P0904 - Formulation Preferences, Satisfaction, and Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Intravenous Biologics for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Saudi Arabian Study

Yaser Meeralam, MBBS, MD, Salem Alotaibi, MBBS, MD, Mona Alsaedi, MBBS, MD, Adnan Alzanbagi, MBBS, MD, Mohammed Khan, MBBS, MD, Mohammed Sulaimani, MBBS, Abdullah Samanudi, MBBS, Mohamed Osman, MBBS, MS, Hesham Alhalwagy, MBBS, MD, Abdulaziz Tashkhandi, MBBS, MD, Mohammed Shariff, MBBS, MD
King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management relies on infusional biologics, which are costly and burdensome. Subcutaneous (SC) biologics have emerged as an alternative, demonstrating comparable efficacy and safety to intravenous (IV) formulations. However, patient preferences regarding SC biologics remain unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study at a tertiary referral hospital in Saudi Arabia to investigate patient’s preference of medication formulation, frequency of infusion, place of administration and quality of life (QOL).

Methods: We enrolled 107 IBD patients receiving maintenance infliximab or vedolizumab infusions. Participants completed a structured questionnaire on preference for forms of medication ((IV, oral, SC), infusion frequency (2-3 monthly vs. monthly) and rated acceptability of hospital-based vs. home-based infusions on 10-point Likert scale. In addition, QOL questionnaire, assessed satisfaction with infusion therapy, overall QOL impact, work/school life, social relationships, sexual well-being, and side effects.

Results: Most participants were female (56%) with Crohn’s disease (80%). Mean age was 32 years, and 72% received infliximab. Half of the participants (50%) favored IV, 42% oral, and only 5% preferred SC with 67% choosing less frequent infusions. Hospital-based infusions were significantly more acceptable than home-based (mean score 8.39 vs. 7.45; p = 0.037). Majority (65%) expressed satisfaction with infusion therapy (combined “Very Satisfied” and “Extremely Satisfied” responses) with 80% reporting improved QOL due to this therapy. Only 25% felt negative influence on work or education. Infusion therapy had a neutral to positive impact on social relationships with minimal influence on sexual life (74% no significant changes). Side Effects was not a concern in 70% of the participants with 43% responding that any side effects were manageable. The class of biologic, type of IBD, gender, disease duration, or travel distance to infusion center did not affect the choice of medication formulation.

Discussion: Our findings emphasize the need for personalized treatment decisions, considering patient preferences. While SC biologics offer benefits, most patients still favor IV administration. Healthcare providers should engage in shared decision-making, aiming for convenient and acceptable treatment options. Future research should focus on patient education and awareness regarding SC biologics


Disclosures:


Yaser Meeralam, MBBS, MD, Salem Alotaibi, MBBS, MD, Mona Alsaedi, MBBS, MD, Adnan Alzanbagi, MBBS, MD, Mohammed Khan, MBBS, MD, Mohammed Sulaimani, MBBS, Abdullah Samanudi, MBBS, Mohamed Osman, MBBS, MS, Hesham Alhalwagy, MBBS, MD, Abdulaziz Tashkhandi, MBBS, MD, Mohammed Shariff, MBBS, MD. P0904 - Formulation Preferences, Satisfaction, and Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Intravenous Biologics for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Saudi Arabian Study, ACG 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Philadelphia, PA: American College of Gastroenterology.