This is an early access version
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Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Centre Sarajevo , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Centre Tuzla , Tuzla , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Hospital Centre Mostar , Mostar , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Centre of Republic Srpska , Banja Luka , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Centre Sarajevo , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Centre Sarajevo , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Aim Care for the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients presents unique challenges as decisions regarding therapy must consider numerous distinct characteristics of each patient. The aim of the study was to recognize patients’ characteristics as predictors of success in vedolizumab treatment.
Methods In a retrospective observational study, data regarding age, gender, body mass index (BMI), length of disease, previous exposure to anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF), drugs, and smoking status were extracted from the routine clinical practice. Patients were assessed for clinical remission and steroid-free remission after the 26-week treatment with vedolizumab.
Results The study included 76 patients with UC and 63 with CD. A total of 63 (out of 76;
82.9%) (Cl: 72.5-90.6% ) of UC and 54 (out of 63; 85.7%) (Cl: 74.6-93.3%) CD patients achieved clinical remission in the 26-week vedolizumab treatment. Over five years, illness was noticed in 32 (53.1%) CD patients. Clinical remission was not achieved in six (out of 13; 46.1%) UC patients aged 40-49 years and six (out of nine; 66.6%) CD patients aged 30-49 years. Among CD patients, remission was achieved in 22 (85.7%) females and 23 (63.6%) males. Remission rates were generally higher in patients with a BMI of 18.6-25 and 25.1-30. Previous exposure to anti TNF drugs and smoking status did not influence treatment outcomes.
Conclusion The efficacy of vedolizumab is a viable treatment option for both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The exploration of individual patient characteristics holds promise in predicting a treatment outcome.
Conceptualization, N.Z. and M.B.; Investigation, N.Z.; Writing – original draft, N.Z.; Writing – review & editing, N.Z.; Resources, M.B.; Funding acquisition, E.B.; Methodology, E.B.; Project administration, E.B.; Software, E.B.; Supervision, T.B. and A.S.; Validation, T.B., A.S. and N.Č.; Visualization, A.S.; Data curation, N.Č.; Formal Analysis, N.Č. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
No specific funding was received for this study
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