Long‐term outcomes of thalidomide in refractory Crohn's disease

Summary Background Several open‐label and retrospective studies have indicated that thalidomide may be beneficial in patients with refractory Crohn's disease (CD). Aim To report our long‐term experience with the use of thalidomide for adults with refractory Crohn's disease. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of long‐term clinical and safety outcomes among adults treated with thalidomide for refractory Crohn's disease. Response was defined as a clinician's assessment of improvement after at least 7 days treatment of one or more of the following: bowel movement frequency, fistula output, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, extraintestinal manifestations, or well‐being. Remission required all of the following: