No abstract

The CMV DNA load determined in inflamed intestinal tissue predicts resistance to steroid treatment and to three drug regimens in UC. Initiation of an early antiviral treatment in these patients might delay the occurrence of resistance to current treatments.

The presence of low ADA trough levels without AAA is strongly predictive of clinical response in 67% of cases after ADA optimization. Conversely, low ADA levels with detectable AAA are associated with ADA failure, and switching to IFX should be considered. ADA trough levels >4.9 μg/ml are associated with failure of two anti-TNF agents (ADA and IFX) in 90% of cases, and switching to another drug class should be considered.

In a prospective study of patients with CD or UC receiving induction therapy with vedolizumab, low trough levels of vedolizumab at Week 6 (<19.0 μg/mL) are associated with need for additional doses (given at Week 10 and then every 4 weeks). All patients receiving these additional doses achieved a clinical response 4 weeks later.

Preoperative anti-TNF use slightly increases the occurrence of overall postoperative complications in IBD patients, and particularly infectious complications in CD patients. Postoperative complications are not increased in UC.

In a cohort of patients with CD or UC who failed previous anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, approximately one third of patients achieved steroid-free clinical remission after 14 weeks of induction therapy with vedolizumab. This agent had an acceptable safety profile in these patients.

Under combination therapy, AZA dose reduction, but not withdrawal, appears to be as effective as continuation of AZA at full dose.

No abstract