FS Kim et al. JPGN 2021; 73: 610-614. Open Access (PDF): Experience Using Ustekinumab in Pediatric Patients With Medically Refractory Crohn Disease

In this retrospective study with 38 pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease, 34% had stricturing or penetrating disease. Key findings:

• At time of last follow-up, 84.2% of patients remained on UST for a median duration on UST of 62.1 weeks, and 60.5% achieved clinical remission
• 89.5% of patients had no significant adverse events
• Sixteen (of 38, 42.1%) patients required dose escalation, to every 4 weeks (n= 15 of these 16, 93.8%) or every 6 weeks (Nn=1 of 16, 6.3%)

My take: Ustekinumab had good efficacy in this group of refractory pediatric patients.

Related blog posts:

• Encouraging Safety Data for Ustekinumab
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• Ustekinumab for Refractory Pediatric UC
• AGA Guidelines: Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis
• “Positioning Biologic Therapies in the Management of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease” & 14% of U.S. Infected with COVID-19 | gutsandgrowth
• Ustekinumab Over Vedolizumab as 2nd Line Agent for Crohn’s Disease | gutsandgrowth

E Story et al. JPGN 2021; 73: 604-609. Safety of Venous Thromboprophylaxis With Low-molecular-weight Heparin in Children With Ulcerative Colitis

In this retrospective study with 218 inpatient pediatric patients with active ulcerative colitis, the key findings:

• Use of enoxaparin did not result in a greater fall in hemoglobin among those with acute severe colitis (initial PUCAI ≥65) during the week following admission and there was not an increased risk of needing a transfusion
• VTE occurred in 2 of 130 in control group and 1 of 88 in enoxaparin group (enoxaparin group was sicker)

My take: The absolute risk of VTE is low in the pediatric population. This study shows that enoxaparin prophylaxis is NOT associated with increased issues with blood loss. In those with active disease, the presence of CVC and use of steroids are known risk factors and require consideration of, at minimum, nonpharmacologic interventions.

Related blog posts:

• Latest on VTE in Pediatric IBD
• VTE in IBD and Nutritional Rx for Pediatric IBD
• Venous Thromboembolism: A Good Question for Pediatric Collaboration | gutsandgrowth
• Venous Thrombosis in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease | gutsandgrowth
• VTE in IBD