Transition to Subcutaneous Infliximab vs Vedolizumab in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Prospective Multicenter Study

Transition from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SC) administration is an option in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with Infliximab (IFX) or Vedolizumab (VDZ). The aim was to compare the adherence, the persistence in therapy, and quality of life (QoL) at baseline, at 6, at 12 months of SC IFX versus SC VDZ.

This was a prospective, observational, multicenter study on patients with IBD in treatment with IV IFX or VDZ who switched to SC. All patients investigated the QoL by the short IBD Questionnaire (sIBDQ) and the concerns and expectations by a 6-item survey. Any adverse events, local and systemic, were reported. Safety, concerns, and satisfaction were evaluated.

One hundred and eight out of 93 patients were replaced, 51 to SC IFX and 42 to SC VDZ. The majority accepted the SC route. Persistence in therapy was similar between the two groups. The QoL improved after 6 months (p = 0.004), but at T12 both groups show a significant decline in QoL. SC administration has not caused any concern for patients. As safety, both groups reported a similar number of local reactions (IFX 19.60% vs VDZ 19.04%). In the IFX group were reported more systemic reactions (IFX 11.6% vs VDZ 7.14%) without the need for hospitalization.

The transition from IV to SC administration is an appropriate and safe option for treatment with IFX or VDZ. It is very important to consider the patient's choice and preference. The SC administration led to a significant benefit in QoL, especially in the first 6 months of therapy.