Table 1.

Working Definitions of Crohn's Disease Activity

MILD–MODERATE DISEASE

Patient is ambulatory and able to tolerate oral alimentation without manifestations of dehydration, toxicity (high fevers, rigors, prostration), abdominal tenderness, painful mass, obstruction, or > 10% weight loss.

MODERATE–SEVERE DISEASE

Patients have failed to respond to treatment for mild–moderate disease or have more prominent symptoms of fevers, significant weight loss, abdominal pain or tenderness, intermittent nausea or vomiting (without obstructive findings), or significant anemia.

SEVERE–FULMINANT DISEASE

Patients have persisting symptoms despite the introduction of steroids as outpatients, or present with high fever, persistent vomiting or evidence of intestinal obstruction, rebound tenderness, cachexia or evidence of an abscess.

REMISSION

Patients are asymptomatic or without inflammatory sequelae. Definition includes patients who have responded to acute medical intervention or have undergone surgical resection without gross evidence of residual disease. Patients requiring steroids to maintain well-being are considered to be steroid-dependent and are usually not considered to be in remission.