No abstract

Background Phlegmonous Crohn’s disease (CD) is a complication of penetrating disease where traditional management was surgical. There are a paucity of studies evaluating its medical management. The aim of our single-centre, retrospective case series was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-TNF therapy in managing phlegmonous CD. Methods Cases were identified through searching patient records for CT, MRI and intestinal ultrasound reports containing the words “Crohn’s” and “phlegmon”. Patients were included if found to have CD-related phlegmon subsequently started on anti-TNF. Patients were excluded if they were already on an anti-TNF at diagnosis, or underwent surgery prior to starting anti-TNF. Electronic review of patient records was undertaken to determine demographics, current medication, length of disease and surgery. Results Of the 66 cases identified, 11 fulfilled inclusion criteria. 2 cases required surgery at 38 and 197 days post-phlegmon diagnosis, both of which had earlier ceased anti-TNF due to failed trial and severe depression respectively. 4 patients discontinued anti-TNF during follow up: 1 experienced severe anaphylaxis, 1 failed anti-TNF trial, and 2 ceased due to personal preference (severe depression, concern about adverse effects). 8 of 10 had complete resolution of the phlegmon with 1 patient awaiting imaging 6 months post-phlegmon diagnosis. Conclusion 9 of 11 of our patient cohort avoided surgery after starting anti-TNF therapy for phlegmonous CD, out to a median follow up of 20 months. Our findings suggest anti-TNFs are generally well tolerated, and early commencement may be effective in preventing surgical intervention.