RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Establishing a biologics service for patients with inflammatory bowel disease
JF Frontline Gastroenterology
JO Frontline Gastroenterol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 133
OP 139
DO 10.1136/fg.2010.003558
VO 2
IS 3
A1 P J Hamlin
A1 L Warren
A1 S M Everett
YR 2011
UL http://fg.bmj.com/content/2/3/133.abstract
AB The use of anti-TNF therapy in the management of Crohn's disease and, to a lesser extent ulcerative colitis, is increasing. This article aims to discuss the practicalities of establishing a biologics service for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Current guidelines on the use of these drugs are reviewed followed by a discussion on the choice of which anti-TNF agent to use based on costs and patient choice. A model for the initiation, administration, monitoring and assessment of patients receiving anti-TNF therapy is proposed. The need for a national biologics registry is highlighted in the summary.