[Clinical features of Crohn's disease: its diagnosis and treatment]

To enhance our understanding of Crohn's disease and improve its early diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy.

Thirty-one patients with active Crohn's disease were studied. All their diagnostic and therapeutic results were analyzed.

Most patients were young adults, with a 1.14:1 female predominance in prevalence. The disease affects any segment or a combination of segments of the alimentary tract from the mouth to the anus. However, the colon and the small bowel were the major sites involved. Recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and watery diarrhea were the most common symptoms. In addition, low grade fever, emaciation, anemia, and symptoms with skin, joints or perianal complications could be discovered if attention was paid. An endoscopy combined with histologic examination in biopsy specimens provided characteristic features with a diagnostic accuracy of 62.9%. Granulomas were identifiable in 30.8% of all biopsy specimens. Transabdominal bowel sonography (TABS) accurately detected intestinal complications. Factors causing misdiagnosis were: insufficient attention of the disease, diverse clinical presentations, or over emphasis of the diagnostic value of granulomas. Oral prednisone therapy for mild to moderate disease was more rapid to receive clinical remission when compared to oral aminosalicylates (SASP or 5-ASA). Nutrition support therapy was given in 20 cases with active disease and received beneficial effects on host nutritional status. Immunosuppressives were used on an individual basis, and showed variable effects with limited experience. Sixteen patients had operations due to intestinal obstruction or failure to respond to drug therapies. Rapid improvement after operations was achieved.

Crohn's diseases not uncommon in China. Abdominal pain and watery diarrhea are two hallmark symptoms. Endoscopy (with biopsy), and TABS were both valuable procedures for diagnosis. Prednisone and SASP/5-ASA were effective as inductive therapies. Surgery, as an alternative and effective treatment, provided another choice in well selected patients.