Abstract

Abstract Background Teduglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogue with trophic effects on the intestinal mucosa to increase the absorptive surface area and enhance nutrient and fluid absorption of the small bowel (SB).1 It has been shown to reduce parenteral nutrition (PN) and intravenous fluid (IVF) requirements and is an important adjunct in the medical management of short bowel syndrome (SBS).1–2 Crohn’s disease (CD) is an important etiology of SBS but use of teduglutide in this population can be challenging. Aim The aim of this case series was to describe the use of teduglutide in CD patients. Methods A retrospective case series of all CD patients with SBS who used teduglutide at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Age, duration of SBS, length of remaining SB and colonic continuity status were recorded. BMI, average daily PN kilocalories (kcal), and IVF requirements were recorded at the time of teduglutide initiation. The duration of teduglutide use was calculated. Teduglutide dose, dose adjustment history, reason for dose adjustment, and therapy complications were noted. Results 9 patients were included (5 male/4 female). Median age was 57 years (IQR 32). Median length of remaining small bowel was 60cm (IQR 27.5) and median duration of SBS was 8 years (IQR 9.83). Median BMI at teduglutide initiation was 18.66 (IQR 4.29) with a median duration of PN of 4.5 years (IQR 9.42) and median PN kcal/day of 971.43 (IQR 518). The median duration of teduglutide was 1.1 years (IQR 3.4). 4 patients (44%) had a teduglutide dose change. 2 patients had dose interval extended from daily to every other day to reduce injection burden. 1 patient developed obstructive symptoms on daily dosing, which resolved when the dose interval was extended to every other day. 1 patient had to stop therapy due to a small bowel obstruction requiring hospitalization. 8 patients (88%) were able to wean or stop PN/IVF with addition of teduglutide. 1 patient had to restart PN despite teduglutide therapy. Table 1. Discussion Teduglutide is effective in Crohn’s disease patients and facilitates weaning of PN and IVF requirements. Most patients tolerate the recommended dose with daily injections, but the dose interval can be extended to every other day to reduce obstructive symptoms or reduce the injection burden without affecting ability to wean PN/IVF. References

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