IBD Shorts and Postop Crohn’s Management

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C Ma et al. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2017; 23: 833-9.  This retrospective study examined the ongoing response to ustekinumab in 104 patients with Crohn’s disease.  All patients had achieved a steroid-free ustekinumab induction.  92.3% had failed anti-TNFα therapy.Key findings:

  • 71.8% maintained a response at 52 weeks
  • 64.4% maintained an endoscopic or radiographic response

Related blog post: Closer Look at Ustekinumab Data

O Truffinet et al JPGN 2017; 64: 721-25. This small study with 8 children with Crohn’s disease examined the use of tacrolimus.  Six of eight showed a response to tacrolimus (target 8-15) with a clinical response at 2 months and 4 of 8 in clinical remission.  Adverse effects were common, occurring in 6 of 8.  These included renal dysfunction, diabetes, paresthesia and tremor.

J Adler et al.  JPGN 2017; 64: e117-e124. Using ImproveCareNow registry, the authors identified perianal disease (PD) in 1399 of 6679 cases (21%).  PD was more common in blacks than whites: 26% vs. 20%.  Overall, this study showed a higher rate of PD than previously recognized.

J Amil-Dias et al JPGN 2017; 64: 818-35.  This is an ESPGHAN IBD Porto Group guideline for surgical Crohn’s disease management in children.  There are 25 graded statements.  Here are a few:

  • #7 & #8. If needing surgery for CD pancolitis, the authors recommend subtotal colectomy and ileostomy.  Possible reanastomosis at later date if no significant rectal and/or perianal disease.  Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is NOT recommended.
  • #13. Monitor Vitamin B12 if >20 cm resection of terminal ileum
  • #16. Postoperative management “should be based on ileocolonoscopy.” Figure 1 details recommendations, including need for assessment postoperatively.
  • In patients with high-risk factors, anti-TNF therapy is recommended postoperatively.  In those without high-risk factors, the authors indicate that thiopurines are reasonable with and advancing to anti-TNF if Rutgeerts i2 or greater at followup assessment.  High-risk factors include growth failure, short duration from diagnosis to surgery, extensive resection (>40 cm), and penetrating disease.

Related blog post:

Musee d’Orsay