OBJECTIVES: To study the impact of different induction remission therapies on the nutritional status of children with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical data of 188 children with CD who received induction remission therapy at the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2013 to May 2023. The effects of three induction remission therapies-exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), corticosteroids, and infliximab (IFX)-on height, weight, hemoglobin, and trace elements were compared. RESULTS: After induction remission therapy, the weight-for-age Z scores and serum levels of hemoglobin and albumin in all three groups significantly increased (P<0.05), while the height-for-age Z scores showed no change (P>0.05). The levels of folic acid, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, serum iron, and total calcium increased, and serum copper levels decreased in the EEN and IFX groups (P<0.05). Vitamin B₁₂ levels improved in the EEN group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS EEN, corticosteroids, and IFX may effectively improve the weight-for-age Z scores and serum levels of hemoglobin and albumin in children with CD. EEN and IFX seem to be superior to corticosteroid therapy in improving 25-hydroxy vitamin D, folic acid, serum iron, and total calcium levels.
Humans ; Crohn Disease/blood* ; Child ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Adolescent ; Nutritional Status ; Infliximab/therapeutic use* ; Child, Preschool ; Enteral Nutrition ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use*

Objective To investigate the impact of the triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index on the risk of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Methods Based on the data from UK Biobank,participants were allocated into three groups,TyG1(≤4.564),TyG2(4.564-4.808),and TyG3(≥4.808),according to tertiles of the TyG index.Kaplan-Meier curves were established to analyze the cumulative incidence of IBD.Further,Cox proportional hazard regression was employed to analyze the hazard ratio(HR)and its 95% confidential interval(95%CI)of each group.The same analysis was conducted for different subtypes(ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease)of IBD.Sensitive analysis based on the competing risk model was performed after excluding participants who were diagnosed within one year.Results A total of 116 423 participants were included in this study,with the median follow-up time of 12.56 years.The incidence densities of IBD in the TyG1,TyG2,and TyG3 groups were 4.47,5.94,and 6.50 per 10 000 person-year,respectively.The cumulative incidence of IBD increased with the rise in TyG,and Log-rank test results showed differences in cumulative incidence between groups(P<0.001).After adjusting the confounding factors,the HR(95%CI)of IBD in the TyG2 and TyG3 groups was 1.50(1.21-1.85)and 1.71(1.36-2.16),respectively.The results of the subgroup analysis after adjusting the confounding factors revealed that the HR(95%CI)of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in the TyG3 group was 1.48(1.16-1.74)and 2.27(1.51-3.42),respectively.The sensitive analysis yielded similar results after excluding participants who were diagnosed within one year.Conclusion A high TyG index indicates an increased risk of IBD and its subtypes.
Humans ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/blood* ; Triglycerides/blood* ; Incidence ; Blood Glucose/analysis* ; Male ; Female ; Risk Factors ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Crohn Disease/epidemiology*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often require immunosuppressive therapy and blood transfusions and therefore are at a high risk of contracting infections due to hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In the present study, we assessed the prevalence of these infections in patients with IBD. METHODS: This retrospective study included 908 consecutive patients with IBD (ulcerative colitis [UC], n=581; Crohn's disease [CD], n=327) who were receiving care at a tertiary care center. Ninety-five patients with intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) were recruited as disease controls. Prospectively maintained patient databases were reviewed for the prevalence of HBV surface antigen, anti-HCV antibodies, and HIV (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method). HCV RNA was examined in patients who tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies. Prevalence data of the study were compared with that of the general Indian population (HBV, 3.7%; HCV, 1%; HIV, 0.3%). RESULTS: The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV was 2.4%, 1.4%, and 0.1%, respectively, in the 908 patients with IBD. Among the 581 patients with UC, 2.2% (12/541) had HBV, 1.7% (9/517) had HCV, and 0.2% (1/499) had HIV. Among the 327 patients with CD, 2.8% (8/288) had HBV, 0.7% (2/273) had HCV, and 0% (0/277) had HIV. One patient with CD had HBV and HCV coinfection. The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV in patients with ITB was 5.9% (4/67), 1.8% (1/57), and 1.2% (1/84), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV in north Indian patients with IBD is similar to the prevalence of these viruses in the general community. Nonetheless, the high risk of flare after immunosuppressive therapy mandates routine screening of patients with IBD for viral markers.
Antigens, Surface ; Biomarkers ; Blood Transfusion ; Coinfection ; Colitis ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; Crohn Disease ; Hepatitis B* ; Hepatitis C Antibodies ; Hepatitis C* ; Hepatitis* ; HIV ; Humans* ; India* ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* ; Mass Screening ; Prevalence* ; Prospective Studies ; Retrospective Studies ; RNA ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Tuberculosis

PURPOSE: Crohn's disease (CD) can involve any site of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). However, the characteristics of upper GIT involvement in CD are unclear, especially in the Eastern pediatric population. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of upper GIT involvement and identify the clinical features of Korean children with CD. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study that included 52 pediatric patients with CD who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsy. The clinical symptoms and endoscopic and histologic features of the upper GIT were identified according to the presence or absence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. RESULTS: Among the 52 patients, upper GIT involvement was noted in 50.0% (26/52). The mean age at CD diagnosis was 14.1±2.1 years. Gastric ulcer was the most common lesion (19.2%) found on upper GIT endoscopy, followed by duodenal ulcers (15.4%). Chronic inflammation was the most common histopathologic feature (75.0%), followed by gastric erosion (17.3%). Granuloma was found in 9.6% of patients. Helicobacter pylori infection was identified in 5.8% of patients. Endoscopic and histologic findings were not significantly different, but the mean values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (60.7±27.1 vs. 43.0±27.6 mm/h, p=0.037) and C-reactive protein (16.5±28.2 vs. 6.62±13.4 mg/dL, p=0.014) were significantly different between patients with and without upper gastrointestinal CD symptoms. CONCLUSION: Upper GIT involvement was relatively common in pediatric patients with CD irrespective of upper gastrointestinal symptoms, and H. pylori infection was relatively uncommon. The results of this study should aid the establishment of regional guidelines for upper GIT examination.
Biopsy ; Blood Sedimentation ; C-Reactive Protein ; Child ; Cohort Studies ; Crohn Disease* ; Diagnosis ; Duodenal Ulcer ; Endoscopy ; Endoscopy, Digestive System ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Granuloma ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Pediatrics ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Ulcer ; Upper Gastrointestinal Tract*

PURPOSE: Crohn's disease (CD) can involve any site of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). However, the characteristics of upper GIT involvement in CD are unclear, especially in the Eastern pediatric population. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of upper GIT involvement and identify the clinical features of Korean children with CD. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study that included 52 pediatric patients with CD who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsy. The clinical symptoms and endoscopic and histologic features of the upper GIT were identified according to the presence or absence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. RESULTS: Among the 52 patients, upper GIT involvement was noted in 50.0% (26/52). The mean age at CD diagnosis was 14.1±2.1 years. Gastric ulcer was the most common lesion (19.2%) found on upper GIT endoscopy, followed by duodenal ulcers (15.4%). Chronic inflammation was the most common histopathologic feature (75.0%), followed by gastric erosion (17.3%). Granuloma was found in 9.6% of patients. Helicobacter pylori infection was identified in 5.8% of patients. Endoscopic and histologic findings were not significantly different, but the mean values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (60.7±27.1 vs. 43.0±27.6 mm/h, p=0.037) and C-reactive protein (16.5±28.2 vs. 6.62±13.4 mg/dL, p=0.014) were significantly different between patients with and without upper gastrointestinal CD symptoms. CONCLUSION: Upper GIT involvement was relatively common in pediatric patients with CD irrespective of upper gastrointestinal symptoms, and H. pylori infection was relatively uncommon. The results of this study should aid the establishment of regional guidelines for upper GIT examination.
Biopsy ; Blood Sedimentation ; C-Reactive Protein ; Child ; Cohort Studies ; Crohn Disease* ; Diagnosis ; Duodenal Ulcer ; Endoscopy ; Endoscopy, Digestive System ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Granuloma ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Pediatrics ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Ulcer ; Upper Gastrointestinal Tract*

OBJECTIVETo investigate the natural disease course of nonspecific ileocecum inflammation (FNICI) and the possibility of early diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODSThe patients with an established diagnosis of FNICI at our hospital in the past 4 years were retrospectively analyzed for clinical manifestations, endoscopical, readigraphic and histopathological findings and laboratory data. The patients were followed up regularly for their outcomes.

RESULTSOur analysis included 66 patients with FNICI (with a male-to-female ratio of 34:32 and a mean age of 39 years old). The patients were followed up for 10.5 months on average, and 8 (12.1%) patients developed CD. Among these 8 patients, the initial endoscopic examination upon admission revealed ulcers involving the ileocecum valve, and biopsy results showed focal active chronic mucosal inflammation. Laboratory tests showed that the patients who finally developed CD had significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P=0.013) and C reaction protein (P<0.01) than the patients who eventually had full recovery.

CONCLUSIONFNICI is a common lesion caused by multiple factors and has not specific endoscopic or histopathological features, which makes its definite diagnosis difficult. The patients with persistent ulcer and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein should be closely followed up for early diagnosis of CD.

Adult ; Biopsy ; Blood Sedimentation ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Cecum ; physiopathology ; Crohn Disease ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; Disease Progression ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Ileum ; physiopathology ; Inflammation ; physiopathology ; Male ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo determine the indications of colonoscopic screening for Crohn's disease in patients with fistula-in-ano.

METHODSClinical data of 302 patients with perianal fistula who received colonoscopy examination from January 2010 to December 2013 in the Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University were analyzed retrospectively. Parameters for differentiating perianal Crohn's disease from nonspecific fistulae were screened by logistic regression analysis. A regression mathematical model was established for the prediction of perianal Crohn's disease.

RESULTSA total of 302 patients received colonoscopy examination, and Crohn's disease was found in 16 patients (CD group). Results of univariate analysis on 26 parameters of clinical manifestation, laboratory and radiological examination revealed that differences in 11 clinical parameters between the CD group and non-CD group were statistically significant(all P<0.05), including age, BMI, abdominal pain, non-specific symptoms, multiple fistula, complex anal fistula, neutrophil count, platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time, hemoglobin concentration and serum albumin concentration. Multivariate analysis revealed that age≤40 years (OR=14.464, 95% CI: 1.143-183.053, P=0.039), BMI<24.0 kg/m(OR=8.220, 95% CI:1.005-67.200, P=0.049), abdominal pain (OR=13.148, 95% CI: 1.110-155.774, P=0.041), complex anal fistula (OR=7.056, 95% CI:1.166-42.688, P=0.033) and elevated platelet count (OR=1.012, 95% CI: 1.004-1.0194, P=0.003) were independent risk factors for discovery of Crohn's disease by colonoscopy. Area under the ROC curve of the regression mathematical model based on factors mentioned above was 0.921, indicating that the model was highly predictive. The sensitivity and specificity of this model was 81.3% and 86.7% respectively when the optimal diagnostic cut-off point was established at 0.856.

CONCLUSIONSParameters that predict Crohn's disease in patients with perianal fistula include age, BMI, abdominal pain, classification of fistula and platelet count. Colonoscopy is recommended for patients at high risk.

Abdominal Pain ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Body Mass Index ; Colonoscopy ; Crohn Disease ; blood ; complications ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Leukocyte Count ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neutrophils ; Partial Thromboplastin Time ; Platelet Count ; ROC Curve ; Rectal Fistula ; blood ; complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo explore the platelet count in prediction of the efficacy of infliximab for active Crohn's disease.

METHODSA total of 74 patients with Crohn's disease, including 50 males and 24 females with mean age of 27 years, receiving infliximab therapy from January 2011 to June 2015 were retrospectively included. Clinical variables including routine blood test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and Crohn's disease activity index were measured before treatment and after 3rd, 6th treatments.

RESULTSCompared with baseline, the Crohn's disease activity index score, white blood cell count, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein significantly decreased (all (P<0.01), while hemoglobin and red blood cell hematocrit increased (P<0.01) in patients after 3 treatments of infliximab. These variables were further improved after 6 treatments. Further analysis showed that platelet count was positively associated with disease severity of Crohn's disease. Fifty-three patients achieved clinical remission (Crohn's disease activity index score<150) after 3 treatments of infliximab. Logistic regression analysis showed that baseline platelet count, Crohn's disease activity index, and disease course were three predictors for clinical remission of Crohn's disease.

CONCLUSIONPlatelet count is positively associated with disease severity of Crohn's disease, and baseline platelet count is an important predicator for the early response of infliximab therapy.

Adult ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Crohn Disease ; blood ; drug therapy ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Humans ; Infliximab ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Platelet Count ; Retrospective Studies

We report a pediatric patient admitted with abdominal pain, diffuse lower extremity edema and watery diarrhea for two months. Laboratory findings including complete blood count, serum albumin, lipid and immunoglobulin levels were compatible with protein losing enteropathy. Colonoscopic examination revealed diffuse ulcers with smooth raised edge (like "punched out holes") in the colon and terminal ileum. Histopathological examination showed active colitis, ulcerations and inclusion bodies. Immunostaining for cytomegalovirus was positive. Despite supportive management, antiviral therapy, the clinical condition of the patient worsened and developed disseminated cytomegalovirus infection and the patient died. Protein losing enteropathy and disseminated cytomegalovirus infection a presenting of feature in steroid-naive patient with inflammatory bowel disease is very rare. Hypogammaglobulinemia associated with protein losing enteropathy in Crohn's disease may predispose the cytomegalovirus infection in previously healthy children.
Abdominal Pain ; Agammaglobulinemia ; Blood Cell Count ; Child ; Colitis ; Colon ; Crohn Disease* ; Cytomegalovirus ; Cytomegalovirus Infections* ; Diarrhea ; Edema ; Humans ; Ileum ; Immunoglobulins ; Inclusion Bodies ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ; Lower Extremity ; Protein-Losing Enteropathies* ; Serum Albumin ; Ulcer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a serologic activity marker in Crohn's disease (CD), but it may be less useful in evaluating CD activity in ileal CD patients. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of CRP as a disease activity marker in CD according to disease location. METHODS: Korean CD patients in a single hospital were evaluated. Factors associated with elevated CRP concentration at the time of diagnosis of CD and the association between the physician's prediction regarding upcoming surgery and the sites of the lesions directly related to surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 435 CD patients, 25.7%, 6.9%, and 67.4% had ileal, colonic, and ileocolonic CD, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, reduced serum albumin, CD activity index (CDAI) >220, and ileocolonic/colonic location were associated with an elevated CRP level and that the CRP level was significantly correlated with the CDAI in all CD patients (gamma=0.466, p<0.01). However, the correlation coefficient was dependent on the location, with values of 0.395, 0.456, and 0.527 in patients with an ileal, ileocolonic, and colonic disease location, respectively. Surgery for ileal lesions was less predictable than surgery for ileocolonic or colonic lesions during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: CRP is less useful as a disease activity marker in patients with ileal CD than those with ileocolonic or colonic CD.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Biological Markers/blood ; Blood Sedimentation ; C-Reactive Protein/*analysis ; Child ; Colon/pathology ; Crohn Disease/blood/*diagnosis/pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Ileum/pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Serum Albumin/analysis ; Severity of Illness Index ; Young Adult