Evolution of clinical behaviour in Crohn's disease: predictive factors of penetrating complications

• Published in: Digestive and liver disease 2005-04, Vol.37 (4), p.247-253
• Main Authors: Papi, C., Festa, V., Fagnani, C., Stazi, A., Antonelli, G., Moretti, A., Koch, M., Capurso, L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Crohn Disease - complications; Crohn Disease - pathology; Crohn's disease; Disease Progression; Female; Fistulising Crohn's disease; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Smoking; Survival Analysis; Time Factors; Vienna Classification
• ISSN: 1590-8658; 1878-3562
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2004.10.012

Crohn's disease is a heterogeneous entity. The Vienna Classification defines three different clinical patterns: ‘non-stricturing, non-penetrating’, ‘stricturing’ and ‘penetrating’. Aim of this study was to assess the change in clinical behaviour over time and to evaluate whether an evolution towards penetrating complications can be predicted. A total of 139 patients with non-penetrating behaviour at the time of diagnosis were included. The mean follow-up was 4.84 years (range 1–23.2 years). The clinical behaviour, according to the Vienna Criteria, was assessed at the diagnosis and at the end of follow up. Statistical analysis was performed by means of the Kaplan–Meier method and standard logistic regression analysis. The cumulative probability of a change in clinical behaviour was 22, 38 and 63% at 3, 6 and 12 years, respectively, and the cumulative probability of developing penetrating complications was 22, 33 and 55% at 3, 6 and 12 years, respectively. Young age at diagnosis (