Management of Paediatric Patients With Medically Refractory Crohn's Disease Using Ustekinumab: A Multi-Centred Cohort Study

J Crohns Colitis. 2019 Apr 26;13(5):578-584. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjy206.

Abstract

Background: Ustekinumab [UST] is effective in the treatment of adults with moderate to severe Crohn's disease [CD]. There is a paucity of data on its use in children.

Aim: To evaluate the response to UST in children with moderate to severe CD.

Methods: This multicentre retrospective cohort study identified children under 18 years old with CD, who received open-labelled subcutaneous UST. The primary outcome was changes in mean abbreviated Paediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index [aPCDAI] between baseline and 3 and 12 months, and rate of clinical remission at 3 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes were clinical response at the same time points, changes in C-reactive protein [CRP] and albumin, improvement in growth parameters, and rate of adverse events.

Results: A total of 44 patients who failed at least one biological treatment were identified. Linear mixed model [LMM] analysis revealed a statistically significant effect of UST (χ2[1] = 42.7, p = 1.2 × 10-8) which lowered the aPCDAI scores by about 16 ± 2.7 at 3 months, and 19.6 ± 2.9 at 12 months. At 12 months, 38.6% of the patients achieved clinical remission and 47.8% achieved clinical response. There was a significant increase in mean weight z-score of 0.48 [±0.13] [p <0.001] and in mean body mass index [BMI] z score of 0.66 [±0.16] [p <0.001]. The probability of remaining on UST at 12 months was 76.9%. The rate of adverse events was 12.4 per 1000 patient-months.

Conclusions: Subcutaneous UST should be considered a viable therapeutic option for paediatric patients who are refractory to other biological agents. Prospective randomised trials are needed.

Keywords: Crohn’s disease; Ustekinumab; paediatric.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Child
  • Crohn Disease / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Serum Albumin / analysis
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ustekinumab / administration & dosage
  • Ustekinumab / adverse effects
  • Ustekinumab / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Serum Albumin
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Ustekinumab