CDAI
Pronunciation: C-D-A-I
Also written as: CDAI — Crohn's Disease Activity Index
Standardized scoring system used to assess disease activity in Crohn's disease patients.
Full Definition
The Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) is a validated clinical tool used to quantify disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease. The index incorporates eight variables including number of liquid stools, abdominal pain, general well-being, presence of complications, use of antidiarrheal medications, abdominal mass, hematocrit, and weight. Scores range from 0 to approximately 600, with higher scores indicating more active disease. In pediatric gastroenterology, the CDAI helps clinicians assess treatment response, guide therapy decisions, and compare outcomes in clinical studies. A score below 150 typically indicates remission.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize; spell out on first use in formal publications.
In Context
- "The patient's CDAI decreased from 280 to 95 following biologic therapy initiation." — Clinical trial report
- "CDAI scores were monitored monthly to assess treatment response." — Study protocol