Adalimumab for Ulcerative Colitis Affects Quality of Life, Symptoms

Adalimumab (ADA) therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), according to a recent study. In this cohort, ADA use improved health-related quality of life and symptomatic control.

Previous studies have suggested the benefits of ADA for patients with UC. However, little is currently known about its effect on health-related quality of life.
_______________________________________________________________________________

RELATED CONTENT
Vedolizumab and Infection Risk in UC Patients After Colectomy
Could Vinegar Prevent Ulcerative Colitis?
_______________________________________________________________________________

For the InspirADA study, the researchers assessed 463 patients with moderate-to-severe UC who had been treated according to usual clinical practice.

Study outcomes included Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) response/remission rates, changes in health-related quality of life, all-cause direct costs, and UC-related direct and indirect costs from baseline to week 26.

Results indicated that 67% of patients had achieved response at week 26, and 48% of patients were in remission. Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) and European Quality of Life—5 Dimensions—5 Level (EQ-5D-5L) scores had significantly improved for the overall population from baseline to week 26.

Work productivity had improved, with an 11% absolute decrease in absenteeism, a 25% absolute decrease in impairment while working, and a 27% absolute decrease in impairment of ability to perform daily activities. The researchers also noted that the safety profile of ADA had been consistent with that of previous clinical trials.

“ADA therapy in usual clinical practice is effective at improving and maintaining symptomatic control, improving [health-related quality of life], and decreasing costs of medical care among patients with UC,” the researchers concluded.

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Travis S, Feagan BG, Peyrin-Biroulet L, et al. Effect of adalimumab on clinical outcomes and health-related quality of life among patients with ulcerative colitis in a clinical practical setting: results from InspirADA. J Crohn Colitis. 2017;11(11):1317-1325. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjx093.