The Harvey‑Bradshaw Index is a simple symptom‑based score used to quantify clinical disease activity in Crohn’s disease (Autoimmunity Reviews 2024 1 [Level II evidence]).

Indicaciones de Uso

Used to assess Crohn’s disease activity at baseline and during treatment, especially when a rapid, symptom‑based measure is needed and endoscopy/biomarkers are unavailable or adjunctive. Recommended in clinical practice to stratify remission (≤4), mild, moderate, and severe activity and to guide therapy adjustments (IG‑IBD/SIR consensus 1 [Level III evidence]). Correlates well with CDAI, supporting its utility for routine monitoring 2 [Level II evidence].

Información y Precauciones

Start by noting it is quick, symptom‑based, and practical for routine visits but should not guide treat‑to‑target decisions. It often misclassifies activity, correlating poorly with endoscopic or CRP evidence of inflammation 1 [Level II evidence]. It overestimates activity with functional symptoms and underestimates disease with silent stricturing/penetrating complications. Use only for rapid clinical tracking; confirm with biomarkers or imaging when management hinges on objective inflammation.