The Natural History of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

AbstractPurpose of reviewThe evolution of our management armamentarium for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has changed the therapeutic goal beyond symptom control and towards altering the disease course. This review article aims to update the natural history of IBD.Recent findingsIn the biologic era, the disease phenotype at the time of IBD diagnosis is generally similar to that of historical reports. More than half of patients with IBD achieved disease remission within 5  years after diagnosis. The rates of hospitalization and surgery and the risk of colorectal cancer have been decreasing over time. IBD did not increase the risk of mortality. Factors associated with disease-related complications include young age at diagnosis, extensive anatomical involvement, inte stinal complicating behavior, and concurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis, while the introduction of immunomodulators and biologics was associated with better disease outcomes.SummaryNew evidence supports the favorable impact of modern-day IBD care on the natural history of IBD.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research