Low dose interferon gamma for refractory Crohn's disease.
OBJECTIVE
Direct cytokine modulation may benefit patients with inflammatory bowel disease.


METHODS
Subcutaneous interferon gamma (1.5 microgram/kg) was given three times a week in an open pilot study to four patients with active Crohn's disease unresponsive to standard immunosuppressive drug treatment.


RESULTS
In one patient, the C-reactive protein and Crohn's disease activity index returned to normal and the patient became asymptomatic. The other three patients did not complete the 12-week treatment course, one because of drug failure, one because of drug side effects, and one because of incidental disease. However, the Crohn's disease activity index fell substantially and the C-reactive protein returned to normal in three out of four patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Interferon gamma may have a role in the treatment of resistant patients, but only if the dose can be optimised and drug side effects overcome.
Debinski
H
H
St. Mark's Hospital, London, England.
Forbes
A
A
Kamm
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D002097:C-Reactive Protein