Efficacy of switching from infliximab to golimumab in patients with ulcerative colitis in deep remission

Efficacy of switching from infliximab to golimumab in patients with ulcerative colitis in deep remission

Viazis, N. Pontas, C. Manolakis, A. Karampekos, G. and Tsoukali, E. Galanopoulos, M. Koustenis, K. Archavlis, E. and Christidou, A. Gazouli, M. Mantzaris, G. J.

Background-Aim: Intravenously administered biologicals are associated with a huge pressure to Infusion Units and increased cost. We aimed to assess the impact of switching infliximab to golimumab in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in deep remission. Patients and method: In a prospective, single-centre pilot study UC patients on infliximab mono-therapy for >= 2 years, whowere in deep remission, consented to switch to golimumab and were followed for 1 year with clinical assessment, serum and faecal biomarkers, work productivity, satisfaction with treatment and quality of life parameters. Endoscopic remission was assessed by colonoscopy at 1 year. Patients fulfilling the same inclusion criteria, who did not consent to switch to golimumab and continued to receive infliximab mono-therapy, for the same period, served as controls. Results: Between October 2015 and October 2017, 20 patients were recruited; however one patient stopped therapy because of pregnancy. All 19 patients who were switched to golimumab were still in clinical, biomarker and endoscopic remission at 1 year and maintained excellent quality of life without any complications. In the control group, 18 of 19 patients were also in deep remission, since only one patient had a flare which was managed with IFX dose intensification. During a median 3 years extension treatment with golimumab only 2 patients experienced a flare of colitis. Conclusions: This pilot study indicates that switching from in-fliximab to golimumab in UC patients in deep remission does not compromise treatment effectiveness or the course of disease; golimumab offers a valid alternative to intravenous infliximab infusions during the COVID-19 pandemic. (EN)

scientific_publication_article

Επιστημονική δημοσίευση - Άρθρο Περιοδικού (EL)

Scientific publication - Journal Article (EN)

University of Athens

Pergamos Digital Library

Journal Article

English

2021-01-01

https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/object/uoadl:3029615

uoadl:3029615