Knowledge and perspectives towards the use of histology in inflammatory bowel disease by gastroenterologists across the Asia-Pacific region
Issued Date
2025-07-01
Resource Type
ISSN
15989100
eISSN
22881956
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105012126772
Journal Title
Intestinal Research
Volume
23
Issue
3
Start Page
338
End Page
346
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Intestinal Research Vol.23 No.3 (2025) , 338-346
Suggested Citation
Chaemsupaphan T., Pudipeddi A., Lin H., Wu H.Y., Limsrivilai J., Lim W.C., Wei S.C., Leong R.W. Knowledge and perspectives towards the use of histology in inflammatory bowel disease by gastroenterologists across the Asia-Pacific region. Intestinal Research Vol.23 No.3 (2025) , 338-346. 346. doi:10.5217/ir.2024.00086 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/111547
Title
Knowledge and perspectives towards the use of histology in inflammatory bowel disease by gastroenterologists across the Asia-Pacific region
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background/Aims: Recently, histological mucosal assessment has gained momentum as a potential new treatment target for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the Asia-Pacific region. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the knowledge and acceptability of histological assessment among gastroenterologists across the region. Methods: A cross-sectional survey among gastroenterologists in the Asia-Pacific region was conducted and compared against a previous Australian survey. The questionnaire assessed knowledge and attitude towards the role and application of histology in IBD practice. Statistical analyses were employed to compare scores and identify predictors. Results: A total of 221 gastroenterologists from 12 countries, including 77 (34.8%) from Australia, responded to questionnaire, with 185 (83.7%) completing the survey. The mean knowledge score was 9.8 ± 3.3 (51.6%). There was no significant difference in the average score among countries (P= 0.53). IBD specialist (P< 0.01), doctoral degree (P= 0.02), and regular participation in IBD multidisciplinary meetings (P= 0.01) were associated with higher scores. Most respondents (90.7%) agreed on the importance of histology in IBD. While 54.6% of Australians perceived the role of histology as established, only 37.0% of Asians respondents considered this similarly (P= 0.02). Histological activity alone minimally influences treatment escalation in patients with endoscopic remission, but achieving combined histo-endoscopic remission often leads to therapy de-escalation. Conclusions: Although gastroenterologists in the Asia-Pacific region are aware of the role of histology in IBD, their knowledge remains limited, and its clinical utility is not widely adopted. There is a need to promote the routine use of standardized histological assessment in IBD practice.