The New Molecules Are Changing the Course of Pediatric Chronically Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Series of Pediatric Cases

JPGN Rep. 2021 Jul 12;2(3):e100. doi: 10.1097/PG9.0000000000000100. eCollection 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Chronically active ulcerative colitis (UC) constitutes a challenge in an era where medical therapeutic options have increased while experience with colectomies has decreased. The change in the therapeutic paradigm of the disease means that patients with chronically active UC are being managed waiting to find their therapeutic target. We present 2 cases of children with chronically active UC who did not respond to intravenous steroids nor sequential therapy. A response was obtained with ustekinumab and tofacitinib, 2 drugs widely used in adults but still with little evidence in children. Highlighting the important role of patients and their families helped decision-making, facilitating the work of the medical team. With multidisciplinary management and close follow-up, they have been able to avoid surgery entering complete clinical remission.

Keywords: colectomy; inflammatory bowel disease; small molecules; ulcerative colitis.