Steroid-refractory Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis Research Articles

Rescue Therapies for Steroid-Refractory Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A Systemic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

Approximately 40% of patients with steroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis (steroid-refractory (SR) ASUC) requires colectomies. Advanced therapies may reduce the short-term colectomy rates in patients with SR ASUC. However, comparative clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of these rescue therapies are lacking. Therefore, we conducted a network meta-analysis to study the effectiveness of rescue therapies for SR ASUC. Six randomized controlled trials and 15 cohort studies including 2,004 patients were analyzed. Rescue drugs included tofacitinib, infliximab with a 5 or 10mg/kg induction dose at 0, 2, and 6 weeks (IFX and IFX10, respectively), IFX with an accelerated regimen of three 5mg/kg induction doses timed according to clinical need (accelerated IFX), tacrolimus, cyclosporine (CyA), ustekinumab, and adalimumab. Treatments were compared with a placebo. Tofacitinib (odds ratio [OR]: 0.09 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02-0.52]), accelerated IFX (OR: 0.16 [95% CI: 0.03-0.94]), IFX (OR: 0.2 [95% CI: 0.07-0.58]), and tacrolimus (OR: 0.24 [95% CI: 0.06-0.96]) significantly reduced the short-term colectomy rates compared with placebo. IFX10 and CyA tended to prevent colectomies. However, ustekinumab and adalimumab did not significantly affect the colectomy rates. This is the first network meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of advanced therapies in reducing short-term colectomy rates in patients with SR ASUC. Tofacitinib, accelerated IFX, standard IFX, and tacrolimus significantly reduced the colectomy rates in SR ASUC patients compared with placebo. Thus, advanced therapies should be considered for rescue therapies in patients with SR ASUC.

Management of acute severe ulcerative colitis-an update for generalist and specialist clinicians.

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency that occurs in up to 25% of patients with ulcerative colitis. Although intravenous corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of therapy, 30-40% of patients will not respond and need timely consideration of rescue therapy with (currently) either infliximab or ciclosporin or indeed colectomy, underscoring the importance of multidisciplinary care to ensure favourable outcomes for patients. We discuss the current evidence and present an approach to the management of ASUC for general and specialist clinicians caring for patients with ASUC. The information in this review is derived from data published in peer- reviewed academic journals and registered clinical trials. Management of acute severe colitis requires a multidisciplinary approach with early initiation with steroids and timely escalation of treatment to either medical rescue therapy or surgery. Balancing the risks of delayed surgery vs. optimizing medical therapy, including accelerated dosing schedules for biologics, remains ambiguous. The position on newer molecules like Janus Kinase inhibitors, such as tofacitinib, is a growing area with early real-world data showing promise for steroid refractory ASUC. Developing predictive biomarkers and clinical risk scores for personalized rescue therapy selection is an evolving area of research.

Defining management strategies for acute severe ulcerative colitis using predictive models: a simulation-modeling study.

Robust management algorithms are required to reduce the residual risk of colectomy in acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) refractory to standard infliximab salvage therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and benefits of alternative ASUC management strategies using simulated prediction models of varying accuracy. This was a simulation-based modeling study using a hypothetical cohort of 5,000 steroid-refractory ASUC patients receiving standard infliximab induction. Simulated predictive models were used to risk-stratify patients and escalate treatment in patients at high risk of failing standard infliximab induction. The main outcome of interest was colectomy by 3 months. The 3-month colectomy rate in the base scenario where all 5,000 patients received standard infliximab induction was 23%. The best-performing management strategy assigned high-risk patients to sequential Janus kinase inhibitor inhibition and mediumrisk patients to accelerated infliximab induction. Using a 90% area under the curve (AUC) prediction model and optimistic treatment efficacy assumptions, this strategy reduced the 3-month colectomy rate to 8% (65% residual risk reduction). Using an 80% AUC prediction model with only modest treatment efficacy assumptions, the 3-month colectomy rate was reduced to 15% (35% residual risk reduction). Overall management strategy efficacy was highly dependent on predictive model accuracy and underlying treatment efficacy assumptions. This is the first study to simulate predictive model-based management strategies in steroid-refractory ASUC and evaluate their effect on short-term colectomy rates. Future studies on predictive model development should incorporate simulation studies to better understand their expected benefit.

DOP46 Tofacitinib for hospitalized acute severe Ulcerative Colitis – the TRIUMPH study

Abstract Background Tofacitinib is a rapidly acting Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor with several case series reporting effectiveness in patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC). However, there remains a paucity of prospective data evaluating its efficacy and rapidity of onset in ASUC. Methods The TRIUMPH study is a phase 4 prospective interventional trial of tofacitinib in ASUC conducted in five hospitals across Canada (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04925973). Patients with ASUC (biologic naïve and experienced) refractory to three days of intravenous corticosteroids (Modified Truelove-Witts Severity Index [MTWSI] > 10 despite steroids) were eligible for enrollment. Patients were treated with tofacitinib 10mg bid and assessed daily while in hospital. The primary outcome was day 7 clinical response (MTWSI reduction of > 3 from baseline and < 10). Secondary outcomes included rapidity of clinical and biomarker improvements over the first 7 days, colectomy over the course of one year, and corticosteroid-free clinical remission (total Mayo score < 2), endoscopic improvement (endoscopic Mayo score 0 or 1), and adverse events at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results This is an interim analysis as the study has been fully recruited with six-month follow-up available for all participants. 24 patients with ASUC were recruited and received tofacitinib 10mg bid. The mean total baseline Mayo score was 10.1 (SD 1.4) and all patients had a baseline Mayo endoscopic subscore of 2 (25%, 6/24) or 3 (75%, 18/24). One third of the patients (8/24) had previous anti-TNF failure. Day 7 clinical response was achieved in 58.3% (14/24) patients. The mean number of days to achieve clinical response was 2.4 days (SD 1.3). Marked reduction in C-reactive protein was observed in responders as soon as one day after tofacitinib initiation compared to non-responders (Figure 1). Colectomy occurred in 16.7% (4/24) patients by day 7 and 25% (6/24) by six months. At six months, 45.8% (11/24) patients remained on tofacitinib (including 78.6% (11/14) of day 7 responders), with 33.3% (8/24) having achieved endoscopic improvement and corticosteroid-free clinical remission. A total of six patients reported adverse events, one of which was considered severe (stroke at day 3 after initiation of tofacitinib). Conclusion Tofacitinib may be an effective induction strategy in patients hospitalized with steroid-refractory ASUC. Randomized controlled trials are needed to compare JAK inhibitors with infliximab for steroid refractory ASUC.

P872 PREDICT UC: Optimising Infliximab Induction therapy for Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis – A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract Background The optimal dosing strategy of infliximab (IFX) in Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis (ASUC) is unknown. We compared intensified and standard dose IFX strategies in ASUC. Methods In this open-label randomised trial (NCT02770040), patients from 13 Australian centres with intravenous steroid-refractory ASUC were randomised to receive a first dose of 10mg/kg or 5mg/kg IFX in a 1:2 ratio. Patients in the 10mg/kg group (intensified induction [II]) received a second dose at day 7 or earlier at time of non-response; all 5mg/kg patients were re-randomised 1:1 to standard (SI) or accelerated induction (AI), which produced three induction groups: II, SI and AI. SI patients received 5mg/kg at week 0, 2 and 6, with an extra 5mg/kg dose before day 7 if non-response. AI patients received 5mg/kg at week 0, 1 and 3, with the week 1 dose increased to 10mg/kg and given earlier if non-response. Primary outcome: clinical response by day 7 (reduction in Lichtiger score to <10, with decrease of ≥3 points and improvement in rectal bleeding and stool frequency to ≤4/day). Secondary outcomes compared induction regimens until month 3. Analysis was by intention to treat. Results Between July 2016 & September 2021, 138 patients were randomised; 46 received a first IFX dose of 10mg/kg and 92 received 5mg/kg. Primary outcome: day 7 clinical response was observed in 65% (30/46) of 10mg/kg vs 61% (56/92) of 5mg/kg patients (P=0.76). In the 5mg/kg group, the rate of day 7 response was numerically lower in those with albumin <25g/L vs ≥25g/L [47% (15/32) vs 68% (41/60), P=0.07]. No difference in clinical response was observed in the 10mg/kg group when stratified by albumin [64% (9/14) vs 66% (21/32) P>0.99]. There was no difference in time to clinical response, change in Lichtiger score or CRP from baseline to day 7. Two patients who received 10mg/kg IFX underwent colectomy in the first 7 days vs 0 in the 5mg/kg group (P=0.21). Comparison of induction regimens (II, SI & AI): no difference in clinical remission rates between weeks 2 and 6 were observed. AI and II groups had higher rates of combined clinical and biochemical remission compared to SI between weeks 2 and 6 (P=0.042). At 3 months, there was no difference in rates of endoscopic and steroid-free remission, as well as rates of colectomy (II 7%; SI 12%; AI 19%, P=0.20). Conclusion In steroid-refractory ASUC, a first dose of 10mg/kg or 5mg/kg IFX achieved similar clinical response rates by day 7. Patients receiving intensified or accelerated induction achieved clinical and biochemical remission earlier compared to standard induction; however, outcomes at three months were similar. Patients with a lower albumin may benefit from proactive intensified dosing strategies.

P962 Clinical and endoscopic remission at 3 months after Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis is predictive of maintenance therapy outcomes at 12 months - Results from PREDICT UC

Abstract Background The optimal maintenance regimen after rescue therapy for Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis (ASUC) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate prospectively the impact of different maintenance regimens after successful infliximab (IFX) rescue, along with factors associated with Month 12 remission. Methods Clinical responders at 3 months from PREDICT UC, a randomised trial (NCT02770040) comparing standard and intensified IFX rescue strategies, were evaluated in this prospective cohort study up to Month 12. Maintenance therapies were as follows: (1) Thiopurine monotherapy (azathioprine or mercaptopurine) for thiopurine naïve patients or prior suboptimal thiopurine therapy (TP); (2) Combination thiopurine and IFX therapy 5mg/kg 8-weekly for thiopurine-experienced patients (IFX+TP combo); (3) IFX monotherapy 5mg/kg 8-weekly for thiopurine-intolerant patients (IFX mono). All patients received oral 5-aminosalicylates. Clinical and endoscopic assessments were performed at baseline (Month 3) and Month 12. Clinical remission was defined as a partial Mayo score of 0-1 and endoscopic remission as Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES) of 0-1. Results Of 138 patients randomised, 79 entered the maintenance phase. Of these, 56 (71%) received TP, 16 (20%) received IFX+TP combo and 7 (9%) received IFX mono. Baseline characteristics were similar across the 3 maintenance groups. At 12 months, 42 patients (53%) were in clinical remission, 44 patients (56%) were in endoscopic remission, and one patient underwent colectomy. The 3 maintenance groups had similar rates of clinical remission (TP 55%, IFX+TP combo 56%, IFX mono 29%; P=0.39) and endoscopic remission (TP 55%, IFX+TP combo 56%, IFX mono 57%; P=0.99) at 12 months. Clinical Remission On univariable and multivariable analysis, no factors were associated with clinical remission at 12 months, including baseline CRP, albumin, partial Mayo score, MES, UCEIS or maintenance strategy. Endoscopic Remission Factors associated with endoscopic remission at 12 months included baseline partial Mayo score of 0 (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.24-9.10, P=0.017), MES of 0-1 (OR 3.48, 95% CI 1.08-11.27, P=0.037) and UCEIS of 0-1 (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.24-8.76, P=0.016). However, a partial Mayo score cut-off of 0-1 did not reach significance (OR 3.46, P=0.09). No factors associated with endoscopic remission were identified on multivariable analysis. Conclusion In steroid-refractory ASUC patients who received IFX rescue, clinical and endoscopic remission at Month 3 were associated with endoscopic remission at Month 12, particularly among patients with greater depth of remission. Month 3 assessment helps identify patients at higher risk of disease progression for whom more intensive treatment may be required.

P782 Comparison of accelerated and standard infliximab induction regimens in Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis using propensity score: A retrospective multicenter study in a Chinese cohort

Abstract Background The optimal regimen of infliximab salvage in acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) patients remains controversial. This retrospective multicenter study aimed to compare accelerated and standard infliximab induction in a Chinese cohort of ASUC patients, and to explore risk factors associated with poor prognosis. Methods Data were collected retrospectively from steroid-refractory ASUC patients who received infliximab induction as rescue therapy at seven tertiary centers across China. Accelerated infliximab induction was defined as receiving two doses of infliximab on or before day 13 and/or receiving intensified doses of ≥ 7.5 mg/kg. Outcomes including colectomy and clinical remission (Mayo score ≤ 2 and every subscore ≤ 1 at day 14) rates were compared using propensity score adjustment for potential confounders. The variables in propensity score model was determined by logistic regression analysis for accelerated induction. Results A total of 76 patients were included: 29 received standard induction and 47 received accelerated induction. The overall disease severity was significantly higher in patients of accelerated group (Table). The 30-day colectomy rates did not differ between two groups (4.3% vs. 0%, P=0.522). However, the accelerated group had a higher 90-day colectomy rate (17.8% vs. 0%, P=0.019) and lower clinical remission rate (27.7% vs. 65.5%, P=0.001). (Figure. A) After adjusting with propensity score and institution, there was no significant difference in colectomy (P=0.20) or no clinical remission (P=0.48) hazards. Dose-effect curves plotted by restricted cubic splines (adjusted for propensity score and institution) showed decreased colectomy hazard with higher cumulative infliximab dosage within 5 days, while no improvement was observed for increasing cumulative infliximab dosage within 28 days. (Figure. B) Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed female gender (OR=7.69, 95%CI: 1.96-33.33) and C-reactive protein (CRP) >10 mg/L at infliximab initiation (OR=5.00, 95%CI: 1.27-24.34) as independent risk factors for no clinical remission. (Figure. C) Conclusion After adjusting for confounders, there were no significant differences in colectomy or clinical remission rates between accelerated and standard infliximab induction among steroid-refractory ASUC patients. Elevated CRP at infliximab initiation indicated more intensive treatment or earlier surgery to be considered. And it would be better to give early intensified dosage within 5 days if needed.

Long-term outcomes of cyclosporin induction and ustekinumab maintenance combination therapy in patients with steroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis.

Effective management of patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a major challenge and there remains a paucity of available maintenance treatment options after efficacious cyclosporin induction therapy. We investigated the long-term effectiveness and safety of cyclosporin and ustekinumab combination therapy in patients with steroid refractory ASUC. Monocentric, prospective study. We included patients with steroid refractory ASUC with multiple failed prior advanced therapies, who were treated with cyclosporin and ustekinumab combination therapy. Among the 11 included patients, 10 had prior failure to infliximab and 8 failed at least three previous biological therapies. The mean baseline Mayo and Lichtiger scores were 10.9 (9-12) and 13.3 (11-14), respectively. Ustekinumab was initiated 3.2 weeks (1-8) after initiation of cyclosporin treatment and combination therapy was continued for a mean of 11.5 (4-20) weeks. Clinical response was achieved in six patients at week 16 and clinical steroid-free clinical remission in five patients at week 48. Endoscopic remission was achieved in five patients at week 16 and together with histological remission in five patients at week 52. Intestinal ultrasound demonstrated mean bowel wall thickening in the sigmoid colon of 5.5 mm at baseline and 3.5 mm at week 52, respectively. Two patients had to undergo colectomy (mean 4.5 months, range 3-6) and three stopped ustekinumab therapy due to ineffectiveness. Overall, combination therapy was well tolerated. Combination of cyclosporin and ustekinumab therapy allowed nearly half of ASUC patients to reach clinical and endoscopic remission after 52 weeks, warranting further studies. Not applicable.

Tofacitinib in Steroid-Refractory Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A Retrospective Analysis.

Steroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) patients are at the highest risk of colectomy. Among the available options, cyclosporine and infliximab have similar efficacy but infliximab is a costly drug and cyclosporine has multiple side effects like kidney injury, neurotoxicity, and dyselectrolytemia.Surgical management is often associated with higher morbidity. Newer oral small molecules like Janus kinase inhibitors are the ideal molecules to bridge the gap. Tofacitinib has already been extensively evaluated in patients with moderate to severe UC; however, data on ASUC treated by tofacitinib are limited. We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with ASUC who were admitted to our hospital's luminal gastroenterology unit between January 2021 and July 2023. Patients with ASUC who were managed with tofacitinib were included in the study. Eight patients with ASUC were identified who did not respond to intravenous hydrocortisone and were treated with tofacitinib.The mean age was 39 ± 15 years and 87.5% were female. The median duration of illness was 24 months (interquartile range (IQR): 12-120 months).Seven of eight patients (87.5%) responded to oral tofacitinib 10 mg twice a day by the fifth day of treatment. The median follow-up period was six months (IQR: 1-12 months). One patient required colectomy and one patient had varicella zoster reactivation requiring treatment discontinuation. Tofacitinib is an attractive alternative to the currently available salvage therapy for steroid-refractory ASUC;however, long-term efficacy and risk remain to be explored.

Vedolizumab as Rescue Therapy in Carboplatin-Gemcitabine-Induced Triggered Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Up

Approximately 20% of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) develop acute severe UC (ASUC), for which intravenous systemic steroid therapy and possibly infliximab-based rescue therapy are generally imposed. However, there are no significant guideline recommendations on ASUC regarding vedolizumab as an alternative in this setting. A case report was presented where a patient with steroid-dependent UC developed ASUC induced by second-line chemotherapy. Treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone was imposed, but there was no reduction in bowel movements in the days following admission. Rescue therapy with infliximab was contraindicated because of the oncologic history. Surgical consultation, contraindicated colectomy, and administration of vedolizumab 300 mg were initiated. After infusion with vedolizumab, there was a significant reduction in bowel movements starting the day after infusion until normalisation of bowel movements within three days and the concomitant normalisation of inflammatory indices. The patient is currently in clinical remission, on therapy with vedolizumab 108 mg subcutaneously every two weeks, and is in oncologic follow-up for pulmonary neoplasm. This case highlights the novel potential of vedolizumab as a possible rescue therapy in ASUC, especially in special populations, where it may offer a better safety profile. Although cyclosporine and infliximab still represent the mainstays of salvage therapy for steroid-refractory ASUC, new therapeutic agents may also be effective, such as vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and anti-Janus kinase agents.

Protective effect of the novel calcineurin inhibitor voclosporin in experimental colitis.

Acute severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis remains a medically challenging condition with frequent need of surgery. It can be treated with the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A with the need for therapeutic drug monitoring and significant toxicity. Recently, a novel calcineurin inhibitor, voclosporin, has been approved for the treatment of lupus nephritis with no need for therapeutic drug monitoring and an improved long-term safety profile. However, the therapeutic effect of voclosporin in acute severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis is still uncertain. We aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of voclosporin to ameliorate inflammation in an experimental model of colitis. We used the dextran sodium sulfate-induced model of colitis in C57BL/6 J wildtype mice treated with either cyclosporine A, voclosporin or solvent control. We employed endoscopy, histochemistry, immunofluorescence, bead-based multiplex immunoassays and flow cytometry to study the therapeutic effect of calcineurin inhibitors in a preventive setting. Acute colitis was induced by dextran sodium sulfate characterized by weight loss, diarrhea, mucosal erosions and rectal bleeding. Both cyclosporine A and voclosporin strongly ameliorated the course of disease and reduced colitis severity in a similar manner. Voclosporin was identified as biologically effective in a preclinical model of colitis and may be a potential therapeutic option in treating acute severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Infliximab in Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis.

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a useful strategy in ulcerative colitis (UC). Nearly a quarter of UC patients will experience acute severe UC (ASUC) in their lifetime, including 30% who will fail first-line corticosteroid therapy. Steroid-refractory ASUC patients require salvage therapy with infliximab, cyclosporine, or colectomy. Fewer data are available for the use of TDM of infliximab in ASUC. The pharmacokinetics of ASUC make TDM in this population more complex. High inflammatory burden is associated with increased infliximab clearance, which is associated with lower infliximab drug concentrations. Observational data support the association between increased serum infliximab concentrations, lower clearance, and favorable clinical and endoscopic outcomes, as well as decreased rates of colectomy. Data regarding the benefit of accelerated or intensified dosing strategies of infliximab-as well as target drug concentration thresholds-in ASUC patients remain more equivocal, though limited by their observational nature. Studies are underway to further evaluate optimal dosing and TDM targets in this population. This review examines the evidence for TDM in patients with ASUC, with a focus on infliximab.

Have changing practices in salvage medical options affected colectomy rates in acute severe ulcerative colitis?

In 2014, infliximab (IFX) was listed on the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) and is now the preferred option for medical salvage, superseding cyclosporin A (CsA). Optimal dosing schedules for IFX remain unknown. The authors aim to evaluate the effect of changing from predominantly CsA to almost exclusively IFX for the treatment of steroid-refractory ASUC on colectomy rates. A retrospective review was performed of patients admitted with ASUC between 2012 and 2020. Patients were categorised into two groups according to year of presentation - either 'historical treatment' cohort (2012-2014), when CsA was primarily used, or 'contemporary treatment' cohort (2014-2020), when IFX was mostly prescribed, in either standard or intensive doses. One hundred thirty-nine patients were included; 37 in the historical treatment cohort and 102 in the contemporary treatment cohort. In the historical treatment cohort, 12 of 37 received salvage therapy and eight (67%) received CsA. In the contemporary treatment cohort, 49 of 102 patients received salvage therapy, 40 (82%) with IFX, of whom 22 (53%) received intensified doses. Colectomy rates were similar at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months between historical and contemporary treatment cohorts (14% vs 12% [P = 0.77], 19% vs 18% [P > 0.99],and 22% vs 18% [P = 0.63], respectively). Difference in 12-month colectomy rates between standard versus intensive IFX did not meet statistical significance (three of 21 [14%] vs nine of 22 [41%]. respectively; P = 0.09). There was no difference in 30-day, 6-month or 12-month colectomy rates between the historical treatment and contemporary treatment cohorts. The use of IFX, rather than CsA, even at intensified dosing, does not appear to reduce the colectomy rate observed in our patients.

P621 Combination treatment of biologics with immunomodulator increases risk of infection after discharge in biologics naive steroid refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis patient: A KASID multicenter study

Abstract Background Biologics such as infliximab is the main treatment for steroid refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC), However, there are only a few studies on the effectiveness and safety of biologics in steroid refractory ASUC. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of biologics as a rescue therapy for biologics naïve steroid refractory ASUC patient in Korea. Methods We retrospectively included patients who were hospitalized at seven tertiary medical centers for ASUC management between January 2015 to December 2020, and data on the demographic and clinical variables, disease activity, treatment method, treatment response, adverse event, readmission due to any reasons were checked Results A total of 230 ASUC patients were included, of which 220 were biologic naïve patient. The response rate of steroid in these patients was 74%, and infliximab was administered as rescue therapy to 53 patients who failed initial steroid treatment. The response rate to infliximab as rescue therapy was 96%, and 2 patients who did not respond received colectomy. One of the two patients who underwent colectomy died of sepsis. There was no infliximab-related adverse event during hospitalization. Although infliximab itself was not a factor associated with infection after discharge (10% vs. 16%, p=0.355), combination therapy with thiopurine was a risk factor for infection after discharge. (Odd ratio 7.302, 95% CI 2.101-25.372, p=0.002). A total of 12 infections occurred in patients treated with infliximab after discharge (3 pneumonia, 1 skin infection, 3 cytomegalovirus colitis, 4 Clostridium difficile infection) and were associated with readmission. (40.1% vs. 75%, p=0.031) Conclusion As a rescue therapy in biologics naive steroid refractory ASUC, infliximab showed a 96% therapeutic response. Although infliximab itself did not increase the risk of infection after discharge, the combination with thiopurine increased the risk of infection after discharge

P793 Infliximab and prevention of colectomy in acute severe ulcerative colitis: an individual patient data meta-analysis

Abstract Background Infliximab (IFX) is used to treat patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) who fail to respond to intravenous corticosteroid therapy. Yet, a significant proportion of patients does not respond adequately and requires colectomy. Our aim was to explore baseline predictors of colectomy-free survival during IFX rescue therapy in patients with steroid-refractory ASUC. Methods We performed an individual patient data meta-analysis (IPDMA) with data retrospectively collected from hospitalised, corticosteroid-refractory patients diagnosed with ASUC (based on Truelove and Witts’ criteria) who received IFX rescue therapy. Baseline characteristics including sex, smoking status, disease extent, disease duration, Mayo endoscopic subscore, serum albumin, C-reactive protein, haemoglobin, and white blood count were evaluated as predictors of colectomy-free survival at three and twelve months after start of IFX therapy. Data were analysed using R software (v4.2.0). Results Data were collected from six centres contributing a total of 140 patients (Table 1). Fifteen patients (10.7%) required colectomy within three months and another eight patients underwent colectomy by one year (total colectomy rate after one year 16.4%) (Figure 1). No baseline predictors of colectomy-free survival were identified (log-rank P>0.05). Patients who received intensified IFX induction therapy (n=64, >5 mg/kg), in contrast to patients on regular induction doses of 5 mg/kg at weeks 0-2-6 (n=49), did not have lower rates of colectomy. A total of 53 IFX serum trough concentrations (TC) were measured in 31 patients. The median IFX TC during weeks (w)1-2 of therapy was 13.5 mg/L (interquartile range [IQR] 9.3-16.3 mg/L), and 7.0 (IQR 1.9-12.0) mg/L during w3-6. Target attainment rates were 8.3% (1/12 patients) and 18.2% (2/11 patients), respectively, towards the previously reported IFX TC targets of 28.3 mg/L at w2 and 15.0 mg/L at w6 for achieving endoscopic remission at w12.1 IFX TCs during induction were not significantly different between patients who received standard and intensified induction therapy. Conclusion Colectomy rates remain a significant burden of ASUC even for patients receiving IFX. In our interim IPDMA, we did not identify baseline predictors of colectomy-free survival. Poor target attainments of the previously established concentration targets demand dose optimisation. Pharmacometrics modelling of the IFX dose-exposure-biomarker/measure-response relationship within the spECTRUM consortium (DEFINE study) will facilitate dose-finding simulations to demonstrate the value of model-informed therapeutic drug monitoring.

P472 Cyclosporine versus infliximab in patients with Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A single-centre retrospective study

Abstract Background In steroid refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC), cyclosporine or infliximab are potential rescue treatments to avoid colectomy. Our objective is to assess the short-term and long-term efficacy and safety of cyclosporine versus infliximab as rescue agents. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 121 patients admitted with ASUC to a single gastroenterology centre during 2010-2020. ASUC was defined by the Truelove & Witts criteria. Primary outcome was short-term colectomy-free rate, secondary outcomes were severe adverse events, re-hospitalization or need of treatment with steroids within 2 years due to flare ups and colectomy rate at 2-year follow-up. Results 119 patients initially received intravenous corticosteroids, while 2 patients underwent emergency colectomy on the first day. Sixty-four (53%) were females, median age of all patients was 33 (IQR 27-49) years. 66 (55%) patients responded to intravenous corticosteroids (IVS), while 53 (45%) failed to respond to steroid therapy: 45 (37%) patients received second-line rescue therapy (29 with cyclosporine, 16 with infliximab). Evaluating the short-term efficacy of treatment there was no significant difference between cyclosporine and infliximab: during admission colectomy was performed in 10.3% vs. 12.5% of patients, respectively (p=0.826). In terms of long-term outcomes, the colectomy rate was higher in the infliximab group at 2-year follow-up, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (10.3% vs. 31.2%, p=0.079). The need for oral steroids during follow-up was comparable in both groups (38,5% vs. 50%, p=0.481). Comparing patients who did not undergo colectomy, patients in the infliximab group were more often re-hospitalized due to the need for IVS at 2-year follow-up (7.7% vs. 50%, p=0.002). No severe side effects due to infliximab and cyclosporine were observed. Conclusion In the treatment of steroid refractory ASUC infliximab and cyclosporine were equally effective in short-term period and there was no difference in safety, however cyclosporine treated patients trended to have better long-term outcomes, with significantly rarer re-hospitalization. Additional analysis is needed for other factors that may have contributed to differences in long-term outcomes between the cyclosporine and infliximab groups.

Pyoderma gangrenosum with acute severe ulcerative colitis successfully treated with oral cyclosporine: a case report

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare inflammatory cutaneous condition characterized by the rapid progression of painful ulcers. Pyoderma gangrenosum is usually associated with a systemic disease. A 34-year-old female with a history of ulcerative colitis presented with hematochezia and multiple leg ulcers after stopping her medication for 3 months. A diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) was made based on the clinical characteristics of the ulcers and their histopathologic features. The patient did not respond to intravenous corticosteroid. Therefore, oral cyclosporine was prescribed. Her bowel movements returned to normal after a week. Her ulcers healed after 2 months, leaving cribriform scars. Pyoderma gangrenosum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of skin ulcers, especially in patients with an underlying systemic disease such as inflammatory bowel disease. Oral cyclosporine may be considered for the management of patients with steroid-refractory pyoderma gangrenosum and ASUC.

P304 Intensified versus conventional infliximab induction in acute severe steroid-refractory Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract Background Infliximab is effective as salvage therapy in severe steroid-refractory Ulcerate Colitis. However, up to one third of patients do not respond to this treatment and require surgery. There is still insufficient evidence regarding the benefits of intensified infliximab induction regimens in this setting. Methods Retrospective study including, 51 patients meeting the Truelove and Witts criteria for severe acute Ulcerative Colitis with refractoriness to intravenous steroids requiring infliximab rescue therapy. We compared patients under conventional infliximab induction therapy (n=29) with patients performing an intensified infliximab induction regimen (n=22), defined as a higher dose/shorter interval of treatment during induction. Results There was no difference in respect to median age [IQR] (32.0 [27.0–43.0] vs, 42.0 [29.0–58.0], p=0.116), and male gender (69.0 % vs, 63.6%, p=, 0.458) between patients with conventional or intensified infliximab. Compared to patients with conventional induction, patients under optimized infliximab presented reduced admission to intermediary/intensive care unit (4.5% vs, 31.0%, p=, 0.019), and surgery (13.6% vs, 41.4%, p=, 0.031). There were no differences in deaths (3.4% vs, 9.1%, p=0.396), readmission rates (17.2% vs, 28.6%, p=, 0.270), and median duration [IQR] of hospitalization (19.0 [10.5–31.0] vs, 12.0 [8.0–15.5], p=0.094) between patients with conventional or intensified regimens. In a multivariate analysis, the use of an intensified infliximab induction regimen was associated with a lower risk of surgery (OR, 0.224, 95%CI [0.054–0.929], p=, 0.039). Conclusion In this small cohort, there was some suggestions that intensified infliximab induction may improve treatment outcomes in acute severe steroid refractory Ulcerative Colitis.

P452 Oral ciclosporin is a convenient, effective and safe rescue therapy in steroid refractory Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A single tertiary centre experience

Abstract Background Parenteral ciclosporin (CsA) is an effective rescue therapy for acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) and has similar efficacy to infliximab (IFX). Although CsA is cheaper and can facilitate bridging to any IBD therapy, including newer biologics, its use is limited by variable pharmacokinetics and possibility of significant systemic toxicity particularly associated with the intravenous preparation. Despite favourable pharmacokinetics and bioavailability, the use of lipid-emulsified oral CsA in steroid-refractory ASUC is undefined. Methods All patients who received oral CsA (Neoral®) rescue therapy for ASUC at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK from Nov 2014 to May 2020 were identified from electronic healthcare records. Baseline data and outcomes were extracted and compared to patients who received IFX rescue therapy. Statistical significance was assessed using non-parametric tests. Survival estimates were computed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results A total of 37 patients received oral CsA for refractory ASUC. Median time from admission to CsA initiation was 5 days (IQR 4–6 d) and median initial dose was 8 mg/kg/d (IQR 7–8 mg/kg/d). At admission, the median CRP was 26 (IQR 14–95) and Truelove and Witt’s severity criteria met in 21/37 (57%). 70% of patients (26/37) avoided colectomy during the index admission. No parameters were demonstrated to predict need for acute colectomy. Median follow-up after hospital discharge was 3 years (IQR 2-5years). For those who avoided acute colectomy, median duration of therapy was 4 months (IQR 2.5-5months) with bridging to azathioprine (24/26, 92%), vedolizumab (1/26, 4%), or 5-ASA (1/26, 4%). Estimated colectomy-free survival in responders were 84%, 84% and 78% at 12, 24, and 60 months. No parameters were shown to predict colectomy-free survival. Comparable colectomy-free outcomes were obtained for contemporaneous IFX-treated ASUC patients in our hospital. 9 of 26 patients remained biologic-naïve and colectomy-free after a median of 3 years. Estimated colectomy and biologic-free survival were 51%, 47% and 18% at 12, 24, and 60 months. 15 patients experienced adverse events, which were all mild and self-limiting. There were 3 infective complications. No patients required drug cessation and no serious adverse events associated with parenteral CsA occurred. Conclusion In this cohort, oral CsA was a safe, well tolerated and effective rescue therapy for steroid-refractory ASUC. A proportion of patients remain biologic and colectomy-free for up to 5 years. Given the feasibility to bridge to effective maintenance therapies, including newer biologics, oral CsA should be considered as a rescue therapy in ASUC and avoids many of the side effects associated with intravenous CsA.

Comparison of outcomes of cyclosporine A and infliximab for steroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis.

Data comparing the outcomes of cyclosporin A (CsA) and infliximab (IFX) as rescue therapy for steroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis (SR-ASUC) among Asians are scarce. In this single-center study, we retrospectively reviewed 121 patients with SR-ASUC according to the Truelove and Witts' criteria who received CsA or IFX as rescue therapy between 1995 and 2015. The cumulative rates of treatment failure and colectomy at 3months were compared. Treatment failure was defined as colectomy, switch to other medications, acute flare-up events requiring steroid treatment, or adverse events leading to drug interruption. Among 121 patients with SR-ASUC (male, 55.6%; median disease duration, 47.1months; extensive colitis, 61.2%), 23 received CsA as rescue therapy. Baseline characteristics (e.g. age at diagnosis, sex, disease duration, disease extent at rescue therapy, and Mayo score at treatment initiation) were comparable between the two groups. During follow-up (median, 45months; interquartile range 29.3-61.8), 84 patients (69.4%) experienced treatment failure, and 25 patients (20.7%) underwent colectomy. The CsA group and the IFX group did not show significant differences in the cumulative rates of treatment failure (39.1% vs 34.7%, P=0.714) and colectomy (26.1% vs 13.3%, P=0.198) at 3months. Previous use of azathioprine (odds ratio [OR]=2.309, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.076-4.951, P=0.032) was associated with treatment failure at 3months. Mayo score>10 at the time of rescue therapy was significantly associated with colectomy at 3months (OR=8.444, 95% CI=2.592-27.506, P<0.001). Among Korean patients with SR-ASUC, the rates of treatment failure and colectomy at 3months were not significantly different between the CSA and the IFX treatment groups.