[5-aminosalicylic acid in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease].

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis and Cohn's disease are characterised by exacerbations and remissions. Their aetiology is not known and treatment modalities are therefore focused on the inflammation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review is given of the literature on the clinical efficacy and safety of treatment with 5-aminosalicylates.

RESULTS: Aminosalicylic acid has a well-documented efficacy in the acute treatment of mild and moderate ulcerative colitis as well as in maintaining remission in these patients. Its value for patients with Cohn's disease is at the best modest. There are several possible explanations: the variability of disease location, drug disposition and topical availability of the active drug. The usefulness of aminosalicylates has been demonstrated in the long-term treatment of ulcerative colitis for the prevention of colorectal cancer. 5-aminosalicylates have side effects that are comparable with placebo.

INTERPRETATION: The benefit of 5-aminosalicylic acid is well documented in the treatment of active ulcerative colitis and for maintaining remission. The opposite is seen in relation to Cohn's disease.