IgA Vasculitis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: new insights into the role of TNF-α blockers.

Objective Association of IgA vasculitis (IgAV) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is rarely described, mainly during anti-TNF-α therapy. We aimed to describe the association of IgAV and IBD. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the association of IgAV and IBD through the implication of the GETAID and FVSG networks. Characteristics of IBD and IgAV were collected using a standardized case report form. Results Forty-three cases were included. IBD (mainly Crohn's disease (CD) in 58%) preceded IgAV in 38 (88%), with median interval of 9.2 (IQR 5.4-15.4) years. In these 38 patients, at IgAV diagnosis, 5 (13%) had active IBD and 28 (74%) were treated with anti-TNF-α for a median duration of 31.5 (IQR 19-56) months. Main IgAV manifestations were purpura all patients (100%), joints in 20/35 (57%), renal in 15/35 (43%) and gastrointestinal in 11/35 (31%) involvement. IgAV was treated with glucocorticoids in 25 (66%), colchicine in 6 (16%), cyclophosphamide in 6 (16%), and anti-TNF-α were discontinued in 15/28 (54%). No IgAV relapse occurred when TNF-α blockers were stopped, vs 23% in patients pursuing it. Conversely, 5 (33%) had IBD flare or complication after anti-TNF-α cessation vs 1 (8%) in those continuing biologics. Anti-TNF-α were resumed in 6 (40%), with subsequent IgAV relapse in 4 (67%). Conclusions This large cohort suggests that TNF-α blockers may promote the onset of IgAV in IBD. Discontinuation of anti-TNF-α was associated with vasculitis remission but increased risk of IBD relapses, whereas continuation of anti-TNF-α was associated with IBD remission but vasculitis relapse.