P870 What had the greatest impact on the quality of life of IBD patients on intravenous biological therapy in Montenegro during COVID-19?
Smolovic, B.(1,2)*;Lukic, M.(1,2);Djurovic, M.(1);Muhovic, D.(1,2);Bojovic, S.(3);
(1)Clinical center of Montenegro, Gastroenterohepatology, Podgorica, Montenegro;(2)University of Montenegro, Faculty of Medicine, Podgorica, Montenegro;(3)Clinical center of Montenegro, Clinic for Neurology, Podgorica, Montenegro;
Background
COVID-19 has affected the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic diseases, including patients with IBD. The aim of this study is to evaluate the QoL of patients with IBD on intravenous biological therapy (IvBT), through the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (sIBDQ), and to correlate the results with sociodemographic data of the patients.
Methods
This study was comprised of patients older than 18 years of age, with a pathohistologically confirmed diagnosis of IBD (Ulcerative Colitis (UC), and Crohn’s Disease (CD)). The study was conducted on September and October 2020, during one of the highest incidences period of COVID-19 in our country. Patients completed the sIBDQ, and DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Score-21) questionnaire too, assessing their level of depression, anxiety and stress. For significant symptoms (DASS-21), we used at least moderate DASS-21 subscale score: DASS-21 Depression (≥ 14), DASS-21 Anxiety (≥ 10) and DASS-21 Stress (≥19). The Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index was used to assess the disease activity of UC; for CD, the Harvey-Bradshaw Index was used. Patients who scored below 50 on the sIBDQ were those labeled with worse QoL. We also examined demographic data, data on IBD characteristics and COVID-19 data and their impact on quality of life.
Results
Of the total number of patients (94), there were 40 (42.5%) females, 42 (44.6%) with CD. All patients have been receiving IvBTh (anti TNFα: infliximab-originator and biosimilar (59 patients) and anti-integrins: vedolizumab (35 patients)) for at least 6 months prior. The results indicated worse QoL in 25 (27%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that the greatest impact on poor QoL during the COVD-19 pandemic were: active disease (p= 0.002), significant symptoms on the DASS21 score (p= 0.013), patients who did not regularly go to work or were not employed (p=0.017), if they had a patient with COVID-19 in their immediate environment (p=0.024) and those who had a higher degree of health concerns about coming to regular admission to biological therapy at the IBD unit. (p=0.046).
Conclusion
27% of IBD patients on IvBT had worse QoL during the COVID 19 pandemic. In addition to disease activity and significant psychological disturbances, other reasons for lower QoL were identified during the pandemic and are directly related to it.