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Evaluating Therapeutic Interventions in the SHIP-deficient Mouse Model of Crohn Disease-like Ileitis and Fibrosis
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Published on: October 14, 2025

Response to infliximab is related to disease duration in paediatric Crohn's disease

P Lionetti1, F Bronzini, C Salvestrini

  • 1Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università di Firenze-Ospedale Meyer, Florence, Italy.

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|August 28, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Infliximab effectively treats pediatric Crohn's disease, especially early-stage cases. Children with early Crohn's disease show a better long-term response to infliximab compared to those with late-stage disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Immunology
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research

Background:

  • Infliximab is a proven therapy for adult Crohn's disease.
  • Limited data exists on its use in pediatric populations.
  • Crohn's disease in children presents unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Evaluate infliximab efficacy in pediatric Crohn's disease.
  • Assess treatment outcomes in refractory and fistulizing cases.
  • Compare response duration between early and late-stage pediatric Crohn's disease.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 22 children and adolescents receiving infliximab.
  • Treatment indications included refractory and/or fistulizing Crohn's disease.
  • Disease duration categorized as early (<1 year) or late (>1 year).

Main Results:

  • Significant reduction in Paediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) observed.
  • Mean PCDAI decreased from 41.2 to 15.4 by 18 weeks.
  • Higher fistula closure rates and prolonged response in early-stage disease patients.

Conclusions:

  • Infliximab demonstrates high efficacy in pediatric refractory and fistulizing Crohn's disease.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment correlate with better long-term infliximab response.
  • Infliximab offers a valuable therapeutic option for severe pediatric Crohn's disease.
Abstract

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