Abstract
Objective
Management of acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) during the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents significant dilemmas. We aimed to provide COVID-19-specific guidance using current British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guidelines as a reference point.
Design
We convened a RAND appropriateness panel comprising 14 gastroenterologists and an IBD nurse consultant supplemented by surgical and COVID-19 experts. Panellists rated the appropriateness of interventions for ASUC in the context of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Median scores and disagreement index (DI) were calculated. Results were discussed at a moderated meeting prior to a second survey.
ResultsPanellists recommended that patients with ASUC should be isolated throughout theirhospital stay and should have a SARS-CoV-2 swab performed on admission. Patientswith a positive swab should be discussed with COVID-19 specialists.As per BSG guidance, intravenous hydrocortisone was considered appropriate asinitial management; only in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia was their use deemeduncertain. In patients requiring rescue therapy, infliximab with continuing steroidswas recommended. Delaying colectomy because of COVID-19 was deemedinappropriate.Steroid tapering as per BSG guidance, was deemed appropriate for all patients apartfrom those with COVID-19 pneumonia in whom a 4-6-week taper was preferred. Post-ASUC maintenance therapy was dependent on SARS-CoV-2 status but, in general,biologics were more likely to be deemed appropriate than azathioprine or tofacitinib.Panellists deemed prophylactic anticoagulation post-discharge to be appropriate inpatients with a positive SARS-CoV-2 swab.
ConclusionWe have suggested COVID-19-specific adaptations to the BSG ASUC guideline using a RAND Panel.
Management of acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) during the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents significant dilemmas. We aimed to provide COVID-19-specific guidance using current British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guidelines as a reference point.
Design
We convened a RAND appropriateness panel comprising 14 gastroenterologists and an IBD nurse consultant supplemented by surgical and COVID-19 experts. Panellists rated the appropriateness of interventions for ASUC in the context of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Median scores and disagreement index (DI) were calculated. Results were discussed at a moderated meeting prior to a second survey.
ResultsPanellists recommended that patients with ASUC should be isolated throughout theirhospital stay and should have a SARS-CoV-2 swab performed on admission. Patientswith a positive swab should be discussed with COVID-19 specialists.As per BSG guidance, intravenous hydrocortisone was considered appropriate asinitial management; only in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia was their use deemeduncertain. In patients requiring rescue therapy, infliximab with continuing steroidswas recommended. Delaying colectomy because of COVID-19 was deemedinappropriate.Steroid tapering as per BSG guidance, was deemed appropriate for all patients apartfrom those with COVID-19 pneumonia in whom a 4-6-week taper was preferred. Post-ASUC maintenance therapy was dependent on SARS-CoV-2 status but, in general,biologics were more likely to be deemed appropriate than azathioprine or tofacitinib.Panellists deemed prophylactic anticoagulation post-discharge to be appropriate inpatients with a positive SARS-CoV-2 swab.
ConclusionWe have suggested COVID-19-specific adaptations to the BSG ASUC guideline using a RAND Panel.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Gut |
| Publication status | Published - 8 Jun 2020 |