IBD Flashcards
What 2 parts make up the distal colon?
The descending and sigmoid
What 2 parts make up the proximal colon?
The ascending and transverse colon
What is ulcerative colitis (UC)?
Chronic inflammatory condition characterized by episodes of inflammation limited to the mucosal layer of the colon
What is Crohn’s disease (CD)?
Chronic transmural inflammation with skip lesions, affecting mouth to perianal area.
CD vs UC:
Skip areas
CD = common
UC = never
CD vs UC:
Transmural involvement
CD = common
UC = occasional
CD vs UC:
Rectal sparing
CD = common
UC = never
CD vs UC:
Perianal involvement
CD = rare
UC = never
CD vs UC:
Fistulas
CD = common
UC = never
CD vs UC:
Strictures
CD = common
UC = never
CD vs UC:
Granulomas
CD = common
UC = occasional
What is the pathophysiology of IBD? (3)
- Initial trigger unknown
- Genetic influence
- Immune system creates antibodies to intestinal normal flora and food antigens; inflammatory mediators also involved
UC begins in ______, while CD begins _______
rectum; anywhere
What are 9 risk factors for IBD?
- Age and gender - 15-40, male = female
- Race and ethnicity - no direct link
- Genetic influence
- Smoking
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Stress
- Medications
What are 4 medication groups that are potentially risk factors for IBD? (2 big ones + 2 on the fence)
- Antibiotics
- NSAIDs
- Oral contraceptives - maybe?
- Isotretinoin - likely not
In CD, mortality rates are x.y-z times higher
1.4-5
What are the 2 most common causes of death in CD?
- Primary disease is the common cause of death
- Secondary infection is other leading cause
In terms of frequent relapse, between CD and UC, which is more prone to it?
UC > CD
In terms of lower quality of life, between UC and CD, which is worse?
CD > UC
What are some other complications associated with IBD prognosis? (10, know the top one for sure)
- Colectomy*
- Osteoporosis
- Hypercoagulability –> VTE
- Anemia
- Gallstones
- Bladder/kidney stones
- Ulcers
- Uveitis
- Arthritis
- Malnutrition and electrolyte imbalance
What are the symptoms of IBD? (10 - know top 2)
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Mucousy stool
- Bloody stool
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Sweats
- Malaise
- Arthralgia
How is mild UC classified? (3)
- +1-2 stools/day over baseline
- May be streaks of blood in stool (~50% of the time)
- No systemic involvement
How is mild CD classified? (4)
- Can tolerate oral intake
- No dehydration
- Some abdominal pain/tenderness
- <10% weight loss
How is moderate UC classified? (3)
- +3-4 stools/day over baseline
- Blood in stool most of the time
- Minimal systemic involvement
How is moderate CD classified? (6)
- Unresponsive to treatment
- Continuous fever
- NVD
- > 10% weight loss
- Anemia
- Dehydration
How is severe UC classified? (3)
- +5 stools/day over baseline
- Blood alone passed
- Systemic toxicity begins (fever, anemia, tachycardia)
How is severe CD classified? (4)
- Symptoms persist despite steroid use
- Obstruction
- Persistent vomiting
- High fever
How is fulminant UC classified? (3)
- > 6 stools/day over baseline
- Systemic toxicity
- Blood transfusion needed
What are the 3 diagnosis methods for IBD?
- Physical exam
- Lab exam
- Stool testing
- Blood tests - Imaging and endoscopy*
What should be monitored in IBD? (6)
- Hemoglobin
- Iron indices
- Nutritional status
- Growth
- BMD if increased osteoporosis risk
- Colonoscopy
- Within 8 years of onset
- Screen q1-3 years if 2 negative results
What are the goals of treatment for IBD? (5)
- Recognize disease early
- Induce and sustain remission with least toxic therapy
- Avoid complications
- Maintain current daily life
- Provide secondary care of symptoms
The two main treatment groups for IBD are? (2+3)
- Non-pharmacological treatments
- Medications
- Corticosteroids
- Aminosalicylates (5-ASA)
- Immune modifiers –> Azathioprine/Mercaptoprine and Biologics
What are the 4 main non-pharm treatments for IBD?
- Dietary
- Probiotics
- Smoking cessation
- Exercise
What dietary counseling should be done regarding IBD? (4)
- Bulk fiber to reduce diarrhea
- Reduce fat intake (except Omega 3)
- Consider trigger foods - “elimination diet”
- Prevent malnutrition
- Calcium
- Fat soluble vitamins
- Zinc and magnesium
- Iron
- B12/folic acid
Probiotics in IBD. Yay or nay? (3+3)
- Evidence lacking/conflicting (most data for UC)
- Looks promising; very safe
- Possible benefit:
- Induce remission
- Maintain remission
- Reduce diarrhea
Yay - just don’t use in exclusion of other options
What is there to note about smoking cessation in CD and UC?
- Definite improvement in CD and relapse rates
- Possible risk increase in UC
What are the benefits of exercise in IBD? (2)
- 50% RRR in reduction of flares
- Likely reduces incidence as well
What are the principles of drug therapy in IBD? (3)
- Induce remission of acute episodes
- Maintain remission
- Minimize steroid use
What is the definition of IBD remission? (3)
- Symptom free; and,
- No inflammatory consequences; and,
- Not steroid-dependent
Corticosteroids are highly effective agents for inducing remission of IBD. What are the 2 formulations used?
- Orally for UC/CD
- Topical foams and enemas in UC - important option
What are the indications for corticosteroids in UC? (2)
- Topical: Mild-moderate UC induction
- Oral: Moderate-severe UC induction
What are the indications for corticosteroids in CD? (2)
- Oral: Mild to severe CD induction
- Budesonide can be used for short-term maintenance as well (< 3 months)
What is the dosing of prednisone in IBD induction?
40-60mg daily
Budesonide has 3 dosage forms for IBD. When are Entocort capsules used and what is the dosing?
Ileal/ascending colon - CD ONLY - 9mg daily
Budesonide has 3 dosage forms for IBD. When is Entocort enema used and what is the dosing?
Distal - UC ONLY - 2mg qHS
Budesonide has 3 dosage forms for IBD. When are Cortiment tablets used and what is the dosing?
UC ONLY - 9mg daily