Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Guided Treatment With Humira for Crohn's Perianal Fistulas

Prospective randomized trial to assess the effectiveness of rectal EUS to guide perianal fistula treatment. Our hypothesis is that using imaging, in this case endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), to initially evaluate and then guide therapy with an anti-TNF agent (adalimumab) for fistulizing disease will lead to better short- and long-term outcomes.

Inclusion criteria

A patient may be considered for study participation if all of the following apply:

• Male and Female aged 18 years or older; and
• A confirmed diagnosis of Crohn's disease and one or more identifiable perianal fistulas.

Exclusion criteria

A patient will be excluded from the study if one or more of the following apply:

• Females who are pregnant or breast feeding;
• Infliximab received within 6 weeks prior to study entry;
• Patients who cannot take, or refuse to take concomitant immunosuppressive therapy with either azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or methotrexate; Unless patient has been intolerant of these therapies in the past or is contraindicated as determined by the investigator;
• Patients who cannot take, or refuse to take concomitant antibiotic therapy;
• Patients with severe anal stenosis or tenderness which would preclude colonoscopy and / or rectal EUS;
• Patients who cannot take or refuse to take adalimumab;
• Patients with active or latent tuberculosis;
• Patients who have had systemic antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal treatment(s) within 3 weeks prior to Screening for all non-Crohn's related infections;
• Patients concurrently taking anakinra (Kineret);
• Patients with a history of cancer or lymphoproliferative disease other than a successfully and completely treated cutaneous squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma or carcinoma in-situ of the cervix;
• Patients with chronic hematologic problems such as bleeding dyscrasias;
• Patients with a history of demyelinating disease (i.e. multiple sclerosis); and
• Patients with congestive heart failure.