[Role of thiopurine agents in ulcerative colitis].

Thiopurine agents have been shown to be effective in maintaining remission in patients with Crohn's disease. There is less evidence for the efficacy of these treatments in ulcerative colitis. Consequently, the effect of thiopurines in the latter disease continues to be the subject of debate and controversy remains on whether these drugs are equally effective in both diseases. The present article aims to review, from a practical point of view, the evidence of the efficacy of thiopurines in ulcerative colitis, current indications for this treatment, safety in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and the treatment optimization strategies proposed.