Preventive Care and Health Maintenance in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Health maintenance in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is essential. In order to achieve clinical and endoscopic remission, many patients will require treatment with steroids, immunomodulators, biologics or small molecules, which place them at a higher risk of serious infections as well as certain malignancies. Some of these adverse events are preventable through vaccination and adherence to cancer screening guidelines, making preventive care and health maintenance in this patient population crucial. Gastroenterologists should take a proactive role in health care maintenance and collaborate with the patient's primary care provider. The aim of this article is to review and provide guidance on preventive care and health maintenance in patients with IBD, including vaccinations, cancer screening, bone health, nutrition, and mental health assessment as well as smoking cessation.