Better Outcomes with Biomarker Use in Crohn Disease Management

Researchers conducted an industry-funded, open-label, randomized, controlled trial of traditional Crohn disease management based on symptom scores versus management based on symptom scores plus intermittent measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin (FCP).

In both groups, treatment was escalated in a stepwise fashion from no treatment to adalimumab induction followed by every-other-week adalimumab, then to weekly adalimumab, and finally to weekly adalimumab plus azathioprine. In the tight-control group, serum CRP and FCP were measured at 11, 23, and 35 weeks and considered in decisions to escalate or de-escalate therapy. Clinic visits were held at 12, 24, and 36 weeks and as required by symptoms, and colonoscopy was perf…