Effects of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores on ankylosing spondylitis patients with sleep disorder

BACKGROUND Patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS)frequently suffer from comorbid sleep disorders,exacerbating the burden of the disease and affecting their quality of life.AIM To investigate the clinical significance of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores in patients with AS complicated by sleep disorders.METHODS A total of 106 AS patients with comorbid sleep disorders were included in the study.The patients were grouped into the desirable and undesirable prognosis groups in accordance with their clinical outcomes.The serum levels of inflammatory factors,including C-reactive protein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,interleukin(IL)-6,tumour necrosis factor-αand IL-1β,were measured.Disease activity scores,such as the Bath AS functional index,Bath AS disease activity index,Bath AS metrology index and AS disease activity score,were assessed.The health index was obtained through the Short Form-36 questionnaire.RESULTS The study found significant associations amongst serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores in AS patients with comorbid sleep disorders.Positive correlations were found between serum inflammatory factors and disease activity scores,indicating the influence of heightened systemic inflammation on disease severity and functional impairment.Conversely,negative correlations were found between disease activity scores and health index parameters,highlighting the effect of disease activity on various aspects of healthrelated quality of life.Logistic regression analysis further confirmed the predictive value of these factors on patient outcomes,underscoring their potential utility in risk assessment and prognostication.CONCLUSION The findings demonstrate the intricate interplay amongst disease activity,systemic inflammation and patientreported health outcomes in AS patients complicated by sleep disorders.The results emphasise the need for comprehensive care strategies that address the diverse needs and challenges faced by these patients and underscore the potential relevance of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores as prognostic markers in this patient population.

Assessment of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease activity with endoanal ultrasound: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Perianal fistulas pose dual challenges to Crohn's disease(CD)patients.Low patient compliance due to the complexity of existing examination methods plagues the treatment and follow-up management of perianal CD.AIM To determine the accuracy of endoanal ultrasound(EUS)and shear wave elastography(SWE)for evaluating perianal fistulizing CD(PFCD)activity.METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study.A total of 67 patients from August 2022 to December 2023 diagnosed with CD were divided into three groups:Non-anal fistula group(n=23),low-activity perianal fistulas[n=19,perianal disease activity index(PDAI)≤4],high-activity perianal fistulas(n=25,PDAI>4)based on the PDAI.All patients underwent assessments including EUS+SWE,pelvic magnetic resonance[pelvic magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)],C-reactive protein,fecal calprotectin,CD activity index,PDAI.RESULTS The percentage of fistulas indicated by pelvic MRI and EUS was consistent at 82%,and there was good consistency in the classification of perianal fistulas(Kappa=0.752,P<0.001).Significant differences were observed in the blood flow Limberg score(χ^(2)=8.903,P<0.05)and shear wave velocity(t=2.467,P<0.05)between group 2 and 3.Shear wave velocity showed a strong negative correlation with magnetic resonance novel index for fistula imaging in CD(Magnifi-CD)score(r=-0.676,P<0.001),a weak negative correlation with the PDAI score(r=-0.386,P<0.05),and a weak correlation between the Limberg score and the PDAI score(r=0.368,P<0.05).CONCLUSION EUS combined with SWE offers a superior method for detecting and quantitating the activity of perianal fistulas in CD patients.It may be the ideal tool to assess PFCD activity objectively for management strategies.

Use of the Crohn's disease activity index in clinical trials of biological agents

The Crohn＇s disease activity index （CDAI） has been commonly used to assess the effects of treatment with different agents in Crohn＇s disease （CD）. However, these studies may be compromised, if the results compared to a placebo or standard therapy group （in the absence of a placebo） substantially differ from the expected response. In addition, significant concerns have been raised regarding the reliability and validity of the CDAI. Reproducibility of the CDAI may be limited as significant inter-observer error has been recorded, even if measurements are done by experienced clinicians with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of CD. Finally, many CDAI endpoints are open to subjective interpretation and have the potential for manipulation. This is worrisome as there is the potential for significant financial gain, if the results of a clinical trial appear to provide a positive result. Physicians caring for patients should be concerned about the positive results in clinical trials that are sponsored by industry, even if the trials involve respected centers and the results appear in highly ranked medical journals.

Assessing disease activity using the pediatric Crohn’s disease activity index:Can we use subjective or objective parameters alone?

BACKGROUND The pediatric Crohn’s disease activity index(PCDAI)is used as a standard tool to assess disease activity in clinical trials for pediatric Crohn’s disease.AIM To examine which items on the PCDAI drive assessment of disease activity,and how subgroups of subjective and objective items reflect change in disease state over time.METHODS Selective raw data from three prospectively collected datasets were combined,including 703 children with full PCDAI data at baseline,at 3-mo(Q1,n=670),and 1-year(Q4,n=474).Change in individual PCDAI scores from baseline to Q1 and to Q4 were examined using the non-weighted PCDAI.RESULTS Abdominal pain,well-being,weight,and stooling had the highest change scores over time.Objective indicators including albumin,abdominal exam,and height velocity followed.Change scores for well-being and abdominal exam did not explain significant variance at Q1 but were significant predictors at Q4(P<0.001 and P<0.05).Subjective and objective subgroups of items predicted less variance(18%and 22%)on total PCDAI scores at Q1 and Q4 compared to the full PCDAI,or a composite scale(both 32%)containing significant predictors.CONCLUSION Although subjective items on the PCDAI change the most over time,the full PCDAI or a smaller composite of items including a combination of subjective and objective components classifies disease activity better than a subgroup of either subjective or objective items alone.Reliance on subjective or objective items as stand-alone proxies for disease activity measurement could result in misclassification of disease state.

Use of the ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity and Mayo endoscopic score for predicting the therapeutic effect of mesalazine in patients with ulcerative colitis

Objective:The ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity(UCEIS)and the Mayo endoscopic score(MES)are developed as objective methods of evaluating endoscopic severity in patients with ulcerative colitis(UC).The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the UCEIS and MES in predicting the patient's response to mesalazine.Methods:Consecutive patients with UC who had undergone colonoscopy within 1 month before starting mesalazine between October 2011 and July 2016 were retrospectively collected at the Department of Gastroenterology,Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine.The median follow-up was 81 months,and all the data were analyzed in January 2021.The primary outcome was the need for step-up treatment,which included the use of corticosteroids,immunomodulatory,or surgery during admission and follow-up.Data were analyzed using the c2 or Fisher exact test,Spearman test,t-test,and ManneWhitney U test.Results:Totally,65 patients were enrolled,of whom 12(18.5%)needed step-up treatment due to nonresponse to mesalazine.The UCEIS score,MES,and the ulcerative colitis disease activity index(UCDAI)score were significantly higher in patients who had nonresponse to mesalazine(UCEIS score:6.92±0.69 vs.4.45±1.17,p<0.001;MES:2.67±0.49 vs.2.15±0.69,p=0.024;UCDAI score:9.33±1.87 vs.6.70±2.38,p=0.002).In the multivariate analysis,the UCEIS score(OR=25.65,95%CI:3.048 e45.985,p=0.003),UCDAI score(OR=1.605,95%CI:1.144e2.254,p=0.006),and C-reactive protein level(OR=1.056,95%CI:1.006e1.108,p=0.026)were independent risk factors of nonresponse.The area under the ROC curve of UCEIS was 0.95,with a sensitivity of 100%and specificity of 84.6%,a cut-off value of 6,which outperformed the MES with an area under the ROC curve of 0.70.When the UCEIS score≥6,60%of patients eventually needed step-up treatment.Conclusions:The UCEIS is a useful instrument for predicting the therapeutic effect in patients with UC treated with mesalazine.The high probability of mesalazine treatment failure and benefits of other therapies should be discussed in patients with baseline UCEIS score≥6.

Expanding role of capsule endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease

Capsule endoscopy has been shown to detect small bowel inflammatory changes better than any other imaging modality. Selection criteria have been optimized to increase the yield of capsule endoscopy in patients suspected to have Crohn's disease. Capsule endoscopy allows for earlier diagnosis of Crohn's disease of the small bowel and improved diagnosis of colitis in patients where it is unclear if they suffer from Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. A test capsule is available to assess for small bowel strictures and thus avoid capsule retention. A common language has been developed and a new scoring index will be added to capsule software. It is envisioned that the manner in which we treat Crohn's disease in the future will change, based on earlier diagnosis and treatment aimed at mucosal healing rather than symptom improvement.

Effective immune-inflammation index for ulcerative colitis and activity assessments

BACKGROUND The inverse association between systemic immune-inammation index(SII)and overall survival in tumors has been studied.AIM To evaluate the hematological indexes for assessing the activity of ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS In this case-control study,172 UC patients and healthy participants were included.Comparisons were made among groups of white blood cells,hemoglobin,platelets,neutrophils,lymphocytes,monocytes,SII,neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio(NLR),and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR).The relationship with hematological inflammation was verified by Spearman correlation analyses.The efficiency of SII,NLR,and PLR for distinguishing between UC and severe disease status was assessed by the receiver operator curve and logistic regression analyses.RESULTS The values of SII,NLR,and PLR were higher in UC patients than in controls(P<0.001)and were positively correlated with the Mayo endoscopic score,extent,Degree of Ulcerative Colitis Burden of Luminal Inflammation(DUBLIN)score,and Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity(UCEIS).The cut-off NLR value of 562.22 predicted UC with a sensitivity of 79.65%and a specificity of 76.16%.Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with SII and NLR levels above the median had a significantly higher risk of UC(P<0.05).Risk factors independently associated with DUBLIN≥3 included SII≥1776.80[odds ratio(OR)=11.53,P=0.027]and NLR value of 2.67-4.23(OR=2.96,P=0.047)on multivariate analysis.Compared with the first quartile,SII≥1776.80 was an independent predictor of UCEIS≥5(OR=18.46,P=0.012).CONCLUSION SII has a certain value in confirming UC and identifying its activity.

Combined evaluation of biomarkers as predictor of maintained remission in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND The individual performances and the complementarity of Crohn's disease(CD)activity index(CDAI), C-reactive protein(CRP) and faecal calprotectin(Fcal) to monitor patients with CD remain poorly inves-tigated in the era of "tight control"and "treat to target" strategies.AIM To assess CDAI, CRP and Fcal variation, alone or combined, after 12 wk(W12) of anti-tumor necrosis factor(TNF) therapy to predict corticosteroids-free remission(CFREM = CDAI < 150, CRP < 2.9 mg/L and Fcal < 250 μg/g with no therapeutic intensification and no surgery) at W52.METHODS CD adult patients needing anti-TNF therapy with CDAI > 150 and either CRP >2.9 mg/L or Fcal > 250 μg/g were prospectively enrolled.RESULTS Among the 40 included patients, 13 patients(32.5%) achieved CFREM at W52. In univariable analysis, CDAI < 150 at W12(P = 0.012), CRP level < 2.9 mg/L at W12(P = 0.001) and Fcal improvement at W12(Fcal < 300 μg/g; or, for patients with initial Fcal < 300 μg/g, at least 50% decrease of Fcal or normalization of Fcal(< 100 μg/g)(P = 0.001) were predictive of CFREM at W52. Combined endpoint(CDAI < 150 and CRP ≤ 2.9 mg/L and FCal improvement) at W12 was the best predictor of CFREM at W52 with positive predictive value = 100.0%(100.0-100.0)and negative predictive value = 87.1%(75.3-98.9). In multivariable analysis, Fcal improvement at W12 [odd ratio(OR) = 45.1(2.96-687.9); P = 0.03] was a better predictor of CFREM at W52 than CDAI < 150 [OR = 9.3(0.36-237.1); P = 0.145]and CRP < 2.9 mg/L(0.77-278.0; P = 0.073).CONCLUSION The combined monitoring of CDAI, CRP and Fcal after anti-TNF induction therapy is able to predict favorable outcome within one year in patients with CD.

Altered pattern of tumor necrosis factor-alpha production in peripheral blood monocytes from Crohn's disease

AIM To evaluate the inflammatory state in Crohn's disease(CD) patients and correlate it with genetic background and microbial spreading.METHODS By means of flow cytometry, production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) was measured in peripheral blood monocytes from patients suffering from CD, ulcerative colitis(UC) and in healthy subjects after stimulation of the NOD2 and TLR pathways. CD patients were genotyped for the three most common NOD2 variants(R702W, G908 R and L1007Pfs*2) and basal production of TNF-α was correlated to NOD2 genotype. Also, production of TNF-α was correlated to plasmatic levels of LPS Binding Protein(LBP), soluble(s) CD14 and to the activity state of the disease.RESULTS The patients with CD were characterized by a significantly higher monocyte basal expression of TNF-αcompared with healthy subjects and UC patients, and after stimulation with Pam3CSK4(ligand of TLR2/1) and MDP-L18(ligand of NOD2) this difference was maintained, while other microbial stimuli(LPS, ligand of TLR4 and Poly I:C, ligand of TLR3) induced massive activation in CD monocytes as well as in UC and in healthy control cells. There was no significant difference in the production of TNF- α between patients who carried CD-associated heterozygous or homozygous variants in NOD2 and patients with wild type NOD2 genotype. Although serum LBP levels have been shown to correlate positively with the state of activity of the disease, TNF-α production did not show a clear correlation with either LBP or s CD14 levels in plasma. Moreover, no clear correlation was seen between TNF-α production and activity indices in either CD or UC.CONCLUSION Peripheral monocytes from CD express higher basal and stimulated TNF-α than controls, regardless of NOD2 genotype and without a clear correlation with disease activity.

Role of capsule endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease:Anything new?

Capsule endoscopy(CE)is a recently developed diagnostic method for diseases of the small bowel that is non-invasive,safe,and highly tolerable.Its role in patients with inflammatory bowel disease has been widely validated in suspected and established Crohn’s disease(CD)due to its ability to assess superficial lesions not detected by cross-sectional imaging and proximal lesions of the small bowel not evaluable by ileocolonoscopy.Because CE is a highly sensitive but less specific technique,differential diagnoses that can simulate CD must be considered,and its interpretation should be supported by other clinical and laboratory indicators.The use of validated scoring systems to characterize and estimate lesion severity(Lewis score,Capsule Endoscopy Crohn’s Disease Activity Index),as well as the standardization of the language used to define the lesions(Delphi Consensus),have reduced the interobserver variability in CE reading observed in clinical practice,allowing for the optimization of diagnoses and clinical management strategies.The appearance of the panenteric CE,the incorporation of artificial intelligence,magnetically-guided capsules,and tissue biopsies are elements that contribute to CE being a promising,unique diagnostic tool in digestive tract diseases.

克罗恩病患者血清CCL11及I-FABP的表达水平与疾病活动指数的相关性研究

目的探究克罗恩病(CD)患者血清嗜酸性粒细胞趋化因子(CCL11)及肠脂肪酸结合蛋白(I-FABP)水平表达与疾病活动指数的相关性。方法选取2021年2月至2023年2月于上海市杨浦区中心医院就诊的98例CD患者进行研究(CD组),根据疾病活动指数(CDAI)评分将患者分为缓解期21例、轻度活动期31例、中度活动期28例和重度活动期18例,另选取同期健康者100例作为对照组,采用酶联免疫吸附法检测血清CCL11、I-FABP水平,采用Spearman法分析血清CCL11、I-FABP水平与CDAI评分的相关性,采用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)分析血清CCL11、I-FABP水平对CD患者疾病活动度的评估价值。结果CD组患者的血清CCL11、I-FABP水平分别为(51.33±7.14)pg/mL、(64.85±11.56)ng/mL,明显高于对照组的(28.56±6.61)pg/mL、(31.38±10.35)ng/mL,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);缓解期、轻度、中度、重度活动期CD患者血清CCL11水平分别为(31.47±7.02)pg/mL、(45.52±7.08)pg/mL、(57.83±7.12)pg/mL、(74.41±7.43)pg/mL,I-FABP水平分别为(48.13±10.79)ng/mL、(59.97±11.32)ng/mL、(70.76±11.75)ng/mL、(83.58±12.58)ng/mL,缓解期、轻度活动期、中度活动期、重度活动期CD患者血清CCL11、I-FABP水平依次升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Spearman相关性分析结果显示,血清CCL11、I-FABP水平均与CDAI评分呈正相关(r=0.834、0.620,P<0.01);ROC分析结果显示,血清CCL11、I-FABP水平评估CD患者疾病活动度的AUC分别为0.882、0.889,敏感性为81.82%、80.52%,特异性为85.71%、85.71%。两者联合评估疾病活动度的AUC为0.938,显著高于单项检测(P<0.05),联合检测的敏感性和特异性为93.51%、85.71%。结论CD患者血清CCL11、I-FABP水平升高,与疾病活动指数密切相关,且两者联合评估CD患者疾病活动度具有较高效能。

不同内镜评分法评估儿童克罗恩病疾病活动度的价值

目的探讨不同内镜评分法在评估儿童克罗恩病(Crohn's disease,CD)疾病活动度中的价值。方法收集2018年1月—2023年1月于重庆医科大学附属儿童医院明确诊断的CD患儿70例,根据儿童克罗恩病活动指数(Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index,PCDAI)对患儿进行临床疾病活动度评分,根据内镜下表现进行内镜镜评分。采用Spearman秩相关分析评价各内镜评分方法与PCDAI及实验室指标之间的相关性,采用Kappa检验评价结肠镜及胶囊内镜评分法与PCDAI判断CD活动度的一致性,采用受试者操作特征曲线分析实验室指标预测内镜下活动度的诊断效能。结果PCDAI得分与克罗恩病内镜下严重程度指数(Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity,CDEIS)得分(r_(s)=0.696,P<0.01)、克罗恩病简化内镜评分(Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease,SES-CD)得分(r_(s)=0.680,P<0.01)、Lewis评分得分(r_(s)=0.540,P<0.01)及胶囊内镜克罗恩病指数(Capsule Endoscopy-Crohn's Disease Index,CE-CD)得分(r_(s)=0.502,P<0.01)均呈中度正相关。所有内镜评分法与PCDAI在判断CD活动度中的一致性较差(Kappa=0.069~0.226)。红细胞沉降率(erythrocyte sedimentation rate,ESR)、C反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)、血细胞比容(hematocrit,HCT)、血清白蛋白(serum albumin,ALB)水平与PCDAI得分、结肠镜评分法(CDEIS、SES-CD)得分均呈中度相关(|r_(s)|=0.581~0.725,P<0.01),与各胶囊内镜评分法得分相关性弱(P<0.05)。ESR、CRP预测PCDAI、CDEIS、SES-CD、Lewis评分下CD疾病活动的曲线下面积高于HCT、ALB(P<0.05)。结论内镜评分法中CDEIS、SES-CD、Lewis评分、CE-CD可用于评估儿童CD是否存在疾病活动,但与PCDAI评估下的疾病活动度不完全一致。ESR、CRP水平升高可预测临床及内镜下儿童CD疾病活动。

CESI、简化CDAI和CRP在评估小肠克罗恩病病变范围和活动程度中的应用价值

背景:小肠克罗恩病(CD)是一种慢性、反复发作性疾病。目前胶囊内镜评分指数(CESI)、简化CDAI和CRP在评估小肠CD病变范围和活动程度中的应用价值的研究甚少。目的:探讨CESI、简化CDAI和CRP在评估小肠CD病变范围和活动程度中的应用价值。方法:纳入行胶囊内镜检查并最终确诊为小肠CD的患者58例。分析简化CDAI和CRP与小肠病变范围的关系;评估小肠CD患者临床特征与CESI的相关性;计算简化CDAI和CRP判断胶囊内镜下炎症活动期的敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值和准确性。对治疗后11例小肠CD患者行胶囊内镜复查,分析CESI改变与简化CDAI和CRP改变的相关性。结果:不同小肠病变范围的简化CDAI和CRP相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);小肠CD患者临床特征与CESI无关;简化CDAI和CRP判断胶囊内镜下炎症活动期的敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值和准确性均较低。治疗后,CESI改变与简化CDAI和CRP改变无相关性(P>0.05)。结论:简化CDAI和CRP并不能反映胶囊内镜下小肠CD患者病变范围和活动程度;小肠CD的胶囊内镜下黏膜修复情况与临床症状和生化指标的改善不一致,胶囊内镜下病变好转迟滞于简化CDAI和CRP的改善。

平均血小板体积/淋巴细胞比值与克罗恩病患者内镜评分、疾病活动度的关系

目的 探讨平均血小板体积/淋巴细胞比值(MPVLR)与克罗恩病患者内镜评分、疾病活动度的关系。方法 回顾性选取2020年10月—2022年10月收治的126例克罗恩病作为研究对象,根据入院时简化克罗恩病活动指数将患者分入活动组(n=49)和缓解组(n=77),同时对患者进行克罗恩病国内标准内镜评分分级。另选取同期体检的100例健康志愿者作为对照组。统计所有对象临床资料及入院时MPVLR。采用多因素Logistic回归分析克罗恩病患者疾病活动度的影响因素,采用受试者工作特征曲线下面积(AUC)分析MPVLR对克罗恩病患者疾病活动度的预测价值。结果 与内镜评分轻度患者比较,重度和中度患者MPVLR水平升高,且重度患者高于中度患者(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,活动组和缓解组MPVLR水平升高,且活动组高于缓解组(P<0.05)。平均血小板体积、淋巴细胞预测克罗恩病患者疾病活动度的AUC分别为0.740、0.851,MPVLR预测的AUC为0.915。活动组肛周病变、C反应蛋白>3 mg/L比例高于缓解组,而红细胞压积与平均红细胞体积低于缓解组(P<0.01)。肛周病变、C反应蛋白、MPVLR是影响克罗恩病患者疾病活动度的独立危险因素(P<0.01)。结论 高水平MPVLR能够影响克罗恩病患者的内镜评分分级和疾病活动度,检测MPVLR可能有助于确定克罗恩病的活动期,为临床诊疗提供依据。

双白健脾胶囊联合美沙拉秦肠溶片治疗溃疡性结肠炎患者的效果

目的:观察双白健脾胶囊联合美沙拉秦肠溶片治疗溃疡性结肠炎患者的效果。方法:选取2021年2月至2023年2月该院收治的82例溃疡性结肠炎患者进行前瞻性研究,按照随机数字表法分为研究组与对照组各41例。对照组采用美沙拉秦肠溶片治疗,研究组在对照组基础上联用双白健脾胶囊治疗,比较两组治疗总有效率、Mayo疾病活动指数评分、血清炎性指标[C反应蛋白(CRP)、可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1(sICAM-1)、可溶性晚期糖基化终末产物受体(sRAGE)]水平、结肠溃疡面直径和不良反应发生率。结果:研究组治疗总有效率为95.12%,明显高于对照组的78.05%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后,两组Mayo疾病活动指数评分和血清CRP、sICAM-1、sRAGE等炎性指标水平均低于治疗前,且研究组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后,两组结肠溃疡面直径短于治疗前,且研究组短于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗期间,两组均未发生明显不良反应。结论:双白健脾胶囊联合美沙拉秦肠溶片治疗溃疡性结肠炎患者可提高治疗总有效率,降低Mayo疾病活动指数评分及血清CRP、sICAM-1、sRAGE水平,缩短结肠溃疡面直径,效果优于单纯美沙拉秦肠溶片治疗。

Intestinal permeability and its association with the patient and disease characteristics in Crohn's disease

AIM:To assess the intestinal permeability (IP) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and study the association of IP with the patient and disease characteristics. METHODS: One hundred and twenty five consecutive patients of CD (Males: 66) were diagnosed on the basis of a combination of standard clinical, endoscopic, imaging and histological features. CD activity index (CDAI) was used to calculate the activity of the disease while the behavior of the disease was assessed by the modified Montreal classification. IP was measured by the ratio of the percentage excretion of ingested doses of lactulose and mannitol in urine (LMR). The upper limit of normality of LMR (0.037) was derived from 22 healthy controls. RESULTS: Thirty six percent of patients with CD had increased IP. There was no significant difference in mannitol excretion (patients vs controls = 12.5% vs 14.2%, P = 0.4652), but lactulose excretion was significantly higher in patients compared to healthy controls (patients vs controls = 0.326% vs 0.293%, P = 0.0391). The mean LMR was also significantly higher in the patients as compared to healthy controls [0.027 (0.0029-0.278) vs 0.0164 (0.0018-0.0548), P = 0.0044]. Male patients had a higher LMR compared to females [0.036 (95% CI 0.029, 0.046) vs 0.022 (95% CI 0.0178, 0.028) (P = 0.0024), though there was no difference in the number of patients with abnormal IP in boththe sexes. Patients with an ileo-colonic disease had a higher LMR than those with only colonic disease [0.045 (95% CI 0.033, 0.06) vs 0.021 (95% CI 0.017, 0.025) (P < 0.001)]. Of patients with ileo-colonic disease, 57.8% had an abnormal IP, compared to 26.7% with colonic and 15.6% with small intestinal disease. Patients with a stricturing disease had significantly higher LMR compared to non-fistulising non-stricturing disease [0.043 (95% CI 0.032, 0.058) vs 0.024 (95% CI 0.019, 0.029) (P = 0.0062)]. There was no correlation of IP with age, disease activity, duration of illness, D-xylose absorption, upper GI involvement, perianal disease, and extra- intestinal manifestations. On multiple regression analysis, male gender and ileo-colonic disease were independent factors associated with increased IP. Gender, location, behavior of the disease and upper GI involvement could explain up to 23% of variability in IP (R2 = 0.23). CONCLUSION: IP was increased in 36% of patients with CD. Male gender and an ileo-colonic disease were the independent factors associated with increased IP.

Faecal calprotectin and magnetic resonance imaging in detecting Crohn's disease endoscopic postoperative recurrence

AIM To assess magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and faecal calprotectin to detect endoscopic postoperative recurrence in patients with Crohn's disease(CD).METHODS From two tertiary centers, all patients with CD who underwent ileocolonic resection were consecutively and prospectively included. All the patients underwent MRI and endoscopy within the first year after surgery or after the restoration of intestinal continuity [median = 6 mo(5.0-9.3)]. The stools were collected the day before the colonoscopy to evaluate faecal calprotectin level. Endoscopic postoperative recurrence(POR) was defined as Rutgeerts' index ≥ i2b. The MRI was analyzed independently by two radiologists blinded from clinical data.RESULTS Apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) was lower in patients with endoscopic POR compared to those with no recurrence(2.03 ± 0.32 vs 2.27 ± 0.38 × 10^(-3) mm^2/s, P = 0.032). Clermont score(10.4 ± 5.8 vs 7.4 ± 4.5, P = 0.038) and relative contrast enhancement(RCE)(129.4% ± 62.8% vs 76.4% ± 32.6%, P = 0.007) were significantly associated with endoscopic POR contrary to the magnetic resonance index of activity(Ma RIA)(7.3 ± 4.5 vs 4.8 ± 3.7; P = 0.15) and MR scoring system(P = 0.056). ADC < 2.35 × 10^(-3) mm^2/s [sensitivity = 0.85, specificity = 0.65, positive predictive value(PPV) = 0.85, negative predictive value(NPV) = 0.65] and RCE > 100%(sensitivity = 0.75, specificity = 0.81, PPV = 0.75, NPV = 0.81) were the best cutoff values to identify endoscopic POR. Clermont score > 6.4(sensitivity = 0.61, specificity = 0.82, PPV = 0.73, NPV = 0.74), Ma RIA > 3.76(sensitivity = 0.61, specificity = 0.82, PPV = 0.73, NPV = 0.74) and a MR scoring system ≥ MR1(sensitivity = 0.54, specificity = 0.82, PPV = 0.70, and NPV = 0.70) demonstrated interesting performances to detect endoscopic POR. Faecal calprotectin values were significantly higher in patients with endoscopic POR(114 ± 54.5 μg/g vs 354.8 ± 432.5 μg/g; P = 0.0075). Faecal calprotectin > 100 μg/g demonstrated high performances to detect endoscopic POR(sensitivity = 0.67, specificity = 0.93, PPV = 0.89 and NPV = 0.77).CONCLUSION Faecal calprotectin and MRI are two reliable tools to detect endoscopic POR in patients with CD.

Endoscopic ultrasonography in the evaluation of condition and prognosis of ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is usually diagnosed through histopathology,enteroscopy,clinical symptoms,and physical findings;however,it is difficult to accurately evaluate disease severity.AIM To investigate the value of endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)in the evaluation of the severity and prognosis of UC.METHODS Patients with UC who were seen in our hospital from March 2019 to December 2020 were eligible,and disease severity was evaluated according to the modified Truelove and Witts and Mayo scores.We performed EUS,calculated the UC endoscopic index of severity(UCEIS)and EUS-UC scores,and administered appropriate treatment.The UCEIS and EUS-UC scores of patients were assessed in relation to disease severity,and the correlations between UCEIS and EUS-UC scores and disease severity was also analyzed.The UCEIS and EUS-UC scores before and after treatment were also compared.RESULTS A total of 79 patients were included in this study.According to the Mayo Index,23,32,and 24 patients had mild,moderate and severe UC,respectively.The UCEIS and EUS-UC scores were higher in moderate cases(4.98±1.04 and 5.01±0.99,respectively)than in mild cases(1.56±0.82 and 1.64±0.91,respectively,P<0.05).Furthermore,the UCEIS and EUS-UC scores(7.31±1.10 and 7.59±1.02,respectively)were higher in severe cases than in moderate cases(P<0.05).According to the modified Truelove and Witts scores,21,36,and 22 patients were classified as having mild,moderate and severe disease,respectively.The UCEIS and EUS-UC scores were significantly higher in moderate disease(4.79±1.11 and 4.96±1.23,respectively)than in mild disease(1.71±0.78 and 1.69±0.88,respectively,P<0.05).Additionally,the UCEIS and EUS-UC scores in severe disease(7.68±1.22 and 7.81±0.90,respectively)were significantly higher than in moderate disease(P<0.05).The UCEIS and EUSUC scores were significantly and positively correlated with disease severity according to the modified Truelove and Witts score and Mayo score(P<0.05).The UCEIS and EUS-UC scores after 2 mo of treatment(3.88±0.95 and 4.01±1.14,respectively)and after 6 mo of treatment(1.59±0.63 and 1.64±0.59,respectively)were lower than the respective scores before treatment(5.93±1.79 and 6.04±2.01)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION EUS can clarify the status of UC and accurately evaluate the treatment response,providing an objective basis for formulation and adjustment of the treatment plan.

英夫利西单抗治疗克罗恩病的疗效及安全性分析

目的探讨对克罗恩病患者实施英夫利西单抗治疗后的临床疗效以及安全性。方法选取2018年1月—2021年10月江阴市人民医院收治的82例克罗恩病患者进行研究。随机分为常规组(在传统治疗基础上,选择硫唑嘌呤进行治疗)和研究组(在常规组治疗基础上,选择英夫利西单抗进行治疗),各41例。治疗后,比较两组患者临床治疗总有效率、并发症总发生率、血清指标变化、主观症状评分、内镜下CD严重度指数(CDEIS)评分以及CD活动指数(CDAI)评分,并且监测应用英夫利西单抗治疗期间所出现的药物不良反应。结果研究组疾病治疗总有效率(95.12%)高于常规组(73.17%),差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=7.404,P<0.05)。研究组并发症总发生率(9.76%)低于常规组(26.83%),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗前,两组TP(血清总蛋白)、CRP(C反应蛋白)、ESR(血细胞沉降率)、ALB(白蛋白)对比,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后,研究组TP以及ALB水平均高于常规组,CRP以及ESR水平均低于常规组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗前,两组主观症状评分、CDEIS评分以及CDAI评分对比,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后,研究组主观症状评分、CDEIS评分以及CDAI评分均低于常规组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。应用英夫利西单抗治疗期间,共有5例患者出现不良反应,对症处理后均在短期内好转。结论英夫利西单抗应用于克罗恩病患者能有效减少肠梗阻、大量便血、瘘管、腹腔脓肿等并发症,促进肠道黏膜炎症修复,改善血清学指标以及患者主观症状,从而改善本病预后,药物安全性高。

补中益气汤联合英夫利西单抗治疗活动性克罗恩病临床研究

目的:观察补中益气汤联合英夫利西单抗治疗活动性克罗恩病的临床疗效,以及对患者免疫功能的影响。方法:按随机数字表法将86例活动性克罗恩病患者分为对照组和观察组,每组43例。对照组予以英夫利西单抗治疗,观察组在对照组基础上予以补中益气汤治疗。对比2组临床疗效、黏膜愈合率、复发率及不良反应发生率,观察2组治疗前后克罗恩病活动指数(CDAI)、克罗恩病内镜下严重指数(CDEIS)、免疫功能指标的变化。结果:观察组总有效率95.35%,高于对照组79.07%(P<0.05)。观察组黏膜愈合率88.37%,高于对照组69.77%(P<0.05)。观察组复发率5.56%,低于对照组35.71%(P<0.05)。治疗后,2组CDAI、CDEIS评分均较治疗前降低(P<0.05),观察组CDAI、CDEIS评分均低于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后,2组血清CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)水平均较治疗前降低(P<0.05),血清CD4^(+)/CD25^(+)调节性T细胞(Treg)水平均较治疗前升高(P<0.05);观察组血清CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)水平均低于对照组(P<0.05),血清CD4^(+)/CD25^(+)Treg水平高于对照组(P<0.05)。观察组不良反应发生率9.30%,与对照组4.65%比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:补中益气汤联合英夫利西单抗治疗活动性克罗恩病,可增强疗效、减少复发,并能改善患者的免疫功能,安全性高。