T. Haas

Diagnose und Behandlung von Eisenmangel und Anämie bei chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen. Konsensus der österreichischen Arbeitsgruppe für CED

Iron deficiency with and without anaemia is a common burden of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and has considerable impact on their quality of life and the ability to perform. The IBD working group of the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology developed five consensus statements on the following topics: (i) diagnosis of iron deficiency and (ii) anaemia, (iii) screening of iron deficiency, (iv) treatment of iron deficiency and (v) therapeutic goals. The clinical importance of intravenous iron replacement therapy in IBD with regard to effectiveness and compliance was discussed.

[Adalimumab for the treatment of Crohn's disease - consensus paper of the Working Group "chronic inflammatory bowel diseases" of the Austrian Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology].

The advent of anti-TNF alpha antibodies has clearly improved the outcome of patients with Crohns disease. With adalimumab, the first fully human, monoclonal anti-TNF alpha antibody, which can be administered subcutaneously by means of a pen, became available in 2007. In Europe adalimumab is approved for the treatment of severe, active Crohns disease, in patients who have not responded despite a full and adequate course of therapy with a corticosteroid and/or an immunosuppressant; or who are intolerant to or have medical contraindications for such therapies. Adalimumab is clinically efficacious both in patients with Crohns disease naïve to previous exposure to anti-TNF alpha antibodies and in those previously exposed with a rapid onset of action and a confirmed maintenance performance over 3 years. A reduction in the rate of hospitalisation and an improvement of health-related quality of life are associated with this treatment. The safety profile of adalimumab is comparable to those of other TNF alpha inhibitors. Due to low immunogenicity, allergic reactions are rare. A careful screening of patients before and during treatment with adalimumab is of key importance. The presented therapy guidelines based on existing evidence are aimed to assist in the efficient and safe use of adalimumab in the treatment of Crohns disease.

Kolorektales Karzinom: Screening und Surveillance bei chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen − Konsensus der Arbeitsgruppe für chronisch entzündliche Darmerkrankungen der ÖGGH

Patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohns colitis are at increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). This risk is dependent on the duration and extent of disease, inflammatory activity and possible additional risk factors. Thus, the aim is to reduce this risk and to detect dysplastic and malignant lesions at an early stage. The working group for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) of the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ÖGGH) has developed consensus statements on the following topics: risk of colorectal cancer, screening and surveillance, procedure of surveillance colonoscopy, dysplasia and its management, and chemoprevention. This consensus is intended to increase awareness of the increased risk of CRC in IBD and to support a standardised approach in cancer prevention.

[Infliximab therapy for Crohn's disease - a practical guideline: actualised consensus of the working group for chronic inflammatory bowel diseases of the Austrian Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology].

Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which is approved for the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohns disease (CD), fistulating Crohns disease (FCD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and paediatric ulcerative colitis (PUC) from 6 years onwards. Besides its therapeutic efficacy, this antibody therapy is characterised by its side effects profile, which has been addressed in a seperate consensus statement by the Working Group for chronic inflammatory bowel diseases within the Austrian Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Infliximab is an effective treatment option for the above-mentioned indications; however, use of this agent requires special knowledge to assess the benefit-risk profile for each patient individually.