Crohns Disease Patients Benefit From Infliximab Plus Azathioprine

According to a new study from the Mayo Clinic the use of infliximab (IFX) plus azathioprine (AZA) and infliximab monotherapy increase the likelihood of patients achieving long-term steroid-free clinical remissionThe lessening or disappearance of the symptoms or signs of a disease. in patients with moderate to severe Crohns disease. This study represents the first time longer term outcome data has been available to show the advantages of the combination therapy and IFX monotherapy.

Crohn's disease causes inflammationThe body’s response to injury. of the lining and wall of the large and/or small intestineThe section of gut, or gastrointestinal tract, from the stomach to the anus.. When inflamed, the lining of the intestinalrelating to the intestines, the digestive tract between the stomach and the anus wall is red and swollen, becomes ulcerated, and bleeds.

Results of this study will provide practitioners and their patients with more clinical data on how to use these drugs most appropriately to most effectively treat Crohns disease, said William J. Sandborn, MD, AGAF, professor of medicine and vice chair of the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester.