The Relationship Between Endoscopic Findings and Laboratory Results in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between routine laboratory indicators (including hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP)) and the extent of endoscopic involvement in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Additionally, it sought to examine the applicability of these less invasive parameters for monitoring patients in the follow-up. Material and Method: The medical records of patients who were diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD) between 2009 and 2015 were retrospectively examined. Endoscopic findings and hemoglobin, white blood cell, platelet, ESR, and CRP values at the time of colonoscopy were analyzed. An exploratory multinomial regression model was created to examine the association of laboratory parameters and endoscopic involvement localization. Results: In UC, a significant decrease in hemoglobin levels was present in cases with extensive colitis/pancolitis compared to distal type colitis (p=0.02), while no significant difference was found between left-sided colitis and distal type colitis. Elevated ESR values were notably found in left-sided colitis (p=0.007) and extensive colitis/pancolitis (p=0.043) compared to distal type colitis. CRP levels were significantly higher in cases with extensive colitis/pancolitis (p=0.015). No relationship was identified between laboratory parameters and the endoscopis location of involvement in CD. Conclusion: Although hemoglobin value, ESR and CRP levels are helpful in determining the location of involvement in UC, their effects have not been observed in CD. In addition to these basic laboratory values, other parameters should also be taken into consideration in the evaluation of patients.