Extraintestinal manifestations in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases

Abstract

Extraintestinal manifestations in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases Abstract. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders that are not limited to the gastrointestinal tract. Various organ systems may be involved, making IBD a systemic disease. The most common extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) include musculoskeletal, ophthalmic, dermatological and hepato-biliary disorders. EIMs considerably contribute to the morbidity of patients with IBD and also limit their quality of life. Due to the diversity of the organ systems involved, care should be provided on an interdisciplinary basis by a medical staff trained in the treatment of IBD. Early detection of EIM allows targeted therapy and reduces the overall morbidity of the affected patients. Of importance is the fact that EIM can occur in up to 25 % of all IBD patients before the onset of the first Crohn's episode or ulcerative colitis. Therefore, dermatologists, ophthalmologists and rheumatologists should beware of this possible association in EIM and the simultaneous occurrence of intestinal symptoms.