Current Research in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Highlights from the 2010 ACG Meeting.
Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are 2 types of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), both of which cause abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and rectal bleeding. In addition to these symptoms, up to 25% of individuals with IBD develop extraintestinal effects, including joint inflammation, skin lesions, eye complications, and osteopathy.1
CD involves a transmural process that can occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract; in contrast, UC involves inflammation that is restricted to the colon and affects the mucosa more evenly. CD is also marked by relapsing and remitting episodes that often develop into stricturing or perforating complications.2 Onset of CD typically occurs in early adulthood, whereas onset of UC is characterized by 2 peaks—the first during adolescence/ early adulthood and the second during later adulthood.3
In terms of prevalence, CD affects 26.0–198.5 individuals per 100,000 in the United States, whereas UC affects approximately 11 individuals per 100,000 in the United States.4 Estimates from 2003 to 2005 show that IBD accounts for approximately 1.8 million visits to ambulatory healthcare settings and 76,374 visits to emergency departments each year.5
IBD is characterized by a dysregulated inflammatory response that leads to tissue damage and clinical symptoms; however, the etiologies of CD and UC are not well understood. Genetics appear to play a role, though incomplete concordance rates in twin studies support an environmental component for both conditions.6 Infectious agents also appear to contribute to IBD susceptibility.
Source: PubMed Central
Author: Gary R Lichtenstein
Institution: University of Pennsylvania Health System
Language: English
Topic: Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Subfield: Gastroenterology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W113495181