Mesalamine in the treatment of mild to moderate active Crohn's ileitis: results of a randomized, multicenter trial

Insights into Mesalazine Use in Clinical Practice of Young Gastroenterologists

BACKGROUND

Mesalazine is among the medications most prescribed by gastroenterologists, with variable and controversial use in different settings. We aimed to explore the use of mesalazine in the clinical practice of young gastroenterologists.

METHODS

A web-based electronic survey was distributed to all participants of the National Meeting of the Italian Young Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist Association.

RESULTS

A total of 101 participants took part in the survey, with a majority (54.4%) being aged >30 years, 63.4% of whom were trainees in academic hospitals, and 69.3% of whom were involved in the clinical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While both non-dedicated and IBD physicians generally agreed on the appropriate dose of mesalazine for mild ulcerative colitis (UC), significant differences were observed between the two groups for moderate-severe ulcerative colitis (UC). Additionally, in IBD patients who were starting immuno-modulators and/or biologics, 80% of IBD-dedicated physicians continued to prescribe mesalazine, compared to 45.2% of non-dedicated physicians (p = 0.002). Indeed, 48.4% of non-dedicated IBD physicians did not acknowledge mesalazine for colorectal cancer chemoprevention. With regards to Crohn's disease, it is mainly used by 30.1% of IBD physicians for preventing postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease. Finally, 57.4% used mesalazine for symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease, and 84.2% did not recommend its use for irritable bowel syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey showed heterogeneous behaviors in the daily use of mesalazine, mainly in the management of IBD. Educational programs and novel studies are needed to clarify its use.

Will the Inducing and Maintaining Remission of Non-biological Agents and Biological Agents Differ for Crohn's Disease? The Evidence From the Network Meta-Analysis

Background: Several drugs currently are available for the treatment of Crohn's disease, including non-biological agents such as anti-inflammatory agents, steroids, immunosuppressive agents, and biologic agents such as anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF), anti-α4β7 integrin, anti-alpha-4 integrin and anti-interleukin 12/23. However, the choice of treatments for induction and maintenance is still a challenge. The relevant comparison between non-biologic agents and biologic agents is few. In our research, we aimed to help making decisions, as well as providing clinicians and patients with medication references.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials for relevant randomized controlled trials published through to July 2020 and systematic reviews published from January 2011 to December 2020. Search results were screened by 2 independent reviewers first by title and abstract and then by full text. Disagreements were resolved through discussion with a third reviewer.

Results: 54 randomized controlled trials were included in our analysis. For induction of remission, azathioprine (OR, 3.5; 95% Crl, 1.4–8.9), infliximab (OR, 4.1; 95% Crl, 1.2–16.0), infliximab + azathioprine (OR, 7.0; 95% Crl, 1.2–41.0) and infliximab+ methotrexate (OR, 7.8; 95% Crl, 1.2–65.0) were more effective in first-line therapy than placebo. Adalimumab showed superiority to placebo in second-line therapy, but the range of SD was wide. For maintenance of remission, adalimumab (OR,2.24;95% Crl,1.17–4.76) and azathioprine (OR,2.05; 95% Crl,1.14–3.96) were more effective than placebo. Adalimumab (OR,0.56; 95%Crl,0.27–1.2), budesonide (OR,0.63; 95%Crl,0.26–1.6) and natalizumab (OR,0.65; 95%Crl,0.30–1.4) was associated with less risk of withdrawals when compared with placebo.

Conclusion: For induction of remission, azathioprine, infliximab, and infliximab + azathioprine were more effective in first-line therapy. In second-line therapy, adalimumab was more effective but should be interpreted carefully. For maintenance of remission, adalimumab and azathioprine were more effective. Besides, adalimumab, budesonide, natalizumab had lower withdrawals. Therefore, biological agents were not always better than non-biological agents and they have their own advantages in different treatment methods of Crohn's disease.

Controversies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Exploring Clinical Dilemmas Using Cochrane Reviews

A symposium organized by the Cochrane IBD Group and presented at the 2017 Digestive Disease Week annual meeting reviewed the recent literature on several controversial topics in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management including the efficacy of oral aminosalicylates for induction and maintenance of Crohn's disease (CD), the feasibility of drug withdrawal in patients with quiescent CD, and strategies for detecting colon cancer in patients with IBD. This article summarizes the data presented at that session.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder involving mainly the intestinal tract, but possibly other gastrointestinal and extraintestinal organs. Although etiology is still uncertain, recent knowledge in pathogenesis has accumulated, and novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities have become available for clinical use. Therefore, the previous guidelines were urged to be updated. In 2016, the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology revised the previous versions of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) in Japanese. A total of 59 clinical questions for 9 categories (1. clinical features of IBD; 2. diagnosis; 3. general consideration in treatment; 4. therapeutic interventions for IBD; 5. treatment of UC; 6. treatment of CD; 7. extraintestinal complications; 8. cancer surveillance; 9. IBD in special situation) were selected, and a literature search was performed for the clinical questions with use of the MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases. The guidelines were developed with the basic concept of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Recommendations were made using Delphi rounds. This English version was produced and edited based on the existing updated guidelines in Japanese.

Management of Crohn's disease in Taiwan: consensus guideline of the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. CD is rare in Taiwan and other Asian countries, but its prevalence and incidence have been steadily increasing. A steering committee was established by the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease to formulate statements on the diagnosis and management of CD taking into account currently available evidence and the expert opinion of the committee. Thorough clinical, endoscopic, and histological assessments are required for accurate diagnosis of CD. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are complementary to endoscopic evaluation for disease staging and detecting complications. The goals of CD management are to induce and maintain remission, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life. Corticosteroids are the mainstay for inducing re-mission. Immunomodulating and biologic therapies should be used to maintain remission. Patients should be evaluated for hepatitis B virus and tuberculosis infection prior to treatment and receive regular surveillance for cancer. These consensus statements are based on current local evidence with consideration of factors, and could be serve as concise and practical guidelines for supporting clinicians in the management of patients with CD in Taiwan.

[Second Korean Guidelines for the Management of Crohn's Disease]

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic, progressive, and disabling inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with an uncertain etiopathogenesis. CD can involve any site of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, and is associated with serious complications, such as bowel strictures, perforations, and fistula formation. The incidence and prevalence rates of CD in Korea are still lower compared with those in Western countries, but they have been rapidly increasing during the recent decades. Although there are no definitive curative modalities for CD, various medical and surgical therapies have been applied for the treatment of this disease. Concerning CD management, there have been substantial discrepancies among clinicians according to their personal experience and preference. To suggest recommendable approaches to the diverse problems of CD and to minimize the variations in treatment among physicians, guidelines for the management of CD were first published in 2012 by the IBD Study Group of the Korean Association for the Study of the Intestinal Diseases. These are the revised guidelines based on updated evidence, accumulated since 2012. These guidelines were developed by using mainly adaptation methods, and encompass induction and maintenance treatment of CD, treatment based on disease location, treatment of CD complications, including stricture and fistula, surgical treatment, and prevention of postoperative recurrence. These are the second Korean guidelines for the management of CD and will be continuously revised as new evidence is collected.

Comparative Effectiveness of Mesalamine, Sulfasalazine, Corticosteroids, and Budesonide for the Induction of Remission in Crohn's Disease: A Bayesian Network Meta-analysis: Republished

BACKGROUND

Induction treatment of mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease is controversial.

PURPOSE

To compare the induction of remission between different doses of mesalamine, sulfasalazine, corticosteroids, and budesonide for active Crohn's disease.

DATA SOURCES

We identified randomized controlled trials from existing Cochrane reviews and an updated literature search in Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL to November 2015.

STUDY SELECTION

We included randomized controlled trials (n = 22) in adult patients with Crohn's disease that compared budesonide, sulfasalazine, mesalamine, or corticosteroids with placebo or each other, for the induction of remission (8-17 wks). Mesalamine (above and below 2.4 g/d) and budesonide (above and below 6 mg/d) were stratified into low and high doses.

DATA EXTRACTION

Our primary outcome was remission, defined as a Crohn's Disease Activity Index score <150. A Bayesian random-effects network meta-analysis was performed on the proportion in remission.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Corticosteroids (odds ratio [OR] = 3.64; 95% credible interval [CrI]: 2.16-6.19), high-dose budesonide (OR = 2.99; 95% CrI: 1.83-4.90), and high-dose mesalamine (OR = 1.87; 95% CrI: 1.14-3.15) were superior to placebo. Corticosteroids were similar to high-dose budesonide (OR = 1.21; 95% CrI: 0.79-1.89), but more effective than high-dose mesalamine (OR = 1.95; 95% CrI: 1.14-3.25). Sulfasalazine was not significantly superior to any therapy including placebo.

LIMITATIONS

Randomized controlled trials that use a strict definition of induction of remission and disease severity at enrollment to assess effectiveness in treating mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease are limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Corticosteroids and high-dose budesonide were effective treatments for inducing remission in mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease. High-dose mesalamine maybe an option among patients preferring to avoid steroids.

Comparative Effectiveness of Mesalamine, Sulfasalazine, Corticosteroids, and Budesonide for the Induction of Remission in Crohn's Disease: A Bayesian Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Induction treatment of mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease is controversial.

PURPOSE

To compare the induction of remission between different doses of mesalamine, sulfasalazine, corticosteroids, and budesonide for active Crohn's disease.

DATA SOURCES

We identified randomized controlled trials from existing Cochrane reviews and an updated literature search in Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL to November 2015.

STUDY SELECTION

We included randomized controlled trials (n = 22) in adult patients with Crohn's disease that compared budesonide, sulfasalazine, mesalamine, or corticosteroids with placebo or each other, for the induction of remission (8-17 wks). Mesalamine (above and below 2.4 g/d) and budesonide (above and below 6 mg/d) were stratified into low and high doses.

DATA EXTRACTION

Our primary outcome was remission, defined as a Crohn's Disease Activity Index score <150. A Bayesian random-effects network meta-analysis was performed on the proportion in remission.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Corticosteroids (odds ratio [OR] = 3.80; 95% credible interval [CrI]: 2.48-5.66), high-dose budesonide (OR = 2.96; 95% CrI: 2.06-4.30), and high-dose mesalamine (OR = 2.29; 95% CrI: 1.58-3.33) were superior to placebo. Corticosteroids were similar to high-dose budesonide (OR = 1.21; 95% CrI: 0.84-1.76), but more effective than high-dose mesalamine (OR = 1.83; 95% CrI: 1.16-2.88). Sulfasalazine was not significantly superior to any therapy including placebo.

LIMITATIONS

Randomized controlled trials that use a strict definition of induction of remission and disease severity at enrollment to assess effectiveness in treating mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease are limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Corticosteroids and high-dose budesonide were effective treatments for inducing remission in mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease. High-dose mesalamine is an option among patients preferring to avoid steroids.

Second Korean guidelines for the management of Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic, progressive, and disabling inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with an uncertain etiopathogenesis. CD can involve any site of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, and is associated with serious complications, such as bowel strictures, perforations, and fistula formation. The incidence and prevalence rates of CD in Korea are still lower compared with those in Western countries, but they have been rapidly increasing during the recent decades. Although there are no definitive curative modalities for CD, various medical and surgical therapies have been applied for the treatment of this disease. Concerning CD management, there have been substantial discrepancies among clinicians according to their personal experience and preference. To suggest recommendable approaches to the diverse problems of CD and to minimize the variations in treatment among physicians, guidelines for the management of CD were first published in 2012 by the IBD Study Group of the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases. These are the revised guidelines based on updated evidence, accumulated since 2012. These guidelines were developed by using mainly adaptation methods, and encompass induction and maintenance treatment of CD, treatment based on disease location, treatment of CD complications, including stricture and fistula, surgical treatment, and prevention of postoperative recurrence. These are the second Korean guidelines for the management of CD and will be continuously revised as new evidence is collected.

Investigation of a High-Dose pH-Dependent-Release Mesalazine on the Induction of Remission in Active Crohn's Disease

Introduction

The effect of mesalazine in treating active Crohn’s disease (CD) remains controversial, possibly due to the various formulae of mesalazine used to treat inflammation located in different regions of the digestive tract.

Methods

This exploratory, multicenter, uncontrolled, open-label study included 17 patients with active CD. The inclusion criteria were patients with a CD activity index (CDAI) of ≥200 and <350, and in whom mucosal lesions were observed in the area from the terminal ileum to the rectum using colonoscopy (CS). Each patient was treated with pH-dependent-release mesalazine at 4.8 g/day. The drug was administered three times daily for 12 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by the change in CDAI at the time of final observation (at week 12 or at discontinuation), and safety was evaluated by the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Results

In the full analysis set (n = 17), the change in CDAI at the time of final observation was −67.4, and the mean change in CDAI from baseline was −49.3 at week 2, −61.8 at week 4, −78.3 at week 8, and −101.1 at week 12. A statistically significant improvement was observed from week 2 to week 12 compared with baseline, and the incidences of AEs and ADRs were 94.1 and 58.8 %, respectively. All events were known events, as the results suggested, which is in line with the known safety profile of pH-dependent-release mesalazine.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the administration of pH-dependent-release mesalazine 4.8 g/day for 12 weeks could be an effective and highly safe treatment option for patients with mild to moderately active CD in whom mucosal lesions were observed in the area from the terminal ileum to the rectum.

Trial registration number. JapicCTI-111460.

Aminosalicylates for induction of remission or response in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Randomized trials investigating the efficacy of aminosalicylates for the treatment of mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease have yielded conflicting results. A systematic review was conducted to critically examine current available data on the efficacy of sulfasalazine and mesalamine for inducing remission or clinical response in these patients.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of aminosalicylates compared to placebo, corticosteroids, and other aminosalicylates (alone or in combination with corticosteroids) for the treatment of mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Library from inception to June 2015 to identify relevant studies. There were no language restrictions. We also searched reference lists from potentially relevant papers and review articles, as well as proceedings from annual meetings (1991-2015) of the American Gastroenterological Association and American College of Gastroenterology.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy of sulfasalazine or mesalamine in the treatment of mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease compared to placebo, corticosteroids, and other aminosalicylates (alone or in combination with corticosteroids) were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data extraction and assessment of methodological quality was independently performed by the investigators and any disagreement was resolved by discussion and consensus. We assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The overall quality of the evidence supporting the outcomes was evaluated using the GRADE criteria. The primary outcome measure was a well defined clinical endpoint of induction of remission or response to treatment. Secondary outcomes included mean Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) scores, adverse events, serious adverse events and withdrawal due to adverse events. For dichotomous outcomes we calculated the pooled risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model. For continuous outcomes we calculated the mean difference (MD) and 95% CI using a random-effects model. Sensitivity analyses based on a fixed-effect model and duration of therapy were conducted where appropriate.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty studies (2367 patients) were included. Two studies were judged to be at high risk of bias due to lack of blinding. Eight studies were judged to be at high risk of bias due to incomplete outcomes data (high drop-out rates) and potential selective reporting. The other 10 studies were judged to be at low risk of bias. A non-significant trend in favour of sulfasalazine over placebo for inducing remission was observed, with benefit confined mainly to patients with Crohn's colitis. Forty-five per cent (63/141) of sulfasalazine patients entered remission at 17-18 weeks compared to 29% (43/148) of placebo patients (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.89, 2 studies). A GRADE analysis rated the overall quality of the evidence supporting this outcome as moderate due to sparse data (106 events). There was no difference between sulfasalazine and placebo in adverse event outcomes. Sulfasalazine was significantly less effective than corticosteroids and inferior to combination therapy with corticosteroids (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.86, 1 study, 110 patients). Forty-three per cent (55/128) of sulfasalazine patients entered remission at 17 to 18 weeks compared to 60% (79/132) of corticosteroid patients (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.91; 2 studies, 260 patients). A GRADE analysis rated the overall quality of the evidence supporting this outcome as moderate due to sparse data (134 events). Sulfasalazine patients experienced significantly fewer adverse events than corticosteroid patients (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.82; 1 study, 159 patients). There was no difference between sulfasalazine and corticosteroids in serious adverse events or withdrawal due to adverse events. Olsalazine was less effective than placebo in a single trial (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.71; 91 patients). Low dose mesalamine (1 to 2 g/day) was not superior to placebo for induction of remission. Twenty-three per cent (43/185) of low dose mesalamine patients entered remission at week 6 compared to 15% (18/117) of placebo patients (RR = 1.46, 95% CI 0.89 to 2.40; n = 302). A GRADE analysis indicated that the overall quality of the evidence supporting this outcome was low due to risk of bias (incomplete outcome data) and sparse data (61 events). There was no difference between low dose mesalamine and placebo in the proportion of patients who had adverse events (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.96; 3 studies, 342 patients) or withdrew due to adverse events (RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.95; 3 studies, 342 patients). High dose controlled-release mesalamine (4 g/day) was not superior to placebo, inducing a clinically non significant reduction in CDAI (MD -19.8 points, 95% CI -46.2 to 6.7; 3 studies, 615 patients), and was also inferior to budesonide (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.78; 1 study, 182 patients, GRADE = low). While high dose delayed-release mesalamine (3 to 4.5 g/day) was not superior to placebo for induction of remission (RR 2.02, 95% CI 0.75 to 5.45; 1 study, 38 patients, GRADE = very low), no significant difference in efficacy was found when compared to conventional corticosteroids (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.36; 3 studies, 178 patients, GRADE = moderate) or budesonide (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.05; 1 study, 307 patients, GRADE = moderate). However, these trials were limited by risk of bias (incomplete outcome data) and sparse data (small numbers of events). There was a lack of good quality clinical trials comparing sulfasalazine with other mesalamine formulations. Adverse events that were commonly reported included headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Sulfasalazine is only modestly effective with a trend towards benefit over placebo and is inferior to corticosteroids for the treatment of mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease. Olsalazine and low dose mesalamine (1 to 2 g/day) are not superior to placebo. High dose mesalamine (3.2 to 4 g/day) is not more effective than placebo for inducing response or remission. However, trials assessing the efficacy of high dose mesalamine (4 to 4.5 g/day) compared to budesonide yielded conflicting results and firm conclusions cannot be made. Future large randomized controlled trials are needed to provide definitive evidence on the efficacy of aminosalicylates in active Crohn's disease.

Mesalazine for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) represent a chronic inflammatory condition of the bowel that often require lifelong medical therapy for the induction and maintenance of the remission. Mesalazine therapies are available both as oral delayed-release and sustained-release formulation, topical formulations and as prodrug.

AREAS COVERED

Available literature regarding mesalazine is extensively reviewed in this article, covering its mechanism of action, pharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability in different settings.

EXPERT OPINION

Mesalazine has a well-established role in the management of UC. It is the treatment of choice in active and inactive mild-to-moderate UC combining oral and topical drug. No clear role of mesalazine in prevention of colon cancer has been demonstrated because of the contradictory results coming from case-control and prospective studies. The role of mesalazine in the management of CD is less clear; some studies suggest a potential efficacy of 5-ASA in preventing relapse of CD after surgical resection but more convincing results are needed.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for Crohn's disease, integrated with formal consensus of experts in Japan

Crohn's disease is a disorder of unknown etiology and complicated pathogenesis. A substantial amount of evidence has accumulated recently and has been applied to clinical practice. The present guidelines were developed based on recent evidence and the formal consensus of experts relevant to this disease. Here we provide an overview of these guidelines, as follows. Target disease: Crohn's disease Users: Clinical practitioners in internal medicine, surgery, gastroenterology, and general practice Purpose: To provide appropriate clinical indicators to practitioners Scope of clinical indicators: Concept of Crohn's disease, epidemiology, classifications, diagnosis, treatment, follow up, and special situations Intervention: Diagnosis (interview, physical examination, clinical laboratory tests, imaging, and pathology) and treatment (lifestyle guidance, drug therapy, nutritional therapy, surgery, etc.) Outcome assessment: Attenuation of symptoms, induction and maintenance of remission, imaging findings, quality of life (QOL), prevention of complications and harm of therapy Methods for developing these guidelines: Described in the text Basis of recommendations: Integration of evidence level and consensus of experts Cost-benefit analysis: Not implemented Evaluation of effectiveness: Yet to be confirmed Status of guidelines: Updated version of the first Guidelines published in 2010 Publication sources: Printed publication available and electronic information in preparation Patient information: Not available Date of publication: October 2011 These guidelines were intended primarily to be used by practitioners in Japan, and the goal of these guidelines is to improve the outcomes of patients with Crohn's disease.

[Guidelines for the management of Crohn's disease]

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with uncertain etiopathogenesis. CD can involve any site of gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to anus and is associated with serious complications such as bowel strictures, perforations, and fistula formation. The incidence and prevalence rates of CD in Korea are still lower than those of Western countries, but have been rapidly increasing during the past decades. Although there are no definitive curative modalities for CD, various medical and surgical therapies are currently applied for diverse clinical situations of CD. However, a lot of decisions on the management of CD are made depending on the personal experiences and choices of physicians. To suggest preferable approaches to diverse problems of CD and to minimize the variations according to physicians, guidelines for the management of CD are needed. Therefore, IBD Study Group of the Korean Association for the Study of the Intestinal Diseases has set out to develop the guidelines for the management of CD in Korea. These guidelines were developed using the adaptation methods and encompass the treatment of inflammatory disease, stricturing disease, and penetrating disease. The guidelines also cover the indication of surgery, prevention of recurrence after surgery, and CD in pregnancy and lactation. These are the first Korean guidelines for the management of CD and the update with further scientific data and evidences is needed.

Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). These diseases have become important health problems. Medical therapy for IBD has advanced dramatically in the last decade with the introduction of targeted biologic therapies, the optimization of older therapies, including rugs such as immunomodulators and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), and a better understanding of the mucosal immune system and the genetics involved in the pathogenesis of IBD. The goal of IBD therapy is to induce and maintain remission. The current treatment paradigm involves a step-up approach, moving to aggressive, powerful therapies only when milder therapies with fewer potential side effects fail or when patients declare themselves to have an aggressive disease. This review focuses on the current treatments for inflammatory bowel disease.

Mesalamine-induced B7-H1 expression on hepatic stellate cells attenuates autoimmune liver injury

AIM

  Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have immune regulatory functions. Mesalamine is an effective immune regulatory drug for inflammatory bowel disease. Thus, we hypothesized that mesalamine may also modulate the immune regulatory functions of HSCs. Since B7-H1 plays a crucial role in regulating T-cell apoptosis, we evaluated if mesalamine induces B7-H1 expression on HSCs, and if so, whether mesalamine attenuates autoimmune liver injury in vivo.

METHODS

  LX-2 cells, an immortalized human HSC cell line, and human peripheral T-cells were used in this study. B7-H1 expression on LX-2 cells following mesalamine treatment was examined by using flow cytometry. Cell viability was analyzed by MTS assay. Concanavalin-A (ConA) mice hepatitis model was used for in vivo study.

RESULTS

  Flow cytometry showed that mesalamine treatment increased the B7-H1-expressing LX-2 cell fraction from 45.4% to 88.2%, of which increment is equivalent to that of positive control (29.9%, interferon γ-treated cells). Human T-cells incubated with LX-2 cells showed significantly less cell viability in the presence of mesalamine than cells without mesalamine treatment (P < 0.001). Histological examination revealed that hepatic necroinflammation was significantly attenuated by mesalamine pretreatment (P = 0.019), although serum levels of aminotransferases were not significantly reduced. During the 24-h period following ConA injection, 1 of 10 mice pretreated with mesalamine and 3 of 10 mice without pretreatment died.

CONCLUSION

  These results demonstrate that mesalamine enhances B7-H1 expression on HSCs, and thus, induces T-cell apoptosis and attenuates autoimmune liver injury.

Aminosalicylates for induction of remission or response in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Controlled clinical trials investigating the efficacy of aminosalicylates for the treatment of mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease have yielded conflicting results. A systematic review was conducted to critically examine current available data on the efficacy of sulfasalazine and mesalamine for inducing remission or clinical response in patients with mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of aminosalicylates compared to placebo, corticosteroids, and other aminosalicylates (alone or in combination with corticosteroids) for the treatment of mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Separate MEDLINE (1966-July 2010), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Issue 3, 2010) and EMBASE database searches (1985-July 2010) of all relevant English and non-English language articles were performed, followed by manual searches of the reference list from potentially relevant papers and review articles, as well as proceedings from annual meetings (1991-2010) of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy of sulfasalazine or mesalamine in the treatment of mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease compared to placebo, corticosteroids, and other aminosalicylates (alone or in combination with corticosteroids) were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data extraction and assessment of methodological quality of each selected study was independently performed by the investigators and any disagreement was resolved by discussion and consensus. The primary outcome measure was a well defined clinical endpoint of induction of remission or response to treatment. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Pooled relative risks (RR) for inducing remission or clinical response and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated (random effects model) where appropriate.

MAIN RESULTS

Sulfasalazine was more likely to induce remission (RR 1.38; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.87; n = 263) compared to placebo with benefit confined mainly to patients with colitis. Sulfasalazine was less effective than corticosteroids (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.81; n = 260). Olsalazine was less effective than placebo in a single trial. Low dose mesalamine (1 to 2 g/day) was not superior to placebo (RR = 1.46, 95% CI 0.89-2.40; n = 302) and was less effective than corticosteroids. High dose mesalamine (3 to 4.5 g/day) was not superior to placebo for induction of remission (RR 2.02; 95% CI 0.75 to 5.45) or response (Weighted Mean Difference -19.8 points; 95% CI -46.2 to 6.7; n = 615). In a single randomized controlled trial, 5-ASA was inferior to budesonide (RR 0.56; 95% CI 0.40 to 0.78). No statistically significant difference was found between high dose mesalamine and conventional corticosteroids (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.36; n = 178). However, relatively few patients were available for analysis. There was a lack of good quality clinical trials comparing sulfasalazine with other mesalamine formulations.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Sulfasalazine has modest efficacy compared to placebo and is inferior to corticosteroids for the treatment of mild to moderately active Crohn's disease. Olsalazine and low dose mesalamine (1 to 2 g/day) are not superior to placebo. High dose mesalamine (3 to 4.5 g/day) is not more effective than placebo for inducing response or remission. High dose mesalamine was inferior to budesonide for inducing remission in a single trial. In conclusion, sulfasalazine shows modest efficacy for the treatment of active Crohn's disease. However, the existing data show little benefit for 5-aminosalicylates.

5-aminosalicylic acid dependency in Crohn's disease: a Danish Crohn Colitis Database study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The role of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in Crohn's disease is unclear. The outcome of the first course of 5-ASA monotherapy with emphasis on 5-ASA dependency was retrospectively assessed in consecutive cohort of 537 Crohn's disease patients diagnosed 1953-2007.

METHODS

Following outcome definitions were used: Immediate outcome (30 days after 5-ASA start) defined as complete/partial response (total regression/improvement of symptoms) and no response (no regression of symptoms with a need of corticosteroids, immunomodulator or surgery). Long-term outcome defined as prolonged response (still in complete/partial response 1 year after induction of response); 5-ASA dependency (relapse on stable/reduced dose of 5-ASA requiring dose escalation to regain response or relapse ≤1 year after 5-ASA cessation regaining response after 5-ASA re-introduction).

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-five (31%) patients had monotherapy with 5-ASA. In 50% 5-ASA monotherapy was initiated ≤1 year after diagnosis (range 0-49 years). Complete/partial response was obtained in 75% and no response in 25% of patients. Thirty-six percent had prolonged response, 23% developed 5-ASA dependency and 38% were non-responders in long-term outcome. Female gender had higher probability to develop prolonged response or 5-ASA dependency (OR 2.89, 95%CI: 1.08-7.75, p=0.04). The median duration (range) of 5-ASA monotherapy was 34 months (1-304) in prolonged responders, 63 (6-336) in 5-ASA dependent and 2 (0-10) in non-responders.

CONCLUSIONS

A selected phenotype of Crohn's disease patients may profit from 5-ASA. Fifty-nine percent of patients obtained long-term benefit with 23% becoming 5-ASA dependent. Prospective studies are warranted to assess the role of 5-ASA in Crohn's disease.

Evolving inflammatory bowel disease treatment paradigms: top-down versus step-up

Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) comprise a group of inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that can vary in severity of disease, anatomic extent of inflammation, presence and nature of extraintestinal manifestations, and response to therapeutic approaches. There have been attempts to classify CD based on the location and behavior of disease. Advances in understanding of genetic susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) suggest that CD and UC may represent a continuum of overlapping disorders. This has led to an attempt to classify IBD on clinical, molecular, and serologic grounds. Differences in clinical, genetic, and immunologic profiles may require more targeted, refined treatment approaches to help clinicians make decisions regarding recently introduced biologic agents. This article provides an overview of the current approaches to therapy for CD and UC and focuses on the evidence supporting the rationale for changing paradigms in the management of IBD, including mucosal healing as an end point and earlier use of immunosuppressive and biologic agents, particularly in CD (so-called top-down therapy).

Evolving inflammatory bowel disease treatment paradigms: top-down versus step-up

Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) comprise a group of inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that can vary in severity of disease, anatomic extent of inflammation, presence and nature of extraintestinal manifestations, and response to therapeutic approaches. There have been attempts to classify CD based on the location and behavior of disease. Advances in understanding of genetic susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) suggest that CD and UC may represent a continuum of overlapping disorders. This has led to an attempt to classify IBD on clinical, molecular, and serologic grounds. Differences in clinical, genetic, and immunologic profiles may require more targeted, refined treatment approaches to help clinicians make decisions regarding recently introduced biologic agents. This article provides an overview of the current approaches to therapy for CD and UC and focuses on the evidence supporting the rationale for changing paradigms in the management of IBD, including mucosal healing as an end point and earlier use of immunosuppressive and biologic agents, particularly in CD (so-called top-down therapy).

Management of Crohn's disease in adults

Guidelines for clinical practice are intended to suggest preferable approaches to particular medical problems as established by interpretation and collation of scientifically valid research, derived from extensive review of published literature. When data that will withstand objective scrutiny are not available, a recommendation may be made based on a consensus of experts. Guidelines are intended to apply to the clinical situation for all physicians without regard to specialty. Guidelines are intended to be flexible, not necessarily indicating the only acceptable approach, and should be distinguished from standards of care that are inflexible and rarely violated. Given the wide range of choices in any health-care problem, the physician should select the course best suited to the individual patient and the clinical situation presented. These guidelines are developed under the auspices of the American College of Gastroenterology and its Practice Parameters Committee. Expert opinion is solicited from the outset for the document. The quality of evidence upon which a specific recommendation is based is as follows: Grade A: Homogeneous evidence from multiple well-designed randomized (therapeutic) or cohort (descriptive) controlled trials, each involving a number of participants to be of sufficient statistical power. Grade B: Evidence from at least one large well-designed clinical trial with or without randomization, from cohort or case-control analytic studies, or well-designed meta-analysis. Grade C: Evidence based on clinical experience, descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees. The Committee reviews guidelines in depth, with participation from experienced clinicians and others in related fields. The final recommendations are based on the data available at the time of the production of the document and may be updated with pertinent scientific developments at a later time.

N-acetyl-L-cysteine combined with mesalamine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: Randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) co-administration with mesalamine in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.

METHODS: Thirty seven patients with mild to moderate UC were randomized to receive a four-wk course of oral mesalamine (2.4 g/d) plus N-acetyl-L-cysteine (0.8 g/d) (group A) or mesalamine plus placebo (group B). Patients were monitored using the Modified Truelove-Witts Severity Index (MTWSI). The primary endpoint was clinical remission (MTWSI ≤ 2) at 4 wk. Secondary endpoints were clinical response (defined as a reduction from baseline in the MTWSI of ≥ 2 points) and drug safety. The serum TNF-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and MCP-1 were evaluated at baseline and at 4 wk of treatment.

RESULTS: Analysis per-protocol criteria showed clinical remission rates of 63% and 50% after 4 wk treatment with mesalamine plus N-acetyl-L-cysteine (group A) and mesalamine plus placebo (group B) respectively (OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 0.46 to 6.36; P = 0.19; NNT = 7.7). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of data indicated a significant reduction of MTWSI in group A (P = 0.046) with respect to basal condition without significant changes in the group B (P = 0.735) during treatment. Clinical responses were 66% (group A) vs 44% (group B) after 4 wk of treatment (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 0.64 to 9.65; P = 0.11; NNT = 4.5). Clinical improvement in group A correlated with a decrease of IL-8 and MCP-1. Rates of adverse events did not differ significantly between both groups.

CONCLUSION: In group A (oral NAC combined with mesalamine) contrarily to group B (mesalamine alone), the clinical improvement correlates with a decrease of chemokines such as MCP-1 and IL-8. NAC addition not produced any side effects.

Traditional corticosteroids for induction of remission in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Historically, corticosteroids have been the most commonly used class of medication for induction of remission in Crohn's disease (CD). Corticosteroids down regulate production of inflammatory cytokines and interfere with NF-kappaB production, thereby blunting inflammatory response.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to systematically review the efficacy and safety of traditional corticosteroids (given orally or intravenously) for induction of remission in CD.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The following electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Functional Bowel Disorders (IBD/FBD) Group Specialized Trial Register, and ClinicalTrials.gov. No language restrictions were applied. Reference lists of trials and review articles, as well as recent proceedings from major gastroenterology meetings were manually searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized, controlled clinical trials of traditional, systemic corticosteroids for the induction of remission of active CD were included in this review. Control groups included patients receiving either placebo or 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA). The study population included patients of any age with active CD (as defined by the study authors or validated clinical activity indices), receiving any formulation of systemically available corticosteroid by any oral or parenteral methods of delivery. The primary outcome was induction of remission of CD. Secondary outcomes included clinical response, change in mean CDAI, adverse events and the proportion of patients withdrawing due to adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two independent investigators reviewed studies for eligibility, extracted the data and assessed study quality using Jadad's criteria. A random or fixed effects model was chosen based on an assessment of heterogeneity, and studies were weighted using the DerSimonian & Laird or the Mantel-Haenszel method accordingly. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 4.2.10 software.

MAIN RESULTS

Two studies compared corticosteroids to placebo and six studies compared corticosteroids to 5-ASA. Corticosteroids were found to be significantly more effective than placebo at inducing remission in CD (RR 1.99; 95% CI 1.51 to 2.64; P < 0.00001). Corticosteroids were found to be more effective than 5-ASA at inducing remission in studies with long follow-up duration (i.e. > 15 weeks; RR 1.65; 95% CI 1.33 to 2.03; P < 0.00001). Corticosteroids induced adverse events in a higher proportion of patients than placebo (RR 4.89; 95% CI 1.98 to 12.07; P = 0.0006), or low-dose 5-ASA (RR 2.38; 95% CI 1.34 to 4.25; P = 0.003). No difference existed in the proportion of patients experiencing adverse events when steroids were compared to high-dose 5-ASA. Steroids did not induce more study withdrawals due to adverse events than either placebo or 5-ASA.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Corticosteroids are effective for induction of remission in patients with CD, particularly when used for more than 15 weeks. Although corticosteroids cause more adverse events than either placebo or low-dose 5-ASA, these adverse events did not lead to increased study withdrawal in the included studies. Further information is required to determine the optimal duration of treatment and tapering protocol to maximize the efficacy of treatment with corticosteroids. Additionally, further study is required to determine whether corticosteroids are more effective in patients with certain phenotypes or when administered intravenously.

Traditional corticosteroids for induction of remission in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Historically, corticosteroids have been the most commonly used class of medication for induction of remission in Crohn's disease (CD). Corticosteroids down regulate production of inflammatory cytokines and interfere with NF-kappaB production, thereby blunting inflammatory response.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to systematically review the efficacy and safety of traditional corticosteroids (given orally or intravenously) for induction of remission in CD.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The following electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Functional Bowel Disorders (IBD/FBD) Group Specialized Trial Register, and ClinicalTrials.gov. No language restrictions were applied. Reference lists of trials and review articles, as well as recent proceedings from major gastroenterology meetings were manually searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized, controlled clinical trials of traditional, systemic corticosteroids for the induction of remission of active CD were included in this review. Control groups included patients receiving either placebo or 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA). The study population included patients of any age with active CD (as defined by the study authors or validated clinical activity indices), receiving any formulation of systemically available corticosteroid by any oral or parenteral methods of delivery. The primary outcome was induction of remission of CD. Secondary outcomes included clinical response, change in mean CDAI, adverse events and the proportion of patients withdrawing due to adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two independent investigators reviewed studies for eligibility, extracted the data and assessed study quality using Jadad's criteria. A random or fixed effects model was chosen based on an assessment of heterogeneity, and studies were weighted using the DerSimonian & Laird or the Mantel-Haenszel method accordingly. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 4.2.10 software.

MAIN RESULTS

Two studies compared corticosteroids to placebo and six studies compared corticosteroids to 5-ASA. Corticosteroids were found to be significantly more effective than placebo at inducing remission in CD (RR 1.99; 95% CI 1.51 to 2.64; P < 0.00001). Corticosteroids were found to be more effective than 5-ASA at inducing remission in studies with long follow-up duration (i.e. > 15 weeks; RR 1.65; 95% CI 1.33 to 2.03; P < 0.00001). Corticosteroids induced adverse events in a higher proportion of patients than placebo (RR 4.89; 95% CI 1.98 to 12.07; P = 0.0006), or low-dose 5-ASA (RR 2.38; 95% CI 1.34 to 4.25; P = 0.003). No difference existed in the proportion of patients experiencing adverse events when steroids were compared to high-dose 5-ASA. Steroids did not induce more study withdrawals due to adverse events than either placebo or 5-ASA.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Corticosteroids are effective for induction of remission in patients with CD, particularly when used for more than 15 weeks. Although corticosteroids cause more adverse events than either placebo or low-dose 5-ASA, these adverse events did not lead to increased study withdrawal in the included studies. Further information is required to determine the optimal duration of treatment and tapering protocol to maximize the efficacy of treatment with corticosteroids. Additionally, further study is required to determine whether corticosteroids are more effective in patients with certain phenotypes or when administered intravenously.

Quality of care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease in East China

AIM: To investigate the quality of care for a hospital based-cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from East China according to the current practice guidelines.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted, involving 177 patients with IBD admitted to Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University between June 2000 and June 2006. Data regarding demographic and clinical characteristics as well as medical therapy including use of oral aminosalicylates, topical therapy, corticosteroid agents, immunomodulatory agents (such as azathioprine) at admission and outpatient clinic visit were analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 177 eligible patients were evaluated in this study, including 71 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 106 with ulcerative colitis (UC). All were the Han nationality Chinese with active disease at baseline. All the 106 patients with ulcerative colitis received optimal doses of aminosalicylate while 27 of 68 (39.7%) patients with ileal or colonic CD received the suboptimal doses of aminosalicylate. The incidence of suboptimal dose of aminosalicylate was significantly higher in CD patients with small intestine involvement only (52.8% vs 25.0%, P = 0.019). Thirty-one (54.4%) patients with active distal or left-sided ulcerative colitis received topical therapy, and 27.8% of patients suffering from severe inflammatory bowel disease did not receive oral or intravenous steroid therapy. Among the 51 patients for whom thiopurine was indicated, only 10 (19.6%) received immunomodulatory agents, and more than half of the 8 patients received a suboptimal dose of azathiopurine with no attempt to increase its dosage.

CONCLUSION: The quality of care for IBD patients can be further improved. A suboptimal dose of aminosalicylate is used in treatment of patients with CD, especially in those with small intestine involved only. Topical mesalazine is inadequately used in patients with distal or left-sided colitis. Oral or intravenous steroid therapy is not used in some patients with severe IBD. Use of immunomodulatory medication is limited. Larger prospective studies are needed to investigate the quality of care for patients with IBD to establish our own evidence-based guidelines.

Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: a review of medical therapy

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. While a cure remains elusive, both can be treated with medications that induce and maintain remission. With the recent advent of therapies that inhibit tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha the overlap in medical therapies for UC and CD has become greater. Although 5-ASA agents have been a mainstay in the treatment of both CD and UC, the data for their efficacy in patients with CD, particularly as maintenance therapy, are equivocal. Antibiotics may have a limited role in the treatment of colonic CD. Steroids continue to be the first choice to treat active disease not responsive to other more conservative therapy; non-systemic steroids such as oral and rectal budesonide for ileal and right-sided CD and distal UC respectively are also effective in mild-moderate disease. 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and its prodrug azathioprine are steroid-sparing immunomodulators effective in the maintenance of remission of both CD and UC, while methotrexate may be used in both induction and maintenance of CD. Infliximab and adalimumab are anti-TNF agents approved in the US and Europe for the treatment of Crohn's disease, and infliximab is also approved for the treatment of UC.

Medical management of mild to moderate Crohn's disease: evidence-based treatment algorithms for induction and maintenance of remission

BACKGROUND

Patients with Crohn's disease alternate between periods of active, symptomatic disease and periods of remission. The treatment goal for Crohn's disease is to induce and then maintain remission of symptoms.

AIM

To review evidence from randomized, controlled, clinical trials on medical therapies for inducing and maintaining remission in patients with mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease, and to suggest the best evidence-based approaches for induction and maintenance therapies.

METHODS

PubMed search using the following terms: sulfasalazine or salicylazosulfapyridine or aminosalicylate or aminosalicylic acid or mesalamine or mesalazine or corticosteroid or prednisone or prednisolone or methylprednisolone or budesonide or antibiotic or metronidazole or ciprofloxacin or immunosuppressive or azathioprine or mercaptopurine or thiopurine or methotrexate and Crohn's disease.

RESULTS

Randomized, controlled trials demonstrated that sulfasalazine, budesonide, and conventional corticosteroids are effective for inducing remission of mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease when administered for a period of 8-16 weeks. An ideal maintenance therapy does not currently exist.

CONCLUSIONS

Selection of maintenance therapy is based on a combination of evidence from controlled trials and patient features including disease severity and location, co-morbidities, previous response to treatment, and previous surgical resection. The options for maintenance therapy include therapy cessation and patient observation following successful induction, budesonide, or immunosuppressive therapy.

Crohn's disease and its mucocutaneous involvement

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder primarily affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract but potentially involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, and eyes. The origin remains unknown, although diverse etiologic agents have been proposed. Characteristic pathologic appearances include the formation of "skip" lesions (discrete regions of inflamed bowel separated by uninvolved mucosae), aphthous ulceration, and fistulation; these signs relate to the presence of an underlying granulomatous transmural inflammation. Cutaneous and oral lesions frequently occur in CD. They may be classified as specific manifestations (in particular, perianal fissures, abscesses, sinuses, and fistulae in ano) with a granulomatous noncaseating inflammation on histologic examination, and nonspecific manifestations (eg, erythema nodosum, neutrophilic dermatoses) with a nonspecific histologic pattern. The diagnosis of CD is based on clinical, endoscopic, radiologic, and histopathologic features. Therapy is mainly aimed at the control of the acute disease and prevention of relapse through the use of mesalazine, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents and very recently, anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibodies.

The case for using 5-aminosalicyclates in Crohn's disease: pro

Mesalamine has a well-established role in the management of ulcerative colitis. However, its role in the management of Crohn's disease (CD) is less clear. Studies evaluating its therapeutic value in CD have produced both positive and negative results. Meta-analyses have not clarified the situation, possibly because they have combined studies of different design. This debate critically examines the evidence for and against the use of mesalamine in CD.

Can we alter the natural history of Crohn disease in children?

The natural history of Crohn disease is characterized by recurrent bouts of active disease, the consequences of which can severely impair sufferers' physical and social functioning. Not only does the illness cause day-to-day morbidity for children but the consequence of the chronic inflammatory process also commonly results in the need for major intestinal surgery. The present challenge facing physicians treating children with Crohn disease is to alleviate symptoms and prolong periods of remission via the use of specifically targeted therapies while minimizing toxicity and promoting normal growth and development. Although systemic corticosteroids are effective in inducing clinical remission, they are of little or no benefit in maintaining remission and can contribute to linear growth retardation. Immunomodulating drugs such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate have proved effective for inducing and maintaining remission of active Crohn disease. These agents are now commonly prescribed in children at diagnosis, after a severe attack or after surgery or in those who become corticosteroid-dependent or corticosteroid-resistant. Their use is not without potential adverse effects and not all patients respond well to these agents. With the introduction of biologic agents, notably the tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody infliximab, progress has been made in targeting specific pathogenetic mechanisms of Crohn disease and potentially altering the underlying disease process. Published experience in children is currently limited, but infliximab has been shown to improve symptoms and achieve corticosteroid independence in this age group. Unresolved issues with infliximab and other emerging biologic agents, including long-term safety, necessitate a degree of caution in selecting appropriate patients for treatment and with careful monitoring of their effects. The collection of contemporary natural history data is crucial to facilitate the better integration of current and emerging therapies in an attempt to alter the natural history of Crohn disease in children.

Medical Therapy of Crohn's Disease

There is no medical or surgical treatment that provides a permanent cure for Crohn's disease (CD). However, an evolving understanding of the pathogenesis of CD has provided clinicians with a diversity of medical treatment options for the disease. The goal of therapy is to induce and maintain clinical remission. The efficacy of immune-modifying agents such as azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine and infliximab have supported a paradigm shift in CD treatment in which maintenance agents are introduced earlier in the disease course. At the same time, it is imperative to balance the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of medical therapy. Given the variable and relapsing clinical course of CD, the physician and patient should ideally develop an ongoing relationship that allows for individualization of treatment regimens, monitoring of response and side effects, and modification of the therapeutic strategy in the absence of improvement.

Mesalamine delivery systems: do they really make much difference?

Sulfasalazine's role as the first-line of therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease has led to the development of other "designer" aminosalicylates, which eliminate the sulfa-moiety, and attempt to target the topically active mesalamine to the inflamed bowel. Olsalazine sodium and balsalazide disodium utilize the same azo-bond structure as sulfasalazine, requiring release of active mesalamine by colonic bacteria, and thus targeting these agents to the colon. Other mesalamine delivery systems use pH-dependant- or moisture-release to liberate the active mesalamine in both the large and small bowel. Direct application of mesalamine via enema or suppository is also effective in patients with distal colitis. The pharmacology and thus the undesirable drug absorption rates differ between drugs, although the clinical importance of these characteristics is debatable. Differences in release-systems, the impact of the fed and fasting state, and unique patient intolerances to individual agents demand an understanding of each of these products, and their application to patient therapy.

Review article: systemic and topical steroids in inflammatory bowel disease

Steroids are still widely used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. Pharmacological studies have shown that there is no major abnormality in the pharmacokinetics of steroids in these disorders. Foam preparations with rectal application decrease the bioavailability to low levels, eliminating systemic complications. For oral use, 'nonsystemic' steroids have been developed. In ulcerative colitis, steroids are rarely needed as 5-aminosalicylates are effective in the majority of patients. This is true for rectal application in distal colitis, as well as in more extensive disease. In Crohn's disease, steroids are more often used; however, in population-based studies, less than 50% of patients have been treated with steroids, as there are alternative treatments available for the large group of patients with mild to moderate activity. For those patients needing steroid treatment, budesonide seems to be a good choice in active disease, but has not shown convincing effects in the maintenance of remission over longer periods of time. There is no place for long-term steroid treatment in ulcerative colitis and very little in Crohn's disease--immunosuppression with azathioprine or related drugs is certainly the better alternative.

Mesalazine-induced reversible infertility in a young male

Mesalazine is a well-established treatment for ulcerative colitis. A young man treated with mesalazine for proctitis was found to have pathological semen with a count of only 3 x 10(6) sperm cells/ml. He failed to achieve conception with his wife. When mesalazine treatment was stopped, semen analysis returned to near normal and pregnancy ensued. Due to recurrent disease activity, mesalazine treatment was reinstituted. This was followed by deterioration of the patient's semen.

Crohn's is not a 6-week disease: lifelong management of mild to moderate Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is an idiopathic, chronic inflammatory disorder of the digestive tract with heterogeneous clinical presentations. Crohn's is currently not a curable disease, and patients are faced with a lifetime of recurrent disease flare-ups and remissions. Management strategies for Crohn's must therefore be targeted toward lifelong management, taking into consideration not only the short-term but also the long-term aspects of the disease. With this in mind, here we review the classifications and natural history of Crohn's disease and discuss possible predictive factors for the disease evolution in a patient. Here we also evaluate the current preferable treatment practices, based on scientifically valid research and collective clinical experience, for the management of mild to moderate Crohn's disease.