Infliximab treatment of patients with severe, refractory Crohn's disease

Patients: 17 patients (7 M, 10 F, mean age: 32.1yrs) with fistulizing Crohn's disease have been treated with infliximab (INX) since Jan. 2002. The mean disease duration was 9.8 (min: 0.5, max: 26)yrs. Among patients a total number of 43 fistulas were present, 16 in enterocutaneous, and 27 in perianal localization. Therapy: Five mg/kg of INX was administrated on days 0, 14, and 42. The CDAI decrease below 150 scores was considered for remission, however decreasing of CDAI by more than 70 points or a 50% reduction in the number of active fistulas reflected responsiveness. Results: The mean CDAI was 132.2 vs. 202.5…