Low dose interferon gamma for refractory Crohn's disease

Abstract

Aim. Direct cytokine modulation may benefit patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Patients. Subcutaneous interferon gamma (1.5 μg/kg) was given three times a week in an open pilot study to four patients with active Crohn's disease unresponsive to standard immunosuppressive drug treatment. Results. In on patient, the C-reactive protein and Crohn's disease activity index returned to normal and the patient became asymptomatic. The other three patients did no complete the 12-week treatment course, one because of drug failure, one because of drug side effects, and on because of incidental disease. However, the Crohn's disease activity index fell substantially and the C-reactive protein return..