Burg Michael D., Riccoboni Steven T.
Associate Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco-Fresno; Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Community Regional Medical Center, Fresno, CA
Clinical Instructor of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco-Fresno, Fresno, CA
Emerg Med Pract. 2017 Nov;19(11):1-20.
Because of the chronic relapsing nature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), emergency clinicians frequently manage patients with acute flares and complications. IBD patients present with an often-broad range of nonspecific signs and symptoms, and it is essential to differentiate a mild flare from a life-threatening intra-abdominal process. Recognizing extraintestinal manifestations and the presence of infection are critical. This issue reviews the literature on management of IBD flares in the emergency department, including laboratory testing, imaging, and identification of surgical emergencies, emphasizing the importance of coordination of care with specialists on treatment plans and offering patients resources for ongoing support.
