Predictors of response to infliximab in paediatric perianal Crohn's disease

Summary Background It is reported that 27–54% of paediatric patients with perianal Crohn's disease (CD) do not respond to infliximab (IFX). Aim To identify predictors of response to IFX in paediatric perianal CD. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 101 paediatric patients treated with IFX between 2000 and 2011 for perianal CD in 22 French hospitals of the GETAID pédiatrique network was performed. Response was monitored after induction therapy and at 1 year. Complete response was defined by closure of all fistulas and complete healing of ulcers. Associations between baseline characteristics and (i) 1‐year response and (ii) time of first relapse among initial responders were tested by logistic regression and Cox model respectively. Results Eighty‐nine patients (88%) responded to induction therapy (36 partial/53 complete). At 1 year, 76 patients (75%) were responders (22 partial/54 complete). Predictors of 1‐year response were: number of fistulas ≤1 (OR: 3.76, 95% CI: 1.20–11.77, P = 0.03) and baseline Harvey–Bradshaw index