| Theme | The Newest Strategies for Severe Ulcerative Colitis | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Indications for Immunosuppressive Agents for Ulcerative Colitis | |
| Publish Date | 2001/09 | |
| Author | Makoto Naganuma | Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University |
| Author | Toshifumi Hibi | Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University |
| [ Summary ] | Recently, substantial gains have been made in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. For ulcerative colitis (UC), 5-ASA agents are effective for use in mild to moderate disease and as maintenance therapies. Although corticosteroids have been shown to be highly effective in short-term treatment of active UC, their value in maintenance therapy has never been shown. Furthermore, there are some patients who are resistant to, or dependent on corticosteroids. Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a useful agent for treatment of active severe UC, which is unresponsive to corticosteroids. It may be used as a bridge to other immunosuppressive therapies and where surgery is not desirable. 6-MPAZA has no role in active severe disease because of a slow induction time, of approximately 3-4 months. These purine analogues are useful for steroid-dependent UC patients and as maintenance therapy for CsA responder. | |