DDW2024 Conference Recap: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis at Digestive Disease Week

The American Gastroenterological Association’s (AGA) annual meeting was held in Washington, DC from May 18-21, 2024. Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW2024) is considered the leading event for gastroenterology professionals, featuring innovative advancements, networking opportunities, and the most recent research in the field. Today, we will explore some of the fascinating research presented at the DDW2024, with a specific focus on Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Below, you will find the poster title, a brief key points taken from the research, and a direct link to access the abstract.

Real-world Effectiveness and Safety of Upadacitinib in Crohn’s Disease: A Multicenter Study

The researchers conducted a study to evaluate the practical efficacy and safety of upadacitinib (UPA) in treating Crohn’s disease.
The results showed that UPA is successful in inducing a clinical response and achieving remission in real-world clinical settings, even in patients who have been previously treated with multiple biologics and tofacitinib.
Abstract

Economic Impact of Risankizumab Induction Therapy on UC-Related Hospitalizations and Work Productivity: An Analysis of Data From the Phase 3 Inspire Trial

This study investigated the economic implications of initiating treatment with risankizumab (RZB) versus a placebo (PBO) on the frequency of hospitalizations related to ulcerative colitis (UC) and the impact on work productivity in patients with moderate-to-severe UC.
The study found that patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who received RZB induction treatment for 12 weeks had significantly fewer UC-related hospitalizations and reduced work productivity loss compared to those who received a placebo.
Abstract

Temporal and Spatial Effect of Air Pollution on the Incidence of Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Multiple Sclerosis

Inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease (CD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and multiple sclerosis (MS) have increased significantly since the onset of industrialization. The researchers investigated if there is a link between air pollution levels and the incidence of these diseases.
Lower levels of air pollution were found to be linked to a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, however, no significant association was observed between air pollution levels and UC, RA, or MS.
Abstract

Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Insights From a Large-Scale Cohort Study

The study aimed to offer a comprehensive analysis and comparison of the natural history, disease burden, and treatment of patients with Crohn’s Disease (CD) who have Intestinal Failure, as well as those who do not, spanning a 40-year timeframe.
The occurrence of Intestinal Failure (CDIF) has decreased among newly diagnosed patients with Crohn’s disease. However, the number of new CDIF cases has not decreased due to the rising prevalence of CD. Despite CDIF patients experiencing a higher burden of CD before the onset of infection, they were not more likely to receive biologic treatments. Furthermore, CDIF patients seemed to be more resistant to biologic therapies.
Abstract

Differential Patterns and Benefit of IBS-D Medication Use in Surgically Naive Patients With Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Approximately one third of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) experience Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. However, the effectiveness and treatment patterns of pharmacologic therapies aimed at diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) and their impact on symptoms and quality of life in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) are not clearly defined.
The researchers discovered that 32% of patients with Crohn’s disease and 20% of patients with UC experienced benefits from medications used to treat IBS-D, aligning with the estimated one-third overlap between IBS and IBD. It was observed that CD patients exhibited a higher utilization and persistence of IBS-D medications compared to UC patients.
Abstract

Effect of Intravenous Steroids Amongst Patients With Crohn’s Disease Hospitalized for Obstruction

Intravenous (IV) steroids are frequently prescribed with limited evidence during hospitalizations for Crohn’s disease-related obstructions. This study aimed to assess the effects of receiving IV steroids for obstructive symptoms in hospitalized patients with Crohn’s disease.
The study revealed that intravenous steroid use in patients with Crohn’s disease who were hospitalized for obstruction resulted in lower rates of readmissions within 30 days, while rates of surgery and readmissions within 12 months remained similar.
Abstract

Comparison of Real-World Healthcare Resource Utilization Among Advanced Therapy-Naive Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Initiated on Ustekinumab or Vedolizumab

This study examined the healthcare resource utilization of advanced therapy-naive patients with ulcerative colitis who were started on either ustekinumab or vedolizumab.
The findings revealed that patients treated with ustekinumab had notably reduced healthcare resource utilization compared to those treated with vedolizumab.
Abstract

Darvastrocel in Treatment of 152 Patients With Perianal Crohn’s Disease – Observational Study

This study investigated the lasting impact of Darvastrocel (DVS) on patients with complex perianal fistulas associated with Crohn’s disease.
This real-life study demonstrated the high effectiveness of Darvastrocel in treating complex perianal Crohn’s disease that is resistant to conservative and surgical management.
Abstract

Mild Crohn’s Disease is Characterized by a Unique Serum Metabolomic Signature Field

The objective of this study was to identify potential circulating biomarkers for patients with mild CD utilizing a metabolomics approach.
Individuals with mild Crohn’s disease exhibit unique changes in metabolic pathways when compared to those with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease.
Abstract

Impact of Disease Flares on Resource Use, Health-Related Quality of Life and Productivity in Untreated Crohn’s Disease Patients in US: An Analysis of National Health and Wellness Survey Data

Flares significantly impact the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with Crohn’s disease. However, many patients do not receive treatment for their condition. The objective of this study was to examine the burden of healthcare resource utilization, HRQoL, and work productivity among untreated CD patients.

It was found that two-thirds of untreated CD patients experience intermediate or frequent flares. Those who experienced frequent flares reported poorer HRQoL, lower work productivity, and higher healthcare resource utilization.
Abstract

Thank you for joining us for this recap of the DDW2024 Annual Meeting. We recommend visiting this link to explore the entirety of these posters as well as the remaining posters that were showcased during the event.