González-Lama Y, Ricart E, Carpio D, Bastida G, Ceballos D, Ginard D, Marin-Jimenez I, Menchen L, Muñoz F. Controversies in the management of anti-TNF therapy in patients with Crohn's disease: a Delphi consensus.
BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2024;
11:e001246. [PMID:
38267072 PMCID:
PMC10870792 DOI:
10.1136/bmjgast-2023-001246]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Despite research, there are still controversial areas in the management of Crohn's disease (CD).
OBJECTIVE
To establish practical recommendations on using anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) drugs in patients with moderate-to-severe CD.
METHODS
Clinical controversies in the management of CD using anti-TNF therapies were identified. A comprehensive literature review was performed, and a national survey was launched to examine current clinical practices when using anti-TNF therapies. Their results were discussed by expert gastroenterologists within a nominal group meeting, and a set of statements was proposed and tested in a Delphi process.
RESULTS
Qualitative study. The survey and Delphi process were sent to 244 CD-treating physicians (response rate: 58%). A total of 14 statements were generated. All but two achieved agreement. These statements cover: (1) use of first-line non-anti-TNF biological therapy; (2) role of HLA-DQA1*05 in daily practice; (3) attitudes in primary non-response and loss of response to anti-TNF therapy due to immunogenicity; (4) use of ustekinumab or vedolizumab if a change in action mechanism is warranted; (5) anti-TNF drug level monitoring; (6) combined therapy with an immunomodulator.
CONCLUSION
This document sought to pull together the best evidence, experts' opinions, and treating physicians' attitudes when using anti-TNF therapies in patients with CD.
Collapse