Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Working Party guidelines on IBD management during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Khoon Lin Ling, Ida Hilmi, Raja Affendi Raja Ali, Rupert W. Leong, Wai K. Leung, Siew C. Ng, Kaichun Wu, Min Hu Chen, Zhi Hua Ran, Tadakazu Hisamatsu, Vineet Ahuja, Govind Makharia, Rupa Banerjee, Shu Chen Wei, Deng Chyang Wu, Pises Pisespongsa, Byong Duk Ye, Jose D. Sollano, Marcellus Simadibrata, Sai Wei Chuah, Choon Jin Ooi
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, secondary to SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in high mortality and morbidity worldwide. As inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease, and most patients are on long-term immunosuppressive agents, there is understandable concern, particularly in terms of therapy. In view of this, experts in IBD across the Asia Pacific region were invited to put together recommendations based on their experience and the currently available data. In general, most IBD therapies (with a few exceptions) can be continued safely, and the general consensus is that maintaining disease control should remain the main principle of management. In addition, social distancing measures and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment should be strictly adhered to. During the current pandemic, face-to-face clinic follow ups and non-urgent procedures should be kept to a minimum.