[Chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases]

In the last years the research on the etiopathogenesis of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is focused around immunological aspects. Many authors consider that the intestinal inflammation is due to an inappropriate immunological response to normally present antigens in the gut. Two aspects must to be considered between IBD: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD's diagnosis is based on the symptomatology, (cramps, liquid feces with mucus and blood, anorexia and weight loss), hemato-clinical tests (ESR, PCR, blood platelet, mucoprotein, sideremia) and radiological tests (tenuis Rx, abdominal echography, fibro endoscophy and scintigraphy). Principal aim of the therapy is the clinical remission. Following the remission starts a maintenance protocol. Parenteral nutrition is used in paediatric and adolescent age. Diets have been used to provide a convenient nutritious contribution with growth improvement and partial remission of activity index of the disease. Pharmacology therapy represents a valid instrument to obtain the remission. Colectomy is performed on unsuccessful medical therapy. Early studies on IBD's pathogenesis bring to the use of biological therapies that show beneficial effects on the disease.