Best practices on immunomodulators and biologic agents for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in Asia.

The Asia-Pacific Working Group on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was established in Cebu, Philippines, under the auspices of the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology with the goal of improving IBD care in Asia. This consensus is carried out in collaboration with Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis. With biologic agents and biosimilars becoming more established, it is necessary to conduct a review on existing literature and establish a consensus on when and how to introduce biologic agents and biosimilars in the conjunction with conventional treatments for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) in Asia.

Safety of drugs used for the treatment of Crohn's disease.

Introduction: Medications in treating Crohn's disease (CD) have evolved over the last two decades, particularly with the use of biologic agents. There are, however, concerns about the safety and adverse events associated with these medications. The authors review the safety profile of immunosuppressive medications used in Crohn's disease in adult patients.

Molecular Pathophysiology of Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Over the years, the scientific community has explored myriads of theories in search of the etiology and a cure for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The cumulative evidence has pointed to the key role of the intestinal barrier and the breakdown of these mechanisms in IBD. More and more scientists and clinicians are embracing the concept of the impaired intestinal epithelial barrier and its role in the pathogenesis and natural history of IBD.

Crohn's disease associated strictures.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting disease that can affect any segments of the gastrointestinal tract. More than 50% of patients with CD develop stricturing or penetrating complications within the first 10 years after diagnosis. Strictures can lead to intestinal obstruction, which is a common indication for surgery.

Gastroenterologist perceptions of faecal microbiota transplantation.

Aim: To explore gastroenterologist perceptions towards and experience with faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).

Methods: A questionnaire survey consisting of 17 questions was created to assess gastroenterologists' attitude towards and experience with FMT. This was anonymously distributed in hard copy format amongst attendees at gastroenterology meetings in Australia between October 2013 and April 2014.

Persistence to oral 5-aminosalicylate therapy for inflammatory bowel disease in Australia.

Aminosalicylate (5-ASA) is effective treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) but requires continuous maintenance therapy. This study determines persistence of 5-ASA in IBD using national population-based data for Australia from 2002 to 2011 with follow up for 36 months. Non-persistence was defined as failing to fill a prescription for 3 months.

Pregnancy related issues in inflammatory bowel disease: evidence base and patients' perspective.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects women of childbearing age and can influence fertility, pregnancy and decisions regarding breastfeeding. Women with IBD need to consider the possible course of disease during pregnancy, the benefits and risks associated with medications required for disease management during pregnancy and breastfeeding and the effects of mode of delivery on their disease. When indicated, aminosalicylates and thiopurines can be safely used during pregnancy.

The Asia-Pacific consensus on ulcerative colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in many parts of the Asia-Pacific region. There is a need to improve the awareness of IBD and develop diagnostic and management recommendations relevant to the region. This evidence-based consensus focuses on the definition, epidemiology and management of ulcerative colitis (UC) in Asia.

Thiopurine hepatotoxicity in inflammatory bowel disease: the role for adding allopurinol.

Background: Immunomodulator therapy with the thiopurine analogues azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine is commonly prescribed for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Drug adverse effects and the lack of efficacy, however, commonly require withdrawal of therapy. Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, was recently evaluated in its role in modifying thiopurine metabolism and improving drug efficacy in IBD.

Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy: indications, efficacy and safety.

Background: Helicobacter pylori infects up to half of the world's population. It remains the major cause of peptic ulcer disease and is recognised as a carcinogen for its role in gastric carcinogenesis. Successful eradication of the bacteria is associated with improved health outcomes including fewer dyspeptic symptoms, reduced peptic ulcer recurrence and rebleeding, reduced peptic ulcer risk with NSAIDs and as a cure for low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma.