P1188 Real-world quality of life experience of subcutaneous infliximab use in children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at a tertiary paediatric centre
Authors: Dutt S , Chidgey T , Chuah C W , Eldredge J , Magoffin A , Puppi J , Siew S , Singh N , Stormon M , Tano M , Thacker K , O'Loughlin E V 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Subcutaneous infliximab (SC-IFX) use offers relative pharmacokinetic stability and efficacy and safety profiles comparable to intravenous-infliximab (IV-IFX) in adult patients with IBD (1-4). Regular hospital admissions for infusions have an impact Quality of Life (QoL), impacting work and school commitments as well as increasing financial burden.

Aim
to assess tolerability and QoL in patients switched from IV to SC infliximab collected 12 weeks after the switch.

Methods
A prospectively identified cohort of 33 children with IBD commenced 120mg fortnightly SC-IFX dosing between February to July 2024 in an Australian tertiary paediatric IBD service. QoL and medication tolerability questionnaires (SIAQ and Costs For Patient’s questionnaire) included assessment of tolerability, convenience, satisfaction along with data about travel time and costs were completed at week 12. Assessment of disease activity, inflammatory biomarkers and therapeutic drug monitoring occurred 4 weekly for the first 12 weeks.

Results
31(94%) patients completed the 12-week study treatment period. 21 patients (68%) responded to the QOL questionnaires. Satisfaction with SC treatment was 20 (95%) across respondents, only 1 patient reporting ‘somewhat dissatisfied’ experience. 18 (85%) described ease of administration, with 3 (14%) finding injections "not easy". Respondents described financial impacts to be greatest, followed by time-commitment for attendance, loss of school and work time for attendance for infusions. Nearly 2/3 caregivers required formal leave from employment to facilitate infusion attendance, and 1/3 of patients required full day off school. 100% described a definite or probable willingness to continue SC injections beyond the 12-week period.

Conclusion
We describe the largest cohort of children with IBD prescribed SC-IFX with short-term follow-up. There was high treatment persistence with the drug. QOL data demonstrates high patient satisfaction, with positive impacts on patient quality-of-life with treatment described. Our real-world experience of paediatric SC-IFX use suggests this well tolerated and preferable alternative to IV-IFX dosing in children in with IBD. Further large-cohort and long-term paediatric data is required.

References
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2)Buisson A, Nachury M, Bazoge M et al. Long-term effectiveness and acceptability of switching from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with intensified doses: The REMSWITCH-LT study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59: 526-34.
3)Gianolio L, Armstrong K, Swann E et al. Effectiveness of Switching to Subcutaneous Infliximab in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients on Intravenous Maintenance Therapy. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2023; 77: 235-9.
4)Gianolio L, Armstrong K, Swann E et al. OC5 Effectiveness and safety of switching to subcutaneous infliximab in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients on established intravenous biosimilar infliximab maintenance therapy: real world data from a regional cohort. Frontline Gastroenterology 2024; 15: A4-A.