Histological Scores in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: The State of the Art

Overview

Journal J Clin Med

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2022 Feb 25

PMID 35207211

Authors

Edoardo Vespa

Ferdinando DAmico

Mauro Sollai

Mariangela Allocca

Federica Furfaro

Alessandra Zilli

Arianna Dal Buono

Roberto Gabbiadini

Silvio Danese

Gionata Fiorino

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The histological assessment has been advocated as a detailed and accurate measure of disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In ulcerative colitis (UC), histological activity has been demonstrated to be associated with higher rates of relapse, prolonged corticosteroid use and long-term complications, even when endoscopic remission is achieved. Therefore, histological healing may represent a potential treatment target. Several histological scores have been developed and are available today. The Robarts histopathology index (RHI) and the Nancy index (NI) are the only two recommended by the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) for use in patients with UC. Conversely, in Crohn's disease (CD), the discontinuous nature of lesions has limited standardized histological assessment. Most of the available histological scoring systems in CD are complex and not validated. The aim of this review is to comprehensively summarize the latest evidence regarding histological scoring systems in IBD. We guide the reader through understanding the importance of an accurate microscopic evaluation using validated scoring systems, highlighting the strengths and pitfalls of each score. The priorities of future research needs are also addressed.

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