Management of refractory inflammatory bowel disease

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2004 Jun;33(2):319-34, x. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2004.02.011.

Abstract

One of the most challenging aspects of the management of inflammatory bowel disease is the high frequency of incomplete or absent response to medical therapy. Although many patients may be truly refractory to medical therapy, a lack of response may indicate several possibilities, including incorrect diagnosis, progression of disease extent, intestinal complication, superinfection, underdosing of therapy, monotherapy instead of combination therapy, or medication intolerance. This article provides a practical general approach to refractory inflammatory bowel disease patients encountered in clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / pathology
  • Recurrence
  • Treatment Failure