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Background and Aims: Active inflammatory bowel disease at conception is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. International guidelines address antenatal care, but contraception counselling and risk assessment are not addressed. Data on healthcare professionals' guidance for women with IBD regarding contraception are scarce. We aimed to describe contraceptive use, preferences, knowledge, and barriers among women with IBD., Methods: A 34-item questionnaire was administered to female IBD patients aged 18-45. Disease control was measured using PRO2 and IBD Control questionnaire, and contraceptive preferences were assessed by the Contraceptive Features Survey. Logistic regression explored associations between contraceptive use, attitudes, disease remission status, and other factors., Results: Of 338 women surveyed, 243 (74%) used some form of contraception. Oral birth control pills (28%) and barrier methods (18%) were most used but 20% used long-acting methods. Women with active disease were more likely to use long-acting contraception (23%) compared to those in remission (17%). Contraceptive priorities were effectiveness (78%), ease of use (75%), and minimal side effects (68%). Only 25% women had discussed reproductive issues with their IBD clinician, though 85% were comfortable to do so. Preferred sources for reproductive counselling were IBD nurses (79%), general practitioners (75%), IBD doctors (68%), and gynaecologists (49%)., Conclusion: A quarter of women with IBD were not using any contraception, and long-acting contraceptive use was low. Women prefer effective, easy-to-use contraceptives with minimal side effects but lack knowledge on effective contraception-related issues. Better education and proactive discussions between healthcare providers and patients could improve reproductive health in women with IBD., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Objectives: Elderly hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flare and concurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) are considered at high risk of IBD-related complications. We aimed to evaluate the short, intermediate, and long-term post-discharge complications among these patients., Methods: A retrospective multicenter cohort study assessing outcomes of elderly individuals (≥60 years) hospitalized for an IBD flare who were tested for CDI (either positive or negative) and discharged. The primary outcome was the 3-months post-discharge IBD-related complication rates defined as: steroid dependency, re-admissions (emergency department or hospitalization), IBD-related surgery, or mortality. We assessed post-discharge IBD-related complications within 6-months and mortality at 12-months among secondary outcomes. Risk factors for complication were assessed by multivariable logistic regression., Results: In a cohort of 654 patients hospitalized for IBD (age 68.9 [interquartile range {IQR}]:63.9-75.2) years, 60.9% ulcerative colitis), 23.4% were CDI-positive. Post-discharge complication rates at 3 and 6-months, and 12-months mortality, did not differ significantly between CDI-positive and CDI-negative patients (32% vs. 33.1%, p=0.8; 40.5% vs. 42.5%, p=0.66; and 4.6% vs. 8%, p=0.153, respectively). The Charlson comorbidity index was the only significant risk factor for complications within 3-months (aOR 1.1), whereas mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid [5-ASA]) use was protective (aOR 0.6). An ulcerative colitis diagnosis was the sole risk factor for complication at 6-months (aOR 1.5). CDI did not significantly impact outcomes or interact with IBD type., Conclusions: In elderly IBD patients hospitalized for IBD flare and subsequently discharged, a concurrent CDI infection was not associated with post-discharge IBD-related complications or mortality up to 1-year., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency that occurs in up to 25% of patients with ulcerative colitis. Although intravenous corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of therapy, 30-40% of patients will not respond and need timely consideration of rescue therapy with (currently) either infliximab or ciclosporin or indeed colectomy, underscoring the importance of multidisciplinary care to ensure favourable outcomes for patients. We discuss the current evidence and present an approach to the management of ASUC for general and specialist clinicians caring for patients with ASUC., Sources of Data: The information in this review is derived from data published in peer- reviewed academic journals and registered clinical trials., Areas of Agreement: Management of acute severe colitis requires a multidisciplinary approach with early initiation with steroids and timely escalation of treatment to either medical rescue therapy or surgery., Areas of Controversy: Balancing the risks of delayed surgery vs. optimizing medical therapy, including accelerated dosing schedules for biologics, remains ambiguous., Growing Points: The position on newer molecules like Janus Kinase inhibitors, such as tofacitinib, is a growing area with early real-world data showing promise for steroid refractory ASUC., Areas Timely for Developing Research: Developing predictive biomarkers and clinical risk scores for personalized rescue therapy selection is an evolving area of research., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Biologic therapies are associated with increased infection risk among elderly patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, there are few data on the safety and effectiveness of ustekinumab compared with anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents in the elderly., Methods: The study sought to compare the safety and effectiveness of ustekinumab and anti-TNF agents in elderly Crohn's disease (CD) patients. Patients ≥60 years of age who commenced ustekinumab or an anti-TNF agent for CD were included in this retrospective multicenter cohort. The primary outcome was incidence of serious infections requiring hospitalization. Effectiveness was assessed by clinical remission, clinical response, and treatment persistence rates at 6 months. We adjusted for confounders using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and performed a logistic regression analysis to assess factors associated with serious infections, clinical remission, and treatment persistence., Results: Eighty-three patients commencing ustekinumab and 124 commencing anti-TNF therapy were included. There was no difference in serious infection rates between anti-TNF agents (2.8%) and ustekinumab (3.1%) (P = .924) after propensity adjustment. Clinical remission rates were comparable at 6 months for ustekinumab (55.9%) and anti-TNF agents (52.4%) (P = .762). There was a significant reduction in HBI at 6 months in both groups. Treatment persistence was comparable between ustekinumab (90.6%) and anti-TNF agents (90.0%) at 6 months. Cox regression analysis did not show differences in treatment persistence (hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.57-2.61; P = .594) and serious infection incidence (hazard ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-7.57; P = .709) by 6 months., Conclusions: We observed comparable safety and effectiveness for ustekinumab and anti-TNF agents in treating elderly CD patients., (© Crown copyright 2024.)

Background and Aims: This study compares the effectiveness of different biologic therapies and sequences in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] using real-world data from a large cohort with long exposure., Methods: Demographic, disease, treatment, and outcome data were retrieved for patients in the UK IBD BioResource. Effectiveness of treatment was based on persistence free of discontinuation or failure, analysed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with inverse probability of treatment weighting to adjust for differences between groups., Results: In total, 13 222 evaluable patients received at least one biologic. In ulcerative colitis [UC] first-line vedolizumab [VDZ] demonstrated superior effectiveness over 5 years compared to anti-tumour necrosis factor [anti-TNF] agents [p = 0.006]. VDZ was superior to both infliximab [IFX] and adalimumab [ADA] after ADA and IFX failure respectively [p < 0.001 and p < 0.001]. Anti-TNF therapy showed similar effectiveness when used as first-line treatment, or after failure of VDZ. In Crohn's disease [CD] we found significant differences between first-line treatments over 10 years [p = 0.045], with superior effectiveness of IFX compared to ADA in perianal CD. Non-anti-TNF biologics were superior to a second anti-TNF after first-line anti-TNF failure in CD [p = 0.035]. Patients with UC or CD experiencing TNF failure due to delayed loss of response or intolerance had superior outcomes when switching to a non-anti-TNF biologic, rather than a second anti-TNF., Conclusions: We provide real-world evidence to guide biologic selection and sequencing in a range of common scenarios. Our findings challenge current guidelines regarding drug selection after loss of response to first anti-TNF treatment., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation.)

Background and Aims: Technological advances have provided innovative, adaptive, and responsive models of care for inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD]. We conducted a systematic review to compare e-health interventions with standard care in management of IBD., Methods: We searched electronic databases for randomised, controlled trials [RCT] comparing e-health interventions with standard care for patients with IBD. Effect measures were standardised mean difference [SMD], odds ratio [OR], or rate ratio [RR], calculated using the inverse variance or Mantel-Haenszel statistical method and random-effects models. Version 2 of the Cochrane tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The certainty of evidence was appraised with the GRADE framework., Results: Fourteen RCTs [n = 3111; 1754 e-health and 1357 controls] were identified. The difference in disease activity scores (SMD 0.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.09-0.28) and clinical remission (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% CI: 0.78-1.61) between e-health interventions and standard care were not statistically significant. Higher quality of life [QoL] [SMD 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.35) and IBD knowledge [SMD 0.23, 95% CI: 0.10-0.36] scores were noted in the e-health group, and self-efficacy levels [SMD -0.09, 95% CI: -0.22-0.05] were comparable. E-health patients had fewer office [RR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78-0.93] and emergency [RR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.51- 0.95] visits, with no statistically significant difference in endoscopic procedures, total health care encounters, corticosteroid use, and IBD related hospitalisation or surgery. The trials were judged to be at high risk of bias or to have some concerns for disease remission. The certainty of evidence was moderate or low., Conclusion: E-health technologies may have a role in value-based care in IBD., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation.)

Background and Aims: Inflammatory bowel disease colitis-associated dysplasia is managed with either enhanced surveillance and endoscopic resection or prophylactic surgery. The rate of progression to cancer after a dysplasia diagnosis remains uncertain in many cases and patients have high thresholds for accepting proctocolectomy. Individualised discussion of management options is encouraged to take place between patients and their multidisciplinary teams for best outcomes. We aimed to develop a toolkit to support a structured, multidisciplinary and shared decision-making approach to discussions about dysplasia management options between clinicians and their patients., Methods: Evidence from systematic literature reviews, mixed-methods studies conducted with key stakeholders, and decision-making expert recommendations were consolidated to draft consensus statements by the DECIDE steering group. These were then subjected to an international, multidisciplinary modified electronic Delphi process until an a priori threshold of 80% agreement was achieved to establish consensus for each statement., Results: In all, 31 members [15 gastroenterologists, 14 colorectal surgeons and two nurse specialists] from nine countries formed the Delphi panel. We present the 18 consensus statements generated after two iterative rounds of anonymous voting., Conclusions: By consolidating evidence for best practice using literature review and key stakeholder and decision-making expert consultation, we have developed international consensus recommendations to support health care professionals counselling patients on the management of high cancer risk colitis-associated dysplasia. The final toolkit includes clinician and patient decision aids to facilitate shared decision-making., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: The management of pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex. We aimed to assess health care professionals' (HCPs) theoretical and applied knowledge of pregnancy-related IBD issues., Methods: A cross-sectional international survey was distributed to HCPs providing IBD care between October 2020 and March 2021. Knowledge was assessed using the validated Crohn's and Colitis Pregnancy Knowledge Score (CCPKnow; range, 0-17). Decision-making was assessed by free text responses to 3 clinical scenarios scored against predetermined scoring criteria (maximum score 70)., Results: Among 81 participants, median CCPKnow score was 16 (range, 8-17), and median total scenario score was 29 (range, 9-51). Health care professionals who treat >10 IBD patients per week (CCPKnow P = .03; scenarios P = .003) and are more regularly involved in pregnancy care (CCPKnow P = .005; scenarios P = .005) had significantly better scores. Although CCPKnow scoring was consistently high (median score ≥15) across all groups, consultants scored better than trainees and IBD nurses (P = .008 and P = .031). Median scenario scores were higher for consultants (32) and IBD nurses (33) compared with trainees (24; P = .018 and P = .022). There was a significant positive correlation between caring for greater numbers of pregnant IBD patients and higher CCPKnow (P = .001, r = .358) and scenario scores (P = .001, r = .377). There was a modest correlation between CCPKnow and scenario scores (r = .356; P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Despite "good" theoretical pregnancy-related IBD knowledge as assessed by CCPKnow, applied knowledge in the scenarios was less consistent. There is need for further HCP education and clinical experience to achieve optimal standardized care for IBD in pregnancy., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Biologic and nonbiologic immunomodulators, used to treat immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), could impair the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines and thus vaccine effectiveness., Objectives: Our objective was to investigate the association between biologic and nonbiologic immunomodulators and seroconversion following the first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with IMIDs., Methods: Serum samples were collected following the first or second dose of the BNT162b2 or AZD1222 vaccines from patients receiving biologic and/or nonbiologic immunomodulators for one or more of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or systemic lupus erythematosus. Seroconversion was defined as a positive Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S (spike protein subunit S1/receptor binding domain) immunoassay (≥ 0.8 U mL-1). Association between immunomodulator exposure and seroconversion was assessed using logistic regression, adjusting for age and sex., Results: After excluding those with prior COVID-19, post-first vaccine dose samples from 193 participants and post-second dose samples from 312 participants were included in the analysis. Following the first vaccine dose, 17.6% (n = 34) of participants did not seroconvert. Seroconversion was reduced for those on nonbiologic [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12-0.69] or combined nonbiologic and biologic treatment (adjusted OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.045-0.45) compared with those on biologic monotherapy. Subgroup analysis demonstrated reduced odds of seroconversion in those on methotrexate (adjusted OR 0.097, 95% CI 0.19-0.49) or prednisolone treatment (adjusted OR 0.044, 95% CI 0.002-1.00) relative to tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitor monotherapy. No participants receiving rituximab (n < 5) seroconverted after the first vaccine dose. Following the second vaccine dose, 1.6% of all participants did not seroconvert. Non-seroconversion was associated with receiving rituximab (n = 3 of 4) compared with those receiving other therapies (n = 2 of 308, P < 0.001). Post hoc analyses demonstrated that non-seroconversion was associated with age [adjusted OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.037-0.93 for those aged 60 years and over (reference category age 18-39 years)], but not sex, ethnicity or vaccine type., Conclusions: Treatment with nonbiologics, particularly methotrexate, is associated with impaired seroconversion following two BNT162b2 or AZD1222 vaccine doses, in patients with IMIDs. These findings are consistent with those of other published studies. While this could indicate reduced protection against COVID-19, the immunological parameters that correlate most closely with vaccine effectiveness need to be defined to reach this conclusion., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest A.A.-J. has received educational support from Janssen and UCB to attend conferences, and funding from the UK North West MRC Scheme, which is part funded by Eli Lilly, Novartis, Roche and UCB. A.C.F. has worked as a consultant for or received sponsorship to attend conferences from AbbVie, Almirall, Eli Lilly, LEO Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Janssen, Sanofi and UCB. H.J.A.H. has received grant funding from Janssen, Merck Serono and Pfizer; honoraria and/or consultancy fees and/or travel bursaries from AbbVie, Almirall, DICE Therapeutics, Eli Lilly, Janssen, La Roche-Posay, LEO Pharma, Novartis, Regeneron, Sanofi Genzyme, UCB and UNION Therapeutics; and has acted as an investigator for AbbVie, Almirall, DICE Therapeutics, Eli Lilly, Evelo Biosciences, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Novartis, Sanofi Genzyme, UCB and UNION Therapeutics. H.C. has received grant support from Eli Lilly and UCB; consulting fees from Alexion, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Novartis and Orphazyme; and acted as a speaker for Biogen and UCB. K.L.H. has received honoraria and/or research funding from AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer. J.K.L. has received speaker and/or consultancy fees from AbbVie, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Galapagos, Janssen, MSD, Takeda and Tillotts Pharma; and research funding from Galapagos, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd and Tillotts Pharma. C.E.M.G. has received honoraria and/or research funding from AbbVie, Amgen, Anaptysbio, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Novartis and UCB. C.A.M. is an employee of Affinity Biomarker Labs. R.B.W. has acted as a consultant for or received research grants from AbbVie, Almirall, Amgen, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Astellas Pharma, Avillion, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, DICE Therapeutics, GSK, Janssen, Lilly, LEO Pharma, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Sun Pharma, UCB and UNION Therapeutics., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of British Association of Dermatologists.)

Background: Endoscopic-post-operative-recurrence [ePOR] in Crohn's disease [CD] after ileocecal resection [ICR] is a major concern. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of early prophylaxis with biologics and to compare anti-tumour necrosis factor [anti-TNF] therapy to vedolizumab [VDZ] and ustekinumab [UST] in a real-world setting., Methods: A retrospective multicentre study of CD-adults after curative ICR on early prophylaxis was undertaken. ePOR was defined as a Rutgeerts score [RS] ≥ i2 or colonic-segmental-SES-CD ≥ 6. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors, and inverse probability treatment weighting [IPTW] was applied to compare the effectiveness between agents., Results: The study included 297 patients (53.9% males, age at diagnosis 24 years [19-32], age at ICR 34 years [26-43], 18.5% smokers, 27.6% biologic-naïve, 65.7% anti-TNF experienced, 28.6% two or more biologics and 17.2% previous surgery). Overall, 224, 39 and 34 patients received anti-TNF, VDZ or UST, respectively. Patients treated with VDZ and UST were more biologic experienced with higher rates of previous surgery. ePOR rates within 1 year were 41.8%. ePOR rates by treatment groups were: anti-TNF 40.2%, VDZ 33% and UST 61.8%. Risk factors for ePOR at 1 year were: past-infliximab (adjusted odds ratio [adj.OR] = 1.73 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.01-2.97]), past-adalimumab [adj.OR = 2.32 [95% CI: 1.35-4.01] and surgical aspects. After IPTW, the risk of ePOR within 1 year of VDZ vs anti-TNF or UST vs anti-TNF was comparable (OR = 0.55 [95% CI: 0.25-1.19], OR = 1.86 [95% CI: 0.79-4.38]), respectively., Conclusion: Prevention of ePOR within 1 year after surgery was successful in ~60% of patients. Patients treated with VDZ or UST consisted of a more refractory group. After controlling for confounders, no differences in ePOR risk were seen between anti-TNF prophylaxis and other groups., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Introduction: The aim of treatment in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is to control symptoms and suppress gut inflammation with minimal systemic side effects. A large proportion of patients are either primary non-responders or lose response to currently licensed therapies. The development of monoclonal antibodies, blocking interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 pathways are a promising therapeutic advance. We review the data on IL12/23 inhibitors and emerging data on IL-23 inhibition in IBD treatment., Sources of Data: This review is based on data published in peer-reviewed journals and clinical trials registry., Areas of Agreement: Ustekinumab is currently approved for managing corticosteroid and biologic refractory IBD patients with a favourable safety profile., Areas of Controversy: Despite a growing therapeutic armamentarium and convergence on the role of biological therapies in patients with greater disease severity, there remains considerable uncertainty with selection and positioning of treatment., Growing Points: Efficacy data from clinical trials and a growing body of real-world data have established a role for IL12/23 inhibitor Ustekinumab in IBD. There is resurgent interest in IL-23 specificity and the potential for incremental benefit. The potential for IL-22 to act as a biomarker for IL-23 inhibitors has exciting implications for personalized medicine., Areas Timely for Developing Research: Head-to-head trials exploring efficacy and combination with other biologics with the potential for synergistic benefit are under investigation. Results of phase 3 trials with IL-23 inhibitors incorporating clinical, biochemical and endoscopic parameters and also exploring biomarkers as predictors of response are urgently needed., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The relatively high cost of anti-TNF agents and looming or actual expiry of patents for several biologics have led to the development of "highly similar" versions of the "originator" drugs called "biosimilars." The approval of biosimilars has been based on "extrapolation," whereby approval is granted in licensed indications for the reference product without the need for clinical trials. We discuss efficacy and safety data in support of biosimilar use from prospective studies, switching from originator biologic, impact on immunogenicity, pharmaco-economic, and practical considerations for clinicians., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.)

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Emerging literature suggests that optimization of vitamin D levels may be associated with improvements in disease activity and quality of life. We conducted a meta-analysis exploring the effect of vitamin D on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (s-25[OH]D) levels, clinical improvement, and biomarkers., Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and sources for grey literature were searched from inception until September 2019. The primary outcome was s-25(OH)D mean differences. Heterogeneity was assessed using the χ 2 test and the I2 statistic. Review Manager software v. 5.3 was used., Results: Twelve randomized controlled trials (n = 611) and 4 observational studies (n = 359) were included in the meta-analysis. On average, in the randomized controlled trials, vitamin D supplementation increased s-25(OH)D levels by 15.50 ng/mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.08-19.92, P ≤ 0.00001, I2 = 90%) and in observational studies they increased by 18.39 ng/mL (95% CI, 8.91-27.88, P = 0.0001, I2 = 82%). Subgroup analyses between vitamin D and placebo groups revealed that vitamin D increased s-25(OH)D by 14.85 ng/mL (95% CI, 9.96-19.73, P ≤ 0.00001, I2 = 90%) and when high doses of vitamin D were compared with low doses, high doses increased s-25(OH)D by 18.27 ng/mL (95% CI, 5.44-31.10, P = 0.005, I2 = 90%). The Harvey Bradshaw Index improved by -1.47 points (95% CI, -2.47 to -0.47, P = 0.004, I2 = 0%) and the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein decreased by -1.58 mg/L (95% CI, -2.95 to -0.21, P = 0.02, I2 = 0%)., Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation in patients with IBD and vitamin D deficiency is effective at correcting vitamin D levels and is associated with improvement in clinical and biochemical disease activity scores., (© 2020 Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The peak incidence of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) is between the second and fourth decades of life, which coincides with prime reproductive years. Unplanned or mistimed pregnancies may account for nearly half of all pregnancies and are associated with adverse consequences such as a higher risk of delayed preconceptual care, increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Increased IBD activity during pregnancy is also associated with adverse pregnancy-related outcomes, such as miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation, and preterm birth. Furthermore, the increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) conferred by active IBD may be potentially augmented by hormonal contraceptives. Recent literature suggests that women with IBD seek counseling on contraception from gastroenterologists in preference to their primary care physicians. Meanwhile, attitudes and awareness regarding contraception counseling remain suboptimal, underpinning the importance and need for physician and patient education in this area. We discuss the association between contraception and IBD, benefits and risks associated with various contraceptive methods in women with IBD, and practical recommendations for clinicians caring for women with IBD. 10.1093/ibd/izz025&#95;video1 izz025.video1 6014727518001 10.1093/ibd/izz025&#95;video2 izz025.video2 6014726992001., (© 2019 Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Acute severe ulcerative colitis is a life-threatening medical emergency, which can be associated with significant morbidity and is preventable through prompt and effective management. Corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of initial therapy, although a third of patients will not respond. Further management hinges on timely decisions with use of rescue therapy with ciclosporin or infliximab, without compromising the health or safety of the patient, or timely surgery. Although such patients need specialist care, it is imperative that emergency care physicians are aware of the important principles of management of this condition to achieve successful outcomes. Risk stratification and the use of predictive models using clinical parameters have reduced the morbidity associated with this condition.We discuss current evidence and present a clinical approach to clinicians involved in the emergency care of patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis in this review., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Incidentally detected abnormality in liver function tests is a common situation encountered by physicians across all disciplines. Many of these patients do not have primary liver disease as most of the commonly performed markers are not specific for the liver and are affected by myriad factors unrelated to liver disease. Also, many of these tests like liver enzyme levels do not measure the function of the liver, but are markers of liver injury, which is broadly of two types: hepatocellular and cholestatic. A combination of a careful history and clinical examination along with interpretation of pattern of liver test abnormalities can often identify type and aetiology of liver disease, allowing for a targeted investigation approach. Severity of liver injury is best assessed by composite scores like the Model for End Stage Liver Disease rather than any single parameter. In this review, we discuss the interpretation of the routinely performed liver tests along with the indications and utility of quantitative tests., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/)

Background: An epidemiological association implicating diet in IBD risk or protection is widely accepted. Patients with IBD often make links to diet, but there is a dearth of literature exploring dietary perceptions and practices in this population. Our objective was to evaluate dietary beliefs and behaviors in IBD patients., Methods: We developed a questionnaire assessing demographics, dietary beliefs and habits in IBD patients. This was prospectively administered to 400 consecutive patients attending our IBD clinics., Results: Mean patient age was 48.4 years; 55% were female, 88% white, 39% had Crohn's disease and 51% had ulcerative colitis. Around 48% felt that diet could be the initiating factor in IBD and 57% felt it could trigger a flare. Worsening symptoms with certain foods was reported by 60%. About 66% deprived themselves of their favorite foods in order to prevent relapse. Three-fourth of patients believed that IBD affects appetite, more so during a relapse. Nearly half had never received any formal dietary advice, and two-thirds requested for further dietary advice. After adjusting for other predictors, the IBD subtype and ethnicity of the patients remained as significant factors for influencing beliefs held by patients., Conclusions: Our study showed that patients hold beliefs pertaining to the role of diet in IBD, with a high level of consistency around key perceived triggers. Whether all the symptoms reported are due to active inflammation cannot be ascertained, but the potential exists for dietary components triggering active disease and perpetuating gut injury, impacting on quality of life and health care costs.

The idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases comprise mainly two types of intestinal disorder, Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. The clinical course is marked by exacerbations and remissions that occur spontaneously in response to treatment or intercurrent illness. The disease affects approximately 240,000 patients in the UK. Acute severe ulcerative colitis is a medical emergency; prompt effective treatment at the point of admission can avoid significant morbidity and be potentially life-saving. Although such patients need specialist management, it is imperative that emergency care physicians are aware of the important principles of management of this condition to achieve successful outcomes. Corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of initial therapy, but a third of patients will fail to respond, and further management involves critical and timely decisions on whether to use rescue therapy in the form of ciclosporin or infliximab without compromising the health or safety of the patient or to offer timely surgery. The evidence base for the choices for optimal management of this condition is presented.

Interpretation of abnormalities in liver function tests is a common problem faced by clinicians. This has become more common with the introduction of automated routine laboratory testing. Not all persons with one or more abnormalities in these tests actually have liver disease. The various biochemical tests, their pathophysiology, and an approach to the interpretation of abnormal liver function tests are discussed in this review.