Review
Copyright ©2011 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Apr 14, 2011; 17(14): 1797-1806
Published online Apr 14, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i14.1797
Role of conventional therapies in the era of biological treatment in Crohn’s disease
Paolo Gionchetti, Carlo Calabrese, Rosy Tambasco, Ramona Brugnera, Giulia Straforini, Giuseppina Liguori, Giulia Spuri Fornarini, Donatella Riso, Massimo Campieri, Fernando Rizzello
Paolo Gionchetti, Carlo Calabrese, Rosy Tambasco, Ramona Brugnera, Giulia Straforini, Giuseppina Liguori, Giulia Spuri Fornarini, Donatella Riso, Massimo Campieri, Fernando Rizzello, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
Author contributions: All authors generated the ideas and contributed to the writing of this manuscript.
Supported by MIUR, PRIN 2008 (MC)
Correspondence to: Paolo Gionchetti, MD, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy. paolo.gionchetti@unibo.it
Telephone: +39-51-6364122 Fax: +39-51-392538
Received: May 12, 2010
Revised: July 12, 2010
Accepted: July 19, 2010
Published online: April 14, 2011
Abstract

Outstanding progress regarding the pathophysiology of Crohn’s disease (CD) has led to the development of innovative therapeutic concepts. Numerous controlled trials have been performed in CD. This review concentrates on the results of randomized, placebo-controlled trials, and meta-analyses when available, that provide the highest degree of evidence. Current guidelines on the management of CD recommend a step-up approach to treatment involving the addition of more powerful therapies as the severity of disease and refractoriness to therapy increase. The advent of biological drugs has opened new therapeutic horizons for treating CD, modifying the treatment goals. However, the large majority of patients with CD will be managed through conventional therapy, even if they are a prelude to biological therapy.

Keywords: Crohn’s disease; Sulfasalazine; 5-Aminosalicylic acid; Azathioprine; 6-Mercaptopurine; Biological therapies; Anti-tumor necrosis facto-α