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Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Chapter 337 | Part 10: Disorders of the Gastrointestinal System · Part 10 – Gastrointestinal Disorders · Chapter 337


Key Clinical Points

  1. IBD is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disease of the GI tract, primarily categorized as Ulcerative Colitis (UC) or Crohn's Disease (CD).
  2. UC is characterized by mucosal/submucosal involvement, continuous distribution in the colon/rectum, and no skip lesions.
  3. CD is a transmural disease that can affect any part of the GI tract, often presenting with skip lesions and fistulas.
  4. Smoking has opposing effects: it is protective in UC (OR 0.58) but a risk factor in CD (OR 1.76).
  5. Genetic factors contribute to ~20% of disease risk; over 60 gene defects are linked to early-onset IBD.
  6. Granulomas are a specific histopathological feature of CD, not UC.
  7. Appendectomy is protective for UC (risk reduction 13–26%) but has no protective effect in CD.
  8. Infections (e.g., C. difficile, Salmonella) must be ruled out before an IBD diagnosis can be confirmed.
  9. Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) vary by system: e.g., joint involvement is most common in Black patients, while skin issues are more common in Latinx patients.
  10. Management involves a tiered approach based on severity and phenotype, utilizing 5-ASA, immunomodulators, and biologics.

DEFINITION & CLASSIFICATION

Definition (Harrison's 22e): Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are the two major types of IBD.Clinical Subtypes: ◦ Pediatric IBD: ~20–25% of all cases. ◦ Early-onset (EO): <10 years old. ◦ Very-early-onset (VEO): <6 years old; often involves the colon and is resistant to standard medications. ◦ Infantile IBD: <2 years old.

Classification by Morphology

Ulcerative Colitis (UC): ◦ Location: Limited to the colon and rectum. ◦ Continuity: Typically continuous without skip areas. ◦ Depth: Limited to mucosa and submucosa. • Crohn's Disease (CD): ◦ Location: Can affect any part of the GI tract. ◦ Pattern: Often features skip lesions. ◦ Depth: Transmural involvement (all layers of the bowel wall). ◦ Features: Associated with fistulas and granulomas.


EPIDEMIOLOGY

Global Trends: ◦ Prevalence >0.3% in North America, Oceania, and Europe. ◦ Rising incidence in newly industrialized countries (Africa, Asia, South America). ◦ Peak Incidence: 2nd to 4th decades; secondary rise in 7th to 9th decades. • Risk Factors: ◦ Smoking: Protective in UC (OR 0.58) → Risk factor in CD (OR 1.76). ◦ Appendectomy: Protective for UC (risk reduction 13–26%) → Not protective for CD. ◦ Oral Contraceptives: No increased risk in UC; Hazard ratio 2.82 for CD. ◦ Early Life Factors: Infections in the first year of life increase risk by 1.6x (UC) and 3x (CD) by age 10/20. ◦ Dietary Factors: High animal protein, sugar, and \omega-6 fatty acids; low \omega-3 fatty acids linked to increased risk. ◦ Vitamin D: Protective effect on the risk of CD reported.

Genetic Susceptibility

Familial Risk: 5–10% of patients; first-degree relative with disease is the strongest risk factor. ◦ UC: ~4x increased risk for children of affected parents. ◦ CD: ~8x increased risk for children of affected parents. • Twin Studies: ◦ Monozygotic (MZ) twins: 6–18% concordance for UC; 38–58% for CD. ◦ Dizygotic (DZ) twins: 0–2% concordance for UC; 4% for CD. • Genetic Diversity: Over 60 gene defects identified in VEOIBD and infantile IBD via WES.

Phenotypes by Race

Black & Latinx: Tend to have ileocolonic CD distribution. • Asian: Ileocolonic CD is most common (50.5–71%); perianal disease more common than in Whites; older patients (>60) with UC show more aggressive course. • Extraintestinal Manifestations (EIMs): ◦ Black: Joint involvement is predominant (15.7–29.6%). ◦ Asian American: Ocular involvement is common (7.1–13%). ◦ Latinx: Dermatologic manifestations are most common (10–13%).


ETIOLOGY & PATHOPHYYSOLOGY

Core Hypothesis: IBD results from a breakdown in the 'supraorganism' balance between: ◦ Commensal microbiota ◦ Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) ◦ Immune cells • Mechanism: Inappropriate immune response to endogenous commensal microbiota, with or without components of autoimmunity. • Microbiota Dysbiosis: ◦ Increase in Proteobacteria (e.g., E. coli). ◦ Loss of Firmicutes (e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii). • Immune Regulation Failure: ◦ Impaired mucosal tolerance. ◦ Deficient T regulatory cells (FoxP3+). ◦ Reduced anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-35, TGF-β). • Inflammatory Cascade: ◦ Innate sensing → T-cell/B-cell activation → Cytokine production. ◦ Pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-1, IL-6, IL-12, IL-23, TNF (promote fibrogenesis, tissue damage, and coagulation). ◦ T-cell subsets: ◦ T_H 1: Produce IL-2, IFN-γ; lead to transmural granulomatous inflammation (CD-like). ◦ T_H 2: Produce IL-4, IL-5, IL-13; lead to superficial mucosal inflammation (UC-like). ◦ T_H 9: Produce IL-9; promote allergic-like inflammation. ◦ T_H 17: Produce IL-17, IL-21, IL-22; responsible for neutrophilic recruitment.

Genetic Landscape (Table 3)

Unfolded Protein Response/Autophagy: ATG16L1 (CD), SLC22A5 (CD), IRGM (CD), LRRK2 (CD), LACC1 (CD), ORMDL3 (Both), XBP1 (Both). • Innate Immunity: ITLN1 (CD), NOD2 (CD), PTGER4 (Both), TNFAIP3 (Both), CCR6 (CD), TNFSF15 (Both). • Adaptive/Signaling: IL23R (Both), IL10 (UC), IL12B (Both), PTPN2 (CD), MST1 (Both), JAK2 (Both), STAT3 (Both).


CLINICAL FEATURES

Ulcerative Colitis: ◦ Symptoms: Diarrhea, rectal bleeding, tenesmus, passage of mucus, crampy abdominal pain. ◦ Proctitis specific: Fresh blood/mucus, tenesmus; rarely abdominal pain. • Crohn's Disease: ◦ Macroscopic: Transmural inflammation, skip lesions, fistulas, cobblestoning (Fig 5), transmural wall thickening, and stenosis.

Extraintestinal Manifestations (Table 7)

Rheumatologic: ◦ Peripheral arthritis: Asymmetric/migratory; parallels bowel activity. ◦ Sacroiliitis: Symmetric; independent of bowel activity. ◦ Ankylosing spondylitis: Gradual fusion; independent of bowel activity; 2/3 have HLA-B27. • Dermatologic: ◦ Erythema nodosum: Parallels bowel activity. ◦ Pyoderma gangrenosum: Independent of bowel activity; do not debride or perform colectomy. ◦ Psoriasis: Unrelated to bowel activity. • Ocular: ◦ Anterior uveitis (pain, photophobia): Independent of bowel activity. ◦ Mild burning: Parallels bowel activity. • Hepatobiliary: ◦ Fatty liver: Secondary to illness/meds; reduce steroids. ◦ Cholelithiasis: Common in ileitis or resection; cholecystectomy if symptomatic. ◦ Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC): 7–10% risk of cholangiocarcinoma; cholecystectomy for polyps. • Other: ◦ Thromboembolic: Increased risk due to inflammation/genetics; use anticoagulation. ◦ Systemic amyloidosis: Secondary in long-standing IBD (especially CD); use colchicine.


DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Infectious Mimics (Table 6): ◦ Bacterial: Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Yersinia, C. difficile, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia. ◦ Mycobacterial: Tuberculosis, M. avium. ◦ Viral: Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex, HIV. ◦ Parasitic: Amebiasis, Isospora, Trichuris trichiura. ◦ Fungal: Histoplasmosis, Candida, Aspergillus. • Noninfectious Mimics: ◦ Inflammatory: Appendicitis, Diverticulitis, Ischemic colitis. ◦ Neoplastic: Lymphoma, Carcinoma of the ileum. ◦ Drugs/Chemicals: NSAIDs, Phenothiazole (not listed but implied), Chemotherapy (not listed). ◦ Other: Behçet's syndrome, Graft-versus-host disease, Neutropenic colitis.


DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH

  1. Infection Exclusion: Rule out infectious etiologies (Bacterial, Viral, Parasitic) before confirming IBD diagnosis.
  2. Endoscopic Evaluation:
  3. Colonoscopy: Assess for erythema, friability, and exudate (UC) or cobblestoning and skip lesions (CD).
  4. Capsule Endoscopy: Utilize to visualize small bowel mucosa for ulcerations/narrowing.
  5. Imaging Studies:
  6. MRI (T2-weighted with fat saturation): Identify wall thickening, fistulas, abscesses, and luminal narrowing (stenosis).
  7. Histopathology:
  8. UC: Look for continuous mucosal inflammation, crypt atrophy, and basal lymphoplasmacytosis.
  9. CD: Look for transmural inflammation, granulomas, and architectural distortion.
  10. Surveillance: Identify low-grade dysplasia in chronic UC (Fig 12) to monitor for progression to cancer.

MANAGEMENT & TREATMENT

  1. Initial/Induction Therapy:
  2. Use of corticosteroids (Prednisone, Hydrocortisone, Solumedrol) for induction of remission only.
  3. Maintenance Therapy (based on severity):
  4. Mild to Moderate CD:
  5. Budesonide oral.
  6. Upadacitinib (45 mg PO qd; 8 weeks for UC, 12 weeks for CD, then 15 or 30 mg qd).
  7. Biologics (Infliximab, Vedolizumab, Risankizumab) ± MP/AZA/MTX.
  8. Moderate to Severe CD:
  9. Biologics (Infliximab, Vedol12, Risankizumab) ± MP/AZA/MTX.
  10. Specialized Management for Fistulizing CD:
  11. Biologic ± MP/AZA/MTX.
  12. Abscess drainage and antibiotics.
  13. Total parenteral (TPN) or exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) and bowel rest.
  14. Pharmacological Agents & Dosing (Table 8 & 9):
  15. 5-ASA Preparations:
  16. Azo-Bond (Sulfasalazine/Balsalazide): 3–6 g (acute); 2–4 g (maintenance).
  17. Delayed-Release (Mesalamine): 400, 800 mg.
  18. Controlled-Release (Mesalamine): 250, 500, 1000 mg.
  19. Biologics:
  20. Infliximab: 5 mg/kg (0, 2, 6 weeks), then every 8 weeks; or 160mg/80mg/40mg regimen.
  21. Vedolizumab: 300 mg (0, 2, 6 weeks), then every 8 weeks.
  22. Risankizumab: 600 mg IV (x3) then 180 or 360 mg SC every 8 weeks.
  23. Upadacitinib: 45 mg PO qd (initial); then 15 or 30 mg qd.
  24. Surgical Indications (Table 10):
  25. UC: Intractable disease, Fulminant disease, Toxic megacolon, Colonic perforation, Massive colonic hemorrhage, Extracolonic disease.
  26. CD: Small intestine stricture/obstruction, Refractory fistula, Abscess, Perianal disease unresponsive to medical therapy.

Management of Fistulizing CD (Flowchart 1)

Step 1: Identify Fistulizing CD → Step 2: Options include: - Biologic ± MP/AZA/MTX. - Abscess drainage and antibiotics. - Total parenteral and bowel rest.


COMPLICATIONS & PROGNOSIS

Complications: ◦ Fistulas (common in CD). ◦ Abscesses (common in CD). ◦ Perianal disease. ◦ Colonic obstruction/stenosis. ◦ Cancer: Risk of colorectal cancer in chronic UC; risk of cholangiocarcinoma in PSC. ◦ Extraintestinal Manifestations (EIMs): See Table 7 for specific risks like heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary issues.

Prognosis

General: Prognosis depends on the severity of disease and presence of complications. ◦ Early-onset IBD (VEO/Infantile) often requires more intensive management due to resistance to standard medications.


SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Pediatric Patients: ◦ VEO and infantile cases are often resistant to standard meds. ◦ High risk of rapid progression in certain genetic-linked cases.

Pregnancy & Pregnancy Management

Monitoring: Use MRI (T2-weighted) to evaluate CD during pregnancy (Fig 9). ◦ Safety: Ensure fetal safety while managing active inflammation.


KEY PEARLS & HIGH-YIELD POINTS

Rule of Thumb: UC = Mucosa/Continuous; CD = Transmural/Skip. • Smoking Paradox: Protects UC, harms CD. • Appendectomy: Protective for UC, neutral for CD. • Granulomas: Pathognomonic for CD (not present in UC). • Surgical Triggers: Surgery is indicated for 'emergency' conditions like perforation or toxic megacolon in UC; and for 'refractory' issues like fistulas/abscesses in CD. • Biologic Selection: Vedolizumab has no increased risk of systemic infection; Infliximab requires TB/Hep B screening.


Reference Tables

TABLE 337-1 Epidemiology of IBD Age of onset

Harrison's 22e, p.2551

ULCERATIVE COLITIS CROHN’S DISEASE
Age of onset Second to fourth decades
and seventh to ninth
decades
Second to fourth decades
and seventh to ninth
decades
Female-to-male ratio 0.51–1.58 0.34–1.65
May prevent disease
(odds ratio 0.58)
Oral contraceptives No increased risk Hazard ratio 2.82
Protective (risk reduction
13–26%)
Monozygotic twins 6–18% concordance 38–58% concordance
0–2% concordance
Infections in the first
year of life
1.6 and 3 times the risk of developing IBD by age 10
and 20 years
337 Inflammatory Bowel
Disease
Sonia Friedman, Richard S. Blumberg

TABLE 337-2 Primary Genetic Disorders Associated with

Harrison's 22e, p.2553

NAME GENETIC ASSOCIATION PHENOTYPE
Turner’s syndrome Loss of part or all of X
chromosome
Associated with UC and
colonic CD
Autosomal recessive
disorder genes involved in
the biogenesis of lysosome-
related organelles or
adaptor protein-3 complex
Wiskott-Aldrich
syndrome (WAS)
X-linked recessive disorder,
loss of WAS protein
function
Colitis, immunodeficiency,
severely dysfunctional
platelets, and
thrombocytopenia
Autosomal recessive
disorder of SLC37A4
resulting in deficiency of
the glucose-6-phosphate
translocase
Immune dysregulation
polyendocrinopathy,
enteropathy X-linked
(IPEX)
Loss of FoxP3 transcription
factor and T regulatory cell
function
UC-like autoimmune
enteropathy, with
endocrinopathy (neonatal
type 1 diabetes or
thyroiditis), dermatitis
Deficient IL-10 and IL-10
receptor function

TABLE 337-3 Some Genetic Loci Associated with Crohn’s Disease and/or Ulcerative Colitis CHROMOSOME Unfolded Protein…

Harrison's 22e, p.2554

CHROMOSOME PUTATIVE
GENE
GENE NAME PROTEIN FUNCTION CD UC
Unfolded Protein Response, Autophagy, and Metabolism
2q37 ATG16L1 ATG16 autophagy related 16-like 1 Autophagy +
5q31 SLC22A5 Solute carrier family 22, member 5 β-Carnitine transporter +
5q33 IRGM Immunity-related GTPase family, M Autophagy +
7p21 AGR2 Anterior gradient 2 Unfolded protein response + +
12q12 LRRK2 Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 Autophagy +
13q14 LACC1 Laccase domain containing 1 (FAMIN) Immunometabolic regulator +
17q21 ORMDL3 Orosomucoid related member 1-like 3 Unfolded protein response and lipid synthesis + +
22q12 XBP1 X-box binding protein 1 Unfolded protein response + +
Innate Immunity
ITLN1 Intelectin 1 Bacterial binding +
NOD2 Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2 Bacterial sensing and autophagy activation +
Adaptive Immunity
1p31 IL23R Interleukin 23 receptor T17 cell stimulation
H
+ +
1q32 IL10 Interleukin 10 Treg-associated cytokine +
5q33 IL12B Interleukin 12 subunit beta IL-12 p40 chain of IL-12/IL-23 + +
18p11 PTPN2 Protein tyrosine phosphatase, nonreceptor type 2 T-cell regulation +
Inflammation and Healing
MST1 Macrophage Stimulating 1 Macrophage activation +
PTGER4 Prostaglandin E receptor 4 PGE receptor
2
+
TNFAIP3 Tumor necrosis factor, alpha-induced protein 3 (A20) Toll-like receptor regulation +
CCR6 Chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 6 Dendritic cell migration +
JAK2 Janus kinase 2 IL-6R and IL-23R signaling +
TNFSF15 Tumor necrosis factor–like cytokine 1A (TL1A) Promotes inflammation and fibrosis +
STAT3 Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 IL-6R, IL-23R, and IL-10R signaling +

TABLE 337-4 Montreal Classification of Extent and Severity of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) EXTENT E1: Ulcerative proctitis…

Harrison's 22e, p.2557

EXTENT ANATOMY
E1: Ulcerative proctitis Involvement limited to the rectum
E3: Extensive UC (pancolitis) Involvement extends proximal to the splenic
flexure
SEVERITY DEFINITION
S0: Clinical remission Absence of symptoms
S2: Moderate disease activity ≥4 stools/d but minimal signs of systemic toxicity

TABLE 337-5 Vienna and Montreal Classifications of Crohn’s Disease Age at diagnosis

Harrison's 22e, p.2558

VIENNA MONTREAL
Age at diagnosis A1: <40 years
A2: >40 years
A1: <16 years
A2: Between 17 and 40 years
A3: >40 years
L1: Ileal
L2: Colonic
L3: Ileocolonic
L4: Upper
Behavior B1: Nonstricturing,
nonpenetrating
B2: Stricturing
B3: Penetrating
B1: Nonstricturing,
nonpenetrating
B2: Stricturing
B3: Penetrating
p: Perianal disease modifierb

TABLE 337-6 Diseases That Mimic IBD Infectious Etiologies Bacterial

Harrison's 22e, p.2560

Infectious Etiologies
Bacterial Mycobacterial Viral
Salmonella Tuberculosis Cytomegalovirus
Shigella Mycobacterium avium Herpes simplex
Toxigenic Parasitic HIV
Escherichia coli Amebiasis Fungal
Campylobacter Isospora Histoplasmosis
Yersinia Trichuris trichiura Candida
Clostridioides difficile Hookworm Aspergillus
Gonorrhea Strongyloides
Chlamydia trachomatis
Noninfectious Etiologies
Inflammatory Neoplastic Drugs and Chemicals
Appendicitis Lymphoma NSAIDs
Diverticulitis Metastatic Phosphosoda
Diversion colitis Carcinoma Cathartic colon
Collagenous/lymphocytic
colitis
Carcinoma of the ileum
Carcinoid
Familial polyposis
Gold
Oral contraceptives
Cocaine
Immune checkpoint
inhibitor colitis
Mycophenolate
mofetil
Ischemic colitis
Radiation colitis/enteritis
Solitary rectal ulcer
syndrome
Eosinophilic
gastroenteritis
Neutropenic colitis
Behçet’s syndrome
Graft-versus-host disease

TABLE 337-7 Extraintestinal Manifestations CATEGORY Rheumatologic Disorders (5–20%) Peripheral arthritis Sacroiliitis…

Harrison's 22e, p.2562

CATEGORY CLINICAL COURSE TREATMENT
Rheumatologic Disorders (5–20%)
Peripheral arthritis Asymmetric, migratory
Parallels bowel activity
Reduce bowel inflammation
Sacroiliitis Symmetric: spine and hip joints
Independent of bowel activity
Steroids, injections, methotrexate, anti-TNF
Ankylosing spondylitis Gradual fusion of spine
Independent of bowel activity
Two-thirds have HLA-B27 antigen
Physical therapy, steroids, injections, methotrexate, anti-
TNF, IL-17 inhibitors, JAK inhibitors
Metabolic Bone Disorders (up to 40% of patients)
Risk increased by glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, methotrexate, total
parenteral nutrition, malabsorption, and inflammation
Fracture rates highest in the elderly (age >60)
Death of osteocytes and adipocytes and eventual bone collapse; affects hips
more than knees or shoulders; risk factor is steroid use
Dermatologic Disorders (10–20%)
Erythema nodosum Hot, red, tender, nodules/extremities
Parallels bowel activity
Reduce bowel inflammation
Pyoderma gangrenosum Ulcerating, necrotic lesions on extremities, trunk, face, stoma
Independent of bowel activity
Antibiotics, steroids, cyclosporine, infliximab, dapsone,
azathioprine, intralesional steroids; not debridement or
colectomy
Psoriasis Unrelated to bowel activity Topical steroids, light therapy, methotrexate, infliximab,
adalimumab, ustekinumab, risankizumab, JAK inhibitors
Pyoderma vegetans Intertriginous areas
Parallels bowel activity
Evanescent; resolves without progression
Pyostomatitis vegetans Mucous membranes
Parallels bowel activity
Evanescent; resolves without progression
Metastatic Crohn’s
disease (CD)
CD of the skin
Parallels bowel activity
Reduce bowel inflammation
Sweet syndrome Neutrophilic dermatosis
Parallels bowel activity
Reduce bowel inflammation
Aphthous stomatitis Oral ulcerations
Parallels bowel activity
Reduce bowel inflammation/topical therapy
Ocular Disorders (1–11%)
Ocular pain, photophobia, blurred vision, headache
Independent of bowel activity
Mild ocular burning
Parallels bowel activity
Hepatobiliary Disorders (10–35%)
Fatty liver Secondary to chronic illness, malnutrition, steroid therapy Improve nutrition, reduce steroids
Cholelithiasis Patients with ileitis or ileal resection
Malabsorption of bile acids, depletion of bile salt pool, secretion of lithogenic bile
Reduce bowel inflammation; cholecystectomy in
symptomatic patients
Primary sclerosing
cholangitis (PSC)
Intrahepatic and extrahepatic
Inflammation and fibrosis leading to biliary cirrhosis and hepatic failure
7–10% cholangiocarcinoma
Small-duct PSC involves small-caliber bile ducts and has a better prognosis
Cholecystectomy in patients with gallbladder polyps due
to the high incidence of malignancy
Urologic
Less Common Extraintestinal Manifestations
Thromboembolic disorders Increased risk of venous and arterial thrombosis; factors responsible include
abnormalities of the platelet-endothelial interaction, hyperhomocysteinemia,
alterations in the coagulation cascade, impaired fibrinolysis, involvement of
tissue factor–bearing microvesicles, disruption of the normal coagulation
system by autoantibodies, and a genetic predisposition
Anticoagulation; control of inflammation
Cardiopulmonary Endocarditis, myocarditis, pleuropericarditis, interstitial lung disease Treatment is varied; stop 5-ASA agents as they can rarely
cause interstitial lung disease
Systemic amyloidosis Secondary (reactive) in long-standing IBD, especially CD Colchicine and referral to specialty center
Pancreatitis Duodenal fistulas, ampullary CD, gallstones, PSC, drugs (MP, azathioprine,
5-ASAs), autoimmune, primary CD of the pancreas
Treatment is varied; stop offending medication; diagnose
and treat with ERCP and/or cholecystectomy

TABLE 337-8 Oral 5-Aminosalicylic Acid (5-ASA) Preparations PREPARATION Azo-Bond Sulfasalazine (500 mg) (Azulfidine)…

Harrison's 22e, p.2564

PREPARATION FORMULATION DELIVERY DOSING PER DAY
Azo-Bond
Sulfasalazine (500 mg) (Azulfidine)
Balsalazide (750 mg) (Colazal)
Sulfapyridine-5-ASA
Aminobenzoyl-alanine–5-ASA
Colon
Colon
3–6 g (acute)
2–4 g (maintenance)
6.75–9 g
Delayed-Release
Eudragit S (pH 7)
MMX mesalamine (SPD476)
Distal ileum-colon
Ileum-colon
Controlled-Release
Mesalamine (250, 500, 1000 mg)
(Pentasa)
Ethylcellulose microgranules Stomach-colon 2–4 g (acute)
1.5–4 g (maintenance)
Delayed- and Extended-Release
Intellicor extended-release mechanism Ileum-colon

TABLE 337-9 Biologic and Small-Molecule Agents in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease MEDICATION Infliximab

Harrison's 22e, p.2568

MEDICATION DOSAGE INDICATION SERIOUS TOXICITIES OTHER COMMON
SIDE EFFECTS
TESTING
Infliximab 5 mg/kg at 0, 2, and
6 weeks, then every
8 weeks; may increase
dose to 10 mg/kg every
4 weeks depending on
trough levels
Intensive dosing
for hospitalized
corticosteroid-
refractory patients
Moderate to severe
Crohn’s disease and
ulcerative colitis
Fistulizing Crohn’s
disease
Increased risk of infections (bacterial
and fungal), tuberculosis (TB)
reactivation, hepatitis B reactivation,
lymphoma (controversial), psoriasis,
melanoma and nonmelanoma skin
cancers, drug-induced lupus
Contraindicated in multiple sclerosis,
class III/IV congestive heart failure
Infusion reactions Prior to infusion:
TB testing
Hepatitis B testing (HBsAb, HBsAg, HBcAb)
Maintenance:
Skin check yearly
Influenza, pneumococcal vaccinations
Hepatitis B vaccine if not immune
160 mg day 0, 80 mg
day 14 and then 40 mg
every 14 days; may
increase to 40 mg
every 7 days depending
on trough levels
Moderate to severe
Crohn’s disease and
ulcerative colitis
Fistulizing Crohn’s
disease
As above Injection site
reactions (better
with citrate-free
preparation)
Certolizumab 400 mg on days 0 and
14, then 400 mg every
28 days
Moderate to severe
Crohn’s disease
As above As above As above
200 mg on day 0, 100
mg on day 14, then 100
mg every 28 days
Moderate to severe
ulcerative colitis
As above As above
Vedolizumab 300 mg at 0, 2, and
6 weeks, then every
8 weeks; may increase
dose to 300 mg every
4 weeks
Moderate to severe
ulcerative colitis
(more effective than
adalimumab as first-
line therapy in one
study) Moderate
to severe Crohn’s
disease.
No increased risk of serious systemic
or opportunistic infections
No increased risk of malignancy
Nasopharyngitis,
headache,
arthralgias,
nausea
Prior to infusion:
TB testing
Hepatitis B testing (HBsAb, HBsAg, HBcAb)
Maintenance:
Influenza, pneumococcal vaccinations
Hepatitis B vaccine if not immune
6 mg/kg IV, then 90 mg
every 8 weeks; may
increase dose to 90 mg
every 4 weeks
Moderate to severe
Crohn’s disease and
ulcerative colitis
Reversible posterior
leukoencephalopathy syndrome
(presents with headaches, seizures,
confusion, and visual disturbances),
anaphylaxis, and angioedema
Nasopharyngitis,
upper respiratory
tract infection,
fatigue, headache
Risankizumab 600 mg IV every 4
weeks × 3 doses then
180 mg or 360 mg SC
every 8 weeks
Moderate to severe
Crohn’s disease
Reversible posterior
leukoencephalopathy syndrome
(presents with headaches, seizures,
confusion, and visual disturbances),
anaphylaxis, and angioedema
Nasopharyngitis,
upper respiratory
tract infection,
fatigue, headache
TB testing
Hepatitis B testing (HBsAb, HBsAg, HBcAb)
Maintenance:
Influenza, pneumococcal vaccinations
Hepatitis B vaccine if not immune
10 mg bid; can
decrease to 5 mg
bid when patient in
remission
Moderate to severe
ulcerative colitis
Increased risk of heart attack,
stroke, cancer, blood clots, and
death. Patients who are at risk for
cardiovascular disease, are current
or past smokers, and/or are over the
age of 50 should consider alternative
therapies.
Increased risk of viral infections,
including herpes zoster, and bacterial
and invasive fungal infections
Elevated lipids,
neutropenia,
anemia, elevated
liver enzymes
Upadacitinib 45 mg PO qd × 8
weeks for ulcerative
colitis; 45 mg PO qd ×
12 weeks for Crohn’s
disease, then 15 or 30
mg qd
Moderate to severe
ulcerative colitis or
Crohn’s disease
Increased risk of heart attack,
stroke, cancer, blood clots, and
death. Patients who are at risk for
cardiovascular disease, are current
or past smokers, and/or are over the
age of 50 should consider alternative
therapies.
Increased risk of viral infections,
including herpes zoster, and bacterial
and invasive fungal infections
Elevated lipids,
neutropenia,
anemia, elevated
liver enzymes
Prior to infusion:
First dose of Shingrix recommended, TB
testing
Hepatitis B testing (HBsAb, HBsAg, HBcAb)
Maintenance:
Influenza, pneumococcal vaccinations
Hepatitis B vaccine if not immune
0.23 mg PO days 1–4,
0.46 mg PO days 5–7,
0.92 mg PO thereafter
Moderate to severe
UC
Bradycardia, atrioventricular
conduction delay, increased blood
pressure, macular edema, posterior
reversible encephalopathy syndrome
Infections,
elevated liver
enzymes

TABLE 337-10 Indications for Surgery

Harrison's 22e, p.2569

ULCERATIVE COLITIS CROHN’S DISEASE
Intractable disease Small Intestine
Fulminant disease Stricture and obstruction
Toxic megacolon unresponsive to medical therapy
Colonic perforation Massive hemorrhage
Massive colonic hemorrhage Refractory fistula
Extracolonic disease Abscess
Colonic obstruction Colon and rectum
Colon cancer prophylaxis Intractable disease
Colon dysplasia or cancer Fulminant disease
Perianal disease unresponsive to
medical therapy
Refractory fistula
Colonic obstruction
Cancer prophylaxis
Colon dysplasia or cancer