Crohn’s Patients Gain Quality of Life with New Treatment Plan

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic say the new therapeutic approach to Crohn’s disease they’ve developed brings more “opportunity for remission” and “significant improvement in quality of life” for the 500,000 Americans estimated to have this inflammatory disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract.  The research team presented its new approach earlier today at the 2008 annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). Read more

FDA Investigates JIA, TNF Blockers, and Cancer in Children

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just announced an investigation into the link between certain drugs known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers and the development of cancer in children and young adults taking these medications.  TNF blockers are routinely prescribed to children aged 18 and younger to treat conditions such as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), formerly known as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), Crohn’s disease, and other diseases of the immune system. Read more

Omega-3 Free Fatty Acids No Real Help for Crohn Disease

Disease Some people diagnosed with Crohn disease turn to alternative remedies for relief. Many turn to omega-3 free fatty acids, known for their ability to relieve the symptoms of other inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Crohn disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that involves the large and small intestines. Read more

New Steroid-free Treatment for Crohn’s Disease

A recent study published in The Lancet suggests a better way to treat Crohn’s disease. The research was conducted by Dr. Brian Feagan, Director of Robarts Clinical Trials at the University of Western Ontario. The new treatment method has the added benefit of avoiding the use of steroids in an otherwise slow and not entirely effective approach, known as the ‘step-up’ approach.

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