Are the inflammatory bowel diseases autoimmune disorders?
Article Abstract:
Inflammatory bowel diseases are a class of gastrointestinal disorders in which the mucosa (inner lining) of the large intestine becomes inflamed, resulting in diarrhea, fluid imbalance, and a variety of other serious complications. The basic mechanisms underlying these disorders are still a matter for speculation. One possibility is that they are autoimmune diseases, in which the body develops antibodies against self-produced antigens (antibody-inducing substances). The strict definition of autoimmunity requires the disease to be accompanied by antibodies or lymphocytes directed against some endogenous antigen, that these be specific for the disease in question, and that they are capable of reproducing the disease upon transfer of the genetic substrate. A looser set of criteria is used for human disease. There must be specific antibodies always associated with the disease, the disease must be related to other disorders known to be autoimmune in nature, the disorder must be associated with a particular profile of the immune system, and must respond to corticosteroid drugs. Autoimmunity has been implicated in two related inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both of these diseases fulfill some of the criteria. Differences in the immune system profile suggest that ulcerative colitis may be more closely linked with autoimmunity than is Crohn's disease. The determination that one or both of these disorders are autoimmune in nature still does not identify the factors that cause expression of the autoimmunity in some cases, but not in others. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Gut
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0017-5749
Year: 1990
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Inflammatory bowel diseases
Article Abstract:
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC.) Treatment is different for each. Symptoms of Crohn's disease include weight loss, pain and anorexia. It usually affects the terminal ileum and abscesses and fistulae can develop in the bowel. UC sufferers have inflamed membranes in the bowel, cramps and frequent diarrhoea which has blood in it. IBD patients are treated with drugs including steroids but those who do not respond are given intravenous fluids and antibiotics in hospital. Surgery is avoided if possible because of potential complications.
Publication Name: Nursing Times
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-7762
Year: 1999
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