[Update on the pathophysiology, prediction and prevention of inflammatory bowel diseases].

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel diseases is not fully understood. In a staged model by the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) regarding disease development, it is assumed that there is a population at risk for manifestation of disease following subtle changes over time.

OBJECTIVE

This work aims to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the pathophysiology, prediction and prevention of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Selective literature research via PubMed.

RESULTS

Several genetic, biochemical, and microbiome scores have the potential to identify individuals at increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease, possibly up to a decade before onset.

DISCUSSION

The growing knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases makes prediction before disease onset a possible future diagnostic goal. Hypothetically, early changes before the disease manifests could be reversible and may be amenable to prevention programs.