[Predictive factors of recurrence in Crohn's disease].

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.