bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A162 OBESITY IS A RISK FACTOR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EXTRAINTESTINAL MANIFESTATIONS IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS, BUT NOT IN CROHN’S DISEASE
Authors: Lytvyak E , Fedorak R , Dieleman L A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Several inflammatory markers have been associated with both obesity and the risk of adverse outcomes. Studies exploring obesity as a potential risk factor in extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) development in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are limited.

Aims
To describe the relationship between obesity and EIMs development, taking into consideration various confounding risk factors.

Methods
We performed a retrospective cohort study using data of 5,023 IBD patients diagnosed between 1954 and 2020. We collected data on demographics, clinical features, biochemistry, medications, smoking, weight status and EIMs (hepatobiliary, musculoskeletal, dermatological, urogenital, ophthalmological, and pulmonary). Obesity was defined as measured BMI≥30.00 kg/m2, prolonged steroid use – as using any corticosteroid formulations for at least 6 months. Rates were compared using Pearson’s chi-squared test with Bonferroni’s p-value adjustment. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the association between obesity, potential contributing factors and EIMs.

Results
Data of 2,367 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients (47.8% females) and 2,656 Crohn’s disease (CD) patients (52.2% females), aged 18–97 (median 48.0, IQR 27.0) years, were analysed. Obesity was common among IBD patients (30.1%; 95% CI 28.7–31.6%) and the rate was higher than the Alberta’s population-based one (28.2%; 95% CI 28.17–28.23%); p=0.013. Obesity was less prevalent in the UC (28.5%; 95% CI 26.3–30.6%) vs CD cohort (31.4%; 95% CI 29.4–33.4%); p=0.049. In both cohorts, the EIMs prevalence tended to be slightly higher among IBD patients living with obesity compared to those without it (UC: 19.5% vs 16.1%, p=0.106; CD: 20.2% vs. 19.6%, p=0.767); the prevalence of specific EIMs subtypes and the proportion of IBD patients with over 2 or 3 EIMs also did not differ significantly. Among UC patients, obesity was proven to be a risk factor for EIMs development (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.15–2.67; p=0.009), along with male sex (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.25–2.89; p=0.02), and prolonged steroid use (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.03–3.45; p=0.04). Among CD patients, logistic regression analysis showed that stricturing and penetrating disease behaviour (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.04–2.75; p=0.033), iron deficiency (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.16–2.07; p=0.003) and calcium deficiency (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.36–4.36; p=0.003) were associated with EIMs development; obesity was not an independent or adjusted risk factor (Table).

Conclusions
In a large IBD cohort, obesity prevalence was found to be higher than in the general population. Interestingly, obesity was established as a risk factor for the EIMs development in UC, but not in CD. Our findings highlight the need for timely assessment and management of obesity in these disorders, which may help in preventing EIMs development.

Funding Agencies
AbbVie
A174 PATIENT PERSPECTIVES AND EXPECTATIONS IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Balram B , Al Khoury A , Bessissow T , Afif W , gonczi l , abreu m , Lakatos P L 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Shared decision making is gaining favour in clinical practice and increasingly patients want to be involved in their disease process.

Aims
In this systematic review, our objective was to assess inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patient preferences and perspectives relating to their disease diagnosis, treatment, knowledge needs and telemedicine.

Methods
This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). Four databases and conference proceedings were searched between January 1, 1980, and May 1, 2020. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR) checklist.

Results
Our search identified 240 citations and 51 studies met the inclusion criteria. The major expectations of the patients are symptomatic and pain control, quality of life and normal endoscopy. Patients’ main concerns are access to information and healthcare, and shared decision making. At the time of diagnosis, patients expressed a greater need for knowledge about their IBD, preferentially by their treating gastroenterologist. The main treatment expectations in active disease are efficacy, safety and convenience. Patients are willing to accept relatively high risks of complications from medical therapy to avoid a permanent ostomy and to achieve durable remission. Patients are more interested in disease monitoring, research and development during the time of remission. Telemedicine and self-management with supervised e-health tools are feasible and acceptable amongst IBD patients.

Conclusions
This systematic review demonstrates that IBD patients expect more information about their disease process, shared decision making and symptom control. Further research is needed to help align patient and physician expectations in order to improve the quality of care provided to IBD patients.

Funding Agencies
None
A178 USTEKINUMAB FOLLOWING PRIMARY ANTI-TNF FAILURE AND SECONDARY LOSS OF RESPONSE TO VEDOLIZUMAB IN AN ADOLESCENT WITH ULCERATIVE PANCOLITIS
Authors: Entenmann A , Griffiths A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Infliximab is, to date, the only biologic therapy approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) in paediatric patients. Although often effective, primary mechanistic failure is more common in UC than in luminal inflammatory paediatric Crohn’s disease (CD). Alternate pathway biologics, specifically vedolizumab (anti-α4β7 integrin) and ustekinumab (anti-interleukins 12/23) are increasingly used in adults with UC. Emerging data from head to head trials of biologics and network meta-analyses of placebo-controlled trial data are being used to guide choice and sequencing of therapeutic agents. Even among adults with UC data concerning combination biologics are very limited.

Aims
To report the outcomes of addition of ustekinumab to vedolizumab in a patient with steroid dependent colitis, previous primary non-response to infliximab and secondary loss of response to vedolizumab monotherapy.

Methods
Case report

Results
A 17 years old girl was hospitalized with acute severe colitis (PUCAI 85) developing as oral prednisone was tapered below 30 mg daily despite ongoing intensified vedolizumab therapy (300 mg q4 weekly) and per rectal steroids. First presentation 2 years earlier with UC pancolitis, responsive to oral prednisone, maintained on oral 5-ASA until first exacerbation 8 months later. Responsive then to IV steroids, but unable to maintain steroid-free remission despite intensified infliximab with therapeutic levels. Vedolizumab initiated in setting of primary mechanistic anti-TNF failure. Steroid-free clinical remission for 7 months of q 8 weekly dosing with normalization of fecal calprotectin (16, 115 µg/g) when symptoms recurred and persisted despite shortening of vedolizumab dosing interval to 4 weeks. Vedolizumab level 34 µg/mL. Symptomatic response to oral prednisone 40 mg, but unsustained with tapering. Hospitalized with up to 10 bloody stools per day, nocturnal stools, abdominal pain and anemia requiring blood transfusion. High doses of IV steroids were given with slow response. Colectomy refused by family. IV ustekinumab 390 mg given. Vedolizumab continued q 8 weekly in view of prior responsiveness. Ustekinumab subcutaneous maintenance therapy initiated at week 8 and continuing q 4 weekly (levels 3.3 mg/L). Oral prednisone tapered and discontinued. At 5 months post ustekinumab initiation, patient is in steroid-free clinical remission (PUCAI 0). Fecal calprotectin has declined from &gt;1800 to 723 µg/g.

Conclusions
In this patient with UC and primary failure of anti-TNF, ustekinumab has demonstrated short-term efficacy in alleviating steroid-dependency. The contribution of continued vedolizumab, to which there had previously been secondary loss of response, is unknown. Nevertheless, the safety profile of vedolizumab allows it to be combined with other therapies in selected treatment-refractory patients.

Funding Agencies
None
A179 GUT-DIRECTED SELF-HYPNOSIS FOR INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE PROTOCOL: COMPLIMENTARY PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR REMISSION AUGMENTATION, IBS-LIKE SYMPTOMS, AND SURGERY RECOVERY.
Authors: Paulton J P , Prevost J , Gill A K 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Gut-directed hypnosis (GDH) is a complimentary therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), that can be learnt by patients to practice self-hypnosis. GDH in IBD has augmented remission and improved inflammation. GDH has a history of successful use for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). In IBD it may also improve IBS-like symptoms in remission and recovery from surgery. GDH is suitable for youth and adult IBD patients. In hypnosis, a relaxed state is inducted then suggestions to subconscious mind processes are made. In IBD, the mechanism of action of GDH is unknown but may influence the disease stress response.

Aims
Aims are the development of a GDH self-hypnosis protocol for IBD, with appropriate target symptoms. Patients first learn to practice with a clinician, then as complimentary psychotherapy for remission augmentation, IBS-like symptoms, and surgery recovery.

Methods
GDH is practiced first with a clinician, and then by patients as self-hypnosis (table 1). Patients receive psycho-education on GDH for IBD. Next, appropriate treatment goals are made, based on target symptoms. Relaxation techniques induce patient to a deeply relaxed state. Therapeutic suggestions specific to patient goals are given: verbal suggestions, visualizations, and post-hypnotic suggestions. Suggestions can focus on having a healthy digestive system, inflammation and symptoms reduction, and achievement and sustainment of remission. Patients emerge from hypnosis, are debriefed, and encouraged to practice ongoing self-hypnosis.

Results
In IBD, GDH self-hypnosis can be learnt from clinicians and practiced by patients as a complimentary therapy. Patients’ achievement and sustainment of remission, with clinical markers of inflammation can be monitored. Patients can monitor subjective improvement of IBS-like symptoms and post surgery, recovery progress can be monitored.

Conclusions
GDH has a history of use for IBS. In IBD, it has been shown to modulate remission, and may improve IBS-like symptoms, and in surgery recovery. The mechanism of action of GDH in IBD may influence the disease stress response. Clinicians trained in GDH are limited currently. Patients may learn GDH self-hypnosis as a complimentary psychotherapy.

Funding Agencies
None
A180 RISK FACTORS FOR INADEQUATE GESTATIONAL WEIGHT GAIN IN PREGNANT PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES
Authors: Tandon P , Hanna Y , Cepo J , Maxwell C , Huang V W 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a risk of inadequate gestational weight-gain (GWG) which in turn may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Aims
To determine the risk factors for inadequate GWG in these patients and to determine the impact on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods
Pregnant patients with IBD, both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), were identified retrospectively at the Mount Sinai Hospital from 2016 to 2020. Total gestational weight-gain (GWG) was calculated as the difference of the weight recorded at time of labor and pre-pregnancy weight. GWG was further stratified into less than adequate, adequate, and more than adequate based on the pre-pregnancy body-mass index and standards set by the U.S. Institute of Medicine. Pregnancy-related outcomes were also recorded for each patient. Disease activity was recorded at each trimester visit and defined by a fecal calprotectin (FCP) &gt; 250 ug/g. Differences in the mean GWG were compared using independent T-test with standard deviations (SD) whereas categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square (x2) test.

Results
71 pregnancies in 71 patients were included (33 UC and 38 CD). Thirteen patients (18.3%) had less than adequate, 23 (32.4%) adequate, and 35 (49.3%) more than adequate GWG. Of the 33 patients with UC, 4 (12.2%) had less than adequate, 15 (45.5%) had adequate, and 14 (42.4%) had more than adequate GWG. Of the 38 patients with CD, 9 (23.7%) had less than adequate, 8 (21.1%) had adequate, and 21 (55.3%) had more than adequate GWG (p=0.07) for CD vs. UC). In those with CD, both fistulizing and stricturing CD phenotypes appeared to be numerically associated with inadequate GWG. Specifically, none of the 13 patients with fistulizing CD had adequate GWG compared to 32.0% (8/25) in those without fistulizing disease (p=0.07). Similarly, only 2/22 (9.1%) of those with stricturing CD had adequate GWG compared to 6/16 (37.5%) in those without stricturing disease (p=0.07). Furthermore, of seven patients with active disease in the first trimester, only one had adequate GWG (14.3%) compared to 37.5% (3/8) of those in clinical remission (p=0.044). Active disease in trimesters two and three was not associated with inadequate GWG. Finally, the mean GWG was higher in those undergoing Cesarean (37.8 kg (SD 14.1) vs. 30.4 kg (SD 10.5), p=0.014)) and emergency Cesarean delivery (43.5 kg (SD 17.6) vs. 31.9 kg (SD 10.7) (p=0.004) compared to vaginal delivery respectively.

Conclusions
Patients with CD, but not UC, and those with active disease in the first trimester, are at risk of inadequate GWG during pregnancy. In those with larger GWG, a higher rate of emergency Cesarean birth was noted. Optimal intervention to achieve recommended gestational weight-gains in patients with IBD remains to be determined.

Funding Agencies
None
A183 TELEHEALTH USE IN RURAL SASKATCHEWAN AND INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE OUTCOMES
Authors: Patterson M , Gozdzik M , Peña-Sánchez J , Fowler S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Appropriate management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often requires multiple specialist appointments per year. Living in rural locations may pose a barrier to regular specialist care. Saskatchewan (SK) has a large rural population. Prior to COVID-19, telehealth (TH) in SK was not routinely used for either patient assessment or follow up. Furthermore, TH was exclusively between hospitals and specific TH sites without direct contact using patient’s personal phones.

Aims
The objective of this study was to assess the differences in demographics, disease characteristics, outcomes, and health care utilization between patients from rural SK with IBD who used TH and those who did not.

Methods
A retrospective chart review was completed on all rural patients (postal code S0*) with IBD in SK who were followed at the Multidisciplinary IBD Clinic in Saskatoon between January 2018 and February 2020. Patients were classified as using TH if they had ever used it. Information on demographics, disease characteristics, and access to IBD-related health care in the year prior to their last IBD clinic visit or endoscopy was collected. Data was not collected for clinic visits after March 1, 2020 as all outpatient care became remote secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mean, standard deviations, median and interquartile ranges (IQR) were reported. Mann-Witney U and Chi-Square tests were used to determine differences between the groups.

Results
In total, 288 rural SK IBD patients were included, 30 (10.4%) used TH and 258 (89.6%) did not. Patient demographics were not significantly different between the two groups; although, there was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of ulcerative colitis patients (17% TH vs. 38% non-TH, p=0.02). The percentage of patients with clinical remission was 87% for TH patients and 74% for non-TH patients (p=0.13). There were no significant differences in health care utilization patterns and biochemical markers of disease, including c-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin (FCP) (p&gt;0.05).

Conclusions
Prior to the pandemic, a small percentage of patients with IBD in rural SK ever used TH. A small proportion of UC patients used TH. No significant differences in disease characteristics, outcomes, or health care utilization were identified. Further study is warranted to identify barriers to use of this technology to tailor care to this patient group and improve access to care, especially now as the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the use of virtual care.

Funding Agencies
None
A197 COLONIC AMYLOIDOSIS: A CAUSE OF RECURRENT HYPOVOLEMIA
Authors: Tsoukas S E , Mayrand S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Systemic amyloidosis is a multi-organ disease characterized by abnormal extracellular protein deposition. The most common type is primary (AL) amyloid relating to underlying plasma cell dyscrasias. Other major variants include secondary (AA) amyloid from chronic inflammation, dialysis related amyloid (DRA) with β2-microglobulin, and heritable protein mutations. Management of the underlying disorder can limit further organ damage; however, no definitive treatment exists for familial causes. While uncommon, gastrointestinal involvement is variable and can cause asymptomatic infiltration, liver impairment, bleeding, or chronic diarrhea.

Aims
To discuss an unusual case of gastrointestinal amyloidosis as a cause of recurrent diarrhea and hypovolemic shock.

Methods
The patient records were examined, and a review of the literature was performed.

Results
An 87-year-old male with dementia, coronary artery disease and end stage renal disease from PCKD presented in hypovolemic shock. He had a two-week history of gradual onset, non-bloody, watery diarrhea with up to 20 bowel movements daily. He denied fever, sick contacts, travel, or recent antibiotic use. He had previously foregone endoscopy for a remote history of self-resolved hematochezia. Examination was notable for an uncomplicated inguinal hernia. Labs showed an anion-gap metabolic acidosis but no leukocytosis. He initially received iv hydration, vasopressors, and empiric antibiotics. CT showed diffuse wall thickening of the terminal ileum, colon and rectum with relative sigmoid sparing concerning for enterocolitis. Stool culture grew C. albicans, but C. difficile toxin and Ova and Parasite PCR were negative. He clinically improved with loperamide and was discharged only to be readmitted four days later with recurrent diarrhea and hypovolemia. Repeat cultures were negative. Endoscopy showed diffuse well-demarcated clean-based ulcers and colonic edema. Biopsies excluded viral causes but showed a classic appearance of apple-green birefringence on Congo red staining suggesting amyloid deposition. Raised light chain immunoglobulins and lysozyme on proteomic analysis indicated either AL or a heritable amyloid but excluded AA and DRA. Full diagnostic criteria for AL were not met as free light chain ratio was preserved without clear monoclonality. While his diarrhea again improved, next-of-kin opted for palliative care due to repeated admissions for delirium and generalized deterioration.

Conclusions
This case was indicative of atypical AL amyloidosis versus a rare lysozyme mutation involving renal and GI systems. AL amyloid has a classic appearance on special stains and mass spectrometry that distinguishes it from most subtypes, however, given elevated lysozyme levels further genetic analysis is needed to guide management. In the appropriate clinical context, gastrointestinal amyloidosis can be considered as a rare cause of recurrent unexplained diarrhea.

Funding Agencies
None
A203 PAVING THE WAY TO THE DUODENUM: A CASE REPORT OF DUODENAL TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: Yanofsky R , Singh K S , Parent J , Frenette C , Haegert D , Bessissow T 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Duodenal tuberculosis (DTB) is an uncommon manifestation of tuberculosis (TB), representing only 0.5% of all TB cases. The nonspecific features of its clinical presentation make diagnosis challenging, which can lead to delayed identification and even inappropriate treatments. Further, the location is also difficult to reach on conventional endoscopy and there are few studies on the use of balloon enteroscopy to diagnose DTB.

Aims
We report a case of DTB diagnosed using balloon enteroscopy that was successfully treated with symptom resolution. We also highlight uncommon features of DTB, including cobblestoning seen on endoscopy and villous blunting with duodenal lymphocytosis seen on histopathology.

Methods
Case report

Results
A 30-year-old previously healthy male returning from India 16 months prior presented to the emergency department with 1 month of abdominal distension, non-bloody diarrhea, and night-sweats. Examination was notable for fever and a distended abdomen. Computed-tomography showed thickening of the jejunum and ileum, with omental fat-stranding and intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy. As the lesion appeared out of reach for conventional endoscopy, balloon enteroscopy was performed, revealing an area of cobblestoning in the duodenum. Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining was negative. While TB culture was pending, a second balloon enteroscopy was performed, with AFB staining negative on repeat biopsy. Pathology showed villous blunting and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes but was negative for granulomas. As the diagnosis remained uncertain, endoscopic ultrasound-guided lymph node biopsy was performed and multiple lymph nodes were seen in the gastro-hepatic area. Lymph node biopsy AFB staining was also negative. 4 weeks later, pathology from the first balloon enteroscopy returned positive for TB. The remaining biopsy cultures were negative for TB. The patient was treated with standard of care treatment. At 2 and 4 months of follow-up, he reported complete resolution of symptoms.

Conclusions
The diagnosis of DTB is challenging due its non-specific presentation and rarity. Our case highlights the difficulty of diagnosis as endoscopic findings such as cobblestoning are highly uncommon. We provide support for the use of balloon enteroscopy as a novel method for diagnosis of DTB. With early identification, we were able to provide appropriate therapy and prevent propagation of the disease.

Funding Agencies
None