Research Communication: Comparative Effectiveness of Ustekinumab and Vedolizumab in the Management of Chronic Pouchitis-A Population-Based Study.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Chronic pouchitis is a major therapeutic challenge in patients with ulcerative colitis following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. METHODS We conducted a real-world, propensity-matched cohort study of 856 patients from a healthcare database to compare ustekinumab and vedolizumab. RESULTS Ustekinumab was associated with significantly lower relapse rates (aHR = 0.69; p < 0.001), longer time to relapse, reduced hospitalisation and decreased need for steroids or antibiotics. No differences were observed in surgery rates or therapy switching. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that ustekinumab may offer advantages over vedolizumab in the management of chronic pouchitis.