[Chronic inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis].

Inflammatory bowel diseases comprise Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis, generally beginning in young subjects and increasing in frequency in Western countries. Despite their still unknown aetiologies, some pathogenic mechanisms have been elucidated after the recent discovery of numerous susceptibility genes and rare environmental factors. These diseases have a course consisting of episodes of flare-up alternating with periods of remission. Medical treatment for induction of a remission comprises besides aminosalicylates, corticosteroids including budesonide and immunosuppressive drugs, anti-TNF-alpha drugs (infliximab, adalimumab) indicated in case of failure of previous therapies. Surgery is indicated for complications and failure of medical treatment.With current therapy, most of the patients are able to fulfil their familial, social and professional projects.