Abstract
Background and AimSince the outbreak of COVID‐19, concerns have been raised as to whether inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients under biologic therapy may be more susceptible to the disease. This study aimed to determine the incidence and outcomes of COVID‐19 in a large cohort of IBD patients on biologic therapy.MethodsThis observational retrospective multicenter study collected data about COVID‐19 in IBD patients on biologic therapy in Italy, between February and May 2020. The main end‐points were (i) to assess both the cumulative incidence and clinical outcome of COVID‐19, according to different biologic agents and (ii) to compare them with the general population and a cohort IBD patients undergoing non‐biologic therapies.ResultsAmong 1816 IBD patients, the cumulative incidence of COVID‐19 was 3.9 per 1000 (7/1816) with a 57% hospitalization rate and a 29% case‐fatality rate. The class of biologic agents was the only risk factor of developing COVID‐19 (P = 0.01). Non‐gut selective agents were associated with a lower incidence of COVID‐19 cases, related symptoms, and hospitalization (P < 0.05). Compared with the general population of Lombardy, an overall lower incidence of COVID‐19 was observed (3.9 vs 8.5 per 1000, P = 0.03). Compared with 565 IBD patients on non‐biologic therapies, a lower rate of COVID‐19 symptoms was observed in our cohort (7.5% vs 18%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsCompared with the general population, IBD patients on biologic therapy are not exposed to a higher risk of COVID‐19. Non‐gut selective agents are associated with a lower incidence of symptomatic disease, supporting the decision of maintaining the ongoing treatment.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.