[The role of anti-TNF therapy in ulcerative colitis].
Anti-TNF-alfa molecules are currently being used to treat ulcerative colitis regarding to the fact that TNF-alpha has an important role in the pathogenesis of IBD. Although these drugs improved the therapy of patients, immunogenicity limits their potential for clinical use. Infliximab and adalimumab are effective for induction and maintenance of remission in outpatients with moderate to severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis. Biologics can be a drug of choice for patients with refractory proctitis and refractory pouchitis. In hospitalized patients with steroid-resistant severe ulcerative colitis who are candidates for colectomy, infliximab may be second-line option. Adequate long-term maintenance therapy with anti-TNF is required after rescue therapy for a sustained benefit. Regarding to the known risk for side-effects of anti-TNF drugs especially in patients concomitantly treated with thiopurines it is urgent future research.
Klinicki bolnicki centar Zagreb, Medicinski fakultet Sveucilista u Zagrebu, Zavod za gastroenterologiju i hepatologiju, Klinika za unutrasnje bolesti, Zagreb, Hrvatska. silvija.cukovic@gmail.com
Silvija
S
Cuković-Cavka
Klinicki bolnicki centar Zagreb, Medicinski fakultet Sveucilista u Zagrebu, Zavod za gastroenterologiju i hepatologiju, Klinika za unutrasnje bolesti, Zagreb, Hrvatska.
Boris
B
Vucelić
Klinicki bolnicki centar Zagreb, Medicinski fakultet Sveucilista u Zagrebu, Zavod za gastroenterologiju i hepatologiju, Klinika za unutrasnje bolesti, Zagreb, Hrvatska.
Marija Crncević
MC
Urek
Klinicki bolnicki centar Zagreb, Medicinski fakultet Sveucilista u Zagrebu, Zavod za gastroenterologiju i hepatologiju, Klinika za unutrasnje bolesti, Zagreb, Hrvatska.
Marko
M
Brinar
Klinicki bolnicki centar Zagreb, Medicinski fakultet Sveucilista u Zagrebu, Zavod za gastroenterologiju i hepatologiju, Klinika za unutrasnje bolesti, Zagreb, Hrvatska.
Niksa
N
Turk
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012074:Remission Induction; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha