Effectiveness and safety of biologics in pediatric inflammatory boweldisease: Real-life data from the Sicilian Network

Efficacy and safety of adalimumab in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

There is currently no curative treatment for childhood Crohn's disease (CD). This meta-analysis aimed to validate the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) in pediatric patients with CD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched all relevant studies in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. The primary outcomes were induction (≤ 12 weeks) and maintenance (up to 48 weeks) of remission and response. Secondary outcomes were severe adverse events and opportunistic infections to ADA. The Cochrane bias assessment tool was used to assess the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials. The methodological quality of the single-arm studies was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies tool.

RESULTS

Ten clinical trials involving a total of 885 patients were included. Results indicated that 59% (95% confidence interval [CI] 39-80%) of the subjects treated with ADA achieved induction of remission, and 60% (95% CI 35-86%) of the subjects treated with ADA achieved induction of response, 57% (95% CI 44-70%) achieved maintenance of remission, and 63% (95% CI 26-69%) achieved maintenance of response.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence indicates that ADA is effective in children and adolescents with CD and that adverse events vary but are usually not severe.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ , identifier CRD42023402199.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Patients with Ileocolonic Crohn Disease Treated with Infliximab Versus Adalimumab

OBJECTIVES

Infliximab is considered superior to adalimumab in patients with ulcerative colitis, especially in severe cases. Whether this is true for Crohn disease (CD) patients with colonic involvement is unclear. Our aim was to compare the clinical effectiveness of infliximab versus adalimumab in pediatric ileocolonic (L3) CD.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients <18 years with ileocolonic CD treated with infliximab or adalimumab between 2014 and 2021. Primary outcome was steroid-free clinical remission by week 52. Secondary outcomes were treatment modifications, drug discontinuation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated hospitalizations, and surgery during the first year of treatment.

RESULTS

We identified 74 patients treated with adalimumab and 41 with infliximab, with comparable demographic features. Concomitant immunomodulator therapy at biologic initiation was significantly lower in the adalimumab group (28% vs 85%, P < 0.001). Rates of drug intensification were higher in the infliximab group at end of induction (EOI) and at 52 weeks (55% vs 32% and 88% vs 46%, P < 0.001). Given significant differences between initial median Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index scores (20.0 [interquartile range, IQR 15.0-27.5] vs 11.0 [IQR 7.5-20.0] for infliximab and adalimumab groups, respectively, P < 0.001), propensity score matching was performed. Following matching, the rate of patients in steroid-free clinical remission by EOI was significantly higher in the adalimumab group (93.8% vs 46.9%, P < 0.001), but comparable by 1 year. Moreover, inflammatory markers and fecal calprotectin values were also similar at these time points. Rates of drug discontinuation, IBD-associated admissions, and surgery were similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In a retrospective study of patients with ileocolonic CD, adalimumab and infliximab had comparable outcomes by 52 weeks.

Managing pediatric Crohn's disease: recent insights

INTRODUCTION

Children and adolescents with Crohn's disease present unique challenges due to extensive disease at diagnosis and the effect of bowel inflammation on growth. Historical approaches with corticosteroids and immunomodulators are far less effective than early treatment with anti-TNF biologics.

AREAS COVERED

This review covers recent literature delineating the crucial role of early anti-TNF therapy in the treatment of moderate- to- severe Crohn's disease in children and adolescents. The potential risks and benefits of concomitant immunomodulators are discussed, along with therapeutic anti-TNF drug monitoring, and reassessment by endoscopy and cross-sectional imaging to evaluate success beyond symptom control.

EXPERT OPINION

Standard of care therapy for moderate-to-severe pediatric Crohn's disease now entails precision dosing of anti-TNF therapy with periodic reassessment of bowel inflammation. The role of dietary modification continues to evolve. Current and future efforts need to be directed to elucidating ways to predict response to anti-TNF therapy and quickly changing to agents with other mechanisms of action when needed. Inordinate regulatory delays in approval of new therapies approved for adults continue to handicap pediatric clinicians and frequently limits their treatment choices, or forces them to give medications "off label." Only a concerted effort by clinicians, pharma, and regulators will improve this situation.

Genes vs environment in inflammatory bowel disease: an update

INTRODUCTION

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are known to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that vary in their influence on the development of the disease. Environmental exposures seem to influence IBD susceptibility, whereas genetic background is thought to modulate the impact of the environment on disease course and phenotype.

AREAS COVERED

A broad review of the involvement of genes and the environment in IBD pathogenesis was performed, and information regarding the main genetic and environmental factors - categorized into lifestyle factors, drugs, diet, and microbes - was updated. Monogenic very early onset IBD (VEO-IBD) was also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

In the upcoming years, better understanding of gene-environment interactions will contribute to the possibility of a better prediction of disease course, response to therapy, and therapy-related adverse events with the final goal of personalized and more efficient patient management.

Adalimumab vs Infliximab in Pediatric Patients With Crohn's Disease: A Propensity Score Analysis and Predictors of Treatment Escalation

INTRODUCTION

Two antitumor necrosis factor therapies (infliximab [IFX] and adalimumab [ADA]) have been approved for the treatment of pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) but have not been compared in head-to-head trials. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of ADA and IFX by propensity score matching in a prospective cohort of pediatric patients with luminal CD and at least a 24-month follow-up.

METHODS

Among 100 patients, 75 met the inclusion criteria, and 62 were matched by propensity score. We evaluated time to treatment escalation as the primary outcome and primary nonresponse, predictors of treatment escalation and relapse, serious adverse events, pharmacokinetics, and effect of concomitant immunomodulators as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

There was no difference between ADA and IFX in time to treatment escalation (HR = 0.63 [95% CI 0.31-1.28] P = 0.20), primary nonresponse (P = 0.95), or serious adverse events. The median (interquartile range) trough levels at the primary outcome were 14.05 (10.88-15.40) and 6.15 (2.08-6.58) µg/mL in the ADA and IFX groups, respectively. On a multivariate analysis, the combination of anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody negativity and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity was a strong independent predictor of treatment escalation (HR 5.19, [95% CI 2.41-11.18], P < 0.0001). The simple endoscopic score for CD, L3 disease phenotype, and use of concomitant immunomodulators for at least the first 6 months revealed a trend toward significance on a univariate analysis.

DISCUSSION

Propensity score matching did not reveal substantial differences in efficacy or safety between ADA and IFX. The anti-S. cerevisiae antibody negativity and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity combination is a strong predictor of treatment escalation.

Clinical Outcome Assessments in Pediatric Patients With Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease Receiving Biologics: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

To assess disease activity, steroid-free remission, and other clinical outcome assessments among pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) in the ImproveCareNow (ICN) registry.

Methods

Patients aged 2-17 years diagnosed with UC or CD between June 1, 2013 and December 31, 2019 were enrolled if they initiated a biologic after enrollment in the ICN registry and completed at least 12 months follow-up after first maintenance dose. Baseline (at biologic initiation) demographics were summarized using descriptive statistics. Pediatric UC Activity Index (PUCAI), partial Mayo score, and Physician Global Assessment (PGA) were assessed for UC; and the Short Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (sPCDAI) and PGA were assessed for CD at first maintenance dose, 1- and 3-year time points. Kappa coefficients were used to assess the level of agreement between the outcome measures.

Results

A total of 1887 patients (UC = 350; CD = 1537) were included. Baseline demographics were similar across groups. For UC patients, mean PUCAI scores decreased and the proportion of patients in steroid-free remission, quiescent state based on PGA, and remission based on partial Mayo score increased from first maintenance dose to 1 and 3 years. For CD patients, mean sPCDAI score of CD patients decreased and the proportion of patients in steroid-free remission by sPCDAI and in quiescent state based on PGA increased from first maintenance dose to 1 and 3 years. Kappa coefficients showed only modest correlation between disease activity assessments.

Conclusions

Disease activity scores improved over time, with more pediatric patients with UC and CD achieving steroid-free remission at 1 and 3 years after first biologic maintenance dose.

The incidence of psoriasis among smokers and/or former smokers inflammatory bowel diseases patients treated with tumor necrosis factor antagonist: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab (ADA) refer to the classic drugs to treat moderate-severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which have been proven to be effective to control IBD. However, the side effects exerted by IFX and ADA should be monitored in therapies, especially the paradoxical reaction of the skin system (e.g., psoriasis). Psoriasis is recognized as the most common skin lesion, capable of significantly affecting the quality of patients' life.

METHODS

This study searched literatures published in English language with the qualifications on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google, and Geenmedical databases. Over 2 co-authors assessed the quality of the articles and extracted the data independently. The data acquired were statistically analyzed with the statistical software of Revman and Stata.

RESULTS

The ADA Group achieved a higher incidence of psoriasis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.658, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.471-0.919]); Females achieved a higher incidence of psoriasis than males (OR = 1.941, 95%CI [1.326-2.843], P < .05); Smoking up-regulated the incidence of psoriasis (OR = 1.679, 95%CI [1.237-2.279], P < .05); The interval of medication was over 1 year, and the interval of medication applying IFX was longer than that of the ADA Group; most cases could be relieved by using local hormone, phototherapy, or systemic hormone therapy under the strategy of biological agents.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of reported in IBD exceeds those of other autoimmune diseases, and the ADA treatment for IBD is safer than IFX. Psoriasis is more common in females than in males. Smoking refers to one of risk factors of psoriasis.

Infliximab Therapy in Very Early Onset Crohn's Disease: Real-World Experience in China

BACKGROUND

Data concerning of the effectiveness of infliximab in very early onset Crohn's disease patients are rare.

AIM

To assess the effectiveness and safety issues of infliximab treatment for this rare cohort.

METHODS

The pediatric Crohn's disease activity index, Crohn's disease endoscopic index score, height, and weight were retrospectively recorded at baseline, week 14, and week 54. The rates of clinical remission and mucosal healing and growth of patients were compared between patients younger and older than 6 years of age. Loss of response or non-response to infliximab and adverse events were assessed during the entire treatment period.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were enrolled in the study. Sixty-four percent and 40.0% of very early onset Crohn's disease patients achieved clinical remission and mucosal healing after induction therapy. Adjusted for the covariances, very early disease onset had no association with primary non-response (p = 0.360) or mucosal healing (p = 0.361). Early disease onset was associated with discontinuation of infliximab due to adverse events (hazard ratio [HR] 7.15, 95% CI 1.73-29.51, p = 0.006). Patients < 6 years had lower body mass index for age z score improvement during the induction phase (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Very early onset Crohn's disease patients had similar non-response rates and mucosal healing rates as those who were 6 years or older during induction therapy. Greater discontinuation of infliximab due to adverse events was observed in very early onset Crohn's disease patients.

Safety of Biological Therapy in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

OBJECTIVES

Retrospective, observational, single-center, cohort study investigating the safety profile of biological therapy in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

Retrospective, observational, cohort study of pediatric patients with IBD, receiving infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, or ustekinumab for at least 2 months. Data related to the immediate and delayed adverse events (AEs) were collected, focusing on the reaction type and severity, the time of onset, the outcome and the temporary or definitive therapy discontinuation secondary to the AE. Number of suspected and confirmed coronavirus disease-209 (COVID-19) cases and their outcomes, as well as flu vaccination coverage were collected.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-five children were included (101 [55%] CD, 82 [44%] UC, and 2 [1%] IBDU): 149 received infliximab (IFX) (81%), 88 (48%) adalimumab (ADA), 18 (21%) vedolizumab, and 4 (2%) ustekinumab. The overall AE rates were 49%, 67% of whom likely medication-related. Eleven (6%) patients experienced more than 1 AE, 18 patients (10%) presented an immediate reaction, and 82 (45%) a delayed AE. Among the 90 patients experiencing at least 1 AE, 97% had mild-to-moderate AEs. Only 4 SAEs were reported (4%). Treatment discontinuation because of AE occurred in 25 patients (14%). Four COVID-19 cases were reported, all with a mild course.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm a good safety profile of biologics. Infusion reactions to IFX administration remain one of the main issues, significantly linked to its immunogenicity and consequently with an impact on its efficacy and durability.

Inflammatory bowel disease: long-term therapeutic challenges

Introduction: Long-term, sustained, remission is the ultimate goal of contemporary inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapy. Avoiding complications, surgery and malignancy, alongside minimizing the side effects of medications are vital. However, the reality of treatment involves patients losing response to therapy, or developing complications requiring cessation of medication. The reasons underlying this are numerous and include medication and host-related influences. Underpinning the response to medication, long-term outcomes and loss of response are individual etiological factors including the molecular cause of disease and individual pharmacogenomic influences.Areas covered: In this review, we discuss the long-term outcome of IBD, with a focus on pediatric-onset illness and discuss the factors leading to loss of treatment response whilst briefly considering the future of personalized therapy as a strategy to improve long-term outcomes.Expert opinion: Research findings are now moving toward clinical translation, including application of novel medications targeting new pathways. The integration of biological and multiomic data to predict disease outcome will provide personalized therapeutic management.