Crohnʹs disease associated with spondyloarthropathy: effect of TNF-α blockade with infliximab on articular symptoms

Four patients with Crohnʹs disease and spondyloarthropathy were treated with infliximab for treatment-resistant gut inflammation. A substantial improvement in gastrointestinal signs and symptoms was noted, which was accompanied by a rapid reduction in C-reactive protein concentrations. Moreover, all four patients had a significant improvement of axial manifestations and/or peripheral arthritis, related to their spondyloarthropathy. This fast and substantial improvement of the articular manifestations of Crohnʹs disease after infliximab treatment warrants further investigation of the therapeutic potential of TNF-α blockade in other subtypes of spondyloarthropathies.