Usefulness of peripheral blood monocyte count to predict relapse in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective longitudinal cohort study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

monocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease but data are scarce regarding activity biomarkers, above all in patients under biologic therapies.

OBJECTIVE:

the aim of this study was to evaluate the value of monocyte measurements in predicting flares in inflammatory bowel disease patients under maintenance treatment with anti-TNF.

METHODS:

a prospective, observational cohort study was designed. Relapse was defined as a Harvey-Bradshaw score > 4 in Crohn's disease, and a partial Mayo score ≥ 2 in ulcerative colitis. Monocyte concentration was quantified at 4-month intervals for twelve months. A total of 95 consecutive patients were included. Median age was 42 years, 50.5 % were female, and 75 % had Crohn's disease.

RESULTS:

sixteen months after inclusion, 65 (68.4 %) patients remained in clinical remission. Mean monocyte count preceding a relapse was 563 (standard deviation: 144) compared to 405 (standard deviation: 177) in patients who remained in remission. Final monocyte count was significantly different between relapse and remission in Crohn's disease (0.82; 95 % CI: 0.71-0.90; p < 0.005). According to the multivariate analysis, only monocytes and fecal calprotectin were related to more relapses.

CONCLUSION:

in conclusion, in inflammatory bowel disease patients under anti-TNF therapy, repeat monocyte counts could help monitor patients, at least in Crohn's disease.

• Authors: Rocío Ferreiro-Iglesias, Manuel Barreiro-de Acosta, Javier López-Díaz, Iria Bastón Rey, Juan Enrique Domínguez-Muñoz
• Journal: Revista espanola de enfermedades digestivas (Rev Esp Enferm Dig) Vol. 114 Issue 1 Pg. 10-15 (01 2022) ISSN: 1130-0108 [Print] Spain
• PMID: 33486959 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Observational Study)

Chemical References

• Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex
• Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors

Topics

• Adult
• Cohort Studies
• Colitis, Ulcerative (drug therapy)
• Crohn Disease (drug therapy)
• Feces (chemistry)
• Female
• Humans
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (drug therapy)
• Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex (analysis)
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Monocytes (chemistry)
• Prospective Studies
• Recurrence
• Remission Induction
• Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors