Renata Tamburic
University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Title: Vedolizumab for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: for now only rescue therapy in the Republic of Srpska
Biography
Biography: Renata Tamburic
Abstract
Introduction: Vedolizumab (VDZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody α4β7 integrin-receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. We want to show our modest experience with the use of vedolizumab as a rescue therapy when other medical therapies have failed.
Methods: An observational study was carried out on patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with VDZ for at one year. An evaluation was performed on the activity indices, faecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein levels.
Results: Our study included 7 patients (5 CD, 2 UC, mean age 40 years). Previous treatment failures with ≥ 2 anti-TNFs. At one year, in all patient maintained the clinical response and remission. The C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin decreased significantly in both CD and UC patients..
Discussion / Conclusion: Our experience indicates that a long-term effect can be achieved, even beyond 1 year of treatment. Vedolizumab is generally well tolerated. Vedolizumab may be used as a rescue therapy in patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.