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Stem Cell Research & Therapy Apr 2023Perianal fistulas, characterised as granulomatous inflammation of fistulas around the anal canal, are associated with significant morbidity resulting in a negative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Perianal fistulas, characterised as granulomatous inflammation of fistulas around the anal canal, are associated with significant morbidity resulting in a negative impact on quality of life and a tremendous burden to the healthcare system. Treatment of anal fistulas usually consists of anal surgery; however, results of closure rates are not satisfactory especially with complex perianal fistulas, after which many patients may suffer from anal incontinence. Recently, the administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has shown promising efficacy. Herein, we aim to explore whether MSCs are effective for complex perianal fistulas and if they have either short-term, medium-term, long-term or over-long-term efficacy. Additionally, we want to elucidate whether factors such as drug dosage, MSC source, cell type, and disease aetiology influence treatment efficacy. We searched four online databases and analysed data based on information within the clinical trials registry. The outcomes of eligible trials were analysed with Review Manager 5.4.1. Relative risk and related 95% confidence interval were calculated to compare the effect between the MSCs and control groups. In addition, the Cochrane risk of bias tool was applied to evaluate the bias risk of eligible studies. Meta-analyses showed that therapy with MSCs was superior to conventional treatment for complex perianal fistulas in short-, long- and over-long-term follow-up phases. However, there was no statistical difference in treatment efficacy in the medium term between the two methods. Subgroup meta-analyses showed factors including cell type, cell source and cell dosage were superior compared to the control, but there was no significant difference between different experimental groups of those factors. Besides, local MSCs therapy has shown more promising results for fistulas as a result of Crohn's Disease (CD). Although we tend to maintain that MSCs therapy is effective for cryptoglandular fistulas equally, more studies are needed to confirm this conclusion in the future.
SHORT CONCLUSION
MSCs Transplantation could be a new therapeutic method for complex perianal fistulas of both cryptoglandular and CD origin showing high efficacy in the short-term to over-long-term phases, as well as high efficacy in sustained healing. The difference in cell types, cell sources and cell dosages did not influence MSCs' efficacy.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Treatment Outcome; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Rectal Fistula; Crohn Disease
PubMed: 37101285
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03331-6 -
Ultraschall in Der Medizin (Stuttgart,... Jun 2017Transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) is a practical tool for assessing perianal inflammatory lesions. We systematically review its accuracy for detecting and classifying... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
Transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) is a practical tool for assessing perianal inflammatory lesions. We systematically review its accuracy for detecting and classifying perianal fistulae and abscesses. The National Library of Medicine and Embase were searched for articles on TPUS for the assessment of idiopathic and Crohn's perianal fistulae and abscesses. Two reviewers independently reviewed eligible studies and rated them for quality using the QUADAS tool. The primary outcome measure was the accuracy of TPUS as measured by its sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) in detecting and classifying perianal fistulae, internal openings and perianal abscesses. We included 12 studies (565 patients). Overall, the methodological quality of the studies was suboptimal. 3 studies were retrospective and 4 showed significant risks of bias in the application of the reference standard. The sensitivity of TPUS in detecting perianal fistulae on a per-lesion basis was 98 % (95 % CI 96 - 100 %) and the PPV was 95 % (95 % CI 90 - 98 %). The detection of internal openings had a sensitivity of 91 % (95 % CI 84 - 97 %) with a PPV of 87 % (95 % CI 76 - 95 %). The classification of fistulae yielded a sensitivity of 92 % (95 % CI 85 - 97 %) and a PPV of 92 % (95 % CI 83 - 98 %). TPUS had a sensitivity of 86 % (95 % CI 67 - 99 %) and PPV of 90 % (95 % CI 76 - 99 %) in the detection of perianal abscesses. The current literature on TPUS illustrates good overall accuracy in the assessment of perianal fistulae and abscesses. However, many studies had methodological flaws suggesting that further research is required.
Topics: Abscess; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anus Diseases; Child; Child, Preschool; Endosonography; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Rectal Fistula; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 28399604
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-103954 -
Intestinal Research Apr 2022Perianal fistulas are a debilitating manifestation of Crohn's disease (CD). Despite the advent of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy, the medical management...
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Perianal fistulas are a debilitating manifestation of Crohn's disease (CD). Despite the advent of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy, the medical management of fistulizing CD continues to be challenged by unmet needs. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of vedolizumab for the management of perianal fistulizing CD.
METHODS
A search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was performed from inception to June 2020 for studies reporting rates of perianal fistula healing in CD patients treated with vedolizumab. The primary outcome of interest was complete healing of perianal fistulas and the secondary outcome was partial healing. The pooled fistula healing rates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated utilizing a random effects model.
RESULTS
A total of 74 studies were initially identified, 4 of which met the inclusion criteria. A total of 198 patients with active perianal fistulas were included, 87% of whom had failed previous anti-TNF therapy. The pooled complete healing rate was 27.6% (95% CI, 18.9%-37.3%) with moderate heterogeneity (I2=49.4%) and the pooled partial healing rate was 34.9% (95% CI, 23.2%-47.7%) with high heterogeneity (I2=67.1%).
CONCLUSIONS
In a meta-analysis of 4 studies that included 198 patients with perianal fistulizing CD, the majority of whom had failed previous anti-TNF therapy, vedolizumab treatment led to healing of perianal fistulas in nearly one-third of the patients. The lack of high-quality data and significant study heterogeneity underscores the need for future prospective studies of fistula healing in patients receiving anti-integrin therapy.
PubMed: 35124951
DOI: 10.5217/ir.2021.00091 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) May 2023(1) Background: BCC is a sporadic disease that develops in areas of the skin not exposed to the sun. Perianal BCC, which occurs in the anorectal region, accounts for... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: BCC is a sporadic disease that develops in areas of the skin not exposed to the sun. Perianal BCC, which occurs in the anorectal region, accounts for less than 0.2% of all BCC cases. There have been only a few reported cases of the disease, with fewer than 200 cases reported in total. Given the diagnostic challenges and potential for misdiagnosis, we conducted a systematic review of perianal basal cell carcinoma using real-world data to provide comprehensive and detailed information on the disease. (2) Methods: The study was reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 2020. Patients' clinical pathologic features, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes were presented. (3) Results: The results of 41 studies involving 140 patients were analyzed. The most common symptoms reported by patients at presentation were anorectal bleeding, pain, and pruritus. Ulceration was the most frequently observed tumor characteristic. The majority of patients underwent local excision as their primary treatment, with only eight patients experiencing a recurrence. Our analysis did not reveal any statistically significant differences in the outcomes of different treatment modalities. (4) Conclusions: Identifying perianal BCC poses a significant challenge as it closely resembles other anal diseases, thereby making it difficult to differentiate between the different conditions. However, a wide local excision with clear margins is considered an effective treatment option for most patients. Alternative treatments, such as radiotherapy, may be recommended for patients who are unable to undergo surgery.
PubMed: 37175041
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13091650 -
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Oct 2022Perianal Crohn's disease (pCD) is a potentially severe phenotype of CD. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to estimate cumulative incidence, risk... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Perianal Crohn's disease (pCD) is a potentially severe phenotype of CD. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to estimate cumulative incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of pCD in population-based cohort studies.
METHODS
Through a systematic literature review through March 1, 2021, we identified population-based inception cohort studies reporting cumulative incidence of perianal disease (primarily abscess and/or fistula) in patients with CD. We estimated the cumulative incidence of pCD at presentation and 1-, 5-, and 10-year follow-up, and risk factors for perianal disease and outcomes including risk of major (bowel resection, proctectomy, ostomy) and minor perianal (incision and drainage, seton placement, etc.) surgery.
RESULTS
In 12 population-based studies, prevalence of pCD was 18.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.5%-27.0%) with 1-, 5-, and 10-year risk of perianal disease being 14.3% (95% CI, 7.9%-24.6%), 17.6% (95% CI, 11.3%-26.5%), and 18.9% (95% CI, 15.0%-23.4%), respectively. Approximately 11.5% of patients (95% CI, 6.7%-19.0%) had perianal disease at or before CD diagnosis. Colonic disease location and rectal involvement were associated with higher risk of pCD. Overall, 63.3% of patients (95% CI, 53.3-72.3) required minor perianal surgery and 6.4% of patients (95% CI, 1.8%-20.6%) required major abdominal surgery for pCD. Use of biologic therapy for pCD is common and has steadily increased throughout the years.
CONCLUSIONS
Approximately 1 in 5 patients with CD develops perianal disease within 10 years of CD diagnosis, including 11.5% who have perianal disease at presentation. Approximately two-thirds of patients require perianal surgery, with a smaller fraction requiring major abdominal surgery.
Topics: Cohort Studies; Crohn Disease; Humans; Incidence; Proctectomy; Rectal Fistula; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34792604
DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izab287 -
Journal of Crohn's & Colitis Oct 2016Little is known of the clinical outcome of patients with older-onset inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. We performed a systematic review to determine phenotype and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Little is known of the clinical outcome of patients with older-onset inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. We performed a systematic review to determine phenotype and outcomes of older-onset IBD compared with younger-onset subjects.
METHODS
A systematic search of Embase and Medline up to June 2015 identified studies investigating phenotype and outcomes of older-onset [diagnosed at age ≥ 50 years] Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC] subjects. Pooled analyses of disease phenotype, medication use, and disease-related surgery were calculated.
RESULTS
We analysed findings from 43 studies comprising 8274 older-onset and 34641 younger-onset IBD subjects. Compared with younger-onset patients, older-onset CD patients were more likely to have colonic disease (odds ratio [OR] 2.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.88 - 3.48) and inflammatory behaviour [OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07 - 1.33], and less likely to have penetrating disease or perianal involvement. More older-onset UC patients had left-sided colitis [OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.18 - 1.88]. Although fewer older-onset IBD patients received immunomodulators [CD: OR 0.44; UC: OR 0.60] or biologicals [CD: OR 0.34; UC: OR 0.41], older-onset CD was similar in the need for surgery [OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.40 - 1.22] whereas more older-onset UC patients underwent surgery [OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.18 - 1.57].
CONCLUSIONS
Elderly IBD patients present with less complicated disease, but have similar or higher rates of surgery than non-elderly patients. Whether this reflects a non-benign disease course, physicians' reluctance to employ immunomodulators, or both, merits further study which is essential for improving the care of IBD in the elderly.
Topics: Age of Onset; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Combined Modality Therapy; Disease Progression; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Middle Aged; Models, Statistical; Phenotype; Prognosis
PubMed: 26928965
DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjw054 -
Cureus Sep 2022Perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease (CD) are often recurring and challenging to treat. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the medical, surgical, and combination... (Review)
Review
Perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease (CD) are often recurring and challenging to treat. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the medical, surgical, and combination treatment options and provide an overview of their efficacy. We performed this systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Our group searched PubMed, Medline, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for articles within the last ten years using different terms and criteria mentioned in detail in the search strategy and eligibility criteria sections. Initially, 739 records were retrieved, out of which we excluded 731 records for various reasons, such as irrelevant titles and abstracts and low scores on quality assessment tools. The evidence for combination (surgical and medical) therapy is superior to that for medical and surgical treatments individually. In contrast, the studies on medical and surgical treatments individually reported varied evidence and efficacy for their respective options.
PubMed: 36284816
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29347 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Oct 2014The management of perianal Crohn's fistulas represents a significant challenge. A combination of medical and surgical therapy, guided by radiology, is often required. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The management of perianal Crohn's fistulas represents a significant challenge. A combination of medical and surgical therapy, guided by radiology, is often required.
AIM
To review systematically the literature to assess fistula healing rates with medical treatment (anti-TNF-α therapies ± immunomodulators) or surgical treatment alone, compared with combined medical and surgical treatment in fistulising perianal Crohn's disease (CD).
METHODS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Two independent reviewers searched the literature.
RESULTS
Twenty-four articles were included. The total population was 1139 patients; 460 (40%) received single treatment with either medical or surgical therapy, and 679 (60%) received combined medical and surgical therapy. Eight studies compared single and combination therapy, with a total population of 797 patients (single therapy: n = 448, combination therapy: n = 349). In the single therapy group, 191/448 were in complete remission (43%). This was lower than the healing rate of the combination therapy group 180/349 (52%). No response to therapy was noted in 34% (153/448) of the single therapy group compared with 23% (80/349) of the combination group.
CONCLUSIONS
Combined surgical and medical (anti-TNF-α ± immunomodulators) therapy may have additional beneficial effects on perianal fistula healing in patients with Crohn's disease, compared with surgery or medical therapy alone. A well-designed Crohn's perianal fistula clinical trial is required in a multidisciplinary medical and surgical setting, with clearly defined end points of clinical (and likely patient reported outcomes) and radiological healing.
Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Crohn Disease; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Rectal Fistula; Treatment Outcome; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 25115149
DOI: 10.1111/apt.12906 -
JGH Open : An Open Access Journal of... Jun 2020Perianal fistulas are a common and debilitating manifestation of Crohn's disease. Since the advent of biological agents, patient outcomes appear to have improved. While... (Review)
Review
Perianal fistulas are a common and debilitating manifestation of Crohn's disease. Since the advent of biological agents, patient outcomes appear to have improved. While rates of clinical response and remission are well characterized in literature, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes remain less so. This is despite previous studies demonstrating the persistence of fistula tracts on MRI, in spite of clinical healing, suggesting radiological markers of improvement may be more accurate. The aims of this study were to systematically review the literature for all studies reporting on MRI outcomes following biological therapy and to compare rates of radiological healing to clinical remission. A search was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Nine articles were included, with a total sample size of 259 patients. Of these 259 patients, 47% achieved clinical remission following induction therapy and 42% following a median of 52 weeks' maintenance therapy. Out of the 259 patients, 7% achieved radiological healing in the short term and 25% in the long term. The odds ratio of MRI clinical healing was 0.10 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.39) and 0.43 (95% CI, 0.26-0.71), respectively, at those corresponding time points. MRI healing of perianal fistulizing Crohn's, while arguably a more accurate assessment of treatment response, is significantly less common than clinical remission. Heterogeneity exists in the definition of radiological and clinical response, leading to variation in reported rates. Further studies, directly comparing the long-term outcomes of patients achieving clinical remission and MRI healing are required, to better inform the role of MRI follow up in clinical practice.
PubMed: 32514434
DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12295 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Sep 2021Surgery is the clinically preferred treatment for high perianal abscesses. Incision and seton drainage improve the cure rate and reduce recurrence. We aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Surgery is the clinically preferred treatment for high perianal abscesses. Incision and seton drainage improve the cure rate and reduce recurrence. We aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical effect and safety of incision and seton drainage in the treatment of high perianal abscess.
METHODS
China Knowledge Network (CNKI), WanFang database, VIP database, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched and all relevant Chinese and English language documents until July 2021were retrieved. All records that described randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of incision and seton drainage for the treatment of high perianal abscess were eligible. Documents that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated for bias using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk Evaluation Standard, and Revman5.4 software was used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
Fourteen RCTs were included. The results of nine studies showed that the clinical cure rate of the incision-seton group was higher than that of the incision-drainage group (P<0.05). Seven studies showed that the wound healing time of the incision-seton group was shorter than that of the incision-drainage group (P<0.05). Four studies showed that the visual analogue scale (VAS) score of the incision-seton group was lower than that of the incision-drainage group (P<0.05). Five studies showed that the Wexner score of the incision-seton group was lower than that of the incision-drainage group (P<0.05). Six studies showed that the formation rate of anal fistula in the incision-seton group was lower than that in the incision-drainage group (P<0.05). Six studies demonstrated that the recurrence rate of abscess in the incision-seton group was lower than that in the incision-drainage group (P<0.05). Seven studies showed that the incidence of adverse events in the incision-seton group was lower than that in the incision-drainage group (P<0.05). Five studies demonstrated that the length of stay in the incision-seton group was shorter than that of the incision-drainage group (P<0.05).
DISCUSSION
The choice of surgical methods in clinical research has always been controversial. The incision-seton method can effectively and safely treat high perianal abscess. However, the results of this meta-analysis still leave some gaps in the evidence. More large-sample, high-quality, and multi-center RCTs are needed.
Topics: Abscess; Anus Diseases; Drainage; Humans; Rectal Fistula; Recurrence
PubMed: 34628909
DOI: 10.21037/apm-21-2229