Doctors at Montreal’s Ste-Justine Hospital say they have a treatment for Crohn’s Disease that helps keep children out of hospital and improves their long-term health.

Ten-year-old Mikael Carpentier was diagnosed four years ago with the inflammatory bowel disease, which can lead to serious complications if it’s not treated.

« Before, I was always sick, I was really tired, » he said.

Another side effect of Crohn’s is malnutrition, which was affecting Carpentier’s growth.

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« At diagnosis, the kid was below the normal range for his age and now for the weight he is quite in the middle, » said Dr. Prevost Janchou.

Janchou attributes much of his patient’s improvement to the early introduction of a monoclonal antibody therapy known as Anti-TNF-Alpha.

The key, the doctor said, is to start the treatment within three months of diagnosis.

« Many kids are using it very early and this helps us to avoid the relapse, » said Janchou.

Crohn’s Disease patients often experience flare-ups or relapses as it’s a chronic disease. Janchou said that since starting his patients on the antibody treatment, instances of relapse dropped from 70 per cent to 50.

« The difference was quite significant, » he said.

For Mikael, the therapy has significantly improved his quality of life, but there is a downside. He has to sit through a two-hour infusion every four to eight weeks.

His mother Stephanie D’Attilio said it’s difficult but worth it to see her son healthy.