Journal article

Prospective evaluation of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy guided by magnetic resonance imaging for crohn's perineal fistulas

SC Ng, S Plamondon, A Gupta, D Burling, A Swatton, CJ Vaizey, MA Kamm

American Journal of Gastroenterology | Published : 2009

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy heals Crohn's fistulas clinically, but the rate, extent, and duration to achieve fistula track healing are unknown. METHODS: We sought to monitor deep healing, as indicated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to use this to determine treatment duration. Clinical and MRI fistula healing (at 6, 12, and 18 months), Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Perianal Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PDAI), and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire were prospectively assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-four consecutive patients with perineal fistulas were treated with infliximab (19), adalimumab (7; all infliximab failures) and thalidomide (8). Me..

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University of Melbourne Researchers