Document Type : New and original researches in the field of Microbiology.
Authors
1
Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
2
Department of Community Health Techniques, Technical Institute/Kufa, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University 31001, Najaf, Iraq
3
Family and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
10.21608/ejmm.2025.385358.1647
Abstract
Background: Crohn’s disease is a long-term inflammatory condition affecting the bowel. Monitoring inflammation with markers like C-reactive protein and white blood cell counts is essential for guiding clinical decisions and managing disease progression. Objectives: to examine, from an immunological point of view, how different treatment strategies influence systemic inflammatory markers and key clinical complications such as anemia and rectal bleeding in patients with Crohn’s disease. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Gastroenterology Unit of Al-Hakeem Hospital in Najaf, Iraq. 108 confirmed Crohn’s disease patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were classified according to their primary treatment regimen at the time of assessment: immunosuppressants, biological therapies, corticosteroids, or amino-salicylates. All participants had been on their respective treatments for at least three months before data collection. Serum C-reactive protein and white blood cell counts were measured using standard laboratory techniques. Statistical comparisons among groups were performed using one-way ANOVA. Results: The results showed that 46(42.6%) of patients presented with rectal bleeding, while the remaining 62(57.3%) did not. Also, 44(40.7%) were anemic, and half of them, 22 (50%), suffered from rectal bleeding. The mean CRP level was 44.50±16.220, and the mean of WBC was 17500±5561.8. The distribution of patients according to various regimes of treatment was 52 patients (48.1%) treated with immunosuppressant drugs, 22(20.4%) with biological medications, 20(18.5%) with steroids, and 14(13%) with Amino-salicylates. Conclusion: Monitoring inflammatory markers helps assess treatment response. Amino-salicylates may not be adequate for moderate to severe cases, highlighting the need for tailored treatment approaches.
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