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[Biological agents in ulcerative colitis. When to prescribe]
1Unidad de Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, España. manubarreiro@hotmail.com
Gastroenterologia Y Hepatologia
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Biological agents like infliximab are effective for ulcerative colitis remission. While initially used for severe cases, they show greater efficacy in moderate-severe, non-hospitalized patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Biological agents are increasingly used for ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment.
- Their adoption in UC lagged behind Crohn's disease due to alternative therapies and initial study outcomes.
- Infliximab is the primary biological agent studied for UC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and evolving indications of biological agents in ulcerative colitis.
- To compare infliximab's effectiveness across different UC patient subgroups.
- To discuss emerging data on adalimumab for ulcerative colitis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies and clinical data on biological therapies for UC.
- Analysis of infliximab's efficacy in severe, corticosteroid-resistant, and other UC patient populations.
- Examination of recent data on adalimumab in ulcerative colitis.
Main Results:
- Infliximab demonstrates efficacy in inducing and maintaining UC remission.
- Initial use focused on severe, corticosteroid-resistant UC, but efficacy is higher in moderate-severe, non-hospitalized patients.
- Evidence supports infliximab in refractory cases, including pediatric patients and pouchitis.
Conclusions:
- Biological agents, particularly infliximab, are valuable in managing ulcerative colitis.
- Treatment strategies are refining, recognizing differential efficacy in various patient groups.
- Adalimumab shows promise and is expected for future UC treatment indications.
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