Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract which typically affects young patients, causing a major impact in their lives. Although its etiology remains unclear it is generally accepted that it results from the interaction between environmental factors, genetic susceptibility, and intestinal microflora resulting in an abnormal immune response. Disease clinical presentation is variable and depends on the segment of the gastrointestinal tract affected and of the type of involvement (inflammatory, stenosing, or penetrating). Diagnosis relies on the combination of clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, histologic, and radiologic findings after exclusion of alternative diagnoses. So far there is no cure for CD. In the past decade, goals of therapy have evolved from attaining mere symptom control to include achieving steroid-free remission and mucosal healing, reducing surgeries and hospitalizations, with the ultimate purpose of altering the course of disease and preventing bowel damage.