Blood Test Predicts Treatment Response in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease

2025.05.26  216

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.”

List
CLOSE

Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

Patients' Rights

1. Right to receive medical care

Patients have the right to receive proper care in a safe setting without discrimination nor should their right to care be violated regardless of their gender, age, religion, social status, nationality, language, race, or physical/mental/financial status. Medical teams shall not refuse to provide care without justifiable reason.

2. Right to be informed and to make an autonomous decision

Patients have the right to obtain full and complete information from their medical team, to ask questions, and to determine their agreement or refusal concerning: diagnosis, treatment (purpose, plans and methods), outcomes of care (including unanticipated outcomes), discharge plan, participation in medical research studies, organ transplantation/donation, etc. Within ethical boundaries, patients may discontinue or refuse treatment, request that the medical team explain and suggest alternative treatments, and reserve the right to make their own decisions.

3. Right to confidentiality

Patients' rights to confidentiality regarding their physical/health status and privacy will not be violated. Patients can expect that all medical records/reports and their personal privacy will be kept confidential unless the patient has given consent or disclosure is permitted by law. To ensure their privacy, patients may be informed that Individuals not directly involved in their care may not be present and that the number of guardians accompanying patients to consultation rooms may be limited.

4. Right to request consultation and mediation

In the event of a medical dispute, patients may request consultation and mediation from an internal or external agency (Korea Consumer Agency, Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency).

5. Right to have values and beliefs respected

Patients will not be discriminated against because of their culture, religious values, or beliefs, and their rights will not be violated.

6. Right to receive care in a safe setting

Patients have the right to receive hospital-provided care where the patient’s medical information is protected and patient safety can be assured. In addition, patients have the right to be protected from possible dangers that can occur in a hospital and to have stability of mind and body.

Patients' Responsibilities

1. Responsibility to trust and respect the medical team

Patients must accurately inform the medical team of their health condition and must trust and respect the medical team's treatment plan. Patients may be responsible for consequences that result from not following instructions.

2. Responsibility to not use dishonest methods for medical treatment

Patients must reveal their identity before receiving any medical care and must not use false or dishonest methods, such as seeking medical care under disguised ownership.

3. Responsibility to abide by all hospital regulations

Patients are expected to treat all hospital staff and other patients with courtesy and respect; to abide by all hospital rules; and to earnestly fulfill their financial obligation to the hospital. Also, patients and their family members are expected to participate in all safety regulations.