Blood Test Predicts Treatment Response in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease
A research team led by Professors Mijin Kim, Yeonho Choi, Yiyoung Kwon, and Yunji Kim from the Department of Pediatrics at Samsung Medical Center, along with Professor Sunyoung Kim from the Department of Pediatrics at Kyunghee University Hospital, recently published a study in the international journal Scientific Reports demonstrating that blood levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) can predict deep mucosal remission in pediatric Crohn’s disease patients.
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. When it develops in childhood, the disease may impair growth and development, underscoring the need for early and careful treatment. Cytokines, which are signaling molecules that mediate inflammation, have been reported to assist in predicting future treatment responses in pediatric Crohn’s disease. In particular, higher concentrations of TNF-α, a key pro-inflammatory cytokine, are associated with a reduced response to infliximab, a biologic agent commonly used in Crohn’s disease treatment.
The research team stated, “This foundational research has the potential to enhance precision treatment for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and improve the effectiveness of biologic therapies.” They further added, “In the future, we aim to provide truly helpful care for patients and their families through personalized treatment approaches.”