Stem Cell Injection for Perianal Fistulae in Crohn Disease Is Effective for a Year

In an industry-funded, randomized, controlled trial of a single stem cell injection for complex perianal fistulae in patients with Crohn disease, efficacy was shown at 24 weeks after treatment initiation. Now, investigators for that trial have analyzed outcomes at 1 year.

The study comprised 212 patients with a maximum of two internal and three external openings that were refractory to antibiotics, immunomodulatory drugs, or anti–tumor necrosis factor agents. Patients with rectovaginal fistulas, lumen stenosis, active proctitis, an abscess >2 cm, a diverting stoma, or prior surgery were excluded.

At least two weeks before injection, patients underwent baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), examination under anesthesia, and seton placement…