ANCA Is Associated with Chronic Pouchitis

Pouchitis is a common and well-known complication of total proctocolectomy and ileoanal pouch anastomosis (IPAA) for inflammatory bowel disease. In some but not all studies, positivity for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) has been associated with an increased risk for pouchitis. A link between the anti–Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) and pouchitis has also been suggested. Now, investigators have conducted a meta-analysis to further investigate possible associations between ANCA or ASCA and acute or chronic pouchitis.

Using a systematic review process, researchers identified 11 studies (8 cohort studies and 3 case-control studies) eligible for the meta-analysis. Acute pouchitis was defined as single episodes that responded …