IBD Background Information Flashcards
What is IBD?
A chronic, inflammatory disease of the GI tract
What does IBD result in?
Edema, ulceration, and tissue destruction
Nature of IBD
Relapsing and remitting
Due to the nature of IBD, what kinds of therapy are needed to treat it?
It requires flare Tx and maintenance Tx
Types of IBD
Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
Where is IBD most commonly seen?
Developed areas (urban areas), in Caucasian/White patients, there is a genetic factor involved
Genetic factor in IBD (the patho)
Faulty mucosa gene leads to leaky junctions and less mucosa production –> inappropriate antigen recognition –> increased T-cells –> trigger cytokines and ILs –> body can’t shut off the immune response –> expansion of lamina propria, bleeding, and damage
Signs and symptoms of IBD
Diarrhea, blood in stool Abdominal pain, cramping Weight loss Fatigue Change in daily activities
How to diagnose IBD
Listen to the patient’s symptoms that they describe
Age of IBD patients is usually around 15-30 years old
Lab tests: increased ESR and CRP
Leukocytes in stool as well as lactoferrin and calprotectin
ENDOSCOPY
Can also use CT scans and MRIs
Disease location: ulcerative colitis
Confined to the rectum and colon
Starts in the rectum and moves its way up if untreated
No anal involvement
Disease location: Crohn’s
Anywhere from the mouth to anus
Most common place for inflammation is the terminal ileum
Perianal involvement is common (fistulas, etc.)
Depth involvement: UC
Continuous, superficial inflammation
What are UC patients at risk for?
Toxic megacolon, colon cancer, colectomy
Only cure for UC
Colectomy
Depth involvement: Crohn’s
Deep inflammation that can go through all layers of the intestinal wall; patchy, cobblestone appearance
