%0 Journal Article
%T Timing of proper introduction, optimization and maintenance of anti-TNF therapy in IBD: Results from a Delphi consensus.
%A Ardizzone S
%A Armuzzi A
%A Caprioli F
%A Castiglione F
%A Danese S
%A Daperno M
%A Fantini MC
%A Fries W
%A Principi MB
%A Savarino E
%A Gionchetti P
%J Dig Liver Dis
%V 56
%N 1
%D 2024 Jan 21
%M 37741750
%F 5.165
%R 10.1016/j.dld.2023.09.003
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) with a rapidly growing worldwide incidence. The last decades presented rapid progress in pharmacological treatment leading in many cases to clinical and endoscopic remission, including biological treatment with anti-TNF agents.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>The exact timing of introduction, optimization and maintenance of anti-TNF therapy in IBDs is not thoroughly covered in current guidelines.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We used the Delphi panel methodology to gather the IBD experts' views and achieve consensus for clinical recommendations on introducing and maintaining anti-TNF therapy for patients with IBDs.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Twelve recommendations achieved a high level of consensus in two assessment rounds by 52 (1st round) and 47 (2nd round) IBD experts.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>In many clinical situations, the early use of anti-TNF therapy is recommended. Nowadays, the cost-efficacy profile of anti-TNF biosimilars makes them the first-line drug in a substantial proportion of patients, thus providing the opportunity to increase access to biological therapy.