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. 2022 May 10;16(4):554-580.
doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjab173.

Defining Transabdominal Intestinal Ultrasound Treatment Response and Remission in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Systematic Review and Expert Consensus Statement

Johan F K F Ilvemark  1 , Tawnya Hansen  2 , Thomas M Goodsall  3   4 , Jakob B Seidelin  1 , Heba Al-Farhan  5 , Mariangela Allocca  6   7 , Jakob Begun  8 , Robert V Bryant  9 , Dan Carter  10 , Britt Christensen  11 , Marla C Dubinsky  12 , Krisztina B Gecse  13 , Torsten Kucharzik  14 , Cathy Lu  15 , Christian Maaser  16 , Giovanni Maconi  17 , Kim Nylund  18   19 , Carolina Palmela  20 , Stephanie R Wilson  21 , Kerri Novak  15 , Rune Wilkens  22   23
Affiliations

Defining Transabdominal Intestinal Ultrasound Treatment Response and Remission in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Systematic Review and Expert Consensus Statement

Johan F K F Ilvemark et al. J Crohns Colitis. .

Abstract

Background and aims: No consensus exists on defining intestinal ultrasound response, transmural healing, or transmural remission in inflammatory bowel disease, nor clear guidance for optimal timing of assessment during treatment. This systematic review and expert consensus study aimed to define such recommendations, along with key parameters included in response reporting.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched from inception to July 26, 2021, using pre-defined terms. Studies were eligible if at least two intestinal ultrasound [IUS] assessments at different time points during treatment were reported, along with an appropriate reference standard. The QUADAS-2 tool was used to examine study-level risk of bias. An international panel of experts [n = 18] rated an initial 196 statements [RAND/UCLA process, scale 1-9]. Two videoconferences were conducted, resulting in additional ratings of 149 and 13 statements, respectively.

Results: Out of 5826 records, 31 full-text articles, 16 abstracts, and one research letter were included; 83% [40/48] of included studies showed a low concern of applicability, and 96% [46/48] had a high risk of bias. A consensus was reached on 41 statements, with clear definitions of IUS treatment response, transmural healing, transmural remission, timing of assessment, and general considerations when using intestinal ultrasound in inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusions: Response criteria and time points of response assessment varied between studies, complicating direct comparison of parameter changes and their relation to treatment outcomes. To ensure a unified approach in routine care and clinical trials, we provide recommendations and definitions for key parameters for intestinal ultrasound response, to incorporate into future prospective studies.

Keywords: Intestinal ultrasound; inflammatory bowel disease; transmural healing; transmural remission; treatment response.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
PRISMA flow diagram, summarising the study selection process and results, stop date February 27, 2020.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Risk of bias and applicability—studies from the systematic review, stop date February 27, 2020.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

References

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