Optimizing the use of thiopurines in inflammatory bowel disease.

Immunomodulator drugs, of which thiopurines can be considered the backbone, are widely used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. They have been shown to be highly effective and safe; however, a significant proportion of patients are deemed to have a poor response or suffer adverse reactions. Knowing how to monitor and optimize thiopurine therapy in these scenarios is crucial to effective management.

Getting the best out of thiopurine therapy: thiopurine S-methyltransferase and beyond.

Thiopurines are the cornerstone of treatment for a wide variety of medical disorders, ranging from pediatric leukemia to inflammatory bowel disease. Because of their complex metabolism and potential toxicities, the use of biomarkers to predict risk and response is paramount. Thiopurine S-methyltransferase and thiopurine metabolite levels have emerged as companion diagnostics with crucial roles in facilitating safe and effective treatment.

Distinct management issues with Crohn's disease of the small intestine.

Purpose Of Review: Small bowel Crohn's disease can present with clinical challenges that are specific to its location. In this review, we address some of the areas that present particular problems in small bowel Crohn's disease.

Recent Findings: A key issue specific to small bowel Crohn's disease relates to its diagnosis given that access to the small bowel is limited.