title: Immunomodulators for all patients with inflammatory bowel disease?
abstract: Recent insight into the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) have led to the development of new treatment options, with a progressive shift to more evidence-based strategies based on sound pathophysiological rationales. A better understanding of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathophysiology has progressively resulted in a more frequent use of immunomodulators. We review the recommended or suggested use of conventional immunomodulators such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate in the treatment of IBD. Moreover, an effort is made to explore some critical areas in which early and more diffuse use of these agents may be advocated.
authors.affiliation: Head of IBD Unit, Cattedra e Divisione di Gatroenterologia ed Endoscopia Digestiva, Azienda Ospedaliera 'L. Sacco', Polo Universitario, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Sandro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ardizzone
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cassinotti
authors.forename: Gianpiero
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Manes
authors.forename: Gabriele Bianchi
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Porro