To explore the burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) beyond inflammation, including extra-intestinal manifestations and psychological comorbidities, and the potential of holistic care models to improve patient outcomes.
Key Findings:
30%-50% of IBD patients experience extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs) that significantly impact quality of life.
Chronic abdominal pain persists in 30% of UC and 60% of CD patients despite mucosal healing, contributing to increased healthcare utilization.
Fatigue affects 47% of IBD patients in remission and is linked to sleep disturbances and mental health issues.
56% of IBD patients report sleep disturbances, which correlate with poorer quality of life.
Interpretation:
Holistic care models that incorporate multidisciplinary approaches can effectively address the complex symptomatology of IBD, improving overall patient well-being.
Limitations:
Management of EIMs remains poorly standardized and underrepresented in clinical trials.
The article does not provide detailed management strategies for EIMs, which is a significant gap in addressing patient needs.
Conclusion:
Integrating holistic, multidisciplinary care into routine IBD management is essential for improving long-term outcomes and quality of life for patients.
