LOW SYMPTOMATIC LOAD IN CROHNS-DISEASE WITH SURGERY AND MEDICINE AS COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS

Background: The treatment of Crohn's disease has changed owing to the recognition of its chronicity. Medical maintenance treatment and limit ed resections have evolved as major concepts of management, regarded a s complementary, and both aim at reducing the symptoms. Methods: We in vestigated the symptomatic load in Crohn's disease as reflected in a c ross-sectional study of the symptom index, physicians' assessment, and the patients' perception of health. A cohort of 212 patients from the primary catchment area and 125 referred patients were studied. Result s: Of catchment area patients, 83% were receiving medication, and the annual rate of abdominal surgery was 5.7%. Corresponding figures for t he referred patients were 82% and 10.3%. According to the symptom inde x, 87% of catchment area patients were in remission or had only mild s ymptoms; according to the physicians' assessment, 90% were. The patien ts' median perception of health was 90% of perfect health according to the visual analogue scale. The figures were similar for referred pati ents, except that referrals were considered more diseased by the physi cian. Conclusion: The great majority of patients with Crohn's disease are able to live in remission or experience only mil symptoms.