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Published on: August 26, 2014
Evaluation of Infliximab Effects on Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Crohn's Disease Using Double-Balloon Endoscopy
Manzurul Chowdhury1, Norihiko Kudara, Toshimi Chiba
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan.
Insights
Infliximab effectively treated gastrointestinal bleeding in three Crohn's disease patients. This biologic therapy promoted significant healing of ulcers and lesions in the small intestine, leading to symptom resolution.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Crohn's disease (CD) pathogenesis involves Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α).
- The efficacy of infliximab in managing gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated with CD requires further evaluation.
Observation:
- Three CD cases with significant GI bleeding were treated with infliximab.
- Endoscopic assessments revealed ulcers, erosions, and stenosis in the jejunum and ileum prior to treatment.
Findings:
- Infliximab administration led to complete healing of intestinal ulcers and lesions in all three patients within 5-12 weeks.
- Significant reduction in lesion size and improvement in ileal stenosis diameter were observed.
- All patients achieved symptom remission and remained free of symptoms during maintenance therapy.
Implications:
- Infliximab demonstrates therapeutic potential for treating GI bleeding in Crohn's disease patients.
- Early intervention with infliximab may prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger cohorts.
Abstract:
Tumor necrosis factor α plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD). The effects of infliximab on gastrointestinal bleeding in CD have not yet been fully evaluated. Herein we describe three CD cases who presented with gastrointestinal bleeding and received infliximab treatment. In case 1, double-balloon endoscopy showed a large ulcer with several irregularly shaped ulcers in the terminal ileum; 8 weeks after infliximab administration, complete healing of all lesions was observed. In case 2, double-balloon endoscopy showed linear ulcers and mucosal edema in the jejunum and ileum; 5 weeks after infliximab administration, all lesions were decreased in size and were healed. In case 3, double-balloon endoscopy revealed ulcerations and stenosis in the terminal ileum; 12 weeks after infliximab administration, ulcer healing and an increased diameter of the ileal stenosis were observed. These three cases have been receiving ongoing infliximab maintenance therapy and are currently symptom-free. Infliximab thus appears to be useful for treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding in CD patients.
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