Therapeutics of UC/CD Flashcards
Management of Crohn’s: mild-moderate
INDUCING REMISSION
1. Prednisolone (8 weeks. PO)
2. Budenoside/5-ASA
(C/I, cannot tolerate, distal ileal/ileacecal disease)
ADD-ON THERAPY
- Azathioprine/mercaptopurine
- Methotrexate
MAINTENANCE
- Azathioprine/mercaptopurine
- Methotrexate
Management of Crohn’s: moderate-severe
INDUCING REMISSION
- Hydrocortisone (PO/IV)
- Biologics (adalimumab/vedolimumab/ustekinumab/infliximab)
ADD-ON THERAPY
- Azathioprine/mercaptopurine
- Methotrexate
MAINTENANCE
- Continuing biologics
- Azathioprine/mercaptopurine
Management of Crohn’s: fistulating disease
INDUCING REMISSION
- Antibiotics/drainage of abscess
- Biologics (infliximab/adalimumab)
ADD-ON THERAPY
1. Azathioprine/mercaptopurine
MAINTENANCE
- Continuing biologics
- Azathioprine / methotrexate
Management of UC: mild
INDUCING REMISSION
- 5-ASA
- Prednisolone/budenoside/beclomethasone
ADD-ON/MAINTENANCE
- 5-ASA
- (>2 exacerbations) Azathioprine/mercaptopurine
Management of UC: moderate
INDUCING REMISSION
- 5-ASA
- Prednisolone/budenoside/beclomethasone
- Tacrolimus
ADD-ON/MAINTENANCE
- 5-ASA
- Azathioprine/mercaptopurine
Management of UC: severe
INDUCING REMISSION
- IV Hydrocortisone
- IV Ciclosporin
- Biologics (Infliximab)
- Surgery
ADD-ON/MAINTENANCE
- Continue biologics
- Azathioprine/mercaptopurine
Benefits of Budenoside
Less effective and expensive
Used in disease affecting distal ileum, ileocecal, and ascending colon
Reduced s/e due to extensive first pass metabolism (less adrenal suppression)
5-ASA
5- aminoasalicylates (Others- olsalazine)
1) Sulfalazine (5-ASA + sulfapyridine)
- less commonly used now
- useful for patients with cross-overs e.g. suffer from RA/joint issues
2) Mesalazine (Coated 5-ASA designed for delivery in the colon)
- Released at pH 7
- Most commonly used
S/E - Blood dycrasias (abnormal material found) > brusising, bleeding, sore throat, malaise - Hypersensitivity - Reduced renal function - Hepatitis - Headaches - Dry Skin - Male infertility (reversible)
What immunosuppressant is suitable in pregnancy?
Azathioprine
When are immunosuppressants considered?
> 2 exacerbations within 2 months (meaning 2+ courses of steroids)
Steroid-dependent or resistant patients
What are the benefits of immunosuppressants?
Reduce need for steroids Mucosal healing (reduce T cell signalling)
Which immunosuppressants cannot be used in Crohn’s?
Tacrolimus or Ciclosporin
Overview: Thiopurines
Prodrug: Azathioprine
Metabolite: Mercaptopurine
- Inhibit ribonucleotide synthesis and induce T cell apoptosis
- Onset takes 2-3 months to occur
AZ 80% metabolised into MP
Extensively metabolised to active thioguanine nucleotides (checked 4-6 weeks after initiation)
TPMT (thiopurine methyl transferase) levels monitored prior to initiation (dose dependent- intermediate/deficient in enzymes require dose changes)
Side effects of immunosuppressants and monitoring
- Flu-Like symptoms (after 2-3 weeks; self limiting)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Idiosyncratic Pancreatitis
- Liver toxicity
- Bone marrow suppression
FBC, CRP, LFT, Thioguanine nucleotides
Overview: Methotrexate
25mg OW 16/52
Then 15mg OW 40/52
Measure methotrexate polyglutamate levels for first 8 weeks until steady state metabolism
S/E
- nausea and vomiting
- lung and liver disease
- bone marrow suppression
- mouth ulcers
- teratogenic