[Predictive factors of recurrence in Crohn's disease]

Abstract

Background and aims: The aim of this study is to determine the factors associated with high risk of recurrence of Crohn disease.

Patients and methods: During 12 years period from January 1987 till December 1999, 98 patients treated for Crohn's disease were included in this study. The risk of recurrence was studied using the Kaplan-Meier method. The possible predictive factors of recurrence were studied using the LOGRANK test.

Results: During the follow-up period, 50 (66%) patients developed a recurrence of Crohn's disease. The factors associated with a high risk of recurrence of the diseases were female (p=0.03), long delay before the diagnosis of the disease (p=0.03) and the presence of extra-intestinal lesions (p=0.05). Concerning other factors such as the age, smoking, inflammatory syndrom and ano-perineal lesions, the study showed no relationship between these factors and the recurrence of the disease.

Conclusion: This study showed that the group of patients treated for Crohn's disease and who have predictive factors of recurrence should have prophylactic medical treatment to prevent recurrence of the disease.