A new multi-center study confirms the effectiveness and safety of infliximab in treating pediatric Crohn's disease, leading to significant short-term medical benefits and a reduced need for steroids. The study shows improved symptoms such as pain, growth rates, and bowel movements, with no adverse reactions at infusion sites.
In the Phase II study, natalizumab demonstrated higher rates of clinical remission compared to placebo at multiple time points. The highest rate of remission was observed in the dual 3 mg/kg dose group, with a maximal response of 71%.
Researchers found that patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease improved significantly after receiving GM-CSF, with 12 out of 15 patients in clinical remission. The treatment targets the innate immune response and has shown promise as an alternative approach to traditional therapies.
A study of 355 patients with severe Crohn's disease found that infliximab treatment every two months significantly increased remission rates compared to placebo. Infliximab also allowed patients to taper off steroids and maintain clinical remissions.
A multi-center research team found that infliximab prolonged remissions in moderate to severe Crohn's disease patients by twice as long at bi-monthly infusions compared to every eight weeks. The drug also helped patients reduce steroid use and improve quality of life.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute identify a new gene, IBD5, on chromosome 5 that increases susceptibility to Crohn's disease. The study provides a strong case for building a haplotype map of the human genome, which could make finding disease-causing genes faster and cheaper.
A UK-based study of over 17,000 people found left handers more than twice as likely to be affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The research suggests later birth may play a role in the increased risk, but the exact cause remains unknown.
New research published in Gut journal found no evidence that measles virus is associated with Crohn's disease. The study isolated particles from the gut tissue of patients and compared them to healthy tissue samples, but found high levels of related cells in all types of samples.
A study of 14 patients with refractory Crohn's disease found that all participants responded to thalidomide treatment, with significant improvements in disease activity and fistula closure. The median daily steroid dose fell by over 70%, indicating a potential steroid-sparing effect.
Scientists at Boston University's School of Dental Medicine have discovered a new gene involved in common inflammatory diseases, including Crohn's disease. The researchers identified the gene that controls production of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF), a molecule implicated in various inflammatory conditions.
Researchers found that Thalomid significantly improved symptoms for two-thirds of patients with chronic, steroid-dependent or unresponsive Crohn's disease. Common side effects included drowsiness and peripheral neuropathy. The study suggests a Phase III trial using Thalomid to treat Crohn's disease should be conducted.
Patients with long-standing Crohn disease in remission showed significant nutritional and functional deficiencies, especially in males with high prednisone doses. This study highlights the importance of comprehensive nutritional assessment over single-dimensional assessments.
Recent studies from Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified genetic links to Crohn's disease, a condition affecting 400,000 US citizens. The research suggests multiple genes contribute to the disease, with earlier onset in families with a history of the condition.