How to Optimally Use Currently Available Drugs in a Therapeutic Algorithm?

Recently, the incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been increasing in worldwide, especially in Asian area. IBD is a chronic and progressive disease eventually causing bowel damage. The advance in the treatment of IBD over the past several decades has been achieved with the development of biologics. Furthermore, goals for management of IBD have been evolving from symptom-based management to mucosal healing, which can reduce the surgery rate and hospitalization. To treat the patients with IBD properly, identification of risk factors of patients should be preceded. In addition, the knowledge of several drugs, which are available in current situation is essential. In this review, optimal therapeutic approach with drugs including 5-aminosalicylate, steroid, immunomodulators and anti-TNF antagonists is discussed.