Category Archives: inflammatory bowel disease

Adalimumab Gains FDA Approval for Use in Children

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Medications used in pediatrics often do not have a “pediatric indication” on their FDA-approved labeling.  Until recently, one of those medications included adalimumab (Humira).

Sept 25, 2014 (From MSN Money):  The Food and Drug Administration cleared Humira as a treatment for moderate to severe Crohn’s disease in children ages 6 and older when those children haven’t been helped by other treatments, AbbVie said. The North Chicago, Illinois, company said Humira can be administered at home, unlike similar drugs used to treat the condition. During the second quarter, revenue from Humira jumped 26 percent to $3.29 billion.

Related blog post:

More Lessons in TNF Therapy (Part 2)

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Another useful study (Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 12: 1474-81, editorial 1482-84 [podcast available: http://www.gastro.org/cghpodcast%5D) on infliximab (IFX) usage addresses the issue of reinitiating IFX therapy after a “drug holiday.”

The authors conducted their retrospective single-center study in Belgium.  This detail is important as interruption of therapy is more common in Europe where agents like IFX are often stopped when patients are doing well.  In the U.S. stopping IFX occurs more commonly when there are antibodies to infliximab (ATIs) or increased clinical symptoms.  In this particularly study, 22% were restarted on IFX after loss of response (despite dose optimization) and the remainder had been stopped either due to remission, pregnancy or patient decision. Also, in their center, patients do not receive IFX unless they were allergic or refractory to steroids and/or immunomodulators for a minimum of 3 months.

In total there were 128 patients (105 with Crohn’s and 23 with ulcerative colitis).

Key findings:

  • Reintroduction of IFX resulted in a clinical response in 84.5% at week 14, 70% at 1 year, and 61% at more than 4 years.
  • Higher response was noted in those who discontinued because of remission: 90% at week 14, 77.5% at 1 year, and 66.6% at more than 4 years.
  • In patients with prior loss of response, 45% had response to reintroduction of IFX at 1 year.
  • 15 patients had acute infusion reactions, seven of these were severe.
  • ATI-positivity was associated with a higher risk of infusion reaction, though most ATI-positive patients did not develop a reaction.  Particularly in ATI-positive patients, the editorial recommends a “slow infusion protocol and possibly steroids before administration of the drug.”
  • The editorial states: “it seems reasonable to check drug levels and antibodies before the second infliximab dose.” Trough levels >2 mcg/mL and undetectable ATIs early after restarting the drug were associated with good responses. “For patients with high ATIs (≥9.1 U/mL), another drug should be considered.”
  • Among those with detectable ATIs, response at 1 year was noted in 54.8%.
  • Immunomodulator cotherapy had a beneficial effect.

Bottomline: This study provides useful insights for patients who need to reinitiate IFX treatment.  In addition, some IFX failures may be able to resume IFX after a drug holiday.

Related blog posts:

More Lessons in TNF Therapy (Part 1)

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More data has been published regarding postoperative therapy with infliximab (IFX) in Crohn’s disease (Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 12: 1494-1502, editorial 1503-6).

In this prospective, open-label study with at least 5 years of followup, 24 patients who were previously randomly assigned to receive IFX or placebo for 1 year after ileocolonic resection were given the option of continuing IFX or stopping IFX (“watch and wait approach”).  This was a strange study and perhaps mirrors clinical experience in that consistent usage of IFX was not maintained in the majority; in addition, there was not a set pattern with regard to thiopurine usage.

Of 11 patients who received IFX during the first year after surgery, 8 elected to stop IFX and all 8 experienced endoscopic recurrences at a mean of 18.2 months, including 5 who needed surgery.  Of 13 patients who received placebo during the first year after resection, 12 elected to initiate IFX at 1-year entry point;  7 of those responded with endoscopic remission. Overall, the mean percentage of time that a patient received IFX was similar between those initially assigned to IFX or placebo (50.3% vs. 53%).

Key findings:

  • Among those originally assigned to the IFX group, there was a longer mean time to first endoscopic recurrence (1231 days vs. 460 days in placebo group).
  • Colonoscopy identified recurrent disease in 22.2% of patients receiving IFX compared with 93% off IFX.  That is, throughout the study there were 84 colonoscopies.  If one was receiving IFX at the time of the colonoscopy, the adjusted rate ratio for being in remission while on IFX was 13.47.
  • Among patients who received IFX for at least 60% of the full study period, they had fewer surgical recurrences: 20.0% compared with 64.3% (5 of 8).
  • Recurrence was similar for patients receiving IFX monotherapy or in combination (though small numbers preclude a definitive assessment).
  • None of the three patients who continued IFX from the beginning have required an operation in the past 8 years.

One can speculate that the main reason why so many placebo-treated patients (12 of 13) elected to start IFX was that there was evidence of recurrent disease; conversely, many of the patients who received IFX postoperatively were in remission and opted for a watch-and-wait approach subsequently.

Study limitations: small numbers, open-label design, changes in therapy at patient’s physician discretion, and no restrictions on use of concomitant medications.

The associated editorial recommends the use of IFX postoperatively in high-risk patients (perforating disease, smokers, >1 surgical resection) and notes that therapy should be started 2-4 weeks after surgery because IFX is “less effective in preventing medical recurrence if started after endoscopic recurrence.”  The editorial suggests that low-risk patients should undergo a 6- to 12-month endoscopic evaluation.  Though, “we urgently need data from large prospective studies such as the PREVENT trial” (NCT01190839) as well as the POCER study.

Bottomline: Infliximab, administered within 4 weeks of an ileocolonic resection, reduces postoperative recurrence of Crohn’s disease and helps prevent further surgeries.  Studies (like this one) with long followup are essential to determine the effectiveness of anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) therapies.  It remains unclear whether only “high-risk” patients should receive anti-TNF therapy or whether these agents should be used more broadly.

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ImproveCareNow Video

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A recent (short ~2:30) ImproveCareNow (ICN) Video explains how ImproveCareNow is a forward-thinking network and how it has the potential to lead to better outcomes for children with inflammatory bowel disease.

If you are part of ICN, this video may help explain to your patients what ICN is all about.

Early Results of FMT for IBD -Any Efficacy?

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As more data emerges on fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for inflammatory bowel disease in well-designed trials, it is not clear if FMT will be effective.  A summary of some recent abstracts is available at this link to Gastroenterology and Endoscopy News: Fecal Transplants for IBD Show Mixed Results in Trials

One trial with 53 patients with mild to moderate UC (27 randomized to FMT, 26 to placebo) once weekly for six weeks showed similar results in both groups with 7 FMT patients and 8 placebo recipients experiencing improvement of at least 30% in their Mayo scores.  Dr. Lawrence Brandt said, “It may be that we need to look at the patient’s unique bacterial composition and determine which organisms need to be replaced and formulate FMT accordingly.”

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Why Adding Vitamin D May Not Help IBD

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Despite all of the accolades that vitamin D has received, the fact that low vitamin D is associated with worse outcomes, in a number of disease states, does not prove causality. A recent article indicates that vitamin D is likely more of a marker of disease activity than a mediator of disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and specifically Crohn’s disease (CD) (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2014; 20: 856-60).

Background: Binding sites for the vitamin D receptor (VDR) have been “identified in genes associated with CD, and vitamin D has been shown to enhance the production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and induction of regulatory T-cells.”

Design:The authors prospectively collected samples of 37 CD patients; the mean age in those with active disease (n=20) was 34 years and it was 30 years in those with inactive disease. In 8 patients with active disease, vitamin D levels were measured at the time of active inflammation (day 0) and at 14 days after receiving infliximab (day 14).

  • Key finding in these 8 patients: Vitamin D (25-OH) was 23 ng/mL on day 0 and 40 ng/mL 2 weeks later.  Only 1 of these 8 patients was taking a vitamin D supplement.
  • Key finding in the entire cohort: in the active disease group mean vitamin D level was 27 ng/mL compared with 38 ng/mL in those in remission (P=0.02).

Take-home point: There is an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and disease activity.  However, the early increases in vitamin D levels with clinical response to anti-TNF therapy suggests that a major mechanism of vitamin D deficiency is related to the burden of systemic inflammation.  Hence, repeat testing when patients are in remission may obviate the need for vitamin D supplementation in many patients.

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Use of Gluten-Free Diet with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

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As noted in a previous blog (The Search for a Dietary Culprit in IBD | gutsandgrowth), alternative diets have been explored both for symptom improvement and in efforts to improve inflammation in individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).  A new study from North Carolina indicates that nearly 20% of patients have tried a gluten-free diet (GFD) to help control clinical symptoms in IBD (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2014; 20: 1194-97).

While adoption of a GFD clearly is effective for celiac disease, it has become popular, along with a low FODMAPs diet, as an alternative treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)/and “non-celiac gluten sensitivity.”  Since IBS is a common comorbidity with IBD (see recent blog: New Biomarker for Crohn’s Disease (Plus Two …), it is not surprising that a GFD would be used by some with IBD.  In this study, the authors performed a cross-sectional study using a GFD questionnaire in 1647 IBD patients though a CCFA longitudinal internet-based cohort.

Results:

  • 19.1% had previously tried a GFD and 8.2% reported current use of GFD.
  • 65.6% described improvement while on a GFD.  Improved symptoms included fatigue, nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
  • 0.6% of patients reported a concurrent diagnosis of celiac disease (which is similar to overall celiac prevalence in U.S.)

Given the structure of this study, which is mainly an internet survey, there are many limitations in its interpretation.  Certainly, this study does not prove that a GFD is effective for IBD.  However, it is clear that a GFD is used frequently and may improve IBD/IBS symptoms.

Take-home message: Particularly in patients who have ongoing symptoms despite  mucosal healing, pursuing either a low FODMAPs diet or a GFD may be helpful.

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Disclaimer: These blog posts are for educational purposes only. Specific dosing of medications (along with potential adverse effects), implementation of diets and specific medical management interventions should be confirmed by prescribing physician.  Application of the information in a particular situation remains the professional responsibility of the practitioner.

Beauty is More Than Skin Deep

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A recent article discusses how a British model is an inspiration.  “Bethany Townsend made a bold move posting photos of herself in a bikini with colostomy bags on full display….Millions of people have seen her picture on the Crohn’s and Colitis UK page.”

If you want, take a look; here’s the link: British bikini model 

Tofacitinib -Risks and Benefits in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Previously Tofacitnib, an oral Janus kinase inhibitor, has shown promise as an emerging treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (Tofacitinib –a JAK Inhibitor for UC | gutsandgrowth).  So, a recent large study in tofacitinib use in rheumatoid arthritis caught my attention, specifically with regards to the potential risks of treatment (NEJM 2014; 370: 2377-86).

This double-blind study randomly assigned 958 patients (mean age ~49 years) to receive 5 mg or 10 mg of tofacitinib twice daily or weekly methotrexate.  This study, called ORAL Start, examined the effectiveness of these drugs over a 24 month period in patients with active moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis naive to therapeutic doses of methotrexate.

Key findings:

  • Among tofacitinib patients, 25.5% (5 mg group) and 37.7% (10 mg group) had an ACR 70 response at 6 months compared with 12.0% of methotrexate patients.  Results at 12 and 24 months were similar (Figure 1)
  • Adverse effects:
  1. 4% of tofacitinib patients developed herpes zoster compared with 1.1% of methotrexate patients
  2. 5 tofacitinib patients developed cases of cancer (three cases of lymphoma) compared with 1 case among patients receiving methotrexate
  3. Tofacitinib was associated with decreases in neutrophil/lymphoctye counts, increases in creatinine levels, increases in aminotransferases, and increases (16-22%) in LDL/HDL cholesterol levels
  4. Four deaths were noted among patients treated with tofacitinib compared with none in the methotrexate patients.

Related blog post: Source Article: Methotrexate Safety | gutsandgrowth

New Biomarker for Crohn’s Disease (Plus Two)

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A recent study identifies a new biomarker for Crohn’s disease (CD) (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2014; 20: 1037-48).

The authors examined a cohort of 208 newly diagnosed pediatric CD and 43 non-IBD controls for ileal/rectal expression of FcγRIA mRNA.  In addition, in a smaller cohort of 26 newly diagnosed CD patients, 83 established CD patients and 30 non-IBD controls the authors measured peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) CD64 index.

Key findings:

  • Ileal FcγRIA mRNA expression was significantly elevated in CD compared with non-IBD controls
  • PMN CD64 was significantly elevated in CD compared with non-IBD controls and correlated with mucosal injury as measured by the simple endoscopic score for CD.
  • Patients in clinical remission with a PMN CD64 <1 had a high rate of sustained remission (95%) whereas only 56% had sustained remission if PMN CD64 was >1.

Take-home point: This study shows in pediatrics, as in adults IBD patients, that PMN CD64 index is associated with mucosal inflammation; high levels are associated with clinical relapse.  Serum biomarkers are likely to complement stool biomarkers like fecal calprotectin.

One other point the authors make: “studies have found that 57% to 59% of CD have concurrent IBS.”  Thus, there is a need for biomarkers to distinguish whether patients with clinical symptoms are experiencing an inflammatory relapse.

Related blog post: Calprotectin: Part of diagnostic algorithm for IBD …

Two other studies in same issue:

“Alterations in the Intestinal Microbiome (Dysbiosis) as a Predictor of Relapse After Infliximab Withdrawal in Crohn’s disease” pages 978-86.  N=33 CD patients. Key finding: “CD-associated dysbiosis, characterized by a decrease in Firmicutes, correlates with the time-to-relapse after infliximab withdrawal.”

“Tissue Studies in Screened First-degree Relatives Reveal a Distinct Crohn’s Disease Phenotype” pages 1049-56. N=38 asymptomatic relatives. Key finding: based on histologic scoring 61% were normal, 26% had minor lesions, and 13% had evidence of active disease. This study indicates that screening relatives may identify a subset with early biologic disease.