQR 10.2; p=0.764). There was no difference in AST, ALT and ALP at diagnosis.

Complete response rates were similar in AIH-IBD+ and AIH-IBD- groups (50.0% vs. 53.1%; p=0.816). The risk of developing cirrhosis and a median time to its onset did not differ significantly: 28.6% vs. 31.0% (p=0.853) and 11.8 vs. 8.2 years (p=0.359), respectively. In univariate Cox regression, IBD was not a predictor of progression to cirrhosis (HR 0.45; 95% CI 0.13–1.50; p=0.192). The risk of developing decompensation and a median time was also comparable between groups: 21.4% vs. 33.0% (p=0.384) and 18.4 vs. 9.8 years (p=0.053), supported by the Cox regression analysis (HR 0.44; 95% CI 0.13–1.48; p=0.187). The presence of IBD was not associated with higher need in liver transplant (18.8% vs. 30.1%; p=0.348), median time was slightly shorter (1.48 vs. 4.73 years; p=0.542), also evidenced by Cox regression (HR 1.40; 95% CI 0.42–4.65; p=0.578). The risk of liver-related death was also not different among the two groups (6.3% vs. 4.4%; p=0.746), and IBD was not a predictor of it (HR 1.94; 95% CI 0.17–21.69; p=0.589).

Conclusions

The presence of IBD in patients with AIH is rare and do not identify a subgroup of patients with worse response to treatment or poor clinical outcomes.

Funding Agencies

AbbVie
A250 SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH META-ANALYSIS: ADVERSE PREGNANCY-RELATED OUTCOMES WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Authors: Govardhanam V , Tandon P , Leung K , Maxwell C , Huang V
Published: February 2020

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition. While it is reported that IBD may result in adverse pregnancy-related outcomes, its effects on placental related diseases are relatively not known.

Aims

The aim of our work was to determine the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with IBD.

Methods

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched for studies that reported adverse maternal and obstetrical outcomes in patients with IBD. Weighted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for the risk of these outcomes in patients with IBD compared to healthy controls.

Results

Fifty-three studies were included (7917 patients with IBD and 3253 healthy controls). Cesarean delivery was more common in patients with IBD compared to healthy controls (OR 1.79, 95% CI, 1.16–2.77). This remained significant for UC (OR 1.80, 95% CI, 1.21–2.90) but not CD (OR 1.48, 95% CI, 0.94–2.34). Similarly, gestational diabetes occurred more commonly in IBD (OR 2.96, 95% CI, 1.47–5.98). Furthermore, the incidences of placental diseases were low, 2.0% (95% CI, 0.9–3.1%) for pre-eclampsia, 3.3% (95% CI, 0–7.2%) for placental abruption, 0.5% (95% CI, 0.2–0.9%) for placenta previa, and 0.3% (95% CI, 0–0.5%) for chorioamnionitis. Finally, patients with IBD were more likely to experience preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM, OR 12.10, 95% CI, 2.15–67.98), but not an early pregnancy loss (OR 1.63, 95% CI 0.49–5.43). Anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy was not associated with chorioamnionitis (OR 1.12, 95% CI, 0.16–7.67), early pregnancy loss (OR 1.49, 95% CI, 0.83- 2.64), and placenta previa (OR 1.58, 95% CI, 0.30–8.47).

Conclusions

Patients with IBD are more likely to develop adverse pregnancy-related outcomes such as Gestational Diabetes and PPROM. Pregnancy in patients with IBD should be considered a high-risk period and as such, a multi-disciplinary team, including gastroenterologists, obstetricians and maternal-fetal medicine specialists, is necessary to recognize and effectively manage adverse obstetrical outcomes in order to reduce overall morbidity and mortality.

Funding Agencies

None
A256 TRENDS IN THE PREVALENCE AND SEVERITY OF ANEMIA IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN THE LAST DECADE
Authors: Geng S , Ridha Z , Pham L B , Tran E , Peixoto A , Tchogna S A , Deslandres C , Jantchou P
Published: February 2020

Background

Anemia is one of the most common extraintestinal manifestations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at diagnosis. Studies have shown that anemia was associated with low levels of quality of life, which improves with the correction of anemia in adults. Recent data have shown an increase in the incidence and severity of pediatric IBD.

Aims

To investigate the prevalence of anemia in children at diagnosis of IBD and the trends in the past decade. The secondary aim was to investigate the associations between hemoglobin (Hb) levels and disease characteristics.

Methods

Eligible patients (age ≤18 years, diagnosed with IBD from 2009 to 2018) were retrospectively identified through our IBD database. Disease localization and phenotype were defined according to the Paris Classification of IBD. Anemia was defined by Hb levels according to WHO targets. The annual prevalence of anemia was calculated according to subtype (inflammatory vs iron deficiency). The Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) and the Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) were used to assess the disease severity at diagnosis.

Results

We included 887 patients (439 females), mean (SD) age of 13.1 (3.4) years. Of these, 519 (58.5%) were identified with anemia within 30 days of diagnosis. The median (IQR) Hb level was 108 (98 -114) g/dL. Severe anemia (< 70 g/dL) was present in 1.8 % of patients. The prevalence of anemia at diagnosis remained relatively stable ranging from 60.2% in 2009 to 60.4% in 2018. The annual proportion of inflammatory vs iron-deficiency anemia is displayed in figure 1. Anemia was more prevalent in Crohn’s disease (CD) (62.2%) than Ulcerative colitis (UC) (57.9%) or IBD-unclassified (39.6%). The disease severity scores were higher in those with anemia. The median (IQR) PCDAI and PUCAI were respectively 37.5 (27.5–47.5) and 55.0 (40.0–65.0) in the anemic group as compared to 27.5 (20.0–37.50) and 35.0 (25.0–55.0) in the non-anemic group; P<0.0001. Patients with anemia had a lower BMI z-score [median (IQR) -0.84 (-1.84 - 0.08)] than the non-anemic patients [median (IQR) -0.38 (-1.21 - 0.43)]; P<0.001. The prevalence of anemia correlated significantly with disease location: upper intestinal involvement [L4a(67.7%) L4b(63.6%) L4aL4b(60.7%) none (52.8%)] P = 0.024 for CD; for UC [E1(21.1%) E2(44.4%) E3(75.0%) E4 (71.1%)] P<0.0001. A moderate correlation was found between Hb levels and C-reactive protein (r= -0.312, 95% CI: -0.378 to -0.243, P<0.0001).

Conclusions

Anemia remains a prevalent symptom in pediatric patients with IBD, and it is correlated with the extent of intestinal involvement and disease severity. The impact of anemia at Diagnosis and during follow-up on the levels of quality of life and physical activity is currently under investigation.

Funding Agencies

None
A259 HIGH-FAT/HIGH-CHOLESTEROL DIETS PREDISPOSE THE HOST TO EXACERBATED ENTERIC INFECTIONS
Authors: Valdes J , Armas A , Gagné Sansfaçon J , Reyes-Nicolas V , Rivard N , Marrero G , Perreault N , Menendez A
Published: February 2020

Background

High-fat/high-cholesterol diets are a well established risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, given their propensity to trigger perturbations ranging from altering whole body lipid profile to the induction of intestinal dysbiosis. However much less is known about their effects on the host’s susceptibility to enteric infections.

Aims

To determine the effects of high-fat/high-cholesterol diets over the host’s susceptibility to enteric bacterial infections and identify the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were given two different high-fat/high-cholesterol diets; HFHC (40% kcal fat, 1.25% cholesterol) or HFHCC (40% kcal fat, 1.25% cholesterol, 0.5% sodium cholate) and a control, normal diet (ND, 10% kcal fat, 0% cholesterol, 0% sodium cholate). After four weeks of administration, animals were euthanized and colonic tissue samples taken for histology, immunofluorescence, gene expression analyses, total protein lysates and microbiome sequencing (16S). A separated group of animals was gavaged with FITC-dextran to measure intestinal permeability. Mice fed with the diets for three weeks were infected with ~5x108 cfu of Citrobacter rodentium DBS100/StrpR by oral gavage, and kept on the corresponding diets after the infections. Bacterial shedding in the feces was followed for up to 30 days after infection.

Results

Administration of the HFHC and HFHCC diets caused an increase in intestinal permeability. Colonic sections stained with H&E and alcian blue evidenced a decreased in the number of mucin-filled goblet cells and a thinner mucus layer, suggesting a defect in the assembly and/or stability of the mucus layer. Expression analyses revealed a drop in the mRNA levels of Muc1 and Muc2, suggesting reduced mucin production. The concentration of IgA was slightly reduced in colon lysates and the transcript levels of the antimicrobial peptide genes Ang4, Leap2 and Cramp were also significantly reduced. Immunofluorescent microscopy showed that goblet cell granules of HFHC- and HFHCC-fed mice were devoid of Relmβ and Tff3, indicating defective production of those two factors critical for intestinal epithelial defense and homeostasis. Collectively, our results suggest that HFHC and HFHCC diets induce differentiation and functional defects in goblet cells. Fecal shedding of C. rodentium showed an increased bacterial burden in HFHC- and HFHCC-fed animals, indicating a more aggressive bacterial infection, accompanied by increased epithelial damage.

Conclusions

Consumption of high-fat/high cholesterol diets perturb the colonic homeostasis and alter intestinal defenses and the integrity of the intestinal barrier, predisposing the host to a higher susceptibility to enteric infections.

Funding Agencies

CIHRNSERC
A268 PREOPERATIVE EUS-GUIDED FNA IS ASSOCIATED WITH BETTER OVERALL SURVIVAL IN RESECTABLE PANCREATIC CANCER WHEN COMPARED TO UPFRONT SURGERY WITHOUT PREOPERATIVE TISSUE ACQUISITION: A SYSTEMIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Alghamdi A , Palmieri V , Alotaibi N , Martel M , Barkun A N , Zogopoulos G , Chaudhury P , Chen Y
Published: February 2020

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the standard of care in advanced pancreatic cancer. In resectable disease, preoperative EUS-FNA can help to identify benign etiology and other cancers while preventing unnecessary surgery. However, concerns regarding tumor seeding and pancreatitis have led some experts to advocate for upfront surgery without tissue sampling.

Aims

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the risks and benefits of performing pre-operative EUS-FNA in patients with suspected, resectable pancreatic cancer.

Methods

A literature search was performed up to April 2019 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases with terms specified for pancreatic neoplasm and FNA. All fully published adult studies that compared preoperative EUS-FNA to EUS without FNA in resectable pancreatic cancer for short- and long-term outcomes were included. Results were reported as Odds ratios (OR) or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random effects model. Heterogeneity, publication bias and quality of studies were evaluated. Sensitivity analyses were performed. The primary outcome is overall survival. Secondary outcomes include cancer free survival, tumor recurrence and seeding, and post FNA adverse events.

Results

An initial search yielded 2814 citations. Six retrospective studies were included with 1155 patients in the EUS-FNA group vs 2067 patients in the comparator group. Overall survival was reported in three studies (n=2701: 796 EUS-FNA, 1905 non-FNA). Patients with preoperative EUS-FNA had better overall survival compared to the non-FNA group (WMD, 4.40 months [0.02 to 8.78]). In adenocarcinoma patients (2 studies, n=2050), there was no significant difference in overall survival (WMD, 2.94 months [-3.87 to 9.74]). Cancer-free survival did not differ significantly between the two groups (WMD, 2.08 months [-2.22 to 6.38]). Moreover, EUS with FNA was not associated with increased rates of tumor recurrence (OR, 0.55 [0.30–1.02]) or peritoneal carcinomatosis (OR, 0.81 [0.56–1.18]). Post-FNA pancreatitis was rare (1.7%), with all patients treated conservatively. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar findings across the different outcomes tested.

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis, preoperative EUS-FNA in resectable pancreatic cancer was associated with significantly greater overall survival when compared to the non-FNA group with no significant difference in rate of tumour recurrence and/or peritoneal seeding. These findings are limited by the retrospective nature of the included studies; randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.

Funding Agencies

None
A271 ETIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF DRUG-INDUCED ACUTE PANCREATITIS
Authors: Gagnon A , Lavoie A , Frigon M , Michaud-Herbst A , Tremblay K
Published: February 2020

Background

Drugs are considered a relatively rare and understudied cause of acute pancreatitis (AP). The lack of convincing and conclusive data on drug-induced AP (DIAP) complicates the diagnosis as well as the identification of the causative drug.

Aims

We hypothesized that documenting the causes of DIAP in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean (SLSJ) will add new evidence to the current literature and will provide a comprehensive picture of this health condition in the region. The aim of this study is to document causes of DIAP cases that occurred in the SLSJ population.

Methods

We have conducted a retrospective and descriptive population-based study of DIAP cases that occurred between 2006 and 2014 in the six hospitals deserving the SLSJ entire population. Cases were selected from the Quebec Ministry of Health hospitalizations registry (MED-ECHO) administrative public database. Medical chart review was performed in attempt to characterize DIAP hospitalizations and to identify the imputable drugs.

Results

During the studied period, 75 cases (30.7% male, 69.3% female) were included totalling 90 hospitalizations for DIAP. Among them, 51 causative drugs were identified and were distributed in 17 different drug classes. Recurrent DIAP were documented in 13 cases and among them, 6 cases have experimented positive rechallenge. Six drugs (5-fluorouracil, atorvastatin, bortezomib, nilotinib, rosuvastatin and triamcinolone) were associated with the highest degree of evidence. The most common causative drugs of DIAP hospitalization were azathioprine (n = 7), followed by atorvastatin (n =6), hydrochlorothiazide (n = 5), rosuvastatin (n = 4) and codeine (n = 4).

Conclusions

This study has added new evidences about potentially pancreatitis-associated drugs in literature. This is the first study to report definite 5-fluorouracil and triamcinolone-induced AP. An updated version of the evidence-based literature review is needed to support the clinicians in the identification of the causative drugs.

Funding Agencies

None