Long-term implications of structured transition of adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease into adult health care: a retrospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical and socioeconomic outcome of structured transition care in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

We compared the clinical long-term course of 24 patients with and 11 patients without structured transition care within 24?months before and 24?months after transfer from paediatric to adult health care. Socio-economic parameters and quality of life were assessed by IBD Questionnaire (IBDQ-32) and additional items. Treatment costs were calculated for medication, surgery and hospitalisation.

Results

The percentage of transfer group patients with an IBD-related intestinal complication was higher compared to the transition group (64% vs. 21%, p?=?0.022). We also found a tendency towards a higher number of IBD-related surgery in the transfer group compared to the transition group (46% vs. 13%, p?=?0.077). Transfer group patients received higher mean cumulated doses of radiation compared with the transition group (4.2?±?5.3?mSv vs. 0.01?±?0.01?mSv, p?=?0.036). Delayed puberty was only noted in the transfer group (27%, p?=?0.025). Mean expenditures for surgeries and hospitalisation tended to be lower in the transition group compared to transfer group patients (744?±?630€ vs. 2,691?±?4,150€, p?=?0.050). Sexual life satisfaction was significantly higher (p?=?0.023) and rates of loose bowel movements tended to be lower (p?=?0.053) in the transition group.

Conclusions

Structured transition of adolescents with IBD from paediatric into adult health care can lead to important clinical and economic benefits.

SUBMITTER: Schutz L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6642593 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature