Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Older Patient

Abstract

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing, and as our population ages, there is a growing number of IBD patients who are transitioning into advanced age; 15% to 20% of IBD patients are classified as late-onset (between 60-65 years of age). This has led clinicians to treat a large number of older patients with IBD. The principles of management of IBD in older patients are the same as those who are younger. There are, however, phenotypic differences that are unique to late-onset IBD and age-related concerns that clinicians must consider when initiating therapy for their older patients with IBD. Given the increasing number of older IBD patients, the aim of this article is to present an updated, evidence-based review of the therapeutic options and issues that arise in this unique patient population.

Very late-onset of inflammatory bowel disease. A case report

“…It is significant to take into account that Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can be manifested as late-onset and should be never omitted in differential diagnosis. Nowadays, almost 20% of IBD patients are known as a late-onset (after sixties) [1,2] Case presentation A 79-year-old female was admitted to the hospital with an acute lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage and electrolyte disturbances starting the day before the visit. She didn't report any abdominal pain.…”

A review on medical management of inflammatory bowel disease during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

“…2,3 Their compromised immune system puts them at a theoretically higher risk for developing COVID-19 and its complications, like acute respiratory distress syndrome, which often requires mechanical ventilation. IBD tends to occur in younger age groups; however, about 15% of cases can develop in the elderly, 4 and they have a higher risk of IBD-related hospitalization and mortality. 5 Unfortunately, COVID-19 appears to have worse outcomes in the elderly.…”