General Discussion and Conclusions

Abstract

The group of scientists and clinicians with particular interest in assessment of disease activity had a useful discussion from which the following points emerged:

• 1. It is essential to have an index [or possibly several indices] of disease activity, not only for use in controlled therapeutic trials but also in scientific investigations of the aetiology and pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease.

• 2. Existing indices of activity, such as the CDAI, have already proved useful but the question is whether better indices can be evolved. The group considered that debating the comparative virtues and shortcoming of existing indices was likely to be a sterile exercise. There was general agreement that existing indices relied heavily on subjective measures of assessment and that there was a need for development of indices based on objective measurements.

• 3. A working party of interested members of the group was set up for this purpose, with Dr. F.T. de Dombal as its secretary. The working party considered that it would be best for its members to have a special meeting to consider the best ways to study the problem. It is planned to have such a meeting in about three months time.