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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 7, 2014; 20(29): 9675-9690
Published online Aug 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i29.9675
Published online Aug 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i29.9675
Optimization of the treatment with immunosuppressants and biologics in inflammatory bowel disease
Sara Renna, Mario Cottone, Ambrogio Orlando, Division of Internal Medicine, ‘‘Villa Sofia-V. Cervello’’ Hospital, 90146 Palermo, Italy
Author contributions: Renna S, Cottone M and Orlando A designed and wrote the introductory editorial for the Topic Highlights.
Correspondence to: Sara Renna, MD, Division of Internal Medicine, ‘‘Villa Sofia-V. Cervello’’ Hospital, 90146 Palermo, Italy. sararenna.md@gmail.com
Telephone: +39-091-6802966 Fax: +39-091-6802042
Received: October 29, 2013
Revised: January 18, 2014
Accepted: April 28, 2014
Published online: August 7, 2014
Revised: January 18, 2014
Accepted: April 28, 2014
Published online: August 7, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: The clinical expression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is heterogeneous with different clinical courses, so it is not easy to find the best therapy for all patients. In recent years the goals of the therapy for IBD patients have evolved from symptomatic control to altering the course of disease by achieving a “deep remission”. Many trials have evaluated the efficacy of immunosuppressants and biologics in achieving clinical and endoscopic remission but the optimization of these treatments is still a debated point. We propose some recommendations about the correct use of immunosuppressants and biologics for the treatment of IBD, based on the current evidence.