CCA ANNOUNCES NEW AMBASSADOR - SEE PAGE 7 CCA CAMP DATES ANNOUNCED - CROHN'S & COLITIS AUSTRALIA
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Summer 2014
Magazine For Crohn's & Colitis Australia™
CCA ANNOUNCES
NEW AMBASSADOR See page 7
CCA camp Rick’s ride
dates announced for Charlotte
See page 4 See page 10
MISSION STATEMENT INSIDE INSIGHT SPONSOR
CCA’s mission is to support the Crohn’s Crohn’s & Colitis Australia
and colitis community, with a focus acknowledges the generous
on confidential support programs contribution of Shire towards
the development and printing
including education, advocacy,
of Inside Insight.
counselling, increasing awareness and
generating and utilizing funds
for research and services.
3 CEO’s Welcome 9 Local Champion
4 CCA News 10 Rick’s Little Adventure
5 Support Groups 11 Community Fundraising
6 Volunteer Team Profile 12 Research
7 Queensland Snippets 13 General Information
8 New CCA Ambassador
INSIDE INSIGHT COVER
Editor Janita Friend CCA Welcomes A New Ambassador.
See story, page 7
Contributors Anita Reilly
Lauren Mann Inside Insight is published by Crohn’s & Colitis
Jessica Chapman Australia (CCA). Copyright 2014.
Scott Davidson
We send our thoughts and best wishes to members who are ill at present, or who are recovering from surgery.
We wish you a speedy recovery.
Page 2 I Inside Insight www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au
This edition of the Inside Insight magazine comes to you in a slightly different
format. To help reduce costs and to inform all of our members on our progress
for the year, we have decided to combine both our Annual Review and our
last magazine of the year in one issue. I hope you enjoy reading both.
On our cover this month, we have Francesca has been living with the very best for a prosperous,
a beautiful photo of our newest Crohn’s disease for five years. As healthy and joyous 2015. Our team
Ambassador Mrs Francesca a wife and mother, she runs a at CCA will be taking a break from
McMillan. Living with Crohn’s successful dance school, Fusion 23rd December 2014 and will be
disease and ulcerative colitis is Beats and is South Australia’s back on deck again on Monday,
difficult for many people to speak first professional Bollywood 5th January 2015 full of passion
about and because of this, it is choreographer. For the past year and energy for making life more
challenging for us to find the right Francesca has been busy with the liveable for everyone with IBD.
kind of public Ambassador to rigours of a Mrs Australia Universe
represent our cause. Celebrities title, travelling to Malaysia in Warm regards,
and other public figures can be August to represent the nation at
reluctant to speak out about this prestigious event. Francesca
medical conditions they have, is a fabulous inspiration for the
fearing it may harm their careers, IBD community and is also a
so often they stay silent. great ambassador for CCA. Her
training as a performer and Francesca Manglaviti
Selecting Ambassadors is a very speaker coupled with her sparkling
deliberate process. They must have personality will ensure the public
a profile but they must also have P.S don’t forget to flip this magazine
is given a new representation of
an IBD or have a strong connection over to enjoy our Annual Review for
what living with an IBD can be.
with Crohn’s disease or colitis 2013/14.
through a family member or friend. As this is the last magazine for the
Without this connection, it would year, I would also like to take the
not be possible to authentically opportunity on behalf of myself
represent what living with an IBD and the CCA Board of Directors,
means on a day to day basis. to thank our staff, volunteers,
Given this criteria, we are delighted members, donors, supporters and
to announce the appointment sponsors, who have all contributed
of our new Ambassador - South to making 2014 a dynamic and
Australia-based Bollywood successful year. On a personal
choreographer and Mrs Australia note I wish you a Merry Christmas
Universe 2014, Francesca McMillan. with your friends and family and
www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au Inside Insight I Page 3
News
CCA FORUMS 2015 CAMP DATES ANNOUNCED
One of the services Crohn’s & CCA are very excited to announce that we will be running three teen
Colitis Australia is proud to run are camps in 2015 in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia.
our forums.
These camps are very popular and give kids with IBD an opportunity to
Forums are held around Australia share stories and experiences with other teenagers with Crohn’s disease
and are open to anyone and colitis as well as have fun in a safe and understanding environment.
seeking specialist information on Our camps have been very successful in creating a sense of belonging
inflammatory bowel disease. Those and connectedness for the young people that attend, helping them feel
living with an IBD, their families, they aren’t alone with their illness.
friends and carers are all welcome.
The camps dates are as follows:
The forums are particularly useful
Western Australia 27th – 29th March 2015
for those recently diagnosed as
Ern Halliday Recreation Camp
they offer education, support
and strategies for day to day Victoria 8th – 10th May 2015
management of the condition in a Camp Manyung
safe and helpful environment.
New South Wales Date and location to be confirmed
Since January this year CCA has
Don’t miss out! We would like to get any expressions of interest in early
hosted 12 forums across Australia
so please contact Lauren on lauren@crohnsandcolitis.com.au or 03 9006
in Tasmania, Queensland, Victoria,
6976 if you are interested in attending.
New South Wales, the ACT, Western
Australia and South Australia. The More information to come in early 2015 so keep an eye out.
New South Wales forum at The
Children’s Hospital, Westmead
attracted a large crowd with 136
registrations. This was our first forum
at Westmead so it was great to
have such high attendance. Thank
you to everyone who has attended
a forum and given feedback, this
really helps to provide direction
around future forum topics. Please
keep an eye on our website and
our Facebook page for future
dates and venues.
Page 4 I Inside Insight www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au
Support Groups
Support Group Update
We are pleased to announce that a number of new support groups have recently commenced, offering even
more support to those in need across Australia. Support groups are a great way to connect with others who are
affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, to share experiences with those who understand what you are
going through and can provide help and understanding in a confidential and supportive environment.
Current support groups:
VIC NSW QLD WA
Ballarat Canterbury Sunshine Coast Bassendean
Bass Coast Erina Brisbane Dianella
Melbourne Young Adults Chatswood Brisbane South Mandurah
RMH Newcastle Cairns Palmyra
Mount Waverly Penrith Gold Coast
Preston Port Macquarie Mackay
St Kilda Sutherland Shire
Templestowe Wagga Wagga SA
Sandringham Adelaide
Wodonga
Geelong ACT TAS NT
Mornington Peninsula Hughes Launceston Palmerston
Beaconsfield Hobart
If you live near any of these groups why not join them – the Support Group Facilitators are there to welcome you
and would love to have you come along. Please see our website www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au or phone our
office on 03 9815 1266 for more information on CCA Support Groups.
LaTrobe Valley launches SEEKING A TREASURER
a new Volunteer Team Our Volunteer Teams are being set up in regional
We are pleased to launch a new Volunteer Team for areas to provide greater support and connection
the Latrobe Valley region in Victoria and are looking for the IBD community. Our newly established
for members. So far we have a Team Leader Jodie-lee Geelong Team is seeking a treasurer. Would you like
Schulz and Treasurer Murray Ellis. to volunteer your time to help the IBD community in
the Geelong region as our Volunteer Team treasurer?
The first support group meeting will be held on You don’t need a finance background and all
Wednesday 3 December. The team is looking for training and resources are provided, you just need to
people to be involved in helping raise awareness and be a member of CCA. For more information please
support in the local area. For more information please contact Jessica@crohnsandcolitis.com.au
contact Jessica Chapman on 03 9006 6974 or via or phone 03 9815 1266
email Jessica@crohnsandcolitis.com.au
www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au Inside Insight I Page 5
Volunteer Team Profile
Tiffany Smart, There are two of us in the team, give a huge thank you to Marissa,
Wodonga Region myself and my wonderful treasurer, our treasurer for facilitating the
Having Volunteer Teams (VT’s) on Marissa Ellis. What I like best about support groups, fundraising and
the ground in regional areas mean the role is being able to help others general suppot – you’ve been
we can help more people, raise in our community and connecting great!”
more awareness and fundraise people who can relate to each
through events and activities. other and provide support.
We are grateful to all of our I’d really like to expand the team
volunteers and the time they give to the point where we have big
to help the IBD community and fundraising events that greatly
CCA. This issue we profile, Tiffany involves the local community.
Smart, a Volunteer Team leader for In October we had a Bunnings
the Wodonga Region. BBQ and we plan to organise
raffles and another BBQ in the
Tiffany’s VT story: near future. I would like to thank
“I became a VT leader because Bunnings Wodonga for helping us
when I was first diagnosed with through everything step by step. I
Crohn’s disease in February 2013, would also like to thank your close
there was nowhere local to turn knit support group for being so
to. I made numerous trips to wonderful and welcoming. I’d also
Melbourne for forums etc, before like to thank my partner, Daniel
contact Jess Chapman to organise for all his support whilst I’ve been
a local support group. It was the getting the group up and running.
best decision I’ve made! Last but not least, I would like to
This Christmas,
ask your family and friends for what you really want…
better support, treatment and ultimately a cure for Crohn’s and colitis
Many of us have everything we want – except a cure for
the chronic health problems that plague an increasing
number of Australians. Every day another 14 people are
diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. By 2022,
it is estimated that 100,000 Australians will be affected by
these diseases.
Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA) invest in research and
provide information, education and support for people
living with inflammatory bowel disease. A gift to CCA is a
gift that can benefit thousands of people as well as yourself.
If you are celebrating a special occasion and would like
friends and family to donate to CCA in lieu of gifts, then
email info@crohnsandcolitis.com.au and we will send you
out our In Celebration envelopes.
In Memory envelopes also available
Page 6 I Inside Insight www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au
Queensland Snippets
Queensland support groups grow! Cooke-Murphy Reserve, 28 Ashton St, Labrador. 2015:
We now have seven groups running in Queensland. skip January, 17th February (TBC).
Support groups give you an opportunity to meet with
Mackay: 7.00pm, second Wednesday every month.
a small group in an easy, friendly and supportive
Mackay Women’s Centre (group meetings are for
environment, and if you haven’t been to one, why not
both genders), 418 Shakespeare St, Mackay. 2015:
book a date in your diary and go along – it might be
skip January, 11th February.
just the thing you need to make your day!
Sunshine Coast: 6.00pm, second Tuesday every month.
Here’s a run-down of details for those who may not Studio Republic, 2/7 Norval Court, Maroochydore.
realise there is a support group in their local area and 2015: 13th January (TBC), 10th February.
don’t have access to the internet.
Townsville: 5.30pm, last Tuesday every month. Mater
Brisbane: 7.30-8.45pm, first Thursday every month. Hospital Clinical School Board Room, Level 1, Fulham
Rosalie Baptist Church (downstairs meeting room), Cnr Rd, Pimlico. No December meeting. 2015: 29th
Fernberg Rd & Ellena St, Paddington. Enter car park January.
from Ellena St. 2015: skip January, 5th February.
For further information or to register your interest in
Brisbane South: 7.00pm, last Tuesday every second attending, contact CCA on 1800 138 029 or email
month. The Coffee Club, 1428 Logan Rd, Mt Gravatt. jessica@crohnsandcolitis.com.au
Parking is available underneath; entry on left just past
Name and daytime phone number is required for
Coffee Club. 2015: skip January, 24th February – this
registration so that CCA can advise of any late
meeting will be attended by Anita Reilly, IBD Helpline
changes or the cancellation of a meeting.
& Qld State Co-ordinator. Meet in The Coffee Club
Courtyard at the back.
Seasons Greetings
Cairns: 6.00-7.00pm, first Thursday every month. Wishing you all a happy Christmas with thoughts
Tropical Gardens Motel (Conference Centre Room), for those remembering loved ones they have lost.
314 Mulgrave Rd, Cairns. 2015: skip January, 5th May the coming year bring good health and be
February (TBC). prosperous.
Gold Coast: 7.00-8.30pm, third Tuesday every month. Anita Reilly, QLD State Co-ordinator. Tel: 1800 071 072,
Labrador AFL Sports Club (upstairs Function Room), Email: info.qld@crohnsandcolitis.com.au
Celebrate Christmas with CCA
Support CCA by buying your
Christmas cards through us!
lo
7
CCA’s Christmas cards are stylish and cost-effective des vely
ign
Just $15 for each set of 10 cards and envelopes. s
Each card includes CCA’s logo and all profits go towards
supporting the work we do.
Order from our website: www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au
by emailing lauren@crohnsandcolitis.com.au
or phoning us on 1800 138 029
www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au Inside Insight I Page 7
CCA Ambassador
We welcome aboard Francesca functioning right, but no nutrients
McMillan, Bollywood choreographer were being absorbed, my iron was
and Mrs Australia Universe as our low, I was anaemic and diagnosed
new Ambassador. Here Francesca with Crohn's.
shares her Crohn’s story.
From then on my life changed
forever and my days became a
Francesca’s Crohn’s Journey maze of trying to find out whether
“I was formerly diagnosed in 2009 to take my immunosuppresants
by doctors but growing up I knew and steroids, what foods I should
something wasn't right from an eat and slowing down on
early age. everything I was doing.
With an Indian mother and Italian Now, my health is the best it can
father, food was a very dominant be given I have Crohn’s. I have
part of my life and trying to eat a 16 month little girl, Eliana and
chilli was the first sign for me. I before I was pregnant I was in
knew that it felt different. I wasn't remission. While pregnant I had no
just being a ‘wuss’ for not having Crohn’s symptoms, it was fantastic
something spicy, I would get a bad being able to eat everything
stomach ache each time. Then I again however seven months after
noticed milk and other products giving birth it came back and
were having a similar effect. in full force too. At the moment
My everyday life is very busy but
I have my flare up days and on
As a child I ignored it and just went I manage to get through it all
those days I take my Prednisolone.
on eating everything but realised and manage the Crohn’s. I am
I am on Mercaptopurine taking
I would react to certain foods. currently Mrs Australia Universe
one every day and having regular
Doctors would just say that I had 2014 and I run Adelaide's first
colonoscopy and endoscopies to
irritable bowel syndrome and leave professional Bollywood dance
check everything is ok.
it at that. In 2009, I was getting school, Fusion Beats. I am a full time
married, getting my new dance Above all, I listen to my body. I mother and run other small business
school up and running and working tried many diets and restricting such as a skincare businesses and
full time so I was under a lot of stress. certain foods and as a result was now pageant director.
I did find that energy wise, I had very stressed out doing it which
none. If I was on the couch I would caused more flare ups. I took a step My best advice to others with
be asleep within two minutes, and back and with all the knowledge I Crohn’s is to listen to your body
a deep sleep too. I had warning had gained researching digestive and don't stop achieving your
symptoms that something was up enzymes and food combinations as goals and dreams. I live each day
but I completely ignored them. The well as trial and error I now am able with goals and dreams and push
biggest clue was that in that year I to eat most foods in moderation. through my flare ups.
lost 10kg by not dieting and eating For me I found the knowledge of
There are days that are tough,
everything. After the wedding ‘food combining’ really useful and
painful and hard - it is fine to have
we went on our honeymoon to it made sense based on the foods
those days - for us sufferers it is
Karon Beach, Thailand. I noticed I was eating. Now, if I am feeling
normal, take rest when you need it
that my stomach didn't react to quite acidic I just eat a lot more
and then get back into it.
the foods there; I think it was the veggies for that week, if I know that
freshness of the fruits and other I will be indulging on the weekend And I am honoured to be asked
products. A month after coming then I will take it easy during the to be a Crohn’s & Colitis Australia
back I was very unwell and was week. So for me it is finding a Ambassador and I am looking
admitted to hospital for a couple balance, not stressing over what I forward to supporting CCA the best
of weeks and put on steroids and can and can't eat but listening to I can and creating awareness by
other medications. My body was my body. sharing my story”.
Page 8 I Inside Insight www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au
Local Champions
The Local Champion’s program
aims to reach every MP in Australia
by connecting our members with
them and sharing their personal
stories, with the aim of putting
a face to the IBD cause. Scott
Davidson, of Sydney became a
Local Champion in 2013 and below
he shares his story and how he has
worked to raise awareness of the
issues facing the IBD community.
“In 2011, my wife and I were faced
with a decision that would change
our son’s life forever. After years of
unsuccessful treatment, including
enormous amounts of medication,
a liquid only diet for three months
and a stay in intensive care we
acted on the advice of our IBD
team and agreed for our son,
Khyle, just aged 11, to have an Health Minister, Jillian Skinner & Scott Davidson, Local Champ
ileostomy.
This was an enormous decision IBD team at Sydney Children’s at Sydney Children’s. Again this
and something that weighed on us Hospital Randwick that we had a was just another way of raising
heavily. consistent coordinated treatment awareness. Becoming a local
plan and began to make progress. champion has not only enabled
The end result has been the Mr Patterson was able to arrange me to help drive positive change
transformation of our son. He has a meeting for me with the NSW in the care of IBD patients but has
been given his life back. He has Health Minister, The Honourable assisted in raising the profile of this
gone from not being able to leave Jillian Skinner MP. disease in my local community. I
the house to an active, energetic would encourage other Local
teenager, playing rugby league, In the presence of both the minister
Champions to make a call to your
surfing, swimming and generally and local member I was able
local member, talk to your local
enjoying life. to table the Pricewaterhouse
media, raise awareness and keep
Coopers report and discuss funding
Becoming a Local Champion working towards a model of care
options and models of care. From
for Crohn’s & Colitis Australia has that will work for all”
here I have been able to work as
allowed me to discuss a range of a consumer advocate with The Would you like to be a Local
issues relating to the treatment of Agency for Clinical Innovate. The Champion? Find out more
Crohn’s and colitis with a variety ACI was established in 2010 and about how here https://www.
of people. My first meeting was drives continuous improvement crohnsandcolitis.com.au/how-to-
with the NSW State Member for in the way care is provided to help/advocate/local-champions.
Camden Mr Chris Patterson. At patients across NSW. In September Or phone Janita Friend on 03
this meeting I was able to discuss last year I ran the Sydney Marathon 9815 1266 or email janita@
my son’s treatment and the to raise money for the IBD Clinic crohnsandcolitis.com.au
difficulty we had faced with a
non-coordinated approach.
My son was under the care of
“Becoming a Local Champion has not only enabled
various specialists all of whom
communicated with each other me to help drive positive change in the care of IBD
in differing ways. It was not until patients but has assisted in raising the profile of
we were under the care of the this disease in my local community”
www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au Inside Insight I Page 9
My Story
We are constantly inspired by the I’m hoping I have the support of We’re hoping to raise $50,000 that
parents of children with IBD, who not only the Bathurst locals but also will be split equally between CCA
take on amazing challenges to the Bathurst business community. and The Children's Hospital at
fundraise. Their dedication to a Westmead.
When you have a child in your
better world for their kids is nothing
family with Crohn’s disease it Any support we can generate
short of amazing and we applaud
affects everyone. You need to is very much appreciated.
their resilience, imagination and
juggle other kids, school and work. All donations over $2 are tax
enthusiasm. Bathurst dad, Rick
The hardest thing is watching deductible and you can follow our
Foster, father of Charlotte, is one
one of your kids go through it. So project on our Facebook page.
of those parents. He is planning
many days in hospitals and trips to
a marathon charity ride which
doctors and specialists, there just If you are affected by Crohn’s, or
will seem him riding for two weeks
seemed to be no end in sight for even if you are not, and live near
from Port Augusta, South Australia
what Charlotte was enduring. It's a the route we will be taking, please
to Bathurst, NSW and then home
terrible disease. come out and say hi as I ride
via the Blue Mountains. Here Rick
through. All your encouragement
talks about the challenge ahead Any time I can spend to help find will get us home and help us meet
and his reason for taking on this a cure for this disease is time well our $50,000 target. Charlotte is now
monumental task. spent! saying that Crohn’s is now getting
“Following Charlotte's illness in The first time I walked out of the recognition it deserves “
2009 we wanted to raise the Westmead I thought that I would
awareness of Crohn’s disease like to give something back
and provide funds to CCA to help when we had the chance. As Please support Rick by
in finding a cure. She has been Charlotte is reasonably well now donating on line at
through so much and no one can and I finished Uni myself in Feb Every Day Hero and by
really understand what she has this year, I thought if I didn't do it following him on Facebook
endured. Charlotte has spent a now it wouldn't get done, and I
https://www.facebook.com/
total of 305 days in hospital, 105 would regret that. We also wanted
ALitteAdventure
days in Bathurst Base Hospital and to recognise the work of The
200 days at The Children’s Hospital Children's Hospital at Westmead, https://give.everydayhero.
in Westmead. I have a number of who have helped and supported com/au/ALittleAdventure
local businesses supporting me and her during the last 5 years
My daughter Charlotte suffers from Crohn’s disease which is an inflammatory bowel
disease effecting over 75,000 Australians. Unfortunately, it is incurable and the number
of sufferers being diagnosed with the disease is on the rise. Since 2009 Charlotte has
spent a combined total of 305 days in hospital. This included 105 days in Bathurst
Base Hospital and 200 days between Surgical and Medical wards at The Children’s
Hospital at Westmead.
‘A Little Adventure’ is our way of raising funds to help Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA) with
research into this disease and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead who provide specialist care
for sick children and their families. This is our opportunity to give something back to the two
wonderful organisations who helped Charlotte.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 to be equally divided between Crohns & Colitis Australia
and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Rick & Charlotte Foster
‘A Little Adventure’ is our fundraising ride which starts in South Australia in March 2015 and
takes us through Victoria on our way home to Bathurst, NSW - a two week adventure. I will ride
approximately 1,800 kilometres and Charlotte will be with me all the way in the support team.
Please support our journey.
‘A Little Adventure’ will make a BIG difference to many lives.
Donations can be made online: https://give.everydayhero.com/au/ALittleAdventure
Donations over $2.00 are tax deductible.
Follow our progress on Facebook www.facebook.com/ALitteAdventure
Page 10 I Inside Insight www.crohnsandcolitis.com.auFundraising
Changing Lives • Declan Hughes raised $1,137 for COMMUNITY
Challenge CCA in the City2Surf and finished FUNDRAISING
Our Changing Lives Challenge in one hour and 23 minutes – well Thank you to our many community
participants continue to amaze done Declan! fundraisers – without you we
us as over $106,000.00 has been • Boronia Morrison also competed wouldn’t have nearly as much
raised for CCA since January 2014. in her first City2Surf and raised impact and every cent you raise
Thank you to each and every one $1,182. She was diagnosed with helps us run our programs.
of you and to those who have Crohn’s just this year, thank you
supported you through your runs, Congratulations!
Boronia (pictured)
walks and personal challenges.
• Glen Francis held a fundraiser
This year we have had people at work and donated $1,119
raise awareness of CCA through to CCA
events such as Run Melbourne,
• Taylor Corey raised $2,552
City2Surf, Bridge2Brisbane, HBF Run
through the QEII Endoscopy Unit
For a Reason, Chevron City2Surf,
in QLD and by chopping off her
Blackmores Sydney Running
very long locks! Thank you to all
Festival and a Colour Run in five
who supported Taylor.
states! This is a really incredible
effort and we thank you for getting • Kylie Hoddle hosted a Cabaret
our name out there! Night in Leigh Creek, SA and
through ticket sales, raffles and
Thanks to:
donations raised over $7,300
• Emma Shanks raised $3,885 for for CCA - thank you Kylie.
CCA through the generosity of
her family and friends. Emma is • Wellington Secondary College
really passionate about raising held a casual day and raised
funds for CCA and this year ran Boronia Morrison $623 through the students.
the City2Surf in honour of her dad
Greg Shanks who was a Crohn’s • Natasha Morgan, Amanda
Entertainment Guides
sufferer. Fantastic job, Emma. Liddelow and Christine Turner
Thank you to everyone who
participated in the Perth Colour
• Monique Bell (pictured) who supported our Entertainment Guide
Run on the 2nd November.
raised $2,214 by doing Run fundraiser and bought themselves
Collectively they raised over
Melbourne this year a copy or two.
$6,500 for CCA and also
drummed up a lot of awareness The Entertainment Guide gives up
for CCA and the local support to 50% discount and 2 for 1 offers
group through their community in hundreds of outlets around
newspaper. Well done girls – an Australia – from fun parks, to
amazing effort (pictured) restaurants and movies – it’s such a
great opportunity to save while you
support.
This year we sold 135 books, an
increase on last year, so it has
been a worthwhile campaign for
us and we know that you all get
enjoyment out of the vouchers.
We will endeavour to run this
campaign again next year, so look
out for the promotions.
Monique Bell Natasha Morgan, Amanda Liddelow
and Christine Turner
www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au Inside Insight I Page 11Research
Consider giving Infliximab a second try
Restarting infliximab therapy after a drug holiday "Clinicians understandably have been reluctant to
is safe and effective for patients with inflammatory rechallenge patients with infliximab given the fear of
bowel disease (IBD), according to a new study in immediate or delayed hypersensitivity reactions with
Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the dose interruptions. This study provides the important
official clinical practice journal of the American message that restarting infliximab after a drug holiday
Gastroenterological Association. is feasible," added Dr. Baert.
"Our findings suggest that starting infliximab after Infliximab was the first anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)
a history of prior therapy can be very beneficial to biologic for Crohn's disease and still is used frequently
patients," said lead study author Filip Baert, MD, PhD, for its efficacy in both Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
from the department of gastroenterology, University Studies have shown that loss of response to infliximab is
Hospitals Leuven in Belgium. "Most striking, response about 13 percent per patient-year of treatment.
to infliximab can be regained in a subset of patients
who previously had lost response to the treatment and
failed several other treatments thereafter."
Researchers conducted a retrospective single-centre
study to evaluate the efficacy of restarting infliximab
in inflammatory bowel disease patients, both those
suffering from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
The average duration of infliximab holiday was 15
months.
Patients who were in remission at the time infliximab
was discontinued were the best candidates, with a 78
percent response rate at one year. In patients with a
previous loss of response or an infusion reaction, the
strategy was effective in 45 percent of patients at
one year; while less than the other group, this may be
enough in cases where the patient has failed other
treatment options.
This study shows that starting pharmacologic
monitoring (i.e., checking levels of medicine in
the blood and antibodies to infliximab) early after
restarting infliximab can guide physicians to predict
the long-term efficacy and safety of restarting this
treatment. In clinical practice, these tests are not
always readily available; however, measuring drug
levels and antibodies early after restarting infliximab is
very valuable and allows early optimization.
How safe is the strategy? Of the 128 patients re-
treated, seven had severe infusion reactions,
generally during the second or third induction
dose. Unfortunately, premedication did not protect
against all infusion reactions, but simultaneous Source: The above story is based on materials provided by
American Gastroenterological Association. Note: Materials
immunomodulators did. Therefore, immunomodulator may be edited for content and length.
therapy should be strongly considered in these
patients.
Journal Reference: Filip Baert, David Drobne, Ann Gils,
Patients may initially stop infliximab therapy due Niels Vande Casteele, Scott Hauenstein, Sharat Singh,
to loss of response, and, despite the current Steve Lockton, Paul Rutgeerts, Séverine Vermeire. Early
Trough Levels and Antibodies to Infliximab Predict Safety
recommendations, patients sometimes will discontinue
and Success of Reinitiation of Infliximab Therapy. Clinical
therapy for various reasons, including durable Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2014; 12 (9): 1474 DOI:
remission, pregnancy, safety or financial concerns. 10.1016/j.cgh.2014.01.033
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