Real-world use of mycophenolate mofetil in inflammatory bowel disease: Results from the ENEIDA registry

Studies to evaluate the use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are limited after the appearance of biological treatments.

Our primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MMF in IBD.

IBD patients who had received MMF were retrieved from the ENEIDA registry. Clinical activity as per the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI), partial Mayo score (pMS), physician global assessment (PGA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were reviewed at baseline, at 3 and 6 months, and at final follow-up. Adverse events and causes of treatment discontinuation were documented.

A total of 83 patients were included (66 Crohn's disease, 17 ulcerative colitis), 90% of whom had previously received other immunosuppressants. In 61% of patients systemic steroids were used at initiation of MMF, and in 27.3% biological agents were co-administered with MMF. Overall clinical effectiveness was observed in 64.7% of the population. At the end of treatment, 45.6% and 19.1% of subjects showed remission and clinical response, respectively. MMF treatment was maintained for a median of 28.9 months (IQR: 20.4-37.5).

Our study suggests, in the largest cohort to date, that MMF may be an effective alternative to thiopurines and methotrexate in IBD.