Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, immune-mediated condition of the digestive tract characterized by inflammation with alternating periods of activity and remission. The etiopathogenesis of IBD is currently incompletely elucidated, but there seem to be multiple etiological factors such as genetic factors, the microbiome, eating habits, smoking. Currently, there is no typical marker or exam for diagnosis. It is necessary to correlate the data from the anamnesis with the clinical examination, laboratory investigations, endoscopic evaluation with biopsy sampling, and histopathological examination and imaging evaluation. IBD can develop with serious complications, some with potentially mutilating or even fatal without prompt intervention. From the perspective of therapeutic options, the biological therapies currently approved have different targets in the inflammation cascade, such as anti-integrin antibodies, anti-Il12/23, JAK-kinase inhibitors with remarkable results in inducing clinical and endoscopic remission in both naive and in those previously experienced with an anti-TNF biological drug.