Biological Therapy in the Elderly with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Narrative Review

Abstract

The aging population with inflammatory bowel disease has increased in incidence. A cut-off point is taken for age; in which it is defined that those ≥ 60 years are considered older adults in the context of IBD. The aspects to highlight and that contribute to significant differences in the treatment of the elderly are the lack of evidence in the literature, the little experience of the use of biological therapies in this age group, the extrapolation of the available information, and the need for include comprehensive geriatric assessment with subsequent identification and management of geriatric syndromes within the overall treatment of IBD.

Biological therapy in IBD in the elderly has no differences with general population in terms of indication, however, there are some special considerations related with the safety and efficacy profile and the impact on the geriatric domains (clinical, functional, cognitive and social).