Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Question 1

What is this describing?

Patchy, transmural inflammation of any part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Answer 1

Crohn’s disease (more common than UC)

Question 2

What is this describing?

Diffuse mucosal inflammation limited to the colon.

Answer 2

Ulcerative colitis

Question 3

What is this a presentation of?

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, blood stained stools, weight loss/poor growth.

Answer 3

Inflammatory bowel disease

Question 4

How is inflammatory bowel disease diagnosed?

Answer 4

1. Raised CRP, ESR, WCC, platelets
2. Anaemia
3. Colonoscopy, OGD, biopsy

Question 5

What is the difference between Crohn’s and Ulcerative colitis on biopsy?

Answer 5

1. Crohn’s - granulomas

2. US - crypt abscesses

Question 6

What is the management for inflammatory bowel disease?

Answer 6

1. Initial elemental enteral nutrition

2. Corticosteroids are 1st line to induce remission

Question 7

What is the maintenance management for Crohn’s and Ulcerative colitis?

Answer 7

1. Crohn’s - azathioprine/methotrexate

2. UC - mesalazine/azathioprine