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HOME > Intest Res > Volume 16(2); 2018 > Article
Review Management of inflammatory bowel disease in older persons: evolving paradigms
Saurabh Kedia1, Jimmy K. Limdi2, Vineet Ahuja1
Intestinal Research 2018;16(2):194-208.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2018.16.2.194
Published online: April 30, 2018

1Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

2Salford & Pennine Clinical Research Unit, The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Manchester, UK.

Correspondence to Vineet Ahuja, Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Room No. 3111, Third Floor, Teaching Block, New Delhi 110029, India. Tel: +91-11-26593300, Fax: +91-11-26588663, vineet.aiims@gmail.com
• Received: October 5, 2017   • Revised: November 11, 2017   • Accepted: November 14, 2017

© Copyright 2018. Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases.

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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  • The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing, and considering the aging population, this number is set to increase further in the future. The clinical features and natural history of elderly-onset IBD have many similarities with those of IBD in younger patients, but with significant differences including a broader differential diagnosis. The relative lack of data specific to elderly patients with IBD, often stemming from their typical exclusion from clinical trials, has made clinical decision-making somewhat challenging. Treatment decisions in elderly patients with IBD must take into account age-specific concerns such as comorbidities, locomotor and cognitive function, and polypharmacy, to set realistic treatment targets in order to enable personalized treatment and minimize harm. Notwithstanding paucity of clinical data, recent studies have provided valuable insights, which, taken together with information gleaned from previous studies, can broaden our understanding of IBD. These insights may contribute to the development of paradigms for the holistic and, when possible, evidence-based management of this potentially vulnerable population and are the focus of this review.
  • Keywords: Crohn disease; Colitis, ulcerative; Aging; Therapeutics; Outcomes
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), comprising CD and UC, are characterized by a relapsing and remitting course, the incidence and prevalence of which are increasing worldwide.1 Population aging, meanwhile, is a global phenomenon, with individuals aged 65 years and over representing the fastest growing age group.2 In the West, the proportion of elderly persons (aged 65 and over) has increased in the last decade from 12.3% (USA) and 17.3% (Sweden) to 14.8% and 19.9%, respectively.3 Likewise, Asia has also seen an increase in elderly persons in the last decade, from 19.8% to 26.3% in Japan, from 9.2% to 13.1% in South Korea, and in India from 4.8% to 5.6% over the last 10 years.3 Thus, population aging, coupled with the increasing global incidence of IBD and its negligible impact on mortality, will contribute to the increase in the number of older persons diagnosed with IBD in the future. Clinicians will consequently face 2 distinct paradigms: individuals diagnosed at a younger age who attain an elderly age, and those first diagnosed at or after the age of 60 years.2 The challenges posed by clinical comorbidities, polypharmacy with the risk of potential drug interactions, the likely mismatch between chronological and biological age, and a myriad of social issues underpin the complexities involved in managing elderly persons with IBD. Despite the paucity of clinical data limiting evidence-based decisions (largely from the exclusion of individuals aged 65 years and over in clinical trials), there has been resurgent interest and research in recent years, contributing to our understanding of IBD pathophysiology in elderly individuals. This review will discuss the epidemiology, clinical features, and subtle nuances in the management of these patients with an emphasis on elderly-onset IBD. The widely accepted criteria of age 60 and over is used define older-onset (or “elderly”-onset) IBD.2
1. Immune Effects and Pharmacokinetics
Aging may be associated with a relative immunosenescence resulting from a decline in both innate and adaptive immunity.4 This may result from a decrease in hematopoietic stem cells (decreased bone marrow production), naïve T cells (thymic atrophy), and reduced ability of peripheral lymphoid cells to undergo clonal expansion or regeneration. Consequently, there is an attenuation of cell-mediated immune response, phagocytic activity, and monocyte and macrophage function.4 Other changes associated with aging include altered gastrointestinal motility, reduction in gastric pH, increased intestinal permeability, and changes in the gut microbiota with a reduction in bacterial diversity, including increased populations of Bacteriodes and reduced numbers of Firmicutes and Bifidobacteria.45 Aging may also be associated with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation from pro-inflammatory cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells.5
Many physiological changes that accompany aging may affect pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism.6 These include an increase in body fat, decline in body water volume, plasma volume, and lean muscle mass.6 Additionally, there is a reduction in the hepatic and splanchnic blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, levels of plasma proteins, and their binding capacities. These age-related changes may alter free and protein bound drug levels, altering the half-life and clearance of various medications. As a result, elderly patients are at greater risk of steroid toxicity because of diabetes, hypertension, infections, glaucoma, cataract, dyslipidemia, osteoporosis, and fractures.6 Pharmacokinetics of anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) agents are also affected by increased baseline concentrations of TNF (increased production), decreased TNF catabolism by the reticuloendothelial system and reduced serum albumin.7 The implications of immunosenescence on the etiology of IBD in elderly patients requires further study, but emphasizes the potential for altered pharmacokinetics and adverse effects in elderly patients.
The proportion of patients with elderly-onset IBD varies from 3% to 21% for CD891011 and 7% to 29% for UC (Table 1).8910111213141516 The majority (65%) are diagnosed during the 6th decade, 25% during the 7th decade, and 10% during the 8th decade.17
The incidence of elderly-onset IBD is increasing at an unprecedented rate globally, with significant heterogeneity in data derived from urban populations, large population-based registries, and the developing world.1 Thus, the incidence of UC and CD varies from 1.1/100,000 to 16.5/100,000 and from 0/100,000 to 18.9/100,000, respectively.18 In a large population-based study (French population-based registry [EPIMAD]) from Northern France, the incidence of UC and CD was 3.1/10,000 and 2.6/100,000 inhabitants respectively.17 In general, the incidence rates of UC are higher than those of CD in the elderly. In a study from Hungary, the incidence of UC in the elderly increased from 1.09/100,000 (1977–1981) to 10.8/100,000 (2002–2007).19 Similarly, the incidence of CD in the elderly increased from being virtually unknown (until the 1990s) to 3.04/100,000 (2002–2007).19 In another study, elderly-onset IBD incidence rates increased from 11.71/100,000 persons in 1991 to 23.66/100,000 persons in 2010.8 IBD disease burden is increasing in India and in other rapidly developing countries; in 2010, India had the second highest disease burden of IBD in the world after the United State.20
In the recently published Asia-Pacific Crohn's and Colitis Epidemiology study, across 21 centers in 9 countries from the Asia-Pacific, the incidence of UC and CD in the elderly population (over 60 years of age) was ~0.8/100,000 population and ~0.3/100,000, respectively.21 In another study from South Korea, the incidence of elderly-onset UC increased from 3.9% (1997–1999) to 9.7% (2008–2014) (P<0.001).13 Finally, in a study from Hong Kong, the proportion of newly diagnosed elderly-onset UC increased significantly during the past 2 decades (from 3.0% before 1990 to 21.6% after 2010).16 The parallelism between improved sanitization and IBD emergence is striking from data on IBD incidence in the developing world and may help to unmask likely clues from the “exposome” in the etiology of IBD.2
The clinical presentations of elderly- and younger-onset IBD have many similarities, as well as important differences.2 There may be a considerable delay in the diagnosis in elderly persons for a multitude of reasons ranging from the wide-ranging differential diagnosis and the potential for misdiagnosis to disinclination in seeking medical advice and indeed even access to specialist healthcare.2 Misdiagnosis may occur in up to 60% of elderly patients with IBD as compared to 15% of younger patients, with a delay in diagnosis of up to 6 years. The differential diagnosis of IBD in the elderly includes infectious colitis, ischemic bowel disease, segmental diverticulitis, NSAID enteropathy, malignancy, microscopic colitis, radiation enteritis, and solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (Table 2).2 The increasing incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is of concern, in elderly patients affected by a virulent strain, with more serious consequences such as prolonged hospitalization, increased risk of surgery and mortality.2 Colonic disease, corticosteroid, and immunosuppressive therapy are risk factors for CDI.222 This underpins the importance of CDI testing in all hospitalized patients with IBD, especially in those experiencing a flare and those not responding to therapy.2
A family history of IBD is less common with elderly-onset IBD.89111416 The prevalence of extraintestinal manifestations is also lower, varying from 0% to 7% (Table 3).891011141516232425 The frequency of thromboembolic complications, however, is much higher in elderly patients, possibly due to hypercoagulable states, relative immobility, and dehydration associated with illness.
There is a higher prevalence of comorbidities in patients with elderly-onset IBD than in young patients. The number of comorbidities increases with age.26 Recent studies from Korea13 and Hong Kong16 have shown that the proportion of patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and extracolonic malignancy was significantly higher in the elderly-onset UC group.
1. Clinical Features
Across all studies, males appear to be affected (56%–62%) more often with elderly-onset UC than females (38%–44%), and this sex-associated distribution appears to be consistent with that in overall UC population across all studies (Table 3).81011141516
The frequency of abdominal pain, weight loss, and fever is lower in elderly-onset disease than in younger-onset disease.21417 The first presentation of UC, however, may be more severe in elderly-onset UC.2
In a study from Taiwan, patients with elderly-onset UC were more likely to have severe activity at initial diagnosis (32.4%) than patients with younger-onset UC (16.8%).14 Similarly, in a Dutch study, more patients with elderly-onset UC were hospitalized at the time of diagnosis (5.7% vs. 2.9%).8
In elderly patients with CD, most studies have reported a higher female to male ratio, with the proportion of females varying from 47% to 67% (Table 3).8910122425 Elderly-onset patients with CD tend to have more rectal bleeding but less abdominal pain, fever, or weight loss at presentation.2
A recent study from the United States, however, reported that disease behavior was similar in younger- and elderly-onset IBD, although immunomodulatory therapy was less frequently used for elderly-onset IBD.27
2. Disease Extent and Location

1) Ulcerative Colitis

In a meta-analysis by Ananthakrishnan et al.,28 left sided UC disease was the most common (45%; 95% CI, 40%–52%), followed by pancolitis (31%), and proctitis (22%). Subsequent studies have shown similar trends, with left sided UC being the most common (range, 34%–56%), followed by pancolitis (range, 14%–38%), and proctitis (range, 13%–45%).81113141516
Data regarding proximal extension in these patients is contradictory. In a study from South Korea, proximal extension was less common (22.9%) elderly-onset UC than in the younger-onset UC (32.0%),13 whereas in a French population-based cohort study, 84% of patients with elderly-onset UC remained stable with no proximal extension.17

2) Crohn's Disease

In a recent meta-analysis, the most common disease location for elderly-onset CD was colonic (44%; 95% CI, 36%–52%), followed by ileal (32%), and ileo-colonic disease (26%).28 Upper gastrointestinal involvement was uncommon (7%). Inflammatory disease was the most common behavior (68%; 95% CI, 61%–74%), followed by stricturing (24%), and penetrating disease (8%). Perianal involvement was relatively uncommon (12%). In subsequent studies, colonic location was most common (range, 30%–65%) followed by ileal (range, 10%–50%), and ileo-colonic (range, 10%–38%), with inflammatory behavior being most common (68%–96%), followed by stricturing and penetrating disease.8911122425
3. Disease Course and Natural History

1) Ulcerative Colitis

Elderly-onset UC appears to follow an indolent disease course. In a recent meta-analysis, overall rates of surgery, immunomodulator use, and biologic use in patients with UC were 9%, 17%, and 4%, respectively.28 Patients with elderly-onset UC were less likely to receive immunomodulators (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.45–0.79) or biologic therapies (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.27–0.62)27 and were more likely to undergo surgery (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.18–1.57; P<0.001).28 Higher rates of surgery indicate that the disease course is probably not as mild or reflect a preference for surgery in patients because of fear of adverse events with immunosuppressants. Similarly, in the EPIMAD registry,17 the lower proportion of patients with extensive colitis at diagnosis, but the higher rate of early colectomy and no difference in the use of medications, suggests a similar disease course. In a recent study from South Korea, the proportion of patients with extensive colitis (54.4%) requiring systemic steroid (53.5%) and immunosuppressants (26.6%) was significantly higher among elderly-onset UC.13 Similar findings were also reported by a recent study from Hong Kong.16

2) Crohn's Disease

In the meta-analysis by Ananthakrishnan et al.,28 overall rates of surgery, immunomodulator use, and biologic use in elderly-onset CD patients were 32%, 32%, and 15%, respectively. Patients with elderly-onset disease were significantly less likely to receive immunomodulators or biologics than patients with younger-onset disease, but the need for surgery was similar for both types of patients with no differences at the 1- and 5-year follow-up. The rates of disease progression in patients with elderly-onset CD have been lower than those in patients with non-elderly-onset CD, as suggested in a recent Dutch study8 and in the EPIMAD registry where the disease behavior remained stable in 91% of elderly patients after a median follow-up period of 6 years.17 Elderly-onset CD patients are at a higher risk of surgery at diagnosis, although the long-term rate of surgery remains similar between elderly-onset and young-onset CD patients. Unlike UC, disease course, progression, hospitalization, and surgery in elderly-onset CD has remained consistent over the years.
Another recent study found that pure colonic location (L2) was more frequent among patients aged >70 years at diagnosis than among patients aged >60 years at diagnosis (73% vs. 57%), with inflammatory behavior being most common.29 There was no significant difference in either group with respect to treatment with aminosalicylates (5-ASAs), oral corticosteroids, and anti-TNF therapies. Risk of surgery was similar in both groups. The lower risk of disease extension or severity in elderly-onset CD patients treated with 5-ASAs has led to the provocative, but plausible, suggestion that colonic CD of elderly onset may have a UC phenotype or even that 5-ASAs may have a possible role in this subgroup of patients.172930
Elderly patients with IBD appear to have a higher risk of hospitalization. Ananthakrishnan and Binion31 reported that 25% of all IBD-related hospital admissions in the USA were in patients aged over 65 years. These patients were likely to be more malnourished, anemic and hypovolemic with higher transfusion requirements, and with longer postoperative hospital stays especially after surgery.
Venous thromboembolic complications are more common in patients with elderly-onset IBD and stem from inflammatory disease activity and associated hypercoagulability, reduced physical activity, and the potential for dehydration.2
1. Medical Treatment
The most commonly used medications in elderly patients with IBD are 5-ASAs, which are prescribed in 30% to 90% of patients with CD89122425 and 60% to 90% of patients with UC8131416 respectively. Although the reasons for this remain unclear, the predominance of colonic disease and potentially less aggressive disease course in both UC and CD could account for differences in prescription. Up to a third of elderly IBD patients receive steroid therapy,32 with the cumulative probability of steroid use at 10 years being 47% and 40% in elderly patients with CD and UC, respectively.17 In the meta-analysis by Ananthakrishnan et al.,28 the overall rates of immunomodulator and biologic use were 32% and 15%, respectively, in elderly patients with CD and 17% and 4%, respectively, in elderly patients with UC, and this was significantly lower than that in patients with the young-onset IBD. More recent literature also concurs with these findings, with overall rates of thiopurine (range, 4%–57%), anti-TNF (range, 0%–15%), and steroid use (range, 15%–56%) matching that of the recent meta-analysis (Table 4).891112131416232425 The reduced use of immunomodulators and anti-TNF is consistent across the literature, which may be driven in part by physician hesitancy for fear of adverse effects and also from a relatively more indolent disease course not requiring immunomodulation.

1) Aminosalicylates

5-ASAs are foundational therapy for the induction and maintenance of remission in UC.233 Despite their controversial role in CD, they are commonly prescribed in elderly patients with CD. In the EPIMAD study, 5-ASAs were prescribed in 75% of patients with similar clinical phenotype in CD and UC.17 Amongst the CD patients, 68% received 5-ASAs at 1 year, 77% at 5 years, and 80% at 10 years of follow-up. Over 50% of the UC patients were on 5-ASA monotherapy and did not require surgery.17 Between 88% and 90% of patients with colonic CD were receiving 5-ASAs with over two-thirds given maintenance therapy at maximal follow-up.17 The widespread use of 5-ASAs in patients with CD is in agreement with other population-based cohorts.19 This has led to a provocative suggestion that 5-ASAs may in fact have a role in elderly-onset CD.30
The combination of oral and topical 5-ASAs is more effective than oral therapy alone.33 Complex dosing regimens and polypharmacy could negatively influence compliance and once-daily dosing regimens may be preferable.33 Anorectal dysfunction in the elderly ranges between 10% to 25% in hospitalized patients and 4% in outpatients.34 This raises the issue of difficulties with the use of topical therapy arising from physical limitations with reduced retention of enema fluid in the presence of active inflammation. Reduction in the volume of the enema or substitution with a corticosteroid foam preparation may circumvent this problem.35
Although 5-ASAs are relatively safe, there have been rare reports of nephrotoxicity and interstitial nephritis, which appear idiosyncratic rather than age-related.36 Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, and rash.33 Paradoxical worsening of colitis can occur in less than 5% of patients, which improves after discontinuing the drug.37
The potential for drug interaction with other agents such as warfarin, increasing its anticoagulant activity,38 increased 6-thioguanine levels with potential for myelosuppression,39 and interaction with isoniazid should also be considered.36

2) Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are the cornerstone of decisive induction of remission in UC patients with an inadequate response to 5-ASAs, in acute severe UC, and to induce clinical remission in CD.3340
They are associated with a higher risk of adverse events. In a Canadian study of 3,522 patients with elderly-onset IBD, the rate of serious infections (pneumonia, intestinal infections, C. difficile enterocolitis) was significantly higher in patients with IBD exposed to steroid use within the previous 6 months with the risk being highest in current steroid users (adjusted OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.8–2.9).41 The Therapy, Resource, Evaluation, and Assessment Tool registry also reported a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.6 (95% CI, 1.2–2.1) for serious infections associated with steroid use within 6 months and higher mortality related to corticosteroid exposure.42 Dose-related side effects have been reported in 40% of elderly patients with long-term corticosteroid use and osteoporosis in 16% of patients.43 Despite the sheer futility of prolonged steroid exposure with its inherent risks, elderly persons with IBD appear to be treated with corticosteroid therapy. Furthermore, the published literature to date demonstrates inadequacies in exit strategies once steroids are initiated. In a study of 393 elderly patients with IBD (>65 years), corticosteroid usage had doubled from 35% (1991–2000) to 64% (2001–2010).44 Disappointingly, elderly-onset patients with IBD also received higher average prednisolone doses than younger patients (8 mg/day vs. 2.2 mg/day respectively, P<0.005) and over a third of elderly-onset IBD patients received steroids for over 6 months.44 A U.S. Medicare cohort study of over 8,500 patients with elderly-onset IBD found that 20% of patients receiving anti-TNF therapy had received corticosteroids for over 3 months, and 10% for over 6 months.45 Additionally, 43% of elderly patients had received anti-TNF concomitantly with corticosteroids in multiple courses spanning over 3 months.45 It is likely that physician hesitancy in escalating to immunomodulatory therapy, even in “well-selected” patients, and the notion that corticosteroid therapy is “safer” may be driving this practice. These studies emphasize the importance of steroid stewardship with careful contingency planning.
Corticosteroids are associated with other serious morbidities such as altered mental state and depression, fluid retention, glaucoma, osteoporosis and fractures.46 In one study, osteoporotic-related fractures and osteonecrosis were noted in 15% of patients with elderly IBD.47 The widespread prevalence of malabsorption and calcium and vitamin D deficiency in the elderly should prompt early and regular bone densitometry assessments. Bisphosphonates should be considered alongside vitamin D and calcium supplementation.3340
Steroids may reduce the activity of drugs such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, ephedrine, and rifampicin. Anticoagulant efficacy of warfarin may also be affected, and careful monitoring of coagulation parameters is recommended.2
Budesonide may be recommended for induction of remission in mild-to-moderate distal small bowel and right-sided colonic CD.40 A novel formulation of budesonide in a multimatrix release formulation has recently been approved for use in mild-moderate extensive UC. The judicious use of these formulations as a bridge to conventional steroids may reduce unnecessary steroid exposure although the full impact of this intervention needs further and formal study.

3) Immunomodulators

Immunomodulators may be indicated in elderly patients demonstrating corticosteroid dependence.240 A network meta-analysis of nearly 40 randomized controlled trials in CD patients found that neither thiopurines nor methotrexate improved the odds of achieving remission over placebo but a significant difference was noted with respect to maintenance of remission.48 The relative paucity of clinical data on the use of thiopurines in elderly patients is reflected in the disparate practices with respect to their use.49
In a retrospective study of 393 patients with IBD aged over 65 years, one-third were on long-term corticosteroids (over 6 months) with only 6% on thiopurines and 1% on methotrexate.44 While it is plausible that differential prescribing patterns for immunomodulatory therapy may be driven by physician hesitancy, immunomodulators are associated with a higher risk of opportunistic infections and other serious adverse effects such as a higher risk of malignancy, as discussed below.5051525354 Taken together, the data suggest sufficient cause for concern with the use of thiopurines in elderly persons and when possible suitable alternatives should be preferred.2 Although methotrexate has not been studied specifically in elderly patients, no adverse reports have emerged from their use in elderly persons with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis and they have not been associated with malignancy. Methotrexate has been used in CD but consensus opinion currently does not favor its use as monotherapy in UC.23340 The role of methotrexate in elderly patients with IBD needs to be studied further.

4) Anti-TNF Agents

The role of anti-TNF therapy in the decisive induction and maintenance of remission in moderate to severely active IBD has been established through pivotal trials for nearly 2 decades.23340 Data supporting their efficacy in elderly patients are limited and conflicting, with some studies showing similar results in elderly- and younger-onset IBD5556 and others suggesting lower efficacy.5758 A U.S. study found the rates of partial/complete response in the elderly to be significantly lower than in younger patients with IBD (61% vs. 83%).57 In a nested case control study from Leuven in which 239 patients were treated with anti-TNF, the clinical response at 10 weeks was significantly lower in elderly-onset IBD than in younger-onset IBD patients (68% vs. 89%), although the long-term efficacy (>6 months) was similar between the 2 groups (79% vs. 83%).55 In another study of 95 patients with elderly-onset IBD treated with anti-TNF between 2000 and 2009, 65% of patients with CD and 59% with UC achieved clinical remission as opposed to 59% and 57% in a control group of under 65 years.56 Discontinuation rates in elderly patients at 12 months have also been higher, with concomitant use of thiopurines being the only significant predictor of early discontinuation, potentially driven by infection risk from bimodal immunosuppression.57
Data on safety of anti-TNF therapy consistently report increased rates of adverse events in elderly patients. Early experience from the Mayo Clinic demonstrated that 3 of 4 deaths from infliximab therapy occurred in elderly patients, although the independent contribution of age was unclear in these patients who have a longer disease course, and more severe disease and multiple comorbidities.58 In another long-term cohort study of 734 patients with IBD treated with infliximab, age was the only predictor of mortality in patients on anti-TNF therapy.59 In a multicenter retrospective case-control study, the rate of infections (11.5% vs. 2.6% vs. 0.5%, P<0.001) and mortality (10.5% vs. 1.1% vs. 2.1%, P<0.001) was higher in elderly patients (>65 years) on anti-TNF than in younger patients (<65 years) on anti-TNF vs. elderly patients not on anti-TNF.56 The Massachusetts study also reported a higher risk of adverse events in elderly anti-TNF users, which led to 70% of elderly patients discontinuing therapy after 2 years.57 In the study from Leuven, elderly patients on anti-TNF therapy had a higher risk of any adverse event, and on multivariate analysis, age ≥65 was the only risk factor for a serious adverse event on anti-TNF.55

5) Anti-integrins

Anti-integrins are a novel addition to the expanding therapeutic armamentarium for IBD. In the post hoc analysis in GEMINI trials, the efficacy and safety profiles of vedolizumab were similar across all age groups (<35, 35 to <55, and ≥55 years).60 Vedolizumab-treated patients aged ≥55 had the lowest incidence of serious infections (0.9 per 100 person-years) and adverse events leading to hospitalization (14.8 per 100 person-years). There were no differences in hematological events, malignancy, or deaths with regard to age. In a recent study of 29 elderly IBD patients (10 UC, 19 CD), the efficacy (48% clinical response at 14 weeks, 55% at 52 weeks), and safety (13.8% adverse events) of vedolizumab were similar to the results of GEMINI trials.61 Head-to-head comparisons between vedolizumab and other biological agents discussed above are now needed to position it within the current treatment algorithms of active IBD. The gut specificity and safety profile of vedolizumab may be appealing especially where monotherapy is desirable.2
2. Polypharmacy and Its Impact
The potential for clinical comorbidities, locomotor, and cognitive disturbances that influence the choice, response, and outcomes of IBD therapy must be considered when planning treatment, its objectives, and desired outcomes in elderly IBD patients. Comorbidities may affect therapeutic choices, for example, patients with diabetes and hypertension may not be ideal candidates for steroids.62 Anti-TNF therapy is contraindicated in patients with congestive heart failure (NYHA class III/IV), and patients with a history of recent malignancy (<2 years) may not be suitable candidates for thiopurines where the risk of lymphoproliferative disorders is also higher.5063 With multiple comorbidity comes the risk of polypharmacy (use of multiple medications), including prescribed and over-the-counter medications. It has been reported that >30% of elderly patients are taking more than 5 prescription medications concurrently in the United States,64 which may increase the risk of adverse events and drug interactions that could affect the efficacy and safety of IBD medications. Elderly IBD patients on average may be on 9 to 10 medications, with the potential for drug interactions in one-third of these patients.65 This highlights the need for scrupulous attention to the medical history, concomitant medication use, and suitable optimization of IBD specific therapy.2
3. Surgery
Approximately 25% of all intestinal surgeries are performed in patients over 55 years of age. Failure of medical therapy remains the most likely indication for surgery.1966
Surgical rates in patients with elderly-onset UC are higher than those in patients with non-elderly-onset UC, as reported in the meta-analysis by Ananthakrishnan et al.28 (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.18–1.57, P<0.001) and in recent studies from both western (5-year cumulative probability: 10.4% vs. 5.4%) and eastern (0.24 vs. 0.18, P=0.24; 10-year cumulative probability: 6.1% vs. 3.7%) parts of the globe.1415 A Canadian study also reported a higher 5-year cumulative risk of surgery for elderly-onset UC (13.6% vs. 10.3% vs. 11.2%) than for UC in younger/ middle aged patients.10 The adjusted HR for surgery in the elderly with UC was 1.34 (95% CI, 1.16–1.55) and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.08–1.44) compared with that in young adults and middle-age adults, respectively. However, in a recent Dutch study, the 5-year (7% vs. 5.8%) and 10-year (8% vs. 7.8%) cumulative colectomy rates were similar in patients with elderly- and young-onset UC.8
Elderly age appears to be a predictor of early surgery among patients with CD as reported in a recent Dutch study (surgery rates at diagnosis: 14.1% vs. 7.1%, P<0.05). However, the overall surgery rates are similar in young and elderly CD patients as reported by Ananthakrishnan et al.28 (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.40–1.22; pooled 5-year surgery rate: OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.61–1.29), by a recent Dutch study (5- and 10-year cumulative surgery rates: 27.1% vs. 39.2% and 34.2% vs. 32.9%, respectively),8 and by a study from Canada (5- and 10- year cumulative surgery rates: 24.1% vs. 22.6% and 31.0% vs. 26.7%, respectively).10

1) Outcomes of Surgery and Complications

Total colectomy with permanent ileostomy (TPCI) is the most commonly performed procedure in elderly-onset UC (77.3%), whereas total colectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the preferred procedure in younger patients, which may be largely attributable to concerns about the disturbance of sphincter function and fecal incontinence after surgery in elderly patients (79.9%).21367
A systemic review by Shung et al.68 reported surgery-associated complications observed in elderly IBD patients. Postoperative complications after surgery decreased from the years 1960–1984 to 1994–1999 and elderly age was not a predictor of adverse outcome.69 There was no significant difference in morbidity or 30-day mortality between TPCI versus IPAA procedures.70 The incidence of postoperative cardiac and pulmonary complications was higher in the elderly than in younger patients.66 Functional outcomes after IPAA are generally similar to those of younger patients.68 In a recent study, which used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset,71 the odds of 30-day postoperative mortality in elderly patients was 4.4-fold greater in UC (6.1% vs. 0.7%) and 11.7-fold greater in CD (4.2% vs. 0.3%) than those in younger patients with IBD. The rates of postoperative complications (34.5% vs. 21.3%, P<0.001) including cardiac dysfunction (2.5% vs. 0.3%, P<0.001), renal dysfunction (2.7% vs. 0.9%, P<0.001), neurologic complications (0.8% vs. 0.2%, P<0.001), ventilator dependence (7.2% vs. 1.3%, P<0.001), and infection (21% vs. 14.7%, P<0.001) were significantly higher in the elderly patients than in younger patients. In a study of 32,833 patients with UC, elective colectomy was associated with better survival than medical therapy (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54–0.90), and on subgroup analysis, this effect remained significant only in the age group >50 years (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.45–0.79).72
IPAA is the surgical procedure of choice in UC if the patient has good anal sphincter function with no history of fecal incontinence.223373 Pouch function deteriorates with increasing age with fecal incontinence, an effect that may be more pronounced in the elderly.274 Despite this, patients report a high level of satisfaction with IPAA, with 89% of elderly UC patients stating that they would opt to undergo the procedure again and 96% willing to recommend it to others.75
Taken together, these observations emphasize the importance of careful patient selection, assessment of local motor, cognitive, and anal sphincter function in planning and timing optimal surgical procedures for best possible outcomes.
The all-cause and UC-related mortality rates have been reported to be higher in patients with elderly-onset UC.101316 Higher disease-related mortality has also been reported in elderly-onset CD with solid malignancies, accounting for 22.9% and 26.4% of deaths, in UC and CD respectively.10
Two important paradigms apply to IBD-related cancer risk in elderly patients, the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) as a result of long standing mucosal inflammation and the risk of extra-intestinal cancers (e.g., lymphoproliferative disorders and skin cancers), which are related to immunomodulator and biologic treatment for IBD-related inflammation.2 The risk of CRC in IBD increases with increasing disease duration, positive family history of IBD, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and prolonged and persistent mucosal inflammation.76 The influence of age on CRC risk in IBD remains controversial. In previous studies, earlier age of onset was associated with early development of CRC.77 Shaukat et al.78 recently reported that patients transitioning to an elderly age with CD or UC had an OR of 1.93 (P<0.001) and 1.45 (P=0.01), respectively, for developing CRC. However, in the EPIMAD registry, among 844 patients with IBD with a median follow-up of 6 years, there was no increased risk of CRC in the elderly IBD population as compared to the general population.23 Studies from the United States11 and Italy15 also did not find any difference in the CRC risk between elderly and adults with IBD.
Screening and surveillance for dysplasia in elderly IBD patients also remains controversial. Studies have reported higher rates of post-procedure hospitalization and perforation with CRC screening and therefore screening and surveillance strategies should consider associated comorbidities.79 The overriding principle governing CRC screening, is that it should only be performed in patients deemed fit to undergo colectomy should dysplasia be found, and a life expectancy such that they would be expected to benefit.3380
The risk of lymphoproliferative disorders increases with age. In 3 meta-analyses comprising 6 (3,891 patients), 18 (35,126 patients), and 26 (8,905 patients) studies, the standard incidence ratio of lymphoma in patients with IBD treated with thiopurines was >4, and there was a progressive increase in this risk with age.818283 Additionally, the Cancers et Surrisque Associé aux Maladies Inflammatoires Intestinales En France (CESAME) group identified elderly age and longer duration of IBD as the main risk factors for developing lymphoma.50 In a German study, the risk of lymphoma and skin cancers was associated with over 4 years of thiopurine exposure as compared to anti-TNF exposure, and the risk was highest in patients aged >50 years.84 Another population-based study from Eastern Europe did not find any relation between thiopurine exposure and lymphoma.85 However, follow-up was relatively short, and therefore a modestly increased risk of lymphoma with thiopurines could not be ruled out. In a case control study from the United States, increasing age, male sex, and immunosuppressive, but not anti-TNF exposure, were associated with an increased risk of lymphoma.86 In the only study that has addressed this issue specifically in the elderly (Cheddani et al.,23 data from EPIMAD), there was an increased risk of lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative disorders in the elderly with IBD, and this risk was higher in patients with CD; however, this risk was not related to thiopurine exposure.
The CESAME study showed that thiopurine use was associated with an increased risk nonmelanoma skin cancer and urinary tract malignancies in addition to lymphoma, and demonstrated that these were associated with a lower risk of CRC, which could be explained by a better control of inflammation.50 Long et al.87 also identified thiopurine exposure as a risk factor for nonmelanoma skin cancer. Hou et al.11 showed that the frequency of extracolonic cancer (nonmelanoma skin and prostate) was higher in the elderly than in adults. However, another population-based study from the United Kingdom did not find any increase in the overall risk of cancer in IBD patients on azathioprine, although lymphoma risk increased in this study.88
Elderly patients may be at an increased risk of infections for myriad reasons, such as clinical comorbidities, exposure to immunosuppressive medications (e.g., corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biological therapies), and susceptibility conferred by immunosenescence itself.89 Steroid exposure and advancing age are recognized risk factors for CDI.90 International consensus guidelines recommend vaccinating patients on or very likely to commence meaningful immunosuppressive therapy for control of their IBD.8991 Patients are considered immunosuppressed if they are on 20 mg or more of prednisolone (or equivalent), subjected to on-going treatment with effective doses of thiopurines, methotrexate, biological therapies, or have had these agents discontinued within 3 months.8991 Vaccination recommendations are similar across age groups, although patients over 60 years of age may have sub-optimal serological responses.899192 Recommendations include the inactivated influenza vaccine annually, pneumococcal vaccine given periodically (5-yearly), an initial dose followed by the vaccination in those over 65 years after 5 years regardless of immunosuppression status, the hepatitis B series of vaccinations (if not immune), and the meningococcal vaccine (for those living in enclosed spaces such as dormitories and those who have undergone splenectomy). Live vaccines must be avoided in immunosuppressed patients and these include the intranasal influenza and oral typhoid vaccines, and the BCG, varicella, yellow fever, anthrax, and measles-mumps-rubella vaccines. If required, live vaccines should be given at least 3 weeks before commencing meaningful immunosuppressive therapy or 3 months after stopping such therapy. Inactivated vaccines may be given at any time from the diagnosis of IBD, but ideally at the earliest available opportunity after diagnosis.
Rapid strides in the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of IBD, bolder definitions for disease control, and emphasis on mucosal healing over symptom control alone have significantly influenced our therapeutic paradigms with earlier introduction of immunomodulatory and anti-TNF therapy in well-selected patients. However, could one size ever fit all? Any enthusiasm that seeks to translate modern treatment paradigms universally to elderly patients should be tempered by an appreciation of the potential differences between “chronological” and “biological” age. Thus, a frail patient at any age with comorbid illness and limited mobility would be at a higher risk from complications of a medical or surgical intervention as opposed to a much older but “fit” individual. Age-specific concerns such as comorbidity, locomotor, and cognitive function, polypharmacy, and its potential consequences must all be considered carefully. There is an urgent need for further research into the biology of aging and its implications for IBD, as also for testing treatment paradigms in elderly persons. Until then, clinicians must make personalized decisions weighing on available evidence for the holistic, and when possible evidence-based, optimal management of elderly patients with IBD.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT: The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTION: S.K., collection of data and drafting the manuscript; J.K.L., review and editing the manuscript; and V.A., review and editing the manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Table 1

Proportion of Elderly-Onset (>60 Years) Patients among All Patients with IBD

ir-16-194-i001.jpg
Author (year) Country No. of patients Age (yr)
≤60 >60
CD
 Hwang et al. (2017)9 South Korea 1,224 1,194 (97) 30 (3)
 Saygili et al. (2017)12 Turkey 1,187 1,092 (97) 95 (9)
 Nguyen et al. (2017)10 Canada 8,985 8,260 (92) 725 (8)a
 Hou et al. (2016)11 USA 724 632 (87) 92 (13)a
 Jeuring et al. (2016)8 The Netherlands 1,162 1,026 (88) 136 (12)
UC
 Song et al. (2018)13 South Korea 3,060 2,834 (93) 226 (7)
 Nguyen et al. (2017)10 Canada 12,233 10,484 (86) 1,749 (14)a
 Lin et al. (2016)14 Taiwan 536 459 (86) 77 (14)
 Hou et al. (2016)11 USA 876 722 (82) 159 (18)a
 Jeuring et al. (2016)8 The Netherlands 1,661 1,288 (78) 373 (22)
 Fries et al. (2017)15 Italy 1,091 808 (74) 283 (26)
 Shi et al. (2016)16 Hong Kong 1,225 1,068 (87) 157 (13)

Values are presented as number (%).

aAge >65 years.

Table 2

Differential Diagnosis of IBD

ir-16-194-i002.jpg
Disease Clinical characteristics Additional features
Infectious colitis Bloody diarrhea Possible pseudo-membranes with Clostridium difficile colitis
Urgency/tenesmus Stool cultures usually diagnostic
History of fever Rapid resolution with appropriate antibiotic therapy
Acute onset
Radiation colitis Diarrhea with bleeding Telangiectasia on endoscopy and fibrosis seen at histology
Abdominal pain/cramps
Proctitis (urgency and tenesmus)
History of pelvic radiation
NSAIDs enteropathy Diarrhea Lesions isolated
Recurrent pain abdomen Any part of intestine may be affected
Obstruction Diaphragm like small bowel strictures
Iron deficiency anemia Exacerbate existing CD or UC
History of NSAIDs
Ischemic colitis Sudden onset pain abdomen Segmental distribution of colitis
Diarrhea with bleeding Typically sigmoid/left sided colitis
Rectum spared and abrupt cutoff with non-involved segment
Segmental colitis associated with diverticulitis Diarrhea with bleeding Segmental peridiverticular distribution
Abdominal pain Rectum and proximal colon spared
History of associated comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, CAD
Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome Bleeding per rectum Mucosal thickening
Urgency Crypt architectural distortion
History of chronic constipation, straining, digital evacuation Collagen deposition and smooth muscle in lamina propria

CAD, coronary artery disease.

Table 3

Disease Characteristics of Patients with Elderly Onset IBD

ir-16-194-i003.jpg
Author (year) Country No. of patients Female sex (%) Family history (%) EIM (%)
CD
 Hwang et al. (2017)9 South Korea 1,224 67 0 -
 Hou et al. (2016)11 USA 92 - 8 -
 Nguyen et al. (2017)10 Canada 725 62 - -
 Cheddani et al. (2016)23 France 370 62 - 5
 Jeuring et al. (2016)8 The Netherlands 136 63 - -
 Saad et al. (2016)24 USA 30 47 - 6.3
 Yamamoto-Furusho and Sarmiento-Aguilar (2015)25 Mexico 27 63 0 34
UC
 Hou et al. (2016)11 USA 159 - 4 -
 Nguyen et al. (2017)10 Canada 1,749 55 - -
 Cheddani et al. (2016)23 France 474 38 - -
 Fries et al. (2017)15 Italy 283 44 - 7
 Lin et al. (2016)14 Taiwan 77 40 0 0
 Jeuring et al. (2016)8 The Netherlands 373 44 - -
 Shi et al. (2016)16 Hong Kong 157 39 1.7 -

EIM, extraintestinal manifestations.

Table 4

Treatment Details of Patients with Elderly-Onset IBD

ir-16-194-i004.jpg
Author (year) Country No. of patients 5-ASA Thiopurine Anti-TNF-α Steroids Surgery
CD
 Hwang et al. (2017)9 South Korea 30 95 33 15 - -
 Saygili et al. (2017)12 Turkey 95 90 57 2 - 22
 Jeuring et al. (2016)8 The Netherlands 136 - 23 6.9 39 33
 Saad et al. (2016)24 USA 30 90 66 55 90 28
 Yamamoto-Furusho and Sarmiento-Aguilar (2015)25 Mexico 27 30 22 0 15 73
UC
 Song et al. (2018)13 South Korea 226 - 18 10 52 9.7
 Lin et al. (2016)14 Taiwan 77 90 4 0 - -
 Jeuring et al. (2016)8 The Netherlands 373 - - - 46 8
 Shi et al. (2016)16 Hong Kong 157 - 27 0 53 5
IBD
 Hou et al. (2016)11 USA 272 80 17 5 37 -
 Cheddani et al. (2016)23 France 844 - 14 4 - -

5-ASA, 5-aminosalicylic acid; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.

Figure & Data

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      Management of inflammatory bowel disease in older persons: evolving paradigms
      Intest Res. 2018;16(2):194-208.   Published online April 30, 2018
      DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2018.16.2.194
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    Management of inflammatory bowel disease in older persons: evolving paradigms
    Management of inflammatory bowel disease in older persons: evolving paradigms

    Proportion of Elderly-Onset (>60 Years) Patients among All Patients with IBD

    Author (year)CountryNo. of patientsAge (yr)
    ≤60>60
    CD
     Hwang et al. (2017)9South Korea1,2241,194 (97)30 (3)
     Saygili et al. (2017)12Turkey1,1871,092 (97)95 (9)
     Nguyen et al. (2017)10Canada8,9858,260 (92)725 (8)a
     Hou et al. (2016)11USA724632 (87)92 (13)a
     Jeuring et al. (2016)8The Netherlands1,1621,026 (88)136 (12)
    UC
     Song et al. (2018)13South Korea3,0602,834 (93)226 (7)
     Nguyen et al. (2017)10Canada12,23310,484 (86)1,749 (14)a
     Lin et al. (2016)14Taiwan536459 (86)77 (14)
     Hou et al. (2016)11USA876722 (82)159 (18)a
     Jeuring et al. (2016)8The Netherlands1,6611,288 (78)373 (22)
     Fries et al. (2017)15Italy1,091808 (74)283 (26)
     Shi et al. (2016)16Hong Kong1,2251,068 (87)157 (13)

    Values are presented as number (%).

    aAge >65 years.

    Differential Diagnosis of IBD

    DiseaseClinical characteristicsAdditional features
    Infectious colitisBloody diarrheaPossible pseudo-membranes with Clostridium difficile colitis
    Urgency/tenesmusStool cultures usually diagnostic
    History of feverRapid resolution with appropriate antibiotic therapy
    Acute onset
    Radiation colitisDiarrhea with bleedingTelangiectasia on endoscopy and fibrosis seen at histology
    Abdominal pain/cramps
    Proctitis (urgency and tenesmus)
    History of pelvic radiation
    NSAIDs enteropathyDiarrheaLesions isolated
    Recurrent pain abdomenAny part of intestine may be affected
    ObstructionDiaphragm like small bowel strictures
    Iron deficiency anemiaExacerbate existing CD or UC
    History of NSAIDs
    Ischemic colitisSudden onset pain abdomenSegmental distribution of colitis
    Diarrhea with bleedingTypically sigmoid/left sided colitis
    Rectum spared and abrupt cutoff with non-involved segment
    Segmental colitis associated with diverticulitisDiarrhea with bleedingSegmental peridiverticular distribution
    Abdominal painRectum and proximal colon spared
    History of associated comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, CAD
    Solitary rectal ulcer syndromeBleeding per rectumMucosal thickening
    UrgencyCrypt architectural distortion
    History of chronic constipation, straining, digital evacuationCollagen deposition and smooth muscle in lamina propria

    CAD, coronary artery disease.

    Disease Characteristics of Patients with Elderly Onset IBD

    Author (year)CountryNo. of patientsFemale sex (%)Family history (%)EIM (%)
    CD
     Hwang et al. (2017)9South Korea1,224670-
     Hou et al. (2016)11USA92-8-
     Nguyen et al. (2017)10Canada72562--
     Cheddani et al. (2016)23France37062-5
     Jeuring et al. (2016)8The Netherlands13663--
     Saad et al. (2016)24USA3047-6.3
     Yamamoto-Furusho and Sarmiento-Aguilar (2015)25Mexico2763034
    UC
     Hou et al. (2016)11USA159-4-
     Nguyen et al. (2017)10Canada1,74955--
     Cheddani et al. (2016)23France47438--
     Fries et al. (2017)15Italy28344-7
     Lin et al. (2016)14Taiwan774000
     Jeuring et al. (2016)8The Netherlands37344--
     Shi et al. (2016)16Hong Kong157391.7-

    EIM, extraintestinal manifestations.

    Treatment Details of Patients with Elderly-Onset IBD

    Author (year)CountryNo. of patients5-ASAThiopurineAnti-TNF-αSteroidsSurgery
    CD
     Hwang et al. (2017)9South Korea30953315--
     Saygili et al. (2017)12Turkey9590572-22
     Jeuring et al. (2016)8The Netherlands136-236.93933
     Saad et al. (2016)24USA309066559028
     Yamamoto-Furusho and Sarmiento-Aguilar (2015)25Mexico27302201573
    UC
     Song et al. (2018)13South Korea226-1810529.7
     Lin et al. (2016)14Taiwan779040--
     Jeuring et al. (2016)8The Netherlands373---468
     Shi et al. (2016)16Hong Kong157-270535
    IBD
     Hou et al. (2016)11USA2728017537-
     Cheddani et al. (2016)23France844-144--

    5-ASA, 5-aminosalicylic acid; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.
    Table 1 Proportion of Elderly-Onset (>60 Years) Patients among All Patients with IBD

    Values are presented as number (%).

    aAge >65 years.

    Table 2 Differential Diagnosis of IBD

    CAD, coronary artery disease.

    Table 3 Disease Characteristics of Patients with Elderly Onset IBD

    EIM, extraintestinal manifestations.

    Table 4 Treatment Details of Patients with Elderly-Onset IBD

    5-ASA, 5-aminosalicylic acid; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.

    Table 1

    Table 2

    Table 3

    Table 4

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