No post-infusion reactions after infliximab or vedolizumab.

INTRODUCTION

Biologic therapies like infliximab and vedolizumab effectively treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but post-infusion observation consumes considerable clinical resources. This study evaluated whether post-infusion observation periods may be safely reduced or eliminated.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis included all IBD patients receiving infliximab or vedolizumab from January 2019 to December 2020 at Sygehus Lillebaelt, Denmark. Data included infusion counts, observation duration, timing and severity of reactions.

RESULTS

Among 380 patients receiving 3,847 infusions, 43 reactions (1.1%) occurred exclusively during infusions, mostly within the first 15 minutes. No reactions were reported after infusion had concluded.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine post-infusion observation after infliximab and vedolizumab appears unnecessary. Reducing or eliminating this practice may optimise clinical resources without compromising patient safety.

FUNDING: None.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not relevant.