Refine your search with filters

All-Materials All
Congress-AbstractsCongress Abstracts
Tools-SkillsTools & Skills
PublicationsPublications
Congress-SlidesCongress Presentations
Videos-PodcastsVideos & Podcasts

Quicksearch

10 years of surgery for Ulcerative Colitis10th S-ECCO IBD Masterclass
Year: 2021
Authors: Yves Panis
Summary content

1) To have an overview of the recent advances in surgery for ulcerative colitis
2) To understand the benefits of the laparoscopic approach for surgery in UC patients
3) to review the possible alternatives to pouch surgery in patients with UC: ileorectal anastomosis, appendectomy, ileostomy, segmental colectomy

5-ASA compounds19th IBD Intensive Course for Trainees
Year: 2021
Authors: Stephen B. Hanauer
Summary content

Educational objectives:
1. To understand the role of 5-ASA in the treatment of IBD and the most frequent mistakes made in 5-ASA treatment
2. To review the evidence for dosing and treatment routes for the different localizations of inflammation in UC and CD
3. To emphasise the role of rectal 5-ASA therapy in proctitis and left sided colitis and the important role of oral/rectal combination therapy
4. To have an overview over optimal treatment strategies with 5-ASA

Abstract presentation: Development of human embryonic stem cell-derived intestinal organoids for in vitro studies on intestinal inflammation and fibrosis7th Y-ECCO Basic Science Workshop
Year: 2021
Authors: Eirini Filidou
Background

Organoids are self-renewing, 3D structures, consisting of different cell types, with histology and physiology features very close to the physiology of the studied organ. Specifically, human Intestinal Organoids (HIOs) develop epithelial crypts consisting of all subtypes of intestinal epithelial cells which are surrounded by mesenchymal cells. Our aim was to develop 3D HIOs from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and examine the expression of fibrotic and mesenchymal factors during their maturation process. Additionally, we investigated the effect of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1α and TNF-α on the expression of fibrotic and inflammatory mediators in HIOs.

Methods

The human ESC line (H1) was cultured and then differentiated towards HIOs using commercially available kit. HIOs were characterized by immunofluorescence in all differentiation stages. In order to examine their maturation process, we compared the mRNA expression of fibrotic and mesenchymal markers from passages 1-10. In order to examine their functionality, HIOs from different passages were stimulated with 5ng/ml IL-1α and 50ng/ml TNF-α for 12 hours, total RNA was collected and the fibrotic and inflammatory mRNA expression was examined. The mRNA transcripts of CD90, collagen type I, III, fibronectin, CXCL8, CXCL10 and CXCL11 were measured by reverse transcription quantitative PCR.

Results

HIOs were successfully developed as they were stained positive for all tested markers throughout their developmental process. Regarding their maturation process, we observed high expression of CD90, collagen type I, type III and fibronectin that was gradually decreased during passages. As for the fibrotic and inflammatory responses from HIOs, we found that the IL-1α and TNF-α stimulation resulted in statistically significant upregulation of the fibrotic factors, fibronectin, collagen type I and type III in culture passages 2 and 4, but had no effect in culture passages 8 and 10. Similarly, IL-1α and TNF-α stimulation led to the statistically significant induction of the inflammatory chemokines CXCL8, CXCL10 and CXCL11 in culture passages 2 and 4, while no effect was observed in culture passages 8 and 10.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that HIOs contain a functional mesenchymal component that is gradually diminished during passages. Inflammatory and fibrotic responses of HIOs seem to depend on the fitness of their mesenchyme. IBD studies using HIOs as in vitro models should be performed on early passages, when HIO’s mesenchymal component is still functional.

Abstract presentation: Effects of exposure to steroids on the PredictSURE whole blood prognostic assay in Inflammatory Bowel Disease7th Y-ECCO Basic Science Workshop
Year: 2021
Authors: Dahham Alsoud
Background

Accurately predicting disease course at diagnosis is critical to facilitate personalized therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PredictSURE IBDTM is a whole blood qPCR assay that was developed to predict prognosis in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve IBD patients – classifying them into IBDhi (high-risk) or IBDlo (low-risk). The current recommendation is that PredictSURE IBDTM should not be used in those who have commenced steroids. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of steroid therapy on the performance of PredictSURE IBDTM .

Methods

Whole blood was serially taken from patients admitted with severe IBD requiring intravenous (IV) steroids (pre-steroid, day 3, day 5; n=10, cohort 1) and from patients receiving oral steroids as outpatients (pre-steroid, week 1, week 6; n=10, cohort 2). An independent cohort of 43 IBD patients, all within 3 months of diagnosis and on corticosteroid treatment (41 systemic and 2 topical, cohort 3) was recruited. RNA was extracted and analyzed with PredictSURE IBDTM (PredictImmune, UK). Patients were prospectively followed and treated according to routine clinical management by physicians blinded to the test results, and clinically stratified according to one of the original definitions used to construct and validate the test (need for step up to immunosuppressive or biological therapy or surgery).

Results

In cohorts 1 and 2, both oral and intravenous steroids affected the PredictSURE IBDTM result: misclassification as IBDlo occurred in 5/8 IBDhi patients receiving oral, and 5/7 IBDhi patients receiving IV, steroids. In 60% this change was detectable early (within 1 week of oral steroids and 3 days of IV steroids). Steroids did not affect the classification of IBDlo patients. Consistently, the prognostic accuracy was limited in patients already receiving steroids (cohort 3). After a median follow-up of 31.8 [IQR 18.7 - 42.1] months, 35 (81%) patients required step-up therapy. PredictSure IBDTM correctly classified only 23 (54%) patients with accuracy of 0.53 (sensitivity: 0.51, specificity: 0.63, positive likelihood ratio: 1.38, negative likelihood ratio: 0.77). Seventeen (80%) of the misclassifications were clinically high-risk patients who were predicted as IBDlo. Time to treatment escalation was similar between patients classified as IBDhi or IBDlo after starting steroid therapy (p= 0.47) (Figure 1).

Conclusion

The prognostic accuracy of PredictSURE IBDTM is limited if performed after steroid therapy has begun, most likely because of the misclassification of high-risk patients as low risk. Therefore, the test should only be performed in patients with active disease who are not receiving steroid therapy, as currently recommended.

Abstract presentation: Endoscopically injected allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells alter the mucosal immune cell compartment in patients with ulcerative proctitis7th Y-ECCO Basic Science Workshop
Year: 2021
Authors: Laura Ouboter
Background

Local mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-therapy is approved for the treatment of Crohn’s disease-associated perianal fistulas. However, little is known about the working mechanism of local MSC-therapy. For the first time we evaluated engraftment and immunoregulatory effects of local MSC-therapy in patients with refractory proctitis. To do so, we analyzed biopsies and serum from patients with ulcerative proctitis before and after treatment with endoscopically injected MSCs in a phase IIa clinical trial (EudraCT number 2017-003524-75).

Methods

Thirteen therapy-refractory ulcerative proctitis patients were endoscopically injected bone marrow-derived allogeneic MSCs from healthy donors. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by the endoscopic and full Mayo score. Engraftment of the MSCs was investigated using fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) of sex chromosomes on post-treatment biopsies. The presence of anti-HLA-antibodies against the MSC-donor was determined in the serum. Changes in immune cell subsets were evaluated using cytometry-by-time-of-flight (CyTOF) analysis.

Results

Thirteen patients with an endoscopic Mayo score of 2 (n=3) or 3 (n=10) of the rectum were treated with local MSC-therapy. Although complete remission was not achieved, full Mayo score was improved at week 6 (median 8 [IQR 6-10]) compared to baseline (median 11 [IQR 9.5-12]) (p=0.001). Preliminary data using FISH on the Y-chromosome, indicated the presence of MSCs in the rectum biopsies of female patients treated with male donor derived-MSCs at week 6. At baseline, HLA-antibodies were present in four patients. Six weeks after local injection of the MSCs, two out of thirteen patients developed new class I and II HLA-antibodies against the MSCs. Interestingly, in two patients pre-existing HLA-antibodies showed increased/boosted levels after local MSC-therapy, while one additionally developed new HLA-antibodies. CyTOF analysis of inflamed rectal biopsies 6 weeks after MSC treatment revealed significantly increased frequencies of several myeloid subsets (i.e. CD11b+CD14+CCR7+/-CD127+CD25+HLADR+ and CD14+HLA-DR-CD123-CCR7+) and a subset of CD4+ memory T cells with a more exhausted/regulated phenotype (PD-1+TIGIT+CD69+CD38+CD69).

Conclusion

Local MSC-therapy in patients with refractory proctitis changed the rectal immune profile characterised by a significant increase in a subset of effector memory CD4+ cells and several myeloid subsets, which might be associated with immune modulation. These results provide the basis for future studies on the mechanism of action of MSCs on rectal mucosa. New anti-HLA class antibodies developed in 2/13 patients after local administration. Whether these latter results have consequences for MSC-donor selection deserves further study.

Abstract presentation: Food-related quality of life in adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease is influenced by restrictive eating behaviour, disease activity and surgery: a prospective multi-centre study.6th D-ECCO Workshop
Year: 2021
Authors: Alice Day
Background

Measuring food-related quality of life (FRQoL) quantifies the psychosocial impact of eating and drinking.1 The influences on FRQoL in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not well explored, despite IBD being a chronic disease affecting the digestive tract. This study aimed to characterise and identify any patient or disease-related predictors of FRQoL in individuals with IBD.

Methods

Adults with a formal diagnosis of IBD were recruited to a prospective multi-centre cross-sectional study between April 2018 and December 2019. Participants completed questionnaires measuring FRQoL (IBD-FRQoL-29: minimum/poor 29, maximum/greatest 145), clinical disease activity (active disease: Harvey Bradshaw Index >4 active disease, Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index >2, restrictive eating behaviour (Nine Item Avoidant/Restrictive Screen: minimum 0, maximum 45), mental health (DASS-21: minimum 0, maximum 126) and other patient and disease-related variables.

Results

One hundred and eight participants completed the questionnaires. The majority of the cohort had UC (69/108, 64%) and there was almost equal distribution of those with quiescent (48%) and active (52%) disease The mean FRQoL of individuals with IBD was 79 (95% CI 75, 84) (see Figure 1). Poorer FRQoL was seen in those with restrictive eating behaviour associated with fear of a negative consequence from eating (p<0.0001) and reduced appetite (p<0.030). Greater FRQoL was seen in those with lower disease activity (p<0.0001) and previous IBD surgery (p=0.240). FRQoL was not influenced either way by IBD phenotype, duration, or gender. The majority of participants obtained their dietary information from the internet (60%) or gastroenterologist (46%).
Figure 1


Conclusion

FRQoL in people with IBD is poorer in those with restrictive eating behaviours and clinically active disease.  Interestingly, it was greater in those with previous IBD surgery. Further research is required to validate these associations and explore longitudinal effects of poor FRQoL on patient outcomes and potential strategies for prevention or management of impaired FRQoL in IBD.


References
1Hughes LD, King L, Morgan M, et al. Food-related quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease: Development and validation of a questionnaire. J Crohns Colitis 2016;10:194-201.

Abstract presentation: Risk of eating disorders in Italian children and adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: results of a multicenter nationwide study6th D-ECCO Workshop
Year: 2021
Authors: Simona Gatti
Background

The prevalence and risk of Eating Disorders (ED) in IBD, despite the potential overlap of these two conditions, have been rarely reported. ED diagnosis should be considered in patients with IBD and multidisciplinary approach would be recommended in these complex cases to provide an adequate therapeutic intervention. Screening tools to evaluate eating attitudes and behaviours in patients with IBD could be used in daily practice, as for example the Eating Attitude Test – 26

Methods

Children and adolescents (8-18 years) with IBD and age and gender matched healthy controls were prospectively enrolled in 5 italian pediatric IBD units between June 2019 and August 2020. Subjects with an existing diagnosis of ED were excluded. The risk of ED was assessed using a 26 points Likert scale screening tool (CH-EAT-26 and EAT-26 for children < and > 14 years respectively), with a total score of 20 or above indicating a risk for ED. Correlations between clinical and disease’s parameters and the CH-EAT-26/EAT-26 score were calculated

Results

110 patients with IBD and 110 age and matched healthy controls were screened with the CH-EAT26/EAT-26 questionnaire. The total EAT26 scores and the prevalence of an at-risk score (score>20) did not differ in IBD subjects compared to controls. IBD patients were more frequently on an exclusion diet with lactose free-diet being the most common regimen. Furthermore, 8.1% of IBD children was on a partial enteral nutrition (PEN). In IBD subjects elevated scores on the Ch-EAT26/EAT-26 were associated with being younger (r=-0,2226, p=0.002), following an exclusion diet (r=0.25, p=0.009) and a partial enteral nutrition (PEN: r=0,2507, p=0.009). Type, duration and activity of disease, gender, weight, height and BMI z-scores were not significantly correlated to the CHEAT26/EAT-26 score. Being on a PEN  and  following an exclusion diet were the only independents factors influencing the EAT26 score at the multiple regression analysis (p= 0,004; p= 0,034; R2 = 0,25)

Conclusion

Our results indicate that 5.45% of IBD children have a behavior at risk for developing an ED, a percentage that is not statistically different compared to healthy controls. A particular follow-up should be reserved to patients on restricted diets and on partial enteral nutrition, that can develop maladaptive attitudes toward eating. The development of a disease specific tool or a validation of pre-existing questionnaires would help to identify a robust screening instrument and ultimately to correctly classify the risk of patients. Once the risk is correctly assessed it is mandatory to address the patient to a specific multidisciplinary follow-up.

Abstract presentation: Serum proteomics predict endoscopic remission in patients with Crohn’s disease7th Y-ECCO Basic Science Workshop
Year: 2021
Authors: Dahham Alsoud
Background

Recent progress in deciphering the complex pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease (CD) has yielded several effective biologicals. However, ambitious therapeutic goals remain unfulfilled as almost 30% of patients are primary non-responders to a particular biological. This underscores the need for easy-to-implement biomarkers that predict (non-)remission. We aimed to identify serum protein biomarkers that predict endoscopic remission in CD patients.

Methods

Serum samples from 169 consecutive CD patients with active endoscopic disease (presence of ulcerations) before starting a biological [infliximab (IFX), adalimumab (ADA), vedolizumab (VDZ) or ustekinumab (UST)] to which they were naïve were collected. Patients were prospectively followed with endoscopic re-assessment after 6-12 months. There were 102 patients (Table 1) with endoscopic remission (SES ≤ 2 or disappearance of all ulcers), whereas 67 showed no improvement. Two independent and complementary proteomic platforms were used: 644 proteins belonging to predesigned assays were quantified using Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology (Olink Proteomics AB, Sweden). Second, wide protein discovery mass spectrometry (MS)-based technic (Caprion, Canada) was used and quantified another 985 proteins. A multivariate modelling framework was then applied on a randomly selected training sub-cohort (85%). Predictive performance of identified panels was assessed on the remaining test sub-cohort (15%). We sought to implement the same framework on the drug-specific subgroups; however, train/test splitting was not possible in IFX or ADA subgroups due to very few observations in the non-remission arms which diminishes the possibility for reliable predictive modelling.

Results

Applying the modelling framework on training sets from the general cohort, VDZ subgroup and UST subgroup, proteomic panels were selected and consisted of 26, 6 and 8 proteins, respectively, and showed high performance in the test sets (Table 2).  VDZ and UST panels shared only 2 proteins each with the general panel, and had no predictive power (accuracy ≤ 0.5) when used to predict other subgroups, making them specific to their respective drugs. Selected proteins are involved among others in pro-inflammatory, extracellular matrix modelling, coagulation and cellular-vascular interaction pathways (Table 3).

Conclusion

Applying a multivariate machine learning algorithm on a wide pool of serum proteomics analysed through two discovery technics, we were able to identify 3 proteomic panels that can predict endoscopic (non)remission in patients with CD. Exact implication of these proteins in intestinal inflammation and a validation in an independent cohort is being further investigated.

Abstract presentation: Ulcerative colitis associated single nucleotide polymorphisms found in transcription factor binding sites effect key pathogenesis pathways and facilitate patient stratification7th Y-ECCO Basic Science Workshop
Year: 2021
Authors: Dezso Modos
Background

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are mostly in non-coding regions of the genome. Because of that, it has been challenging to determine their role in the disease onset and severity. We have previously developed an integrative workflow (termed iSNP) to understand better how these SNPs are involved in the pathogenesis of UC. Here we present a recent update both in the methodology and new results, including a new player for prediction of therapeutic escalation in UC.

Methods

From immunochip data of 376 UC patients of an East-Anglian, UK cohort, the SNPs were filtered for only the UC-associated ones. Then we predicted the SNPs’ effect on regulatory interactions using two complementary transcription factor-target gene prediction methods, RSAT and FIMO. SNPs were considered if the SNP was located in the promoter region of a gene or in an enhancer region of a gene defined by the HEDD database. We considered a gene ‘SNP-affected’ if the risk allele and the non-risk allele had different transcription factor binding sites detected by any of the two methods. The proteins encoded by the SNP-affected genes were mapped to the integrated and high-confidence signaling network resource OmniPath. We also identified the direct physical interactors (first-neighbours) of these SNP affected genes/proteins. We created networks for each patient separately using their individual SNP-profiles. Finally, based on these patient-specific networks, we clustered patients in an unsupervised manner.

Results

We found 15 UC-associated SNPs which affected transcription factor binding sites, which in turn were modulating 54 genes. From these 54 SNP affected genes, 29 coded proteins that were present in the OmniPath signaling network. The patients formed five clusters, which were significantly correlated with therapeutic escalation defined by mesalazine or other more advanced therapy (p <0.05). Patients requiring immunomodulatory treatment have a greater prevalence of  SNP RS943072 (G), corresponding to the transcriptional regulation of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor). VEGF is elevated in UC and stimulates angiogenesis, which is involved both in tissue regeneration and inflammation. VEGF is upregulated in the presence of this risk SNP causing increased inflammatory phenotype.

Conclusion

We updated the iSNP method by including enhancer regions and multiple transcription factor binding site prediction methods, and were able to predict that those UC patients who have a VEGF-affecting SNP require therapeutic upscaling.

Abstract presentation: αEβ7 positive γδ T cells are associated with mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis and have a homeostatic immunophenotype7th Y-ECCO Basic Science Workshop
Year: 2021
Authors: Robin Dart
Background

α4β7 blockade is a well-established therapy in ulcerative colitis (UC), acting in part by preventing lymphocyte ingress into the mucosa. The β7 unit of the α4β7 heterodimer is shared by αΕβ7, which is expressed on both tissue resident memory cells and γδ intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IEL). It was hypothesised that targeting both α4- and αΕβ7 might be more efficacious; however mixed results from phase III studies of β7 blockade asks questions of the biological relevance of different αEβ7 expressing cells.

Methods

Colonic biopsies were obtained during endoscopy from >40 subjects. Lymphocytes were isolated using short term culture or digested from whole tissue. RNA sequencing was performed on αΕβ7pos and αΕβ7neg colonic γδ T cells from 4 donors and findings were validated by flow cytometry.

Results

αΕβ7 is widely expressed on TCRαβ CD8 cells and γδ IEL in both non-IBD controls and the uninflamed mucosa in UC, but its expression is significantly reduced on analogous subsets harvested from inflamed UC. On further study, the capacity of TCRαβ CD8 T cells to make TNFα and IFNγ on stimulation is similar between αΕβ7pos and αΕβ7neg cells, whereas in the γδ T cell compartment αΕβ7neg cells produce significantly more pro-inflammatory cytokine than their homeostatic αΕβ7pos counterparts. To examine the cells’ biology further, γδ T cells were isolated according to their αΕβ7 status and RNAseq undertaken. This revealed a distinct signature with αΕβ7neg cells demonstrating an activated phenotype high in markers such as CD18, CD5 and lymphoid homing receptor CCR7 whereas αΕβ7pos cells demonstrate a homeostatic tissue-resident phenotype, expressing immune checkpoints TIGIT and CD101 and gut-homing marker CCR9. On culturing tissue from non-IBD controls in pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-12 and IL-18, the γδ T cell compartment down-regulated αΕβ7 and TIGIT and upregulated CD18, in part recapitulating a disease phenotype. On examining previously affected mucosa of patients who have achieved mucosal healing, αEβ7 expression of the γδ T cells returned to a profile resembling non-IBD controls whereas the expression levels in the inflamed mucosa remained predictably low.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that αΕβ7 expression is low in active UC but restored in mucosal healing. αΕβ7neg cells are proinflammatory with a distinct phenotype which may in part be recapitulated by inflammatory cytokines in vitro; whereas αΕβ7pos cells demonstrate a homeostatic phenotype, which may both reflect and maintain steady state barrier integrity. Hence in terms of γδ T cells, pharmacological β7 blockade has potential to interfere with the homeostatic roles of αΕβ7 expressing cells while having little effect on a potentially pathogenic subset of tissue αΕβ7neg γδ cells.

Achieving high performance in IBD surgery10th S-ECCO IBD Masterclass
Year: 2021
Authors: Omar Darius Faiz
Active CD: what should we advise our patients to eat?Talking Heads
Year: 2021
Authors: Dearbhaile O'Hanlon, Lihi Godny
Adapting surgical strategy to preoperative treatment10th S-ECCO IBD Masterclass
Year: 2021
Authors: Amy Lightner
Summary content

Educational objectives: 

  1. To understand the role of anti TNF on postoperative infectious complications
  2. To review the evidence for drug levels associated with postoperative complications
    3. To understand the role of anti interleukin and anti integrins on postoperative infectious complications
    4. To understand how biologics affects staging of IPAA
Adherence12th N-ECCO School
Year: 2021
Authors: Susanna Jäghult
Summary content

1. To understand adherence in a broad perspective
2. To review existing knowledge on adherence
3. To emphasise possible predictors for low or non-adherence
4. To provide with some tools to measure adherence

Advanced dysplasia characterization and therapeutic management : New tools and techniques3rd ECCO Basic Imaging Workshop in collaboration with ESGAR: Endoscopy
Year: 2021
Authors: Bu'Hussain Hayee
An ACG perspective on challenges in an era of ever increasing guideline rigor2nd Guideline Methodology and GRADE Workshop
Year: 2021
Authors: David Rubin
Summary content

Review the ACG guideline process with emphasis on pressure points and areas of improvement

Anti-IL 2319th IBD Intensive Course for Trainees
Year: 2021
Authors: Marc Ferrante
Summary content

Educational objectives:
1. To understand the role of IL-12 and IL-23 in the development of IBD
2. To review the pivotal UNITI and UNIFI trials
3. To review the place of ustekinumab in IBD therapy
4. To introduce specific IL-23 antibodies

Anti-integrins19th IBD Intensive Course for Trainees
Year: 2021
Authors: James Lindsay
Summary content

Educational objectives:
1. To understand the mechanism of action of vedolizumab and other anti integrins
2. To review the key clinical data
3. To highlight studies from real world cohort and discuss the safety profile of Vedolizumab
4. To understand how to position Vedolizumab in clinical practice

Anti-TNF agents and TDM19th IBD Intensive Course for Trainees
Year: 2021
Authors: Pierre Michetti
Summary content

Educational objectives: 1. To understand the structural and functional features of the various anti-TNF agents, including originators and biosimilars 2. To review their use in Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and in special indications 3. To have an overview of the optimal dosing of anti-TNFs, including therapeutic dose monitoring.

Anti-TNF were the first biological therapies available in IBD as well as in other immune-inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis and psoriasis. These agents can induce and maintain remission of CD and UC. They are also used in refractory pouchitis and microscopic colitis. Infliximab and adalimumab are approved in CD and UC, while certolizumab pegol is only approved for CD in some jurisdictions but not EU, and golimumab is approved for UC only. Biosimilars of infliximab and adalimumab are now available with all the indications of their originators. Data accumulate to support similar activity in both diseases, but some individual differences may be observed. Anti-TNF agents are increasingly used during pregnancy and for the treatment of extraintestinal manifestations of IBD.  Infliximab remains the best studied biological agent in IBD. The possibility of iv administration at high doses makes it the favored agent in fulminant colitis, fistulizing CD and in pyoderma gangrenosum. As all biological agents, anti-TNFS can induce anti-drug antibodies that represent the main cause of loss of response to these therapies. Continuous dosing beyond induction, combination therapy and premedication with hydrocortisone reduce this risk. Therapeutic dose monitoring and antibody detection are now available for all anti-TNF agents, the proactive use of which improves treatment outcome and preserves long-term response. Based on data with infliximab, anti-TNF may decrease immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and may decrease vaccine response. 

Are surgical interventions really more harmful than medical treatment?ECCO'21 Virtual
Year: 2021
Authors: Omar Darius Faiz