[New treatment targets for inflammatory bowel disease?]

Abstract

The classic therapeutic goals of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are, on the one hand, clinical remission and, on the other, the prevention of disease progression. The introduction of additional "targets" such as normalization of laboratory inflammation values, endoscopic and, possibly, histological mucosal healing and transmural parameters (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography) is intended to improve prognosis. A good response to therapy is usually (also) evident from these targets, although the obligatory change in medication in order to improve the prognosis if the additional treatment goals are not achieved is not evidence-based. In the case of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, individual and, if possible, personalized medicine should continue to be provided instead of strict target specifications.