Complications of CD

Common complications include:

In general, there are no specific foods that have to be avoided by the Crohn's patient. Patients should try and eat a balanced diet and avoid food which upsets them. However, in particular situations then dietary modification is necessary:

Anemia

Anaemia can be described as a reduction in the haemoglobin concentration to below 13.5 g per decilitre in an adult male and below 11.5 g per decilitre in an adult female.

Anaemia is not a disease in itself, but may reflect an underlying disease process. It may also result from an increase in plasma volume and a dilutional effect - for example, as occurs during pregnancy.

It can be classified according to the blood film; thus red cells with a low mean cell volume (MCV) appear small and pale - microcytic; those with a large MCV appear large and oval shaped - macrocytic. Alternatively, the red blood cells may be normal in size and shape but may be reduced in number - normocytic.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a disease in which the bile ducts inside and outside the liver become narrowed due to inflammation and scarring. This causes bile to accumulate in the liver and can result in damage to liver cells. Although the exact cause of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis is unknown, genetic and immunologic factors appear to play a role. Primary sclerosing cholangitis has been considered a rare disease, but recent studies suggest that it is more common than previously thought. It may occur alone, but approximately 70% of patients have associated inflammatory bowel disease, particularly ulcerative colitis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is more common in men than women. Initially, many individuals have no symptoms and the disease is detected because of abnormal laboratory test results, particularly an enzyme test called alkaline phosphatase. It usually begins in the 30s, 40s, and 50s, and is commonly associated with fatigue, itching and jaundice. Episodes of fever and chills from superimposed infection in the bile ducts occasionally occur and can be distressing symptoms. The diagnosis of Primary sclerosing cholangitis is made by cholangiography, an X-ray test involving injection of dye into the bile ducts. This is usually accomplished by an endoscopic procedure called ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) but also may be done radiologically or surgically.

The course of the disease is unpredictable for the patient, but is generally slowly progressive. The patient may have the disease for many years before symptoms develop. Symptoms may persist at a stable level, be intermittent, or progress gradually. Liver failure may occur after 7-15 years of disease or even longer. Approximately 10% of patients who have the disease on a longstanding basis may develop a superimposed tumor of the bile ducts called cholangiocarcinoma.

There is currently no specific treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis. Research is under way to determine the effectiveness of a number of medications. The various symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis often respond effectively to medications that control itching, antibiotics when recurrent infections occur, and vitamins to replace those that are deficient. In some instances, endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical techniques may be employed to open major blockages in the common bile duct and improve bile flow. When progressive liver failure occurs in spite of these measures, liver transplantation may be indicated. It is associated with a survival rate of 75% or more and a good quality of life after recovery.

Other complications include"

Less common:

Here are a few interesting links I found from the CCFA concerning these complications:

Possible Complications

The complications of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD) are generally categorized as either local or systemic. The term "local" refers to a complication involving the intestinal tract itself. The term "systemic" (or extraintestinal) refers to complications involving other organs or complications that affect the patient as a whole -- rather than just the bowel.

In uncomplicated IBD, appropriate treatment of inflammation results in clinical improvement. The patient gets better. When a complication occurs, however, the improvement is delayed, and a specific treatment may be needed to target and resolve that complication. It is important for patients and physicians to be acquainted with these complications because early recognition often means more effective treatment. Many of the same complications occur in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and are discussed together. Other complications are specific for ulcerative colitis or Crohn's

disease. What Are the Systemic (Extraintestinal) Complications of IBD?

Systemic complications -- which include fever, weakness, and loss of appetite -- are a reflection of the inflammation in the small intestine and/or colon. But there are also some people with IBD who suffer from certain types of arthritis, skin conditions, inflammation of the eye, liver and kidney disorders, and bone loss. Of all the extraintestinal complications, arthritis is the most common. Joint, eye, and skin complications often occur together. For unknown reasons, the extraintestinal or systemic manifestations may predominate in children and even overshadow the intestinal symptoms, which may make diagnosis even more difficult. It is, therefore, important to keep close watch on youngsters who fail to grow or thrive, feel sick, have fever, and complain of general malaise and weakness. These may be systemic manifestations of IBD.

What Causes These Extraintestinal Manifestations?

The cause is not known, but it is believed that all of these complications represent an abnormal response of the immune system (the body's line of defense). As the immune system reacts, it triggers inflammation in other parts of the body -- as well as in the intestine. It is also not known why some individuals are affected and others are not.

For more information about extraintestinal complications, please see the documents below. While you may never have any of these complications, it's important to be aware of them and to see your doctor if you experience any changes in your condition. Remember: Identifying potential complications early can be the key to more effective treatment.

Possible Complications

The complications of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis ( collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD) are generally categorized as either local or systemic. The term "local" refers to a complication involving the intestinal tract itself. The term "systemic" (or extraintestinal) refers to complications involving other organs or complications that affect the patient as a whole -- rather than just the bowel.

In uncomplicated IBD, appropriate treatment of inflammation results in clinical improvement. The patient gets better. When a complication occurs, however, the improvement is delayed, and a specific treatment may be needed to target and resolve that complication. It is important for patients and physicians to be acquainted with these complications because early recognition often means more effective treatment. Many of the same complications occur in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and are discussed together. Other complications are specific for ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

What Are the Systemic (Extraintestinal) Complications of IBD?

Systemic complications -- which include fever, weakness, and loss of appetite -- are a reflection of the inflammation in the small intestine and/or colon. But there are also some people with IBD who suffer from certain types of arthritis, skin conditions, inflammation of the eyes, liver and kidney disorders, and bone loss. Of all the extraintestinal complications, arthritis is the most common. Joint, eye, and skin complications often occur together. For unknown reasons, the extraintestinal or systemic manifestations may predominate in children and even overshadow the intestinal symptoms, which may make diagnosis even more difficult. It is, therefore, important to keep close watch on youngsters who fail to grow or thrive, feel sick, have fever, and complain of general malaise and weakness. These may be systemic manifestations of IBD.

On behalf of learning, and use as teaching tools for those of us who need to know about our disease, I have tried to supply you with as much information as I could find on all of the drugs, treatments and disorders associated with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. I have tried to blend all facts supported by research and also from personal experiences of other IBD sufferers into one readable webpage, and any and all information presented here is not entirely from one source. Most information contained within these pages is found in the public domain. At times you may find information used from another site, and as with all copyrighted materials you may find on these pages, I claim fair use under sections 107 through 118 of the Copyright Act (title 17, U.S. Code). Click here for more info