Table 1

Main studies with conventional therapy in perianal fistulising Crohn’s disease

MedicationYear of publicationAuthorType of studyNumber of patientsEfficacy with agentEfficacy with placebo
Azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine1995Pearson et al 26 Meta-analysis4154%*21%*
Metronidazole2009Thia et al 24 Randomised controlled trial70%†12.5%†
Ciprofloxacin2009Thia et al 24 Randomised controlled trial1030%†12.5%†

  • *Remission and response analysed together.

  • †Remission only.