Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. pierre.michetti@chuv.ch
The management of luminal Crohn's disease, the most common form of initial presentation of the disease, depends on the location and the severity of the disease. Mild-to-moderate disease represents a relatively large proportion of patients with a first flare of luminal disease, which may also be associated with perianal disease. As quality of life of these patients inversely correlates with disease activity, adequate therapy is a central goal of the overall patient management. Treatment options include mainly sulfasalazine, budesonide and systemic steroids, while the role of mesalazine and antibiotics remains controversial. The role of biological therapies has not been thoroughly evaluated in patients with mild disease. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.