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Published on: February 10, 2015
Review article: safety of new biologic agents for inflammatory bowel disease in the liver
Salvatore Magrì1, Luchino Chessa2, Mauro Demurtas3
1Department of Endoscopic Surgery, 'G.Brotzu' Hospital, Piazzale Alessandro Ricchi, Cagliari.
Abstract:
New biologic agents (vedolizumab, ustekinumab and tofacitinib) represent an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases and have been recently approved. However, with a rapidly evolving complement of advanced targeted therapies, new concerns about their potentially undesirable effects on liver function emerge. In particular, little is known about safety data in patients with hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus chronic infections, cirrhosis and in transplanted patients who are accumulating. In addition, these new agents have also been associated with drug-induced liver injury. Limited data on the efficacy of vedolizumab in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis are also available. This article reviews available data about hepatic safety concerns in patients receiving vedolizumab, ustekinumab and tofacitinib with and without preexistent hepatic diseases.
Insights
New biologic therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases, including vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and tofacitinib, show promise but raise concerns regarding liver function, especially in patients with pre-existing liver conditions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- New biologic agents like vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and tofacitinib are approved for inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Concerns exist regarding the hepatic safety of these advanced therapies, particularly in specific patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available data on the liver safety of vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and tofacitinib.
- To assess the safety of these agents in patients with and without pre-existing liver diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of safety data for vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and tofacitinib.
- Focus on hepatic safety in patients with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and transplant recipients.
Main Results:
- Limited data exist on vedolizumab efficacy in primary sclerosing cholangitis.
- These agents have been associated with drug-induced liver injury.
- Hepatic safety data in patients with pre-existing liver conditions are scarce.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to fully understand the hepatic safety profile of these new biologic agents.
- Careful monitoring is essential for patients with pre-existing liver conditions receiving these treatments.
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