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Copyright of Innere Medizin (2731-7080) is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article provides an updated algorithm for diagnosing and treating eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in adults, a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus. Diagnosis involves esophagogastroduodenoscopy and detection of eosinophils in esophageal biopsies, with consideration of EoE variants. Treatment options include proton-pump inhibitors, topical corticosteroids, and elimination diets, with regular monitoring and potential use of Dupilumab for refractory cases. Long-term follow-up and maintenance treatment are recommended for all patients with EoE. The research was supported by various grants and foundations, with potential conflicts of interest disclosed by the authors. [Extracted from the article]

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic T helper 2--mediated inflammatory disorder of the esophagus defined clinically by the presence of symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and histologically by an eosinophil-predominant infiltration. Correspondingly, treatment has aimed at controlling both symptom severity and histologic activity. However, with emerging clinical and pathophysiologic understanding of the disease, it has become increasingly apparent that other disease aspects need to be targeted as well, such as endoscopic severity and quality of life. Moreover, with the role of eosinophils having been questioned lately, histologic changes beyond eosinophil infiltration have come to attention and are captured by newly validated scores. In addition, EoE is being increasingly considered a transmural disease that cannot be assessed by simple endoscopy but needs measurement of esophageal distensibility, a surrogate marker for fibrosis. Finally, novel tools such as measurement of esophageal impedance could make it possible to assess for complete restoration of the esophageal epithelium, potentially corresponding to disease clearance. This article reviews the various outcome parameters in adult EoE management and proposes an algorithm for a treat-to-target concept, in analogy to what has been practiced in inflammatory bowel disease treatment for the last 10 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Dysphagia is the hallmark symptom in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). However, data are limited regarding the overall prevalence and potential implications of atypical symptoms like odynophagia and retrosternal pain. Methods: Patients enrolled into the Swiss EoE cohort study (SEECS) were analyzed regarding the presence of odynophagia and retrosternal pain. Demographics, other EoE-related symptoms, histologic and endoscopic activity were compared between EoE-patients with vs. without odynophagia and/or retrosternal pain. Results: 474 patients (75.2% male) were analyzed. In their individual course of disease 110 (23.2%) patients stated to have ever experienced odynophagia and 64 (13.5%) retrosternal pain independent of food intake, 24 (5%) patients complained about both symptoms. Patients with odynophagia consistently scored higher in symptom severity (p < 0.001), EREFS score (median 3.0 vs. 2.0, p = 0.006), histologic activity and a lower quality of life (p = 0.001) compared to patients without odynophagia. Sex, age at diagnosis, EoE-specific treatment, complications such as candida or viral esophagitis and disease duration were similar in patients with vs. without odynophagia. Also patients with retrosternal pain scored higher in symptom severity (2.0 vs. 1.0, p = 0.001 and 2.0 vs. 1.0, p < 0.001 in physician and patient questionnaire assessment, respectively). However, there was neither a difference in endoscopic/histologic disease activity nor in quality of life according to presence or absence of retrosternal pain. Due to logistic reasons, a stratification regarding the presence of concomitant dysphagia was not possible. Conclusion: Odynophagia and swallowing-independent retrosternal pain are common symptoms in patients with EoE, associate with an overall higher EoE-related symptom severity and for the case of odynophagia lower quality of life. However, the influence of concomitant dysphagia and its severity remains unclear and needs to be included in future analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Given the lack of data, we aimed to explore which therapeutic endpoints pediatric patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and their parents consider to be relevant. Methods: We created an educational brochure on EoE and a questionnaire, both of which were content-validated by pediatric patients and parents. Validated documents were sent to 112 patients and parents. They ranked the importance (5 levels) of short (during next 3 months) and long-term (≥1 year) treatment effect on symptoms, quality of life, endoscopic inflammation, stricture formation, histological inflammation, and fibrosis. Results: A total of 45 parents and 30 pediatric patients ≥11 years completed the questionnaires. Pediatric patients identified improvement in the following domains as most important in the short- and long-term, respectively: symptoms (73% vs. 77%), QoL (53% vs. 57%), histologic inflammation (47% vs. 50%), histologic fibrosis (40% vs. 33%), endoscopic inflammation (47% vs. 40%), and strictures (33% vs. 40%). Parents of children ≥11 years old classified improvement in the following domains as most important in the short- and long-term, respectively: symptoms (70% vs. 83%), QoL (63% vs. 80%), histologic inflammation (67% vs. 77%), histologic fibrosis (47% vs. 63%), endoscopic inflammation (77% vs. 80%), and strictures (40% vs. 53%). Agreement between caregiver and children on the short-term importance of treatment outcomes was as follows: symptoms (77%), QoL (40%), histologic inflammation and fibrosis (47% and 43%), endoscopic inflammation and strictures (50% and 40%). Conclusion: Pediatric patients and parents attributed most importance to improvement in symptoms and QoL. Agreement between parents and patients regarding therapy goals is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic background of inflammatory bowel disease, both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, has been known for more than 2 decades. In the last 20 years, genome-wide association studies have dramatically increased our knowledge on the genetics of inflammatory bowel disease with more than 200 risk genes having been identified. Paralleling this increasing knowledge, the armamentarium of inflammatory bowel disease medications has been growing constantly. With more available therapeutic options, treatment decisions become more complex, with still many patients experiencing a debilitating disease course and a loss of response to treatment over time. With a better understanding of the disease, more effective personalized treatment strategies are looming on the horizon. Genotyping has long been considered a strategy for treatment decisions, such as the detection of thiopurine S-methyltransferase and nudix hydrolase 15 polymorphisms before the initiation of azathioprine. However, although many risk genes have been identified in inflammatory bowel disease, a substantial impact of genetic risk assessment on therapeutic strategies and disease outcome is still missing. In this review, we discuss the genetic background of inflammatory bowel disease, with a particular focus on the latest advances in the field and their potential impact on management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is still unknown whether eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) patients with localized disease are different from those with extended disease. Methods: We evaluated prospectively included patients in the Swiss EoE cohort. Data on all patients with active disease at baseline, no concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease, no strictures at baseline, and at least one follow-up visit were analyzed. We compared patients with histologically localized proximal versus distal versus extended (=proximal and distal) disease with regard to patient, disease characteristics, disease presentation, and development of complications. Results: We included 124 patients with a median of 2.5 years of follow-up (73.4% males, median age 35.0 years). Ten patients had proximal (8.1%), 46 patients had distal (37.1%), and 68 patients had extended disease (54.8%). Patients with proximal disease were significantly more often females (80%) compared with patients with distal (26.1%, p = 0.002) or extended disease (19.1%, p < 0.001) and reported less severe symptoms (VAS 0 vs. VAS 1, p = 0.001). Endoscopic and histological disease was less pronounced in the proximal esophagus of proximal EoE compared to extended disease (EREFS 1.0 vs. 3.0, p = 0.001; 27.0 eos/hpf vs. 52.5 eos/hpf, p = 0.008). Patients with proximal disease were less likely to undergo dilation compared to patients with distal disease in the follow-up (3.3% vs. 23.3%, p = 0.010). In a multivariate Cox regression model, proximal eosinophilia was less likely to be associated with treatment failure compared to distal eosinophilia. Conclusion: Although isolated proximal EoE is infrequent, it is associated with less severe disease and better disease outcome. Proximal disease appears to present a unique EoE phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial discusses the evolving treatment approaches for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), emphasizing the importance of achieving mucosal healing and considering the possibility of reducing or stopping medications once this goal is reached. A study conducted in South Korea found that discontinuing 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) after initiating anti-TNF agents did not lead to an inferior outcome over a 4.3-year follow-up period. While cost savings from stopping 5-ASA were significant, the potential chemopreventive effect of 5-ASA in reducing the risk of IBD-associated colorectal cancer remains a topic for further investigation. The editorial highlights the ongoing debate on whether to stop or continue 5-ASA treatment in well-controlled patients. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: There is a complex interrelationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) potentially promoting the occurrence and modulating severity of each other reciprocally. Presence of Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a defining factor for the diagnosis of GERD. While several studies investigated the potential impact of concomitant GERD on the presentation and course of EoE, little was known with regards to BE in EoE patients. Methods: We analyzed prospectively collected clinical, endoscopic, and histological data from patients enrolled in the Swiss Eosinophilic Esophagitis Cohort Study (SEECS) regarding differences between EoE patients with (EoE/BE+) versus without BE (EoE/BE−) and determined the prevalence of BE in EoE patients. Results: Among a total of 509 EoE patients included in our analysis, 24 (4.7%) had concomitant BE with a high male preponderance (EoE/BE+ 83.3% vs. EoE/BE− 74.4%). While there were no differences in dysphagia, odynophagia was significantly (12.5 vs. 3.1%, p = 0.047) more common in EoE/BE+ versus EoE/BE−. General well-being at last follow-up was significantly lower in EoE/BE+. Endoscopically, we observed an increased incidence of fixed rings in the proximal esophagus in EoE/BE+ (70.8 vs. 46.3% in EoE/BE−, p = 0.019) and a higher fraction of patients with a severe fibrosis in the proximal histological specimen (8.7 vs. 1.6% in EoE/BE, p = 0.017). Conclusion: Our study reveals that BE is twice as frequent in EoE patients compared to general population. Despite many similarities between EoE patients with and without BE, the finding of a more pronounced remodeling in EoE patients with Barrett is noteworthy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Having long been considered the mainstay in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) diagnosis and pathogenesis, the role of eosinophils has been questioned and might be less important than previously thought. It is well known now that EoE is a Th2-mediated disease with many more disease features than eosinophilic infiltration. With more knowledge on EoE, less pronounced phenotypes or nuances of the disease have become apparent. In fact, EoE might be only the tip of the iceberg (and the most extreme phenotype) with several variant forms, at least three, lying on a disease spectrum. Although a common (food induced) pathogenesis has yet to be confirmed, gastroenterologists and allergologists should be aware of these new phenomena in order to further characterize these patients. In the following review, we discuss the pathogenesis of EoE, particularly those mechanisms beyond eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal mucosa, non-eosinophilic inflammatory cell populations, the new disease entity EoE-like disease, variant forms of EoE, and the recently coined term mast cell esophagitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The bidirectional "gut-brain axis" has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). While the influence of stress and depressive symptoms on IBD is well-characterized, the role of personality remains insufficiently investigated.Methods: Personality was assessed in 1154 Swiss IBD cohort study (SIBDCS) patients via the NEO-Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) as well as in 2600 participants of the population-based CoLaus¦PsyCoLaus cohort study (NEO-FFI-revised). The NEO-FFI subcomponents activity, self-reproach and negative affect were associated with higher IBD disease activity and were combined to a NEO-FFI risk score. This risk score was validated and its effect on clinical IBD course and psychological endpoints was analysed in time-to-event and cumulative incidence analyses.Results: In time-to-event analyses, a high NEO-FFI risk score was predictive for the clinical endpoints of new extraintestinal manifestation [EIM, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.64, corrected p value (q) = 0.036] and two established composite flare endpoints (aHR = 1.53-1.63, q = 0.003-0.006) as well as for the psychological endpoints depressive symptoms (aHR = 7.06, q < 0.001) and low quality of life (aHR = 3.06, q < 0.001). Furthermore, cumulative incidence analyses showed that patients at high NEO-FFI risk experienced significantly more episodes of active disease, new EIMs, one of the flare endpoints, depressive episodes and low disease-related quality of life. Personalities of IBD patients showed only minor differences from the general population sample (Pearson's r = 0.03-0.14).Conclusions: Personality assessed by the NEO-FFI contained considerable predictive power for disease recurrence, depressive symptoms and low quality of life in IBD patients. Nevertheless, the personalities of IBD patients did not substantially differ from the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about the impact of ostomy formation in inflammatory bowel disease patients on course of disease, psychological well-being, quality of life and working capacity. Methods: We analyzed patients over a follow-up of up to 16 years in the Swiss inflammatory bowel disease cohort study (SIBDCS) with prospective data collection. We compared Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients with and without ostomy as well as permanent and closed stoma formation before and after surgery, investigating disease activity, psychological wellbeing and working capacity in a case-control design. Results: Of 3825 SIBDCS patients, 176 with ostomy were included in the study and matched with 176 patients without ostomy using propensity score, equaling 352 patients for the analysis. As expected, we observed a lower mean and maximal disease activity in patients after stoma surgery compared with control patients without stoma. Overall, psychological wellbeing in patients with stomas vs. controls as well as patients with permanent vs. closed stoma was similar in terms of disease-specific quality of life (total score of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Quality of Life questionnaire), psychological distress (total score of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and stress at work (effort-reward-imbalance ratio), with the exception of a higher Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale total score in patient with vs. without stoma. Compared to IBD patients without stoma, the adverse impact on working capacity in overall stoma IBD patients appeared to be modest. However we observe a significantly higher reduction in working capacity in permanent vs. closed stoma in CD but not UC patients. Conclusion: As to be expected, IBD patients may benefit from closed and permanent stoma application. Stoma surgery appears to only modestly impact working capacity. Importantly, stoma surgery was not associated with adverse psychological outcomes, with comparable psychological well-being regardless of presence and type of stoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is the most common cause of esophageal food impaction (EFI). Approaches to management of EFI due to EoE have not been well characterized. We conducted a web-based survey to understand approaches to management of EFI due to EoE among endoscopists. Questions focused on management of patients from presentation to post-endoscopy follow-up. The survey was administered to a list of eligible candidates provided by societies of gastroenterology. A total of 308 endoscopists completed the questionnaire. The majority (83%) practiced in Europe and treated adults (78%). Most agreed patients should be advised to seek emergency care (66%) within 1 to 2 hours (41% agreement). There was agreement that medications to induce vomiting should be avoided (84%) and that blood tests or imaging studies were usually not required before endoscopy. By contrast, there was more variability in the type of sedation recommended and the need for endotracheal intubation, especially when comparing more experienced with less experienced EoE-endoscopists. Overall, fewer than half (43%) respondents recommended obtaining esophageal biopsies during the initial endoscopy. However, there were significant differences in the proportion who recommended biopsies based on level of EoE-experience (25, 52, 77%, P  < 0.001; less vs. moderate vs. very experienced) and comparing pediatric and adult endoscopists (32, vs. 79%, P  < 0.001; adult vs. pediatric). There exists heterogeneity among endoscopists in recommendations to manage EFI in patients with EoE. These findings support development of clinical guidelines and new studies to clarify the rationale for best practices. Key summary: Established knowledge —The optimal management of patients with esophageal food impaction due to eosinophilic esophagitis from presentation at the emergency department to postendoscopy care is unclear. New findings —Considerable recommendation variation exists in the management of EFI in patients with EoE. Our findings provide a rationale for the creation of consensus practice guidelines and further study into best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Physicians are increasingly confronted with patients presenting with symptoms of esophageal dysfunction resembling eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), but absence of significant esophageal eosinophilia. The purpose of this study was to characterize and classify this group of EoE variants. Design: Patients from six EoE‐centers with symptoms of esophageal dysfunction, but peak eosinophil counts of <60/mm2 (<15/hpf) in esophageal biopsies and absence of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) were included. Clinical, endoscopic, (immuno)‐histological, and molecular features were determined and compared with EoE, GERD, and healthy controls. Results: We included 69 patients with EoE variants. Endoscopic abnormalities were found in 53.6%. We identified three histological subtypes: EoE‐like esophagitis (36/69, 52.2%), lymphocytic esophagitis (14/69, 20.3%), and non‐specific esophagitis (19/69, 27.5%). Immunohistochemistry revealed—in contrast to EoE—no significant increase in inflammatory cell infiltrates compared with GERD and healthy controls, except for lymphocytes in lymphocytic esophagitis. EoE‐typical Th2‐response was absent in all EoE variants. However, considerable structural changes were detected based on histology and protein expression. Using next generation mRNA sequencing, we found the three EoE variants to have distinct molecular fingerprints partially sharing pronounced traits of EoE. Hierarchical sample clustering of RNA sequencing data confirmed the presence of an EoE‐like (characterized by eotaxin‐3 expression), non‐specific, and lymphocytic variant cluster (characterized by CD3 cells and TSLP expression). Conclusion: All EoE variants are clinically and histologically active conditions despite the absence of esophageal eosinophilia. EoE variants appear to be part of a disease spectrum, where classical EoE represents the most common and apparent phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since most pharmacological treatments in case of esophageal food impaction (EFI) are unsuccessful, an endoscopy is usually required to resolve EFI. We present the first results of a budesonide orodispersible tablet (BOT) as a medical treatment option before endoscopy. We evaluated all patients with a suspected EFI to receive BOT before emergent endoscopy at a tertiary hospital between March 2019 and June 2020. A total of eight patients received BOT before endoscopy. Mean age was 50.1 years and 87.5% were male. In 38% (3/8) of patients the EFI resolved without endoscopic intervention. No adverse events occurred. After endoscopy, a diagnosis of EoE was established in 75%. This case series demonstrate the potential of BOT as medical rescue therapy in case of EFI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Here, we report steroid-free efficacy and safety with tofacitinib among patients with UC who received corticosteroids at baseline of the maintenance study (OCTAVE Sustain). Methods: This analysis included patients with clinical response following OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 who were re-randomized to receive placebo, or tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily (b.d.), in OCTAVE Sustain for 52 weeks and were receiving corticosteroids at OCTAVE Sustain baseline. Corticosteroid tapering was mandatory during OCTAVE Sustain. Rates of steroid-free remission, endoscopic improvement, and clinical response were assessed, stratified by baseline characteristics. Adverse events (AEs) were stratified by treatment and steroid-free remission status. Results: Overall, 289/593 patients had corticosteroid use at OCTAVE Sustain baseline. At week 52, steroid-free remission, endoscopic improvement, and clinical response rates were 10.9%, 11.9%, and 17.8% among patients receiving placebo, 27.7%, 29.7%, and 40.6% among patients receiving tofacitinib 5 mg b.d., and 27.6%, 29.9%, and 43.7% among patients receiving tofacitinib 10 mg b.d., respectively (non-responder imputation; all p < 0.05 tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg b.d. versus placebo). Discontinuations due to AEs were lower among patients with steroid-free remission versus without. AEs of special interest were infrequent. Conclusion: For patients with baseline corticosteroid use in OCTAVE Sustain, the odds of achieving steroid-free efficacy endpoints were significantly higher for tofacitinib versus placebo, irrespective of tofacitinib dose. There were no apparent differences in AEs of special interest by steroid-free remission status. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01458574 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have improved treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), but loss of response remains a frequent problem. The anti-TNF agent, golimumab, was approved in Switzerland for the treatment of UC in 2014. This study aims to summarize the experience of golimumab in a real-world setting in Switzerland. Methods: We analyzed real-world data from 1769 UC patients from the Swiss Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort (SIBDC) study and performed a chart review of golimumab-treated patients. We extracted the partial Mayo score at t0 (baseline), t1 (2–16 weeks), t2 (17–35 weeks), and t3 (36–89 weeks). The primary endpoint was clinical response at t1, defined as marked improvement in partial Mayo score and objective parameters. Clinical remission was defined as resolution of symptoms and normalization of objective parameters. Results: Our chart review included 103 UC patients with golimumab treatment (5.8% of all SIBDC UC patients); only 16 (15.5%) were anti-TNF naïve. Sixty-three patients remained on golimumab (61.2%) after 180 days, 51 (44.7%) after 365 days, and 34 (33%) after 630 days after the start of treatment. Upon golimumab treatment, the partial Mayo score decreased from 4 [interquartile range (IQR): 2–6] at t0 to 2 (IQR: 0–4) at t1, 1 (IQR: 0–3.5) at t2, and 1 (IQR: 0–3) at t3 (p < 0.001 for all comparisons with t0). The primary endpoint, clinical response at t1, could be evaluated in 52 patients and was met in 15 individuals (28.8%). Clinical remission at t1 was observed in 8 out of 52 patients (15.4%). Golimumab was generally well tolerated, one patient developed meningitis. The most frequent reasons to stop treatment were primary and secondary non-response. Conclusion: Golimumab was used in 5.8% of Swiss UC patients, mainly in biologic-experienced individuals. Golimumab treatment was associated with a sustained reduction of symptoms and clinical response in approximately 30% of patients. [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00488631] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the last 20 years, diverse outcome measures have been used to evaluate the effectiveness of therapies for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). This systematic review aims to identify the readouts used in observational studies of topical corticosteroids, diet, and dilation in adult EoE patients. Methods: We searched MEDLINE and Embase for prospective and retrospective studies (cohorts/case series, randomized open-label, and case-control) evaluating the use of diets, dilation, and topical corticosteroids in adults with EoE. Two authors independently assessed the articles and extracted information about histologic, endoscopic, and patient-reported outcomes and tools used to assess treatment effects. Results: We included 69 studies that met inclusion criteria. EoE-associated endoscopic findings (assessed either as absence/presence or using Endoscopic Reference Score) were evaluated in 24/35, 11/17, and 9/17 studies of topical corticosteroids, diet, and dilation, respectively. Esophageal eosinophil density was recorded in 32/35, 17/17, and 11/17 studies of topical corticosteroids, diet, and dilation, respectively. Patient-reported outcomes were not uniformly used (only in 14, 8, and 3 studies of topical corticosteroids, diet, and dilation, respectively), and most tools were not validated for use in adults with EoE. Conclusions: Despite the lack of an agreed set of core outcomes that should be recorded and reported in studies in adult EoE patients, endoscopic EoE-associated findings and esophageal eosinophil density are commonly used to assess disease activity in observational studies. Standardization of outcomes and data supporting the use of outcomes are needed to facilitate interpretation of evidence, its synthesis, and comparisons of interventions in meta-analyses of therapeutic trials in adults with EoE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disease with a high prevalence in younger, atopic males. In our clinical practice, we observed a striking preponderance of patients having a high educational background. The purposes of this study were first to assess the level of education of eosinophilic esophagitis patients and second to compare the findings to patients with inflammatory bowel disease, another chronic immune-mediated condition of the gastrointestinal tract, and with the Swiss general population. Methods Using a questionnaire, we assessed the educational level of adult patients who have attended Swiss Eosinophilic Esophagitis Clinics in the past. In addition, the educational level of the parents was assessed as well. We calculated the proportions of patients and parents who have obtained a higher educational level. Data from the Swiss Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort Study and from the Swiss general population served as confirmation and as comparison, respectively. Results A total of 277 successfully contacted patients (response rate 69.1%; mean age 51.1 years, 73% male) participated. A significantly higher proportion of surveyed eosinophilic esophagitis patients had a high International Standard Classification of Education level (66.8%, P  < 0.001) compared with inflammatory bowel disease patients (n  = 2534; 34.2%, P  < 0.001) and to the Swiss general population (n  = 6,066,907; 30.5% P  < 0.001). Conclusion Our analysis confirms the clinical observation that eosinophilic esophagitis patients have a significantly higher educational level compared with the general population and to patients with other chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. As a limitation, this impressive finding remains on a purely descriptive level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Anxiety and depression are prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), especially during IBD flares. IBD therapies can profoundly affect the mood of patients with IBD. We aimed to determine the long-term impact of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) and immunomodulators (IM) on anxiety and depressive symptoms in IBD patients. Methods: We compared three treatment groups with IM only (group A), anti-TNF ± IM (group B) and no such therapy (group C). Patients completed the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years after start of treatment. Results: In total, 581 patients with IBD (42.9% Crohn's disease, 57.1% ulcerative colitis/IBD unclassified) participated in this study. Effects of treatment were analyzed in a mixed effects model, with and without correction for confounders. Compared with group C, group B showed a significant treatment-related improvement in both anxiety and depressive symptoms within the first 2.5 years and also thereafter. Group A showed a significant long-term improvement of anxiety and both short-term and long-term improvement in depressive symptoms. The significance of these results was maintained after correction for confounders, including corticosteroid treatment. Additionally, both groups A and B showed a significant decrease in disease activity in the first 2.5 years after start of treatment and also thereafter. Anti-TNF and IM treatment were associated with a similarly significant decrease in anxiety and depressive symptoms over an observation period of up to 5 years. Conclusion: Besides a clear benefit for disease activity, anti-TNF and IM apparently improve the mood of patients with IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of British Journal of Pharmacology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be exacerbated by stress and depression. Type D personality, characterised by high negative affectivity and social inhibition, represents a vulnerability towards stressors and is associated with adverse outcomes in coronary heart disease. Aims: To assess the prevalence of Type D personality in IBD patients and investigate potential associations with disease course. Methods: We tested for associations between Type D (Type DScale‐14), depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and DepressionScale's depression subscore ≥11) and recurrent IBD amongst Swiss IBD cohort patients. We built regression models for cross‐sectional and Cox proportional hazards models for time‐to‐event analyses. IBD disease course was assessed by the future occurrence of active disease (Crohn's Disease ActivityIndex ≥150/Modified Truelove & Witts activity index ≥10) and several IBD‐relevant endpoints. Results: Amongst 2275 patients (1005 ulcerative colitis, 1270 Crohn's disease), 672 (29.5%) had Type D. Type D was a significant risk factor for future active disease (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR: 1.60, corrected P value, q = 0.007) and predicted the future presence of depressive symptoms (aHR: 3.30, P < 0.001). The combination of Type D and depressive symptoms further increased the risk for active disease (aHR: 3.98, q < 0.001). However, Type D associated depressive symptoms seemed to be the main contributor to this effect as Type D's predictive power decreased considerably in models corrected for depressive symptoms (aHR: 1.32, CI: 0.97‐1.79, q = 0.292). Conclusions: Type D personality's prevalence amongst IBD patients was comparable with its prevalence in the general population. Type D was strongly associated with depressive symptoms and showed modest independent associations with IBD prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite dramatic advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis and course of disease in the relatively short timeframe since the discovery and first description of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) less than three decades ago, many open questions remain to be elucidated. For instance, we will need to better characterize atypical clinical presentations of EoE and other forms of esophageal inflammatory conditions with often similar clinical presentations, nut fulfilling current diagnostic criteria for EoE and to determine their significance and interrelationship with genuine EoE. In addition, the interrelationship of EoE with other immune-mediated diseases remains to be clarified. Hopefully, a closer look at the role of environmental factors and their interaction with genetic susceptibility often in context of atopic predisposition may enable identifying the candidate substances/agents/allergens and potentially earlier (childhood) events to trigger the condition. It appears plausible to assume that in the end—comparable to current concepts in other immune-mediated chronic diseases, such as for instance inflammatory bowel disease or asthma bronchiale—we will not be rewarded with the identification of a "one-and-only" underlying pathogenetic trigger factor, with causal responsibility for the disease in each and every EoE patient. Rather, the relative contribution and importance of intrinsic susceptibility, i.e., patient-driven factors (genetics, aberrant immune response) and external trigger factors, such as food (or aero-) allergens as well as early childhood events (e.g., infection and exposure to antibiotics and other drugs) may substantially differ among given individuals with EoE. Accordingly, selection and treatment duration of medical therapy, success rates and extent of required restriction in dietary treatment, and the need for mechanical treatment to address strictures and stenosis require an individualized approach, tailored to each patient. With the advances of emerging treatment options, the importance of such an individualized and patient-centered assessment will increase even further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are common. Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of UC. We evaluated the efficacy of tofacitinib in patients with EIMs, and the impact of tofacitinib on EIMs in patients with UC in the OCTAVE clinical program. Methods: Data from two 8-week induction studies (OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2) and a 52-week maintenance study (OCTAVE Sustain) were analyzed. The effect of tofacitinib on efficacy outcomes stratified by EIM status, proportion of predefined prior and active EIMs at baseline, and change from baseline in EIMs were determined at the end of the treatment period (weeks 8 or 52), or at early termination. Results: At baseline of OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2, and OCTAVE Sustain, 27.0% and 9.0% of patients had a history of EIMs (prior or active), respectively. Patients treated with tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily (BID) achieved remission and had endoscopic improvement in all studies, irrespective of any history of EIMs. A greater proportion of patients had active peripheral arthritis at baseline of OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 versus OCTAVE Sustain. In OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2, similar proportions of tofacitinib and placebo-treated patients with active peripheral arthritis experienced either no change (81.3% and 85.7%, respectively) or an improvement (15.6% and 14.3%, respectively). By week 52 of OCTAVE Sustain, improvements in active peripheral arthritis were only observed in tofacitinib-treated patients (16.7% and 33.3% with tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg BID, respectively). Conclusion: Any history of EIMs did not influence the efficacy of tofacitinib 10 mg BID for induction or maintenance of UC. The most common active EIM was peripheral arthritis, for which many patients in OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2, and OCTAVE Sustain, reported improvement or no change from baseline with tofacitinib treatment. Clinicaltrials.gov:NCT01465763; NCT01458951; NCT01458574 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abdominal pain is a frequent symptom in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Pain can result from ongoing inflammation or functional disorders imitating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with IBS. However, the impact of IBS genetics on the clinical course of IBD, especially pain levels of patients remains unclear.Methods: Data of 857 UC and 1206 CD patients from the Swiss IBD Cohort Study were analysed. We tested the association of the maximum of the abdominal pain item of disease activity indices in UC and CD over the study period with 16 IBS-associated SNPs, using multivariate ANOVA models.Results: In UC patients, the SNPs rs1042713 (located on the ADRB2 gene) and rs4663866 (close to the HES6 gene) were associated with higher abdominal pain levels (P = 0.044; P = 0.037, respectively). Abdominal pain was not associated with any markers of patient management in a model adjusted for confounders. In CD patients, higher levels of abdominal pain correlated with the number of physician contacts (P < 10-15), examinations (P < 10-12), medical therapies (P = 0.023) and weeks of hospitalisation (P = 0.0013) in a multivariate model.Conclusions: We detected an association between maximal abdominal pain in UC patients and two IBS-associated SNPs. Abdominal pain levels had a pronounced impact on diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in CD but not in UC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dysphagia is the main symptom of adult eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We describe a novel syndrome, referred to as "food‐induced immediate response of the esophagus" (FIRE), observed in EoE patients. Methods: Food‐induced immediate response of the esophagus is an unpleasant/painful sensation, unrelated to dysphagia, occurring immediately after esophageal contact with specific foods. Eosinophilic esophagitis experts were surveyed to estimate the prevalence of FIRE, characterize symptoms, and identify food triggers. We also surveyed a large group of EoE patients enrolled in the Swiss EoE Cohort Study for FIRE. Results: Response rates were 82% (47/57) for the expert and 65% (239/368) for the patient survey, respectively. Almost, 90% of EoE experts had observed the FIRE symptom complex in their patients. Forty percent of EoE patients reported experiencing FIRE, more commonly in patients who developed EoE symptoms at a younger age (mean age of 46.4 years vs 54.1 years without FIRE; P <.01) and in those with high allergic comorbidity. Food‐induced immediate response of the esophagus symptoms included narrowing, burning, choking, and pressure in the esophagus appearing within 5 minutes of ingesting a provoking food that lasted less than 2 hours. Symptom severity rated a median 7 points on a visual analogue scale from 1 to 10. Fresh fruits/vegetables and wine were the most frequent triggers. Endoscopic food removal was significantly more commonly reported in male patients with vs without FIRE (44.3% vs 27.6%; P =.03). Conclusions: Food‐induced immediate response of the esophagus is a novel syndrome frequently reported in EoE patients, characterized by an intense, unpleasant/painful sensation occurring rapidly and reproducibly in 40% of surveyed EoE patients after esophageal contact with specific foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the awareness among gastroenterologists regarding endoscopic features suggesting eosinophilic esophagitis is increasing, individuals without symptoms of esophageal dysfunction are increasingly being found to have esophageal eosinophilia on biopsies performed during upper gastrointestinal endoscopies. However, the course of disease and the management of these asymptomatic individuals with esophageal eosinophilia remain elusive. In this review, we propose a definition of asymptomatic individuals with esophageal eosinophilia and discuss the prevalence, risk factors, and course of disease of this specific patient group. Furthermore, we have established a diagnostic and therapeutic pathway based on the most recent available data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Anxiety and depression are prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), especially during IBD flares. IBD therapies can profoundly affect the mood of patients with IBD. We aimed to determine the long-term impact of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) and immunomodulators (IM) on anxiety and depressive symptoms in IBD patients. Methods: We compared three treatment groups with IM only (group A), anti-TNF ± IM (group B) and no such therapy (group C). Patients completed the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years after start of treatment. Results: In total, 581 patients with IBD (42.9% Crohn's disease, 57.1% ulcerative colitis/IBD unclassified) participated in this study. Effects of treatment were analyzed in a mixed effects model, with and without correction for confounders. Compared with group C, group B showed a significant treatment-related improvement in both anxiety and depressive symptoms within the first 2.5 years and also thereafter. Group A showed a significant long-term improvement of anxiety and both short-term and long-term improvement in depressive symptoms. The significance of these results was maintained after correction for confounders, including corticosteroid treatment. Additionally, both groups A and B showed a significant decrease in disease activity in the first 2.5 years after start of treatment and also thereafter. Anti-TNF and IM treatment were associated with a similarly significant decrease in anxiety and depressive symptoms over an observation period of up to 5 years. Conclusion: Besides a clear benefit for disease activity, anti-TNF and IM apparently improve the mood of patients with IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are common. Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of UC. We evaluated the efficacy of tofacitinib in patients with EIMs, and the impact of tofacitinib on EIMs in patients with UC in the OCTAVE clinical program. Methods: Data from two 8-week induction studies (OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2) and a 52-week maintenance study (OCTAVE Sustain) were analyzed. The effect of tofacitinib on efficacy outcomes stratified by EIM status, proportion of predefined prior and active EIMs at baseline, and change from baseline in EIMs were determined at the end of the treatment period (weeks 8 or 52), or at early termination. Results: At baseline of OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2, and OCTAVE Sustain, 27.0% and 9.0% of patients had a history of EIMs (prior or active), respectively. Patients treated with tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily (BID) achieved remission and had endoscopic improvement in all studies, irrespective of any history of EIMs. A greater proportion of patients had active peripheral arthritis at baseline of OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 versus OCTAVE Sustain. In OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2, similar proportions of tofacitinib and placebo-treated patients with active peripheral arthritis experienced either no change (81.3% and 85.7%, respectively) or an improvement (15.6% and 14.3%, respectively). By week 52 of OCTAVE Sustain, improvements in active peripheral arthritis were only observed in tofacitinib-treated patients (16.7% and 33.3% with tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg BID, respectively). Conclusion: Any history of EIMs did not influence the efficacy of tofacitinib 10 mg BID for induction or maintenance of UC. The most common active EIM was peripheral arthritis, for which many patients in OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2, and OCTAVE Sustain, reported improvement or no change from baseline with tofacitinib treatment. Clinicaltrials.gov:NCT01465763; NCT01458951; NCT01458574 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Fatigue is a common symptom of chronic inflammation, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), resulting in significant impairment in quality of life. Aims: To identify the prevalence of fatigue in a large IBD cohort compared to the general population, address risk factors, and evaluate its impact on daily life. Methods: We evaluated 1208 IBD patients from the Swiss Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort Study (SIBDCS) and 414 healthy controls. Significant fatigue was defined as a visual analogue scale (VAS‐F, range 0‐10) score ≥ 4. Secondary endpoints were severity of fatigue and its impact on daily activities with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), with a score ≥ 4 indicative of fatigue. Demographic, IBD‐related and psychiatric symptoms were assessed with a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) model optimised for prediction of VAS‐F (primary outcome) and FSS scores. Results: Overall, 672 IBD patients (55.6%) reported significant fatigue compared to 145 (35%) controls (OR 2.71; 95% CI 2.08‐3.54; P < 0.001). In IBD, fatigue also significantly affected daily activities (FSS ≥ 4; 405 (33.5%) IBD patients vs 81 (19.6%) controls, P < 0.001). In the MANOVA model, fatigue levels were associated with female gender (coefficient 0.839; 0.556 ‐ 1.123; P < 0.001), younger age at diagnosis (−0.031 per year; −0.042– −0.019; P < 0.001), shorter disease duration (−0.036 per year; −0.050– −0.022; P < 0.001), nocturnal diarrhoea (0.718; 0.295‐1.141; P = 0.001), low educational level (P = 0.034) and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Conclusions: Fatigue is both more frequent and more severe in patients with IBD than in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that has been known since the early 1990s. Swallowed topical corticosteroids (STC) belong to the therapeutic cornerstones. We describe a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to Jorveza®, a newly developed orodispersible budesonide tablet licensed for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis.Case Presentation: A 32-year-old Caucasian woman with EoE was newly treated with Jorveza®. Hours after the first intake, she felt a "strange pruritus" in the throat. This sensation worsened with each subsequent intake. On day 4 she developed oral mucosal symptoms (paresthesia of the tongue, sore and an itchy throat). Intraoral, throat and facial swellings, but no systemic reaction were observed. Patch testing using two commercial test series as well as the orodispersible budesonide tablet revealed a strong sensitization, proving a T cell mediated allergy to budesonide.Conclusions: Orodispersible budesonide is increasingly prescribed for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis. The development of oropharyngeal symptoms after initiating should alert the treating physician to the possibility of a hypersensitivity reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder, primarily of, but not restricted to, the gut. Association between IBD and cancer has been clearly established and is uniformly accepted. Summary: IBD patients are at particular risk for intestinal and extraintestinal cancers. There are 2 underlying mechanisms: (1) IBD-related inflammation triggers initiation and progression of tumor formation. This particularly results in the development of colorectal cancer, small bowel adenocarcinoma, intestinal lymphoma, anal cancer, and cholangiocarcinoma. (2) Immunosuppressive drugs exhibit carcinogenic properties such as shown for azathioprine and anti-TNF promoting lymphoproliferative malignancies and melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer. However, within the last years, IBD-related cancer incidence and prevalence have been decreasing, which might be attributed to better treatment options and surveillance strategies. Moreover, novel biological drugs have been introduced in clinical practice and have dramatically changed long-term IBD management. Therefore, we sought to summarize up-to-date knowledge about (1) overall cancer risk; (2) risk and protective factors for cancer development; and (3) inflammation- and immunosuppression-related malignancies in the current anti-TNF era of IBD. Key Messages: Recent studies and meta-analyses questioned the excess rates of cancer in IBD patients. However, IBD still is associated with cancer development due to ongoing intestinal inflammation and the use of potential carcinogenic drugs. Patients should be educated about the increased risk of cancer with IBD and IBD drugs. However, they should also be informed that most malignancy subtypes are possibly preventable by controlling intestinal inflammation and by using adequate screening strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune-mediated diseases typically show a female preponderance. Looking at all autoimmune diseases combined, 8 of 10 patients are females. Although not as prominent, gender differences in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been reported for epidemiology, disease presentation, disease course and complications, medical and surgical therapies, adherence, psychosocial functioning, and psychiatric co-disorders. While for some factors evidence is rather good, for others data are conflicting. Gastroenterologists dealing with IBD patients in daily clinical practice should be aware of gender-specific issues for the following reasons: (1) misperception of disease presentation potentially delays IBD diagnosis, which has been shown to have deleterious effects, and (2) awareness of gender-specific symptoms and disease severity allows initiation of early and adequately tailored treatment. This might prevent development of complications. And (3) insights into gender-specific differences in terms of treatment and adherence to treatment can improve disease management and foster a more individualized treatment approach. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about gender-specific differences in IBD and highlight the most clinically relevant aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Loss of response is frequently encountered in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and antidrug antibody measurement are increasingly used in this setting. Methods: To establish a consensus on the use of TDM in the context of loss of response to anti-TNFs, we performed a vote using a Delphi-style process followed by an expert panel discussion among 8 IBD specialists practicing in Switzerland, Europe. Statements were rated on an even Likert-scale ranging from 1 (strong disagreement) to 4 (strong agreement), based on expert opinion and the available literature. Results: The experts agreed on the following statements: (i) loss of response is associated with inadequate drug levels in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; (ii) best timepoint for measuring drug levels is prior to the next application (= trough levels) with different thresholds for anti-TNF agents (infliximab 5 μg/mL, adalimumab 8 μg/mL, certolizumab pegol 10 μg/mL); (iii) antidrug antibodies are predictive for loss of response; and (iv) antidrug-antibody titers and drug trough levels are key determinants in the treatment algorithm. Data about non-anti-TNF biologics were considered too limited to propose recommendations. Conclusion: A Delphi-style consensus among 8 IBD experts shows that TDM and measurement of antidrug-antibody titers are useful in the context of loss of response to anti-TNF. Optimal cutoff levels depend on the type of anti-TNF. These values are critical in the decision making process. More studies are needed to address the value of such measurements for non-anti-TNF biologics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While the long-term evolution of disease behavior in Crohn's disease has been well described in the pre-anti-TNF era, our knowledge thereon remains scarce after the introduction of anti-TNF.Aims: Our investigation examined the long-term evolution of disease concerning Montreal classification's B-stages over time in patients enrolled into the Swiss IBD Cohort Study between 2006 and 2017.Methods: We analyzed prospectively collected SIBDCS data using a Markov model and multivariate testing for effects of treatment and other confounders on B-stage migration over time. The primary outcome was a transition in disease behavior from B1 to either B2 or pB3, or from B2 to pB3, respectively.Results: The 10- and 15-year probability of remaining in B1 was 0.61 and 0.48, as opposed to a probability to migrate to B2 or B3 of 0.25 or 0.14, and 0.32 or 0.2, after 10 and 15 years, respectively. In multivariate testing, the hazard ratio for migrating from B1 to pB3 (HR 0.27) and from B2 to pB3 (HR 0.12) was lower in patients > 40 years compared to patients < 17 years. We found that immunosuppression (HR 0.38) and treatment with anti-TNF for > 1 year (HR 0.30) were associated with a decreased likelihood of transitioning from stage B1 to pB3.Conclusions: While in the anti-TNF era most patients with Crohn's disease will eventually develop stricturing and/or penetrating complications, our data indicate that immunosuppressive and anti-TNF treatment for more than 1 year reduce the risk of transitioning from stage B1 to pB3 in the long-term run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic-inflammatory disease of the esophagus, defined I clinically i by the presence of symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and I histologically i by an eosinophil predominant infiltration in the esophageal mucosa.[1] Due to its chronicity, EoE requires both short-term and long-term treatments.[2] Therapeutic goals are (a) to control clinical activity (resolution of symptoms); and (b) to control biological activity to avoid stricture formation and bolus impaction, a potentially life-threatening event. Treatment of EoE consists of the 3 D's: Drugs, Diet, and Dilation.[2] Dilation should be seen as an add-on treatment since it does not affect underlying inflammation (Figure). Most importantly, any therapy should be maintained as cessation of treatment results in an EoE relapse within only few months.[11] If histological response is not achieved, we recommend switching from PPI ("PPI non-response") or elimination diet to STC. [Extracted from the article]

Background and Aims: The treatment options for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) patients include drugs (proton pump inhibitors [PPIs], swallowed topical corticosteroids [STCs]), elimination diets, and dilation. Given the lack of data, we aimed to assess adult EoE patients' satisfaction with different EoE-specific treatment modalities. Patients and Methods: We evaluated therapy satisfaction recalled over a 12-month period using the validated Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication that assesses effectiveness, side effects, convenience, and overall satisfaction. The score for each scale ranges from 0 (dissatisfied) to 100 (satisfied). To evaluate satisfaction with nonpharmacologic therapies, the questionnaire was modified and debriefed into three focus groups. The final questionnaire was sent to 147 patients. Results: The patient response rate was 74%. In the last 12 months, 24, 75, 19, and 9% were treated with PPIs, STCs, elimination diet, and dilation, respectively. Patients identified the following considerations as important for therapy choice: effect on symptoms (89%), effect on esophageal inflammation (76%), side effects (69%), and ease of use (58%). Patients found STCs to be effective (83 points), convenient (83 points), and experienced no side effects when using this therapy. When using STCs alone (43%), overall patient satisfaction was high (86 points). Patients judged PPIs to be most convenient (89 points), STCs to be a bit less convenient (83 points), and diet to be most inconvenient (46 points) of the three therapies examined. Conclusions: Adult EoE patients consider both therapy effect on symptoms and esophageal inflammation as important criteria when choosing EoE therapy and appear to be satisfied with STC use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) contribute significantly to the burden of disease in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Pain is a leading symptom in IBD and could be seen as an EIM itself. Treatment of IBD associated pain is challenging and insufficiently studied. A better knowledge on the association of pain and IBD specific treatment is warranted to improve the management of IBD patients. Methods: All patients of the Swiss IBD Cohort Study (SIBDCS) (n = 2152) received a questionnaire regarding pain localization, pain character, and the use of IBD specific medication. Results: 1263 completed questionnaires were received. Twenty-one out of 184 patients (10%) receiving anti-TNF treatment compared to 142 out of 678 patients (21%) not receiving anti-TNF medication reported elbow pain (p = 0.002) while 28 out of 198 patients (14%) receiving steroid treatment significantly more often reported elbow pain compared to 59 from 696 patients (8%) not receiving steroids (p = 0.021). Furthermore, we found significantly more female patients under anti-TNF treatment to report knee/ lower leg pain and ankle/ foot pain compared to their male counterparts (36% vs. 20% and 22% vs. 10%, respectively, p = 0.015 for both comparisons). The frequency of knee, lower leg, ankle and foot pain was especially low in male patients under anti-TNF treatment, indicating a high benefit of male patients from anti-TNF therapy regarding EIM. Conclusions: The frequency of elbow pain was lower in IBD patients treated with anti-TNF but higher in patients treated with steroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder, primarily of, but not restricted to the gut. Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) are frequently observed and involve the joints, eyes, hepatobiliary tract, and skin. Areas covered: In this review, we discuss classical EIM focusing on epidemiology, genetics, and pathogenesis, highlighting recent advances in the understanding of EIM. We further discuss treatment-induced immunological phenomena, which are increasingly recognized and might challenge IBD-treating physicians in the era of biological treatment. Expert opinion: EIM considerably contributes to morbidity and mortality. Genetic studies have revealed a common genetic background between EIM and IBD and among specific EIM. Identified protein interactions have been shown to cluster in shared biological pathways. However - despite these recent advances - pathogenesis of EIM is at best partially understood. Several pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed such as upregulation of tumor necrosis factor, aberrant lymphocyte homing, and cross-reactive antigen presentation. It still remains unclear whether EIM is a direct result of the inflammatory process in the gut or rather a consequence of a shared genetic background leading to dysfunctional immune responses to environmental stimuli. Exploration and understanding of EIM genetics and pathophysiology will pave the road for better and more efficacious treatment options in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]