A K Akobeng1. 1. Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Booth Hall Children's Hospital, Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals, Manchester, UK. tony.akobeng@cmmc.nhs.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease is characterised by recurrent flare-ups alternating with periods of remission. A number of interventions are currently used in clinical practice to try and maintain remission in Crohn's disease but the evidence base for some of them may be questionable. AIM: To review the available evidence on interventions, which are currently used to maintain remission in Crohn's disease. METHODS: The Cochrane Library and Medline (Pubmed) were searched for level 1 evidence on specific interventions. Search terms included 'Crohn's disease or synonyms', 'remission or synonyms' and the names of specific interventions. RESULTS: Azathioprine, infliximab and adalimumab are effective at maintaining remission in Crohn's disease. Natalizumab is also effective, but there are concerns about its potential association with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Long-term enteral nutritional supplementation, enteric-coated omega-3 fatty acids and intramuscular methotrexate may also be effective but the evidence for these is based on relatively small studies. The available evidence does not support the use of oral 5-aminosalicylates agents, corticosteroids, anti-mycobacterial agents, probiotics or ciclosporin as maintenance therapy in Crohn's disease. CONCLUSION: A better understanding of the evidence base of existing interventions could result in the use of treatments, which are more likely to lead to improved patient outcomes.
BACKGROUND:Crohn's disease is characterised by recurrent flare-ups alternating with periods of remission. A number of interventions are currently used in clinical practice to try and maintain remission in Crohn's disease but the evidence base for some of them may be questionable. AIM: To review the available evidence on interventions, which are currently used to maintain remission in Crohn's disease. METHODS: The Cochrane Library and Medline (Pubmed) were searched for level 1 evidence on specific interventions. Search terms included 'Crohn's disease or synonyms', 'remission or synonyms' and the names of specific interventions. RESULTS:Azathioprine, infliximab and adalimumab are effective at maintaining remission in Crohn's disease. Natalizumab is also effective, but there are concerns about its potential association with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Long-term enteral nutritional supplementation, enteric-coated omega-3 fatty acids and intramuscular methotrexate may also be effective but the evidence for these is based on relatively small studies. The available evidence does not support the use of oral 5-aminosalicylates agents, corticosteroids, anti-mycobacterial agents, probiotics or ciclosporin as maintenance therapy in Crohn's disease. CONCLUSION: A better understanding of the evidence base of existing interventions could result in the use of treatments, which are more likely to lead to improved patient outcomes.
Authors: Prayman T Sattianayagam; Julian D Gillmore; Jennifer H Pinney; Simon D J Gibbs; Ashutosh D Wechalekar; Janet A Gilbertson; Dorota Rowczenio; Philip N Hawkins; Helen J Lachmann Journal: Dig Dis Sci Date: 2013-01-31 Impact factor: 3.199