Even in the Biologic Era, Smoking Cessation Is Beneficial in Crohn Disease

Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk for Crohn disease (CD) development, higher relapse rates, and higher recurrence rates after surgery. However, data supporting these conclusions are largely from before the anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) era.

To examine the current impact of smoking on CD relapse, investigators in Spain conducted a multicenter, prospective cohort trial involving 573 CD patients in clinical remission who were involved in a study initiated in 2009 that examined the association between smoking and CD (J Crohns Colitis 2013; 7:202). Of these patients, 190 were nonsmokers, 160 were former smokers, 148 were current smokers, and 75 were quitters who had stopped smoking for at least 3 months without smoking rel…