David Kerman

Gut microbiota and inflammatory bowel disease: the role of antibiotics in disease management.

Abstract Imbalances in the composition and number of bacteria in the gut microbiota have been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and modulation of the gut microbiota by probiotics and antibiotics in IBD has been an active area of research, with mixed results. This narrative review summarizes the findings of relevant publications identified using the PubMed database. Although antibiotics have been associated with an increased risk of IBD development and flares, several meta-analyses demonstrate that antibiotics are efficacious for the induction of remission and treatment of flares in patients with IBD. Data supporting their use include a large number of antibiotic studies in Crohns disease and evidence suggests antibiotics are efficacious in both Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, although there are fewer studies of the latter. For Crohns disease, antibiotics have been shown to be useful for the induction of remission and in the postoperative management of patients undergoing surgery. Additionally, patients with fistulizing disease, particularly perianal, can benefit from antibiotics administered short term. Both antimicrobials and probiotics have been shown to be useful for the treatment of pouchitis. Additional randomized controlled trials are needed to further elucidate the role of bacteria in IBD and to better inform clinicians about appropriate antibiotic therapies.

Predictive factors for clinically actionable computed tomography findings in inflammatory bowel disease patients seen in the emergency department with acute gastrointestinal symptoms

BACKGROUND The wide use of abdomino-pelvic computed tomography (APCT) in emergency departments (ED) has raised the concern for radiation exposure, costs and potential reactions to contrast agents. The aim of this study was to determine the yield and predictive factors for clinically actionable findings (CAF) in APCTs performed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who visit the ED. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study including patients with IBD who visited the ED. Variables considered were demographics, IBD phenotype, clinical symptoms, IBD medication use prior to ED visit, laboratory values, and imaging results. The primary outcome was a composite of CAF, defined as new, intra-abdominal abscess or tumor, bowel obstruction, fistulae, diverticulitis, choledocholithiasis, or appendicitis. RESULTS 354 patients were included. One or more CAF were reported in 26.6% of the APCTs (32.1% in CD and 12.8% in UC [p<0.01]). Independent predictive variables of CAF in CD were: CRP level ≥5mg/dl (p=0.04), previous history of IBD surgery (p=0.037), Black race (p<0.01) and low body mass index (p<0.01). None of the study variables predicted CAF in UC. CONCLUSIONS The yield for CAF with APCT in the ED was high for CD patients but minimal for those with UC and was not improved by the use of contrast. Elevated CRP, low BMI, Black race and previous history of IBD surgery predicted CAF in CD but no variables were predictive of CAF in UC.

Genetic Characterization and Influence on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Expression in a Diverse Hispanic South Florida Cohort

OBJECTIVES: Hispanics represent an understudied inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) population. Prior studies examining genetic predisposition to IBD in Hispanics are limited. In this study, we examined whether European‐derived IBD variants confer risk in Hispanics and their influence on IBD phenotype in Hispanics compared to non‐Hispanic whites (NHW). METHODS: Self‐identified Hispanics and NHWs with IBD were included. Hispanic controls were included for our genetic analyses. We performed single‐variant testing at previously identified Crohns disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) IBD variants in Hispanic cases and controls. These risk variants were used to compute individual genetic risk scores. Genetic risk scores and phenotype associations were compared between Hispanic and NHW. RESULTS: A total of 1,115 participants were included: 698 controls and 417 IBD patients (230 Hispanics). We found evidence of association within our Hispanic cohort at 22 IBD risk loci, with ˜76% of the risk loci demonstrating over‐representation of the European risk allele; these included loci corresponding to IL23R and NOD2 genes. CD genetic risk score for Hispanics (199.67) was similar to the score for NHW (200.33), P=0.51; the same was true in UC. Genetic risk scores did not predict IBD phenotype or complications in Hispanics or NHW except for a younger age of CD onset in Hispanics (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the fundamental importance of these loci in IBD pathogenesis including in our diverse Hispanic population. Future studies looking at non‐genetic mechanisms of disease are needed to explain differences in age of presentation and phenotype between Hispanics and NHW.

Endoscopic Delivery of Fecal Biotherapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The intestinal microbiome plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We are able to use the microbiome as a therapeutic target with use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for cure of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. Given our ability to target the dysbiotic state with FMT, its use as therapy in IBD has tremendous potential. This overview discusses the practical considerations of FMT therapy with respect to our current understanding of safety and efficacy in IBD, screening for donors and recipients, specimen handling and storage, methods of delivery, and regulatory considerations.

Hispanics Coming to the US Adopt US Cultural Behaviors and Eat Less Healthy: Implications for Development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IntroductionThe incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among US Hispanics is rising. Adoption of an American diet and/or US acculturation may help explain this rise.AimsTo measure changes in diet occurring with immigration to the USA in IBD patients and controls, and to compare US acculturation between Hispanics with versus without IBD. Last, we examine the current diet of Hispanics with IBD compared to the diet of Hispanic controls.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of Hispanic immigrants with and without IBD. Participants were recruited from a university-based GI clinic. All participants completed an abbreviated version of the Stephenson Multi-Group Acculturation Scale and a 24-h diet recall (the ASA-24). Diet quality was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010).ResultsWe included 58 participants: 29 controls and 29 IBD patients. Most participants were Cuban or Colombian. Most participants, particularly those with IBD, reported changing their diet after immigration (72% of IBD and 57% of controls). IBD participants and controls scored similarly on US and Hispanic acculturation measures. IBD patients and controls scored equally poorly on the HEI-2010, although they differed on specific measures of poor intake. IBD patients reported a higher intake of refined grains and lower consumption of fruits, whereas controls reported higher intake of empty calories (derived from fat and alcohol).ConclusionThe majority of Hispanics change their diet upon immigration to the USA and eat poorly irrespective of the presence of IBD. Future studies should examine gene–diet interactions to better understand underlying causes of IBD in Hispanics.