COVID-19 in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

COVID-19 in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Aug 28;: Authors: Anikhindi SA, Kumar A, Arora A Abstract Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread world over causing morbidity and mortality in affected patients, especially elderly and those with co-morbidities. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients frequently require immunosuppressive therapy are known to be at risk of opportunistic infections. Areas covered We hereby review the available literature pertaining to COVID-19 in IBD based on published consensus guidelines, expert opinions, case series, registries and reports. Expert opinion Preliminary data suggests no increase in incidence of COVID-19 in IBD patients as compared to general population. Morbidity and mortality rates attributable to COVID-19 are also similar in IBD patients as compared to general population. Though exact reason is unknown, some aspects of COVID -19 pathogenesis may explain this paradox. Medications for IBD need to be carefully reviewed during COVID-19 crisis. Steroids may need dose tapering or substitution to avoid complications based on anecdotal evidence. Endoscopic procedures for IBD maybe deferred unless absolutely necessary. General measures recommended for COVID-19 tailored to specific needs of IBD patients maybe the best way to prevent infection. Our unders...
Source: Expert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol Source Type: research