Variables associated with progression of moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease

Abstract

Objective: Currently, variables associated with Crohn’s disease progression remain insufficiently investigated in developing countries. Thus, this study aimed to determine the variables associated with hospitalizations in patients with Crohn’s disease and those associated with surgery, intestinal resection, hospital readmission, surgical recurrence, and immunobiological agent use.Results: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from 2019 to 2021, using two centers for inflammatory bowel diseases in the Brazilian Public Health System. This study included 220 patients. Perianal disease was associated with hospitalization. Stricturing or penetrating behavior and perianal disease were associated with surgery. Ileal or ileocolonic location and stricturing or penetrating behavior were associated with intestinal resection. Furthermore, steroid use at first Crohn’s disease occurrence and postoperative complications were associated with hospital readmission and surgical recurrence, respectively. Age below 40 years at diagnosis, upper gastrointestinal tract involvement, and perianal disease were associated with immunobiological agent use. These findings are similar to those in the countries with a high prevalence of Crohn’s disease, and could be applicable in other developing countries. Knowing these variables is useful in identifying the severity profile of Crohn’s disease and selecting the most appropriate management and treatment.