[Epidemiology, follow-up, monitoring and other aspects of inflammatory bowel disease]

Abstract

There are no important new data on the aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease. However, some new data were presented on the possible importance of certain nutrients or drugs in the genesis of the disease, as well as other data related to genetic features and their relationship with the microbiota. A highly interesting study suggested the strong potential of serological studies in predicting the course of Crohn's disease. The value of magnetic resonance imaging and the potential of low-radiation-dose tomography were reaffirmed in the monitoring and follow-up of patients and their treatments. Studies also confirmed the utility confirmed of new (and more comfortable) methods of home measurement of faecal calprotectin levels. In individualized therapy, attempts are being made to increase the practical application of new results on anti-TNF levels and their antibodies, for example, by identifying the utility of non-trough levels. We believe that the results presented on the impact of the disease on patients themselves were especially important, from their own perspective and in diverse setting. This impact is important both for patients (not only because of the repercussions of the disease on their quality of life but also on their mental health, disability, stress, and financial situation, etc.) and for their families. Finally, interesting results were presented of well-performed studies on colorectal cancer prevention in inflammatory bowel disease. These results confirm chromoendoscopy as a key technique but suggest that technological advances could change this situation, thus simplifying prevention.

Keywords: Colitis ulcerosa; Crohn's disease; Enfermedad de Crohn; Enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal; Epidemiology: Cancer prevention; Epidemiología; Follow-up; Inflammatory bowel disease; Monitoring; Monitorización; Prevención del cáncer; Seguimiento; Ulcerative colitis.