[Follow-up of patients with inflammatory bowel disease]

Multiple data were presented on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Digestive Disease Week (DDW). Of particular interest to gastroenterologists were those on novel treatments and information on safety. Other data, such as those relating to disease "follow-up", were possibly of lesser interest. However, the information reported this year was, in my opinion, highly important, because it could lead to significant changes in clinical practice. Thus, results presented strongly suggest that patients with asymptomatic IBD, specifically Crohn's disease (CD), often develop complications during their clinical course. Moreover, this is especially true in patients with CD and biological signs of inflammation, despite being asymptomatic. In addition, it seems clear that the absence of symptoms does not imply an absence of inflammation. These observations indicate a dual practical message: patients should be followed-up and objectively evaluated. Multiple data were presented on how to objectively evaluate disease activity in IBD. The prognostic value and objectivity of endoscopy has been reaffirmed, specifically with new data on the only validated index, the UCEIS, in ulcerative colitis. Together with endoscopy, the role of less invasive techniques such as imaging tests (magnetic resonance enterography, computed tomography enterography and even echography, with and without contrast agent) and fecal markers has been reaffirmed in several conditions and these techniques have a certain predictive value. Finally, many studies were reported that confirm the therapeutic activity of levels of anti-TNF and its antibodies in certain conditions and with some limitations.