[First line therapy of inflammatory bowel disease]

During the last decade, anti-TNF agents and emergence of new therapeutic concepts have dramatically changed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management, especially at their early phase. Salicylates remain the therapeutic basis in ulcerative colitis while their efficacy in Crohn's disease has not been confirmed. A rapid step-up approach is considered for managing IBD at early phase providing early immunomodulators--such as immunosuppressant and anti-TNF--in case of poor disease course. Some specific situations (severe, extended or complicated forms) require the most efficient first-line therapy that is combination between anti-TNF and immunosuppressant. A close follow-up not only based on clinical symptoms, but also on objective inflammatory tools (endoscopy, cross-sectional imaging, biomarkers), is needed to adjust medical therapy rapidly in order to prevent complications and surgery.