Evolution After Anti-TNF Discontinuation in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multicenter Long-Term Follow-Up Study

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to assess the risk of relapse after discontinuation of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), to identify the factors associated with relapse, and to evaluate the overcome after retreatment with the same anti-TNF in those who relapsed. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational, multicenter study. IBD patients who had been treated with anti-TNFs and in whom these drugs were discontinued after clinical remission was achieved were included. RESULTS: A total of 1,055 patients were included. The incidence rate of relapse was 19% and 17% per patient-year in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients, respectively. In both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients in deep remission, the incidence rate of relapse was 19% per patient-year. The treatment with adalimumab vs. infliximab (hazard ratio (HR)=1.29; 95% confi dence interval (CI)= 1.01-1.66), elective discontinuation of anti-TNFs (HR=1.90; 95% CI= 1.07-3.37) or discontinuation because of adverse events (HR= 2.33; 95% CI= 1.27-2.02) vs. a top-down strategy, colonic localization (HR= 1.51; 95% CI= 1.13-2.02) vs. ileal, and stricturing behavior (HR= 1.5; 95% CI= 1.09-2.05) vs. inflammatory were associated with a higher risk of relapse in Crohn's disease patients, whereas treatment with immunomodulators after discontinuation (HR= 0.67; 95% CI= 0.51-0.87) and age (HR= 0.98; 95% CI= 0.97-0.99) were protective factors. None of the factors were predictive in ulcerative colitis patients. Retreatment of relapse with the same anti-TNF was effective (80% responded) and safe. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rate of infl ammatory bowel disease relapse after anti-TNF discontinuation is relevant. Some predictive factors of relapse after anti-TNF withdrawal have been identifi ed. Retreatment with the same anti-TNF drug was effective and safe.