Opinion
Video
Moving Beyond Symptom Control in CD
Author(s):
Experts discuss the idea that, while symptoms of Crohn’s disease (CD) contribute to a patient’s quality of life, symptom control alone is not sufficient and the focus should be modifying the disease process.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Marla Dubinsky, MD; David Rubin, MD; Miguel Regueiro, MD; Remo Panaccione, MD, FRCPC; and Sara Horst, MD, MPH.
Experts discuss the challenges in managing chronic progressive diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, focusing on the use of certain medications. The speaker highlights the limited efficacy of steroids and mesalamine in altering the natural history of these diseases. While mesalamine may provide clinical relief for ulcerative colitis, there's no data supporting its effectiveness in Crohn's disease.
The conversation revolves around communicating treatment options to patients who may be hesitant to pursue advanced therapies due to safety concerns or uncertainty about readiness. The speaker emphasizes the importance of addressing symptoms comprehensively rather than relying on temporary solutions like steroids or placebo-like medications.
To enhance patient understanding, the speaker uses visual aids such as colonoscopy images and cross-sectional imaging to illustrate the consequences of bowel damage. The discussion aims to encourage patients to consider advanced therapies that can reverse damage and control inflammation, ultimately improving their quality of life and potentially avoiding surgery. The transcript emphasizes the predictability and manageability of Crohn's disease with the available therapies, providing hope for patients to achieve stability and avoid unexpected flare-ups.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive editorial staff.
