Use of Small Bowel Ultrasound to Predict Response to Infliximab Induction in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease

Goal: The goal of this study was to explore the utility of small bowel ultrasound (SBUS) as a noninvasive tool to assess induction response to infliximab (IFX) in pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD). Background: Inflammatory bowel disease management has shifted to a treat-to-target and tight control strategy utilizing noninvasive serum and fecal markers to monitor disease activity in response to therapy. Bowel wall changes as seen on cross-sectional imaging may be a more accurate marker of treatment success. Materials and Methods: Pediatric patients with CD with small bowel involvement initiating IFX were prospectively enrolled. Clinical activity, biomarkers, and SBUS findings were evaluated at baseline (T0) and postinduction at week 14 (T1). The primary outcome was to describe the changes in SBUS parameters pre and post IFX induction and how they associate with clinical and biomarker response. Descriptive statistics summarized the data and univariate analysis tested associations. Results: All 13 CD patients achieved steroid-free clinical remission (P
Source: Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Alimentary Tract: Original Articles Source Type: research