title: Inflammatory bowel disease.
abstract: An increasing number of options are available for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease; the selection depends on the extent and severity of the disease. Experience with sulfasalazine and corticosteroids has led to a proliferation of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) compounds and experimentation with alternative corticosteroid preparations. Given rectally 5-ASA is particularly effective in the treatment of distal ulcerative colitis, and experience is accumulating with several oral formulations. Metronidazole is useful in some cases, and immunosuppressive agents have a role in some patients with chronic refractory disease. A variety of measures, such as nutritional therapy, surgery and psychosocial support, are important elements of therapy. Further therapeutic innovations are expected as the etiology and pathogenesis are clarified.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Calgary General Hospital, Alta.
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Van Rosendaal
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D019804:Mesalamine; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012460:Sulfasalazine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000636:Aminosalicylic Acids; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D008795:Metronidazole; D012460:Sulfasalazine; D019804:Mesalamine