What Is the Personal Experience of IBD Patients about Their Anti-TNF-Alpha Therapy?

AIM: To evaluate and compare the patients opinion on the two types of therapies in a Hungarian cohort of IBD patients. METHODS: Thiswas a prospective, multicentre, questionnaire-based observational study carriedout in three Hungarian tertiary centres. From April to September 2014,an anonymous questionnaire was distributed to patients diagnosed with ulcerativecolitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD), who have received infliximab(IFX) and/or adalimumab (ADA). The survey focused on the preferences ofthe two anti-TNF-α therapies on the basis of the efficacy, the administrationroutes and the side effects. RESULTS: 292 IBD patients, 216 CD, 75 UC and 1indeterminate colitis patient completed the questionnaire. The mean durationof biological therapy was 1.7 (1 - 7) years. IFX treated patients noticed improvementof symptoms at 4 - 5 weeks while ADA treated patients noticed at5 - 6 weeks. There was no difference between the patients’ satisfaction regardingthe types of anti-TNF-α therapy if they received both. However, subcutaneousadministration was preferred by ADA-treated patients previouslyreceiving IFX (p = 0.007) compared to intravenous route and they did not intendto change the mode of therapy (p = 0.040). 90% of the patients, receivingonly IFX or ADA were satisfied with their present therapy. The majority ofpatients (186/292, 63.7%) would not switch therapy. 63 of 291, 22% of the patientsreported to have some concern with biological therapy—the majority(32/63, 50.8%) due to fear from side effects. CONCLUSION: Generally, patientspreferred and would not change the present anti-TNF-α therapy, however,subcutaneous administration was preferred among those patients whohad have experience with both.