[Crohn's disease--standards of treatment 2004].

In Crohn's disease therapeutic concepts are according to distinct conditions. Course of the disease, the individual disease pattern and the aim of treatment are of particular significance. Care of patients with Crohn's disease requires interdisciplinary cooperation between gastroenterologists and surgeons. Primary therapy in mild to moderate disease comprises aminosalicylates and budesonide. Treatment of refractory or severe cases are corticosteroids. Immunosuppressive therapy is indicated in all kinds of complicated disease. First line immunosuppressants are Azathioprine and 6-Mercaptopurine while Methotrexate, Infliximab, Mycophenolatmofetil and other compounds represent alternative or rescue medications. Maintenance of remission should not be done on a regular basis but rather regarding the individual patients' situation. Risks have to be carefully balanced with possible benefits. The most important aim of treatment is quality of life.