A Guide Through the Tunnel: Updates in the Approach to Classification and Management of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease
摘要
Perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (PFCD) is a severe and debilitating phenotype of Crohn’s disease that presents significant clinical and therapeutic challenges. This review aims to outline a practical approach to classification and management, emphasizing the utility of the TOpClass system.
Recent FindingsThe TOpClass classification incorporates clinical and anatomic characteristics to assess severity, treatment options, and patient-clinician goals. Post-hoc analyses from clinical trials for the Janus kinase inhibitor Upadacitinib and emerging data on IL-23 receptor antagonists suggest potential roles beyond anti-TNFs, while the broader use of mesenchymal stem cell therapy remains limited due to inconsistent efficacy. Fistula conditioning with curettage and internal opening closure—an underutilized technique—alongside adjunctive therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), has shown promise in promoting wound healing in select patients.
SummaryThe TOpClass classification, by integrating patient-centered factors and multidisciplinary management, offers a comprehensive and adaptable framework for PFCD, addressing key gaps in treatment planning, standardization, and research. The classification will enable tailored, evidence-based care across the disease spectrum.