Treatment of patients with severe glucocorticoid-refractory ulcerative colitis: Cyclosporine or infliximab?

• Cyclosporine and infliximab are so-called 'rescue-therapies' as last resort for the treatment of patients with severe glucocorticoid-refractory ulcerative colitis. • A recent study found that cyclosporine and infliximab are similar in terms of efficacy in the treatment of patients with severe ulcerative colitis. • Cyclosporine may be prescribed as a bridge to treatment with thiopurines; infliximab may be prescribed when a patient is intolerant or refractory to thiopurines. • Preoperative treatment with cyclosporine or infliximab does not affect the number of postoperative complications.