Medical Management of IBD

Carmen Stefanescu (France) and Yves Panis (France) at ESCP Vilnius 2023

Best Publications of the Year - Yves Panis (France) at ESCP Nice 2018

ESCP/EAES Symposium - Najib Haboubi (UK) at ESCP Berlin 2017

During the past decade, anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents and the emergence of new therapeutic concepts have dramatically modified inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management, especially in the early phase. Salicylates remain the therapeutic basis in ulcerative colitis, whereas their efficacy in Crohn’s disease has not been confirmed. A rapid step-up approach is now considered for managing refractory IBD, providing early exposure to immunomodulators (i.e., conventional immunosuppressants and/or biologics in the case of a poor disease course). Some specific situations (severe, extended, or complicated forms) require the most efficient first-line therapy: the combination of anti-TNF agents and immunosuppressants. A close follow-up based not only on clinical symptoms but also on objective inflammatory tools (endoscopy, cross-sectional imaging, biomarkers) is needed to adjust medical therapy rapidly to prevent bowel damage and surgery.