Prediction of Crohn's disease aggression through NOD2 /CARD15 gene sequencing in an Australian cohort

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the association between mutations in oligomerisation domain 2/caspase recruitment domains 15 (NOD2 /CARD15) and the natural history of Crohn's disease (CD) to identify patients who would benefit from early aggressive medical intervention. Methods: We recruited thirty consecutive unrelated CD patients with a history of ileo-caecal or small bowel resection during the period 1980-2000; Fifteen patients of these had post-operative relapse that required further surgery and fifteen did not. Full sequencing of the NOD2 /CARD15 gene using dHPLC for exons 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12 and direct sequencing for exons 2, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 11 was conducted. CD patients categorized as carrying vari..