Assessment, endoscopy, and treatment in patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis during the COVID-19 pandemic (PROTECT-ASUC): a multicentre, observational, case-control study
Study (n=782) found several altered practice patterns of IBD management in the UK owing to the pandemic (e.g. lower use of thiopurines, increased use of biologicals, and reduced rates of laproscopic surgery). Similar outcomes were seen as compared to the historical cohort.
Source:
Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology
SPS commentary:
A related commentary discusses this research. It comments these outcomes probably resulted from the efficiency of the health-care system and quick adaptation of practice through shifting to ambulatory pathways, timely administration of rescue therapy, and multidisciplinary approaches. However, more frequent use of medical or surgical rescue therapy during the pandemic as noted in this study suggests that the patients might have been more sick or taken longer to seek care, possibly stemming from logistical and accessibility barriers to medical, endoscopic, surgical, or ancillary services, or safety concerns.