Crohn's disease associated with spondyloarthropathy: effect of TNF-alpha blockade with infliximab on articular symptoms

Four patients with Crohn's disease and spondyloarthropathy were treated wit h infliximab for treatment-resistant gut inflammation. A substantial improv ement in gastrointestinal signs and symptoms was noted, which was accompani ed by a rapid reduction in C-reactive protein concentrations, Moreover, all four patients had a significant improvement of axial manifestations and/or peripheral arthritis, related to their spondyloarthropathy. This fast and substantial improvement of the articular manifestations of Crohn's disease after infliximab treatment warrants further investigation of the therapeuti c potential of TNF-alpha blockade in other subtypes of spondyloarthropathie s.