Mesalazine in Crohn's disease: obsolete or neglected treatment?

Abstract

Aminosalicylates have been used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease since the 1940s. These preparations are very effective in treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. However, their role in the treatment of Crohn's disease is rather controversial. Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have so far failed to prove their efficacy in Crohn's disease treatment. Subsequently, national and international guidelinesdid not recommend using aminosalicylates to treat Crohn's disease. This article gives an overview of the role of aminosalicylates in Crohn's disease and provides some evidence supporting the fact that aminosalicylates still have a place in the treatment of a certain group of patients with Crohn's disease.