scholarly journals P621 Lactose intolerance assessed by analysis of genetic polymorphism, breath test and symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S561-S562
Author(s):  
O M Nardone ◽  
F Manfellotto ◽  
C D’Onofrio ◽  
A Rocco ◽  
G Annona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
General Population ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Clinical Remission ◽  
Breath Test ◽  
Lactose Intolerance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Abstract Background Many patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) make restriction of dairy products to control their symptoms. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of lactose intolerance assessed with hydrogen breath test (H-BT) in IBD patients in clinical remission with symptoms suggestive for lactose intolerance, compared to a sex- age- and BMI-matched control population. We further detected the prevalence of three single nucleotide polymorphisms of the lactase (LCT) gene: the lactase non persistence LCT-13910CC (genetic wildtype) and the intermediate phenotype LCT-22018AG, LCT-13910CT and we assess the correlation between genotype and H-BT Methods We performed a prospective study enrolling IBD patients in clinical remission: Crohn disease (CD) activity index CDAI<150 for CD and pMayo score≤1 for ulcerative colitis (UC) and controls. All of them underwent clinical evaluation, H-BT and genetic test analysing lactase gene polymorphisms located on chromosome 2. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square, Student’s t-test and ANOVA. Results A total of 54 IBD patients and 69 matched controls were enrolled. H-BT was positive in 35(64.8%) IBD patients and 43 (62.3%) controls (p=0.3). No significant difference in lactose intolerance rate, assessed by H-BT and symptoms,was found between CD and UC patients (p =0.8). The wild-type genotype was found in 46 (85.2%) IBD patients , CT22018, AG13910 and CT22018/AG13910 polymorphisms were found in 9.3%, 1.8% and 3.7% respectively. While in the control group, the wild-type genotype, CT22018, AG13910 and CT22018/AG13910 polymorphisms were found in 87%, 5.8%, 5.8% and 1.4% of cases, respectively. The wild type and polymorphisms’ prevalence did not differ between IBD population and control group (85.2%vs 87%, p=0.1) (14.8% vs 13%, p=0.7) [Fig.1] and between CD and UC (p>0.05) [Fig.2]. The correlation between positive H-BT and genetic analysis showed that the wild-type genotype was associated with higher rate of lactose intolerance in the total population (OR 5.31, 95%CI 1.73–16.29, p=0.003) and in the IBD population (OR 7.61, 95%CI 1.36–42.7, p=0.02), even thought not in the control group (OR 4, 95%CI 0.90–17.68, p=0.07) Fig.1 Fig.2 Conclusion The prevalence of lactose intolerance in IBD is high but not dissimilar from that of the general population. The prevalence of the wild-type genotype in patients with IBD does not differ from the general population and it correlates with higher rate of lactose intolerance assessed with H-BT. Despite suggestive symptoms, about 1/3 of IBD patients is not lactose intolerant, not needing elimination diet. These can lead to promote a rationale and balanced dietary management in IBD and thereby preventing the occurrence of calcium phosphate metabolism disorders.

scholarly journals Lactose Intolerance Assessed by Analysis of Genetic Polymorphism, Breath Test and Symptoms in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1290
Author(s):  
Olga Maria Nardone ◽  
Francesco Manfellotto ◽  
Caterina D’Onofrio ◽  
Alba Rocco ◽  
Giovanni Annona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Breath Test ◽  
Lactose Intolerance ◽  
Intermediate Phenotype ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Hydrogen Breath Test ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Many patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) restrict dairy products to control their symptoms. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of lactose intolerance assessed with hydrogen breath test (H-BT) in IBD patients in clinical remission compared to a sex, age and BMI matched control population. We further detected the prevalence of three single nucleotide polymorphisms of the lactase (LCT) gene: the lactase non persistence LCT-13910 CC (wildtype) and the intermediate phenotype LCT-22018 CT and LCT-13910 AG; finally, we assess the correlation between genotype and H-BT. A total of 54 IBD patients and 69 control who underwent clinical evaluation, H-BT and genetic test were enrolled. H-BT was positive in 64.8% IBD patients and 62.3% control (p = 0.3). The wild-type genotype was found in 85.2% IBD patients while CT-22018, AG-13910 and CT-22018/AG-13910 polymorphisms were found in 9.3%, 1.8% and 3.7%. In the control group, the wild-type genotype, CT-22018, AG-13910 and CT-22018/AG-13910 polymorphisms were found in 87%, 5.8%, 5.8% and 1.4% of cases, respectively. Therefore, the wild-type and polymorphisms’ prevalence did not differ between IBD population and control group (85.2% vs. 87%, p = 0.1) (14.8% vs. 13%, p = 0.7). The correlation between positive H-BT and genetic analysis showed that the wild-type genotype was associated with higher rate of lactose intolerance in the total population (OR 5.31, 95%CI 1.73–16.29, p = 0.003) and in the IBD (OR 7.61, 95%CI 1.36–42.7, p = 0.02). The prevalence of lactose intolerance in IBD patients did not differ from that of control. Despite suggestive symptoms, about 1/3 of IBD patients are not lactose intolerant, thus not needing “a priori” elimination diet. This may encourage a rationale and balanced dietary management in IBD.

scholarly journals P790 Dental caries occurrence among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S622-S623
Author(s):  
D Piątek ◽  
S Jarmakiewicz-Czaja ◽  
I Korona-Głowniak ◽  
A Malm ◽  
J Sztembis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Caries Experience ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Dmft Index ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
D Values

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including patients’ diet, way of treatment and general health may have an impact on teeth condition. Due to multifactorial nature of caries that its linked to susceptibility of hard tooth tissues, cariogenic microorganisms and presence of fermentable carbohydrates, the course of disease can be modified at many levels. The aim of the study was to assess dental caries experience in adult patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods The study involved 224 individuals: 98 with diagnosed CD, 75 with UC and 51 of control group (CG) with mean age 34.7. The complete assessment of the hard tooth tissues based on the DMFT index (decayed D, missing M, filled F teeth) was performed. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the examined groups in terms of DMFT index values, however, a statistically significant difference was found in the number of teeth with caries (D) (mean 3.99, 3.05 and 1.96 for CD, UC and CG respectively; H=13.55 p < 0.05). All groups had higher mean D values in men than women, and achieved the highest mean value in CD group (4.78) compared with UC (3.68) and healthy controls (2.06)(H=8.71 p < 0.05). The results of D values for CG obtained in our study confirm the literature data for healthy population aged 35–44 in Poland (mean D~2). The number of lost teeth (M) in the studied population was high and amounted to 5.47, 5.25 and 3.94 for the examined groups, respectively. A thorough analysis showed that in the group of men the difference in the M value was statistically significant at 5.83, 5.94 and 1.11 for CD, UC and CG respectively (H=15.84 p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences (H=6.21 p < 0.05) were observed in the number of filled teeth (F), without secondary caries, which highest value was recorded in CG (10.76) and the lowest in the CD group (8.93). Conclusion The highest D and M values were observed in patients with CD, especially in men, which proves the intensity and activity of dental caries disease in this group.

scholarly journals Fecal microbiota profile in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Taiwan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tien-En Chang ◽  
Jiing-Chyuan Luo ◽  
Ueng-Cheng Yang ◽  
Yi-Hsiang Huang ◽  
Ming-Chih Hou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Structural Difference ◽  
Fecal Microbiota ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sequence Variant ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that associated with complicated interaction between immune, gut microbiota and environmental factors in a genetically vulnerable host. Dysbiosis is often seen in patients with IBD. Our aim is to investigate the fecal microbiota in patients with IBD and compared to healthy controls in Taiwan. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we investigated fecal microbiota in 20 patients with IBD and 48 healthy controls. Fecal samples from both IBD patients and controls were analyzed by next-generation sequencing method and relevant software. Results The IBD group showed lower bacterial richness and diversity compared to the control group. The principal coordinate analysis also revealed significant structural difference between the IBD group and the control group. These findings were consistent whether the analysis was based on operational taxonomic unit or amplicon sequence variant. However, no significant difference was found when comparing the composition of fecal microbiota between ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Further analysis showed that Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium and Veillonella were dominant in the IBD group, while Faecalibacterium and Subdoligranulum were dominant in the control group at genus level. When comparing UC, CD and control group, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus were identified as dominant genera in the UC group. Fusobacterium and Escherichia_Shigella were dominant in the CD group. Faecalibacterium and Subdoligranulum were dominant in the control group. Conclusions Compared to the healthy control, the IBD group showed dysbiosis with a significant decreased in both richness and diversity of gut microbiota.

IgG4 and IgG-positive plasma cell infiltration and high correlation with disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease undergoing colectomy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Yang ◽  
Bo Chen ◽  
Zheng Wang ◽  
Xiyu Sun ◽  
Bin Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Plasma Cell ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Cell Infiltration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Characteristic Analysis ◽  
Plasma Cell Infiltration ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Abstract Background The aims of this study were to identify the distribution and the role of IgG-positive and IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration in colonic mucosa in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods Patients with IBD who were free from immunosuppressive agents were consecutively enrolled from 2010 to 2014. Sections from surgical specimens were stained with monoclonal antihuman IgG4 and IgG antibody using standard immunohistochemical techniques. Results In total, 49 patients (30 CD and 19 UC) were included in this study. There was abundant infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in 4 patients with UC (IgG4-present, 21.1%) and 6 patients with CD (IgG4-present, 20.0%). A significantly higher number of IgG-positive cells and IgG4-positive cells were found in patients with CD and UC than in control group. Higher proportions of IgG4 correlated with higher endoscopic activity scoring, higher revised Mayo score, lower haemoglobin, higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, higher high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and higher D-dimer in patients with UC (P < 0.05). A significant difference was identified in terms of disease activity in the IgG-present group compared with the group with the IgG-absent group (69.2% vs 16.7% P < 0.05). If the cut-off value was set at 25 cells/HPF for IgG, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting severity potential in UC was 90.0% and 55.6%, respectively. The area under the curve was 0.633 by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Conclusions These findings suggest that IgG4 infiltration appears to be a relevant marker of inflammatory process caused by immune dysregulation in patients with IBD.

scholarly journals P164 Celiac Disease among a large cohort of inflammatory bowel disease patients: epidemiology and outcome implications

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S241-S241
Author(s):  
M Vernero ◽  
D G Ribaldone ◽  
G Giudici ◽  
F M Stalla ◽  
C Dutto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Celiac Disease ◽  
General Population ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Duodenal Lesions ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and undetermined IBD (IBD-U), are autoimmune chronic remittent diseases affecting the gut. On the other hand celiac disease (CeD) is a gluten related disorder leading to duodenal villous atrophy. Lately, the link between CeD and IBD has become of growing interest. Indeed, CeD prevalence among IBD population has been widely investigated, as well as IBD prevalence in CeD population. Particularly, IBD seems to have a significantly higher prevalence among CeD population than in general population and CeD seems to be more prevalent in IBD population. However, there is still lack of data on whether CeD can influence IBD outcome. So, primary outcome of our study is to measure prevalence of CeD among IBD population and secondary outcome is to evaluate possible influence of CeD on IBD outcome. Methods Data were collected from march 2020 to September 2020 from IBD internal registry in San Giovanni Antica Sede Hospital in Turin. To detect CeD patients, all patients were screened and the ones with a reported duodenal lesion were selected. From those, the ones with defined diagnosis of CeD (presence of serum IgA antitransglutaminase and or IgA anti endomisial antibodies) were finally selected. Prevalence of CeD among IBD was compared to that of general population basing on literature. Then 76 patients were randomly selected as control group, in roder to investigate secondary outcome. To define IBD as complicated Siegel’s score was used (1 out of five item needed to define complicated disease). Results Among 5732 IBD patients we detected 80 patients with duodenal lesions, of whom 27 were diagnosed with CeD. So, prevalence of CeD among our population is about 0,49% whiich is similar to that of general population (0,48%, P=0.98). No differences were found in CeD prevalence among CD, UC and IBD-U subgroups. As regards secondary outcome, in case group complicated IBD was 44,4% while among control group 26,3% (p=0.08). In a mean follow up time of 133,93 months, mean time from diagnosis to complication of IBD was 58,2 months in case group and 102,7 months in control group. As shown in figure 1, Kaplan-Maier curve for event free survival comparing the two groups shows a significant difference between CeD + IBD patients and IBD only patients (p=0,002). Conclusion Even though the retrospective nature of the study could lead to underestimate CeD diagnosis, among our cohort of IBD patients CeD prevalence seems not to be significantly higher than among general population. Despite of that, when associated to CeD, IBD seems to have earlier complications, so these patients may deserve a top down therapeutical approach and/ or a more strict follow up.

scholarly journals SAT0462 ASSESSMENT OF BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1188.1-1188
Author(s):  
C. Daldoul ◽  
N. El Amri ◽  
K. Baccouche ◽  
H. Zeglaoui ◽  
E. Bouajina
Keyword(s):  
Bone Mineral Density ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Bone Mineral ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Femoral Site ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
The Mean

Background:Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), is considered as a risk factor of low bone mineral density (BMD). In fact, the prevalence of osteoporosis ranges from 17% to 41% in IBD patients. The possible contributing factors may include malabsorption, glucocorticoid treatment and coexisting comorbiditiesObjectives:The purpose of our work was to determine the frequency and the determinants of osteoporosis in patients with IBD and to assess whether there is a difference in BMD status between UC and CD.Methods:This is a retrospective study, over a period of 5 years (from January 2014 to December 2018) and including patients followed for IBD who had a measurement of BMD by DEXA. Clinical, anthropometric and densitometric data (BMD at the femoral and vertebral site) were recorded. The WHO criteria for the definition of osteoporosis and osteopenia were applied.Results:One hundred and five patients were collected; among them 45 were men and 60 were women. The average age was 45.89 years old. The average body mass index (BMI) was 25.81 kg/m2 [16.44-44.15]. CD and UC were diagnosed in respectively 57.1% and 42.9%. A personal history of fragility fracture was noted in 4.8%. Hypothyroidism was associated in one case. Early menopause was recorded in 7.6%. 46.8% patients were treated with corticosteroids. The mean BMD at the vertebral site was 1.023 g/cm3 [0.569-1.489 g/cm3]. Mean BMD at the femoral site was 0.920g/cm3 [0.553-1.286g / cm3]. The mean T-score at the femoral site and the vertebral site were -1.04 SD and -1.27 SD, respectively. Osteoporosis was found in 25.7% and osteopenia in 37.1%. Osteoporosis among CD and UC patients was found in respectively 63% and 37%. The age of the osteoporotic patients was significantly higher compared to those who were not osteoporotic (52.23 vs 43.67 years, p = 0.01). We found a significantly higher percentage of osteoporosis among men compared to women (35.6% vs 18.3%, p=0.046). The BMI was significantly lower in the osteoporotic patients (23.87 vs 26.48 kg/m2, p=0.035) and we found a significant correlation between BMI and BMD at the femoral site (p=0.01). No increase in the frequency of osteoporosis was noted in patients treated with corticosteroids (27.9% vs 21.6%, p=0.479). Comparing the UC and CD patients, no difference was found in baseline characteristics, use of steroids or history of fracture. No statistically significant difference was found between UC and CD patients for osteoporosis(p=0.478), BMD at the femoral site (p=0.529) and at the vertebral site (p=0.568).Conclusion:Osteoporosis was found in 25.7% of IBD patients without any difference between CD and UC. This decline does not seem to be related to the treatment with corticosteroids but rather to the disease itself. Hence the interest of an early screening of this silent disease.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Dental and periodontal disease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher X. W. Tan ◽  
Henk S. Brand ◽  
Bilgin Kalender ◽  
Nanne K. H. De Boer ◽  
Tymour Forouzanfar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Periodontal Disease ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Preventive Dental Care ◽  
Dmft Index ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Objectives Although bowel symptoms are often predominant, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients can have several oral manifestations. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) compared to an age and gender-matched control group of patients without IBD. Material and methods The DMFT (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) scores and the DPSI (Dutch Periodontal Screening Index) of 229 IBD patients were retrieved from the electronic health record patient database axiUm at the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA) and were compared to the DMFT scores and DPSI from age and gender-matched non-IBD patients from the same database. Results The total DMFT index was significantly higher in the IBD group compared to the control group. When CD and UC were analyzed separately, a statistically significant increased DMFT index was observed in CD patients but not in UC patients. The DPSI did not differ significantly between the IBD and non-IBD groups for each of the sextants. However, in every sextant, IBD patients were more frequently edentulous compared to the control patients. Conclusion CD patients have significantly more dental health problems compared to a control group. Periodontal disease did not differ significantly between IBD and non-IBD groups as determined by the DPSI. Clinical relevance It is important that IBD patients and physicians are instructed about the correlation between their disease and oral health problems. Strict oral hygiene and preventive dental care such as more frequent checkups should be emphasized by dental clinicians.

USTEKINUMAB FOR CHRONIC GRANULOMATOUS DISEASE-ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S59-S59
Author(s):  
Sumona Bhattacharya ◽  
Beatriz Marciano ◽  
Harry Malech ◽  
Steven Holland ◽  
Suk See De Ravin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Chronic Granulomatous Disease ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Clinical Remission ◽  
Colonic Disease ◽  
Cell Transplant ◽  
Granulomatous Disease ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Serious Infections ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Abstract Introduction Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the NADPH oxidase complex. Dysregulated immune function may cause inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients with CGD-associated IBD may not respond to or may develop serious infections as a result of traditional IBD therapies such as vedolizumab and infliximab. Ustekinumab is approved for use in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis however there is scarce data on its efficacy and safety in CGD. Aims To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab for CGD-associated IBD. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on CGD patients followed at a single center who had consented to participate in a natural history study. Clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic data were extracted in those that had received ustekinumab for IBD. Results Eight patients were found. Four were male and four were female. Five were white, one was Asian, one was black, and one was mixed race. Median age at diagnosis of CGD was 3 years (IQR 8) and of IBD was 15.5 years (IQR 20). Median age at initiation of ustekinumab was 27.5 years (IQR 14) and median duration on ustekinumab was 10 months (IQR 7). Six had colonic disease, two had ileocolonic disease, and six had perianal disease. Six failed other biologics (n=5 for vedolizumab, n=1 for infliximab, n=1 for adalimumab). Six patients symptomatically improved whereas two had no improvement. Changes in hemoglobin and C-reactive protein were equivocal. Three patients had improved endoscopic findings, two had unimproved findings, and three patients lacked this data. Overall, four patients achieved clinical remission. However, none of the five patients with endoscopic reevaluation achieved endoscopic remission. Three patients discontinued therapy due to lack of response: two required surgery and one underwent stem cell transplant. Fungal pneumonia (n=2), otitis media (n=1), oral herpes simplex virus 1 (n=1), and viral gastroenteritis (n=1) were reported. One infusion reaction occurred. Discussion In our cohort of eight patients with CGD-associated IBD receiving ustekinumab, results were mixed with four patients experiencing some degree of clinical or endoscopic improvement including four who achieved clinical remission. Multiple CGD-related variables may account for the mixed laboratory findings. Four of the five patients with endoscopic reevaluation had pre-existing strictures that would be unlikely to reverse with medical therapy alone. Of these, two had otherwise resolved endoscopic inflammation. Only two patients had no endoscopic improvement. Two serious infections occurred however CGD confers increased infectious susceptibility and no infections lead to discontinuation of therapy. Given these promising results, further formalized study of ustekinumab in CGD-associated IBD is needed.

scholarly journals A183 TELEHEALTH USE IN RURAL SASKATCHEWAN AND INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE OUTCOMES

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 197-199
Author(s):  
M Patterson ◽  
M Gozdzik ◽  
J Peña-Sánchez ◽  
S Fowler
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Health Care Utilization ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Postal Code ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Specialist Care ◽  
Disease Characteristics ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Abstract Background Appropriate management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often requires multiple specialist appointments per year. Living in rural locations may pose a barrier to regular specialist care. Saskatchewan (SK) has a large rural population. Prior to COVID-19, telehealth (TH) in SK was not routinely used for either patient assessment or follow up. Furthermore, TH was exclusively between hospitals and specific TH sites without direct contact using patient’s personal phones. Aims The objective of this study was to assess the differences in demographics, disease characteristics, outcomes, and health care utilization between patients from rural SK with IBD who used TH and those who did not. Methods A retrospective chart review was completed on all rural patients (postal code S0*) with IBD in SK who were followed at the Multidisciplinary IBD Clinic in Saskatoon between January 2018 and February 2020. Patients were classified as using TH if they had ever used it. Information on demographics, disease characteristics, and access to IBD-related health care in the year prior to their last IBD clinic visit or endoscopy was collected. Data was not collected for clinic visits after March 1, 2020 as all outpatient care became remote secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mean, standard deviations, median and interquartile ranges (IQR) were reported. Mann-Witney U and Chi-Square tests were used to determine differences between the groups. Results In total, 288 rural SK IBD patients were included, 30 (10.4%) used TH and 258 (89.6%) did not. Patient demographics were not significantly different between the two groups; although, there was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of ulcerative colitis patients (17% TH vs. 38% non-TH, p=0.02). The percentage of patients with clinical remission was 87% for TH patients and 74% for non-TH patients (p=0.13). There were no significant differences in health care utilization patterns and biochemical markers of disease, including c-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin (FCP) (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions Prior to the pandemic, a small percentage of patients with IBD in rural SK ever used TH. A small proportion of UC patients used TH. No significant differences in disease characteristics, outcomes, or health care utilization were identified. Further study is warranted to identify barriers to use of this technology to tailor care to this patient group and improve access to care, especially now as the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the use of virtual care. Funding Agencies None

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