OBJECTIVETo explore the platelet count in prediction of the efficacy of infliximab for active Crohn's disease.

METHODSA total of 74 patients with Crohn's disease, including 50 males and 24 females with mean age of 27 years, receiving infliximab therapy from January 2011 to June 2015 were retrospectively included. Clinical variables including routine blood test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and Crohn's disease activity index were measured before treatment and after 3rd, 6th treatments.

RESULTSCompared with baseline, the Crohn's disease activity index score, white blood cell count, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein significantly decreased (all (P<0.01), while hemoglobin and red blood cell hematocrit increased (P<0.01) in patients after 3 treatments of infliximab. These variables were further improved after 6 treatments. Further analysis showed that platelet count was positively associated with disease severity of Crohn's disease. Fifty-three patients achieved clinical remission (Crohn's disease activity index score<150) after 3 treatments of infliximab. Logistic regression analysis showed that baseline platelet count, Crohn's disease activity index, and disease course were three predictors for clinical remission of Crohn's disease.

CONCLUSIONPlatelet count is positively associated with disease severity of Crohn's disease, and baseline platelet count is an important predicator for the early response of infliximab therapy.