Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Crohn's disease, Crohn disease: MedlinePlus Genetics. (2020, August…
Crohn's disease
Pathogenesis
Clinical Manifestations
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- chronic inflammation due to the activation of the T cells is what causes Crohns disease.
- autoimmune disease
-
- It is an autoimmune disorder, where cytokines release inflammatory mediators which result in direct injury to the intestine.
There are several genes that are involved in immune system function, when these genes are not functioning properly then they cannot sense when bacteria in the digestive system need to be destroyed. The immune system then attacks the intestinal lining itself in attempts to eliminate the bacteria.
- There are several things that lead to this autoimmune disease, such as genetic and epigenetic factors, infections, and microbiome abnormalities.
When an abnormal immune response happens, the tissues that is affected, in this case the digestive system become thick and and swollen. This can lead to the formation of ulcers, and when the ulcers become too deep they can perforate and leak stool and digestive enzymes into the abdominal cavity.
Prevalence + Incidence
- 10.7 people in 100,00 get diagnosed with crohns disease every year
-
Diagnostics
Blood Tests - this will help to see if the pt has developed anemia due to the blood loss from the intestines
Stool Tests - An occult blood test will be performed to see if any bleeding has not been identified
There are several procedures that are used to diagnose Crohn's disease the main few include
- Colonoscopy- this is used to assess the inflammation in the colon
- MRI - this is used to see any inflammation in the surrounding organs, and the small intestine
- Capsule endoscopy - this looks at your small intestine and is a pill that is swallowed and takes pictures of the small intestine
Risk Factors
There are many factors that can cause Crohn's disease, however there is no definite causes. Many of the risk factors include, genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle factors.
About 15% of people diagnosed with Crohn's disease have a first degree relative with this same disorder
- cigarette smoking more than doubles the risk of developing Crohn's disease
- Living in an urban environment also increases your chances of being diagnosed.
- Eating a diet full of fat, sugar, and carbs has also been linked to the development and worsening of Crohn's disease and its symptoms.
Treatments
- Treatments can include corticosteroids that can help treat the symptoms of Crohn's but are not a long term therapy, since they suppress the entire immune system systemically. This leads to the possibility of unwanted infections and wider spread systemic effects such as Cushing's syndrome.
-
- Immune system suppressors can also be used to target the symptoms, but can be used long term
Azasan, Imuran, Purinethol, Purixan are all examples of these medications which are also called immunomodulators. These medications work by suppressing the immune system as well. However these drugs take 2-3 months to work, so the pt may need to be on corticosteroid therapy until they start to work.
- Biologics are used to target certain proteins in the immune system that help to suppress the immune system that is attacking the intestines
However, biologics can have serious side effects such as an increased risk of cancer, and the potential for serious infection. Therefore, these drugs must be monitored closely in the pmts who are using this drug therapy.
-
-
Crohn disease: MedlinePlus Genetics. (2020, August 18). Retrieved April 08, 2021, from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/crohn-disease/Crohn's disease. (2020, October 13). Retrieved April 08, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353304
Crohn's disease center: Symptoms, types, causes, tests, and treatments. (n.d.). Retrieved April 09, 2021, from https://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/crohns-disease/default.htm
-