Therapy of Crohn's Disease

The management of Crohn's disease is still a challenge due to the complexity of therapeutical decision-making, which has recently become even more difficult because of novel biological therapies. Thus, criteria to assess the appropriateness of therapeutical options are called for. One well-accepted method is the RAND Appropriateness Method, integrating a systematic review of the medical literature with personal experience of experts in the field. The so found appropriateness criteria may then serve as a basis for guidelines concerning therapy and to assist individual clinicians in their treatment choices. Aiming to apply the RAND Appropriateness Method approach to the treatment of Crohn's disease, the European Panel on the Appropriateness of Crohn's Disease Therapy has been organized under the auspices of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation. The publication at hand presents the literature reviews produced for the purpose of the panel, whose 15 experts have evaluated them in depth. They focus, among other things, on drug safety, severe and steroid resistant Crohn's disease, extra intestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease, maintenance of remission or pregnancy and Crohn's disease. Discussing a multitude of issues connected with Crohn's disease, this publication offers the practicing physician a wealth of information for his daily work.