Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Current Pharmacotherapy Issues

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two idiopathic syndromes, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In ulcerative colitis, inflammation is limited to the colonic mucosa and submucosa. Crohn's disease may, however, involve the small intestine, all bowel wall layers, and the upper ga...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of pharmacy practice 1999-12, Vol.12 (6), p.472-491
Main Authors: Boger, M. Sean, Raasch, Ralph H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two idiopathic syndromes, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In ulcerative colitis, inflammation is limited to the colonic mucosa and submucosa. Crohn's disease may, however, involve the small intestine, all bowel wall layers, and the upper gastrointestinal tract. Because health-related quality of life is significantly impaired during active disease, pharmaceutical care. is important in patient management. Traditional therapy includes 5-aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and antimicrobial therapy. In steroid-resistant active disease, immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate) have a role but possess significant toxicity profiles. Current research focuses on the role of inflammatory mediators in IBD. Investigational therapies include monoclonal antibodies to proinflammatory cytokines, inhibitory cytokines, and anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies.
ISSN:0897-1900
1531-1937
DOI:10.1177/089719009901200606