Management of inflammatory bowel disease in the COVID-19 era

Abstract

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many unpredictable changes have occurred in the medical field. Risk of COVID-19 does not seem to increase in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) considering based on current reports. Current medications for IBD do not increase this risk; on the contrary, some of these might be used as therapeutics against COVID-19 and are under clinical trial. Unless the patients have confirmed COVID-19 and severe pneumonia or a high oxygen demand, medical treatment should be continued during the pandemic, except for the use of high-dose corticosteroids. Adherence to general recommendations such as social distancing, wearing facial masks, and vaccination, especially for pneumococcal infections and influenza, is also required. Patients with COVID-19 need to be withhold immunomodulators or biologics for at least 2 weeks and treated based on both IBD and COVID-19 severity. Prevention of IBD relapse caused by sudden medication interruption is important because negative outcomes associated with disease flare up, such as corticosteroid use or hospitalization, are much riskier than medications. The outpatient clinic and infusion center for biologics need to be reserved safe spaces, and endoscopy or surgery should be considered in urgent cases only.

INTRODUCTION

Since the first report in December 2019 from Wuhan, China, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread and affected lives globally [1,2]. It is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is highly infectious, with a fatality rate of 2% to 3% [3]. The risk of mortality or severe infection requiring intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization increases with age and underlying comorbidities [4,5].

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-mediated disease, requiring the use of immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive drugs. This could make IBD patients susceptible to COVID-19. However, early reports from China and Italy showed that no IBD patient developed COVID-19 [6,7]. To date, there are limited data regarding IBD and COVID-19, but evidence with a higher quality has been gradually accumulated recently. We aimed to review the management of IBD in the COVID-19 era.

RISK OF COVID-19 IN IBD PATIENTS

In addition to fever and respiratory symptoms [8], about 15% of COVID-19 patients complain of gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia, with variable frequencies [9]. These symptoms are more likely to be noted in patients with severe COVID-19 [10]. This could be associated with the expression of angiotensin conversion enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) in the enterocytes, which play an important role in the entrance of viruses into human cells and the regulation of the binding to the receptors [11,12]. Interestingly, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were upregulated in the inflamed bowel of patients with IBD [13], thereby increasing the susceptibility of IBD patients to SARS-CoV-2.

In addition, IBD patients could be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the medications they use, i.e., immunosuppressants or immune-modifying drugs. However, based on the pooled analysis data, the prevalence of COVID-19 is not higher in IBD patients than in the general population [14-16]. This could be partly explained by the elevated soluble form of ACE2, a competitive receptor for the virus, in the serum of IBD patients that protects the host from viral infection [17]. Another study also reported that ACE2 expression has dual action: mediating the susceptibility and immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection [18]. In addition, a recent animal study reported that drugs for IBD, such as steroids or biologics, could decrease the ACE2 expression in inflammatory cells [19].

The risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection specific for IBD patients are not fully understood, and immunosuppressive medication, malnutrition, comorbidities, advanced age, active IBD symptoms, and frequent visits to clinics or hospitals have been reported [6,20-24]. Although we are not sure whether bowel inflammation is a risk factor for COVID-19, maintaining remission is important in IBD patients [25].

MEDICATIONS USED FOR IBD, AND RISK OF COVID-19

There are limited data on the safety of drugs used for IBD during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the evidence level is also low. Experts or several societies proposed recommendations based on SARS, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), or few reported case series. Generally, continuation of immunosuppressive drugs with close monitoring is recommended for patients who are already on stable maintenance [26,27]. In contrast, it is recommended to delay the initiation or escalation of new immunosuppressive drugs, if possible [23]. Prevention of IBD relapse due to sudden interruption of medication is important because negative outcomes associated with disease relapse, such as new prescription of corticosteroids or hospitalization, are much riskier than medications [28].

1. 5-Aminosalicylates

The oral or suppository and enema formulations have little effect on the clinical course of COVID-19 because they act locally. Therefore, these should be continued [6,29]. However, data from the Surveillance Epidemiology of Coronavirus Under Research Exclusion-IBD (SECURE-IBD) registry reported that patients treated with 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA)/sulfasalazine showed a higher risk of severe COVID-19 defined as ICU admission, ventilator use and/or death than those treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents [30]. Further studies on the clinical outcomes associated with 5-ASA are required.

2. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are commonly used for the management of IBD because of their potent anti-inflammatory activity. They could also be useful to control excessive inflammatory conditions, including acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and septic shock [31]. However, previous studies on their effect in MERS, SARS, and influenza showed a delayed clearance of the virus and poor clinical outcomes in patients continuing corticosteroids [32,33]. Based on these findings, routine corticosteroid use is not recommended in patients with COVID-19 unless in the presence of complications [34].

Likewise, corticosteroid use should be minimized and quickly tapered for doses over 20 mg/day of prednisolone or equivalent considering the disease activity. In addition, prescription of new corticosteroids should be avoided. For safety reasons, the use of topical steroids or oral budesonide could be good [29].

When we consider the use of high-dose systemic corticosteroids in such cases with acute severe ulcerative colitis (UC), it is recommended to manage based on the urgent COVID-19 swab results or clinical symptoms. Intravenous steroids might be introduced in patients negative for COVID-19 symptoms irrespective of the swab results. However, due to the uncertain risk of benefits in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, experts have given high score to corticosteroids as first-line treatment, even in positive cases with respiratory symptoms or imaging studies [35].

3. Immunomodulators

Azathioprine and mercaptopurine play an important role in maintenance of IBD remission, and they exhibit direct or indirect antiviral activity by inhibiting viral proteases and proteins related to the viral replication process [36,37]. However, there is a report on serious viral infection in IBD patients on thiopurine [38]. Although there is no current evidence on the increased risk of COVID-19 infection, the initiation and dose escalation of immunomodulatory drugs is considered inappropriate during the pandemic. Patients already taking these drugs and controlled well, should continue these, and methotrexate can also be continued, as usual, unless the patients are infected or exposed to the virus [29].

4. Biologics

Patients taking biologics should continue these if they are already in remission. Although in the COVID-19 pandemic period stopping biologics could be considered only when the same criteria in the pre-pandemic period are satisfied unless they are infected [29]. To date, routine screening for COVID-19 before the initiation of biologics remains controversial [39,40].

1) Anti-TNF

Although there are limited available data, evidence shows that anti-TNF agents, including infliximab, adalimumab, and golimumab, have little effects on the clinical course of COVID-19 [6-8,15]. Control of active inflammation induced by TNF inhibition can attenuate the cytokine storm due to COVID-19 infection.

Intravenous injections are not encouraged due to the concern associated with visiting hospital during the pandemic. Although subcutaneous biologics (adalimumab or golimumab) are safe and convenient during the pandemic, there is a risk of loss of response due to routinely switching drugs [41]. In this pandemic period, the initiation of combination with immunomodulators and anti-TNF agents is recommended to be delayed. In patients who are already on combination therapy, discontinuation of immunomodulators is also recommended if they are in deep remission [42].

2) Vedolizumab and Ustekinumab

Vedolizumab, gut-selective anti-integrin has a little impact on systemic or pulmonary response and Ustekinumab, antiinterleukin (IL)-12/23 monoclinal antibody is also less systemic; therefore, both drugs might be safer than anti-TNF in COVID-19 patients [29,43]. Vedolizumab and ustekinumab did not increase the risk of severe respiratory tract or opportunistic infections in long-term follow-up studies [44-47]. Considering safety, the use of vedolizumab or ustekinumab could be better options in the COVID-19 pandemic when initiating biologic therapy [42].

5. Small Molecule Drug

There are no data on the risk of using Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, including tofacitinib, in COVID-19. A study on rheumatoid arthritis reported that 18.8% of patients had upper respiratory tract infection and 16.6% of patients had nasopharyngitis, and the result was similar to that reported by a study on anti-TNF [48]. Another study also reported no increased hospitalization rate in patients with COVID-19 treated with JAK inhibitors [49].

However, research has shown that JAK inhibitors reduce the levels of interferon-α, which is an important cytokine conveying immunity against viruses, and tofacitinib use has shown an increased risk of herpes zoster in 5.6% of UC patients [50]. We also need to be careful about the risk of thromboembolism associated with tofacitinib because COVID-19 infection has a strong association with hypercoagulability [51]. Considering these safety concerns, initiation of tofacitinib is not recommended during this pandemic. If the patients are in remission, we can maintain a daily dose of 10 mg (5 mg twice) of tofacitinib. Based on clinical trials on tofacitinib, factors associated with serious infection include a higher dose (10 mg twice per day), age > 65 years, use of corticosteroids higher than 7.5 mg/day, and presence of diabetes [52,53].

6. Drugs in Clinical Trials

In the early phase of the pandemic, many clinical trials had stopped most of their process. In Korea, recruitment and screening re-started after a review of the suitability of each center. There is a need for a balance between the benefit and unpredictable risk of trial medication during COVID-19. The Asia Pacific guidelines suggest that patients participating in clinical trials should continue taking the medication unless they develop COVID-19 [29]. To minimize the risk, direct hospital visits of study subjects have to be considered only in clinically important condition, otherwise, changed into virtually if possible [54].

GENERAL MANAGEMENT FOR IBD IN COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The strategy to manage IBD patients should be individualized based on the risk associated with infection and IBD activities. The IBD COVID-19 working group of British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) classified IBD patients into 3 categories based on the degree of risk for poor outcomes of COVID-19. Patients with the highest risk were defined as IBD patients with comorbidities and/or ≥ 70 years on moderate risk therapy such as biologics, small molecular drugs immunomodulators, or prednisolone < 20 mg/day. Regardless of comorbidities or age, IBD patients taking > 20 mg of prednisolone, biologics combined with immunomodulators or steroids, uncontrolled moderate-severe disease activity, and requiring parenteral nutrition are also considered as high risk. Patients at high risk are recommended “shielding” and to stay at home, except for specific purposes. They are advised to avoid gatherings, except families living with them and those working at home. Patients younger than 70 years taking moderate risk medications and do not have comorbidities are classified as moderate risk and they are recommended “stringent social distancing.” The lowest risk group included patients on conventional medications such as mesalamine (both oral or topical agents), topically acting steroids (budesonide or beclomethasone), antidiarrheals or antibiotics. They were recommended “social distancing.” [54]

Meticulous adherence to general recommendations during COVID-19 is needed in patients with IBD, including frequent hand washing, maintaining social distancing, no touching, and constant use of mask [26]. Besides, the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation-COVID (ECCO-COVID) taskforce suggested avoiding contact with infected people, crowded places, and traveling. They also emphasized that vaccination, including against influenza and pneumococcal infections, is needed for IBD patients treated with immunomodulators or biologics [55]. Because nutrition is also an emerging prognostic factor, early intervention and support are warranted [56].

PRACTICE IN IBD CLINICS

During the world wide spread of infection, most experts suggested telemedicine instead of face-to-face medical consultations if the disease is stable [29,57,58]. Telemedicine was also temporarily accepted during the pandemic in Korea. Routine laboratory tests are deferred until the situation improved. Safe space in hospitals for patients who need close follow-up is required [29]. For patients on biologics, the infusion room secure a 1–2 m distance between infusion chairs [26]. Routine screening for suspected symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever or cough, is required at each visit. Precautions including wearing masks and personal hygiene during visiting and infusions are also warranted [29]. A single occupancy room is used for patients requiring hospitalization [23].

ENDOSCOPY

With the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the stool of COVID-19 patients, there are concerns about fecal-oral transmission. Colonoscopy could also be a potential infection route, similar to esophagogastroduodenoscopy [11,57,58]. Based on these, elective endoscopies are to be delayed unless they were critical for the management decision; instead, noninvasive markers such as C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin could be used for disease monitoring [29]. However, patients with severe symptoms or suspected emergencies such as acute severe flare-up, obstruction, or cholangitis require urgent endoscopy for diagnosis and proper management [59].

Endoscopic practice during COVID-19 could be performed based on the guidelines of each society. Because we are not sure how long the pandemic will continue, surveillance colonoscopy for longstanding IBD in patients with risk factors such as a history of dysplasia, stricture, or histological inflammation might be recommended based on the guidelines [60,61]. The order of endoscopy re-start after the pandemic or infection is based on clinical symptoms, blood or stool test results, use of biologics, or a history of dysplasia or cancer [59,62].

CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND MANAGEMENT OF IBD PATIENTS WITH CONFIRMED SARS-COV-2 INFECTION

SECURE-IBD, the ongoing global registry data, has reported 3,195 cases until November 2020: 21% of patients were hospitalized and 6% patients required a ventilator or ICU care or who died [63].

Data on the prognostic factors of COVID-19 in IBD are limited. The first COVID-19 data with 79 IBD patients from Italy showed that age > 65 years (odds ratio [OR], 5.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–29.66), Charlson comorbidity index > 1 (OR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.06–9.21), and UC diagnosis (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.06–6.99) were significant risk factors for poor outcomes of COVID-19 [24].

American Gastroenterological Association suggested a treatment algorithm for IBD patients based on the severity of both IBD and COVID-19 conditions [25]. Irrespective of the severity of infection, corticosteroids need to be tapered to 20 mg or below or switched to budesonide. Immunomodulators, tofacitinib and biologics need to be withhold for recommended duration. Regarding the duration of withholding, experience from the general population showed that symptoms developed within 14 days of close contact or positive test, and one recent study in nursing home patients reported that COVID-19 symptoms developed within 7 days in 89% of asymptomatic patients with positive viral tests [56,64]. Based on these experiences, asymptomatic patients or closely exposed patients can resume immunomodulators, tofacitinib and biologics after 2 weeks of monitoring for symptoms associated with COVID-19. In symptomatic patients, such medications should be withhold until at least 10–14 days after symptoms developed. Re-start of medication in symptomatic COVID-19 patients could be considered after at least 3 days of no fever and improvement of respiratory symptoms or 2 consecutive negative test results [11,56,65].

Because active IBD itself is one of the poor prognostic factors of COVID-19, the treatment should not be reduced in patients with moderately to severely active IBD [24]. In addition, workup on the cause of flare-ups also should be considered. Although the IBD medications were not risk factors of adverse outcomes, the treatment escalation needs to be careful considering the risk and benefit of the drugs on COVID-19 [24,25]. The suggestions for the medical treatment of IBD in the COVID-19 era are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1.

IBD Medications during COVID-19 Pandemic

Medication	IBD in remission				Active IBD
	No infectiona		Asymptomatic infection	Symptomatic infection
	New start	Dose escalation
5-ASA	Yes	Yes	Continue	Continue	No medication reduction
Budesonide	Yes	Yes	Continue	Continue	Careful consideration about treatment escalation
Corticosteroid	No	No	Recommend taper to lower than 20 mg	Recommend taper to lower than 20 mg
Thiopurine/Methotrexate	No	No	Withhold for 2 weeks of symptoms free state	Withhold at least 14 days and 3 days of recoveryb or negative test
Anti-TNF	Yesc	Yes	Withhold for 2 weeks of symptoms free state	Withhold at least 14 days and 3 days of recoveryb or negative test
Vedolizumab	Yes	Yes	Withhold for 2 weeks of symptoms free state	Withhold at least 14 days and 3 days of recoveryb or negative test
Ustekinumab	Yes	Yes	Withhold for 2 weeks of symptoms free state	Withhold at least 14 days and 3 days of recoveryb or negative test
Tofacitinib	No	No	Withhold for 2 weeks of symptoms free state	Withhold at least 14 days and 3 days of recoveryb or negative test

^aMost experts recommend continuing immunosuppressive treatment if the patients are already on stable maintenance. In patients on combination with anti-TNF and immunomodulators are recommended to stop immunomodulators if they are in remission.

^bDefined as no fever and improved respiratory symptoms.

^cWhen considering initiation of anti-TNF during pandemic, monotherapy is recommended.

IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; 5-ASA, 5-aminosalicylates; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.

In IBD patients hospitalized for COVID-19, treatment for the infection should be considered first. Anti-inflammatory, anti-cytokine, and viral therapies must be considered in patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19. Novel therapies against COVID-19, including antiviral agents, anti-TNF-α, antiIL-6 (tocilizumab), and JAK inhibitor (baricitinib) are undergoing clinical trials [66-68]. However, it is challenging to treat patients with both acute severe UC and COVID-19 pneumonia. The BSG guidelines recommend 100 mg hydrocortisone every 6 hours as the first-line therapy, and infliximab monotherapy could also be considered [35]. Regarding high-dose steroids, one recent clinical trial with patients under mechanical ventilator showed that adding dexamethasone 6 mg (equivalent dose of 32 mg methylprednisolone or 160 mg hydrocortisone) reduced the mortality rate [69]. The decision regarding colectomy after failure of steroid or rescue therapy should not be hesitated despite COVID-19 pneumonia [70].

CONCLUSION

Based on current data, the risk of COVID-19 does not seem to increase in patients with IBD, and medications used for IBD do not increase this risk. Unless the patients have confirmed COVID-19 infection, all drugs except high-dose corticosteroids should be continued during the pandemic. Prevention of IBD relapse due to sudden interruption of medication is important for better patient outcomes. In addition, it is vital to adhere to general recommendations such as social distancing, wearing facial masks, and vaccination, especially for pneumococcal infections and influenza. Because we still have limited evidence, more data regarding optimal management and clinical outcomes are needed.