P934 A delphi consensus on the optimisation of medical and surgical therapy in perianal fistulising Crohn’s disease, targeted at individual TOpCLASS classification groups
Authors: Hanna L , Anandabaskaran S , Iqbal N , Geldof J , LeBlanc J F , Dige A , Lundby L , Bislenghi G , Verstockt B , D'Hoore A , Vermeire S , De Looze D , Lobaton T , Van de Putte D , De Kock I , Carvello M , Spinelli A , Danese S , Buskens C J , Gecse K , Hompes R , van der Bilt J D W , Bemelman W A , Sebastian S , Moran G W , Lightner A , Wong S Y , Cohen B L , Holubar S , Ding N S , Behrenbruch C , Sahnan K , Misra R , Lung P , Hart A , Tozer P 
Published: January 2024

Background

Perianal fistulising Crohn’s Disease (PFCD) is a challenging phenotype of IBD associated with poor outcomes. Classically, fistulae have been classified anatomically and guidelines have been generalised, with a lack of appreciation of disease heterogenicity. The recent ‘TOpCLASS classification system’ (Geldof et al. (2022) - figure below) addresses this and categorises patients based on clinical features and patient goals. There is a need to provide management guidance for PFCD that aligns with this approach, targeting differing PFCD manifestations seen in real-life. We present a consensus exercise delivering that guidance.

Methods

Position statements on ‘optimal’ PFCD management within the TOpCLASS classes were made via a consensus meeting in Apr 2023. The expert panel were members of the TOpCLASS Consortium, a group of PFCD specialists and researchers. This included 15 surgeons and 16 gastroenterologists, from IBD centres in Europe, North America, and Australia. Prior to the meeting, to inform provisional statements: 1) a systematic review of the literature was conducted (Oct 2021), 2) multidisciplinary team responses on the management of fictional PFCD cases from 8 leading IBD centres were obtained, and 3) an open discussion on PFCD management with the expert panel was conducted. Consensus was predefined as ≥80% ‘strongly agree’ [A+] or ‘agree with minor reservation’ [A].

Results

53 position statements were agreed by the expert panel. For Class 1 (minimal, asymptomatic) disease the panel agreed, given the lack of symptoms, there is no role for seton insertion (A+ 50%, A 50%), and no role for routine MRI monitoring in the absence of new fistula symptoms (A+ 46%, A 54%). Regarding Class 2 (chronic, symptomatic) disease, the panel agreed on detailed guidance for when fistulae are suitable for a repair attempt and where differing surgical modalities are best utilised in fistula repair. Additionally, statements on seton removal in PFCD were made, alongside statements on optimised medical therapy in Class 2 patients. Specifically, the panel suggest Infliximab first-line (A+ 80%, A 20%), ideally commenced within 30 days of initial drainage +/- seton insertion (A+ 100%). Statements were also produced regarding second-line options, topical therapy, and loss of response to biologics in PFCD. Specific statements were also developed for Class 2b, 2c-i, 2c-ii, and 4 disease, as well as on the psychological burden of PFCD.

Conclusion

The generated statements come from a highly expert Western group of PFCD specialists. We believe they provide pragmatic advice to gastroenterologists and IBD surgeons managing the full breadth of PFCD encountered in day-to-day practice.