New therapeutic approaches

Clinicians have witnessed an evolution from sulfasalazine and hydrocortisone to alternative aminosalicylates and steroids. Revolutionary changes beyond these, however, and other "nonspecific" anti-immunoinflammatory compounds require clarification of the primary events either activating inflammatory cascades or preventing the down-regulation of homeopathic inflammation. The authors remain encouraged by advances in basic research pertaining to IBD and optimistic that novel empiric observations and therapeutic trials will focus bench-side investigation as clinicians strive to improve the quality of life for patients.