D A McNamara1, S Brophy, J M P Hyland. 1. RCSI Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. deborahmcnamara@rcsi.ie
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Perianal manifestations occur in almost half of patients with Crohn's disease and often respond poorly to conventional therapies. The introduction of anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha agents (e.g. infliximab) has altered the management of patients who fail first and second line medical and surgical therapies. METHODS: We performed a literature search of the PubMed database using the Medical Search Headings infliximab, perianal Crohn's disease, fistulae, cost and safety. We also performed a manual search using references from these articles, review articles and proceedings from major gastroenterology meetings. RESULTS: Use of infliximab, at a dose of 5mg/kg at intervals of 0, 2 and 6 weeks, results in significant improvement in disease in approximately 70% of patients with fistulae. Prior examination under anaesthesia with placement of non-cutting seton sutures in fistula tracks is a useful adjunct in many patients. Preliminary results show a benefit from maintenance infliximab therapy and from concomitant use of immunosuppressants such as azathioprine. No clinical or biochemical markers have been identified which predict non-response to infliximab, although its use is contraindicated in patients with strictures. Acute infusion reactions are the most common side-effect of infliximab therapy and they are usually mild. Despite initial fears, the incidence of opportunistic infection is low. There is inadequate information, at present, regarding a possible increase in incidence of lymphoma with infliximab therapy. Infliximab is expensive compared with established therapies and its use will increase the lifetime cost of treating Crohn's disease. CONCLUSION: While infliximab is a useful adjunct in selected patients, the cornerstones of management of perianal Crohn's are essentially unchanged.
INTRODUCTION: Perianal manifestations occur in almost half of patients with Crohn's disease and often respond poorly to conventional therapies. The introduction of anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha agents (e.g. infliximab) has altered the management of patients who fail first and second line medical and surgical therapies. METHODS: We performed a literature search of the PubMed database using the Medical Search Headings infliximab, perianal Crohn's disease, fistulae, cost and safety. We also performed a manual search using references from these articles, review articles and proceedings from major gastroenterology meetings. RESULTS: Use of infliximab, at a dose of 5mg/kg at intervals of 0, 2 and 6 weeks, results in significant improvement in disease in approximately 70% of patients with fistulae. Prior examination under anaesthesia with placement of non-cutting seton sutures in fistula tracks is a useful adjunct in many patients. Preliminary results show a benefit from maintenance infliximab therapy and from concomitant use of immunosuppressants such as azathioprine. No clinical or biochemical markers have been identified which predict non-response to infliximab, although its use is contraindicated in patients with strictures. Acute infusion reactions are the most common side-effect of infliximab therapy and they are usually mild. Despite initial fears, the incidence of opportunistic infection is low. There is inadequate information, at present, regarding a possible increase in incidence of lymphoma with infliximab therapy. Infliximab is expensive compared with established therapies and its use will increase the lifetime cost of treating Crohn's disease. CONCLUSION: While infliximab is a useful adjunct in selected patients, the cornerstones of management of perianal Crohn's are essentially unchanged.