Treatment of pediatric refractory Crohn's disease with thalidomide

Abstract

AIM: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of thalidomide in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: Six patients with refractory CD received thalidomide at an initial dose of 2 mg/kg per day for one month, then increased to 3 mg/kg per day or decreased to 1 mg/kg per day, and again further reduced to 0.5 mg/kg per day, according to the individual patient's response to the drug. RESULTS: Remission was achieved within three months. Dramatic clinical improvement was demonstrated after thalidomide treatment. Endoscopic and pathological improvements were also observed after thalidomide treatment, which was well tolerated by all patients. CONCLUSION: Thalidomide is a useful drug for pediatric refractory CD. © 2011 Baishideng. All rights reserved.