INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD) AND BIOLOGIC THERAPIES: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON EFFICACY AND SIDE EFFECTS.

Abstract

Background: Challenges like increasing incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect millions around the globe, driving intensive research to understand IBD pathogenesis. The use of immune targeting biologic therapies (specifically, the introduction of the first biologic therapy to treat IBD, infliximab) has revolutionized the treatment of patients with IBD. Gaining a better understanding of the durability of these therapies and their associated toxicities is important for optimizing patient outcomes. Objective of present study: To evaluate the long-term clinical effectiveness and adverse effects of infliximab in IBD treatment.

Objectives: to assess long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of infliximab in a cohort of 150 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) over 1 year. So the evidence here is to look at remission rate, quality of life, side effects related to the use of it, etc.

Study Design : A Longitudinal Study.

Place and duration of study. Department of Gastroenterology LRH Peshawar from jan 2022 to july 2022

Methods: This was a five-year longitudinal study of 150 patients who were diagnosed with IBD and were on infliximab therapy. The study looked at remission rates, quality of life and potential side effects. Clinical and endoscopic assessments as well as questionnaires of self-reported symptoms were used to collect data. Statistical analysis was performed as paired t-test to compare baseline and follow-up measurements (p<0.05).

Results: 65% of 150 patients were in sustained remission (mean follow-up: 4.2 ± 1.1 y). The quality of life overall improved tremendously (p<0.01). Twelve percent of patients had mild respiratory infections, and serum anti-drug antibodies were present in 20% of patients (p<0.05). After treatment, the standard deviation of symptom score decreased from 8.3 to 3.2 demonstrating loss of variability.

Conclusions: Infliximab is beneficial in induction and maintenance of remission and quality of life improvements in IBD patients. While side effects including infections and creation of anti-drug antibodies were noted, they were mostly mild. There is a need for continued follow-up monitoring to attain optimal treatment results. More personalized treatment approaches could be developed which might maximize efficacy and minimize risks.