Crohn's Disease Prognostic Profile

The presence and increasing titer of these antibodies has been shown to correlate with a more complicated disease course (strictures or fistulas) or the need for surgery. The antibodies included in the panel are ASCA (anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies), ALCA (antilaminaribioside carbohydrate antibodies), ACCA (antichitobioside carbohydrate antibodies), and AMCA (antimannobioside carbohydrate antibodies).^1-3 Numerous studies of CD have demonstrated an association between ileal disease and the presence of ASCA,^1-7 ACCA,¹ ALCA,^1,3 and AMCA.³ Among these antibodies, the association with localization to the small intestine increased with the number of positive antibodies and with the concentration of individual antibodies.^1-3,6,8 A more aggressive or complicated disease course in CD (as indicated by stricturing or perforation of the intestine or need of surgery), has also been associated with the presence of ASCA,^1-3,5,7 ALCA,^1-3 ACCA,^1,2 and AMCA.^1,2 Among these antibodies, the association with complicated disease behavior or surgery increased with the number and concentration of antibodies.^1,2,6,8