Intestinal Research

IBD

Response: Comments on “Adequacy of sigmoidoscopy as compared to colonoscopy for assessment of disease activity in patients of ulcerative colitis: a prospective study”: Sameet Tariq Patel, Sanjay Chandnani, Pravin M Rathi; Intest Res 2025;23(2):227-228. Published online April 29, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00209

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IBD

Comments on “Adequacy of sigmoidoscopy as compared to colonoscopy for assessment of disease activity in patients of ulcerative colitis: a prospective study”: Sidharth Harindranath; Intest Res 2025;23(2):225-226. Published online September 6, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00072

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Response: Comments on “Adequacy of sigmoidoscopy as compared to colonoscopy for assessment of disease activity in patients of ulcerative colitis: a prospective study”
Sameet Tariq Patel, Sanjay Chandnani, Pravin M Rathi
Intestinal Research.2025; 23(2): 227. CrossRef

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Infection

Diagnostic performance of noninvasive tests for cytomegalovirus ileocolitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis: Thanaboon Chaemsupaphan, Onuma Sattayalertyanyong, Julajak Limsrivilai; Intest Res 2025;23(2):213-224. Published online January 14, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00136

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background/Aims
Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) ileocolitis traditionally requires colonoscopy with tissue biopsy. Due to potential complications in high-risk patients, there is growing interest in serum and stool tests for diagnosing this condition. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these noninvasive tests compared to traditional gold standards.
Methods
Two independent reviewers performed a comprehensive search on MEDLINE and Embase from inception up to October 1, 2023. Prospective and retrospective studies evaluating the performance of serum CMV polymerase chain reaction (PCR), serum CMV antigen (Ag), and stool CMV PCR in diagnosing CMV ileocolitis were included. Tissue histopathology or tissue CMV PCR served as reference standards. Diagnostic performances of each serum and stool test were calculated based on a meta-analysis using random-effects model.
Results
A total of 30 studies, comprising 23 studies of serum CMV PCR, 9 of serum CMV Ag, and 7 of stool CMV PCR, were included. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under summary receiver operating characteristic curves were 62% (95% confidence interval [CI], 51%–72%), 90% (95% CI, 79%–96%), and 0.81 for serum CMV PCR, 38% (95% CI, 26%–51%), 94% (95% CI, 70%–99%), and 0.56 for serum CMV Ag, and 53% (95% CI, 35%–70%), 91% (95% CI, 84%–95%), and 0.84 for stool CMV PCR.
Conclusions
Serum and stool tests cannot replace colonoscopy for diagnosing CMV ileocolitis due to their low sensitivities but may be useful when colonoscopy is not feasible. Positive results can aid diagnosis, given their high specificities. Serum and/or stool CMV PCR are preferred over CMV Ag.

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Endoscopy

Newly designed flared-end covered versus uncovered self-expandable metallic stents for palliation of malignant colorectal obstruction: a randomized, prospective study: Soo Jung Park, Yehyun Park, Hyun Jung Lee, Jae Jun Park, Jae Hee Cheon, Won Ho Kim, Tae Il Kim; Intest Res 2025;23(2):202-212. Published online February 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00135

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background/Aims
Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are widely used as palliative or bridge to surgery treatments in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction (MCO). Stent occlusion is more common with uncovered stents, but stent migration is more common with covered stents. Our purpose was to compare the efficacy and safety of a newly designed covered SEMS with an uncovered proximal flared end (CSEMS-UPF) with that of the conventional uncovered SEMS (UCSEMS) in the treatment of MCO.
Methods
This prospective randomized trial was conducted at a tertiary-care academic hospital. We enrolled 87 patients with stage 4 cancer and MCO: colorectal cancer in 60 patients and extracolonic cancer in 27 patients. Insertion of UCSEMS was randomly assigned to 43 patients, and 44 patients received the CSEMS-UPF. The primary outcome was the duration of stent patency after successful placement. The secondary outcomes were the number of patients with technical and clinical success and early and late complications from the stent insertion.
Results
The median patency of the stent did not differ between the UCSEMS and CSEMS-UPF groups (484 [231–737] days vs. 216 [66–366] days, P= 0.242). The technical and clinical success rates did not differ significantly between the groups, either (100.0% vs. 93.2%, respectively, P= 0.241; 100.0% vs. 92.7%, respectively, P= 0.112), nor did the early (n = 2 [4.7%] vs. n = 4 [9.8%], P> 0.999) or late (n = 12 [27.9%] vs. n = 15 [36.6%], P> 0.999) stent complication rates differ between the groups.
Conclusions
The UCSEMS and newly developed CSEMS-UPF are similarly effective treatments for MCO, with no differences in the stent migration or occlusion rates (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02640781).

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Microbiota

Exploring the link between celiac disease and obesity: a potential role of gut microbiome: Sunaina Addanki, Anastasia Mashukova, Arkene Levy; Intest Res 2025;23(2):193-201. Published online November 8, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00049

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Background/Aims
In today’s age, celiac disease (CD) is no longer solely characterized by chronic diarrhea in a malnourished child. Obesity is gradually being acknowledged as part of CD’s clinical course. Both conditions have been linked to alterations of gut microbiome. Given the difficulty of strict gluten-free diet adherence, there is a need for less restrictive adjunctive therapies. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of obesity in patients diagnosed with CD with the goal of developing new therapeutic approaches.
Methods
Baseline data from the National Institute of Health’s All of Us Research Program, was used to evaluate the relationship between CD and obesity. A retrospective cohort study was conducted where groups of individuals with CD and without CD were matched by age range and health surveys. Statistical analysis with odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported.
Results
The prevalence of obesity was 32.6% in the CD group compared to 18.4% in the control group (OR, 2.111; 95% CI, 1.914–2.328; P< 0.0001). Women accounted for a greater population of patients with CD and obesity. The largest percentage of patients with CD and obesity were older than 65 years. The highest percentage of individuals in both the experimental and control groups were white, followed by African Americans.
Conclusions
Our data shows a significant association between CD and increased prevalence of obesity. These results warrant further investigation into microbial changes and dietary exposures that affect the pathogenesis of both diseases.

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Celiac Disease and Metabolic Diseases: A Review of Emerging Connections
Deirdre Reidy, Christopher Cao, Alexandra Rosenstock, Melissa Stoffels, Sonal Kumar, Haley M. Zylberberg
Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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IBD

Histologic healing and clinical outcomes in ulcerative colitis: Raymond Fueng-Hin Liang, Huiyu Lin, Cora Yuk-Ping Chau, Wee Chian Lim; Intest Res 2025;23(2):182-192. Published online September 19, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00058

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Background/Aims
Growing evidence suggests histologic healing (HH) improves clinical outcomes in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients beyond endoscopic healing (EH). We hypothesize that HH is associated with better clinical outcomes in Asian UC patients, for whom data is lacking.
Methods
We performed a retrospective study of UC patients in clinical remission (CR) with a follow-up colonoscopy and minimum 1-year follow-up post-colonoscopy. Primary outcome was clinical relapse (CRL), defined as either a Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index score of > 2, medication escalation, hospitalization or colectomy. Predictors of CRL and HH were assessed.
Results
One hundred patients were included with a median follow-up of 22 months. At index colonoscopy, 80 patients were in EH. On follow-up, 41 patients experienced CRL. Of 80 patients in EH, 34 (42.5%) had persistent histologic activity (Nancy Index ≥ 2) and 29 (36.3%) relapsed during the follow-up period. Amongst patients in CR and EH, those with HH had lower CRL rate (26.1% vs. 50.0%, P= 0.028) and longer CRL-free survival (mean 46.1 months vs. 31.5 months, P= 0.015) than those with persistent histologic activity. On bivariable analysis of 100 patients in CR, HH, and Mayo endoscopic score (MES) of 0 were significantly associated with lower risk of CRL. On multivariable analysis, only MES 0 remained predictive of lower CRL risk.
Conclusions
Above and beyond CR and EH, achieving HH improves clinical outcomes in Asian UC patients. However, HH may not confer incremental benefit if MES 0 has been achieved. Further prospective studies evaluating the benefit of histologically guided therapeutic decisions are needed.

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IBD

Leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein is useful in predicting clinical relapse in patients with Crohn’s disease during biological remission: Naohiro Nakamura, Yusuke Honzawa, Yuka Ito, Yasuki Sano, Naoto Yagi, Sanshiro Kobayashi, Mamiko Aoi, Takashi Tomiyama, Tomomitsu Tahara, Norimasa Fukata, Toshiro Fukui, Makoto Naganuma; Intest Res 2025;23(2):170-181. Published online August 19, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00042

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Background/Aims
Serum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) is a potential biomarker of Crohn’s disease (CD). This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of LRG in predicting clinical relapse in patients in remission with CD.
Methods
This retrospective observational study assessed the relationships among patient-reported outcome (PRO2), LRG, and other blood markers. The influence of LRG on clinical relapse was assessed in patients in remission with CD.
Results
Data of 94 patients tested for LRG between January 2021 and May 2023 were collected. LRG level did not correlate with PRO2 score (ρ = 0.06); however, it strongly correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) level (r=0.79) and serum albumin level (r=–0.70). Among 69 patients in clinical remission, relapse occurred in 22 patients (31.9%). In the context of predicting relapse, LRG showed the highest area under the curve, followed by CRP level, platelet count, and albumin level. Multivariate analysis revealed that only LRG (P= 0.02) was an independent factor for predicting clinical remission. The cumulative non-relapse rate was significantly higher in patients with LRG < 13.8 μg/mL than in patients in remission with LRG ≥ 13.8 μg/mL and normal CRP level (P= 0.002) or normal albumin level (P= 0.001). Cumulative non-relapse rate was also higher in patients with LRG < 13.8 μg/mL compared to those with LRG ≥ 13.8 μg/mL in patients with L3 or B2+B3 of Montreal calcification.
Conclusions
LRG is useful in predicting clinical relapse in patients with CD during biological remission. LRG is a useful biomarker for predicting prognosis, even in patients with intestinal stenosis, or previous/present fistulas.

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IBD

Early resolution of bowel urgency by budesonide foam enema results in improved quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis: a multicenter prospective observational study: Taku Kobayashi, Kei Moriya, Toshimitsu Fujii, Shigeki Bamba, Shinichiro Shinzaki, Akihiro Yamada, Takashi Hisabe, Shintaro Sagami, Shuji Hibiya, Takahiro Amano, Noritaka Takatsu, Katsutoshi Inagaki, Ken-ichi Iwayama, Toshifumi Hibi; Intest Res 2025;23(2):157-169. Published online July 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00005

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background/Aims
Bowel urgency is an important symptom for quality of life determination in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Few clinical studies have focused on bowel urgency as an efficacy endpoint. Budesonide foam enema has shown efficacy for clinical and endoscopic improvement in mild-to-moderate UC. We evaluated the improvement of clinical symptoms (bowel urgency), safety, and treatment impact of twice-daily budesonide foam enema on the quality of life in patients with UC.
Methods
This open-label, multicenter, prospective observational study comprised a 4-week observation period assessing the effectiveness and safety of twice-daily budesonide foam enema. Mild-to-moderate UC patients who had bowel urgency were included. Patients collected data daily in an electronic patient-reported outcome system or logbooks. The primary endpoint was the rate of resolution of bowel urgency at the end of the 4-week observation period. The rate of bowel incontinence was also assessed.
Results
Sixty-one patients were enrolled. Of patients with a final evaluation, the rate of resolution of bowel urgency was 58.5% (31/53; 95% confidence interval, 44.1%–71.9%). Bowel urgency decreased over time, with a significant difference observed on day 7 versus day 0. Bowel incontinence showed a decreasing trend from day 5, with a significant difference confirmed on day 12 versus day 0. The clinical remission rate was 64.4% (38/59; 95% confidence interval, 50.9%–76.4%). One adverse event not related to budesonide rectal foam occurred.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that bowel urgency can be improved early with twice-daily budesonide foam enema. No new safety signals were observed.

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IBD

Predictive accuracy of fecal calprotectin for histologic remission in ulcerative colitis: Arshdeep Singh, Arshia Bhardwaj, Riya Sharma, Bhavjeet Kaur Kahlon, Ashvin Singh Dhaliwal, Dharmatma Singh, Simranjeet Kaur, Devanshi Jain, Namita Bansal, Ramit Mahajan, Kirandeep Kaur, Aminder Singh, Vikram Narang, Harpreet Kaur, Vandana Midha, Ajit Sood; Intest Res 2025;23(2):144-156. Published online November 11, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00068

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background/Aims
Accurate assessment of disease activity is crucial for effective management and treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). This study evaluated the correlation between clinical, endoscopic, and histologic measures of disease activity in UC.
Methods
Clinical, biochemical, endoscopic, and histologic disease activity was studied in 347 patients with UC. Agreements among various histologic classification systems, namely the Geboes Score (GS), Continuous GS, Nancy Index (NI), and Robarts Histopathology Index (RHI), were analyzed. The predictive accuracy of fecal calprotectin (FC) for endoscopic and histologic remission was assessed.
Results
We demonstrate a fair to moderate correlation between clinical, endoscopic, and histologic measures of disease activity in UC. There was a robust concordance among GS, Continuous GS, NI, and RHI in distinguishing between patients in histologic remission or activity. The NI detected 75% of patients who met the remission criteria according to the RHI, whereas the RHI identified all patients in remission as defined by the NI. FC levels below 150 μg/g had >70% accuracy in predicting endoscopic remission. FC levels below 150 μg/g showed ≥80% accuracy, and FC levels below 100 μg/g demonstrated ≥ 85% accuracy in predicting histologic remission, regardless of the scoring index applied. Elevated FC levels were associated with both acute and chronic inflammatory infiltrates in biopsy samples.
Conclusions
FC is a reliable predictor of histologic remission, with higher accuracy at lower thresholds. The GS, Continuous GS, NI, and RHI demonstrate comparable performance. FC could help stratify patients’ need for colonoscopy for the assessment of endoscopic and histologic remission.

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Beyond mucosal healing: fecal calprotectin and the path toward histologic remission in ulcerative colitis
Yehyun Park
Intestinal Research.2025; 23(2): 115. CrossRef

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IBD

Risk of malignancies and chemopreventive effect of statin, metformin, and aspirin in Korean patients with ulcerative colitis: a nationwide population-based study: Eun Hye Oh, Ye-Jee Kim, Minju Kim, Seung Ha Park, Tae Oh Kim, Sang Hyoung Park; Intest Res 2025;23(2):129-143. Published online November 9, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2023.00062

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Background/Aims
We investigated the incidences of overall and site-specific malignancies and chemopreventive effects of statin, metformin, and aspirin in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Methods
We collected data using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment claims database from January 2007 to April 2020.
Results
The overall malignancy risk among the 35,189 ulcerative colitis patients was similar to that of the general population (standardized incidence ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–1.00). In male patients, standardized incidence ratios were high for thyroid cancer and low for stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer. Concurrently, standard incidence ratios were high for liver cancer and central nervous system cancer in female patients. While 122 cases of colorectal cancer occurred in the study patients, the standardized incidence ratio was 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.99). Treatment for ulcerative colitis was not associated with an increased adjusted hazard ratio, while comorbidities increased it for all malignancies. Treatment for ulcerative colitis was associated with an increased adjusted hazard ratio, while comorbidities did not increase it for colorectal cancer. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, and ulcerative colitis treatment, statins showed a dose-dependent chemopreventive effect for all malignancies (P=0.002), while metformin and aspirin did not show any.
Conclusions
In ulcerative colitis patients, standardized incidence ratios for all malignancies and colorectal cancer did not increase. Adjusted hazard ratios for all malignancies increased with comorbidities and those for colorectal cancer with ulcerative colitis treatment. Statins have a dose-dependent chemopreventive effect for all malignancies.

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Thyroid disorders and inflammatory bowel disease: an association present in adults but also in children and adolescents
Valeria Calcaterra, Francesca Penagini, Virginia Rossi, Luisa Abbattista, Alice Bianchi, Massimiliano Turzi, Lucia Cococcioni, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
Frontiers in Endocrinology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Does statin have a chemopreventive effect in patients with ulcerative colitis?
Yoon Suk Jung
Intestinal Research.2025; 23(2): 113. CrossRef

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IBD

Role of 5-aminosalicylic acid in ulcerative colitis management in 8 Asian territories: a physician survey: Julajak Limsrivilai, Allen Yu-hung Lai, Silvia T. H. Li, Murdani Abdullah, Raja Affendi Raja Ali, Satimai Aniwan, Hoang Huu Bui, Jen-Wei Chou, Ida Normiha Hilmi, Wee Chian Lim, Jose Sollano, Michelle Mui Hian Teo, Shu-Chen Wei, Wai Keung Leung; Intest Res 2025;23(2):117-128. Published online January 6, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00085

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Clinical guidelines typically endorse conventional therapies such as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) as the mainstay of ulcerative colitis management. However, the degree of adoption and application of guideline recommendations by physicians within Asia remains unclear. This study aims to understand the prescribing patterns of 5-ASA and implementation of current guideline recommendations across Asian clinical practice. A physician survey was conducted among inflammatory bowel disease specialists in 8 Asian territories to understand practices and preferences in ulcerative colitis management, focusing on the use of 5-ASA and concordance with guideline recommendations. Survey findings were validated by country experts in diverse healthcare settings. Subgroup analyses stratified data by income levels and treatment reimbursement status. Ninety-eight valid responses were received from inflammatory bowel disease specialists or gastroenterologists among 8 economic entities. Significant differences were found in clinical practices and treatment preferences for ulcerative colitis management among different income-level and government-subsidy groups. Survey results are summarized in 8 findings that illustrate trends in 5-ASA use and guideline implementation across Asian territories. This study emphasizes socioeconomic factors that impact the adoption of guideline recommendations in real-world practice. Our findings indicate an eclectic approach to guideline implementation across Asia, based on resource availability and feasibility of treatment goals.

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IBD

Beyond mucosal healing: fecal calprotectin and the path toward histologic remission in ulcerative colitis: Yehyun Park; Intest Res 2025;23(2):115-116. Published online April 29, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2025.00056

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IBD

Does statin have a chemopreventive effect in patients with ulcerative colitis?: Yoon Suk Jung; Intest Res 2025;23(2):113-114. Published online April 29, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2025.00048

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IBD

Combined eosinophilic gastroenteritis and ulcerative colitis successfully treated by vedolizumab: a case report: Hironobu Takedomi, Kayoko Fukuda, Suma Inoue, Nanae Tsuruoka, Yasuhisa Sakata, Shigehisa Aoki, Motohiro Esaki; Intest Res 2025;23(1):107-111. Published online August 29, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00013

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: A 47-year-old man with over 10 years’ duration of ulcerative colitis treated by 5-aminosalicylic acid and intermittent topical steroids complained of acute epigastric pain. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed diffuse mucosal edema with patchy redness, multiple erosions and nodularity of the stomach. Bioptic examination revealed marked eosinophilic infiltration, confirming the diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis. Systemic steroid therapy was initiated, whereas his ulcerative colitis and eosinophilia recurred when tapering the steroid. Addition of azathioprine was ineffective, and we subsequently started vedolizumab for eosinophilic gastroenteritis and ulcerative colitis. The medication effectively improved his abdominal symptoms and esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ileocolonoscopy 1 year later revealed endoscopic improvement of both diseases with histologically decreased level of eosinophilic infiltration. Considering that eosinophils also express α4β7 integrins, vedolizumab can be a possible therapeutic candidate for eosinophilic gastroenteritis as well as ulcerative colitis.

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Miscellaneous

Bowel movement alterations predict the severity of diverticular disease and the risk of acute diverticulitis: a prospective, international study: Antonio Tursi, Daniele Piovani, Giovanni Brandimarte, Francesco Di Mario, Walter Elisei, Marcello Picchio, Gisella Figlioli, Gabrio Bassotti, Leonardo Allegretta, Maria Laura Annunziata, Mauro Bafutto, Maria Antonia Bianco, Raffaele Colucci, Rita Conigliaro, Dan L. Dumitrascu, Ricardo Escalante, Luciano Ferrini, Giacomo Forti, Marilisa Franceschi, Maria Giovanna Graziani, Frank Lammert, Giovanni Latella, Daniele Lisi, Giovanni Maconi, Debora Compare, Gerardo Nardone, Lucia Camara de Castro Oliveira, Chaves Oliveira Enio, Savvas Papagrigoriadis, Anna Pietrzak, Stefano Pontone, Ieva Stundiene, Tomas Poškus, Giuseppe Pranzo, Matthias Christian Reichert, Stefano Rodino, Jaroslaw Regula, Giuseppe Scaccianoce, Franco Scaldaferri, Roberto Vassallo, Costantino Zampaletta, Angelo Zullo, Erasmo Spaziani, Stefanos Bonovas, Alfredo Papa, Silvio Danese, DICA International Group; Intest Res 2025;23(1):96-106. Published online August 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00046

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background/Aims
Patients with diverticular disease (DD) frequently have abnormal bowel movements. However, it is unknown whether the entity of these alterations is associated with the severity of DD. We aimed to assess bowel habits and their relationship with the severity of DD according to Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment (DICA) classification, Combined Overview on Diverticular Assessment (CODA) score, and fecal calprotectin (FC).
Methods
An international, multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted in 43 centers. A 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the severity of constipation and diarrhea. The association of constipation and diarrhea with DICA classification, CODA score, and basal FC was tested using non-parametric tests. Survival methods for censored observations were applied to test the association of constipation and diarrhea with the incidence of acute diverticulitis over a 3-year follow-up.
Results
Of 871 patients with DD were included in the study. Of these, 208 (23.9%) and 199 (22.9%) reported a VAS score for constipation and diarrhea at least 3 at baseline, respectively. Higher constipation and diarrhea scores were associated with increasing DICA classification, CODA score and basal FC (P< 0.001). Constipation and diarrhea scores were independently associated with an increased hazard of developing acute diverticulitis (hazard ratio [HR]_constipation = 1.15 per 1-VAS point increase, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.27; P=0.004; and HR_diarrhea =1.14; 95% CI, 1.03–1.26; P=0.014, respectively).
Conclusions
In newly diagnosed patients with DD, higher endoscopic and combined scores of DD severity were associated with higher scores of constipation and diarrhea at baseline. Both constipation and diarrhea were independent prognostic factors of acute diverticulitis.

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Tumor

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practices related to colorectal cancer and colonoscopy in South Korea: a nationwide population-based study: Jin Young Yoon, Moon Hyung Lee, Min Seob Kwak, Jae Myung Cha; Intest Res 2025;23(1):85-95. Published online November 29, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00066

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background/Aims
Despite of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is little data regarding its impact on colorectal cancer (CRC)-related clinical practice. This study aimed to assess the changes in its impact during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
This was a retrospective national population-based study using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment database from January 2019 to December 2021. The number of patients in 2020 and 2021 was compared with those in 2019 for the diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy, CRC-related operation, and any treatment for CRC.
Results
The annual number of patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopies decreased by 6.9% in 2020 but increased 8.1% in 2021, compared to those in 2019; number of patients undergoing therapeutic colonoscopies increased by 6.0% and 37.7% in 2020 and 2021, respectively; number of patients operated for CRC decreased by 4.2% in 2020 and increased by 2.3% in 2021. The number of patients treated for CRC decreased by 2.8% in 2020 and increased by 4.4% in 2021. Diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopies and any CRC-related treatment decreased by 43.8%, 37.5%, and 11.3% in March 2020, during the first surge of COVID-19, but increased by 26.0%, 58.1%, and 9.5% in June 2021, respectively. CRC-related operations decreased by 24.1% in April 2020 and increased by 12.6% in August 2021.
Conclusions
Negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practices related to CRC completely recovered within second year. It could be considered for the development of an optimal strategy on CRC management in response to the pandemic-driven crisis.

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The impact of COVID-19 on clinical practices of colorectal cancer in South Korea
Kwang Woo Kim, Hyoun Woo Kang
Intestinal Research.2025; 23(1): 6. CrossRef

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IBD

Association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and incidence of inflammatory bowel disease: a nationwide population‑based cohort study: Ying-Hsiang Wang, Chi-Hsiang Chung, Tien-Yu Huang, Chao-Feng Chang, Chi-Wei Yang, Wu-Chien Chien, Yi-Chiao Cheng; Intest Res 2025;23(1):76-84. Published online February 21, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2023.00078

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background/Aims
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease with severe inflammatory processes associated with numerous gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, we investigated the relationship between NAFLD and IBD and the possible risk factors associated with the diagnosis of IBD.
Methods
This longitudinal nationwide cohort study investigated the risk of IBD in patients with NAFLD alone. General characteristics, comorbidities, and incidence of IBD were also compared.
Results
Patients diagnosed with NAFLD had a significant risk of developing IBD compared to control individuals, who were associated with a 2.245-fold risk of the diagnosis of IBD and a 2.260- and 2.231-fold of increased diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively (P< 0.001). The cumulative risk of IBD increased annually during the follow-up of patients with NAFLD (P< 0.001).
Conclusions
Our results emphasize that NAFLD significantly impacts its incidence in patients with NAFLD. If patients with NAFLD present with risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, these conditions should be properly treated with regular follow-ups. Furthermore, we believe that these causes may be associated with the second peak of IBD.

Citations

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Elucidating the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and incidence of inflammatory bowel disease: a focus on systemic inflammation
Sihyun Kim, Jong Pil Im
Intestinal Research.2025; 23(1): 3. CrossRef
Metabolic Disorders and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Hye Kyung Hyun, Jae Hee Cheon
Gut and Liver.2025; 19(3): 307. CrossRef
Multiomics analysis reveals the potential mechanism of high‐fat diet in dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis mice model
Yuyang Zhao, Zhimin Chen, Ruiyi Dong, Yufan Liu, Yixin Zhang, Yan Guo, Meiyi Yu, Xiang Li, Jiangbin Wang
Food Science & Nutrition.2024; 12(10): 8309. CrossRef

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IBD

Filgotinib induction-study baseline characteristics of patients with ulcerative colitis who achieve sustained corticosteroid-free remission: post hoc analysis of the phase 2b/3 SELECTION study: Taku Kobayashi, Axel Dignass, Xavier Roblin, Yoshie Takatori, Toshihiko Kaise, Alessandra Oortwijn, Corinne Jamoul, Toshifumi Hibi; Intest Res 2025;23(1):65-75. Published online June 14, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00007

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background/Aims
Obtaining and maintaining corticosteroid-free remission are important goals of treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC). Characteristics associated with achieving corticosteroid-free remission were assessed in filgotinib-treated patients in SELECTION, a 58-week, phase 2b/3 trial in moderately to severely active UC.
Methods
This post hoc analysis used data from filgotinib-treated patients receiving corticosteroids at maintenance baseline in SELECTION. Univariate logistic regression was performed to assess induction baseline characteristics associated with 6 months of corticosteroid-free remission at week 58, defined as clinical remission without using corticosteroids for at least 6 months.
Results
At maintenance baseline, 92 and 81 patients were receiving corticosteroids in the filgotinib 200 mg and filgotinib 100 mg groups, respectively. Age, body mass index, history of pancolitis, disease duration, fecal calprotectin levels, C-reactive protein levels, Mayo Clinic Score, concomitant corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and aminosalicylates had no statistically significant effect on the likelihood of achieving corticosteroid-free remission. Baseline characteristics associated with increased odds of corticosteroid-free remission were Mayo Clinic Endoscopic Subscore of 2 (vs. 3) in the filgotinib 200 mg and filgotinib 100 mg groups, and female (vs. male) sex, current (vs. former or never) smoking, and being biologic‑naive (vs. experienced) in the filgotinib 200 mg group.
Conclusions
Steroid tapering can be achieved in patients with UC receiving filgotinib 200 mg independently of baseline characteristics such as clinical activity and duration of illness. However, the likelihood of achieving corticosteroid-free remission was higher among patients who were biologic-naive, current smokers, had low endoscopic inflammatory burden and who were female.

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In which patients with ulcerative colitis would filgotinib be effective?
Jihye Park
Intestinal Research.2025; 23(1): 1. CrossRef

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IBD

The prevalence of pouch fistulas in ulcerative colitis following restorative proctocolectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis: Sheng Wei Lo, Ishaan Dharia, Danujan Sriranganathan, Maia Kayal, Edward L. Barnes, Jonathan P. Segal; Intest Res 2025;23(1):56-64. Published online August 9, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00009

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background/Aims
One complication of restorative proctocolectomy with ileo-anal pouch anastomosis is fistula formation in the pouch. Fistulas can be associated with significant morbidity and pouch failure. We conducted a systematic review with meta- analysis to try and understand the prevalence of pouch fistulas in patients with ulcerative colitis following restorative proctocolectomy.
Methods
The Embase, Embase Classic, and PubMed databases were searched between January 1979 and April 2022. Studies were included if there were cross-sectional, case-controlled, population-based or cohort studies reporting on prevalence of pouch fistulas in ulcerative colitis. Studies had to report the number of patients with pouch fistulas using either clinical, endoscopic, or radiological diagnosis in an adult population.
Results
Thirty-three studies screened met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of developing at least 1 fistula was 0.05 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04–0.07). The pooled prevalence of pouch failure in patients with pouch fistula was found to be 0.24 (95% CI, 0.19–0.30). The pooled prevalence of developing a pouch fistula at 3 years, 5 years and more than 5 years was 0.04 (95% CI, 0.02–0.07), 0.05 (95% CI, 0.02–0.07), and 0.05 (95% CI, 0.02–0.10), respectively.
Conclusions
This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to report the prevalence of pouch fistula. It also provides a pooled prevalence of pouch failure in these patients. These results can help to shape future guidelines, power future studies, and help counsel patients.

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Minimally Invasive Rectal Surgery: Current Status and Future Perspectives in the Era of Digital Surgery
Marta Goglia, Matteo Pavone, Vito D’Andrea, Veronica De Simone, Gaetano Gallo
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2025; 14(4): 1234. CrossRef

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IBD

Optimizing 5-aminosalicylate for moderate ulcerative colitis: expert recommendations from the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa Inflammatory Bowel Disease Coalition: Filiz Akyüz, Yoon Kyo An, Jakob Begun, Satimai Aniwan, Huu Hoang Bui, Webber Chan, Chang Hwan Choi, Nazeer Chopdat, Susan J Connor, Devendra Desai, Emma Flanagan, Taku Kobayashi, Allen Yu-Hung Lai, Rupert W Leong, Alex Hwong-Ruey Leow, Wai Keung Leung, Julajak Limsrivilai, Virly Nanda Muzellina, Kiran Peddi, Zhihua Ran, Shu Chen Wei, Jose Sollano, Michelle Mui Hian Teo, Kaichun Wu, Byong Duk Ye, Choon Jin Ooi; Intest Res 2025;23(1):37-55. Published online November 4, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00089

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: The lack of clear definition and classification for “moderate ulcerative colitis (UC)” creates ambiguity regarding the suitability of step-up versus top-down treatment approaches. In this paper, experts address crucial gaps in assessing and managing moderate UC. The Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa Inflammatory Bowel Disease Coalition comprised 24 experts who convened to share, discuss and vote electronically on management recommendations for moderate UC. Experts emphasized that the goal of treating UC is to attain clinical, biomarker, and endoscopic remission using cost-effective strategies such as 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs), well-tolerated therapy that can be optimized to improve outcomes. Experts agreed that 5-ASA therapy could be optimized by maximizing dosage (4 g/day for induction of remission), combining oral and topical administration, extending treatment duration beyond 8 weeks, and enhancing patient adherence through personalized counselling and reduced pill burden. Treatment escalation should ideally be reserved for patients with predictors of aggressive disease or those who do not respond to 5-ASA optimization. Premature treatment escalation to advanced therapies (including biologics and oral small molecules) may have long-term health and financial consequences. This paper provides consensus-based expert recommendations and a treatment algorithm, based on current evidence and practices, to assist decision-making in real-world settings.

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IBD

Cardiovascular disease: extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease: Samridhi Lakhanpal, Kanishk Aggarwal, Harmanjit Kaur, Kunal Kanwar, Vasu Gupta, Jill Bhavsar, Rohit Jain; Intest Res 2025;23(1):23-36. Published online May 7, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2023.00104

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a spectrum of diseases characterized by the interplay of the aberrant immune system, genetic factors, environmental factors, and intestinal microbiota, resulting in relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Underlying pro-inflammatory state and immune dysregulation act as a catalyst for increasing the likelihood of developing extraintestinal manifestations, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like atherosclerosis, pericarditis, myocarditis, venous and arterial thromboembolism, arrhythmias, despite a lower prevalence of classic CVD risk factors, like high body mass index or dyslipidemia compared to the general population. Chronic inflammation damages endothelium resulting in the recruitment of inflammatory cells, which induce cytotoxicity, lipoprotein oxidation, and matrix degradation, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis. Additionally, intestinal dysbiosis disrupts the intestinal mucosal barrier, releasing endotoxins and lipopolysaccharides into circulation, further exaggerating the atherosclerotic process. Abnormal collagen metabolism and alteration of nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation lead to blood pressure dysregulation in patients with IBD. Therefore, it is essential to make lifestyle modifications like smoking cessation, dietary changes, and increasing physical activity with adherence to medication to mitigate the risk of developing CVD in patients with IBD. This article reviews the potential links between IBD and the increased risk of CVD in such individuals.

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Metabolic Disorders and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Hye Kyung Hyun, Jae Hee Cheon
Gut and Liver.2025; 19(3): 307. CrossRef

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IBD

Helminths in alternative therapeutics of inflammatory bowel disease: Himani Pandey, Daryl W. T. Tang, Sunny H. Wong, Devi Lal; Intest Res 2025;23(1):8-22. Published online January 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2023.00059

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a nonspecific chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite recent advances in therapeutics and newer management strategies, IBD largely remains untreatable. Helminth therapy is a promising alternative therapeutic for IBD that has gained some attention in the last two decades. Helminths have immunomodulatory effects and can alter the gut microbiota. The immunomodulatory effects include a strong Th2 immune response, T-regulatory cell response, and the production of regulatory cytokines. Although concrete evidence regarding the efficacy of helminth therapy in IBD is lacking, clinical studies and studies done in animal models have shown some promise. Most clinical studies have shown that helminth therapy is safe and easily tolerable. Extensive work has been done on the whipworm Trichuris, but other helminths, including Schistosoma, Trichinella, Heligmosomoides, and Ancylostoma, have also been explored for pre-clinical and animal studies. This review article summarizes the potential of helminth therapy as an alternative therapeutic or an adjuvant to the existing therapeutic procedures for IBD treatment.

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Tumor

The impact of COVID-19 on clinical practices of colorectal cancer in South Korea: Kwang Woo Kim, Hyoun Woo Kang; Intest Res 2025;23(1):6-7. Published online January 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2025.00005

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IBD

Elucidating the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and incidence of inflammatory bowel disease: a focus on systemic inflammation: Sihyun Kim, Jong Pil Im; Intest Res 2025;23(1):3-5. Published online January 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00204

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IBD

In which patients with ulcerative colitis would filgotinib be effective?: Jihye Park; Intest Res 2025;23(1):1-2. Published online January 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00171

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IBD

Perianal fistulizing lesions of Crohn’s disease are associated with long-term behavior and its transition: a Chinese cohort study: Wei Zhan, Xiaoyin Bai, Hong Yang, Jiaming Qian; Intest Res 2024;22(4):484-495. Published online July 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00021

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background/Aims
Crohn’s disease (CD) has a progressive nature and commonly perianal involvement. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence, surgical treatment, and outcome of perianal fistulizing CD with associated risk factors in a large Chinese cohort.
Methods
Hospitalized patients diagnosed with CD in our center were consecutively enrolled between January 2000 and December 2018. Transition of disease behavior was classified according to the presence or absence of penetrating behavior (B3 in the Montreal classification) at diagnosis and at a median follow-up of 102 months.
Results
A total of 504 patients were included, of whom 207 (41.1%) were classified as B3 and 348 (69.0%) as L2/3 at follow-up. Transition of behavior to B3 was observed in 86 patients (17.1%). The incidence of perianal fistulizing lesions was 10.9% at 10 years with a final prevalence of 27.0% (n = 136) at the end of follow-up. Multivariate Cox regression identified independent risks of perianal fistulizing lesions for persistent B3 (hazard ratio, 4.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.91–11.66) and behavior transition of progressed to B3 (hazard ratio, 9.90; 95% confidence interval, 4.60–21.33). Perianal surgical treatments were performed in 104 patients (20.6%). Thirty-six cases (7.1%) were refractory, and it is independently associated with behavior of persistent B3 (P= 0.011).
Conclusions
Perianal fistulizing lesions occurred frequently in Chinese CD patients. Its incidence and refractory outcome were closely associated with the penetrating CD behavior. An additional risk of perianal fistulizing lesions was indicated for CD patients with behavior of progressing to B3, suggesting further attention.

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IBD

Early change in serum leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein predicts clinical and endoscopic response in ulcerative colitis: Ryo Karashima, Shintaro Sagami, Yoko Yamana, Masa Maeda, Aya Hojo, Yusuke Miyatani, Masaru Nakano, Takahisa Matsuda, Toshifumi Hibi, Taku Kobayashi; Intest Res 2024;22(4):473-483. Published online June 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2023.00135

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background/Aims
Leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein (LRG) is a new serum biomarker reflecting the disease activity of ulcerative colitis (UC), but its change during the acute phase has not been enough investigated.
Methods
Patients with UC who initiated the induction therapy with steroid or advanced therapy (biologics or Janus kinase inhibitors) were prospectively enrolled. Associations of LRG, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin (FC) at baseline, week 1, and week 8 with clinical remission at week 8 and subsequent endoscopic improvement within 1 year (Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0 or 1) were assessed.
Results
A total of 143 patients with UC were included. LRG and CRP at week 1 were significantly lower in the clinical remission group than in the non-remission group (LRG, 20.6 μg/mL vs. 28.4 μg/mL, P< 0.001; CRP, 0.9 mg/dL vs. 2.3 mg/dL, P< 0.001) while FC demonstrated the difference between groups only at week 8. The area under the curves of week 1 LRG, CRP, and FC for week 8 clinical remission using the receiver operating characteristic curves analysis were 0.68, 0.71, and 0.57, respectively. Furthermore, LRG and CRP predicted subsequent endoscopic improvement as early as week 1, while FC was predictive only at week 8.
Conclusions
LRG can be an early-phase biomarker predicting subsequent clinical and endoscopic response to induction therapy.

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The diagnostic accuracy of plasma and serum calprotectin is inferior to C-reactive protein in patients with suspected Crohn’s disease
M. H. Rasmussen, J. B. Brodersen, C. L. Brasen, J. S. Madsen, T. Knudsen, J. Kjeldsen, M. D. Jensen
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology.2025; 60(3): 235. CrossRef
Changes of leucine-rich alpha 2 glycoprotein could be a marker of changes of endoscopic and histologic activity of ulcerative colitis
Yuki Aoyama, Sakiko Hiraoka, Eriko Yasutomi, Toshihiro Inokuchi, Takehiro Tanaka, Kensuke Takei, Shoko Igawa, Keiko Takeuchi, Masahiro Takahara, Junki Toyosawa, Yasushi Yamasaki, Hideaki Kinugasa, Jun Kato, Hiroyuki Okada, Motoyuki Otsuka
Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Real‐World Effectiveness and Safety of Mirikizumab Induction Therapy in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: A Multicentre Retrospective Observational Study
Yasuhiro Takagi, Toshiyuki Sato, Takanori Nishiguchi, Akira Nogami, Masataka Igeta, Soichi Yagi, Maiko Ikenouchi, Mikio Kawai, Koji Kamikozuru, Yoko Yokoyama, Toshihiko Tomita, Hirokazu Fukui, Masayuki Fukata, Taku Kobayashi, Shinichiro Shinzaki
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Leucine-Rich Alpha-2 Glycoprotein 1 as a Biomarker for Evaluation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity in Children
Betül Aksoy, Yeliz Çağan Appak, Murat Akşit, Serenay Çetinoğlu, Sinem Kahveci, Şenay Onbaşı Karabağ, Selen Güler, İlksen Demir, İnanç Karakoyun, Maşallah Baran
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2025; 14(8): 2803. CrossRef
Editorial: Real‐World Effectiveness of Mirikizumab in Ulcerative Colitis—A Valuable but Preliminary Glimpse. Authors' Reply
Shinichiro Shinzaki, Yasuhiro Takagi, Toshiyuki Sato
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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IBD

Efficacy of serum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein in predicting findings of Crohn’s disease small bowel lesion in capsule endoscopy: Teppei Omori, Miki Koroku, Shun Murasugi, Ayumi Ito, Maria Yonezawa, Shinichi Nakamura, Katsutoshi Tokushige; Intest Res 2024;22(4):464-472. Published online May 7, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2023.00139

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background/Aims
Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is an evaluation method for small bowel (SB) lesions in Crohn’s disease (CD). However, the relationship between SBCE findings and the serological biomarker leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) remains unclear. We aimed to establish appropriate cutoff values of LRG to predict the presence of SB lesions in CD through SBCE.
Methods
Patients with CD with SB lesions who had undergone SBCE and LRG measurements 1 month before and after the SBCE were included. The LRG values for ulcers ≥0.5 cm and other inflammatory lesions noted in SBCE were determined using the Youden Index, and the sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Additionally, the correlation between the SBCE scores (CD Activity in Capsule Endoscopy) and LRG values was evaluated.
Results
Forty patients without active colorectal lesions were included in the study. When the cutoff value of LRG for SB ulcers ≥ 0.5 cm was set at 14 μg/mL, the sensitivity was 92.3%, specificity was 81.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 70.6%, and negative predictive value (NPV) was 95.7%. In contrast, an LRG cutoff value of 12 μg/mL without inflammatory findings had a sensitivity of 91.7%, specificity of 82.1%, PPV of 68.8%, and NPV of 95.8%. CD Activity in Capsule Endoscopy correlated well with LRG values (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient ρ = 0.681, P< 0.001).
Conclusions
An LRG cutoff value of 14 μg/mL may be useful in predicting the presence of SB ulcers ≥ 0.5 cm, and an LRG cutoff value of 12 μg/mL may be useful in predicting the absence of SB inflammatory findings.

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Leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein as a superior biomarker to C-reactive protein for detecting small bowel lesions in Crohn’s disease
Masashi Ohno, Atsushi Nishida, Akinori Otsuki, Yoshihiro Yokota, Takayuki Imai, Shigeki Bamba, Osamu Inatomi
World Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Complete mucosal healing prevents stricture progression after endoscopic balloon dilation in Crohn's disease
Jun Owada, Kunihiko Oguro, Tomonori Yano, Yusuke Ono, Takuma Kobayashi, Shoko Miyahara, Hirotsugu Sakamoto, Hironori Yamamoto
DEN Open.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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IBD

Predictors of histologic remission in patients with biologic-naïve, moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis treated with first-line biologic agents and small-molecule drugs: a single-center, retrospective cohort study: Kijae Jo, Kwang Woo Kim, Hyun Jung Lee, Jong Pil Im, Joo Sung Kim, Seong-Joon Koh; Intest Res 2024;22(4):453-463. Published online May 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00044

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Background/Aims
The prevalence and incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) in Korea is increasing. Each patient has a different disease course and treatment response. Recently, with the development of biologic agents, histological remission has become a treatment goal. In this study, we aimed to identify the predictors of histological remission after first-line biologic agent treatment in patients with biologic agent-naïve UC.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 92 patients who had been diagnosed with UC and treated with first-line biologic agent treatment at our center, between 2015 and 2022. The clinical characteristics, laboratory test results, and endoscopic and biopsy findings were analyzed. Histological remission was defined as the absence of cryptitis, crypt abscesses, and inflammatory cells on histology. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors of histological remission after first-line treatment.
Results
Of the total 92 patients, 25 (27.2%) achieved histological remission. Each cohort had a varied body mass index (BMI) distribution, with a statistically significant overweight ratio, as defined by the Asian-Pacific BMI category of 23–25 kg/m², of 48.0% in the histological remission cohort (P= 0.026). A causal correlation between the overweight category and histological remission was confirmed (odds ratio, 3.883; 95% confidence interval, 1.141–13.212; P= 0.030).
Conclusions
We confirmed that the overweight category was a predictor of histological remission after first-line treatment with a biological agent. However, as BMI does not account for skeletal muscle mass, future studies are required to confirm the correlation between skeletal muscle mass and histological remission.

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IBD

Defining management strategies for acute severe ulcerative colitis using predictive models: a simulation-modeling study: Danny Con, Peter De Cruz; Intest Res 2024;22(4):439-452. Published online May 7, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2023.00175

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background/Aims
Robust management algorithms are required to reduce the residual risk of colectomy in acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) refractory to standard infliximab salvage therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and benefits of alternative ASUC management strategies using simulated prediction models of varying accuracy.
Methods
This was a simulation-based modeling study using a hypothetical cohort of 5,000 steroid-refractory ASUC patients receiving standard infliximab induction. Simulated predictive models were used to risk-stratify patients and escalate treatment in patients at high risk of failing standard infliximab induction. The main outcome of interest was colectomy by 3 months.
Results
The 3-month colectomy rate in the base scenario where all 5,000 patients received standard infliximab induction was 23%. The best-performing management strategy assigned high-risk patients to sequential Janus kinase inhibitor inhibition and mediumrisk patients to accelerated infliximab induction. Using a 90% area under the curve (AUC) prediction model and optimistic treatment efficacy assumptions, this strategy reduced the 3-month colectomy rate to 8% (65% residual risk reduction). Using an 80% AUC prediction model with only modest treatment efficacy assumptions, the 3-month colectomy rate was reduced to 15% (35% residual risk reduction). Overall management strategy efficacy was highly dependent on predictive model accuracy and underlying treatment efficacy assumptions.
Conclusions
This is the first study to simulate predictive model-based management strategies in steroid-refractory ASUC and evaluate their effect on short-term colectomy rates. Future studies on predictive model development should incorporate simulation studies to better understand their expected benefit.

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Medical management of acute severe ulcerative colitis in the hospitalized patient
Loren G Rabinowitz, Ajay Gade, Joseph D. Feuerstein
Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology.2025; : 1. CrossRef

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