Upadacitinib as salvage therapy in adolescents with acute severe ulcerative colitis refractory to conventional treatments

• Published in: JPGN reports
• Main Authors: Dickerson, Andrew, Huang, Jeannie S., Bauman, Laura E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 05.09.2024
• ISSN: 2691-171X; 2691-171X
• DOI: 10.1002/jpr3.12124

Abstract Objectives Upadacitinib (UPA), a selective Janus kinase‐1 inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in inducing and maintaining remission in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults. Current standard management for acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) involves intravenous corticosteroids (IVCS) followed by infliximab (IFX) salvage therapy. Limited data exist on the utility of UPA in ASUC, particularly in adolescents. This case series reports the use of UPA as salvage therapy in hospitalized adolescents experiencing ASUC refractory to IFX. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of hospitalized patients with ASUC who received UPA as salvage therapy after initiation of IVCS and failure of IFX. Results Three adolescents were hospitalized with ASUC for which IFX infusion treatments were unsuccessful. Initiation of UPA enabled patients to improve their Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index scores to ≤35 and be discharged home. Hospitalization course, complications, and follow‐up information are provided. Conclusion UPA is a promising short‐term salvage therapy in adolescent ASUC cases resistant to conventional treatments. Prospective studies are warranted to elucidate its long‐term efficacy and safety in this specific population. These findings provide a novel therapeutic avenue for managing ASUC in adolescents, offering hope for those encountering treatment challenges. What is Known Current management of pediatric acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) involves primary salvage therapy with intravenous corticosteroids then second‐line therapy with infliximab (IFX) or tacrolimus, and surgical evaluation. Janus kinase inhibitors are effective for induction and maintenance of remission in adult ulcerative colitis. What is New Upadacitinib (UPA) was used successfully as short‐term salvage therapy for ASUC after failure of IFX in three hospitalized adolescents with ulcerative colitis. UPA may be a promising treatment for the short‐term management of ASUC in adolescents, providing an alternative therapeutic option when conventional medical treatments prove ineffective and to avoid immediate colectomy.