Thalidomide induces mucosal healing in postoperative Crohn disease endoscopic recurrence: Case report and literature review

Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Sep;95(36):e4799. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000004799.

Abstract

Background: Thalidomide has been successful use in patients with refractory Crohn disease (CD) in recent years.

Methods: We collected the data of a postoperative CD patient who was prescribed thalidomide to induce remission and reviewed the relevant literatures.

Results: A 51-year-old female was diagnosed as CD after an urgent terminal intestinal resection and presented endoscopic recurrence despite the prophylactic treatment with azathioprine (AZA). Fortunately, she achieved mucosal healing (MH) at a low dose of thalidomide for 15 months.

Conclusion: Thalidomide is effective to induce MH in the postoperative CD endoscopic recurrence.

MeSH terms

  • Capsule Endoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Crohn Disease / diagnosis
  • Crohn Disease / drug therapy*
  • Crohn Disease / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / drug effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Period
  • Recurrence
  • Thalidomide / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Thalidomide