PMO-36 Safety and efficacy of ustekinumab for Crohn’s disease in the elderly population

Published Date: 07th November 2021

Publication Authors: Liaros A

Introduction
The rising incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) worldwide and an ageing population has led to a marked increase in elderly IBD patients. Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents are associated with an increased risk of serious infections and treatment discontinuation among elderly IBD patients; little is known about non anti-TNF biologics in this cohort. We aimed to examine safety and efficacy of ustekinumab in elderly Crohn’s disease (CD) patients.

Methods
Patients ≥60 years old commencing ustekinumab for CD were included in this retrospective multi-centre cohort study. We gathered data on adverse events, Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI) and steroid therapy. The primary outcome was serious infections, defined as requiring hospitalisation. Efficacy was assessed by serial HBI measurement and treatment persistence.

Results
70 patients were included, with a median age of 68 years (range 60-87), male:female ratio of 9:5 and median Charlson co-morbidity index of 4 (range 2-9). 44 (62.9%) had prior anti-TNF exposure and 15 (21.4%) previous vedolizumab. Median treatment duration was 12 months (range 2-48), with a total of 84 patient years. 31 patients (41.3%) had steroids at initiation and 33 (47.1%) required a later course of steroids.

7 patients (10%) had a combined 9 serious infections, of which 1 was life threatening requiring organ support. Incidence of serious infections was 0.107 per patient year. A further 18 had a combined 22 non-severe infections (Table 1). The overall infection rate was 0.42 per patient year. Charlson co-morbidity index was numerically higher in those developing severe infections (median 5, range 3-7 vs. median 4, range 2-9, P=NS). 3 patients developed a malignancy; non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, melanoma and pancreatic cancer.

Mean HBI improved from baseline 8.13 to 4.64 at 6 months and 4.10 at last follow up (both P<0.0001). Treatment persistence rate was 61.4% (N=43) and 36 (51.4%) were steroid-free. Reasons for discontinuation were primary non-response (42%), adverse event (32%), secondary loss of response (10%), malignancy (10%) and lack of funding (5%).

Conclusion
Ustekinumab was safe and effective in a cohort of elderly CD patients. Infections were mostly mild and did not result in therapy discontinuation. Risk of serious infection was very low at 0.107 per patient year of treatment.

Fiske, J; Liaros, A et al. (2021). PMO-36 Safety and efficacy of ustekinumab for Crohn’s disease in the elderly population. Gut. 70 (4), A95.

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