Dear Editor: The objective of this study was to determine the adherence to biological treatment in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, at the La Paz University Hospital in Madrid. All patients from our IBD unit were informed via email, social networks and websites about the convenience of continuing with treatment. In addition, patients were contacted by telephone a few days before to remind them of their appointment and the importance of adherence1. In our center, 164 patients were on an intravenous biological treatment (infliximab or vedolizumab) and had an appointment at the outpatient clinic during the confinement period in Madrid from March 16 to May 2, 2020. Thirty patients (18.3%) were identified whose treatment was not administered on the indicated date. The infusion of the biological treatment was delayed for a mean 27.9 days (2.9 - 60.9 days) and from the last administration for a mean 68.5 days (SD: 21.24). The reason was fear of going to the hospital due to COVID-19 in 43.3% of cases (13 patients). Most (8, 61.5%) patients were males with a mean age of 49.6 years and had Crohn's disease (92.3%). In 20% (6 patients) of cases, the reason was due to a confirmed COVID-19 infection, being outside of Madrid in 26.7% (8 patients) and forgetfulness in 3 patients. No differences were found between the days of delay in drug administration and clinical activity (32.1 vs 40.2, p = 0.36), concomitant treatment with thiopurines (35.8 vs 38.4 days, p = 0.78) or a history of intestinal resection surgery (50.9 vs 35.3 days, p = 0.16). In conclusion, there was a significant proportion of patients who did not receive biological treatment during the pandemic. Even though they were informed about the importance of continuing with treatment. The cause was mainly due to fear of COVID-19 2,3.
ADHERENCE TO INTRAVENOUS BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE PATIENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.