Immunosuppression In Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

The aetiology of the chronic inflammatory bowel diseases - Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis - is still enigmatic. The therapeutic approach has therefore traditionally focused on anti-inflammatory principles, including corticosteroids and aminosalicylates. Since a significant proportion of patients is steroid-dependent or refractory and because of the problematic side-effects of long-term systemic steroids, active immunosuppression has gained acceptance in the field. The classical immunosuppressants azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine have long been evidence-based in IBD, but underused. Recently, methotrexate and cyclosporine have also been proven to be effective in certain situations. Newer drugs like tacrolimus, mycophenolate and others may be similarly useful but their potential is still unclear. Finally, the immune modifiers including IL-10 and TNF-antibodies have been successfully subjected to controlled trials. Other experimental drugs discussed in this book are on the horizon. This volume is the Proceedings of Falk Symposium 119 held in Freiburg-im-Breisgau, Germany, October 3-4, 2000, and covers systematically the field of immunosuppression in inflammatory bowel diseases. It is hoped that it will further the prudent use of these drugs in the proper clinical situations by increasing our understanding of both the mechanisms of action and the clinical benefit to the patient.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is in fact two long-term conditions – ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease – that cause problems in the digestive system. No two patients with IBD have the same experience. How the disease progresses, the type of complications and the response to treatment all differ from person to person. The information in this booklet is designed to help you and your family better understand your IBD, its treatment and how you can help yourself. With simple clear illustrations, explanation of medical terms and space to write down the questions you want to ask your doctor or nurse, this resource will help you take control of your condition.

Now published in two volumes to accommodate new chapters on the many advances in understanding and treatment options, this set of volumes represents the definitive reference on inflammatory bowel disease, a spectrum of diseases that is receiving increasing attention as our understanding of the etiological factors increases and diagnostic tools are refined. Basic research accelerated at the beginning of this decade and is now yielding new, more targeted treatments than were available just a few years ago. Volume 1 is on IBD and Ulcerative Colitis, and Volume 2 is on IBD and Crohn's Disease. All areas that were covered in the 2nd edition have been expanded and updated. New sections include the rapidly expanding knowledge of genetics and the role of the intestinal flora and environmental factors in etiology and pathogenesis. Among the 168 chapters, there are 20 on biologic therapies and 30 on surgical management. The consultant/authors clearly state their approach to important issues, such as the duration of immunomodulator and of anti-TNF-a use and the options for managing isolated low-grade dysplasia. A strong focus on the individual patient is woven throughout both volumes, including the benefits and risks of potentially life-altering therapies and surgeries. Entire sections detail concerns about the well-being of each person. This book provides information for health professionals who help both pediatric and adult patients navigate through the lifelong shadow of a chronic, probably genetically determined ordeal.

These negative regulatory mechanisms of the intestinal immune system are disturbed in certain disease conditions, causing the immunocompetent cells to respond to food components and commensal bacteria by becoming activated and to overproduce inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. These disease conditions include food allergies, such as celiac disease, and the inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, although their exact etiological mechanisms remain to be revealed. --Book Jacket.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Clinician’s Guide provides practical guidance for the diagnosis and management of those suspected or known to have one of the forms of these complex diseases. It is perfect both for gastroenterology trainees learning to care for these patients and the experienced physician as a concise and practical resource for day to day use. Written by the experts, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Clinician’s Guide is an essential tool for all gastroenterologists managing patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

The treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has posed a major challenge since its appearance. Biomedical researchers, physicians, gastroenterologists, and surgeons have struggled to improve the quality of life of their patients and have sought, above all else, to keep the disease under remission for as long as possible. Blockers for tumoral necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were the first biological drugs to be discovered and for this reason they played a crucial role in the subsequent evolution of IBD treatment. The aim of this book is to provide an overview of such drugs and the latest developments in IBD immunopathology. Our contributors discuss the main indications, efficacy, and possible side effects of the different types of drugs available today for IBD treatment.

A pocket handbook on the practical and safe use of drugs in inflammatory bowel disease to achieve best patient outcome in day-to-day practice. A book written by experts in inflammatory bowel disease covering the latest and most promising treatment modalities in patients with simple and complex inflammatory bowel disease. 20 short chapters illustrating therapeutic pathways to summarise current best practice on the management of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease including special scenarios: management of extraintestinal manifestations, cancer surveillance, pregnancy, fertility and breast feeding, screening for infections, bone diseases and anaemia. Suitable for all medical professionals involved in the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: established and trainee gastroenterologists, gastrointestinal surgeons, nurse specialists, general practitioners and general physicians.