Limited willingness to switch from intravenous to subcutaneous treatment in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Recent advances in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapies have provided patients with a variety of medications administered via different routes. We aimed to assess parental preferences regarding medication administration routes and to identify the factors influencing these preferences.

This cross-sectional study surveyed the parents of children with IBD using a comprehensive questionnaire focusing on treatment experiences, preferences and attitudes towards switching from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SC) administration. The questionnaire explored various regimens, including oral pills, SC injections at different intervals and IV infusions.

Of the 147 participants, daily oral administration and SC administration every 8 weeks were the most preferred options. IV and SC administration every 2 weeks was less favoured. Prior treatment experience significantly influenced the parents' preferences regarding administration routes and schedules. Despite new options allowing for SC administration, 67% of parents preferred not to switch from IV, citing concerns about self-injection, desire for nurse presence and longer intervals between infusions. No significant correlation was found between treatment preferences and disease-related factors such as disease type or activity.

These findings highlight the complexities of transitioning paediatric patients with IBD to alternative treatment methods, emphasising the importance of individualised care and parental perspectives in clinical decision-making.