The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has published new COVID-19 guidance for gastroenterologists treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): AGA Clinical Practice Update on Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Expert Commentary.
While the COVID-19 pandemic is a global health emergency, patients with IBD have particular concerns for their risk for infection and management of their medical therapies. This clinical practice update incorporates the emerging understanding of COVID-19 and summarises available guidance for patients with IBD and the providers who take care of them.
Recommendations for gastroenterologists & their patients who have IBD:
- During this pandemic, patients with IBD should continue IBD therapies including scheduled infusions.
- Having IBD does not appear to increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or the development of COVID-19.
- Instructions for patients with IBD who develop COVID-19 (fever, respiratory symptoms, digestive symptoms, etc.):
a. Stop thiopurines, methotrexate, tofacitinib.
b. Stop biological therapies (including anti-TNF, ustekinumab, vedolizumab).
c. Can restart therapies after complete resolution of COVID-19 symptoms. Patients should
always speak with their health care team before stopping any medication. - Doctors should submit cases of IBD and confirmed COVID-19 to the SECURE-IBD registry at COVIDIBD.org.
[link url="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/04/200412131858.htm"]American Gastroenterological Association material[/link]
[link url="https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(20)30482-0/pdf"]Gastroenterology guidelines[/link]