P896 Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the elderly, a survey of elderly patient demographics, disease-related complications and compliance with vaccination and screening services

Abstract

Abstract Background Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in the elderly (>60yrs) is becoming more prevalent in concordance with the ageing population and the rising incidence of IBD. An increasing number of patients are receiving a diagnosis of IBD in later years in addition to those with known IBD transitioning to elderly. The presentation, disease course, risk of complications and choice of medical therapies differ in this group from younger cohorts. We aimed to examine patient demographics and the incidence of adverse effects/complications amongst elderly IBD patients. We also sought to identify appropriate vaccination rates and uptake with screening services. Methods In a single tertiary centre, IBD patients aged >60 attending the outpatient clinic or admitted acutely were invited to complete an anonymous written survey. Results 28 patients surveyed to date. 61% (n=17) had a diagnosis of UC. 54% were female (n=15). Mean age was 67.5, while mean age at diagnosis was 50 (range 19-65). 25% (n=7) received a diagnosis of IBD after 60 years, of which 57% were female. Mean BMI was 25.9. 25% (n=7) reported an infection in the last 6 months, all of whom required treatment with antibiotics. There was only one case of infection requiring hospitilisation, a patient on biologic therapy who developed a clostridium difficile infection. COVID-19 affected 39% (n=11), none required hospitilisation. 21% (n=6) report 2 or more comorbidities, of which 50% report a recent infection requiring treatment. All patients who required IBD surgery (n=5) had a high BMI. 57% (n=16) had a smoking history, with 14% (n=4) being active smokers. Infliximab and salofalk granules were the most prescribed IBD treatments. 46% were on biologics (n=13), with anti-TNF being the most common (29%). 25% (n=7) reported steroid use in the last year while 14% were not currently on IBD treatment. 21.4% (n=6) reported prior malignancy, skin cancer being most common. 50% of cancer sufferers were smokers. 100% have had a minimal of two COVID-19 vaccines. 64% (n=18) have had a flu-vaccine in the last 12 months with 75% (n=21) report annual flu-vaccine uptake. 61% (n=17) had the pneumococcal vaccine. Bowel screening participation was 46.5% (n=13). Conclusion Smoking, high BMI and multiple comorbidities were common in elderly IBD patients. Infections were common in this cohort and typically required treatment with antibiotics, however, were rarely severe or required hospitalisation. Severe infections were seen in those on biologic therapy. Biologics were commonly prescribed to elderly IBD patients. Skin cancer was the most common malignancy. There was suboptimal uptake with vaccinations and bowel screening.