Infliximab as ultima ratio in a case of refractory non-Crohn’s disease complex fistula system: case report and mini-review of the literature - Summary - MDSpire

Infliximab as ultima ratio in a case of refractory non-Crohn’s disease complex fistula system: case report and mini-review of the literature

  • By

  • Nada Agbariah

  • Matthias Kis

  • Christine Manser

  • Luc Biedermann

  • Gerhard Rogler

  • June 16, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To explore the efficacy of infliximab (IFX) in treating non-Crohn’s disease-related fistulas in a patient with a complex medical history, including prostate cancer and recurrent infections.

Approach:
    Key Findings:
    • Significant clinical improvement was reported within 2 weeks of starting IFX, with the patient experiencing no abdominal pain and gaining 6 kg after 22 weeks.
    • At 1-year follow-up, no further hospitalizations for uncontrolled infection were reported, and MRI showed a reduction in the size of the presacral wound cavity.
    Interpretation:

    This case suggests that infliximab may be an effective treatment option for non-CD-related fistulas when other therapies fail, aligning with limited existing literature on the subject.

    Limitations:
    • The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability to broader populations.
    • Histological examination did not confirm Crohn's disease, raising questions about the underlying pathology and the applicability of findings to similar cases.
    Conclusion:

    Infliximab may represent a viable therapeutic option for patients with refractory non-CD-related fistulas, warranting further investigation in larger studies.

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