Inflammatory bowel diseases – collaboration between gastroenterologists, general practitioners and patients organisations

Abstract:

In Croatia, incidence of inflammatory bowel disease, being most common in young people who represent the most productive part of a society, has been growing. It is a chronic disease, which implies a huge burden on patients, but also on the society and the health system. Etiology of the disease is not fully clarified, but it is considered that environmental factors associated with „westernization“ of eating habits and lifestyle may play an important role. Collaboration between general practitioners and gastroenterologists is important for early diagnosis and monitoring of patients, C reactive protein and fecal calprotectin being the most important biomarkers. The treatment goal is to achieve deep remission which implies symptoms resolution and mucosal healing. Today, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and biological therapies are used. It is essential for the patients to get an efficient treatment at the early stage of the disease, thus reducing the number of complications, hospitalizations and surgical treatments. Associations of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases play an important role in the realization of these goals. 

Key words:
inflammatory bowel disease; Crohn’s disease; ulcerative colitis; fecal calprotectin; patient monitoring