IBD

Question 1

Criteria for UC mild flare

Answer 1

Fewer than 4 stools a day, with or without blood
No systemic disturbance
Normal ESR and CRP

Question 2

Criteria for UC moderate flare

Answer 2

4-6 stools a day, minimal systemic disturbance

Question 3

Criteria for UC severe flare

Answer 3

> 6 stools a day, containing blood
Evidence of systemic disturbance e.g. fever, tachcardia, abdo tenderness/distension/reduced bowel sounds, anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia

Patients with evidence of severe disease should be admitted to hospital

Question 4

UC Radiological features

Answer 4

Barium enema

• Loss of haustrations
• Superficial ulceration, ‘pseudopolyps’
• Long standing disease: colon is narrow and short - ‘drainpipe colon’

Question 5

UC most common site affected

Answer 5

Rectum

Question 6

UC most common presenting age

Answer 6

Bimodal: 15-25 and 55-65

Question 7

UC most common extra-intestinal feature

Answer 7

Arthritis (also in Crohns)

Question 8

Investigations to distinguish between IBS and IBD in primary care

Answer 8

Faecal calprotectin (released in the bowel in the presence of inflammation and is not degraded). If positive -> refer to secondary care for further investigation

Also: FBC, ESR, CRP, coeliac screen (TTG)