  Results of the 2nd part Scientific Workshop of the ECCO. II: Measures and markers of prediction to achieve, detect, and monitor intestinal healing in inflammatory bowel disease.; ; et al in Journal of Crohn's & colitis (2011), 5(5), 484-98 The healing of the intestine is becoming an important objective in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. It is associated with improved disease outcome. Therefore the assessment of this healing ... [more ▼] The healing of the intestine is becoming an important objective in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. It is associated with improved disease outcome. Therefore the assessment of this healing both in clinical studies and routine practice is a key issue. Endoscopy for the colon and terminal ileum and computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging for the small bowel are the most direct ways to evaluate intestinal healing. However, there are many unsolved questions about the definition and the precise assessment of intestinal healing using these endoscopic and imaging techniques. Furthermore, these are relatively invasive and expensive procedures that may be inadequate for regular patients' monitoring. Therefore, biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin have been proposed as surrogate markers for intestinal healing. Nevertheless, the sensitivity and specificity of these markers for the prediction of healing may be insufficient for routine practice. New stool, blood or intestinal biomarkers are currently studied and may improve our ability to monitor intestinal healing in the future. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 13 (1 ULg)Fibrin glue is effective healing perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease.; ; et al in Gastroenterology (2010), 138(7), 2275-8122811 BACKGROUND & AIMS: Fibrin glue is a therapeutic for fistulas that activates thrombin to form a fibrin clot, which mechanically seals the fistula tract. We assessed the efficacy and safety of a ... [more ▼] BACKGROUND & AIMS: Fibrin glue is a therapeutic for fistulas that activates thrombin to form a fibrin clot, which mechanically seals the fistula tract. We assessed the efficacy and safety of a heterologous fibrin glue that was injected into the fistula tracts of patients with Crohn's disease (ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT00723047). METHODS: This multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial included patients with a Crohn's disease activity index < or =250 and fistulas between the anus (or low rectum) and perineum, vulva, or vagina, that drained for more than 2 months. Magnetic resonance imaging or endosonography was performed to assess fistula tracts and the absence of abscesses. Patients were stratified into groups with simple or complex fistulas and randomly assigned to receive fibrin glue injections (n = 36) or only observation (n = 41) after removal of setons. The primary end point was clinical remission at week 8, defined as the absence of draining, perianal pain, or abscesses. At week 8, a fibrin glue injection was offered to patients who were not in remission. RESULTS: Clinical remission was observed in 13 of the 34 patients (38%) of the fibrin glue group compared with 6 of the 37 (16%) in the observation group; these findings demonstrate the benefit of fibrin glue (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-9.8; P = .04). The benefit seemed to be greater in patients with simple fistulas. Four patients in the fibrin glue group and 6 in the observation group had adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue injection is a simple, effective, and well-tolerated therapeutic option for patients with Crohn's disease and perianal fistula tracts. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 9 (0 ULg) Efficacy and safety of a third anti-TNF monoclonal antibody in Crohn's disease after failure of two other anti-TNF.; ; et al in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2009) Adalimumab (ADA) and certolizumab pegol (CZP) have demonstrated efficacy in Crohn's disease (CD) patients previously treated with infliximab (IFX). Aim: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of a third ... [more ▼] Adalimumab (ADA) and certolizumab pegol (CZP) have demonstrated efficacy in Crohn's disease (CD) patients previously treated with infliximab (IFX). Aim: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of a third anti-TNF in CD after failure of and/or intolerance to two different anti-TNF. Methods: CD patients who received ADA or CZP after loss of response and/or intolerance to two anti-TNF were included in this retrospective study. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Clinical response, duration, safety and reasons for discontinuation were assessed. Results: Sixty-seven patients treated with CZP (n=40) or ADA (n=27) were included. A clinical response was observed in 41 (61%) at week 6 and 34 patients (51%) at week 20. The probability of remaining under treatment at 3 months, 6 months and 9 months was 68%, 60% and 45%, respectively. At the end of follow-up, the third anti-TNF had been stopped in 36 patients for intolerance (n=13), or failure (n=23). Two deaths were observed. Conclusion: Treatment, with a third anti-TNF (CZP or ADA) agent, of CD patients who have experienced loss of response and/or intolerance to two anti-TNF antibodies, has favorable short- and long-term efficacy and is an option to be considered in patients with no other therapeutic options. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 34 (5 ULg) |
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