[Update on current care guidelines: treatment of Crohn's disease]

The incidence of Crohn's disease in Finland is 9/100,000/year and prevalence 120-200/100,000. Diagnosis is confirmed through a combination of clinical evaluation, alongside endoscopic and histological investigations. Ileocolonoscopy is the first-line diagnostic method. Radiation exposure should be considered when selecting the examination type; capsule endoscopy and MRI are therefore preferred for diagnosing diseases of the small bowel. Faecal calprotectin can be used to assess the disease's level of activity. Upon diagnosis, the course of Crohn's disease can be predicted by clinical factors (including young age, perianal disease and the initial need for corticosteroids). Early immunomodulative therapy can prevent complications, hospitalisation and operations.