Use of the tumor necrosis factor-blockers for Crohn's disease

Table 6 Predictors of good response to tumor necrosis factor-α blockers

Luminal

Short history of CD

Less severe disease

Isolated colonic disease

Inflammatory CD[46-49]

No previous abdominal surgery

Use shortly after ileocolonic resection

CRP > 5 mg/L (76% vs 46% response to TNFB), or ↑ CRP returning to normal detectable through serum TNFB (IFX) levels. CRP concentrations are inversely correlated with the rates of placebo response[50]

Non-smoking

Fistulizing

Perhaps for response with rectovaginal fistula

TNFB: Tumor necrosis factor-α blocker; CD: Crohn's disease; CRP: C-reactive protein; IFX: Infliximab.