P568 Effectiveness of ustekinumab after vedolizumab failure in patients with anti-TNF-refractory Crohn’s disease.
Dussias, N.(1);Rizzello, F.(1);Calabrese, C.(1);Sanna Passino, A.(1);Melotti, L.(1);Scaioli, E.(1);Belluzzi, A.(1);Gionchetti, P.(1);
(1)University of Bologna, Dept. of surgical and medical sciences, Bologna, Italy
Background
Both vedolizumab (VDZ) and ustekinumab (UST) are indicated in the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) when anti-TNF treatment fails. While there are some studies regarding the efficacy of these two drugs in this setting, data are lacking regarding the effectiveness of UST in the treatment of VDZ-refractory disease. We aim to address this particularly challenging clinical picture in a real-world single-centre study.
Methods
CD patients from a single tertiary IBD referral centre receiving treatment with UST after failure to VDZ with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months were included. All patients had previously failed anti-TNF treatment. The primary outcome measure was achievement of steroid-free clinical remission, defined as HBI < 5 at 6 months. We also assessed rates of partial response, defined as a reduction in HBI by ≥ 3 points and/or cessation of steroid treatment in patients who required corticosteroids at baseline for symptom control.
Results
A total of 32 patients (20 male, mean age ± SD 40.7 ± 14.2, range 21-75) receiving UST treatment after VDZ failure were analysed. Complete steroid-free clinical remission at 6 months from starting UST therapy was achieved in 19 patients (59.4%). Nine patients (28.1%) had partial response, while in the remaining 4 patients (12.5%) no response was achieved. No adverse events were recorded during the follow-up period.
Conclusion
Preliminary results suggest that UST is effective and safe in the treatment of VDZ-refractory CD.