Crohn's disease associated with spondyloarthropathy: effect of TNF-alpha blockade with infliximab on articular symptoms.
Four patients with Crohn's disease and spondyloarthropathy were treated with infliximab for treatment-resistant gut inflammation. A substantial improvement in gastrointestinal signs and symptoms was noted, which was accompanied by a rapid reduction in C-reactive protein concentrations. Moreover, all four patients had a significant improvement of axial manifestations and/or peripheral arthritis, related to their spondyloarthropathy. This fast and substantial improvement of the articular manifestations of Crohn's disease after infliximab treatment warrants further investigation of the therapeutic potential of TNF-alpha blockade in other subtypes of spondyloarthropathies.
Van den Bosch
F
F
Kruithof
E
E
De Vos
M
M
De Keyser
F
F
Mielants
H
H
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000069285:Infliximab