Aim: To compare the effectiveness of the effect of combination therapy (local and systemic administration) with bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), anticlitokine therapy with infliximab (IFX), and antibiotic (AB)/immunosuppressive (IS) therapy on the frequency of healing of simple perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease.
Materials and methods: In our study, the 1-st group of patients aged 19 to 58 years (Me-29) (n = 12) received MSCs culture systemically according to the scheme and locally. The 2-nd group of patients with CD (n = 10) from 20 to 68 years old (Me-36) received anticytokine therapy with infliximab (IFX) according to the scheme. The 3-d group of patients with CD (n=14) from 20 to 62 years old (Me-28) received antibiotics (AB) and immunosuppressors (IS). Efficacy was assessed by the index of perianal activity of Crohn's disease (PCDAI) and the frequency of relapses.
Results: After 12 weeks among patients of the 1-st group, healing of simple fistulas was noted in 8/12 patients (66.6%), in the 2-nd group in 6/10 (60.0%) In the 3-d group, in 1/14 patients (7.14%). After 6 months in the 1-st group of patients, healing of simple fistulas was preserved in 8/12 (66.6%), in the 2-nd group - in 6/10 (60.0%). In the 3-d group - in 1/14 patients (7.14%). After 12 months in the 1-st group, healing of simple fistulas was preserved in 7/12 (58.3%), in the second group - in 6/10 (60.0%). In the 3-d group - in 2/14 patients (14.3%). After 24 months, among the patients of the 1-st group, fistula closure was maintained in 5/12 patients (41.6%), in the 2-nd group - in 4/10 (40.0%). In the 3-d group - in 0/14 patients (0.0%).
Conclusion: Combined cellular and anticytokine therapy of CD with perianal lesions significantly contributes to the more frequent and prolonged closure of simple fistulas, as compared to antibiotics/immunosuppressors, and to a decrease in the frequency of recurrence of the disease.
Keywords: Crohn's disease; fistula form; infliximab; mesenchymal stromal cells; stem cell therapy.