Aminosalicylates, thiopurines and methotrexate in inflammatory bowel disease: Is it possible to discontinue the treatment?

The current goals of treatment in inflammatory bowel disease, both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are to achieve clinical, endoscopic and ideally histological remission and improve the quality of life of these patients. Current therapies are effective in achieving remission in most cases, but there is a lack of clear guidelines on their optimal duration. This review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the withdrawal of therapy with 5-aminosalicylates, thiopurines and methotrexate. We also aim to identify which specific group of patients, while in remission and in the absence of risk factors, may be able to discontinue therapy without a significant risk of relapse. (C) 2019 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.