Randomised placebo-controlled trial of rituximab (anti-CD20) in active ulcerative colitis.

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of the B lymphocyte (anti-CD20) antibody, rituximab, in the treatment of steroid-resistant moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods: A double-blinded, randomised controlled trial with a 2:1 ratio of treatment:placebo (phase II) was carried out in the setting of a University teaching hospital. The subjects comprised 24 patients with moderately active UC who have either failed to respond to conventional corticosteroid therapy or who have relapsed during corticosteroid withdrawal.

Effect of systemic corticosteroid therapy on risk for intra-abdominal or pelvic abscess in non-operated Crohn's disease.

Background & Aims: Systemic corticosteroid therapy increases risk of postoperative sepsis in Crohn's disease. This study investigates its effect on risk for sepsis in non-operated patients.

Methods: A retrospective case-control study was performed in 432 patients with Crohn's disease (the 94% of our database for whom adequate documentation could be retrieved).

Medical management of Crohn's disease.

Current evidence strongly suggests that Crohn's disease is caused by an abnormal response to enteric flora. This review examines the current evidence for medical management of Crohn's disease, particularly focusing on alternative therapies to corticosteroids in managing disease relapses and preventing long-term complications.

Medical management of ulcerative colitis.

Patients with ulcerative colitis have no increased mortality compared to population controls and the disease can be cured be colectomy. This review concentrates on the medical management of ulcerative colitis including the management of active colitis, acute severe colitis and first presentation of colitis, maintenance of remission and long-term complications.