Combining infliximab, anti-MAP and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for resistant fistulizing Crohn's disease

Abstract

Background: Fistulizing Crohn's disease (CD) presents a therapeutic challenge as fistulae are notoriously difficult to heal. Mycobacterium avium ss paratuberculosis (MAP) treatment in CD is gaining attention. Aim: We evaluated healing of CD fistula(e) using a novel combination therapy. Study: Nine consecutive patients who failed to heal fistulae on conventional treatment including anti-TNF, were treated with at least three doses of infliximab, 18-30 courses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and anti-MAP antibiotics comprising rifabutin, clarithromycin and clofazimine. Results: All patients achieved complete healing of fistulae by 6-28 weeks and follow-up for mean 18 months. Conclusion: Combining infliximab, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and anti-MAP, seems to enable healing of recalcitrant fistulae and although a small case series, all nine patients achieved complete healing. Lay abstract Nine consecutive patients with Crohn's disease and fistulae were treated with a special combination of infliximab, numerous hyperbaric oxygen sessions and combined antibiotics including rifabutin, clofazimine and clarithromycin as the base antibiotic combination - called anti-Mycobacterium avium ss paratuberculosis (MAP) therapy. At between 6 weeks and 6 months all fistulae healed - included rectovaginal - so that the skin was dry and there was no discharge and no need to wear a pad. Their Crohn's symptoms of diarrhea, urgency and bleeding also resolved. Continuation with anti-MAP therapy alone maintained healing although one patient who ceased the anti-MAP therapy had a relapse.