Review article
THE ROLE OF ANTI-TNF THERAPY IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS
SILVIJA ČUKOVIĆ-ČAVKA
; Zagreb University Hospital Centre, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zagreb, Croatia
BORIS VUCELIĆ
; Zagreb University Hospital Centre, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zagreb, Croatia
MARIJA CRNČEVIĆ UREK
; Zagreb University Hospital Centre, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zagreb, Croatia
MARKO BRINAR
; Zagreb University Hospital Centre, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zagreb, Croatia
NIKŠA TURK
; Zagreb University Hospital Centre, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
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.
Keywords
ulcerative colitis; therapy; anti-TNF drug; infliximab; adalimumab
Hrčak ID:
111691
URI
Publication date:
28.11.2013.
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