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A pediatric case of moderate active ulcerative colitis successfully treated with vedolizumab in Japan
Aiko Ikeuchi1, Toshihiko Kakiuchi2, Arisa Ibi1
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan.
Insights
Vedolizumab offers a safe treatment option for pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) patients who failed other therapies. This study highlights its successful long-term use in a Japanese child, suggesting potential for wider pediatric UC management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and immunology, focusing on inflammatory bowel disease treatment.
Background:
- Pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) management often involves corticosteroids and biologics, but systemic side effects can limit long-term use.
- Vedolizumab, a gut-selective biologic, is anticipated for pediatric use due to its favorable safety profile.
- Limited data exists on long-term vedolizumab administration in Japanese pediatric UC patients.
Observation:
- A case of moderate-to-severe active pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) in Japan is presented.
- The patient had previously failed anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy, indicating a need for alternative treatment options.
Findings:
- Successful long-term treatment of pediatric UC was achieved using vedolizumab.
- The treatment demonstrated efficacy and tolerability in a Japanese pediatric patient.
Implications:
- Vedolizumab represents a promising therapeutic option for pediatric UC patients, particularly those refractory to anti-TNF agents.
- This case report supports the potential expansion of vedolizumab use in pediatric gastroenterology for ulcerative colitis management in Japan.
- Further research into long-term vedolizumab outcomes in diverse pediatric populations is warranted.
Abstract:
Corticosteroids and biologics are used to treat moderate-to-severe active pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC); however, it is often difficult to continue administration because of systemic side reactions. Vedolizumab is considered to have few adverse effects due to its mechanism of action and it is expected to be used in children, but the long-term administration of vedolizumab to Japanese pediatric patients with UC has not been reported. We report a case of pediatric moderate active UC with anti-tumor necrosis factor-failure that was successfully treated with vedolizumab in Japan.
