Nonmedical Switching of Biosimilars in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

G&H What are the most common reasons for nonmedical switching of biosimilars? RC In nonmedical switching, a patient is stable on a therapy, for example […]

Recent Research on Joint Pain and Arthritis in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

G&H Among the various extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease, how common are joint pain and arthritis? DR Joint pain, or arthralgia, is the most […]

Introduction to Biosimilar Use in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

G&H What is a biosimilar? GL According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a biosimilar is a product that is highly similar to […]

Overview of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Biologic Agents in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

G&H What is the goal of therapeutic drug monitoring? AC From my perspective, the goal of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is to optimize the care […]

Health Maintenance Assessment for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

G&H Why is health maintenance assessment important in patients with inflammatory bowel disease? SK Many patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are relatively young (ie, […]

Combination Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

G&H What are the traditional treatment strategies for inflammatory bowel disease, and where does combination therapy fit among them? SH The current algorithms for treating […]

Considering the Bidirectional Pathways Between Depression and IBD: Recommendations for Comprehensive IBD Care

Abstract: Because of disease chronicity and required shifts in coping and self-management skills over time, it is not surprising that patients with inflammatory bowel disease […]

Reversal of Immunogenicity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

G&H Why does immunogenicity occur in patients with inflammatory bowel disease? SB-H This is a complex issue. Immunogenicity refers to the propensity of biologic drugs […]

The Use of Fecal Calprotectin in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

G&H What is fecal calprotectin? IB Calprotectin is a calcium- and zinc-binding protein, which for practical purposes can be considered to be neutrophil-specific, although low levels […]

The Role of Biosimilars in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract: Monoclonal antibody biologic therapies, introduced nearly 20 years ago, revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and are now well established as the […]

Inhibition of Interleukin-12 and/or -23 for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

G&H Which agents have been evaluated for inhibiting interleukin-12 and/or -23 for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease? BS A handful of agents have been, […]

Therapeutic Use of Cannabis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract: The marijuana plant Cannabis sativa and its derivatives, cannabinoids, have grown increasingly popular as a potential therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Studies have shown […]

The Cost-Effectiveness of Vedolizumab for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review of the Current Literature

Gastroenterology & Hepatology October 2016, Volume 12, Issue 10 Yecheskel Schneider, MD, Monica Saumoy, MD, Shirley Cohen-Mekelburg, MD, Adam F. Steinlauf, MD, and Ellen J. Scherl, MD […]

Vaccinating Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not vaccinated at the same rate as general medical patients. IBD places patients at increased risk for […]

Update on Tofacitinib for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Gastroenterology & Hepatology Volume 12, Issue 9, September 2016 Brian Feagan, MD Professor Department of Medicine University of Western Ontario Robarts Clinical Trials Robarts Research Institute […]

Managing Pain in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract: Pain is a common complaint in inflammatory bowel disease, and it has significant consequences for patients’ quality of life. A thorough evaluation to determine the source of patients’ pain should include clinical, laboratory, radiologic, and endoscopic assessments as indicated. Differentiating among active inflammation, secondary complications, and functional pain can be complicated. Even when all active disease is adequately treated, clinicians are often left with the difficulty of managing chronic pain. This paper will review the benefits and limitations of several commonly used treatments and promising future therapies. A suggested treatment algorithm will provide some guidance in this challenging area of inflammatory bowel disease management.

Extraintestinal Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract: xtraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease are prevalent in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The most common manifestations involve the musculoskeletal and dermatologic systems. Other manifestations involve the hepatopancreatobiliary system (eg, primary sclerosing cholangitis) as well as the ocular, renal, and pulmonary systems. A multidisciplinary team approach is often needed for effective management, and emergency situations require prompt evaluation.

Crohn’s Disease: The First Visit

Abstract: A Crohn’s disease patient’s first visit to a new practice is the optimal time to collect important clinical data and identify appropriate therapies. A methodologic approach to this visit is crucial. The focus of this visit should be on preparing the patient for the initiation of treatment, with particular attention to the necessary steps prior to the use of immunosuppressive and biologic agents. This paper is intended to provide recommendations and a checklist for the initial assessment and evaluation of patients with Crohn’s disease.

Transitional Care in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract: Transitional care is an organized effort to provide pediatric patients with the tools and resources they need to assume personal responsibility for their medical care while facilitating their transfer from a pediatrician to an adult practitioner. Since inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is usually chronic and up to 25% of IBD patients are diagnosed before the age of 18 years, transitional care is an important consideration for adolescent and young adult patients. The importance of transitional care for chronic diseases that begin in childhood has been recognized in a number of published recommendations. However, most of these recommendations arise from intuitive reasoning, as physicians lack information regarding the need for transitional care, optimal delivery protocols, and the efficacy of transition programs. Even fewer studies have been published regarding transitional care in IBD. Current guidelines stress the importance of providing patients with educational resources to help them develop the skills they need to manage their care as independent adults, introducing the concept of transfer to adult care in advance of the actual transfer, and developing routes of communication to facilitate the transfer from pediatric to adult care providers. Future studies should aim to elucidate which programs are effective and how they should be implemented.