The use of biologic therapy for antibiotic-refractory pouchitis is controversial, due to few studies on the subject and lack of convincing results.
To study the efficacy of biologic therapy for refractory pouchitis.
In this retrospective study, patient records at the Medical and Surgical departments in our hospital during an eleven-year period were scrutinized. 25 patients treated with biologics for refractory pouchitis were identified.
The majority of these patients (
This retrospective study suggests that biologic therapy may be effective for both idiopathic and Crohn's-like refractory pouchitis. Naïve patients seem to respond more successfully than not naïve patients. In cases without response on first-line treatment should second-line treatment be considered. Due to the high risk of adverse reactions Infliximab should be avoided to not naïve patients.