Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Risk and outcome of interstitial lung disease in inflammatory bowel disease: evidence from a Danish nationwide
Jonas A Baekdal1, Erik Sören Halvard Hansen1, Howraman Meteran1
1Respiratory Research Unit Hvidovre, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark.
Background:
Extra-intestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are well-recognized, but the long-term risk of developing interstitial lung disease (ILD) in IBD and its impact on mortality remain poorly understood. We aimed to assess the risk of ILD in patients with IBD and the subsequent effect on survival.
Methods:
This nationwide cohort study (1978-2022) utilized the Danish National Patient Registry, including 53 591 patients with IBD and 267 955 age- and sex-matched controls. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were estimated using Cox regression, adjusted for age, sex, education, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Cumulative incidence was assessed via the Aalen-Johansen estimator. Mortality in patients with comorbid IBD-ILD was analyzed using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier curves.
Results:
The 45-year cumulative incidence of ILD was 2.1% for IBD versus 0.9% for controls (P < .001), and aHR was 2.1 (95% CI, 1.8-2.4). Furthermore, the aHR was 3.0 (95% CI, 2.2-4.1) in patients with frequent IBD-related hospitalizations compared to matched controls. The 5-year mortality in concomitant IBD and ILD was 29.3% (95% CI, 23.3-35.3) compared to 11.9% (95% CI, 9.8-14.0) for matched patients with only IBD. Male sex and higher CCI were independent risk factors for both ILD and mortality (all P < .001).
Conclusion:
IBD is associated with a two-fold increase in ILD risk. Risk factors may include old age, longstanding disease, male sex, and comorbidity. Comorbid IBD-ILD increases mortality substantially compared to only IBD, highlighting the need for clinical awareness and early detection to improve outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
01:26Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis