Work

Upadacitinib as salvage therapy in adolescents with acute severe ulcerative colitis refractory to conventional treatments

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: Upadacitinib (UPA), a selective Janus kinase-1 inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in inducing and maintaining remission in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults. Current standard management for acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) involves intravenous corticosteroids (IVCS) followed by infliximab (IFX) salvage therapy. Limited data exist on the utility of UPA in ASUC, particularly in adolescents. This case series reports the use of UPA as salvage therapy in hospitalized adolescents experiencing ASUC refractory to IFX. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of hospitalized patients with ASUC who received UPA as salvage therapy after initiation of IVCS and failure of IFX. Results: Three adolescents were hospitalized with ASUC for which IFX infusion treatments were unsuccessful. Initiation of UPA enabled patients to improve their Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index scores to ≤35 and be discharged home. Hospitalization course, complications, and follow-up information are provided. Conclusion: UPA is a promising short-term salvage therapy in adolescent ASUC cases resistant to conventional treatments. Prospective studies are warranted to elucidate its long-term efficacy and safety in this specific population. These findings provide a novel therapeutic avenue for managing ASUC in adolescents, offering hope for those encountering treatment challenges.

Source: JPGN Reports

DOI: 10.1002/jpr3.12124

Authors: Andrew Dickerson, Jeannie S. Huang, Laura E. Bauman

Institutions: University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego

Language: English

Topic: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,900