title: Prognostic factors in Crohn's disease: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The natural history of Crohn's disease is associated with several factors that affect the prognostic of the patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the most prognostic factors in Crohn's disease, based on a systematic review.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most important factors to consider in patients with Crohn's disease are the need for immunosuppressive therapy, the need for intestinal resection and disabling disease. Prognostic factors for these events are ileal involvement, perianal disease and initial treatment by corticosteroid. Other factors such young age, CRP level and smoking status, has not been found in all population-based studies. Protective role of anti-TNF drugs is strongly suggested but need to be confirmed in further studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In a selected subgroup of patients with Crohn's disease characterized by the presence of these prognostic markers, the "topdown" strategy can be proposed.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karoui
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Serghini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dachraoui
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Boubaker
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Filali
mesh_terms: D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007422:Intestines / Q000601:surgery; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D001379:Azathioprine