inflammatory bowe disease

objectives
Describe the clinical presentations associated with common inflammatory bowel disease and the variety of symptoms the separate pathological conditions may cause.
? Describe the common methods used for investigating inflammatory bowel disease.
? Recognise some of the gross and microscopic changes induced by CD/UC.
? Explain some of the diagnostic difficulties in separating CD/UC.
? Describe some of the commoner endoscopic and radiological abnormalities in IBD.
? Describe some of the common treatment options that are available for IBD.

Ulcerative Colitis
? Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disorder that affects the rectum and extends proximally, IN CONTINUITY (no breaks in inflammation) to affect a variable extent of the colon.
? There is a high incidence in the US, UK and northern Europe and it presents in young adults, more commonly in females.
? The mucosa of UC patients is dominated by Th2 (T- helper) cells, which produce Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) and IL-5.
Crohn’s Disease
? Crohn s Disease (CD) is a condition of chronic inflammation, potentially involving any location of the GI tract from mouth to anus.
? There are two peaks in the incidence of CD, 1st at 15-30 years and 2nd at 60 years.
? The mucosa of CD patients is dominated by Th1 (T-helper) cells, which produce Interferon Gamma (IFN-?) and IL-2.
? The presentation of Crohn’s disease depends on the disease’s location
? Upper GI involvement
? Nausea and vomiting
? Dyspepsia
? Small bowel obstruction ? Anorexia, weight loss
? Loose stools
? Colonic Disease
? Diarrhoea