Crohn's disease associated with spondyloarthropathy: effect of TNF-alpha blockade with infliximab on articular symptoms

Lancet. 2000 Nov 25;356(9244):1821-2. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(00)03239-6.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Crohn Disease / complications*
  • Crohn Disease / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / complications*
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / drug therapy
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab