Short‐term treatment with infliximab in chronic refractory pouchitis and ileitis

Summary Background  Chronic refractory pouchitis is a long-term complication after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and it may be associated with ileal inflammation. Aim  To determine the efficacy of infliximab in treatment of chronic refractory pouchitis complicated by ileitis, using a wireless capsule endoscopy. Methods  Sixteen patients with chronic refractory pouchitis complicated by ileitis were enrolled. Pouchitis was diagnosed by clinical, endoscopic and histological criteria. Ileitis was documented using wireless capsule endoscopy. Duodenum–jejunum and proximal–middle ileum were evaluated and the presence of small lesions and large lesions were noted. Crohn’s disease, intestinal infections were excluded in all patients. Patients were treated with infliximab and clinical response was recorded. Wireless capsule endoscopy was repeated at week 10 and Pouchitis Disease Activity Index score was determined. Results  Ten patients were enrolled and completed the study. Clinical remission was achieved in nine patients. At wireless capsule endoscopy and pouch endoscopy, a complete recovery of lesions was observed in eight patients. One patient presented four small lesions of the ileum at the 6 weeks of treatment and one patient did not show any modification. Clinical and endoscopic remission was maintained in these eight patients at least 6 months. Conclusion  These preliminary results indicate that infliximab may be recommended for the treatment of chronic refractory pouchitis complicated by ileitis.