Optimizing the use of thiopurines in inflammatory bowel disease.

Immunomodulator drugs, of which thiopurines can be considered the backbone, are widely used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. They have been shown to be highly effective and safe; however, a significant proportion of patients are deemed to have a poor response or suffer adverse reactions. Knowing how to monitor and optimize thiopurine therapy in these scenarios is crucial to effective management. We discuss the metabolism of thiopurines, the use of enzyme/metabolite testing to guide treatment, as well as strategies to circumvent toxicity and side effects, such as allopurinol coprescription. The indications, use in pregnancy, safety profile and duration of thiopurine therapy are also discussed.

Distinct management issues with Crohn's disease of the small intestine.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Small bowel Crohn's disease can present with clinical challenges that are specific to its location. In this review, we address some of the areas that present particular problems in small bowel Crohn's disease. RECENT FINDINGS: A key issue specific to small bowel Crohn's disease relates to its diagnosis given that access to the small bowel is limited. Radiological advances, particularly in small bowel ultrasonography and MRI, as well as the introduction of capsule endoscopy and balloon enteroscopy are helping to address this. In addition, our ability to differentiate small bowel Crohn's disease from other causes of inflammation, such as tuberculosis, is improving on the basis of better understanding of the features that differentiate these conditions. It is also becoming apparent that jejunal Crohn's disease represents a distinct disease phenotype with potentially worse clinical outcomes. Finally, because it is a rare complication, our understanding of small bowel cancer associated with Crohn's disease remains limited. Recent publications are, however, starting to improve our knowledge of this condition. SUMMARY: Although small bowel Crohn's disease presents specific management issues not seen in patients with Crohn's disease elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract, our knowledge of how to manage these is improving.