Assessment of D-Dimers for the Early Prediction of Complications in Acute Pancreatitis.

Objectives: Severe acute pancreatitis (AP) is characterized by early microcirculation defects causing hypercoagulability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early predictive value of D-dimers in complicated AP.

Methods: This was a prospective single-center study conducted between September 2010 and April 2012.

Anti-TNF Monotherapy for Crohn's Disease: a 13-year Multicentre Experience.

Background: Anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] therapy in combination with thiopurine is the most effective strategy for Crohn's disease, but raises safety concerns.

Methods: In a retrospective multicentre study, we investigated long-term outcome of patients starting anti-TNF monotherapy for Crohn's disease and investigated whether introducing an immunomodulator in patients losing response to anti-TNF monotherapy is effective for resetting immunogenicity.

Results: A total of 350 adult patients with Crohn's disease received either infliximab [n = 178, 51%] or adalimumab [n = 172, 49%] monotherapy.

Treatment algorithms in Crohn's - up, down or something else?

Crohn's disease is a chronic, progressive and disabling condition. New therapeutic goals have emerged in Crohn's disease such as the need to look beyond symptoms by achieving mucosal healing that is known to be associated with better outcomes. Anti-TNF (Tumour Necrosis Factor) therapy is the most potent drug class to induce and maintain mucosal healing in Crohn's disease.