The Disease Severity Index for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is a Valid Instrument that Predicts Complicated Disease

Akhilesh Swaminathan*, James M. Fulforth, Chris M. Frampton, Grace M. Borichevsky, Thomas C. Mules, Kate Kilpatrick, Myriam Choukour, Peter Fields, Resham Ramkissoon, Emily Helms, Stephen B. Hanauer, Rupert W. Leong, Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet, Corey A. Siegel, Richard B. Gearry

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The disease severity index (DSI) for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) combines measures of disease phenotype, inflammatory activity, and patient-reported outcomes. We aimed to validate the DSI and assess its utility in predicting a complicated IBD course. Methods: A multicenter cohort of adults with IBD was recruited. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and weighted Kappa assessed inter-rater reliability. Cronbach’s alpha measured internal consistency of DSI items. Spearman’s rank correlations compared the DSI with endoscopic indices, symptom indices, quality of life, and disability. A subgroup was followed for 24 months to assess for a complicated IBD course. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) and multivariable logistic regression assessed the utility of the DSI in predicting disease progression. Results: Three hundred and sixty-nine participants were included (Crohn’s disease [CD], n = 230; female, n = 194; mean age, 46 years [SD, 15]; median disease duration, 11 years [interquartile range, 5-21]), of which 171 (CD, n = 99; ulcerative colitis [UC], n = 72) were followed prospectively. The DSI showed inter-rater reliability for CD (ICC 0.93, n = 65) and UC (ICC 0.97, n = 33). The DSI items demonstrated inter-rater agreement (Kappa > 0.4) and internal consistency (CD, α > 0.59; UC, α > 0.75). The DSI was significantly associated with endoscopic activity (CDn=141, r = 0.65, P < .001; UCn=105, r = 0.80, P < .001), symptoms (CDn=159, r = 0.69, P < .001; UCn=132, r = 0.58, P < .001), quality of life (CDn=198, r = −0.59, P < .001; UCn=128, r = −0.68, P < .001), and disability (CDn=83, r = −0.67, P < .001; UCn=52, r = −0.74, P < .001). A DSI of 23 best predicted a complicated IBD course (AUROC = 0.82, P < .001) and was associated with this end point on multivariable analyses (aOR, 9.20; 95% confidence interval, 3.32-25.49). Conclusions: The DSI reliably encapsulates factors contributing to disease severity and accurately prognosticates the longitudinal IBD course.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2064-2075
Number of pages12
JournalInflammatory bowel diseases
Volume30
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2024

Funding

This work was supported by a small research grant and research fellowship grant awarded by the New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology.

Keywords

  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • outcomes research
  • symptom score or index

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Gastroenterology

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