Published in:
01-07-2004 | Review
Medical approaches and future options in chronic active ulcerative colitis
Authors:
J. T. Siveke, C. Folwaczny
Published in:
International Journal of Colorectal Disease
|
Issue 4/2004
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Abstract
Background
Immunosuppressive therapy employing purine analogues is the therapeutic mainstay in patients with chronic active ulcerative colitis. However, despite therapeutic optimization according to thiopurine-methyltransferase activity or red blood cell 6-thioguanine levels, a substantial proportion of patients does not tolerate azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine or relapses during this treatment. In the latter multiple therapeutic regimens comprising 6-thioguanine, cyclosporin or tacrolimus, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, infliximab, interferons, heparin, leukocyte apheresis, and various other regimens might be considered aiming at long-term remission. Many of these treatment forms have only been evaluated in small mostly uncontrolled trials.
Objective
In this review existing treatment modalities and future options for patients with chronic active ulcerative colitis will be discussed focusing on immunomodulating approaches.