Early Biologic Initiation After Chronic Pouch Inflammation Diagnosis Does Not Impact Clinical Outcomes

Approximately 20% of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who undergo total proctocolectomy (TPC) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) develop chronic pouch inflammation (CPI).¹ Given the involvement of the small bowel in CPI, there is no consensus on whether it should be managed more like UC or Crohn's disease (CD). Despite limited evidence, biologics are often used for CPI with clinical response rates of 20%-60% with adalimumab and infliximab, 50%-80% with ustekinumab, and 30%-70% with vedolizumab.^2,3 Earlier biologic therapy has been associated with greater rates of response and favorable long-term outcomes in patients with CD, however not UC.^4-7 The impact of earlier initiation of biologic therapy on CPI clinical outcomes has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess whether timing of biologic initiation relative to CPI diagnosis impacts clinical and endoscopic remission.