Current and emerging strategies in the management of Crohn's disease

Abstract

Diarrhoea is a common manifestation of Crohn's disease (CD). We advocate an evidence-based approach to treat the underlying disease and reduce symptoms. This article reviews disease grading systems, current concepts in medical therapy, and other treatments that may become available in the future. While some drug classes (e.g. salicylates, immunomodulators) have been studied for many decades, newer approaches including anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies (biologics), and gut selective agents are changing the paradigm we use to treat this debilitating condition.