← Issue №8/ week of Aug 23, 2026/ the whole section, in full

IBD, in full.

All 11 IBD papers in this issue, as full cards, ranked by clinical utility. The issue page carries the strongest few; this is the section, whole.

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All 11, in full

most clinically useful first · the 1 the issue led with is ruled in green
IBD prospective cohort · n=224 · Aug 20, 2026 · Aliment Pharm Ther · IF 6.7

Anti-Integrin αvβ6 Autoantibodies Distinguish Ulcerative Colitis From Crohn's Disease With High Diagnostic Accuracy and Outperform ANCA and ASCA Status: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Diagnosticulcerative colitisCrohn's diseasebiomarker
Clinical takeawayWhen distinguishing UC from CD, consider measuring serum anti-integrin αvβ6 autoantibodies (cutoff 2.44 U/mL) as an adjunct to clinical, endoscopic, and histologic findings. This study excluded indeterminate colitis, so applicability to difficult-to-classify cases remains undefined.
What it foundAnti-integrin αvβ6 autoantibodies (cutoff 2.44 U/mL) achieved 86.5% diagnostic accuracy for UC vs CD (sensitivity 85.8%, specificity 87.1%) with OR 36.18 (95% CI 17.0-83.0) and outperformed ANCA and ASCA.
ContextANCA and ASCA are established serological markers for IBD differentiation, but with modest accuracy. This prospective study shows anti-integrin αvβ6 antibodies provide superior diagnostic performance in established UC vs CD, with a positivity gradient from ileal CD (7.9% positivity) through colonic CD (43.8%) to UC (85.8%). The study excluded indeterminate colitis patients, limiting applicability to cases with clear UC or CD phenotypes.
Measured against the standard of care· AGA Clinical Practice Update on Inpatient Management of Adults With IBD (Gastroenterology 2026) / ACG UC Guideline Update 2025 / AGA Living Guideline, Moderate-to-Severe UC 2024 (panel review March 2026)

Decision at stakeusing serological markers to distinguish ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease when diagnosis is unclear

No single passage of this standard matched the paper closely enough to quote, so none is shown. The standard is cited above.

Our full summary of this standard

Outpatient positioning is unchanged from the ACG 2025 UC guideline and the AGA living guideline for moderate-to-severe UC. Confirm UC with endoscopy showing continuous colonic inflammation from the rectum plus histology, after excluding infection with two-step C. difficile testing. Treat mild-moderate disease with 5-ASA chosen by route and extent: suppository for proctitis, enema for left-sided disease, oral plus rectal for extensive disease. If 5-ASA fails, treat as moderate-to-severe rather than stepping up gradually. Position advanced therapy by efficacy tier, not by an anti-TNF-first rule. Advanced-therapy-naive, higher efficacy: infliximab, vedolizumab, ozanimod, etrasimod, upadacitinib, risankizumab, guselkumab. Intermediate: golimumab, ustekinumab, tofacitinib, filgotinib, mirikizumab. Lower: adalimumab. Previously TNF-exposed, higher efficacy: tofacitinib, upadacitinib, ustekinumab. Lower: adalimumab, vedolizumab, ozanimod, etrasimod. After anti-TNF primary non-response, switch mechanism rather than cycling within the class. Treat to target (STRIDE-II): endoscopic improvement, Mayo endoscopic subscore 0-1. Begin CRC surveillance 8-10 years after diagnosis for extensive or left-sided disease; isolated proctitis follows average-risk screening. Inpatient care now follows the 2026 AGA Clinical Practice Update (13 best-practice statements). Admit for severe symptoms refractory to outpatient therapy, suspected complications (obstruction, abscess, toxic megacolon) or significant malnutrition, and identify acute severe UC by Truelove-Witts. Give every patient admitted with diarrhea two-step C. difficile testing. Test for CMV, with early endoscopy, if symptoms worsen, the patient is systemically toxic or disease is steroid-refractory. Give routine VTE prophylaxis with LMWH or fondaparinux unless contraindicated, and individualize post-discharge extension. Give IV methylprednisolone 60 mg/day or equivalent; the AGA living guideline says 40-60 mg/day, and higher doses add no benefit. Do not give adjunctive antibiotics without infection. Involve surgery early. Assess response by day 3 (72 h) using stool frequency and CRP (Oxford criteria); do not continue IV steroids beyond about 7 days without response. Rescue steroid non-responders with infliximab (accelerated or intensified dosing in selected patients with high inflammatory burden or protein-losing colopathy), cyclosporine, or a JAK inhibitor at standard or intensified dosing, or with colectomy. Before discharge, the response should be stable and a transition plan should be in place.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Inpatient Management of Adults With IBD (Gastroenterology 2026) / ACG UC Guideline Update 2025 / AGA Living Guideline, Moderate-to-Severe UC 2024 (panel review March 2026) · reviewed 2026-10-11 ↗
Truniger S … Brand S · Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics · IF 6.7 · PubMed ↗Permalink
IBD prospective cohort · n=679 · Aug 21, 2026 · Clin Gastro Hep · IF 16.2

Aminosalicylate use Increases Corticosteroid Exposure and Decreases Biologic Durability in Pediatric Crohn's Disease.

Practice-changingCrohn's diseasebiologicsanti-TNFpediatric
Clinical takeawayAvoid 5-ASA monotherapy in newly diagnosed pediatric Crohn's disease. Prioritize early anti-TNF therapy to reduce cumulative corticosteroid exposure, improve biologic durability once escalation occurs, and reduce perianal disease risk.
What it foundEarly 5-ASA monotherapy in pediatric Crohn's disease was associated with greater systemic corticosteroid use (p=0.036), delayed biologic initiation (~11 months), and a 4.47-fold increased risk of biologic discontinuation among escalators (95% CI 1.28-15.65, p=0.029); early anti-TNF therapy protected against perianal disease (OR 0.24 [95% CI 0.06-0.93], p=0.039).
ContextThis extends prior evidence that 5-ASA lacks efficacy in Crohn's disease (demonstrated in randomised trials) by showing that 5-ASA use also increases harm: greater steroid exposure and inferior long-term therapy outcomes. The study addresses a persistent practice gap: 18% of the cohort still received 5-ASA monotherapy despite documented lack of benefit.
Emergingsuggested applicable standard· European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO), "ECCO Guidelines on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Malignancies," Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, 2023

Decision at stakeTiming of biologic therapy initiation relative to initial monotherapy in newly diagnosed pediatric Crohn's disease

No single passage of this standard matched the paper closely enough to quote, so none is shown. The standard is cited above.

Our full summary of this standard

Before starting a biologic or immunomodulator in IBD or rheumatology patients, complete prestart safety screening: TB screening (IGRA preferred, treat latent TB before starting), hepatitis B (HBsAg/HBcAb/HBsAb with drug-class risk-stratified antiviral prophylaxis or monitoring), hepatitis C, HIV, Strongyloides serology for endemic-region patients, vaccination review with live vaccines given before starting, and baseline labs. Delay initiation for active infection, active/untreated TB, untreated HBV, or near-term pregnancy plans for JAK/methotrexate/ozanimod. Active or prior malignancy is not a blanket reason to delay therapy: the decision requires cancer- and drug-specific assessment (cancer type, stage, prognosis, and treatment status weighed against the specific agent) made jointly with oncology in a multidisciplinary setting, not a universal hold, when IBD activity needs control most therapies can be continued or initiated (gut-selective vedolizumab has the most reassuring cancer-recurrence data), thiopurines are preferably withdrawn in patients with active cancer, and a fixed (e.g., 5-year) delay before restarting therapy after cancer is no longer recommended.

European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO), "ECCO Guidelines on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Malignancies," Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, 2023 · reviewed 2026-07-23 ↗
Patel PV … BISCUIT Study Team · Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology : the Official Clinical Practice Journal of the American Gastroenterological Association · IF 16.2 · PubMed ↗Permalink
IBD retrospective · n=225 · Aug 18, 2026 · Inflamm Bowel Dis · IF 4.5

Hormonal contraception is not associated with recurrent flares in ulcerative colitis: a longitudinal time-dependent analysis.

New evidenceulcerative colitisbiomarker
Clinical takeawayCounsel women with UC seeking contraception that available evidence does not support an increased UC flare risk with HCT. Although C-reactive protein does increase modestly during HCT exposure, this does not manifest as increased flares or cumulative inflammatory burden. Offer HCT as a contraceptive option while noting the modest sample size of exposed women, which limits power to detect rare or smaller effects.
What it foundHormonal contraception was not associated with increased recurrent ulcerative colitis flares (aHR 0.93, 95% CI 0.62-1.40) over 5.3 years median follow-up with 374 flares observed; cumulative inflammatory burden remained comparable. C-reactive protein was significantly higher during HCT-exposed months (β=0.254, P=.0038), but platelet count, ESR, albumin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, and fecal calprotectin were not. No safety signals were identified. However, only 58 of 225 women were exposed to HCT, and this modest sample cannot exclude smaller effects or rare outcomes.
ContextAddresses a common clinical uncertainty: many gastroenterologists may counsel against hormonal contraception due to inflammation concerns, but this data clarifies that HCT is safe in UC. Refines understanding of HCT safety without identifying new protective or harmful effects.
Measured against the standard of care· AGA Clinical Practice Update on Inpatient Management of Adults With IBD (Gastroenterology 2026) / ACG UC Guideline Update 2025 / AGA Living Guideline, Moderate-to-Severe UC 2024 (panel review March 2026)

Decision at stakewhether women with ulcerative colitis should avoid hormonal contraception based on flare risk

No single passage of this standard matched the paper closely enough to quote, so none is shown. The standard is cited above.

Our full summary of this standard

Outpatient positioning is unchanged from the ACG 2025 UC guideline and the AGA living guideline for moderate-to-severe UC. Confirm UC with endoscopy showing continuous colonic inflammation from the rectum plus histology, after excluding infection with two-step C. difficile testing. Treat mild-moderate disease with 5-ASA chosen by route and extent: suppository for proctitis, enema for left-sided disease, oral plus rectal for extensive disease. If 5-ASA fails, treat as moderate-to-severe rather than stepping up gradually. Position advanced therapy by efficacy tier, not by an anti-TNF-first rule. Advanced-therapy-naive, higher efficacy: infliximab, vedolizumab, ozanimod, etrasimod, upadacitinib, risankizumab, guselkumab. Intermediate: golimumab, ustekinumab, tofacitinib, filgotinib, mirikizumab. Lower: adalimumab. Previously TNF-exposed, higher efficacy: tofacitinib, upadacitinib, ustekinumab. Lower: adalimumab, vedolizumab, ozanimod, etrasimod. After anti-TNF primary non-response, switch mechanism rather than cycling within the class. Treat to target (STRIDE-II): endoscopic improvement, Mayo endoscopic subscore 0-1. Begin CRC surveillance 8-10 years after diagnosis for extensive or left-sided disease; isolated proctitis follows average-risk screening. Inpatient care now follows the 2026 AGA Clinical Practice Update (13 best-practice statements). Admit for severe symptoms refractory to outpatient therapy, suspected complications (obstruction, abscess, toxic megacolon) or significant malnutrition, and identify acute severe UC by Truelove-Witts. Give every patient admitted with diarrhea two-step C. difficile testing. Test for CMV, with early endoscopy, if symptoms worsen, the patient is systemically toxic or disease is steroid-refractory. Give routine VTE prophylaxis with LMWH or fondaparinux unless contraindicated, and individualize post-discharge extension. Give IV methylprednisolone 60 mg/day or equivalent; the AGA living guideline says 40-60 mg/day, and higher doses add no benefit. Do not give adjunctive antibiotics without infection. Involve surgery early. Assess response by day 3 (72 h) using stool frequency and CRP (Oxford criteria); do not continue IV steroids beyond about 7 days without response. Rescue steroid non-responders with infliximab (accelerated or intensified dosing in selected patients with high inflammatory burden or protein-losing colopathy), cyclosporine, or a JAK inhibitor at standard or intensified dosing, or with colectomy. Before discharge, the response should be stable and a transition plan should be in place.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Inpatient Management of Adults With IBD (Gastroenterology 2026) / ACG UC Guideline Update 2025 / AGA Living Guideline, Moderate-to-Severe UC 2024 (panel review March 2026) · reviewed 2026-10-11 ↗
Gros B … Iglesias-Flores EM · Inflammatory Bowel Diseases · IF 4.5 · PubMed ↗Permalink
IBD review · Aug 21, 2026 · Gut · IF 24.6

Diet in IBD: preventive and therapeutic concepts.

Basic sciencediet therapyenteral nutritionepidemiology
Clinical takeawayDietary consultation may be incorporated into individualized IBD management. Specific dietary patterns to recommend, timing relative to pharmacotherapy, and suitability for particular IBD types or disease severity require consultation of the primary source. Note that EEN and restrictive dietary approaches carry significant compliance barriers including tube placement and dietary restriction.
What it foundA review of Western diet as a driver of IBD inflammation and discussion of exclusive enteral nutrition and anti-inflammatory dietary approaches as therapeutic concepts. Specific dietary patterns, constituent-level recommendations, and patient selection criteria are presented in the source.
ContextPositions diet as a modifiable therapeutic intervention in IBD rather than supplementary nutrition. Confirms Western dietary patterns promote inflammation and that specific dietary strategies reduce inflammatory burden when tailored to individuals.
Measured against the standard of care· ACG 2025 (Lichtenstein et al., Am J Gastroenterol) / AGA Living Guideline 2025 (Scott et al., Gastroenterology) / AGA Clinical Practice Update on Therapeutic Endoscopy in IBD 2026 (CGH)

Decision at stakewhether dietary intervention should be integrated into Crohn's disease treatment alongside or before pharmacotherapy

No single passage of this standard matched the paper closely enough to quote, so none is shown. The standard is cited above.

Our full summary of this standard

Two current US guidelines govern Crohn's disease and should be read together. ACG 2025 (Lichtenstein et al.) remains the reference for diagnosis, mild-to-moderate disease, perianal, postoperative and abscess management. DIAGNOSIS: fecal calprotectin (>50-100 μg/g) separates inflammatory from noninflammatory disease of the colon. Workup is ileocolonoscopy with biopsies, including uninvolved mucosa, plus small-bowel imaging. CTE and MRE are comparable; prefer MRE in patients <35 y and when serial exams are likely. Intestinal ultrasound is an ungraded adjunct. Do routine CRC surveillance in Crohn's colitis. MILD-TO-MODERATE: recommend against oral mesalamine; sulfasalazine only for symptomatic mild colonic CD; ileal-release budesonide 9 mg for induction in ileocecal disease but not for maintenance. MODERATE-TO-SEVERE (AGA Living Guideline, Scott et al., Gastroenterology 2025;169(7):1397-1448, 16 recommendations: 1 strong, 9 conditional, 6 knowledge gaps; updated quarterly, adult outpatients only): RECOMMEND infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab, risankizumab, mirikizumab, guselkumab or upadacitinib over no treatment; SUGGEST certolizumab pegol or vedolizumab over no treatment. Advanced-therapy-naive: suggest higher-efficacy agents (infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, risankizumab, mirikizumab, guselkumab) over lower-efficacy ones (certolizumab pegol, upadacitinib). Prior advanced-therapy (especially anti-TNF) exposure: suggest higher- or intermediate-efficacy agents (adalimumab, risankizumab, guselkumab, upadacitinib; ustekinumab, mirikizumab) over lower-efficacy ones (vedolizumab, certolizumab pegol). Suggest against thiopurine monotherapy for induction; suggest it for maintenance of remission. Suggest SC/IM methotrexate monotherapy; suggest against oral methotrexate. In thiopurine-naive patients starting infliximab, suggest infliximab + thiopurine over infliximab alone. No recommendation on IFX + MTX, adalimumab + immunomodulator, or non-TNF biologic + immunomodulator. After ≥6 months of steroid-free remission on anti-TNF + immunomodulator, suggest withdrawing the immunomodulator and suggest against withdrawing the anti-TNF. SUGGEST upfront advanced therapy over step-up therapy (corticosteroids and/or immunomodulator first). No recommendation on treating to endoscopic vs symptomatic remission. The ACG 2025 moderate-to-severe recommendations (anti-TNF, IFX + thiopurine combination and IL-12/23/IL-23 agents, each strong/moderate; upadacitinib after anti-TNF exposure; steroids for short-term induction only; TPMT/NUDT15 testing before thiopurines) still stand alongside AGA. ACG perianal (infliximab first; drain abscesses and place setons before escalating), postoperative (endoscopy at 6-12 months; anti-TNF strong, vedolizumab conditional in high-risk patients) and intra-abdominal abscess (>2 cm: antibiotics plus drainage, hold immunosuppression) positions are unchanged. THERAPEUTIC ENDOSCOPY (AGA Clinical Practice Update, CGH 2026; details below come from AGA news coverage, not the full text, and are ungraded advice): get cross-sectional imaging before the procedure. Endoscopic balloon dilation is first-line for short strictures (about ≤4-5 cm) with few risk factors (fistula, prestenotic dilation >5 cm, high CRP, prior anti-TNF). Longer or multiple strictures, or ≥3 risk factors, favor surgery.

ACG 2025 (Lichtenstein et al., Am J Gastroenterol) / AGA Living Guideline 2025 (Scott et al., Gastroenterology) / AGA Clinical Practice Update on Therapeutic Endoscopy in IBD 2026 (CGH) · reviewed 2026-10-11 ↗
Schwärzler J … Adolph TE · Gut · IF 24.6 · PubMed ↗Permalink
IBD prospective cohort · Aug 19, 2026 · Gut · IF 24.6

Intestinal flagellin drives multisystem inflammation through TLR5-IL-15-ARA axis.

Basic sciencebasic sciencetranslationalmicrobiome
Clinical takeawayNo clinical action yet: mechanistic mouse study of dysbiosis-driven inflammation; flagellin-TLR5-IL-15-ARA is a candidate axis requiring prospective human validation.
What it foundFlagellated bacterial expansion was shared across RA, AS, IBD, and long covid cohorts. These bacteria activate TLR5 on neutrophils, triggering IL-15 release and macrophage arachidonic acid (ARA) production. Genetic ablation of macrophage ARA or neutrophil IL-15 attenuated lung pathology in a co-infection mouse model; gentamicin-mediated microbiome clearance suppressed systemic inflammation.
ContextExtends prior evidence linking dysbiosis to systemic inflammation by identifying a specific mechanistic axis that operates across multiple inflammatory diseases. Proposes long covid as a tractable model for understanding how postinfectious dysbiosis triggers multi-organ pathophysiology, with implications for IBD and systemic diseases.
Measured against the standard of care· ACG 2025 (Lichtenstein et al., Am J Gastroenterol) / AGA Living Guideline 2025 (Scott et al., Gastroenterology) / AGA Clinical Practice Update on Therapeutic Endoscopy in IBD 2026 (CGH)

Decision at stakeWhat role the flagellin-IL-15-ARA axis should play in future Crohn's disease therapeutics

… DIAGNOSIS: fecal calprotectin (>50-100 μg/g) separates inflammatory from noninflammatory disease of the colon. Workup is ileocolonoscopy with biopsies, including uninvolved mucosa, plus small-bowel imaging. CTE and MRE are comparable; prefer MRE in patients <35 y and when serial exams are likely. Intestinal ultrasound is an ungraded adjunct. Do routine CRC surveillance in Crohn's colitis. …

From our summary of this standard, unedited — the part the paper bears on. … marks omitted text. Our wording, not the guideline's; read the source for its own text. The rest of this standard includes MILD-TO-MODERATE.

Our full summary of this standard

Two current US guidelines govern Crohn's disease and should be read together. ACG 2025 (Lichtenstein et al.) remains the reference for diagnosis, mild-to-moderate disease, perianal, postoperative and abscess management. DIAGNOSIS: fecal calprotectin (>50-100 μg/g) separates inflammatory from noninflammatory disease of the colon. Workup is ileocolonoscopy with biopsies, including uninvolved mucosa, plus small-bowel imaging. CTE and MRE are comparable; prefer MRE in patients <35 y and when serial exams are likely. Intestinal ultrasound is an ungraded adjunct. Do routine CRC surveillance in Crohn's colitis. MILD-TO-MODERATE: recommend against oral mesalamine; sulfasalazine only for symptomatic mild colonic CD; ileal-release budesonide 9 mg for induction in ileocecal disease but not for maintenance. MODERATE-TO-SEVERE (AGA Living Guideline, Scott et al., Gastroenterology 2025;169(7):1397-1448, 16 recommendations: 1 strong, 9 conditional, 6 knowledge gaps; updated quarterly, adult outpatients only): RECOMMEND infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab, risankizumab, mirikizumab, guselkumab or upadacitinib over no treatment; SUGGEST certolizumab pegol or vedolizumab over no treatment. Advanced-therapy-naive: suggest higher-efficacy agents (infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, risankizumab, mirikizumab, guselkumab) over lower-efficacy ones (certolizumab pegol, upadacitinib). Prior advanced-therapy (especially anti-TNF) exposure: suggest higher- or intermediate-efficacy agents (adalimumab, risankizumab, guselkumab, upadacitinib; ustekinumab, mirikizumab) over lower-efficacy ones (vedolizumab, certolizumab pegol). Suggest against thiopurine monotherapy for induction; suggest it for maintenance of remission. Suggest SC/IM methotrexate monotherapy; suggest against oral methotrexate. In thiopurine-naive patients starting infliximab, suggest infliximab + thiopurine over infliximab alone. No recommendation on IFX + MTX, adalimumab + immunomodulator, or non-TNF biologic + immunomodulator. After ≥6 months of steroid-free remission on anti-TNF + immunomodulator, suggest withdrawing the immunomodulator and suggest against withdrawing the anti-TNF. SUGGEST upfront advanced therapy over step-up therapy (corticosteroids and/or immunomodulator first). No recommendation on treating to endoscopic vs symptomatic remission. The ACG 2025 moderate-to-severe recommendations (anti-TNF, IFX + thiopurine combination and IL-12/23/IL-23 agents, each strong/moderate; upadacitinib after anti-TNF exposure; steroids for short-term induction only; TPMT/NUDT15 testing before thiopurines) still stand alongside AGA. ACG perianal (infliximab first; drain abscesses and place setons before escalating), postoperative (endoscopy at 6-12 months; anti-TNF strong, vedolizumab conditional in high-risk patients) and intra-abdominal abscess (>2 cm: antibiotics plus drainage, hold immunosuppression) positions are unchanged. THERAPEUTIC ENDOSCOPY (AGA Clinical Practice Update, CGH 2026; details below come from AGA news coverage, not the full text, and are ungraded advice): get cross-sectional imaging before the procedure. Endoscopic balloon dilation is first-line for short strictures (about ≤4-5 cm) with few risk factors (fistula, prestenotic dilation >5 cm, high CRP, prior anti-TNF). Longer or multiple strictures, or ≥3 risk factors, favor surgery.

ACG 2025 (Lichtenstein et al., Am J Gastroenterol) / AGA Living Guideline 2025 (Scott et al., Gastroenterology) / AGA Clinical Practice Update on Therapeutic Endoscopy in IBD 2026 (CGH) · reviewed 2026-10-11 ↗
Geng J … Chen L · Gut · IF 24.6 · PubMed ↗Permalink
IBD retrospective · n=1,142 · Aug 23, 2026 · Dig Dis Sci · IF 2.5

Understanding the Impact of Perceived Stigma on Healthcare Perception and Medication Utilization Among Black Individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Epidemiologyhealth servicesepidemiologyulcerative colitis
Clinical takeawayScreen for perceived stigma as a potential barrier to medication adherence in Black patients with IBD; modify counseling and communication to address stigma-related concerns. This study shows an association, not an intervention; no specific therapy or monitoring protocol is established.
What it foundIn Black participants with IBD, higher perceived stigma is associated with increased medication nonadherence (low stigma RR 0.79 [0.70-0.89], moderate stigma RR 0.95 [0.91-0.99] vs. high stigma) and poorer perception of healthcare quality (moderate stigma RR 1.14 [1.10-1.19], low stigma RR 0.88 [0.82-0.94] vs. high stigma), but not with anxiety or depression.
ContextStigma's impact on chronic disease outcomes is well established, but this is among the first to examine it specifically in Black patients with IBD, a population with documented rising incidence and worse health outcomes than White patients.
Measured against the standard of care· AGA Clinical Practice Update on Inpatient Management of Adults With IBD (Gastroenterology 2026) / ACG UC Guideline Update 2025 / AGA Living Guideline, Moderate-to-Severe UC 2024 (panel review March 2026)

Decision at stakehow to address psychosocial barriers to medication adherence in patients with ulcerative colitis

No single passage of this standard matched the paper closely enough to quote, so none is shown. The standard is cited above.

Our full summary of this standard

Outpatient positioning is unchanged from the ACG 2025 UC guideline and the AGA living guideline for moderate-to-severe UC. Confirm UC with endoscopy showing continuous colonic inflammation from the rectum plus histology, after excluding infection with two-step C. difficile testing. Treat mild-moderate disease with 5-ASA chosen by route and extent: suppository for proctitis, enema for left-sided disease, oral plus rectal for extensive disease. If 5-ASA fails, treat as moderate-to-severe rather than stepping up gradually. Position advanced therapy by efficacy tier, not by an anti-TNF-first rule. Advanced-therapy-naive, higher efficacy: infliximab, vedolizumab, ozanimod, etrasimod, upadacitinib, risankizumab, guselkumab. Intermediate: golimumab, ustekinumab, tofacitinib, filgotinib, mirikizumab. Lower: adalimumab. Previously TNF-exposed, higher efficacy: tofacitinib, upadacitinib, ustekinumab. Lower: adalimumab, vedolizumab, ozanimod, etrasimod. After anti-TNF primary non-response, switch mechanism rather than cycling within the class. Treat to target (STRIDE-II): endoscopic improvement, Mayo endoscopic subscore 0-1. Begin CRC surveillance 8-10 years after diagnosis for extensive or left-sided disease; isolated proctitis follows average-risk screening. Inpatient care now follows the 2026 AGA Clinical Practice Update (13 best-practice statements). Admit for severe symptoms refractory to outpatient therapy, suspected complications (obstruction, abscess, toxic megacolon) or significant malnutrition, and identify acute severe UC by Truelove-Witts. Give every patient admitted with diarrhea two-step C. difficile testing. Test for CMV, with early endoscopy, if symptoms worsen, the patient is systemically toxic or disease is steroid-refractory. Give routine VTE prophylaxis with LMWH or fondaparinux unless contraindicated, and individualize post-discharge extension. Give IV methylprednisolone 60 mg/day or equivalent; the AGA living guideline says 40-60 mg/day, and higher doses add no benefit. Do not give adjunctive antibiotics without infection. Involve surgery early. Assess response by day 3 (72 h) using stool frequency and CRP (Oxford criteria); do not continue IV steroids beyond about 7 days without response. Rescue steroid non-responders with infliximab (accelerated or intensified dosing in selected patients with high inflammatory burden or protein-losing colopathy), cyclosporine, or a JAK inhibitor at standard or intensified dosing, or with colectomy. Before discharge, the response should be stable and a transition plan should be in place.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Inpatient Management of Adults With IBD (Gastroenterology 2026) / ACG UC Guideline Update 2025 / AGA Living Guideline, Moderate-to-Severe UC 2024 (panel review March 2026) · reviewed 2026-10-11 ↗
Kizza-Brown JFN … Anyane-Yeboa A · Digestive Diseases and Sciences · IF 2.5 · PubMed ↗Permalink
IBD retrospective · n=48 · Aug 19, 2026 · Inflamm Bowel Dis · IF 4.5

Coccidioidomycosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving advanced therapy: An observational study from an endemic tertiary center.

EpidemiologybiologicsJAK inhibitorsepidemiology
Clinical takeawayIn endemic regions (Southwest US), maintain clinical suspicion for coccidioidomycosis in IBD patients on biologics or small molecules. Most patients tolerated continued advanced IBD therapy during antifungal treatment; TNF inhibitors were interrupted more frequently than other agents. Diagnosis is challenging, and severity classification should guide individualized management decisions.
What it foundIn endemic regions, proven or probable coccidioidomycosis was identified in 1.9% of IBD patients on advanced therapy (21 of 1,083 tested); 75% of proven cases, 53% of probable cases, and 86% of possible cases continued advanced therapy; TNF inhibitors were interrupted most frequently; hospitalization occurred in 12.5%, limited to proven or probable cases.
ContextImmunosuppression as a risk factor for severe coccidioidomycosis is well-established, but outcomes specifically in IBD patients receiving advanced therapies were previously undefined. This study quantifies that risk in endemic areas and demonstrates that therapy continuation is feasible in most cases, which counters the intuitive assumption that biologics must be discontinued.
Measured against the standard of care· ACG 2025 (Lichtenstein et al., Am J Gastroenterol) / AGA Living Guideline 2025 (Scott et al., Gastroenterology) / AGA Clinical Practice Update on Therapeutic Endoscopy in IBD 2026 (CGH)

Decision at stakehow to manage advanced IBD therapy when coccidioidomycosis develops

No single passage of this standard matched the paper closely enough to quote, so none is shown. The standard is cited above.

Our full summary of this standard

Two current US guidelines govern Crohn's disease and should be read together. ACG 2025 (Lichtenstein et al.) remains the reference for diagnosis, mild-to-moderate disease, perianal, postoperative and abscess management. DIAGNOSIS: fecal calprotectin (>50-100 μg/g) separates inflammatory from noninflammatory disease of the colon. Workup is ileocolonoscopy with biopsies, including uninvolved mucosa, plus small-bowel imaging. CTE and MRE are comparable; prefer MRE in patients <35 y and when serial exams are likely. Intestinal ultrasound is an ungraded adjunct. Do routine CRC surveillance in Crohn's colitis. MILD-TO-MODERATE: recommend against oral mesalamine; sulfasalazine only for symptomatic mild colonic CD; ileal-release budesonide 9 mg for induction in ileocecal disease but not for maintenance. MODERATE-TO-SEVERE (AGA Living Guideline, Scott et al., Gastroenterology 2025;169(7):1397-1448, 16 recommendations: 1 strong, 9 conditional, 6 knowledge gaps; updated quarterly, adult outpatients only): RECOMMEND infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab, risankizumab, mirikizumab, guselkumab or upadacitinib over no treatment; SUGGEST certolizumab pegol or vedolizumab over no treatment. Advanced-therapy-naive: suggest higher-efficacy agents (infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, risankizumab, mirikizumab, guselkumab) over lower-efficacy ones (certolizumab pegol, upadacitinib). Prior advanced-therapy (especially anti-TNF) exposure: suggest higher- or intermediate-efficacy agents (adalimumab, risankizumab, guselkumab, upadacitinib; ustekinumab, mirikizumab) over lower-efficacy ones (vedolizumab, certolizumab pegol). Suggest against thiopurine monotherapy for induction; suggest it for maintenance of remission. Suggest SC/IM methotrexate monotherapy; suggest against oral methotrexate. In thiopurine-naive patients starting infliximab, suggest infliximab + thiopurine over infliximab alone. No recommendation on IFX + MTX, adalimumab + immunomodulator, or non-TNF biologic + immunomodulator. After ≥6 months of steroid-free remission on anti-TNF + immunomodulator, suggest withdrawing the immunomodulator and suggest against withdrawing the anti-TNF. SUGGEST upfront advanced therapy over step-up therapy (corticosteroids and/or immunomodulator first). No recommendation on treating to endoscopic vs symptomatic remission. The ACG 2025 moderate-to-severe recommendations (anti-TNF, IFX + thiopurine combination and IL-12/23/IL-23 agents, each strong/moderate; upadacitinib after anti-TNF exposure; steroids for short-term induction only; TPMT/NUDT15 testing before thiopurines) still stand alongside AGA. ACG perianal (infliximab first; drain abscesses and place setons before escalating), postoperative (endoscopy at 6-12 months; anti-TNF strong, vedolizumab conditional in high-risk patients) and intra-abdominal abscess (>2 cm: antibiotics plus drainage, hold immunosuppression) positions are unchanged. THERAPEUTIC ENDOSCOPY (AGA Clinical Practice Update, CGH 2026; details below come from AGA news coverage, not the full text, and are ungraded advice): get cross-sectional imaging before the procedure. Endoscopic balloon dilation is first-line for short strictures (about ≤4-5 cm) with few risk factors (fistula, prestenotic dilation >5 cm, high CRP, prior anti-TNF). Longer or multiple strictures, or ≥3 risk factors, favor surgery.

ACG 2025 (Lichtenstein et al., Am J Gastroenterol) / AGA Living Guideline 2025 (Scott et al., Gastroenterology) / AGA Clinical Practice Update on Therapeutic Endoscopy in IBD 2026 (CGH) · reviewed 2026-10-11 ↗
Jamal F … Malik TA · Inflammatory Bowel Diseases · IF 4.5 · PubMed ↗Permalink
IBD rct · n=300 · Aug 19, 2026 · J Gastro Hep · IF 3.5

Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of Upadacitinib Among Patients in East Asia With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Post Hoc Subanalysis of Randomized Phase 3 Studies.

New evidenceulcerative colitisJAK inhibitors
Clinical takeawayUpadacitinib (45 mg daily for induction, then 15 or 30 mg daily for maintenance) achieved remission in 31-32% of East Asian patients at induction week 8 and 52-54% at maintenance week 52, with exposure-response patterns and pharmacokinetics consistent with global populations. No dose adjustment is needed for East Asian patients.
What it foundUpadacitinib achieved clinical remission in 31-32% of East Asian patients with moderate-to-severe UC at induction week 8 (versus 2-7% placebo) and 52-54% at maintenance week 52 (versus 10.7% placebo); endoscopic response rates also favored upadacitinib, and no new safety signals were identified.
ContextUpadacitinib is approved for moderate-to-severe UC and demonstrated efficacy in global Phase 3 clinical trials. This post hoc subanalysis confirms that efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics in East Asian patients match the overall trial populations, eliminating concerns about differential response by ethnicity.
Measured against the standard of care· AGA Clinical Practice Update on Inpatient Management of Adults With IBD (Gastroenterology 2026) / ACG UC Guideline Update 2025 / AGA Living Guideline, Moderate-to-Severe UC 2024 (panel review March 2026)

Decision at stakeUpadacitinib is positioned as a higher-efficacy advanced therapy for advanced-therapy-naive patients with moderate-to-severe UC

… Position advanced therapy by efficacy tier, not by an anti-TNF-first rule. Advanced-therapy-naive, higher efficacy: infliximab, vedolizumab, ozanimod, etrasimod, upadacitinib, risankizumab, guselkumab. … Previously TNF-exposed, higher efficacy: tofacitinib, upadacitinib, ustekinumab. …

From our summary of this standard, unedited — the part the paper bears on. … marks omitted text. Our wording, not the guideline's; read the source for its own text.

Our full summary of this standard

Outpatient positioning is unchanged from the ACG 2025 UC guideline and the AGA living guideline for moderate-to-severe UC. Confirm UC with endoscopy showing continuous colonic inflammation from the rectum plus histology, after excluding infection with two-step C. difficile testing. Treat mild-moderate disease with 5-ASA chosen by route and extent: suppository for proctitis, enema for left-sided disease, oral plus rectal for extensive disease. If 5-ASA fails, treat as moderate-to-severe rather than stepping up gradually. Position advanced therapy by efficacy tier, not by an anti-TNF-first rule. Advanced-therapy-naive, higher efficacy: infliximab, vedolizumab, ozanimod, etrasimod, upadacitinib, risankizumab, guselkumab. Intermediate: golimumab, ustekinumab, tofacitinib, filgotinib, mirikizumab. Lower: adalimumab. Previously TNF-exposed, higher efficacy: tofacitinib, upadacitinib, ustekinumab. Lower: adalimumab, vedolizumab, ozanimod, etrasimod. After anti-TNF primary non-response, switch mechanism rather than cycling within the class. Treat to target (STRIDE-II): endoscopic improvement, Mayo endoscopic subscore 0-1. Begin CRC surveillance 8-10 years after diagnosis for extensive or left-sided disease; isolated proctitis follows average-risk screening. Inpatient care now follows the 2026 AGA Clinical Practice Update (13 best-practice statements). Admit for severe symptoms refractory to outpatient therapy, suspected complications (obstruction, abscess, toxic megacolon) or significant malnutrition, and identify acute severe UC by Truelove-Witts. Give every patient admitted with diarrhea two-step C. difficile testing. Test for CMV, with early endoscopy, if symptoms worsen, the patient is systemically toxic or disease is steroid-refractory. Give routine VTE prophylaxis with LMWH or fondaparinux unless contraindicated, and individualize post-discharge extension. Give IV methylprednisolone 60 mg/day or equivalent; the AGA living guideline says 40-60 mg/day, and higher doses add no benefit. Do not give adjunctive antibiotics without infection. Involve surgery early. Assess response by day 3 (72 h) using stool frequency and CRP (Oxford criteria); do not continue IV steroids beyond about 7 days without response. Rescue steroid non-responders with infliximab (accelerated or intensified dosing in selected patients with high inflammatory burden or protein-losing colopathy), cyclosporine, or a JAK inhibitor at standard or intensified dosing, or with colectomy. Before discharge, the response should be stable and a transition plan should be in place.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Inpatient Management of Adults With IBD (Gastroenterology 2026) / ACG UC Guideline Update 2025 / AGA Living Guideline, Moderate-to-Severe UC 2024 (panel review March 2026) · reviewed 2026-10-11 ↗
Wei SC … Gao X · Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology · IF 3.5 · PubMed ↗Permalink
IBD retrospective · n=300 · Aug 21, 2026 · Inflamm Bowel Dis · IF 4.5

GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy is associated with increased symptomatic remission in ulcerative colitis: a matched cohort study.

New evidenceulcerative colitis
Clinical takeawayThis observational, single-center finding is insufficient to change UC management. Potential confounding by indication cannot be fully excluded from a retrospective cohort design, despite matching on baseline characteristics. Do not prescribe GLP-1 RAs for UC based on this evidence; prospective randomized trials are needed.
What it foundIn UC patients initiated on GLP-1 RAs (liraglutide or semaglutide) for metabolic indications, symptomatic remission (partial Mayo score ≤2 with rectal bleeding subscore 0) was achieved in 66.7% at 12 weeks versus 25.3% of matched controls; adjusted OR 5.90 (95% CI 3.52-9.86).
ContextGLP-1 RAs are established for metabolic disease (diabetes, obesity) but not for inflammatory bowel disease. This unexpected signal in UC suggests anti-inflammatory effects outside the metabolic pathway, though temporal association does not establish causation. The finding challenges prior assumptions that metabolic agents lack direct GI benefit.
Emergingsuggested applicable standard· American Society of Anesthesiologists, 'Practice Advisory for the Perioperative Management of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Including Those Taking GLP-1 Receptor Agonists,' 2023

Decision at stakeWhether pre-initiation GI evaluation or specialist clearance is needed before starting GLP-1RA for metabolic indications in patients with ulcerative colitis

… The document does not address whether a GI condition warrants pre-initiation 'GI clearance' before starting a GLP-1RA; that question is not covered by this or any GI society guideline.

From our summary of this standard, unedited — the part the paper bears on. … marks omitted text. Our wording, not the guideline's; read the source for its own text.

Our full summary of this standard

Perioperative management of a patient already taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist should be individualized through shared decision-making among the patient, the prescribing team, the proceduralist/surgeon, and the anesthesiologist, balancing metabolic need against aspiration risk from delayed gastric emptying. In patients WITHOUT known risk factors for delayed gastric emptying (e.g., pre-existing gastroparesis, diabetes mellitus with neuropathy, prior gastric surgery, or severe GERD), GLP-1RA therapy may be continued preoperatively. When holding is elected, hold the day-of-procedure dose for daily formulations and the dose one week before the procedure for weekly formulations, while acknowledging the guidance states the optimal hold duration is unknown. Regardless of hold status, assess every patient on the day of the procedure for symptoms of delayed gastric emptying (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, distension); if present, manage the patient as a 'full stomach.' For patients WITH known risk factors for delayed gastric emptying, risk-mitigation options include a preoperative clear-liquid diet for at least 24 hours (as in colonoscopy/bariatric prep), point-of-care gastric ultrasound to assess residual gastric contents (limited by resources, inter-user variability, and credentialing), and consideration of rapid-sequence induction versus procedure deferral. The guidance explicitly cautions against reflexively withholding GLP-1RAs only in patients treated for overweight/obesity, which could constitute weight bias. The document does not address whether a GI condition warrants pre-initiation 'GI clearance' before starting a GLP-1RA; that question is not covered by this or any GI society guideline.

American Society of Anesthesiologists, 'Practice Advisory for the Perioperative Management of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Including Those Taking GLP-1 Receptor Agonists,' 2023 · reviewed 2026-07-21 ↗
Alqinai B … Hadam-Veverka J · Inflammatory Bowel Diseases · IF 4.5 · PubMed ↗Permalink
IBD retrospective · n=379 · Aug 18, 2026 · Inflamm Bowel Dis · IF 4.5

Effectiveness, Durability, and Safety of Ustekinumab in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results from the Taiwan Multicenter Real-world Ustekinumab Study (T-RUST Study).

New evidenceCrohn's diseaseulcerative colitisustekinumabperianal disease
Clinical takeawayUstekinumab achieved 84.7-90.2% clinical remission at 52 weeks, with one-year persistence >85% and fistula closure in 45.9% of fistulizing CD. This real-world evidence confirms ustekinumab's trial efficacy and supports its use as a durable option for CD and UC.
What it foundAt 52 weeks, ustekinumab achieved clinical remission in 84.7% of CD and 90.2% of UC patients; fistula closure occurred in 45.9% of fistulizing CD (17/37), and one-year drug persistence exceeded 85% (91.0% in CD, 85.9% in UC).
ContextThis real-world multicenter study extends prior trial efficacy data for ustekinumab (UNITI-IBD trials) to an Asian IBD population where real-world experience was previously limited, confirming the drug's durability in clinical practice.
Measured against the standard of care· AGA Clinical Practice Update on Inpatient Management of Adults With IBD (Gastroenterology 2026) / ACG UC Guideline Update 2025 / AGA Living Guideline, Moderate-to-Severe UC 2024 (panel review March 2026)

Decision at stakePosition ustekinumab as intermediate efficacy in advanced-therapy-naive UC and higher efficacy in TNF-exposed UC

… Position advanced therapy by efficacy tier, not by an anti-TNF-first rule. Advanced-therapy-naive, higher efficacy: infliximab, vedolizumab, ozanimod, etrasimod, upadacitinib, risankizumab, guselkumab. … Previously TNF-exposed, higher efficacy: tofacitinib, upadacitinib, ustekinumab. …

From our summary of this standard, unedited — the part the paper bears on. … marks omitted text. Our wording, not the guideline's; read the source for its own text.

Our full summary of this standard

Outpatient positioning is unchanged from the ACG 2025 UC guideline and the AGA living guideline for moderate-to-severe UC. Confirm UC with endoscopy showing continuous colonic inflammation from the rectum plus histology, after excluding infection with two-step C. difficile testing. Treat mild-moderate disease with 5-ASA chosen by route and extent: suppository for proctitis, enema for left-sided disease, oral plus rectal for extensive disease. If 5-ASA fails, treat as moderate-to-severe rather than stepping up gradually. Position advanced therapy by efficacy tier, not by an anti-TNF-first rule. Advanced-therapy-naive, higher efficacy: infliximab, vedolizumab, ozanimod, etrasimod, upadacitinib, risankizumab, guselkumab. Intermediate: golimumab, ustekinumab, tofacitinib, filgotinib, mirikizumab. Lower: adalimumab. Previously TNF-exposed, higher efficacy: tofacitinib, upadacitinib, ustekinumab. Lower: adalimumab, vedolizumab, ozanimod, etrasimod. After anti-TNF primary non-response, switch mechanism rather than cycling within the class. Treat to target (STRIDE-II): endoscopic improvement, Mayo endoscopic subscore 0-1. Begin CRC surveillance 8-10 years after diagnosis for extensive or left-sided disease; isolated proctitis follows average-risk screening. Inpatient care now follows the 2026 AGA Clinical Practice Update (13 best-practice statements). Admit for severe symptoms refractory to outpatient therapy, suspected complications (obstruction, abscess, toxic megacolon) or significant malnutrition, and identify acute severe UC by Truelove-Witts. Give every patient admitted with diarrhea two-step C. difficile testing. Test for CMV, with early endoscopy, if symptoms worsen, the patient is systemically toxic or disease is steroid-refractory. Give routine VTE prophylaxis with LMWH or fondaparinux unless contraindicated, and individualize post-discharge extension. Give IV methylprednisolone 60 mg/day or equivalent; the AGA living guideline says 40-60 mg/day, and higher doses add no benefit. Do not give adjunctive antibiotics without infection. Involve surgery early. Assess response by day 3 (72 h) using stool frequency and CRP (Oxford criteria); do not continue IV steroids beyond about 7 days without response. Rescue steroid non-responders with infliximab (accelerated or intensified dosing in selected patients with high inflammatory burden or protein-losing colopathy), cyclosporine, or a JAK inhibitor at standard or intensified dosing, or with colectomy. Before discharge, the response should be stable and a transition plan should be in place.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Inpatient Management of Adults With IBD (Gastroenterology 2026) / ACG UC Guideline Update 2025 / AGA Living Guideline, Moderate-to-Severe UC 2024 (panel review March 2026) · reviewed 2026-10-11 ↗
Lin SH … Le PH · Inflammatory Bowel Diseases · IF 4.5 · PubMed ↗Permalink
IBD prospective cohort · n=62 · Aug 20, 2026 · Inflamm Bowel Dis · IF 4.5

Novel proteomic signatures of stricturing Crohn disease using a treatment-naive cohort.

DiagnosticCrohn's diseasebiomarkertranslationalartificial intelligence
Clinical takeawayThese models cannot yet guide clinical decisions. Diagnostic and predictive models require prospective external validation in independent cohorts before clinical implementation. No serum biomarker test should be adopted based on this discovery-stage study.
What it foundA 5-protein serum model distinguished stricturing from non-stricturing Crohn disease with AUC 0.754 (n=50: 30 B1 vs 20 B2), and a separate 5-protein model predicted stricture progression with AUC 0.947 internally (n=10 progressors). Glypican-6 (GPC6) was confirmed elevated in stricturing phenotype and expressed in fibroblasts within fibrostenotic tissue.
ContextCD strictures are identified by imaging (CT/MR enterography) or endoscopy. Serum biomarkers for early non-invasive detection remain an unmet need. This proteomic discovery study identifies candidate markers but does not establish clinical utility compared to existing diagnostic methods.
Measured against the standard of care· ACG 2025 (Lichtenstein et al., Am J Gastroenterol) / AGA Living Guideline 2025 (Scott et al., Gastroenterology) / AGA Clinical Practice Update on Therapeutic Endoscopy in IBD 2026 (CGH)

Decision at stakeEarly recognition and risk stratification of CD-related intestinal strictures

No single passage of this standard matched the paper closely enough to quote, so none is shown. The standard is cited above.

Our full summary of this standard

Two current US guidelines govern Crohn's disease and should be read together. ACG 2025 (Lichtenstein et al.) remains the reference for diagnosis, mild-to-moderate disease, perianal, postoperative and abscess management. DIAGNOSIS: fecal calprotectin (>50-100 μg/g) separates inflammatory from noninflammatory disease of the colon. Workup is ileocolonoscopy with biopsies, including uninvolved mucosa, plus small-bowel imaging. CTE and MRE are comparable; prefer MRE in patients <35 y and when serial exams are likely. Intestinal ultrasound is an ungraded adjunct. Do routine CRC surveillance in Crohn's colitis. MILD-TO-MODERATE: recommend against oral mesalamine; sulfasalazine only for symptomatic mild colonic CD; ileal-release budesonide 9 mg for induction in ileocecal disease but not for maintenance. MODERATE-TO-SEVERE (AGA Living Guideline, Scott et al., Gastroenterology 2025;169(7):1397-1448, 16 recommendations: 1 strong, 9 conditional, 6 knowledge gaps; updated quarterly, adult outpatients only): RECOMMEND infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab, risankizumab, mirikizumab, guselkumab or upadacitinib over no treatment; SUGGEST certolizumab pegol or vedolizumab over no treatment. Advanced-therapy-naive: suggest higher-efficacy agents (infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, risankizumab, mirikizumab, guselkumab) over lower-efficacy ones (certolizumab pegol, upadacitinib). Prior advanced-therapy (especially anti-TNF) exposure: suggest higher- or intermediate-efficacy agents (adalimumab, risankizumab, guselkumab, upadacitinib; ustekinumab, mirikizumab) over lower-efficacy ones (vedolizumab, certolizumab pegol). Suggest against thiopurine monotherapy for induction; suggest it for maintenance of remission. Suggest SC/IM methotrexate monotherapy; suggest against oral methotrexate. In thiopurine-naive patients starting infliximab, suggest infliximab + thiopurine over infliximab alone. No recommendation on IFX + MTX, adalimumab + immunomodulator, or non-TNF biologic + immunomodulator. After ≥6 months of steroid-free remission on anti-TNF + immunomodulator, suggest withdrawing the immunomodulator and suggest against withdrawing the anti-TNF. SUGGEST upfront advanced therapy over step-up therapy (corticosteroids and/or immunomodulator first). No recommendation on treating to endoscopic vs symptomatic remission. The ACG 2025 moderate-to-severe recommendations (anti-TNF, IFX + thiopurine combination and IL-12/23/IL-23 agents, each strong/moderate; upadacitinib after anti-TNF exposure; steroids for short-term induction only; TPMT/NUDT15 testing before thiopurines) still stand alongside AGA. ACG perianal (infliximab first; drain abscesses and place setons before escalating), postoperative (endoscopy at 6-12 months; anti-TNF strong, vedolizumab conditional in high-risk patients) and intra-abdominal abscess (>2 cm: antibiotics plus drainage, hold immunosuppression) positions are unchanged. THERAPEUTIC ENDOSCOPY (AGA Clinical Practice Update, CGH 2026; details below come from AGA news coverage, not the full text, and are ungraded advice): get cross-sectional imaging before the procedure. Endoscopic balloon dilation is first-line for short strictures (about ≤4-5 cm) with few risk factors (fistula, prestenotic dilation >5 cm, high CRP, prior anti-TNF). Longer or multiple strictures, or ≥3 risk factors, favor surgery.

ACG 2025 (Lichtenstein et al., Am J Gastroenterol) / AGA Living Guideline 2025 (Scott et al., Gastroenterology) / AGA Clinical Practice Update on Therapeutic Endoscopy in IBD 2026 (CGH) · reviewed 2026-10-11 ↗
Liu Z … Mao R · Inflammatory Bowel Diseases · IF 4.5 · PubMed ↗Permalink
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